Chapter Twenty-four

Flying Practise

"Almost!" Malfoy called across from his broom as he pelted a quaffle towards me. I reached out and caught it, throwing it back to him.

"At least I'm catching it now!" I called back, my face flushed with effort. Quidditch wasn't easy!

"Hang on." I called to Draco. I could see red robed players coming out onto the pitch.

"The Gryffindor team, come to practise." Malfoy mocked. He chucked the quaffle at me again.

"Do you think it's worth me watching them?" I asked, throwing the ball back again.

"Possibly." Malfoy replied, this time not throwing it back. I saw Harry Potter soar up through the air with great grace. He was Malfoy's rival, not only in Quidditch as a seeker.

"Trying to train up a new player Malfoy?" Fred Weasley asked, George not far behind.

"Oh don't flatter me. I've hardly ever watched Quidditch, let alone played it." I saw Harry come up behind the Weasley twins as I spoke. I wanted to go up to him and ask him if he could spare a moment, but I couldn't muster the strength.

After the Easter holiday came the summer term, and the emphasis was very much on exams. Next year we'd be taking our NEWTs and leaving Hogwarts.

"As Potions is the hardest subject, I will be increasing your homework this term in preparation for your exam." There was a groan as Snape announced it. I knew he was only doing what all the other teachers were doing, but I was fast seeing my head disappear under work. So far Snape and I had kept our Sunday night meetings, but more recently they'd been shorter as we had little to say to each other and Snape had marking to do, increased as he increased student homework. Tonight I had a question for him though.

"Have you got any plans for the summer?" I asked casually, not wanting to go direct for the kill. Severus put his quill into the inkpot on his desk and then continued writing.

"Avenging your mother's death, keeping an eye on you… oh and of course… killing Voldermort." Throughout his little speech, he'd kept marking.

"Funny that. I'm doing exactly the same…You know where I'm getting at?" I asked tentatively.

"First two weeks of summer are always spent at Hogwarts, clearing up, making inventories etc. Like watching Muggle plants grow. Most of the teachers then go back to their respective families or homes and return as early as August 1st in preparation for the school term." I looked impressed.

"That's dedication."

"I'm glad you feel that. I'll appreciate your help those first two weeks."

"Of course." I sighed slightly.

"Now, what mark should I give Mr Malfoy for his essay…" My head snapped round, and Snape gave an evil grin.

"Mr Malfoy mean something to you Elixa?" I narrowed my eyes.

"Should it concern you?" After I spoke, I snapped my tongue back, regretting letting that out.

"As his father is a death eater, yes it does."

"It doesn't mean Draco's evil too!" I snapped. As I did, Snape looked angrily behind me, his eyes widening.

"Slatero- get- out!" I spun round and saw Quirrell backing out through the closed door. When he was gone I looked back to Snape.

"I'm not supporting your relationship with him. Don't ever think I will."

"I never expected you would. I've not asked you too either." It was stalemate. Snape gave a slight sigh, indicating he was backing out of this argument. I dropped my head.

"I'm sorry." I slumped down onto the chair before the desk and put a hand to my head.

"Malfoy's not done anything against me, and we do get on very well. I will be careful. Shall I let Quirrell in?" Snape nodded.

"If that's all we have to say."

"I think it is." I left the office. Quirrell passed me as I came out. I didn't give him as much as a glance.