"Potter!" Snape spun suddenly, snapping at the boy. "What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"

Snape noted the girl taking notes had shot her hand up. 'Interesting that she thinks she knows the answer,' he thought. 'Perhaps not all is lost on the House of the Brave. I shall inquire about her later.'

Harry in the meantime was looking confused and sat looking like a deer in headlights for a few seconds before saying, "I don't know, sir."

Snape's lips curled into a sneer.

"Tut, tut… fame clearly isn't everything. Let's try again. Potter, where would I look if I told you to find me a bezoar?"

The girl, yes it was Granger, once again shot her hand up. Draco was starting to laugh a little louder than was proper, his two cronies laughing with him, but obviously not knowing exactly why. A few of the other students were also quietly chuckling at the boy's expense. Staros was frowning, however, wondering why Professor Snape was singling out Harry.

'Must be a house rivalry thing,' Staros thought, shrugging.

"I don't know, sir," Harry replied, looking rather lost.

"Thought you wouldn't open a book before coming, eh, Potter? Last chance. What is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?"

At this point, the over eager Hermione was practically standing out of her seat trying to raise he hand even further. Snape was mildly amused at her antics but let nothing show on his face as he stared down at Potter.

Harry was about to answer that he didn't know again when something tickled the back of his mind. Something about gardening. Something he had dealt with for Aunt Petunia's garden. Something… a clerk had said once when picking out a new bed of flowers for the front wall. What? Then it clicked.

"They're the same plant, sir. They're in the same family as buttercups, but are violet to dark blue depending on the strain you pick."

Snape was surprised. A brief flicker of it even showed as he didn't expect anything remotely close to a proper answer.

"Indeed," he said darkly. "For your information, Potter, asphodel and wormwood are part of 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 to the last, you are correct, they are the same plant, also known as aconite or Devil's Helmet. Well? Why are you not all writing this down?"

Only Hermione was not immediately shuffling parchment and quills as she had somehow managed to take notes the entire time, even while half standing.

"Two points from Gryffindor for not knowing basic information, Potter."

Things went downhill for the Gryffindors the rest of the class. With a wave of his wand, Snape had directions appear on the blackboard for a simple boil cure potion. Telling them all to get to work, he swept around the room, always managing to make his cloak billow threateningly while keeping it out of harm's way near the cauldron fires or potion ingredients. Quite a unique talent actually.

As he watched them weigh nettles and crush snake fangs, he spent a great deal of time criticizing the majority of the students' efforts, saving some little praise for Draco mostly, but a few words were thrown to other Slytherin students, but never a Griffindor. Stepping up to Staros' table and noting the very different alchemy kit, he frowned slightly and asked Staros to see him after class about it.

A little while later, Snape was telling everyone to look at how Draco had perfectly stewed his horned slugs when a loud hissing started. Looking around, Staros saw clouds of acid green smoke rising from Neville and Hermione's cauldron, which was melting into a puddle of unrecognizable goo. The potion itself was seeping off the table and onto the floor making acidic hissing sounds and causing Hermione's shoes to burn. She quickly backed away and Staros pushed the classroom door open to let in fresh air. Neville appeared to have gotten splashed with the potion during this and was whimpering at the painful looking red welts and boils that appeared on his arms and legs where the potion had eaten through his clothing. Everyone below them in the ooze's path moved back or climbed their stools.

"Idiot boy!" Professor Snape snarled while waving his wand at the mess, clearing the potion before it could do more harm. "I suppose you added the porcupine quills before taking the cauldron off the fire?"

Neville shakily nodded at the frightening man before him while holding his arm and continuing to whimper in pain.

With a disgusted look Snape waved at Hermione and Neville, "Take him to the hospital wing, now!"

Class being more or less over at that point, Snape had everyone turn in what they had accomplished so far, telling them to mark on their labels what step they had reached so he could properly evaluate their progress, and then dismissed them. As the Gryffindors were all practically running out the door, none of them caught the last minute assignment Snape gave out as homework over the weekend.

Staros packed up his things and waited until everyone had left, Daphne giving him a questioning look to which he nodded to her unasked question a promise of disclosure later. Once everyone was gone, Staros walked to the front of the class to find what his Head of House wanted.

"Yes, Marcus, I wished to inquire about your potions kit. It is of a rather high quality, one usually reserved for specialized work, not school. Where did you get it?"

