A Harmonious BeginningBy: SeventhChordHarmony One small act of kindness can change everything. Harry Potter is about to discover how important Harmony is. Starts from the beginning, follows canon with more changes as it progresses. Rated M for language, violence in later chapters.Rated: Fiction M - English - Adventure/Romance - [Harry P., Hermione G.] Sirius B., Neville L. - Chapters: 110 - Words: 467,625 - Reviews: 2,537 - Favs: 3,355 - Follows: 4,335 - Updated: Feb 9, 2025 - Published: Apr 27, 2021 - id: 13870818
Panic. That's was all he felt. Standing there, looking at the barrier between platforms 9 and 10, wishing, willing, hoping that something magical would happen and platform 9 3/4 would appear.
"Well imagine that. The platform doesn't even exist. Oh well, freak," Vernon, Harry refused to call him uncle, spat. "The next ten months, you're not our responsibility. Enjoy the year, we will see you next June."
Vernon punctuated that sentence with a hefty shove, turned and walked back to the car whistling "The ride of the Valkyries"
'I could really use a Valkyrie right now,' Harry thought to himself.
10:30, the clock began to chime.
He collapsed into the nearest bench and for the first time in six years, Harry Potter cried.
"I really am a freak."
So much for hoping for a fresh start, for finding a place he belonged. He even read all his books, trying his best to fit in with his new classmates. Yet here he was: stuck. Nowhere to go. The white owl in her cage shifted on her perch, trying her best to soothe her familiar.
"Do you need help?" An angelic voice rang out.
Harry looked up from his hands to see a mass of curly hair and brilliant brown eyes. no, not simply brown. Amber is a more apt description he mused.
"I'm fine," he tried to cover. "Just waiting for my train to arrive."
That's it, don't show weakness. Don't give them anything to use against you.
She wasn't buying it. She leaned in, handkerchief in hand and whispered "Hogwarts, right?" pointing to his owl.
Harry looked at her with wide eyes. All he could do was mutely nod.
"Me too. It's my first year too. Come on, we'll board together," she insisted.
Not trusting his voice, Harry nodded again.
"Hermione!" He heard a voice cut through the station. "Come on, you're going to be late."
"That's my mom," the girl, Hermione, he figured, responded. "I've been oh-so excited for this. Let's go!"
Harry looked up and saw a couple standing in front of the pillar between platforms 9 and 10. The man was tall, well-built, with a kind smile while the woman looked had the same hair as her daughter and a no-nonsense demeanor.
"Hermione where'd you go?!" She demanded. "You were haranguing us all morning to get here!"
"Sorry mum," she chastened an apology. "I found another first-year. We're going to help him find the platform."
The look on the woman softened as she looked over her daughter's classmate. 'How are his clothes even staying on? They're three sizes too big. And his eyes. It's like he's looking for escape routes. What has happened to this boy?'
"I'm Helen, this is Richard. Don't worry, we're new to this as well."
"Harry," the boy introduced himself offering his hand. well at least he's polite, Helen thought.
"Nice to meet you! Oh look at the time we best be moving" Richard chorused jovially. "Here, Hermione take your mother and go through. You're wearing your bracelet, right Helen?"
Richard grinned mischievously at his wife's glare, knowing she had asked him that four times this morning, him being the absent-minded one of the family.
"Now watch them Harry. We'll be next."
Harry watched as mother and daughter sped toward the wall between 9 and 10. Harry tried to call out a warning but before the words left his mouth, they were gone.
"You ready, son?" Richard asked. Harry nodded.
Richard grabbed him lightly by the arm, not noticing Harry wince as he did so. Harry closed his eyes, ready for the crash. Suddenly, he felt like odd. Like walking through a thin plate of gelatin.
He opened his eyes and spotted a crimson engine with the words "Hogwarts express."
"All aboard the Hogwarts Express," a red robed conductor, hat and all, rang out.
"You made it!" Hermione squealed "Let's find a compartment!"
Before Harry could say anything, Hermione grabbed his hand to leading him onward, toward whatever adventures lay ahead.
