September
Saturday 1 September 1991 King's Cross Station, London
Harry arrived at the station via the bus route at half past ten am with his trunk and his owl. He had asked his uncle to drive him to the station but Vernon had other plans and his aunt never drove unless it was an emergency.
After demonstrating the Assistant, he had asked Professor Snape how to get onto the train platform mentioned in the letter of acceptance. The letter never did instruct on how to find it nor how to get onto it. Snape had grunted about that and agreed that it should be in the letter. He then told Harry the trick to get onto the platform.
Harry looked at the pillar that held the secret entrance and shook his head in exasperation. Really? Would it be so difficult to build their own station so students didn't have to go through this hassle every school year?
Once through, Harry found an empty compartment and loaded his trunk on board. He opened up his owl's cage and brought her out. He had named her Hedwig and she responded quite well to it.
"Would you like to stretch your wings for a bit, Hedwig? Just keep close to the platform and be back when you hear the whistle blow, ok?" Hedwig nodded and took off.
Harry wandered around the platform then headed up to the locomotive to check it out. He spoke briefly with the engineer about the workings of the locomotive and its history. Next, he went back through the portal to find a quick lunch stand and bought a couple of sandwiches, a large bottle of water and a newspaper before heading back to the magical side. When he arrived, Hedwig swooped down and landed on his shoulder. The two of them boarded the carriage compartment and settled in for the upcoming journey. The crowds of people who were sending their own children off to school arrived and Harry kept to himself in his compartment. He had no desire to start a massive crush by all the people who wanted to meet their 'savior.' He watched sadly as parents gave their kids last minute instructions, gave them hugs or kisses on the cheek. How he wished that he had parents to do that with him…
With a final blow of the whistle, everyone going to Hogwarts climbed aboard and the train began to move out of the station.
Time passes slowly if you've caught up on all of your reading and especially if there was no one to talk to. Yes, he had Hedwig but she wasn't exactly the greatest conversationalist. A rude redheaded boy had barged his way in earlier but Harry all but threw him out of his carriage when it became apparent that the boy was a loud-mouthed bigot. To hear him tell it, everyone that wasn't in Gryffindor House was either bookworms, duffers or just plain evil. Harry had no time to put up with such attitudes as he hoped to become one of the duffers. Hufflepuff House sounded like the perfect place to learn all he could while at the same time make a lot of new friends. A blonde-haired ponce by the name of Draco Malfoy came barging in not five minutes later spouting off about how he could help introduce Harry to the right sort of people but Harry gave him the same treatment he gave to the redheaded twit. He thought of the characteristics and traits of the other houses.
Ravenclaw had its advantages as well but the thought of excelling in the class while ignoring the world around him was just folly in his opinion. There was more to life than just viewing the world through books. Miss Honeybloom had taught him that one.
Slytherin was a possibility though a slim one. He certainly had drive and ambition but from the stories he had heard both on the train and from speaking to Professor Snape, it was full of students who viewed others not as friends but as mere stepping-stones to getting what they wanted.
Gryffindor sounded like it was the house of the sports nuts. It seemed that based on the other stories he had heard about how brave they were, the reality was they were little more than the House of "Oooh! Look at the shiny ball! You want the shiny ball? Go get the shiny ball!"
Nope, it was his desire to get into Hufflepuff House. It afforded him the best of all the different houses without specializing in anything. He didn't believe that they were lazy rather they took the time to enjoy each other's company while working hard to achieve at any task.
As he was contemplating the upcoming Sorting, the door to his compartment opened and a bushy-haired young girl stepped in.
"Excuse me, have you seen a toad? A boy named Neville has lost one." She asked.
"Nope, sorry. It's been just been my owl and myself for the bulk of the trip. I will keep an eye out for it though. Can you describe it?" Harry replied.
The girl described the toad and then took a closer look at him.
"You're Harry Potter, aren't you? I've read all about you."
"Really? Which articles? Or are you referring to those silly fictional books that Flourish and Blott's was trying to pass off as real life adventures?"
"No, you're listed in Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts and Events and Interesting People of the 20th Century."
"Yeah, I saw those too. Wasn't too impressed with them, as they seemed to speculate more than answer any actual questions. By the way, what's your name?"
"Hermione Granger, I'm a muggleborn."
"It's a pleasure to meet you. Have you got all your equipment for the classes? I'm looking forward to starting Potions." He commented and motioned for her to have a seat.
"I've only tried a few of the simpler spells but Transfiguration looks to be the most exciting class in my opinion. What House do you hope to get into? I'm hoping for either Gryffindor or Ravenclaw." She said in one giant breath after plopping down on the bench.
"I hope to get into Hufflepuff. The other houses just have too many negative points for me to take seriously."
"Oh?"
"Well, let's take Gryffindor for example. It sounded like it was the house of the sports nuts. It seems that based on the other stories I had heard about how brave they were, the reality was they were little more than the House of "Oooh! Look at the shiny ball! You want the shiny ball? Go get the shiny ball!" Hermione giggled at his description.
"Next we have Ravenclaw. It has its advantages as well but the thought of excelling in the class while ignoring the world around him is just nuts. There was more to life than just viewing the world through books. My Primary Three teacher, Miss Honeybloom had taught me that one." Hermione nodded thoughtfully.
"Third we have Slytherin House which has been traditionally been populated by just pureblood witches and wizards. I wouldn't recommend that one, as you'd probably be murdered in your sleep if you were to get sorted there and they found out that you are a muggleborn. The house was full of students who viewed others not as friends but as mere stepping-stones to getting what they wanted." Hermione grimaced at the thought of being murdered just because who her parents were or weren't.
"Finally, we have Hufflepuff. It would afford the student the best of all the different houses without specializing in anything. A lot of people will say that Hufflepuff is full of lazy duffers. I don't believe that they were lazy rather they took the time to enjoy each other's company while working hard to achieve at any task. Plus as a Potter, where else could I go? Hufflepuff, in my opinion is the house of the artists, the dreamers, the musicians and the magic makers." She smiled at his description and belief in the house.
They sat in silence for a few moments as Hermione processed what she had just learned. She noticed his Assistant lying on the seat next to him.
"Oh! Is that one of those Potioneer's Assistants I heard so much about?"
