Scarlett Potter

Potions and alliances

The next day dawned with a crispness that hinted at autumn. Scarlett woke to the sound of the morning hustle in the Slytherin dormitory, her housemates already up and about. She pulled on her robes, feeling a rush of excitement mixed with anxiety as she remembered her schedule. Today marked the start of her classes, and she was eager to prove herself in Slytherin.

After a quick breakfast in the Great Hall, where she sat somewhat nervously among her new housemates, she found herself making her way to the dungeons for Potions. The room was cool and dim, with shelves lined with various ingredients and cauldrons bubbling softly. Professor Snape stood at the front, his eyes sweeping over the class with a practiced disdain.

"Welcome to Potions," he said, his voice cold and authoritative. "This is a subject that requires dedication and precision. I expect nothing less than your best. You are fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from me."

Scarlett glanced around and spotted Draco at the back, giving her a nod as she settled into her seat. With a glance at the syllabus, she saw the first lesson would be on Draught of Living Death—a complex potion even seasoned students struggled with.

As the lesson progressed, Scarlett found herself captivated by the intricate processes involved in potion-making. She measured and mixed ingredients, her hands steady as she followed Snape's instructions carefully. But when she glanced at Draco, she saw him scowling as he struggled with his own potion, muttering under his breath.

"Need a hand, Malfoy?" she teased quietly, grinning at him.

Draco shot her a look of irritation but then rolled his eyes, clearly realizing she was joking. "I've got this," he replied, though his voice lacked conviction.

With a sudden burst of courage, Scarlett leaned over. "Why don't you try adding the powdered moonstone? It might help stabilize it."

Draco glanced at her, skepticism flickering in his eyes. "And why would you know that?"

"Just a hunch," she shrugged. "I read about it in one of Harry's old books."

He hesitated, then added the moonstone. To their mutual surprise, the potion began to bubble in a vibrant shade of blue.

"Not bad, Potter," Draco conceded, a hint of admiration creeping into his tone. "You might have a knack for this."

Scarlett felt a rush of warmth at his words, a strange thrill at having impressed him.

As the class ended, Snape's gaze lingered on her, his brow furrowed as if contemplating her potential. "Potter, stay behind," he instructed, leaving Scarlett feeling a mix of apprehension and excitement.

Once the class had cleared out, she approached the front of the room. "Yes, Professor?"

Snape regarded her with a calculating expression. "You've shown promise in today's lesson. If you maintain this level of performance, you may find yourself with opportunities that extend beyond the ordinary. Keep your ambitions focused, and perhaps you could assist me in future projects."

Scarlett's heart raced at the thought. "I'd like that, sir. Thank you."

As she left the classroom, she spotted Draco waiting just outside the door, arms crossed and a look of curiosity on his face.

"What was that all about?" he asked.

"Snape thinks I might be able to help him with some projects," Scarlett replied, trying to downplay her excitement.

Draco raised an eyebrow, impressed despite himself. "That's not something just anyone gets offered. You really are making a name for yourself."

They walked side by side down the dimly lit corridors, a sense of camaraderie forming between them. As they turned a corner, they bumped into Pansy and a couple of other Slytherins.

"Look who's making friends," Pansy said with a sly grin. "Scarlett Potter, the little prodigy."

Scarlett rolled her eyes but couldn't help feeling a surge of pride at Pansy's comment.

"Yeah, well, someone's got to keep Draco in line," she replied, shooting Draco a playful glance.

Draco smirked, looking more relaxed than she had ever seen him. "I'll take all the help I can get. Besides, Slytherin could use a fresh perspective."

As they walked, Scarlett felt an unfamiliar sense of belonging, the thrill of navigating her own path at Hogwarts intertwining with the challenges that lay ahead. With her newfound confidence in Potions and the unexpected alliance with Draco, she was ready to embrace whatever the future held.

With the foundation of her skills taking root, Scarlett's journey at Hogwarts continues to unfold, bringing new friendships and challenges along the way.