A Fleeting Chance
September 3, 1991
Hogwarts, Morning
“Potter! What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?”
Harry jumped at the question from Professor Snape. What? I just got here! How am I supposed to know this?
“Uh, I don’t know that one, sir.”
“Pathetic. Just like your father. It seems that celebrity isn’t everything. It is clear you will need… extensive tutoring in this class.” The class murmured. “In fact, why don’t we start early. Miss Greengrass! You will be Potter’s partner for the rest of the term.”
“But sir-” the girl, Greengrass, began.
“But. Nothing.” Snape said sternly. “You will work with Potter for this term. Miss Davis, you may work with Miss Granger.” Snape turned from Greengrass and began explaining the classwork at the blackboard.
Why is it always me? Harry started to collect his things and move over to where Greengrass was. Well, no time like the present. He stuck out his hand, beginning, “Hi, I’m Har-”
“Don’t presume I like you, Potter. Because of your lack of preparation, I am now stuck with you instead of Tracey for this semester. I will not do all the work for you and I will not tolerate foolishness. Further, you will listen to everything I say and do everything I tell you to do.” Harry nodded. “Now, Professor Snape has already explained what we are doing for this class, not that you were listening. So, here’s what I need you to do…”
What a great start to the term.
September 3, 1991
Hogwarts, Evening
“Both of them are snakes! How are you not more upset at this?”
Ron was rather loudly letting Harry know his opinion on Harry and Daphne’s arrangement, and it was getting old.
“Ron, I’ve told you,” Harry started with exasperation, “I don’t really care what House she is in. I just want to get through these classes.”
“But Harry, all snakes are evil!! If we work with them, we may as well be them!”
“Ron, I’m trying to do my homework. Snape, for some reason, seems to have a particular distaste for me and I’m not too keen on getting him more upset.”
Ron huffed, then turned away, storming up to his room.
September 3, 1991
Hogwarts, Evening
“I’m surprised you’re not scheming up a plan on how to get us out of this situation.”
Daphne sighed, then looked up. “Trace, I really don’t have time for this. Snape seems to particularly dislike Potter, and I am feeling the effects of that. I don’t care to make this situation worse for myself.”
“Well, Gryffindors are stupid. And Potter is an attention seeking prat!”
“Tracey! We are Slytherins. We will be sly about this. What makes you think I don’t already have a plan?”
Tracey’s eyes widened. “Of coursE! How could I be so stupid? That’s why I keep you around, Daph.”
“Mhm. That’s why.”