September 12, 1991 ~
"I expect two scrolls about the effects of Wiggenweld Potion by Monday." Snape called out as the Third Years were packing up their belongings.
Garnet smiled when she saw that Fred and George waited for her at the door. As she made her way down the aisle, Flint pushed past her, shoving his shoulder into hers, making her drop her books all over the floor.
George and Fred watched what happened. They walked forward to help Garnet gather her things, and as Flint was walking between them, the both shouldered him, making him fall backwards.
"Weasleys! That's going to cost you detention." Snape snapped. Fred, George and Garnet all looked at Snape in shock.
"Are you serious?" Garnet exclaimed, not thinking.
"Do you wish to join them Miss Prince?" he gave her a look that said 'Don't argue with me in front of students.'
Garnet glared at him, "Yes, I will. Obviously you didn't just see what Flint did to me."
Snapes face softened, "No, I did not Miss Prince." He looked away, "Very well, get out of here."
Garnet, Fred and George got out of there, while Flint was still picking up his things.
"Mr. Flint, I suggest you start treating your fellow Housemates with respect." Snape narrowed his eyes at him.
"Yes Professor," Flint fled quickly.
Garnet sighed, "I can't believe you almost got detention over that."
Fred and George were grinning.
"What?" she asked.
"You stood up to a Professor." George laughed.
Garnet shrugged, "It's only Sev...Snape." She looked around to make sure no one was listening to them. "I couldn't let him treat you like that." She took a breath, "I'm heading to Transfiguration. See you two at Care of Magical Creatures?"
"Of course," they said in unison.
Professor McGonagall stood at the front of the classroom as students filed in.
"Please take your seats promptly, we have two chapters to cover by end of class." she said.
Garnet sat beside Adrian. He smiled at her.
"As we have finished reviewing what you learned end of last term we will start something new. Today we will be starting Theoretical Animangus transformations." McGonagall wrote on the chalkboard. "Only theoretical. The only students that have the opportunity to become an Animangus are Sixth Years after they pass their O.W.L.S." She brushed chalk dust off her hands and turned back to the class. "Can anyone tell me what Animangus is?"
Garnet raised her hand.
"Of course, Miss Prince?" Professor McGonagall nodded her direction.
"An Animagus is a witch or wizard who can morph him or herself into an animal at will." Garnet stated.
"Very good, Miss Prince, ten points to Slytherin." Professor McGonagall smiled. "It takes skill, practice, and patience to become an Animangus. The process of becoming an Animagus is long and arduous, and can go horribly wrong if not done properly." McGonagall suddenly shifted into a cat. Some students gasped. She hadn't done that during classes thus far.
She quickly changed back. Straightening up she continued her lesson, "Every Animagus is required to register with the Ministry of Magic at the Animangus Registry. This registration includes revealing one's animal form and one's distinguishing markings. The register is available to the public." She turned to write on the board again, "Everyone please turn to page 235."
Garnet was rushing to meet with George and Fred outside to head to Care of Magical Creatures.
"What took you? We're going to be late!" Fred laughed as the trio took off running.
"Sorry," Garnet rolled her eyes, "Adrian and I were talking about the Transfiguration assignment we were given."
She didn't see George roll his eyes. "Well if Professor Kettleburn takes points away, I blame you." he said to her.
"Whatever," she frowned at his attitude.
They joined the class just as Professor Kettleburn, an older wizard with long, stringy white hair, and pale blue eyes and who was missing his left arm, two fingers on his right hand, his right leg and from the knee down of his left leg. He hopped around using the aid of a crutch under his right arm.
"Today, class, we will continue our lesson on Flobberworms." his scratchy voice announced.
Garnet shuddered, memories of last Valentine's Day coming to mind.
They were making their way to the Great Hall after class when Oliver Wood ran to catch up to them.
"Guys, you'll never guess who Professor McGonagall recruited to be our Seeker!" Oliver said, then stopped when he saw Garnet. "Sorry, can I talk to the Twins alone, please."
Garnet looked at Oliver confused.
"Why?" George asked.
Oliver shook his head, "She's a Slytherin, and Professor doesn't want us letting others know before the first match."
Garnet rolled her eyes, "Whatever, I'll see you guys in the Great Hall." and she walked away.
"Not cool," George muttered at Oliver.
Garnet headed for the Common Room. She put her books away and hung her robe up. She didn't need it in the Great Hall.
As she walked up the corridor from the dungeon, she ran into Professor Snape.
