(A/N: I am so terribly sorry about the wait for this chapter. I meant to
have it finished two days ago, and would have, but surprise second cousins
from California came and I was followed by one of them, who was three years
older than me, the entire time. Worst thing of all, my parents expected me
to spend the time with him. So I couldn't finish my story. I was very
upset about not being able to finish writing this and posting it a few days
back. Oh and thanks to all reviewers!)
(A/N updated: Ok, I made the changes. Do not bother reading the whole thing over, the only changes I made in the body was changing Hermione's hair from red to brown and changed the time change from Germany to England to two hours. Just start reading where it left off last time.)
Chapter 7: Prissy, Greasy, and Ferret
After the sorting hat had announced that Harry would be in Gryfindor he calmly took the hat off his head to reveal the students, every last one with their eyes on him, some with their mouths hung open in disbelief. Harry had hoped that they would not think him abnormal, but now it seemed that those hopes were dashed. They all thought him something special. Harry sighed, 'I don't want to be famous.'
Calmly he strode purposefully over to the Gryfindor table where he took a seat at the far end, away from the rest of the house. Presently the talking in the Hall resumed, unfortunately, Harry noted that much of it was about himself. He could see the students casting wary glances at him, only to turn away as soon as he stared back. Harry could feel hundreds of eyes on him and he didn't like it. He didn't like it one bit. Trying to avoid the piercing stares of others he picked at his food, not eating much.
Harry heard footsteps approach him. 'Please not a teacher, please not a teacher.' He raised his eyes and in front of him stood a girl, she was rather small with bushy brown hair. She stuck her hand out in a greeting.
"Hello, I'm Hermione Granger."
"Hi, you already know who I am."
"Yes. You know, I've read all about you." Harry groaned; he was in books now too? "I know who your parents were and what happened to them. Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say that." Harry simply averted his eyes from the girl hoping that she would go away.
'Strike one,' he thought sarcastically.
"Actually, I wanted to ask you if you knew how you beat the killing curse. You are the only person to have done so you know."
Harry didn't answer. 'Strike two.'
"Well then, could you tell me about what it was like living with Black the last ten years? I heard that he was a follower of You-Know-Who!"
"SHUTUP!" yelled Harry. Quiet immediately descended over the Hall. All eyes turned to an enraged Harry. Hermione involuntarily fell back more than a few steps under his piercing glare. "You will never talk about my GODFATHER in that manner again! I will not tolerate slander of him!" He turned to the entire Great Hall and raised his voice even more. By this time even Dumbledore was standing at the staff table, ready to prevent anything bad from happening. "That goes for all of you! You hunted Sirius for ten years! You failed in trying to capture him! Here I am, ten years later, a perfectly normal child! It is proof that Sirius was NOT evil! Everything I am I owe to him! He rescued me from what would be a life in an orphanage! He took care of me at my dying father's request! He did so knowing full well that we would be hunted! It was not Sirius Black that betrayed Lily and James Potter! It was a different 'rat!'"
The whole hall gasped at this bold statement, including the staff, well, everyone but Dumbledore. Harry swept his eyes over the crowd, smiling inwardly at those who couldn't meet his gaze. 'Weak,' he thought. 'Can't even stand up for what they have believed.' With that Harry Potter turned his back on them and stormed out of the Great Hall in much the same way as he entered, robes flowing behind him.
Dumbledore turned to McGonnagal and whispered in her ear, "I think we must keep close tabs on this one Minerva. He is more powerful that I ever expected. I doubt that many will be giving him much trouble after this spectacle. But neither will any be too willing to befriend him."
*********************
Harry sped down the halls, furious already with the student of Hogwarts. 'Oh man, I hope that girl never talks again. She is so prissy!' Harry knew the layout of Hogwarts by heart and was now heading to a secret room that was on it, discovered of course by the marauders. He reached the portrait of an old wizard at the end of the hall, marking that this was the secret entrance.
Harry was about to give the password when the wizard spoke. "Hello Harry." Harry was so startled that he jumped back three feet looking around for whoever had spoken to him. The portrait began to laugh at his behavior. "What are you laughing about?" Harry asked it, "And how do you know my name?"
"Why, I'm laughing at your reaction to a talking painting. As to how I know your name. Well, I think that I should know my own heir!"
"Wait a sec. Back up. Did you say that I'm your heir?"
"Why yes! Harry Potter, I am pleased to meet you. My name is Godric Gryfindor."
Harry stumbled back in disbelief. Sirius had of course told him everything that he knew about Hogwarts, including its history and founding. Harry knew a lot about the four founders of Hogwarts and to meet one - even if he was only a painting. "Gryfindor? I'm your heir? So I do belong in Gryfindor!"
"Well yes, why do you ask?"
"Well, the sorting hat basically said that I was perfect Slytherin material. Though seeing as I'm your heir I would think otherwise. But I basically had to threaten it to put me anywhere but Slytherin. I really didn't want to go into that house. But something it said kind of scared me."
"What did it say?"
"Well, it said that if I chose Gryfindor that my life would be much more difficult, and that was because Slytherin is where I was meant to be. Personally, I think that it was just angry that I was defying it. I mean, how could my life be easier in one house than in another?"
"Oh, there are many ways child," said Godric quietly. Harry didn't seem to hear. "But you are not here to talk to me, I suppose that you want into your private study?"
"So that is what this is? A private study? I was wondering why it was five rooms total. Sirius said that they could only get in when Dad was with them."
"That is correct, only the heir can allow others in, even if they do have the password. Speaking of which, do you want to use the current one or decide on a new one?"
"Well, if only the heir can get in or invite others in why do I even need a password?"
The voice seemed to think about this for a while and then, "Hot dog, you're right! All these years I've been bothering with a useless password system! And to think of all those times I almost forgot what the password was and didn't let in my heir when I knew that it was him too! You are a smart kid you know?"
Harry laughed, and was soon joined by Godric. His troubles of half and hour ago were being forgotten, and Harry was beginning to see that Hogwarts could be interesting, very, very interesting. Harry was about to ask the portrait to move so that he could get in when a voice rang through the hallways.
"All students please follow your prefects to your common rooms. You will be given the password at the entrance. Thank you."
Harry sighed and Godric looked questioningly at him. "I don't want to go Godric, but I suppose I have to face them sometime. I doubt that they will be very pleased with me. Only been here for an hour and have already managed to upset everyone in the school."
"Child, defending your godfather's honor was the only thing that you could have done in that situation. In those moments you displayed the very quality that I prize above all else, bravery. You were brave in that you didn't care what others thought of you, you stood up for what you knew was right. And hopefully your words made an impression on those who thought differently from you."
"Hopefully," repeated Harry, "but probably not. Probably think I am a psychopath now." Harry smiled. "Oh well, sometimes life throws you a curveball Godric, I'm either gonna swing and get a strike or take the ball. I think that this time I took the strike." With that and a final 'good- bye' Harry left back down the corridors towards the Gryfindor common room. He left a very confused Godric Gryfindor behind.
'Curveball? Swing and strike? Ball? That certainly is one interesting child,' he mused.
