Wolf, Witch and Forks

AN: This chapter is from Paul's POV and will be covering quite a lot on the first day of classes. There will be few twists and I am thinking of deviating from Canon further rather than making it a trope-filled canon rehash. I did have to research a lot of stuff from Hp-Fandom, Pottermore and Hp-Hogwarts. Some influences are also there from Reddit and the fiction I have read over the years.

This a Slytherin Harry fic now, if you read the last chapter but no absolute bashing of any character rather some childish arguments here and there. I like bashing Fictions but now I am tired of reading them and I don't want to take the easy way around. If you think there is going to be Malfoy bashing like the last chapter then give it some time, I have planned some interesting things for him.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Twilight

Chapter 6: First Day and Exploding Snap

Paul

After the Feast, September 1, 1st Year Gryffindor Boys Dorm

"Dean are you interested in any other games besides soccer?" Paul asked the only other muggle-born boy in his year in Gryffindor. They were both currently sitting cross-legged on their beds which were placed adjacent to each other.

"Yeah, I do play Lacrosse but football is my favourite sport."

"We should have a match sometime; I was the captain of my soccer team at school," Paul replied jovially.

Dean became more enthusiastic, "Sure, but do you have a football? I don't know if anyone would have one?"

"I sneaked a deflated one in my Trunk with Harry's help who distracted Renee, my godmother."

"That's great mate! I am a bit curious; how do you know Harry Potter?"

Before Paul could answer, Ron jumped into the conversation sitting beside Dean, "They are neighbours!"

"Really! It must be cool to have a celebrity neighbour." Dean questioned with wide eyes. Paul felt annoyed as he knew Harry disliked hero worship and was not fond of being called a celebrity, Ron should have known better.

"It's true, we grew up together. Ron is a big Potter fan, right ickle-Ronnie-kins?" It was good to see Ron blush beet red, "Where did you hear that embarrassing nickname?"

"I overheard the twins teasing you during the feast. Anyway, Ronnie what's your favourite sport?"

Ron immediately brightened up, his previous embarrassment forgotten, "Quidditch! And Wizard Chess"

Ron then went on a full-blown explanation on how chess and Quidditch were very similar as both required careful strategy and game plan. Paul knew better than to interrupt the overjoyed redhead as he was interested in learning more about wizarding sports.

Paul thought chess was boring, he only knew a few basics as Bella loved indoor board games and forced him and Harry to play them with her.

Neville, the slightly nervous plant-loving boy who he met on the train then sat beside Paul by asking his permission like a proper gentleman before getting seated.

Neville dared to interrupt Ron's impromptu lecture on Quidditch strategy "Ron you should take part in the trials for Interhouse Chess Club and League, first-years are allowed. My Gran was a member, she loves strategy games."

Ron smiled sheepishly, "Sorry mates, I went on a bit of a rant. Thanks, Nev, my brothers never told me that Hogwarts has a Chess Club"

Dean was about to say something when Paul noticed Seamus Finnegan staring right at him with irritation, he did not know what the boy's problem was? All of a sudden, the Irish lad approached their group and screeched,

"Lahote you should stop being friends with Potter, He is obviously Dark! Getting sorted into Slytherin and all. My mum says Gryffindors and muggle-born should keep away from those slimy snakes."

Paul burnt with rage. Others were also having similar reactions. Dean was looking at Finnegan as if he had grown another head. Neville was taken aback by the unwarranted animosity and Ron to his surprise was glaring at Finnegan, maybe they were able to change his opinions about Slytherins on the train after all.

Paul hissed, "Look guys we have our own Gryffindor Malfoy. Get out of my face and don't you dare insult my best friend again!" He was about to punch Finnegan black and blue when Neville stopped him by literally pushing him back on his bed.

Before Paul could yell at Neville, the latter whispered in his ear, "You don't want to lose house points on the first day, right? The prefects already warned us about it"

Paul with great reluctance agreed, then he heard Dean, "Finnegan you don't even know the lad, we just saw him at the feast for the first time." Before Finnegan could defend himself, Ron chewed into the boy further,

"I met many first years on the train who came from Slytherin families, they were all friendly except bloody Malfoy and his goons. I don't like Slytherins but I do not hate them now. You should talk to some more people other than your mummy Finnegan. Harry was very happy to share his chocolate frog cards and candy with me without even asking so I don't think he is dark"

Paul, Dean and Neville were now gaping at Ron, those were some wise words in Paul's opinion which made him rethink his views on 'Mr Carrot Top'.

