Chapter 31 Sometimes (I wish)
Today was the first day the students had potions since what was now unfortunately widely referred to as the "gay vampire incident," kids being the immature twits they are.
It hadn't taken but a week to find a potential replacement. Now that the war was over and Hogwarts's pristine reputation had been restored there were no shortage of willing applicants, desperate to make carve out a name for themselves in the field. It had been another week to verify his identity and status as a human wizard. However now that the paperwork was behind them it was time to end the temporary hiatus on the class.
Harry had automatically taken the seat next to Draco as he had all semester without further thought that he might now chose a new partner. Draco said nothing, pleased to see that Harry had taken the seat beside him as always.
Draco had arrived early himself, occupying his usual spot in hopes Harry would do the same. Spending potions with Harry was always the highlight of his day, even before when their relationship was strained. Though they never chatted, just work silently, side by side, it had been enough for Draco. And now that they were on, dare he say it, friendly terms, potions would be better than ever. Dare he think that things were actually looking up? It didn't take long, however, for his fears to be tested as Ron walked over, his face a mixture of confusion and determination.
"Whats up, mate?" Ron started gesturing towards Draco. "We got a new professor, you don't have to stay partnered with the ferret anymore. Neville hasn't got a partner yet."Ron was still staring at him, as if patiently waiting for him to come to his senses.
Harry felt the irritation spark up inside him immediately. For starters, he hadn't really minded being paired with Draco, even before they had worked out their differences. The truth was, Draco actually was brilliant in Potions and Harry's understanding had improved drastically with Draco's help over the semester thus far, not to mention his marks. Neville, on the other hand, well Harry just couldn't understand why he was even still taking the damn class. Something about understanding how the plants he cultivates are used practically furthering his knowledge in caring for and collecting samples. Regardless of the reason, his abilities in the class hadn't improved much over the years, and Harry definitely wasn't too keen to partner with him.
But what really triggered Harry's anger was the assumption that he needed Ron to tell him who he should partner with. Surely the savior of the wizarding world could be trusted to this once decision without the aid of his all-knowing best friend. And he was really getting tired of this petty feud Ron was always trying to keep alive with Draco. So he decided to tell him so.
"Look, Ron," Harry said, surprised himself at the barely contained malice in his words, "I understand you think you are just looking out for me. But I am perfectly capable of deciding who I should partner with in potions. Surely you think I can handle it?" He said, voice dripping with sarcasm that gave a start to the pale blonde seated next to him. "Besides I will have you know getting partnered with Malfoy- no, I mean, Draco has been the best thing that's ever happened to me during this class. He's brilliant and you know it. So, just leave it be." He finished, he resigned voice lifting to a kinder, patient tone.
Ron's jaw looked as if it would detach itself and fly away for a moment, but then he found himself giving a small nod towards Harry, then, hesitantly Draco, before turning and heading back to a chiding Hermione.
The new Potions Master was a far cry from the former. For starters he was a lot closer to the Headmistress in age. A distinguished man, average height, broad shouldered, toned but not muscular. His white hair was clipped neatly short and combed back in a fashion that was mildly reminiscent of the way Draco would wear his hair in the days of his childhood when he still looked up to his father. His cool blue eyes had an aura of calm and control, yet were sharp and clever, daring anyone to test their skill.
"Alright class, settle down now. Let's come to order." He stated simply and without fanfare. But it wasn't his words that cut the chatter like butter, rather his strict tone that communicated clearly to the seasoned students that he would tolerate no foolishness, no mouthing off, and you didn't really want to test his patience to figure that out.
"I understand there have been countless issues with those that came to teach young minds here throughout recent years," he began frankly, the room now solely focused on him. "There has been much turmoil during this time, caused as you all know by that evil being known as Voldemort." Some students gasped, others seemed stunned frozen, however Harry only watched keener. He respected those who weren't afraid to call the monster by his name. "It is unfair that as young people you endured so much of the discord caused by this, however, that is life. Life does not care if you are yound or old, rich or poor," he said, scanning each rapt face, "Things happen, bad things that change life forevermore."
So many emotions flitted through the faces of the varied students in this moment. Some held shamed expressions, other anxious, a few thoughtful.
"But as wizards, as people, it is up to us to grow, to survive, to become stronger, more ready to face the next challenge with each one defeated. I see in all of you, right now, the potential to grow stronger, to rise above the challenges life has faced you with. As the new Potions Master I fully intend to see each one of you succeed. It won't always be easy and I won't be lenient, but you will learn. Because that is what a Potions Master should be, for all of you."
The new Potions Master gazed through the room again. He couldn't help but noticed the awed silence that filled the room. Students waited quietly, eager even for their first lesson.
"Right, so look at the person sitting next to you. That will be your partner for rest of the semester." Draco looked towards Harry, unable to contain his smile. From a few tables away Ron watched, confused and irritated by the looks Malfoy gave Harry every chance he got.
"In between the various lessons you will be working on an independent study project of sorts. I have a list of several high-level potions for you to choose from that you will be working on successfully brewing with your partner by the end of the semester. You will find the list spelled into the first page of your potions book, under Professor's Instructions, along with the syllabus for the rest of the year. I will give you the rest of the period to research the various potions brewing methods and decide with your partner which potions you will attempt to brew. Remember, the aim is to brew a successful draught by the before Christmas Break, so use consideration when thinking of things such as how long the potion takes to brew. A potion may seem uncomplicated, by may take a long time to brew and require very, very specific time restraints. Let me know of any questions you have and I will come assist you." He finished, and feeling the unofficial ban of talking lifted the room immediately sprang to life with the excited twitter of students discussing what they would do for their Potions project.
It didn't take Ron and Hermione long to decide on the Polyjuice Potion having successfully brewed it their second year. It was actually relatively simple, to Hermione at least, however she knew few would attempt it due to the length of time it takes to brew. They would only have one shot.
Draco and Harry however had already spent much of the period researching various potions on the list. Or rather, more accurately, Harry had spent much o f the period researching the largely unknown potions while Draco exasperatedly tried to explain them to him. Finally they had narrowed it down to two choices.
"If we go with the Fortis Elixir it will be simpler, yes, but if we mess it up then we will be scrambling to brew another in time. The Scalus Mortem is more complicated, but we can brew it 3 or 4 times if need be. I don't know that I want to trust my potions grade to you skill." Draco explained huffily for the umpteenth time to Harry, who had decided to push the easier potions, as Draco had suspected.
"Fine, fine," Harry conceded. "We'll do the Scalus Mortem. I just hope you you're ready to spend a lot of time with me, cause," Harry said dropping down to a whisper, an odd smile playing on his face "I kind of suck at potions."
Internally Draco squealed at the prospect of spending more time with Harry, but outwardly he just deadpanned "You don't say."
