It was not an unusual occurrence at Hogwarts that people
wound up in the hospital ward with Madam Pomfrey. It was
especially not unusual for Hogwart's biggest celebrity, Harry
Potter, to be there. After all, throughout all of his years at
the renowned school of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry had been
involved in a serious accident every single year. It was a
miracle that Madam Pomfrey was as skilled as she was, otherwise
Harry may have not gotten any of his schoolwork done.
So there he was, in a hospital bed again, books propped here
and there, studying for his next big Potion's test. If he didn't
get a high mark on it, Snape would surely flunk him out like he
always wanted to do. ("The boy is just allowed to sit around in
the hospital wing and skip my class?") His school friends, Ron
Weasley and Hermione Granger had stopped by earlier to emphasize
this point. ("Today he kept getting this really creepy smirk every
time your name was mentioned," said Ron. "And he didn't even
assign any homework!" added Hermione with emphasis almost leaning
toward her wanting more work.) So he sat jotting down notes and
making flashcards.
"So it was Gustav Thyme who discovered the Prantis' use and
it's practical qualities," said Harry, trying desperately to learn
the constant stream of information that Snape had been digressing
to in the middle of his lectures. ("Everything I say will be on
the test!") He rubbed his head in a mixture of frustration and
exhaustion. There was no way he could learn all these things in
the next 48 hours. Especially because whenever Madam Pomfrey came
in and saw Harry with all his books out, she would make him relax
and go take a nap. ("REST! You need rest I say!")
The worst part about it was that while Harry was stuck in the
hospital wing studying, everyone else was out enjoying themselves
visiting Hogsmeade, a small village where there was a lot to do
and eat. Before Hermione and Ron had left, they had promised to
get him some Fuzzing Whombos from Honeydukes, which is nearly the
best candy store ever. On a snowy day like this, a good warm tall
glass of butterbeer from The Three Broomsticks would sure go down
well.
Harry accidentally knocked off Hogwarts, A History, and
shutting the chapter he was supposed to read about all of the
famous Potion masters that came from Hogwarts. He left the book on
the floor. A few seconds later he put the rest of his books under
his covers and put his coat and shoes on. He was going outside.
Madam Pomfrey would be furious, but a little bit of being yelled
at was sure worth doing something on such a fine snowy day.
He cautiously crept back to the Gryffindor common room and
to his belongings where he grabbed his father's invisibility
cloak. He put the cloak on and walked across the yards to visit
his large half-giant friend, Hagrid. If anyone were to be out in
the yard, they would have seen a trail of footprints appearing
somehow in the snow.
He knocked on Hagrid's great door, and opened it after he
heard a faint, "Come in."
"It's me Hagrid," Harry said, walking in looking around for
his friend.
"I'm o'er 'ere 'arry," said Hagrid who was sitting at his
great big table with a young woman whom Harry had never seen
before. They were drinking tea and she looked very bewildered as
Harry emerged from underneath the invisibility cloak. "Now aren't
you supposed to be with Madam Pomfrey?" questioned Hagrid with a
great sly smile.
Harry grinned back and took an empty seat at the table. He
took a closer look at Hagrid's guest.
"Harry I'd like ya to meet En Winters," said Hagrid, and then
added, "she's from America."
She was about his age, maybe a year or so older. She had
straight blonde hair, cut so that it looked like someone had taken
a slight arrow shape out of the back. It was quite messy, as if it
had dried after being damp from the snow or rain. She had very
pleasing eyes, which were very curious and starry. Harry was
already captivated and eager to hear more about her.
"Nice to meet you uh- Harry was it?" She smiled genuinely and
her sapphire eyes sparkled next to Hagrid's burning fire.
"Harry Potter, nice to meet you too."
Hagrid shifted in his seat anxiously, "Well En, I guess you
should be off to talk with Dumbledore."
She smiled and nodded, then shook his hand warmly, "Thanks so
much Hagrid, so very nice to meet you." Then she added with a
goodbye nod, "Potter." She walked out the door into the snow.
