Potions Lesson 2: (Years 5-7)

Mycroft walked through the halls of the castle, a small smile on his face. He had missed the castle, but his family business came first. Now being the head of the Holmes family brought a new level of prestige to his role of Headmaster. With his father forcefully retired, he now took both roles, his father's old position, and his Headmaster position at Hogwarts. But at the end of the day, he went back to his desired position as potions master.

Looking at the room, he sighed seeing how it was not up to his expectations and remodeled everything back to it's clean and pristine look. Nodding to himself he walked back to his desk, and sat against it, sighing in relief at how great it looked.

Looking at the board, he waved his hand writing popping up saying the lesson of the day:Elixir to Induce Euphoria

This was not a subject she was looking forward to, but she knew she didn't have a choice. Her skills in potions was very weak, and she knew it, but potions was one of the subjects needed in order for her to become an auror. Despite working hard and studying all the textbooks, she never managed to produce good quality potions. She knew her only hope of getting 'Exceeding Expectations' was if she got her theory right, which she hoped she could manage.

A wave of fear washed over her as she entered class, noticing immediately the all-too-familiar blond hair that sat tall in the middle of the room. It had to be just her luck that the only other student in the room was the very one she was trying her hardest to avoid, and she did her best to ignore him - and the gnawing inside her - as she walked to a seat in the first row. "Hello Professor Holmes," she said politely, albeit a bit too loud in her effort to not give in to her fear and run out of the room. "I'm glad you're back," she added, forcing a smile at him. She was not going to let Josh know just how much she had broken, Merlin helping.

The main reason Lucy liked Potions was because the class was so close to her common room, meaning she could (at least a little) sleep in. And boy, she needed as much sleep as possible. With prefect duties, and quidditch and Shawn and schoolwork, she was completely exhausted, physically and mentally. Nevertheless, she walked through the door to the Potions classroom, "Welcome back, Professor," she said to him as she moved to her seat, readying herself for the lesson.

Potions wasn't his favorite subject, especially with the usual work that Professor Holmes gave them, but he had to admit he was glad to see him back. While strict and kind of a prick, he was passionate about what he did, which made it all bearable. With a smile to the professor, he sat down and looked around wondering if his girlfriend was going to show up. And if Ben was going to show up too.

Leaning back, he waited patiently.

Tess was not looking forward to this class. During the break, many things had happened. For one thing she had turned sixteen, and at that age she was forced to debate for the family diplomatically. Mycroft had done a coup against their father making him the head of the family. While she was relieved to see him again, she was angry at how he took it over. Her poor father, had been shaking in anger, especially as they were moved out of the house and towards another home in Paris. Her mother was upset too, but she had pushed for full access to the family fortune, which Mycroft had agreed but only to a certain degree.

Now she was the only one living in the house, Mycroft was only around when dealing with business. She was still the heir, and one that was close to finishing her school year without getting into any commitments. Which was a relief for her and an annoyance to her mother.

Pushing the door open, she noticed that he was back. She decided to be civil and greeted him softly before sitting in her usual spot. Noticing Josh, she sent him a brief smile and greeted him.

"Murray" she said softly.

As for the rest of the students, she stayed quiet. Instead she settled herself down and prepared herself for class. She wasn't a girl of many words anyways. She did observe that there was only a handful of students which was surprising.

Thana hadn't been to a proper potions lesson yet, not with all that had gone on. She didn't really know about the teacher either, but she didn't mind. Thana was ready for her real potions teacher. She walked in and , noticed that there weren't many people here yet. She saw Brooke and sat down next to her in the front row. "Hey " she said, whispering to her friend. "Isn't that the headmaster?" Thana asked, she also noticed that Brooke didn't seem..Well like herself. "Are you okay?" Thana enquired of her friend, wondering what was wrong.

When Ben was in his right mind...which was becoming less and less lately...he had a bit of a flair for the dramatic. He wouldn't admit it, of course. So, when walking quickly down to Potions, his school robe billowing behind him from the brisk pace, an unexpected smirk crept up his face.

Reaching the classroom, he was not surprised to see the Headmaster at the head of the class. His apprenticeship with the man had continued through his time away from the school, and he'd been told early on when Mycroft would be returning. With a nod in greetings to the Headmaster, Ben took his usual seat in front, setting his things about him.

