Journey: Harry Potter

29.

"I'm right behind you," Lea reached over as she grabbed a croissant for a quick breakfast before standing up and following Hermione out of the hall. 

The two girls had a very exciting conversation as they walked down to the dungeons. Brainstorming all the advanced potions they might get to make this year. Lea understood that people didn't like the class before because of Snape, but it was really interesting to learn all this stuff.

Hermione chose a table for them close to the front as they sat down.

Hermione furrowed her brows as she looked over Lea's shoulder. "Why is Draco is staring a hole into the back of your head?"

"What?" Lea turned around quickly, but Draco had already looked away from her. "He hasn't talked to me since we got back."

"Why?" Hermione asked.

"Pansy might have led on that I'm the reason his father is locked up now," Lea turned back around to look at her. 

"Don't listen to Pansy," Hermione rolled her eyes. "You know most of the things that come out of her mouth are a lie."

"Than what could it be?" Lea asked. "I-I just want to talk to him, but I can't if won't look at me."

"I don't know," Hermione honestly said. "Maybe it will just work out on its own. He'll come around... probably."

The classroom door opened up as a short plump man with tin grey hair came walking in. "Hello, all. Welcome to 6th year potions. Give me a moment to set up, but I had a real treat for you all today."

***

Mya, Ron, and Harry stood on a bench in the hall, watching all the first years get lost on their way to their classes. Because this is what happens when sixth years get the morning off from classes. 

And McGonagall could see this problem right away. "Potter."

"Oh, this can't be good," Harry jumped off the bench. 

"Hey look, that first year keeps walking back and forth," Ron pointed to a poor little Ravenclaw girl who kept walking up and down the crowded corridor, as if her classroom would magically appear. "Must have been sorted into the wrong house."

A moment later as the crowds started to die off when the bell rang, Harry came back over to them. "Come on, McGonagall said we have to go to potions."

"No," Ron groaned as he jumped down. "I thought we got out of that with our marks?"

"Apparently, Slughorn takes Exceeds Expectations," Harry informed him.

"Well," Mya jumped down. "Good luck boys."

"She said you have to come as well," Harry broke the news.

Mya swore under her breath. "Do I have to?"

"If I have to, you have to," Ron grabbed her arm before dragging her down the hall with them. "I don't want to take potions either, we got quidditch tryouts coming up."

"Mya, are you trying out?" Harry asked as they walked down the stairs to the dungeons.

"Me?" Mya pointed to herself. "I never even ridden on a broom before!"

"Thats true," Harry sighed. "I don't know who I am going to get to replace Fred and George's spots. I have a feeling quidditch captain is going to be harder than I thought."

"Yeah, but it's good for me," Ron grinned. "I mean, you know, you'll be fair and all."

Harry pushed open the door to the potions classroom. Slughorn had been standing with his back to the door, all the students huddle together around his work desk.