The rest of the evening passed peacefully. Harry discovered a few private bookcases tucked away in the common room and eagerly dove into their contents. As he absorbed the material, one of the older students chuckled. "You sure you're not a Ravenclaw, Potter? I could've sworn you were about to squeal like a little girl when you saw the Slytherin library."
Harry's cheeks turned crimson in embarrassment. "Ah, well… I just want to learn more about the magical world." His comment caused a few whispers around the room.
With that said, Harry spent the rest of the evening engrossed in his reading. Before long, curfew arrived, and the prefects began guiding the first-years to their dormitories. Harry found himself assigned to a room with Draco. The silver-haired boy wasted no time, flopping onto the first bed, his trunk already placed neatly at the foot of it. Harry glanced over to the second bed and saw his own trunk waiting for him beside it.
"What a day, huh, Potter?" Draco grinned. He tugged at the massive green and silver curtains that hung around the poster bed, forcing them to close. "And we have classes tomorrow, too." Draco yawned as he reached over, turning off an oil lamp next to the bed.
Harry let Amber slide from his sleeve and the serpent hissed, obviously tired herself. "Yeah, I can't wait. It's going to be fun."
Draco grinned at Harry's eagerness before responding, "Just wait. I'll be the top student of the year. Mark my words."
"Oh yeah? I bet I'll rank higher than you, git." Harry grinned and flopped onto the bed next to Amber.
Draco looked at Harry as he pulled back one of the bed curtains. "Then how about a bet? Whoever is higher in the student rankings by the end of the year has to do the other a favor, and anything goes."
"Deal." Harry's grin was ear-to-ear as he laughed. Turning over on his new bed, he relaxed. It wasn't long, however, before he felt a familiar painful throb in his stomach. He hadn't turned into his fox form all day to get relief from the pain. How was he going to do that with Draco around? His magic was tense, and all he wanted to unwind and explore the castle with his fox form.
Harry soon noticed that Draco was a fast sleeper, his soft, airy snore sounding more like a muffled breath than an actual snore. "Does he wear a sleeping mask?" Harry muttered to himself, shaking his head. Deciding to take his chances, he pulled the curtains around his bed closed and slipped under the covers.
Allowing his magic to surge, Harry focused. He felt the familiar shift in his body, and within moments, he was back in his fox form. The once-tumultuous magic inside him finally calmed, and the pain in his stomach receded. Amber, his faithful companion, gently coiled around him, her presence soothing.
With the pain gone at last, Harry easily drifted off to sleep, curled up as a small fox, safely enveloped by Amber's comforting embrace.
The next morning, Harry woke at the crack of dawn, just as he always did. As he began shifting back into his human form, he noticed it took a few minutes longer than usual. His limbs felt slightly stiff as the transformation completed. Once fully human again, he stretched, a satisfying crack running down his spine.
"Nnnnn..." he groaned, sliding out of bed. Amber, still half-asleep, lazily uncoiled herself from around him and moved onto his pillow, settling down with a comfortable huff. She looked entirely too cozy, making Harry chuckle softly.
Not wanting to wake her, Harry moved to get dressed into his robes. Draco was still asleep on his bed when Harry headed to the Commons, his footsteps quiet from years of practice.
The common room was nearly deserted at this early hour, the fire casting soft shadows across the room. With some time to spare, Harry decided to pick out a book to occupy himself. Scanning the shelves, his eyes landed on an intriguing one placed a bit higher up. He stretched to reach it, fingers curling around the spine before pulling it down gently.
As he looked over the gilded letters etched into the cover, he read aloud, "Purebloods Through History: Shades of Grey and Dark."
"Well, that sounds ominous," he muttered to himself, settling into one of the armchairs by the fire to dive into the pages.
Suddenly, he was roughly shoved to the side, the book yanked from his hands. "Get out of the way, Potter. Go back to your hole. Or better yet, get out of Slytherin completely. You have no right to be here; your mother is a filthy mudblood and your parents both fought against the Dark Lord."
