A/N: I was struck by inspiration, and I just had to write this chapter out. I hope you enjoy it!!!

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Chapter 05: Classes and Confusion
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It was an interesting week of classes for Harry. The presence in his mind helped him from class to class, so he never got lost, and the Gryffindor students were nice to him once they found out that Professor Mcgonagall was his keeper' as well. Harry noticed that the Hufflepuff students avoided him, the Ravenclaws looked like they wanted to study him, and the Slytherin students looked at him in the same way one might look at a piece of dirt stuck to their nicest shoes. Those looks made him uncomfortable, but he tried to ignore it as much as possible.

It seemed that the only Slytherin that Harry couldn't avoid was Draco Malfoy. The boy just seemed to go out of his way to make sure he was always around to insult Harry. By the end of the first week, Harry was getting angry at the boy and had begun plotting his revenge. Plotting revenge was the easy part for Harry, since his mind was naturally cunning, but he was having more trouble coming up with a story that wasn't a lie. He knew from the sorting hat that Magi were not permitted to lie while inside the wards of the school. The wards could detect the lie, and would punish the offending student.

However, the presence in Harry's mind, which he was beginning to think of as the school's voice, apparently decided to help him out. One morning, right after a huge thunderstorm, Draco Malfoy walked into the Great Hall, soaking wet.

Professor Snape! The boy yelled. Somebody opened my closet, and drenched all my clothes with rainwater! Harry had a vision of a hole opening in the grounds, and water falling in in rivers, bringing mud and old grass with it. Then the vision's eye' flew down the hole, and right into Draco's closet. Harry had to try really hard not to laugh out loud.

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At the end of the first week, it was customary for the teachers to gather in the staff room, so they could talk about the first years. During these talks, they always outlined how the class went, and described any unusual aptitudes shown by the students. Naturally, talk turned to the most unusual student of the first years, and the only member of Draconus House, Harry Potter.

He shows an amazing amount of power, began Flitwick, but he can't direct it in any way. His wand movements are very precise, and his pronunciation impeccable, but none of his spells seem to work. Flitwick then related his experience with Harry during Charms class.

After picking himself off the floor, Professor Flitwick set them to work on the simplest spell in his book. It was a spell most first year students could do by the end of the first class. In fact, it was just a spell to replicate what normally happened when the wand was first put into their hands. He called it the glitter charm. All it did was cause a flurry of colored sparks to erupt from the end of the wand.

Professor Flitwick was fully expecting Harry Potter to work the charm first, since it seemed obvious that he was quite powerful, but a girl named Hermione Granger managed it first, earning herself five points for Gryffindor House. One by one, each student made the charm work, and the air was thick with colored sparks, which faded after a few seconds. The only one who couldn't seem to make the charm work, was Harry Potter.

The young man was sitting alone at his table, trying his hardest to work the charm. Professor Flitwick watched for a moment, and noted his execution. It was perfect. The wand movement was perfect. It was graceful, and didn't look forced. His pronunciation was also perfect. He spoke each syllable, and put the emphasis in the correct place. There was no real reason for Harry's inability to work the charm, and Flitwick didn't really know what to make of it.

I really have no explanation for why he would be struggling. Flitwick finished.

Snape began silkily, the boy has no real talent at magic, and it was a mistake for him to be here.

Flitwick said flatly. At the end of the class period, he got frustrated that he couldn't get the spell to work, and slammed his hand on the desk. The windows took me a few hours to repair, they exploded into so many pieces. Snape didn't seem to have an answer for that.

It was at that point which Albus Dumbledore walked into the room, wearing the Sorting Hat. Are we discussing young Mr. Potter? He asked. When several teachers nodded, he continued. The Sorting Hat seems to have taken an interest in our young Magus, and requested to be here tonight. So, anything interesting to report? Albus listened patiently to Flitwick as he retold his story. Interesting, but I have no ideas right now. At this point the Sorting seemed to be speaking to Dumbledore. Alright, Sorting Hat, you may speak after we've finished our staff meeting. Now Severus, there has been a rumor going around the school about something interesting happening in Harry's potions class. Can you tell us about it?