"I picked it up from the Flammel Brothers alchemy shop, Fifth Avenue, New York, sir. They specialize in high grade potions and alchemy equipment and supplies. It's not one of the larger sets, but I wanted something likely to be of use for my entire school career rather than buy new equipment every year. Is it a problem, sir?"

Snape looked at the boy impassively, no sign of what he might be thinking showing on his face. A few seconds went by before he replied, "No, it's perfectly usable for your time here. I'm glad you put more thought into your equipment than most of the students I see. I may wish to examine it in greater detail sometime in the future as I noted a few things that make me wonder about the quality of a few of my own pieces."

Staros smiled at him. "Certainly, sir. Anytime," he said. "Is that all? I really need to head out to lunch before my next class."

"Yes, yes. Off with you," Snape said, waving Staros away.

Arriving a little late to lunch, Staros walked over to the Gryffindor table, earning a few odd looks and one nasty glare from Ron. He was just getting to Ron and Harry as he overheard something about visiting Hagrid.

Stopping next to Harry, Staros said, "Sorry about the class, Harry. I think Professor Snape might push this house competition a bit far."

Harry looked up at Staros with a twisted grin, "No worries. Not your fault. I wish I knew why he hated me though. Anyway, me and Ron are gonna see Hagrid later, wanna come?"

Ron looked like someone had just kicked his favorite puppy.

"Sure. And Ron, don't worry. I'll try not to let the snakes think we're friends or anything."

Ron just glared and turned back to his lunch, determinedly ignoring Staros. Harry shook his head, wondering what was up with these two.

Agreeing to meet the two of them later at the front gate, Staros went back to the Slytherin table and sat down next to Blaise who was again watching in sick fascination as Ron put food into his mouth in ever increasing amounts. Shaking his head at Blaise's hobby, Staros turned to Daphne and Tracey.

"So girls, how's the first week been for you?" asked Staros. "I'm a bit confused as to how you Brits do things, but the coursework seems to be about as expected."

Daphne looked slightly offended at the "Brits" comment, but answered in her usual regal manner, "I suppose the enlightened customs of our society are a little overwhelming for one of you colonials. We've been fine, thank you for asking. After all. It is only the first week, things will get progressively harder as the year goes by."

"Too true, too true. Have you given any thought to the homework Professor McGonagall assigned?"

Tracey just smirked and said, "My parents already sent me a letter with some tips for transfiguration. If you're really, really nice, I might just show it to you."

"For what price are these valuable tips to be purchased, milady?"

Tracey giggled but turned to Daphne instead of replying herself.

"I think we can come to a suitable arrangement, Marcus," said Daphne with a smirk of her own. "Also, you have yet to properly explain your title, as promised."

Staros was left with a cold feeling about the price she could come up with, but nodded at her anyway.

"Right, well it's like this…" Staros began. He told them about his family's exile, his confirmation by the Queen, and a bit about his family lands. A brief mention of Carcerous and the need to hire his own elves and workers for the renovations brought an offer from Blaise to owl his mother about decorators and Tracey mentioned her father had a side business in grounds works. Staros thanked them both for their offers and continued to explain how he was only considered a "Lord elect" until his actual eleventh birthday, which was later that September, making him one of the very few exceptions to the rule of Hogwarts only allowing those who were eleven and above to attend.

After lunch was finished, Staros nudged Blaise to break his trance and left the table, bowing slightly to Tracey and Daphne. 'Dad always said be politest to the ladies and anyone with a gun to your head.'

Staros headed to the library to do a little research on his homework before meeting Harry and Ron. Upon entering, he saw several tables already occupied by a large number of Ravenclaws, and a few of the upper classes from every house. Seeing one table with only a single occupant, Staros was pleasantly surprised to recognize Hermione. Settling down across from her, he broke out his potions essay that had been assigned to replace the potion that would normally have been their grade, but for Neville's mishap.

It was several minutes of work before Hermione noticed she had company. Looking up and seeing a Slytherin disturbed her at first before she noticed it was Staros. He had been rather polite to her and was currently working quietly rather than being a pest. Seeing that he had his potions book out, she wondered about what he was working on since she didn't remember any potions assignments being made.

Frowning, she asked, "Are you working ahead, Staros?"

"Hmm? What?" was his elegant reply. "Oh, no. This is the homework assigned since Neville's accident kinda stopped class. Why?"

