Switching Partners

"Today, we will try our hand at the Draught of Peace," Professor Slughorn said jovially. "It is and O.W.L. that requires practice to master, so we'll revisit it several times." He paused and paced the front of the class. "For an anxiety relieving potion, it's ironic that it's so difficult to make. You must not be heavy-handed with the ingredients, and the instructions are very detailed."

Professor Slughorn looked around the room of fifth-year Gryffindors and Slytherins. As his eyes moved over the u-shaped table groupings, Slughorn nodded his head. "I rather like our arrangement, so your table partner is also your brewing partner for today. Prepare your cauldrons and gather the ingredients for your table. You may begin when ready."

Irritated, Severus frowned and looked to his left at Miriam seated beside him. Her hair was done up in some fancy braid with emerald green ribbon woven through it. Though she wore the same uniform as everybody else, Miriam had a flair for accessorizing that elevated her look. Severus eyed the witch critically; he saw no earrings, rings, or bracelets. At least she wasn't wearing any jewelry that could ruin a potion, Severus thought to himself.

She turned to look at him and her grey eyes widened slightly. "I take it you'd rather not have me as your partner?"

"What makes you say that?" Severus asked.

"Because you look angry," Miriam answered quietly.

"It's fine. Why don't you gather our ingredients, and I'll get the cauldrons ready," Severus told Miriam.

Miriam gave him a skeptical glance, but went to the supply cupboard as he suggested. Alone, Severus silently berated himself as he set about his work. He really needed to get a handle on his emotions and not let them show on his face. Truthfully, it wasn't fine that Miriam was his partner. For the last four years, he always managed to pair up with Lily during potions class. Today, however, when he arrived Lily was already sitting with Mary. Perturbed, Severus claimed a table close to Slughorn's desk. He would rather brew alone than with someone he did not know. Severus remained alone until Miriam silently slipped in with seconds to spare before the bell. She took the only seat left, which happened to be beside Severus.

The change in his routine unnerved Severus. He liked knowing what to expect, and he liked working with Lily. Though Miriam was fine as a housemate, Severus had no idea how she was as a lab partner. Sure, she'd brewed this potion before, but that meant little to Severus—he didn't truly know Miriam. What if she was sloppy and careless, or worse? Severus shuddered and pushed the unpleasant thoughts from his mind.

Her arms laden with ingredients, Miriam returned to the table. Severus had their cauldrons ready, so he decided to give Miriam a hand. He gently took the syrup of Hellebore from her hands and carefully placed it on the table. Silently, they organized their work space.

Severus noticed immediately that Miriam was very organized, from the way she lined up the ingredients down to her handwritten notes that filled the margins of her textbook. Perhaps this would be tolerable, Severus thought as he stole a glance at her book.

Suddenly, something small came flying towards them, and Miriam's hand shot out in front of him. Severus flinched, and before he could get a glimpse of what Miriam caught, she flung it back to where it came from.

"Ow!" Potter hissed as he slapped his forehead. His pained looked turned to panic as his hand pawed at his face. Potter turned to Black, and Sirius' eyes widened as he looked at the walnut stuck to James' forehead. He tried to pull it off, but all he managed to do was make James yelp in pain.

"What did you do?" Sirius growled at Miriam from across the room.

"What did I do? What was Potter on about, tossing things at our table during a lab? Hellebore is poisonous, Sirius, or are you so daft you didn't know?" Miriam spat out. She pointed a finger and was about to say more, but it was then Miriam noticed Professor Slughorn watching them, as well as the rest of the class. Slowly, Miriam lowered her finger and pursed her lips together. The classroom was so still, you could hear the steady drip from the washbasin in the back.

Professor Slughorn cleared his throat, and all eyes turned to him. "Mr. Potter, come see me please. Everyone else, return to your work."

Miriam's eyes lowered to her textbook while Severus surreptitiously watched Slughorn unstick the walnut from James' forehead. He bit his cheek to keep from laughing, and pretended to read the brewing directions until he was certain the class had moved on.

"Sticking charm?"

Miriam barely heard the soft question over the gentle bubble of the cauldrons. She glanced over to find Severus studying her, his curtain of hair obscuring his face. "Yes," Miriam answered. She saw Severus smirk as his black eyes glittered, and then he gave her a subtle nod.

Wanting to move on, Miriam changed the subject. "Have you brewed this potion before?" Miriam asked.

Severus shook his head. "No. As you know, unicorn horn isn't cheap, and I'm not about to waste my galleons when I could just wait to brew it here."

