𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙣 - 𝙝.𝙥. ⚯͛

𝘃𝗶𝗶𝗶 - 𝗍𝗎𝗍𝗈𝗋𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖽𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗈 𝗆𝖺𝗅𝖿𝗈𝗒

─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

╰┈➤ ElSIE'S POV 

All day, Elsie had been eager to tell her friends about what Professor Snape had told her, but they were always surrounded by other students and she didn't want anyone to know. Finally, after dinner, the four of them settled down to do their assignments in front of the fireplace away from all other crowds.

"Alright, there's no one around," said Hermione, glancing around them. "Tell us, what did Professor Snape talk to you about?"

Hermione, Harry, and Ron stared eagerly at Elsie.

"You're never going to believe it," said Elsie, bringing her knees to her chest. "It's absolutely ridiculous. Professor Snape wants me to tutor Draco Malfoy."

"What?" Hermione and Ron said at the same time.

"Malfoy?" said Harry. He flung his hand out to the side, accidentally spilling a bottle of ink all over his Divination assignment.

"That's not even the worst part," said Elsie grimly.

Hermione clutched Crookshanks close to her chest as she leaned against the sofa.

"Professor Snape said that if I didn't help Malfoy get his marks up, I won't pass his class."

Hermione gasped loudly. "He can't do that! That's horrid!" Crookshanks leaped out of her arms at her sudden outburst.

"What a git," Ron spat, shaking his head.

"I'm hoping it's just an empty threat," Elsie scowled.

"Knowing Snape I'll bet it's not," said Harry darkly. "But-but why does he want you to tutor Malfoy?" He tugged at the collar of his sweatshirt as he stared at Elsie.

"I dunno," said Elsie. "It makes no sense. I thought Professor Snape hated Gryffindors so why would he have me tutor one of his Slytherins?"

"He's playing at something," said Ron darkly. "There's no other explanation."

"Don't do it," said Harry fiercely. He reached out and touched Elsie's knee. "I'll march up to Snape tomorrow and tell him that there's no way you're going to tutor Malfoy."

Elsie folded her arms. "Well, it looks like I don't really have a choice, do I? I need to pass Potions."

"No!" Harry raised his voice and the three of them looked at him with surprise. A few heads from the tables at the far end of the room turned in their direction.

Hermione, who looked as if she had been in deep thought, let out an exasperated sigh. "Harry—"

"There's nothing to discuss!" There was a fierce look in Harry's eye as he gripped Elsie's knee tighter. When he noticed Elsie glance at where his hand rested on her knee, he let go and his face flushed.

Harry gulped. "Look," he said, leaning closer to his friends. "You guys didn't see this, but on the day of the transfer-student ceremony—" his eyes flickered over Elsie's face and he looked down. "Malfoy looked at Elsie. There was a smirk on his face—it was—" Harry shuddered at the thought.

"It'll be fine," said Elsie reassuringly. "I'm just going to tutor the brat and get it over with."

"Do you want Harry and I to go with you in case Malfoy steps out of line?" Ron asked, popping a handful of Bertie's Beans into his mouth.

Elsie chuckled at Ron's offer. "Thanks, but I think I can handle Malfoy myself."

The four of them returned to their assignments, but Elsie could tell that Harry wasn't really focused on his work. Every now and then she caught him glancing at her, and he would look down immediately, his face pink.