AUTHOR NOTE
Okay one of my biggest beefs with the books and even more the movies is that the adults are useless and grab the idiot ball very often. There are people who should be intelligent professionals making stupid mistakes repeatedly. I know the stories are told from Harry's Point of view and he is not omniscient but the adults should not be that negligent or hopeless. Plus Ron is an idiot and acts like a jerk far too frequently. I would not have made friends with him in the real world at that age. Plus there are plenty of people who should have known or heard stories about Harry's parents. He is supposed to be the biggest hero since George Washignton, King Arthur and Beowulf right? Telling him the stories about hanging out with his parents would be one good way to get a link with him.
So in this story Harry is a bit more self-assured and focused on his own goals. He has managed to get his back up and resist being abused into a dishrag. He also makes friends other than Ron early so he doesn't get off on the wrong foot with the studying and rule breaking attitude. So while this journey will parallel the main book at first it will begin to diverge more and more as we go along. Certain things are fixed points to refer to Doctor Who that we will encounter but we will encounter them sideways through a mirror. At least I hope.
I am sorry for not working on Nargles or Adoption of Ginny but my brain just has some serious constipation when it comes to those stories for some reasons. I had a brief burst a few days ago (as I write this) So there is some movement at least.
Finally to double plus good emphasize I DO NOT own anything you recognize. All characters are not my property and I am not making money off this. Anything you do not recognize I may or may not claim as mine as I don't know what I subconsciously absorbed from somewhere else. So this work of fiction is fictional. I can neither confirm nor deny that I even wrote it. Your mileage may vary. Please see a doctor if symptoms persist longer than four hours.
Eleven year old Harry Potter had finally made his way onto platform Nine and Three Quarters. This without any help from that giant oaf Hagrid who had abandoned him in the station without any help. He had managed to follow a small brown haired girl through after she said goodbye to her parents.
Harry was a very curious young boy. He had magical abilities and had been visited by a giant to tell him he was going to a school named Hogwarts. All his life he had never felt like he fitted in. That he wasn't part of the world. He had never had a family. The people who allegedly took care of him barely did so. Acting like they resented his existence. They kept him hidden and pretended he didn't exist as much as they could. This taught him to be tough. To question the motives of people and to stand for something. He wasn't sure what yet but if anything the Dursleys showed him what it meant to not be a good person. How not to behave and act. But it also gave him a thirst to see the world. To experience things.
He was standing looking at the train in awe. A steam train with the engine hissing and throbbing as the various pistons leaked steam ready to take off like it was a living beast. He walked over and reached out to touch it when a voice called out, "Oya careful there lad."
Harry turned to see a man clad in coveralls with a greasy rag sticking out of his pocket. "I'm sorry sir. Its just a magnificent machine. A real steam engine."
"Ah yeah must be a muggle born like meself. Archibald Crown Fireman for this beast. Why don't you come on up to the cab and I'll introduce you to the engineer. Ol Charley has been running this beast almost as long as you can think."
"Thank you I'd love that."
Harry climbed up to the engine cab and spent several minutes chatting with Charley Pratt while studying the controls. Eventually the engineer looked at a large pocket watch and told Harry he had better get to his compartment as they had to make the final preparations to set out.
"Thank you sir. I appreciated this."
"Not a problem. You're the first student in many a year that has taken an appreciation for the Express. Most of you are either too scared or too bored with her to listen."
Harry climbed down and gathering his things found an empty compartment at the end of the train.
====xxxx====
The train had begun to pull out of the station when a short red headed boy with dirt on his nose knocked on the compartment door.
"Pardon me can I sit here the rest of the train is full."
Harry got up and moved past the boy into the hallway. He looked into the next compartment and saw it was empty. He moved forward and saw there was two people sitting in that compartment. The next one only had one person.
Harry walked back to the boy and shook his head. "No. Go find a seat in one of the other compartments. I don't want to sit with you."
"Uh why not?" The boy whined.
"Because you're a liar and I hate liars." Harry calmly explained.
"But I was looking for Harry Potter. This is the last compartment on the train and I haven't found him."
"Why are you looking for him?" Harry's eyes narrowed.
The red head looked up and studied Harry for a few moments. Especially his forehead like he could see under his bangs. "Hey are you Harry Potter? Do you have the scar?"
"Who I am is none of your business. We are not going to be friends so go away." Harry pushed the boy out of the doorway then slammed the door shut. The boy stood there with his mouth open for a few minutes but eventually moved off as Harry ignored him.
====xxxx====
An hour later there was an odd croaking noise outside the compartment that was annoying Harry as he tried to read his potions book. He flung open the door to find a toad sitting in the corridor pushing itself against the back door of the car.
"Well hello there. You're a bit lost aren't you?"
"His name is Trevor." A brown haired girl with dark brown eyes said as she came walking up.
"Oh is he yours?"
"No he's a boy named Neville's. I've been helping him look for his toad."
Harry scooped the toad up and went to hand it to her.
She smiled and took it. "Thank you. My name is Hermione Granger."
"I'm Harry."
She looked at him then with a slight grin said, "Well you could use a haircut but you don't seem that hairy. By the way did you know your glasses are broken?"
He looked at her then chuckled. "Nice. And yes. I ...fell down."
Hermione noticed the pause but merely drew her wand and said Occulus Repairo. His glasses suddenly repaired themselves to Harry's pleasure.
"Thanks. That was amazing. You must be brilliant."
"Thanks. It was a simple first year spell. My mom says that I inherited her brains and dad's sense of humor."
"Well then you seem like someone I'd like to get to know better."
"Do you want to come forward and sit with us? We're at the front of the car."
"Yeah I'll get my things and meet you there."
"See you soon."
====xxxx====
When Harry found the compartment that Hermione was sitting in she was with a chubby brown haired boy and a honey blonde tall girl who was just beginning to develop a figure.
"Hello. Is the invitation still good?" He asked before entering.
"Oh yes. Hello Harry. I was just telling them about meeting you. This is Neville Longbottom and Lavender Brown." Hermione said standing up to give Harry room to bring his things in.
Saying Hello he stowed his things and placed Hedwig on the seat beside him.
Lavender cooed at her "Oh wow. She's a beautiful owl."
"Isn't she a snowy owl? They are native to North America." Hermione observed.
