Twinzel

The First School Day

  I hadn't slept. I had been tossing and turning in my bed all night. Eventually, with a rather agitated sigh, I got dressed in my school robes and went downstairs to the Common Room. I pointed my wand at the fireplace and wordlessly cast a spell to light the fire, curling up in one of the seats infront of it. I grabbed my Potions book and flicked through it as the hours passed. This was the only first year book I had yet to read, and I was engrossed in it. It appealed to me and before I knew it, Slytherin students woke up and dripped into the common room. I hastily stuffed my book in my charmed bag and hoisted it on my shoulder as I stood up, giving a few people a curt nod before I made my way through the door and towards the Great Hall for breakfast. I was keen on avoiding to be alone with Slytherin's as much as I could. I was despised by the idea of 'blood purity', so naturally they would soon be despised with me too. The mute, weird girl. I grimaced at the thought, the grip on my bag's strap tightening in agitation right as I strode in the Great Hall. Not many people were up yet, I noted as my green eyes scanned through the room. Headmaster Dumbledore was seated in the middle of the Teachers table and next to him sat a grumpy Professor Snape. A few eager Ravenclaws were already up, discussing some books with one another. I rolled my eyes at this, envying their ability to verbally discuss things with each other. A luxury I would never have. I sighed and stared at the food on the tables, debating weither or not to eat. I was hungry, having skipped dinner last night. But I didn't want to give Snape the satisfaction of seeing me give in after the stunt I pulled yesterday. Instead, an idea formed as I slowly strode towards the teacher's table with a sheepish smile. I might as well get to learn our Headmaster a bit more. Dumbledore broke his conversation with Snape off and looked down at me through his half-moon spectacles with kind, curious blue eyes. '' Good morning, Miss Potter. You are up early today. '' His kind voice broke the awkward silence, easing my nerves with a warm smile. I opened my mouth to respond, before masking the movement with a cough. How is it that I keep forgetting to make no sounds? From the corner of my eyes, I saw Snape staring at me intently. As if he was eager to hear me again. I was sure he wanted to find out what exactly happened right outside Gringott's Bank a few days ago. Not today, old git. I felt my fingers tingle as I rested my hand on the table, conjuring a piece of parchment without my wand. Dumbledore hadn't noticed, his kind eyes focussed on my face. Mr Gloom & Doom next to him however, was mildly disturbed by this. Snape 0 Potter 2. I slipped my wand from my sleeve and flicked it, a text forming on the parchment. Dumbledore adjusted his glasses and let his blue eyes read along the lines. I am indeed. I'm afraid my night was a bit troubled. I do have a question however. Why is it the hat seperated me and my brother? He is my means of communicating with the world, and I am his shield. I left it at that, not particularly eager to explain the shield part. Both Mr Gloom & Doom and Dumbledore had read the text and I saw it, saw the question about the shield linger in Dumbledore's eyes. He lifted his gaze to meet with mine but I dodged it, instead staring at the parchment. I knew damn well that Dumbledore was gifted in Occlumency and Legilimency, and if I were to stare directly at him, my small protection wall would crumble and he would be in my mind, memories and thoughts. Not at all disturbed, Dumbledore only chuckled once. '' Well, my dear. Perhaps the time has come for the both of you to find a way to get what you need, without another one's help? After all, you can only improve from this. '' His kind voice offered, his sparkling eyes desperate to catch my stare. But I was busy mauling over his words, chewing on my plump bottom lip in the process. He had a point there, a very good one. I would become stronger if I fought this obstacle on my own, and more power meant more protection for my brother. Absendmindedly, I flicked my wand again. Thank you, Headmaster. I will leave now. After they read it, the parchment crumbled before disappearing in thin air. More and more students were filing in the Great Hall for breakfast, which was my que to leave. I turned around, tucking my wand back in my sleeve. '' Miss Potter. '' A voice drawled, halting me in my movement. With impatience etched on my facial features, I abruptly turned around and arched a brow at Snape. Yes, I absolutely did not like him. Snape furrowed his eyebrows at my defiant expression, but nevertheless kept speaking. '' I noticed you did not eat dinner last night, and are about to skip breakfast this morning. Is there any reason you refuse to eat, aside from the hormonal teenager thought that you are too fat? '' He sneered, clearly entertained by his own words. I merely rolled my eyes, a small snort leaving me. I knew I was not fat, he wasn't going to be able to hurt me with that. I mustered up a cheeky smile for him, before I turned around and walked to the doors to leave. '' Detention, Miss Potter. For ignoring a teacher. Tonight, 8 pm. '' He hissed after me. I gave him a thumbs up as I continued for the doors, turning in time to bump into someone. I heard a groan as we both fell. My hand resting on my bum, I looked up to see my brother. Harry stood up and dusted himself off, pulling me up with him. '' You go on, I'll be there in a minute. '' He told Ron, who waved at me before joining his brothers at the Gryffindor table. Harry took my hand in his and pulled me to the corner of the room so no one could hear us, unaware of Snape's dark eyes that zoomed in on us. '' Harry! You have no idea how much I missed you. '' I choked out, my voice a tad hoarse from lack of use for so long. A dreamy gaze formed on his face, but nonetheless he smiled. '' I'm here now. Did the snakes treat you okay? '' He whispered, wrapping his arms around me to hug me. I sighed in relieve, tucking my head under his chin. '' I avoid them as best as I can. They won't like it once they find out a half-blood is in Slytherin house. '' He nodded at my words, pressing a kiss to my forehead. '' I need to go. Have you eaten yet? '' He questioned as he took a step towards Gryffindor table. '' Y-yes, I have. Enjoy your breakfast. '' I lied. I lied and he knew it. But instead of questioning me, he