Harry Potter and the journey of magic Chapter 9, a harry potter fanfic

A/N: Harry Potter books and characters belong to JKR. I take no credit for any repeated quote or event from the original source.

Chapter 9

If anyone asked, Ren would have completely denied having ever considered it. However, the idea of having been sorted into Ravenclaw or for that matter, Hufflepuff, was beginning to sound tempting. It's not that the members of Gryffindor were mean or prejudiced, on the contrary, they were quite easy going, though maybe a little too loud for his taste. No, the problem was the Gryffindor-Slytherin rivalry that had been present even before the sorting had started. Not even the first lesson had passed and there had already been insults filling the halls whenever teachers weren't present.

On the other hand, Ren had been eager for their first astronomy class. Not just because Aurora would be the one teaching it, but because she had managed to teach him the basics of astronomy. While most would consider it a boring subject since a wand wasn't used, he found it fascinating how different planetary positions could cause such influence on his magic.

''You'll be building up your knowledge on the planetary movement from here on out'' Aurora explained as she glared towards the sleeping Weasley.''By the next lesson, Id like your chart's to be finished since they are the very base of your OWL's Astronomy exam. That will be all for tonight. Also Mr. Weasley, I would appreciate if you didn't use my lesson to take a nap'' Professor Sinistra said in annoyance before turning to look at Ren. ''Mr. Rosier, would you mind waiting for a minute.'' She said as students started leaving the tower, eventually only leaving the two of them.

''So how did you find your first astronomy class Ren?'' She asked in a much more easy-going manner.

''It answered a lot of questions as to why it's a core subject. The books don't quite explain the subject.''

''They don't, do they? The ministry usually only published what they want us to know, which usually ends up making the subject harder to learn. For example, what could knowing the position of the planets help you with?'' She asked fitting her teacher mode.

''Growth of plants, potion brewing and types of magic.'' He said of by heart.

''Correct'' She praised before she seemed to debate a thought. ''They also are a huge factor in rituals. The ministry has banned any type of ritual claiming that they were a dark branch of magic. For example, there are many healing rituals that could have greatly advanced our knowledge in the healing fields, but out of fear from what they don't understand they banned the whole subject, branding it as dark magic. Now a day's the only way to learn rituals is by learning from first-hand experience in other countries'.'' She explained to Ren, who absorbed every word like a sponge. ''Of course, I would appreciate if you didn't repeat that knowledge since it could get me into trouble.'' She warned him.

''I understand, I'll keep it to myself.'' Ren nodded knowing that what she had just told him could get her, and maybe even himself into a lot of trouble.

''On another note, how have you found Hogwarts so far? I noticed you get along with Longbottom and Li.'' She asked curiously.

''Hogwarts definitely lives up to its name. Neville is really nice, and we getting to know each other since we go to all the same classes. Su's nice, but we usually only get to talk in the library or during a Gryffindor Ravenclaw class.'' He replied causing her to smile. She was glad that he was socializing with kids his own age, even if it was with the quiet ones.

Noticing that there was something else on his mind she waited to see if he said anything else. ''I don't like how much tension there is between the houses.'' He commented quietly as he looked up at the sky thoughtfully.''

''The houses have always had some tension, but when I started attending Hogwarts it's when things started to get really out of hand. Slytherin was accused by Gryffindor for being a dark house, and Slytherin retaliated, causing Hufflepuff to split to whoever house had they loyalties while Ravenclaw distanced themselves. Eventually, things became how they are now. Each house to themselves, which is why it's surprising for Li to still spend time with the two of you. ''She explained as Ren listened thoughtfully.

''On another note, Mary's been complaining that she's lost her personal chef'' Aurora said causing Ren to softly laugh. ''I'm afraid she's gone back to sandwiches.'' She confessed, joining him at laughing at Mary. ''You should probably go back to the common room before Flitch catches you up here.''

''Good night Aurora''

''Good night'' She said back as she watched him walking down the stairs. Now if she could only get him to hug her so that she could shut Mary up.

