A Shadow Rising
Chapter 6: Rumours and Threats
Schedules were handed out at breakfast the next morning, and the post was delivered around the same time. Norah pocketed a letter from her parents, intending to read it in the common room that evening. Then she took a look at her schedule.
"What day is it?" Norah yawned.
"It's Wednesday, why?" Becky replied.
"Oh, no!" Norah groaned. "We've got double Potions first things, with the Slytherins."
"That's bleeding bad luck, that is!" Will observed from seven seats over. "I've got Divination first, the easiest class of all!"
"Don't rub it in," Norah sighed, surveying the rest of her schedule. "The second half of the day isn't much better. After lunch we've got History of Magic, then Transfiguration."
"Transfiguration, great!" Becky clapped.
Norah wrinkled her nose. "No, not great. Haven't you heard about the Transfiguration teacher? They say she's almost as bad as Snape! What's her name again? Merrill?"
Becky paled. "Oh yeah, I forgot all about her... My brothers were talking about her this summer. I heard she gives you detention if you breathe too loud."
"Come on you two, you haven't even met her yet," Julia reasoned. "Your brothers are probably just trying to scare you. Anyway, we won't find out until this afternoon. We've got Potions in five minutes, though. Let's get going."
The first year Gryffindors and Slytherins headed down to the dungeons for their first Potions class of the year. Norah slid into a seat between Julia and Enid, while Becky and Ruby found seats in the row in front of them.
Professor Snape stood at the front of the room, surveying the class with a mixture of distate and severity, and maybe mild amusement.
"First of all, we will go over the set of rules and expectations which you are to follow while in this class," he stated. "I expect all of you to behave like civilised wizards and witches, however difficult that may seem. There will be no fighting, rowing, note passing, or needless chatter. You are to remain silent at all times. You have no reason to speak unless I permit it. If you break any of these rules, or display any other questionable behaviour, points will be deducted from your house, or you will receive a detention."
"Unless you're in Slytherin," Julia whispered to Norah, who nodded.
"Now," the Professor continued, "to start this term off on an interesting note, we're going to have a contest. Slytherin versus Gryffindor. I will ask you a question dealing with Potions, and if your answer is correct, you'll receive a point, and I will ask you another question. If you are incorrect, the other house will get a chance to answer. Is everyone clear?"
There was a collective "yes" from the gathered students.
"Good," he replied. With a wave of his wand a floating scoreboard was conjured up. 'Slytherin' hovered above the left column, and 'Gryffindor' hovered above the right. "Slytherin goes first. Question One: name three ingredients in a shrinking solution. Yes, Malfoy."
"It figures," Julia whispered to Norah once again. "Malfoys are always going to be teacher's pet in Potions." Norah leaned over to get a better look at him.
"Daisy roots, caterpiller, and leech juice," Dominic said smoothly.
"Well done, Mr Malfoy. Slytherin receives one point." the scoreboard flashed and a '1' appeared in the Slytherin column. "Next question: what is the most powerful truth potion available?"
"Veritaserum," Dominic answered.
"Once again, correct," Snape replied. The '1' in the Slytherin column changed to a '2'. "Question Three: what is bubotubor puss most commonly used for?"
The Slytherins seemed stumped on this one. Snape gave them a minute, then turned to the Gryffindors. "Does anyone on this side have the answer?"
Becky's hand shot up into the air.
"Yes, Weasley," Snape motioned for her to answer.
"It cures stubborn acne!" she grinned. A '1' appeared in the Gryffindor column. "My brother used in a lot when he was in fourth year," she whispered to Norah, giggling.
"Question Four: name a potion that is forbidden at Hogwarts. Potter, go ahead."
"The lurrrve potion," Norah grinned. The girls in the class giggled and whispered to each other.
"Correct," Snape said, annoyed, as a '2' replaced the '1' in the Gryffindor column. "There was, however, no reason to pronounce 'love' like that, and cause a disruption in the class. Five points from Gryffindor."
"Oh come on, that's not fair!" Becky complained.
"Becky, shut up!" Norah exclaimed, but it was too late. Snape seemed quite happy to relieve Gryffindor of another five points.
With five minutes left in the class, Slytherin and Gryffindor were tied at twelve points each. "Class is almost over, so this will be the last question," Snape said. "A difficult one. Name one ingredient in the polyjuice potion, besides a bit of who you want to turn into."
