Chapter Text
Chapter 7 Friendship Forming and Etiquette Talks
It has been a long day and Harry only saw Clover at lunch where they waved to each other as Harry was forced to sit in between Ron and Ginny with Hermione across from him. At dinner though Harry managed to escape and sat down next to Clover at the Slytherin Table. As he sits down he asks his sister “ How was your day Clo, hope it wasn’t too bad?”
Clover smiles at her brother as he adds more green beans to her plate and answers ” It was mainly talking about magic today so we didn’t do much magic and everyone kept staring at me,” she frown upset “but my friends made it a good day.” She smiles at her friends.
“Yea I probably should have warned you that the first two days you don’t do much magic but I didn’t want to lessen you excitement. As for the staring hopefully, it will go away soon, once the sheeple get use to seeing you. How about the rest of you first years and you my classmates how was your guys’ days?”
The others look unsure on how to respond and finally Draco speaks up after a short pause and giving of looks “Potions wasn’t too bad, congrats by the way on making a perfect potion. History was next with the Hufflepuffs, boring. Lastly, we had charms which was alright we had it with the Ravenclaws and they were eager to compete for teacher pet of the class, annoying.”
“Sounds about right, who takes notes for you guys for history?”
They look surprised and suspicious, debating what to answer. Harry realizing this says ”Well in Gryffindor we switch who’s in-charge of getting the notes. Whether that means actually taking notes, stealing them from Hermione and making copies, “studying” with a Hufflepuff, or bribing a Ravenclaw, is up to said person. The upper years claimed they have managed to get notes off of Slytherins before but we aren’t too sure about that.”
The Slytherins look even more surprised, though only through raising of eyebrows is it noticeable. Finally, Daphne Greengrass answered with “Well in Slytherin we actually employ a similar system to tell you the truth. Didn’t think the golden lions would result in stealing and bribery.”
“Gryffindor isn’t as golden and innocent as we are portrayed. So, first years you’ve all been quiet how was your guys’ days?”
Everyone blinks at the sudden topic change and Justin Black speaks up. “ It was good, a bit more boring than expected as Clover said, but it was cool to hear about what we will be learning. The 6th year prefects showed us around to our classrooms so we didn’t get lost!”
Clover softly says to Harry “ My classmates and the prefects were very helpful today.”
Harry smiles as Clover and then over to Justin “Sounds exciting, glad you guys didn’t get lost I can’t tell you how many times I was late to class the first week of first year. To all you thanks for helping Clover today. Make sure to tell your prefects thanks too.”
Will asks wondering “ So, prefects in other houses don’t show their students to the classrooms their first year?”
“Well, I know Hufflepuff does because at the end of the week I joined Hufflepuff for being led to Charms class. I think Ravenclaw had a map they were following, but yea us Gryffindors had to make our way on our own. Sink or swim, we learned quickly to wake up with enough time to eat and make our way to class.”
Blaise speaks up “ That’s not right, no 11-year old should have to figure things out for themselves.”
“ I’m used to it; besides we learn quickly. I think after that first week most of us first years explored the castle either together or on our own to try to find the quickest routes of the castles and find alternatives when they were blocked since the stairs moved. I think only Weasley and Granger didn’t. Yet somehow Granger was always on time to class every day since day one and Weasley tagged alone with me all the time. ”
The Slytherins notice the change in names and slight annoyance in his tone but don’t mention it instead they keep talking and having normal conversations and joking around with each other. The dessert has come and most people are done eating and many people at other house have left including Weasley and Granger but not the twins and Neville. The 7th year prefects signaled the other perfects who signaled the rest of table that was there too all stand as one and head out the doors. Harry who was caught in the middle quickly hugged Clover saying “Goodnight See ya tomorrow, see you my classmates in defense and transfiguration.”
He runs off and meets up with his true trio of friends as the Slytherins make their way to the dungeons in unison.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Professor McGonagall who sits next to Snape leans over and whispers “ I wish other houses were as united as yours. Arriving at breakfast together and leaving dinner together. ”
“It’s out of necessity that we are.”
McGonagall sighs “ I know but I wish it didn’t have to be. How do you get all your students to arrive at the same time, don’t many 7th-5th years wake up early to study for tests?”
