Chapter 5 – In which there are classes and Hermione takes a stroll
Willow and Hermione woke up at approximately the same time the next morning. They looked at Sam, who was in the middle bed, then grinned evilly at each other. The two got out of bed quietly and jumped on Sam. Sam groaned and said, "Guys get off me. It's too early let me sleep."
"Sam it's 7:10," replied Willow.
"Like I said, too early!"
"Come on Sam get up. You'll be late for class," said Hermione.
"No I won't, now let me sleep."
Willow sighed, "Ok Sam here's the deal. You get up now and you can have chocolate."
"I can have chocolate for breakfast?" Sam asked in an incredulous voice.
"Only if you get up right this instant."
"Ok, ok, I'm up, I'm up."
"About time," said Hermione in a joking voice.
"Oh shut up Hermione."
"Oooh someone's not a morning person."
Sam glared at her but merely got out of bed and said, "I'm up now where's my chocolate?"
"Sam get dressed and we'll go down to the Great Hall and you can have your chocolate," Willow said exasperatedly.
"Okie dokie," Sam replied happily.
When the three of them were dressed they made it down to the Great Hall without getting lost. They sat down and Willow took a block of Cadbury Dairy Milk out of her bag and gave it to Sam. "Sam you better make that last," she warned, "I don't have many blocks with me."
"No problemo," Sam replied as she wolfed down a row of the chocolate then started eating some proper breakfast.
After breakfast the trio left the Great Hall looking at their timetables. "It looks like we have History of Magic first," said Willow.
"Well how are we going to find it?" replied Hermione, "This castle is huge." Sam didn't say anything since she was walking along half-dead.
Willow looked around the Entrance Hall and said, "Let's go this way. Maybe we'll be able to find it." She pointed to the right. They started walking down a hall. Willow was looking at all the moving paintings and wasn't looking where she was going. Of course as it always happens when you're not watching where you're going Willow walked straight into someone.
"Oh my gosh I'm so sorry," she quickly apologized, "I wasn't watching what I was doing."
"It's okay," the boy replied, "Willow right?"
"Yeah. How do you know my name?"
"I saw you getting sorted last night. I'm Oz by the way."
"Oz? That's a strange name."
"It's actually Daniel Osbourne but these nitwits," Oz pointed over his shoulder, "gave me the name Oz and it stuck. Unfortunately."
"Sorry to but in," said Sam, "but I'd like to find our classroom so I can go back to sleep."
"What class do you have?" asked Oz, "I'll show you what direction you need to go."
"History of Magic."
"Euh. Well you'll be able to sleep in that class. Keep going up this corridor then turn right. It's down that corridor. Enjoy your sleep Samantha. I got to go. Bye!"
"Thanks Oz!" Willow called after him. Willow, Sam and Hermione walked down the corridor and turned.
"Hey Willow, that Oz guy likes you," Hermione commented as they arrived at the History of Magic classroom.
"Oh he does not," Willow scoffed, "He's only twelve."
"Doesn't matter how old you are Will," Sam chimed in, "I'm eleven and I have a crush on a guy at home."
"Whatever I don't believe you about Oz. He doesn't have a crush on me, he was just being nice."
The three walked into the classroom, sat down and continued talking.
"He knew your name Will."
"Yeah that proves he likes you," Hermione added.
"That doesn't prove anything," replied Willow, "He knew your name as well Sam."
"Whatever I'm going back to sleep." Sam put her bag on the desk and went to sleep.
Willow and Hermione tried to pay attention to Professor Binns, who was apparently their only ghost teacher, but he was so boring that they kept drifting off into daydream land. They would take a couple of notes then go back to staring out the window.
"You know what Mione," said Willow, "I reckon Sam had the right idea."
Hermione looked at Sam fast asleep and nodded her agreement. Sam woke up just as the bell rang and asked, "What did I miss?"
"Not much Sam," Willow and Hermione said together.
The three linked arms and practically skipped off to Transfiguration.
As Willow, Hermione and Sam walked down to breakfast on Friday they were talking about the classes they had had so far. "I like Charms and Astronomy the best," said Sam, "Oh and History of Magic."
"You like History of Magic because you can go to sleep in it," Hermione replied with a touch of sarcasm in her voice.
