Chapter 4
|Hogwarts|
Hagrid opened the doors to Hogwarts and led the group of children indoors. Harry and Ron walked in, side by side, basking in the familiar site. They had, after all, spent a month in the summer wandering these halls. Around them, the other 11-year old children clamored with excitement, especially those who had been raised by muggles. Ghosts floated by, saying hello and wishing them good luck with the sorting.
Professor McGonagall stepped out of the great hall and all the children quieted down.
"Thank you for bringing them to me, Hagrid."
"'twasn't much Professor," said Hagrid. "Happy to be of help. If you need me, I'll be down in my cabin. Good night Professor."
"Good night Hagrid." Minerva turned her attention to the children in front of her as Hagrid walked out of the castle. "Welcome to Hogwarts. My name is Minera McGonagall, but you will call me Professor McGonagall. Now, in a few minutes you will be sorted into one four houses: Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw. I look forward to seeing what all of you can accomplish during your seven years within these halls. Now, come along." Minerva turned around and opened the doors to the great hall.
Harry and Ron were amazed by how it looked. This was fantastic compared to how it looked during the summer. The ceiling looked like the night sky and candles floated in the air. And the food! The food that they ate during the summer was nothing compared to what was laid out on the tables.
They all come to a stop in front of the steps. At the top of the steps before the teacher's table is a stool with an old, worn hat. The hat begins to sing a song about how it sorts the students.
"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
If you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folk use any means
To achieve their ends.
So put me on! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!"
"Yes, thank you," says Minerva dryly as she takes out a parchment and begins to call out names. Harry watches as one by one, each one of his year mates gets sorted.
"Hermione Granger." Harry looks up as he sees the bushy-haired girl from the train step up and sit down on the stool. Not two seconds after McGonagall placed the hat on her head did it yell out, "GRYFFINDOR!" The Gryffindor table burst into cheers as Hermione rushes over to the Gryffindor table.
"Daphne Greengrass!" Harry watches as the grey-eyed girl sits on the stool. After a few minutes, the hat yells his decision.
"Slytherin!" Daphne smiled and walked over to join the Slytherins. Harry continued to watch student get sorted. The pudgy boy from with the toad went to Gryffindor, the blonde prat went to Slytherin, and Ria also went to Gryffindor. Finally, it was his turn.
"Harry Potter!" Harry walked up while everyone in the hall started whispering about who he was. Out of the corner of his eye, Harry could see Hermione's eyes widen in realization of who he was. Harry sat down and felt the sorting hat fall onto his head.
"Interesting," whispered the hat. "You are hard-working and devoted to those you call friend. You crave knowledge like nothing else. You lap it all up like a sponge. And yet, you are devious and cunning to get what you want. Hmm, where to put you? You would do well in Slytherin."
"Please, not Slytherin."
"Oh? Not Slytherin? Are you sure? You could become great!"
"No, not Slytherin."
"Hmm. Very well. If it isn't going to be Slytherin, better be HUFFLEPUFF!" The Hufflepuff table stood up screaming, 'We got Potter!'
Harry ambled over to the Hufflepuff and sat down with the other Hufflepuff first years, taking a seat next to Susan Bones. Harry watched until Ron sat down on the stool. McGonagall hadn't even fully put the hat on before it yelled out, "HUFFLEPUFF!"
The other Weasleys at the Gryffindor table stared in shock as Ron walked over to sit down next to Harry. Harry high fived Ron as the stared at the delicious food in front of them. Soon enough, the sorting was over. The headmaster, Albus Dumbledore stood up as McGonagall removed the stool from the hall and returned to her seat.
"Welcome first years, and welcome back to everyone else. Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddmeant! Tweak! Thank you and enjoy the food."
Harry paid no more attention and carefully scooped some mashed potatoes, green beans, and a leg of roast chicken onto his plate. In his goblet, it was filled with pumpkin juice, something he had gotten accustomed to drinking during his month-long stay during the summer.
"Hello," said a boy sitting across from the table. "I'm Ernie Macmillan. Nice to meet 'ya!"
"Likewise," said Harry as bit into his roast chicken. "My name is Harry. This foodie over here is Ron."
