"Talking/Dialogue"
Thoughts/Spells
'Quotes'
Writing/Text
Tom/Diary
To Grow As A Wizard
Gryffindor Common Room
Wednesday
September 2nd, 1992
Obscured behind the curtains of his bed, Harry lay wide awake, waiting to ensure enough time had passed for the other boys to fall asleep. Curfew required everyone to be inside their common room by ten at night, with the only exceptions to that rule being the prefects.
That didn't mean students went directly to bed at that time. Most elected to sit around on the couches, passing the time before deciding to head to bed. Harry had spent some time by the fireplace, playing a game of wizard chess with Ron, before calling it quits after one embarrassing defeat. The rest of his time was spent with Hermione, working on a Charms assignment.
The silence of the second-year dormitory was broken by snoring, low in volume, before growing in intensity with every rendition. Harry quickly sat up and stuck his head out from the curtains at the foot of the bed.
Looks like everyone's asleep…If I stay as quiet as possible, I should be fine.
Harry pulled his invisibility cloak over himself, the one he had taken out beforehand, before slowly stepping off his bed. Quietly, he made his way to the door, but not before grabbing his wand from its place on the nightstand.
It was remarkably easy walking out of the common room, not that Harry was surprised. The cloak was terrific at concealing one's presence. Even The Fat Lady didn't think much of being disturbed so late, blinking drowsily at the area in front of her before falling asleep again.
He read each inscription below the portraits he saw as he walked, trying to find the one with Barnabas The Barmy written on it. So far, Harry hadn't had any luck at the east wing and was making his way toward the area around the Astronomy Tower. There, he caught sight of a painting depicting a long-haired man surrounded by trolls.
…Are those tutus?
Harry neared the painting, smothering a laugh when he noticed all the details. They were tutus, and the trolls were wearing them, arms outstretched into the air, mimicking the movements of what one might see from a ballet dancer.
Goes to show that not all trolls like to smash bathroom stalls while frightening kids. Some have other passions.
His eyes darted down to the naming of this portrait.
He found it!
Harry turned to look behind him, finding a large, empty, and unassuming wall. Stepping to lay a hand on it, he felt the cold of the stone, the same as any other part of the castle. It was hard to believe a room would appear here.
Then again, I once made glass vanish in front of Dudley.
Remembering the instructions the diary gave, he repeatedly chanted in his head what he wanted, pacing across the wall the required three times.
A wide grin formed on his face as a door formed into existence.
I love magic.
Harry pushed his way in, taking off his cloak as he did, eager to see what the room looked like from the inside. He found a large area as big as the Great Hall, with wooden human-like figures lined up along one wall. Most of the area was empty, giving ample space to whoever practiced magic.
He made his way over to the not barren area, finding a simple desk along with some empty shelves.
"I should bring my books next time," He said.
Harry hadn't brought them with him because tonight was only about finding the room and ensuring it was suitable for practicing magic. His eyes went back toward the wooden figures.
It even has some targets to aim at…I should test them out.
He made his way over before stopping about fifteen feet in front of them, his wand already in hand. The warmth of the wand gave Harry an idea of which spell to cast.
"Incendio!"
The flames were just as ferocious as they were earlier in the day, engulfing the figure in a blazing fire before him.
"Incendio!"
"Incendio!"
"Incendio!"
Each of the other figures soon met the same fate as the first, their separate burnings amplifying the heat of the flames, so much Harry had to back away.
He stared in fascination for several minutes until only a big pile of smoldering ash was left.
I hope I don't have to clean that up. He thought, not particularly keen to do so.
As if answering him, the ash faded into the floor, leaving no trace of it having been there. A moment later, copies of the wooden figures appeared in the same spot as the ones before them.
This room is perfect.
Grand Staircase
Thursday
September 3rd, 1992
Harry couldn't contain the yawn that escaped his mouth, startling Hermione, who had been walking silently beside him. She turned to look at him, frowning once she caught sight of the sleepy look he carried.
"You didn't stay up late last night, did you?" She asked.
He offered her a tired grin.
"Ron's snoring made sure I would have a hard time falling asleep."
Which was true. Once Ron began his nightly musical performance, it was near impossible to fall asleep, to the occasional frustration of the other boys. Luckily, he hadn't wanted to fall asleep, not that he would mention that to the girl.
Hermione gave him a sympathetic smile.
