{Chapter 4}
Classes Begin
Trixi clutched her timetable in her hand. She was filled with excitement, imagining how the classes were going to be. She liked learning new things, and she was especially anticipating Transfiguration. Trixi was delighted to see it was her first class and, apparently, she would be having double sessions of it every Monday.
Professor McGonagall was the teacher for Transfiguration. She stood in her usual stance -very straight and formal- at the front of the room, holding a piece of parchment in her hand. When the class was seated, she called on names, marking them off when each student answered.
"Before we begin," she said very seriously. "Transfiguration is not something we joke with. It is a very complex subject and harmful skill if not taken seriously. Anyone who fails to understand this will be promptly told to leave and never be allowed to return."
A few students shifted uncomfortably in their seats.
Professor McGonagall then waved her wand over her desk without a word, and it instantly formed into a pig.
Everyone was extremely impressed by this, especially the ones raised as muggles who were only recently introduced to magic.
"Wow!"
"Brilliant!"
The pig squealed and ran through the room before the professor levitated it back into place and transformed the pig into it's original source.
"If you will, pull out your quill and parchment, and write down the following..."
They quickly learned they weren't going to do anything near as fascinating as Professor McGonagall had done. She had merely been just showing off."
Everyone worked silently for over 10 minutes, writing down the important rules of transfiguring before Professor McGonagall swept around the room, setting a box of matches on each desk.
"Now, I will demonstrate your next task." She held up her own box of matches and removed a match from it. "Credito needle" She said loud and clear for the students' benefit, pointing her wand at the match. It made a quick spin in her hand and then transformed into a needle.
Trixi worked alone in the corner of the room. She paid no attention to anything else as she concentrated on her task. She lost count on how many times she said the incantation, but she never once did she make the match transform. Trixi had thought she might have been drawing out the 'u' too much, but shortening it hadn't made any difference.
Relief flushed through her when Professor McGonagall announced at the end of the lesson that no one had successfully transformed the match. She would try again tonight though; Trixi was determined to learn how to manipulate objects.
Potions was next. Her stomach lurched at the thought of facing her father; Trixi had been avoiding him since the other night. Thankfully, she wasn't the first to arrive in Professor Snape's cold, drafty dungeon. Four others had thought to avoid being tardy.
Trixi's eyes met with her father's before she quickly looked away. How was she supposed to ask him about her mother without getting angry at him? She knew he was a sensitive man who could say awful things in the heat of the moment himself. She surely didn't want that to happen. Who knew what would be said between them? They could both be hot headed sometimes. It was better to cool down first and approach the situation with a level head.
No one seemed thrilled with the idea of sitting next to Trixi. She noticed that the Gryffindors were purposely putting at least two seats between her and them. That was until a boy sat next to her. Trixi recognized him as the boy that had come to her defense at breakfast the morning before.
"Name's Thomas Vandel." He introduced himself with a smile. His dirty blonde hair was cut extremely short, and he seemed a bit tall for his age.
"Trixi Snape!" She returned his smile.
"So you're the professor's daughter?" Thomas asked with interest.
"Yes."
"You are good with potions?"
"I would be shocked if there's a first year better than me," she told him. "But that's only because I help Daddy- oops! I mean Professor Snape." She giggled, slightly embarrassed. "It's strange having to call him that."
"I bet it is!"
"So, this is my class of first years." Professor Snape addressed the students, to start the lesson. His lips curled as his eyes scanned the room. "Some of you look promising, I guess." Trixi looked down at her hands, knowing he would glance her way. "But," he went on "as we all should know, looks can be quite deceiving." He stood behind his desk, a hand pressed atop a piece of parchment.
"When I call your name, you'll only need to raise your hand."
Professor Snape's was the only voice heard for the next few minutes as he checked names off his list with his quill. "Trixiangela Snape," he said awkwardly when it was her turn. He, too, must have found it weird calling her something other than the norm.
Trixi thought it was a waste of time for him even to call her on her since he knew she was already there. She raised her hand in silence anyway, as the rest the her classmates had done before her.
