Chapter III
Snitches and Arrows
The rain that came on that Monday, poured for all week and a feeling of gloom permeated through everything. Even Snape was more irritable, and at breakfast there was very little laughter as the ceiling showed the lightning and clouds outside. It was a Wednesday morning, and Harry was sitting next to Hermione and Ron at the Gryffindor table. Hermione, who was eating some rice pudding, leaned over to Ron.
"How is Harry?" She whispered.
Ron looked down solemnly and started buttering a slice of toast. Hermione looked anxious.
"That bad?" She sighed. "What's happening to him?".
"I think it's all catching up to him," said Ron judiciously, "I mean how would you react to all the news of late. Voldemort's loose, Sirius gone, and he won't be the last casualty mind you, and I guess that, that thing, troubled him mightily."
Hermione nodded, "Poor Harry."
Neville, then butted into the conversation.
"Did you hear?" He said excitedly. "They found someone on the school grounds the other day, he killed the Dementor we saw the other day!"
"Honestly!" fumed Hermione. "The rate these rumors spread in this school. Who told you this Neville?"
"Well," said Neville, "Seamus heard this from Dean, who heard this from Jacob Baites from Ravenclaw, who apparently overheard Patil and Patil discussing what they had heard from a passing Pansy Parkinson."
Ron leaned back and let out a sigh. "Malfoy probably told her."
"Well, I guess we'll have to deal with this one, right Harry?" Said Hermione. "Harry?" She turned around, and Harry was looking at something across the dining hall.
Hermione gently nudged Harry who then bolted upright.
"Harry!" Reprimanded Hermione. "Honestly, what has been going on recently?"
"Nothing," mumbled Harry as he grabbed his things, "look, I know I've been a bit weird recently,"
Hermione nodded, and Ron snorted. Harry then continued.
"Look, class is about to begin, I'll talk to you guys later, I think I have to tell you something."
Hermione and Ron smiled.
"Sure thing Harry," said Ron, "whatever you wanna say, feel free."
"Well I guess we must be going," said Hermione with definite feel of relief, "oh and Harry," She pecked him on the cheek, "it's good to see you again!" Hermione then trotted briskly away towards a group of chattering girls.
Harry smiled as he rubbed his cheek. He knew Hermione didn't like him that way, yet he was appreciative of it nonetheless. He then scanned the Dining Hall, staring back to where he stared before; the Slytherin Table. Suddenly, he felt a jolt down his spine as he noticed a pair of grey eyes was staring into his green ones. Malfoy had seen the whole thing, and was staring with a look of a cat that had just eaten a canary. Harry, realizing though that he would be late for class (Charms), rushed up for his bags and ran towards the exit where Ron and the Gryffindor boys were waiting for him.
Charms class was quite fun that day. Their professor, the short and albeit slightly bumbling, Professor Flitwick, was teaching them Büble charms, which were essentially charms that produced giant non pop-able bubbles that glistened in various colors like globes of crystal. While Harry and most others did well on this charm, some people had some mistakes. Seamus accidentally got his stuck inside one of the bubbles and had to be sent to the nurse, Madame Pomfrey. Cretacia Evans, a fellow sixth year Hufflepuff, bubble grew so large that upon popping, released a noxious gas that resulted in half the class passing out. As the class left though, Neville let out a sigh.
"Ugh," he moaned, "its Potions with the Slytherins!"
"Oh hell!" Cursed Dean.
Ron and Harry just nodded grimly and started walking towards the Dungeons. On the way down, near the Slytherin common room, Harry's bag fell, and spilled out its contents.
"You guys go ahead," said Harry, "I'll catch up, sides we all can't lose points from him now, can we?"
They laughed and the rest walked away and Harry went down on the ground and began picking up his stuff. When he was done, he turned around and began to walk when he heard the soft patter of feet on the cold stone floors.
"You dropped something." Said the tone in a confident manner. It was Malfoy, who was holding out a jar of ink.
Harry smiled and grabbed the ink jar from Malfoy's hands, but then he frowned suspiciously.
"All right Malfoy," said Harry, " what did you do to this?"
Malfoy looked affronted, but then regained his composure.
"Can't a person be decent in this day and age?" He sighed theatrically. "I try to do one good deed, and even the ´Boy Who Lived' can't see the decency in me."
