Heyo my lovely ladies, gentlemen, and nonbinaries <3

Enjoy this chapter :)

Without further adieu, I present to you...

M A N D R A K E S

amelie zabini

The corridors are cold as always. Sun seeping through the large windows, casting shadows onto the ground where there aren't windows up above. People chatting; the usual. Rushing to their classes and being fucking rude by bumping into one another.

The usual.

My head is slightly throbbing. I seriously need to stop drinking on school nights.

I also don't understand how I'm not used to it yet.

Just then, Oliver appears from the corner of my eye and starts walking towards me.

"Where you headed?" Oliver asked, "Good morning, by the way."

"Good morning," I said groggily, "I'm on my way to Herbology. Professor Longbottom wants me to assist him with Mandrakes."

He chuckled. "Only you would say yes."

I rolled my eyes. Of course I'd help.

"It's not even up for debate, really," I said.

"Well, you have Potions after, don't you?"

I nodded yes.

"Why, do you?" I queried.

"Yes madam. So does Narsa and Zeno," he responded cheerfully.

"No way!" I exclaimed, "Narsa has a class with us?"

"What else do you expect from the Queen herself?"

"Fuck, Narsa is way too smart."

"Right?"

We both softly chuckled.

"I'll see you then," Oliver said softly. He stepped right in front of me and gently pulled me close by the waist, placing a kiss on my forehead.

I couldn't help but smile.

It was cheesy, but I hate to admit that I love cheesy gestures.

"Alright, go on to class," I said through a smile.

I headed towards the greenhouse where the first years would await their first lesson.

I loved volunteering. In fact, I do think about becoming a teacher from time to time. I hate children, but teaching them is heart warming. Knowing that I'll be contributing to their futures brings me joy, really.

I hope to be a teacher some day, but maybe not here at Hogwarts.

Maybe at Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. Or maybe Durmstrang Institute.

Okay, maybe not Durmstrang.

Once I enter the herbology greenhouse, the smell of dirt and greens fulfill the air. It brings absolute comfort.

I grew up surrounded by large fields; nature is my thing, I guess you could say.

"Ah, Ms. Zabini!" Professor Longbottom announced, "So happy that you came. Are you ready to to teach the lot of these younglings?"

I chuckled softly at the 'younglings' part. Sounds like western culture slang.

"Of course, Professor Longbottom," I responded as I set down my book bag on an empty chair. I smacked both my hands onto my thighs, glancing around. "Alright, where do you want me?"

Professor Longbottom looks around the greenhouse looking for a task for me to do.

"How about... you start putting the Mandrakes on each designated spot on the table wherever a stool is," Professor Longbottom suggested.

"On it," I responded, walking towards the Mandrakes.

God, I fucking hate these plants.

I spaced out the pots onto the desk, keeping everything neat and tidy, though I knew the damn children would disorganize it afterwards; ungrateful little shits.

"Mr. Berkshire! What brings you to the greenhouse?" Professor Longbottom beamed.

I turn my head only to see him standing alongside the Professor.

Bloody hell. And I thought Professor Longbottom was tall.

He's absolutely nothing compared to Zeno.

"I overheard Amelie that you had her assisting you with Mandrakes today and I was wondering if you needed an extra hand," he smiled at him, then smirked at me.

"Well, the more the merrier! Go on ahead and assist Amelie," Professor responded with a wide smile.

My eyes met with his as he walked towards me; hands in his pocket, white button up, sleeves rolled up, hair just barely slung over his face, about a strand or two.

"And you came for...?" I sneered, as I continued my work.

"For you, of course," he said softly as he started rearranging the pots of dirt.

I gave him a bug eye.

"Kidding," Zeno responded. "I want to gain teaching experience. Didn't I ever tell you that I wanted to be a teacher?"

I scoffed.

"It was more like I told you that I wanted to be a teacher. You just happened to copy me, isn't that right?"

"Wrong. I've always wanted to be a teacher."

