Okay, Okay.I'm guilty. Don't kill me. Sorry it took so long to post.
Homework and job finally passed me up and I had to catch up. I'm sure
everyone knows how that feels.
Lunarian Amethyst: For shame on me. I went back to Ch. 3 and you were right. ~gasp~ I did forget to thank all my readers. ~bows head sheepishly~ I'm sort of on the forgetful side, so. ~raising head determinedly~ I hereby decree that you all have every right to knock me over the head if I forget again. ~smiles~ Thanks Amethyst. Oh! As for the broom, we all know he had a firebolt, I just assumed that after 3 years they'd have upgraded. Thus, the lightning bolt.
Purple Haired Freak: Thanks! I really appreciate the wonderful review! As for the updates, I swear I'm working on them. ~smiles~
JP and S: Never will your reviews be a bother. I desire them! I need them! Write! WRITE! Till your hearts desire!
Seito no Senshi: Arigato!! ( see who says you don't learn anything from reading other fics. ~grins~ By the way, no offence taken. True to Haruka's character, she would be the one less open. Believe me, I'm kinda scaring myself as to how I'm writing them. All I can say is..you'll see.
Jupiter's Light: Thanks, I'm glad you like it.
Fate's child: Thanks! And see, you don't have to wait any longer. Which reminds me, where is your update?
Fire's Dew: Thanks for the Review! And be prepared to receive many reviews on your stories that I've missed reading.
Lita of Jupiter: Thank you soooooooo much for the review. ^_^
Silver Moon Goddess: Truly thanks. Glad ya like it.
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon and Harry Potter belong to their respective trademarks.
/Lunarian language/
~thinking~
|subconcious|
Part 4
As it turned out, every class was to be taken with Slytherin.
"What luck! We have Mako for every class." Stated Haruka while looking at her class schedule.
"You mean bad luck," groaned Ron. "I swear it's like we're being punished! "
"Seriously twisted." Added Dean.
"Well, punishment or not, we need to get our things and head to class or we'll be late." Hermione said while she gathered her books.
"Aww, can't we relish in this peace and joy before we go and muck it up by going to potions." Whined Ron.
"Double potions at that." Added Seamus. "And our first class."
"It can't be that bad? Can it?" asked Haruka.
"Oh yes it can," answered Harry. "Especially in potions. Snape teaches it, and since he is head of Slytherin house, he favors them greatly."
"Really.hmm.well then, we'll just have to make it un-bad won't we?" Said Haruka with a mischievous smile.
"There is no such word as 'un-bad' Haruka." Corrected Hermione who was already standing. "I need to go lead the first years to the dorm room, so I'll meet you three in the common room in fifteen minutes." With that Hermione left with skittish first years in tow.
"Don't worry mate," laughed Ron. "She always does that to us."
"Me worried! About her! Please, I've got one just like her back home." Said Haruka.
"Come on, let's go get our things." Said Harry. "We'll meet you in class Dean, Seamus."
"Right. Later."
Harry, Ron and Haruka stood from the table and left.
In the Gryffindor common room, all three had just finished signing up for the elective class as they waited for Hermione.
"So, Haruka, how are we gonna make our situation un-bad." Asked Harry.
"Well, you remember what I said about Mako-chan didn't you?"
"Yeah, but what does that have to do with anything?"
"If you recall, I said she was my 'ruthless rival' correct?"
A nod.
"And you have Malfoy as yours, correct?"
Another nod.
"Well, I don't know about how your rivalry is, but before I had graduated sc-"
"Graduated?!" interrupted Harry. "How old are you?"
"Well..physically, eighteen." Haruka said in thought. Then nodding to herself as in agreement. "Yes, just turned eighteen."
"Dumbledore let you attend Hogwarts when you've already reached age?" asked Ron. "Better yet, you wanted to come to school.by your choice!?!"
Haruka laughed. This boy was just so refreshing, so innocent. "First of all, who in their right mind would choose to come to school?"
