Demigods at Hogwarts 2 (Harry Potter and the Halfblood Prince)

Chapter 4

Percy POV

We were all up before breakfast the next day. We sat in the common room and talked. Ron was looking forward to having free periods. Hermione and Annabeth were telling him that he would have to use them for study. Nico and Thalia were talking about Camp Jupiter. Suddenly Hermione stood up.

"Fanged frisbees are banned" she said imperiously to a fourth year boy.

He looked at her, annoyed, before following his friend out the portrait hole.

"Cool, I've always wanted one of those" Ron said, grabbing it.

Hermione's remonstrations were drowned out by a giggle from a girl called Lavender Brown. She struck me as annoying. Ron looked pleased.

We went down to the Great Hall. The ceiling was a clear blue. We sat down and started eating porridge, eggs, and bacon. Harry awkwardly explained what had happened with Hagrid the night before to Hermione .

"He can't honestly expect us to continue, we only tried because we liked him, not because we liked the subject" Ron said

The others had no reply.

After breakfast McGonagall descended from the table and began handing timetables out. She had to go around to each student and check that they had got the OWLs they wanted. Hermione was all good. McGonagall had a long conversation with a Neville about what subjects he could take. The she turned to us.

"Harry and Ronald, you did acceptably. Here are your classes. Potter, why haven't you put potions down? I thought it was your ambition to become an Auror" she asked

"You said I had to get an O and I only got an E"

"When Professor Snape taught the class, but not now, I'll put you down for it, you can collect the required materials and books from the cupboard in the classroom".

She turned to us.

"Percy, Nico and Thalia as you didn't complete your OWLs you can go with Harry and Ron, I think those classes will be good for you" she said sternly "Annabeth and Hazel, you two completed your OWLs with good marks, so you can go with Hermione".

"Oh and Potter, I'll give you sign up sheets for quidditch so you can assemble a team" she said before leaving.

We headed to the common room for our spare. After an hour we headed down to DADA. Hermione was there, with a stack of books a mile high.

"We've so much homework" she remarked.

"We've all of these to read, plus and essay and two translations" Hazel said.

"Shame" yawned Ron.

"Just wait" Annabeth said "bet Snape gives us loads".

Annabeth POV

Ancient Runes was a really interesting class to take. We had a lot of homework though. We headed to DADA for our next class. When we entered Snape gave a dramatic monologue about the flexibility of the Dark Arts. He explained to us that we would be learning non-verbal spells, which are very useful because they prevent your adversary from knowing what you are going to do.

He made us split into partners. I went with Hazel. After about 15-20 minutes both of us and Hermione were able to do them. Most teachers would have awarded points, but Snape was biased against us, so he didn't. Instead he went over to Harry and Ron, who were struggling.

"Pathetic, Weasley" he said disdainfully "do it like this"

He turned his wand on Harry, who reacted instinctively

"Protego!" He yelled, his charming blasting Snape backwards.

Snape recovered quickly, "did you remember me telling you that we were using non-verbal spells, Potter" he asked, with a sneer

"Yes" Harry said stiffly

"Yes sir"

"There is no need to call me sir, Professor"

The class took a gasp. I saw Percy, Nico, and Thalia, as well as some of the other students, were grinning.

"Detention, Potter" he drawled "Friday night, my office. I don't take cheek from anybody, not even the chosen one.

After we were a safe distance from the classroom Percy spoke

"That was so funny, did you see his face?"

"Why did you do it Harry?" Hermione asked.

"He tried to jinx me, in case you didn't notice" Harry fumed "can't he choose another guinea pig for a change. All that stuff about the dark arts though, I wonder why Dumbledore let him teach"

"He sort of sounded like you" Hermione said to Harry

"What!?"

"All that stuff about being unprepared, thinking on your feet, that's what you tell us. That it's about bravery and quick thinking"

Harry looked stunned, clearly astonished that she had thought his words worth memorising.

A small boy approached us.

"Hey Harry," he said "when're you holding quidditch trials?"

Not sure yet, Jack" he replied.

"Well anyway, here's a note for you".

He handed the note to Harry.

"What is it?" I asked .

"A note from Dumbledore about our first lesson".