Alex and Herissa got up early in the morning and came down to the common room to do their meditation together. This was a technique that Griphook taught them to enforce their mental shields every day. They were at a stage where they could feel if someone was attempting to read their minds and stop it by breaking eye contact. Then they went back to get ready for the day. By the time they got ready and moved for breakfast, their room-mates were stirring or getting ready.

Great Hall still looked splendid in the morning as well. There was food on all the four tables, which was replenished as soon as someone served something. Being weekend, there were just few people in the hall, mostly Ravenclaws. They were just finished with the sausages and helping themselves to some juice when James thumped into the seat beside Alex.

"How can you even wake up so early, never mind it being a weekend."

Ron joined on his other side, "Yeah. If I have to wake up like this for the classes, then I am doomed to miss the first class everyday."

James leaned over and patted his head, "Don't worry, I will wake you up, JUST before leaving for classes."

"You are evil. Then I would be even more doomed for getting into the class in my pajamas."

Everyone laughed. By now, many of their classmates had joined the table. Sirius sat beside Herissa which made her blush, though no one noticed except Alex. Lily was sitting on her other side.

James asked around, "So what is everybody up to today?"

Ron gave a bright smile, "I am going to check out the Quidditch pitch. My brothers say it is awesome. I want to join the house team and play. Bet my word, I will be the best keeper."

"I am going to search for the library." Hermione said next. "I want to see the books available."

"We are just going to explore the castle." Alex piped in.

Soon, everybody made their plans and left. Alex and Herissa were joined by Remus and Neville. The four of them started with the dungeons and went up floor by floor.

Herissa could sense something different with Remus, it was like his magic was different, changed. She did not dwell upon it as it was not her secret to ponder over. They noted the different classrooms they had to attend, the hospital wing, the balconies and high scenic windows in the castle, and also found many empty classrooms. They were now on the last seventh floor.

Remus – "Why are there so many empty classrooms?"

Neville – "Many were used before. My Gran says that there were many more subjects during her time, like healing, dueling, indoor sports, blood magic, warding, mind arts, etc. But they slowly closed due to lack of interest or teachers. Some are ministry banned."

Herissa – "Hmmm, wish we still had the healing class. It would be so useful."

Alex pushed her playfully, "Of course you would. I would rather have more sports to play. All I hear is Quidditch this and Quidditch that. Aren't there any other sports played in wizarding world?"

Neville – "Of course there are. Quidditch is just most popular and international."

Alex turned to the last member of their group, "What about you Remus?"

Remus looked startled, "I don't care. I am happy learning what they are teaching. If more classes come up, then I will learn more. Else, I will learn the basics and learn the others after finishing school."

Neville – "I think they should teach us all they can in school. I refuse to believe there would be no teachers."

Alex saw Herissa was very tired from all their walking and just plopped himself on the ground, "Guys I am tired. Can we just sit down here for a moment?"

Herissa and Remus sat down beside him, while Neville was paced in front of them, continuing his thoughts. "I mean, if the arts still exist, that means there is someone who is able to teach it. Hogwarts should leave no stone unturned hiring them."

Remus noticed something appear behind Neville, "Hey Neville, how did you make the door appear?"

Neville spun around to look at what Remus was pointing, "This wasn't there before. I wonder what it is for."

Alex cautiously went forward and opened the door. Inside, there was a cozy looking room with a burning fireplace and some ornate sofas with a tea table in between them.

"Wow! This looks exactly like the living room of my house."

"Really?" Remus exclaimed. Everyone was surprised.

"Yeah. I was just thinking of my home while I was talking to you and it suddenly appeared. This is where my Gran and I sit to debate over something."

Alex had an idea then, "Let's all walk out."

They walked out of the room and closed the door. The door vanished.

"Now think of something else Neville"

Neville thought hard of the Gryffindor common room, but nothing happened.

