Chapter Five: Classes
Awaking from a good night's sleep, Senda found her watch on the table beside her with closed eyes and grudgingly opened her eyes to look at it. It was time for her to get up. Senda got up and after a fight with Millicent Bulstrode, another first year Slytherin, over the importance of keeping up appearances, and smelling good, Senda walked down to the Great Hall.
Or, at least she tried to. She got lost at least five times and couldn't remember where to turn and which corridor to take and which stairs to go up. It was horrible. Senda felt like her head was going to explode if she didn't make a map of Hogwarts or something very soon to help her find her way around.
Finally she got to the Great Hall. Entering she saw the students and the professors eating. Just then, while Senda was standing in the doorway, Harry and Ron ran into her.
Senda: "Hey! Watch where you're going. Need glasses?"
Harry: "I already have glasses, thank you."
Senda: "Very funny. Sorry, but I already had a bad day."
Ron: "How? It's only the morning."
Senda: "I lost my way about five times coming here."
Harry and Ron: "So did we."
Senda: "Good for you. Listen, are you guys doing anything after school? I was thinking of checking out the Forbidden Forest after dark."
Ron: "We can't go in there! You heard what Dumbledore said."
Harry: "Besides, why would you want to?"
Senda: "I dunno. I just like doing things I shouldn't."
Ron: "Right. Well, see you."
Senda: "Hold up. Do you know where I could find a map of this bloody school? I can't find anything."
Ron: "I don't think there is one. Tough luck, eh? Too bad, because I could sure use one, too."
Senda: "Yeah. Well, see you guys later."
Senda went and sat down at the Slytherin table and started eating. Shaking her head, she got out a notebook from her bag and started making notes. Just then, a swarm of owls came flooding into the Great Hall, carrying letters and packages, which were dropped into the laps of their owners. Senda nearly screamed and quickly got her book and held it over her head until the owls had left, then quickly started making notes again.
On her way to her first class, which was Transfiguration, taught by Professor Mcgonagall, Senda remembered her promise to visit Evan and see how he was getting on. So she asked to be pointed to the Owlery and was soon there, after getting lost only three times.
Looking for Evan, Senda could see a lot of owls and wondered if they belonged to the students and if some were school owls. Calling Evan down to her, Senda rubbed his head and gave him a treat. She said sorry for having no letter and left, happy and satisfied with Evan and how he was getting on.
Looking at her watch, Senda broke into a run. She was late for her first class and she didn't want to be yelled at her first day by Mcgonagall. The class happened to be double with the Gryffindors.
SNEAKING INTO THE back of class, Senda could see that Harry and Ron were late as well and were being told off by Mcgonagall. Senda sat down in the very back of class and hoped that she would go unnoticed.
Mcgonagall: "Perhaps it would be more useful if I were to transfigure Mr. Potter and yourself into a pocket watch? That way one of you might be on time."
Harry: "We got lost."
Mcgonagall: "Then perhaps a map? I trust you don't need one to find your seats? And, Mrs. Snape, I see you are late as well."
Senda: "Sorry. I was checking on my owl, Evan, and I lost track of time and I lost my way."
Mcgonagall: "Then perhaps you should join Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley in keeping better track of time and having more self-discipline."
Senda: "Yes, Professor Mcgonagall, I'll try to."
Mcgonagall: "Good. Now then, let's begin."
Senda sighed and shook her head. She could see Draco Malfoy smirking at all of this and Senda wanted to say something, but she kept her mouth shut. By the end of class, they were no closer to turning their matches into needles, which was what Mcgonagall wanted them to do, then they were to finding a hundred Galleons on the floor. All except Hermione, who had gotten it halfway right. Senda scowled behind her back.
SENDA'S CLASSES WERE very exciting to go to the first time. There was History of Magic, which was the most boring class and it was taught by the only ghost professor, Professor Binns, who had fallen asleep in the staff room and died when there was a fire. He got up the next morning to teach and left his body behind. Senda found the story funny but didn't laugh.
And there was Herbology, taught by Professor Sprout. Senda liked Herbology and thought that some of it was fun but mostly boring.
And Senda had to study the night skies at midnight every Monday to learn the names of the stars and the movements of the planets. This she enjoyed more then anything and was happy for the chance. She loved the stars and was the best of the Slytherins at this class.
And there was Defense Against the Dark Arts, taught by Professor Quirrell. It was a bit of a joke and Senda had to restrain herself from laughing out loud the first time she went to DADA, as she and almost everyone else called it. Professor Quirrell's classroom smelled of garlic, which was to ward off a vampire he'd met in Romania and was afraid would be coming back to get him one of these days. And his turban smelled as well, and after asking the Weasley twins about it, Senda thought like they did: that Professor Quirrell's turban was filled with garlic so that he was protected wherever he went.
So the week went by without event, mostly without event. Senda had talked to Harry and Ron after classes a few times but nothing had really happened. The most eventful thing was that Senda had made up with Draco Malfoy and they were becoming slow friends. It was painful for both of them, but they managed to say sorry for being mean. Or, Senda did anyways. Draco hadn't really said anything to Senda but said he would try not to be mean to Senda if he felt like it. Senda had sighed and accepted. Senda did it because she didn't want any enemies and Draco did it...well, Senda couldn't figure that out, but she was working on it. Their friendship was on broken egg shells and they both walked carefully. Senda decided that Draco wasn't so bad once you got to know him. Senda still didn't know why she had made friends with Draco, but maybe it was because she might want some help in her good-natured war with the Weasley twins. She really didn't know.
A mini war had been started between herself and the Weasley twins the second day of term and both parties were enjoying the good-natured war. The war involved fireworks and dungbombs and other such things used in practical jokes. And then Friday came.
So anyways, the week went by, apparently with event, and Friday came. Friday was to be Senda's first Potions lesson and she was looking forward to it. Most everybody besides the Slytherins hated Potions class, Senda found out, but she couldn't see why. Then again, she thought, she hadn't been to Potions class and couldn't rate it yet. But how bad could it be? Okay, pretty bad, but she would find out for herself.
During Friday, Senda and Draco's friendship was cold because Senda and Draco had gotten into a fight over seats the night before. Senda was sitting by the fireplace in her favorite seat and she had gone to her dorm to get a book to read. When she had come back, Draco had been in her seat and was talking to Crabbe and Goyle. Senda didn't care about Draco talking to Crabbe and Goyle, but she did mind him sitting in her favorite seat. So she had told him to move it or lose it and he wouldn't move. Draco said that Senda should have stayed in her seat if she wanted to keep it. Senda had walked off in a huff and went into her dorm to do schoolwork instead.
