10
Fever Frenzy
A new sort of trepidation filled Hogwarts. O.W.L's were nearing closer at an alarming rate and all of the fifth years were beginning to realize that they had put off studying for far too long. Everywhere you went, you could hear the hushed whispers of enchantments and students trying desperately to repeat the twelve uses of Dragon blood.
The Gryffindors had taken to setting up stacks of books all over the common room and studying during every free moment they had. Five years worth of textbooks and notes were scattered across the various tables, and anyone below fifth year had taken to hanging out on the grounds to avoid all of the frenzied studying.
Doe sat down amidst a large stack of books about Defense Against the Dark Arts trying unsuccessfully to memorize every single defensive spell she had learned at Hogwarts
" Expelliarmus, Petrificus Totalus, Finite-" She was cut off as someone took the book she was holding from her.
" You know everything there is too know about Defense Against the Dark Arts" Lily said closing the book and putting it on the table.
" You haven't looked up from that book once in an hour, and we're going to be late to Potions" she reminded her.
Doe looked up to see that the common room was almost empty and the rest of the fifth years were gone. Slightly disgruntled at being disrupted from her study hibernation, she abandoned her books and followed Lily out of the common room and towards the dungeons.
" You better get O.W.L.'s in every subject with how much you've been studying" Lily said.
" I better, I don't know what I'd do if I didn't pass" Doe said as they walked into the classroom.
Most of their class was already there and beside their partners. Doe quickly waved goodbye to Lily and joined Severus at their table in the front of the room.
" Hey, Severus" Doe said.
He smiled slightly, " Doe".
In the last few weeks, Severus had been very polite to Doe. They seemed to have progressed to the friends stage. He even saved a seat for her in the library during the evenings so that they could study for their exams together.
Severus had already set up their five potions on the table in front of them. They had bottled the five potions in a flask and labeled them accordingly.
Doe took all six of the essays out of her bag and began tying each of the essays to the appropriate potion.
" I think,.. were done" she said in astonishment.
Severus stood back and admired the work they had spent almost a year on.
" It seems as if we never would" He said.
" Should we fetch Slughorn? To turn it in?" Doe asked.
Severus nodded curtly, his eyes still staring at the potions on the table.
Doe walked over to the desk where Slughorn was stirring something in a small pewter cauldron.
" Um, Professor? " She asked. He looked up.
" Why, Yes Ms. Meadowes. Do you need help with some directions?" Slughorn asked.
" Actually, " she told him, " Severus and I have finished the project."
Slughorn's eyes widened, " The entire project? All six essays as well"
She nodded, " They're all there on the table, Sir"
Slughorn quickly strode out from behind the desk and walked over to where their potions sat.
He took a moment to examine each one and then turned to both of them, wearing a look of admiration.
" It seems you have, indeed finished. I guess that's what I get when I put two of my most dedicated students together" Slughorn said.
" Take 10 points to each of your houses" he said smiling.
Doe beamed, always happy to earn Gryffindor more points. Severus looked unsurprised.
" I suppose you two can just review for now" Slughorn said, seeming unsure of what else to have them do.
Severus and Doe sat back down at the desks and opened their textbooks, becoming absorbed with the potions they needed to know to pass their exams.
The rest of the period passed quickly. Doe was far too absorbed in studying to notice anything else.
When the period ended, She said goodbye to Severus and caught up with Marlene and Lily who were discussing Sirius' latest conquest.
"...if anything Marlene, it just proves how misogynistic he is" Lily said, " He uses girls"
" He can use me, honestly I wouldn't even mind" Marlene said through frustration.
" You know," Doe told her, " It is a bit odd that he's never tried anything with you. Especially because you are more than willing"
" Maybe that's it" Lily said, " Marlene, why don't you try being a little less available"
Marlene furrowed her brows, " Would that work?"
Doe shrugged, " It's something"
They headed back to the common room. Most of Gryffindor was in there.
The fifth years were easily distinguishable, because instead of enjoying Fabian and Gideon Prewett's faux duel, they were the ones with open books.
Mary and Alice were sitting on one of the couches on the left side of the room, reciting Goblin Wars of 1812, Caradoc Dearborn had an open charms book in front of him listening to Emmeline Vance tell him about what was on the Charms exam the previous year, Remus and Peter were sitting on another couch reading their own books. Even James Potter was clutching a battered copy of their potions book. The only one who wasn't studying was Sirius.
He sat in one of the large armchairs, his legs hanging lazily over one of the arms, wearing a haughty expression.
" Not studying?" Doe asked him sitting down next to Remus.
" Don't get him started," Remus said with a slight eye roll.
