Hey friends!
I made it back to the usual update! YAY.
This week I indulged in a long chapter all about slice of life because nothing makes me feel more like being cozy and reading some slice of life than being back at Hogwarts! I'm also not totally prepared for what the sixth year brings and want to hang on to happiness for as long as possible. So please enjoy this playful chapter, I missed Penny and Snape at odds. ❤️
Happy week!
Penny recognized the ethereal, glittering path before them. Seeing it made her take a step back, glancing at Dumbledore in confusion as she went. Surely he had not intended to bring her here?
"Sir, are you sure we should be here?"
"Ah, well that depends. Sometimes we find ourselves at a crossroad of the things we should do and should not do. I find myself more inclined to partake in the doing rather than avoiding," Dumbledore said, waving his wand again and returning himself to his normal deep blue robes.
"You're aware they want to imprison me, right?" Penny said, cursing her luck for garnering the attention of this bizarre man.
"I believe Remus mentioned that, yes," Dumbledore said pleasantly as he turned to head down the path that led to Valaki. "Given your present company, there is no danger of that today."
The statement made Penny want to laugh but then she remembered Albus Dumbledore was the most talented wizard alive and then even Voldemort was afraid of facing him, he was allowed to be a little cocky. Trying to remind herself that at least this excursion meant she would not have to ride the Hogwarts Express, Penny followed after Dumbledore, a flood of emotions threatening to overwhelm her the nearer she got to those stones.
"Your father was an extraordinarily stubborn man, a trait Professor Snape is adamant he passed down to you," said Dumbledore as though he knew exactly what it was her mind was mulling over in the silence. "Having had the privilege of knowing James, I found the quality to be much more a testament to his character than fault. He never failed to surprise me with his unusual ability to make happen that which he set his mind to. When he was taken from us much sooner than he ought to have, I foolishly believed he was through surprising me. I should have known that James Potter would not allow even the grave to stop him from ensuring that your gift received the care it was due."
Glancing sideways, Penny remained silent. She did not quite understand what her headmaster was trying to say, but she was familiar enough with his mysterious, if not frustrating ways, to know he had more to say, so she waited.
"That is why I must confess the reasons I brought you here today are two-fold. While I have no doubt you will be able to help me procure our new student, I would like to also endeavor to move forward with what I believe was James' plan all along and see that you receive instruction in your seer abilities."
"You mean there is someone who can teach me?" Penny said, an odd excitement bubbling in the pit of her stomach.
"Certainly, if you are amenable to the idea. It would require you to add to your weekly load, and given current circumstances I would press for no fewer than two lessons a week. However, I am aware that the new demand of NEWT classes may be too much to manage—"
"No! I can manage it, sir. Please, let me do this," Penny cut across, her intensity a notch higher than she'd anticipated, making Dumbledore chuckle.
"I would expect no other response from one who spent so much time in the company of Sirius. Your eagerness, Miss Potter, to accept any challenge thrown your way is a credit to him."
"Thanks for saying so. I've felt so lost since—" Penny tried, her voice constricting at the thought of mentioning Sirius' passing. "—like every decision is a mountain standing in my way and I don't know whether I am to climb it, go around or stay put," Penny admitted, her eyes focused on the dirt crunching beneath her shoes.
"Losing a parent is a particularly difficult experience for one so young. Losing three—utterly crippling. I have seen many students come through Hogwarts, Miss Potter, and in all those years I do not think I have ever met another who life has set so many challenges before. Yet, I have found watching you not only find ways to endure this suffering, but to thrive has bestowed upon me a splendid kind of hope. If James was determined and Sirius passionate, you Miss Potter are inspiring, so I encourage you, the next time you find that mountain set upon your path do me a favor and remind yourself that the answer to your question is only found in trying one of those actions," Dumbledore said, looking down on her with kind eyes, his left hand squeezing her shoulder.
Nodding because she did not know how to respond, Penny turned away to wipe her eyes, Dumbledore pretending to be vastly interested in a flower just to their right to allow her some privacy. When she'd got a grip on her emotions, she looked at the large, bright yellow flower he was touching, her eyes falling for the first time on his right hand. The sight of it was shocking, making her wonder how he held it as casually as he did. The member was shriveled and blackened as though it had died or been cursed.
In her morbid curiosity, Penny wanted to ask Dumbledore what had happened, but he was already beckoning her up the end of the path to the gate where several guards stood, barring their entrance, making her feel now was not the right time.
Though the guards looked like they very much did not want to grant him entrance, none of them turned them away, evidently thinking better of challenging Albus Dumbledore. They did however, shoot Penny looks of disgust and spat at her feet before stepping out of the way. All things considered, she felt like this was the best possible reaction on their part.
Dumbledore led Penny through the streets of Valaki, only stopping when they arrived at the Wizard of Wines. Inside they found the two young boys, Brom and Bray, Penny remembered from last time, battling away with some sticks in their hands.
"D-dumbledore," Brom said, dropping his guard when his eyes found the pair of them stepping through the threshold.
"Nice try," Bray said, clearly assuming it was a trick and whacking his brother.
"Ow!" Brom said, turning back in irritation to his brother.
"Good day Mr. and Mr. Martikov."
At Dumbledore's words Bray spun away, his stick falling to the floor.
"Sir! We weren't—"
"Yes, yes, how rude of me not to send word. Alas, this visit was a very last minute decision, my apologies."
"Is this about what we reported about the werewolves, because I can assure you it was—"chimed in Brom having also discarded his make-shift weapon.
