354Poppy woke on her first day at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry groaning lightly. The girls were puttering loudly around the room and it was impossible to sleep through, especially with her advanced hearing. She lay on her stomach and grumbled into her pillow. She had a good three hours sleep but was still tired. Her back still ached a little but was healing nicely, she couldn't wait to get back to sleeping on her back like she usually did.
Yawning and drawing her curtains back, she saw her roommates for the first time. A pretty Indian girl who looked reserved but still bubbly, a blonde girl who seemed wholly unremarkable and a frizzy brunette girl with a determined face and eagerness that she took note of. She would have to find more about these girls.
The girls weren't shy and changed in front of each other, the blonde and Indian girl chatting amongst themselves. Poppy took her uniform and changed in the toilets so they wouldn't be horrified at her scars and most recent wounds.
Looking at herself in the mirror, Poppy decided to play up the innocent air she had. She braided her hair childishly but prettily, leaving her two white strands in loose curls to frame her face. She also used a quick charm to take away the chalky paleness and dark circles away from her eyes. Her bright green eyes didn't sparkle as much as they used to and her face had a natural hardness to it that spoke of the horrors she'd seen.
Closing her eyes and reminding herself, 'new start, new start, this is a new start, Poppy. No expectations. No one is going to hurt you. Your allowed to be a child. Your allowed to enjoy yourself'
Opening her eyes, she looked calmer and happier.
It was show time.
Bouncing down to the common room she saw a few first years – including Harry and Ron - about to walk down to the Great Hall together not to get lost. Poppy didn't necessarily need to go with them, she could use her advanced sense of smell to lead her but she didn't want to do that. Poppy ran to catch up with them.
"Hey wait up" She shouted and the group paused to look back.
The first year eyed her year mates as they left and decided to jump right to it. She turned to the Indian girl she had woken up beside to, "Hey we didn't meet properly. I'm Poppy Stark" She smiled brightly and the girl smiled back.
"Hi I'm Parvati and this is Lavender" She motioned to the blonde girl.
Poppy smiled at the blonde girl and got one back. The boys were walking up front and talking amongst themselves. She watched Ron as he talked happily and another Irish boy who was quite loud. Harry laughed and made a comment here or there but didn't seem like a very boisterous person.
Lavender moved right up next to her and leant into her side, silly smile on her face, "You were talking to Harry Potter at the feast weren't you" She giggled. Poppy raised her eyebrows and nodded, Parvati giggled at her other side also coming closer. She tried not to feel uncomfortable at the proximity. And failed.
"Like, what did he say? What's he like?" She whispered, eyes glancing to where the boy himself was walking. He was short and looked very unremarkable next to his peers.
Poppy was silent for a moment and then turned back to Lavender, "Uh, why don't you just go talk to him?" She asked, which was apparently a dumb question as the girl huffed and gave her a look.
"Like I'm just going to go up and talk to the Harry Potter. What would I say?" She whispered, again checking the boy in question wasn't looking her way.
Poppy thought the girl in front of her was an utter moron and wished for a brief moment she had taken up the Dark Arts like her papa pushed her to relentlessly.
"Hi" She intoned and now the Indian girl was frustrated with her.
She peered around Poppy's body, "She doesn't get it. Stark isn't a Wizarding name, she's probably muggle-born and doesn't know what the big deal is" She explained to Lavender, over her shoulder like she didn't exist. Frustration started to build but she ignored it. Lavender nodded sympathetically and began to explain.
The chatter was beyond moronic. Poppy thought the conversation was actually making her dumber by the second. The things they believed the boy did was hilarious if it wasn't so painfully stupid. He was a hero for doing nothing but surviving. 'Why the hell am I not Mahatma Gandhi and Merlin rolled into one then?' She thought bitterly.
Poppy didn't like the way she talked about her future friend as if he was a piece of meat or not a real person. It was rude and impersonal. She didn't think her and the girls were going to become her great friends. They were too childish for her.
Finally reaching the table, she was bold and made a space in between Harry and the Irish boy – not Ron because she liked him – and the boy huffed and made a rude comment to which she hit him on the back of the head in response.
