The most interesting part of the first herbology lesson had been what wasn't the topic of the lesson. Professor Sprout spent most of the lesson going over the most basic techniques of plant care, stressing the importance of always wearing gloves, and warning which plants in the greenhouses should absolutely not be toyed with if you had any ambitions of living to old age. Harry's experience in aunt Petunia's garden had given him more than enough preparation for this lesson's subject matter. When Professor Sprout set them to planting dittany seeds and transplanting some older specimens into new pots, Harry was idly interested by the new plant but was fairly familiar with its properties after reading through his books over the summer.
No, the most interesting and amusing part of the lesson were the behaviours of his classmates. Malfoy spent most of the lesson visibly furious and glaring at Harry, until he saw Harry looking and visibly fixed his face in a haughty sneer. Crabbe and Goyle cracked their knuckles excessively in an attempt to be intimidating, but lost all its effect when Terry Boot stumbled while carrying a watering can and spilled its contents all over them. Anthony Goldstein seemed to spend the whole lesson muttering to himself and looking distressed, and when Harry offered to help a struggling Daphne Greengrass, she covered her obvious horror at getting dirty with all the regality she could muster.
As the class departed, Harry made his way to the door before being shoved away by Goyle to allow Malfoy to pass through first, before turning back to speak to Harry.
"Careful Potter. Consorting with mudbloods and blood traitors can make one terribly accident prone" he spat before turning back and continuing on his way.
A vision of Dudley's gang flashed in Harry's mind, and eleven years of resentment quietly found a new outlet. Waiting for the rest of the class to pass, Harry slowly pulled his wand from his bag. As Harry rounded a corner, he leaned against the wall and aimed, focusing on one petulant blonde boy with all the irritation built by another.
"Colovaria" he whispered, and stifled his whooping as Malfoy's pale blonde hair turned a bright, flaming red.
It only took a moment for the effect to be noticed. Crabbe and Goyle grabbed at him and pointed, muttering, before the rest of the first years in the corridor broke out in giggles. Even Greengrass seemed to be only barely repressing a smirk that kept briefly breaking through. Stowing his wand, Harry stepped out from around the corner and tried his best to look innocent while containing his own laughter. Malfoy's eyes locked onto him instantly as he called out.
"Potter! You did this!"
"No idea what you're talking about Malfoy" Harry lied, struggling to keep a straight face. "That's a good look for you though. Very...vibrant."
"You'll pay for this Potter."
"Like I said, I don't know what you're talking about Malfoy. I really must be on my way, I'm absolutely famished, I hope they've got potatoes for lunch." Harry replied as casually as he could manage, "So if you don't mind-" Harry began to panic when he saw Malfoy draw his wand as Crabbe and Goyle moved to block his escape. Amusing as Malfoy's reaction was, Harry didn't know how to fight with magic, and he knew he was too small to have much success against Malfoy's lumbering goons. He was just bracing to run back the way he came and try to find a different route to the great hall when he heard voices call out behind him, interrupting the spectacle.
"Is that our dear, long lost brother Draco Weasley?"
"I think it is, Fred"
"Haven't seen him in ages, have we George?"
"Indeed, and yet it still seems not long enough. More's the pity."
Two tall boys with red hair stepped around Harry, standing between Harry and the Slytherins. While still much skinnier, they towered over even Crabbe and Goyle, who looked confused and kept stealing glances at Malfoy, apparently awaiting instruction on how to proceed, as the twins continued.
"You know aunt Muriel was just asking about you recently" said Fred.
"It'll be a shame to tell her how scrawny you've gotten" George continued.
"Naught but skin and bone. Have you been getting enough to eat?"
"Stay out of this Weasleys" Draco interrupted, voice dripping with disdain. "Potter deserves what's coming to him."
"Expelliarmus!" George caught Malfoy's wand out of the air as Fred responded.
"Oh come off it Malfoy, it's just a color change charm, no harm done. We'll even fix it for you" and Fred waved his wand with a muttered "finite" as Malfoy's hair returned to its pale blonde shade. "All fixed for you."
"But not nearly as handsome" George responded with a grin. He extended Malfoy's wand but pulling back at the last moment. "You can have this back, but remember it's not a toy young man." His voice suddenly grew hard, no longer joking. "Don't do anything you'll regret." The twins then hooked an arm each through Harry's and began pulling him along, briefly tossing Malfoy's wand to him, cheer returning to their mood.
