September 4, 1991
In the scottish highlands less than an hour after sunrise, an old-fashioned showdown occurs. Towering at an impressive height of 193 cm, an older wizard with shoulder length grey hair and an even longer grey beard wields a distinctive seven node wand made from an elderberry tree. In stark contrast, the other barely reaches 28 cm and appears supremely disadvantaged with no wand in sight. Across the room, perched high on a shelf surrounded by several books and gadgets lies the Sorting Hat.
The two opponents divided over a secret prepare to engage in a battle of the minds. One doggedly pursues the disclosure of a single secret whilst the other dangles their knowledge as if it were an irresistible carrot in order to learn a trove of secrets. Like an immovable object, both are incredibly stubborn and neither will budge from seeking their objective.
"Won't you tell me what you saw when sorting the boy?"
"No, I will not."
In a silent maneuver, the wand jettisons a high speed, colorless spell; while it unerringly finds the intended target, the anticipated images fail to manifest. Blue eyes usually filled with optimism and self-assurance now reveal stark frustration.
Mostly immobile, but for a few minute twitches, it's brown leather folds resembling a face alternate between brief amusement and finally a scowl.
"Albus, I believe that is now three and zero. First you tried flowery words of persuasion, then plied me with utterly lackluster guilt-trips, and now a misguided attempt to traipse through my mind."
Albus' face flashes with chagrin, before he responds with, "Sorry, no hard feelings, but I had to give it a try."
"You're only sorry it didn't work."
"Renfred, must we play these silly games."
"Of course not. You know the price of admission, and yet you will not pay it."
"I will not place you on my head simply to satisfy your curiosity."
"Well, there you have it. As long as you withhold, no enlightenment shall pass these lips."
"I could just as easily set you on fire until there is nothing left, but a pile of ashes."
"Hmm, I wondered when you would start making idle threats."
"Idle? You couldn't be more wrong. I think you may be confusing my genial nature with lack of fortitude."
"On the contrary, failing to see past another's veneer has never been my defect. Your methods may work on those who are gullible, tenderhearted, or unpracticed, however I have been here long before you and will remain long after you are nothing, but dust."
Within the blink of an eye, a red shimmery light splashes onto Renfred.
"No fiery flames. I'm feeling cool as a cucumber."
This statement incurs a torrent of multicolored lights which splash ineffectively against the leather surface and not one manifests the expected result.
"You might as well cease your foolish wand waving. The wards tied to Hogwarts also protect me."
The distinct rumble of shifting stones echoes loudly and effectively cuts off Albus' intended retort.
At a speed that belies his age, he hurriedly seats himself and shuffles a few papers on the desk in order to lay his left palm flat upon a faintly etched runic array. Within seconds of gently pulsing his magic, the feedback loop leaves a mental impression of Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall standing before the guardian gargoyle statue.
Renfred snorts in disgust while watching Albus resettle the desk and bid Minerva to enter the office before she even gets a chance to knock. It's amazing how one moment can irrevocably change one's outlook. Four days prior, he would have chuckled right along with Albus, but now the time and energy spent maintaining the mystery of his omniscience instead of diverting them to more worthwhile endeavors is simply abhorrent.
"Minerva, your delightful presence is most welcome. Please do sit. Care to partake in tea, blueberry scones, or my favorite, the sublime saporous sherbert lemon?"
She huffs in exasperation and says, "No thank you, indulging my appetite is better left for breakfast. Anyway, we have a problem affecting the first year students. Both portraits and ghosts are leaving their frames or assigned corridors unattended for long stretches of time."
A frown of confusion graces Albus' face. "Certainly inconvenient, but it doesn't seem out of the ordinary."
In tandem, Minerva hands him a rolled parchment displaying a summary of the incidents and says, "Well, you would be right notwithstanding the number of complaints especially considering the condensed time frame in which they're occurring."
As blue eyes quickly trail from left to right, his eyebrows immediately rise in shock. "Impossible, class attendance has never been this low."
"Apparently, there's a first time for everything. Last night, I convened with the other Head of House in order to confirm their validity and undoubtedly all are accurate. With Hufflepuff and Slytherin situated in the dungeons, first year students easily lost their way and without guides they inevitably wandered even further into the labyrinth. Staff only became aware when students inevitably missed classes which prompted efforts to locate those who were absent. Afterwards Pomona had to bear the aftermath of comforting students that were traumatized by their ordeal and in order to quickly cover everyone she switched from one-on-one to group sessions. My house didn't fare much better, but at least they somehow managed to backtrack their steps. Though instead of reporting the issue, they decided to goof off in the common room. That was just the first day. I don't know how, but it was worse on the second day."
