Magical Origins
Year 1: Flight and Choices
It has been a full week since classes started, and Harry had to say his favorite was charms. Professor Flitwick was kind to him and treated him like a young adult rather than a child. He was also kind enough to point out what his mother like and what she did during her school years. Professor Flitwick also told Harry, he was hoping to have him in Slytherin as he couldn't have his mother, and his mother was one of his favorite students he has ever had to privilege to teach.
Harry worked so hard in his classes. His teachers realized he needed a more significant challenge. Unfortunately, he wasn't the only one. Lily was also ahead in her classes. She soon began to be known as the best in the potion classroom. She was quickly was able to create double the work that Professor Snape demanded of her. Professor Snape ignored her hard work and instead forced the class to focus on Draco Malfoy, whom he seemed to have favored over all the other Slytherins. Malfoy beamed with pride as Professor Snape showed Draco's potion to the class and claimed it was a well-made potion. Lily was clearly better as she was always the first one to be finished with her work and would help Neville with his work.
Professor McGonagall's classes were turning out to be very hard. Turning a needle into a match stick and back was an easy accomplishment. The theory of transfiguration was much harder, and Harry had a hard time understanding half the words in his book and what Professor McGonagall would be saying. Lily was also in trouble with the theory. She could barely do half her work without wondering what was wrong. This made Hermione beamed in pride in the classroom as she was ahead of the class and able to do a perfect score on both the theory and practical. She would turn to stare at Harry with a smug look on her face every time Professor McGonagall would congratulate her. Draco would soon start calling her a 'Mudblood' that made her smile drop. The first time he said that world Professor McGonagall was beside herself. She took fifty points from Slytherin and gave Malfoy two weeks of detention. Malfoy learns never to say that word in front of the Professors again. He did it when he was sure they were well out of earshot.
Harry would soon learn from Blaise that 'mudblood' was a cursed world like 'bloody' in the Magical World. It was an insult to muggle-born students. This made Draco very unpopular in the other houses as there were many muggle-born students and people who had muggle-born friends. It didn't stop him from saying the word every chance he got. Harry would soon learn the older Slytherin's; those who were brought up in the old beliefs of a pureblood society agreed with Draco's logic.
Today Harry didn't have to worry about anything. He had only one class today, the Flying lessons. This made Harry very excited as he heard about Quidditch from Blaise, who wanted to play for the house team. To Harry, it sounded a lot like Football and Basketball in one sport but played in the air. Blaise was kind enough to loan his copy 'Quidditch through ages' to Harry, who found it very exciting to read.
Harry stood with all the Slytherin's as the Gryffindor's came out. They all stood on opposite sides as they stared each other down. They did not like each other, and that was well known.
"Good afternoon class, welcome to your first flying lesson. I want you all to stand by a broom and wait till I give the command to begin to fly." Madam Hooch said as she walked out on the field. Harry wondered how the Professors were able to come and go so silently without drawing attention to themselves. Harry moved to the nearest broom and stood by it. The others did so as well with excitement in their voice. This was their first time actually doing something big. They were going to fly, and the enthusiasm could fill the air.
"Place your wand arm over the broom and say 'up.'" Madam Hooch said with authority in her voice.
"Up." Everyone said. To Harry's surprise, his broom shot straight into his hand right away. He was also surprised to see Lily's broom also shot up to her hand immediately. Hermione looked at both of them in disbelief. Her broom merely rolled over. Draco's and Blaise's brooms got halfway up before they drop back down. Ron's broom gave a jerk but didn't move after that.
"Say it with feelings." Madam Hooch said as she summoned her broom silently. It took several minutes, but the brooms all made it to everyone's hands.
"Very good, now then, I shall show you have to mount off, and you will take off only a few feet off the ground on my whistle." Madam Hooch would then walks around, helping students mount their brooms correctly. Ron and his two friends, Dean and Seamus, sniggered when she told Malfoy he has been mounting his broom wrong for years. Harry quickly got into a position and pleased with himself when Madam Hooch said he was a natural.
"On my whistle, you will kick off and only go a few feet off the ground. Three, two, one." Madam Hooch blew her whistle, and a sharp sound like an owl was screech erupted from her whistle. Harry kicked off the ground and felt terrific. This wasn't something that he needed to be taught in, he felt more alive than he has in his entire life. Harry gave a sharp turn causing several of the girls to scream in surprise. Harry turns to see Draco also flying well. Apparently, he had not been lying when he said he was a good flyer. Ron was good as well, but it was clear he was spending most of his time staring daggers into the back of Harry's head.