The class was silent. No one knew such advanced potions. Norah bit her lip. She remembered overhearing a conversation between her mother and father years ago, that had to do with the polyjuice potion... She furrowed her brow, thinking back to that night. Her father had returned home late from a trial. He was testifying as one of the witnesses in the trial of an important Death Eater, something he had to do a lot when she was very young.
"They need to think on it?" she remembered her mother saying, as she listened from the top of the stairs.
"They need to think on it!" her father repeated. "I can't believe this jury. The evidence was all there. It's blindingly obvious that he was using the polyjuice potion to impersonate the Minister! They found the ingredients all stashed up in a cupboard in his house!"
Norah shook her head, and thought harder. What were the ingredients. Something to do with skin... Boomskin? No, that wasn't it.... Boom something... Boom... Boom... "Boomslang skin!" she exclaimed aloud.
Snape blinked, surprised that someone had spoken, then grimaced. "Very well, Potter. Gryffindor receives another point." At that moment the bell rang signalling the end of class. "You are dismissed," he said, as the students rushed out of the classroom.
"Norah, you were brill!" Becky laughed as she caught up to her cousin on their way to the Great Hall for Lunch. "Snape never knew what hit him!"
"That was just a lucky guess," came a cold voice from behind her. She turned slowly to face a girl with long blonde hair, pulled back in a tight braid, sporting an ugly frown.
"Who are you?" Norah raised an eyebrow.
"I'm Miranda Goyle," she sniffed. "But it's not like it's any of your business."
"Yeah, well, maybe you shouldn't insult people you don't want to talk to," Norah said, turning to walk away, but Miranda slid in front of her.
"You better watch how you talk to your superiors, Potter," she spat Norah's last name like it was poison on her tongue.
"Superiors? Umm, isn't your father in Azkaban? Because he's a Death Eater?" Becky twirled a strand of firey red hair around her finger.
"Becky!" Norah sighed exasperatedly. "You don't know when to shut up, do you? Come on, let's go!" But Miranda stepped in front of them again.
"I don't appreciate people insulting my family. I'd watch your backs if I were you," she sneered.
"Hey, what's going on here?" Marcus stepped up to the girls.
"None of your business!" Miranda glared up at him.
"It is my business. I'm a prefect," he said, pointing to his badge. "And that's my little sister and cousin you're threatening. Do you want me to report you to the Headmistress, or what?"
"No," Miranda said sulkily.
"Then run along and stop making empty threats," Marcus said firmly. "Go on."
"Gladly," she shot back, then caught sight of Dominic Malfoy, who was striding towards the Great Hall. "Dominic, hi, wait up! Wait for me!" she called, running after him. Norah glared after her.
"Who was that?" Marcus asked, as they continued towards the Great Hall.
Becky rolled her eyes. "She says her name is Miranda Goyle."
"Goyle, eh?" his eyes twinkled. "Not the most respectable family, hmm? What did she want with you two?"
"Becky insulted her because her father's in Azkaban, and then she got angry," Norah replied. "And she told us to watch our backs."
"You two be careful," Marcus said, as they entered the Hall. "You've heard the rumours, about Death Eaters returning. Who knows what could happen. Don't go making enemies with everyone in Slytherin, a lot of them already have grudges against our families. Especially your's, Norah. Your father helped to put a lot of people in Azkaban," he looked pointedly at her.
Becky rolled her eyes. "Blimey, Marcus, don't be so paranoid! You're starting to sound like Norah's brother! 'Ohh, what's gonna happen?! Death Eaters are attacking! Death Eaters!! Ahhh!! The Dark Lord has come again! What shall we do?!?!"
"Becky!" Norah hissed.
"What?" she blinked.
"Everyone's staring at you!" Indeed, the entire Great Hall was directing their attention toward Becky and her outburst.
"Oh, um, sorry," she blushed, sliding into a seat at the Gryffindor table.
"What was that all about?" Ruby asked.
"Nothing. I was just impersonating Norah's brother," she said, pouring herself a cup of pumpkin juice.
"Michael?" Enid piped up.
"What?" Michael's head snapped up from the a few seats over at the sound of his name being called.
"Nothing!" Enid squeaked, turning quickly, and tipping over her cup of juice. Michael shrugged and continued eating, while Enid hid her face behind her hands.
~
History of Magic turned out to be far more interesting than people had made it out to be - for Norah, anyway. She had to shake Becky awake when class was over.
