Not Again//Harry Potter [2]

5

It was like a little heartbeat in her mind. The daydream pulsed in her mind in the back of Autumn's head all day. She wanted to think about it, but it hurt to think about it -- scratch that. It hurt not thinking about it. Despite the pain, it wasn't the worst thing about the first day of school; the feeling of knowing that someone you trusted thinks you're inadequate and lame hurt worse than any headache.

Hermione and Autumn walked alone to their first class, which was Herbology. They left early, not wanting to deal with Ron and Harry that morning.

As they neared the greenhouses, the familiar sound of Harry and Ron's laughter approached. The line to get into the greenhouse was Autumn's downfall -- making Harry and Ron wait behind them. Professor Sprout wasn't inside yet, causing the line to form.

Professor Sprout was a squat little witch who wore a patched hat over her flyaway hair. She wore earth on herself like it was a layer of skin. Gilderoy Lockhart, however, was immaculate in sweeping robes of turquoise, his golden hair shining under a perfectly positioned turquoise hat with gold trimming.

"Oh, hello there!" he called, beaming around at the assembled students. "Just been showing Professor Sprout the right way to doctor a Whomping Willow! But I don't want you running away with the idea that I'm better at Herbology than she is! I just happen to have met several of these exotic plants on my travels. . ."

"Greenhouse three today, chaps!" said Professor Sprout, who was clearly annoyed at Professor Lockhart.

There was a murmur of interest. They had only ever worked in greenhouse one before: greenhouse three housed far more interesting and dangerous plants. Professor Sprout took a large key from her belt and unlocked the door. 

Autumn quickly walked through the doors once they were unlocked, leaving Harry and Ron to look at her in confusion. Hermione followed suit, setting her stuff next to Autumn at one of the back tables.

One thing that Autumn liked about Hermione was that no matter where she sat, she could learn. Autumn liked sitting in the back of the class, it made her feel like she could see everything -- no surprises.

"Harry!" Lockhart exclaimed, making Harry groan. "I've been wanting a word -- you don't mind if he's a couple of minutes late, do you, Professor Sprout?" 

Professor Sprout looked as if she did mind, but Lockhart took Harry anyway.

Ron saved Harry a spot beside himself and Autumn. None of the three spoke until Harry got back; it wasn't entirely because the three hated each other, but Professor Sprout had began their lesson and Ron especially didn't want to get into trouble -- but that was unbeknown to the two girls standing beside him.

Finally, Harry jogged back into the classroom, a look of appeasement on his face. Autumn couldn't blame him -- Lockhart made Autumn want to leave school altogether, so she understood the feeling of relief when anyone had the chance to leave him.

"We'll be repotting Mandrakes today," Professor Sprout continued teaching. "Now, who can tell me the properties of the Mandrake?"

To nobody's surprise, Hermione's hand was first into the air. "Mandrake, or Mandragora, is a powerful restorative," said Hermione. "It is used to return people who have been transfigured or cursed to their original state."

Autumn had no idea how she knew that. When does Hermione have time to memorize textbooks?

"Excellent. Ten points to Gryffindor," said Professor Sprout. "The Mandrake forms an essential part of most antidotes. It is also, however, dangerous. Who can tell me why?"

Hermione's hand hit the side of Autumn's face as Hermione raised her hand -- knocking her into Harry. Ron started to laugh, but Autumn punched his shoulder as she got off of Harry.