This one turned out darker than I'd imagined. And hoped.
As always, Amycus Carrow entered the Dark Arts class without a single word and was rewarded with the silence that came with fear - not respect.
"Today we will be learning how to effectively cast the Cruciatus curse." He flicked his wand at the door and five shaking First years walked into the room. "What is your name boy?" he demanded, pointing to a blonde haired Hufflepuff.
"Samuel Bates, Sir," he squeaked, his hands shaking which he tried to hide by stuffing them in his pockets.
"Good." He turned to the class. "I expect you to know the name of your victim. It serves as a permanent reminder of how you progress in your studies." Carrow had barely finished his sentence and taken a breath before aiming the curse at the small child who fell to the floor, writhing and screaming.
Neville felt sick immediately. He couldn't do this. Nobody sane could.
A glance around the classroom showed the Slytherins looking disgusted and green - just like everybody else.
"So, who will be our first practitioner?" Nobody volunteered. "Nobody? Hmm… Longbottom," he shouted and the Gryffindor held back a glare. "You've got some experience with this curse - why don't you demonstrate?"
"No," he replied confidently, standing behind his desk and glaring at their supposed Professor. "No I won't." Amycus' jaw clenched and he felt a small pinch of glee erupt in his gut.
"And why not?"
"Because I have no desire to do so." His voice reeked confidence - some it fake, some of it growing from the support he could see from others. Seamus was nodding in agreement and Lavender looked like she wanted to stand up and share her piece of mind but a shake of his head had her calming down.
"Oh Mr Longbottom," Amycus cooed sarcastically. "You are a little troublemaker, aren't you? So underestimated in both your magical abilities and your character which gives you the perfect chance to sneak in, gain friends and then think you can get away with disrespecting your superiors!"
"Boys will be boys," Neville said nonchalantly, shrugging his shoulders as if he wasn't afraid.
"Detention tonight Mr Longbottom. If you think your behavior will let you get away with some actions then you are truly foolish. Come and stand with Mr Bates and his friends." Neville walked slowly to the small children and offered them a soft smile when his back was to the Death Eater. "Mr Goyle, let us show the class the wonders of the curse on Mr Longbottom. Now."
Word Count: 423
September Event Prompt: (10) Interaction with a teacher.
Gringotts Prompt Bank: (character) - Neville Longbottom. (said replacement) - squeaked. (feelings) - confident. (OC character) - Samuel Bates. (assorted proverb) "Boys will be boys."