Being paired with a Gryffindor in Potions was one sort of cruelty. Being paired with Marlene was another. Especially when the prospect of careful treatment never seemed to exist to her.

That much was evident by the pool of scorching water that now laid at your feet, a sickly green from the ill ingredients she had insisted on putting inside.

"Well, shite," Marlene murmured, though the grin was difficult to veil as she saw you scurrying away from the boiling liquid.