Harry nodded, "Yup, here take a look. I co-created this along with my Primary Three and Five teachers a couple of years ago and had the article published in the magazine Potioneer's Monthly. This one is the latest version. It's a blend of computer technology and magics."
"I thought non-magical technology didn't work around magical items?" She inquired as she skimmed through the pages and saw how they were laid out.
"Normally, they don't but in this case what we did was instead of carving the runic arrays that create a 'null-space' into the journal itself, we used the same manufacturing process that computer manufacturers use in making microchips. Those are then mounted in protective sleeves that are then tied into the rest of the journal using a proprietary process."
Her eyes glittered at the thought of sitting next to a real-life inventor and published author. It was so much better to think of him as that than that silly title of The-Boy-Who-Lived. She tried out some of the basic features of the Assistant before handing it back to Harry.
"How much did these cost? I will have to write to the bookstore to send me a copy."
"Thirty British Pounds or six Galleons but they aren't available to the general population yet. I'm having a difficult time finding a magical manufacturer that's knowledgeable in computer technology and manufacturing." He replied.
"Wow, thank you, Harry. You've given me so much to think on. I really should get back to helping Neville find his lost toad." With that she got up, gave him a warm smile and left the compartment.
Once at the school and standing in line behind Hermione in the Great Hall, Harry listened to an old magical hat, which sung badly, about the four houses and their qualities.
One by one, alphabetically by last name, the new First Years were called up and had the hat placed upon their heads. Some were sorted very quickly while a couple of others took a few minutes. Hermione got sorted into Ravenclaw, while Neville Longbottom, the boy who had misplaced his toad was sorted into Gryffindor. Finally, it was Harry's turn.
"Well, hello Mr. Potter. Let's see…Hmmm…Oh, not a bad mind, Ravenclaw would benefit greatly from your learning and skill to develop the Potioneer's Assistant, yes. You show a lot of bravery, that's for sure, Gryffindor would help you there. You have ambition and drive in spades Mr. Potter…" Not Slytherin! Harry thought back to the Hat. "Not Slytherin, eh? Hmmm…where to put you?"
"I want to go into Hufflepuff!" thought Harry, "It's the House of the artists, the craftsmen, the dreamers, the music and magic makers!"
"Interesting description, Mr. Potter. If you're sure then…BETTER BE…HUFFLEPUFF!"
That last bit had been announced to the school and the Hufflepuff table erupted into cheers. A few redheaded students at the Gryffindor table looked confused and rather disappointed, "we didn't get Potter?"
Harry glanced up at the Head Table and spotted a quick moue of disappointment from the Headmaster. The look quickly shifted back to one of indifference when the man realized that Harry was looking at him.
After a great dinner and listening to a few introductions, Harry was led down a flight of stairs and towards a stack of barrels along one wall. The prefect instructed the First Years on how to access the Hufflepuff Common Room by tapping on the barrel to the tune of saying 'Helga Hufflepuff.' Once inside, the First Years were assigned their rooms and all quickly went to sleep.
Monday 3 September, 1991 Hogwarts Hufflepuff Common Room
Sunday morning dawned and Harry spent the day exploring the castle. He learned where most of his classes would be and to his joy discovered where the greenhouses and potions labs were. They were locked unfortunately but he wasn't worried; he'd get in there.
As Monday morning dawned clear and bright, Harry got up and went through his usual morning routine. When he was finally dressed and had just clipped his Potioneering kit bag to his belt, he headed out to the Common Room to see if there was anything that he needed to know. The Fifth Year Prefect, Eric Truman, met up with him and told Harry to wait as the First Years were going to be escorted to breakfast then led on a tour of the castle for an "official" orientation.
"So, Mr. Potter. What's your first impression of what you've seen so far?"
"I think it's wonderful! The size of the Great Hall, the moving portraits, the ghosts and the food are just wonderful." Replied Harry, "I'm really looking forward to my first Herbology and Potions classes."
"Hmmm…Herbology is a great class, our Head of House is the professor of the subject but I should warn you that the Potions professor…he doesn't like anyone from any of the other houses," Truman stated, "He'll verbally mistreat you, take away points for inane reasons and berate you if your potion isn't to his standards. The man doesn't even really teach. He'll point to a recipe on the blackboard and tell you to get started. No instructions on how to prepare anything, no safety warnings, just 'your project is on the board, begin.'"
"That's…kind of scary." Harry nervously said, "What's his name?"
"Severus Snape," replied the prefect.
"Oh! I met him at Slug and Jigger's in Diagon Alley before school started. He teaches the First Years as well? He seemed to be nice enough but I guess I'll find out when the time comes." Harry interjected, "It sounds as if the professor should be teaching just the older years and for the school to find someone to teach the younger years in proper methodology."
"That would be wonderful but the school board is annoyingly reluctant to spend money where it's needed. The school's flying brooms are positively ancient and in very bad shape. The flying instructor, Madam Hooch, keeps requesting new ones but she's always told that there's no money available, which in my opinion is strange because the History of Magic professor is a ghost. Why would he need to be paid? Very strange indeed."
"Has anyone ever asked the Ministry or perhaps sent out an anonymous letter to the media outlining the strange circumstances of the school's financial and equipment problems?" Harry asked curiously.
"Not to my knowledge but that's a good idea. I'll think about it," He glanced up, "Ok, it looks like that the others are finally starting to drift in, why don't we get assembled and head on up to breakfast?" Truman said.
Upon reaching the Great Hall, Harry looked around for Hermione and found her at the Ravenclaw table eating.
"Good morning, Hermione. May I join you?" She nodded.
"Excited about your first classes?" He asked.
"Oh, yes! I can't wait for Professor Flitwick to get done eating so he can hand out our schedules. What about you?" she responded eagerly.
"As I mentioned on the train I'm looking forward to Potions. I asked my prefect and he said that Professor Snape usually holds his classes on a Friday."
"You going to bring the Assistant?"
"I always carry it with me. You want to see it again?" She nodded eagerly and reached out making little 'grabby motions' with her hands.
Harry dug into his bag and pulled out the Assistant and handed it over. Hermione curiously examined the "interface screen."
"So what do some of these symbols mean?" she asked, pointing at them.
