The Bad Beginning to Prefect Potions

Walking down to the Great Hall that morning was one of the hardest things Ginny ever did. Devon had ended up keeping her back because her hair was not sitting properly. Ginny was famished and not really in the mood for beauty tips whilst hungry. She was regretting not eating anything the night before on account of her stomach churning but she thought to her self it could not really be helped now. Could it?

Walking through the huge doors, she started towards the Gryffindor tables and began to search out her brothers like she had envisioned herself doing since she first saw Bill Charlie and Percy going of to Hogwart's from King's Cross.

Devon however abruptly pulled her back. "Where do you think you're going?" she whispered, "remember your a Slytherin girl now!" she then began to walk towards the Slytherins with Ginny reluctantly filling in behind her. Sitting herself amongst the other first years Devon began to greet them politely.

"Victoria where did you go when we met that oaf of a giant Hagrid at the lake last night? I told you to wait for me!"

"Chloe, what did you do to your hair? It looks great plaited like that! You've to do mine for me sometime. Got that?"

"Amber I saw you on the platform before the train left, I told you to find my carriage did you even try? Oh well... I'm glad your in Slytherin, and my dorm."

"Melanie! Finally there you are why did you not pay up last night you owe me 2 galleon, 15 sickles, and 10 knuts for those liquorice wands."

Ginny sat beside her and slowly ladled her plate with an English fry. Ignoring Devon's conversation she stared at her breakfast with her head down not trusting herself to eat it. Devon spotted the glum look on her face; "C'mon Ginny eat up it's not poison," she stated as she piled bacon, eggs, and sausages onto her plate, "everyone else is eating."

"Easy for you to say your not in the wrong house, you have family here and all your family have been in Slytherin. What will my parents say?" Ginny moaned.

"I think your about to find out," Devon noted as a rush of owls flew into the hall from the open window; "Clear the table!!" she added as three owls began to circle her.

When they landed Devon immediately unattached a letter from her the first of the owls and attached a new letter to its leg. When the first owl took off Devon set her eyes on the bigger of the remained two. It was carrying a parcel which Devon remove gently before allowing it to fly off too. The last of the owls was beginning to grow impatient as Devon hurriedly got out her purse to give it some coins. Dropping the paper near Ginny's plate it spread its wings and left quickly. Ginny took the paper up from the table and gasped at the headlines.

''FLYING FORD ANGLIA MYSTIFIES MUGGLES''

"What is it?" Devon asked trying to look over Ginny's shoulder but she did not get an answer because the hall suddenly went silent. Turning their heads in the direction of the Gryffindor tables they spotted Ron holding a scarlet red letter. Ginny went pale at the sight of it. A howler. When it opened Mrs. Wealey's voice filled the hall while everyone else ate in silence watching the scene.

"That was the worst breakfast of my entire life." Ginny said as they left the hall later.

"It wasn't that bad in fact it was quite funny."

"Yeah maybe for you; anyway what's are first lesson?"

"Potions with Professor Snape"

"Great this day just keeps getting better and better doesn't it! Potions with Snape, Perfect." Ginny wailed sarcastically.

"Yeah I know how perfect is this!" Devon said happily either not realising Ginny's sarcasm or not heeding it, "c'mon we'll get our stuff on the way down to the classroom."

After his usual speech about pushing the boundaries and stewing elements the class was treated to a pop quiz on potions properties. To finish he told them; "Class this year will not be easy. You must work hard or face the consequences. Your homework will be to read the first chapter of your potions book again in preparation for another test. Can Devon-Louise Malfoy, Amber Hadly, Ginny Weasley, Victoria Barnskoski and Elliot Scott Major wait behind. Class dismissed!"

The children packed there stuff and left while the others waited behind. "I will not keep you long Devon, Elliot you are the new form leaders for Slytherin first years here are your badges you will be expected to attend regular meetings throughout the year, you may go."

Devon and Elliot exchanged looks and left for herbology.

"Miss Hadly Professor Dumbledore tells me that you are quite the athlete Madam Hooch would like to try you out for the school and house teams in advanced meet her on the Quidditch Pitch and Lunch time. Miss Barnskoski it has come to my attention that you wish to play for the Slytherin Quidditch team. I am sorry but that is not possible because first years are not allowed to play and Professor Dumbledore does not think it would be fair for you to play anyway. However he has told me that you may have your broom sent over because of your need to practise for your international team. You are permitted to train with the Slytherin team so it is up to you to get the practise times is that understood."

"Yes sir, thank you very much." Victoria said.

"You may go then," Snape replied.

"Ginny, How are you settling in? Devon isn't giving you any bother is she?" he seemed genuinely concerned.

"I am fine, I may not know why I am in Slytherin but I can cope. Devon is being really helpful I suppose she's alright. Please sir I don't want to be late for herbology."

"Fine, Miss Weasley you may go."