AN: 23.08.2020 - Did some minor editing to clean up the writing.


CHAPTER 4: First Lesson


"So which lessons are you looking forward to the most? I never got to hear your answer yesterday."

Lucas contemplated Rowan's question while he studied his timetable and chewed on a piece of toast. They had four subjects today spread across eight lessons; Transfiguration with Ravenclaw, Herbology with Hufflepuff, Charms with Gryffindor, and finally, Potions with the Hufflepuffs again.

Lucas struggled on what to answer. More than anything, he simply wanted to perform and explore magic in all its forms, to cast spells and recite incantations. And Charms and Transfiguration would both provide ample opportunity for that. But he was also desperate for Flying classes to begin. And perhaps it was just because his father was an Auror, but he knew he also looked forward to learning defensive magic and spells in Defense Against the Dark Arts.

"Of today? Charms I think, though Transfiguration is a close second. Flying and Defense if we're counting the other subjects as well," Blackburn laid away the piece of paper "What about you? I didn't hear your answer either."

"All of them! I'm not sure I know which one to choose from," Rowan reviewed his own schedule for the tenth time this morning "History, Astronomy, Charms? It all sounds so exciting!"

"We've got two Transfigurations lessons to start with. You ready for that?"

"I've read A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration three times during summer in preparation for our lessons," Rowan proudly proclaimed "I'm as ready as I'll ever be!"

Lucas felt humbled hearing his friend's boast. He had only read the first half of his transfiguration book, and large parts of its content now seemed dimly remembered upon reflection. A pang of uncertainty struck him. Just how unprepared was he compared to all others? Would he make a fool of himself?

Both boys were quiet after that. Focusing instead on getting in a bite of food before heading out. After yesterday, both of them had been wary of running into Amadeus and Colton. Lucas surveilled the great hall one more time to ensure no trouble was heading their way.

Nothing. Neither of the two older students were to be seen, nor any other who might give them strife. Even the Snyde girl from yesterday seemed more focused on preparing herself for Transfiguration than spying on him.

The sound of hundreds of wings in motion emerged from above and countless owls flew into the great hall, bringing with them packages and letters for the students. All looked up, Lucas and Rowan included, hoping to see an owl they recognized. Only the Snyde witch gave an annoyed glance up before returning to her book.

Two owls headed towards Lucas and Rowan, and Blackburn saw his grandparents' owl to be one of them. The two birds each delivered a letter to their respective wizard. Lucas rewarded his grandparents' owl with a pierce of bread to nibble on before opening his letter.

Dear Lucas,

I know it has only been a day since you left, but I knew I couldn't let my youngest grandson start his first day of school without a letter from me!

I hope you had a great start of term at Hogwarts. Did you enjoy the journey with the express? It is a magnificent trip through our wonderful landscape and I always loved taking it myself - especially when in good company.

What about your Sorting Ceremony? Did it go well? I remember how nervous I was when I went through it. I wonder what house you were sorted into? I know me, your father and your mother all have our own wish for what house you would join, but what matters is that you were sorted into a house. For whatever choice the Hat made, it did so for a reason!

I hope your first day of school goes well. And if you ever feel worried or homesick then know you can always write to us or your parents.

With much love

Grandmother

Lucas closed the letter. It was a small message, but he appreciated that his Nan had sent one for his first proper day of school and Lucas knew he would write back on Friday to tell her and grandfather how his first week went. The boy gave another piece of toast to the owl and a thank-you. The bird hooted in response and took off.

Blackburn's eyes glanced over to Rowan who was still busy reading his own letter. He turned to look up, wondering if there were any owls left who had yet to deliver their mail. But there were none remaining and Lucas' heart grew heavy. He had hoped his parents would have had a letter for him just as his grandparents did. Perhaps they had been too busy to send one, or it had been delayed somehow?

"Or perhaps," His own doubt whispered in his head "They couldn't be bothered?"

Lucas closed his eyes "No," he thought, shaking his head "They are just delayed," he reasserted.

He stored the letter away in his school bag and readied himself for his first wizarding class.

Transfiguration took place on the east side of the castle's ground floor. A relatively short walk from the great hall ensured that all students heading there arrived in good time. Even so, Lucas and Rowan entered to see Professor McGonagall already sitting at her desk preparing their first lesson.

The classroom itself was large. Wide windows above bathed the room in the pleasant morning light. Lucas and Rowan went to the middle table second row away from the teacher's desk.

The bell rang at nine o'clock precisely and the classroom went quiet. McGonagall rose from her chair and began going through the register. Calling out each of their names until she was assured all of them were there, and she could begin the lesson proper.

"For those of you who may not yet be aware, I am Professor McGonagall and I will be your teacher in the subject of Transfiguration," She tapped her wand on one of the two blackboards behind her and chalk began writing on it by itself "Transfiguration, as you soon will learn, is one of the most complicated forms of magic. If you are to succeed you will have to work hard in this class. Any tomfoolery and you can expect a kick out the door."

McGonagall paused. Like a drill sergeant inspecting the troops. Her eyes examined each and every one of them. Searching for the tiniest sign of doubt, confusion, or mockery at her statement. Lucas, like all others, was completely mum. If there were any amongst his classmates who disbelieved Mcgonagall's words, they were certainly not brave enough to say it.

Satisfied with her results. The professor turned her attention back to the blackboard behind her. The magical chalk having done its work. The board was now filled with texts and diagrams containing arcane sigils.

"Now then. Let us start with the foundations of this subject, the Transfiguration alphabet," Mcgonagall pointed her wand at the largest diagram on the board and off they went.

Lucas spent the first hour trying to learn the ins-and-outs of this new system. Struggling to maintain the balancing act that was writing down sufficient notes while keeping up with Mcgonagall's explanations. Blackburn would occasionally glance over to his friend. Rowan, it seemed, had no issues writing detailed notes while paying full attention to the professor's words. Looking at Khanna's writing. Lucas could only conclude that Rowan was writing twice as fast as he did.