Harry looked wide eyed over at Hagrid, "Now who was that
then?" He couldn't conceal a wide smile that was creeping across
his face.
Hagrid tittered a bit, and replied, "Y'know 'arry, I don't
rightly know."
Harry was about to say something more about her, but Hagrid
cut him off.
"Perhaps it is a better idea not to talk about her," he said
looking down, "reputation of Hogwarts could be at stake!"
"And why is that Hagrid?" asked Harry, who was quite
surprised.
But Hagrid just frowned and changed the subject, "Y'know, if
anyone finds out that I let a sick boy come to my house in the
middle of winter, I'll surely be in a heap of trouble. Best you go
in and get some rest, it's not everyday that a boy gets such a
severe case of Prantis poisoning. Now what were you doing drinking
Neville Longbottom's Anti-Hex potion?"
"Snape's idea," Harry grumbled, "He always makes us partners
and he makes each partner drink the other's potion." He shook his
head, "The person he second most picks on is Neville, I don't
really blame Neville, he's just not good at Potions."
After that, Hagrid led Harry back inside and he got his books
hidden just as the nurse came back in to see him. Harry just
wanted to know what was up with that pretty girl that he saw, he
wondered where in America she was from too.
When he next woke up Hermione was standing over him with a
great bag of sweets. "Wow!" Harry said in astonishment.
"They were all out of Fuzzing Whombos, so we got you some of
that sherbet you liked so much," added Ron as Harry looked into
the grand bag.
"How could you afford so much?" he questioned.
Hermione rolled her eyes, "They overheard us that this candy
was for the sick Harry Potter, and they doubled our purchase."
Ron grinned, "Not to mention that they gave us each some
fudge for being such caring friends."
Harry considered telling them about the girl he had met
earlier, but then realized that there wasn't much to tell. They
talked for a while about Hogsmeade before Madam Pomfrey, who was
accompanied by Albus Dumbledore, shooed Hermione and Ron out.
"See you tomorrow morning! Good luck on the Potion's test!"
Hermione called to him, waving.
Harry then turned his attention to Dumbledore.
"Good evening Harry," said Dumbledore, smiling at the massive
amount of candy next to Harry's bed.
"Good evening, sir," replied Harry nervously. Going outside
wasn't going to get him in trouble would it?
"I came to ask you if you had said anything to anyone about
the young woman that you met earlier."
"No, sir," Harry answered honestly, shaking his head
slightly.
The old wizard smiled and looked around at the room a bit,
"Can't blame you for wanting to go and do something today."
"Who was that girl?" Harry pleaded with a meek smile.
"Y'know Harry, I have no idea," blurted out Dumbledore with a
laugh. "Maybe you can ask her," he suggested, "I'm thinking about
giving her a job."
With that Madam Pomfrey frowned and then shooed Dumbledore
out as well.
There was still 2 1/2 weeks until the Yule Ball, but some
people were getting started on it early. Ron had sent about five
owls to his parents and siblings practically begging them to loan
or buy him a new outfit. The one from the last year was, well
let's say slightly more than embarrassing. Harry wasn't really
thinking about it though. The last time he went to the Yule Ball
it didn't go very well. Parvati, his date, would hardly speak to
him for about a week afterwards! Besides, Harry's Potion's test
was at one o'clock. Madam Pomfrey had his things sent back up to
his room in Gryffindor, and Harry set off for Snape's class. Ron
and Hermione had saved a seat for him.
"I think we're going to make a Mellow Potion!" Hermione
whispered with an excited tone.
Snape entered the room looking more than slightly evil. He
looked at Harry with particular malice. "Nice to see you've joined
us Potter," he scowled, "wouldn't want to flunk you for just being
gone."
Harry tried hard to ignore anything that ever came out of
Snape's mouth.
"Now this final has three parts," he began, "First you will
all complete a written exam, after that you and your assigned
partner will receive two cards. One will give instructions for the
second part of the assignment, and the other will get instructions
for the third part. All the materials you will need are listed on
the card, but the instructions are left to your memories from
whenever we covered these potions. Materials are on the counter.
