Magical Origins

A/N: ok, I'm going to say this again, I have permission to use this story. I wrote to the author before I started this story asking for his permission and I have it. This story is going to be different than Harry Potter and the Elemental's Power

Chapter 7: The First Week

Harry woke up for the first time in his life, excited that he was going to finally learn some magic. After a week of exploring the grounds and castle; and getting a sense of where everything was, he was finally feeling both excited yet nervous about learning some magic.

Harry got up and quickly brushes his teeth before he took a shower. Feeling fresher then he has in his life. Putting on his fine robes Harry was please to actually look like he was someone instead of a scrawny kid with broken glasses who would be wearing elephant skin for clothing.

Walking down the snake like corridor, Harry enters the common room to see Draco Malfoy and Theodore Nott already awake.

"Damn Potter, now you look like a real pureblood." Malfoy said as he complimented Harry. Harry knew not to give any emotion as he merely nodded his head and stood there in his school robes that look as if he was going to an important event. Harry was please to know he was doing something right in Slytherin.

"Morning, Harry how are you this morning?" A female voice said as a female walk down the stairs. She was a fifth year who befriended Harry in his first week and saved him from Filch who Harry learned had a bad temper towards all students and was waging war against them for the smallest thing.

"Morning Artemis." Harry said in a even tone. Draco and Nott snickered with their hands holding their mouths to prevent them from laughing.

Artemis Wynter was a beauty. With long blonde hair that was perfectly trimmed, with piercing blue eyes. She had fair skin that made her rosy lips seem to blossom. If Harry was older he was sure he would fall head over heels with her. She was in her fifth year and the female Prefect of Slytherin.

"Excited to begin learning about magic?" Artemis asked.

"Yes, I've been practicing and I've been doing fairly well." Harry answered smoothly.

"If you need help just come find me." Artemis said giving Harry a wink.

Harry could feel his cheeks turning red from the dangerous game the two of them were playing. Harry doubt anything serious would ever happen between them but the game was still in dangerous waters between them and both knew they could only go so far.

"If you need any help just come find me, I'm more than happy to point you in the right direction." She said and Harry couldn't help but grinned.

It was odd seeing how a few months ago no one would even look in his directions because they were afraid of Dudley and his little gang. Harry would have given anything to receive attention, positive attention unlike the negative attention his aunt and uncle would give him. Now that he was getting the attention he desired he was unsure how to respond to it.

Harry said nothing as the boys went down for breakfast. Not many Slytherin's bothered them but they did greet Harry a hearty hello.

Professor Snape walked up to the first years handle out their schedules.

"Mr. Potter, I trust you are finding the house of Slytherin to your satisfactory." Professor Snape said not giving Harry his schedule.

"I am sir." Harry said slowly.

"I do hope you will not embarrass the great name of Salazar Slytherin. A lot is expected of you and I pray you don't prove to be a mishap in the house." Snape said as he handed Harry's his schedule before walking off to deal with the third years.

"What was that all about?" Harry asked Blaise. Blaise shrugged his shoulders not knowing what was going on. It seemed like Professor Snape came to gloat and mock Harry yet also give him advice. Harry pushes his new rectangle glasses up and looks down the table for Wynter. Harry finally found her as she was talking to several of her friends. Harry walked over to her and taps her on the shoulder.

"Hey Harry, what's up?" Artemis asked.

"Professor Snape is being strange." Harry said slowly.

"Strange how so?" Artemis asked. Her friends gave a couple of giggles

"He mocks me but also gives me advice." Harry said as he explains what his encounters have been with the head of house.

"Hmm, I've never heard of him behaving that way towards a member of Slytherin before. I know he is very strict and takes no nonsense. However I do not know why he would behave like that towards you." Artemis said in a slow voice. Harry was left with more questions than answers. Harry gave his thanks and went back to Blaise who wanted to know what the 'Harry's' girlfriend had to say. Harry replied that she didn't have a clue.

"If I were you, I would behave like a true Slytherin." Blaise advised after Harry told him how he felt about the whole ordeal.

"How would I do that?" Harry asks Blaise.

"My mother has taught me to be a perfect Slytherin. First, speak only when spoken to. It's best if you choose your words careful and not give yourself away to everyone."