"Umm, Hermione." Said Harry.
"I said in their 'right' mind Harry." Drawled Haruka. This caused both the other boys to laugh. "Second, it wasn't by choice."
"Whew! Had me going. Almost thought that I befriended another school obsessed woman." Sighed Ron in relief.
"I heard that Ronald Arthur Weasley."
Ron's eyes widened at being caught and slowly turned to face his girlfriend. "Because then it would feel as if I was sharing you and I don't want that. I want you all to myself." He quickly amended.
Hermione furiously blushed, depleting her anger. "Oh Ron! How sweet of you." Walking up to him she kissed his cheek, "just for that I'll let it slide," then went passed him toward the bulletin board to sign into the elective class.
"Nice save." Whispered Harry. "Considering he usually crumbles before her, I give it a 8. You?"
"Technique needs a little work. It was a little rushed, but all in all, it was passable. I give it a 7."
"Oh stuff it." Ron said. "That was close."
"Come on you guys. We're going to be late." Called Hermione from the open painting.
Stepping out into the hallway, Haruka resumed their prior conversation. "As I was saying, before I graduated, Mako and I had kept score with our rivalry. I'm sure we can continue it here. And if we add Malfoy, it will certainly make it even more interesting."
"But we already do that. That's how they keep track of all the houses." Said Harry.
"But it's not the same. You see, these are personal points." Explained Haruka. "In house points, you can't really figure out who out wits who since there are others involved."
"Ok. I'm lost." Confessed Ron.
"Wouldn't be the first time," muttered Hermione.
Ron scowled at her, then ignored her. "What's the difference, as long as we win in the end?"
"There's a big difference Ron. Tell me, how do you know that you personally out witted Malfoy?" asked Haruka. "Mind that I said 'personally'."
"Personally? Well.um."
"Exactly. You don't know because you have to take in consideration all the other points your fellow house mates have earned."
"Well, yeah. That's how it usually works."
"And that is the beauty of our system. In the end, we know exactly who the victor is. Who is superior to the other." Stated Haruka. "So, are you all game?"
They had stopped outside of potions when Harry and Ron looked at each for a moment, each with a smile. "We're in!"
Hermione said nothing and entered the half-filled class. She was surprised to find that her seat was already taken. "What do you think you doing Kino?"
Her question stopped all current activity and had made her friends to fully enter the classroom behind her.
Makoto, for her part, was very comfortable in her seat. When they had first entered all her housemates sat up front. She had never liked sitting up front so, much to the unvoiced displeasure of the other Slytherins, especially Draco, she opted to sit next to a very skittish gryffindor boy who occupied the middle desk.
"Hi, I'm Makoto. You are?"
"N-Nev-Neville L-Longbottom." The boy nervously said.
Mako smiled at him. "Are you stuttering because I'm a Slytherin or because I'm a pretty girl?"
Neville blushed and lowered his head. "Both"
"Don't worry Neville, I won't bite unless you ask." Mako coyly said. "So, is it alright with you that I be your potions partner?"
"Are you sure? I'm not really good. In fact, I'm a fated disaster." He whispered, turning away from her.
"Darlin', I'm always sure. And as for you being a disaster, have faith."
Neville's head turned to see the new girl smiling at him, causing him to smile.
Having been there a few minutes, no one dared to say anything about her chosen partner, until now. Makoto leaned back into the chair and looked at the girl.
"Who are you?"
"Hermione Granger. And I asked you a question."
"Ah! The head girl." Mused Mako. "And to answer your question, I'm sitting."
"I can see that. What are you doing sitting there? Slytherins sit up front."
"Really? I don't see Gryffindors insignia on the desk."
"It doesn't need it. I always sit next to Neville. So please move." Hermione said with determination.
Neville, for his part, just stayed quiet.
Raising her hand to her chin, Makoto tapped her finger against her lips as she studied the girl before her. Making up her mind, she leaned forward, elbows on the desk, "Nah!" she said while shaking her head in emphasis. "I like this seat, so you'll just have to find somewhere else to sit."
