Harry Potter: Otherworld
New Faces
***No own no sue. ***
*Twitter for updates, Angelslayer135
I will keep a running list of male to female names as characters are introduced at the end of each chapter.
***HP:O ***
It was comforting, to see the blonde he remembered so well retain the personality that suited her. "Hello Luna."
Ginny, seemingly a bit more comfortable with his presence, looked back and forth between them in surprise, "I didn't know you knew him Luna…" she whispered, earning an even brighter smile and a nod from her friend.
"Oh yes, Harry and I are very good friends, we knew each other from his original world."
Harry, naturally, glanced over at his two sisters, a hint of the look that their parents would give them when the older individuals knew they had done something wrong even without being told.
Amaryllis, however, took up the argument for their innocence. "I didn't say anything, I swear." Harriet nodded in agreement a second later.
Luna, however, merely giggled, "Of course not, I've been speaking with the other Luna, we talk a lot." The male in the carriage had begun to wave the comment off as another of the blonde's many oddities when she continued. "She said we normally become friends in our fifth year, and that we even went to a party together where I wore a very pretty yellow dress, but I wanted to meet you sooner."
He stilled, the world seemed to still, because Harry most certainly had not mentioned those details to anyone since arriving. But then, how did she know?
The girl's eyes became softer, her voice gentle as if speaking to a frightened animal. "They are okay Harry. Everyone who went with you to the Ministry. They are all okay. She said they miss you, but everyone made it out, just a few scrapes and bruises."
Somewhere deep inside a dam broke, and tears pooled in his eyes. Tears of relief, of sorrow, of joy, of loss. He missed them, his friends, his adopted family, but knowing they were okay, knowing nothing bad had happened was such a weight removed from his shoulders that he nearly collapsed.
The other occupants looked as if they wanted to ask more, to pry into the conversation, but each held back.
***HP:O ***
"Hey Ginny, could I see the books in your trunk for a second?" The request clearly confused the redhead for a moment, as she stared back in silence before lighting up in a blush and hurriedly retrieving her storage before handing it over.
As he began to rummage through it, checking each object in turn, it earned a question from Hermione, "Harry, what are you doing?"
"Hm? Oh, just checking to see if they change textbooks every year or not." It was a lie, a bad one but it appeared no one was going to call him out on it, at least not immediately. Luna even gave him a warm, understanding, smile.
To his relief there was no mysterious journal, no cursed objects that he could see, no blank notebooks that might possess her. For the first time in over half a year he allowed himself to relax and the belief that there would be no further catastrophes.
At least that was his hope.
***HP:O ***
It had been less than a month and yet Grace Riddle felt as if she had gone nearly a year without seeing the boy sitting down at her House's table.
Pathetic
Outrageous
Ridiculous… and yet she couldn't help it. No longer was it a simple little tug in her mind that drew her attention or an above-average skill. She had studied him the previous year, even when he was unaware of her presence, and what she came to know as the real Harry Potter was astounding.
It was more than just his origin into their world, more than just the way he seemed to ignore the very laws of magic. He was a prodigy among prodigies, surpassing her own skill at his age, and likely Dumbledore's as well. Even without the difference between his mental and physical age it was almost preposterous how powerful and talented he was.
Patronus in his third year with no Magical upbringing? Unheard of.
Still, it was even more than his abilities. If it were just those, sure she would have offered him private lessons and tutoring but not an apprenticeship. Even if she would have considered it the rules would have been on her terms, not his and his families.
She damn well wouldn't have been so obsessed with him.
Something bad had happened to him, more than just what he let on. His parents murdered, growing up among Muggles, forced to, at the very least, retrieve the Philosopher Stone from a sociopath while avoiding said monster's attempts to murder him. All of that and he kept fighting, kept resisting, kept ensuring that those around him were safe.
If it were her… well, she had been told what the male version of her had done after a childhood of neglect.
As usual the Sorting Ceremony commenced, but this year it held far less of her attention than ever before. She would glance up at each student as they approached, examine them for a moment, before switching back to the more interesting subject of her borderline obsession.