"Nice to meet you Ron."
"Hello, I'm Susan Bones," said the girl sitting next to Harry. "Can I ask if any of the books are true?" Harry blinked and looked at Susan in confusion.
"Books…what books?"
"You know…the books written about you?" Harry stared at Susan like she had grown a second head before turning to Ron.
"What is she on about? There's no books written about me, right?"
"Sure, if you don't count the fiction books that are obviously not true. Honestly, what five-year old goes to slay a dragon when he could be eating?" asks Ron as he spoons some more mashed potatoes.
"Wait, you knew and didn't tell me?"
"I thought you knew since I guessed you browsed all of Flourish and Blotts when you went to pick up your school supplies. I just based that off of how you browsed through the library over the summer."
"I most certainly wasn't that bad. And no, I didn't since McGonagall got me my books while I was getting my wand. Now are there or are there not books about me?"
"There are," conceded Ron. Harry growled in anger.
"So, there are people profiting off my name and I'm not reaping any of the benefits. Who do I talk to about getting reparations and getting these books removed?"
"Uh…my aunt is the head of the department of magic law enforcement. I'm sure she could recommend a good lawyer for you to talk to," said Susan.
"Yeah, and my mom has a friend in the publishing industry. I'm sure she could get a list of all the people who published books about you without your permission," said another girl. "Oh, and my name is Hannah."
"And I'm the heir to the Macmillan family. I am sure I can get my father to put pressure somehow."
"That would be brilliant, but are you sure? You guys barely even know me."
"Yeah, but we're Hufflepuffs. The rest of the world sees as the bottom of the barrel, the leftovers. We stick together." Harry smiled.
"Well then, when I get money from the people who used my name, I'm sharing with all of you!"
"YAY!" yelled Ernie, Susan, and Hannah. Ron and Harry just fist bumped. The other first years looked at the odd group and went back to eating. Harry looked over at Daphne and saw her engaged in an animated discussion with a brunette girl. Daphne looked up and saw Harry looking and waved.
Harry waved back and returned to his meal. After a lot of eating and discussions about what it was like living in the wizarding world from Susan, Hannah, and Ernie, the food disappeared and Dumbledore stood up.
"Now that we have eaten our full, prefects please lead the first-years to your common room. But before you go, I have a few announcements. First, Mr. Filch has a list of all banned items on his office. That includes Fanged Frisbees. Next, the third floor is off limits this year. Go there at your own risk. And finally, a reminder for all students: the forest is off limits. Now, off to bed!"
"First years! Come this way." Harry and the rest of his Hufflepuff year mates followed one of the older students out of the great hall. Together, they all walked down to the lower levels of the castle. "Alright, so the location of our common room is not to be known by anyone who is not in Hufflepuff. Now, do you see those barrels?" Harry looked to where the prefect was pointing in nook where there was a stack of barrels. "The entrance to the common room is located in the second barrel from the bottom and middle of the second row. Merely tap your wand on the barrel to the tune of 'Helga Hufflepuff'. This will open up the lid of the barrel and will let you crawl to the common room. Do note that tapping the wrong barrel or tapping too many times will result in you getting doused in vinegar."
"Yikes," muttered Harry.
"Anyone want to give it a try first?" When none of the other first years were stepping forward, Harry took the initiative. Taking out his wand, Harry tapped the correct barrel five times, opening up the barrel lid.
"Well done Harry. Now, this is another secret known only to a few, but you see that fake fruit bowl?" The first years looked at the fruit bowl and nodded. "If you rub the pear, a door will open leading you to the kitchens. Don't let me catch you sneaking in there after curfew. But if I don't see you…I never knew." All the Hufflepuffs grinned and nodded. "Alright Harry, go on in. We'll follow behind you."
Harry got into the barrel and began crawling through the passageway until he reached the door the common room. Opening it, Harry crawled out and found himself in a very cozy room. All around the room were wooden and copper circular items along with a great number of plants. Not surprising in the least since Hufflepuff is supposed to be known for being good at Herbology.
"Wow," whispered Ron as he looked at the common room. "This is much better than the Gryffindor common room!"
"You've seen the Gryffindor common room already?" Harry and Ron turned to see the prefect.