"Don't be a tosser, I just wanted to sit next to my friend Harry. It was weird that you were trying to sniff his hair anyway" She responded seriously. The boy was horror struck and immediately protested he wasn't trying to sniff Harry's air and even moved to sit further away.
A few people around the table snickered and began whispering into each other's ears at the new piece of gossip.
Harry turned to look at her, green eyes curious but face a little unsure, "Was he really trying to sniff my hair?" He asked quietly, part way not wanting to know the answer.
Poppy chuckled, "No, he was just annoying me" She smiled mischievously. Harry smiled but shook his head as if to say, 'your mental but I like it'.
Turning around she saw the boy still loudly defending himself. She snickered and Harry even laughed a little. It was wonderful.
Poppy ate a large breakfast for energy. She had a long night of creating fake documentation in case Albus Dumbledore came sniffing around and a few memory modification charms couldn't hurt. Again, although she objected to her papas... lifestyle, the things he taught her were useful. Thank Merlin she didn't have an underage trace on her that would alert the Ministry or she would be splinched.
Poppy made idle chatter with Ron and Harry, enjoying and desperate to become friends with them. She didn't understand it but something drew her to Harry Potter and only an idiot would ignore this instinct. So she didn't.
Poppy felt a few Professors at the staff table watch her interact with Harry and wanted to know why but pushed her curiosity away for better things. This was a new life, no need to be so paranoid.
Their first class was History of Magic and she was not impressed. Not one bit. Poppy genuinely had some interest in the subject, it was the least draining being taught by her papa and a chore she hated with her uncle but deeply regretted due to the little time she had with him. She would spend the rest of her life listening to Uncle's boring talks about bloodlines and etiquette if it would bring him back.
Poppy sat next to a nervous boy named Neville that was an accident waiting to happen. He was the least confident person she'd ever seen. Didn't he understand fearing magic and not embracing it was dangerous? Foolish boy. She tried to help him but he was teetering on the edge of fearing himself and being ashamed. She avoided him her next class where they would be using their wands.
It was Charms and they did nothing but listen to the literal basics of the subject. Poppy skimmed by most of this with her papa but most of it was just common sense. Either way, she dutifully took notes, the bushy haired girl she didn't yet know the name of religiously and obsessively note taking beside her.
By her third class, she was bored to tears and couldn't believe she had to endure this tedium much longer. It was Transfiguration with the Head of her House and by this point, she was slouching in her seat and only bothered to make scarce notes and her attention dwindled.
The most noteworthy part of the class was that Professor Minerva McGonagall was an animagus like her. Fascinating. She had a new respect for the woman as it was not an easy task to accomplish. It took her two years to achieve by working literally every day. It was her only choice of escaping really otherwise her papa would have found her. Poppy wanted to ask her questions or even talk to her but it would probably get back to Albus Dumbledore who would be probably keeping an eye on her from now on as it was.
Again she sat next to the brown hair girl – Hermione – her parchment proclaimed her to be. Poppy noted she was desperate for attention and was constantly waving her hand in the air. Though she was very smart for her age. They actually got to perform some magic in this class. Poppy let her pronunciation be off the first ten times and was surprised the girl got it right the first time, she sat smugly the rest of her class, reading over other textbooks. Poppy got it right and was given a pleased look by the Professor and a House point. She noticed Hermione sent her an appraising look, she tried not to guffaw stupidly. The striped haired girl was surprised the rest of the class didn't manage the menial task.
On their way to Potions the girls walked together instead of her making her way to Harry's side, Poppy decided to take action, "I'm Poppy, your Hermione right?"
The girl blinked and straighten up her spine, looking at her from the corner of her eye, "Yes I am. We share a dormitory" She told her as if she didn't know, "You did well in class. Your pronunciation was off and wand movement a little disjointed but you have a very good handle already with your wand. Have you been practising like I have?" She boldly asked.