"There's a list of the abbreviations on the back cover and their meaning," Harry said as he began to build his breakfast.
Hermione flipped to the back and saw the following list:
'On/off' = activate/deactivate Potioneer's Assistant
'Indx' = Index of ingredients, recipes and techniques
'Nw Pt' = New/Create a Potion
'Chg Pt' = Change/Modify a Potion
'Test Pt' = Test Potion
' ^ v' = scroll direction
'Select' = select the item
'^/v $' = look for more or less expensive ingredients
'Mug alt' = muggle alternative to potion
'Scan pg' = scan a list for item
'Copy pg' = copy a page from outside source
'Copy bk' = copy a book from outside source
The list continued down the rest of the back page. Hermione was curious about one abbreviation.
"Mug Alt, Harry? Are there muggle equivalents to potions?"
"Uh-huh. For example, the Draught of Living Death can be substituted with Curare. The Wolfsbane Potion, which is used to give those suffering from Lycanthropy the ability to retain their human minds, can be substituted with…get this, Benadryll."
"You're kidding!"
"I swear. For whatever reason chemically, the effects are the same. Plus, by taking a dose of Benadryll, the werewolf can avoid most of the pain that's associated with the change. Amazing, huh?" Harry had a wide grin on his face, "I can't wait to show Professor Snape that part. I actually met him before school started. Nice guy if a little dour."
"Do thine ears deceive us, brother? Does this ickle Firstie actually look forward to meeting Professor Snape?" The Weasley Twins had just dropped down on either side of Harry.
"I believe so, brother. It begs the question as to WHY? Are you insane? Bump your head on the way to breakfast?" commented the other twin.
"Nope, not insane. I enjoy working with potions and Professor Snape is the school's Potion Master. Like I said a moment ago, I've already met him, we had a nice conversation about the Potioneer's Assistant while in Slug and Jigger's before school started."
"A nice conversation?" asked one twin in shock, "What is this Potioneer's Assistant you speak of?" queried the other.
Hermione passed the Assistant to the twins. They looked at it with a puzzled expression and glanced up at Harry to have him explain it to them. Harry explained the key points and also recommended that they look through past issues of Potioneer's Monthly that described the features in greater depth.
The twins' eyes were glittering with excitement and were deeply impressed, "Harry, most of our pranks are potion-based. This has to be the greatest thing ever invented. How'd you get your hands on this?"
"I invented it along with my Primary Three and Five teachers."
Their heads snapped up and the look of surprise appeared on the twins' faces, "How much does this cost?" ventured one twin.
"Six Galleons." Answered Harry, "I can let you borrow an extra Assistant I have with me for the next couple of days if you want."
"Please! Oh, by the way, we're Fred and George Weasley." Said the one on the left. (Fred?)
"Pleased to meet you both. Well, since we're here, why don't I take you through an crash course on how to operate the Assistant?" Harry commented.
So until the professors started to make their way down to the student tables, Harry explained how the different features worked and had the twins as well as Hermione practice making simple potions using the index. All three of them were taking copious notes at a furious pace.
"Harry?" asked Hermione, "What's your dream for the Assistant? I mean, you must have one, right?" He nodded.
"Eventually what I'd love to see happen is for all students to be issued an Assistant when they enter the class so they don't waste ingredients or destroy equipment and in so endanger themselves from fumes or spillage."
"But Harry," asked Hermione, "what good would that be? The students would still need to actually practice with the ingredients to pass the class tests as well as make them in the real world."
"True but for the first few weeks, it would be too dangerous until the professor can teach safety practices and basic techniques. Aside from those who have had tutors or whose parents let them in the kitchen to help out with the cooking, most children have no idea how to hold a knife properly, how to set the fire properly for the right temperature nor how to properly slice, dice or chop. The Assistant would allow for them to do their homework without costing the teacher anything."
"For that explanation, five points to Hufflepuff, Mr. Potter." Came a dour yet mildly amused voice from behind them. Turning around, Harry spotted Professor Snape with a slight smirk on his face.
"Do you offer bulk purchase discounts for schools, Mr. Potter?" Snape asked.
"I'll get back to you on that, sir. I'll have to check with my business manager." Harry replied and grinned. Snape nodded in acknowledgment.
Harry received his schedule from Professor Sprout and read through the schedule:
Monday/Wednesday/Friday:
Breakfast (All) 7:30am – 8:50am; Great Hall
Charms (H/R) 9am – 10am; Classroom 2A
Morning Tea (All) 10:10am – 10:30am; Great Hall
Transfiguration (H/R) 10:40am – 11:50am; Classroom 4B
Lunch (All) 12pm – 1pm; Great Hall
Herbology (H/R) 1:10pm – 3pm; Classroom 1C (Theory, Monday and Wednesday); Greenhouse 1 (Friday)
Potions (H/R) 3:10pm – 5pm; Dungeon A15 (Friday only)
Dinner (All) 5pm – 6:30pm; Great Hall
Curfew (5th year and below) 8pm – 7am
Tuesday/Thursday
Breakfast (All) 7:30am – 8:50am; Great Hall
DADA (H/R) 9am – 10am; Classroom 13F
Morning Tea (All) 10:10am – 10:30am; Great Hall
Astronomy (All) 10:40am – 11:50am; Classroom 23D (Tuesday, Theory); 11pm – 1am; Astronomy Tower (Thursday, Practical, All)
Lunch (All) 12pm – 1pm; Great Hall
History of Magic (All) 1:10pm – 2pm; Classroom 45G
Flying Lessons (All) 2:10pm – 5pm; Quidditch Pitch (1 month course only, independent study time afterwards)
Dinner (All) 5pm – 6:30pm; Great Hall
Curfew (5th year and below) 8pm – 7am
Saturday/Sunday
No classes; independent study time
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner times remain the same
He saw that his first class was with the Ravenclaws for Charms class on the fourth floor. He dashed off back to his room to pick up his textbooks for his next two classes and headed off.
Charms Classroom 2A…
Harry enjoyed Charms. The diminutive teacher, Professor Flitwick, was a half-Goblin who squeaked and fell off his stack of books when he called out Harry's name. After finishing taking the attendance, Flitwick had them taking notes and then led the class in how to perform the Lumos and Nox charms.