Seamus, a bit stricken as he did not get any support from his roommates was about to take his wand out when the dorm's door creaked and all saw Percy Weasley, Ron's older brother and Gryffindor fifth year prefect,

"You all are making a lot of noise! Go to sleep, it is almost midnight. Tomorrow is a Monday and you have classes in the morning. Mr Finnegan, please do not point your wand at your housemates or any student for that matter. I will be reporting your rude behaviour to Professor McGonagall at breakfast. Now close your curtains and I do not want to hear another squeak from your dorm, am I clear?"

All the boys quickly nodded and said their goodnights purposely ignoring Finnegan, leaving the boy to sulk on his bed at the far corner of the room. As Paul closed his curtains, one thought was on his mind, 'Percy Weasley is my new hero, who would have thought.'

7:00 AM Morning, Monday 2nd September, Hogwarts Grounds

"Paul this is torture, why are we even here at this bloody hour! Running of all things! Breakfast is not till 8:30," Ron whined with an equally huffing and puffing Neville nodding vigorously.

Dean who was standing beside Paul, not at all exhausted from their laps was busy laughing at the miserable pureblood boys.

Paul then answered, "Oh common Ron, this is good for your health. I know from Bellzy's long explanations that Wizards dislike exercise and some don't even know what it is"

"I could not have bothered you guys, but it is always fun to run in groups. I will owl Renee today, she could send me some tracksuits and jogging shoes for you and Neville. Both of you look hilarious in your pyjamas"

Ron and Neville cribbed and bonded some more about exercise and muggle health standards before their group was joined by Harry and an ashen-faced Theo.

Paul gave Harry a side hug and shook hands with Theo, "Theo you look a bit pale, maybe it is the light"

Theo after catching a long-suffering breath scowled "Don't tease me, ask this arse over here who woke me up at bloody six in the morning to go for a run on the grounds! I wanted to hex him so bad! but he still managed to drag me out of bed somehow."

Harry then matched Paul's grin, "Oh shut up cry-baby, we both know you rather be running than hearing Crabbe and Goyle's snoring competition. I swear both were trying to outdo each other"

"Ron could beat them in an instant." "Oye!"

Paul grinned as he introduced Dean to the Slytherins and they continued to run some more laps with the three muggle-born or muggle raised boys leading the pack.

Paul could hear Theo whinging about how much he loathed Harry and Paul right now. Ron and Neville both were agreeing to Theo's melodramatic complaints fervently. "Harry, Bells got lucky today, I don't know where Ravenclaw common room is"

"Paul we are not allowed in other house common rooms. Slytherin prefect Farley drilled that in us yesterday."

"Then we should find a way to sneak into the other common rooms, well worth the detention! Also, remind me later that I have to visit Duke. Hagrid is keeping my poor crup hostage, as Professor McGonagall who is such a cat person did not allow him in Gryffindor tower."

Harry smirked, "Sure and FYI, I am just going to tell Professor Snape and the Prefects that it was your idea when we get caught."

Paul just blew a raspberry at Harry. Though it was not very mature on his part.

Dean then got their attention, "We should head back and get ready for Breakfast, it's almost eight."

Paul and Harry immediately agreed before all of them started chuckling on hearing Theo, Ron and Neville's combined sighs of relief.

8:30 AM, Breakfast Great Hall, Gryffindor Table

"Mr Lahote your timetable. Please do not lose this. You can inform me about which clubs you want to add to your schedule in the coming week" Professor McGonagall instructed sternly as she handed him his schedule before making her way over to the other first-year Gryffindors.

The piece of parchment not only contained an array of classes but extra space was left for a maximum of three clubs in the evening and after dinner before the curfew for first years came into full force at nine pm.

There was also a note below stating that Flying lessons would be organised for the first years, timings and dates for which would be posted on the Gryffindor Notice Board.

