First classes

Their first days at Hogwarts were rather confusing. The four of them had trouble finding their classrooms or even the great hall at first. Although their parents had told them a lot about Hogwarts it seemed they had forgotten to mention how to find your way around it. Still, with some help from older students or Sir Nicholas, the Gryffindor house ghost, they managed to arrive at all their classes in time. A few times Hermione wondered why no one ever made a map of the castle, but none of them had an answer to that.

Still, so far they had a great time. Their first class had been herbology, which was taught by a small witch called professor Sprout. Since the Longbottom greenhouses were much more diverse than the one used by Hogwarts for the first years it looked like they would have a huge advantage during her class.

If professor Sprout was small, their next professor was still smaller. He was tiny. But professor Flitwick was also very cheerful and full of energy. Again, they had an advantage in this class. During the last part of their summer vacation mum and Remus had given the four of them a crash course in the engorgio and reducio charms. They had included some general theory about charms which was repeated almost word for word by professor Flitwick during their first class. Still, Harry and the others hoped they would soon learn new spells in this classroom, after all they only knew two charms so far. And they were looking forward to increase that number.

After the cheerful charms professor their next teacher was a huge disappointment. History of magic was actually taught by a ghost, who did not even introduce himself or the subject but just started droning on and on in a dull monotone about some goblin revolution. After the class only Hermione thought it had been interesting, but when Neville told her that she could just as well ask his grandmother about wizarding history sometime she immediately looked very interested in the possibility of learning magical history from another source.

On the next day they had their first transfiguration class from professor McGonagall, who was also the head of Gryffindor house. She seemed to be a very strict but honest teacher. And of course Harry and the other three had heard a lot of stories about this teacher; she had already been the head of Gryffindor when Harry's parents went to Hogwarts. And all the former Gryffindors seemed to greatly respect her. She changed her desk into a pig and back again and made it look easy. Sadly enough they just had to take a lot of complicated notes after that, and this time it was all new to the four of them as well.

But when they all got a match and were asked to turn it into a needle they could use the visualisation practices they had used in their animagus training. And although so far none of them had made any real headway on the animagus training they all managed to at least alter their matches. Although only Hermione managed to change both the colour and the shape. Professor McGonagall was very surprised that four students actually booked results during her first class and when she asked about it Harry replied: 'My father and Sirius taught us a few tricks professor. They really seemed to help.'

The professor nodded and a small smile appeared on her face: 'I see. Both James and Sirius were very good at transfiguration, and although I am glad to see that you inherited some of James' talent I do hope your study habits will more resemble your mother's Mr. Potter.'

Harry just smiled innocently and the professor turned to Hermione: 'Miss Granger? I believe you are muggleborn?' When Hermione only nodded she continued: 'So I take it you did this without the benefit of any extra training?'

Hermione shook her head: 'Oh no professor, I received the same training as they did.'

Professor McGonagall looked surprised at that. 'But how…'

With a helpless headshake Hermione replied: 'It is quite a long story.'

Reluctantly McGonagall nodded: 'Well, I look forward to see what other things you four managed to pick up. But I believe it is time for your next class now.'

And it was. Actually, it was time for the class that they all had been looking forward to. Especially since they had learned about the prophecy. But defence against the dark arts turned out to be a disappointment. Professor Quirrel wore a strange purple turban and had a very irritating stutter. Beside that, for some reason his classroom smelled of garlic which was rather irritating. During their first class all he did was avoiding some questions about his own experiences and explaining how the class would mostly be focused on theory instead of actual spell work. Apparently he was afraid it would be dangerous if the students would actually fire curses and hexes.

On their third day they had their first astronomy classes, which looked interesting although none of them really understood why they would need to know the stars and planets. Hermione argued that it would most likely be useful in later years, but Susan seemed to think that the subject was only taught because it was a tradition.

They also had their first potion class. The potions lessons took place down in one of the dungeons. It was colder here than up in the main castle, and would have been quite creepy enough without the pickled animals floating in glass jars all around the walls. But professor Snape also seemed to be rather distant. Even stern professor McGonagall had given the impression that she liked seeing new students, but Snape just seemed bored by it, although he actually talked with Draco Malfoy and his friends, Crabbe and Goyle, before the class started. Which was, in the opinion of Harry and his friends a point against the darkhaired teacher. They already had a few run-ins with the three Slytherins, who seemed to dislike the idea that two purebloods were hanging out with a muggleborn and a half-blood.

