Half-Blood Princess

Chapter 5: Beauxbaton and Durmstrang

As the arrival of students from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons drew near, Peri's mind was consumed by one pressing thought: obtaining a contraceptive potion. Despite having made them at Ilvermorny, she had never used one herself. But she wanted to be prepared for foreign guests and potential opportunities. In secret, she attempted to concoct the potion in the potions classroom at Hogwarts, but her efforts were quickly interrupted by the sharp voice of Professor Snape.

Her gaze shifted to the window as dark clouds rolled in, foreshadowing an impending storm. The atmosphere mirrored her own inner turmoil and unease as she recalled her botched attempt at creating the potion earlier that day. The scent of brewing potions still hung heavy in the air, a reminder of her failure and the ever-present danger of being caught breaking school rules.

Peri stood before the cauldron, its contents bubbling and releasing a distinctive scent into the air as she meticulously added each component. A looming presence crept up behind her, casting a heavy shadow over her figure. Despite the tension in the room, she maintained her composure, fixated on her brewing task at hand.

"Ms. King," Snape's voice sliced through the air like frost as he peered at the simmering potion.

Her grip on the stirring rod tightened subtly as she continued to mix, internally hoping that he wouldn't detect the specific ingredients sourced without his consent. "Professor," she responded in a hushed tone.

His gaze shifted from the cauldron's contents to her face, analyzing her expression as she deliberately avoided meeting his eyes directly. "Do you understand the nature of this potion you're concocting?" he inquired.

"Yes, sir."

"And who is it intended for? I am informed of Ms. Porter and Mr. Weasley's disciplinary measures for their conduct on school grounds."

Turning to face him now, frustration etched across her features, Peri rebutted firmly, "Hallie and Fred were not engaging in any misconduct. They were merely exchanging flirting, nothing more. If given space, they might develop something..."

"Because they were apprehended," Snape interjected sharply.

"Do educators here not have other responsibilities besides prying into students' affairs?"

"We must mentor and safeguard students while nurturing their academic growth. However, this doesn't negate that Ms. Porter is only fourteen and may not be emotionally prepared for such interactions." Snape's piercing gaze left hers momentarily to inspect the brewing potion before returning to lock eyes with her again. "So this elixir is for yourself, then?"

Peri remained silent, pivoting away to resume her work without acknowledging his question.

"I cannot permit you to proceed," Snape declared with a swift gesture, causing the cauldron's contents to vanish instantly. "Should you genuinely require this potion, seek authorization from Madam Pomfrey at the hospital wing."

Irritated by Snape's interference, Peri snatched up her bag and stormed towards the hospital wing, muttering, "I was aiming for discretion."

"You're just fifteen; contemplating such matters should be far from your thoughts," Snape's voice trailed after her down the corridor.

"This is my body and my decision," Peri shot back defiantly. "And sometimes you need the potion for more than sex." She made her way towards medical assistance.

"Peri, dear," a soft voice called out, gently tugging Peri from her reverie. "You took the potion at Ilvermorny, so I'll allow you to have it now. Just remember to adhere to the instructions precisely, or else..."