Alex versus Snape
Harry woke up the next morning, fully energized. He lay in his four-poster and sighed happily. Suddenly, Alex's face appeared in his mind. He felt his face grew warmer as he shook the image away. He glanced at his watch and saw that it was a quarter past six. Fighting an urge to take his Firebolt and fly immediately, he washed up and pulled on his Quidditch robes. Ron awoke when he was pulling on his gloves.
"'Arry. whaztetime?" Ron muttered thickly.
"Half past six."
"Whatcha doing?" Ron yawned and rubbed his eyes.
"Getting ready for Quidditch practice of course, our new Keeper!" Harry grinned. Ron blinked at him, before he finally remembered that he was invited to join the Gryffindor team. Like a ferret, he bounced out of bed and pulled on his Hogwarts robes.
"Get your brothers. I'll get the girls. Meet you at the pitch in half-an- hour," Harry instructed as he shouldered his Firebolt and headed towards the girls' dormitories. He met Alex at the 'bridge' between the boys and girls' dormitories. She was too, dressed in Quidditch robes and holding her Firebolt. Her long raven hair was tied up tightly in a ponytail.
"Alex! Where did you get the robes?"
"Angelina and Alicia gave it to me. I think it belongs to Katie," Alex replied. She looked nervously at Harry, as though waiting for his opinion.
"It fit you just right," Harry smiled. A wide smile spread across Alex's face, and Harry felt his heart thumped faster. He looked away and changed the subject.
"Where are Angelina and Alicia?"
"Still changing. They say they will meet us at the Quidditch pitch with the balls," Alex said. Harry nodded and showed her the way to the Quidditch pitch. Alex shocked Harry by climbing on her Firebolt suddenly, and speeding off to the Quidditch pitch once they were out of the school. Harry sped after her. The two of them did not stop at the Quidditch pitch. They continue flying around in sharp zigzags, doing dangerous flips and dodges. They didn't even notice that the rest of the team had arrived until Angelina set a Bludger after them.
"Alright, first and foremost, let's vote for a captain," Angelina said. Harry called out for Angelina herself, while Fred and George called for Harry.
"Not me!" Harry exclaimed. "I'm still. too. young! Besides. I have O.W.Ls this year!"
"We have our N.E.W.Ts," Fred replied coolly. Harry bit his lips, but Ron patted him heavily on the back.
"Harry, you can! You are the youngest player in a century! If you can't be the captain no one else can."
Harry stammered weakly. "But."
Six encouraging faces smiled back at him. Harry nodded in resignation. Fred and George hi-fived each other. They turned to him. "Alright, captain? Now what?"
Harry looked at Alex and Ron. "Training. We'll start for the Chaser position. Ok, Ron, you'll stay here, and erm. look after the Bludgers." Harry cast a nervous look at the wriggling balls, and suddenly had a serious doubt of the strength of the chains that bound them. Ron nodded. "Fred, George and I will be the opposing team. Angelina, Alicia, Alex, the three of you will be one team. Alright?"
Five heads nodded. Within seconds, the six of them were in air. Ron threw the Quaffle and Alex caught it immediately. Fred and George appeared in front of her, but she deftly zigzagged past them. Alex pushed herself forward and the broom sped forward towards the three golden hoops. Harry appeared at the last minute, catching the Quaffle in time. He threw the big red ball back and Fred caught it. He turned to throw it to George, only to have Alex intercepting it like lightning. She turned towards her right, and Harry steered towards his left. Alex raised her arm with the Quaffle, and Harry got ready to catch. To his surprise, she threw it at the hoop furthest away from them. Before Harry could register what happened, Alex had caught the ball again and scored. He gaped at Alex, and could see four other mouths doing the same movement as his. He had a pretty strong hunch that Ron had his mouth wide open too. He Summoned the ball back, and gestured for another round. Harry pushed himself forward and threw the ball as hard as he could, only to see a red blur catching it and speeding off in the opposite direction. By the time Harry turned his head, Alex had scored again. This time, the Quidditch pitch erupted into applause. Harry turned and saw half the Gryffindors clapping. They were even more shocked to see the head of Gryffindor house, Professor McGonagall, there as well. She looked suspiciously about to cry, while another tall, burly guy who looked suspiciously like Oliver Wood was clapping so hard, his entire body was shaking. Colin and Denise Creevy were snapping away, the flash from their cameras flickering rapidly as the team continued their practice.
An hour later, the girls' team had scored approximately three hundred goals, while the boys had only fifty. As the team lands back onto the ground, Hermione rushed to them with a large flask and a stack of paper cups in her hands. Oliver was close on her heels.
"Pumpkin juice, courtesy of Professor McGonagall." The team cheered slightly. Oliver pulled Alex aside and began his interrogation of where she learnt Quidditch. Ron looked extremely amazed at Alex that he told the team that he will give the Chaser position up.
