AN: Again, thanks to Danielc for his beta work.

Chapter 13 – The beginning of the new term

The next day began fairly normally for Hogwarts. The students got their schedules and McGonagall had some concerns in regards to Harry's as she handed him his.

"Are you sure you can keep up with your classmates?" she asked, "I mean you could have come back as sixth year."

"It's alright Professor. I had a very competent and demanding teacher."

"Oh, I can second that." Hermione groaned.

"What? Who was he?" McGonagall asked interested.

"I'm sorry Professor, I can't reveal that information." Hermione said sheepishly.

"I think we'll see how I fare; we have your class next." Harry said smiling.

After McGonagall was finished questioning him his other classmates started to bombard him with questions.

"Harry! Where the hell have you been?" Seamus asked.

"Home." was his curt answer.

"What? I thought you hated your relatives?" Dean asked.

"I never said I was with my relatives. I went to my ancestral home."

"Oh, that's good then."

"Sure."

"You're sure talkative." Seamus snorted.

Harry only grinned.

"You better get used to it." Ron groaned, "He is in a talkative mood compared to the beginning of the summer. The only things he said at that point were 'fine,' 'don't bother me,' or in the cases where you didn't listen to him, you heard him saying the hex that was going to hit you."

Harry smirked.

Lavender winked seductively to the very good looking Harry, "What a naughty boy you are."

"You have no idea." Harry said with a grin, "But don't get your knickers in a twist!"

Lavender was taken aback by both comments, "Don't tell me you have a girlfriend." She said, looking imploringly at Ginny.

Ginny only grinned in response.

Harry turned very serious and glared at Lavender. She shuddered as the piercing green eyes locked with hers, "Two things, first, don't even think about creating rumours about Ginny and me. She's like a sister to me. Second, keep your nose out of my business! That's advice that all of you should heed. Ask my friends what happens if you don't."

His friends turned serious as well and gulped.

"He's joking, right?" Seamus asked nervously.

"No, I assure you, he's not. Everything that's he's said and everything we've told you is absolutely the truth." Ron said.

A few minutes later they got up. He absently noted the seventh and sixth year girls admiring him even more as he turned smoothly causing his black silk robe to billow in a very elegant manor behind him.

Snape growled as he saw that, while Moody, the current DADA teacher laughed at his look.

They arrived in time for the lessons and Harry sat next to Hermione and Ron.

"Welcome to your last and surely hardest year at Transfiguration." McGonagall began, "At the end of last year, we began with conjuration. We will deepen our knowledge in this field of Transfiguration and if we get that down quick enough, we'll start on human transfiguration, even though I've heard that some can at least transfigure other humans already." she shot Harry a look while Ron laughed.

"That was you?" Seamus asked and laughed as well as nearly all the Gryffindors.

"Stop it this instant! You are not allowed to transfigure other students outside of this classroom." McGonagall bellowed, "You're only lucky, that there's no evidence. Now, Mr. Potter, let's see if you learned something worthwhile last year. Could you conjure a goblet for us?"

"Sure, why not?" he asked and flicked his wand with only a muttered incantation.

A beautiful crystal goblet appeared. He tapped his wand on it and it filled with a blood red liquid. He sniffed at it and held it against the light.

He gave it to McGonagall and she looked astounded at him and sniffed as well.

"A red wine." she gasped.

"Yeah, but I can't get the flavour right. But the taste is quite good, just like the cabernet-sauvignon I came to like. Test it!" he suggested.

She nodded and took a sip.

"Very good Mr. Potter, the taste is excellent. Regarding to the flavour, you should give your wand a light swirl while tapping the glass. That should take care of the flavour."

"Thank you."

"How long does the goblet last?" McGonagall asked curiously.

"Why?" Harry asked.

"The amount of time a conjured item stays in existence is directly proportional to the casters strength. If I were to conjure something like that, it would hold up to half a day." McGonagall explained.

"Well, I never thought about that." Harry admitted sheepishly, "But as I conjured once a cup for coffee, the cup was still there after two days. Then I banished it."

McGonagall gaped at him while, next to him Hermione gasped and muttered: "Mine only lasts an hour!"

