The potions master
Harry found the dungeons to the Slytherin common room dark and cold, “wicked.” He said aloud marveling at the cave like atmosphere. The room was lit by candle lights and fire, there were leather couches and armchairs, and the room was filled with shelves and shelves of books.
“So, it’s true?!” A tall boy with blonde hair scowled down at Harry and Draco. “Not only do we have the privilege of having the Great Harry Potter Dark lord slayer, but we also get a death eater orphan?” The entire commons got quiet and turned to look at the new meat.
“Back off!” Harry glared up ready to fight, he was not the biggest, but he was prepared.
His father had told him already, “When they assess you, do not back down. It does not matter if they beat you senselessly, what matters is acceptance. They will respect tenacity, just pick the biggest one and stare them down and whatever you do, do not back down.”
Draco’s face did not give anything away, he just joined Harry in the staring contest. Harry hoped he was ready to fight.
“Oh, sod off, I am just pulling your legs welcome to Slytherin.” He laughed loudly. The entire commons seemed to deescalate. “I’m Miles Bletchley.” He smirked. “You will find it is in your best interest to know me.”
“A Pleasure.” Draco said sarcastically.
“Oh, the pleasure is all mine,” Miles said back with equal sarcasm. “Let me know if…you need anything that will help your stay at Hogwarts more comfortable.”
Harry felt good he had escaped certain death. As he laid in bed, he tried to whisper to Draco, but he was already fast asleep.
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
Draco did not know what Miles Bletchley had meant by, “Death eater orphan.” What was a death eater?
He thought of his parents, who were they? What could have been more important than him? This was not the first time these questions had surfaced. He never told Dobby, did not want to worry him, but he had dreams that confused and scared him. His one solace was he had made some friends who accepted him despite his lack of enthusiasm. And one of those friends seemed to be extremely popular and knowledgeable.
To Draco Harry seemed like some kind of superhero. He knew loads about the wizarding world and had so much confidence. If only Draco could muster some bravery.
But Draco wished he were home; all this posturing was exhausting. He tried to be optimistic but once asleep, he dreamed of Dobby running through a big house desperate and afraid.
First class after breakfast was potions. Draco looked over hs schedule with a renewed sense of enthusiasm that he hoped would last through the day.
Draco and Harry walked through the halls of Hogwarts like the school was their favorite place. Draco was acting, but the same could not be said of Harry. His brown hair rose off his forehead as he walked exposing a jagged scar, his posture was perfect and he smiled at anyone and everyone.
This guy was something else Draco thought. But he wasn’t about to be left behind. So Draco walked at the same pace and same posture.
They arrived in potions with time to spare, and Draco spotted Hermione. He nudged Harry. “let’s sit there.”
Harry turned and saw Hermione and smiled heading straight for her. Draco knew he didn’t have a chance, but Hermione impressed Draco a bit more than Harry did, since she was pretty as well as smart and confident.
How he ended up with these people he would never know. Luck seemed to be on his side today and as they sat, he gave a toothy grin to Hermione, who even smiled back.
Professor Severus Snape came in with a flourish of his robes. He had dark hair and pale skin. Draco thought he looked like a vampire. His intense stare seemed to crawl over the students stopping on Harry.
“Mr. Potter.”
Harry looked up with a smile in his eyes but not a smile on his face. “Yes professor?”
“Enlighten the class on the specific properties of fluxweed and its crucial role in potion-making?”
“One of its notable characteristics is its ability to pick up magical properties from the moon.” Harry’s smile seemed like it was trying to escape, like he was playing some sort of game with Professor Snape.
“Five points too Slytherin.” Severus said hiding a smile oddly similar to Harrys. “And what is the optimal time to pick fluxweed, anyone else.”
Hermione raised her hand.
“Anyone?”
Unable to contain herself Hermione said, “The optimal time to pick flixweed is when the moon is full. Used in Polyjuice potion, fluxweed’s effects can be diminished if picked at the wrong time, making the potion weaker.”
Snape looked at her with pained indifference, “Next time wait your turn Ms. Granger.” He snapped.
“Creeeeeek.” The big oak door swung open, and Ron popped in. He saw a seat next to his three friends and all but dove for it.
“Mr. Weasley, I presume?” Snape said with such malice that Draco wasn’t sure Ron was going to survive the day.
“I got lost.” Ron was violet with shame.
“Right well perhaps we can draw you a map,” The class sniggered at this.
After class Harry looked to Ron, “You cannot be late mate, you will fail this class.”
“I only missed a bit.”
“Trust me that bit goes a long way, he will not forgive incompetence.” Harry said.
“How would you know mate, its your first year as well isn’t it?”
Harry looked like a cat who ate the canary. Draco suspected Harry knew the professor, but he was not sure how, “He is my dad, trust me don’t be late…” Harry turned to Hermione, “Or speak out of turn.”
Hermione looked upset but just nodded.
“Why was he so hard on you. If it were my dad, I would expect a break.”
“That just not his style…”
“Mr. Potter a word.” Snape peered down from his office steps.
“Now I have done it, you all go on without me I will catch up” Harry smiled encouragingly.
Harry moved quickly to his father’s office. Once inside he realized he was not alone. Albus Dumbledor stood by the small window peering out. He had long grey hair and wore blue robes. He turned and looked at Harry. Harry suddenly felt overwhelming peace.
Severus moved to Harry’s side. “Harry this is Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. He would like to speak with you about something important he believes will help you.”