"No explanation needed," Dumbledore said, putting up his hand to stop any explanation he was about to give. "I was actually hoping to secure an audience with Davian."
"Yes, of course," said Brom.
"Right away,"added Bray. And the pair of them scrambled toward the door.
"And," Dumbledore said, a little more loudly than normal, stopping them in their tracks, "If you would be so kind as to not mention Penelope's presence, I would be obliged."
With their new orders, the pair scurried off, not returning for a good ten minutes. During that time shouting could be heard rumbling through the walls. Evidently, Davian was not at all happy about Dumbledore's surprise visit. Regardless, Brom and Bray returned and escorted them back to the same room Penny had seen Davian last time, Dumbledore asking Penny to wait just outside.
"I think it would be best to accomplish our first task before he becomes aware of your presence. For brevity's sake," Dumbledore whispered.
The door shut behind them, Penny being the nosy person she was, strained her ears to try and hear the discussion going on but soon concurred that there must have been some enchantment on the door, meaning her efforts were in vain. Wondering idly if there was something Dumbledore didn't want her to know that prompted such a measure, Penny did not notice she was no longer alone in the hall until a wide toothy grin appeared in her peripheral vision and two arms wrapped themselves firmly around her.
"Penny!" the familiar tones of Adrian said. "I almost didn't recognize you with the new, shorter hair," he said, pulling away and laughing at her perturbed expression. She really would never become accustomed to his odd familiarity.
"I keep forgetting it's different. I changed it spur of the moment," Penny muttered. "It's relieving to see you haven't been made a prisoner after last time."
"Yeah, but not from a lack of trying on my father's part."
"Surely it's just a bluff, he wouldn't actually—"
"Oh you'd be surprised. My father takes tradition and law very seriously," Adrian said darkly, his gaze fixed on the door beside her."It is fortunate that I am his oldest son."
"Sorry to cause you so much trouble," Penny said after a moment of silence.
"No, no, Penny, I refuse to let you apologize. I made my choice, and if I'm honest, it was I who pressured you into it. I was just so convinced the gate would. . ." he said, trailing off thoughtfully. "Anyway, it was a happy surprise to learn Dumbledore brought you with him."
"Is it? I rather questioned his judgment after the last time I was here," Penny said, glancing past him at the people murmuring at the end of the hall.
"I wouldn't worry. My father may be angry, but he has not lost his sense. He owes a great debt to Dumbledore for the protective enchantments he placed on Valaki after Grindelwald tried to force his way. He will hear him out, and certainly not touch you while under his protection," Adrian said, giving her shoulder a supportive squeeze when she did not look convinced.
Before Penny could answer, they were interrupted by the door opening and Dumbledore beckoning Penny in saying "Ah, Mr. Martikov, excellent timing, please join us as well."
Glancing curiously at Adrian, Penny entered the room, stopping in her tracks just across the threshold.
"First you come in here trying to take my son from me, then you bring her before me after the damnation she has wrought upon this land!" Davian said loudly, slamming his fist on the table
"As I have already stated, Davian, it was your son who reached out to me,' Dumbledore said, placing a calming hand on Penny's shoulder.
"Nonsense! He may be foolish at times but he would never—"
"It is true, father," Adrian said, stepping past Penny to face the furious old man.
Davian's sharp eyes shot to Adrian and watched him while he considered his words. "You would be wise, Adrian, to take a moment to consider your next words very carefully. Being my son, I will allow you the chance to rescind the insanity you have uttered without punishment—"
"I will not, father. I have spent much time these past months in the paths and I am certain Hogwarts is where I am supposed to be."
"You are my son! A Martikov and one of the Order of the Feather! Your responsibility is here and I will not allow your fascination with this whisperer cause you to abandon them!" Davian yelled, on his feet now. "You may have chosen to forget our ordinance, but I will not!"
"No, I have not. It is for that ordinance that I go. You have let your prejudice blind you for too long, and I can no longer allow it to stop me from doing what I know needs to be done. You refuse to believe it, but she is the key," Adrian said, gesturing to Penny.
"I will not hear another word of this nonsense, Adrian. If you insist on letting this infatuation take all your dignity from you then I will be the reason you are missing. I have given my decision, Dumbledore. I do not give you leave to take my son. I trust you know doing so is an act of aggression that you cannot afford at this time. I have allowed that whisperer to stain these halls long enough. Either depart or I will throw her in a cell where she belongs," Davian spat.
The threat made Penny very uncomfortable and questioned why Dumbledore had even brought her. While she felt bad for Adrian and his predicament, she did not see what she could do? Not to mention her presence seemed to just make the whole situation even worse.
"I am sorry to hear that is your decision. I am also equally if not more sorry to say I cannot abide it," Dumbledore replied, adjusting his glasses.
"Is that a threat?" Davian said, sharp eyes narrowing on Dumbledore's face.
"Oh, certainly not. However, due to the fact Miss Potter here is an orphan and her Godfather recently deceased, decisions for her care have fallen to me until the time she comes of age, and as her present guardian I invoke the rite of znaniya."
"No," Davian replied quietly at first.
"She comes from a great seer family, you cannot deny her," Dumbledore said, his voice rising for the first time in the entire exchange.
"NO!" Davian screamed. But his words made little difference because Adrian had turned to face Penny, offering her his left hand.
"Every seer born of the founding families, in order to keep tradition alive and to watch over the paths, retains the right to the knowledge we have spent lifetimes accumulating. I, Adrian Martikov, do accept your request, Penelope Potter and will teach you in the traditions of our kin, for as long as you shall require me. Do you, Penelope Potter, accept me as your guide?"
