"All the more reason to keep you in practice, so that the risk of you embarrassing yourself is minimal," Hermione pointed out, her expression quite serious for a moment. No matter how lightly Malfoy was trying to pass off the moment, admitting that he might need Hermione's guidance helped indicate just how much time he'd spent away from magic. Back home, Hermione didn't think that Malfoy would ever turn to her in such a way.

"I have no doubt that even if you are out of practice, you'll pick the skill back up quickly. Potions is a great deal about precision, after all. Precision, creativity, and a lot of rote memorization. You should be fine," she said. "Provided the job interests you. You might have to deal with students you don't particularly respect or enjoy."