That week was a rather interesting experience for the first years. Every teacher, except Hermione, stopped on Lindy's and Lonni's names during role to talk about their parents for at least five minutes (an extra two for all the Weasleys.) All they did after that was be introduced, take notes, and be assigned to write essays or paragraphs.

Professor Potter was a bit strict in her classes. Yet, a fifth year said she wasn't nearly as harsh as Professor McGonagall, who hounded on you for just one mistake.

History of Magic was really dull. Professor Binns ranting on about goblins even put Lindy to sleep. However, she always managed to create some notes during that class, which Lonni and Jacob were extremely grateful for when it came time to write their essay that weekend.

In all, they had a fairly good week. That is, with the exception of Friday. That very morning both girls sat in the Great Hall, looking like they would soon be walking down death row, glancing a second time down at their schedules.

"We have flying lessons today!" shouted Jacob merrily as he entered the hall. Then his happy face turned into a look of concern. "Why aren't you guys jumping for joy?"

"Think about it," grunted Lindy.

"Now that's something he can't do," said Lonni, trying hard not to smile as she did so.

"What? Did somebody die or something?" asked Jacob.

"We're going to die at 10 o'clock," replied Lindy.

"Huh?"

"Check your schedule."

Confused, he placed his hand in his pocket and felt around. Then he pulled out his rumbled schedule and unfolded it, straightening it out to read.

"We've got potions," muttered Lonni, not wanting to wait on him.

"So?" asked Jacob, raising an eyebrow.

"Are you mad? Don't you know who teaches that subject?" moaned Lindy.

"That creepy looking guy up there?" Jacob glanced up at the staff table as he said this. Following his gaze, Lindy and Lonni found themselves starring at the potions master; his greasy black hair (some random white streaks), and his beady black eyes. All three shuddered in turn.

"How do you reckon that?" asked Jacob

"Haven't you thought on it? Look," said Lonni, frustrated, "he's a greasy old man, hates Potter's and Weasley's, and despises all Gryffindors, being as he is the head of Slytherin house. Doesn't that have death written all over it to you?"

"Never mind then," said Jacob, now downcast. Both were already done eating and waited on Jacob. They started talking and somehow ended up on the subject of quidditch.

"You should tryout Lindy," said Lonni. "Your dad mentioned how good your brother and you are."

"Maybe," said Lindy thoughtfully.

Just then, an owl landed in front of her. It turned out to be James, her dad's owl. Snowy white and owning a pair of crystal hazel eyes, it had two letters attached to its right leg. After offering James some crumbs, she untied them and glanced over the writing on each. One was from her dad and the other was from Hagrid. Actually, Hagrid's was addressed to all three of them.

"Go on James, no need to stay," she told the owl, who took flight as she did.

Opening her dad's letter she read it aloud to Lonni and Jacob. It read:

Dear Lindy,

Congratulations! You're a Gryffindor! I was as well (of course). Nothing's really different here, just me arguing with your brother over grades and homework (he got a C the other day). So, are you going to tryout for the house team? Also, tell all about you first week of classes! I got lost myself. Owl me back.

Your Dad,

Harry Potter

P.S. You know you can always contact me in times of trouble!

"What does that mean: 'You can always contact me in times of trouble?'" said Lonni at the conclusion of the letter.

"I don't know but you're going to have to hide letters from your dad or the Potter club will be all over them," said Jacob, laughing at the thought. The other two laughed a little as well.

"I have no clue," she muttered to them, folding that letter before grabbing the one from Hagrid.

Dear Lindy, Lonni, and Jacob,

How has your week gone? I remember your parents (Ron and Harry) visiting me their first year and telling me about it. Anyway, I was wondering if you three wouldn't mind coming down for tea later this evening? Don't reply, just come.

Hagrid

"If only he'd talk like that all the time," said Jacob.

"Jacob!" said Lonni, smacking Jacob in the back of the head. Lindy glared at him.

"I don't like tea, I'll have to drink water or something," said Lindy.

