CHAPTER 5: To Be Curious is To Be Brave

A/N: Hey guys, sorry I am late. i was planning my whole story outline and got delayed by couple of days. I apologize sincerely. i Know that some of you had issues with Harry in last chapter. I will only say that if you read with an open mind and not think about how canon Harry would react, you will understand, not appreciate, why he reacted the way he did. Hermione's comments were just the tipping point for him. Anyway that aside my Beta for this chapter is Grammarly so I apologize in advance for mistakes. This is my longest chapter to date and I really hope that you find it worth your time. Thank you.

Harry was perched upon the concrete window sill of his dorm, staring up into the night sky. He was sitting with his knees up, hugging them to his chest with his arms around them. His eyes traveled down, scanning the Hogwarts grounds until they landed on the stadium to the far left. Though it was a considerable distance away, Harry knew that it was the Quidditch stadium. He was quickly becoming familiar with the wizarding sport as it was the only topic Ron and most of the boys were passionately discussing during the feast. His eyes swept across the grounds over to the forbidden forest to the far right. Dumbledore had warned all the students to not go anywhere near it and also to stay clear of the third-floor corridor. Though Harry felt that staying away from the forest was self-explanatory 'I mean seriously who would want to go there', he had a tough time understanding as to why the headmaster would ban students from the third floor and from the reaction of some of the older students Harry figured that it wasn't something they were used to which made the whole thing all the more curious to him.

It had been close to two hours since the students were led to their dormitories by their house prefects. Upon arriving Harry had gone straight to his four-poster bed, closing the curtains around it. He waited to make sure until his fellow roommates were asleep before he slowly got out of bed, making sure not to make a sound.

Harry didn't talk much with any of his roommates except for exchanging a few words during the feast when they introduced themselves. There were four of them.

Ron, who Harry already had met during the train ride. He sat next to Hermione during the feast and chatted animatedly with her while stuffing his mouth with pretty much anything and everything he could get his hands on. Harry also remembered Hermione reprimanding him before telling him to chew properly before speaking. The ginger-haired boy flushed embarrassingly before murmuring an apology.

Dean Thomas, who Harry learned was a muggle-born like himself and seemed pretty nice. He also, like Harry, had a passion for drawing. He mentioned his father was a Football coach and his mother a university professor. They chatted for a minute or two about this whole experience and how surreal it all seemed before Dean left to talk with Seamus Finnegan, another one of their roommates who was quite a bit eccentric for Harry's taste. The only thing he was interested in seemed was blowing things up and boasted to the entire Gryffindor table about a prank he played on his uncle where he blew up his entire kitchen, upon which Harry noticed Fred and George, older twin brothers of Ron, rolling their eyes in disappointment before murmuring 'Amateur'.

Neville Longbottom was the last one of his roommates that came to talk to him, and even then he looked as uncomfortable as Harry felt. He was a little chubby and a bit clumsy as he kept tripping over his own feet while walking out of the great hall. Harry actually liked Neville, he was a bit shy but polite. He didn't talk much and like Harry preferred to be left alone.

"No mum. You know I don't like pancakes in the morning" Harry turned his head towards Ron's bed when he heard him talking in his sleep before continuing his loud snoring. Harry's mouth twitched at the corner before he looked down at his lap.

He picked up the photograph that was laying on his lap. It was of his parents that Dumbledore had given to him. He traced the smiling faces of his parents with his finger as a small smile came over his features. Looking at their faces always helped brighten his mood no matter how he was feeling. He didn't take it out a lot at Privet Drive due to the fear that the Dursleys might snatch it from him if they found out that it was magical.

He let out a long sigh as his thoughts once again took him back to the events of the past few hours. He could still feel the relief when the sorting hat shouted 'Gryffindor'. It was as if a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Everything after that felt like a blur. From walking over to the Gryffindor table and being congratulated by practically everyone on the table. A reaction he wasn't too surprised by anymore but one he still felt the same resentment for because as he feared, for the next hour or so everyone was either talking to him or about him. He could even hear students at other tables talking about him as if he wasn't even there.

Cedric came up to him at some point during the feast and congratulated him. He was the only one who knew how much it meant to Harry to be sorted into Gryffindor. Although his appearance at the Gryffindor table made things worse for Harry because the second he left everyone started asking him questions about how he knew Cedric Diggory because apparently, Cedric was one of the more popular students in the school not only due to him being an excellent student but also because he was an excellent quidditch player. He played the position of the seeker for the Hufflepuff quidditch team. Fred, George, and Oliver Wood, captain of the Gryffindor quidditch team, all had a huge scowl on their faces upon seeing him. He learned from Ron that Hufflepuff had been winning the quidditch cup the past two years and that it was mostly due to Cedric's seeker skills.

The only thing that bothered Harry and that he couldn't get out of his system was the hurting of his scar in the middle of the great hall. It had never happened to him before. Also, he couldn't shake off the intense staring contest he shared with the black haired professor. Something about him unnerved Harry.

A yawn escaped his mouth as he tried to stifle it with his hand. 'I guess I better get to sleep' Harry took one last look out the window before walking towards his bed and opening the curtains before slipping in and closing them behind him. He got under the covers before laying his head on the pillow and tried not to think about how nervous he felt for his first day of classes for tomorrow.

…

Harry slowly closed the door behind him so as not to disturb his roommates from their deep slumber. He walked down the stairs of the boys dormitory that led to the common room, already dressed in his school robes. He looked around the common room to find it empty. He looked at the grandfather clock above the fireplace and was a bit surprised to find that it was only 6 am. There were still 2 hours before breakfast would be served.

