Disclaimer: J K Rowling owns the rights and likenesses of all the characters in the Harry Potter series. This story is meant to add to the world she created. Any conflicts are accidental and they yield to her reality (canon).
6. First Day of Classes
The morning came with bright sunlight covering the grounds. Samantha awoke to Edrea in her cage scratching around. The other girl were up and moving about getting ready to go down for breakfast.
"Good morning, Samantha," said Mira. "We will wait for you in the common room, OK?"
"Sounds good," Samantha said getting out of bed. "I will be there in a few minutes. " A few minutes later, Samantha, walked into the common room noticing Sirius, Mira, and Alex talking.
"Morning," said Sirius. "Sleep well?"
"Yes, I did," replied Samantha.
The four of them went downstairs for some breakfast. When they reached the entrance to the Great Hall, they were met by a group of three boys. All of them had the Slytherin crest on their uniforms.
"Better people first," said the leader of the group.
"Bugger off, twit," said Sirius with a scowl. "You wouldn't want to soil your uniform on the first day now would you?"
"Beg your pardon, Weasley," replied the arrogant boy.
"Just get out of the way, Dominic," said Mira with impatience in her voice.
"I think not," said Dominic. "You all know Slytherins are better than Gryffindors, especially ones who are Weasleys. At least your parents knew when to stop having kids before they went broke," said Dominic looking right at Sirius.
"Excuse me, but I would like some breakfast before classes begin," stated Samantha as she pushed past Dominic and his cronies.
Dominic grabbed her arm as she passed. "And who are you, a throw away from another school? Couldn't cut it there so you thought Hogwarts would be easier?" The oafs behind him got a laugh out of the statement.
Samantha pulled his hand away from her, and stared him straight in the eyes. She did not like being handled, least of all by a vile, nothing of a boy. "I am Samantha Brooks and I am not a throw away from anywhere," she said keeping her voice steady. "I suggest you keep your comments to yourself if you haven't anything nice to say." Samantha continued into the Great Hall with Mira and Alex following her. Sirius stood his ground.
Dominic looked at her not believing what he had just heard. "You think I am going to listen to someone like you," he called after the girls. "We will see how this one ends."
"Shut it, Malfoy," said Sirius not able to contain his anger. "You had better watch yourself this year." Sirius caught up to the girls muttering under his breath.
Malfoy and his crew went over to the Slytherin table having a good laugh at what just took place. They spent breakfast taunting Sirius from across the room.
"Sirius, let it go," said Samantha. "They aren't worth the trouble. They will get theirs in due time. Those kinds of people always do."
"Easy for you to say," Sirius said. "You just met them. They get worse as time goes on, and you picked the worst one of them all. Malfoy never lets up."
"Malfoy doesn't concern me," said Samantha wiping the encounter aside. "I am more worried about my classes then him."
As they were eating toast and a bit of bacon, Professor Weasley handed out the schedules to the Gryffindors. Samantha had Herbology first, followed by double Defense Against the Dark Arts. In the afternoon she had Potions and Care of Magical creatures. Tomorrow her day started off with History of Magic followed by double Charms. Then the afternoon held Transfiguration and Astronomy at night. "Well, at least my schedule isn't all bad."
"Hey we have the same schedule," said Sirius. "It will make the time go by faster. I am looking forward to Defense Against the Dark Arts myself. I can't wait to see what Professor Potter has planned."
Sirius wasn't the only one looking forward to Harry's class. More than half the school seemed to be talking about it. The rumors ranged from battling mountain trolls to werewolves and everything in between. The girls in Gryffindor seemed to be interested in Harry's class, but not because of what they could learn. Samantha suffered through more than a few overheard comments relating to how good he looks or how brave he must be. She was not at all enjoying the tenor of those conversations.
Samantha, Sirius, Alex, Mira and many other Gryffindors found themselves in the greenhouse along with members of Hufflepuff. Everyone was still discussing what Defense would be like with such an experienced person teaching it. The chatter was broken by a voice from the front of the greenhouse.
"Good morning class, I am Professor Longbottom." The class consisted mostly of review from last year. Samantha spent part of the class speaking with Professor Longbottom showing what she knew. He was more than satisfied with her standing. Salem had a pretty solid Herbology curriculum. No one made any glaring mistakes and the hour went by quickly.
The walk to Defense class was swift. No one wanted to be late. The class was taking place on the lower level of the castle in one of the large lecture rooms that went unused most of the time. Samantha found a seat with her group near the middle of the right side of the room. The front rows were already taken by others who had walked faster to get a good seat.