Harry blinked. "Huh?" The vitriol in the student's voice made him shrink back instinctively as he looked at the older student towering over him.
"You heard me. Disgusting Blood-traitors, the lot of you. The House of Serpents is meant for those who follow the Old Ways." There was a sudden chorus of agreements as the student sneered down at him.
"But wasn't Voldemort-" Harry saw the room flinch, "-killing everyone? Anyone who didn't fight against him was effectively allowing him to do whatever he wanted."
"You know nothing, Potter!" The student almost audibly growled. "The Dark Lord was protecting our rights, wizarding rights, from those who wanted to take them away!"
"I don't-" Harry started, but was almost immediately cut off.
"Typical. The little blood traitor doesn't even understand the crimes of his lineage."
Harry could see more people waking up from the commotion, entering the Commons and a familiar presence was felt behind him. Draco's voice soon rang out. "If you don't give him any leeway to respond, things can be considered that way. But then again, someone who tries to cow a first year is probably not that intelligent. What? You think that making the Boy Who Lived look bad in his own house is some sort of victory?" Harry felt a hand on his shoulder as Draco stepped up, wiping sleep away from his eyes and behind him were Crabbe and Goyle.
Harry took a deep breath. "Regardless of what Voldemort-" Harry saw them all flinch once more. "- was trying to protect, from what I understand, he murdered people who weren't on his side. As I said to Draco, I'm open-minded—" A surprised murmur from the onlookers greeted that statement, "— But I won't just join a murderer with no information. If you want to prove your point, prove it with facts, not just threats and sneers."
Harry reflected on his response from earlier, realizing he'd used quite a few large words. He wondered if he'd managed to sound as eloquent as he'd hoped. Still, he made a mental note—he'd need to practice that more. Speaking clearly and confidently was something he could work on later, another skill to add to the growing list of things to master.
The older boy was only enraged by the comment. "You demand proof from ME? A scion of the Elder House of Rowle? You're nothing but a blood-traitor. I don't need to prove anything to you, you waste of magic!"
"Then you're as ill-informed as a gorilla, and probably have nothing between those ears of yours." Harry countered, getting angry himself.
"You little— I challenge you to a Duel, Potter!" The third year shouted. Some spittle flew from his mouth, his face crimson with sheer rage.
"What's all this then?" The sudden voice startled Harry, panic rising in his chest for a brief moment. But as soon as he recognized the silky tone, he felt relief wash over him. It was Professor Snape. He was here, and surely he'd be able to help.
"Potter being a blood-traitor, as we all expected. He doesn't deserve to be here, Professor! I challenged him to a duel. Not a Duel of Minds, just a duel of magic."
Snape immediately sneered at Harry, making the boy suddenly flinch. "Well then, Potter, you'd best back down and retract your statements. Or you will have to fight your senior in a duel." Harry could almost see a glint of satisfaction in Snape's eyes and felt a cold confusion wash over him. Why wasn't Snape stopping this? He'd been there for two days... he knew nothing about magic yet!
Draco piped up. "Professor, Potter isn't the one at f—"
Snape raised a hand to cut Draco off almost immediately. "Silence, Malfoy. Is that really all you have, Potter? Using the heir of a Noble House as a shield to cower behind? Pathetic."
Harry's magic churned violently inside him, his stomach twisting with the pressure of it. It felt like his magic was on the verge of bursting out, his emotions only fueling the storm within. Anger flared as he stood there, heart pounding in his chest. He couldn't allow this older student to disgrace him, to ruin his honor in such a way. Mister Fox would never back down from something like this.
Without thinking, Harry stepped forward, eyes blazing with defiance, and shouted, "I accept the challenge!"
This caused excited and angry murmurs throughout the common room, and Snape sneered. "Arrogant little fool. Step into the circle, then, and be ready. I don't know what you're planning, but I simply will not allow you to run roughshod over Slytherin."
Harry gulped as he entered the arena. He could see a cruel smirk on Snape's lips as he did, the third year giving a wicked grin as well. "I'm going to get revenge for my father in prison. If it wasn't for you, he would never have been sent there! The Elder House of Rowle will find satisfaction today."