"Yes, uh…what was your name again?"
"Gabriel Truman. Now how have you already seen it. You haven't even been here a whole day!"
"Oh, we were here over the summer," replied Ron as Harry wandered over to the fire place and sat in front of the fire, smiling in content. "Harry doesn't have a good home life so McGonagall said he could stay here during the summer and I was here with my brother who was apprenticed to McGonagall over the summer."
"I see. Well you all will find your stuff in your rooms. Boys will be on the first floor to the right. Girls will be the same to the left. Your trunks should have been moved there already.
"Harry, this is a good common room." Everyone froze when they heard the hissing in the common room but couldn't identify where it was coming from.
"Mhm," agreed Harry, not noticing everyone including Ron looking for the hissing.
"Can I come out? It's getting a little stuffy under your shirt." Harry responded by pulling at his shirt, giving Hedwig room to slighter out.
"What the hell Harry? How long has Hedwig been on you?" yelled Ron as he hid behind Gabriel. Gabriel to his credit, tried his best not to look freaked out.
"Um, since this morning? She normally is wrapped around my shoulder and arm. Why are you freaking out?"
"Harry." Harry looked over to Susan who was standing on the edge of the common room. "Snakes don't really have a good connotation in the wizarding world. Didn't Ron tell you that?"
"No, I didn't. I knew he had a pet snake, I just didn't know he had her on him all the time!" cried Ron as he walked out from behind Gabriel. "Sorry for freaking out mate."
"It's alright. Do you guys mind if Hedwig slithers around the common room? She's just a corn snake. She won't hurt anyone."
"As long as she doesn't try to eat my pet mouse, it's fine Potter," replied Gabriel as he got over his surprise. Harry smiled and placed Hedwig on the ground. She hissed happily and started slithering around the common room.
"Now if you don't mind, I'm going to head up to my room. The upper years should be along shortly. If you need anything, don't hesitate to come find me. There is another prefect named Lillian McDowell. She came down with the flu yesterday so you won't see her for a few days. The other prefects will introduce themselves throughout the week." Gabriel gave the first years a look before heading up the stairs.
"Snake, huh?" asked Hannah.
"Yeah. Hedwig's the best. I also have a raven that I named Minunn."
"After Odin's raven?" asked Ernie.
"Yep."
"Whatever floats your boat. I'm going to go up and start unpacking. Are girls and boys allowed in each other's rooms?"
"Yes." The first years turned to see one of the older students enter the common room. "We're not like Ravenclaw and Gryffindor where the stairs send boys careening down the stairs if they try to go up the female staircase. Just remember to be kind to each other. You won't like the consequences if you don't."
"Thank you!"
"No problem. My name is Cedric by the way. If you ever need anything, I'm also available. And if any of you first years want to play some quidditch even if you're not on the house team, let me know and we can try to put together a pick-up game."
"Seriously?" asked Ron. Cedric nodded. "What about brooms? Does the school have any decent brooms we can use?"
"Unfortunately no. The brooms the school has are little better than training brooms. But we'll see what we can do about that. You guys should unpack and get your textbooks ready for tomorrow. Oh and read the first chapter of your potions textbook."
"Why?" Cedric looked over to the boy, who Harry remembered as being Zacharias Smith or something.
"Because Professor Snape hates Hufflepuffs. Thinks we are the worst bunch of people. He will ask you questions that are only possible to know if you read ahead. Ta-ta!" Harry watched as Cedric went upstairs before making a decision.
"Hedwig, come." Hedwig slithered back over to Harry's outstretched arm. "Let's go look at that potions textbook." Harry walked upstairs with the other Hufflepuff first year boys not far behind. They had heard the rumors of Snape at dinner and none of them wanted to be on the receiving end of his wrath in their first week.
|Next morning|
Harry stretched as he woke up at around 6 in the morning. Ever since he came to Hogwarts, he had gotten into the habit of waking up early. At the end of his bed four poster bed was a small dresser where he had put his clothes. On top of the dresser, Harry had left Minunn's cage and tank for Hewig to sleep as well as a place to shed when it came time for it. Next to Harry's bed sat his trunk. Harry got out of the bed and began taking out his clothes to begin his morning exercises. It was something Charlie had suggested he and Ron do, especially if Ron wanted to make the quidditch team while he was at Hogwarts.