McGonagall nodded, smiling proudly, "We could test it. I'll place it here on this board. We'll see then how long it is going to last."

She did as she said and placed the cleaned and emptied goblet on a board behind her desk. Nobody knew it that day, but the goblet would still be there when McGonagall retired from her teaching career many years later, long after Harry and his friends had left the school and it reminded her fondly of the black haired student every time she took a look at it.

The rest of the day passed quickly with all the work they had to do. Before they could even think about it, dinner was over and they were gathered in the common room. Before anyone could say something Harry had already started his homework.

Hermione sat down next to him and began to work as well.

"Hey Harry! Care for a game?" Ron asked.

"No, I'm going to finish my homework first. And then… well, we'll see."

He was finished after a busy hour and gathered his things.

"You're already finished?" Hermione asked.

"Sure, take a look!" he said and handed her his work.

She read over it and nodded proudly, "Nice work. You could've used more diagrams but it's alright."

"Thanks." He got his work back and packed it in his bag.

Ron had begun his own homework grudgingly and was still at work.

"What are you going to do now?" Hermione asked.

"I think I'll relax a bit." He said and got up.

He left the room and went to the astronomy tower. When he saw, that nobody was there, he changed and spread his magnificent wings. Then he took flight with a powerful flap of the large leathery wings and disappeared into the night.

Unbeknownst to him, Ginny had followed him, curious about what he was up to. She waited at the entrance of the tower for nearly half an hour before she decided to follow him on the platform.

She gaped as she saw, that it was empty.

She hurried back to the common room.

"Has Harry come back?" she asked out of breath.

"No." Ron stated.

"Why do you ask?" Hermione questioned her.

"Because…" she looked sheepishly to the floor, "… I followed him to the astronomy tower. I got tired of waiting and wanted to join him at the platform, but it was empty."

Hermione shook her head, "Give him his space, Ginny! I bet he's gone to his girlfriend."

"But how?"

"Don't know. He's probably mastered his form already and if I should take a guess, he has a flying form." Hermione said with a smile.

"That would make sense." Ginny said and sighed, "I hope he keeps his promise."

"What promise?" Hermione asked.

Ginny grinned, "He said if the boys are too scared to ask me out because of him and Ron, then he would make me so hot, that they would overcome their fear of them both."

"Sounds like a whole shopping day!" Hermione said with a smile.

Ron gaped at her, "You wouldn't do that, would you?"

"Don't you dare interfere, Ron! If I can't have him I have to look for another boy. And if Harry wants to go shopping with me, I will take him up on his offer."

Ron gulped and remembered the naughty hexes his little sister knew and the new attitude of his best friend and decided to surrender.

"Alright, I care for my health." He said grudgingly, "But don't overdo it or Mum will have my head!"

"Mum has been telling me for the whole last year to loosen up a bit but couldn't give me money for the shopping. Now I have the chance and I'm going to use it." Ginny said happily.

They talked for a while about the DA and went to bed early.

Harry landed at the top of the Astronomy Tower early in the morning. It was still dark outside as he snuck back to his dorm.

He didn't go to bed; he had slept enough in Hogsmeade after a very hot night with his love.

He was somewhat surprised to see that Hermione was already up and taking notes in some kind of journal.

"Have a pleasant night?" she asked sincerely.

"Yup." He replied grinning, "What about you? Why are you up so early?"

"I woke up a few minutes ago. I'm writing my dream journal."

"Ah, trying to find your form. May I take a look at it?" he asked.

Hermione hesitated, "These are very personal, Harry."

"I know. You should know by now, that I would never betray your secrets." He said honestly.

"I know." She sighed and handed her journal over.

He grinned, "I trust you kept your dreams about a certain red headed boy out of that."

She blushed but nodded.

He skimmed through the neatly written pages and nodded sometimes.

"It's too bad that you hate flying. You would make a nice owl with your intelligence and cunning." He said absently. She became curious when she saw that he had his first impressions about a possible form already after a third of her book.

He began muttering, "You have affection for cats, and it's very probable that you're a feline creature. You're very curious, that would suit any feline as well. Hmm, here's some dream about you protecting your children and you're really hurting your opponents while your at it. It's similar to what female feline predators would do."

