Chapter Eight
Busy Days
Monday, 2 September 1991
Hogwarts, Scotland
Harry woke up the next morning, way before the rest of his dorm mates. It felt a bit weird to be sleeping with someone else. He had always had his own room, but now he was sharing a dorm with four other boys with unknown habits and manners. Harry, for example, was a clean freak. Sterile wasn't his thing, but everything he owned was organised and in its proper place. Ron, he knew already, was a very messy person. He didn't know where his own clothes were half of the time. Neville came somewhere in the middle.
He thanked Merlin that they wouldn't have to share one washroom. He didn't think he could live with that. Harry brushed his teeth and used the hair gel that his grandfather had created to smooth his hair down. He didn't do it often, only on occasions that needed it, and he figured that the first day at Hogwarts was one of those times. He had done it yesterday, too, and Ron had made fun of him for ages.
Harry put on his black trousers and buttoned up his white shirt. His Gryffindor tie went next, followed by his grey sweater with the Gryffindor crest. He put on his black robe and laced up his shoes. Finnegan and Thomas had just started to get up by the time he was done. Ron and Neville were still asleep, so Harry used a basic water-making spell that released only a thin stream of water to splash both awake. It was not actually real water since that was conjuration which was too developed for him and his magical core to handle.
Ten minutes later, all three of them were leaving the dormitory. The common room was mostly empty this early in the morning, with only a few students standing here and there waiting for their friends to accompany them to breakfast or one particular fifth-year who was fast asleep on the couch. Harry decided to wait near the portrait hole for Hermione, who joined them not two minutes later.
"Anyone remember which way we are supposed to go?" asked Ron when they were outside the common room. Neville glanced at Harry discreetly.
Harry had already activated the Marauder's Map and hidden it inside his robes so that he could see, but no one else would see as Neville was on his right, but no one was on his left. "We have to go down this corridor and take a left."
"How do you remember that?" demanded Hermione. "I was so tired of it last night, I wasn't aware of where we were going! And you know I have a better memory than you!"
Harry smirked. "I have my ways." He walked ahead with Neville giving the other two no choice but to follow them and trust that he knew what he was talking about.
Sure enough, they arrived at the Great Hall five minutes later, though not without breathless panting on Ron and Hermione's part because traveling from the seventh floor to the first took a lot of effort. Harry and Neville, however, had been trained in the martial arts by their parents and were hardly breathless.
No one blatantly stared or whispered, but Harry caught quite a few looks and hushed whispering. Thankfully, it was nothing like last night, and neither did anyone accost him and his circle of friends at the Gryffindor table except for Fred and George, who were welcomed.
There was a giddy feeling inside Harry's chest that he knew wouldn't dissipate till he got used to the fact that he was actually here. At Hogwarts. Even his usual breakfast of bacon, eggs, and toast tasted better since it was made by the elves of Hogwarts.
Breakfast went in the way that breakfasts should go. A minor hiccup occurred when a Gryffindor second-year asked him for an autograph, and Harry barely managed to stop himself from face palming. It also attracted attention to those who hadn't noticed it and enabled a line of blushing girls and awestruck boys. Harry felt his fury rise when Dumbledore did nothing to stop the students from pestering him. Neither did the teachers until finally Professor McGonagall stood up and shooed everyone away, threatening to dock points.
Their timetables were handed to them at the end of breakfast by Professor McGonagall. Harry glanced down at his timetable.
Monday:
9:00-9:50 am- Transfiguration
10:00-10:50 am- Charms
11:00-11:50 am- History of Magic
12:00-12:50 pm- Herbology
1:00-2:00 pm- Lunch
2:10-3:00 pm - Defence Against the Dark Arts
11:00-11:50 pm- Astronomy
Tuesday:
9:00-9:50 am- Potions
10:00-10:50 am- Charms
11:00-11:50 am- Defence Against the Dark Arts
12:00-12:50 pm- Transfiguration
1:00-2:00 pm- Lunch
2:10-3:00 pm- Herbology
Wednesday:
9:00-9:50 am- Charms
10:00-10:50 am- Herbology
11:00-11:50 am- History of Magic
12:00-12:50 pm- Defence Against the Dark Arts
1:00-2:00 pm- Lunch
Thursday:
9:00-9:50 am- Defence Against the Dark Arts
10:00-10:50 am- Potions
11:00-11:50 am- Transfiguration
12:00-12:50 pm- Charms
1:00-2:00 pm- Lunch
11:00-11:50 pm- Astronomy
Friday:
9:00-9:50 am- Potions
10:00-10:50 am- Transfiguration
11:00-11:50 am- Herbology
12:00-12:50 pm- History of Magic
1:00-2:00 pm- Lunch
Harry was glad there was a map on the back of every schedule because he knew it would get tough to hide the Marauder's Map from Ron and Hermione. He knew he would reveal it eventually when they would be good enough friends, but for now, Neville was the only one who was close enough to him. There was also the added fact of Uncle Frank being an honorary Marauder.
It wasn't as if Ron and Hermione weren't close to him. He had known Ron since they were six and Hermione since they were eight, but he wasn't ready to share it with them yet. Harry didn't want to share with Hermione because he knew that she would find it a horrible invasion of privacy and demand that he turn it in immediately. While he was sure Auntie Minnie would return it (he wasn't ready to explain that to them yet either!), he didn't want to get on Hermione's bad side since he knew she would keep nagging him until he acquiesced.
Hermione was lovely, really, one of his best friends, but she was a little bossy. Or maybe calling her 'a bit bossy' was an understatement. She was very bossy.
Ron, Harry knew, would be Ron about it. There were three ways he would react. Either he would get jealous that Harry had such a magical and useful item in his possession, or he would gush over it and wish to brag about it. The third option was to be excited about it and keep it quiet. Highly unlikely, given what he knew of Ron.
Harry's first class was Transfiguration, so he got up before it was required because he knew how much his Aunt valued punctuality. Ron, Hermione, and Neville followed him as they, with the help of the Map on the back of their timetables, navigated the castle's hallways and made it to the class just in time for the bell to ring.
They took seats near the front of the class. Neville and Harry sat together while Ron and Hermione sat in front of them. The students talked to one another in barely concealed murmurs as Professor McGonagall was not yet in the class.
"Can't believe McGonagall isn't here yet," said Ron after a few minutes. "From what Percy has told me, she's a stickler for rules and being on time."
Harry couldn't help it; he sniggered. It also seemed clear to him that the grey tabby cat sitting on the teacher's desk was amused too. The cat leaped from the desk and transformed mid-jump into a human, frightening several students and almost causing Fay Dunbar to slip from her seat and land on the floor.
"You would be right, Mr Weasley," said Professor McGonagall, the faintest of smirks on her lips. She looked around at the class. "What you have just witnessed is one of the most advanced forms of Transfiguration out there known as an Animagus Transformation. You, however, will not be learning about this till third year, much less trying it." She added when excited murmurs sprang to life in the room. Harry kept his own excitement hidden since he didn't want anyone to know that by third year, he would be learning how to be an Animagus.