"With Alex around, we will have the Quidditch Cup for sure!" Ron exclaimed. "I'll go for the Keeper!"
Harry nodded and lent Ron his Firebolt. He instructed the rest of the team to try to score from various distance. Alex was the first to score, as instructed by Oliver, who reasoned by saying that he hadn't finish his questioning. Harry, Fred and George rolled their eyes and Harry blew the whistle provided by Oliver. Alex threw the ball towards the middle and tallest hoop. Ron, who was at the second tallest hoop, sped forward and knocked the ball away. Alex caught the ball again and tried to score in the shortest hoop. Ron sped forward and volleyed the ball back. Alex turn towards the second tallest hoop. Ron zigzagged past the three hoops, did a sharp turn at the stem of the third hoop, and caught the ball as he did a somersault in the air. The crowd erupted into an applause, with Harry and Hermione clapping the loudest. One by one, the other team members took their turn to score. Ron blocked most of them, except one of Angelina and Alicia's each. He was beaming like a beacon when he touched down. Hermione was so exultant that she flung herself on Ron, literally jumping with delight. But when Ron returned the Firebolt to Harry, his face fell. His face remained that way even when Harry handed him his Quidditch robes.
"What's wrong, Ron?" Harry asked
"I can only do that if I'm on a Firebolt. My Comet will just stumble if I try any of the stunts I did just now."
Harry bit his lips. "Well, if you want, I can buy one Firebolt for."
Ron shook his head. "I can't and won't accept that! Not after what you did for my family!"
Harry flushed. "I told you not to mention it."
Ron ignored Harry and stomped out of the changing rooms, muttering something like, "I HATE being poor!"
* * *
The next morning, the fifth-years were given their timetables. Harry and Ron groaned when they realized that they were taking Potions with the Slytherins, and they were having it that very day. After Potions is Divination, and followed by Transfigurations. Hermione had Arithmacy instead of Divinations.
"Great, two of our most hated subjects after another, for two days!" Ron exclaimed. Alex cocked an eyebrow.
"Is Potions and Divinations that bad?"
"Bad would be a praise for those two subjects," Harry replied, sighing deeply. At Alex's puzzled look, Harry and Ron told her about the unfair treatment Snape gave them, and how their Divinations teacher, Professor Trelawny had predicted Harry's death for about a hundred times. Alex gave a little mischievous grin.
"That would sound like fun."
"Fun?!" Harry and Ron replied incredulously.
Alex grinned even wider, her dimple danced and her eyes sparkled. Harry could feel the same thump he felt every time Alex smiles.
"Would you mind if Gryffindor loses points if you can see Snape awed at Gryffindor?"
Ron, Hermione and Harry exchanged a look. "As long as it doesn't amounts to a hundred points."
"Don't worry. I'll make sure he gives some of those points back."
Harry and Ron suddenly wished for their Potions lessons to come faster.
* * *
Later that morning, the four of them headed towards the Potions classroom. Alex sat between Ron and Neville, while Hermione sat behind them. Harry saw Malfoy and his friends eyeing Alex dangerously and took the seat next to Ron. Professor Snape entered the room with the usual banging of the door, and sweeping of cloak. He turned smoothly, and smiled coldly at his class.
"Well, well, Miss Alexandra Chang, our new student." Professor Snape drawled. Harry glared at Snape, while Alex smiled sweetly at him.
"Yes, Professor Snape. I believe the entire school knew that at the Sorting Ceremony, even if you are somewhere on planet Mars."
The class, at least, half the class giggled. Harry bit his lips while Ron and Hermione were covering their mouth trying to disguise their laughter as coughs. Professor Snape narrowed his eyes and glared even more menacingly at Alex.
"Five points from Gryffindor," Professor Snape snapped. Alex grinned.
"Why?"
"Because of your cheekiness!" Professor Snape snarled. Alex grinned even wider.
"How 'bout I earn back those five points by answering your questions, Professor? After all, I believe that torturing Gryffindors is your specialty?" Alex said this so sweetly and casually, that it seemed as though she was asking a waiter at a restaurant. Hermione, Ron and Harry were practically red with the exertion of trying not to laugh at Professor Snape's reaction.
"Another five points from Gryffindor!" Professor Snape growled. He forced a fake smile, which Alex met with another dazzling smile.
"Alright. I'll ask five questions. If you can answer them, I'll award ten points per question. If you can't, I'll deduct a hundred points from your house."
Alex nodded and stood up. "But first, I must request to seat alone, in case you accuse Ron, Harry, Hermione or Neville for giving me the answers."