"So learn to be cryptic with my words." Harry said slowly.

"That's one of putting it. I'm surprise your guardians didn't teach you how to maintain self-control." Blaise said. The moment the Dursley's were mention indirectly from Blaise Harry's mood darken. Blaise seeing this did not push the matter.

"Let's go to class, we got an entire year to practice for you to be a perfect Slytherin." Blaise said. The two of them got up and went to their first class.


"Look there, did you see."

"Where?"

"The boy with the glasses."

"Did you see his face, it's so cute."

"Did you see his scar."

"The one where you know who left him."

"Don't these people have anything better to do than to stare at me?" Harry said after they had pass a fifth group of students who couldn't but stare at Harry as the pass by.

"Let's see they could but they are staring at the boy who stops the dark lord."

"Yeah but it doesn't make it easier knowing they keep staring at me." Harry mutters darkly.

Their first class was charms with rest of the first years. This made Harry excited because charms was used for nearly well everything. They arrived to see several Ravenclaw's already seated with their books and quills ready. A trait Harry couldn't help but wonder if they were truly bookworms like the older Slytherin's mention.

It didn't take long for the rest of Slytherin to enter. Remembering the rule of a house unity, Harry greeted Draco politely while Draco did the same. Neither truly trusting the other. It didn't take long until the Hufflepuff's arrived and everyone look very excited to begin.

Harry was talking to Blaise and a girl name Daphne Greengrass who didn't seem stuck up like Malfoy. She was pointing out the different uses that charms could be uses. She was interesting in trying to use charms to increase or decease a peron's ability. Harry however was more interested in learning how to cast powerful offense and defense spells.

The door opens immediately creating silence in the classroom. In walk in the shortest person Harry has ever seen in his life. Harry knew Professor Filius Flitwick was consider small but reading his background in the Hogwarts; A Magical Guide told him that Flitwick was not a Professor to be underestimated with. A dueling champion, one of the greatest charms masters in the world many wondered why he stayed teaching in school when he could easily retire and have a easy life outside of school.

Professor Flitwick started out by calling roll. When he got to Potter's name he gave a squeak and fell off the books he was standing on. Several Ravenclaw's got up and help their Head of House back to his feet.

"Now then, I do not expect much from you on your first days, but let's start with something basic for charms. The Color-Changing Charm. Now," Professor Flitwick made several pieces of paper appeared before everyone. "Do not be embarrassed if you cannot change the paper's color right away. It takes time and patient for one to master the ability to use even the basic charms. This is just for you to get a hang of the magic that you will be practicing for the rest of the year. Now give it your best shot." Professor Flitwick said as they all began stare at the paper in front of them.

Draco was waving his wand around as if he was expecting his paper to change right away. Instead the only thing his paper did was fly away from him. Hermoine Granger apparently got to work right away and was pointing her wand at her paper her face showing every ounce of concentration. Lily was tapping her wand on her own paper and was giving a strange face that showed frustration and concentration. Ron was mimicking Lily and his paper, Harry swore his gave a noise as if hit was against being hit.

"Concentration, focus on changing the paper into another color." Professor Flitwick said as he gave a few helpful tips to all of his students. Harry stared at his paper and pointed his wand at it. He focus was focus on the color green that he didn't notice his wand was vibrating in his hands. Closing his eyes he focuses hard changing the color to Slytheirn Green. He has done spray paint on objects before, so he was imaging that his wand was a paint brush and the paper was going to change colors.

Harry didn't realize how much time had past, because Professor Flitwick started clapping. "Well done, Mr. Potter. Well done. Ten points to Slytherin." He said beaming at Harry. Harry looked down and saw his paper had turned green with a silver serpent in the middle. The worlds 'Slytherin' was written above the serpent.

Harry notice many students were looking at him in awe, while Hermione was looking jealous that he manage to do it before her and Lily was looking slightly impress. Ron however looked very angry.

"Tell the class how you manage to do it Mr. Potter." Professor Flitwick asked.

"Er, well I imagined that my wand was acting as a medium to change the color. I picture the color and shape in my head and try to pour it out onto the paper." Harry said slowly.

