The following morning James woke Sirius up and after a wash they went to the common room, though rather grudgingly in Sirius' case.
"Why do we need to get up this early?! We have two hours before breakfast." He complained.
"Exactly, it's hardly enough time to get lost." James exclaimed in exasperation.
"What?" Sirius slipped and stumbled unto James' back, nearly causing the two to crash down the stairs, though James was supernaturally strong from Fenrir and Fawkes' magical strength boost, so there wasn't an actual risk of that happening.
"Are you always this slow in the mornings?" James grumbled as he straightened up. "The best way to explore the castle is to get lost in it."
"Of course, I should've known." Sirius grumbled.
"Hey munchkins, aren't you up early?" A girl with wavy brown hair called to them as they were heading to the portrait. She had a prefect badge, but she wasn't one of the two that escorted them last night, so she was must've been a sixth or seventh year.
"Yeah, we want to explore the castle before classes start." James explained with a smile.
"I see… Well, you can do that. I'm gathering all the first years and escorting them to breakfast, since the castle can be quite confusing at first. You'll probably get lost, but you can ask the portraits or ghosts for help." The girl explained.
"Hey, why are you looking surprised?" The girl looked quite annoyed at the look on James' face. "You thought we'd just abandon you to get lost trying to find the Great Hall?" At his honest nod, she actually chuckled. "Well, you would've been right had it been a year ago! But Professor Griffiths, our new head of house, he gathered all the Gryffindor prefects and explained our new duties, or rather the duties we've always been supposed to have. A bunch of stuff that the other houses have been doing, but Professor McGonagall, our head of house at the time, seemed to busy to keep an eye on…"
"Anyway, you don't want to listen to little old me rant about the injustice of the system and how you youngsters have it better." She said with a giggle as she ruffled Sirius' hair, who swatted at her arms indignantly. "Off you go squirts. By the way, I'm Amanda Hopkirk." She said and waved them goodbye.
James gave her a curious glance, recognizing her last name, before shrugging it off and dragging Sirius away.
As much as Sirius initially grumbled, he soon forgot all his misgivings and really got into the exploration business. They tried opening every door they encountered, and soon pushed at random walls and talked to portraits as they (or rather, Sirius) realized that the castle has many secret rooms and passages.
James knew that he couldn't really depend on his knowledge from the previous timeline on how to navigate the castle because there could be many subtle differences, but this castle was much stranger than the Hogwarts he had known.
Being truly a magical castle, pathways were connected in nonsensical ways. They opened a door on the third floor, only to find themselves walking out of a portrait on the sixth! They took six left turns consecutively and found a door that lead them into another hallway, but when looking back, they found the door opened to a bathroom.
Amanda wasn't kidding about them getting lost, though it was fortunate that it was their goal from the start. Figuring out the pattern behind this confounding maze was going to take a while, and that is if the paths didn't change every once in a while!
James couldn't be happier. Even though most of the lessons would be pointless for him, he had plenty to do at Hogwarts! And creating the map was going to be an actual challenge! He only had Pettigrew's memories, and he wasn't involved in the actual spellwork that went into the map, so James was going to work from scratch on it, and it should be more interesting than a non-shifting castle.
"James, how did you get in here?!" Narcissa exclaimed as James stepped out into the Slytherin Common Room.
James blinked and looked past Sirius and to the room they just left. It was a study room with no other doors leading out of it, only some chairs and desks. "We were just on the second floor…" He mumbled to himself. "What's the point of passwords at the entrance, if you can just get into the common room by accident?"
He didn't have much time to think on that topic, as he found himself lifted off the ground and into the breasts of Bellatrix. "You saw my note and couldn't wait, so you came to me!" She exclaimed joyfully, but then whispered. "I'll have to return the favor and come for you later." James shuddered at that, rather certain that the pronunciation his mind supplied wasn't the correct one for what she meant. That suspicion was only strengthened when James' heightened senses could actually smell her arousal.
"Bella, you're sixteen, I'm eleven. Don't you think you're being too creepy?" He suggested. It was only the affectionate nickname that distracted her long enough that allowed James to squirm out of her grasp, and bosom, without the use of force. As enjoyable as that sensation was, especially since he used the chance to sneak an innocent looking grope – to Bella's delight, he also had to (pretend to need to) breath.
"So what?" She asked, pouting.
"Well, you got me there. Can't argue against that… But you're still too early! I didn't even hit puberty."
"It's just a matter of time."
"That's kinda how it works, yes." Narcissa chipped in.
"I'm sure he can just use some magic to start now!" Bellatrix exclaimed petulantly.
James mused, thinking that it was very much possible for him. While his shapeshifting couldn't do something like that, he could use his time powers, or aging potions, for a similar effect.
"But the rest of the girls have around a year before they hit puberty." James decided to not go through with it at the moment, but the sudden smile on Bella's face was not a look he appreciated. Or maybe if he had hit puberty, his body would've appreciated.
