Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. J.K. Rowling does.

Things progressed smoothly the following week. Link was continuously raiding the library every free hour he had. He studies the books very thoroughly, reading them thrice and dissecting every bit of it. He was done with 7 books so far. Which may or may not sound like much (Even if it is a book a day), let's not forget that he scrutinized every one of them with a fine-tooth comb. He understands the book more than the authors themselves do.

Classes were similar to muggle classes in that they were moving too slowly for him. Which is why he didn't bother restricting himself to the pace of the class. He made sure to maximize and optimize his progress. The seven books he studied were in fact chosen with this goal in mind. They focused on Arithmancy and magical theory. He estimated that it would take another 2 weeks to have memorized all books connected with the two subjects till year 5. He meant in relation to the spells, and not the classes (5 years instead of the 3 years of class). That makes 19 books that would allow his magical knowledge to be second to none among the students, excluding the last two years. However, that does not include the spells needed, only their magical structures. In fact, very few amongst those in years 6 and 7 would be comparable to his knowledge of magical structures of this world.

Other than his studies, Link spent most of his time with Rose. Occasionally they would be joined by Ron and Neville. Though they left as soon as he proposed a study group so that they may finish their homework early. He only came up with the idea when he saw that Rose wasn't trying as hard as she should in her tuition. She had talent, she shouldn't squander it. When he had told her so, she had been delighted, embarrassed, and annoyed. An odd combination, but as long as it worked it didn't matter.

Speaking of Rose, she had told him that Snape became more bearable. He wasn't kind in any way, but he was at least more professional. That was enough, but he made sure to remind her that as soon as he goes too far, to let him know. So that he may go forward with their solution. She nodded joyfully.

It was Sunday night, he had just got back from the library with Rose. He arrived just before curfew, after having walked with Rose to her Common room. He noticed a commotion right by the notice board. Apparently all four houses were going for a flying lesson Monday afternoon, right after classes. 'Flight! They have achieved flight? One that could be used by anyone?' Link had flown before, but it had only happened when he was level 9. It was a very complicated spell that required either the law of Wind or Space. He utilized Space. He had started to comprehend the beginning of the Law of fire when he was Level 8, and space at Level 9. However, he didn't become proficient in them until he became a Level 10 Archmage.

After some inquiry, he learned that they would fly on broomsticks. Something that completely fascinated him. He had to study it, how did it achieve flight. He assumed it required runes, but the runes here were different from the ones in his old world, so he didn't know where to start. 'At least, I know what subject to study after I'm done with my current project'.

He couldn't wait for the class.

Rose was very happy. Life at this new school is everything she ever hoped for. She had friends. She was liked. She had a best friend in Link. He helped her. No one has ever just helped her. It felt really nice. He helped her take care of the bully Malfoy (When he was here, she started speaking up for herself when he wasn't). He helped her take care of the biased teacher. Finally, he helped her study. She remembered when he confronted her on that matter.

'You have talent. You shouldn't squander it.' He told her that after she had complained on why they were studying in the library. She had been annoyed that most of the time she spent with Link they were studying. She wanted to have fun. He had accepted her rant silently. Then he said 'If you studied without me being there to do it with you, we could do other things. But I do not wish for you to waste your talent by being lazy'. That had shut her up. She felt guilty, elated, and embarrassed. Guilty that she worried her friend about her poor work ethics. Elated that he cared enough to force her to be better. Embarrassed that she ranted to him on what he's been doing, even if all of it had been for her sake. It left her feeling fuzzy and happy. She promised him that she would start doing better.

She started studying alone, which allowed her time with Link to be spent walking around the castle and the grounds outside. Talking, joking, and enjoying each other's company. Of course, not everything was so smooth. Malfoy was a constant thorn in her side. He just kept trying to pit himself against her. It was annoying, though most of the time she just ignored him. Another was Ron kept complaining that all she did was study now, and they played less chess now. It's fine, she didn't like chess anyway.

Anyway, today was the day they had their flying lessons. She was excited and nervous. She hoped she wouldn't make a fool of herself.

They were outside, the weather was great. She stood with the Gryffindors. Each house was lined up one next to the other. Not at first though, she was talking with Link when this Hawk-eyed woman came up to us. She introduced herself as Professor Hooch, the flying instructor. She had us separated by house, next to lines of brooms on the ground.

She instructed us on how to call the broom, how to hold it. She had never been more delighted than when she heard the professor scolding Malfoy for holding the broom wrong his entire life.

