First Day of Class I

(Before Potions with Griffindors)

The seven of us, Theodore, Blaise, Gregory, Crabbe, Millicent, Pansy, and I, arrived at the potion's classroom 30 minutes early. Once there, we discussed how we were going to assign our seats as it would most likely dictate our partners and seating arrangements for the rest of the year.

Pansy cleared her throat and took 3 strides ahead before pivoting on her foot and facing us.

"Three long tables with 6 seats each, all facing the blackboard. Those paired with Crabbe and Goyle will sit at the back. Mostly hidden from view, mistakes can go unnoticed and you might have enough time to remedy whatever mistake you made. It is also the ideal spot to survey the class and exchange information. But of course, they should be competent enough with potions to take charge of the creation process- no offense Crabbe and Goyle. "

Gregory and Crabbe turned to each other before facing front and nodding. Gregory, the magnificent boy, once again showed that he was better than Crabbe. [1]

"None taken." Gregory replied, as Crabbe did nothing but continue to nod his head.

Pansy hummed in approval. "Everyone should know why I'm saying this right?"

There was an exchange of glances among us, before we gave inaudible signs of approval. Theodore took a few steps closer to Pansy then turned to an angle that faces all of us.

"I'm also assuming the last 'group' should sit in front to be our breadwinners? Hence need to be competent enough to outshine the gryffindors?" Theodore smirked as he leaned comfortably on the edge of the table, crossed his arms, and pinched his chin in thought.

"Oh course, that requirement isn't too 'high'."

Blaise snickered as strode towards Theodore to pat his shoulder. "I nominate you to the back then! Since your expertise are mostly required there~"

I walked to Pansy's other side to directly be across from Theodore and Zabini.

"No. I recommend Theodore to stay in front. Prof. Snape is already familiar with his face. And familiarity has a greater chance of increasing favorability. The greater he shines, the more points we can rack up."

"I agree!" Theodore declared as he shrugged off Blaise's hand and glided over with a spring in his step to stand beside me. "Mostly because it benefits me." He smirked while looking up at me in expectation.

I released an amused laugh and shook my head.

"Apologies Theodore, but I'm confident that with my skills I can receive an O even with some degree of detrimental help. I'll stick by Gregory."

Theodore's disappointment let up as he snagged Gregory's wrist.

"Fine by me, we three can be a team. At the fron- Ow!!!" Blaise slapped Theodore's hand fast enough to think it was primal instinct.

"No! ... I mean. I disagree. Tom, if you're as competent as you sound, I think it would be best to have you stay at the back. I just believe it would be ideal if you could spare some of your free time to supervise the 'other' cauldron as well. You know… just in case."

"Indeed." I nod my head thinking of my past life. It was difficult to get used to it in my first and second-years, but I was able to receive O's from my third year onwards with both Gregory and Crabbe as my potion's partners. I believe I would be the best candidate to supervise them both.

Now that I think about it, why did I insist on having them as my group mates when they were obviously detrimental to my grades? … Not that I mind carrying Gregory though. I liked having Gregory as my minion.

"Then I shall stay at the back with Gregory, and assist Crabbe along with whomever volunteers to be his partner."

At the side of my eye, I could see Theodore scowling at Blaise, Millicent inching behind Theodore (out of my line of sight), Pansy looking thoughtful as she observed Theodore and Blaise, and Crabbe looking confused as though he was staring at the portrait of Barnabas the Barmy's foolish attempt to train a group of eight trolls for the ballet.

Pansy brought her hands together by the side of her face with a clap. Smiling, she seemed satisfied with my, Theodore's, and Gregory and Crabbe's arrangements.

"Alright, then Millie?"

Millicent swiftly shook her head, her standing posture visibly straighter though she was technically hiding behind Theodore.

"I'm not confident enough in my skills to be Crabbe's partner." In other words. She wanted to stay in front, with Theodore.

Pansy nodded her head and turned to face Blaise whose eyes were shifting between Theodore (who was eyeing him with a threatening glare, dare he abandon leave him alone with the girls), Pansy (who was eyeing him with the gaze of death, dare he leave Theodore alone with Millicent), and myself (who was finding joy watching this telenovela).

Upon taking a quick peat at Blaise's surface thoughts as well, I discovered that he was torn between Theodore's and Pansy's threats of his demise. There also seems to be a thought floating at the back of his mind which was shouting 'Tom', along with 'Gold', and 'Power'.

"I will… go with… T- Crabbe." Blaise barely muttered before he was cut off by Pansy.

"Excellent! You made a wise decision!" Pansy enthused, shaking Zabini's hand before taking Theodore's arm and tugging him to the front of the classroom.

I heard Blaise visibly sigh with relief as I recounted the conversation in my mind. I hadn't expected this conversation to have taken as long as it did. But it was amusing to see the intentions that drove everyone's actions.

Though Theodore desired that I become his partner, his prideful nature dictated that he reserve a front seat for himself before they could be assigned. Conversely, Blaise saw the immediate benefits of becoming a star pupil, yet his greed to foster relations with me who promised him power and more wealth triumphed.

And when it comes to Pansy and Millicent. Millicent had the desire to be with Theodore, but it was her fear of me that dictated her final decision (to stay as far away from me as possible). As opposed to Pansy who held a high degree of curiosity towards me, yet it was her desire to become Lady Nott that made the final decision to prevent Millicent from gaining the upper hand.

.

.

[1] As you can tell. I am making Draco bitter for the fiendfyre incident where he almost died and had no choice but to receive Harry's help.