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Herbology was a much more complex subject than the others and he found it much more difficult to grasp. He was pretty sure that the only reason he was doing well was that he had over two years advantage over the rest of the students, most which hadn't even opened their books before the start of term. Neville, on the other hand, was the living definition, something that had made him blush when Ren had voiced his thought at the end of the class.

''I wasn't that good'' He mumbled to himself causing Ren to softly laugh.

''So you didn't answer every question perfectly?'' He asked in amusement.

''You did as well.'' He pointed out, in turn, made a small blush grace Ren's face.

''But nowhere near as well as you did.'' He retorted playfully as they reached the classroom hall.

Whatever Neville was going to answer was lost to him as one of the student's some few meters in front of him fall dropping her books. Usually, if she would have stood up he would have ignored it, however, he was pretty sure that one of his own house members had purposely made her fall as they laughed at her while walking away while she picked up her books.

''You okay?'' Ren asked in concern as he passed one of her books for her.

''Huh?'' She asked surprised. Almost as she wasn't expecting anyone to notice. ''Y-Yes, sorry. I wasn't looking where I was going.'' She lied as she piled all her books before picking them up. ''Thanks''

''No problem. I'm Ren, Ren Rosier. A pleasure to meet you'' He said offering his hand to which she seemed to momentarily hesitate.

''Hermione Granger'' She responded shaking his hand before mumbling another thank you and walking into the classroom.

History of magic was taught by Professor Binns, a ghost that had died years ago next to the staff room fire and had apparently forgotten his body. The lessons were, not up to a professional standard, at least not in his opinion. His monotone voice left a lot to be desired, but he did give quite some few facts that weren't in any of the history books that Ren had read. That being said Neville had fallen asleep in the first five minutes, and he had managed to stay awake much more than most of the other students, so it really didn't say a lot of positives for the teacher.

By the time the first ten minutes of the lesson had passed, Ren was unsure as to what to think of the History class. One look around and the only other student that was taking notes...for that matter the only other student that was actually awake was Hermione Granger, who also seemed to find it difficult to stay awake.

Even he had found it hard to stay awake during the history lesson. Ren was pretty sure that his past experience of having to stay awake during periods of exhaustion was the only reason he was succeeding. By the time the class had finished both him and Hermione whored proud looks on the faces for their achievement.

Filius, or rather Professor Flitwick started by explaining what charms were and how there could be applied in the day to day usage. They had then started taking notes on the basics of chanting of charms, mostly the importance in hand moment and clarity in wording. Followed by that he had instructed them on how to do the Lumos spell, which he practiced using silent casting. A fact that no one realized since they were too occupied trying to get any form of light on their own wand.

Professor McGonagall had given of the message of being a Strict and clever witch, something that had greatly amused Ren when she had scared the whole class turning from a cat into a person. After taking some few notes, they were each given a match and started trying to turn it into a needle. Just like in charms he attempted to do so while silent casting. By the end of the lesson, he had both turned his own match and managed to help Neville to turn his own into a needle. Ren, Neville were two of the three people that had managed to turn they matched into needles, the third being the same witch that had staid awaked during History of Magic

Defence Against the Dark Arts had been a huge disappointment. His classroom smelled strongly of garlic, which everyone said was to ward off a vampire he'd met in Romania and was afraid would be coming back to get him one of these days. It didn't help that he had been looking forward to the class, and the only thing they had managed to do was get him to introduce himself. By the end of the class, he had been reading from his own book has decided that the teacher was a lost cause.

Potions lessons took place down inside of the dungeons. It lived up to its name with an unfriendly temperature through eerie halls with the pickled animals floating in glass jars all around the walls. They were arguments between the Slytherin and Gryffindor first years, which Ren realized was led between Ron Weasley with two other of his dorm mates against most of the Slytherin first years. The only two Slytherin students that weren't taking part in the argument were two witched that looked in disapproval at their other slithering classmate.

Before the fight could escalate to wands the door slammed opened, indicating the entry of all the students. As the students entered the two houses were split on either side of the class. Sitting next to Neville, Ren noted that Professor Snape was carefully observing all the students in the room, most likely taking note of who had been in the fight. He was most likely observing them to note which people he should favour and which he shouldn't. A true Slytherin he mused.