"Exactly!"
"Sam how do you expect to pass the exams at the end of the year if you don't listen to what Professor Binns says?"
Sam shrugged. "I'll make everything up. And it's not like you take many notes in Binns' class you get just as bored as everyone else."
Willow shook her head at the two then said, "I like Transfiguration. What about you Mione?"
"I like Transfiguration as well and Herbology. Defense against the Dark Arts is a bit of a disappointment though."
"I reckon it would be good if we had a better teacher." The girls arrived in the Great Hall and sat down for breakfast.
"So what do we have today?" asked Sam.
"Double Potions with the Slytherins then we have the afternoon off," replied Willow.
"Oh good we haven't had any classes with Draco yet," said Hermione.
"Oh yeah," said Sam, "Come on let's go find him then go to class."
They got up from their seats and crossed to the opposite side of the Hall. Willow spotted Draco sitting with Crabbe, Goyle and a girl called Pansy Parkinson. Willow, Sam and Hermione looked at each other, grinned and yelled out in unison, "DRACO MALFOY!"
Draco looked up from his breakfast and smiled. The girls walked over to him but before anyone could say anything Pansy said, "What do you three Gryffindors think you're doing?" She looked at Willow and Hermione and continued, "You two Mudbloods aren't good enough to even say Draco's name."
"Excuse me?" said Sam. Willow and Hermione were looking confused. What did 'mudblood' mean? "Who do you think you are?" Sam continued, "We have every right to talk to Draco since he is our friend and Willow and Mione are not Mudbloods you little cow, they are muggle-borns. Now if it is all right with you, your majesty, we are going to talk to our friend. Draco?"
Draco smirked at Pansy then stood up and left the Great Hall with Willow, Sam and Hermione. Sam was muttering angrily under her breath and glaring at everyone in her way.
"Umm Sam or Draco," Willow said hesitantly, "Uh what is a mudblood?"
Draco answered since it didn't look like Sam was going to say anything. "Mudblood is a really foul name to call a witch or wizard who has muggle parents."
"Oh. Well let's get to Potions."
When Snape walked into the dungeon Willow thought he looked like an overgrown bat. His black cape billowed around him when he walked and apparently Sam had thought the same thing as Willow because she leaned over and said, "He looks like a bat the way he kind of glides around and the billowing cloak doesn't help. My older brother came over here last year on a school trip and he told me that Snape completely favors the Slytherins."
"Well that's wonderful for us isn't it," Hermione whispered sarcastically, "since Gryffindors and Slytherins are meant to be mortal enemies."
By the end of the lesson Sam's brother had been proven right. Snape had taken five points off Gryffindor and Slytherin had been awarded three points. "He's so prejudiced!" Sam raged as they walked back up to Gryffindor Tower, "Why does Dumbledore let him stay when he is such a biased teacher?"
"Sam we agree that Snape is biased," Willow said trying to calm Sam down, "but he is a good teacher. You can't deny that fact."
"Whatever," Sam muttered darkly and continued walking, or rather stomping.
Willow and Hermione looked at each other and Hermione said, "She's going to hold a grudge against Snape for the rest of her life now."
Sam was already in the common room by the time that Willow and Hermione had caught up to her. "Guys!" she exclaimed excitedly, "We start flying lessons on Thursday! I can't wait to get back on a broom. Don't you think it's dumb that first years aren't allowed to have their own brooms? I do. I can't wait!" Sam grinned at them and started bouncing around. Willow and Hermione smiled and then began laughing as Sam continued to run around the common room excitedly.
At three-thirty on Thursday afternoon Willow, Hermione and Sam walked down into the grounds with the other Gryffindors for their first flying lesson. The Slytherins were already there waiting for them. "Hey Draco!" Willow, Sam and Hermione called out in unison.
"Hey girls," he replied, "Ready to fly?"
"Yes!" exclaimed Sam, "I don't see why first years aren't allowed to have their own brooms do you?"
"Hey Shirley," called Parkinson, "Why don't you and your annoying Australian accent go bother someone else?"
"Hey Parkinson," Sam called back in the same tone of voice, "Why don't you and your ugly face go bother someone else?"
Parkinson looked like she was about to say something else but their teacher Madame Hooch arrived.