Friday at breakfast, Senda and Draco had been sending each other "screw you" looks all through breakfast and while leaving for Potions class. Senda couldn't stand him Friday. So, ignoring Draco after she walked out of the Great Hall, Senda walked down to Potions class.
THE POTIONS CLASSROOM was in the dungeons, but Senda didn't care. Most everyone was there and Senda found an ill-favored seat in the front of the class and took it. It was the farthest to the left, the first row of tables, and closest to Professor Snape's desk. Draco, Crabbe and Goyle were sitting next to Senda but she ignored them. Looking on her left, Senda could see shelves full of potion ingredients. Sitting her bag down on her seat and saying "touch this and die," Senda went over to look at the ingredients on the shelves. She heard footsteps in the corridor and quickly went to sit down.
Just then, the classroom door burst open and in walked Professor Snape, his black robe halfway flying behind him because he was walking so fast. Snape spoke as he walked to his desk.
Snape: "There will be no foolish wandwaving or silly incantations in this class. As such, I don't expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art that is potion making. However, for those select few...who posses the predisposition...I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory and even put a stopper in death. Then again, maybe some of you have come to Hogwarts in possession of abilities so formidable that you feel confident enough to not pay attention."
Senda had been shaking her head ever so slightly. She had also been taking notes on other things and she now looked up. Her face turned red and she looked back down. Snape was still standing by his desk. Maybe he would go after Potter instead of her. Yes, maybe. Hopefully. He did. But that wouldn't stop Senda from talking.
Snape: "Mr. Potter, our new celebrity. Tell me, what would I get if I added root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"
Senda's hand went up, and so did Hermione's, but Severus ignored them both, which caused mixed feelings in Senda. Harry just shook his head.
Snape: "You don't know? Well, let's try again. Where, Mr. Potter, would you look if I asked you to find me a bezoar?"
Harry: "I don't know, sir."
Senda: "I know the answer."
Snape: "And what is the difference between monkswood and wolfsbane?"
Harry: "I don't know, sir."
Senda: "Am I invisible?!"
Snape: "Pity. Clearly, fame isn't everything, is it, Mr. Potter?"
Senda: "No, but existing is, and I do exist, ya know."
Harry: "Clearly, Hermione or Senda knows. Seems a pity not to ask them."
Senda: "The smartest thing he's said all day."
At this, there was an outbreak of giggling and hushed laughter. Senda just buried her face in her book while Draco, Crabbe and Goyle laughed. Severus was still standing by his desk. Senda hated being the centre of attention. Sure, she hated being ignored, but only if the person was standing right in front of her. But Senda decided to risk it.
Snape: "Silence."
Senda: "If I may answer, Professor Snape?"
Snape: "Why should I let you answer?"
Senda: "Because I know the answers, that's why."
Snape: "Do you now? Go ahead then,"
Senda resisted the urge to roll her eyes, but stood up and turned to face the class. This was the only place that she knew what she was doing. She had read and memorized every school book and potions were sometimes complex but this suited Senda. And she was going to take advantage of it if she could, so she did.
Senda: "Right. Hermione, put your hand down, please. Well, for your information, asphodel and wormwood make a sleeping potion so powerful that it is known as the Draught of Living Death. A bezoar is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat and it will save you from most poisons. As for monkswood and wolfsbane, they are the same planet, which also goes by the name of aconite."
Nobody seemed impressed, but there were some odd looks here and there. Senda didn't mind, but she had made a mistake: she knew too much and had just shown it. Now everyone would think that she would or could somehow cheat on her tests. She would prove them wrong, but it would be hard and almost not worth it. Still, it was fun.
Snape: "Well, why aren't you all copying that down?"
There was a fury of sound as the students took out their quills and started writing down what they had just learned. Senda sat down, red-faced but proud. She wrote what she already knew in her notebook and listened as her father kept up his little thing with Harry. He finally went and sat behind his desk and began writing something, but still he made Harry pay for smarting off.
Snape: "Gryffindors, note that five points will be taken from your house for your classmate's cheek. And Slytherins, note that five points will be given to your house for your classmate's right answers."
Draco and his goonies looked back at Harry and smirked. They were happy. Then they looked at Senda and Draco gave her an approving smile. Senda smiled weakly and turned to look at Harry. Senda gave Harry her best "sorry" look and was very fooling. She did feel sorry for Harry, but she had earned her house some points. It had to count for something. Maybe people, at least Slytherins, would like her. She decided that she didn't care.
Finally the lesson began and the students were set to work weighing dried nettles and crushing snake fangs. They were also paired up and Senda got paired up with Draco. She felt horrible about this, not because of being with Draco, but because he would get good grades because Senda knew what she was doing and she hated that idea. Senda's father criticized almost everyone except Draco, whom he seemed to like. Senda couldn't believe this and made things as hard as she could for Draco. But this was foolish so she quit. She was halfway happy when Severus said to look at how perfect Draco's potion was. They had both done it and maybe it wasn't so bad working with him. Maybe it was okay to trust someone for once. Yeah, right.
They were fighting over what to add and when soon and they kept fighting. Draco didn't want to add the ingredients in order and Senda wanted to do it differently. They ended up spilling the potion on the floor in front of their table and Senda's father glared as he cleaned it up with a flick of his wand. Senda in turn glared as Draco as if to say, "this is your fault." So they had to start over again. Senda thought things couldn't get worse. Oh, how she hated Draco right then.
But Neville Longbottom had somehow melted Seamus Finnigan's cauldron and the boiling-curing potion, which is what they were making, went all over the floor, burning holes in everyone's shoes. Senda was not happy and stood up on her seat to avoid the potion. So did everyone else. But poor Neville, who had gotten the potion on himself, was moaning in pain as red boils appeared all over his arms and legs. Snape sent Seamus to take Neville to the hospital wing and yelled at Harry for no reason at all.
AN HOUR LATER, Senda walked out of potions in one piece but she didn't know how long she would stay that way. She was still mad at Draco for really no reason at all, and so was he. So they weren't talking to each other. Senda decided to catch up with Harry and Ron as they left Potions, mostly to complain about Draco Malfoy.
Senda: "Stupid Malfoy! I did a whole lot better then him. And he says he's better then me. I resent that! I'm better, understand? Stupid Monkey Malfoy."
Ron: "Riight. Do you need to go to the hospital wing, Senda?"
Senda: "I can't believe that he thinks he's better then me. Me!" makes fist
Harry: "Are you ranting?"
Senda: "And the-" growls "has the nerve to pair me up with Malfoy. My own father has the nerve to do that to me."
Senda: "And Draco makes me so mad, with his stupid nose and his Ex- D.E father and weird mother and his stupid smirky smirk and his..."
At this point, Harry and Ron leave and Senda was left ranting to herself without even knowing it.