*********************
Harry ran threw the hallways until he caught sight of the group of Gryfindors moving towards the common room entrance. Harry of course knew where this was already and decided to tag a ways behind the group. Quietly Harry followed behind them, he didn't really want to attract any attention to himself.
As he followed he heard bits and pieces of conversation, only one person was talking about him - that darned brown haired girl! "I can't believe he did that to me. I was so embarrassed. I mean, all I did was ask about what life was like with Black, I mean, he is a death eater -"
'Control yourself - control yourself - control yourself. Remember what Sirius said, 'people will be asses, you need to learn to put up with it and get them back discreetly with pranks.'' Harry smiled at the memory of Sirius, and then even more about what kind of prank he would play on this annoying girl.
Soon the group reached the portrait of the fat lady and Harry was forced to come forward in order to hear the password. The Gryfindor prefect, Percy Weasley, told the students that the password was 'bludger' and when the portrait opened, everyone walked in, including Harry who was in the back. The second through seventh years walked straight up to their respective dormitories, but the first years mingled in the common room looking around and awaiting instruction from Percy. Harry knew where the dormitories were already and began to walk up the stairs, but was stopped by Percy as he came back down to give instructions.
"Harry, even you are not exempt from the annual speech to the first years." Harry shrugged and walked back down the stairs. He was in no big hurry to get up to the dorms anyway, his luggage weighed next to nothing in his pockets. Harry walked back down the stairs and stood towards the edge of the crowd of first years, not really listening to what was being said. He got the gist of it, mostly about being careful to not lose house points, and other boring stuff like that. Harry did however notice that the annoying red head was nodding her head, soaking in every word like it was directly from the mouth of god or something.
Harry decided to extract some vengeance now while no one was looking. Besides, he didn't even have his wand on him, they would never suspect. Harry concentrated really hard and sent the wandless spell. Laughter immediately broke out as Hermione's hair turned a brilliant pink and purple.
"WHO DID THAT!" yelled Percy, searching the common room and examining each face. He simply passed Harry's. Harry had long ago learned to be able to mask his emotions, and though he was slightly grinning he didn't seem the likely culprit. "Fred! George! Was that you? I thought I told you that you would not be tormenting first years this time around!"
"Percy?" Came a voice from behind him, two red headed boys of the same build and look descended the stairs. One look at Hermione broke them into fits of laughter. One lapped Percy on the back, "It wasn't us old bean, we stick to our promises."
"I'm sure you do," muttered Percy, "but if it wasn't you then who was it?" Harry noticed that Hermione looked his way more than once during the whole ordeal, but she couldn't read his mask, and Harry knew that he was safe from accusation. Percy undid her wacky hair colors before continuing his rant.
"That is the kind of thing that will get house points taken from us! I do not want to ever see anyone do that, especially outside of the common room. If I catch you I will personally deduct points from Gryfindor, however much it would pain me to do so."
'What an oaf!' thought Harry ecstatically. 'He would be fun to mess with too.' With an unseen wave of his hand he put some cat ears on Percy's head and a sign that said 'Kick Me' on his back.
The first years erupted into more laughter, Harry joining them this time. As Percy spun around to try to see where the spell had come from the students noticed the sign on his back and laughed even harder. Harry noticed that one, also with red hair, a boy though, was laughing a little harder than others.
"Percy!" exclaimed the red headed boy, "You never told me that Hogwarts was so fun!"
"Ron, it shouldn't be this fun! Now I demand WHO DID THIS!"
The snickers increased and to avoid suspicion Harry acted, however childish, just like the rest of his classmates. Harry's mind began to wander though, 'So Ron and Percy know each other, brothers perhaps?' Harry began to think of all the possibilities of allies that he could get at Hogwarts. Though it wasn't common he was considering prank allies from other houses as well. Oh this was going to be a very fun year.
**********************
That night in the dormitory, Harry avoided any talk directed at him, but joined in the snickering at the disruptions that he had caused. Naturally, he didn't tell the boys in his dorm room that it was he, they didn't need to know, not all of them. He would find which ones could be trusted, and which ones would give away his secrets. That night Harry slept soundly, and dreamt of his parents once again.
***********************
The next morning Harry awoke very early. He was used to German time, almost two hours before England's. To his disgust when he checked his wizards watch, it was only 4:00 AM. For an hour Harry tried to fall back asleep, but to no avail. In the interest of keeping his sanity, he was going insane with boredom, he decided to get up and do something, what, he didn't know yet. Before leaving the dorm he grabbed his shrunk guitar, and quietly proceeded to descend the stairs to the common room.
He passed through the common room and out the portrait hole. Silently he stole down the hallways to the kitchen entrance. He tickled the pear and walked in. Instantly he was set upon by roughly five house elves, all asking if he needed anything.
"Um, could I get some early breakfast? I'm not used to this time-zone yet," he said sheepishly. Almost immediately there were two trays piled full of food in front of him, and the same five house elves asking if he needed anything more. "Um, I think that I'm fine, thank you very much." With that he left the kitchens and proceeded to the Great Hall so that he could enjoy his breakfast. As he entered the hall he noticed that there was no one else awake, or at least in the hall. He sat down alone at the Gryfindor table and started on some crepes that the house elves had prepared. After finishing those he began on the pancakes. It was twenty minutes later that Harry stopped his breakfast, and looked down at his watch, 4:45 AM.
'I still have a long wait. Might as well play a bit.' With this Harry unshrunk his guitar and made sure that the volume wasn't too loud. Then he began to play 'sure shot' by Yellowcard. Softly he sung along, but he realized that it didn't sound as good without the accompaniment. Harry decided to do something about it; he conjured up a drum set a bass guitar, and a keyboard. These he charmed to play on their own. 'Now this sounds right,' he thought as he began to play along.
Harry had done all of this upon a sort of stage that was in the Great Hall for demonstrations, and he had to admit that the instruments that he had conjured were quite professional. Harry began to play many songs that he knew upon this stage, singing along. He didn't even notice as students began to trickle into the hall, frankly he didn't care.
These students however were watching him, listening to him play. Though most liked the music, some didn't care for Harry's selection of soft punk, punk, and heavy metal. The people's present, most at least, had increased opinions of Harry after witnessing him. Soon enough Harry noticed that he had an audience and was about to step down, but some of the students asked him to continue. This he did. He finally had to stop do to running out of songs that he knew how to play. With a wave of his wand the instruments disappeared and the first years present gasped at his apparent mastery of magic. The upperclassmen didn't seem to notice that Harry Potter was performing magic they could barely do.
Soon, the Great Hall had become packed with students eating their breakfast, and it seemed that everybody knew that Harry Potter was a musician, and a good one at that. Many people came up to ask him how he had learned to play, some of these people he chose to ignore, like that Hermione Granger. Harry still didn't see any reason to even acknowledge her existence; she hadn't proven herself sorry for striking out yet.
As Harry was sitting alone the school schedule for first years appeared next to him. This he picked up and scanned over, Double Potions first thing, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and then History of Magic after lunch. Harry wasn't going to argue with the schedule, he was really looking forward to all of his classes, especially potions. Sirius had never been very good at potions and so there was much that Harry still had to learn about that sector of magic. History of Magic sounded interesting as well. Harry was pretty sure that he would know everything from DADA and was thinking that this last may be his naptime. He would soon find out how wrong he was about these assumptions.
