Silver Hourglass

Letters, Snape, and Sweets Chapter 8

Harry was both excited and scared for Potions class. He remembered listening to the Twins' complaints about Professor Snape, and that part made Harry nervous. The Twins told Harry, that while Snape was bias in favor of Slytherin, he's still a tough teacher who despises idiots. Fred told him that one time, there was a Slytherin who was so horrible at Potions that Snape made him cry when he came to check on his progress. Harry didn't want Snape to yell at him, especially because it seemed that he and his father had a history. When he told Draco this during lunch, Draco laughed and said "You'll be fine Harry. Let's just go over the textbook before we go."

"Why?" Harry asked.

"Professor Snape has a habit of asking the students questions the beginning of class. To see if we actually read the textbooks over the summer." Draco said.

"That's unfair," Harry pointed out.

"That's just how he is. Now get your textbook out." Draco commanded. Harry obeyed, and took out their textbook for Potions. Draco opened to a random page and said "Harry, tell me where to find bezoar."

Harry thought but nothing came to him. "I don't know... in the forbidden forest?" Harry guessed. Draco tuted and lightly slapped Harry's hand. "No." He said, "Bezoar is a stone found in a goat's stomach."

"That's gross." Harry said.

"Focus Harry. Now what do you think the stone is used for? Here, I'll even help you, St. Mungo's always have a supply ready." Draco asked. Harry thought about it, St. Mungo's sounded like a hospital to him so Harry guessed "It cures people when they're..." Harry drew out the 'they're' as he continued to think, "...poisoned?" Harry asked.

Draco smiled and said "Good boy. That's correct Harry." Harry felt a swell of pride as Draco praised him and Draco asked a second question. "Harry, what is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?"

"Are they used against werewolves?" Harry asked. The name wolfsbane sounded like it would.

"Possibly." Draco smirked.

Harry tried to remember what media has said about werewolves. He had trouble remembering those old movies the Dursleys used to watch, but he remembered one thing, they all had silver. Werewolves hated silver so Harry guessed "Wolfsbane has silver in them somehow?"

"What?" Draco asked confused. "How did you... never mind. No Potter, the book says that they are both the same plant."

"Oh..." Harry said, he was wrong again Draco cheered him up, and at that moment the Great Hall became over run over with owls, delivering mid-day post. A barn owl landed in front of Harry and Draco and dropped a copy of the Daily Prophet, as well as an Eagle Owl who landed in front of Draco, and dropped a letter sealed with the Malfoy symbol. Draco picked up the letter and frowned, "That's odd, why would father write me so early?"

Both Harry and Draco ignored the Daily Prophet to open the letter. Draco gave Harry to envelope to hold as he read the letter. Harry, too curious to mind his own business, read the letter over his shoulder.

Draco,

It has come to my attention, through means of which I disapprove of, that you have befriended a one Harry James Potter. Despite your mother's constant protests, I feel it to be important to remind you of your lineage. More importantly, your loyalties. You may see him as a friend and fellow Slytherin, and while that may be true, remember your loyalty, and remember his. You two will become enemies Draco, and it will separate the school. I will not allow your friendship with Mr. Potter to confuse you when the time comes. You are a Malfoy, heir to the Malfoy legacy and I expect you to live up to it. As Potter will live up to his. I expect a reply within the week.