Chapter Text
As students filed out of the classroom, still chuckling or groaning about the burdensome homework assigned by Professor McGonagall, I quickly called out to Harry. "Hey, Harry!" Harry briefly turned his gaze back towards me, He responded to my question with a sarcastic undertone "Oh, so Sue wants to talk about my impending doom too?" I let out a soft chuckle and nodded my head in acknowledgment as the two of us continued walking side by side towards the Great Hall for lunch. We strolled together as I raised my eyes to ask him a question. "Do you think seeing a dog in your cup has something to do with the man who broke out of Azkaban?"
Harry paused for a moment, his nod slow and thoughtful. "I'm not sure... all I know is that I will die this year." he said with a hint of dark humor, prompting me to punch his shoulder. "Don't be so ridiculous, Harry! You've already defeated Voldemort!" Harry paused once more, then fixed his gaze on me contemplatively. "I've noticed something about you, Sue..." My eyes widened in surprise "What is it??" He raised an eyebrow and observed, "I've noticed that you never seem scared of saying Voldemort's name. You never refer to him as 'You-Know-Who'." I felt caught off guard by Harry's comment. I had always been more comfortable with calling Voldemort by his name, never quite understanding the taboo around it. I shrugged "I don't know. I just find it silly to call him 'You know who' or 'He who must not be named.' It's just a name."
Harry smiled and chuckled softly "Yeah, I figured you'd say something like that. You always had a way of thinking outside the box." Our conversation was abruptly cut short as Hermione approached us, walking briskly and being followed closely by Ron. It appeared that they were engaged in another one of their arguments, with this time's topic being about the Divination class. Harry and I shared a knowing look, our expressions full of amusement "They're always like this." Harry sighed with a small smile, then as we took our places at the table in the Great Hall, he turned to me again. "You look pale. Are you okay?" I casually waved off his concern and took a sip of my pumpkin juice, replying jokingly "Of course I'm fine. You're the one who should be worried about those doom signs."
We both chuckled softly, the tension in Harry's eyes lightening up as we shared our banter. For a moment, the worries about prophecies and ominous signs from Trelawney's class seemed to fade away. I quickly wolfed down my lunch before the class with Hagrid began. Ron, his mouth slick with grease, raised an eyebrow and quipped "You've started to wander around like a ghost again?" Without wasting any time, I snatched my bag and replied "Just a little thing I need to do." Ron leaned towards Harry, whispering quietly "I bet you she's going to stalk Snape. Why on earth is she wandering around the school like a ghost all the time?" Harry rolled his eyes and replied with a shrug "Who knows? Maybe it's just her weird habit. She's always been like that."
I sprinted through the castle corridors towards Snape's office, opening the door with a burst of energy. With an almost too excited tone, I enthusiastically greeted him "Good afternoon, pro-" My jaw dropped as I froze in place, realizing that Professor McGonagall was already in his office, as if I had interrupted a serious conversation between them. Professor McGonagall's eyes shot up at the sound of my sudden entry, her sharp gaze turning towards me. Snape, on the other hand, fixed his stern gaze upon me, silently awaiting for the reason of my unannounced arrival. Snape let out an annoyed sigh as he looked at me "What is it, Miss.Sue?"
I glanced between the two of them, feeling my embarrassment grow, I wish the ground could swallow me up right now. Feeling mortified, I hastily replied "N-nothing...I'll come back later." With that, I hastily left his office, closing the door behind me. Professor McGonagall looked at Snape, a curious expression on her face. "She usually comes to your office?" Snape leaned back in his seat, a mocking grin playing on his lips. "She's fond of potions... perhaps she had a few questions." McGonagall raised an eyebrow, a knowing look in her eyes. "More like she's fond of you, Severus". Snape let out a scoff, as if he had no interest in continuing the conversation. Professor McGonagall chuckled lightly, her eyes fixed on him. "It's amusing, really. You never sought to be anyone's favorite teacher, and yet here you are, becoming a favorite somehow."
Snape responded with a roll of his eyes, his voice laced with sarcasm, "Yes, miracles do happen, don't they? It seems I've unintentionally won a popularity contest I never even enrolled in." "Aren't you coming for lunch?" Snape appeared to be lost in thought, then shook his head. "No, I'm not feeling hungry." Standing at the edge of the dense forest with the rest of the class, I attempted to listen to Hagrid's speech about Hippogriff's, but my mind was still preoccupied by the embarrassment from my unexpected entrance into Snape's office. Someone deliberately or accidentally bumped against my back, causing me to stumble forward and fall to the ground. I attempted to get up, then turned around to see Draco Malfoy and his friends laughing beside me. Even Pansy Parkinson smirked at me. Damn.. why does she have the same hairstyle as me?
