Accustomed to wakening early, Harry was awake, showered, and dressed by 0615. Having the time to himself in his shared room, Harry decided to neatly organized everything he had haphazardly taken out his trunk. Organizing his school texts in a small shelf he had failed to see last night, he prepared to have everything well put. With so much time left, he decided to make his way down to the common room.
Even more beautiful in the day, Harry was enchanted by the sight of the Ravenclaw common room. Clearly designed for knowledge seekers in mind, it contained countless shelves, tables with lamps, and comfortable chairs or sofas. Covered in royal blue and rusted bronze, the common room portrayed a rather noble appearance. Centered in the room, was a blazing fireplace, red and yellow flames dancing in a mesmerizing allure, warmth emanating from it, giving the room a homey feeling. He took note that he appeared to be the first student down. Taking the time to investigate, he took the time to take a look at the bookshelves. Within them, there appeared to be hundreds of books, both old and new, covering every topic possible. From advance potions to alchemy, from transmutation to conjuration, this was truly the home of book lovers. Harry could see himself being able to live here, reading a book each day, and never leaving.
"Ah, I see we have another raven captivated by the Ravenclaw Library." A voice said from behind.
Startled, Harry turned to face the speaker.
Wearing a black robe, enchanted with flying golden stars, stood the diminutive Professor Flitwick, Charms Professor and Head of the House Ravenclaw.
"Oh, sir, I did not hear you arrive."
Chuckling, he replied, "No, I don't think you did. As thousands before you, including myself, you have fallen for the charm of the library curated by former and current Ravenclaws. What you see here, is the work of many former Ravenclaws, who, upon reaching fame or a successful careers, wish to return their alma mater a portion of their knowledge. Hundreds upon hundreds of tomes, texts, and personal writings of many established witches and wizards lay before you. A lesser known secret of the Ravenclaw House, you see."
In awe of such a wonderful collection, Harry continued to look, "What an amazing idea. To collect and share their knowledge."
"Knowledge, for the sake of learning, should never be infringed. We Ravenclaw desire to learn to sate our endless hunger for knowledge. However, just as important, is the value of teaching. What is the point in discovering new and exciting magics if nobody ever learns about it?"
"Of course."
"I must say, I'm rather surprised to see you here so early. It's rare we see a student, especially a first year awake so early. Usually, I have to come and wake up slumbering students."
"I am used to waking up early. I used to exercise each morning before school and afterwards. I was also a part of the school's football team."
"What a wonderful idea! I hope this practice continues."
At this, the thundering of steps alerted them both of an incoming influx of students.
A mob of slumbering students marched before the common room; some evidently just having waken up, had drool on their face; others had their hair resemble a birds nest; a small group of upper class students were the only ones to appear fully awake.
"Good morning and welcome, Ravenclaws. To those returning, welcome back. To our new class, welcome! Upper class students, you know what to expect, have a great first day. First years, please follow Ms. Clearwater and Mr. Swanson to the Great Hall."
With that, the groups dispersed. Some chose to remain behind, joining their own groups of friends to socialize before making their way to breakfast. The first years, following the 5th year prefect, made their way back down to the first floor.
Along the way, Harry took the time to look around, appreciating the ancient stone castle, it held a certain aura of aged strength. Tall wide windows made of clear crystal, large life-size portraits filled with moving images that waved and laughed with them, moving stairways that tricked and separated you.
If it were not for the prefects, Harry would have gotten lost twice along the way. Walking alongside Hermione, Harry chose to greet her.
"Good morning, Hermione, did you enjoy your first night at Hogwarts?"
"Good morning Harry! Oh, I had such a wonderful night! I could hardly sleep with so much excitement! I'm paired with Padma Patil; her twin sister was sorted in Gryffindor."
"That's wonderful. I wonder what class we'll have first today."
By this time, they had reached the first floor landing, to their right was the huge doors of the Great Hall; to the left, the front doors stood a set of giant oak doors.
Entering, Harry noted several students seated in their respective House's table. The least full was the Gryffindors.
Found at the far right from the entrance, laid the long wooden table draped in the royal blue and rusted bronze of the Ravenclaw House colors.
Sitting in between Hermione and Terry, the trio began to dive into breakfast.
"I do apologize if I failed to greet any one of you personally, as you can tell, I was rather sleepy and distracted last night." Harry said, looking at each of his fellow classmates.
After all, one of the most important lessons from his etiquette book was on the importance of a first impression.
"Oh, it's no problem, Harry. I think most of us were in a similar state." replied the blond haired Anthony Goldstein.
"Regardless, it was rather uncouth of me. Please, accept my heartfelt apologies. Greetings, I am Harry Potter, heir presumptive of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter. Besides me is the lady Hermione Granger of the House Granger and Terry Boot, heir presumptive of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Boot. But, please, be welcomed to call me Harry. After all, for the next seven years, it'll get a mouthful."
