Infinite Crisis

Chapter 2: Hogwarts and A Bet

Gabriel looked at the castle as they made their way down the stairs. "Professor Moody, why do the staircases move so much? Why not just have two solid sets, or some other form of travel?"

"Boy, you're going to learn very quickly that stupid questions like that will get you burned quickly, especially in your first class. But to answer it, Hogwarts is centuries old, and the witches and wizards who created it felt that moving staircases were fitting. If you have an issue, take it up with them." Moody kept a few paces ahead of Gabriel, not bothering to look at him as he spoke.

Sensing the sarcasm in Moody's voice, Gabriel kept his mouth shut as they descended into the dungeons.

Stopping in front of a large, wooden door, Moody turned to face Gabriel. "Here is Professor Snape's potions class. Give him this, and he shouldn't deduct points. Shouldn't, but might. Good luck." Moody handed him the note and walked off without another word.

Gulping down a breath of air, Gabriel pushed the door open, perhaps a bit too hard. The door creaked as it opened, with every head in the classroom turning towards it. Gabriel felt his face turn red.

Snape sneered at the boy, obviously having no place in Hogwarts. His attire was completely disrespectful to the hallowed halls. "May I help you, boy? Or are you here to finally remove Potter and Longbottom from my class, as their exams were clearly a fluke on their abilities." He turned his head to Harry and Neville, sneering at them just as he had at Gabriel.

"NO" Gabriel squeaked. "I mean, no sir. I'm a late arrival, and was sent here by Professor Dumbledore. I'm supposed to give you this note, sir." He moved forward, handing Snape the note. "Sorry to have interrupted class, sir. I've been sorted into Gryffindor, and I assume I should sit with them?"

Snape took the note, skimming the contents of it. He sneered at the boy, apparently called Gabriel, looking him over. "While you may be new, Hogwarts has a required dress code. Twenty points from Gryffindor for your muggle attire. As for your seating...Weasley, go and sit with Brown. Split up Potter and Weasley for a while. Mr. Quinn, you will partner with Mr. Potter. Instructions are on the board. Begin!"

Gabriel made his way to the seat near 'Mr. Potter', as the redhead, presumably 'Weasley' grumbled as he moved his things to another desk. "Uh, hey, I'm Gabriel, Gabriel Quinn." He said, grinning at the boy called Potter.

Harry met his gaze, seeing a friendly face, and shook the boy's hand. "Harry, Harry Potter. Pleased to meet you. I've got to ask though, why weren't you here for the sorting yesterday? I don't even think we've had a transfer from another school before."

"Well, I-"

"This is a classroom, not social hour! If you would like to discuss things in detention, that can be arranged! Back to work!" Snape shouted at the two.

"Right, well I guess we should get back to this potion then."

HPHPHPHPHPHPHP

As they left the classroom after what seemed like forever, Gabriel kept up with Harry, meeting his friends Ron and Hermione, though Ron seemed a bit sore from the incident in Snape's class. He glared at Gabriel as Harry spoke to him, Hermione taking notice, reminding herself to talk to Ron about it later.

"So Gabriel, where are you from before here? Your accent sounds vaguely Welsh, but mixed." Hermione asked, gears in her mind turning already.

"My da's Irish, mother was Welsh. I got the best of both, I suppose. I was in the states yesterday afternoon, so I got here late last night, but didn't talk to Dumbledore until this morning." Gabriel said, reminding himself to keep certain things a secret.

"You got here last night, and didn't think to show up with robes or anything? No wonder Snape took points from you, yank." Ron finally spoke, albeit rudely.

"Ron stop, that wasn't his fault. Don't mind him, Gabriel. Snape's a git, and he's always looking to take points away from Gryffindor, and it looks like you were the target today. It's your first day! He should know that you don't have everything you need yet!" Harry's temper rose slightly at Snape targeting another Gryffindor. "I mean, I know why he tries to get at me, but you've done nothing to him. He never even gives a Gryffindor a chance."

Gabriel grinned, shrugging off both Snape treatment and Ron's comment. "Nothing to worry about. If he's an unfair teacher, I'll toe the line carefully. As for you Ron, it was kind of a long journey, so cut me a break. I'll bet you that I can earn those points back by the end of the day!"

"Don't even worry about that! Now come on, after all that, I could use lunch before we head to Moody's class." Harry said, leading the way to the Great Hall.

Gabriel motioned to follow him, but felt a hand firmly gripping his shoulder. "Alright Quinn, I'll take your bet." Ron turned him around, glaring into his eyes.

"Ron it was just a joke, mate. Come on, I'm hungry, let's go." Gabriel reached up and removed Ron's hand. "Let's just go eat, and enjoy the rest of the day."

"I'm not your mate, Quinn. Personally I don't like you, so don't think you can go stepping in as Harry's best mate, as that's my spot. So here's the bet, you don't earn the points back by the end of the day and you leave us alone. Got it?" Ron sneered at Gabriel, a look of pure disgust in his eyes.

