All Characters are the property of JK Rowling

On Saturday, Harry woke up and smiled at the thought of his first week of school being over. He had made many friends in all the houses, although some were harder to befriend than others, and he was excited about what more would come. While some of his classes had been amazing, like Charms, Transfiguration, and Herbology, others did not interest him, like Astronomy, and in some, the teachers were bad even if he was interested in the subject, like Potions, DADA and History. Professor Binns had put most people to sleep within minutes, and Harry decided it would be best to just read the history book instead of falling asleep like almost everyone else. The only person who could stay awake and take good notes was, of course, Hermione. Potions was another class that he wasn't sure about. He knew from Roger that Snape didn't like many people outside of Slytherin, but he was really looking forward to Potions and hoped that he would be judged based on his ability rather than his house.

Flashback

As all of the students settled down and looked around the classroom, the door banged open. One of the Hufflepuffs screamed, and a few of the other students jumped. As Snape stalked around the room, he said in a voice that the students had to strain to hear, "Wands away. There will be no foolish wand waving in this classroom. If you aren't as much of a dunderhead as most students are, then I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even put a stopper in death. But I don't expect that to be the case for you dunderheads." He said in a silky voice before suddenly turning and saying, "Potter, what would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"

"Those are the main ingredients of the Draught of Living Death, a potion so powerful that it puts the drinker into a death-like sleep until the antidote has been brewed," Harry responded respectfully.

"Where would you look to find a bezoar?" Snape snapped.

Without a pause, Harry said, "In the stomach of a goat. It has the properties to cure most poisons but not all."

"What is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?" Snape asked.

"They are the same plant and are also referred to as aconite," Harry replied.

"Well, why aren't you all copying that down?" Snape asked the rest of the class after turning away. "Today you will be brewing a boil-cure potion. It is a very simple potion that even dunderheads like you should be able to brew. The instructions are on the board." As the students brewed, Snape walked around the room silently, breathing down the back of people's necks. After about three-quarters of the lesson, Snape stood behind Harry and looked into his potion.

Harry had already read lots of potions books and even brewed potions on his own, so he knew the proper way to make it off the top of his head. When he was younger and got some of the first potions books, he learned about how the different ingredients would react to others and the reasons for the stirring. He learned the proper ways to prepare ingredients and even how to clean and set up his station. All of these were things that Snape took note of as he walked around the room, and he realized that this Potter was not at all like his father was in Potions. His father used to mess around with his friends, just doing what was necessary to make the potion but not understanding why. This Potter was well-educated and had made some small changes to make it more potent and faster to brew, which was why he was finishing in nearly three-quarters of the allocated time. "Adequate, Potter. Bottle it, label it, and leave it on my desk."

"Thank you, Professor," Harry responded respectfully before cleaning all his equipment and putting his potion on the desk.

After a quick inspection, Snape decided to pause his judgment on the Potter brat because he might be different from his father. "Potter, please give me the rest of your potion. I will be bringing this to Pomfrey to be used in the hospital wing."

"Yes, Professor," Harry replied in a surprised tone. After having cleaned his station, most of the other students were starting to finish their potions with varying levels of success. Hermione, having followed the instructions to a tee, had a very good potion and wondered if hers would be brought to Pomfrey as well. Before being dismissed, Harry made sure that his fellow Claws were cleaning up and storing their equipment properly, while sending significant looks to Susan and Hannah as well. Knowing how residue from other potions could impact the quality of potions, he ensured that all his equipment was clean before leaving with Hermione and the rest of the students.

Unknown to Harry, Snape was watching over his actions with the other students and realized that there could be much more of Lily in him than he expected. He could accept that he was an adequate brewer, he thought with disdain, but there was probably some of James Potter in there somewhere. Snape decided to reserve his judgment on Potter for now and treat him neutrally for the time being.

End Flashback

While thinking about his first Potions lesson, Harry was doing his daily exercises, and once finished, he went on his run. When he came back to the common room after cleaning up, he looked at the notice board and saw that he was scheduled for a meeting with Flitwick right after breakfast. While waiting for Hermione, he decided that he should get all of his homework done and wanted to organize that study group in the library that the Ravenclaws had talked about.

