Author's Note: I do not own Harry Potter

Harry did not quite know what to make of the chaos in the morning of Tuesday, September 1st 1992.

He had awoken early, as was part of his usual routine, and sat affixed to the rays of dawn's first light cresting the rolling hills surrounding the Burrow. He had always found such a sight calming after Katie and Angelina once took him to the top of the Astronomy Tower to enjoy his first sunrise. In that moment, sandwiched between the two, he had felt the power of the act being witnessed.

Molly was up along with him, chatting away friendly enough, and plying hot coffee into his hands while fixing him up a greasy breakfast. The younger Weasley's groaned as they filed in one by one to get their morning sustenance.

Harry was, of course, already packed and waiting to go. His leg was bouncing to an unheard beat. The tempo consistent as his nerves frayed in his impatience. He wanted to return to Hogwarts and he did not wish to miss the train. They had to be there for 11 am, and it was reaching half 7 already.

"Calm yourself, Harry, we'll get there on time."

"I'm sorry, sir. It's just... Hogwarts," he finished lamely.

Arthur hid behind his own steaming mug. "Yes, I do remember. The magic of Hogwarts." He sighed wistfully. "I remember meeting Molly there, how young we both were... A part of me wishes I could go back. The best 7 years of your life Harry. Don't waste it."

"I won't sir," he promised.

Arthur saw the way his face was set, exhaling slowly. 'Sometimes I forget. He really does mean it.'

It took another half an hour, but they were ready. Arthur led the group to the family car, a sight to see to fit eight people into a car that really shouldn't fit that much.

"It'll be a bit of a trip, but I have a shortcut for this boys, just you watch." He winked at the people behind him as Molly began a diatribe of what she knew he wanted to do.

"Arthur it's..."

"Perfectly safe." He glanced at the black haired boy sitting by the driver's side window. "I'll turn us invisible, and be over there in an hour. Two tops. And no one will notice. I've tested it, trust me, it'll work."

Harry smiled faintly at Mr Weasley while exclaims of excitement filled the car.

Every one of them stared out of the windows, seeing the world while it couldn't see them. Harry's mind landed on his Invisibility Cloak kept at the bottom of his trunk. To be able to go by unseen was an opportunity that Harry enjoyed to be able to pursue, and after what had happened between him and Malfoy at the end of the previous year, he knew he had to be careful. So he had promised Katie after he told her about the cloak that if he was not with someone, he would try to wear it for his own protection.

Mr Weasley was correct. It only took just over an hour to arrive at King's Cross Station.

This time last year, Harry had butterfly's fluttering in his stomach, sweat poured off of him, and he believed he would pass out with the strain of it all.

This year, he was to re-enter the world with friends at his side and hope in his heart.

The strange-looking group pushed through the early morning crowds, drawing looks from passers-by. 'If only they knew,' Harry grinned wryly.

He could see it in front of him. His goal was right there and nothing was going to stop him from getting there. His pace quickened more than he was already going. The Weasley's were a little ways behind him, but his feet picked up speed. The wall was right there. Right in front of him.

Then it was behind him as he crashed into the brick, luggage flying every which way.

"Oi! What's goin' on 'ere?"

"Ah, sorry, my good man. Harry here picked a trolley with a wonky wheel. I know, terrible. You know how it is. Yes, yes, we'll be careful. Have a good day yourself."

Mr Weasley turned away from the train warden, placing his arms under Harry's so to pick him off the floor. He could feel how light the boy was, and how much he was trembling.

"I...I...I"

"Hmm, the wall's been sealed magically." Arthur's musing brought him back to reality, the redhead's looking on questioningly. "I'm not great with wards and such, but it should be pretty simple to remove it. Even if Bill would be the expert." He stealthily pulled out his wand, muttering something which made every muggle nearby walk off elsewhere. He then turned to the wall and began speaking different incantations, eventually finding the correct one as he made a noise of exuberance.

"That's got it. I would have said this was either Fred or George's work, but they were already with us."

The others had already picked Harry's things up and placed them back on the trolley. He looked apologetically at a ruffled Hedwig and stepped through the wall, and once again saw the Hogwarts Express.

He had honestly believed, for a fraction of a second, the creations of his psyche in the dark days back in Privet Drive. That this was all in his head. That he was making this all up to escape from his punishment at Privet Drive. But then Mr Weasley was there, and Mrs Weasley, and Fred and George. And so he calmed down, reassuring himself that his future was bright. The present may be murky, but he could begin to see the forest for the trees.