"So, I wonder which house we are paired with for this class," said Mira getting her answer as soon as she finished the question.
A large group of Slytherins walked in and took their seats. They spotted Sirius and his friends and continued their taunts from breakfast. Mira and Samantha did their best to help Sirius ignore the insults, but right when he was about to do something rash Professor Potter entered the room.
The room fell silent except for a few coughs and the occasional giggle or two. Every one of Harry's movements was followed by dozens of eyes. Harry began taking roll. Some students' excitement got the best of them and they spilled their books, quills, or stumbled when they announced their presence. Harry paused on Dominic's name, but continued trying to avoid notice.
"Good morning class," said Harry. "I understand that your previous teacher showed you the various dark creatures that you might happen across as well as a few jinxes and curses. If any of you have bothered to read ahead, you would know that we will be concentrating on practical Defense spells and their counters. I expect everyone to read one chapter a week, prior to coming to class. I will rarely assign papers, because I never really liked them when I was in school and I learned even less."
The class seemed to perk up when they heard that little writing would be required and minimal reading. Harry continued, "I expect everyone at the end of the year to be able to pass O.W.L level tests with no less than an 'A' and I would hope that you would achieve an 'E' or higher.
"But, Professor, O.W.L.s aren't until next year," said Malfoy with sarcasm in his voice.
"I know this, Malfoy is it?" Said Harry like a late birthday present had just arrived. Malfoy nodded. "Having been here before and taken the O.W.L.s, I believe I know when they are scheduled. Cheekiness and trying to be smart will get you nowhere in my class." The Gryffindors relished at the sight of Malfoy being taken down a notch. "Today will consist of a review of your skills or lack there of. One by one everyone will move forward and attempt to disarm me with the Expelliarmus charm. I will be looking for speed and mastery of the spell and points will be awarded accordingly."
"Well, he isn't wasting any time now is he," said Sirius as Slytherin after Slytherin attempted but failed to move Harry's wand at all.
"Mr. Malfoy, you're next," said Harry.
"Expelliarmus!" Shouted Malfoy but nothing happened causing Harry to smile. "Serpensortia!" yelled Malfoy smiling as if he had just won the house cup.
There were gasps and screams from the students. Most Slytherins basked in their apparent victory over the one who defeated the Dark Lord. Harry stepped forward wearing an even bigger smile. He told the snake to calm down and go to sleep, but that is not what the class heard. All they heard was Harry speaking in Parseltongue. The serpent curled up into a ball and went to sleep. Not a sound could be heard in the room. Malfoy looked as sick as one could without retching.
"I never asked to see you produce a snake, Mr. Malfoy," said Harry without changing the pitch of his voice. "Evanesco." And the snake disappeared with a puff of smoke. "That will be ten points from Slytherin for a poor choice words by Mr. Malfoy."
Malfoy sank into his chair daring not to say another word. The process continued on into the Gryffindors. Mira tried, but fared no better than anyone else. Alex had problems with her wand movement, which Harry corrected as he had for others, but she still couldn't move his wand.
"Ms. Brooks, you're next," said Harry.
Samantha walked forward and faced her father. They had practiced this spell since she first held a wand. "Expelliarmus," she cried. Harry's wand flew into the air in the direction of Samantha.
"Accio wand," said Harry before his wand had reached its destination. The class was beside itself. The new girl had just disarmed one of the most famous wizards of their age. "Well done, Ms. Brooks. Ten points to Gryffindor."
Samantha went back to her seat passing Sirius on his way up. "Well done, Samantha," said Sirius knowing he had a tough act to follow.
"Expelliarmus!" yelled Sirius. Harry's wand almost slid out of his hand.
"Well done, Mr. Weasley," Harry congratulated. "I see you have some of your parent's ability. Five points to Gryffindor."
By the time everyone had their turn at disarming Harry, the class was almost up. "I believe that is enough for one day," Harry said dismissing class a little early. "I expect you all to read Chapter One for next time and practice disarming when you can. The hallways are not acceptable locations to practice, so I don't want to hear about anyone blaming me if they get caught practicing where they shouldn't. I am well acquainted with the art of avoiding teachers when doing things I am not supposed to and so should all of you."
All of the Gryffindors were talking amongst themselves with a lot of excitement.
"That was cool," said one student. "I can't believe I am being taught by Harry Potter," said another.
