Author Note: Their first day is a very busy one. This story is going to try and stay with Harry's POV as much as possible. And Yes I am aware that Neville calls his grandmother "gran" in canon. I am not writing canon of course. I was taught growing up to call my Grandmother "Gramma" so Neville will be calling his grandmother gramma. Thank you. That is all.
(Chapter Begins)
The next morning Harry hurriedly cleaned and dressed. Rushing downstairs to wait for Hermione and Susan. When they came down Harry took Hermione's arm and dragged her to the side, "Hermione. When you said not to trust Ron. Can you remember why?"
"Not exactly. She really hated him. I mean with a capital H. It had something to do with how you died." She said then bit her lip as she looked at Harry worriedly.
Smiling back he laughed, "As I'm not dead yet and won't be for a very long time Don't worry about that."
She sighed, "Okay. But he was a faker. A fair weather friend that really only cared about himself."
"And the rat is an animagus?" Harry asked thinking.
"Yeah." She confirmed, "That's for certain. She was adamant I remember that."
"Okay." He thought for a moment, "Did you remember anything else?"
"I'm working on it. Okay?" She tersely growled, "You try having an entire lifetime's worth of memories dumped into your head, and its not just the memories. There are feelings, emotions, experiences I am working through. She had a lot of emotional pain that I didn't have until yesterday. I feel like I need to go to therapy but how would I explain needing therapy for having a miscarriage when I haven't even kissed a boy."
All Harry could say was, "Oh. Yeah. That could be a problem." he looked awkwardly sympathetic at her.
Hermione sighed, "Sorry. Just don't push okay."
Harry agreed, "Not a problem. Although one thing."
Hermione raised her eyebrow, "What?"
"I liked holding your hand last night. Can we do that again?" He asked with a grin.
She looked at him with a wry smile, "Okay. We can do that. I don't mind. It'll help make sure people understand we're a team. Plus we can talk together without people getting suspicious."
Harry looked disappointed, "Oh. That's all?"
Hermione took his hand, "For right now. We'll see how the future goes."
…...
Breakfast went well. Ron behaved himself although he ignored Hermione. Professor McGonnagal passed along their schedules pausing beside Harry and Hermione, "May I speak with you Mr Potter?"
"Yes ma'am." Harry nodded as he jumped up to follow the professor.
"It has been noticed that you and Miss Granger are holding hands. Is there a particular reason for this?"
"Uh. We like it. We're sorta, kinda together." Harry explained awkwardly.
"Yes. Well. School rules state that no public displays of affection are permitted. So no paddy fingers if you please." She said, although with a barely repressed smile.
Harry blushed, "Uh yes ma'am."
"Very well. Carry on Mr Potter."
Meeting Hermione after breakfast she asked, "What was that about?"
"Oh. Uh. It has been noticed wee were holding hands. Apparently that's against the rules."
Hermione raised her eyebrow, "Really? I hadn't read that."
"That's what the professor said but she seemed to be amused by it." He replied as they walked towards the dungeon.
"I think that may have been a fishing expedition. Seeing what's going on between us." Hermione observed.
"Why?"
"Because Dumbledore has a very unhealthy interest in your life." Hermione said with a sigh. "And please don't ask me why. I haven't figured that out."
"Okay. When should I go to the nurse about my scar?" Harry asked changing subjects.
"After lunch. We have a free period. That would be good." Hermione suggested.
…...
Settling into the potions class Draco sneered at them but otherwise said nothing. Susan and Neville sat beside Harry and Hermione with Ron being sent to sit at the end by Seamus.
Professor Snape strode into the room slamming the door behind him. Glaring at the class accusingly he hissed, "Wands down. You will not need them in this class. Potions brewing is a subtle yet precise artistry that blends meticulous attention to detail with the creative expression of a visionary. You will learn how to brew fame, stopper death, exceed the bounds of your mundane physical reality. But it will not be for the weak minded, the inattentive or the foolish. Will it Potter!"
Harry startled at the sudden lashing out at him, he had been listening while trying to write his name on a piece of parchment. "Will it what?"
"Will it what sir?" Snape acerbically growled.
"That's what I asked you." Harry replied equally tersely. He was not finding Snape someone worth much respect as he wondered briefly if he was related to the Dursleys.
"Watch yourself Potter. Your fame does not make you above the rules." Snape glared at him.
Harry frowned, "Considering how I'd rather not be famous I have no problem with that."
Snape seemed to be measuring him before saying into the still classroom, "The instructions for today's potion are on the board, begin!"
Harry frowned but began to work on his potion in peace. The only sound in the room was the chopping of ingredients, the woosh of a few gas jets lighting to heat their cauldrons. Susan was muttering something under her breath to Neville.
"Care to share your lover's discussion with the class Miss Bones?" Snape demanded tauntingly.
