The Winged Wolf Ch 7: First Day of Learning, a Harry Potter + Avengers Crossover fanfic

AN: Hello my dear readers, what you're seeing here is chapter 15 of my original fanfiction.

Chapter Seven: First Day of Learning (Hogwarts Arc: Year One)

Synopsis: A familiar friend again, a shopping trip most foul, and apprenticeships.

Feeling my muscles tense and release with the thrust of my spear I focus my concentration on my control over my weapon. Sweeping in front of me I pull back, using the momentum to go into a backflip before twisting mid-flip, using my spear to cut the air in front of me before landing and shrinking the spear into its smaller form. Rushing forward again I slash up and down, each movement calculated and precise, moving forward onto a single foot for a downward stab, my other foot striking out downward to push me back as I pirouette back into a defensive stance.

Releasing a slow deep breath, my spear turns back into a ring, having finished my practice with it for now, at the very least until I can make myself a magical spear staff one day. It's all about options and fallback methods at the end of the day because if one method of attack doesn't work, I want to have other methods available to me.

Thinking of that I release another deep breath and pull out my wand and cast a minor and unknown curse on myself I found in the Black Library, increasing the resistance my entire body goes through like every muscle is suddenly pulling extra weight. Even though it is a rather minor curse, especially one found in such an infamous library, it can be undeniably deadly in a duel if you're hit with something that makes you so much slower, though it can still be blocked with a standard shield.

Grabbing my wand I strike forward with it with a quick stab, my muscles screaming in protest due to the extra magical weight my body is experiencing, pulling and tearing at my muscles. At the end of my stab and my arm fully extended I send a very weak piercing curse before pulling back and sending an uppercut with my right first, the twin claws of that fist extending mid-strike. Faster and faster my punches and stabs come, tearing down my body as I push harder and harder, even as my healing builds me back up. Cutting and piercing curses are mixed in with stunning and disarming spells, even as normal stabs from my wand target the eyes, throat, and arteries of my imaginary enemies.

Suddenly I mix in more capoeira into my fighting, sending a blade-enhanced stabbing kick, using the momentum to spin into another more slashing kick. Landing on my outstretched palm I send a weak cutting curse from my wand as I spin and jump back onto my feet. Faster and faster, I introduce more kicks and slashes from my claws and spells from my wand before blending into a low and wide stance.

From here I blend more Wushu moves into my fighting, both my hand and feet claws extended at work in high and low kicks into my movements, sending spells with more fluid-like movements as I inject powerful and deadly kicks. Pushing my wand back into my holster I stand in a stronger stance with my hand open in front of me, one in front of another.

I then start punching out faster than before, not bothering with a full rotation of my fist and my claws pushing out at the endpoint of each strike. Blending into the Wing Chun movement I send out multiple punches and kicks with my clawed hands and feet, making sure to use blocks as well from the strikes from my shadow enemy.

As I move forward with my stronger stance, I send out magical telekinetic blasts from my feet to help unbalance my opponent and a few unexpected blasts from the side as well, making sure not to get stuck with just linear attacks. Though due to a lack of a physical enemy I can work on grabbing an enemy just yet, that's something I can work on in other ways.

Finally slowing down I breathe out a hot breath and cast off the curse on me before kneeling down, breathing in deep and slow breaths to calm down as my body quickly recovers. As I calm my mind, I use my telekinesis to float and rotate my throwing knives in various complex patterns to further my mental dexterity and fine control. Being that the ability is connected to my magic, working out my magic, in general, will further the power of my telekinesis. After calming my mind down completely I put away my blades and get ready for the day after cleaning up.

After waking up early in the morning, I made sure to do three-hour-long workouts in my dojo, working to sharpen my skills and pushing the limits of my body just a bit further. I also took some time to meditate to work on my occlumency and the mental world to expand on those skills as much as I could, Lastly, I try to use my chi and magic at once, though sadly there still seems to be a wall of some kind, either mental or physical, and neither seem to work at the same time for active attacks, though that won't stop me from trying.

During my meditation, I can have both flow freely through me, but when building up a structure for my spells I run into that metaphysical wall. At the very least my telekinetic attacks aren't hindered due to their more freeform use and lack of structure, but that still limits me.

After finishing my practice and workout it's time for me to clean up and head out for breakfast and see how well I can get along with my Ravenclaw house and everyone else here at Hogwarts. If it's anything like the films or books then most of the student population should be finicky in their opinion of me one way or the other, but it's all real for me now, so I'll just have to adapt to things as they come my way.

I make sure to pick up Yumie on my way out, picking her up from her sunbathing, earning a slight grumble from her as she merged back into me, and shrinking my trunk to keep it with me.

At least Hermione should be some nice company and I'm sure Dobby will have something delicious prepared, he's just great like that.

ΩΩΩ

Making my way down into the common room I see that only a few people are awake yet, mostly a few upper years reading over some of the books in the Ravenclaw library, something I plan to go over soon myself. Casting a quick tempus charm, I see that it's still only seven AM, much too early for most since breakfast is still a half-hour away, and I doubt many will want to get up that early just yet.