After this conversation Jacob was ready to leave for the lawn. Traveling through the halls, Lindy and Lonni walked right into none other than Katherine and Jade. Katherine glared but Jade looked thoroughly disgusted, muttering, "You think your all that, don't you?" Then she spat Lindy's before leaving for their class.

"Ew! That was- was," said Lind, trying to find a sensible, fowl words to describe what had just happened, "the most horrible, disgusting thing I've ever witnessed."

"Oh, get over it," Lonni told her as a napkin appeared in front of her and she began to wipe it off her shoe. "Now use wasting good brain power on a jerk like her."

"Maybe we should-" started Jacob.

"No! We're not going to tell my mum about this!" protested Lindy.

"-I was going to say get going," said Jacob, a bit hurt.

"And to think, we have potions with the Slytherins," said Lonni as Lindy mouthed 'Sorry' to Jacob, who accepted it with a smile.

Outside the grass was still wet from morning dew and the wind caused some chills for the first years. Even their teacher, Madame Everglade, who'd taught for the past eight years, was shivering as she gave out directions with her teeth chattering.

"Today you will be flying just a few feet from the ground- stop whining Mr. McKinnly, just because you're experienced doesn't mean we all are. As I was saying, you'll be learning the technique. Ok, first you take our place beside your brooms."

Lindy, Lonni, and Jacob took their places beside their brooms along with everyone else.

"Next, stick your right hand over the broom and say 'up' with a very commanding voice."

"Up!" shouted all the first years. Lindy's shot up into her hand and a few moments later Jacob's did too. Lonni's kept rolling around till finally it shot up and into her hand.

"Now, mount your broom and then we're going hover a bit, then touch back down."

They did this the whole time and when the class was about over, Lindy's "happy feeling" suddenly left her. Dreading their next class, Lindy and Lonni walked as slow as snails in glue. Jacob seemed to be the only one cheerful on their trip to the dungeons.

"Come on guys, we're going to be late," said Jacob.

"We'd rather not show up at all," said Lonni, continuing to trudge.

"Really, how bad can potions be?" he asked as they entered the classroom.

Let's just say, Jacob's answer was instantly answered. As soon as they entered they could sense the tension in the air. It was hot and stuffy and a crisp, chilly voice broke the silence.

"Everyone take a seat. You three, why aren't you sitting down?" said Snape in a snappish manner, making the trio jump.

Hurriedly, they took their seats in the front because those were the only ones left. After that, the class began and Snape took role. He stopped on Lindy's name with a smirk playing onto his face.

"Another Potter. I never go very long without one in my class…"

Lindy starred into those beady black eyes of his wearing a steady and calm expression. She didn't care what he said. She was determined not to get in trouble.

"Well, I warn you all now, you do not want to be on my bad side. And I don't appreciate cheeky students," muttered Snape, looking at Lindy and Lonni in turn. "Now, where was I?"

After finishing role, he started by lecturing them about the safety precautions one should take while creating a potion and assigned them an essay on various mistakes that can be made. Near the end of class, both Lindy and Lonni were surprised at their luck. Maybe they could get along with the greasy git after all.

"Hold on guys, let me get my magazine," said Lonni, stopping at the door. After she fumbled with her latch on her designer bag for a few moments, she managed to get it out. However, Snape caught wind of the word "magazine" and couldn't help but seize the opportunity.

"Miss Weasley," sneered Snape, "are you not aware that you are not to have personal property such as this in your bag?"

"No but-" said Lonni, trying to protest.

"And I half thought we'd get along," muttered Snape, shaking his head. "Five points from Gryffindor, and I'll have to keep your magazine for confiscation."

Snape rolled the magazine up and left. Lonni stood rooted to the spot, her mouth hanging open. Random words were coming out of her mouth like, "magazine, he, took" or "confiscation, how, why." This went on for about ten minutes. Finally, Lindy spoke up.

"Look Lonni," she said with sympathy, "I know you're really upset, but lunch is about over so we better go grab something to eat before our afternoon classes."

Lonni nodded and the headed for the Great Hall.

They ate in silence, Jacob swearing every now and then. Lonni shot a glance up at the staff table, looking for Snape. However, he never showed up.