Harry held his hand up, "Professor? What would the charm be if I wanted a low powered flashing light?"
Flitwick paused for a moment, "Why would you want that, Mr. Potter?"
Harry just shrugged, "It would be kind of neat if we were in a darkened room and everyone had a different colored blinking light to play around with."
Flitwick chuckled in response, "The charm is Coruscum and the wand movement is similar to the standard Lumos. If you wanted to be a different color or intensity, you'd use a modifier word tacked onto the end. For example, Coruscum rubrum!" A bright, flashing red light shined out of his wand. The whole class ooh-ed and ahh-ed, "then if you wanted to change the intensity, you'd use Coruscum rubrum minima!" Now just the tip of the wand flashed on and off in red.
"Wow! Thank you for showing us that, professor." Harry grinned.
"My pleasure, Mr. Potter. Five points to you for asking an interesting question."
Transfiguration Classroom 4B…
The next class Harry had was in Transfiguration with the Ravenclaws as well. This class was on the fourth floor and with the changing staircases; Harry just barely made it on time. He grabbed the first seat available and pulled out his quill and fresh parchment to be ready to take notes. Glancing around, he didn't see the professor but did spot a cat sitting on the desk.
"Hello professor." Harry greeted.
The cat suddenly jumped off the desk and transformed in mid-flight into Professor McGonagall to the gasps and light applause from the other students. She had a curious look on her face.
"I'm impressed Mr. Potter. How did you know it was me?"
"Simple, the markings around your face while in cat form match the glasses you wear as well as the body language you were exhibiting." Again, McGonagall slowly nodded in recognition of his observational skills and motioned for him to continue, "What else, Mr. Potter?"
"When one of the other students came in and made that remark about the apparent lack of a teacher, your cat face gave that same sort of look you're giving them right now." The rest of the class giggled quietly at McGonagall's moue of mild distaste at Harry's cheekiness.
"Do you have some sort of experience of being around Animagi, that is to say wizards or witches who can change into animals?"
"No, ma'am. I'm just observant. It's helped out greatly with living with my relatives and when developing the Potioneer's Assistant." He replied.
"Ok then… in that case, five points to you Mr. Potter. Now class…" McGonagall began teaching the class in the rules of Transfiguration.
At lunch…
Harry plopped down on the bench and pulled several platters of food to him and began building his lunch. He kept it simple, as he didn't want to have the post-lunch energy letdowns. He made himself a grilled chicken sandwich on wheat toast with a slice of cheese and a couple of layers of sliced tomato and lettuce with a smearing of mayonnaise. He tried the pumpkin juice on offer but made a disgusted face at the taste. He looked around and saw that the only other drink available was water or tea. He chose the tea and added a bit of lemon to it.
While he was eating, he pulled out his homework assignments and read through the instructions. He began to write and again grimaced at his sloppy handwriting. This quill pen was driving him to distraction. He wondered if there was an alternative he could use for homework and made a mental note to ask his Head of House, whose class was next.
Herbology Classroom 1C…
Finally, Harry trotted over to the Herbology classroom and impatiently waited for Professor Sprout to come out of her office. He glanced around at the plants that were on display and recognized most of them. He spotted a couple of plants that weren't immediately recognizable and made a note to investigate later as Professor Sprout had finally arrived and began the class.
Harry immediately put his hand up and when Professor Sprout motioned at him he asked, "Professor, I'm sorry but this is off topic but I was wondering if there was an alternative to writing our assignments using the quill pen? My handwriting has become absolutely atrocious since entering this school."
Pomona Sprout tilted her head as she thought about the question, pursing her lips thoughtfully, "Well, I don't have a problem with using another writing utensil if you have it, Mr. Potter. I'll tell you what; at the next staff meeting I'll bring up your question and see if any of the other teachers have a problem with you students not using quills. If they don't, then I'll let you know the verdict. Is that okay with you?" Harry nodded and smiled in appreciation.
Thursday 5 September, 1991 DADA Classroom 13F
Right from the start, Harry could tell that this class was not going to be everything it promised. First off, the teacher had a terrible stutter and that made focusing on what information given extremely difficult and he started having a terrible headache about halfway through the teacher's introductory speech. Second, the teacher kept making little disparaging remarks about muggleborns specifically and the non-magical world in general.
He discussed his observations with his prefect, Eric Truman, but the advice was to just give the teacher a chance, as it was only the first week.
In the next class…
Harry's next class was Astronomy and this he enjoyed until he tried to engage the teacher in a discussion about some of the concepts and discoveries that had been made in the non-magical world. It turned out that the teacher had never been to the non-magical side in her life and had no clue as to what he was trying to discuss. Topics of improved optics, the composition of the rings of Saturn, Jupiter and Uranus and the American Moon landings of the 1960s went right over the teacher's head and caused her eyes to glaze over a bit. It was saddening to him that these teachers were supposed to be the best and brightest to offer to the students' education was disheartening.
At lunch…
Harry was discussing some of the letdown and troubles he had encountered with Hermione and a couple of other muggleborn or raised students. They all had their own observations about the low quality of subjects that were given at the school.
"It's almost like the magical world is stuck in neutral when the rest of the world surged ahead," commented Hermione.
"I agree," replied Justin Finch-Fletchley, another Hufflepuff like Harry, "My parents observed the other adults their age when we went to do my shopping in Diagon Alley and the way that everyone here behaves and dresses, they say it's almost like the Victorian Era stage play that never ended."
"Does your parents go to re-enactments or something?" Asked Harry.
"Theater patrons, their favorites are Shakespearean plays and the like." Justin said then glanced at Hermione, "They'd love to meet you and your family. I'm guessing that your parents are Shakespearean fans as well?" She blushed and nodded.
"Does anyone here have access to a non-magically made telescope?" Harry inquired, "I was thinking that maybe if someone who had one could bring it in and show off the advancements that have been made in the past hundred years, we might be able to prove just how good non-magicals are in comparison. I'm going to write home and see if my uncle could send me my non-magical textbooks and possibly some demonstration models of the drills he makes at his company to showcase modern non-magical manufacturing."
Dean Thomas, a first year Gryffindor asked him what sort of textbooks and why.