I rolled my eyes.

"Alright, Xenophilius Berkshire," I mocked.

Zeno groaned.

"Don't ever call me that again," he sneered. "Watch yourself."

"You don't intimidate me, Zeno," I chuckled, "I'll call you what I want."

He stopped his tracks and glanced over me.

Fuck, that was a lie.

I looked up back at him as a smirk appeared on his face.

"I don't?" Zeno said softly.

"Not really, no. You're a friendly giant," I responded, pushing his buttons even more. "You wouldn't hurt a soul. A fly, even."

Zeno started inching closer, though I stayed still to prove my point.

Every step closer, my heart would really skip a beat.

"Go on," Zeno said quietly, "Say my name."

"The real one or the nickname?" I jeered, smirking with attitude.

"Whatever name rolls off your tongue easily while I fuck you," he muttered under his breath as he was staring deeply into my eyes with his piercing green ones; standing tall and hovering over me.

My throat tightens and my face immediately warms up. I gulp, looking left and right to see if anyone else heard that, then looked back at him.

"What's the matter, Mel? Cat's got your tongue?" Zeno smirked.

He stepped back and continued rearranging the pots of dirt.

What the hell do I even say back?

"Man whore of the century," I said lowly, trying to bark back with sass.

Zeno scoffed.

"I'm just irresistible, is all."

"Yeah, right," I snorted.

"Mel, your cheeks turned pink and you gulped. You were inaudible. Let's not bicker at each other."

God, fuck you Zeno.

"Fuck you," I snapped.

He chuckled.

"It's alright, love. You among other people can't help it, and that's alright."

"Are you always this cocky?" I badgered.

"Are you always this frustrated?"

"No."

"Then no as well."

Silence.

"How about sexually?" he spoke up.

I was taken aback by those words as I accidentally dropped a pot as it shattered onto the ground.

"Fuck," I muttered under my breath, crouching down as I picked up pieces of the pot.

Zeno did the same as he helped me pick up the shattered pieces.

"You're annoying," I snapped lowly.

"Likewise, love."

"Oh, is everything alright? Did anybody get hurt?" Professor Longbottom stammered as he sped walked towards us. "Oh, bloody hell. I knew the pots were heavy-."

"No, Professor. It's alright, really. I was just-. Wasn't focusing. That's my fault, sir."

"Ah, no worries. Accidents happen, don't they?" Professor Longbottom assured, "You two can work on something else. I'll handle the rest."

"It's okay sir. I can clean it up," Zeno suggested.

"Please, it really is alright!" Professor responded, patting his back gesturing that he stand up.

"Alright, if you insist, sir," Zeno beamed, standing up.

I stood up as well as I dusted off my hands of dirt.

"The students should be coming soon. About 3 minutes, perhaps. I suggest you two prepare on what you're going to explain to the class, yes?" Professor suggested, using magic to clean up the mess I've made.

"Mandrakes, correct?" Zeno asked.

"Yes, Mr. Berkshire. The Banshees of the Flora World," Professor chuckled.

I went ahead and walked towards the front of the class awaiting the children to come pouring on.

Zeno followed.

I took a seat at the desk besides Professor's and huffed. I have absolutely no patience for children. Where in the fuck are they?

"Making a mess on the first day, Mel?" Zeno bickered, pulling a stool and sitting beside me. "Naughty, naughty-."

"Okay, enough with the jokes, Zeno," I reprimanded, "You're really annoying, do you know that?"

He softly chuckled and tucked my hair behind my ear.

"Oh, but you love me."

"Not an excuse to be annoying."

"No?"

"No."

He rolled his tongue against the inside of his cheek, then smiled shortly after.

"If you insist," he pestered.

Soon enough, the children started pouring in the classroom.

Laughter filled the air and commotion grew.

I'm trying to brush off the tension between Zeno and I, but I'm truly finding it difficult when he fucking looks like that.

