6

Olivia

For the rest of the day I thought about the Potter Generation. One of the two Ravenclaws that I had seen on the train on the first day had come up to me at the end of last week and told me about his project. He explained it nervously, his hands twitching and his eyes meeting anything but my own. Any normal person probably would have said no but the way I saw it, the Potter Generation, if done correctly, would be revolutionary.

It was exciting to imagine wizards and witches of all ages watching the documentary and getting the real inside story of what happened around Hogwarts. They would finally know the prejudices and the rumors and the truth of what the rest of us thought about the past seven years. All anyone knew was that Harry Potter was a savior and the rest of us played along with it.

Wes seemed to know what he was doing but he also seemed terrified about it. I could tell he had thought everything out but he still hesitated, like something was holding him back. I couldn't blame him though. This documentary could either make us famous or put us in Azkaban. I just didn't know which idea excited me more.

The day dragged on, slow and lazy like the weather outside until classes finally ended. Students filled the hallways and moved in every direction, buzzing with talk of try outs and plans and homework. I headed toward Professor Flitwick's room, absently loosening my tie and thinking about the nap I was going to take before dinner. It was only the second week of school and I was already sick of waking up early and going to class. The only thing getting me through was the food, honestly.

When I entered Flitwick's room I was surprised to see that it wasn't empty. Usually I was the only one that stuck around for the extra help that he offered but that afternoon there was Draco Malfoy slouching in the farthest seat back, looking like he was about to fall asleep.

He didn't turn around when I came in and I wondered if he even heard me. Maybe I could just turn around and leave without anyone knowing. Flitwick usually didn't come in until he had finished his tea in his office and that could take awhile depending on the day. And I didn't really need the extra help, I only came because Charms was my favorite and I had nothing better to do than sit around doing homework.

I argued with myself for almost 30 seconds before giving up and striding to the front row, not allowing myself to look behind me where he was. I dropped into my seat in a very ungraceful manner and stared holes into the blackboard in front of me. I could feel Malfoy's eyes on my back and I suddenly wished I had run out when I had the chance. I felt like I had just set my own death sentence.

"Oh look at this!" Flitwick exclaimed as he tottered in, surveying his classroom like it was full of people. "This is the most people I've had for extra help in years!"

I gave the professor a weak smile as he passed, still not daring to move an inch. I pulled my wand from my bag and rolled it across my fingers, glad for a distraction. Charms was my favorite and best subject and no amount of blonde dickheads were going to keep me from doing it.

"Well, this should be interesting." Flitwick said, fidgeting with papers on his desk. He seemed uncomfortable and I could guess why. "Mr. Malfoy was...occupied for the past year or two so we'll start out easy. Would that be alright, Miss Tellson?"

"I'm a little rusty anyway." I lied, ignoring the tension that had formed when Flitwick said occupied.

"Excellent. Mr. Malfoy why don't you move up front. We'll start with something simple." Flitwick said, clapping his hands together. I heard rustling from the back of the classroom then suddenly Malfoy was sitting next to me, wand in hand and head down.

"Turn the vinegar into wine." Two glasses of vinegar appeared in front of Malfoy and I. I knew exactly what to do, remembering the spell from sixth year, but I hesitated when I glanced at Malfoy out of the corner of my eye. He sat staring at the goblet like it was the weapon used for his execution. His untidy hair fell into his face and he didn't bother fixing it as his wand stayed motionless in his hand.

I cleared my throat and performed the spell, saying the incantation loud and clear despite not even needing it. As soon as I pointed my wand, the clear vinegar turned thick and red. I couldn't help the smile of satisfaction that

spread across my face.

"Wonderful Miss Tellson." Flitwick declared, clapping his hands once again. "Now you, Mr. Malfoy."

Malfoy looked up at Flitwick as if he just noticed he was there before shaking his head. "I don't know how." He said, his voice thin and weary. Flitwick's face dropped a bit.

"Oh, I suppose I could..." He said, picking up his wand. "Alright, to turn vinegar to wine you must simply point your wand and use the incantation-"

"Professor Flitwick." Professor Slughorn, the potions master, stood awkwardly at door, his fist raised as if he was about to knock but thought better of it. "I need you in my office. It's a bit of an emergency." He looked embarrassed and I wasn't very surprised.

"Ok Professor Slughorn I'll be with you in a moment." Flitwick said, looking almost relieved to be out of the classroom. "Miss Tellson, I would appreciate it greatly if you would assist with the spell." Without another word, Flitwick sped out of the room, Slughorn on his heels.

Shit. Malfoy leaned back in his chair and rubbed his eyes. How was I supposed to teach Draco Malfoy charms when he looked like he was on the verge of death and I could barely look at him much less talk? I contemplated just staying quiet and waiting for Flitwick to come back but I knew I couldn't do that. Disobeying teachers wasn't something I did, especially not Flitwick.

"Um, ok." I started, my voice only a bit more than a whisper. "Turning vinegar to wine is really simple. You just point your wand and say the incantation." I did the spell as an example, feeling his eyes on me. When I looked up he didn't look bored like he did with Flitwick, but he didn't have that predatory gaze he had had for the past seven years. He just looked...curious.

"Now you try." I said, nodding to his untouched goblet. He glanced at it before running a hand through his hair and pointing his wand. When he said the spell it came out low and quiet. The vinegar stayed as it was.

"I think the problem is that you're doubting yourself." I said after a moment, attempting to sound like my other teachers who usually had a reason for everything. "This time try to be louder. More sure of yourself."

Surprisingly, he smiled. Not a real smile but it was something all the same. He didn't say anything more before pointing his wand again. This time his voice was clearer and his hold was steady. The vinegar slowly turned red. A proud look crossed over Malfoy's face and it was so unlike his usual smug self I couldn't help but smile back.

"This'll only take a moment!" I heard Flitwick yell from outside the classroom. When he came inside his face was slightly red like he had been running and he looked extremely flustered.

"I'm sorry but it seems I'm going to be occupied for a while. I suggest you both go to your common rooms and begin your homework." Flitwick said. His face lit up as he gazed at Malfoy's goblet. "Oh wonderful Miss Tellson, you've taught him already! I don't even have to be here, you've already got the teaching down!" He better be joking, I thought, standing up from my desk.

"I've got to go, but thank you very much. I'm not sure I'll be able to attend extra help next week but I suggest you think about tutoring, Miss Tellson. You're very good you know. You'll be in good hands, ."

Without another word Flitwick was gone. I glanced at Malfoy who had already stood and pulled his bag over his shoulder. He met my eyes for a moment before looking at the wine filled cup on his desk and gave me that ghost of a smile.

"Thanks." He said, his hands clenching and unclenching almost nervously. "I'm rubbish at Charms."

"I think you did pretty good." I shrugged, trying to act nonchalant but failing miserably. The situation was too weird to act normal.

"I'd better go." He replied after a second, glancing at the door. I watched as he weaved around the desks, pulling at his sleeves and bowing his head. Before I could stop myself I started to speak.

"If you do need tutoring, I'm free. I'm not amazing at other subjects but I'm sure I could make myself useful."

I thought I saw something light up in his eyes when he turned around, just like when I bumped into him on the train. But just as quickly it was gone and his face was back to it's nearly emotionless state.

"Thank you." Then he was gone.