Harry Potter and the Bucket List

Year 5 - 6

Beta: Cloudy

(≖‿‿≖)ノ⌒●~*

"Settle down," said Snape coolly, shutting the door behind him.

I took my seat next to Draco, rather relieved that Slytherins didn't share Potions with anyone else that year. The previous years we had doubles with Gryffindor, but as it was O.W.L. testing for our year group Professor Snape separated all Houses to solo classes. Professor Snape was a part of our schemes, so we could relax in his class.

"Before we begin today's lesson," said Snape, sweeping over to his desk and staring around at us, "I think it appropriate to remind you that next June you will be sitting an important examination, during which you will prove how much you have learned about the composition and use of magical potions. Moronic though some of this class undoubtedly are, I expect you to scrape an 'Acceptable' in your O.W.L., or suffer my... displeasure."

Vincent and Gregory, the two who struggled the most with studies, lowered their gaze.

"After this year, of course, many of you will cease studying with me," Snape went on. "I take only the very best into my N.E.W.T. Potions class, which means that some of us will certainly be saying good-bye.

"But we have another year to go before that happy moment of farewell," continued Snape softly, "so whether you are intending to attempt N.E.W.T. or not, I advise all of you to concentrate your efforts upon maintaining the high-pass level I have come to expect from my O.W.L. students.

"Today we will be mixing a potion that often comes up at Ordinary Wizarding Level: the Draught of Peace, a potion to calm anxiety and soothe agitation. Be warned: If you are too heavy-handed with the ingredients you will put the drinker into a heavy and sometimes irreversible sleep, so you will need to pay close attention to what you are doing."

"The ingredients and method"—Snape flicked his wand—"are on the blackboard"—(they appeared there)—"you will find everything you need"—he flicked his wand again—"in the store cupboard"—(the door of the said cupboard sprang open)—"you have an hour and a half... Start."

Draco and I partnered up—we already sat next to each other—and we split off. Draco started setting up our brewing station while I headed to the cupboard to collect the ingredients. I had already brewed Draught of Peace before, I was familiar with the process and felt confident we'd turn in an excellent grade.

Hello my old friend, I thought as I fondly grabbed the ingredients. There were too many for me to fit in my arms, I would have to take three trips. If I was in my personal lab I'd Accio the ingredients to me, but Professor Snape was very strict about unnecessary spellwork in his class. A fair point, considering how volatile and dangerous Potions could become. If students started randomly summoning things across the room I could only imagine the chaos it could cause.

Glorious chaos.

Draco helped me bring back the third round of ingredients—he was quick at setting up the cauldron and burner—and we set to work prepping everything. Draco and I were fantastic partners. Draco was methodical in following directions—on par with Hermione. He never rushed to cut through the ingredients, nor did he accept sloppy work. Potions was one of the few classes that habitually kept Draco's interest.

It made me wonder if Draco would want to be a Potioneer.

I asked him while we worked, "Are you carrying Potions into N.E.W.T.?"

"Yes," he answered, squashing dewdrils on the cutting board before dumping them in. "I already know you are."

"Righty-o."