Putting Trust into the Wrong Man

Chapter 7: First Day of Classes

Poppy's schedule was one that would keep her busy, she had potions, herbology, transfiguration, divination, and even charms. She couldn't wait to get started. She had all her classes with Slytherins and Gryffindors, so she often saw Harry and Ron where they were able to catch up and talk about their day so far.

Charms was a lot harder than Poppy thought it would be, she sat in the second row with Draco and watched as Professor Flitwick cast a spell and was able to lift a feather up off the table. Poppy tried copying the motions and words said by the professor, but no luck in lifting this weightless object. Draco could see her getting frustrated and swung his arm around her shoulder to grab ahold of her hand and do the motion with her, he whispered in her ear the pronunciation and after two tries, Poppy successfully lifted the feather up into the air.

She smiled brightly and hugged Draco forgetting she was in a classroom and tons of students watching, she blushed and backed away while mouthing "thank you" and she continued to practice on her own. She could feel eyes on her as she looked around the room and locked eyes with Harry sitting across the room from her spot. He immediately looked down where Poppy could see him blush a scarlet red, she diverted her eyes to the corner of the room where Ron was sitting looking out onto the quidditch field, probably wishing he could be anywhere but here.

Poppy and Draco then made their way to herbology with Professor Sprout outside in the greenhouse. It was a warm September morning and most students were struggling to keep their eyes open. Poppy had no problem following along and was able to see all kinds of plants and seeds which would grow into large trees or small flowers. She was amazed at how many different plants existed in the wizarding world and how they were able to water and care for themselves after the first two days of being planted.

A small flowered plant sat on a side table where Draco plucked a small daisy off and handed it to Poppy, she smelled the sweet fragrance and placed it behind her ear, perhaps Hogwarts wasn't so bad.

The bell rang and they were headed inside to enjoy lunch; Draco and Poppy sat next to each other eating their food before the next class. Harry and Ron kept in conversation while eyeing the two love birds across the Great Hall.

The rest of they day flew by and Poppy was feeling right at home, She and Draco headed down the dungeon stairs and into the Slytherin common room to catch up with Crabbe and Goyle.

"Is it true? Voldemort murdered your mother?" A high pitched voice came from the corner, everyone in the room became silent as Pansy Parkinson stepped forward sneering at Poppy, knowing she got everyones attention.

Poppy could feel Draco stiffen next to her as she whispered in his ear it was alright. Poppy stood up confidently, knowing this subject was bound to be brought up at some point.

"Yes, thats true, so what?" Poppy stepped forward with a new confidence building inside her, everyone else looked from one girl to the other curious to see who would break first.

"Such a shame really, but I guess well deserved since your father was a death eater," Pansy didnt let up, trying to get under Poppys skin, but Poppy didnt bite.

"My father was a spy working for the ministry and under Albus Dumbledore, he saved all your lives and your parents-"

"Ah but not your mums," Pansy struck back the words that hurt the most.

She doesnt know the truth, she doesnt know anything. My father did try to save her, she doesnt know anything.

"Come on," Draco grabbed Poppys arm and led her out of the common room, shoving Pansy and whoever else was in his way to the side. They went into the potions classroom, Professor Slughorn long gone by now.

Poppy couldnt hold the tears in any longer as they streamed down her cheeks, she went to the back corner table and sat where her mother did ages ago when she fell in love.

"I'm sorry, I just- "

"Dont apologize for that witch's behavior, she likes to pick a fight with anything that has a heartbeat," Draco sat down in Severus seat and placed his hand on Poppys. They sat quietly for a long time and soon enough it was after hours and time for them to return to their dormitories before Filch would come find them and choose an unbearable punishment.

Draco walked slightly behind Poppy, making sure she was alright and they parted ways wishing each other sweet dreams until morning.