Senda: "stupid pricky attitude!"
Senda walked into the Slytherin Common Room and stands in the doorway, seemingly fighting and complaining with/to herself. She starts mimicking Draco Malfoy now.
Senda: "My name's Draco Malfoy with my gelled hair, GELLED HAIR! I have big bodyguards and I get sweets from home and it's a wonder I'm not a fatass. Oh, he will pay, how he will pay!"
Senda turns around and slams the Slytherin Common Room door shut and huffs off into the dorms, leaving Draco looking pale and startled, but the rest of the Slytherins laughing.
THE WEEKEND WAS spent doing schoolwork and putting more effort into the war with the Weasleys. Every time Fred and George walked past Senda, they laughed and Senda could not for the life of her figure out why. When she asked them why they were laughing, they would smile and crack up. Senda didn't like this but thought it was slightly funny. Senda and Draco had made up again and it was getting easier to do. Still painful, but getting easy. No fights for the week yet. Classes were getting easier and Senda didn't get lost now. She did however grow to hate Transfiguration. And DADA was no less of a joke.
It was Thursday of the following week, and Senda was just going over her class notes in the Great Hall during breakfast when an explosion got her attention. Apparently, Seamus Finnigan, a first year Gryffindor who seemed to blow things up or burn them by accident, had been trying to turn his water to rum but had managed to blow it up instead, leaving his face black from smoke and burn. Senda looked over at him and laughed. So did most of the school. Those who saw it, anyway. Senda was unaware of Neville getting his Remembrall but was fully aware of Draco Malfoy getting his daily sweets from home. It was a wonder he wasn't a fatass with everything that he was sent from home. Senda shook her head and went back to her notes, but was disturbed when the mail arrived, carried by those bloody owls. Senda still hadn't gotten used to them and quickly put her notebook on her head and held it there. Evan came down and landed in front of Senda, carrying a Daily Prophet on its leg. Senda untied it and gave him a treat. She had taken care of the money for it. Senda rubbed his head absentmindedly while reading through the paper. Then she came to the section on Gringotts bank being robbed. She thought back. Yeah, the day Gringotts had been robbed was the day that she had met Harry and Draco in Diagon Alley. She would ask Harry about it later.
Then Senda thought again. Where had Draco's family been when he was in Madam Malkin's? Senda tried to remember what he had said. Then she remembered. Mr. Malfoy had been next door buying Draco's books and Mrs. Malfoy had been looking at wands. But had they? Senda wondered, but shook her head. Na, she thought, it's craziness.
Breakfast was over and Senda walked out of the Great Hall and waited for Harry and perhaps Ron. She waited outside of the door. Everyone went out, and suddenly there were Harry and Ron. Senda stepped in front of them.
Senda: "Did you see the part in the Daily Prophet about Gringotts?"
Harry: "Yeah. You read it?"
Senda: "Yes. What do you think of it?"
Ron: "I think it's weird. Gringotts getting robbed? It doesn't seem possible, does it?"
Senda: "I asked Harry, but thanks for saying what you think. It does seem weird. Impossible. But I think it's fishy, the way they're not saying anything about it. Why do you suppose that is?"
Harry: "Hagrid and I went to Gringotts that day in Diagon Alley. And the vault that Hagrid went into to get something for Dumbledore..."
Senda: "Hagrid got something for Dumbledore at Gringotts?"
Harry: "Yeah. My point is...the vault that was robbed?"
Senda: "Yeah?"
Harry: "It's the one Hagrid went into for Dumbledore."
Senda just stared. This was the kind of thing that she loved: a good mystery. But she was in it this time. She shook her head in disbelief. Then Senda found her mouth and spoke for the first time in a minute, breaking the ice.
Senda: "That's some scary stuff."
Ron: "Sure is. I told Harry that, too. You like mysteries, don't you, Senda?"
Senda: "Love 'em. Why?"
Harry: "I would consider this a mystery, wouldn't you? Right, Ron?"
Ron: "Sure."
Senda: "Yeah, I guess. It's a coincidence if you ask me, but maybe not. Oh, I love this stuff."
Ron: "We know by now. So..."
Senda: "Yeah. Um, did you look at your notice board? We get flying lessons together today. It's a double class and I'm thrilled to be going to flying lessons."
Harry: "Yeah. No offence, but we're kinda bummed about having flying lessons with the Slytherins."
Senda: "Because of Draco?"
Harry: "I...yeah, I guess so. I really don't want to make a fool of myself in front of anyone, much less him."
Senda: "Don't worry. It's not that hard, Harry."
Ron: "How would you know? Have you even flown?"
Senda: "Good point. Nope, I never have."
Harry: "Then how would you know?"
Senda: "Well, I guess I don't. Huh. Well, see you guys at flying lessons."
Senda walked away from Harry and Ron shaking their heads. Senda laughed and went down into the grounds of Hogwarts. It was a nice, sunny day and it was perfect for flying.
When she arrived, there were twenty broom sticks laid out in two rows. The class gathered around and waited for Madam Hooch, the flying teacher, to arrive. Senda looked at the brooms and made a face. If only she could have the broom stick she wanted.
Finally, Madam Hooch came and told them what to do.
Hooch: "Good afternoon, class."
Class: "Good afternoon, Madam Hooch."
Hooch: "Good afternoon, Amanda. Good afternoon. Welcome to your first flying lesson. Well, what are you all waiting for? Everyone step up to the left side of your broomstick. Come on now, hurry up. Stick your right hand over the broom and say 'up.'"
The class said up, but only a few broomsticks obeyed. Harry's broomstick went into his hand when he said up, and so did Draco's. Senda, however, was not so lucky. After saying up two times, the broomstick hit her ankles and Senda nearly fell over. Senda said up again, and this time the blasted thing obeyed. Hermione's, Senda was pleased to see, didn't obey her at first either. Nor did Neville's, and Ron's hit him in the head, after which he told Harry to shut up. Madam Hooch went around correcting everyone, and Harry and Ron at least seemed pleased when Madam Hooch told Draco that he had been flying wrong all along. Of course, this was a major burn because Draco had gone on and on about how well he flew. Madam Hooch continued the lesson.
Hooch: "Now, once you've got hold of your broom, I want you to mount it and grip it tight. You don't want to be sliding off the end. When I blow my whistle, I want each of you to kick off from the ground hard. Keep your brooms steady, hover for a moment, then lean forward slightly and touch back down. On my whistle. 3,2-"
And Madam Hooch blew the whistle. Nobody had kicked off yet when Neville Longbottom, who had been scared of flying before he had even come to Hogwarts, started to float off the ground. This was of course not on purpose. He kept going up a few feet, then zoomed ahead. There were some cheers and Harry said for Neville to be careful. Senda shouted good luck. Madam Hooch told him to come down, but of course he had no control over the broom. He flew up again and faster now. He twirled while heading right for one of the towers of the castle, going upside down and rightside up. He almost hit the wall, but the broom bounced along the wall with ease. Then Neville's broom turned around, dove toward the ground, righted itself a few feet off the ground, and headed right towards the class.