merely shook his head and went off to his table. I let out a shaky sigh, my thumbs rubbing my temples to soothe a sudden headache. A sudden headache... I snapped my head towards the teachers table and saw Snape, staring intently at me as if to penetrate my small defensive wall. I slipped my wand from my sleeve and subtly aimed it his way. '' Wingardium Leviosa. '' I whispered, hovering his drink over his lap before letting it drop, splattering all across his dark robes. He cussed and jumped up, patting at the wet clothes and breaking eye contact. Immidiately, my head felt better and without hesitation, I snuck through the doors and ran towards the Potion's classroom. The first lesson of the day. I choose the seat furthest in the back, my book closed on the desk infront of me and an empty piece of parchment next to it. After a thirty minute wait, which I had spend scowling at my growling stomach, students filed into the classroom. I saw Neville, Draco, Zambini, Crabbe, Goyle, Harry and Hermione. Well, those were the ones I knew by name atleast. My brother, Ron and Hermione sat in the middle, a few desks away from me. I waved once and grinned, happy with the waves they returned. A few seconds flew by before the door slammed open loudly and in came the dungeon bat himself. His robes billowed wildly behind him as he strutt to the front desk. '' 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 added a pause to glance over at Draco, who smiled smugly. '' -who possess, the pre desposition. I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory and even put a stopper in 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.'' He growled out, glaring at my brother as Hermione nudged him to pay attention. '' Mr Potter. Our new celebrity. '' He sneered, walking closer until he stood infront of Harry. '' Tell me, Potter, What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood? '' Immidiately, Hermione's hand shot up but Harry only shook his head. Of course he didn't know, this was the first class. But the hidden message in those words hit me like a brick wall, and I froze in my seat. '' No? Let's try again then. Where, Mr Potter, would you look if I ask you to bring me a Bezoar? '' I knew the answers, I just couldn't say them. But I doubt I was able to. The hidden message kept twirling in my head. '' No idea, Sir. '' Harry muttered, glancing at Hermione whose hand was still up. '' What is the difference between Monkshood and Wolfsbane? '' Snape pressed, as Harry finally had enough. '' I don't know, Sir. Maybe you should ask Hermione, she clearly knows the answer. '' Snape grimaced at Harry and stood straighter. '' 10 points from Gryffindor for your cheek, Mr Potter. And put your hand down, silly girl! '' He snapped at Hermione, strutting back to the front of the class. '' For your information, Potter, Powdered Root of Asphodel and an infusion of Wormwood make a sleeping potion so powerful it is known as the Draught of Living Death. A Bezoar is a stone, taken from the stomach of a goat and it will save you from most poisons. There is no difference between Monkshood and Wolfsbane. They are the same plant which also goes by the name of Aconite. Well? Why aren't you all copying this? '' He sneered, glaring at the class as everyone wrote it down. Soon, we were saved by time and Snape let us go. Immidiately, everyone practically ran from the classroom. Everyone, but me. I was death-set on confrtoning him about his hidden message. I walked up to his desk and slammed my hands down, gaining his attention as he glared at me. '' And to what, Miss Potter, do I own this unfortunate visit after class? '' He drawled, arching a brow as if to challenge me to give him lip. Oh, he was in for it. '' What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood? '' I repeated him out loud, immidiately seeing he was struggling to fight the effects of my beautiful voice. '' I bitterly regret Lily's death. That's what it means in Victorian Flower Language. Why, in Godric's name, do you regret my mother's death, 'proffessor'? '' I snapped, my small hands forming into fists. I was done with his games. It took a few minutes before Snape managed to wrestle himself free of the charm of my voice, standing up as well. He sneered and leaned in, his nose nearly pressing against mine. '' That is none of your business, insolent child. How dare you speak to your Professor in this way! '' I knew from his tone that he was seething, but oh boy so was I. '' So you will just deny what I said? Completely pretend it did not happen? I wonder what the Headmaster would say. '' I challenged him, my chest heaving as my anger was gaining more and more control. Vials and books started to tremble and levitate, encouraged by the raw magic of my anger. Snape finally noticed this, glancing at me in caution. '' Miss Potter, you'd best calm down. '' He ordered, but this time with a less toxic voice. I wasn't having any of it. '' No. You know damn well what you meant with that question to my brother, and yet stand here declaring me a lying little girl. Well let me tell you, Severus, those who hurt my brother, will suffer! '' I growled out, seething. The anger was out of my control, as the books tore themselves apart and the vials broke, the sound of clattering glass filling the room. Snape grabbed my shoulders and pushed my back into a wall, leaning down to come face-to-face. '' Calm down. '' He hissed, staring intently in my eyes. There was no anger or dismay in his black orbs, only concern. Worry. It confused me. My anger left me as all broken things fell to the floor with a loud thud, my green eyes studying his expression closely. It took me a second to realise the damage I had done, and the lack of energy I now had. I was drained. I ducked away from his touch and stood out of reach, breathing heavily as I wobbled some. The exhaustion made it hard to stand straight, and my vision was getting blurry. '' Miss Potter. '' I heard him repeatedly say, coming closer and closer. '' I.. I'm fine. '' I stubbornly pressed, turning around to make my way to the door as fast as I could. '' Miss Potter, I forbid you to leave. '' but it fell on deaf ears. I ran through the hallways and eventually left the castle, skidding to a sudden halt in the Forbidden Forest. With my small chest heaving from near hyperventilation, I sat down on the grass with my back against a tree. I closed my eyes and dozed off, not caring that I missed all my classes, lunch and diner.