"You can head back to take a nap if you want. Our classes aren't until after lunch," She offered. "I don't mind heading to breakfast by myself."
He pumped his shoulder against hers.
"That just makes me want to go even more. You're not getting rid of me that easily, Granger."
Breakfast that morning was an ordinary affair, the only highlight being a bedraggled Ron rushing into breakfast, thinking classes were in the morning. A clearly amused Hermione informed him that wasn't the case, earning a groan from the red-haired boy.
Not that Ron cared after he started eating. Harry thought amusedly as the three of them walked out of the Great Hall after having their morning meal. They were making their way back to the Gryffindor common room at an easy pace.
"I'm planning on heading to the library," Hermione turned to look at them. "You two should go as well if you don't have anything planned."
"Nah, I'd rather just go back and lounge around until classes start," Ron said. "You up for a few games of chess, Harry?"
The way he had asked seemed to indicate that he thought Harry was already planning on staying in the common room, something Hermione thought as well. He caught an almost unnoticeable look of disappointment on her face from the corner of his eye.
The green-eyed boy looked between his two friends, debating whom he would join this morning. He was about to announce his intention to join the other boy when a thought crossed his mind, stopping him in his tracks.
'I want to be great.'
That's right, Harry thought. I made a promise to myself to try to be great.
Greatness was something he had to achieve. It wouldn't happen if he decided to spend his time just having fun. No, he had to start putting in the effort, and this was a good way to start.
"Actually, I think I'm going to head to the library along with Hermione," Harry said.
His answer surprised both of them.
"You sure, mate?" Ron asked him. "You know how she gets when she's in there; you might end up having to stay there until classes start."
Hermione hadn't spoken up yet, waiting to see if Harry was sure about going.
"I'm sure. I feel like I should start putting more effort into my studies along and, well…." He turned to look at Hermione, giving her a shy smile. "I was hoping you could help me with that."
The enthusiastic smile she gave him was all the answer he needed.
"I'm lucky we're already here, or else you lot were bound to drag me along," Ron said, walking into the common room after speaking the password.
"Oh, honestly, Ron, you make it seem as if studying was some great horror to avoid."
"It is! Even more when people choose to do more when they don't have to, " He said before throwing the pair of them a wave before heading in the direction of Dean and Seamus, who were seated in the corner.
Probably to get one of them to play chess with him.
Hermione just threw her arms up in frustration, choosing to look at Harry instead.
"We can head down now if you're ready to go. I already have the textbooks I need in my bag."
He shook his head.
"Let me go get mine. Just wait for me by the exit, " He headed upstairs at her nod.
Harry noted that the boy's dorm room was surprisingly already clean once he entered, looking around curiously before approaching his trunk. Placing the three books he would need for today's classes in his bag, he went to close the lid before stopping, taking out the diary from its place at the bottom.
He ran his fingers across the cover and then its pages, a faint urge to write on it manifesting itself inside of him. Maybe he could convince Hermione to head on down to the library without him?
Harry shook his head.
I already told her I would go with her…it would be mean of me to suddenly change my mind.
He placed the diary back in its hidden spot before his hand brushed against another book, similar in size. He frowned in confusion, taking that one out to see what it was.
Dorea's potion journal! I completely forgot I had brought it with me.
Harry took a moment to stare at it, particularly at his grandmother's name, before putting it inside his bag.
No harm in looking through it, especially when I have potions later in the afternoon.
He locked his trunk shut before making his way down to the library with Hermione, bag over his shoulder.
Hermione wasted no time browsing the library shelves after securing a table deep in the corner, which would grant them some privacy. Harry chose to wait until she returned, passing the time by looking around the place.
Wooden shelves formed corridors spanning the entire room, illuminated by the sunlight filtering through the numerous windows dotted along the castle walls. The smell of old textbooks and parchment was thick in the air, giving an earthy aroma to the stillness of the place. There was very little in the way of noise, so much so that Harry could hear every breath he took.
No doubt Madam Pince would quickly snuff out any noise once she heard it.
The librarian was quite severe in demeanor, demanding those who ventured into her domain to properly respect the books or risk being kicked out by the stern woman. That didn't mean she wasn't willing to help students in finding specific books, she could be very valuable so long as you followed her rules. After all, no one knew this place better than her.
The sound of light footsteps on the carpeted floor made him turn his head, catching sight of Hermione as she made her way back to their table, carrying a stack of books in her arms.
