The Herbology Assistant

Chapter Seventeen

Even though it was the weekend, Clarice couldn't help but wake up at her normal time at six in the morning. It was easy for her now to wake up early without the need of an alarm clock so she made her way into her greenhouse. Finding herself always here in this little safe haven, she smiled as she tidied up her garden and fed her creatures while humming a little tune to herself. 

Realizing she was about to miss breakfast, Clarice speed walked from her room into the great hall, but paused for a split second in the main entrance when she saw the only seat open was next to Severus. She thought about turning back around and claiming she forgot something, but Pomona caught her eye and flagged her over to take a seat which she was thankful for; now she wouldn't have to talk to Severus. The staff welcomed her and she sang a good morning to them and took a seat in between Severus and Pomona. 

"Oh Clarice, I was beginning to worry you weren't coming to breakfast. I wanted to ask you about your classes last week. I hope the older students weren't too much for you." Pomona started and Clarice internally groaned. This was the last thing she wanted to talk about. Hadn't she heard from the other teachers what had happened?

"Oh they were lovely. Truly, they were on their best behaviors. I didn't have a single issue with anyone. We reviewed for your test this coming week so I do expect they pass with flying colors." Clarice responded while helping herself to eggs and toast. When she finished her last sentence, Severus pushed his chair out rather loudly and walked away without a word. Clarice tried to ignore it, but everyone seemed to notice. After an awkward silence, Pomona spoke. 

"Well that's great deary. I'm happy they didn't give you any trouble." Pomona smiled at Clarice and that was all she said until she overheard Minerva speaking to Filius. 

"I wonder why he's so cranky today. He's extra moody." She said to him, but wasn't doing it quietly. Everyone had noticed his mood swings, but he seemed to just be getting worse. 

"Bet he's ready to quit. I guess kids are too much for him these days." Filius responded. 

"Maybe, perhaps if he got laid he wouldn't be so miserable." Minerva said smugly while taking a sip of whatever she had in her goblet. Clarice choked on her toast and quickly tried to wash it down. "Did you have something to add Clarice?"

"No. No..." She managed to get out while wiping her mouth with a napkin. 

"Well it's true." Filius said and chuckled and Clarice cleared her throat. 

"Sorry, it's just that... Well, it is his birthday. He doesn't particularly like this day. I mean, who likes getting old?" Clarice said trying to be nonchalant, but felt everyone staring at her. 

"Oh merlin... how could we have forgotten." Minerva said while quickly standing up and rushing from the great hall. 

"Where is she going?" Pomona asked and Filius just shrugged. Clarice didn't care, she sent him a gift last night and even though she sent it anonymously, she knew he would know exactly who it was from. After finishing her breakfast, she excused herself and walked out. 

Even after living here the last few months, she was still astonished by how big the castle was. She had memorized where everything was, but was constantly finding new corridors or secret passageways, although this time, she found herself down by the black lake. 

She had to admit, she was freezing, but it felt good to feel something other than heartbreak... guilt... hatred. Her gray cloak wasn't exactly the warmest, but she charmed her red mittens to keep her hands warm along with her matching red knit pom pom beanie. 

Finally giving up on her afternoon stroll in winter wonderland, Clarice marched back up to the castle to warm up. She began making her way towards her room, but didn't exactly feel like locking herself away for the remainder of the day so she found herself perched at a windowsill with a few papers that had to be graded and busied herself. That was until someone interrupted her.