It wasn't until he was all prepared that he felt a prickling on the back of his neck. A half glance behind him showed the Head Girl, in all her infuriating glory. His good mood gone, Ben's face returned to its normal cold detachment, barely noticing his usual Potions partner a few desks away.

Potions was one of the classes that Eris could stand. Mycroft Holmes was a man that was in easy on the eyes, and if she was a few years older...the things she'd let the man do to her. She smiled at the thought as she pushed the door open to see him there. She smiled at the Headmaster and sashayed towards her seat looking up at him as if she could eat him whole.

She wanted class to start, to hear him talk. The class wasn't full yet which frustrated her. She looked around and noticed something interesting. Her Benjamin was seething, following his gaze she noticed the smaller Holmes near Murray. She never once paid attention before, but now it got her interest. Was her little pet being a naughty one? She bit her quill in thought and mulled it over.

Why'd the Potions classroom have to be so damned far away from her common room? She'd had a late night, doing school work and actually writing notes for once. She never wrote notes, but she was bright enough to realise that barely scraping through wasn't going to cut it anymore.

She made her way to the class, relieved to see they hadn't started year, and walked over to an empty seat "Hi Sir," she said as she started to get her things ready for the lesson.

Looking at students enter, he noticed how quickly time had passed seeing how they had grown. It seemed it was only yesterday he was forced to look down to even address them. And while there wasn't a big difference now to certain students, they were still shorter, but less looking down.

And now that it seemed like enough students had entered, he got up from his desk and walked in front of it making it a more comfortable setting. He was tough, but he wanted them to understand that he wanted good for them.

"Welcome to potions, I'm sorry that you're graced with my face rather than your substitute, but let's face it, we're back to normal and I don't take mediocre potions. Let's get right to business. Can anyone tell me what the Elixir to Indue Euphoria does? And please don't reiterate the textbook, if I wanted that answer I'd read the damn book"

She could hear more people entering class, but she didn't turn around to see who they were, not wanting to have to look at Josh. It was only natural, then, that she jumped slightly when she heard a voice next to her. Turning, she saw Thana, and forced a smile she only hoped looked natural. "Yes, that is. He teaches potions. It was a substitute the last time," she explained.

It was then she saw an older Slytherin enter, recognizing him as the Head Boy. She also remembered something about him being an apprentice for potions, and the idea formed so quickly in her head that when it presented itself, she let out a tiny gasp. It was only then that she realized that Thana had asked her another question. After turning her attention back to the Ravenclaw, she nodded and replied, "I'm just tired." It was amazing how easily the lie slipped off her tongue, considering that her parents had brought her up to always tell the truth, and she made a mental apology to them - and herself. "I need to go talk to someone for a second," she said to Thana, standing up and moving towards Benjamin.

"Excuse me," she said softly. "I was wondering if you could perhaps tutor me for potions. It's my weakest subject and I need to get at least Exceeding Expectations for my OWLs...." She stopped there, not wanting to go into a long winded story. Biting her bottom lip in embarrassment, she hoped he would say yes - or, if he said no, he would turn her down nicely.

There was no surprise that Mr. Murray was the first to respond. He always was, after all Tess never spoke in class, and his head boy was somehow very quiet. Either way, he nodded towards Murray, though everyone knew he didn't even need to say anything.

"Good Mr. Murray, 5 points to Slytherin" he said. "As Mr. Murray kindly explained, the potion does improve the mood of a person, yet in no way will it affect a person with genuine emotions of depression. Why would-"

His words were cut off as he saw the Gryffindor Prefect walk up to the Head Boy and talk to him as if there wasn't a class being conducted. He didn't interrupt, instead let it run off, as if she had the whole time of the world.

"If you're done Miss Walters. I should remind you that this is class and not a chance to get a date. I expect you to only talk when it comes to answering questions rather than ask a boy for 'tutoring'. Perhaps listening might help you get the grade you desire, after all I tend to give them out" he said lifting his brow annoyance clear. "Now can you Miss Walters give me a reason why this potions is helpful in real life?"

So intent on ignoring Josh and focusing on studies, she had been totally oblivious to the fact that class had started. When she heard the headmaster call on her, and his scathing words, she felt the annoying freckles start appearing. Hurriedly sliding back into her seat, she sent him a sheepish smile. "I'm so sorry, Professor," she said quickly, her mind torn between answering the question and trying to get rid of those darned freckles.