"Well, let's face it. The magical view of the non-magical world is at least fifty to a hundred years out of date. By showing them these items maybe we could start a… I don't know, a revolution of sorts that maybe the past should be left there, in the past… you understand what I'm trying to get at?" Dean and the others nodded then began discussing what else they could bring and how they'd get it up to them.
In History of Magic…
Harry was having the most difficult time ever trying to stay awake. He didn't know which was worse, DADA or History, in terms of 'Worst Class Ever!' The History professor was a ghost and spoke in a droning monotone voice. He never looked up from the book he was reading from and took no notice as to whether or not the students were paying attention.
Harry noticed that the others were sleeping, dozing off repeatedly, working on other projects or just staring off into space. Hermione seemed to be the only one actually paying attention and taking notes. He was taking notes as well but his notes were of his observations of the class and the lack of true education.
Flying lessons, Quidditch Pitch…
Harry was understandably nervous. This was to be his first flying lesson and he hoped to not embarrass himself or his teacher. Roland Hooch, the flying instructor, was a no-nonsense kind of person with hawk-like yellow eyes. She quickly got everyone lined up in front of their brooms and instructed them on how to activate them. When Harry yelled, "UP!" the broom sharply smacked into his hand with little hesitation. Hermione's kind of rolled around on the ground while Neville's didn't even move.
Once everyone had a broom in their hands, Madam Hooch taught them how to properly mount and hold onto them. There was a bit of humor when Draco Malfoy, the blonde ponce from Slytherin House and the pureblooded bigot from the train complained loudly to the instructor that he 'had been holding his broom like that for years' despite Hooch telling him he was doing it wrong.
Neville had a bit of a problem when he 'jumped the gun' after Hooch gave her instructions on how to hover. After climbing uncontrollably, he slid off his broom and crashed onto the ground, breaking his wrist. Madam Hooch rushed over to him and escorted Neville to the Infirmary, meanwhile telling everyone else to remain on the ground or face detention.
Malfoy had spotted a glass sphere that had fallen out of Neville's pocket and taunted the poor boy about having such a ridiculous device. Harry was close to giving chase but Hermione managed to convince him that would be a bad idea and to just let the teacher handle it when she returned. Ron Weasley, the loud-mouthed redheaded bigot from the train, was goaded into the air for a brief chase to retrieve it when Hooch returned, yelled at both boys and gave them detention for failure to follow directions.
When the flying commenced, Harry discovered that he was a natural at flying. He felt free and unburdened from all of the problems on the ground. He spotted Hermione nervously trying to get up in the air but every time her feet left the ground, she let out a squeak and promptly dropped back down.
He dropped down to her level and called out to her, "Hermione? Look at me," Harry instructed, "Don't look anywhere other than my face. Now, gently push off and slightly lean forward…"
Hermione followed his instructions and was soon following Harry slowly around the pitch. He kept slowly increasing the speed until both were flying along at a comfortable walking speed. When they landed, Hermione grapple-hugged him and thanked him profusely for his help. It turned out that she was terrified of heights and his instructions and patient voice helped.
Madam Hooch approached Harry at the end of class and awarded him five points for being such a good, patient teacher and for helping out a friend.
Friday 6 September, 1991 Potions Classroom
Friday finally arrived and Harry made sure that he had read ahead at least two chapters in the textbook as he had heard that Snape liked to throw out questions to catch people off-guard. Once the door opened, he took a seat near the front. Hermione sat down next to him with a smirk on her face.
"Ready to be shown up, Harry? Want to see who's the bigger teacher's pet?" she quipped humorously.
"Ha, ha. Funny," he mock-laughed, "Can you blame me?"
Hermione just shook her head and smiled, "No, I guess not. This is your forte, isn't it?"
At that moment, Snape strode in; his cloak billowing behind him. He gave a speech about the subtle art that was potion making and how there would be very little "foolish wand-waving."
"Potter! Without looking in your Assistant, what would I get if I were to add the powdered root of Asphodel to an infusion of Wormwood?"
Harry thought for a moment, "The primary ingredients to the Draught of Living Death, sir though I'd add a bit of Agrimony." Harry said with a knowing look on his face.
Snape paused and blinked in surprise then gave him a brief nod, "Thank you, Mr. Potter." He then turned to another student and asked where they might be able to find a bezoar.
After finishing his questioning of the students' knowledge, or lack thereof, he had them start to prepare and brew their first assignment of the 'Boil-Cure Potion.' He stopped by Harry and Hermione's table to see what stage they were at.
"Very good Mr. Potter though you might want to increase the heat just a little bit more," then glancing at his cauldron asked, "Why are you not using the cauldron and equipment I saw you purchasing at Slug and Jigger's?"
"For the low temperatures required by these early potions, I didn't see the need to use them. I have in mind to set up a potions laboratory in my dorm room or perhaps if Hufflepuff has their own room specifically for that purpose. I'll use the more advanced stuff there."
Severus nodded his understanding and quietly asked, "May I speak with you after class?" Harry nodded.
After class when everyone had left, Professor Snape took a deep breath and sighed,
"When did you learn the language of flowers, Mr. Potter?"
"Last year, sir. I happened to see the book on the shelf in my local library while researching the Latin names for the Category Three Potions index."
"Category Three Potions?"
"Those are the potions that involve inherently volatile chemicals like Ethyl benzene or Carbon tetrachloride."
"I'm not familiar with those names. Are they listed in the Assistant?"
"Yes sir," He handed over his copy of the Assistant, "Go to the index and look up Category Three Potions. There is a sub-listing for definitions and a glossary." Snape nodded and perused it briefly.
"So what did you think of your first potion's class?" He asked without looking up.
"I loved it though I am a little concerned on the lack of safe handling practices instruction. Was that a chapter that we should've read and I missed it?"
Severus pursed his lips then sighed, "No… I keep forgetting that most first year students have very little prior interactions with tools and procedures. I guess…I should start with that. It would definitely make things go smoother in some of my other classes…." He handed the journal back to Harry.
"Professor, if I may, it seems that you'd be better off teaching the more advanced years. Why is it that the school has you instructing the first years?" Harry gently asked.
Snape grunted, "I've asked that question many times. Every time, I get the response that there's just no extra money to hire a Basic Potions teacher." He looked at Harry with an appraising look, "Why? Do you have any ideas?"
