Bab 14: Interest
After lunch, Ezra and Wednesday headed to their mathematics class, which Ezra found quite difficult. As the teacher scribbled equations and formulas on the board, Ezra remarked to himself that he thought Arithmancy back at Hogwarts was tricky with the whole mixing magic and numbers thing, but at least that class didn't mix numbers and letters for no apparent reason like this one did.
The next class was Potions Crafting, which took place in an elaborate lab. As the students filed in, the teacher instructed everyone to partner up for the day's assignment. Enid immediately turned to Ezra with a bright smile. "Want to be partners?" she asked eagerly.
Ezra returned her smile. "Sure, that would be great," he replied, appreciating her friendliness.
"I'm glad that I finally found a subject that I should be good at," Ezra remarked as he looked over the ingredients laid out before them. He was actually one of the top students in his potions class back at Hogwarts one of Professor Slughorn's favorites. A small smile crossed Ezra's face as he recalled his potions lessons at Hogwarts. Though the subject matter here was quite different, working in a lab brought back fond memories of brewing draughts and elixirs in the dungeons beneath the castle.
But before they could get started, Wednesday suddenly appeared beside them, her light footsteps barely perceptible, her face expressionless as always. "There's an odd number of students today," she stated flatly. "So there will have to be a group of three."
Enid nodded. "Oh, ok then. I guess we can be a group of three."
The unusual trio quickly got to work following the instructions. while they were working Ezra glanced between the two girls and decided to break the silence.
"So, Enid," he said, hoping to break the silence, "I could use some grooming tips you seem well put together and I honestly don't know anyone else to ask."
Enid's face lit up. "Oh my gosh, yes! I have this amazing coconut-flavored lotion that I think would be great for you!"
Wednesday let out an exaggerated sigh as she chopped plant roots, the knife hitting the cutting board with loud thwacks.
Enid shot her a look before continuing enthusiastically. "We should totally go shopping this weekend and I can help you pick out some new products. A little self-care never hurt anyone!"
"That's quite kind of you to offer," Ezra replied with an appreciative smile. "Though I admit some of those fruit scents are a bit overwhelming for me. Perhaps something more subtle?"
"For sure, we'll find you something that suits your taste," Enid said. "Not everyone likes super sweet scents, which is totally fine."
Wednesday scraped the plant roots into the cauldron. "Some people prefer things a bit more bitter," she said in a low voice.
Ezra just looked at both girls with interest and said "Well, Variety is the spice of life."
Enid nodded in agreement prompting him to continue. "The world would be boring if we all liked the same things." He finished shooting a smile at Wednesday.
Wednesday just stared back impassively before consulting the recipe. "We need to add the asphodel next," she instructed. "Then stir counterclockwise seven times."
"I'm on it!" Enid said, clearly eager to contribute. As she carefully added and stirred the asphodel, Ezra noticed Wednesday studying him closely. He met her gaze, wondering what she was thinking. She had been rather quiet since mentioning the odd number of students earlier.
After adding the next few ingredients per Wednesday's direction, Enid peered into the cauldron. "It's looking good so far!" she said brightly. "What's the next step?"
Wednesday scanned the recipe, the faintest hint of a smirk playing on her lips. "Now we add the frog brains."
Enid blanched. "Oh, uh, awesome," she said with markedly less enthusiasm.
Ezra chuckled. "Here, allow me," he offered kindly, scooping up a spoonful of the frog brains. Enid gave him a grateful smile as he plopped them into the potion.
Wednesday handed Ezra the next ingredient, her dark eyes glinting. "Crushed beetle thoraxes. Five of them."
"Delightful," Ezra remarked wryly as he added them. The potion was beginning to turn a foreboding shade of green.
As they worked, Ezra was impressed by Wednesday's extensive knowledge of potion-making, he was sure that if she had gone to Hogwarts with him they would have been rivals for the top spot. Enid's potion skills were more elementary, but she tackled each step with enthusiasm.
When Enid accidentally added too many crushed beetle shells, turning the potion a sickly green instead of pale violet, she groaned. "Ugh, I'm totally messing this up!"
Wednesday peered into the cauldron, unfazed. "The effect of the beetle shells can be counteracted by adding a dash of fish scales," she stated calmly.
Enid blinked in surprise as Wednesday effortlessly corrected her mistake. "Oh wow, it's back to the right color! Nice save."
Wednesday merely shrugged and carried on with the potion steps. Ezra smiled to himself, noticing this subtle indication that Wednesday didn't actually mind working together with Enid.
Enid leaned away from the cauldron, her nose scrunching. "Is it supposed to smell like that?"
Ezra checked the recipe once more. "The odor indicates it's brewing correctly. We just need to stir it counterclockwise three more times, then let it simmer for ten minutes."
Wednesday dutifully stirred while Enid watched, clearly trying not to breathe through her nose.
"So," Ezra said lightly, "any ideas what we should chat about for the next ten minutes while this finishes simmering?"
Enid perked up, seizing the opening. As she launched into a story about her misadventures in the many clubs she was a part of, Ezra noticed Wednesday's gaze flicked between him and Enid, her expression unreadable. He wondered what she made of their unlikely trio. Either way, Ezra hoped the three of them could find a way to get along.
As class ended and students cleaned up their stations, Enid turned to Ezra and Wednesday with an appreciative expression. "I know I'm not the best at potions, but I feel like I learned a lot today!"
Wednesday gave a short nod in response before sweeping out of the classroom without another word. Enid shook her head in amusement. "That girl is so hard to read. But I think she's interested in you, Ezra!"
Ezra chuckled modestly. "Oh, I don't know about that." In truth, he did find Wednesday's mysterious nature rather alluring. Enid playfully nudged his arm.
"Uh-huh, sure," she said knowingly. "I see the way she looks at you when she thinks no one's paying attention."
"What like a mystery she's having trouble solving." He responded
"Well, you know what they say interest is the first stage of attraction." She said.
"Oh really and what stage are we at?" Ezra shot back. This caused Enid to blush as she started fumbling with her words before leaving the classroom in a rush.
Ezra raised an eyebrow at her response shaking his head as they left the classroom. He had to admit, he was intrigued by the idea that aloof, unreadable Wednesday Addams might actually be taking an interest in him. Though he knew that the main reason could be attributed to their little question-and-answer session the other day. But with Wednesday, it was impossible to ever be certain.
...
[A/N: The coming chapters are a mini arc involving the harvest festival. I quite liked the chapters so I hope you do too. If you like the story so far feel free to throw some powerstones my way!]
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