HER POV~
I desperately tried to calm my wildly beating heart. The fuzziness in my head and the ringing in my ears were making it harder to concentrate on breathing.
It was not real, There was no griver here, I told myself.
well, it was real but inside my head and not real in the sense of reality. My mind retorted back and I didn't know how that was even possible, god that didn't make any sense but still made soo much sense. I didn't know how either that was possible
I gave up on making sense of that and looked at the black cat in my lap.
~master are you fine * meow*~ What the heck did the black blur of a cat just speak?!
It took me a moment to clear my mind of the after-effects of being in my mindscape for too long.
Memory after memory hit me like a bullet train and I fell back on the bed with a groan
Me waking up as harry potter, Talking to Darkfang, shopping, Phantom, Grimmauld place, Kreature, Dudley, The elves, Sirius, Letters, Azure, The books, Spells, Potions, Locket, sorting, Classes, Duncan, hissed conversations... And so on it went for what felt like hours but were moments.
I took in a ragged breath and pulled Phantom closer to me. I took in the scent of the pears that still clung to her fur even after a week of washing her up. I buried my nose in her soft fur and took in another sniff the smell helped me ground myself and wasn't it amusing that pears symbolized comfort along with a bunch of other things.
After another deep breath, I pulled myself together and released Phantom, who was as still as a log in my clutches
~ massster you smell of fear ~ Azure who looked like a blue rope half hanging-half clinging to my bedpost hissed in a soft tone that I hadn't heard before. How she managed to sound different while hissing, all the same, was beyond.
~ Yesss ~ I breathed and practically hissed out ~ I am afraid ~ I admitted and she tilted her head in a way reminiscent of a puppy, I would have said that she looked cute even, if not for the slight leaning of her body that added to her dangerous demeanor to her making it look like she was ready to strike.
~ There isss no predator here ~ she said confused ~ Are you afraid of being away from our nest?~ I smiled despite the humorousness of the situation, She didn't understand that I woke up from a my-personal-alive-inside-my-head nightmare but still made quite a good guess.
I nodded ~ I'm afraid of the predator who Protectsss my nessst, I know it won't harm me but I can't help it ~
I tried to simplify it as much as I could, Azure didn't grow up around humans so these things were out of her capacity, she couldn't understand all this, not like Phantom who spent most of her life around humans, it was a wonder that she could even understand English by being in contact with mad portrait and faulty devoted elf.
Both my non-human companions watched me for a moment
~ Fearing a Predator isss natural, It helpsss to keep you away from harm, but one must overcome thisss fear to sssurvive ~ She hissed back in a tone that I knew was meant for kids.
~ I know ~ I will remove the grivers from the maze, I knew they will not harm me, after all, they were a part of my mind and I knew that fearing them was really childish of me but I just couldn't help it.
I feared bugs and with a good reason too, they were creepy and caused diseases and ruined crops, I didn't know how a person could tolerate them. My fear of bugs was intensified by my mother's OCD and her collection of diseases and horror-filled stories from her job as a doctor.
~ I...I will try~ I muttered at last and decided to get up, No sleep for me I guess.
I carefully got up avoiding the black and blue blurs on my bed and stood up and cursed as the world tilted dangerously and got more blurry. I should have waited for the after-effects to recede completely.
I sat back on the bed and blindly searched my nightstand.
I saw Azure move and slither onto the nightstand. She pushed a small box towards my hand. I smiled
~ Thank you ~ I opened the box and, carefully placed the lenses in them upon my eyes with practiced ease.
I blinked a few times as the world came back into focus. I looked at the windows in my room and noticed that it was still kinda dark. It must not be 6 since the alarm had not rung yet.
I stretched and looked at the alarm clock. It was currently 4:48 am. I wonder if I can go to the great hall this early after all there was no rule in ' Hogwarts: The History ' that said that students could not wake up before a certain time.
Deciding to take my chance I went to the bathroom and did my morning routine, meditation, and practiced martial arts. After feeding Phantom and assuring Azure that she could hunt later in the forest, I left my room at around 5:29 and headed towards the Great Hall after a short interrogation I mean chat with Lady Helga's portrait.
The walk to The Great Hall was silent, added with a few wrong turns and undisturbed, with occasional cold breezes blowing from unknown places.
The Great Hall was empty and dimly lit, I wonder how late the teachers and prefects patrol.
I sat down on the end closest to the teacher's table. I wonder if the House-elves are awake yet, I would appreciate a cup of coffee now.
As if on cue a silver cup of coffee, just the way I like popped into existence in front of me, and the torch closest to me flared up. I picked the cup up and noticed a note underneath it.
It read
We'll always take care of you kind master harry, no matter how far you are.
I smiled at the note and placed it into my satchel. Only one elf called me kind master harry, and I recognized Grafo's handwriting.
I read for some time, silently sipping my coffee.
The art of applying multiple spells to a single object is hard and intricate. There are three ways to apply multiple spells on an object.
First is layering where one simply adds incantation over the previous ones, Note that Each spell must be in the same power range as the rest, or the results can be explosive or deadly.
