Chapter Eight: Of Schedules and Slytherins
Note: Thanks to all of you who reviewed, but I'm too lazy to go and find out who did review, not that I didn't read them (I did, at least three times.)
Well this finally got done. It takes me way too long to write filler/explanation crap. I'd much rather just write the action bits and give them away to someone else, but this is my brainchild, my precious. I have to say a special thanks to codesagewp. He is going to be helping me with some of the crap I haven't a clue about- He fences! You will probably pick out the character he sent in. Anyhow his hard work in teaching me about his sport and letting me bounce ideas off of him will soon be seen. I will owe quite a bit to him after the first book is closed. I doubt that the meager service of helping beta his stuff will be enough to compensate for his time.
By the way I highly recommend you read his stories, they are very, very creative. I'd be hard pressed to say that I have found another who writes in original characters as well as he can. He hasn't gotten a lot of exposure yet, but that is not due to the poor quality of his work. In fact that is far from the truth. It's due to the fact that he writes his stories so they feature his original character rather than the regulars, we all know that we tend to look for our favorite guy to read a good angst about or our favorite parings rather than the OC stories. But I digress, just read his stuff. It's good.
Folks have been asking, "Is it too late to send in an application for Hogwarts?" My answer: Heck no! There are like a thousand students in Hogwarts, not to mention this series will last through at least eight years of Gohan's life. We need all the people we can get. All of but one of Gohan's roommates were of my own imagination. I do not wish to create people again. I fear I place too much of myself in them, and I fear them becoming Mary Sues.
In case you are too lazy to skip back to the author's note (Like me!) Here are the requirements:
1.) A realistic name, no Dark Warrior, Gohan's Lover, Zippo, Japanese names or any pen names. We have to make this sound like it could happen. That means you got to sound at least semi-British or that you were born into an English speaking family.
2.) Personality traits, go ahead be in depth. The more we know the better. This will determine your house and your relationship to Gohan, as well as how big of a role you play later on.
3.) Description of your appearance. Don't be afraid to be the chubby kid or have pimples and braces. No tails, wings, odd colored hair( unless you're a punk rocker or something like that) and general perfection. We all have flaws, embrace them. It makes you more fun.
4.) Your age. This is important, how old you are will determine a lot of things.
5.) Your trust. We need you to trust us, some things need to be done in order to bring this plan into the full glory that is our vision. You may be turned into Gohan's nemesis or a martyr. You may end up getting more glory than you had ever dreamed. You may not start until later years or not even have more than a cameo or not be used at all. We give none of you any promises, we will give none of you special treatment.
Got it? Good, now we still need you GUYS out there to submit! Also be forewarned, ages may change. I'll try to keep you in character, if I don't let me know! I also just noted I've been spelling Malfoy wrong! I spelt it M-A-L-F-R-O-Y and it is M-A-L-F-O-Y! Why didn't anyone tell me? Please let me know from now on if I do anything wrong! I don't mind constructive critiques. It helps me get better and it helps me to get an understanding of who my readers are, if you write you know that this is important and a sign of respect from you to me and vice versa. Anyhow on with the story.
A schoolboy's tale, the wonder of an hour!
- Lord Bryon, from Childe Harold's Pilgrimage, Canto ii. Stanza 2
A week had passed since the dream and he and most of his roommates were on good terms. Over the weekend he had actually gotten all of his new friends in one room for a while and into a good conversation, despite the grudges against the houses and the other stuff that seemed to plague the normal student's mind. Fred and Aster sat and chatted together most of the time, Alesia hinted to him that they really liked each other. Clyde, Geoffrey, Davyn, and Ron played a Wizard Chess tournament, that the Gryffindor won. George, Alesia, Percy, and Leeann Tetashi, a third year Ravenclaw girl that was friends with George, were giving Gohan the news on all of the professors and the rest of the school.
That was Saturday, now it was Monday morning and Gohan was in the dinning hall eating. As breakfast drew to a close Gohan laughed at a joke that Clyde told about a hag, a banshee, and a young prince. Aster passed by and smiled at Gohan as she handed him a note. Curled up on her shoulder was her feathered serpent, a strange intelligent creature that was a long thin emerald green snake with large fiery wings. It was called Docccitsukazu and at first avoided Gohan but now the serpent would stay in the same room as the boy. Gohan read the note, it was from the head of their house, Professor Snape.
Gohan,
You will be starting classes today. Follow the schedule below and follow your roommates if you get lost.
Monday-
08:40- 10:30 Transfiguration. . . . Prof. McGonagall
10:40- 11:30 History of Magic. . .Prof. Binns
11:40- 12:30 History of Magic. . .Prof. Binns
12:30- 13:30 Lunch
13:40- 14:30 Potions. . . . . . . . . . .Prof. Snape
14:40- 15:30 Herbology. . . . . . . .Prof. Sprout
15:30- 18:00 Free Time
18:00- 19:30 Dinner
23:00 Curfew
Gohan read over the rest of the long schedule, it was amazing that he understood it as well as he did, everyday the class times would change order and on Tuesday he had Astronomy at midnight. From the descriptions of his friends this was going to be a hard year on him. Not only was this his first time in school, but he had to learn all new rules of life to stay out of trouble.
