I've taken the liberty of AUing class schedules into something that makes (to me) a bit more sense. Especially astronomy. Seriously.
Also: yes, definite codependency. Might be a bit unhealthy. Oops.
Also also: since Drake has grown up quite a bit since Draco, he's realized the value of a certain powerful-yet-constantly-underestimated species.
Da's warnings didn't quite do Professor Snape justice, Lucas thought, neatly dicing his gillyweed. Granger, his partner due to seating arrangements, carefully stirred the liquid in the cauldron seven times counterclockwise and then once the opposite before Lucas dropped the gillyweed in, a single teaspoon at a time.
"Bottle a sample of the potion and put them on the front desk," Professor Snape barked. "Read the entire text for the next class."
On their way out of the dungeon, Boot and Turpin suggested forming a study group for all of the first years in Ravenclaw. "My sister has a collection of potions texts," Goldstein offered. "She's said it explains why certain things must done exactly so, like the difference between dicing and mincing, or the direction of stirring."
"That sounds wonderful," Granger exclaimed. "I have so many questions – none of the books I got at Flourish and Blotts mentioned any of it!"
"That wasn't even teaching!" Brocklehurst added vehemently. "A few questions off the OWLs and then orders on the board. How can – "
"I will definitely be writing to my aunt," one of the Hufflepuffs trailing along behind them said. "Can I join the study group?"
"Of course!" Cornfoot said. "How about if we all meet in the library tomorrow after the last class? By then, everyone will have attended every subject."
No one had any other suggestion, so the Hufflepuffs broke off as the Ravenclaws hurried to Charms.
Professor Flitwick, Lucas thought as the professor welcomed them to the class, was much more pleasant than Professor Snape.
.
At lunch, while his yearmates compared professors, Lucas wrote letters for Einar, Ingdora, and Nanna. After he finished, he summoned Victory and sent him off, then studied the Gryffindors whose faces he could see, checking people off his mental list of Could Be Da.
When lunch was over, Lucas and his yearmates went to Greenhouse 1 for their first Herbology lesson. Lucas had memorized the textbook already, since Nanna held a Mastery in Herbology and had made sure all of the neighborhood children understood both its dangers and uses.
"There are seven greenhouses for this course," Professor Sprout told them. "For your first year, all of you will only set foot in this one. As you progress through your schooling, you'll be introduced to more dangerous plants. Now, who can tell me what the most deadly plant in the world is?"
Everyone raised their hand; Professor Sprout nodded to one of the girls. "Yes, you, Miss…?"
"MacDougal, Professor Sprout. It's either the Invisible Duskblooming Chokevine or the Triffid," the girl said.
"Quite right, Miss MacDougal. A point to Ravenclaw." She smiled. "Can any of you tell me a difference between those two plants?" Again, everyone raised a hand and Professor Sprout nodded to one of the boys. "Yes, Mr…?"
"Corner, ma'am," he said. "The chokevine has no poison."
"That is correct. Another point to Ravenclaw." She glanced around at the circle of first years. "Because you are Ravenclaws, I assume each and every one of you read the textbook before even setting foot on the Hogwarts Express?"
They all nodded, of course. She smiled again and flicked her wand. A sheet of paper appeared, floating before each of their faces. "This is a start-of-term quiz. Once you have finished, you may turn them in and have the hour for yourselves until your next class. For next time, I'd like you to think up one question you have that One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi does not answer."
She turned away, so Lucas sat at the end of the closest table and started the quiz.
.
Lucas stared at Professor Quirrell, with his ridiculous turban and obviously fake stutter.
This, then, with that forbidden corridor, must be the mystery Da told him to stay away from.
"Cl-cl-class," Proffessor Quirrell finally got out. "Y-y-you," he said, pointing at Lucas. "Read p-pa-page f-f-f-five."
Lucas nodded, flipped to the page, and read aloud the Introduction to The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection for the rest of class.
.
"I think he might even be worse than Snape!" Entwhistle hissed as they left DADA. "At least Snape clearly knows his subject!"