Snape looked decidedly uncomfortable with saying anything that might be taken as praise, but knew that the Headmaster expected an answer. Potter seems to have a natural aptitude for predicting the effects of a potion. He can predict what MIGHT happen when two ingredients are mixed. I think it might be some type of scanning ability.

Snape was just finishing up his opening speech, when he noticed the Potter brat was not paying attention. He decided to make an example of him quickly, and make sure he knew his place. He snapped. What is the difference between Monk's Hood and Wolfs bane? The girl next to him put her hand up, but Potter looked quite bewildered.

I don't know, sir. He said. Snape sneered. it was going perfectly.

Well, it seems that fame isn't everything. Tell me, Potter, where I would look if I wanted to find a bezoar.

I don't know, sir. Was the response, exactly as Snape wanted.

Didn't think you'd need to crack a book, eh Potter? Snape sneered. This was going to be the best one. Tell me then, what would I get if I were to combine powdered root of Asphodel with an infusion of Wormwood?

To Snape's infinite surprise, Harry actually looked relieved. This was an O.W.L. potion, and he thought he knew what it was? May I please see the ingredients, sir? was the question he asked, which caught Snape off guard once again. Completely nonplussed, Snape retrieved the ingredients from the store room, and set them on Harry's desk.

Harry considered them, one at a time, and then closed his eyes, appearing to be in deep thought. Snape was about to say something scathing, but his eyes opened again. I can't be certain, Professor, but I think it's a sleeping potion of some kind. A powerful one, if it is a sleeping potion.

Snape was trying not to gape. The ingredients were harmless by themselves, and neither one had any sort of narcotic qualities when separate. How did this boy know they would be a sleeping potion? So powerful, Potter, that the potion is called Draught of Living Death.' As for the other two questions, a bezoar is found in the stomach of a goat, and will protect you from most poisons. Monk's Hood and Wolfs bane are the same plant, also called Aconite. He looked away from Harry. Well? Why aren't you copying this down?

 I was unsure of what to do with this knowledge, Headmaster, so I waited until this meeting to bring it up. Snape said.

Well, it appears that he's getting better with his scanning talent. Commented the Sorting Hat. He'll be the greatest scanner in the last 900 years, once he's fully developed.

Snape arched an eyebrow. As far as i can tell, Headmaster Dumbledore is the greatest scanner in the world. His talent is unmatched in the rest of the population.

Alright then, said the Sorting Hat, a test. Dumbledore, what can you tell me about young Magus Potter's magic? And no guesses, just what you've sensed so far, since I know you haven't scanned him actively yet.

Dumbledore looked thoughtful. Well, he's a young man, with great potential. When he relaxes his mental blocks, his raw magical strength is equal to a student of fourth year. That's all I've been able to tell so far. I'll understand more once I've scanned him completely.

I'm sure that you will. Now, would you like to know what Harry knows about you? Dumbledore thought in the affirmative, even though his head never moved. I thought you might. First, Harry knows that you are the most powerful person in this school, even though you've been hiding your power from the students. He knows that you are a partial beast-speaker, although he doesn't yet know that he knows. He knows that you've used Dark Magic in the last ten years, although he can't yet tell when, and he knows that you've lied to him on at least three occasions. If a hat could look smug, then the Sorting hat would have right then. This is as a first year, with no formal training in the art of scanning. When he's fully trained and developed, his gift will be astonishing in it's accuracy and complexity. I'm surprised that you would contest his abilities, Snape, having seen them in action for yourself. I know that the old coot under my brim couldn't have managed to predict a potion's properties just by looking at the ingredients.

Dumbledore said. We'll give him some time to develop his scanning talent, then I will see about training him to discern more. Hat, do you have any ideas as to why Magus Potter would have a particularly strong scanning talent?