Others may have said that he lacked a fundamental feeling of self-worth. But with time and help, he was improving. For the first time, in the summer, he had experienced the sight of what a true family was, and he knew that that was what he wanted. Something so simple. As they strolled through the growing crowd, he dwelt on what he saw in the Mirror. And on that figure that stood with his reflection.

While the two eldest Weasley's were seeing off their children for another year away from them, Harry could only watch on as his gut churned in a forgotten feeling.

Slight bitterness developed in his mouth as an itching feeling struck his temple. He tilted his head side to side, but everywhere he could see the same images struck him. Mothers and fathers seeing off their children, while he remained there, alone. His head ducked as he tried to excavate this feeling from his heart, commiserating at the unfairness of it all.

"Harry dear," came the cry of the Weasley matriarch. "You look after yourself too. Know that our home is always open to you." He could only stare gormlessly, his words coming out without a single gear spinning.

"You didn't have to. I mean, thank you. I mean it." Other inane platitudes spilt out of his mouth, but turned away red-faced, now itching beneath his eyes, and headed into the train to try and find a compartment.

"Harry," a voice called out. He turned his stare from the floor, upwards; Alicia waving half hanging out of a cabin. "Over here, I've got us a compartment saved."

He hurried over to find the other two chasers chatting amicably, and received welcoming hugs from all three of them.

Harry leant into the long seat, feet propped up on the edge of the one in front of him, and resting his head on the cool glass of the window. The cabin grew fuller with the addition of Neville, Fay, Fred and George - Ron and Ginny ignoring the group as they moved on to find a different place to sit.

He basked in the feeling of completeness as worries began to wash off of him, the others bringing him into their conversations, while joyously embracing his willingness to participate and not shy away. A complete far cry from the Harry Potter they once knew.

Oliver Wood and Lee Jordan stopped by to say their greetings, expressing base niceties beyond the common expectations. Minute by minute, the shadows that were thinned already from his rescue and beyond, were receding back into the dark pit located in his heart.

With each laugh and exuberant cry, Harry remembered why he needed Hogwarts. Subtly, magic was being brought into conversation, Quidditch being discussed, and expectations of the year debated.

"I thought so too, but you should have seen him with Harry." Katie's face darkened as they discussed the inclusion of one Gilderoy Lockhart as a member of staff. The boy in question tried to ignore what they were saying, instead, he decided on losing himself in the now heated game of exploding snap. Fred had already singed his lashes, and he was sure that he could smell his burning hair.

"He can't have been that bad?"

"Angelina, trust me, he's bad news."

The girls looked sceptical, whilst Neville and Fay exchanged looks. To them, it just seemed that Harry couldn't get a break.

"It's always lively with you, isn't it Harry?" Fay asked amusedly.

The half-grin that accompanied the words did not fill her with much confidence.

It seemed like no time at all had passed when the Express whistled the warning that it was about to reach Hogsmeade Station. The girls kicked the boys out into the corridor as they changed from their regular clothing and into their robes; they exchanged positions just as easy. Though Harry and Neville were red faced when they re-entered due to the suggestive nature of the Weasley twins' words. A quick smack to the back of their heads for "corrupting their innocent minds" put a quick stop to it, however.

Katie looped her right arm with his left as they departed the carriage, spring in her step and delight in her speech. Harry could only concur with how she was acting. His home was just over in the distance, and he couldn't wait to see the halls, the portraits, the spells, the teachers, and everything else. He subtly pinched his leg just to double check that he wasn't slumbering in a cupboard under the stairs still.

"We take the carriages up to the gates now that you're in second year," she explained. "They're pulled along by magic. All part of the charm I suppose."

"Where are they?" asked Harry, seeing carriages, but not ones pulled along by magic.

Her eyebrow lifted slightly as she looked at him bemused.

"Those ones Harry," Fay pointed. "I'm going to assume anyway, seeing that nothings pulling them along."

"But there are horses. They're right there."

"Harry I don't think they can see them."

"What do you mean Nev?"

His friend seemed shaken. "Harry, have you seen how they look?"

He peered forward, trying to understand where he was coming from. He disentangled his arm from Katie's, who along with the others were staring concernedly at him. He took a tentative step to the horse-like creature. There was no warmth coming from it, but he could see into its eyes as it turned to him.

It exuded an innocent feel; the creature may have seemed terrifying to look at, but as Harry raised his hand to run his hand down the back of its neck, it made a pleased snort and playfully bumped his head with its own.

"Harry," Alicia yelped, "Your hair just moved on its own."

"It's not on its own, it's the horse."

"A Thestral, Potter," said a passing Ravenclaw. "Hogwarts has a load of them. They're what pull the carriages."