Like, a bloody God. A Lord, even.

Is that strange for me to say? I've known this fucker my whole life and I'm barely noticing that he's-. That he's cute?

I mean, sure he's a man whore but it's expected given that he looks like that.

And sure he's cocky and annoying, but Merlin's Beard is he dreamy.

It's just a tad bit wrong to think of him that way, and I know that most of what he says are just simple jokes.

Though I just never had him joke like that with me.

"Good morning, class! Welcome to your first day of Herbology!" Professor Longbottom cheered. "I hope you're ready to get your hands dirty because we are going to be working on Mandrakes and its replanting process," he continued.

Zeno leaned towards the side of my head, almost as if he's about to whisper something.

"Do you want to get your hands dirty, Mel?" Zeno whispered, as his warm breath brushed up against my neck sending absolute chills down my spine.

"I'd rather get them bloody by punching your fucking face," I seethed.

"You really are Onyx's daughter," Zeno chuckled.

I rolled my eyes.

"Cunning and ambitious, I suppose?" I queried.

"Indeed," he smiled, backing away as his attention diverted back to the classroom.

In reality, tension was literally brewing between my legs and I swear on everything I love it feels wrong.

They're just jokes, Amelie. They're just jokes.

"If you anyone wore a skirt today, keep in mind to pack an extra one given that we'll be very hands on in this class. We wouldn't want to get our uniforms dirty, now do we?" Professor Longbottom chuckled.

As he continued teaching the class and going over rules and expectations, I sat there bored as ever.

When was Professor going to need our help? Fuck, I have to prepare for whatever he wants me to say.

Okay, think.

Mandrakes. They sound like Banshees. It's potentially lethal when heard. Could use them in stew. Painkiller. Sedative, even-.

At sudden movement, Zeno's veiny hand pressed gently against the lower part of my thigh.

I sucked in at the shock.

His cold rings pressed against my skin as I internally shuddered.

He turned to me, though I dare not to look back.

Zeno's eyes were burning right through me; I could feel them.

Suddenly, his hand started shifting higher, and at a slow pace.

My breathing soon shuddered, still looking straight.

Could people see this? No, this was all under the desk.

I immediately grabbed ahold of his wrist as he stopped.

"What. Are. You. Doing," I said flatly, still looking straight ahead.

He softly chuckled.

"You should've brought an extra skirt. This is an Herbology class, Mel. It's bound to get dirty, don't you think?"

His hands continued traveling higher; slowly. I gripped onto his wrist, though I didn't stop him.

Why couldn't I stop him?

Amelie, stop him!

"Tell me when to stop," he whispered.

I couldn't. I literally couldn't.

So he continued.

Now his hand is under my skirt.

And now he's gently groping my thigh.

Now my inner thigh.

He's watching my every reaction.

He wants me to react. He wants me to do something.

But I can't give him the mere satisf-.

"Fuck," I mutter under my breath as he groped the very inner part of my thigh.

I immediately grabbed his wrist and pulled it away from under my skirt.

I can't even compose my own fucking thoughts.

I can't.

Instead, I just gulped and continued looking straight.

Zeno huffed.

"You're hard to crack," he mumbled, "But don't worry. You'll crack eventually."

I rolled my eyes.

"Why did you do that?" I said quietly.

"Why didn't you stop me?"

"I-.This isn't about me. I asked you first-."

"And I asked you second? What difference does it make-."

"Amelie here will demonstrate replantation of a Mandrake!" Professor Longbottom interrupted.

I immediately got up as if all my attention was diverted onto whatever he was talking about.

I walk up to the front of the class, introduce myself, put on the muffs, suggest that everyone do the same, and I demonstrate.

Effortlessly and perfect.

Pushing aside whatever the fuck just happened a few moments ago.

"Thank you, Ms. Zabini. You may take a seat," Professor said. I smiled and went back to the desk where Zeno Berkshire is sitting.

I glance at him as he smiles.