Completely flabbergasted how this entire exchange had just gone, Penny turned nervously to Dumbledore who gave her a slight nod, indicating it was alright for her to take his hand.
Feeling a simple 'yes' was an incredibly lame way to follow up on such a display Penny stepped forward and took a hold of the crook of Adrian's elbow, their forearms pressing together and said, "I, Penelope Potter, accept you, Adrian Martikov as my guide to to teach my in the traditions of my ancestors."
Upon the utterance of these words, a bright string sprang up from the place their arms met and swirled itself around them as though tying them together before disappearing.
Uncertain of what she just agreed to, Penny gave Adrian a small smile, his dark eyes glittering back at her in what she could only describe as excited anticipation. Beyond them, Davian was now throwing things when a stern female voice stopped him, Penny noticing for the first time that Adrian's sister, Stefania was also in the room.
"Calm yourself, father, Adrian has made his decision. We must break tradition, even to punish such a betrayal."
The words had an instantaneous calming effect on Davian, who turned back to the group before him, his heaving chest easing.
"I may be required to allow you passage, but from here on out you are no son of mine. Now get out of my sight," Davian said with such vehemenance, Penny felt like she'd been pushed. Brows furrowed, she glanced at Adrian who gave his father a solemn look of defeat.
"I hope one do you can understand, father."
"I am sorry for your feelings on the subject, but I bid you a good afternoon, Davian," Albus said with a slight bow.
Once in the hall Dumbledore turned to Adrian, "I trust you are packed?"
"Yes, sir. Brom and Bray should have it all waiting out the front."
"Then let's not test your patience. On the bright side, you will at least be given the time to settle in before the sorting ceremony," Dumbledore smiled.
It felt like a rather lame bright side given that his father disowned him, but Penny kept her mouth shut seeing as she didn't know what she was supposed to say in this situation anyway.
Dumbledore led the way out, Penny fidgeting nervously with her hands while she trailed behind. She wanted to say something to Adrian but preferred to do so without an audience. So she opted for watching him, noting the sadness in his normally bright features. While Penny did not know what it was like to have a parent being upset with her, she imagined Davian's words must have been very painful. She also found herself wondering why Adrian was so convinced that this was the right choice, but it felt rather rude to ask considering what he'd just sacrificed.
Lost in thought, Penny followed after them through the busy streets of Valaki and down the path they'd traversed earlier and came to a stop before Dumbledore who offered them his hand and apparated to the gates of Hogwarts.
Penny found herself surprised to find them chained closed and watched curiously when Dumbledore, humming a little tune, tapped them with his wand. With Voldemort working out in the open the change to security made sense but she still found herself upset by the fact the war had reached this far. Hogwarts had always been a refuge, a place she thought she would always be safe. And with Umbridge gone, she was really looking forward to her 6th year. But now she found herself reminded that with Voldemort at large, no one was safe, and especially not her brother.
"Welcome home," Dumbledore said, his startling blue-eyes studying Penny a little more intently than she liked. Smiling awkwardly, Penny dodged past him, pretending to be eager to get inside.
Striding up the hill at a quick pace and doing her best not to think back to the day Yaxley dragged her down it, Penny took note of the blue sky, something she had not seen all summer long. At least that awful fog the dementors created had not reached here and she could enjoy her favorite season at Hogwarts.
"What do you think," Penny said, stepping up beside Adrian.
"It's grander than I expected," Adrian said after a second's consideration.
"I thought the same thing the day I first laid eyes on it," Penny smiled. "And it only gets better the longer you stay."
"Is that so?" Adrian said, perking up a little bit now they had the chance and space to speak.
"Certainly. Hogwarts never fails to surprise me and make life feel a bit lighter," Penny said, her mind wandering to that hole in her chest that used to be occupied by Sirius.
"Well then, I'll be sure not to take my time here for granted."
"I hate to interrupt, but Mr. Martikov, if you'll be so kind as to follow me there are a few more things to attend to. And Miss Potter, a word before you go," Dumbledore, stepping out of earshot of Adrian. "While I do not wish to cause you anymore undo pain by discussing the events of last June, I believe it pertinent for me to be a trifle meddlesome. I have mentioned this to Harry, but it seems he may need some extra nudging, so I encourage you to ask him about what I shared with him regarding the prophecy."
"The one that was destroyed?" Penny said, perplexed. "But no one—"
"Save the questions for him, I believe you will find them most enlightening, and he will find sharing them relieving. Good day, Miss Potter," Dumbledore smiled before turning rather abruptly and walking away with Adrian in tow.
Watching them left a weight in the pit of Penny's stomach. Had Harry been keeping something from her and dealing with it alone because he was afraid of upsetting her further? The idea that she had not noticed her brother struggling with something upset, but at the same time, mention of the prophecy filled her with a morbid curiosity.
Deciding a nap sounded like the thing to do with all the spare time she had until this evening's feast, Penny made her way back to her quarters, convincing Nearly Headless Nick to retrieve the password for her when she got to the portrait and realized she should have stopped by her head of house's office. He obliged her, and a few minutes later she found herself dozing off to sleep in the comfort of her four-poster bed she had not realized she missed.
The soft prodding of Lavender Brown woke Penny with a start, who quickly realized her nap had turned into much more than a nap and she'd slept straight through to morning. She'd missed the feast and was now dangerously close to being late to breakfast, something her rioting stomach refused to let happen.
