Classes begin

Next morning came early, sunlight breaking through the windows and softly illuminating the room. Draco didn't mind as he stretched, yawning. He took the opportunity to look around his new bedroom. It was a square room with two beds on each of three sides and the door on the fourth. Crabbe and Goyle had the beds to the right, Harry and Ron were in the center, Draco and the only one in the room Draco didn't know – Blaise Zabini – on the left. Opposite the door three large windows looked out to what appeared to be green houses with a forest beyond them. It seemed an odd angle to Draco,the room was half sunk into the earth so the ledge of the windows were at ground level. Long deep green curtains hung around the windows, the same colour as the beds'. Wall tapestries with geometric designs covered rough bricks. The beds and night stands were mahogany with inlaid silver accents. The floor was dark wood as well; a green area rug covered the center.

Standing in the middle of the room was Blaise Zabini. Draco blinked in surprise. He had always been an early riser and wasn't used to someone being up before him. Blaise was doing something odd too. He was half crouched moving his arms and feet about slowly in what Draco thought of as some kind of dance. Draco watched, unsure what to do.

Eventually Blaise finished, straightening. "Good morning," he said softly, turning to Draco.

"Morning…. What were you doing?" Draco asked curiously.

"A kata… it's just an exercise."

"Looked like you were trying to memorize a dance."

Blaise smiled briefly. "Not quite," Blaise was just a little taller then average, tanned skin, straight black hair to just past his shoulders currently tied in a loose ponytail. At the moment he was wearing only a loose pair of slacks and a pendant around his neck. The pendant, about an inch across and circular had runes written around a large star in the center.

"Hm. That's an interesting pendant. Where'd you get it?" Draco asked.

"It was a gift," Blaise replied, his hand moving to clasp it. He went to his trunk rummaging around a bit until he pulled out a shirt and put it on. He sat cross-legged in the center of his bed to wait until meal time.

"Does it do anything?" Draco questioned.

"I don't think so," Blaise shrugged indifferently.

It was getting closer to breakfast time and the other boys were rousing.

And that was how the first day began. The week went along at its own pace and the boys met their teachers. On Tuesdays at midnight they used they're telescopes to watch the movements of the stars and planets with Professor Sinistra. Professor McGonagall, whom they had already met, taught transfiguration; she was strict but fair. Professor Flitwick, who taught charms, was a small and excitable fellow. Professor Sprout, a stout witch taught herbology in what were confirmed to be greenhouses behind the castle. Sadly, Professor Quirrell's Defense Against the Dark Arts class was a big disappointment. He stuttered and quivered all the time and smelled strongly of garlic. Professor Binns, the only ghost teacher, had a monotone droning voice that put everyone to sleep.

Friday morning was a little different. At breakfast the mail was delivered by owl, quite a surprise that first morning. This time Hedwig had a message for Harry. It was from Hagrid inviting Harry to have a cup of tea on Saturday. Harry sent the note back saying he would be happy to visit.

The first year Slytherins had double potions with the Gryffindors that morning. Professor Snape favored his own house and would torment the Gryffindors, especially the boy with the toad, Neville Longbottom, who was rather clumsy. By the end of class Neville managed to melt his partner's cauldron. The poor boy ended up with his arms covered in ugly brown warts. Harry thought it was a bit funny but felt sympathy for poor Neville, Snape was rather intimidating. Snape only praised Draco's work, whom he seemed to like. Harry he ignored entirely.

As Harry, Draco, and Ron sat down to lunch an hour later, Harry wondered about that.

"I don't think Professor Snape likes me very much," he said.

"I think he doesn't like Gryffindors much. He didn't even pick on you," Ron pointed out.

"Yeah but I get the feeling he only puts up with me because I'm in his house."

"Maybe you should ask him about it." Draco suggested.

Harry snorted. "What am I going to say? 'Hey Professor Snape, is it just me or do you hate me?' I don't think tht would work too well."

"Then take a different route and ask someone else. Ask Hagrid tomorrow," Draco said. Harry nodded, it seemed reasonable.

The boys ate their meal talking of other things. On leaving, they noticed a bulletin had been posted. Flying lessons would begin next Thursday.

"All right! Harry you'll love this!" Draco said, excited.

The boys talked excitedly all the way to their last class, and partway through it. Professor Binns was vaguely pleased that some people were enthused about history.