"Look, if you're doing this just to scar-"
Makoto just ignored her. "Haruka, be a dear and call off your dog." She interrupted.
By this time, the class was full and all the Slytherins erupted in laughter. Some actually barking for effect. Hermione for her part was burning, but before she could say anything, Professor Snape entered the room.
"Everyone shut up and sit down."
Needless to say, Hermione ended up behind Makoto, next to Haruka.
"Let's recap and see if any of you actually learned anything last year." Glowering at his students, he finally noticed something was different. Low and behold, it didn't take long for him to discover it.
"Miss Kino."
"Yes Professor?"
"Wouldn't you prefer to sit next to Mr. Malfoy? He is my top student and you will be able to catch on with him as a partner."
"Thank you Professor, but I like this seat. And I'm sure Neville here will be a great help."
At that comment all the slytherins laughed.
"That will be the day." Snickered Parkinson. "That bungling fool can barely stir without causing an accident!"
At the comment, Neville lowered his head.
Snape scowled, but didn't reprimand the girl. "I highly advise Malfoy as a partner Kino."
"Thank you Professor. I'll take your advice under consideration. For now though, I will sit here." Makoto answered sweetly.
The class became quiet. No one had ever talked back to Snape.
Snape only deepened his scowl. "Very well. If you're sure?"
Makoto only nodded.
"In that case, I want you all to make the Truikit potion."
Noise filled the room as students searched and reached for the ingredients needed.
"Quietly!"
************~~~~~*******
"So, Neville, what is this potion?"
"It's a disabling potion created by a female witch who was scorned. It is intended to.." burning red, Neville tried to think of the best way to explain such a painful thought. "um..it makes it hurt really, really bad down there."
Makoto giggled. "Smart woman."
"It's horrifying! How can you say she was smart?"
"Because Neville, this woman didn't let anyone walk all over her." She said as she finished gathering all the ingredients. "and that is smart. So, what do we do now?"
"First, we add the bat's heart and 4 parts of citrus sinesis that are cut in ¼ inches." With that said, Neville unceremoniously dumped the heart into the cauldron. He then proceeded to cut the citrus sinesis with shaky hands into what he seemed to believe were all equally ¼. He then carelessly through those in as well. "Now we stir twice counter clockwise, then four times clockwise." This too was done clumsily. "Okay, now we add green hellebore cut in two equal parts." To which was not cut equally. "Half a leaf of henbane," which looked more like it was the whole leaf. "and 1/5 of hemlock fruit," which really was half the fruit. All inaccurately cut herbs were added to the cauldron. "And we let it simmer for one minute." When a minute passed, Makoto saw Neville add more than what was needed of dragon's blood and camphor. All of a sudden, the concoction started to bubble, spilling out of the cauldron.
"Um..Neville, is it suppose to do that?" Makoto asked as she stepped back from it.
"I don't think so."
"You don't think so!" Makoto took another step back.
Just as it suddenly started to bubble, it stopped. Nothing, not even a poof of smoke. Seeming to think it's safe, Neville peered into the potion to check its condition. Boy did that turn out to be a bad move. The cauldron exploded with such ferocity that it violently threw back those nearest to their desk. Neville on the other hand, who was right at the core of the explosion, was catapulted to the back wall. Hitting it with a thud, he slumped down to the floor unconscious. Snape, who was at his desk, looked up in astonishment. He quickly glided to each student to check on their condition.
"Is everyone ok?" He roughly asked.
"Yes professor."
"I think Neville got the brunt of it." Haruka said has she steadied Hermione.
"I don't doubt that" sneered Snape as he checked on the status of Neville. "Stupid boy," he muttered as he conjured a stretcher for him. "You all stay here. I'll be right back. Those, whose potions weren't ruined, return to it. Those whose has, start over." With that he took the unconscious boy to the Med wing.