Seeing that I still had some time to kill I made my way to the owlery where Hedwig was, asking the various portraits throughout the castle for directions. Which reminds me that I'll have to get my hands on the Marauder's map eventually, and I bet the twins would be willing to trade it for a meeting with Padfoot. Though I let out a short chuckle at the thought of those three coming together and what kind of chaos they might cause.

As I make my way into the owlery tower, Hedwig is easy to spot and she gracefully glides her way down to me, landing on my arm and the little padding of my new Ravenclaw robes.

"How are you doing today beautiful," I ask, stroking her white feathers as she preens under ministrations

"Hoot" she sounds out, acknowledging my attention and compliment, puffing up her feathers in pride, making her look adorable honestly.

"Yes, such a smart and beautiful owl, that's what you are" I mutter out, giving her plenty of attention that she soaks up and I wallow away a bit of time with her. Finding it a bit amusing, I start whistling out the first thirty seconds of Hedwig's Theme, something every Harry Potter fan knows, petering off after a few minutes.

Smiling at her I ask, "Would you like to be my familiar Hedwig?" as I reach out with my magic, sending an open and questioning feeling through my magic, to see if she would accept me. Fluttering her wings, she looks at me, eyes far more intelligent than expected of any owl, examining me, weighing me against whatever measure she has before bobbing her head up and down. I feel the magic I sent out being accepted by her with a smile, connecting us both through the familiar bond, feeling as we each grow from our shared magic.

Suddenly the black spots that littered Hedwig's form seem to fade away, leaving behind a pure white owl and she disappears in a flurry of snowflakes, appearing above my head, wings spread. I can feel a sudden chill in the air due to her presence and I come to the obvious conclusion that she embodies the name Snowy Owl now more than ever before.

I can feel it as well, my magic changing and evolving, taking in the cold from our connection and as I hover my hand above the nearby stone, pushing out my magic, I can see frost quickly spread out over the stone. And while not a massive game-changer in my skill set right now, as I master the ability and delve more into elemental spells in the future, this new ability can become another deadly weapon in my arsenal of skills.

Though I can feel that the new chill within my magic isn't the only thing I gained, I'm not quite sure as to what this other new ability might be. Looking around the owlery and seeing Hedwig sat upon her perch, seemingly a snowy queen overlooking her abode, I think about how owls find people in the first place, that now innate magic bred into them by witches and wizards over generations.

"I wonder…" I begin to mutter aloud, trying to think about how I might be able to activate the people-finding ability messaging owls have. I figure that I should picture a person I want to find along with their name, so I think of my grandfather on my mother's side, though I don't know what he would look like in this world, and bring up the name James Howlett, hoping this would work. Suddenly my head snaps to a certain direction, pointing toward the horizon, and I can almost viscerally feel how far he is, not so much in miles but more of a general feeling overall.

"Huh, well, that should be useful shouldn't it Hedwig?" I say, looking at my new familiar, watching as she bobs her head up and down, suddenly hearing her voice inside my head.

"I'm glad you like the ability dear, I do so ever find it useful myself, though you should head down to eat, you shouldn't be skipping meals," she says in a motherly voice, making me smile.

"It's wonderful to hear your voice, Hedwig, thank you for accepting me," I tell her over our new bond, and I can feel her happiness in it as well. Though I can also feel the weight of both bonds on my magic, I feel that currently, two should be my limit, though the added weight of two familiar bonds on my magic should help me in the long run. I can already feel my magic slowly adapting to the metaphysical weight, though not so much that I could add another similar bond any time soon, not that I want to anyhow.

"Remember to save me some bacon dear" she calls out through our bond as I make my way out of the tower, causing me to chuckle and send my acceptance of her request.

ΩΩΩ

Making my way toward the Ravenclaw breakfast table I spotted Hermione and sat across from her, with a more traditional Japanese fare appearing in front of me thanks to Dobby. Some rice topped with natto, a small bowl of miso, toast, grilled shishamo (smelt), and a nice cup of green tea, a balanced and delicious meal to be sure.

"Thank you for the meal, Dobby" I whispered before digging in with a pair of bamboo chopsticks, turning to Hermione as I ate.

"How are you doing this morning Hermione?" I asked, a slight smile painting my face as I could see a slight bit of tiredness hanging onto her like a sticky fog.

With a wide-stretching of her mouth, she was more than happy to give voice to the last vestiges of sleep still clinging to her before she answered, making me giggle slightly in return. Her return glare was more cute than intimidating but I'll keep that to myself for now.

"I didn't sleep all that well if you must know, it's my first time away from home, even if all this is ever so exciting" she mumbled out, seeming a bit surly. Digging into her own more British-oriented breakfast, we sat in comfortable silence for a bit, with me making sure to put a few pieces of bacon to the side as we ate.

After finishing a bit of my meal, I turned to her, covering her hand in comfort, "it's completely understandable Hermione like you said, you're away from home for the first time, so even if you're looking forward to this new and magical world, a little homesickness isn't wrong" I told her, doing my best to commiserate with her.