Fay pulled his hand, dragging him to an open carriage that contained Neville and Katie inside already.

Harry knew little about the creatures as he turned in his seat to see out of the window. Neville shook slightly while he stared straight ahead. "Why can we see them, Harry? Why can't the others?"

Harry's brows furrowed as he thought on what he knew about them, which admittedly was not a whole lot. He took out his wand, scrutinizing the piece of wood before him. "My core is a tail hair," he said simply.

"Of what? A Thestral?" Fay asked.

He nodded in agreement, tuning out the conversation that built up around their own wand cores, while he kept his gaze on the skeletal creatures taking him home.

The images of the (in his mind) sad looking animals were forcefully removed when he walked into the entrance hall once more. The group of Gryffindor's reunited and jovially headed into the Great Hall to take a seat at their House's long table.

The feeling of returning home after a long journey pervaded his skin, reaching deep inside of him. He saw Malfoy on his own table making gestures and guffawing idiotically in his direction. It seemed as though he had not learned his lesson from the year before, but Harry just ignored his stupidity. He doubted the boy would be as brazen as he had been, but he would still try to avoid him as much as he could.

The group sat together, with each of them welcomed and welcoming the returning students that they knew. Harry peered around the room as everyone began to become more settled. The mood became gradually more subdued with each table becoming more full – the staff seating themselves.

Harry spotted the teachers he was most acquainted with, giving them shy waves which were reciprocated, although Hagrid's was far more exuberant than the rest.

He wished he had eaten more of the sweets they had bought on the train, but he had wanted to save some for later. The regret became more evident as muted complaints filled the air at the knowledge that there needed to be a sorting before any of that could come to pass.

The doors opened and a trail of first years followed Professor McGonagall into the hall. "Do you think we looked that scared?"

"Oh you looked worse lickle Nevvy," whispered Fred in return.

Harry spotted Ginny quite easily among the throng of new starters standing next to another girl with long white-blonde hair. He tried to show support to her when she noticed him looking at her, but she just ducked her head down. The girl next to her, almost glazed eyes tracking him, mouthed something that he could not quite grasp, and could no longer see them as they moved toward the staff table.

The girl, Luna Lovegood apparently, was sorted into Ravenclaw, while a sigh of relief spread throughout the resident redheads at Ginny's sorting into the House of Lions.

"Proud of you, Ginevra," he could hear Percy shout down the table.

The girl took a seat next to Hermione Granger, who was welcoming her happily, and her brother Ron, who was appearing more impatient than anything.

"Congratulation Ginny," he told her a little louder than normal as he had to talk over the din of the hall. The girl just did not want to hold a conversation with him, but he took it all in stride, only sending positive waves over. He knew what it was like to be so reserved in a new place, of course.

After what was surely a rousing speech by their Headmaster, who had decided to go bright purple in his attire, much to Harry's amusement, the feast could begin.

Once again, the food was indulgent, though Harry only sampled the meal, lacking a large appetite as per the norm. His belly became filled though, and was content once more with the cooking. His lids were getting heavy, and he wished for his bed at that moment.

Katie poked his ribs softly, a small smirk at seeing him begin to flag in his seat. "Wake up sleepyhead." He wanted to bat that look away, but he mirrored her humour tiredly. "Won't be too long, then we can get you right to bed."

It was not long after that Katie and Fay walked either side of him, helping him up to the common room, hiding genial smirks. Angelina, walking in front, said the password to the Fat Lady when they reached the seventh floor, and let them back into their living area.

The warm colours, roaring fire, and familiar feel of the Gryffindor common room brought back pleasant memories over the previous year of the lot of them just... being there.

"Okay Neville, I'm releasing him into your hands. Make sure Harry gets into bed fine will you?" Katie whispered conspiratorially.

"You can count on me." He saluted mockingly, causing a burst of laughter as Harry smiled the exchange. The walk had woken him up slightly, but he definitely needed his sleep.

He bid his female friend's goodnight, stopping for a quick embrace from them first, then followed his male friends up the stairs to the boys' dormitories.

He giggled when he had to stop Neville from walking into their old dorm, reminding him that they must continue up the stairs to the second year room. Fred and George bid them "adieu and sweet dreams" as they continued up the stairs to their own floor.

The door was already open as they walked in. Dean and Seamus greeted them amiably, snorting as Ron stumbled in moaning about something or other.

"Good summer guys?" Dean questioned.

Harry liked his dorm mates... for the most part. Seamus was the comedian of the five second year Gryff boys. He was bawdier than the Weasley twins, but they got on well enough. Dean, a muggleborn, was outgoing and likeable. He would take a genuine interest in what other people talked about, and like Harry, found a variety of different aspects of magic incredibly fascinating. He was also the one that, to Harry's embarrassment, created artistic banners for when Gryffindor played in the Quidditch Cup.

