Hi guys! Here's the next chapter! Just a little note here. In case you hadn't noticed, I've been updating every Wednesday and Sunday night (in my time at least). In the future, I will try to stick to this schedule so you know when the next chapters will be released. Unfortunately, however, my next update will most likely be a little late as I am going away for a few days and won't be able to update. I will try to get it out as soon as possible though!

So anyway, here we are!

Chapter 4

The next morning at breakfast Anica and I end up sitting at the Ravenclaw table with Ciena, Xinia and Kimmy. Everyone else is with their other friends, so it's just the five of us. Just as we start eating, I hear the faint sound of flapping wings. I look around, trying to find where the noise is coming from.

"What's wrong?" Ciena asks, noticing my confusion.

"Do you hear that?" I ask.

The others look slightly worried.

"Hear what?" Xinia asks.

Just then, a parliament of owls come rushing into the Great Hall.

"That," I say, realising that was the sound of flapping wings I heard.

All around us, packages and envelopes start falling from the air. I realise that the owls are bringing the mail in. I scan the owls, trying to see if I recognise any of them. Over at the Hufflepuff table, I see Bailey catching something in his hands. I look at the area above him and spot Star, the grey family owl. He flies over to Wyrene next, then finally, to me. I catch a letter and a small parcel. I open the letter first. It reads

Dear Genie,

Your mother and I are so proud of you. Slytherin has gained its other best student (you know we can't call favourites on you). We love you so much and couldn't be happier. We hope you've enjoyed your first few classes and made some new friends. We miss you!

Love,

Mum and Dad

I smile a little then turn to the parcel. I unwrap it quickly to find two galleons in a box with a note on it.

Congratulations. Mum made us by the way

Love, Quinn and Jamie

I recognise my brothers' neat handwriting, and Mum's squished in before their names. I laugh as I tuck the coins into my robes.

The rest of breakfast passes by quickly, and we're soon off to a double of Transfiguration. I remember what Xinia and my brother and Xander told me last night about Professor Lupin. I'm looking forward to this class, because I should be good at it, and I've always been fascinated when Mum or Dad transfigure things around the house. I find myself walking faster than normal to the classroom, something Anica, Kyle and Timothy complain about. I shush them as I pull to an abrupt halt, realising we've reached the room. I'm disappointed to see that Professor Lupin isn't here yet.

We wait by the door.

"Someone's excited," Anica comments, looking at my hair.

I blush a little, noticing I've gone through about thirty different colours in the past ten seconds. I settle on yellow, not bothering to change it back to normal.

"I'm looking forward to transfiguring stuff," I say, trying to sound nonchalant, but probably failing miserably.

Although it's half the truth, I'm mainly looking forward to meeting the Professor. No one in my family has Metamorphmagus abilities, and while my parents have helped me understand and partially control them, I hope to learn more from someone like me.

It doesn't take long for the rest of the class to show up, but Professor Lupin still isn't here. Just then, a little way away, I hear Parkinson talking to his group.

"Apparently this teacher is a sad copy-Potter. His parents were killed in the war and he grew up with Potter as his role-model. With that influence, I can't imagine he turned out too well."

I glare at him, but he doesn't notice. Over his shoulder, though, Zabini notices.

"What're you sulking about Duck Head?" he calls.

Everyone's eyes turn toward me. In a flash, I turn my hair back to normal. Parkinson can't resist the chance though.

"I think she's caught something everyone. I'd stay away if you want your hair to stay normal," he taunts.

At his words, my hair once again changes colour, only this time to an angry red.

"She hasn't caught something you moron," Timothy defends me. "She's a Metamorphmagus."

"I doubt he even knows what that is," I interrupt, scowling at Parkinson. "It doesn't matter, he's not worth it."

"You watch your mouth Longbottom," Parkinson warns. "You wouldn't want me saying something bad to your grandaddy now would you?"

I suddenly hear quick footsteps coming this way.

I smirk, knowing no one else hears them, and that Parkinson is going to get in trouble. My hair changes back to normal as Anica steps in.

"Are you seriously threatening him?" she scoffs.

"You bet I am," Parkinson boasts. "You and anyone who's with him."

"No one will be threatening anyone thank you very much," a deep voice suddenly interrupts.

Everyone's heads whip around to look at the newcomer, surprised at his entrance. I simply move my gaze slightly to look at him, being aware of his arrival beforehand.

