𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐃𝐎𝐌

Chapter 30

Harry had gathered his things from his dorm and explained to the Gryffindors that he was on temporary suspension, but he’d still be attending classes. No one really understood, but that was the way the students had always felt about Harry Potter, so it was nothing really new to anyone.

 

Potions was soon becoming everyone’s favorite class. Snape, it was known full well, had Sara in his life. Neville had improved his potions so much that he was the third top student, behind Draco and Hermione. Snape rarely took house points anymore, and he had encouraged and inspired each student in all his classes to his own surprise. Sara had started giving private lessons to students during their study periods in fifteen minute intervals. Her other project of starting a choir was going well and she’d met with all the other students interested in voice lessons, including Harry, who was scheduled for his first lesson next week.

 

Harry and Draco continued with their private lessons and studying strategies. Harry had talked to Draco about learning to cast the AK, but Draco was hesitant, so Harry didn’t push the issue. Staying with Dumbledore at night was soon becoming Harry’s favorite time. In the evenings, they’d spend time together talking, sharing and bonding. They had quickly and effortlessly assumed the roles of parent and child in such proportion that the whole school had noticed. Life was alright. Until Friday.

 

After the end of potions, the students cleaned up their messes.

 

“Excuse me, Professor Snape?” Neville asked quietly. Snape was at his desk taking notes as the other students filed out of the classroom. Snape turned to Neville with a small smile.

 

“Yes, Neville. What can I do for you?” Severus asked. Snape had also taken up the habit of using the students first names at their request.

 

“Sir, I wanted to let you know that I have taken on a special project in my Advanced Herbology Honor Students class. I know that flaxweed oil, used in almost every potion, is expensive and you must acquire it from a potions supply. I have successfully plotted and grown the flaxweed as my project and it’s in the final few days of growth. Since the oil must be refined and processed in the lab, I was wondering if I could assist you in setting up an apparatus to refine the oil. Professor Sprout says that if the plants that I’ve groomed and modified are of the quality you desire, that she will continue my strains so that you will always have a supply on hand.”

 

Severus stood slowly and walked to Neville and placed a hand on his shoulder.

 

“Of course. We will setup the apparatus to refine the oil. I must say that your efforts in growing flaxweed are commended. That is a very difficult and, quite frankly, itchy undertaking. Not many career Herbologists will even get near flaxweed. Can you come Sunday afternoon so that we can set up the apparatus?”

 

Neville grinned. “Of course, sir. I’ll be here.”

 

“Excellent. Good work, Neville,” Severus added with a pat on his shoulder. Neville turned and left with a prideful smile.

 

“Is that what Neville was working on in greenhouse three?” Draco asked Harry.

 

“I suppose. He’s always there. Well, he and Kelli. They are so cute,” Harry said.