Chapter 5: One Week
Monday had dawned bright and clear as Harry made his way down to the common room to find Hermione sitting on a loveseat by the fireplace, reading a book.
"Good Morning," Harry called out as she looked. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, wonderful. Though it took a little bit of time, getting used to a new bed but It was nice, overall."
"I know what you mean. The beds here are the biggest, softest, warmest beds I've ever slept on."
He's never slept on a full-sized bed before? What exactly was his life before yesterday? Horrifying thought after horrifying thought sped through her brain as she observed her new friend.
"Well shall we head down?" Harry said as he hefted his book bag onto his shoulder. Together they walked out of the portal, down the curved marble staircase and onto the landing of the seventh floor.
Harry then realized he had no idea where they needed to go. It'd be nice if I had a map, he thought.
"You wouldn't happen to remember the way down, would you?" Harry asked.
"Of course! The prefects told us to remember last night," Hermione replied in an exasperated voice. "Come on, follow me."
Hermione led Harry down the hallway to the main stairwell. Three flights later, Harry stepped onto the next staircase and had his foot sink through a step all the way up past his ankle. As soon as he got stuck, the stairway started to move to a new platform. Hermione grabbed Harry under the armpits and pulled him out. Once free, Harry's inertia took him down the last half of the stairs, landing hard and loud in a heap at the bottom.
"Oh Harry!" Hermione ran check on him. "Are you okay? That looked painful."
"Memo to self: avoid that step," Harry said as he took inventory of himself, to make sure all his pieces and parts were still attached. As he stood and dusted himself off, he heard a growl, followed by a loud bark ring out behind him. Remembering Marge's dog Ripper, Harry snapped to look behind him.
"Oh no! This must be the corridor that's off limits!" Hermione said, wringing her hands. "Oh, this is not good, not good at all. We're going to be in so much trouble!"
"Easy, Hermione," Harry tried to calm her down. "It's our first day and we're just learning our way around. The stairs moved while I was trapped. If anything, this is my fault and I'll take the blame. Though I would like to move away from these dogs. Wonder what they're protecting?"
"Protecting?"
"Forbidden corridor with lots of curious children around? What better way to make sure nobody comes poking around than a guard dog or three?"
"A good question for another time. Let's get out of here."
Without further incident, the pair made their way to the Great Hall. Even at half past seven, few students had arrived. Making their way down the table, Harry and Hermione sat across from one other, Harry with his back to the wall. While Harry was digging in to a bowl of porridge, Professor Snape entered the hall, leading the Slytherin first years into the hall. When he took his place at the staff table, Professor McGonagall walked up carrying two pieces of parchment.
"Good morning, Mr. Potter, Miss Granger." Professor McGonagall said. "Nice to see you get an early start to the day. Here are your schedules."
"Excuse me, professor?" Harry began. "Is there a school map or anything? I see my classes but I have no idea where the classrooms might be. We don't want to get lost or end up some place we're not supposed to be (again, he finished, inwardly.)"
"Excellent question, Mr. Potter. You can interact with any of the portraits here or the ghosts. They will help direct you, Though you'll want to steer clear of Peeves, our Poltergeist, if you actually want to make it to the proper place. 10 points to Gryffindor for initiative." Hermione beamed at Harry and McGonagall walked off.
Making their way to their first class, Harry was followed by whispers, pointing and general attention from the rest of the student population. After talking to a portrait of a group of wizards having a garden party, Harry and Hermione found the Transfiguration quite easily. They sat down in front of the class and spied a tabby cat sitting on the desk in front. Harry took a quick look to confirm they were alone in the classroom.
"Nice trick, Professor," Harry said to Hermione's astonishment. Even the cat looked surprised.
"How did you know?" Hermione asked. "I only know because she transformed to prove to my parents that magic exists."
"It's the eyes," Harry responded. "I've never seen a cat look that focused. One of our neighbors, Mrs. Figg, had a lot of cats so I have a lot of experience in that area."
"You're quite observant."
"Yeah, well I learned to be," Harry explained. "It's helpful in recognizing when someone is angry."
McGonagall, still in cat form, narrowed her eyes.
"What do you mean…" Hermione started to ask but stopped with the door opened and the rest of Gryffindor filed in with the Hufflepuffs and Neville sat down next to her.
"When's Professor McGonagall going to arrive?" Lavender Brown asked.
At her question, McGonagall transformed back into her human self.