The older students had already started leaving the Great Hall as their lectures started early at Nine' o clock whereas the first and second years had their first period fifteen minutes later. Paul then glanced over to the Ravenclaw table where he saw Bella chatting excitedly with Padma Patil and another girl he did not know.

Paul quietly sneaked behind Bella and Padma, "Boo!" Both girls shrieked and jumped up in fright and giving him icy glares on regaining their composure.

Other Ravenclaw first years were staring at him with dropped jaws and he heard some senior whispering to her friend, "What's a Gryffindor Firstie doing at our table?"

"Morning bells and pads, Gryffindors have Double Transfiguration today with you guys, so let's go. Then I have History of Magic with Harry in the afternoon after lunch and Charms later with the Puffs"

Bella cuffed him on the back of his head, "I almost had a heart attack! Apologise now!"

"Sorry Pads, Sorry Bells, now can we go" Paul addressed Padma avoiding eye contact with Bella while rubbing his sore head. 'Bells doesn't know how to take a joke' Paul thought.

Padma seemed annoyed, "you call that an apology!" "Pads, that is the best you are going to get from the mean pig" Bella scoffed before introducing him to the other Ravenclaw first-year girls who all for some reason just giggled as he shook their hands. Ravenclaw boys in his opinion were more normal and to his immense relief, there was no giggling involved.

Then with Pads and Bells on his side, he joined Ronnie, Nev and Dean at the Great Hall entrance.

Ron spoke first as they made their way to the First floor Transfiguration Classroom, "That was Wicked mate! the Twins fell from their chairs laughing" Paul's fist-bumped Ron as Padma and Bella huffed and shoved them aside to enter the classroom first.

9:10 AM, Class 1 First Floor, Transfiguration Classroom

It was a spacious lecture hall with desks arranged in straight rows, large panelled windows were on the left side of the room overlooking the Black Lake. Paul then saw a grey tabby lounging on the desk,

"Sure, McGonagall can bring her cat to class but I can't keep my puppy in my dorm, so unfair!" he cried as Neville who was seated on his right empathised "Professor McGonagall also does not allow Trevor out of his tank either".

Bells seated with Padma and Hermione on the bench in front of them rubbed salt on their wounds, "Rani is such a well-behaved kitten, Professor McGonagall praised her a lot"

"The class is about to start, where is the Professor?" Paul heard Hermione's concerned muttering. The bushy-haired Gryffindor Witch was sitting with her quill and parchment ready to conquer the world.

Soon a gong sounded indicating the commencement of the period and chalk levitated and started writing 'Introduction to Transfiguration Alphabet' on the large blackboard placed on the front wall of the hall. Matchsticks then started appearing out of thin air on every desk.

Paul and his roommates watched with delight as Finnegan entered the class in a mad dash, "Thank Merlin! McGonagall is not here yet."

As soon as the boy spoke those words, the grey tabby on the bench jumped and transformed into their professor. "I love Magic!" Paul blurted out before he started clapping, soon to be joined by the rest in raucous applause.

Professor McGonagall seemed unfazed and raised her right hand to silence the students, as she narrowed her eyes at Finnegan, "Mr Finnegan your tardiness is not appreciated. Two points from Gryffindor"

Finnegan sheepishly apologised before settling on one of the backbenches where Fay Dunbar. Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil the other Gryffindor girls in Paul's year were already seated.

They scooted further away from the Irish boy to Paul's hidden glee.

Professor McGonagall then started her lesson by flicking her wand at the teacher's desk which turned into a pig and then back to its original form, Paul was very impressed.

He listened carefully now hanging on to every word which came from his new favourite professor.

"Students you have already witnessed three important branches of Transfiguration. First was the Animagus Transformation or Animagery, the second and third were Transformation and UnTransfiguration. We would be working this year on the fundamentals of the latter branches. The former is highly advanced magic, strictly regulated by the Ministry of Magic and ICW.

If any of you are interested in becoming an Animagus, you can approach me at the beginning of your third year. Let me warn you it is going to be a tough journey and I only accept students who have achieved Outstanding's in my subject during their first two years.