'Oh well, no point going back now' thought Harry as he walked towards the couch in front of the fireplace and sat on it. He couldn't get much sleep during the night, tossing and turning most of the time.

It was close to 7 when he heard light footsteps coming down the stairs. He turned his head towards the stairs that lead to the girls dormitories as that was where the sound seemed to be coming from. Harry waited and kept watching when ten seconds later a bushy-haired head popped from behind the wall.

Harry immediately recognized it was Hermione. She was carrying a bag that seemed too heavy for her to carry. She looked around before her eyes landed on him. She seemed to be in shock as if not expecting another student to be up this early. Suddenly she seemed nervous as she was chewing her lower lip and looking down before squaring her shoulders and walking towards him. Harry stood up as well when she came to a stop 5 meters from him.

Harry waited for her to speak but it seemed that she lost all her confidence and was looking everywhere but at him. Harry knew what he had to do but she was making it a lot more difficult than it needed to be.

"Sorry"

"Sorry"

They both spoke simultaneously and looked at each other in embarrassment.

"I am sorry about yesterday. I shouldn't have said that. If it makes it any better I didn't mean it. It was not you…" Harry groaned in frustration at his ability to not properly articulate what he was trying to say.

"It's okay" Harry looked up into her eyes. "To be honest, I blame myself mostly. I shouldn't have brought up your parents. It was insensitive on my part." She looked up from staring at her shoes and into his eyes. "I am really sorry." She said sincerely.

Harry nodded, silently thanking her for taking over the conversation and not letting him stand there looking like an idiot.

There was awkward silence once again surrounding them as they stood there not knowing what to do next.

"Umm, I was going to get some reading done before breakfast starts so I'll just sit over at the corner" Harry nodded, watching her make her way over to the table. He was about to sit when she turned around. "Is Ron up?" she asked. Harry shook his head. She nodded before turning back and walking.

…..

It was close to 7.40 when students started leaving for the great hall. Harry got up from his spot and followed a couple of older girls walking out of the common room. Since technically today was his first day and he had no clue of how to get to his classes or the great hall for that matter, he figured that following other students would be best so that he wouldn't get lost.

Harry turned another corner and came across the moving stairs. He had forgotten all about them. 'Okay steady. Just one step at a time'. He thought back to the moment when he helped Hagrid on the escalators. He waited till the stairs lined up before quickly stepping on them.

Harry looked all around as he slowly treaded his way down the corridor. He wanted to soak everything in since he couldn't get a good view last night. It was huge. That was the only way he could describe it. Everything about the castle seemed grand. To the doors, moving portraits, statues everything seemed to be enhanced in size.

He knew before coming that Hogwarts would be a lot different from his old school but he wasn't expecting this, nor was he ready for this. He didn't know how he could concentrate in classes when he would be busy ogling every nook and cranny of the castle.

Harry also made sure to memorize his way as he came across another set of moving stairs. He stepped on them and looked above him and nearly lost his balance. There seemed to be no ceiling as far as the eye could see. It was just stairs moving to and from a point.

Harry reached the great hall and sat at the end of the Gryffindor table closer to the door. He looked around to see only a handful of people crowding the hall.

Ten minutes later, just like last night food appeared out of thin air and filled the table. By now students started filling the hall. Harry filled his plate with 2 toasts and eggs and filled his goblet with pumpkin juice.

Ron, accompanied by Hermione, sat next to him with Hermione sitting opposite Ron. She filled her plate with mashed potatoes and cereal with some fruit on the side. Ron filled his plate with anything he could get his hands on. Hermione rolled her eyes at him before taking a bite.

Dean, Seamus, and Neville sat next to Hermione and filled their plates before digging in.

Thirty minutes later, Harry saw owls flying in and dropping packages to students. He watched as a tiny brown owl dropped a letter onto Ron's plate who picked it up and opened it.

"Oi Fred, check it out, looks like ickle Ronnekins is already getting fan mail" Ron flushed in embarrassment before grumbling "shut up" to his brother.

"It's from mum you dimwit" he closed the letter before digging back into his meal.

"I wrote a letter to my parents last night but I don't know the way to the owlery," Hermione said dejectedly.

"It's alright Hermione. We'll take you to it" said Fred. as a huge smile came over Hermione's face.

"Thank you. That's very kind of you" she beamed.

"No problem" he waved it off. "Does your owl have a name, cause otherwise, it could take some time in finding it" he spoke after taking a sip from his goblet.

Hermione finished chewing before speaking. "Actually I don't have an owl yet. But I read in Hogwarts: A History that the school provides students with an owl who doesn't own one to deliver their mail. Although with a school owl my parents can't write back to me because they only deliver the students letters and don't wait for a response since there are so many letters but that's alright I suppose" she finished.

Fred nodded his head. 'Well, you can have our owl deliver your mail. That way you can also hear back from your parents"

"Oh no, I couldn't, it-"

"Yes you can and you would" he cut her mid-sentence and made a shushing motion when she was about to speak. "It's the least we could do after you have taken a behemoth of a task in making ickle ronniekins your friend" he winked at Ron who was glaring bloody murder at him as everyone around them except Harry started laughing.

Hermione tried hard not to laugh but couldn't help a giggle from escaping her mouth. Soon she was howling with laughter like everyone else. Ron couldn't hold his angry facade any longer and soon he too joined in with everyone.

Everyone in the great hall looked at them, some with amusement on their faces, others with annoyance.

