Kassandra Bauer and the Philosopher's Stone (Book 1)

Chapter 5: Brooms and Duels. And Cerberus.

The Good news was that we only had to deal with Malfoy and his cronies for one class. The bad news was that it was Potions with Snape. And Malfoy's been doing nothing but showboating about how great he is and all that type of stuff. It's pretty much everything my brother despises. Big Ego People. 

If it was any consolation, at least the next lesson would be about flying. Which I'm not for nothing am pretty good at. You see... I've been on a few flights on brooms myself. Ones that I stole if I needed to make a quick getaway. There was this one time when I took another artifact for the mistress. It was after I escaped from that jail in Greece. I took one of the Aurors brooms and used it to get away. Not for nothing. That Broom was very difficult to manage. I also used a couple of brooms to escape after I stole some artifacts. Long story short. I can fly. And I can use this as an opportunity to show Malfoy. Someone needs to stand up to him. And maybe this is finally the class where I can succeed in. Because so far. I'm trying to do the best I can with this whole taking of notes and studying. But it still just seems so confusing. I can't even describe it. I'm trying to learn. But I just keep feeling stuck. Hardly anything seems to make sense. 

At breakfast, I can hear Seamus trying to do something with his water goblet. "Eye of rabbit, harp string him. Turn this water rum. The Spell doesn't work. Even with Seamus repeating it over and over. 

"Uh... Seamus. I don't think it works like that." I commented. 

"He actually managed a weak tea yesterday." Ryan interrupted walking up to us. 

"Um... hi. Ryan." Harry noticed Ryan just sitting next to him now. And he looked pretty excited about today. 

"We're flying today." Ryan noted. 

"Yeah. You looking forward to it?" Harry asked. 

"Yes. I'm looking... I'm looking forward to that, it. That it-- I'm looking forward to it." Ryan answered. He seemed to be having trouble with his sentences. There was also stuttering in his voice. 

But we're interrupted by a small explosion. Ryan yelped up and ran out of the Great Hall rather fast as he covered his ears. 

I look to see where the explosion came from. It came from Seamus. Who's eyebrows and hair were singed. Ouch.

We also see some Owls carrying some packages or letters. 

"Ah! Mail's here." Ron announced. 

Mail? We have mail already? That's when I notice an Owl has something for me. 

"Go on, Kassie. Open it." Ron insisted. 

I open the letter to see who it's from. The letter is addressed to me. I open it up. 

"Hey, Kassie! It's your brother, Ethan. Just thought I'd send you a letter. I'd come in person, but things are... rather busy here with the Auror's office. I think you've already heard, but there was a break in at Gringotts. They're sending us to investigate. My hands are tied right now. Part of me wishes I was back in Hogwarts when the only thing I'd have to worry about was Snape giving away too much homework. Ha ha! But seriously... Beatrice wrote to me about how your first day went. And how she... found you crying in the Hallway after you messed up a Cure for Boils Potion. And how things are rather demanding from the Teachers. Don't let it get into your head, Kassie. You gotta stand strong. It's okay if you mess up. Whether it would be a few times. Or all the time. And I know it can be tough being in a new environment with things being all brand new to you. Hang in there, Kassie. You're a smart and brave girl. I know you can do this. And don't worry about Snape. I mean, you can't be any worse than me. I once made a Cure for Boils explosion on the Table. If it's any consolation. That table never looked better. P.S: If you at all feel like Snape is pushing you to your limits. Just threaten to get Sikander in the class."