DISCLAIMER: I don't own shit. This is pure, unadulterated fanfiction.

AN: Chaaapter III! The one where I figured, if JKR can bastardize Latin to make spells, so can I! In all seriousness its just been too long since I did any real translation work and I've lost most of my vocab shoulda stuck with it!) In a way that makes it even more of an homage if you think about it. Sorry this is so late and short, I've been fighting a nasty sickness the past week and even still I'm barely able to function.

Part One: The School of Witchcraft & Wizardry

Chapter III: Classes, Continued

The second day of classes was off to a much better start. Harry had woken early and tried a few more things with the enchanted tome, but to no avail. Now, he was absorbing his history lesson with eager attention from Master Binns, who was a ghost. It had been quite the shock for many, and Harry was fascinated, even if slightly unnerved. The man floated around his deck, which Harry didn't see a purpose for given the man's formlessness, and spent the whole lesson lecturing.

He had begun with his personal history, telling them that as a true historian it was his duty to study the past and teach it until he could no more, and thus he was still around. His classroom was far larger than most, as all four Houses were present, and it was shaped like an old auditorium where his echoing voice could reach all. As it went on Harry felt himself enjoying it more and more, there was so much he had missed out on.

I can't believe how much is hidden and lost, he thought to himself. We're starting 2000 years ago and and he makes it seem like that's modern! True to Professor McGonagall's brief explanation, the fall of Avalon and the entire magical world in ancient times was seen as a defining moment, and their history lessons started there. For further back they'd have to wait until post-O.W.L.s.

Professor Binns was frequently interrupted however, by the same Ravenclaw girl who asked questions in all the other class Harry had with her, a Miss Granger that Harry was quite annoyed with. He really wanted to learn and catch up with all the knowledge he had missed growing up with the Dursleys, but she could barely go 5 minutes without raising her hand. The ghost seemed to not be bothered at all however, and was easily distracted by her never ending questions, so much of the lesson was spent on tangents.

The class did end eventually, and Harry had resigned himself to sticking with Blaise and the others for now. They aren't perfect, but I guess it's better than being alone, Harry found himself thinking as they walked to their next class.

"You guys will never guess what I just found out!" Tracey said. "We get to actually cast some spells in Charms today!"

"How'd you find that out?" Blaise said.

"Oh I was passing notes with that Andrews fellow the whole class, history is so boring! Anyways, he had Charms yesterday and said Professor Flitwick had spent half the lesson seeing how well they could do some basic things!"

"Really?" Harry said, "That's exciting."

"It's not a surprise," Daphne said. "Master Flitwick used to be a serious dueling champion, and he still takes regular apprentices. He likely wishes to find out what students are worth his time as soon as possible since he had a lot on his plate."

"Must you be so cynical?" Tracey said, "Everyone says he's one of the nicest professors, I'm sure he just wants to make his class a little exciting."

"Hmpf," Daphne said and resumed her swift walk. She lead the way, as usual, while Harry listened to Blaise point out odd snippets about things to catch him up. He didn't really know much about him, and his family seemed like a sore subject, other than his sister who he apparently idolized. The walk to Charms was short, and they didn't take any detours since they all were looking forward to it. The Charms classroom was a brightly lit room with lots of windows, and there were bookshelves lining it, all filled with tomes and scrolls.

Professor Flitwick was a short man, half-goblin per his own introduction, and his bubbly voice carried throughout the classroom easily, even if he had to stand on a stack of books to be seen by all. They shared the class with Hufflepuffs, and as Flitwick was speaking Harry spied Neville, surrounded by his housemates. The interaction from yesterday still stung.

"Now class, as Charms is one of the fundamental classes you take here at Hogwarts you will all be stuck with me until O.W.L.s, provided you keep up with your learnings of course. To that end, I will do my best to ensure each and every one of you makes it through to the best of your ability!" Professor Flitwick said. He was currently floating around the classroom on a stack of books. "As some of you may know, I am Head of Ravenclaw House, knowledge and reason are very important to me and as such I keep my office hours open 24/7 for anyone in need of assistance. Magic can be difficult without a guiding hand to show you the way."

"Today, I will be assessing you all on a few very basic charms." He swiped his wand and a set of three mannequins came into being around him. They were faceless, androgynous, and held wands in their hands. "The first spell we will be casting is the levitation charm, levare, your textbooks will make a fine target for now," as he said this he did an exaggerated swish and flick with his wand, and a book he was aiming at rose gently into the air. He then proceed to move it around the room, letting it fall and repeating the incantation and wand movement again as he did so. When he finished, the first mannequin began to mimic his motions.

"Now, once you have done your best with that charm, the next one you will be attempting is a standard spark charm, mainly used for signaling or celebratory purposes, scintillae!" He swirled his wand in a clockwise manner and bright red sparks shot out of his wand. He did it several more times, the sparks changing color with each cast, before he stopped and let the mannequin take over.