***********************
"Ah, Mr. Potter. Our new - celebrity." Harry with all he was expecting, was not expecting this. "Tell me, what would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"
"You would get the Draught of Living Death sir, but certainly we will not be making that?"
"You question what I would ask you to make Potter?"
"Not at all sir," Harry retorted, he was beginning to get angry with this potions master, and his eyes were beginning to show it, "I was simply insinuating that perhaps that potion was a tad bit advanced for us first years."
"Three points from Gryfindor Mr. Potter, for back talking to a teacher." Snape turned his eyes from Harry's as quickly as possible however, something in those eyes made him fear this boy. 'I'll have to keep an extra close watch on this one,' he thought.
The rest of potions went without incident for Harry. He found that after their professor had stopped talking the class was much more enjoyable. He was walking alone to DADA when he heard someone run up behind him.
"Umm, Harry?" Harry turned to see the red headed boy from his year and house. "Hello, I'm Ron Weasley, and you are Harry Potter. I just wanted to warn you about Professor Snape -"
"Snape?" said Harry snapping to attention. "His first name doesn't happen to be Severus does it?"
"I'm not sure," Ron admitted, "but anyway, I just wanted to tell you that he is very unfair to Gryfindors. I also wanted to say that it was amazing, you staring him down. How did you do that?"
Harry looked shocked, "I stared him down?"
"Yeah, didn't you? I mean, the whole class saw it. He couldn't look you in the eyes anymore and he turned away from you. Then he didn't say anything again to you for the rest of the class."
Harry pondered on this for a second before saying, "Well, I didn't mean to at least." He was beginning to like this Ron kid; he was amusing.
"Hey, want to walk to Defense Against the Dark Arts with me?" Ron offered.
"Sure," replied Harry, glad to be starting a friendship.
During DADA Harry and Ron sat next to each other and talked. Quirrel, their DADA teacher, didn't mind because he was done with the class after the first fifteen minutes. He had only given them a speech on what they would learn that year. Harry and Ron talked for the rest of the 45 minutes of class. They covered school, people they already got to know, and those they didn't like (Harry of course kept his secrets his), but most of all they talked about quidditch. Harry told Ron that he had a Nimbus 2000 and Ron was to say the least, very impressed. He asked Harry if sometime he would be able to ride it. Harry said that he could and Ron was ecstatic. He asked many questions about the broomstick, such as how it handled, top speed, ect.
After DADA Harry and Ron walked to the Gryfindor tower together and put away their school things. Harry grabbed his History of Magic book and shrinking it put it in his pocket. Harry not thinking anything of this act, was confused as to why Ron's mouth was hanging open.
"Ron? What's wrong?"
"Harry, did you just shrink that book?"
"Yeah why?"
"That is magic that we don't learn until we are fourth years!"
"Oh. Would you like me to show you how to do it sometime? It is a bloody useful spell."
"Would I ever!"
"Alright, how about this weekend?"
"Okay, well, lets get down to lunch."
Both did this but not before Harry shrunk Ron's book as well and gave it to him to carry. Ron said his thanks as they headed down the stairs to the Great Hall. The two ate lunch together and talked about music and classes so far. During their talk on music another Gryfindor first year approached them.
"Hello, my name is Angie," she stuck out her hand in a greeting. (A/N: Kudos to all that recognize her from my other fic. Which I remind you is on hiatus for a while.)
Harry took it first saying, "Pleasure to meet you Angie, I'm Harry Potter." Angie nodded and Harry was pleased that she didn't recognize his name, or decide to not gape over it. Ron took her hand next introducing himself as well.
"What brings you over here to this part of the table?" Harry asked her.
"Oh well, I had heard that you played the guitar. I wanted to know if you wanted someone to play with. I mean, I play the bass guitar."
Harry's eyes lit up. "Really? I would love to play with someone. I've never been in a band before, though I suppose that we would still at least need a drummer."
Ron coughed, "Well I can sort of play the drums. I'm not that good yet but I have been playing for about six months now."
"That's great!" exclaimed Harry. "We could play together in the mornings, or afternoons, whenever we get the time and want to play."
"Well," said Angie, "there is one problem."
"Yes?"
"I don't have a bass guitar," she said gloomily.
"And I don't have a drum set here," said Ron in an equally melancholy manner.
Harry smiled. "That isn't a problem. I'll just conjure some up for you when we want to play!"
"You could do that?" Ron asked in surprise. Harry just nodded. Angie seemed mildly impressed by his ability as well but made no mention of it.
It seemed to Harry that there was more to this girl than met the eye. And he wanted to find out her secret. She seemed to ignorant of wizarding policies and people. 'She could be muggle born,' Harry mused. 'I suppose that it will take some questioning to find out.'
After lunch the newly formed trio headed off to History of Magic. It seemed that everybody was in shock to find that a ghost taught this class. Harry was sent into even more shock when he found that the ghost only talked in one tone, and it could make the most bloody and exciting historical events seem like watching snails race. Minutes crawled by and Harry made a mental note to change History of Magic to his naptime rather than DADA, which he had enjoyed.
That night Harry was up late thinking about his new friends. He wondered if they would continue to be his friends through fire, because he was more than likely to receive some. Then he thought about Sirius, and what he was doing without Harry to keep him company. Harry silently cried himself to sleep.
********************
"Welcome students, to your first flying lesson! Now, put your right hand over your broom, and say 'up.'"
"Up!"
There were only three who got their brooms to arise right off, Harry, a blonde Slytheran boy, and Angie. Ron got his broom up soon after. Harry was very pleased to note something that apparently Hermione was not good at. Her broom wasn't even quivering under her forceful 'ups.' Soon she, in frustration, simply picked up the broom when she thought no one was looking.
Madam Hooch, their flying instructor, seeing that everybody had a broom in his/her hand continued, "Now, mount your brooms." Everyone did so. "I want each one of you to slightly lift up on the broom and then pint it slightly down. This will make you fly into the air and then make you land again.
Everybody pulled up on their broomsticks and then pulled back down, some more quickly than others. One person, Harry recalled hearing his name was Neville, seemed to be having a few problems. The main one being that he couldn't land, he kept flying higher and higher into the air.
"Mr. Longbottom, Mr. Longbottom where do you think you're going?" Neville, panicking now, began to fly forward as fast as the broom could go, straight at the side of the castle. At the last possible second he pulled up with the strength born of desperation and missed the wall by mere inches. Harry seeing Neville's trouble immediately called his Nimbus 2000 to him and when it arrived twenty seconds later he took off after Neville, ignoring the cries from beneath him.
Harry followed Neville for quite a ways before catching up to the terrified boy. "Neville! Listen to me! You have to calm down!" yelled Harry. Neville nodded his head, but didn't seem to be calming down at all. "Neville! Calm yourself!" This time Harry could see the boys shoulders relax slightly.
After gaining this slight advantage Harry dictated how to land and slowly Neville did so. Once on the ground Harry decided that he could fly both Neville and himself back to Hogwarts, and have the broom simply follow them. Neville reluctantly agreed when Harry pointed out that Hogwarts was quite a ways away now.
