star shopping ✰ d.m.

CHAPTER FOUR

The next morning, Arabella found herself having to do everything alone, as Harry and Ron did not know what they were doing, and she didn't want them to make her late to any of her classes. Since they were both always on time for their classes, Hermione and Arabella often talked on the way and sometimes even sat next to each other during classes. They soon found that they shared their love of learning and bonded over this, often working on homework together.

During their first Transfiguration lesson, Harry and Ron were late as they often were that first week of school. The rest of the class had already seated themselves and were taking notes, as instructed by Professor McGonagall, the Transfiguration teacher and Head of Gryffindor House. Harry and Ron had burst in while the class was quiet.

"Made it!" said Ron. "Can you imagine the look on old McGonagall's face if we were late?"

Professor McGonagall, who had been sitting on her desk in her cat form, transformed back into a human and approached the boys.

"That was bloody brilliant!" said Ron.

"Thank you for that assessment, Mr. Weasley," said McGonagall. "Perhaps it would be more useful if I were to transfigure Mr. Potter and yourself into a pocket watch? That way one of you may be on time?"

"We got lost," Harry told her.

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

Professor McGonagall went back to her desk as Harry and Ron took their seats at the front of the class next to Arabella and Hermione.

"May I suggest you listen to us next time?" Arabella whispered to Ron.

"We can figure it out ourselves, Bella."

"Clearly not!"

"Weasleys?" said Professor McGonagall, easily hearing the conversation in her almost silent room.

"Sorry," they apologized, getting back to work.

That was not the only embarrassing situation to take place that week, either. Another incident happened in their first Potions lesson, which took place on Friday and was a double class with Slytherin. Although everyone had arrived on time, they soon found that Snape was the least friendly professor of them all.

He walked in just after the last student to arrive had taken their seat. "There will be no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations in this class," he spoke. "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 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 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 was looking right at Harry while he said this, who had been taking notes. Hermione nudged him, and he looked up immediately, setting his quill down. "Mr. Potter. Our new celebrity. Tell me, what would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"

Hermione raised her hand confidently, and Arabella did the same, though a lot more hesitant, thinking she knew the answer and hoping to save Harry. However, Professor Snape ignored both girls and continued to stare at Harry. Looking at the girls and knowing Snape was insisting on embarrassing him, Harry shook his head.