The Other Potter

Lasting Impression

Elijah made it to Ancient Runes just in time, he'd already done the reading for it over summer, but he kept his head down regardless. He ignored the looks he knew Alix was giving. She'd have to wait until lunch for him to catch her up.

As soon as the bell for lunch, he was practically pulled from his seat and dragged to the Great Hall. Students moving out of their way, still too scared to risk getting on his bad side.

"What did McGonagall say?" Felix asked once they all sat down.

"Told me to be careful." Elijah sighed, tidying his uniform from where Alix had pulled him by.

"You needed to be told that, did you?" Alix hissed, glaring at Elijah. "Why the fuck didn't you just keep your head down?"

"I don't know... I just- I can't stand that prissy pink bi-" he was stopped by Ezra kicking him under the table. "Ow!"

It wasn't until he turned to where Ezra was nodding that he realised Professor Umbridge was heading down the length of their table, coming to a stop beside Elijah.

Clearing her throat with her annoying 'hem, hem', to get the boys attention, looking at him expectantly.

Clenching his jaw, Elijah took a deep breath and turned to the Professor. "Professor Umbridge." He greeted dryly.

"Mr Potter."

He had to physically bite his tongue to stop himself from correcting her, forcing a smile instead.

"Do you have anything you wish to say to me?" She asked in a sickly sweet voice.

Convincing himself that going to Azkaban for killing his Professor wouldn't be a productive use of his time or efforts, he nodded, clearing his own throat.

"I'm sorry for disrupting your lesson today, Professor."

"Professor?"

Taking in another deep breath, he corrected himself. "I'm sorry for disrupting your lesson today, Professor Umbridge."

She smiled smugly. "See we're getting much better at controlling that temper already, aren't we? Much better. Do remember your detention at five o'clock, and I expect a better attitude from you from now on."

"Of course, Professor Umbridge." He said through gritted teeth, glaring at her as she walked away, leaving Elijah with his blood boiling once again.

Alix reached out to touch his hand, but he snatched it away, practically shaking with anger now.

"Elijah..." she whispered, softening her gaze.

He shook his head, "This is stupid. Why can't we get a decent fucking Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor for once? They are all fucking manic."

"Lupin wasn't bad." Ezra shrugged.

"Besides the whole werewolf thing." Felix commented, earning a glare from Elijah.

"This is why we need you to stop acting out and pull it together. Remember what we discussed at the beginning of the holidays? We need to help the younger students." Jay argued, touching Elijah's shoulder, gripping tightly to stop him pulling away.

"Well, I can't be any help for the next four weeks." Elijah grumbled.

"Four weeks?!" Alix exclaimed.

Elijah just gave her a look, he regretted it now. Hindsight often brought regret.

"Well, that's only weekdays right? We can weekends." Ezra offered.

"Between Prefect duties, Quidditch practice and homework, I don't know when I'm going to get a chance."