For once, Harry was free. For once, he was looking forward to tomorrow.
Chapter 2: On My Way
Harry fell into step behind Hermione as they scanned the train for empty compartments. It was chaos; a cacophony of owls hooting and screeching, cats meowing and toads croaking. Children of all ages were conversing about everything they did during the summer.
"Finally! An empty one," Hermione said almost to the end of the train. She brought her mahogany trunk to the doorway and tried, in vain, to lift it into the carriage. With extraordinary effort, she lifted it and was about to set it inside when.
"Wait!" Harry called out, scooping up a toad before the trunk squished it. The toad didn't even move. Were it not twitching in his hand, Harry would have assumed it dead.
"Good catch, Harry," Hermione said.
"Didn't want that pretty trunk to get a paint job," He replied. "Let me give you a hand."
Together, they hefted the trunk into the rack above the seats.
"Now I know why your dad is so strong," Harry remarked. "What do you have in here, a buckle store?"
"I, uh, like to read," Hermione said, casting her eyes downward and started wringing her hands. "A lot. And my dad was in the Army. According to him, you don't leave the life. He's a dentist now, so is mum. Though she does oral surgery, we just say dentist. It's easier that way. Though, actually…"
"Hermione," Harry stopped her train of thought. He knew enough about deflection tactics to see them. "It's okay. I like to read too." When I'm able to, he finished, inwardly.
Hermione snapped her eyes up. Fear, turned to worry then excitement before settling on elation.
"Oh no, Helen," A jovial voice came from behind. "He's shouldn't have said that. He'll never get a free moment outside of the library now."
Hermione glared at her father.
"What's with the toad?" Richard said, focusing on Harry. "Not going to kiss it, hoping for a prince, are you?"
"That's a frog, daddy," an exasperated Hermione replied. Unbelievable, I might have made a friend and he's embarrassing me!
"Besides, he's toad-ally someone's pet," Harry smirked.
"I like him!" Richard gleefully said to his wife. "He's toad-ally awesome. You found yourself a keeper, princess."
Helen face-palmed while Hermione groaned. Harry and Richard were too busy chuckling at their puns to pay any mind as an army of redheads passed behind them.
"Just what we needed, another pun-person," Helen said "Sure I can't send him with you?"
"I'm not sure any of us would survive the trip." Hermione.
"Speaking of, it's almost time." Helen said checking the clock to see it five till eleven. She kneeled to look her daughter in the eye, drinking in every square centimeter of her. "I'm going to miss you so much. Be good, stay safe and learn lots of magic. We'll see you at Christmas. Oh I'm so excited for what you'll do, my little Winter."
Hermione threw her arms around her mother and held tight, tears sparkling in her amber eyes.
Richard looked at Harry who gazed at the mother and daughter saying their goodbyes.
"This is the first time our princess will be away from us. It's scary, seeing her go but even more frightening would be her staying," he said, almost to himself. He locked eyes with Harry, noticing for the first time just how green they were.
"She's had a rough life, Hermione. Always had a tough time making friends but yet she never stopped trying. Be good to her; don't let the other kids bully her. Helen and I always helped her deal with the bullies at primary and now… now we won't be able to do anything," His voice broke on the last sentence.
"I know what it's like to be bullied. Don't much care for them myself." Harry responded and Richard could swear his eyes turned a shade brighter. "I'll watch over her. She's my first friend. Friends take care of one another."
"Take care of her Mr. Potter." Richard said with finality.
Harry startled at his surname.
"Yes, I recognized you," Richard said. "When Hermione got her letter, I read up on the history of the Magical World, specifically recent history. Your scar is quite famous, as are you."
Harry shook Richard's hand and nodded, an instant, unspoken understanding between them.
Richard turned and hugged her baby girl, "We'll see you at Christmas."
Hermione, trying to keep the tears at bay, just leaned her head into him.
"I love you, daddy,"
"I love you, princess."
Richard stood up just as the train whistle rang throughout the platform.