''You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion making," He began after some few prolonged seconds of silence. He spoke in a tone which was barely more than a whisper. ''There is little foolish wand-waving here, many of you will hardly believe this is magic. I don't expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses... I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death...if you aren't as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach.'' He finished. Ren noted that the last remark was directly directed towards the Gryffindor side of the class.

More silence followed this little speech. Many students exchanged looks with raised eyebrows, though Ren noted that all of them were on the Gryffindor side. Hermione Granger was on the only other Gryffindor that still seemed eager to start the class. Probably wanted to prove that she wasn't a dunderhead.

"Weasley!" said Snape suddenly. "What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"

"I don't know." Ron said nervously as Professor Snape's lips curled into a sneer.

''I don't know, Sir." He said in clear annoyance, ignoring both Hermione's and Ren's raised hand.

''Finnigan, where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?'' He asked, causing Hermione to stretch her hand as high into the air as it would go without her leaving her seat. It took Ren all of his self-control to not to laugh at the scene.

"I don't know, sir."

Snape was still ignoring Hermione's waving hand. "Rosier'' He said turning to Ren. ''What is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?"

''They are the same plant, Sir. I think it also goes by the name of aconite.'' Ren said trying his best to not sound nervous.

Professor Snape looked at him strangely for some few long seconds.'' And the answer to the previous questions?''

''Asphodel and wormwood make an incredibly powerful sleeping potion, known as the Draught of Living Death that can last indefinitely. This draught is very dangerous and is regulated by the Ministry, with the only known form of reversing it being the Wiggenweld Potion. '' He said remembering all his mother books with countless of notes in them ''A bezoar is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat, it is an antidote to most poisons.'' He said before coming to a stop momentarily thinking. ''The only poisons I know that a bezor wouldn't be able to nullify would be basilisk and possible elder Acromantula venom, thought its possible that it could slow the effects.'' He finished leaving the whole class in complete silence

Hermione seemed to have forgotten to lower her hand, while every other student looked at him with wide eyes, even Professor Snape seemed surprised that he was able to answer all his questions. ''Well? What are you waiting for? Write that down.'' He finally managed to say as everyone did what they were told.

After the classic introduction, Professor Snape made them start brewing the Cure for Boils Potion. Ren wandered what he was trying to achieve by moving around the room as he watched them closely. Criticising all the Gryffindor students but ignoring the Slythering, going as far as to praise the way Malfoy had stewed his horned slugs.

Ron Weasley had somehow managed to melt Seamus's cauldron, and their potion was melting the surface of the stone floor. Within seconds, the whole class was standing on their stools while Weasley, who had been drenched in the potion when the cauldron collapsed, moaned in pain as angry red boils sprang up all over his arms and legs.

"Idiot boy!" snarled Snape, clearing the spilled potion away with one wave of his wand. "I suppose you added the porcupine quills before taking the cauldron off the fire?"

Ron whimpered as boils started to pop up all over his nose. "Take him up to the hospital wing," Snape spat at Seamus, who was all too happy to comply.

After the class had ended, the Slytherin students hadn't even managed to start to pack by the time the last Gryffindor left the classroom. It was a full two minutes until Neville even dared to look back.

''So...'' Ren trailed off as they reached the library.

''That was terrifying'' Neville finished.

''From Neville's face, I guess you just came from potions?'' Su said quietly as they sat down with her.

''Professor Snape is horrible.'' Neville whispered more to himself then to the other two.

''I know. I heard from the upper years that he was biased to all houses that weren't his own, but I was hoping for some level of professionalism from him.'' Su agreed with a nod.

Hearing that made Neville snort. ''Professionalism? Trever would have been a much better teacher than him.''

''Did you realize that he was picking on the people that were picking a fight with Slythering.'' Ren pointed out while he was in deep thought.

Neville looked at him thoughtfully before nodding. ''Now that you mention it he did, didn't he?''

''I also realized that he was looking at them when we were sitting down'' Ren committed thinking to himself. ''Su? Do you know if potions are always taken together by the same houses?''