Poppy shook her head, lying, "No I guess I just read that in the textbook"
The girl brightened, "Yes the Transfiguration textbooks are quite well written unlike the History of Magic books or Potions ones. I don't like the layout, it's illogical and assumes that the student already knows the basics. It took me a few tries to figure it out" She huffed unhappily.
Poppy was amused. The girl had drive, Poppy remembered when she was like this and was a little nostalgic. She allowed the girl to give her pointers and tell her things she already knew. Hermione was a talker and she was content to listen. She liked to show off her knowledge and Poppy understood that to an extent. She remembered the feeling of pride and accomplishment showing off new spells she had mastered to her papa. It didn't feel like you'd achieved anything until he nodded and smiled slightly at her. It was a wonderful feeling. And a dangerous one.
Poppy manoeuvred herself with Harry on one side and Hermione on the other in Potions class. Ron was on Harry's other side and Neville beside Hermione. She was quite happy with the arrangement. Suddenly the door to the Potions classroom banged open dramatically and most first years jumped. She didn't but watched the greasy haired man from last night stalk into the room, impassively.
Severus Snape his name was. She did not have much time last night but did do a little preliminary research on the man. He is a former Death Eater that Albus Dumbledore got off as he had evidently turned spy. Poppy tried to eye his left wrist discretely but it was of course covered. He wore black Wizarding robes and eyes swept the room in an aggressive manner. He did not look pleased to see her and the boy to her right.
Whomever this Death Eater was, is Dumbledores right hand man, she deduced. He works alongside the Headmaster and his presence at the meeting last night was very telling. McGonagall also seems important to the Wizard but her presence could be because the woman is her new Head of House. Either way, this man has a powerful Wizard's confidence or at least more than most people do. He works for Dumbledore and the Headmaster must have some dirt or something tying him here. There was more to this situation that it first appeared. More research was needed.
Poppy watched as the class fell silent, intimidated by the Wizard, "There will be no foolish wand waving or silly incantations in this class" He began voice stony, "I don't expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art of Potion making. However, for those select few" The man then sent a pointed look towards a very light haired blond haired Slytherin boy, a Malfoy perhaps? Distinct hair but could also be a Nott,
"Who possess the predisposition..." Professor Snape continued.
The class was as silent as the grave. Clearly, the man showed favouritism towards Slytherins. It would make sense if he was a spy for Dumbledore against Voldemort. He would need to pretend to be on the side of the Dark Lord by favouring that House. Poppy thought she might have been lucky to miss being sorted into this House. Despite the Dark Wizard being 'defeated' years before he still has a large influence in British society and Hogwarts school. The blonde boy was most likely the son of a Death Eater. She had more extensive research to do tonight.
Severus Snape continued his speech, "I can teach you how to bewitch the mind, ensnare the senses, I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory and even put a stopper in death"
Poppy wanted to quirk her lips in amusement at his dramatics. True she had never enjoyed the 'subtle science and exact art' of Potion making but she appreciated it all the same. Her papa didn't bother with it too much so perhaps this class will be interesting.
Professor Snape was now staring directly at Harry who was writing his words on his parchment, "Then again, maybe some of you have come to Hogwarts in possession of abilities so formidable that you feel comfortable enough to, not, pay, attention" His voice became sharp and filled with malice at the end. It is logical that he would be cruel towards the boy-who-lived but there was something in his dark eyes...
Poppy nudged her friend and he looked up swiftly, immediately sitting quietly and paying attention. She wanted to smile, he was such a good boy.
"Ah, Mister Potter, our new celebrity" He stated with a soft, almost dangerous voice, "Mr Potter, what would get through an infusion of asphodel and wormwood?"
'A sleeping Potion called Draught of the Living Death' She thought immediately. The class was silent and Harry obviously didn't know. Hermione's hand waved frantically in the air.
Harry didn't say anything.
Severus Snape was still staring at Harry deeply, "Tell me, where would you find a bezoar?" He asked another question.
'In the stomach of a goat' Poppy thought and Hermione's hand kept waving desperately.
Harry still didn't answer.