Once Hermione met up with him and they exchanged greetings, Harry said to her, "Do you remember the study group that we talked about with the other Ravenclaws? I was thinking that we could do it today after lunch because all of our interviews are before then."

"Oh, that's a great idea, Harry. We should tell them about it at breakfast."

As Hermione continued to ramble about all the things they should do during the study session, Harry smiled fondly and said, "I'm sure we can get all our homework done and then, after that, it's up to the others what they want to do. We can stay after for a while to do some extra reading if you would like."

"Yes, please, Harry," Hermione replied abashedly. "I was getting carried away again, wasn't I?"

"Yes, a little bit. I know you don't mean it, but others might start to feel resentful towards you if you try to force your views on them," Harry said while remembering the past week. "There have already been some instances, and I'm afraid that if you don't try and stop some habits, people will start to resent you."

"What have I been doing, though? I understand that just then, I was trying to make people study more than they might want to, but I never realized I was being overbearing," Hermione asked, shocked.

"You know how anytime a teacher asks a question, you always stick your hand up instantly and start waving it around?"

"Yes, what's wrong with that?"

"Well, other students would like the chance to answer questions. Already, just a week in, every teacher knows that you know the answer to nearly every question that could be asked about our course. But other students don't get the chance to answer because of you, which builds up resentment." Harry put a hand up when Hermione opened her mouth to speak. "It's not just that they want to answer for everyone, as sometimes people don't know the answer. It's just that it seems like you answer every question just to show that you know something they didn't. This is the type of thing that will build resentment and isolate you. I know, as your friend, that you don't do it to make yourself seem better. It's just so that the teachers know you're a good student. But especially at our age, students will resent you, and it will make you an outcast, which, considering we will be here for seven years, will not be a pleasant experience for you."

Hermione, who looked to be on the verge of crying, looked at Harry and said, "Am I really that bad? Does everyone hate me already?"

Harry, feeling bad, gave Hermione a hug and said, "It's not that bad yet, but it will be. So if you don't want it to be like that, you need to only put your hand up for a few questions each lesson and don't act superior if you do answer one correctly. It will be fine if you do those things, and I want you to know that no matter what happens with everyone else, you and I will always be best friends."

That just made Hermione squeeze a bit tighter before letting go and saying, "Thanks, Harry, but we should get to the Great Hall so that we can tell—sorry, ask—the other Ravenclaws if they want to study together after lunch. Maybe we can invite Neville, Susan, and Hannah. I feel like we haven't seen enough of Neville since classes started."

While they ate their breakfast and the Ravenclaw first years started trickling in, Harry saw Neville walk in alone and waved him over. "Hey, Nev," he said. "I feel like we haven't seen you enough since classes started, so I wanted to invite you to study with me and the rest of the Ravenclaws in the library after lunch."

"Well, I could use the help. I'm pretty pathetic with most of my classes," Neville said dejectedly.

"What are you talking about, Neville?" Hermione asked with concern.

"I've been doing really badly in all my classes except Herbology. Maybe everyone was right, and I am a Squib," he muttered.

"Neville, you and I are going to have a serious talk after my meeting with Flitwick. Meet me on the edge of the lake in about an hour. I don't expect the meeting to go for that long, but it might take me a while to get there. Hermione, make sure to tell the other Ravenclaws that if they want to, we are planning on studying after lunch." He said with an emphasis on "wanting to." "Oh, and invite Susan and Hannah along too if they want to come. I'm going to go and meet Flitwick now."

Line Break

Once Harry made it to Flitwick's office, he knocked on the door and heard him say, "Come in." Upon entering, he briefly looked around and saw that it had everything one would need in an office—a desk, chairs, bookshelves, and writing equipment—though nothing particularly stood out to him. "Hello, Mr. Potter, prompt as always."

"Of course, Professor."

"Please take a seat. There are a few things I would like to discuss, but before we get started, is there anything you wished to discuss with me?"

"Well, I was hoping to get access to the Ravenclaw library, but I assumed it would be too early in the term to get access as a first-year."

"On the contrary, that is one of the topics I wished to discuss. Yes, you may use the library, and I hope I won't have to revoke that privilege. This will only happen if you cause trouble or if your grades slip."

"Really? Thanks, Professor. I assure you that I will continue to do my best with my school work," Harry said, expressing surprise.