Go."
A sheet of parchment rolled out in front of each of them.
Harry knew the first few questions but several ones in the middle
were quite vexing.
In 1376, Linus Bohr developed what sort of Potion that caused
the great riot of 1377?
The first thing that popped into Harry's head was, "Love
potion," but he was quite unsure, and then quite startled that
love was the first thing he thought about. After about 25 minute
of quills scribbling on parchment, the written portion was
finished. There was no surprise who his partner was. Neville drew
the third portion card, and Harry was in charge of then next part.
The instructions were that Harry was to concoct a Stress
Potion, and then drink it himself. It was then Neville's part to
make a Mellow Potion to calm him down.
"It is best to make a slightly weaker Stress Potion, and a
slightly stronger Mellow Potion," Snape added before letting
people access the materials, "otherwise names could be called or
worse under all of the stress." He lifted an eyebrow, sat down and
observed the class.
The Stress Potion was going well, but Harry noticed that
Neville was getting quite nervous. "What if I mess up like last
time?" questioned Neville. "What if you stay stressed forever?"
Harry gave a weak smile and reassured him, "The Mellow Potion
is easy, just chop the ginger root, stir in the chocolate, add a
dash of rum, and then make it jubilee."
Harry finished the Stress Potion, "Cheers," he said as he
took a big gulp. His nerves tightened, and he started to sweat. He
looked grimacingly over at Neville, "IS IT WORKING YET?!"
Some of the people who were still making their Stress Potions
looked over. Hermione grabbed their attention when, after she had
taken her potion, started shaking Malfoy, he partner. "What was
that look for you creep!" she spouted after rubbing her temples.
Neville worked busily to stir in the chocolate before Harry
had an aneurysm. He poured in a bunch of rum hastily, whilst
looking at Harry, who was complaining loudly about his back.
"Is the damn thing done yet?" asked Harry, teeth clenched, as
a vein throbbed in his forehead.
Neville lit the concoction, and now the Mellow Potion was
truly jubilee. Harry stared in contempt at the drink. "I've had
such a lousy day, and now you want to make me drink something that
was just on fire?"
Snape had a humongous grin on his face, and in spite, Harry
took a giant swig of the Potion. Harry's eyes closed slightly, and
his posture grew less rigid. Neville looked worried, but then
Harry yawned and smiled warmly.
"Hey Neville, I'm sorry that I freaked out on you, let me buy
you something from Honeyduke's next time to repay you," said
Harry, who had put his feet up on the desk.
Snape frowned, and set a slip of paper in between them, "B on
the 2nd and 3rd portions of your final boys."
"Thank you!" Harry said warmly.
Meanwhile, Ron was trying to calm down Lavender Brown, who
was starting to pull her hair out. She managed to knock over a
large container of rice in the process.
"Mr. Weasley! Control your partner!" snapped Snape
feverishly. Ron gave her another drink and Lavender blushed and
smiled at Ron sweetly. Ron lifted an eyebrow over to Harry, who
was filing his nails.
"What a mess," said Hermione dumping the rice out of her
shoes.
Snape frowned over at Lavender hanging all over a very red
Ron, "Ms. Brown you are lucky that Dumbledore hired a Temp for Mr.
Filch while he was on vacation." He threw a powder into the fire
and called for the replacement.
Class was over, and everyone piled out of Potion's. Hermione
and Malfoy had received an A, and Ron and Harry gave her a hive-
five for shaking Malfoy like that. Harry heard Snape ordering the
Temp about and sounding quite nice.
"Now miss, take your time, there's no hurry." Snape said
kindheartedly.
"Thank you Professor Snape, I'm grateful that someone is
finally putting me to work."
"Now now, call me Severus."
Harry stopped and Ron and Hermione turned to listen as well.
The Temp had gone in, and Snape had gone the other was down the
hall.