I most certainly do. Time for a history lesson, so get comfy. The hat said. Magi are born to fight, you might say. Most of their magic is used specifically in battle, or in wartime situations at least. On a battlefield, there are many threats, some greater than others. The Magi developed the scanning ability to help them prioritize targets. After all, why waste time on defeating thirty opponents only to have the real threat to your safety sneak up on you. The ability is a natural gift that comes with the Magus aura. The real mystery is how Magus Potter came to be a Magus. It's not a natural occurrence. Something happened to the boy that turned him INTO a Magus. He wasn't born one.

A question for another time. Dumbledore said. Now, about Magus Potter's educational dilemma. What can we do?

That's an easy to solve problem. The hat said. Let him take notes on everything that you're working on right now, and then I'll help him adapt what he's learning to his needs. I can't help him yet, though. Who here is going to work on a sustained spell in the near future? Flitwick said he was going to begin the Levitation charm soon. Good. When it comes time for him to begin casting the spell, send him to me. I'll need a teacher to help, but i can get him over his stumbling block without a problem.

I hope you can. Professor Mcgonagall said. His wand seems to be useless in his hands. He's getting quite discouraged.

The hat practically yelled. What on Earth is he using a wand for? Magi don't use wands! No wonder the boy is having troubles. In a Magus' hands, a wand is quite useful, but in a very different way than it would be in the hands of a wizard.

Well then, we will look forward to seeing how you handle our young Magus. Dumbledore said, ending that discussion right away. The fact that harry wouldn't be able to use his wand much in a duel was discouraging. He'd just gotten a letter from Ollivander about Harry's wand. Now, it seemed, the advantage was negated.

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It was the next day, and Harry was making his way to the Headmaster's office. He had been called out of Lunch, which he didn't really mind. He was always uncomfortable in the Great hall, since he was alone at his little table, and he could feel the eyes in the Hall on him.

The Gargoyle jumped aside as he approached, and Harry once again wondered why it did that. It had done it once before, but Harry still didn't know what it meant. He followed the stairs as they rotated their way to the top. Once there, he knocked softly on the door, and waited until the Headmaster called him in.

You wanted to see me, sir? Harry asked, stepping into the room.

Yes Harry, I did. The Headmaster said. The first night you were here, you brought a potential security risk to our attention. I thought you might be of some assistance as I address the problem. A panicked squeak alerted Harry to the caged rat on the Headmaster's desk. Professors Mcgonagall and Snape have told me you can perceive magic visually, and that you have some scanning ability. With your permission, I would like your help in scanning this rat, just so I can get a feel for how advanced your scanning gift might be.

I can do that. Harry said. The Sorting Hat fell off of it's shelf, and right onto Harry's head. Harry giggled, then got serious. Shall I start? Dumbledore nodded. Ok, then. The first thing I can tell you is that this is not a rat. I've seen a few rats in the castle, but none with a partially human aura. So far, I've only seen one magical rat in the castle so far, and its aura was yellow in color. This rat has a mostly yellow aura, but there are small portions of green mixed in. Green is a color that I can only associate with human auras, since I haven't seen anything else with a green aura.

Very good, Harry. Myself, I have determined that this was indeed a human animagus. What else can you tell me?

Well, I don't need to see its magic to tell that the rat is frightened, but looking at its aura, I can tell you that it's terrified. The aura is flared to the maximum, meaning that the rat is scared enough to do something violent to aid itself in escaping. If it were in somebody's hand, that somebody would have been bitten. I can also tell you that this rat-man is having a hard time holding his form right now. The human parts of his magic keep trying to overwhelm the rat parts. Harry said. Right now, I think that the fear of being hurt in the transformation is the only thing that's keeping him in this form. If he wasn't in a cage, he probably couldn't keep it together.

That's an interesting bit of information, Harry. Professor Dumbledore said. I must confess that I did not notice that information when I performed my own scan.

Sorry, Professor, and forgive the change of subject, but why is the Sorting hat on my head? Harry said. Dumbledore chuckled a bit.

Dumbledore said, You are a Magus, and have been having trouble in class so far. The Sorting Hat, being more of an expert on the Magi than any of us, has volunteered to help you learn to cast spells properly. That way, you should be able to keep up with your year mates. I'm guessing the hat wanted to see how you perceive the world around you, so that he could better assist you in your studies.