It wasn't long before Harry and Neville had returned, and Harry landed.
Immediately students swamped him, all telling him how brave he was. Harry felt himself turn red; he hated the attention. Madam Hooch however, was not as pleased with Harry's antics and told him right off how dangerous it was to do what he did. After telling Harry this she rushed straight to the Hospital Wing with Neville, saying something about possible emotional distress.
Before she left however she gave strict instructions of no flying. "The person who is caught in the air, their house will lose 100 points."
After she had left sight Harry was beset with questions, that is until: "Hey look, Neville left his rememberall." It was the blonde Slytherin. "I wonder if he wants it back?"
"Leave it alone Malfoy," said Ron angrily, "It is not yours."
Malfoy sneered at Ron, "But supposing I take it?"
"Give it here Malfoy," stated Harry.
"Or what? Will 'perfect Potter' come and get me?"
"I may." There were a few gasps at this statement. And Harry stepped forward towards Malfoy, who in turn mounted his broom and flew into the air.
"Well Potter? Scared to come get it?"
"Not at all Malfoy." Harry mounted his Nimbus and flew into the air.
"Tell me Potter, if I threw this now - would you be able to get it?"
"Of course."
"Well then think quick!" With that Malfoy chucked the rememberall right at the castle wall, Harry with lighting fast reflexes took off after it. He was closing in on the rememberall, and unfortunately the wall. Twenty feet - fifteen feet - he was almost there - ten feet - Harry's hand closed around the rememberall - five feet - Harry pulled into an intricate twist/flip, throwing the broom down and his body to the right. One foot - was all the space that Harry had remaining. Harry smiled at Malfoy who cursed back, and landed with the rememberall, only to be for the second time that day swamped by students.
Harrys many admirers crowed around him, not letting him move for at least five minutes. And moved only then because Professor McGonnagal came out onto the grounds yelling, "Mr. Potter! Come with me right now!"
Harry looked back and saw Malfoy and his two goonies laughing, but not loud enough to attract McGonnagal's attention.
"Come on Potter," she said impatiently. Harry followed her in silence, feeling the eyes of all the students present on his back. McGonnagal led him into the castle and down corridors, but not towards the headmaster's office, in fact, towards the DADA room. Once there she slipped her head inside the door and asked Quirrel if she could borrow a student named Wood. A minute later a tall boy, probably a fourth or fifth year came out looking confused.
"Yes Professor?" he asked with a heavy Scottish accent. (A/N: I couldn't remember what it was in the movie so I'm making it Scottish. This is an AU fic.)
"Wood, I have found you a seeker!"
Now it was Harry's turn to be confused, he thought first years were not allowed on the house team. Wood however was delighted. "What makes you think he is a seeker Professor. I'll admit, he does have the build for it." Wood began to circle Harry.
"This boy caught this," she pointed to Harry's hand, which still held the rememberall, "with one foot to spare from hitting the castle wall. He was going full speed before he began slowing five feet from it."
Woods eyes opened wide in amazement. "So Potter, have you ever seen a quidditch game?"
"Of course I've seen a quidditch game," Harry answered, then to test them, "Although we only had two people. Sirius and I always played together."
Wood and McGonnagal's eyes opened a little wider at the mention of Sirius, but neither said anything, which pleased Harry. He couldn't play with people that made snide comments about Sirius; he wouldn't stand for it.
Wood proceeded to ask if he would be able to play for the team, being a first year. McGonnagal said that she would see if Albus would make an exception. Wood seemed ready to jump with joy at finding a seeker that McGonnagal thought was good. It was nearly forty-five minutes later that McGonnagal let him go down to lunch, thought Wood stayed talking with her. Harry couldn't wait to tell Ron and Angie.
As he got there however, instead of seeing Ron and Angie, he only saw Granger. "I suppose that you lost us 100 points," she said very coldly in a very accusing tone. Harry couldn't resist.
"No actually, I suppose that you could say I was rewarded."
Then he headed off towards the far end of the table where he found Ron and Angie. Ron's jaw dropped in amazement as Harry told his story. Harry noticed that Angie looked a little confused at the mention of quidditch. Harry noted this, but didn't ponder it that day. After charms in the afternoon Harry was ready to crash.
He couldn't help thinking about all the people asking him questions in charms. He had been slightly embarrassed to find that he was the only one in the class, besides that Granger girl, that could perform the assigned charm. Harry went to sleep that night wondering if he would ever become a normal kid, never swamped by people who just wanted to know who he was, not know him.
(A/N: There, fixed the chapter. And newer answers to reviews are below these ones.)
Makulit: Hmmm - I didn't think about that whole clapping thing. Though I suppose the Gryfindors would be happy to get 'Harry Potter' still. Yeah on the train thing too, I just couldn't find a way to fit it in, and I really wanted to have him late with an entrance : )
Allie - I am honored to have your first review. I hope that you continue to review. And you said 'joshin!' I thought I was the only one that said that!
Prongsjr - Glad too have you reviewing yet again! Sorry about the couple days delay. Oh, and sugar can NEVER be a bad thing : ) On the powers issue, he is most likely going to mask it, but not attempt to pretend to be learning new stuff.
Otaku Freak - Heh, THANKS FOR ANOTHER REVIEW! I hope you liked this chapter. I don't want to have the others know that he can apparate quite yet, so I didn't use that. But soon enough. Soon enough.
Time Twins - This chapter is a bit longer! I hope that you approve! Thanks for yet another review!
Rachel A. Prongs - Glad you like the Harry! I'm pretty sure you liked what those silver and gold eyes can do to Snape : ) CHEERS!
HP - Thanks!
Shaughn - Thanks for the review, it means a lot to me.
Chris - as to #1, Harry is not going to be a punk, well, maybe to Malfoy. As to #2 *fidgets* THANKS!
Angel - Here is more! I hope you liked it!
Lady Phoenix Gryfindor - Favorites? I'm honored m'lady. *bows* Thank you very much. And I hope that you liked this chapter too.
****************************
(A/N: These are the new reviews.)
Rachel A. Prongs - Added the McGonnagal part. Oh, and if you remember, Hermione was heavily disliked by Ron and Harry until Halloween. I promise that she won't remain unlinked forever : )
Mercedes - Thanks for the time zone thing, I changed it to two hours. I know it is still not one but I wanted to have a little bit more of a time difference.
Allie - Thanks for continuing to review!
John - I suppose that since my other fic has been discontinued for now it would be unfair to make you read it. So, Angie in my other story was a muggle girl that Harry liked. Anyway, while at work something happened and Angie and Harry became very close. Harry brought her to Diagon Alley on the promise that she wouldn't say anything that would make her look suspicious. There in the bookstore he found a VERY old book. In a one-day long ceremony he gave her the gift of magic.
VampAmber - I am honored that you would put this on your favorites list. I am also looking forward to reading your hardly-serious reviews! Hehe.
Sum1 - Well, here is some more. I may finish the next chapter today, if not then hopefully tomorrow.
Makulit - Hehe, yeah. Hermione does NOT have red hair. I changed it for you. Explanation: I read a fic one time that blatantly made it so that Hermione had red hair. I just carried that idea with me for the longest time : ) Won't make the mistake again.