To cast multiple spells on an object-
I froze, someone was watching me, I felt it and my sixth sense was rarely wrong. I continued dragging my eyes over the book but not reading it .whoever the person maybe he/she/they were behind me and hadn't moved. I took another sip.
It was possible that the person was an older year or a professor, since the younger students didn't wake up this early they had no OWLs, NEWTs, or duties after all.
I placed the cup and watched out of the corner of my eye as it reflected the light and an image of the person was formed. The person was standing several feet towards 4 or 5'O clock from my position.
I could not make out any specific details from the blurry image but what I saw was enough to hint at who the person was ., after all, who else than snape wears full black robes and is as pale as cinderella.
" Morning Professor " I muttered without looking up, my eyes still on the book but my focus was on the cup.
I watched in the cup as the Hogwarts most dreaded professor seemingly narrowed his eyes if the wrinkling of the lines near his eyes and on his forehead was anything to go by, moreover, he continued to glare at my back all within moments as he replied " " without skipping a beat as if expecting this. I smirked inside my mind, Two can play the game professor.
" What " he paused and I was pretty sure it was deliberately made for a dramatic proposes. " Are you doing here, at this hour "
" I'm Reading sir " I replied and swirled around to face him, I was correct he was glaring at me with his eyes narrowed, His lips were pitched and I was also sure that he didn't believe me one bit.
" Reading? " He raised a brow and the look in his eyes clearly told what he thought about me and reading in the same sentence " Could you not read in your dorm room or common room "
I shrugged and looked at his face again, It was clear that he didn't believe me and was trying to force the Truth out of me, he probably thought that I was here to plant some prank or do other misdeeds " I felt suffocated in my room and thought that perhaps the morning air might do the trick"
" Sophocated you say...looks like" he sneered " the Hogwarts dorm rooms aren't up to your standard " He looked ready to rip my head, too bad teachers aren't allowed to do that.
" Not being up to standards and being suffocating are two different things I believe professor " He narrowed his eyes further and I wonder how far I can push his buttons before he snaps.
" Tell the truth I have better things to do than to listen to your petty lies" He sneered and I suppressed a sigh.
Under normal circumstances, I would be annoyed if people thought that I was lying when I wanted them to hear the truth, but this wasn't normal under any circumstance moreover it was kinda fun to know that the Truth was soo unbelievable at least from snape standards that he thought it was a lie, It was amusing, to say the least, therefore, I decided to be more absurd, let's see how much snape can take after all he isn't cut out of the rock as much as he wants others to think so.
" You see sir, I woke up from a nightmare about these Spider-scorpion hybrids" I started slowly and watched as there was the slightest twitch near his eye " I wanted some fresh air and the Hufflepuff room was too humid and stuffy therefore I decided to visit the Great Hall "
I watched as a scowl replaced his sneer and his eye twitch other than that he was stoic and pretty much expressionless.
" Detention " Oh shit, I didn't want to spend my first few days at Hogwarts in detention even if it was with my favorite character, especially if it was with my favorite character I must admit.
" Why professor did you assign me detention " I looked at him with my most innocent and confused tone.
" You " he sneered " have been caught roaming the Halls during the curfew that is why I assigned you detention, Looks like you are not smart enough to figure that out now are you?" I saw a kinda smug and satisfied look in his eyes, I smiled
" Professor Snape, I believe that there is no rule announcing the timing of the lift of curfew though It is De facto lifted at 4 am "
"He is quite correct " Snape spared a brief glance at Professor McGonagall and Flitwick before glaring back at me.
" I will advise you to stay in your dorms during curfew " With that, he swirled on his heels and stormed towards the teacher's table
I sent a grateful smile at Flitwick for speaking on my behalf.
" Professor snape just hasn't had his coffee yet so you need not worry he will be...more rational once he has had his beverage"
I almost snorted at that but instead smiled wider.
" Yes, I believe that a morning can do that to you " I replied with a kind smile.
" your essay on the Lumos charm was excellent, it was quite a surprise " yeah I wonder why " But I think it is expected from the son of one of the most talented person at charms"
" My dad was good at charms?" I raised a brow. He looked a bit shocked and startled to know that I didn't know who was good at charms. good, for, after all, I wanted to create the image of an orphan boy who doesn't know his parents and was desperate enough to hear from his parents' teachers. This will help me get close to them and learn about their position and opinion regarding Dumbledor. McGonagall also looked shocked if the abrupt sharpness her eyes attained upon my statement was any indicator.
Flitwick cleared his throat while I looked at him expectantly " Mr potter ...actually your mother was good at charms" I forced a blush on my face, it was easy since all I had to do was remember one of the lewd and kinda my favorite scene from the Deadpool.
"oh," I replied and Glanced at the teacher's table. Snape and McGonagall, who had just reached the staff table, were talking. I wonder...well I wonder a lot anyways.
" Well, see you after breakfast" with that he headed towards the teacher's table.
around 6 students started to trickle in, it seems that 6 is the usual time for OWL and NEWT aspirants to wake up.
I continued my reading, the coffee was gone even before the students started pouring in. I lifted my head out of the book and saw that most students had their faces buried in books or were engaged in discussions with their fellow housemates. My eyes roamed over the four tables and then they turned towards the teacher's table. Most teachers like Sprout, Snape, McGonagall, Flitwick, Quirell, Aurora, and even Hooch were there.