I stick my middle finger up at him as he scoffed.

As I sat down, I huffed.

"The muffs don't fucking do shit," I muttered, "They're still fucking loud."

Zeno chuckled.

"Are you loud?" he sneered.

God, he's annoying.

"Now wouldn't you like to know?" I reprimanded.

"Well said," he responded, "Rubbing off on me, I see?"

"You wish I would rub off you," I spat as I crossed my arms.

"I wish you would rub on me instead," he said softly.

I turned to him as he smirked.

"You're annoying. Like, really annoying, Zeno," I responded. "Go wank it off or something. Fuck's sake."

Truth is, his words made me feel... different.

No, they're jokes. They're just jokes. They're just jokes.

He chuckled softly. "I'm annoying, yes. Though what does that make you?"

"Not annoying...? You ask stupid questions, really."

"Oh come on, Mel. You love me."

I do love him, but I hate him at the same time.

I rolled my eyes.

"Say you love me, Mel," he said. "Say it."

"No," I responded.

"Say you love me."

"No."

"I won't ask again-."

"Then don't."

Immediately, his hand slithered up my skirt as I sucked in my breath again.

Fucking hell, I could never say no; it feels annoyingly good.

"Say you love me, Mel."

I gulped.

His hand crept higher up my thigh as goosebumps formed around my whole body.

I really can't wrap my head around what the fuck is going on given that it's a bit of a shocker, but like, I can't bring myself up to stop him because it feels fucking great.

"You already know I-. Love you-. You bloody-. Idiot," I spat through my shuddering breathing.

He pulled away from my thigh and smirked.

"Good. You know I'd do anything for you, Mel."

I know he would.

Though why is he doing this to me?

"I know," I responded softly, looking straight ahead.

I think my body's going through many fucking emotions right now.

"Mel," he spoke softly, "Was that uncomfortable?"

My throat tightened.

I bit my lip nervously.

"No-." I stammered. "It wasn't."

I was telling the truth. It isn't uncomfortable. It's just shocking, really.

"Do you want more?" He asked quietly.

I looked at him as our eyes met.

His soft, green, glistening eyes. Holy fuck, you're beautiful.

No NO NO NO enough with the lustful emotions, Amelie!

I bit my lip, trying to come up with an answer.

Was my life on the line for this? I mean, it's a dangerous field to play on.

God, at least he's respectful.

"I don't mind," I said hesitantly.

The corners of his mouth perked up.

"If you say so," he responds softly. "Never hesitate to tell me to stop, Mel."

"Alright..."

"Though it's very difficult to stop once we've already started."

My throat tightened again. Shit, he's really good at what he does.

He really is a manwhore.

And I think I'm willing to play.

"Is that supposed to scare me?" I queried quietly.

He chuckled.

"I'm just letting you know that it'll be difficult for you to say stop."

I scoffed.

"We'll see about that, Zeno," I reprimanded.

"We shall."

And so we let the fun begin.

I always knew I could never see him as a brotherly figure.

Maybe this was why.

"Would you like to walk to class together?" he questioned.

"Don't we always?" I responded.

"I don't know if you want to be seen with me after all that-. touching. Not a lot of people want to be seen with me after I touch them. It's usually the Ravenclaws who feel that way-."

"Zeno, I couldn't care less," I said, "Besides. It'll just be between us, correct?"

Zeno smirked.

"Correct."

Fuck, I have no idea what I'm getting myself into.

I have absolutely no idea regarding promiscuity.

Though this is where I'll learn, I guess.

Plus, I think it's time I try something new.

Do someone new.

Especially with someone who cares and respects me, too.

I jut have no idea how this is going to play out.

Being single is fun.

***

UM. IS AMELIE A BAD BLEEP?! LUCILLE WHO??!!! LUCILLE COULD NEVERRRRR.

Anyway, I hope you guys LIKED IT.

Slowburn WHO?!

D I S C U S S I ON