Weasley Twins - A Fate You Can't Escape

Chapter 104 - Test and Truce

I end up subbing for Slughorn for two weeks before he's able to return to work.  Although, the clever man decided that I am too valuable of a resource to let go.  So here I am, entering November as the official Potions Teaching Assistant.  This mainly means grading an unholy amount of terribly written essays.  I'll admit I am a bit generous on the grades though.  It's a stressful time, and I'm not going to hold that against them.

True to her word, I often find Ginny's eyes on me.  Usually she's huddled with the Longbottom boy, whispering to each other.  I think that they believe they are being discrete, but they really aren't.  It's quite obvious they are conspiring on some level.  Which is why I start a rumor.  It doesn't take long for the whole school to hear about how Neville and Ginny are dating.  There's a good chance if Ginny ever finds out it was me that started it, I would quickly find myself on her bad side.

I am amused by Neville's reaction to the rumor though.  Anytime someone brings it up, he turns the color of a tomato.  Alecto Carrow also seems to have an opinion on the gossiped about couple.  Whenever she sees them together, she starts muttering about blood traitors breeding.  I have never really thought about their blood statuses, but the woman's grumbling about it pleases me greatly.

Voldemort was quite pleased with me and Snape for out promptness in notifying him about the new prophecy.  Apparently, shortly after, Amycus had tried to rat us out, claiming we were keeping secrets.  The Dark Lord told the man to stop bothering him with personal squabbles.

Sprout still refuses to meet my eyes.  I must be her greatest disappointment.  What kind of Hufflepuff falls in with dark magic users?  It stings, but its probably for the best.  She could be trying to reform me, and I don't think I could lie to her face very well.

Mid November brings the first snow, and the castle has a bit of a sinister chill.  Maybe it just feels like that because I've been spending so much time in the dungeons. 

I sit in the back of Slughorn's classroom, grading the homework the seventh years turned in last period.  Honestly, Snape would be disappointed in his precious Slytherins If he saw their work.  Zabini's essay is only half the asked for length, and Nott didn't cite any sources.  While I don't particularly care, I am grading these by Slughorn's rubric.  After marking both with an "acceptable," I place them in the completed pile.

"When you have a minute, could you take over for a moment?"  The older professor asks me.  "I've left something in my office."

"Um, yeah, sure.
  I stand and make my way to the front of the room.

"Many thanks."  The man nods to me before bustling out of the room, muttering about his reading glasses.  I am left facing a room full of sixth years.  Specifically one Ginny Weasley.

The moment the door shuts behind Professor Slughorn, her hand is in the air.  Figures.

"Yes, Miss Wealsey?"  I ask, eyebrows raising.

"Have you ever brewed amortentia?"  Her question throws me off a bit.

"What?  Amortentia?  Just for class.  I'm not much of a fan of it."  I frown, trying to understand what she's getting at.

"Not even for... say a New Years celebration?"  This question hurts.

"No.  I have never, I repeat, never used amortentia.  I believe it to be a foul potion that has never helped anyone in anyway.  If it were up to me, it would be illegal."  I stare her down, watching as she shrinks in her seat.  "Now I suggest you focus on your work before your accusations get you in detention."

The class remains silent until Slughorn returns.

"What ever did you do to get them all this quiet?"  He chuckles, sitting in his chair.  "No issues then?"