"What is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane, Mr Potter" He asked again, clearly trying to humiliate the boy as the Slytherin's were now snickering between themselves. Poppy didn't care for much immature methods of humiliation and was too hardened to care but Harry did and he looked nervous though he was trying to hide it. Poppy moved her hand to clasp his under the desk in support. He held back but didn't acknowledge her otherwise.
She felt good that she could help him in some way.
Harry did answer this time but spoke quietly, "I don't know sir" He admitted.
Professor Snape didn't seem as pleased as he ought to be but his dark eyes still watched the boy in a creepy way, "Clearly fame isn't everything" He summarised, intending to hurt him.
Poppy tried, she did, but couldn't hold in the snort, "By drawing attention to Harry and giving him different treatment says you clearly think his fame is worth something, Professor Snape" She snarked with amusement. Silly man contradicting himself.
He jerked back and glared at her, "Five points from Gryffindor for your cheek, Miss Stark" He quipped, glowing at her.
Poppy simply raised her eyebrows, "For pointing out errors in your logic? An excellent way for a Professor to operate, especially in a subject that is a subtle science and exact art" She quoted him, amusement now clearly ringing in her voice. This man was very careless to let his emotions run through his intelligence.
The man's nostrils flared and fist tightened. She touched her wand in her pocket just in case the man tried something.
Severus Snape's lips curved over his teeth, "Ten points will be taken from Gryffindor for your backtalk and trying to make me look like a fool, Miss Stark, do it again and you'll be in detention tonight" He hissed at her, eyes daring her to defy him.
She was never very obedient to authority figures, "I am being punished for being correct? How very tyrannical of you Professor Snape, it seems like you don't need my help looking like a fool" She said calmly, unimpressed with the man.
"Detention! Tonight, six o'clock" He did snarl at her this time and swiftly walked away to begin the lesson. Poppy ignored the spike of fear in her heart and knowledge of being alone in a detention with the man. How would he punish her?
Leaving the Potions classroom, it seemed as if she had become quite popular. Ron and Harry on either side of her with Hermione closing into Harry. She smiled, happy people were drawn to her.
"That was bloody brilliant" Ron exclaimed and waved his arms in the air. She looked at him in confusion but smiled anyway at the compliment. They all made their way towards the Great Hall for dinner.
"It is very disrespectful to speak to a Professor like that" Hermione tut from the side with a frown and nose in the air.
Poppy tilted her head and quirked an eyebrow at her, "It was very disrespectful for a Professor to purposefully pick on a student" She said back quickly. Hermione's frown deepened into a scowl. Poppy turned to see Harry grinning at her. She grinned back.
Hermione huffed loudly and moved up to the side Ron was previously at, "It is not your place to question Professor Snape's teaching methods. You don't know anything about him, he could be tough on students he thinks has potential" She explained in a superior voice.
The striped haired girl merely rolled her eyes at her fellow Gryffindor first year, "You don't know anything about the man either. He could have just been bullying Harry. It's not my place to sit back and allow someone to walk all over and abuse my new friends" She replied calmly.
They had entered the Great Hall at that moment. Poppy hummed a jaunty tune and looked around with a smile at the laughs, yells and fun of everyone around here. Hogwarts certainly had a welcoming and homey atmosphere. She sighed in longing.
Hermione was relentless, "Yes but you can't be so disrespectful to a Professor Poppy. He probably knows best" She continued with a firm note to her voice as if to sway her.
They had finally made it to an empty place at the busy Gryffindor table up near the Professors table. She sighed heavily and turned to her brown eyes, buck-toothed friend to look directly into her eyes.
"So, you believe I should sit back and allow injustice and abuse to happen to my friend and do nothing-"
Immediately Hermione opened her mouth with a frown. Poppy placed her finger on the girls lips to stop her.
"-I understand that I may not know but neither do you. I don't judge people based on whether they are authority figures, prefects, girls, boys, smart or stupid. I like to look at the content of someone's character. If I'm wrong then I'm wrong but either way, I am not going to be that person to sit back and watch as something awful happens. That's just as bad as doing it yourself, you know" She shot the girl a lazy grin then, amused at their fun little back and forth.