"Thanks" she replied, her lips spreading into a small smile, "though what about you? How did you sleep, and how do you feel about all of this? What do you think of all the classes? Are you nervous about any of them? Do you …" she said, beginning her rapid-fire of questions, seemingly all in a single breath

"Hermione!" I snapped out with a slight raise of my voice, not so much in annoyance but more to get her attention.

"Calm down haha, we have time, so you don't need to ask everything at once," I told her, amusement coloring my tone, causing her to blush a bit. "As for your questions, well, I slept well, and I'm excited about all of this as well. I do think all the classes look interesting, some more than others obviously, and I wouldn't say I'm nervous about any of them but astronomy isn't a big interest of mine so that is one class that's last on my list of interests. Now, does that answer most of your questions?" I asked her, showing a small smile to show I wasn't mad or annoyed at her.

"Ahem, yes, thank you. It's just, I'm so excited for all of this and I've even read all the books so far!" she said, her excitement shining through. "I know we talked about some of this on the train ride here, but still, I'm rather nervous for classes tomorrow, so it helps to talk, and you're also my first friend," she says with a smile and blush.

I smiled at her, "Thank you Hermione, and I would have to say you're my first friend as well, I didn't socialize much before I came here, so, I'm more than happy that we're friends" I told her, hoping to express my sincerity to her.

"We'll be best friends then!" she exclaimed, her bushy brown hair bobbing up and down due to her excitement and happiness, bringing me a bit of amusement.

"Best friends then" I responded in turn.

"And speaking of being friends, your piano song last night was lovely, what was it?" she asked.

"Well, when it's just instrumental music, it would be called a piece, and the piece I played was Bach's Organ Sonata No. 4, I'm very pleased that you enjoyed it," I told her with a wide smile.

"Wow! How long have you been playing? Can you play anything else?" she asked, excited to be learning something new, though Hedwig soon flew in with the rest of the owls right after, drawing some attention. Though I ignored the stares and simply pushed her plate of bacon toward her, receiving a bobbing nod and quiet thanks in return before turning back to Hermione.

"Well, I've been playing for as long as I can remember, and I've dabbled in a few instruments here and there, but I also love singing, though music as a whole is a passion of mine," I tell her.

"Oh, could you sing something?" she asked, her eyes shining.

"Well…" I said, feeling a bit abashed at the sudden request

"Please?" she asked, sending me the equivalent of puppy eyes toward me, causing me to relent, if only slightly.

"Fine, but just a few lines of a song I know, how is that?" I ask.

"Yay! Thank you! Thank you!" she says, causing a few students at our table to look over and I even saw Tonks at the Hufflepuff table look toward us before smiling and walking our way.

Looking her way, Hermione follows my gaze, seeing the pretty pink-haired seventh year heading toward us, making her way in front of us a few moments later as she walked and sat down next to Hermine and in front of me with a wide smile.

"Wotcher little Ravens, hey Liz," she says, smirking my way as she tries to annoy me with the nickname, though I have far better control over my emotions than that.

"Good to see you again Tonks," I tell her, causing her to pout at my lack of reaction, "Tonks, meet Hermione, my new best friend, Hermione, meet Tonks, my cousin. Don't let her rile you up to much, she liked messing with people" I warn Hermione, smirking at Tonks in return.

They both share some hellos before Tonks turns to me again, "so what got your new little friend all excited?" she asks.

"Oh! She was going to sing a little bit!" Hermione told her, enthusiasm returning to her once again at the thought of my coming little performance.

"Well now, then let's see what kind of singing chops my little cuz has, I'm curious if they measure up to your piano chops," she tells me with a grin.

With an exasperated look at both of them, I make sure to roll my eyes at Tonks specifically, but nonetheless, I still enjoy the easy comradery.

"Ahem, well, this is a song called Glass Sky, at least the beginning of it …" I tell them before taking a deep breath in preparation:

How many days have passed like this?

The city, the crowd, is fading, moving on

Sometimes I have wondered where you've gone

Story carries on … Lonely, lost inside

I had this dream so many times

The moments we spent have passed and gone away

Could there be an end to this?

I let the final notes die off, the lulling melody having drifted to a few people around our table as I didn't put any work into projecting my voice, but I was happy with the end result.

"Oh, Elizabeth that was beautiful!" Hermione said excitedly, stars in her eyes, making me feel a bit pleased, it's always nice to be appreciated.

"Not bad cuz, looks like you have those singing chops after all" responded Tonks, seeming impressed herself if the slight raise in her hair gives anything away. Though how much of her changes are unconscious reactions versus controlled responses is anyone's guess, but still fun to see.

"Thanks, both of you" I replied, sharing a smile with them all, happy that my musical passion could make my new friend and family happy.

With a rub on my head, Tonks bid her own goodbye to both of us and made her way back to her table, leaving me and Hermione alone again. Finishing up my meal first, I sipped on my green tea in another comfortable silence with Hermione and I saw Professor McGonagall making her way over to us.

Moments later the transfiguration professor stood across from me, still surprising me that she looked like a bit older Fiona Glascott rather than Maggie Smith, though that's just the longevity of witches and wizards coming into play.

