I do not own Harry Potter, only the OC.

Hello guys, Badger here. Back again, with a new chapter. You know how it goes. I'm feeling much better if any of you are wondering.

As I was writing this chapter, I looked at all the notes I took for different routes the story could go, and I narrowed it down to two choices. One sticks relatively close to canon, until Goblet of Fire where shit hits the fan and things diverge from canon after that point. The second option sticks relatively close to canon until the end of Chamber of Secrets, where everything after that is completely different to canon. Not going to lie, the second looks more appealing, but I'll let you know of my decision sometime in the near future.

Anyway, I'll let you read the new chapter, and I'll see you at the end.

Chapter 3

A Small History Lesson

Seven-year-old Harry Potter was wandering around the corridors of Hogwarts. He was panicking slightly, as he was sure he was lost. As the students went home for the holidays, Harry thought it was safe to go around for a walk. However, his mind must have been elsewhere, because he ended up in a part of the castle, he wasn't familiar with and was now completely lost. He was starting to feel scared and just wanted to make his way back to his room. Harry looked around wildly, hoping to find something that he recognised so he could make his way back. However, every corridor looked the same and tears began to fall his face.

"Harry?" A voice called out behind him

Harry turned round, to see McGonagall making her way towards him. She had a look of concern on her face, noting the tears down his cheeks. Harry immediatley ran to her and immediatley hugged her by the legs, happy to see her. McGonagall felt her heart melt, seeing the young boy she's loved for the past few years, crying into her robes. She knelt down slightly and picked Harry up, hugging him gently, as his tears began to stop.

"It's okay Harry" She said, soothingly "How come you're all the way up here?"

"I…I got lost" Harry sniffed, wiping his eyes with his sleeve

"Well I'm here now" McGonagall said, before she came up with an idea "How about I take you back to my classroom and I'll transfigure some animals for you?"

McGonagall couldn't help but smile at the excited look on Harry's face. The boy loved animals and he always enjoyed seeing McGonagall and other professors doing some magic. Holding Harry in her arms, holding him close, McGonagall carried him, as they made their way out of the corridor and towards the Transfiguration classroom.

…

Harry rubbed his eyes, as he was woken up by the soft call of birds outside. It took him a few seconds, but he quickly remembered he was inside his new room. The Ravenclaw prefects weren't that happy with Harry living separately to the rest of Ravenclaw House, but Flitwick had explained things to them, though not everything. He cracked his back, smiling softly at his dream. McGonagall had always been stern, but gentle with him, as he was growing up. Even though he got on well with the other female professors, like Professor Sprout, Vector and even Trelawney to some extent, he only felt a connection with McGonagall. If Dumbledore has been his father figure, then McGonagall has been a mother figure. After getting dressed into his robes, Harry left his room, the portrait door closing behind him and made his way down to the Great Hall. As it was still early in the morning, not everyone was up and awake. Most of the students in the Great Hall were Ravenclaws, not really helping debunk the stereotype the House is known for. Rolling his eyes slightly, Harry sat down on the far side of the table, which was mostly empty and piled some bacon and eggs on his plate. It wasn't long until the Twins, who saw him come in, sat down opposite him.

"Good morning Harry" Fred said, a bright smile on his face as he tipped an imaginary fedora

"We're surprised you're up" George continued "It's still pretty early"

"I've always been an early riser" Harry shrugged "Besides, what are you two doing up so early?"

The Twins looked at each other for a few seconds and then looked around to see if anyone was eavesdropping, before George removed a leather notebook from his robe pocket. Opening it, they presented the pages to Harry, both sporting the same mischievous grin that Harry was all too familiar with by this point.

"Planning" They said in unison "We've come up with a bunch of ideas"

"Decoy Detonators, to cause a distraction" Fred said

"Canary Creams, that turn the eater into a canary" George added

"Fever Fudge, to give the consumer a high fever"

"Puking Pastilles, self-explanatory"

"Instant Darkness Powder, to make a quick and dramatic escape"

"And so much more" They finished in unison, with a big toothy grin

"How do you guys get ideas for such thing?" Harry rolled his eyes, amused

"Great witches and wizards never tell their secrets Harry" Fred replied

"If that was true, then we won't have spell books, or a school for that matter" Harry said dryly, turning back to his breakfast

"Well he's got us there Fred" George spoke up, after a moment

"It seems he does brother of mine" Fred replied

Soon the rest of the school arrived for breakfast and the Great Hall was abuzz with conversation and laughter. As soon as they arrived, the rest of their friend group immediatley made their way over to where Harry and the Twins were sitting, much to the surprise of the rest of the students, as they weren't aware of the history between them. Near the end of breakfast, Flitwick made his way down Ravenclaw Table, handing out their timetables. After handing Harry his timetable, he remained where he was, for a moment.

