Clarissa Snape [incomplete]

twenty-four

— Slughorn  —

I was correct about my O.W.L.s grade. I did terribly on most of them.

ORDINARY WIZARDING LEVEL
Clarissa Eileen Snape achieved

Astronomy: A
Care of Magical Creatures: D
Charms: O
Defense Against the Dark Arts: O
Divination: P
Herbology: P
History of Magic: D
Potions: O
Transfiguration: E

When I showed my father he said, "At least you passed all the important classes," which was good enough for me. Although I did try extra hard on Potions so I knew I would get an O and I would be in my father's N.E.W.T class but of course, my efforts went to nothing and I only needed an E when Horace Slughorn took over for him. On the bright side, my father got the job he wanted.

"Good morning," said Professor Slughorn, snapping me away from my thoughts. The class murmured and he started the class. Ten minutes in, Ron Weasley and Harry Potter came in and joined the class.

Once they fought over books and stood with the rest of us, Professor Slughorn asked, "Can anyone tell me what this?" and he pointed to the cauldron filled with pink liquid. It was obvious.

"It's amortentia," I said stepping up to it, "The most powerful love potion in the world. It's rumored to smell differently to each person according to what attracts them. For example, I smell," I sniffed, "Old books," I sniffed again, "My dad's homemade chili, and," I paused on the last one. It was Draco's cologne but I couldn't say that.

"My mum's old perfume," I lied and stepped back.

"Now," said Professor Slughorn, "Amortentia doesn't create actual love, that would be impossible, but it does create powerful infatuation or obsession." As he said this, a group of girls slowly crept towards the potion, scaring me a bit. Pansy happened to be one of them and if she ever got her hands on it, the potion would be in everything Draco ate or drank. The thought made rage erupt in the pit of my stomach but I ignored it completely. 

"That is why it is probably the most dangerous potion in this room," and he put the top on, the girls jumped slightly and had to return to their places. 

"Sir, you haven't told us what that's in that one," a girl said and she nodded to the Felix Felices. 

"Oh, yes. What you see before you ladies and gentlemen is a curious little potion known as Felix Felices. It is more commonly referred to as—"

"Liquid Luck," said Hermione.

"Yes, Miss Granger, Liquid Luck. Desperately tricky to make, disastrous should you get it wrong. One sip and you'll find that all of your endeavors succeed. At least until the effects wear off," he said.

"So, this is what I have to offer each of you today. One tiny vial of liquid luck to the student who in the hour that remains to brew an acceptable draft of Living Death. Recipes for which can be found on page ten of your books. I should point out, however, only one certain student may claim this prize. Nevertheless, good luck to you all! Let the brewing commence!"

All the students split and found a cauldron. I opened my book and read the first instruction.

a) Cut up one Sopophorus bean.

What?

Those things were almost impossible to cut properly, my father always told me to crush it with a blade. I quickly jotted down the note in my book.