At the head table, Albus Dumbledore was watching the whole scene with great amusement until his eyes landed on Harry. He breathed a heavy sigh before turning to McGonagall on his right.

"Minerva, would you please send Mr. Potter to my office after your class finishes."

McGonagall eyed him curiously before nodding her head once.

Harry took out his schedule from his pocket and checked for his class timings, McGonagall had given one to every student last night.

His first-class was Charms, followed by Defence Against the Dark arts. He then had a break for an hour before his last two classes resumed which were Potions and then Transfiguration to end the day off.

"Hey guys look, they found out new information about the break-in that happened at Gringotts a month ago"

Harry looked up sharply. Everyone nearby turned their head towards Katie Bell, a second-year Gryffindor who was holding a copy of the daily prophet.

"It says that yesterday the ministry put out an official statement regarding the break-in of vault 713 during a press conference. A representative from the ministry said that they put all the goblins that work at the bank under veritaserum and they can positively confirm that it was not an inside job. The only conclusion they came up with is that the enchantments surrounding the vault had been removed because earlier that same day the vault had been emptied so it was easier for the person as no alarms went off. They also believe that it was the work of a dark wizard because of the spell they used to get past 'The Thief's Downfall', a magical waterfall that washes away all the enchantments and magical concealments and throws the person off the track" she finished breathlessly.

"What's veritaserum?" asked Ron.

"It's a truth serum potion that makes the person who drinks it tell nothing but the truth" answered Hermione.

Harry tried to remember where he had heard that number before his eyes went wide as he recalled it was the same vault that he and Hagrid visited. There was nothing in it except the little package that Hagrid picked. His curiosity surrounding the item peeked tenfold upon hearing this new information. 'What's so special about it?'

"It is the first time that someone has tried to break-in at Gringotts. Bill mentioned that Gringotts is doubling their security" said Fred.

"Yeah, also I heard Dad talking that Fudge is shaken by the whole thing as it paints a bad look on him with the whole upcoming election thing and all" finished George.

A clicking of glass made everyone look at the head table. Dumbledore stood up from his seat and cleared his throat.

"First of all I wish you all a wonderful first day and hope that you find some enjoyment in your classes" He paused for a second, eyes sweeping from one corner to the other. "Secondly, since today marks my 30th Anniversary as Headmaster, I have asked the teachers to not hand you homework for this week" A loud cheer erupted in the great hall. Harry couldn't help but smile alongside his peers as relief washed over him as this gave him time to properly settle in these new surroundings without having the pressure of homework looming over his head. He looked around and almost everyone had a huge smile on their faces, some were even hi-fiving each other. The only person who seemed wasn't happy with this ordeal was Hermione as she had a frown marred on her face as she watched the reactions of students all around her. Harry couldn't help but shake his head. 'She really is off her rocker'

McGonagall watched from her seat as a small chuckle escaped Dumbledore's lips. He looked down at her and his eyes were twinkling with what she knew as his I-told-you so look. She rolled her eyes at him before he turned back to face the students again. When the headmaster first approached her with this idea she was strongly opposed to it. A week of no homework seemed preposterous and a little careless in her opinion as she was of the opinion that students should daily revise their subjects. But now seeing this sort of response she hated to admit that maybe the old man was right as the students were clearly all for his opinion. Plus, contrary to popular belief, watching the smiles light up the students' faces filled her heart with joy.

Dumbledore watched as a single hand rose after the noise had died down.

"Yes Mr. Diggory?" he nodded for him to stand up.

Cedric stood up and cleared his throat. "Professor, shouldn't yesterday have been your 30th Anniversary since it's the first day of term? He asked sheepishly. Cedric visibly shuddered as he imagined what the students would do to him if the headmaster took his no-homework-for -the-week privilege back because of his stupidity. Murder was not that far fetched of a thought. Now that he thought about it, why did he ask this question and embarrassed himself in front of the entire school? Oh, that's right, he lost a bet. He could hear his best friend, Damian, sniggering next to him. Cedric held his breath as he waited for the headmaster's response. A huge relief came over him and the tension in his shoulders went away as he watched a small smile come over the headmaster's face.

"Well Mr. Diggory, you're right in your assessment but, as I'm sure not many of you know this and it may even surprise you but I was not the first choice for the position of headmaster. Professor Bitkins, who taught Charms, was supposed to be the new headmaster and he was, but his tenure only lasted the first night of the term because it had been found out that he had used the imperius curse to manipulate the committee in his favor. Alas, yours truly was chosen" he finished with a bow.

An echoing of "oh's" was heard all around.

Cedric was about to sit, thinking that he had gotten away with it but it seemed luck was not on his side when Dumbledore stopped him with his hand. The hall was silent again.

"I would like to award 10 points to Hufflepuff for Mr. Diggory's curiosity and bravery to ask what was on his mind and not shy away from it" He then motioned for Cedric to take his seat before addressing the hall. "Remember, curiosity without bravery is nothing but a wasted thought. So I encourage you all to speak your mind with honesty, no matter how ridiculous it sounds because no one wants to listen to a boring thought"

Harry's eyes grew wide as he watched Dumbledore's eyes lingering on him in the end. He blinked and they were gone.

"Now the third thing I wanted to address to you all is that the annual dueling competition will start after Christmas break. Remember as always it's mandatory so all the students must sign the form that will be pinned on your common room wall" He checked the time on his watch. "That's all for now but I would just like to say this one thing before you leave. Treat each other with respect, honesty, and kindness. Alright of you go now."

