Thought I would grace folks with another chapter today. Soooo close to finishing this up!
Iris bustled from the classroom to her office and sighed as she sat in her chair. She had just wrapped up her last class for the day and had officially made it through her first month at Hogwarts. Life had fallen into a routine. She woke up early and had breakfast each morning, then taught her three classes during the day. She had enough free time to devote herself to learning more about potions and developing her own. Then usually before dinner three times a week, Harry and Ron would stop by for potions tutoring. Neither really needed it, but it was a good excuse for Harry and Iris to spend time together without raising suspicions.
Dumbledore was keeping Harry quite busy on some sort of mission, so she was thankful for the time she did get to spend with him.
She and Oliver would exchange letters several times a week. She couldn't believe that he found time to write her so often, but she did look forward to his owls. They had continued on with their long, rambling conversations, though this time Iris would fill him in on the goings-on of Hogwarts and the professors, while he would entertain her with stories from practice and matches and the life of being a Quidditch star. She got a good giggle over his story of a particularly overzealous duo of fans who had somehow snuck into the locker rooms, only to get trapped in the showers when the protection wards went off.
But on that particular day, Iris quickly put her classroom notes away and tidied up her desk before Harry and Ron arrived. She walked over to check the muggle chemistry set, getting a small thrill of satisfaction by seeing it clean and ready to go, little bottles and vials lined up ready for the potion they were going to work on that day. A small alarm went off in her head, signaling that someone had passed one of her wards and was approaching her office. Reaching out with her mind, she was annoyed to find Snape walking towards her door. She turned and faced the door as he entered. Looked as though it was time for another of his surprise inspections.
"Professor Snape," she said, hoping to hide the small bout of nerves she got whenever he spoke to her. "What brings you down here today?" He stepped into the room and surveyed the clean, though slightly cluttered room.
"I came to check in on my students' progress. Is everyone adjusting well?" he asked, his sight settling on the young, blonde teacher. Iris nodded.
"They seem to be progressing well. Marks are good. It's quite well, if I should say so," she said, determined not to let him get under her skin.
Snape surveyed her silently before nodding.
"I see. One word of advice. Stick to the book. Those potions are in there for a reason and I do not need third years running around making unauthorized concealment potions," he said, his eyes narrowing. Iris took a deep breath and tried very hard not to glare at the man. The only thing he ever seemed to say to her was some sort of criticism for her teaching methods.
"I am sticking to the book, however that shouldn't mean every so often we can learn something more interesting," she said. "I assure you, everyone will pass their exams with flying colors at the end of the year." She held his stare, never shirking away. Snape huffed, obviously not happy to hear her talk back to him. She had gone out of her way to avoid him for the most part and their sporadic interactions since that first day of classes were often short and mostly one-sided.
But now, hearing the edge in her voice, seeing the way she stared defiantly at him, that cold harsh edge. He kept comparing her to Lily and her warm kindness.
Iris rolled her eyes, catching his train of thought.
"For god's sake, I am my own person - not her," she exclaimed loudly, her eyes flashing green. "Would you get that through your thick head, Snape." Snape's eyes widened. It was the first time she had acknowledged out loud that she read his thoughts. Or yelled at him. His eyes narrowed.
"It would do you good to keep your emotions under control, Professor Baker," he said. "We wouldn't want any accidents. Or for anyone to find out things they shouldn't know."
"I've got it under control," Iris said calmly, resisting the urge to roll her eyes again. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a tutoring session to prepare for." With a woosh of cloth, Snape turned and swept out of the room, his cloaks trailing behind him.
Iris groaned as soon as he left and nearly stamped her foot, frustrated that in a couple minutes he had managed to ruin her perfectly good mood. She did have everything under control, though. It had been weeks since she had felt any strong waves of anxiety. Even her nightmares and flashbacks seemed to have fallen to a small trickle. For the most part anyway. She had grown more social over the past month, no longer rushing through meals in the Great Hall so she could escape to her room out of fear she could lose it. Or sheltering herself from others.
She turned and looked out the window at the grounds surrounding the castle, taking a deep cleansing breath. Yes. She was more in control of herself than she had ever felt before in the past. Perhaps being normal, finding a balance between being busy and calm, and being with Harry and others - this was the key to maintaining control. Being an active part of the wizarding community and using magic regularly rather than in secret or sporadically when the need arose.
