As a fair warning to those who are reading this and noticing that I've been able to put these out rather quickly: this isn't normal. On Friday and Saturday nights (California time), I have 11 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. of nothing to do and I have to stay awake. This is a perfect chance for me to write, so I'll probably post a couple chapters on those two days, but don't expect me to.

Also, I've decided to keep Harry's schedule as it is in the book, rather than change it. Therefore, it is up to your imagination to picture that the other Houses have the changed schedules. I'm sure you can handle it. :D

Hope you enjoy.

HOGWARTS AT LAST

Arrival at the Hogsmeade station served only as a reminder to Harry that he had forgotten to change into his school uniform. He didn't have time to correct his blunder, however, with the bustle to get off of the train in time to catch a coach to Hogwarts. He was surprised to find himself in the same carriage as Draco who immediately asked, "Is it true you fainted?"

Harry's heart panicked as he immediately thought that Lupin had announced it. He kept his head though and asked as if the thought were ridiculous, "Who on earth told you that?"

"Longbottom." Malfoy smirked, though the delight was falling from his face as he realized he couldn't tease his Housemate. "He's been going on about it. Said he saw you and that tattered man in a compartment. You were on the floor and when the idiot asked what had happened to you, the man said you'd fallen unconscious because of the dementor."

"That's..." Harry wanted to call it so many things...many different lies popped into his head...some truths even...he just muttered incoherently under his breath and Malfoy smiled faintly.

The carriage came to a halt and Harry started out after Malfoy and his two sidekicks.

"You FAINTED, Potter? Is Neville telling the truth? You actually FAINTED?"

Ronald stepped in front of Harry, stopping him from going up the stone steps of the castle. Everything about Ronald, his commanding body language, his gleeful tone, and the brilliant malice in his eyes, showed how much he not only enjoyed the thought of Harry fainting, but also relished the idea of picking on him for the remainder of the school year.

"Shove off, Weasley." Malfoy spoke smoothly from where he was with Goyle and Crabbe. While it wasn't like Draco to stand up for Harry, he was bound by Slytherin word to not let a Gryffindor gain advantage over a fellow snake. This meant openly doing something, no matter how trivial, to put an end to this.

"Did you faint as well, Malfoy?" Ronald said loudly, much to the snicker of his three gang members, including a rather bashful one from Neville. "Did the scary old dementor frighten you too, Malfoy?"

Harry was sure the blond would get defensive of himself in a moment and Malfoy was much more defensive of himself than he would ever be of Harry. Thankfully, they were interrupted.

"Is there a problem?" The mild voice had come from Professor Lupin, who was just stepping out of the next carriage.

Ronald glanced at the professor with a unsure look while Malfoy gave him a rather insolent one (obviously enraged he hadn't gotten the chance to put the Weasley in his place). Harry simply shoved past Ronald and headed up the stairs before anything more could be said about his fainting. He only made it into the Entrance Hall and caught sight of Professor Snape standing by the Great Hall's doorway when he heard "Potter! Granger! I want to see you both!"

He was surprised to see McGonagall, one of his least favorite teachers (aside from his past D.A.D.A. professors), waving him over. Begrudgingly, he glanced at Professor Snape, who apparently hadn't yet noticed him, and then trudge up to the Head of Gryffindor House.

"There's no need to look so worried. I just want a word in my office." She told him and then turned to the approaching Hermione and Ginny. "Move along there, Ms. Weasley."

Ginny sighed and did as she was told as McGonagall ushered both Harry and Hermione away from the crowd and to her rather distant office. Once she was in her seat, she spoke quickly, "Professor Lupin sent an owl ahead to say that you were taken ill on the train, Potter."

Harry's mouth dropped at this and then there was a knock on the door followed by Madam Pomfrey coming in. As if Harry needed any more embarrassment and worse now Hermione knew and would undoubtedly confirm to all of the Gryffindors that Neville's story was true. Heat rushed up to his face as the shame and anger began to take over.

"I'm fine." He ground out. "I don't need anything..."

"Oh, it's you, is it?" Madam Pomfrey ignored his words and began to inspect him. "I suppose you've been doing something dangerous again?"

"It was a dementor, Poppy." McGonagall informed the witch and they shared a dark look before Madam Pomfrey shook her head.

"Setting dementors around a school." She felt Harry's forehead. "He won't be the last one who collapses. Yes, he's all clammy. Terrible things, they are, and the effect they have on people who are already delicate..."

"I'm not delicate!" Harry spat.

"Of course you're not."

"What does he need?" McGonagall questioned. "Bed rest? Should he perhaps spend tonight in the hospital wing?"

"I'm fine!" Harry tried to escape the nurse's prying hands and made a step towards the door, but her firm grip stopped him.

"Well, he should have some chocolate, at the very least."

"I've already had some." Harry quickly told them. "Professor Lupin gave me some."