Susan looked up in surprise then said, "I was just discussing with Neville how this is like cooking and not to worry. You've made him a bit nervous."
Snape smirked, "Really? I made him nervous. How intriguing. Perhaps if I changed my wardrobe into something more entertaining and spoke in a softer,more polite, tone to help ease your concerns?"
Harry took the bait, "Well there's not much wrong with your clothes but the tone of voice could definitely use some work." Harry paused then added, "Sir."
Everyone froze in mid action as they watched to see what happened to Harry.
Snape glowered over Harry, "Potter. I shall not tolerate that much insolence. You will have detention with me tonight after dinner."
Harry smiled, "Good I look forward to it."
Snape paused then dismissing Harry he turned and patrolled the room as people went back to work. Hermione kept glancing at Harry like she was wondering what he was thinking which was okay. He knew Hermione had done, something, to send a message back and warn him. So he was going to do, something, to change that future. He still didn't have a clear idea yet but he knew he would probably need adult help with this and that he would wind up dealing with Snape at some point. So might as well start now.
After class Hermione dragged Harry through the first door she found, "What the bloody hell was that?"
"That was me taking control of the situation." Harry responded with his hands held out in front of him palms up.
"I thought She, I, Being careful is not what you are doing right now."
"Maybe. Maybe not. I would have to deal with him at some point right?" Harry asked.
She frowned but Harry could tell she was thinking.
"Okay. Maybe. But do you have any ideas about him?" He asked.
She sighed, "Not really. All I know is that he is a miserable, misanthropic bitter man with some kind of internalized pain."
"Right. Okay. So I just need to treat him like Ripper." He said.
"Ripper?"
"Aunt Marge's favorite dog. He's, not nice, but we've come to a sort of tolerable coexistence." Harry explained quickly.
Hermione looked like she was searching her memories when the door opened. A taller dark haired girl with a small badge pinned over her green trimmed robes walked in looking at the two of them judgmentally.
"Uh hi. We were just talking." Hermione said quickly.
"Well talk someplace else. This is the girl's loo."
Hermione and Harry looked around as they had been too focused on each other to realize their surroundings. "Oh. Uh. Well. Please enjoy your visit and we'll be leaving now." Harry said as he hustled Hermione out of the room.
"Bloody Gryffindors." The girl muttered as they left.
"That was awkward." Harry observed in amusement.
"Yes well. You need to be careful." She reminded him.
"Yes dear." He teased causing her to blush.
…...
After lunch Harry and Hermione entered the domain of Madam Pomfrey. Harry had smelled muggle hospitals before thanks to one or another of Dudley and his gang's successful Harry hunts so was not surprised to find that magical hospitals had similar stringent scents.
The matron hustled over looking at them appraisingly, "Yes? What seems to be the nature of your visit?"
"Harry needs his health checked ma'am." Hermione said.
"Oh and why would he need that?" The matron said but she had already taken Harry's chin in hand so she could look into his eyes and examine his head.
"Because of his home conditions." Hermione replied.
"His home conditions?" The matron asked suspiciously.
"Yes ma'am. You see."
The matron held her hand up to Hermione before turning to Harry, "You do have the capacity for speech do you not?"
"Yes ma'am. Hermione was just better able to express things." Harry said sheepishly.
"Ahh yes. Well you do seem a bit under-fed and maybe a bit short for your age so come back here." She said gesturing towards a side room.
When Hermione went to follow them the matron stopped her, "Please wait out here unless there is some magical reason you need to be close to him?"
"Uh no. I'm just his friend." Hermione replied quickly. Quick enough the matron raised her eyebrow and a brief smile played at the corners of her mouth.
"Very well just have a seat." The matron pointed at a nearby chair. Taking Harry behind the curtain into the exam room.
"So Mr Potter. Now that you can speak on your own care to tell me about your background and anything I should be aware of?"
Harry took a deep breath. He had been told to get checked out and since he had not been warned specifically about the matron he took another deep breath and began to tell her about his home life with the Dursleys. How they barely fed him, how they beat him and locked him in the cupboard under the stairs. How Dudley was permitted to hunt him.
The matron was examining him while he talked and casting several spells. At one point she had him strip to his boxers and gasped when she saw his back. The ribs that could be seen as well as the faint echos of injuries that magic had healed. Magic could only do so much. She examined the scar on his forehead carefully. Once she was done she had him dress and wait for her. She left the exam room and with a brief reassuring smile to Hermione and went to her office.
Hermione quickly stepped into the room in time to see Harry finish pulling his trousers up. "Oh. Sorry!" She gasped spinning in place and almost apparating out of the room.
Harry jumped in surprise but managed to zip then fasten without injury. "Oh. Uh. Hi." He quickly pulled on his shirt.
"So how are you?"
"Dressed now." He replied causing her to slowly turn around.
"No I meant your health." She huffed although she did have a mischievous smile.