"Yeah, not to bad mate, yourself?"

Neville was, of course, his best friend, a spot shared by Fay, and like himself had increased in confidence greatly since the Sorting Hat was placed on their heads.

As he changed he took note of the final member of their group. He and Ron Weasley should have been friends, all things considered, if Harry was more outgoing and less... emotionally fragile. He seemed likeable enough, but Harry disliked his lack of work ethic, his weak moral fibre, as well as his general selfish nature. He found it difficult to compare him with his close friendship with the twins. The sounds of the room droned on as his eyes closed and breathing evened out. The bed was not the biggest, nor the most comfortable in the world. But it was his. His scars were calm that night, and he slept without worry.

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Harry found himself sat next to Katie, enjoying going back to their morning breakfast ritual the next day. They sat in content silence as the morning light streamed in through stained glass. The illusionary ceiling, bewitched to reflect the outside sky, showed colours of blue, grey, and red as the morning haze illuminated the room.

Flitwick waved happily over to him, and Sprout raised her goblet when he bid her a good morning. Professor McGonagall, spotting that only he and Katie of her lions were awake as of then, came over to welcome them back.

"Mr Potter, Miss Bell, greetings to you both once more." She opened a large book full of loose sheets of parchment. "Miss Bell, your third year timetable. I see you have chosen Divination and Arithmancy. A future seer perhaps?"

Katie waved a denial. "Ah, no Professor. I just thought they both looked interesting. Mum took Arithmancy and said it helps with most professions so I followed her advice."

"I'm only jesting Miss Bell. And Mr Potter, I expect to see a continuation of your academics this year."

"Of course Professor," he answered politely.

"Words have been had with certain people, so I do believe that some issues you found with your last year may alter in your favour." Harry's surprise must have shown as the woman chuckled. "If there are any further problems, please come directly to me. The Headmaster has seen fit to have... a conversation with some of the professors."

"Thank you," he said in a neutral voice. He looked over at the resident Potions professor. 'If Fred or George were here, I would bet them a Galleon that he's horrible to me within minutes.'

"Anyway, welcome back you two, and Mr Potter, your timetable." She placed it in his hands, and he glanced at his schooling week to the sound of her heels clacking on the stone floor.

He glanced down at what exactly his year entailed.

Monday – (No Lessons Scheduled)

Tuesday – Defence Against the Dark Arts – 11.30 am-2 pm

Wednesday – Charms 9 am – 11.30 am, Herbology 2 pm-5 pm

Thursday – History of Magic 9am-11.30pm, Potions 12pm-2pm, Transfiguration 2.30pm-5.30pm Astronomy 10pm-12am

Friday – (No Lessons Scheduled)

Katie turned when she saw Harry's blatant wince as his weekly schedule.

"Oh my, that's... very unfortunate."

"At least my week's over with Thursdays."

"Hmm, I've got Lockhart after lunch today. A free morning for me, thank Merlin."

At least it was Flitwick first, and he could handle Professor Sprout well enough. Although, when he cycled through the heavy Thursdays he could not help but groan. At any rate, he had his favourite lesson after his least, so that was something at least.

"Why the long face?" Harry saw a still yawning Neville sit opposite him, the Weasley twins sliding in drowsily next to him.

"Schedule," he said shortly. "Trust me, Nev, you won't like tomorrow. Eat up, we've got Charms at 9." He brought out his wand, thankful for the spell that Professor Flitwick told him to look up. "Tempus". The numbers floating in his mind's eye told the time, and he nodded, realising he had plenty of time to go and get his schooling stuff for the day before lessons began.

Having said friendly 'good morning's' to his circle as and when they arrived, when it got nearer to the time for class to start, Harry pulled Neville and Fay with him back to Gryffindor Tower so as to get their needed items.

"Good morning Ginny," he greeted as he passed the reserved looking girl, belatedly spotting the airy seeming girl sat next to her. "And," he paused as he tried to remember her name. "Luna?"

"Good morning Harry Potter," she said dreamily.

Harry smiled politely at the two, carrying on back to his journey.

Not 25 minutes later he was waiting outside a fourth floor classroom, once again wondering at the strange habits of the magical world and its lack of common sense. 'Why can't we just have set rooms?'

He idly noted that this year it would be Slytherins they would be sharing Flitwick with; only Tracey appeared to be able to not have a scowl adorning her face. 'She's too different compared to the rest of them.'