"That," said Becky, yawning as they left the classroom, "was the most boring thing I've ever had to sit through in my life!"
"I liked it!" Norah said. "I thought it was very interesting."
"You're mad," Becky replied. "Now we've got Transfiguration. That should be more interesting."
"Yeah, especially with the insane professor, and all!" William walked up beside them, grinning. "You two watch out - she hates Gryffindors!"
"Oh don't be an ass, Will, she's the head of Gryffindor house, isn't she?" Becky scoffed.
"Watch your language, young lady!" Will said in a mockery of his mother.
"I thought McGonagall was the head of Gryffindor," said Norah.
"Well she was, back when our parents were here," Will replied. "But the Headmistress can't be head of a house, you know. So that evil, maniacal, demon professor is! Whoops, gotta go to Herbology! See you two!" He ran off down another corridor.
"You think he's telling the truth?" Norah wondered.
"I don't know," Becky replied. "You can never tell with Will. Anyway, what does 'maniacal' mean?"
Norah shrugged. "No idea. Here we are." They paused in the doorway of the Transfiguration classroom before stepping inside. The sight that greeted them had the two cousins practically doubling over with laughter.
There at the front of the classroom, stood the supposed 'maniacal demon professor'... wearing white flowered robes, and a dainty sunhat.
"Hello girls!" she called cheerily. "Come in and sit down, please, the lesson is about to begin!" Norah and Becky grinned at each other, then took their seats.
"Well now, I think that's everyone," she took a quick glance around the class. "Which houses do we have here, Gryffindor and...?"
"Hufflepuff!" a boy near the back called.
"Gryffindor and Hufflepuff," the professor smiled. "All right then. Let's begin, shall we? I am Professor Merrill, and I'll be teaching you Transfiguration. Now, does everyone have their 'Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration handy? Good. Please flip open to page three. We're going to go over some basic principals for Tranfiguration in today's class."
When class was over, Norah and Becky made sure they weren't in hearing range before they had a good laugh.
"But I am angry," Norah said between chuckles. "We've been had! Our brothers lead us on to believe she was mad or something!"
"We'll have to get them back," Becky said. "Well... Some day."
Chapter 6: Rumours and Threats
Schedules were handed out at breakfast the next morning, and the post was delivered around the same time. Norah pocketed a letter from her parents, intending to read it in the common room that evening. Then she took a look at her schedule.
"What day is it?" Norah yawned.
"It's Wednesday, why?" Becky replied.
"Oh, no!" Norah groaned. "We've got double Potions first things, with the Slytherins."
"That's bleeding bad luck, that is!" Will observed from seven seats over. "I've got Divination first, the easiest class of all!"
"Don't rub it in," Norah sighed, surveying the rest of her schedule. "The second half of the day isn't much better. After lunch we've got History of Magic, then Transfiguration."
"Transfiguration, great!" Becky clapped.
Norah wrinkled her nose. "No, not great. Haven't you heard about the Transfiguration teacher? They say she's almost as bad as Snape! What's her name again? Merrill?"
Becky paled. "Oh yeah, I forgot all about her... My brothers were talking about her this summer. I heard she gives you detention if you breathe too loud."
"Come on you two, you haven't even met her yet," Julia reasoned. "Your brothers are probably just trying to scare you. Anyway, we won't find out until this afternoon. We've got Potions in five minutes, though. Let's get going."
The first year Gryffindors and Slytherins headed down to the dungeons for their first Potions class of the year. Norah slid into a seat between Julia and Enid, while Becky and Ruby found seats in the row in front of them.
Professor Snape stood at the front of the room, surveying the class with a mixture of distate and severity, and maybe mild amusement.
"First of all, we will go over the set of rules and expectations which you are to follow while in this class," he stated. "I expect all of you to behave like civilised wizards and witches, however difficult that may seem. There will be no fighting, rowing, note passing, or needless chatter. You are to remain silent at all times. You have no reason to speak unless I permit it. If you break any of these rules, or display any other questionable behaviour, points will be deducted from your house, or you will receive a detention."
"Unless you're in Slytherin," Julia whispered to Norah, who nodded.
"Now," the Professor continued, "to start this term off on an interesting note, we're going to have a contest. Slytherin versus Gryffindor. I will ask you a question dealing with Potions, and if your answer is correct, you'll receive a point, and I will ask you another question. If you are incorrect, the other house will get a chance to answer. Is everyone clear?"
