Heh, thanks to those that offered to help me by editing the last chapter! I wasn't at home, so I didn't have access to any Microsoft programs. Anyways, I'm back at home now and since I've been getting positive reviews I've decided to update once more today! Thanks to everyone who's giving support.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or any programs mentioned in this fanfic, unless its one I've made up myself.
Everyone stood in the doorway, eyes opened wide, simply staring. Their faces were tinted a faint blue from the light radiating all around the room. Where before there were bulletin boards filled with advertisements and messages for clubs and teams, there was now a lined wall of cubicle type desks, with dividers separating each from the one beside it. Above the fireplace there was a huge plasma television screen, currently turned off.
What surprised everyone the most was Hermione Granger, sitting at the head of a large table that took the place of the once comfortable chairs, a laptop in front of her. All down the table identical laptops were opened, their screens letting off a blue tinge. Hermione looked up at everyone and smiled "Hey everyone, what's up? If you could all take a seat in front of the laptop, I'd really appreciate it." She looked at everyone expectantly.
Slowly everyone shifted over to the table, finding seats and sitting in front of the computers. Some people seemed perfectly at ease in front of the machines, but others looked as though they were afraid it would bite them. They eyed the computers cautiously, then looking up at Hermione, waiting for instructions.
Harry and Ron took their expected seats beside Hermione, looking at her questioning. "Is this what they called you here for? To set up these…things?" Ron asked her, motioning to the computers that lined the table.
Hermione sighed and spoke in a matter-of-fact tone. "They're not things Ronald. They're called compact computers, notebooks, or most commonly, laptops." She looked at everyone when they settled and stood up slowly. "Well, most of you know me, but I see we have a rather big group of first years this time around. My name is Hermione Granger, and I'm the second prefect in Gryffindor. I believe you've already met Ron," she motioned to him. "For those of you that don't know what Prefects are here for, the both of us will briefly inform you." She nudged Ron, silently telling him to get up.
Ron glared at her, before rising up slowly and slouching. "Yeah, I told you who I am already, she reminded you," he jerked his head in the direction of Hermione (AN: Did that sound dirty to anyone else? lol). "Basically, as the male Prefect, I'm in charge of monitoring any behaviour in the boys dorm, and I'm responsible for keeping order and punishing people who break rules there." He plopped back down in his chair, earning an irritated glance from Hermione.
Hermione turned back to everyone "And likewise, I'm in charge of the Girl's dorms and disciplining people that break rules up there. The both of us can suspend and take charge of a situation in the common room, which you're currently residing in. We're also who you come to if you have any questions relating to the House. In case you're unaware, our Head of House is Professor McGonagall, who all of you will have for Transfiguration this year."
Harry zoned out the conversation, and took to glancing around at everyone else instead. While the first years were paying close attention to everything Hermione said, everyone else was nodding absently, at least pretending to listen, or doing what Harry was doing and staring at everyone. He looked down at his laptop, taking note of all the icons all over the screen. 'I wonder what all these are for…' though he grew up in a muggle home, he had never been allowed near the family computer, only Dudley had that privilege. He eyed the laptop for a minute, 'Where in the hell is the mouse? Aren't computers supposed to have one so you can click on things…?' he stared at it, wondering if maybe it was hidden.
"Oh! I almost forgot, the Quidditch team caption, Harry Potter." Hermione pointed to Harry. He didn't respond. "HARRY!" she snapped at him, watching him jump and look at her with a clueless expression. "Do you, as the Quidditch captain, have anything to say to everyone?"
"Oh, uh, yeah I guess I just want to let everyone know that Gryffindor's team is one of the best, if not THE best in the school. We're always looking for new talent, so come by to tryouts at 6pm this Monday and you can show the team what you've got." He looked at Hermione.
"Alright, well that's all for the basic rules. Now, on to the laptops. If you'll please click on the icon that looks like a fox surrounding Earth." She did it herself, looking at them all expectantly. A few people had moved to do it, but everyone else was just sitting there with a blank look. "Oh, I suppose a lot of you don't know how. Well, um, you see the pad at the bottom of the keyboard? Put your finger on it, and move the tiny arrow you see over the icon. Then double click on the button below the pad, the left one, to select it." She waited patiently while everyone attempted to move the arrow over the icon. A few of them jumped back when a window opened on the screen.
Neville was the first to cry out "Hermione! I think I broke it!" he began pointing to the screen, where the Firefox internet browser was open. He waited for her to come over, and listened to her sigh in annoyance.
"Neville, that's what it's supposed to look like. The program you've just opened is called Firefox, its going to allow you to access websites and information on the internet. I believe the concept of the internet was briefly explained downstairs, so I won't go into it. Just know that the internet will become your best friend throughout this year." She smiled and went back to her seat. "Now, do you see the top of the page where it has a box that has a bunch of writing in it? It should say something like http in front of it." She waited for nods of acknowledgment before continuing. "I want you to go into that, and type in (AN: I really hope that isn't a real website…sorry if it is!). Once you get to that, you're going to see our schools logo." She waited. Looking over at Neville when she noticed his hand slowly rising, his eyes wide "What's wrong now Neville?"
"Uhm…" he was stuttering and blushing fiercely, motioning to his screen. He waited for her to come over to him again, and even Hermione's eyes widened to the size of saucers. "…A-alright everyone. For the record, the website is NOT called Hubert's Lesson On Pain. Spelling is VERY important when typing out an address." She sighed a bit, looking at Neville. "To close a window, you once again use the finger pad and bring it to the small X in the corner of the window." She quickly clicked out of Neville's internet browser. "Neville, what you just came across was a sex website, or a porn website. They're really common, and chances are everyone is going to come across them at some point…Just, uh, try to not do it in public, as it really is offending to some people." She quickly moved back to her seat, trying to get the images of a guy getting spanked out of her head.
"Oh, I didn't realize it was so late. Look, I've just shown you the basics. You can browse around on the internet for a while, and take care to look closely at the school's website, as it will have links to where you need to go for classes." She motioned to the wall behind her. "Also, the email addresses of all the teachers are listed behind me, you yourselves need to make email accounts using You can have as many as you want, but be sure to have your main one being used for school work including your name in it. Anyways, go get some sleep, instructions for your laptops are in the boxes beside them. I strongly encourage you to read them, otherwise you're going to be completely lost. First year boys, Ron will lead you to your dorm. Girls, follow me." She stood up, and everyone went off on their own, many talking about all kinds of things they could do with the computers.
Neville ran upstairs quickly, looking rather embarrassed at the website he came across. Harry followed him up, carrying his laptop under his arm. He got changed, before hopping on the bed and opening the instruction manual for the laptop, he began to read.
Not long after, the boys' dorm was filled and everyone was reading the instructions, not wanting to fall behind before school even started. One question on everyone's mind:
How in the hell are we supposed to learn using this thing
Alright, I'm finished another chapter. I know these are really boring right now, but I can't just up and have everyone knowing how to use the computers, so I needed to dedicate these chapters to them learning. The more interesting stuff will start up in the next few chapters, when they get used to using the computers, having their first classes online, and of course, when they discover the joys of instant messaging. ;) Reviews make me update faster.