Harry nodded, "I was talking to my fifth year prefect this past Monday and it was brought up that it seems strange to be giving a salary to the History professor. I mean, he's a ghost. Why would the school need to pay a ghost? It begs the question, where is the money going?"
Severus looked pensive for a moment, "That is a very good question, Mr. Potter. If you were in a position to do so, what would your recommendation be?"
"I'd write a letter to both the school governors and also to the Ministry department that handles the finances of the school, if there is one, stating your concerns and request that they look into it. Heck, send a copy to the Department of Law Enforcement."
Severus nodded thoughtfully, "That's an excellent idea and a good use of critical thinking. Five points to you, Mr. Potter. Now off with you." Harry grinned at the awarding of points, gathered up his stuff and left the room.
Severus in the meantime, set about to write a letter to the school governors and to the Director of the DMLE. While he was writing, he was also thinking about the boy. The boy was acting more like Lily than his father. It was rather infuriating, how was he supposed to keep hating the living embodiment of his school nemesis when the child kept acting like his mother?
Later in the library…
Harry was sitting in the library after dinner doing some studying for a Transfiguration exam that was going to be held at the end of the week. Hermione was busy scribbling away on her homework and reading at the same time. He marveled at her ability to multi-task like that. There was a quiet scuffing of feet to his left and when he looked up, he saw a round faced, sandy-blonde haired boy in Gryffindor colors hesitating. He recognized him as the boy who lost his toad from the train and the boy who had broken his wrist at the Flying Lesson.
"Hi. Neville Longbottom, right?" Harry greeted.
Neville nodded shyly, "I was wondering if I could join you?"
Harry pointed to an empty chair at their table, "Please, have a seat. So what's your favorite subject?"
"Herbology."
Harry's face lit up, "Mine too! Well, that and potions. The two are linked really. So what's your take on the homework assigned in Transfiguration, were you able to explain the necessary wand movements in regards to the word spoken and how…"
The two boys began quietly discussing the Transfiguration homework with Hermione chiming in every now and then. After a couple of hours of studying and discussing homework, the three children decided to take a walk outside in the courtyard.
"So, Neville. When's your birthday?"
"July thirtieth, nineteen-eighty. Hermione? When's yours?"
"September nineteenth, nineteen seventy-nine."
Harry turned to her sharply, "The nineteenth? Why didn't you say so sooner? We would've gotten you a present!"
Hermione blushed pink, "Just having friends is a wonderful birthday present."
Harry nudged her with his shoulder, "Never in doubt about that, Hermione."
The three of them shared some details of what their lives were like prior to coming to Hogwarts and the revelations that they were magical. Neville mentioned that he came from a long-running pureblood magical family but there was a lot of concern amongst his family members that he could've been a Squib because he hadn't shown any accidental magic until he was eight years old. Harry had known he was magical since his Primary Three days when his muggleborn teacher had clued him in. Hermione's was similar to Harry in that she didn't realize that she had any magical talent until a Squib neighbor mentioned it to her parents. They sat down on a bench next to a window that, in daylight would've shown the Black Lake, while Hermione started complaining about the methodology of the magical world.
"I don't know why the Ministry doesn't let our parents know before the age of eleven! It would solve so many problems if they were to send a representative out to explain things and give us access to some books on the theory of magic."
"I imagine it's because the Ministry is run by the purebloods who still look down on muggleborns," commented Neville, "most of the laws that are in place favor purebloods over anyone else."
"That's not fair! The Statute of Secrecy would be that much more secure if they would inform the muggleborn parents of their children's condition beforehand." She pouted.
"I've long held the belief that logic and magic cannot share the same space. In order to have one, you must give up the other," quipped Harry as the other two chuckled in response.
"Actually, I think it would be great if there was a magical primary school for everyone, especially the muggleborns. I mean, it ties in with what Hermione was saying. The Statute of Secrecy would be much more secure if the parents found out about magic earlier, the children could learn the basics like 'Beginning Latin,' 'Quill Writing and Usage' and all the usual topics in a school. To just show up one day and say, 'You're a witch/wizard!' without any prior introduction to this world is a recipe for disaster." Both Hermione and Neville nodded thoughtfully.
Harry's dorm room…
At the end of the day, Harry pulled together all of his notes that he had taken from his observations and discussions with the other muggleborn and raised students so he could begin compiling them into some semblance of order. He continued to think about the topic that had come up in the conversation he had with Neville and Hermione about the classes that could be offered in a magical primary school.
He decided to write to Flourish and Blott's to see if they had any books on topics such as Introduction to Latin and Quill Writing or if they could contact someone in the non-magical world to get them. He also wrote a letter to his uncle explaining his idea to showcase the best of non-magical manufacturing and if Vernon would mind sending an exhibitor's sample of drills and bits. His third letter was to Belinda Honeybloom, asking her to send a copy of non-magical textbooks covering the equivalents of the magical subjects.
After all the letters were written, he dashed off to the Owlery and convinced Hedwig to make the stops needed. He gave her an owl treat and a big kiss on her cheek after he tied the letters to her leg. She just huffed at him and a light nibble on his ear in response then took off.
Saturday 7 September, 1991 Staff lounge
The teachers gathered for their monthly staff meeting just after breakfast. They held these meetings to catch up with their peers after the summer holidays, to discuss new options for class, to discuss or complain about the students and things of a similar notion.
Headmaster Albus Dumbledore sat back in his chair and quietly listened to those around him. After a few minutes, he cleared his throat and began the meeting.
"Welcome back for another fun-filled and exciting year!" he said to the quiet scoff from someone in the back, "I hope you're all as excited as I am with the new group of young, eager minds as I am. Does anyone wish to go first?"
One by one, the teachers went through their list of observations and gripes. Pomona Sprout brought up Harry's question about using something other than quills for homework or notes. The other teachers thought about it and decided that it wouldn't bother them. Minerva McGonagall had her usual exasperation about the infamous Weasley Twins. Rolanda Hooch, the flying instructor, had her usual complaints about the condition of the school brooms. Professor Flitwick noticed a small smirk on Severus' face and called him on it.
