EIGHTEEN

The next morning Harry woke to the sounds of Draco dragging Greg and Vince out of bed (to much protest). He waited until they were all gone from the room before emerging from behind his curtains. Apparently Draco had kept the lounge against Marcus Flinch. Not that Harry was too surprised.

'I got up yesterday so that you could win the couch, and you didn't. Don't even think about telling me I have to do it today, because I am staying right here.' Blaise growled at him as Harry walked past his bed. Harry chuckled.

'Don't worry. Not today.'

'Then where are you going? Surely your seat in the Great Hall will be fine for a few hours yet.'

Harry smirked. More than that. He'd cursed it last night, so that anyone but him who sat in it would instantly feel the need to go to the bathroom… on the seventh floor. If anyone did decide to try and take it over, they would surely get sick of hiking up to the top of the castle every day.

'No. I need to go to the owlery.'

'Who are you sending so many letters to?'

'No one. I didn't get there last night.'

'You were gone for three hours!' Theo spoke up.

'I was busy. I have to take Tracey's letter.'

There were a few grumbles, and Blaise hissed under his breath that he was not going to follow him up to the top of the castle this early, so Harry just got ready quickly and headed out. He had no intention of heading to the top of the castle either, and instead stepped outside before summoning Hadwin.

Hadwin didn't look at all pleased, but Harry was easily forgiven with a large strip of bacon in exchange for taking Tracey's letter.

Harry stood and watched as Hadwin disappeared into the horizon, and was shaken out of it by Hagrid walking up towards the castle.

'Good morning professor.' Harry greeted Hagrid, knowing it would make him happy. Hagrid swelled up at the words.

'Jus' Hagrid is fine.'

Harry smiled, and nodded. 'Thank you for the book, Hagrid.'

'Well it's thanks to you I got th' job.'

Harry shook his head. 'I am quite sure that you would have got it as soon as your name was rightly cleared.'

'Maybe. But 'twas you who cleared me name.'

Harry smiled. 'I have my first class with you today. Have you got anything exciting for us?'

Hagrid shifted to a slightly wary look. 'Maybe. Can't tell you though. Wouldn't wan' to ruin the surprise.'

Harry smiled, 'Just don't forget that Slytherin will probably want to test limits in the first class.' He was hoping to avoid the whole Buckbeak issue. Although how Sirius would escape if he needed to would then become an issue.'

Hagrid looked slightly worried, but Harry turned and headed back inside before Hagrid could reply.

Daphne was already seated at the table when Harry arrived. He was surprised to find her alone.

'Where's Tracey?'

'We aren't attached at the hip.' Daphne bit out. Harry slid into his seat and frowned at her. Obviously she woke up on the wrong side of the bed.

'Sorry.'

Daphne seemed to deflate a bit.

'She must have forgotten something, she left in a rush.'

Harry had to bite the inside of his cheek. Apparently Tracey had a mind to steal Harry's seat.

'Oh well, I guess you're just left with my wonderful company.'

Much to his amusement Daphne just blushed and pretended to focus on spreading jam on her toast evenly.

'Draco lost the seat.' Theo grinned as he slipped into the seat to Harry's left. 'What have you got first?'

'Arithmancy.'

'Care of-' Daphne started answering at the same time as Harry. 'What?'

Harry glanced at his timetable and winced. 'Sorry. Care.'

'Did you just get something wrong.' Daphne smirked.

Harry rolled his eyes. 'Hagrid wouldn't tell me what we would be doing, but I'm guessing it's going to be good.'

'It looks like it might rain.' Theo said cheerfully, looking up at the perfectly clear ceiling of the Great Hall.

'If I catch you doing weather magic I will revoke History notes rights.' Harry said firmly. Theo had an evil glnt in his eye.

'It's not going to rain.' Daphne said crossly. 'Where is your book, Harry?'

'Which book?'

Daphne stared at Harry like he was crazy. Harry shifted a little under the stare that reminded him far too much of when he had first been getting to know Daphne in the original timeline.

'Which book!? Which book!?'

Harry frowned, it was very unlike Daphne to be hysterical. His answer came a moment later, when Daphne stood up and hauled the Monster Book of Monsters out from where she had been sitting on it, and dumped it on the table, knocking a salt shaker open all over Theo.

Harry couldn't help it. His lip twitched.