There was a collective "yes" from the gathered students.
"Good," he replied. With a wave of his wand a floating scoreboard was conjured up. 'Slytherin' hovered above the left column, and 'Gryffindor' hovered above the right. "Slytherin goes first. Question One: name three ingredients in a shrinking solution. Yes, Malfoy."
"It figures," Julia whispered to Norah once again. "Malfoys are always going to be teacher's pet in Potions." Norah leaned over to get a better look at him.
"Daisy roots, caterpiller, and leech juice," Dominic said smoothly.
"Well done, Mr Malfoy. Slytherin receives one point." the scoreboard flashed and a '1' appeared in the Slytherin column. "Next question: what is the most powerful truth potion available?"
"Veritaserum," Dominic answered.
"Once again, correct," Snape replied. The '1' in the Slytherin column changed to a '2'. "Question Three: what is bubotubor puss most commonly used for?"
The Slytherins seemed stumped on this one. Snape gave them a minute, then turned to the Gryffindors. "Does anyone on this side have the answer?"
Becky's hand shot up into the air.
"Yes, Weasley," Snape motioned for her to answer.
"It cures stubborn acne!" she grinned. A '1' appeared in the Gryffindor column. "My brother used in a lot when he was in fourth year," she whispered to Norah, giggling.
"Question Four: name a potion that is forbidden at Hogwarts. Potter, go ahead."
"The lurrrve potion," Norah grinned. The girls in the class giggled and whispered to each other.
"Correct," Snape said, annoyed, as a '2' replaced the '1' in the Gryffindor column. "There was, however, no reason to pronounce 'love' like that, and cause a disruption in the class. Five points from Gryffindor."
"Oh come on, that's not fair!" Becky complained.
"Becky, shut up!" Norah exclaimed, but it was too late. Snape seemed quite happy to relieve Gryffindor of another five points.
With five minutes left in the class, Slytherin and Gryffindor were tied at twelve points each. "Class is almost over, so this will be the last question," Snape said. "A difficult one. Name one ingredient in the polyjuice potion, besides a bit of who you want to turn into."
The class was silent. No one knew such advanced potions. Norah bit her lip. She remembered overhearing a conversation between her mother and father years ago, that had to do with the polyjuice potion... She furrowed her brow, thinking back to that night. Her father had returned home late from a trial. He was testifying as one of the witnesses in the trial of an important Death Eater, something he had to do a lot when she was very young.
"They need to think on it?" she remembered her mother saying, as she listened from the top of the stairs.
"They need to think on it!" her father repeated. "I can't believe this jury. The evidence was all there. It's blindingly obvious that he was using the polyjuice potion to impersonate the Minister! They found the ingredients all stashed up in a cupboard in his house!"
Norah shook her head, and thought harder. What were the ingredients. Something to do with skin... Boomskin? No, that wasn't it.... Boom something... Boom... Boom... "Boomslang skin!" she exclaimed aloud.
Snape blinked, surprised that someone had spoken, then grimaced. "Very well, Potter. Gryffindor receives another point." At that moment the bell rang signalling the end of class. "You are dismissed," he said, as the students rushed out of the classroom.
"Norah, you were brill!" Becky laughed as she caught up to her cousin on their way to the Great Hall for Lunch. "Snape never knew what hit him!"
"That was just a lucky guess," came a cold voice from behind her. She turned slowly to face a girl with long blonde hair, pulled back in a tight braid, sporting an ugly frown.
"Who are you?" Norah raised an eyebrow.
"I'm Miranda Goyle," she sniffed. "But it's not like it's any of your business."
"Yeah, well, maybe you shouldn't insult people you don't want to talk to," Norah said, turning to walk away, but Miranda slid in front of her.
"You better watch how you talk to your superiors, Potter," she spat Norah's last name like it was poison on her tongue.
"Superiors? Umm, isn't your father in Azkaban? Because he's a Death Eater?" Becky twirled a strand of firey red hair around her finger.
"Becky!" Norah sighed exasperatedly. "You don't know when to shut up, do you? Come on, let's go!" But Miranda stepped in front of them again.
"I don't appreciate people insulting my family. I'd watch your backs if I were you," she sneered.
"Hey, what's going on here?" Marcus stepped up to the girls.
"None of your business!" Miranda glared up at him.