"Are they? She was a gift. Her name is Hedwig."
"Well she's very beautiful." Hermione agreed.
"Yeah. I saw the name in one of my books and liked it."
"The name is from the Germanic. Although Hedwig the Countess of Mons was French."
Harry looked at her with his eyebrow raised, "Do you know everything?"
Hermione blushed but shook her head, "Well maybe not everything. Sorry I'm doing it again. Dad says that its not nice to show off. I'm just rather nervous and excited."
Lavender agreed, "I know. I've been preparing about this since I was little and I still can't believe I'm on my way to Hogwarts."
Neville just groaned a bit and stared out the window.
"What's wrong with him?" Harry asked in general.
"Oh I'm just worried. I don't want to disappoint my family." Neville hoarsely whispered like he had been crying.
"Why would you disappoint your family?" Harry asked with a frown.
"Because they thought I was a squib up until a few months ago. I'm going to be in Hufflepuff I know it."
Harry was still confused, "And that's bad why?"
"Because my mom and dad were in Gryffindor."
"Okay. I'm sorry I was raised by muggles so I didn't know anything before I got my letter."
"Oh. Okay. So you're a muggle born like me." Hermione gushed.
Harry took a deep breath and shook his head. "Well not really. I never told you my last name because I wanted to see what you were like. I ran into someone who I think was a fan boy earlier."
They looked at him in confusion.
"My name is Harry James Potter. My mom and dad were James and Lily Potter."
All three of his new friends had a surprised and amazed expression.
"My gram has talked about you and your parents." Neville exclaimed.
"Wow. My mom knew your mother." Lavender said in polite surprise.
"You're rather famous Harry. I've read about you in some of the history books."
"Oh really. Great. Guys please don't. I have no idea what I can be famous for. I was a baby when my parents died. I've lived my entire life with...people who never told me anything about the magical world other than it didn't exist."
"oh I'm sorry. Okay Harry." Neville said in understanding.
"Well if you're sure." Lavender agreed.
"Okay Harry. I can let you read one of the books if you want to see what they said about you."
Harry considered for a moment before nodding. "Yeah I might do that. So I can at least understand what the big deal is."
"No problem." She said digging into her trunk.
"So what is the big deal about Hufflepuff or Gryffindor?"
"Well Hufflepuffs are loyal and calm and hard workers. Gryffindors are brave, and true, and strong defenders. There are two other houses the Ravenclaws who value intelligence and wit and Slytherins who value cunning and power." Hermione described as she was looking in her trunk pulling books out.
"Well I don't think I like the Slytherins." Harry said.
Hermione pulled a book out and handed it to Harry. "I'm not entirely certain I would want to be there. They have a lot of people that support the blood purity movement and anti-muggle attitudes."
"Of course they do. They want to keep the wrong sort of people out." A smug voice oozed from the doorway.
Turning the quartet saw a short blue gray eyed boy with blonde hair that was slicked back with enough pomade to definitely be a fire hazard. Behind him stood a tall muscular boy with beady brown eyes and a thick one with no neck. Harry immediately hated them.
"Oh I suppose that means you'll never get in then."
The blonde straightened up and glared at Harry, "As if you knew what the right sort of people were. Ill fitting muggle clothes, an obvious mudblood a squib and a whore. No wonder you're confused. You've never had an example of the proper sort before you."
Harry stepped forward his fists clenched. The two thugs behind the blonde looked like they were hoping he would do that.
Hermione put her hand on his shoulder, "No Harry they aren't worth it. Besides the train is an extension of the school so you can get into trouble for fighting on it."
The blonde suddenly looked like he realized something, "Harry? As in the great Harry Potter?"
"I suppose so. At least that's what everyone tells me." He said still not blinking or relaxing.
"Well in that case. I'm Draco Malfoy. Perhaps I can introduce you to some of the right sort." He said suddenly smiles and friendship. Sticking his hand out to be shaken.
Harry glanced down and shook his head. "I don't like bullies. And I don't like people like you. So please leave or be made to leave. Besides I'm already with the right sort of friends."
"You watch yourself Potter. You're getting off on the wrong foot already. Bad things happen to people like that."
"I think I can handle myself. After all I destroyed Voldemort when I was a toddler. I think I can handle a worm like you and your pets."
Draco narrowed his eyes and without even glancing at the others turned and stalked off his nostrils flaring. His retinue followed him moments later after glaring at Harry in a vain attempt at intimidation.
Neville sighed, "Do you know who he is? His father is Lucius Malfoy. One of the Dark Lord's followers, rich, powerful and member of not only the Wizengamut but the School Board of Governors."
Harry shrugged as he sat. "I'm not very impressed."
Lavender was staring at Harry practically swooning. "Wow. Are you sure the stories about you aren't true?"
Harry chuckled, "Considering how I haven't even read the book to see what it is I am supposed to have done I can't tell you."
====xxxx====
The rest of the journey was taken up with the quartet discussing many different things. The , it turned out, very fictional life history of Harry. He did not entirely come clean with what life with the Dursley's was like but he did explain that they were not the nicest of people and that he most assuredly did not know anything about the wizarding world until a few days ago. Neville told him what his Gramma told him about the Potters and Lavender told him what her parents had said about them. Harry then asked about Neville, Lavender and Hermione's lives. Neville was vague and merely explained that he lived with his Gramma. Lavender and Hermione were both very open about their lives. Lavender growing up on a gentleman's farm with her parents and younger sister in Hampshire. Her mother was a healer midwife. Hermione's parents were dentists in Crawley. Her father a major Shakespeare fanatic and pop culture enthusiast hence her name, while her mother was a more calm and studious half of the pair.
When the trolley came Harry was willing to share with his friends. Hermione deferring until Lavender pointed out that magicals did not get cavities or other minor health issues. Hermione and her then discussed many of the health differences between muggles and magicals, including some feminine ones that made Neville go get some air. Harry stayed though as he found it interesting and not at all embarrassing.
"Its just bodily functions. Girls have different bodies than guys do so we have different functions. And with magic the lines could get blurry if you think about it." Harry explained when Lavender complimented him on not running away.
"That is true Harry." Lavender agreed.
When Neville got back out of politeness they discussed the various houses and what one they hoped to be in. Neville was sure he was going to be a Hufflepuff. The four of them though agreed that no matter what they would remain friends.
