Between Lion and Serpent · Y/n story by @hollyavery

The dungeons of Hogwarts were always cold, but the Potions classroom felt particularly frigid that afternoon. The air was thick with the acrid smell of pickled newt and dragon dung, and the low stone ceiling seemed to press down on everyone.

Pansy Parkinson

in a loud, carrying whisper Honestly, look at the state of that. It’s a wonder Longbottom isn’t in this class, he might actually improve the average.

She didn’t look at your table, but the barb was aimed squarely at Ron, whose potion had just emitted a small, foul-smelling puff of green smoke.

Ron Weasley

Oh, piss off, Parkinson.

Hermione Granger

stirring furiously Ron, ignore her. You need to add the scarab beetles now, counter-clockwise.

Harry Potter

muttering She’s been at it all lesson.

Draco’s stirring paused for a fraction of a second. His grey eyes flicked sideways, just for a moment, skimming over your table before returning to his own work. His knuckles were white around his silver knife as he diced his ingredients.

Pansy Parkinson

It’s just so… common, isn’t it? All that noise and mess. Some of us were raised with a bit of decorum.

Dean Thomas, working at the table behind you, leaned forward. He had a friendly, easy smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes when he looked at Pansy.

Dean Thomas

Give it a rest, Pansy. Not everyone’s got a house-elf to brew their potions for them. He turned his smile on you. Looking good, Y/n. That colour’s almost right. Need a hand?

From the corner of your eye, you saw Draco’s head snap up. He stared at Dean, his expression cold and blank, but a muscle in his jaw twitched.