Chapter 50: Snake in the Grass (1)
The arrival of May posed an annual challenge for Hogwarts students. The allure of lush green fields and the gentle caress of the warm spring sun mirrored the magnetic pull blossoms have on bees. However, amidst this enchanting backdrop, the impending end-of-year exams cast a shadow. Audible sighs echoed through the air as young witches and wizards, engrossed in their studies, diligently revised Shrinking charms and the intricate ingredients required for the perfect Ice potion.
Gryffindors were further troubled by the upcoming last Quidditch match for the season with Hufflepuff. To secure victories in both the Quidditch Cup and the House Cup, the lions had to finish the game with a lead of at least one hundred points. The stakes were exceptionally high, prompting extensive hours of strategic planning. Catherine, with two of her closest friends on the Quidditch team, not to mention her brother, found herself immersed in the mounting anxiety surrounding what was dubbed 'the match of the year.'
In the week before the fateful Saturday, the tension was reaching a boiling point. The boys were completely unable to concentrate on anything else. As a result, both Sirius and James, messed up their transfiguration task. James inadvertently granted wings to the porcupine that was meant to become a pin cushion, while Sirius's attempt resulted in a complete petrification of the unfortunate animal. To the astonishment of everyone, Professor McGonagall refrained from scolding the second-years and even speared them from any additional homework.
"I understand we're all feeling a bit tense leading up to this Saturday. I truly hope the Gryffindor team puts forth their utmost effort and manages to bring the Quidditch Cup back to my office. It's been nearly four years since it last graced those shelves." – explained the teacher, a slight blush colouring her cheeks, as everyone gathered their belongings and prepared for lunch – "Miss Plantier, may we have a word?"
Catherine nodded and patiently waited for the rest of the class to leave, sharing an encouraging smile with Remus, who had hesitated at the entrance. Once the last student left the room, the Transfiguration teacher closed the door with a simple gesture, directing her attention towards the girl before her.
"Miss Plantier, I wish to inform you that I've discussed your recent incident during the Defence Against the Dark Arts class with Professor Thorne and Professor Dumbledore."
Catherine held her breath for a second. She had initially been surprised that her Head of House hadn't reacted immediately after her outburst in front of Thorne. The young witch hoped that since it had been almost a week, there wouldn't have been any additional consequences besides the detention she was yet to serve.
"Unfortunately, I did not succeed in getting Professor Thorne to revoke your detention." – continued McGonagall.
"I beg your pardon?" – Catherine said, staring at her teacher in disbelief.
'She actually tried to get my detention revoked? What's happening?' – the girl thought confused.
"You would need to report to Professor Thorne's office, tonight after dinner." – explained the older witch with a grim expression – "However, I would like you to promise me something."
"I'll do my best to control my temper." – Catherine assured her hastily.
"That's not what I meant, Miss Plantier, although such effort would certainly benefit your personal development." – the Transfiguration teacher shook her head, the corners of her mouth trembling slightly – "I would like you to promise that you'll notify me right away if Professor Thorne behaves in a manner which is not appropriate for a teacher."
Catherine slightly tilted her head to the right, carefully observing the Head of Gryffindor as she was regarding her in a completely different light. The black-haired girl felt a twinge of shame for misjudging Professor McGonagall. Witnessing the chemistry between her and the Thorne, Catherine had assumed the Transfiguration teacher was a lost cause, automatically deducting that she would take her colleague's side.
"Thank you, Professor," – the student finally answered – "I'll keep that in mind. I'm grateful for your care, but rest assured I've had my fair share of trouble for this year, and I'll stay away from any potential escalation with Professor Thorne."
"Glad to hear it." – nodded McGonagall – "Every point Gryffindor has counts. Now, off you go before you miss lunch."
'I have the feeling that Thorne won't be happy McGonagall didn't take his side, especially if she went to Dumbledore. Not that the Headmaster did anything, apparently. Since I enrolled in Hogwarts, he hasn't even looked at me twice. So long for teaching me advanced magic.' – thought Catherine sullenly, walking towards the Great Hall.
Though, for her utter surprise, and moderate disappointment, Carter Thorne seemed completely indifferent that evening, when the girl presented herself at the door of his office. He just responded to her greeting and casually motioned towards a small desk that was placed in one of the corners of the room.
"Your task for the next two hours is reading the book you would find on the desk in front of you and take notes on the important passages." – explained the teacher and left the room.
Catherine stared after him for a few seconds, then took a seat and glanced at the hefty red volume, placed next to some parchment, a quill, and a bottle of ink.
'Mastering the Art of Fiery Spells by Emeric G. Infernius… well, it looks fitting.' – the young witch thought and opened the book.