"If this happens again, I assure you, detention will follow Mr Parkinson," Professor Lupin reprimands.

He strides past us, into his classroom. We follow him, and I lead the others to a group of desks towards the front of the classroom. Professor Lupin sets his things down on his desk before turning to face us.

"Good morning class. I am Professor Lupin. I will be your Transfiguration teacher and I am also the Head of Hufflepuff."

Lupin then proceeds to take attendance. When he's done, he begins the lesson. At first, it's just boring information which we take notes on. Then, finally, he hands out matches to all of us. At the front of the class, he transfigures his match into a needle with his wand.

"This is what you will be attempting this lesson," Lupin explains, holding the needle up.

He demonstrates the action a few more times and gives us some tips before instructing us to pick up our wands and give it a try. I watch as the others try, to no success. I pick up my wand and concentrate on the match. I remember the incantation Lupin said and the wand motion. With a deep breath, I try and copy what he did. To my absolute surprise, the match in front of me turns into a silver, shiny, sharp needle. I pick it up and look at it, not sure just how I did it. Just then, Professor Lupin comes around to my desk, and gently plucks the needle out of my fingers. He inspects it, then hands it back to me.

"Was that your first attempt?" he asks me.

I nod nervously.

"Well done Miss Dinnick," Lupin says with a smile. "Your match is perfect."

I beam at him and my hair changes into its proud mode. He chuckles, looking at my hair.

"Didn't think you were a Gryffindor," he jokes.

I blink. Then I realise he's talking about my hair. I smile then change it back to its normal state, even though it's not that different.

"Well," I say shrugging. "I -"

Just then, I hear Parkinson from across the room, talking to Susie.

"I don't even get why we have to do this. Transfiguration is such a pointless subject."

Susie laughs.

"And worse, we're being taught by a half-breed with freak abilities," Scott continues.

I glance at Professor Lupin, wondering if he heard that. No one else seemed to.

From a young age, I've seemed to have good hearing and smell. I often hear things others can't and can smell things much stronger than most people. It's no secret that Lupin's father was a werewolf, creatures that have heightened senses and abilities. Perhaps it's hereditary?

Lupin notices my look and glances at the group.

"Don't mind them," Professor Lupin says smiling.

Anica frowns, not sure what he's talking about. I ignore her.

"But they just insulted you and your teaching," I protest.

"The subject I teach actually," Lupin counters. "And unless they do any physical harm, I can not do anything about it, unfortunately."

"But -" I try.

"Keep practising," Lupin says, then walks away to inspect the other's work.

Anica stares at me.

"What was that about?" she asks.

"Parkinson was talking rudely about Professor Lupin," I explain.

"Oh," she says. "I always forget how good your hearing is. How did he hear?"

"I'm guessing he inherited part of his dad's werewolf traits," I say. "Good hearing and stuff."

"I hadn't thought about that," Anica admits.

The rest of the lesson carries on normally with only a few quiet comments from Parkinson. Each time, I see Lupin looking at me, giving me a sort of warning look. I can't imagine how he deals with it every day.

Presumably, there'd always be one or two students like Parkinson in his classes. Most teachers wouldn't be worried about it because they wouldn't be able to hear it, but Lupin just deals with it. Pros of being a Hufflepuff I guess.

By the end of the lesson, Anica, Kyle and -to our dismay - Zabini are the only other ones to successfully transfigure our matches. As everyone heads off to a break, Lupin calls me back. I let Anica know to go on, then walk up to Lupin.

"Good job on your needle," he starts.

"Thanks," I answer, not knowing what else to say.

"So you're a Metamorphmagus as well huh?" Lupin asks.

"Um, yeah," I say.

"Anyone in your family one?"

"No, just me."

"What about your hearing?"

"Pardon?"

Lupin smiles at me. His smile is knowing, but kind. I don't know how to feel about that. He isn't like most of the other teachers. They're all strict and professional, but Lupin reminds me more of a responsible student. He feels easier to talk to and seems to understand students.

"You heard what Mr Parkinson was saying from the other side of the room. As you noticed, so did I. However, I have an excuse. What's yours?"

"Um, I'm not sure. It's sort of like my abilities," I say, indicating my hair. "Just random. No one knows where I got them."

