"There, look. See him?"
"Where?"
"The one wearing the glasses?"
"Did you see his face?"
"Did you see his scar?"
For not the first time, Harry felt endless gratitude towards Sirius, Severus, and Remus for doing all they could to keep him out of the public eye. With no such protection now, Harry found whispers tailing him even in his own common room and it weighed heavily on him.
It was understandable people were going to be eager to see and meet him but at least the Hufflepuffs were trying to be normal about it. It helped that he had some buffer with Hannah, Susan, Cedric, and even surprisingly Roger keeping most of the overly eager at bay but the rest of the student body wouldn't be as satisfied with just seeing him.
The Great Hall wasn't nearly as full as the night prior when all of the student body was present for the Start of Term Feast but it certainly wasn't anywhere near empty. Sure enough, as soon as he approached the open doors, eyes and words were quickly focused on him. He had been rather confident going to the Great Hall alone - Susan and Hannah would be right behind him and it wasn't like he didn't know anyone - but now faced with the Great Hall and what it held…
Red caught his attention as he passed over the threshold and, without missing a beat, his trajectory changed from where he had sat the night prior to the number of redheads sitting two tables over.
The chatter in the hall increased, setting his proverbial hackles on end and quickening his footsteps. He didn't care what the rest of the student body thought; he wanted familiar company until Susan and Hannah arrived. "Morning," he offered quickly, shoving himself between Ron and the twins.
"Harry!" came from several of those present but it was the twins and Ron whose reaction he cared about most.
"Wocher, Harry," the farthest twin offered.
"Joining us for breakfast?" the one he sat next to asked.
His gaze flickered to Ron briefly. "If that's alright. I didn't really want to sit by myself until the others arrived."
Something passed between all four redheads sitting at the table but Harry only caught a glimpse of it before Ron was scooting over and placing an empty plate in front of Harry. "Here you go," Ron said. "Do you want some sausages? They're really good."
Harry plucked one off the plate Ron was offering but no matter how much he tried to focus on Ron gushing about Gryffindor Tower, he was making out every word from the table behind him. Questions like "Why is Harry Potter sitting with Gryffindors?", "Is he even allowed to be there?", and "He's just doing that for attention." were the running theme and he tried to not care, tried to pretend that what he was doing was fine.
The twin at his side turned before draping himself across Harry's back, forcing Harry into a more hunched position. He could feel one of the twin's knees pressing against the lowest part of his back as one arm cut right across the middle and the other rested against the back of his shoulders and neck. It took a while of the twin engaging Ron in conversation before Harry relaxed. The touch wasn't oppressive or uncomfortable; somehow the twin had managed to wrap around Harry in a way that felt like a shield, protecting him from eyes and words under the guise of teasing Harry while talking to the youngest sibling. Even the unnamed redhead acted as if nothing was amiss, filling Harry's plate while talking about how it was important to have a well rounded meal first thing in the morning like Harry was just another member of the family.
"Better?" Neville asked when the unnamed redhead's attention was drawn away by the other twin. It has been so quiet, Harry had nearly not heard him.
Harry offered the other a soft smile, answering honestly, "Better." The Weasley's had effectively made him feel as if he hadn't just erred horrendously by joining them at the Gryffindor table.
Some point during the conversation, Percy introduced himself and his status as Gryffindor Prefect while also telling the twin on Harry to get off. It helped Harry remember who was Fred and who was George and he was determined to not forget again. Percy, unable to leave the matter be, leaned forward and said softly, "While I won't do anything since it is the first day, you are expected to sit at your house table for meals."
Harry lowered his still full fork back to his plate, meeting Percy's apologetic gaze. "Is it really a rule?" he asked, sure his disappointment was evident.
Percy blinked at him, sitting back as if surprised by Harry's question. "Well, not exactly," Percy started, the words drawn out as if the other was rapidly running through the entire handbook.
"I want to sit with my friends. If the tables aren't marked, shouldn't it be ok?"
"Yes, but each House-"
"Aw, come off it, Perce," George said, a grin on his face.
"Leave Harry be," Fred said in George's wake, as if he'd said George's words himself.
"It's not like Harry's hurting anyone."
"Or breaking any school rules."
Ron gave a stern nod, adding his own protest. "Yeah. Let Harry sit with us if he wants to. It's just breakfast."
"If the professors don't like it, they'll say something," Neville piped in, though his face quickly filled with an embarrassed blush when several sets of eyes landed on him. "Can always leave it until they say something."
"But he should be sitting with his House," Hermione piped in a few spots down from Neville's right. "Everyone knows that's how things just are here at Hogwarts."