"Finally, after trying your hand at those two you will finish by casting a featherweight charm on your desks," he pointed his own wand at his desk and moved it about in a strange back and forth manner, "Levius!" he hopped off the books he was currently on and walked over to the desk, before promptly lifting it up with one hand as if it were nothing. The final mannequin began to mimic the charms erratic motion, and Professor Flitwick encouraged them all to begin trying.

The classroom filled with the sound of students spellcasting. Some were shouting the incantation louder, which didn;t seem to help, and plenty of books thudded against desk as they only partly lifted. Harry relished the feeling of magic in him, even if his first few attempts weren't successful. I'm going to get this soon, I can practically feel it. He was seated between Daphne and Blaise, as had become their typical arrangement, and neither of them had much success either. Daphne was making progress, her book rising up to balance on one corner before it crashed down. Harry thought he saw some annoyance break through her usual facade, and focused back on his own.

Maybe I didn't have to fear being being, but still, this should be easy. It feels like it should be. Harry practiced the wand movement without trying the spell, and he cleared his throat and said levare a few times until he felt it was perfect.

"Levare," he said. His book rose off the desk, and Harry almost dropped it at his surprise. A smile overtook his face and he rose it higher and higher, I did it. He looked around, he was first.

"Oh wonderful, absolutely wonderful Mr. Potter!" Professor Flitwick was beaming and clapping excitedly from across the classroom. "Just like that everyone, clear pronunciation, and crisp wand movements. Those are the staples of spellcasting. Keep going keep going, who will do it next?"

Harry guided his book back down and Blaise thumped hm on the back, "Good for you Potter, not much of a shock though."

Harry glanced over to Daphne who was pointedly not looking at him and was continuing her attempts. He smirked, guess someone isn't so perfect.

The lesson continued, with Professor Flitwick circling the class and offering advice and pointers to those who struggled. He kept his notes and comments brief, as he reiterated this first class was just to get them used to casting and the feel of spells. Shortly after Harry started the next spell, he achieved it as well to the Professor's glee. He felt good about it, about succeeding, but his eyes drifted around the classroom and noticed that many looked at him with dark looks. He heard Malfoy mutter his name from several rows back, but he refused to turn around and call him out on it. Fuck them, I'm not sacrificing myself again.

Eventually Flitwick wrapped things up, after awarding Harry a generous 20 points, and gave them some assigned reading and exercises for homework. Harry was beginning to see how quickly his free time was going to disappear if he didn't stay on top of things. He wasn't worried, and the thought of his studies actually being rewarding and challenging excited him.

They all left class and headed to lunch. Harry wasn't feeling up to eating with the others today, especially for whatever snide comments Malfoy had. There's no way it'd be a peaceful lunch. "You guys go on ahead," Harry said as they neared the main staircase, "I'm not very hungry today so I'm going to head to the library."

"Really Harry, on the second day of classes?" Tracey said.

""Figures," Daphne said, "Now that you've made an impression you're going to have to keep it up."

Harry just waved them off with a nervous laugh and left. I can get some alone time and finally check out Alchemy. He wasn't lying to them, not really, he wasn't used to such big meals and so he didn't feel like he needed to eat. The library was on the other side of the castle, and Harry thought he made good time getting there despite the few double-backs he had to do because of the staircases.

Stepping into it he immediately was bombarded by the smell of old books and leather. The main entrance to the library was attended by the librarian, who sat behind her desk flipping through records and muttering to herself.

There's no way this space isn't expanded, Harry thought as he looked around. The library was in the shape of a large circle, with desks for study dotted intermittently and rows upon rows of bookshelves each packed. Separate corridors and alcoves ventured off in every direction as the walls of them were lined with shelves and stacks of scrolls as well. A large staircase was off by the desk, with the way leading up marked off by a thick velvet rope, the way down was unhindered. Not knowing where to start, Harry went over to the desk.

"Uh, excuse me," Harry noticed her name plate on her desk, "Madam Pince, if I wanted to find books about Alchemy where would they be?"

Madam Pince looked up from her task and squinted at Harry. Wow, I wonder if she's older than the headmaster, Harry thought. She cut an imposing figure, her hair was short and nearly shaved, and her leathery face had sharp features despite its age. She frowned, "You're new here, first-year?"

"Yes."

She nodded and knelt down beneath her desk to grab something. She came up with a gigantic tome, which she opened. She dug out a dark red quill from her robes and handed it over to Harry. Then she spun the book around, "Sign your full name here."

Harry took the quill and wrote his name, right underneath a 'Hermione Jean Granger', and felt a tingling sensation. Madam Pince then went off into a back room behind her desk. Harry was confused, but she returned soon enough. She handed him a sleek green card that had his name on it. "Take care of that, you get one for free and the next one costs a shiny sickle. Any book you take out of here must be returned within two weeks or there will be consequences."

Harry nodded to her, looking over the card. Aside from the House colors, all it had was his name and year.

