Next morning was impossible for Severus to not glance at Ophelia. She was enjoying breakfast with Potter screaming in her ear about how they should pair up in detention. Severus was sure the whole castle could hear him, not just his mates. A few seats down the table were Rabastan with his friends, looking like he never even fought with his brother last night. At the other corner of the table was Malfoy with his own friends, Rodolphus included. The tension between the blond and the eldest Lestrange could be seen in their friends, who would prefer to speak to them separately even if they were right next to each other.
Moving his eyes on his toast, Severus wondered if he looked the same as the two among his friends. Mulciber was talking about their DADA homework, getting Nott involved into it too.
“Spinnard doesn’t know what a lesson is. In two years he didn’t let us practice even once. Only theory and more theory,” Nott commented, leaning his head against his hand.
“It doesn’t matter anyway. We don’t need his help.” Avery mumbled from his seat next to Mulciber. “Rodolphus decided that fifth year and above will teach us exactly what we need.”
“We should search for a room that’s not in use, better not in the dungeons or it will catch Slughorn’s eye.” Nott added thoughtfully.
Almost all of them snorted at that affirmation, Mulciber placing his quill down so he could express his opinion without having to write about werewolves.
“As long as we are who we are, Slughorn will not glance twice at us.” The pureblood mumbled, his eyes falling over Severus, “We’ve all decided the same, haven’t we Severus?”
Snape’s eyes widened, surprised that Mulciber was keeping an eye on him. The half blood nodded slowly, an expression of approval on his face.
“Of course,”
Immediately after breakfast, Severus ran out of the Great Hall and hid in the corridor towards the kitchen, waiting for the brunette witch to walk out. Mulciber was keeping an eye on him, he knew that from the way the pureblood was always asking for reassurances from him. It wouldn't have mattered if Rabastan didn't pass his tutoring onto him, but it happened and now Severus had to run from classes to dark arts training and to tutoring his friend. An awful lot of responsibilities, he considered.
"Awaiting your mudblood Gryffindor friend, Severus?"
Malfoy's cold voice almost gave him a heart attack, and it wasn't even the first time the blond startled the second year in the same place.
"You don't have to explain. But I will tell you that your little friend is interested in learning dark arts. I might even invite her to one of our lessons, we do need to practice certain curses on someone."
Severus' eyes widened but luckily for him, the girl she was waiting for just walked out of the Great Hall by herself, seemingly searching for someone with her eyes. the greasy haired Slytherin took the opportunity and left Malfoy smirking by himself, running to Ophelia, grabbing her arm and dragging her aside.
"Are you a nitwit?! Why would you even consider it a good idea?" The boy started once he was sure that no one was around to hear him, "How could you ask Malfoy out of everyone in this castle to teach you dark arts. Why do you need to learn that anyway?"
Compared to Severus' offended expression and openness in showing his annoyance, Ophelia was calm, almost as if she was expecting such an outcome. It was really a matter of time until Malfoy would tell someone of her proposition.
"Why do you need to learn dark arts?" She asked back, "Because you are Slytherin and every Slytherin is supposed to become a dark wizard? Is there a rule that says a Gryffindor is not supposed to be interested in dark magic?" She had a certain tinkle in her eyes and certain tinge in her voice that was making Severus feel like she was scolding him and he should be affected by it.
"No. But asking Malfoy is a big stretch from just being interested. Is it because of that man Cerberus? Is he the reason why you suddenly show this vigor for dark arts?"
"It's not sudden. In case you have forgotten, you showed me my first curse and I was amazed by it." She combated, not backing down from her choice. After all, she already decided, so be it by his side or not, she was going to learn what she wanted.
"They will tear you apart, make you their puppet and maybe even kill you. Mulciber hates you and so does Rodolphus." Severus tried to intimidate her by bluntly telling her the truth.
"At least I'll have you and Rabastan, won't I?"
"I'm not so sure. It seems there is some misunderstanding between the two brothers so from today on, I'll tutor you in Potions." Severus announced her, not looking like he was enjoying the new responsibility.
It seemed that Severus wanted to get rid of Ophelia quickly that day and decided they should begin their lesson as soon as possible, which for Ophelia meant later.
"I don't have all I need with me." She explained, walking towards the Gryffindor Tower. Unfortunately, Severus had other plans for later so he wanted to drag her down and end one chore for the day.
