Disclaimer: I only own three things: Saerry, the twins (count them as one), and the plot.  Everything else belongs to J.K.R. or whosoever thought it up.  (please note that whoever thought up the idea of Harry/Sev as Father/Son is a GOD!!  *grovels at the feet of the person*)

Chapter 13 **Animagus Sessions and the Beginning of the Year**

Animagi Muto, Animagi Muto, Animagi Muto.  ANIMAGI MUTO!

Harry furrowed his brow as he repeated the two words over and over in his mind.  He, Hermione, and Ron were sitting in the room hidden behind the couch, which they had cleaned until it was spotless.  Unfortunately it had taken them two days to clean it and they'd had to replace a few of the cushions and fabric on the chairs.  But now they sat, one day away from the new semester, focused solely on the Animagus transformation.

Ron suddenly let out an exasperated sigh and moaned, "I'm getting a headache from saying that over and over.  Isn't there an easier way, Herm?"

Harry heard Hermione let out a sigh and reply, "I looked through that book twice before I gave it to Harry, Ron.  The way we're going is the fastest way.  Harry!"

Harry's eyes snapped open and he said, "What?"

Hermione and Ron's wide eyes were focused on him and Hermione was pointing a shaking finger at his hand.  Looking down, Harry saw a faint pattern of silver on his skin.  Or perhaps black.

"Erm…  Well…"

Ron blinked and breathed, "Harry, how'd you do it?"

Harry shrugged, still staring at his hand.  "I don't know."  He looked at Hermione and asked, "What were the words to change back?"

Hermione jerked, staring at his hand for another moment, then replied, "Oh.  Animagi Terrigenus."

Harry closed his eyes again and began to repeat that over in his head.  A gasp from Hermione told him the pattern on his hand was gone and he opened his eyes.  Instantly a wave of exhaustion hit him and he blinked wearily.

"Urgh.  Tiring stuff."

Hermione chuckled softly and said, "Perhaps we should try more tomorrow."

Harry managed a weak nod and Ron said, "Help me with Sleeping Beauty here, Herm."

Harry snorted faintly and growled, "Sleeping Beauty my ass."

Ron snorted and Hermione half-smiled.  The two helped their friend to his feet then crawled out of the room through the tunnel.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

A day later the three of them were already seated at the Gryffindor table when the other students came in, Ginny and Draco sitting across from them.  A few gave the Slytherin glares but stopped when Hermione and Harry glared at them.  Ron chuckled as they did so and said jokingly, "Herm, you've been spending too much time around Harry?"

"How's that," said Hermione, arching an eyebrow at him.

"You both can scare the living daylights out of people by glaring at them."

Harry coughed to cover a snort of laughter as Hermione reached around him to slap the back of Ron's head.  A few minutes later Severus stood and silence fell on the hall.

"As all of you know from the end of last year, I was placed in the position of Headmaster for this school.  I assure you that the year will not be as bad as most of you might think.  Now that Voldemort has gone…"  His eyes flicked towards the Slytherin table.  "…I can drop the charade I have been enforcing for fifteen years.  Don't be surprised if I say hello to you in the halls."  There were scattered bits of laughter, which Severus half-smiled at.  He then said, "And now, let the Sorting begin!"

McGonagall entered the Great Hall as she always did, leading the wide-eyed first years behind her.  Pulling out a scroll, she waited until the Sorting Hat had sung then began to call names.

"Alexander, Graham."

"RAVENCLAW!"

"Amaron, Hatch."

"SLYTHERIN!"

"Bullocks, Bella."

"GRYFFINDOR!"

Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny clapped and most at the table were surprised to see Draco clapping as well.

"Camron, Michelle."

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

"Castle, Benjamin."

"GRYFFINDOR!"

"Castle, Barnabas."

"SLYTHERIN!"

"More twins in different houses," said Draco.

"Hush," hissed Ginny, elbowing him in the ribs.

The Sorting moved on smoothly until the last name was finally called.

"Winters, Alexandra."

"RAVENCLAW!"

As the dark-haired girl walked to the Ravenclaw table, McGonagall removed the Sorting Hat and the four-legged stool as Severus stood again.

"I only have two words; eat up."

"HEAR, HEAR," cried Harry, Ron, Draco, Hermione, and Ginny as the dishes on the tables filled themselves.

"On to the announcements.  To the first years – and others – the Forbidden Forest is forbidden.  Hence the name.  I suggest you heed it."  Several first years shivered as Severus scowled slightly.  "Please remember not to use magic in the corridors between classes.  And no students below third year may visit Hogsmeade.  Anyone found doing so will be punished.  Now off with you!"

"Bit pushy isn't it," muttered Ron as they filed out of the Hall.

Harry shrugged then looked at Draco, who was looking towards the hall up ahead of them that led down to the dungeons.  He touched the other boy's shoulder and said, "Watch out this year, Draco."

Draco smiled wryly and said, "I will.  I remember quite well everything Severus went over this summer."

"Oh yes.  That was fun, wasn't it?"

"Sarcasm isn't your forte, Harry.  Don't try to make it so."

"Ouch."

"Night, everyone."

All of them said goodnight except for Ron, who only mumbled one after Hermione whacked him on the back of the head again.  As soon as they were back up in Gryffindor Tower, the four parted ways and headed up to their dorms.  When Harry and Ron reached there's, they found Neville already asleep and Seamus pulling on his pajamas.  Ron pulled on his own pajamas and climbed into bed, pulling the scarlet curtains closed around it.  Harry simply chucked his robes, shoes, and school tie on the floor and climbed into his bed in the jeans and t-shirt he wore under it.  Not bothering to pull the blankets over himself, he fell asleep.

Terrigenus – Human