The Potions Master and the flight of Potter.

Hermione was thrilled that the boys had invited her into their study group, at first she thought that they might want her to do their homework, but that issue was quickly dispelled by Harry. She also realised that Harry was making a point to include her though she didn't understand why. She had fallen in love with his trunk and even asked him where she could buy one; quietly Harry pulled her aside and told her and what the cost was. He also told her about his lie, he knew that she would help cover for him. Even at this age, Hermione was practical and realised that it wasn't nice pushing wealth in peoples faces. She nearly wept when she saw his library and the books he already had, she really did cry when she saw the potions room.

Knowing Hermione as he did, it wasn't long before she was asking to read his books. Harry started her off with Legilimency – Crafty Mind Tricks and Occlumency – Guard Against Crafty Mind Tricks. Sure enough Hermione was going on about how they should all learn Occlumency by the end of the day, however that fell mostly on deaf ears where the boys were concerned. He then gave her Animagi – Unleash Your Inner Animal and showed her his hand as it changed into a giant three pronged claw.

"I'm still learning," He lied, "and it's really difficult, but wouldn't it be magical…turning into animals." He left her with the book, she was already reading at a furious pace before he even crossed the room. It's for the greater good and Hermione loved to learn, why not help her become the best witch she can be…

The first potions class was not a pleasant experience, once again it was with the Slytherins, he flashed his red eyes at Draco, who again paled I'm never going to get tired of that. Harry had a feeling of foreboding as he found a seat next to Ron in the dungeon classroom. Why the hell does it have to be so cold in here? Snape came stalking into the room, he took the register, but didn't say anything when reaching Harry's name. That's odd…oh he's looking at me now… here it comes….bring it on…!

"Mr Potter what do you get if you add powered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?" Snape asked knowing that he was asking an OWL level question.

"That would be the draft of the living death, a sleeping potion so powerful that it mimics death." Snape looked murderous and fired off his next question.

"Tell me Potter," He sneered "Where would you find a Bezoar?"

Let's see how he likes this one. "Well I would imagine in your stores sir," Harry answered jokingly "but also in the stomach of a goat, they are rather good, they are a sort of universal antidote. They will save you from most poisons." And Ron owes his life to one… my god I think Snape's head is going to explode.

Snarling his next question "What's the difference between monkswood and wolfsbane?"

"Ah.. a trick question?" Harry answered with a small grin further infuriating the man "There is no difference they are the same plant, they are also called aconite." Harry had kept his voice even and light, even in the face of Snape's obvious anger, so the irate potions master picked a much tougher question.

"What is polyjuice and what are its properties?"

Harry smiled up at Snape and answered immediately "Polyjuice is a potion that allows the user to completely assume someone else's identity; it changes your appearance so that you look like the person you are trying to replace. It's extremely difficult to brew, it takes over a month to make, its primary ingredients include boomslang skin, lacewing flies and of course a piece of the person you are trying to replace, normally a few strands of their hair." Snape was stunned, how the hell did a muggle raised first year know that…?

"Mr Potter… for a first year your knowledge of potions is impressive, perhaps you could enlighten the class where you gained such knowledge?" The potions master sneered; a look over the classroom saw the Slytherin's looking shocked and hateful towards him. Nothing new there then…

"Yes sir, I purchased some advanced potions books from Flourish and Blotts, I like to read and I have a pretty good memory, it wasn't all that hard sir." Snape looked murderous, but Harry had been polite and he'd answered his questions correctly, there was nothing he could justify taking points for, then he spotted a mark on Harry's robes.

"Ten points for a dirty robe Mr Potter." The potions master sneered; the boy simply nodded and gave no other reaction.

I'll be damned if he's going to goad me into losing my temper and then losing a ton of house points, some of us can act like an adult… you may have saved my life and been an incredible spy but you're still a greasy, petty bastard. Hmm that vain sticking out of his forehead really does look like its going to explode... I am sure it will if I tell him about Albus Severus…

Harry led Ron, Hermione and Neville down to Hagrid's hut late that Friday afternoon, but not before Harry snuck off to the kitchens where two ever so helpful house elves named Blink and Sooty had given him a huge basket of treats that included cookies, cupcakes and mini treacle tarts… I love Hagrid to bits but there's no freaking way I am breaking my teeth off on his god awful rock cakes…

Minutes later he was pounding on Hagrid's door with his friends waiting nervously behind him, He'd told them all about Hagrid of course, but Hagrid was still huge in their eyes and they were only eleven. It didn't help that he flung open the door and nearly dragged Harry inside, "Its good ter see ya Harry…" Hagrid engulfed him in a mildly terrifying bone crushing hug. Maybe I went a bit over board with my letters…and mirror calls?