"Now," Fred said loudly, "I believe the three of us have an appointment with Hogwarts' finest cuisine. Good day all." And with that, Harry was escorted away to the great hall as the watching first years dispersed. After a few moments they engaged Harry in conversation, who was still reeling from his rescue.
"Ron told us about you, and how you spoiled an excellently planned joke on the train, Harry" Fred began.
"But we're pleased to see you've got the makings of a fine connoisseur of comedy yourself." George continued "That spell was well done, and you couldn't have picked a better target-"
"A man after our own hearts, you are"
"-But regrettably, some people just can't appreciate the quality of a good sense of humor. Have to have an escape plan or be ready to duel when bestowing your gifts upon those with poor taste." George finished.
"Yeah, sorry," Harry said, amused and embarrassed by the boys' praise and at having to be rescued. "I should've thought it through more, I shouldn't be making trouble on the second day-"
"Nonsense Harry, it's never too early to begin building good habits" George responded with a sly grin.
"And I was just telling George this summer we needed a protege to benefit from our experience and carry on our legacy."
"Well, thank you for your help" Harry replied, "What was that spell you used to take Malfoy's wand?"
"Ah, that would be Expelliarmus," Fred answered, "the disarming charm. Simple but effective. You should be learning it in defense against the dark arts next year."
"But I imagine young Mr. Malfoy will not be content to let this offense rest, so it may be best if we assist you in accelerating your education. Let's just say I don't think that Quirrel will be showing you advanced defensive spells anytime soon, based on the lesson he gave this morning."
"There will be a bit of time after dinner tonight before we're due back in the dormitories, so we'll come get you. I'm sure we can use an empty classroom to show you a few things so you're not defenseless.
"That would be great! Thank you again." Harry replied as they entered the great hall.
Harry said his goodbyes and left them to sit at the Ravenclaw table. He filled his plate with a simple sandwich and some roast vegetables, making a show of enjoying his potatoes as he saw the Slytherin first years enter. He continued to maintain his innocence as he received praise from Anthony, but Terry was quite vocal about unnecessary troublemaking and dueling in the corridors. Harry conceded that if he had done anything to Malfoy, however deserved, it may not have been particularly well thought out.
"No need to put our points in the negative so soon" Terry finished, seeming reassured that Harry had seen the error of his ways.
Harry had a fair bit of time before charms with the Gryffindors, and wanted to see the Hogwarts library. He looked around for Penelope again to ask if she wouldn't mind giving him directions again. She was beaming when she told Harry he was the first of the new Ravenclaws to ask, but Harry wondered if that was just because the others had managed to find it on their own. As he prepared to make his way, he stopped by the Gryffindor table to speak with Hermione and Ron.
"Afternoon Ron, Hermione, Neville. And er, I don't believe we've met" he said to the boy sitting with them.
"Dean Thomas. And I know who you are" he stated, with a familiar quick look at Harry's forehead.
"Pleasure" Harry continued, turning back to Hermione. "Classes go well this morning?"
"Not particularly" Neville chimed in when Hermione didn't answer. As Harry paid more attention she seemed to be visibly upset. "We just had potions, and Professor Snape is not the kindest teacher. He was very critical of any of my mistakes, but was particularly harsh toward Hermione, for no real reason. She answered all his questions right and her potion seemed fine."
"That's ridiculous!" Harry exclaimed, feeling outraged. He'd been looking forward to potions, and was dismayed to learn that the professor would likely be making it a miserable time. "Didn't you say you've learned all out books this term by heart? And your needle in transfiguration this morning was perfect, brilliant work by the way." Hermione blushed and offered a small smile and thanks. "I'm sure next class will be better. Anyway, I know we've got a bit of a gap before we're due in charms, and I haven't had a chance to see the library yet. Would any of you like to join me?"
Hermione visibly perked up at this. While the others declined, she was scrambling to gather her things.
"Yes of course, I've read about it and am so excited to see it! You know it's supposed to be the largest collection of magical knowledge in Britain. I read about it in Hogwarts, a History."
"Well then let's be off. I don't imagine we'll have terribly long but it will be nice to look around a bit." Harry replied.
"Harry," Neville chimed in, "why's Malfoy glaring at you? He hasn't taken his eyes off you the whole time you've been here."
