Potions Class
The trio descended to the dungeons for potions class. Hermione’s foul mood hung about the air like a storm cloud – the scowl on her face deepening with every descending step down into the castle’s cavernous underground layer.
“Hermione, is there a reason you look so frightening?” Harry asked inquisitively. The young witch relaxed her expression and let out a sigh.
“Divination is just not what I expected is all – feels like a load of rubbish if you ask me.” It wasn’t exactly a lie, but it wasn’t the whole truth either.
“It is a load of rubbish” Ron piped up “ – but if we just pretend to see shapes in her tea and recite her codswallop speeches back to her it’s an easy A surely.” He grinned throwing his arms around the other two’s shoulders.
“I know you don’t need the easy A ‘Mione but isn’t it nice to have one class that doesn't take up too much space in your head?”
“I guess you’re right.” She sighed apprehensively.
They walked down the dank corridors lined with marble walls until they reached the ornate wood and cast-iron doorway leading into the potion’s classroom. Harry turned the handle and they filed into the classroom heading towards a row of three empty seats.
“Well, if it isn’t the meddlesome three.” a voice hissed from a desk in the corner of the room. With the flick of his long black robe Professor Snape was now looming before them, a look of displeasure adorning his palled face.
“Hmm, looking to sit together again, were we? Are the bonds of your friendship so weak that it is proximity reliant?” Ron’s ears went red as Snape’s comments goaded him.
“No Professor.” Harry stated with a calm controlled expression.
“Very well, Potter” Snape sneered at him “- Weasley sit here, Miss Granger at the back by the door, and you by my desk – I’ll be keeping an eye on you this year.” The professor swept back to his desk pointing to the seat next to him as he did. Harry cast an apologetic glance back at the other two before retreating to his assigned seat. Ron and Hermione begrudgingly did the same as the rest of the class began to enter and take their places.
The young witch was about to relax into starting her lesson when a familiar scent of cologne filled her nostrils. She’d barely had time to look up before a book was slammed onto the desk beside her and a grinning blond haired Slytherin has slunk into the chair next to her.
“Saving me a seat Granger? You shouldn’t have.”
“Malfoy,” Hermione groaned and turned to face him, face sullen. “- you don’t have to sit here you know, you can pick somewhere – anywhere – else.”
He grinned taking his eyes off her to lazily open his book and begin flicking through the pages. “But there isn’t anywhere else to sit now is there?”
Hermione looked around – he was right. The classroom was full with bustling students rummaging through their supplies and whispering to their neighbours. She spotted Ron who was glaring at her seatmate, he noticed her and shot her a sympathetic glance before continuing his murderous stare.
Malfoy looked up and scoffed. “Weasley’s expression is as if I’ve offended his mother, quite hilarious. Speaking of which why aren’t the three of you together – or are you after having a little spat.” He goaded.
“Snape insisted we sit apart. Happy?” Hermione sighed defeatedly before pulling out her own potions book and opening it.
“Delighted!” Malfoy remarked sarcastically.
“Why do you even want to sit next to a muggle born like me?” Hermione spat mockingly. “Aren’t you afraid my dirty blood will stain your robes.”
“Even filthy Mudbloods like you have your intrigue.” He whispered with malice as he directed his attention to the top of the classroom where Professor Snape had now glided into view. Hermione clenched her fist momentarily not contain her anger then refocused back to the class. The room was silent awaiting instruction.
“Antidote for common poisons” Snape said slowly and purposefully before turning to the board to begin writing. Pages rustled as everyone flicked to the correct chapter.
“This is a draught you will need – not only in your day to day living but in this class. Longbottom, Finnigan I would advise you pay extra close attention to this lesson.” Snape sneered at the class as he turned back around to face them.
“Due to your abysmal potion skills your sure to brew a few poisonous abominations this year and I would hate this world to be rid of your presence.” Snape pointed with his wand at the blackboard which now contained instructions on the potion’s applications and proper brewing instructions.
“Take down these notes – your next lesson will be concocting this draught. Once you are finished you can review the notes on each ingredient listed and technique. I expect no mistakes on Friday.”
Hermione scribbled her notes furiously all the while conscious of Malfoy lounging back in his chair lightly kicking her chair leg making her careful letters jump on the page.
“Cut it out Malfoy.” She whispered through her teeth at him as her quill hopped across the page for the umpteenth time.
“Or what?” He sneered at her. “Are you going to run and cry to your boyfriends about me - ”
“Mr. Malfoy. What is the main ingredient of the antidote for common poisons that you should be studying in your textbook?” Snape's voice cut across Malfoy’s snide comment. The blonde stuttered, taken by surprise by the sudden question. Hermione’s hand shot up ready to answer.
“Ms. Granger I was unaware that you also answered to the phrase “Mr. Malfoy”. Put your hand down or I’ll take 10 points from Gryffindor. I am still waiting for an answer.”
Hermione gingerly put her hand down and looked at Draco. His eyes were darting around the room looking for a hint as to what the answer was. The young witch paused. She could help him; she could give him the answer this once and maybe he would lay off causing her hell. It was a split-second decision, but it was worth the risk. After all, Malfoy couldn’t get any more annoying than he already was. She pushed her notes towards the boy – on the page one word circled.
“Bezor!” Malfoy stated.
“Very well, Slytherin house can keep it’s points. Speak out of turn again and there will be dire consequences.” Snape stalked back to his desk. “However, I cannot condone cheating in any capacity Miss Granger – 5 points from Gryffindor.” An audible groan echoed through the room as furious glares shot towards the back of the classroom. Hermione put her head down to her work, ears turning red with embarrassment.
As the class ended a small note landed on the page as her seatmate left.
Sorry. It read in green ink.