"She's right here, Miss Brown," she said. "Welcome to Transfiguration: one of the most difficult and precise branches of magic. Using Transfiguration, you will learn to shape your magic and use it the transform something into another, conjure items from the air around you and vanish solid objects into air."
As she finished, she withdrew her wand and turned her desk into a pig and then back again.
"Mess around in my class and you will be asked to leave. Am I clear? Good. Now, (she waived her wand at the blackboard) there are several core principles to Transfiguration. Write them down and memorize them, please."
With that she resumed her cat form while the class got to work. A few minutes into writing, the door banged open and a disheveled Ron Weasley entered, followed closely by Seamus Finnigan.
"I wondered if they would be late," Neville said. "Neither of them were up by the time I went down for breakfast."
"Oh good, we still beat McGonagall," Ron turned back to look at Seamus. "Can you imagine the look on old McGonagall's face if she knew we were late."
"Would it possibly look like this one?" Ron turned to see McGonagall. "10 points from Gryffindor for tardiness, Mr. Weasley, Mr. Finnigan. Make sure to ask your classmates what you missed. Now take your seats and write down everything on the board."
From there, McGonagall placed a matchstick in front of every student, telling them the process for turning it into a matchstick. She had them practice the wand movements.
"Mutare materia is the incantationand you have the wand movements. Now try to put them together. Focus on what you want the matchstick to become."
Twenty voices rang out with "Mutare materia" and twenty matchsticks remained, though Hermione's took on a silver sheen.
"Keep trying and do not get discouraged. It is common for students to not see a change in their first lesson."
"Mutare material," Harry heard next to him and saw Hermione's match turn into a perfect sewing needle.
"How'd you do that?" Harry asked.
"Just relax and picture the needle in your mind very clearly," Hermione said. "Then do the wand movement with the incantation."
Harry closed his eyes and pictured the needle.
"Mutare materia," Harry said and watched the matchstick sharpen at one end and turn silver with a loop at the other end. In place of the match now stood a needle.
"Perfect explanation, Miss Granger," McGonagall said. "10 points to Gyffindor, five for being the first to complete the spell and five for helping others. Now both of try changing the needle back. The incantation to revert anything is revertatur."
Hermione looked pleased as she turned to focus. One simple spell from both and the match returned.
"It is always easier to revert an object back its natural state," McGonagall explained to the class.
Hermione turned to Neville, his face screwed up in concentration.
"Relax, Neville. You can't force the change, you have guide your magic to shape the way the needle will appear."
"I just can't seem to get it to come! I'm pathetic."
"You're not pathetic, you're just trying too hard, Neville." Harry offered. "You can't force this."
Neville went back to work while Harry returned to focus on the match.
"Professor," Harry raised his hand. "Do you have to picture a needle or can you change it up?"
Harry closed his eyes and pictured a crochet hook that he remembered Mrs. Figg using once. Hers was purple, a hook on the end, thicker at the base. "Mutare materia" He opened his eyes to see the hook as he pictured.
"Well done Mr. Potter," an impressed McGonagall picked up the hook.
"Yes you have some element of creativity with this but the greater the creativity, the more power it requires. Though I would caution you," she snapped the hook that was clearly still made of wood. "Make sure to think through to composition of the item you are transfiguring. Otherwise you're liable to end up with something like this. You tried so hard to make it what you imagined that forgot to make your hook metal in the process."
She repaired the hook and reverted it to a match, replacing it in front of Harry.
Class continued on and only a few more students were able to change their needle. Neville got his to turn silver but he still exited the classroom, his head hung low.
After Transfiguration came Herbology, which neither Harry nor Hermione were quite as adept in. They were working with a plant that Harry thought must have been part weed and part Python. He reached in to try and repot the thing when the plant grabbed his arm in a death grip.
His fingers starting to purple as the thorns dug into his skin. Remembering Petunia's precious roses (that were really his precious roses) and how many times he had been forced through them for "being freakish," Harry started to panic. It was then a pair of hands grabbed hold of the vine and peeled it back.
"Careful, Harry," Neville said. "The more you tense, the harder Devil's Snare holds on. Direct sunlight and flame will also make it retreat, if needed."
"Thanks, Neville," Harry tried to get his breathing to calm. "I'm not a huge fan of plants and gardening, though you seem to be a natural."
"We have a greenhouse at home," Neville said. "I spent a lot of time out there. It is my favorite place to relax."
"What would happen if a muggle were to work with one of these plants?" Harry gestured to the plants around the greenhouse.