Madam Pince was eying him strangely, and Harry felt like he was being dissected. Eventually she relented, "As a first-year you won't have access to the Restricted Section without a pass, most of the stuff on Alchemy is in there. You'll have to see what we have in the stacks."

"The stacks?"

She sighed and muttered under her breath, "Children." Shaking her head she gestured around, "All of this is the main library, where I have diligently cataloged everything. If you look up above you, you'll notice the Restricted Section is on the second floor, do not try to get up there without a pass or you will suffer dire consequences." Harry nodded glumly, feeling his hopes that this would be productive start to diminish. "The stacks are what you'll find in the chambers beneath the main library, where all the unsorted bulk of our vast collection is kept."

Harry groaned, "So there might not even be anything useful in there?"

Madam Pince scoffed, "We have one of the largest and most prestigious collections in the whole world, there is undoubtedly more information in there than most other places. I simply have not had the time to go through it all yet." She appraised him, "Be warned, the tomes and scrolls in the stacks have not been touched by me. Anything you find could be dangerous, and I cannot vouch for their authenticity."

"If I find something can I bring it to you to check out and uh, make sure it's safe and valid then?"

"The waiting list for personal assessments is currently full until the spring."

Harry's mouth dropped open, "The spring?!"

She sniffed, "When you go for N.E.W.T.s you'll learn to not dally with such matters."

"It's only the second day!"

"And yet, I am still booked. Now be off, I have important work to do."

She dismissed him and Harry walked away, wandering down random aisles. The library was incredibly well organized and he noted sections for each of his classes and many others such as 'Divination' and 'Arithmancy'. He sighed and decided that he may as well risk finding something of value, I didn't come all this way for nothing. The Restricted Section was belted off and was a mirror of the main library, except that it was on the second floor above them. Already there were many older students up there perusing and studying. Maybe I can try to get a pass somehow. He doubted it, but figured he'd try to keep his options open.

He went down the stairs into the stacks, not knowing what to expect. The air had a damp and musky quality to it, and there was little light save for the flickering lanterns that held candles in them. Endless rows of crammed bookcases made up the walls, and Harry found himself comparing the place to a maze, or a crypt. As he walked around he noticed small pockets of light where a few other students were pouring over pages and referencing things. They all seemed busy so Harry decided not to bother them.

With no discernible method of sorting, Harry chose a spot at random and settled into one of the alcoves that seemed to exist every so often. Well, I better start somewhere. He grabbed the first book he saw from the shelves and opened it, ready to begin looking for answers.

Harry darted through the halls in a panic. Fuck, fuck, fuck! I can't be late, especially not to my first class with our Head of House! He had lost track of time while in the library doing his research and was now sprinting about the castle. Unfortunately he hadn't been able to find much that referenced Alchemy despite the hours of effort. He had found a few interesting things such as "A Treatise on the Majestic Skrewt' which depicted various, well, Harry called them monsters, in addition to a few things that he thought were about Alchemy, but he couldn't be sure since they were all in old languages he didn't recognize. He hadn't bothered checking them out.

Potions was in the dungeons, and from what Harry had heard Professor Snape was an incredibly hard teacher, his introduction in the common room certainly reinforced that. Harry rounded a corner and started descending the spiral staircase, these ones at least didn't move or have any trickery to them.

He made it to the classroom and entered, breathing a sigh of relief that he made it in time. The potions lab wasn't as bright as other rooms, there were no windows in it at all, and sleek brick walls made it look pristine. Harry looked around, they shared this one with Gryffindors, and the tables were arranged so that two people sat at each one.

"Potter, over here!"

Harry looked over to where Daphne was calling him, she had saved him a seat. He walked over to and sat down. "Thanks Daphne."

"Hmpf, don't let it go to your head," she said. "So, how was the library? I don't know what you could possibly want to study after only one day of class."

Harry shrugged, "I missed a lot growing up, I figure I could check things out." I should probably keep the book a secret, people have enough to talk about when it comes to me.

"Cease your chattering, class will begin now!" Professor Snape had entered the classroom. He strode back to his desk where he faced them all. He gazed coldly at the students for a brief moment, his eyes tightening when he passed over Harry, and he began. "Welcome to first-year Potions. In this class you will attempt to learn one of the oldest and most noble practices of our people. Potions requires no silly wand-waving, no long-winded incantations, it is a subtle and delicate craft that is as much an art as it is anything else. With Potions nothing is impossible, you can bottle fame, brew glory, and even put a stopper on death."

As he delivered his speech, his words appeared on a chalkboard in a glowing, ghastly font. "Some of you will be completely unsuited to the harsh requirements that exceeding in this field demands, so do not waste either of time with delusions. Some of you might have a modicum of skill, and I expect you to recognize that and not impair others or yourself. For the select few of you that can truly excel with Potions, I expect nothing less than perfection, since that is what is necessary."