====xxxx====
Arriving at Hogsmeade they stayed together when Hagrid called for first years to him. He greeted Harry warmly who returned the greetings equally. Introducing his new friends. Which made Hagrid very happy that Harry was making some very fine friends already.
The four of them got a boat together. Ron being forced to shove off and find another one as it would have overloaded the boat and none of them was going to move.
====xxxx====
On the trip across the lake Hermione's face lit up when she saw the castle. "Oh my god Harry its like in a fairy tale."
Lavender was smiling while Neville clutched Trevor tight enough that the toad was making noises.
Harry was impressed and caught up in the feelings of hope and potential for the future he was feeling.
====xxxx====
They were led into a small room across from the great hall and told to wait.
Draco and Ron both tried to come up to talk to Harry but bumped into each other. This set them off shouting at each other resulting in Ron shoving Draco onto his butt. The taller of his two thugs launched a punch at Ron causing him to fall down with his nose bleeding.
Harry stepped in front of Hermione and Lavender glaring at Goyle but the fight seemed to be over as quickly as it began.
"What is the meaning of this fracas?" The firm Scottish burr of the Professor who stepped into the room rang out.
"Sorry ma'am. The red headed twerp tripped on his robes and fell down." Draco smirked as he had been helped up by his chubby thug.
Ron held his nose while glaring at Draco. "No his buddy there knocked me down."
"What is your name?"
"Gregory Goyle."
"Very well Mr Goyle. Mr Malfoy. Mr Weasley. 10 points off each of your houses when you are sorted into them for fighting. We do not condone these sorts of cantankerous confrontations."
"The rules are very clear. Now if you can please form a line and follow me without any other difficulties please." She said as she cast a spell to fix and clean Ronald Weasley's nose.
====xxxx====
The great hall fell into a sort of soft murmuring when the first years were led in. They lined up and saw a hat sitting on a stool in front of everyone. Harry looked at the various other students and the professors. The students were for the most part ignoring the first years. The professors seemed to have a polite disinterest. Occasionally looking them over as if evaluating which house they might wind up in or what potential they might have. Harry, Hermione, Lavender and Neville had clustered together waiting for their turn.
Hannah Abbott wound up starting the process. She walked up put the hat on and after a few seconds it called out Hufflepuff. Susan Bones followed her and was placed in the house as well. Lavender went next and was quickly placed in Gryffindor. Harry stopped paying full attention until Hermione was called. The hat sat there quietly on her head for almost a minute before it called out Gryffindor as well.
Neville to his surprise took a trip to the table with the Red and Gold banners hanging over it. The hat did take almost two minutes before it made its decision. The hat recoiled from Malfoy like it didn't even want to touch his head. Shouting Slytherin without even waiting for physical contact. Ronald Weasley was sorted into Gryffindor as well Harry saw. Oh well he didn't have to be his friend just his dorm mate. A pair of Hindi girls went into Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. It was soon Harry's turn.
When his name was called everyone suddenly sat up and paid attention. The headmaster who had been observing with a casual disinterest suddenly paid keen attention. Harry strode forward and took his seat. As soon as the hat touched his head he said in his head, "Gryffindor."
"Well I'm not entirely certain about that Mr Potter. I see a lot of conflict and other potentials in here."
Trying to stay focused. "I want to be in Gryffindor with my friends."
"Ah already chasing girls are we. The blonde or the brunette? Or is it the Brown haired boy. Not that I judge on that just that Hufflepuff is a lot more open minded about such things."
"No nothing like that. Although the Brunette is nice. I just want to be in Gryffindor."
The hat seemed to make a humming noise,. Harry had not heard anything with any of the other students so he was reasonably sure it was all in his head.
"Oh yes this is all in your head. I look inside and see what sort of person you are and what the sort of person you shall become."
"How can you be so certain of what I will be based on things right now?"
"Well I see a thirst to prove yourself. A degree of bravery and lack of moderation in many things. A great deal of repressed anger and frustration, as well as hidden pain. A certain sense of morals and a code of honor. A burning curiosity and great intellectual potential are in here as well. I could put you in Ravenclaw but they would not know how to deal with you. I could put you in Slytherin and you would do very well there. You could rule the house by Christmas Break."
"NO. Thank. YOU. I would rather walk home barefoot than go in there. Gryffindor is the only option." Harry was beginning to get very aggravated.
"Hmm yes. You do hate bigots, liars and bullies. So it would be a given that there are high odds of bloodshed should you wind up in Slytherin. So I suppose it will have to be Gryffindor."
That last word had been said out loud which broke the tension that had been mounting. Harry saw Hermione gasp in relief like she had been holding her breath. The redheaded twins who had to have been Weasleys began to jump up and dance a jig on the table before their older brother managed to pull them back down into their seats.
He came over and sat down between Lavender and Hermione avoiding the back slapping congratulations of the loud twins by adroitly ducking under them. He shook hands with Neville and Hermione though. Lavender gave him a quick hug. Then he withdrew and and sat quietly staring at the table.
Once the sorting was done the headmaster stood up and waved his hands for silence.
"Very well. Let us welcome our new students and hope they find their time here as enjoyable and educational as the rest of us have. There is a time and place for long winded speeches and before a magnificent feast is not one of them. Tuck in my friends."
He sat back down and food suddenly appeared on the tables. The conversation was easily followed and Harry evaded answering too many questions. Giving vague and while true uninformative answers to the rest. Ron had tried to talk to Harry again and he just got a glare in response. The twins noticed this.
"So Harry. Whats the problem with our little brother?"
"He lied to me and tried to be pushy on the train. I don't like liars."
"I'm sure Ron didn't exactly lie. He's just a bit addled and overzealous."
"Sort of like a Jack Russell Puppy."
"I hate dogs." Harry flatly intoned looking straight into their eyes. His eyes unblinking and unmoving.
"Uh yeah well. Our brother isn't all that bad now."
"That is your opinion. Mine is different." Then Harry dismissed them and turned back to his conversation with Hermione about the food. Ignoring any of the Weasleys attempts to talk to him.
====xxxx====
After the dinner was over the Headmaster stood back up.