Su stopped writing for some few seconds as she had to think about what Ren had just asked. ''I would have to ask the upper years to make sure, but I think so.''

''I may have imagined it but I felt like...I suppose it doesn't really matter now. We should do our potions essay while it's still fresh in out mind Nev.'' Ren trailed of, taking his potions book out.

A small smile graced Neville face at the use of a nickname that wasn't an insult. As an only child from a pureblood family, he had lived a very lonely life. Thought he had been overjoyed when he had gotten his Hogwarts letter, a part of him had expected to be ostracised by the rest of his year, which was why he had hoped that he could end up Hufflepuff, the house of loyalty.

Meeting Ren had been strange. He didn't really know much about him, and he hadn't known him more than a week. And yet there was something about him that just made him know that if he ever needed it Ren would have his back. ''I didn't know we actually learned anything in potions today'' He commented dryly as Ren smiled at the truth of that comment.

''That's why we have potion books?'' He asked playfully as he picked up one of the potion books and passed it to Neville.

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''How did he get to be a professor, he's even a worse teacher than Snape'' Neville whined as they walked out of the Defence against the Dark arts.'' I swear the only reason I'm going to pass this year is that you're teaching me.''

''Are we allowed to skive lessons?'' Ren asked thoughtfully, trying to recall if there were any of the thousands of rules that would allow them to skive class.

''I don't think so?'' Neville said somewhat hopeful that he was wrong.

''Rosier'' Someone called for him as both boys came to a stop and looked at the source of the voice.

In front of them were two Hufflepuff's students that Ren remembered being in their year. ''Hannah, Susan. It's good to see you'' Neville said somewhat nervously.

''Neville'' The girl Ren assumed was Hannah greeted back before looking at Ren. ''We heard your conversation about teaching Neville.'' She started leaving the sentence opened.

''Technically speaking, as long as you get your head of house's permission, and pass you end of year exam you don't have to attend any lessons. ''The red-haired Hufflepuff explained.

''We also heard what Neville said about you teaching him DADA'' She pointed out. ''And we were wondering if you'd be interested in teaching the two of us since it doesn't take a genius to figure out that we aren't going to pass this year if we get taught by Quirrell.'' She explained.

Ren thought about the request Hannah had just asked for. ''I don't mind, thought maybe it would be fairer if we made it a study session where we help each other out? It seems fair to make it a give or take where you offer or get help. ''He offered as Susan momentarily locked at Hannah before both of them smiled at the idea.

''Sounds good. Would it be just the four of us?'' Hannah asked.

''Su would probably also join. ''Neville said thoughtfully as Ren nodded in agreement.

''Is there anyone else you had in mind?'' He asked.

''We were thinking of asking Daphne from Slytherin,'' Susan explained slowly waiting to see if Ren showed any rivalry against the house. When he didn't seem faced she continued the sentence.'' We will get back to you after we talk to her. Thanks for agreeing to our request'' She thanked as both Hufflepuff's walked towards the next lesson.

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Draco Malfoy was a...how could he say it without using an inappropriate description...a spoilt brat that believed that his father's money could get him anywhere. Luckily they only shared potions with him, and even if potions was possible the worst subject to share with Malfoy, it was more than worth it if he could spend the rest of his time Malfoy free.

''Why can't he shut up for ten seconds? Ten seconds! That's all I ask'' Neville whined while Weasley didn't stop talking about their flying lessons.

''You know that Weasley lives only to eat and obsess over Quidditch'' Ren said in amusement, even if Weasley was starting to irritate him as well.

''And chess'' Neville added as Su nodded in agreement. ''I really don't look forward to making myself look like a fool in front of Malfoy.'' He added slightly less cheerfully.

''Malfoy makes a fool of himself twenty-four seven'' Su pointed out making the trio laugh.

''True, but he also talks about flying a lot of the time, honestly almost as much as Weasley does.''

''That isn't saying much, I'm pretty sure you two are the only boys from our year that ant quidditch fanatics. Why else do you think the girls are always talking about you two.'' She said with a mischievous grin.

