HER POV~
I, Neville, Hermione, and the Padma walked the path back to the castle.
Mandy and Terry wanted to lounge by the lake while the Slytherins went off somewhere, fortunately without insulting Hermione or Mandy throughout the entire ordeal.
I glanced at the girls, Hermione was or rather will be the smartest witch of her age while the Padma, according to her sister was rather skilled in the art of gossip. Having those two on my side will help me gain information on the inside happenings in the Ravenclaw house. Moreover, I had to sustain a good relationship with Hermione to help her get over her bossy and know-it-all attitude. If I remember correctly she constantly had quarrels with her roommates in Grffyndor and only a handful of people talked to her willingly. She was in dire need to grow some communication skills.
" Neville do you have History of Magic notes, I fell asleep again," I said to Nevile who was on my right.
" You shouldn't be sleeping in the class, " Hermione said in a reprimanding tone while frowning. Her reaction was expected. She was intelligent but very predictable I think I know why she isn't a Slytherin moreover she has a bold streak worthy of Gryffindor. Man, she will be so much better Only if she used that streak for a greater purpose rather than chastising her peers.
" Well you can't fault me for falling asleep it's professor Binns after all"
" He isn't the only one who sleeps in during History class," Padma said
" Sleeping in class is bad if you don't pay attention you will fail the class, " She said matter of factly upturning her nose. I almost sighed Draco wasn't the only one who had some growing up to do.
" I'm self-studying, It's not like I can learn anything from professor Binn's lectures anyway"
" Will you help me, I didn't completely get the Urik the oddball seriously he messed it up with Emetic the Evil," Neville asked me
" He messed up your lessons too?" Padma said surprised
" Yeah, wait he messed your lessons too?" I replied surprised
" Yes," She said sorrowfully
" Oh " I replied
" Can you help me with it too?" BingO!
" Yeah, I'll help you both, I'll have to sort out those messed-up notes anyway"
" Thank you Harry " Neville replied with a relieved breath.
" SO what about tomorrow say 6, in the Library ?"
" It will do " She replied.
" Ok then I and Neville will wait for you there," I said
" You are starting a study group?" Hermione piped in with a slightly excited tone.
" Err No it's not exactly a study group " Actually It's kinda my own GOOD version of the mini-death eater squad.
" I hope I can join, " She said without reading the mood or giving a thought to my preferences, Huh It's so Hermione-like.
" Well, you can if Neville and Padma don't mind "
Neville shrugged and Padma was silent for a moment probably contemplating having Hermione in our little group. She glanced at her Housemate and looked a bit conflicted.
" No, I have no problem with it " She finally smiled and I almost let out a relieved breath.
" That's Great," I said joyously " See you in Charms tomorrow then, " I said as the girls mounted the stairs where we separated. We continued on our way to the Common room on the ground floor and once we were out of their hearing range, Neville spoke up
" She's a bit too overbearing, don't you think," He said
" I know but she's a good girl and a good friend"
" I don't think that constantly chastising is being a good friend" he frowned
" Perhaps not " I looked at the fruit painting as we passed, I'll have to visit the Kitchens later.
" But she is a good reminder that success doesn't come easily," I said absently
" Maybe you are right" Neville mumbled
I looked at the pile of parchment in front of me, Sorting two intermixed stories was very difficult, especially when the events of both the stories were not intermixed in proper order.
I sighed and threw another piece of parchment into the marked pile.
I clicked my pen and started underlining the notes from Uric the oddball and wrote a 6 indicating that it was from chapter 6, the notes of Emetic the Evil were left alone.
I stopped as I came across another event that was not in the chapters that were open in front of me. Annoyed I moved back to the lesson index of both the books and match the event to chapter 3 of Emetic the Evil. Just sorting them would not be enough we would have to re-write the complete notes if we wanted to have any hopes of using them for exam preparation.
I looked at Neville who was sorting the notes from Emetic the Evil.
" That's from chapter three of Emetic the Evil," I told Neville pointing at the note much farther down his parchment.
" Thanks," He said absent-mindedly as he marked the note.
I sighed again and looked at the crackling hearth in the Hupplepuff common room.
Susan bones and Hannah Abbot too were studying across from us, Lounging on the floor just like us. A pile of parchment was surrounding them. I shifted the pillow behind my back, One thing I liked about the Puff common room was the cozy atmosphere it had and it was materialistically cozy too with thick carpets, Low tables, Plants in corners, Comfy couches, A merrily crackling fire, and lots of pillows.