"So in a year I'll get to devour you, huh?"
"That's not what I- And you're gone…" Literally, she wasn't off to some fantasy land, unless you consider the Great Hall to be fantasy land, she just left the common room, actually skipping. Only after she left, James realized that he also wanted to ask how she placed the note on his bed before he even selected which one would be his.
"So you've finally surrendered yourself to her clutches?" Sirius said with a smirk, patting his friend, though there was no sympathy there.
"She is inevitable." Narcissa said with a solemn nod, ignoring the glare from James.
"Alright kiddies, gather round, we're off to breakfast." A Slytherin prefect called out, before noticing the duo. "How did you get here?" He asked suspiciously, looking to see if any of the others would look guilty over letting them in.
"We got lost?" James explained uncertainly, pointing towards the study room they entered through.
"Oh, that passage is open today?" The prefect nodded understandably, also confirming to James that the castle was indeed shifting in some sort of pattern. The boy pulled out a parchment filled with notes. "Huh, good to know. Would've taken us the wrong route… We'd have ended up in the Greenhouses." He said quietly enough that only James' senses picked up.
Nobody made a fuss about a couple of Gryffindors walking among a group of Slytherins, and James couldn't help but wonder about that. In truth, even in the previous timeline the two houses were highly competitive, but not outright hostile. Things changed massively due to Voldemort's influence, and had James not interfered, it would've been starting around this time. Any actual hostilities in Hogwarts would most likely be based on the political stances of Light vs Dark, and as a Grey, James wouldn't get involved except in support of allies.
James gave Narcissa's hand a squeeze, to which she returned a demure smile. She was obviously unsure about public displays of affection, and hand holding was very lewd. James didn't mind that, he was simply happy that he won't have to deal with house rivalry getting in the way of his relationship. It was the main thing he worried about when he thought about going into Gryffindor. Sending House Elves to spy in the castle helped reassure him, but an actual confirmation was the best.
"You two should go sit at your house table. It's obligatory for feasts and the first day of class so you get the correct class schedule." The prefect said as they arrived at the hall.
"Why couldn't they hand out the schedules yesterday?" Sirius whined. He didn't really care either way, but he liked to whine. It made a good first impression.
The prefect shrugged. "They only deal with it after the welcome feast in case of an uneven sorting. After that they decide how to pair the houses. Now off you trot."
The older boy could only blink in confusion as James offered Sirius a pair of coconuts out of nowhere and the duo started prancing towards their house.
"There you are!" Lily shouted as they approached. "Where did you go off to? A prefect escorted all of us, but you were already gone." She pouted.
"Can I offer you a coconut in these trying times?" Sirius offered to the girl sitting next to Lily with a bow. She had light brown eyes and hair to match, with a slight wave to it. Her rounded face was decorated with light freckles that weren't really noticeable on her slightly pale skin. She received a somewhat decent description, compared to other unknown characters, which means that she'll have some significance. But she won't be part of the Harem, so not that way.
"Thank... You?" She took the offered… Nut?
Lily glared at Sirius, but then took a deep breath. "Marlene, meet James Potter, Heir to House Potter, and Sirius Black, Heir to House Black. James, Sirius, meet Marlene McKinnon."
"Pleasure meeting you." Sirius bowed before kissing the hand that wasn't holding one of his nuts.
Marlene blushed, but seemed to collect herself quickly as she returned "of course it is." It surprised Sirius, but he laughed almost instantly afterwards.
"Good morning" a man who must've been their Head of House, Professor Griffiths, had said as he was moving up the table, handing out the class schedules. As he reached them, he also added. "A prefect will escort you to your class after the meal, as well as after other meals and classes, for the first week. Just until you can get used to the castle. Don't leave too early, if you get lost and be late to class, you will be punished. Don't want to create a bad first impression, do we?"
Professor Griffiths was around 180cm tall, from what James could say at a glance. The robes made it hard to know for sure, but the man gave an impression that he was physically active, but not overly so, he was more stocky than the average wizard. His black hair was cut rather short, uncommon among wizards, to James it looked like the man was up until a somewhat recently used to completely shaving his hair, or close to it. His dark steely eyes scanned the students as though he was trying to read each of them in the less than a second his eyes lingered on each, which might've been the truth as he gave James an almost imperceptible nod when their eyes met while James himself inspected the professor.
John Griffiths was the DADA professor that James had "encouraged" to take the job after he cleared the curse. His House Elves were the ones to find him and recommend him, though he did go over the man's resume. The man went to Hogwarts, afterwards he ended up becoming an auror, being inspired by the stories of family members that fought against Grindelwald's forces, but found that most of his duties were dealing with paperwork, as his magical ability, while quite good, wasn't enough to overcome the lack of personal connections and political influence.