Gabriel's mouth twitched into a mischievous smirk. "Alright Ronald McDonald, I'll take your bet. But WHEN I win, you get to eat only healthy things for the rest of the week. We're talking salads, veggies, and more. No snacks, no meat, just health food."

Ron opened his mouth to protest, but there was no way Quinn could earn back the lost points by the end of the day. After all, it was the first day back, and they had Moody and McGonagall today, two of the toughest teachers besides Snape. "Alright Quinn, I accept your terms. Good luck making new friends when you lose."

Gabriel outstretched his arm. "Let us both honor this wager on the honor of our magic, and may the odds be each in our own favors."

Ron stared at the boy for a moment, before laughing at him. "You think I'm shaking your hand, as though this is a gentleman's bet? No. Catch you at lunch, Quinn." Ron sauntered off, head held high and spirits boosted by Quinn's cockiness.

Gabriel smirked again walking along the path Ron took into the Great Hall, taking a seat next to Hermione. "He wants to play the jealous friend? Fine by me. I guess it's time to take off the kid gloves." He thought, making a plate of food and chirping in on casual conversation with the others. When asked what took him and Ron so long, Gabriel said Ron was simply showing him to the restroom, getting a glare and a nod from Ron.

HPHPHPHPHPHP

Defense against the Dark Arts went smoothly, with Moody shocking the Fourth Years with knowledge about the three Unforgivable Curses. Harry was singled out by Moody when talks came to the killing curse, making everyone uncomfortable. Only Hermione earned points for her knowledge of the curses, though the students tried to stay quiet, due to the nature of the topic. As the Golden Trio, plus Gabriel, headed to Transfiguration with the other Gryffindors, Ron had a grin plastered on his face.

"What's got you in such a good mood Ron? That class was dreadful. Sorry you had to sit through that, Harry. I wasn't the biggest fan of it myself, to be completely honest." Seamus Finnegan had caught up to the group, along with Dean Thomas and Neville Longbottom.

"Oh...just uh...glad we're going to Transfiguration is all. Especially after that mess, am I right?" Ron lied quickly. He knew that if Quinn couldn't get any points in Defense, there was no way he could get points in McGonagall's class. Soon things would go back to the way they were supposed to be: Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

"She's our head of house, right? I haven't actually gotten to meet her yet, so I hope this goes off without a hitch!" Gabriel asked with hope in his voice, but a grin plastered on his face.

Harry nodded as they entered the classroom, but then stopped. The seating had been altered, with names placed in front of each seat, with two to a desk. "Where are we supposed to...Professor?" He asked as McGonagall walked in from her office, placing a few things on her desk.

"Ah, yes Potter. For this first week, I shall be doing an experiment. I've looked over examinations, and I'll be placing students near others with similar ability, branching off as ability varies to place a student who excels with a student who struggles more, to offer better help than people simply pairing up due to house affiliations or friendships. This will be in effect for this entire week, and if it proves successful, it will be implemented through the rest of the term. With students from foreign schools joining us soon, we want to show unity among our peers, and this is a perfect way to start. Now, students, please find your seats. I would like to begin today's lesson promptly."

Ron's face went from a smirk to one of anger, as once again he would be split from his best mate. He stomped off to his own seat, next to a Hufflepuff named Hannah Abbot. Hannah smiled at him in a friendly manner, but Ron simply glared Quinn's way. "This is his fault, I know it." He mumbled to no one.

Professor McGonagall adjusted her glasses, eyeing the unfamiliar face. "Ah yes, Mr. Quinn. Professor Dumbledore mentioned your situation. Not to worry, we'll have your supplies sorted by the end of the day, but for now, take a seat next to Ms. Granger."

Gabriel nodded, sitting at the front with Hermione. Harry took a seat next to Seamus, and Dean was paired with Ernie Macmillan. Neville took his seat next to Susan bones, and other students filed in accordingly.

"Now, for today's lesson, we're going to start off on a practical transformation. Each of you has been given a wooden stool to sit on, and while they work for the intended purpose, they're quite uncomfortable. I would like each of you to transfigure your stool into a seat of some sort. You may begin." Professor McGonagall addressed the class before taking a seat at her desk to observe.

Everyone took out their wands and began to work on the transfiguration. Some of the stools changed color, while others remained as they were. Ron waved his wand absentmindedly, not caring about the assignment. He wanted to see Gabriel fail, and failing he was, or it seemed.

Gabriel listened to Hermione's instructions, thanking her for her help before going to work on his own stool. "Basic transfiguration came to me easily. But I can't make it look too good and show off too much power. Better just start small for now." He thought, before waving his 'wand' at the stool. With a pop, the stool was replaced by a large, leather, recliner, colored in a deep red. He grinned at the result before taking a seat and leaning back.

"Mr. Quinn! What in the world is this?" Professor McGonagall asked as she rushed forward from her desk.

Gabriel shrugged. "You said to make the stool into something comfortable, so I did. Would you like to test it for yourself?" He got up and motioned for her to take a seat.