I watched out of the corner of my eyes as Hannah and Susan discussed something and by the looks of the history books on their table they too were doing history. I had to interfere quickly, they have been going over the book for the past quarter-hour or so. If they complete their note sorting now, I will lose a chance of freeing Sirius. There will be more chances of course and It was nothing big. I hadn't even thought of doing it this way till I got to Hogwarts, though, it was clear from the beginning that Amelia Bones via Susan Bones was my best shot at freeing Sirius, moreover, Susan will be a great asset not only because of her Aunt's position but also due to her skill at Transfiguration and determined nature.
I saw the confused and frustrated look on Hannah's face. I had to make sure she asked for my help and incidentally invited herself AND Susan Bones into the study group. I would have directly faced Susan Bones and had her invite herself but only if she wasn't a sharp knife in the drawer. With her Aunt's position, it would not be the first time someone tried to use her to get to her Aunt, her best friend was the only way I could get to her moreover Hannah Abbot seemed like a more easy and persuasive target.
" Ugg this just doesn't make sense" Hannah cried in frustration.
" Can I Help you ?" I asked her
" Oh nothing it's just the history notes "
" Ahh I get it " I grimaced and looked at my own notes, " I think you will find it better if one of you takes on half of it"
" How so ?" She tilted her head in confusion, Had my words been that confusing?
" I'm marking the notes from Uric the oddball while Neville is marking the notes from Emetic the Evil " I shrugged " We are already a quarter way through "
" That's just you " Nevile grimaced " I can't wait to have miss Ganger and Heiress Patil help us, Ganger seems to know her stuff" Well done Neville, Thank you so much!
" Ganger's helping you?" It was Susan Bones that spoke up this time, a phantom of Surprise on her face.
" Yeah we are going to sort the history notes, something of study group you see " I further explained
" Good for you " Hannah replied slumping " I just can't make sense out of this mess"
" Perhaps we should compare our work might just help us all " Neville suggested, Oh man I had to occlude in order to prevent the sisterly pride off my face. children grow up so fast.
"I think you are right " Susan Bones muttered as looked back at her notes.
The girls moved their table closer to ours. I noticed that only a few lines on the first parchment were marked
" Sorry, But that's all we managed to do in the meantime," Hannah said remorsefully
" No problem Ladies," I said going through the notes " well you see there are a total of 15 chapters in Uric the oddball and 17 in Emetic the Evil. I think Heiress Bones, Hannah, and I should sort the notes of Uric the oddball, and Neville, Heiress Padma, and Hermione should sort the notes of Emetic the Evil " Since I already was a bit ahead and with Hermione on their side, things will be balanced.
" Hmm I guess that's a good idea" Neville mused looking thoughtful
" Err Are you sure," Hannah said unsurely " I mean would Ganger and Heiress Patil will be okay with us coming along"
I gave a blinding smile to her " Hermione will be happy that more people are coming and about Heiress Patil I think she wouldn't mind " Preferably Padma will coerce Hannah and perhaps Susan Bones for the Hupplepuff gossip if she was anything like her sister.
*********Time skip brought to you by Stinky Badger*********
7:25
I looked at my watch, I was standing in front of Professor McGonagall's office. I brushed my hand against the fold of my robe where I could feel a rectangular object in my pocket.
Her office was near her classroom in the griffindoor territory of the castle. I wondered where her sleeping quarters were. Did the teacher's have their own apartment-type thing to live in the castle or were they like student dorms but just more bigger and personalized, and where even were they? Were they near their offices or did the teachers have a scheduled area for their sleeping quarters? Was it same for the Head of the House?
I looked at my watch again at 7:27
I watched as the second hand crossed 3 and ticked towards 4. The thing about jk Rowling's books was that they did not hold every little information like teacher quarters and patroling hours, I know these were insignificant things but as a proud Potterhead it was my religion to know and find out every detail regarding the Harry Potter universe.
Including the witch who I was visiting.
McGonagall's intelligence was acknowledged by everyone, she had almost been sorted into Ravenclaw and had a hat stall I had heard from Padma. I was a bit confused as to why she didn't end up in Ravenclaw upon looking at her academic records in the library, along with her publications but one single scene from the final battle, book 7 of HP had all the doubts I had vanishing.