"Mr Potter, Professor Dumbledore has asked that you head to his office after your lessons today" He said

"May I ask why sir?" Harry asked

"I'm afraid I don't know, I was merely asked to give you his summons" Flitwick replied, giving Harry a discreet wink, which caused Harry to smile as he gave a small nod

"So, what do you all have for your first lessons?" Fred asked

"Me, Harry, Aila and Susan have Transfiguration" Michael said, looking through his timetable

"You're lucky" Blaise spoke up "We have History of Magic with the Gryffindors, first thing"

"Oh great" James said, sarcastically "It's not like I have books about magic at home I can learn from instead"

"Believe me, it's worse then you think" Fred said "If Binns is still teaching the subject then expect many to fall asleep…just be glad you get to drop the subject when you choose your electives for Third Year"

…

After breakfast, Harry walked into the Transfiguration classroom, alongside Michael, Susan and Aila. As they were early, the classroom was empty, besides a small cat that sat on the desk. As they sat down at some desks on the front, Harry mouthed 'hello professor', causing the cat to slightly bow down, as if nodding to him and seemed to smile at him. As they sat at their desks, Harry couldn't help but look around the room. He always enjoyed being in here. There was always a strange, yet calming aura that seemed to fill the air. It was almost soothing in a way:

Harry was ten years old. He was sat inside the Transfiguration classroom, a book on Transfiguration in his hands, watching McGonagall turn animals into inanimate objects. They were the only ones in the room, as McGonagall had a free period where she wasn't teaching, so Harry was safe from being seen for the time being. Harry watched with fascination, as McGonagall waved her wand over the parrot, turning it into an elegant wine glass. No matter how many times Harry saw it, it always amazed him. Harry looked down at the book in his hands, looking at all the text and sketches, before looking back up to see McGonagall turn another animal into a bronze goblet, effortlessly.

"It seems so much more complicated in the book" Harry commented, looking back at the text, looking at all the big words that were written

"Trust me Harry, it may seem easy, but it can be just as complicated as the written text" McGonagall smiled gently "For me, it is simple and easy to grasp, as I have had years of practice and experience, but for a student, such a subject could take years, possibly even decades to master"

"My dad was great at Transfiguration" Harry said softly, before looking back up at her "Do you think I will be as good as he was?"

McGonagall smiled softly, at the look on Harry's face. James Potter was extraordinary at Transfiguration. McGonagall considered him to be a master at the subject and she often took great delight in saying so. After he graduated, James had considered taking a Masters in Transfiguration and McGonagall told him she would take him as an Apprentice if he chose to do so. Of course, he died before he could. McGonagall placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, as she crouched down, so they were eye to eye.

"I think you will be great" She said, reassuringly "I have no doubts, but remember, it's okay to not be great at some things, everyone is different, however, sometimes we're tested ,not to show our weaknesses, but to discover our strengths"

Harry couldn't help but smile up at her, before looking back down at the text book, reading through the passages, imagining himself preforming the spells.

"Harry!" Michael said, shaking him violently

Harry jumped slightly, shaking his head to get rid of the cobwebs. He pinched the bridge of his nose, before looking to Michael, who was looking at him a little worried, whilst the rest of the students started making their way into the classroom.

"Are you okay there Harry?" Michael asked "You seemed to be spaced out there for a moment"

"Sorry, I was thinking about something" Harry replied, scratching the back of his neck

"Must've been something good" Michael shook his head, slightly amused "I've been calling your name for about five minutes"

Harry gave him a sheepish smile, as he turned to face the front of the class, as the last few students sat down in their seats. After a few moments, the cat jumped off of the desk, morphing into McGonagall, before it landed on the ground. Harry couldn't help but smile at everyone's surprised faces. He hoped he could learn to become an Animagus one day. McGonagall looked around the classroom, almost smiling at the students reactions. She always enjoyed seeing peoples first reactions to her Animagus ability. With a wave of her wand, a bunch of match sticks appeared in front of every student, as she addressed the room.

"Transfiguration is one of the most complex aspects of magic" She said, waving her wand at a blackboard, where a wand movement and incantation appeared in white chalk "An aspect of magic that can, possibly, take decades for even a skilled witch or wizard to master…even simple spells can have disastrous side effects should they go wrong…if you have read the textbooks for this year, you will know the spell you will be practicing today…a simple spell, every first year is taught for their first lesson, Par Acus, otherwise known as the match-to-needle spell…the wand movement is on the blackboard, behind me, House Points will be awarded to those who are able to turn their match into a needle"

As McGonagall made her way around the room, monitoring everyone, Harry removed his wand, feeling the same warmth of magic he felt inside Ollivander's. After practicing the wand movement, looking at the blackboard as he did so, he pointed the tip of his wand at the match, before uttering the incantation with the movements. He felt a strange tingling feeling spread through his body, as the match lifted itself, about an inch off of the table, and it seemed to be warping. Harry felt the wand vibrate slightly in his hand, so he narrowed his eyes, trying to picture a needle in his mind and watched, as the match slowly, but surely turned into a needle. It wasn't perfect, the tip was blunt and it seemed a bit wonky, but Harry was happy with the result.