"Severus? What has gotten you to give a smirk like that?" he inquired, "Last time you had a smirk like that, Gryffindor lost the House Cup."
Severus chuckled quietly, "I was just thinking about Harry Potter and what a joy it is to have him in my class. It's rare to find a student of any house to have such an in-depth knowledge and love for potions. It just boggles my mind that the son of my enemy is such a delight to teach. He's quick and inventive but knowledgeable in many different methods of brewing. If I close my eyes while talking with him, I'd swear that he was older than he appears."
"Hmmm…yes, I must agree. On his first day with me, he asked if there was a charm to produce a low powered flashing red light. When I asked why, he said that it would be fun for he and his classmates to sit in a darkened room and play around with the colors and intensities," replied Filius.
The rest of the staff were shocked by Snape's response. The animosity between James Potter, Harry's father, and Severus Snape was legendary. Pomona Sprout spoke up in agreement with Severus and Filius.
"I too, am thrilled to have Mr. Potter. Not just in my House but also in my class. He's attentive and knowledgeable just as Severus' said. What's also interesting is that journal he carries with him at all times. I've never seen someone so into Herbology at his age that he'd carry around such a journal."
"Have you ever seen the inside of that journal, Pomona?" asked Severus.
"No, why? Should I?" she asked.
"I'd recommend it. Within those pages is the most wonderful and creative invention I've seen in the art of potions and quite possibly all of magic for the past decade." Severus replied, "as a matter of fact, I think that many of us should get a closer look at it. The creation of it covers topics like Runes, Arithmancy, Charms, Potions and quite a few others."
Dumbledore leaned forward, "Perhaps, if no one has any objections, we should have Mr. Potter come here now and demonstrate this journal?" Everyone agreed so Dumbledore summoned a house-elf to go and send for Harry.
A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door and Harry was let in puffing a bit, as he seemed to have run to the room. He shyly greeted all the professors.
Severus addressed him, "Mr. Potter, the staff and I would like for you to demonstrate your journal. Give a talk about the development of it and some of the interesting features."
Harry nodded, "I'd be happy to, sir."
Harry moved to the head of the table and laid his journal on the surface. He dug into his bag and pulled out a glass sphere. The sphere had a gold band around the outside and looked to be engraved with tiny symbols. He tapped one of the symbols with his wand and the sphere jumped out of his hand and rose two feet above the table. It then shone a light out towards Harry's face and down at the surface of the table. He then turned the sphere so the light shining in his face was now pointing at the wall and tapped a couple of other symbols, getting the sphere to adjust itself to the proper height and focus.
When he moved his journal under the sphere, its function became quite obvious. It was a magical version of an overhead projector. The teachers were murmuring excitedly at the setup and apparent usage of the sphere. More than one was clearly itching to examine both items closer.
"Mr. Potter," Severus began, "what is that sphere you just set up?"
Harry looked up at him, "I'm calling it 'The Teacher's Assistant.' Does everyone here understand the basics of optics and light?" Most everyone nodded, "It's basically a modified glass sphere with certain runes engraved on the band that causes it to act like a magical version of the overhead projector that non-magical teachers use in their classrooms. Before you get too excited and want to get your own, I must point out that it's still in its very early testing phase. I haven't gotten all the Arithmancy, runes and other details down the way I want them."
Harry began his lecture on the history and development of the Potioneer's Assistant. He covered the structure of the database management system as well as the more interesting functions like the 'Mug Alt,' 'Test Pt' and 'Scan Pg.' More than one teacher expressed their interest and exclamations of wonder at the knowledge contained within the journal. He expounded about the development of the miniaturized computer and how it operated along with the controlling runes.
The Runes and Arithmancy professors were practically drooling at the thought of closer examinations and questioning him on their developments. Harry pulled out his copy of the issue of the Potioneer's Monthly and said that the more in-depth discussions of their topics could be found within. He did ask them to return it when they were done, as it was his only available copy.
Harry then grinned and asked Severus if he knew that there was a muggle alternative to the complicated, and therefore expensive, Wolfsbane Potion. Severus thought for a moment and shook his head negatively.
"Well, there is. It's a muggle antihistamine known commercially as Benadryll." He said to the stunned silence of the room.
Severus wasn't the only who spluttered in shock for a moment, "Mr. Potter," Poppy Pomfrey, the school nurse, asked, "do you mean to tell us that the muggles have had a preventative medicine for Lycanthropy all this time?"
Harry nodded and replied, "Tell me, Madam Pomfrey. What is the cost of a single dose of Wolfsbane?"
"Depending on the quality of the potion itself, upwards of one hundred fifty Galleons." She replied.
Harry shook his head ruefully, "I can go into any muggle pharmacy, or apothecary if you will, and pick up a box of thirty Benadryll pills for seven pounds or one Galleon, four Sickles. Each dose is one pill and is only two Sickles per dose."
The teachers were flabbergasted! Never before had it been made so clear to them that the muggle world was so much more advanced than right now. Poppy and Severus both had a slightly better idea as to the advancements in muggle medicines than most of the others but they were still shocked. A price reduction of this magnitude was stupendous! Harry discussed what he knew of muggle medicinal manufacturing but warned them that his knowledge was very basic.
In the meantime, Harry passed his Potioneer's Assistant and Teacher's Assistant around the table so they could see it up close and marvel at its design and construction. At the end of the meeting, Harry packed up his stuff, thanked everyone for allowing him to share his knowledge and left the room.
After Harry had left and the teachers broke up to go back to whatever they had planned for the day, Severus remained in his seat pondering the developments of the past hour. His mind refused to settle as he thought about the revelations that James Potter's son was so talented. It warred with his recollections of the arrogant man. In the end, he decided not to look at the boy and see a clone of James but see him as the living incarnation of Lily.
Harry's dorm room…
Before he had been called to the teacher's staff room to give that demonstration, Harry had set up a small potions lab in his room. He had worked on a recipe in his journal before getting called away. Once he had returned, he began preparing the ingredients for real. It was a relatively easy potion, for him at least, but it did have a couple of moments where concentration and specific number of stirs were required. To that end, he had hung a sign stating that he was trying to concentrate on his work and needed to be left alone on his door, locked it and activated a silencing charm built into the doorframe.