After an hour worth of writing, lecturing, and demonstrations it was time to put their newfound knowledge to the test. Each of them was given a small match with the goal of transforming it into a needle.

"Do you want to try first?" Lucas asked as both wizards picked up their wands.

"Sure," Khanna stiffly answered before clearing his throat. He readied his wand and with match in front of him made his first attempt at altering the object.

Considering the ease Rowan had writing notes while listening to McGonagall and the fact that he had read through the subject book three times. Lucas had expected to see his companion succeed on his first attempt.

Blackburn soon realised, however, that performing magic required far more than strong book knowledge.

Lucas watched Rowan attempt the transfiguration multiple times with increasing exasperation. After his fourth try at the spell, Khanna was left staring at the wand held in his hand.

"This was how we were supposed to do it, right?" Rowan mimicked how McGonagall had instructed them to hold and move the wand. Lucas could only give a weak shrug of his shoulders. As far as he could tell, Rowan was doing everything as they had been informed to.

Khanna sighed and dropped his wand on the desk "Well, let's see you try then."

Lucas stared at the match in front of him. Focusing on imagining a needle in place of the match. He swung his wand and tried to make the idea a reality.

Despite his efforts, the match annoyingly remained very much match-like.

Both boys continued their attempts for dozens of minutes, as did the rest of the class. Lucas watched McGonagall walk amongst the students. Inspecting their progress and correcting any mistakes she saw them do. He wondered if any of the other students had any more luck than they did. But so far, Lucas had not seen the professor praise anyone for successfully completing the task. On the contrary, she had scolded Barnaby for accidentally breaking his match and Skye for somehow accomplishing to put hers on fire.

With only ten minutes left, it seemed like no one would be able to leave class with a match fully altered. McGonagall continued to examine their performance and by now, she was back to Lucas and Rowan.

Khanna, once again, tried to turn the match to no avail. The professor shook her head.

"Come then, Mister Blackburn, let me see you try one last time. Remember, it is not enough to simply think of a needle - your mind must fully realize it in all its aspects."

Lucas looked up at the professor, nodding at her words. He had heard her instructions before, but he had not truly listened. Blackburn's eyes lowered, resting on the match for a moment and instead of immediately trying to cast the spell. He instead reached out to hold it in his hand.

Closing his eyes. He focused on all the details of the item held between his fingers. Feeling the texture of the wood and replacing it in his mind with a smooth metal surface. His thumb touched the blunt head of the match and imagined in its stead a sharp point easily capable of drawing blood with a single prick.

Lucas opened his eyes and put down the match. Readying himself for one last attempt.

Casting the spell in the manner Mcgonagall had instructed them to. He nervously moved his wand away to see the result.

Gone was the match. In its stead was a needle. Its bright silvery surface gleaming in the light of the classroom.

"You did it!" Rowan exclaimed in amazement next to him. Lucas only starred at the needle speechless. His eyes finally moved away from the item, glancing at Rowan before looking back up at the Professor who returned with a small smile.

"Your attention everyone!" Mcgonagall called out at the end of class "Tomorrow we will review what we have learned today and I expect all of you to be able to transfigure your match as Mister Blackburn has," The professor held up Lucas' needle for all to see. Blackburn looked away. Struggling not to glow too much from the attention. Already most eyes of the class were on him.

"I still can't believe you managed to correctly transfigure the match!" Rowan said as the two of them were walking out the classroom, sounding just as impressed as when he first witnessed it.

"Believe me. I'm just as surprised as you are," Lucas soberly answered back. He was proud of what he had accomplished but a part of him worried. What if he had just gotten lucky and he had done nothing but give everyone false expectations of his abilities?

Rowan continued "You must be a natural talent at transfiguration. No one else in class was able to do it!" The boy paused and the two of them briefly walked in silence. Khanna's eyebrows slouched, and his head hung low "I just wished I had been able to do it as well."

"Don't worry," Lucas assured "With your studying skills, you'll have it mastered in no time today," A corner of Rowan's mouth pressed at his words like a smile incomplete. Lucas nudged him.

"Besides," Blackburn whispered while nodding towards Skye ahead of them "At least you didn't put your match on fire."

Rowan had to bite his lip not to laugh all the way to Herbology class. Their next lessons took place in Greenhouse One. Multiple greenhouses were used in Hogwarts. Some were located across the Hogwarts grounds. Others, like Greenhouse One, were situated in an open-roofed section of the castle's eastern side close to the Transfiguration class from which they left. It was a short walk and the Slytherin students arrived well ahead of their Hufflepuff counterparts.

"First-year Slytherins?" A stocky woman waiting at the greenhouse door enthusiastically asked them. Wearing a well-worn hat and clothes covered in dirt, she introduced herself as Professor Sprout - their teacher in Herbology and Hufflepuff's Head-of-House.

Everyone entered the greenhouse together after the first-year Hufflepuffs arrived. It was hot and humid inside, and the air hung with the smell of earth and rain. Lucas was reminded of the small glasshouse his grandparents had, though this one was much larger and with far greater range of specimens within.

"Take a place around the table, please!" Professor Sprout gestured them towards a long table in the middle of the room where she tallied them. The table was filled with neatly organized plants and a mix of associated tools strewn across it. The build-in shelf beneath it was loaded with empty pots and ample sacks of garden soil.

"With that out of the way, I welcome you all to your first Herbology class!" Sprout merrily declared after she had done counting them "Today we will learn about Dittany, the basic characteristics of the plant's anatomy and finally how to tend to it correctly."

The Professor clapped her hands once in excitement "Now then. Who of you can tell me of the primary properties of Dittany?"

