Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns Harry Potter. OpenBookLina owns chapters 1-11 and Sara, David, Marcus, Kiera, and Izzy. Story originally by OpenBookLina.
Chapter 9
The following week proved to be the most confusing and interesting one Sara had ever dealt with. For one thing, she kept getting lost on the way to all of her classes, and the classes themselves were extremely challenging. She quickly realized that there was a great deal more to magic than just waving a wand around. There was much more depth to the concepts of magic, and it was harder than Sara believed it would be.
However, that did not mean she didn't enjoy her classes. On Wednesday nights they would study the stars and planets in the sky, and she was ecstatic when she caught sight of a comet, earning Gryffindor house points. Herbology took place out in the greenhouses, and it dealt with all kinds of magical plants and herbs. On Sara's first day, she accidentally planted the wrong seeds and had these black and slimy vines crawling up her arm in an iron grasp. Sara's favorite class by far was Charms and she liked the tiny little wizard who taught it, Professor Flitwick. While taking roll during their first lesson, he gave an excited squeak when he reached Harry Potter's name and fell off the pile of books he was standing on. Professor Flitwick had them copy some notes out of the book and amused them all by creating multi-colored bubbles from the tip of his wand.
The most challenging class so far was Transfiguration. This subject was taught by Professor McGonagall, who turned out to be the head of Gryffindor house. She made it very clear to them that there was to be absolutely no foolishness in her class, and she would not hesitate to punish any sort of reckless behavior. For their first assignment, they had to transform a match into a needle, and no one was able to accomplish this except for Hermione Granger. It wasn't until Friday came around that Sara was starting to remember where all of her classes were. She made her way down to the Great Hall with Hermione for breakfast, the two of them talking about the Transfiguration homework McGonagall had given them the day before. When they reached the hall, they took a seat at the table and started to load their plates with food.
"What's on our schedule for today?" Sara asked as she scooped some scrambled eggs onto her plate.
"Double Potions with the Slytherins," said Hermione. "It's supposed to be one of the most difficult subjects in magic, especially with Professor Snape. I've been hearing that he is very strict."
"Hermione, I doubt there is any class that is difficult for you," said Sara with a smile. "You're the smartest witch in our year, you can do anything."
"Not really," Hermione protested, going a little pink. "I can just excel at some things more than others."
"You excel at everything," countered Sara. "I never would have gotten through McGonagall's homework without your help. I honestly don't know why you weren't put into Ravenclaw with Kiera."
Before Hermione could respond, there was a loud screech and the girls looked up to see that the mail had arrived. Mail at Hogwarts was delivered by owl and every morning, about a couple dozen or so of them came streaming in through the windows carrying letters, newspapers, and packages. Among today's owls was D'Artangan, who was swooping towards Sara. When he was directly overhead, he dropped a letter right into Sara's lap. Grinning widely, Sara tore open the envelope while D'Artangan landed next to the pitcher of apple juice in front of Hermione. Sara eagerly unfolded the letter and her grin grew even wider as she recognized Jon's handwriting.
Dear Sara,
How are you darling? I miss you so very much already, and I was so excited when I received your letter. I first want to congratulate you for making Gryffindor, your Nana and I are very proud of you, although I must say you certainly gave us a run for our money, knowing you would be placed there. I know your grandfather would be extremely proud of you as well, we all know you will do well in that house.
Your classes sound very interesting, I'm glad you are enjoying them. Have you really planted Peeping Poppies? They were your favorite flowers when you were little, when your mother used to plant them out in the gardens. I'm happy to hear you like your Charms class. Make sure you do your very best in all of your classes. The castle sounds wonderful, are you having any luck remembering where everything is yet? I'm sure you'll get the hang of it soon. I'm so happy to hear you've already made some friends. Hermione and Kiera sound like really nice girls, please tell them I said hello and would like to meet them sometime. David and Marcus remind me of me when I was younger. Yes, believe it or not, your old dad used to be daring and cool.
Does Harry Potter really go to Hogwarts as well? That's truly fascinating, Nana went into an hour long rant about it when I told her. I remember when your mother told me about him, you were only a year old when he became famous. He is one of the most famous wizards of all time. And everyone is gossiping about him? The poor lad, it must drive him completely insane. Well, I can only hope he makes it through the school year all right.