"You don't have to. We'll find everything in the classroom."
"I don't have my notes." She added, knowing Rabastan always made her copy her notes a few times in order to learn them.
"I already memorized what we've been working on."
Ophelia stopped and turned towards the boy with a frustrated look. How could someone be so persistent was above her understanding but it seemed like it was working well for Severus.
"Alright. Al-right," she gave up in the end, following a pleased Severus down into the dungeons.
One thing the Slytherin learned that day was that if he ever believed Ophelia Molley was a bad potion maker in class, she could get worse. Only an hour passed and they barely managed to make one potion before even that one exploded in their faces. With all the knowledge and patience Severus could muster, he still felt like he wanted to practice some curses on her.
"You're bullocks. I don't think it's possible to be worse than you already are!" Yes, patience was slipping out of his grasp.
But what really pissed Severus off was that she seemed to be enjoying seeing him so worked up. He swore he saw her chuckle when he went to take the ingredients. If she was messing up with him, well, he had to think of a way to punish her or calm her down because else he was going to Azkaban.
"You do realize I can get into your head and hear what you're thinking, don't you?" She muttered, busy cleaning the gooey stuff that was threatening to spill from the cauldron.
Severus frowned before he decided that if she already heard what he's been thinking, it won't make a difference if he thinks more about it.
"I'm not a mudblood, Severus. Malfoy's words are meaningless. Besides, I didn't beg him to help me; I merely gave him an option." She stated, her eyes glancing at the boy for a moment before she realized she should stir.
"Those are big words for someone who cannot make a simple potion."
"I liked my old tutor better." Ophelia mumbled, not caring if her friend was angry or not.
Times passed very slowly inside the Potions classroom but outside, it passed very quickly, at least for the second year Gryffindors. Potter was the first to lead the group towards the DADA classroom where they had to face their worst nightmare: detention with Spinnard.
"There's a chance that if he doesn't murder someone in the first ten minutes then we'll all survive." Frank Longbottom came up with what was supposed to be a positive view.
"I don't want to sound rude, Frank, but you should shut your mouth," Cissney grumbled, already worried. "I hope he will be in a good mood." She added, glancing at her dorm mates.
"Even in a good mood he's grumpy and cold. He reminds me of an old man who lives like a hermit." Alice added, imagining Spinnard with worn out clothes and white hair, "He kind of fits the image, doesn't he?"
"I wonder how he was during school years. D'you believe he was a Slytherin?" Lily asked her mates, curious what kind of student used to be Spinnard.
"If Spinnard was anything, that'd be Slytherin. He sure acts like one," Frank muttered, glancing around just to be safe, "I bet he was good friends with the Malfoys and Blacks, no offence Sirius,"
"None taken, mate. But somehow, Spinnard doesn't give me Slytherin vibes," Sirius commented, leaning against Remus, who was walking by his side. "I'm sure there are secrets that Spinnard doesn't want us to find out."
"That gives me an idea," Potter pitched in, his eyes glinting with mischievousness as his eyes narrowed evilly.
“What does Spinnard hate the most?” Potter asked his classmates with wide sparkling eyes. The glasses and his messy dark hair were only making him look like a man with an idea.
“Molley?” Sirius asked, knowing that was pretty accurate.
“He does, yes. But I mean, what would make him go bonkers, so much that he’d leave the classroom and go weeping to Dumbledore,”
Potter’s question was a challenge. Everyone was wondering what that could be but Spinnard was such a well educated and controlled person that seeing him lose himself in anger was hard to imagine.
“I can only think of Molley,” Sirius repeated with confidence.
“What about deadlines?”
Pettigrew’s idea seemed to have made Remus realize just how bad it could turn against them.
“No, no, maybe we should think about something else. Spinnard hates it when people miss their deadlines.” Remus advised his mates, remembering how angry he was when James himself didn’t respect that rule.
“I still think Molley’s the best bet. Only her face would annoy Spinnard and let’s not forget how he exaggerates when she defies him.” Sirius just had to have his way, mostly because he could think of numerous ways to annoy Spinnard by using her name.