That is until a certain blonde made her way to the stool.
Lovegood
She vaguely remembered the name, but this fact was quickly discarded for a far more pressing one. Harry was staring at the girl, openly with warmth in his eyes. It was when she discovered this that she noticed the girl looking back at him even with the hat on her head.
There was an obvious connection between them, maybe they were friends in his former life. 'Maybe they were more' a voice whispered, one she quickly identified as resembling her mother's.
No, no she wasn't going to do this, wasn't going to allow that woman into her head after all the years of ignoring her, wasn't going to become jealous over the friendship between two students.
When the Sorting Hat announced her as Ravenclaw, however, a sigh of relief escaped her lips, quickly turning into something ugly when the blonde waved happily at the Slytherin table, at Harry.
"It seems they know each other." Filius chimed in 'helpfully' as if she couldn't notice the obvious. "We could always use more inter-house relations."
Grace's eyes snapped over to the smaller man, preparing to tell him that there would be no relations between Harry and anyone, but the half-Goblin had already moved on, clearly thinking nothing about his comment or the fire it lit inside of his fellow professor.
Following the feast Harry would take the usual route back to the common rooms with the rest of his House. He would unpack with Crabbe and Goyle, taking the area closest to the door as before, would get ready and change for the evening.
Then he would sleep. He would sleep more peacefully than he had in what felt to be years. They were safe, his friends were okay, everyone was alive and well. His sacrifice hadn't doomed them, everything would be okay.
***HP:O ***
"So, how old is Harry Potter?"
One question, it had taken just one question to silence the group of educators and focused all of their attention, along with more than a little mistrust and perhaps annoyance, onto their newest member.
Before any of those 'in the know' could give a proper response, likely along the lines of minding her own damn business, Aurora Sinistra spoke answered, "He is a second year."
"He will not be taking any electives until next year at earliest." Grace noted, with a slight edge in her voice. "Even then his parents have made it clear that he will be focusing primarily on Defense and Dueling."
Her response was clearly not satisfactory to all, but none commented further save for Lockhart, herself, "Well that isn't a problem now, is it? I myself am quite the accomplished duelist and I have been around the world several times in my ongoing battle against the darker threats."
Most rolled their eyes, some more discreetly than others. Snape, naturally, sneered in aggravation. For Riddle, however, her gaze narrowed, "Odd, I don't recall anything spectacular from your time in my class, nor your participation in our club."
If her plan had been to catch the woman in an embarrassing lie it failed, and the newest instructor merely waved the facts away, "I simply did not come into my own until leaving Hogwarts. Clearly, I needed a wider perspective to realize my talents, something I am certain young Harry will be able to benefit from as well."
"Mister Potter," McGonagall easily corrected, "is not eligible to take your class until his next year, at earliest."
Gordana crossed her arms in clear annoyance at the rules, "Surely exceptions can be made, especially if he is as talented as the rumors make him out to be." Here she looked directly at the highest authority, Dumbledore, who had remained silent thus far to see if the situation would resolve itself.
Clearly, it would not, as several other heads turned to her as well.
Letting out a, clearly unhappy, sigh the woman removed her glasses to rub at the bridge of her nose. Not even a week in and conflict was already brewing amongst the staff. "Exceptions can be made…" Here Lockhart grinned in victory, "but they are extremely rare and only occur when a student shows remarkable talent in an area offered by the elective. Since mister Potter's expertise is solely in Defense, there is no justification for early admittance into the study of Magical Creatures."
Now the newest professor's smile fell, while Riddle's lips twitched upward.
Sitting back in her seat, the woman crossed her arms with the semblance of a pout, "Then I will just have to write his parents directly about an apprenticeship. Talent such as his should not go to waste on technicalities."
The comment earned an uncomfortable silence as more than one looked over to where Harry's current mentor sat, eye twitching slightly with restrained anger, "Harry," she all but seethed, "is already receiving lessons and instructions from me. I have spoken with him and his parents in person and have already begun expanding his knowledge to the finer points of Magic."
"You have been a teacher since before I was in school, perhaps your knowledge and skill has stagnated."
