The Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom buzzed with eager energy as first-year students from all four Houses settled in. The atmosphere was captivating: an iron chandelier hanging overhead cast light onto the dragon skeleton suspended from the ceiling. The large windows spilled sunlight across the rows of desks, and a magical projector hummed quietly at the front. Ronnie, Hermione, Harry, and Neville found seats together, chatting about this subject's mysterious and challenging reputation.

Professor Quirrell entered the room, offering a nervous smile and a stuttering greeting. His pale face and twitching eyes unsettled many students, but his purple turban and piercing blue eyes held everyone's attention. Ronnie leaned toward Harry, muttering about the curse her eldest brother, Bill Weasley, suspected plagued the Defense Against the Dark Arts position.

As Professor Quirrell introduced the subject, he delved into its crucial role in the magical world. "In... in this class, you will learn the... theories of defense," he said, stammering with nearly every word. His lesson focused heavily on theory rather than practical spells, which disappointed the students, who'd been hoping for more hands-on experience with jinxes and counter-curses. Despite this, Ronnie eagerly skimmed through her textbook, her face lighting up at the illustrations of dark creatures they would study, like Gytrashes, Hags, and Imps. She showed Harry some of the drawings and spell descriptions, which made Harry's eyes widen with excitement.

Meanwhile, visibly tense, Neville leaned closer to Hermione, whispering his fears about the subject. He confessed his deep-seated anxiety due to his parents' tragic history with the Cruciatus Curse. He dreamed of someday finding a way to counter against such dark magic, hoping it might bring them peace.

As Quirrell continued his lecture, he glanced frequently at Harry, who began to feel a strange, prickling sensation on his forehead. Rubbing his scar, he winced slightly, and Ronnie noticed, giving him a look of concern. Harry smiled weakly, whispering that he was okay, but he couldn't shake the uncomfortable feeling.

Quirrell began calling on students to answer questions, with Slytherins like Draco, Daphne, Blaise, and Theodore eagerly participating and responding correctly. Ronnie and Hermione raised their hands, adding points for Gryffindor, while Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff students joined in, contributing to their Houses' totals. Each answer built excitement in the room, yet Quirrell's gaze returned to Harry, a peculiar intensity in his eyes.

When the hour ended, the students packed up, buzzing about dark creatures and spells, and filed out of the classroom. The Gryffindor group gathered in the corridor, comparing notes and discussing the unusual nature of their new professor.

"Strange one, Professor Quirrell," Harry muttered, rubbing his scar absentmindedly.

Ronnie nodded thoughtfully. "Very. And he couldn't stop looking at you, Harry. I wonder what that's about..."

The group moved on to their next class, but Ronnie couldn't shake the uneasy feeling lingering from Quirrell's unsettling attention toward her friend.

Ronnie, Harry, Hermione, and Neville entered Classroom 1B for Transfiguration, where they quickly noticed the neat rows of desks and the high windows that allowed streams of light to pour in. The room was arranged with purpose: cages, bookshelves, and lit candlesticks lined the walls, and Professor McGonagall's desk sat front and center, commanding attention. Glancing around, the friends soon realized they'd been assigned seats.

Ronnie sighed as she took her place next to Draco Malfoy, who smirked, clearly thrilled by the seating arrangement. Hermione found herself beside Anthony Goldstein from Ravenclaw, while Harry sat with Daphne Greengrass and Neville with Hufflepuff's Hannah Abbott.

Professor McGonagall swept into the room with an air of authority and greeted them formally. "I have assigned these seats to maintain focus and avoid distractions. I do not tolerate foolishness, and I expect each of you to put forth your best effort," she stated firmly, her gaze steely yet fair. The class had heard plenty about McGonagall—how she was strict but fair and deeply committed to seeing her students succeed.

As she launched into an introduction to Transfiguration, the students hastily took out their notebooks. McGonagall explained that Transfiguration required extreme precision and was more challenging than many other forms of magic. She emphasized that concentration, wand movements, and incantation accuracy were vital, and she warned that accidents could lead to unintended and sometimes amusing transfigurations.