Daphne shuddered, as the book strained at it's many bindings and started inching it's way to the edge of the table.

Harry sniggered.

'What is so funny?' Daphne demanded.

Theo was quickly following Harry despite the salt, and had started to chuckle. Harry had to follow him. Just as Daphne was getting really annoyed, Blaise arrived at the same time as Lillian.

'Morning Daph- Oh. Here.' Blaise reached across and stroked the spine of Daphne's book. It turned to putty under his hand and Daphne let out an undignified noise. Theo lost it and Harry had to put one hand over his mouth to stop himself from laughing loud enough to disturb the whole hall. His sides were starting to hurt from suppressed laughter.

Daphne stood gaping at the now still book for a moment before she opened her mouth, but closed it before she said anything. She did this twice more before she pursed her lips together. Harry immediately stopped laughing. He knew what that sign meant. Unfortunately Blaise and Theo did not. They kept laughing. Harry noticed that Lillian had backed away slightly too.

'I'm not feeling so hungry.' She said quietly.

'Hmm, lets head down now.' Harry agreed quickly, scooping up the French phrase book he'd been studying over his toast and trying not to look like he was rushing. No point staying around to see Daphne explode.

The two of them passed an annoyed looking Draco and made it out the hall doors just in time to hear

'ZABINI YOU ARE SO DEAD!' followed by a not-so-manly squeak.

Harry managed to wait until they were outside before starting to chuckle again.

'Did you mean not to tell her?' Lillian asked.

'No. I just forgot she wasn't there when I got my books.'

'Hmm.'

Harry looked at Lillian now. He didn't have much to do with her, as she was very quiet, and too much of a girly-girl for his liking. He couldn't help but notice she looked rather tense, despite the amused smile.

'Are you okay?'

Lillian winced. 'I don't really like animals.'

Now that Harry thought about it he wouldn't have expected her in this class, and he honestly couldn't remember if she was in the original one. 'Ah.'

They walked a few more steps in silence before Lillian broke. 'Okay I lied. I'm terrified of them.'

She stopped where she was walking, and looked down towards Hagrid's hut like she was walking to her death. Harry was surprised that a Slytherin was willing to admit her fears, especially to someone vying for King. Lillian looked a little to panicked to care.

'Why did you pick Care then?'

'My mother studied it at Beauxbaton. They don't have practical lessons until sixth year.' She replied mechanically.

'Come on.' Harry took her lightly by the arm and guided her towards the hut. 'Best not to let the Gryffindors realise you don't want to be there.'

That seemed to have an effect on her, and she straightened her back and followed more easily. Not a moment too soon either, as Harry heard the doors to the castle open again, and Draco, Greg and Vince were followed out of the castle by the Gryffindors as one large group, then the rest of the Slytherins. Harry noted with some amusement that Hermione and Ron appeared to be arguing. He wondered if it was about Divination again. Neville, who was standing between them, had a resigned look on his face that suggested they had been arguing all morning.

Harry turned back to the front, and found that Hagrid had emerged from his hut and was waiting for the class. He had his moleskin overcoat on and Fang was waiting impatiently at his heels.

'C'mon, now, get a move on!' he called as the class approached. 'Got a real treat for yeh today! Great lesson comin' up! Everyone here? Right, follow me!'

'We're not going into the forest are we?!' Lillian hissed at Harry, sounding quite alarmed. Harry could kind of understand that, even if he felt mostly safe there now, he had had enough unpleasant experiences in there to last him a lifetime (not even counting his death). However before he could reassure her, Hagrid strolled off around the edge of the trees, and five minutes later, they found themselves outside a kind of paddock. There was nothing in there, just like last time. This time Harry was much more aware of the Slytherin's derision for it.

'Everyone gather 'round the fence here!' Hagrid called out, making Lillian jump. 'That's it — make sure yeh can see— now, firs' thing yeh'll want ter do is open yer books—'

'How?' Harry was surprised that it was Lavender that spoke up. He looked up from where he'd been flicking to the page on hippogriffs to see that only Slytherin had their books open, and none of them seemed inclined to share the secret. Harry sighed.

'Eh?' said Hagrid inelegantly.

'How do we open our books?' Lavender repeated. She took out his copy of The Monster Book of Monsters, which had been bound shut with a bright pink ribbon. The other Gryffindors took theirs out too; some, like Harry had originally, had belted their book shut; others had crammed them inside tight bags or clamped them together with binder clips.