Su Li was in general incredibly timid and preferred to spend time with her books rather than with people. But once you managed to break through her shell she was surprisingly mischievous and playful. Both Neville and Ren were seeing that quite clearly at the moment as they simply stared at her.

''I get Ren, but me?'' Neville asked in shock.

''Both of you a getting popular since you're the only ones that can actually put Malfoy in his place.'' She pointed out.

Now that he thought about it they had had some few confrontations with Malfoy in the month that they had spent at Hogwarts. It hadn't even exalted to wand and people were impressed by that?

''Anyway, good luck with your flying lesson, make sure that Malfoy makes a fool of himself.'' She said happily.

''I thought you just said he can do that himself?'' Ren pointed out.

''I meant more than usual'' She said as she walked towards the Ravenclaw table, smiling at the comment.

While they were eating they breakfast, Ren noted that Neville was listening to any and every sentence Hermione was saying she had read from Quidditch Through the Ages. He was desperate for anything that might help him hang on to his broomstick later, but everybody else was relieved when her lecture was interrupted by the arrival of the mail.

''Hello beautiful'' Ren said happily, stroking his owl's feathers as he untied the letter he had gotten from Mary. He'd spent most of his time in the common room with Hedwig, but it was nowhere near the amount of time they used to spend with each other, and both of them missed it.

A barn owl brought Neville a small package from his grandmother. He opened it excitedly and showed Ren a glass ball the size of a large marble, containing white-like smoke.

''It's a Remembrall!'' he explained to Ren who had raised his eyebrow in confusion. ''You know how often I forget things. It tells you if there's something you've forgotten to do. Look, you hold it tight like this and if it turns red and...oh... '' He trailed off as it glowed scarlet, ''... I've forgotten something...'' Ren had to think for some few seconds before he noted that Neville stood out from all the people sitting next to him.

''Nev, you forgot you outer robe'' He pointed out. Neville had to look down before blushing realizing that he was right.

''Wow, even with the Remembrall you still manage to tell me what I forget. Thanks, I'll go for it now.''

''No problem, no Remembrall can usurp me!'' He bragged causing Neville to Grin.

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''Well, what are you all waiting for?'' Madam Hooch barked. ''Everyone stand by a broomstick. Come on, hurry up, we haven't got all day. Everyone got they own broomstick?'' She asked looking around for confirmation. ''Stick out your right hand over your broom, and say Up!''

''UP'' everyone shouted in response. Ren almost dropped his when it came up immediately.

Once everyone had managed to get their broom in their hand, magically or not, Madam Hooch showed them how to mount their brooms without sliding off the end, correcting their grips and changing the form. Ren may have been slightly satisfied when she told Malfoy that his posture was appalling.

Eventually, in alphabetical order, they all took turns in testing their ability to fly. Ren noted that Malfoy, to his credit, did seem to have some skill riding his broom. On the other hand, both Neville and Hermione were even paler than Sir Nicholas when they had to go through the rings, roughly going through them at a very slow paste. Eventually, she called for Ren as he mounted his broom.

It was surprisingly...free. He hadn't expected it to be so easy, or for that matter that he would enjoy it so much. Before he knew it he was going through one loop to the next, gracefully moving at a high speed, turning and spinning as he actually enjoyed the course. It was surprisingly a lot like dulling, his brain just seemed to adapt and go in overdrive allowing the process to becomes quite an easy one. By the time he landed everyone was staring at him with gaping mouths. Funny how this was starting to become a common occurrence.

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''That was brilliant Ren! Malfoy was practically busting a blood vessel!'' Neville practically shouted as they entered the castle through its huge door's.

''It was pretty fun to fly through the sky.'' Ren admitted slightly embarrassed as to how much attention he had gotten. ''You also started getting the hang of it by the end of the lesson.''

''I didn't fall and break anything, so no arguing there. Unlike Malfoy that apparently refused to ride a broom as a commoner.'' Neville pointed out.

''Shut up you damn squid'' They hear a voice shout from behind. '' It's because of those useless brooms that I couldn't fly properly.'' He screeched.

''If you say so'' Ron said in satisfaction enjoying Malfoy's annoyance. This wasn't going to end up pretty.

