The Small Sparks [An Unnoticed One Spin-off]

Chapter 3: Do Not Underestimate (Alice)

After finally leaving the feast, I was showed to the Ravenclaw Tower, and then to my dormitory. I went out like a light while I curled up within the sheets, grasping onto the fluffy pillow. I dreamt that I was on my grandfather's land back in England. He and I were in a wide field near his home. We walked near the tall grass, and in the heart of the field, I saw something that wasn't there before. There stood a tall pear tree and together we ran over to it and attempted to climb it. I distinctively remember using the Ravenclaw scarf I was given last night to help hoist myself up into the tree. After that, I woke up, realizing I wasn't in my room. The thing was, I was in in my room, I was assigned to this dormitory. But it wasn't my actual room in my real home.

This went on for two more days. We arrived on Friday and now classes will finally start today, Monday. I was eager to get to class and finally see my father teach. I got dressed into my uniform and attempted to tie my tie. I changed under my bed sheets every morning so far. I shared my dorm with Isra Nejem, Bree Heflin, and two other girls who I quickly forgot the names of. These girls were complete strangers. I thought there was a good chance Rose would be sorted in the same house as me, that way I wouldn't be so uncomfortable in the company of these girls I barely knew a thing about. Isra and I got along very well, but I was in no rush to be so open.

I laced up my shoes, grabbed my knapsack, and walked out the door. Suddenly, I remembered that I forgot to bring my wand. I retreated back to my room, searching for it. I looked down at it; beech with unicorn core, eleven and three quarter inches, brittle. I memorized those words as Mr. Ollivander said them aloud to me when I obtained the wand.

Isra came along with me downstairs and to the Great Hall. We sat down at the Ravenclaw table and began to fill our plates with food. I looked over to the High Table to see my father already looking back at me. He smiled gently and I waved in return.

The next thing I knew there was the sounds if squawking and hooting all throughout the Hall. I looked up, seeing dozens of owls dropping envelopes, newspapers, and packages. A brown owl released something from its talons and let it fall in front of me. It was the latest issue of The Quibbler.

I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around to see Lukas standing before me. He was holding a tin in one hand and had his other arm raised so his family owl could rest upon it.

"Our Mams sent us cookies from the bakery," he said as he set the tin down in front of me.

"What class do you have first?" I asked the sandy haired boy.

"Herbology, same as you."

"I'll see you there, then?"

Lukas smiled. "Sure." He headed back to the Gryffindor table and sat with Fred and James along with that Dhara girl from the sorting.

I finished my food the second we were all sent away to class. I walked with Lukas and Dhara on the way to the greenhouses. My father was already there waiting for all of his students to arrive before he finally began the lesson.

"Welcome," he began, "to first year herbology. In this class we will be learning about both mundane and magical plants. I am Professor Longbottom. Now you may not realize it yet, but herbology is one of the most important subjects you will learn about here at Hogwarts. Without it, we wouldn't know what we're putting into our potion brews. Without it, Madam Pomfrey up in the Hospital Wing wouldn't know what medicine to give you when you're sick. Without it, you wouldn't know what kind of plants could save your life, or possibly end it."

I could hear a few students behind me whisper and murmur things to each other when my father said what he said. I smiled at him, showing him that he was doing a good job so far.