'Hasn' — hasn' anyone bin able ter open their books?' said Hagrid, looking crestfallen.

Harry sighed mentally, 'You just stroke them.' He was aware that his sardonic tone would hardly endear him to the Gryffindors, but until he won King, Slytherin would mostly come first.

Hagrid looked a bit relieved that at least the Slytherins had figured it out. 'Tha's right. What else would yeh do?' He asked as though this was the most obvious thing in the world. 'Here-'

He took Hermione's copy and ripped off the Spellotape that bound it. The book tried to bite, but Hagrid ran a giant forefinger down its spine, and the book shivered, and then fell open and lay quiet in his hand.

'Oh, how silly we've all been!' Draco sneered. 'We should have stroked them! Why didn't we guess!'

'I — I thought they were funny,' Hagrid said uncertainly to Hermione.

'Oh, tremendously funny!' said Malfoy. 'Really witty, giving us books that try and rip our hands off!'

'Next time, Draco, I'll leave you to it.' said Harry quietly. Hagrid was looking downcast again and Harry scowled. He wanted Hagrid's first lesson to be a success this time.

'Righ' then,' said Hagrid, who seemed to have lost his thread, 'so — so yeh've got yer books an'…an'…now yeh need the Magical Creatures. Yeah. So I'll go an' get 'em. Hang on…'

He strode away from them into the forest and out of sight. Harry rounded on Draco right as he opened his mouth to complain

'God, this place is going to the dogs,' said Malfoy loudly. 'That oaf teaching classes, my father'll have a fit when I tell-'

'Your father is well aware of who teaches here, being on the school board. Perhaps,' Harry drawled, 'he is aware of the value a creature expert like Hagrid can offer. I hardly think Drumstrang will be learning about anything nastier than a niffler until well after fifth year, considering Professor Leewald is more scared of his own shadow than Quirrell. Beauxbaton doesn't do practical until sixth year either, would you like to do theory for another three years?'

Draco scowled at Harry and was no doubt going to fight back when Ron interrupted.

'Well you'd know all about Drumstrang wouldn't you Potter. Already planning a transfer?'

Harry had spoken quiet enough that he thought only the Slytherin's could hear, but apparently not.

'Well I can see why he wouldn't stay here.' Draco drawled sneering at Ron. His support surprised Harry for a moment before Harry remembered Slytherin's rule. It still felt odd being defended by Draco against Ron.

'Like you're much better, Malfoy. The two of you probably hide out in the dungeons plotting Dark Magic together.'

Draco sneered, then pretended to see something behind Ron, backing up a pace and looking scared.

'Careful, Weasley, there's a Dementor behind you-'

Harry sighed almost inaudibly as Ron, as well as most of the Gryffindors spun around, wands out, to find nothing there.

'Oooooooh!' Lavender Brown's squeal broke the fight up as she pointed toward the opposite side of the paddock.

Harry had forgotten just how bizarre hippogriffs looked. He hadn't been to see Buckbeak in years before he'd come back. Harry did note that Buckbeak looked much younger than Harry remembered, and he found himself surprised that he knew enough to tell. The fur on the body and hind legs like a horse was smooth and shiny, there were more small feathers around the top of the front legs and the bigger feathers on the wings were sleek and more uniform. The hippogriffs were eyeing the students with large, brilliantly orange eyes, and they seemed to be taking in everyone's posture already. Harry inclined his head just the tiniest amount. Beside him Lillian had started to shake.

'Their talons look at least half a foot long! You don't think they're deadly?' she asked weakly.

'Treat them with respect and they won't harm you.' Harry replied. Lillian just whimpered in response.

Each of the beasts had a thick leather collar around its neck, which was attached to a long chain, and the ends of all of these were held in the vast hands of Hagrid, who came jogging into the paddock behind the creatures.

'Gee up, there!' he roared, shaking the chains and urging the creatures toward the fence where the class stood. Everyone drew back slightly as Hagrid reached them and tethered the creatures to the fence, and Lillian took that moment to cling to Harry's arm. Harry considered mentioning the fact that her nails were actually breaking his skin, but she looked utterly terrified, so he just sighed and cast a numbing charm.

'Hippogriffs!' Hagrid roared happily, waving a hand at them. 'Beau'iful, aren' they?'