"What was that for, Malfoy?" ,"What's the matter? Can't handle a little push? Too fragile, perhaps?" Malfoy mocked, his smirk growing wider as his friends continued giggling behind him. Pansy chimed in, her voice dripping with mock sympathy, "Poor Sue. Always the weak one, isn't she?" My hands clenched into tight fists, a result of the impact from my fall. I hastily wiped away the dirt staining my white, buttoned shirt. Frowning, I stared at Draco, ignoring Parkinson's additional comment. With a mix of confidence and defiance, I retorted, "Try me. I dare you!" My heart pounded rapidly within my chest, but I tried to maintain a tough expression, even though unsure of what my next move should be.
Malfoy's smirk wavered for a moment, visibly surprised by my challenge, but he quickly composed himself "Aww, look. The weak girl has suddenly grown a pair. How pathetic" he stated, sneering. My mind was in turmoil. I know I should act braver and stronger, but he's just throwing some empty words. So why do I feel so weak, and why do I want to cry? Are they right? Am I really that fragile? I tightened my grip around my wand, anger rising within me. Everyone else seemed transfixed, watching Harry soar over a Hippogriff. What if I were to do something and they blame Hagrid? What if... no, I can't.. He's so happy about being a professor. I can't ruin his first day... Malfoy seemed to notice my inner conflict, and his smirk returned, sensing my vulnerability. "What's the matter, Sue? Cat got your tongue? Or are you finally realizing your pathetic weakness?"
His friends chuckled, enjoying the scene unfolding before them. No words escaped my mouth. I turned my back to them, walking away while still hearing their taunts and snarky laughter. I just don't want to make any problems, but at the same time, I feel so weak... so... I strained to keep my head down, trying to hide the tears welling up in my eyes. I hastily wiped them away just as Harry landed, and applause filled the air. Hagrid instructed the rest of the class to step forward and bow before the Hippogriffs. Ron and Hermione were standing in front of a chestnut Hippogriff, practicing. I cautiously stepped towards another Hippogriff, this one a stunning black color. With a smile, I bowed.
The Hippogriff responded, slowly and almost imperceptibly, lowering his head and closing his eyes. I softly whispered, "Such a beautiful creature. May I caress you?" Extending my hand, I gently caressed his velvety black feathers. Malfoy confidently approached one, sneering, "If Potter could do it, I suppose it must be easy. You're not intimidating at all, big ugly creature. Let me..." The students watched in shock as Malfoy stepped forward, but before he could take another step, Hagrid urgently yelled "No, Draco! Get back!" Just as Hagrid attempted to intervene, the Hippogriff became agitated and rumbled angrily. It swiftly struck Malfoy, leaving a bleeding gash on his arm.
Screams and gasps echoed through the students as they witnessed the incident. Malfoy stumbled back, holding his bleeding arm, a look of complete shock on his face. Hagrid quickly walked towards him, his face filled with a mixture of worry and anger. "I told y'all to bow! Ya never insult a Hippogriff!" Hagrid hurriedly took Malfoy and dismissed the class, followed by Pansy who was sobbing and frantically calling after Draco. I rolled my eyes and went over to my bag, the trio discussing the incident. Harry commented, "It's just a gash. Madam Pomfrey will fix him up quickly. He's such a dramatic boy!" Hermione looked concerned "I'm worried about Hagrid."
As I listened to their conversation, I couldn't help but feel the same concern. However, I left without joining their discussion and made my way back into the castle. Curled up in my bed, adorned in a comfortable white pullover and black jeans, I couldn't help but secretly relish the sight of Malfoy's injury. "You deserved it." As I glanced around, there was no sign of Teddy nearby. "Where on earth does that boy wander off to?" I remained in bed, still grappling with the events of the day and Malfoy's taunts echoing in my mind. Weak.. My initial intention had been to rush to the dungeons again, eager to converse with Snape and ask my questions.
But now, those feelings seemed distant, replaced by a sense of doubt and insecurity I don't even feel it anymore...He'll just dismiss me and tell me to stop bothering him... Two or three tears trickled down my cheeks as I tried to dry my eyes. Suddenly, a scratching sound and a desperate meowing came from behind the door. My mood instantly lifted as I recognized Teddy's presence. I opened the door, and he walked in with his tail up, rubbing himself against my legs. I knelt down and warmly embraced him, showering him with words of affection. "Hey there, Teddy!" I beamed as I cradled him in my arms. "What have you been up to, huh?"