Giving her groggy thanks, Penny got dressed, and sped down to the breakfast, skidding to a halt at the table, her tie still hanging loosely around her neck and most of her peers already trickling off to their classes. Piling her plate with food before it disappeared, Penny turned when Professor McGonagall walked up, her sharp eyes giving her a very disapproving once-over. However, she did not tell Penny off for her disheveled appearance like Penny expected, instead she tried for a small smile. One that Penny recognized because she'd received it all summer. It was the look people made when she knew they were thinking about Sirius.
"Miss Potter, I was most pleased with your results, particularly in transfiguration," Professor McGonagall said, mercifully not mentioning Penny's recent loss.
"Thanks, professor. It was a welcome surprise."
"Surprise? After all the work you put in, it should have not been. I think a bit more confidence in your own efforts is warranted, and perhaps a celebration of these achievements. It is no small matter to receive such excellent marks, and even more so under the circumstances."
Penny couldn't help but feel a deep surge of gratitude for her head of house. She was stern and demanding, but Penny knew she would not give such praise falsely.
"Now," Professor McGonagall went on, glancing down at her notes, "The only class I cannot clear you for taking is Ancient Runes. But if you think you are still interested in teaching, it is not required. Only Transfiguration, Herbology, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions and Charms, all of which you are more than qualified to move onto the NEWT level. The only question remains is whether you still wish to continue with Arithmancy and Care of Magical Creatures. Not to detract from the merit of either, you may find the workload a bit much to manage, but if you were certain I would approve it."
"I think I'd like to drop Arithmancy but keep Care of Magical Creatures, Professor."
"I daresay Professor Hagrid will be all too happy to have you,"Professor McGonagall said, tapping Penny's schedule and handing it back to her and moving to the last couple of Gryffindors waiting for their schedules..
Looking down at her schedule Penny groaned as she shoved a spoonful of food into her mouth. Monday was not going to be the easy start to classes that she'd hope for. Though she had a free period this morning, the afternoon was filled with Defense Against the Dark Arts and Care of Magical Creatures followed by double Potions.
When she'd finished with breakfast Penny found Harry and Ron enjoying their free period. She tossed herself down beside Harry.
"Hey little brother," she said with a smirk knowing the greeting would annoy him.
"Why weren't you on the train?" Harry demanded, and Penny could tell he'd been wanting to ask her this question since last night.
"Dumbledore asked for my help picking up a new student."
"Who?" said Ron, looking hopeful, evidently hoping Adrian was an Adrianne.
"That Martikov kid I told you about."
"The one with lycanthropy?" Ron said, sounding taken aback.
"Why would Dumbledore ask you to help with that?"
"To tell you the truth, I don't think Dumbledore expected Adrian's dad to let him go, so he used me to find a loophole," Penny replied thoughtfully.
"And that loophole was?" Harry pressed when Penny didn't elaborate.
"Long story short, the Martikov family apparently has some custom where they are required to teach new seers. So Dumbledore had me invoke some right to be trained which means the old angry man had to let Adrian go so he can train me."
"Train you for what?" said Ron slowly.
Both Harry and Penny looked at Ron.
"To be a seer," Penny replied somewhat impatiently.
"Oh right. Maybe you'll be able to see the end of this war once you learn a few things!"
"Speaking of Dumbledore," Penny said, deliberately ignoring Ron. "He mentioned I should prod you about something he thinks you should share with me regarding the prophecy," Penny said, giving Harry the how-dare-you-keep-this-from-me look
Harry shifted uncomfortably.
"You haven't told her you're the chosen one yet mate?" Ron said, reaching in his bag and pulling out a chocolate frog."Blimey, and I thought you two were close."
Penny stared at Harry, her eyebrow arched in agreement with Ron.
"It's not like I didn't want to! I just didn't want to worry you unnecessarily."
"You're my twin, I demand that you worry me unnecessarily, it's my right."
"You've got enough on your plate—"
"Not nearly as much as you! The freaking Dark Lord is obsessed with killing you, Harry. So please share whatever you need to."
Taking his hand in hers, Penny gave it a little squeeze, it really had been too long since she'd sat down and talked to her brother like this. Giving a squeeze back Harry recounted to her what happened when she'd gone through the veil, something he didn't realize occurred at first because he'd chased after Bellatrix and ended in a confrontation with Voldemort. After he'd fled, Dumbledore took Harry back to his office and confided in Harry that the contents of the prophecy were not lost.
"Trelawney!" Penny said loudly, gaping at Harry in disbelief.
"Shh!" Harry said, looking around nervously.
"And here I thought she was a hoax. But go on."
Glancing around to ensure no one was eavesdropping on them, Harry told Penny exactly how the prophecy foretold that the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord would be born as the seventh month dies.
"Hang on, I know for a fact Neville was born in July too so how could—"
"He chose me. Who knows why, but it doesn't matter because he marked me with that choice and now—"
"You feel responsible for ridding the world of the most evil wizard alive?" Penny offered. "Harry, you're just a kid, not to mention I don't know anyone who could complain after you gave the world a solid 14 years free of that monster."
"Neither can live while the other survives," reiterated Harry, looking thoroughly miserable.
"Yeah but a fair amount of interpretation goes into that, so take it with a grain of salt."
"Uh, that one's pretty straight forward if you ask me," Ron said.
"You're not helping, Ron," Penny scowled. "Whatever it means, you can't actually believe anyone is expecting you to have the answers. You haven't even graduated, maybe when you learn some things and get through auror training."
