As lessons got under way, Percy was concerned about living up to his brothers. He tried not get noticed and hoped he could just fade into the background. This was fairly easy in Herbology, which was a practical subject, and Professor Sprout just tended to let you get on with it, giving help and encouragement where necessary. He hoped Astronomy would be the same. Percy also rather enjoyed History of Magic. Professor Binns didn't pay attention to anyone, which suited Percy. Steven and Mary-Anne had been disappointed when they discovered that being taught by a ghost wasn't half as much fun as it sounded. Charms ad Transfiguration had been okay, but that was probably due to the fact that as first-years they weren't expected to be able to answer questions yet.
As the Gryffindors arrived for their first Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson with the Hufflepuffs, Steven was talking about vampires.
"I wonder if real vampires are just like Dracula," he said excitedly.
"Who?", Percy asked.
"He's the main character in a muggle novel," explained Thomas. "My dad's muggleborn," he added.
"Have you read it?" asked Oliver. "My mum won't allow muggle books on magic in the house." "
"Why not?" Thomas wanted to know.
"She thinks they're a bad influence because they're inaccurate"
"That's weird. Dad's got quite a collection of muggle fantasy fiction. Some of them are quite funny"
"I know. I read some at school"
"The Dracula book's not for kids, but I've seen some old black and white films based on it", said Steven impatiently, returning to the subject of vampires. This time Thomas looked almost as blank as Percy.
"Muggle entertainment. Moving pictures which tell a story," explained Oliver.
"I know what films are," Thomas said. "It's just I thought they came in all colours, not just black and white."
"Black and white ones are older," explained Steven. Percy was bemused at the strangeness of the discussion. After all, didn't pictures always move. Steven had returned to talking about vampires and was relating the story of Dracula to the others, who by now had been joined by the Hufflepuffs and the Gryffindor girls.
"So, Dracula is an evil vampire?" asked Leona, curiously.
"Of course, what other kind is there" answered Steven.
"N-n-not all v-v-vampires are evil", said Percy, "It's j-just w-when they are, they're r-r-really b-b-bad."
The conversation was interrupted at that point by the arrival of Professor Havelock.
"Good afternoon. Welcome to Defence against the Dark Arts. The term "Dark Arts" refers to the use of magic with the sole purpose of causing harm to another. As first-years you will not be expected to do any serious defensive magic just yet, so we will be focussing on the theory. Turn to page 1 of your books."
"Excuse me, Sir" asked Steven, "But could you tell us what it's like to fight dark creatures such as vampires?"
"Well, for a start, vampires aren't dark by definition. Their magic is different from that of witches and wizards and yes, they do drink blood, but they can do this without causing lasting harm to the person they feed from. However, when they go rogue, they're tough to stop, and their nature makes it impossible to simply imprison them so they must be killed. The only way to do this is to remove their heart or head. Does anyone have more questions? No, let's return to Defensive Magical Theory. "
The last lesson of the day was the one Percy was dreading. Potions with Professor Snape and the Slytherins. According to Bill and Charlie, Professor Snape, the head of Slytherin disliked all non-Slytherin students, especially Gryffindors. Percy was sure he wouldn't be able to remain invisible in Potions and he was right.
"You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion making. "Professor Snape announced at the start of the lesson. "As there is little foolish wand waving, many of you will hardly believe this is magic. Well, I do not expect you to appreciate the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses… I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death. That is, of course, assuming you aren't the dunderheads I usually have to teach."
There was a stunned silence after this speech. Snape continued.
"Today, you will work in pairs to make a simple potion to cure boils. The instructions are on the board". He then proceeded to walk round the room, watching as they measured and weighed their ingredients while criticising everybody. Percy and Oliver were paired together. Percy was measuring crushed snake fangs as Oliver stirred their potion, when Snape came up behind them.
"Be careful Weasley, you only need a teaspoon"
"Y-y-yes, S-S-Sir," stammered Percy, knocking the dish so that the whole lot went into the cauldron. The potion immediately turned bright pink.
Snape scowled. "Stupid Boy. Twenty points from Gryffindor". He waved his want causing Percy and Oliver's potion to disappear. "Start again and do it right this time".
The second attempt was no better, as Snape insisted on watching them the whole time, and Percy managed to cut his finger while attempting to chop their dried nettles and ended up in the hospital wing, after losing another twenty points.
The weeks passed. Hallowe'en came around and with it, Oliver's birthday. As a treat his mum said he could invite a friend to the New Year's Eve quidditch match between the Montrose Magpies and the Glasgow Eagles.
"How about it, Percy" Oliver asked. Percy nodded.
The first quidditch match of the year was between Slytherin and Hufflepuff. Percy, Steven and Oliver were in the crowd watching. Steven had never seen a quidditch match before and Oliver was explaining the rules. The Slytherin chasers got off to a flying start, scoring twelve goals in eight minutes. Percy watched the Hufflepuff seeker, a fourth-year girl with blue hair.
"Slytherin scores again. 130-0 to Slytherin, 140-0, Emma Rose of Hufflepuff has the quaffle. She shoots, saved".
"They're getting hammered", Steven said. "Is it always this one-sided?"
"It isn't over 'til it's over," Oliver laughed. "Catching the snitch is worth 150, so it could still go either way."
"The H-Hufflepuff S-Seeker's v-v-very g-good" pointed out Percy. Charlie talked about her a lot.
"Emma Rose Scores, 150-10" A massive cheer went up from the crowd, followed a few minutes later by a groan.
"160-10, Yay, Dora Tonks of Hufflepuff catches the snitch, 160-160, It's a draw"
"A draw. Just like that." Steven said, looking puzzled.
"Yes, Isn't it wonderful." Charlie joined the three first years, together with the blue haired girl, Dora. "We just have to beat Ravenclaw now to lead the cup after the first round. He grinned at Dora; whose hair had suddenly turned green, causing to Steven to stare at the fourth-year girl. "Although, you could've been thirty seconds sooner. I'd have liked to see Slytherin lose".
Two weeks later, Gryffindor played Ravenclaw. Charlie caught the snitch after only twenty minutes to win 190-30, putting Gryffindor in first place for the Quidditch Cup.