"I expected as much. Was there anything else you wanted to discuss?" Flitwick asked. When Harry shook his head, Flitwick continued, "First, I wanted to congratulate you on your performance in your classes so far. All the teachers I've talked to have said that you have been performing very well and putting in a lot of effort. If you keep this up, you will almost certainly be in the top five of your year and possibly even first."

"Really?" Harry exclaimed. "I knew I was doing well in the practicals, but even in the theory parts, I thought others were much further ahead than me."

"Apparently not. Aside from that, there is one other thing I am willing to offer you that I haven't offered before. When I saw your power in our first lesson, and knowing that people may dislike you because of what you did to You-Know-Who, I decided to offer to train you in dueling."

After a moment's silence, Harry said, "Me? A first-year? I know next to nothing about magic, and although I have some surprises about what I can do, they aren't all that effective in a fight."

"That is why I will teach you. I will be able to teach you more than what I can do myself, as I am not powerful enough. As you know, magic is like a muscle. If you are already as powerful as me, the younger you start training, the stronger you will be and the more spells you will be able to use. There are still reasons why wizards like Dumbledore and You-Know-Who are so difficult to beat even with enough skill. It is because of those powerful spells that are hard to stop without the necessary power. You should be able to stand against wizards like them in power once you have had your final maturity, which I suspect will be earlier than most and last longer. Although you might not have their experience or knowledge, if you start early enough, you will be able to acquire enough to possibly catch up with them."

"I accept," Harry said, cutting Flitwick off. "I would be honored to be your student. Or is it more of an apprentice/master thing?"

"Master and apprentice is more appropriate," Flitwick interjected.

"Anyway, I would be a fool not to accept a multiple-time world dueling champion as a master. How many times was it actually? You just said multiple," Harry asked.

"Seven, the highest in history as my dueling career lasted longer than most. Some wizards of Dumbledore's caliber just aren't interested in dueling. But you will be my first apprentice, and I will expect a lot from a wizard of your caliber. Now that you have accepted my offer, I will train you after classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I will also train with you on Saturday mornings. If you can't keep up with the coursework, we will discuss the training times and see if dropping one is necessary. I won't hold you up any longer, but I look forward to teaching you, my apprentice."

"Thank you, Master," Harry said with a small bow before leaving the room.

After casting a quick tempus, he realized that he had about 15 minutes to get to the lake and meet Neville. So he started walking down the halls towards the lake, thinking about Flitwick's offer and what it would mean for him. He had always wanted to be able to protect those he cared about, and this would give him the means to do it. Flitwick also made a good point about Voldemort's followers being a threat to him once he started venturing into the magical world outside of Hogwarts. He decided that it would be very beneficial for him, and he would always work hard to protect his family and friends.

By the time he made it to the lake, he saw Neville sitting under a tree overlooking the water. He made his way over to him and said, "Hey, Nev," while sitting down. "What were you talking about before?"

"I'm doing so badly in all the subjects that use wands because I just can't cast the spells. Don't even get me started on potions; I melted a cauldron in the first lesson, and then Snape yelled at me. I'm a failure," Neville said dejectedly.

"Neville, look at me. What happened to the Longbottom heir I met on the train? The one who was willing to look me in the eyes? The one who helped me put the Malfoy heir in his place by reminding him that by his own definition, we are better than him? What happened to you, Neville?"

"I don't know, Harry. I just keep being told that I'm horrible, and I am practically proving them right," Neville said. "My grandma was right; I am a disappointment and not worthy to use my father's wand," he muttered under his breath.

"Wait, did you say you are using your father's wand?"

"Yeah. He was a great wizard, and my gran said that if it worked for him, then it would work for me too."

"No offense to her, but she is wrong. Ollivander always said that the wand chooses the wizard, and this is why you are not able to perform spells. Just the fact that you can get any result is impressive when you are forcing the magic through someone else's wand. And, I know this is personal, and if you don't want to, you don't have to answer, but what happened to your parents that you are being taken care of by your gran?"

"Well, I don't really like to talk about it, but it is something you should know. They were tortured into insanity by the Lestranges and Barty Crouch Jr. when they tried to attack our home. They have been residents of St. Mungo's for the past 10 years or so," Neville replied sadly.