"I didn't know about that. When was it assigned?"

"Oh, that's right. You and most of the other Gryffindors had left by that time. Anyway, here's a bit on the assignment, just a foot parchment on the potion we were working on. Seriously, parchment? And the work measured in inches and feet? If I write big enough words, I could get a foot out of a title easily. I think they need some help from the Board of Education. Oh, do the British have a Board like we do in America?"

Hermione smiled a bit at the parchment and measurement quip.

"Yes, we do. Thanks for the assignment. I wouldn't want to miss out on my grades simply from an honest mistake."

Staros and Hermione worked a little longer on their respective assignments before Staros had to leave to meet up with Harry and Ron. Excusing himself, he made his way towards the front gate.

As he approached the front gate, Staros saw Ron and Harry already there and hunched together in what looked to be a quiet but heated argument. Getting closer he heard a few words and caught a couple phrases that indicated the argument must be about him.

"Honestly, Ron, he's never been anything but polite to us. Give it a rest," said Harry.

"Slimy snake's probably just trying to figure out the best way to stab us in the back," Ron replied.

Stepping into their line of sight, Staros said, "I promise, Ron, if there's going to be any stabbing involved, I'll do it to your face. How's that?"

Harry looked embarrassed to have been caught arguing about him, but Ron just stared at him with a look of pure hatred. Sighing, Staros just ignored it as a little kid thing. 'Dad said there'd be a few in every crowd back in elementary school. Guess it's the same everywhere.'

"Anyways, let's go see Hagrid. I want to hear about some of the animals that are supposed to be in the forest."

Cheering up at the prospect of seeing his large friend, Harry smiled in agreement and the three headed off down the path towards Hagrid's hut. Ron walked a bit behind the other two, still upset over Staros' inclusion in the little jaunt. While they walked, Staros told Harry and Ron about the assignment Professor Snape had given to replace the potions grade for the interrupted class and that they should see Hermione for more details having already given it to her.

Arriving at Hagrid's hut, Harry knocked on the door only to have all three of them jump as a loud woofing bark came from just the other side of the door.

"Back, Fang, back!" came Hagrid's voice along with some sounds indicating a large something being dragged back from the door. A few moments later, the door opened and before Hagrid could grab him again, a large black boarhound leapt out and tackled Harry to the ground.

"Fang! Blast you, get off da' boy!" Hagrid shouted while trying to pull the dog back all the while Fang was slobbering and licking Harry like his long lost cousin.

"Ha, ha ha… " Ron and Staros were in stitches, laughing at Harry's predicament. At least, until Ron saw Staros was laughing with him and tried very hard to look offended which only made Staros laugh harder. Finally getting the dog off Harry and Harry standing again, they all entered Hagrid's hut.

The roundish square building had only a single room with a large bed covered by a homemade quilt on one side. Set in a cavernous fireplace was a copper kettle just starting to boil. Hams and pheasants hung from the ceilings as well as large numbers of bits of spider silk, tufts of long hairs, and various other bits of creatures that probably wandered the Forbidden Forest. A small bookcase held a few books and a couple of boxes next to the door and a massive crossbow hung over the fireplace. In the middle of the room were a rather plain, rough table and two chairs.

Hagrid sat down on his bed and pulled out a few mismatched cups. Pulling the kettle from the fire, he began to pour water into a large teapot. "Sit, make yerselves a'home," he said. Seeing that he only had two chairs and three guests, he kicked a box from the edge of his bed over to the table. Staros nodded to him and sat on the box, giving the chairs up to Harry and Ron. Ron, of course, sat on the far side of the table from Staros, uncomfortably close to the fire.

"Hi, Hagrid. You remember Ron and Staros from the train, right?" said Harry.

"Another Weasley, eh? Hope yer ain't gonna be as much hassle as yer brothers. I spend half me year chasin' those two outta the forest." Hagrid shoved a plate of rock cakes towards the boys. Staros picked one up politely and tried it. True to its name, it was hard as its namesake, but he was able to pick some raisins out of it to eat. Harry was doing the same.

All three boys accepted a mug or cup of tea with their cakes. Ron almost lost a tooth to one of the cakes when he tried biting into it without any thought to the name they were given. Harry tried dunking his into his tea to soften it but was rather unsuccessful.