"His hair may have spontaneously changed colour, and it's possible he erroneously blamed me. I know, I know," Harry replied to Hermione's gasps as the rest chuckled, "I've already been appropriately chastised Hermione."
"So that's what Fred and George were talking about." Said Ron. " They stopped by to let me know they were glad to know I had a good influence and they couldn't be prouder of my choice of associates."
At this the boys roared with laughter while Hermione sniffed.
"Well, I don't think breaking rules is terribly responsible of you, but as long as it doesn't happen again. Shall we Harry?"
Harry's jaw dropped when he entered the library. It was incredible. Towering shelves stretching into the distance unimaginably far. They were calling him, begging him to consume their contents, to drink in their knowledge. Scents of parchment and leather and rich wood hung heavy in the air, sweet, delicious, intoxicating. The hand that tightly gripped his arm told him Hermione was having a similar experience next to him, before she realized what she'd done and let go with an apologetic look. A few older students were scattered among the shelves, already deeply engrossed in a book or writing, quills scratching furiously. A short way in the librarian, madam Pince, peered around at the students as if waiting for the opportunity to swoop down like some great eagle and cast them out of her domain. Harry thought wistfully of Alice and wondered if he'd ever have properly appreciated the place he found himself in if she hadn't saved him that day.
"I don't even know where to start. It's beautiful." Harry choked out.
"Mmhmm." Was all Hermione could manage.
"Well, erm, there's some tables over there" he said pointing, "do you want to look around and meet there in say, twenty minutes? We can start working on McGonagall's essay together and I wanted to review what you went over in potions, if that's alright?"
"Er, yes, of course, that's a great idea Harry. I'll see you there" she replied, setting off at a brisk walk, eyes flickering rapidly around the room.
Harry meandered idly down the shelves, scanning titles and occasionally pulling a book down, turning a few pages before quickly realizing he was out of his depth. He hoped it was only a temporary feeling, because some of the books looked incredibly interesting, if he could just wrap his head around the contents. Even through his frustration, however, he felt a sense of peace and belonging.
Harry quickly realized that twenty minutes was practically no time at all, and quickly made his way back to the tables where he'd agreed to meet Hermione. He sat down across from her and leaned in to whisper.
"There's so much here I want to read but a lot of it's beyond me. If only there was a way to learn faster so I could jump ahead."
"I know what you mean." Hermione paused for a moment to think, before continuing. "There is a wit sharpening potion, but it's supposed to be really advanced."
Harry groaned. "Maybe I'll ask Professor Snape tomorrow how early we can learn it." He noticed Hermione frown a bit at the mention of Snape, but Harry continued nonetheless. "That reminds me, can you tell me what you went over in potions today? I want to prepare as much as I can ahead of time."
"Oh, yes. It was just a potion to cure boils, I think it's the third potion in Magical Drafts and Potions. Professor Snape puts it on the board in the class as well. You know how to get to the potions class, don't you? It's in the dungeons."
"Yeah, I had Penelope, she's one of our prefects, Penelope Clearwater, write out directions to all my classes for me. She's been very helpful."
"Ron's brother Percy mentioned her as well, spoke quite highly of her. He's one of our prefects as well." Hermione looked thoughtful for a moment, then shook her head. "Do you mind going over what you learned with Professor Sprout?"
"Of course. Nothing too advanced, mostly just learning the basics for caring for plants, how to repot them, general safety in the greenhouses. That sort of thing. She did teach us about Dittany and have us repotting and planting it, so expect to get dirty. Make sure to walk carefully too, it was a bit of a madhouse at first while we were learning where everything is. Actually, Hermione, do you have that household charms book? I think I remember a spell that could be helpful."
Harry waited while she pulled out the book, setting it on the table between them. Harry flipped through the pages before finding his target. "Ah, here it is. The Scouring Charm." Harry studied the book for a few moments, before handing it back for Hermione to review. "Wand movement is a sort of 'S' shape… and then… Scourgify!" He cast, pointing his wand at a spot on the floor. A few suds sprang from his wand onto the floor, accomplishing not much of anything before quickly vanishing.
"Guess I'll need to practice that a bit more before it's useful." Harry said.
"It was really good for a first attempt" Hermione reassured him. "I'm sure it'll come in very handy. Thank you again for letting me borrow this, and the heads up about Herbology." She glanced down at her watch before continuing. "We're not due in charms for about an hour yet. Would you like to work together on the transfiguration paper?"