"Alright, on you get! Be safe, both of you. I'm sure you can't wait to start TRAINing in magic," the smile back in full force on his face.
"Yes, sir. It's full STEAM ahead," Harry returned.
"Seriously, can't you take him with you?" Helen moaned with exasperation. All four laughed as the train began to move.
Harry and Hermione watched as her parents grew smaller and smaller as the train pulled away. Both sat down on opposite benches, smiling as their new adventure awaited.
A/N: I intended for this chapter to cover the station and the train ride but the conversation between the parents and the kids took on a life of its own. I know it's a little odd, Richard trusting Harry with his only daughter and all-but demanding he become her friend but he's good at reading people. It wasn't hard to see the loneliness of Harry considering he's probably seen the look on his daughter more than a few times.
Every chapter is going to be a song title, not confined to one genre as you can see. Feel free to add suggestions for track titles to include. Thank you for reading and, as always, I own nothing of Harry Potter.
Chapter 3: Magic Carpet Ride
With the train underway, Harry and Hermione sat across from one another, nervous tension starting to seep into the compartment.
"So you said you like to read," Harry started, looking for something to start a conversation. "What's your favorite book?"
"Well, that's tough to say. I really liked the BFG when I was growing up; the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe were fun- oh and the Lord of the Rings, I loved the Lord of the Rings. Recently, I've been getting into Mark Twain and Charles Dickens who I both find interesting. Then there's Mary Shelley And Jane Austen. It's nice to have something written by women, you know…"
She went on talking about all the stories and adventures she grew up,how her father would read to her when she was young and how they really bonded over literature.
"…then there's our course books which are simply fascinating. I was just reading through One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi. It's interesting to see how the plants work with different potions and the different reactions that come from them…"
Harry made a note to re-read that book. Of all his chores at HMP Dursley, his favorite by far was cooking and potions sounded like magical cooking. He continued to listen to her, smiling at her passion roiling off her.
"Oh listen to me, I've been speed talking for 10 minutes now. I talk when I'm nervous, I mean I talk like this when I'm nervous. I'm going to shut up now," Hermione's smile vanished and she seemed to fold inward.
"No, don't do that! This is my first real conversation with someone my age in a while, maybe ever."
"Yeah but we're not really talking. You're just listening to me ramble on about all the boring books I've read."
"It's been nice to hear your passion and I can see why you love them so much. I just wish…"
"Wish what?"
Before Harry could respond, the door to the compartment opened and a sandy-haired boy looked in.
"Have either of you seen a- TREVOR!" The boy said as he spied the toad in Harry's hand. "Oh I thought I lost him. Thank you for finding him."
"It was no big deal. He tried to examine the bottom of Hermione's trunk and I thought that probably was not the best idea." Harry said, handing the toad over. "I'm Harry, by the way."
"Neville Longbottom," Neville said, offering the hand that was toad-free. "Nice to meet you, Harry and… Hermione, was it?"
"Hermione Granger," Hermione said as she shook his hand.
"Granger? Haven't heard that surname before. Muggleborn?" Neville asked.
"I prefer First-Generation Witch, myself. Muggleborn always seems so… condescending. Is that important?"
"It is to some. Some families think they're better than others because of it. They look down on anyone who isn't a pureblood but I know better. I'm a pureblood and everyone thinks I'm a squib- a non-magical child born to magical parents," Neville explained at their confused looks. "My mum's best friend was a mugg-First-Generation Witch and she was the best in the whole year. Well, I should return to my compartment, and let Hannah and Susan know I found Trevor. Thanks again for that, by the way."
"Take care, Neville," Harry said. "And don't worry about the Squid ("Squib," Neville corrected) business. You wouldn't be here if you didn't have magic."
Neville nodded and exited the compartment, a thoughtful expression on his face. As he left, Harry looked back at Hermione.
"What were you saying?"
"What?"
"You were saying 'I wish' but then you stopped when Neville came in. It seemed important."
