The Serpent

SIX

Apparently, Slughorn was very joyful to see me again. He walked towards us as we entered the room. "If that isn't Miss Anaïs Snape! I am so delighted to have you in my class this year! Your father is a great wizard. He must've been teaching you everything about Magic Potions!", he greeted me. I just nodded in response and returned the smile. "What a pleasant surprise to see you here, Mr. Zabini! I didn't know that you were into Potions as well!", he shook Blaise's hand while grinning like a Cheshire cat.
I noticed Draco being a little displeased about the situation. Both his friends were welcomed warmly, but he didn't receive any greetings. With a smile, I jogged his elbow. He tried to smile, but Harry entered the room and Slughorn was bubbling over with joy at his sight.

We sat down at a table with empty kettles on it and a lot of knives and other instruments were evenly spread.

Slughorn presented us with the broiling potions that wrapped the room in steam. One of them was Amortentia, the strongest love potion there was. Urgently, dad had told me to never ever use such a brew because magic wouldn't be able to replace any emotion.
In disgust, I had to recognize how all of the girls grinned at the potion in greed.

Solemnly, Slughorn strode around to a little phial in a suspension. The Professor started to explain: "Now, this one, ladies and gentlemen, is a highly curious potion called Felix Felicis. I assume Mrs. Granger, that you know what this potion does?" It turned out to be liquid happiness and we could gain some of it, if we made the draught of living death in an hour. I could use the luck for Draco's task from the Dark Lord. I knew I was the year best in potions since first grade on. Obviously, because my dad taught me well. But, Slughorn ignored the fact and didn't even look over my shoulder. At first, he had been so excited to have me in his class and now he only had eyes for Granger. Of course, I was jealous. Anyone, who would try to steal my reputation would bitterly regret it!

"And the time is... Over! Don't stir anymore, please!", Slughorn called after a while. My potion was purple-silvery and I just had to stir a little longer. All the other students had failed miserably and even the Granger hadn't made it.
Gloating over the fact, I smiled at this drudged sight.

Slughorn walked around and looked at our potions. As he stepped behind me, I expected a compliment for almost finishing it. Maybe he would allow me to stir just a little more so there would be at least one finished potion in this class. But, he said nothing. He looked around and stepped forward. I bit my bottom lip in disappointment. "It's fine, he said it was no easy potion. Don't worry!", Draco whispered and took my hand. Meanwhile, Slughorn was still walking around. Everyone felt the tense excitement for who the winner would be. As he looked at the potion of a hufflepuff, he started saying: "As much as I have seen, Miss Snape has the best potion so far. But, I want to see each potion!"

Some students already took a chance to look for me. Relieved, I let out a deep breath and smiled proudly. Soon, the professor had reached Potter and shouted pleased: "The clear winner! Excellent, Harry! My God, you have clearly inherited your mother's talent, she was a real ace in magic potions, our Lily! So, here the Felix Felicis just for you. Use it wisely!", and my heart broke a little. I couldn't help, but stare at Potter with an expression of jealousy. Never had I ever despised him that much. Draco pressed my hand for a few seconds and looked at me as if he was sorry for what just happened to me. As if he could change anything...
I couldn't lose my reputation! This man was a horrible teacher. He didn't appreciate what I had done... How did he even dare to underestimated me? I hated Harry! Why must he always be that god damn chosen one and not just another boy stealing my oxygen to breathe in this stupid little school full of idiots?!
They looked at me. All of them. Even Slughorn. Harry wore an expression of surprise, but also a lot of fear. His mouth opened and he wrinkled his brow as if he wanted to apologize. He knew what this meant. It meant war. I tasted blood. Maybe I was biting my lip a bit too harshly. As if he didnt notice the elephant in the room - it was a clear declaration of war!