Chapter 32: Guidance from the Eagle’s Prefects
After Harry had finished his appraisal, he noticed that Penelope had taken a step back and that a new older prefect had stepped forward. "Welcome and congratulations on being sorted into Ravenclaw, the house of wit, learning, and wisdom."
"My name is Maria Delphine and I'm your seventh year female prefect. Now, like I said, we eagles do strive for knowledge but you should remember that's not what we're all about. Unlike what some people will say, we do know how to have fun and, between us, we do throw the wildest parties."
"However, as you can probably tell from looking around, we take our learning seriously. You'll see that each subject has a notice board in the common room; if you're ever struggling and want help, or simply want to talk about a specific subject, you can put a note on the board. I recommend that you check them regularly as often people will post study sessions on them and they're a great way to advance your studies and have fun."
Harry was impressed by the system and wished that Gryffindor had had something similar - that notice board had been covered in junk. This seemed like a great idea.
Maria continued her speech, "For first years, you'll see that some of the subjects don't apply to you. This does not mean you can't ask questions; deciding what options to take in your third year is important and asking questions to make an informed decision is the smart thing to do. However, you should know that 5th and 7th years may not always take the time to indulge you as they are exam years. Moving on, in Ravenclaw we have unofficial rules, you won't find them written down but we all know them and we all abide to them. The rules are simple: never leave a fellow raven alone in danger - If you see a raven alone being attacked or bullied, you help them. If that means getting involved, distracting the perpetrator, or getting a teacher it doesn't matter."
"You help. The next rule is similar to the first: you never deliberately get a fellow raven into trouble. If you have a problem, you keep it in the common room, you don't risk house points to get even. The last rule: never be afraid to push the boundaries of knowledge or conform to what is expected, we all have our strengths and weaknesses. Never feel that you have to back down, chase the knowledge you desire if that's your passion."
Maria's speech left the first years nodding in agreement. A second seventh year stepped forward, this one a wiry Asian male. "Like Maria said, we are Ravenclaws and we stick together. I'm Tomas Li, your male seventh year prefect. During this first week many of you will most likely begin to see which areas of magic you excel in, however don't be disheartened if what you get isn't what you expected.
Some of you will be great at charms, some at potions, and some at transfiguration, so don't worry if you seem to struggle in some areas - work together and help each other. Building on that, for the first few days there will be an upperclassman escorting you to and from your lessons until you get a general feeling for the route. You will also be given a map of the school. Study it and learn it, after the first few days tardiness will not be accepted.
"Now then, Professor Flitwick is our head of house. He tends to favour us slightly, but, in general, he's a fair teacher; all the heads of houses do that, so we're at no real advantage. The only teachers to be wary of would be Professor Snape in the dungeons. He teaches potions and he is not to be messed about with."
"If you do your work to the best of your ability and don't mess around, he should treat you fairly even if you're not naturally gifted in brewing. The other teacher to watch would be Professor Trelawney, though you shouldn't really come into contact with her until 3rd year.
"She teaches divination and tends to be a bit… free with her death predictions. It's best to take whatever she says with a pinch of salt. The defence professors should usually be treated carefully in the first week until you can get a feel for them; they change every year, so no insight can usually be given. However, Quirrell once taught muggle studies, therefore we can safely say you should be fine with him."
Harry barely contained his snort at that; he doubted that woman had ever given a true prediction and being safe with Quirrell? That was laughable.
"Now that's everything. Tomorrow morning be down at seven so that we can get to breakfast early as a group. Professor Flitwick will be giving out timetables, you'll find most of your lessons are with the Puffs, but Defence is shared across all four houses along with Herbology and Astronomy."
With the introduction finished, the boys were shown to their dorm by Li and told to get an early night. Quickly seeing his trunk by the bed closest to the bathroom, Harry placed some of his things around before he removed his pajamas and the ointment given to him by his healer.
Entering the bathroom, Harry washed up before applying the cream and dressing. He noticed that the cream was running low and wondered if he should visit Madam Pomfrey for some more; he should probably tell her about his treatment regime anyway as he was taking potions every morning and every other evening.
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