"Come down, boy," shouted Madam Hooch.
Harry turns and notices that Neville had taken his broomstick incredibly high. Neville was also on the verge of panic as if he had lost control of his broom. Harry stood on his broom and watch as Neville gave a spin and fell off his broom before landing on the ground with a loud 'thud.' Madam Hooch immediately landed next to him and exam Neville, who was whimpering on the ground.
"Broken wrist. Come along my dear I'll take you to Madam Pomfrey, she'll fix you up in no time. The rest of you." Madam Hooch barked as everyone landed on the ground. "You are to remain on the ground until I have returned. If I find out any of you have taken off, you'll be out of Hogwarts faster than you could say Quidditch." She said in a stern voice. She marches off with Neville towards the Castle.
"Did you see his face, the great lump," Malfoy said the moment they were out of earshot.
"Shut your face Malfoy." Lily snapped. Harry couldn't help but wonder if she had been drop a few times as a child.
"Or what, Mudblood? You're going to scream at me?" Draco said as he tosses something up in the air before he caught it. It was Neville's rememball. Harry wondered when Draco got his hands on that.
"Give that here, Malfoy," Lily said in a threatening tone of voice. Malfoy looked scared, but Crabbe and Goyle walked forward and with Pansy Parkinson and Millicent Bulstrode. All four of them were cracking their knuckles as if testing Lily to actually try to hurt Draco. Draco got his courage back and sneered at Lily.
"I don't think since Longbottom likes high places. I'll put this in a tree." Malfoy said as he picked up his broom. Before he could carry out his threat, Lily threw herself on top of Malfoy and started to punch him. Harry knew she could be violent, but he never saw her lose her temper before. Malfoy fell to the ground after receiving the first punch. Lily got on top of him and started to pound his face with her right fist. Everyone was stun at Lily's action.
It took them a moment, but Crabbe and Goyle yank Lily off Draco, who was moaning on the ground, his face looked busted open, and blood was dripping from his nose and mouth. One of his eyes was already showing signs of swelling as the colors black and purple were seen around it like a ring.
Lily received a punch in the face, and she stumbled to the ground with Crabbe and Goyle kicking and punching her. Lily tried to fight back, but Crabbe and Goyle were much bigger and stronger than her that her efforts were in vain as she on the ground, curled up as they lashed out on her. Pansy and Millicent joined in and started to attack her by ripping out her hair and clawing her face with their nails. Harry felt sorry for her as he watches this. He wanted to jump in, but he knew he wouldn't make a difference in the outcome.
"Enough!" Professor McGonagall roared as a loud bang erupted. Pansy, Millicent, Crabbe, and Goyle were suddenly flown backward and landed painfully on the ground. Harry stared at Lily, who covered in bruises and blood. She looked far worse than Malfoy did, and she could barely utter a moan in pain as she lies on the ground. Harry knew the type of pain she was in as he received the same treatment from Dudley and his gang when he was younger. Looking up, Harry realized Professor McGonagall wasn't alone. Professor Snape and Madam Hooch were also with her.
Never in all his life has he seen someone as angry as Professor McGonagall. Even fury was written on Professor Snape's face. He was looking at the four Slytherin attackers in anger.
"What in Merlin's name is going on here?" Professor McGonagall demanded. No one said a word as they stared at Draco and Lily. Draco stumbled to his feet, and the Professors could see he was attacked as well, but they didn't see by whom.
"Please, Professors… things just got out of hand. Liliana…" Hermione began.
"Quiet Miss Granger. While it was noble of you to get the teachers, I doubt you know the full story. Perhaps we should ask Mr. Potter what happen as he clearly saw the whole thing," Professor Snape said as he silenced Granger. Professor McGonagall looked at her colleague but couldn't help but agree with him in silence.
"Well, Mr. Potter, can you explain what happen."
"Potter will lie to you, Professor," Ron said before Harry could utter a word. Harry shot him a dirty look at the claim. Now that he thought about it, he knew Lily would be expelled if they found out she'd attack Malfoy without being provoked. Quickly using his brain and thanking whatever gods that existed for the power of thinking. He promptly rehearsed a story in his head. After going over it several times, he agreed to tell that to the Professors.