Eyes widened in surprise and several professors leaned back in their seats to avoid any collateral that might occur when Grace decided to paint the walls with the newcomer's insolence. Instead, her fists clenched and unclenched in slow measured motion.
"Enough, both of you." The oldest among them demanded, "This is not a competition, this is a place for learning and growth of the students. If you cannot be civil towards one another…" Dumbledore trailed off, allowing the two adults to easily understand the unspoken remainder.
Even as the conversation shifted to the upcoming school year, to lesson plans and the various classes, the two 'rivals' merely exchanged glares of promise.
It might not have been a competition before, but it had just turned into one.
***HP:O ***
The doors of the classroom nearly flew open as the woman stormed in, eyes flashing in anger. Most of the students, the smart, observant ones at least, cowered back immediately. Others were stupidly ignorant of her mood as usual.
One, however, one merely stared back without fear or confusion.
Their eyes met and for a second the world around seemed to fade into the background.
"Twenty points from Gryffindor."
Snape's words broke the silence, causing obvious outrage amongst the 'lions'. Harry, in the meantime, merely stared back the only indication that he understood was a flash of anger in his emerald eyes and a twitching of his lips.
Without breaking the stare, she answered the protests, "Poor preparation," her voice rang out, earning silence, "Amaryllis Potter does not have her book open and ready. I expect better."
His fingers were twitching, fighting the urge to retaliate. So much like his mother in that regards. Finally, she turns and continues towards her desk.
"Begin gathering your ingredients, we will go over the instructions once you are done."
As she sat her mind went back to the reason for her sour mood. It wasn't just Lockhart, it wasn't just Riddle, now it was both of them. She was the most obvious choice for instructor for the boy. Not only had she been among the top duelists of her class, even Riddle couldn't have debated that, but she was more than proficient in Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions.
If James and Lily wanted their son to not just succeed, but thrive, then there were few who could compare to her level of expertise and knowledge. Yet she hadn't even been considered because of their past.
Had she not proven herself yet? Had she not made amends through her own actions, her own behavior? True, she might be harsh on the sisters, but it was for their own betterment. Too often did professors go easy on their 'favorites' and deep down she knew that McGonagall would be doing so. If the two adult Potters would not see what she could offer Harry, then hopefully the boy would.
***HP:O ***
A book slammed down onto the desk, earning some attention from others in the library but those glares were quickly frightened away by the one returned by a certain bushy-haired Witch.
"What's wrong Hermione?" Harriet inquired, earning a huff as the girl sat down and spun the book around so that the others at the table could read the title.
Masculum Vitam
"Male life?"
"Have you read this trash!?" The two sisters blinked, before shaking their heads, Harry followed as well, having never heard of the book in either world. "It's disgusting! I found it in the historical section of the bookstore on sale and bought it without realizing what it was. I only got through the first chapter before having to put it down. It's all about a 'man's role' about how he should just do as he's told, be married off, then support his wife and stand in her shadow like some sort of… of… object!"
She was panting now, red in the face with frustration and nearly quivering in anger. Harry could only imagine a similar reaction when 'his Hermione' had learned about the House Elves of Hogwarts. What none of the Potters considered, however, was Hermione noticing their reactions, or lack thereof.
"I thought you said you hadn't read it…"
"What? No, we haven't."
"But you aren't surprised." It came out as something between a question and accusation.
Glancing at each other the trio remained silent for a moment, before Harry shrugged, "I never heard of the book, but I've been learning about how men are treated for the past year. Plus, during the summer my parents… well they set up an apprenticeship with Professor Riddle. Apparently, it's a common way to make men more 'valuable'."
Her eyes widened, and she opened her mouth, probably to start a lecture of some kind when the boy beat her to it.
"I don't like it either Hermione but where I came from, I didn't exactly take my studies seriously enough and my goals for graduation were 'don't die and maybe something with Quidditch'. Learning some of this stuff isn't a bad thing, and yeah, it's a bit humiliating to know how reliant men can be on women to get a job but screaming and shouting about it won't fix anything."