Ronnie was excited, thinking of the spells she'd read about during the Summer, like Match to Needle, the Switching Spell, and Avifors. Beside her, Draco muttered that his Transfiguration skills would outshine hers. Ronnie smirked, accepting the challenge, and the two locked into a competitive energy that McGonagall, as sharp-eyed as ever, noted but did not address.

Meanwhile, Harry was furrowing his brow, trying to make sense of the complicated material. Daphne leaned over and quietly explained the basics, walking him through the foundational concepts with patience and clarity. Despite knowing of Harry's fame, Daphne treats him as just another classmate, which Harry appreciates.

Hermione and Anthony, on the other hand, were engrossed in discussing the spells they would be learning. They excitedly reviewed the Transfiguration Alphabet, the Switching Spell, and other spells like Avifors, which could turn objects into birds. Hermione's enthusiasm and Anthony's Ravenclaw curiosity made them the perfect pair, and they compared theories with focused intensity.

McGonagall began to quiz the students on Transfiguration concepts. Ronnie and Draco's hands shot up almost simultaneously, and they took turns answering questions with growing enthusiasm, each scoring points for their Houses. Across the classroom, students from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff contributed to the lively atmosphere.

After an hour, McGonagall dismissed the class. Ronnie and Draco exchanged smug glances as the students filed out, silently competing. Harry gave Daphne a grateful smile for her help, and Hermione was already deeply discussing their next class with Anthony.

Walking down the corridor together, the friends chatted about the session. Ronnie couldn't contain her excitement. "Did you see the way Professor McGonagall explained those spells? I can't wait to try them!"

Harry nodded. "It's hard, but Daphne helped me understand it better."

Hermione agreed, her eyes shining. "Transfiguration will be one of our toughest but most interesting subjects."

Neville, quiet but smiling, nodded along, feeling more encouraged now that he'd made it through their first Transfiguration class.

Ronnie, Harry, Hermione, and Neville made their way to the Training Grounds for their Flying class. While Ronnie and Harry were practically bouncing excitedly, Hermione and Neville looked much more apprehensive, their eyes drifting nervously to the brooms scattered across the field.

Madam Rolanda Hooch awaited them, standing confidently with her arms crossed. Her short, spiky grey hair framed her sharp, hawk-like yellow eyes, which seemed to take in every detail of her new students. Noticing her, Ronnie leaned in to whisper to her friends, "Madam Hooch is the Quidditch referee. Fred and George are always talking about her! She's tough but fair—Charlie used to say she's got eyes like a hawk."

Madam Hooch, known for her no-nonsense approach, commanded respect from her students due to her insistence on sportsmanship and fair play. Though she could be impatient, she was a fair and caring teacher who wanted her students to stay safe while having fun. The students lined up in a large circle, each standing by a broom on the grass.

For the first years, the flying class at Hogwarts was an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience. As the only mandatory year for the subject, it aimed to provide every student with the basic skills needed to get airborne safely—everything from summoning their brooms to handling lift-offs and landings. After the first year, Flying became optional, with students continuing only if they wanted to improve their flying techniques, join their House Quidditch teams, or enjoy the thrill of soaring over the Hogwarts grounds.

While sensing her students' variety of skill levels and enthusiasm, Madam Hooch took a moment to gauge their interest. "Alright, everyone. Who here is excited about flying or maybe even joining your House Quidditch teams next year?" she asked with a hint of a smile.

Ronnie's hand shot up immediately, as did Harry's and a few others, including Draco Malfoy and Blaise Zabini. Fred and George had shared so many stories about Quidditch that Ronnie could hardly wait to see if she had what it took to join the Gryffindor team like them someday. Madam Hooch nodded approvingly, her hawk-like eyes sparkling with encouragement as she addressed the eager students.