"Potion making is both a precise art and delicate science." He started after he was finished with the roll call. "Many of you will hardly consider this even magic since there will be little wand use, but I am not expecting hardly any of you to comprehend the usefulness that this skill holds." He paused, twirling his wand in his hands. "Nor can I ask the unwilling to understand the abundance of powers that potions can withhold. I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death, provided that you aren't the normal lot of dunderheads I am forced to teach every year."
He paused again, allowing them to take in what he just said.
"We will begin with Snap Serum. Can anyone tell me the properties of this potion?"
A couple of hands were raised nervously.
"Mr. Phillous." Professor Snape called onto a blond haired boy in the Slytherin section of the room.
"It gives the drinker a burst of sudden energy."
"As you would all know if you had bothered to open your textbooks." He said dryly to no one in particular.
"So it's an energy drink." Thomas said aloud.
"That is what Mr. Phillious said." Professor Snape returned darkly. "What is the main ingredient in this potion?"
"Sugar?" Thomas asked.
"Sugar, Mr. Vandel?" Professor Snape asked, slightly amused by the boy's lack of knowledge.
"You'll have to excuse him, Professor, he's a muggle born." a boy from the Slytherin group pointed out in disgust.
"Well, that's what it says on the can anyway." Thomas said.
"Can?" Professor Snape did not hide a smirk. A few kids around the room laughed.
"You shouldn't say anything more." Trixi advised Thomas in a whisper. "They are making fun of you."
"Mr. Vandel," Professor Snape said maliciously after the laughter died down. "Unless I miraculously assign you the position in becoming my assistant, I would advise you to not speak out of turn again. Your muggle primary school must have taught you to raise your hand when you wish to speak; I also expect that in my classroom." He paused, narrowing his eyes at the boy. "Failure to do so shall grant you a detention. That goes for everyone in this room."
"Yes, sir." Thomas acknowledge.
"For those of you who are clueless or misinformed," he glanced back at Thomas with his cold eyes. "The main ingredient is not sugar." Professor Snape said. "It is liquid that is made from a common fungus we call Inky Snowcaps." He explained. "If you will turn to page five in your copy of 'One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi and Their Uses' you will see that they are essentially a large white mushroom." He paused as the students fished out their books.
"The Inky Snowcap grows all through the summer. They are best harvested 7 days after their appearance. While edible, if we were to harvest this fungi too early, it would drastically affect the taste of the Serum. Of course, if you do not believe me, you are welcome to try…" his eyes swept across the room, challenging the students. "When the fungus matures. it will become gelatinous, indicating that it is ready to be collected. We then make a consumable liquid called 'Inky Snowcap Ink' by boiling our harvest in water."
Professor Snape then scanned the room. "Do you know all of this already? If not, don't you think it might be wise to write this all down?" He snarled. The students hurriedly got out their parchment and quills, then scribbled quickly, writing everything that Professor Snape had said down as fast as they could.
"Tell me, how many cups of inky snowcap ink would we need to produce ten vials of Snap Serum?" Professor Snape asked when most of the room was finished writing.
Trixi looked around the class, no hands were in the air. Was she the only one who knew the answer, or were her classmates keeping their hands down to avoid being the centre of attention?
Professor Snape came around from his desk, and made his way to Trixi, who sat in the back row. "Miss Snape knows the answer, don't you?" His voice held a hint of pride.
Trixi shifted in her chair uncomfortably. Great, I should have known he would single me out. "Yes, Professor." She answered reluctantly.
His eyes narrowed. "So you should raise your hand if you know the answer to a question that your professor asks you."
"I thought providing the answer was optional." Trixi looked into her father's dark eyes and she immediately understood his intent.
Oh, you are a cunning one, Daddy.
This was a way to get her to speak with him. Even if it wasn't the way he preferred it, at least she would have to exchange words with him.
"Enlighten the class, please, Miss Snape." He drawled with boredom.
"You need two and one third cups of inky snowcap ink to make 10 vials of Snap Serum." She answered coolly.
"Correct." Snape said, his voice oddly pleasant. He turned from her to take his place back up to the desk. "Two of those cups will be boiled down in a condensing process, producing 1/3 of a cup of thick, black substance." Professor Snape explained. "You will attempt this task during our next lesson. For now, copy the other four ingredients needed for our Snap Serum on to a piece of parchment."