"Mr Potter is healthy aside from some nutritional issues. I take it you do not mind discussing things in front of your girlfriend?"
"Uh. No. I uh. No I don't mind" Harry said quickly as Hermione stood blushing.
"Very well. Mr Potter will be taking a nutritional supplement for a few weeks and will be following a strict diet plan at meal times. As for the other things we discussed have you discussed them with her?" The matron asked professionally.
"Uh. Somewhat. She knows stuff has been going on."
"Very well I will be filing a formal complaint over that. You will no doubt be contacted by the relevant officials." Poppy declared grimly.
"Yes ma'am." Harry said with a relieved nod.
"What about his scar ma'am?" Hermione asked quickly.
The matron glanced at her then examined him one more time, "It has some strange residual magic I cannot identify. It doesn't seem to be harming him right now but I would need to consult with another healer about this." She looked sourly at the bottle in her hand for a moment, "However since that would not be healing an affliction that is currently hampering his ability to learn at the school I would have to ask his guardians for permission."
Hermione frowned, "Oh that could be a problem."
"Yes. You are certain it does not give you any trouble?" The matron asked.
"Well aside from the feast last night. I had a sudden sharp pain when Professor Snape was staring at me. Nothing has happened."
"Well many people get a rather sharp pain when professor Snape stares at them, usually not so far up on the body though." She joked. After the two pre-teens chuckled slightly she turned serious and said, "One instance is not a pattern. Keep a note of any time it should occur again and see me in a week. Until then. Take a large spoonful of this twice a day. Once in the morning, once in the night, with the appropriate meals, until the bottle is gone. Understand?"
"Yes ma'am." Harry said taking the spoon and bottle. "Anything else?"
Well. I suppose both of you have had the usual sort of discussions concerning male and female relationships?"
"You mean the sex talk ma'am?" Hermione asked.
"I suppose that is what the muggles call it now."
"My parents gave me the basic fundamentals of reproduction and such." Hermione said trying not to glance at Harry.
"I received the public schools biology lecture." Harry said with a shrug.
"Oh dear. Well I am certain the two of you can restrain yourselves until you've read certain books in the library. Ask Miss Pince for them, I shall give you a note authorizing them."
"Uh. Ma'am. We weren't. We are not." Hermione protested but the matron had already stepped out again.
"Maybe making everyone think we were together wasn't such a good idea after all." Harry said sotto voice.
Hermione frowned at him. "We'll see. Although I am a bit concerned why they all seem to assume that we are going to immediately become lovers."
Harry shrugged, "Maybe its my family reputation? You know Potter men may be amazing lovers." He grinned and rubbed the front of his shirt with his nails.
Hermione replied dryly, "I think I can wait to find out."
The matron came back handing them both a note before Harry could do more than open his mouth to reply. "Very well. I would appreciate a short report from both of you to indicate you have actually read the books please. As the bell is about to ring there is a note for your next class as well."
"Yes ma'am" They both said.
"Very well. Now if there is nothing else I will have some paperwork to file." The matron stated.
…...
"Well that certainly went well." Hermione said proudly.
"Yeah I wonder how the Dursleys are going to deal with this. I can already imagine the party they will have." Harry glumly sighed.
"I wonder how Dumbledore will deal with this. He's the one that keeps sending you back." She paused, "Kept sending you back."
Harry raised his eyebrow, "He kept sending me back?"
"Yes. It was for your own good." She said with a frown, "Although given what happened there."
"Yeah. Well we'll see how this goes. Tonight I'll befriend Snape then we figure out how to deal with Ron and the rat." Harry decreed.
Hermione raised her eyebrow, "Well self-confidence is not something you're in short supply of."
"Only because I'm inspired by you. Knowing that you've got my back?" He said grinning.
"You do realize there is only one of me and several entities trying to harm you." she pointed out.
He shrugged, "We'll we'll figure it out. Besides we have Neville and Susan on our side."
Hermione snorted in amusement, "Oh yes four first years, one of whom has a scrambled mind will change the world."
"Its all a matter of self-confidence like you said." Harry grinned.
Hermione rolled her eyes but grinned as they walked to class.
…...
"You are late." Professor McGonnagal stated needlessly as they walked into the classroom.
"Sorry ma'am. I needed to go to the matron." Harry said handing her the note.
"And was Miss Granger involved in the reason why you were visiting the hospital?"
"I had my own personal reasons ma'am." Hermione said handing her note. Several of the girls snickered while Ron looked at them suspiciously.
"Very well. We are working on some of the basic theories behind the transfiguration of material objects. Page 15 of your books."
Hermione and Harry got their books out and paid attention. Harry kept glancing over at the bulge in Ron's vest pocket. He thought back to the list he had been sent when he got his letter. A rat was not one of the animals listed.
Raising his hand after several moments Harry waited to be called on."
Minerva sighed, "Yes Mr Potter?"
