Oliver's potion class was in twenty minutes, and he was walking with Lee towards Snape's musty dungeon. "We're in for Potions with the Ravenclaws. Their lesson was missed a few days ago because of the Quidditch match. They're making up for it today." He said. Oliver simply nodded; his mind was still fixed on the earlier incident of breakfast.
They entered the classroom with most of the students already in their seats. It was nearly full, with two Houses sharing the same class. Hardly any seats were available, but Lee spotted one near Snape's desk. "Come on, there's a seat for two." He hissed into Oliver's ear before dragging him over. He followed Lee, and when they got there, Lee shoved him in before taking a seat himself. "Oi, you should tell your friend to ask first." A familiar voice said, in an apprehending manner. Oliver looked up to his side and saw Mae! "Oh, sorry about that Mae. He just got a little frantic. We'd hate to take this lesson standing up." He sheepishly said, elbowing Lee without much remorse. "I'd rather not take this lesson, but I don't want to fail either." She sighed, flicking through her book.
"Settle down everybody. I don't want to be giving out detentions before class even starts." Snape's silky voice said. Instantly, the class began to settle. "Now, as most of you have noticed, we are unusually full today. That is because a Quidditch game was held the day we were supposed to discuss Healing potions, and most of you found it acceptable to forego learning in exchange for a fleeting victory. I was highly affronted by the decision, but I have decided against my better judgment to let you take this class with the Gryffindors. Be warned though; I will not allow this to happen again. Understood?" he asked in a voice that kept the class listening. Without waiting for an answer, Snape waved his wand and letters appeared on the board. "Read the pages that are written on the board, and I will be calling each of you in turn to answer questions on the topic you would have read. I will give you twenty minutes, starting now. Anybody I catch doing otherwise will earn a week's detention." He said, reclining in his chair to the sound of students taking out books and opening them.
Mae made a face before flipping open to the said page. The noise soon dwindled down to a mere flipping of pages and Snape tapping his wand on his desk. Oliver was reading on the ingredients of the Scar-healing potion when he heard something fall down. He took a look under his desk and saw that Lee had dropped the lid of his inkpot. "Psst, Lee. Your ink pot lid." He discreetly said. Lee looked down and made an 'OK' sign along with an eyebrow message that said, "I'll pick it up after class." Oliver nodded and returned to his book. He cast a sidelong look at Mae, who was frowning at the book. Oliver inwardly chuckled to himself. He would do the same, but he had to pass this subject if he wanted to get a good job after school.
Twenty minutes later, Snape cleared his throat. "I suppose the lot of you have absorbed what the author of your book has written about the subject of the different Healing potions. As promised, I will now call random people to answer questions about the topic, starting with you, Ms. Bell." He said, turning about to face Katie.
She quivered as she stood up, facing Snape. "Tell me, the year the Scar-healing potion was discovered and by who." He asked in a malicious voice. "In f-fifteen eighty-four by S-sir Hardavast the B-brave sir." Katie answered. "Take a seat. Now, Mr. Fitch" he said, facing a sandy-haired guy from Ravenclaw. "Name the prime ingredient in said potion and how it is attained." He asked. "Uh, powdered spotted toadstools found in glades that have Knarls living in them." He replied, with much difficulty. "Tsk, tsk Mr. Fitch. You have just told me the prime ingredients for an Anti-vomiting Potion. When applied to a scar, this will make the scar turn into an unbearable blister. Sit down, and I will have five points from Ravenclaw for that. Can you tell me the correct answer, Ms. Hargrove?"
Mae stood up, her hands bunching the sides of her robes. "Lemon grass mixed with the diluted essence of Porlock saliva." She squeaked out. "Obviously made up. Have you read the text, Ms. Hargrove?" Snape softly said. Oliver saw Mae's lips turn very white and her knuckles as well. "Y-yes sir. I did." She said, her voice quivering. "Then if you have read the text, why can't you answer a simple question like that? As far as I know, you have encountered all the ingredients in a Scar-healing potion in previous classes. None of them are foreign to you. Why is that?" he asked nastily. Mae was really getting scared. "Answer me Ms. Hargrove." He said. Oliver was outraged at Snape for talking to Mae like that. "Leave her alone!" he loudly said standing up.
The whole class gasped at Oliver. Mae turned to him, her eyes wide. "What did you say to me, Mr. Wood?" Snape asked. "I said, leave her alone. She can't answer the question because she doesn't want to." He answered. Mae nearly looked like she was about to faint. "I believe she is one of your opponents in Quidditch, Mr. Wood? And you are team captain of the Gryffindor team?" he asked malevolently. "I am." He answered. "That does not give you the right to believe that you are in a position higher than authority. Your outburst Mr. Wood, has just earned you and Ms. Hargrove a week's detention. Take your seats, both of you. For your information, the prime ingredients for a Scar-healing potion are essence of moonstone and the leaves of a common mimosa. Write me a three-foot long essay on these ingredients and how their properties can help in the healing of a scar." He snapped at the class. The bell rang, and the class packed up their things, groaning at the extra homework Snape had given them. They shot nasty looks at Oliver, who was blushing in his seat.
"Thanks a lot Oliver. Just because I don't fancy this class doesn't mean I don't do my bit to get a decent grade. Now don't bother apologizing, I'll see you in detention." She snapped at him, slinging her bag over her shoulder and stalking out of the classroom.
"Brilliant Wood. Just BRILLIANT!' Oliver thought to himself before walking out of the classroom.
A/N: No romantic parts yet, but I promise something a little bit romantic in the next chapter when the two of them are off in detention. I hope you're enjoying the story so far, as I am enjoying writing this immensely. Until next chapter!