The words had barely left the teacher's mouth before Rowan launched his hand into the air. Familiar with the plant from his grandmother's garden and potion-work, Lucas raised his own hand, as did several others.

Professor Sprout pointed at Rowan "Yes, Mister Khanna?"

"Dittany as a herb is known for its healing qualities," Rowan stated, sounding as if he read out loud from a book right in front him "It is most commonly used as an ingredient in several powerful healing draughts, including the Wiggenweld potion, but it can also be consumed directly to heal most wounds or mixed with silver to stop the bleeding from werewolf bites. Lastly, its' stalk has also been used to form the core of wands by some wandmakers."

"Excellent answer. Five points to Slytherin!" Professor Sprout gleefully said. An exited Rowan quickly glanced at Lucas, who returned with an approving nod.

The lesson continued as Sprout explained to them all the different aspects of the plant. What signs to look after to see if the plant was healthy, if it had too much water or too little and when its leaves were ripe for harvesting. To end with, they had been given a Dittany each to attend and if it was fully matured, to cut its leaves.

"Excuse me," A soft voice called Lucas from across the table "Would you kindly pass me the shears?"

Blackburn looked to see who was addressing him. Across stood a Hufflepuff witch with golden hair, long in its length and tied into two braids over her shoulders. Lucas remembered her from the Sorting Ceremony but could not recall her name.

"I hope you don't mind," The girl added "It's just that yours is the closest one," The features of her oval-shaped face relaxed. They were gentle, with almond-shaped eyes of a bright blue color and a petite nose.

Lucas blinked. Realizing he had not actually answered her yet. He gingerly handed her the gardening tool "Of course, I don't mind."

"Thank you," She took the shears. Lucas' eyes followed her as she readied to sever a leaf from the herb.

"Wait," Blackburn exclaimed without even thinking about it, interrupting the girl just as she was about to make the cut.

The witch turned her attention from the plant to him again "Pardon me?"

"Your Dittany…" Lucas felt like all words had left him for a moment. Pointing a finger at her plant before he could say anything more "It's not fully grown yet."

The witch tilted her head and offered a polite smile. Awaiting his explanation.

"There are still dark spots on one of the leaves," Lucas leaned over to point out where she had missed. Putting down the shears, the girl turned the potted plant to get a better look at the leaf herself. It was a small detail easily overlooked. It was only luck Lucas had noticed it.

"I must have missed it," The girl mused. She looked up to Lucas again "Thanks," A heartfelt smile formed on the sorcerer's lips that made the boy grin.

"No problem."

A snickering emerged from the girl's side and it was only now Blackburn discovered Tonks had stood next to the Hufflepuff witch witnessing their exchange the entire time. Blushing, Lucas returned to work on his own Dittany.

Near the end of class, Professor Sprout had walked around to inspect each of their Dittanys. Inquiring them about the state of their plant and what they had done.

"I'm surprised you haven't cut off the leaves, Miss Haywood. Your Dittany seems fully grown," The professor asked as it became the girl's turn.

"I thought so myself, Professor," The witch answered. Her eyes gleamed in Lucas' direction for a moment "But if you look closely. You will notice that one of the leaves still carry dark spots. So I decided to give it a small amount of water. Give it a few days more, and I expect this example to be fully ready."

Sprout beamed with pride at her student's answer and awarded Miss Haywood with five house points for having been thorough in her examination of her sample.

"You should have gotten those points," Rowan muttered as they left the greenhouse. Lucas only casually shook his head. His attention aimed at the girl from before. She was surrounded by her fellow Hufflepuff witches who all seemed to orbit around her.

"I don't mind," Lucas answered "I was just helping," Both Blackburn and Khanna had left Herbology class praised for a job well done by Professor Sprout though no points had been awarded to either of them.

"Helping is fine. But you should also remember to help Slytherin win the House cup." Rowan explained as they turned away from the Hufflepuffs and descended down a flight of stairs leading towards the dungeon. Herbology had left most students messy and all were heading back to their common room to bathe and switch clothes. Fortunately, Lucas was no rush to get it done. Beyond the forty-five-minute long lunch break which the entire school had; Blackburn and his fellow Slytherins had no lessons until two-forty.

With shower and lunch out of the way. Lucas and Rowan spent the hour before their next class relaxing and preparing in the library. Sharing the last few sweets Khanna had saved from yesterday's train ride.

Traveling to the third floor of the east tower. Lucas and Rowan waited with the other Slytherins and Gryffindors for the bell to ring and the classroom to empty before entering.

The Charms classroom was more compact than where they had Transfiguration. Two-row benches and tables filled both sides of the room covering its length and at the end of it stood a makeshift-podium comprised of heavy books on which their teacher of Charms was already standing. Cheerfully whistling a tune as he prepared their lesson.

"Look at him," Rowan subtly gestured at the professor in a bemused manner "He's so small."

Seeing the professor with his large glasses, mustache and tiny size. The Charms professor gave Lucas a quirky impression. Amplified by the teacher's choice of attire; dark pinstripe trousers, white shirt, bowtie and vest worn under a black jacket.

"My parents say he's goblin-blooded," Lucas whispered back.

Rowan struggled not to giggle "So it's true?" Lucas hushed him to be quiet as they got further into the classroom.

Desiring a good spot close to the professor. Lucas and Rowan scuffled their way past to get a spot near the podium. By the end as all students had found a seat. Most had naturally divided themselves between their Houses with Slytherins on one side and Gryffindors on the other.

"Good afternoon everybody," Their teacher announced "I see you all have your books, quills, and wands ready - that's good. We will begin in just a moment," the professor drew out both quill and scroll and started going through the register. The professor's eyes slowly traveled upwards upon reaching Lucas' name. Blackburn raised his hand to identify himself. The teacher gazed at him for a moment long enough for the attention of the room to draw on him "Yes, you're here... good," He murmured before continuing.