"You up?" Harry looked over to see Ron was also getting ready to go do their morning exercises.
"Yep. An hour running around the black lake should be good enough for the first day. We'll start reincorporating the other exercises as soon as we figure out how hard it is to concentrate with daily classes."
"Makes sense to me. Is Minunn coming with?" Harry opened Minunn's cage and held out his arm. Minunn regarded the arm before turning his head to fall back asleep. "Alright then. Hedwig?"
"I'm sleepy. Go away. Join you when you come back…"
"Looks like neither of them are joining us. Let's get going." Ron nodded and the two of them headed down the stairs and out of the common room. After crawling out of the barrels, Harry and Ron broke into a jog as they left Hogwarts behind and left the gates behind as well as the ran down to the Black Lake.
"You ready?" asked Ron.
"Yes. But also, we've never run for a full hour around the black lake continuously."
"What are you talking about? We've run around the black lake before."
"Yes, one lap. How many laps do you think we can do in one hour?"
"Um at least two or…oh! I see what you're saying. Yeah, we're going to be screwed this morning. Ready to be screwed together?"
"Let's go." Harry and Ron broke off in a jog, pacing themselves as they ran around the lake. Neither of them talked, trying to conserve their oxygen as they ran around the lake. After about 20 minutes, the two boys were nearing the end of the first circuit.
"Want to see how fast we can sprint?" asked Harry, turning to see a semi-tired Ron.
"You just want to tire me out, don't you?"
"Duh."
"Fine. Let's do it." The two boys looked each other in the eyes and then sped up, running as fast as they could. Harry and Ron were neck and neck for almost the entire time up until the final few moments where Ron was able to pull away due to his slightly longer legs, giving him the victory over Harry. Ron slowed back down from the sprint speed to grin at Harry.
"You lost."
"Shut it. I never claimed that I was going to win. I just asked if you wanted to sprint. You're the one who assumed it was going to be a race."
"Like you wouldn't have lorded it over me if you win," retorted Ron.
"…that has no prevalence in this conversation."
"Like hell it does," complained Ron as the two started their second lap. "If it had been you who won, you would have been crowing that despite being slightly shorter, you won the sprint. Now let's hurry up with this sprint so we can get back to the common room and shower."
"Fine, fine." The two boys continued their run around the lake, albeit at a much slower pace. When the two Hufflepuffs had finished their second lap, the time was already 6:50. Deciding to forgo another lap, they decided to do some other muggle exercises, such as squats and pushups for the remaining ten minutes before heading back to the common room.
|Common Room|
Sweating heavily, Ron and Harry entered the empty common room with most of their classmates still in bed. Quietly, the two opened the door to the first-year room and slid inside. Quietly, Harry grabbed a towel from his trunk and the clothes that he intended on wearing during the day. Meanwhile, Ron had just stripped down to his birthday suit, thrown all his clothes in the hamper and was now wearing his towel around his waist.
After showering, the two returned to the room to grab their school bags and loaded their muggle notebooks or in Ron's case, loads of parchment, and all of their school textbooks as neither of them wanted to return to the room as they didn't know yet what their class schedule would look like. Hedwig slithered up Harry's sleeve while Minunn went outside to fly and do whatever it is that ravens do. Harry did leave the window ajar so he could return if he wished. Silently, the two exited the room and made their way down to the Great Hall around 7:30.
Seeing the Great Hall was mostly empty, Harry and Ron took a seat at the Hufflepuff table and took out their charms textbooks and began quizzing each other on the chapters that they had already learned over the summer. Harry and Ron began asking each other questions while having a feather, two pens, and one quill floating around them as they talked.
Not paying attention to anyone else, Harry and Ron don't even notice the looks that they are getting from the other students as they begin to fill up the hall. It was only someone tapped Harry's shoulder that the two friends were pulled out of their reverie. Harry turns around as he wandless directs all of the floating objects onto the table.
"Daphne? What's up?" Harry sees his blonde Slytherin friend with a raised eyebrow.
