MISCHIEF MANAGED// FRED WEASLEY X READER

27. The Draught of Potency

Fred's Disclaimer: The author of this story does not own Harry Potter, but she does enjoy the decently strange 'mentor' 'student' relationship between Y/N and Snape. 

It was entirely surprising how awake I felt the next morning. The sun was shining brightly through the drapes, slits of light poking through into my curtained four poster bed. Hermione was already out of bed and getting ready for breakfast by the time I'd opened my eyes. 

"You look happy, Y/N," Hermione commented as she pulled a jumper on over her robes. "Did you manage to get out of the tournament yet?" 

"Shit," My face fell. "I completely forgot about the tournament." I groaned inwardly. "I don't think I can get out of it. I mean, Dumbledore said that the rules were: whoever's name got pulled has to compete." 

"Yeah, but you're underage," Hermione reasoned. "There should be some kind of law on it. I'll help you do some research if you want." 

More research, in addition to homework didn't seem that appealing, and I was supposed to see Professor Snape this evening about my so-called Legilimen powers. 

"That's okay," I said slowly, running a hand through my tangled hair. "I'll talk to Professor McGonagall today after breakfast. Speaking of breakfast, I'm starving." 

We walked down to the Great Hall together, meeting up with Ron and Harry at the tables. Fred and George were sitting on Ron's left side. They were in deep conversation about their latest prank but Fred gave me the smallest of glances as Hermione and I sat down. 

"Double potions today," Ron grumbled, pouring extra syrup on his waffles. "And then Magical Creatures with the Slytherins. Of course." As he continued to grumble on about his abundance of classes and homework, Hermione rolled her eyes. 

"It's not that much homework, Ronald," She pointed out. "And if you have an exam, you should have studied for it." 

Ron opened his mouth to retort something but Fred cut him off. "Y/N, can you pass me the plate of toast?" The corner of his mouth turned up in a lopsided grin. "And the cherries, yeah?" 

I fought to keep a straight face, handing him the bowl. "Thanks, Love." 

Hermione stopped arguing with Ron to give me a significant look. George snorted into his bowl of cereal. 

"What's so funny?" Harry asked, completely oblivious. 

Ron shoved another waffle in his mouth. 

_

"Can anyone tell me what the Draught of Potency is?" Snape asked, pacing around the room. I'd been transferred to the Year 4 class for this week because apparently there was some kind of important meeting with the other champions that was being held in the afternoon, when my normal potions class was. Weighing of the wands or some shit like that. 

I raised my hand. 

"Miss Potter?" 

"The Draught of Potency brings out power in those who drink it for a short period of time. It gives the user abilities," I answered in a slightly monotone voice. "Wizards and witches use it in battles sometimes, or for magical training purposes." 

"Good," Snape said. "Ten points to Gryffindor." 

"Huh?" Ron's mouth was agape as he stared between Snape and I. Harry's mouth was also hanging open. Ron snapped his mouth shut quickly, hoping that Snape wouldn't notice. Ron, unlike me was unlucky. 

"Do you have something to add, Mr. Weasley?" Snape's lip curled. "I didn't think so." He turned to the blackboard. "Today we will be brewing the Draught of Potency and you will be testing them on your assigned partner." He tapped the board and names appeared. "These are your partners for today." 

I glared at my name, placed next to Draco Malfoy's. 

"Guess it's you and me, Potter," Draco smirked, dragging his chair next to mine. The cauldron bubbled away in front of us and I added another unicorn hair, stirring counter clockwise. 

"Are you going to help me or just sit there?" I asked as I sprinkled Essence of Dryad into the mixture. Draco yawned. 

"It's nice to just watch you do the work," He leaned on his elbows, reading out of the booklet. "But I suppose I could contribute. A bit." 

"Read me the next instruction," I said, not even looking at him. 

"Add two droplets of Siren's tears and stir clockwise three times." 

I completed the instruction, watching with satisfaction as the potion turned a light green. Steam rose in swirls, drifting towards the ceiling in ringlets. Hermione's was the only other potion doing what it was supposed to, and thankfully she was partnered with Neville so Snape couldn't single him out as usual. 

"How are you doing that?" Draco raised his eyebrows, slightly impressed. "Right, now add a blade of enchanted grass." 

"Enchanted grass?" I held back a laugh, letting the grass fall into the cauldron. "You're kidding, right?" 

Draco rolled his eyes. "Are you questioning my reading skills, Potter?" 

"Actually, I didn't know you could read," I answered. "What's the last step?" 

"Two drops of Siren's tears again." 

"Perfect," I dropped them into the cauldron and the mixture turned completely clear. The substance resembled water, but was slightly thicker. 

"Your time is up," Snape commanded. "Now, each of you take two spoonfuls of the Draught and we shall see who has done it right." Snape stopped at Ron and Seamus's table. "You two first." 

Ron gulped, plugging his nose and downing a mouthful of the Draught. He swallowed a second spoonful, however reluctantly. 

Everyone watched in fear. 

And then Ron turned green.