"When will we learn about an animagus?" Harry asked.
Minerva looked surprised but said, "The animagus is a highly advanced piece of magic. It is not even discussed until sixth year due to the dangers involved."
"I'm not looking to do it I just want to understand more about it. Like how could we tell if the squirrel in the tree or the rat in Ron's pocket is one."
Hermione frowned, "Exactly. I wouldn't want some perverted wizard turning into a rat to come spy on me changing clothes."
The squeals of disgust from Lavender and Parvati as well as general displeased rumblings from the other girls made Ron scowl and put his hand over his pocket quickly. "HEY! Scabbers is not a threat!"
Minerva looked at him sharply, "Scabbers? As in the rat that your mother cajoled the headmaster into permitting to bring into this school?"
Ron gulped, "Uh yeah. They gave him to me when Percy made prefect."
"Really? And he is a common field rat?" Minerva asked skeptically.
"Yeah." Ron replied then exclaimed, "OW!" Pulling his hand off of his pocket with a bleeding pinkie finger.
The rat in question quickly squirmed out of the pocket and scurried towards the wall. Hermione had been ready and expecting something and a red bolt of light intersected the creature causing it to roll over and over and skid into the wall.
"Very good Miss Granger." Minerva said as she levitated the rat onto her desk. "Mr Weasley please see Madam Pomfrey to have your wound tended to."
"Yes ma'am." Ron said hesitantly, "What's going to happen my rat?"
"That entirely depends on what I discover. And if you do not wish to have to regrow your finger due to an infection please see to the wound." she firmly ordered.
Ron looked like he was briefly considering remaining but left slowly. Professor McGonnagal transformed the water glass on her desk into a large thick barred cage that had gaps the rat couldn't wriggle through.
"Very well. To explain why I am so aggressively curious about this rat. A common field rat will only live for, on average, three years, some have reached six years in captivity. However an animagus will retain their full human lifespan." She paused then said "Mr Weasley's older brother brought this animal to the school five years ago. It was not young then either."
"So what. It looks like it could expire at any moment from that burst for freedom." Draco snickered.
"Yes, another rather curious thing. The rat made an attempt for freedom at a very curious time. An animagus retains their full human mental capacity. So the rat seemed to understand we were discussing it."
Harry glanced at Hermione with a suppressed grin. She looked grimly at the rat.
McGonnagal cast a few spells then sat down suddenly with the color draining from her face. She gripped the sides of her desk tightly for a moment then in a hollow voice called out. "Class dismissed."
The students didn't need to be told twice and filed out. Most of the Slytherins laughing at Ron being bitten by his own rat.
"Professor? Are you okay?" Hermione asked. Her, Harry, Neville and Susan had remained behind as they knew the significance of the rat.
"I have had a minor shock. Miss Bones. Do you have an easy way to contact your aunt?"
"Uh. I have an emergency amulet, but if I activate it a strike team of aurors will be on scene in less than 5 minutes and she'll personally be here a few moments later." Susan said carefully looking around.
Minerva swallowed audibly as she sat staring at the rat with a grim expression. She seemed to be contemplating the various outcomes.
"Ma'am. Is there something special about the rat?" Harry asked, He had no idea other than it was an animagus and Hermione had felt it important enough to mention multiple times in her message.
"There is indeed Mr Potter. However I would rather prefer not to discus it here. Miss Bones. You and your friends will accompany myself to the front gates." She said rising as she transfigured the cage into a solid iron box with handles and very very tiny holes in it. A few strange runes were inscribed on its surfaces quickly by her and then they were off.
…...
Minerva led the way, levitating the box to Harry's relief, down the long lane to the village. She did not seem to be in a conversational mood so Harry and the others decided to remain quiet. They were halfway down the lane when they heard the bells ring for the change of class causing Hermione to startle and look over her shoulder.
"I will personally excuse the four of you and say you were assisting myself in an important task." Minerva said, barely taking her eyes off of the box which was beginning to make plaintive squeaking noises.
"You should have thought of that earlier." Minerva seemed to hiss at the box. "Now just be glad I do not drop this into the lake and be done with it."
Several squeaks and long chitters issued forth at that.
"Yes I am quite cross. What did you expect my mood to be." She growled. Harry noticed that her growling was not just a figure of speech but that she actually seemed to issue a rather felinoid sounding growl from deep in her throat.
The box fell silent although they could hear the rat scurrying and almost bouncing off of the sides.
Reaching the gates Minerva opened them then placed the box on the ground. Waving her wand she began to pull several stones and sticks over to build a larger and larger cage over it. Once she was done she turned to Susan, "Miss Bones if you would please call for your Aunt."
Susan reached under her collar to pull a small cylinder on a silver chain. Taking it in her hand she ripped it off of the chain with a sparkling crack. The half that she threw on the ground began to hiss and Neville took a few steps backwards.