I miss you too Sara, more than I can say. Not much is going on here, I'm not used to having the house all to myself. I miss when you would only get up in the morning when you smelled breakfast cooking and when we would spend the afternoon together watching our favorite show. I know, I sound like a babbling old man, but I can't help it. I just miss my little girl. The Christmas Holidays seem too far away. I can't wait until I can finally hold you in my arms again sweetheart, and I'm sure you will have loads of stories to tell me when you come home. Well, there's not too much more I can say now, I can't wait to receive your next letter. Don't leave out anything, I want to know what you've been up to with your friends. Keep up the hard work. I love you so much, I'll talk to you soon.
Love Always,
Papa
Sara smiled as she folded the letter back up and carefully placed it back inside the envelope. It felt really good to hear from Jon, she misses him so much. She couldn't wait until the holidays started and she could go home to see him. Hermione also received a letter from her parents. They were Muggles too, and they were equally proud of her as Jon was with Sara. When they were done eating their breakfast, the girls stood up from the table, grabbed their bags, and walked towards the entrance hall to see Kiera waiting for them. Sara indeed felt very lucky to have made such wonderful friends. Although Kiera was in Ravenclaw, they would hang out together whenever they had the chance. Sara would pair up with her when they had classes together, and they would walk together if they were heading in the same direction. Hermione is a very smart witch, but she was also a very sweet person once you really got to know her. She and Sara would study together in the common room and Hermione would always help her with her homework. Sara didn't like it when people would call Hermione a know-it-all, they didn't know her like she did. But it didn't matter, because Hermione and Kiera would always be there to listen and talk with her. She was so happy they got along, and she couldn't ask for better friends.
After greeting Kiera at the doors, the trio started walking across the front chamber towards the dungeons to the Potions Room. They all chatted and laughed over small things while they descended the staircase. Once the temperature started to become rather cold and they were almost at the bottom, Kiera turned back up the stairs so she could make it to her Charms lesson. Waving goodbye to her, Sara and Hermione walked together through the dungeons until they found the right room. It was extremely dark and dingy, with animal parts floating in glass jars, dusty potion volumes sitting on moldy shelves, and rusty cauldrons sitting on tables. Most of the class was here already, so Sara and Hermione made their way over to a table next to Harry and his friend Ron. Some of the Slytherins were pointing and whispering behind Harry's back, and Sara rolled her eyes. You'd think they would have something else to gossip about by now. Honestly, Harry wasn't an animal at the zoo to oogle at all the time. She was sure he was getting annoyed by it.
At that moment, the chamber door burst open, and Professor Snape walked in. He was a tall man, with greasy black hair, a hooked nose, and sallow skin. He also has black eyes. Cold, dark black eyes that instantly sent shivers up Sara's spine. The entire class fell silent as he entered, and he gave them a once over with his empty eyes. He started class by doing roll, like Professor Flitwick had done. When he called Harry's name, he paused for a moment.
"Ah yes," he said softly. "Harry Potter. Our new-celebrity."
A Slytherin boy with blonde hair and his friends sniggered, and Sara furrowed her eyebrows at Snape. What was that about? Professor Snape continued calling out names and when he was done he looked up at the class.
"You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-making," he began. "As there is little foolish wand waving here, many of you will hardly believe this is magic. I don't expect you will really understand the beauty of the soft simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through the human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses…I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death-if you aren't as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach."
Complete silence followed Professor Snape's speech. Sara had no idea what to make of it, and she was feeling very uncomfortable. Snape obviously expected nothing but the best in this class, and she didn't know if she could live up to it. Hermione, however, was sitting on the edge of her seat, listening to every word Snape was saying, and Sara tried her best not to smile.
"Potter!" said Snape suddenly, making Sara jump in her seat. "What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"
The what to the what? Sara's mind was buzzing as everyone looked over at Harry. He looked positively dumbfounded and glanced at Ron for help. Hermione's hand shot up straight into the air.
"I don't know sir," Harry answered.
Tut, tut-fame clearly isn't everything," Snape said with a sneer. Sara scowled at him.
"Let's try again. Potter, where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?"
Hermione stretched her hand higher into the air, but Snape refused to acknowledge it. Why was Snape picking out Harry like this? He can't possibly expect him to have read and memorize everything in their potions books can he? That wasn't fair. Sara watched helplessly as Harry sat in his seat, completely confused.
"I don't know sir," Harry said again. The blonde Slytherin and his friends looked on the verge of cackling with laughter and it took everything Sara had to not turn around and snap at them.
"Thought you wouldn't open a book before coming, eh Potter?" said Snape. "What is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?"