Professor McGonagall gave an introductory speech about Transfiguration and then distributed tooth picks that they were tasked with turning into needles. By the end of the class, only Hermione and Harry had successfully managed to transfigure their toothpick into a needle. Neville's was round and pointy, but no difference had been made to Ron's toothpick, which led to a very depressed Weasley leaving the classroom when the bell rang.
"What's the next period?" asked Neville, hoping to diffuse the uneasy tension.
"How would I know?" asked Ron gloomily, paying no attention to what he said.
"It's Charms," said Hermione quietly. "At least mine is."
"We have the same timetable," said Harry. He wondered briefly if he should say something to Ron because he knew that it would be quite embarrassing to be the only one not able to accomplish anything, but, in the end, he decided not to say anything. He didn't like it when others asked him if he was okay, so he figured Ron wouldn't either.
The ten-minute break they got was spent going from the Transfiguration Classroom to the Charms one, and Harry realized that was probably why the break was there. Otherwise, the time it took to reach one class from another would cut into the actual class time.
Professor Flitwick was a tiny wizard who had to stand on a stack of books to compensate for his lack of height. "My name is Professor Filius Flitwick and I will be your Charms Professor for the next seven years." He started the class by taking the roll call and squeaked when Harry's name came but, thankfully, didn't point him out.
The very first charm they learnt was the Lumos Charm. When cast correctly, the witch or wizard's wand lit up with a glow whose brightness depended upon the power of the witch or wizard. No one, not even Ron, failed to light up their wand tip. Harry's wand was the brightest of the four of them, followed by Neville, Hermione, and then Ron. Ron's wand was fluctuating badly; one second, it would be brighter than Hermione's, but then it would dim till the point that even Crabbe and Goyle's light was brighter than his.
Even though he managed to complete the task this time, Ron was still disheartened as they left the class almost an hour later.
Their next class was History of Magic, and Harry was not excited about that. While he liked History, his parents had told him all about the History of Magic Professor, and he was dreading that class now. He liked History, and he did not want to hate it!
He hoped his parents were wrong, and Professor Binns was a perfectly nice teacher who explained all of History and did not bore anyone to tears. He doubted it, though.
He was right.
For the first time, he hated being right.
The class had been so boring that Harry, Ron, and Neville were almost asleep by its end. Hermione was the only one who paid attention, unsurprisingly. Yet, at the end of the class, even she had to admit that the only thing they learnt was that goblins were greedy, dangerous creatures who liked nothing more than killing humans.
Harry really doubted that as well. Ironclaw was perfectly polite, if a bit frightening at times. Only a little, though. Harry was a big boy; he wasn't afraid of him. Not at all.
After the stifling atmosphere of the History of Magic classroom, it had been nice to go out into the cool grounds for Herbology. Professor Sprout was a dumpy little Professor with a cheery attitude and was, thankfully, quite competent in teaching her subject. The snapdragons they were studying were similar to their Muggle counterpart, except they were, well, alive. As Harry later found out, their bite hurt like hell but didn't cause any actual damage.
After lunch, they had their first Defence Against the Dark Arts class, and Harry had to admit, the class was a let-down. He'd been so excited about it, but Professor Quirrell could barely speak properly, let alone teach them how to combat Dark forces. It didn't help that Harry always had a horrible headache in that class which didn't help him pay attention. The little notes Quirrell would make them write would come out all wonky and messy until Neville wrote notes for Harry and himself.
Astronomy went well too. Professor Sinistra was a good teacher. Though, Harry did wonder why they had to be up till 11 PM for astronomy. Couldn't they project the night sky onto the ceiling like it was in the Manor observatory? He thought it would be better since they wouldn't have to wait for specific days or angles to see stars, planets, or constellations.
Potions class on Tuesday, however, was a disaster.
Professor Snape burst into the room, plunging them into silence. His robes billowed behind him as he stepped to the front of the class, and the door slammed shut, making them jump.
Like all the other professors, Snape started the class by calling role call. The roll call was uneventful until the Professor reached Harry's name.
"Ah, yes. Harry Potter - our child celebrity."
Harry made his face go blank. His parents had warned him that something like this might happen when they learned that Snape would be his Potions Professor. Despite being warned, his heart sank in his chest. Potions were one of his favourite subjects, and he'd been so excited to come to Hogwarts for this.
"Answer me, Potter. Or was the great Harry Potter never taught to respect their elders?"
Harry gritted his teeth while he forced himself to answer. "I can't answer a question that was never asked, sir."
Snape stared at him, then his face twisted into a sneer. "1 point from Gryffindor, Potter, for your cheek. Clearly, Lord Potter didn't bother teaching his son any manners."
Harry let out a breath, but he couldn't control himself anymore. His self-control, built by years of Occlumency and practice, snapped. No one insulted his family and got away with it.
"I can clearly tell I have more manners than you; after all, it isn't everyday an overgrown man picks on a child."
The class went silent. The students had already been quiet, watching the drama unfold, but now, not even the sound of breathing could be heard.
"Twenty points from Gryffindor. If I hear another word from you, it will be straight to the Headmasters office for you."
Harry controlled his rage and nodded tightly. He'd lost Gryffindor twenty-one points on his first day. He'd never imagined that he'd be capable of doing that. Sure, Harry would never be a model student and was more of a rebellious troublemaker, but really? Gryffindor House was going to eat him alive.
Harry didn't know yet that none of the students would be mad at him. They all had been on the receiving end of Snape's wrath at least twice a week and sympathised with him.
"Words, Potter," said Snape, his eyes glinting maliciously. "I suppose it will take more than once to get you to respect your elders."
"Yes, Professor Snape." said Harry, having to force the words from his mouth.
Professor Snape finished the roll call stared at the class with his dark, cold black eyes. "Many of you will hardly believe this is magic given that no foolish wand-waving is required here. I doubt any of you dunderheads will understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that can be used for to bewitch the mind, ensnare the senses..."
Silence followed his little speech. The entire class was on edge. Professor Snape seemed like a teacher who didn't have to work to keep his class quiet. Most of his actions were simply intimidation techniques, Harry noticed. His black billowing robes, the door slamming shut, making eye contact with everyone, speaking in a low whisper.
"Potter!" blurted the Professor. "What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"
Harry resisted the urge to not answer, given that he was not supposed to speak another word in the class. He was sure that wouldn't earn him any extra points for Gryffindor. "You would get the Draught of Living Death, Professor."
"What is the Draught of Living Death, Potter? Or did you not bother to learn that when you decided to blindly memorise the whole book?"
Harry sighed in frustration. The Professor was confusing the hell out of him. Whatever he did, he would not be good enough, it seemed. "The Draught of Living Death is a sleeping potion so powerful that its effects last forever if the counterpotion, the Wigginweld Potion is not given. That's why it is referred to as the Draught of Living Death."
Professor Snape seemed almost frustrated that Harry knew the answer. "Tell me, Potter, where would I look if I wanted a bezoar?"