(A/N: Thanks to all who have reviewed in this short time. I hope I made the chapter ending better. Last night I was dead tired, I had only gotten four hours of sleep the night before, and I couldn't think or type.)
(A/N updated: Ok, I made the changes. Do not bother reading the whole thing over, the only changes I made in the body was changing Hermione's hair from red to brown and changed the time change from Germany to England to two hours. Just start reading where it left off last time.)
Chapter 7: Prissy, Greasy, and Ferret
After the sorting hat had announced that Harry would be in Gryfindor he calmly took the hat off his head to reveal the students, every last one with their eyes on him, some with their mouths hung open in disbelief. Harry had hoped that they would not think him abnormal, but now it seemed that those hopes were dashed. They all thought him something special. Harry sighed, 'I don't want to be famous.'
Calmly he strode purposefully over to the Gryfindor table where he took a seat at the far end, away from the rest of the house. Presently the talking in the Hall resumed, unfortunately, Harry noted that much of it was about himself. He could see the students casting wary glances at him, only to turn away as soon as he stared back. Harry could feel hundreds of eyes on him and he didn't like it. He didn't like it one bit. Trying to avoid the piercing stares of others he picked at his food, not eating much.
Harry heard footsteps approach him. 'Please not a teacher, please not a teacher.' He raised his eyes and in front of him stood a girl, she was rather small with bushy brown hair. She stuck her hand out in a greeting.
"Hello, I'm Hermione Granger."
"Hi, you already know who I am."
"Yes. You know, I've read all about you." Harry groaned; he was in books now too? "I know who your parents were and what happened to them. Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say that." Harry simply averted his eyes from the girl hoping that she would go away.
'Strike one,' he thought sarcastically.
"Actually, I wanted to ask you if you knew how you beat the killing curse. You are the only person to have done so you know."
Harry didn't answer. 'Strike two.'
"Well then, could you tell me about what it was like living with Black the last ten years? I heard that he was a follower of You-Know-Who!"
"SHUTUP!" yelled Harry. Quiet immediately descended over the Hall. All eyes turned to an enraged Harry. Hermione involuntarily fell back more than a few steps under his piercing glare. "You will never talk about my GODFATHER in that manner again! I will not tolerate slander of him!" He turned to the entire Great Hall and raised his voice even more. By this time even Dumbledore was standing at the staff table, ready to prevent anything bad from happening. "That goes for all of you! You hunted Sirius for ten years! You failed in trying to capture him! Here I am, ten years later, a perfectly normal child! It is proof that Sirius was NOT evil! Everything I am I owe to him! He rescued me from what would be a life in an orphanage! He took care of me at my dying father's request! He did so knowing full well that we would be hunted! It was not Sirius Black that betrayed Lily and James Potter! It was a different 'rat!'"
The whole hall gasped at this bold statement, including the staff, well, everyone but Dumbledore. Harry swept his eyes over the crowd, smiling inwardly at those who couldn't meet his gaze. 'Weak,' he thought. 'Can't even stand up for what they have believed.' With that Harry Potter turned his back on them and stormed out of the Great Hall in much the same way as he entered, robes flowing behind him.
Dumbledore turned to McGonnagal and whispered in her ear, "I think we must keep close tabs on this one Minerva. He is more powerful that I ever expected. I doubt that many will be giving him much trouble after this spectacle. But neither will any be too willing to befriend him."
*********************
Harry sped down the halls, furious already with the student of Hogwarts. 'Oh man, I hope that girl never talks again. She is so prissy!' Harry knew the layout of Hogwarts by heart and was now heading to a secret room that was on it, discovered of course by the marauders. He reached the portrait of an old wizard at the end of the hall, marking that this was the secret entrance.
Harry was about to give the password when the wizard spoke. "Hello Harry." Harry was so startled that he jumped back three feet looking around for whoever had spoken to him. The portrait began to laugh at his behavior. "What are you laughing about?" Harry asked it, "And how do you know my name?"
"Why, I'm laughing at your reaction to a talking painting. As to how I know your name. Well, I think that I should know my own heir!"
"Wait a sec. Back up. Did you say that I'm your heir?"
"Why yes! Harry Potter, I am pleased to meet you. My name is Godric Gryfindor."
Harry stumbled back in disbelief. Sirius had of course told him everything that he knew about Hogwarts, including its history and founding. Harry knew a lot about the four founders of Hogwarts and to meet one - even if he was only a painting. "Gryfindor? I'm your heir? So I do belong in Gryfindor!"
"Well yes, why do you ask?"
"Well, the sorting hat basically said that I was perfect Slytherin material. Though seeing as I'm your heir I would think otherwise. But I basically had to threaten it to put me anywhere but Slytherin. I really didn't want to go into that house. But something it said kind of scared me."
"What did it say?"
"Well, it said that if I chose Gryfindor that my life would be much more difficult, and that was because Slytherin is where I was meant to be. Personally, I think that it was just angry that I was defying it. I mean, how could my life be easier in one house than in another?"
"Oh, there are many ways child," said Godric quietly. Harry didn't seem to hear. "But you are not here to talk to me, I suppose that you want into your private study?"
"So that is what this is? A private study? I was wondering why it was five rooms total. Sirius said that they could only get in when Dad was with them."
"That is correct, only the heir can allow others in, even if they do have the password. Speaking of which, do you want to use the current one or decide on a new one?"
"Well, if only the heir can get in or invite others in why do I even need a password?"
The voice seemed to think about this for a while and then, "Hot dog, you're right! All these years I've been bothering with a useless password system! And to think of all those times I almost forgot what the password was and didn't let in my heir when I knew that it was him too! You are a smart kid you know?"
Harry laughed, and was soon joined by Godric. His troubles of half and hour ago were being forgotten, and Harry was beginning to see that Hogwarts could be interesting, very, very interesting. Harry was about to ask the portrait to move so that he could get in when a voice rang through the hallways.
"All students please follow your prefects to your common rooms. You will be given the password at the entrance. Thank you."
Harry sighed and Godric looked questioningly at him. "I don't want to go Godric, but I suppose I have to face them sometime. I doubt that they will be very pleased with me. Only been here for an hour and have already managed to upset everyone in the school."
"Child, defending your godfather's honor was the only thing that you could have done in that situation. In those moments you displayed the very quality that I prize above all else, bravery. You were brave in that you didn't care what others thought of you, you stood up for what you knew was right. And hopefully your words made an impression on those who thought differently from you."
"Hopefully," repeated Harry, "but probably not. Probably think I am a psychopath now." Harry smiled. "Oh well, sometimes life throws you a curveball Godric, I'm either gonna swing and get a strike or take the ball. I think that this time I took the strike." With that and a final 'good- bye' Harry left back down the corridors towards the Gryfindor common room. He left a very confused Godric Gryfindor behind.
'Curveball? Swing and strike? Ball? That certainly is one interesting child,' he mused.
*********************
Harry ran threw the hallways until he caught sight of the group of Gryfindors moving towards the common room entrance. Harry of course knew where this was already and decided to tag a ways behind the group. Quietly Harry followed behind them, he didn't really want to attract any attention to himself.