For the first year, the course work includes the principal formulae behind Transfiguration, The Transfiguration Alphabet, Common Switching Spell and Level One Transfiguration. I would be specifically focusing on spells like Avifors, Muresarca and Flintifors in the second term after winter break."

"Assignments would be given after every period. The submission dates can vary. Homework counts as almost thirty per cent of your overall grade, so I expect it to be submitted on time; Late submissions will be penalised. Both theory and practical examinations would take place before the end of each term.

Transfiguration is dangerous! Horrifying results are possible if you are not paying attention. Immediate detentions and point deductions would be handed out if any student is found slacking during class"

"Your assigned Textbook this year is A Beginners Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch. I would encourage you to look at the supplementary texts available in the library to get a better overview."

"Now please open chapter five of your textbooks after carefully noting down the Transfiguration Alphabet from the board"

Immediately the room was filled with a flutter of activity. Paul had managed to scribble all the important information from Professor's speech. 'So that's what the matches are for' he thought after reading the title of the fifth chapter.

'Chapter 5: Acusignis (AKA Match to needle spell)'. Soon the professor demonstrated the incantation and wand movement and expected everyone to try transforming the match into a needle before the class ended.

He could see Mione, Pads and Bells trying hard to turn the match in vain. Ron and Dean had still not copied down the alphabets.

Paul with determined intent and maybe slight viciousness clearly chanted, "Acusignis!" while pointing his wand at the match. To his shock, it was soon replaced by a sharp needle. He was about to scream with excitement when the professor suddenly approached his table, "Well done! Mr Lahote, take ten points for Gryffindor"

Dean patted his back saying congratulations whereas the girls looked horrified that he had done the spell before them. Hermione to his amusement was ready to burst into tears, Neville though already supported watery eyes as his match was now a pile of ash.

"Nev, how did you even manage that?" Paul winced. "I don't know!" Neville sobbed. "No need to be so sad Neville, you should ask the professor for another match" Bella consoled the poor guy.

But the most hilarious incident during the lesson was Seamus who made a huge explosion in the back row. "My word! Mr Finnegan, are you alright? Please make your way to the hospital wing." Even Professor McGonagall seemed disturbed at the violent effect the Irish boy produced.

Another half an hour passed; Ron somehow botched his spell too, vanishing his match completely. Hermione was the only one who managed to change the texture of the match to metal, whereas Bella and Padma were able to sharpen theirs.

Paul felt elated and proud as they made their way out of class, Hermione though badgered him at lunch, "How did you do it? Was it my wand movement or was I not pronouncing the spell correctly? Maybe I misread it!"

"Breath Mione, Breath, I just copied the professor that's all" Paul answered with a sheepish grin. Hermione just shook her head in disbelief and started bemoaning her misfortune to Bella and Padma. Both of them eagerly chiming in their sympathies and frowning at him simultaneously.

1:00 pm, Class 4F, History of Magic Classroom

"Only thing engaging about this lame class is that it is taught by a ghost" Harry commented, suppressing another yawn. Paul agreed, then suggested, "Shrimp, how about a game of Exploding Snap?"

"I am in!" Paul slowly pulled out his personal deck from his bag.

Their conversation however had gotten the attention of almost all the other Slytherins and Gryffindors around them. Classroom 4F was a dingy and tiny room barely with a seating capacity of ten students but they were double the number stuffed in.

Hermione looked scandalized but the other Gryffindors started whispering excitedly amongst each other.

Slytherins were equally intrigued as Daphne Greengrass, Tracey Davis accompanied with the Millicent Bulstrode and Sophia Roper leaned near Harry with Tracey asking,

"Can we join you?" "Why not?" Harry gestured for her and her friends to come closer. In minutes, Paul and Harry's desk was surrounded by more than half the class.

"So how about Slytherin Vs Gryffindor? Losing house takes notes for the entire class, for the next let's say two months!" Paul challenged. The Slytherins excluding Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson huddled around Harry to discuss Paul's challenge.

"We are going to accept the bet only if Hermione is responsible for the notes when your house is defeated" Daphne countered. Hermione made her dissent known but conceded eventually, "Don't lose this!"

