~~Work! is hard, audit! is busy. Such is life. Sucks. I really want to post every 4-5 days but this month and next month is going to be hard. I'm going to work on my other fic next, so it's going to take a while folks~~

####

The castle was a lot more interesting than the lakeside to Harry but it was stifling to him.

I'll go for that walk more often. Yeah.

He was just walking aimlessly around, he's on a first floor corridor and was slowly looking at each portraits and armour displayed. Some portraits were friendly and sometimes explained their history or background, there's a nice portrait of an old lady that he just moved on from that told him a story about a major war that went on when she was younger between the Anglo Saxon and Franks where a king had conspired with a magical coven to increase his military might.

As he was checking out a particularly gothic looking armour that took a pose at soon as he got in front of it, a pair of Ravenclaw girls confronted him.

"Aren't you Harry Potter?"

He turned to see two girls with Ravenclaw markings on their robes. One brown-haired English girl and the other with brown skin and dark hair. Harry was sure the latter girl wasn't of English descent but his ignorance of the world can't place her heritage outside of 'not English'. Doesn't she look familiar?

"I am, nice two meet you two…?" he let the question rang out.

It took a second but she got the message. "Ah, I'm Lisa Turpin, and this is my friend-" She nudged her friend with her elbow.

"Umm., Padma Patil," The girl seemed to be rather shy to Harry.

"Sorry for disturbing you, we're just curious," Lisa said.

"It's alright, I'm just exploring I guess," The other girl is all embarassment but still curious and this girl is… huh it felt like Sheda… oh is that like a 'I want to tease' feeling?

"We... saw you were talking to the portraits," Padma said quietly and as if she was struggling a bit to get her words out.

"Yeah, they tell good stories sometimes, like that-" Harry pointed to a portrait of a young man in polished armor. "-guy told me about how he used to be a captain of an army that stationed here at Hogwarts and he used to escort carriages that went all the way from the school to London,"

"Don't people use to apparate here before the train were made?" The fair girl pondered.

"You can't do that for everyone, uh, I think," The other girl said.

"He told me many people didn't know how to apparate back then and that it was advanced magic," Harry shrugged.

"Is it? People do it all the time now," Lisa looked skeptical.

"Beats me, I just hear their stories," He turned to look at the décor briefly. The suit of armor looked desperate to get Harry's attention again and he decided to ignore that.

"Maybe we can find out… in the library," Padma suggested with a blush.

The other girl grinned. Triumph. "We can try," She nodded. "Want to join us?" She looked at him with mischief in her eyes.

Could be amusing. "Sure,"

####

After reading deeper into their memories, Harry discovered that the full extent of the mischief was to spend time with him reading books together in the library. It did make Padma very shy when they sat down at a table but soon, she got more comfortable and was talking to Harry much more normally.

Lisa seemed like a proud mother looking over her child, which was very amusing to Harry.

A blonde senior Ravenclaw prefect who introduced herself as Penelope Clearwater and insisted to be called 'Penny' came over while they were reading the history books for answers to their question, but Harry was pretty annoyed by her. He hid it well, but that thought she had in her mind just rubbed him the wrong way.

"Aww, he's such a cute little boy,"

I am not cute! I resent that! I abhor that! No! I will not stand for this! All the same, he couldn't act out on the sentiments in his heart and treated her in the same way he treated everybody else.

Padma gasped as she discovered something in the book she read. "I think I found it! Here see," She held the book closer to her face. "Apparition used to be a kept secret by the nobility before the Wizengamot and the ministry petitioned for it to be taught to ministry employees!" She showed the paragraph she read to Harry and made Lisa and 'Penelope leaned into him. Stop squishing me! Ugh… no, stop it body, just pretend it's Rose…

"That's a pretty cool bit of history," The prefect said, her eyes glued to the page.

"It makes sense, I think in the following year was when they legislated the 'family spell' thing too,"

"Family spell? Harry turned to Lisa.

"It's a law that forbid anyone from asking about any spells that a noble family claim as that," Lisa made a weird face, almost disgust but not quite.

"It used to be that only nobles can claim that, but then they expanded the law so that everyone else can too," Padma added.

"If you have the backing and money to do so," Penelope said wryly.