"You tell her Poppy" Ron mumbled through a chicken wing. She smirked at him and then at Hermione who's nose scrunched up in distaste at Ron's table manner. Harry was sipping on some pumpkin juice and sniggering to himself at the girls silly bantering. She practically glowed from the inside. It felt so wonderful to be so carefree.
Hermione looked at her a little incredulously and frustrated. She stomped her foot, "That is not the point! He's a Hogwarts Professor, not a foreign dictator. You can't be so rude to a Professor. It's not brave, it is impulsive and disrespectful" The girl tried to order her, looking stern. Poppy was so amused at this point and simply smiled back.
"It's called being a Gryffindor, love" Poppy explained with a sweet smile and sympathetic look, moving in to kiss the girl on the cheek before sitting at the table. Everyone around them that had watched them began laughing at her comment.
Hermione harrumphed but sat down next to her. Displeasure clearly showed on her face but Poppy did see a tiny spark of amusement in her pretty brown eyes. Maybe she wasn't a lost cause after all.
They began eating dinner and Poppy leant over to whisper to Hermione, "And I know you agree with me on some level or else you wouldn't be sorted into Gryffindor" She whispered and then winked at the girl.
Hermione's lips twitched before she turned to berate Ron for eating with his mouth full.
Yes, this was definitely the beginning of a new and beautiful friendship.
Poppy retired early from dinner to go and shower before detention and get some books from the library. She got some old Hogwarts year books about previous students and History of Magic books for idle reading. The first year girl was quite displeased at the limited range of muggle books and wished she had the money to buy herself some. The girl barely managed to get money for books and uniform by stealing from people in Knockturn alley.
The animagus first year frowned as she pondered her predicament as she showered, cringing only slightly at the cuts on her back. They were healing nicely though it had been a few months. Dark magic wounds take longer to heal, unfortunately. They stop bleeding randomly but are still a little tender.
She applied more dittany and ointment to her cuts and dressed for detention, slipping her mask in place for whatever punishment the greasy haired death eater would give her.
Poppy arrived at the Potions room and rasped on the door twice before a droll voice called, "Enter"
She walked inside with a straight back and stoic expression. Severus Snape peered up to sneer at her before pointing a finger to various cauldrons littering the room.
"Clean every size two caldron's on the tables. By hand. And there had better not be any suds left or I will make you start again from the beginning" He drawled, looking up with a smirk.
Poppy watched the man for a moment. Was he... being serious? Clean some dirty cauldrons? She tried not to laugh and smack herself for thinking the worse. Of course, he wouldn't use magic on her! How silly could she be, but really? Menial cleaning. How awful. The look on the man's face was the best however, he looked triumphant and amused as if she would be horror stricken at doing a little cleaning.
She held in a smile as she made her way over to the first dirty pot. How terrible indeed.
It was two hours later she walked back to the common room, just before curfew. She was smiling and feeling relaxed. The task was pointless and silly but truly not much of a punishment. No pain, humiliation or painful reprimands? It actually soothed her a little. The task of using her hands without thinking was a little peaceful. She practised clearing her mind and improving her occulemcy. She would need it with Albus Dumbledore about.
Entering the common room with a smile, her grin widened as she saw Harry immediately jump to his feet from a sofa around the fireplace to shake Ron awake. The bespeckled boy looked her over and was frowning.
"Are you okay Poppy? Detention wasn't too bad?" Harry asked, looking vaguely worried. A warmth crept up inside her. He was worried about her.
Ron moved up beside his dorm-mate and yawned loudly, "The greasy git wasn't too horrible to you, was he? Right tosser he is" He muttered, wiping the sleep from his eye. Poppy smiled.
"It was fine, nothing I couldn't handle. Pointless and a little boring? Yeah, but scrubbing dirty cauldrons wasn't exactly a trial" She rolled her eyes.
Harry's shoulders dropped in relief and Ron grumbled about doing dirty dishes. She smiled at the pair of boys. Poppy moved forward to hug both boys with a smile.
Her friends.