Ducklings

Thankfully, Charms went much better with Professor Flitwick, who had them doing color-changing charms. They were to change the color of the items before them into the color they wanted. However, not before Professor Flitwick spent the first fifteen minutes of the lesson lecturing the class on the importance of their upcoming O.W.L.'s.

"What you must remember," said Professor Flitwick squeakily, perched on his regular pile of books to see over the top of his desk, "is that these examinations may influence your futures for many years to come. If you have not already given serious thought to your careers, now is the time to do so. And in the meantime, I am afraid, we shall be working harder than ever to ensure that you all do yourselves justice!"

Then they spent half an hour reviewing Summoning Charms, which according to Professor Flitwick were bound to come up in their O.W.L., and then he assigned them their largest amount of Charms homework EVER. It even made Severus and Rowan wince in pain and dread at the sheer amount.

Still, the lesson ended on a positive note as Professor Flitwick had Rowan and Severus demonstrate the color-changing charm before the class, and later assigning them more homework to the already given outsource. At this rate, none of the fifth years would even have a minute to spare much less Rowan and Severus!

Having been given a break for the last remaining portion of the class, Rowan began to instantly work on their newly assigned Ancient Studies Essay, while Professor Flitwick wandered around the classroom. He really did not comment on Rowan's actions given that she and Severus had both amply performed the charm to perfection. There was not much for either of them to do during this class period. And not that he minded as long as they quietly studied.

Once the less was over, with a loud groan, Rowan wandered off to retrieve the first years and take them down to the Great Hall for lunch. The first years yawn sleepily as they rub the sleep from their eyes. More than one first-year had succumbed to the warm classroom atmosphere, but thankfully, Master Strass class of History of Magic was so interesting that the first years did not fall asleep despite feeling sleepy.

Stopping at the entrance of the Great Hall, Rowan says, "Now, all of you can go sit with your friends. When it is time to leave, I will be standing at the entrance, and wait for all of you to go and grab your textbooks, before taking all of you to Charms. Now run along now."

More than two-thirds of the first years rush off to sit with waving friends at other tables. While the remaining third follows Rowan back to the Slytherin table and take their seats. Severus was already eating when she sat down next to him. Terry and the girls were sitting at the Gryffindor table like they usually did.

Glancing around Rowan easily spotted Terry and Lupin conversing rather animatedly about some sort of subject. While Bethanie, Silvia, and Tiffany were chatting with Lily, Willa, and Mary. It seemed like everything was normal except that Pettigrew was sitting next to Lupin and Terry. While James was sitting firmly on the other side of Sirius.

Shaking her head as it was not her problem to resolve, Rowan returns to eating lunch. After a bite full of food, Rowan says, "So, what will you be doing during your free period?"

"Beyond grabbing the first years, you mean?" Severus mumbled. "I'll be working on my essay as instructed too."

Rowan merely arches her brow and says, "You haven't made up with Lily yet?"

Severus stiffens and quietly replies, "I think it might take a bit more time than I initially thought. It isn't quite as easy to remain, friends, as I previously thought."

Rowan nods her head in understanding and says, "Either way, you know that I'll always pick you over Lily, right?"

"I know," Severus flashed her a faint grin. "And thanks."

Rowan nods until she realizes that a bunch of girls eying Severus with hearts in their eyes. "Well, if all comes to worst, just know, you have options," Rowan snickered pointing at the girls observing them.

Severus makes a wary face and says, "Believe me, I've already been asked out half a dozen times at least."

"Truly?"

"Yours truly."

"Huh, who'd have ever guessed in a million years that you would be ever so popular, Sev? I guess that makeover did wonders for you."

"Or the fact that I'm the most eligible bachelor of the century, close quote."

"Really, someone actually said that to you?"

"Yes, believe me, I had the exact same reaction," Severus said with a shudder.

Rowan snorts and says, "Well at least you know you can probably get anyone you want."

Severus makes a bitter expression causing Rowan to change the sensitive subject by pointing several boys at the Slytherin table with her silverware. "Hey, I'm in the same boat too," Rowan argued. "Just because I haven't been asked yet doesn't mean I won't be in the future."

"That's because they're too scared of you," Severus drily observed as he flashed said male individuals a menacing glaring for daring to gaze at his twin sister. The boys hastily turn away as Severus wears a smirk on his face. "After you punched Barrett in the ribs hard enough to crack one of his ribs, the gossip got around that you're a violent woman."

"To be frank that is true," Rowan acknowledged her shortcomings. "And not that I mind, really. The longer that they are afraid of me, the longer I am worry-free."

Severus merely shakes his head in response and mutters, "And that is precisely why grandfather worries so much about you never getting married."

Rowan merely flashes Severus a wolfish grin before finishing her meal. Finished, she glances at the time, before getting up and walking over to stand in the entrance of the Great Hall. The first years Slytherins who had been keeping an eye on her, quickly finish up their meal and say goodbye to their friends. The first years all neatly line up into two lines as before.

Pleased, Rowan quickly counts them and finds that all the first years are present and not missing. She also gave the second and third years pointed glances reminding them that they better ensure that their roommates get to their classes on time. The second and third year in questions frantically nod from various parts of the hall promising is indeed the case.

With no trouble at all, Rowan led the first years down the stairs into the dungeons, this time she stops at the entrance, and says, "Does everyone remember the password?"

The first year's nod as Rowan points to one of them to say it. The boy in question gulps, before stubbornly taking a step forward and says, "Foe-glass." The common room area swings open as the first year looks proudly in delight.

"There we are," Rowan said, now hurry inside to grab your Charms and DADA course books. I will wait for all of you in the common room. And should you be tardy, I will walk into the dorms to get you and that includes the boys as well."

The first years nod their heads firmly, before rushing away to grab their things. Soon enough the first years return with their books until every single one of them is present. With a firm nod, Rowan leads them back out and up the stairs. Thankfully, she would have an hour break after delivering the first years to finish up her essay, before Advanced Arithmancy. And that was always a class she looked forward too.