Hermione's heart began to beat faster when she heard that. She didn't have any idea about her form but what Harry said made sense.

"Wow, you're running after a deer? Not a small cat then. That definitely narrows it down to larger felines. But what kind? You're brave but not proud or strong enough to be a lioness. They also aren't very curious. Hmm…"

He skimmed some more pages until he gasped and grinned, "That's it. Rocky Mountains with trees, bushes and such things. Hermione, do you like wandering in the mountains?"

"Very much so. I feel free there. Nothing really matters if you're high in the mountains. There's only me and nature." She said with an absent smile.

"Well, I know only two feline hunters who stalk in the mountains. The Lynx and the Cougar. But a Lynx would hardly hunt a fully-grown deer. Furthermore the cougar would match your hair with his brown fur. So, that is my conclusion: a female Cougar which combines the cunning mind of a Lynx with the protectiveness of a Lion and likes mountains. It's also between the Lynx and the Lion in size." Harry said grinning, "What do you think?"

She only gaped at him, "That's it! There's no other option. I liked to watch them as kid in the zoo and instantly felt attracted to them. But I never would have guessed it myself. I don't see myself as a fighter. But what you said makes sense." She said stunned.

"May I remind you of certain adventures with me, where you did fight against grown up evil wizards and who outnumbered us as well?"

She blushed and nodded, "Alright. I'll study the cougar further. Then I'll see if it truly matches my personality. Oh thank you so much!" she said happily.

"It was a pleasure. I can hardly wait to see you changed." Harry said smiling as he handed her the journal back.

He suddenly grinned mischievously and said, "There's at least another hour before the students get up. How about you join me for a little prank?"

She looked incredulously at him, "Harry! I'm head girl!"

"Your point is?" Harry asked with a smirk.

"I don't prank other students." she said determined.

"I didn't say anything about students dear Hermione."

"No! You wouldn't…"

"Of course I would. Well? Loosen up a little bit, Hermione! Nobody will catch us. And you don't have to sign with your real name, you know?"

"Who do you want to prank and do you have an idea for a name?" she asked curiously.

"Ah, curious like the cat you are." He teased her, "How about Velvet Paw and I intend to prank Snape."

"The name's nice." she said smiling, "Alright. What do you have in mind?"

"Nothing difficult for now; only a little visit to the kitchen. You'll divert the attention of the elves and I'll charm his dish a little bit."

"You're a… a… Marauder!"

"Sure. But we also need to do a little charm work for our signature."

She nodded, "I'll leave it to you for this time."

"Well, thanks Velvet. Then let's hurry! I won't get any kisses tonight if I don't prank the greasy git. Bella didn't like it when I told her about yesterday."

"I can imagine. Then let's make sure you get another pleasant night, dear Drake." Hermione said with a grin.

They got up and disappeared from the common room.

They met a good hour later with their friends in the common room to head out to the great hall.

As they sat down at the table they took care to make sure they had a nice view at the teachers table.

"Hermione, don't you usually sit on the other side?" Ginny asked.

"Yeah, but, uhm, I think for today it would be better to have a good look at the teachers." she answered.

"And why's that?" Ginny asked.

"Now that would be telling." Harry said and winked at her.

"You didn't…"

"Be quiet and watch!" Harry said quietly.

"How'd you activate it?" Hermione whispered, "All the teachers have the same plates!"

"I used the same activation charm I combined with your wards. It's activated by the dark mark." Harry whispered back.

"You charmed all the dishes?"

"Yep and I placed another charm on every plate. I charmed the plates with different pranks so when the plates are switched around each day, he'll get a different prank." Harry said laughing.

"You sneaky brat!" Hermione said but laughed as well.

"What are you two on about?" Ron asked.

"There are two new marauders here." Harry whispered.

"You and who?"

"Me? Who said it was me? I got dragged into this by your girlfriend." Harry said grinning.

"What? Hermione, you're head girl!" Ginny said smirking.

Hermione glared at Harry, "It wasn't my idea!"