I looked back at the book in my hand, not actually reading it. Both Fliwtick and Mcgonagall now know about the knowledge or the lack thereof that I have about my parents, If they were as close as the canon described to their respective favorite students then there was a big chance that they will investigate why I don't know anything about the Potters and would try to fill me in.
I of course had logical, reasonable, and unsuspicious explanations at hand, Only time will tell if I ever get to use them.
Breakfast was an ordinary occasion, Neville sat beside me and we chatted about plants, His favorite topic, and partially mine too.
Wednesday
September 3rd, 1991.
First-period charms.
Today was the due date to hand in our first charms assignment, we already had a second assignment about wand movement and spell pronunciation concentrating on the Lumos charm.
I and Neville had already submitted our assignments on Tuesday. The class was practical and fairly simple. We had already covered the theory and practice today we just had to finalize our casting movement. The class was going at a fair pace.
************************after the class******************************
" Thank you, you are great at explaining things " Hannah Abbot replied as I closed my charms textbook.
" It is nothing, Heiress Abbot, really all you had to do was find a comfortable wand holding style"
" But still and please call me Hannah " she bowed. I smiled and revealed my open palm to her. She placed her hand in mine and I kissed her knuckles.
" Only if you call me, Harry" She smiled in return.
" Hannah, are you coming? " Susan Bones asked her friend, already packed and ready for the next class.
" yes " she replied and turned towards me " Thank you again but please excuse me now"
" No problem " I replied with a grin. I watched as the duo of girls left the class chatting about god know what.
" Hey, Mr. charmer are you ready" I turned towards Neville
" Just a minute, I think my Quill fell somewhere here," I said while packing away my things.
" " I turned towards Flitwick who had my self-inking Quill in his hand. " I believe this is yours"
" Yes sir, Thank you sir" I accepted my Quill from him
" I have something to discuss with you, would you mind waiting a little longer here"
" No, of course not, professor" I replied while doing a small gyrate inside my head. " I'll see you in Transfiguration Neville" Neville nodded and headed off towards the next class, No doubt to take many wrong turns and steps before he reached his destination. Man, this castle was like an ever-moving Maze.
I looked towards the door that the last student, Hermione, who had stopped to ask Fliwitck something, had closed just now.
" What did you want to discuss professor ?" I asked the tiny professor with worry and politeness laced in my voice.
" Yes, Mr. Potter, Well It is noting relating to the studies you see," He said looking a bit nervous around the edges. I waited patiently for him to continue.
" You see Mr. Potter I was surprised to know that you didn't know about your mother's best subject"
I blushed, again with the help of The Deadpool movie.
" Um uh well, you see sir I.." I stuttered and he looked intensely at me. I cleared my throat
" You uh see professor My Aunt doesn't know much about my mother err's magical side," I said with feigned discomfort. Flitwick had an unreadable look on his face but he was tapping his fingers on his side just like he did in classes when he was thinking.
Flitwick slowly smiles showing more than humanly possible sharp teeth.
" Your mother was best at charms, and from what I know she was good at Runes too"
" Really professor?" I looked at him with a natural glimmer of hope. Yes, hope to see him falling for my plan.
" Yes, yes" He chuckled
" You seem to know a lot about her," I said and his mood darkened a bit.
" well yes " He paused to probably contemplate what to say next " She was my favorite student, we were pretty close, she even wanted to become my apprentice for charms mastery"
" Really ?" I said wide-eyed and he nodded " Did you accept her ?"
" No " he sighed " I really wanted to accept her request, brilliant witch that one"
" What happened then ?" I asked even if I could make a guess what had happened
" She got pregnant and there was a war brewing, they went into hiding " His voice was thick with emotion," She said she will complete her mastery when you grew up a little but-"
" oh " I muttered, my eyes downcast deep in thoughts, Looks like Flitwick was not just lily's favorite school teacher but a mentor.
" Here, have this " I looked at him as he wordlessly accioed something golden across the room.
I took the thing from his hand and I was shocked to see that a golden badge was revealed when I opened my fist.
I looked closer, it wasn't just a badge...It was a Head badge and more importantly Lily Evan's Head girl badge.
" This. sir I " I stuttered again, this time for real. I felt like I was spying on a really intimate movement between Harry Potter and Filius Flitwick.
" That's your mother's she said she would collect it along with the charms mastery from me," He said sadly
" I sir-I-I can't - I can't have this sir, this must mean a lot to you if you have kept it all these years," I said ruefully
"While that is true I believe that it will be more at peace with you " I looked at the little golden object in my hand. Gods how do I handle this guilt and emotions.
" T-thank you, sir," I said after a moment
" She was a dutiful head girl " Flitwick continued, reminiscing and a small red-haired girl.
" yes, along with my dad, I read about it " I finally said pulling myself together. For canon's sake, I had to do this. I ran my thumb over the piece of metal, I will cherish it... after Kreacher checks it for suspicious spells that is.
" Well don't you have a class to get to," He told with another unreadable expression just as the bell rung
" Oh Merlin, Professor McGonagall is going to be really mad," I said while looking at my watch.