"I was about to ask you the same thing? What was with all the objects floating around you?"
"Oh that?" asks Harry as he collects the items and places them back into his bag. "I guess it would be an application of the levitation charm, wingardium leviosa. Ron and I use that to practice continuous use of our magic so that we can use that spell without even thinking about it."
"Hmm. And how is it that you know the spell already?"
"Ron and I were staying at Hogwarts over the summer, so we got to practice a lot of magic. So, we had the chance to get through a good portion of charms, DADA, and transfiguration." Daphne's eyes lit up and she smiled down at Harry.
"In other words, you know most of what we are going to be learning this term?" Harry felt cold air pass through as he looked at Daphne's smile.
"Um…I guess?"
"Great. Meet me in the library at 7." Daphne turned around went over to the Slytherin table. Harry turned around to look at Ron.
"What the hell was that?" asked Harry. Ron just shrugged.
"Don't ask me. I don't understand girls."
"And what do you not understand about us?" Harry looks over to see Hannah and Susan sit down next to him while Ernie and Justin sat down next to Ron.
"Oh, it just Daphne told harry to meet her in the library at 7 and then didn't even give him a chance to respond before she left." Susan giggled at Ron's explanation.
"Ah, well, you boys will just have to learn the insides of girl's mind eventually. Now, what is this rumor that I heard on my way to breakfast that you two had objects floating around you two?" As she said this, the food began to appear on the serving plates in the middle of the table.
"Ah, it was nothing. Ron and I got up early, so we came down to quiz each other on some of the reading we did. We just…happened to have objects revolving around us for 20 minutes while we talked."
"You say that like it's an everyday occurrence," grumbled Justin as he served himself some scrambled eggs and bacon. Harry and Ron put away their books start piling their plates with food. As they ate, Professor Sprout, the head of Hufflepuff, walked down the aisle handing out class schedules to everyone.
"Hm, we have charms first," muttered Ron as he looked at the schedule. "Um…does anyone know how to find the charms classroom?"
"Oh yeah, you two weren't in the common room earlier. Gabriel said that the prefects would guide us to class so that we wouldn't get lost. Oh, and while all of Hufflepuff knows about your snake now, Gabriel mentioned you probably shouldn't let the rest of the school find out, especially the Gryffindors."
"Why?" asked Harry looking at Ernie. Ernie looked over at Ron who sighed.
"Gryffindors, and my brothers in particular aren't exactly the most accepting. Actually, they are very judgmental. And if it involves snakes or anything related to the Slytherin house, well then tough luck getting them to listen." Harry rolled his eyes.
"Whatever. It's not like I'm broadcasting it to the rest of the school," mumbled Harry as he took a strip of bacon and put it in his mouth. As they ate, Minunn flew down to the table to rest on Harry's shoulder as owls flooded the Great Hall dropping off mail. Harry snickered as his raven attempted to rip the bacon into bite sized pieced. As soon as he ate his fill, Minunn flew off with the rest of the owls. Harry smiles as he finished his meal and continue to talk with his friends before Gabriel walks over.
"Alright firsties, ready to head to your first class?" A resounding silence is his answer. "Good answer. Now let's get you to…Flitwick's classroom. Come along. And it looks like you're going to be partnered with Slytherin. Well, just hope you don't have to be paired with Slytherin for potions."
"And why is that?" asked Ernie as he got up from the table.
"Because Snape will let Slytherins get away with anything. And they are not above sabotaging your potions, even if Snape is watching them. Now come along," said Gabriel as he walked out the Great Hall with the first-years in tow. As they walk, Gabriel hands out a map of the castle. "Keep this map on you at all times. If you need to know where you are, just tap the map and say 'my location'. And to find your way to a specific location, just say where you want to go and the map will show you how to get there."
"Does every first-year get these?" asked Hannah as she examined the map. "My mom never mentioned these."
"No. I worked with Professor Flitwick to create these. So only the Hufflepuffs have them. I would ask that you not share them with your peers from other houses as it has the location of our common room included." Gabriel comes to a stop outside of the charms classroom. "Alright, here is your stop. I will be back to lead you to your next class." The first-years file into the classroom to see their diminutive professor standing on a desk at the front of the classroom.
