/I don't own anything you recognize in this story. /

Chapter Three

Transfiguration was the first class that I ever had at Hogwarts. Eagerly anticipating for the class to begin, I had arrived early to the classroom to brush up the things that I had learned in my book. As was expected, I didn't meet anyone in the classroom.

Taking a seat in the front row, I pulled my book out from my duffel bag and opening it, I began reading, immediately enthralled with what I was reading. I was so deeply immersed in my reading that I didn't notice that someone else was also in the room with me.

"You are here early, Severus. I don't think I have ever seen another student so deeply in love with learning," the person said finally.

Jumping slightly with surprise, I look up and saw the same auburn-haired man that I had seen last night at the feast. Narrowing my eyes, I felt my anger rising within me yet again. How dare he study me so intensely? I felt like he could scrutinize every part of me and know my deep dark secrets, yet he seemed to have no feelings of superiority. I had a feeling that this man treated every person he came across with equality as much as he could.

"I am here to learn, sir," I answered, "this is a school, is it not?"

The man's mouth upturned slightly into a soft smile and I frowned, wondering what the man was thinking. He seemed different from the other teachers that I saw in the Great Hall last night and had struck my curiosity to know more about him. No other person had such an effect on me.

"Of course. This is where you come to learn everything that is taught within these walls. But, I think, Severus, that at school, young people such as yourself learn to be with others as well as bond with them. Human beings are social creatures by nature and we cannot bear to be severed from others of our own kind," the man exclaimed.

I shook my head. "I don't think so, sir. Some humans were born to be alone."

"Really? I would be delighted to learn more about this philosophy, Severus, but I am afraid that we are cutting close to when your classmates are expected to come in. I would be delighted if you could meet me here after all your lessons are over today, if that is not an inconvenience to you," the man said, standing as the beginnings of the rest of the class began to follow into the classroom.

I nodded, slightly skeptical. "As you wish, sir. I will be here promptly."

As the rest of the class began to fill up, I noticed with a silent groan that James and Sirius were in the class with me. Pulling my schedule out of my bag, I saw that Gryffindor and Slytherin Houses had this class together. I frowned slightly. This was going to be real pleasant.

"Hey, look, James, it's grease ball," Sirius exclaimed and everybody around him laughed heartily, much to my disgust, "I see we meet again. I didn't expect you'd make it through to your first class, Snivelous."

"I don't have anything to say to you, blood traitor," I hissed and everybody laughed even harder.

"That will do," said the auburn-haired teacher and everybody scattered to find desks to sit at.

Smirking slightly, I felt slightly triumphant that this teacher was on my side and that he was in here before anything bad could turn out.

"If anyone of you don't know who I am, my name is Professor Dumbledore, and this year I will be your Transfiguration teacher. I must warn you that this subject is an extremely complex and difficult one that requires your full concentration, otherwise you'll find yourself in dire circumstances, many of which might not be reversible," Dumbledore explained.

I was immediately transfixed. This sounded more interesting by the minute and it didn't matter that Dumbledore seemed to see right through me. I was going to learn loads.

"…So I must warn you," Dumbledore continued, "if you do not have the drive or if you continue with upmost concentration, you will find yourself out of this classroom before you can say 'magic'. Any questions?"

James raised his hand. "Will we be transfiguring anything soon?"

"All in due time, Mr. Potter, all in due time," Dumbledore stated. "Now, please, if you'll turn to page 394 in your books, I have some notes that I would like you to take."

The class groaned, but I immediately took out my book and began writing down everything that I thought was to be important. I didn't want to be behind on my first day.

Finally, at the end of the hour, the bell rang for the class to end. Packing my books up, I noticed Professor Dumbledore striding towards me.

"Are you alright, there, Severus?" Dumbledore asked, his voice showing concern.

I nodded. "Of course, professor. Why wouldn't I be?"

Dumbledore shrugged. "I thought what young Mr. Potter had said before class today might have had an effect on you."

I stiffened and threw my bag over my shoulder. "It had no such effect on me, sir. Words are words and a person can choose to have them get to them or continue on with their life. I can tell the wrong sort for myself and know how to avoid them. Please excuse me, professor, but I have to get to my next class and I don't wish to be late."

Dumbledore nodded. "Of course."

I turned and walked towards to door to leave. Just as I was leaving, Dumbledore called out to me. I turned back around to face him.

"What is it, professor?" I asked.

"I just wanted you to be reminded of our meeting tonight," Dumbledore said smiling, "I don't wish you to forget."

I managed to smile back. "Of course, professor, I haven't forgotten. I will see you later."

"Oh, and Severus," Dumbledore called.

I turned back around. "Yes, professor?"

"Be careful and watch out for yourself, things happen when you least expect it," Dumbledore stated, "and if you need anything at all, please come see me, I'll be happy to chat."

"Yes, professor, I'll bear that in mind. Goodbye," I said and headed out the door, never looking back and trying to shake the feeling that somehow Dumbledore was truly caring.