"For those interested, remember that Flying is about more than staying on your broom. It's about skill, control, and respect for the air. But no pressure for the rest of you," she added kindly, glancing at Neville, Hermione, and a few other nervous faces. "Today, we're here to have fun and learn the basics."

"Everyone, stand by a broom," Madam Hooch instructed, her voice clear and direct. "You'll learn how to handle a broom and start on some basic flying techniques. You'll also learn about broom care and the importance of staying focused."

She warned them about the dangers of erratic flying, ensuring they understood that a lapse in concentration could have serious consequences. "Keep your focus at all times," she said sternly. "If you lose control, it's a long way down."

Neville's face grew paler as she spoke, his imagination running wild with thoughts of slipping off a broom and plummeting to the ground. Sensing his anxiety, Hermione placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, though her own nervousness was visible.

Madam Hooch had the students try calling their brooms to their hands, which required focus and confidence. "Now, extend your hand over the broom and say, 'Up!'"

Ronnie grinned, eager to try. She confidently extended her hand, "Up!" Her broom immediately shot into her hand. Harry's broom also flew into his grasp with a satisfying slap, filling him with excitement.

Hermione's first few attempts saw the broom wiggling on the ground but refusing to rise, and Neville's broom barely moved. With more encouragement, Hermione finally managed to get hers to rise, albeit shakily, while Neville struggled, his hands trembling slightly.

Madam Hooch demonstrated the correct flying posture as the class progressed and instructed the students to mount their brooms. Ronnie and Harry were practically buzzing, already envisioning themselves soaring over the castle. Hermione and Neville, however, looked more apprehensive than ever.

Finally, Madam Hooch began guiding them on short, low flights across the Training Grounds. For the more confident students, she set up enchanted rings to practice flying through—a beginner course for the newcomers to navigate. Ronnie and Harry dove in enthusiastically, quickly catching onto the broom's movements and eagerly flying through the rings.

At the end of the lesson, Madam Hooch gave a few final pointers, her eyes scanning her students with approval: "Good start, everyone. Remember, control and focus will keep you safe in the air. We'll continue building on these skills."

As they walked back toward the castle, Ronnie and Harry were grinning from ear to ear, already talking excitedly about their next class. "That was amazing!" Ronnie exclaimed. "Just imagine how it'll feel when we're soaring over the castle grounds."

"Can't wait," Harry agreed, the thrill of flying still racing through him. Hermione and Neville, while relieved to be back on solid ground, managed small smiles as they listened to their friends' enthusiastic chatter.

Ronnie couldn't help but share what she knew about her family's history with the Wizarding sport.

"Charlie was captain and Seeker for Gryffindor when he was here," she told Harry, Hermione, and Neville. "Now, he's using his flying skills with dragons in Romania! And Fred and George are still taking Flying classes, mainly to improve their moves for the Gryffindor team."

Harry's eyes gleamed with admiration. "I'd love to try out for Quidditch one day. It sounds brilliant!"

Neville still looked pale after the lesson and managed a small smile. "You lot are brave. I'll stick to keeping my feet on the ground," he said nervously, making Hermione chuckle.

They reached the Great Hall, where the tables were set with a delicious lunch spread. Their excitement about the morning's lessons was still buzzing as they settled in to eat.

At the Gryffindor table, Ronnie and Harry animatedly shared their first impressions of each class with Fred and George. They discussed the thrill of Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts, the oddity of Professor Binns's History of Magic lectures, and the slightly intimidating yet intriguing experience of Transfiguration. Fred and George, ever the jokesters, chimed in with their own experiences, giving them tips and a few laughs.

"History of Magic?" George chuckled. "Good luck staying awake. Binns could put a dragon to sleep!"

"And Flying—well, don't get too confident yet," Fred warned playfully. "One gust of wind, and you'll be hanging on for dear life!" He winked. "Just remember, no fear."

At the other end of the table, Hermione and Neville were deep in conversation with Percy, who listened to their concerns about Flying. Hermione admitted, "It's a bit unnerving. I'm not used to... well, heights."