"Let me try" Alex came to the spot and thought hard of the train compartment they came in; nothing happened. No door appeared for Remus and Herissa either. Herissa was thinking aloud, pacing there, "maybe it appears only once a day. Whom can we ask? This looks like a secret door. If only…." And the door appeared suddenly again. When they entered the room they saw that it was a replica of their house.

They immediately rushed outside and the door vanished. It took a few tries, but they were able to work out that they had to pace to and fro in front of the wall three times for whatever scene they want to appear. They finally settled into the replica of Gryffindor common room.

"Ah! What a discovery!" Alex sighed. He then sat up straight looking at them, "Hey guys! How about we keep this secret to ourselves? We can use this as our own private room."

The kids all nodded, but Neville was uncertain, "Shouldn't we tell a professor?"

Alex shrugged, "They might already know about it. Even some students might know too. If nobody does, even better; some place to get away and relax."

Remus smiled at them, "Oh! That's good. So this is like our own private spot."

"Yes" They all agreed.

The rest of the weekends were spent roaming around in the castle. These four became friends.

Classes started on Monday. When James woke up in the morning, he found Alex just getting out of the bath.

"So Alex" he started, "Where do you live?"

Alex was startled at the question, "Umm… we are supposed to keep it a secret."

"I understand that. Just give me the general area?"

"We do live amongst muggles in New York. All my childhood, I've interacted with muggles only. How is your life amongst the wizards? What do you do for fun?"

"It's good. We have parties every now and then. And the adults and older siblings arrange Quidditch matches, they are fun to watch. And then we floo to each other's homes to play together. My family goes on a vacation every summer. Hey, do you have a floo connection? If we cannot come to your home, maybe you can come to ours?"

"Hmm.. no we don't. Maybe we will convince our guardians to put one."

"That would be cool! We all can have a lot of fun. So what do you do for fun?"

"Sometimes we go to movies or eat out. We play at our house mostly. Indoor games. Sports in the picnic.."

Alex abruptly halted his speech, careful not to give out any more secrets. Luckily no one catched on. He diverted from the topic, "Anyway, what do you think about the classes? Did anyone tell you about them?"

Sirius joined the conversation "Let's talk at the great hall. I am hungry and we don't want to miss Professor McGonagall giving out our schedules, do we?

Alex nodded. Ron then came to him. "Hey Alex! Let's go to the breakfast. My parents said that the meals here are delicious."

"Sure."

When the boys came down to the common room, Herissa was waiting there. Alex immediately hugged her and then thrust his tie in her hands.

"Please?"

Herissa sighed, "Just a minute, let me get this straight."

"How long have you been waiting?"

"A while! Why are you so late? Hogwarts making you lazy already?" she teased

"Shut up" Alex glared at her, albeit playfully. "I was ready a long time ago. It was this tie. It is magiced not to tie properly for me. Just tie one for me everyday won't you? Please?"

"As if I have a choice. Here, done!"

"So shall we go?" Ron called out impatiently.

"You go ahead" Alex told them, "I will come with her. Hey! Who are you waiting for anyway?"

"Neville. I promised him I will accompany him to breakfast."

Alex raised an eyebrow to tease his sister about crushes, but Ron interrupted again.

"Herissa will be by when she is ready. Come on mate, I'm hungry. James and Alex promised you your introduction to classes, didn't they? Let's go." He tugged Alex.

Herissa understood what Ron was trying to do. He was interested in the famous Alex Primell, not the forgotten Herissa Primell. She saw Alex about to reject, but that would mean he might miss making friends. So she mentally told his brother to go. Alex hesitated, but could not argue in front of everyone. He did not like why Herissa was pushing him. With one thought saying We will talk later he left.

Herissa sat down again. She was soon joined by Neville and Remus. Neville was the first to greet her.

"Hey, your brother was all eager to meet you. I didn't think he would leave you and go?"

Herissa gave a sad smile, "I know, but I sent him on. Who am I to stop him from making friends? This is the first time someone is so willing to be friends with one of us."

"I know I cannot ask details, but tell me. You had a tough life till now, didn't you?"

