I don't care how messy it may look, the new format was a good decision. (Doesn't mean I want to do it again if I can help it, though. I do prefer the traditional paragraph form.)

Anyway, this chapter is fairly short.

• Harry boards the train and sits with Luna.

• He receives an invitation from Romilda Vane to come join her and later one from Slughorn. He declines both.

• They reach Hogwarts. As they get off the train, Harry and Draco find themselves face to face.

Draco: Potter.

Harry: Really, back to that?

Draco: I don't have time for this. *starts to leave*

• Harry grabs his arm, which Draco yanks out of his grip and holds it close. Without looking at him, he storms away.

• Suspicion dawns on Harry, but he doesn't want to believe it. But how can he deny seeing what was definitely the Dark Mark?

• Later, Harry has his first Defense Against the Dark Arts class.

• He's still uncertain to where he stands with Snape.

• Harry partners up with Anthony for non-verbal spells.

• Snape steps in and Harry, overcome with a pulse of frustration, casts Protego out loud.

Snape: You do remember we are practicing non-verbal spells, do you not?

Harry, through gritted teeth: Yes.

Snape: Yes, sir.

Harry, irritably: There's no need to call me 'sir,' Professor.

• Snape holds Harry back after class.

Harry: What do you want?

Snape: Harry, please. I didn't mean to —

Harry: — to tell Voldemort the prophecy? You didn't even stop to think who it could be referring to?

Snape: No, I admit, that was a foolish mistake on my part.

Harry: No kidding.

[Snape's face falls and Harry finds himself softening despite himself.]

Harry: Look, I know you regret it. And I know you're trying to make up for it. But I just — I don't know what to think.

[Snape nods in resignation.]

Harry: I'm willing to try to at least not lose my temper. I mean, I kinda failed back there, but I'll try harder.

Snape: Thank you.

• Some time later, Harry's first Potions lesson with Slughorn.

• He smells things that remind him of Fred, of course: a hint of grass, unidentifiable smells he recognizes from Weasleys Wizard Wheezes.

• He may be conflicted on Snape at the moment, but there's no denying he's amazing at potions, he muses as he follows Snape's instructions in his book.

• Harry wins the Felix Felicis.

• Harry's first lesson with Dumbledore goes as per canon.

I have mixed feelings for Snape. He's very complex and that's what I love about his character, but as a person? That's where it gets tricky.