Chapter 2—Starting School

Harry woke early the next morning and got dressed. Heading downstairs he made breakfast for the Dursleys, very little of which he actually got to eat. Dudley and Uncle Vernon had to leave early as they would be commuting to Port Angeles. Uncle Vernon had been transferred to a small regional sales office for Grunnings, and Dudley had been enrolled in a private school there. Harry was not really sure whether he should be shocked that Dudley was admitted to the school or curse his luck that it was not a boarding school.

After his Uncle and Cousin had left Harry cleaned the kitchen and did the dishes before trudging out into the snow. The school was not all that far away, but since Harry was on foot it would take him some extra time to get there. Fortunately, he had discovered a trail through the forest behind the house that would come out just behind the school. The nice thing was the trail cut off half the distance to school; the bad thing was that this meant wading through snow nearly to his knees.

As he made his way through the forest Harry could not help thinking about Hermione and Hogwarts. She had told him of some changes that had come about because of a discussion at Grimmauld Place. The changes sounded amazing and Harry would have loved to be involved, but alas that was not to be. Harry no longer had a place at Hogwarts. He still got lost in his thoughts as he trudged toward the school.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the second week of August there had been a meeting of the Order of the Phoenix at Grimmauld Place. Hermione, Malfoy, and the others that were not yet allowed to attend the meetings entered the kitchen right after the meeting broke up.

Seeing Professor Dumbledore was still there Hermione asked, "Professor I know it is usually a surprise for the Welcoming Feast, but have you filled the Defense Against the Dark Arts position?"

Professor Dumbledore looked over his spectacles and smiled saying, "Normally that is a secret, but I will tell you that Professor Snape has agreed to fill the position this year and Professor Slughorn has also agreed to come out of retirement to teach Potions."

Nodding Hermione said, "Thank you Professor," as she walked over to the table shaking her head.

Professor Snape, who had not left the room yet, saw this and asked, "Do you have a problem with me teaching you Defense this year, Ms. Granger?"

All those in the room stopped to hear the answer, the Professors present were especially interested, as Ms. Granger was one of the top students in her year.

Looking up Hermione said, "I have no problem with you teaching us Sir, my concern is in the enormity of the task before you…and whether it will be enough based on what we have been taught so far."

Raising his eyebrow Professor Snape questioned, "You do not feel that I am up to the task?"

"More so I think the task is beyond any one Professor," Hermione answered.

As Professor Snape was about to say something, probably negative, Malfoy took the opportunity to interrupt. "I think I understand what Granger is trying to say."

Turning to Malfoy Professor Snape said, "Then pray tell, Mr. Malfoy, why don't you enlighten us."

Looking at Granger and then back to Snape he asked, "Would you consider Professor Lupin an adequate instructor?"

Glancing at Lupin before he answered Professor Snape said, "Indeed, I would say that Lupin was in fact a more than adequate instructor."

Nodding Malfoy continued, "And how would you classify Umbridge, Crouch, Lockhart and Quirrell?"

His face showing his distant for those named Professor Snape answered, "Abysmal."

Smirking at the answer Malfoy continued, "So by your own admission with you teaching this year we will have had two years of adequate instruction out of six."

Nodding Hermione added, "While I respect Mrs. Weasley's desire to keep students out of the Order meetings. Hogwarts has a responsibility to teach its students. Is two years out of six good enough? Whether you want to say it or not the students graduating are entering a world that is at war."

Voicing his agreement Malfoy said, "That is true, and what happens when those newly graduated adults cannot defend themselves?"

Minerva McGonagall asked, "What are you suggesting should be taught?"

Looking thoughtful Hermione answered, "Well everything that we should have been taught in Defense Against the Dark Arts, more if possible, dueling and regular defensive magic."

Professor Lupin asked, "What do you mean by regular defensive magic?"

Hermione answered, "Like what is the counter to Wingardium Leviosa or Incendio?"

Snorting Ron said, "Those are light spells why would we need to defend against them?"

Malfoy looked at him like he was crazy as he said, "What will you do if I levitated you off the side of the Astronomy Tower or cast Incendio on your robes?"

Nodding Hermione said, "Malfoy is right. Unlike the killing curse those have counters, but if you don't know them they can be just as deadly."

Fred spoke up saying, "And the Patronus charm, I know there are not two dozen students at Hogwarts that can cast it. And most of those who can Harry taught."

George added, "And we know that You-Know-Who had control of the Dementors the last time. Shouldn't the entire student body be taught how to protect themselves?"

"But you are children!" Shouted Mrs. Weasley.

"Who are entering a world at war," answered Professor Dumbledore gravely. He then said, "I see your point about what needs to be accomplished, perhaps additional class time." Looking at Professor Snape he continued, "It would mean no free periods and longer hours." Then looking down he mumbled, "I am not sure even that is enough."