After Snape had left, they weren't quick to return to their projects. They were still to shocked to move. All except one. Hermione pushed Haruka off her and walk over to Makoto, who was leaning on one of the unharmed desks with Malfoy next to her.
"This is all your fault!"
Makoto who was straitening her robes, looked to the angry gryffindor. "Pardon me?"
"You heard me. If you had only done as I asked and moved this would have never happened." This was quickly followed by a resounded slap.
Makoto was totally surprised by the girls' action. The anger that fueled the slap was enough to actually snap her head back. Her own eyes then narrowed in anger, shifting her emerald colored eyes to a blackish green.
Haruka, recognizing Mako's ready to kill face, walked behind Hermione and pulled her back to stand behind her.
By this time, Mako was already facing them. "Move."
"Now, now Mako. Calm down. She made a mistake."
"I. Don't. Care."
All the while Ron, who had a protective hold over Hermione, and Harry moved to stand behind Haruka.
"You'll end up killing her and you know we aren't aloud." Haruka was dead set on not moving. She knew of her partners' wrath, and Hermione would have been laying on the floor dead by now.
"Perish the thought that I go against orders." Was the sarcastic reply. "Now move!"
"Look, it's my fault. I haven't yet had time to warn them." Makoto seemed not to have heard and continued to stare right through her and to Hermione. "I can be just as stubborn. Now calm down before you do something you'll regret."
Not even a blink.
"Look at me!"
Makoto's eyes shifted to lock gazes with the blonde.
"I understand that you want to make her pay, hell, I'd be in the same state if someone slapped me. But you need to realize that not only is she physically weaker than you are, but magically. Now calm down. I have a better solution."
After a few seconds, glaring black green eyes returned to their usual emerald color. Anger still there, but not as deadly.
"Good. Now that I have your attention, I would like to make a proposition to you."
Makoto said nothing, only waited for her friend to continue.
"I would like to restart out little game, with the inclusion of Harry and Ron, against yourself and Malfoy. Are you in agreement?"
A delicate eyebrow raised at the unexpected proposal. She quite liked the idea and was about to turn to Draco to see if he would consent, but his hand that settled on her shoulder told her that he did. "I'll agree on one condition."
"What's that?"
"You get no help from the living dead."
"I'm appalled at such an accusation." Dramatically holding her hand to her chest in mock hurt. "Honestly Mako-chan, have you no faith in me."
"To this day I still question that choice. " was the retort. "Now cut the melodrama, the look doesn't suit you."
"Very well, I agree."
"Then do it."
"Is it really necessary?" Haruka reluctantly asked.
"Yes. I have no doubt she would try to help Potter and Weasel."
"Can't we just make her promise? I'm sure her wo-"
"Oh for fucks sake Ruka!" Mako interrupted. And before Haurka could even respond, a sparkling green orb quickly materialized in her hand and threw it at its intended victim.
Hermione cried out as she felt the orb meld within her, feeling each and every painful zap. She then fell to the floor, slightly twitching every now and then.
The rest of the gryffindors quickly surrounded their fallen housemate, trying to make sure she was alright.
Harry was positively furious. How dare she! With wand in hand she turned and pointed it directly between Kino's eyes. "What did you do?!"
Makoto said nothing at first. She wasn't even worried about the wand. She was more interested in why she was staring into very familiar eyes. Storing that question for later, she merely raised an eyebrow. "Nothing compared to what I should have."
"Why you-"
"That's enough Harry." Interrupted Haruka as she helped Ron lift a motionless Hermione. "Snape's coming." And with those words everyone quickly returned to their projects.
Snape entered his class, robes billowing behind him. He took one look at his 'innocent' looking class and scowled. Striding up to his desk he quickly took his quill and resumed writing on his parchment.
"25 points from Gryffindor for Miss Grangers' sleeping time in my class."
TBC...
~sigh~ I personally think this truly lacked imagination. Well, except the end. Go ahead..criticisms and praise are both welcomed by pressing the review button.