"Seems like Snape's been inhaling too many Mellow Potion
fumes," laughed Ron.
wound up in the hospital ward with Madam Pomfrey. It was
especially not unusual for Hogwart's biggest celebrity, Harry
Potter, to be there. After all, throughout all of his years at
the renowned school of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry had been
involved in a serious accident every single year. It was a
miracle that Madam Pomfrey was as skilled as she was, otherwise
Harry may have not gotten any of his schoolwork done.
So there he was, in a hospital bed again, books propped here
and there, studying for his next big Potion's test. If he didn't
get a high mark on it, Snape would surely flunk him out like he
always wanted to do. ("The boy is just allowed to sit around in
the hospital wing and skip my class?") His school friends, Ron
Weasley and Hermione Granger had stopped by earlier to emphasize
this point. ("Today he kept getting this really creepy smirk every
time your name was mentioned," said Ron. "And he didn't even
assign any homework!" added Hermione with emphasis almost leaning
toward her wanting more work.) So he sat jotting down notes and
making flashcards.
"So it was Gustav Thyme who discovered the Prantis' use and
it's practical qualities," said Harry, trying desperately to learn
the constant stream of information that Snape had been digressing
to in the middle of his lectures. ("Everything I say will be on
the test!") He rubbed his head in a mixture of frustration and
exhaustion. There was no way he could learn all these things in
the next 48 hours. Especially because whenever Madam Pomfrey came
in and saw Harry with all his books out, she would make him relax
and go take a nap. ("REST! You need rest I say!")
The worst part about it was that while Harry was stuck in the
hospital wing studying, everyone else was out enjoying themselves
visiting Hogsmeade, a small village where there was a lot to do
and eat. Before Hermione and Ron had left, they had promised to
get him some Fuzzing Whombos from Honeydukes, which is nearly the
best candy store ever. On a snowy day like this, a good warm tall
glass of butterbeer from The Three Broomsticks would sure go down
well.
Harry accidentally knocked off Hogwarts, A History, and
shutting the chapter he was supposed to read about all of the
famous Potion masters that came from Hogwarts. He left the book on
the floor. A few seconds later he put the rest of his books under
his covers and put his coat and shoes on. He was going outside.
Madam Pomfrey would be furious, but a little bit of being yelled
at was sure worth doing something on such a fine snowy day.
He cautiously crept back to the Gryffindor common room and
to his belongings where he grabbed his father's invisibility
cloak. He put the cloak on and walked across the yards to visit
his large half-giant friend, Hagrid. If anyone were to be out in
the yard, they would have seen a trail of footprints appearing
somehow in the snow.
He knocked on Hagrid's great door, and opened it after he
heard a faint, "Come in."
"It's me Hagrid," Harry said, walking in looking around for
his friend.
"I'm o'er 'ere 'arry," said Hagrid who was sitting at his
great big table with a young woman whom Harry had never seen
before. They were drinking tea and she looked very bewildered as
Harry emerged from underneath the invisibility cloak. "Now aren't
you supposed to be with Madam Pomfrey?" questioned Hagrid with a
great sly smile.
Harry grinned back and took an empty seat at the table. He
took a closer look at Hagrid's guest.
"Harry I'd like ya to meet En Winters," said Hagrid, and then
added, "she's from America."
She was about his age, maybe a year or so older. She had
straight blonde hair, cut so that it looked like someone had taken
a slight arrow shape out of the back. It was quite messy, as if it
had dried after being damp from the snow or rain. She had very
pleasing eyes, which were very curious and starry. Harry was
already captivated and eager to hear more about her.
"Nice to meet you uh- Harry was it?" She smiled genuinely and
her sapphire eyes sparkled next to Hagrid's burning fire.
"Harry Potter, nice to meet you too."
Hagrid shifted in his seat anxiously, "Well En, I guess you
should be off to talk with Dumbledore."
She smiled and nodded, then shook his hand warmly, "Thanks so
much Hagrid, so very nice to meet you." Then she added with a
goodbye nod, "Potter." She walked out the door into the snow.