"Now then. On the count of three, I want you to mount your brooms and to slowly rise up in the air"

No sooner had she finished speaking, that Neville suddenly shot up in the air. He looked so nervous, and his broom movement mimicked his feelings. It was erratic, moving in zig-zags and sideways. Madam Hooch kept trying to get him down, while some of the Slytherins were sniggering at the spectacle. Finally, Neville slipped off the broom and broke his wrist when he landed on the hard floor. She winced, that had to hurt.

"Just a sprain. Not to worry. Now, I'm taking him to the infirmary, I don't want to see anyone flying by the time I get back, or you will be expelled faster than you can say Quidditch"

With that, they were gone, and just as I was about to make my way to Link, I heard the annoying voice of one Draco Malfoy.

"Did you see the look on that fat lard?"

His Slytherin lackeys burst out in obnoxious laughter, angering the Gryffindors in the process. They were quick to jump in his defense. It started a back and forth between the red and green houses. Rose was also defending her friend.

"Look at this! Ha, the tubby probably dropped it" snickered Draco, holding a crystal ball the size of a child's fist. It was Neville's remembrall, he got it in the mail this morning.

"Give it back" said Rose quietly.

"Why should I?" sneered Malfoy, holding the remembrall in one hand, and the broom in another. He intended to mock her a bit more.

"I said give it back" she screamed, not noticing Link walking towards them.

Malfoy did notice. Remembering how strong the boy was from their encounter on the train, he needed to think of a way to keep away from him. They had met during the two weeks they spent in the Castle, but they hardly interacted. The only time they were even remotely in close proximity was during class, or when he confronted Potter. Nothing major happened yet, but every time he spoke Link would manage to derail all his insults or would lead the conversation in a completely different direction. He was a mediator that completely shut down any confrontation before it even began. He wanted to try something before he made it here. Noticing the lack of a broom in his hands, he got an idea.

"If you want it so badly, why don't you come and get it?" before she could react, he jumped on his broom and soared into the air.

Without thinking too much about it, she jumped on the broom that stayed in her hands and took off after him. Flying was… amazing. She had never felt more at ease, or more at home with anything she tried than she did on a broom. She could glide through the air with nary a thought. Becoming one with the wind and demonstrating extraordinary prowess Rose was face to face with the blonde Slytherin. His face was the picture of shock, she felt giddy that she was the cause of such an expression.

"Not so tough without your bodyguards, are you?" she asked mockingly, she had a complacent smile.

Her question shook the Malfoy heir out of his stupor. He sneered at her. Although he was nervous, he still had nothing to fear. What could she really do to him? They don't know much magic yet.

"Think you're so great? Well go catch it" he threw the remembrall as far as he could.

Not bothering with him anymore, Rose zoomed across the sky. She dived right after the ball. Going faster and faster. She looked remarkable at that moment. She caught the Remembrall inches from the ground. Her feet dragging softly on the grass below her. She landed near her class and dismounted her broom. She was elated. The adrenalin rush, the smug joy at showing up Malfoy, the simple satisfaction of flight. They all made her very happy at the moment. Her delight only escalated when students from all houses were showering her with praise. Even the Slytherins looked begrudgingly impressed. Link even said it was impressive.

This was something she accomplished on her own. Nothing but her. Her special talent. She was beaming. She was exhilarated. She was-

"MISS POTTER"

Dead. She was very dead. With dread filling her up, she turned to see a very angry Deputy Headmistress making her way towards them. She was slowly sinking into a panic. Was she going to be expelled?

"In all my years, I've never… I'm speechless…"

"Wait Professor, it wasn't…"

"Not now miss Brown"

"But Professor…"

"I said not now miss Patil"

The students were getting a little desperate. They couldn't let something like this just happen without helping. After all Rose didn't do anything wrong, just reckless.

"Miss Potter, please follow me"

While Rose was following the professor morosely, she heard a voice right next to her. It was Link and he was smiling gently at her.

"Don't worry. She isn't angry. You won't be punished. Meet me in the Library later, you can tell me what happened" he winked at her.

She felt her confidence restored. Not entirely, but she wasn't in a panic anymore. She mouthed a thank you and left with the Professor.

The flying lesson went on as though nothing happened. Link knew how to fly before, so it wasn't hard to acclimate to the broom. He was good, however, he wasn't as good at it as Rose was. She reminded him of the Dragon Queen when she was in the air. She was graceful and elegant. He was happy for her, she seemed so content.

He made his way to the library after the lesson was over. He chose a table, brought a book to read. 'I will need to look for an empty classroom to practice the spells I know of this realm. I need to perfect my casting speed as well. Can't be rusty after all'.

