Capítulo 56: Chapter - 56 : House Loyalties and Potions Partners
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It was odd to think that was my first real conversation with my year mates. The first civil one, anyway. I had no doubts that we'd snipe at each other until the day we died – it seemed like we all had that sort of personality. But I felt more comfortable with them after talking to Snape, like I could conceivably make friends with some of them. I doubted Parkinson and I would ever be bosom buddies, and until Malfoy laid off my brother we'd always butt heads, but at least Zambini seemed nice, and so did Nott, even if he was a bit of a loner.
I sighed in contentment and nuzzled into my pillow, closing my eyes to grab what sleep I could.
Lily and I walked into Potions the next day chatting about breakfast.
"I wonder what was in that parcel your brother got," she wondered aloud. "Do you know? Who sent it?"
I assumed it was a broom, considering he'd need something better than the school brooms to be any good on the Quidditch team. Harry had asked me to keep that a secret though, so I kept my mouth shut about my theory. As for the second question… I honestly didn't know who would buy him a broom.
"No idea," I replied vaguely, dragging out my textbook and flipping through it absently. "I wonder what we're brewing today."
"I dunno," Lily said. She cleared her throat uncomfortably. "Hey, uh, don't take this the wrong way, but… aren't you going to work with your brother?"
I shook my head. "Nah. House loyalty. I work with him Gryffindor gets points off of my potions." I grinned cheekily. Lily laughed.
"Good thinking. I was wondering, how'd you think of using the-"
There was a loud bang from the table next to us. Malfoy had slammed down his book bag and flopped irritably into his chair, glaring at the air in front of him. Crabbe and Goyle hustled to claim seats next to him, looking like he'd totally blown past them as he stalked into the dungeon.
"Keep making that expression your face'll freeze that way," I commented.
"Better than your face, Potter," Malfoy grunted. I wasn't offended. It seemed like this was just the way we Slytherins communicated. "Did you know?" he demanded.
I stared. "Did I know what, Malfoy? That's a pretty open question. If you're asking if I knew you're a prat, the answer is yes."
"Ha ha." He gave me a dark look. "I meant about the broomstick. What kind of special circumstances let Potter have a broomstick when the rest of us first years aren't allowed? A Nimbus Two-Thousand," he added angrily.
"I'd say it's got something to do with that scar on his face, mate," Zambini said, sliding into a seat across from Malfoy. "Sorry, didn't mean to eavesdrop, just happened to overhear. So it's Two-Thousand?"
"Yeah," Malfoy nodded irritably.
I asked uncertainly, "Is that good?"
Malfoy looked heavenward, like he was praying for the patience to deal with me. "It's only the best broom on the market, Potter. Do try to keep up."
"So sorry," I apologized sarcastically.
"Even I knew that, Potter," Lily chuckled.
"Sorry!" I exclaimed, throwing up my hands.
"Leave her alone, she was raised by Muggles," Nott said, sliding into the seat near Lily.
"Thank you!" I said, giving Nott a grateful look. "Nott, you're my favorite."
Nott looked mildly surprised. "Yay?" he said uncertainly.
"Yes, yay," I confirmed.
"Rena!"
I turned around to see Harry entering the room with Ron, Hermione dogging their heels and looking angry. Neville looked pale. I'd been pleased to see Harry and Ron at breakfast, looking tired by pleased, so I assumed they'd gotten back to the Common Room alright.
He was looking at me uncertainly, gesturing for me to take the open seat next to him among the Gryffindors. Ron nodded to me in greeting.
"Sorry, brother dear," I said, staying resolutely where I was. "Snape's requested I stick with the Slytherins so that any points I earn don't get shared with Gryffindor."
I had planned this carefully. If I outright told Harry I was trying to show some house solidarity he'd be offended and hurt. He'd take it personally. By saying it was Snape's idea – which it was, but it was more of a suggestion that I went along with – I was taking the pressure off of me and passing it onto Snape. He wouldn't care and I figured Harry would be happy to have another reason to hate the professor.
"Greasy git," Ron grumbled. "Come on Rena, he can't do much to you. Just stay with us."
"Hasn't she already said she's not interested, Weasel?" Malfoy called.
"She can speak for herself," Harry snapped.
"She can," I agreed, annoyed. "She's also sitting right here, and doesn't appreciate being talked about like she's six. This isn't a custody battle, kids, I pick where I go. I'm experimenting with house pride."
Harry gave me a reproachful look. "Fine, if that's the way you want it."
He turned his back on me, determinedly engaging Ron in a conversation. I stared at the back of his head incredulously.
"Git," I hissed. "It's not like I just told him I never wanted to see him again!"
"Just ignore him," Lily advised.
"You should be sitting with us anyway," Daphne sniffed. "It's where you belong."
That was when Snape made his signature sweeping entry, black robes billowing behind him like bat wings. He moved to the front of the room.
"I will allow you to work in threes today for the Forgetfulness Potion. This recipe can be found in your copy of Magical Drafts & Potions. This potion is one that could be on the exam, so I'd advise you to pay careful attention to the instructions."
Immediately I turned my head and sure enough, Hermione had her nose practically pressed into the pages of the book, salivating over every word.
"Want to work together?" Lily asked me as Parkinson clung to Malfoy and Zambini. Crabbe and Goyle got Bulstrode, which should make for an interesting, if incorrect, potion.
"Sure," I agreed. "Nott? Want to join?" I asked. He nodded and pulled out his potions kit.
"Right, so here's the recipe," Lily said, pointing to her book as Nott readied our cauldron.
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