"Well, what are you all waiting for?" she barked. "Everyone stand by a broomstick. Come on, hurry up."
Willow looked at her broom. It had a bent handle and twigs were sticking out. "Stick out your right hand over your broom and say 'Up!'" Madam Hooch called.
"UP!" Everyone shouted.
Willow's broom hovered into the air then fell back to the ground. Sam's broom had jumped straight into her hand and Hermione's had simply turned over on the ground. Willow tried again and this time the broom jumped into her outstretched hand. Hermione tried a few more times, all unsuccessful. She rolled her eyes and picked the broom up.
"Now, when I blow my whistle, you kick off from the ground, hard," said Madame Hooch. "Keep your brooms steady, rise a few feet and then come straight back down by leaning forwards slightly. On my whistle – three – two..." Neville Longbottom was nervous however and accidentally pushed off hard. "Come back boy!" Madame Hooch shouted but Neville continued to rise.
"Oh no Neville," Willow moaned to Sam and Hermione and then they saw Neville slip off the broom and fall. The girls ran over to where Madame Hooch was bending over Neville and saw her help him up. Madame Hooch turned to the rest of the class.
"None of you is to move while I take this boy to the hospital wing! You leave those brooms where they are or you'll be out of Hogwarts before you can say 'Quidditch'. Come on dear."
As soon as they were out of earshot Draco started laughing. "Did you see his face the great lump?" All the Slytherins began laughing and Parkinson was laughing especially hard.
"Shut up, Malfoy," snapped Parvati Patil.
"Ooh sticking up for Longbottom?" said Parkinson, "Never thought you'd like fat, little cry babies Parvati."
"Look it's that stupid thing Longbottom's gran sent him," Draco said picking up Neville's Remembrall.
"Give that here, Malfoy," said Harry Potter.
"I think I'll leave it somewhere for Longbottom to collect – how about – up a tree?"
"Draco give it to me and don't be an idiot," said Willow.
Draco ignored her, hopped on his broom and took off. "Give it back!" yelled Sam, "Don't make me come after to you Draco Malfoy!"
Draco turned around and shouted, "Come and get it Potter!"
"No!" shouted Hermione, "Madame Hooch told us not to move – you'll get us all into trouble."
Harry got on his broom and flew up level to Draco. "Catch Potter!" Draco threw the Remembrall into the air then flew back to ground. Harry streaked after it, caught it and then heard "HARRY POTTER!"
Professor McGonagall walked over to the group of students and said, "Never – in all my time at Hogwarts – how dare you – might have broken your neck."
"It wasn't his fault, Professor-"
"Be quiet Miss Patil-"
"But Malfoy-"
"That's enough Mr. Weasley. Potter, follow me, now."
McGonagall left with Harry and the students broke out in whispers but before anything could really be said Madame Hooch returned. "Today's lesson is over. Everyone return to your common rooms."
All the students began to walk off. As Willow, Hermione and Sam passed Draco and his gang of Slytherins Sam hit Draco over the head and Willow said, "You're an idiot Draco." The girls walked off back to their common room.
That night Willow woke up at about midnight. She walked into the bathroom to get a drink and when she came back she saw that Sam was still awake reading. Willow smiled. She had become accustomed to the fact that Sam would stay up reading by wand light. Willow looked at Hermione's bed and saw it was empty. "Sam," she whispered.
Sam peeked her head out of the curtains surrounding her bed and immediately saw that Hermione's bed was empty. "Where's Hermione?"
"I don't know," Willow replied. "You don't think something's happened to her do you?"
Just then Hermione walked into the dorm room and jumped when she saw Willow and Sam. "Where have you been?" asked Willow.
"Getting chased by Filch."
"What?" Sam said incredulously.
Hermione sighed. "Draco challenged Potter to a wizard's duel and obviously it was a set up so I went to stop him and Weasley from going so they wouldn't lose Gryffindor any more points. I followed them out of the portrait hole and the Fat Lady wasn't there so I was locked out. I went with them to the Trophy Room and ended up getting chased by Filch to the third floor corridor. By the way there is a huge, three-headed dog in there. And then we finally got back here and now I'm going to bed. Night you two."
Sam whispered "Nox" to her wand then the three of them got into bed and went to sleep.