Harry chortled. "I don't even think a microscope can see the decency in you."
"Suit yourself," said Malfoy, "you'll find out about the ink, and you better hurry, potions starts soon." With that, Malfoy glided serenely past Harry, who then sprinted up and caught up with Malfoy, who was just at the door of the potions class.
"Ladies first." Said Malfoy with a smirk. Harry rolled his eyes and bumped past Malfoy, being late and getting on Snape's bad side wasn't Harry's idea of an ideal time. As Harry crossed the stone threshold of the Potions room, Malfoy stuck his foot out causing Harry to trip, with his ink bottle still in hand. There was a thud as Harry's body hit the cold dungeon floor, followed by the sound of cracking glass. Harry lay still for a moment, cursing himself as he heard the 'Ouch's from the Gryffindors and snickers from the Slytherins. Harry then saw a pair of feet and a dark hemmed robe standing in front of him. Harry gulped and stood up in front of a tall, gaunt, Severus Snape.
"Late again are we?" Said Snape coldly. "5 points from Gryffindor, oh and please do move Mr. Potter, Mr. Malfoy would like to enter the classroom."
Harry blushed and started walking towards his seat between Ron and Hermione. Malfoy then walked cockily past Snape who dipped his head in a hello, and sat down between Pansy and Zabini Blaise, second year Slytherin, who, due to her prodigious skills, was bumped to this class.
"Today," gravely said Snape, "we're going to be making a Prenticorn poultice for the larders of our school infirmary."
"Now," he said with a cocked eyebrow, "do any of you students care to explain to me what a Prenticorn poultice does?" Snape then scanned the classroom with a cool unconcerned gaze that ignored the upright hand of Zabini and the attention seeking hand of Hermione. Snape then turned his back to the class.
"Mr.Potter!" Snape said with a smile and cold amusement as he turned and faced Harry. "Potter, tell me, what is a Prenticorn poultice?"
Harry looked at Snape and his palms started to sweat. "I.uh.I." Harry's mind started to race as he looked back through every mental note he took in this class. "A Prenticorn poultice is.is."
Snape leaned in closer. "A Prenticorn poultice is?"
Harry was going to just give up when he saw Malfoy. He was pointing towards some parchment with bold letters on it.
PRENTICORN POULTICE CURES EXTREMELY SEVERE BURNS!
"A Prenticorn poultice," said Harry with new confidence, "is a poultice meant to cure severe burns."
Snape opened his mouth slightly, but he went silent and the darkness in his eyes intensified. He then stood up to his full height and went back to the head of the class.
"As Mr. Potter oh so eloquently stated, Prenticorn poultices which are from the horns of stillborn unicorns, and phoenixes, cure extremely severe burns. Everyone, please form up into pairs and get to work."
Harry looked towards Ron and Hermione, who were already sitting together as partners.
"Oh!" Said Hermione awkwardly. "Ron, uh, you join Harry, I'll be with Patil,
"No it's all right," said Harry kindly, "you guys can go work together, I'll find a partner." Hermione and Ron simultaneously sighed with relief and went back to working.
"What's going on with those two," thought Harry as he looked for a partner, "it's like they are hiding something."
Harry scanned the classroom; everyone seemed to be paired except for Neville, a jinx at potions, Pansy, and Malfoy. Pansy was making a run towards Malfoy, but Malfoy seeing this, casually walked towards to Harry.
"Do you have a partner?" Asked Malfoy all prim and proper.
"Nope." Said Harry.
"All right," said Malfoy with an inward sigh of relief, "lets get to work."
"Pure blood Malfoy wants to work with me?" Said Harry with mock- incredulity.
"Stow it Potter!" Hissed Malfoy. "Or would you rather be working with Miss Parkinson."
The potion itself wasn't that hard, but there were many, including Harry who thought it was very wrong and disturbing to be using the fetuses of unicorns for it. In fact, Harry could hear the distinctive whimpers of many girls (including Hermione) who felt horrible about this. As Harry was stirring the ingredients in, Malfoy muttered something.
"You're welcome by the way."
Harry let out an indignant snort. "You're the one who got me into this."
Malfoy turned around and tossed back his blond hair in an arrogant way. "My fault? I-
"No talking in class!" Hissed Snape. Malfoy then reached out for some parchment and proceeded to write.
