Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or any of the other characters/places made by JK Rowling. I do however own the characters I make up (there might be a few more besides Anthony Lighter). And also, there are a few lines in here that are quoted from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. So, don't arrest me.

Chapter 3

Malcolm Lighter quickly found that school would not be fun and games with all the homework the teachers assigned that first week. Though he had no problem getting it done early, his classmates were behind. All except Hermione Granger who he found in the library always buried in a book.

Neville, on the other hand, had barely even started his potions homework before practically giving up. Malcolm found him with his head in his hands.

"Neville, you alright?" he asked concerned for his friend and he sat next to him at the round table.

Neville looked up looking less shocked and frightened than usual. Malcolm figured he had finally realized Malcolm was a friend to him. "I just can't get all of this done. It's impossible. There's potions, then transfiguration, and then the charms! I can't even get the stupid spell pronounced correctly."

Malcolm put a friendly hand on the boy's shoulder. "Neville, close your eyes, take five deep breaths, and clear your mind as much as possible." Neville gave him an odd look, but Malcolm just smiled. "Go on. Do it."

Hesitant, Neville finally did as he was told. He closed his eyes and cleared his mind as he took five deep breaths. Surprised at the relief, he smiled. "Wow."

"See? Okay, now, down to business. I can help you with your homework tonight. I'll even tutor you if you want, but eventually you'll have to do it alone."

Neville nodded. "I can use help anytime."

"Alright, let's get started."

Hermione Granger came into the common room to see Malcolm Lighter's usual cold demeanor was gone. In it's place was a caring boy concerned for his friend. Hermione stared for a moment before giving a slight smile and disappearing up the stairs.

September passed quickly with everyone's minds focused on homework. Yet, with the start of October came flying lessons. Although Malcolm knew how to fly and fly well, he was excited to be able to be back on a broomstick in any way.

To Malcolm's disappointment, Madam Hooch was very strict and no one was allowed to ride the broom until the rest of the class was ready. Well, Neville being Neville, the broom took off without his awareness and was bounced, spun, and jolted in every direction possible. When Neville finally managed to land however ungracefully, he broke his wrist.

"Anyone caught flying will be expelled before they can say Quidditch," she commanded as she led Neville away.

Malcolm was tempted to say "Quidditch" but, seeing as his friend was hurt, he changed his mind.

"Look what the stupid boy dropped," came Malfoy's annoying voice. Malcolm turned to see him holding Neville's Rememberall, a ball that reminded a person they forgot something. It did Neville no good.

"Give it, Malfoy," Malcolm demanded walking to the blonde boy.

"No," he replied. He smiled. "I think I leave it somewhere for Longbottom to find." Malfoy jumped on his broom and rose into the air. The thought of the consequences didn't register in Malcolm's mind as he followed malfoy.

"Give it back!"

Malfoy sneered. "Go get it, Lighter." And with all his might, Draco Malfoy threw the tiny ball in the opposite direction.

Growling in frustration, Malcolm's green eyes followed the small ball, pushing his broom to it's fullest limit. With a reach, he caught it just before he almost hit the castle.

Malfoy's grey eyes clouded as the group rushed at Lighter for making such a great catch.

"Malcolm Lighter, come with me please," they heard McGonagall's stern voice call out.

Neville waited for Malcolm nervously in their dorm room. "Relax, Neville. You'll burn a hole in the floor." Neville spun at the sound of his friend's voice.

"What happened, Malcolm?"

He shrugged, but suddenly, a bright smile lit up the usual cold expression of his face. There was even a light in his emerald green eyes. "They made me seeker of the Gryffindor Quidditch team."

Neville's eyes widened. "Really. You're like the youngest player ever."

Malcolm shook his head still smiling. "In a hundred years. "That's what McGonagall said."

"Wow."

The next day, Malcolm being the new seeker was on everyone's list of things to discuss. Normally being talked about would have made Malcolm angry, but being as Quidditch was his one love in life, he didn't mind.

The captain of the Gryffindor team was Oliver Wood, a drill sergeant in his own way. He drove them to their limits and Malcolm left every practice worn, sweaty, and deeply tired. Yet, he loved it. He loved barely being able to move, passing out when he finally went to bed. It proved to him he could still feel, that his life wasn't control by his future. He was in pain doing something he loved.

Balancing Quidditch, homework, and tutoring Neville was no challenge. What was a challenge was getting away long enough to go to the library for peace and quiet from the rest of the student body. Finally, he managed to do just that one Saturday afternoon. Finding himself in the history section, he randomly picked a book, Hogwarts: A History. He found a secluded area and sat down to read.

After about an hour, Malcolm heard a light thud. In a quick motion, the boy's wand was held in his hand. He went around the corner to see Hermione Granger pouring over a large stack of books. He gave an amused laugh and tucked his wand away.

She turned and their eyes met and locked. Nothing was said, neither moved. As Hermione looked into the cold, expressionless green eyes, she felt at peace, relaxed, safe even. Malcolm felt a sense of understanding in her brown eyes. A smile unknowingly came to his lips. He only realized when she looked stunned but then smiled back.

Suddenly, Malcolm's senses snapped back and he shifted his eyes, his smile disappearing. He met her eyes once more, only for a second, before giving a smirk and turning his back.