"I want to welcome all of you again. To another year here at our beloved Hogwarts. A few announcements at the start of term then off to our beds to digest this magnificent repast."
"The Forest is out of bounds to all students. Regardless of their ages or hair colors." He said with a wink towards the Gryffindor twins.
"No magic is to be used in the corridors or against your fellow students."
"And lastly unless students wish to suffer a slow agonizing and horrible death they should avoid the third floor corridor in the east wing. All that is within there is a horrific death." he said with a large smile and twinkling eyes.
====xxxx====
Safely in their common room the quartet sat together at a table. Finally able to talk without any observers trying to interrupt or hang onto them.
"Well we all made it. That'll make things easier to stay friends."
"Well the hat had no problem putting me in Gryffindor it said." Lavender proudly stated.
"I had to convince the hat to put me in here. It wanted to put me in Ravenclaw but I wanted to stay with Lavender." Hermione explained.
"The hat never had anywhere else for me. It remembered my mom and dad and said I had the same potential he did. I didn't believe it but I guess it convinced me. So here I am. How about you Harry?"
"I had to argue with it. It didn't seem to know where to put me but finally settled between Slytherin and Gryffindor. I convinced it that I was going into Gryffindor."
"Wow. I was wondering what was going on as it seemed like you were taking forever." Lavender said bemusedly.
"It was rather insistent. So Was I." Harry smirked a little bit.
"Well we're glad you're here."
"So am I."
"So what do you think was the deal with that announcement about the third floor corridor?"
"I think it was a morality test." Hermione said.
"A what?" Neville asked confused.
"A test to see if anyone would follow orders or if they would break the rules. I seriously doubt that the school would actually allow anything in that could result in a student getting killed so it must be a test. If you try to get into the corridor you are the sort of person who disobeys authority and get a black mark in your record."
"Well gram would kill me if I did anything like that. So I'm out."
"Me too. I don't want anything to threaten my staying here." Harry agreed.
"Lavender?" Hermione's questioning look pinned her.
"Oh I have no plans on getting known as a rule breaker. " She said emphatically.
"No neither do I. So its agreed. We avoid that area like the plague." Hermione said to three nodding friends.
======xxxx=====
Getting ready for bed Harry met his dorm mates. They were Seamus Finnigan an Irish student who was rather proud of his homeland, Dean Thomas a West Ham United Football Fanatic from London. Harry reserved judgment on the two of them as they spent most of their time arguing as to which was better Quidditch or Football. With Ron Weasley joining in on the side of Quidditch though his favorite team the Chudleigh Cannons being derisively put down by Seamus as a failed example of what a team should be and the epitome of losing looked like. Neville and Harry rounded out the dorm.
The next day at breakfast Harry asked Lavender and Hermione if they got along with their dorm mates. Fay Dunbar was an Irish muggle-born girl with coppery red hair and glasses from Innisfree. Her parents owned the pub in town and she had two older brothers and a younger one. Sally Anne Perks was a petite blonde who according to Lavender had a precocious fascination with boys, fashion and not much else. The last member was Abigail Perkwith, a quiet girl with long brown hair she wore in pigtails. Her family were pure-bloods from the Dover coast area Lavender said. They were on the side of the light though. She seemed nice enough although a bit shy. Lavender and Hermione felt they could live with them so it wasn't that bad.
Hermione was reading the paper when Harry saw a headline. It was about an attempted break-in at Gringott's which occurred on the same day he had been there. The Goblins had not mentioned which vault or anything other than the thief had not managed to penetrate their security systems and was now wanted by the Goblin nation.
====xxxx====
Harry had paired with Hermione and Lavender paired with Neville for their first potions class. Ron had tried to convince Harry to pair with him instead but Harry just sat beside Hermione and did not move or say anything until he realized he was looking like a fool.
"What's wrong Weasel? Your crush not paying attention to you?"
"Stuff it Malfoy!"
"Oh no the Weasel is getting mad. I better watch myself."
"I'm warning you Malfoy!" Ron had turned and was half standing when the potions professor entered the room. He looked down his nose at Ron who spun back around and sat beside Seamus who just shrugged.
"This is potions class. So you do not need your wands here. Potions are a subtle and magnificent art. The blending of disparate ingredients into a concoction that can heal wounds, cure diseases, change the physical form and salve a troubled mind. They are the most powerful form of magic and the most delicate. Everything else is just showmanship and farce. It takes not just rote skill but talent and aptitude. A sense of artistic flair. Something I sincerely question if any of you actually possess. Perhaps you may surprise me, but I do doubt it."
He paused to look over the class. When he made eye contact with Harry he sneered slightly and shook his head but said nothing else.
"The task today shall be to brew a simple stomach calming potion against nausea. It is so simple muggle grandmothers have the ability to brew it. If you fail this then words cannot describe the degree of incompetence it must have taken. The instructions are on the board begin."
Harry and Hermione began working on their potion along with everyone else. Hermione was whispering instructions to Harry as he was working. "NO Harry Widdershins not Desoel." "Add the Peppermint then the Aloe." "Simmer it but don't let it boil."
Neville and Lavender appeared to be doing just as well as Harry and Hermione. Suddenly in the middle of the class Seamus and Ron's potion exploded into a jet of flame that reached the ceiling. Somehow Crabbe and Goyle's began to ooze over the floor and eat into their shoes. By the end of class only three partners Harry and Hermione, Neville and Lavender, and Daphne Greengrass and Draco had managed to achieve perfect or near perfect potions. Everyone else ranked below them in lower and lower degrees of accuracy until they reached the bottom of the class.
Snape collected the examples without comment until Ron opened his mouth. "If that nagging cow hadn't kept running her mouth we'd have gotten it."
Snape cleared his throat before Harry could round on Ron. "As I said at the beginning of the class even a muggle could brew this. So your failure is a reflection on your inability to even achieve something a muggle can. And as for Miss Granger's nagging it would seem that as her and those who paid attention to her nagging achieved perfect or near perfect results perhaps you should have listened closer."
Ron mumbled something under his breath. Snape raised an eyebrow and glared at him but said nothing else.
====xxxx====
Charms was another example of Hermione and Harry achieving results first. The spell was supposed to merely make the end of the wand glow. Seamus setting fire to his desk was the worst thing that happened but Ron seemed put out that Hermione achieved results first still.
