Disclaimer: I own a brain, I also own this story. I don't own Harry Potter, but I love Hogwarts. Oh, and Nate is basically me.

Chapter Four: School

Oh goodness. It had been a night for young Nate. He woke up around six A.M., courtesy of Annalise hooting loudly in his ear.

"Annalise!"

"Hoot!"

"Let me sleep!"

Nate tossed a pillow over his head.

"Hoot!"

Annalise pulled the pillow off Nate's head with her feet.

"Ok ok I'm up. Smart move Anna. I'll get ready."

"Hoot! Hoot!"

Annalise hooted triumphantly.

Nate fumbled around until he got his robes. His wrinkled pajama set seemed to be okay with being shoved aside, after all Nate was in Hogwarts. Nate had gotten himself dressed, just as Dean started to stir. This made Ron shift in his sleep, and he began snoring so loudly Nate swore Hermione would hear it. But Harry, Dean, nor Seamus had awoken to Ron's loud snores.

Nate shrugged it off, pulled out a much smaller briefcase, courtesy of Anna, and packed it with essential supplies. He tossed in two quills, two bottles of ink, five foot long pieces of parchment, a few containers of potion ingredients, and a small potion stirrer, courtesy of Hagrid, to which Nate only found the day before leaving his house. He grabbed his case, his Transfiguration, Potions, and Defense the Dark Arts textbooks, his cauldron, and his wand before setting out to the common room area.

Much to his surprise, someone else was there. She was reading Hogwarts: A History, and she looked familiar. The girl was so engrossed in her book that Nate stole the opportunity to scare her. All fun of course. He sneaked behind her subtly and shook her hastily before yelling, "Boo! Got you Hermione!" The young girl, in shock, dropper her book and flipped around, and playfully punched Nate's shoulder. "Don't (punch) scare (punch) me (punch) like (punch) that (punch) ever (punch) again! (punch)" Hermione was giggling too much by that point, and Nate had followed suit. "Sorry, it was just too perfect!" Hermione composed herself before stating, "If I didn't like you Nate I would have messed you all up!" "Haha," Nate replied, too thick headed to understand that Hermione had just expressed feelings for him. Hermione, judging his reaction, was happy and sad he hadn't caught on. She suddenly became interested in something else.

"Nate, exactly what did you pack? And why so much?" a confused Hermione stated. "Well it is easier for me to prepare, since we have Transfiguration, Potions, and Defense Against the Dark Arts today. I packed everything I need to ensure I'll be prepared for whatever the teachers throw at us. It's more from Primary school where I got the instinct, but it seems right," Nate responded honestly before continuing, "I have enough stuff with me so if you want to use any of my stuff you can, either way I'm headed down to the Great Hall for Breakfast. Classes start at eight, and it's about past seven now. Care to join me?"

Hermione was stunned. She had never been asked to do something or let alone asked to be included in something before. She happily agreed as the pair made their way to the Great Hall. Even though they accidentally made a wrong turn and ended up by the Ravenclaw Common Room, they found the way and entered the Great Hall at seven twenty, must to their surprise that about thirty percent of the student body had shown up. Nate politely ushered Hermione to an open section of the Gryffindor table. Once the both of them sat and piled food on their plates, a conversation broke out among them.

"You excited for classes?" Nate asked.

"Oh yeah, I'm really excited about Transfiguration," Hermione states, almost dazzled at the thought.

"Well, I brought probably too much with me, but if anything it should tell the Professors that I want to learn. Anyways I saw you didn't bring anything except your cauldron. Do you need to borrow some supplies?"

"Oh, no, I have a few quills tucked in my robes and a bottle of ink with it, and I also have a foot of parchment to write down any notes. You seem to have a lot of stuff though Nate."

"Yeah, want to see?"

"Sure!"

Nate pulled open his case, revealing several supplies.

"I have two quills. Two bottles of ink, five feet of parchment, some common potions ingredients I bought in Diagon a few weeks ago, and a potion stirrer Hagrid got me somehow."

"Oh my goodness. Wow, you're really prepared! But did you really have to flex with the potions ingredients?"

"Better safe than sorry Hermione," and Nate chuckled.

"Do you like study groups?"

"What?"

"Study Groups. It's where two or more people exchange notes and stuff to help their friends from their class."

"Ah okay, just as long as they are checking it, not copying it. I don't want to be at the epicenter of any plagiarizing. Mum would kill me!"

"It's ok Nate. Anyways I was hoping you would want to be my study partner?"

"Sure! I mean, yeah, of course, I'll do it," while Nate was horribly attempting to hide a blush from Hermione.