As he followed he heard bits and pieces of conversation, only one person was talking about him - that darned brown haired girl! "I can't believe he did that to me. I was so embarrassed. I mean, all I did was ask about what life was like with Black, I mean, he is a death eater -"
'Control yourself - control yourself - control yourself. Remember what Sirius said, 'people will be asses, you need to learn to put up with it and get them back discreetly with pranks.'' Harry smiled at the memory of Sirius, and then even more about what kind of prank he would play on this annoying girl.
Soon the group reached the portrait of the fat lady and Harry was forced to come forward in order to hear the password. The Gryfindor prefect, Percy Weasley, told the students that the password was 'bludger' and when the portrait opened, everyone walked in, including Harry who was in the back. The second through seventh years walked straight up to their respective dormitories, but the first years mingled in the common room looking around and awaiting instruction from Percy. Harry knew where the dormitories were already and began to walk up the stairs, but was stopped by Percy as he came back down to give instructions.
"Harry, even you are not exempt from the annual speech to the first years." Harry shrugged and walked back down the stairs. He was in no big hurry to get up to the dorms anyway, his luggage weighed next to nothing in his pockets. Harry walked back down the stairs and stood towards the edge of the crowd of first years, not really listening to what was being said. He got the gist of it, mostly about being careful to not lose house points, and other boring stuff like that. Harry did however notice that the annoying red head was nodding her head, soaking in every word like it was directly from the mouth of god or something.
Harry decided to extract some vengeance now while no one was looking. Besides, he didn't even have his wand on him, they would never suspect. Harry concentrated really hard and sent the wandless spell. Laughter immediately broke out as Hermione's hair turned a brilliant pink and purple.
"WHO DID THAT!" yelled Percy, searching the common room and examining each face. He simply passed Harry's. Harry had long ago learned to be able to mask his emotions, and though he was slightly grinning he didn't seem the likely culprit. "Fred! George! Was that you? I thought I told you that you would not be tormenting first years this time around!"
"Percy?" Came a voice from behind him, two red headed boys of the same build and look descended the stairs. One look at Hermione broke them into fits of laughter. One lapped Percy on the back, "It wasn't us old bean, we stick to our promises."
"I'm sure you do," muttered Percy, "but if it wasn't you then who was it?" Harry noticed that Hermione looked his way more than once during the whole ordeal, but she couldn't read his mask, and Harry knew that he was safe from accusation. Percy undid her wacky hair colors before continuing his rant.
"That is the kind of thing that will get house points taken from us! I do not want to ever see anyone do that, especially outside of the common room. If I catch you I will personally deduct points from Gryfindor, however much it would pain me to do so."
'What an oaf!' thought Harry ecstatically. 'He would be fun to mess with too.' With an unseen wave of his hand he put some cat ears on Percy's head and a sign that said 'Kick Me' on his back.
The first years erupted into more laughter, Harry joining them this time. As Percy spun around to try to see where the spell had come from the students noticed the sign on his back and laughed even harder. Harry noticed that one, also with red hair, a boy though, was laughing a little harder than others.
"Percy!" exclaimed the red headed boy, "You never told me that Hogwarts was so fun!"
"Ron, it shouldn't be this fun! Now I demand WHO DID THIS!"
The snickers increased and to avoid suspicion Harry acted, however childish, just like the rest of his classmates. Harry's mind began to wander though, 'So Ron and Percy know each other, brothers perhaps?' Harry began to think of all the possibilities of allies that he could get at Hogwarts. Though it wasn't common he was considering prank allies from other houses as well. Oh this was going to be a very fun year.
**********************
That night in the dormitory, Harry avoided any talk directed at him, but joined in the snickering at the disruptions that he had caused. Naturally, he didn't tell the boys in his dorm room that it was he, they didn't need to know, not all of them. He would find which ones could be trusted, and which ones would give away his secrets. That night Harry slept soundly, and dreamt of his parents once again.
***********************
The next morning Harry awoke very early. He was used to German time, almost two hours before England's. To his disgust when he checked his wizards watch, it was only 4:00 AM. For an hour Harry tried to fall back asleep, but to no avail. In the interest of keeping his sanity, he was going insane with boredom, he decided to get up and do something, what, he didn't know yet. Before leaving the dorm he grabbed his shrunk guitar, and quietly proceeded to descend the stairs to the common room.
He passed through the common room and out the portrait hole. Silently he stole down the hallways to the kitchen entrance. He tickled the pear and walked in. Instantly he was set upon by roughly five house elves, all asking if he needed anything.
"Um, could I get some early breakfast? I'm not used to this time-zone yet," he said sheepishly. Almost immediately there were two trays piled full of food in front of him, and the same five house elves asking if he needed anything more. "Um, I think that I'm fine, thank you very much." With that he left the kitchens and proceeded to the Great Hall so that he could enjoy his breakfast. As he entered the hall he noticed that there was no one else awake, or at least in the hall. He sat down alone at the Gryfindor table and started on some crepes that the house elves had prepared. After finishing those he began on the pancakes. It was twenty minutes later that Harry stopped his breakfast, and looked down at his watch, 4:45 AM.
'I still have a long wait. Might as well play a bit.' With this Harry unshrunk his guitar and made sure that the volume wasn't too loud. Then he began to play 'sure shot' by Yellowcard. Softly he sung along, but he realized that it didn't sound as good without the accompaniment. Harry decided to do something about it; he conjured up a drum set a bass guitar, and a keyboard. These he charmed to play on their own. 'Now this sounds right,' he thought as he began to play along.
Harry had done all of this upon a sort of stage that was in the Great Hall for demonstrations, and he had to admit that the instruments that he had conjured were quite professional. Harry began to play many songs that he knew upon this stage, singing along. He didn't even notice as students began to trickle into the hall, frankly he didn't care.
These students however were watching him, listening to him play. Though most liked the music, some didn't care for Harry's selection of soft punk, punk, and heavy metal. The people's present, most at least, had increased opinions of Harry after witnessing him. Soon enough Harry noticed that he had an audience and was about to step down, but some of the students asked him to continue. This he did. He finally had to stop do to running out of songs that he knew how to play. With a wave of his wand the instruments disappeared and the first years present gasped at his apparent mastery of magic. The upperclassmen didn't seem to notice that Harry Potter was performing magic they could barely do.
Soon, the Great Hall had become packed with students eating their breakfast, and it seemed that everybody knew that Harry Potter was a musician, and a good one at that. Many people came up to ask him how he had learned to play, some of these people he chose to ignore, like that Hermione Granger. Harry still didn't see any reason to even acknowledge her existence; she hadn't proven herself sorry for striking out yet.
As Harry was sitting alone the school schedule for first years appeared next to him. This he picked up and scanned over, Double Potions first thing, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and then History of Magic after lunch. Harry wasn't going to argue with the schedule, he was really looking forward to all of his classes, especially potions. Sirius had never been very good at potions and so there was much that Harry still had to learn about that sector of magic. History of Magic sounded interesting as well. Harry was pretty sure that he would know everything from DADA and was thinking that this last may be his naptime. He would soon find out how wrong he was about these assumptions.
***********************
"Ah, Mr. Potter. Our new - celebrity." Harry with all he was expecting, was not expecting this. "Tell me, what would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"
"You would get the Draught of Living Death sir, but certainly we will not be making that?"