" Not yet " Flitwick muttered as he accioed a ' Harry potter's permission slip ' across the room.
he handed it to me.
" Thank you, sir," I said hurriedly as I placed the badge in my breast pocket. I turned towards the door and was almost out when Flitwick spoke again.
" We can talk more about it if you fancy an evening tea with this old man " I turned around and took a moment
" Thank you, professor, I... I would love that " I paused " Thank you, this means a lot to me " I added for a better measure while motioning towards my breast pocket.
He nodded and I left his classroom just as the students started trickling in.
I hurried toward Professor McGonagall's classroom. where was it again, I think that a painting of the sea was on the way to her classroom?
I turned around a corner when I came across a rather upsetting scene.
A certain dark-skinned Slytherin was standing rigid, his back to me while two older Ravenclaws were standing in front of him. They stood with their Wands drawn and sneers on their face.
" Something got your tongue snake?" The Ravenclaw boy with sandy hair taunted the first year. Rage white-hot rage raced through me as my magic growled inside me reacting to my emotion. There were only three things I truly hated with all my being and they were abuse, rape, and bullying.
" Don't you have anything better to do?" The Slytherin asked. I cursed under my breath for forgetting the chloroform can, I can't cast a stunner yet.
The other Ravenclaw, a brown-haired brat, opened his mouth to speak but I beat him to it.
" YuP like studying or classes " I walked towards them with a forced smile. Even if I have a permission slip from Flitwick I can't afford to spend much time here.
" Harry Potter," Sandy said
" The one and only," I said with a mock bow. The other boys still had their wands out. none of them returned my greetings.
" What do you want, " Browny asked, wariness evident in his voice.
" I can ask you the same " I raised a brow and then motioned towards the Slytherin.
" It's none of your business " Browny sneered, but I saw hesitation and curiosity in his eyes. sandy looked like he wanted to shoot questions to me.
" There is a thing named curiosity," I said with a nonchalant shrug " Certainly as Ravenclaws you are better acquainted with it than I am " My smile widened.
" Potter " I turned towards the Slytherin. " You should leave"
I shook my head. " You should leave, I believe you have- what herbology next ?"
" It's DADA " I grimaced " Pity "
" Potter " I turned towards sandy.
" Yes?"
" What do you want?"
" A deal"
" What deal ? " browny asked
" I will answer any one of your questions and you will not bully him"
" Being a Hupplepuff potter "
No, I'm being a Slytherin " Perhaps " I looked at their unimpressed faces
" Ok you can ask me two questions, one for each, consider it you can ask me anything " I looked around for effect and then dropped my voice to a whisper " Even what happened on that Halloween night "
I watched as their faces went through some interesting emotions - realization, Fear, confusion, hesitation, curiosity, and finally determination.
" What happened on that Halloween night," browny asked.
" Deal or no deal?" I asked with a smile.
" It's a deal, " He asked annoyed " Now answer my question "
" That night " I made a face that showed that I was trying to remember something " The Dark Lord came to my house to give us a Halloween scare " browny didn't look impressed but sandy looked intrigued.
" He blew our front door and killed my father, then my mother took me and ran upstairs to the nursery, I don't remember much but she performed some really advanced magic on me and then The Dark Lord came and Killed her too "
" What happened next, " Sandy asked in a breathy voice
" The Dark Lord fired a green, green spell at me it was about to hit me but then whatever my mother did to me protected me, The curse bounced backed towards the Dark Lord just like a ball bounces off a wall, Then..."
" Then what potter ?" Browny asked looking just as intrigued as his friend.
" Then there was a horrible horrible scream, and a lot of pain and then just silence and darkness" I concluded, " I think I fainted after that or something"
Both the Ravenclaws looked horrified and fascinated
" Well, come on ask your next question I ain't got all day "
" Where's your scar and glasses," sandy asked and I refrained from rolling my eyes
I lifted my headband to reveal the scar. Both the ravens looked intently at it.
" And your glasses ?" Sandy asked finally tearing his eyes away from my forehead
" What glasses ?" I asked, Was it public knowledge that I wore glasses. I don't think Harry Potter had made an appearance in the wizarding world since he was a toddler and I only made an appearance in Diagon alley and even then I already had lenses and the headband, I could not afford to be recognized after all.
" You have glasses, don't you, I read about it in the rise and fall of The Dark Lord" Ah yes the books. Think about it, I saw quite a few books with fake Harry Potter stories and I did use that excuse to cover up knowledge about The Potters being head girl and boy in their time but it was a blind shot and really reckless of me. I did not know if that was included in any book and anyways how many books are out there being published without my consent really, I mean I can make a fortune out of them.
" Potter " I looked at browny " Sorry I got lost in thought anyway I don't have glasses, the books were lying " Yup I don't wear glasses NOW
" But " Sandy started
" I think your Two questions are spent now leave us alone " Browney looked like he wanted to argue but Sandy pulled stopped him
" Come mate We have a class to get to " Only when both boys had left did I turn towards the Slytherin
"Well met Heir Zabini " I bowed my head while keeping my palms open at my side to show that I did not have a wand and came with peace. He looked at me for a minute, caution and calculation evident in his eyes.