"Really, Mr. Weasley, Mr. Potter, is a model student. He has yet to lie, and I doubt he will start now. Be quiet of you will be given detention." Professor McGonagall said in a harsh voice. Her voice was filled with anger that left no room for argument. "Well, Mr. Potter." Taking a breath and focusing on 'his' story, he spoke.
"Draco had picked up Neville's rememball, and Lily demanded that he handed over to her. Draco refused, so Lily tried to grab it out of his hands. They began to fight over it by tugging back and forth over it. Draco then shoved Lily, and Lily gave him a couple of punches…"
"Punches Mr. Potter?" Professor McGonagall asked. Several Gryffindor's and Slytherin's also looked confused at his choice of words.
"It means…" Hermione began, but Professor Snape waved his wand, and Hermione fell silent. She opens her mouth but found she couldn't speak. Harry was thankful that she was silent.
"It means she put her fist in his face and body," Harry explained. The Professor's nodded as if they finally understood. "After Draco received his punches, the four of them… (Harry points to the four who stood up and stared at him in shock) Rushed to Draco's aid. I admit, and I'm ashamed to say they went too far." Harry said.
"Why did you not interfere with Mr. Potter?" Madam Hooch asked, speaking for the first time since her return.
"I have learned from personal experience; it's never a good thing to interfere. I was going to help Lily to the Hospital Wing the moment they were done. I never expected them to take things so far." Harry admitted.
"Very well, everyone is dismissed, except for those who were involved. That includes you, Mr. Potter. We are going to the Hospital Wing to have you all fix-up. Then will we decide your punishments from then on."
They all walked towards Hospital Wing in silence. When they got there, Madam Pomfrey, the School Matron Healer, nearly shriek out loud when she saw the state Draco and Lily were in. In Lily's case, she was levitated onto the nearest bed immediately. Harry walked over and handed Neville his rememball. Harry couldn't help describe it, but Neville seemed to have reminded him of himself so much before he knew about magic.
"Trouble, I take it." A voice said at the doorway.
"Professor Dumbledore."
"Yes, an incident occurred on the grounds. Perhaps Mr. Potter could explain it to you." Professor McGonagall said. Harry immediately retold his story, and Professor Dumbledore and the rest of the room stayed silent as they listen to Harry.
"I see, well seeing how this is not a House conflict but rather involve the party of two houses, I believe I have the right to decide the punishment of the individuals involved," Dumbledore said as he left no room for argument. "First to Miss Liliana Morris, you will receive weekend detention for responding in violence instead of telling a Professor that Mr. Malfoy had someone else's belonging," Dumbledore said. Lily nodded her head. "You shall be serving your detention the moment you are feeling better. Whatever punishment Professor McGonagall has for you, will be hers to decide." Dumbledore added. He turns to Draco Malfoy, who paled under the Headmaster's glare. "Second, too, Mr. Draco Malfoy. For starting the fight, you too shall receive weekend detention with Professor Snape and twenty points from Slytherin. If Professor Snape or Professor McGonagall wish to add to your punishment, then they shall." Draco looked a bit cheerful. Harry knew he was expecting to have an easier, if not relaxing, time with Professor Snape. Professor Snape seemed very upset when he stared at Draco.
"Next, Mr. Vincent Crabbe, Mr. Gregoyle Goyle, Miss Pansy Parkinson, and Miss Millicent Bulstrode. I'm afraid your actions speak volumes, and a simple punishment will not do." Professor Dumbledore said in a sad voice as if he was disappointed in them. "Until Christmas is done, you shall be serving your detentions with Filch every night at seven o'clock. You have also lost a hundred points to your house."
"A hundred?" Pansy squeaked out.
"A hundred points each." Professor McGonagall said in a stern tone. Professor Dumbledore looked a bit shock but did not say anything. The four Slytherins looked at Professor Snape in the hope that he would speak on their behalf.
"Do not look at me. If it were up to me, you would be expelled for your disgusting actions." Professor Snape snarled. The four of them and even Draco Malfoy look surprised by their Head of House choice of words. Even Harry was surprised to see his Head of House look so furious and angry at his own members. "I shall also be speaking to all of you about your choices. Please note that all your parents shall be notified of your actions." Professor Snape added. Draco and his four partners' in crime paled at their Head of House words. It was clear they would be punished when they went home.