Hermione smirked as she noted, "Your cheeks are scarlet Nate, would it happen to be because of me?" Hermione kept teasing.

"I- Um- well-," Nate was stuttering, " s-s-sorry Her-Hermione, hehe."

"Is that a yes?"

Nate nodded his head but then cracked into a smile. "You're brilliant by the way."

"How else were we supposed to spend six hours on a train together?"

"We had Harry and Ron-"

"They don't like reading, however Harry was interested!"

"I'll ask him when he gets here."

"Ok!"

Hermione and Nate had been in conversation for so long they hadn't noticed the Great Hall filling up, as more students were looking at the laughing duo in hushed whispers and giggles. Obviously Malfoy came and ruined it.

"Ah, look what we have here. Two students finding love. Well, Harrison, you will regret treating me poorly," Draco snapped, putting emphasis on Nate's last name. Draco walked out of the great Hall followed by two other boys.

"Well, so much for peace and quiet," grumbled Nate as he and Hermione finished up, "We need to get to class now, Hermione, and I don't even know where the Transfiguration classroom is."

"We'll find it Nate! But we do need to find Harry and Ron though," Hermione said.

"Hate to break it to you, even though they are my friends, but I have a feeling it's gonna take longer than five minutes to get to class. We need to go now, we'll see them in class, I just don't want to be late first day," Nate admitted.

Hermione nodded in acknowledgement, and the pair grabbed their belongings and walked out of the Great Hall, looking for their Transfiguration Classroom. They found Percy Weasley, Ron's older brother and a prefect, and got directions to the classroom. Nate and Hermione arrived five minutes early, and chose seats right next to each other in the front row. To their unfortunate demise, they were sharing class with the Slytherins, which meant Malfoy. Oh, how they hated Malfoy. Either way, everyone filed into the classroom, so when eight A.M. rolled around every first year Gryffindor and Slytherin were in attendance, except for Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley. Their teacher was also nowhere to be seen, just a small cat that stayed on the teachers desk. Finally, at eight o-five, Harry and Ron, disheveled, ran into the classroom, panting and poorly dressed in terms of robes.

Malfoy and his goons sniggered, Hermione sighed and Nate shrugged. "I hope McGonagall doesn't know we are late, especially since we're late," Ron stated. Suddenly the cat jumped and transformed into an older witch.

"Perhaps I shall give you two detention for being late," McGonagall stated flatly.

"We were lost Professor," pleaded Ron.

"Then you need a map? Now take your seats," McGonagall stated sharply.

'Oh boy, they are in trouble,' Nate thought.

McGonagall mainly talked about the course and what they would be doing, and whenever a question about intelligence was asked, Hermione's hand shot up like bullets.

"Someone other than Miss Granger?" She asked, "No one? Well, Miss. Granger."

"There are over seventy-five different Transfiguration spells, most of them do not require an incantation but require serious non-verbal magic and power, however others have incantations but may not always be effective if the spell is not performed correctly," Hermione stated.

"Very good Miss. Granger. Ten points for Gryffindor," McGonagall said.

This earned her a squeeze on her arm by Nate.

"Thanks," she whispered.

Nate nodded and smiled.

The rest of the class went by smoothly, with Nate earning five points and Hermione earning ten points for Gryffindor. They were now, in their class, considered the smartest of the Gryffindor first years. After Transfiguration, Harry, Ron, Nate, and Hermione walked down to the Dungeons, following the Slytherins to Potions class.

"Harry, Ron, why were you late today?"

"We overslept Hermione, well, I overslept, Harry kept hitting my arm," Ron exclaimed.

"You wouldn't wake up," Harry exclaimed.

"No offense Ron, but I don't know how you were able to sleep through your snoring," Nate stated.

"Wait, so that's what I heard in the common room this morning," Hermione asked.

"Bloody Hell Hermione," Ron stated, "Fine, it might have been me. My bothers always complain about it though."

Hermione and Nate laughed, but Harry managed to hold it in.

The four of them walked down to the dungeons to Potions. It was musty, but it was secure. They walk into the classroom and see Malfoy snickering at them. They take their seats when a tall man with a black robe walks in.

"There will be no incantations or wand waving in this class unless you would like a week's detention," he said without emotion as he turned around, "I am Professor Snape. I am your Potions teacher. I will teach you how to bewitch the mind, bottle fame, brew glory, and stop death temporarily. I understand that many of you do not possess the patience and willingness for the art of Potion making, and..." he looked at Harry, "some of you might think to not... Pay... Attention."

Hermione nudged Harry's left side while Nate nudged his right. Harry looked up from his notes.

"Mister Potter... Our new celebrity," Snape stated coldly, "Tell me the ingredients for an Amortentia Potion."