Slowly very slowly he bowed back returning the gesture. He maintained eye contact for more than a minute, an act of trust in Wizarding culture. I smiled at him.
" Well met Heir Potter"
I had gotten better at wizarding etiquette and recognizing the big meanings behind the smallest of actions. Offering a handshake is a sign of peace, neutrality, or even alliance depending upon the situation and the wordings spoken before it. Maintaining eye contact is a sign of huge trust due to the possibility of legilimency, a declining handshake means funds, gifting necklaces meant proposals, open wandless palms means coming in peace, holding a wand from the opposite end means surrender, and so on.
" I would have loved a chat but as it is, I'll have to excuse myself," I said while stifling the urge to look inside the mind that was held behind beautiful purple eyes. Purple is my favorite color.
I knew that as an Heir of Most blah blah blah house of Zabini he will have some sort of occlumency shields, The legilimency I performed on the wesleys and Neville was thoughtless and reckless but I was in a shot of luck since it seemed that the Wesley didn't follow many of the wizarding cultures while Neville was pants at Occlumency and didn't even notice me peeking in his mind.
" Yeah, I'm late too " With that, he stalked away I watched him go and then checked my watch
" Oh shit "
*************5 minutes time skip brought to you by marauders map *************
I watched that No was near the Hallway I was in.
" Mischief managed"
I stuffed the map inside my satchel and turned a corner to stand in front of the Transfiguration class. I was already 15 minutes late.
I took a breath and walked to the door. Professor McGonagall was correcting the wand movement of one of her pupils.
Her sharp gaze turned towards me.
" May I come in ma'am" several heads turned toward me as I asked the question. My voice was steady, but I still sounded a little out of breath.
" Yes, do come in " I walked inside but she stopped me before I could reach an empty seat. "but I believe class started 15 minutes ago "
" I'm sorry professor but Professor Flitwick held me back " She raised a brow " He wanted to discuss something and he also told me to give you this " I handed her the permission slip that said to excuse me for being late and had Flitwick's sigh at the bottom.
She read it and looked at me
" Sit down " she looked at Padma or was it Parvati who was sitting alone " I'm sure Miss Patil wouldn't mind sharing her notes with you "
" Not at all professor " The Gryffindor girl replied.
I sat beside The Gryffindor Patil.
" Hi, so what's going on " She slid her notes toward me
" We are practicing the Transfiguration of a hair into wooden sticks " she replied
" Wow you better not perform it on me then " I grinned.
" Focus on the class potter," She said turning towards her piece of hair but there was an amused smile on her face.
********************time skip brought to you by Minnie*********************
By the end of the class, Seamus was sent to the infirmary to get his wooden sticks I mean hair fixed.
" Thank you " I thanked my bench mate, whose name I have been avoiding in fear of messing it up, as she packed away her notes and stuffed her wands in her pocket.
" no problem Heir Potter "
" Please call me Harry " I offered her a charming smile.
" You can call me Parvati then "
" of course "
" , " McGonagall said as she walked towards our desk.
" Please meet me in my office at 7:30 today ''
" I will, Professor " I smiled politely at her
" Harry are you coming," Neville asked from the doorway.
" Yes "
" Have a good day ma'am " I told Mcgonagall and left to catch up with Neville.
**************************Time skip*************************
I rubbed my eyes as I packed my stuff after the History of Magic class. The classroom was almost empty seems like I slept in.
I had been going over all the facts and how much I could tell Mcgonagall and what wouldn't contradict what Flitwick knows about me since Flitwick will sooner rather than later converse with McGonagall.
Firstly, Petunia Never met James Potter, so she didn't know much about him, therefore I don't know much about him.
I knew that James Potter was the head boy due to reading a book.
I read that James played Quidditch but not what position he played, after all, Mcgonagall was sure to bring that fact up.
I definitely didn't know that he was a prankster.
Petunia didn't know much about Lily potter's magical heritage other than that she was a witch.
I yawned and sheepishly made my way towards the exit but someone stopped me.
" Heir Zabini," I said keeping my palms open to my sides, he returned the gesture.
" Heir Potter " His voice was Neutral.
" Harry " Neville raised a brow as he came to stand beside me. The only people in the classroom were I, Neville, and Zabini, well the living people anyway.
" Neville, This is Blaise Zabini, Heir of the most ancient and Noble house of Zabini"
" Well met Heir Zabini " Neville let his open palms fall to the side and bowed a little. there was curiosity and wariness in his eyes.
" Heir Zabini this is Neville Longbottom of the most ancient and Noble house of Longbottom"
"Well met Heir Longbottom" Blaise bowed and then stood to his full height. He was at least 3 inches taller than me.
" How do I help you Heir Zabini," I asked with a polite smile.
" I wanted to ask you something"
" You may ask but I am not entitled to answer it " I replied and watched as a calculative gleam lit in his eyes. He was pretty observative from what I know of cannon but I would like to know if it was true or not.
" Why did you help me"
Neville looked between us.
" You helped him"
" Ah yes, Earlier before transfiguration " I didn't provide a further answer to Neville's curious gaze.