"Professor Baker, we're here," Harry announced as he and Ron rushed into her office. Iris turned to face them, smiling.
"Good to see you two are learning to be on time," she said. She waved her wand and shut the door behind them, then place wards on both that would keep anyone from entering. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and allowed her disguise to fall away, standing before the two boys as Iris.
"Much better," she said. She then turned to the chemistry set and looked about. "Let's see… I was thinking today we might try working on something a bit more complex. Really test your abilities."
"Harry needs it… bloody won a bottle of Felix Felicius the first day of class. He's become Slughorn's pet," Ron muttered. Harry glared at him a bit, but Iris smiled in approval.
"Is that so? Good work, Harry. Though I think it doesn't need to be said that you should be careful with that. Potent stuff," she commented.
"I understand," Harry responded.
The two walked up and stood at each side of her, staring at the set. Harry was more than used to it by now, though the sheer size of it, along with all the many pieces, still amazed Ron. She walked over to her desk and picked up a piece of parchment with a list of ingredients listed and handed it to the two.
"Here is everything we'll need. You can find them in the storeroom over there," she said. Ron and Harry poured over the list then moved to the small door on the other side of Iris' desk.
"How is it you learned potions, anyway?" she heard Ron ask from within the walk-in storeroom. Iris turned to look at the two through the open door. While she had shared many details of her previous life with Harry, she forgot that Ron and Hermione were still left a bit in the dark.
"There was a cook when I was child who would teach me potion-making on the sly," she said, feeling it better to leave out some of the more sordid details of her childhood. "Once she saw I had a bit of a knack for it, she would sneak me books as well. I managed to carry most of them with me throughout… my travels. And I'd pick up a few here and there when I could. They were a source of great comfort."
The two boys emerged, two baskets of ingredients on their arms. Harry smiled at her, happy to hear her talk openly to others about some of her past.
"What I don't understand is how I could barely understand Snape's classes and even Slughorn's are hard yet, with you, it seems so easy," Ron said as he placed the basket on the table. Iris shrugged.
"Perhaps it's just methods. Different people learn in different ways, I suppose. My way is easier for you to understand, though there could be someone else who struggles and found Snape much easier," she said as she looked through the baskets to make sure they didn't miss anything.
"Do you teach us much like the cook taught you?" Harry ventured to ask. Iris glanced at him then continued to pull out a bulb of sorts. Smelling it deeply, she nodded.
"For the most part. It worked with me, reckon it should work for others," she said. She held the plant out to Harry. "Smell this and tell me if it's fresh or not." He cautiously took it and sniffed it, then held it to Ron.
"I, well, it doesn't smell off," he said, confused. Iris smiled.
"What do you smell?" she asked.
"Dirt," Ron stated. Iris' eyes flicked to him.
"It's… very earthy?" Harry tried. Iris smiled. She took the bulb and put it next to her nose, breathing in deeply.
"Earthy, yes. But also a bit sweet. Just a bit," she handed it back to Harry, who took another deep sniff before handing it to Ron.
"Yea, I smell that, like… apple almost," he said.
"Very good. Now these bulbs last quite a long time in storage, but they are best used when you can smell a hint of sweetness to them." Ron placed it back into the basket. "Today, we're going to make something I call Versari. It's purpose is simple - helps you to focus. But it can get a bit complicated to make. Took me quite a few trials before I got it right, but comes in very handy when you need to stay alert."
"Will definitely come in handy for some of our classes," Ron muttered. Iris chuckled. "Are you sure this is safe to make? A completely new potion off the books?" Iris shrugged.
"Should be. I've used it plenty and had no lasting side effects. I've taught Harry several potions of my own design already," Iris said. "But, ah, I probably wouldn't go around mentioning you have it. Snape reamed me out today for teaching third years 'unauthorized' potions."
"Fred and George would kill for this," Ron said, his eyes widening in glee. "They would make a killing at the shop." Both Harry and Iris gave Ron a look. "What? I'm not going to tell them." Iris chuckled again.
"Now… let's get started…"
Red,
You've been teaching your own potions? Is that even allowed? I'm not scolding by any means, but you do seem to have some guts to teach underaged wizards to brew something so powerful right under Snape's nose. My cap is off to you.