…

"Alright, everyone. That's all for today. I hope you all found today's lecture intriguing and not boring" Flitwick chuckled at his joke that no one else seemed to find funny. "As I'm sure you all heard earlier that there will be no homework this week but I would still like to encourage you who couldn't get the incantation and the wand movement correct to practice the spell again. Remember as Miss Granger brilliantly demonstrated earlier, it's Wingardium Leviosa" Hermione blushed deeply and ducked her head. Ron, sitting to her right, started clapping before everyone else followed. Her cheeks tinged pink as she murmured a shy "Thank you".

Harry got up from his seat and followed his classmates to the next class. He thought back to his first-class that just ended and he had to admit that he found it a lot more interesting than he initially thought. He even got the spell right in his third attempt when he lifted the feather for ten seconds before dropping it back on the table.

Hermione was the only student who got it right the first time. He found it somewhat annoying that she could be so brilliant when she was just a muggle like him.

Harry entered his next class and took a seat at the back corner just as he did for charms. Partly because he didn't want anyone to sit next to him and also because the teacher wouldn't notice him much which will lessen the probability of them asking a question.

He looked around the room. It was a lot bigger than the previous one. All four houses were sharing this class. A huge skeleton of what looked like a dinosaur hung from the ceiling. At the front, there were spiral stairs that led to a room. Harry figured that it was probably the teacher's office"

He watched as Hermione dragged Ron near the front of the room as they both took a seat in the middle. Ron looked back at him and gave him a sad smile before whispering something to Hermione. She briefly looked back at him before whispering back to Ron.

Harry watched as Ron stood up and walked over to him.

"Hey Harry, would you like to come sit with us? We have a spare seat on our table" he asked politely.

Harry saw Hermoine looking at them. He looked down at his desk before replying "No I'm fine"

"You know if you're worried about not knowing an answer, Hermione could help you. She's really smart"

"I'm good," Harry said, looking up at him.

Ron nodded his head. "Well if you change your mind let us know ok" he walked back to his seat.

Harry caught Hermione looking at him before she turned back to face the front.

The door opened and a young-looking professor stepped out. He was dressed in burgundy robes and wore a turban on his head.

"Goo-Good M-Morning, everyone. I am Pro-Professor Quirrell" he stuttered while nervously rubbing his hands together.

"Morning Professor" chorused everyone.

He came down the steps and shook everyone's hands while asking for their names. He came over to Harry's table.

"Ah, you m-must be Harry P-Potter," he smiled down at Harry. Harry was about to respond when suddenly his scar started hurting again. He hissed and put his hand over it.

"Everyone t-thing alright P-Potter?" Quirrell asked.

Harry took off his hand as the pain subsided. "Yes Professor," he replied.

"G-Good. Why d-don't you sit at the front Potter" Quirell looked at the front. "Look, there is a-a-a empty seat right there" he pointed at Ron and Hermione's table. "C'mon it's b-better t-to sit next to your friends, don't y-you-uu think so?" he let out a nervous laugh that sounded more like a hiccup.

Harry picked up his bag before trotting to the front and taking a seat next to Hermione. Ron and Hermione looked at him with smiles but he simply ignored them.

The class was a total bust in Harry's opinion, which was unfortunate because aside from flying, he was looking forward to it the most. He didn't care for the professor's teaching method. Half of the time he was stuttering and couldn't get a sentence out and it was all just theory. During the middle of the session, he looked around to find that half of the class had dozed off.

He spent his break alone back in the great hall. Since the break was only an hour-long he didn't feel like roaming around and feared that he might get lost. Ron had asked him to join him and Hermione in the library but he refused and lied that he was going back to the common room. He didn't know why he was avoiding them, since they were actually making an effort of wanting to be his friends. Deep down he knew why. It wasn't about them. They could be anybody and he still would react the same way. That's just the way he'd always been like. Even back in his old school he didn't have any friends and would sit by himself. He had been bullied and made fun of a lot in his life. No one his age had ever wanted to be his friend and it just made it a whole lot scarier because he didn't want to put his trust in somebody else only for it to be broken.

...

Harry entered the potions lab which was located in the dungeons. He looked around to find a seat and spotted one next to Neville who was sitting alone in a corner at the back. 'Brilliant' he thought. No one would have a problem with him sitting at the back now. He was about to walk over when Ron called out to him.

"C'mon Harry, there are three seats available in the middle"

Harry looked back and forth between Neville and Ron. He knew he had to make a choice. He could either be brave and try and make friends he could trust and rely on or he could take the easy way out and continue down his path of solitary "I'm going to sit with Neville," he said. Ron looked over at Neville before he gave Harry a nod and walked over to Hermione who was watching them.

"Hey, can I sit here?" Harry asked Neville who had his head turned the other way. Neville turned around before his eyes grew wide. Clearly, he wasn't expecting company.

"Oh hey, Harry. Sure" he said, giving him a small smile. Harry sat down and took out his book. He looked around the room. They were sharing this class with Slytherin only unlike the previous lesson.

"Well, well, well if it isn't the-boy-who-lived himself" came a voice from the other side of the room.

Harry looked up and watched the blonde boy from last night walk over to him, an arrogant smirk on his face. Harry tensed and gripped the table.

He came to a stop next to Harry who was still sitting down. "Hi Potter, we haven't met yet. I am Draco Malfoy. I'm sure you've heard all about our noble house" Harry shook his head.

"No, I haven't" Malfoy's smirk faltered for a second.