All the Hufflepuffs take their seats, take out their parchment and quills for notes, their charms textbook, and their wands and then start conversing with each other as they wait for their Slytherin peers to get to the classroom.
Harry is animatedly discussing with Susan what it's like to live in the muggle world versus living as the heiress of a prominent noble house. As they were talking, Harry noticed Daphne walk in with other her classmates and waved at her. Daphne gave a small smile and waved back.
As soon as the Slytherins had taken a seat, Professor Flitwick moved his podium towards him.
"Hello everyone! To the Hufflepuffs I haven't met yet, I am Professor Fillius Flitwick. And yes, I am part-goblin, in case anyone was wondering why I am so short. I am the Head of Ravenclaw, a former dueling champion, and your current Hogwarts charms professor. Now, please put away your parchment and quills. There is no need for that today. We will be practicing a very simple spell. But before we can do that, let's go over how to tap into our magic. Can anyone answer that question? Hmm. How about you, Mr. Smith?"
Zacharias Smith looked like a deer caught in headlights and froze. He stuttered but couldn't even manage to get a single word out. As he stuttered, Hannah rose her hand to try and save her housemate.
"Ms. Abbott?"
"In order to invoke our magic, we use our wand as a conduit. By using our wand, it doesn't require the witch or wizard to be extremely focused on the output of our inner magic. Instead, we can use a series of swishes, flickers, or jabs as ways of directing our magic and the words is to give an association with a certain effect."
"Very well done, Ms. Abbott. That is indeed correct. If young wizards and witches such as yourselves were to use magic without a wand, a great deal more focus would be required to even get any effect. You would have to focus on drawing out your magic from within and expelling it. Now, does anyone know why we use different action with different spells instead of just saying the incantation and just pointing with a wand?" A brunette Slytherin raised her hand. "Yes, Ms. Davis?"
"I'm not exactly sure, but I think I read that for beginner's, it helps direct our magic for each spell. As we get older, it becomes more of a secondary thing and we will be able to cast spells with a simple flick, jab, or a wave."
"Very good. That is correct. In the beginning, you'll need to execute the wand motions correctly. But as you develop as wizards and you master spells, it will become unnecessary to use the spell motions. Now, I think that's enough talking. Grab you textbook and turn to page 7. The wand movement and information about the spell we will be learning is located there. Now, everyone practice saying the incantation."
"Windgordium Levioso," said the class as they tried to pronounce the spell.
"Close, but not quite right. Wingardium Leviosa," corrected Flitwick. "Try it again."
"Wingardium Leviosa." Flitwick clapped.
"Good job. Now, take out your wands an upwards swish," said Flitwick as he traced an upwards swish, "And then a downwards flick." Flitwick finished the wand movement by bringing the tip of his wand down, and the flicking it back up just a bit. Everyone in the class, including Harry and Ron, practiced the swish and flick. "A bit more a pronounced flick, Mr. Zabini. Your upwards swish has to be one movement, Mr. Malfoy." The class tried again. "Too much upward movement on the flick, Ms. Perkins. Try making the switch from the swish to the flick more fluid, Ms. Parkinson. One more time and then we'll try with feathers." The class did the swish and flick one more time. "Hmm, good enough," murmured Flitwick as he waved his wand and the pile of feathers on the table he was standing on floated over to each student.
"Can we just practice?" asked Susan.
"Go ahead." Susan stared at the feather, her eyebrows furrowed as she concentrated.
"Wingardium Leviosa!" The feather shook a little, rising a bit into the air before falling back down onto the table.
"Don't worry if you don't get it on the first try. Just keep trying and it will work for you. But remember that the most important part of using magic is your intent."
Harry stared at the feather in front of him. Instead of using his wand, he reached down within and found his magical core, just as he had a few days ago. Closing his eyes, Harry slowly brought his magic out to the fore and pictured the feather floating up into the air. He held out his hand and shakily, the feather rose inch by inch. He didn't even notice Susan, Flitwick, or the rest of the class staring at him in shock. The only one not in shock at Harry's actions were Ron, who had seen this over the summer.
