Life's Many Challenges
Chapter 4 - Potions
Harry's robes blew behind him as he and Ron ran through the castle and headed for the dungeons. "We have five minutes. Five minutes. My brothers told me stories about the professor, he's mean, dark, and a vampire."
Harry smiled slightly. "I have met Professor Snape, he doesn't seem very friendly but I don't think he's a vampire, Ron."
The other boy shrugged and they reached the potions classroom. Walking in Harry was slightly surprised that Snape wasn't there already. Hermione was sitting alone at one of the tables as was Seamus, another Gryffindor.
Harry knew how Ron despised Hermione so he was the one to sit next to her. "Hi." She said and watched as he pulled out some parchment and a quill. "I hope you're as prepared for this class as I am. I've read loads of books about potions and it all seems quite simple as long as you follow the instructions exactly."
"I've done some reading on it." Harry said, trying to be friendly. "My godfather says it's not worth too much time unless you're going into a field that specializes in potions."
"That is why, Mr.Potter, your godfather failed year one potions and had to retake it only to cheat to pass. I highly doubt he could make even the simplest potion. How he became an auror I'll never know."
The class was deathly silent at the sudden appearance of their potions professor and all eyes were focused on Harry.
The anger was building in Harry and he glared at the professor. "As a matter of fact, sir, my godfather is an excellent potion maker and his skill with a wand and even wandless magic is why is an auror."
Snape met Harry's glare and took twenty points from Gryffindor for him speaking out of turn.
"Well Mr.Potter, tell me, what is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?"
Everyone looked back at Harry and Hermione was itching in her seat.
"I don't know sir."
"Well then let's try again, where would find me a bezoar?"
Harry was getting agitated. "I don't know sir."
Snape sneered. "I see your godfather decided not to share his talent for potions with you. Pity."
By now Harry was fuming, how dare he insult Sirius in front of everyone. The end of the class wouldn't get there soon enough.
)-(
"Did you hear him! That greasy git! Sirius is very good at potions, he taught me stuff, I just didn't remember it all."
Ron was walking next to Harry after potions and the two boys headed for Gryffindor tower. "What are you going to do about it?"
Harry shrugged as he started to calm down. "Nothing, it wouldn't do any good anyway. Snape is a teacher, I'm a student. I do have to write Sirius though."
"Are you going to mention it?"
"No. He would overreact and send Snape a howler or something. Then I would be in a lot of trouble."
Harry walked up the stairs to the boys dormitory and saw Hedwig there on his bed. "Hi girl. Ready for some flying tonight?"
The white owl looked at her owner and tilted her head to the side.
Moving to the bed Harry got out his writing things and started his letter.
Dear Sirius,
Everything is fine here, I'm having a really good time (except when I'm in potions with Snape). Nothing too exciting has happened yet and I havent had a chance to head out in night but I will. I really like Transfiguration with McGonagall and Charms isn't bad either. I just about fell asleep in my History of Magic class though. Why would they let a ghost teach?
I heard from someone that you failed first year potions, is that true? Why aren't you an auror anymore? I didn't even know you were one.
Sorry I didn't write yesterday. Can't wait to see you and Pyrgus.
Harry
Harry looked it over and decided it was good enough. Getting a small piece of string he carefully tied the letter to Hedwig's outstreatched leg and watched her fly off toward London.
)-(
Sirius was sitting at the table eating lunch when the Daily Prophet owl came through the window. Paying the bird he looked curiously at the front page.
Gringotts Unsafe
Gringotts was broken into late July 31. Though the goblins say nothing was stolen reporters still stay skeptical.
Sirius thought it strange that goblins would lie about something like that but turned the page and didn't bother to read the rest of the article. There was nothing else in the paper that caught his attention so he simply crumpled it up and threw it at the trash bin. He missed.
Just then Hedwig came flying through the window and landed in front of Sirius. He noticed Harry's handwriting and quickly untied the letter and gave Hedwig a treat and some water before she flew off back to Hogwarts.
Reading it, Sirius wondered who could have possibly known that he failed potions.
"Snape." He said to himself and started writing Harry a letter.
Harry,
I'm glad your having a good time. It's so boring and quiet here without you. About me not passing potions, that is true but I passed it eventually. Anyway, don't always listen to what Snape has to say. Just a lucky guess.
As for the rest of your classes, Transfiguation was my strong point, obviously, and charms I was pretty good at too. If you have any questions just write me, and if you need anything at all write me too, I will either come there or send it.
I'm sending this with Pyrgus so you don't miss him too much.
P.S. Don't stay out of trouble but be careful and cautious. I'm waiting for my first letter from McGonagall telling me about your detentions.
Sirius
Smiling slightly to himself Sirius called Pyrgus and tied the letter to his leg before sending the owl off to Hogwarts.
TBC
REVIEW!