With a soft pat on Neville's shoulder, Harry replied, "That's horrible, but I'm sure there are better ways to honor their memory than using your dad's wand. For one, you're just as much your mum as your dad, which is likely why his wand won't work for you. A better way to honor their memory would be to become the best wizard you can, and to do that, you need your own wand and to work hard. I'm willing to help you with that if you want. And now that I think about it, Hermione would probably be offended if we didn't invite her to study with us."

With a small laugh, Neville said, "Yeah, I couldn't imagine how upset she would be if we studied without her."

"Alright, Neville. First, we should get you a wand of your own, and then we will start working on your practical classes together. Once you build up your confidence, you might not be so nervous around Snape, and with some tutoring, you will be making great potions," Harry said while getting up. "Come on, Nev. Let's go talk to McGonagall about getting you a new wand. She should be able to convince your gran to give permission for you to buy one. Then we can go study together with the rest of the Ravenclaws after lunch. It won't be hard to catch you up since it's only been a week. The rest will be up to you to continue studying and staying on top of your work. I'm sure you could continue to study with us if you want."

"Alright, Harry," Neville said while getting up. "I hope this plan of yours works, and I won't be a squib anymore."

On the way to McGonagall's office, Harry talked more to Neville about what people were saying about him, and he had an epiphany. "Neville, I think half of your issue is confidence." He raised a hand as Neville opened his mouth to speak. "No, think about it. Half of magic is having the intent to do something and believing. If you are struggling to believe in yourself and your magic, then how is it going to work? With you thinking it's not going to work, then it won't. But with a new wand, you will see a huge improvement, which will help your belief. Then you will be able to become the great wizard I know you can be."

"I'll believe it when I see it, Harry," Neville said skeptically.

"You'll see. Anyway, you'll prove me right later, but here is McGonagall's office. Do you want me to do the talking, or would you like to?"

"It's probably best if you do the talking," Neville responded sadly. "I'd probably stutter so much that she wouldn't understand me."

"None of that negative self-talk, Neville. But if it's what you want, I will talk to her for you. Professor McGonagall? Are you in?" Harry said, knocking on the door.

"Enter," McGonagall called.

"Hello, Professor," Harry said, entering with Neville following. "Do you have some time to talk with us? I've discovered something that would help Neville out greatly."

"And what exactly would that be, Mr. Potter?" McGonagall asked, looking interested. "And please have a seat. There's no need to stand."

After the boys sat down, Harry replied, "Well, Neville here has been struggling in most of the classes where you need to use a wand, and I discovered that he is using his father's wand. You know that a wand chooses the wizard, and it is difficult to use one that isn't your own. He is able to force his magic through it, but it's really not working for him."

"That is definitely concerning, and you are absolutely correct. One's own wand makes a world of difference," McGonagall said, frowning slightly. "Mr. Longbottom, do you know why you didn't get your own wand?"

"Um, well, Professor," Neville said nervously, "my gran always said that my father's wand was good enough for him, so it should work for me."

"Hmm, it sounds like she might need some convincing to get you your own wand, but this is a matter I can take up with her. You just need to focus on your studies and doing your best. How about we make arrangements for you to visit Ollivanders this weekend? Does that work for you?"

"Yes, Professor. Thank you so much," Neville said, smiling for the first time that day.

"You're welcome, Mr. Longbottom. Now, is there anything else?"

"No, Professor. Thank you for your time," Harry said, getting up. "We will be off to lunch now."

As they left the office, Neville turned to Harry and said, "Thank you so much for helping me out, Harry. I don't know what I would do without you."

"Don't mention it, Neville. What are friends for, right? Now let's go get some lunch, and then we can study with Hermione and the rest of the Ravenclaws. I'm sure you will fit right in."

As they walked to the Great Hall, Harry couldn't help but feel proud of himself for helping Neville. He knew that with the right support and encouragement, Neville would become a great wizard. And he was determined to be there for his friend every step of the way.

Line Break

As Harry and Neville went to lunch, they were both quiet, thinking about how Neville getting his own wand would impact them. Harry believed that Neville would be an amazing wizard, and with his own wand, he would be able to reach his full potential. Neville, on the other hand, was more worried about what his gran would think about him not wanting to use his dad's wand. The more he thought about what Harry had been saying, the more he agreed. He was just as much his mother as he was his father, and the best way to honor both of them would be to become the best wizard he could be.