"No one asked for your opinion," Ron bit back rather harshly.
Harry was quick to nudge Ron, a heavy frown pulling at his expression. "Ron." But whatever he was going to say was cut off by Fred placing a hand on Harry's back and announcing, "Whelp, doesn't look like we'll have to wait long."
"Professor McGonagall is headed this way with schedules," George explained.
Tense silence settled over the small group as they waited with bated breaths. Professor McGonagall acted as if she wasn't being avidly watched by seven students partway down the table, calmly passing out schedules to those that were present for the time being. Not even arriving and meeting their gaze changed her mannerisms as she dutifully spoke names and passed out corresponding sheets of paper.
"Mr. Potter," she said after passing out the fourth 'Weasley'. She didn't offer him a paper but her expression remained neutral. "Professor Sprout will have your schedule. If you finish before she gives it to you, make sure to ask her for it before you leave."
"Yes, Professor," Harry said dutifully, relief relaxing his posture and expression.
"Professor," Percy was quick to call out before she had managed more than a full step away. "Is it really alright for Harry to be eating here? He's a Hufflepuff."
Professor McGonagall raised an eyebrow at Percy, her expression tightening slightly in the action. "There is no rule restricting where a student can sit during mealtimes. While it is expected for most feasts due to tradition and ease for new students at Start of Term, as long as Mr. Potter or any other student doesn't create a disturbance, they are allowed to sit wherever they please."
Chatter filled Professor McGonagall's wake as the Ravenclaw sitting behind Harry - and any other soul that had heard - passed the information on.
"Wicked!" Ron said in a rush, his voice low so as not to draw McGonaall's attention back to the group. "You should join us for every meal."
"Actually, I was thinking of sitting with Draco for lunch."
That drew a bit of confusion and, to his surprise, some concern from the older Weasleys. "Draco?" the twins parroted.
"I'm assuming you're speaking of Draco Malfoy," Percy said, a frown pulling at his concerned expression. "Harry, it would be wise to stay away from Slytherins, Malfoys especially. They cannot be trusted."
That seemed completely unfair but Harry simply shrugged, returning to his meal as he said, "I know Slytherins who I trusted completely. I'm willing to take the chance that Draco and other Slytherins can be as well."
Harry doubted his words were enough to stop that particular conversation but Susan and Hannah arrived before Percy or any of the others could voice their opinions on the matter. The other two Hufflepuffs took Fred and George's seats at the twins' beckoning, both twins having just finished. The chatter in the hall fluctuated again but Harry ignored it.
To his surprise, Susan and Hannah followed him to the different table at lunchtime. There had been a brief conversation about it in the hall but the other two Hufflepuffs wanted to see Blaise.
Draco, Blaise, and a number of other First Year Slytherins were sitting together, though there was quite a bit of space amongst them which allowed the three Hufflepuffs to join them easily. Harry plopped down in the empty spot to Blaise's left directly across from Draco. Draco straightened, his expression briefly giving away his surprise while Blaise didn't seem taken aback at all, softly greeting Susan and Hannah who sat on Blaise's other side.
Draco pulled his expression back into something resembling boredom. "Did you get lost, Potter? Or did you happen to just forget this is the Slytherin table?"
"There isn't anything claiming this as the Slytherin table," he pointed out, accepting the bread basket from Blaise.
"The entirety of Slytherin House sits here," Draco pointed out as if it was obvious.
"So? Nothing's stopping them from sitting elsewhere. Professor McGonagall certainly didn't kick me from among the Gryffindors and none of the other professors have said anything. Not even Professor Snape is doing anything about it." A number of people - Draco included - glanced at the Potions Professor but Harry already knew Severus wasn't paying them any mind; at least, not outwardly. The Professor had a Potions magazine open and was currently reading through one of the articles as he nursed a cup of coffee, plate still half full. "I want to eat with my friends and just because we're in different Houses shouldn't make a difference whether or not we're friends."
Blaise nodded in agreement in his peripheral. Draco scoffed, his nose crinkling in disgust. "I'm not being friends with a stupid Hufflepuff and his groupies."
Harry, unfortunately, had expected that. "You're right, you're not." Before Draco could put his bewilderment to words, Harry continued, "You're being friends with me and last I checked, I'm a Harry."
"And a Hufflepuff."
Harry shrugged. "And a godson. And a First Year student. The Boy Who Lived. What's one more label?" Harry met Draco's gaze, finding the other's expression to still be that same bewildered look. As much as he had been interested in Draco's friendship, he was finding that it might not be something that could come about, not like it had with Tanner. At least with Tanner, ne had been willing to change. "Unless you're choosing to judge me based solely on my labels like everyone else," he challenged, though his tone didn't change. "If you are, I will leave. I don't want to be friends with someone who's going to judge me on my labels alone anyway."
