Know Thyself {Neville Longbottom}

IV. Peppermint

Known to promote warmth and cordiality, this herb is a key ingredient in the powerful love potion, Amortentia

The following morning I was hardly able to swallow a bite at breakfast, my stomach felt rather like a swarm of lacewing flies. Everyone was anxiously awaiting their timetables, but the process was taking longer than usual since the heads of house had to approve each student individually. Drumming my fingers on the table, I glanced across the dining hall to see if Cece had gotten her schedule confirmed. 

After waving my arms about for a moment, she noticed me and held up her list of classes. I mouthed for her to 'wait' and she nodded, resuming her conversation with a fellow Slytherin.

I watched nervously as Professor Sprout conversed first with Hannah, then Susan. Both seemed pleased with the outcome, but I noted that neither had continued on to Advanced Potions. Now that Slughorn was teaching the course I thought my chances of progressing were fairly solid, and I knew that my future career as a healer depended on it. 

"Cauldwell, let's see what you'll be taking then, shall we?" Professor Sprout offered a friendly smile, filling in my chart with a flick of her wand. 

She gave several nods of approval, "Very good, my dear. You'll be able to continue on with Herbology, Charms, Transfiguration, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Potions."

"That's fantastic!" I breathed a sigh of relief, "And what about the others?"

Sprout frowned, "Well, I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but there just wasn't sufficient demand for Care of Magical Creatures to be offered this year."

My heart sunk, "Oh, I see."

"As for Astronomy, and Divination I really think you 'ought to leave them be. I know you're plenty capable when it comes to your studies, but those one's aren't going to help you much as a healer, and you'll need the extra time to focus on your core classes."

My eyes darted back to Cece, feeling torn. We had agreed to keep our schedules the same, but Professor Sprout was right, this year was going to require all of my effort, and then some.

"Yes, I understand Professor."

She patted my shoulder, and wished me well, leaving me to stare blankly down at my timetable. After a few moments I stood up, and crossed the dining hall to deliver the bad news to my friend.

__________

"How many of us do you reckon there'll be?" I questioned, taking the stairs down to the dungeons with Cece, a slightly-used copy of Advanced Potions tucked under my arm.

We had spent our free period that morning together, and while she hadn't appeared too crest-fallen with the change in plans, I could tell something was still bothering her.

"Not sure," she replied, fidgeting with her robes, "but I doubt it will be more than a dozen."

As we rounded the corner, I stopped walking, and took hold of her arm. She paused, brown eyes gazing at me curiously.

"Cece, about this morning, I'm really sorry-" I started to apologize again, but she waved her hand, cutting me off.

"Don't be daft, there's no reason for you to take classes that won't do you any good in the future. I was just being selfish, and wanted to have you all to myself to make up for last year, I suppose. Besides, we have potions together, so that's something isn't it?"