Chapter Six

First year: First Classes

Any idiot can face a crisis - it's day to day living that wears you out.
Anton Chekhov

Hermione takes in the Slytherin common room. It's quite grand and gothic in feel, beautiful in an untouchable way, the dark colors, medieval Tapestries and skulls make it feel unwelcoming. Even with all that she can't deny it feels like she's home, that this is where she belongs. The two prefects stand in front of them and introduce themselves as Amy and Timberton.

"We welcome the first years, we would like to talk and clear the air before you are showed to the dormitories. There is a lot of bad blood and bad history about this great house. Let it be known we are not our bad history. We are like the snake; we wear, sleek, powerful, and misunderstood. Understand that we look after our own, we are family. The corridors can hold surprises for the unwary. You'll be glad to have family at your back when this occurs. You were chosen by this house for the seeds of greatness you are, potential within you." Amy stated softly.

"That being said take notice the password changes every fortnight, keep an eye on the notice board." He pauses to gesture to the board on the wall. "If you have any issues please come to myself or Amy. Any serious issues to our head of house Professor Snape." Timberton finishes leading them to dormitories.

Hermione and the other first year girls move to their dorm. The room is elegant each girl has her own four poster bed with emerald green hangings sectioned off for privacy in the massive oval shaped dorm. She quickly writes a letter to Mommy Crissy before retiring for the night.

She wakes to Happy tugging on her. "Little Miss you wake up, you must dress, your father wants you." Hermione quickly dresses in her white button up, house tie, and gray trousers, not even bothering to wonder where all her uniform skirts went. She tugs on her school jumper, rubbing her eyes with the soft knitted fabric of the slightly too long sleeve. Yawning she drags her painted nails through her pixie short hair, pushing her fringe to the side, so it's out of her eyes. Happy takes her hand, popping to her father's rooms.

She stumbles; it's too early for such business. She looks up to see her father in his all black robe glory. She gives him a sleepy smile. He gives her a once over before moving closer. "I have your timetable," He told her handing her the parchment. She thanks him as she takes it. "Come have breakfast." He gestures to the table.

They enjoy a quite meal. Soon it's time to face the world to start being Hermione Prince.

Happy appears with her stuff and to take her away. She can't help herself, she hugs him tight. She feels like she won't have the chance again anytime soon. She feels him return the embrace, one hand brushing the back of her head.

Happy pops her near Potions class in an empty corridor. Happy hands her robe, fussing making sure it's straight and lint free before handing her shoulder bag. Hermione smiles down at her, petting her hair affectionately. "Thank you Happy. Don't know what I would do without you."

Happy gets teary eyed and shoos her in the direction of her class. Hermione enters the nearly empty potions room. She smiles, as she looks around the room she knows so well. She takes notice of other people in the room. Mostly Slytherins but one or two paired Gryffindors. She smiles as she notices a familiar face.

"Hello Neville, how was your first night as a first year." Hermione asks politely smiling at the timid Gryffindor.

Neville gave a squeak, giving her a smile; it drops as he takes in the color of tie. "It was good."

"How's Trevor?" Hermione pressed, with a hopeful smile.

"He's good." Neville answered still stiff and a bit standoffish.

Hermione saw Blaise and Theo enter. She gave Neville another smile, "It was nice to speak to you Neville, and I hope we have the chance again." He gave her a nod as she walked away.

Theo gave her a smile, "Glad to see they straighten out your uniform mix up." Blaise nodded his agreement. She just rolled her eyes. Before she could comment Draco came in flock by Cabbe and Goyle.

She could feel Draco's eyes, checking her over. He's quite the mother hen. "Missed you at breakfast, did you eat."

"Hermione, don't worry, little brother is here to make sure you eat." Blaise jokes nudging Hermione with his elbow. Hermione swatted him, and flashed Draco a reassuring smile. Draco glared at Blaise pushing passed him pulling Hermione to a nearby table. Theo and Blaise just snicker behind them whispering about separation anxiety and clingy little brothers. Draco pouts, ignoring them. Hermione flashed them a look, they shut their mouths after that.

The room was full, when her father makes his grand entrance. Mommy Crissy was right he does have a flare for the dramatics.

She watches in awe as he speaks. Then the spell is broken.

"Potter!" Her father snaps. "What would I get if I added powdered root of aspodel to an infusion of wormwood?"

"You don't know." "Let's try again, Potter, where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?"

"I don't know sir" Comes the whisper reply.

"What is the difference, Potter, between monkswood and wolfsbane?"

"I don't know sir"

"Pity, Fame isn't everything." Her father sneers. "Prince, enlighten Mr. Potter."

Draco nudged her, Oh that's her. "Asphodel and wormwood make a sleeping potion so powerful it is known as the draught of living death; a beozar is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat and it will save you from most poison; as for monkshood and wolfsbane, they are the same plane, which also goes by the name of aconite." Hermione says with a proud smile, she knows she's right.

"Very good." Severus says with pride. "See Mr. Potter."

Hermione's smile lost a little brightness. She doesn't like being use to humiliate another student. The directions were put on the board. The class didn't get much better. Poor Neville melts his cauldron and gets covered in potion only to be sent to the Hospital wing. It saddens Hermione that she feels relief when potions are over.

