One-Hundred-Eleven: A Midterm Occurrence

Potions Exam

It’s getting colder in this ditch where I lie
I’m feeling older and I’m wondering why
I heard they told her it was tell and live or die
I didn’t know her but I know why she lied
I didn’t know her but I know why she died.
For this entry please go on the playlist and listen to Hanson: This Time Around.
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Trying to sleep, I could hear Piastol and Celesi conversating. He seemed trouble and she was feeding him a lie of pregnancy. Even if it was used as a distraction, that is still a heavy burden for something to think about. I just rolled over and tried to go to sleep. Zeke wasn’t back yet. He was exploring the school and getting to know everyone. Upon his arrival, he seemed trouble. He laid down beside of me and immediately jumped to the subject

“I uh was talking to others who always think I’m Kaden and said that they’d knew we’d get together.” Zeke paused and continued. “How close were you and my brother?”

I sighed. “Well you know that he and I came together to the place you guys took camp. I was supposed to make sure he got there safe and I’d return. Yes, we were best friends, and we spent the majority of our days together. At first he resisted me, which I liked. He once said that we can’t be friends because he walks alone, thinks alone, eats alone, sits alone, lives alone. I just laughed. Then I was late for class one day and got detention…again. I sat down next to your brother and he told me he had detention because he wouldn’t trade partners.” I started to get deep into the story. “We didn’t want to admit it that either of us was falling but it happened. It truly happened, and yes it was real. It must’ve not been too real though because as soon as I saw you, well..”

Zeke put his head in his hand and propped his elbow up. “So you were close? I guess I won’t be jealous. He has a family now and I have you. I had someone else at that time too.”

I looked him at him confused because I could still hear the jealously in his voice but I dropped it. “Ready to study for potions?” I leaned over the bed and got the book as Zeke became excited. I never met someone who loved education so much before. It’s rather sexy.

You can’t say I didn’t give it
I won’t wait another minute
We’re on our way this time around
You can’t say I didn’t give it
I won’t wait another minute
We’re on our way this time around

“Tanya, it’s time to get up!” Zeke took the covers off of me, and I groaned.

“5 more minutes, please!” I pleaded but he wasn’t having it. He picked me up and threw me back onto the bed. “We can’t be late for our test. Snape won’t let us take it.”

I sighed. “Fine. You go ahead and I’ll meet you there. It takes me a little while to get ready.” I wanted to use my old tactic: dress up really nice, and copy off some poor bloak.

After about 10 mins., I walked into the classroom. Eager students were trying to shake the nerves. Even Zeke seemed to be troubled. I laughed. I don’t know why this is such a big deal to them. Of course, that all changed whenever Snape came in. “You have 50 minutes to complete your midterm. It’s worth 40% of your grade. Begin…..now.”

At this point, even I was a bit nervous. I gripped my quill and looked at the questions.

1.) What potion is used to transform the taker into that of another? (DNA is required.)
That was easy: Polyjuice Potion. I felt intelligent now.

2.) What is the potion called that makes the drinker babble nonsense?
I thought for a second, an thought it was too easy but this was the answer: Babbling Potion. I may pass after all.

3.) Manegro potion does what?
I knew I was in trouble with this one. I had no idea. I channeled Colin. “Please give me the answer to this!” I begged.
“Tanya, I am only going to give you the answer to this one question!” He yelled in his mind. “It causes you hair to grow out rapidly!”
“Thanks!” I said nicely.

4.) The snuffling potion…does what?
I had no idea. Oh no. Question after question, I guessed most of them. I knew I was in trouble. However after the 55 minutes was up, I had no choice but to turn it in.

“I will have these grades posted on the wall this afternoon. Class dismissed.” Snape said as the students made a hurriedly exit. Zeke and I left holding hands.

I heard them say that dreams should stay in your head
Well I feel ashamed of the things that I’ve said
Put on these chains and you can live a free life
Well I’d rather bleed just to know why I die

I took Zeke to the great hall where I thought a lunch was appropriate. As we sit down, Harry, Jazmine, Hermione, and Colin joined us. I smiled at Harry but he turned away. I was getting angry at his actions. I had to bite my tongue throughout the whole conversation.