Professor McGonagall locked eyes with the boy before her gaze softened. "Very well, Mr. Quinn." She moved forward, thinking it would just be an illusion of a comfortable chair, but the feeling of pure relaxation was astounding. "This...this is...twenty points to Gryffindor for your amazing transfiguration work, Mr. Quinn!"

Gabriel's eyes lit up at her words, earning an approving smile from Hermione, and a glare of what could only be described as 'I hate you, please die' from Ron. He had won the bet, gotten in good with a teacher, and earned the attention of a bushy haired Gryffindor girl. "Thanks Professor! Please, keep the chair by the way. One of my finer pieces."

Professor McGonagall levitated the recliner into her office while the rest of the class attempted their transfigurations. Harry, Hermione, Hannah, Seamus, and Dean all managed fully backed chairs with a bit of padding, while Neville and Susan managed at least fully backed chairs. Ron had been paying too much attention to Gabriel, and that combined with his anger caused him to fail to do more than splinter the wood in frustration.

"For those of you who completed the assignment, no homework. You've done excellent work, and your studies over the summer have clearly paid off. Those of you who did not manage to complete the assignment, I would like you to write twelve inches minimum explaining the theory behind the spellwork and what you believe you may have done wrong, by first lesson next week. Class dismissed." As the students began to file out for dinner, Professor McGonagall called out. "Mr. Quinn, a word if you please."

Gabriel looked at Harry and Hermione, who promised they would wait for him outside the class. "Yes, Professor? I hope that wasn't too much."

Professor McGonagall smiled softly at him. "Nothing like that. I wanted to commend you on your transfiguration ability! That was N.E.W.T. Level spellwork you did there, and I was impressed with such ability for a student your age. Where did you study before here?"

Gabriel looked at her and inwardly sighed. "If you tell her, she'll go straight to Dumbledore, and you already know you can't trust him. On the other hand she seems far different than the headmaster. Keep a close eye on her, and perhaps tell her the full story in the future." He sighed, looking at her with a carefree look on his face. "Well, I guess you could say I got all my skill from my father." "Not a full lie, but not the full truth either."

"Well whatever the case, I'm proud of you, Mr. Quinn. You've made quite the first impression! If you need anything, my office is always open, and welcome to Hogwarts." Professor McGonagall said, smiling. "Now I'm sure you've got some things to do before dinner, so run along."

Gabriel grinned and nodded his head. "Thanks again, Professor. It really means a lot." He turned on his heel and walked out the door, where Harry and Hermione were waiting. "No sign of Ron? Surprised he isn't here with you."

Hermione was the first to speak, leading the way to Gryffindor tower. "Ron grumbled something I couldn't understand and sauntered off before we could say anything. Strange really."

Gabriel couldn't help but smirk. "Actually, I may know what's going on with him, but promise you won't say a word just yet. I want to milk this one." He scratched the back of his head, looking at the duo.

"I'm all ears, go on, what did Ron do?" Harry said, before feeling a creep up his spine from the tapestry behind him.

"Yes, what did ickle-Ronnikins do this time? Do you think he did something bad, Fred?" George, or was it Fred? said to his brother.

Fred, maybe George, looked on at the trio with absolute delight. "Oh yes, do go on young master Quinn, I'd love to hear this one."

Gabriel looked on at the twins, trying to tell who was really who, before going on. "Well alright. Ron here wasn't too happy about my being partnered with Harry in potions class. That, combined with losing points and doing better than him on our potion, plus I suppose butting my way into his little trio here made him angry and jealous. So I jokingly said I bet I could earn back the points I lost, and he took it seriously. He stopped me before lunch, and we agreed on terms. If he won, I'd leave you all alone and find a new group, but if I won, he'd be forced to eat nothing but healthy food for the rest of the week. Salads, fruits, veggies, and more, but no meat or snacks. He agreed to the terms, so hopefully he isn't off stuffing his face before dinner, because I really want to see this one."

Harry and Hermione looked at Gabriel in complete shock, not only that Ron had the audacity to decide who they could be friends with, but also giggled in laughter at the thought of Ron not stuffing his face every meal for a week. Fred and George on the other hand were simply rolling with laughter.

"Oh this is brilliant! Master Quinn, you've earned our respect for the pure pain you've caused our brother through this. Ron may be blood, but lately he's been a bit of a git, and by lately, I mean for months." Fred said, shaking Gabriel's hand vigorously.

George placed an arm over Harry and Hermione's shoulders, leading them up towards Gryffindor tower. "Come on you lot, I suppose we should find Ginny and tell her the news of Ronnikins recent dietary changes. Plus I can't wait to sit at dinner and see his face as we eat. No one act like you know, yeah?"

Gabriel, Harry, and Hermione all nodded in agreement before heading into the tower.

A/N: Hey guys! Glad to see that people actually seem to like this story! If you've got a review of any kind, please feel free to leave it! I've taken a long hiatus from writing, and this felt like a great way to start back up! So please, let me know what you think, and I hope you enjoyed chapter 2!

Gabriel: You're rambling again.

Shut up Gabriel! Anywho, enjoy!