I may have a mischievous streak, Potter, but do try to understand I have a
nice side as well as a reputation to keep!
"I bet," muttered Harry, who was ignoring the fact that the cauldron he was stirring was starting to boil and shoot out red sparks.
"Careful!" Chided Malfoy. "The brew is done, now turn off the heat!"
Harry put out the fire, and the sparks died out, yet one flew and hit his hand.
"Ow!" cursed Harry under his breath, there was a red mark where the spark hit his left hand.
Malfoy sighed. "Hold out your hand!"
Harry looked at Malfoy, "Why?"
Malfoy rolled his eyes, "Do you want me to cure your hand or not?"
"That's a tough one," said Harry, "your altruism isn't something I look forward to."
Malfoy stuck out his tongue at Harry and Harry chuckled. Malfoy then dipped his right hand into the still steaming brew.
"Malfoy!" Said Harry. "Your hand!"
"Relax Potter," tittered Malfoy, "the brew, when done correctly, which is surprising considering you helped in making it, will not harm anyone."
Malfoy then put his hand over Harry's burnt hand and started rubbing the wound in circles. The relief Harry felt was instant.
"Cor," said Harry with a smile, "this thing does work."
Malfoy nodded as he kept rubbing Harry's hand.
"Uh.Malfoy?" Said Harry.
"Yeah?" Said Malfoy.
"You can stop rubbing my hand," sniggered Harry, "unless you like doing it or something."
Malfoy stopped suddenly and glared at Harry.
"Whatever," said Malfoy icily, "well I must be going Potter, class is dismissed."
Harry looked around and realized everyone was packing up and leaving. Ron and Hermione were outside waiting for him.
"Well, take care Malfoy." Said Harry. Malfoy then cracked a grin.
"What is it?" Asked Harry.
"You were right about the ink Potter," said Malfoy, "I'd watch out where you open it."
Harry pulled out the ink, which was in a now cracked bottle. Harry then beamed.
"Oh, like I shouldn't open it near you?" Said Harry.
Malfoy paled and ducked as Harry opened up the inkbottle in Malfoy's direction. Surprisingly, the ink actually launched itself out of the bottle and didn't hit Malfoy, yet flew straight over him and onto Pansy. The whole hallway went silent as Pansy started growing mushrooms all over her shirt and hands.
"Ewwww!" She moaned, and she ran down the hallway, nearly bursting in tears.
"Now you've done it," said Malfoy with a malevolent grin, "we're never gonna hear the end of this one." With that, Malfoy went down towards the dungeon and Harry went back to Ron and Hermione; who for some reason, were smiling at Harry.
"Heyas!" said Harry.
Ron and Hermione just broke out laughing.
"Guys?" asked Harry.
"Oh Harry!" Laughed Hermione. "You really were adorable in potions class!"
Harry cocked up his eyebrow. "Adorable?"
"Malfoy and you," she continued, "its adorable!"
With this last comment they both burst out laughing and leaned against the wall for support.
"Will you two cram it?!" Burst out Harry in a fit of sudden defensive anger.
They both fell silent. "Look," said Harry, "I had a burn on my hand, he just fixed it up."
"But," said Ron with a laugh, "if you needed a hand job you should've asked me!"
Once again they were both on the floor laughing, and Harry just ran right through them.
"Ron!" Chided Hermione in between her laughing. "We're really horrible towards Harry!"
Ron nodded, "Don't worry, we'll make it up to him!"
"Should we tell him," said Hermione, "about us?"
Ron then put his arm around Hermione's waist. "Nah, baby" said Ron, "we be cool, pimpin this relation up on the hizzay."
Hermione looked at Ron with a weird look. "What was that?" She inquired amusedly.
"Well," said Ron blushing, "I've been listening to muggle radio and this "ebonics" thing seems kind of fun, just wanted to see your reaction."
"Ron," said Hermione, "I love the magical world and you BECAUSE you're the farthest thing from the muggle world."
"Oh is that it?!" Said Ron with mock offense. "I'm not charming? I'm not attractive? Well, I guess you can just sleep in your bed by yourself tonight!"
"Shh!" Said Hermione. "Be quiet, it's hard enough explaining those noises at night to the girls, I don't need a teacher finding out about us breaking dorm rules!"
