Chapter Text
Millicent grinned at her results. She and Tracey almost managed to surpass Zabini and Greengrass. Almost.
Zabini and Greengrass were the perfect potion brewing pair. Both were no nonsense and serious when they needed to be. Greengrass kept to herself if Zabini wasn't around, and the only other person Zabini spoke to was Nott. They wouldn't work with anyone else, and Millicent wished she didn't envy that.
Millicent found hrerself contemplating the struggle. She was doing mighty well in a lot of her studies, except potions. Tracey's eagerness ensured they finished quicker than everyone else, and Hermione's strict precision determined that there was an improbability of anything going wrong. Millicent concluded that the problem was her own incapability.
"I'm sure we shouldn't worry too much," said Tracey. "It's only our first year, it's not like we're deciding what jobs we'll get now."
"I would agree if it weren't for the odd looks I've been getting."
Hermione perked up, "Odd looks?"
"You know? Slughorn. You haven't noticed? He's been giving me these odd- Very weird expressions in between lessons.
"Can you think of why he's been giving you these looks?"
Millicent thought to herself, "My mother was... She was you-know-who's most trusted potion brewer. Kakaroff noted that you-know-who regarded her highly. What if it's something to do with that?"
"Now, we can't just assume that." Hermione tried to assure, "Maybe he actually expects you to be just as skilled as she was."
"Which is also a problem," said Tracey. "He's being expectant. What is he expecting?"
Dear Aunt Senthilde,
I was wondering if you have any tips you could share for my potions lessons. You see, I would love to excel in potions, but I haven't been able to comprehend the way my professor explains the instructions.
Please write back to me as soon as you can.
Love, Milicent Bulstrode
Millicent, Tracey and Hermione sat at the Slytherin table in the great hall. An owl arrived and carefully dropped a parcel in front of Millicent. Attached to the parcel was an envelope.
"Who's this from?" asked Hermione, as Millicent opened up the envelope.
Tracey gave it a good look, "It's definitely not from your dad. That handwriting's too neat."
"It's from my aunt. I asked her if she could help with my studies."
"Is she a teacher?" Tracey asked.
"She's a potions master."
"Potions master?" Hermione peered over Millicent's shoulder to read the name at the bottom of the letter.
"Wait. Senthilde Prewett?" Hermione's eyes widened and she grinned. "You never told us your aunt was Senthilde!"
Tracey sunk in her seat, "Who's Senthilde Prewett?"
"The most well known potions lady in France. She's won multiple awards, and has improved the medical field, as well as medicine for magical creatures. Right now she's fighting for the welfare of children who face difficulties at home while attending school," Hermione sighed, "She's a hero."
Some other Slytherins watched in interest, though Draco watched in jealousy.
Frowning, he said "Since when did you have an aunt from France?"
"I've had one since you didn't get to have any."
Some Slytherins kept in their chuckles and stifled their laughter.
"Hey," screamed Pansy, "You can't talk to Draco like that!"
Millicent turned to her, "Or what? What are you going to do about it?"
Pansy bristled, remembering the hair incident. Bletchley came up behind her and tried to usher her away.
Slughorn stood up from his seat where he had watched them, and raised his hands in a peace motion.
"Alright, settle down. There's no need to squabble. Draco Malfoy, I'm sure you have many accomplished family members. You come from a long line of them. Pay no mind to Miss Bulstrode's special letters."
The students all quieted down. Not just the Slytherins, but the other three houses. All paused the discussion, jeers and mindless staring to see what made the Slytherin table so quiet.
Draco glowering at Millicent. Millicent's cold eyes glaring at Pansy. Pansy gritting her teeth as she looks between the quidditch team and Millicent. Slughorn's uncertain glances.
Dearest Millicent,
A lot of the books in England and Hogwarts as a whole are very outdated. Here is a new book I've purchased for you. It's been translated, but I've written a few notes in case something seemed too complicated. A lot of these books like their fancy words.
You should write to me more often.
Sincerely, Senthilde Prewett