The atmosphere in the Hufflepuff common room could not have been worse. The match had ended 260-90, putting Ravenclaw just below Gryffindor for overall scoring and leaving Hufflepuff as the only team in the league below a hundred points.

The fact that the negative attention was off of him now, was no consolation to Teddy. Although, why wasn't he happy that Gryffindor were in the lead? Somehow this news didn't produce the same rush of adrenaline it otherwise would.

At any rate, the teachers seemed accustomed to such a mellow atmosphere. It didn't help that Friday's first lesson was Charms. They were working on the Fire-Making Spell by this point, and for such a hazardous class, Professor Flitwick was uncharacteristically whimsical.

Incendio!

The oil lantern he was practising on, practically exploded.

'I'm sorry. I must be a little…overexcited,' he excused himself. 'Self-control, class. Very important.'

Transfiguration wasn't much better. Viaanvimal's unbiased energy and charisma did not match the mood of his pupils at all. At least the Avifors Spell gave them a welcome distraction, though it turns out that Saffie was extremely ornithophobic and had to be escorted by Lennox to the Hospital Wing when too many objects got turned into birds.

Teddy assumed they'd both be grateful to miss the next class. Double potions with the Ravenclaws. Their beloved classmates let off a few sarcastic cheers as they came into the room.

'Oh, shut up. The lot of you. We didn't even play,' snarled Teddy.

'I did,' Lazarus pointed out. 'I suppose I should say thanks, Lupin. If it weren't for you, my moment of glory wouldn't have come.'

At that moment Teddy did something that was very Harry-like. He slashed his wand out and stuck it in the smug git's face.

Expelliarmus

Teddy's wand flew out of his hand and he vaguely saw it almost fly into someone's face. He was more interested in who had cast the Disarming Charm, which was, of course, an extremely stern looking Professor Hale.

'We do not use our wands to threaten other classmates, Mr Lupin. That is detention for you at 3:30 today.'

Lazarus chuckled to himself. Teddy balled the first that was furthest away.

'Okay, everyone sit down. I hope you all remember the recipe for the Forgetfulness Potion. We're trying it again today,' instructed Hale. Teddy was too irate to laugh at the ironic statement the potions mistress had just made.

That's when he realised that with Saffie gone had had no partner in class. A quick scan of the room should solve that, but Fate clearly had other plans.

'I believe this is yours.'

The scary girl was handing him his wand back. Teddy took it in the most dignified manner he could. No one was looking anyway.

'Thanks,' he nodded. 'Well, my partner is missing today, so…'

He glanced around again. Everyone was already seated.

'…so care to join me?'

Scary girl also looked around. There was an empty desk next to Lazarus.

'Water's warm, Greengrass,' he smiled. 'Literally piping hot.'

Scary girl turned to face Teddy again.

'I'm all yours,'

And thus, they sat down and cracked open their books. The first step of the recipe was super simple, two drops of Lethe river water (where is the Lethe anyway?), gently heat for twenty seconds and add two Valerian sprigs. Stir three times clockwise, wave your wand and leave to brew for 45-60 minutes, meaning that most of the first half of the lesson was just spent watching and standing.

'So, your name is Greengrass?' asked Teddy after five minutes of awkward silence.

'Actually, it's Verity,' replied scary girl. 'Verity Greengrass.'

'Right. Teddy Lupin,' Teddy introduced himself.

'Oh, I know,' Verity cryptically replied. Teddy then ceased all attempt at eye contact, so she wouldn't piece his soul again.

'I just mean that… I heard Saffie say your name a couple of times,' she mumbled shyly.

'Yeah, not my full name. What are you hiding?' Teddy thought. Instead, he just replied 'Right. Okay, then.'

'I'm sorry. I'm making you uncomfortable,' observed Verity.

'No, not at all!' assured Teddy.

'You don't have to lie. That's the reaction everyone has to me. The only reason Lazarus is trying to flirt with me is because I'm one of the few girls that won't indulge his growing ego.'

'A wise move, might I add,' nodded Teddy in approval.

'Either way, normally people keep their distance of me. It the end it makes sense.'

'Don't be so hard on yourself.'

'No, I mean it literally makes sense. It's because – no. I can't tell you that. Not yet.' Verity glanced back down in the cauldron the same way Teddy' grandmother did when she was fighting back a painful memory.

'I get it. I've not exactly talked to you in the two months we've been here. What right do I have to ask you to open up like that?'

'You know, you have such a nobility to you, it's a wonder that – nevermind.'

'Sure. Okay.'

Teddy had tried. No one could say he hadn't. But there was no talking to this girl. Verity Greengrass just wasn't helping herself. There were some people who you just couldn't push to far on a first interaction. Though something in the ensuing silence had changed. Verity's stare felt less like an invasive glare and more like a careful examination. Was she beginning to consider trusting him?

'I'm free Saturday, if you want to know more. I… could use a friend,' Verity interrupted Teddy's thoughts.

'Of course. I'll find you,' he agreed.

'I'm sure you will,' she smiled. That was still creepy.

The forty-five minutes passed and the brew continued.