"Well you have now" he then looked at Neville. "Why are you sitting next to this loser? Found your toad yet Longbottom" Neville shook his head and all the Slytherins laughed. Malfoy looked back at Harry who by this point was getting irritated. "Say Potter why don't you come over and sit with us"

"I don't think Professor Snape would agree to that," Hermione spoke from her seat. She couldn't believe how this boy was disrespecting Neville. He was just like the bullies at her previous school only much worse because he was also arrogant.

Draco seethed with anger at being interrupted. "Did anyone ask for your opinion? No, I don't think so" he said condescendingly. turning to face Harry again.

"You don't have to be rude about it. Plus I think Harry gave you his answer." Hermione glared at him.

"Shut up. What, just because you think you're smart you think it's okay for you to butt your head in everyone's business?" Draco hissed at her.

Ron stood up. His face matched the color of his hair. But before he could say anything, Harry spoke. "And you think it's okay for you to bully other people" He was standing up now.

"Stay out of this Potter. You don't want me as your enemy"

"I don't want you as anything much less as someone who could get on my nerves" Harry responded coldly. Draco sputtered in anger.

"Forget anything I said about us becoming friends. You're nothing but a scarhead who is just lucky to be alive. You should be dead like your coward father and mudblood mother"

Harry charged at him and was about to punch him when a loud voice halted his movement.

"MR MALFOY" boomed a voice from the back of the room that made every student jump in their seats. Everyone turned their heads to look at the man standing at the door, wearing pure black robes. He walked into the room, his cloak billowing behind his long strides.

"That's Professor Snape," Nevile whispered to Harry. Harry watched as Snape walked up to Malfoy.

"50 points taken from Slytherin for your racial slur and degrading comments Mr. Malfoy" Snape snarled. Malfoy whimpered in fear. Considering your upbringing Mr. Malfoy, I'm surprised you weren't taught how to properly behave. It seems as though the apple didn't fall far from the tree. I hope for your sake Mr. Malfoy that those words never leave your mouth again" he drawled. You will be serving detention with me for a whole week." he finished.

Draco was seething and steam was coming out of his ears.

"Are you waiting for an invitation, Mr. Malfoy? Get back to your seat" Snape barked.

Ron had a huge smile on his face as he watched Malfoy sulk back to his seat. Snape turned his eyes towards him and the smile instantly left his face.

"10 points from Gryffindor for encouraging the conversation and not backing away." he looked at Ron, Hermione, and then Harry at last. speaking each word with a slight pause and drawing it out.

Ron and Hermione hung their heads low.

"Sorry Professor" they murmured.

Snape bristled past them towards the front of the class before turning back and leaning on the long wooden desk. His eyes swept the room, staying on Harry for a second longer.

"What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?" Hermione's hand shot up in an instant. However, Snape paid her no intention as he stared at Harry. Harry grew uncomfortable under his gaze and looked down hoping that he wouldn't pick him.

"Yes, Miss Granger," he asked, still looking at Harry.

"Thank you, Professor. Asphodel and wormwood make a sleeping potion so powerful it is known as the Draught of Living Death" Hermione finished.

He turned his gaze towards Hermione. "Correct. 10 points to Gryffindor" Ron clapped loudly before Snape glared at him. He stopped instantly and murmured an apology looking down. Hermione bumped his shoulder.

"Thanks" she whispered. Harry watched their interaction before staring down at his table.

By the time the class ended Harry felt a headache coming. Unlike the Defence Against the Dark Arts class, he took notes since there was so much information being thwarted at him.

He put his book in his bag before closing it and stood up. He turned and locked eyes with Malfoy who glared at him before walking away.

"That was brilliant mate. The look on Malfoy's face. Serves him right though" said Ron as he stood next to him.

"What did it mean when he said mudblood? I have never heard that word before but I don't like the way it sounds" asked Harry as Hermione came to stand next to them.

Ron hesitated before speaking. "It's said to muggle-borns. It's the lowest you could call someone. People like Malfoy believe that because they are pureblood their blood is better than everyone else. It's just not nice to call someone that Harry" he finished solemnly.

Harry nodded, now more angrier at Malfoy. He wanted to pummel his head. 'How dare he say that about my mother' Harry was raging, his body trembling with pure hatred for the blond Slytherin.

Ron put a hand on his shoulder which calmed him a bit. "C'mon mate. He's not worth it" They started to leave the room.

"Mr. Potter, a moment if you will. Rest of you, leave" Snape called out to them from his desk. His eyes scanned the paper before him. A quill in his right hand.

"We'll wait for you right outside mate," Ron said before he, Hermione, and Neville walked out.

Harry walked over to Snape who was still looking at the paper. He looked up after a few seconds. His black eyes staring straight into Harry's emerald ones.

"Mr. Potter, I would like to inform you that violence of any kind won't be tolerated at Hogwarts much less in my classroom. Do I make myself clear?" his deep baritone voice sending shivers down Harry's spine. He nodded mutely. Snape looked him up and down before his gaze dropped back to the paper.

"Seems you have inherited your father's temperament, and," he paused looking up at him, "that is not a compliment but a remark on foolishness that will do you more harm than good." with that his eyes once again dropped back to the paper. He dipped his quill in the ink when Harry interrupted him.

"You knew my father!" Harry was excited at the prospect that someone who seemed the same age as his father knew him. Maybe he could tell him more about him.

Snape was stunned for a second by the hopeful tone in Harry's voice. He was not expecting that reaction. He quickly recovered and nodded his head.