Teddy responded with a cheerful meow, as if trying to tell me his adventures of the day. I chuckled, gently caressing behind his ears. My eyes widened in surprise as I spotted a second cat tailing after Teddy. A flicker of recognition passed through me as I realized it was Mrs. Norris. Oh dear Merlin, if Filch finds out, he'll have my head! With a wide smile, I sat down, watching the two cats. I couldn't help but let out a hearty chuckle "You two are quite the pair, huh? Since when did this romance start?" Mrs. Norris just looked at me with her usual stern gaze, while Teddy, being the playful cat he was, swatted his paw at her. I couldn't help but chuckle at their antics "You're both so cute." petting Teddy.
"But Teddy, you better keep your paws to yourself. Mrs. Norris is a bit too old for you." I sat there silently, watching them and admiring their interactions, a smile still on my face. With a hint of playfulness, I joked, "Honestly, I'm not ready to be a grandmother yet, Teddy. You better watch what you're doing! Otherwise, Filch might have a heart attack finding out about your secret romance with Mrs. Norris!" I prepared some cat food for both of them, and they quickly gobbled it up before darting out of the dorm. I hope Filch doesn't spot them together.
As I left the dorm, it was nearing dinner time, and I made my way towards the Great Hall. My mind wandered as I strolled through the halls towards the Great Hall. I reflected on the events of the day, particularly the incidents in Care of Magical Creatures class. I pinched the tip of my nose, trying to shake off the lingering thoughts. Don't be foolish I silently scolded myself. Just look at Harry. He's dealing with so many issues, more than what I'm handling, but he's still strong. I took my seat at the table and spotted Ginny, who was eating her soup. I asked curiously "Have you seen Harry, Hermione, or Ron?"
As I mentioned Harry's name, Ginny's cheeks took on a rosy hue, just like her hair. Nodding "Ron mentioned they went to Hagrid's hut..." Curiously, I glanced over at the empty seats at the Slytherin table where Malfoy and his friends usually sat. "Yeah, probably to check on Hagrid because of the accident..." Ginny looked at me with a shy and hesitant expression, requesting "Sue... can you help me with one of my potions homework? I asked Neville, but he wasn't certain he could assist me." I glanced at Neville, seated across from us, who looked terrified and embarrassed. He sheepishly admitted "You know, I'm quite bad at potions!"
Feeling somewhat awkward, I fiddled with my bangs as I chuckled nervously. "Hehe... do you think I'm any good? Well... I suppose I can help you out then." I attempted to sound reassuring, though I was no expert in potions myself. "Just show me which part of the homework you're stuck on, and I'll do my best to assist you." Ginny smiled in relief, her tense facial expression relaxing. "That would be great! Thanks Sue!" As she pulled out her potion's textbook and notes, I tried to recall my own knowledge, hoping I could provide some help without embarrassing myself in the process. I closely examined the question, recalling my lessons from the previous term, which I had diligently practiced over the summer. Phew I inwardly sighed with relief.
Beginning to explain the answer and jotting down some trickier notes for Ginny to grasp the concept better, I hoped my explanation would be clear and helpful. I handed Ginny her quill with a lighthearted chuckle while unconsciously playing with my bangs. "You know, creating the Pepperup Potion was quite simple for me, even though I made a bit of a mess in the final exam." I confessed. "Snape had a knack for twisting those questions.." I watched Ginny as she listened to me, "Snape is unpredictable with question on his exams.. He tries to catch you off guard." Ginny chimed in, a hint of worry in her voice. "Yeah, Snape always makes his exams tricky on purpose..."
Neville fidgeted nervously, adding his own experience. "Exactly, and he's not very patient with mistakes either... makes you wonder why he's so strict.." My chest rumbled with silent chuckles as I glanced at Neville's fearful expression. His fear of Snape was so obvious. I remained quiet for a few seconds, lost in memories of a snowy day in my first year. That day... the day he saved me... his expression...filled with worry... I snapped back to reality before anyone noticing my brief moment of distraction. I pushed the memories aside for now, I smiled reassuringly at both Ginny and Neville. "Well, I'm full now. See you later." I said quickly, then jumped out of my seat and left the Great Hall.