And for the most part, once you got over the first shock of seeing something that was half horse, half bird, they were beautiful. But then Harry thought nearly every magical creature he'd come across was, excepting maybe Hagrid's Skrewts. Compared to those Harry could easily appreciate the Hippogriffs' gleaming coats, changing smoothly from feather to hair, each of them a different color: stormy gray, bronze, pinkish roan, gleaming chestnut, and inky black.

'So,' said Hagrid, rubbing his hands together and beaming around, 'if yeh wan' ter come a bit nearer…'

No one seemed to want to. Harry sighed, and dragged Lillian forward. He found that nearly everyone else had stepped back. Lillian let out a tiny moan, but didn't seem willing to let go of Harry to leave.

'Now, firs' thing yeh gotta know abou' Hippogriffs is, they're proud,' said Hagrid, oblivious that everyone but Harry were scared of the creatures he had. 'Easily offended, Hippogriffs are. Don't never insult one, 'cause it might be the last thing yeh do.'

This reminded Harry of the original class, and he made a mental note to partner with Draco. Already he could see that the three Slytherin's weren't listening, and if it hadn't been for Buckbeak, Harry probably would have just left Draco to get injured, then promptly mailed Lucius about his son's lack of self-preservation instincts before it could get out of hand.

'Yeh always wait fer the Hippogriff ter make the firs' move,' Hagrid continued. 'It's polite, see? Yeh walk toward him, and yeh bow, an' yeh wait. If he bows back, yeh're allowed ter touch him. If he doesn' bow, then get away from him sharpish, 'cause those talons hurt.'

'Right — who wants ter go first?'

Most of the class backed farther away in answer. The Hippogriffs were tossing their fierce heads and flexing their powerful wings; Harry was quite sure they didn't like being tethered like that, though he could understand why Hagrid had.

'No one?' said Hagrid, with a pleading look.

Harry opened his mouth.

'Don't you even think about it.' Lillian hissed, but it was much too late for that. Besides, Harry thought facing your fears were good for you, and she would be able to use this anyway.

'We'll do it.' He said cheerfully.

'WHAT?!' Liilian screeched, then instantly went crimson as everyone stared at them.

'Trust me.' Harry whispered only loud enough for just Lillian to hear.

Harry dragged Lillian forward and forced her to climb over the paddock fence, he shot a mild calming charm at her as they went, but she was still shaking.

There was an intake of breath from behind him as he scaled the fence and one of the hippogriffs let out a large snort, both Lavender and Parvati whispered, 'Oooh, no, Harry, remember your tea leaves!' in unison, which was rather creepy.

Harry ignored them, while Lillian managed to look even more worried.

'Good man, Potter!' roared Hagrid. 'Right then - let's see how yeh two get on with Buckbeak.'

He untied one of the chains, pulled the gray Hippogriff away from its fellows, and slipped off its leather collar. The class on the other side of the paddock seemed to be holding its breath. Draco's eyes were narrowed maliciously but Harry was amused to see that Neville was wringing his hands at the back.

Harry took Lillian's hand in his. 'You do respect how much damage a Hippogriff can do.' Harry whispered, 'You just have to show them that you understand they are above you in rank.'

'Easy now,' said Hagrid quietly. 'Yeh've got eye contact, now try not ter blink…Hippogriffs don' trust yeh if yeh blink too much…'

Harry could see that Lillian's eyes immediately began to water, but she didn't shut them. Buckbeak had turned his great, sharp head and was staring at them with one fierce orange eye. 'Tha's it,' said Hagrid. 'Tha's it, Potter…now, bow.'

Harry bowed without a hitch, and dragged Lillian down with him, even though he knew she didn't feel much like exposing the back of her neck, but she did as she was told. He gave a short bow and then looked up, however Lillian seemed to be frozen.

Harry was surprised to see that Buckbeak wasn't staring haughtily at them. Instead he seemed to be staring at Harry almost curiously.

For a moment, none of them moved.

'Ah,' said Hagrid, sounding worried. 'Right- back away, now, easy does it-'

But then, to everyone but Harry's enormous surprise, Buckbeak suddenly bent his scaly front knees and sank into what was an unmistakable bow. Lillian let out one last whimper, then seemed to turn to jelly and only remained standing because Harry grabbed her elbow.

'Well done!' said Hagrid, ecstatic. 'Right — yeh can touch him! Pat his beak, go on!'