"Looks like everyone is here, excellent!" The professor declared as he finished accounting for the students. Putting the scroll to the side, the small man turned his attention back to the pupils "I am Professor Flitwick, and it is my pleasure to be your Charms teacher for this year. Charms, as I hope to show you, is a valuable subject with many practical and wonderful applications."

The professor drew his wand and aimed it at the school book of one of the Gryffindor wizards, whose textbook suddenly started to float. Laughs and sounds of amazement filled the classroom, only the boy whose book was lifted had a difference of reaction; being utterly petrified with dread.

Professor Flitwick landed the tome on the table again "Do not fear, Mr. Copper, your book is once more completely harmless and inanimate," Pleased with his display, Flitwick continued "With that little demonstration out of the way. We can begin our lesson on how to cast Lumos and its counter-charm. Now, can anyone here tell me what the effect of the spell Lumos is?"

Just like Herbology, Rowan was the first to have his hand in the air and Flitwick gave him permission to answer "Lumos, or the Wand-Lighting Charm, is a spell that when cast illuminates the tip of the caster's wand with light akin to that from the sun."

"Correct, Mister Khanna. Five points to Slytherin! Now, do any of you know what the counter-charm for Lumos is?"

Another group of hands was raised. Flitwick looked at all of them before gesturing the Gryffindor wizard who had his book levitated "Go ahead, Mister Copper,"

"N-Nox- The boy stammered out "The counter-charm is Nox, Professor." Several students snickered at Copper's obvious nervousness. It was only then that Lucas recognized him as the same terrified boy from yesterday. It was rather odd in Blackburn's mind. He could understand being terrified during the sorting ceremony, but scared in Charms class?

"Good answer, Mister Copper. You've earned five points for Gryffindor," Flitwick answered, ignoring the sneers "Moving on to the next part. Before we start performing the actual charm, we will need to learn and understand the basics of casting this type of magic."

They spent the next part listening to Flitwick explain the core principles of the subject. Explaining the differences between charms and transfigurations and what the most important factors were in successfully casting charms spells. Flitwick, thankfully, was far more lenient in his pace compared to McGonagall and Lucas had no problem writing down notes and paying attention.

The time spent on theory was far shorter compared to Transfiguration and after thirty minutes, they were ready to learn about the spell itself.

"Pay attention everyone! I will now demonstrate the correct way to cast Lumos and Nox," Flitwick's wand glowed with light as he casted the Wand-Lighting Charm before extinguishing it again with the counterspell "Focus on my hand and wrist movement. Notice the way I pronounce the words," He repeated the action several times.

They proceeded to try and learn how to correctly replicate the necessary wand-movement and how to speak the words of the spell. Flitwick would occasionally single out a student and ask them to try for the rest of class to see. Correcting any mistakes they made and to help point out the common pitfalls students fell into when trying to cast the spell.

"Alright, class, now that we have learned all the components of the spell. It is time for you to try and cast Lumos."

Lucas hesitated. Despite having practiced the wand movement and pronunciation of the spell, doubt still clouded him. He thought back to Ollivander's store, how his wand had quelled the light and spread only shadow. Would the same thing happen again?

Picking up the wand. Lucas gazed at the other students as they tried to cast Lumos. Only a minute had gone by since they started, but so far none had succeeded. He looked across to where most of the Gryffindors were. Charlie was sitting next to Copper. Both busy as they tried to cast the newly taught charm, doing their best to help each other.

Knowing that he could not dawdle forever. He turned his attention back to himself. Focusing in on the points Flitwick had taught them. Blackburn made his first attempt at the spell.

"Lumos."

No success. His wand remained as unilluminated as before. Blackburn did not feel discouraged, however. Glancing to his side, Lucas saw Rowan deeply occupied trying to perform the spell like so many others. Their effort and stress increasing with every swing of the wand. He thought back to Transfiguration; he had succeeded where none others did. Charms would be no different.

"Lumos!"

His second attempt bore no fruit either. But Lucas did not balk at the result. On the contrary, he only felt calmer. His eyes turned back to the wand which he instinctively knew to be the source. It was a different sensation; instilling in him not a warm reassurance of his ability, but cold confidence in his potential. Demanding him to assert his will and show his power.

"Lumos!"

A bright light shone from the tip of Lucas' wand. Sitting next to him, both Rowan and Barnaby ceased their own attempts to gawk in amazement.

"Marvelous!" Flitwick squeaked "Everyone pay attention to Mister Blackburn!"

For the first time, Lucas did not mind the attention given and held up the illuminating wand in triumph. Knowing that everyone bore witness to his casting of the Wand-Lighting Charm, he prepared to cast the counter-charm.

"Nox!"

"Outstanding!" Flitwick cried "It's been years since I've seen such a flawless execution of Lumos and Nox - On a third try no less! Five points to Slytherin!"

Lucas leaned back with a satisfied grin.

Class continued and Blackburn spent the remainder of it helping out Rowan and Barnaby with their casting per Flitwick's instructions. By the end, the majority of students had managed to cast both charm and counter-charm at least once. Surprisingly, the terrified Mr. Copper revealed himself to be second only to Lucas in casting the spell.

"Alright everybody! Next time we will revise Lumos and Nox as well as begin studying the Softening Charm," Flitwick called out as the bell rang and everyone began packing their bags. The professor turned to Lucas "Mister Blackburn, if I may have a word with you in private?"

Lucas and Rowan exchanged a puzzled glance with each other before Blackburn returned the teacher's gaze "Of course, Professor."

Having gathered their items. Lucas and Rowan left their seats.

"You go ahead. I'll see you in Potions," Lucas gestured towards the exit. Rowan nodded, and Blackburn watched as he left with the rest of the Slytherins. With the classroom emptied he turned around to face his teacher "You wanted to speak with me, Professor?"