"Then may I introduce myself, I am Anthony Goldstein, heir presumptive of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Goldstein. With me are Michael Corner of the House Corner, Mandy Brocklehurst of the House Brocklehurst, Lisa Turpin of the House Turpin, and Sue Li of the Venerable House of Li."
"And I am Padma Patil of the Established House of Patil, with me are Morag MacDougal of the House MacDougal and Amanda Trentworth of the House Trentworth."
"A pleasure to meet each and every one of you. I hope our time for the seven years is one of friendship and camaraderie. I hope we can come to help one another, after all, when we help each other, we only help ourselves."
With a nod in agreement, they continued in their own respective breakfast.
"Greetings, Ravenclaws. Here are your schedules for the rest of the years."
Handing copies to everyone, Harry took noted of his.
Beginning in Transfiguration with the Gryffindors, they then had DADA with the Slytherins before attending History with the Hufflepuffs. After their lunch, they had Charms with the Gryffindors and ended their day with the Slytherins in Herbology.
"Oh, I can't wait to begin," murmured Hermione.
"If you turn your schedules to the back, you'll note that I have attached a map to the quickest route to each class. Pay attention, as tardiness will not be tolerated, even in your first day."
With a glance to his old analog watch, Harry noted that they had twenty minutes before their first class.
"Hermione, would you like to leave a bit early to find our way to the Transfiguration classroom? Terry, you're welcomed as well.," Harry offered.
"Oh, yes, please. I would hate to arrive late in our first class."
"I think it would be a smart idea, we might need the extra time in case we get lost.," answered Terry.
A wise idea too, since they got lost three times before finding themselves before the Transfiguration classroom. A wide room, it had several large crystal windows that showed the grounds of Hogwarts. A barren desk rested before the dozens of desks and chairs. Seated on the desk, rested a silver tabby cat with black striped markings with the strangest markings resembling glasses around its eyes.
Choosing to sit in the front, the trio settled into their seats and awaited their fellow classmates.
"I wonder where the professor is. She did not seem like to type to be arriving late.," remarked Terry.
Keeping a close eye on the cat, Harry could not help but realize that something was wrong with the cat. Sitting too still, the cat had the strangest look of haughty pride; while he knew cats to be vain, this cat seemed too aware of it. Remembering an excerpt from his father's journal, Harry could not help but suspect.
'A clue to suspect any animal in being an Animagus is the oddity in their behavior. Behaving exactly as their animal counterpart is an extremely long and difficult thing to learn. Most, however, simply behave as they choose. Strange marks or colorations are a clear way to distinct a magical Animagus.'
"I think you'll find, Terry, that the professor has been here all along.," Harry replied, looking attentively to the unnamed cat.
Turning to face him, the cat's eyes seemed to gleam in pride, the haughty face never wavering.
With a smirk, Harry chose to not answer his friend's questions, "You'll see what I mean."
Class time at hand, there were only two figured missing, Ron Weasley and Seamus Finnigan.
At five minutes passed 0900, the two boys burst in with gasping breathes.
"Bloody hell, I can't believe that we made it before old McGonagall." exclaimed Ron.
"Can you image what she would've done.," agreed Seamus.
Without a warning, the cat leaped in the air.
In a blink of an eye, where the cat had been in mid-air, an older witch stood. Dressed in dark green robes and tartan, Professor McGonagall was staring directly at both Ron and Seamus with unhappiness clear, a thin mouth showing her displeasure.
"I think you'll find, Mr. Weasley and Mr. Finnigan, that this 'old' teacher will still punish you for your lateness."
"We're sorry, ma'am, we could not find our way.," explained Seamus.
Waving around, she replied, "Your classmate all arrived on time. Why were you two the exception?"
Looking embarrassed, the red faced Ron mumbled, "We lost track of time."
Her face, tightened further in displeasure, "I see. And should I transfigure one of you into a watch? Or perhaps a map? Detention! With Mr. Filch this Friday night for your tardiness. Mr. Weasley, I had high hope you would not follow in the footsteps of Messrs. Weasley. Sit."
Suitably chastised, the boys sat.
Harry had been quite right to think she wasn't a teacher to cross. Strict and clever, she gave them a talking-to the moment they sat down.
"Transfiguration is some of the most complex and dangerous magic you will learn at Hogwarts," she said. "Anyone messing around in my class will leave and not come back. You have been warned."
Then she changed her desk into a pig and back again. They were all very impressed and couldn't wait to get started, but soon realized they weren't going to be changing furniture into animals for a long time. After taking a lot of complicated notes, they were each given a match and started trying to turn it into a needle.