Professor Snape smirked slightly and nodded. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Neville walked away from her and sat at places two tables above them. Hermione caught sight of Alex's wand shooting out a small white spark from the tip and wondered what tricks she had up her sleeve.
"Alright, Miss Chang. What is known as the Four Diamonds?"
Harry looked expectantly at Hermione, who looked back at him with a blank look. She shook her head and shrugged. Harry started fretting. Hermione was and is the smartest witch in Harry's year, if not the whole school. For her not to know something in lessons must be of an extreme standard. To his surprise, Alex's voice answered coolly.
"The Four Diamonds are four special stones found in the stomach of four specific fishes, two seawater, two freshwater. As the stones looked like four types of precious stones found in the Muggle world, the founder, who is also known as Nicolas Flamel, named it the Four Diamonds. The four fishes are salmon, cod, carp and red snapper respectively. But not all of these fishes possess the stones. Only fishes that are fertilized female, but have not yet laid eggs have the stone in their stomach, as when these fishes lay eggs, the stone usually comes out with the eggs. The stone in the salmon is similar to topaz, thus named as Topazanite; the stone in cod is similar to diamond, thus named Diamonite; the stone in a carp is similar to an aquamarine, thus named Aquanite; last, but not least, the stone found in a red snapper is similar to garnet, thus named Garnite."
The class, even Professor Snape were astounded by Alex's answer. Hermione was seen copying down all Alex had said frantically. Harry knew that he was supposed to take down notes, but somehow, his hands would not work.
Professor Snape cleared his throat, obviously uncomfortable. "Alright, next question, what is known as the Three Essences?" Harry looked at Hermione, who returned with a blank look, and a frantic searching of her three-inches thick notebook.
"The Three Essences refers to the essence of three plants that can last through the four seasons. Usually, not many plants could last through winter, but a herbologist named Helen Layman found out that there are such plants in China. They are: bamboo, pine and snow blossom. The essence of these plants, when combined with the Four Diamonds, is able to cure many ailments."
Harry's roommates, Seamus and Dean looked about to applause, but stopped when they saw Professor's Snape's furious look. Professor Snape nodded to acknowledge the answer.
"Third question, what is the nature of the potion known as the Miracle Draught? Fourth, what are the ingredients needed for this potion?"
Hermione poised her quail at her notebook, getting ready to take notes. Harry and Ron simply looked on with awe.
Alex took a deep breath and replied. "The Miracle Draught, also known as Miraculosmeth, (Me-rah-cue-lost-myth) has the ability to weaken the effects of curses like the Impendiment Jinx, Imperius Curse, Cruciatus Curse etc. The ingredients needed for this potion are the Four Diamonds, and also, a flower found only in a wide grass field. As it is only available in countries with seasonal weather, and in wide places, it is extremely rare. It is the Silver Pollen, or the Silverious Pollenite. This flower, like its name, had silver-coloured pollen instead of yellow ones. Another crucial ingredient for the Miracle Draught is the bile of a cobra known as the Amber Cobra, or the Amberous Cobrious. You'll need to boil the Four Diamonds for twenty days and twenty nights, before adding in the stem of the Silver Pollen. After you added in the stem, you'll need to let the potion boil for another three days. Followed the bile of the cobra. After which, you add in the flowers of the Silver Pollen. Boil for exactly an hour, and cool it immediately. Failure to do so will result in a poisonous potion instead of the Miracle Draught."
By this time, even the Slytherins were taking down notes, which was definitely a first in Harry's five years of Potions lessons. He gave up trying to copy notes, and listen to Alex at the same time, deciding to copy the notes from Hermione at break time.
Professor Snape, however, seemed infuriated by Alex's, no doubt correct, answers. His knitted brows and narrowed eyes however, soften into a smile.
"Alright, final question. What will be the effect if you added the Three Essences to the Miracle Draught?"
Alex widened her eyes slightly. But she smiled, seeing the cunning look on Professor Snape's face. "Adding the Three Essences to the Miracle Draught will make no difference. However, adding another set of Four Diamonds to the potion will create a draught." Alex paused and turned to Harry. Harry stared back quizzically. "That could weaken the effects of the killing curse."
This caused a loud buzz throughout the classroom. Professor Snape, with an equally puzzled look on his face, banged his table for attention.
"Why did you lie, Miss Chang? It is a known fact that there's no counter curse for the killing curse?"
Alex smiled again. "There is no counter curse, but this potion can prevent the drinker from being killed by the curse, however, the drinker will sustain internal injuries instead. Although the drinker still suffers, but this potion provides a chance for him or her to be saved."
Professor Snape looked at Alex with raised eyebrows. "And how did you know about that?"
Alex's eyes sparkled with pleasure. "Because I created that potion."
A louder buzz burst out from the class. Harry, Hermione and Ron stared at Alex with their jaws wide open. Professor Snape banged the table again for attention. "And is it possible for you to prove the effects of this potion of yours?"