Willow and Hermione woke up at approximately the same time the next morning. They looked at Sam, who was in the middle bed, then grinned evilly at each other. The two got out of bed quietly and jumped on Sam. Sam groaned and said, "Guys get off me. It's too early let me sleep."
"Sam it's 7:10," replied Willow.
"Like I said, too early!"
"Come on Sam get up. You'll be late for class," said Hermione.
"No I won't, now let me sleep."
Willow sighed, "Ok Sam here's the deal. You get up now and you can have chocolate."
"I can have chocolate for breakfast?" Sam asked in an incredulous voice.
"Only if you get up right this instant."
"Ok, ok, I'm up, I'm up."
"About time," said Hermione in a joking voice.
"Oh shut up Hermione."
"Oooh someone's not a morning person."
Sam glared at her but merely got out of bed and said, "I'm up now where's my chocolate?"
"Sam get dressed and we'll go down to the Great Hall and you can have your chocolate," Willow said exasperatedly.
"Okie dokie," Sam replied happily.
When the three of them were dressed they made it down to the Great Hall without getting lost. They sat down and Willow took a block of Cadbury Dairy Milk out of her bag and gave it to Sam. "Sam you better make that last," she warned, "I don't have many blocks with me."
"No problemo," Sam replied as she wolfed down a row of the chocolate then started eating some proper breakfast.
After breakfast the trio left the Great Hall looking at their timetables. "It looks like we have History of Magic first," said Willow.
"Well how are we going to find it?" replied Hermione, "This castle is huge." Sam didn't say anything since she was walking along half-dead.
Willow looked around the Entrance Hall and said, "Let's go this way. Maybe we'll be able to find it." She pointed to the right. They started walking down a hall. Willow was looking at all the moving paintings and wasn't looking where she was going. Of course as it always happens when you're not watching where you're going Willow walked straight into someone.
"Oh my gosh I'm so sorry," she quickly apologized, "I wasn't watching what I was doing."
"It's okay," the boy replied, "Willow right?"
"Yeah. How do you know my name?"
"I saw you getting sorted last night. I'm Oz by the way."
"Oz? That's a strange name."
"It's actually Daniel Osbourne but these nitwits," Oz pointed over his shoulder, "gave me the name Oz and it stuck. Unfortunately."
"Sorry to but in," said Sam, "but I'd like to find our classroom so I can go back to sleep."
"What class do you have?" asked Oz, "I'll show you what direction you need to go."
"History of Magic."
"Euh. Well you'll be able to sleep in that class. Keep going up this corridor then turn right. It's down that corridor. Enjoy your sleep Samantha. I got to go. Bye!"
"Thanks Oz!" Willow called after him. Willow, Sam and Hermione walked down the corridor and turned.
"Hey Willow, that Oz guy likes you," Hermione commented as they arrived at the History of Magic classroom.
"Oh he does not," Willow scoffed, "He's only twelve."
"Doesn't matter how old you are Will," Sam chimed in, "I'm eleven and I have a crush on a guy at home."
"Whatever I don't believe you about Oz. He doesn't have a crush on me, he was just being nice."
The three walked into the classroom, sat down and continued talking.
"He knew your name Will."
"Yeah that proves he likes you," Hermione added.
"That doesn't prove anything," replied Willow, "He knew your name as well Sam."
"Whatever I'm going back to sleep." Sam put her bag on the desk and went to sleep.
Willow and Hermione tried to pay attention to Professor Binns, who was apparently their only ghost teacher, but he was so boring that they kept drifting off into daydream land. They would take a couple of notes then go back to staring out the window.
"You know what Mione," said Willow, "I reckon Sam had the right idea."
Hermione looked at Sam fast asleep and nodded her agreement. Sam woke up just as the bell rang and asked, "What did I miss?"
"Not much Sam," Willow and Hermione said together.
The three linked arms and practically skipped off to Transfiguration.
As Willow, Hermione and Sam walked down to breakfast on Friday they were talking about the classes they had had so far. "I like Charms and Astronomy the best," said Sam, "Oh and History of Magic."
"You like History of Magic because you can go to sleep in it," Hermione replied with a touch of sarcasm in her voice.
"Exactly!"