Rose came bounding towards him, a bundle of excitement. She told him what had happened when she followed the Professor. How she was now a part of the Quidditch team for Gryffindor. How she would be a seeker. She was excited and nervous at the same time. Glad she won't be expelled, but she had never participated in organised sport before. So she had no idea what to expect, and how she would do.

Link comforted her that she would be fine.

"I could join you for your practice, and watch all your games. That way you'll have a supporter with you" he said, smiling gently.

"Would you?"

"Of course, I wouldn't miss it"

She beamed at that. She was glad she came to this school, not that there was really a choice. It was either this or Stonewall, and she was glad to be here.

"Well, let's get to studying"

Rose planted her head on the desk, letting out a muffled groan. Then again…

The next day, the Slytherin first years were awaiting something eagerly. They seem to be waiting for someone. Everyone knew what they wanted, and who they were waiting for. The students assumed that Potter was going to be expelled for the stunt she pulled yesterday.

So it was with confusion, that they saw Rose Potter waltzing into the Great Hall in a wonderful mood. No signs of dejection present. Wasn't she going to be punished? They later learned through the Hogwarts Gossip Grapevine, that she was instead going to be the Gryffindor Seeker. The youngest in a century.

The hall was in an uproar. They were surprised. How could a firstie be a seeker? However, they accepted it and were eager to see her skill in the first match. The Malfoy gang were disgruntled with the news. Draco was also threatening to tell his daddy. Not that anyone paid him any attention, they were used to such a threat. He used it three times a day after all. It was like seeing a three-year-old throw a tantrum.

Link sat with Rose, Ron, and Neville. They were just finishing their breakfast when they heard footsteps heading towards them. They were being loud, so everyone heard them. They looked up to see Malfoy's sneering face.

"Think you're so great, don't you?"

"Yeah, I do" she said cheekily.

"Well, if you're so wonderful, why don't you accept a wizarding duel against me"

Before she could express her confusion on the term Ron jumped up before her.

"Of course she will, I'm her second. Who's yours?"

"Crabbe. Next to the trophy cases at Midnight"

"We'll be ther-"

Before he could finish his sentence, he was pulled back roughly. He was brought to the bench, when he was about to fly into a rage he was pacified by the look Link sent his way. It was a cold look, it froze him in place. Link was already standing, his back to Ron, only his face tilted back slightly to gaze at the redhead to make sure he stayed silent.

"There will be no duel Malfoy" He continued before they could interrupt him. "For one, why would you choose such an open space way after curfew. It seems to me that you wish to frame Rose in a pathetic attempt to get her in trouble"

When he finished speaking, Malfoy turned very pale.

"Humph, childish. Secondly, if you wish to have a duel you must first inform a professor. So that the duel may proceed in a safe environment, and reduce the possibility of accidents." he continued. "Now, if you are done with your infantile and petty scheme, we would like to return to our meal. Goodbye"

Deathly pale, Malfoy could do nothing but walk away.

"Why did you push me?" Once the blond left, the redhead couldn't hold his indignation anymore. He shouted at the Ravenclaw.

"You were about to put Rose and yourself in trouble. I stepped in to stop it" was the calm reply. The calmness only served to irritate him more.

"Umm... What does a wizarding duel mean?" asked Rose, uncertain as to what really happened.

"It's basically a fight between wizards, but there are rules and regulations. There is also a second wizard that will act as back up in case the first wizard is incapacitated. Usually, they are there to pull the one in danger, out of danger" explained Link.

"Alright"

She was thankful that they didn't have to go through the duel, especially when she recalled how Link exposed that it was only a trap. She was slightly annoyed by Ron for almost getting her in trouble, but it was alright.

"We could have taken them" insisted Ron.

"I'm sure you could, but with what magic? We're first years, did you learn any offensive magic?" was the calm retort.

"We could have decked them"

"Uh-Huh"

Link left shortly after. He searched for an empty classroom and started to practice the magic spells of this realm. They weren't anything impressive. Just day to day spells, and most first-year spells. He repeated them constantly, his goal was to shorten each and every one of their casting speed.

It was the last day of the month of September. The professors were gathered at the Headmasters office. This was a tradition in Hogwarts. At the end of the first month, the Professors would gather to discuss the attributes and talents of the first-year student. So as to see if they required anything, and their aptitude for magic. This is a school, after all, their main aim is to educate the future generation. So they strive to make it accessible for the students.

"Link Granger. How is he in class?" asked Dumbledore.