"You question what I would ask you to make Potter?"
"Not at all sir," Harry retorted, he was beginning to get angry with this potions master, and his eyes were beginning to show it, "I was simply insinuating that perhaps that potion was a tad bit advanced for us first years."
"Three points from Gryfindor Mr. Potter, for back talking to a teacher." Snape turned his eyes from Harry's as quickly as possible however, something in those eyes made him fear this boy. 'I'll have to keep an extra close watch on this one,' he thought.
The rest of potions went without incident for Harry. He found that after their professor had stopped talking the class was much more enjoyable. He was walking alone to DADA when he heard someone run up behind him.
"Umm, Harry?" Harry turned to see the red headed boy from his year and house. "Hello, I'm Ron Weasley, and you are Harry Potter. I just wanted to warn you about Professor Snape -"
"Snape?" said Harry snapping to attention. "His first name doesn't happen to be Severus does it?"
"I'm not sure," Ron admitted, "but anyway, I just wanted to tell you that he is very unfair to Gryfindors. I also wanted to say that it was amazing, you staring him down. How did you do that?"
Harry looked shocked, "I stared him down?"
"Yeah, didn't you? I mean, the whole class saw it. He couldn't look you in the eyes anymore and he turned away from you. Then he didn't say anything again to you for the rest of the class."
Harry pondered on this for a second before saying, "Well, I didn't mean to at least." He was beginning to like this Ron kid; he was amusing.
"Hey, want to walk to Defense Against the Dark Arts with me?" Ron offered.
"Sure," replied Harry, glad to be starting a friendship.
During DADA Harry and Ron sat next to each other and talked. Quirrel, their DADA teacher, didn't mind because he was done with the class after the first fifteen minutes. He had only given them a speech on what they would learn that year. Harry and Ron talked for the rest of the 45 minutes of class. They covered school, people they already got to know, and those they didn't like (Harry of course kept his secrets his), but most of all they talked about quidditch. Harry told Ron that he had a Nimbus 2000 and Ron was to say the least, very impressed. He asked Harry if sometime he would be able to ride it. Harry said that he could and Ron was ecstatic. He asked many questions about the broomstick, such as how it handled, top speed, ect.
After DADA Harry and Ron walked to the Gryfindor tower together and put away their school things. Harry grabbed his History of Magic book and shrinking it put it in his pocket. Harry not thinking anything of this act, was confused as to why Ron's mouth was hanging open.
"Ron? What's wrong?"
"Harry, did you just shrink that book?"
"Yeah why?"
"That is magic that we don't learn until we are fourth years!"
"Oh. Would you like me to show you how to do it sometime? It is a bloody useful spell."
"Would I ever!"
"Alright, how about this weekend?"
"Okay, well, lets get down to lunch."
Both did this but not before Harry shrunk Ron's book as well and gave it to him to carry. Ron said his thanks as they headed down the stairs to the Great Hall. The two ate lunch together and talked about music and classes so far. During their talk on music another Gryfindor first year approached them.
"Hello, my name is Angie," she stuck out her hand in a greeting. (A/N: Kudos to all that recognize her from my other fic. Which I remind you is on hiatus for a while.)
Harry took it first saying, "Pleasure to meet you Angie, I'm Harry Potter." Angie nodded and Harry was pleased that she didn't recognize his name, or decide to not gape over it. Ron took her hand next introducing himself as well.
"What brings you over here to this part of the table?" Harry asked her.
"Oh well, I had heard that you played the guitar. I wanted to know if you wanted someone to play with. I mean, I play the bass guitar."
Harry's eyes lit up. "Really? I would love to play with someone. I've never been in a band before, though I suppose that we would still at least need a drummer."
Ron coughed, "Well I can sort of play the drums. I'm not that good yet but I have been playing for about six months now."
"That's great!" exclaimed Harry. "We could play together in the mornings, or afternoons, whenever we get the time and want to play."
"Well," said Angie, "there is one problem."
"Yes?"
"I don't have a bass guitar," she said gloomily.
"And I don't have a drum set here," said Ron in an equally melancholy manner.
Harry smiled. "That isn't a problem. I'll just conjure some up for you when we want to play!"
"You could do that?" Ron asked in surprise. Harry just nodded. Angie seemed mildly impressed by his ability as well but made no mention of it.
It seemed to Harry that there was more to this girl than met the eye. And he wanted to find out her secret. She seemed to ignorant of wizarding policies and people. 'She could be muggle born,' Harry mused. 'I suppose that it will take some questioning to find out.'
After lunch the newly formed trio headed off to History of Magic. It seemed that everybody was in shock to find that a ghost taught this class. Harry was sent into even more shock when he found that the ghost only talked in one tone, and it could make the most bloody and exciting historical events seem like watching snails race. Minutes crawled by and Harry made a mental note to change History of Magic to his naptime rather than DADA, which he had enjoyed.
That night Harry was up late thinking about his new friends. He wondered if they would continue to be his friends through fire, because he was more than likely to receive some. Then he thought about Sirius, and what he was doing without Harry to keep him company. Harry silently cried himself to sleep.
********************
"Welcome students, to your first flying lesson! Now, put your right hand over your broom, and say 'up.'"
"Up!"
There were only three who got their brooms to arise right off, Harry, a blonde Slytheran boy, and Angie. Ron got his broom up soon after. Harry was very pleased to note something that apparently Hermione was not good at. Her broom wasn't even quivering under her forceful 'ups.' Soon she, in frustration, simply picked up the broom when she thought no one was looking.
Madam Hooch, their flying instructor, seeing that everybody had a broom in his/her hand continued, "Now, mount your brooms." Everyone did so. "I want each one of you to slightly lift up on the broom and then pint it slightly down. This will make you fly into the air and then make you land again.
Everybody pulled up on their broomsticks and then pulled back down, some more quickly than others. One person, Harry recalled hearing his name was Neville, seemed to be having a few problems. The main one being that he couldn't land, he kept flying higher and higher into the air.
"Mr. Longbottom, Mr. Longbottom where do you think you're going?" Neville, panicking now, began to fly forward as fast as the broom could go, straight at the side of the castle. At the last possible second he pulled up with the strength born of desperation and missed the wall by mere inches. Harry seeing Neville's trouble immediately called his Nimbus 2000 to him and when it arrived twenty seconds later he took off after Neville, ignoring the cries from beneath him.
Harry followed Neville for quite a ways before catching up to the terrified boy. "Neville! Listen to me! You have to calm down!" yelled Harry. Neville nodded his head, but didn't seem to be calming down at all. "Neville! Calm yourself!" This time Harry could see the boys shoulders relax slightly.
After gaining this slight advantage Harry dictated how to land and slowly Neville did so. Once on the ground Harry decided that he could fly both Neville and himself back to Hogwarts, and have the broom simply follow them. Neville reluctantly agreed when Harry pointed out that Hogwarts was quite a ways away now.
It wasn't long before Harry and Neville had returned, and Harry landed.