"That must be why Dumbledore is—" Ron started, but stopped abruptly to say "Ow!" Red faced, he turned to Harry who made a face and then said "Oh. Yeah what she said."
"Why do I get the feeling you're keeping something from me?" Penny said, looking between the pair.
"It's nothing. More importantly, I have news about Malfoy," Harry said hurriedly.
"Not this again," Ron groaned. "She's his best mate, do you really think she'd side with you?"
Ignoring Ron, Harry plowed forward, explaining to Penny the events of his train ride to Hogwarts and how on a very stupid whim he decided to investigate Malfoy after their run in at Diagon Alley where he saw Malfoy buying an unknown Dark Object at Borgin and Burkes.
"The Dark Mark?" Penny said sharply. "You saw it?"
"Not, directly, no. I saw him showing them something on his arm."
"The left?"
"Yes."
"And the Dark Lord wants him to do something?" Penny clarified.
"Obviously he was making it up to make himself more important," Ron answered, looking very alarmed by the fact Penny seemed to be believing Harry.
"Did he give any details?"
"Not enough for me to work out what he was planning," Harry said, shooting Ron a smug look.
"This is an actual nightmare," Penny sighed, flopping backwards and feeling suddenly overwhelmed.
Had Malfoy been marked unwillingly like Penny or coerced into it because his father was in Azkaban? Was he continuing to be targeted because the Death Eaters knew he was an easy target to make Penny behave? Whatever the reason, she felt responsible. The prospect of facing Draco after the summer's events had been daunting enough without this. How on earth was she supposed to broach this topic and would he even speak to her after it all?
"You can't be serious, Penny—" Ron argued, prompting Harry to respond to him, but Penny was too lost in thought and only somewhat pulled herself from it when Harry told her they needed to get to Defense Against the Dark Arts.
Mulling over it all until she felt sick to her stomach, Penny nearly tripped over herself when she entered their classroom. It was so changed Penny was not even sure she was in the right room.,
"What's up?" Harry said, giving her a worried look.
"Nothing, just a little dreary in here," Penny replied.
The room was dim, lit only by a few candles, the daylight that normally lit the room brilliantly blocked by long black curtains. Taking the depressing atmosphere over the edge were the grotesque pictures on the wall depicting people suffering from strange maladies and curses. The whole vibe left a bad taste in Penny's mouth so she took the seat neck to the window, ripped open the curtain there and popped open the window and stuck her head out and took several deep, calming breaths.
For some reason she was feeling very claustrophobic and on the verge of a panic attack. Draco was Penny's friend, someone who had always been there for her, and yet she could do nothing to protect him. She just made his life harder. The thought that Voldemort could reach his tendrils into Hogwarts and disrupt the little normalcy she had left in her life left Penny feeling lightheaded with uneasiness. What was coming that she could not foresee? Would those she loved ever be safe?
It took her longer than she anticipated to gather herself, during which time she didn't realize class had been in session for ten minutes until a firm hand on Penny's shoulder coaxed her back inside.
"Sorry Professor Slughorn—" Penny said, coming to a sudden stop when her eyes found not a stranger but none other than Severus Snape. "What are you doing here?" she said bemused.
"Seeing as I am the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, teaching," Snape drawled.
"But you're the Potions Master," Penny said dumbly.
"Was," corrected Snape.
"What do you mean was," Penny said, eyes narrowed. "I don't understand. Is this a joke?"
"You have already wasted ten minutes of class time and my patience, Potter. I advise you not to push your luck and get to work. I trust you can manage a non-verbal spell," Snape replied, eyes flashing with annoyance.
Still confused, Penny looked around the room, observing her classmates who were indeed trying, rather poorly, to cast non-vebral spells. Rounding on her profrofessor she turned on him open mouthed and in shock.
"You are the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor," she said with an accusing finger.
The look on his face that followed these words was smug and self-satisfied, something that upset her even further. "This is terrible! How could you do this to me?"
"I wasn't aware you had anything to do with my employment, but I am sure you are going to find some way to make my achievements about you," Snape said dryly.
"Achievement? This is definitely a downgrade for you. What in Merlin would possess you to want to teach this brutish boring subject? You had it made and you just threw it all away!"
"I know it must be hard for one as self-absorbed as you to wrap your head around, Potter. But your opinion does not get a say in what I do with my life. It does not surprise me, however, that you have no love for the subject seeing as it requires a subtlety you do not possess."
"We aren't talking about me, we're talking about you!" Penny continued, affronted now, something that was gaining the attention of the class, who tried to shoot them discrete glances between their efforts. "You have always been the Potions Master you can't just stop."
"Yes, well as entertaining as I am with this little display of your control issues, Potter. I did, and now it is you that will cease this conversation at hand unless you prefer I give you detention," Snape said with an eye roll before turning his back on her.
"Now when I go into the dungeons you won't be there anymore, that's abandonment I hope you know!" Penny called after him, still reeling from the shock of this news. "Also, I thought Professors were supposed to be able to count. I don't have a partner."
Arms crossed in annoyance and nose in the air, Penny found herself alarmed when he turned back to her, face a-light with malice.
"Let me help you with that, then" he said cruelly, pulling out his wand.
"I-I don't know how I feel about jinxing my professor, feels a little amoral," Penny stammered, knowing full well the excuse would not work on the man.
"You are fortunate then, that I hold no such belief regarding my students."
"W-wait-" Penny tried.