Almost a minute later four armored beings apparated in front of the gates. Their armor was flat matte black that seemed to absorb all light. Helmets with dark visors hide all but the lower half of their faces. They had wands out and were in a combat circle apparently ready for anything. Not seeing any immediate threat the leader had them spread out as he turned to the small group just inside the gates.
"Miss Bones?" He called out in a deep voice.
"Uh. Yeah. I'm sorry. I'm okay." She said waving sheepishly.
"I asked her to call you here." Minerva said, "Mister King?"
"Yes ma'am. Class of 78." The man said with a polite nod, "The amulet was only supposed to be used in a emergency."
"Given the circumstances I felt it qualified. I shall take all personal responsibility for this." Minerva said.
Looking at the large solid structure built in the lane he nodded, "I take it from the new installation this is not just a hazing incident?"
"No it is not." Minerva had time to reply before four more armored personnel appeared along with a tall austere woman with a monocle over her right eye. She was wearing an thick dragon-hide vest and was looking around in a very no-nonsense manner.
"Auntie. Its okay. I'm safe."
"Then why did we receive the emergency alert?"
"Because Peter Pettigrew has been found alive." Minerva said quickly.
Everyone looked at her like she had said she was going to do a striptease.
"Excuse me Minerva. Did you just say what I thought you said?" Susan's aunt asked dryly.
"Allow me to show you." She slowly drew her wand when Madam Bones gave a nod and vanished the box revealing the rat. A moment later she said a few words and there was a burst of light causing the rat to swell, shift and grow into a human male. A very ratty looking male in all senses of the word.
He was short, chubby, with nervous twitch about the nose and mouth, his front teeth were large and obvious. "Hello everyone. Uh. Long time no see eh?" he asked in a high thin voice.
"Peter Pettigrew?" Madam Bones asked in a dangerously calm tone. Harry usually heard that sort of tone from Uncle Vernon just before very bad things happened.
"Uh. Well so it would seem." He agreed with a hopeful smile.
"He has been spending at least the last half dozen years with the Weasleys as their pet rat." Minerva said.
"You are supposed to be dead. Care to explain why you are not?"
"Because I've been hiding. You have no idea how violent and dangerous Black his. How he would have come after me until the ends of time." he pleaded, "You see why I would stay hidden."
"You could have contacted one of the staff." Minerva stridently declared.
"Well I wasn't certain how everyone would react you know. And besides I had a nice cushy life." he said chuckling nervously.
"We are definitely going to be having a very, very, long discussion." Madam Bones stated.
"I'm an innocent victim. Black is the mad dog killer you know it." Pettigrew repeated, "I'm innocent."
"Innocent men do not hide as a rat for almost a decade. We will have to conduct an investigation and determine your innocence Mr Pettigrew." Madam Bones stated flatly. "I'm afraid your actions have precluded us taking your word for this at face value."
"But, but." he pleaded then saw Harry, "Harry! Oh dear boy. Good. You can vouch for them can't you? Your little buddy eh? You remember me don't you?"
Harry had no idea who this man was. He shook his head while everyone looked at him sadly.
"Oh come now. Uka peat. Uka Peat?" he pleaded. "You remember me."
Harry stepped backwards staring at the dirty disheveled man who was reaching towards him with a long clawed dirty hand."I have no idea who you are!" He forced out between breaths.
Hermione took his arm and held it gently. Pulling him back to slightly behind her.
"Susan would you and your friends please step back far enough while we take Mr Pettigrew into custody." Madam Bones did not so much request as order.
The four students stepped back a few feet to allow the hit-wizards to do their job. Minerva stood next to them watching warily.
"I do hope you come peacefully and do not attempt to resist." The leader of the squad stated.
"I'll come peacefully." He said with a wily smile as they moved around the cage in a careful capture formation. He looked like he was calculating his odds.
Harry was not sure what happened as it occurred so quickly. The first thing that was done was the cage was dissolved, two members of the team quickly casting spells to wrap Pattigrew in a silver web that squeezed tightly while the second elevated him several feet off of the ground.
He tried to shift into his rat form but the glowing silver netting shrunk with him. Harry had the brief image of a sausage casing as it spread over the rat until only his tail was exposed.
One of the hit wizards produced a small cage as the other levitated Peter into it. The entire process took less than a minute it seemed like.
Neville's mouth dropped open as he said in a reverent whisper, "Blimey!"
One of the hit wizards after making sure Peter was secured looked over at Neville and gave him a little salute.
"Place him in secured isolation. Make sure he does NOT go anywhere. And get Number 3 from DOM to check him over. I want to know what he ate for breakfast six months ago." Madam Bones commanded.
"Yes ma'am." the team responded in unison before vanishing in multiple claps of collapsing air into the vacuum where they had been.
Smiling for the first time she said walking over, "Well Minerva. This has got to be an interesting first day of classes."