It was only when the last words had slipped past his tongue did Harry realize how quiet the table around them was. Harry was certain the entire table and those behind him were watching his exchange with Draco but he didn't dare glance around to find out.
After a moment that seemed to stretch on for far too long, Draco scoffed. There wasn't anything behind it, though, so it came off a bit flat. Draco put his silverware down and stood. "I've lost my appetite. Do what you want but don't involve me."
The First Year that had been to Draco's right leaned over and offered in a low voice, "You might want to go to a different table. I don't think any of the older Slytherins will take too kindly to other Houses sitting with us."
Blaise rolled his eyes. "Not you too, Theo. Come on. I already told you I wasn't going to blindly follow their lead. This whole House isolation thing is stupid."
The First Year's expression tightened. "Look, I don't care who you're friends with, but if the older Years start picking on you because of it, don't come running to me. I want nothing to do with it."
"If they come after you even if I do leave you out of it, you let me know," Blaise said heatedly. "I signed up for their harassment. You didn't." The First Year's tight expression didn't soften but they did nod. Blaise looked first to Harry, then to Susan and Hannah. "Speaking of: I should do introductions. Guys, this is Theodore Nott. Theo, this is Harry Potter, Susan Bones, and Hannah Abbott."
Theodore nodded to Harry and Hannah. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance," he said before looking to Susan, his expression closing off in a familiar way. Harry's gaze snapped to Susan and watched her entire demeanor change into something equally closed off but far more rigid. "It's been a while. How have you been holding up?"
Whatever history they shared, it wasn't good history.
"Well enough," Susan said tightly. "And yourself?"
Theodore shrugged. "Could be better. Wasn't sure I would make it into Slytherin."
Something shifted in Susan's expression, something softened. "I hope it helps."
A wry smile pulled at Theodore's expression. "Me too."
By dinner, there wasn't a table that didn't have two or more Houses sitting at it. Word had traveled through the castle like fire and it lit a sort of excitement that emboldened many to make friends in other Houses. Only the Slytherins remained at their table but plenty from other Houses joined them.
Harry heard rumors that the break in tradition was creating strife within the different Houses, some students going as far as calling each other traitors for sitting with Slytherins, predominantly, or other Houses. Harry didn't have time to think much on it, though, as classes went into full swing on the first day. The castle was massive which made it difficult to remember where anything was and it was only due to older Years that he never ended up outright late to anything. Why didn't the school give out maps? Even IPPA offered personal maps to visitors that couldn't make heads or tales of the directories in even the smallest buildings. Why couldn't Hogwarts have signs and directories, too?
Still, the classes were at least interesting. Astronomy wasn't all that different from the science classes he'd had growing up, though it sort of lacked the whole "science" part. Still, he had always liked science and learning about the stars and planets certainly wasn't a hardship. Herbology was equally enjoyable but unlike Astronomy, he'd had Herbology specific classes before. Nothing quite as in depth as Professor Sprout made the class sound like it would be, though.
The hardest class for him was going to be History of Magic, hands down. History was interesting in its own right but Harry's strong suit wasn't lecture style classes. Even tutoring with Remus and Severus hadn't improved his ability to take notes, let alone make the information stick properly. He could do broad ideas - when he understood the content - but the finite details were always the hardest. It definitely didn't help that Professor Binns droned on in the same monotone for the entire period in the same manner he had probably taught back when he hadn't been a ghost. Harry was not looking forward to having to do extra studying just to pass the class.
Charms was…ok. Professor Flitwick had taken roll call at the top of the first class and when he had reached Harry's name, had given an excited squeak before toppling out of sight off of the pile of books he had been standing on. Beyond that, Charms seemed interesting enough.
He just hoped that was the last of the overly eager first meetings.
Professor McGonagall was as Harry expected: strict. She started the class off with a warning. "Transfiguration is some of the most complex and dangerous magic you will learn at Hogwarts," she said, her stern gaze sweeping over the class. "Anyone messing around in my class will leave and not come back. You have been warned."
And then she turned her desk into a pig and back, effectively hooking every single student's interest. Unfortunately for the now eager students, the majority of the period was devoted to taking complicated notes before they were even given a chance to try. They were each given a match to try and turn into a needle. By the time Professor McGonagall walked around to collect their matches, only Hannah had managed to get the closest; her match was a slender, smooth, silvery stick with the only hints that it had been a match and not just a strip of discolored metal wire was the darkened end that had been the match head.