"If you wish to have any chance defending yourself, I suggest you get out your wand, Potter," Snape said in a voice that sent her scrambling. He was determined to prove his point and Penny knew she would not like it.
As soon as she had it in hand and before she could even think of the protection spell, Penny was yelping in pain.
"The stinging jinx, really?" she said dubiously, rubbing her arm.
"You require the proper motivation," he said, the corners of his mouth upturned in a cruel smile. "Again!"
For the second time, Penny yelped, her classmates giggling quietly at her expense. It was not often she was on the receiving end of Snape's vindictiveness.
"It's my turn," Penny said through gritted teeth, and with a clean wave of her wand she sent a non-verbal spell shooting at Snape on her first try. Unfortunately for Penny she did not get the satisfaction of seeing it connect because he was infuriatingly fast and his shield charm protected him and sent her jinx ricocheting away and hitting Neville.
The boy yelled as a giant pumpkin encased his head and sent him tumbling to the floor, the rest of the class erupting in laughter, except for Penny, who felt bad that it was Neville who had to suffer for Snape's provocation of her temper.
"Bravo, Potter. It seems instructing you has not been a complete waste of time," Turning on the rest of them, he sent silence spiraling through the room almost immediately. "If one as lazy as Potter can produce such results, I expect no excuses from the rest of you."
Grumbling mutinously under her breath about Snape's backhanded compliment, Penny marched away from him, nose in the air. Hermione was helping Neville off the floor having already removed the Pumpkin-Head jinx.
"Sorry, Neville," Penny said.
"Don't worry about it," he said with a smile. "That was brilliant. I would never be brave enough to jinx him," Neville said in a whisper, eyes darting to Snape as though afraid he would take such an admission as volunteering.
"It was quite impressive, Penny. How did you do it?" Hermione added when Penny remained unconvinced.
"Using magic for me has always been more about the feeling, not the words. The words help in distinguishing the different feelings, but they aren't necessary," Penny replied, not entirely sure it made sense.
But apparently for Hermione it had, and after a few more tries she became the only other person to manage the spell, something Snape conveniently ignored.
"I can't believe he jinxed you," Harry said in that tone of hatred he saved for Snape.
"I can't believe he isn't the Potions Master anymore," Penny said sullenly. The trauma of such a change was still working its way through her.
"What's Dumbledore playing at when he's a Death Eater—"
"Was," Penny corrected, the warning evident in her voice.
"Reformed or not, it's common knowledge Dumbledore never wanted to give it to him before!" Harry argued.
"After the luck we've had with all the others, I can't imagine there are a lot of people vying for the job. They probably think it's jinxed," Hermione said wisely, passing Penny the Pumpkin juice.
"Good then we will be rid of Snape by the end of the year. Personally, I'll be holding out for another death like Quirrell."
Before Penny could reprimand her brother, he was hailed by several other Gryffindor students wanting to know when the Quidditch tryouts would be held, something Penny could clearly see Harry hadn't even considered yet.
When the lunch bell rang Ron gave a large stretch. "Another free period, I love sixth year."
"Free? We have Care of Magical Creatures, Penny corrected gathering up her stuff and pausing when an awkward silence ensued.
"You signed up?" Ron said, looking at Penny as though she were insane.
"Yeah?" Penny said slowly. "Didn't you?"
"Erm," tried Harry.
"Well," started Hermione.
"Of course not!" exclaimed Ron.
"It really is good you did, Penny. I was worried he wouldn't have any students this year," Hermione said.
"Are you telling me you all decided to bail on it without telling me?" Penny said, rounding on Harry.
"It's not like we discussed it or anything!" Harry said defensively.
"What would possess you to not bail on it?" said Ron.
"Hagrid's our friend and I don't know, some of the stuff we cover in sixth year is supposed to be really fascinating."
"Welp, let us know how much you enjoy nearly getting killed every class. I'm headed for a nap," Ron said, giving Penny a slap on the back.
"Am I really going to be his only student?" Penny said to Harry.
"Better get going and find out," Harry said evasively, springing from his seat and following after Ron.
"On the bright side, if it really is only you, you'll be getting some great one-on-one instruction," Hermione tried to say consolingly.
Scowling, Penny tried not to think of just how bad being Hagrid's only student would turn out to be.
"Penny, yer came!" Hagrid wailed, pulling her into a life crushing hug. "None o' the others wanted ter—" The rest of Hagrid's sentence was drowned out by his crying and Penny's attempts to calm him down.
"It's not because they didn't want to. It's just NEWT classes are a huge new load.I had to drop Arithmancy to have time for this one. They asked me to tell you how sad they were not to be here today," Penny said, feeling a little bad for the partial lie, but Hagrid just was so kind-hearted and loved teaching that she could not tell him the truth.
"Yer did tha' fer me?" he hiccuped, fixing her with his big, teary eyes.
"Sure did," Penny smiled.
"Look at me, the one cryin' and you consolin' after the summer yeh had. Got somethin' yeh might like ter see, though don' I."
Wiping his face, Hagrid led Penny around the side of his cabin where Penny found Buckbeak tied up.
"Go on, say hi," Hagrid said, pushing Penny onward when she'd stopped in her tracks.
A flood of memories came rushing back of the day Penny first learned Sirius was her Godfather and she, Harry, Ron and Hermione managed to help Sirius escape while also saving Buckbeak from execution. Everything around her felt so much the same, like it could have been the same day. But in Penny's soul, she felt like she'd lived a hundred lifetimes since that day. What she would not give to see Sirius waving, smiling like a man who finally found some peace, flying away on Buckbeak into an adventure that set his eyes alight.