Snitches and Arrows
The rain that came on that Monday, poured for all week and a feeling of gloom permeated through everything. Even Snape was more irritable, and at breakfast there was very little laughter as the ceiling showed the lightning and clouds outside. It was a Wednesday morning, and Harry was sitting next to Hermione and Ron at the Gryffindor table. Hermione, who was eating some rice pudding, leaned over to Ron.
"How is Harry?" She whispered.
Ron looked down solemnly and started buttering a slice of toast. Hermione looked anxious.
"That bad?" She sighed. "What's happening to him?".
"I think it's all catching up to him," said Ron judiciously, "I mean how would you react to all the news of late. Voldemort's loose, Sirius gone, and he won't be the last casualty mind you, and I guess that, that thing, troubled him mightily."
Hermione nodded, "Poor Harry."
Neville, then butted into the conversation.
"Did you hear?" He said excitedly. "They found someone on the school grounds the other day, he killed the Dementor we saw the other day!"
"Honestly!" fumed Hermione. "The rate these rumors spread in this school. Who told you this Neville?"
"Well," said Neville, "Seamus heard this from Dean, who heard this from Jacob Baites from Ravenclaw, who apparently overheard Patil and Patil discussing what they had heard from a passing Pansy Parkinson."
Ron leaned back and let out a sigh. "Malfoy probably told her."
"Well, I guess we'll have to deal with this one, right Harry?" Said Hermione. "Harry?" She turned around, and Harry was looking at something across the dining hall.
Hermione gently nudged Harry who then bolted upright.
"Harry!" Reprimanded Hermione. "Honestly, what has been going on recently?"
"Nothing," mumbled Harry as he grabbed his things, "look, I know I've been a bit weird recently,"
Hermione nodded, and Ron snorted. Harry then continued.
"Look, class is about to begin, I'll talk to you guys later, I think I have to tell you something."
Hermione and Ron smiled.
"Sure thing Harry," said Ron, "whatever you wanna say, feel free."
"Well I guess we must be going," said Hermione with definite feel of relief, "oh and Harry," She pecked him on the cheek, "it's good to see you again!" Hermione then trotted briskly away towards a group of chattering girls.
Harry smiled as he rubbed his cheek. He knew Hermione didn't like him that way, yet he was appreciative of it nonetheless. He then scanned the Dining Hall, staring back to where he stared before; the Slytherin Table. Suddenly, he felt a jolt down his spine as he noticed a pair of grey eyes was staring into his green ones. Malfoy had seen the whole thing, and was staring with a look of a cat that had just eaten a canary. Harry, realizing though that he would be late for class (Charms), rushed up for his bags and ran towards the exit where Ron and the Gryffindor boys were waiting for him.
Charms class was quite fun that day. Their professor, the short and albeit slightly bumbling, Professor Flitwick, was teaching them Büble charms, which were essentially charms that produced giant non pop-able bubbles that glistened in various colors like globes of crystal. While Harry and most others did well on this charm, some people had some mistakes. Seamus accidentally got his stuck inside one of the bubbles and had to be sent to the nurse, Madame Pomfrey. Cretacia Evans, a fellow sixth year Hufflepuff, bubble grew so large that upon popping, released a noxious gas that resulted in half the class passing out. As the class left though, Neville let out a sigh.
"Ugh," he moaned, "its Potions with the Slytherins!"
"Oh hell!" Cursed Dean.
Ron and Harry just nodded grimly and started walking towards the Dungeons. On the way down, near the Slytherin common room, Harry's bag fell, and spilled out its contents.
"You guys go ahead," said Harry, "I'll catch up, sides we all can't lose points from him now, can we?"
They laughed and the rest walked away and Harry went down on the ground and began picking up his stuff. When he was done, he turned around and began to walk when he heard the soft patter of feet on the cold stone floors.
"You dropped something." Said the tone in a confident manner. It was Malfoy, who was holding out a jar of ink.
Harry smiled and grabbed the ink jar from Malfoy's hands, but then he frowned suspiciously.
"All right Malfoy," said Harry, " what did you do to this?"
Malfoy looked affronted, but then regained his composure.
"Can't a person be decent in this day and age?" He sighed theatrically. "I try to do one good deed, and even the ´Boy Who Lived' can't see the decency in me."
