Chapter 23-Choices It was a beautiful day at the greenhouse; Rosalia was having double Herbology with the Gryffindors. "Today," Professor Sprout, the Herbology teacher said. "We will be learning about Mandrakes. Does anyone know what they are usually used for?" Rosalia's hand rose up into the air. "They are used to create Restorative Draughts which cure Petrification." "Excellent! Five points to Ravenclaw!" A boy raised his hand. "Professor," he said. "Does that mean that Mandrakes were used to cure those who have been Petrified last year?" "That is right," Professor Sprout said. "But, that is if you survive picking them." "What does that mean?" another girl asked. "Their cries are fatal," Professor Sprout said. "But these Mandrakes are still babies, so their cries will only knock you out for a few hours. Not to worry! Wear your earmuffs, and you'll be fine." She handed a few earmuffs to all the students, and wore one of her own. They all followed. Professor Sprout gestured for them to pull the Mandrakes out, so they did. Even with the earmuffs, the muffled cries of the Mandrakes were still heard. After class (in which nobody thankfully passed out), Ginny and Rosalia discussed about the classes they were going to take in their third year. "I think I'll take Care of Magical Creatures, that seems good," Ginny said. "Do you think the Study of Ancient Runes sounds good?" "Yeah! I might take all the classes because—" Rosalia thought for a bit— "Why not?" Just then, Luna caught up. "Oh, Ginny," Rosalia said to Ginny. "This is Luna Lovegood. And Luna," she turned to Luna, "this is Ginny Weasley." "Hi!" Ginny greeted. "Hello! Nice to meet you!" Luna said, cheerfully. "I can't talk for long, I need to get somewhere. Bye!" And Luna left. "You're friends with Loony Lovegood" Ginny asked. "I didn't think you of all people would be friends with her!" "Ginny!" Rosalia said. "Don't call her that! She's nice! Just get to know her first!" "I've got to get to Potions, bye!" Rosalia sighed. Why did everyone call Luna "Loony" Just then, Terry appeared. "Hello!" he said. "What class do you have next?" "History of Magic," Rosalia answered. "But not for another hour. And you?" "I have Care of Magical Creatures!" he said. "Last class was...cancelled for some reason. They said it was because Draco Malfoy got attacked." "Goodness..." "But from what I heard, it was definitely his own fault. He offended the Hippogriff, so, that's what happened. Plus, he was overly dramatic. He was on about him 'dy!ng' or whatever. Well, I've got to get to class, see you!" "Bye!" Rosalia said as he left. "What to do now...?" she thought of the common room, to meet perhaps Luna, and all her friends. She arrived at the eagle handle, which gave her the riddle, "What gets broken without being held?" She smiled. "A promise" The door opened. Some of the students were talking, others reading, some were doing their homework, there were even some who did all at once. She caught sight of Indianna and Luna, so she went over and talked to them. *** "Lia," came Indianna's voice. "Wake up! Sirius Black! He's in the castle!" "W-what?" Rosalia said, stirring up. "What do you mean he's in the castle?" "The Fat Lady!" Indianna said. "The painting to go into the Gryffindor Common Room! She's missing; she got attacked by Sirius Black! Now, all students must sleep in the Great Hall! Even non-Gryffindors! Let's go!" That night, Rosalia learned more about what happened: how Sirius Black got angry at the Fat Lady for not letting him in, and how she got scared and ran off to another painting. She had never felt so scared at Hogwarts. The next morning, Rosalia was perhaps one of the first to wake up, but she saw Meadow. "Meadow!" she whispered. "What are you doing here? You're supposed to be in the Owlery! Oh, is that a letter?" There was a small envelope clutched in Meadow's claws. Rosalia, without a thought, took it and read: "You think you could escape from me? It only delays me, Rosalia, not prevent. I'll just give you an early warning: be careful where you breathe." She gulped. Another threatening letter? Just when she thought she had just escaped it? Should she tell anyone? The most reasonable answer was 'yes', but something was holding her back; what was it? She decided to keep it a secret, from everyone. She left the Great Hall and prepared for Potions. "I hope I made the right choice..." she said, thinking about keeping the letters a secret. She waited in the Potions classroom for Professor Snape. Other students started coming in, and not long after, Professor Snape. "We shall be learning how to brew a Fire Protection Potion. Can anyone tell me what exactly is a Fire Protection Potion?" Rosalia rose her hand up in the air, which Snape ignored. (Rest in N&C)
"No one? I have never felt such disappointed in teaching a House which is supposed to hold the so called 'cleverest students'. Perhaps Slytherin should be called the House with the cleverest students." "Sir," Rosalia said. "Please, I know. The Fire Protection Potion, also known as the Ice Potion, was a potion used to move through flames uninjured. When drunk, it induced a sensation of ice in the drinker, and provided protection from most magical fires." "I do not recall asking you to answer, Miss Estelle." Snape said, coldly. "I thought I had enough of a know-it-all from Miss Hermione Granger, but it seems that I was wrong. Five points from Ravenclaw for being a self-centered know-it-all." "But sir," Rosalia said. "The answer's correct, isn't it?" "So it is," Snape said. "But did I ask you to answer? Another five points from Ravenclaw for talking back." Rosalia tried to stifle the tears that were going to come out of her eyes. She lost ten points from Ravenclaw? When all her life, she had won them? It seemed that Indianna, who was next to her, sensed her emotions, so she said, "It's alright. Snape only praises Slytherins." Soon, it was time to brew the Fire Protection Potion. Rosalia, in her mind, thought she did well. The potion, as it should, turned red. But when Snape inspected it, he said, "The red is too bright; it's supposed to be darker. I doubt it even works." "Please, sir," Rosalia said. "Please, do try it." Snape grabbed a rat, which was nearby, gave it the potion, took his wand out and pointed it at the floor, and said, "Incendio!" He threw the rat into the fire, which almost casually, escaped it without harm. Rosalia smiled happily. "Ten points from Ravenclaw for talking back," Snape suddenly said. "Lost twenty points today, Miss Estelle. I advice you to be careful." This time, Rosalia found her voice, and spoke up. "Sir, if you wanted to take points, why take it away now? Why not take it away when—" "Another five points from Ravenclaw, and if you talk back again, that will be detention." After class ended, Rosalia caught sight of Ariana and told her all about the class. "It's so unfair how he criticizes everyone! Except the Slytherins!" she said. "Honestly, ten points from Ravenclaw because I did well in class!" Soon, Snape was by far Rosalia's least favorite teacher, despite being interested in the subject. But thankfully, about everyone lo@thed Snape, too. He was strict, sarcastic, and unfair. ✧✦✧ Author's note: Don't worry, Ginny will be friends with Luna sometime :) Credits: Thanks to J.K. Rowling for the wonderful series! Here's the cast: Josie Johnson (@Josie-Johnson_Fanfic) Ariana Malfoy (@Normal_4Real) Indianna Lovegood (@Ravenclaw_student9) Alright, that's about it! See you next part! And don't forget to read, study, and smile!