Sara sat up straighter in her seat. She knew the answer to this question, and judging by the way Hermione stood up from her seat to answer, she did too. Sara looked over at Harry and then raised her own hand, trying to draw Snape's attention.
"Sir, if Harry doesn't know, I can-"
"If I recall Miss Kanebridge, I called on Potter, not you, so therefor there is no reason for you to speak. Answer the question," said Snape, turning back to Harry. Sara slowly lowered her hand, blood rushing to her cheeks.
"I don't know," said Harry quietly. "I think Hermione does though, why don't you try her?"
Some of the other first years laughed and Sara had to bit her lip to stop herself from joining them.
"Sit down," Snape snapped at Hermione. "For your information Potter, asphodel and wormwood make a sleeping potion so powerful it is known as the Draught of Living Death. A bezoar is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat and it will save you from most poisons. As for monkshood and wolfsbane, they are the same plant. Well? Why aren't you all copying that down?"
As everyone started pulling out their quills and parchment, Snape said, "And a point will be taken from Gryffindor will be taken for your cheek, Potter."
After taking notes, Snape had everyone get into pairs and gave them instructions on how to brew a simple potion made to cure boils. He swept around the class, observing everyone as they worked on their potions. He criticized every person he walked by, except for the blonde boy, whose name turned out to be Malfoy. Sara and Hermione worked quickly with their potion, as Hermione knew exactly what she was doing, explaining it in a way that Sara understood. Just as Sara was carefully adding her crushed snake fangs to the cauldron, there was a loud hissing noise and some green smoke suddenly filled the air. Sara turned and gasped as she saw the cauldron at Neville's station melt into a blob and his potion spill off the table onto the floor. Everyone quickly stood on their stools to escape the potion, and Neville cried out in pain as red boils started to spread across his body.
"Idiot boy!" said Snape, getting rid of the potion with a wave his wand. "I suppose you added the porcupine quills before taking the cauldron off the fire?"
Neville whimpered as more boils appeared on his face and Sara's heart instantly went out to him. Poor Neville.
"Take him up to the hospital wing," Snape spat at Seamus. Seamus got down from his stool and helped Neville to his feet leading him out of the room. While Sara stared sadly after them, Snape suddenly turned to Harry and Ron.
"You-Potter-why didn't you tell him not to add the quills? Though he'd make you look good if he got it wrong did you? That's another point you've lost for Gryffindor."
What? Sara clenched her teeth and was about to step down from the stool towards him, but Hermione grabbed her shoulder and stared at her, silently warning her not to say anything. Keeping her mouth shut, Sara glared at Snape. What in the world was his problem? Why does he hate Harry so much? And why was he constantly picking on Gryffindors so much? Now Gryffindor has already lost two points in their first week. It's completely unfair. The entire class worked silently for the next hour, and thanks to Hermione's help, they both got full credit on successfully brewing their potion. As soon as the bell rang, everyone snatched up their things and herded towards the door. Sara and Hermione started climbing the stairs leading out of the dungeon, and it wasn't until they were well out of earshot that Sara started.
"What in the name of Merlin was that all about?" she said loudly. "That was absolutely unnecessary and unfair! Putting Harry on the spot like that and making Neville feel bad? He's a terrible man!"
"Maybe he just has a different way of teaching," said Hermione.
"Hermione, he made Harry and Neville feel like morons, and he took two points away from Gryffindor for no reason! And the way he snapped at you! You have no idea how much I wanted to say something."
"It's a good thing you didn't," said Hermione firmly. "You would have gotten into serious trouble and he would have taken away more points from Gryffindor."
Sara didn't say anything. Instead, she gave out a frustrated huff and continued walking up the steps. The first years had Friday afternoons off, and Sara was looking forward to a nice time sitting out by the lake. But maybe she would go up to the hospital wing first to see how Neville was doing. Those boils looked pretty bad. The girls kept climbing the staircase until they reached the top that led out into the entrance hall. Just as they were about to go up the main staircase to the upper floors, Sara felt a soft tap on her shoulder, and she turned around to see Harry standing behind her with Ron.
"Hi, um, Sara?" he said. Sara nodded at him.
"Thanks for trying to help me out down there," he said apologetically. "I'm sorry he gave you a hard time about it."
"Don't worry about it Harry," said Sara. "He was being rather nasty towards you and you didn't deserve it. He's the one who should have gotten boils all over his face."
"Yeah," said Harry, chuckling. "Well, thanks again."