Ok, that sounds good. Harry said. So, who's our little Rat-man?

Sadly, we must proceed in this investigation without you for the moment. Dumbledore said. This Rat is what we call an unregistered Animagus, and must be dealt with in a criminal investigation. Since you are aware of the situation, I will do my best to keep you informed of the situation with our little rat, here. However, criminal investigation is best left to Professionals.

Harry was a little put out at being left out, but hid it. I can accept that, I suppose. Let me know if you need my help with anything else, Professor. Harry then left the office.

Rest assured, Harry, Dumbledore murmured, as his eyes narrowed at the rat in question, we will find out what's going on.

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Classes continued for the next week without incident, at least until Thursday. Thursday, right after class, Harry was supposed to have his first flying lesson, along with Gryffindor and Slytherin. He wasn't looking forward to dealing with Slytherins, but he was looking forward to seeing exactly how wizards used brooms to fly. There was a small altercation between Draco Malfoy and a Gryffindor boy named Neville Longbottom at the breakfast table, which seemed to have something to do with a small glass ball that belonged to Neville. Professor Mcgonagall handled it quickly, however.

Classes dragged on throughout the day, as things do when one is looking forward to them ending. Finally, Harry found himself walking out onto the grounds, to have their first flying lesson. Both the Slytherins and the Gryffindors were bragging quite loudly about their experiences on a broom, the most glorified one being Malfoy's daring escape from muggles in a helicopter. Harry could not help but chuckle at the obvious aura shifting going on. Each and every one of these stories was either greatly exaggerated, or an out and out lie.

Madam Hooch was a no-nonsense teacher, and had them jump right in to the basics of gripping the broom. Harry was greatly amused, as were several Gryffindors, to find that Draco had been gripping his broom wrong for years. Harry didn't see a difference in the magic depending on where the hands were, so he assumed that it was a control issue.

Harry was trying to pay attention to the lesson, but he really didn't like the feel of the broom. It was clumsy, and probably couldn't maneuver as well as he could if he was unencumbered. He wasn't really paying close attention, but snapped back to reality when Madam Hooch told them that she wanted them to push up off the ground when she blew the whistle. She was counting down, but the boy named Neville got a bit jumpy, and kicked off early. He rose high into the air, before falling off his broom and crashing to the ground.

Madam Hooch rushed over, and examined him a bit, before announcing that he'd broken his wrist, and had to go to the hospital wing. She told all of them not to use the brooms until she got back. If I see a single broom in the air, the one riding it will find themselves out of Hogwarts before you can say Quidditch. She said.

As soon as she was out of sight, Harry felt the malicious glee of Malfoy's filthy aura. He turned slowly, already knowing what to expect. Sure enough, Malfoy had Neville's little glass ball in his hands, and a look of evil enjoyment on his face. Harry was sick to his stomach at the thought. How could this boy take enjoyment in watching other people being hurt? It was enough to make Harry dangerously angry.

Look! Fat boy dropped his new toy! He exclaimed, and the rest of the Slytherins laughed.

Malfoy, give it back! Yelled one of the Gryffindor girls, that Harry didn't recognize. He was sure that he had heard her name a few times, but he couldn't remember it.

Ooh! Sticking up for Longbottom? Said one of the Slytherin girls. I never thought that you'd go for fat little crybabies, Parvati!

Harry was standing there silently, but decided it was time to act. Give that ball here, Malfoy. He said quietly. The rest of the students went silent as they watched the exchange.

Draco smiled nastily. I don't think so, Potter. I think I'll leave it somewhere for Longbottom to find. Up a tree, maybe? Without further ado, Malfoy kicked off the ground and flew up above the nearest tree. What's the matter Potter? Beyond your reach?

Harry picked up his broom to make chase, but was stopped by Hermione. Harry, you can't! You heard what Madam Hooch said; you'll be expelled! She said. harry decided that she had a point. he handed her the broom. She looked relieved.

Draco looked a bit smug. Ha! Look at Potter cower!