"They'd die," Neville said as Hermione's eyes widened.
"Is the same true with squibs?"
Neville nodded.
"And how long did you say you've been working with them?" Harry said.
"Since I was six."
"So you're saying that, while your family was wondering whether or not you were magical, you were in a greenhouse, comfortably working with all manner of magical plants?" Harry peered at the sandy-haired boy he was working with.
"I never thought of it like that."
"While most of us were using accidental magic to turn our teacher's hair blue or" Harry looked at Hermione.
"Summon books that we wanted to read," Hermione blushed.
"You were actually controlling your magic to work with plants?" Harry finished. "That's really quite impressive."
As the class wrapped up and Harry was scrubbing the dirt from his hands.
"That was a nice thing you did," Hermione said as she joined him in washing her hands. "Giving Neville some confidence which he obviously, desperately needs? You're a good person, Harry Potter."
"There's no reason for family to make anyone feel inferior," Harry said as he dried his hands, grabbed his book bag and moved out of the greenhouse, not noticing Hermione's furrowed brow and narrowed eyes.
After lunch, the trio made their way toward their first Defense class that turned out to a true disappointment. An hour and a half later, Harry walked out of the room disgruntled with his first class.
"That was disappointing," Harry said. "I was hoping there would be more. He just stood at the front of the class and extolled the virtues of 'being prepared' and vague overtures about how 'evil never sleeps.' I was hoping to learn some actual defense so I could actually protect myself."
"I mean he is a professor and it was the first class," Hermione argued. "You can't expect to be thrown in to the deep end, can you? Have some patience, though it would be better if he didn't stutter quite so bad."
"I'll give him a chance but not the benefit of the doubt, Hermione." Harry said with finality.
They returned to the common room, pulled out a roll of parchment and started the homework McGonagall had assigned. Thanks to Hermione, they finished it with an hour and a half to spare, prompting Hermione to ask the question she was sitting on all day.
"Do you think we can find the library before dinner?" Hermione asked as Harry laughed.
"Yes we can go find the library, though I am impressed you waited this long to ask. I figured you would have asked the first thing this morning."
"Well I was hungry and then you fell down the stairs so I had a few things distracting me," Hermione said.
"I appreciate your restraint. You deserve a reward." Harry walked to the portrait hole and led her down the steps. Thanks to the Ravenclaw's ghost, the Grey Lady, they soon walked into what Hermione would call "heaven."
Shelf, upon shelf held a massive amount of knowledge just waiting for her. She could smell the leather bindings of the books; feel their age as she moved her hands across the spines, lovingly caressing the tomes.
We're going to need to put a bed in here for her, I feel, Harry chuckled to himself. They walked up to the desk in the center of the library and met Madam Pince, a stern-looking woman whose eyes seemed to be on constant alert for trouble.
"Welcome to the Hogwarts library," Pince lectured. "This place is a privilege to students and privileges can be taken away. Do not write on any of these books, do not damage them and return them to this desk when you are finished. If you wish, you may check one out with me at the desk here. Keep the noise to a respectful volume and if you cast any spell at another student in here you will find yourself forcefully evicted from the premises. Am I clear?"
Two heads quickly nodded.
"Behind me is the restricted section. Any books here may only be checked out with a signed note from a teacher."
After Pince's soliloquy, they split up to explore the shelves. Harry made note of the defense section and went in search of a book on wizarding culture. Three aisles later, he was getting frustrated until he spotted a pair of familiar heads at one of the study desks.
"Pardon me, Miss Greengrass, Miss Davis?" Harry approached slowly. "First off, I apologize for not introducing myself yesterday. Harry Potter."
He extended his hand and they both shook it in turn.
"Good to meet you, Mr. Potter," the blonde Greengrass said. "I am Daphne Greengrass, heiress to the Greengrass House and this is Tracey Davis of House Davis. Can we help you with something?"
"Actually you can. My friend and I both come from the muggle world and we are hoping to find a book on wizarding culture and customs. I've been looking for one in the library but I am coming up blank. I was hoping you might know."
"Look in the History section," Daphne responded. "There should be a book called Wizarding Culture and Etiquette for Uncultured. It's a bit dry but it has everything you'll need."
"Thank you," Harry turned to leave.
"Oh and Potter," Tracey said. "While you're there, take a look at Wizarding Families of Britain. You'll find it rather interesting."
Harry nodded and moved toward the section to find the recommended books.