James saw the drive in the man to make a difference, and knew that education would allow him to accomplish that. While James doubted he'd learn much, if anything, from the man, he believed that most of Hogwarts would benefit. The curse had been on the position long enough that rumors were starting to spread…
The seventh year prefect had escorted them to the Transfiguration classroom at the end of the meal. The Gryffindors shared it with Ravenclaws. James was disappointed to see a short dark-skinned man with a slight bald spot amidst his black and grey hair, with a large round nose and small beady eyes standing in front of the classroom, greeting the students as they entered. James wondered how Professor Tyler Bell was related to Katie Bell. The man seemed pleasant and cheerful, but James hoped for an Animagus demonstration just as McGonagall used to do.
Though it was unfair of him to judge, as Britain only had seven registered Animagi. The likelihood of another one of them to be teaching at Hogwarts wasn't that large.
"Welcome, welcome students to your first transfiguration lesson at Hogwarts!" The professor called out jovially after taking attendance. "Transfiguration, at its core, is the art of changing properties! To change one being into another, whether it is an inanimate object or a living, breathing creature. It is commonly accepted that Transfiguration is limited only by one's skill and imagination."
"The diverse nature of Transfiguration is what defines it as one of the most powerful and dangerous fields of magic. Hogwarts' previous headmaster, the esteemed Albus Dumbledore, was renowned as a powerful wizard that few dared face in a duel not only due to his pure strength, but his Transfiguration mastery that has rarely been seen before. While none had witnessed Dumbledore's duel with Grindelwald, I am certain that Albus Dumbledore had used his Transfiguration knowledge to great effect."
"This class should not be taken lightly. In fact, anyone caught practicing without supervision will face harsh punishments, as well as those who play around during the practical portion of the lesson. Transfiguration accidents are one of the prime reasons for a visit to St Mungo's! Even the most simple of spells that you learn this year can cause injuries if you are not careful. Those that wish to practice outside of class time, you have a list of approved student-tutors provided along with the year's syllabus."
With a wave of his wand, on the board appeared the wand motions and pronunciation of the matches to needles spell.
"The first spell you will be practicing turns normal matches into needles. It may be disappointing to you, especially after the grand introduction, to start with this seemingly useless spell. Do not be disheartened, as this spell will set you for building up the foundation for all future Transfiguration."
"Question! What is the most important aspect of Transfiguration?"
James obviously knew the answer, having the memories of Dumbledore basically meant that he was already a Master at Transfiguration, but he doubted that even without that he wouldn't know. Still, James wasn't hasty. Answering quickly all questions asked would risk negative attention that he did not wish for, thus he decided to only offer the answer after others failed.
Some in the class offered their own ideas – wand motion, pronunciation, power, intent… The last was obviously the closest, and the student did receive 2 points to Ravenclaw for it, but there was something missing that the Professor was specifically aiming for. James looked aside and saw that Sirius hardly paid attention, but Lily was twitching and squirming in her seat, glancing at him every now and then.
How cute. While Lily wasn't a transfiguration prodigy, James did teach it to her, and she was around the level of a second year student wandlessly, though she, and his other friends, needed to use a wand when they wanted to add intricate details. She knew the answer, obviously, but she didn't want to steal his credit. Seeing him not offering the answer confused her a bit, but she smiled brightly when he gave her an approving nod, and her hand instantly rose into the air.
"Lily Evans." She introduced herself as requested. "Visualization, sir."
"Just right!" Professor Bell smiled brightly at the blushing girl. "5 points to Gryffindor."
The lesson continued from there, with Professor Bell explaining the importance of each of the aspects that the class suggested. Eventually, the matches floated towards each student and they were set to practice. Anyone who succeeded by the end of class had received five points, while partial success awarded them 2.
James, Sirius and Lily had succeeded in their first try, there was no question about that. While Sirius and Lily decided to practice further by adding details to their needles, changing its color and material, James didn't really bother. Instead, he took this opportunity to get closer to Remus, by helping him.
Remus was very shy and nervous by the sudden attention, but James' patience wore him down and he was able to attentively listen to James' advice. Remus was a very earnest student, he valued the opportunity to go to Hogwarts highly and wasn't going to waste any chances, even if a kid his age was the one giving advice. The advice was solid, and the kid was nice, maybe he and Remus would be friends?
Remus wasn't sure how he felt about that. On one hand, he longed to have friends, it was part of the Hogwarts experience he wanted the most. But having someone close to him, it increased the likelihood of his secret being revealed. Will they shun him? What if they report him and parents demand he be expelled? Remus didn't know if he was willing to risk it, but he wasn't sure how to politely reject James. Did he even want to?
He did not know.
James internally sighed. It wasn't unexpected, really… Remus was so insecure that befriending him was always going to be a long-term project. On some level, James wasn't sure how close he wanted to be with the werewolf, as his behavior in canon left him conflicted, but he wasn't against trying to make their friendship work.