"Hello Hagid, can you let go? Or my brain is going to pop out of my head?" Harry managed to gasp.

Instantly he was let go and stumbled onto the floor, "Thanks."

Hagrid turned to look over the other first years "Hagrid, I hope it's okay but I wanted you to meet some of the friends I've made."

"O'course Harry, take a seat you lot an I'll put the kettle on and get some rock cakes."

"Erm Hagrid…I brought our own from the kitchens…" Harry held up his basket grinning.

So they sat as Hagrid bustled around making tea and pulling plates while Harry dived into the basket snaring himself a treacle tart before Ron got there. The foursome started telling Hagrid all about their first week as Hogwarts students, "Well I am pretty sure that Professor Snape hates me, but I am not sure why… any ideas Hagrid?"

Hagrid seemed to shrug and turn a little red. How did I not notice that before?

"You know something…" Harry didn't accuse him; it was a statement of fact.

"Well yeah, Snape and yeh mum they were friends for years at Hogwarts, they fell out about fifth or six year I think, then yeh dad came along…" Hagrids voice trailed away.

"So he hates me, because he lost my mum to my dad… how pathetic… the man needs to grow a pair and get on with his life." Harry didn't quite realise what he said, but Hermione had gone scarlet, Ron and Neville also looked embarrassed…Ah eleven year olds…wait a year or two and they'll all be obsessing over body parts…

Their conversation continued until it was almost time to go to the great hall for dinner, Harry had carefully returned the conversation to his parents friends a few times, he had now found out more about Remus Lupin, rediscovered that his parents had been friends with Neville's parents, Harry had even asked Hagrid if he had godparents. It was at that point that Hagrid stood and declared that they should head back to the castle, which Ron wholeheartedly agreed.

"How can you still be hungry?" Hermione hissed in Ron's ear "You practically ate most of the cakes that Harry bought."

"I am a growing boy." Ron answered in a tone that was oddly like his mother, but only Harry knew it.

Harry snorted… "I get the feeling that all the lads will be eating their own weight in food every day for the next few years Hermione… it's the joys of growing up and wanting to be strapping lads for the lovely young witches that wonder the halls of Hogwarts." Damn it I must get a filter for the whole brain mouth thing… they've all gone red again.

"Personally I want to build myself up, I want to be on the quidditch team next year, the game sounds amazing…" That launched Ron and Neville into wild conversation of the games that they had seen.

Harry was sure that Hermione mouthed the word Boys…

Ooo000ooO

A few weeks later Harry lay on his bed in Griffindor tower thinking, in the morning would their first flying lesson. Do I let things happen like they did before? Harry had already made dozens of changes, Hermione was part of their little clique along with Neville, he had made a conscious effort to be a better friend to them, even if that had included a few harsh words to Ron to bring him on board with Hermione. Neville was becoming more confident and was starting to come out of his shell; Hermione had seemed to relax a bit and was starting to enjoy having friends… Do I let Neville fall? Do I challenge Malfoy for the rememberall? Would that even happen this time around? While thinking these things he questioned his future plans…Do I want to play quidditch this time around? HELL YES.. Harry had always had a secret desire that he'd never told anyone about, the war, teaching and the ministry had gotten in the way but he'd always wanted to see if he was good enough to play for England. If I get on the team this year then so be it… if not next year, I'll turn up with a Nimbus 2001 and really fly…Oliver will piss himself. Hmm his thoughts changed…what to do about the Weasleys and Ginny… Nothing…I have to get the diary first… If I don't get that then all my plans fall apart…

Harry nearly always sat at the back of his classes, that way he wouldn't be noticed too much by his teachers, however the plan didn't really work, to them he was Harry Potter, The Boy Who Lived. His ease with magic was quickly realised particularly by Professor McGonagall and Flitwick, it had gotten to the point where he didn't actually try to do the spellwork until others had mastered the spell, this had also been noted by his professors. Flitwick eventually kept him back after class one day, the tiny wizard sat on the edge of a huge pile of books.

