Connected by Magic

Chapter 51

Pansy sat with folded legs on her bed, face showing deep concentration. In front of her sat Amelia, a long parchment in her hands which was illuminated by Daisy who sat on her shoulder. Daphne was working on her own, making sure the newest brew attempt for Astoria was bubbling along well.

"Okay, last one. Tell me about self-fertilising shrubs."

Daphne peered over her shoulder briefly with an amused look. In contrast, Pansy was thinking for a moment in utter concentration. She was not the most gifted witch Amelia has seen. No matter how Amelia wished it was different for her.

Even so, Amelia managed to make her overall level of knowledge better. Not perfect as Pansy missed several key details. But she showed progress which was encouraging. Amelia hopes Pansy will find it satisfying as well.

"Flesh eating plants which are sentient. So, carefully handle them with gloves," Pansy began, her brows furrowed from her focused mind. "They can, obviously, fertilise themselves and the surrounding ground. Their habitat... ehm... is dark wet caves. And... shouldn't be put with others of their own kind! Because they'll likely kill each other. They require sufficient water and plenty of fresh flesh."

"Excellent, well said," Amelia not as she smiled with pride. "Good answer. We're getting somewhere. Bonus question, can they be used for potions?"

"Yes...?"

Amelia chuckled at seeing Pansy uncertainty on her face. "No, but I'd like to think their potential has not been unlocked yet. But well done, Pansy! If I would have to guess, you're now between acceptable and exceed expectations."

Pansy deflated on her bed, a deep rumbling breath leaving her. Amelia laughed as she rolled up her parchment filled with notes and of potential O.W.L questions. The once feared bully Pansy Parkinson was exhausted after another gruelling teaching session.

"I feel like a zombie..." Pansy breathed out.

"Just be glad we only have Potions remaining today," Daphne laughed. "Or you'd be really exhausted. Amelia packs a lot in just three hours."

"Well, it helps me too, to be honest," said Amelia. "Besides, it's bearing fruits! You couldn't answer a single question at first and now look at you! You're doing great, Pansy."

"Can't argue with that. It's odd that Umbridge didn't give her usual uninspiring and useless lecture," sighed Pansy. "Well, anyway, I appreciate the effort you've put into helping me. You're the first to really help me, Amelia. It's an inspiration to see how your kindness endures."

"Well, I'm just being me, Pansy. Well, here are the notes. Just keep going through them regularly and you'll be fine. What class shall we do next? Charms, Transfiguration, Potions?"

"Easy there, Miss Workaholic," Daphne laughed.

"I need a small break, Amelia. My brain is hurting. And we still have Potions in..." Pansy glanced at the small clock that hung on the wall. It was almost time to leave for Potions. One and half periods of joy (in Amelia's opinion). "... thirty minutes."

Amelia looked at them both for a moment. Pansy looked exhausted, an arm covering her face with a soft groan leaving her. Her red headed friend was still watching the potions carefully. It seemed neither of them were willing to go through what they've learned so far.

"Fine, I'll relent. A shame we'll only be finishing a brew today. I mean, we have plenty of time for a second one!"

"You mean 'luckily', surely," said Pansy, giving a pointed look. Yet Amelia could only be happy about the coming Potions class. "Never mind... You're the only one that looks forward to having a class with Snape. I'm sure you'll get another outstanding for the previous potion we had to brew."