Harry swallowed his retort of "The supply cupboard" and instead said, "You would have to look in the stomach of a goat, Professor."
"What's the difference between Monkshood and Wolfsbane?"
Harry frowned and then quickly concealed his reaction. The other two questions had been from the First Year textbook, but this was a question from Third Year. He knew the answer only because he'd often watched his mother brew the Wolfsbane Potion and researched it. He wouldn't be a good nephew to his Uncle Rem if he didn't know about the Potion his uncle had to take once a month.
"There is no difference, sir." replied Harry finally. "They are the same plant which also goes by the name of Aconite."
Snape seemed almost shocked that Harry knew the answer. Clearly, he hadn't expected Harry to read ahead. Not that he had, but the Professor didn't know that.
"Five points from Gryffindor, Potter," he said finally. Harry's jaw dropped, and he wondered if he had misheard. Surely, Snape wasn't taking points, was he? "For...cheating and answering from the book." He seemed to take great delight in saying that.
"But my book is still in my bag, Sir!" Harry yelped.
Snape uncrossed his arms and strode towards his desk. He leaned so close that Harry could see himself reflected in the dark, icy depths of the Professor's eyes. "Then, two points for not having the required materials in class." His voice carried around the room, causing the Slytherins to snigger and many Gryffindors to shout at the unfairness. Harry also opened his mouth, but Hermione kicked him under the table and sent him a warning look. She looked so much like his mother at that moment that he shut up immediately.
The rest of the lesson passed in much of the same way though Harry tried his best not to anger Snape anymore. Despite this, he did lose five more points before the lesson was over. Neville melted his cauldron resulting in another ten points deduction: five from Neville for making a mistake and five from Harry for not helping him even though Harry was paired up with Ron for the day, something which he was guiltily grateful for. He didn't want to imagine what Snape might have done to him otherwise.
Harry's relief was palpable when the lesson was over; he quickly left the class with Ron and Hermione by his side.
"Ignore him, mate," said Ron. "My brothers told me that he despises Gryffindors."
"It wasn't just about me being a Gryffindor," said Harry. "He seemed to really hate me."
"You're thinking things, Harry," said Hermione, striding ahead. "Professor Snape is a teacher, why would he personally attack you?"
Harry rolled his eyes but didn't say anything. It was useless to argue with Hermione about authority figures. Unfortunately, Ron didn't know that, and their bickering carried them to the Charms classroom.
Harry sent a letter to his parents as soon as he could. He could have used the mirror too, but they had decided to only use it for important situations, such as his first night at Hogwarts or an emergency. He didn't think this counted as an emergency or an important situation.
Dear Mum and Dad,
And Lizzie and William,
Today was my second day at Hogwarts, and it went well. We had all the classes yesterday except for Potions which was today. Charms class was so good; we did the Lumos Charm, and I really like Professor Flitwick; I can tell why he was your favourite Professor, Mum; he's so patient with everybody and then, of course, Transfiguration. When we entered, Aunt Minnie was in her Animagus form on the desk, and she didn't switch back for at least five minutes. Ron, obviously, didn't know what a cat was doing in the classroom, and he said he hadn't thought McGonagall wouldn't be punctual. The look on his face when Aunt Minnie turned back was hilarious! I felt bad for him, though; it's not his fault he didn't know.
Herbology was really interesting, and I really liked Professor Sprout, but History of Magic was as boring as you said it would be. Professor Quirrell is a useless Professor who should never have been hired to teach Defence Against the Dark Arts. Honestly, William could probably teach better than he does. Can you tell me the required syllabus of both History of Magic and Defence so that I can self-study? The others would appreciate that too. Even Ron would prefer to do something other than being bored in History.
And then came the first class on Tuesday's schedule: Potions. Professor Snape seemed to loathe me. Not just dislike but really hate me. He singled me out in front of the class and took thirty-three points from me on the very first day! Despite the fact I answered all his questions correctly. I admit, I kind of insulted him too. But he insulted Dad, and you know I hate it when anyone says anything against my family.
I am starting to dread if it will be like this in every class. I will lose all the joy I get from Potions like this. He also asked a question from me from the Third-Year syllabus, and, thank Merlin, I knew the answer, or he would have humiliated me even more. Then again, if I hadn't known the answer, I wouldn't have lost the points I did for "cheating and answering from the book".
Anyways, I saw Morag today. She was Sorted into Hufflepuff, just in case you didn't know, along with Susan, Heir Abbot, and Heir MacMillan. The Heirs from the House of Malfoy, Greengrass, Nott, Crabbe, Goyle, Parkinson, and Bulstrode were all Sorted into Slytherin like we expected. Heir Brown was Sorted into Gryffindor as well as Parvati Patil, whose sister was Sorted into Ravenclaw. I can't remember the others right now, but I'll send you a list.
I was thinking of making friends with people from other Houses, especially Slytherin. This House rivalry is stupid, and I should be allowed to do as I want. Making friends with people from all Houses can also go a long way towards helping me in the future, right?
I have to go; Neville and Ron are playing Exploding Snap, and I want to join.
P.S What's special about the Italian House of Zabini?
Love,
Harry
Harry promised Ron and Neville that he would be right back and left for the Owlery. According to the Marauders Map (the Map on the back of his timetable only showed him where the classes were), the Owlery was at the top of the West Tower, so he made his way there. Hogwarts was loud and noisy in the mornings with the echo of hundreds of students even though it was a large castle. But, this close to curfew, the castle was quiet and peaceful. Harry hadn't seen Hogwarts like this; it was only his second day, after all. He liked it, though; the same way he liked the peace and tranquillity of sitting deep in the man-made forest in the Manor. He liked the chaos of the Gryffindor common room, but sometimes, he wanted something a little calmer.
Harry checked the Map at several intervals to make sure he was going the right way and, thankfully, arrived at the Owlery in under five minutes. He opened the door and was pleasantly surprised when he saw Morag MacDougal standing next to the window.
Morag MacDougal was the daughter of Mary MacDonald, or Mary MacDougal, who had been of his mother's best friends. Her father, Oscar MacDougal, had died due to curse damage from the last war when she was three. She had grown up with her sister, Morgan, and Susan Bones, who was her cousin through her father's side. Oscar's sister, Mildred, had been the wife of Edgar Bones, and both of them had been killed by Voldemort. Susan, who was raised by Amelia Bones, Head of the MLE, was a frequent visitor of the MacDougal home; as such, Harry had also met Amelia and Susan Bones a couple of times.
Lily's children: Harry, Lizzie, William, Alice's children: Neville and Victoria, Mary's daughters: Morag and Morgan, and Dorcas's children: Eleanor and Samuel had all grown up together. He, sometimes, felt like Aunt Alice, Aunt Mary, Aunt Dorcas, and Aunt Marlene were his mother's sisters while Uncle Siri, Uncle Rem, and Uncle Frank were his father's brothers. The families certainly treated each other that way. Though, Aunt Marlene and Uncle Sirius were technically from both sides of the family because they were almost like husband and wife; an outsider wouldn't be able to tell that they are not married.