His words took the wind from her sail as it were, and she glanced over at his sisters.
"He told us during the summer, and it's awful but we can't fix it when we're in school. Maybe once we graduate, we can really work on changing opinions and society but that takes time." Harriet noted, earning a nod from her sister. "Until then all we can do is support him."
"Plus, hex anyone who makes those comments behind his back. Speaking of which, Harry why don't you do that more often? I mean it isn't like you couldn't whoop our entire class when it comes to defense."
Harry rolled his eyes in response, as if it should be obvious, "Because the ones in our year are practically children to me. I was a fifth year remember? It wouldn't be appropriate for me to just start hurting first years because they are mean to me."
"Okay," Amy nodded, "I get that, but physically you are the same size, right? Punch them in their smug faces."
This earned an open, almost horrified, stare from the boy. "I… I can't hit a girl, Amy!"
Surprisingly, it wasn't the redhead who replied, but her sister. "Why not? They are being rude to you."
"Because… because I just can't. Boys aren't allowed to hit girls."
For a moment he was beyond confused as to why none of them understood, but realization smacked him in the face a second later. "Okay, how about this. Amy, would you ever punch Crabbe or Goyle in the face if they were being mean to you?"
Now it was her turn to look downright horrified. "Wh-what? Of course not!"
"Why not?"
"Because you can't just punch…" she trailed off, understanding shining in her eyes along with the other two witches.
Harry nodded at the unspoken answer, "Exactly, because you just can't. In my world boys couldn't hit girls, period, end of statement. It just wasn't done and if it did happen it was considered abuse or worse."
The raven-haired girl, once again, made her attempted justification, "But we aren't in your world Harry. Despite what our sister thinks you still shouldn't just assault someone, but if the situation called for it you wouldn't be punished the same way as if a girl hit you."
"It doesn't matter about the punishment. It matters that I was raised knowing it isn't acceptable. You don't hit girls. I can't just turn off fifteen years of life just because I'm somewhere new."
Even with the new bit of understanding Amy still crossed her arms with a huff, "I still wouldn't mind seeing you punch Malfoy in the face…"
***HP:O ***
"Where are we going?"
Riddle, walking beside him and yet guiding him at the same time, merely smiled, "You will see in a moment." It was the first weekend of the school year, and according to the agreement it was time to be set aside for training and practice.
Harry assumed they were going to a place where that could be accomplished, instead when the woman ended their journey at a door and pushed it open it was a large room with more than a few other students already inside that greeted them.
Conversation halted as eyes shifted to the two newcomers. The boy wanted nothing more than to disappear beneath an Invisibility Cloak. The woman, on the other hand, took the attention in stride and walked forward to the front of the room without a hint of hesitation. "Welcome to the first day of Hogwarts' Dueling Club for the year. Most of you here are veterans, a few of you are new so we will go over the rules before…"
"Excuse me, Professor, why is he here."
The oldest woman finally paused and turned back to where the various witches were shifting attention between herself and the only boy in the room. "Harry is joining the club."
"But he can't…"
Riddle's eyes narrowed, and it was enough of a warning to the older student that she quickly reconsidered her argument. "I was always told clubs were not open for students until their third year."
She was about to nod, and explain, when another voice chimed in, one that she had been secretly waiting for. "Plus, what can he learn? Men can't duel, we all know that."
Delphini Black, ever the prideful misandrist, looked at the Potter with contempt bordering on disgust.
Perfect
"Care to make a wager on that?" All eyes, including Harry's snapped towards the professor. "You claim he can't duel, that men can't duel, so how about a test? You two step onto the stage against each other. If Harry wins, he will be admitted without any further complaints from anyone, if you win, he will not make any further attempts to join this year and the rules will be the same every year that follows."
Several muttered their opinions for or against the challenge, and the Black heiress herself seemed to be on the fence in the debate.
"Surely you don't believe that a younger wizard, one not raised in Magical society, can defeat an older, more experienced, student who already duels at a level higher than her peers? Weren't you the one bragging about being able to defeat those at least a year, maybe two, above your own?"