Harry was avidly listening, as the one subject that would be available for him to practice over summer, or so he thought as Potions didn't seem to require casting any spells.

"This class shall be divided into lectures, which I expect you all to give your utmost attention. I do not repeat myself and I expect you all to take notes. The information I go over during the course of this year will be foundational to all future years, and without it you are likely to hurt not only yourself, but everyone else in this room."

There wee a few 'eeps' from some of the Gryffindors, and a Slytherin or two, and Professor Snape glared at them.

"The seats you are at now will be your assigned ones, and whoever you are with is your brewing partner for the rest of the year. Now get out your materials, we will be covering the basics of ingredients today."

There was groaning as people complained about who they were with, which stopped quickly once Snape docked points. Harry looked over to Daphne briefly and whispered, careful to not let anyone else hear, "Well guess we're partners huh?"

Faint traces of color bloomed on her cheeks, "Try not to words things like that Potter, and you had better not let my grades slip."

Harry kept his head down to hide his own blush and focused on taking notes. It was amazing to him how much detail was in the smallest of things, like how different types of tools mattered for different ingredients and how they were properly selected. Professor Snape's voice was very dry and monotonous, reminding Harry of their ghostly lesson earlier, but where Professor Binns was clearly passionate about his subject Snape seemed almost indifferent.

When the lesson ended the Gryffindors exited quickly, their House had lost far more points than the Slytherins due to their grumbling about the seats. Harry was about to leave with the others when he was held back. The room emptied and Harry was left alone with Professor Snape, who was sitting at his desk looking right at him.

"The Headmaster wishes me to give you this Potter, take it and get out of here." He extended a small scrap of parchment that was neatly folded.

I don't get why he's being so curt with me but I guess that's just who he is. There had been plenty talk about Snape so far, but Harry had been led to believe that the man was easier on Slytherins. Whatever, "Thanks professor," he said, grabbing the note and leaving. He left the classroom and opened it.

Harry, if you venture up to the 7th floor of the castle you will find a most marvelous gargoyle near the main tower. I hear he likes 'Acid Pops'. I shall see you at 8.

Signed, Albus Dumbledore

The man's signature was a great and flowery thing that took up half the note, but it fit the man. Harry didn't know what the note meant but he had time to figure it out.

"What's that Potter?"

Harry looked up, they had waited for him. "You guys waited?" Harry asked.

"Of course!" Tracey said, "We've got hours until dinner and nothing to do, let's go have some fun!"

"Do try not to sound so pathetic Potter, we said you could stick with us," Daphne said with her arms crossed as she taped her foot impatiently. "Don't make me change my mind."

Millie rolled her eyes, "What'd he even want you to stay behind for?"

Harry started walking with them. I wonder if I should tell them, I mean, they're my friends, right? "Uh, Dumbledore just wanted to see me later tonight, that's all."

Harry almost ran into Tracey as she had stopped in front of him, "Harry! How much trouble did you get into when you skipped lunch! And why wasn't I invited!?"

"Er, none really, I just went to the library. I don't think I'm in trouble, I think it's about something else."

"Like what?"

Harry was beginning to regret entertaining the idea of telling them, "Just, stuff, I guess."

Blaise his arms around both Harry and Tracey, "Stuff, trouble, who cares! Enough of this, we have hours until dinner with no classes left. We're going to the lake!"

Harry shrugged the arm off and scowled, but couldn't keep the grin from his face. Before Harry knew it he was relaxing by the edge of the Black Lake, watching Blaise and Tracey joking around as they tried to throw one another into the water while he, Daphne and Millie sat in the shade of a tree, laughing.

Later that night Harry was making his way up the staircases to the 7th floor. The note had said it was by the main tower so Harry thought it would be easy to find. He didn't want to keep Dumbledore waiting so he had ate dinner fast and told the others it was just about something with his living situation. If they already know I may as well use it to avoid shit, Harry thought as he got to the right floor and started walking about. The Dursleys had come up at dinner, courtesy of Malfoy, and Harry had faced several awkward questions about them. Even his friends had made some pointed remarks and queries, which caused Harry to feel a little distant. Ignore it Potter, they're good enough, they can be fun.

He walked past an empty alcove and felt the urge to double check the note, just to make sure he wasn't missing anything. 7th floor, check, I just need to find the gargoyle. When he looked back up he did a double-take, the empty alcove he had just passed now had a gargoyle in it. Wicked.

He walked up to it. It began to move, as if alive, and asked him, "Password?"

I guess it's like the common room. Harry shrugged at the oddity of wizards. "Acid Pops!"

The gargoyle got up from its crouching position and walked into the wall, merging with it as if it were water rejoining a larger body. From where it stood a doorway appeared and Harry walked in.

Looking around he was astonished, the headmasters office was chaotic, although it fit the man splendidly. Odd trinkets and baubles littered every surface, the walls were covered with paintings and portraits, and bookshelves lined the whole room. A small coffee table sat in the middle of a couch and some chairs that were off to the side, and in the back of the room there was another door. In front of that, was the headmaster kindly waiting at his desk, a large wooden one with a chair much like the one in the Great Hall.