~smiles~ Nebula
Lunarian Amethyst: For shame on me. I went back to Ch. 3 and you were right. ~gasp~ I did forget to thank all my readers. ~bows head sheepishly~ I'm sort of on the forgetful side, so. ~raising head determinedly~ I hereby decree that you all have every right to knock me over the head if I forget again. ~smiles~ Thanks Amethyst. Oh! As for the broom, we all know he had a firebolt, I just assumed that after 3 years they'd have upgraded. Thus, the lightning bolt.
Purple Haired Freak: Thanks! I really appreciate the wonderful review! As for the updates, I swear I'm working on them. ~smiles~
JP and S: Never will your reviews be a bother. I desire them! I need them! Write! WRITE! Till your hearts desire!
Seito no Senshi: Arigato!! ( see who says you don't learn anything from reading other fics. ~grins~ By the way, no offence taken. True to Haruka's character, she would be the one less open. Believe me, I'm kinda scaring myself as to how I'm writing them. All I can say is..you'll see.
Jupiter's Light: Thanks, I'm glad you like it.
Fate's child: Thanks! And see, you don't have to wait any longer. Which reminds me, where is your update?
Fire's Dew: Thanks for the Review! And be prepared to receive many reviews on your stories that I've missed reading.
Lita of Jupiter: Thank you soooooooo much for the review. ^_^
Silver Moon Goddess: Truly thanks. Glad ya like it.
Disclaimer: Sailor Moon and Harry Potter belong to their respective trademarks.
/Lunarian language/
~thinking~
|subconcious|
Part 4
As it turned out, every class was to be taken with Slytherin.
"What luck! We have Mako for every class." Stated Haruka while looking at her class schedule.
"You mean bad luck," groaned Ron. "I swear it's like we're being punished! "
"Seriously twisted." Added Dean.
"Well, punishment or not, we need to get our things and head to class or we'll be late." Hermione said while she gathered her books.
"Aww, can't we relish in this peace and joy before we go and muck it up by going to potions." Whined Ron.
"Double potions at that." Added Seamus. "And our first class."
"It can't be that bad? Can it?" asked Haruka.
"Oh yes it can," answered Harry. "Especially in potions. Snape teaches it, and since he is head of Slytherin house, he favors them greatly."
"Really.hmm.well then, we'll just have to make it un-bad won't we?" Said Haruka with a mischievous smile.
"There is no such word as 'un-bad' Haruka." Corrected Hermione who was already standing. "I need to go lead the first years to the dorm room, so I'll meet you three in the common room in fifteen minutes." With that Hermione left with skittish first years in tow.
"Don't worry mate," laughed Ron. "She always does that to us."
"Me worried! About her! Please, I've got one just like her back home." Said Haruka.
"Come on, let's go get our things." Said Harry. "We'll meet you in class Dean, Seamus."
"Right. Later."
Harry, Ron and Haruka stood from the table and left.
In the Gryffindor common room, all three had just finished signing up for the elective class as they waited for Hermione.
"So, Haruka, how are we gonna make our situation un-bad." Asked Harry.
"Well, you remember what I said about Mako-chan didn't you?"
"Yeah, but what does that have to do with anything?"
"If you recall, I said she was my 'ruthless rival' correct?"
A nod.
"And you have Malfoy as yours, correct?"
Another nod.
"Well, I don't know about how your rivalry is, but before I had graduated sc-"
"Graduated?!" interrupted Harry. "How old are you?"
"Well..physically, eighteen." Haruka said in thought. Then nodding to herself as in agreement. "Yes, just turned eighteen."
"Dumbledore let you attend Hogwarts when you've already reached age?" asked Ron. "Better yet, you wanted to come to school.by your choice!?!"
Haruka laughed. This boy was just so refreshing, so innocent. "First of all, who in their right mind would choose to come to school?"
"Umm, Hermione." Said Harry.