A simple incantation, "Mutatio," was followed by a whirl that ended with a tap to the match.
Gathering his thoughts, Harry remembered what his father taught regarding Transfiguration.
'The most difficult part, and yet, the key to your success lies in the ability to visualize the changes as one mutters the incantation, or, as you'll one day learn, as you think of the incantation wordlessly.'
As such, taking the time to compare the two, the match and needle, Harry recognized their differences. Both small and short, they held a shaft. The differences lied in their point, end and material. Therefore, visualizing this changes blend into a needle, Harry performed his first Transfiguration.
"Mutatio."
Seamlessly, the matched bubbled as the changes took place; its round end changed into a fine point; the wood replaced by silvery metal.
"Well done, Mr. Potter. Look here, class, Mr. Potter has done it in his first try."
Looking above, he noted the professor having stood before him as he attempted his first transmutation.
"Well done, Mr. Potter. 10 points to Ravenclaw."
"Thank you, ma'am.," he replied in a mumble.
Looking around, he noted several people looking in confusion, wondering where they went wrong. The worst of all, Hermione's face was scrunched in a mixture of confusion, frustration, and anger as she continued to fail in her attempts.
Reaching his hand to hers, Harry attempted to calm her.
"Hermoine, take a breath. Remember what we talked about in our letters about this?"
With a bite of her lip, she stopped her attempts and thought of their correspondence.
"What did we agree was an important component to any change?," he continued.
"Visualization."
"Exactly, without seeing the changes you want, no amount of power or pronunciation will do anything."
With that in mind, her faced resolved as she focused on her match.
"Mutatio"
Immediately, her match bubbled as it changes into the form of a needle.
With a shining smile, she turned back to Harry.
"Oh, thank you, Harry! I can't believe I forgot about that."
"Indeed, a wise suggestion, Mr. Potter."
Without realizing, their professor had remained before them and witnessed their interaction.
With a blush, Harry looked directly at Professor McGonagall.
"Thank you ma'am. It was something I picked up from 'Transfigurations for Masters.'
With a raise in her eyebrows, she looked mildly impressed.
"An advanced textbook, Mr. Potter. We will not use that book until you are accepted to my NEWT class."
Shyly, Harry replied, "That's what the girl at the bookstore told me but I couldn't wait to read up on it. It had so many wonderful tips and ideas on how to improve your changes."
"Indeed, it does. Please, stay behind when class ends."
For the remaining twenty minutes, Harry attempted to coach Terry into producing similar results.
"Ugh! I just can't seem to image in well.," muttered Terry in frustration.
"Take a breathe, Terry. Forcing it does nothing. Transfiguration requires a calm collected mind; your brain needs to be able to think about every individual change that is needed. The sharpening of the point, the change from wood to metal, the brightening from the metal. If you're so stressed about forcing it, you'll never succeed."
Heeding his advice, Terry took a deep, slow breath. Closing his eyes, Harry noted his face blanking as he thought.
With a swirl of his hand, Terry uttered, "Mutatio." Ending with a tap to the match, Harry saw his success.
Before him, Terry picked up his newly changed needle.
"I did it!"
"Well done, Terry! You see, I told you, you could do it."
Following their success, Professor McGonagall assigned a half page regarding the benefits of visualization in Transfiguration to those who were unsuccessful in changing their match. The only to fail in doing this were the Gryffindors and Michael Corner.
"You don't have to stay, guys. I'll be fine, go to class before you're late."
He told Hermione and Terry, both preparing to stay outside the classroom to wait for him.
"No, Harry. We'll wait for you here, now go before McGonagall gets upset."
Clearly losing, Harry chose to enter the Transfiguration room. Standing before her desk, the professor stood waiting.
"I must say, Mr. Potter. I was pleasantly surprised to see you sorted in Ravenclaw. I'm afraid to say that I had hoped you be sorted in my House. But it's clear to see that you belong in Ravenclaw."
"Thank you, ma'am."
"Tell me, Mr. Potter, how did you notice that the cat was me?"
"Oh uh- well, I couldn't help but notice how odd the cat was. Sitting too still, rarely blinking and a set of strange markings around its eyes, made me suspicious. I bought a book, 'Gifts of Magic' which talked about Animagus, and how to distinguish an animal from an Animagus. Strange markings and a behavior unlike a regular animal were two clear clues in how to identify one."
With a happier expression, the professor replied, "I had high hopes that you would prove to be as good as your father. I don't know if you were aware, but I taught both your parents. Your father, in particular, was a fantastic practitioner of Transfiguration. Before his untimely death, he had hoped to achieve his Transfiguration Mastery. I'm glad to see you so diligent in your studies. I hope to see such performance from you going forward."