After eating lunch with the Ravenclaws, the group headed up to the library, with Hermione walking beside Neville and Harry. She said to them, "So, what do you think we should study? I was hoping to get the Transfiguration essay done, but what about the Potions essay? Should we focus on that one first because I know Professor Snape is quite strict with his marking? Or what if we did Herbology first?"

"Woah, calm down, Hermione," Harry said with a small laugh. "Let's start with Transfiguration, okay? Once we," he gestured at himself and Neville, "have done our own essays, you can read them over. After that, we can do Herbology, and Neville can look ours over, then we can do Potions, and I'll look yours over. If any of the other Ravenclaws want us to look over their essays, then we can do that." Then, in a small whisper, he reminded Hermione, "But don't force them to do it."

"Okay, Harry, I'm sorry. I'm just really excited for this," Hermione said, abashedly.

"We can tell," Neville said with a laugh.

As the group of Ravenclaws claimed a table to study at, there was minimal chatter while they worked through their essays, the only talk being about what books they recommended or any feedback they had while reading through them. After about half an hour, there was a small cough, and the group looked up. "Erm, sorry to interrupt, but Harry offered to let us join you guys if that's alright," Susan said uncertainly.

"Of course, please take a seat," Terry said.

"Thanks, guys. I don't know if you all know, but my name is Susan Bones, and this is my friend Hannah Abbott," Susan said with a bit more confidence.

"Hi," Hannah said with a shy wave.

"Take a seat and get started. Feel free to ask us questions if you need help, but try to keep it quiet. Most of us ask Hermione if we have any questions, and she loves to help," Padma said with a smile at Hermione. "But if she doesn't know or if her explanation is too complicated, then ask Harry. Most of us have a subject that we are interested in and can help with that subject, but those two are pretty much at the top for every class."

After taking a seat and starting to study, most got back into the rhythm of studying before there was another polite cough. Standing there were two Slytherins looking slightly awkward. "Hello, my name is Daphne Greengrass Heir to the Ancient and Noble House of Greengrass."

"My name is Tracey Davis of the Noble House of Davis."

"We were hoping to join your study group as we both have some subjects that we might need help with," Daphne said with a slightly sour look on her face at having to admit she needed help.

After briefly making eye contact with everyone at the table, Harry stood up and kissed both of their hands briefly before saying, "Welcome, Heiress Greengrass and Heiress Davis. My name is Harry Potter, Heir to the Most Ancient and Most Noble house of Potter. Feel free to take a seat, but just for fair warning, we don't take part in any blood purity here. We believe in individual merit and treating everyone equally, regardless of blood status, so if you want to continue studying with us, you must respect everyone and treat them fairly." He paused before continuing, "Please be respectful when we are studying by staying quiet and trying not to disturb people who are busy. If you need to ask questions, keep it quiet."

"Of course, Mr. Potter. Is there anyone we should direct our questions to in particular? I wouldn't want to disturb someone by asking them something that isn't their favored subject," Ms. Greengrass said respectfully.

After sharing a look with Hermione, he responded, "Ask Hermione if you need anything, and then she can either answer your question or direct you to someone who can."

"Okay. We will get to studying now."

After about two hours of studying together, people started leaving until it was just Hermione, Harry, Neville, Susan, Hannah, Daphne, and Tracey. Throughout the study period, everyone managed to complete their homework, with the Ravenclaws doing some extra study as well. The additions from other houses were quiet, respectful, and on task. "Thank you, Mr. Potter, for letting us join your study group. May we come back next week to join you again?" Ms. Greengrass asked.

"Of course you may. Thank you for following our rules, and I hope you were productive."

"Thank you, Mr. Potter," Ms. Davis said before both girls turned and walked away.

"Well, I think that went well, don't you think?" Harry said, turning to look at the others. "I don't know about you guys, but I got all of my work done and some extra study as well. And Neville, that was some great detail on your Herbology essay. I just had to go and add some of it to mine as well."

With a small blush on his face, Neville replied, "Thanks, Harry. Without you, I'm sure I would still be struggling with Potions. And Hermione, thanks for the help with Transfiguration."