Herissa just shrugged and looked at Remus who was tying his shoes.

"Hey Remus, ready to go?"

Remus looked up, shocked that someone would want to be near him. But he realized that nobody knows about his condition and felt sad that once everybody knows, they will keep away from him. He resolved to enjoy friendship when it was given.

So Remus, Herissa and Neville went to breakfast together. When they reached the great hall, Alex smiled and made to shift so that her sister could join him, but Herissa shook his head.

Alex, these two came with me. It would be rude to leave them now. I'll sit with them.

I know what you are doing Herissa. Please, we promised each other that we won't push the other away.

Herissa settled a few seats away from them with the two boys and started her breakfast. She and Alex also continued their discussion.

Alex, I am not pushing you away. We will never be apart. Just look at it. Now people actually want to be friends with us. Let us enjoy this too. We will be always connected anyways, won't we?

I feel like they are with me only because of my title.

I think Ron is, but I am not sure about James and Sirius. Their families are prestigious in this world. Hey! The professor is coming. We will get our schedules.

As the students were receiving their schedules, Dumbledore was inwardly rejoicing the separation of the twins.

The first class was Transfiguration. Alex pressured Herissa to sit nearby, if not on the same bench. So Herissa settled with Neville and Alex with Ron behind them. There was a cat sitting on the professor's desk looking at all of them arriving. Everyone was chattering because the professor wasn't there yet. Alex was debating with Ron about pets.

Alex – "… no, it is not like that. I am okay with rats, if that is what you prefer. But my owl is useful as well as has personality. What does your Scabbers do? Just laze around all day? Even professor's cat seems to have some personality. The…"

He was subtly nudged by Herissa.

Shut up Alex, before you make a fool of yourself. That cat is the professor. I can feel it.

Ron, in the meanwhile, was affronted, "My rat can kick that cat's butt if he wants to."

Suddenly the cat jumped from the desk and transormed into Professor McGonagall mid-air. "I will pardon you this time Mr. Weasley for your foul mouth, as you did not know it was my 'butt' you were talking about. But keep your wording clean or you will have to wash up the castle along with your mouth. Now settle down all of you. Today I am going to introduce to the fine art of transfiguration…."

The class was going fine. After explaining the concept of intention and power flow behind a transfiguration, she went on to practical.

"Now we will start with a simple transfiguration this week. I want all of you to change the matchstick in front of you into a needle. Remember what I told about intention, visualization and accessing your magic."

And the whole class started waving their wands and chanting the spell. Herissa could already understand how to do it; she had to focus more on channelling her magic through the wand. That was exhausting, but she was already used to guiding magic in her childhood. She found that it took lesser effort with a wand but was restrictive. In an instant, her match turned into a needle. Her vision wavered for a moment, but she jerked into attention at Neville's gasp beside her. She shushed him. She looked around and nobody seemed to have noticed. She transformed it back the same way and told Neville to not point it out.

"Please Neville. Don't point me out. I'll help you if you want."

"But you did it." Neville whispered, wide-eyed.

"I know. I'll explain later. Now please try yours."

Neville noticed that Herissa was very exhausted and could guess that she would really faint if she did the spell one more time. He nodded and said the spell under her guidance. Herissa noticed that there was very less magic flowing through the wand. Either the wand was not accepting the magic, or Neville was not willing enough. There was a cry from the back.

"Professor, I did it."

It was James. Professor checked it and awarded him 10 points. By the end of the lesson, many students had done partial transformations and those who completed were James, Alex and Herissa, though none knew Herissa did it. Hermione's was partial and she was pretty miffed about not being able to do it.

When they sat for lunch, Alex sat beside Herissa.

So did you notice the difference between wand and wandless?

Yeah. Wait… how do you know I did mine?

Oh come on. You are a natural with magic. If you can do it, you must have already done it. And I noticed how tired you are looking.

Pfft… you and your logic. Yes, I noticed the difference.

It was easier, but somehow focused on only one task which we say, wasn't it?