"Of course, ma'am. I value my education. I hope, one day, that I can make my parent's proud, their sacrifice worth it."
A thin misty curtain covered her eyes, with a clear of her throat, she replied, "I'm glad to hear it. Now, here, show this to Professor Quirrell to explain your tardiness."
Handing him a written note, Harry walked out to meet up with his friends.
Choosing to sit with a Slytherin, Harry hoped to make friends with them. Regardless of their House, Harry wanted to continue what he started in his primary school. To maintain his reputation as an approachable, well-liked, mild mannered gentleman.
As such, he chose to sit beside the same black haired, fair skin girl from the boats.
"Greetings, I am Harry Potter, heir presumptive of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter."
Looking at him, Harry noted a small button nose, a set of soft pink lips, and the most dazzling shade of grey eyes he had ever seen.
"Well met, Heir Potter. I am Tracy Davies, daughter of the Ancient House of Davies."
Extending her hand, Harry placed a gentle kiss upon her hand.
"Enchanted to meet you." With his dazzling smile at full blast, Tracy Davie blushed heavily.
"I was hoping you would not object to me seating with you?," he asked.
"Uh-no, not a problem.," she mumbled.
"Wonderful."
Exiting a back door was Professor Quirrell. Dressed in dark brown robes, a black turban, and drenched in a horrible smell of garlic, Harry had a hard time concentrating. To make matters worse, the professor had a terrible case of stuttering.
So began such a long and unbearable lecture over the importance of identifying the need to run. As the professor explained, through an exceedingly difficult-to-understand stuttering, "Understanding the differences between when to fight and when to run can mean the difference between living or not."
However horrible his speech, Harry could certainly agree in that. All too often, stories and tales praised the hero in their desire to fight, but they never mentioned the lasting effects of those decisions.
His Krav Maga instructor, Mr. Feldman, spoke to him once after he 'revealed' his desire in joining the military.
"I would never deny you your desire to join the military if that is truly your wish. But I would caution you against doing anything reckless. There may come the day where you are in harm's way, where you have to make the tough decision to stay and fight or run. Remember, there is no glory in dying."
Leaving the classroom as quickly as possible, Harry's head felt sore from some sort of pressure being held against his shields. Thankfully, his shields held against this unseen attack.
As they walked, the trio talked about their opinion about the class. Terry and Harry were in the opinion that the horrible smell and the stuttering would not allow them to learn properly so they resolved to self-study. Hermione, having reverence for authority figures, stated that we need to focus in class, that the Headmaster would not have hired the man if he were not qualified.
Qualified or not, the class was a literal headache.
Their History class, however, proved to be a similar disappointment.
Taught by a ghost, its monotone voice and unawareness of its surroundings, made it difficult for anybody to stay awake, much less pay attention. Within the first 30 minutes, over ¾ of the class had fallen asleep. Terry, even after much prodding from Hermione, chose to follow his classmates example and sleep. Harry decided to use the time to read his own book. Hermione proved to be resistant to the lulling call to sleep and was the only one paying attention.
Three classes in, Harry quickly wrote off two those as a waste of time. Transfiguration seemed to be the best class so far.
Thankfully, the class ended allowing them to make their way for lunch time.
Being close to the Ravenclaw Tower, the trio made their way to their dorm to return their textbooks for the morning classes and pick up the text for their afternoon classes.
Filled with students and chatter, the Great Hall had an aura of happiness. Choosing to sit bedside Anthony, Hermione and Terry sat beside him. Enjoying their lunch, Harry took the time to engage Penelope in a conversation regarding their classes.
"I had such hopes for DADA, it's such an important class. But I don't see how I'll learn anything with that horrible smell and annoying stuttering."
"I hear you, my friend in the fourth year told me the same. Sadly, we never seem to have great teachers for DADA, I don't think anybody want to take their chances with the curse."
"What curse?"
"There is a rumor that the reason there has never been a teacher remain longer than one year for DADA is because there is a curse on the position."
"Has it truly been that bad?"
"For over twenty years, there has never been a single teacher that lasted more than one year. Whether because they quit or get hurt, they always leave."
"Has anybody ever investigated this? I mean, a couple of years could be a coincidence, but over twenty years…that's way too many to discount as a mere rumor."
"I don't know if anybody has but regardless, it makes it a pain every year to have a new instructor."
Puzzled, Harry began to think about this. How could a curse cause that no DADA professor would last more than one year? Was it a curse on the position itself or to the room? The possibility of it being on the position seemed too farfetched; how would a position be cursed?
Interrupting his thoughts, Hermione asked Harry, "I noticed you sat with Tracy Davies in DADA, Harry. I noticed most of the Slytherins and even a few Ravenclaws seemed surprised by this."