"Interesting…" Harry contemplated on the subject. Really any spells? There has to be a rule or something.

"It's just one of the backward rules that exist in this world," Penny sighed, then she turned to Harry. Curiosity. "Aren't you a noble?"

He tilted his head. "They say I am, but I grew up in the muggle world," Nailed that delivery!

"Ehh! so it's true?" Lisa exclaimed.

"Err, what is?" Harry turned and was a bit shocked by her sudden rise in volume.

"My dad said you two were separated since… You-Know-Who died because you were taken away by the headmaster and some people…" She looked sad. "My dad was one of the auror on the scene and he told us about it once, I always thought you were just, uh, living with Rose at the Longbottoms in secret,"

"Umm, you two seemed close so…" Padma quietly said. Penny just sat looking at the two quietly.

"Well," He scratched his head. Just tell the usual story? "I only met her like, a month or so? before school starts," he pursed his lips. "I was living with professor Bathsheda and she'd come often and sleep over," That should be fine to say right?

"Why would you live with a professor," Penny looked puzzled.

"Convenience?" Oh no, did I mess up? "Uh… the station was pretty far,"

Penny furrowed her brow thinking to herself and Harry tilted his head looking into her eyes. "Poor family maybe?"

Lisa tapped his shoulder to make him turn to her. "Did she come over every day?"

"Not really, I mean she came often enough but she has some tutors teaching her throughout the year so," He left it there.

"Did you sleep together?' Padma asked. What the-

"Padma!" Penelope exclaimed. Blushing. Shock.

"W-what?" She replied.

"It's.. Umm- its-" The prefect had some difficulty expressing her thoughts.

Realization. Embarassment. Indignity. What is going on?

Lisa was giggling the whole time. "Aha- Oh Padma you're too sweet!"

Padma was still just confused.

Within the commotion the group did not realize a furious figure was rushing towards them.

Ironically Madam Pince, the feared Librarian of Hogwarts, shouted at them. "Be quiet!"

####

They were kicked out.

Which was unfortunate, but they were amongst other students there studying on the adjacent tables so they accepted their fate. They decided to walk over to the other building's courtyard The conversation that went on as they walked however, distressed Harry a little bit.

They're very… curious, I guess. I mean I don't really have a problem telling people the details of my life but, information is power.

Thankfully a professor he knew very well saved him from his predicament.

"Ah you seem pretty popular with the girls Ha- Mr. Potter," The playful tone of Bathsheda Babbling came from behind the group. Harry turned his head to see the short professor holding several books and a bag of something.

"Ah, professor Babbling!" Penelope exclaimed. The two younger girls recognized the professor from the feasts but no more.

"Good evening girls, may I… take your strapping young man away for a bit to help me out here?"

"Oh go ahead professor, we're just going to the courtyard to hang out," The prefect said.

"Aww, I'm sorry for interrupting your plans girls," Her smile grew mischievous. "I just want to catch up with Mr. Potter here, you girls can have the rest of the year with him don't worry," What?

The girls collectively blushed and excused themselves as Harry walked over to take the bag from the professor. Oof, this is quite heavy.

"You'll be growing up to be quite the heartbreaker hmm?" She lightly pinched Harry's cheek. She's been doing that a lot. Harry pouted mentally.

Bathsheda's office was on the first floor and it didn't take long for them to walk there.

"Come in, sit sit," The professor was very cheerful and was humming all the way to the office.

The office was rather neat compared to what he was used to from her. Harry put the bag on the table and sat down on a chair. The professor was still humming and was sorting out some stones and cubes on her shelf to make space presumably for the contents of the bag harry helped carry.

She took out a wand and casted a spell on herself. She floated up and placed an intricately carved cube on the top shelf. Huh, that seemed fun.

"So how was Hogwarts so far?" she said when she landed back down.

"Eh? Its… good?" I don't really have any complaints so far. No one's beating me and so on.

She turned and smiled at him. "Something bothering you?"

Uh, not really? Well, I guess there's that professor and the piss damned shared dorm room.

The professor walked around the table and ruffled Harry's hair before rummaging the contents of the bag. "You know Minnie was always coming over saying she's worried you don't like it here," She took out the contents of the bag and laid them out on the table.

"I do like it, it's loads better and all…"

"Do I sense a 'but' there or not?"