The day doesn't get any better with Defense Against the Dark Arts. Professor Quirrell will talk normally only to become impossible to understand with his stammering. She is glad she already read the chapters they were covering. She can't believe this was the man they hired over her father. Hermione can't wait to leave.

Lunch was a more eventful with the arrival of post. Mommy Crissy sent sweets.

The second day of classes started much better with Charms. No matter what her father said, she did enjoy a bit of silly wand waving. She had since Flitwick first charmed a tea cup to dance for her as a little girl. It's the magic of fairy tales. Flitwick flashes a secret smile that she returns. They were doing Wingardium Leviosa. She and Blaise get it on first try. Draco and Theo shortly thereafter.

History of Magic with Professor Binns was quiet and monotone. At least she manages to stay awake, unlike her boys. Draco is passed out, her arm his pillow. She was pretty sure Theo is snoring behind her. Blaise would fall asleep only to jerk awake. She continues to take notes on the Gargoyle Strike of 1911.

Wednesday brought the excitement of Flying Class with Professor Hooch. The boys are very excited. She was too if she was honest. After lunch all of them were lined up out in the courtyard. Draco starts complaining about the old school brooms. They are quite old. Theo and Blaise are quick to agree, looking distastefully at the old brooms.

The class was going great. They were floating. Draco flashes a smirk. "Want to race, Prince."

"Only if you want to lose Malfoy." She challenges. Blaise and Theo sigh, they are used to how completive the brothers could be.

A shout and a whistle, interrupt any thoughts of a race. Neville had lost control of his broom. It was off like a shot with Neville hanging on for dear life. Hermione lands and watches, slightly worried this could end badly. He ended up hanging from a statue like an old tapestry, then his robe rips, sending him to the ground. Hermione didn't even think before she pulls out her wand and casts Wingardium Leviosa, a falling boy is harder to control than a feather. Neville hits the ground, thankfully from a smaller distance. Professor Hooch is there leading Neville to the Hospital wing, before Hermione could put her wand away she has an angry ginger in her face.

"What's your deal, Prince?" He yells while, Potter is behind him pulling him back.

"My deal?" Hermione questions.

"Pointing your wand at Neville." The Ginger growls.

"Ron, back down." Potter urges from behind Ron.

"Weasley, I'd listen to Potter if you know what's good for you." Draco snaps stepping between them. Theo and Blaise crowding close, the other Slytherins are watching closely.

"What Malfoy protecting your boyfriend." Weasley snaps his face an alarming shade of red.

Theo snickers; Blaise elbows him in the ribs. "Come on, that's funny." Theo excuses himself flashing Hermione a smile, she responds with an eye roll.

Suddenly wands are drawn.

"Draco, no." Hermione states, placing her hand on Draco's shoulder. He gives her a look that she returns, he holsters his wand, and she pulls him behind her.

"Prince, I challenge you to a wizard's duel tonight." Weasley snaps.

"I decline." Hermione states. "What are you scared?" Weasley mocks.

"I have nothing to prove to an angry little boy." Hermione replies in a voice that is stone cold.

"Mr. Weasley, care to explain why you have your wand pointed at a classmate." The stern Scottish voice of Professor McGonagall questions.

Minerva places a hand on Hermione's shoulder as she stares down Mr. Weasley, as she waits for his reply. When he offers none, she continues. "As I thought, 10 points from Gryffindor and a dentition tonight maybe that will help you remember not to pull your wand on a classmate." Minerva gives Hermione's shoulder a squeeze before removing it. "The rest of you, class has been cancel for the day, return to the Castle."

The class groans but grabs their stuff and heads back to the castle. Weasley gives her a blaming glare. Potter avoids looking at her and pulls his friend along.

As she grabs her bag, she notices a shiny object in the glass. Picking it up, she instantly knows it's a Remembrall.

"Come big brother, your boyfriend must keep you in his sights." Theo croons voice cracking in amusement.

Blaise hits him on the back of his head. Hermione laughs slipping the Remembrall in her bag.

"What it's funny." Theo explains rubbing his head.

"It's incest." Draco states looking a little green.

"We're Purebloods, it's happen before." Theo states, Hermione punches him in the arm.

"Ouch, okay okay." Theo whines rubbing his arm.

Things calm after the flying class. Hermione leaves the boys to entertain themselves and seeks out the library. She feels the stress melt away at the smell of old books. She feels the hawk like stare of Madam Pince, she does not return it. They share a deep appreciation and respect for books, but not much else.

Hermione seeks the refuge from the Librarian's heavy stare deep in the stacks. She finds herself in the Herbology/Potions section. She's not alone; a familiar face is pursing the shelves.

"Hello Neville, Madam Pomfrey fixed you right up I see." Hermione greeted warmly checking him for obvious injuries.

"Yes, Professor Hooch said your quick spell work; help me avoid any serious injury, thanks Prince." Neville said shyly looking.