Choosing to answer for him, Terry replied, "You have to remember, Hermione. House pride is very important for many. While not as intense between the Gryffindors and Slytherins, there is a rivalry between our houses. Members of our Houses tend to be the best performing students in class, so for Harry to willingly speak and sit beside a Slytherin, is very uncommon. Granted, the only House that the Slytherins interact with tend to be Ravenclaws, it's a bit of an unspoken rule to sit with your own Housemates."
"Well, that's ridiculous! Why should we limit ourselves to only interacting with our Housemates?"
"I agree," stated Harry. "That why I chose to sit with Tracy. Think about it, once we leave Hogwarts, wherever we go, we'll need to interact with people who may have graduated from other Houses. Any friends we make here, regardless of their House, may serve as a future ally. People have a long memory, if you chose to neglect them, to sit with your own Housemates only, well, they'll remember who was friendly with them. I mean, look around you, how many students do you see seated with members of the other Houses? None."
Looking around, Terry and Hermione noted the truth in his statement. Hundreds of students, not a single one seated in another Houses table.
"By choosing to introduce myself to Tracy, by asking to sit next to her, however simple the gesture may be, it allows for a venue to be open for me to kindle a friendship. That's why I am planning to sit with the Hufflepuffs tomorrow during lunch, slowly I want to become friends with anybody, regardless of their House. This ridiculous notion that only Ravenclaws are smart, that only Gryffindors are brave, that only Hufflepuffs are loyal, and that all Slytherins are pureblood bigots is wrong. Its only by breaking the social glass ceiling that we can begin to improve relations."
Mulling over his impassioned speech, both Terry and Hermione continued their meal in silence.
As lunch ended, the trio made their way into the Charms classroom. Seating himself besides the twin sister of Padma, Parvati Patil, Harry began his introduction.
"Greeting, I am Harry Potter, heir presumptive of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter."
Looking confused, she replied, "Well met, I am Parvati Patil, daughter of the Established House of Patil."
With a kiss to her hand, she stared at Harry blushingly.
"If it's no too much trouble, would I be able to sit beside you today?"
Blushing, she nodded.
"'Daughter of the Mountain,' what a beautiful name. How are you finding Great Britain? Your sister, Padma, told me that you've spent half your life living in India."
"Uh-it's been fine."
"Well, I hope we have a good day in Charms."
Climbing above a pile of books, Professor Flitwick began his class.
"Charms is the art of altering an object without changing its fundamental state. In essence, we add to the object without making it something else. The art of changing the fundamental state to create a change is, as you've found, to be Transfiguration."
That began a long explanation of charms and its applications, followed by extensive note taking. The last thirty minutes, the Professor announced that they may be able to practice their first charm, the Wand-Lighting Charm.
A simple incantation, 'Lumos,' required no wand movements, brought forth a small ball of white light that could be manipulated to change colors, size or brightness based on the caster's power and control. For now, their goal was to simply light their wand.
Envisioning his wand lighting in a hue of white light, Harry uttered, "Lumos."
Instantly, a wash of bright white light illuminated the side of the room where Harry sat.
"Well now, look here, Mr. Potter has done in his first try! 5 points to House Ravenclaw."
Looking around, he noted Hermione and Terry still struggling.
Leaning over, he reminded them, "Remember Transfiguration class."
A moment of confusion, their face changes into a look of understanding. Attempting once more, their attempt proved successful. A bright light emanated from their wands. Lesser in strength than his own, Harry was proud of them both.
"Good job!"
Turning back to his partner, he noted that Parvati was in a similar conundrum.
Whispering to her, he uttered, "Parvati, if I may, would you mind a piece of advice?"
Turning to face him, she replied, "What advice?"
"Magic require more than just a 'push' of magic. You need to focus and think of what you want to happen. Remember, you need to tell your magic what to do, your power just gives it the tools needed to succeed."
Thoughtful, she continued her attempts. Within the third try, her wand sparked a bright white light on the tip of her wand.
Squealing, she turned to hug him tightly, "Oh! Thank you so much, I don't know why they don't just say that instead of confusing us."
With a wide smile, he replied, "I agree, sometimes it does get confusing. Just remember to be calm and focus what you want to happen."
Observing his class, he noted that most of the Ravenclaws had succeeding in lighting their wands and that other than Parvati, only Dean had succeeded.
"Class! Listen here. For those who succeeded, good job. For those who did not, do not be discouraged, just keep practicing. For now, please write a list of 7 uses in charms that can be found in the home, it'll be due this Friday."
Gathering his supplies, he met up with Hermione and Terry as they made their way towards their last class, Herbology.
Located on the grounds of Hogwarts, the greenhouses of Herbology held many plants, both magical and mundane.