" What do you need Heir Potter " Blaise's tone was casual but his stiff posture, a slight narrowing of eyes, and stance gave away his caution. He was hiding it pretty well but I too grew up with a Detective officer who was rarely home I may add.
" I do not want anything, I merrily stumbled upon the scene and couldn't leave a fellow schoolmate in trouble now could I ? "
He looked for a whole minute at my smiling face and then probably finding no lies in my demeanor, relaxed.
" Is that all Heir Zabini?" I asked adjusting my satchel
" yes " he left the classroom while Neville looked unsurely and confused between me and his back.
" what was that about " Neville asked
" Come I'll explain " we headed towards the Hupplepuff common room. On our way, I gave Neville a watered-down recap of the earlier incident.
" Oh so is that why you were late ?" Neville who had expressed his happiness that I was helping my fellow schoolmates and worried about interacting with Slytherins, smiled.
" Kind of, I was already running late due to the after-class discussion with professor Flitwick, The incident with Zabini just made me late "
" That reminds me, Professor McGonagall wants to see you later too"
" yes "
" Do you think she is angry that you were late?" He asked frowning
" No, I had a permission slip from Professor Flitwick. The meeting I think has more or less to do with what professor Flitwick was curious about" he relaxes but then a curious glint appears in his eyes.
" You never told me what you discussed " I looked at the curious look on his face. I look away.
" It was personal," I say after a minute " My Mom and Dad were the favorite students of Flitwick and Mcgonagall respectively"
" Oh, sorry I shouldn't pry"
" It's ok Neville after all you are my godbrother"
" Yeah" He muttered while looking away
" Still getting used to being the godbrother of the most amazing, charming, and handsome Wizard alive?" He snorted but then looks at me with wide eyes.
" Sorry harry but, I'm a near squib being your the boy who lived's godbrother is just ridiculous"
" It's not Ridiculus Neville, I'm glad to have family who understands magic, who understands ME"
" But I "
" No Neville don't beat yourself over it, you are just as awesome as me and you are a master with plants"
" That's all I can do ! " he said exasperated. " And see how easily magic comes to you, I can barely perform the basic spells!"
" It's because of your wand Neville, " I said, biting my lips. I was nervous about the turn of the conversation, I have been trying to find opportunities to tell him about the wand problem and that it was most likely the reason for his weak spell work.
" My wand ?"
" Yes your wand, I saw your father hold it in the few photos in my mother's journal "
" Yes it's my fathers, My grandmother wants me to use it so I can honor him"
" you see Neville while I was getting my wand Ollivander mentioned quite a bit about the wand choosing the wizard and That some wands don't work for everyone"
"It works for me?"
"Yeah, it probably does but not as freely as a proper wand that chooses you should. I think it is only working because you are the son of its owner and it recognizes the similarities between your and your dad's magical core" I watch as his emotions did a summersault.
" I'm not telling you that you aren't worthy of it Neville all I'm saying is-" I paused
"- IS WHAT!"
" is that you are your mother's son too and you are also your own person, I know your grandmother expects you to be like your father but you should be yourself, hell the whole wizarding world expects me to be like my father but I remain true to myself " I exhale and Neville goes silent.
"I think I understand what you are trying to say "Neville finally says as he stops suddenly.
" But I need time to come to terms with it "
" Well then would you fancy a walk on the grounds "
" I think that's a good idea"
I and Neville stroll down the uneven path of Hogwart's grounds. Cold breezes the refreshing type occasionally fly by.
We stop near the black lake, I remove my Stachel and use it as a pillow as I lie down on the grass. Neville sits beside me.
I close my eyes and for a moment I block out every emotion, sensation, and information from my mind and let myself dissolve in the waves of calmness I felt.
I slowly let sensations come to me, first is hearing, I hear birds chirp and faraway gales of laughter from kids.
Then I let myself feel, The feel of grass beneath me, tickling my skin, the cold breeze fanning my face, the heat of sunbeams hitting my face.
I breathe deeply, The smell of dew, earth, and pears from when Phantom made a nest out of my robes and even the water fill my lungs.
" You know, I can almost forget everything when I am with the nature "
I open my eyes to see forget me not sky with lazy fluffy clouds drifting in it, I even spot something flying in it.
" It's Ok to occasionally get lost in nature " I smile up at him.
" It won't solve the problems"
" No, it won't " I sighed through my mouth " But it helps us function better " I pause " Well at least it does for me " silence settles between us before it is broken by someone's gale of laughter.
I sit up to look at two 1st year students Brookchester mandy a half-blood student from Ravenclaw and terry boot, also from Ravenclaw but a pureblood
"It's true " Brookchester Mandy says annoyed.
" Yeah and I'm Merlin, " Terry Boot says with disbelief and amusement lacing his voice.
"I mean if people enjoy quidditch then what's wrong with soccer?!"
" You mean who's interested in kicking around a ball, well NoPe not me"
Brookchester huffs and looks toward me and Neville. His eyes widened and flicked to my forehead, only to drop in disappointment when he noticed my Headband. he just noticed The boy who lived.
" Hi," I said while sitting up Indian-style.