So far, everything was working perfectly; the potion was the exact yellow of a sunflower on a clear summer day. He added powdered cornstarch to thicken it to a paste and gave it two stirs in a counter-clockwise direction and let it simmer for the next ten minutes. While that was going on, he began to clean up his workstation. He had a separate cauldron set up with nothing but water in it with a bit of dishwashing soap simmering quietly over a low heat. He put the cutting board, his knife and a couple of vials in to let them soak.
Finally, the potion was done. It had a consistency of creamy peanut butter and gave off a soft yellow glow. Harry scooped out a bit and spread it evenly on a scrap bit of parchment then took it into his darkened closet. The parchment glowed brightly in the darkness, banishing the gloominess. It emitted the same warm color of the candles in his room. He smiled at his success and exited the closet. He bottled up the completed potion into an opaque jar and sealed it. Once he completed writing up the documentation, he finished cleaning his tools.
Harry trooped down to the dungeons with the documents, the sample jar and parchment to where Professor Snape's office was located. He knocked on the door and was bid to enter.
"Professor? I was wondering if you might have a moment to look over this potion I created and the documentation?"
Severus looked up from the papers he was grading in surprise, "New potion? Hmm…let's see that. I must say that your demonstration earlier definitely knocked a few professors for a loop. I'd be sure that the Runes and Arithmancy professors will be clamoring for you to join their classes when you reach third year."
Severus read through the documents, a small smirk appearing on his face. He glanced up at Harry who was standing there, slightly fidgeting and gnawing on his thumbnail.
"Interesting proposal, Mr. Potter. Do you have a sample of this potion?" Harry nodded.
"Yes, sir. It's that spare bit of parchment. To see it properly, you should go into a darkened room."
Severus found the parchment and exited the room. When he returned, he had a pleased expression on his face.
"I'm impressed. So what sorts of application do you think that this could be used for and what caused you to think of it?"
Harry hesitated for a moment, "Well, I was thinking of a light for small children so they won't be scared of the dark. There are a couple of students in my year and house that have been suffering from homesickness and a bit of fear of the dark. I would also use it as an alternative lighting source in a library or study, as an open flame would be very dangerous. It will absorb daylight to renew itself for six months before it begins to break down and a new layer needs to be applied in order to cut down on costs. Also, just off the top of my head, the school could apply it on stones along the walls so no one trips on things during the evening hours."
Snape nodded, "Very good work here. I look forward to reading about it in the next issue of Potioneer's Monthly." He handed back the potion and the documentation to Harry.
"Sir, you can keep that jar. Maybe… well, I figure that most kids in your house won't want to admit it but if they get scared or homesick, they could get a square with this on it and hang it in their bedroom. It would help calm them down."
"Thank you, Mr. Potter. Would you mind if I were to share part of this with the other teachers and Madam Pomfrey?" Harry shook his head no.
Harry was dismissed and made his way back up to the Hufflepuff Hallway, where he tickled the pear in the bowl of fruit portrait guarding the entrance to the kitchens and went in search of a snack. He exited the portrait again a few moments later with a couple of sandwiches and a bottle of orange juice in hand and headed for his dorm room.
Sunday 8 September, 1991 Headmaster's Office
Albus Dumbledore sat in quiet contemplation at the revelations and inventive creativity that was Harry Potter. He didn't like the fact that Harry wasn't downtrodden to the point where he'd looked upon the Headmaster as a savior from the harsh muggle life he'd grown up in. It greatly annoyed him that the boy appeared to be optimistic of his future as a potioneer. Albus pondered what to do to get the boy back to way he wanted. It was apparent that the Dursleys hadn't acted like he had planned for them and was rather curious as to what went wrong. The wards he had set up at 4 Privet Drive should've caused animosity and even hatred towards the boy. It was a sheer impossibility that Severus would say anything negative about the child now; there was too much they shared in terms of their mutual love of potions. Something had to be done; it was for the 'Greater Good' that the Potter boy be meek and impressionable.
Albus pulled out the relevant issues from Potioneer's Monthly that discussed the creation and development of the Potioneer's Assistant. He hoped to find something that could spell the downfall of young Harry's successes. He thought about claiming that Harry had plagiarized the ideas and work from previous potioneers but unfortunately, the Assistant was too revolutionary to have been thought of before.
He was patient, he wouldn't fail. He'd find something…
Down in the Great Hall, Harry was quietly listening to the Weasley Twins vehemently denying that the latest prank to befall the Slytherins was their doing. The look on McGonagall's face clearly said that she didn't believe a single word of it. Hermione was slowly shaking her head in exasperation at the twins' antics.
"It sure would be nice if there was a way to determine if a person was lying." She commented.
Harry nodded in agreement then snapped his head up and looked at her with a wide-eyed expression, a slow grin forming on his face.
"I think there is. Gimme a moment," as he began to rapidly push buttons in his Assistant, "Yup, here we go. Veritiserum. Strongest truth serum on the market. It gives a warning though that use on a minor is illegal unless written consent is given by a parent or guardian."
Hermione frowned, "Hmmph, that doesn't do us very much good."
Harry held up a finger, "Now wait a moment, I think I can alter it to something that can. I've been noodling with the idea that instead of forcing a child to tell the truth, as is the normal way with Veritiserum, it would turn their hair to a blinding shade of pink, blue or other embarrassing color. Let's see… ah! Here it is. I have the ingredients upstairs, if you're interested in helping?"
Hermione nodded enthusiastically, "Let's go."
The potion took a fair amount of time; the ingredients had to be chopped, squeezed, diced or shredded precisely then added into the cauldron at the right time and temperature. Their prep time took them nearly two hours and when it got to the final stage, wherein it needed to simmer undisturbed for a week, Harry activated a rune engraved on the cauldron that would prevent anything from entering the potion and also protect the user from anything exiting or exploding from the cauldron.
"Hermione, if I were you, you should write down everything you did for the preparation and brewing of this potion. Include your thoughts and observations of the whole process. Also include any changes that you think would improve the efficiency of the process. Make a copy of it and turn the copy into Professor Snape."
She was appreciating his idea, "It would give me practice and Professor Snape would appreciate the effort to try something new?" Harry nodded as she pulled out fresh parchment, a quill and began to write.