"That was odd," Tracey said.
"We'll have to keep a closer eye on Heir Potter, don't you think?" Daphne asked and Tracey nodded.
Plucking the two books off the shelves, Harry went to find Hermione. A minute later, he found her in between Charms and Transfiguration sections with her eyes drinking in every book.
"Worth the wait?"
"Oh it's simply wonderful! I think I could live here."
At that phrase two stomachs rumbled.
"Okay maybe live is an exaggeration," Hermione said. "It's just about time for dinner. Let's go."
With Tuesday came the first Charms class with the Ravenclaws, taught by the diminutive Professor Flitwick who had to stand on his desk to be seen.
"Welcome to Charms," he squeaked. "While in Tranfiguration, you learn how to shape your magic, here you learn to control it. Charms is not as precise as other branches of magic so it offers some flexibility. With this, you can put a quill away," he lifted his wand and guided a quill toward a drawer in his desk, "or you can put it into the wall." He flicked his wrist and the quill imbedded itself into the wall behind him.
"With Charms under your full control, there are no limits to what you can do. First, we will be learning the lighting charm Lumos. A simple charm; simply flick your wand up with the incantation and your wand will light. Try it now."
As one the class made the incantation and wands lit across the classroom.
"Good!" Flitwick continued to pace on top of his desk. "Now feel your magic. Feel it flowing through you, down your hand and into your wand."
Harry felt the warmth of his magic coursing through his arm.
"Now, try to change the flow. Push more out, or constrict the flow."
As Harry constricted the flow of his magic, the light dimmed. He pushed a little through and the light shone brighter.
"Excellent work, Mr. Potter! Five points to Gryffindor! See how the change of the flow is changing the light. This is true of all charms. Every charm requires different levels of power to cast. The more power you give a spell, the more powerful it will be. A word of caution when you start casting on another person: an overpowered stupefy or even expelliarmus can do serious harm. Imagine that quill but with a person instead.
"That is what we are doing here. Learning spells is important, yes, but at same time you will be learning to control your magic so that you are not a danger to yourself or other students."
Flitwick then had them move on to the knockback jinx, Flipendo, on a quill to teach them how to let their magic out in bursts instead of the steady stream for Lumos.
"Now that you can feel and vary your power," the professor said. "I want you to learn to release it on command. Remember my warning, release too little and this won't work. Release too much and you can hurt someone. Sense your magic, feel it flow through you and learn to channel it properly."
At the conclusion of the class, Harry was worn out.
"I think I could use a nap," he told Hermione as they walked to History. Ten excruciating minutes in, he turned to her.
"This is not what I meant. I thought having a ghost as a professor would be interesting."
"Just keep the book open and read along with it," Hermione's razor-sharp mind seemed to be the one of the only ones to remain focused. Neville's eyes were glazed, Ron was snoring softly in his chair, Parvati and Lavender seemed to be chatting with one another. Since History was with all the other houses, Harry took a look around. In the Hufflepuffs, Susan Bones was doing her best to fight nap jerk while Hannah and Ernie Macmillan appeared to be playing a wizarding version of hangman. The Ravenclaws appeared to be using the Hermione Granger strategy while most of Slytherin looked to be discussing something of general importance.
"Take notes of the important parts for review later. He's just teaching out of the book so it should be easier to know what questions will be on the test."
With the bell, the class stirred out of their collective naps and made their way into the brightly-lit hall.
That night in the common room, Harry was perusing the book on wizarding culture when Ron walked up.
"Hey Harry," he said, nervously. Harry noticed the board tucked under his arm. "Would you like to play a game of chess?"
Harry pondered for a moment. Hermione seemed to be busy writing a letter while Neville was reading a Herbology text from home. Ron noticed his eyes nervously flicking toward Fred and George who seemed to be in a hushed conversation. Harry had only known them two days but he knew that was a sign of impending mischief.
"Sure," he replied. "I've never played before so you'll have to teach me."
With that Ron started explaining how the different pieces moved. Harry didn't think Ron meant literally, as his Wizard's Chess set had actual moving pieces that would capture a piece by smashing it. Even though they repaired themselves once off the board, it was still a shock the first time it happened. Harry was easily trounced the first two games but noticed Ron liked to give his opponents obvious moves, leading to traps, allowing him to counter.
"How do you like classes?" Harry asked.
"They're not that bad. History's boring but Charms is fun. I'm not looking forward to Potions with the snakes," Ron said. "Fred and George say Snape is terrible, worst teacher in the school and he heavily favors his house."