''Ren's beaten you at everything so far, let me guess, its because your quill wasn't top quality.'' Seamus taunted also joining into the conversation.

''He's not better than ME'' He shouted.'' Tonight, I challenge you to a wizarding duel in the trophy room. Wands only with no contact. What's the matter? Scared?''
He taunted back as Ren simple raised his left eyebrow.

At that moment Hermione walked towards them having heard their conversations...or Malfoys moaning. ''Unsupervised duals are against school rules. So, of course, Ren's going to refuse your...''

''Shut up you filthy mudblood'' He shouted back gaining some few gasps from the crow they were building.

Neville seemed to have reached his limit as he glared at the blond annoyance. ''Take that back Malfoy or Ill...''

''Or you'll what squib? I'm simply telling her where her proper place in our society is, not that yours is much better.''

Neville seemed to have retreated back into his old self as he became tense. Thought she was doing very well in hiding it Hermione also seemed to have been upset about the comment Malfoy had made. Ren noted how many people were listening to the conversation but not taking any action.

''Seems like you not much better either Rosier. Seems like the rumours are right about you being a squib descendent.'' He said arrogantly.

''Actually, Hermione was right, might I add an again behind that, and you were wrong, again. I have no interest in dulling with a student as such low calibre as you, Malfoy.'' Before he could answer Ren turned to look at both Hermione and Neville. ''On the other hand, if either of you two is interested in having a dual, as long as its supervised, I'd be honoured to do so.'' Both Neville and Hermione seemed to have enjoyed his comment alongside most of the students that were listening.

''Low calibre? LOW CALIBRE? I'm heir to the noble house of Malfoy. Not to mention will one day inherit the title of Black. On the other hand your two squibs and a mudblood. I'm better than you by BIRTH!'' He shouted towards the three of them.

Though he seemed to want to say more Hermione beat him to it. ''So if you better than us, how is it that we are beating you in every single subject? Ren's even betting you in potion's. Wasn't it you who was saying you were a potion's prodigy?''

Neville also seemed to want to add his galleon into the pot. ''Seems to me that the professors know who of the two of you is better, Malfoy.'' He taunted regaining some confidence.

''YOU'RE not better than ME. ''He screamed as his face started to become a Gryffindor shade of red. ''The professor's a WRONG! You're WRONG! You simply too much of a coward to fight.''

''Fine then'' Ren breathed out reaching the end of his patience. Everyone seemed surprised that he had actually agreed to something Malfoy asked for. At least before they realized that there was more to that statement when a small mischievous almost taunting smile graced his face. ''How about we ask professor Flitwick to monitor the dual. Say...I don't know... in the Great Hall after dinner?'' He asked innocently, though some few understood what he was getting at.

Quite some few coloured passed through Malfoy's face, but the one he ended up with was a ghostly pale one even more white than his usual skin. Deciding to end the argument before a teacher or perfect, he sent an almost blank look to Malfoy that was more unsettling than any threatening one. ''Now Neville and I are hungry, and there is obviously no IMPORTANT business for us to attend to so will be going into the hall now.'' Before anyone did anything Ren started walking towards the great hall, knowing full well that Malfoy wouldn't dare pulling out his wand with so many witnesses to see. Neville quickly followed, locking at Ren in admiration.

''What's wrong, need the professors to protect you when you lose?'' He asked trying to taunt Ren even thought the cowered had already figured out who was the cowered in this argument. ''HEY! I'm talking to you! I better see you in the trophy room you cowered'' Both boys could hear him shouting quite far away now.

A long few seconds followed as Neville followed Ren into the great hall. ''Have I ever told you how badass I think you are?'' Neville asked in awe.

''You might have mentioned it'' Ren said in slight amusement as they sat down at the Ravenclaw table with Su, who looked at them in a way that practically demanded that they told her what happened. Ren noted that he would have to teach Neville how to mask his face better, she could practically read him as easily as a book.

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So chapter nine is out and...I cant actually think of any comments I want to leave, so I guess Ill be seeing you all in the next chapter. Chaou!