The perceived praise earned a nod from the recipient.
"And I'm sure we can all agree you more than anyone would have all the reason to win and not take it easy on him hm?"
Again, a nod, this time more confident. Nothing more needed said, and Delphini went into one of the privacy areas to change into dueling robes. Harry himself was taken, gently yet with intent, into a different one.
It was like a changing room at a clothing store, he noted, but rather than pick up the clothing that would shift to his size he glared at the woman standing with him. "What do you think you're doing?" he practically hissed, earning a sly smile.
"I am encouraging your development in Defense of course. Dueling is a major part of it."
But he wasn't going to be convinced so easily, not with how the last dueling club had gone. "A year earlier than I should be involved apparently."
Grace merely waved his complaints off, "The age requirement is more of a suggestion than anything else. Most students don't have enough skill to participate or enough of an idea of what subjects they enjoy so early on is all. You meet both of those concerns. Plus, your parents signed off on the idea as well as your Head of House."
"Oh, I'm sure she did."
The woman didn't bother hiding her smirk, "As for your opponent, think of this as an opportunity to dissuade some of the more opinionated students. It is also a chance to revisit your disagreement from the summer."
Harry wanted to argue that he didn't care about the posturing or insults, that this would be far more risk than reward. Then something popped into his head, memories of all the crap he had taken the previous year, of dealing with the heiress and her friends, of all the times he had bit his tongue for the sake of privacy.
If Riddle was instructing him, wouldn't it be more suspicious if he didn't get involved? "Fine, some privacy please?"
With her 'victory' achieved, Riddle departed the stall and closed the door behind her. Seeing Delphini already prepared she went through her own tasks, raising up the platform and setting the protective Wards.
Harry emerged moments later, fully dressed in what were considered 'proper' dueling clothes. Both contenders made their way up to opposing sides, with Riddle taking her own place in the middle.
"There are to be no spells cast with the intent to kill or cause permanent damage, Duels will go until one participant is unable to continue, one surrenders, or I step in. Duels begin on the platform and end on the platform, if I hear of anyone doing such things outside of this room there will be serious consequences. These are for learning and personal growth, not to create conflict between students." Looking to either side, Grace received confirming nods and stepped back out of the path. "Then begin."
Immediately Harry overheard the snickering, about how he wouldn't even know the proper stances, about how limited his spell knowledge would be. Putting all this aside he focused on his opponent, and sure enough there was a cocky grin on her face as she launched the first attack.
A stunner, not exactly what he was expecting but it did make sense if she thought him completely inept and helpless. Harry was far from either of those and easily moved to the side, firing his own return volley.
Three flashes had Delphini's eyes widening and dipping out of the path, her movements fluid and graceful. The boy didn't like to admit it, but she was talented, that much was obvious.
Her Wand flared red in return, forcing the boy to duck out of the path as he muttered out another incantation.
His spell succeeded, at least in forcing her to use Magical defense rather than just avoidance. A shimmering barrier formed, absorbing the spell, and buying her a moment to breathe, eyes narrowing as she reassessed the wizard.
The taunts had died down, now only a few mutters as the remainder of the club watched with not a small amount of awe. Harry struck once more, an overpowered blasting spell nearly shattering the Black heiress' barrier, and changing her expression to one of shock with a bit of fear mixed in. A follow up spell did break the defense, and this time Delphini wasn't nearly as ready, and her response not as measured.
She dove to the side, and it was in that moment that Harry struck, a burst of light tossing her backwards while a disarming spell removed her wand from her hand.
Silence greeted him for a moment, before Riddle began clapping, and others joined along with her. "Welcome to the club, Harry."
***HP:O ***
The remainder of Dueling Club had been spent going over procedures, discussing training plans, and creating future goals for the various members. Harry had, as usual, kept to himself. It wasn't just the fact he was the only male, apparently dueling was a rare activity for his gender, but he was also at least a year younger than every other participant.
There was, however, a slight shift in the attitude towards him since the start. Instead of dismissal and the occasional borderline hostility there was now curiosity with a few hints of respect in the eyes of his peers.