Alex pulled out a small phial out of her pocket. In it is a clear, pale blue solution. "This is the potion. If you want, you can use the curse on me, after I drink the potion."
Harry, Hermione and Ron exclaimed at the same time. Alex ignored them and stared at Professor Snape.
"And if the potion didn't work, I'll be responsible for a murder," Professor Snape reasoned. For the first time, Harry could see concern in Professor Snape's black eyes.
Alex pulled out her wand, which she had been holding since the start of lesson, and waved. She muttered something under her breath, and a white round image played before their eyes.
"And is it possible for you to prove the effects of this potion of yours?"
"This is the potion. If you want, you can use the curse on me, after I drink the potion."
"Alex!"
"And if the potion didn't work, I'll be responsible for a murder."
Alex muttered something beneath her breath and smile at Professor Snape. "Well? I will teach Harry how to do this charm. If anything should happen to me, just explain it as, a self-sacrificial purpose for an important breakthrough in the art of potions."
Harry, who had ran down while the image was being played, whispered furiously. "No! Alex!"
Alex discreetly placed a hand on Harry's arm. She whispered back. "I'll be fine. I believe Madam Pomfrey is a very good nurse?"
"She's one in a million," Harry replied, thinking of the times he spent in the hospital wing. Alex whispered the charm to Harry and turned back to Professor Snape, and nodded. She drank the potion, and pushed Harry away. The class automatically edge away from Alex. Professor Snape raised his arm and muttered, "Avada Kedavra." A jet of green light hit Alex, who gasped in pain and collapsed. Harry hurried to her side, followed by Hermione and Ron. The class gathered around Harry, who was taking her pulse.
"She's alive, but her pulse is weak," Harry announced. With one easy lift, he carried Alex up, and headed off to the hospital wing.
'She survived the killing curse!' Harry thought.
* * *
Madam Pomfrey gave Alex a potion to drink, and promised Harry that Alex will be up and about in an hour's time. Harry left the hospital wing reluctantly and headed back to Potions. The class was in chaos, with every other person wanting to know the recipe of the potion. Hermione was squeezing past the class, trying to get to her notebook, which was being pass around the whole class. Harry saw Professor Snape himself writing quickly in his book. After a chaotic half an hour, Professor Snape carried on with his own lesson, but this time, a more detailed information of the ingredients of the Miracle Draught, the Four Diamonds, and the Three Essences were given to the class. Harry copied so much that his arm was trembling slightly when the lesson ended. The class were to do a research on the Four Diamonds and Three Essences for their homework. For the very first time in Harry's five years in Hogwarts, or as Ron says, history of Hogwarts, a Potions class ended with the students talking with furore and anticipation about the assignment. Harry, Ron and Hermione were discussing about Alex's knowledge about the Four Diamonds, Three Essences and Miracle Draught when even Hermione had no clue about it. There were also no such ingredients noted in their textbook. Just then, Professor McGonagall's voice echoed throughout the school.
"Please take note that all Divination and Arithmacy classes had been called off today due to medical reasons from these two professors: Professor Trelawny, and Professor Vector. All pupils affected are to take note that the next one and a half hours will be free. Thank you."
Ron exclaimed in delight. "Great! We can do our research now!" Harry and Hermione nodded, and the three of them ran to the library. Hermione split the three of them to look at different sections, with her looking in the Stones section, Ron in the Herbology section, and Harry the Magical Animals section. The three of them returned with three encyclopaedias, each about six inches thick. An hour later, Harry left the library for the hospital wing, leaving Ron and Hermione copying notes feverishly.
As Madam Pomfrey promised, Alex was sitting up on the bed, stretching her back. Harry was so relieved to see Alex well that he ran over and held her tightly in his arms. Alex accepted the hug somewhat awkwardly. Harry only let go of Alex when Madam Pomfrey cleared her throat and announced that Alex was now able to leave.
"Where did you learn all that?" Harry asked.
"I take Advanced Potions in my old school two years ago. That stuff was taught to me when I was in third year. We did a research on enhancing and improving the Miracle Draught last year as a house. We only managed to prove that it works on animals, but not human body yet. I'll have to send Amber to inform my friends.
"Amber?"
"My owl."
"Oh." Harry then told her about the research assignment, and invited her into the group. Alex accepted readily, and raced Harry to the library. Harry, meanwhile, was wondering why his hands felt so empty.
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Thanks to bloodredsword, red dragon order and phire phoenix for their reviews!!! To phire phoenix: Yes I'm Chinese, but the info on China is from a comic I read called The Celestial Zone. =) To BloodRedSword: ~_^ (TCZ.. Familiar right? =D) To red dragon order: I don't understand. can enlighten me?