Dumbledore looked as odd as ever with his bright and clashing wardrobe, and his large desk seemed far less ominous to Harry, who imagined what it must be like to be here under worse circumstances. Next to the headmaster was a peculiar bird stand with an ash tray as a base, which Harry assumed was for the phoenix the man knew.

"Welcome Harry, it is good to see you again! Take a seat if you will, or by all means keep admiring my office! Hogwarts has been most affable with her decor choices and I find myself lost in their opulence sometimes as well."

Harry sat down, "Sorry sir, I'm just used to different circumstances when in an office like this."

"Ah yes, thankfully I believe those days are over," Dumbledore said as Harry stopped looking around the room. "Now, there's a few matters I'd like to discuss with you. First off, how are you settling in?"

"Pretty well, it's great here. Everything's better than it had been my whole life, especially the rooms and food," Harry said with a chuckle. Still can't get my nerves down, even when I haven't done anything wrong.

"I'll be sure to pass along your compliments to the house elves" he said, "After sampling all the classes on your schedule what are your thoughts? It's been so long since I was a bright-eyed youngster and I'm curious as to what you think?"

"Fantastic! They're all amazing, I really can't wait to keep learning more," Harry said animatedly, "Transfiguration seems like it will be boring for awhile, but I'm sure I'll be able to keep up with it so that I can do the cool things. Changing myself is something I don't think I can live without now that I know it's possible, and I don't see how anyone could resist being an animagus."

Dumbledore nodded as Harry went on, "Potions is interesting, and I'm glad it's one I'll be able to practice rover the summer, and Charms seems like it's essential for well, everything. I guess it helps we got to cast spells in it already. Also after the first history lesson we had today I really see your point about how unprepared we can be, muggleborns or raised I mean. I couldn't believe half of what he said and I was planning on reading ahead tonight actually."

"Yes history is a subject that I oft wish I spent more time on. In my youth I delved deep into certain areas of interest, but alas the broad strokes are all I have when it comes to our world as a whole. I noticed that you didn't mention Defense?"

Harry shrugged, "Quirrell—"

"Professor Quirrell, Harry," Dumbledore chided.

"Right, sorry sir, Professor Quirrell said it best, until we are actually capable of casting dangerous spells safely there's not much to the subject but theory and preparation." Harry shrugged, "I don't exactly believe the rumors about him, but he seems like a good example of what can go wrong if you neglect that area."

"Yes, Quirinus has had his fair share of terrors, but he is a fine teacher and I have no doubt he will inspire you all later on. What of your classmates? I notice you have been in the company of Miss Greengrass and Mr Zabini?"

Harry looked off to the side, "Yeah, they're fine for the most part I guess."

"But?"

Harry shrugged again, "I just thought that things would be, you know, different. Well they are I guess. Maybe I just wanted them to be more different." I thought that without the Dursleys making friends would be easy. That people wouldn't be so, I dunno. He didn't voice his inner thoughts to the headmaster, but it was clear to the man regardless.

The headmaster nodded, "I had told you that we were far more similar to muggles than just our abilities. Friendship is a tricky thing, and for someone who has spent their life thus far without, even more so. With time, you will develop those friendships or perhaps foster new ones."

Harry didn't respond, just giving a noncommittal jerk of his head. He looked around the room again before he asked, "Why are all the portraits still? Everywhere else in the castle they're alive?"

"These," he gestured around to them, all much larger than the average frame, "are the portraits of every headmaster Hogwarts has ever had. It is a great honor to hold this position, and one day I too shall join their ranks. They are somewhat different from normal portraits you see out in the halls, in that they are not," he mulled over his words for a moment, "sentient? Shall we say? Typically a portrait is done for someone who is about to pass on, and they leave an imprint of their personality, their very magic. This creates a sentient version of themselves, with all the knowledge and characteristics they had when they died. For Hogwarts Headmasters however, we sign a pact when we take the office, and throughout our tenure our magic slowly feeds into the castle and when we leave our post, a portrait is made with not only our own knowledge and personality, but that of the school itself during our time."

While interesting, Harry's mind immediately jumped elsewhere, "Sir, is there any chance that maybe—"

Dumbledore sighed, "No, I'm sorry. I know for a fact that neither of your parents had sat for a portrait. I do have some rather good news for you, I have arranged for an old friend of theirs to visit during the Yule holiday, and he is most excited to meet you and tell you all about them."

Harry tried to smile, but couldn't quite get there, "Thanks professor."

Dumbledore reached down into a compartment of his desk and withdrew a stack of bound folders, each overflowing with aged documents. "I had mentioned that your father was a bit of a troublemaker, and while there are faults that would come from this side of him, it was remarkable how passionate he was. This is a collection of every detention he and his friends ever served, I was thinking that you might find some joy in perusing what his school life was like when he was here."