"Mr Potter, I wanted a word about your skills."

Harry mentally grimaced "Sir.."

"I know your holding back young man."

"Ah.." Harry paused looking for the right words, eventually deciding on the truth, sort of "Sir to be honest, I find what were doing really easy and I don't want to rub it in my friend's faces."

Professor Flitwick chuckled "You know we could move you up to one of the higher years."

Harry gasped "I don't want to do that sir, I don't want to leave my friends, I'll be fine, though I might join a few of the after class clubs."

The tiny wizard bounced on his books "You know I run a charms club on Tuesday nights."

It was a crisp morning when the Slytherins and the Griffindors marched outside to their first flying lesson, Draco had tried to take the Rememberall that morning but this time Neville had actually stood up to the blonde haired boy and he didn't even get to touch the gift… Draco must be seething; he will try and take it.

"Hermione the books I've read on flying all say the same things, you have to relax and be confident… you'll do fine…" He leaned in a little closer and whispered so that only she could hear as they neared the line of brooms for their lesson "If Ron can fly, I am sure we can." Hermione gave him a rather warm smile… That's odd…it's almost like…no... it can't be….does she like me? No No No…

Five minutes into the lesson and Neville was being carted off to the hospital wing when Draco grabbed the rememberall… Here we go… I wonder if I can make him crap himself again…

"Give it back Malfoy…" Hermione screeched… weird wasn't it Parvati last time..?

"Shut up you filthy mudblood…how dare you talk to me…"

"MALFOY…" Harry hissed… the class became silent, "I warned you last time, now hand that back and apologise."

"No..I think I'll leave this for Longbottom to find… catch me if you can Potter!"

Just like the last timeline Malfoy jumped on his broom and flew off, but unlike the time before Harry was quicker off the mark and headed straight for the other boy who seemed stunned… Harry didn't slow down, but looped Malfoy…

"I'll give you one chance… give it to me."

"Piss off Potter…You wont get lucky this time."

"Draco…you seem to think your better than everybody else…stop being a snotty little wanker and acting like you have a broom shoved up your arse and we could be friends, but carry on the way you have and I'll guarantee you wont like what happens."

Malfoy flushed and without a word threw the rememberall… Harry dived after it and caught it long before it even came close to hitting the ground, he rolled out of his dive and headed straight for Malfoy…I am gonna get you now…

Malfoy seemed to realise his error and panicked, diving as fast as he could for the ground, Harry intentionally missed hitting him by inches then looped and did it again… Malfoy rolled off his broom and hit the grass in a heap. Harry leaped off as soon as he was close, rolled and was back on his feet in a second, his wand drawn only inches from Malfoy, his eyes flaring blood red.

"Say goodbye Draco…." The boy's eyes widened, that's when Harry knew that he actually feared for his life, he reached back with his left hand and slammed it into Draco's head, his nose broken and pouring blood. "Next time I cut something off." Harry pointed his wand at the top of Draco's legs, "Do you understand you pathetic little tosser, I'll turn you into a girl… the hard way." Draco nodded fear in his eyes.

Harry lowered his wand, he saw Professor McGonagall making her way out to the grounds… Harry turned and waited for Draco…I know him better than he knows himself…there's no way Draco Malfoy can let that pass…

"DIFFINDO." Snarled Malfoy, behind Harry.

Harry was ready, he gave a slight twist.. A shield charm burst from his wand, which easily repelled Draco's severing charm; he followed by a muttered Expelliarmus then a shouted stunner… Draco was flung twenty foot back and again landed spread eagle on the grass out cold..

"HARRY POTTER." Shouted Professor McGonagall "IN ALL MY YEARS…."

Harry steeled himself and waited for her to calm down, he knew Minerva as well, she was upset but more from worry than anything else.

"Professor… Malfoy started it when he stole from Neville" He handed over the rememberall, "He also insulted Hermione again," He stood proud "I stand by what I did and I accept full responsibility for my actions." She seemed to stare at him, as if trying to decide what to do.

She grabbed his arm and instead of going to find Oliver Wood they soon found themselves in Professor McGonagall's office.

"Mr Potter what am I going to do with you?" She asked in an exasperated tone.

