maple syrup | remus lupin [1]

55. truths & annoyances

VISNY THE ELF was truly a godsend, Claudia thought as she walked into the Great Hall the morning after the whole love potion-incident.

Normally, the girl would have headed towards her three "Eagle Chicks", but now everything was a mess. But, it was a mess Claudia was determined to clear little by little.

So, instead of going to her beloved Ravenclaw table, the girl walked straight to the Slytherin table with a happy smile. She behaved almost as if the love potion had never gotten out of her system as she sat down in front of Rosamund Chang.

"Hi," she said cheeringly to her, feeling the very strange look Rosamund was giving her almost get under her skin.

But, she wasn't going to fold. Because if they had in fact messed with her friends - she knew she had to mess with them.

And, she also knew she needed to make sure that Nolan said nothing to her father about what she had been doing - because she was not going to get more hurt than usual or even die this summer.

Nor was Remus, Sirius, Peter or James.

"So, how are you?" Claudia asked Rosamund after a few seconds of painful silence, during which Rosamund became extremely suspicious.

Because she wasn't stupid.

But neither was Claudia.

"Fantastic," said Rosamund as her eyes narrowed suspiciously.

"Good," Claudia said with a smile. "So, do you want some tea?"

"Absolutely not," Rosamund said, because she had noticed how her vial of Veritaserum was missing. "Don't you think I don't know what you're up to, Maple. I know that you stole my potions."

"Oh, Rosamund, I have no idea what you're talking about," said Claudia with a smirk. "You must be a little loony, are you sure you're alright?"

"I'm sure-"

"Really? Because I reckon some tea would really help if you aren't feeling well."

"Stop interrupting me, Maple. I said that I am aware that you have stolen my potions and I would be glad if you would return what's left of them," Rosamund said, almost losing her patience that she normally so effortlessly kept.

Something about Claudia Maple annoyed the living hell out of her.

Maybe it was the fact that Claudia had ended up in the place she wanted to be in. She was a Ravenclaw and she had friends.

Maybe it was jealousy, or maybe it was just pure spite.

Either way Rosamund had a strong dislike for a Claudia.

"I'm sorry, but I have no idea what you're talking about," Claudia said sweetly. "I was just here for some light conversation, but if you don't feel like being my friend I guess I'll just go on back to my table."