Disclaimer: I own my plot and chars that's it.
A/N: This will be fun.. Here's to Gwenny who's been terribly upset that I haven't updated in awhile. Sorry bout that.. I'm workin here! hahaha. my bro had his baby! yay! Little Victoria Patricia.
Chapter 2: Advanced Potions
"Oh No.." I whined as I studied my schedule at breakfast on this Monday morning.
Hermione looked where my finger was pointing, "You have advanced Potions with me! How is that a bad thing?"
"Because," I answered, "I'm going to fail.. I know it!"
"No you won't! Professor Snape is very strict on who he picks for that class. You are the only one I know out of our group that is in. Trust me, you won't fail." Hermione's reassurance and support calmed me down. However, I was still boggled at why Snape would pick me to be in his Advanced Potions Class when more than half of last year was nothing but trouble for me? Honestly, I think Snape was making a very bad mistake.
Shaking my head, I reviewed what other classes I had one more time to get the feel of them. Advanced Potions, Divination, Charms, Defense Against The Dark Arts, study period, and The Art Of Flying. All eighth year classes that I would feel comfortable in. With the exception of Potions, of course. How is it that by the end of last year I was fine in Snape's class, but now I'm becoming the nervous girl that I was in the beginning of last year again? It doesn't make sense!
I figured something out: I don't make sense...Even to myself, I make absolutely no sense.
"Maranda," Hermione snapped me out of my trance, "It's time to go to breakfast. Let's not be late or that will mess up the whole day."
Ron, Harry, Neville, and Seamus were already at breakfast when Hermione and I showed up. We sat on the bench of the table and began indulging in pancakes and bacon. Delicious food, as always, was soon devoured by everyone in the Great Hall. The bell rang its tune for the first time of the year, and I took my backpack and walked with Hermione to Charms class.
Seeing the short, aged, half-bald Professor Flitwick was pleasing. I missed him and his lessons of the wand. His class had always been fun in some way, even if I was having an awful day. (Which, by the way, happened a lot to me.) My new spot to sit was by Hermione. Draco asked me to take a seat next to him, but we both knew that would be a bad idea since Gryffindors and Slytherins were supposed to sit on opposite sides of the room unless told to by a professor. For instance, Snape and his partner idea last year. I was forced to be partners with Draco in one of the hardest years of my life. Malfoy only made it harder by being such a jackass to me. But, now we surprisingly get along.
For our first lesson in Charms, we reviewed any significant spells from the previous year, and were assigned to read the first three chapters in our new Charms, Year Eight book. Now that it was time for next class, I packed away my belongings into my knapsack and waited for the bell to ring its worn-out tune. Like a robot, Hermione and I already knew and walked the path autmatically to Transfiguration. We had already memorized the schedule, for we were in the same classes as each other. Harry and Ron had a few of our classes, but not Advanced Potions, Art of Flying, or Divination. They had Divination, but not at the same time as Hermione and I.
Transfiguration came and left quickly like the wind on the back of a running horse. Professor McGonagal greeted our class firmly, lecturing us about behaving this year as it was the last year we would be at Hogwarts. She pretty much bored us with common sense, but I didn't blame her for trying to reach us. After all, she is a wise woman, and we are learning students.
The Art Of Flying Class was a class to teach advanced moves and techniques on the broom. Madame Hooch told our class it was indeed, the only Art Of Flying Class she had. This was because our class, once we've learned enough, will be performing in front of the entire students and faculty body after a Quiddich game. I'm really nervous about performing in front of everyone, but I don't have to worry yet. The performance won't be until near the end of the school year.
Practically skipping to the library, I decided to spend my study period catching up on any new books I missed over summer. About twenty minutes into my reading, I heard Draco enter, talking to someone. Peering around the bookcase, I saw him talking to the Gwenneth girl Hermione had told me about. With a wave, Malfoy turned back around and left the library. It was time to confront the Slythedor.
"S'cuse me," I approached the hyper female, "Are you Gwenneth Thompson?"
With an exaggerated smile, she responded, "Yes, I certainly am! Who might you be?"
"Maranda Maguire," I introduced myself and continued, "What were you talking about, might I ask, with Draco?"
Gwenneth giggled, "We were actually talking about you! I thought I'd meet you somewhere. You have Art of Flying Class with me, but as Madame Hooch was talking the whole time, I couldn't introduce myself. Draco tells me you two are together now..True?"
"Well Gwenneth, I didn't even see you in Flying Class. And as for Draco and I it's true."
"Hey, before we go any further into our conversation.. Call me Gwenny. I really hate it when people call me Gwenneth. It cramps my style! Honestly, my Mother calls me Gwenneth when she wants my attention or is yelling at me. I hate it.." She twirled her hair and giggled again.
"Ok, Gwenny," I corrected, "No problem. Anyways, what were you and Draco talking about?"
"Well, as I said, we were talking about you. He said he really likes you and hopes you two stay together for a long time. Also, he told me that he hopes to change your mind about the 'L' word. That's all."
I laughed, "He couldn't change my mind about that if he paid me. Oh well.. Uhh...Well I have reading to do, so maybe I'll talk to you some other time?"
"Yeah..sure.. Nice meeting you, Maranda." Gwenny grinned as I returned the salutation.
Going back to reading by myself, the time went on a tad slower than usual. As this was my first study period, I was adjusting to being alone during class time. As the bell rang for next class, I picked up my backpack and started off to Defense Against The Dark Arts with Gilderoy...the Poptart. Upon entering, students filled the classroom with chatter and talking. I silently sat by Hermione's side and took my Defense book out. Gilderoy waltzed into the classroom with his glowing smile plastered on his welcoming face. I forgot how much of a giddy fool Poptart was..
Nothing really took lpace in Defense, for Gilderoy only greeted us and introduced the lesson plan for the year. At least we, the students, know what to expect.
Last but not least, my dread and anxiousness for the day popped up before I entered the Potions classroom. The old, musty smells of cauldrons pinched at my nose, reminding me of last year. Hermione saved me a seat next to her in the front row. Only fourteen students were in Advanced Potions Class, including myself. Of course, we all filled up the front rows so Snape wouldn't have a fit.
Billowing robes, sneering facial expression, and a regret to becoming a teacher, Snape sure hadn't changed from last year. He stood facing us and folded his arms. We knew he meant business when he did that. Snape wasn't one to show his emotions, but when he folds his arms he's either very concerned or very pissed off.
"Welcome," Snape began silkily, "To your last year of school. Any funny business this year and there will be severe penalty. I will not, and am not, going to put up with any nonsense or trouble this year with you eight years. You are matured teenagers, almost adults, and should know right from wrong. If I have to talk to any of you about maturity, you will be sorry. Aside from that, I hope all of you...have somewhat of an enjoyable year."
Severus concluded his speech and initiated teaching. He ordered us to take our books out, which I already did, and turn to the first page. We were assigned to read the first chapter and write a three page summary about it, due in two days. Snape admitted he was only being generous so we could 'get back into the groove of school.'
The remainder of the day passed with no troubles. I knew for a fact that the rest of the year would not be as easy and simple as today.. But, until those other horrible days...I would live a little more optimisticly. For life without laughter is suicide...