"You have me convinced, but I noticed not once did you mention Filius or Ravenclaw."
"Strangely, they all had perfect class attendance."
Albus' eyes narrow in consternation. Renfred can tell that he suspects Harry's involvement.
Minerva either doesn't notice or simply ignores the expression and proceeds with, "After a cursory look on two floors, even more frames appear empty today than yesterday. As for the ghosts, I'm waiting on feedback from Nearly Headless Nick, The Bloody Baron, The Grey Lady, and The Fat Friar. Still, I don't think this is an isolated incident. Upon questioning the portraits and ghosts, each response is the same - we have our orders and until Renfred tells us differently then we will continue to follow them. Who is Renfred?"
Instead of answering, Albus slowly turns a dark look towards him.
"Minerva, you have my assurances that I will look into this further. For the moment, alert the other Heads of House that prefects will accompany first year students to and from class along with all meals until the unaccounted portraits and ghosts have been reminded of their duties. Why don't you go down to breakfast? I'll catch up with you in a bit."
The older woman merely bobs her head in accordance and leaves the office. Renfred wonders whether she understood that it wasn't merely a suggestion, but a veiled command.
Just as this thought ends, a deep burgundy light descends on Renfred and this time it doesn't land on the intended target, but reverses trajectory speeding twice as fast towards the caster.
There's no time for escape and as a result a high pitched scream rends the air.
Renfred heartily chuckles and merrily informs, "Albus, I forgot to mention that the wards only allow seven acts of violence before they hijack control of the magic and reverse it. You hit your limit for today so I would avoid any further infractions and stick to good behavior."
A little over an hour later, Hector Gutiérrez slides to a stop before the Great Hall and just barely catches himself from falling. He immediately straightens into a practiced poise that normally radiates strength and confidence, but ultimately falls short since everyone witnesses his less than graceful entrance.
The handsome sixth year prefect quickly scans the Ravenclaw table. At the far end, seven first year students happily eat and chat away. Silently, he thanks Lady Luck. Not only has he found each of his missing charges, but alerting Professor Flitwick to his predicament is no longer necessary.
Just as he begins to stride towards them, movement in his peripheral vision derails the momentary feeling of relief.
The diminutive professor of Charms and Ravenclaw's Head of House arrives via the staff's private entrance. After a cursory glance at the Ravenclaw first years, Professor Flitwick's previous cheerful disposition melts away leaving only confusion. As expected, he is never one to leave a mystery unsolved and advances on the group. The distance between them is noticeably shorter than his own so there is absolutely no hope of heading off any conversation.
Hector reluctantly trudges forward all the while he internally laments on how the current prefect system seems stacked against him. Although a pair of students are chosen from the fifth, sixth, and seventh years the workload is inordinately greater for those not preparing to take their O.W.L. or N.E.W.T. which automatically take priority. His fellow year mate, Jordan Meyers, proposed a friendly game of chance - rock, paper, scissors. Having lost two consecutive hands, a great portion of free time devoted to completing assignments or just having fun will now be consumed by chaperoning first years. If that weren't bad enough, Professor Flitwick alluded to these duties possibly extending into next week or longer depending on when everyone becomes better acclimated with navigating the castle. Still the overall benefits like using an elegant private bath, exercising authority over other students, and receiving preferential selection during future job interviews certainly outweigh the more recent downsides.
Upon approach he hears Potter blithely mention, "No sir, we had no choice but to leave Gutiérrez in the common room while he flirted with Sadie Frost. After waiting for nearly five minutes for them to wrap-up, we decided enough was enough and preferred the option of a leisurely stroll to the Great Hall. As you can see, all plates are empty and there will be plenty of time to reach our classes well before the bell rings."
Hector curses below his breath, "Fuck."
Unfortunately, it's not low enough.
Professor Flitwick turns his heavy narrowed gaze onto him. "Language Gutiérrez! You're already in hot water so it would behoove you not to make your situation any worse."
Despite the inevitability of an admonishment, Hector would rather avoid one taking place in front of his peers so he immediately complies with a low, "Yes sir." And then waits in silence.