Harry did smile now and eagerly accepted the large bundle, "Thank you professor!"

"No problem Harry, just promise me you won't try to recreate too many of those endeavors hm?" The headmaster said with a wink.

"So can anyone just enter your office at any time if they have the password? Ours resets weekly how often does yours?"

Dumbledore chuckled, "Oh no, that's merely the private entrance, without my note you would have found it nigh impossible to enter that way. Most others use the common entrance which requires me to allow access. However, given our situation I deemed it appropriate to allow you use this one. Should the password change and you need to to reach me, I'll be sure to let you know."

"Our situation?"

"Ah, yes, that brings us to the next matter. I was informed that you wrote my name in The First Art. Tell me Harry, did you look into Mentors and Apprentices at all before you signed it?"

Harry shook his head, "Uh no. I just figured since you gave me the book and all it's what you wanted, and that uh, you'd explain it if it was necessary." Fuck did I screw up? Was I not supposed to do that? It didn't reveal anything until I did, but it also seemed to think I could've lied to it. Was I supposed to do something else?

"Well there's nothing to worry about so you can relax. I did indeed intend for you to be my apprentice in this matter, and I shall explain what that entails. When I gave you the book it began the binding process, and you signing our names completed it."

"Wait what? Binding? Is that bad?"

"No no, it's fairly typical for things like this, nothing harmful I assure you, in fact the opposite. Mentor-Apprentice bonds are used so that when you, the apprentice, begins learning magic that's, how shall we put it, out of your league, any undue negatives or backlash will be directed to me instead."

Harry balked, "What?! You mean, it's dangerous to do something like just read the book?"

"Harry, studying magic is a dangerous thing in and of itself, we talked about this. In addition, Alchemy, as you've realized if your chat with McGonagall, is perhaps a tad more dangerous than the others. The First Art is a safe book, in that no foul enchantments or curses will affect you while reading it, but the practice of alchemy is a dangerous one, especially for beginners. Long ago we realized thi, and that is why these bonds were formed, so that should the apprentice make a mistake that was above their pay grade so to speak, the master would be able to take the brunt of it and ensure that both sorties survived."

"What sort of mistakes could I make then? I haven't made any already have I?"

"Oh no far from it! You won't be making mistakes until much much later, when you begin to actually apply what you've learned." He laughed, "When I was in your shoes I had already sent my master to the hospital because I tried to destroy the book out of frustration!"

"What? You're serious?"

He nodded, "Certainly. There's a valuable lesson there, never try to destroy a magical object without due thought. Protections, enchantments, bonds, they all make it not only more difficult, but can create effects and consequences that even the smartest wizards can't foresee. "Most objects in our world are crafted to be permanent, we don't have a concept of disposable, as you might've picked up on."

"So, where do I go from here? I saw that the first chapter was about the basics of what Alchemy is, but I only really know the muggle side of things and everything I found down in the stacks was either not relevant or in a language I didn't know at all."

"Do you know anything other than English Harry?"

He shrugged, "I know French, but I'm nowhere near fluent."

"Hm, our own dialects tend to be rather dated but I'll assume its passable for now." The headmaster got up from his desk and wandered over to one of the bookshelves, withdrawing a large tome that was bound in leather. He sat back down and handed it Harry across his desk.

"Madam Pince alerted me that you had been looking into Alchemy and I set aside this for you."

"What is it?" He asked.

"Oh just a little personal tool that an old friend of mine and I developed. In order to truly study magic to a degree that I feel establishes competency, you'll need to know more than a few languages, most of them ancient.

"Why? I thought all spells are in Latin?" Harry asked, thinking back to the Transfiguration lesson.

"They are, however, you'll find that many trustworthy and renowned resources are written in the language of their time. So, Greek, Latin, Sumerian, Aramaic, Chinese, they all are part of a baseline that any proper wizard has."

Harry was about to ask a question, but then noted it's similarity to one that had been asked in class the other day. He caught himself and stopped, not wanting to look foolish in front of the man.

Dumbledore saw him and waved to him, "Ask away, please, do not hold your questions for that is how one learns."

"Er, well I think it might be kind of stupid. But why are none of these things I'll need to read translated into English? Or any other modern language? I get that magic was locked with Latin because of the fall, Binns reinforced that for us too, but that doesn't mean that books can't be rewritten does it?"

"No not at all, and it's not a stupid question for someone of your background. The answer has nothing to do with magic, not truly, but rather people." The professor leaned back into his chair and Harry thought he was in class again as the man took on the tone and air of a teacher as if he had never left it.

"There are three main categories that information about magic falls into, specifically books, writings, recordings, things of that nature which can be translated but are often not. Firstly," He held up a finger, "it will be concerning a subject, or topic, that the vast majority of people will be able to use, O.W.L. level information and practices that are necessary for all, but can also be read up on by anyone who cares to. These are always translated into whatever language they're needed in."