"Come in class, come in," Harry's mood lifted considerably – he had spotted Malfoy's miserable face already. The blond boy shouldered passed him to get into the room, not even sparing a glance behind to view his work.

Fay seemed to want to say something but Harry beat her to it. "Please, Fay, just leave it. He isn't worth it."

"He has a point Dunbar," came a spritely voice.

"Tracey."

"Harry." She barely spared a look at Neville and Fay, who walked further in while shaking their heads. "I don't think your friends like me very much Potter."

It was lucky that his voice was naturally quiet, so he didn't have to lower it too much while speaking to her. "Yes, well, I think your housemates not liking me may have something to do with that."

She snorted, not saying anything more as she walked over to the only person he'd seen her hang around with, Lily Moon.

"I don't get why you like that Snake so much," grumbled Ron from behind him.

"She isn't so bad when you get to know her, Ron." He ignored the continued grumblings of the boy as he focused on the beginning of the lesson.

"Welcome back, welcome back. And welcome one and all to another year at Hogwarts." Flitwick beamed down at them all from atop a large stack of heavy-looking textbooks. He had been curious once and innocently inquired as to what was written in them in front of an alarmed McGonagall. The man had laughed uproariously, compared him to similar words asked by his mother, and informed him that they were all blank. There was no way he was going to let perfectly good books be ruined by someone standing on them.

"This year, we will be learning spells with more complexity than the introductory ones of last year. We will, however, remain on the subject of non-tangible aspects of charmwork. Now, for today's lesson, we will be studying and performing, a simple heating charm. Its purpose is for a far greater area of effect than what you will be used to. Now..."

He was half-expecting to see mockery escape from the Slytherin side as the spells were being cast. Due to the complexity of needing emphasis on the timing input in order to maximise the power output of the spell, Harry was struggling to adapt with his wand. Instead of a wider, more static heating charm, he instead created a temporary wave of warmth that dissipated as soon as it brushed over him.

Instead, he got snide looks and tittering between them. Malfoy looked particularly like a stuffed peacock when Flitwick awarded him and Hermione points for getting the spell correct first amongst their peers.

Fay gave him a look of reassurance as Harry turned away, an ugly feeling of inadequacy welling up. Professor Flitwick reassured him that it would be only a minor setback for some of the charm spells going forward.

"Harry," he said as the others began filing out after the lesson ended. "Don't worry so much about this kind of spell. Yes, you may need to work on it and spells further on. On the opposite side of this, there will be some charms that you, as well as your unique wand condition, will be perfectly suited for."

Harry bid him a good day as he left, reminded as to why the diminutive man was his favourite teacher, and a promise to join him for a spot of tea at the weekend.

Flitwick was correct, however, as he noticed Malfoy's downcast face when he realised that Harry had easily gotten the quick-freeze spell accomplished a week later.

That afternoon's next lesson, saw Harry and Fay enjoy the sight of their friend in his complete element. Hermione attempted many times to bring the teacher's attention onto her. Sprout ultimately decided to continue her fairness in divvying up the questions across the other Gryffs and her Puffs.

"Why is my plant screaming so much?"

Neville deftly handled the Mandrake in his arms, repotting with what seemed to be experienced ease. Once more Harry believed that if he could get over his lack of confidence that he could perform so much better in education.

"You need to be more firm with it, Fay. Too little grip and it sort of senses weakness. Too much and you make it painful."

Fay glared at the ugly plant held aloft by her head. "I'll give you something to scream about in a moment you little monster."

Harry softly laughed into his Herbalist's apron at her predicament.

"I don't know why you're laughing so much Potter," she said with faux haughtiness. "I mean, look at your little beast."

He diverted his attention to the mewling plant he had hastily replanted, seeing excess soil surrounding the work surface. "I'm not the only one though. I can't deal with the screeching. Too much for me, I think. Besides, you are definitely complaining for the both of us."

"Prat!"

The others in the class who had noticed the movements could only shake their heads at the scene of a joyous trio. Apart from their usual friendship group, they never really deigned to interact more with any of their year mates in an increased social manner.

Many of them had come to Hogwarts with the expectation of getting to know the famous Harry Potter, yet instead found their interactions left wanting. Within time, they had realised that he was just another student, exceptional it seemed at most magics, but in all, to them, he was but a quiet, studious boy. Sprout smiled as she saw the trio laughing with each other, shaking her head at the shocked looks on the other students who weren't as accustomed to the limited boisterousness being shown.

"Alright you three, calm down and continue with the care please."

"Sorry professor," they said in unison.

The three of them fell back easy into an old routine, dreading as they were the next day's hectic schedule. Harry wondered how Snape would act in his lesson.