"Well done Mr Potter, a good first attempt" McGonagall said, before turning the needle back into a match "Take 10 points to Ravenclaw and try again, practice makes perfect"

Harry smiled, as he turned back to his match. The rest of Transfiguration flew by and Harry and co soon found himself heading to their next lesson. Michael was complaining that McGonagall had given them an essay on their first day, causing Harry rolled his eyes, knowing that he'd probably do the whole thing at lunch.

…

Dumbledore was sat at his desk. It was getting late and he had a letter in his hands. An owl had delivered it not too long and he was currently reading through the contents. He couldn't help but smile at what he read. He looked up, when he heard a knock on the door and called for the person to enter, as he placed the letter in a draw.

"Ah, Harry" He smiled, gesturing to a chair, as Harry entered "I'm glad to see you remembered to come here"

"I always remember" Harry replied, as he sat down

"Of course you do" Dumbledore said "So Harry, how was your first, official, day at Hogwarts?"

"It was incredible" Harry beamed "I mean, I know the professors here have taught me a few things before, but it felt great actually doing magic"

"I'm glad" Dumbledore smiled, before he turned serious "Tell me Harry, how did your wand feel, when using it?"

"It felt…strange" Harry replied, a bit confused at the question "Whenever I hold it, it feels warm and comforting in my hand, and when using a spell, I feel like some strange tingle through my body…it's a nice feeling but, still strange"

"I thought so" Dumbledore nodded, making Harry raise an eyebrow "Tell me Harry, do you know the 'Tale of the Three Brothers'?"

"Yes, it's my favourite fairy tale" Harry nodded "Why do you ask?"

"Because it's not just a fairy tale Harry" Dumbledore replied "I'm sure you remember the wand, a wand Death created for the first brother…a wand more powerful than any other, the Elder Wand…a long time ago, an old friend of mine, a friend who became an enemy, Gellert Grindelwald, managed to find the wand and, as you've probably read in stories, done terrible things and tried going to war against the Muggles…we fought and I was able to win the wand from him, however it didn't respond well to me, so I gave it Ollivander for safe keeping…it remained in his shop ever since…until you entered his store"

"Wait…are you saying my wands the…Elder Wand?" Harry asked "Why…why would it answer to me?"

"Remember what Ollivander said Harry?" Dumbledore replied "A wand like that can only be wielded by a powerful witch or wizard…or a witch or wizard who has the potential to become so…I imagine, the wand senses the potential in you, and can see you becoming a powerful wizard one day…like I can"

"Do you think I will be powerful enough to beat him?" Harry asked

Dumbledore knew who Harry was talking about. Voldemort. A few years ago, Dumbledore had told Harry everything about what happened that night his parents were killed and it was his destiny to defeat Voldemort. Dumbledore saw no reason to lie to him. He deserved to know.

"Yes Harry, I do" Dumbledore smiled gently "One day, when the time comes, I believe you will be powerful enough to defeat him…which brings me to what I also wanted to talk to you about…I'm sure you noticed that you have free periods on Tuesdays and Thursdays…well, during those periods, I want you trained in all aspects of magic, so you are ready for when that day arrives"

"Really?" Harry perked up "You'll be training me?"

"Yes, me and a few others will teach you, and your friends if they wish" Dumbledore nodded "After all, a strong leader needs strong allies…just don't mention this to anyone but your friends, that is, if you want to be trained?"

"Yes, yes I do" Harry nodded eagerly

"Ok then, make sure to tell them" Dumbledore smiled "Now off you go, its almost curfew"

Harry nodded and made his way to the exit. However, he stopped as he opened the door. He stood there for a few moments, before turning around to face Dumbledore.

"Dad" He said, getting Dumbledore's attention once more "If what you said is true, about the Elder Wand…where is the Cloak of Invisibility and Resurrection Stone?"

"Ah, I believe I know the possible location of the Cloak, though I can't be sure until my sources are proven true, but as for the Stone, your guess is as good as mine" Dumbledore replied, before raising an eyebrow "Why do you ask Harry?"

"No reason…was just curious" Harry said, before leaving the office

Dumbledore narrowed his eyes for a moment, before shaking his head, turning back to the papers on his desk. He'd need to check up on the Third Floor soon and make sure the defences are being set. After the recent break in at Gringotts, Dumbledore had the Philosophers Stone moved here. He had a feeling Voldemort was behind it. Should Voldemort learn of the transfer, no doubt he will try something at some point, to get it. And hopefully, Harry will stay away from it all. At least until he was ready to fight.

…

And the new chapter is done. What did you guys think? What was in the letter Dumbledore was reading? Who knows.

As this chapter had Harry's first Transfiguration lesson, I felt like it was appropriate showing a couple of his memories centred around him and McGonagall. This is something I might do for some of his other teachers, like Snape, so expect those memories sometime soon. If you read the previous chapter, you may remember me mentioning me considering Harry becoming the Champion of Hogwarts, the protector of the castle, during his Sorting but cut it last minute. I thought about having this happen much later in the story, but might cut it out entirely, depending on how I feel about it, or if I can find an appropriate place to include it. Do let me know what you think of this idea and if it should be included or not.

That is all for now. I do hope you enjoyed chapter 3 and I will see you next time.

Badger Out.