Portrait of a girl (editing)

A proposal.

September 20th, 1993

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There was an unusual chill to the usually warm autumn air today, due to an incident in transfigurations earlier Professor McGonagall had cancelled their lesson and Seren found herself with a double free period before her next class. Pushing the large oak doors open she stepped out into the school grounds and started down a well-worn path towards the black lake.

There had been several incidents revolving around students and Grindilow's over the years from Slytherin pranks to first years just getting too far into the water. Personally, she had made it a point to avoid the lake and its inhabitants all together. She still kept her distance but took a seat on the grass letting her eyes drift to the horizon.

"Ms. Price?" snapping out of her thoughts she turned to see Professor Sprout, "Oh, hello Professor."

"Don't you have a class right now?"

"There was an incident with some second years so McGonagall cancelled our class until it could be resolved. Something about a duplication spell." The plump woman gave a nod, "Ah yes, one of my students did mention that." She had always enjoyed professor Sprouts classes, the woman was practically the embodiment of everything Hufflepuff, always offering advice and kindness.

"Well, it's a perfect day for lounging about then, isn't it?" turning her attention back to the distant mountains, Seren gave a nod, "I've got to teach about Mandrakes today. If you've got some free time would you perchance be interested in aiding me?" her ears perked up, "Are you sure you want me to help you? If I recall my grades in your class were less than stellar."

Professor sprout offered another kind smile, "For botanical theory, yes, but your practical's were always outstanding, even if you didn't get to take your O.W.L.'s. You're a brilliant young witch, Ms. Price. I was quite surprised you didn't sign up for my class."

"I decided that I want to become an Auror when I graduate, even if the odds are against me."

"An Auror? You know, given your proclivity for spell work, I think you'll be quite successful, may even change a few opinions at the Ministry." There was a mischievous glint in Professor Sprouts eyes, "Well, my offer is still on the table, I'll set aside some equipment for you should you decide you'd like to assist me." with that the stout woman turned and walked away.

Seren watched the woman go, curious to what her intentions were...had she sought her out on purpose or was she just doing what Dumbledore had asked of the staff, either way she supposed it was an opportunity to dispel some of the rumors. Pushing herself to her feet she followed professor Sprout at a distance.

There was some hesitance as her hand hovered over the handle to the greenhouse, "Ah, I'm pleased you chose to accept my offer. There's a set of dragon hide gloves for you, earmuffs are in the bin in the back." Professor Sprout handed her a pair of gloves before wandering off to her office. Seren quickly grabbed a pair of earmuffs from the back of the room as a few second years entered.

"You're not Professor Sprout." Seren turned, eyeing the young girl. Slytherin house...it figured. "You're that werewolf girl everyone's talking about. My mum says filthy Half-breed's should stay in their place." Seren's face fell, ignoring the girls comment, "That's quite enough, Ms. Bettencourt. Any more out of you and it'll be house points." Pomona had re-emerged from her office, "Seren will be assisting my class today and I'll not have any off handed comments, am I clear?"

The dark haired girl lowered her head, "Yes, Professor." Professor Sprout turned back to Seren, "If you wouldn't mind, could you set up the diagram for class? I have to go gather our specimens, shouldn't be more than a few moments." Giving another small nod Seren began a detailed drawing of a mandrake and its roots, leaves and other usable potions parts as the rest of the young Gryffindor's and Slytherins took their seats, idle chatter echoed in the space.