Without referencing to her textbook, Trixi wrote down the following:
0.2 ounces of beetle eyes
0.2 ounces pumpkin seeds,
0.3 ounces of cricket powder
1/2 cup of ribbiknut syrup.
Professor Snape's class ended after that. Next, she had Defence Against the Dark Arts with Professor Lupin. His classroom was not far from the Potions dungeon.
Professor Lupin was absent from the room, leaving them free to talk about being able to learn spells and the possibility of duelling.
A group of Slytherins entered the room, crossing it to take their seats. Shortly after, Professor Lupin entered, followed by the rest of the class.
Professor Lupin was an extremely thin, roughed up looking man. His light brown hair had plenty of grey strands that stuck out here and there, even though he didn't appear to be old enough for greying. His clothes were battered and patched from an enormous amount of tearing and he looked extremely worn out. The exposed part of his body had so many scars, Trixi lost count.
"Hello, students!" He greeted them cheerily. "I'd like to start you off with something simple, since most of you aren't too experienced with spell casting just yet. If you will all stand up and step away from your chairs, please, I will give us a bit of room."
They stood up and did what he requested, with a wave of his wand, Professor Lupin made the desks and chairs disappear. "Don't worry, I just sent them to the next room over - and yes, I made sure it was empty before I did that." He said with a laugh.
"Let's all step away from each other and give ourselves a little space." Professor Lupin stretched his arms out a bit past his shoulders as a demonstration. "Yes, that should be about all you need."
"Now then, get in your fighting stance. Your predominant foot out a bit past your other. Hold your free arm slightly over your chest. If any strike is ever made aiming for your heart, your arm has a chance of taking the hit instead." He explained.
"To call up the spell we're going to cast today, twirl your wand to the right in a circle, then say 'Versterkin!'. Depending on the strength of your spell it will block you from simple offensive spells, and sometimes maybe even physical touch."
Professor Lupin then demonstrated the spell. From the lack of extravagance of his spell, Trixi knew he did not put a whole lot of effort into it. The bubble of yellow hue was just about transparent and colourless, which implied a very weak shield. She also knew that would not protect a person from much of anything.
"Now you try, children." He instructed friendlily.
Trixi cast hers, and smiled to herself. Her shield had much more opacity than the professor's.
"Very good." Professor Lupin said, pleased with the outcome. "Wow, excellent shields, everyone!"
He walked around examining the shields, stopping at Thomas, whose shield was just as transparent as his had been. "Yes, well if you find your shield to be a little weak, try recasting. Often, if you're caught off guard, your shield will look like Mr. Vanvel's here. You don't want your shield to be clear, but you should also be to see through the yellow tint." He paused looking around and saw Trixi's shield. "Ah, now here's a good example. Nearly perfect!"
"Thanks!" Trixi said.
"Just a little lighter next time, not so much power is needed. You don't want to weaken yourself too soon. Since this is a weak spell to begin with, the effort is not always worth the outcome."
"Ten points to each House for a great job!" Professor said before the class ended. Cheers rang through the room.
It was lunch time after that. Ginny waved her over to sit with her. "How's everything?" She asked, once Trixi was seated next to her. Fred and George sat across from them.
"I think it's going alright." Trixi said after a thought.
"You had a potions class yet?" Fred asked. Or at least Trixi thought he was Fred.
"What's it like being the daughter of the Potions Master?" that came from George.
"Oh, leave her be, will you?" Ginny said, but Trixi got the feeling she was eager to know the details also.
"What you on about?" Ron sat on the other side of Ginny, Harry Potter and Hermione took seats across the table.
"We were just asking Trixiangela what it's like to have Snape for a father." Fred informed.
"Trixi is just fine, please." Trixi told them politely.
Ron's head jerked in her direction and gave her a look of disgust.
"Which do you think Snape favours more, blood or house?" He asked, suddenly curiosity.
"Even if Professor Snape favours Trixi more than anyone, do you really think he's going to give any points to Gryffindor?" Hermione asked doubtfully.