"get a date". The words echoed in her head, and she tried not to think of Joe, but it was too late. His face was making its way to the front of her mind, and she quickly tried to switch her attention back to class. Running through the theory she had so faithfully studied, she thought for a few moments. "Well, it could be given to people who have suffered something traumatic to cheer them up," she started, but then frowned a little. "But that would mean having to constantly have them on the potion, or else they can always slip into depression after the effects wear off. And like -" she paused, her throat suddenly dry, and she swallowed a few times. "Like... Josh pointed out, it doesn't cure depression."

Saying his name aloud caused her mind to shut down momentarily, and she pretended that she was thinking of what to say next while she forced down the panic that almost overtook her. Once she felt that she had control, she continued. "I guess you could always use it to treat people who are tending towards depression by starting with a certain amount and then lowering the dosage given each time?" She shrugged, knowing she was grasping at straws in her attempt to sound normal.

Tess ignored the glare that was sent her way from Benjamin. She didn't need it from him, especially when she wasn't the one who had done a single thing wrong. She made eye contact and glared in return, thankful that Mycroft had started teaching.

As class began, there was no surprise that Josh was the first who answered; that was just how he worked. Tess bit back a smirk, as he quickly answered correctly, and the fact he didn't even bother to look at Mycroft. As he looked her way, she lifted her brow, and from the look he gave her, she understood what he meant and gave him a half smile, nodding.

Their silent conversation was cut short as Mycroft immediately began to let out a verbal lashing towards the Gryffindor. Tess followed his gaze to see that she was talking to Benjamin, and by the looks of it, forgot everything about conduct in class. A frown was clear on her face and she rolled her eyes as she began to answer. Honestly some people had no sense of propriety.

As the professor started class, Ben pulled his book towards himself, flipping through its pages. At the first question for the class, he didn't really bother to speak up. He was almost out of this infuriating school, waiting impatiently to move on with his life, so house points matter little to him. It didn't surprise him to hear Murray's voice fill the room, its usual annoying kiss-arse-ness grating on Ben's nerves.

Just as he found the correct page in his book, he heard a voice near him. One of his eyebrows rose slightly as the girl seemed very intent on appealing to him for some reason. Tutoring? It was almost laughable, with how much he didn't like people, as a general rule.

He didn't even bother responding, knowing what was coming. Professor Holmes did not disappoint, showing Ben yet again why he was one of the only people in this castle that he actually respected. Not that he enjoyed the young Gryffindor being chastised merely for sport, but he did not understand outright stupidity.

As he was about ready to write the girl off completely, a small voice floated through her mind. Waste of space... It bounced off the edges of his mind, making his gut twist horridly. His mouth twisted into a grimace as those distorted memories came forward.

He looked over then, at the girl that had just made a fool of herself trying to get out of her own mess. When the girl finally settled down, Ben caught her eye and gave a small nod, feeling like he was sealing his fate somehow. This could either be very bad, or very not good. Either way, he'd be damned if he didn't try.

Mycroft raised his brow at the girl attempting to save herself, but it was obviously failing. Mr. Watson looked unfazed and it seemed that many, like his sister were over all of this and wanted to move on. At Miss Walter's answer, he realized she wasn't really listening to what Mr. Murray had said.

"I guess you could always use it to treat people who are tending towards depression by starting with a certain amount and then lowering the dosage given each time?"

He knew that he couldn't deduct points, at least not this time, but he wanted her to understand that he didn't take disrespect kindly and people would pay the consequences.

"While it seems like you weren't listening Miss Walters, or else you'd realize we talked about how it doesn't affect depression, good try. I won't be giving you any points, but I won't be deducting them either."

Looking back to the rest of the class he cleared his throat.

"Now that we've dealt with that, pair up if you please, and start working on the potion. For this challenge, I will give you the ingredients, but the order and the amount will be up to you to figure out. If you did the required reading you will do fine. If you haven't don't even bother starting, and please leave my class"

Magically the word began to appear on the board, out of order and as he said without portions.

Shrivelfig
Porcupine quills
Peppermint sprigs
Sopophorous beans
Wormwood

"Begin"

Tess bit back a snort at Mycroft's response; while he wasn't on the best terms in her eyes, he did always find a way to remind her that he was her brother. Especially with the snide comments he did. Brooke wasn't that bad, she just chose to do break etiquette in the wrong class, and she learned her lesson. She noticed that Benjamin had been merciful towards the girl and had agreed to work with her. Her eyes trailed from him to Eris who didn't look too pleased. And while she wasn't exactly happy, she took some triumph that neither was Eris.