"You're welcome," said Sara, smiling at him. Harry turned back to Ron and then they both headed out the oak double doors. Sara turned back to Hermione and the two of them made their way up. After climbing a couple of flights, Hermione said she needed to do some studying in the library and that she would meet up with Sara later in the common room. Once they exchanged goodbyes, Sara kept going higher and higher until finally coming to the doors of the hospital wing. She knocked a couple times before slowly cracking the door open and poking her head in. Neville was seated on a bed to Sara's left and was being treated by Madam Pomfrey, the school nurse. Madame Pomfrey was dabbing at Neville's face, which still had some red blotches on it.
"Hi Neville," said Sara as she came inside.
"Hi Sara," said Neville glumly.
"Are you alright?" she asked as she came up next to his bed.
"He will be," said Madame Pomfrey. "These blotches will clear up momentarily. Best you be more careful Longbottom, we don't want you coming in here every week do you?"
"No," said Neville.
"Good. All right then, you're all set to go. Off you go now."
"Neville thanked her, then he slipped off the bed and followed Sara out of the hospital wing.
"Did I miss anything else in Potions?" Neville asked her.
"We finished up the potions we were making, then Snape had us copy some more notes. And he gave us an assignment that's due on Monday."
Neville groaned loudly, pure helplessness written all over his face. Sara felt so sorry for him, and she knew he probably wouldn't be able to catch up on his own.
"Hey Neville, I was thinking about going outside to sit by the lake for a while. Would you like to come with me? You can copy the notes you missed and we can start the assignment together," said Sara.
"Really? You…you don't mind helping me?" he said uncertainly.
"Of course not Neville," Sara replied, smiling kindly at him. "I'd be happy to help you."
Neville's face broke out into the first true smile Sara had ever seen on his face.
"Thanks Sara. You're really nice," he said, almost bashfully. She just kept smiling at him and they walked down the stairs together. They made it down to the entrance hall, then they walked out the front doors into the sunshine. Neville and Sara made their way past the courtyards and across the grounds towards the lake. As they walked, Sara noticed that the red spots on Neville's face were clearing up and were almost gone. Soon they found a nice spot right next the bank underneath a beautiful Willow Tree. The two of them sat down by the roots behind a veil of green leaves, leaning against the trunk.
It was a gorgeous day. The sun was set high into the sky, its golden rays illuminating everything below. The air was warm, and a soft breeze tickled the branches of the Willow and made the tall grass blades dance. Sara took a long breath of fresh air before getting out her notes for Neville. While he sat there copying from her parchment, Sara decided to get started on her potions essay. Two long rolls of parchment on the origins of the Draught of Living Death. Sighing heavily, Sara got out her quill and set to work. A comfortable silence passed between them as they concentrated on their work. Just as Sara was in the middle of her third paragraph, a dark shadow of a person came out of nowhere and loomed over her paper. Sara turned her head and looked up to see Malfoy and his goons standing next to them, smirking. Sara's mouth pressed into a thin, tight line. What did they want?
"Hey there Longbottom," said Malfoy. "Got your face all cleaned up haven't you? That's a shame, you looked so much better when you were covered in pimples."
Malfoy's friends both chuckled. Neville's face instantly went red and he tried to hide himself behind his book.
"Aw, what's wrong Longbottom? You scared to show your prickled face?" said Malfoy.
"Can we help you with something?" Sara snapped at Malfoy. "If not, we would appreciate you leaving us be."
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry, did we interrupt your date?" said Malfoy. "Please accept our apologies. Never thought you would go for a fat lump like Longbottom here."
"Well, you're not exactly the best thing to look at either," said Sara. "Tell me, were you dropped as a baby or does your face look like that naturally?"
Malfoy fell silent after Sara's words. His eyes narrowed and anger clouded his features. Sara really couldn't care less. She wasn't going to sit there and let Malfoy abuse Neville like that.
"You better watch yourself," said Malfoy. "You don't know who you're talking to."
"I know exactly who I'm talking to," said Sara in a low voice. "Now if you're finished, we would like for you to leave."
She and Malfoy glared at each other for a moment, neither of them giving in. After a few minutes, Malfoy turned his nose up at her, then he and his posse left without a word. Sara watched them go, her dislike for the boy growing ten-fold.
"Wow," said Neville. "Thanks again Sara. Remind me never to make you angry."
"Sara couldn't help but smile and laugh. She pushed Malfoy into the very back of her mind as her and Neville continued on with their work.