Feeling that he had probably pushed Lillian enough, he handed her his books, and without a word she rushed back to the fence.

Harry moved slowly toward Buckbeak as Hagrid made a surprised noise as his focus was on Lillian. Harry patted Buckbeak several times causing him to close his eyes lazily in enjoyment. Harry wasn't too surprised until Buckbeak used his beak to knock Harry's arm out of the way and lightly nipped Harry's shoulder. Harry reeled back in shock.

The class had broken into applause, (except for Draco, Vince, Greg and Ron and Seamus who amusingly all had the same look of deep disappointment). The Slytherin girls were gathered around Lillian and were looking very impressed.

Harry however couldn't help but stare at Buckbeak in shock. That nip was something Buckbeak had started doing to Harry well into the original future after he got into the habit of always brought the ferrets in on a string over that shoulder.

'Righ' then, Harry,' said Hagrid, oblivious to Harry's shock. 'I reckon he migh' let yeh ride him!'

Harry nodded, and before Hagrid could tell him how, he put his foot behind the wing joint and swung himself up careful not to grip the feathers.

'Yeh jus' ha- Oh. Yes. Jus' like that.' Hagrid looked very surprised. In the background Hermione threw her hands up in exasperation.

'Go on, then!' roared Hagrid, slapping the Hippogriffs hindquarters.

As usual, there was no warning before twelve-foot wings flapped open on either side of Him, and he just had enough time to wrap his arms around Buckbeak's neck before he was soaring upward. Hippogriff wings beat uncomfortably on either side of him, catching him under his legs and making him feel he was about to be thrown off, but he knew from experience he wouldn't, so it was a lot less worrying than his first ride. He still preferred brooms.

'Buckbeak, do you know me?' Harry asked once they were well away from the class and soaring over the forest. Buckbeak let out a long call, and tossed his head a bit. Harry wasn't sure if that was a yes, or a no… or even an answer at all.

They flew him once around the paddock and then headed back to the ground; Harry always dreaded the landing; he leaned back as the smooth neck lowered, feeling he was going to slip off over the beak, then felt a heavy thud as the four ill-assorted feet hit the ground. He just managed to hold on and push himself straight again.

'Good work, Harry!' roared Hagrid as the class cheered. 'Okay, who else wants a go?'

Emboldened by Harry's success, the rest of the class climbed cautiously into the paddock, led by the Gryffindors. Hagrid untied the Hippogriffs one by one, and soon people were bowing nervously, all over the paddock. Neville ran repeatedly backward from his, which didn't seem to want to bend its knees. Ron and Seamus practiced on the chestnut. This time Harry didn't just stand and watch, instead heading over to take over from Lillian who was partnered with Millie and Pansy, conveniently next to where Draco had taken over Buckbeak.

'Aren't you going to let the others have their turn?' Harry asked Lillian loudly, as Millie had pushed her forward to go first.

'Wh-'

'You've already proven how well you deal with magical creatures Lillian. Not up to the challenge Millie?' Harry asked. Millie turned her nose up and pushed to the front. Lillian sent Harry a relieved look behind the other girls backs, and a moment later Harry heard her telling Pansy that she would be taking notes from now on so the others had a chance to learn. No credit lost.

Harry focused back on Buckbeak in time to see that he had bowed to Draco, who was now patting his beak, looking disdainful.

'This is very easy,' Malfoy drawled, 'I knew it must have been, if Potter could do it…I bet-' but before he could get any further Harry sent a silencio at him wandlessly, and the remainder of the insult didn't come out.

'Draco do try to keep in mind the fact that while Buckbeak probably wouldn't kill you for the insult, he is quite capable of maiming if he wishes.

'I don't see what all the fuss is about.' Pansy broke in on their conversation. 'I mean, it's why would we even want to ride a great ugly thing like this. They aren't even useful.'

It happened in a flash of steely talons just like Harry remembered; Pansy let out a high pitched scream and next moment, Hagrid was wrestling the inky black hippogriff back into his collar as he strained to get at Pansy, who lay on the ground crying, blood blossoming over her robes.

'I'm dying!' Pansy yelled as the class panicked. 'I'm dying, look at me! It's killed me!'

'Yer not dyin'!' said Hagrid, who had gone very white. 'Someone help me — gotta get her outta here —'

Harry clenched his eyes shut in frustration, and was hyper aware of having to pull his magic back in as it was straining to lash out.