"Can't argue with that logic," Miriam said as she nodded her head.

Severus looked inquisitively at Miriam. "Since you have, tell me about your attempts."

Miriam smiled and slid her book over. She scooted closer as Severus leaned over the text, their heads practically touching. "Take a look here, at steps eight and nine…"

As class progressed, Severus found Miriam to be a discerning lab partner. She was focused, and her skills more than adequate. The time slipped away from them, and when they finished, Miriam and Severus looked on proudly as vapor rose from their cauldrons. Before dismissal, Professor Slughorn stopped by each table to view their work. There were mixed results; some potions were disastrous, while others were partially correct. When Slughorn came to Severus and Miriam's table, his green eyes lit up.

"Wonderful!" Horace exclaimed as he clapped his hands together. He smiled and gestured at the tendrils of silver vapor rising from the two cauldrons. "Such a beautiful potion, when brewed correctly. Two points to each of you." Before he left, Professor Slughorn leaned in and whispered. "Ms. Magowan, please see me after class."

"Yes, Sir," Miriam replied just as quietly.

/-/-

"Snape!"

Severus sighed and didn't even look up from his book. He knew that voice, just like he knew his quiet respite was long gone. Severus frowned as several footsteps approached. Since he had no homework or responsibilities, and all he wanted to do was read. "Shoo, fly, don't bother me," Severus muttered.

Wilkes laughed and plopped down beside Severus on the dark green velvet sofa, jostling Severus as he did so. Avery and Mulciber sat down on the coffee table in front of Severus with eager looks on their faces. Severus looked at the three and rolled his eyes. "What?"

"Get your cloak, we're going out," Mulciber told him.

Severus remained unmoved. "Where?"

"We'll fill you in on the way."

With a heavy sigh, Severus fastened his cloak as he followed his three housemates down the castle steps. "Now do I get to know where we're going?" Avery grinned at Severus and pointed towards the direction of the pitch. Severus pulled a face. "Why are we going there?"

"You really need to put that schnoz of yours to use and be nosier, Severus. But since you're not, I'll graciously fill you in," Wilkes stated piously. "After you left potions class today, I stuck around. Potter and Magowan got detention for their little tiff."

Severus shrugged his shoulders. "So?"

"Well, I think Miriam could have gotten off, but she called Potter an irresponsible git instead of making nice and apologizing like Slughorn wanted. After Potter was dismissed, he had Magowan stay back. Ol' Sluggy "strongly suggested" that with her aim, she should try out for the Quidditch team. We still need a third Chaser, you know."

Severus frowned. "That still doesn't explain why we're going to the pitch."

Wilkes burst out laughing. "Why, to cheer our housemate on, of course!" Avery and Mulciber joined in as Wilkes lightly punched Severus on the arm. Severus scowled and buried his hands in his cloak pockets as he followed the other three.

Avery, Wilkes, and Mulciber talked loudly the entire way to the Quidditch pitch. Severus remained quiet, and as they climbed the stairs to the Slytherin student section he wondered what Wilkes was playing at. Technically, all students trying out were their housemates. Why was he suddenly so interested in Miriam?

Lost in his thoughts, Severus claimed a seat beside Avery. His black eyes took in his surroundings. It seemed word spread quickly about the last-minute tryout. There were a handful of students from all four houses seated in their respective sections. Severus then turned his attention to the pitch. He recognized Black and Flaherty, the Slytherin team Captain. Their brooms hovered close to one another as they talked.

There appeared to be five students trying for the last Chaser position, of which Miriam was one. Severus watched Miriam as she flew around the pitch. He noticed Miriam's broom was a newer model, which didn't surprise Severus in the least. She wore the same boots and jeans from their walk, and a light gray jumper. A pair of dragonhide gloves protected her hands, and her curls were tamed into a braid that wrapped around her head. Miriam had a very guarded look on her face, and Severus idly wondered how well she could play.

Miriam readjusted her grip as she took several warm up laps with her broom. She took a deep breath and focused on channeling her anger over the afternoon into something constructive. Trying out for the Quidditch team was the last thing Miriam wanted to do, but she felt as though she had no choice. She understood the hidden implication behind Slughorn's words when he suggested she try out—there was no room for argument. Besides, it was her own rash actions that got her into this mess; now, she needed to rise up and put forth her best effort. If Slughorn saw potential for her to become a Chaser, then Miriam planned to unleash her competitiveness and mop the sky with everyone else.