"Sam how do you expect to pass the exams at the end of the year if you don't listen to what Professor Binns says?"
Sam shrugged. "I'll make everything up. And it's not like you take many notes in Binns' class you get just as bored as everyone else."
Willow shook her head at the two then said, "I like Transfiguration. What about you Mione?"
"I like Transfiguration as well and Herbology. Defense against the Dark Arts is a bit of a disappointment though."
"I reckon it would be good if we had a better teacher." The girls arrived in the Great Hall and sat down for breakfast.
"So what do we have today?" asked Sam.
"Double Potions with the Slytherins then we have the afternoon off," replied Willow.
"Oh good we haven't had any classes with Draco yet," said Hermione.
"Oh yeah," said Sam, "Come on let's go find him then go to class."
They got up from their seats and crossed to the opposite side of the Hall. Willow spotted Draco sitting with Crabbe, Goyle and a girl called Pansy Parkinson. Willow, Sam and Hermione looked at each other, grinned and yelled out in unison, "DRACO MALFOY!"
Draco looked up from his breakfast and smiled. The girls walked over to him but before anyone could say anything Pansy said, "What do you three Gryffindors think you're doing?" She looked at Willow and Hermione and continued, "You two Mudbloods aren't good enough to even say Draco's name."
"Excuse me?" said Sam. Willow and Hermione were looking confused. What did 'mudblood' mean? "Who do you think you are?" Sam continued, "We have every right to talk to Draco since he is our friend and Willow and Mione are not Mudbloods you little cow, they are muggle-borns. Now if it is all right with you, your majesty, we are going to talk to our friend. Draco?"
Draco smirked at Pansy then stood up and left the Great Hall with Willow, Sam and Hermione. Sam was muttering angrily under her breath and glaring at everyone in her way.
"Umm Sam or Draco," Willow said hesitantly, "Uh what is a mudblood?"
Draco answered since it didn't look like Sam was going to say anything. "Mudblood is a really foul name to call a witch or wizard who has muggle parents."
"Oh. Well let's get to Potions."
When Snape walked into the dungeon Willow thought he looked like an overgrown bat. His black cape billowed around him when he walked and apparently Sam had thought the same thing as Willow because she leaned over and said, "He looks like a bat the way he kind of glides around and the billowing cloak doesn't help. My older brother came over here last year on a school trip and he told me that Snape completely favors the Slytherins."
"Well that's wonderful for us isn't it," Hermione whispered sarcastically, "since Gryffindors and Slytherins are meant to be mortal enemies."
By the end of the lesson Sam's brother had been proven right. Snape had taken five points off Gryffindor and Slytherin had been awarded three points. "He's so prejudiced!" Sam raged as they walked back up to Gryffindor Tower, "Why does Dumbledore let him stay when he is such a biased teacher?"
"Sam we agree that Snape is biased," Willow said trying to calm Sam down, "but he is a good teacher. You can't deny that fact."
"Whatever," Sam muttered darkly and continued walking, or rather stomping.
Willow and Hermione looked at each other and Hermione said, "She's going to hold a grudge against Snape for the rest of her life now."
Sam was already in the common room by the time that Willow and Hermione had caught up to her. "Guys!" she exclaimed excitedly, "We start flying lessons on Thursday! I can't wait to get back on a broom. Don't you think it's dumb that first years aren't allowed to have their own brooms? I do. I can't wait!" Sam grinned at them and started bouncing around. Willow and Hermione smiled and then began laughing as Sam continued to run around the common room excitedly.
At three-thirty on Thursday afternoon Willow, Hermione and Sam walked down into the grounds with the other Gryffindors for their first flying lesson. The Slytherins were already there waiting for them. "Hey Draco!" Willow, Sam and Hermione called out in unison.
"Hey girls," he replied, "Ready to fly?"
"Yes!" exclaimed Sam, "I don't see why first years aren't allowed to have their own brooms do you?"
"Hey Shirley," called Parkinson, "Why don't you and your annoying Australian accent go bother someone else?"
"Hey Parkinson," Sam called back in the same tone of voice, "Why don't you and your ugly face go bother someone else?"
Parkinson looked like she was about to say something else but their teacher Madame Hooch arrived.