What happened next would forever be remembered by each and every student there. Harry closed his eyes, raised his arms, and a pair of huge glowing wings erupted from his back. he opened his eyes, and the blazing green irises focused on Malfoy. Almost instantaneously, Harry was on level with draco, standing in midair, about ten feet away. Malfoy was stunned speechless. Give it here now, or I'll knock you clean off that broom!

Harry's words jolted Malfoy back to reality. Oh really? he tried to sneer. Harry could feel the fear in his aura, and decided to scare him even more. Faster than Draco could react, Harry flew right over his head, grabbing a few strands of hair on the way by. (A/N: Harry has been flying for a long time, and has great control of his flying.)

As soon as Malfoy had turned around, he noticed a small stinging sensation on his scalp. It felt like someone had pulled his hair. Harry caught his attention, and held his hand up. He then blew the hairs into the wind. No Crabbe or Goyle to protect you up here, Malfoy! Harry yelled, pinning Draco with a glare that promised much pain and suffering. Draco seemed to panic, and threw the glass ball as hard as he could away from Harry. He then retreated to the ground as fast as possible.

Harry wasn't concerned with Draco anymore, now that the ball was no longer in his possession. His new concern was the fate of the little glass ball. Already it was beginning to plummet towards the ground, and It was a good distance away. Harry took off after it. He was fast, but the ball had gravity's acceleration on its side, plus a big head start. He was gaining on it, but it was closing in on the ground fast. Finally, he caught it, and spun around it midair. He jammed on his brakes as quickly as possible, but was too close to the ground to pull out. His one foot hit the ground, and he bent his knee immediately. The other leg was already bent, so he landed that one on its knee. He spread his arms to balance himself. He took his position into account, and figured that it must have looked quite impressive to everyone else. It really was a perfect landing, given the circumstances. He closed the connection to his wings, and they disappeared as he stood. Everyone was staring at him in awe.

HARRY POTTER! Harry cringed at the voice. It didn't sound as if Mcgonagall was impressed. Harry could tell she was both angry and relieved at the same time. Never-- In all my time at Hogwarts!

It wasn't his fault, Professor. The Parvati girl tried to interrupt.

Be quiet, Miss Patil! Mcgonagall snapped. How DARE you -- might have broken your neck!

But Malfoy...

ENOUGH, Mr. Weasley! Mcgonagall snapped. Potter, follow me. She stalked off.

Harry followed her, a bit apprehensive. He seemed to be in trouble, but he couldn't think of what he'd done wrong. There was no rule against what he'd done, was there? She walked back to her office, and sat down in her chair. Looking out the window, Harry had a perfect view of the grounds on which he and Malfoy had played out their little drama. You saw the whole thing, then?

Yes Harry, I did. She didn't seem as angry now, and she had used his first name. I believe what Mr. Malfoy did was deplorable, but I am not at liberty to punish him, since I am neither the teacher of his class, nor his Head of House. However, I am your Keeper, so I can punish you for breaking the rules.

Harry was confused. Professor Mcgonagall? What rule did I break? Mcgonagall looked at him disdainfully for a moment, before realizing that he honestly didn't know.

For heaven's sake, Harry! My window was open, and I heard Madam Hooch tell all of you not to fly without her there to supervise!

Professor Mcgonagall, Harry said, Madam Hooch said no BROOMS in the air. I obeyed the rules, and handed mine to Hermione Granger before I took off. I had never ridden a broomstick before, and wasn't ready to test myself on it just yet, so I fell back on riding the wind, which I've been doing for about three years now. Professor Mcgonagall's face had changed from anger to surprise as she realized that Harry was right. I'll admit I was a little scared as I got close to the ground, but as the muggles say, I really stuck' the landing.

I guess you're right, Harry, and I apologize for being cross with you, but you really had me scared for a moment. His keeper said. I will however ask you to refrain from any more aerial acrobatics until I can figure out how to help you improve on this wonderful talent of yours. You have a real gift for flying, much like your father did. He preferred a broomstick, of course, but he was a wonderful Quidditch player.