The students screamed and got out of the way as Neville went through an arch behind the class, then up again. Madam Hooch followed and the class stayed where they were without knowing quite why. Neville went over a statue, and his robes caught on it. The broom flew away while Neville was left dangling from the statue by his robes. Suddenly, the robe ripped and Neville fell, but his robe caught onto a torch holder this time. The robe tore some more, and Neville dropped onto the ground, leaving his robe hanging on the torch holder.
Madam Hooch came and cleared her way to Neville. The class looked on. Senda was worried. Neville's wrist was broken, Madam Hooch announced. Draco bent down to pick something up off the ground next to Senda, but she hardly noticed. Madam Hooch took Neville to the hospital wing, but not before explaining that no one was to leave the ground or try to fly and they were to stay right where they were until she came back. Her attention undivided, Senda turned to Draco.
Senda: "What's that you've got?"
Draco: "Longbottom's Remembrall."
Senda: "What?! How did you get Longbottom's Remembrall?"
The last part was quite loud, and Senda regretted it, because everyone turned to look at them. Senda felt herself go red.
Draco: "Doesn't matter. Maybe if the fat lump had remembered to give this a squeeze, he'd remember to fall on his fat arse."
Harry: "Give it here, Malfoy."
Senda: "Oh, please. You two are such babies. Honestly. Now let's play nice. I'll take it."
Draco: "I don't think so. How about I leave it somewhere for Longbottom to find?"
Senda glared at Draco. She wasn't about to let him do something when she said no, even if she didn't care about Longbottom. But he showed everyone how good he really was at flying by getting on his broom and flying on it. First he flew standing up, then he went around the class and right down the middle, going through the middle flying right. He called back from midair.
Draco: "What's the matter? If you want it, come and get it. Unless you're too afraid."
Senda burned from anger. Nobody got away with calling her chicken and lived. Or, at least, nobody did it without being corrected. So Senda took the bait and got on her broom, determined to prove him wrong. Harry did the same and Senda was surprised. As Harry was getting on his broom, Hermione gave him a lecture about it. He listened but didn't do anything she said. As they flew toward Draco, Senda was sure she heard Hermione say "what-an-idiot."
Of course, mounting the broom was easier then flying it, as Senda found out. Draco was bouncing the Remembrall up and down on his broom. Senda felt sick flying. She spoke to herself.
Senda: "We're gonna die. We're gonna die. I'm gonna throw up, and then we're gonna die."
Senda looked like she was going to die when she flew up to face Draco. She could hardly talk without throwing up.
Harry: "Give it here, Malfoy, or I'll knock you off your broom."
Senda: "That involves flying some more, doesn't it? Maybe we could skip that part..."
Draco: "What's the matter? Afraid of flying?"
Senda: "Damn right I am. I think I'm gonna throw up."
Harry: "Give it here!"
Draco: "Just try to knock me off my broom. I bet you can't fly good enough to even try."
Senda: "At least he hasn't been flying wrong all his life."
It was much more then Senda could do to not throw up, so she shut up after that. Harry raced toward Draco and almost knocked him off, but Draco easily avoided Harry. Enough, they thought. Senda was slowly getting used to flying now and didn't feel nearly as sick.
Draco: "Have it your way then."
Senda: "I'll kill you if you throw it. I swear I will."
Draco: "Like I'm afraid of you."
Senda: "You should be."
Ignoring Senda's threat of a painful death, Draco threw the Remembrall and Harry raced after it. Senda stared. As Harry raced after the Remembrall, Draco landed on the ground a few feet away from the class. Senda went after him.
Senda: "I said...not..to....throw it!"
Draco: "Like I was going to listen to you."
Senda: "You...I've had enough of you and your big-headedness of gel for my taste."
Senda lunged at Draco to try to choke him but Crabbe and Goyle stepped in. Senda stopped and thought of a joke instead. If she couldn't hurt him with fighting, she'd hurt him with words.
Senda: "Oh, that's real mature, having your goonies step in and save you. Do you do anything for yourself?"
Draco: "It doesn't concern you, you little witch."
Senda: "I'm guessing that's in a non-magical sense?"
Draco: "Yes, it is, and you are. You really push it, you know that?"
Senda: "I am not! I'm a lot nicer-"
Just then, Harry came back, holding the Remembrall and flying on his broom. The students cheered and ran to greet him, but most of the Slytherins stayed behind, including Draco, Crabbe, Goyle and Senda. The argument was forgotten, at least as far as Senda was concerned, and she now ran to greet Harry.
But then, Professor Mcgonagall came out and asked for Harry to follow her. Mcgonagall looked at Senda oddly but said nothing to her. Looking back, Senda could see Draco smirking after Mcgonagall had left. Madam Hooch came back and the flying lesson went on.
WALKING TO DINNER that same day, Senda felt weird. She didn't know what had happened to Harry, but she saw Ron, Fred and George Weasley walking with Harry toward the Great Hall and Senda decided to join them.
Senda: "You didn't get expelled, Harry!"
Harry: "Nope. I got-"
Fred: "He made Seeker on the Quidditch team."
Senda: "Seeker? But he's only a first year. And there hasn't been a Quidditch first year player on a house team in..."
Ron: "A century."
Senda: "Geez. Is that what Mcgonagall wanted?"
Harry: "Yeah. She took me to the team leader, Oliver Wood."
Senda: "I've heard about Wood. He's a bit...obsessed with his Quidditch. And so is Shada Hewitt."
Harry and Ron: "Who?"
George: "Oh, she's our number one Chaser. She's obsessed about Quidditch, but lacks the interest to lead the team, or she would have made captain. And, even though she's the best Chaser we've had in a while, she's a bit lazy and spacy sometimes."
Senda: "Yeah. She's the female verison of Oliver, some people say. She's too crazy to lead the team if you ask me."
Fred: "I guess she is. By the way, George and I play Beaters."
Senda: "The human Bludgers, I know."
Ron: "You're like Hermione, you know everything."
Senda: "Pretty much, except I don't brag and boast about all I know, like Draco, or annoy people by being smart and making people feel dumb, like Hermione. I just like being a smart-ass."
Senda flicked her below shoulder length, slightly wavy, black hair and turned to walk away. The impression was made. She was crazy. And she didn't need to hear people muttering "crazy Snape girl" whenever she walked by to know this. Senda went into the Great Hall and sat down to eat while scowling at Draco.