Despite this a fountain of happiness was welling up from inside, he really wanted to do this. After all the lessons and the kind words of his new found friends, he was ready for this challenge. The students of Hogwarts were now going to class, Gohan included. He slid his heavy satchel of books and supplies onto his shoulder and walked to the classroom where Professor McGonagall taught. Alesia waved to him as she went into Professor Flitwick's classroom for charms. Fred and George followed her laughing merrily as the sound of fireworks sounded in the entrance hall. Gohan smiled and ran to class. McGonagall was outside her door frowning and she looked preoccupied. Deciding to ignore it, he found that the only open seat was in the front row next to Keith.
"Hello Keith. Sleep well?" asked Gohan trying to make polite conversation.
"Yes I did Gohan. How are you?" he asked just as politely.
"Very well, I did not see you at breakfast. What kept you?" said the Sayajin. Keith sighed.
"I simply was not hungry. Did you put on the same spectacle, or is that reserved for when I show up for a meal?" he asked scornfully. Gohan frowned and gave up on talking to the distant boy. McGonagall settled in and started to go over theory of turning inanimate objects into animated creatures.
The rest of the day was uneventful, listening to Professor Binns had put him to sleep, and Potions class was interesting, he had that with the Gryffindors.
His partner in that class was a rather short tempered boy named Jack. Everyone else was too scared that Jack's pyromaniac tendencies would ruin their chance at a good grade for the year. Even the other Gryffindors refused to partner with the unpredictable boy.
"So, um, do you have any hobbies?" asked Gohan trying to make conversation as best as he could.
"Yeah, I do fencing." Said the boy as he unpacked a quill and parchment as class began.
"Is that like sword-fighting? I think I have at least heard of the sport." said Gohan.
"Yeah, it is kind of, wait a second you're actually interested in a Muggle sport?" asked Jack, his eye brows raised and interest piqued. Gohan sighed. He didn't see the point in the Wizard-Muggle debate. Both had valid lifestyles and from what he had seen, if they could co-exist and learn from each other this world would be a much better place or at least it would more closely resemble his home. There, the very few magical people were respected and made a good living off of their talents, magic and technology were fused. That was the whole reason that capsules and the martial arts were as advanced as they were. Magic, while it wasn't talked about like it was here, was the foundation of his life at his home. He hadn't realized it until he had come here and understood what Magic felt like.
"Why wouldn't I be? I'm trained to be a martial artist. Of course I'm interested." Said Gohan. Jack smiled, it happened to be a very rare sincere one.
"I'm glad you're not like the rest of the Slytherin. I'm not a Pureblood, and well, you understand, right?" asked Jack. Gohan nodded. "Well, um.. how about I kind of tell you later. I think Professor Snape is going to be in a bad mood." He said with a slight blush. Gohan looked at him quizzically.
"How would you know that?" asked Gohan. It was 13:50, according to a classmate's voice from the back of the room. Another told him that the house head was rarely late for anything. Jack's emerald eyes sparkled with unspoken mischievous deeds.
"Well, I'm sure you have heard the rumors, I'm very talented with flames. I'm just going to tell you that Snape is going to be a bit burnt around the edges. Don't worry, I am in total control, the salamander is just fine."
True to Jack's word, the potions master was very singed and very angry. The angry man started to find tiny flaws with all of the Gryffindor's homework. He breezed by Gohan, quickly saying he had already seen Gohan's work, which was true. He pointed out at least seven thousand errors in Jack's work. As the teacher glided away, Jack tried not to burst out into laughter. Snape had the ends of his long hair burnt and smoking.
After that, Snape started in on his lecture. They took notes on how to make Giggle-Juice, which was what the class would start to make tomorrow and finish on Wednesday. He finished just as the class ended, Gohan ran to the nearest way outside to get to Herbology on time.
In Herbology they watched Professor Sprout prune a Golden Apple seedling. Gohan had attempted it and did an okay job. Taking care of plants was difficult work, and luckily he was paired with Aaron Branthan, a Ravenclaw boy who was taller than him and had longish black hair tied in a ponytail. Aaron, was much better at theory than the actual practice, so Aaron talked him through the pruning process with detailed explanations for the Sayajin's curious mind. When Professor Sprout inspected their work she found only one flaw, they failed to put away the scissors, knife, and pick up the cuttings.
Free time he spent in an out of the way place of the school, meditation, reading, and the day's assignments all got done just in time for supper. As he reached the dining hall he found that Clyde and Geoffrey had waited for him, he was glad to see this sign of friendship. Maybe life in Hogwarts wasn't going to be too terrible.
P: Um. . B isn't joining us today. He is currently, um, sleeping. Yeah that's it sleeping. Just ignore the banging on the door and the shouts. We just got a new ghost or something. Anyhow he wanted me to tell you that he says thanks for reading, he wants you to know that P.L.S is the goddess that all should worship, fear, and obey me!
B: * breaks down the door* I DID NOT SAY THAT!!!
P: I'm sure you meant to. After all I am older, prettier, smarter, nicer. . .
B:Grr! You for got delusional, plus indescribably Evil and Psychotic!
P: Oh yeah, I am evil and a psycho.
B: Forget it! I give up.
P: On what?
B: You sure you aren't a natural blonde?
P: Yep, I'm just insane!
B: Whatever. *walks out of the room. *