“Why are you even dragging Ophelia into your plan? If something happens, she will be held responsible.” Lily trotted to the long haired boy and glared at him, “If you want to do something to professor Spinnard, you are free to do it but we won’t be involved,” Lily spoke for her sake but also for Ophelia’s and from the looks of it, Cissney and Alice were standing by the redhead’s side.
“Fine, Evans. You can just go cower up in the corner and leave the men handle the problem.” Sirius spat back at the redhead annoyed that she was playing victim when she obviously tagged along when discussing how to terrorize their professor.
“Interesting because that’s exactly how we ended up in detention.” She spurted out and walked right past the boy, careful to hit his shoulder on the way.
“Huh! Can you believe that?” Sirius asked, turning to his glasses friend with an incredible look, “Mate?”
But James had never seen Lily act with such a nerve before and for some reason, he liked it.
"I can't believe it took us two long hours for you to finally make an acceptable potion."
Severus was more tired than he's been in his entire life. He never expected Ophelia to be such a troublesome student and sincerely, he pitied professor Slughorn. Compared to him, the brunette witch looked quite happy of her short lived achievement.
"It's because you tried too hard. Rabastan wouldn't move from his seat once and walk out whenever he wanted to. I guess you do a better job by sticking with me instead of leaving when you get tired of it." She explained.
Severus frowned as realization settled in; Rabastan was really smart to walk out as he pleased. Maybe because Severus and Ophelia were friends, it felt like he would abandon her but from Rabastan's point of view, he didn't see any problem since Ophelia was just another student to him.
"He really didn't care," the Slytherin realized, partially surprised since the younger Lestrange seemed to be very serious about his tutoring.
"Anyway, I should get up to DADA. I have detention with Spinnard." She announced him before running up the stairs.
"How was it?"
Rabastan's voice surprised Severus, almost gave him a heart attack really. If his dorm mates would ever find out about their arrangement, it would cause a lot of trouble for him.
"It was horrible. An epic disaster, to be exact. She can't focus at all and always adds something in excess." That was a very honest opinion. "Why is it important for her to do well in Potions?"
"Exams," Rabastan's answer made sense. The purebood didn't say anything else and just left. Of course, he hated being questioned.
When Ophelia arrived in the classroom, she met an interesting sight. In her entire two years experience as a witch, she never expected to see such a sight.
"You're late, Molley."
That statement would usually send a shiver down her spine but not at the moment. Seeing Spinnard was one thing but seeing him keep Potter up against the wall while Sirius was petrified right under his best friend was different; not bad different, just different.
"I thought we should never attack when we have a conflict," Cissney whispered to Lily. Ophelia heard her as she sat with Alice but was too mesmerized by the image to say something.
"Like I said, we will use detention for you to learn how to duel. Now, if you have a question you can keep it for yourself because I don't care. I also don't care what your opinion is." He stated, his eyes falling especially on Longbottom. Ophelia swore Frank was ready to melt under Spinnard's eye.
Once he finished his short introduction, he let the two students move but did keep Potter in front.
"We'll be duel partners today, Potter."
James' eyes widened for a moment, scared for his life since Spinnard didn't seem to agree with the idea that defense is better than offence.
Luckily for Ophelia, she got to partner up with Remus because Pettigrew wanted badly to pair up with Sirius, which was perfect for everyone except Sirius.
"What happened?" Ophelia asked her friend who in return sighed heavily.
"Are you sure this is a good plan? What if Spinnard doesn't take the bait?" Frank asked for the millionth time.
"Longbottom, trust is the foundation of any prank. Besides we only want to know more about this cold hearted creature that hates everyone and everything." Potter mumbled, assured that they will get late with how slow they were walking.
"Take it as an exploration of the Chuffedtosser, a rare specie that only Hogwarts students can study." Sirius added, high fiving Potter with a wide smile.
"Good one mate. We should all refer to Spinnard from now on as the Chuffedtosser."
But once they arrived and Potter opened the door to the DADA classroom, he not only saw Spinnard tapping his foot impatiently but also felt the temperature drop a tad. Sensing that Pettigrew and Longbottom were getting scared while Remus was changing sides by walking to the girls, James realized he only had Sirius to count on.
"Well, sorry to be late professor. We lost track of time with all the stories that we have heard," Potter started, walking right in front of Spinnard, "Quite incredible. I was amazed when I heard what kind of student you used to be professor."