Professor Flitwick starts solemnly, "Mr. Potter, I appreciate the concise explanation and am heartily sorry that a well-respected prefect neglected to carry-out their duties. Errors in judgement which have the potential to adversely affect others whether emotionally or physically will not be tolerated especially within our prefect group who are held to a higher standard. Going forward it will be my top priority in stamping out such an undesirable character flaw."
Hector visibly winces whilst thinking of past detentions that were uniquely crafted according to each offense and in a manner to effectively deter any idea of repeating said offense.
The professor's next words are without a doubt spoken in levity, "On another note, the staff and I noticed that your group travels about with surprising ease. Is it a good assumption that I have you to thank for this occurrence?"
Potter slightly quirks his mouth and says, "Yes sir, but only indirectly. I purchased the Flying Eye and though it has a primary objective to project images onto a paired Crystal Construct, apparently one of the features that directs it to a desired destination allows us to call out the Great Hall, Professor Flitwick's classroom, or even the Ravenclaw Common Room."
"Simply amazing. And it worked every single time without fail?"
"Yes sir, without fail."
"Wherever did you buy this Flying Eye?"
"At the Consortium located in Diagon Alley."
"I would like to see this Flying Eye in action and since your first class is with me this would be a perfect opportunity. Well, it is now 8:05am so that means class starts in 25 minutes. Give me about 5 minutes and then we can head out."
"Sounds good sir."
"Gutiérrez, let's have a quick chat in the hall, shall we?"
While heading out, Professor Flitwick twirls his wand in several motions and erects a silencing charm that functions despite continued movement.
In awe by the seemingly effortless display, Hector knows firsthand that the standard silencing charm anchors to a stationary object and is incredibly sensitive to fluctuations in a zone's geospatial coordinates. Displacing an anchor point by even a few centimeters will cause the charm to collapse which explains why they are only applied to inanimate objects. Living beings, like animals and people in particular, have a hard time keeping still.
Even before hearing the well-deserved reproof, this short walk served as a keen reminder that Professor Flitwick is a premier Charms Master. If he wants to continue the one-on-one discussions of charms theory, expand his repertoire of casting more complex spells, and eventually receive a tip-top recommendation upon graduation, then a clear acknowledgment of fault is the first step in mending this rift. Blatant dereliction of duty is a sure fire way to remove oneself from the professor's good opinion.
Hector takes a deep breath and starts a long heartfelt apology, "Before you start sir, I wholeheartedly regret my actions for deprioritizing…"
"Good afternoon everyone, welcome to Herbology. I am Professor Pomona Sprout and congratulations on making it through nearly three days of classes. Let's take a quick moment for roll call."
A few minutes later, she sighs in relief that the menial task is complete. "Okay moving on, I will award five points to the first person who can correctly define herbology."
Several hands raise in the air, but one moves quite frantically. She selects Hermione Granger, a young girl with unkempt bushy brown hair, to answer. In a flash, the prior jittery behavior dissipates and Hermione confidently declares, "Herbology is the study of magical plants and fungi with an emphasis on understanding their distinct physical traits as well as diverse properties."
"Very good, five points to Gryffindor. Simple explanation, but in no way is it an indication of this course's level of difficulty. Any belief that herbology will be an easy course is an egregious misconception."
She flicks her wand in an upward motion sending parchment from a large stack to each student.
"Everyone has a copy of the course syllabus. This tool clearly outlines the assigned readings, each lecture's topic, corresponding homework, and all scheduled quizzes as well as exams. As you learned on Monday morning after reviewing your timetables, class will be held twice a week on Wednesdays and Fridays. Unlike other first year courses where the time block may vary between 1 to 2 hours, my class is considerably longer at 3.5 hours and for good reason."
The inherently curious students unfurl their parchment which reveals far more than expected at nearly 60 cm in length. Upon observing the spectacle, quite a few faces appear daunted.
"During lectures, we will cover 146 of the most common magical species that are native to Europe. In actuality, there are closer to 300. In order to be considered as knowledgeable, you must grasp the fine minutiae of each plant's identification markers, cultivation requirements, harvesting mechanics, ideal storage environment, comprehensive list of properties, and the synergistic effect of various elements. Please note that in this case, element refers to how the environment, animals, people, etc either maximize or diminish one or more properties. In summary, the lecture will provide guidance on what meets my standards of comprehension because you will be held responsible for the remainder. On September 1st, your Head of House should have already explained the basics of our grading system, but if not, then see me after class. Now, assuming perfect mastery, technically anyone can pass with an Acceptable by solely learning the material covered during lecture."