" Did someone mention soccer?" I watch as a glint enters Brookchester's eyes
" Yes, you know what it is? " he asks with so much hope and enthusiasm
" I was on the soccer team in my primary school" It was not a lie.
" Really, would you like to play with me?"
" yeah, I think it will be better with more than two players, what do you say Neville?"
" I don't know how to play this soccer"
" Neither do I," Terry says
" Do not worry I can teach you if you want to play " I said while looking between Neville and Terry, My voice laced with hope similar to Brookchester's
Terry and Neville both looked intrigued about the game which has me so excited.
" Well, I don't have anything better to do, " Neville says.
I stand up and grin
" Great what do you say Boot"
" Well I came here to kill some time, so I don't think playing it will matter that much"
" Awesome " I lean down and grab a pebble.
I whip out my wand and wave it over the pebble, I didn't know any spells to transfigure a pebble into a soccer ball so I let the 'call upon my magic' thing do the work while I mutter nonsense in french.
" This is a soccer ball, You kick it around and try to do a goal. it's simple"
" So like chasers in quidditch but with the foot?" Boot asks
" Yes, now normally there are 11 players on a team, 1 goalkeeper, a person who tries to stop the opposite team from making goals and guards the goal post, the rest of the team tries to make a goal."
" So like chasers and keepers but with the foot ?" Neville asks
" exactly " I hand the ball to Brookchester.
" I'll transfigure a goal post, you show them some tricks while I'm at it"
" I think we should head towards the quidditch pitch, It's got an even ground "
" You know what I agree "
5 minutes later we were on the empty quidditch pitch with me bouncing the ball on my head. I send the ball towards Brookchester before heading off to find something.
I transfigure two unassuming plants into netted boxes with wooden frames and leafy nets.
I turn toward my companions
" Now see since we don't have many players there will be no keepers, Usually Once a goal is made the keeper of the goal tries to pass the ball to his teammates but since we don't have them, I think we should keep the ball in the center after every goal. what do you say"
''Sounds good " Brookchster mandy says
" Ok so, I and Neville are on a team and Brookchester and Heir Boot are on the same team. Each team will try to do as many goals as possible. The team who does 5 goals first wins "
" I and Brookchester are captains by the way " I grinned while Neville playfully rolls his eyes.
we draw a line and a circle in the center of the pitch by coloring the grass white with coloring charms.
After some failed tries Boot and Neville got the hang of playing football.
" Goal " Boot yells
" Ah, not another one " Neville groans " It's the 4th one from your team ''. I smiled, I had let the others play while I stretched my legs.
" Don't worry Neville, let's show these boys some real soccer " Neville looked at me doubtfully, poor thing he had been on his own against Brookchester's fierce moves.
I smirked as I whisked the ball from under Brookchester and headed towards the goal post, I evaded Boot's clumsy attempt at blocking me
" Goal " I smirked
" It's 4 to 1, We are obviously going to win, " Terry said
" I bet that we will win " I replied
" You do " He smirked " How much?"
"10 sickles"
" Deal, Easiest Bet ever" He did a victory dance.
" Sure"
" Oi Go back to the game " Brookchester mandy yelled.
" Roger that " I replied
I watched as Brookchester eyed the ball like a predator,
" At three," He said
" 1 " I looked him in the eye
" 2," He said as our eyes turned towards the ball
" 3 " Both of us yelled as the poor ball was kicked hard by me
I kicked the ball and headed straight towards the goal, Brookchester was trying to whisk the ball from under me but I evaded his attacks.
I evaded a particularly vicious kick when Terry Boot tried to block me, I kicked the ball towards the side where Neville was jogging. His eyes widened as the ball headed toward him. It hit his legs hard and he gave a frightened yelled and kicked the ball right into the enemy goal post.
" Good one Neville " I yelled While trying not to chuckle
" Err Yeah "
" Must have been a fluke " Terry muttered
"It's still 4 to 2, so we will win " Brookchester patted Terry on his shoulder.
I looked at the disgruntled face of Brookchester and Terry as I made the 3rd goal.
" My ten sickles " Terry looked at the sky
" Stop being dramatic, We can still beat them, " Brookchester said without his prior enthusiasm.
" At three," I said with a smirk as the ball was placed in the center.
" 1 " He grumbled
" 2," I said cheerfully
" 3 " We both said as I kicked the ball away from Boot.
I headed towards the goal when I noticed Boot getting away from me, my eyes widened as he raced at me with full speed from the side and slid on the ground trying to get the ball away from me.
Just as his foot was about to collide with the ball I kicked the ball hard, The ball went flying towards Terry who caught it and threw it towards our goal post. I watched as the ball zoomed towards Neville who jumped out of its way, the ball slammed into the leafy net.
" Goal " Boot yelled
" foul " I whipped my head towards the voice. Hermione and one of the Patil twins were heading towards us. By the looks of her uniform, she was Padma the Ravenclaw Patil.
" Ow," Boot muttered " My ten sickles " He sighed. Hermione gave him a pensive look.
" Hi Harry, what are you guys doing "
" Hey, we are playing soccer " I gestured towards Neville who was bringing the ball back towards the center
" You girls wanna play?" Brookchester asked the duo of girls.