Spinnard raised an eyebrow, not yet believing Potter's act.
"I didn't ask you anything, did I?"
James' eyes widened only slightly before he swallowed nervously. It was getting complicated because the target was not easy to deal with.
"We heard you've been a very loyal friend, professor." Sirius added, helping his friend.
At the mention of friends, it was visible for everyone that Sirius hit a sensible subject by the way a vein popped up on his neck.
"Yes, yes, you're right mate. Remember that story that we heard about Spinnard and -" James looked around, searching for some inspiration but only met Lily's judging eyes, "The ginger! Right. Your story with the ginger. And of course, the Slytherins,"
It only amplified the annoyance that Spinnard was feeling at the moment.
"And who told you that story, I wonder?"
"Molley did," Until the end, Sirius wanted to involve the one reason why Spinnard would even believe them.
The dark haired blue eyed professor narrowed his eyes at the two students and scoffed. Their plan worked but not how they expected.
Ophelia's eyes were tearing up quickly, having to eventually cover her laughter with her hand.
"That's what happened. Professor Spinnard was pissed and kept Potter up against the wall before Sirius tried his chance and ended up against the wall as well, only petrified." Remus finished the story, finding nothing amusing in it.
"They're foolish. If they want to know more about Spinnard why not ask?" Remus stared at her blankly and she shook her head, realizing what she said was also foolish, "You know what really is weird? They were very close to the truth. Spinnard did know a ginger and a Slytherin when he was a student." She added before she grabbed her wand from her back pocket.
"How do you know that?" Remus asked curiously but she shrugged and pointed her wand at him.
"Expelliarmus,"
"Everything hurts."
Everyone was fine except James Potter, who's partner in detention was none other than the professor he pissed off. He did look worn out, with bruises forming on his neck while limping slightly with his left leg.
"It is your fault. I told you it wasn't a good idea." Lily pitched in, walking with the girls a few feet behind the boys.
"Yeah well," He couldn't say anything because he knew he should have chosen a different tactic, "It's not over yet, anyway. We've got many Saturdays to come."
"I don't understand why they even dragged your name into their stupid plan." Lily added, turning towards the brunette with green eyes.
"Oh, I don't mind. It was only to fuel Spinnard's anger so I don't really mind. But back there, he wasn't very affected by Black and Potter's insinuations." Ophelia replied, glancing at the two boys, "They touched the right subject but not deep enough to get a reaction out of the professor."
"Everyone believes that there's some secret to unveil. I'm not so curious though, not after how he threw his students around." Cissney whispered, still having the image of Black being petrified in her mind.
Ophelia chuckled bemusedly, feeling quite proud that she knew Spinnard's secrets.
That afternoon at dinner, Ophelia sat next to her friends until Potter shoved Remus a bit and sat in between them. It was suspicious and for that she turned to him with a glare.
"What makes you think I'm not mad for what you said back in detention?"
"I didn't say anything about you. Sirius did," The boy saved himself by pointing at his mate with a wide smile.
Sirius narrowed his eyes playfully at his best friend, throwing an apple at the glasses boy.
"Is that how it is, Potter? Giving me away for your own good?" It was obvious Black wasn't bothered but he had a certain way of dramatizing little things like that, "I just bluffed back then because someone was intimidated."
"You should have seen his eyes during detention. He can intimidate anyone, has Slytherin all over his behavior."
Ophelia couldn't help but start laughing at Potter's assumption. She almost choked on food and had to be patted on the back by a worried Remus.
"You think Spinnard was a Slytherin? That's so far fetched," She said once she regained her breath.
Potter and Black narrowed their eyes at her, leaning towards the brunette witch with new found curiosity. Unfortunately for the boys, a man that they have seen enough of for the day had come right behind Ophelia. The whole table tensed and silence filled the Gryffindors' side.
"If you are so curious, Potter, I will answer this question just to amuse you. Ravenclaw." He said before he looked down at the girl, "Let's have a chat, shall we?"
The whole table watched as Ophelia rose and followed the cold professor out the Hall. All but a very confused Gryffindor with dark messy hair and glasses.
"Ravenclaw?!" He repeated, feeling disappointed.