Since yesterday, he'd meant to talk to Morag but hadn't really found the time to.
"Merry meet, Morag," He greeted, hugging her.
"Hey Harry," She grinned. "It's so surreal, isn't it? Being at Hogwarts. I wanted to talk to you earlier but I didn't find the time. And it's not like I can come into your common room whenever I like."
"I wanted to talk to you earlier too," Harry replied. "This House rivalry is so stupid; it's only been two days and I can already see all the lines being drawn. It's not like these Houses are going to matter after we leave Hogwarts."
"You know, I thought for sure you would be a Slytherin," Morag teased. "I lost a bet with Eleanor because of you, you git!"
"I deeply apologize, Your Highness," laughed Harry. "Of course, how dare I commit such a grave crime of being Sorted into Gryffindor? I should have threatened the Hat to put me in Slytherin so that my dear cousin could have won a bet."
"Of course you should have!" said Morag, mock-scandalised. "I can't believe you even thought otherwise."
"In all honesty, the Hat did consider putting me in Slytherin but then ultimately decided upon Gryffindor."
"Why?" asked Morag. "I don't disagree that you probably have more bravery in you than Godric Gryffindor himself but why did the Hat change it's mind?"
"Apparently, I won't be able to accomplish my 'mission' from there," admitted Harry, his fingers making quotation marks when he said 'mission'. "The Hat, who is a female, by the way, thought that people would be more likely to trust me if I'm in Gryffindor and not Slytherin"
"Ah, I see," nodded Morag as if she had reached a brilliant conclusion. "The Hat thought you to be too weak; it gave you an easy way out. Can't say I blame her."
"Ughh! I can't win from you, can I?" asked Harry, shaking his head. "You're very annoying, you know that? Not to mention, frustrating."
Morag grinned. "I'll take that as a compliment."
"It wasn't meant to be one," said Harry darkly.
"What are you doing here anyway?"
"Dancing," deadpanned Harry. "Sending a letter, of course! What else would I come to the Owlery for?"
"Dancing, like you just said," snickered Morag.
Harry gave up talking to her and instead looked around for Hedwig. She was perched on one of the top rafters with her head under her wings. Harry whistled to call her; Hedwig spread her wings and took flight immediately as if she had been waiting for him to finish his conversation.
"Hello, Hedwig," he said, stroking her feathers when she landed on his outstretched arm. "Take this to Potter Manor, will you?"
Hedwig extended her leg gracefully, and Harry quickly tied the letter to it. The owl nipped his finger softly and took flight, brushing his hair with her wing as she left.
Harry and Morag left the Owlery together. When they exited the West Tower, Harry took the left and Morag took the right turn.
"See you later, Harry!"
"Merry part, Morag."
Wednesday, 4 September 1991
Great Hall, Hogwarts
Harry received his letter's reply the next day at breakfast and found out why Severus Snape hated him so much.
Dear Harry,
I am so glad you enjoyed your first day. Yes, that is precisely the reason I liked Professor Flitwick so much. He was always patient and never condescending. I learned a lot from him, and I am sure you will too. Given how close you have become to Ron, you can tell your secrets to him and Hermione soon. I know you hate having to hide things from them, but you know the Weasleys are firmly in Dumbledore's camp, and we don't want him to know even wind of our plans or allies, and Minnie is an ally that Dumbledore considers to be on his side.
I know you don't understand why we caution you away from Dumbledore, and honestly, he isn't as bad as we make him out to be. He just considers that he knows what's best for everyone, even if he doesn't. Also, he is a military general and is used to directing people in a war-like chess game. He doesn't understand that the witches and wizards under him are individuals, too, and not his pawns. Like I said, he's not as evil as we tell you, but, as the saying goes: 'It's better to be safe than sorry.' We don't want you and your siblings to be hurt if we can prevent it.
I got side-tracked, sorry. I am glad you are making friends with students from another House too. I always hated the rivalry this House system festered in everyone, but I never dared to do anything about it. You have undoubtedly realised that many people will hate you for disrupting the centuries-old system, and the courage required to do that makes you worthy of being in Gryffindor. It's also a lofty ambition, and the determination required for you to plan to achieve your goal makes you worthy of being in Slytherin.
Also, the information about the other Heirs is appreciated. While we were in Hogwarts, James told me there used to be a twice-monthly Heirs Meeting. There were very few Heirs in our time compared to your year due to the war. According to your father, the Heir Meetings would benefit you, so look out for them! James is writing a separate letter for you so he will give you the details in that.
All that aside, I can't believe that Severus would treat you like that! No child deserves that. Honestly, I believe you were more mature than he was in that confrontation. Regardless of the fact that he was wrong, don't show your sass to him. I know you are very sarcastic, and sass comes naturally to you, but you witnessed yourself where that will lead you. I know you don't like when someone insults one of your loved ones, and I totally understand (I would have straight-up punched that person in the face; not that I am condoning you ever doing that) but control yourself, Harry. Recall all your Occlumency lessons and don't let anyone get to you. Never show weakness, my love. The people in this world would eat you alive if they ever saw that. I learnt that lesson the hard way.
As for why Severus is treating you like this, we told you before that your father and Severus used to be enemies in school. Severus was in Slytherin and eye-balls deep in Dark Arts, the epitome of everything James hated. I am not saying your father was a saint in all of this; James bullied Severus a lot, and perhaps, things would not have been so bad if James had not been as arrogant and immature as he had been back then. But Severus gave back as good as he got. Perhaps it was not always a fair fight, but Severus had his pureblood friends to back him up half the time too. The thing is, James grew up, and Severus didn't, which makes all the difference in the world.
Other than that, Severus and I lived in the same neighbourhood and had been friends before Hogwarts. I got all my early magical knowledge from him and knew about magic before Minnie came to my house. We wanted to stick together after I was Sorted into Gryffindor and he in Slytherin, but peer pressure made that difficult. My friends constantly asked me why I was friends with him, and Severus had a tough time in Slytherin because he was a poor half-blood who was friends with a Muggle-born.
It also helped that we both hated James Potter at one time.
The only 'friends' Severus had believed Voldemort to be right and that people like me should be wiped off the face of the Earth. I am not saying he was completely a victim, but it was not entirely his fault. It took me a long time to understand what social pressure can do to a person. Severus called me a Mudblood in fifth year after I defended him from James, and I cut him off after that. I admit I was heartless in doing so, especially when he was frank in his apology later on, and I regret that now because I might have been able to stop him from turning to Voldemort.
After graduating from Hogwarts, I tried to make up with him, but I was dating James, who Severus hated, and Severus was close friends with future Voldemort followers who hated me. It was bound not to work out.
As it is, I can't change the past. I can only build my future. I assure you, Harry, Severus will regret bullying you like that, mark my words. You needn't worry.