"I have a lot to learn," said Mira feeling behind already. Her attempt was less than ideal. "How did you do that, Samantha?"
"Well," Samantha began. "My father has always been a little paranoid about defense. So, he has spent a lot of time teaching me. I can help you if you want?" Sirius gave Samantha a little wink knowing that her father was anything but paranoid.
"Would you?" Mira exclaimed. "Thank you so much. I really want to do well in this class."
"Not a problem," Samantha answered. Alex showed interest in tutoring as well. "Sirius, would you like to join our study group, too?"
"I guess I could use the added practice," he said trying to seem important. "Professor Potter is a much harder adversary than what I am used to. My uncles are good, but they aren't much of a match compared to my mum."
The students filed out of the classroom, many headed for the Great Hall for lunch. Some students hadn't believed Harry was a Parseltongue. They thought that was just a myth or rumor. "I didn't think it was true," a boy said. "At least we don't have to worry about that happening again," a girl said. "I hate snakes."
After lunch, the foursome headed down into the dungeons for Potions. The dankness of the corridors added to the already tense atmosphere. Samantha sat next to Sirius and Mira with Alex filling out the table near the back of the classroom.
"Snape hates Gryffindors," Sirius explained. "It is best to keep your head down and try and finish the potions without drawing attention to yourself. Otherwise, Snape will make your life difficult just for entertainment."
"I hope I can manage that," Samantha said wishing it were an hour later. She had heard stories about this class and teacher, none of them good.
They had class with Slytherin again. Malfoy still hadn't recovered from his dressing down in Defense though he put up a good face. The door to the classroom slammed open as Snape swooped to the front of the class. He peered down at the students over his pointy nose.
"There will be no foolish wand waving in my class," Snape said with authority. "I have no patience for stupidity or mistakes in this class. I will know quickly if you are going to be a problem here and I will deal with you accordingly." Snape took attendance silently knowing everyone already. He paused and looked at Samantha. "Mr. Brooks, you are a transfer student I believe. From where?"
"Salem, Professor Snape," replied Samantha keeping her response short and to the point.
"Salem, a fine school for Potions," Snape continued. "Are you sure you belong in Gryffindor?"
"It is where I was assigned, Sir."
"It is," said Snape not removing his gaze. "Well, we will see just how much you learned at Salem." Snape hung onto his last word. He proceeded to give the students the instructions for the day's assignment. "I expect you to finish this before time is up, now begin."
The class started measuring and weighing out ingredients. Samantha had always done quite well at Potions. It was something her mother had been very good at. Sirius was having problems adding the eye of newt to his mixture. Samantha helped him earning the attention of Snape who spent the rest of class standing behind their table.
"Time is nearly up," called Snape. "Who has completed the task?" Half of the class raised their hands. "Well, I see some of you will be using the full period. Those who are finished may bring up a sample for grading. Ten minutes remain for those of you who are not finished."
When Samantha handed over her vial, Snape examined it intently. "Ms. Brooks, it seems my faith in Salem is not misplaced."
"Thank you, Professor," Samantha replied.
"In the future, work in this class is individual not group. I trust you will remember that fact."
"Yes, Professor. I will."
The group gathered their things at the end of class and proceeded outside to their next class, Care of Magical Creatures.
"Samantha, are there any subjects you aren't good at?" Alex asked.
"Well, I am terrible at History and I have never had Care of Magical Creatures before," said Samantha. "My mother was very skilled in Potions so that is where I get that from."
"Really?" Said Mira. "Where are your parents now?"
"My father is busy with work and my mother is no longer with us," Samantha said quietly.
"I am sorry to hear that," Mira apologized. "I didn't know."
"It's OK," replied Samantha. "She died when I was very young. I really don't remember her much." The somber mood remained until the start of Magical Creatures.
"Good afternoon class," said Hagrid. "I'd like to see what you remember from last 'ear."
All-in-all Samantha did rather well during the review class. Sirius and Mira helped her with some identifications and questions on proper care, but this was by far her worst subject yet.
"You did pretty well," Sirius told her on the way back to the common room. "But you could use a little brushing up."
"I know I will have to put extra effort towards that subject," Samantha said. "When do you guys want to practice Defense?"
"Anytime you have free will work for us," the trio said. "And in return we can help you when you need it."
"Sounds like we have a deal, then," Samantha told them.