"Well I was hoping you could just take house points…and I could avoid detention." He answered sheepishly with a bit of a grin.

She gave him a look… "Was that your first time on a broom?"

"Yes Professor… I must say it was wonderful." Yeah brilliant… I haven't been on a broom in years…Ginny just wouldn't allow it once I turned ninety.

"You understand I just can't dismiss the fact that you flew without the presence of a flying instructor, and from what I saw hit Draco Malfoy and then duelled him, though I must say it was rather good spell work on your part."

"Professor he's just lucky I didn't throw a severing charm back at him, otherwise I am sure he'd be in pieces right now."

"He sent a severing charm at your back?" She asked obviously angry and startled at Harry's reply.

"Yes… though to be fair… I did frighten him, hit him and told him I'd turn him into a girl the hard way if it happened again… so I sort of asked for it."

His head of house snorted.

Harry continued "If there are two things I can't stand its thieves and bullies, Draco Malfoy is both, I have been bullied all my life thanks to my so called family… I won't put up with it anymore."

Professor McGonagall seemed to take this in, and came to a decision.

"I will take twenty five house points and you will serve a detention with Hagrid tomorrow night… I will also speak with Oliver Wood, he's the Gryffindor Quidditch captain… you have skill with a broomstick, I believe you would be an excellent seeker."

"I thought first years couldn't have their own brooms?"

"Normally they can't but I will have a word with the headmaster, I am sure something could be arranged."

Ooo000ooO

Harry found the others at lunch, Neville was holding his hand rather gingerly and Harry instantly felt guilty… I'll find a way to make it up to him some how.

"So when you leaving?" Ron asked resigned to the fact that Harry would be expelled.

"I am not, I lost some points and got a detention, but it also looks like I made it onto the quidditch team as a seeker."

"WHAT?" The three all said together.

"Apparently I am a good flyer…oh and Neville…McGonagall has your rememberall." And with that Harry started tucking into his lunch to the stunned faces of his friends.

Professor McGonagall came and found him later that evening in the Gryffindor common room.

"Ah Potter, I have spoken to the headmaster and he has agreed, you can join the team, so we now need to get you a broom, any ideas what you would like?"

"I did see one at Diagon Alley… it's a Nimbus 2000… are they any good?"

"That's the best broom on the market at the moment… I will arrange to have the gold from your account at Gringotts to pay for it."

Now just how many people had access…? Merlin's balls I was dumb as a bag of dungbombs the first time round.

"I am sorry Professor, but I am the only person that has access to my account, how is it you do?"

McGonagall seemed off balance for a second.

"Mr Potter, the headmaster, as your magical guardian also has access."

"I am sure that he did… but when I went to Gringotts, the goblins put a blood lock on all my vaults, I told them I didn't want anyone else to have access.. in case my key was ever stolen."

"I see… well in that case, I will arrange for a trip to Diagon Alley." Harry motioned her to come closer so they could talk without being over heard.

"It's not necessary, I also own a large stake in the Nimbus Broom Company, I'll owl them and see about sending me a broom."

See gave him an incredulous look "Very well Mr Potter."

I wonder if she'll tell the headmaster… I mean really... if I hadn't been so stunned the first time to Diagon Alley I am sure I would have asked, but because I didn't know, I never bothered to check again…

Three days latter Harry received a reply to his letter to the general manager of the Nimbus Broom Company.

Dear Mr Potter

It pleased me greatly to hear from you, as you are now aware you own a twenty five percent stake in the company. The other shareholders are a member of the Black family and a trust of various witches and wizards all over the world…rest assured that your investment is doing well…

Congratulations on making the house team… in your first year no less… well done sir…I was a chaser myself for Ravenclaw…many many years ago…

By all means we will of course provide you with a Nimbus 2000 free of charge, if that is your wish, however we are currently also developing next years model, the Nimbus 2001. We have a number of prototypes and we are ready for mass production, I would like to offer you a deal… a free 2001 model if we can use your name as an endorsement. I believe this would help sales and obviously increase your own wealth… we would also like to hold back a select number of brooms and brand them as the Harry Potter Special Editions; you would have the first of these…

Please write back at your earliest convenience

Mr Alexander M. Luther

This gets better and better, now I can't wait to see Malfoy's face. Harry picked up a quill and sent a short reply.