He held up a second finger, "Secondly, there is information that is important to the field or subject, but is only for those moderately adept in the field, N.E.W.T level coursework and such. All of the basics follow suit for this, no matter what you speak or read I'm confident you could pass N.E.W.T courses without having to learn another language, you might not excel but you would pass. This is where having knowledge of modern languages is essential, because any new findings or research that promotes the field will be in the language of the wizard who made it."

He raised a final finger, "Thirdly is where you will need to broaden your horizons to the past. Answers for topics and questions that come up from those who truly want to know a branch of magic will find that if an answer exists, it is likely locked away for familial or business reasons."

"What do you mean by that?" Harry interrupted.

Dumbledore spread his hands wide, "I'm sure you've noticed the pride and history that goes with magical families. It is doubtless that countless families have answers to different areas of expertise but don't share them due to their own nature. There are a million ways to do something with magic and each answer has its own value. As for business, things like enchantments, wards, wandsmithing, they are all kept private to only those involved. It wouldn't do to have someone undercut you with your own work."

Harry felt silly as a pit formed in his stomach as he thought of Millie, and what the Malfoys had done to her family. "Yeah, I guess I've heard about a little of that."

Dumbledore nodded sagely, "The Bulstrode's plight is something of an open secret to those who know Lucius, and unfortunately I have to work with him not only in the Ministry but also on the Board of Directors here."

"Back to what I was saying, with answers locked away if one wishes to study on their own, to become proficient, then they must look to the past, where information was not as hidden for we were not as hidden. You won't have access to the Potter grimoire until you're of age I believe, but I'm sure that there's multiple dead languages in there that you'll have to study if you wish to understand."

"We're that old?"

"Not exactly, but during the height of Avalon and the fall is when information started to get hoarded, and as a fledgling family I have no doubt yours harbored many secrets as they began to grow in stature."

Harry stayed silent for a bit as his mind worked. Everything the headmaster said resonated with him, it was exactly what he was looking for, exactly what he needed. A few nagging thought ate at him however. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to think of how to word what he wanted to say, "Alchemy isn't on our course list, professor."

"It is not."

The professor's quick answer made his stomach drop just a little. "And in your examples you said that even N.E.W.T. work would have modern translations."

"I did."

"So Alchemy must be considered above N.E.W.T. level work then right?"

"Oh most certainly!"

Harry was beginning to see why some of his housemates had…opinions about the man. "And you gave me a book and want to start mentoring me in it? As a first-year?"

Dumbledore was full on grinning now, "Yes."

"Why? How could I possibly be ready for this?" Harry asked as he couldn't hold it in any longer.

"All the better! You won't have to unlearn anything. You can get the fundamentals down pat before you're too far familiarized with the other branches of magic."

Harry was shaking his head, it was a monumental task, that was clear, but his own words and those of the Sorting Hat echoed in his mind. Dumbledore spoke up while Harry was thinking, "There is also, to consider, the fact that I believe Lord Voldemort is alive."

Harry tried to keep his calm. He didn't want it is show that he hadn't forgotten. The man's laugh was etched into his mind. His voice came out cold, "And why is that relevant to you mentoring me in Alchemy sir?"

"Because, I believe he will not only make use of Alchemy in his attempts to return, but also that he will come after you when he does so."

"Why would he come after me?"

"Does he need a reason? Regardless, your public image, your legacy, that is something he would not stand for. His ego would demand he kill you to rectify what he perceives as his only mistake. Also…" Dumbledore dwindled off and hesitated as he almost spoke, before closing his mouth. Harry raised a questioning eyebrow as he stayed quiet too long for it to be nothing. Then the professor shook his head and continued, "Also as my previous apprentice he has some understanding of Alchemy, but never took to it like he should've. It is my hope that in fostering you in it, you will be able to defend yourself and understand things better."

Harry's mind had frozen, former apprentice?! "Did I hear that right?"

"Yes, he was my last apprentice. Someone who I failed. It is one of the biggest mistakes of my life in hindsight."

"One of?"

"History is history Harry and one cannot get through it untouched by who they are." He said cryptically, "Is there any objection you have. To this? If you truly do not wish to study Alchemy, or to be my apprentice, then I will, of course, not promote the idea any longer."

"No, thats not it. I just, if he was your apprentice too, and he was in Slytherin as well, it just one more thing that he and I have in common. One more thing for people to point out."

"Ah, I see."

Harry shook his head, "You don't, you don't! I've been a part of this world for barely a few months and so far it's either people glorifying me like some sort of, hero for something awful that I had no control over, or they're convinced I'm the second coming of him because of everything that I am and what happened. Then the few people that aren't like that are just…"

"Just what Harry?"

Harry sighed and slumped back into the chair, "I dunno. Whatever they are it's annoying."