She set them down gently on the table before sitting across from him.
"You sure that'll be enough for you?" Harry asked her, a cheeky smile on his face.
Hermione just rolled her eyes.
"These are just to start with. I can always go back and search for more, " She shooed him away. "But that won't be until later. You can go and find whatever you think you'll need."
"Fine, try not to miss me too much while I'm gone." He said while standing up.
"I have my books. Your absence will hardly be noticed," She giggled at the mock hurt look he gave in response to her words.
Harry made his way over to the front of the library, directly toward Madam Pince, who occupied the front desk. She lifted her head up from whatever she was looking at, her eyes narrowing as she noticed him approaching. He found his confidence shaken and his ability to form words gone as he stopped in front of her.
Madam Pince arched a singular eyebrow at him, growing slightly impatient at his continued silence.
"Well?"
At her prompting, Harry finally found the courage to utter the question he had.
"Potions. Where can I find the section for potions?"
She gestured with her head to the right of her.
"Go straight towards the wall and up the stairs at the end. Last section on the right. Be. Gentle."
Harry gave a quick thanks before heading that way, nearly speed-walking in his desire to escape the woman.
It attested to her knowledge that Harry had no trouble finding the section covering the subject of Potions. The area was marked as 'Elementary Potion Making,' and it contained various books students might need from their first year at Hogwarts up until their seventh. Across from it was the 'Advanced Potions' section, which had a rope running across its length, signifying it as a Restricted Section.
Harry had no intention of stepping over that rope, not after his disastrous attempt last year.
He started browsing the shelves, specifically looking for the one titled Magical Draughts and Potions, wanting to review some of the previous year's material. He remembered it being listed as optional for the first years, and he hadn't bought a copy for that reason, a decision he now regretted.
Finding it, he started heading back toward the stairs when he ran into Draco, who looked surprised at seeing him before his features smoothed into a blank expression.
Odd.
"Didn't think you had much of an interest in potion making, Harry," Draco said by way of greeting.
"Didn't think you were one to get some early studying done, yet here we are," He replied.
Draco smirked before looking down at the book he had in his hand.
"Isn't that the textbook from last year? Snape hold you back a year?"
Harry scoffed at the question.
"I have no doubt he would want nothing more than to do that, but no, I'm just doing some light reviewing before class later."
Merlin, I sounded like Hermione just now.
The blonde nodded before beckoning him to follow him deeper into the section. Harry followed him, curious but wary.
The Slytherin pulled out a small book, about half the size of the one he had in his hand, before handing it to Harry.
"Here, take this one as well," Draco said. "It goes a bit more into detail about what each ingredient does and the different reactions it has with other materials."
Harry looked at the cover, reading 'Basic Potion Reactions By Liza Candlelight' before looking at the other boy, his confusion evident, prompting Draco to explain himself.
"You mentioned wanting to be great on the train, didn't you?"
He nodded.
"This is me helping you achieve that. After all, I can't be seen having a mediocre friend, can I?"
Of course. As long as I live up to my name, he has no problem being friendly with me. The moment I don't live up to expectations…well, it's good I have my own motives.
He frowned a bit before asking Draco a question.
"What about Crabbe and Goyle? They're not exactly wowing the teachers with their magical prowess."
Harry winced internally at how mean that sounded, wondering if Draco would take offense. He was surprised when he just waved it off with a smile.
"Then it's good I only see them as my bodyguards."
The raven-haired boy nodded at that, finding it a bit heartless, not that he would voice that thought out loud. How Draco dealt with those around him was his business.
"Anyway, I need to get started on my own studying. Try to start reading that book, and who knows? Maybe Snape won't be so hard on you later."
Harry let out a disbelieving chuckle.
"Unlikely, but who knows? I mean, somehow, we became friends."
He thanked Draco for the book before making his way back to Hermione. His arrival went unnoticed, however, as she was immersed deeply in the contents of the second-year book of Transfiguration.
No doubt it wasn't her first time reading through it.
He opened the book he had just received from his new friend, finding himself curious to see if it could help him understand potions a bit more. The first pages were just the author explaining why it was safest to know all the effects of ingredients before beginning to cover some common materials.