Yes, she was intelligent but unmistakeably bold; she was stern, and her just nature could have ended her in Hufflepuff but she had allowed a 1st year on the quidditch team just because she wanted to win the House Cup. However, earned Harry's right in the team maybe he was, but a, first-year and breaking the rules for him had been the height of unfairness for the other houses.
She was ambitious too, it was clear from her books on animagus transformation and Transfiguration but she had a different kind of ambition. Her ambition to help those in need, to teach everything she can, and to help bring out the best in her students was astonishing. It was no wonder that she was well-liked, despite her strict nature as opposed to Snape.
7:28
The witch I was visiting had survived or will survive 2 wars with pride and determination. She was clever so tricking her would not be easy.
7:29
The second hand passed 11 and I knocked on the door 2 times.
I wasn't surprised at the monotonous "come in " I heard.
I opened the door which like most of the doors in the castle opened inwards.
I looked at the Scottish witch sitting behind her office desk which was decorated with a tartan table cloth. Her love for tartan was littered everywhere in small trinkets all over the Harry Potter series, I smiled inwardly at noticing the tartan quill holder.
" Evening Professor McGonagall," I said closing the door behind me
" Evening , please take a seat " She gestured towards the professional-looking wooden seat in front of her.
I silently slid into the surprisingly comfortable chair, It must have been spelled with cushioning charms, I guess.
" Tea, ?" Now THAT surprised me, I had thought that she would start the conversation more professionally, by inquiring about my studies or something, not over tea.
" I wouldn't mind ma'am"
I maintained a Polite distance in my speech for the sake of targeting her consciousness. I had called her Minnie in the letter, calling her ' ma'am ' now will give her a feeling of mild alienation from me but not completely, I needed at least some sort of familiarity with her, which I had already pre-planned.
Being distant went against her agenda since she needed familiarity to move on to the real topic ( James potter and his life ), but It helped my purpose ( getting close to her) since she would have to create a sense of familiarity with me and not the other way around. I wasn't willing to provide her with a major amount of emotional familiarity NO, though as mentioned above I had a more un-physiological common ground prepared for us.
After all, it will be suspicious if I suddenly got all touchy-feely with BOTH my parent's favorite teachers over my long-dead parents. I couldn't let Dumbledoor spoil my plans, cautious bastard that one.
Another thing, since I know enough about her to know her nickname, my Aunt had told me about the professors at Hogwarts, MY Aunt came to know about the professors and a few things about Hogwarts through her sister as a child.
" How are your studies going ," She said looking all professional. Ah, so she's taking the safe road, testing my familiarity with her. after all, the ma'am was pretty opposite of the Minnie I had called her in the letter.
" They are fine ma'am " I sipped the tea
" No difficulties in any subject ?" She inquired.
" No, all the subjects are interesting" I smiled " Well...besides History of magic" I added sheepishly.
" Hmm, History of magic can be...more ( boring official word)" She sipped her tea. "So, you don't have problems with transfiguration ?, I will be more than pleased to help you if you have any difficulties"
I shook my head " Transfiguration is a really interesting subject, The art to convert a non-living thing into a living thing. the art to control matter, the basic fundamental unit of life and nature " I said letting passion slip into my voice and I knew that there faux fire in my eyes.
" I would rather study it upon my own rather than burdening you ma'am " I smiled politely at her
She was still sipping her tea, a thoughtful look on her face. the silence was grating on me, was my speech a bit too dramatic ?. Finally, she set her cup down
" You seem rather taken with Transfiguration" I smiled again.
" It is such a wonderful subject really, " I said " I just got taken with it after I read a few excellent publications on the Basic theory of transfiguration and Animagus transfiguration "I replied to her.
The common ground that I will set for us will be academic love for transfiguration, she will connect to me not just because I am Harry JAMES POTTER but for being a person who loved her favorite subject. The relationship I would have with her this way will be mostly MY own and on another level based on understanding.
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN PEOPLE WAS THE KEY TO GAINING TRUST
" Did you now ?" I did a gyrate inside my head at the surprised, intrigued, and curious look that briefly flashed over her face before a mask of polite interest took over.
" Yes, I've read 'The art of transfiguration'; 'Anamagi Transfiguration'; 'Finding your inner animal'; 'Best 50 handy Transfigurations'" I suppressed the grin that was itching to take over my face, Of all the names I've listed The art of transfiguration and Finding your inner animal were her very own publications.
" Those are quite some books " She raised her right brow, and I chuckled.
