Albus Potter and the Unicorn's Core

Bezoars and Potions

"Oh come on Albus," A perky voice interrupted Albus's sleep. Albus opened his emerald eyes to meet Henry's bright blue ones. "Wake up sleepy head or you'll miss breakfast."

Albus sat up in his bed and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. He had slept surprisingly well, even though his head had been buzzing with excitement. Albus noticed Henry already had his new black robes on that had a red and gold crest stitched onto them. Henry seemed to have already showered and gotten ready for lessons. The sun was shining on Albus's bed so it was nice and warm, which just made it even harder to want to get out of bed. He had a strange case of butterflies in his stomach, a mix of nerves and excitement.

"I like the idea of learning magic," Albus said, "but why on earth do we have to get up so damn early?" Henry shrugged his shoulders and began to tidy his bed. Albus noticed the other boys had already left. He must have woken up late. Albus and Henry quickly made their way down to the common room to see if anyone was still there.

When Henry and Albus came down the stairs, Rose looked up from her book. "So you guys finally decided to wake up? Took your time," she huffed, putting down her book.

"Not everyone enjoys getting up so early, you know Rose," Albus said using his sleeve to rub his eyes.

"Oh, come on. We're up now and I'm hungry," Henry said and the three left for the Great Hall. Rose had to show the boys the way, because the boys got lost in the many corridors.

When they finally reached the Hall, Albus went and sat next to one of the twins, and Rose and Henry sat opposite him.

"What took you guys so long?" Alec asked as Albus reached for a piece of toast and the butter.

"The boys here have trouble waking up," Rose said.

"We do not!" said Henry piling some bacon onto his plate.

"You do so!" said Rose, "Breakfast is nearly over and we only just got here!" Their little dispute was interrupted by Professor Clearwater.

"Ahem," Professor Clearwater cleared her throat and handed them timetables, "Here are your timetables. I suggest you hurry up with your breakfast. First period will start soon and you have potions with Professor Finnigan." Albus and Henry looked over there timetables, and saw that their first lesson was indeed Potions with Professor S. Finnigan, with Ravenclaw.

The young Gryffindors grabbed some toast and made their way down to Potions class. They found that right room and walked in, just in time for the start of class. The twins, Alec and Will, took seats near the front and Henry and Albus sat down at the desk behind them. Professor Finnigan was standing at the front, waiting for the class to grow quiet. When they showed no signs of quieting downs, Professor Finnigan cleared his throat to get their attention. The room quietened down and the lesson begun.

"Before we begin, I personally would like to welcome you all to Hogwarts, and I hope you enjoy your time here," he said in a very noticeable Irish accent. The lesson began and Professor Finnigan told the class what they would be doing, "So this year, we're going to start off with learning about bezoars. Who can tell me what a bezoar looks like?" He quickly looked for around for anyone who could answer, but saw no one raise their hand.

Slightly disappointed, Professor Finnigan continued. "Erm, alright then. Well, a bezoar is very small, stone like ball, which comes from the stomach of a goat. Now, erm, can anyone tell me what it is used for?" Professor Finnigan paused and looked around for someone, but again saw no one. "Okay, so no one knows much about them, then?" he looked around the class and noticed a hand slightly raised.

"Oh, yes? At the back there," he said nodding to the student. Albus turned to find a certain Ravenclaw student, sitting at the back by himself. The boy murmured something so quite that even the people sitting directly in front of him, could not hear him. "I'm sorry, young, lad," said Professor Finnigan. "You'll have to speak up a bit."The boy cleared his throat and tried again.