2 | CONFESSIONS° HARRY POTTER

8 | PROFESSOR UMBRIDGE

 His gaze lingered this time upon Neville, who gulped. 

"After this year, of course, many of you will cease studying with me," Snape went on. "I take only the very best into my N.E.W.T. Potions class, which means that some of us will certainly be saying good-bye." 

His eyes rested on Harry and his lip curled. Iris glanced over at Harry to find him matching Snape's glare. He knew not to look over at Iris since he suspected he'd still be seeing her in his N.E.W.T. Potions class since she was one of his best students, and that was unfortunate for the both of them.

"But we have another year to go before that happy moment of farewell," said Snape softly, "so whether you are intending to attempt N.E.W.T. or not, I advise all of you to concentrate your efforts upon maintaining the high-pass level I have come to expect from my O.W.L. students.

 "Today we will be mixing a potion that often comes up at Ordinary Wizarding Level: the Draught of Peace, a potion to calm anxiety and soothe agitation. Be warned: If you are too heavy-handed with the ingredients you will put the drinker into a heavy and sometimes irreversible sleep, so you will need to pay close attention to what you are doing." Iris placed her chin in the palm of her hand as she began to listen to Snape. "The ingredients and method"— Snape flicked his wand — "are on the blackboard" — (they appeared there) — "you will find everything you need" — he flicked his wand again — "in the store cupboard" — (the door of the said cupboard sprang open) — "you have an hour and a half. . . . Start."

"I'm guessing I'll be doing all the work." Iris said to Pansy and Tracey.

"Would you?" Pansy asked excitedly before resuming her conversation with Tracy right where she left off. Iris sighed and glanced over at Theo. She missed having him as a partner in Potions, at least he'd help her.

The potion was difficult for some but Iris found it was much easier than she originally thought. The ingredients had to be added to the cauldron in precisely the right order and quantities; the mixture had to be stirred exactly the right number of times, firstly in clockwise, then in counterclockwise directions; the heat of the flames on which it was simmering had to be lowered to exactly the right level for a specific number of minutes before the final ingredient was added. 

"A light silver vapor should now be rising from your potion," called Snape, with ten minutes left to go.

Harry glanced around the dungeon to see the state of the potions of those around him. He looked over at Iris and saw her looking quite bored since she had already finished the potion with ease. Snape swept through the room and took a look at her potion. He turned to Pansy.

"Good job, Pansy." He said. Iris bristled and her ice cold glare stared between the two of them when Pansy brightened up.

"Thank you, Professor!" She said as though she hadn't been talking the entire time. Iris gripped the edge of the table in anger when Snape shot her a triumphant look, knowing she had done all the work while Pansy received all the praise before moving to Harry.

"Potter, what is this supposed to be?"

 The Slytherins at the front of the class all looked up eagerly; they loved hearing Snape taunt Harry. Iris glanced over at them, still angry that Pansy had taken credit for something she did.

 "The Draught of Peace," said Harry tensely.

 "Tell me, Potter," said Snape softly, "can you read?"

 Draco Malfoy laughed. 

"Yes, I can," said Harry, his fingers clenched tightly around his wand. 

"Read the third line of the instructions for me, Potter."

" 'Add powdered moonstone, stir three times counterclockwise, allow to simmer for seven minutes, then add two drops of syrup of hellebore.' "