Harry and Hermione lost track of time, engrossed as they were reading. Only the appearance of Madam Pince drew their attention away from studying, getting a searching gaze from the woman who seemed to make her rounds around the library. With afternoon classes soon to begin, they packed up before making their way out of the library.
Transfiguration Classroom
Thursday
September 3rd, 1992
Harry was glad he took the time in the morning to do some revision over last year's material, as the first thing Professor McGonagall had them do was turn a matchstick into a needle. In contrast to the previous year's first attempt, this one proved to be a success, earning him an approving nod from his Head of House before she surveyed the rest of the class.
An action he mirrored, his eyes quickly taking in the results of those in his house and those in Ravenclaw. Hermione, whom he was seated next to, had been successful and was now repeating the transformation. On the other side of him, Ron had also completed the task, even if it was a bit slower. It looked to Harry that most of the class had remembered this basic bit of Transfiguration.
Professor McGonagall seemed to have reached the same conclusion as she made her way back to her desk. She waved her wand at one of the shelves behind, causing a jar to float towards her before settling down on her desk.
Harry could make out something moving inside of it. He wasn't quite sure what it was, even seated at the front, but it looked alive.
"Last year, you were taught how to transfigure mice into snuffboxes, which served as the practical portion of your examination."
She paused, ensuring everyone's attention was on her before waving her wand toward the jar again. This time, the lid spun off the top before whatever was inside floated out, making its way to each of the students.
It's a beetle.
The shrieks around him told Harry that the other students had also noticed what they were, not sounding particularly happy about it.
"Honestly, it's just an insect, " Hermione pointed out, exasperated by the sounds of fright her classmates were letting out. "I'd understand their reactions a bit more if it was a large snake, but this?"
She shook her head, returning her attention to the Professor, who was sending a disapproving glare toward the class.
"I'm just glad it wasn't spiders," Ron said, shuddering at the thought.
Harry sent a devilish grin his way.
"Don't worry; I bet that's for next week's class."
The frightened look that appeared on Ron's face was well worth receiving an elbow from Hermione, who couldn't quite hide the smirk on her face.
"Your task for today is to turn the beetle you now have in front of you into a coat button. While similar to turning mice into a snuffbox, this operates at a smaller scale. You may begin."
Harry turned to look at his beetle, eyeing the insect as it simply stayed put. He noticed the unsuccessful attempts from Ron, who repeatedly jabbed his wand at his beetle, which did its best to scurry away.
Right, don't try to poke the beetle.
He looked over to Hermione, who hadn't yet attempted to turn the beetle into a button. She had her eyes closed tightly, muttering something under her breath.
A moment later, she opened her eyes, a look of concentration etched onto her face as she pointed her wand at the beetle. Sure enough, the beetle was slowly replaced by a rather simple coat button, but still a button.
Hermione wore a satisfied smile at the sign of her success.
"Good job," Harry said quietly, starting the girl, who seemed to have forgotten her surroundings.
"What…oh…yes, of course," She seemed at a loss for words for a moment, throwing him a shy smile before regaining some composure.
Harry elected not to point out the redness in her cheeks, instead choosing to gesture at his own beetle.
"Any tips you can give me?"
"Well, I usually try to picture what I want in my mind. Try to visualize the beetle turning into a button."
He nodded at her words before turning toward Ron.
"You hear that—what happened?"
The red-headed boy had a glum expression on his face.
"I crushed my beetle."
Harry simply stared at his friend before shaking his head, mirrored by Hermione, who had overheard.
"You can simply ask Professor McGonagall for another one."
Ron gave him a sheepish look.
"I already did. This is my second beetle," He looked back at his desk, wincing as he did. "Was my second beetle."
"Ah…well, sorry for your loss." Harry patted his back before turning back to his beetle.
Following the advice he had been given, he tried to picture the transformation of beetle to button in his mind, repeating it a couple more times, just to be sure.
Harry pointed the tip of his wand down to the beetle, which, amazingly, had stayed in the same spot.
It's a success…sort of.
"It's a button, that's for sure, just a tad too big," Hermione commented beside him.
It was precisely the button he had envisioned in his mind, only being twice the size of the beetle before it, giving it a comical quality.
Harry threw a grin her way.
"Not if I plan on giving it to Hagrid." He told her, causing her to snort in amusement before growing mortified once she noticed their professor standing in front of their desk.
"I'm afraid, Mr. Potter, that all buttons must stay in my classroom. That includes those of a distinctive size," While her face was stern, a corner of her mouth was raised into something resembling a smile. "Do keep attempting the transformation."
