15) The Potions Master

Keith’s words seemed to have had an impact on the other three as they had began to keep some distance from Zacharias the next morning. They only replied if he specifically talked to them.

The boys and girls from the Hufflepuffs walked over to the Great Hall for breakfast and Keith followed, meeting up with the only person who he felt was a closer friend than others.

“Morning.” he said as he caught up with Susan who was chatting with Hannah Abbot and with just one look, he could tell that the two of them had bonded already.

Susan turned around and beamed at him before her eyes moved to the small kitten on top of his shoulder, “Good Morning! You know Keith, I had a really nice dream tonight! Also, your pet is soo cuteeee!”

He was then pressured into letting them pet Snow, but even though he let them, his kitty seemed to not like so much touchiness and attention as it snarled at them.

Giving up, Susan began talking non stop while Keith and Hannah listened silently, asking questions and nodding from time to time.

Keith glanced at the tables in the great hall and saw that the variety of dishes was lower than last night but there was still the staples. Toast, butter, beans, chips, stew and a few others.

He sat down with the two and began to eat as he listened but midway through his meal, he saw the prefect from yesterday walking over with a thin stack of parchment. He handed them out to every first year and Keith immediately checked his.

“Keith Black right?” The prefect asked even before Keith could read the first word.

Feeling confused, Keith nodded, ‘Why’s he asking my name now?’

“Well, Professor Sprout told me that the headmaster wants you in his office before our classes start. But you must meet Professor Sprout first since she’ll be the one escorting you.” he said and then moved on.

Not just Susan but every first year nearby stared at Keith and the first one to speak, was unexpectedly Zacharias Smith.

“Looks like you’re getting expelled for what you did last night.” he said and smirked, to which Keith responded by taking out his wand, “Well, if I’m getting expelled… I think I should finish my job first. Maybe curse with a spell that ties up your smelly tongue permanently.”

“Aye Smith, could you please shut up?” Ernie said, his Scottish accent strong.

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Zacharias opened his mouth but closed it almost instantly, seeming to have decided against speaking another word.

Keith sat back down and finished his breakfast before looking up at Sprout who was still eating while she happily chatted away with the professor beside her whom Keith could not recognise.

He turned his attention to the parchment and read the contents before frowning.

“Three subjects with both Gryffindor and Slytherin each. Just two with Ravenclaw.” he said as he slid the parchment towards Susan, “Look here, astronomy, history of magic and herbology is with Gryffindor. Charms, transfiguration and DADA with Slytherin… and lastly, Potions and Flying lessons with Ravenclaw.”

Susan nodded, “Yeah, sounds good to me.”

Keith sighed and shook his head, “I didn’t want to see that Malfoy’s face again. Especially in subjects that involves spellwork.”

“Did something happen between you two?” Hannah asked as she leaned forward to look at him since Susan was in the middle and blocked her view.

He nodded and began to tell the two about what happened on the train. Susan laughed loudly while Hannah looked nervous and worried.

“You keep getting into fights, Keith! Hahahahahaha! Oh Merlin’s Beard, I understand your problem now.” Susan said, almost choking on her food as she laughed.

Hannah on the other hand, frowned softly, “Keith, maybe it’ll help if you just ignored him instead of going for a fight whenever he provokes you. You might get in trouble, you know?”

Keith nodded, “Well, you’re not wrong but I can’t just let him go if he makes fun of my friends or family.” he said stubbornly as he turned to look at the Slytherin table and glared at Malfoy who had coincidentally made eye contact at the same exact moment.

He looked away immediately and Keith did the same.

“Oh I must go.” he said hurriedly as he stood up and ran towards Professor Sprout who seemed to have finished eating.

“Professor! I heard you wanted me.” he said as he glanced at the two professors beside Sprout. McGonagall sat on her right and the unknown professor was on the left.

Professor Sprout smiled and nodded, “Indeed, I was tasked to escort you to the headmaster’s office. Well, we have some time left so why don’t you answer some of our questions Keith? We’re all curious about a few things.”

Keith tensed up as his eyes moved to all the professors on the table. Some of them seemed to have no interest in him at all, but every single professor who taught the mandatory subjects seemed to have their eyes glued on him.

“S-sure professor.” he stammered, feeling slightly nervous under so many gazes.

Professor McGonagall swallowed the food in her mouth and spoke, “So Keith, we were just curious if you read or dabbled in any of the subjects prior coming to our school.”

“Oh…” Keith said, letting out a soft sigh as he relaxed. He had a nagging feeling that they had somehow found out about his secrets but now he felt at ease.

He nodded, “Yes professor, I did. You see… I was adopted by the Tonks family when I was a baby. I don’t remember much.”

“Nyphadora Tonks?” Professor Sprout said, her eyes shining as she leaned forward slightly.

“Yes, she’s my sister. My mother did not allow me to use magic… though there were exceptions.” he said slowly, “But she did allow me to brew potions and I started when I was four years old. Other than potions, I think I’m on the same level as the others.”

“Potions, you say?” he heard a voice from his right and turned to look at the man with long greasy hair.

Keith nodded, “Yes, Professor Snape.”