First Visit
As Harry walk towards the GH for breakfast one thing become clear most of them are childish. Not knowing the potential of their power or having any motive to guide them. Arguing, making ruckus over petty reason. He couldn't bear the humiliation of befriending them. Even Slytherin were nothing then self-egoist, pompous brats. The Gryffindor were a nuisance Esp. The TWIN RED HEADED WEASLEY. Their pranks though good were aimed at Slytherins.
Different teachers, usually with other houses, took the classes. Neither house worked smoothly with Slytherins. Prof. McGonagall taught Transfiguration. Her appearance demanded obedience and respect, which she received without ado. Before staring, she lectured about good conduct and responsibility. Only way to impress her is through excelling in her subject. However, when he finished the task of turning match into needle He did not received very liberal praise. As the class, progressed one thing became very clear. There is a very large wall of skill separating Harry form other student.
The strangest class he ever attended turned out to be DADA. The moment he entered the class, a strange sensation engulfed him, one that of intimidation in a presence of Powerful wizard. Professor Quirrell is definitely more powerful than Snape but less than that of Prof. McGonagall. His aura was more sinister black than that of Snape and his mother, something to do with close involvement with dark arts. Hence, he is a DADA teacher. For all the hype, Quirrell's lessons turned out to be a bit of a joke. Quirrell nervous and trembling couldn't even string two words properly. He was terrified of his own shadows. "What a rug of teacher?" Draco muttered as they left the classroom. Though Harry wanted to agree, the way Quirrell acted seemed bogus as if he is hiding his identity.
Professor Flitwick he liked immediately. The tiny little part wizard (Dumbledore had showed him how aura of part human differed from humans) who had to stand on a pile of books to see over his desk. Here is someone who has dedicated his life only to teach others.
The thing that intrigued him more than lesson was the castle itself. For some reason he felt very safe and secured.
Friday was an imp day. He is having a lesson from Professor Dumbledore. He was sitting in his usual couch, which is near the fireplace. A little away, Draco is talking to his goons, "I wrote to my father, Dumbledore has really gone senile, allowing so many mudbloods to study here. There is one in our year too. The Granger girl. "
"Really?" Harry asked. Draco was trying to avoid him from the Sorting night.
Crabbe and Goyle looked scared, remembering the Express incident.
"So, the so called prince of Slytherin is too scared to talk to me alone."
"Crabbe, Goyle– you wait outside. I will be there in a sec." Draco drawled.
"Are you feeling scared?" Harry asked in mocking tone.
Once they were alone, Harry asked properly, "what is going on?" like his father, Draco too had a unique talent for mining information. And, whatever happens, Draco will always work for him. He owes a wizard debt after all.
After side glancing to see whether any one is spying or not, Draco speaks, "there are some strange rumors flying around in the society."
"Strange. In what ways"
"Someone is spreading the news about the chosen one is alive. " Draco pauses.
"My father is saying that your mother is behind the Gringgot break in. Your mother is trying to resurrect The Dark Lord."
"Preposterous." Harry exclaimed. Something didn't add up here. His mother though has some faults is loyal to Dumbledore.
" ... hence I can't be seen with you." Draco speaks haughtily and walked away. Harry stood rooted there for a long time. His mother is doing something reckless. He must ask Dumbledore about it.
Potion is the only lesson that took place in the dungeons. The room is creepy with many bottled animals and smoky air. The class was already in full swing and Snape was giving some lecture when he arrived.
"Black, you are late, next time I won't be so lenient." Potion being the only class they took together with their arch rivals Gryffindor. All the Gryffindors scowled; most violent of them was a red headed Gryffindor, definitely a Weasly muttered something. Neville just shook his head.
"As I was saying before we were disturbed, any misbehavior in my class will not be tolerated." Snape stops for a sec and asked suddenly, "What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"
"Tut tut… any one." Snape muttered ignoring Hermione's hand.
"Let us see, Longbottom, What is the difference between monkshood and wolfs bane."
"I don't know. But, I think Hermione knows. Why don't you ask her?"
Few people snickered.
Snape was not pleased. "For your information, Longbottom asphodel and wormwood make a sleeping potion so powerful it is known as the Draught of Living Death. As for monkshood and wolfs bane, they are the same plant, which also goes by the name of aconite. Well? Why aren't you all copying that down?"