"Well, what are you all waiting for?" she barked. "Everyone stand by a broomstick. Come on, hurry up."
Willow looked at her broom. It had a bent handle and twigs were sticking out. "Stick out your right hand over your broom and say 'Up!'" Madam Hooch called.
"UP!" Everyone shouted.
Willow's broom hovered into the air then fell back to the ground. Sam's broom had jumped straight into her hand and Hermione's had simply turned over on the ground. Willow tried again and this time the broom jumped into her outstretched hand. Hermione tried a few more times, all unsuccessful. She rolled her eyes and picked the broom up.
"Now, when I blow my whistle, you kick off from the ground, hard," said Madame Hooch. "Keep your brooms steady, rise a few feet and then come straight back down by leaning forwards slightly. On my whistle – three – two..." Neville Longbottom was nervous however and accidentally pushed off hard. "Come back boy!" Madame Hooch shouted but Neville continued to rise.
"Oh no Neville," Willow moaned to Sam and Hermione and then they saw Neville slip off the broom and fall. The girls ran over to where Madame Hooch was bending over Neville and saw her help him up. Madame Hooch turned to the rest of the class.
"None of you is to move while I take this boy to the hospital wing! You leave those brooms where they are or you'll be out of Hogwarts before you can say 'Quidditch'. Come on dear."
As soon as they were out of earshot Draco started laughing. "Did you see his face the great lump?" All the Slytherins began laughing and Parkinson was laughing especially hard.
"Shut up, Malfoy," snapped Parvati Patil.
"Ooh sticking up for Longbottom?" said Parkinson, "Never thought you'd like fat, little cry babies Parvati."
"Look it's that stupid thing Longbottom's gran sent him," Draco said picking up Neville's Remembrall.
"Give that here, Malfoy," said Harry Potter.
"I think I'll leave it somewhere for Longbottom to collect – how about – up a tree?"
"Draco give it to me and don't be an idiot," said Willow.
Draco ignored her, hopped on his broom and took off. "Give it back!" yelled Sam, "Don't make me come after to you Draco Malfoy!"
Draco turned around and shouted, "Come and get it Potter!"
"No!" shouted Hermione, "Madame Hooch told us not to move – you'll get us all into trouble."
Harry got on his broom and flew up level to Draco. "Catch Potter!" Draco threw the Remembrall into the air then flew back to ground. Harry streaked after it, caught it and then heard "HARRY POTTER!"
Professor McGonagall walked over to the group of students and said, "Never – in all my time at Hogwarts – how dare you – might have broken your neck."
"It wasn't his fault, Professor-"
"Be quiet Miss Patil-"
"But Malfoy-"
"That's enough Mr. Weasley. Potter, follow me, now."
McGonagall left with Harry and the students broke out in whispers but before anything could really be said Madame Hooch returned. "Today's lesson is over. Everyone return to your common rooms."
All the students began to walk off. As Willow, Hermione and Sam passed Draco and his gang of Slytherins Sam hit Draco over the head and Willow said, "You're an idiot Draco." The girls walked off back to their common room.
That night Willow woke up at about midnight. She walked into the bathroom to get a drink and when she came back she saw that Sam was still awake reading. Willow smiled. She had become accustomed to the fact that Sam would stay up reading by wand light. Willow looked at Hermione's bed and saw it was empty. "Sam," she whispered.
Sam peeked her head out of the curtains surrounding her bed and immediately saw that Hermione's bed was empty. "Where's Hermione?"
"I don't know," Willow replied. "You don't think something's happened to her do you?"
Just then Hermione walked into the dorm room and jumped when she saw Willow and Sam. "Where have you been?" asked Willow.
"Getting chased by Filch."
"What?" Sam said incredulously.
Hermione sighed. "Draco challenged Potter to a wizard's duel and obviously it was a set up so I went to stop him and Weasley from going so they wouldn't lose Gryffindor any more points. I followed them out of the portrait hole and the Fat Lady wasn't there so I was locked out. I went with them to the Trophy Room and ended up getting chased by Filch to the third floor corridor. By the way there is a huge, three-headed dog in there. And then we finally got back here and now I'm going to bed. Night you two."
Sam whispered "Nox" to her wand then the three of them got into bed and went to sleep.