"If you're done with your breakfast Ms. Potter, Headmaster Dumbledore would like to have a word with you," she told me, holding the tone and decorum very befitting of her position and time that she grew up in. Most definitely a proper Scottish lady, a slight Scottish brogue coloring her voice.

"That won't be a problem professor, I'm quite done, though could you lead me to his office? I'm not quite sure where it is yet" I told her, curious about what Dumbledore wants with me and the kind of man he will be.

"That's perfectly acceptable Ms. Potter, come along" she informed me, having me follow along behind her as we made our way to Dumbledor's office. As both of us were exiting the great hall I spotted Draco finally making his way in, looking pale, though after seeing me, he started to resemble a bloodless corpse. Maybe my message will sink through? At the very least there's nothing to prove it's me, no matter his suspicion.

Honestly, I expect him to bounce back after a few weeks, that kind of classist arrogance and blood supremacy just doesn't go away after one scare like that.

Making our way down the halls, neither McGonagall nor I shared much conversation along the way, not really being the time and the more professional student-teacher relationship causing her to keep her distance, no matter her relationship with my father.

"Be ready to give him a bite if something happens Yumie, just in case. I doubt that it will, but it never hurts to be cautious" I tell her over our mental link

"Understood, don't worry Elizabeth, I'll always keep you safe no matter what," she told me, and I could feel her love and protectiveness coming through our bond, warming my heart.

Soon after we appeared before a stone gargoyle, with McGonagall stopping in front of it and speaking "acid pops", surprising me when it stepped to the side. Book version of the gargoyle it is then.

"Dumbledore will meet you upstairs Ms. Potter, if you need help finding your way back you can ask the portraits along the way" she informed me.

"Thank you, Professor McGonagall, I appreciate the help," I told her with a smile.

"My pleasure Ms. Potter, I shall see you tomorrow for class, be sure to be on time" she let me know, giving me a brief nod before making her way back down the hall.

After making my way up the stairs I was about to knock before I heard a faint "come in Ms. Potter" coming from inside, making me pause for a moment. Taking in everything in I can feel a very faint spell over where I'm standing, maybe some ward or charm letting Dumbledore know whose coming, interesting.

As I head into the grand office, I can see various Headmaster portraits lining the walls, a few magical items scattered about, Fawkes on his perch looking truly stunning, and Dumbledore himself behind his desk. His long white beard and round glasses framing his face are the most eye-catching, though his grandiose royal purple robes come in at a close second.

"Hello Headmaster Dumbledore, you wanted to talk to me?" I asked, watching as he peered over his glasses to look at me, somehow an actual twinkle shining in his eye. Making me wonder again if it was some spell or just that his magic is strong enough that something like that is just natural for him.

"Ah yes, Ms. Potter, if you would please take a seat, my dear. I would simply like to have a small talk with you and clear up a few things if you wouldn't mind" he informed me, seeming like a happy and well-composed old man.

After taking the seat in front of his desk he soon went on, "My dear girl, something you may not know is that I was rather close to your parents and would like to offer my late condolences for their passing as well as to check in on your welfare" he let me know, coming across as truly sincere.

"I appreciate the sentiment Headmaster, thank you, and as for how I'm doing, I can say I'm doing well, thank you very much for asking" I told him, giving him a small smile in return.

"Lovely my dear girl, lovely. And how are your aunt and uncle doing?" he asked.

"My aunt and uncle Headmaster?" I replied, giving off a confused tone for him, no need to give him too much information easily.

"Why your family my dear girl?" he asked, sharing a more honest confusion with his tone.

"Ah, well I live with godfather Headmaster" I told him, earning a shocked look from him, something I enjoyed as I doubt too many have the opportunity to shock him at his age.

"But what about your family Ms. Potter? I was quite sure you lived with them" he responded; his question more than a little probing.

"I admit Headmaster that I would rather keep private matters private but suffice to say that blood does not always equal family, and my godfather is my family, despite not sharing blood," I told him, being sincere with the sentiment.

"My dear, no matter your issues with your aunt and uncle you have to learn to forgive, they are your family" he told me imploringly.

"I respectfully disagree Headmaster, not everything can or should be forgiven, and I haven't lived with the Dursleys for years at this point. At the moment I am very happy with the family I have with my godfather as he won't ever leave the mental scares the Dursleys did, now, will that be all Headmaster?" I said in a cordial tone, though disappointed that he seems to care more about the concept of forgiveness than asking about what they did to me.

"Hmm, yes my dear, I suppose that it will, thank you for coming to talk to this old man, you may go" he said with a nod, seeming to recede into deep thought as I began to leave, though I gave Fawkes a quick pet before I left.

At the very least this Dumbledore seems to be well-meaning, even if a bit of a bit moralistic, and a big picture man, which is still much better than an evil Dumbledore or some great manipulator. I'll just have to see how things develop more into the future and how he'll treat me as he learns more about me.

ΩΩΩ

Making my way back into the Ravenclaw dorms I see Hermione already making use of the library here, One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi sitting in her lap as she reads through it again. Honestly, it's one of the more interesting potion books considering the large variety of information available, but like many published wizarding books, it's on the dry side in terms of writing quality.