Hermione asked, "Then why not add another Professor?"

Malfoy interrupted, "What about bringing back Professor Lupin?"

Snape rubbed his chin as he said, "It would still mean longer days and a lot more work."

Professor McGonagall spoke up, "But if you two split the material it could be done."

In complete shock Ron shouted, "You're asking for more classes?"

Malfoy was about to give a scathing reply when Hermione said, "As opposed to dying at the hands of a Deatheather or watching someone else die because I didn't know what to do. I think I'll take the extra classes."

And so it was decided that Hogwarts would be having extra classes. Professor Snape would have double and triple periods of Defense Against the Dark Arts and Professor Lupin would have double and triple periods of dueling and defensive magic.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

By the time Harry's mind had cleared from his desire to attend the new defensive classes at Hogwarts he had reached Forks High School.

With a heavy sigh he headed towards the office. When he arrived he saw a frazzled looking woman with red hair that reminded him of Mrs. Weasley, clearing his throat to get her attention he said, "Excuse me."

Looking up she asked, "Can I help you?"

Smiling Harry answered, "Yes, I am Harry Potter and I am supposed to pick up my schedule here."

Nodding she gathered the information and handed it to him saying, "Here is your schedule and a map of the school, and this slip you will need to have all your teachers sign and return to me at the end of the day."

Taking the offered material Harry thanked her and left. As he made his way to class Harry looked at his schedule. So far nothing unusual, this should not be too bad he thought to himself.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

By lunchtime Harry was rethinking how bad it could be. Classes for the most part were not too bad. But the other students were driving him mental! Honestly a front page article about him in the school paper, were they that desperate in this town. He could feel all of their eyes on him as he walked by, and did they really think they were being discreet when they talked about him? All this made him feel like the shiny new toy at a preschool.

Walking into the cafeteria Harry was accosted by Jessica who was determined to be friends with the new kid. Rolling his eyes he was forcibly dragged to the popular kids table, where he was introduced to everyone.

Harry tried to just concentrate on his lunch, not that there was a lot of it. He guessed that the students at the table were not too bad. Except Jessica, was it necessary to rub her breasts on his arm every time she spoke to him?

Looking around after finishing his lunch Harry spotted a table discreetly separated from the rest of the tables. But what was most interesting were the occupants of the table, they were beautiful. They looked as if Michelangelo had carved them from white marble.

Without thinking Harry quietly asked, "Who are they?"

Jessica rolled her eyes when she saw who he was looking at and answered, "Those are the Cullens."

Harry tried to ignore that Jessica was rubbing on him again.

Jessica continued, "The large one with the curly brown hair is Emmett and the blond on his arm is Rosalie."

Interrupting Harry asked, "Does she model?"

Jessica huffed as Erica answered, "No."

Shrugging Harry said, "She should…but it would have to be for a high end designer."

They did not see eyebrows slightly rise at the Cullens' table.

Not happy that the new kid's attention was on the Cullens Jessica continued. "Anyway, the blond guy that's Jasper and the little brunette next to him is Alice, last one is Edward. But they're all together…like together, together. Emmett and Rosalie and Jasper and Alice…Edward isn't dating anyone, apparently none of the girls here are good enough for him…Like I care."

"Someone must have gotten turned down hard," Harry mumbled.

No one saw the smirk on Edward's face as Jessica asked, "What was that?"

Clearing his throat Harry said, "They don't look like they're related."

Seeing her opportunity to gossip Jessica replied. "They're not…they are all like adopted or foster children."

Harry cocked his head to the side saying, "They seem a little old to be foster children."

Clearly irritated at the new kid's continued interest in the Cullens Jessica answered, "They are now but they have been with Doctor and Mrs. Cullen since they were young. Like Jasper and Rosalie are twins and Mrs. Cullen is like their aunt or something, I think they have been with her since they were like eight. The other three are adopted."

With a small wistful smile Harry said, "That was nice of Doctor and Mrs. Cullen, to provide for so many children."

With another huff Jessica announced, "Well I heard they just did it because Mrs. Cullen can't have kids."

Anger flared in him as Harry turned to Jessica and asked, "Do you know that to be true?"

Flushed at being called out Jessica stammered out, "Well…no."

Throwing his things into his lunch bag Harry asked, "Do you even know Mrs. Cullen?" When Jessica shook her head, too shocked at his outburst to answer, Harry continued. "I have no intention of sitting here and listening to this anymore. Who are you to make bitchy and hateful remarks, which you don't know to be true, about someone you don't even know? What did Mrs. Cullen do to you? Or is it her children that bother you? Because you're jealous of them, let's see they are smarter than you or is it because they are better looking?"