As for your query about the House of Zabini, the current Heir's mother has had three husbands after the mysterious death of Alessandro Zabini, all of whom also died mysterious deaths and left her with piles of gold and more titles than she knows what to do with. The Zabini's are rumoured to be part of the Italian Mafia, and even though the Mafia mostly comprises Muggles, even wizards are wary of crossing them. Heir Zabini can be a valuable ally and friend, but be careful.
Your father and siblings will be sending a separate letter for you.
Love,
Mum
Harry blew out a breath. That was an influx of information, and it took a while for him to process it. Apparently, his father and Professor Snape had been enemies in school, and his mother had been Professor Snape's friend, but they had a falling out, and she started dating his father even though she used to hate him?
Merlin, this was confusing.
As for the part about Professor Snape, that was more information than he thought his mother would ever offer him, but he didn't mind. It cleared up things in his brain.
Also, Severus Snape used to be a Death Eater? Or close to one?
The reassurance about Dumbledore not being as bad as he thought was nice given the fact that he had been a bit worried for himself in a school Dumbledore headed.
He smiled when he read his mother describing him as worthy of Gryffindor and Slytherin. She knew how scared he was that he would not be able to do justice to the Heirship of Potter, Gryffindor, and Slytherin. It felt good to hear, or more like, see her words displayed in front of him. His mother never lied; Harry knew. She truly believed what she said.
He folded the letter and reached for the one from his father. He wanted to know what this Heirs Meeting was about.
Although Lily realized what her former friend was doing, it didn't mean that she understood it or encouraged it. It was wrong, whatever he was doing. And she made sure he knew it. Sometimes, she thought, as she Flooed into Minerva McGonagall's office, it was convenient to have someone on their side inside the school. Lily waved goodbye to McGonagall and cast a Disillusionment Charm and Scent-masking Spell over herself. It was moments like these where she wished she hadn't agreed to give the Invisibility Cloak to Harry.
Her husband wanted to come too, but she had managed to convince him what a terrible idea that was. She opened the door a crack and, after making sure no one was there, slipped out and carefully closed the door behind her. She didn't want a passing student to wonder why the door was closing by itself.
Lily cast a Silencing Charm on her shoes and crept down the hallways. Hogwarts was exactly like she remembered it to be, she thought fondly. It felt so nostalgic to be back here, where she had spent her teenage years. The place where Lily had grown from an immature child to the woman she was today.
She'd been so judgemental as a child, only seeing the good qualities in Severus and only the bad qualities in James. She thought she knew everything about James even though she knew nothing. She was also really impatient, she thought absentmindedly as she reached the ground floor. It had been Euphemia Potter who taught her the importance of being patient.
Lily glanced outside the open doors of the Entrance Hall and saw Harry sitting under a tree with Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, and one more person she didn't recognise. They were all laughing except the unnamed student, who seemed to be the butt of the joke. Lily continued on her way as she had no intentions of letting Harry know that she had come to the school.
The air got colder as she went deeper into the dungeons. She knew why the Potions Classroom was in the dungeons but honestly, why Severus felt the need to have his office down there as well was beyond her. After a few minutes, she finally reached his office. She knocked twice, but no one answered, so she tried opening the door; it didn't budge. She expected that. Instead of unlocking the door, she cast the Homenum Revelio Spell, which came up empty. There was no one inside.
She cast an improved version of the Point Me Spell, which led her straight to the Potions Classroom. She smirked as an idea unfolded in her mind. In her opinion, her former friend needed to be taken down a peg. And she knew just how to do that.
Lily removed the spells from her person and removed any wrinkles or imperfections from her clothes. She knocked on the door and stepped back. "Come in," called an irritated voice from inside. Lily knew that voice very well. She didn't go inside but knocked on the door again.
"Stebbins, open the door!" She heard an annoyed voice bark from inside. The door opened, and a blonde boy replaced it.
Lily smiled down at him. She knew she looked intimidating with her dark burgundy coloured robes, high heels, and dark auburn hair tied into a bun at the base of her neck. She wore subtle makeup, which enhanced her eyes and cheeks. Diamond earrings adorned her ears.
Her face was well-known in the Wizarding World, being the mother of the Boy Who Lived, but if that didn't clue the boy into who she was, the crest of the House of Potter on her right breast pocket and Matriarch ring would have certainly done so.
The robes she was wearing were the official Potter dress robes which she had chosen for a reason, just like she had chosen to wear jewellery and makeup for a reason. It wasn't like her to regularly dress up so much but Severus needed to be reminded that she wasn't someone to mess with. And if not her, then all the Potter items she was wearing would remind him of the power of the House of Potter and how fierce James could be when he was protecting someone he loved.
"I want to talk to Professor Snape, please," she said softly so that Severus would not hear her. She was sure he would recognize her voice, and she didn't want him to know who had come until the last moment.
The boy nodded and disappeared into the classroom. She heard him say, "Sir, um, some-someone wants to, uh, talk to you." It spoke volumes about Severus that the boy was so scared of him, he couldn't speak without stuttering."
"Let them in," She heard her former friend say harshly. "Who's here to bother me? Don't you know I have a class- Lily!?"
"That's Lady Potter to you, Professor Snape," said Lily, who had stepped into the room. She left the door wide open behind her despite the fact that no one would be around to hear them except for the students already in the class.
He was staring at her in shock and a touch of fear, too, as if he knew exactly why she was here. Good.
"I wanted to discuss something of importance with you, Professor Snape," she said sweetly, yet anyone who paid attention could hear the steel in her tone.
"We should go to my office-" began Severus hastily since he knew her sweet tone. She wasn't dangerous when she shouted. She was dangerous when she didn't; her anger was ice cold, not burning hot.
"I don't see why we can't hash it out here. It's not that big of a deal," said Lily innocently. "Is there anything private that you don't want others to know?"
Severus didn't reply.
"I heard about what happened yesterday, Professor Snape," said Lily, nonchalantly and as if she had all the time in the world. She looked around at the classroom and paid no attention to the man in front of her.
The class seemed to be holding its breath.
"Lily-"
"No." said Lily with steel in her voice. "You don't get to call me by my name." She turned her head and made eye contact with him for the first time. Whatever emotion he saw in her eyes made him flinch back. "You should have known that bullying my son like you did will not earn you any favour with me." Her voice was chilly; it felt as if the temperature in the room had dropped by several degrees.
"What gives you the right to punish my son for something that happened years ago?!" She hissed, taking a step forward. "Whatever hatred you have towards Lord Potter, whatever resentment you feel concerning our friendship should not be taken out on my children! Am I clear?"
Severus stared at her for a few seconds before he visibly pulled himself back together and pasted a sneer on his face. "I don't know what you are talking about, Lady Potter. Your son being a complete dunderhead is not in any way my problem."
Everyone could see how Lily's hand twitched as she stopped herself from reaching for her wand. "You and I both know, Severus, that Harry answered all your answers correctly yesterday, even the one that was not in the curriculum. Don't pretend otherwise."
Lily stepped even closer, almost nose to nose with her former friend. "If I hear even a whim of you abusing your authority as a Professor again, especially towards my children, you will regret being born, Severus Snape." The threat was unmistakably clear.
