Astra

LXXXIII - The Divination Lesson

ASTRA AND LUNA THEN split up from the others, heading to their next classes. She was quite aware that she had left the group in an air of mystery, like she often did.

The Arithmancy class was a bit boring, especially with many people staring at her at times, yet she simply remained focused on Professor Vector's lecture. She headed in the direction of the dungeons, but ran into Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Cho Chang along the way.

"Is that a Tornados badge?" demanded Ron, pointing to a sky-blue badge on Cho's robes. It confused Astra how Ron was apparently so serious about this topic, as she really had no preference. After years of hearing Regulus and James argue, with the occasional input of Marlene, Dorcas, and the Prewett twins, and then a summer with Ginny, an avid Harpies supporter, she had already heard every argument.

"You don't support them, do you?"

"Yeah, I do," said Cho.

"Have you always supported them, or just since they started winning the league?" said Ron, in what Astra considered an unnecessarily accusatory tone of voice.

"I've supported them since I was six," said Cho coolly. "Anyway . . . see you, Harry."

As soon as Cho was out of earshot, Astra chuckled, bringing the others' attention to her. "Really? You don't argue with your best mate's crush about a quidditch team!"

Harry flushed bright red, and Hermione frowned at Ron, as if about to say the same thing. Ron grinned and glanced at Harry to Astra. "Oi, Astra, what Quidditch team do you-"

Harry nearly tackled him to the ground.

Astra rolled her eyes, and Hermione sighed, crossing her arms.

They eventually got up after having a sort of silent argument, even though Ron looked like he was definitely joking. However, that allowed Hermione to round on Ron, leaving them walking to class with the friends' bickering.

They filed into the dungeons' classroom to their usual table at the back.

"Morning, Professor Snivellus," Astra said peppily, a normal routine that she had started at the beginning of every Order meeting during the summer.

It infuriated him.

Which made Astra very happy.

"Settle down," said Snape coldly, shutting the door behind him. "Before we begin today's lesson," said Snape, sweeping over to his desk and staring around at them all, "I think it appropriate to remind you that next June you will be sitting an important examination, during which you will prove how much you have learned about the composition and use of magical potions. Moronic though some of this class undoubtedly are, I expect you to scrape an 'Acceptable' in your OWL, or suffer my... displeasure."

His gaze lingered on Neville, who gulped.

"After this year, of course, many of you will cease studying with me," Snivellus went on. "I take only the very best into my NEWT Potions class, which means that some of us will certainly be saying goodbye."

His eyes rested on Harry this time and his lip curled. Astra felt a small moment of pride, knowing she would continue taking potions, not only because of its use in the upcoming war, but partly out of spite for Snape, who would surely hate having her in his class.

"But we have another year to go before that happy moment of farewell," said Snape softly, "so, whether or not you are intending to attempt NEWT, I advise all of you to concentrate your efforts upon maintaining the high pass level I have come to expect from my OWL students. Today we will be mixing a potion that often comes up at Ordinary Wizarding Level: the Draught of Peace, a potion to calm anxiety and soothe agitation. Be warned: if you are too heavy-handed with the ingredients you will put the drinker into a heavy and sometimes irreversible sleep, so you will need to pay close attention to what you are doing."