"Excellent, five more points for a well said. Yes, you're wand is a medium to your magic children. You must focus on what you want it to change into and it shall happen. Focus on what you see in your mind and channel it to your wand and the magic will happen. Try it again." Professor Flitwick said as he walked around the room giving tips and helpful suggestions to those who were stuck. Lily finish five minutes later. She was able to get a lion on her paper with a red diamond. It wasn't as good as Harry's but it spoke volume about her magical control and abilities. Hermione Granger was the third person though she spent more time on trying to make it perfect and colorful. All four houses and animals were surrounding the big letter 'H' for Hogwarts. She beamed with pride as she earned ten points for Gryffindor. One thing Harry found out was Professor Flitwick was very fair to all of his students. He didn't discourage them but rather he would encourage them to improve. In the end, only six other students manage to change their papers into another color. Blaise, Draco and Daphne among them. Each student earned ten points for their houses. A girl name Sue Li from Ravenclaw while a boy name Ernie Macmillian turn his into a bright yellow paper. He didn't put the badger up. For what reasons, Harry didn't know but he was very proud of himself.

"Mr. Potter, can you remain behind." Professor Flitwick called out as Harry got up to leave. Harry turn around but was received by a hard shove by Ron who muttered 'Dark Wizard' underneath his breath before he storm off. Ignoring his childish temper Harry approaches Professor Flitwick.

"Was that your first time attempting a charm Potter?" Professor Flitwick asked the moment the door had closed and there was no one left but the two of them.

"Er not really, I've tried the charms spells in my book and they came to me rather easily." Harry said honestly. He didn't want to lie to his Professor, as he wanted to have a good time at Hogwarts.

"I see, I'm surprise not many can grasp the basics of charms so quickly. You're mother was a master at charms. One of my most prize students. She could have surpassed me if she was still alive however…" Professor Flitwick said as he looks down. Harry felt a pang in his chest when he realized this was a person who knew his mother.

"You knew my mother?" Harry asked his voice going dry very fast.

"I did, when she first walk in those doors and put on the sorting hat and after her graduation from Hogwarts. She was a model student and I hope you will be the same." Professor Flitwick said.

"What was she like?" Harry asked eagerly.

"She was brilliant, kind, smart and very independent. She was by the book but knew when to have fun. A Prefect in her fifth and sixth year and made herself Head Girl in her Seventh. She was one of Hogwarts most talented witches. I'm sure your family has told you much about her."

"Actually they haven't sir. They don't speak at all about my parents." Harry said.

"I knew Lily didn't get along with her sister, but I didn't realize it would be that bad."

"I wish to learn more about my mother if that's alright Professor." Harry asked.

"Yes, that would be nice. Harry, I must also warn you, the House of Slytherin will hold many enemies for you. Not everyone in that house appears to like you because they don't." The Professor said in a sudden warning tone.

"Professor?"

"Listen to me Potter. I cannot always watch over you and I'm sure Professor Snape is also doing what he can to prevent some of the students from harming you. You see, many of the children come from families who have strong ties to the Death Eaters." Professor Flitwick said in a hard and stern voice. Harry felt a sudden piece of dread inside of him. He knew what the Death Eaters were. He read about them in the Rise and Fall of the Dark Order. They were the Elite Wizards and Witches of the Dark Lord Voldemort. While the lesser dark witches and wizards were called Wraiths, the Death Eaters were considered to be some of the worse in their society. While many were captured many more manage to vanish from the public eyes taking their identity with them when their master fell. If some of the children had ties to them than…

"Are they…"

"Going to hurt you, I doubt it; Professor Dumbledore has asked the teachers to keep a close eye on you Mr. Potter. The ghost will also be following g you around to ensure that no harm comes to you so do not be surprise if you see them around you all the time."

"Why all the security Professor?"

"Mr. Potter you may not realize it, but you are a national symbol of the magical world. If something were to happen to you, it would ruin the image of many people and the society we live in. Believe it or not, you are a symbol of the future. During the dark era for us, thing were bad. I'm not sure if you can imagine but you became a ray of hope for everyone. A light we need. When the time comes, I shall be helping you defend yourself."