"Will do, Professor."
She nodded before making her way toward another desk.
Harry did just that, spending the rest of the class trying to achieve the perfect transformation, helped by Hermione. By the end of the class, only he and Hermione, along with a Ravenclaw named Lisa Turpin, had managed to turn the beetle into a button.
As Ron and Hermione made their way to the exit, Harry called out to them.
"You guys go on ahead to Binn's classroom. I'll join you in a bit," He said. "I want to ask Professor McGonagall something."
Ron just nodded his head before walking out. Hermione, on the other hand, looked at him curiously.
"Andromeda mentioned her as someone who could tell me a bit about my grandmother. They were in the same year at Hogwarts."
"Ah, that makes sense," She gave him a gentle smile. "Try not to be late for class. You only have fifteen minutes."
"It's History with Binns. I could skip the entire class, and I don't think he would notice," At her reproachful look, he added. "Not that I would, of course."
"You better not. Go, you have some time before her next class."
Hermione left after that warning, leaving him alone with Professor McGonagall, who seemed to have realized he wanted to speak with her.
Harry moved to stand in front of her desk, grabbing her attention as she looked away from the parchment she had been reading.
"What can I do for you, Mr. Potter."
"I wanted to ask you something, Professor. About my family," He fidgeted slightly under her gaze.
The stern look she seemed to always have softened just a touch at his words.
"About your parents, correct?"
Harry cocked his head to the side.
"Well, yes, but actually, I wanted to know if you could tell me anything about my grandmother, Dorea."
"Dorea?"
"Yes. I met Andromeda Tonks a couple of weeks ago, and she suggested I speak with you if I wanted to know more about my grandmother."
Her eyebrows, which were already slightly raised, climbed even further at that.
"Am I correct in assuming she also mentioned that the relationship I had with Dorea was far from friendly? She wasn't exactly someone one was keen to be around for too long."
"Neville mentioned his grandmother calling her a 'Tosser with a stick so far up her,' " Harry stopped, not wanting to curse in front of the woman. "Well, you know what."
He was surprised when she let out a bark of laughter.
"Augusta never was one to mince words, especially regarding your grandmother," She took a moment to check the time before looking at him again. "Why don't you come by this Sunday afternoon? I can start telling you about her and your parents over some tea?"
"I'd like that."
"Good, now off you go. There should be ample time for you to make it to your next class."
Harry gave her a small smile before heading out the door, using one of the back corridors leading to the other side of the floor, and nearly running into a blonde girl he now knew was Daphne Greengrass. He offered a quick apology, starting to head down the long corridor when she stopped him.
It was the first time he got a proper look at the Slytherin as she walked toward him, and he immediately noticed her elegance.
I'd bet my entire trust vault that she's a pure-blood.
"You know, Professor McGonagall is known to be quite fanatical about quidditch. I imagine she must have found it difficult, not being able to win the Quidditch Cup for several years."
She had stepped toward Harry, a haughty smile on her face.
"The same way Snape must have found it difficult to lose the House Cup to Gryffindor. He looked angrier than usual when he shook McGonagall's hand."
"Why wouldn't he have been? You were given a significant number of points that evening, just enough to overtake us. Rather unfair, don't you think?"
"I would consider Snape deducting me points throughout the year for any reason he could come up with unfair, don't you think?"
Daphne smiled a bit wider, having detected the hint of annoyance Harry had kept in check until that point. Provoking a reaction out of him looked to be her intention from the beginning.
"I only jest, Potter. I have no wish to end up on your bad side, truly."
Harry scoffed.
"Beginning to jest with a stranger is a definite way to end up there. Get to know someone first before you start doing that."
She let out a mock gasp so fake that Harry couldn't help but roll his eyes.
"You're right! Daphne Ophelia Greengrass, a pleasure to meet you," The girl held out her hand toward him, which he tentatively took before shaking. His hesitation amused the blonde girl.
"Harry James Potter," He introduced himself before letting go of her hand. It was odd, having to introduce himself; people usually didn't care to ask. The scar on his forehead was all the identification they needed to know it was him.
"I need to get to class," He told her.
"Which one?"
"History."
"Binns won't notice if you're late."
"I'd rather not try my luck."
Daphne let out an exaggerated sigh before a more significant look appeared on her face.