No one disagreed. In fact, they all complained about it on the way to the common room, where all twelve first years spread out amongst the tables. Granger and Li immediately bent over a notebook and began sketching out a lesson plan for the next day's meeting, while Lucas' dorm mates began recopying the day's notes. Lucas himself went over to see what the other girls were doing: Turpin and MacDougal were making detailed notes on the professors' teaching methods, and Patil and Brocklehurst were getting started on their homework.
Lucas hadn't learned anything new, but Da had mentioned that he probably wouldn't, at least not for the first few weeks. But he was curious about the Herbology assignment, so he settled down next to Patil and pulled out the textbook.
.
At the beginning of dinner, Professor McGonagall approached him and said, "Come to my office after you finish eating, Mr. Abraxley."
"Yes, Professor," he replied.
He ate swiftly and hurried from the Hall. Unfortunately, he hadn't had time to memorize the castle yet, so he got lost. After a few moments, he asked the portrait of a lady in purple for directions to Professor McGonagall's office.
"Come in, Mr. Abraxley," she called when he rapped his knuckles on the side of the door. "Please, have a seat."
"Have I broken a rule, Professor?" he asked. He didn't see how he could have.
"No, Mr. Abraxley." She fixed him with a stern gaze. "Your father has written to me of your family's difficulties. A weekly meeting between the two of you was actually a condition he made for your attendance; were you aware of that?"
"No, ma'am," he said, shaking his head. "I mean, I know he moved to Hogsmeade and promised I'd be able to see him, but not that he might not let me come if he couldn't."
Professor McGonagall pursed her lips. "I have agreed to allow your father to come to the school on Tuesdays. The two of you will meet in a small room just off the Great Hall an hour after dinner. You will have until curfew."
"Thank you so much!" Lucas told her, smiling. "Thank you!"
Professor McGonagall smiled at him. "Your family has been through much, Mr. Abraxley. You have my sympathy."
Lucas nodded, sighing. "Da – I'm all he has, ma'am. And I couldn't – I'm not sure I could stand being alone here." He shuddered at the thought. He'd probably go mad if Da weren't just down the hill, a mere thought away.
Concern filled Professor McGonagall's expression, and she said, "I will, of course, inform your Head of House. You may be required to see Madame Pomfrey or a Mind Healer, child."
Lucas shrugged. "If you think it necessary, Professor."
"I may," she said. "Return to your common room; Professor Flitwick always has a nice demonstration of his Mastery prepared for the first night of classes."
"Yes, Professor. Thank you, again!" Lucas gave her one more bright smile before darting out of her office.
.
The common room was quiet until Professor Flitwick strolled in. "House!" he called. The students already in their dorms hurried down the stairs. Lucas scooted over on the sofa to make more room; all of the sofas and chairs were full, and a few students sat on the floor.
Professor Flitwick clapped his hands. "Welcome, first years! Welcome back, returning students!" Bright, multicolored eagles appeared above his head and began wheeling around the room. "I will be meeting with every student in the coming weeks. Your house is your home-away-from-home. If you have any problems adjusting or difficulties with coursework, please come see me before things get out of hand."
One of the eagles alighted on a seventh year's shoulders and preened at her hair before letting out a screech and launching back into the air.
Continuing, Professor Flitwick said, "All of the Hogwarts rules are in the packet you received in the mail. Do not raise a wand against a fellow student unless in self-defense. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Respect your fellow housemates' belongings and persons. Also, at curfew, everyone must be in their dorm. Light's out will be at eleven, no matter your year. A good night's rest is vital for studies!"
He clapped his hands again and the eagles exploded into light. "Now," Professor Flitwick announced, "on to the show!"
.
On Tuesday morning, Lucas was once again the first one up and down to the Great Hall. This time, he requested of the elves what he and Da usually had at home for breakfast. As he ate, he read another chapter of History of the Last Century, a self-updating book that informed the reader about whichever country they requested. It was his most recent birthday gift from Edda, who said her friend Devra Aron had spelled it.
Lucas had asked Da, "Have you noticed that all of her friends are just as awesome as she is?"
Da had nodded. "And as terrifying, too."
Shaking his head, Lucas had snickered. He wasn't at all afraid of Edda. In fact, she and Nanna were the closest thing to a grandmother he had.