Entering the first greenhouse, the Ravenclaws and Slytherins crowded around their teaching, Professor Sprout. A gentle face, the round dumpy woman with curled greying hair stood before them.
"Good afternoon, class! I am your teacher, Professor Sprout. For the next five years we will covers the care and maintenance of magical or mundane plants. Come now! Let's begin."
Motioning them to pair up, Harry chose to pair himself with the golden haired Daphne Greengrass.
"Greetings, I am Harry Potter, heir presumptive of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter"
With an aloof face, she turned and looked at his, up and down.
With a cold voice, she replied, "Greetings, I am Daphne Greengrass, heir presumptive to the Most Ancient and Noble House of Greengrass."
With a gentle kiss to her hand, she turned to face their professor.
"I hope everyone had the foresight to bring their gloves, if not, I have several spares for use. Before you are several pots of Honking Daffodils. Similar to their normal counterparts, the difference between the two is that these will produce a 'honk' sound effect randomly. These do not have any use in potions, but their care is similar to many other plants, so they are a great way to begin practicing your replanted without getting injured."
Similar to the planting of his aunt's flowers, Harry found this class to be reminiscent of gardening, so he had no trouble replanted his Honking Daffodil. Daphne, however, seemed to struggle in removing its roots carefully.
"If I may, I can show you a simpler way to replant it.," he offered Daphne.
Momentarily frustrated, her greying blue eyes thundered in anger at her failure. Standing back, she waved him forward.
"With most plant, you need to be aware of their end roots, tugging from the stem will never allow you to remove them without causing damage. Making a small hole around the stem, it makes it easier to find their roots to lift."
Demonstrating, he place the uplifted plant onto its new pot.
Listening attentively, he heard her mumble, "Thank you, Potter."
With a gentle smile, he replied, "No worries, I understand that Herbology is not for everyone. I'm just glad to have some experience in gardening."
With a scrunch, she asked, "Why would you be gardening?"
"My aunt loves having her flowers well-kept so she taught me how to care for them. Apparently it was a family thing. It's why my mom and her were named after flowers."
A puzzled look on her face, she continued to stare at him.
"Why did you partner with me?"
With a gentle look, he noted her tense character.
"Why not? What benefit do I get by neglecting to talk to my fellow classmates, whether we belong to the same House or not?"
Momentarily caught off guard, she continued to stare.
"I understand to some Slytherins expect the rest of Hogwarts to treat you like some infestation of dark magic, but I think you and I can agree that it would be in poor judgement to do so."
Interrupting their conversation, Professor Sprout announced the end of class.
Gathering their supplies, the duo exited the greenhouse.
"You're an odd one, Potter."
Looking directly at her eyes, he replied, "I'll take it as a compliment. I think your friend Davies would agree that I can be all right. Don't be a stranger."
Walking away, he could feel her eyes digging into his back.
Meeting up with Hermione and Terry, they began to talk about his partner.
"How did it go with Greengrass?" asked Terry.
"It went well. She's definitely more guarded than Tracy, but I think once she gets to know me, she'll begin to mellow out."
Making their way to the Ravenclaw Tower, they answered the riddle to be allowed entry. Taking off his robe and tie, keeping only his trousers and white top, Harry decided to take advantage of the empty room to read over his missive from Hrothgar.
"Greetings, Lord Potter
I hope this letter finds you well. As you may understand, we have been kept busy the past few days in preparation for the interview with Heir Black. As expected, due to the decrease in Ministry workers, as a result of the return to school, we were able to gain an audience with Heir Black. As you may expect from being in jail for the past years in constant proximity to Dementors, Mr. Black was not in good physical condition. Regardless, his mind seemed to have remain intact and sharp. Immediately upon seeing me, his eyes lit in acknowledgement of who I was. Before even introduced myself, he quickly greeted me.