He took a moment to look like he's really thinking "Its just a lot to take in and… I don't really know what to think yet I guess,"

Sheda walked over to the shelf again. "I suppose it is?" She started summoning the rocks and cubes on the table to shelf them.

"Well, I don't like the shared dorm room,"

Sheda laughed. "Aah, of course you don't," She turned to Harry for a few moments. Her tone, teasing. "You shared a room with Rose many times, same bed too,"

He looked at her blankly. "I was forced to,"

"Suuure you are," She turned back to her current task with a giggle.

What is that supposed to mean?!

Harry watched as Sheda finished up her sorting quietly. When she was finished with the shelf, she went to the back of her office where a bookshelf was and took a moment to search for a book that she then placed in front of him.

"So I heard you really impressed professor Flitwick,"

"Umm, I guess? He wanted to help me with uh…-" I think it's safe to tell? "My magic sense? Something about a rare opportunity to help him with his research,"

"Oh he didn't mention that at the staff meeting," She put a finger on her chin. Staff meeting? "He only mentioned that he's going to start tutoring you because you showed some promising talent in class,"

"Well I only tried to change the color of the light spell, and he only got interested when I told him I could feel what he was doing when he uh, did his demonstration,"

"I would be too aha," She seemed to think hard. "But you need way more basic knowledge on my craft if you want me to start teaching you," she ended in a sing-song manner.

Is this where I act excited? "Really?" mouth open, eyes wide. Perfect.

"I just need to put a recommendation in honestly, but I don't want to disturb your studies too much," She placated harry.

"Well, everything seemed easy enough for now, maybe history would be a bit harder cause, well, you know," Harry wasn't quite sure how to express his dislike over the subject.

"Ah professor Binns, I know, I know," She slid the book closer to Harry. 'Basic Rune theory' by Bathsheda Babbling. Oh, well, Minnie did say she's one of the best. "If you find the time just read through this slowly, we'll test your knowledge whenever we're free and next year you should be able to sit through my class with no problem," She seemed pleased with herself.

Harry took the book and studied it. "You wrote this?"

"Yep, especially for Hogwarts you know, the other 'beginner'-" She held up her two index finger and curled them twice. "-books are just too awful and I can't stand it,"

"Wicked,"

She stood up and went over to Him to ruffle his hair. "It's alright if you don't like Runes later ok, no pressure,"

"Well, I think I'll like it tho,"

"If you do great! But just…" She paused. "How do I say this, I won't be disappointed or angry with you ok?"

What's with- oh yeah, vulnerable child persona. "Ok Sheda…"

She pinched his cheek lightly. "Great! Now, umm let me check…" She went back to where she sat and rummaged through her drawers. She took out a piece of paper with an 'aha'.

"What is it?" huh.

"Just let me check…" She scanned the piece of parchment. "Yes, Minnie's free at this time,"

"Oh,"

"Hmm, would you like to go visit her? I need to stay to prepare something but I might join you if you were still there when I'm done,"

Hmm, I wonder. "I don't want to bother her…"

"Nonsense, she'll be so happy she'll share her prized whiskey with me later tonight!" Sheda's always so happy. It's nice.

"Well…"

####

Harry was persuaded to go.

He wanted to anyway, but he also needed to maintain his image so he was being difficult for a little bit. After Sheda gave him the direction to Minnie's office which was just on the other side of the building on the same floor, he made his journey.

It was uneventful and he stopped a couple of times to look at some of the paintings and decorations along the way. When he arrived, he knocked thrice and called for the stern professor.

"Umm, Har- Mr. Potter! Just give me a minute!" She sounded a bit desperate there to Harry.

"Alright!" he shouted back and then waited. There wasn't much sound coming from the office. Huh, doesn't seem like she's cleaning some mess up or anything.

A cough and then Harry was invited in formally. He openned the door to see the deputy headmistress sitting behind her desk and looked rather composed yet her emotion was rather flustered. Maybe she's still shy because of my true sight.

"Good evening professor McGonagall," he greeted her as he walked towards the chair in front of the desk.

She seemed to think for a moment before replying. "That's alright Harry," She reassured him. "What brought you here?" Oh, Sheda was right, she is happy to see me. Uh, what did she told me to tell her again?