Hermione's hand shot up.

"I don't know," Harry said.

"Alright. Tell me the effects that a Draught of Living Death has on an individual."

Hermione's hand shot up again.

"I don't know Sir," Harry said again.

"And what are two common ingredients in healing potions?"

This time, both Hermione's and Nate's hands shot up.

"I really don't know Sir," Harry said for a third time."

"What a pity. Clearly, fame isn't everything," Snape concluded, coldly.

Draco was smirking at Harry, and the Slytherins were hiding their laughter.

After class Harry was furious. "I can't believe Snape targeted you," Ron practically yelled.

"What was he trying to accomplish? It's the first day of school for goodness sake," Nate added.

"I don't know what is up with him, but I don't like him now," Hermione said.

"Thanks guys, but I'll figure it out," Harry concluded.

With that, they had Defense Against the Dark Arts with Professor Quirrell.

Nate had been the only one to notice that Harry fidgeted in his seat every so often in class. Yeah, Quirrell was horrible at teaching, but it was only happening to Harry. Nate shrugged it off. After DADA lunch arrived.

"Well guys," Nate started as they all sat down," We have been friends for twenty-four hours!"

"Wicked!" Ron agreed while grabbing some sausages and chicken legs.

"Anyways Hermione, remember that study group you mentioned this morning?" Nate asked.

"Yeah, why?"

"Well, can I be your study partner?"

"Yes! Yes you can!" Hermione was hopping with happiness, " When do you want to start?"

"Three thirty in the Library?"

"Awesome!" Hermione turned to Harry and Ron, "Wanna join us?"

"Nah, I'm teaching Harry Wizards chess today, plus reading is boring," Ron said.

"Yeah, I'm not in the mood to be studying. I mean, it's only our first day!"

"Agreed Harry," said Ron as he shoved another sausage in his mouth.

"Boys," Hermione sighed.

"Ahem, I'm here too," Nate accused.

"I know," Hermione replied with a mischievous grin on her face.

"Oh you're on girl," Nate stated before launching himself to tickle Hermione.

"Nateeeeeeee! Stoppppppp! Oh my goodness!" Hermione was laughing hard as Nate finally retreated. "Don't do that again!" Hermione playfully punched Nate in the arm.

"Oh no," Ron stated, before Malfoy showed up.

"Flirting with the mudblood here Harrison? Then again you are one too so I am not complaining. But flirt somewhere else," Malfoy sneered at them before sauntering away.

Hermione sat up and ran out of the Great Hall. She looked like she was about to cry.

"Hermione?!" Nate bolted out of his seat and ran after her. It took about twenty minutes, but he found her in the common room, curled up in a ball, crying.

"Hey, are you ok?" Nate asked as he sat down next to her.

"No, just leave me alone Nate," Hermione replied, refusing to lift up her head.

"You know I wouldn't do that. Now come'ere," Nate stated as he hugged her tightly.

Hermione looked up at Nate. She knew he was trying to help her, and she could see it in his eyes. "Thanks Nate."

"You're welcome Hermione. But I want to tell McGonagall about this, she'll know what to do," Nate stated.

Hermione wordlessly nodded.

"Hermione, what does mudblood mean, I mean if your okay with telling me that is," Nate asked.

Hermione sighed. "Mudblood means 'dirty blood.' It's a foul name for a muggleborn. As we both have two muggle parents, we are both muggleborns, and Malfoy hates us both so he calls us that foul name." Hermione sunk her head back into her knees while Nate processed it. "I'm sorry, I didn't know."

Ten minutes passed before the portrait hole opened up again. Ron and Harry were back from lunch.

"Hey, you ok guys?" Ron asked.

"You seemed pretty upset Hermione and Nate bolted after you," Harry added.

Hermione seemed to relax a bit then replied, "Thanks guys, and yeah, I'm okay." She sunk her head back down though. Nate shook his head at Harry to tell him that Hermione was indeed not okay.

"We'll see you two in Flitwick's class," Nate said.

"Yeah, see you then," Ron replied, and followed Harry out of the portrait hole.

The day seemed to run a lot slower than usual. Nate and Hermione arrived in Charms but didn't really show the energy that they had for their prior classes. After Charms, History of Magic was up next, and while it was a class both Nate and Hermione were excited over on the train, Hermione wasn't excited at all but couldn't stay sad at Nate's jokes. Hermione was too distraught to do anything though, so Nate took down everything Professor Binns stated. This seemed to peak interest in Hermione, so towards the end of class she was paying attention while Nate scribbled down notes and information. Ron and Harry simply slept through the class, which Nate found to be personally funny.

