-5-
A month passed. All of the leafs are changed their colors on trees and it's pretty cold outside. Hogwarts has been decorated with all kinds of pumpinks, candles and bats. Such a nostalgic feeling keeps coming up when I look at them. Nothing special has happened these past weeks. I've just tried to teach the students about plants by my best abilities. Sniffy has settled in really well, he loves running around Hogwarts surroundings - in a leash of course, and the students absolutely love him. I think someone is feeding him extra treats when I'm not looking since he has gain some weight a little. Maybe getting to know Professor Snape has been the most difficult for me. That man is hard to figure out! Whenever we'll run into each others at the corridors, we most of the time just give a polite nod or not even that sometimes. He doesn't seem to like me much, so I've thought the best thing to do is to stay out of his way. Wonder if he's still upset about I took points from his House? No... That can't be right. Right?
The last class for today has started, which means there are fifth years. They all seem to be impatient since it's Friday. To be honest, I'm waiting the class to be over too, so I could get ready for the evening. Two days ago, I received an owl from Minerva, where she invited me to come with her and all the other professors to have some drinks on Hog's Head Inn on this Friday. So we can all get to know each other better since we've all settled in. Going 'after work' as they say in the Muggle World. The thought of going out late and hanging out with the professors outside of the school feels funny somehow. Never really thought to see the day come. Talk about someone like Professor Snape... My thoughts gets cut off by one of the Gryffindor student. "C'mon, Harry. You have been reading that bloody book like your life depends on it!" Ron Weasley whispers to his friend loud enough for me to hear.
I've seen it too, Mr. Potter has been carring that same blue notebook around quite sometime now everywhere he goes. It can't be that interesting. Can it? "Have you figured out who it really belongs to?" Miss Granger asked his friend. He has someone else's note book? That gave me enough a reason to step forward. "Hand me the book, Potter." reaching my hand towards it. The trio raise their heads up surprised to see me right in front of them. Potter looks little hesitant:"...But Professor (Y/L), I..-", "I'd like to have my students focusing on the class they are in." still keeping my hand out. Potter sighs quietly and hands me the book. Smiling gently at him:"Thank you, I shall give it back to you after the class, or to its owner that is.". I go sit back behind my desk and put the book down. The book has seen better days. The covers are pretty torn and it looks old. I realize this book is one of the potions book Hogwarts has to offer if a student doesn't have their own with them.
The class continues normally and soon enough it's over. The room got empty pretty quickly. Bet everyone's excited about to go out and have their weekend. Even Neville Longbottom decided to leave after the class. Such a sweet boy. Looking down to my desk, I notice that the same blue note book is still there. Oh, I forgot to give it back. Didn't have the time to check who it belongs to earlier, so I opened it and start look for the name. On the very first page, there is a handwriting:'This book is the property of The Half Blood Prince.' Little bit dramatic, isn't it? As I began to brows the pages, I see the person who owns this has made a lots and lots of notes on it. Lot of writings has been crossed out and replaced with other solutions and such. Half Blood Prince... Who could that be?
Being deep in my own thoughts and admiring how smart this person really is, I start smiling and turn around to lean against the desk better with my lower back. All of sudden, corner of my eye, I see someone is standing right at the entry of the classroom. "Merlin's beard!!" I jump, heart about to come out of my chest. Automatically I hide the book behind me, even there shouldn't be anything wrong with reading it. For my big surprise, it's Snape. Just standing there, staring. Shooking my head a little and walk behind the desk, and put the book inside one of the drawers. "...I undestand things are slightly different in the Wizarding World, but have you heard of knocking? You should try it sometime." I mutter. Snape keeps his stare and takes couple steps forward:"Is there any specific reason why I haven't receive the plants, Miss (Y/L)?". Looking the man confused:"What?". What is he talking about?
He sees my confused face:"Didn't Professor Sprout tell you about our arrangement?". "No..? No, doesn't ring a bell." I shrug. "Very well. End of every month, Professor Sprout collects and delivers specific plants into my classroom that I can use while teaching and creating potions." he explains. "Oh, she didn't mention that." I admit. Then we both just stand there in silence. Awkward. Clearing my throat a bit, then gesture with my hand to point at the pots near us:"Please, help yourself. Take what ever you need.". Snape places his hands neatly together that disappears under the long, black cape:"As delightful as it might be, wandering around all over the Greenhouse, looking for the right ingredients for my class... We have agreement.". He can't be serious.