Looking up Harry saw that he had the attention of everyone in the cafeteria and at that point was too mad to care. He noticed the Cullens and their cloths and smirked as he turned back to Jessica saying, "Or is it because they are the rich kids. You're so jealous of what they have been given or can do or are, that you have to talk trash about them. Does it make you feel better to belittle someone's kindness? You're so caught up in your jealousy that you don't realize you have something that is lost to them." Leaning down Harry growled, "And in case you are too much of an air head to know what that is, it's biological parents."

Harry then turned and stormed out of the cafeteria. He threw his lunch bag in the trash and hit the door without breaking his stride and he was gone.

Jessica looked at those around her is shock and asked, "What's his problem?"

Shaking her head Erica said, "Sometimes you can be so dense. He lives with his aunt and uncle; he is probably an orphan too."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At the Cullen table a conversation was taking place that was too fast and too quiet for anyone to hear.

Emmett said, "I like this guy he has spunk."

"And taste...Esme would like him," added Rosalie.

Jasper shook his head saying, "But a lot of anger there at the end. Edward what was he thinking?"

Shrugging Edward answered, "I don't know, I can't hear a thing"

Concerned Rosalie asked, "Is he your Singer? Is that why you can't hear his thoughts?"

Shaking his head Edward said, "No I don't want to eat him…I…I want to…I don't know what I want. Alice what do you see?"

Alice shrugged and said, "I think I see him with us…maybe like friends…but I can't really tell."

"Why not?" Emmett asked.

Trying to answer Alice said, "It's blurry…like looking through frosted glass. I can see shapes but no details."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Harry ended up pacing back and forth behind the school taking deep breaths trying to calm down. It had been a long time since he had lost his temper like that. By the time he actually calmed down the bell rang for class.

Then by the time Harry got to his Biology class most of the students had arrived. After getting his slip signed by the teacher he went to his assigned seat. It was then that he realized that he was being placed next to the bronze haired boy from lunch.

Harry had just sat down and opened his notebook when he heard; "Hello, I'm Edward…Edward Cullen."

Turning to the guy next to him Harry was amazed at how beautiful he was up close. Seeing that Edward had not offered his hand, Harry didn't either as he replied, "Harry Potter, nice to meet you."

Waiting for the teacher to start the class Edward said, "I'd like to thank you for defending Esme." Receiving a curious look from Harry he clarified, "Our mother, you defended her at lunch."

Harry answered, "Oh, well…really what that chit said was uncalled for."

As they finally began their assignment Edward asked, "So what brings you to Forks?"

Plastering a smile on his face Harry answered, "It's complicated."

Giving a crocked grin that Harry thought was amazing Edward said, "I think I can keep up."

Chuckling Harry said, "Yeah, and I make it a habit of spilling my life story to people I just met, but thanks for asking."

Edward had the grace to at least look embarrassed. Going back to their assignment he could not help but sneak looks at the beauty beside him. He was Edward's height but where Edward was lanky with more of a runner's build this Harry had more of a swimmer's build, slightly broader shoulders and more chest mass. Or at least that was what Edward guessed from the way Harry's clothes clung to him. Edward found himself mesmerized by Harry's eyes, he would say they were like emeralds but really the stone paled in comparison.

Harry too was admiring the specimen next to him. He was beautiful yet very masculine. He had a strong roman nose and a strong jaw. Harry decided that he looked like a Roman God that had come down to earth. His tight muscled body under the button down shirt, the way his jeans hugged his thighs as he sat and his arm flexing as he moved, it had Harry trying to tear his eyes way.

You see Harry had a secret that he had never told anyone, he was gay. He had known since he was fourteen, after a particular dream that he had. In this dream he shared the prefect's bathroom with Cedric Diggory and Victor Krum. After that dream, which he had several times, he could not look at the two seekers the same, and had no doubts about what he liked. And he liked the Roman God next to him.

As they were finishing their assignment Edward asked, "So how do you like the rain?"

Looking at him Harry replied, "Are you asking me about the weather?"

Smirking Edward said, "Yes I guess I am."

Chuckling Harry answered, "Ok, I will give you a bone. I grew up in England; the rain makes me feel at home." The bell rang and Harry gathered his things to leave, and in parting said, "You really need more practice at making small talk."

Edward could not help but laugh at himself as he watched Harry leave. It was true he and his family didn't socialize a lot. Perhaps with Harry around that would change.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Finally making it to his last class, Harry had gym. He was really looking forward to this, NOT! Gym had never been a good thing. Dudley used it when they were kids to ridicule and knock him around. Then for the last five years he had no exposure to muggle sports. He was sure this was not going to be a good time.

Getting changed and heading into the gym, Harry was informed with the rest of the class that they would be playing dodge ball. Well that did not seem so bad, Harry thought that would be a lot like handling the quaffle and avoiding bludgers. He could do this.