" No, Meadowes. I don't need to study. I will get an Outstanding in everything" Sirius said with a look of pure confidence on his face.
" It'll be interesting to see you as a fifth year again, next year" Lily said opening her Transfiguration textbook with a laugh.
Sirius narrowed his eyes at her.
" You Know, Evans. I'm pretty good at Transfiguration. I could help you study. A little private session" James grinned at her from his armchair.
Lily scowled, " I would rather fail than get help from you, Potter"
James winked at her seductively, causing her to scowl again and bury herself in her book.
" I found those notes you were looking for, " Remus said pulling out a leaflet of History of Magic parchment and handing them to Doe.
" Thank you, You are a lifesaver" Doe said looking at Remus' detailed summary of Goblin rebellions and Wizard uprisings.
" That's what they call me, Remus Lifesaver Lupin" he said leaning back against the couch and opening his book again.
Doe opened her own book, and laced her other hand through Remus', their fingers intertwined. He didn't look up from the book but a large smile spread across his face.
" Honestly I can't tell which is more revolting, your affection or the fact that you are still both studying" Sirius said with a disapproving shake of his head.
" Please just help me" Doe begged Severus a few days later.
" And why do you need my help?" Severus asked trying to walk away.
" Because there's a practical part of the Defense exam and I'm struggling with this one spell" Doe begged.
She had caught Severus on the grounds on his way to the library.
" And why aren't you asking one of your friends, I'm sure Lupin could help you" Severus scowled.
" I thought I was asking a friend" Doe said crossing her arms, " Plus everyone knows you're good at defense"
Severus eyed her with the look of annoyance he often did, but it seemed he was having trouble saying no. Doe had sought him out personally.
Severus sighed, " Fine, which spells are you having trouble with"
" It's just the one," She said her foot dragging across the dirt, " the confundus charm".
Severus sighed loudly and gave her a knowing look.
He placed his books on the bench, " Take your wand and go stand over there by that tree"
Doe grinned and followed his instructions, standing beside the large beech tree.
" Now, the incantation is Confundo, and when you say it, you need to flick your wrist"
Snape motioned for her to recreate his motion.
" Confundo" He said showing her a practice round.
As the spell hit her, she felt very dizzy. She wanted to walk towards him but she couldn't. She fell over to the side, very confused.
After a few minutes the spell began to wear off and the world around her became less fuzzy. She got to her feet unsteadily.
" You ok?" Severus asked.
She nodded, steadying herself.
" You try now" Severus ordered her.
It took several tries, but eventually she managed to confound Severus.
" I did it," she said when the charm wore off of Severus, and he managed to stand up.
" Thank you so much" she said happily, " I had never gotten it to work before"
Severus rolled his eyes at her and waved her off with his signature arrogant wave.
" Bye, friend" she called happily behind her as she headed towards the Great Hall to get some lunch.
She could see Severus' look of irritation as she left, and she smiled to herself. Slowly, she was cracking his surly demeanor.
She found her friends sitting at the end of the Gryffindor Table in the Great Hall. Textbooks were open in front of everyone except for Sirius.
" There you are" Remus said, " I was beginning to think you'd become glued to the library"
" Ha ha" she said sitting down and grabbing a sandwich from the plate in front of him.
" Someday, you're going to regret all that time you wasted studying for exams" Sirius said biting into a sausage.
" Somehow I doubt it" she said, letting her head drop onto Remus shoulder.
" Okay so, Urlich the Evil rose to power in 1546" Lily said to Mary.
" No that was Urlich the Ugly, you've confused him with Egreg the Evil" Mary said pointing to a passage in the History of Magic textbook.
Lily buried her head in her arms, " I am going to fail every exam"
Lily's comment was interrupted by a small first year walking over to them. In his hands was a velvet box containing about thirty embossed cards.
" Mr. Lupin, Mr. Black, Ms. Meadowes, and Ms. Evans?" He asked. In he held out four cards with their names printed on them.
Doe recognized Slughorn's handwriting instantly.
" Oh no," Lily said recognizing it too.
" Yet another Slughorn Dinner Party" Remus said slipping open the invitation. Doe opened hers as well.
Ms. Meadowes,
I would like to cordially invite you to another meeting of the Slug Club. This time I have decided to host a dinner party in my chambers. Just a select few students who I think would enjoy it. I do hope you can attend. It is this thursday evening.
With most sincere wishes,
Horace Slughorn
" Why the bloody hell did he invite me?" Sirius asked.
" Your brother is always there" Remus said.
Sirius groaned loudly, " Do you think he'll take points off my grade if I don't show up"
" It's likely" Lily said, " he's quite proud of his parties"
Sirius sighed, " let's bring on the party then".