Harry woke up the next morning, fully energized. He lay in his four-poster and sighed happily. Suddenly, Alex's face appeared in his mind. He felt his face grew warmer as he shook the image away. He glanced at his watch and saw that it was a quarter past six. Fighting an urge to take his Firebolt and fly immediately, he washed up and pulled on his Quidditch robes. Ron awoke when he was pulling on his gloves.
"'Arry. whaztetime?" Ron muttered thickly.
"Half past six."
"Whatcha doing?" Ron yawned and rubbed his eyes.
"Getting ready for Quidditch practice of course, our new Keeper!" Harry grinned. Ron blinked at him, before he finally remembered that he was invited to join the Gryffindor team. Like a ferret, he bounced out of bed and pulled on his Hogwarts robes.
"Get your brothers. I'll get the girls. Meet you at the pitch in half-an- hour," Harry instructed as he shouldered his Firebolt and headed towards the girls' dormitories. He met Alex at the 'bridge' between the boys and girls' dormitories. She was too, dressed in Quidditch robes and holding her Firebolt. Her long raven hair was tied up tightly in a ponytail.
"Alex! Where did you get the robes?"
"Angelina and Alicia gave it to me. I think it belongs to Katie," Alex replied. She looked nervously at Harry, as though waiting for his opinion.
"It fit you just right," Harry smiled. A wide smile spread across Alex's face, and Harry felt his heart thumped faster. He looked away and changed the subject.
"Where are Angelina and Alicia?"
"Still changing. They say they will meet us at the Quidditch pitch with the balls," Alex said. Harry nodded and showed her the way to the Quidditch pitch. Alex shocked Harry by climbing on her Firebolt suddenly, and speeding off to the Quidditch pitch once they were out of the school. Harry sped after her. The two of them did not stop at the Quidditch pitch. They continue flying around in sharp zigzags, doing dangerous flips and dodges. They didn't even notice that the rest of the team had arrived until Angelina set a Bludger after them.
"Alright, first and foremost, let's vote for a captain," Angelina said. Harry called out for Angelina herself, while Fred and George called for Harry.
"Not me!" Harry exclaimed. "I'm still. too. young! Besides. I have O.W.Ls this year!"
"We have our N.E.W.Ts," Fred replied coolly. Harry bit his lips, but Ron patted him heavily on the back.
"Harry, you can! You are the youngest player in a century! If you can't be the captain no one else can."
Harry stammered weakly. "But."
Six encouraging faces smiled back at him. Harry nodded in resignation. Fred and George hi-fived each other. They turned to him. "Alright, captain? Now what?"
Harry looked at Alex and Ron. "Training. We'll start for the Chaser position. Ok, Ron, you'll stay here, and erm. look after the Bludgers." Harry cast a nervous look at the wriggling balls, and suddenly had a serious doubt of the strength of the chains that bound them. Ron nodded. "Fred, George and I will be the opposing team. Angelina, Alicia, Alex, the three of you will be one team. Alright?"
Five heads nodded. Within seconds, the six of them were in air. Ron threw the Quaffle and Alex caught it immediately. Fred and George appeared in front of her, but she deftly zigzagged past them. Alex pushed herself forward and the broom sped forward towards the three golden hoops. Harry appeared at the last minute, catching the Quaffle in time. He threw the big red ball back and Fred caught it. He turned to throw it to George, only to have Alex intercepting it like lightning. She turned towards her right, and Harry steered towards his left. Alex raised her arm with the Quaffle, and Harry got ready to catch. To his surprise, she threw it at the hoop furthest away from them. Before Harry could register what happened, Alex had caught the ball again and scored. He gaped at Alex, and could see four other mouths doing the same movement as his. He had a pretty strong hunch that Ron had his mouth wide open too. He Summoned the ball back, and gestured for another round. Harry pushed himself forward and threw the ball as hard as he could, only to see a red blur catching it and speeding off in the opposite direction. By the time Harry turned his head, Alex had scored again. This time, the Quidditch pitch erupted into applause. Harry turned and saw half the Gryffindors clapping. They were even more shocked to see the head of Gryffindor house, Professor McGonagall, there as well. She looked suspiciously about to cry, while another tall, burly guy who looked suspiciously like Oliver Wood was clapping so hard, his entire body was shaking. Colin and Denise Creevy were snapping away, the flash from their cameras flickering rapidly as the team continued their practice.
An hour later, the girls' team had scored approximately three hundred goals, while the boys had only fifty. As the team lands back onto the ground, Hermione rushed to them with a large flask and a stack of paper cups in her hands. Oliver was close on her heels.
"Pumpkin juice, courtesy of Professor McGonagall." The team cheered slightly. Oliver pulled Alex aside and began his interrogation of where she learnt Quidditch. Ron looked extremely amazed at Alex that he told the team that he will give the Chaser position up.