" Perhaps," I said " But they aren't enough to understand the complete depth of transfiguration theory now are they "
" No, no they aren't "
I looked at her hopefully " Ma'am would you mind recommending some books that might help me learn more about transfiguration?" I asked
She looked thoughtful for a moment and then...
SHE SMILED, like a full-out smile. Damn Phase 1 of sub-mission ' Gain Flitwick's and Mcgonagall's Trust ' complete.
" I will suggest ' Wonder's of Transfiguration ' and ' 9 elements of transfiguration '" She paused, " I think reading ' Basic transfiguration theory ' and ' Basic mistakes during transfiguring ' will aid you too. "
I smiled " I'll make sure to read them", Of all the Books she had named I had already read two, moreover the last one was another one of her own publications.
And man hadn't I been surprised to know that she was the author of the book I had bought on animagus transformation. I had immediately gone to Diagon and Knockturn to hound every Book shop for all the books written by any member of Hogwarts staff. It had been another surprise to find that she had written a total of 5 books relating to transfiguration, Some other interesting Books and Author names too had popped up after that shopping spree.
" do you know why I have called you here" Abso-fucking-lutly
" No ma'am," I said letting just a hint f worry slip into my eyes " Does it have anything to do with me being late to your class?" I asked sounding worried to my own ears.
" No," She said
"Is it relating to my academics then?" I asked her
" No , rather it has nothing to do with your schooling "
I did my best impression of confused Peter parker in the endgame. Professor McGonagall sighed.
" DO you remember your conversation with professor Flitwick earlier this morning "
I nod " Yes ma'am " I pause " What has that got anything to do with this?"
" It has " She leans forwards a little " Pray tell me did you not know about your father being bad at charms "
" He was bad at charms ?" I said genuinely surprised well that was something I did not expect.
" He was " She goes silent for a moment " Didn't your family tell you that?"
" Err MY family is all muggle professor they don't know much about my dad"
" They don't? , I had thought your aunty knew about Hogwarts"
"She does but only the snippets she heard from mom and I don't think she even saw my dad except at the wedding "
She was suddenly serious
" Your Aunt couldn't attend your parent's wedding MR. Potter " I wanted to curse myself
" She didn't?" I forced surprise on my face " I had assumed she did, but now I think of it she never talks much about my parents nor their wedding " I mumbled loud enough for McGonagall to hear
I looked at the almost hidden anger and sadness in her eyes.
" Professor ?" I asked hesitantly " was he, I mean dad, was he good at the transfiguration?" I turned wide and curious eyes to her, She suddenly looked a bit nauseous and uncomfortable.
She sighed " He was one of my best students at transfiguration ".
" Oh "
" He was quite good at DADA too, Top at it in his years" She continued and I put up a false intrigued look on my face
we spent some time in silence as McGonagall seemingly got lost in memories.
" Professor?" I looked at her hesitantly
" Yes, ?"
" I-It's just that- Everyone says that I look like him" She looked at me expectantly, I cleared my throat " Is it true " I mumbled
" Come again, ?" She said furrowing her brows
" Everyone says that I look like my dad when he was young, is it true?" I asked
" You've never seen any photo of your father?" She said looking equal parts confused and concerned. I forced another blush up my face.
" Umm, yeah, Aunt Petunia doesn't have any photo of him " I explained
She looked at me for a moment " You do look exactly like him ...only a bit shorter, Paler and thinner " She let her disdain about my undernourished physique show in her voice. Well, MY body couldn't do a 360 in just a month of nutrition potions and appropriate food, I was not to blame here but she didn't need to know that.
"Well look at the time, It was a lovely chat perhaps you can accompany me another time again"
" That would be lovely ma'am," I said standing up, taking my cue to leave.
" I-I have a request of you ma'am, I...can certainly understand if...you aren't amenable to it"
" What is it, ?" She asked her voice bold and steady as usual. I pulled out the shrunk book from my pocket and placed it on the table between us. She looked at the book surprised.
" I would like you to sign it for me ma'am" I looked at her shyly " I'm a big fan," I said finally. I saw the corners of her lip twitch as her eyes shined with amusement.
" Certainly " She tapped her wand to the book and de-shrunk it. Opening the cover of ' The art of transfiguration'. She picked up a quill that I swear had some kind of enchantment on it. I wasn't practiced enough to know what but I guess the enchantment was to stop the copying and misuse of her signature.