"I said in their 'right' mind Harry." Drawled Haruka. This caused both the other boys to laugh. "Second, it wasn't by choice."
"Whew! Had me going. Almost thought that I befriended another school obsessed woman." Sighed Ron in relief.
"I heard that Ronald Arthur Weasley."
Ron's eyes widened at being caught and slowly turned to face his girlfriend. "Because then it would feel as if I was sharing you and I don't want that. I want you all to myself." He quickly amended.
Hermione furiously blushed, depleting her anger. "Oh Ron! How sweet of you." Walking up to him she kissed his cheek, "just for that I'll let it slide," then went passed him toward the bulletin board to sign into the elective class.
"Nice save." Whispered Harry. "Considering he usually crumbles before her, I give it a 8. You?"
"Technique needs a little work. It was a little rushed, but all in all, it was passable. I give it a 7."
"Oh stuff it." Ron said. "That was close."
"Come on you guys. We're going to be late." Called Hermione from the open painting.
Stepping out into the hallway, Haruka resumed their prior conversation. "As I was saying, before I graduated, Mako and I had kept score with our rivalry. I'm sure we can continue it here. And if we add Malfoy, it will certainly make it even more interesting."
"But we already do that. That's how they keep track of all the houses." Said Harry.
"But it's not the same. You see, these are personal points." Explained Haruka. "In house points, you can't really figure out who out wits who since there are others involved."
"Ok. I'm lost." Confessed Ron.
"Wouldn't be the first time," muttered Hermione.
Ron scowled at her, then ignored her. "What's the difference, as long as we win in the end?"
"There's a big difference Ron. Tell me, how do you know that you personally out witted Malfoy?" asked Haruka. "Mind that I said 'personally'."
"Personally? Well.um."
"Exactly. You don't know because you have to take in consideration all the other points your fellow house mates have earned."
"Well, yeah. That's how it usually works."
"And that is the beauty of our system. In the end, we know exactly who the victor is. Who is superior to the other." Stated Haruka. "So, are you all game?"
They had stopped outside of potions when Harry and Ron looked at each for a moment, each with a smile. "We're in!"
Hermione said nothing and entered the half-filled class. She was surprised to find that her seat was already taken. "What do you think you doing Kino?"
Her question stopped all current activity and had made her friends to fully enter the classroom behind her.
Makoto, for her part, was very comfortable in her seat. When they had first entered all her housemates sat up front. She had never liked sitting up front so, much to the unvoiced displeasure of the other Slytherins, especially Draco, she opted to sit next to a very skittish gryffindor boy who occupied the middle desk.
"Hi, I'm Makoto. You are?"
"N-Nev-Neville L-Longbottom." The boy nervously said.
Mako smiled at him. "Are you stuttering because I'm a Slytherin or because I'm a pretty girl?"
Neville blushed and lowered his head. "Both"
"Don't worry Neville, I won't bite unless you ask." Mako coyly said. "So, is it alright with you that I be your potions partner?"
"Are you sure? I'm not really good. In fact, I'm a fated disaster." He whispered, turning away from her.
"Darlin', I'm always sure. And as for you being a disaster, have faith."
Neville's head turned to see the new girl smiling at him, causing him to smile.
Having been there a few minutes, no one dared to say anything about her chosen partner, until now. Makoto leaned back into the chair and looked at the girl.
"Who are you?"
"Hermione Granger. And I asked you a question."
"Ah! The head girl." Mused Mako. "And to answer your question, I'm sitting."
"I can see that. What are you doing sitting there? Slytherins sit up front."
"Really? I don't see Gryffindors insignia on the desk."
"It doesn't need it. I always sit next to Neville. So please move." Hermione said with determination.
Neville, for his part, just stayed quiet.
Raising her hand to her chin, Makoto tapped her finger against her lips as she studied the girl before her. Making up her mind, she leaned forward, elbows on the desk, "Nah!" she said while shaking her head in emphasis. "I like this seat, so you'll just have to find somewhere else to sit."
