Beginners: book 1, Goblet of Fire

Firsts

The morning sun streams through the great hall windows, bathing breakfast in its cool light. The Weasley twins are hunched together with their friend, Lee Jordan, deep in conversation about how to cheat their way into the tournament. Hermione is trying to explain a map of Hogwarts to me, but I'm more focused on choosing what to have for breakfast. I land on eggs, toast, sausages, and a large mug of very strong black tea just as Hermione starts talking about the Western Wing.

"'ermione," I say around a sausage, "can' I jus' 'ollow you around?"

"Oh, yeah I guess." She says, putting away the map.

I swallow, "don't worry, I'm great with directions, I'll learn quickly." Giving her a reassuring smile, which she returns.

"Oh, look, here comes Professor McGonagall," Ron says, motioning down towards Professor McGonagall who is making her way up the table handing out timetables.

"Good morning you lot, good morning Ms. Whitnell." She says, handing out our timetables.

"Thanks, professor," Ron says, giving her an over-exaggerated smile.

"Please try to behave yourselves this year," she looks very tired with them, shocking considering Hermione's work drive. "It's a big year for Hogwarts."

"Good to see you too, Professor," Harry says sarcastically. She gives them both a look that could kill someone, then continuing on her way.

"Wow," I laugh.

"We don't have the best reputation," Harry chuckles along.

"Look at the time! We should get going, I want to show you around before charms." Hermione says hopping up from the table.

"Oh, uh, okay," I gulp down the last dregs of my tea and get up, grabbing my bookbag.

"Ugh," Harry says, getting up as well.

"But my-" Ron says, gesturing to his toast.

"Your slave made toast?" Hermione replies, giving him a look, not unlike McGonagall's.

"Alright," He mumbles, also rising from the bench.

We walk through sun-filled corridors and squares, finally reaching a small hall with stacked benches wrapping around the walls. At the opposite end, standing on a tower of books is a small wizard. Even with the help of the books, he barely reaches over his desk. We take a bench, Hermione whispering constantly about the course.

"Have you caught up? We just finished shrinking charms."

"Um, yeah I reviewed it all over the summer," I whisper back.

"Oh! Well then you should be just fine, Professor Flitwick is strict but he's a good teacher. You can use my notes if you want to, I took them in advance."

Ron makes a noise somewhere between surprise and hurt, "can I use them?"

"I wasn't talking to you, Ronald," she snaps.

The room fills with other students, all wearing blue ties. Ravenclaws, I think, which reminds me I should write to dad, tell him I'm a Gryffindor.

Professor Flitwick clears his throat. "Hello students, and welcome back." His voice is oddly high pitch and wheezy. "Welcome to fourth-year charms, I assume you all have your books?" There's a rustle as everyone takes out The Standard Book of Spells: Grade Four, I grab mine, just a beat behind everyone else.

"I trust you all remember where we left off, we will start with engorgement charms. Now, just because you were adept at reducio does not mean engorgio will come easily. This charm requires practice and preparation. Please take out a roll of parchment, quill and ink, we are going to take some notes."