Dumbledore chuckled, "I believe the word you're looking for Harry, is human. They're just human. I understand your pain, it is a hard thing to carry a reputation. You have to remember that whatever others say, however they treat you, that is not what's important. How you live your life is what defines who you are. Not what they say."

Harry looked at the headmaster, I can't, I can't hold back, "I haven't forgotten his laugh sir. I hear it in my dreams, nightmares. He laughs, he kills her, my mum, Lily," Harry's voice cracked a little, "and then he tries to kill me. I see the green light, I hear the words." Harry shuddered, "After Diagon I looked it up. I know the curse, the words, and how awful it is." He looked at the man and used all the magic he could to stabilize his wild emotions and lock his mind into the present. "I haven't forgotten him sir, and I don't intend to. When you told me he wasn't dead I knew there was only one thing I could do to the man who ruined my life, who took my family from me. I just don't want to become like him to do it."

Dumbledore was stoic, and he pressed his hands together as he addressed Harry, "I understand, far more than you realize. I had not expected such a response from you, but perhaps that is only because I am rather blindsided by one of your apparent talents. Hm." He stroked his beard, "Defeating one's ultimate foe without resorting to their methods, without stooping to their level. It is a hard task when that person is steeped in the Dark Arts and has immense power, even harder when you see yourself in them…"

"I know sir, I don't care," Harry said. Dumbledore turned away in thought, and when he turned back Harry thought he saw the ghost of a tear on the man's cheek. Must've imagined it.

"I believe you, but your worries I feel are unfounded. You are already at a significant advantage to avoiding what mistakes he made in his youth, and I shall do my best to help you on your journey in whatever manner possible."

"What advantage?" Harry scowled, "I still don't want others to think of me like they do him, it's been far too brief a time and I'm already sick of it. Is apprenticeship common knowledge? Will people know right away?"

Dumbledore waved him off, "It can be, but usually isn't, especially for this subject. If you do not wish it to be known then I shall, of course, not mention it. Irrespective of that, not many associate Lord Voldemort with me, at least not in that way, and fewer still know that he was my apprentice. Does this mean you'll continue?"

Harry nodded, "Yea, yea I will. I'll be better than him, I have to be."

"Excellent! Now, the advantage I was referring to was what appears to be a natural inclination towards Occlumency, a branch of the mind arts."

"Occlumency?"

"Indeed, Lord Voldemort was predisposed towards Legilimency, the "other half" as some so crudely put it. You mentioned how you make use of your magic with your mind correct? How it helps you control your emotions and think better?"

Harry nodded, "Yeah, you're telling me that's something I can learn, and control? I don't really think much about it."

"As with last things in magic, of course. Your new friend is an example of someone who has learned it."

"Who?"

"Miss Greengrass."

"Daphne?" Harry frowned as he thought about how she acted, "Is that why she's so… wooden all the time? Because she's always using it?"

Dumbledore nodded, "Whether that is by design, which would make her a savant at the very least, or a prime example of what mistakes are possible when you try or learn that particular branch too young I do not know, but either way she is proficient in Occlumency to a degree I haven't seen in many years from a student."

"Wow, I had no clue."

"That is the general idea," Dumbledore said with a chuckle, "Given your natural proclivity, it will be far safer for you to develop this than most, however one's mind is a most precious and fragile thing, this branch is not for the weak. Is it something you would care to learn?"

"You said Voldemort was a master of it?"

"Of Legilimency? Yes, unparalleled. His skill with Occlumency did leave much to be desired from my perspective, but he would no doubt still be considered a master."

"Then yes, I do. I need to."

"I shall prepare a set plan for you before our next meeting then, for now, it has gotten late and I think this will do for our first meeting."

"We'll do more?" Harry asked as he picked up the language tome and stood up.

"Oh yes, I think this warrants the occasional check up." Dumbledore had risen as well and gestured with his wand towards the doorway, which now opened. "Do try to get some rest tonight Harry, one cannot achieve greatness without a proper night's sleep."

"Professor?" Harry asked as he was about to leave.

"Yes Harry?"

"Er, there isn't any chance you could just give me a pass for the restricted section so I wouldn't have to do this, right?"

Dumbledore gave him a kind smile, and his eyes were twinkling as he responded, "Oh no Harry, I think for the beginning of such a partnership you need to do a few things yourself."

"I figured as much," Harry sighed and gave a half-hearted grin before walking out the door of the headmaster's office. More questions than answers swirled in his head but he felt up to the challenge. Maybe he's right, Harry thought, maybe they don't matter, I do. If they can't get on board with who I am and what I do then that's their problem, not mine. With that, Harry began his long walk back to the Slytherin dorms, where he was finally beginning to see as his home.

AN: End of Chapter III! For those concerned about the pairing, romance will come as it does, but I will say that Harry is not poly in this story. It helps that Harry doesn't exactly have a wealth of experience in that area. I'm hoping to have the next chapter out by the weekend, but we'll see how long it takes me to get over this sickness. Until next time and sorry once again that I got sick!