====xxxx====
The quartet arrived at their transfiguration class slightly early and saw a tabby cat sitting on the desk.
Lavender went up and began to pet the cat, "Oh wow what a pretty cat. I wonder whose it is?"
Harry somehow felt a familiar vibe off of the cat but only shrugged as he took his seat beside Hermione. "I dunno. They seem to just let anyone and anything wander around this place."
"Really. If they had standards half the students wouldn't even be here." Draco smirked as he and his crew took a seat on the opposite side of the room.
"Yeah. You should be careful though Draco who knows which half would be the ones out the door." Harry replied without even looking up form his books. Draco did not reply except with a rude gesture.
The time for class came and went with two empty desks. Ron Weasley and Seamus Finnigan the ones who were supposed to occupy those desks did not show up until five minutes after the bell had rung.
"Whoa that was close I guess the professor's not here yet. We got lucky." Ron grinned.
The cat that had been siting on the desk leapt off and before it landed on the floor had shifted and changed into the tall stern mistress Professor McGonnegal.
"Mister Weasley, Mister Finnigan is there any particular reason why you are late?"
Seamus swallowed and looked at Ron. Ron stammered a moment then shrugging said, "We got lost."
"So perhaps making your robes into a map might be a good idea?"
"Uh no ma'am but this is a big castle and with everything going on its not like we could know the way."
"Some of your classmates came from the same class you did previous to this and arrived on time, a few even arrived early enough to hold a conversation. Which by the by Mr Malfoy five points from Slytherin for improper and rude gestures."
"I told you ma'am we got lost." Ron repeated indignantly.
"Mr Finnigan?" She said turning to stare at him.
"Uh yes ma'am. That's what happened."
"And you did not think to ask a portrait or ghost?"
"Uh no ma'am."
"Very well five points from Gryffindor."
"No fair."
She raised her eyebrows at the red head. "And in what particular reason is it not fair?"
"You can't expect us to think of everything or know how to get anywhere in this place on our first day of classes."
"Mister Weasley I expect you to have read the orientation materials, I expect you to have the ability to think in a rational and reasonable manner. I expect you to be able to function in a manner befitting someone who is being taught how to utilize their magical abilities. Now I must begin our class which you have made us all late for."
She strode to the front and after calling the roll began to discus the expectations for her class and how important the fundamentals of Transfiguration are for later lessons.
====xxxx====
They were heading for flight class and Harry was amused listening to Lavender and Hermione.
"I am really not looking forward to this. The concept of flying through the sky on a broom with nothing more than a cushion charm and your grip between you and the ground is not comforting." Hermione grumbled.
Lavender huffed, "And to do it in a skirt too. Whose idea was this."
Harry chuckled. "Well maybe it'll distract Neville. He looks like he could use it."
Neville was pale and sweating. Rolling a small crystal ball that was filled with red smoke around in his hands.
Lavender put her hand on his arm, "Neville are you ok?"
"No. Gramma sent me a rememberall and I can't remember what it is I supposedly forgot."
Hermione looked at the ball, "Is that what that is?"
Neville held it up, "Yeah its supposed to help job your memory that you forgot something but I have no idea what I forgot."
"And that's all it does?"
"Yeah. Pretty pathetic for a magic item. So I guess its fitting for me. I'm pretty pathetic for a wizard. No wonder Gramma sent this to me." Neville glumly sighed.
"They are purple." Lavender suddenly said in non-sequitur
Harry and Neville both looked at her oddly. "Hunh?" Neville asked.
"My knickers. They're purple cotton."
Neville was confused, "What does that have to do with anything?"
Lavender shrugged as they entered the courtyard. "Nothing at all but it distracted you from feeling sorry for yourself didn't it?"
Neville started to say something then he smiled, "Yeah I guess it did."
Harry was chuckling beside Hermione. "So want to volunteer what color yours are?"
Hermione was staring resolutely ahead at the brooms lying in two straight rows on the ground. Students were already taking positions beside one. Chatting animatedly in excitement or nervousness.
Hermione took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment. Harry patted her on the back, "Hey relax you'll do great."
"They're white. Standard white cotton. From Asda." Hermione said quickly before stepping over to a broom.
Harry chuckled and stood next to the broom beside hers. Madam Hooch stepped up and told everyone to relax. That flying a broom was easier than riding a horse. She then told them to hold their hand out and tell the broom up.
Harry had his in his hand on the first try. As did Draco. Everyone else took several tries including Ron who took three tries. So much for his bragging about being able to play Quidditch at a professional level thanks to his brothers and him playing Harry thought. Hermione got it on the fourth try as did Lavender. Neville though took forever it seemed and he was the last of the class to get it.
"Very good now mount up on the broom. You cannot see it but there is a saddle spell on the broom that you will feel when you are in the proper position. Your backside should be just in front of the sweeps of the broom and your hands about halfway along the shaft and so help me the next person that giggles will be serving detention." She said pacing up and down the lines like a drill instructor.
Harry swung his leg over and settled on the saddle. Hermione did so and Harry got a brief flash of white. He grinned at her but she was staring straight ahead still. Ignoring everything except the instructions of Madame Hooch and whatever private fears she had. Her hands gripping the broom like she was trying to choke it to death. Lavender and Neville where blushing but grinning at each other.
Once everyone was on their brooms and their grips corrected. "A light grip Miss Granger. You do not need to try to kill it. Mr Malfoy your hands are too far back. Miss Brown you can uncross your legs your modesty will be quite safe."
Lavender had tightly linked her legs underneath herself. The hovering broom quivering side to side in her grip.
Before the coach could say anything else Neville though was rocketing skyward screaming. He bounced off the wall of the courtyard and scraped along the roof-line for a few feet before he rolled over and fell about ten feet to the ground with a resounding thump and snap of bone.
"Everyone dismount and stay off the brooms." She commanded as she ran over to Neville.
Checking him over she discovered that he had a broken arm and a few other injuries. "Alright I will be taking Mr Longbottom to hospital. Do not even touch the brooms until I return. Anyone that does will be on their ear by lunch."
After she left Goyle tossed a small crystal ball to Draco. "Well well look at this. The fat squib dropped his brains." He said tossing it up and down in his hand.
Harry glared at Draco and stepped forward, "Hand it over Malfoy."