Katie had seemed very disgruntled throughout dinner, and sitting in the library with Harry and Neville as they did some homework together Harry found out why.

"It's that man Harry."

'Ah'. That would explain it, it seemed.

"He's a complete waste," she griped.

Harry could only verbalise his sympathies.

Neville looked a little uneasy at the idea of the man. He fidgeted slightly in his seat and kept opening and closing his mouth like he wanted to say something. "Um, Harry, he. You know like, Defence Professor and... um."

"I'll be fine Nev." He wouldn't. "Really." Not.

"Harry, if he starts giving you lot a hard time, just move on. You got an Acceptable in your last year's exam, and that was with..."

"Quirrell."

The table went quiet. Harry had not spoken to anyone further about what had occurred that night, but Katie knew it had affected him greater than he revealed. Harry had killed the man. Maybe not deliberately, but he still killed someone. 'I know what he's like. Even though the man tried to kill him first, I can almost touch the guilt.' She wanted to help him, had done ever since she sat next to him for the first time. She did not know how to now.

"I don't think Lockhart's smart enough to do anything Harry."

Harry revealed a disdainful grin, "I bet his reflection might do better."

They had to continue their work back in the common room after Madam Pince demanded they leave for the noise of their laughter.

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History was always a joke. Harry and Hermione were still the only two who managed to stay awake the whole time. It was a close thing though, as even Harry's attempt at maintaining concentration would be strained to the maximum.

The seconds were ticking by ever so slowly, as if just for him. He couldn't wait for Transfiguration. He had read slightly ahead in the textbooks and found that this year they would be delving into transfiguring living creatures into non-organic objects. Minor spells, yet enough for Harry to get excited about it.

"Really, only Hermione can get as excited as you about a lesson." Ron looked a little put out by the exuberance mirrored in his bushy haired friend, "I can barely deal with one, you know."

Harry had had a year of disparaging remarks thrown his way to toughen his skin. A sarcastic jab from the redhead wasn't going to scar him. Though the two were annoying in his eyes, he found he could tolerate them a lot better than others could.

The thought of his favourite lesson as he walked up the central staircase after their first Potions lesson of the year was plenty calming for him after a return to that dank, dingy dungeon.

As they sat around the tables in a different room from the year before, Harry ended up paired with a lively Tracey. He sighed in relief, knowing that Snape may seriously dislike him, but when paired with the girl he at least got a slight reprieve from his attacks.

It did not stop the snide comments and vicious glares he would get from the man. According to Oliver when he had asked him, he was unable to drop Potions as a subject until sixth year, much to his dismay at learning that tidbit of information.

The man had stormed into the room, robes billowing in his customary manner, sneered at the Gryffindors (him) and waved his wand at the chalkboard by his desk.

"You have an hour. I want a competent Itch Removal on my desk by that point. I expect nothing from most of you, so I won't hold my breath."

"Agreeable as always," he mumbled. He grinned at Tracey's little giggle as the two of them began their potion preparation.

Of course, he could see Ron glaring at the two of them; he despised Slytherins on principle, a viewpoint that Harry could understand given his own prior interactions with them, but he got on okay with Tracey, which tempered his opinion.

They maintained a civil conversation as the cauldron bubbled and they worked on the potion together. Harry could never quite say that they had reached a level of friends, but it was nice to able to converse with a Snake and not have him be ridiculed or insulted.

When Snape dismissed them, it appeared that whoever had spoken to him had made sure that his attitude was more moderated than it was previously. He was always going to be wary of the man but felt that he could cope with at least this level of civility from his usual detractor. He had survived worse than this and come out on top.

When McGonagall ushered the Gryffs and Claws inside her classroom, all negativity went right out the window. Here he was back in his element. He soaked up the aspects of Transfiguration like a sponge. McGonagall handed out the small mice to the class, with the explicit instructions written on the board, but left them with a serious set of directions to follow.

"This year dictates a more intense approach than before. Prior to this, you dealt with wholly inorganic objects. Now you are to deal with living, breathing things. Your mice will not be mistreated, and I expect a great deal of seriousness while partaking in this part of your curriculum."

Minerva McGonagall watched as her students listened to her words with rapt attention. She expected as much from the Ravenclaw's; their attention to their studies was to be expected. Her Gryffindor's primarily listened to her because she was their head of house. A little bit of sternness and inspirational fear kept the more rowdy ones in line.

Weasley was kept on the straight and narrow by Granger. The same would be said for Miss Brown and Miss Patil by her Ravenclaw sister. Mr Finnegan and Mr Thomas were average in her expectations, and while requiring a little more observation than the rest, could cope independently.