"The boy is a magical prodigy" started Professor Sprout.

"Indeed, although we haven't done much this past month. Link was able to stay ahead of his peers, both theoretically and practically. He seems to be a natural at transfiguration" said McGonagall.

"Oh, and how is he in other subjects?" said Dumbledore, intrigued.

The professors started giving feedback on Link. All the professors were deeply impressed with the boy. Flitwick especially so, Link was from his house. In Fact, the Reason Ravenclaw is leading in the House-points is largely due to him. Even Professor Snape couldn't find much to say about him, but there was still a bit to say.

"He is arrogant, and a know-it-all"

"You're just saying that because he complained formally about you" said Flitwick with a knowing smile. Snape just grunted.

That was news to Dumbledore. He didn't know there was a formal complaint. He soon learned the reason behind the complaint.

"I see. Snape, my boy, I do hope you do not hold a grudge" his eyes twinkling as he stared at the potions master. Being stared down by the Headmaster, Snape was decidedly uncomfortable. He replied in an affirmative.

Amidst the glowing reviews, one person was worried about such a child. Quirrell was in a bind. The child was without a doubt remarkable. However, his lord would never approve of a lowly mudblood to be acknowledged as a magical Prodigy. He would have to tell his lord about him. Something he wasn't looking forward to. He would have to find a way to take care of the child, permanently.

"Something to add Quirinus?" asked Dumbledore.

"N-No, no. He is formidable" Merlin, he hated his 'stutter'.

The forbidden forest is an eerily quiet place. At night, it is made more ominous with the presence of fog. In a clearing a ghost-like shadow was hovering around, circling in the glade. He would have to find a new vessel soon, this state is far too weak. Soon another shadow appeared, it knelt before the wraith.

"Master I have news" People who knew him, would be surprised to hear him with no stutter.

"What is it?" his voice low and slow. It had a hissing quality to it.

"They have suspicions that a child this year is a magical prodigy"

"Oh?" That wasn't so odd, he was the last prodigy. Dumbledore was the one before him. It just meant they were ahead of their peers. "So? Is it Potter?"

"No, my lord"

"Who is it?"

"A muggle-born. His name is Link Granger"

"A muggle-born?"

"..."

"No matter! He is of no consequence. However, I shall not make the mistake of underestimating anyone. We would need to figure out a way to take him out. Leave me, I must think"

"Yes, Master"

Once the second shadow left the wraith-like being was silent for a while.

"I wonder, could he become a vessel?"

The body of a magical prodigy could be very beneficial after all.

Another month passed by. Link was making great progress in his magical studies. He's up to year five (Level 4 peak) in Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, and magical theory. He mastered all the first Year (Level 0) spells. He started transforming a few of his spells from his old realm to conform with this world's law. He managed to continue a few more Level 0 - 1 spell.

He also started having friends. He had friends in his old world, but they viewed him more as the Lord, rather than a friend. He was too powerful, and his status was too high. He didn't get to enjoy friendships that much. He had one true friend in his past life, Eliard. In this one, he also has one true friend, Rose. He enjoyed spending time with her. His parents seemed overly happy that he made a friend. They seemed even happier when he told them his friend was a girl. Weird.

They were currently walking along the lake outside the Castle. Enjoying each other's company in silence. As he gazed at his friend, he was struck again by how small she looked. With the amount of time he spent with her, he could guess that she was a bit too thin. It could be anorexia, but with the way she eats it is highly unlikely. He assumed previously that she was probably in a neglectful house. I'll recommend she go to the nurse after the feast tomorrow. After Halloween.

On the topic of Halloween, that's the day her parents died. I'm sure she would appreciate being left alone on that day. He could ask her if she could get permission from the staff to go see their tombs, that is if she hadn't seen them before. Doubtful, as she didn't know about magic and her home wasn't exactly the best, but it's best to never assume such things.

"You know if you want, you can ask your head-of-house for permission to go to their gravesite"

She whipped her head towards him so fast he was afraid she might snap her head. When she didn't speak, he continued.

"It's perfectly understandable to want to visit your parent's gravesite. The school could probably organize for you to visit for an hour o-"

He never got to finish as Rose slammed into him, initiating a hug. Her first hug.

"Thank you" she whispered.

Although stunned, he hugged her back.

"No problem"

A/N: Hope you enjoyed this chapter. The next chapter is about Halloween and the troll.

How are you liking the story so far?

I think I'm going to make Voldemort more calculative in the future. Once he realizes that Link could be a huge threat, his Slytherin side is going to be much more pronounced.

Thank you.