The Potions Mouse

Chapter 4

The following week, Draco started each class with Sylvie on his shoulder. His younger students were so relieved to see the Potions Mouse unharmed that the news she would be assisting with lessons was accepted with no more than a shrug. The third, fourth, fifth, and sixth year students all found it different levels of hilarious that their staid professor had, for all intents and purposes, adopted his longtime, unofficial mascot.

But no class took Sylvie's presence quite like his N.E.W.T. students, who gave her a round of applause. She accepted it with unusual humility, covering her face with her paws until they quieted. Cait practically collapsed with relief, missing Nadia's accusatory look. Draco caught it, however, and wondered how much Nadia already suspected.

The lesson itself went well. Draco observed from his desk while Sylvie scampered from table to table, students whispering their congratulations and gratitude. She had returned to his desk by the lesson's end, sitting at his wrist as the students turned in their vialed samples.

"I'd like to see you after class, Ms. Vargas." The young girl blanched. "You too, Ms. Burke," who was next in line.

The girls took their time packing up, and when the rest of the class had left, Draco gestured them to sit. Sylvie sprinted up his arm and settled on his shoulder before he stood. He walked around his desk and looked down at the two teens.

"Is there anything you'd like to tell us about what happened last week, Ms. Vargas?"

Cait lifted her chin and shook back her dark brown hair, proud and defiant to the end.

"No."

"Very well." Draco turned to Nadia. "Our investigation revealed that Ms. Vargas slipped powdered Bicorn horn into your brew before the required addition of Valerian root. If you had added the root, your cauldron would have exploded. I doubt even Madame Pomfrey would have been able to Heal you."

Nadia turned wide blue eyes to Cait, who looked forward, gaze unfocused, jaw clenched, though he saw the subtle quiver of her chin. At least she felt the severity of what she'd done.

"This type of sabotage goes beyond House politics, personal vendettas, or academic rivalries. It shows a callous disregard for the well-being of your peers, which cannot be tolerated. Ms. Vargas, I am revoking your N.E.W.T. privileges. You are no longer welcome in my class."

He let the pronouncement hang. To his surprise, Nadia broke the silence.

"What about Hippocrates' School?" She looked at Cait. "You want to be a Healer."

"Wanted," Cait corrected, her voice choked with grief. "May I be excused, Professor?"

"Yes."

She left with as much dignity as her lost dreams would allow. Nadia watched her leave, calculating.

"I don't think she meant to hurt me."

"If her actions didn't come from intention, then they came from ignorance. That's just as bad."

Sylvie lashed her tail against his neck. Rebuke for the theatrics, he supposed. Nadia considered that for a moment, then stood.

"Is there anything else, Professor?"

"No, that will be all. Enjoy your weekend."

"Yes, sir."

It was an odd reply, not quite fitting the situation. Nevertheless, he waited until she'd shut the door to let his shoulders sag. He felt the silence like a weight.

"Did I just ruin her life?"

Sylvie pressed herself against his neck. A comforting gesture that sent a warm rush through his chest.