Lily stepped back and turned around to leave the classroom but not before delivering a parting shot. "You were my friend; you know how ruthless I am. Don't be mistaken that I might be lenient towards you just because of some lingering emotions."
Lily slammed the door behind her and recast the spells upon herself before leaving the dungeons. She smirked as she Flooed out of Minnie's office.
The whole castle would know what happened by dinner.
Exactly what she wanted to happen.
On Thursday, Professor Snape was not exactly civil with Harry but was no longer hostile. He didn't single him out nor blame him for others' failures. Harry didn't need to know what had caused the drastic change in the Professor. The story of Lady Potter giving a dressing down to the Potions Master had circulated in the school like wildfire, and he had already known that Potions class would be different even before he sat down in the class.
Harry was grateful to his mother even though he realised people might think of him as a mama's boy now who ran to his mother at the first sign of trouble. It wouldn't help him in his campaign to unite the school, but he didn't mind because he was unsure if he could survive seven years under Professor Snape, only after one class, and wanted anything and everything to help him.
Friday, 6 September 1991
Hagrid's Hut, Hogwarts
On Friday, Harry received a letter from Hagrid inviting him to tea at his hut, so Harry took Hermione, Ron, Neville, and Morag with him. It was Ron and Hermione's first interaction with Morag, so things were, understandably, awkward for a while. Still, Harry and Neville managed to smooth things over until they reached the Gamekeeper's hut. It was a small wooden house at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. A crossbow and a pair of galoshes were resting outside the front door.
Harry knocked on the door and stepped back to wait. Frantic scrabbling was heard behind the door, followed by several loud barks. Finally, Hagrid's gruff voice reached their ears, "Back, Fang, back."
Hagrid opened the door and led them in, while also keeping a hold of an enormous black boarhound at the same time. The group of four followed him inside. There was only one room; Hams and pheasants were hanging from the ceiling, a copper kettle was boiling on an open fire, and a huge bed with a patchwork quilt stood in one corner.
When Hagrid let go of Fang, he bounded straight for Ron and licked him, covering him with slobber. Harry felt that, just like Hagrid, both looked fierce and intimidating but had completely different personalities.
Hagrid poured them cups of boiling tea and presented a plate of rock cakes. Harry had met Hagrid a few times when he was younger - his mother and the Marauders had been a favourite of the half-giant when they had been at Hogwarts - so he was at a level of friendship with him the others were not. "Hello, Hagrid. You know Morag and Neville already, and these are Ron and Hermione."
The smile Hagrid gave them made the crinkles around his eyes more pronounced. "Nice to meet you, Hermione an' Ron. Another Weasley, eh?" He added, chuckling at Ron. "I spent half me life chasing yer twin brothers away from the forest."
The four friends told Hagrid about their first week at Hogwarts while pretending to enjoy the shapeless lumps with raisins that Hagrid had deemed 'rock cakes.' Personally, Harry thought the 'cake' part should be removed from the name, which would make it more apt. The awkwardness took awhile to abate, but Hagrid's kindness and earnestness were a great ice breaker.
While Ron was telling a particularly humorous story about the twins, Harry noticed a newspaper clipping covered by a tea cosy. Harry pushed the tea cosy aside and noticed it was from the Daily Prophet.
GRINGOTTS BREAK-IN LATEST
Investigations continue into the break-in at Gringotts on 31 July, widely believed to be the work of Dark wizards or witches unknown. Gringotts goblins today insisted that nothing had been taken. The vault that was searched had in fact been emptied the same day. "But we're not telling you what was in there, so keep your noses out if you know what's good for you," said a Gringotts spokesgoblin this afternoon.
Harry frowned. Gringotts was known to be the most secure place in Wizarding Britain, second only to Hogwarts. How could someone get in, especially inside someone else's vault, without any goblin finding out until after the person responsible had already left? It sounded very suspicious, in his opinion.
Also, it had been on his birthday, which meant he and Dad might have been at Gringotts when the break-in occurred.
"What're you looking there, Harry?" asked Hermione when she noticed him not paying attention to the conversation.
"Someone broke into Gringotts," he answered vaguely. "It happened on my birthday; probably while me and Dad were there."
"It's nothin' for yeh to worry about, Harry," said Hagrid, and Harry noticed a hasty note to his tone.
"But how do you know that, Hagrid?" asked Neville, reading the clipping over Harry's shoulder. "It sounds highly suspicious that the vault was emptied the very same day."
"Nah, that's nothin' to worry about. It was me who emptied the vault; on Professor Dumbledore's orders, of course!"
Harry glanced up sharply. "You did? What was in it?"
But Hagrid realised his mistake in saying the little he did and clammed up after that.
Sunday, 8 September 1991
Gryffindor Common Room, Hogwarts
"You know, I was thinking," began Harry. He, Ron, Hermione, and Neville were sitting in the common enjoying their first weekend at Hogwarts. Harry would have preferred to sit by the fire, but the upper years were hogging all the good seats in the room, so they had no chance of gaining a spot. "We should play a prank on the school."
Hermione scowled. "For the last time, Harry! We are not playing a prank! Why are you so intent on breaking the rules?"
"Come on, Hermione," grinned Harry. "You've been my friend since we were eight. You should be used to it by now."
"Harry," said Ron, an amused expression on his face. "You don't plan on competing with my brothers, do you? I heard them say once that they were the best pranks since a group named Marauders."
Neville snorted and hastily turned it into a cough.
Hermione was unable to stop her grimace. The twins had pranked all of Ron's friends (or merely the ones they thought he was friendly with), which consisted of Harry, Hermione, Neville, Dean, and Seamus. Out of the five of them, Harry was the only one quick enough to sidestep the downpour of a green gooey substance that no one knew the name of, though that was only because he was used to constant pranks in his family. Hermione, unfortunately, had been the most splashed and was still nursing a grudge.
"Yes, Ron, that's exactly what I want to do." Harry smirked. "You know why?"
"Because you want to be pranked within an inch of your life as retaliation by them?" guessed Ron.
Harry laughed. "No. Because you know the Marauders you talked about?" He leaned forward. "Dad, Uncle Siri and Uncle Rem made that group."
After his declaration, there was a moment of silence before Hermione groaned and banged her head on the table.
"How did someone sensible like Lily Potter marry a prankster like your dad?" She muttered.
Neville laughed. "Hermione, Aunt Lily is actually more ruthless with her pranks than the Marauders. She's just more subtle about it."
"That's why you're so confident about this!" Ron exclaimed, ignoring the byplay. "The twins themselves said that they could never hope to be on the same level as the Marauders. Can you imagine how they will react when they find out?"
A devious grin curled around the edges of Harry's lips. "No one's telling them, Ron. It should be a surprise when they find out the Marauders have returned."
"Now we just need you, Hermione," said Neville. "Don't you want to get back at Fred and George?"
Hermione sighed and lifted her head. "Fine! If you are going ahead with this ridiculous scheme then there's nothing I can do about it but join in."