I felt it too. It was like we cannot direct or stop the magic once it leaves our control and into the wand, and we cannot guide it once we have said the incantation.

I cannot see magic like you, but yeah, I can understand. Hey sister, should we consult the healer regarding your magic? I don't believe that you can interact with magic so well and yet have such a low supply.

But Alex, if we go to the healer, the news will definitely reach the headmaster. I want us to stay away from his radar for the moment. Maybe we can ask the goblins in the break.

Okay, but if you really need it, don't hesitate to use my energy. Please don't strain yourself.

Thank you Alex.

The next lesson for the day was Potions. The twins were sitting together in the back and revising their notes as Professor Slughorn entered.

"Greetings students! This would be your first lesson in learning the easiest yet hardest art in your studies. You need to have the necessary accuracy, efficiency and timing sense to brew any potion. But only those who have the skill of understanding, mixing and manipulating the contents would be able to achieve mastery in this subject. Now today we will begin with the simplest potion. It is a simple balm which heals small cuts and prevents infections. Now I call it easy because you won't have to boil or extract anything. It is a simple but careful mixing of ingredients. But before that, we need to understand the ingredients. Can anyone tell me the characteristics of a fernwood?

Three hands rose immediately.

"Ah, a Gryffindor and a Slytherin sitting together. Now this I am seeing for the first time. What are you names, dears?"

"Severus Snape and Lily Evans, sir."

"Very well Mr. Snape, what is the answer?"

"Fernwood has the ability to stop bleeding of wounds."

"Excellent! Now, Miss Evans, would you like another question?"

She nodded.

"Why don't we use water with mischle?"

"It separates it's antibiotic and clotting properties. If by chance, water is washed off it, mischle becomes poisonous."

All this time another Gryffindor hand (that of hermoine) was still raised high in the air, unintentionally pushing Ron away. So the professor turned to her next.

"And you are Miss?"

"Hermione Granger, sir"

"Miss Granger, what is the purpose of prenell leaf in any potion?"

"Prenell leaf reduces the acidity of the potion sir."

"Very good. Now I can see a few who have apparently studied their textbooks in advance. 20 points to Gryffindor and 10 to Slytherin. From now on, I will tell you what we are doing in next class and I want everyone of you to study its ingredients and process before coming to class. Now what are you waiting for. Turn to page four and start."

As everyone was collecting the ingredients, Slughorn roamed around interacting with various students and learning about their history and talents. He came to the Primell's desk and watched them work the ending.

"A perfect potion, my boy. Alex Primell, I presume. I had hoped that you would be an excellent potion'eer, and I see that my hopes have not been in vain."

"Thank you sir, it was both of us…"

"Yes of course, helping out a fellow student too. Well, I shouldn't expect any less. After all you've been helping everyone since you were an year old, isn't it?" He winked at them.

"Sir, we don't think…"

"Oh don't be humble my boy. Take 10 points for Gryffindor like all who have turned in a perfect medicine. Madam Pomfrey would be pleased with this class, I tell you."

"But sir…"

Oh let it go Alex, he doesn't want to hear anyone's but his voice. Let it be.

He did not even acknowledge you.

Doesn't matter.

I don't like people differentiating between us. Maybe we shouldn't have come here at all.

Goblins don't do that.

Whatever. Hand it over so we can go and eat.

Going moody on me brother?

Oh! Stuff it.

Herissa just shook her head with a smile and bottled her potion.

Charms was taught by a cheerful half-goblin, Professor Flitwick. He was a short, bearded and happy-go person. They later learned that he is also a duelling champion.

"Good morning! You are here with me to learn the charming magic of charms. Charms has no limit; it stops where your imagination ends. But to achieve it would require the knowledge of the how's and why's of the target. For example, we are starting with levitation charm. You need to visualize the movement of the object you are levitating, as well as the external factors like wind surrounding the object…."

After explaining the basics, he started with the practical.

"Now, I won't expect you to be able to do it in a day, but try your best."