Harry watched as Snape raised his wand, his voice cutting through the tension in the room. "The duel will be to the first who surrenders or is knocked unconscious."
The room immediately erupted with murmurs of excitement. Students gathered around, eager to see the first-year get crushed in what they expected to be a short, one-sided duel. Harry could feel their eyes on him, the anticipation thick in the air. But he stood firm, refusing to let the doubt creeping into his chest show on his face. He would not back down.
"Begin." A loud bang from Snape's wand marked the beginning of the duel. What was he doing here? He knew no spells. Harry loosely held his wand as he tried to think, but then a curse shot forward and slammed into his face. His tongue swelled in his mouth, completely filling it and suddenly Harry found himself unable to speak.
Rowle glared at Harry with a malicious glee, clearly confident in his advantage. Harry's heart raced as he realized that even if he knew the right spells, he wouldn't be able to cast them now. His tongue was immobilized, leaving him powerless to speak the incantations. Though he had learned a few basic wand movements from the books Mister Dark had given him, they were useless without his voice.
Harry's mind whirled with frustration. He was trapped, but he couldn't let himself panic—not in front of Rowle, not in front of everyone watching. He had to think fast.
It was then that he felt his magic roiling, writhing inside of him. The gryphon and the raven within him seemed to be joining it, pressing and slamming against his insides in barely-restrained fury. Simultaneously, he felt the necklace around his neck pulse with powerful magic which encouraged him to focus.
Harry closed his eyes and focused, allowing the magic to surge and dance around his body. He let it flow to his hand, channeling the power like never before. The air around him shifted, and a collective gasp echoed through the common room as the magic whirled into the dueling arena.
Rowle froze in shock, watching as the magic swirling around Harry seemed to devour the curse he had just cast. The older student's confidence faltered, his expression shifting from smugness to disbelief. Amid the tempest of magic, Rowle swore he saw the outline of a Gryphon, fierce and majestic, followed by the fleeting shadow of a crow.
Harry stepped forward, gripping his wand as he channeled his magic through it. The wood grew hotter with each surge, almost searing his palm, but he held firm. The tip of the wand flared a brilliant red, crackling with energy, as if it were on the verge of igniting.
No one had expected such a show of power, least of all Rowle, as a sudden, enormous blast of raw magic shot right at him. Rowle hastily put up a shield, but the blast shattered it and sent him flying hard against the wall of the arena. Rowle's body was slammed against it with a powerful thudding sound, the older student falling to the ground in a heap.
Rowle didn't get back up as Snape flicked his wand. "Potter… is the victor." Snape sneered. "Detention with me, Potter, on Friday for a blatant disregard for the safety of another student."
Harry couldn't even protest with his tongue still filling his mouth as Snape checked on Rowle. Draco hurried over to his side. "That was amazing, Harry. One shot! What spell did you even use?"
Harry gave a muffled sputter, drawing a look of surprise from Draco. "You can't even speak right now, can you? You did that nonverbally?!"
Several students around where Harry and Draco stood muttered in surprise at Draco's observation. Pucey then walked up to them. "Let's get you to Madame Pomfrey, Potter. Professor Snape will handle Rowle."
Harry nodded, unable to the Prefect thanks to his swollen tongue. Harry looked over at Rowle, seeing that Snape indeed had brought Rowle back to consciousness with some sort of spell. Pucey led Harry out of the common room, which had exploded in conversation about the duel.
Being led up the stairs and through Hogwarts, Harry felt mollified. Why had Rowle even challenged him? For not accepting the Dark Lord? That was stupid. Didn't he realize his parents were murdered by the man? Why would he support him? This whole situation was stupid! Harry raged at himself, at Rowle, and especially at Snape.
Draco had joined him and Pucey on their travel to the Infirmary. And of course, behind Draco was Crabbe and Goyle as well.