Harry clapped his hands and told them his plan.
Friday, 13 September 1991
Hogwarts, Scotland
Harry threw the Invisibility Cloak over himself as he sneaked out of the common room. The Fat Lady squeaked in surprise, but he ignored her. He was on a very important duty. After a whole week, Harry and his friends had finally decided on a suitable enough prank (the one Harry had first thought of had been deemed too childish by Hermione). Harry was designated for setting the materials in place because he was the only one who could sneak out easily; how he could do that was something he had still not told Ron and Hermione about.
Hermione had been responsible for brewing the potion, while Ron and Neville had been the ones who came up with the prank. This way, all of them had contributed to the prank no matter how much Hermione tried to deny her involvement. Harry had to take the longer route to the kitchens because Filch was patrolling one of the corridors, but he reached the basement in just under ten minutes. Harry followed the area labelled 'Kitchen' and found himself in front of a painting that depicted a gigantic silver bowl of fruits.
Harry wasn't sure what to do now. His father and uncles hadn't told him anything, saying that discovering the secret passageways was part of the charm of Hogwarts. He looked at his little ink figure on the Map closely. It was touching the painting at a specific spot though Harry couldn't tell where that was.
Harry ran his hand over the fruits. He wasn't sure what he was supposed to do. When he had touched every single fruit, and nothing happened, Harry looked at the Map again and realised the ink figure wasn't touching a specific area but was rubbing his finger constantly, almost like tickling. Harry tickled every fruit, and, thankfully this time, the huge green pear squirmed, chuckled, and then turned into a large green door handle.
Harry seized it and pulled the door open. The room was enormous and had a high ceiling with pots and pans around the stone walls. A great brick fireplace sat at the other end. There were four long tables in the room, which Harry noticed were positioned exactly under where the tables in the Great Hall were.
Elves were busy at work in the kitchen. Some were cleaning dishes at the big metal sink, while some were putting dishes in massive wooden cabinets. A male house-elf, standing next to the fireplace and observing the others, was the first to notice him. He gasped and then suddenly bowed low. Seeing him, all the others noticed him too and bowed too, with expressions of surprise and deep awe on their face.
"Heir Gryffindor and Slytherin," said the male house-elf, who Harry was almost completely sure was the leader. "It is an honour to have you here. We knew you were in the castle, but we never realised you would come to us in the kitchen."
Harry's finger absent-mindedly rubbed his rings. He knew if he waved them off, they would be hurt and ashamed in themselves, so he nodded and smiled at the house-elf. "Thank you; you may stand. May I ask what your name is?"
The elves straightened in one smooth motion. "My name is Blinky, Heir Gryffindor and Slytherin, sir. How may we help you, Heir Gryffindor and Slytherin?"
Harry grinned. "You can just call me sir." He knew they would never accept calling him by his given name, so this was the lesser of the two evils, so to speak. "I was hoping you can put this in tomorrow's breakfast," said Harry, holding up the potions vial.
Blinky looked at him suspiciously; all earlier positive feelings seemed to have vanished. "Why would you want to do that, sir?"
Harry blinked, shocked at the sudden change of attitude before he realised what the elf seemed to be thinking. "Oh! This wouldn't harm them or anything!" He said quickly. He definitely did not want to make an enemy out of the elves. He quickly explained what the Potion would do. "It's just a harmless prank," He said, hopefully. If they didn't let him, he didn't know what he would do.
Some of the suspicion cleared from his face. "You are sure this wouldn't harm anyone?"
Harry shook his head. "Completely."
Blinky straightened. "Then we will do it, sir. We don't usually take requests like this but we will make an exception for you."
Harry sighed with relief and smiled widely at the elf. "Thank you so much!"
Harry and the others entered the Great Hall for breakfast the next day in a state of anticipation. Unfortunately, since they'd chosen the weekend for pranking the school, there weren't as many students, but there were still enough. They tried to act casually, but anyone who looked close enough would be able to see the nervousness and excitement practically radiating from them.
Quite a few students were eating, but Harry knew the prank wouldn't start until he cast the activation charm. They made sure it was nearing the end of the meal before he did. It would have a bigger impact this way.
"Nunc eu," He whispered under his breath, with his wand under the table. All the dishes in which the potion had been poured glowed slightly, but no one noticed.
Ron started a countdown, staring at everyone in anticipation. "1... 2... 3..."
At the place where almost two hundred students had been sitting before, now sat various animals. At the green table, snakes slithered around the place, hissing angrily. The Hufflepuff's table was now occupied with badgers while eagles covered the Ravenclaw table. Finally, majestic-looking yet confused lions were almost falling off the chairs on the Gryffindor table.
The teachers' table looked on in shock and, in some cases, amusement.
Harry had fixed a large banner to the ceiling with Hedwig's help, though not before soaking it in time-deactivated Invisibility Potion that Harry had made so many times at home, he had lost count. The timer on the Potion ran out at that very second, and the banner slowly came into view. Large flashing words covered the bright purple background.
THE MARAUDERS HAVE RETURNED
The lion-Harry glanced at the staff table at Professor McGonagall, who was looking at the banner in horror. She turned to look at the Gryffindor table, trying to find him in the crowd of lions jumping here and there. He made it easy and winked at her. She glared back though Harry noticed there was no real heat behind it. She should have expected it, really.
A few of the animals seemed to have recognised the name, and Harry knew it was probably because of their parents who told them stories. He just hoped they didn't remember who the Marauders were. He didn't want his cover to be blown so early.
Sunday, 15 September, 1991
Hogwarts, Scotland
Harry was woken up in the middle of the night by a tapping on his window. Groggy, he pulled on his thin golden-framed glasses and pulled aside his curtains. After blinking a few times, he peered into the darkness and noticed Hedwig perched on the windowsill. Harry gazed at her for a few seconds and wondered how he had not noticed her at first; she was a beacon of light in the darkness surrounding her. She was, quite literally, glowing.
"Hedwig?" He mumbled softly. In response, she tapped her beak on the windowsill again. Harry got the message and opened the window slowly to disturb no one else.
Hedwig flew inside and headed straight for his trunk, where she looked between him and the lock a few times quite obviously. "You want me to open my trunk?" He asked bemusedly.
Hedwig shot him a duh look, so he whispered his passcode. "La chance sourit aux audacieux." His passcode was the French translation of the House of Potter's motto, which, while originally in Latin, meant 'Fortune favours the brave.' He had already unpacked everything into his bedside table and wardrobe except for the items he kept in the secret compartment.
The trunk clicked open, so Harry flipped the lid and looked at her for more directions. She peered into the drawer and used her wing to nudge the secret compartment. Harry placed his hand on top of its door, which slid open, having recognized his magical signature. Hedwig hopped down from her place on the bed and landed on top of the Marauders Map, resting atop his Invisibility Cloak.
"You want me to take out the Invisibility Cloak and Marauders Map?" Harry confirmed. He vaguely wondered if his owl had gone insane or he himself was asleep and was having a bizarre dream.