Hermione ran to hold open the gate as Hagrid lifted Pansy easily. As they passed him, Harry stopped Hagrid.

'I'll take her. I can levitate her and be quick about it.'

Hagrid looked sheet white now, but could see that the class was going to chaos.

'Are yeh sure-'

'I'm a Slytherin. We look after our own.'

Hagrid frowned, but glanced down to see Pansy scowling up at him and making whimpering noises.

In the moment of indecision Harry levitated Pansy out of Hagrid's arms and headed towards the school. Theo ran to catch up.

'You make sure they stay calm. Draco is under a silencio. Keep it that way.' Harry barked out. Theo nodded and returned to the class, while Harry hurried on ahead.

As soon as they were inside the castle Pansy's tears stopped and she struggled out of the levitation. Harry dropped it and she fell to the floor.

'I don't need your help, Potter.'

Harry was about to sneer back, but realised Pansy was swaying, and despite it being her own fault, had lost a lot of blood.

'Come here.' Harry pushed magic into the command, knowing, and hating himself for it, that it was a very basic form of imperio, one which Tom Riddle had often employed. But Pansy came.

'Vulnera Sanentur, Vulnera Sanentur-'

'What are you-'

'Vulnera Sanentur.' Harry waved his wand over her arm the third time in a complex pattern and the cleaned wound started to knit itself together.

'Oh.'

'Come on. You've still lost far too much blood.'

Pansy tried to struggle, but Harry was too strong for her while she was weak from blood loss. They made quick time to the hospital wing.

Harry was rather annoyed to find McGonagall there as well as Pomfrey. Madam Pomfrey turned to dismiss them but instead let out a loud yell of shock and rushed forward.

'What have you done?' She scolded, and both Harry and Pansy bristled.

'We didn't do anything.' Pansy sneered. Harry said nothing, and pushed Pansy forward.

'Didn't do anything!? You're both covered in blood!'

Harry looked down to find that the front of his robes were in fact almost totally covered in blood. He was annoyed, but even more worried about Pansy.

'She needs a blood replenisher straight away, and some dittany for her arm. I healed the wounds, but if she doesn't want scars-'

'Scars!' Pansy sounded horrified. To Harry's relief Madam Pomfrey seemed to snap out of it and pushed Pansy onto a bed waving her wand over her as a diagnostic.

'Blood replenisher, if you wouldn't mind Minerva?'

McGonagall nodded and rushed off to get some. Meanwhile Harry had gone to the shelf above Madam Pomfrey's desk and retrieved the small jar of dittany. He handed it over just as Pomfrey opened her mouth to ask for it. Madam Pomfrey started dabbing it on immediately, only breaking off to measure out and dose Pansy as soon as McGonagall returned. Pansy instantly got her colouring back, but seemed to become more aware of the pain her arm had been in and tears started to fall again.

'My Mother will not be pleased to hear about this.' Pansy sneered mid hic-up.

'What happened?'

'That horrid man set hippogriffs against us!' She screeched.

Harry let the chaos swirl around them as McGonagall took points for disrespect and Pomfrey muttered about allowing children near anything dangerous at all. Harry waited until a still moment before drawling 'I was under the impression his instructions were quite clear. You could hardly claim they were too complicated or above your intelligence level… or maybe you could.'

Pansy flushed red, but as she opened her mouth to retort back Pomfrey interrupted her.

'I won't have you distressing my patients any more than necessary, Mr. Potter. Now, is any of that your blood this time?'

'No Madam Pomfrey.'

'Well then, you are free to-'

'Just one minute.' McGonagall interrupted. 'How did you know how to heal a grade seven injury. Madam Pomfrey's diagnosis implied a Dark remedy.'

Harry wanted to sneer up at her, but paused as he wondered if it really were Dark. After all, he hadn't had to give anything up for it, had he? And Belleza said you couldn't shield from a Dark creature with a light spell. Were hippogriffs Light or Dark, and would it not have worked if he used the wrong type. Actually, that explained why healers were very particular about knowing exactly what caused an injury before they started healing it.

Harry frowned. 'I'd like to learn healing, I looked it up in a book, and it isn't Dark because it was caused by a Light creature, so it had to be healed with a Light spell.'

McGonagall was completely thrown by Harry's answer, but after a slight pursing of her lips gave Harry five points for fast thinking. She then said she had to go and check on the rest of their class and Hagrid, and quickly left.

