Skuld: making your mind up

Chapter 8

The next morning Mia took a place at the staff table in the great hall for breakfast, while Madame Pomphrey ate in the infirmary office. Determining to get on with things she sat at the end of the table next to professor Snape, this was usually the last seat to be taken other than that next to Trelawney, who tended to spend breakfast predicting your imminent doom that day.
Looking along the length of the table she could see the hunched figure of the DADA professor talking to Minerva, frowning she shook her head slightly and went back to eating.
“You are uncharacteristically quiet this morning Miss Skuld” came the baritone voice of the man to her side.
“Oh, well its just the first time I’ve seen the school all assembled. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many people in one place.” This was actually true she had been amazed at the number of children who filed into the hall that morning.
“Ah yes, I remember you never went to wizarding school did you, are muggle schools so much smaller?”
“I wouldn’t know I’m afraid, I never went.” Ha, she thought, subtle, Severus, really subtle, you won’t get my life story that easily.
“Really, tell me then where did you learn your excellent potions skills?”
Mia couldn’t help snorting with subdued laughter at that, prompting a few puzzled glances from the front rows of the house tables.
“I thought I had produced ‘adequate’ results professor? Are you trying to flatter me?” she dropped her voice to a whisper, leaned closer to his lank hair and added, “because, you know flattery will get you everywhere.”
She looked up to see the reaction produced, Snape had almost chocked on his coffee, and now quite a few students were looking open mouthed. Mia sucked in the urge to fall apart laughing, this had cheered her up immensely and she grinned at the nearest students. They didn’t smile back though, as they were currently receiving the death stare from Snape who had managed to quickly recover his composure.
“Sorry Professor, I just couldn’t resist, it’s my evil streak I’m afraid.” She smiled.
He just grunted in response. Oh dear she thought, too much again, he really is hard work. They finished breakfast in silence.


Later on that day, Mia was taking a break, standing looking out of a window onto the main courtyard. She was watching a small group of students seemingly bickering. It all seemed to be getting abit heated and she leaned closer to the glass to get a better look, just as two of the boys drew wands. “Shit!” she thought, “this could get nasty”. She was about to rush down there when out of no where the paler boy disappeared and was replaced by a white ferret bouncing up and down. This seemed to much amuse the others, then she saw who had transfigured the boy, professor “Moody” was controlling the ferret’s movement through the air. “What is he up to? Obviously keeping a low profile is not part of the plan then.”
She then watched as Minerva McGonagall raced down to the scene, she looked furious, Mia wished she could hear what was going on. The blond boy was quickly retransfigured and looked battered by the experience but irate. He was then dragged off by the one legged teacher into the main school. “He’s going to need checking over in the infirmary” she tutted and rushed off the catch up with the pair.

It didn’t take long to catch up to the complaining child and professor,
“Professor Moody!” she called, “that boy needs medical care!” the two figures ahead stopped and turned to her.
“Nonsense, he’s fine, aren’t ya boy,” Moody glared down at the boy, no was obviously not the right answer.
Seeing an escape route from the crazy man the boy replied, “Well I do feel a little uncomfortable, after my ordeal.” He narrowed his eyes at Moody, then attempted what Mia assumed was meant to be a puppy dog look at her.
“I’m not surprised, I saw the whole thing from the window, come along with me to the infirmary, I’m sure whatever Professor Moody wants with you can wait till later, cant it?” she then hastily, put her arm out round the boys shoulder and guided him away, “I’ll see you later Professor, to help you with your leg.”
“Certainly you will Miss. I’ll still be having a word with you and your head of house Malfoy, don’t worry about that” with that the man strode off in the opposite direction to the infirmary.
“Well then, its Mister Malfoy is it? What’s your first name? I’m Mia”
“It’s Draco, and I’m actually feeling a lot better suddenly, I think I’ll be ok to go.”
“Yes I thought you might,” she smiled, “maybe you should just get back to class? And try to stay out of trouble for the rest of the day”
Malfoy didn’t look too impressed at being told to stay out of trouble, but just murmured a quick “yeah, thanks” and rushed off down another corridor.

She checked her watch and thought, “eight hours to go, better start thinking about what to wear. I’m going to have to seriously make up for that performance.”