The Professors walked out, leaving the students to themselves. Madam Pomfrey went to the back to get some potions. Harry quickly left before Draco, and the others could badger him. He knew what he just did, he put a mark on his head. He would have to be careful, now more than ever, but he stood by his decision, and he would stand by it.
For the life of him, though, he had no idea why he defended Lily. He didn't even like her, did he?
Lily return that night feeling refresh and brand new. She entered the Common Room and was met by thunderous applause.
"Okay, what's going on?" She asked as many began to shake her hand.
"Is it true?" The Weasley's twins asked.
"Is what, true?" She asked.
"Is it true you beat up a Slytherin and got away with it?" They said together.
"Oh, yes… it's true." She said.
The Gryffindor's cheered at Lily's words. She turned bright pink and was confused by their actions.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the one who conquered the House of Slytherin… the one who did what every Gryffindor has dreamed of but is the only one to achieve it, Lily Morris." The twins shouted. Lily was holstered upon their shoulder, and everyone began shaking her hand.
"Percy won't approve," Lily said.
"Oh, he won't find out until it's too late," Fred said. George pointed to a sleeping figure at the table, and Lily could see Percy snoring with his head in a book.
"Sleeping Draught. Always works, not the first time we've used it on him." George said as the twins hauled Lily on their shoulders. Lily laughed at Percy's misfortune.
Lily got down from the twin's shoulders and made her way to her dorm, where she saw Hermoine Granger sitting on her bed.
"What?"
"You think you're special because you got away with attacking another student," Hermione said in her bossy tone of voice.
"Lighten up Hermione, I was standing up for Neville."
"If Potter hadn't lied to the Professors, then you wouldn't have gotten off so lightly."
"I wonder what made him do it. Potter and I never really got along, and I don't see any motive for him helping me." Lily said in as she appeared to actually be thinking about Potter's motive.
"None the less, what you did was wrong, and I pray you won't do it again," Hermione said as she pulled out her book and began to read.
"No promises. Besides, I like playing with fire." Lily said. Hermione gave a 'hmph' and continued to read her book.
The mood in the Slytherin Common Room was hard to describe. News of the incident of the First Years Flying Lesson had spread like wildfire. Ron Weasley was telling anyone who would listen, that Harry was the one who encourages the attacked. The Slytherins' were having a hard time accepting what happened. On one side, Fifth Year Perfect Artemis Wynter was leading support for Harry and his choices, claiming he was bold and taking a stand for himself and his fellow students. On the other, Marcus Flint, a Slytherin Sixth Year, and the Slytherin Quidditch Captain, was voicing his reasons that Harry was acting out against the House of Slytherin. Professor Snape quickly put a stop to it after he found out several Sixth Years lead by Flint was going to ambush Harry in his sleep.
No one in living memory had seen Professor Snape on the warpath before. He took the would-be-ambushers and shouted at them in his office. What was said wasn't known, and Flint and his squad weren't saying. But Flint began to advise everyone that Harry Potter was off-limits. This made half the house scared of Professor Snape, who has never seen him so upset before.
The first weekend with Professor Snape detention came for Draco, and if he thought it was easy, he thought twice. Draco had to clean the entire Potion classroom without magic. To add insult to injury, Draco's detention wouldn't be done until he cleaned the whole dungeons. Draco cried out loud, but no one would hear him. Hardly anyone felt sympathy for him.
Today, after nearly a month of dodging Draco, Draco had finally corned Harry in the Common Room.
"Oh, Potter," Draco shouted, causing everyone to fall silent. They all turn to see what would be a show. Wynter had her wand ready in case Draco and his little gang got ready to start trouble. He walked up with Nott, Crabbe, Goyle, Pansy and Millicent.
"Oh, Potter," Draco called out as he cornered Blaise and Harry in the corner.
"Yes, Draco?" Harry asked.
"Why did you lie to the Professors?" If you had told the truth, that mudblood would have been out of here." Draco asked in a commanding tone. Many heads were nodding in agreement with Draco's words. Harry gave a heavy sigh.
"Must you use that word?" Harry said.
"Mudblood? Are you against it? You wouldn't happen to be a mudblood lover, would you?" Draco asked as many seem to voice their agreement with Draco.