Harry absorbed this and resolved to prepare extra hard for the class.
"We'll see how he is," Harry said as Ron's knight checkmated his King for the third game in a row. "I think that's about enough for me. Thanks for teaching me. I look forward to our next game."
Harry walked off to sit down with Hermione.
"You could have checkmated him three moves earlier if you had moved your Bishop to B6," Hermione said without looking up.
"Didn't realize you played chess."
"It's not my favorite game but I do know how to play."
"Anyway, Ron was talking to me about Potions. Apparently Professor Snape is pretty biased toward his house so it might be a good idea to prepare a little ahead of time."
"I've heard similar stories float around the common room. Let's grab our books and prepare."
Friday finally came and with it the first Potions class. Slytherin had already gathered around the door when the Gryffindors arrived.
"Well, Potter," Malfoy stepped forward toward Harry. "You made it through the week. Oh and it looks like you've still got your little pet with you."
His eyes moved toward Hermione as Harry stepped forward, meeting his challenge.
"Good morning, Mr. Malfoy," Harry said. "My your hair is looking wonderful. How early do you have to get up to get it looking like that? Petunia would love to know your tricks. Even with all that time spent, you're still here early enough to greet me. I'm so glad you've taken a special interest my well being, it makes me feel so special. Mr. Goyle, Mr. Crabbe, it's good to see you again. Hope you've had a good first week."
Before any more words could be exchanged, the door the dungeon swung open and the class filed in.
"Welcome to Potions class, I am Professor Snape. In this class, there will be no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations. As such, I don't expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art that is potion-making. However, for those select few… I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory and even put a stopper in death.
"Ah, Mr. Potter," Snape drawled, a sneer on his lip. "Our new celebrity. What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood."
Harry's brain churned as Hermione's hand pierced the air. He tried to remember what One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi said about these two ingredients.
"I'm not sure the exact potion, sir," Harry started. "But I believe those two elements would combine to make some sort of sleeping agent."
"Mr. Malfoy!" Snape turned to the blonde boy. "Where would you look if I asked you to find me a bezoar?"
"The stomach of a goat, sir," Malfoy responded in a cocky tone.
"That is correct. Five points to Slytherin," Snape's eyes shot to Ron who was staring off into space. "Mr. Weasley! What is the difference between Monkshood and Wolfsbane? Miss Granger lower your hand, this question is for Mr. Weasley."
"Well one starts with an 'M' and the other with a 'W,' Ron said with a small smile. Clearly this was the wrong thing to do.
"Ten points from Gryffindor for your cheek. To answer: Monkshood and Wolfsbane are the same plant, called aconite and is crucial in preparing the Wolfsbane Potion. A bezoar is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat and will save you from most poisons. Adding powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood does make a sleeping agent, a powerful one known as the Draught of Living Death."
"Where's the points for Harry's answer?" Ron demanded.
"15 points from Gryffindor, Mr. Weasley, for telling me how to run my class. Now you will find the recipe for today's potion used to cure boils. You will be working with your station partner; the instructions are on the board. You have an hour."
The students all set out to work. Harry picked up his quill and began writing the instructions while Hermione ran to get their supplies from the cupboards. Harry was just lighting the fire on his cauldron as Hermione returned.
Both were halfway done when they heard a couple screams from the next station. Neville had somehow managed to melt his cauldron and Ron's shoes were melting as Neville howled in pain, welts appearing over his forearms.
"Idiot boy!" Snape rushed over, his cape billowing as he walked. "I suppose you forgot the part about taking the cauldron off the fire BEFORE adding the porcupine quills!? Potter! Why didn't you warn him? Did you think it would make the Boy-Who-Lived look better by comparison? 20 points from Gryffindor! Weasley, take Longbottom to the Hospital Wing. Hopefully Madam Pomfrey can help his hands since I apparently can't help his brains."
Harry was fuming with a death grip on his cutting knife. A hand landed on his knee and he looked over to see Hermione gazing at him with concern. Harry took a deep breath, calmed down and continued working.
15 minutes later, Harry and Hermione filled a vial with their potions and put them on Snape's desk.
"Passable but barely, Potter," Snape said without looking up.
Harry walked away from the desk, angry and confused. For whatever reason, Snape seemed to hate him and he had no clue as to why.
"Everyone, I want two rolls of parchment on this potion, its construction and uses, due by the beginning of class next week."