'Do you really want to learn healing?' Madam Pomfrey inquired. Harry glanced at Pansy, who was being very quiet, but was instantly amused to see Madam Pomfrey had obviously dosed her potion with sleeping draught.

'Sleep is one of the best healers for magical blood.' She said, having seen Harry's amusement.

'Why?'

'Because our magic registers our body as safe whilst asleep, and draws our magic away from other functions in order to focus on healing.'

Harry nodded. That made sense, he was always less aware when he slept when injured or sick.

'Yes, I would have liked to take my OWLS in Healing, but there wasn't an option offered.'

Madam Pomfrey frowned for a moment, then walked to the other side of the room to collect a book.

'Read this. Perhaps you could come and visit me on Saturdays for lessons. There would be a lot of work to keep up with in order to pass your OWLS, but it is manageable, and I have been told you are relatively intelligent.'

Harry smirked. This would be excellent. Only… 'Would Friday afternoons be possible?'

'Do you have a free?'

Harry shrugged and pulled the time-turner out from under his robes. Madam Pomfrey raised one eyebrow. 'And you wish to take on more classes?'

'I shall of course let you know if it is becoming too much.'

She huffed. 'You shan't of course, but at least if I am seeing you once a week I shall be able to watch for signs of exhaustion.'

'Best check Her- Granger as well then.'

'Her-Granger?'

Harry's lip twitched, and he acknowledged the slip. 'She isn't ready for me to call her Hermione.'

'A Slytherin dating a Gryffindor. I haven't seen that for a great many years.'

'Oh? How many?' Harry teased, ignoring the fact he wasn't interested in dating Hermione.

Madam Pomfrey huffed, but walked away without answering.

'I expect you to have read up to chapter five by Friday. And I suggest you change your robes before heading back to class.'

Harry looked down at his robes, and was about to vanish the blood when he realised she meant Arithmancy not Care. He glanced at his watch. If he went back now he'd have time to walk down to the common room to change his robes, then go back and still have thirty minutes or so before class to read the book he'd been given.

By the time Harry had to turn back for an Arithmancy double he had read most of chapter three and headed back up towards the hospital wing, veering off towards Arithmancy. He passed McGonagall leading a sixth year Gryffindor with a tail sticking out the back of his robes and monkey ears, and could only assume that was why she had been in the hospital wing when he would arrive with Pansy.

Hermione was scribbling away at her notes at the desk they had sat at last time, and Harry slid in next to her without warning. She jumped and made a large inkblot over the last line of her essay.

'Potter!' She sighed annoyed, drawing the ink back off the page with the tip of her wand.

'Some morning, huh?' Harry said brightly, but immediately realised that Hermione must have done things in the opposite order, as she looked a bit baffled.

'I beg your pardon?'

'Oh. I went to Care first.'

Hermione huffed. 'And is it another class you are brilliant in?' She asked sarcastically.

'I'm flattered.' Harry grinned.

'You would be too.' She griped.

Harry laughed and settled in to pulling out his notes. Hermione went back to working on her sheet, but eventually the silence got to her.

'What happened in Care of Magical Creatures, Potter?' She bit out.

'Curiosity killed the cat.'

'You are impossible!'

Harry laughed, causing a fair amount of giggling from the Ravenclaw girls who had entered and taken up their seats to the left.

'Just try to keep everyone calm after.' Harry suggested, then blatantly refused to say anything more, much to Hermione's distress. She was still prodding when Professor Vector arrived. Harry immediately focused on the lesson (and tried to tell himself it had nothing to do with who was teaching), and with a huff Hermione did as well. The lesson went rather quickly, despite being a double, and Harry was pleased to note that he picked up the patterns either first or second usually, and not always behind the same person, though Morag McDougal would be a challenge for both Hermione and Harry by the looks of things.

Hermione didn't mention time travel again until right at the end of the lesson, when she muttered 'Next week I think I'll have to do Care of Magical Creatures first too. If only to avoid your taunts.' Before hurrying off to find a quiet corner to turn back in.

Harry, on the other hand headed back into the hospital wing, winking at Pomfrey and asking for a spot to change back into his bloody robes.

Harry arrived back into the hall to find the Slytherins still muttering about Hagrid.