"Keep quiet, dear Velvet. And you folks; enjoy the show."

Ron pouted, "Why didn't you let me in on it?"

"Two reasons. First, your girlfriend couldn't bring herself to wake you and second, you still have no idea what your form is so you don't have a name." Harry explained.

Ron's eyes widened, "Don't tell me you have your form!"

Hermione blushed, "Harry analysed my journal earlier and came to a very convincing conclusion. But I'll only tell you about it when I know for sure."

"Please!" he begged.

"No, Ron! All I'll tell you is this; it seems to be a feline predator."

"And that means in English?" Ron asked.

"A big cat with large teeth and great paws to strike you with." Harry joked.

Ron blanched, "Alright. And what's your name? Velvet?"

"Velvet paw." She said quietly.

Ron smiled, "It suits you."

"Thank you."

"Stop the sugar talk already!" Ginny groaned but winked to Hermione, "Nice name."

Ten minutes after that, Snape sat down and began to eat.

"Why's nothing happening?" Ron asked disappointed.

Harry rolled his eyes, "It has a time delay of ten minutes. Otherwise he'd check the plates instantly. So he's going to think it was the food because it has to be digested first."

"Sneaky." he commented.

And then it happened. The teacher's black greasy hair was suddenly clean, silky and… platinum blond. His black robe changed it's colour into a bright pink. The students gaped at him and after seconds began to laugh.

"What's this ruckus about?" he yelled and jumped as he heard his own voice. It was now feminine and very melodious.

Even most of the teachers began to laugh as they caught on. He looked down his robe and yelped.

"Nice hairstyle, Severus." Dumbledore said with twinkling eyes.

Snape conjured a mirror and jumped up.

"WHO DID THIS?"

Harry flicked his wand beneath the table and an illusion of a black dragon swept trough the hall. It breathed a large flame and disappeared. The flame stayed and formed a text line: 'Never badmouth Talon again greasy git!'

After that the illusion of a sweet small cat walked into the hall and played with a wool ball. She gave it a sweep with its paw and it rolled over the floor. Again the cat disappeared but the thread formed another text line: 'Courtesy of Velvet Paw and Drake'.

The fiery words dropped into liquid fire and inflamed the wool and both disappeared in flames without a trace.

Snape was fuming while all the others laughed about him while he was slowly changing back.

Dumbledore cleared his throat and spoke: "Well, it seems to me, that we have a new generation of pranksters here who do remind me very much of the legendary Marauders. While it was surely fun, keep in mind, that we will severely punish the guilty party if we catch them! And please refrain from insulting our teachers! On the educational part, it was a nice piece of transfiguration and charms work that reminds me of a very gifted couple. The man was gifted in transfiguration and the woman was gifted in charms, but I believe the responsible spawn of them has his true strength in another department." Now he looked directly at Harry who winked at the old headmaster.

Ron, Ginny and even Hermione gaped at Harry.

"Wow; that was ingenious." Ginny said.

Ron smiled at his girlfriend and said, "That was some complex charm work."

Hermione blushed, "I didn't do anything! I only distracted the elves. The work was done by Harry alone."

"Wow, you have studied in the last year, haven't you?" he asked Harry.

"Sure have. Hey Colin! Did you take the pictures?" Harry asked still grinning.

"Sure! Want some copies?"

"Yeah, one of each. I need evidence for that!"

"You'll get them in the afternoon." Colin replied laughing.

"Thanks. I owe you one."

"No, you don't. Keep up the pranks and we are even."

"Sure thing."

So the first day of pranking started. Harry was right, they did place the plates at the teachers table randomly and no one removed his charm work from them. So they were all activated at random meals until all had been activated more than once, even Harry was surprised by the unsuspected start of the prank.

Bella enjoyed the pictures of the pranks endlessly and shared more than one heartfelt laugh with her boyfriend.

AN: Thanks to all of you for your nice reviews.

SIlentOmega: Thanks for the hin concerning 'hardly' I'll keep it in mind for the next time.

Sandor: Wüsste nicht, dass es ne deutsche Übersetzung für Wyvern gibt. Stell dir einfach ne verkleinerte Version von Drachen vor!