When Snape finished calling the names and looked up at the class they noticed his cold black eyes. 'You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-making,' he began. He spoke in barely more than a whisper, but they caught every word - like Professor McGonagall, Snape had the gift of keeping a class silent without effort. 'As there is little foolish wand-waving, 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 bit a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach.'

Silence followed this little speech. Harry and Susan exchanged looks with raised eyebrows. Hermione was on the edge of her seat and looked desperate to start proving that she wasn't a dunderhead while Neville just looked bored by it all.

'Potter!' said Snape suddenly. 'What would I get if I added powered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?'

'A very potent sleeping potion known as the Draught of living death sir.' Harry politely replied after a short silence. Of course, Hermione's hand had immediately shot into the air after Snape finished his question. Neville's only a few seconds later. Still the potion master was barely able to hide his surprise when he heard Harry's answer. He guessed the man could not know that Harry's mother had taught him quite a bit about potions already.

'Let's try again. Potter, where would I look if I told you to find me a bezoar?'

'In the stomach of a goat or, more likely, in one of the cupboards in this room.' Harry dryly replied, at least this time he could answer immediately. For a long time Snape just looked at him. For a moment Harry thought he felt something against his occlumency shields, but it was such a light touch that he had most likely imagined it. Eventually he decided to fill the silence: 'My mother taught me quite a lot about potions sir.'

The man slowly blinked once before he replied. 'Yes, Lily was quite good at potions. I am glad to hear you paid attention to her lessons.' Then he slowly looked to first Hermione, then Neville. 'Did the two of you also receive home schooling?'

Neville nodded but Hermione shook her head. For a second Harry felt surprised at Hermione's denial. But then he realised that as a muggleborn home schooling would be strange. Most likely she had been warned by McGonagall's surprised reaction and had decided not to spread the knowledge about her own schooling too much. Since professor Snape was actually the head of the pureblood house of Slytherin it was a smart move. And technically seen she had never had any home schooling, instead she received almost all her early potion lessons at Lionfire Hall and a few at Longbottom manor.

'I see.' Snape slowly nodded before he continued in his silky voice: 'This might be interesting. Anyway, today we will make a simple potion that can cure boils. Instructions are on the board.' He lazily swished his wand and the instructions appeared. 'You will work in pairs and in silence.'

Harry grinned at Hermione when they turned to each other and started their preparations. It was the same potion that his mother had chosen for their first actual potion lesson. Of course, they had already received a couple hours explanation about how to prepare ingredients and how to use the equipment before that. For a moment he wondered how other students would manage without the extra preparation. But he could hardly help them when they were not allowed to talk.

Although the brewing was not too difficult Harry was still relieved when they could leave the dungeons. Not only was it cold and uncomfortable down there, he also had gotten a bit of a headache. And one or two more times he had thought he had felt a small touch against his occlumency shield. Probably just a result of his headache, but it was irritating none the less.

- Three weeks later -

During those first weeks they also had taken some time to get to know their fellow Gryffindor first years. Seamus Finnegan seemed to be a funny kind of guy, and Dean Thomas was nice enough as well although they all thought it was odd that he decorated his part of the dorm with a soccer poster instead of a quidditch poster. According to both Hermione and Susan the other girls were a different story. Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil were nice enough, but also very girly. Susan actually grimaced while she described how the two girls had talked about nail polish for over an hour.

Of course, they had already met Ron Weasley, and on Friday evening he was sitting next to them in front of the fireplace when Hermione said: 'You know, I have been thinking.'

'You have to stop saying that.' Neville replied and when she looked at him in surprise he continued: 'We already know, you are always thinking.'

Hermione somehow managed to scowl and smile at the same time in reply while the others chuckled. Well, the others beside Ron, who just looked confused. Eventually Harry said: 'What did you think of this time Hermione?'

'Well, you know how Quirrel seems a bit useless?' Hermione asked.

Harry nodded and Susan commented: 'Well, I don't know if I would call him useless.' They all looked at her in surprise and she explained: 'I know, the stutter is irritating. And it is a pain the he won't let us use our wands. But at least Binns has some competition in the worst teacher awards.'

