failing potions ? more like failing at getting ur crush to notice you
“Veritaserum,” Snape murmurs in a low voice, dark eyes glinting as he scrutinizes the room. “Is a potion so potent that even a single drop can compel a person to spill their most guarded secrets.”
He withdraws a small vial from beneath his robes, lips curling into a sneer as his gaze flickers to Potter, lingering just long enough to make the implication clear.
“Of course,” he continues coldly, his voice dripping with disdain. “It is no surprise that most of you will never achieve the precision necessary to brew it correctly. Even the slightest error can render it useless…or worse, dangerous.”
Ron furrows his brow at the look, turning to the boy sitting next to him. “Did you see his glare? It’s almost like you killed his entire family or something.”
“Dunno,” Harry mutters in response, shrugging carelessly. “He’s always hated my guts.”
Snape’s voice cut through the low hum of whispers in the room, drawing their attention back. “Some of you, no doubt, believe Veritaserum to be an all-powerful tool.” The scoffing tone leaves no room for debate as the room quiets down.
“Potter,” he barks, turning sharply and Ron sucks in a breath. “what countermeasures might one take to resist Veritaserum?”
The redhead sneaks a glance at Harry, who returns it with a reassuring smile and wink before answering. “There’s Occulmency,” he says, voice steady despite the sudden callout. “You can shield your mind from its effects.”
“And?” Snape presses, unimpressed. “Surely that’s not all.”
Harry seems to consider this question, tapping his fingers lightly on the table. “You can control your responses. Instead of telling the, you could speak in half-truths.”
”Clever, Potter,” he says reluctantly, as though it pains him to give a compliment. “But mere intention is nothing without execution. Now, is there anyone else who could tell me what other countermeasures a witch or wizard could take?”
“Professor,” Draco Malfoy interjects loudly, raising his hand as an afterthought. Snape turns to him, lips twitching. “There’s also the antidote. Taken beforehand, it can counteract Veritaserum entirely.”
Ron thinks he looks extra smug, and he tells this to Potter, mimicking the way the blonde was vibrating in his seat. Potter stifles his laugh with a cough, looking down when the others look their way. “Maybe he’s finally found something to one up me in,” he whispers later, when they turn their attention back to Malfoy.
“Ten points to Slytherin,” Snape announces, tapping his wand against the edge of his desk. Potter’s expression darkens as he shoots Malfoy a glare, who grins back in response.
“Of course he gave points to Malfoy,” Ron huffs under his breath, rolling his eyes. “His answer was straight out of the textbook. At least you’re answer was creative.”
He plasters on an innocent smile when Snape glances towards him, missing the way Harry’s flushes at the compliment.
Snape’s voice brings them back to the present. “For today’s lesson, you will attempt to brew both Veritaserum and its antidote. Longbottom,” he drawls out, raising an eyebrow and Ron turns so he doesn’t have to see Hermione’s face. “Try not to explode your cauldron this time, or Gryffindor will lose yet another five points.”
Neville’s face flushes, sinking into his chair as his shoulders hunch in. Ron winces in sympathy, his jaw tightening. “What a bloody git.”
“Well,” Harry gives a slight shrug, lips quirking upward. “There’s a reason why he’s the head of Slytherin and not the head of Hufflepuff.”
Ron cringes at the thought of seeing Snape in yellow robes, shuddering in disgust. “I can’t have him tainting my image of Hufflepuffs. You’re enough.”
“Me?” Potter asks in confusion, tilting his head to the side thoughtfully. “How have I ruined your image of Hufflepuff?”
The redhead leans back, unable to meet his curious eyes. “Not Hufflepuff,” he mumbles weakly. “I meant, you know…”
Ron’s ears burn as he mentally curses himself for putting his foot in his mouth. This is so embarrassing, he thinks, wondering if he can borrow the time turner and stop himself from blurting out that sentence.
“As fascinating as this conversation appears to be, Mr. Weasley, Mr. Potter,” Snape’s voice drawls out from in front of them. “I do recall instructing everyone to begin brewing. Or have you decided such directives do not apply to you?”
Ron scrambles to his feet, secretly breathing out a sigh of relief at the presence of Snape before shaking himself out of it. “Sorry, Professor,” he coughs out, nearly knocking over his bag in his haste to get away. “I’ll go get the ingredients.”
I can’t believe I was grateful to that greasy old bat justnow, he thinks when he’s far away enough. I must be going crazy after spending so much time with Potter.
Harry watches him go, inwardly cursing Snape out for ruining his precious opportunity.
“Well, Potter?” Snape’s eyebrow arches disdainfully. “Must I repeat myself?”
Harry grits his jaw, shaking his head. “No, sir,” he says before getting up and following Ron to the shelves. He’s already collecting the items needed, and the Slytherin can’t help the fond sigh that escapes him when he sees his trembling fingers.
“So,” he starts off, watching the redhead tense up in anticipation. “What’s the deal with you and Granger?”
Ron lets out a sigh of relief, before turning sharply. “What do you mean?” he asks, snatching up the Jobberknoll feathers at the bottom. Harry stares at the tight grip he has on them, lips twitching up.
He steps closer, reaching for the powdered moonstone on the top shelf and the redhead feels his ears flush at the warmth emitting from the other. “I’m starting to think you actually like me or something,” he jokes, the words spilling out faster than his brain can keep up.
Harry looks at him blandly, finally stepping back and giving him space. “Not that it’s a bad thing if you had a-“ he stutters but Potter waves him off, letting out a strained laugh.
“That was a funny one,” he says, backing away. “Actually, now that I think about it, I left the cauldron on heat so I should probably go and turn it off before Snape has a reason to dock points.”
“I had to choose the daft one, didn’t I,” he mutters under his breath as he walks away, leaving Ron frozen in stunned silence.