"Or what Potter. You know what I think I ought to put this someplace safe. The top of the Astronomy tower should be good enough." He said mounting his broom and slowly gliding upwards smirking at Harry.
Harry swung his leg over his broom and took off after him before Hermione or Lavender could stop him or say anything. He pursued Draco with a purpose that Draco noticed. Draco decided that playing around would not be a good idea and flew a straight up. Harry followed him move for move. An Immelman and a few loops later with Harry right on his tail Draco sneered, "Fine Potter you want it so bad then catch." And threw it at the furthest tower as hard as he could. Harry swung around in a tail flipping turn and arced over in an intercept course. He dove at high speed and inches from the wall reached out and grabbed the small glittering crystal. Sliding to a stop and rocketing back towards the courtyard grinning in sheer exultation of happiness.
Harry landed just as Minerva McGonnegal came bustling out of the castle. Everyone backed away from Harry and let her run up. "Mr Potter can up please explain what just happened?"
Harry, Hermione, Lavender, Draco, Goyle and Crabbe all started trying to talk simultaneously causing the professor to raise her hands for silence. "Everyone be silent please. MR Potter you and only you explain."
"Neville dropped his remember-all and Draco took it. He threatened to put in on the astronomy tower. So I chased him and he threw it and I caught it."
Minerva nodded and said, "Come with me Mr Potter."
Draco was smirking as they walked off.
====xxxx====
The two of them were heading deeper into the castle when Harry asked the professor if he was in trouble.
"IN Trouble? I suppose under the direct rules you should be however your flying skills were impressive. Most impressive indeed. As such I am willing to overlook the indiscretion and place you on the Gryffindor Quidditch team as seeker. We should be able to clean the house cup for certain with your abilities."
"Ma'am I'm not sure I want to play Quidditch."
She stopped so suddenly that Harry took a few steps past her. "Ma'am?"
She was working her mouth as she stood there pondering what he said, "You are not sure you want to play?"
"Yes ma'am. I've never even heard of it until I got on the train so I don't know if I'd be any good or actually enjoy it. I know I love the way it feels to fly though so I suppose. I'd have to consider it very closely ma'am. I lost my temper because I don't like bullies is the only reason I did what I did."
"True. My apologies Mr Potter. I thought. Well its no matter what I thought. Perhaps I could show you something?"
"Uh yes ma'am."
She led him into a trophy room. Cases held many medals, cups and plaques with badges. She walked over to one and pointed at a plaque in particular. "Your father was a star Quidditch player. He could handle the seeker and the chaser positions interchangeably. He was one of the best. A natural on the broom and it seems you may have inherited his skills. His best friend played with him and they ruled the skies over the Quidditch pitch." She said smiling lost in memories.
Harry looked and saw a badge that was flanked by the Quidditch Cup for the year 1976. It had the name James Potter engraved on it. The other side had the name Sirius Black.
"So if Sirius Black was dad's best friend what happened to him?"
Minerva sighed. She sat down on a bench that was nearby patting the other end of it for Harry to sit. "I'm not sure what to say about him. Sirius was a complicated young man. He came from a family that was in the dark faction. He had rejected and renounced them and became friends with your mother and father. Two other young boys rounded out their little group. Peter Pettigrew and Remus Lupin. Something happened one day though. Something bad and Peter Pettigrew was killed by Sirius. He is still in Azkaban Prison for that."
Harry sat thinking. "And Remus Lupin?"
"He is a werewolf Harry. He is not considered safe in our society and has to live on the fringes of it. To be honest I have no idea where he is or what he is doing. "
Harry nodded. He swallowed while thinking then spoke gently, "Thank you for telling me this ma'am. As for Quidditch. I want to consider joining the team very carefully and do some research on the sport before saying yes or no."
Minerva smiled, "I'm certain your friends would be more than happy to help you do so."
====xxxx====
In the library with his friends Harry was reading a book on the History of Quidditch. Lavender was looking at flying tips book, Neville had a book about the teams of Quidditch and Hermione had gotten a rule-book out.
"Interesting Harry. There does appear to be some strategy involved in the timing of when the seeker catches the Snitch." Hermione was explaining.
"So the Seeker is important?"
"Considering how the game is not over until they catch the snitch yeah." She agreed.
"Well that explains why the longest game on official record was just shy of three months." Harry said with a nod.
"So are you considering it?" Neville asked.
"Maybe. I mean it felt incredible flying. I wish I could help you feel that. The pure rush of wind and feeling like I was totally free. Nothing could touch me." He sighed with his eyes closed remembering how it felt.
"I know Harry. I'm going to try. I'm just not very comfortable with heights." Hermione gave an involuntary shiver.
Harry opened his eyes and looked straight into Hermione's, "If I'm around I'll never let you fall."
Hermione blushed but nodded. Neville chuckled, "Well that takes care of Hermione, but I guess I'm still gonna make an impact."
Harry chuckled "No Nev you'll be great too. You just need to believe in yourself."
Hermione chuckled, "Maybe I need to get him a feather."
The other three stared at her in confusion. She shook her head, "Its from a muggle movie. An elephant tries to learn to fly and his cricket friend gives him a feather telling him its a magic feather so he learns to fly but he loses the feather later only it wasn't the feather after all it was just him. He needed to believe in himself." Hermione explained.
Lavender furrowed her brow, "And you say the wizarding world has some strange stories. Flying elephants. I've seen an elephant they are way too big to fly."
"It was a little children's cartoon." She huffed.
Neville raised his hands, "Okay guys. I see what Hermione means. We can work on it. Friends forever together. Right?" He said with a grin.
The other three smiled their agreement.
===xxxxx===.
Harry knocked on the office door of Professor McGonnegal. She opened it and smiled when she saw who was visiting her.
"Ahh Mr. Potter. I heard that you and your friends had a profitable afternoon in the library. So have you reached a decision?"
"I think so. Ma'am. The only problem I have is that I don't have a broom and first years are not allowed them anyways."
"Yes well you are a rather extraordinary person. I have spoken to the other heads and they are willing to overlook those rules to make the games a bit more interesting. Feeling that your escapades at class the other day should prove quite invigorating."
Harry looked bashful. "Uh thank you ma'am. I just did what I felt was right."