"Hermione's right." Harry said. "I can't see Snape giving Gryffindor any points even if his daughter is in the house."
All eyes fell on Trixi for confirmation.
"Awarding points were not on my father's mind today," Trixi answered.
Ron scoffed. "He had no problem deducting thirty from us in our class."
"And giving the Slytherins twenty points." Harry added.
"Daddy was too busy showing me off to the class." Trixi explained with a sigh.
Suddenly, The Twins, Harry, and Hermione stood up from their seats, as if expecting something to happen. The rest of the group, who sat on the opposite side of the table turned to see what was going on.
Draco was stalking up the aisle between the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff table. Behind him, followed Crabbe and Goyle; all three with dangerous scowls on their face.
"Malfoy must be upset." Fred said, eyeing the blond.
"Snape has a new teacher's pet." George added. The Twins laughed at their joke.
"What do you want, Malfoy?" Harry growled as Ron stood up to join the standing group.
"Don't be too upset, Potter." Draco sneered. "I haven't come to pay you any attention." He then set his eyes on Trixi. "Letting the Weasleys weasel into your head, are you, Trixi?" His asked. "Don't get mixed up in this group of mudblood lovers!" He spat, shooting a glance at Hermione.
Ron looked like he was about to throttle Malfoy, but Crabbe and Goyle made sure he had no access to him.
"Come on, Trixi!" Draco grabbed the arm of her robes and pulled her up from the table.
"Draco, wait..." Trixi said quietly, putting her hand on the one that held firm to her robes.
"What?" Draco snapped.
"Just..." Trixi looked around at the group of Gryffindors she had been sitting with, most of them ready to fight if needed to be.
"Don't you even think it!" Draco demanded.
"I shouldn't have to choose between you and them." She rolled her eyes.
"That's right! You don't get to choose them, you only have one choice, and that's the Slytherins."
Trixi frowned at his words. "Draco..." she started gently, knowing he wasn't going to like what she had to say. "The Gryffindors -some of them- have been very welcoming to me. Your friends don't even like me. No one at that table likes me."
The blond narrowed his eyes down to her. "Oh yes, you spent ten minutes at our table so you clearly know everything about us."
Trixi hung her head in shame, realizing he had a valid point. She hadn't given them much time at all.
"Don't do it, Trixi!" she heard Ron hiss.
"Weasley sticking up for Trixi now?" Draco jeered. "But weren't you part of her unwelcoming party? Oh, yes, I heard you squeaking out in the hall. We can agree with each other on one thing; Trixi belongs in Slytherin!"
Trixi turned her head to see how Ron reacted to this.
Ron was giving Draco an ugly glare, but his face softened when he saw Trixi looking at him. It was his turn to look at the floor in shame. 'Well… look.." Ron mumbled. "Ah, hell Trixi, I'm sorry, okay? Just please don't join Slytherin."
"Trixi, Malfoy's just trying to trick you." Harry chimed. "He's good about that."
"You are a born Gryffindor." one of the twins said.
"Aye, Trixi, stay with the good side." added his twin.
Trixi looked around at the surrounded Gryffindors, and even noticed pretty much the whole house was waiting for her decision. She turned back to Draco. He, too, was waiting for an answer, his eyes still narrowing down at her,
"Draco…"
She didn't need to say anything more, Dracon understood perfectly. He dropped his hand to his side and gave her a look of disgust. "You're making a huge mistake!" he spat out. She felt a speck of his spit hit her left hand.
Trixi lowered her eyes to her feet, not wishing to look at him anymore.
"Shove off, Malfoy! She's staying with us!" Trixi heard Harry say.
Draco scowling. "This isn't over, Trixi! You'll see!" He sent the rest of the group a dark sneer before stalking off, his goons hurrying behind.
"Bloody hell." Ron whispered, without taking his eyes off the angry teenager. "That was a chilly moment."
"Aye." Fred and George agreed.
"You just made yourself an enemy." Harry warned Trixi.
A worried look went across Trixi's face as she looked back at the Slytherin table where Draco had sat down at. Regret rushed through her.
This wasn't supposed to happen. She'd thought Hogwarts would be about learning new things, but everything was getting all messed up.