Quite a few students express their joy after hearing the last statement: Ron Weasley, Seamus Finnigan, Lavender Brown, Parvati Patil, Pansy Parkinson, Vincent Crabbe, Gregory Goyle, and a few others. Sprout takes note of each face and mentally labels them as a slacker requiring close scrutiny.
"Now with a show of hands, do any of you have the slightest interest in becoming a Healer, Potions Master, Magizoologist, or an Auror?"
A little more than two-thirds of the class responds with an affirmative.
"While I don't recommend going the 'Acceptable' route, those professions have a common requisite that you acquire extensive education by taking N.E.W.T. level coursework and achieving either an Exceeds Expectations or Outstanding exam grade. With regard to testing, the O.W.L. focuses on Europe, Asia, Australia, Aquatic Plants, and Africa. Basically each year the material will only vary on geography with the exception of your fourth year that is wholly aquatic based. Your N.E.W.T. delves into North and South America due to the sheer size of those areas where there is a great plethora of species and overall complexity requires immense commitment. As you move from one year level to the next, the length of class time will gradually decrease as more independent study will be expected though interactions throughout the week will increase."
This time her focus doesn't center on apparent expressions of dejection or melancholy, instead she ingrains faces that are filled with determination: Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, Harry Potter, and Daphne Greengrass. These few give her hope in finding more like minded individuals who not only appreciate herbology, but don't feel intimidated by hard work.
Some staff and parents may question her methods, but she has never been one to water down the truth. Prior to her tenure, a majority of students in the last decade couldn't achieve O.W.L results greater than Poor or Acceptable at best. Now the average falls squarely between Acceptable and Exceeds Expectations with a few Outstandings here and there.
Pomona starts again in a more positive tone, "Take heart in that you are not alone and remember these words 'better together'. I highly recommend forming a study group as early as possible. If you can't find like minded individuals within your house, then look to your left and right as there are plenty of other options. In addition, read ahead which means the required textbook purchased earlier this summer as well as the supplemental books available in the library. I personally spent a great deal of time finding the best books to help students and since their inception I've seen a marked improvement in test scores. As you can expect, good books are hard to find and quite expensive. A great deal of the Herbology budget went towards their purchase so I expect all of you to take great care and return them in the state initially provided. At year-end, see Madam Pince and she will provide me with a list confirming who has or has not returned them. If you don't, then I will withhold your final grade until you either return or pay for what has been lost. Some of you may not understand the seriousness and downplay this action as not being so bad. Let's say a few years pass and you've finally reached your fifth year. The O.W.L. testing occurs free of charge at Hogwarts, however, I decide who is granted this privilege in Herbology. Of course, the alternative is that you can take the corresponding written and practical at the Ministry. There are separate fees for each portion and the cost is wholly dependent on the requested length of time. Hogwarts gives every student the maximum length of time available which is four hours for each exam. You can all avoid these considerations by simply returning the books in good condition."
After a brief moment to confirm that everyone is still paying attention, Pomona says, "I've found that as far as review goes the best results occur when the questioning is in the form of a game. As such we will have weekly quiz bowls and you will compete against your fellow classmates."
Almost everyone perks up in anticipation.
Ron Weasley excitedly asks Dean Thomas, "I wonder what the winner receives?"
Overhearing his question, Sprout chuckles, "Mr. Weasley, the winner will receive house points. Immediately following each competition, I will identify areas which need improvement. Everything from class lectures to quiz bowls are all in an effort to prepare for your final exam in May. There will be two pre-tests. One in December prior to winter break and the second in April. In the last month, we will have an open study hall in order to review the information learned in the first and second terms. This course will take hard work and determination just to pass, but if you want to truly succeed then you must devote a great deal of time outside of class hours. Ok, that's enough of an introduction to Herbology. Let's get started!"
A loud chime sounds cutting off Professor Sprout.
The soothing hypnotic trance usually associated with reading books and attending class leaves Hermione slightly bereft of equilibrium.
Around her the students immediately react like Pavlov's dog and waste no time in scrambling to pack up their things. She sedately mimics their actions and silently observes her peers. With a prime location in the front row and relatively close to the door, it affords a clear, unimpeded line of sight. A little less than half have already formed into pairs or small groups of at most four, but the vast majority are loners like her. Though not ideal, this fact somewhat settles her anxiety in not immediately making friends.
Since the more boisterous students have already left, Hermione easily hears lighthearted banter behind her and pivots toward an incredibly large group of nine. Beyond noticing them in passing, she doesn't know their names, but instantly recognizes that all wear blue and silver neckties.
