˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗ "Herbology. Absolute rubbish," Aurelia scrunched up her nose, walking beside Daphne. 'You'll live," Daphne reminded Aurelia, as they took their seats beside each other. Class was about to start, and Aurelia already regretted waking up that morning. Professor Sprout bustled in moments later, all bundled up in earthy tones, another thing Aurelia hated. A dozen of fluffy earmuffs floated in the air, trailing behind her. "Today we'll be continuing with Mandrakes," Professor Sprout started, announcing cheerfully. The class's response was quite the opposite. "Bloody Mandrakes again?" Ron whined, whispering to Harry. Aurelia was glad to know that they were all on the same page. "Now, do listen," Professor Sprout reminded the class. "You'll be working in pairs today, and I have assigned them," she began, but her voice drowned underneath the noises of protest everyone made. "Is she trying to make this hell for us?" Daphne asked Aurelia, glaring at the professor. "It sure looks so," Aurelia teased, to which Daphne stuck her tongue out. "ALRIGHT CLASS." Professor Sprout began. "Ronald Weasley and Harry Potter," "Draco Malfoy and Daphne Greengrass," "Merlin, she really does hate me," Daphne mumbled to Aurelia, who had to muffle her laugh with her hand. "Isadora Havenlock and Felix Fernsby," "Aurelia DeValois and Astrid Riverstone," "You've got to be kidding me," Aurelia protested loudly, to which at the same time, Astrid said, "Her?" "This is final," Professor Sprout said firmly, ୨୧ Aurelia's jaw tightened as Astrid read the instructions aloud. "Hold the Mandrake firmly," Astrid spoke, peering over the words carefully. "Maybe this'll teach her a lesson," Aurelia thought. She did not grasp the Mandrake firmly. Well, she did at first. In her eyes, she was not to blame after the Mandrake launched itself at Astrid, ripping her gold locks out in the process. "You git! You did this on purpose! YOU-" Astrid was cut off from the squealing of the Mandrake. She picked it up promptly and threw it at Aurelia, who barely had time to react. 'ARE YOU INSANE? YOU PSYCHO. THAT'S WHAT YOU. YOU AND YOUR MUDBLOOD LOVING FREAKS OF FRIENDS!" she screamed, as she tried getting the Mandrake off of her. In fury, Aurelia ripped off Astrid's earmuffs, who was so enraged that she did the same, but yanked Aurelia's hair by mistake. 'OUUCHHH!" she screamed, as she lunged for Astrid, the look on her face matching one of a banshee. Astrid grabbed Aurelia’s sleeve. Aurelia twisted, yanking Astrid’s arm away. In the process, Astrid’s foot slipped on the spilled soil, and she went down hard- dragging Aurelia with her. They hit the ground in a heap. “Get off me!” Astrid pushed Aurelia. "As if I'd ever want to dirty myself by being around you," Aurelia sneered, standing up and brushing herself off. Everyone in the Greenhouse had gone silent, every student watching the fiasco openly. Professor Sprout stormed over, with her wand raised. "Up. Stand Up. And out. NEVER in all my years," she muttered under her breath, poking her wand into both of the girls's backs, pushing them towards the door. "Detention. And ten points from each of your houses.” she added, as she led them to the infirmary. "You psycho. It's all your fault," Astrid hissed to Aurelia. "Sounds like someone's about to cry," Aurelia teased, yet inside she was still enraged. "Do you want me to make it 60 points, DeValois?" Professor Sprout asked coldly, which shut her up. ୨୧ The scent of pumpkin juice and the essence of herbs did little to calm Aurelia's nerves. Madam Pomfrey had already attended to the both of them, and had been instructing them on how to use the medicine. "And one more word out of either of you," Pomfrey warned, pointing a stern finger at the door, "And I’ll have you both moved to the long-term ward for a psychiatric evaluation. Out." Astrid stiffened, turned on her heel, and marched toward the Gryffindor common room. Aurelia watched her go, her jaw aching from the tension. She had dirt in her hair, a week of detention, and she’d never felt more awake. ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗ part 2: anything but love - tate mcrae
