Chapter 21
Next morning on September second, on Wednesday, the classes begun. Some of the students were really eager to either begin or continue their education, especially the first years and Hermione, some were horrified by the thought that school had begun like Ron and others were not too eager to begin a new year but were thrilled at the fact that they had two new Professors; many students did not know what to expect.
Harry's first class was Potions. Like before, it was a Double class where Gryffindors shared the classroom with Slytherins. Many students disliked that but could not do much to change it. As the Slytherin Quartet entered, they sat in the middle waiting for new Professor. Soon other students arrived and finally Lily Evans began her class. "Welcome again to Potions! I hope that by the end of the year you will all enjoy this class a lot. Today we will cover the Swelling Potion. Can anybody tell me what's its effect is?" asked Harry's mother.
"Yes Hermione?"
"The Swelling Potion makes the desired object bigger in size" told the girl quickly.
"Well done, ten points to Slytherin. The notes are on the board, good luck" the class started brewing and as half an hour passed Lily looked at her students, checking if they were making the potion right.
"Mr. Dursley, you don't need any more puffer-fish eyes. Now, mix the solution and follow the next instructions," The class continued.
"Ronald Weasley, why are you trying to send a firecracker into Mr. Malfoy's cauldron? Five points from Gryffindor and a detention tonight in my office at seven." The youngest male Weasley looked at his new Potions Professor and then continued his work.
Five minutes before the class has ended, Lily told the students to stop the brewing. "By this time, all of you should have finished. You will now test your Potions on these beetles; they are supposed to triple in size." The woman gave a beetle to each group and waited for the measurements.
Harry and Draco took their beetle and its length went from a centimeter to a two point seven. The boys looked rather pleased at their work as their almost got the Potion perfect. Hermione and Daphne got a perfect three-centimeter beetle. The measurements continued.
"Well done Potter and Malfoy, you receive EE today. Granger, Greengrass, you showed outstanding work tonight. Dudley, Thomas your beetle is half way grown to normal size, an Acceptable job. Weasley, Finnegan you have only have half an inch long beetle, unfortunately a Poor job." The Professor continued with grading and some Gryffindors were surprised for getting As and EEs, since Professor Snape tended to give Ps on average" The class had ended and the Silver Quartet went to Transfiguration.
Next day, on Thursday, Slytherins and Gryffindors second years had once again a double period, Defense Against Dark Arts with Professor Severus Snape. As he walked in the classroom, nobody wished to make a noise as they new by now that it would most likely result in disastrous consequences. "This year we will start learning about the dark creatures and the ways you could fight them. Could someone tell me what a dark creature is?" Hermione lifted her hand but he ignored her, as he wanted to see someone else try.
"Yes, Mr. Potter?"
"A dark creature is a magic creature that can be dangerous to a human"
"That is almost right, five points to Slytherin. A Dark creature is not a creature like a dragon or a manticore, those two are animals; the dark creatures are unnatural animals that attack because they find pleasure doing it, not because they want to eat you. I knew one such beast that almost ate a man at Full moon but he was not doing it willingly. However, if you ever stumble upon Sirius Black's deranged cousin, run away as she will torture you and eat your heart for breakfast." He finished his speech before giving the group papers.
"I wish to know if you can tell before learning about the Dark creatures which ones are actually dark creatures. Also please tell me reasons why you think the creature belongs to the category you put it in." The class began their work and before even half of the time passed, he saw that Hermione had finished her work and handed her assignment in after which she sat on her desk and waited.
Harry looked at the choices and tried to remember what Uncles Moony and Padfoot used to tell him about different creatures. He knew that he should not have added "Severus Snape" as one, even though Remus and especially Sirius would be happy if he did. He crossed a house elf and then proceeded to hags.
"Time is up. Hand me your papers." Snape took their papers and decide to read some answers aloud. "No, Ms. Parkinson, a Muggle is not a Dark Creature. Mr. Potter, a grim is actually a Dark one, even if your friend Black thinks otherwise. Mr. Weasley, a spider is not a dark creature and it does not want your food! It eats small insects. Even an Acromantula is not really one, as it just wants to eat you for breakfast without causing you unnecessary pain. Now Ms. Granger, you are actually right that a boggart is a dark creature although not a very dark one. And Mr. Dursley, pixies and garden gnomes are not dark either as they are just pranksters that should be dealt with. I see that many of you are still very unfamiliar with dark creatures, except some of you. Thus, as your homework, you need to write an essay foot in length each about a Basilisk, Werewolf, and a Dementor and explain why you think they are Dark Creatures or not. Class Dismissed"
The students stood up and quickly exited the classroom as many did not wish to see Professor Snape more than required. Harry and his classmates then went to their next meal, as they were hungry. "This year will be great! Professor Evans is a great Potions Master and Snape knows what he is talking about!" Exclaimed Hermione. Many people disagreed with comments about Snape but Lily Evans quickly proved to be one of the most lovable teachers at school and by the end of the week even Neville received an Acceptable on his own.