A Potter Secret

Finding a Sister

Morning. Harry and Ron are running through the stone halls to their class. They rush in. In the class, a tabby cat is sitting on a desk. "Whew, amazing, can you imagine the look on old McGonagall's face if we were late?" Ron asks. The cat jumps off the desk and turns into Professor McGonagall. The two boys are amazed. "That was bloody brilliant."

"Thank you for that assessment, Mr. Weasley. Maybe if I were to transfigure Mr. Potter and yourself into a pocket watch, maybe one of you would be on time," McGonagall jokes, keeping a straight face.

"We got lost," Harry explains.

"Then perhaps a map? I trust you don't need one to find your seats," McGonagall says.

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Snape's potions class. The students are chattering, sitting near steaming cauldrons. The door slams open and Snape comes rushing in. "There will be no foolish wand waving or silly incantations in this class. As such, I don't expect many of you to enjoy the subtle science and exact art that is potion making. However, for those select few," Snape states, looking at Draco, who smiles. "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 and even put a stopper-" Draco looks on. "in death." Draco raises his eyebrows. Snape sees Harry, writing this down, in, his view, not paying attention. "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," Snape calls. Hermione nudges Harry in the ribs. He looks up. "Mr. Potter. Our new celebrity. Tell me, what would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?" Hermione's hand skyrockets. Harry shrugs. "You don't know? Well, let's try again. Where, Mr. Potter, would you look if I asked you to find me a bezoar?" Hermione's hand shoots up again.

"I don't know, Sir," Harry replies.

"And what is the difference between Monkshood and Wolfbane?" Snape asks.

"I don't know, Sir," Harry repeats.

"Pity. Clearly, fame isn't everything, is it, Mr. Potter?"

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Just after class, Harry hangs around for a moment until everyone has left. "Professor," Harry calls before Severus can leave. "I was wondering if you could help me find someone. She said to come to you when I got to Hogwarts."

"And who might this be?" Professor Snape snaps.

Harry looks around for a moment before turning to Severus. "My sister, Isabella."

Severus is startled for a moment. "How do you know about Isabella?" Severus asks.

"She told me," Harry replies. "We've spoken before somehow. It's like a mental connection. She said to only speak to you because you're her Godfather."

Severus steps over to the door and pauses. "Do not speak to anyone about this. If anyone hears about Isabella she will be in grave danger." He opens the door and waves Harry out.

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In the great hall, probably midday. The students are all working on homework. Seamus is trying a spell on a cup. "Eye of rabbit, harp string hum. Turn this water, into rum." Seamus looks in the cup and shakes his head. "Eye of rabbit, harp string hum-"

"What's Seamus trying to do to that glass of water?" Harry asks.

Ron says, "Turn it into rum. Actually managed a weak tea yesterday, before-" ZAPOOF! The cup explodes. There is laughter amongst the students. Seamus' hair sticks straight up. Suddenly, a flock of owls start coming into the hall from the rafters above. "Ah. Mail's here!"