"Just a quick word if you don't mind," Flitwick descended from his podium to sit behind a nearby desk.

Lucas rubbed his neck "Did I do something wrong?"

Flitwick shook his head and leaned back in his chair "Nothing of the sort. On the contrary, you did quite well. Your Lumos was the best casting of the charm I've seen from a first-year in quite some time. In fact, the last student to do it as well was..."

"Jacob?" Lucas' gaze fell downwards.

"Yes," The professor gave a heavy nod "Which leads me to my question."

Lucas' sight lifted to meekly meet his teacher's. Flitwick let out a deep sigh.

"Your brother was the best student Hogwarts has had in decades. It is a shame he threw it all away in the last two years he was here chasing myths and legends. I hope you don't intend to follow his example."

Lucas' head bowed "Don't worry, Professor, I want to be a good student."

Flitwick smiled "I believe you," the teacher paused and scratched his brow "Look, I didn't mean to trouble you, young wizard. Be proud of your accomplishments today. I'd just hate to see another promising talent squander themselves."

Lucas only nodded in return. Flitwick gestured towards the door "You're free to leave, Mister Blackburn. I won't keep you any longer."

Lucas spun out the room. Potions was next and Lucas had no intention of getting late to the lesson taught by his own Head-of-House. Dashing down the grand staircase, he nearly collided into a group of third-years who yelled at him to watch where he was going. Blackburn ignored them, having no intention of stopping or apologizing.

Arriving at the dungeons, Lucas was greeted by a change in the air. He had not paid it any attention yesterday, with how tired and overfed he had been. But walking through the dungeon it was clearly more damp and raw here than the floors above.

Lucas slowed his pace. He was in good time and knew there was no need to rush any longer. Walking down the corridor, Blackburn was about to take the turn that would lead him to his destination.

"Admit it!" A voice yelled out from around the corner. Lucas halted immediately. Curious to see what was going on. He cautiously peeked around it.

Close to the entrance to the potions classroom were two Slytherin students. The wizard had his back against the wall, cowering from the witch opposing him.

"I-I can't!" The wizard panicked. Lucas' heart jumped at the realization that it was Rowan being harassed. But by who?

The girl stepped closer to Rowan, pushing him even further against the wall "Say I am the most powerful witch at Hogwarts!"

Focusing on the sorcerer. Lucas recognized her as the Snyde witch who had spied on him yesterday.

"It's logically impossible!" Khanna pleaded "You're less powerful than Professor McGonagall, Professor Sprout, Madam Hooch, Madam Pomfrey, and every single seventh-year!" He adjusted his glasses "You're just a first-year like me!"

The witch's hands curled into fists "I'm nothing like you!" She growled.

Lucas had heard enough. He stepped out from the corner "Get away from him."

His entrance caught the attention of both students. Rowan's wide-open eyes immediately switched towards him.

"Who do you think you are?" The girl said furiously. Indignant that somebody would dare oppose her.

"Lucas is the one who should be claiming to be the best wizard!" Rowan blurted out "He was the only one to transform his match and Professor Flitwick said he cast the best wand-lighting charm of any first-year," The girl glanced at Khanna.

"Lucas, huh?" She contemptuously answered before turning her sight back to Lucas "Now I know exactly who you are. You're Lucas Blackburn. Your brother lost his mind, disgraced our House, got expelled from school, and was never heard from again."

As she continued to snarl at him, Lucas crossed his arms, studying the hostile witch bottom-up. Without a doubt she was the most peculiar girl he had ever seen. Her fine clothes were tattered as if from rough play, and she wore combat boots that seemed too large a fit, making Lucas wonder if one might go flying off from her foot as she kept stomping her domineering feet into the ground when moving closer to him.

"The Sorting Hat should be burned for putting you in Slytherin," She grimaced staring back at Lucas, her face had a small turned-up nose and thick eyebrows, her hair, wild and messy, spotted an orange tuft covering the front-left. It was her eyes, however, which were the most curious thing of all. Violet in their color, they shone with a spirit rarely seen. A vision which would end up haunting Lucas for days to come.

"Are you Snyde?" Lucas asked, dismissing her earlier taunt.

"Merula Snyde," She haughtily corrected "Fourth generation Slytherin and greatest witch at Hogwarts." The girl paused to study him just as he had examined her.

"I overheard the professors whispering about you at the feast. Saw how Professor Flitwick wanted to speak with you after Charms," Merula locked eyes with him "I suppose you think you're better than me," Her expression formed into a sneer "I should put you out of your misery before you ruin Hogwarts like your brother tried to."

Lucas glared at her with incredulity. It seemed surreal that a fellow first-year would have such a problem with him already.

"Look," Blackburn said, trying to sound as diplomatic as possible "I don't want any trouble, okay?" Felix's warning about staying out hot waters as well as his own promise to be a credit to Slytherin were both running through his mind. He desperately wanted to uphold both, but this witch was making it difficult.

Merula stepped towards him until they were face-to-face with each other. A smirk slowly spreading across her lips "You don't have a choice." Lucas was taken back by her boldness. He was at least half-a-head taller than her, yet she seemed completely dauntless.

"You're just afraid I'm more powerful than you," Blackburn answered coolly.

The lines of her face tensed at his words "Let's find out who's more powerful right now…"

The world slowed to a crawl for Lucas as the possibility that Merula was actually going to fight dawned on him.

A series of loud footsteps interrupted the two students before either could act. All three first-years looked up to see who was approaching.

In front of them now stood the same pale-skinned and hooked-nosed professor from the feast. Towering above them, the three children all froze in his presence.

"Professor Snape?!" Merula uttered out. Eyebrows rounded in surprise. The professor spared the witch only a brief glance before focusing on Lucas.