They arrived at a pair of large doors, and Harry could see a frazzled looking woman hurrying up. She was slender, with blonde hair tied in a bun and dressed in an outfit similar to that of a nurse. "Not even twelve hours have passed, and already someone's gotten themselves hurt. Let me see, let me see."
The witch saw Pucey's gesture and moved up to Harry, quickly flicking her wand at him. "A tongue-swelling charm. Were you learning magic beyond your year, Mister Potter?"
Draco piped up. "He won a duel, Madame Pomfrey!"
"A duel? Don't be ridiculous, Mr. Malfoy. More than likely, you're simply covering for him. Come this way; it'll just be a moment. When it's finished, you're free to go. Your tongue will feel strange for a while, but that will be normal." The mediwitch flicked her wand, and suddenly, Harry's tongue returned to normal size with a sudden press of magic around his mouth.
"There you are, Mister Potter. Please stay out of trouble. Also, please try not to be one of those students who gets themselves into different messes all throughout the year." She sighed.
Pucey motioned for them to head out. "Let's get you back to the Common Room now. You'll have to gather your books for your first class. What do you have, anyways?"
"Transfiguration, with Professor McGonagall." Harry's words were a bit slurred, his hand moving up to rub his chin and jaw. Having your tongue fill your mouth felt weird, and now he suddenly found his tongue feeling alien whenever he rested it. The sensation didn't feel good at all.
"My tongue still feels weird…" Harry said, as they left the infirmary.
Draco chuckled. "Pomfrey did say it'd feel off for a while. Next time, don't stand there like a ninny when a duel begins, Potter."
Harry gave a sheepish nod.
Gathering everything he needed for Transfiguration had been a bit chaotic. Harry nearly forgot his quills and parchment, hurriedly stuffing a few sheets into his robe pockets. With a little more care, he tucked a bottle of ink into another pocket.
Amber hissed her goodbye when Harry waved to her, the first years all moving out together to head towards Transfiguration. Draco directed them, since he had already asked for directions to the classroom. The small group soon arrived at an old buttonwood door. Hurrying inside, they found the Gryffindor seats mostly empty. Harry moved to sit next to Draco.
Harry noticed that the teacher's desk was empty, except for a rather beautiful cat perched atop it. He felt a thrill of excitement in his chest when he recognized McGonagall's aura from the Great Hall. Was she like him? Could that really be Professor McGonagall?
As Gryffindors trickled into the classroom, Harry caught several first-years casting him glances filled with disdain as they passed. He frowned, realizing he hadn't seen Ron yet. Perhaps he was running late? His attention kept drifting back to the cat on the desk. Maybe it wasn't the professor after all; perhaps she had a familiar? But Hermione had mentioned that familiars were quite rare.
Just then, the clock chimed, and the doors magically swung shut. A moment later, they opened again, and Ron rushed in, nearly diving into his seat. He looked around in relief and exclaimed, "Blimey! Don't know why I was worried… Professor McGonagall isn't here."
At that moment, the cat leaped off the desk and, midair, transformed into a very stern-looking Professor McGonagall. Ron yelped and fell out of his seat in fright as she stood there with her hands clasped behind her back, wearing an expression that was decidedly cross.
"That will be five points from Gryffindor, Mr. Weasley, for being late. If it happens again that will be detention."
"Bloody hell," Ron muttered with a groan. Harry snickered lightly under his breath. His heart beat faster in his chest. It had been her!
"Now. Welcome to Transfiguration. This will be one of the more difficult fields of magic in your studies. It involves turning objects into other objects, conjuring creations, and otherwise manipulating materials with your magic. Magical construction relies heavily on Transfiguration, not for the materials, but for the magic to bind them together. Some wizards also use Transfiguration in combat, conjuring creatures of stone, dirt, or wood to protect them."
"Not every wizard has a talent for Transfiguration, but both the headmaster and myself are registered Masters of the craft. I will endeavor to teach you everything possible, but that requires starting small to understand the magic. Now, are there any questions?"
A couple of hands were raised, and a Gryffindor boy got called upon. "Yes, Mr. Finnegan?"