"With Alex around, we will have the Quidditch Cup for sure!" Ron exclaimed. "I'll go for the Keeper!"
Harry nodded and lent Ron his Firebolt. He instructed the rest of the team to try to score from various distance. Alex was the first to score, as instructed by Oliver, who reasoned by saying that he hadn't finish his questioning. Harry, Fred and George rolled their eyes and Harry blew the whistle provided by Oliver. Alex threw the ball towards the middle and tallest hoop. Ron, who was at the second tallest hoop, sped forward and knocked the ball away. Alex caught the ball again and tried to score in the shortest hoop. Ron sped forward and volleyed the ball back. Alex turn towards the second tallest hoop. Ron zigzagged past the three hoops, did a sharp turn at the stem of the third hoop, and caught the ball as he did a somersault in the air. The crowd erupted into an applause, with Harry and Hermione clapping the loudest. One by one, the other team members took their turn to score. Ron blocked most of them, except one of Angelina and Alicia's each. He was beaming like a beacon when he touched down. Hermione was so exultant that she flung herself on Ron, literally jumping with delight. But when Ron returned the Firebolt to Harry, his face fell. His face remained that way even when Harry handed him his Quidditch robes.
"What's wrong, Ron?" Harry asked
"I can only do that if I'm on a Firebolt. My Comet will just stumble if I try any of the stunts I did just now."
Harry bit his lips. "Well, if you want, I can buy one Firebolt for."
Ron shook his head. "I can't and won't accept that! Not after what you did for my family!"
Harry flushed. "I told you not to mention it."
Ron ignored Harry and stomped out of the changing rooms, muttering something like, "I HATE being poor!"
* * *
The next morning, the fifth-years were given their timetables. Harry and Ron groaned when they realized that they were taking Potions with the Slytherins, and they were having it that very day. After Potions is Divination, and followed by Transfigurations. Hermione had Arithmacy instead of Divinations.
"Great, two of our most hated subjects after another, for two days!" Ron exclaimed. Alex cocked an eyebrow.
"Is Potions and Divinations that bad?"
"Bad would be a praise for those two subjects," Harry replied, sighing deeply. At Alex's puzzled look, Harry and Ron told her about the unfair treatment Snape gave them, and how their Divinations teacher, Professor Trelawny had predicted Harry's death for about a hundred times. Alex gave a little mischievous grin.
"That would sound like fun."
"Fun?!" Harry and Ron replied incredulously.
Alex grinned even wider, her dimple danced and her eyes sparkled. Harry could feel the same thump he felt every time Alex smiles.
"Would you mind if Gryffindor loses points if you can see Snape awed at Gryffindor?"
Ron, Hermione and Harry exchanged a look. "As long as it doesn't amounts to a hundred points."
"Don't worry. I'll make sure he gives some of those points back."
Harry and Ron suddenly wished for their Potions lessons to come faster.
* * *
Later that morning, the four of them headed towards the Potions classroom. Alex sat between Ron and Neville, while Hermione sat behind them. Harry saw Malfoy and his friends eyeing Alex dangerously and took the seat next to Ron. Professor Snape entered the room with the usual banging of the door, and sweeping of cloak. He turned smoothly, and smiled coldly at his class.
"Well, well, Miss Alexandra Chang, our new student." Professor Snape drawled. Harry glared at Snape, while Alex smiled sweetly at him.
"Yes, Professor Snape. I believe the entire school knew that at the Sorting Ceremony, even if you are somewhere on planet Mars."
The class, at least, half the class giggled. Harry bit his lips while Ron and Hermione were covering their mouth trying to disguise their laughter as coughs. Professor Snape narrowed his eyes and glared even more menacingly at Alex.
"Five points from Gryffindor," Professor Snape snapped. Alex grinned.
"Why?"
"Because of your cheekiness!" Professor Snape snarled. Alex grinned even wider.
"How 'bout I earn back those five points by answering your questions, Professor? After all, I believe that torturing Gryffindors is your specialty?" Alex said this so sweetly and casually, that it seemed as though she was asking a waiter at a restaurant. Hermione, Ron and Harry were practically red with the exertion of trying not to laugh at Professor Snape's reaction.
"Another five points from Gryffindor!" Professor Snape growled. He forced a fake smile, which Alex met with another dazzling smile.
"Alright. I'll ask five questions. If you can answer them, I'll award ten points per question. If you can't, I'll deduct a hundred points from your house."
Alex nodded and stood up. "But first, I must request to seat alone, in case you accuse Ron, Harry, Hermione or Neville for giving me the answers."
Professor Snape smirked slightly and nodded. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Neville walked away from her and sat at places two tables above them. Hermione caught sight of Alex's wand shooting out a small white spark from the tip and wondered what tricks she had up her sleeve.