"Blackburn," Snape said in an icy voice. The professor's dark eyes pierced into Lucas who struggled not to flinch as before "I knew you would be trouble. Explain yourself."

Lucas hesitated. Finally he was able to put a name on the face of the ominous teacher from the feast. He had heard of Professor Snape from both his father and brother who spoke ill of the man. A fact that Blackburn had a bad feeling that Snape somehow became aware of after looking at him.

"Merula was bullying my friend, Professor." Lucas gestured with a hand towards Rowan who nodded wildly in response.

Snape did not even bother to look at Khanna. Pointing a finger at the nearest door instead "Get to Potions class. Be thankful you aren't heading to detention."

Snape walked off into another room close by. Merula had given both boys one last look before heading into Potions class without saying anything.

"Thanks for standing up for me, Lucas," A relieved Rowan said when they were finally alone.

"You've done the same for me," Lucas pointed out. Rowan looked over his shoulder to make sure Snape was not sneaking up on them again.

"Did you hear what Merula said? That the professors were talking about you during the feast. Why would they do that?" Rowan's brows furrowed with worry.

"I don't know," Lucas admitted. He had seen it himself yesterday how all the teachers had whispered to each other as he was about to be sorted. Some part of him wondered if maybe he had just imagined things. But with Flitwick's reaction towards him in Charms and with Merula claiming to have overheard the staff during the feast: That seemed unlikely. The question was then why? Because of Jacob?

"Let's just get to Potions," Rowan said. Motioning Blackburn to follow him "We're in enough trouble as it is."

"No arguing there," Lucas thought

If one had hoped that the Potions classroom was more cozy than the rest of the dungeon, one would be sorely disappointed. The room was just as dark and muggy as the corridors outside. Each wall of the classroom had shelves and cupboards covering them. All filled to the brim with a vast array of ingredients.

Lucas and Rowan found themselves seats furthest away from the teacher's table. With how Snape had acted towards them, neither felt like taking any chances by being close to him. Lucas was busy getting his books out from his bag when Merula approached their table.

"I believe I'll sit here," Snyde said. Sounding as if she was the head-of-state making some grand decision. Lucas stared at her as she pulled out a chair to sit on. Merula had gone in before them. Had she really waited all this time for them so she could sit at the same table?

The heavy sound of the entrance door being opened and closed made all students turn their heads. Professor Snape briskly walked towards his desk without even looking at his students.

Snape immediately began going through the register as all teachers had previously. Like Flitwick he stopped at Blackburn's name, drawing it out with a sound of antipathy in his voice. Done with the register. Snape rose up from his chair to scrutinize the entire class and the room became silent as a crypt.

"I am Professor Snape," The teacher proclaimed with a whisper that still held the chamber's attention with an iron grip "And I am here to educate you in the subtle and precise art of potion-making. Know that, unlike your other classes, this is not a place for foolish wand-waving and intolerable screeching of mispronounced incantations. Here we deal with delicate powers and exact sciences."

Snape prowled back and forth, observing the students like some sort of animal. With his black clothes and dark eyes, Lucas thought the professor reminded him of a sort of great, horrid bat. Snape continued.

"As this is your first Potions class, though based on the bewildered look in your eyes, it could very well be your last," Snape shot a heavy glare towards Barnaby and Skye sitting next to each other "You will today produce a potion for the curing of boils. It is a simple recipe that even the most basic amongst you should be able to make flawlessly."

Snape walked back to the clean chalkboard "Know that I expect competency from all of you. And know that there will be severe consequences for failing to meet my expectations. Now pay attention as I explain how to brew this potion."

Snape was as fast in his teaching as McGonagall. Lucas spent the next part desperately keeping up with the professor's explanation and examples. Doing his best to write down the exact ingredients used, how they should be added, what the appropriate temperature was, and the correct method of stirring the potion.

Lucas felt like he had written an entire book's worth of notes when they were finally done. Looking at the length of text written, Blackburn could only imagine with dread how notes for the more advanced potions would be. They moved on to the next part of making the potion themselves.

"You think you're so special, but you're already guaranteed to fail, Blackburn," Snyde taunted Lucas as he was setting up his equipment. The wizard looked up from his pot to her.

"What's that supposed to mean?" He demanded. The corners of Merula's smile pushed themselves into a devious sneer that left Lucas suspicious.

"You'll see…" She said before turning back to her own cauldron. Lucas was about to answer back when he suddenly felt Rowan kick him under the table.

"Ignore her," Khanna spoke through closed teeth "Snape has already reprimanded us. Let's just get up and get all the ingredients, we need to brew this potion perfectly," Rowan nodded in the direction of Snape who Lucas suddenly realized was very close by. Had he talked back to Merula, Snape would most likely have heard him and scolded him further.

"Right," Lucas whispered back and both rose up from their chairs. Heading towards the shelves. They waited minutes in line behind other students to take their share of the needed ingredients.

The lesson continued. Snape spent most of it overlooking their work, hanging above them like a dark cloud. Unlike any of their three previous teachers, Snape only seemed interested in criticizing and chiding them for any mistakes. Barnaby and Skye got the worst of it.

"Fools!" Snape snarled at the two Slytherins "You've both added far too much crushed snake fangs to your potion. What part of four measures did neither of you understand?"

Despite Snape's outburst, he did not draw points from either Barnaby or Skye. Tonks, however, was not as lucky after Snape caught her idly chatting.

"One point from Hufflepuff, Miss Tonks, and if I find you talking with Miss Lobosca again, I will gladly give both of you detention."

Lucas did his best not to get distracted by Snape's constant patrolling and focused only on his own potion. But despite being familiar with the potion already, having helped his grandmother brew it. Blackburn still felt the pressure that came with Snape looking over his shoulder as he added four horned slugs to his concoction.