"Umm, Sheda told me I should come see you more often here," Annoyance but also gratefulness. That's good?

"Well, you can come see me anytime you like, though I do appreciate some warning next time," she told him in a stern matter but smiled softly afterwards.

"Did I bother you…" Play it safe Harry, never drop it.

"No, no… I was just surprised that's all," She avoided Harry's gaze. Embarassment, still not used to it yep. "Well, I guess Sheda already asked you how you're doing here then?"

Harry giggled. "Yeah, she did," He relaxed himself. "I told her I like it here a lot, just…"

She beckoned him to go on.

"The shared dorm, it'll take some time to get used to that…" He looked sideways to show embarassment.

"Ah, well," she played with her hair. "I didn't like it too at first, even though the girl's dorm were not as… openly shared as the boy's." As she recounted her experience a sense of nostalgia entered Harry's sense. I really don't get this feeling, but it makes people relax so I guess it's a good thing. "You do learn something valuable out of it I must say,"

"What did you learn?" He leaned forward, interested in her story.

"Well, I think it's a lesson best learnt by yourself," Like Sheda, she put a finger on her chin. "But tell me if you have a problem, ok? Boys can get too rough sometimes," She went back to a stern and a bit disapproving look.

"Oh, well, everyone seemed nice, I played exploding snap with Oliver, Fred, George and… uh.. Lee!"

Her face got a bit more disapproving when Fred and George's name were mentioned. Huh? "Umm… is there something wrong?"

She seemed to have caught herself. Self-chastisement. "No no, nothing. It's just… well," She paused to think over her words. "Well Fred and George have big hearts, but they do tend to be… troublemakers,"

Well, I never, hmm, guilt trip? He looked down. "Oh,"

From the corner of his eyes he saw the professor become distressed and then she coughed deliberately. "There's… y…" she sighed. "I'm not going to be telling you who you can be friends with Harry,"

He looked up. Face down, eyes wide and up… good, There's the feeling, yes, I'm cute.

She covered her eyes and sighed again. "Just… don't be too caught up in their mischief…"

"I'm not going to cause trouble for you Minnie," he pouted.

She gave him a wry smile. "I hope so too," she said in a tone that conveyed her feeling of her acceptance of what's to come.

####

Harry felt like it was a productive day so far, but he seemed to feel like he's forgetting something.

But what?

He figured he'll remember as time goes by and proceeded to walk down the stairs from professor McGonagall's office. Harry really like the Scottish woman a lot despite her skittishness around him. She just kept being torn over wanting to hold me and whatever reason she came up with to not do it. Harry thinks he's comfortable enough around the professor that he won't feel too bad even if she hugged him. Then again, I have to keep up this vulnerable act.

As he walked along the roofed bridge to the other building he wondered if he should find a place to do his work or try his luck in the tower to study. Minnie said the girl's bed have a silencing enchantment that works both ways and a freeze enchantment to 'lock' the curtains. She wasn't sure about the boy's bed but it's worth checking.

He saw a group of Slytherin upper year students walking in a group of five towards the 'academic building' as Harry named it in his head. Huh, what did I forget? There has to be something…

When he reached the stairs leading up to the tower he grimaced. Seven damned floors up. Slowly he climbed, not stopping to see the sights this time. I know I need to do something. It has to do with Slytherin. We have both classes with them tomorrow, but, is that it?

As he contemplates on the matter, he felt like it took no time at all to reach the Gryffindor tower. The fatigue in his legs said otherwise. The portrait named 'The Fat Lady' looked at him with expectation in her eyes.

"Honor," Stupid password system. Like why? Just have the portrait recognize people or something.

"Come in then," Her voice bored. Hmm, I need to read more on these artificial intelligence things.

The common room was empty. Which was a good sign for him. He climbed another flight of stairs up to the boy's tower and found the same. So far so good. The Light from the window indicated that there are some few hours at least before sundown. Plenty of time to relax and read some books. He leaned out into the window's alcove to reach the glass panes and opened them. He laid prone and peered down to see the fields north of the castle. There wasn't anyone in sight and it was a wonderful sight with the blue sky still in full radiance with the sun.