Finnegan lowered his hand then blurted out, "How did you turn into a cat?"
"That is an advanced form of magic called an Animagus transformation. It is very difficult, and requires a long time to master…, yes, Mr. Potter?"
Harry's hand had shot up as she mentioned that. When he was called, Harry beamed, standing up. "I can do that too, Professor! See?"
He concentrated on his magic, filled with joy at the thought of sharing his transformation with the professor. Finally, someone else like him! He could learn so much from her. As the magic flowed through him, his body trembled, and in an instant, he found himself in his small fox form, sitting on the floor and letting out an excited yap.
Utter pandemonium immediately broke out in the room.
However, most of all, Harry didn't expect Minerva McGonagall's reaction. She let out a shout, then a shriek, and she almost collapsed before grabbing her desk to steady herself.
"MISTER POTTER! TURN BACK IMMEDIATELY!" She yelled at the top of her lungs over the chaos of the surprised class. Harry was frightened, and did so as fast as he could. His body shifted back slowly, much slower than when he had turned into his fox form before. He groaned as he turned back. "I-I'm s-sorry, Professor… I-I didn't mean…"
McGonagall didn't hesitate, hurrying over and physically grabbing his shoulder to march him out of the room. She was leading him down the hall, right back to the Infirmary he had visited that very morning. The doors slammed open as the irate Professor dragged Harry inside.
"Poppy!" McGonagall all but shrieked. "We have a situation!"
The frazzled-looking mediwitch hurried out from her office, only to give an exasperated sigh. "Mr. Potter! You were just in here an hour ago!"
"No, Poppy, that doesn't matter." Professor McGonagall quickly moved Harry over to his bed, the boy too frightened to really protest.
"He is a Feral Shifter."
Madame Pomfrey's eyes widened. "A Feral Shifter? You're sure?"
"He did it in front of the class, in front of me! Yes, I'm sure!"
McGonagall's urgency hastened Madame Pomfrey's steps as she approached Harry. "Mr. Potter, I need to conduct a few scans on you. May I have your permission to proceed?"
Harry, unsure of what was going on, gave a hesitant nod.
"Your verbal permission please, Mr. Potter."
"Y-yes, Madame Pomfrey," Harry replied, his voice barely above a whisper. She caught his response and immediately began casting spells. Harry felt her magic wash over him, sending a tingling sensation through the necklace around his neck. As her wand moved in intricate patterns, he noticed the necklace subtly shift and dull in color, changing in a way he didn't quite understand. To his astonishment, Madame Pomfrey's wand glided through the chain of the necklace like it wasn't there.
"This is concerning. Mister Potter, when did you first change yourself with magic?" The mediwitch's tone was fraught with worry, but not panicked like McGonagall's had been. The Transfiguration Professor sat by the window, patiently waiting for the results. After a moment, she summoned some sort of white spectral cat that disappeared into the wall after she said a few words to it.
"U-Um… w-when I was eight."
"Merlin's magical beard. This isn't good." Pomfrey looked troubled. "And your birthday was, of course, July 31st, correct?"
Harry nodded, but when Pomfrey responded, his heart almost dropped to his stomach.
"Mr. Potter, I am sorry to say this, but if you do not become an animagus by the new year, your magic will functionally kill you."
-Author's Notes-
And here we get into the name of this book, the big issue that must be dealt with. Oh, you thought it'd be the Philosopher's Stone? Nope!
Harry shows some of his power, and it reveals the Dueling systems of the Slytherin House. I'd rally like to hear people's thoughts on it. My Beta, Angie, stated that it felt good, but I have that little voice in the back of my head that says it's a dumb idea.
If anyone is interested helping Angie to beta read this, I have the entire rest of this book ready to go! Just message me if you're interested.
Also, the question of if I should post this as all one story on fanfiction dot net or do individual books is still at large. Let me know your thoughts in a review! On AoO3, I will be releasing each book as its own story, thanks to the website's absolutely wonderful Collections feature.
Harry Potter is owned by JK Rowling, not me.