So then began our interview. After a rather long yet quick hour, I was able to asked Mr. Black his version of the events that occurred the night of the 31st of October 1981. Using a charmed quill, the following writings are the verbatim report given by Heir Black:
'What you have to remember, Hrothgar, is that everybody was under the assumption that I was their Secret Keeper. I wasn't! James asked me! But I thought that I was too obvious of a choice that it would be automatically assumed. I told them...I told them "It's too risky, I'm too obvious. Choose Peter, nobody would ever suspect him." I thought it would be funny, a big prank on everyone. I told people that I was the Secret Keeper, I kept the charade up to bring any attention to me. I never thought that Peter would be the one to betray us. Quiet Peter, he was so unassuming that none of use saw it coming. On the afternoon of the 31st of October, I had this feeling…this sensation that something wrong was going to happen. There is some seer skills in the family, you see, so sometimes we get this sixth sense that something wrong will happen, even if we don't know what it is. Anyways, I thought it best to see Peter and make sure everything was all right. But, when I got there, his apartment was vacant! His clothes were all gone, nothing was left behind. I assumed the worst, maybe the Dark Lord caught him…maybe he was killed. I went to Godric's Hallow; I went to make sure that the Fidelius charm was intact. The charm was gone! Their roof was caved in, shrapnel everywhere! I entered their house…he was there, lying there…his body mangled in a mess of bones and blood….James! I rush to the second floor. Lily, gentle Lily…she wouldn't even hurt the wings off a fly…she rested on the floor, cold as ice…dead. Crying, wailing louder than a banshee, laying in his crib was Harry. I picked him up, I cleaned off the blood from his face, he had this weird cut in his forehead. That's when I heard some roaring from the street…Hagrid was there. He said that Dumbledore sent him, that something happened to the Potter, that he needed to bring him Harry. I didn't want to let him go…but I felt this rage. Peter! He had to have betrayed us! I gave Harry to Hagrid…I lent him my bike; Harry was too young for apparition. I told him that I'll be back…I went looking for Peter. I looked everywhere, I looked at his favorite pub, his job, everywhere! Finally, I found a trace of his magic near some muggle street. He was walking down a path when I yelled at him. "Peter, what happened?!" He began to yell at me, "Why Sirius?! Why did you betray them!" He threw this spell…it must've hit the gas line because the whole street seemed to explode… I got up in a daze, but I saw him, he cut off his finger and changed into his form. He's a rat…we became animagi in school but his form…was a rat. He escaped by the time I could reach where he was…something broke in me. He betrayed us. He betrayed us! That son of a bitch, that fucking whore of a rat sold us to the Dark Lord! I guess I went insane. My brother and sister were killed, sold by a man I counted as a brother. I started laughing…I sat there laughing until the Ministry wizards arrived and arrested me. The next thing I knew…I woke up here. Nobody ever came, no trial. No news. Ten years I spent here, thinking and plotting on what I would do to Peter. I did not betray the Potters; they were my family! I didn't kill those muggles. I was framed.'
Mr. Black assented to performing a magical vow to prove his innocence. He gave us the memory of the night in question and a close view of this transformation. Peter Pettigrew has the form of a common brown rat, with a missing finger to the left paw. If what he said is true, and I firmly believe it to be true (nobody could fake a magical vow and his memory came clean of any tampering), then the conspiracy theory might be true. Someone, for some reason wished for Sirius Black to be kept away.
Knowing this, we have some options. 1, we push to prove his innocence; doing this would require a lot of work to obtain valid proof without implicating ourselves in this matter. 2, we ignore his innocence and allow him to remain incarcerated. 3, we choose to liberate him, choosing to ignore proper procedure and protocol. I propose we choose the first option. Amelia Bones, the Head of the DMLE, is a fair and just woman; if we obtain an audience with her, we may be able to convince her to open an investigation to the arrest of Sirius Black. Doing so would take a long time, especially is we meet some interference. Lucius Malfoy, is one who would heavily push back due to his interest in the Black fortune.
Whatever your choice, please let me know.
Account Manager Hrothgar"
Sitting in shock, Harry read and read the letter until he memorized it.
'He's innocent!'
Numbly, Harry did not know what to feel. What should he do? He couldn't ignore the truth, leave an innocent man to rot away in jail. A man who counted his parents as brother and sister, a man who his parents trusted to name him his godfather. But, also, how did Dumbledore know something happened to his parents? Why did he sent Hagrid to pick me up? How did he even know that I was alive?
Grabbing a piece of parchment, Harry began to write.
Whatever may happen, whatever may be, Harry would not standby idly.
"Hrothgar,
Option 1."
Placing it in his mailbox, he watched it glow until his letter vanished.
Gathering himself, he made his way back to the common room. Seated in one of the tables by the shelves were Hermione and Terry.
"Hey, guy, what are you doing?"
"We thought we should get a head start in our Charms homework. That way we have less to worry about." said Hermione.
"Makes sense, let me get started."
Within an hour they had finished writing their work. Harry, having seen the length of Hermoine's paper, chose to stop her from writing over double what was required.
"I'm glad that you are excited to write more, Hermonie, but you need to learn how to moderate what you write or say. Not everyone cares so heavily about their schooling."
Finished with their work, and having over an hour to themselves before dinner, they chose to make their way to the grounds and enjoy the pleasant weather. Along the way, they saw Susan and Hannah with a similar idea.
"Hey, guys! How are you doing?" greeted Harry.
With a kiss to their hand, they smiled back and replied, "Oh, we thought we might as well come outside and enjoy the day."
"How funny, Harry thought of the same thing." answered Terry.
"You should join us!" exclaimed Hermione.
Joining them, the group decided to sit below a tree midway from the Great Lake and the entrance to Hogwarts.