"Aye. One I could have done without Amelia." The professor said with a sigh, "These sorts of shocks do not sit well with my digestion."
"Understandable." She agreed then turned to Neville, "So you were impressed Mr Longbottom?"
"Yes, Madam Bones." Neville said with a slight grin.
"Good. Perhaps someday eh?"
Neville's face fell immediately as he shuffled his feet, "Uh. Maybe."
Amelia looked awkwardly at Minerva before patting Neville gently on the shoulder. Stepping to give her niece a hug she said, "I'll have Tikki bring you a new amulet by lunch."
"So this was okay?" Susan asked worriedly.
"Yes, most assuredly this was okay." Amelia reassured her then turned to Harry who was looking shocked at the space where the cage had been.
"Mr Potter?" Amelia asked gently.
"Yes ma'am?"
"You are certain you do not remember or recognize the individual?" Amelia softly asked. Kneeling down to be at closer to eye level with Harry.
Harry shook his head, "No. I just. I don't remember him. Who was he?"
Amelia took a deep breath, "The short answer is he was one of your parent's friends. The long answer is a bit more complicated."
"Oh. I don't remember my parents or anything about them." Harry said sadly, "My Aunt and Uncle told me they got killed in a car crash."
Amelia and Minerva exchanged a brief glance. Neither woman seemed to be happy at the information. "I see. I am not able to sit and tell you about them today. This is going to keep me busy in paperwork for the next lifetime I have a very bad feeling."
Harry nodded glumly, "Sorry about that."
"As long as justice is served in the end it will be worth it." Amelia patted him on the shoulder, "You did the right thing." She said standing.
"Thank you. All I did was ask about animagus in class." He said carefully.
"And how did you hear about them?" Amelia asked.
Hermione stepped forward, "I read about them in the book Unlocking the Hidden Beasts Within."
Minerva raised her eyebrow at her, "Well that is certainly a bit of an advanced book for a first year."
"Yes ma'am. I didn't understand all of it but was talking to Harry and my friends about some of the stuff we might do and what kind of animal we might be if we tried that someday." Hermione quickly explained.
"Precocious that one." Amelia said putting her monocle in her vest pocket."I would watch her Minerva. She has a lot of promise."
"Yes so it would seem." Minerva actually had a warm smile.
"Sorry to wipe the smile off your face Minerva. I will need a statement from all of you involved."
"I'll have one of the elves bring it to your office after supper?"
"That'll be fine. I have an odd feeling about things so I'll be in the office." Amelia said. Turning to the others she looked firmly at them, "I hope I can trust the four of you not to discus this with anyone else. At least until given clearance to do so?"
The four students all nodded their agreement and assurances that they would keep it amongst themselves. Giving her niece one more hug she walked through the gates and apparated away with the rest of her team.
"Well let us perambulate back to the castle. And I will tell you what I can of your parents and their friends." Minerva said making shooing gestures.
Harry and the others fell in alongside her.
"James Potter had a set of three friends. Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew. The four of them were inseparable, and a bit insufferable some might say." She had a slight wistful smile, "Each of them was as different as the glens in spring. Yet they became close as brother it seemed."
Harry paid rapt attention, Hagrid had told him a little bit, but very, very, little.
"Each of them were very talented and it seems I may have underestimated, at least, Mr Pettigrew. If not the others as well." She said considering things, "Your mother was not your father's friend until their last two years. He had pursued her to no avail until finally things happened and she finally gave your father a chance. From that point forward they became united in all but marriage it seemed. So when they married right out of school it was no surprise. They fought in the war and."
She paused as she blinked back a few tears. "Well you came along and then that night happened."
"When he came to kill them?" Harry asked in a hushed voice.
Minerva looked at him carefully, then nodded, "Yes. After that a great many things happened and it was thought that Mr Pettigrew had been killed. Killed by a friend."
"Sirius Black." Hermione stated.
"Yes. Things were complicated back then. And it seems that there are a great many things we did not know."
They walked several paces in silence before Harry asked, "So how did I wind up with my aunt and uncle?"
Minerva looked like she had bitten in a very sour lemon that had been soaked in cream of tartar. She cleared her throat before saying, "That was the Headmaster's decision. As Head of the Wizengamut and representative to the ICW, along with leader of the resistance organization that your parents were part of he says it is for your own good."
"It wasn't very good." Harry wearily sighed.
"I see." Minerva said looking at him.
"Madam Pomfrey has a report about it. She said she will be contacting the proper authorities about this. Maybe if Harry said you could talk to her about it?" Hermione pointed out.
"The authorities?" Minerva's voice took a rather odd tone. Harry was becoming even more certain he did not want to be on the receiving end of this woman's ire.
"Yes ma'am. Do you mind if I ask you to just talk to her about it? I'd rather not repeat it all."