Patting his head, Penny found great comfort in the large eyes watching her.
"Do you miss him too?" she said quietly, a large tear trailing its way down her cheek. Buckbeak blinked as though to say yes. Closing her own eyes, Penny let the cold autumn breeze blow over her face and the ache in her chest that was trying to rip her in two rise fully to the surface. She would no longer run from this pain. Every unbearable throb was a reminder of the love she had for Sirius and would not let disappear with the changing season.
Nerves pooling in the pit of her stomach, Penny raced for potions. She was already late and she knew it because the distance between her two classes was a bit too far to make it in the passing period.
Throwing open the door, Penny huffing, "Sorry Professor Slughorn, I just came from care of magical creatures and—"
But Penny did not get to finish her explanation because a great yell startled her from her effort.
"A ghost! No one told me Lily was a ghost!"
"Beg your pardon?" Penny said, eyes turning on her Professor.
"That's my sister, sir," Harry chimed in, the entire class now looking between her and Slughorn and muttering.
"Sister? My boy, I did not know you had one. A twin?" said Slughorn, hand on his heart in obvious relief.
Scowling inwardly, Penny did her best to keep her features polite. It never got less grating how surprised people were to find out there was another Potter.
"Well, this explains why you are the spitting image of your mother. What is your name my dear?"
"Penny, sir. Sorry for startling you and being late."
"No, no, it's quite alright, come take a seat," said Slughorn, brushing away her explanation with a wave of his large hand. "I was just telling the class that whoever brews the best draught of living death will receive this as a reward," he went on gesturing to a cauldron beside him.
"Felix Felicis?" Penny said, brows furrowed as she looked at the simmering golden liquid. "You'd really give us liquid luck? Isn't it dangerous in high doses?"
"It appears you have also inherited your mother's aptitude for Potions," Slughorn replied, almost shaking with excitement. "You are quite right. Which is why I'll only be awarding enough for one day of luck. From sunrise to sunset."
Utterly intrigued by the prospect, Penny glanced around the classroom at her peers who managed to move onward. There were not many of them, Penny doing a double take when she found Adrian's bright features smiling back at her. Sitting beside Hermione, he was clad in the blue robes of Ravenclaw, making Penny nod in approval.
Stationed at their usual table was Malfoy, who was already getting started on his potion. He avoided meeting her gaze when she stepped up.
"Hey," Penny said lamely, uncertain what to say.
"Don't look so tortured, Potter. I am not as delicate as you."
"Considering how that day went, I don't think even you can fault me for being worried."
"You forget I do whatever I like. Nonetheless, it's not like this conversation wasn't expected with how sentimental you've become," he said, finally relenting and looking up at her.
"Excuse me. I don't get sentimental over just anyone, thank you. I've become rather accustomed to your snarky commentary on my life."
"If by that you mean you'd be lost without me, I'd quite agree."
Looking at the blond-haired boy Penny felt a small sense of relief. She had worried things would be strained between them, so returning to their usual banter was very much welcome. Despite that, Penny could not help but notice how changed Draco seemed. He was thinner, his features sallow, and the color he normally had in his face was gone. Beneath his pretty grey eyes were dark circles that made him look as though he had not slept in weeks.
Her worst fear, however, was confirmed not by his features but the fact Draco avoided rolling up his sleeves like he typically did for potions. While it was not official proof, it was enough for Penny to believe that Draco had in fact received the Dark Mark, though under what circumstances she still had yet to find out. How she was going to do that remained a question she would have to think on it some other time.
Their concoction left most of the classroom silent and working until the last minute, even Penny being punished to the edges of her knowledge. Her typical confidence in the subject gone and leaving her almost on a level playing ground. That, and Penny found it hard to get in the swing of things with Snape missing.
Slughorn was nice enough, if not a little weird. His continuous reference to her mother made her a little uncomfortable considering she had no memories of her own, but nonetheless she smiled politely and told herself it came from a place of having liked her mother. Something Penny could hardly be upset about. But Slughorn was not Snape, and every time he walked by her she was reminded of Snape's absence—a change she did not think she could ever become accustomed to. He'd given her this love for potions so why had he abandoned it? It felt very much like he'd abandoned her as well, as silly as that was.
To Penny's surprise and slight annoyance, when the end of class arrived it was Harry who won the Felix Felicis, though Slughorn made a great show of deliberating between her and Harry's and made sure to assure Penny her offering pleased him greatly as well. This result seemed to anger Draco more than seemed normal, making Penny wonder what he'd planned for a day of luck.
She did not spend long trying to figure it out however, because she became distracted while cleaning up. Passing the table of potions Slughorn had prepared as examples of what they would be learning; a jarringly familiar smell wafted over to Penny.
Head snapping in the direction of the amortentia, Penny gaped at it in disbelief. There was no way she was smelling what she thought she was. It just did not make any sense. How was it possible?
The class was emptying so Penny, in a moment of irrational impulsiveness quickly scooped some of the potion out into a vial and pocketed it. She needed to get to the bottom of this quickly.
Not but ten minutes late, Penny burst through the door of Snape's new classroom, clutching the small vial filled with the cursed liquid with its mother of pearl sheen. She looked around the dark and disturbing classroom wildly, finding Snape sitting at his desk.
Marching straight for the man, she kicked out the chair, plopped down and stared at Snape, breathing heavily, eyes wild.