"One of the older students told me that the lake has a giant squid living inside." Said Hannah.
"Really!"
As if hearing his name, a huge splash of water erupted from the Great Lake, a long slimy tentacle reaching above with a wave. Slamming it downward, it caused waves to form around it.
"I guess it is true." stated Harry, looking wide eyed.
With a huge smile, Hermione said, "I love this school!"
Time Lapse
One Hour Later
Garbed in their robes, the whole school was seated in the Great Hall. The clattering and chattering of conversation filled the cathedral size room with laughter and joy. A veritable feast of chicken legs, mashed potatoes, roasted tomatoes, and so many more, Harry stopped counting at the variety when he reached 20 different items.
As he continued to enjoy his feast, Harry took the time to look around the Great Hall, laughing and enjoying the company, everyone seemed in good spirits. The teachers, likewise, were engaging in conversation as they enjoyed their dinner.
As he continued his gaze, Harry saw the small group of redheads bundled together in the middle of the Gryffindor table. The youngest, Ron, was gulfing down each bite with no regard to manners. Laughing and eating, at the same time, Ron was clearly enjoying his first dinner as a first year Gryffindor.
As he continued to stare, a memory of his first encounter with Ron popped up in his mind.
'Ron reached inside his jacket and pulled out a fat gray rat, which was asleep. "His name's Scabbers and he's useless, he hardly ever wakes up."'
An old fat grey rat, the former pet of his older brother Percy. At that time, he hadn't thought much of the lazy rat, but thinking back, Harry distinctly remembered a missing finger to its left paw. Having glossed over that fact, he never paid any attention to its appearance.
'Maybe I am just overthinking it. What are the odds that they're the same rat?'
Either way, Harry could not get rid of this feeling that he should investigate it. Carefully.
Recalling their school schedule, he noted that they had Charms with the Gryffindors first thing in the morning.
'Maybe I'll just ask Ron some questions about its age, I mean, regular rats do not live longer than a few years.'
Interrupting his thought, Anthony asked Harry, "So, Harry, what did you think of our class in our first day?"
"I quite enjoyed Transfiguration and Charms, but I found DADA and History to be such a bore. I could hardly concentrate with such a horrible stench in the DADA classroom. As for History, I could barely keep my own eyelids open."
Laughing, his fellow Ravenclaws nodded in agreement.
"I hear you; I don't know how you stayed awake, Hermione. Binns put me to sleep faster than a Sleeping Draught." remarked Anthony.
With a smile, Hermione answered, "I'll admit it was not the most interesting class, but I would never dream to sleeping in a class."
"Never say never, Hermione. Maybe one day I'll convince you to take a nap during class.," said Harry, aiming a coy smile to Hermione.
With a huff, Hermione replied, "I'd like to see you try."
Laughing, the classmates continued their conversation on their own impressions. Most agreed with Harry's observations, Transfigurations and Charms were interesting and entertaining, but DADA and History were clear duds. Herbology was a mix for them; some enjoyed it, others did not. Regardless, they all unanimously agreed that they enjoyed their first full day in Hogwarts.
After a filling and enjoyable dinner, the school made their way towards their own respective House common room. Settling down in a soft sofa facing the soothing flames of the fireplace, Harry heard Hermione mumble to herself, "I love having friends."
Sparing a glance to her, Harry saw her smiling happily towards the group of first years. A feeling of understandment rushed through him, he understood the appreciation of having friends. Years of being neglected, ignored, and bullied made his extremely appreciative of his own friends.
Feeling bold, he wrapped his arm around her, hugging her gently, he leaned in to her ear and whispered, "And I enjoy being your friend."
With a thankful look, she relaxed in their position and continued to say, "I enjoy being your friend too, Harry."
Fighting their tiredness, they eventually decided to make their way to their room and sleep.
Making their way to the second floor landing, Harry and Hermione stood in between the two hallways, one leading to the boys room and the other to the girls.
Placing a gentle kiss in her hand, Harry looked into Hermione's eyes and said, "Have a good night, Hermione. Sweet dreams."
With a soft smile, she replied, "Good night, Harry."
Entering his room, he noted that Terry was already asleep in his bed, the four poster bed curtains fully shut. After a warm shower and change, Harry checked his mailbox one last time.
Remembering his cousin's desire for more candies, he wrapped a few options in a box from his collection bought from the lady in the train. Attached, he wrote, "Enjoy, D."
A small penned note from Hrothgar simply said, "Understood. I'll prepare a report once I have more information."
Mail out the way, Harry refilled the food tray for Hedwig and settled in his soft bed.
Mulling over the events of today, Harry remarked that it was a great first day. Closing his eyes, a smile bloomed in his face as he finally rested .