Immediately students swamped him, all telling him how brave he was. Harry felt himself turn red; he hated the attention. Madam Hooch however, was not as pleased with Harry's antics and told him right off how dangerous it was to do what he did. After telling Harry this she rushed straight to the Hospital Wing with Neville, saying something about possible emotional distress.
Before she left however she gave strict instructions of no flying. "The person who is caught in the air, their house will lose 100 points."
After she had left sight Harry was beset with questions, that is until: "Hey look, Neville left his rememberall." It was the blonde Slytherin. "I wonder if he wants it back?"
"Leave it alone Malfoy," said Ron angrily, "It is not yours."
Malfoy sneered at Ron, "But supposing I take it?"
"Give it here Malfoy," stated Harry.
"Or what? Will 'perfect Potter' come and get me?"
"I may." There were a few gasps at this statement. And Harry stepped forward towards Malfoy, who in turn mounted his broom and flew into the air.
"Well Potter? Scared to come get it?"
"Not at all Malfoy." Harry mounted his Nimbus and flew into the air.
"Tell me Potter, if I threw this now - would you be able to get it?"
"Of course."
"Well then think quick!" With that Malfoy chucked the rememberall right at the castle wall, Harry with lighting fast reflexes took off after it. He was closing in on the rememberall, and unfortunately the wall. Twenty feet - fifteen feet - he was almost there - ten feet - Harry's hand closed around the rememberall - five feet - Harry pulled into an intricate twist/flip, throwing the broom down and his body to the right. One foot - was all the space that Harry had remaining. Harry smiled at Malfoy who cursed back, and landed with the rememberall, only to be for the second time that day swamped by students.
Harrys many admirers crowed around him, not letting him move for at least five minutes. And moved only then because Professor McGonnagal came out onto the grounds yelling, "Mr. Potter! Come with me right now!"
Harry looked back and saw Malfoy and his two goonies laughing, but not loud enough to attract McGonnagal's attention.
"Come on Potter," she said impatiently. Harry followed her in silence, feeling the eyes of all the students present on his back. McGonnagal led him into the castle and down corridors, but not towards the headmaster's office, in fact, towards the DADA room. Once there she slipped her head inside the door and asked Quirrel if she could borrow a student named Wood. A minute later a tall boy, probably a fourth or fifth year came out looking confused.
"Yes Professor?" he asked with a heavy Scottish accent. (A/N: I couldn't remember what it was in the movie so I'm making it Scottish. This is an AU fic.)
"Wood, I have found you a seeker!"
Now it was Harry's turn to be confused, he thought first years were not allowed on the house team. Wood however was delighted. "What makes you think he is a seeker Professor. I'll admit, he does have the build for it." Wood began to circle Harry.
"This boy caught this," she pointed to Harry's hand, which still held the rememberall, "with one foot to spare from hitting the castle wall. He was going full speed before he began slowing five feet from it."
Woods eyes opened wide in amazement. "So Potter, have you ever seen a quidditch game?"
"Of course I've seen a quidditch game," Harry answered, then to test them, "Although we only had two people. Sirius and I always played together."
Wood and McGonnagal's eyes opened a little wider at the mention of Sirius, but neither said anything, which pleased Harry. He couldn't play with people that made snide comments about Sirius; he wouldn't stand for it.
Wood proceeded to ask if he would be able to play for the team, being a first year. McGonnagal said that she would see if Albus would make an exception. Wood seemed ready to jump with joy at finding a seeker that McGonnagal thought was good. It was nearly forty-five minutes later that McGonnagal let him go down to lunch, thought Wood stayed talking with her. Harry couldn't wait to tell Ron and Angie.
As he got there however, instead of seeing Ron and Angie, he only saw Granger. "I suppose that you lost us 100 points," she said very coldly in a very accusing tone. Harry couldn't resist.
"No actually, I suppose that you could say I was rewarded."
Then he headed off towards the far end of the table where he found Ron and Angie. Ron's jaw dropped in amazement as Harry told his story. Harry noticed that Angie looked a little confused at the mention of quidditch. Harry noted this, but didn't ponder it that day. After charms in the afternoon Harry was ready to crash.
He couldn't help thinking about all the people asking him questions in charms. He had been slightly embarrassed to find that he was the only one in the class, besides that Granger girl, that could perform the assigned charm. Harry went to sleep that night wondering if he would ever become a normal kid, never swamped by people who just wanted to know who he was, not know him.
(A/N: There, fixed the chapter. And newer answers to reviews are below these ones.)
Makulit: Hmmm - I didn't think about that whole clapping thing. Though I suppose the Gryfindors would be happy to get 'Harry Potter' still. Yeah on the train thing too, I just couldn't find a way to fit it in, and I really wanted to have him late with an entrance : )
Allie - I am honored to have your first review. I hope that you continue to review. And you said 'joshin!' I thought I was the only one that said that!
Prongsjr - Glad too have you reviewing yet again! Sorry about the couple days delay. Oh, and sugar can NEVER be a bad thing : ) On the powers issue, he is most likely going to mask it, but not attempt to pretend to be learning new stuff.
Otaku Freak - Heh, THANKS FOR ANOTHER REVIEW! I hope you liked this chapter. I don't want to have the others know that he can apparate quite yet, so I didn't use that. But soon enough. Soon enough.
Time Twins - This chapter is a bit longer! I hope that you approve! Thanks for yet another review!
Rachel A. Prongs - Glad you like the Harry! I'm pretty sure you liked what those silver and gold eyes can do to Snape : ) CHEERS!
HP - Thanks!
Shaughn - Thanks for the review, it means a lot to me.
Chris - as to #1, Harry is not going to be a punk, well, maybe to Malfoy. As to #2 *fidgets* THANKS!
Angel - Here is more! I hope you liked it!
Lady Phoenix Gryfindor - Favorites? I'm honored m'lady. *bows* Thank you very much. And I hope that you liked this chapter too.
****************************
(A/N: These are the new reviews.)
Rachel A. Prongs - Added the McGonnagal part. Oh, and if you remember, Hermione was heavily disliked by Ron and Harry until Halloween. I promise that she won't remain unlinked forever : )
Mercedes - Thanks for the time zone thing, I changed it to two hours. I know it is still not one but I wanted to have a little bit more of a time difference.
Allie - Thanks for continuing to review!
John - I suppose that since my other fic has been discontinued for now it would be unfair to make you read it. So, Angie in my other story was a muggle girl that Harry liked. Anyway, while at work something happened and Angie and Harry became very close. Harry brought her to Diagon Alley on the promise that she wouldn't say anything that would make her look suspicious. There in the bookstore he found a VERY old book. In a one-day long ceremony he gave her the gift of magic.
VampAmber - I am honored that you would put this on your favorites list. I am also looking forward to reading your hardly-serious reviews! Hehe.
Sum1 - Well, here is some more. I may finish the next chapter today, if not then hopefully tomorrow.
Makulit - Hehe, yeah. Hermione does NOT have red hair. I changed it for you. Explanation: I read a fic one time that blatantly made it so that Hermione had red hair. I just carried that idea with me for the longest time : ) Won't make the mistake again.
(A/N: Thanks to all who have reviewed in this short time. I hope I made the chapter ending better. Last night I was dead tired, I had only gotten four hours of sleep the night before, and I couldn't think or type.)