Awaking from a good night's sleep, Senda found her watch on the table beside her with closed eyes and grudgingly opened her eyes to look at it. It was time for her to get up. Senda got up and after a fight with Millicent Bulstrode, another first year Slytherin, over the importance of keeping up appearances, and smelling good, Senda walked down to the Great Hall.
Or, at least she tried to. She got lost at least five times and couldn't remember where to turn and which corridor to take and which stairs to go up. It was horrible. Senda felt like her head was going to explode if she didn't make a map of Hogwarts or something very soon to help her find her way around.
Finally she got to the Great Hall. Entering she saw the students and the professors eating. Just then, while Senda was standing in the doorway, Harry and Ron ran into her.
Senda: "Hey! Watch where you're going. Need glasses?"
Harry: "I already have glasses, thank you."
Senda: "Very funny. Sorry, but I already had a bad day."
Ron: "How? It's only the morning."
Senda: "I lost my way about five times coming here."
Harry and Ron: "So did we."
Senda: "Good for you. Listen, are you guys doing anything after school? I was thinking of checking out the Forbidden Forest after dark."
Ron: "We can't go in there! You heard what Dumbledore said."
Harry: "Besides, why would you want to?"
Senda: "I dunno. I just like doing things I shouldn't."
Ron: "Right. Well, see you."
Senda: "Hold up. Do you know where I could find a map of this bloody school? I can't find anything."
Ron: "I don't think there is one. Tough luck, eh? Too bad, because I could sure use one, too."
Senda: "Yeah. Well, see you guys later."
Senda went and sat down at the Slytherin table and started eating. Shaking her head, she got out a notebook from her bag and started making notes. Just then, a swarm of owls came flooding into the Great Hall, carrying letters and packages, which were dropped into the laps of their owners. Senda nearly screamed and quickly got her book and held it over her head until the owls had left, then quickly started making notes again.
On her way to her first class, which was Transfiguration, taught by Professor Mcgonagall, Senda remembered her promise to visit Evan and see how he was getting on. So she asked to be pointed to the Owlery and was soon there, after getting lost only three times.
Looking for Evan, Senda could see a lot of owls and wondered if they belonged to the students and if some were school owls. Calling Evan down to her, Senda rubbed his head and gave him a treat. She said sorry for having no letter and left, happy and satisfied with Evan and how he was getting on.
Looking at her watch, Senda broke into a run. She was late for her first class and she didn't want to be yelled at her first day by Mcgonagall. The class happened to be double with the Gryffindors.
SNEAKING INTO THE back of class, Senda could see that Harry and Ron were late as well and were being told off by Mcgonagall. Senda sat down in the very back of class and hoped that she would go unnoticed.
Mcgonagall: "Perhaps it would be more useful if I were to transfigure Mr. Potter and yourself into a pocket watch? That way one of you might be on time."
Harry: "We got lost."
Mcgonagall: "Then perhaps a map? I trust you don't need one to find your seats? And, Mrs. Snape, I see you are late as well."
Senda: "Sorry. I was checking on my owl, Evan, and I lost track of time and I lost my way."
Mcgonagall: "Then perhaps you should join Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley in keeping better track of time and having more self-discipline."
Senda: "Yes, Professor Mcgonagall, I'll try to."
Mcgonagall: "Good. Now then, let's begin."
Senda sighed and shook her head. She could see Draco Malfoy smirking at all of this and Senda wanted to say something, but she kept her mouth shut. By the end of class, they were no closer to turning their matches into needles, which was what Mcgonagall wanted them to do, then they were to finding a hundred Galleons on the floor. All except Hermione, who had gotten it halfway right. Senda scowled behind her back.
SENDA'S CLASSES WERE very exciting to go to the first time. There was History of Magic, which was the most boring class and it was taught by the only ghost professor, Professor Binns, who had fallen asleep in the staff room and died when there was a fire. He got up the next morning to teach and left his body behind. Senda found the story funny but didn't laugh.
And there was Herbology, taught by Professor Sprout. Senda liked Herbology and thought that some of it was fun but mostly boring.
And Senda had to study the night skies at midnight every Monday to learn the names of the stars and the movements of the planets. This she enjoyed more then anything and was happy for the chance. She loved the stars and was the best of the Slytherins at this class.
And there was Defense Against the Dark Arts, taught by Professor Quirrell. It was a bit of a joke and Senda had to restrain herself from laughing out loud the first time she went to DADA, as she and almost everyone else called it. Professor Quirrell's classroom smelled of garlic, which was to ward off a vampire he'd met in Romania and was afraid would be coming back to get him one of these days. And his turban smelled as well, and after asking the Weasley twins about it, Senda thought like they did: that Professor Quirrell's turban was filled with garlic so that he was protected wherever he went.
So the week went by without event, mostly without event. Senda had talked to Harry and Ron after classes a few times but nothing had really happened. The most eventful thing was that Senda had made up with Draco Malfoy and they were becoming slow friends. It was painful for both of them, but they managed to say sorry for being mean. Or, Senda did anyways. Draco hadn't really said anything to Senda but said he would try not to be mean to Senda if he felt like it. Senda had sighed and accepted. Senda did it because she didn't want any enemies and Draco did it...well, Senda couldn't figure that out, but she was working on it. Their friendship was on broken egg shells and they both walked carefully. Senda decided that Draco wasn't so bad once you got to know him. Senda still didn't know why she had made friends with Draco, but maybe it was because she might want some help in her good-natured war with the Weasley twins. She really didn't know.
A mini war had been started between herself and the Weasley twins the second day of term and both parties were enjoying the good-natured war. The war involved fireworks and dungbombs and other such things used in practical jokes. And then Friday came.
So anyways, the week went by, apparently with event, and Friday came. Friday was to be Senda's first Potions lesson and she was looking forward to it. Most everybody besides the Slytherins hated Potions class, Senda found out, but she couldn't see why. Then again, she thought, she hadn't been to Potions class and couldn't rate it yet. But how bad could it be? Okay, pretty bad, but she would find out for herself.
During Friday, Senda and Draco's friendship was cold because Senda and Draco had gotten into a fight over seats the night before. Senda was sitting by the fireplace in her favorite seat and she had gone to her dorm to get a book to read. When she had come back, Draco had been in her seat and was talking to Crabbe and Goyle. Senda didn't care about Draco talking to Crabbe and Goyle, but she did mind him sitting in her favorite seat. So she had told him to move it or lose it and he wouldn't move. Draco said that Senda should have stayed in her seat if she wanted to keep it. Senda had walked off in a huff and went into her dorm to do schoolwork instead.