Apparently, it was neither because Hedwig hooted in reply. She hooted again when he didn't move, with impatience in her tone. Harry took both of them out and threw the Invisibility Cloak over his shoulders since he figured that's what she wanted. Hedwig pecked at the Marauders Map before taking off and heading for the dormitory door. "Wait!" He whispered. He took off the Invisibility Cloak and put on his dressing-gown before wearing the cloak again. Hedwig shot him a look that said really!?
"It's cold outside!" Harry defended himself. He was sure owls couldn't roll their eyes, but Hedwig seemed to do it anyway as she continued towards the door. He picked up the Map and his wand and followed her.
The next ten minutes consisted of Hedwig leading Harry through the dark and silent castle without any explanation, not that Harry would have understood her hoots anyway. Thankfully, they didn't run into anyone though they had a close call when Hedwig almost led him straight into Nearly Headless Nick. He glanced down at the Map at the last second and steered her away; they took the longer but safer way.
Harry pushed the doors open and slipped into the night quietly. It was silent except for the leaves rustling in the light breeze; light from the full moon illuminated the ground in some places while casting shadows in others. Hedwig led him past the greenhouses, away from the Whomping Willow and towards Hagrid's Hut, which sat still and silent; evidently, he was fast asleep.
"Hedwig?" Harry questioned softly, unwilling to disturb the tranquillity of the night.
But Hedwig led him past the Hut and straight towards the Forbidden Forest. Harry's eyes widened, and he hurried to catch up with his familiar. "Hedwig!" He hissed. "Where are you taking me?" It wasn't like he hadn't entertained the thought of sneaking into the Forest someday, but he needed a plan before that!
Hedwig hooted once but didn't stop, giving Harry no choice but to follow her. Once they were under the trees' cover, he took off the Invisibility Cloak and stuffed it and the Map in his dressing gown pocket. He stuck close to his familiar since he figured she seemed pretty relaxed, so she must be sure of their safety. In the short time he had her, Harry knew she wouldn't intentionally lead him into danger.
They arrived at a clearing, and when Harry, - who had been looking at the ground to avoid bumping into rocks and roots - looked up, he couldn't help but gasp. The clearing was covered with Snowy owls. Owls were settled on the branches, on the ground, and even on a small boulder. But that wasn't the wonderful thing about them. The owls were glowing. In fact, as Harry took a step closer, he realised they weren't Snowy owls at all; they were silver in colour. Hedwig had led him to a parliament of Moon owls.
Harry followed Hedwig to the middle of the clearing, which was devoid of anything or anyone. Hedwig settled on his outstretched arm, and for the first time that night, Harry noticed something was wrong with her feathers. They were mottled and thin; they looked like they would fall off any second.
It was at that moment he realised what they were here for.
His breath hitched. "Are you going to bond with me?" He asked, wonder in his voice.
Hedwig hooted and motioned him to bring his finger closer. Harry raised his hand, presented her with his index finger, and jerked back in surprise when she bit him. She actually bit him! Blood welled up from the cut, and Harry reached for his wand, but Hedwig hooted in warning.
She shook her whole body as if a current was running through her, and a lone feather fell down, swaying on its journey to the ground. Harry picked it up and noticed that it was different than the rest. It wasn't mottled or thin. Instead, it was bright silver and perfectly healthy. He looked at his owl for more instructions; he didn't believe that she bit him for no reason at all. Hedwig took the feather from him in her beak and laid it over his injured finger.
"Should I clean the blood with it?" he asked, the tiniest bit of sarcasm in his voice. Hedwig shot him a look that made it clear she understood the implied meaning and didn't appreciate it. Honestly, her glare was more terrifying than his own mother's. He briefly entertained himself by wondering if she really was an owl and not a woman trapped in an owl's body.
He rubbed the feather over the injury, and, to his surprise, the blood cleared up as if soaked up by the feather yet not staining it at the same time. Harry removed the feather and noticed that only a thin scar was left behind, emitting a bright silver light. The same light that had been radiating from Hedwig. He glanced at her and gasped in shock. She had disappeared. Or more like the silver light completely covered her now, and she couldn't be seen. Harry turned away and focused on the other owls as the light was too bright, and it hurt his eyes to look at her.
A few minutes later, a soft hoot broke the silence. Harry turned back and felt all the air leave his lungs. Hedwig was beautiful. Her feathers were back to their healthy brilliance, but that was not all. They were no longer white but bright silver that shined when she moved. Those who hadn't been in close company with her before would probably not notice the difference, but Harry definitely did.
Harry lifted a hand and gently stroked her head. Hedwig nuzzled into his hand, and Harry's eyes widened when he felt affection that wasn't his own. It was a faint feeling, but emotions like affection, protectiveness, and love were broadcast to him. When he paid attention, he felt a thin strand connecting him and his familiar. It was fragile, as if it might break any second, but Harry felt in his heart that it would be strong one day.
"Those are your emotions, aren't they?" asked Harry quietly, still stroking her. Hedwig hooted in affirmation, and, once again, Harry knew without being told that she could feel his emotions too.
Author's Notes: Parts of Ch 8 are taken from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Scholastic). It all belongs to J.K Rowling.
You don't have to read any further if you don't want to but I would recommend doing it because it would clear up a few things.
God, I'm so sorry I have been completely inactive for the past. . .(18 September till 20 March so that's like..) 6 months and 2 days; I feel horrible but I just was not in the mood to write anymore. I tried finishing Ch 8 of A Different Life but whatever I wrote came out wrong. Then, I got a burst of motivation and started writing like crazy, all day, every day.
This was back in January. School started and I just... crashed. I spend three hours daily in travel, going to and from school and then I spend the rest of my day studying and I really don't have any energy or time remaining to write. (Also, I had midterms in December and then went to my home city and then I fell into the deep rabbit hole of kdramas and watched my first ever one which put me in a depression when it finished because of the fact that it finished and that it had a very bittersweet ending).
Yes, I know; I'm full of excuses. To make up for it, I am offering you 12k words long chapter this time. This is the longest chapter I have ever written.
Anyways...
I have changed a few things regarding the Longbottoms. Victoria was not born after William; rather, she was born on 31 August 1981. I changed this because, at first, I had planned for Victoria to be in Ginny and Lizzie's year just like I have now made it to be. But for reasons I can't even remember now, I deaged her one year and put her with William, yet I forgot to change an event that happened to her. I should have changed it because it requires Victoria to be a year older than William.
A thing that I changed from canon is that Harry had only one Potions class in one week on Friday. I find that highly unlikely, so I changed it to Harry having Potions on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
I am aware the full moon in September 1991 was actually on 23 September, but I changed the date to fit my needs.
I know the part about the Zabinis being in the Italian Mafia does not even come close to canon. Still, ever since I watched 'Vincenzo' (a kdrama), I have been obsessed with the Mafia, the Italian especially, and couldn't resist adding it in. You should definitely watch Vincenzo! It's the best kdrama I have ever watched!
Thank you for reading and sticking with me!