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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Chapter 8 - The Potions Master
Harry and his friends are engrossed in their numerous studies, taking so many courses, including History of Magic taught by a ghost, Charms with Professor Flitwick, Transfiguration with Professor McGonagall (Hermione's favorite and best course), and Defense Against the Dark Arts with Professor Quirrell. They have some trouble - getting lost in the large halls and hundreds of staircases - and are frightened of the caretaker, Argus Filch and his cat named Mrs. Norris. Professor Quirrell certainly seems to be the most bizarre teacher, as his turban emits a strange odor of garlic and constant movement. Rumors come and go as to Quirrell's necessity of the turban and presence in Hogwarts. With all the courses, Harry is thrilled to discover that everyone in school is just as clueless as he. Harry also learns that Snape is the head of Slytherin.
On Fridays all the owls bring the students their mail. Since Harry has no wizard family, he never expects any mail. However, on Friday he receives a letter from Hagrid, written in untidy handwriting, asking to have afternoon tea. Harry is thrilled to meet with Hagrid, for he is frustrated after his Potions class with Snape. He realizes that Snape hates him for being a celebrity, among other unknown reasons. Snape looks at Harry with his slanted menacing eyes and continues to ask him detailed questions, despite his blank answers. Hermione is the only person with her hand in the air, knowing the answer; however Snape continues to pick on Harry. He even docks Gryffindor several points because Harry cannot answer his questions. Harry wonders why he hates him so much.
After class, Ron goes with Harry to visit Hagrid. They are comforted by Hagrid's information that Snape projects a desolate and mean image to everyone. Hagrid recognizes Ron by his hair and freckles and inquires as to his brothers' well being, for he remembers them from years past. Hagrid is reading a story from The Daily Prophet about a break-in at Gringotts. The break-in Ron had mentioned on the train is this same break-in, which he sees occurred on his birthday, while they were at Gringotts. Harry thinks about the empty vault and the small package that he and Hagrid removed from the bank. He also wonders if he should tell Hagrid about Snape's suspicious nature. Harry and Ron leave Hagrid's shack, trying to piece together the puzzle.
