chamberofsnogs | A chat with Professor Slughorn (Reply)

I had a chat with Professor Slughorn in his office today, before the start of my classes. It was a pleasant chat, I suppose, if such things can be called pleasant.

"I think you and I both sense," he began, "that my class is not suited for such a...gentle person as yourself. Potions is a hard discipline, and at times requires sacrifices of lesser parts for the whole. Now I know that Headmaster Snape has made allowances for you in the past, but I'm afraid this year's class is no longer at a level where that can be done. Now, if you're willing to sacrifice your own scruples a little, I would be very glad to have you."

He looked at me, and I shook my head quietly. "I'm sorry, I can't."

"Well, I'm very sorry too, to lose such a talented student as yourself. Well, here, how about this. I hear that you are working with Poppy in the infirmary? A worthy endeavor! I'm sure that she'll be needing simple Healing potions made from time to time which will at least allow you to use some of the skills you learned in my class. I will reserve the empty dungeon near the Potions classroom for you, and can ask me for any ingredients you may need. How does that sound?"

"Th-that's very kind of you, sir. I'll accept your offer of the dungeon, but I believe Madam Pomfrey keeps her own stock of Healing ingredients, so I will not need to impose on you."

"Well—well, very well. That room will be ready for you whenever you have need of it, then."

"Thank you, sir. And thank you very much for the tea as well."

Then I fled.

Forgive me—I don't know why, but I have never been able to like Professor Slughorn, and perhaps that is why I did not try very hard to persuade him. He is not cruel, like Professor Snape could sometimes be, and yet...I shudder to have to ask anything of him, as if he might sink little invisible hooks into my soul and one day pull me gasping and flailing into his net. That sounds melodramatic even to me, but... Well, I'm grateful to him for the use of the room, at least, and hope that I shall not have to contradict myself one day and beg him for use of his Potions ingredients.