“Well I know I passed.” Hermione said, taking a bite of an orange. I rolled my eyes. Harry noticed my remark and put his arm around her. I knew what he was doing. I began holding Zeke’s hand. Harry brought her closer.

“Well congratulations!” I mocked. “How did you do, Harry?”

“I haven’t had much time to study but I think I did alright. Yourself?” He awkwardly asked me.

“Ezekiel and I have been studying for the past few days. I should’ve done decent,” I blurted out, when on the inside I was doubting myself highly. “So you two an item now?”

Harry smiled widely. “Close enough.” I was becoming annoyed

Soon Piastol, Luna, and Celesi also joined us. “How did you do?”

Hermione asked them. “I know I did well.” She was always looking for a reason to brag.

“Good!” Piastol exclaimed. “Potions come natural to me.” I rolled my eyes again. I figured Luna would do good, she was in Ravenclaw – we’re supposed to be smart.

“This is all so new to me.” Celesi added.

The annoyance ran through my veins as I stormed off. I didn’t want to be around this immaturity. Zeke quickly followed.

“Isn’t that….the boy who lived? It seems as if you guys have some sort of disagreement. I don’t understand really. You were going to meet him the other day and didn’t. I thought he was one of your best friends. What happened?” Zeke grabbed a hold of my shoulder.

“It’s…complicated. We uh…we were close once. Very close actually. I was more close with Harry than anyone else. I guess as time goes on, any two people can drift away for one reason or another.” I began reflecting back at my and Harry’s relationship. “I suppose one day, we can forgive one another. He’s meant to be in my life.” I grabbed Zeke’s hand. “Just like you are.”

I’ve started feeling like I don’t want to fight
Give in to the given and put out the light
Cannons a blazing shower these moonlit skies
Then I remember and I know why he died
Do you know why I died?

I retreated back to Potions. Many students were waiting around for their score. As soon as Snape taped it on the wall, the students fled. I didn’t want to look at my score until everyone left except me and Zeke.

“Yes! Perfect score!” Hermione exclaimed hugging Harry. “You didn’t do too bad either!” She hugged Harry even tighter. As Piastol, Luna, and Celesi gave went up the front, I noticed Hermione giving him a snooty look. I giggled. I suppose she was having the same issues Harry and I were having.

“We all passed!” Luna said giving them high-five.

Finally, it was our turn. I didn’t want to look. I allowed Zeke to look at his first. “Hey, what is a 85%? Is that passing? I never had any formal classes!” He said embarrassed. “Does that mean I got 85% wrong? I am terrible!” He slumped down in a nearby desk as I began laughing. “It’s not funny!”

“I’m sorry Zeke but you’re being sad for passing with above average marks. Here we call that a ‘B’ which is one letter from a ‘A’, the highest grade you can receive.” I informed him as his spirits and eye glisten. “You did really well…as for me…” I gulped and scrolled down the page with my finger until I saw Delacour, T. and closed my eyes. I was too afraid to look but I had to. 83% was written in red ink. I had done it. I passed. I was becoming excited and couldn’t help but do gymnastics down the hallway. The students were pointing and cheering as Zeke ran after me.

“I knew you could do it if you studied!” He finally caught up with me. “Now let’s celebrate!”

I saw Alana in the hallway. “92%” She bragged. “We don’t have beauty as our major quality. We also have brains!” She said wrapping her arm around me. I smiled deeply at her as we said at the same time what we always say. “Delacour sisters, can have any mister. If you look twice, take our advice: we’ll bite you head off faster than you can cough.” We burst out laughing. “We made that up when were 4.” Alana said, looking at Zeke as he tried not to laugh.

“I have a date with Draco. See ya later sis!”

“Bye!” I waved at her.

I haven’t been this hopeful in such a long time. I finally had a lot of things going for me. Maybe the sun will shine in my life after such a long period of darkness. Maybe, just maybe.