"Did he, now?" Madam Pomfrey was surprised, but nodded approvingly. "So we've finally got a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher who knows his remedies?"

"Are you sure you feel all right, Potter?" McGonagall inquired.

"YES." Keeping the exasperation from his voice had been impossible.

"Very well. Kindly wait outside while I have a quick word with Miss Granger about her course schedule, then we can go down to the feast together."

Harry quickly did as he was told, afraid he would be studied more by the nurse if he didn't, and he watched Madam Pomfrey head on her way back to the hospital wing. He was thankful he didn't have to wait long and soon found himself in the Great Hall at last, having missed the Sorting, and seated next to Theodore Nott. Over at the Gryffindor table, Ron caught his eye and he watched the redhead fake a very dramatic swoon. This left several Gryffindors snickering beneath their hands and even some Slytherins who had caught the action.

Blushing, Harry tried to ignore the humiliation running into his veins as Dumbledore began his speech.

"Welcome! Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few things to say to you all, and as one of them is very serious, I think it best to get it out of the way before you become befuddled by our excellent feast. As you will all be aware after their search of the Hogwarts Express, our school is presently playing host to some of the dementors of Azkaban, who are here on Ministry of Magic business."

There was another imitation of swooning from Ron and several Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws joined the other two Houses in hand-over-mouth chortling. Harry shook slightly.

"They are stationed at every entrance to the grounds," Dumbledore continued. "And while they are with us, I must make it plain that nobody is to leave school without permission. Dementors are not to be fooled by tricks or disguises or even Invisibility Cloaks. It is not in the nature of a dementor to understand pleading or excuses. I therefore warn each and every one of you to give them no reason to harm you. I look to the prefects, and our new Head Boy and Girl, to make sure no student runs afoul of the dementors."

"On a happier note," He smiled at the students. "I am pleased to welcome two new teachers to our ranks this year. First, Professor Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

There was scattered applause and Harry was surely the only one who had really clapped, though even he toned it down for fear of the looks his fellow Slytherins (and the other Houses) would give him.

Harry glanced over at Professor Snape and consequently raised his brows. He knew the Potions Master coveted the D.A.D.A. position, but Harry was surprised to see the absolute loathing on the man's face. Had they known each other in the past and it not been a particularly good "knowing"? Harry couldn't imagine the calm easy-tempered Lupin purposely trying to make an enemy of someone like Professor Snape, but then again Harry would have never thought Neville capable of befriending people like Ronald Weasley.

"As to our second new appointment," Dumbledore continued. "Well, I am sorry to tell you that Professor Kettleburn, our Care of Magical Creatures teacher, retired at the end of last year in order to enjoy more time with his remaining limbs. However, I am delighted to say that his place will be filled by none other than Rubeus Hagrid, who has agreed to take on this teaching job in addition to his gamekeeping duties."

Harry was clapping before Dumbledore had even finished his sentence and he didn't care that he was the only Slytherin doing so (which was very Gryffindor, since the Gryffindor was the loudest of the three remaining Houses applauding). He had to admit he should have known since Hagrid had sent him the biting book.

"Well, I think that's everything of importance," Dumbledore finished. "Let the feast begin!"

At the end of the feast, Harry rushed up to Hagrid and congratulated him and the giant of a man recounted how Dumbledore had come straight to him after Kettleburn had quit and this put Hagrid into tears and caused McGonagall to shoo Harry away...right into Professor Snape.

"Potter." The man said in his silky tone. "Where were you during the Sorting?"

"McGonagall had me." Harry informed him, feeling the heat coming to his face.

"Professor McGonagall, Potter." The Potions Master corrected him before continuing, "I had wanted to speak with you about the dementor."

The shame and the embarrassment and the anger, which he had forgotten sometime during dessert, resurfaced and Harry glared down at his feet, willing himself to be prepared for whatever words the Professor had to say about his "weakness".

His mouth fell open when he instead heard, "But I'm sure that's what she wanted you for, therefore, I won't waste my time repeating it. Remember what you promised, Potter."

"Of course, sir." Harry nodded, though he refused to meet his teacher's gaze, not with his face red and his eyes glistening with tears that wanted to pour over.

"Then you had best catch up with your House as you won't want to miss what the new password is."

"Yes, sir." Harry gave a hasty nod and rushed off, thankful his professor had chosen not to humiliate him further.

It was one thing of a lengthening list of things Harry liked about Professor Snape: the Potions Master never babied him.