"What are you reading?" Granger asked, sitting beside him.
"A history book," he replied, setting it aside. "I've heard that Binns leaves much to be desired." He shrugged.
Granger looked horrified. "No! We've already had two subpar teachers!"
"Abraxley's right," Goldstein said, sitting across from them. "My sister told me about him, too."
"But – " Granger started, glaring down at her plate. "This is the best school in Europe!"
Lucas couldn't help himself. "Is it? How many do you know of?"
Goldstein and Granger both looked at him as the students streamed in. "Three," Goldstein said after a moment. "Hogwarts, Durmstrang, and Beauxbatons."
Lucas tapped the shoulder of the seventh year beside him. "Excuse me, miss," he said. When she glanced at him, he asked, "How many magical schools are there in Europe?"
"Seventeen," she said bemusedly.
"Thank you," he told her, turning back to Goldstein and Granger. "We're Ravenclaws, aren't we?" he asked rhetorically. "Do your research."
He finished off his milk, picked up his book and bag, and walked out.
.
The History of Magic class defied description. Professor Binns droned on and on and on and Lucas watched his classmates fade away one by one. Finally, the only one left was Granger, and it seemed to be through sheer determination.
But she finally succumbed with a half hour left.
Does Binns ever get better? he asked Da as they finally escaped.
Not in the seven years I was there, Lu, Da said. Complain to me tonight and I might be able to finally rectify that mistake.
"How – " Granger said. "Why?"
Brocklehurst patted her on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Hermione," she said. "Those of us with magical backgrounds will bring our knowledge to the study group."
Granger shuddered, but most of their yearmates nodded.
"C'mon," Boot said, "Transfiguration's on the other side of the castle and my mother said McGonagall takes points for tardiness."
.
Professor McGonagall turned her desk into a pig and back, something that impressed nearly every student in the class. Despite having seen Edda do things far more impressive, Lucas reacted like the awed eleven year old he might have been, had his name still been Harry Potter and if he were still the child that hadn't the first clue about magic.
After Professor McGonagall set them to work on turning matchsticks into needles, Lucas waited until half the class had managed it before succeeding, as well. Granger got it first, of course, and then most everyone else within ten minutes.
"Well done," Professor McGonagall said once Boot and Entwhistle had a silver needle in front of each of them. "This is what I expect from Ravenclaws. Three points to each of you." She gazed around the room before saying, "Now, transfigure the needle into a fork. Thirty points to anyone who manages it."
Granger, of course, did by the end of class. As did Cornfoot and MacDougal. Lucas only managed a spork, which he then had to explain to the purebloods. Professor McGonagall gave him fifteen points for it.
.
"So," Patil announced at lunch, "there are three competent teachers and three incompetent teachers."
Boot nodded, adding, "We'll have our work cut for us with the study group."
"Hopefully," Corner said, "Professor Sinistra is competent."
"Hopefully," Granger muttered, attacking her lunch petulantly.
.
The good news, for Lucas, was that Professor Sinistra was competent. The even better news was that Peder and Da had already taught Lucas everything on the first year syllabus.
"Well, that is a pleasant discovery," Li said. "I suppose we should go wait for the Hufflepuffs."
The first year Ravenclaws claimed half a dozen tables in the library, breaking off into the same groups as the night before. As the Hufflepuffs arrived, they broke off into groups, as well, and after everyone introduced themselves, got to work.
.
The yearmates studied together until dinner, when they all walked to Great Hall. Granger had taken control of Transfiguration with everyone's blessing, while Cornfoot and Patil had History of Magic. Perks, one of the Hufflepuffs, seemed to have a talent with Herbology, and she said that one of her friends in Gryffindor might actually be a prodigy, and that she'd try to bring him along on Thursday. Another Hufflepuff, Hopkins, said he'd been studying astronomy for as long as he could remember, so he'd be more than happy to lead that session. Li offered to lead the potions session because her grandmother was a Potions Mistress in Shanghai, and she'd actually seen two of her grandmother's books on Snape's shelf in the classroom.