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It was dinner time on that day, when Draco sauntered up to the small table in the corner, under the Draconus banner. Having a last meal, Potter? When do you catch the train back to the muggles? His cronies, who had sauntered over as well, laughed.

Harry's eyes flashed, but he didn't dignify the question with a response. Instead, You seem to be a lot braver now that you're back on the ground, Malfoy. was the cool response.

I could take on on anytime on my own. Draco sneered. Tonight, if you like. You up for a Wizard's duel, Potter?

If you want to challenge me, you know the words, Malfoy. Make it official. Harry said. he was hoping that Draco wouldn't do it, but he was to be disappointed.

Alright Potter, if you insist. Draco sighed, then switched to a very formal tone. I, Draco Lucius Malfoy, hereby challenge Magus Harry Potter to a duel.

Harry said, in an equally formal voice. He really didn't want to fight, but he didn't have much of a choice. Draco opened his mouth to set terms, but a gong sounded from above the staff table. Harry rose from his chair, as Draco spun around to find out what was going on.

It was Mcgonagall who stood to address the student body. Magus Harry potter has been challenged to a duel. She said in a very formal voice. Professor Snape, who had been watching Draco speak to Potter, rose to remind Minerva that dueling was against the rules at Hogwarts. She cut him off before he could begin, however. According to the rules governing Draconus house, the young Magus must duel with anyone in his year or younger, if they challenge him to a formal duel. The Headmaster rose this time, to try to circumvent the rules, but he was also cut off. The challenge has been made, and accepted. The duel will take place after dinner. She then sat down.

Draco's pale face turned a bit green, and Harry watched his muddy brown aura twist and turn in fear. It was obvious to Harry, even though he was untrained, that Draco had not intended on dueling with him in front of the entire school, if he had planned on dueling with him at all. Given the Slytherin house's reputation, it was entirely possible that he had intended to lure Harry out of bed to get him in trouble. Harry couldn't help but smirk to himself. Whatever the plan had been, it had blown up in his face.

For the rest of dinner, Harry kept his eyes on Draco. He was sure that Draco was going to lose this duel, but he wanted to make sure he was ready for anything that Draco could throw at him. The Slytherins around him kept whispering things in his ear, and Harry could see the confidence building inside the muddy brown aura. He guessed that the others were reminding Draco that Harry had yet to manage even the simplest spell with his wand. Harry was a little worried about that himself, but only in terms of his schoolwork. He had no intentions of using his wand in this duel.

At the end of dinner, the Headmaster cleared the tables away, and called the dueling platform to the center of the room. Harry took his place on the one end, and Draco took the other. Professor Mcgonagall, who was officiating, counted down from three, and the duel began. Harry stepped into a defensive posture, ready to dodge any attack from Draco, but the blonde boy really didn't know what to do with himself in a duel. He flicked his wand at Harry, and a few sparks flew from the tip, but the attack was totally unimpressive. Harry didn't really want to fight, so he decided to end it the same way he had stopped the bullies in his school from picking on him. He raised his hand, palm towards the ceiling, and concentrated. A few sparkles of energy appeared in the air, and were pulled together to form a little ball of magic. Harry pulled it in towards his body, then snapped his wrist towards Draco. the little ball, which resembled a glowing golf ball, struck Draco right in the chest, and the blonde boy crumpled to the floor, unconscious. Harry normally used that little trick when fighting with bullies. Magic ball was so small that nobody noticed it, and it always knocked them out cold for a few moments. Harry was declared the winner.

Professor Snape rushed to Malfoy's aid, but the blonde Slytherin was already beginning to stir. Seconds later, he opened his eyes and sat up. He looked ready to continue, but was told that he'd lost, and had been knocked out for about fifteen seconds. He was quite angry at losing the duel, and felt humiliated. Professor Snape took him to the Hospital wing to be checked out, and Harry went to his dormitory.

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A/N: I hope you enjoyed that chapter, and I have a favor to ask of someone. I've lost my plot idea for Time Wizard, and was wondering if someone would like to take it and run. If you're interested, send me an e-mail!

Next Time: Harry's trouble with a scheming Ministry, A feast, and a Troll.