First Week
Professor McGonagall opened her office door for the four children and offered them a seat in front of her desk.
"Explain your actions Mr Black"
"He called my friend a mudblood"
Was all the explanation that was offered, looking into the fierce and powerful eyes.
"1 week Harry that's all, you didn't even make it to 1 day"
"Sorry aunt Mini"
"Sorry isn't good enough, that temper of yours is going to get you in serious trouble one day. I know you and Mr Nott have a colourful history, but to physically strike him is totally unacceptable"
"He is a bully, pure and simple"
Hermione was becoming irritated, A lot had happened today and she was starting to suffer with a sensory overload. Who are these people? Her very logical brain was confused, Hermione did not like being confused, to her life was simple. Black is black, white is white and rules were rules. Was this person Harrys professor or a member of his family?
Neville could see the turmoil forming on her face, he had seen the same thing happen with his dad when they were first learning to communicate. He tried to catch her attention, too late.
"So who's is going to fill me in or are you playing a prank on me"
The young girl leapt up arms crossed, foot tapping and a look that would curdle milk. Instantly berating herself for the out burst. This was why she didn't have friends playing through her mind, why was control so hard.
Minerva was frozen in shock by the reincarnation of Lilly Evans, watching Susan go to her take her hand and whisper in her ear.
Left her without words.
A slight nod and whispered response, was all that was needed to defuse the tension.
Taking this as sign to deal with the current situation she spoke.
"Harry you struck Mr Nott because he made a derogatory statement about Miss Granger. Correct"
He nodded
"so you will serve a detention with me"
Again a nod
"So if I were to assign a detention next Sunday that would allow you to keep your promise, as today is Sunday"
Harry looked at her and smiled.
" Permission to hug my head of house"
"Absolutely not young man, but you and your sister can give your aunt a hug when I finish speaking "
Spreading her arms she was engulfed but 2 children, Due to the loss of her husband so young she was never blessed with children. These 2 pups were as good as her own, she would need to keep aunt Mini separate from professor McGonagall.
"Now off to bed pip pip"
They approach the portrait of a large opera singing women.
Observing the head of house the painting swung forward to omit the group. Harry and Hermione stepped through first, before the others could pass through McGonagall spoke.
"That young lady is going to be remarkable, if you intend to induct her into your little gang. Please remember she will value honesty above all else"
She turned to leave, but decided to have a little fun. She turned back to Susan.
"Hows the wedding planning coming along"
Sue smiled
"as you well know I informed Neville when we were 6 that he would be marrying me, we are only 11 it's a little early to pick the dress. Come husband we are to bed"
The grinning children passed through the opening into the common room.
Turning with a happy wave and goodnight she strode away.
They stepped through to find the others waiting for them, Susan hugged her brother and cousin goodnight.
" your going to bed already"
"We need some girlie time, without 2 smelly boys"
She grabbed Hermione's hand and pulled her towards the stairs, Hermione waved goodnight to the 2 boys and allowed herself to be dragged to bed.
The two girls entered the dorm room, their trunks at the end of a pair of beds next to each other. Each bed had a window, desk and mirror. The other four girls were chatting in the middle of the room, they turned at the sound of the door opening and smiled at the new arrivals.
"Hi lady's I'm lavender Brown"
A blond girl spoke first.
"I'm Parvati Patil"
A slim Indian girl smiled as she spoke
Jamie and Sarah introduced them self's, it was then their turn
"I'm Susan Bones-Black at this my best friend Hermione Granger"
Hermione was a little shocked by the statement but decided for once to go with the flow. Parroting one of the trashy teen films she had seen, she linked arms with Susan
"Like forever"
The others laughed and returned to unpacking, Sue pulled her over to her bed. Before Hermione could thank her for trying to include her.
"Sorry about that Hermione, it wasn't the best way to ask you. I was hoping that you would agree before you found out what a pain in the ass being around us is"
Hermione opened her arms
"like BFFs forever"
Susan jumped into the waiting arms and they both bounced in circles.
The others turned to the giggling girls.
"what are you laughing about"
"Smelly boys"
The first week of school was the best of the young witches life.
Transfiguration was entertaining when a very serious looking tabby cat leapt from the desk at the front of the class and transformed into professor McGonagall, to reprimand 2 late students.
Ronald Weasley's statement
"that was bloody brilliant"
Was the only reason he avoided detention.
Charms was immensely enjoyable. The diminutive professors passion for his craft was infectious.
Herboligy gave Neville a chance to truly shine.
It became evident that all four were hard working students, who excelled in different subjects.
Defence against the dark arts was Harry's strongest subject, though they all felt the teaching was poor.
Susan had a true skill and love for transfiguration, much to her aunts delight.
Neville was already becoming a star with the plants, professor Sprout was already looking forward to sharing her knowledge with the young man.
The surprise was Hermione, not that she was only just behind the others in their outstanding classes. The fact that she was surpassing some second years in potions, was the major shock. Especially as the professor seemed to take an instant dislike to Harry and Susan.
It seemed to be impossible for them to avoid his ire, If they did something correct it was ignored.
This was brought to a head when he snapped at Hermione for answering his question when he didn't ask her.
Harry leapt to his feet to confront the man, A smirk played across the professors face.
"Do you have something to say Potter"
"Sir its Potter-Black"
"Still interrupting my lesson by interrupting me, Detention Monday after dinner. Both of you"
It was Hermione's first Detention, she did not care. She had taken a stand for her friend and was happy to do it.
Harry looked at her with pride
"First ever detention, I'm the reason sorry Hermione"
"Don't be, when I tell my parents it happen because I was standing by my friend. My mum will be proud and my dad will laugh"
"Do you want to borrow Hedwig? I'm sure she would carry a letter for you"
Hermione's face beamed at the boy, she could only nod her acceptance.
Friday ended with a flying lesson, Three of them had been flying for as long as they could walk. Hermione was a totally different animal, it became obvious that she was afraid. Many a professional quidich player will tell you, a broom is like a wild animal don't show fear and treat it with respect. The lesson was spoiled when Ron and Malfoy started a chase competition and knocked lavender off her broom.
Acting on instinct, before she could think Hermione shot towards the falling blond. Susan drew next to her as she reached the flailing girl. Between them they halted her fall and guided her to the ground.
The terrified blond was profusely thanking them as Neville and Harry ran up. Neville engulfed Susan in his arms, Harry doing the same to Hermione. They were both then held at arms length and checked for damage.
Lavender interrupted them with a girly sigh.
"Your boyfriends are so sweet"
She said Winking at the two girls
The boys froze as Susan and Hermione lent forward and kissed the so-called boyfriends on the cheek.
"yeah they're keepers"
They tossed there arms around the blond and guided her to the hospital wing. Laughing all the way, leaving two stunned boys behind.
By the time Saturday arrived they had most of their homework done for the following week.
They were just finishing in the library Saturday lunchtime when Percy approached them and handed Harry a note.
Harry thanked him and opened the note
"professor Dumbledore has asked us for tea after lunch"
They finished the last of their work and made their way to the great Hall.
After a filling lunch of soup and sandwiches, the group filed up the many stairs to the entrance of the headmasters office.
The alcove was blocked by a large statue.
"Hello, is there anyone in there"
Susan called past the gargoyle, she was met by silence
"what's the password"
"did you hear that" said Neville
"Lemon Drops" said Hermione
It was at the bottom of his note.