𝓓𝓸 𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓷𝓪 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀? |𝗣.𝗝. 𝗔.𝗖.| Paused

IV.

Seeker.

⟸★☆✫✰✯★☆✯✰✫☆★⟹

The stairway bustles with students as Hadrian and Ron make their way. Clearly lost, Ron consults his timetable. "This is Staircase Twelve North, which should take us to Backward Staircase Seven- no wait a minute, we're on Backward Staircase Seven." Ron says confused. "How many staircases are there?" Hadrian asked, getting annoyed. "One hundred forty-two, though, in A History of Magic, Bathilda Bagshot makes unattributed reference to three others." Hadrian and Ron watch Hermione pass by, apparently holding every single First Year course book in her arms. "I hate her." Ron says, Hadrian rolling his eyes.

⟸✯⟹

Students sit attentively, looking front at a cat. Its markings, particularly around the eyes, are somehow familiar. Hadrian and Ron burst in, glance around. "Whew! We made it, mate. Can you imagine old McGonagall's face if we were late first day out." Ron says, but Hadrian stays silent, eyeing the cat. Hearing this, the cat narrows its eyes, leaps upand transforms into old McGonagall herself. Ron's mouth drops open in amazement. "That was bloody brilliant!" He says. "Thank.you for that assessment, Mr. weasley. But perhaps it might be more useful if I transfigured Mr. Potter or yourself into a pocket watch. That way one of you might be on time." Mcgonagall says. "We got lost, Professor." Hadrian looks down at his shoes.

"Then perhaps a map. I trust you don't
need one to find your seats?" Hadrian and Ron slink past Hermione, sitting front row center. " Transfiguration is some of the most complex, dangerous and valuable magic you will learn at Hogwarts. Use it skillfully and it may, one day, save your life. Make a mistake and you could find yourself
with a toad's head and a monkey's tail." She opens a text book, " All right then, Shall we?" She says. Hadrian and Ron exchange a glance, and whip open their books.

⟸✯⟹

As Professor Snape paces imperiously, Harry and the others sit in dead silence, eyes wandering to the pickled animals floating in glass jars along the cold stone walls. "There will be no foolish wand waving or silly incantations in this class. As such, I don't expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art that is potion making. However, for those select few," Snape glances at Malfoy, "who possess the predisposition, I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even put a stopper death. Then again, maybe some of you have come to Hogwarts in possession of  abilities so formidable that you feel confident enough to not pay attention." Hadrian blinks, realizes Snape is looking at him. "Mr. Potter. One of our new celebrities. Tell me. What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an.infusion of wormwood?" Hermione's hand shoots into the air. Hadrian glares, not answering. " You don't know. Well, let's try again. Where, Mr. Potter, would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?" Hadrian still says nothing. "And the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?" Hadrian sees Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle sniggering. Hadrian stills says nothing. "Pity. Clearly fame isn't everything, is it, Mr. Potter." Snape says, satisfied. "No, the real pity is your hair." Hadrian mumbles.

Snape hears him mumble, "is there something you would like to say, Mr. Potter?" He asks sharply. "I said, the real pity is your hair." Hadrian says loudly, while people giggled and laughed. "How dare you-" "I'm not done, Professor, it's rude to interrupt people. For your information, asphodel and wormwood make a sleeping potion so powerful it is know as the Draught of the Living Dead. A bezoar is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat and it will save you from most poisons. As for monkshood and wolfbane, they are the same
plant, which also goes by the name of aconite. Also your questions have a secret message in them, Morrígan, could you tell everyone what it is?" He said, enjoying how Snape was squirming uncontrollably at being exposed.