Harry looked wide eyed over at Hagrid, "Now who was that
then?" He couldn't conceal a wide smile that was creeping across
his face.
Hagrid tittered a bit, and replied, "Y'know 'arry, I don't
rightly know."
Harry was about to say something more about her, but Hagrid
cut him off.
"Perhaps it is a better idea not to talk about her," he said
looking down, "reputation of Hogwarts could be at stake!"
"And why is that Hagrid?" asked Harry, who was quite
surprised.
But Hagrid just frowned and changed the subject, "Y'know, if
anyone finds out that I let a sick boy come to my house in the
middle of winter, I'll surely be in a heap of trouble. Best you go
in and get some rest, it's not everyday that a boy gets such a
severe case of Prantis poisoning. Now what were you doing drinking
Neville Longbottom's Anti-Hex potion?"
"Snape's idea," Harry grumbled, "He always makes us partners
and he makes each partner drink the other's potion." He shook his
head, "The person he second most picks on is Neville, I don't
really blame Neville, he's just not good at Potions."
After that, Hagrid led Harry back inside and he got his books
hidden just as the nurse came back in to see him. Harry just
wanted to know what was up with that pretty girl that he saw, he
wondered where in America she was from too.
When he next woke up Hermione was standing over him with a
great bag of sweets. "Wow!" Harry said in astonishment.
"They were all out of Fuzzing Whombos, so we got you some of
that sherbet you liked so much," added Ron as Harry looked into
the grand bag.
"How could you afford so much?" he questioned.
Hermione rolled her eyes, "They overheard us that this candy
was for the sick Harry Potter, and they doubled our purchase."
Ron grinned, "Not to mention that they gave us each some
fudge for being such caring friends."
Harry considered telling them about the girl he had met
earlier, but then realized that there wasn't much to tell. They
talked for a while about Hogsmeade before Madam Pomfrey, who was
accompanied by Albus Dumbledore, shooed Hermione and Ron out.
"See you tomorrow morning! Good luck on the Potion's test!"
Hermione called to him, waving.
Harry then turned his attention to Dumbledore.
"Good evening Harry," said Dumbledore, smiling at the massive
amount of candy next to Harry's bed.
"Good evening, sir," replied Harry nervously. Going outside
wasn't going to get him in trouble would it?
"I came to ask you if you had said anything to anyone about
the young woman that you met earlier."
"No, sir," Harry answered honestly, shaking his head
slightly.
The old wizard smiled and looked around at the room a bit,
"Can't blame you for wanting to go and do something today."
"Who was that girl?" Harry pleaded with a meek smile.
"Y'know Harry, I have no idea," blurted out Dumbledore with a
laugh. "Maybe you can ask her," he suggested, "I'm thinking about
giving her a job."
With that Madam Pomfrey frowned and then shooed Dumbledore
out as well.
There was still 2 1/2 weeks until the Yule Ball, but some
people were getting started on it early. Ron had sent about five
owls to his parents and siblings practically begging them to loan
or buy him a new outfit. The one from the last year was, well
let's say slightly more than embarrassing. Harry wasn't really
thinking about it though. The last time he went to the Yule Ball
it didn't go very well. Parvati, his date, would hardly speak to
him for about a week afterwards! Besides, Harry's Potion's test
was at one o'clock. Madam Pomfrey had his things sent back up to
his room in Gryffindor, and Harry set off for Snape's class. Ron
and Hermione had saved a seat for him.
"I think we're going to make a Mellow Potion!" Hermione
whispered with an excited tone.
Snape entered the room looking more than slightly evil. He
looked at Harry with particular malice. "Nice to see you've joined
us Potter," he scowled, "wouldn't want to flunk you for just being
gone."
Harry tried hard to ignore anything that ever came out of
Snape's mouth.
"Now this final has three parts," he began, "First you will
all complete a written exam, after that you and your assigned
partner will receive two cards. One will give instructions for the
second part of the assignment, and the other will get instructions
for the third part. All the materials you will need are listed on
the card, but the instructions are left to your memories from
whenever we covered these potions. Materials are on the counter.