"Alright, Miss Chang. What is known as the Four Diamonds?"
Harry looked expectantly at Hermione, who looked back at him with a blank look. She shook her head and shrugged. Harry started fretting. Hermione was and is the smartest witch in Harry's year, if not the whole school. For her not to know something in lessons must be of an extreme standard. To his surprise, Alex's voice answered coolly.
"The Four Diamonds are four special stones found in the stomach of four specific fishes, two seawater, two freshwater. As the stones looked like four types of precious stones found in the Muggle world, the founder, who is also known as Nicolas Flamel, named it the Four Diamonds. The four fishes are salmon, cod, carp and red snapper respectively. But not all of these fishes possess the stones. Only fishes that are fertilized female, but have not yet laid eggs have the stone in their stomach, as when these fishes lay eggs, the stone usually comes out with the eggs. The stone in the salmon is similar to topaz, thus named as Topazanite; the stone in cod is similar to diamond, thus named Diamonite; the stone in a carp is similar to an aquamarine, thus named Aquanite; last, but not least, the stone found in a red snapper is similar to garnet, thus named Garnite."
The class, even Professor Snape were astounded by Alex's answer. Hermione was seen copying down all Alex had said frantically. Harry knew that he was supposed to take down notes, but somehow, his hands would not work.
Professor Snape cleared his throat, obviously uncomfortable. "Alright, next question, what is known as the Three Essences?" Harry looked at Hermione, who returned with a blank look, and a frantic searching of her three-inches thick notebook.
"The Three Essences refers to the essence of three plants that can last through the four seasons. Usually, not many plants could last through winter, but a herbologist named Helen Layman found out that there are such plants in China. They are: bamboo, pine and snow blossom. The essence of these plants, when combined with the Four Diamonds, is able to cure many ailments."
Harry's roommates, Seamus and Dean looked about to applause, but stopped when they saw Professor's Snape's furious look. Professor Snape nodded to acknowledge the answer.
"Third question, what is the nature of the potion known as the Miracle Draught? Fourth, what are the ingredients needed for this potion?"
Hermione poised her quail at her notebook, getting ready to take notes. Harry and Ron simply looked on with awe.
Alex took a deep breath and replied. "The Miracle Draught, also known as Miraculosmeth, (Me-rah-cue-lost-myth) has the ability to weaken the effects of curses like the Impendiment Jinx, Imperius Curse, Cruciatus Curse etc. The ingredients needed for this potion are the Four Diamonds, and also, a flower found only in a wide grass field. As it is only available in countries with seasonal weather, and in wide places, it is extremely rare. It is the Silver Pollen, or the Silverious Pollenite. This flower, like its name, had silver-coloured pollen instead of yellow ones. Another crucial ingredient for the Miracle Draught is the bile of a cobra known as the Amber Cobra, or the Amberous Cobrious. You'll need to boil the Four Diamonds for twenty days and twenty nights, before adding in the stem of the Silver Pollen. After you added in the stem, you'll need to let the potion boil for another three days. Followed the bile of the cobra. After which, you add in the flowers of the Silver Pollen. Boil for exactly an hour, and cool it immediately. Failure to do so will result in a poisonous potion instead of the Miracle Draught."
By this time, even the Slytherins were taking down notes, which was definitely a first in Harry's five years of Potions lessons. He gave up trying to copy notes, and listen to Alex at the same time, deciding to copy the notes from Hermione at break time.
Professor Snape, however, seemed infuriated by Alex's, no doubt correct, answers. His knitted brows and narrowed eyes however, soften into a smile.
"Alright, final question. What will be the effect if you added the Three Essences to the Miracle Draught?"
Alex widened her eyes slightly. But she smiled, seeing the cunning look on Professor Snape's face. "Adding the Three Essences to the Miracle Draught will make no difference. However, adding another set of Four Diamonds to the potion will create a draught." Alex paused and turned to Harry. Harry stared back quizzically. "That could weaken the effects of the killing curse."
This caused a loud buzz throughout the classroom. Professor Snape, with an equally puzzled look on his face, banged his table for attention.
"Why did you lie, Miss Chang? It is a known fact that there's no counter curse for the killing curse?"
Alex smiled again. "There is no counter curse, but this potion can prevent the drinker from being killed by the curse, however, the drinker will sustain internal injuries instead. Although the drinker still suffers, but this potion provides a chance for him or her to be saved."
Professor Snape looked at Alex with raised eyebrows. "And how did you know about that?"
Alex's eyes sparkled with pleasure. "Because I created that potion."
A louder buzz burst out from the class. Harry, Hermione and Ron stared at Alex with their jaws wide open. Professor Snape banged the table again for attention. "And is it possible for you to prove the effects of this potion of yours?"