Family grimoires are by in large much more interesting to read since they usually contain the thoughts of the witch or wizard writing their additions to the book or family library rather than just clinical information about certain spells or potions. This is one of the reasons I enjoy the Potter and Black family libraries so much, the insights of those that came before can be incredibly helpful and fun to read.

"Hey Hermione, I'll be in my room for a while, enjoy the book" I let her know, earning a distracted nod and hum in return, something I found a bit amusing.

After arriving back in my room, I set up a few quick ofuda wards to let me know if anyone is at the door and to block entry, reinforcing the already locked door. I have a few things to do outside of the castle and no need to get caught with my room being empty, and I can get back fast enough in case Hermione comes up for air from her reading.

Taking a quick look through the shadows in an alley over at Diagon I shadow travel over, making my way into the busy shopping district. First, I head over to the trunk store nearby to get a regular student trunk, something I should have gotten earlier, but simply didn't think of, being that I have my large library storage trunk and home trunk. At the very least the student trunk will be a good diversion trunk in case anyone ever makes their way into my room when I'm not there, or if I invite them in myself.

Making my way into the store I told the proprietor that I wanted a basic student trunk, that had general protections against being broken into, a feather-light charm on it, and a slightly expanded interior. All of which he was happy to provide and shrink my purchase right after as well, with the total value being several times cheaper than my specialized trunks of course.

As for whether he would suspect I'm some absentee student from Hogwarts, I'm highly confident that such a thing won't be an issue. One, I look young enough to be starting Hogwarts next year rather than being a current student, two, I don't know if a student of Hogwarts has ever actually skipped out on said school, more so coming here right after. And lastly, the majority of people simply don't care, much more involved about whatever worries and wants going on in their own lives, rather than looking into the life of some random child they came across that is in no apparent danger.

My next stop I did in fact put my hood up, coalescing the shadows within the hood to help conceal my face, making my way into Knockturn alley. Walking into the alley confidently and without fear, I remained unaccosted, despite my size, my bearing causing caution in those around the alley. Of course, there always has to be an idiot, doesn't there?

"Oie, what's a little thing like you doing here? Ow bout some fun?" said an oily and balding man, a leer spread across his face like a yellowing and rotten stain, his hand reaching toward me.

Without a word I sent a bone breaker at his hand, electing a pleasant scream from before windlessly pulling him forward with my telekinesis and down with my magic, bringing him to his knees. A swift punch broke his nose, and another fractured his jaw, the force reverberating through my metallic-like bones.

Sending a banisher from my wand into his chest, a loud wet crack from his sternum sang out through the alley before crashing into a nearby brick wall and collapsing into a head onto the filthy floor. A common thug with weak magic and little to no magical training will hardly be my match, even with meager magic training, but he certainly helped send a message. As of now, I have no real diversity concerning my magical skills, but basic combat spells are easy enough to learn, you just need to know how best to utilize the tools available to you.

Soon after I made my way into Borgin and Burkes, hoping that due to the large diversity of their wares, the store would have what I'm looking for.

Making my way to the man at the counter, Mr. Borgin I would assume, I used some of the magic centering around music I learned to alter my voice, "Sir, I am looking for two items in particular, one, an advanced book concerning Egyptian hieroglyphs and hanged man's deadwood, do you have either or both?" I asked, going straight to the point.

"Mmm, I may indeed have both, very rare items that, let my check," he told me, a smarmy air about him as he talked to me and quickly went into the back.

While both items are important to me, I especially want the hanged man's wood, of which, the name can be self-explanatory, even if a bit macabre. The wood from a dead tree where a man was hanged from, holding a special connection to death, something that will be helpful for a future project. The Egyptian runes books also helping in that regard, the more advanced runes centering around Anubis especially.

As I wait, I took the time to look around, finding a dark enchanted Mokeskin pouch, causing blisters to any would-be thieves, while also taking a sample of their blood. It's not something I want or need but it does remind me that I should spend some time studying the space expansion charms that go into making one, and how they differ from the chams that expand something like the interior of a trunk into a fixed amount of space. A project for the future at the very least.

Soon after Mr. Borgin came out holding two items, a book, and a box, "I do in fact have both items dear customer, the book here is very rare and in great condition, and this here box is expanded to hold thirty pieces of the wood you're looking for" he told me, a greedy look shining from his eyes.

Looking at the book first, it passes inspection, like he said, it's in good condition and it's what I'm looking for, my smile hidden behind the darkness of my hood.

Opening the box, I see and count out thirty pieces of wood, taking a sliver of one piece and burning it with a magical flame, a basic one I learned in the Potter library. Seeing that the sliver of wood burst into black flame, I was even happier that both items checked out.

"How much?" I ask.

"100 galleons" he says with a smile as if he's offering me some great deal, yet making me feel annoyed in that he thinks that I'm stupid.

Causing all the shadows to darken in the shop, they start to creep forward, and I push out my magic into a telekinetic weight that causes the floorboards to groan out in protest, I simply look at him, my green eyes shining out from my hood and ask again, "how much?"