"I see," Lupin says, looking like he wants to say something more.

I shift a little, wondering if there's something else he wanted to talk about.

"Do you know how to control and use your abilities?" he asks.

I consider the question before answering.

"I can control them, yes," I start. "But not all the time. Sometimes if I'm distracted or not paying attention, my hair and maybe even my eyes will just change colours without me noticing. I can change it back when I realise, but sometimes it just runs wild until I do."

Lupin nods along as I explain. Then, he suggests something.

"How would you feel about having me teach you a few things?" he asks.

I stare at him, slightly confused. Originally, I had joked and thought about learning things from him, but the prospect of actually having separate sessions is off-putting.

"You mean, like, having a seperate lesson to help me?" I ask.

"I mean just with you, outside of classes if that's what you mean," Lupin explains. "I have already approached the idea with Professor McGonagall and she agreed that you could perhaps benefit from some extracurricular teaching if you hadn't already."

I frown a little, wondering when he did that. I'd only met him at the beginning of the lesson today. Seeing my look, Lupin elaborates.

"I noticed you when you were Sorted. I wondered if you'd been properly trained, and spoke to Professor McGonagall. Of course, you don't have to if you don't want to, I just thought I would present you with the opportunity."

I blink, processing the information. It all seems so sudden and daunting, but I realise I could benefit from learning how to properly use my abilities.

"That's - Thank you," I stutter. "Yes, I would - I mean that would be good. Thank you."

I realise that I'm rambling, so I shut my mouth. Lupin smiles a little.

"Does 5 o'clock Thursday evening work for you?" he asks. "In this classroom?"

"Yes that's fine," I answer.

Lupin smiles.

"Well, I'll let you go now," he says.

"Right," I say awkwardly.

I walk out of the room and off to find Anica and Xinia. The rest of the day goes by rather quickly, except when we get to History of Magic. It's our only class with Hufflepuff, except Astronomy, and the class is extremely boring. Anica and I talk most of the time, Hailey occasionally joining in.

After our lessons, most of us head to the Community Hall to talk and do our homework.

"I don't understand why we have so much," Anica complains as sits down in the same spot as she did yesterday.

"It's so we can learn everything we need to, Anica," Ciena admonishes.

Anica rolls her eyes as I sit down next to her.

"What do you need to do?" I ask her.

"Charms and technically History of Magic, but I wasn't planning on doing that one," she says.

"We'll do Charms then," I suggest. "Suffer together."

She laughs, then groans as I open the textbook. The Hall is pretty quiet while everyone completes their work. When I only have about ten minutes left of work, it starts getting loud, indicating most people are done. Around me, everyone apart from Ciena and Xinia is talking and laughing, having finished already. I speed up and try to finish my work quickly.

I close my textbook with a satisfied huff, packing my ink and quill around and rolling up my parchment. I set all my things aside, then join in the conversation.

"So what new lessons did you have today?" Owen asks everyone.

"Transfiguration and History of Magic," Anica puts in.

"Hey, I was meaning to ask," George suddenly says. "What's up with that Lupin guys hair? And yours," he adds, looking at me.

"George!" Kimmy scolds.

I tense a little but wave her off.

"It's fine," I say. "We're both Metamorphmagi. We can change our appearance will."

"Are you guys related or something?" George asks.

I shake my head.

"Not as far as I'm concerned. But you don't need to be."

"What did he talk to you about after class?" Anica asks.

"He's going to help me with my abilities," I tell her. "Teach me how to control them properly. Teach me a few tricks," I add as an afterthought, grinning.

Xinia suddenly groans.

"Lord save us."

I pretend to be hurt by her words, holding a hand to my chest.

"Why does everyone think that? I am a very well behaved child."

At that, everyone laughs.

"Yeah, and Harry Potter's a muggle," Anica jokes.

I roll my eyes, then change the topic, asking what new lessons everyone else had. Eventually, the time for dinner comes around, and we all pack our things away. Anica, Xinia, Ciena and I sit at the Ravenclaw table while the others separate as well. We share stories from the day, laughing and joking. When dinner finishes, Anica and I stay in the Slytherin Common Room, talking with Timothy and Kyle.

When we start to get tired, we separate to our dormitories and retire for the night.

Thank you so much for reading this far, and please, as always, don't forget to leave a review and tell me your thoughts and opinions on this story!