Bollocks, I was hoping she wouldn't remember. No, I can't do this. Have to stay strong. Show no weakness. You'll only get hurt, Harry thought. Yeah but that's a hard way to make friends, a second voice offered. He looked into those amber eyes, took a deep breath, and started.
"I just wish I had someone who read to me growing up. My parents died when I was a baby. I was sent to my relatives, my mum's sister and her husband. They're muggles and they hate magic, especially Petunia. They thought that, if they just tried hard enough, they could 'squash the magic out of me.' If I wanted to read anything, I'd have to be careful. Anything I did get my hands on, I had to smuggle to my cupb-room. My cousin, Dudley, isn't what you would call studious unless you count punching things but that's not really something you learn out of a book. And now I'm heading to a school where apparently I'm famous and my parents are war heroes/martyrs and everyone expects great things from me but I'm not anything special. I'm just Harry."
As Harry finished that statement, he ran his hands through his hair.
Almost said cupboard. Watch yourself, Potter, he grimaced.
"Holy cricket, you're Harry Potter!" Came the sudden reply. Harry's eyes shot to her, realizing only too late he pushed his bangs back, drawing attention to his forehead like a lightning rod. "You're in so many books! Some say you're off training, others that you're hiding but none of them mention you living with your muggle relatives."
"Muggle relatives!?" Came a new voice from the corridor. "The bloody Boy-Who-Lived, living with Muggles!?"
Harry looked up and caught a pale face with polished, aristocratic features in a crisp suit, flanked by what he assumed were two trained gorillas.
"I'm Malfoy. Draco Malfoy," the boy drawled.
"That's Crabbe, this is Goyle," he vaguely gestured to the primates behind him. Harry couldn't for the life of him tell who was who.
"You're going to learn quick, Potter, that there are Wizards and Wizards. You don't want to get caught up with the wrong sort" he cocked his head toward Hermione. "I can help you."
Malfoy pompously proffered his hand to Harry. Hermione flicked her eyes between the two boys, waiting for the shoe to drop. Now's where he leaves. Way to get your hopes up, Hermione.
Take care of her Mr. Potter, Richard's words from earlier echoed in Harry's ears. Harry stood, and shook the hand.
"Mr. Malfoy, thank you for such a stellar introduction." Making his voice as saccharine sweet as possible. He brushed Draco to the side and turned to the boys, Rabbit and Boil, was it? "I'm sorry, I caught your names but I'm not sure who is who."
"Vincent Crabbe," the thicker of the two grunted and shook Harry's hand.
"Greg Goyle," the taller one said, shaking hands as well.
"Gentlemen, good to meet you. Hope we can get along at school." Harry turned his attention to a shocked Malfoy. "Now, Mr. Malfoy, I do remember you. We met back at Diagon. You didn't make a great impression then and you're not making one now. You walk with an air of nobility, but there is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. Now I would suggest you apologize to my friend here and be on your merry way."
"You'd like that, wouldn't you, Potter," Draco spat. "The heir to the Malfoy legacy cow-towing to a mudblood. Not all of us are James Potter. Some of us know better than to sully our name with that sort."
Draco turned on his heel and stormed back into the corridor with Crabbe and Goyle following after a quick glance back at Harry, who inclined his head toward them in turn.
Harry sat back down and let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. Hermione sat there, petrified, wondering what happened. Did Harry just stand up for me? Wait, he said 'friend.' And where did he learn Hemmingway?
"I thought you didn't read much," Hermione asked with a smirk.
"You pick up a bit here and there," Harry responded. "I'm sorry about that and sorry about dumping all that on you. I don't know why… but I feel like I can trust you. This is a day for new experiences, I guess."
Harry looked toward the corridor that Malfoy just moved down.
"What a jerk. Didn't even properly introduce his friends, like they were his bodyguards or something. You said you brought a lot of books?" Hermione nodded. "Do you happen to have any about wizarding culture and society?
Hermione shook her head. "I didn't think about it but it makes sense. It's almost like its own country and each country has its own rules and customs. According to Hogwarts: A History, Hogwarts is supposed to have the best library in all of Europe, maybe they'll have something in there."