Once History of Magic was over, Ron and Harry made a beeline for the Common Room, while Nate and Hermione headed towards the library. But Nate didn't head to the library. He steered Hermione to a bench in the courtyard and they sat down.

"Hermione, talk to me please, I miss your energy."

"Sorry"

"It's okay, but I think we need some air, and then we can do our study session. I have a whole foot of parchment of notes from Binns' class anyways, since a particular someone wasn't taking notes," Nate smirked at Hermione.

She let out a laugh, then smiled. "Thanks Nate, but I'll be okay. I shouldn't let Malfoy get in the way of life."

"Great mindset Hermione! Now, I think we should stay out here a little bit before we go inside. Give you a chance for some air and to calm down after today, no offense."

"Thanks Nate, and I know what you mean. Harry and Ron, well, I don't think they understand me as much as you do, and we have known them for about the same time."

"Correction, we have known each other since like thirty minutes before the train left yesterday, we met on the platform, remember?"

"Oh yes, that was fun, I will admit."

Hermione did something she never did before: she layed her head on Nate's shoulder.

"Do you mind?"

"Not at all."

"Thanks."

They sat like that for a while. But before Nate opened his mouth to suggest they go to the Library, Hermione was fast asleep on his arm. He smiled at this and closed his eyes too.

"Mr. Harrison? Miss. Granger?"

Nate opened his eyes sluggishly. When he saw the face of Professor McGonnagall over them he popped open his eyes.

"Uhm... Hermione?" He gently shook her awake.

"Five more minutes?"

"In five minutes you will miss dinner," McGonagall stated.

Hermione bolted awake. "Um, um, sorry Professor, I- um, well, we um, me and Nate- well we fell asleep and-"

"There is no need for explaining Miss. Granger, however I suggest you and Mr. Harrison head to the Great Hall now."

"Thanks Professor, and sorry," Nate replied sheepishly.

"If I may say so, you two looked cute that way, but that is coming from me," McGonagall smiled before walking away.

Nate and Hermione's cheeks both turned a bright red as they tried to hold their laughter in.

"We looked cute together?!" Nate said.

"It's our first day!"

"Oh no! We missed our study session!"

"It's ok, we can go after dinner."

"Speaking of Dinner, come on!" Nate started running with Hermione on his heels.

The duo popped into the Great Hall and sat with Ron and Harry.

"Where've you two been all afternoon? I didn't see you guys in the library," Harry asked.

"We um, went outside and I um, fell asleep on Nate's shoulder," Hermione said before blushing heavily.

"And I may have fallen asleep afterwards... And we almost missed dinner, and McGonagall caught us sleeping," said Nate, embarrassed and turning bright red as well.

Ron and Harry both looked at the Staff table to see Professor McGonagall hiding a laugh. "Bloody hell you two," Ron eventually said.

"Oh, be quiet Ron," Hermione said.

After dinner Nate and Hermione headed to the library, where they asked Madam Pince for a spot in the library they could study every day after classes. She gave them a small corner with a large table and four chairs.

"Thanks ma'am," Nate said, as he and Hermione sat down and began to simplify the parchment of notes.

After about thirty minutes Hermione had written up a simplified page of Nate's notes from History of Magic. They agreed that they would share their notes like this and that Hermione could work her brilliant magic to come up with a good way to pass exams. Nate realized he had a massive problem. He only had twenty-five feet of parchment. And he had already used two feet in just the first day.

"Well, I am probably going to need more parchment very soon," Nate stated.

"Why is that?"

"Well I only bought twenty-five feet for the year, and I am already down two feet in one day."

"You don't know me very well Mister Harrison," she replied with a smirk," but you do know that I not only know duplication charms as well but I also happen to have about a hundred pages of parchment packed away?"

"You're absolutely brilliant Hermione."

"You too! Well, your note taking can improve, but it's okay!"

"Thanks."

Nate and Hermione had finished packing up when Professor McGonagall walked into the library.

"Mr. Harrison, Headmaster Dumbledore would like to speak to you," she explained.

"Now?"

"Yes, now."

Nate turned to Hermione, "Can you take my stuff back with you to the Common Room? I'll meet you there when I'm done with Professor Dumbledore."

Hermione smiled, nodded, took his stuff and walked off. Nate went with McGonagall to Dumbledore's office, where the Headmaster was waiting.

"Nathaniel Daniel Harrison, is that right?"

"Yes sir, it is."

"Alrighty then. First I would like to welcome you to Hogwarts, Professor McGonagall told me all about your reply," Dumbledore held up a note, "and I also understand that someone else outside your family knows about this?"