Mr Longbottom had little skill in her subject, and Miss Dunbar was middling in her studies. However, Harry Potter was unquestionably her prize student.

He took to Transfiguration like a fish to water. He understood the concepts of imagination, intent, and a complex push of force mixing together. The concept confused many who attempted the art seriously, believing that with enough power, incantations, and pretty looking wand-waving it would be enough.

No, you had to do more than that. Harry believed in his magic, and his intent was pure. He took so much after James Potter in that regard. 'Though his was more due to that slight arrogance of his.' Harry's stemmed more from his wonder.

She would dwell often on the boy ever since she was complicit in his leaving at the Dursley's years ago, with her sense of guilt increasing on the issue.

She was more than overjoyed when he was sorted into her house, and even greater than that when he exhibited a natural skill in her taught subject. Not only that, but her interactions outside of the classroom showed how much of a deeply troubled boy he was, yet strong in spite of it. She had demanded that Dumbledore did something about his living situation, knowing that they had damaged him irreparably by how he acted. The man had soothed her and informed her of the reasons that that was impossible. She had understood but severely hated the situation.

Still, she would look on with pride and would continue to do so. "Well done Mr Potter. 10 points to Gryffindor."

They raced down to the Great Hall to get something to eat when the lesson ended, lamenting the fact that they still had lessons to complete that night. The Chasers and Weasley twins verbalised their sympathies but were still audibly thanking the system that they had no days like theirs.

"I can't believe we've got so many in one day." Fay was still grumbling as the drowsy trio followed along behind the Hufflepuff student of their year.

"At least it's a four day weekend."

"Yeah, Harry, and I'm guessing it's the library the whole time?"

He blushed lightly. "So? It's meant to be free study time anyway. We may as well be productive while we can."

"Harry, you're my friend so I think I can say this. Please stop. Just. Please."

"A deal. We get homework out of the way, then we'll do whatever you guys want." He reciprocated the happily content smirks. "Though apparently Wood isn't having try-outs. Says that the team's good enough as is, so Saturday and Sunday mornings I'll be training."

The quiet trio, as they were informally referred to by half of the school, enjoyed the next few days of tranquillity compared to the hectic standards that seemed to flex in and out of their lives.

"Trust me guys, you really will not enjoy yourselves," warned Alicia.

Angelina grimaced at the recollection of the lesson the day prior. "I already found him irritating because of the Harry thing, but that was ridiculous."

"I think you are overplaying it," Hermione said, frowning at listening to the older years' speech. "Professor Dumbledore wouldn't have hired him to teach if he wasn't all he said he was."

The other younger girls sighed dreamily as the image of Lockhart traced their thoughts.

Fred was having none of it though. "You'll see Hermione, and the rest of you, he isn't exactly what you'd expect. Completely off his rocker."

"And not in a, like, amazing Dumbledore way either," continued George.

"Sure he's won something like 'Strutting Miss Peacock' 25 years in the running but he couldn't find his wand in a wand-holster."

The second year girls who were listening in made indignant noises, while many others around agreed. It appeared as if the story of Lockhart was more believable than what manifested in front of their faces.

"Me, Gilderoy Lockhart, winner of Witch Weekly's greatest smile..."

Fay was staring in the same way as the rest of the Gryffs and Ravenclaws, much to the dislike of Harry and Neville.

"So I thought I would start today's lesson of with an extremely important quiz for all you lovely people." He walked down each aisle, handing out thick groupings of paper.

"What on earth is this?" whispered Seamus from behind them.

Each question had no direct correlation to anything remotely connected to Defence Against the Dark Arts. There was furious scratching of quill on parchment from a few of the students, but most sat in their seats alarmed. The questions written before him involved personal information on the teacher, avoiding the subject entirely. Although, as he read down the sheets, he noticed that apparently Gilderoy Lockhart had been very busy dealing with many serious threats. 'As long as this one doesn't go the same way as the last I think it'll be okay.'

"Harry," Neville muttered next to him, "Is your scar good?"

Harry smiled slightly at his friends worry. "No pain this time, so I think he's good on that front." The memory of Flourish and Blotts flashed briefly. "Doesn't stop him from being a bit too much to deal with."

When Lockhart deemed them all to be finished he began to rifle through the answers briefly.

"Ah yes, yes well done. Very good Miss Brown for knowing my favourite hair care product. And oh, Miss Granger, I see every question answered correctly. Hmm, some more of you need work, however. Like yourself Mr Potter. Tut, tut, is there a reason you didn't answer a single question? I'm afraid I am going to have to ask you to stay behind after class. I get it though, a little bit of fame in your life and now... well we cannot have that thinking now, can we?" The wide showing of pearly white teeth may have intended to appear disarming, but instead had a different effect.