"It is my business. I'm a prefect," he said, pointing to his badge. "And that's my little sister and cousin you're threatening. Do you want me to report you to the Headmistress, or what?"
"No," Miranda said sulkily.
"Then run along and stop making empty threats," Marcus said firmly. "Go on."
"Gladly," she shot back, then caught sight of Dominic Malfoy, who was striding towards the Great Hall. "Dominic, hi, wait up! Wait for me!" she called, running after him. Norah glared after her.
"Who was that?" Marcus asked, as they continued towards the Great Hall.
Becky rolled her eyes. "She says her name is Miranda Goyle."
"Goyle, eh?" his eyes twinkled. "Not the most respectable family, hmm? What did she want with you two?"
"Becky insulted her because her father's in Azkaban, and then she got angry," Norah replied. "And she told us to watch our backs."
"You two be careful," Marcus said, as they entered the Hall. "You've heard the rumours, about Death Eaters returning. Who knows what could happen. Don't go making enemies with everyone in Slytherin, a lot of them already have grudges against our families. Especially your's, Norah. Your father helped to put a lot of people in Azkaban," he looked pointedly at her.
Becky rolled her eyes. "Blimey, Marcus, don't be so paranoid! You're starting to sound like Norah's brother! 'Ohh, what's gonna happen?! Death Eaters are attacking! Death Eaters!! Ahhh!! The Dark Lord has come again! What shall we do?!?!"
"Becky!" Norah hissed.
"What?" she blinked.
"Everyone's staring at you!" Indeed, the entire Great Hall was directing their attention toward Becky and her outburst.
"Oh, um, sorry," she blushed, sliding into a seat at the Gryffindor table.
"What was that all about?" Ruby asked.
"Nothing. I was just impersonating Norah's brother," she said, pouring herself a cup of pumpkin juice.
"Michael?" Enid piped up.
"What?" Michael's head snapped up from the a few seats over at the sound of his name being called.
"Nothing!" Enid squeaked, turning quickly, and tipping over her cup of juice. Michael shrugged and continued eating, while Enid hid her face behind her hands.
~
History of Magic turned out to be far more interesting than people had made it out to be - for Norah, anyway. She had to shake Becky awake when class was over.
"That," said Becky, yawning as they left the classroom, "was the most boring thing I've ever had to sit through in my life!"
"I liked it!" Norah said. "I thought it was very interesting."
"You're mad," Becky replied. "Now we've got Transfiguration. That should be more interesting."
"Yeah, especially with the insane professor, and all!" William walked up beside them, grinning. "You two watch out - she hates Gryffindors!"
"Oh don't be an ass, Will, she's the head of Gryffindor house, isn't she?" Becky scoffed.
"Watch your language, young lady!" Will said in a mockery of his mother.
"I thought McGonagall was the head of Gryffindor," said Norah.
"Well she was, back when our parents were here," Will replied. "But the Headmistress can't be head of a house, you know. So that evil, maniacal, demon professor is! Whoops, gotta go to Herbology! See you two!" He ran off down another corridor.
"You think he's telling the truth?" Norah wondered.
"I don't know," Becky replied. "You can never tell with Will. Anyway, what does 'maniacal' mean?"
Norah shrugged. "No idea. Here we are." They paused in the doorway of the Transfiguration classroom before stepping inside. The sight that greeted them had the two cousins practically doubling over with laughter.
There at the front of the classroom, stood the supposed 'maniacal demon professor'... wearing white flowered robes, and a dainty sunhat.
"Hello girls!" she called cheerily. "Come in and sit down, please, the lesson is about to begin!" Norah and Becky grinned at each other, then took their seats.
"Well now, I think that's everyone," she took a quick glance around the class. "Which houses do we have here, Gryffindor and...?"
"Hufflepuff!" a boy near the back called.
"Gryffindor and Hufflepuff," the professor smiled. "All right then. Let's begin, shall we? I am Professor Merrill, and I'll be teaching you Transfiguration. Now, does everyone have their 'Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration handy? Good. Please flip open to page three. We're going to go over some basic principals for Tranfiguration in today's class."
When class was over, Norah and Becky made sure they weren't in hearing range before they had a good laugh.
"But I am angry," Norah said between chuckles. "We've been had! Our brothers lead us on to believe she was mad or something!"
"We'll have to get them back," Becky said. "Well... Some day."