"Yeah, I told my best friend, but she isn't telling anyone else, not even her parents. Hagrid told me about it when we were going to Diagon Alley."

"As she has not broken the secrecy clause, I will allow her to keep in contact with you about this. However should she break the Secrecy Clause, the Department of Magical Law Enforcement will have to arrest her for obvious reasons."

"I understand Sir, sorry."

"Not your fault young one, she is, after all, your best friend."

Nate smiled at Dumbledore. "Thanks."

"You are welcome. You are dismissed."

Nate walked back out of the office as Professor McGonagall walked in.

"Albus, how long are we going to keep it a secret?"

"It will be kept a secret until it is the right time for them to know."

Nate had hopped his way back into the Common Room when he suddenly remembered that he had to write his note to Anna. Dean and Seamus were still in the Great Hall, while Harry and Ron played Wizards Chess. Hermione was reading, as always. He sat himself next to the bushy haired girl and smiled.

"You are full of surprises Nate," Hermione said without looking up from her book.

"I get that loads of times."

"Haha. Anyways, what are you doing now?"

"I was going to write a note to my friend."

"Ooo! Can Annalise send a letter to my parents too? I don't exactly feel comfortable using one of the school's owls."

"Sure, just give me time to write out my letter, also you will need to tell Annalise the address to your parent's house."

"I will, thanks Nate!"

"Anytime, Hermione."

Nate retired to his bed where he pulled out a piece of parchment and a quill and began writing.

Dear Anna,

I don't know when you'll get this, my guess is in the middle of the night. Nevertheless, here is my letter that I promised you. School is great so far. The Headmaster, Professor Dumbledore, he wasn't very happy I told you, but you can't tell anyone else because we both could get in trouble. Anyways, I met some new friends at Hogwarts. One girl is named Hermione Granger. My other new friends thinks she likes me. I guess me and her have some things in common. I have other friends too, one named Ronald Weasley and Harry Potter. Apparently Harry is famous, but I don't know. Hermione seems to know a lot of stuff about it though. She stared this study group so I decided to join, and she seems to be really awesome at this sort of thing.

If you want to send a reply just tell Annalise to wait. Also give her one of the owl treats I gave you last week, she will be appreciative. I miss you already and I'll see you around the holidays.

From,

Nate

Nate sealed the parchment and wrote "Anna Hooper" on the front of it before calling Annalise over.

"Hey girl, I have a letter that needs to go to Anna, you remember her, right?"

"Hoot!"

"Good, also Hermione is writing a letter to her parents so can you drop that off too?"

"Hoot?"

"I'll get you their address, alright?"

"Hoot!"

"Also, I doubt Hermione's parents have any treats for you, so when you get back here I'll give you some, alright?"

"Hoot! Hoot!"

Nate tied the letter to one of Annalise's legs, then walked down to the Common Room where Hermione was still writing her letter.

Hermione looks up and sees Nate and replies, " Gimme a few more minutes please."

"Take all the time you need, but can I have the address so Annalise can know where to go?"

"Yeah, sure," Hermione handed Nate a piece of paper.

"Thanks," Nate walked back up to Annalise.

"Hey, Anna, Hermione's parent's address is 199 Ifield Road in Crawley, ok?"

"Hoot!"

"Good girl."

Hermione knocked on the door, "Hey Nate, I have my letter!"

"Great, tie it onto Anna's other leg."

Hermione tied it on and Annalise hooted happily at Hermione.

"You know where my parents live?"

Annalise nodded, "Hoot!"

Hermione turned to Nate, "Thanks!"

Nate smiled and opened his window. "Go on Anna, its past eight now, be back by morning please."

"Hoot!" And with that, Annalise flew off.

Nate walked down to the Common Room where Ron had just beaten Harry for the eight time that day at Wizards chess. Hermione was sitting on a couch, asleep, with a book in her lap. Nate smiled and went upstairs, grabbed his quilt off his bed, brought it back down, and covered Hermione carefully. "Sleep well Hermione."

Nate walked away, and didn't notice Hermione smiling in her sleep.

Nate walked into the dorm, put away his school supplies, changed, and hopped into bed. It took Nate ten minutes to fall asleep. But he also fell asleep with a smile on his face.

Author's Note: This chapter was not originally meant to have this much dialogue, but I just wrote out what I wanted to write out, it made sense. Yes, Hermione and Nate are really close, but in the next chapter I will really be pulling the Golden Four together. The kids are simply getting into school right now, and they needed time to figure out what their interests are. The gesture with Nate putting his quilt over Hermione was a last minute addition, originally the two were going to read their coursebooks before they fell asleep but I liked this ending better. Anyways, enjoy! And Thanks for the support!