"I am certain you did. Your father was a gifted man and once he got a bit of maturity under his belt was quite extraordinary himself." She smiled in reminiscing.
"So you knew him?" Harry was hopeful for more information on his father.
"Well I was the transfiguration professor then as well. Fresh from my apprenticeship and newly hired. I only knew your family professionally for the most part. Your mother was a charms prodigy so Professor Flitwick would be better able to discus things about her."
"Really?"
Chuckling Minerva nodded, "Oh yes. Your mother was quite inventive in her craft. A match for your father in skill and power. Probably one reason it took them forever to discover their feelings for each other. As she did not broker fools easily. And sadly your father was certainly a rather large fool in his early years."
Harry chuckled trying to imagine his father and mother at school.
"Oh yes he and his group of friends were quite the terrors. They called themselves the Marauders. Your mother found them to be childish and remained unimpressed for their first few years. Then things started taking a darker turn with the rise of You-Know-who. The marauders became more serious in their defense of the younger students. James took on a more mature leadership role and Lily joined him. I unfortunately do not know what sort of things it took but by the time they graduated we knew they would never be separated." She said with a slight sniffle. "My apologizes Mr Potter. Having had your parents in my house and seeing them grow and mature only for things to end as they did. It is rather disheartening."
"Yes ma'am" he said with no idea how to act. The Dursleys did not like showing weakness around people so crying in public was only reserved for funerals where it was considered acceptable.
Minerva smiled sadly at him, "Yes well. I wish I could tell you more about them. Knowing that your father was a natural on a broom, highly skilled in transfiguration and a typical male who needed time to mature is not very helpful."
"Its more than I've ever been told before. The Dursleys did not exactly speak about my parents in a complimentary way if they spoke about them at all."
"Your aunt never spoke of her sister?"
"Not nicely. Saying she was a fool and an embarrassment marrying beneath her to a drunkard and a wastrel." Harry quietly confessed.
Minerva said a phrase in Scott's Gaelic that Harry didn't recognize but given the expression on her face was not sure he wanted to translate.
"My apologies , Harry. I should not speak ill of people. Your aunt I am sure has her reasons. Now let us move on to happier subjects. Such as a broom."
Harry agreed he wanted to talk about that. "Uh yes ma'am. I'm not sure what sort of broom I should try for. We've looked at the various magazines and there are quite a few options."
She pursed her lips and steepled her fingers. "Do you trust me Mr Potter?"
"Yes ma'am. Of course."
"Well as I am not exactly a novice myself in the matters of Quidditch I could select an appropriate broom for you if you wish."
"I would appreciate that. Thank you. I think I can afford a decent one."
She waved that off, "Don't worry about it. Consider it past due birthday and Christmas gifts."
Harry was surprised, "Are you sure ma'am? Wouldn't that be considered favoritism or something?"
"Let me worry about that. You just tend to your studies and keep your grades up that will be sufficient thanks."
"Yes Ma'am." Harry enthusiastically agreed.
====xxxx====
Harry had met with Oliver Wood the team captain. He was a quiet yet intense teen who had plans to become a professional player. He took Professor McGonnegal at her word, having heard the story of the remember-all catch.
A few days later a package arrived for Harry. Inside was a brand new Nimbus 2000 broom. He pulled it out in the common room and was admiring it with his friends when Ron Weasley came over.
"Blimey that's a Nimbus 2000. Those are top flight racing brooms Harry."
"Yeah. Being seeker I need to be fast and maneuverable. So Professor McGonnegal bought this for me as a gift."
"Cor lucky you." Ron grumped.
"He's not lucky he is just skilled and this is recognition of that skill." Hermione stood up for Harry.
"Yeah right we'll see how he does in a real game. That's where the bristles meet the floor." Ron crossed his arms in victory.
"Whatever." Hermione rolled her eyes. "Harry you should go out and practice with it so you are aware of how it feels."
"Good idea. You guys can come too."
Ron started to follow them before Neville stopped him, "Harry you want Ron to come too."
Harry shrugged. "Its a free castle. I guess if he wants to."
====xxxx====
The five students arrived on the Quidditch pitch that evening. Harry mounted and did some loops and maneuvers. Racing around the pitch in a wide arcing circle. Sometimes right side up, sometimes upside down. His hair and robes waving behind him, laughing maniacally in excitement.
"Well he certainly seems to enjoy flying." Lavender said watching.
Hermione was biting her lip watching him. "Yes a little bit too much I suppose."
Ron was dancing a little jig, "Oh yeah if he flies that good in a game the House cup is ours! Boo ya!"
Oliver Wood and the rest of the team walked onto the pitch seeing Harry climbing straight up then pulling over in a back flip only to right himself and jet off in another direction.
"By the GODS! That boy can fly!" Oliver gasped.
"I do believe.
That we have the cup.
This year." The twins said in their weird way.
Harry saw the rest of them and did a loop with the bottom of it right in front of the crowd. So that when he braked to a stop he was hovering right in front of Hermione and the others. "So I like it. Brooms got a lot of pickup. " He was grinning.
Oliver came up and hugged Harry. Stepping back he composed himself and then started them running through their practice moves.
==xxxxx====.
Saturday was cloudy and held a hint of rain. Harry would have preferred to remain in the library or the common room and study but he had been invited to Hagrid's for a bit of tea. He asked his friends if they wanted to come with him as he felt it impolite to flat out refuse. Especially as they had come to the agreement that Hagrid probably didn't purposely abandon Harry at the train station but that he was not the most responsible of people. From what they had been able to gather from asking around he was regarded as a simpleton at best to an ignorant oaf by a lot of the Slytherins. Given the stigma and bigotry half-giants received according to Neville it was possible he had not had many friends.
Knocking on the huge door Harry rubbed his knuckles. He was about to pick up a rock and use it when there was a loud barking from inside. Hagrid's voice calling for the dog to calm down preceded the door opening. The next thing Harry knew he was laying flat on his back as a huge black dog was standing over him licking him in the face. Harry trying to defend himself without actually hurting the dog.
"Fang back. Down boy. Sorry about that Harry. He's just a bit excitable around new people. Oh hello all. I wasn't expecting Harry to bring friends."
"Thank you sir. We hope we're not troubling you." Hermione politely said while watching him wrangle the huge hound off Harry.