Friday at breakfast, Senda and Draco had been sending each other "screw you" looks all through breakfast and while leaving for Potions class. Senda couldn't stand him Friday. So, ignoring Draco after she walked out of the Great Hall, Senda walked down to Potions class.
THE POTIONS CLASSROOM was in the dungeons, but Senda didn't care. Most everyone was there and Senda found an ill-favored seat in the front of the class and took it. It was the farthest to the left, the first row of tables, and closest to Professor Snape's desk. Draco, Crabbe and Goyle were sitting next to Senda but she ignored them. Looking on her left, Senda could see shelves full of potion ingredients. Sitting her bag down on her seat and saying "touch this and die," Senda went over to look at the ingredients on the shelves. She heard footsteps in the corridor and quickly went to sit down.
Just then, the classroom door burst open and in walked Professor Snape, his black robe halfway flying behind him because he was walking so fast. Snape spoke as he walked to his desk.
Snape: "There will be no foolish wandwaving or silly incantations in this class. As such, I don't expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art that is potion making. However, for those select few...who posses the predisposition...I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory and even put a stopper in death. Then again, maybe some of you have come to Hogwarts in possession of abilities so formidable that you feel confident enough to not pay attention."
Senda had been shaking her head ever so slightly. She had also been taking notes on other things and she now looked up. Her face turned red and she looked back down. Snape was still standing by his desk. Maybe he would go after Potter instead of her. Yes, maybe. Hopefully. He did. But that wouldn't stop Senda from talking.
Snape: "Mr. Potter, our new celebrity. Tell me, what would I get if I added root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"
Senda's hand went up, and so did Hermione's, but Severus ignored them both, which caused mixed feelings in Senda. Harry just shook his head.
Snape: "You don't know? Well, let's try again. Where, Mr. Potter, would you look if I asked you to find me a bezoar?"
Harry: "I don't know, sir."
Senda: "I know the answer."
Snape: "And what is the difference between monkswood and wolfsbane?"
Harry: "I don't know, sir."
Senda: "Am I invisible?!"
Snape: "Pity. Clearly, fame isn't everything, is it, Mr. Potter?"
Senda: "No, but existing is, and I do exist, ya know."
Harry: "Clearly, Hermione or Senda knows. Seems a pity not to ask them."
Senda: "The smartest thing he's said all day."
At this, there was an outbreak of giggling and hushed laughter. Senda just buried her face in her book while Draco, Crabbe and Goyle laughed. Severus was still standing by his desk. Senda hated being the centre of attention. Sure, she hated being ignored, but only if the person was standing right in front of her. But Senda decided to risk it.
Snape: "Silence."
Senda: "If I may answer, Professor Snape?"
Snape: "Why should I let you answer?"
Senda: "Because I know the answers, that's why."
Snape: "Do you now? Go ahead then,"
Senda resisted the urge to roll her eyes, but stood up and turned to face the class. This was the only place that she knew what she was doing. She had read and memorized every school book and potions were sometimes complex but this suited Senda. And she was going to take advantage of it if she could, so she did.
Senda: "Right. Hermione, put your hand down, please. Well, for your information, asphodel and wormwood make a sleeping potion so powerful that it is known as the Draught of Living Death. A bezoar is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat and it will save you from most poisons. As for monkswood and wolfsbane, they are the same planet, which also goes by the name of aconite."
Nobody seemed impressed, but there were some odd looks here and there. Senda didn't mind, but she had made a mistake: she knew too much and had just shown it. Now everyone would think that she would or could somehow cheat on her tests. She would prove them wrong, but it would be hard and almost not worth it. Still, it was fun.
Snape: "Well, why aren't you all copying that down?"
There was a fury of sound as the students took out their quills and started writing down what they had just learned. Senda sat down, red-faced but proud. She wrote what she already knew in her notebook and listened as her father kept up his little thing with Harry. He finally went and sat behind his desk and began writing something, but still he made Harry pay for smarting off.
Snape: "Gryffindors, note that five points will be taken from your house for your classmate's cheek. And Slytherins, note that five points will be given to your house for your classmate's right answers."
Draco and his goonies looked back at Harry and smirked. They were happy. Then they looked at Senda and Draco gave her an approving smile. Senda smiled weakly and turned to look at Harry. Senda gave Harry her best "sorry" look and was very fooling. She did feel sorry for Harry, but she had earned her house some points. It had to count for something. Maybe people, at least Slytherins, would like her. She decided that she didn't care.
Finally the lesson began and the students were set to work weighing dried nettles and crushing snake fangs. They were also paired up and Senda got paired up with Draco. She felt horrible about this, not because of being with Draco, but because he would get good grades because Senda knew what she was doing and she hated that idea. Senda's father criticized almost everyone except Draco, whom he seemed to like. Senda couldn't believe this and made things as hard as she could for Draco. But this was foolish so she quit. She was halfway happy when Severus said to look at how perfect Draco's potion was. They had both done it and maybe it wasn't so bad working with him. Maybe it was okay to trust someone for once. Yeah, right.
They were fighting over what to add and when soon and they kept fighting. Draco didn't want to add the ingredients in order and Senda wanted to do it differently. They ended up spilling the potion on the floor in front of their table and Senda's father glared as he cleaned it up with a flick of his wand. Senda in turn glared as Draco as if to say, "this is your fault." So they had to start over again. Senda thought things couldn't get worse. Oh, how she hated Draco right then.
But Neville Longbottom had somehow melted Seamus Finnigan's cauldron and the boiling-curing potion, which is what they were making, went all over the floor, burning holes in everyone's shoes. Senda was not happy and stood up on her seat to avoid the potion. So did everyone else. But poor Neville, who had gotten the potion on himself, was moaning in pain as red boils appeared all over his arms and legs. Snape sent Seamus to take Neville to the hospital wing and yelled at Harry for no reason at all.
AN HOUR LATER, Senda walked out of potions in one piece but she didn't know how long she would stay that way. She was still mad at Draco for really no reason at all, and so was he. So they weren't talking to each other. Senda decided to catch up with Harry and Ron as they left Potions, mostly to complain about Draco Malfoy.
Senda: "Stupid Malfoy! I did a whole lot better then him. And he says he's better then me. I resent that! I'm better, understand? Stupid Monkey Malfoy."
Ron: "Riight. Do you need to go to the hospital wing, Senda?"
Senda: "I can't believe that he thinks he's better then me. Me!" makes fist
Harry: "Are you ranting?"
Senda: "And the-" growls "has the nerve to pair me up with Malfoy. My own father has the nerve to do that to me."
Senda: "And Draco makes me so mad, with his stupid nose and his Ex- D.E father and weird mother and his stupid smirky smirk and his..."
At this point, Harry and Ron leave and Senda was left ranting to herself without even knowing it.
Senda: "stupid pricky attitude!"