The common room was a little busy. A few second years were working on their History homework and a group of fifth years were debating how well they did in Defense. "I almost hit him with that jinx," said a tall boy with an oval shaped head. "Sure you did, and then you sprouted branches," quipped his friend to laughs from those standing nearby. "Better than you did. At least I didn't fall down," retorted the second boy. "I'll have you know that Professor Potter knocked me down with a repelling charm, I think."
"If Dad hit him with a repelling charm, he would know it," Samantha added under her breath so only Sirius could hear.
"Been on the receiving end of that one, have you?" Questioned Sirius.
"You don't forget that one very quickly," Samantha replied rubbing her left shoulder. "I wish he had spent some time learning medicine. I can still remember him separating my shoulder when I was nine. I got him with a nice Conjectivitus charm, but it threw off his aim and he hit me more squarely than he had wanted. I got presents for a week off that incident. He was so sorry," finished Samantha with a smile.
Sirius didn't know what to say in response to hearing this. "Uh, well, I will remember not to make him mad at me then."
"Oh, don't worry," Samantha interjected. "He is really nice as long as you aren't hurting someone he cares about."
"Are we interrupting something?" Mira said casually as she and Alex joined them. "Would you two like to be left alone?"
"There is nothing going on, Mira," snapped Sirius blushing a little. "We were just talking about classes today, that is all."
Mira looked sideways at Sirius being very obvious about the fact that she didn't believe him. "Me thinks he doth protest too much." Not missing a beat, she continued. "If you have time Samantha, Alex and I heard some others talking about a spare classroom they had found on the second floor. Would you mind showing us how to disarm someone?"
Samantha smiled at Sirius's discomfort, "Of course I will, Mira. I have time right now if you want."
The four of them left the common room and headed down to the second floor classroom that Mira had found. It was a long room that was wide enough for around five sets of people to practice disarming. A pair of Ravenclaws were near the windows rubbing their hands.
"Having any luck, Marie?" Asked Alex.
"Some, but we keep hurting our hands instead of pulling the wands," said Marie.
"You are fixating on the wand too much," Samantha explained. "If you only see the wand and their hand when you cast the spell, then you end up pulling on their hand as well. It is normal until you relax and just let the spell do the work for you."
"Well, that is a start," said Sirius. "Why don't you show us what you mean."
"Thank you for volunteering, Sirius," Samantha said with an evil grin. She proceeded to demonstrate the spell on Sirius causing his wand to fly at her feet every time. "Now, just say the words and get the movement down. Don't force the spell." After twenty minutes or so, everyone was able to disarm their opponent. Even Sirius succeeded in disarming Samantha half the time.
"Good, that is more like it. Would you like to try the blocking spell?" Samantha asked the group.
"Sure would," said Sirius. "I have a feeling some of the Slytherins will be using the disarming spell on us whenever they get a chance."
"OK, you rotate your wand down and to your body," she demonstrated. "Then you say Protego, and a shield is formed that will protect you from most basic spells and hexes."
They practiced the spell for a little while. Then Samantha had them try to defend the disarming spell. After a few turns, everyone had the spells down.
"Everyone had enough for the day?" Samantha asked.
"I think we are good," Marie said thanking Samantha and they headed back to their common room.
"That was wonderful, Samantha," said a delighted Mira. "I think learned more today than I had all last year. My parents will be so proud. How long have you known how to do these spells?"
"My father taught me when I turned six," Samantha explained to shocked faces. "What? He wanted me to be able to defend myself should I need too."
"We don't get wands until we start school," Mira said still surprised.
"Seems pretty stupid to me," Samantha replied. "If you learn early, you can work on stronger spells sooner."
"How high of spells do you know?" Asked Sirius.
"I don't know," Samantha said. "Have you learned the Patronus spell yet?"
"Ah, no," Sirius said quietly. "That isn't normally taught at Hogwarts."
"Oh, well I know that one and others so don't make me angry," Samantha said with a devilish glint to her eyes and a bright smile on her mouth.
They decided to eat an early dinner so they would have more time to finish their Potion's homework. While Samantha and Mira worked on their Potion's paper, Sirius and another boy named Mark Johnson posted something on the board.
"Sirius, what's that?" Inquired Samantha.
"Notice of quidditch tryouts on Saturday," he answered. "You are going to tryout aren't you?"
"I was planning on it. I am hoping for Seeker."
"I expect you to give it all you can. Don't let me down," directed Sirius.
Samantha went to sleep that night feeling energized and like she finally belonged somewhere. She looked forward to another day and more importantly the weekend. She had something to prove; she had to make her father proud of her.