Harry chortled. "I don't even think a microscope can see the decency in you."
"Suit yourself," said Malfoy, "you'll find out about the ink, and you better hurry, potions starts soon." With that, Malfoy glided serenely past Harry, who then sprinted up and caught up with Malfoy, who was just at the door of the potions class.
"Ladies first." Said Malfoy with a smirk. Harry rolled his eyes and bumped past Malfoy, being late and getting on Snape's bad side wasn't Harry's idea of an ideal time. As Harry crossed the stone threshold of the Potions room, Malfoy stuck his foot out causing Harry to trip, with his ink bottle still in hand. There was a thud as Harry's body hit the cold dungeon floor, followed by the sound of cracking glass. Harry lay still for a moment, cursing himself as he heard the 'Ouch's from the Gryffindors and snickers from the Slytherins. Harry then saw a pair of feet and a dark hemmed robe standing in front of him. Harry gulped and stood up in front of a tall, gaunt, Severus Snape.
"Late again are we?" Said Snape coldly. "5 points from Gryffindor, oh and please do move Mr. Potter, Mr. Malfoy would like to enter the classroom."
Harry blushed and started walking towards his seat between Ron and Hermione. Malfoy then walked cockily past Snape who dipped his head in a hello, and sat down between Pansy and Zabini Blaise, second year Slytherin, who, due to her prodigious skills, was bumped to this class.
"Today," gravely said Snape, "we're going to be making a Prenticorn poultice for the larders of our school infirmary."
"Now," he said with a cocked eyebrow, "do any of you students care to explain to me what a Prenticorn poultice does?" Snape then scanned the classroom with a cool unconcerned gaze that ignored the upright hand of Zabini and the attention seeking hand of Hermione. Snape then turned his back to the class.
"Mr.Potter!" Snape said with a smile and cold amusement as he turned and faced Harry. "Potter, tell me, what is a Prenticorn poultice?"
Harry looked at Snape and his palms started to sweat. "I.uh.I." Harry's mind started to race as he looked back through every mental note he took in this class. "A Prenticorn poultice is.is."
Snape leaned in closer. "A Prenticorn poultice is?"
Harry was going to just give up when he saw Malfoy. He was pointing towards some parchment with bold letters on it.
PRENTICORN POULTICE CURES EXTREMELY SEVERE BURNS!
"A Prenticorn poultice," said Harry with new confidence, "is a poultice meant to cure severe burns."
Snape opened his mouth slightly, but he went silent and the darkness in his eyes intensified. He then stood up to his full height and went back to the head of the class.
"As Mr. Potter oh so eloquently stated, Prenticorn poultices which are from the horns of stillborn unicorns, and phoenixes, cure extremely severe burns. Everyone, please form up into pairs and get to work."
Harry looked towards Ron and Hermione, who were already sitting together as partners.
"Oh!" Said Hermione awkwardly. "Ron, uh, you join Harry, I'll be with Patil,
"No it's all right," said Harry kindly, "you guys can go work together, I'll find a partner." Hermione and Ron simultaneously sighed with relief and went back to working.
"What's going on with those two," thought Harry as he looked for a partner, "it's like they are hiding something."
Harry scanned the classroom; everyone seemed to be paired except for Neville, a jinx at potions, Pansy, and Malfoy. Pansy was making a run towards Malfoy, but Malfoy seeing this, casually walked towards to Harry.
"Do you have a partner?" Asked Malfoy all prim and proper.
"Nope." Said Harry.
"All right," said Malfoy with an inward sigh of relief, "lets get to work."
"Pure blood Malfoy wants to work with me?" Said Harry with mock- incredulity.
"Stow it Potter!" Hissed Malfoy. "Or would you rather be working with Miss Parkinson."
The potion itself wasn't that hard, but there were many, including Harry who thought it was very wrong and disturbing to be using the fetuses of unicorns for it. In fact, Harry could hear the distinctive whimpers of many girls (including Hermione) who felt horrible about this. As Harry was stirring the ingredients in, Malfoy muttered something.
"You're welcome by the way."
Harry let out an indignant snort. "You're the one who got me into this."
Malfoy turned around and tossed back his blond hair in an arrogant way. "My fault? I-
"No talking in class!" Hissed Snape. Malfoy then reached out for some parchment and proceeded to write.