We had another match this weekend against the Tornadoes. Blew them to bits, though it was a right nasty game between the rain and the beaters. Got my nose broken about half way through and could barely see between the blood and the rain. But still made some impeccable saves, if I say so myself. All those early morning practices are coming into good use. We may have a good chance at the Cup this year. That is, if they have it. There's been talk of suspending the season, but most of the coaches have insisted we continue on - people need morale after all.
But enough about Quidditch, I want to hear more about Hogwarts and your time there. Have you found the Room of Requirement? Had some fantastic parties there in my day. Though I suppose you wouldn't really need it for that. I can show you when I come visit if you haven't found it yet. It's a pretty magical place.
Well, I've got to get to practice again. Hope to hear from you soon.
Slightly busted but yours truly,
O
O,
I suppose it was a bit reckless of me, but to be honest, I live for every chance I get to show up that pompous twit. I believe life here would be just perfect if he weren't always dropping by unannounced and spoiling my perfectly good day with his moodiness and dreary thoughts of my sister. I seriously think he's a bit obsessed with her.
Oh dear, I hope the damage wasn't too bad. Or that it hurt too badly. Not that I mind a crooked nose. Would just add a bit of character, I'd say. And if it hasn't been fixed properly, I'm sure I've got a potion that could have it back to normal in a jiffy. Do be careful. I don't know what I'd do if you were unable to write to me. I really enjoy your letters.
Hogwarts is, well, amazing. I feel I'm learning new things every day. With my free time, I've taken to developing new potions that are a bit more useful than the ones I made previously. And I've gotten quite close to some of the professors - namely McGonagall and Sprout. I've never had the chance to stay in one place for so long and develop such friendships - especially with other women - so it's been very much a blessing. Though I do miss talking to Tonks as well. I feel a sense of calm here that I've never had before. Both said they had you as a student, though have yet to divulge any stories. Perhaps I should ask them the next time we meet…
Got class coming up. Write back quickly!
Anticipating stories,
Red
Red,
Do not under any circumstances ask those two for stories about me. I would die of embarrassment if you found out some of the things I got up to in my school days. At the very least, wait until I'm there to thoroughly explain myself. And know that I've grown up a lot since my school days. (At least I hope so…)
Though I am happy to hear that you are doing well and enjoying your time there. McGonagall is a good woman to have as a friend. I never spent much time with Professor Sprout, being Gryffindor and addicted to Quidditch, but I do respect her.
Is Snape that bad? Perhaps you should mention something to Dumbledore. Or I could have a stern talking to with him when I visit. I don't quite like the idea of him hovering about. Rather loathsome bloke. I wish I had had someone like you to teach me potions rather than him. Might have stuck with me more.
And don't fear for my nose. It's right as rain, thanks to our team's healers. Though I wouldn't say no to anything you've concocted. I'm sure it would be top shelf.
And I will always write back to you - even if I'm laid up in St. Mungo's. Writing to you is often the highlight of my day. Almost as much as reading your letters in return. It's not quite the same as our chats in person, but close enough. For now. I do miss seeing you. The real you. I hope to come visit soon.
Your straight-nosed Quidditch player,
O
Red,
Is it okay if I call you that? I know it's your thing with Oliver, but seems so fitting. And makes writing a bit more exciting.
I was beyond excited to get your owl. I had meant to send one, but hadn't found the time. It even took me a bit to respond this time. Shacklebolt (my boss) has been keeping me quite busy. As have other things.
So how are things at Hogwarts? I hope Snape's not bothering you too much. He's really just vile sometimes. Have you met Professor Sprout? I think you two would get along well. She could probably fill you in on new plants to use for potions.
Sorry I can't write much. I'm trying to get this out before I have to go out again. All this running around. I wish I could come visit, but with my work schedule it might be nearly impossible, though I'll do what I can. I just feel like we could talk more openly in person.
Take care, Red.
Tonks
Tonks,
Nicknames do add a bit of mystery. Perhaps I should come up with one for you. Maybe Rainbow Brite? Though I'm not sure you'd know who that is…
Snape has a habit of dropping by unannounced just to let me know how horrible a teacher he thinks I am. But I don't let it bother me too much. If I can handle drunk muggles at a pub, I can handle him. Outside that, Hogwarts is amazing. I see why you and Oliver think so fondly of it. I've yet to do much exploring, but I have been spending time in the greenhouses with Professor Sprout. She is quite lovely and has been teaching me a bit about all the . It's so wonderful to have such resources available for potions. If you're still having issues with stealth, I think I may be on to developing something for that. It's not quite right yet, but a bit more experimenting and I should have it.