"Call me Hermione, please think nothing of it, I couldn't let a friend get hurt if I could help." Hermione states with a charming smile, causing Neville to flush and nod quickly. "Oh, I forgot." Hermione digs in her bag, pulling out the Remembrall. "I was going to give it to Professor McGonagall but maybe you know; who this belongs to."

"It's mine, a present from my Nan." Neville as taking it, the internal smoke turned red as he took it from her hand.

"Looks like you forgot something." Hermione says with a smile. Neville gave a smile, "I don't remember what."

Hermione giggled, "There lies the issue with Remembralls."

"Prince." Comes a call from behind them. Hermione looks up to see Theo, who she greets with a smile. Theo approaches wearing his pureblood façade. He gives Neville a calculating stare, "Longbottom." Neville doesn't meet his stare. Theo gives a proud smirk, Hermione breaks the tension. "Theo do you need something."

"No I don't, but Professor Snape is looking for you, He wants you in his office now." Theo states with a smile.

"Thank you Theo, I must go, Neville." Hermione gives a quite Neville a smile as she leaves Theo on her heels.

Theo escorts her to the Dungeons, silent. Hermione knows he would break it before he left her. Theo wasn't one to keep his opinions to himself especially with her. Her Father's office was in sight, when Theo grabs her arm.

"Hermione, what were you doing with that Gryffindor." Theo asks, his use of her first name driving home the seriousness of the conversation. "Just talking Theo" She answers. "Hermione, you should be more careful, you've already had one Gryffindor wand pointed at you today." Theo states, his eyes finding losing their coldness. "Theo, you know I can handle a Gryffindor." Hermione reassures flashing a very Slytherin smile.

"I know big brother, but I worry, where Blaise and I be without you, Draco would be unbearable." Theo smiles giving her arm a squeeze before releasing it.

Hermione catches his hand, giving it a comforting squeeze. "I'll see you later, keep the boys in line." Theo just laughs and turns to leave.

She watches him until he's nothing but a distant shadow, only then does she approach the office door. Her father's voice echoes through the door before she can even knock.

She is crowded against the door as soon as she enters it. Familiar dark eyes pin her to the door as they scan her with quick calculating movements. "It was brought my attention that you were accosted by young Mr. Weasley during your flying class, and he drew his wand." He speaks , his words soft and deep a rough hand brushes her cheek. Overcome she darts forward burying herself, in his raven robes. She can feel his warmth, smells the lingering scent of boiling cauldrons and ink. It's feels like coming home, she doesn't ever want to let go. She does reluctantly so.

"The instance you mention was nothing a misunderstanding, before it could escalate Aunt Minnie arrived." Hermione explain looking her father in the eye.

"I see." He says eyes still intense. "Come, Happy has set up Supper in the rooms."

Hermione smiles and following him to the other room. The conversation flows, her telling him about her classes the good and the bad. He adds little to conversation just enjoying her presence. Before they realize it, it has become late, and she has to leave, he has a dentition to attend to.

It sits wrong with them both that their next time simply together is uncertain. Hermione hugs him again before she leaves.

It's a quiet, as Hermione walks back to Slytherin dorms. She's hopes she can take a nap before astronomy. What greets her in Slytherin common room, is a clearly upset Draco.

She gives a sigh a big brother's job is never done. "Little brother."

"What were you doing with Longbottom?" He snaps interrupting her before she can ask him what's wrong.

"I was talking to Neville."

"What do you need to talk to a Gryffindor for, especially that squib Longbottom?" Draco snaps sounds much like a child, who doesn't want to share his favorite toy.

"He's looks like someone who could do with a friend; mommy Crissy is always telling us how important it is to have good friends. You should know that the Longbottoms are an old family with blood ties to the great and noble Blacks." Hermione reminds Draco, her calm tone not hiding the steel in her tone.

"He's a nothing but a Filthy Blood traitor." Draco spats angry at her for defending Longbottom and daring to tie that family to theirs.

Hermione glares, she takes a deep breath, straightens her spine, before giving him an icy look to go with the chilly words she speaks. "You will do well, Draco Malfoy to not speak of blood to me."

Draco just stares at her as she leaves. He knows he's screwed up but he doesn't go after her, he stomps to his dorm.

Theo and Blaise stare at each other from their vantage point.

The "Stupid Draco" goes unsaid.

AN: Thoughts? I want to make it clear, this was not RON BASHING. I think it's in character. He acts irascibly when angry especially around Slytherins. Going with the idea that Ron assumes Hermione is a boy still, with the way she dresses, which fits his character he seemed to forget she was a girl when she dressed like one anyway. With Draco I feel this in character, he doesn't like to share, and he wouldn't take Hermione hanging out with a Gryffindor well.

The next chapter will cover Holidays, Nicolas Flamel, and possibly third corridor, to the end of the year. Oh if the speech Amy (Not important Slytherin prefect) gives sounds familiar. It's because I used the welcoming Slytherin letter from Pottermore in it. My Friend (a Hufflepuff at heart from the beginning) got sorted into Slytherin. I'm not Slytherin so tumblr and the internet were really helpful with the common room and dorm layouts.

Enjoy the chapter, got a busy week coming up, but I'm going to be writing when I can. June is super busy but I have no worries currently.