"Are you a plain idiot, or you got no common sense?" Harry snapped, shutting his book shut.
"What are you talking about Potter?" Nott demanded.
"Because you fools, you're insulting his mother." Professor Snape said at the doorway. Every head turns to see their head of house standing in the Entrance, and he wasn't standing alone. A tall blond male was standing beside him. He looked like an older version of Draco, and Harry could only assume this was Draco's father. He did not look happy.
"Father… I was just…"
"I shall deal with you later. For now, I want to make something very clear. If anyone so much attempts to harm young Mister Potter, I shall see to it that you and your family lose every knut, and you are expelled from Hogwarts." The man said in a commanding tone with a long sneer at the end.
"Lucius, I shall leave you with your son. My office is free for use."
"Thank you, Severus, I could have not asked for a better friend," Lucius said. Draco had no choice but to leave with his father alone. Harry returned to his book and was thankful for the interruption by Professor Snape and Lucius Malfoy.
"What is the matter with you, boy? Professor Snape says you are reasonable for the attack of a Gryffindor Girl. The Board is very angry as well." Lucius said the moment they were out of earshot and inside Professor Snape's office.
"But father, the girl was a mudblood." Draco protested.
"This has nothing to do with blood status." Professor Snape said in a cold tone of voice. He closes the door and sits down behind his desk.
"I don't understand," Draco said.
"Idiot boy." Lucius roared as he slaps Draco across the face. Draco's eyes opened wide and knew at once he was in big trouble. His father rarely ever laid a hand on him. "I may not like that girl because she has no lineage of her own. Professor Snape is correct. This has nothing to do with blood status."
"I don't understand father."
"The name Malfoy boy. I raised you to represent the Noble House of Malfoy with pride. Did you forget what I taught you, I thought I told you a Malfoy does not become a childish bully, but a leader needed for the times." Lucius said. The door opens again, and a young woman with blond hair enters.
"Mother," Draco said in a small voice.
"Draco, I cannot express how disappointed I am in you. Did we not raise you better?"
"Watch yourself, Draco; you're bringing a bad image to the name Malfoy. I would have thought you would have learned to watch what you do and not engage in these childish feuds. Now people are beginning to question if the Malfoy name is not as a saint I have worked so hard to build these past ten years. I've got the Minister asking me questions about raising a muggle hating son."
"Draco, we warned you before you left for Hogwarts, did we not. Your actions will reflect on us. You will soon be representing the name Malfoy to the wizarding world. It's not just the Ministry of Magic that is asking questions, your father has been asked to resign from the Board of Directors of Hogwarts because of you." Narcissa said in a sad voice.
"I swear, I didn't mean to bring down the family name," Draco said in a small voice.
"Normally, this would cause the member of the family to be disowned," Lucius said. Draco paled at his father's words and knew if he were disowned, he would be in serious trouble. "However," Draco's eyes lit up, filled with hope. "You are my son, and I shall tell you this. Do not bring the family shame, again," Lucius said.
"Also, you may have noticed, but Potter stuck up to the Morris girl because you called her a mudblood. In case you have forgotten, Potter's mother is a muggle-born as well, and he most likely took offense to that. I would advise you speaking that word around him. At least until things cool down. I shall speak to the house tomorrow about the importance of house standing and end this silly squabble once and for all. If anyone has a problem with it, they will be expelled. This includes you, Draco," Professor Snape said in a cold tone of voice. Draco nodded, finally understanding what his actions have done.
"Draco, if you are going to get any muggle-born in trouble, make sure you do it discreetly. Remember; strike your enemies from the shadows. Do not attack them like foolish Gryffindor." Lucius said as turn around and left with his wife.
"Go back to the common room." Professor Snape said the moment the two of them were left alone.
Draco nodded and left. His mind thinking fast about what he was told. He knew he shouldn't make another mistake like the one he made. He swore he would honor the name 'Malfoy.'
Author Note: I hope you guys notice that Lucius is not angry that Draco hurt Lily. He was merely mad that Draco did it so openly. Professor Snape is also correct as Harry feels Draco is insulting his mother. There is also Slytherin's who are starting to be divided than their usual united front. This is going too exploded much later chapters when Harry is older. Harry is also making a stand for himself and lives by his own rules. I could use a beta if anyone is interested in making my stories better.