"Very well, with your permission I shall do so." Minerva said softly with a undercurrent of firmness. The rest of the trip to the castle was undertaken quietly.
…...
"She left out a great deal of things." Hermione said just before dinner.
"I kinda figured, even I caught there was something more." Harry said.
"I wonder if our parents knew each other?" Neville asked. "Gramma never talks about anyone else during the war just mum and dad."
"Maybe. They would have been the right age." Susan said. "Auntie has told me a lot about my parents."
"It seems there is a lot more about mine than is being mentioned." Harry frowned, "After my detention I'd like to look at those books Hermione."
"The ones that mention you and your parents?" Certainly." She replied as they entered the Great Hall.
Taking their seats they chatted with some of their other associates. When the food began to appear Harry noticed Ron wasn't in his seat. "Uh does anyone know where Ron went? I haven't seen him since Transfiguration."
Seamus shrugged, "No idea."
Lavender leaned over and in a stage whisper said, "I heard he got taken away from the hospital wing by aurors."
"Aurors? Ron? What did he do steal someones cauldron cakes?" Seamus scoffed.
Harry gave Hermione a sideways glance then looking closer at the table he realized none of the Weasleys were sitting with them. Since it did not seem to be a major problem or topic for discussion he simply marked it for consideration and joined the conversation about the classes. Although when Hermione kicked him under the table and nodded towards the head table he noticed Dumbledore was not there either he put the two together with the removal of Pettigrew and realized things might have been larger than he had thought.
After dinner he and Hermione headed for the library while Neville and Susan went back to the common room with the others.
"Wow. All of the Weasleys and Dumbledore were missing."
"Well the rat was with the Weasleys for a decade so there is going to be a lot to question." Hermione nodded, "And Dumbledore is probably being called in to answer some questions too."
"Well this is a fine start to things." Harry grinned.
"Yes until the unexpected consequences of this happen." Hermione frowned, "So don't get comfortable. You're changing things but that just means what she knew, what I know, may not be entirely accurate."
Harry shrugged, "Okay. So we're back to normal."
Hermione looked at him with a frustrated glare, "Harry. We don't know what we knew now."
Harry gave her a quizzical glance
"Okay. Maybe that didn't come out quite the way I meant it. Before this she had sent us things that happened to her over the next several decades. Now with the changes just made today. That makes everything that happened questionable."
"But you said you didn't remember everything." Harry countered.
Hermione huffed, "No. And she did send the message to change things. I am just a bit nervous now that we're going through with all of this. I hate being uncertain or not knowing things."
Harry shrugged, "I know. Personally if I thought about it I would completely bonkers."
Hermione pushed open the doors to the library sighing, "You are going to be a very aggravating person to know."
"But apparently worth it." Harry replied with a grin.
Ms Pince looked up when they entered. Her beady eyes framed by narrow cats eye frames peered at them from a tight, narrow face that had skin that looked as old as some of the books. "Yes?"
"The matron told us to check these books out." Hermione said handing her the slip while Harry did as well.
The librarian looked at the slips then at both students with pursed lips, "Well at least you are being responsible." She then flipped part of the counter up and led them through the stacks to an area marked biology. Two books floated down to her which she checked their covers then the slips.
Harry looked at the cover of the book he was handed, 'The Magical Male. How to do it and be responsible.' The cover was a plain brown with thick black lettering. Hermione's book had the title 'The Magical Miss. A Guide to the Mysteries of Reproduction.' The cover of it was a pale pink with sparkles and showed a trio of smiling women from young girl to old woman under silver lettering.
Checking the books out while being stared at accusingly by the librarian definitely made Harry not have any naughty thoughts. Shuddering after they left he was not sure he would have naughty thoughts for a long time.
"Well this should be interesting. I was wondering if magicals had any biological differences." Hermione was already absorbed in reading the back cover of the book. Harry had shoved his deeply into his book-bag.
"I better get to the dungeons." Harry said quickly.
Hermione looked up from the book and said, "Oh. Yes. Try not to antagonize him too much Harry. He can be dangerous."
"I'll just be my normal charming self." He grinned broadly.
She looked unimpressed, "That's what I'm afraid of."
"Don't worry. I'll be fine." he said patting her on the arm reassuringly before turning and after brief moment to brace himself marched down the main stairs.
…...
Entering the potions master's office Harry froze with the black beetle stare of the tall sallow man.
"You are late Potter." he hissed angrily.
"I'm sorry sir. I had to stop by the."
"I do not care what excuse you have come up with. When I assign a detention I expect punctuality." Snape interrupted with a sneer.
"Yes sir." Harry realized befriending Snape might be a bit more difficult than he had estimated.
"Sit." Snape ordered pointing at a desk in the corner.
Harry did so, quietly so as not to provoke the man any more. He reminded him of his uncle and Dudley in many ways. Like he was just looking for an excuse to unleash his rage on Harry.