Again, Herissa was sitting with Neville as Alex was unwillingly dragged away by Ron. Alex really wanted to sit with his sister. Other than familiarity, ease and support, Herissa gave the most different outlook towards magic due to her ability. But since they can talk through mind anyway, he conceded with Ron's request, but sat close to Herissa.

Neville, on the other hand, liked sitting with Herissa for the same reasons. He understood that Herissa did not like being pointed out, even if it was for praise. But she was a pleasant partner in a class, always ready to help and who never got frustrated when you ask her something. This was what Neville needed, to be accepted and helped. He also noticed the familiarity with magic in Herissa's explanations, her difficulty in casting spells that she understands so well and Herissa sometimes just gazing at her brother; but he never questioned it. Everybody has right to secrets and privacy.

Herbology was Neville's spotlight. He was a natural. Professor Spout was a kind but no nonsense person who would explain the properties and uses of a plant and how to handle them. Then they would go head first dealing with the said plant. The first plant they dealt with was the sleeping wine, which looked like it was actually sleeping. It grew curled up in coils like a sleeping snake and it had leaves which covered around it like a cocoon. The tip of the plant had strictly three flowers for every plant. Handling it was easy, they just had to carefully take it out of its pot, put some fertilizer and plant it back. But if by chance you jerk it or 'disturb' it, the plant releases its scent which makes anyone near it sleepy. This plant was mainly used for calming draughts and sleeping ones. This class was fun. The twins were together and the class got the first hand view of how potent the sleeping scent was. Ron was trying to look at the plant closely by lifting its leaves off it, and he never knew when he was affected, but in a minute he was slumped in the dirt snoring loudly.

Other than these classes, the rest of the subjects were boring, some frustratingly so. Of course, the Astronomy professor had already warned them so, saying that they would enter the interesting facts only after learning the basics this year, which included a lot of rote memorization. Other than that, it was okay.

In Care of Magical Creatures, Professor Kettleburn's knowledge was abundant, but he himself was reluctant to go near creatures. So they were left to watch the creatures only from afar and keep taking notes of his boring lectures.

History of Magic? Professor Binns was a ghost. His lecture was monotone and utterly boring. He was stuck in his time of death and so spoke only about events related to Goblin wars; that too completely biased. Almost everybody slept in that class and nobody cared.

Muggle Studies was outdated. They were still being taught about the cultures and habits of the late 60's; that too by a witch who never set foot amongst the muggles. If you asked her about something, let's say a mobile phone, always the reply was the same, "I'll get back to you later." And the later never came.

Defense against dark arts was a joke. Professor Quirell was a stuttering mess of a teacher who seemed afraid of his own shadow. In the outline that he gave regarding the upcoming course for the year, there were plenty of creatures to study about and very few spells. The creatures were not even all dark creatures. So, the first years had decided that it would be boring too.

But there was one peculiarity associated with that class. Alex's and Herissa's rings warmed several times in the first class itself; always an attempt by the professor to read their minds. So much so that Herissa's head was pounding by the time she had exited the class.

So all in all, the twins expectations were pretty much washed out by the reality. The only class left was the Flying lesson that they would have on the third Sunday.

On the day before flying lesson, Alex received a note at dinner in the great hall. It was from Headmaster, inviting the siblings to meet him at his office the next day in the morning. Alex showed it to his sister. After a brief discussion, both of them decided that they should go there with their head of house. They immediately went to Professor McGonagall.

"Good evening Mr and Miss Primell. How may I help you?"

"Good evening professor." Herissa stepped forward, "Alex got a note from the headmaster inviting us to his office. We wanted to know if we did some mistake to be called so?"

"Nothing I am aware of Miss Primell."

Alex stood beside Herissa, "Then would you please accompany us to his office?

But Minerva did not give in to their request, "That won't be necessary, students. He is the headmaster, he must have had a good reason to invite you both. Don't worry and go ahead."

