Before The Past

Ch. 20

The second event was coming up, and the closer it got, the more people were talking about it. Nobody knew what it was going to be, except for the champions. All of them except Potter that is. 

He seemed absolutely clueless about any of it and it seemed to make him more and more nervous. Occasionally we would talk during class when we were partnered up, but other than that we didn't cross paths much. I mainly stayed to myself, reading outside or spending my time studying in the library. 

I've been wanting to talk to Potter for a while, but every time I think about it I'm afraid I'll get in trouble again. Although I wasn't in trouble before, it felt as though if I said one wrong thing I would be. I also noticed Moody and Karkaroff watching me a lot more often. 

Today was potions, which gave the perfect opportunity for me to talk to Potter. My attitude had changed about him, I felt like maybe I wanted to be his friend for more than just to potentially use him. I didn't even know how I would use him, or if it would matter that I could. I realized that if I'm not being told anything, I must not be useful either. 

Once again the ideology kicked in that I can't make everyone else happy, so I might as well do it for my own personal gain. Besides, he seemed to be a lot better person than most everyone else anyway.  Although I wasn't going to be best friends with him, it was at least nice to know that if it came down to it, I'd have someone to talk to regardless of what it was. 

When I got in there, I noticed that Potter was missing. I rolled my eyes, thinking that it would be just my luck that the one time I actually needed him and he was gone. I set up around the cauldron, looking at the ingredients placed on the table. Today we were making a poison antidote that really only cured basic, practically harmless poisons. 

Snape was about to give a final rundown on everything when Potter and Weasley both rushed into the classroom. They looked at Snape, absolutely terrified before walking over to their stations. 

"Sorry we're late professor, we got-" 

"I don't need your excuses Potter. That will be two extra pieces of parchment due with your homework this week." Snape interrupted him. 

"But sir-" 

"Don't push it, I'm letting you off easy since this is remarkably your first time being late." 

Potter closed his mouth and looked down disappointed. Snape looked back at the rest of the classroom and continued his lecture. After a few moments he let us go and giggles could be heard from others, Potter's name being mentioned a few times. 

"So why were you late?" I asked. 

"Professor McGonagall kept us during lunch and the elves felt bad that we missed it, so they gave us a pastry which made us late." He responded. 

I nodded and we opened our books, figuring out who would do what steps. I added the ingredients while he stirred, and then we switched back and fourth stirring the pot. After half an hour, the potion finally turned to a mustard yellow color, indicating that we did it correctly. 

We both gave a large sigh of relief and had Snape review it. He looked somewhat impressed, but didn't say anything. Once everyone was finished he gave the homework assignment and dismissed the class. As we left I pulled Potter off to the side in the corridor. 

"Can I have a word with you tomorrow after lunch?" I asked.

"What for?" He responded, looking slightly nervous. 

"I need some advice and you're quite honestly the only person I can think of to ask. Is that alright?" I explained. 

"Oh, well of course. I'm surprised you're even asking me." He laughed, slightly relieved.