Chapter 5: Classes and Correspondence

A/N Fanfiction is finally letting me upload files again. I can't promise you I will fix chapters 2 3 and 4, but if I have nothing to do on a rainy day I might. If you honestly really don't understand the content in them, EG not being able to get past ff's stupid html code, let me know and I will fix it faster. For now please just try and understand a blind woman's attempt at a fanfiction.

Gilly sat in her dorm room, lounging on her bed. The hangings were closed and a travel writing desk was propped up on her stomach. She giggled softly at her rebellious nature as she uncapped a plain black fountain pen and filled it with ink. Charles and Laura Blott had asked her to write every night, not just because she was now family, but in case she needed something they might be able to provide her with that might be a bit shady.

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

I have been sorted into Hufflepuff along with my dear new friends Hermione Granger and Harry Potter. My other new friend Nevil was sorted into Gryffindor, though I feel his true spirit lies with the badgers. I miss you terribly, and your food does not compare with Hogwarts fair. I sampled a delicious trifle tonight though, with strawberries in it…

Gilly went on in this vain for a few more paragraphs, describing the rose bush they had to take care of this year, and how the ride on the train went. After prattling on for two sheets of parchment, she mentioned Harry and Hermione, stating that their home lives were not good ones. She did state however that Hermione only implied it while Harry outright came out with details Gilly shuddered at. She knew in her heart though that Harry was holding many things back.

Gilly finished her letter, then sealed it in the special Gringotts box she kept with her. The box hummed and the letter she knew would be deposited in Wolfshard's office, then sent along to Flourish and Blotts with an unbreakable seal only Charles or Laura could open. Why all the secrecy? Goblins loved and lived for it. Gilly turned out her small nightlight and climbed under the covers.

Over the next week of classes, Gilly found herself having to pull Hermione aside. Some of the other first years were looking a bit disheartened, including Harry. Those who weren't had turned to bullying.

"What's wrong Gilly?" Hermione asked as Gilly shepherded her into an abandoned class room after charms. "Is it something I said?"

"Next class is potions," said Gilly, "And I hear that the teacher for potions can be quite nasty. He doesn't tolerate foolish hand waving when it isn't you he's called upon to answer a question."

"I don't understand," said Hermione, her milk chocolate eyes welling up. "I'm just so good at the answers and I win us a lot of points."

"Have you thought of letting the other students try to answer some of the questions?" Gilly asked, hugging Hermione. "Just because you know a lot, doesn't mean you need to regurgitate the text book at the teachers. Some students might have other incites you might not have thought of."

"I… I didn't think of that," said Hermione, bowing her head. "Is that why Harry hates me and doesn't try on his homework?"

That was Harry's queue to step out of the shadows and hug Hermione too. He patted her back awkwardly. Gilly smiled and stepped away. This was a good idea.

"I don't hate you Hermione," he said softly. "I just… I just don't know what to do when it feels like you've kind of done it all. I want to be original but then I can't think with all your answers in my head."

"I truly don't understand," said Hermione.

"Look…" said Harry, "We don't have time. Let's just get to potions."

The three of them trooped down to potions class, where they met the Ravenclaws at the door to the potions dungeon. After a few moments, the door swung inward and they all filed inward, sitting in pairs at various benches. Gilly noticed that Hermione was paired off with a Ravenclaw named Terry Boot. He seemed a nice enough fellow from the few classes Gilly had observed the Claws in. Snape swept in and posed in front of the class, looking menacing.

"I am here to teach you the subtle and exact art of potion brewing," began Professor Snape in a soft, sibilant voice. "Here in my dungeon you will witness the tantalizing and loathsome odors of the brews you create. You will hear them softly simmer, and watch the varying shades of color as just the right ingredients are added to make a masterful, simple or complicated potion or salve. I do hope this is so, if you are not a bunch of bumbling idiots who can't tell the end of a stirring rod from the handle of a knife."

Gilly mused with interest that this speech was not the usual one Severus Snape gave out every year last time around. He must have taken her suggestions to heart after she had visited him, just before school term to remove the last of the bindings. He advanced on Harry, keeping up his act.

"Mr. Potter," he said silkily, "What is the power of rose hips in most potions?"

"Rose hips are good for a healing salve," Harry said, actually smiling. "This salve can help with aching joints such as arthritis, and they are good as a potion for stiffness. They are also good as a general herbal tea."

Professor Snape looked like he wanted to ask more questions, but decided not to. Instead, he reprimanded Hermione for raising her hand when not called upon. Hufflepuff neither gained nor lost points. Gilly was very proud of Harry and gave him a small hug. Hermione smiled at him reluctantly.

"How did you know about the tea?" asked Hermione after class. "That's not potions related."

"Being original Hermione," said Harry. "Besides, it is good for your health."

Hermione did give Harry a large hug then, and they moved out of the dungeons and toward the great hall. They were all looking forward to their first weekend at Hogwarts.

"Do either of you think the next transfiguration lecture will go better?" asked Gilly, putting on a worried frown. "My needle still appeared quite wooden."

"Don't worry about it too much Gilly," said Hermione, loosening up a bit as she waved to Nevil ahead of them. "You can do it if you put your mind to it. I'm sorry I've been a bother."

Everyone smiled as they caught up to Nevil, chatting with him about their first week. None of them thought about the third floor corridor except Gilly. Even that thought was pushed to the back of her head as she chatted with her new friends. She had experienced a great first week, and wanted nothing to taint it.

A/N Hi all. I hope you liked this chapter. I am bad at writing classes so if you have any suggestions please pass them on down. Right now I'm wondering about the plant system. I have not forgotten the rose bush and yes I am still thinking Gilly and Harry but that's a maybe. I need a way to write this story so it doesn't sound too time skipped or OP, but I'm not sure where to go from here. Please read and review. Flames will be used to kill horcruxes.