Disappointed with her, they went ahead to the Gargoyle on the third floor the next day after breakfast. When Alex said 'ice pope', the gargoyle moved aside to reveal a spiral staircase leading to his office. Before he could knock on it, they heard their Headmaster.

"Please come in. Please take a seat. Would you care to take a lemon drop?"

"No. Thank you."

"Please don't look so tensed, my dear students. I have just invited you to ask how your first week was. Being thrust into popularity might have been a bit of shock to you, was it Alex?"

Alex, he is fishing for something. Be vague.

Yes, I can see that. Okay then.

Alex smiled at his headmaster, "I am adjusting well sir."

"Good good. And how have your classes been? I've heard that you have been performing well."

"They are interesting, and I am eager to learn."

"hmmm… What about you Herissa?"

"I am learning sir. All the subjects are very interesting."

"That's good. You should not feel less because your brother has done better than you."

"That's okay sir. Many others have done it too, so it's not like he is something unique."

"That's good. There should never be rivalry between siblings. What do you feel about classes? Is magic coming easily to you?"

Alex tensed. Why was headmaster asking such questions?

"Not necessarily, but the professors say that anyone will get it with enough practice."

"Quite right, my dear. Well I am pleased to know that both of you are adjusting well. Now, I was assigned as your magical guardian when your parents unfortunately died. I was able to safeguard your accounts and look into your well being since then. But something happened around a year back, when any details regarding you stopped arriving. I would assume that someone else has taken up the duty as your guardian. Usually that would require a formal consent from me. But no such notice came to me. I am worried about you both. Will you please tell me your new guardians so that I can contact them if and when necessary?"

Herissa, this is a trap. He wants to know our location.

Hmm… Alex, tell him that we are oath bound not to disclose our guardians or location.

"Sir, we can understand you dilemma, but our guardians made us swear an oath of no disclosure."

"An oath from kids! Do they even know the repercussions of such action. A small mistake and the price would be quite high."

"Yes sir. They know and have explained everything to us."

"I don't know, my boy. I think you would be safer away from them. Why did you leave your relatives anyway?"

Herissa was passive one among the twins. She did not get provoked easily, nor wore her heart on his sleeve. But if she was pushed far enough, then her rage was unprecedented and unmatched. Right now, Herissa was angry. Her temper was barely under control, right to the point of explosion. She stood up abruptly and looked at Alex.

"Alex! We forgot about our homework. You need to finish it now if we want to play with your friends later. Let's go."

Alex nodded and stood up. "Sorry headmaster. Our new residence is safe and we cannot tell you where. Please enjoy your day."

He followed Herissa who was already exiting the room without any farewell to the headmaster. Albus was gobsmacked. Not only did he get no information about their current whereabouts, he was outright dismissed by a first year. This was not good. Why is Herissa behaving like this? Is her horcrux playing an active role? Oh, he would have to keep a keen eyes on the twins.

Alex ran after Herissa to catch her hand and dragged her into the room of requirement on the seventh floor. Once inside, Herissa let out all her anger.

"How dare he? He knows! He knows about Durselys. He must have been the one to put us there. Looking after our well-being my ass."

Alex spoke up calmly from his chair, "You are right. All his initial dialogues were to separate us. I could feel him distinguishing between us in his every statement."

"That that…. How did anyone make him a headmaster? He is a manipulative coot."

"Calm down Herissa. We already decided that he does not have our best interests at heart. The question is, how do we deal with him?"

"We need to be careful Alex. Let our secrets remain secrets and not let anyone use us for their own reasons."

"Okay. We should be sure of friendship and loyalty of our friends before we reveal anything to them."

"That time will come later. We are not even a month in the school. Just warn me if I am losing my tongue anywhere."

"Same here Herissa, same here. Let's go."

Herissa's bad mood continued throughout the day. She was upset with herself too; she should have been better killed that night. Then nobody would have brushed her away like a sack of feathers. She did snap at Neville once that day, but apologized immediately. Neville understood.

The next day, they had their first flying lesson.