Whether it was because of his own success, or Riddles endorsement he wasn't quite sure. Even more important was whether this would be a permanent change or just something temporary, lasting only for as long as it took until the old prejudices came roaring back.
When their meeting ended, and the group began to disperse, Riddle called for him to wait behind and go over a few additional items. He did so, unsurprised when she closed the door with a slight gesture as the last witch left.
Praise was evident in her voice, "It seems you have already started a reputation for yourself."
His response was a shrug, "For as long as it lasts, I suppose."
"Even Delphini had a hard time coming up with excuses or critiques." Grace noted, producing a scroll, and placing a quill upright against it. "Though that might be due to her own defeat. If she started calling you inadequate it would only tarnish her own image, especially since she lost in a protracted duel."
For a moment he resisted the urge, but soon his grin peeked through the stoic expression he had been attempting to force. "It did feel good taking her down a peg."
"I know the feeling." The way she replied, the understanding in her voice, Harry felt that same odd connection that had been forming between them, that maybe deep down she did know, at least to an extent. He noticed her make a small gesture towards the objects still on the table, and the quill began to write on its own, reminding him all too much of Rita Skeeter and her own techniques.
It served to dampen his mood considerably.
"What's that for?"
"The bracelet you are wearing, analyzed you during the duel and this will record the information. It will provide us with a good base of where to begin making improvements."
He nodded, stuffing away the urge to make an overly confident reply about how he was already besting those far older than him. He could always be better, more prepared, more knowledgeable. If anything, his years at Hogwarts had taught him it was that.
She gestured towards the dueling platform, and he took the hint and ascended once more, this time, though, she was right behind him. "In the meantime, let's start with your stance."
"What's wrong with it?" There is a bit of irritation in his voice, but she was quick to ignore it.
"If you are dueling against children, nothing. However, we are preparing you to duel against adults. Your stance is simple and easy to learn, which is fine for those who only do this as a hobby."
Harry's mind whirled and made the connections. It did make sense. He had barely learned any sort of formal dueling and undoubtedly there would be more to it than Snape and 'LockFraud' had shown in his own second year.
"Keep your arm down, the reason we have students assume that position is for improved recovery. Next, relax your primary arm a bit more, you don't want it straight and rigid but more flexible and relaxed, it improves your range of motion. Now, move your feet apart so they aren't in a straight line. This part is difficult at first, but it will improve your balance and allow for more diverse movements."
A small chime sounded from nearby, and Riddle walked off the raised area and towards the scroll where the quill had finally stopped. "Move around a bit and try to get the feeling of dodging and avoidance while in that stance, I'm going to look over this and see where you stand in terms of casting efficiency."
***HP:O ***
In his old Hogwarts Harry Potter had come to a reasonable theory that rumors were magically enchanted. They spread so fast it had to be something other than word of mouth, especially when they concerned him. Here, it seemed, it was much the same. Before he made it back to his bedroom to clean up following his first club meeting a voice called out from nearby.
"Potter" Turning, he spied Daphne Greengrass standing from her seat, several books laid out on the table directly in front of it but no one else around. "I need to talk to you."
It reminded the boy of their 'discussion' the previous year, which immediately had him on guard. If she intended on acting in the same manner, then he wanted nothing to do with her. Still, his parents had wanted him to try and make friends in his own house, no reason not to give her a second chance.
Walking over he gave her a slight nod, "What about?"
"Lessons, in Defense. My mother wasn't happy with my grades last year and told me I needed to do better, or she would cut my allowance."
He frowned in response, "Why not get an older student? They can teach you a lot more than I can." It was a lie, probably, it wasn't that he lacked experience teaching it was just the fact that he wasn't exactly thrilled with spending his time instructing a second year just so her mom would give her more spending money.
The girl snorted, "And trade what exactly? You might not know this yet but no one in Slytherin does anything for free."
He did know it, and it was just another reason he wished he had been sorted into Gryffindor instead.
In the other House people helped each other just to be nice.
"So, you want me to help you out for free?" It wasn't as if he wouldn't do it, he was just feeling a bit miffed at the implication that while others would want something he might just be suckered into doing it.