And as the task was thrown at them, she was surprised at how much more challenging he'd made it. Good, she was tired of simply being spoon fed things. She was an prodigy when it came to potions, everyone in her family had that reputation and this was one thing she followed thoroughly. Once Mycroft was finished, Josh was immediately off towards the ingredients and she took the cue and took out the correct size cauldron, the mortar and the scale, along with the cups and the stirrer. Satisfied, she began to pour the base when Josh came back and let it heat up.

"Shall I measure and you brew again, Holmes?"

"Go for it" she said simply.

While she was a perfectionist when it came to ingredients and measurement, she was sure that Josh wouldn't mess up. He didn't like failure and she wondered briefly if he ever did. She doubted it considering that failure and pureblood were rarely placed together, at least in her mind it was. So she let him measure, viewing him as an equal when it came to potions.

Looking over the ingredients, she went over the list in her head and was satisfied with the estimated amounts before the measurement. Soon enough, everyone that caused her distress, Eris and Benjamin, were cleared out of her mind. All that was left was her work, and this is when she knew she was in her zone.

Eris thanked her lucky stars that at least she had an attractive potions professor and he was competent. It was always so hard when they were so pretty but so stupid. At least here he was in his element and forced her to pay attention. Well...for a few minutes. As soon as she began to drift off, her eyes caught something that interested her: the silent conversation between Murray and Holmes. Was her little mouse not understanding something as simple as her needing to be unhappy? It seemed so. She mulled over how this could possible be destroyed.

That is, until something interesting happened. Did that gryffindor just walk up to her favorite toy? No, that's not how things went, that was not how the game was played and soon she grew annoyed. As soon as Professor Holmes put her in her place she sniggered and gave a girl a warning, with just a look. No one touched her toys and were happy.

Soon enough they were asked to either pair up or to work alone. She wasn't having this. Walking over to the cabinet she picked the ingredients and walked over to the Hufflepuff. She never talked to the puff, but she knew that he had connections with Ben. And if she played her cards right, she would have some leverage.

"I'm measuring, follow the rules and both of us pass. Merlin knows you're only passing because of Benjamin over there." she told Conner.

The only word that came to Conner's mind as everything happened was Traitor towards Ben. His best mate had ditched him to the side because of some Gryffindor?! The hell. Conner huffed already knowing that he was screwed. He wasn't going to ask the only other person to help him out. Holmes was pain enough, but when it was both the professor and the student, it hurt too much. His brain was already hurting at the prospect of having to remember how much of what went where. He had read it, he had! He just hadn't let it absorb and now he was screwed. He could only hope that Ben was after that Gryffindor's tail, that's the only way he would forgive his best mate.

Hearing something to his left he was surprised to see Eris bossing him around. He would have been offended at her comment had it not been completely true. Sighing, he went over the instructions that she told him, and turning on the cauldron ready for her instruction. He was not going to fail on his last year, he needed to pass. For his grade, and for the fact that he was dating the professor's adoptive daughter.

"Fine, just don't mess us up, I don't want to fail."

The zone was a definite place to be. If she had to name the place of utmost comfort, it would be in the dungeons and a cauldron in front of her. Potions reminded her of summers and her brother showing her new creative ways to flow through potions. Now this was comfort, especially as she had catalogued the potion before. Knowing that the potion was aromatic, she simply had to follow her nose.

"I know the order will be different, but trust me" she murmured.

First came the peppermint, and she began to put in the portion that was on the table a handful at a time, constantly stirring until it began to turn red. Satisfied with both the smell and the bright color she turned to Josh who seemed ready to hand her the shrivelfig.

"Thanks" she murmured and took the ingredients. The shrivelfig was next and she began to place the measured amount slowly knowing that the blue couldn't be too purple, but a clear blue. The color began to tint to a blue and she began to stir, a steady rhythm to prevent it from sloshing everywhere.

Letting it simmer until it turned yellow, she took the porcupine quills and threw them return the potion to a lighter blue, not quite as deep as before, but the appropriate color. Lowering the flames, she let it simmer waiting for the next ingredients and the color change.