Defense Against the Dark Arts had been a wild card for Harry. He knew what it was, understood what would be taught, but his apprehension came from knowing far too well what that course was meant to prepare them for. He saw it every day Remus or Severus or even Sirius returned home from an assignment looking battered and exhausted despite the healing they had received. They never talked about it around Harry but he had caught the late night mutterings that always happened after his guardians thought he was well asleep.
So when the first class of Defense began, Harry wasn't sure if he was disappointed or relieved that the class was going to be just as much of a drag as History of Magic was going to be, though for completely different reasons. The classroom smelled so strongly of garlic that it gave Harry a headache almost as soon as he entered the room. He gave up any pretense of putting up with it and had to pull his shirt up over his nose just to be able to keep from panicking at a lack of fresh air. Defense was definitely going to be the worst to sit through.
Out of everything, he found himself most excited for Potions and he wasn't sure if that was because it would be Severus teaching it or because he had watched Severus make potions and listened to him talk about the subject regularly. The Potions classroom was in one of the dungeons not far from the Hufflepuff common room making it one of the easiest classrooms to find. It wasn't quite as creepy as Harry had half expected hearing the older students talking about it. There was one wall with pickled animals and other preserved materials floating in glass jars which would certainly be creepy, but the room was well lit with a light hanging over every workstation and a number of sconces evenly placed around the room. It certainly wasn't Hufflepuff common room cozy but it was definitely better than "the dreary dungeon" everyone kept describing it as.
Severus started class in the same manner as Professor Flitwick by taking roll call but unlike the Charms Professor, Severus treated Harry's name as he did everyone else's and moved on. Once he was done reading through the list of Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, Severus addressed the class. "You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion making. As there is little use of wand waving in the first years of study, many of you will hardly believe this is magic. I don't expect you to ever understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses…" His voice was low but it carried through the classroom with ease, holding the entire class's attention without effort. "I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death. If you have the temperament required for potions making.
"This class will require your full attention and your patiences, your ability to follow directions precisely or risk harming yourself or your fellow classmates. I will not tolerate tomfoolery, carelessness, nor outright disregard for the rules within this classroom at any time. Should I believe you will be putting yourself or others' lives at risk, I will have you removed from this class."
A shudder went through the class. The reputation of the Potions Professor had done its job on the First Years and Harry found himself wondering just how much of that reputation was accurate.
"Now," Severus said, stepping behind his desk. "While I am sure you are all eager to begin brewing potions," Harry quietly chuckled at the sarcastic joke that very obviously passed over the rest of the class, "you will find our first few lessons to be rather lacking in that regard. We will begin by going through the basics, the differences between slicing, dicing, and mincing, and other important factors that will always be present no matter what you are choosing to brew. That will also include the rules for this classroom. Pull out your books and the knife from your kits while I pass out the ingredient we will be working with. I expect your knife to remain sheathed until I say otherwise; anyone preemptively removing their knife will lose house points and run the risk of serving detention."
The class was a double period and Severus utilized it scarily well. There wasn't much time to think or talk as Severus walked them through all the basics that first class and showed the reasons behind why instructions required certain preparations or actions. While strict and certainly intimidating, Harry was relieved to find none of the rumors had any ground to stand on.
Though, he wondered how much of that was due to his relationship with Severus and knowing that Severus had fought to get the original curriculum changed. Severus had been quite vocal about his ire with the original curriculum, calling it petulant and ill-prepared that students were expected to brew in their first class with no preemptive training or process walkthroughs, especially First Years.
When the changes Severus had fought for finally passed, Sirius nearly threw a neighborhood sized party to celebrate. How Severus and Remus had talked Sirius out of that, Harry will never know, but he had been quite happy to be included in their small celebration, eating as much ice cream as they would allow and happily enjoying swimming around the pool they had booked for the four of them and a handful of others. Tanner was obviously included.
Beyond a rather intimidating amount of homework, the first week of classes had successfully set the standard for what to expect in the coming weeks. The only change that happened was flying lessons starting.
"Excited for flying lessons?" Ron asked as he plopped down between Harry and Neville for lunch on that particular Thursday morning.
"N-no. Not really," Neville mumbled into his plate, barely touching anything.
Harry reached around Ron to drop a few grapes onto Neville's plate. He gained a weak smile for his efforts. Ron didn't seem to notice as he started scarfing down lunch like normal. "I can't wait," Ron said between mouthfuls. "I've been flying since I could walk. It'll be an easy O."