"Malfoy mentioned how you were almost sorted into Slytherin, how the Sorting Hat believed you would achieve greatness. Is it true?"
Damnit Draco.
Harry didn't answer right away, letting a couple of seconds pass before nodding slowly.
She took a step back before examining him.
"I think you still can. Achieve greatness, I mean."
"Why would you care if I did or didn't?"
"I have my reasons," She answered, a mysterious smile on her face. "Question is, do you think you can?"
"I know that I'll try my best."
Daphne didn't respond, only offering him a wave goodbye before heading off to her next class.
That's all I can do. Try.
History of Magic Classroom
Thursday
September 3rd, 1992
Harry lifted his head up before letting his eyes glide across the room, suppressing a laugh as he caught sight of more than half the class trying to keep their eyes open. He gave them another five minutes before they gave in.
I don't blame them. Even Hermione seems to be struggling to pay attention.
Once he had realized that, just like the previous term, Binns was reciting straight from A History of Magic, he stopped paying attention. He figured his time was better spent preparing for his Potions class that followed. Instead of reading the same books from this morning, he decided to go through his grandmother's journal and see what she had written down.
Most of what was written had to do with certain potions that, while interesting, were not something he was looking for at the moment. Harry wanted something a bit more general, and it was on his second flip through that he found it.
We can admit to ourselves that patience is NOT one of our virtues, and that was never more evident than when dealing with potions. If it weren't for our prodigious talent with anything magic, I have no doubt our imperfection with potions would have already been exposed.
Unacceptable.
I must admit that if it weren't for our mother's advice, we would be ending the year with only an Exceed Expectations.
Let that thought serve as motivation to put the advice mother gave us into practice.
We must learn to clear our minds of outside distractions and keep our emotions in check. If we find ourselves getting frustrated, take a deep breath and ONLY continue once we are calm again.
If we show enough aptitude in doing that, perhaps father could be convinced to begin teaching us the basics of the mind arts.
Harry fixated on the part about calming oneself. It sounded rather simple, but the part that followed seemed to suggest it was the foundation for something more complex.
Something to look into another day. In the meantime, I can start practicing keeping myself calm and see if I notice any difference.
He closed the journal once he noticed the other students start to stand up, signaling the end of class. The sudden commotion woke Ron up, who yawned as he stretched, not seeing the disapproving look Hermione was sending his way.
"Is it over?" He asked.
"Yes, Ronald, it's over, and as a reward, you get to have Potions with Slytherin," She responded with a sickly sweet smile.
Ron let out a groan before standing up alongside them.
The trio set off toward the dungeon, not wanting to risk giving Professor Snape a reason to dock them points. They arrived to find a gaggle of students from both Gryffindor and Slytherin already waiting outside the classroom. It was clear to see the divide between the two houses, lions on one side and snakes on the other. Both groups were glaring at each other, caginess etched on their faces.
Those glances quickly turned into hushed whispers as Draco, who had been leaning against the wall near the door, waved Harry over.
He either doesn't care that people will start talking, or he's betting on it.
Ron scoffed behind him before making his over to Dean and Seamus without a word. Hermione made to follow him but not before speaking in a low tone with Harry.
"I know you agreed to be friends with him—let me finish," She quickly added once she saw him open his mouth. "That was your choice, and I can accept that, but that doesn't mean I have to be around him. I'm sure Ron feels the same."
"Yeah…I understand. I'll do my best to keep you from being around him."
Hermione nodded before joining Ron at the back of the Gryffindor group, allowing Harry to make his way over to the boy who had called him over. For once, the blonde wasn't flanked by Crabbe and Goyle, with only Pansy standing slightly behind him, who was trying to stare Harry down despite being shorter than him.
How brave…Should I mention that to her?... Nah, don't want her to get too mad at me.
"I'm surprised Weasley isn't making his way over here to try and intimidate me," Draco asked.
Harry shrugged.
"He knows that wouldn't do anything but get him in trouble. Being right outside Snape's class only reinforces that idea," He glanced at Pansy, who still glowered at him. "It's either that or Parkinson's menacing look is scaring him off."
"Piss off, Potter."
Harry's response was to grin at her, which only widened at the sound of a snort from behind the girl. She must have heard it as well, given that the scowl deepened a bit further. Draco only rolled his eyes, but there was no hiding the hint of amusement he had on his face.