I may have a mischievous streak, Potter, but do try to understand I have a
nice side as well as a reputation to keep!
"I bet," muttered Harry, who was ignoring the fact that the cauldron he was stirring was starting to boil and shoot out red sparks.
"Careful!" Chided Malfoy. "The brew is done, now turn off the heat!"
Harry put out the fire, and the sparks died out, yet one flew and hit his hand.
"Ow!" cursed Harry under his breath, there was a red mark where the spark hit his left hand.
Malfoy sighed. "Hold out your hand!"
Harry looked at Malfoy, "Why?"
Malfoy rolled his eyes, "Do you want me to cure your hand or not?"
"That's a tough one," said Harry, "your altruism isn't something I look forward to."
Malfoy stuck out his tongue at Harry and Harry chuckled. Malfoy then dipped his right hand into the still steaming brew.
"Malfoy!" Said Harry. "Your hand!"
"Relax Potter," tittered Malfoy, "the brew, when done correctly, which is surprising considering you helped in making it, will not harm anyone."
Malfoy then put his hand over Harry's burnt hand and started rubbing the wound in circles. The relief Harry felt was instant.
"Cor," said Harry with a smile, "this thing does work."
Malfoy nodded as he kept rubbing Harry's hand.
"Uh.Malfoy?" Said Harry.
"Yeah?" Said Malfoy.
"You can stop rubbing my hand," sniggered Harry, "unless you like doing it or something."
Malfoy stopped suddenly and glared at Harry.
"Whatever," said Malfoy icily, "well I must be going Potter, class is dismissed."
Harry looked around and realized everyone was packing up and leaving. Ron and Hermione were outside waiting for him.
"Well, take care Malfoy." Said Harry. Malfoy then cracked a grin.
"What is it?" Asked Harry.
"You were right about the ink Potter," said Malfoy, "I'd watch out where you open it."
Harry pulled out the ink, which was in a now cracked bottle. Harry then beamed.
"Oh, like I shouldn't open it near you?" Said Harry.
Malfoy paled and ducked as Harry opened up the inkbottle in Malfoy's direction. Surprisingly, the ink actually launched itself out of the bottle and didn't hit Malfoy, yet flew straight over him and onto Pansy. The whole hallway went silent as Pansy started growing mushrooms all over her shirt and hands.
"Ewwww!" She moaned, and she ran down the hallway, nearly bursting in tears.
"Now you've done it," said Malfoy with a malevolent grin, "we're never gonna hear the end of this one." With that, Malfoy went down towards the dungeon and Harry went back to Ron and Hermione; who for some reason, were smiling at Harry.
"Heyas!" said Harry.
Ron and Hermione just broke out laughing.
"Guys?" asked Harry.
"Oh Harry!" Laughed Hermione. "You really were adorable in potions class!"
Harry cocked up his eyebrow. "Adorable?"
"Malfoy and you," she continued, "its adorable!"
With this last comment they both burst out laughing and leaned against the wall for support.
"Will you two cram it?!" Burst out Harry in a fit of sudden defensive anger.
They both fell silent. "Look," said Harry, "I had a burn on my hand, he just fixed it up."
"But," said Ron with a laugh, "if you needed a hand job you should've asked me!"
Once again they were both on the floor laughing, and Harry just ran right through them.
"Ron!" Chided Hermione in between her laughing. "We're really horrible towards Harry!"
Ron nodded, "Don't worry, we'll make it up to him!"
"Should we tell him," said Hermione, "about us?"
Ron then put his arm around Hermione's waist. "Nah, baby" said Ron, "we be cool, pimpin this relation up on the hizzay."
Hermione looked at Ron with a weird look. "What was that?" She inquired amusedly.
"Well," said Ron blushing, "I've been listening to muggle radio and this "ebonics" thing seems kind of fun, just wanted to see your reaction."
"Ron," said Hermione, "I love the magical world and you BECAUSE you're the farthest thing from the muggle world."
"Oh is that it?!" Said Ron with mock offense. "I'm not charming? I'm not attractive? Well, I guess you can just sleep in your bed by yourself tonight!"
"Shh!" Said Hermione. "Be quiet, it's hard enough explaining those noises at night to the girls, I don't need a teacher finding out about us breaking dorm rules!"