He felt something in the magic and looked up. One blink of the eye and he would have missed Freyr and Freyja popping into existence. Tele-

Before he could finish the thought the two tiny owls landed on his head and hooted once each. "Why are you two here?"

He got another set of hoots as reply and gave up. He climbed back down onto his bed and the two owls landed on the ledge of the alcove and proceeded to groom themselves and each other. I really don't get these owls. Maybe they want treats? He scooted over to the side of the bed to open and reach into the underside drawers. After a few moments of rummaging, he came up with two frozen grasshoppers, courtesy of the magical pet shop. Hmm I need to finish this whole bag in a month. Stasis spell, fascinating. Holding them in his hands, he could feel his magic brushing over the spell. He held one in each hand and scooted over to feed the owls. They have both locked their eyes onto each one the second they came into view and snatched the grasshoppers out as soon as they came into range.

Ugh I can never get used to that. Harry flinched at their quick movement and almost retracted his hands. That would annoy the two owls greatly he unfortunately found.

The owls seemed content and he emptied his bag on the bed and laid down with the book Sheda gave him. He skipped past the introduction and started on the first chapter.

Runes are not the language of magic nor an inherent shape that governs some obscure laws. They are an expression of each individual wizard, symbols of meaning that we have within ourselves…

"…"

When he finished the first chapter Freyr flew and perched on top of the book.

"What?"

The owl looked at him almost expectantly. He held out a foot as if Harry should give him a letter.

"I... don't need to send a letter Freyr," What is… wait…

The owl tilted his head sideways and hooted twice in a different tone. That sounded like- Oh, damn it! I need to send Daphod- no Daphy? Daphne! I need to send her a letter! Bloody hell I'm stupid!

He sat up in his bed and rummaged around for a piece of parchment and pen. Wait should I use quills for this? Uh… ok let's try and if it turned out bad I'll just use a pen.

Harry tried his best, slowly writing each letter with his mediocre handwriting. I mean, I don't think this will look insulting? She might have high standards though which might be a pain… eh, why am I hung up on this etiquette thing? Hmm, I need to properly sort out this knowledge cache.

If she found it insulting that just means I don't get to study her cold aura thing. I do want to though, maybe I can make like, fire aura? There's a section of aura manifestation in professor Flitwick's book but I haven't read that chapter yet… It mentioned elementalist could freely create and control their talent's element and it has to do with aura, but I mean, can you replicate it?

He looked at the letter again. I'll just use my pen.

…

He folded the letter and slid them into the envelope. Uh wait, seal? Hmm… Harry peered out and saw the room was still empty. He got off the bed with the letter and took a candle from the holder and tried to drip the wax onto the letter. No wait, this is white wax… ah nevermind. It's just… let me consult the cache again.

"…"

I don't think there's anything wrong with it, or Draco didn't pay attention. Whelp, let's hope for the best.

And so the letter was sent. Freyja stayed behind looking bored. She might be asleep? Harry decided he should just be quiet and continue reading. Maybe professor Flitwick's book next? He wanted to meet tomorrow after potions after all.

####

Harry swore he didn't know that the professor was an 'Animagus'. It never came into daily conversation the whole time she's been over at Sheda's house. When he entered the classroom and saw the cat, he just immediately went over to pet the cat. He didn't even think about it.

He did find it weird how the cat would shy away and avoid his scratches, but he was determined and just held the cat with one hand while petting with the other. Shy cat. He thought. He did find it weird that the other students didn't come over to do the same but later he found that there was a weird superstition about black cats. Even… 'muggles' have superstitions about black cats apparently. Not sure if it's true.

Professor McGonagall was flustered and very red on her face, but judging by how the others were just scared of the stern professor he had a suspicion that Minnie hid her emotions with that glamour all adults over thirty seem to use.

He was asked to stay behind after class and received two moderately painful pinches on his cheeks. Harry rubbed his face and pouted at the professor and she relented in not punishing him further. As revenge he persuaded the professor so that he could get to pet her cat form with consent in the future.

"I'll come over this Sunday then." Harry openned the classroom door, went out and peered through the cracks.

A loud sigh was heard. "Alright…" The resignation in her voice made him happy.

Before he could walk down the corridor towards the library, he was confronted by two Slytherin girls he was just in class with. One of which he recognized immediately before they even came out of the corner. The distinct cold aura piercing though everything else.