Senda walked into the Slytherin Common Room and stands in the doorway, seemingly fighting and complaining with/to herself. She starts mimicking Draco Malfoy now.
Senda: "My name's Draco Malfoy with my gelled hair, GELLED HAIR! I have big bodyguards and I get sweets from home and it's a wonder I'm not a fatass. Oh, he will pay, how he will pay!"
Senda turns around and slams the Slytherin Common Room door shut and huffs off into the dorms, leaving Draco looking pale and startled, but the rest of the Slytherins laughing.
THE WEEKEND WAS spent doing schoolwork and putting more effort into the war with the Weasleys. Every time Fred and George walked past Senda, they laughed and Senda could not for the life of her figure out why. When she asked them why they were laughing, they would smile and crack up. Senda didn't like this but thought it was slightly funny. Senda and Draco had made up again and it was getting easier to do. Still painful, but getting easy. No fights for the week yet. Classes were getting easier and Senda didn't get lost now. She did however grow to hate Transfiguration. And DADA was no less of a joke.
It was Thursday of the following week, and Senda was just going over her class notes in the Great Hall during breakfast when an explosion got her attention. Apparently, Seamus Finnigan, a first year Gryffindor who seemed to blow things up or burn them by accident, had been trying to turn his water to rum but had managed to blow it up instead, leaving his face black from smoke and burn. Senda looked over at him and laughed. So did most of the school. Those who saw it, anyway. Senda was unaware of Neville getting his Remembrall but was fully aware of Draco Malfoy getting his daily sweets from home. It was a wonder he wasn't a fatass with everything that he was sent from home. Senda shook her head and went back to her notes, but was disturbed when the mail arrived, carried by those bloody owls. Senda still hadn't gotten used to them and quickly put her notebook on her head and held it there. Evan came down and landed in front of Senda, carrying a Daily Prophet on its leg. Senda untied it and gave him a treat. She had taken care of the money for it. Senda rubbed his head absentmindedly while reading through the paper. Then she came to the section on Gringotts bank being robbed. She thought back. Yeah, the day Gringotts had been robbed was the day that she had met Harry and Draco in Diagon Alley. She would ask Harry about it later.
Then Senda thought again. Where had Draco's family been when he was in Madam Malkin's? Senda tried to remember what he had said. Then she remembered. Mr. Malfoy had been next door buying Draco's books and Mrs. Malfoy had been looking at wands. But had they? Senda wondered, but shook her head. Na, she thought, it's craziness.
Breakfast was over and Senda walked out of the Great Hall and waited for Harry and perhaps Ron. She waited outside of the door. Everyone went out, and suddenly there were Harry and Ron. Senda stepped in front of them.
Senda: "Did you see the part in the Daily Prophet about Gringotts?"
Harry: "Yeah. You read it?"
Senda: "Yes. What do you think of it?"
Ron: "I think it's weird. Gringotts getting robbed? It doesn't seem possible, does it?"
Senda: "I asked Harry, but thanks for saying what you think. It does seem weird. Impossible. But I think it's fishy, the way they're not saying anything about it. Why do you suppose that is?"
Harry: "Hagrid and I went to Gringotts that day in Diagon Alley. And the vault that Hagrid went into to get something for Dumbledore..."
Senda: "Hagrid got something for Dumbledore at Gringotts?"
Harry: "Yeah. My point is...the vault that was robbed?"
Senda: "Yeah?"
Harry: "It's the one Hagrid went into for Dumbledore."
Senda just stared. This was the kind of thing that she loved: a good mystery. But she was in it this time. She shook her head in disbelief. Then Senda found her mouth and spoke for the first time in a minute, breaking the ice.
Senda: "That's some scary stuff."
Ron: "Sure is. I told Harry that, too. You like mysteries, don't you, Senda?"
Senda: "Love 'em. Why?"
Harry: "I would consider this a mystery, wouldn't you? Right, Ron?"
Ron: "Sure."
Senda: "Yeah, I guess. It's a coincidence if you ask me, but maybe not. Oh, I love this stuff."
Ron: "We know by now. So..."
Senda: "Yeah. Um, did you look at your notice board? We get flying lessons together today. It's a double class and I'm thrilled to be going to flying lessons."
Harry: "Yeah. No offence, but we're kinda bummed about having flying lessons with the Slytherins."
Senda: "Because of Draco?"
Harry: "I...yeah, I guess so. I really don't want to make a fool of myself in front of anyone, much less him."
Senda: "Don't worry. It's not that hard, Harry."
Ron: "How would you know? Have you even flown?"
Senda: "Good point. Nope, I never have."
Harry: "Then how would you know?"
Senda: "Well, I guess I don't. Huh. Well, see you guys at flying lessons."
Senda walked away from Harry and Ron shaking their heads. Senda laughed and went down into the grounds of Hogwarts. It was a nice, sunny day and it was perfect for flying.
When she arrived, there were twenty broom sticks laid out in two rows. The class gathered around and waited for Madam Hooch, the flying teacher, to arrive. Senda looked at the brooms and made a face. If only she could have the broom stick she wanted.
Finally, Madam Hooch came and told them what to do.
Hooch: "Good afternoon, class."
Class: "Good afternoon, Madam Hooch."
Hooch: "Good afternoon, Amanda. Good afternoon. Welcome to your first flying lesson. Well, what are you all waiting for? Everyone step up to the left side of your broomstick. Come on now, hurry up. Stick your right hand over the broom and say 'up.'"
The class said up, but only a few broomsticks obeyed. Harry's broomstick went into his hand when he said up, and so did Draco's. Senda, however, was not so lucky. After saying up two times, the broomstick hit her ankles and Senda nearly fell over. Senda said up again, and this time the blasted thing obeyed. Hermione's, Senda was pleased to see, didn't obey her at first either. Nor did Neville's, and Ron's hit him in the head, after which he told Harry to shut up. Madam Hooch went around correcting everyone, and Harry and Ron at least seemed pleased when Madam Hooch told Draco that he had been flying wrong all along. Of course, this was a major burn because Draco had gone on and on about how well he flew. Madam Hooch continued the lesson.
Hooch: "Now, once you've got hold of your broom, I want you to mount it and grip it tight. You don't want to be sliding off the end. When I blow my whistle, I want each of you to kick off from the ground hard. Keep your brooms steady, hover for a moment, then lean forward slightly and touch back down. On my whistle. 3,2-"
And Madam Hooch blew the whistle. Nobody had kicked off yet when Neville Longbottom, who had been scared of flying before he had even come to Hogwarts, started to float off the ground. This was of course not on purpose. He kept going up a few feet, then zoomed ahead. There were some cheers and Harry said for Neville to be careful. Senda shouted good luck. Madam Hooch told him to come down, but of course he had no control over the broom. He flew up again and faster now. He twirled while heading right for one of the towers of the castle, going upside down and rightside up. He almost hit the wall, but the broom bounced along the wall with ease. Then Neville's broom turned around, dove toward the ground, righted itself a few feet off the ground, and headed right towards the class.
