The Peak Of My Existence [T.N]

FISTS

Maybe it wasn't. Since punching Draco and breaking his nose, more whispers and weird stares filled the castle. Vulpecula Black, daughter of the crazy mass murder, a danger to Hogwarts.

Remus, who had seen the entire exchange, was unable to get to the scene in time to catch his Goddaughter. Vulpecula had run out of the hall, leaving the hunched-over, bleeding Draco behind, groaning in pain.

Draco had been sent to the infirmary to get his nose fixed by Madame Pomfrey. Vulpecula received a detention with Professor Mcgonagall for that night, so much for starting the year off positive.

She didn't regret what she did, but she wished it didn't backfire. It wasn't the detention she resented, it was the increase in already irritating rumours, whispers and stares.

She didn't want them to get to her, she wanted to ignore them, but it became increasingly difficult for her to cope with the negative attention.

It had been a few months since she'd punched the blonde boy but unlike other drama, this one did not die down. It was getting colder around the school as December neared, the first Hogsmeade trip of the year was at the weekend.

Vulpecula was sat in her last lesson of the day, Potions. It was tolerable because despite the bully that is Professor Snape, and the stares she received throughout the class, she found Potions rather intriguing she loved making them and learning which ones did what. There may have been something to do with the fact that Theodore was no longer sat right behind her that also helped her get through the lesson.

Upon Snape's dismissal of the class he asked for Vulpecula and Theodore to stay behind. Hearing his words made her stomach sink, she really didn't want to hang around the dungeons for long, especially with Theodore Nott.

Snape had moved behind his desk, long black cloak flowing behind him as he moved. He rested his hands on top of his brown, mahogany worktop, eyes burning into Vulpecula.

She didn't know what this was about, neither did Theodore, but whatever it was, it couldn't be good. She was growing uncomfortable under Snape's scrutinising stare and the silence that was upon the three. She shifted her weight on her feet.

"Miss Black," Snape began in his droning, monotone voice "you are not working at an acceptable standard in my class"

Her lips parted slightly, she felt horrible. She understood that although she was really interested in Potions, she hadn't been doing the best this year. But the fact that he had chosen to tell her this in front of Theodore is like he actively wanted to mortify her.

She dropped her gaze to the cold stone floor, she wished it would just open up and swallow her. She focused intently on her black leather shoes.

"Mr Nott" Snape turned his attention away from the cowering girl "you are working exceptionally well, in many classes, not just my own, as your head of house i applaud you."

Vulpecula was growing angry with the Professor. She lifted her head, eyebrows furrowed as she looked between Snape and Theodore.

"However, not all." Where this was going, neither of the third years had a clue.

He had to admit he felt a small amount of pity for the girl, Snape had just embarrassed her infront of him. But this pity was overwhelmed by cockiness and superiority.

"Professor Sinistra has informed me that she is worried about your performance in Astronomy;"

Snape's expression was unwavering, but Theodore's mouth dropped slightly open, almost unnoticeable but Vulpecula saw it.

Vulpecula often found herself observing people, not just in this moment but throughout her life. She'd study how people responded physically and emotionally to things, and she tried to use this to her advantage in certain situations. For example, seeing that she had an effect on Draco Malfoy by mentioning his father. She made mental notes of people's vulnerabilities, she wouldn't use them against anyone, but she felt power in knowing.