So much was happening. Watching people make potions had never been the highlight of her life, but she supposed watching Valerie Gray turn into an owl made it worth it. There was such a talent in her, such a potential. She kept her dark eyes on Valerie for a very long time before switching to watch Jesus. She could tell he was nervous. She didn’t think he had a need for it, though. Maybe she would give him a pep talk before the next tone. Melanie knew they weren’t throwing the kids into anything they couldn’t handle. She wondered why her brother didn’t like to watch these challenges. She supposed he might be busy with their personal matters; regardless, she wished he were here. The Hogwartian boy’s commentary did nothing to quell the rising of her heartbeat; nor did the Deputy Headmaster of Hogwarts’ cry of despair for his student. She would be fine. Melanie knew she would be fine. She had seen true pain, the pain of the end.

And this, this was not it.

Scanning over to Kathleen, she heard her ask for water. Melanie promptly stood up to fetch a bottle, made her way over to Kathleen from behind and touched her shoulder. “Kathleen,” she said simply. “Drink.” She didn’t need a student passing out, especially one that was not competing. “Take deep breaths. Stop talking about heroic boys.” She looked serious at first, but then she winked. “The girls are quite heroic, too.” Not that Kathleen needed to be told that, but it seemed Kathleen needed a mood-lightener.

She took a seat next to her.

Also, why was little Jer bothering Professor Myers? She shot him a glare that very clearly said, Calm down.

Irene was moving quickly, more quickly than the others, but she wondered if the girl was being careless. She certainly wasn’t a stupid girl. Come on, Irene. And let the rings of that incessant song Come on Eileen! be ever stuck in her head now. It began to play in her brain, over and over, and she grumbled to herself. Aurora was a Horned Serpent, like herself, and she had no doubt she would perform excellently. Kyle….Kyle was taking so long, and it worried her. He was a potions master. Perfectionist. Of course he was taking long. Louise was also not as ahead as some of the others, but still, she wasn’t worried. At least the girl had made her potion. Aiden needed to put some pep in his step.