Flaherty called everyone to the center of the pitch, where he laid out the plan. First, a brief warm up of drills, followed by a pared down match where they would split into two teams. Miriam smirked when she heard the last bit—that would be a perfect time to showcase her abilities. Though she wasn't a professional, this wasn't Miriam's first time on a broom, either.

When the tryout began, Miriam put all her focus on executing the drills with precision. At last, when the Quaffle came out, Miriam's eyes never left it. Back and forth she flew, assisting as needed to block the other team's Chasers while seeking every opportunity to lay her hands on the Quaffle to score points. It was a freeing rush to be on a broom again. The wind on her face felt exhilarating, and Miriam remembered how much she loved to fly.

"She's really fast," Avery breathed.

"And agile," Severus added as Miriam intercepted the Quaffle and pulled a rolling turn to dodge an opposing Chaser.

Miriam tossed the Quaffle through the goal hoop and looped around it to head downfield as she sensed a wave of magic. It narrowly missed her, and Miriam felt her broom heave. She rode it out, and tightened her handle grip to regain control. That shouldn't have happened. Miriam frowned and continued downfield as she tried to figure out what was going on.

The Keepers waved their arms to signal the end of play. "Let's head down," Wilkes decided. "It looks like they're done."

Severus stood as Flaherty blew his whistle, and he quickly turned around. In that moment, Miriam's broom listed sharply and she shrieked. Miriam lost control, slipped, and fell. The spectators gasped as she barely caught herself with an elbow. After several tries, her legs wrapped around the broom and Miriam struggled to right herself. Once she did, Miriam took several deep breaths. Furious, she scanned the stands, and her eyes came to rest on the Ravenclaw section.

"C'mon, Snape," Avery said. Severus watched Miriam descend on her broom before he turned away and followed Avery down the stairs.

"After that ending, aren't you glad you tagged along?" Mulciber goaded Severus.

Severus stepped from the last stair onto the ground and looked at Mulciber. He gave a noncommittal shrug but said nothing.

"Oh, come on! You can't tell me this wasn't more interesting than that dusty old book you were reading," Wilkes said.

Severus opened his mouth to answer, but he was interrupted by swift footsteps coming up behind him.

"You bloody wanker!" Miriam yelled.

Severus jumped back as a bucket beside the stairs rattled and flew through the air. Miriam wandlessly summoned the bucket towards her and magically flung it at a passing Ravenclaw. She hit him upside the head, and he staggered back against a tower wall.

That was all the time Miriam needed. In a few short steps, she was upon him. Without thinking, Miriam drew back and punched Desmond square in the face.

Desmond grabbed his nose, and then looked at his bloody hand. "You bitch!" he hissed. "Wait until Slughorn hears about this."

A low, dark laugh emanated from Miriam as she stared Campbell down. A chill trickled down Severus' spine. He cut his eyes to the other three boys, but they were all looking on wide-eyed at the witch in front of them.

"Go ahead and snitch. Though, I think Slughorn and Flitwick would much rather hear me tell them about you trying to knock me off my broom," Miriam said lowly.

"Yeah, well, had I succeeded, you wouldn't be able to talk about it," he snarled.

"Lucky for me you fail at everything you try to do, then," Miriam said mockingly.

Desmond's face clouded with rage. He drew his wand, but wasn't fast enough. Miriam kicked him square in the balls, and when he dropped to his knees, Miriam pushed him onto the ground. She got a few good kicks in before the Slytherin team ran up behind her.

"What the hell is going on?" Flaherty yelled.

Miriam paused her kicks just long enough to answer. "Campbell thinks it's funny to try and knock people off their brooms. I'm helping him see the error of his ways."

"How do you know it was him?" Regulus interjected.

Severus spoke up. "He admitted to it. We all heard him." Flaherty stared at Severus, and the other three boys silently nodded in agreement.

Flaherty pinched the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath. "Miriam, go back to the castle, and let us handle this." Miriam turned and looked at him questioningly. "As a Team, we take care of our own," he explained.

Miriam's eyes slowly widened in understanding. She looked at the Quidditch team, and then her eyes settled on Regulus.

"Congratulations," Regulus said with a smile. He glanced at Desmond and quickly sobered. "Go, Miriam, so we can … talk … with our friend here. We'll make your appointment official later."

With a curt nod, Miriam turned on her heel and walked away. Wilkes looked at the Quidditch team and then Desmond. He hesitated, but decided to follow Miriam, and the other three trailed behind.

"Magowan!" Wilkes hollered.