Harry stood there nervously, not sure how to broach the subject. It seems the professor wasn't keen on talking to him as he was now busy scribbling something on the scroll.

After waiting for a few seconds in which no response came from Snape, Harry turned around and started walking.

"We were in the same year" Harry halted in his step before quickly running back.

Snape was now looking up from the paper, a blank look on his face. Harry's heart was thumping with excitement. His thoughts were running a mile a minute. Hopefully, he could learn what his father was like in his school days. Maybe about his mother too because they were in the same year. Anything that could give him some insight into their lives.

"He was arrogant and lazy, who found joy at other people's expense" Snape's harsh words hit him like cold water that left him frozen in his place. His brain stopped working for a second as he didn't know how to respond and was just staring at him. This was not what he was expecting. Finally, when his brain started functioning again he glared at Snape before turning sharply on his heel and storming off. He didn't want to risk saying something that could get him into trouble.

In his state of anger, he didn't notice Ron, Hermione, and Neville waiting for him as he bristled past them.

"Harry, wait" Ron called out to him as they ran to catch up to him. Ron put a hand on his shoulder to stop him but he just shrugged him off. "Harry, what happened?" Ron moved in front of him to stop him. Harry tried to walk past him but Ron was blocking his path, telling him to stop.

"LEAVE ME ALONE" he yelled, making Ron step aside. Ron watched with fear as his eyes burned with fire. "Stay away from me," Harry glared at all three of them before dashing down the corridor.

Hermione came up to Ron and looked at him. His eyes were following Harry. She turned her head to watch Harry turn left at the corner. She was really angry at him for treating Ron so badly who was only trying to help him. She grabbed Ron's hand and tugged it.

"C'mon Ron. We're getting late for class" Ron turned to face her and nodded his head. Together the three of them walked towards their next lesson.

Harry was breathing heavily as he stopped at the door to his next class to take a breath. He was already late anyway. In his anger, he'd gotten lost and had to ask for directions multiple times to get here. He breathed deeply before opening the door and getting in. He watched Professor McGonagall sitting on her desk, her eyes watching every student like a hawk as they were scribbling down notes from the board.

Her eyes landed on Harry and narrowed as he was sneakily making his way to an empty seat.

"Mr. Potter, may I know why you are late?" Harry stopped mid-stride and looked at her. He noticed that almost everyone was looking at him now.

"Umm, I got lost Professor" he answered timidly with his head down hoping to not get detention. He waited for her response with bated breath.

"Take a seat Mr. Potter" Harry breathed a sigh of relief as he walked towards an empty seat. "But make sure it doesn't happen again," she added sternly.

Harry nodded and sat next to Dean who gave him a small smile.

'You're a lucky mate. She seems stern" he whispered, leaning close to Harry.

The class went by without much drama as McGonagall maintained a strict and silent atmosphere and let the students know without saying anything that they better not get on her bad side.

Harry was in the middle of packing his bag when McGonagall approached him.

"Mr. Potter, please go see the headmaster in his office. He is expecting you. It is located on the second floor" She turned around and walked back to her desk and didn't see the look on Harry's face.

His eyes were wide as fear crept inside him. He thought of the worst possible scenarios 'Oh no, I'm going to get expelled' His inner turmoil was broken by Dean shaking his shoulder.

"You want me to show you the way, Harry. Seamus and I have already been to most of the floors and I know where the headmaster's office is located.

Harry looked at him and nodded his head. "Thanks" he murmured.

Hermione, who watched the whole scene, turned to Ron with a frown on her face. "What do you think that was about? I mean why would the headmaster ask for Harry" Ron just shook his head.

"I don't know. Whatever it is, I'm sure he can handle it by himself. It's not like he needs our help anyway." Bitterness was laced in his words" He then got up from his seat. "C'mon let's go to the great hall. I'm hungry" Hermione rolled her eyes at him.

"I want to go to the library to get some study done," she said, standing up and putting her bag over her shoulders.

"C'mon Hermione. We already went to the library once. I don't want to go back" he whined as they started walking.

"Alright, fine" she sighed. Ron fist pumped in the air. "But after that, we're going to the library"

"But why? I mean we haven't been anywhere in the castle yet. Let's go out and see the quidditch stadium"

"No"

"Fine. How about we just walk outside and have a look around?"

"No"

"Alright. How about we stay inside the castle and go up to the first floor?"

"No"

"The second floor"

"No"

"Third"

"We're not allowed to go on the third floor"

"Fourth"

"No"

"Fifth"

"No"

"Sixth"

"No"

"Seventh"

"No"

"Argh! Fine! Let's go to the library then. I even lost my appetite" Ron grumbled and stomped ahead of her, angry and frustrated that he would be spending his evening in the library again. He looked to his side but Hermione was not with him. He turned around and found her leaning against the wall next to the classroom door with one hand while the other was clutching her stomach as she was laughing uncontrollably. Her face was red with tears coming down her face.

She was having him on. He frowned and walked up to her. "Cut it, Hermione, it's not that funny," he said, pretending to glare at her but failing miserably. Soon he too joined her. People walking past them looked at them weirdly which just made them laugh harder. After a couple of minutes, they composed themselves with only a small chuckle escaping them now and then.

Hermione wiped the tears from her eyes. "Let's go to the lake. I heard Dean and Seamus say that the view from there is really pretty"

"Great" Ron beamed at her. They were about to walk when Harry came out of the classroom. He held eye contact with them for a moment before walking past them.