"Ahem, yes, well, my apologies, I meant to say 15 galleons for both," he told me, his face suddenly holding a deathly pallor. I wonder why? Quickly paying the man, I pull back my magic, the shop returning to normal, and make my way out of the story, heading for my last stop.

Stepping into the shadows once more after I'm out of view, I make a quick stop back in Japan at the shop I bought my pipes at, happy to see it still open despite the time difference. Why worry about international travel when it's just a step away, am I right?

Picking up a kiseru pipe for when I want to enjoy smoking my pipe but only have a short amount of time, I pack it up with a smile and finally make my way back to Hogwarts. Happy I checked everything off my list for the day, I back away my purchases and spend the rest of the day with Hermione, giggling about this and that, while also going over the books for tomorrow's classes.

Having had a productive and happy day by the end, I head to bed with a smile on my face after visiting Sirius, though he did tell me Moony will be visiting soon, so that should be an interesting meeting.

ΩΩΩ

After getting my morning workout and occlumency practice done, I make my way down the hall toward the Hospital Wing, a few helpful portraits along the way making the journey along the way much more expedient. Stepping into the wing, I see an older woman with grey hair and a focused if slightly stern expression, seemingly organizing the potions in a cabinet.

"Madam Pomfrey?" I ask out, getting the attention of the older woman.

"Yes? How can I help? Feeling ill?" she asks, a professional demeanor worn about her person, though kind and caring eyes peering out from her face as well.

"No Madam, I simply wanted to ask if I could volunteer here during my free period and the weekends so that I could learn from you?" I ask her, trying to appear both sincere and mature in my tone. Though my healing is amazing, it never hurts to have another useful skill set that could help me or someone close to me in the future.

"Really? And why would you want that?" she asked with an arched eyebrow, though at least not refuting me from the get-go.

"Well, hmm, I want to be able to help others as well as myself in the future, being who I am, I'm a target, and so is anyone around me. If the worst happens, I want to be able to have the skills to help, rather than being helpless" I told her, my tone solemn, even as her eyes widened as she recognized me, probably from the feast last night.

"I see. You do understand that you may run into things like blood and other assortments of injuries and that you would have to do what I say when I say it? Though don't worry too much, I won't let you handle anything serious until I feel that you're ready and won't hurt my patients. Understood?" she told me, her strict demeanor in full force.

I gave her a wide and bright smile as I responded, "I understand completely and don't worry, blood and things like that won't bother me, thank you very much for this opportunity"

She nodded, "very well, we'll start you coming just on weekends first and see how things develop. Off you go now," she said, shooing me away with a small smile that I returned before leaving.

Happy that my day was off to a good start, Hermione and I shared a nice breakfast before heading to our first class, transfiguration, both of us excited and sitting together.

Sitting at the desk with Hermione, I looked closely at the cat on the Professors desk, obviously knowing it was Professor McGonagall's animagus for. Rather than just looking at her though, I was feeling the magic involved, feeling how the magic around her seemed denser, more compressed in a way. I admit I'm looking forward to trying to become one during the summer with Sirius and seeing what I will become.

After everyone arrived, thankfully no one being late, the Professor jumped from her desk and transformed, earning a shocked gasp from the other students. As I didn't respond in kind, McGonagall looked my way, not in disapproval, but seemingly curious about my lack of reaction, if the arched eyebrow is any indication.

Delving right into her speech about the dangers and difficulties of transfiguration and how anyone messing around would be kicked out, she her lecture first.

"Transfiguration covers many areas of magic, from the transformation of matter, conjuration, inanimate to animate transfiguration, and even more difficult, animate to inanimate transfiguration," she told her, her tone and countenance severe, giving added weight to the topic.

"Many of these various branches of transfiguration we will not be going over until much later into your education, but one thing to know is that transfiguration when concerning the transformation of matter is not permanent unless tied into an enchantment of some form. Though how long said transfiguration lasts by itself will largely depend on the power and skill of the witch or wizard" she said, waving her wand and transforming her desk into a pig and turning it back into a desk soon after, giving the class an example of such a transfiguration.

"Now, what can in fact be permanent is when matter is transfigured into another shape, rather than into another form of matter. This takes more power and focused intent to lock the transformation into the form you desire, but this will also be another goal to keep in mind as you progress in this field of magic" she said, her sternness transforming into a small smile of encouragement before getting back into her lecture.

Soon after that, it was time for what I was looking forward to, the practical portion of the class, transfiguring a match into a needle. After everyone in class received their needle, their faces morphed into a need look of concentration, Hermione's included, while I started at my needle in contemplation.

Pointing my wand at it, I copied the feeling of the magic I felt when Professor McGonagall showed the class the transfiguration, keeping the image of the needle in my mind as I worked through the spell. A few seconds after, the match in front of me was transfigured into a needle, though I felt that it still took too long, taking the few seconds that it did. Around this time Professor McGonagall made her way over our way and was shocked to see my already finished needle.

"My, that must be the fastest a student of mine has completed this particular transfiguration, I do believe you even surpass your father's skill in this field of magic, excellent work Ms. Potter, five points to Ravenclaw" she told me, causing other students to look my way, and Hermione to look a bit annoyed she didn't get her match to transform yet.

