Disclaimer: As usual, I own nothing except my own character, Muirgeann le Fay (Merissa Lovey), and all else belongs to the esteemed Ms. Rowling, who I thank most heartily for creating such a universe for all of us to enjoy and explore.
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"Miss Granger, thank you for agreeing to come to class early. As soon as the other invited student arrives, we may begin." I greeted calmly as she took her seat.
"Other invited student?" she asked just before Malfoy walked in the room. I shut the door behind him before either of them could bolt.
"Yes, Mr. Malfoy will also be joining us. Please be seated, Mr. Malfoy, so we may begin our discussion." I requested. He sat next to Granger without argument. The spell's working. Good. "Now, then. I'm sure you're both very confused as to why I've asked you here so early in the morning. Do you have any ideas?"
"I have no idea. You, Granger?" Malfoy asked. She shook her head and they both turned to me.
"I thought you might be confused. I've asked you both here because I was wondering if you would like to assist me in making potions for the Infirmary. You're both highly skilled, it would be good practice, and I could use the help. It would only require an extra hour of your day." I informed them.
"I would like to help, Profesora Lovey. It's a good chance to learn new potions." Hermione agreed instantly.
"The experience could prove useful." Malfoy added, nodding.
"Good. I'll expect you both back this evening at five. Thank you for your assistance." I told them, giving them a smile. Now to see if they're as compatible as I think they are.
...
"Can you hand me the horse hair, Malfoy?" I requested as I stirred the cauldron I was working at.
"Sure. Here you go." he replied, tossing the package to me carefully.
"Thanks." I said, adding three hairs, as the instructions called. Lovey walked into the room.
"Is everything working well, students?" she asked.
"Yes, Profesora Lovey. The potions are coming along nicely." I assured her with a smile. She nodded in acknowledgement.
"Good. Don't mind me. I merely have some work to do to prepare for tomorrow." she told us, heading toward her desk.
"Are you excited about the Quidditch match this weekend, Granger?" Malfoy asked.
"I didn't know there was one, honestly. Who's playing?" I asked in return.
"Slytherin and Hufflepuff." he replied. "Of course, we all know who'll win."
"Yes, the Hufflepuffs don't have much of a chance, especially with their Seeker sick with the flu. Not that he would've had much chance against you anyway, Malfoy. You're one of the best." I acknowledged. He smiled and I returned it. Before I could make another comment, the door flew open to reveal Snape.
"Ms. Lovey, we need to talk again." he said nastily. She glanced up from her papers at him before giving us her attention.
"Mr. Malfoy, Miss Granger, would you mind going out in the hall for a moment? Severus, please come inside." she invited.
"Remain where you are, Mr. Malfoy and Miss Granger. Ms. Lovey, I would speak with you in the hallway." Snape corrected. I glanced at Malfoy before looking toward Lovey, wondering who we should listen to.
"Oh, very well. Keep working on your potions, children. I will return shortly." she sighed. Once she shut the door behind her, I gave Malfoy a look and we both grinned. We walked over to the door to listen to their conversation. "What do you want, Severus?"
"I was curious to seeif you might know why my wand became a liquorice wand when I attempted to use it in class this morning." he said accusingly.
"Severus Snape, are you suggesting that I would cast such a silly, snippy spell?" Lovey asked, laughing lightly.
"You do understand that I will retaliate appropriately." Snape threatened. "I am not fond of being made the fool."
"My dear Severus, you were surely no more foolish than any other day." Lovey said in a cloying voice.
"You've made a grave mistake, Merissa. It isn't wise to start a war with me." Snape said dangerously quietly.
"I didn't start the war. You did. As I have work to do, I must bid adieu. Good day." Lovey snapped. We ran back to our cauldrons just before the door opened and she stepped inside. She sighed and gathered her papers. "I believe I may get more done if I return to my office. I trust you both not to fight in my absence."
"See you in class tomorrow, Profesora." Malfoy said. Once she was out of the room, I giggled.
"What do you think that was about?" I asked.
"It looks like our old potions-master and our new potions-mistress don't get along. Isn't that strange, after they spent all evening together at the Halloween Masque?" he commented.
"We don't get along very well outside the classroom and we were together then as well." I reminded him. I smiled with the proof of my earlier realisation. "I knew it was Snape that got Lovey on probation!"
"I could see that, but why would he do that?" Malfoy asked. I frowned at the problem he presented.
"Maybe they're just too similar. Their teaching methods are almost identical, they're clearly both fond of potion-making, and they both came as obscure images of death to the Masque." I suggested, stirring my cauldron again absently.
"No, that couldn't be it. He's a Slytherin supremacist and she's all about equality and friendship." he argued. "Maybe that's it, though. Maybe they hate each other because they're the same and opposites at the same time."
"I bet so. Let's keep up with their fight, shall we? It should provide more than ample entertainment and we just might figure it out." I suggested. He nodded and we shook hands, both grinning at our wonderful idea.
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