Scarlet Darkbloom and the Secret Tower

Chapter 6: The Secret Corridor

I walk with Layla to our first class, Herbology. It was outside in the greenhouses, and as much as it was lovely to see all the grounds, it was raining. Luckily, I knew the charm to make our robes to repel water, so it was quite a nice walk.

"I'm telling you, Professor Longbottom played a huge part in the Battle of Hogwarts," I say, wanting to pull out my Deathly Hallows book to show her. It was back in my trunk though, my school bag had already been full with all the books that I had brought for my classes. Layla seemed very quiet when I told her all about the Battle of Hogwarts. I had a feeling it had something to do with her mom, Bellatrix, who had almost died in that war, and on the wrong side. I gave her a side hug as we entered the greenhouses.

It seemed Ravenclaws were the only ones there, on time anyways. I pulled out my Magical Herbs and Fungi book and sat down on one of the benches, reading what we probably would go over today.

"Good morning class, quite a lovely morning if you're a plant teacher." Professor Longbottom said as he entered the classroom with a grin. It was immediate that I recognized him as Neville, smiling at the thought. His resemblance to who played him in the movies was quite shocking. I was quite a fan already. "I'm Professor Longbottom, some of you, well one in particular," Again, Professor Longbottom gave me a wink (Tabernathy must've told the staff about my unique situation) "Know me quite well. I'll be teaching you Herbology as long as I'm alive and you're alive and at Hogwarts. Today we'll be going over safety procedures in the greenhouses, and tomorrow we'll begin to work on the first chapter in your book. I hope some of you will share my passion of plants and magical herbs." And with that, he began explaining what we would be working on throughout the course of the year and the safety procedures needed to be used in all of the greenhouses, especially as we got to the more dangerous fungi.

Class ended soon after he finished explaining greenhouse rules. He simply waved us goodbye, seeming really excited about our next lesson.

"Up next, History of Magic!" I say excitedly. "Finally, some time to sleep!" Serena said angrily as she stormed past me. Something was definitely up, and I was sure getting tired of it. I absolutely despised when people took advantage and were ungrateful of the wizarding world, even if I was apart of it now. Besides, without Professor Binns teaching anymore, I was certain it would be run quite differently.

Riley ran and caught up with me. "Hey!" She said with a friendly smile. "Hi," I say awkwardly.

"I've heard History of Magic is a lot different this year. The new professor has us make something called 'flashcards' to study and catches people that are sleeping." Riley gushed. "Flashcards are 110% Muggle, trust me." I say with a laugh. "And I'm 100% wizard born." Riley said, giggling. "You know, it just bothers me that people don't really realize how lucky they are with going to Hogwarts itself, you know. You have no idea how boring Muggle life is when you could be here." I explain to her. "So I'm excited for History of Magic, I want to know everything."

Riley nodded in agreement. "You remind me of me. And Hermione. Let's be Hermiones together." We high five in agreement, hustling to the History of Magic classroom on the third floor.

We arrive at the moving staircases with excitement. We look up and see stairs after stairs moving to different areas, seemingly all the way up almost to the sky. "Remember, they move." I say, rather obviously. Riley nods her head in excitement, pointing at one that easily goes to the third floor.

"Wait!" I stop her seconds before it moves, going to the left wing instead of the right. We decide to go up to the second floor and only go up one quick flight of stairs. We have a few close calls, but get to the right classroom right on time. The teacher was a tall, thin woman that had red auburn hair, twisted into a fancy updo. She was dressed in black robes that trailed behind her as she entered the class, her heels clicking against the stone floor.