Summer's Eve

⚡️46⚡️

"Thank God, I thought I was the only one who dropped it," I sighed. "We never really showed much interest," Hermione pointed out. "We only made an effort for Hagrid."

We had to wait for McGonagall. "Everything looks fine to me, Jones, I was very pleased with your Transfiguration work. You can continue with Ancient Runes, Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Herbology and Transfiguration but why isn't Potions here?"

"I thought I needed an Outstanding," I told her. "Professor Slughorn will take students with Exceeds Expectations," McGonagall told me. "He'll be happy to let you borrow a book and some equipment until you can get your own. Also, a lot of people are hoping to tryout for Quidditch, I have a list of names so you can organise trials yourself."

McGonagall handed me my timetable. "I've got Ancient Runes now, see you both later," I gave Harry a quick kiss before rushing off.

Runes was a nightmare, we were already given so much to do. "I hate her," I grumbled, pushing my books into my bag. "Who gives out that much on the first day?!"

We all sat down in class. I sat next to Ron and Hermione sat next to Harry. "You've had five teachers so far in this subject, they would all have had their own methods and priorities. I'm surprised so many of you managed to scrape an OWL in this subject. I shall be more surprised if you manage to keep up with the NEWT work, which is far more advanced..."

He droned on and on which I kind of zoned out at. I already knew half of this. "You are, I believe, novices in the use of non verbal spells, what is the advantage of non-verbal spells?"

Hermione's hand shot up and surprise surprise, no one else's did. "Very well, Miss Granger?"

"Your advisory has no warning about what kind of magic you're about to perform, giving you a split-second advantage," Hermione told him.

He then split us into pairs and Hermione and I paired up. I shot a Jelly Legs hex at her silently and she repelled it. Ron was struggling to hex Harry so Snape did it for him.

"PROTEGO!" Harry freaked out as the jink was coming right for him. His Shield Charm nearly made Snape fall over. Snape stood up, scowling at Harry. "Do you remember me telling you that we are practicing non verbal spells, Potter?"

"Yes."

"Yes, sir," Snape corrected him.

"There's no need to call me sir, Professor," Harry said to him. I burst out laughing, doubling over and holding my stomach. "Detention, my office, Saturday night Potter, you too, Jones."

"Worth it," I chuckled.

***

Sloper, the beater I picked last year, came up to us with a note from Dumbledore. "When you holding tryouts, Joy?"

"Don't know yet," I told him. "I'll get back to you."

Harry showed me the note.

Dear Harry and Joy

I'd like to start our private lessons this Saturday. Come along to my office at 8pm. I hope you're both enjoying the first day back.

PS I enjoy Acid Pops

"Looks like no detention for us," I grinned. "I still don't get why you got detention," Ron frowned. "Because I laughed at him," I told him.

We had gone into Potions together and we picked the table near the back where the smell there was powerful but amazing. I could smell Butterbeer, some sort of wood smell, like broomstick wood and I could also smell Harry's shampoo.