"C'mon, let's go," Ron said before they started walking the opposite way.

…

Harry was standing on the second-floor corridor with Dean by his side. They were standing before the stone gargoyle that led to the headmaster's office. "What are we supposed to do now?" Harry asked Dean.

"I'm not sure. Maybe-" Just then the gargoyle started moving upwards in slow circles with steps coming from under it. "Wow. That's so cool" exclaimed Dean. "I gotta tell Seamus about this. Go on Harry" He urged Harry by lightly pushing him.

The steps stopped moving and Harry quickly ascended them. He was about to knock on the door when Dumbledore's voice stopped his movement.

"Come in Harry," came his voice from the other side. Harry opened the door and stepped inside before closing the door behind him.

He looked around and for a second forgot where he was by the sheer size and beauty of the room. It was unlike any other room he had seen yet. The roof was even higher than a double story house. Shelves upon shelves with floor to roof height filled with books were attached to the left side of the room. To the right was a huge circular window. Harry walked up to it and was mesmerized by the view. He could see a long waterfall flowing between two large mountains. He looked down at the lake under the mountains laying still in the perfect warm weather.

"Exquisite isn't it" Harry jumped and turned around. He lost his balance and accidentally pushed an antique telescope beside him. Harry gasped as the glass in the telescope shattered upon impact. He looked up at Dumbledore with fear in his eyes, now even more sure that he was getting expelled but was surprised to find amusement in his eyes.

"Professor, I-I didn't mean to" Dumbledore held up his hand.

"Not to worry Harry. It's my fault. I shouldn't have sneaked up on you like that" Harry saw his eyes twinkling behind his half-moon glasses.

Dumbledore took out his wand and pointed it at the telescope. Harry watched with wide eyes as in no time the telescope was standing back in place with no scratch on it.

He looked at Dumbledore with his mouth hanging open. He so wished to learn how to do that. Dumbledore chuckled at his expression before walking over and sitting on the chair behind his desk and motioned for Harry to take the seat opposite him.

Dumbledore put his elbows on the desk and rested his chin on his hands "Now Harry, I'm sure you're wondering why I summoned you to my office"

"Is it because I'm getting expelled for being late to class?" Harry asked, looking down at his lap. However, Dumbledore's laughter prompted him to look up at him in confusion.

"No, my dear boy. You're not getting expelled" Harry visibly relaxed upon hearing that before once again looking at the headmaster with confusion.

"Then why Sir?" he asked.

Dumbledore took a deep breath and leaned back in his chair. "I just wanted to know how you're finding everything so far. Hogwarts can be quite intimidating Harry, much more so for a first-year"

Harry looked down at the table, deep in thought before responding. "It's ok so far. I mean I like it. Especially the castle. It's much bigger than I was expecting and very beautiful too"

Dumbledore smiled at him.

"Good. Have you made any friends yet"

"Umm, no. I like to stay by myself. Even in my old school, it was just me by myself"

"Do you like it? Enjoying your own company and not having any friends" Dumbledore asked, once again placing his elbows on the desk.

Harry thought about it before shrugging his shoulders "It's all I have ever known so I'm fine with it."

"That sounds like you're letting your past dictate your future because you're afraid of change. Am I right?" Harry was looking at his hand, thinking about what Dumbledore was saying is exactly how he felt. He raised his head and looked into his eyes before nodding his head. "Just look at how much your life has changed Harry. I'm sure you would agree that the change has been rather good right?' Dumbledore asked, his eyebrow raised. Harry nodded his head. "So why not move forward with how you want your life to be and not by how it used to be.

Everyone during your age wants to have friends, Harry. Someone they could play with or talk to. It's nothing to be ashamed of. It doesn't make you any weaker in admitting that" Dumbledore said earnestly.

There was silence for a couple of minutes, not awkward though. Dumbledore was patiently waiting for Harry to say something.

"I'm afraid," Harry said softly, looking up at him. Dumbledore's eyes softened and he gave him a soft smile.

"There is nothing to be afraid of. Holding out your hand first for friendship always seems very daunting but that should never stop you because without friendship no other bond can be made."

Harry thought about what he said, not fully understanding the meaning behind it but enough to get what he was trying to say. "I'll try"

"That's all I ask of you, Harry. You should always keep trying for what you want" he winked at him which made Harry smile.

…

The next day found Harry walking in a line of students following Madam Hooch, their flying instructor. Flying was his last class of the day. She turned around when they arrived in the middle of a grassy field. Everyone stopped walking.

"Alright everyone, line up. Slytherin to the left, Gryffindor to the right" she yelled.

Soon the students were all lined up, their brooms on the ground to their right. Harry didn't bring his personal broom since this was his first learning lesson and he didn't want to accidentally damage it.

"Now remember, flying is very simple. If you follow my instructions you'll be fine. Now place your hands above your brooms and say UP" she demonstrated by showing them how to hold their hand.

There was a chorus of UPs after which some students had brooms in their hands and some didn't. Another couple of minutes later almost everyone had a broom in their hand except Hermione and a boy and girl from Slytherin who were still yelling the adverb with frustration on their faces. Madam hooch walked up to each one of them to correct their stance and motion.

When everyone was holding a broom in their hands she blew her whistle to garner their attention.

"Now lift one leg over the broom and hold it at arm's length in the middle" Everyone did as told. "Now, at my whistle gently push up with your right leg"

She was about to put the whistle in her mouth when suddenly Neville was floating a couple of feet high in the air.

"AH, AAH" he had a death grip on the broom handle and his face was a mask of horror.

