Albus Potter and the Hidden Tower

Chapter Three: Practical Potion-Making

True to the announcement on the notice board, schedules were handed out on Sunday. Albus found that his schedule was fairly simple in structure. He had spots for three morning classes, lunch, and then three evening classes every day. Each class was about an hour and a half long. Some of the spots were occupied by free periods, and there was a special schedule for Astronomy, which was at midnight on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Slytherins were also given double-blocks each week of Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions, Transfiguration, Herbology, Charms, and, regrettably History of Magic.

Albus's Monday schedule was completely unimpeded by double-blocking, consisting of one period of each 'core class,' as Neville had dubbed them. Though the lack of free periods on Mondays was unfortunate, he was thankful that he shared the same classes as the other Slytherins. Finn made their group of four a group of five, and they had explored the castle together on Sunday.

Rose and Talia had become fast friends. It comforted Albus to know that his cousin had someone reliable to talk to, given that he wasn't linguistically proficient when it came to emotional talks. He had sat down with Rose in that manner Sunday night, trying to gauge how she felt about her Sorting relative to the day before.

"I feel better, I guess," she had said. Her voice held a twinge of lingering gloom, but she did look better compared to the day before. "I'm going to write to mum and dad tomorrow morning before classes. D'you want to come with and write to you parents, as well?" she asked.

Albus politely declined. He had written to his parents (about his weekend) and to George (about the app) the previous night, and he had no desire to visit the Owlery again. Its floor creaked ominously, and it stank of bird droppings. Beethoven seemed to like it, nonetheless; he'd found her socializing with a couple school owls when he went to deliver his letter.

Before long, it was Monday morning and Finn, this time fully clothed, was shaking Albus awake. "I had to turn your alarm off," Finn explained as Albus rubbed his eyes groggily. "You didn't wake up, and it was getting annoying."

"What time is it?" Albus mumbled, yawning loudly.

"Seven-thirty," said Finn casually, pulling his socks on.

Albus shot out of bed like a rocket. "Seven-thirty?! Classes start in half an hour!"

Finn eyed him curiously as he began shuffling around the room hastily. "Mate, just change and slap on some deodorant."

"I'd like to eat, thank you very much," Albus said bitterly. He had been craving a croissant since the previous morning.

"Croissant?" questioned Scorpius, entering through the doorway. "I figured you two would still be getting ready."

"Yeah, thanks," said Finn, accepting a pastry from his roommate.

Albus held his hand out, not bothering to speak as he pulled his shirt over his head.

Scorpius rolled his eyes and handed him the pastry. "Here you are, master."