Incendio

Chapter 24: The Trouble With Herbology

The first day of term Samantha waited with the other sixth years in the Great Hall to have their class schedules approved. She was the second to be spoken to and she hoped it would go quickly because Ancient Runes would be first period.

"I notice you did not apply to continue with Herbology." McGonagall said looking over her paper.

"I only had an Acceptable in it." Samantha explained. "And it isn't necessary for my career."

Professor McGonagall exclaimed with a chuckle. "Professor Sprout has informed me that she would prefer you to continue. She thinks you purposely shirked your work last year and if you hadn't, you'd be very good at it. You certainly have enough free periods to handle one more class."

"I was hoping to use the free periods to focus on the Gazette and maybe getting published again before next year." Samantha explained.

"I'm sure one less free period will be fine." Professor McGonagall insisted before handing her the schedule."We will get you extra books and equipment if you need them Miss Fyre. Also, I've had interested parties asking about the Gazette, I was considering having you hold auditions two Sundays from now."

"I think I can do that." Samantha nodded before taking the paper.

"Lastly, as you may have heard last night, we are in need of a new Quidditch Commentator. I wasn't sure if you would be interested. It would look good if you still wish to apply for any jobs at the WNN." McGonagall offered and Samantha shook her head quickly. "Mr. Jordan had suggested you for the position last year."

"Oh, I'd really rather not. I really do better on the page." Samantha nodded. "And I think I need my space from anything Lee Jordan related for a bit."

McGonagall smiled a little. "Understood."

She had Ancient Runes first, which left her with a pile of homework to do before Wednesday. Samantha and Hermione walked together to the next class discussing study plans.

Defense Against the Dark Arts was next, something she now wished she wasn't taking. It was Professor Snape teaching now, and he had really hated her in potions. She knew she had to take it, it was important, especially now with a war looming. They were to start off by practicing wordless magic.

She knew the shield charm, she'd even used it against her brother before. She'd never done it wordlessly before and she felt intimidated standing next to Hermione who got it within a few moments. Ernie was her partner, and Samantha knew he could shield just as well, but he wasn't good at keeping his spells quiet. She thought in her mind hard, Flipendo and nothing happened. She tried a few more times and by the fourth time it worked. Ernie fell backwards and Samantha laughed before going to help him up. "You alright Ern?"

"That was so good Sam." He said as she held him up, "Hurt of course, but I'll get you back."

Snape stood by them as she prepared to deflect Ernie's jinx. He messed up and practically yelled, "Locomotor Wibbly."

Samantha thought quickly, Protego and somehow it worked.

She smiled with glee. She'd never gotten anything on the first try before.

"Ten points from Hufflepuff Mr. MacMillan for not keeping your voice at a level the Dark Lord can't hear." Snape snapped at Ernie. He turned to Samantha. "I am not disappointed to see you have a higher aptitude for jinxes than you have for potions. Maybe you are simply less distracted this year."

He didn't give her any points, but she took it as the nicest thing he'd ever said to anyone in her house.

She didn't continue on with her classmates to potions after lunch, instead she continued up to the Gazette meeting room to begin prep for print that afternoon. Everyone was to drop off their articles between classes that morning and she was to begin putting them together. It would be a good starting issue. Ernie had produced not only a good recap of the sorting, but he'd also temporarily taken over Marietta's position with advertisements. Ginny had written up pieces about each Quidditch team's upcoming tryouts and captains. Neville had actually written a decent "Meet The Editor" article about Samantha. His article surprised her because his writing used to be pretty rudimentary. Samantha didn't even had to write a front page article, Ginny and Neville had also left a beautifully written article about the battle at the Ministry. It was the perfect piece to get everyone reading the Gazette. She fixed the layout before putting it all together on the printing press. She just needed Colin's photos now.