"You will be writing lines." A scroll appeared on the desk with a quill and inkwell.
"For how long?" Harry asked neutrally.
"Until I am satisfied you have learned your lesson." Snape replied with a smirk, "You shall write I shall not be cheeky. Begin."
Harry picked up the plain white quill and after dipping it in the ink began to write. Each line caused the paper to rotate just a little bit exposing more blank parchment. Harry would glance up to see the professor sitting at his desk scowling at various pieces of parchment while muttering dunderhead or other words occasionally.
The ticking of the clock in the corner, the scritching of the two quills and the rustling of parchment filled the room. Fortunately Harry was used to long periods of silent isolation from his time in the cupboard. His mind was working separate from the hand writing as he looked up at the professor and wondered. He looked like he might have been the proper age to have gone to school with his parents, Neville had mentioned at one point that most magicals knew each other from school, social circles or work. An idea slowly crept into Harry's mind.
"Sir?"
"Wha-T" Snape hissed not even looking up from his papers.
"Did you know my parents?" Harry asked, trying to sound curious and respectful.
Snape actually paused the notes he was making with brilliant scarlet ink to look dryly at Harry. "Why do you care?"
"Well you see I was never told anything about them by my Aunt Petunia. And."
"Why would you have anything to do with her?" Snape inquired darkly.
Harry licked his lips before saying, "Well I live with her and Uncle Vernon."
Snape looked stoically at him, the dark eyes boring holes Harry thought. "You live with them?"
"Uh. Yes sir." Harry replied. He had a feeling his address might be changing son if the matron's report worked out so hoped he was doing the right thing.
"Why?" Snape asked with a rather dark tone in his voice.
"Uh. I don't rightly know. I was a baby when they took me in." Harry realized keeping his answers short and to the point would help.
"I suppose she remains a odious, uptight, scarecrow?"
Harry was not entirely certain what odious meant but the other two words did seem to describe her, "Uh. She's not entirely nice."
Snape steepled his fingers, "Why are you telling me this?"
"I've just been trying to find out more about my family. Who my parents were."
Snape scowled as he stared at Harry, "Family can be rather tedious. Clinging to us like old bats."
"Sir?" Harry was confused by the response.
"I am satisfied by your writing tonight Mr Potter. You are dismissed." Snape suddenly declared.
"Sir?" Harry asked hoping he could get the professor to speak more. He seemed to definitely know Aunt Petunia, and not like her. Which was a point in his favor.
"You are dismissed. That means you may now leave." Snape firmly dictated glaring at Harry.
Harry quickly gathered his things then left. He did not see Snape reach into his desk to pull out a small framed picture and stare at it wistfully.
…...
"And he seemed to know Aunt Petunia." Harry was describing what happened to Neville, Susan and Hermione in the corner of the common room as they did their homework for the day.
"Interesting. I wonder how he knows her." Hermione considered, "Your aunt is your mother's sister?"
"Right." Harry agreed.
"One more piece of data to explore." Hermione looked at Harry's paper and frowned, "Harry are you having trouble writing?"
"I wasn't very good with a Biro, now I have to use a quill? C'mon this is the modern ages." Harry huffed as he snapped the nib one again.
"Harry do you mind if I borrow Hedwig to send a letter home?" Hermione asked gently.
"Go ahead. I don't have anyone to message." Harry grumped getting the small knife set out to cut a new nib on his quill.
"Thanks Harry." Hermione smiled as she pulled a fresh piece of paper out of her bag.
(Review Responses)
W0lfgang: I must have missed that one.
Bkerrmom1: Cool glad you are enjoying.
Katmom: Glad to provide then.
Sparky40sw: I am hoping to shave at least 2 of them off and alter the rest of the entire canon story-line. Although things might go off on their own route before they are done. Thank you for reading.
Wymridr: Thanks. I am looking forward to how it turns out too. Lol. Thanks for reading.
Honeybear84: Yeah a little bit. The scene on the beach was a gut punch the first time it was on and still gives a twinge in reruns. Hope you enjoy this.
N0wa5t3r: Lol. Hermione will remember what is plot relevant. It will be condensed and have some twists away from canon. I'm still working on what sort of Dumbledore he is. Since most of his actions will be off camera it'll have to be inferred from the results and interactions with Harry. As for their romance. Hermione is going to be moving slow as she is still trying to process the lifetime of info dumped on her. Harry is going to be happy to just have anything nice going on so will not be pushing her for more. So there will be flickers and embers of feelings but for the most part they'll be working on it.
Baboy Ako: It should be interesting. I have some ideas I hope turn out well. We'll see.
Kimjo2: Thank you. Hope you enjoy.
Same as Smithback: Thanks
dennisud: Thanks. I know. I am not perfect.
OfficerDonNZ: Indeed it did.
Kgfinkel: Yes indeed.