TICK TOCK TICK TOCK...
The whole class were watching the clock, even the teacher. It was Friday afternoon and it was the weekend before the big final between the virtuous lion house and the sneaky snake house. Everyone was excited for tomorrow's game.
All apart from one that is, even though she was playing in the game. It was of course Emma Watson, everyone's favourite nerd.
"Ms Willoughby, can you go over the morsexius potion? It's in the book but you just skipped over it!"
There was a collective groan as Emma did her best to milk every last piece of learning from the lesson.
The only person not exasperated was Ms Holly Willoughby, who gave her a look of indignation.
"Young woman, I choose what gets taught in this classroom and if I don't bring it up, it's because you don't need to know it!"
Emma looked slightly sheepish with her cheeks turning red. She hated getting a row in class.
"In fact, my office after class! We'll talk about your attitude there."
The whole class laughed as Emma sunk into her seat. She felt embarrassed but angry at the same time. She should be praised for learning, not ridiculed.
"This isn't fair," she murmured under her breath, looking directly at her wooden desk.
"What did you say Miss Watson?" Holly fired back.
Emma looked up and caught her teacher glaring at her with contempt. She froze.
RIIINNGGG
Thankfully for Emma the bell had rung and she wouldn't have to say out loud in front of the others as the scraping of chairs and rustling of books and paper took over as everyone left the classroom.
"Miss Watson, follow me to my office please," Ms Willoughby said formally as Emma pushed her books into her bag and reluctantly but obediently, following her teacher to her office.
Emma followed a few paces behind, her head down in embarrassment. Being summoned to the teachers office was not her usual thing.
She entered the large green office with stone walls, befitting the castle they were in. There were books everywhere as well as magical objects and trinkets. The walls were lined with portraits of Snake House greats, although due to their dubious morals Emma hardly thought of them as such. The room was lit by purple flamed torches, adding to the green tone of the room but making the feel uneasy for Emma. She was used to brighter surroundings in Lion House. The only brightness came from the pure gold box on Ms Willoughby's grand desk.
"Sit down please Miss Watson," the teacher said sternly, still standing on the other side of the large desk. She only say down across from Emma when she was settled and looked her straight in the eyes.
Emma tried to avoid those eyes by looking down but she knew this was not the solution.
"Is there anything you'd like to say for yourself?" Ms Willoughby began.
There was a silence as Emma thought better of saying how unfair this situation was.
"I can not have anyone question my teaching decisions in class, you understand?"
Emma looked up, and was taken back by Ms Willoughby letting a large green python snake slithering over the teacher's shoulders. Not only was the size of the beast concerning but also Ms Willoughby's apparent comfort with it.
"I hate snakes," Emma said softly, before remembering herself and trying to sound more assertive than timid. "What did you mean 'question your teaching?'"
Ms Willoughby eyed her critically. More back chat was not well received. "I am the boss. My students must show me respect. Doubly so as head of Snake House."
Emma remained silent; that seemed to be her best option at present.
The snake slithered onto Holly's desk where its scales glimmered as they caught the light from the fire. It intimidated Emma by getting closer.
"If you must know, approach me personally at the end. Keep it respectful." Ms Willoughby's tone softened a little, but the presence of the large python made it difficult for Emma to feel more at ease.
Seeing this, Ms Willoughby reached over to the gold box on her desk that the python was partially coiled around. She gently lifted the lid and pulled a small ampule of a white goo like liquid.
Emma's eyes lit up.
"Morsexius," Ms Willoughby began, "Is an extremely potent and powerful potion. Only the smartest and strongest members of Snake House are said to be able to harness it's benefit."
Emma listened intently, immediately thinking it was incredulous that she couldn't handle it just because she was a lion.
"I had it when I was a young woman at your age. It's effects last a lifetime and it gifts extraordinary abilities to anyone who can pass one challenge."
Emma stared at the vial. It almost seemed hypnotizing the way the dim light glistened on it. "What does it do?"