"If you two are quite done, I wanted to ask you something," he continued once he had Harry's attention. "When do you have your first Quidditch practice?"
"This Saturday morning," He frowned. "Why?"
A mischievous grin spread across Draco's face, causing an identical one to appear on Pansy.
"No reason. Just keep an eye out for something truly noteworthy."
Before Harry could ask for more information, Snape slammed the door open from the inside, his black eyes showing no emotion.
"Inside."
He said, frowning just a little as he caught sight of Harry standing next to Draco.
"Is there a problem?"
The blonde spoke before Harry could.
"No problem, Professor. Just exchanging a few words with a new friend of mine."
Snape gave a slow nod before turning to the rest of the students.
"I seem to recall telling you to get…inside."
We would have if it weren't for you standing at the doorway.
He glowered at them before heading toward his desk, the class shuffling in a second later.
Harry returned to Hermione and Ron, not wanting to see if Snape would allow him to sit with the Slytherin students.
Last year he quickly grew to dread having Potions under the tutelage of Snape, who, from the first class, made his dislike for Harry very well known. So, when he walked into the room, he expected another difficult session, even after having made amends with Draco. He didn't think making a friend with someone in Slytherin would suddenly have Snape being nice to him.
As soon as the class had started, the Potions Master wasted no time in referring the students to the board, where they could find the instructions on brewing the Hair-Raising Potion. Without having to worry about Draco sabotaging him while he brewed the potion, Harry found the process to be less stressful than it otherwise might have been. Moreso when he used the advice written in his grandmother's journal.
He was so focused as he worked on the potion that he had frankly forgotten he was in the classroom. Only after he finished did he remember where he was, but not before smiling in satisfaction at the color of his potion. It was almost perfect, just a lighter tone of green than the example Professor Snape had on his desk.
As Harry made his way up to Snape's desk, he glanced at his classmates' work, wanting to compare. Draco and Hermione had finished before him, and no doubt theirs were better, if not perfect. Other than those two, he would count his as the best of the rest. The closest to his was the mixture belonging to Daphne, who caught him looking in her direction. She glanced at his potion before giving him a nod of recognition for the noticeable improvement.
I feel like I'm in a dream. Harry thought as he handed the assigned potion to Snape, who looked ready to call it a failure before observing it once more. The man seemed to be at war with himself, trying to find the right word that wouldn't come out as too nice.
"Passable."
Harry thought it was a bit more than that but figured that was the most he could get. He turned to leave when the older man spoke again.
"When I dismiss the class…you are to stay. Am I understood? Good, now clean your station."
He made his way back to do just that, shrugging at the inquisitive look on Hermione's face.
Just as Harry was told, he stayed behind, urging Ron and Hermione to head toward dinner without him, with the promise to be there shortly. Now he stood in front of Snape, who, for once, didn't have a sneer on his face. In fact, his face was completely blank, devoid of any expression. The man towered over him, even with a desk in between them.
"As the Slytherin Head of House, it is my responsibility to maintain order and oversee the safety of those in my house, and the manner in which I can do that is by keeping myself…informed."
Harry kept silent, trying his best to keep himself calm.
"Imagine my surprise when…the whisper of a new friendship made itself known to me," He leaned forward slightly, placing his palms down on the table. "Tell me…why? Why now, all of a sudden? I seem to recall hearing you rejecting his offer the previous year."
"Why does it concern you?" Harry didn't try to hide his irritation.
Ah, there's the sneer.
"When it involves a member of my house, it becomes my concern," His eyes narrowed. "I'll ask again…why?"
Harry ran a hand through his hair, huffing angrily. It was beginning to annoy him how he had to explain himself to others. He closed his eyes tightly, willing himself to calm down as he took deep breaths.
In.
Out.
In.
Out.
As if I have to run anything I do by them first.
As he calmed down, he remembered the words of the diary. Tom had said it was essential that one was able to make their own decisions.
Harry opened his eyes and stared firmly at Snape.
"The Sorting Hat said that Slytherin could help me on the way to greatness. I want to see if that's true."
He walked out after that, the Potions Master making no attempt to stop him.
If Harry had looked back, he would have seen the small hint of worry on Snape's face.
A/N: I wanted to have Harry go through gradual changes, some brought on by himself, and some brought on by the diary.
Hope you enjoyed the chapter. Take care.