Flitwick stared at shock at his student. Minerva had told him that Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley had stayed over at Hogwarts for a month during the summer, but to have this level of improvement? It was unprecedented. To have mastered the first year spells to this extent was unheard of, even if the student had studied only one spell for a month. But Flitwick made no noise. He wasn't going to interrupt something his student was obviously struggling hard to keep up, if the beads of sweat on his forehead were anything to go by.
Harry finally was forced to let the spell go before he slumped forwards in his seat, his cheek hitting the desk. Flitwick jumped off the table and over to where Harry was sitting.
"Are you okay, Mr. Potter?"
"Yeah, Professor. I haven't been able to keep that up for that long ever."
"I would think not. It is not common that students can wordlessly and windlessly cast spells, even the most basic spells. Can you do it with a wand?"
"Yeah. Want me to show you?"
"That won't be necessary. 50 points to Hufflepuff. Next person to get the spell correct will win another 30 points." Harry glanced over at Ron who shook his head. Harry gave him a raised eyebrow and nodded. Ron glared and tried to shake his head, but Harry gave him a pointed stare. Ron sighed before taking his wand and pointed it at the feather. Ron even did the swish and flick before repeating the necessary words.
"Wingardium Leviosa." Ron's feather began floating up into the sky, flying through the classroom at a slow and deliberate pace.
"Well done, Mr. Weasley! Take another 30 points for Hufflepuff." By this time, Harry had recovered enough to get back up and grabbed his wand. Waving his wand, Harry levitated his wand to join Ron's in flight, floating around the classroom.
"Impressive, Mr. Potter. Now let's some others try."
"Psst…Harry?" Harry looked over to Susan.
"Yeah?"
"Any pointers?"
"Mhm, I guess my pointer would be your intent. Picture the feather floating, what does it look like as it floats up into the air?" Susan nodded and focused on the feather. She pointed her wand at the feather and started the wand movement.
"Wingardium Leviosa." Susan's feather started lifted shakily for a few seconds before starting to float normally.
"Take another 20 points for Slytherin and Hufflepuff." Harry looked up to see Daphne had managed to get her feather up as well. Harry gave her a thumbs up. As Flitwick went around the class to try and help them get a hang of the spell, Harry opened his charms book to where he had left off, which was in the latter half of the book. Harry read and absentmindedly started practicing the wand movement as he read.
To his side, Susan glanced over his should and gasped when she saw how far ahead he was in the textbook. Susan grabbed Harry's arm and pulled so that Harry was facing her.
"Harry. Hannah and I are coming to your study session."
"But–"
"Nope. We are coming and joining you."
"Fine. You get to tell Daphne. Ron will also be coming to help out."
"Ron?"
"Yeah, he and I worked together to get to where we are during the summer. So he actually knows some of the stuff." Susan nodded as all the students worked on improving the spell that they were learning. After about another half an hour of students attempting to get the spell right, Flitwick drew everyone's attention.
"Alright, everyone, good job to those of you who were able to get the spell down. And to those who weren't able to master it as much as your peers, do not fret. For homework, I want those who mastered it to give examples on how you would effectively use the spell in daily life. For those who didn't master the spell, write about why you didn't get the spell down, and how you are going to master it. I expect 1 foot of parchment on this done by tomorrow."
"Yes Professor!" replied the class.
"Good. I believe your escort is here."
"Hi Professor Flitwick. I'll see you in class after I get these my Hufflepuff rascals to Transfiguration."
"See you later Gabriel."
"Alright firsties, come with me to get to Transfiguration. Wouldn't want you being late. Oh and this one will be fun. You have it with Slytherin." The Hufflepuffs all filed out of the classroom and followed Gabriel as he directed them to where the transfiguration classroom was located. "Okay little ones, here's your stop. Have fun and watch out for cats." All the first-year Hufflepuffs looked at Gabriel like he was crazy as the entered the classroom.
A/N: Welp, sorry about the break. Edited the previous chapters a little and I did another long chapter. Hope you guys enjoyed. Please let me know what you thought. Till next week. I'm going to try, but no promises, to have a chapter ready for Christmas day and a chapter for that weekend. Till next time!