"It was a really good idea, Harry. Do you mind if Hannah and I come back next week as well?" Susan said excitedly.

"Of course, Susan. The more, the merrier," Harry replied.

"Thanks, Harry," both girls chorused before walking off together.

"I should probably go and drop off my books before dinner, guys, but thanks so much for helping me. I'll come and find you once I have gotten my new wand so that I can practice with you after. Is that alright?" Neville said with a bit of uncertainty.

"Yeah, Neville, just come and find me once you're back," Harry said. "We should probably go back too, Hermione. We'll see you at dinner, Neville, or tomorrow if you're sitting with the Gryffindors today."

"Bye, guys."

After Neville had walked away, Harry and Hermione started walking towards the Ravenclaw dorms to drop off their books. After about a minute, Hermione turned to Harry and asked, "What did Neville mean about getting his wand? Whose wand is he using now?"

"That is something that Neville trusted me with, and I will not be betraying his trust in me. But for now, just know that he is getting his own wand tomorrow and will need a little bit of confidence to boost his performance."

"Alright, Harry. I hope he knows that he can trust me," Hermione said dejectedly.

"I'm sure that he knows that, and with time, he will tell you. But don't try and pry if he doesn't want to share. That will just make him close up more," Harry reminded her.

"Okay, Harry. I just want him to be the best wizard he can be."

"So do I, Hermione. So do I. But let's get down to dinner now. I'm getting hungry."

Line Break

As Harry walked into the Great Hall the next morning, he saw Neville looking nervous over at the Gryffindor table and decided that he would join him. "Morning, Nev," Harry said. "Are you excited to get your wand today?"

"Yeah, but I'm also a bit nervous about how my gran will react."

"I'm sure it will be fine, Neville," Harry said while filling up his plate.

When Harry was about to continue reassuring Neville, he heard a voice on his right say, "Well, well, well. If it isn't ickle baby Potter sitting at the Gryffindor table."

"What have we done to be graced by his presence?"

"The mighty."

"The brave."

"The handsome."

"Boy-Who-Lived."

"May we introduce ourselves? I am Gred."

"And I'm Forge."

Before Harry could get any more confused, he heard a voice say, "Oi. Fred, George, stop bothering the poor boy and at least give him a chance to pick the two of you apart, so give him a proper introduction just this once."

As Harry heard that they were about to properly introduce themselves, he closed his eyes briefly and felt for their magic. He felt that the one on the left was more focused on Charms, while the other on Transfiguration. "My name is Fred, the more handsome member of the Weasley twins," said the one on the left.

"My name is George, the smarter and more talented Weasley twin," said the other.

"Now, hopefully, you never figure out a way to tell us apart because even our mother hasn't been able to do that," Fred said.

"But aside from that."

"What are you doing at the Gryffindor table?"

Harry, who was getting neck pains from looking at each of them when they were speaking, finally said, "I'm sitting with my friend. Is that an issue?"

"No, we were just."

"Wondering what you were doing."

"At the Gryffindor table?"

"Well, don't worry about it as Neville and I should probably go now," Harry said while rising. "Got places to be, things to do."

"Yep, let's go," Neville said before walking out with Harry.

"I wonder what they are doing?" Fred said to George.

"Meh, we have more important things to do than worry about two ickle firsties anyway."

As Harry and Neville made their way up to McGonagall's office, Neville asked Harry, "Will you come with me to Ollivanders, just in case my gran is there? I would feel better if you were there with me."

"I'll definitely ask, but I can't make any guarantees about what McGonagall will say," Harry replied before knocking on the door.

"Come in," McGonagall said from inside. "Mr. Potter, what a surprise. Is there any reason that you are here as well?"

"I was wondering if I may go with you and Neville?" Harry asked respectfully.

"Hmm, yes, I suppose you can. I will be coming to escort you both, but there will be no detours." After both boys nodded their heads, McGonagall continued, "Now, Mr. Longbottom, I'm assuming that you have Flooed before." After receiving a positive signal, she turned to Harry. "Alright, Mr. Potter, this is one of the magical methods of transport that links fireplaces together. What you must do is say clearly the name of the place you wish to go, which in this instance is the 'Leaky Cauldron,' before walking through. It can be a bit disorienting the first time, but at the end, you must take a step and walk out smoothly. The first time, it is likely that you won't be able to do it perfectly, but with more practice, it will become second nature to you. Mr. Longbottom, you lead the way, followed by Mr. Potter, and then I will come through. Make sure to clear the way immediately after Flooing through."