"Have you flown much, Neville?" Hermione asked from the other side of the table, her plate nearly empty.
Neville shook his head. "Don't like heights," he mumbled.
Sympathy filled Hermione's face. "I've never been on a broom so we can take it slow together."
"Talking about flying lessons?"
Harry looked up as Hannah sat down across from Harry. Harry caught Susan talking to Blaise and Theodore but it wasn't clear yet if she would be joining the two Slytherins for lunch. "Yeah," Harry said, answering Hannah's question. "Ron's really excited for it."
"Easy O," Ron repeated, this time with his mouth full.
Hannah frowned at Ron but focused back on Harry. "Think they'll be able to manage all fourty of us at once? I was half expecting them to take two Houses at a time, or separate us alphabetically or something."
Harry shrugged. "We'll probably find out when we get down to the field."
The good autumn weather that had settled over the castle the previous day was still thick in the air and Harry and his friends stepped out into a light breeze and mild temperatures. Harry would have much preferred finding a place to just sit and do some homework instead of flying lessons but it would be an easy grade. A portion of First Years - predominantly Ravenclaws and Slytherins - had beaten a large number of the remaining First Years to the designated area and were standing among brooms laid out in neat rows.
"If there are no brooms remaining by the time you arrive, you are to sit over in that chalked off area and pay attention to your classmates," someone - Madam Hooch Harry guessed - was calling out to the First Years. "We will alternate every ten to fifteen minutes or so and then, after today, you will be given a specific time slot with other similarly skilled students."
"Well this doesn't sound terrible," Hannah said as she sat down in the grass at Harry's side.
Susan sat down on his other side, letting out a huff. "At least they're not keeping experienced with newbies." She looked over her shoulder. "No offense you two."
"None taken," Hermione replied, her voice quaking at the edges. Neville didn't say anything.
Chatter fluttered about the group in the chalked out area. The half of the First Years at the brooms seemed to be a rather capable group for the most part. One Ravenclaw never managed to get off the ground and it wasn't until the two groups were swapping places that Harry realized it had been due to fear. He caught snippets of Madam Hooch talking with the scared Ravenclaw as he made his way to one of the brooms. When he looked back, the scared Ravenclaw was entering the chalked off area to kind faces and soft words.
"Alright you lot. We'll start with getting our brooms in our hands. Stick out your right hand over your broom and say 'Up!'"
"Up!" echoed across the grass in a chorus of voices for the second time that afternoon. Harry's broom jumped into his hand immediately, not to his surprise. Quite a number of people of their group had brooms in hand on the first command. Draco, Hannah, and Ron were among those few.
"If it doesn't work with the right, switch sides and try it with your left hand!" Madam Hooch called over the chatter.
In the end, no one had to bend down to snatch up a broom. Even Neville's finally touched his palm when the Gryffindor had swapped sides and tried two more times even with how his voice shook. From there, they followed Madam Hooch's instructions on how to mount the brooms and grips. She walked around correcting grips and stances before she deemed them ready enough to kick off.
"Now, when I blow my whistle, you kick off from the ground, hard. Keep your broom steady, rise a few feet, and then come straight back down by leaning forward slightly. On my whistle. Three. Two."
Neville shot into the air. Harry had been watching Madam Hooch so he hadn't even realized what had happened until Neville was already a good distance up. They all watched as Neville made it level with the second story windows before tipping sideways and falling from his broom. Several students screamed. Madam Hooch shouted something and Harry thought Neville slowed at the last second before hitting the grass with a solid thmp.
Madam Hooch's face was nearly as white as Neville's as she knelt beside the Gryffindor but her voice was steady and her hands sure. He was too far to hear what she was muttering to Neville before she helped him to his feet. "Brooms are to be placed back on the ground and all of you are expected to be in that chalked off area when I return. I will be sending another Professor out while I take this boy up to the Hospital Wing. If any of you take to the air while I am gone, you will be out of here faster than you could say 'Quidditch'."
Brooms started to hit the grass as Madam Hooch and Neville walked away, the group of twenty meandering back to the chalked off area. Quite a number of the First Years were shaken by what had happened but there were a few that weren't.
Harry had been among the first to drop his broom but he hadn't started towards the chalked off area yet. One of the Ravenclaws in their half of the class was having a hard time with what had just happened and Hannah was carefully walking the Ravenclaw through calming down, Susan and one of the Ravenclaw's friends standing close to offer support. He watched them without really seeing anything, vaguely aware of the press of his knuckle and the strain of a finely knotted string bracelet on his wrist as voices drew his attention.
More keenly, Draco's voice drew his attention.
