Charmed ; lashton

Third year : calum meets michael

1.
Calum met Michael on the second day of third year. Calum honestly wasn't sure as to why Professer Slughorn wanted to see him. He hadn't blown anything up, sure his potion was a disaster but it wasn't unsalvageable. Merlin, the man was almost retired, the last thing he should want to worry about was one messed up potion. Also the potions rooms were far to close to the slytherin dungeon, and he was far too aware that they didn't like him. Without Luke he was vulnerable.

"Well I'm very grateful for you bringing those daisy roots here" Slughorn's voice chatted away. Great there was another teacher there. "Ah no bother" the other voice retorted. It didn't sound like a teacher. Calum stuck his head around the corner, taking in the side profile of a Hufflepuff talking to the professor. Whipping his head back, he stood in the open door way knocking on the edge. "Ah Calum come in" Slughorn spoke.

The Hufflepuff turned and Calum took in his appearance. He was slightly taller and broader than Calum, hair styled into a long fridge and bright green eyes but that wasnt the main thing. The boy worn black skinny jeans rather than regular school trousers, his tie was loose around his neck and a bag was slung across his shoulders decorated with badges of punk bands. "You like all time low" Calum exclaimed forgetting that he was in the potions room. "Yeah they are a cool band" the boy replied, "I'll be on my way professor" he added. "Yes. Thank You once again Michael" Slughorn said, Calum was sure there was a fondness in his voice.

"Right then Calum, here take these and begin to clear up the stain you left" he spoke, handing him a bucket and sponge filled with what seemed to be a mixture of soap and water. Damn, Calum was certain the stain hadn't been that bad, nor to mention the man could have just swept it away with magic, so why did it involve him having to use a bucket.

"Well don't stand there, the quicker you get done the sooner you can leave again" Slughorn informed him. Great a call back over a miniscule stain. Calum scrubbed at the desk watching as the stain lifted away far easier than what he imagined it would. Clearly it wasn't just soap. "Next time just say that it's made a mark, you won't be required to scrub then" Professor Slughorn informed him as he passed the bucket back. "Yes professor" Calum replied, feeling a little sheepish. "Alternatively future reference say the words and move your wand in a swish motion" Professor Slughorn added, showing Calum who watched in delight as to how clean the desk became. "Thanks" he grinned. "On you go. I'll see you next lesson"

Calum waved him goodbye as he headed back out up towards the Gryffindor tower. Stopping to get in the staircase that currently was facing the wrong direction. "Could be here a while" a voice made Calum jump as he turned around. The Hufflepuff, Michael if Calum remember correctly, was sat in a corner, a gerbil in hand and a book in the other. "Damn it's not moved". "Nope it has a tendency to stay put and only change at lesson times" Michael explained.

"So we're stuck until the bell for third rings" Calum asked, just to make sure and note it for future endeavours. "Pretty much I'm Michael" Michael introduced himself. "Calum". "So,what did Slughorn call you back for. He's pretty chill for a Professor". "It probably doesn't help that my potion skills are limited but it managed to explode and stick to the desk. Didn't get time to finish cleaning it up" Calum told a little white lie. "Strange normally he clears it up for you" Michael queried. "Yeah well I though I got it all clearly not" Calum said, "so who's your friend"

"This is Gary, he better than any rat and mum got worried that someone would be allergic to our house cat" Michael informed him. "Named after anyone percific" Calum wondered. Gary did seem to suit the small orangey blonde rodent. "Mum named him, she's a huge Gary Barlow fan" Michael pulled a face, "I'd rather have given him a more rocky name but Gary's became stuck once I told the other Hufflepuffs". "Ah mines less of a Gary fan and more of a Robbie fan" Calum went nodding his head in agreement. "Oh I feel for you"