Wonder 1st year

Classes

I got ready last, taking two quick minutes in the shower, brushing my teeth, and then running a comb through my hair. As soon as I was dressed, I walked out of the bathroom. "Okay, let's go," I said, heading for the door without waiting for the others. I wasn't going to be late, even if it meant leaving them behind.

Pansy decided to come with me since she was ready and didn't want to hang around with Millicent and Tracey. As we walked out, Daphne rushed to catch up with us, practically tripping over herself in her haste. "Wait for me!" she called, breathless but grinning when she finally fell in step with us.

When we reached the Great Hall, everyone was still settling in for breakfast. We found a few empty spots at the Slytherin table and took our seats. I couldn't help but laugh. "I can't believe Millicent and Tracey haven't said a word to us."

"I know!" Pansy joined in, laughing along with Daphne and me. "They're probably plotting revenge!"

Before we could continue, Dumbledore's voice boomed through the hall. "Silence!"

The chatter immediately died down as hundreds of heads turned toward him. "You should all have your timetables now. Take five minutes to check them and discuss with your peers. Your time starts now."

Instantly, everyone around us started whispering and comparing schedules. I glanced down at mine and turned to Pansy and Daphne. "I have Potions first," I said. "Anyone else?"

Daphne nodded. "Same here!"

Pansy shook her head. "I've got Transfiguration first. But I have History of Magic third."

I smiled. "So do I!"

"Same here!" Daphne chimed in, and we all grinned, celebrating the fact that we'd be sharing at least one class together.

"I've got Charms second," I added, to which both Pansy and Daphne frowned.

"Not me," Pansy sighed. "I've got Herbology."

Before we could compare the rest of our schedules, Dumbledore stood up again. "Time's up! You've had your chance to review your timetables. Now, let the feast begin!"

In an instant, the tables filled with a lavish spread of breakfast food. I grabbed some toast and beans while we continued chatting. Daphne was practically bouncing in her seat. "I can't wait for our class together!" she said between bites of toast.

"Same here," I said, my mouth full. "It's going to be fun."

Before long, we finished eating, and Dumbledore's voice rang out once again. "Silence! You may now proceed to your classes or study time. You are dismissed."

Daphne and I gathered our things and headed toward Potions while Pansy veered off toward Transfiguration. We carried our cauldrons and books through the dim, chilly corridors until we arrived at the Potions classroom. A stern-looking man in dark robes—Professor Severus Snape—unlocked the door and beckoned us inside.

"Good morning, class," he said, his voice smooth and cold. "Take your seats, and I will introduce myself."

We sat down, and Professor Snape's eyes scanned the room before he continued. "I am Professor Severus Snape, and I will be teaching you the subtle art of potion-making. Today, we will begin by discussing the theory behind brewing."

He went on to explain the ingredients we'd need for a Boil Cure Potion: dried nettles, snake fangs, stewed horned slugs, porcupine quills, and flobberworm mucus. I could see a few students grimacing at the mention of some of the ingredients, and I shot Daphne a puzzled look.

"Do you know what he's talking about?" she whispered.

"No clue," I whispered back.

Snape's sharp voice cut through the murmur. "You! Why don't you have any equipment?"

A boy at the back of the room turned scarlet, mumbling something incoherent as he shrank into his seat. Snape glared at him for a moment before turning his attention back to the rest of us.

"Turn to page three of your textbooks," he commanded, his voice low and deadly serious. The rest of the lesson was spent reviewing potion theory, and it quickly became clear that Snape wasn't one for idle chatter. I mouthed "Boring" to Daphne, who stifled a giggle.

Snape spun around sharply. "Who was that?" he snapped, his eyes narrowing. The class fell silent, no one daring to move. After a tense pause, he turned back to the blackboard and resumed the lesson.

"Next time, you'll be brewing the Boil Cure Potion yourselves, so be sure to bring your cauldrons," he said, dismissing the class as the bell rang.

Daphne and I exchanged relieved looks as we packed up our things and headed for the door, both of us laughing as soon as we were out of earshot. "I'm sorry I made you laugh," I said, still grinning.

Daphne smiled back. "Don't worry about it. That was hilarious."

We made our way to the Slytherin common room to meet Pansy, who was already waiting for us in one of the armchairs. "Hey, how was Potions?" she asked.

"Snape's as terrifying as everyone says," I replied, flopping down onto the couch beside her.

Pansy chuckled. "I heard Quidditch tryouts are soon. Any of you thinking about trying out?"

I nodded eagerly. "I'm definitely going to try out. I love Quidditch."

"I like watching, but not playing," Pansy said with a shrug.

Just then, Draco Malfoy sauntered over and plopped down in the chair next to us. "What are you lot talking about?" he asked.

"Quidditch," I said. "Are you trying out?"

Draco nodded, looking smug. "Of course. I'm going to see if I can get a spot on the Slytherin team."

"Me too!" I said, grinning. "Tryouts are tomorrow!"

Draco smirked. "We'll see who makes the team."