'Right…' Hermione muttered, 'Anyway, since defence will be very important I was thinking we should try and practise the spells on our own.'

'Why do you think defence will be important?' Ron asked, 'I mean, you make it sound like it will be more important than transfiguration or so.'

Hermione blinked in surprise when she looked at him. She had obviously grown so accustomed to Ron that she had forgotten he knew nothing about the prophecy. Neville saved her: 'Our parents think that Voldemort will eventually return from the dead.'

Ron violently flinched when Neville said 'Voldemort'. They all looked at him in surprise when he asked with a shocked expression: 'You say you-know-who's name?'

'Why would he not?' Harry asked, and this time it was Susan who replied: 'Most wizards and witches are afraid to say Voldemort-' Ron flinched again, 'so instead they made up things like you-know-who or he who must not be named. Pathetic really.'

Ron looked upset at Susans last comment but Hermione nodded: 'I agree, why would you be afraid of a name? It does not make sense.'

They all looked at Ron to see if he had an answer. The redhead fidgeted uncomfortably before he replied: 'Look, I don't know why people are so afraid of his name. It is just the way it is you know?'

The other four looked at each other in wonder. None of the adults in their lives had ever shied away from the name Voldemort. But eventually Hermione shrugged: 'Whatever, anyway as I said before, defence will be pretty important if he returns.'

Ron nodded: 'I can see that.' Then he suddenly turned to Harry: 'Especially for you.' Harry looked at him in surprise, how on earth could Ron know that? But the redhead continued: 'I mean, since your parents were the one to kill him you-know-who will most likely try and get his revenge.'

'Exactly.' Harry quickly agreed. It was strange but useful that Ron saw the importance of defence for him without knowing anything about the prophecy. It was also a bit disturbing that he did not even question how Voldemort would be able to return back to the living. Apparently Voldemort had such a reputation that he just accepted the dark wizard would be able to do it somehow.

'So I was thinking we should practise the defence spells on our own.' Hermione repeated her earlier idea.

Harry nodded: 'It makes sense to me. But how? We can hardly start firing spells in the common room.'

'I know.' Hermione agreed, 'But if we make it a club and find a professor to sponsor it we will be allowed to use a classroom one evening a week.'

'How do you know that?' Neville wondered.

'It is in Hogwarts: a history. And I asked Ron's brother about it. You know, Percy the prefect.' Hermione explained.

'But you need a leader for a club like that.' Ron replied, 'I know because Fred and George once wanted to make a pranking club, but they could not decide which one of them should be the leader.'

'Beside that we did no know which teacher to ask for sponsorship.' The twins suddenly showed up behind Ron and had obviously heard the last part of their talk. One of them, Harry thought it was George but to be honest it was pure guesswork, looked at them sternly and asked: 'What kind of club are you creating?'

'We have to watch out for ickle Ronnykins you know.' Fred added.

Ron started to protest but Harry simply decided he did not know Rons other brothers well enough yet and so he changed the subject: 'Ron told me you two know about the marauders. How did you find out about them?'

There were two identical snapping noises when both twins whipped their heads towards Harry. Both also brushed a hand over their necks while they asked: 'What do you know about the marauders?'

'Oh no, I asked first.' Harry protested but the twins simply bent down, each of them grabbed one of Harry's arms and they simply pulled him away from their friends. Hermione and Neville both started to protest but Ron assured them that the twins would not harm Harry. They actually lifted Harry from the ground and marched him towards the third year dorm which had only four beds. They carefully placed Harry on the one closest to the door before they started talking again. Fred, or maybe George started with an unusually grave expression on his face: 'So young Harry, do tell us what you know about the marauders.'

Harry just grinned before he said: 'First tell me how you know about them.' When the twins seemed to hesitate he added: 'I have to be careful with their secrets, you know.'

Both twins shrugged and then one of them walked towards the next bed, opened the trunk next to it and pulled something out of it. He walked back to them and showed Harry an old but empty bit of parchment. Harry frowned and asked: 'Did you steal that out of Filch's office?'

The obvious look of surprise on both their faces was enough of an answer and Harry quickly pulled his mirror out of his shirt. With a quick engorgio it grew to a more useful size and he quickly whispered 'James' to it. A few seconds later the worried face of his dad appeared.