As teams were being selected Harry noticed that Edward and his sister Alice were both in his class. Looking around, trying to keep his eyes off of Edwards legs and the way his tight shirt showed the muscles that Harry had suspected were there, he noticed that Edward's other siblings were in the bleachers watching. Grateful that he was not the last one picked Harry was pleasantly surprised to be on the same team as Edward and Alice.

Things were going well till Mike and his friends decided to play "smear the queer" and that Harry was to be the target. Using his quidditch skills he was able to avoid all but the ball Mike threw, and that one he caught. Harry was joined by Edward and Alice in returning fire with deadly accuracy. In the end the three of them were the only ones left.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day Edward was heading to the cafeteria when he spotted Harry sitting at a table outside. Walking up to the table he asked, "Isn't it a little cold to be setting out here?"

With a shrug Harry replied, "It beats sitting with a bunch of gossips or putting up with a ton of questions."

Nodding Edward said, "You could sit with us, if you'd like."

Harry answered, "I would not want to intrude, and you all seem to keep to yourselves."

Waving him off Edward replied, "It will be fine, you don't even have to talk to us if you don't want to. And it will be warmer than out here."

Begrudgingly Harry packed his books and followed Edward inside.

Once they had reached the table Edward introduced his siblings and after greeting them Harry pulled out a book and started reading. He was oblivious to the conversation going on around him that was too fast and too soft for humans to hear.

"Are you crazy bringing him here?" Rosalie hissed.

Edward answered, "No it's too cold outside for a human."

Emmett said, "I kind of like him."

Alice asked, "Jasper are you okay?"

Nodding Jasper said, "Yeah, it's not too bad."

"It will be good for us to actually interact with a human," Edward said.

Rosalie answered, "Esme won't like it that you are risking our exposure."

Their conversation was cut short when Harry growled and slammed his book closed.

Looking at Harry curiously Alice asked, "Are you having a problem?"

With a huff Harry answered, "Yes this stuff doesn't make any sense."

Surprised Edward said, "You do really well in biology, I thought you would do well in all your classes."

Shrugging Harry replied, "I do except two."

"Which ones?" Jasper asked.

Looking up Harry answered, "History and English."

Laughing Rosalie asked, "How can you be having problems in English? Aren't you from England?"

Looking at the blond that was sneering at him Harry thought, 'Not intimidating, Snape and Malfoy are much better at that.' Harry finally answered, "Well if you spoke English and taught English I would not have a problem. But since you speak and teach American, it's a little difficult."

Looking at him like he was an idiot Rosalie snapped, "It's the same thing."

Speaking very slowly like he was talking to a small child Harry said, "No it is not. You do not even spell the words right and do not get me started on your grammar."

Curious Jasper asked, "What don't we spell right?"

Rolling his eyes Harry replied, "There are lots of words that you spell different, as an example there is actually a "u" in the word color."

Deciding that changing the subject would be a good idea Edward asked, "Are you having trouble with history in general or American history specifically?"

Turning to Edward, Harry said, "Both actually, your world history is written from a different perspective than I am used to and American history makes no sense to me at all."

Interrupting Jasper said, "History is written by the victor, therefore world history is written in the perspective of that country. But, why does American history not make sense?"

Opening his book Harry started to explain. "Ok, your history begins with Columbus' arrival in America. Then the next chapter starts with the pilgrims landing on Plymouth Rock. It starts in the east and moves west right?"

Nodding Emmett said, "Well duh."

Shaking his head Harry went on. "But that is not how things worked. For example Santa Fe, New Mexico was a territorial capital of Spain nearly one hundred years before the pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock. Then you teach about Texas independence, that they were the only Independent nation before they joined the "Union". But what about Hawaii, they had a government and a monarch that had diplomatic relations with other countries. Don't they count?"

By the end of lunch and the debate about versions of history it was decided that Edward would tutor Harry in English, or American as he called it. But the most shocking was that Jasper would tutor Harry in American history.

Harry decided that there seemed to be something about the Cullens that was not right. He just could not put his finger on it. What was he missing; really if he didn't know better he would think they were Veela. They certainly were beautiful enough, but that did not explain why they were so pale. And their eye color, what were the odds of five adopted children with different hair color having the same eye color, and such an unusual color. He would have to keep an eye out, or maybe he was just being paranoid. Maybe he should ask Hermione, she would know or know where to find the answer.

On the walk to the Dursleys' house at the end of the second day Harry could not help but think that maybe this would not be so bad after all.

A/N: For the record Santa Fe, New Mexico was established in 1515 and the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock in 1620. Hope you enjoy the story. PLEASE REVIEW!

Next Chapter: One Step Forward