Disclaimer: - WHAT?! ME?! Own Harry Potter? I don't have anything that has to do with it! (sheepishly hides a "Harry Potter & The Prisoner Of Azkaban sticker album" behind my back!) Honestly I own nothing of it! (looks innocent)
A/N: -My very first fic so be nice OK? It does get better!
Harry Potter & The Animage
(1) A New Year Begun
It was the 6th year at Hogwarts. The sorting had just finished for the first years & the Great Hall was well into the feast. Ron & Hermione were helping themselves to mashed potatoes when Ron noticed that Harry had yet to join them.
" 'ey 'er'ione?" Ron asked through a mouthful of potatoes. " 'id ya see 'arry af'er gettin' off the train?" Hermione rolled her eyes.
"No! But he probably didn't show up because of your rude table manners! I'm sure Harry will turn up any second." Harry arrived in time for dessert at least.
"Sorry. Had problems with a certain owl who will remain nameless!" Harry explained, glaring at Ron. "That bird of yours escaped & knocked over Hedwig's cage & she escaped. Both owls managed to set three more loose in the boxcar so I had to help catch them all before the train left!" Ron smiled sheepishly.
"Don't worry! I managed to save you a plate & there's dessert now too!" Up in the Gryffindor common room, the students checked their schedules before going to bed that night.
"Bloody hell!" Ron exclaimed. "Potions first thing in the morning!"
"Good," said Harry. "Get it over with!" Harry glanced at his schedule again & groaned. "Same here," he sighed. "Of course, what else!"
"Good," Ron copied. "Get it over with!" Harry glared at him but managed a small laugh. Hermione had the same thing so at least they were in it together! Professor Snape, the Potions Master, was their least favourite teacher in the whole school.
The next day was bright & sunny. Harry, Ron & Hermione couldn't wait to finish their indoor classes. After Herbology that afternoon, they were free for the rest of the day to sit by the lake & pick at their homework. Harry's mind kept wandering however. He glanced away from the pile of parchments to a group of Gryffindor girls, among them was Merida Hepburn in her 5th year. Her skill at making potions should put Professor Snape to shame! Harry however, was again reminded of the past year's events, mainly the return of Voldomort. Miss Hepburn's family had been destroyed by the Dark Lord last year. Seeing her caused Harry to be overwhelmed. He tried pushing the memories aside.
Later that night, Harry lay in bed rethinking of what happened last year & wondering what would happen this year. He tried not to think of Cedric. Harry finally rolled over & went to sleep.