'Look dad! They found your parchment!' Harry almost shouted into the mirror while holding the mirror at an angel that would allow his father to see both Harry and the two redheaded twins who were watching at the small mirror in wonder. They almost stepped back when Harry's father laughed in relief before he replied from inside the mirror: 'Oh, for a second I thought you were in trouble already. But I see. Well done gentlemen. I trust you made good use of it?'

'We'd like to think so at least.' one twin started.

'Think so at least. But who are you?' the other continued.

'And what do you Know of this wondrous map?' twin one concluded.

Harry looked puzzled, a map? That sounded interesting.

Dad looked amused at the odd way the twins spoke, then he said: 'I am James Potter, also known as Prongs.'

The twins looked at the mirror, then at each other, then they both fell on their knees and shouted: 'We are not worthy!'

Dads laughter filled the empty third year dorm. When the two twins finally calmed down he said: 'I have to go, I was pretty busy when Harry called. But make a good impression on him and I make sure he invites you to our place during the summer vacation. You can meet some marauders then. And thanks for looking after the map for us, just keep it okay? From what your father told me about the two of you I am sure you make good use of it. And we are working on an improved version anyway. Bye Harry.'

The twins wanted to reply, but dad was already gone. And so they turned to Harry: 'Son of Prongs, command us!' one shouted.

Then they both bent down again and picked him up. Soon enough it was Harry's laughter that filled the room as the twins carried him around on their shoulders while asking all kind of questions about his dad.

A/N: Well, at least a bit more time passed during this chapter… Ah well, I guess it makes sense that Harry's start at Hogwarts would receive a bit more attention. Oh, obviously I abused some of Rowlings work during this chapter, but I still do not own any rights to the Harry Potter universe;)

Let me know what you think about the chapter. Especially about Snape, I wanted him to be a bit less bitter since this time around he can not blame himself or Harry for Lily's death. But I figured he would still not be the nicest man ever, and he would still dislike teaching. And of course Harry will remind him about Lily and James, which can not be good… Beside that, he still has to play his double agent role.

So to reviews again:

Katzztar: I think it is more likely that I made a typo there. I can not really see why the spell check would change a word like Bones… Also it seems weird for me to hit u instead of e… they are not that close together :P Maybe my spell check changed to Dutch, it does that sometimes…

Teufel1987: Wow, long review ;) The 'thirty minute' scene only really starts when Hermione starts talking. So the part before it was just filling in the blanks between it. I guess it is a bit hard to tell since I write everything in past tense, but with my poor command of English I much prefer it this way;) Looking back I think I could have done without a scene break there.

You are right about the length of the train ride of course. Well beside that 7-730 would be eight hours after departure. I guess I could argue that the 'quidditch discussion' before the food cart arrived took almost six hours. But that seems like a lame excuse to me ;) I wonder what kind of magic they use to prevent a few hundred kids from destroying that train during such a long ride. I mean, there is no adult supervision or entertainment and all those young kids are apparently just happy to keep talking to each other for eight hours?

Voldemort treats might be a nice product for WWW later on, right next to U-no-poo ;)

Happylady1987: Thanks, and yes it is. But I felt it would be a shame to split the four of them up.

Gaamundsen: Thanks! I'll do my best :)

ILikeComps: Yeah, I made a fifteen point list first ;) But as Hermione pointed out it all came back to those three items.

TsukiyoTenshi: Well, Harry met the twins… Harry and his motley group will most likely do some pranking on their own. But I do not think they will develop in full time prankers like the marauders used to be. That could most likely fill a fanfic on itself, and I believe this one will be long enough without twenty chapters about pink-robed Snapes and aria singing Malfoys ;)

Man of Faith: Well, I have to say that when I read canon I sometimes think Harry and Hermione would fit into Slytherin. If you ignore Hermione being a muggleborn that is;) I believe your map question is answered.

Centaurios: Cool, how many of those do I need for the big purple teddy bear?

Dancer4813: Thanks! Pretty odd that I could never find the name of Voldemort's orphanage and here you just tell me in a review… The part about the kids threatening the sorting hat was fun to write as well :)

Penny is wise: Thanks!

Guest: Nope, the map showed up rather soon;) Although Harry will have to wait for the summer vacation to receive his own map.