Despite his Slytherin house, Hagrid seemed to accept Staros as just another student while they all told stories about their first classes. The boys were delighted to hear about previous years' incidents and happenings as well as a few tips on how to get about the castle a little faster. They were also entertained by his stories about Filch and his cat.

"He's a right strange ol' git he is. Been here as far back as I ken remember, just as old and sour then too. An' as fer his cat, I'd like to introduce her to Fang sometime if he wasn't sucha bloody coward. D'yeh know, every time I go up to the school, she follows me everywhere? Pretty sure Filch puts her up to it."

A while later, Harry related his fears about Snape's lesson. Hagrid told him he shouldn't worry about it, Snape was a professor but didn't really like anyone.

"But he really seemed to hate me." Harry said, looking a bit lost.

"Rubbish!" said Hagrid. "Why should he?"

"I don't know, Hagrid. Professor Snape does seem to take this house rivalry thing a bit far," said Staros. "But as to him hating you, Harry, I don't see it going that far either. Maybe him singling you out was just because you're the poster child for Gryffindor right now. I wouldn't call you a celebrity though since you're not exactly Leonardo DiCaprio or anything."

Harry didn't look any happier about that assessment, but conceded that Staros might be right. Ron looked confused and asked who Leonardo was, which led to a minor discussion about acting and a little about movies. Ron and Hagrid seemed a bit skeptical about the idea of moving pictures that weren't magical, but accepted the acting part since they both knew what a play was.

While the talk of movies was interesting, Harry didn't have much to contribute since he hadn't seen much more than what had shown on television, and usually not much of that. While Staros was describing theatres, Harry looked down to realize that his cup coaster was actually a piece of newspaper. The headline of the article caught his attention.

Gringotts Break-In Latest!

Investigations continue into the break-in at Gringotts on 31 July, widely believed to be the work of Dark wizards or witches unknown.

Gringotts goblins today insisted that nothing was stolen as the vault in question had been emptied earlier that day.

"But we're not telling you what was in there, so keep your noses out if you know what's good for you!" said a Gringotts spokesgoblin this afternoon.

Harry remembered Ron telling them about a break-in, but they never asked when it happened.

"Hey, Hagrid. That break-in at Gringotts happened on my birthday! We might have been there while it was happening!" Harry noticed that Hagrid seemed unhappy about this and wouldn't meet Harry's eyes.

"Blimey!" was all Ron had to say to that.

"Wow, you guys are lucky you weren't caught up in the robbery. We get occasional robberies in the States and there's always hostages, long drawn out negotiations, but in the end, someone always gets hurt, and not always the bad guys," Staros said.

Hagrid just grunted and a little bit later said they had better get back if they wanted to get to dinner on time. As the three of them walked back, Ron seemed to forget, just for a while, that Staros was a Slytherin as they talked about classes, famous bank robberies in the US, and what to do with the rock cakes they had been too polite to refuse but couldn't eat. Once back at the castle, however, Ron seemed to realize he'd been almost friendly with a snake and turned cold again, much to Harry's annoyance. Staros just shrugged it off, bid them farewell and went off to join Blaise, Daphne and Tracey as always.

Sitting down to the table, Daphne looked over at Staros, "Getting awfully friendly with those two Gryffindors aren't you? Our house isn't known for outward displays like that. You may wish to limit your contact."

"Ah, my dear," replied Staros, "it's all part of my cunning plan, you see. I gain their trust, learn their secrets, and then take over the world!"

Tracey snorted while Daphne just rolled her eyes.

"Well, this week you might want to keep your Gryffindor leanings to yourself. We have flying lessons with them on Thursday according to Professor Snape. He found out about it early and wanted to give us fair warning," said Blaise.

"All right, all right," said Staros. "Give it a rest will you?"

"So what did Professor Snape want to see you for?" asked Daphne.

"Oh, right, that," Staros mumbled. "Anyways, he was just interested in my alchemy kit. Said he wants to look it over and compare notes on his own lab equipment and see if I have anything he might want to look into. Apparently, a lot of the tools here in Europe aren't up to his exacting standards."

"Well, he is a Potions Master," said Daphne. "This could also be a good way for you to get on his good side. Maybe he'll show you some things with potions not normally taught in Hogwarts. You WILL remember to show us anything he teaches you, right?"

"Um, ok," said Staros, looking a little scared of the small blonde girl staring icily at him.

"Excellent." She turned her attention back to her meal. Tracey just smiled at him.