Instantly Hermione's mind flits to her protracted argument with the Sorting Hat. For the first time, she wonders whether entering Gryffindor instead of Ravenclaw was a mistake.
There's noticeable camaraderie as half stand off to the side and wait for their remaining housemates. In time, she will learn their names as Padma Patil, Terry Boot, Michael Corner, Anthony Goldstein, Lisa Turpin, Isobel MacDougal, Mandy Brocklehurst, and Sue Li. The last, Harry Potter, doesn't need any introduction.
She swallows hard in a subconscious effort to discard the feeling of embarrassment and regret. Losing her cool on the train with Harry was foolish and doubly so since it appears the entire group hovers around him like they've been pulled into his gravitational orbit. Unsure what to do without making things worse, but still desiring a chance to befriend him as well as the others, she remains silent.
No more than two minutes later, they also leave the classroom and as if drawn by an invisible thread she trails two meters behind.
The hall is noticeably empty; the Gryffindor prefect must have already left with her housemates and headed off to dinner. Curiously, none question the Ravenclaw prefect's absence.
A flash of silver then gold catches her eye. From behind, everyone clearly tilts their head slightly back and begins a brisk pace in following the unknown object.
Internally Hermione wonders, 'What in the world is that? And why are they following it?'
Harry announces, "After dinner instead of immediately returning to the common room, let's make a quick detour to the library and pick up the supplemental reading. I want to start chipping away at the 300 species count."
Admiration rushes through her in hearing someone else taking their studies so seriously.
A boy with blonde wavy hair muses, "Blimey, my parents always reminisce over their time at Hogwarts in glowing terms, but not once did they mention the massive amount of work involved. Did any of you notice that all the professors went on and on how their course was more difficult than others?"
Then a brunette with shoulder length hair nods in agreement, "Tony, I caught that too. The writing on the wall says no matter what, do my course assignments first and foremost. Then if necessary leave everything else to the wayside."
The girl with long flowing black hair and of clear Asian descent speaks up in opposition, "I wouldn't go that far. I think all of them are really good at their craft and because they specialize in one particular area they have a tendency to mistakenly belittle the other core subjects."
In the center of the group, Harry briefly looks back and flashes a smile at both girls. "Sorry Lisa, I agree with Su. She definitely hit the nail on the head, but one slight correction. Professor Snape actually has a mastery in Potions and Defense."
Another girl with long black hair shakes her ahead in annoyance, "How do you even know that? Nevermind, you just had to bring him up. I had happily forgotten about him. Can you believe that he confused me with my sister Parvarti? We aren't even identical twins."
Harry laughs, "Pads, we see you and even a blind man could tell you apart from your sister. Personally, I think he just enjoys riling you up. Anyway you're bound to remember him since we see him every week day except Wednesday."
Padma turns her head revealing a slight blush before she replies with, "Well, Thursday isn't here yet so let's stay in the here and now."
Earlier than expected, they arrive at the Great Hall somehow beating the others from class. The golden ball with hummingbird-like wings halts in the air. She can barely believe her eyes as it transforms into an ordinary silver ball and then suddenly drops. Shifting to the side, she luckily spots a gap in the crowd and sees Harry reflexively catching the ball.
Hermione only catches a brief glimpse before a tall imposing body blocks her view of the mysterious ball. Irritated beyond belief, there is a strong urge to give this person a piece of her mind for the unwelcome interruption. Just in time she notices the distinct stylized 'P' for prefect pinned onto the standard black Hogwarts robe.
Percy Weasley, a fifth year prefect who she privately thinks has an uncanny resemblance to Carrot Top, sends her a look of annoyance. "Where were you? It hasn't even been a full twelve hours and you're already flouting the rules. This is your first and last warning or I will start taking points. Don't wander or dilly-dally. Stay amongst housemates within your year."
His grating voice finally ends and something in the hall catches his attention. Then, he leaves as quickly as he came.
She is not one to flout the rules and essentially ignores most of his erroneous comments except for the last statement. Looking off towards the Gryffindor house table, a veritable sea of faces with a great multitude of personalities and interests. Yet, she can't find one like minded person.
Feeling down she slowly trudges ahead and sits beside a boy named Neville.
Further down the table she absentmindedly hears, "Have you seen Professor Dumbledore? He didn't appear for breakfast or lunch either. I can't remember a time he was ever absent that didn't coincide with a Wizengamot or ICW session."