"Mr. Longbottom, please come down this instant" Hooch yelled.

"I caaant" he screamed when his broom got 10 feet in the air.

"Don't move Mr. Longbottom, I'm coming" she was about to lift off when Neville slipped off his broom and came down screaming before landing with a thud on the ground. His arm bent at an odd angle.

Hooch ran up to him while the students were too shocked to react.

"I'm going to take him to the hospital wing. Do not move" Hooch ordered, turning her head and glaring at them. She levitated Neville's unconscious body and walked away.

Draco picked Neville's remembrall, a glass ball that helped him remember when he had forgotten something.

"Put it down," said Harry, walking up to him.

"Or what?" smirked Malfoy, facing him.

"Or I'll take it" growled Harry.

"Try it," hissed Malfoy.

Harry moved to snatch it from his hand when Malfoy backed away.

"Why Don't we make it more interesting?" said Malfoy, juggling the ball in his hand. "How about we race for it and see who can catch it first" Malfoy's smirk grew when Harry just stared at him. "What? Scared Potter" he taunted.

"You wish" Harry retorted before lifting his leg over the broom and pushing off the ground. He levitated above Malfoy's head whose eyes grew wide. "What are you waiting for, Malfoy?"

Malfoy sneered at him and soon they were both high up in the air. Harry didn't know how he was doing so good on the broom but it just felt natural to him.

"I'll throw it and then count to 3," Malfoy said, turning to face Harry.

Harry nodded his head and gripped his broom tighter.

Back on the ground Ron and Hermione were looking with fear in their eyes. "Ron, we should stop this before Harry gets seriously injured"

"I don't think he'll listen Hermione"

Malfoy threw the ball before he started counting. "1,2" and he was off. He had a huge smirk on his face thinking he had fooled Harry. The ball was gaining velocity as it was coming down. Malfoy leaned down to gain more speed and held his hand out as he was closing in on the ball. He was about to reach the ball when a loud noise of wind blowing past him left his mouth hanging open.

Harry closed his hand around the ball before coming to a stop. He looked back at Malfoy with a smirk on his face.

"How? it's not possible, you cheated" Malfoy pointed his finger at Harry, his face red with embarrassment.

"I think we both have very different views on cheating Malfoy," said Harry, before gliding back towards the ground. The moment his feet landed on the ground every Gryffindor student cheered for him.

Her heart was pumping wildly with adrenaline as he looked at the beaming faces of his fellow housemates.

His eyes landed on Ron and Hermione. They gave him a small smile which he returned. He was about to go up to them when a voice everyone in the school feared stopped him.

"Mr. Potter, follow me now," McGonagal ordered. Harry passed the remembrance to Dean standing next to him before sulkily following her.

…..

Harry couldn't believe what just happened. He was a seeker, and not just any seeker but the youngest in a century, a term he didn't even know the meaning of, but all that mattered to him was that he was a part of the Gryffindor quidditch team. McGonagal had taken him to Oliver Wood upon which she told him that she found him a seeker. Wood's face immediately lit up hearing that and he told Harry to meet him on Sunday so he can teach him more about Quidditch. Harry just nodded dumbly.

In his joy, he wasn't looking where he was going and bumped into someone.

"Oh I'm sorry," he said and looked up.

It was Hermione with Ron by her side. "It's okay Harry." she murmured. They all stood there looking down not saying a word, the awkward silence surrounding them.

"I'm sorry" Ron and Hermione looked up at him. "For what I said yesterday. I was just angry after talking with Snape but that doesn't-"

"It's ok Harry," Ron cut him off with a smile which Harry returned.

"Oh, I almost forgot," exclaimed Hermione. "We were actually looking for you, Harry. There is something you have to see" she was jumping with excitement.

Harry was taken a little aback by her enthusiasm. "What is it," he asked tentatively.

"No idea mate. She wouldn't even tell me. Mental this one I tell you." Hermione glared at Ron before facing Harry.

"C'mon, you have to see this," she urged before turning and running with Ron and Harry following close by.

They turned a corridor and came to a stop before a large window cabinet showcasing quidditch trophies. Hermione took a few deep breaths to get air back into her lungs.

"Come closer Harry" she motioned for him. Harry walked up to the cabinet. "Look at that" His eyes followed to where her finger was pointing at a plaque.

Harry felt the air leave his lungs and his eyes filled up. There, right in the middle of the plaque, under Gryffindor, was written, 'Seeker, James Potter 1972.

"I saw this in the morning," said Hermione softly from beside him. Harry hastily wiped at his eyes before turning to face her.

"Thank you" he whispered, voice thick with emotion.

"You're welcome" she smiled brightly.

Harry looked at them both. They had huge smiles on their faces and it was all for him. They both supported him and wanted to be his friend even when he acted as a jerk towards them.

He looked down and took a deep breath, thinking back to what Dumbledore said yesterday. He looked back up at them and did something he had never done before in his life. He held out his hand, a gesture that started every friendship.

"Hi, I'm Harry Potter" he had a smile on his face.

Hermione and Ron's grin got even wider as they looked at his hand before looking at each other and back towards Harry.

"Hi, I'm Ronald Weasley" Ron clasped Harry's hand and they both looked at Hermione.

Hermione laughed before clasping their joined hands "Hi, I'm Hermione Granger"

A/N: Well what did you think guys? Yes, No, Maybe or just the best thing you ever read. HAHA. Who am I kidding. Please leave your comments because I love to read them. Next Chapter: TROLL