What a Riddle

Professor's favorite

I looked forward to potions with Uncle Sev but I'll have to refrain from calling him Uncle or Sev. 

When I got to class with Draco, we both took a seat in the front row. Crabbe and Goyle were behind us and Parkinson and Greengrass were to the left of us in the next rows of desks.

 Uncle Sev burst into the classroom "There will be no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations in this class. As such, I don't expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art that is potion-making. However, for those select few..." he looks to me and Draco as he pauses "who possess the predisposition, I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory and even put a stopper... in death." Uncle Sev looks over to where the Gryiffindor's "Then again, maybe some of you have come to Hogwarts in possession of abilities so formidable that you feel confidant enough to not...pay...attention." Uncle Sev snaps at Potter. Everyone's attention moves to the Gryffindor "Mr. Potter. Our...new...celebrity. Tell me, what would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?" The bushy-haired girl, Granger raised her arm, and Potter shook his head. Typical I shook my head and shared a look with Draco "You don't know? Well, let's try again. Where, Mr. Potter, would you look if I asked you to find me a bezoar?" Granger raised her hand even higher if that was even possible.

"I don't know, sir." He spoke quietly. 

You should have thought to do some reading I scoffed and rolled my eyes.

"And what is the difference between monkshood and wolfbane?" Uncle Sev asks tiredly. You ask such easy questions, the corners of my mouth quirked up.

"I don't know, sir," Potter spoke again

"Pity. Clearly, fame isn't everything...  is it, Mr. Potter?"

"Clearly, Hermione knows. Since it's a pity not to ask her." Wow, Potter has the guts to talk like that.

The class chuckles including myself. "Silence" he does not yell but the class goes dead silent. Uncle Sev walks in front of Potter's desk most likely glaring down at him "Miss Riddle, what would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?" he calls without looking at me

"Asphodel and wormwood make a sleeping potion so powerful, it is known as the Draught of Living Death, Professor" I speak smoothly though I can't seem to hide my satisfied grin.

"Good Miss Riddle and Mr. Malfoy, where would you look if I asked you to find me a bezoar?" Uncle Sev dramatically turned to face us.

"It's a stone that is taken from the stomach of a goat and will save you from most poisons" Draco answers proudly.

"And Miss Riddle let's see if you can answer the last question Mr. Potter has failed to answer... what is the difference between monkshood and wolfbane?" he has a proud glint in his eye as he knows this is just childs play for me.

"Absolutely nothing, sir. They are the same plant, which also goes by the name of aconite" The information sprouting out of my mouth.

"Well done, 30 points to Slytherin" he storms back up to the front. Everyone stayed silent dumbstruck by what happened. "Well?" he snaps "Why aren't you all copying this down?" that scared everyone into writing what was said quickly "And Gryffindors, note that five points, will be taken from your house... for your classmate's cheek"

Draco and I high fiving subtly in accomplishment.

~~~

Classes were interesting of course but I was looking forward to being outside for the flying class. The day was sunny and the grass looked vibrant. We lined up as instructed by Madam Hooch.. 

"now place your right hand over the broom and say 'up'" Madam Hooch walked through the middle of the rows.

Draco, Potter, and me said up at the same time our brooms not hesitating to follow command. We're were holding the brooms while we watched the others struggle. Weasley being one that got smacked in the face with the broom.

Once everyone got their broom in hand the class was instructed to mount and kick-off when she tells us. 

Longbottom being a nervous wreck kicks off early and steadily rises. he's not in control, the broom jerking uncontrollably. I contemplated kicking off trying to help him as I have flown before but I take to long to decide and his robe got caught on a nearby statue. A loud rip sound could be heard before Longbottom plummeted to the ground. 

I grimace at the sight. That had to hurt.

"Broken wrist? tsk I'll take you to Madam Pomfrey" she stands helping the boy stand up "if I see anyone of you in air you'll be expelled quicker than you can say quiditch" she threatens before walking into the castle dragging Longbottom with.

"Maybe if he squeezed the stupid thing he'd remember to fall on his fat ass" Draco went to where Longbottom fell and picked up the rembrall a family member had sent him. I shake my head subtly at Draco's antics.

"Give it here Malfoy" Potter said rather hot headed. This is bound to very interesting.

"I think I rather put it somewhere for Longbottom to find... How about the roof" he smirks and I roll my eyes. Always the opportunist for trouble.

"Nitwit" I breathe out.

"Harry, no!" Granger protests as Potter takes to the sky after Draco. He obviously doesn't listen to who I'd guess to be the most level headed despite her blood status. "Idiot" she said afterwards. I couldn't help but agree.

They talk and I could practically read Draco's mind. He's going to throw it.

"Skrew it, someone needs to end this" I mumble but I suspect Granger heard me as she cast a concerned look my way. I mount the broom quickly and in one fell swoop I'm up in the air. Draco throws it towards one of the towers and Potter shoots forward, he was fast but I was faster. I caught it before it even came close and Potter missed crashing into me by inches. "Boy's"  I scold as I go back to the ground. Both looking at me in a mix of shock, confusion, and betrayal.

I look at Draco first "this is below you, Draco. Petty school boy tricks" Draco looks at his shoes in shame knowing I'm right "and Potter that was down right stupid to go in hot headed like that, not that I expect much different from Gryffindor" I turn to Granger and toss her the ball which she caught easily and looked at me shocked "give Longbottom my regards" I bit back "and don't expect me to get involved in your dimwit fued again" though I feel I probably will in future years.