The Herbology Assistant

Chapter Thirty One

The start of the school year went much smoother after that first day and Clarice was finally starting to figure out her routine and schedule. It was the most complicated thing she had memorized, but none the less she did it. No one was talking about the mooncalf incident anymore to her relief and she noted to never let that class be involved with any creatures large enough to mount. In fact, because of Draco, Clarice had rewritten that specific class's syllabus all over again and made it very clear it was his fault the class wouldn't get to meet a demiguise, occamies, hippogriffs, and wampus cats. That seemed to have knocked him off his popularity high for a bit. 

It was a few months past that now and most of the students were getting ready for their first Hogsmeade trip. Sirius Black was spotted not too far from Hogwarts, so the teachers split up. Half were going to Hogsmeade and the other were staying in the castle. Clarice had tried convincing Severus to accompany her, but he decided it would be best if he stayed to oversee his house. He also told her he had a bunch of papers to fail which she rolled her eyes at. 

"See ya later then," She called over her shoulder as she skipped down to the carriages. As she opened the door to a carriage she thought was empty, she was surprised to see it wasn't. 

"Hello there Remus." She said once she realized who it was. "Mind if I join you?"

"Of course, Clarice. Plenty of room." He said and scooted over. They haven't had much of a chance to chat. They really only ever saw each other at meals and even then, it wasn't too often as Clarice and Severus often ate in their quarters. The ride was awkwardly silent until Remus spoke up. 

"I suppose you know that potion you've been making is for myself?" He asked out of nowhere. Clarice was taken aback at the question. She looked up from the book she had been reading and pulled down her glasses to look at the man. 

"I- well yes. But I'd never tell anyone." She reassured him. 

"That's nice of you. I do appreciate your efforts. I just wanted to thank you." He told her. 

"It's really no problem at all." She smiled at him while he looked intently at her eyes. 

"You're eyes are very pink. Are your glasses charmed to hide that?" He asked her which made her blush. She tended to forget that she had an unusual eye color. 

"Yes, it's easier than the explanation I usually have to give when people see them." She told him. 

"I wasn't going to ask, but now that you mention it I'm curious." He said and silently smacked herself for bringing that part up.

"It just runs in the family." She said. 

"Pureblood?" He asked her. 

"Half-blood. Mums the witch." She replied. 

"I feel like there's more to the story than you're letting on." He smirked at her.

"There is, I just don't share it with everyone." She said. She didn't mean it for it to come out rude. 

"Why the sudden hostility?" 

"I didn't mean for that to sound mean. I just don't want the castle to know my... history." She said apologetically. 

"I'd never tell anyone." He mimicked her words and reassured her. She smiled at him and looked at the book in her hands before shutting it closed. 

"It looks like we're here." She said and hopped out of the carriage, leaving Remus behind with many unanswered questions. 

She had made herself a list of things she needed and noticed Severus had slipped a note into her pocket as well stating he needed a few ingredients.