Percy nodded understandingly. "Oh, I remember that feeling. It's perfectly normal," he reassured them. "Just take it slow and follow Madam Hooch's instructions. She'll make sure you're safe."

Hearing this, Hermione and Neville felt a wave of relief. Knowing Percy—a model student—had once felt the same anxiety made them feel less alone.

As lunch drew to a close, the students gathered their bags and books, feeling refreshed and ready for their final lesson of the day. The Great Hall buzzed with chatter as everyone filed out, heading toward their respective classrooms. For the first years, the newness of Hogwarts and the excitement of each class kept them looking forward to what was coming next.

What was next was Potions.

As the students took their seats, the room filled with a low murmur of whispers and nervous chatter. Ronnie sighed at her misfortune of being seated next to Draco, who still wore a smug look, clearly pleased with the chance to show off his supposed Potions skills. But with Harry and Daphne nearby, she felt at ease, especially since Daphne subtly offered her a reassuring smile.

Hermione and Neville, seated with Theodore and Blaise, exchanged nervous glances as they adjusted their supplies on the trim work table. Hermione's eyes scanned the dimly lit room, trying to memorize every jar of ingredients on the shelves around them. Neville, on the other hand, looked a bit pale, wringing his hands under the table, clearly uneasy about being in the Dungeons.

The room fell silent as the door swung open, and Professor Snape swept in, his robes billowing behind him. He glanced around the room with his intense, dark gaze, instantly quieting any remaining whispers. His presence filled the room with a sharp, unsettling tension.

"Today, we will be learning potion-making basics," Snape began in a low, deliberate voice. "I expect complete focus and discipline from each of you. For those who have not already grasped the importance of precision in brewing, you will quickly learn that a single misstep can mean disaster."

He pointed to the board, where the instructions for the Cure for Boils potion had appeared in spidery handwriting. "For our first potion, you will be brewing the Cure for Boils. The ingredients are listed, as well as the precise order and technique for adding each one."

Snape's gaze moved sharply to Draco, who straightened in his seat, clearly eager to impress. "Malfoy," Snape drawled, "since you claim to know so much about Potions, perhaps you'd care to explain the properties of snake fangs in this brew?"

Draco smirked, casting a sidelong glance at Ronnie before answering. "Snake fangs help counteract certain toxins. In this potion, they neutralize ingredients that would otherwise cause the potion to burn the skin."

Snape nodded approvingly. "Correct. And tell me, Miss Weasley," he said, turning his attention to Ronnie with a scrutinizing stare, "what would happen if too much porcupine quill is added before removing the cauldron from the heat?"

Ronnie was caught off guard and quickly recalled the information from her textbook. "It...it would cause the potion to become unstable and likely explode," she said with a touch of uncertainty.

Snape's eyes narrowed. "At least you've read the instructions, though I expect you to be more certain of your answers, Miss Weasley. Potions require confidence and control."

Ronnie suppressed an eye roll as she jotted down notes, feeling Draco smirk beside her.

With a flick of his wand, Snape gestured for the students to gather their ingredients. The classroom was filled with shuffling feet and clinking jars as the students retrieved what they needed. While carefully measuring ingredients with Harry and Daphne's help, Ronnie glanced at Draco, who was throwing a bit of a show with each measured ingredient.

As they started their brews, Hermione took meticulous notes while Neville nervously checked each step twice before proceeding. At the same time, Draco continued whispering comments to Ronnie, casting her challenging looks. Ronnie refused to give him the satisfaction of a reaction, focusing instead on getting her potion right.

As Snape walked around the classroom, he kept his usual stoic expression but noted every detail of Harry's behavior.

The boy's tendency to focus intently, ask Daphne questions, and even chew his quill absentmindedly brought back memories of Lily Evans. Her focused determination in Potions had been one of her most charming qualities—she was always careful and curious.

Snape's gaze flickered over the class, seeing each student doing their best or struggling on their first ever Potions.