'Do you think Pansy will be all right?' said Lillian nervously, slipping into Theo's usual seat to Harry's left. Harry raised one eyebrow at the move, but didn't comment.

'Of course she will. Madam Pomfrey can mend cuts in about a second.' So, apparently, could he, but for the moment they didn't need to know that.

Lillian calmed down a bit, then whacked Harry on the arm. 'You dragged me in there with those… creatures!'

Harry leaned in very close to Lillian's ear, so that the majority of the table couldn't hear. 'Yes, and now you have established that you don't fear magical creatures, you need not go near any of Hagrid's smaller ones.'

'Politics then.' Lillian nodded, not bothering to whisper.

Harry sneered a little, but nodded. 'Always.'

Lillian tilted her head to one side. 'What is in it for you?'

'Absolutely nothing.' Harry smirked. It was mostly true (there was a small chance of increased loyalty), but Lillian would never believe it. But Harry had to keep them on their toes after all.

'That was an unfortunate start to the year's lessons.' Blaise offered, slipping into his normal seat. 'Where is Theo?' he then asked, glancing at Lillian.

'Lazing about the common room no doubt.'

'I am not Harry!' Theo said, walking up and glancing at Lillian in his spot. He huffed then slid in one down. 'Why are you covered in blood?' he demanded.

'I look good in red.' Harry promptly replied. Around him several Slytherin's choked on their food or drinks. Internally Harry smirked. It was good to know they were following the conversation.

That is just…' Theo looked at Harry, searching for the word. '-typical.' He settled on.

'That he's covered in blood?' Lillian asked, sounding rather disgusted.

'I imagine he means Harry's lack of response.' Blaise answered, Harry glanced at him, but didn't deny it. 'Parkinson insulted a Hippogriff.'

'Is that bad?' Theo inquired.

'Don't be so dull. Potter looks much better in green than red.' Daphne spoke up sarcastically.

'I look good in green, Greengrass?' The teasing response was out before Harry could register what he was about to say. It went mostly above the group's head, but Blaise choked on his pumpkin juice and had to hide behind his napkin, and further down the table a seventh year swore loudly. Daphne went an instant crimson, and Harry had to resist making a comment about looking good in red too. It would be lost to a Daphne who didn't know he used to belong to Gryffindor, and would probably just be seen as taking it to far. Slytherin's were surprisingly prudish.

'Right…' Theo frowned. 'Is all that blood from you, or was Pansy bleeding too?'

'I'm sorry?'

'Your arm is bleeding.' Theo pointed to Harry's left arm. Harry pulled back the sleeve and discovered that Lillian's nails had broken the skin more then he'd thought. His arm was still under a numbing charm and he'd totally forgotten about it.

'Bother.' Harry pulled out his wand, and was about to use the same spell he had on Pansy, but then realised that he didn't know whether Lillian was Light or Dark, and whether that would affect a spell at all. 'Ferula.' He settled on instead, before pulling his sleeve back down over the bandages.

Lillian was staring at Harry's arm in horror, but was obviously unwilling to admit that she'd made the marks.

'What were Brown and Patil going on about with Remember your tea leaves Harry!?' Blaise asked into the silence.

'And since when were you Harry?' Daphne added.

Harry mentally sighed, wondering how to answer that, but Daphne's comment seemed to have de-railed Blaise.

'Why does that matter?'

'It doesn't!'

'Sure it doesn't. Do you have a-'

'What do we have next?' Daphne interrupted Blaise loudly. Harry frowned, but shrugged and pulled out his diary. Theo tried to read over his shoulder.

'It's blank.'

'So we have a free?' Daphne asked confused.

Harry glared at Theo. 'It is blank to nosey people who like to read other people's diaries. We have Charms, then an elective spot. Have any of you finished the homework yet?'

The group launched into complaining about the difficulty of cleaning charms, and completely forgot about Harry's tea leaves, or asking which elective Harry had. Thinking on it, if the majority of his group of friends were Dark inclined, it wasn't surprising that they struggled in charms. That you used to have to choose between Charms and Transfiguration wasn't actually all that surprising, when looked at like that, though Harry could see why the school had stopped doing it. If Harry had proven much better at Transfiguration when he was meant to be a Light little Gryffindor, he could see how that could have been a problem. It did amuse Harry to realise that Hermione was much better at Transfiguration, and always struggled in charms. Perhaps she was darker than even his friend herself realised.