There was a sudden rummaging for quills and parchment. Over the noise, Snape said, "And a point will be taken from Gryffindor House for your cheek, Longbottom."
Harry had an urge to tease Snape just a little. "Sir, what Neville was saying is right." Harry speaks.
Snape stared. Harry defiantly returned it. He is testing Snape a little.
"Detention, Mr. Black. Do not make me take points." Some Gryffindors scowled.
As the class progressed, they start to mix simple potion to cure boils. Harry was feeling little moody and rebellious. He decided to make Zabini his target. Whenever he would try to add a potion ingredient, he would have severe urge to itch. Thank to Harry (who could perform itching spell wordlessly and wandlessly)
Snape criticized everyone potion. Gryffindor bore most of the burnt along with Zabini; he praised only Malfoy and completely ignored Harry.
At last, the lecture finished. For Detention, he has cleaned the room. It took him his whole afternoon to clean the dungeon. Once he finished cleaned he heads up for dinner. After dinner, he asked Bloody Baron to show him the way to Dumbledore's office. Bloody Baron is a very creepy looking ghost who can scare Peeves to boot. Baron will help if asked for help properly.
He stopped before a large and extremely ugly stone gargoyle speaks the password 'Crunchy bar'. The gargoyle sprang suddenly to life and hopped aside as the wall behind him split in two. He stepped onto it the wall thud closed behind them. They rose upward in circles, higher and higher, until at last, slightly dizzy, Harry saw a gleaming oak door ahead, with a brass knocker in the shape of a griffin. He is about to knock, when he heard Dumbledore talking. Talking very clearly as if someone and someone (Dumbledore) wants him to hear it.
"Albus, the bait is taken." With a shock, Harry recognized his mother voice.
"Good." Dumbledore sighed, "As expected."
"The other scums and thin bloods are starting to fear me again." Bella continued gleefully.
"Has Tom revealed himself to you, yet?"
"No but soon."
There is a silence, so intense that even crackling of fire could be heard.
"Ministry will act before Friday." Dumbledore supplied.
"Those weak runts think they can capture me. Ha."
"I won't be able to help you nor will my order intervene."
"Playing safe, are you Albus?" Bella sneered. "I don't need any help from an old geezer like you to protect Harry."
"Bella, I am too trying to protect Harry. Pardon me for my lack of modesty being far more brainer than you, my ways tend to be indirect."
"Books, Ha!" his mother snorted. "If I had my way he would be apprenticed to Kwain."
Suddenly Bella stops talking. "I have to go. Someone has entered my domain."
"Please be careful. Do not do anything harsh. There are people waiting for you."
"Tell Harry that I love him." His mother spoke with difficulty. The rawness of tone made his heart very heavy with emotion. He couldn't stop himself. Harry pushes the door open.
"Mom wait." However, he was too late.
"So, you were spying." Dumbledore spoke gently with twinkle in his eyes.
"You-you did it on purpose." Harry accused. His voice strangely flattened.
"I thought it is a good idea for you to hear your mother's voice. She wouldn't have been able to speak so frankly with you around."
Harry had no answer; hence, he sits on the chair.
"How was your first week here, with already a detention under your belt?" Dumbledore asked.
Harry just smiled.
"You shouldn't have tested Prof Snape in such a way." Dumbledore mildly chided.
"Sorry, I just wanted to see whether his is impartial or not."
Fawkes screeched nodding its beautiful head.
"There is no use chasing moon rabbits. Are you ready?"
"Yes sir."
"Let us dive into arcane mystery of magic."
"Harry what are difference between metamorphosis, poly juicing and shadow shifting."
"Umm. I don't know."
"Think," Dumbledore smiled, "magic is just application of thoughts."
Harry closed his eyes. Metamorphosis… once a person had come with his mother. He could change his hairs, face and shape on demand. To amuse him he turned himself into portly old woman with squeaky voice.
"Metamorphosis don't need bit of hair to change shape while Poly juicing and shape-shifting needs it. "
"That is pretty much correct." Dumbledore answers as he nods his head. "Read this book to understand the theory."
Harry looked at the title, 'Ancient Celtic Powers.' Name of the author is not visible.
"Before we depart let us practice." Dumbledore spoke mildly, but for some reason that tone never bode good.