When he glanced back at Harry, Snape noticed the boy's expression was filled with concentration and wonder, not arrogance or overconfidence. Harry didn't bear the smug grin James often had, nor the casual disregard for Snape's instructions that James used to display. Instead, there was an honest curiosity and an eagerness to understand. Daphne's quiet, steady explanations helped Harry understand the uses and origins of ingredients like Flobberworm Mucus and Dragon Blood. Each time Harry nodded or leaned in to ask her a question, Snape's attention sharpened.

Inwardly, Snape wrestled with an unexpected feeling. For years, he had dreaded teaching James Potter's son, expecting him to be a miniature version of his father. But Harry seemed...different—more like Lily.

The bell rang, snapping Snape back to the present. He announced, "Alright, leave your Potions, completed or unfinished. I will see your skills from there and teach you what you must know. For now, your assignment is to write a paragraph on what kind of Potions you hope to make." The students packed up, muttering to one another as they filed out of the classroom.

As they left, Harry glanced back briefly, meeting Snape's eyes again. For a second, Harry thought he saw something—an odd mixture of curiosity and something softer—before Snape's gaze turned cold and dismissive. Harry shrugged it off and hurried to catch up with Ronnie and the others, eager to discuss their first Potions lesson.

Snape, meanwhile, remained in the empty classroom, his mind drifting between the present and memories of Lily.

Ronnie and her friends found a quiet corner in the cozy, peaceful library atmosphere and settled down with their books and notes. They spread their materials on the table, each person reflecting on their first day at Hogwarts.

"I can't wait for Transfiguration!" Ronnie said enthusiastically, flipping through her notes. "Professor McGonagall is strict, but she's brilliant. And Flying? That just sounds like so much fun! But History of Magic... I don't know. I could barely stay awake with Professor Binns droning on."

Hermione leaned forward, her eyes alight. "I actually love History of Magic. We can learn much about the wizarding world and how it all began. Charms also look fascinating. But Flying..." She bit her lip, glancing nervously at Ronnie. "I've never been on a broom before. I'm not exactly thrilled at the idea."

Neville, who had been quietly listening, spoke up. "I think Herbology will be great. I grew up around plants with my gran, so I feel I'll do well there. But Potions..." He grimaced, shivering a bit. "I'm terrified I'll mess something up, especially with Professor Snape watching like a hawk."

Harry looked thoughtfully at his friends, resting his chin on his hand. "I'm excited for Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts. Those sound like the things my parents might have been good at when they went to Hogwarts. But Transfiguration and Potions? Those make me nervous. Transfiguration seems like it'll take ages to get right, and Potions..." He trailed off, his brow furrowing.

Ronnie looked at him curiously. "What's bothering you, Harry?"

He sighed, shifting uncomfortably. "It's Snape. He looked at me strangely, like he knew me but didn't know how to feel about it. One moment, he seemed... almost sad. And the next, he looked like he couldn't stand the sight of me. It was unsettling like he was fighting some inner battle over how to treat me."

Hermione considered this, her eyes softening with empathy. "It sounds like he's conflicted, maybe because you're—you know, Harry Potter. Maybe he feels he has to be hard on you because you're famous?"

"Or maybe he's just mean," Neville suggested, though he didn't sound entirely convinced.Ronnie placed a reassuring hand on Harry's shoulder. "Whatever it is, Harry, we'll figure it out. If Snape's got some grudge, it's his problem, not yours. We're here for each other."

Harry smiled gratefully. "Thanks, guys. It helps a lot having friends like you."

With their spirits lifted, they returned to their books, chatting softly as they studied. The excitement of their new classes and their growing friendship made their worries feel just a little smaller.

After a hearty dinner, the Great Hall became abuzz with conversation, laughter, and the clinking of plates as students continued to enjoy their meals. Ronnie and her friends sat together, surrounded by other Gryffindors, while Fred and George leaned over to ask them about their Potions class.

"How'd it go? Did Snape hex anyone yet?" Fred asked, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

Ronnie rolled her eyes. "Not yet, but he's got it out for Harry and me. He's... intense, to say the least."