" Yes " Padma replied
" You know how to play ?" I asked
" I used to play with my cousins "
" Oh " I looked towards Hermione " What about you Hermione "
" Oh no I only know the rules but I don't play "
" You can try now" I offered, she shook her head " I can be the referee if you want "
" We need another player, " Brookchester said
I looked around the pitch to spot Malfoy and his goons heading towards the pitch.
" NO, He won't play " Terry boot aid looking in their direction
I smirked inside my head
" Yes you are right Heir Malfoy will lose within seconds," I said loudly enough for Malfoy to hear.
" What's this about me losing " He stalked towards us with an air of arrogance and disbelief
" Oh nothing we were just playing, " Terry boot said and the Malfoy Heir raised a brow
" What are you playing ?" He asked looking at the soccer ball and then at the goals
" Ah we are playing soccer, you see It's a muggle game so I think you can't play it " Come on Draco where's your Malfoy pride.
" huh What is this soccer that seems to be beyond my capabilities," He said in an irritatingly smug and disbelieving voice though his face showed disgust.
" soccer," I said " Is a game with keepers, goals, and chasers. In soccer, the chasers kick the ball and pass it around using only their feet. The chasers try to pass the ball through the goal post, the keepers are supposed to block the ball and prevent goals from the opposing team"
" Looks like. muggles couldn't invite their own games so they copied ours huh " He said with a sneer and disgust. I wanted to smack him for such behavior but I held myself back. He. Had a lot of growing up to do.
" If I were to compare Quidditch with muggle games then I'd say that it's like Rugby added with BBJHGFTRTYCRY"
" Whatever "
" Right " I piped in " Now guys I'd go and find a competent player we are still uneven after all," I said
" You think I'm incompetent ?!" The Malfoy Heir blanched and his face adopted the shade of Wesley's hair.
" Yes" He opened his mouth to say something but I beat him to it " However skilled a chaser you may be at Quidditch there is no way you can even hold the ball for a few moments in soccer"
" I'm as good as a chaser as I'm as a seeker "
" Say as you like but sorry I can't let you play I can't afford to lose after all," I said with a sad smile.
" I'm in " He growled
" What? " I suppressed the smile that was blooming on my face and instead added a surprised tone to my voice.
" Are you deaf potter, I just agreed to play"
" But-" HE beat me to it this time.
" I'm playing and that's final," He said with so much arrogance
" Fine, I think that is that then, " I said looking at Brookchester and Boot, both of whom looked conflicted.
Neville shrugged.
" Err I'll go with Heir Brookchester's team, " Padma said
" Ok then Heir Malfoy you are in our team," I said gesturing towards Neville. Malfoy looked about to say something but then stopped.
" Let's get in position boys err and girls too, " Brookchester said clapping.
Once we were in position Malfoy frowned as the ball was placed in the center
" Ah you see we are low on players so there will be no keepers "
" Crabbe and Goyle can be the keepers "
" Great " Terry boot said with just a touch of sarcasm.
" Heir Boot, I think we should increase the goals to win to 10 "
" Ok!" He said with a lot of hope in his eyes. Yes, those 10 sickles mean much to him.
"Here," Terry handed me 10 sickles as Crabbe retrieved the ball.
" Nice game Malfoy," Brookchester said and Malfoy looked smug. Turns out that Malfoy was a good chaser even while playing with feet, Though he had his difficulties at the beginning.
" We should play sometime again," I said taking the ball from Crabbe and balancing it on my head and knee.
"That's a good idea," Brookchester said
" I had a lot of fun too " Neville piped up shyly
" So what about Friday, After f- Class " I corrected myself just in time.
" I'm in, " Brookchester said
" Me too" Neville raised his hand
" Don't forget me, though I will not bet against you again "
" Aww, I thought it was the ' Easiest bet ever " Right?" I laughed.
" You are an Imp potter, " Terry boot said
" Oh I thought I was the Boy-Who-Lived Heir Boot" I saw Malfoy almost roll his eyes at that
" Whatever oh and you can call me Terry, Terry Boot Heir of the Most Noble House of the Boots" He bowed his head. I dropped the ball.
" Harry Potter, Heir of the Most Ancient and Noble house of the Potters" I shook the offered hand
" Draco Malfoy, Heir of the Most Ancient and Noble house of the Malfoys" Terry looked shocked at the offering but he shook the Blond boy's hand nonetheless.
" I don't think we have properly met have we" I smirked at the Malfoy heir
"Harry Potter, Heir of the Most Ancient and Noble house of the Potters" I bowed my head with my palms open at my side. I noticed Nevile introducing himself to our Ravenclaw players out of the corner of my eyes.
" Well met Heir Potter "
" Well met Heir Malfoy
I noticed the time on my watch as I bent down to pick up the ball.
" Goodness it's 5: 30 already, I still have that Herbology essay to complete"
" I'll help you if you want " Neville piped in
" Of course thank you, Neville "
********************Author's note ************************
Hello there pals. This is your awesome Author here.
Finally, the Annual exams are over, I'm out of school and in a new house in an unknown city.
I know I have not updated for some time now but this chapter is thrice as long to cover it up.
There's more coming so stay tuned.