"Did you see his face, the great lump?"
Laughter followed those words, laughter from more than just Draco.
"Could have done better to land on his fat arse," some other First Year chortled.
Harry wasn't the only First Year to round on the laughing group. "Shut up, Entworth," one of the Ravenclaws spat, directing the comment towards a different Ravenclaw.
"You too, Malfoy," a Gryffindor was quick to add. "Leave Neville alone."
"Oooo, sticking up for Longbottom," a Slytherin teased the Gryffindor. "Never thought you'd like fat little cry-babies, Parvati."
"Only decent people don't make jokes at someone else's pain."
Far too many eyes were suddenly on Harry and it took for a moment longer before he realized he had been the one to say those words. He tightened his grip on his bracelet, feeling the magnets finally give and separate. His hands returned to his side but his right hand worried the tiny knots until the bracelet had shifted enough in his hand for him to worry the thin stone bead at its center.
"Let's get back to the chalked off area like Madam Hooch said," Harry added, starting for the area himself. This wasn't a good time to be dealing with bullies. Not when they were all still too antsy from what had happened.
Someone shoved into his shoulder from behind - someone large - and Harry was nearly thrown forward had a rough hand not grabbed him around the wrist. A cry of more panic than pain escaped him as he felt the person yank his bracelet from his grip. The burly Slytherin looked far too pleased dangling the stolen item as the Slytherin joined Draco and the others.
"Give that back!" Harry lunged forward to try and get his gift back but hands were on him again, hands that were stopping him. "No! Let go!"
"Harry! Calm down!"
Susan, probably. Or Ron, maybe? He shook his head, struggling against whoever it was. "Let me go! I need to get it back!"
"What? This ratty thing?" Harry's gaze snapped to Draco. Draco admired the stone bead as if it was some interesting insect in a jar before he sent Harry a nasty smirk. "Looks like a baby made you a gift, Potter. An adoring fan, perhaps? Let's put it somewhere where it belongs."
The ground dropped out from under him.
Draco was still holding his broom.
"How bout the bottom of the lake? The rock should sink quite nicely, don't you think?"
He didn't remember getting free of the hands holding him but he realized it when he stumbled a few steps forward. When he looked back at Draco, the Slytherin was already gone. Harry turned sharply and shot across the grass to where the brooms had been left. He didn't stop as he bent low and scooped up a broom as if he had done this a million times before. Still half bent forward, only upright from momentum alone, Harry brought the broom up to his chest, to his side, and urged it skyward as he threw a leg over it mid-sprint.
The broom was slow to respond, nothing like Sirius's latest model broom. For the brief moment between mounting the broom and getting level with Draco, Harry felt the same peace and comfort that flying always brought. Harry knew Sirius's encouragement had been in the hopes that he would pick up Quidditch but Harry never took to the sport. He liked flying; he liked maneuvering and going as quick as he could from ground to air in a fluid motion. Quidditch wasn't that.
The first time he had tried the mounting stunt he had just pulled, he had eaten a mouthful of grass. He and Tanner had laughed for hours as the two of them tried and failed over and over again trying the silly stunt. Now, though, as Harry pulled his broom to a stop barely yards from the nose of Draco's broom, Harry couldn't quite remember that joy he and Tanner had shared, far too focused on the bracelet Draco was still holding.
"Give it back, Draco," Harry demanded, "or I'll pull you from your broom."
Draco sneered at him but Harry offhandedly thought it looked wrong somehow. "Oh yeah?"
Harry leaned forward flat against the broomhandle, urging the old, well used broom to go as fast as it could. Draco's jerk of surprise did little to actually get the Slytherin out of reach and it took Draco actually leaning sideways hard enough to throw himself into a barrel roll for Harry's fingers to barely brush Draco's clothes. Harry, already partway into a barrel roll himself, let his weight drag him upside down. He shoved the end of the broom over his head to level out upright facing Draco again, though a good few feet lower since the old broom couldn't quite handle the maneuver like Sirius's broom could.
This time Draco truly looked scared as their eyes met but the Slytherin wasn't going down without one last attempt to come out on top. "Catch it if you can, then!"
Horror flashed through Harry as he watched Draco pull back and throw the bracelet with all his might. It didn't matter if it was heading to the bottom of the lake, the heart of the forest, or the center of the courtyard; Harry wasn't going to let it hit the ground. He shoved the nose of his broom down mere seconds after Draco and pulled as much speed as he could out of the broom.