"Oh no trouble at all. And no need for the sir thing. I'm not a professor. Come in. Come in."
Lavender helped Harry off the ground while Hermione cleaned his face for him. They came in and sat on the edge of huge couch while Hagrid sat in his chair by the fire.
Fang was a large Boar Hound and parked himself beside Harry with his head on Harry's leg.
"So ya already on the Quidditch team. That's a fine thing there Harry. You must be settling in well enough."
"Yeah we're doing good. I've been helping Hermione, Neville and Lavender with their flying too."
"Oh that's good. Ye must be enjoying that. But where's Ronald?"
"Who?" Harry asked with his eyebrow raised.
"Ronald Weasley. I thought he was one o yer friends there Harry. That's what the headmaster said he would be."
"Why would the headmaster think Ron was one of my friends? I've not shown any interest in being Ron's friend."
"Oh well. ah. I dunno. Would ya want some tea now?"
"Yes please." Lavender said quickly. "Shall I play mother?"
"Oh no need you're the guests." Hagrid said getting up and handling the implements. The tea turned out to be quite strong black tea so each took several sugars and some cream to lighten it up.
They spent a good part of the afternoon talking about the school with each of them asking about various aspects of the castle and the grounds. The professors and if Hagrid knew Harry's family. Hagrid proudly recounting various tales of James and his friends running around the school and things he heard about after school. They had an enjoyable time listening to the large man.
====xxxx====
Sitting in the courtyard after leaving Hagrid to his duties the four were working over a new part of the mystery. "So why would the headmaster think I was friends with Ron?"
"That is curious. Especially why would he tell Hagrid about it. I mean who your friends are doesn't seem to be something the headmaster would have casual conversations about." Lavender considered.
"Really Harry. He seems a bit slow and simple-minded but decent. Not a bad sort. I don't think he would willingly or purposely hurt you. But he might be able to be tricked into it by someone unscrupulous." Hermione observed.
"Well Neville what do you think?"
"I have to agree with Hermione. He seems ok but very easily confused or conned."
"Yeah. Thanks. I think I'll be friends with him because he does seem kinda lonely but I won't tell him anything important or that I want to keep secret. That's what you guys are for." Harry said with a smile.
Hermione and Lavender both blushed at that but smiled back.
====xxxx====
The month of October came around and not much changed. Ron still sniped and argued with Hermione. Disagreeing with her comments or interpretations of things. Griping about her getting things in class quickly although he ignored Harry being usually second or third as Neville and Lavender started upping their class game. He was still trying to make friends with Harry it seemed like. Unfortunately for him every time he said something negative about Hermione it undid any good efforts he had been making.
Draco it seemed had given up trying to make friends. He was snarky and unpleasant to Harry and his friends. He refused to use Hermione's name unless absolutely required by being in front of a professor or prefect. Although Snape tended to look the other way when Draco or one of his associates attempted to sabotage one of Hermione or Lavender's potions or called them names.
The Halloween feast came and Harry was not happy. He was dragging his feet heading to the great hall. His friends walking with him.
"Sorry guys you can go on ahead. I just don't know how I feel. Tonight is the tenth anniversary of when my parents were killed. Not exactly something to throw a party over."
Hermione rubbed his arm noticing when he flinched a slight bit. Not as much as the first time she made contact with him but still noticeable. "I'm sorry Harry. The feast is mandatory attendance. So unless you want me to hex you enough to put you in hospital..." She said half joking.
Harry smiled, "Thanks but no. I'll be okay. Besides the way you go all out with everything I might be in there for the next week."
"Well I would need to make sure it looked good you know." She said elbowing him.
====xxxx====
Harry looked around and noticed a couple of empty chairs at the table. "I thought you said this was mandatory?"
Hermione frowned "It is."
Looking around a bit as the feast began showed that Abigail Perkwith and Fay Dunbar were the ones missing. Apparently they had an encounter with Ron that ended in Abigail running off crying according to Sally Anne when they asked her if she knew what happened.
Harry turned on Ron, "What did you say to Abigail?"
Ron had been arguing Quidditch with Seamus again when Harry interrupted them, "Hunh? Who?"
"Abigail. Long brown hair. In our house. Kinda sensitive?" Harry described her trying to ring a bell in Ron's brain.
"Oh her. She was acting all mopey about missing her muggle friends and I reminded her about how much better she had it now. I mean geez think about it someone getting all sad because they wanted to be a muggle. How crazy is that?"
Harry just closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Ron you have the emotional capacity of a tea spoon."
At that moment Professor Quirrel broke into the room running towards the front of the hall screaming. "There's a troll in the dungeons. A troll in the castle. Oh my. I just thought I should tell you." And then he passed right out.
Students all started shouting and talking loudly before there was a loud bang from the main table. Dumbledore was standing there and shouted out a command, "All students please remain seated. Don't panic. Prefects seal the hall. Professors with me." He then led the professors out of the hall.
Harry was fidgeting. "What's wrong?" Hermione said knowing she would not like the answer.
"Fay and Abigail. They don't know about the Troll. Where were they when you last knew?" He turned to Sally.
"Abigail usually likes to go to the bathroom on the third floor west side corridor. She says it has good acoustics for her singing."
Harry got up and headed for the door. Percy Weasley was standing there with a blonde girl when he walked up, followed by his friends.
Percy sighed when he saw Harry and his crew approach. "What is it Harry?"
"Abigail Perkwith and Fay Dunbar are missing. They are probably on the third floor in the bathroom. They don't know about the troll."
"I wish we'd known that before the professors went out." Percy frowned.,
"I'm sure they'll be okay. The professors will find them just fine." The blonde girl said.
"The professors are watching the dungeons not the third floor." Hermione pointed out.
"And its not like we're going to try and fight a troll. We'll sneak and run if we get caught." Harry said with his best smile.
"C'mon Percy. We're supposed to be the house of the brave. Aren't you brave enough to let us go find two lost girls. From our house even." Lavender pouted giving him the puppy dog eyes.
"Okay. But be quick. And Don't get in a fight." Percy said after hesitating for a minute and staring at Harry.
The four of them began to run towards the stairs. "Thanks Lavender. I was worried he wouldn't let us go."
"Mom says no man can withstand the puppy dog eyes."