Go."
A sheet of parchment rolled out in front of each of them.
Harry knew the first few questions but several ones in the middle
were quite vexing.
In 1376, Linus Bohr developed what sort of Potion that caused
the great riot of 1377?
The first thing that popped into Harry's head was, "Love
potion," but he was quite unsure, and then quite startled that
love was the first thing he thought about. After about 25 minute
of quills scribbling on parchment, the written portion was
finished. There was no surprise who his partner was. Neville drew
the third portion card, and Harry was in charge of then next part.
The instructions were that Harry was to concoct a Stress
Potion, and then drink it himself. It was then Neville's part to
make a Mellow Potion to calm him down.
"It is best to make a slightly weaker Stress Potion, and a
slightly stronger Mellow Potion," Snape added before letting
people access the materials, "otherwise names could be called or
worse under all of the stress." He lifted an eyebrow, sat down and
observed the class.
The Stress Potion was going well, but Harry noticed that
Neville was getting quite nervous. "What if I mess up like last
time?" questioned Neville. "What if you stay stressed forever?"
Harry gave a weak smile and reassured him, "The Mellow Potion
is easy, just chop the ginger root, stir in the chocolate, add a
dash of rum, and then make it jubilee."
Harry finished the Stress Potion, "Cheers," he said as he
took a big gulp. His nerves tightened, and he started to sweat. He
looked grimacingly over at Neville, "IS IT WORKING YET?!"
Some of the people who were still making their Stress Potions
looked over. Hermione grabbed their attention when, after she had
taken her potion, started shaking Malfoy, he partner. "What was
that look for you creep!" she spouted after rubbing her temples.
Neville worked busily to stir in the chocolate before Harry
had an aneurysm. He poured in a bunch of rum hastily, whilst
looking at Harry, who was complaining loudly about his back.
"Is the damn thing done yet?" asked Harry, teeth clenched, as
a vein throbbed in his forehead.
Neville lit the concoction, and now the Mellow Potion was
truly jubilee. Harry stared in contempt at the drink. "I've had
such a lousy day, and now you want to make me drink something that
was just on fire?"
Snape had a humongous grin on his face, and in spite, Harry
took a giant swig of the Potion. Harry's eyes closed slightly, and
his posture grew less rigid. Neville looked worried, but then
Harry yawned and smiled warmly.
"Hey Neville, I'm sorry that I freaked out on you, let me buy
you something from Honeyduke's next time to repay you," said
Harry, who had put his feet up on the desk.
Snape frowned, and set a slip of paper in between them, "B on
the 2nd and 3rd portions of your final boys."
"Thank you!" Harry said warmly.
Meanwhile, Ron was trying to calm down Lavender Brown, who
was starting to pull her hair out. She managed to knock over a
large container of rice in the process.
"Mr. Weasley! Control your partner!" snapped Snape
feverishly. Ron gave her another drink and Lavender blushed and
smiled at Ron sweetly. Ron lifted an eyebrow over to Harry, who
was filing his nails.
"What a mess," said Hermione dumping the rice out of her
shoes.
Snape frowned over at Lavender hanging all over a very red
Ron, "Ms. Brown you are lucky that Dumbledore hired a Temp for Mr.
Filch while he was on vacation." He threw a powder into the fire
and called for the replacement.
Class was over, and everyone piled out of Potion's. Hermione
and Malfoy had received an A, and Ron and Harry gave her a hive-
five for shaking Malfoy like that. Harry heard Snape ordering the
Temp about and sounding quite nice.
"Now miss, take your time, there's no hurry." Snape said
kindheartedly.
"Thank you Professor Snape, I'm grateful that someone is
finally putting me to work."
"Now now, call me Severus."
Harry stopped and Ron and Hermione turned to listen as well.
The Temp had gone in, and Snape had gone the other was down the
hall.
"Seems like Snape's been inhaling too many Mellow Potion
fumes," laughed Ron.