The stone bead flickered, reflective almost like glass, as it tumbled in a wide arch through the air. Harry tracked it out of the corner of his eye as the ground got closer and closer until it was nearly four feet away. His knees brushed the top of the grass as he leveled out, well controlled and his aim true. With a lazy lean to his left, Harry started a large arch across the grass as his gaze snapped to the bracelet still flying through the air.
For a few heart stopping seconds, Harry watched it descend. He reached for it despite knowing he was still too far away, that it wouldn't matter from this distance, but he stayed like that, one arm reaching out, the rest of him tucked neatly against the broom, until - finally - the stone of the bracelet slapped against his palm. In much the manner he had stopped behind Drago, Harry shoved the bristled end of the broom around, bringing the nose up so that he didn't risk eating grass. His feet touched ground as if he had carefully stepped off of the castle steps and found himself not far from the rest of the First Years. The broom hit the ground with far less grace.
His legs were trembling in a horrible way, weak and tingly and awful. His hands and arms probably would have been too had he not tucked his clenched hands tightly against his chest hating how close he had come to losing his bracelet. A burning ache had settled high in his chest and all down his throat, scratching at the inside of his nose, too, and it was all he could do to swallow down the rage and fear and grief that was now swarming over him much as his classmates were. Hands were suddenly everywhere as the noise pressed in even heavier. He jerked away from what he could but it only seemed to press him into other hands, into louder noises.
He shoved at them, stumbling as he found an opening and met Draco's gaze again. He glared at Draco with all his might. "I don't know what your stupid problem is but it doesn't give you the right to do what you please with other people's things! Get better, Malfoy! This sort of bullshit is not ok!"
"Harry Potter!"
The shocked silence that had followed Harry's words hadn't even lasted a second before it was shattered by Professor McGonagall's shout. Harry tensed as the crowd around him immediately receded, leaving Harry at the mercy of a furious Professor McGonagall storming towards them. It wasn't until she came to a stop just outside of reach did Harry belatedly realize she had been running. "Never- in all my time at Hogwarts-" Though it was quickly apparent that the breaks in her speech weren't because she had been running, Harry couldn't quite piece together if it had been panic or anger that was causing it instead. "-might have broken your neck-"
Shouts went up around him, a cacophony of voices that made Harry flinch. When had his classmates returned to being so close to him?
"That's enough!" Professor McGonagall barked, silencing the lot. "Mr. Potter. Follow me. Now. The rest of you to the Great Hall. Immediately!"
Most of the First Years jumped into action, darting back towards the castle as if beating the professor to the doors would be enough to save them from her ire. But instead of following the First Years into the castle, Professor McGonagall walked right past the door and headed in the direction of the greenhouses.
If he hadn't been so entangled in his emotions, he probably would have felt some relief at not having been taken directly to Severus. Or the Headmaster. Definitely better than the Headmaster; it meant he wasn't being expelled quite yet.
Hopefully.
The good thing about the long walk was that by the time Professor McGonagall said, "Wait here," sharply a good few yards from the only occupied greenhouse, the emotions had turned numb under his skin and his legs didn't quite feel like jello anymore.
After a brief moment, Professor McGonagall returned with a concerned Professor Sprout. That concern quickly morphed into worry when she caught sight of Harry and she hurried over. "Good heavens, you look like you've been through the ringer." Her hands came up around him as if to hug him and he tensed, not wanting contact right now. Not from her. Not from more strangers. But that's all her hands did. They just sort of corralled him for a brief moment as if to keep him together without touching him. "What happened?"
The panic from his encounter with Draco and Professor McGonagall swooping in and whisking him away pressed hard on him and it was all he could do to speak clearly as the words tumbled from his mouth. He knew he was in the wrong for flying after Draco but he had to make sure they understood his reason. It was a reason, not an excuse. "Neville fell off his broom during flying lessons and Madam Hooch had to take Neville to the Hospital Wing. Some of the Slytherin and Ravenclaw started making fun of Neville once they were gone and a few of us stood up for him but it didn't really do much and I tried to just get everyone to go back to the chalked off area like we were supposed to but one of the Slytherins ran into me and took my bracelet. They gave it to another Slytherin who said they were going to chuck it in the lake but I didn't want my bracelet in the lake - it's a gift from Tanner. Tanner made it so that we weren't so far apart while I'm here at Hogwarts and so I couldn't let it end up in the lake. I went after the Slytherin and eventually they just threw it so I dove after the bracelet but it was all safe. I knew what I was doing and I knew how the broom would respond. My Godfather's had me on a broom since I could walk and I know I wasn't supposed to be flying but I needed to get my bracelet back."
The words tumbled to a halt rather abruptly. He gulped down air, trying desperately to get the burning in his throat and nose to go away.