"Look, if you're doing this just to scar-"
Makoto just ignored her. "Haruka, be a dear and call off your dog." She interrupted.
By this time, the class was full and all the Slytherins erupted in laughter. Some actually barking for effect. Hermione for her part was burning, but before she could say anything, Professor Snape entered the room.
"Everyone shut up and sit down."
Needless to say, Hermione ended up behind Makoto, next to Haruka.
"Let's recap and see if any of you actually learned anything last year." Glowering at his students, he finally noticed something was different. Low and behold, it didn't take long for him to discover it.
"Miss Kino."
"Yes Professor?"
"Wouldn't you prefer to sit next to Mr. Malfoy? He is my top student and you will be able to catch on with him as a partner."
"Thank you Professor, but I like this seat. And I'm sure Neville here will be a great help."
At that comment all the slytherins laughed.
"That will be the day." Snickered Parkinson. "That bungling fool can barely stir without causing an accident!"
At the comment, Neville lowered his head.
Snape scowled, but didn't reprimand the girl. "I highly advise Malfoy as a partner Kino."
"Thank you Professor. I'll take your advice under consideration. For now though, I will sit here." Makoto answered sweetly.
The class became quiet. No one had ever talked back to Snape.
Snape only deepened his scowl. "Very well. If you're sure?"
Makoto only nodded.
"In that case, I want you all to make the Truikit potion."
Noise filled the room as students searched and reached for the ingredients needed.
"Quietly!"
************~~~~~*******
"So, Neville, what is this potion?"
"It's a disabling potion created by a female witch who was scorned. It is intended to.." burning red, Neville tried to think of the best way to explain such a painful thought. "um..it makes it hurt really, really bad down there."
Makoto giggled. "Smart woman."
"It's horrifying! How can you say she was smart?"
"Because Neville, this woman didn't let anyone walk all over her." She said as she finished gathering all the ingredients. "and that is smart. So, what do we do now?"
"First, we add the bat's heart and 4 parts of citrus sinesis that are cut in ¼ inches." With that said, Neville unceremoniously dumped the heart into the cauldron. He then proceeded to cut the citrus sinesis with shaky hands into what he seemed to believe were all equally ¼. He then carelessly through those in as well. "Now we stir twice counter clockwise, then four times clockwise." This too was done clumsily. "Okay, now we add green hellebore cut in two equal parts." To which was not cut equally. "Half a leaf of henbane," which looked more like it was the whole leaf. "and 1/5 of hemlock fruit," which really was half the fruit. All inaccurately cut herbs were added to the cauldron. "And we let it simmer for one minute." When a minute passed, Makoto saw Neville add more than what was needed of dragon's blood and camphor. All of a sudden, the concoction started to bubble, spilling out of the cauldron.
"Um..Neville, is it suppose to do that?" Makoto asked as she stepped back from it.
"I don't think so."
"You don't think so!" Makoto took another step back.
Just as it suddenly started to bubble, it stopped. Nothing, not even a poof of smoke. Seeming to think it's safe, Neville peered into the potion to check its condition. Boy did that turn out to be a bad move. The cauldron exploded with such ferocity that it violently threw back those nearest to their desk. Neville on the other hand, who was right at the core of the explosion, was catapulted to the back wall. Hitting it with a thud, he slumped down to the floor unconscious. Snape, who was at his desk, looked up in astonishment. He quickly glided to each student to check on their condition.
"Is everyone ok?" He roughly asked.
"Yes professor."
"I think Neville got the brunt of it." Haruka said has she steadied Hermione.
"I don't doubt that" sneered Snape as he checked on the status of Neville. "Stupid boy," he muttered as he conjured a stretcher for him. "You all stay here. I'll be right back. Those, whose potions weren't ruined, return to it. Those whose has, start over." With that he took the unconscious boy to the Med wing.