The students screamed and got out of the way as Neville went through an arch behind the class, then up again. Madam Hooch followed and the class stayed where they were without knowing quite why. Neville went over a statue, and his robes caught on it. The broom flew away while Neville was left dangling from the statue by his robes. Suddenly, the robe ripped and Neville fell, but his robe caught onto a torch holder this time. The robe tore some more, and Neville dropped onto the ground, leaving his robe hanging on the torch holder.
Madam Hooch came and cleared her way to Neville. The class looked on. Senda was worried. Neville's wrist was broken, Madam Hooch announced. Draco bent down to pick something up off the ground next to Senda, but she hardly noticed. Madam Hooch took Neville to the hospital wing, but not before explaining that no one was to leave the ground or try to fly and they were to stay right where they were until she came back. Her attention undivided, Senda turned to Draco.
Senda: "What's that you've got?"
Draco: "Longbottom's Remembrall."
Senda: "What?! How did you get Longbottom's Remembrall?"
The last part was quite loud, and Senda regretted it, because everyone turned to look at them. Senda felt herself go red.
Draco: "Doesn't matter. Maybe if the fat lump had remembered to give this a squeeze, he'd remember to fall on his fat arse."
Harry: "Give it here, Malfoy."
Senda: "Oh, please. You two are such babies. Honestly. Now let's play nice. I'll take it."
Draco: "I don't think so. How about I leave it somewhere for Longbottom to find?"
Senda glared at Draco. She wasn't about to let him do something when she said no, even if she didn't care about Longbottom. But he showed everyone how good he really was at flying by getting on his broom and flying on it. First he flew standing up, then he went around the class and right down the middle, going through the middle flying right. He called back from midair.
Draco: "What's the matter? If you want it, come and get it. Unless you're too afraid."
Senda burned from anger. Nobody got away with calling her chicken and lived. Or, at least, nobody did it without being corrected. So Senda took the bait and got on her broom, determined to prove him wrong. Harry did the same and Senda was surprised. As Harry was getting on his broom, Hermione gave him a lecture about it. He listened but didn't do anything she said. As they flew toward Draco, Senda was sure she heard Hermione say "what-an-idiot."
Of course, mounting the broom was easier then flying it, as Senda found out. Draco was bouncing the Remembrall up and down on his broom. Senda felt sick flying. She spoke to herself.
Senda: "We're gonna die. We're gonna die. I'm gonna throw up, and then we're gonna die."
Senda looked like she was going to die when she flew up to face Draco. She could hardly talk without throwing up.
Harry: "Give it here, Malfoy, or I'll knock you off your broom."
Senda: "That involves flying some more, doesn't it? Maybe we could skip that part..."
Draco: "What's the matter? Afraid of flying?"
Senda: "Damn right I am. I think I'm gonna throw up."
Harry: "Give it here!"
Draco: "Just try to knock me off my broom. I bet you can't fly good enough to even try."
Senda: "At least he hasn't been flying wrong all his life."
It was much more then Senda could do to not throw up, so she shut up after that. Harry raced toward Draco and almost knocked him off, but Draco easily avoided Harry. Enough, they thought. Senda was slowly getting used to flying now and didn't feel nearly as sick.
Draco: "Have it your way then."
Senda: "I'll kill you if you throw it. I swear I will."
Draco: "Like I'm afraid of you."
Senda: "You should be."
Ignoring Senda's threat of a painful death, Draco threw the Remembrall and Harry raced after it. Senda stared. As Harry raced after the Remembrall, Draco landed on the ground a few feet away from the class. Senda went after him.
Senda: "I said...not..to....throw it!"
Draco: "Like I was going to listen to you."
Senda: "You...I've had enough of you and your big-headedness of gel for my taste."
Senda lunged at Draco to try to choke him but Crabbe and Goyle stepped in. Senda stopped and thought of a joke instead. If she couldn't hurt him with fighting, she'd hurt him with words.
Senda: "Oh, that's real mature, having your goonies step in and save you. Do you do anything for yourself?"
Draco: "It doesn't concern you, you little witch."
Senda: "I'm guessing that's in a non-magical sense?"
Draco: "Yes, it is, and you are. You really push it, you know that?"
Senda: "I am not! I'm a lot nicer-"
Just then, Harry came back, holding the Remembrall and flying on his broom. The students cheered and ran to greet him, but most of the Slytherins stayed behind, including Draco, Crabbe, Goyle and Senda. The argument was forgotten, at least as far as Senda was concerned, and she now ran to greet Harry.
But then, Professor Mcgonagall came out and asked for Harry to follow her. Mcgonagall looked at Senda oddly but said nothing to her. Looking back, Senda could see Draco smirking after Mcgonagall had left. Madam Hooch came back and the flying lesson went on.
WALKING TO DINNER that same day, Senda felt weird. She didn't know what had happened to Harry, but she saw Ron, Fred and George Weasley walking with Harry toward the Great Hall and Senda decided to join them.
Senda: "You didn't get expelled, Harry!"
Harry: "Nope. I got-"
Fred: "He made Seeker on the Quidditch team."
Senda: "Seeker? But he's only a first year. And there hasn't been a Quidditch first year player on a house team in..."
Ron: "A century."
Senda: "Geez. Is that what Mcgonagall wanted?"
Harry: "Yeah. She took me to the team leader, Oliver Wood."
Senda: "I've heard about Wood. He's a bit...obsessed with his Quidditch. And so is Shada Hewitt."
Harry and Ron: "Who?"
George: "Oh, she's our number one Chaser. She's obsessed about Quidditch, but lacks the interest to lead the team, or she would have made captain. And, even though she's the best Chaser we've had in a while, she's a bit lazy and spacy sometimes."
Senda: "Yeah. She's the female verison of Oliver, some people say. She's too crazy to lead the team if you ask me."
Fred: "I guess she is. By the way, George and I play Beaters."
Senda: "The human Bludgers, I know."
Ron: "You're like Hermione, you know everything."
Senda: "Pretty much, except I don't brag and boast about all I know, like Draco, or annoy people by being smart and making people feel dumb, like Hermione. I just like being a smart-ass."
Senda flicked her below shoulder length, slightly wavy, black hair and turned to walk away. The impression was made. She was crazy. And she didn't need to hear people muttering "crazy Snape girl" whenever she walked by to know this. Senda went into the Great Hall and sat down to eat while scowling at Draco.