Lucy Snape and the Half-Blood Princess (Book Six)

Matthew Jarvin

[Author's note: Happy Birthday, Jack Quaid! — Wednesday 24th April 2013 —] 

Chapter 12: Matthew Jarvin 

"I'm telling you, Shona, this is weird." 

"Look it's just a coincidence, Lucy, calm down. It's just a book you found in your dad's draw — " 

"He let me borrow it." 

"Whatever, it doesn't matter. It's probably an old students' book that he kept in his draw." 

"He doesn't teach Potions anymore." 

"Doesn't mean he has to get rid of it!" 

The Friday lunchtime was hot and steamy at Hogwarts, the highest temperature going up to thirty degrees. Windows were opened, all classrooms had been abandoned and not a single student wore a jumper or cardigan.  Lucy and Shona were slowly walking from the musky dungeons up to the tree by the black lake. It had become their meeting spot for their friends ever since first year and would probably remain that for many a years to come. They had let Dean have the day off today so he could either do whatever he wanted or search for any threats to the gifted. 

"I don't understand though, why would dad keep something like that in his draw?" Lucy frowned, looking at her bag where she kept the book now. She hadn't returned it to Snape which she really should do. 

"I don't know either but you're stressing about things that aren't meant to be stressed about! So just forget about it!" Shona sighed.

"But it's like Harry's Half-Blood Prince one and they have to be connected." 

"Never mind that, how on Earth can it reach this humidity?" Shona sighed and wiped her brow.

 "I don’t know, how on Earth did you start reading?" Lucy asked as she casually spotted the red book in Shona’s gripped hand. "Ben's advice went to your head."

Shona laughed. "I don’t care, last lesson is an hour away so lets get some shade," she then pointed to the lake. "I bet you some guys will swim in that lake," Shona smirked and indicated towards Lucy, remembering her single status. 

 "Like Ben?" Lucy said in a hilarious tone. Shona’s eyebrows climbed high upon her forehead; that comeback was unexpected.

"We're friends," Shona insisted sharply. "Besides, you told me to wait so I am waiting. I'm not rushing into things, again like you told me." 

"I know, but he's your type; gentle, strong, cool, handsome, caring. He's yours. I think he's quite handsome."

"Really?” Shona said in surprise. Lucy nodded. "Alright, I guess I'll have to see if he's in the library more often." 

 "Fine. But make sure no one else gets him," Lucy joked.

 "I hope not," Shona admitted nervously. Lucy had never seen Shona this defensive before, it was a new experience for Shona and Lucy promised to support her friend.

But she felt sorry for the girl, Shona really did like Ben, she’d never shown any interest in any other boy before. Lucy and Shona had made comments sometimes while outside the great hall while eating ‘Bertie Botts every flavoured beans,’ rating boys hotness and hair. But this was different.

"If you need any help on lassoing him let me know," Lucy said and Shona gave a warming smile of thanks.

"Or Snape, the amount of interest he gets is hilarious," Shona laughed, Lucy joined in too as they came round a bend. They nearly walked into three Slytherin boys until they veered into the wall, all three laughing as they went to lean against the wall.