"Thank you, Professor," I told her with a small smile, before turning to Hermione in order to help and calm her ire down a bit, Professor McGonagall making her own way around the class in order to help.

"Here, I'll help, you do the spell again and I'll see if I can give you any tips," I told her.

"Fine" she said, starting to pout a little bit, making me giggle.

"Don't pout Hermione, I'm trying to help" I told her, "Everyone has their strengths and weakness, just because I got it first, doesn't mean you doing bad at all" I said chidingly, with her giving me a small nod and smile in return.

After watching her try and perform the spell again, I could see where some of her issues might be, one of them being that she's using too little magic and not focusing it right.

"First Hermione, when doing the spell, you have to keep a constant feeling of the spell going until you see the match become a needle. Right now, it seems like you're giving a quick and small burst of magic, so that nothing happens, rather than letting the spell take hold. Lastly, make sure you keep the image of the needle in your mind constant, so you know what the final result will be. Okay?" I told her, receiving another nod in return as she started again.

This time the match turned into metal and the tip became a very blunt point, while not a needle just yet, it was still visible progress for Hermione. "Great work, now you just need to focus on that feeling of your spell and watch it take hold until it's done and see if you can focus on the feeling of the spell even stronger, which should help a little. All that's left is practice" I told her with a smile.

"Thanks Elizabeth!" she exclaimed quietly between the two of us, seeming much happier now that she was seeing progress. She continued practicing while I offered advice to a few surrounding students, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff alike, and she managed to be one of the only other students to get her match into a needle by the end of the class. Others making their matches metallic or pointed but making progress. Though I stayed behind to talk to the Professor as Hermione made her way to our next class, I still had some time before I would be late.

"Professor?" I voiced out as she was organizing some papers on her desk after putting away the box of needles the students were working with.

"Yes? Oh Elizabeth, how can I help you?" she asked.

"I was wondering if you would give any advice on increasing the speed that the match transforms into a needle?" I ask her.

"Hmm, well, considering that you have no problem with the final result of your transfiguration, your mental image seems perfectly fine, what may help is having a clear picture of the process of the transfiguration. Picturing the match actually becoming the needle, rather than just picturing the needle itself. This way the structure of the spell should move alone faster, being that you have more information when using the spell, something that helps much more with higher-level transfigurations" she explained patiently, handing me a needle to try out her suggestion.

Taking the needle and pondering a moment, I visualized the processes in further detail within my mind, picturing the match condensing, turning into metal, and tapering into a point. Pointing my wand at the match with the process in mind, I was happy to see it transform in less than a second, even earning yet another surprised look from Professor McGonagall.

"Thank you Professor!" I told her with a wide smile, pleased at my progress.

I saw McGonagall looking at the needle and back at me for a few moments, seemingly thinking about something, when I was about to turn to leave, she stopped me, gesturing with her hand for me to stay.

"Yes Professor?" I asked.

"Ms. Potter, so far you have shown an astonishing aptitude for this field of magic, so with that in mind, I would like to ask if you would like to come under my private instruction? If you would come early to our lessons, we can work one on one, with the stipulation that you help tutor the class when normal lessons start. What do you think Ms. Potter?" she asked, shocking me.

"Wow, thank you very much Professor, I would be honored to accept this opportunity," I told her, falling into old habits and giving her a bow in return.

"No need to bow Ms. Potter, I'm happy you accepted" she told me, showing a slight amusement at my reaction.

"Ha-ha, sorry Professor, I was raised with a more Japanese-oriented education" I told her with a chuckle.

"Really?" she said, a question more to herself, as her faraway look indicated. Understandable considering she should have been there when I was dropped off at the Dursleys.

Coming back to herself once more she gave me a small smile, "I shall see you an hour before class starts then Ms. Potter, now tarry on to your next lesson" she told me, shooing me away, making me leave with a smile.

ΩΩΩ

Making my way hurriedly into Charms class, I sat next to Hermione just as the class was beginning to start, Professor Flitwick beamed at all of us with a bright and excited smile, and after finishing his roll call, he started his introduction.

"Welcome! Welcome! I'm delighted to welcome you all to your first charms class, I am Professor Flitwick, and I am truly excited to see how all of you! Now, let me give you a basic introduction to charms so we can all get started in this wonderful field of magic!" he exclaimed in an excited and obviously happy voice.

After his opening introduction, he then went on to explain what charms actually were, showcasing how they were meant to affect the properties of someone or something. Where transfiguration could turn someone into an animal, a charm would be used to knock someone out or even make someone dance. With high-level charms, you can lead into enchantment, both temporary and permanent, such as making a chocolate frog that moves and a quill that can write for you. The more powerful and imaginative the enchanter, the more complex and long-lasting the enchantment can be, which is why flying brooms always have room for improvement and legendary enchanted weapons exist throughout history.

With that explanation out of the way, though I thought it was truly exciting to hear, more so from a master in this field of magic, he had us start off with our first charm, the lighting charm. Though when that was mentioned, I received more than a few pairs of eyes my way and a student letting the Professor know I already knew it. I mean, I did show it off on our arrival on our way to the boats, not surprising it was brought up I suppose.