"You guys heard the girl. We are doing best of three rounds. One round each of Classical, Patience and the Bavarian" Paul started spreading the cards on the table.

"For every game, each house has to choose a different person. To prevent any bias or advantage, we all are going to write our names on chits. Lavender and Millicent can act as referees and they will pick the names out" The Slytherins grumbled but agreed reluctantly.

Lavender then announced sadly, "For classical Hermione, For Patience Seamus and For the Bavarian Neville" Gryffindors supported disappointed looks as Slytherins gave them devilish smirks but fate proved to be a cruel mistress when Millicent started reading their chits, "Classical Gregory Goyle, Patience Sophia and the Bavarian Tracey"

Paul enjoyed watching Harry cringe at their first pick. "Who let Goyle put his name in!" Theo hissed.

Soon the first round began, an uncomfortable but determined Hermione vs a twitchy Goyle. The Classical version was the simplest, tap two identical cards as fast you can with your wand and score the maximum points to win the game. Each successful match would be awarded one point.

Hermione with her dexterity and quick reflexes racked up ten points within seconds to put a significant margin between her and Goyle who had just managed six matches in the same time. The game then intensified as the cards began to shuffle faster increasing the difficulty.

Then with a final SNAP! It was over. "Hermione wins by six points" Lavender shouted while engulfing a blushing Hermione in a bear hug. The Gryffindors started cheering loudly for their victor.

The next round could determine the winners if Gryffindors maintained their streak. The Patience version was significantly harder than the classical, though Paul never played it before. He remembered Blaise Zabini teaching Bells the basic rules on the train. Only twenty cards were placed upside down and you reveal them in pairs, they would explode soon after if the correct match was not found within that short time frame.

Slytherins were given the first turn as they had lost the previous round. Sophia Roper was a short brunette witch who Paul was seeing for the first time. He just hoped that Finnegan knew what he was doing. Luck was on Sophia's side as she flipped two Bow Truckles on her first attempt.

Seamus struggled, nevertheless he continued with singed eyebrows. This round concluded faster than the first one with Millicent high fiving a grinning Sophia after announcing, "Sophia wins by two points"

Seamus being a sore loser wanted to accuse the Slytherins of cheating but Lavender stopped him with a death glare.

"So piggy, ready to forfeit?" Harry mocked. "Nev beat the snake. I can't deal with a gloating shrimp for two whole months!"

With those words of encouragement from Paul, Neville faced a very confident Tracey. Paul tried his best to put on a brave face for his roommate, as he knew Tracey was an expert at the Bavarian-style of Snap. She was the one who taught him, Harry and Bella that particular play on the train.

The Bavarian was tedious to set up however it was the most engrossing of the three-game variants. 26 Cards were dealt out in a circle. Whenever a card that matches one already in the circle is dealt, it is placed in the centre. Both it and the matching card must be tapped before all of the cards explode. The time before the cards explode is lessened upon each consecutive correct match.

Neville kept forgetting to tap the cards a few times, which Tracey took advantage of but ultimately took a complete U-turn.

"Neville wins by Two points!" Lavender cheered with elation to Slytherins horror. Tracey was actually gracious in her defeat as she hugged Neville, "Wicked Game!" "Thank you… Davis…Tracey" a tomato red Neville replied.

Their victory celebrations were short-lived as Harry and Daphne with the rest of the snakes gave them knowing smiles. "As per the deal, Crabbe and Goyle are responsible for the Gryffindor's History notes". 'What?' Paul thought.

"That's CHEATING!" Ron, Hermione and Paul shouted together. "Naah, that's CUNNING. Pig forgot to mention who in Slytherin would take the notes." Harry grinned after replying.

All the Gryffindors groaned, with Paul banging his head repeatedly on the desk. Professor Binns in blissful ignorance continued to drone about Gargoyles and their rights.

'In coming years, History of Magic would become code for Indoor Games Tournament between Slytherins and Gryffindors having more carefully worded challenges and bets after Gryffindor Class of 1997's bittersweet first victory.'

AN: Hope you all enjoyed it. I don't like Seamus much as you would have gathered but I am not going to batter him a lot, Paul and Harry can't be friends with everyone. Some conflict is required.