I sigh:"Fine. Just tell me what you need and I'll deliver them on Monday morning.". "No. They need to be today. In my class, before eight a clock." he demands. Looking at this man in disbelieve:"But, I really got no time... I need to get ready fo..-", "Eight a clock. Professor Sprout keeps a list of the herbs somewhere in her desk. Surely you can find it." he turns around and leaves, leaving me staring after him stunned look on my face. After he gets out of sight, I snap out of it and start look around for the list. I got no time to waste! I'm supposed to meet the professors at Hogsmeade at eight! Before that, I should eat something, change clothes, do my hair and so on. Urgh! Really don't think he'll need these today, but... Guess I have no choise.
Luckly, I found the list and gathered around all of the plants needed. Good thing the Potions class isn't far away. Holding all of the ingredients in my arms, I rush to the classroom. It's hard to see in front what's going on. While speed walking, I almost run into someone. "Woah! Slow down, where is the fire?" familiar voice chuckles amused. Peeking behind the herbs:"Remus! Hi!". "Little bit in a hurry, are we?" he looks all of the plants I'm carrying. "Unfortunately. Professor Snape was determinant he needs these today before eight." I explain. "I see... Well, you got time. It's almost seven thirty. You need help?" he ask. "No, I got it. Thank you. I better go now. So, I'll see you later..!" I walk past him, about to continue my way. Remus turns to me:"Later?". Turn back to see him:"Yeah, at Hogsmeade. Remember?". "Ah, that... Unfortunately, I'm not able to make it." he says. "Why not?" I ask with disappointed tone. "I uh, need to be somewhere else. But do drink a beer or two for me." he smiles and continues his way. Such a shame. It would have been nice to have him there too.
Entering the Potions class, it's just like I remembered. All different kinds of potions on the shelves, the smell that lingers after a class, the dark and gloomy lighting. No wonder Professor Snape is always moody... But where is he anyway? I look around. There is no one else here but me. Irritated, I put the plants down near to his desk. Feels like I rushed for nothing. Think Remus was right, Hufflepuffs do get pushed around, no matter what age. Without wasting time any longer, I rush back to the Greenhouse and get ready for the evening. Putting on my favorite outfit I like to wear in cases like these. Nothing too revealing, but perfect for a night out with co-workers. Hair and makeup, check! Clothes and the coat, check! Purse with everything I need and the wand, check! Didn't have the time to eat, so I need to be careful how much I'll drink. After all, I'm going to be hanging out with the people I look up to. Well, most of them.
It was getting late, so I hop on my broom and flew across the lake that surrounds the Hogwarts to get to our meeting spot. It's been awhile last time I flew on a broom - but oh, how I missed it! Fresh air against my face feels great. Everything is so much easier and more convenient in Wizarding World. Little bit over eight, I come to the bridge that leads to Hogsmeade. The sky is already gone dark, so the only light is coming from the torches that lights up the whole cute village. Immediately I see Minerva, who's already waiting for me with other professors. "There you are! We began to wonder if anything happened to you." she worried. "No, I'm fine. Sorry I'm late. There was a bump in a road..." I smile.
Minerva looks up and down on me, looking what the wind has done to my hair. "Oh..." quickly, I pull out my wand and use a spell to correct my hair to its place the way I like it. A big man slams his hands together:"Well, then... What are we here waiting for? Let's get into the Hog's Head, shall we?". It's fun to see Hagrid, he's always in a good mood. Unlike others... Just then I realize, besides Remus, Professor Snape isn't here with us. All of the professors start to head towards the Hog's Head Inn, I walk next to Minerva. "Shouldn't we wait for other professors to join us?" I ask. She turns to look at me while walking:"Who? Everyone's already here. We were waiting on you, (Y/N).". "I mean, Lupin or Snape for example?" I answer. Throwing Lupin's name in even I already know he's not coming.
"Remus couldn't make it. He has some other things to do. As for Severus... He isn't really a fond of these kinds of gatherings." Minerva explain. "Pity. After all, he is the light of the party..." rolling my eyes sarcastically. Still annoyed what he made me do for nothing. "I know the two of you aren't really getting along. I have seen you avoiding him in the corridors." she reveals. "What?! I haven't been avoiding him." I try to lie, ears turning red. But she's right. I have been avoiding him. I just don't know what to say or do when he's present. I'm getting all awkward with people who are just standing there and not giving anything back. Minerva continues:"But I can reassure you, Severus is a wonderful person. You just need to get to know him better.". "Easier said than done..." I mutter to myself. Soon, we arrive to the Hog's Head Inn and Hagrid opens the door to lets us in:"The first round is on me!".