And don't worry about getting back to me right away. I understand how important your work is. It's just nice to hear from you when I can. Take care and stay safe!
Red
Iris sat in her comfy armchair, smiling slightly as she listened to Professors McGonagall and Sprout brightly go over their days on the sofa. She had grown quite close to the two over the passing weeks and they had taken to having tea (or on a occasion, brandy) a few nights a week. Professor Sprout - or Pomona as she insisted Iris refer to her - proved quite helpful in teaching Iris about the many magical plants growing in the greenhouses that she had not yet heard of, which Iris now visited often as her desire to expand her potion skills grew. She still wasn't quite close enough that Iris felt comfortable enough to let her know who she truly was, but perhaps soon.
Iris was finding that she was beginning to flourish at Hogwarts and had even taken to testing out new potions that were less practical jokes and more just practical. Concealment potions, healing potions and the like.
And she enjoyed the companionship. While she enjoyed her time with Harry, Ron and Hermione, she needed more adult friendships in her life.
"I see you got another owl today," Minerva said knowingly as she sipped at her brandy. The three women were seated, as usual, in Iris' rooms, which they all found more private. She and Dumbledore had outdone themselves with warding it. Pomona giggled a bit and she flashed a grin at the younger witch. Iris blushed slightly, taking a sip of her own brandy before answering.
"I did, though I haven't had much time to respond just yet," she said.
"How is dear Oliver," Pomona asked.
"Mostly in one piece," Iris answered. "He said he's gotten a few injuries in the past few matches, but seems to be healing well. He wants to come visit."
"That would be lovely," Minerva said. I would love to see my old student again. Perhaps he'll make time to catch the first match of the season. It is his old house - Gryffindor." Iris nodded, getting lost momentarily in the thought of Oliver here. At Hogwarts. With her. It was a lovely thought.
"I believe someone is quite smitten," Pomona joked, taking in Iris' slight smile as she stared into space. Minerva's laughter brought her back to the present, her cheeks once again turning bright red. She took a deep breath and sighed.
"I suppose so," she admitted. "He is very kind. And handsome."
"There was a dashing photo of him in the latest Witch Weekly," Pomona said. "During training. I must say, he's most definitely grown up," she added, with a wink.
"Pomona! This is one of our old students that you're talking about," Minerva chided, though Iris could see the twinkle in her eye.
"Yes, yes, but he hasn't been our student for a good three years, Minerva. Very much a grown man now," she said, sipping her brandy. Iris laughed out loud at the antics of the two older teachers.
"I should like to see it," she said. "He always looks quite dashing to me, but I've yet to see him in action." Both Pomona and Minerva stared at her with small smiles. "As in playing Quidditch! My god, are your brains always this far in the gutter?"
"You must forgive us, Lauren dear, it's been a long while since we've had another professor that we could have a bit of fun with," Pomona said. "Especially one so young as yourself, and involved with such a handsome man."
"How many times must I tell you - Oliver and I aren't really involved. More just… friends," Iris said, before bringing her glass to her lips again, attempting to hide her face. The two older women looked at each other and grinned before looking back at Iris.
"He writes to you several times a week, dear. I'd say that's a mite closer to 'involved' than 'friendship,'" Minerva said.
"And he says he wants to come visit you," Pomona added. "I do believe he may be just as smitten with you and you are with him."
Iris allowed herself to grin at the women. She still had her reservations about how close she would allow Oliver to get. While she felt better, she still wasn't completely sure that she would be able to control herself and keep things in check. There was always the chance of an accident. At that thought, her face darkened a bit.
"I suppose we'll see," she finally said, meeting Minerva's eyes. "One can't be too sure that things will work out." The older witch sighed and offered a smiled of reassurance, knowing exactly what she was talking about.
"I think you might be surprised just how understanding Oliver can be," she said carefully, not wanting to reveal too much about Iris' secret. "I believe that he can handle a lot more than you think." Iris smiled sadly, and looked down at her glass.
"One can hope," she murmured. "One can hope."