Not all were castigated by Snape. A select few seemed able to get something other than derision. The Aquino twins and Ms. Haywood had been lauded for how they brewed their potions. Most frustrating was the constant praise Snape had given Merula throughout class. Telling everyone how perfectly she had done her potion after she had added her porcupine quills and stirred it.

Lucas was almost done with his own potion. Taking his cauldron off the fire. The last thing he needed was to add the porcupine quills and stir it five times clockwise. Reaching out to take the quills, he cautiously added them into the cauldron one at a time before gently stirring the mixture.

Ready to complete his potion. Lucas waved his wand exactly as Snape had taught them. His potion gave off a small hiss before releasing a cloud of pink smoke and leaving behind a blue liquid.

A sigh of relief emerged from Blackburn. Snape had done nothing but instill anxiety in him for the last hour over potentially failing to craft his potion. With his elixir done he could perhaps prove to Snape his worth as a Slytherin.

"Nice job, Lucas!" Rowan congratulated "Most wizards I've read about rarely ever get their first potion right."

"Thanks, Rowan," Lucas said. The words had barely left him before his cauldron began violently shaking "Wait?! What is happening?!"

Rowan's eyes widened in panic "Did you add Bulbadox powder?! This looks like the beginning of an explosive reaction!"

"Explosive?!" Lucas leaped up from his chair. All eyes were now on him, Snape's included. His cauldron's shaking now intensified even further. A loud snap followed and his cauldron exploded into dozens of pieces. Lucas dodged to the side to avoid getting hit by the loose fluid while Rowan ducked under the table.

"Congratulations," Merula quipped "You have cured the table of boils."

The entire classroom, barring Rowan, was now laughing at Lucas' accident, even Haywood, the blonde-haired girl from Herbology, giggled. Blackburn's cheeks were red hot and he wished more than anything to turn invisible and run away.

"Silence!" Snape commanded. His voice had only been raised slightly over its usual soft tone, but it was enough. The entire room went quiet. Snape approached Lucas, his steps slow and methodical.

Towering above Lucas. The professor stared down the young wizard with his dark eyes "Explain yourself, Blackburn, now."

"I-I'm sorry, Professor Snape," Lucas quivered out, struggling not to break down in shame and embarrassment "I didn't mean to let you down."

"You didn't let me down, Blackburn. My expectations for you were incredibly low," Snape coldly stated "Your brother was just as arrogant. He thought himself above my instructions as well. But unlike you, he had the decency to possess some measure of talent."

Like twisting a knife into his gut. Snape paused to let Lucas fully absorb his words before rendering the final part of his judgment.

"Ten points from Slytherin."

The classroom became lit with murmurs. Lucas felt utterly crushed. How could he make such a mistake that cost Slytherin ten house points? Not only had he undone his achievement in Charms, he had now hurt Slytherin's effort in winning the House Cup.

"Silence!" Snape demanded once more. He ordered Lucas to sit down before resuming his inspection of the remaining potions.

Lucas obeyed. Across the table, Merula was examining the destroyed cauldron, shaking her head.

"You should have known that coating your cauldron with Bulbadox powder would make your potion explode," Merula openly mused, a cruel smile forming on her lips "I certainly did."

Lucas blinked, staring at her incomprehensibly "You did this? Why? We're both Slytherin!"

Disdain filled Merula's violet eyes "I'd rather lose House points now than have you ruin Slytherin forever. Now there's no doubt that I'm the most important first-year, and you're nothing but a disgrace just like your brother."

Anger and disbelief bubbled inside Lucas. He wanted nothing more than to strike out and hurt her in retaliation. Only the sound of the school bell brought him back.

"Dismissed. I've had enough of all of you for one day." Snape declared.

Packing his bag. Lucas was met with comment after comment by the other students on their way out.

"Nice potion-work, Lucas" Tonks teased.

"At least I didn't lose House points," Skye mumbled

"Hufflepuff appreciates the help," Billingsley taunted.

"It's only going to get worse from here on out, Blackburn." Merula warned him as he left the classroom.

As Lucas returned to his common room. All he could think of was how upset the rest of Slytherin would be with him. Already people scorned him because of his brother. How worse would things get when they also thought he was losing them House points?

"Don't worry, Lucas. We'll get those points back, I promise!" Rowan had tried to cheer him up. Lucas' head remained bowed the entire way.

Awaiting him in the Slytherin common room was a serious-looking Felix Rosier.

"Blackburn, we need to talk. Please follow me," The Prefect gestured the boy to accompany him. Lucas and Rowan exchanged a worried look with each other.

Blackburn stepped forward with an air of resignation "Of course."

Following his Prefect into the small side room. Lucas saw the Aquino twins staring at him from afar with sullen eyes. It wouldn't surprise Lucas if they had already told Felix of what happened in Potions class.

The side room was like a small office and living room combined. In a corner stood a work desk with a chair on both sides. Closer by were two sofas across each other with a small table between them. In the center of one of the room's side was a small fireplace. The other side had windows looking out to the lake.

"What room is this?" Lucas asked.

"Prefects' room, where we can discuss things in private. The other common rooms have the same," Felix explained as he closed the door behind them. Lucas rested against the wall as he awaited his Prefect's lecture.

"Alright," Felix started "Slytherin just lost ten House points during your Potions class. What happened?"

"It wasn't my fault!" Lucas asserted "Merula Snyde sabotaged my potion! She coated it with Bulbadox powder, she's the reason it exploded!"

Felix crossed his arms "Merula Snyde is a fellow Slytherin. Do you have any proof?"

"She admitted it!" Blackburn cried out.

Felix frowned "So you have none?"

"I'm telling the truth!" Lucas proceeded to tell Felix the story from the start. How Merula had harassed Rowan before Potions, how he had intervened and that she had taken a personal interest in taking him down. The only thing he left out was the part about the teachers talking about him.