Still pondering Professor Snape's attitude as they exited the dungeon, Harry turned his attention toward his meeting with Hagrid.
The lovable giant had sent Harry a note at breakfast, inviting him to tea after his classes.
"Do you want to visit Hagrid with me?' Harry asked Hermione as they entered the Great Hall.
"Oh I don't know. We've got that that essay Snape assigned, practice on Transfiguration and Charms, plus we have to finish our star charts from last night and I'd like to start looking ahead to next week's material."
"Which is why it might be a good idea to take a break," Harry offered. "This is all so new to me and my brain is a little overloaded. Taking some time to relax would probably do us some good."
Hermione pondered his words as a gray barn owl landed in front of Harry with a not. Harry took the note and unfurled it.
"Mr. Potter," the note read. "Please meet me in my office at 4 this afternoon. I have something that I would like to talk to you about.
Signed,
Professor McGonagall"
"Wonder what she wants to talk to me about?" Harry wondered aloud. "I can't have done anything that terrible, can I?"
"I don't think so but there's only one way to find out," Hermione said. "And I think I will join your visit to Hagrid."
Together they ventured through the courtyard down to toward Hagrid's hut. They knocked on his door and heard a booming bark ring out. Harry stepped back as Hermione stepped closer to him.
"Back Fang! Back!" A recognizable voice rang out.
"'Arry, 'Ermione!" He beamed. "Glad ter see ya! Come in, I just put th' kettle on!"
As soon as they entered the shack, Fang pounced on the unsuspecting children.
"Good thing I just washed my hands," Harry whispered to Hermione as his hands were soon covered in slobber. They looked around at the shack that was little more than a flat. A bed sat in the corner covered in what looked like a unique assortment of furs that Harry couldn't quite tell what they were. In front of the fireplace sat a huge armchair and coffee table with a small (relative to Hagrid's size) dinette where Hagrid was setting out tea for the three of them.
"How's yer first week been?" Hagrid asked. Hermione quickly launched into a detailed account of their with Harry adding in commentary every once and while.
"But I don't know what Snape's ("Professor Snape, Harry," Hermione chided) problem with me is though."
"Hogwash! Why would he have a problem with yer?" Hagrid said, though Harry noticed he wouldn't meet Harry's eyes.
Harry cast his eyes to the table, continuing to ponder Snape when his eyes landed on the newspaper sitting out. Intrigued, Harry picked it up.
Break-in at Gringotts! Perpetrator Still At Large; Nothing Stolen, Goblins Say! Harry picked up the paper to read.
"Hagrid, this says the culprit broke in July 31. That's my birthday. We were there the same day. Maybe we saw them when we were there? Wait… it says the vault was emptied that day and you emptied Vault 713. Is that why Dumbledore had you grab it? Did he know it was going to be taken?"
"Don' know what yer talkin' bout" Hagrid said shifting his eye to the window. "Look at the time. I best be getting' yer back to th' castle."
Once Hagrid left them at the entrance hall, Hermione turned to Harry.
"What do you want to bet that's what those dogs are guarding?" Harry nodded at her theory as they climbed the stairs.
"Wonder what it is, the package wasn't large and is it really safe to keep it in a castle full of students."
"Oh! Look at the time," Hermione exclaimed as she checked her watch. "I didn't realize we were talking with Hagrid that long. It's almost time for your meeting with McGonagall. You don't want to be late."
"Thanks, Hermione. Are you headed to the library?"
"I'll be in the common room, actually. I just remembered I have a letter for my parents that I need to finish. Thank you for pushing me to come visit Hagrid. I didn't realize how much I needed the break."
"You're welcome. I'll catch up with you in the common room."
Harry turned the corner and headed toward McGonagall's office, his heart nervously beating a little faster.
There you have the first week of class. There you saw the two different methodologies of Harry and Hermione. Hermione is quicker to master spells but Harry is more creative, not as rigid. Harry won't be Genius!Harry but he will be smarter without Ron, who I think dragged him down. Ron is still going to be in this story, though I'm going to try and do more with his character. You're also starting to see Harry connect with a few more students, especially Neville.
Transfiguration spells are never really explored in the books so I've just taken it to be a Latin phrase, this one meaning "Change material" and made Transfiguration more about picturing the object than the spell itself and you have to picture and understand what you want otherwise it won't come out right, like Harry forgetting the hook would be metal. I won't get into the spells much from here on but I wanted to establish the principles.