Harry nodded in agreement, a frown tugging at his lips. "He kept staring at me like he was trying to figure me out. It was strange."

Fred and George exchanged a quick look, but before they could probe further, Percy joined in, asking Hermione and Neville about their experiences with the day's classes.

"Did you two survive Potions?" Percy asked with a slight grin.

"I think I'll manage," Hermione replied confidently. "Though Snape is a bit intimidating. I'm sure I'll get the hang of it."

Neville nodded. "Potions scares me. But with my friends by my side, I'll do okay."

Once dinner was over and the students slowly made their way out of the Great Hall, Ronnie, Harry, and Neville decided to wisely use their two hours of free time. Hermione, as always, headed back to the library to get a jumpstart on studying. Meanwhile, the three friends returned to the Gryffindor Common Room, eager to meet more of their Housemates.

Inside the cozy, flickering warmth of the Common Room, Ronnie, Harry, and Neville chatted with a few students. It wasn't long before Ronnie started conversing with a friendly-looking witch named Fay Dunbar, sitting by the fireplace. Fay had short, curly brown hair and a warm smile. She looked up from the book she was reading when Ronnie approached.

"Hey there!" Ronnie greeted. "Mind if I sit down?"

"Not at all!" Fay said, making room for her. "I'm Fay. What's your name?"

"Ronnie," she replied, settling into the chair beside her. "I haven't had a chance to talk to many people yet. I'm just getting to know everyone. What's your favorite subject so far?"

Fay's eyes brightened as she responded. "I'm really into Herbology and Transfiguration. But I'm worried about Potions and Defense Against the Dark Arts. I heard that Defense can be really tough, and Potions is—well, you know, Snape."

Ronnie grinned. "I'm with you on Potions. But Defense sounds interesting, even if a bit intimidating."

Fay nodded in agreement. "I just hope I don't blow anything up." She chuckled nervously. "Oh, and I'm a big Gobstones fan. Are you?"

Ronnie's eyes lit up. "I love Gobstones! I didn't think I'd meet anyone else who plays."

"I've got a setback in my dorm. Maybe we could have a game sometime," Fay suggested.

"That sounds like fun!" Ronnie agreed, excited to make a new friend.

Meanwhile, Harry and Neville talked with Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan, who were sitting nearby. They'd only exchanged brief greetings earlier, but now they had more time to chat.

Dean, who was doodling in a sketchbook, looked up with a smile when Neville introduced himself. "Hey, guys! So, what do you think of the classes so far?"

"I'm excited about Flying and Charms," Dean replied, flipping through his sketches. "Flying sounds like it'll be a blast. And Charms? I've always loved working with wands and spells. I'm nervous about Defense Against the Dark Arts, though. It sounds pretty intense."

Seamus, sitting beside him, chimed in with a grin. "Excited about pretty much everything except for Potions and History of Magic. I've got no patience for Binns," he said, his expression amused. "And Potions? It just feels... too complicated. Too many ingredients and timing and Snape's glare doesn't help either."

Harry laughed. "I think we can all agree on Snape."

Seamus chuckled before leaning in with a secretive grin. "I've got this weird gift for explosive magic. It's like everything I touch ends up blowing up. My mum's always had me work with it, but I'm still trying to get it under control."

Dean nodded. "It's true. The kid can accidentally set off an explosion, like a volcano erupted. But it's not all bad—Professor Flitwick will be helping him hone his abilities. So Seamus might be the next big thing in accidental explosions."

Seamus grinned. "Yeah, who knows? Maybe I'll end up being an explosive magic prodigy."Harry and Neville both laughed, with Neville adding, "Well, at least we'll always have something exciting to watch in class."

As the conversation flowed, the four boys got to know each other better, feeling more at home in their new House. Ronnie, too, was forming connections with Fay, and it wasn't long before the entire group felt like they were beginning to find their place at Hogwarts, excited for what the rest of the year would bring.