Even though they were already half out the door, Ophelia heard Potter's incredulous tone and chuckled. However, turning her attention to the man leading her up in his office, she could see why students believed he was a former Slytherin. From behind, Spinnard looked very gallant and aristocratic but once he'd look at you with that pale face of his, dark short hair and probably the most scornful blue eyes, you'd realize he's not just unapproachable but there is no way to have a normal conversation with someone so uptight.
Once they arrived in his office, he closed the door loudly and walked to his desk, leaning against it so he could face her.
"What are you waiting for?" He asked, or more like scolded the young girl.
"What am I supposed to do?"
"Get into my mind. I'll lead you to the memory that will explain what I'm going to tell you." For the first time, he did talk in a normal voice not yelling and not ordering her around.
It was silence but not the one you avoid but the one people seek; complete and utter silence, found outside big cities. Ophelia realized she was right in front of Spinnard's house, a small cottage that didn't look out of place. Standing there, a cloaked person passed her and knocked on the door. The one who opened it was a Spinnard that people rarely saw; a Spinnard with a calm and relaxed face, that enjoyed the comfort of his home.
"Why are you here?" He asked the visitor, his behavior not changing much from usual. Maybe only his chin tightened up but he didn't look threatened.
"Let's talk inside, friend." That last word sent a shiver down her spine, recognizing the voice right away.
The witch walked inside before Spinnard could close the door and followed the cloaked man into what looked to be a very, incredibly large interior. She couldn't believe the outside was so small and old because the inside was amazing.
Once he pulled his cloak off, Ophelia's breath hitched at the sight of her father. Tom was there, seemingly content but then again, it was hard to say.
"It seems that the position I have wanted but been denied has actually been gifted to you. Of course, I know you are a good applicant but there's more to it, am I right?" The pale man asked so calmly yet there was something in his tone, something dark that didn't pass Spinnard.
"Believe me, I'm not enjoying this new position."
"Are you there to teach children or are you there to keep an eye on a particular student?" Tom was very direct on that day.
"I was brought to assist. Nothing else. You know best how much I hate people."
"Of course. Of course." That did not sound reassuring.
"Your daughter is fine. She seems to be in her habitat at Hogwarts." Spinnard threw a bit of detail about Ophelia, drawing her attention.
"I don't doubt your skills, Luce. But you know, the connection between me and my daughter will not break easily."
"Are you threatening me, friend?"
Ophelia was surprised how Spinnard was so brave in front of a man emanating so much tension. But Tom didn't seem to take it as an insult but instead cracked what she believed was a melancholic smile.
"Is there a reason I should threaten you for?"
Tom was an incredible individual, Ophelia thought. He was so calm and could control not only his expressions but also his feelings. His appearance was scary but he was also handsome in his unique way.
"You do realize that everyone is guarding her from you. Did you come here to coerce me to do you another favor? Last time, I killed an innocent woman."
"If that unfortunate event wouldn't have happened, then we wouldn't have met again. I want you to watch her. I already have someone who can aid her if she needs but you, I know you Luce. You hate her."
"Shouldn't that make you understand how bad of a job I will do?"
"Hate is a strong emotion, one that works in many strange ways." Tom whispered, almost hissed as he trotted towards the cold blue eyed professor, "Watch her and keep her mind away from Dumbledore."
As the memory faded away, Ophelia could only blink in confusion. There were details in between the lines but she couldn't figure what it meant. It was a bit much for a 12 years old.
"Tom is the one that wanted you to learn Occlumency in order to protect whatever memories he needs from you. I told Dumbledore it would keep your mind safe and knew he will call for Cerberus." Spinnard admitted.
"So you have been working for both Dumbledore and Tom?"
"I don't work for anyone. I accepted this post for one reason alone and it has nothing to do with you or Tom."
"It's Peverell, isn't it? That man must have meant a lot for you and Cerberus. You're ready to give up on everything in his memory. Did he send you a letter too?"
Spinnard was not impressed or curious how she knew about the letters, it didn't even matter since she didn't know who got them except him and Cerberus.
"I made him a promise and I plan on keeping my word." Spinnard explained followed by a melancholic sigh, "Your father is planning something and for our own sake, I hope he won't come after you soon."
That was so ambiguous. He was protecting her by teaching her how to fight back but he was doing it out of hatred. The chuffedtosser was such a complex creature.
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