THE START OF THE YEAR

The next morning, Alex woke up before everyone else. She was nervous. She couldn't keep on sleeping, so she dressed in her Slytherin uniform, grabbed her books for the day and left. There were already a lot of students walking around the halls. The school was alive. She still had some time before the first class of the day, and she was hungry, so she entered the great hall and found a feast of all sorts of breakfast food. There were cereals, eggs, bacon, peas, chicken…It was as impressive as the dinner the night before. She saw Hermione having breakfast by herself at the Gryffindor table, where other students of the same house were eating too. So, she decided to join her friend and have breakfast together.

- Morning, Hermione! - she said as she sat at the Gryffindor table next to the other girl. This caused some looks from the other students.

- Alex! Good morning! Here, have some food, it's delicious and we're going to need it for the day ahead! - Hermione passed her a plate full of delicious food. Alex noticed that, just like her, Hermione had all of the books sitting right beside her. She also had other books that didn't seem to be from any of the classes.

- Have you already visited the library? - Alex said, pointing at the books next to Hermione.

- Oh, yes! I couldn't sleep, so I woke up earlier and went to find some interesting readings. If you're interested, we can go on the break. I'll show you where it is.

- I would love that!

The both girls seem to get along well. Hermione was clearly a smart child. And so was Alex. She liked to read, and she was a great student. It was nice to meet someone who shared some of her hobbies. And it was nice to have a friend that wasn't a bully to others. Suddenly, the redheaded twins sat in front of them.

- What is a Slytherin pup sitting with the Gryffindors? - one of them said with a playful smile on his face.

- Yeah, are you lost, slithergirl? - the other one was grinning too. They seem to be having a lot of fun. They didn't seem to have bad intentions, they were just pranking around.

- Well, I don't remember any rules against it. But since you are older, maybe you could enlighten me - Alex looked at them with a look of defiance on her face, and also with a grin. Both twins exchanged a look and then started laughing.

- Seems like we have a funny Slytherin among us, Georgie!

- That doesn't happen every day, Freddie.

- Maybe you should talk more with the Slytherins and not just with the Gryffindors. You could be surprised.

- Sorry to bother you, little girl. I'm Fred Weasley, and he is George, my brother

- I can tell - after all they were identical twins.

- We should be going, Alex. The class will start shortly.

- Nice to meet you, guys - Alex said her goodbyes and left with Hermione towards their first class.

Their first class was transfiguration. Alex followed Hermione around the castle. She seemed to have memorised the entire place, so good thing, they wouldn't get lost. Soon enough they arrived at the classroom. Professor McGonagall stood in the front of the class. As soon as the class began, she started talking about human transfiguration and about Animagus. She gave the students some instructions to start copying some basic concepts about it from their books, and then, she turned into a cat.

- So, she is an Animagus. That's really impressive… - Alex whispered to Hermione, who was sitting at her left.

- It is, but let's focus on the homework.

Hermione was an excellent student, anyone could tell. That was good. If Alex was seated next to her, she wouldn't have any distractions. Fifteen minutes passed or so, when Potter and his Weasley friend, whose name was Ron according to Hermione, rushed into the class.

- Whew, we made it. Can you imagine the look on McGonagall's face if we were late? - As soon as Ron said that, Professor McGonagall transformed into her human form. - That was bloody brilliant. - Ron's mouth dropped open in amazement.

- Thank you for that assessment, Mister Weasley. Perhaps if I were to transfigure Mister Potter and yourself into a pocket watch, that way one of you might be on time.

- We got lost. - said Harry, trying to justify their delay.

- Then perhaps a map? I trust you don't need one to find your seats. - The two boys sat right behind Hermione and Alex. This one found the situation hilarious. Hermione, on the other hand, found it annoying. - Transfiguration is some of the most complex, dangerous and valuable magic you will learn at Hogwarts. Use it skilfully and it may, one day, save your life. Make a mistake and you could find yourself with a toad's head and a monkey's tail. - McGonagall opened her text book, suggesting the student to do the same - All right then…Shall we?

The first class passed by swiftly. McGonagall was an extraordinary teacher. She was tough and demanding, but a great one. Alex was having a blast, and the day had just begun. She and Hermione shared a liking for studying and that made it easier for the classes. Later on, they headed to the dungeons to their first potions class with professor Snape. The room was dark and the students were chattering, sitting near steaming cauldrons. Suddenly, the door slammed open and Snape came rushing in.

- There will be no foolish wand waving 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 possess 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. - most of the students understood that this was some kind of lecture before the year began. However, Potter was writing everything Snape said, which caught his attention - 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. - Hermione nudged Harry, who was sitting right beside her - Mister Potter. Our new celebrity. Tell me, what would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood? - Hermione raised her hand while Harry shrugged - You don't know? Well, let's try again. Where, Mister Potter, would you look if I asked you to find me a bezoar? - once again, Hermione's hand raised. It was pretty obvious that the professor didn't want anyone else to answer.

- I don't know, sir.

- And what is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?

- I don't know, sir.

- Pity. Clearly, fame isn't everything…is it, Mister Potter? - Alex caught Draco smirking. He clearly didn't like Potter, and he enjoyed the situation. For everyone else…It was really tense. Suddenly, Potter spoke again.

- Clearly, Hermione knows. Since it's a pity not to ask her. - Hermione looked very surprised while some of the students started laughing. Alex was laughing too, at the shock. "He must be crazy to reply like that to a professor that just humiliated him in front of the entire class".

- Silence. And put your hand down, you silly girl. For your information, Potter…Asphodel and wormwood make a sleeping potion so powerful, 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 monkshood and wolfsbane, they are the same plant, which also goes by the name of aconite. - everyone was quiet, even afraid to breathe - Well? Why aren't you all copying this down? - With that, all of the students obeyed Snape and started to write down what Snape had said - And Gryffindors, note that five points will be taken from your house for your classmate's cheek.

It was pretty obvious that Snape didn't like Harry Potter. Alex felt bad for him. If she had been Harry, she would have probably spoken worse to the professor, and that wouldn't benefit her in any way. Professor Snape was not just in charge of the Potions class. He was also the head of the Slytherin house. She didn't want him as an enemy.

The day kept on going. The classes were of all sorts and really interesting. For most of them, Alex sat next to Hermione, and on the breaks, they would share thoughts and notes about everything they had learned during the day. At lunch time she sat with Draco, and they both talked about their day. Draco kept on laughing at Potter and his encounter with professor Snape. Alex didn't like that attitude, but she was aware that both him and Draco had started off on the wrong foot, so she let him complain and laugh.