Harry said nothing as Professor Flitwick wrote on a piece of parchment and handed it to him.

"Now of you go to your next class. That's for Professor McGonagall in case you are late." Professor Flitwick said as he dismisses Harry. Harry had more questions but knew they would have to wait. Harry grabbed his bag and walked out the door.

Finding the transfiguration classroom was hard but in the end he arrived to see everyone writing down on their parchment. Looking around to see Professor McGonagall he could see she wasn't present only cat was sitting on the teachers' desk where McGonagall should have been. Realizing it was probably Professor McGonagall herself, Harry walked up and place the piece of parchment on the desk.

"Sorry I'm late Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick kept me after class." Harry said. The cat did nothing so Harry turn around to sit down next to Blaise. Many students were looking at him like he had grown a second head.

"What are we copying?" Harry asked.

"On the board. It's the class syllabus." Blaise said as Harry notice for the first time a class room syllabus. Harry began to copy the follow. No sooner had Harry put his quill on the parchment, the doors burst open and Ron Weasley, Dean Thomas, and Seamus Finnigan burst in.

"We made it. Could you have seen the look on McGonagall's face if she caught us coming in late?" Ron said as he sat down. The cat however took a leap forward and grew rapidly fast into a Professor McGonagall. She walks forward and stares at her three Gryffindor's were fury in her eyes.

"That was bloody brilliant." Ron said in awe. Harry had to admit he too was amaze by Professor McGonagall shape shifting abilities.

"Thank you Mr. Weasley, now would you care to explain why you are late without a note like Mr. Potter?"

"Why does Potter get special treatment?" Ron nearly shouted but he fell silent under Professor McGonagall's glare.

"We got lost/ and Filch was harassing up near the third floor." Dean said.

"Then one of you needs to have a map or perhaps a pocket watch so you can arrive on time. I can change you all into these you know." Professor McGonagall said.

"Sorry Professor it won't happen again." Dean said as Seamus and Ron nodded.

"Then you don't mind if I take five points from Gryffindor for your tardiness."

"Five points is not bad." Ron said in a somewhat proud voice.

"Five points each."

"What?" Ron nearly shouted.

"Sit down Mr. Weasley, or I shall give you detention." Professor McGonagall said as she went to the front of the class and turn to face them all. The three Gryffindor's sat down while Ron was staring at the back of Harry's head.

"Transfiguration is one of the hardest branches of magic you will be learning during your stay in Hogwarts. Anyone who is foolish enough to mess around in my class will be out of Hogwarts faster than you can say 'Expelled.' You have been warned." Professor McGonagall said as she transforms her desk into a dozen kittens. The girls all squealed at the sight of so many kittens while the boys stared in amazement. Professor McGonagall changed the kittens back into her desk again and began her lecture. Many were eager to begin, Harry included. To Harry's disappointment, Professor McGonagall gave every student a match stick and ask them to change it into a needle.

Expecting an easy result Harry waved his wand and said the incantation perfectly. To his frustration, the match sticks remained the same. After several more tries Harry grew more frustrated and soon began waving his wand in frustration.

Taking several deep breaths, he calmed down and tried to remember what he learned in charms. Taking the image of a green needle Harry began to change the match stick into a needle. Opening his eyes, Harry was please to see that half of his match stick had turn into a needle. Looking around he was please to see only Granger had made some progress. Although hers only had a tip transformed. Her face was screwed up in concentration trying to focus on what she was doing wrong.

Harry turn back to his match stick and began to change it again. For the first time in his life he remember he didn't have to hold back on his academic performance because of Dudley. For the first time, he wanted to do well because he desired to be the best. Harry then changed his match stick into a needle and was please to see how well the needle looked. Deciding to play a game he turns the needle back into a match stick and then changes it back into a needle. He was so caught up in his game that he didn't notice Professor McGonagall walking towards him with an expressionless look on her face.

"What are you doing Mr. Potter?" She asked. Ron gave a snicker thinking Potter was in trouble.

"Er, I'm trying to see how fast I can change my match stick into a needle and back again Professor." Harry said truthfully.