Miriam exhaled loudly and walked faster. There was so much adrenaline coursing through her veins, Miriam couldn't stop even if she wanted to. Her mind was a jumbled mess of emotions. She didn't want to talk to Wilkes, or anybody for that matter.

Avery glanced at Severus as Wilkes continued. "Oi, Magowan!" Wilkes yelled again.

Still, Miriam ignored him, and Wilkes muttered something unintelligible under his breath. He sped up to close the distance and inhaled deeply. "Bloody hell, Magowan, would y—,"

Wilkes stopped abruptly as Miriam rounded on him. "Don't call me that!" Miriam screamed.

Wilkes took a small step back. "Don't call you what?" he asked as he tried to catch his breath.

"Don't call me Magowan. I have a first name, and I suggest you use it."

"I always call people by their surnames," Wilkes explained.

"Well, I don't like it. As my housemate, the least you could do is respect my wishes," Miriam replied.

"Kinda seems like a stupid thing to whinge about. It's just a name," Avery mumbled.

Miriam snapped her eyes to Avery, and she scowled. "Is it really, Francis?" Miriam drawled.

Avery's face reddened immediately. "Don't call me Francis!"

Miriam folded her arms and raised an eyebrow at him. "Why not? It's just a name, after all."

"Wait a tick… I thought your name was Frank," Mulciber said to Avery. He looked at his friend, completely confused.

Miriam's guarded expression turned to exasperation. "How thick can you be?" Miriam began, but she quickly shook her head and held up her hand. "Never mind. Why are you even talking to me, Lionel?"

"I just wanted to congratulate you," Wilkes said silkily as he eyed Miriam.

Miriam's arms wrapped protectively around her and she nodded. "And you have," she replied, her voice tight. She wondered what he was up to as she stared at him.

Wilkes smiled at Miriam, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Well, we should go." Wilkes looked to the other three and turned around to head back to the pitch. Avery and Mulciber followed, but Snape stayed where he was.

"You coming, Snape?" Mulciber asked when he realized they were short one.

"You go on. I'll see you later," Severus answered as he looked at Miriam. Once Miriam's arms dropped to her sides, Severus knew they were gone. He closed the distance, and as he got closer, Severus noticed that Miriam was shaking.

"You're trembling," Severus said with a frown. "Are you cold?" Before she could answer, Severus unclasped his cloak and draped it over Miriam's shoulders.

The heavy fabric enveloped her, and Miriam greedily wrapped herself in the voluminous material as Severus fastened the clasp. Though the air was a bit chilly, Miriam knew her shaking was caused by her rise and fall in adrenaline; she'd experienced it before after being chased by her father. "T-t-thanks," Miriam said through chattering teeth. "Won't you be c-c-cold without it?"

"I'll be fine," Severus said dismissively. He slipped his hands into his trouser pockets as he studied Miriam. On the outside he appeared calm, but on the inside his mind was spinning. He had no idea what the hell just happened. Usually, he over thought every action and word to avoid making a blunder, only to make a horrible impression anyway. This time, there was no thought, just action. From the grateful look on Miriam's face, Severus didn't bugger it up, either.

Severus quickly pulled his thoughts together before he forgot what he wanted to say. "I heard Professor Slughorn gave you detention."

"He did."

"I'm sorry."

Miriam's brows knitted together. "Why are you sorry?"

"Potter was aiming for me."

"Exactly. He threw the walnut; I threw it back. You were merely a bystander." Miriam shrugged. "If I had to do it over, my actions would remain the same." She hesitated for a moment, then pressed on. "Would you like to walk with me to dinner?"

"Sure."

As they started walking, Miriam bunched Severus' cloak in her hands so that she wouldn't step on the hem. She shook her head. "Either you're tall for our age, or I'm hobbit-sized—your cloak dwarfs me," Miriam mused.

"You're too tall to be a hobbit," Severus replied, and Miriam laughed. "Congratulations on making the Team, sincerely. You're quite a flyer."

"I do alright, I guess." Miriam looked curiously at Severus. "Since you watched everything, I'd like your opinion. Was I the most qualified out there?"

"Why do you ask?"

"I'm just wondering if I earned my spot, or did Regulus sway things in my favor?"

"Ah," Severus said. "Well, my opinion means nothing, but I believe you earned your place on the Team. You can always ask Flaherty to see his notes. He uses a rubric to score everyone."

"Your opinion means something to me," Miriam said quietly.

Severus glanced beside him. He couldn't tell if the color on Miriam's cheeks was from the cold, or if she was blushing. Regardless, her words once again left him speechless.

/-/-/

A/N: Thanks for reading!