"Good evening, Miss Prince," he said, as they walked the same direction.
"Good evening." she said quietly.
They walked in silence a while before Snape stopped her.
"Garnet," he said in a hush, "I apologize for what happened earlier today. I didn't see Mr. Flint knock your stuff out of your hands, I only saw those two Weasley boys knock him flat on his back."
Garnet nodded, "I'm sorry as well, I shouldn't have snapped at you like that, it was very rude. And you are my teacher, after all."
Snape stood a moment, "I think we can both move on from this then?" he raised a brow.
"Yes, of course," Garnet said.
They walked on a little more, "I don't like those two, but if they're treating you well, then I'll attempt to not be too terribly harsh on them." Snape muttered.
Garnet smiled, "That's all I can ask for Severus."
They parted ways and Garnet walked into the Great Hall. She smiled when she spotted the Twins and was about to head their way, when someone grabbed her hand.
She looked at Adrian, who had a big toothy grin, then down at their entwined fingers.
"Can we talk for a few minutes before you join the Gryffindors?" he pulled her back towards the Great Hall entrance.
"I..." she looked at George and Fred, who had just seen her, their look of confusion matching her own, "Yeah, I guess I can chat a few minutes." she let him lead her back out into the corridor.
George made a move to stand up, but Fred stopped him. "You saw her face, she was just as shocked we are, give her a moment and I'm sure she'll be back."
George watched the doors, waiting impatiently. Finally Garnet and Adrian came back in, still holding hands. He watched as he said something to her. She nodded, then he kissed her hand and walked away.
Blushing, Garnet made her way to the Gryffindor table, a look of interest on everyone's faces.
"What was that all about?" Fred asked, eyebrow raised.
Garnet blushed a deep shade of red, "Adrian asked me to go to Hogsmeade with him on the twenty-eighth. I didn't even realize the date got posted."
"What did you tell him?" George tried to keep his tone of irritation to a minimum.
However, Garnet caught it. She sat a little straighter. "I told him to let me think about it." she said. She saw George roll his eyes and got mad, "It's not like anyone else has asked me to go with them."
"Oh sorry, I didn't think we needed to ask one of our best friends to spend out first trip to Hogsmeade with us." George snorted in frustration, telling her the first reason that came to mind, other than the truth.
Garnet stood up and leaned onto the table, "I hang out with you guys every weekend and quite a bit through the weekdays. So sorry if I'm entertaining the idea of going on a date with someone who is actually showing interest in me. It's never happened before, okay?" She left the table and walked out of the Great Hall.
"Good one George," Fred shook his head.
George looked at his brother with a disapproving look, then to Lee who was also shaking his head. George put his head down on the table.
Fred stood up in a huff, "Yeah, okay, I guess I'll go diffuse the mess you made." He left his brother to sulk. Fred saw Angelina walking his way, "Angelina, have you seen Garnet?"
Angelina nodded, "She looked really upset. She headed for the courtyard."
"Thanks," Fred headed that way. He paused when he saw her sitting on a bench off to the side in a darkened area. He heard her sniffing. Fred walked over and sat down beside her.
"What do you want, Fred?" he could hear the sadness in her voice.
He put his arm over her shoulder. "He didn't mean it. You can do whatever you want. We were just looking forward to exploring Hogsmeade with you and Lee, but it's not a big deal, really." he said, "George has never been one to handle disappointment well." Fred chuckled. "Bit of a tosser, really."
"I didn't even know about the upcoming weekend until he said something. And you, George and I didn't really discuss Hogsmeade. I didn't even say yes yet." Garnet wiped her eyes, "It'd be fun to go with you guys, but..."
"I get it, first date, huh?" Fred smirked at her. "That's kinda exciting I guess. Unless you're going to spend the whole date snogging in a booth at the Three Broomsticks." Fred made a gagging noise.
Garnet giggled through the tears, and shoved Fred's shoulder. "I won't snog on the first date, Freddie." She laid her head down on his shoulder and took a deep breath. "Georgie's going to be okay? I'd hate to lose one of my best friends over me going on a date."
"He'll have to get use to it. You're an awesome girl. I'm sure you're going to get asked out loads." Fred sighed.
'Not by the one person I'd like to be.' Garnet thought to herself.
"Come back in and eat. Please?" Fred begged.
Garnet nodded. Fred stood and held out his arm to her. Smiling, Garnet hooked her arm with his and they walked in.