"Really Ms. Potter? How exciting! Would you care to show it off to the rest of the class then?" he asked me with a wide and happy smile, though a more patient demeanor as well when asking me to show off the spell. I would assume so that I don't feel overwhelmed by the request like many girls my age might.

"I would be happy to Professor" I told him, returning a small smile of my own, "Lumos" I said in a relaxed manner, lighting the tip of my wand, before silently un-lighting it.

"Wonderful Ms. Potter, five points to Ravenclaw! Now that class is a great example of the lighting charm and a very advanced example of something called silent casting or a nonverbal spell that you will be introduced to in your 6th year. Truly a wonderful presentation by Ms. Potter" he explained to the class, getting further into the visualization aspects soon after.

As the class went on I helped various students go over the spell, helping Hermione first, though she soon got the spell herself near the beginning of class, earning Ravenclaw another five points. By the end of class, more than half the class managed to grasp the spell with both I and Professor Flitwick helping.

As everyone was leaving, I yet again chose to stay behind, telling Hermione I would meet her later in the Great Hall for lunch, and I approached the Professor as she left.

"Professor? I was wondering if I could have a moment of your time?" I asked him.

"Why certainly Ms. Potter, I always have time for one of my students, and one of my Ravens at that. How can I help you?" he said, his wide smile starched across his face, and his small figure filled with energy.

"Well Professor, I had heard that you were a champion dueler, and I was wondering if you could teach me? I mentioned this to Madam Pomfrey as well, but considering my un-earned fame, I, and those around me are a target. Since this is the case, I would like to better prepare myself and advance my skills. Your thoughts Professor?" I asked him in a serious and solemn tone.

Seeming to think a bit as he took my words into consideration for a few moments, he looked at me once again, "I can certainly understand your worries Ms. Potter, so I think I would be amenable to teaching you dueling and even speed up your charms education as well if what you have shown is any indication of your talent" he tells me in a more normal but still happy tone.

With a slightly secretive smile of my own I pull out my wand and light it up once more, this time silently, and a red light shines on the tip, other than the usual white. Showing my ability to alter the spell, I then detach the light from my wand and toss it to hang in the air in the center of the room.

"I hope that this shows I'm ready for whatever advanced work you can give me Professor, I'm more than happy to put in whatever work is necessary to succeed, both in your charm's lessons and your dueling lessons. Thank you for taking the time to teach me" I tell him giving him the same bow I gave McGonagall as my show of respect.

"Marvelous Ms. Potter! I shall talk to Professor McGonagall to see if she could work with me to release you early from her class if you're doing well so that we can spend some extra time on one-on-one lessons" he tells me.

"Well Professor, I showcased enough ability to earn the same from Professor McGonagall as well, so I shall attend a private lesson with her early as well, and the class time will be me helping other students. Hopefully, this will help things along for both of you then" I inform him, earning even more excitement from the half-goblin.

"Truly stupendous! I am excited to see how you grow in the future Ms. Potter, your mother was a favorite student of mine, and I am sure she would be proud to see you now" he says, his tone more heartfelt near the end, giving me a kind smile as well.

"Thank you Professor, that truly means the world to me" I say, before giving a formal short bow to him and head off to lunch to see Hermione, Tonks, and maybe even say hi to Neville.

Being that the rest of the day is free, I'll spend some time studying with Hermione and invite Neville along, shadow travel home to get some dueling and Defensive Against the Dark Arts practice with Sirius and finish the day off with some practice in my forge. By the time Remus gets here next week, I should have yet another dueling partner and teacher, as long as I can clear a few things up with him first.

Honestly? Not a bad first day at Hogwarts.

++ Sorry this was so late everyone! Hopefully, this was an enjoyable enough read though probably not worth such a long wait to be fair, but still my longest chapter so far. With the very helpful advice from HelloDarkness07 I spent the time writing out an outline to help organize all the various ideas I had for this story, at the very least for the Hogwarts arc. I have the whole Hogwarts arc outline finished, and this chapter is just the first seven parts of that outline from the first-year section alone, with the whole section containing thirty-three parts in total. So yeah, still have a ways to go for first year alone, but should be fun.

Honestly, I have a horrible time focusing on things myself, get distracted easily, and tend to run out of patients rather easily as well, so this story will develop at its own pace to be sure, though the outline should help a lot. I hope that won't be too bothersome for the readers that enjoy this first story of mine.

Lastly, I just want to thank HelloDarkness07 once again for all the help he offered and for him going over both my outline and some of this chapter as well. He's a fanatic author himself whose writing I very much enjoy, so the encouragement from him meant a lot, thanks!

I would also like to thank all the readers who have commented on and favorited this story, because I honestly didn't think it would be all that popular, more so being my first real fanfiction and story. I just want to let you all know I very much appreciate you and give you all my heartfelt thanks, even if my own writing is rather slow.

Until next time, I hope you all have a great week and stay happy, safe, and healthy!

Song part in this chapter: Tokyo Ghoul √A - "Glassy Sky" (FULL) | AmaLee ver