His throat hurt so much.
"Oh, Harry," Professor Sprout said, looking to Professor McGonagall. With the attention finally off of him, Harry let his gaze drop, worrying the bracelet as if it could magically quell the panic in his chest. "Minerva, why did you bring the poor boy here? Surely he would have been better off taken someplace quiet to calm down. He's been through an ordeal and is clearly upset."
"I am not his Head of House, Pomona," Professor McGonagall said in a similar oddly sad voice. It was gone when she continued. "And as much as I would have liked to, I thought it best to bring him to you instead. I would suggest some recourse seeing as he was flying when he wasn't supposed to and I will be encouraging Severus to do the same for Mr. Malfoy as well. I am sure plenty of my own House and that of the other Houses will be more than happy to tell me who was involved in the bullying so that I may inform Severus and Filius who else should receive punishment after today but Mr. Potter required your immediate attention."
"Alright. Thank you, Minerva."
Harry jerked his head up when a hand touched his shoulder and found Professor McGonagall offering him a tight look. "Your flying had been truly incredible; I've never seen anything like it. You would make an excellent addition to any Quidditch team if you chose to pursue Quidditch."
"Alight, Harry," Professor Sprout said as Professor McGonagall walked away. "Let me set my class to right and then I will walk you back to the dorm."
Harry's heart sank. Of course that would be the safe space Professor Sprout had been insinuating. No, it would be ok. He'd just be quick to his room and-
"Or would you rather go to Severus?"
His gaze was on her in an instant, hope flaring in his chest but he forced it back. Yes he desperately wanted to be someplace that felt like home but he was supposed to be on his own. He wasn't supposed to have special privileges.
"I have to talk to Severus anyway," Professor Sprout said gently. "This way you won't have to tell him why you're in trouble yourself."
The hope he had quickly smothered finally went out. Oh. Right. He broke rules.
He nodded solemnly and dutifully trudged after her once she'd seen to her class. The walk was far too short for Harry's liking and before he could really prepare himself for Severus's reaction, Professor Sprout was leading him into Severus's office.
Severus's gaze flickered to him, concern flashing across that stern expression, before he fixed Professor Sprout with a steady, neutral gaze. "Pomona. Is there a problem?"
"I think our young Mr. Potter here could do with some familial comfort." That concern returned to Severus's expression to stay as the man stood from his desk. "There was a bullying incident during the flying lesson that involved Harry's bracelet." Understanding bled into the concern but just looking at Severus made it hard to keep from crying. He'd been doing so good. "He impressed Minerva with his flying skills but it was while Madam Hooch had called for all brooms to remain grounded."
"Harry?" Severus softly coaxed, kneeling in front of him. "Can you look at me, please?"
Harry gave a vehement shake of his head. If he looked, he'd start crying and he couldn't cry there. It wasn't ok to cry there.
Severus's hand carded through his hair with a firm but gentle touch, one Harry knew so well that it startled the sob right out of him. From one instance to the next, Harry found himself curled against Severus's chest wailing. At first it was about the bracelet and Draco being horrible but the longer he cried, the more everything else started to bleed in. He'd hoped the brief moment of comfort with Severus at the start of term had been enough to get through to Halloween but it seemed to be far too much too quickly and the incident with Draco had been the tipping point.
Harry had no way of telling if it had been a few minutes or countless hours before the worst of the crying subsided. Vaguely he registered that Severus stopped talking when it became apparent Harry was reaching the end of it but what the man had been saying was beyond him.
"Are you able to look at me now, Harry?" Severus asked.
Could he? He was tired and his body felt a bit like smooshed jello but it wasn't unmovable. He shifted in Severus's hold enough to raise his head and look up. He didn't get his gaze very high but he knew Severus wasn't asking for eye contact. Severus never wanted eye contact. Just Harry's focus for a moment. He could give Severus that; that would be ok.
"Do you want to go back to your dorm?"
No. Absolutely not. He hated sharing space. What semblance of personal space they did have was a joke.
Severus ran a soothing hand through his hair. "You will be sleeping in a new bed if you choose not to."
"Don't care," Harry managed, the words sounding thick in his head. He pressed his face into Severus's shoulder. "Can't."
Severus's fingers carded through his hair again. "Alright. Pomona?"
"If you're ok with it, you don't need my permission." There was a heavy pause before, "This has been a mess but I hope it's the only mess he and the other First Years have to deal with."
Severus's hug tightened at that. "Agreed."
The click of the door closing barely registered as the exhaustion finally won out and pulled Harry into sleep.