"My word, I have never had a student perform such a feat Mr. Potter. Not even your father was this talented. Five points to Slytherin." Professor McGonagall said. Several students couldn't help but be in odd as they stared at him. Hermione was staring at him in disbelief as if she couldn't figure out how he could be so talented. Ron was also upset as he had fury written all over his face.

It wasn't long before Harry learned Professor McGonagall was fair but very strict. A strict teacher, Hermoine manage to finally change her match stick into a needle but couldn't do what Harry did. None the less she manages to earn five points to Gryffindor.

"Mr. Potter, would you please remain behind."

"You're unusual popular." Blaise said as he went to lunch. The classroom empty as Professor McGonagall unrolled the parchment from Professor Flitwick and she read the lines very carefully.

"I see Professor Flitwick as told you what is going on with you." Professor McGonagall finally said.

"Yes Professor." Harry said.

"He was not lying, there is going to be a lot of pressure place on you. Professor Dumbledore is personally screening your mail to ensure that no one sends you anything that can harm you. While many people will love and adore you, others could be secretly be plotting the end of you."

"I don't understand what makes me so special Professor." Harry said. He knew he held great power of his magic, but he also didn't understand what made him so important.

"I don't expect you to understand, but in time perhaps you will. For now, trust the Professors. You are far too young to fully understand what happen in the last Great Wizarding War but it was bad. You are the symbol of a new era for us. The time will come when you understand that. Now then, Professor Flitwick will be giving you extra lessons when you are in your third year and have a better grasp of your magic and ability to control it as well. The magic you will be learning will be highly advanced for many students."

"I don't understand, are you saying there is more magic to learn than just at school?" Harry asked slowly.

"Indeed, Professor Flitwick is one of the few who knows more about charms alive. I too shall be helping you in your third year so you can better prepare yourself."

"Why?"

"Professor Dumbledore doesn't want you to know… however I believe you have the right to know. Professor Dumbledore believes the First Great Wizarding War never truly ended, we've merely entered a pause in the war; a small period of peace. He believes the Dark Lord and his forces will rise again to throw our world into chaos once again."

"So he wants me to be ready to defend myself should war break out again." Harry said slowly.

"That is correct. I won't lie to you Potter, but I do want you to be on your guard and be careful of the people you would call your friends. Many students support the idea of a pure blood world." Professor McGonagall said.

"Why is that so important?" Harry asked not sure why it was important to keep blood magically pure.

"It's an idea that has been a millennium year old. Since the time of our founders. The idea of accepting children from muggles has always been a problem. It wouldn't be until the seventies where the population of muggle-borns was so high that it created tension in the magical world. There was many who wanted to accept muggle-borns into their society as it would bring our society to a higher standard. You will learn more of this matter later. Until then, watch the people around you and don't accept gifts." Professor McGonagall said in a strict voice. Harry nodded knowing she wouldn't have given him such a warning without a real meaning behind it.

Harry left the classroom with more thoughts in his head than before. So people would be trying to kill him. He was sure the Dursley's would be over joy at that fact. Harry then decided to make a choice. He would train to be the best in everything to ensure his own survival.

Harry entered the Great Hall and sat down next to Blaise. For the time being he would trust Blaise but he would be careful, even if Blaise was his first friend. He guess what the sorting hat said was true. In Slytherin, one would always find their true friends.

"Come on Harry, we got Potions. I don't want to be late and get on Professor Snape's bad side." Blaise said after they had finished their lunch. The headed straight towards the dungeons; on the other side of their common room. They got inside and took out their cauldron and ingredients. They weren't the only ones, in the House of Slytherin, it was expected you come to class prepared or you don't come at all. That was something Harry learned from Artemis Wynter who gave him many helpful tips.

Harry was talking to Blaise ignoring everyone else. The bell rang and Professor Snape opens the door with a loud bang.

"There will be no foolish wand waving in this classroom, silly incantations or any other sort of nonsense in this class." Professor Snape said as he made his way up to the front. He turns around; his cloak moving around like it was a pair of wings off his body. "I don't expect many of you to truly grasp the beauty of potion making. I can teach you to bewitch the mind, even ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle up fire, brew glory and even put a stop to death." Professor Snape said. Harry immediately realized he had the gift like Professor McGonagall to command a classroom with the utmost respect. He then took roll and paused at Harry's name. He however made no comment and moved on. When he finished he looks at the class and could see their every eye was on him.