"Good idea. There's bound to be more like him. It would be good to know what is expected of us," Harry said as he rubbed his face with his hands. As he did that, the tape that was holding his glasses like bubble gum on a rope bridge lost all cohesion. His glasses fell from his face in two perfect pieces before landing on the ground in hundreds of imperfect pieces.
"Well, that's less than ideal."
"I got this," a blurry, bushy head said. He saw vague motion and heard a Latin phrase. Suddenly a hand was in front of his face, holding a perfect pair of black glasses. The lenses were intact, the bridge stronger than ever and they even looked cleaner too.
"Wow! Thanks, Hermione!" Harry exclaimed. "Wow, the lenses are better than they've ever been! I can actually see you clearer!"
"Well, we couldn't have the 'Boy-Who-Lived,'" she air-quoted, "arriving in broken glasses now can we?"
"And the same goes for my friend Harry," she finished with a smile.
Harry smiled back. It's nice to have a friend.
A kind-looking witch popped her head in next.
"Anything from the candy trolley, dears?" She said
Harry shot to his feet, excited to finally get to try the treats Dudley so often ate, oftentimes savoring his treats in front of Harry to torment him. He was confused when he didn't find any Reese's, Lemon Drops, Toblerone, or Cadbury. No, he was confronted with Chocolate Frogs, Licorice Wands and Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans. A tier below them sat packages of Pumpkin Pasties and Cauldron Cakes.
When in Rome, he thought and bought a little of everything with two bottles of Gillywater. He stepped back into the compartment, arms laden with his purchases.
"Anything for you?" the witch asked Hermione.
"No thank you," Hermione replied and the witch moved on.
"Would you like to share?" Harry asked.
"I'm not sure I should. My parents are dentists, remember?" Hermione looked conflicted. "I guess a little couldn't hurt..."
Carefully they worked their way through and soon found themselves surrounded by containers of the treats. Finally, they arrived at the beans.
"Wonder what they mean by any flavor?" Harry asked.
"I don't know, maybe it's a figure of speech? Here, have one," She held a yellow one out to him.
"What do I look like, a sap?" Harry asked
Hermione gave him a look that clearly said "yes." Harry relented and popped the bean into his mouth.
"Ugh! It actually is sap!" Harry said as he spat the bean out to Hermione's general amusement. He grabbed a red one. "Alright, your turn."
"Hmm! Strawberry! Tasty!" Hermione said with glee. She held up a brown with white spots.
"Uh uh, Granger. Not that easy. If you want me to eat that, you'll have to earn it."
As Harry finished, he opened his mouth. If he had paid more attention, he would have noted the mischievous look on his friend's face. Next thing Harry knew there was a bean sailing perfectly through the air into his open maw.
"Ha! Two points!" Hermione celebrated.
"Not bad. Mushroom, I think?" Harry said as he reached for a Chocolate Frog.
"I wouldn't have thought these were actual frogs but now I have trust issues," Harry considered aloud. "You first this time."
Harry untied the string, opened the box and saw a brief glimpse of brown before it tried to hop away. With cat-like quickness, Harry snatched the frog out of the air, holding it out for Hermione to grab.
"Wow, nice reflexes. If I didn't know better, I'd have thought you were a Jedi."
"Enough stalling. Is it a frog or is it chocolate?"
Hermione took a tentative bite of one of the legs.
"100 percent chocolate. Rich, tasty chocolate!"
"You have all the luck." Harry chuckled at first. Then Hermione laughed while trying not to choke on her chocolate and before long, uproarious laughter filled the compartment.
"Oh look it comes with a card," Hermione noticed. There was indeed a card at the bottom of the box. Harry grabbed the card and read aloud.
"Oh, it's Albus Dumbledore!" He said as Hermione moved to sit beside him. "Considered by many the greatest wizard of modern times, Dumbledore is particularly famous for his defeat of the Dark Wizard Grindelwald in 1945, the discovery of the twelve uses of dragon's blood, and his work on alchemy with his partner, Nicolas Flamel."