Felix, to his credit, at least seemed to keep an open mind as he listened. After Lucas got done recounting his story, Felix was left scratching his brow.

"Look, even if this is all true. It's her word against yours and I doubt Snape would favor you in such a case." Felix explained "I'll tell the other Prefects, but they are not going to just jump to your side."

Lucas' bottom lip jutted out "So no one is going to believe me? Not even you?"

"Only if you do nothing, Lucas. But if you work hard and regain Slytherin our lost House points, it would make people more willing to believe that you were sabotaged and not just being foolish."

Lucas sighed. It didn't seem fair. Having to prove his innocence from something he did not do. But there was no other way was there?

"Alright, I will," Blackburn answered.

"Good. And remember that it is a Prefect's job to help first-years like you with their problems. If you need help then speak to us. Show us that you are willing to improve."

Lucas nodded absently at the words. He left the Prefects' room not feeling much better than he entered. Felix may not have disciplined him, but he had not taken his side either.

"How did it go?" Rowan asked as he returned to the common room. Hearing Lucas' retelling only made Khanna determined that they should immediately go to the library for studying. Something Lucas had little fervor for in his current mood.

Lucas retreated to his dormitory, thankful to find it empty. He crashed into his bed. It was a quarter past six yet all appetite had left him. Blackburn glanced over to his bedstand to see a new letter delivered to him. Examining it, he read that it was from Mum and Dad.

A few hours ago he would have been happy to see it. But all he could do now was to stare vacantly up into the ceiling with a thousand worries afflicting his mind. He worried about how much the other first-years would dislike him. Worried just how much more trouble Merula would give him.

But most of all.

He worried about what he was going to write back home.

~*•°•*~

Merula Snyde had enjoyed exploring the castle.

She knew Hogwarts was large, but she could not truly comprehend it until she had traveled down its countless corridors and ventured into its many unused rooms. Even with the small opportunity she had today, she had discovered at least five hidden passageways. Some by observing older students from afar, others through her own guile and wit.

Her only regret was how little time left there had been for it. With class having concluded at nearly six o'clock. Her tiny expedition had ended before it even began.

Done with her excursion for the day. She had found herself outside the castle when she decided to return to Slytherin's common room. The castle grounds were empty, it's large fields basked in twilight. A welcome relief from the filled classrooms she had found herself in the majority of the day.

Not that it had not been fun though. She had enjoyed Potions. For Snape appreciated her talents. And it gave her the chance she needed to humiliate Blackburn.

Blackburn.

She chewed on the name in disgust. Hearing the teachers talk about him, watching him receive all his undeserved praise in Charms and Transfiguration; All of it angered her. His accomplishments were nothing but accidental. It had taken all her willpower not to cast a jinx on him in Charms after he been rewarded house points and he leaned back with a smug grin on his face. Watching the loser nearly break down in Potions, however, had more than made up for it.

Walking by one of the greenhouses that occupied the castle grounds. She pondered on what her next move should be. Blackburn needed to go, that much was certain.

"I'm telling you, it's still too bright to transport these. We should have waited an hour," A voice called out from inside the greenhouse. Merula halted, eager to listen in.

"Don't be daft, Colton, it'll be dusk in a moment. More than enough to not cause them too much harm. Besides, they're more dangerous to carry when it's dark."

Stalking like a cat, Merula leaned out from the greenhouse's doorway to see who was talking.

Inside stood two older Slytherin students. Merula immediately recognized them from yesterday, Amadeus and Colton. They had confronted Blackburn and would have taught him a lesson, pity Felix had intervened.

The two wizards were both overlooking what seemed to be gardenings pots filled with something living and writhing.

"It was just two we needed for studying, right?" Colton asked his compatriot.

Amadeus answered "Yeah, no need for more. They'll grow large enough when we get them someplace suitable,"

Potentially Large and possibly dangerous? Merula's curiosity was increasing. Wanting to know more, she decided to take the most direct course of action.

"What are you two talking about?" She asked loudly as she stepped into the doorway.

Both wizards revolved around to see who had just approached them. Bemused expressions clear on their faces as the small witch revealed herself.

"You're one of the first-years, aren't you?" Amadeus inquired.

Merula nodded "Did you hear how Blackburn's potion blew up and he lost house points?"

Both wizards smirked "We did," Colton answered.

Merula pointed a thumb at herself "Guess who was responsible for that?"

A satisfied laugh emerged from both Amadeus and Colton. The two teenagers looked at each other before Amadeus gestured Merula to come closer "We're working with some Devil's Snare here. Take a look."

Merula approached them unafraid. Standing on her toes, she leaned over to see the contents of the pot. Inside was a mass of soft, springy tendrils of vines worming around.

"What does it do?" She asked.

"It ensnares anything living it touches with its tendrils. A large Devil's Snare can easily choke a man to death," Amadeus calmly explained.

"And the best part," Colton added in excitement "The more the victim struggles, the easier the Devil's Snare will entrap them."

Merula's eyebrows raised "It doesn't look that dangerous right now to me."

"Just you wait," Amadeus corrected "Give it a few days somewhere nice and dark and it'll grow much bigger - enough to trap somebody."

Merula watched with great interest as the two wizards continued for minutes to showcase to her all the attributes the Devil's Snare had. For as she learned more and more of the dangerous plant, a new scheme was already forming in her head. All she needed would be a little assistance from Amadeus and Colton, and they would be more than eager to help.

As the two teenagers were finished showing off the Devil's Snare, a crafty smile revealed itself on the young witch.

For Merula Snyde knew exactly what to do.


AN: Credit for the scene breaker used goes to serendipitymadness who used it in their story "Mysteries of Hogwarts - Year 1." I found it quite aesthetic so I decided to employ it myself.

It was a blast to write this chapter and I hope managed to capture some of those two iconic first moments the player has with Merula. If you enjoyed reading this then feel free to leave a comment.