The next day had been terrible, Harry decided. First off, he had to deal with not only Gryffindors (in particular, Ron and his gang) swooning at him to fits of laughter from anyone nearby, but the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws had taken it up too. Even the Slytherins would when the other three Houses (and their Head of House) weren't there to witness it. Having mockery thrust into his face at every turn was not something Harry had expected for school this year. Then he had to deal with his first Divination Class where Professor Trelawney swore she saw the Grim (among other bad omens) in Harry's cup, much to Malfoy's amusement. This wasn't good information for him since he had seen that black dog right before the Knight Bus had come along. Then he had to go to McGonagall's Transfiguration class only to learn that Trelawney seeing death omens was normal for her when greeting a new class. After this, Harry felt much better and he listened to the information on Animagus with complete rapture.

He had to admit being an Animagus sounded like it had its perks and he found himself asking McGonagall about it after class.

She gave him a saddened look the moment he asked what kind of training one had to go through to become an Animagus. "Mr. Potter, I'd love to give you the details, but, frankly, I've seen your work in Transfiguration and I hate to say it, but I don't want to get your hopes up. There is a reason why there are only seven registered Animagus for the twentieth century."

"But, Professor..." Harry sighed, fidgeting nervously. "I mean, one doesn't know until they try."

"I do." McGonagall answered. "You're not cut out for such a difficult Transfiguration skill. You're much better at...Potions...or Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"Still..." Harry looked up at her. "I mean, it's not completely impossible, right?"

Pursing her lips, McGonagall crossed her arms and then sighed, "It's not IMPOSSIBLE, no, Mr. Potter."

"Than..." He prompted hopefully.

Consenting, McGonagall informed him, "To become an Animagus means to go through extensive training, during which at any time it can backfire to devastating results. Of course, once you complete training, turning into an Animagus is as easy as a thought."

"And when can one begin this training?"

Hesitating, McGonagall shuffled through some parchment before sighing again, this time with more irritation, "Well, now. Of course, since you're so young, you need permission from your Head of House, the Transfiguration teacher, the Headmaster, and your parents or guardians."

Harry scowled. "But my guardians would never...they don't understand magic. If it means limiting any of my abilities...if it's something that would make me happy...they would never agree!"

McGonagall stood from her desk. "In such a case, you can present your argument to Professor Dumbledore and it will be his decision."

"Thank you, Professor." Harry smiled at her.

"Don't take this lightly, Potter." She warned him. "If you do manage to get permission, I will grant it as well, but I warn you that at the first sign of it backfiring, I won't help you."

"Thank you, Professor."

This uplifting of spirits had only lasted through lunch, when even Ronald's fainting impressions hadn't bothered him. Then he had started off his Care of Magical Creatures class excellently with his first ride ever on a Hippogriff (Buckbeak to be precise). If only Malfoy hadn't ruined it by being stupid and insulting the creature and found himself on his way to the Infirmary, with Ronald and his gang giving the Slytherins heat about it as if it was all of the Slytherins' faults for Malfoy's actions. Granted, the snakes all (not Harry) admirably stood up for him and most (not Harry) even said that Hagrid would likely be sacked for it. Harry tried to settle down his seething Housemates by letting them know it was a mistake and that Madam Pomfrey would cure Malfoy easily, but this only seemed to make them madder as they scathed about him acting all Gryffindor and standing up for the overgrown fool.

Later, after seeing Hagrid's light on, Harry had gone down to see the man only to find Ron and Hermione already there.

"Oh!" Hermione, who had answered the door, was stunned at the sight of him and shifted nervously on her feet. "Here to see Hagrid?"

"How's he doing?" Harry stepped inside past her and wasn't surprised by the disgusted look Ron gave him. Though he was surprised when he couldn't see Hagrid anywhere. "Where's he?"

"He's stuck his head in the water barrel." Hermione said, cleaning up a tankard and a spilled beverage, which Harry assumed was alcoholic.

Just then, Hagrid came into the room, his entire head sopping wet. "Tha's better." He sighed. "Listen, it was good of yeh ter come an' see me, I really..."

Hagrid stopped at the sight of Harry and then bellowed, "WHAT D'YEH THINK YOU'RE DOIN', EH?" All three jumped up in surprise. "YEH'RE NOT TO GO WANDERIN' AROUND AFTER DARK, HARRY!"

Hagrid almost literally threw Harry out the door, shoving both Hermione and Ronald out after him. "C'mon! I'm takin' yer all back up ter school, an' don' let me catch yeh walkin' down ter see me after dark again. I'm not worth that!"

Once the three were left alone in one of the corridors of the school, Ron rounded on Harry.

"Thanks a ton, mate." He spat out the words. "Why don't you take your bloody fainting (here he said something that made Hermione gasp) and keep it in the dungeons for awhile, huh?"

"Ronald." Hermione scolded lightly, but no where near as much as she would have had Ron been talking to a fellow Gryffindor, or even a Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff.

"I'm allowed to see my friends." Harry shot back.

"I thought you didn't have any friends, Potter." Ron snapped and then, a huge smirk now on his lips, he spun and stalked off with Hermione giving Harry an apologetic look and following after him.

This had been a terrible first day at Hogwarts, Harry decided.