The night of Slughorn's party was a busy one. Doe had spent far too long studying and was running very late. She climbed the steps of her dormitory and found a fully dressed Lily sitting on her bed.
" I know, I know. I'm late" She said quickly slipping into a green dress and shoes. She ran a brush through her hair and spun around.
" Okay?" Doe asked Lily, turning so that she could see her.
She nodded, " You look great. Let's go"
Doe followed her down the stairs and into the common room.
Sirius was sitting on one of the armchairs in dress robes looking extremely unamused. Remus was standing next to him, dressed still in his robes from earlier. He had a packed bag in his hands.
" You're not coming to the party?" Doe asked him.
He frowned, " No, I can't. My mom's sick again. I've got to go."
She bit her lip, " I'm so sorry Rem, I hope she feels better" she told him.
" I'm sure she will" he said and quickly kissed the top of her head before disappearing through the portrait hole.
" Are you two ready?" Sirius asked.
Doe and Lily followed Sirius out of the common room and towards Slughorn's living quarters. It was just above the dungeons, where the Slytherin common room was.
They knocked quickly on the door.
A third year hufflepuff in a bowtie opened the door and greeted them.
Slughorn's living quarters had been decorated with large purple paper flowers hanging from the ceiling above an ornately decorated table. The table sat at least twenty. It seemed as though a variety of every house was present.
Doe saw Severus, Lucius Malfoy, and Bellatrix were all sitting on one side of the table with superior looks on their faces. Each seat had a place card. Doe was sat in between Sirius and Lucius Malfoy.
Everyone took their seats and waited for their host. After a few minutes, Slughorn walked down his marble staircase, adorned in violent fuschia robes.
" Welcome everyone to another one of our little elite gatherings for Hogwarts best and brightest." Slughorn said beaming at the students assembled at the table.
Sirius wore an expressions that suggested it actually pained him to be here.
" I thought that this nice evening of good food and good conversation would be a nice treat before the stress of studying gets to you fifth years" Slughorn chuckled to himself, but most of the fifth years were still to anxious about the upcoming O.W.L's to join in his amusement.
" So let this little soiree begin!" Slughorn said with a clap. At his announcement, several younger students came out carrying entrees they put in front of everyone.
They began to eat as the conversation continued. Slughorn like to egg conversation out of his pupils.
" How is your grandfather, Lucius?"
" Do tell me how is your sister Gwenog, still playing Quidditch"
" Ms. Muffler, how is your mother. Best healing potion I'd ever seen made was made by her"
Doe hung back out of the conversation, until Slughorn said " Ah Ms. Meadowes, Mr. Snape, do tell us how you finished my little project so quickly"
Doe looked to Severus, who bore the same slightly put out look that she did.
" Just dedication, Sir" she said quickly taking a sip of water.
Slughorn grinned widely, " Well I would assume so, Tell Me Mr. Snape did you come across any difficulties"
She listened as Snape placated Slughorn by giving him details of their project and how they did it, looking thoroughly annoyed as he did so.
Doe kept looking at the large clock in the back of his office. This was valuable studying time. Sirius was also looking at the clock, desperate to leave.
Lily seemed like the only Gryffindor in the room who was enjoying themselves. It was nearly eleven when Slughorn finally said looking at the clock for the first time this evening, " Great Scotts, I've kept you all far too long, better get moving before Filch has you all put in detention"
Doe and Sirius left the table quickly. Lily waited saying goodbyes and finishing her conversation.
" Let's get out of here, " Sirius begged, " Lily'll be fine"
" I'm with you" Doe told him, quickly leaving the room at his heels.
They walked back towards the common room.
" That was awful, " Sirius said shaking his head, " Bloody awful. How do you go to those all the time?"
" I feel like I have too," Doe said shrugging, " Slughorn pesters me about it every time"
Sirius shook his head, " That was my last, I don't care if he fails me, I am never doing that again"
Doe laughed, " You act like someone was performing the cruciatus curse on you"
Sirius' eyes were still wide, " That was probably worse than any unforgivable curse"
Doe rolled her eyes at his ridiculousness.
" Are you really not studying for the O.W.L's?" she asked him as they climbed one of the staircases towards the dormitories.
Sirius shook his head, " Of course I'm studying, but can't let the others see that. It would ruin my reputation" he laughed loudly.
" You're ridiculous Sirius" Doe told him as we approached the fat lady.
" On the contrary, I am being quite Sirius." He laughed, " You get it? Like Serious?" and laughed again.
Doe rolled her eyes and followed him into the Common Room.