"What is it now, Potter. Miss my company already?" Snape said somewhat impatiently. "While I cannot blame you for desiring company as stimulating as mine, must you insist on always intruding on my free time?"
"We need to talk about this," Penny said, forcefully placing the bottle between them. Her eyes watching him closely as Snape eyed it with a curious expression.
"I had not realized you'd become so desperate for attention that you'd employ such methods. Alas, if you had not noticed, I am no longer the Potions Master. You'll have to work out its efficacy the old fashioned way," Snape said in a bored tone.
Penny ogled Snape wondering how this was the same man who had held her on his back porch and rubbed her head until she fell asleep. He was so insufferably bi-polar sometimes that it made Penny's head spin. The only way she could explain such a shift in attitude was the return to Hogwarts and him having appearances to keep as Professor and her his pupil, though Penny felt quite certain Snape liked the excuse to remind Penny of the power he held over her while here. But she could not get distracted by such things, she would address those issues later.
Ignoring his jab,Penny uncorked the cap and steadied herself in anticipation. Maybe this time it would be different. But just as it had every time before, the very same aroma wafted over her making her suddenly irate.
"Amortentia is the most powerful love potion in existence and causes a strong infatuation—"
"I'm well aware what it is, Potter," Snape cut across.
"It emits a different aroma to everyone who smells it, reminding the person of the things they find most attractive," Penny continued, ignoring Snape's obvious disinterest.
"Yes, Potter, you have correctly recited the textbook, bravo."
"So, why doesn't it smell like Lupin!" said Penny, staring into Snape's dark eyes desperately.
Snape's disinterest quickly became annoyance, the corners of his mouth curling in displeasure.
"Is that supposed to be a joke, Potter."
"Do I sound like I'm joking!"
"Then tell me, why is it you believe the aroma should remind you of that beast?" he said in a dangerously low voice that told her the only right answer was to back track. But Penny never heeded such warnings.
"Don't act like you haven't loved anyone who wasn't good for you."
"No, Potter I haven't. But I do wonder how it is you arrived at attempting to delude yourself into believing you do, when it's quite evident that is not the case.."
"I've had feelings for Lupin since forever!"
"Feelings change!"
"I would know if they had!"
"Seeing how hard you work to suppress any healthy emotions, it does not surprise me that you didn't notice. Regardless, I applaud the change, it demonstrates you are not incapable of taste," Snape said, his mouth twisting slowly into a horrible grin.
"If that were true it wouldn't smell like you!" Penny fumed, hating the thoughts his words put into her head. Lupin was a dick, sure. But somehow she thought this would pass, that no matter what their love would endure. Snape was quickly making her feel like that was a childish dream.
"What did you say," Snape said softly..
"You heard me! I smell you, that bergamot detergent of yours and scathing criticism!"
Snape blinked, his fingers tapping impatiently along his desk as he considered her.
"If you think such juvenile tactics will make me inclined to go easy on you—"
"I don't need your freebies, I need you to explain why it smells like you! There must be something wrong with the potion. Smell it and tell me what you smell," Penny demanded, sliding the vial to him.
Snape looked from the potion back to her face, his dark eyes distant and telling her he was reading her for the lie he expected to find, but there was none. Only a deep sense of alarm and confusion.
"Well, well," he said in a velvety voice, his fingers coming to a stop. "I'm flattered, but really Penny, you're a little young for my tastes," Snape said, delicately stressing her name mockingly.
"Your tastes," she said, staggered by his response, her cheeks burning red. "Do you even understand what's going on!"
"I think you will find I understand the situation perfectly, it's you who seems to be confused," he smirked.
"Tell me what you smell," Penny said, jumping to her feet and leaning forward so far her hip bones hit the edge of his desk.
Getting to his feet as well, Snape bent his head to meet her own, "No," he breathed, his hot breath smashing like a wave across her face as though it were a sauna, the wonderful aroma of spearmint mingling with her haze.
"Why," Penny said through gritted teeth.
"Because we both know Slughorn could brew this in his sleep."
"It can't be you," Penny said, unable to look into his gloating expression a moment longer. "You're-you're—"
"Irresistible?" he offered, clearly relishing her suffering
"Insufferable!" Penny corrected, snatching the vial and marching to the window. Wrenching the curtain out of the way she pushed open the window and in her fury she lobbed it out.
Only satisfied when it disappeared and she was freed from that intoxicating smell she slammed the window shut. Giving Snape a last scathing glance she made for the door and paused, teetering on the threshold.
"This isn't over," she promised, but whether to herself or Snape, she did not know.
"So long as you understand why it is I cannot return your romantic advances," he said delicately, infuriating Penny further.
Slamming the door behind her, Penny stormed away humiliated and even more confused. Amortentia reminding her of Lupin, even given the way he'd treated her was something Penny could comprehend. She'd loved him since the day she'd met him and those feelings did not disappear overnight. She was heart broken, that she knew. But she had not come to realize that her feelings for him had changed so drastically. Regardless, that was something she could have come to terms with if that's where the surprises had decided to end.
This new development with Snape was something that pushed her to the edge. Sure, the man was handsome and cunning and she didn't mind an eyeful of him when he wasn't wearing a shirt. But all those were innocent feelings, products of her teenage hormones that liked all pretty things—weren't they?
Whatever this was, Penny needed a second opinion because Snape had decided on indulging his ego and gloating instead of helping her, but who was she supposed to ask? Who in the castle would not laugh or worse, give her a horrified stare if she were to admit these things? There was only one answer to that question and Penny felt sure she would not like what he had to say on the matter.