Dark Wizard Collector: A Hogwarts Fanfiction

Chapter 15

Passing the stone wall that hid Slytherin common room, I had a flashback of the many times I walked into the wall from being shortsighted because my eyes were trained on a book. No wonder the Sorting Hat thought to place me in Ravenclaw. Soon enough, a classroom full of red robed children turned to look at me with mixed emotions; surprise, admiration, and fear.

"Ah Miss Zeria, I had been hoping to see you again. This particular Gryffindor group is prone to mishaps in my class." The greying brown haired man marked with relief and assigned me a few tables to proctor.

"Hello Miss Zeria," chimed Lily, I was taken aback by her friendliness.

"Umm, hello," I said awkwardly as she beamed at me. "What are you working on today?"

"We're learning how to grind down solids into powders and dusts depending on the ingredient's composition." Grumbled Remus Lupin and poked at the stone mortar and pestle in front of him.

"Well Mr. Lupin, you must understand this exercise is crucial. Some ingredients have different results in the various forms they take." I explained and gathered a group of six first years to one table.

A snort of annoyance sounded from a head of shaggy hair and I arched an eyebrow, "Do you have a problem with this class Mr. Black?"

The little grey eyes looked up at me with a sigh, "Not particularly."

"Well, you'd be surprised how much good potions can do. Alright every one, take up your mortars and pestles; the first thing to know is how fine the ingredient must be. Whether dust or powder, you must carefully read the instructions of the potion you are creating. Since Professor Slughorn is teaching you the basics of dusts and powders, I will let you in on a secret. Dusts are usually earthy materials like plants, dirt, stone, whereas powders are animal products, including bone, skin, hair; that lot." Lecturing the six students, I noticed James and Sirius muttering to each other. "Is there something you two would like to share?" I asked sweetly, and they shook their heads sideways. "Right, Mr. Pettigrew, is it?"

The round tawny haired boy nodded and perked up like a mouse.

"Could you pass out these lizard spines, three for each student please." I handed the dry bones to the chubby boy and he willingly did as I instructed. "Can anyone tell me what we check for first before grinding bones?"

Hesitantly, the curly haired blonde daintily raised her hand. "Yes, Miss Bor..."

"Bordel," her little face grinned as she lowered her hand and continued, "All ingredients, especially bone, must be completely dry before grinding them down in the mortar. If not, the remaining moisture will cause the dust or powder to clump and ruin the desired effect."

"Well done Miss Bordel," I beamed, "five points for Gryffindor." The thin girl corrected her posture and proudly folded her hands. "Before we begin milling our lizard spine powders, we must keep in mind the techniques of using a mortar and pestle Professor Slughorn taught you. Mr. Black, why don't you show us one of the methods of crushing."

Reluctantly, he lifted his utensils and demonstrated how to grind down bones. "That is exactly how you mill bones. Excellent work Mr. Black, you have just performed the technique we will be using. Another five points for Gryffindor. Now, using what he just showed us, you all may proceed to grind the spines into powder." I clapped my hands together and watched the students set to do their work.

A smile broadened on my pale face as I scrutinized my small group's handiwork. I could not have been more proud, seeing how well the students followed my instructions and achieved the goal of the lesson. "Excellent work Gryffindors. Now, why don't you go to the other tables to see how your friends are faring?" The six children smiled and scurried away while I caught Slughorn's attention. "I say, Professor. Your students are exceptional. Examine their work; it's flawless." I waved my hand over the mortars of powder and his eyes widened.

"Dear me, you must have scared them into doing things right." The old man chuckled, dipping a finger into the stone bowl and rubbing the fine powder across his fingers. "It is softer than chalk. Fantastic tutoring Miss Zeria; I wonder why you have never thought to teach." The kind man patted my shoulder and I smiled.

"Truth is told, I never thought myself patient enough to teach."

"Well, I'm sure one day you will find the confidence to do so, but I will speak to Dumbledore about this; I feel you would greatly help students as a tutor. Think about it, yes?"

"I shall, thank you sir." I replied and chattered a bit more with the Potion's Master before terminating my assistant role. It was very curious to me how well the usually troublesome Gryffindor boys were so calm and receptive to my instructions. However, this little act of obedience did not fully convince me that James Potter and his clan of house-brothers would discontinue the reputation they had accrued as unmanageable wizards. I was determined to keep them under a watchful eye.