'A little bit of fame gone to my head?' Harry found an uneasiness being in Lockhart's presence. 'What happened is just what... a bit of fame?' The burning feeling was one he assumed had long since disappeared from his life. He was annoyed, no, he was angry. What did this man know about him? He did not answer the questions primarily because he believed it was some sort of test. What kind of Defence lesson requires him to know Gilderoy Lockhart's favourite holiday destination? The man was a joke and could now see the complete picture as to why Katie's feelings for the man were less than confident.

"But I digress." The professor withdrew a shaking, sheet-covered object from underneath his table. "Shall we see how you deal with something a little more challenging?"

With a flourish, he revealed several blue-skinned winged creatures rattling the bars of the cage they were trapped in.

Seamus snorted at the sight. "Cornish Pixies?"

"Yes, freshly caught. They're quite harmless in fact, but let us see what it is that you make of them?" He opened the small door and unleashed the pixies.

Pandemonium erupted as the little creatures began to cause havoc within the room. Things were smashed and students were attacked weakly. Lockhart just stood there with his (sickening) bright smile. A few deemed Neville a prime candidate for targeting, which led to Harry and Fay doing everything they could to repel the things.

"Peskipiksipesternomi!" shouted Lockhart, brandishing his wand to no avail.

Hermione shouted some spell into the air, which caused the Pixies to halt in their tracks.

"Oh yes, well done, well done Miss Granger. Exactly what I wanted you to do. 20 points to Gryffindor for a perfect emulation of my response to a Kryll Swarm in my trip to Transylvania. Indeed, I am very saddened with the rest of you."

"He's joking, right?"

"I don't think he is Fay," Harry replied.

"I believe that that will be all for today. Homework, I want an essay, 5 feet in length, detailing exactly which of my adventures were your most beloved, and why." He smoothed out his robes from their brief ruffling. "And Mr Potter, stay would you."

Harry walked over to him, slinging he book bag over his shoulder. Neville and Fay trailing behind him.

"Just Mr Potter you two." His teeth were too bright.

"We're waiting for Harry, sir," Neville replied.

Fay nodded her head, wearing a slight squint as it appeared that her little crush was abating.

"Harry, Harry, Harry. Having fans already I see."

"Friends."

"What was that Harry?"

Harry matched his stare, eyes narrowing and teeth grinding together slightly. He really did not like this man. "Neville and Fay are my friends. Not my fans."

Lockhart chortled and waved his hand lazily. "It doesn't matter. Now, your quiz, Harry. I get that you may be a tiny bit famous, not as grand as myself of course, but unwarranted fame does not allow you to not perform to my great standards."

He had to be insane. That was the conclusion that Harry arrived at. First, he had dragged him before a crowd, unwillingly, and now he was lecturing about how famous he was compared to the man. The priorities being shown here were definitely not that of someone sane.

"Is that all, sir?" he asked stiffly.

"Yes, of course, my boy. I expect more from you next time, of course. Now, run along. Go on, enjoy your day." A pause. "One day we may have to have a little talk about your... situation. But not today. A pity really." He sighed dramatically, dismissively shooing them out of his classroom. "Harry, I don't think your parents would have approved of this. I'm sure they would be very disappointed in you."

The three of them were silent as the grave while they walked through the castle. Harry was trembling, flushed red, and moving with purpose. They could hear his teeth grinding together, and were both trying to come up with some way to communicate with him as neither of them had ever seen him like this before.

"I really do not like him."

Neither of them could disagree.

Authors Notes

So yeah, Harry's getting better. He'll have relapses, but generally, there will be a drastic improvement in how he handles situations from now on. He's got a solid group of extremely close friends, he's got trust and affection towards others etc. It's still a Hurt/Comfort story primarily, but there won't be any real stability to his emotional state until like maybe book 3. I'm trying to work it out now, but with all the adventure and horrendous things that will keep happening to him, it's still going to be slow going.

Really don't want anyone to be put off by how I'm handling Harry. Expect sorrow and joy in the future. Just a warning. Although, I'm sure that many will enjoy the next chapter.

The plan (a strange thought) that I have made for the story appears to have book 3 as my intended shortest. I want to have 10 chapters per 'year' and my planning has made everything I want to fit into either book 6 or 7 as almost double the length of 3. It's still a work in progress of course, but expect shorter chapters when we hit book 3, then a sharp rise in continuous longer ones afterwards.

Next Chapter: Duelling Club