"Weasley." Professor Snape suddenly shouted. "What would I get if I added a powered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?" Professor Snape demanded. Ron turns bright red and muttered something under his breath. Hermione's hand shot up in the air and to Harry's surprise, so did Lily's. Snape ignored both girl and stared hard at Weasley. "Speak up boy or did you mother did not teach you proper manners?" Snape sneered.

"I don't know sir."

"You don't know. How disappointing; five points from Gryffindor. Let's try again Weasley. Where would you look if I was to ask you to find me a Bezaor?" Ron turn pink again and turn to Seamus and Dean, both looking confuse as well. Hermoine and Lily both had their hands up; though Hermione was trying to wave her hand to get Professor Snape's attention.

"Did you not learn anything after your five old brothers? Or perhaps did you not try to get a proper book and read ahead. Let's try one more time. What is the difference Weasley, between Monkshood and Wolfsbane?" Lily's hand rose up but Hermione jump up and started waving her hand in the air, as if trying to block Lily's hand and view from Professor Snape.

"I don't know. Clearly Hermione knows why don't you ask her?" Ron finally shouted in anger. All the Slytherin's drew back their breath as one. They all have been warned about testing Professor's Snape patience and have been warned against making cheeks of any kind. Lily put her hand down suddenly realized Ron had just cross dangerous waters and was staring at her Professor with worried eyes.

"Sit down you foolish girl. That's twenty points from Gryffindor you have lost Mr. Weasley, and another weeks of detention for you cheek. I take that from no one, not even from a former noble house." Snape sneered.

"Let's try those questions again. Potter, first question." Professor Snape said. Standing up, Harry try to clear the nervousness from his voice.

"It makes a sleeping potion sir." Harry said in hopes he remembered correctly.

"Very good, next Mr. Malfoy." Snape said.

Draco followed Harry's cue and stood up as Harry sat down. "You can find a Bezour inside of a goat sir as it is a stone inside of it's belly. It's a stone that saves you from many poisons."

"Correct. Next Miss Greengrass." Snape said. Following the boys example Daphne Greengrass stood up and spoke.

"Monkshood and Wolfsbane are both the same plant sir made differently for certain potions sir." She said in a beautiful voice.

"That is correct. Now, when mix together Asphodel and Wormwood makes a sleeping potion so powerful it is known as the Draught of Living Death. A Bezoar is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat that will save you from most poisons. As for Monkshood and Wolfsbane, they are both the same plant used differently; its true name however is Aconite." Snape said in once breath. He looks around and notices that only Harry was copying down what Professor Snape said. "Well, why aren't you all copying that down like Mr. Potter?" Professor Snape said. The classroom was soon alive with the sound of quill writing on parchment.

Professor Snape began to lecture them on potions and how to tell them apart and what they're uses were. After he was done for the first hour, Professor Snape had them create a potion that would cure boils and pimples. Things didn't improve for the Gryffindor's as Neville Longbottom was having trouble, in the end his cauldron erupted and begin to melt.

"Idiot boy. I suppose you added the porcupine quills before taking the cauldron off the fire? Neville whimpered as his face was clearly in pain. He turns to Lily who was already done with her potion. "Take him to the hospital wing." Snape barks as Lily and Neville grabbed their stuff and took off as fast they could. Snape turn to Ron the moment they were gone.

"You, Weasley, why didn't you tell him not too add the quills. Did you think it would make you look good? That's another five points you've just lost for Gryffindor." Snape said. The bell rang and the Gryffindor's all rush out as fast they could to avoid Professor Snape's wraith. The Slytherin's finish up and grabbed their bags and walked out slowly.

Harry wasn't sure what he thought about Professor Snape but he was thankful he wasn't called back like he was with Professor Flitwick and Professor McGonagall. He did know however just by being in the school for a week, he was already going to like it here. For the first time in his life, felt pride as he was finally free.


Author Notes: Took longer than I wanted but I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. Any suggestions would be very helpful. I'm still working on what the story is going to take.