After Snape had left, they weren't quick to return to their projects. They were still to shocked to move. All except one. Hermione pushed Haruka off her and walk over to Makoto, who was leaning on one of the unharmed desks with Malfoy next to her.
"This is all your fault!"
Makoto who was straitening her robes, looked to the angry gryffindor. "Pardon me?"
"You heard me. If you had only done as I asked and moved this would have never happened." This was quickly followed by a resounded slap.
Makoto was totally surprised by the girls' action. The anger that fueled the slap was enough to actually snap her head back. Her own eyes then narrowed in anger, shifting her emerald colored eyes to a blackish green.
Haruka, recognizing Mako's ready to kill face, walked behind Hermione and pulled her back to stand behind her.
By this time, Mako was already facing them. "Move."
"Now, now Mako. Calm down. She made a mistake."
"I. Don't. Care."
All the while Ron, who had a protective hold over Hermione, and Harry moved to stand behind Haruka.
"You'll end up killing her and you know we aren't aloud." Haruka was dead set on not moving. She knew of her partners' wrath, and Hermione would have been laying on the floor dead by now.
"Perish the thought that I go against orders." Was the sarcastic reply. "Now move!"
"Look, it's my fault. I haven't yet had time to warn them." Makoto seemed not to have heard and continued to stare right through her and to Hermione. "I can be just as stubborn. Now calm down before you do something you'll regret."
Not even a blink.
"Look at me!"
Makoto's eyes shifted to lock gazes with the blonde.
"I understand that you want to make her pay, hell, I'd be in the same state if someone slapped me. But you need to realize that not only is she physically weaker than you are, but magically. Now calm down. I have a better solution."
After a few seconds, glaring black green eyes returned to their usual emerald color. Anger still there, but not as deadly.
"Good. Now that I have your attention, I would like to make a proposition to you."
Makoto said nothing, only waited for her friend to continue.
"I would like to restart out little game, with the inclusion of Harry and Ron, against yourself and Malfoy. Are you in agreement?"
A delicate eyebrow raised at the unexpected proposal. She quite liked the idea and was about to turn to Draco to see if he would consent, but his hand that settled on her shoulder told her that he did. "I'll agree on one condition."
"What's that?"
"You get no help from the living dead."
"I'm appalled at such an accusation." Dramatically holding her hand to her chest in mock hurt. "Honestly Mako-chan, have you no faith in me."
"To this day I still question that choice. " was the retort. "Now cut the melodrama, the look doesn't suit you."
"Very well, I agree."
"Then do it."
"Is it really necessary?" Haruka reluctantly asked.
"Yes. I have no doubt she would try to help Potter and Weasel."
"Can't we just make her promise? I'm sure her wo-"
"Oh for fucks sake Ruka!" Mako interrupted. And before Haurka could even respond, a sparkling green orb quickly materialized in her hand and threw it at its intended victim.
Hermione cried out as she felt the orb meld within her, feeling each and every painful zap. She then fell to the floor, slightly twitching every now and then.
The rest of the gryffindors quickly surrounded their fallen housemate, trying to make sure she was alright.
Harry was positively furious. How dare she! With wand in hand she turned and pointed it directly between Kino's eyes. "What did you do?!"
Makoto said nothing at first. She wasn't even worried about the wand. She was more interested in why she was staring into very familiar eyes. Storing that question for later, she merely raised an eyebrow. "Nothing compared to what I should have."
"Why you-"
"That's enough Harry." Interrupted Haruka as she helped Ron lift a motionless Hermione. "Snape's coming." And with those words everyone quickly returned to their projects.
Snape entered his class, robes billowing behind him. He took one look at his 'innocent' looking class and scowled. Striding up to his desk he quickly took his quill and resumed writing on his parchment.
"25 points from Gryffindor for Miss Grangers' sleeping time in my class."
TBC...
~sigh~ I personally think this truly lacked imagination. Well, except the end. Go ahead..criticisms and praise are both welcomed by pressing the review button.
~smiles~ Nebula