"Did you get a detention then?" The black-haired girl wearing glasses asked him.

"I do hope you were not punished for too long Heir Potter," Daphne had a slight smile on her face but her sideway glance towards her companion had a different message on them.

"Merlin, I was being rude, I do apologize Heir Potter." She curtsied. "Tracey Davis,"

"Good morning, Heir Greengrass, Miss Davis," He bowed back. "And well, no, she just told me not to do it again," He rubbed his cheek again.

"Oh she didn't slap you did she?" Tracey stepped closer to him and saw the faint red mark.

"What? No no," He raised his palm to calm her. "She just pinched me for a bit," Uh that doesn't sound great either… what to do… "Like this!" He pinched his cheek similar to how it was done before.

Both girls looked at him incredulously.

"She was just a tiny bit cross at me, really," He took the chance to see if Tracey has a shield. Hmm, it's not as strong as Daphne, but it's still there.

"Well, understandable I guess," She brushed it off and gave him a look. "Do be mindful that corporal punishment is outlawed in Hogwarts Heir Potter, just in case," Daphne said curtly. Well, I knew that, Minnie made it really clear to me that day.

"Especially for families like yours," Tracey added with a nod.

Family like mine? Well, the nobility thing perhaps. "I appreciate the advice, really," he looked at Daphne. "Did you read my letter already Heir Greengrass?"

"I did," That was all she replied with.

Aww, I guess she didn't like it then? Tracey then added. "She was so exc- ow!" She rubbed her hand. Somehow the blonde girl had pinched her friend's hand in the blink of an eye. Harry couldn't even begin to look amused at the slight blush on her face.

She politely cleared her throat. How does she do that? What. "I'm hoping you have somewhere more private we can chat at?"

I mean, there's always the library but… He thought about yesterday's event. Maybe wait a few days before going there again. "I was thinking down the cliff south of the school beside the lake? There's some benches there," Harry scratched his head thinking.

"Ooh," Tracey exclaimed while she went out of Daphne's reach. "Oh I'm here just to get Daphne to you," She started to move away. "Make sure you're not late to Potions!" And she turned the corner and her footsteps got quieter as she moved away.

The loss of composure that Daphne was in amused Harry but he decided it would be best not to comment on it. "Well, your friend seems nice,"

"We've known each other for a long time," She sniffed. "Well, we don't want to be late for potions," She looked at Harry expectantly.

Huh, what does she, oh? Damn. I need to offer her my arm… uuuh.

Harry didn't show it, but he was very reluctant to offer her his arm. He put his fist on his lower ribs and Daphne swiftly held onto his forearm near the elbow. Just pretend it's Rose, no biggie.

It wasn't a quiet walk, but there was no lasting conversation beyond a few exchanges between them in the corridors, but once they were descending down to the lake they started chatting more.

"I half expected this to be a lie Heir Potter," She sudenly remarked as they climbed down the stairs.

"What?" Uh?

"These stairs I mean," She laughed quietly. "I didn't know there's a passage down this side of the lake besides walking around the front gate,"

"Yeah, I found it yesterday actually while exploring, I think you can walk all to way to Hogsmeade over-" He pointed towards the faint outline through the fog. "-there, but they probably have fences or something,"

She glanced at him. "You didn't check yourself?"

"I was just taking a light stroll, there's no actual path and you just have to hug the shoreline if you want to find out," This really isn't bad.

"Maybe one day hmm," She stared out towards the village.

…

They reached the benches.

"I'm not sure if you expect me to sit there, Heir Potter," Daphne's voice sounded as cold as the aura she let off. As cool as that is, I think I prefer her when she's warmer.

"Ah of course not, just give me a second," Harry glared at the dirty wood bench with rotting and fresh leaves and branches settles on top of it. Argh, didn't check yesterday!

He raised his hand towards the bench and concentrated on his magic. Pick up the debris first. In one motion all of the dirt rose up and veered to the side before dropping. Now scrape. The bench creaked as the whole wooden and metal frame was being wiped.

Whew, that took some concentration, but I did it. Harry turned back to see Daphne staring at him. Uh, concentrate… is that shock?

"Was that wandless magic?" She asked, having trouble believing what she saw.

Shite.