The first week of school was amazing for Harry. However, there were a few highlights he couldn't get off of his mind.
The first was the constant mothering of his 3 new best friends. Hannah, Susan, and Megan seemed to have made it their life's goal to see him protected, fed, comfortable, and happy. They were all feelings Harry was not use to and the girls wanted to rectify that.
The second was the warm presence of professor LeClair. He found out from a pair of very enthusiastic twins, whom both decided Harry needed to be in the middle of a gingerpuff sandwich 5 times a day, that the teal haired Frenchman has been the care of magical creatures professor for the past 3 years. He is universally loved by all students for his unique and heavy handed approach to teaching. Professor LeClair made it a point to speak to him every day. He would get this odd glint in his eye after watching Harry's movements and then excuse himself. It was odd.
The third was the potions professor, Snape. In their first class he was glaring at Harry in a way reminiscent of his uncle, but later that day he saw Professor LeClair pull him aside and seemingly start chastising him. The next potions class Snape only glanced at him once with a very pained expression. Harry really wants to know what the other professor said.
Harry continued to contemplate all the new and wonderful things of the wizarding world when he ran into the back of someone.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I wasn't paying attention." Harry worried.
The person he ran into huffed studying the small boy.
"Don't worry about it." A haughty voice replied.
Harry looked up from his shoes and finally made eye contact with a pair of amused grey eyes. He had run into Draco Malfoy. Harry remember the boy attempt to approach him on the train only for a rude red haired boy to cut him off and take up all of Harry's time on the ride to school. Ron was ok if a little pushy at times.
"So we finally get to speak." Malfoy said a smile slowly crawling up his face.
"I suppose." Harry shifted nervously.
Malfoy took in the nervous Hufflepuff and sighed.
"I was about to have tea with my cousin. Would you care to join us?
Harry shifted nervously on his feet. He was weary of going off with someone he barely knew, but he also did not want to pass up the opportunity for new friends.
"Ok." Harry finally replied.
Draco grinned taking the smaller boys hand and pulling him out of the castle and down to the docks of the black lake where they are met by a smiling professor LeClair. His eyes lit up at the sight of the 2 first years.
"Petit Dragon you brought a friend." The professor beamed. "I'm so happy you are extending your hand beyond your house."
"Stop." Draco hissed out to the giggling professor. "You are embarrassing me."
Professor LeClair laughed out right at the pouting blonde before gesturing to what harry could only describe as a house sitting on top of a row boat. It was nothing like the muggle boats harry saw in books at the library or the rare occasions when he looked at the television. The 'house' portion of the boat looked as if the wood used to make it was woven together in intricate patterns. It was a mosaic of colors from blush pink to a deep orange. The roof was curved in several places to accommodate large stained glass windows. The boat portion looked normal until Harry saw the front, where it opened up to a front deck. The figurehead on the front was a beautiful deer head with branching antlers. It was simultaneously the most beautiful and intimidating boat Harry has ever seen.
"Do you like it?" The professor asked.
"It's amazing." Harry breathed.
"I thank you." The professor replied leading the kids down onto the deck. "My husband and I decided to live in this kettuvallam 4 years ago when my little brother started attending school. We figured since he would be away most of the year we could downsize a bit and live comfortably for a while."
When the professor opened the door to the house boat harry gasped in wonder.
"I love magic."
Draco looked at his cousin in confusion but received a head shake in return. This was something sensitive that Draco could not handle at this moment. The two followed Harry as he wandered around the foyer of the magically expanded home. The stained glass windows caste red and teal beams onto the polished Beach wood floors. A spiral staircase was in the center of the room leading to a landing above. It was currently occupied by 2 curious wizards and a rather large cat like creature with glowing gold eyes. The weird cat quickly made it's way down the stairs and into Noel's waiting arms.
Noel smiled at it before gesturing Harry to each one of them.
"Harry, this is my Matagot Dior, the man with the red eyes is my husband Xanxus, and the man with the long silver hair is our friend Squalo."
"It's nice to meet you." Harry smiled shyly still staring at the creature in fascination.
Noel smiled holding the hairless creature out to the boy.
"Would you like to hold her? She is friendlier than the other 2 cats around here."
"Am I allowed?" Harry asked fearfully.
Noel gave the boy an encouraging smile before plopping the Matagot into his arms.
Xanxus and Squalo looked at the young boy, then each other, and finally gave pointed stares to Noel. The professor gave a nod and a subtle slash of the throat. Squalo smirked turning back to the tiny Hufflepuff cooing at the purring creature.
"Mn." Xanxus tilted his head toward a door at the back of the boat. "Tea is ready on the back deck."