After all of them went through with Harry only stumbling slightly, they headed to Ollivanders.

Once inside, Neville jumped when he heard a voice saying, "Ah, Mr. Longbottom, I was wondering if I would see you. Your gran is a formidable woman, but she should have still let you get your own wand, or you would never reach your full potential. But nevertheless, let me find you your wand. What is your wand hand?" Ollivander, who had walked into the light, asked.

"Right hand, sir."

After trying numerous wands, Neville finally bonded with one that was cherry wood and unicorn hair. While both boys walked out, McGonagall had a small flashback to where she saw James Potter helping Sirius Black after he had been bullied, and in that moment, she knew that both boys would become very close, and together they would be able to achieve great things.

"Professor, do you think we could go to Florean Fortescue's and get an ice cream? We have time, don't we? It only took 20 minutes to get Neville's wand," Harry asked.

"I guess I did set aside one hour for this little outing. I'm sure you boys won't take that long," she said with a pointed look at the boys.

"Of course not, professor," Harry said as Neville nodded behind him.

So while the boys ate their ice creams quickly, they asked McGonagall about some of the stories she had of their parents. With lots of stories that had them laughing until they cried, and some that were bad enough that both cringed—generally about James trying to ask out Lily—and some more about their parents' hopes and dreams. Eventually, after nearly one and a half hours, McGonagall, who was smiling, said, "Okay, Mr. Potter and Mr. Longbottom, it's time to go back to Hogwarts. I greatly enjoyed this time with you, and I hope you enjoyed it too."

"Oh yes, professor, it was great," Neville said.

"Yeah, that's the most I've ever heard about my parents while they were at school because Aunt Petunia didn't know much about Lily's schooling," Harry agreed.

With a small, fond smile, McGonagall escorted them back to the Floo, and they all went back to Hogwarts before going their separate ways, with McGonagall taking one more look at the picture of James and Lily on their wedding day before getting back to work. Both boys went to meet Hermione before trying to find an empty classroom to practice spells together.

"Alright, Neville. First, remember the theory of each spell before casting while believing that it will work. Will, intent, and visualization. You can do this."

"Lumos," Neville said before all three had to close their eyes.

"Wow, Neville," Hermione exclaimed. "That was pretty bright. I think probably in the top five from our Charms class."

"But I'm not that powerful, am I?" Neville said quietly.

"I actually think that there are two things that made it so bright. First, yes, you are powerful, almost certainly top 10 brightness from our Charms class. But second, your core has gotten used to that poorly matched wand, which means it was overpowering it, which is why I say top 10. Your core is putting in extra, which just means we will need to practice so that you can control it better," Harry explained.

"So you think that his core is overpowering his spells because of the poor match with his previous wand? Alongside the fact that he is above average in power, which meant that his light was so bright, well, compared to normal people at least," Hermione asked to clarify.

"Yep," Harry said before turning to Neville and saying, "You know what that means. Lots and lots of practice to get your power under control."

"I have a feeling this is going to take a while until I can do it easily," Neville said.

"But look on the bright side, at least it has only been a week of learning spells. Also, it will help you with control later on when we learn more complex spells, which could make them easier to learn. So while it is inconvenient now and possibly for the next couple of weeks where you need to relearn control, it will be beneficial in the future, and it might help your core grow a little bit," Harry said. "Maybe if Hermione and I do it with you, then it will seem quicker and less boring."

"That's a good idea, Harry. I really hope that it makes learning new spells easier in the future," Hermione said.

"I'm sure it will," Harry said. "So we might as well get started with Lumos as it is simple and a good visual representation for how much power we are putting in."

Authors Note

I hope this is a good chapter, please leave reviews any feedback is welcome and if you have some ideas on where you want this story to go I might be able to incorporate some of it. Next chapter will likely be some dueling practice with Flitwick and some more interactions with other people and making new connections. Possibly first flight lesson but I'm not sure.