Alex pulled out a small phial out of her pocket. In it is a clear, pale blue solution. "This is the potion. If you want, you can use the curse on me, after I drink the potion."
Harry, Hermione and Ron exclaimed at the same time. Alex ignored them and stared at Professor Snape.
"And if the potion didn't work, I'll be responsible for a murder," Professor Snape reasoned. For the first time, Harry could see concern in Professor Snape's black eyes.
Alex pulled out her wand, which she had been holding since the start of lesson, and waved. She muttered something under her breath, and a white round image played before their eyes.
"And is it possible for you to prove the effects of this potion of yours?"
"This is the potion. If you want, you can use the curse on me, after I drink the potion."
"Alex!"
"And if the potion didn't work, I'll be responsible for a murder."
Alex muttered something beneath her breath and smile at Professor Snape. "Well? I will teach Harry how to do this charm. If anything should happen to me, just explain it as, a self-sacrificial purpose for an important breakthrough in the art of potions."
Harry, who had ran down while the image was being played, whispered furiously. "No! Alex!"
Alex discreetly placed a hand on Harry's arm. She whispered back. "I'll be fine. I believe Madam Pomfrey is a very good nurse?"
"She's one in a million," Harry replied, thinking of the times he spent in the hospital wing. Alex whispered the charm to Harry and turned back to Professor Snape, and nodded. She drank the potion, and pushed Harry away. The class automatically edge away from Alex. Professor Snape raised his arm and muttered, "Avada Kedavra." A jet of green light hit Alex, who gasped in pain and collapsed. Harry hurried to her side, followed by Hermione and Ron. The class gathered around Harry, who was taking her pulse.
"She's alive, but her pulse is weak," Harry announced. With one easy lift, he carried Alex up, and headed off to the hospital wing.
'She survived the killing curse!' Harry thought.
* * *
Madam Pomfrey gave Alex a potion to drink, and promised Harry that Alex will be up and about in an hour's time. Harry left the hospital wing reluctantly and headed back to Potions. The class was in chaos, with every other person wanting to know the recipe of the potion. Hermione was squeezing past the class, trying to get to her notebook, which was being pass around the whole class. Harry saw Professor Snape himself writing quickly in his book. After a chaotic half an hour, Professor Snape carried on with his own lesson, but this time, a more detailed information of the ingredients of the Miracle Draught, the Four Diamonds, and the Three Essences were given to the class. Harry copied so much that his arm was trembling slightly when the lesson ended. The class were to do a research on the Four Diamonds and Three Essences for their homework. For the very first time in Harry's five years in Hogwarts, or as Ron says, history of Hogwarts, a Potions class ended with the students talking with furore and anticipation about the assignment. Harry, Ron and Hermione were discussing about Alex's knowledge about the Four Diamonds, Three Essences and Miracle Draught when even Hermione had no clue about it. There were also no such ingredients noted in their textbook. Just then, Professor McGonagall's voice echoed throughout the school.
"Please take note that all Divination and Arithmacy classes had been called off today due to medical reasons from these two professors: Professor Trelawny, and Professor Vector. All pupils affected are to take note that the next one and a half hours will be free. Thank you."
Ron exclaimed in delight. "Great! We can do our research now!" Harry and Hermione nodded, and the three of them ran to the library. Hermione split the three of them to look at different sections, with her looking in the Stones section, Ron in the Herbology section, and Harry the Magical Animals section. The three of them returned with three encyclopaedias, each about six inches thick. An hour later, Harry left the library for the hospital wing, leaving Ron and Hermione copying notes feverishly.
As Madam Pomfrey promised, Alex was sitting up on the bed, stretching her back. Harry was so relieved to see Alex well that he ran over and held her tightly in his arms. Alex accepted the hug somewhat awkwardly. Harry only let go of Alex when Madam Pomfrey cleared her throat and announced that Alex was now able to leave.
"Where did you learn all that?" Harry asked.
"I take Advanced Potions in my old school two years ago. That stuff was taught to me when I was in third year. We did a research on enhancing and improving the Miracle Draught last year as a house. We only managed to prove that it works on animals, but not human body yet. I'll have to send Amber to inform my friends.
"Amber?"
"My owl."
"Oh." Harry then told her about the research assignment, and invited her into the group. Alex accepted readily, and raced Harry to the library. Harry, meanwhile, was wondering why his hands felt so empty.
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Thanks to bloodredsword, red dragon order and phire phoenix for their reviews!!! To phire phoenix: Yes I'm Chinese, but the info on China is from a comic I read called The Celestial Zone. =) To BloodRedSword: ~_^ (TCZ.. Familiar right? =D) To red dragon order: I don't understand. can enlighten me?