They all agreed that Charms wouldn't be a problem so long as everyone practiced the day's lesson for half an hour every evening, but if anybody had difficulty, they should ask any of the yearmates.
That left only Defense Against the Dark Arts. "Let's wait until Saturday," Bones, one of the Hufflepuffs, suggested. "That's when I'm sending my letter to Aunt Amelia. I was just going to give a formal complaint about a few of the teachers, but if Quirrell hasn't gotten any better, I'll also ask her for a few books that might help."
They all agreed, and that's when it was time for dinner.
Granger once again sat beside Lucas, but she and Li kept up their discussion about Li's grandmother, who had once been the Royal Mage for the Empress of China – at least, until she retired to write potions' texts. The discussion was actually interesting, so Lucas listened. Once, he almost asked if Li had ever met Mistress Ito, but stopped himself because Lucas Abraxley had no reason to even know that name.
After dinner, according to the prefects, Ravenclaws had time for whatever they liked. Most, of course, would continue studying. Until it was time to meet Da, Lucas sat in the corner of the common room and studied his housemates. All of them were checked off the list of Could Be Da.
By the time Professor Flitwick came to fetch him, Lucas was involved in an argument between two fourth years (Janison and Whitby) and Granger about aeroplanes.
"Mr. Abraxley," Professor Flitwick said, "if I can tear you away from this scintillating discussion?"
"Yes, sir!" Lucas rushed to him, knowing that his smile was too big and that it caught attention – he'd been the quietest, most contained student of the first years, but he'd missed Da. Even when he'd spent the night with Einar or Ingdora, he'd always seen Da first thing in the morning, and when Da had stocked the Hogsmeade flat, he'd apparated home for dinner.
Professor Flitwick smiled at him and said, "Come along, Mr. Abraxley."
.
Da was sitting on a bench, leaning back against the stone wall, when Professor Flitwick entered the little room, Lucas on his heels. "Da!" he said, and Da was immediately on his feet, meeting Lucas halfway.
"Hey, Lu," Da murmured, arms tight around him. "I hadn't realized it would this hard." He didn't let go of Lucas, and Lucas didn't look up from where he'd buried his head in Da's chest, but Da said, "Thank you, sir. I'll summon an elf when it's time for Lucas to return."
"Of course, Mr. Abraxley. I'll see you later, young Mr. Abraxley."
Lucas still didn't raise his head, so it was muffled when he said, "Of course, Professor."
Da chuckled. "I've turned that uncomfortable bench into a large, squishy chair. Shall we sit?"
"Yes, Da," Lucas mumbled, but he made Da carry him the few scant steps over.
"Tell me about your first classes," Da said. "I want to know everything."
So Lucas told him, and then Da talked about his new job, and they got sidetracked by what might be going on in Rykene without them, and how to deal with incompetent teachers that should've been sacked ages ago, and then it was curfew.
Da kissed him on the top of his head and said, I am so proud of you, son of mine. Aloud he said, "I need a Hogwarts elf, please."
An elf popped in and asked, "Hows can Lolly be helping masters?"
"My son needs to be escorted back to the Ravenclaw dorms, Mistress Elf," Da said regally. "Please, see that it is done. If Professor Flitwick is not in the common room, let him know that Lucas has been returned safely."
"Yes, masters!" the elf exclaimed. "Comes along, Young Master!"
"Bye, Da," Lucas said, throwing his arms around Da once more.
"I'll see you soon, Lu," Da told him.
Lucas looked back at the first turn, and Da smiled at him and said, There are secret passages out, you know.
When Lucas, following Lolly up a set of stairs, demanded, What?!, Da only laughed.
.
Vercado, the Head Girl, was waiting in the common room. "Head on up to bed, Mr. Abraxley," she said. To the elf, she added, "Please let Professor Flitwick know that the last student is now accounted for."
"Yes, Mistress Head Girl!" Lolly said.
"Lolly!" Lucas called from midway up the stairs. "Thank you!"
The elf beamed at him and curtsied messily before popping out.
Lucas continued up the stairs, took a quick shower, grabbed another of Devra Aron's books (this one about ancient magick), and tucked himself into bed.