"As good a time as any to start it." Harry replied.
They passed the next hour trudging through Magical Theory and A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration, slowly but surely forcing their way through McGonagall's required twelve inches, comparing notes along the way and offering feedback.
"Yours is much more detailed than mine" Harry complained.
"Yes but yours is very concise" she retorted, "I always heard growing in up in muggle schools that my writing was very flowery." A sour note tinged the end of her sentence.
"It seemed to rely a lot on how you think about the object, if that makes sense? At least for me, the match didn't fully change into a needle until I sort of believed in its potential to become a needle."
"Wait, when did you transfigure your match? I thought I was the only one." Hermione replied with a frown.
"Oh this morning, I just panicked and transfigured it back. That's why McGonagall held me back, to ream me out about 'suppressing my potential'" Harry stated casually.
"Harry, that's excellent, you should be really proud!" She squealed, earning a sharp look from madam Pince.
"That's what I've been told. It's just a strange experience. Achieving something usually came with a cost that made it not worth it. Anyway, we should be off if we want to make it to Charms on time.
Despite their concerns, Harry and Hermione were the first to arrive in Professor Flitwick's class, and chose to sit together for the lesson. Once all the students had filed in, Flitwick informed them they would be starting with something simple and immediately useful: the wand lighting charm, and its counter. Harry and Hermione achieved success almost immediately, earning five points each and a joyful congratulations from Flitwick. The rest of the class had varied success, with a brief fire from Seamus Finnegan's attempts, but by the end of class everyone had successfully mastered Lumos and Nox. Once Flitwick dismissed them, Harry and Hermione chatted as they made their way down to dinner. Ron was pointedly not walking with them, and Harry suspected that Hermione's attempts to help him had been received less than enthusiastically.
Hermione broke off for the dorms along with the other Gryffindors to drop her bag, while Harry continued down to the great hall alone. He sat and ate quickly, eager to make the most of his lessons with Fred and George. He didn't have to wait long after finishing before he spotted them walking over to him, Ron in tow. Eating, thankfully, seemed to have helped Ron's mood. Harry followed them out of the great hall and down a corridor to an unused classroom, setting his bag on top of a desk. The twins had cleared a large circle in the center of the class, and turned to address Ron and Harry.
"So we've given it some thought-" began Fred.
"And we've got a couple spells we can try to teach you."
"They're not terribly complicated or dangerous so you shouldn't be able to hurt yourself too badly-"
"But they should be useful for avoiding or getting out of a sticky situation."
"Now, the first spell is going to be expelliarmus, which you saw earlier Harry."
"You did?" Ron cut in.
"Er, yeah, they used it on Malfoy before he could curse me in the corridor after herbology." Harry replied.
"As we were saying," Fred continued, rolling his eyes, "expelliarmus is useful for finishing or preventing a fight because a wandless wizard is a useless wizard."
"Go ahead and get your wands out and follow what I do. It's a sort of curved flick with your wrist, like the top part of a question mark" George said.
"It helped me to imagine a sort of rope connecting the two wands and you're trying to yank theirs away with yours."
Harry and Ron stood across from one another and practiced, initially not achieving much beyond a gentle tug, but after some time they were fairly reliably disarming one another. Once they were satisfied, the twins moved on to teaching the knockback jinx, Flipendo and the smokescreen spell, Fumos.
"Now," Fred explained, "these will be good for building some variety and versatility."
"The last thing you want to be in a duel is predictable" George agreed. "And fumos is good for repositioning, running away-"
"Or concealing any activities that teachers may not approve of." Fred said with a wink. "You'll still want to try to not get hit if anyone is throwing something nastier at you."
Harry continued to practice with Ron, and once they were fairly comfortable with their progress, they split to try a few rounds against the twins. Harry could tell that they were going easy on him, but he appreciated the chance to practice and get a feel for the spells against a more skilled opponent.
Eventually, the night dragged on and Harry found himself stifling a yawn, and the twins declared that was good enough for the night. Harry thanked them again for the lesson and said his goodbyes, making his way toward Ravenclaw tower. He felt thoroughly tired but immensely satisfied by all he'd learned that day, and fell into his bed with thoughts of Malfoy coughing in a cloud of smoke before being blasted onto his back, drifting off into a deep sleep.