His pseudo accusation had her biting her lip, clearly assuming he wouldn't make the tiny leap in logic required. "No, no I uh I can pay you if you want."
Harry's initial instinct was to decline, but then he thought about it for a moment. Without his vault he didn't exactly have any galleons to spend, and he still didn't feel comfortable asking his 'parents' for any amount.
Plus, the holidays were approaching, even if they were off a few months.
"Sure, why not."
***HP:O ***
Harry wasn't looking for trouble, he wasn't, really, he was just taking some extra precautions. A few books checked out concerning magical creatures, some notes scribbled down about various spells that might come in handy if he couldn't see, a couple of requests that his sisters keep an eye on Ginny Weasley and any other young students that might be acting unusual. No, it was nothing out of the ordinary, nothing at all.
The results of his research, unfortunately, were far from helpful. Basilisks were rare creatures for a reason, and not much was written regarding dealing with them aside from the occasional warnings and theories. He did learn, however, that their scales were prized as armor for centuries and made the creature incredibly resistant to all forms of Magic.
"Perfect…" he muttered, shaking his head with a sigh. "No Fawkes, no sword, and even small ones take groups to defeat." There remained the possibility of a rooster, but since his own world had them all slaughtered it would be safe to assume the same would happen should events repeat themselves.
Still, there was the hope that they wouldn't. Ginny Weasley was fine, he had even taken to keeping an eye on her during meals when possible, and no cursed books had been discovered. Without Riddle being a mass murdering sociopath, it was likely that no one else would follow in the same footsteps.
Maybe his first year had just been a fluke?
Still, it wouldn't hurt to spend some time looking at Magic that might be able to damage a creature's eyes.
***HP:O ***
It had taken less than a week for her to notice. Something had changed, something for the better. The boy seemed happier, his smiles wider, his laughter a bit more carefree. When he spoke to his friends, he was more animated, he would look at them with just a bit more warmth than she recalled from the previous year.
Even more telling was the fact she had yet to catch one of his 'moments', those brief periods that he would stare off into space, remembering something only he knew, of a place that didn't exist and a time that hadn't yet occurred.
All in all, Harry Potter was happier, and healthier, than his entire previous school year… so why was it that she found herself frowning at this revelation.
She shouldn't be, as his Head of House it was her duty to put his wellbeing before her own, doubly so now that she would be taking him under her wing. Instead, she found herself annoyed, envious even, at the sudden shift and the thought that she might not be the cause of it.
Why did Granger earn his full attention when she spoke? When his literal twin pointed something out in a book, did he need to lean in so close to her? Why did he allow his redheaded sister to rest against him so casually? Why were his smiles towards the Ravenclaw named Luna always brighter than the ones she had ever seen? Why did his attention shift to the youngest Weasley girl when no one else was looking?
Clearly, it was healthy for him to form relationships with those his own age, with those he might have known from his previous life. It certainly was better for him to be friends with those in other Houses than stuck dealing with the arrogant Slytherins who ignored him at best, despite her best efforts.
Still
Still
She wanted his attention in the same way that they had it, and that single admission bothered her more than the Headmistress' insistence on keeping a red stone in the castle a year prior.
***HP:O ***
Previous Name**************New Name
Tom Riddle*****************Grace Riddle
Albus Dumbledore***********Augustina Dumbledore
Draco Malfoy***************Cleopatra (Cleo) Malfoy
-*************************Harriet Potter
-*************************Amaryllis (Amy) Potter
-*************************Pandora Malfoy
Blaise Zabini****************Bliss Zabini
Theodore Nott**************Theresa Nott
Severus Snape**************Serena Snape
-*************************Marie Rosier
Percy Weasley**************Paisley Weasley
Bill Weasley****************Billie Weasley
Charlie Weasley*************Charlene Weasley
Fred Weasley***************Frankie Weasley
George Weasley*************Georgie Weasley
Remus Lupin***************Remi Lupin
-************************Sylvie Rosier
Gilderoy Lockhart***********Gordana Lockhart