" To , I hope to see you just at riveted in transfiguration in the future, Professor and Author Minerva Mcgonagall" She read the words she had just written in the book.
She handed me the book back and I clutched it close.
" See you soon ma'am ?" I smiled and started making my way out upon seeing her nod at my veiled question.
" Indeed see you soon " I heard her as I closed the door behind me.
I headed towards the Hufflepuff common room, I had a puff to pester about wands after all
*****Time skip brought to you by Minnie the cat*************
I groaned as I woke up from my evening nap, I didn't usually take an evening nap but the soccer game must have tired me out a bit, I seriously needed to build some stamina in this body if I even dreamed to complete my schedule in my real world.
My training at the dojo the prior month had only been warm up's so far. I would have liked to do more thorough training but it was utterly idiotic to do so with a malnourished, underfed, and hurting body, god knows how many nutrition potions and bone-strengthening potions I had to take to cover up the deficiency of C-vitamin in my body moreover the Intake of iron through Leafy vegetable too seem to have made up for the impending amenia, and Damn hadn't the lack of vitamin a been an atrocious reason for the weakened vision this body sported.
I stretched and looked for my lenses While removing and putting them back every time after sleeping was very irritating, I did not dare cut off oxygen to the eyes by using them even while sleeping, They already were weak as it is.
I found them on the nightstand and removed them from their box.
I blinked a few times as the world swam into my vision. I stretched again and looked down at the flurry body my hand came into contact with.
Phantom too was taking an evening nap on Azure's self-heating rock, Oh oh one was in for a fight I guess, I only hope she wakes up before Azure returns from the forest.
I shrugged, A petty fight between two creatures was none of my business, and if the fight got too bad, I'll see to it then.
I did not bother putting on the outer robes and exited my room.
I entered the common room straining my shirt and sleeves. I spotted Neville lounged on a chair lazily a Herbology book in his hand.
" Whatcha reading?" I asked as I draped myself over the couch.
" 100 uses of Tulsi or Holy Basil plant by Lakhmir Singh "
" Ah Tulsi, It's known as the 'Queen of plants' or 'mother medicine of nature, its a very religious and medicinal plant found in India, It's indigenous to India and the plant's got hundreds of uses in many fields ranging from medical to household to rituals." Nevill raised his brow as I channeled my inner Hermione.
I shrugged " I want to be a healer to knowing these things are essential for me"
He looked at me blatantly confused and conflicted " You want to be a healer?"
I nodded " But everyone expects you to be Auror "
" Oh, Neville " I sighed, kid, will be kids " The world can fu-*cough* do as it pleases, I'm not changing my decision because some pr-. err pre- convinced people can't acknowledge the fact that I'm a freely indenpideny individual capable of making decisions on and for my own"
Man, I almost cursed in front of 11 year old, kids that age shouldn't be exposed to words like Fucka and prick.
" Yeah right " He mumbled, looking dubious
" As I said Neville just do as your heart pleases don't give a penny about what others think, " I said, It was easy to say such things but hard to follow them.
Suddenly I noticed something on the sleeve of his shirt
" You went to the greenhouse?"
" Yeah, why?" He asked, I looked pointedly at the dirt on his sleeves.
" Yeah that " He mumbled and pulled out his wand " Scourgify " He waved his wand but the dirt on his sleeve didn't even twitch.
" Here let me help you," I said pulling out my wand from my pocket.
" Scourgify " I waved the wand with a practiced flourish. The magic worked itself on his sleeve and it was good as new within moments.
" Thre you go " I smiled pocketing my wand. he was still looking at his sleeve.
" Well you see I thought about what you said earlier about wands," He said placing a bookmark in the book and keeping it down.
" So what did you decide, " I asked him.
" I- I think I should get a new wand, only if to help myself to perform better in academics"
" That's great" I smiled genuinely this time. " And Neville a wand is not only a means to channel magic but it is also a representation of the kind of wizards or witch it's the owner is "
" I know," he said obviously drilled with this traditional knowledge, privy to ancient and noble houses, by his grandmother.
" But I will have to inform Grandma of this," He said looking equal parts nervous and scared about it.
" I'll help convince her" I smiled at him again, my mouth was starting to hurt from all the smiling.
" You don't have to Harry," He said Looking at me surprised
"Yes, I don't have to, but I will " I traecahed on the sofa "that's what friends are for "
" Thank you," He said looking sincerely grateful.