Snape looks at her and finding genuine curiosity answers “They do. They wake up early and study in the common room the house elves provide tables with food and drinks. Once it is time to leave for breakfast they either stay to keep studying or take a break to eat with their friends and housemates, or they bring a notebook with them to study while they eat.”
“Really I’ve never noticed Slytherins cramming for a test before.”
Snape gives her a sharp almost disappointed look. “They do it stealthy and besides no one pays attention to Slytherins unless to harass or blame them for something.”
“ I’m sorry Severus, I didn’t mean anything by my comment I suppose I must learn to be more observant to all students.”
He smiles gently” It’s alright Minerva I didn’t mean to snap I just have a lot on my mind. Have a good evening.” He stalks out of the hall through the teacher entrance/exit with his cloak billowing behind him.
“How does he do that?” McGonagall is left to wonder
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Most Slytherins are hanging out in the common room chatting, laughing, and playing games. They are free to be themselves and the common room is filled with lively sounds. Snape walks in from his office “ Snakes” he says and everyone quiets “ Those of you who need etiquette lessons please follow me to my office we will have a brief discussion about what will happen. The Lordship classes we will discuss tomorrow.”
One 5th year, two 4th years, three 3rd years, one 2nd year and two 1st years, Justin and Clover, stand up and head over to Snape’s office.
“Okay so Mr. Poll you have a firm grasp on etiquette, you are to read a chapter from this book once a week, discuss with a housemate and then, you and I will have our own practice and discussion to make sure you understand the proper etiquette.”
He hands Michael Poll a book who in return reply’s with “Thank you Professor, I will talk to you when I have finished reading the 1st chapter.”
Snape nods his head “Have a good evening Mr. Poll.”
“You to Professor.”
“So 4th years Ms. Jameson and Ms. Porter, would you like to pick up with the 3rd-1st years or would you prefer you own study session like Mr. Poll.”
Jamie Jameson speaks up shyly “ I would like to continue with the group lessons sir.”
“That is quite alright Ms. Jameson, how about you Ms. Porter?”
“I think I would prefer self-study sir.”
“Okay, same deal as Mr. Poll. Here is your book, please read a chapter by Saturday morning.”
“Yes, professor. Have a good evening.”
“You too Ms. Porter.” She leaves with a skip in her step. Showing that Slytherins aren’t always refined and proper. Even if she hasn’t finished etiquette lessons it still counts.
“The seven of you will be having a group etiquette lesson once a week on Tuesday nights. We will review what is important to remember by helping Mr. Black and Ms. Potter with learning the basics. Most of you know the drill by now. We start with talking about what we know to be important and why and then split into different groups to learn different specifics. Do any of you have questions?”
Clover bites her lip and very nervously not looking at anyone asks “ Can, can H-harry join us? He doesn’t know proper etiquette either.”
“Clover, look at me.” Clover looks up at Professor Snape whose eyes have softened “Would having Harry here help you or distract you?”
Clover bites her lip, “Help me sir, when he is around I don’t have to be afraid.”
“Clover, you know no one here would hurt you right?”
Clover blushes and says quietly “I know…. but I still get nervous and afraid.”
Snape looks at the others “ Would you guys be willing to allow Mr. Potter to join us? If not, I can tutor Mr. Potter myself at another time with whoever else would want to join.”
Snape is answered with a variety of “I don’t mind sir, he can join us, yea sure” for answers. There was no negative responses. Clover smiles at them.
“Well then Mr. Potter shall be joining us if that is amendable with him. We shall be starting next Tuesday. I will send him a note via owl tomorrow morning to invite him.”
Clover smiles happily at her professor and housemate “Thank you sir!! Thank you, housemates!!”
Snape inclines his head in acknowledgement and then says “It is now almost 9pm. I believe it would be a good idea to retire for the night for most of you, whether that means sleep or quiet talking in the common room or your own room. It’s up to you guys to decide however, 1-3rd years do have a bedtime of 10pm and 4th years for 11pm”
We all make faces at being reminded we still have a bedtime even away at school. As we all exit Professor Snape’s office Snape smirks “ Goodnight my snakes.” “Goodnight Sir/Professor”