He turned the card back over. "He's gone!"
"How can he be gone?"
"I'm new to this whole thing but my guess would be magic."
Hermione swatted him on the arm. "Guess I'd walk out of the frame too if I could. Life as a portrait sounds rather banal."
"Imagine the Mona Lisa just deciding, 'screw you guys, I'm going home.'"
Hermione giggled and snorted before breaking down in side-splitting laughter, leaning up against Harry to keep from falling over.
That was the cutest sound I've ever heard, Harry thought as he joined her chorus of laughter. Wait? Cute? Where'd that come from?
With the tension well and truly broken, they soon fell into easy conversation about Hogwarts, its houses, which house they wanted to be in, what classes they were excited for and other easier topics.
Hermione glanced toward the window, only realizing how dark it was. "Oh, we must be almost there! We best get changed into our robes."
"I'll wait outside and then we can switch."
"Protecting my honor, Mr. Potter? How gallant."
"Always, Miss Granger."
After both had changed into their black robes with matching black ties, the train started to slow as it entered Hogsmeade station.
"Onward?" Harry said.
"Second star to the right, and straight on till morning, Mr. Potter."
They exited the train, joining the other black-clad students heading toward the castle they would call home for the next seven years.
(A/N) Thank you for the notes on length. It has been a while since I wrote so I'm getting more comfortable writing longer chapters. Chapters are probably going to get longer as we get into the meat of the story. Comment if they're getting overly long
*This dialogue is heavily-inspired by the dialogue between Marie and Jason in the Bourne Identity. It just synced up so well, I had to leave it.
And yes, I did just make the Mona Lisa quote Eric Cartman.)
Chapter 4: Come As You Are
Harry Looked up and saw a familiar black mane rising above the sea of students flooding off the train.
"Hey Hermione, want to meet a real-life BFG?"
Hermione looked over and nodded.
"Firs' years! Firs' years over here!" A voice boomed.
Harry led Hermione to the biggest man she had ever seen. Standing almost three meters tall, Hermione was taken aback and a little frightened until the giant noticed Harry and knelt down.
"There ya are 'Arry! I was worried all day. Realized I never told ya how to access th' platform. Who is this wit ya?"
"This is Hermione," Harry introduced his friend. "She actually helped me board the train."
"Well good ter meet ya 'Ermione!" Hagrid beamed at her. "Thanks for 'elpin' 'Arry here. Come an' have tea once you get settled would ya?"
Harry nodded and Hermione seemed intrigued as Hagrid leveled himself to his full height.
"Tha' all of ya?" He asked the crowd of terrified youngsters. "My name's Hagrid, keeper of th' keys and gamekeeper here at 'ogwarts. I'll be taking you to th' castle now. Stick close, don't want anyone wanderin' off now."
As a pack, the first years followed the gentle giant down the path toward a black lake where a host of dinghies sat.
"No more than four ter a boat," Hagrid warned. "Don't want to have to pull anyone outta th' water today.
Harry boarded a boat before turning to help Hermione in. Once she sat and was comfortable, Harry noticed two girls looking at the boats
"Need a hand?" Harry offered, extending his. One-by-one they took his hand to move into the boat.
"Thank you," the blonde said with indifference. Though she hid it well, Harry could see a touch of fear gracing her features. Her brunette friend offered a reserved smile and a nod as Harry sat next to Hermione.
"Everyone set?" Hagrid asked. "FORWARD!"
At this, the small flotilla moved away from the banks.
"Ye'll get yer firs' look at th' castle now," Hagrid said as they rounded the corner.
There, across the lake, stood the castle. Every window had a light, shining like a beacon to wayward travelers. The turrets stretched their way toward the cloudless, starry sky, looking like a Van Gogh painting come to life. Harry marveled at the sight, the castle reflected on the black water, the stars shining above, and the smells of the forest around permeating the air.
As Harry absorbed the scene, he thought of what lay ahead.
"So what house do you think you'll be in," Hermione asked back on the train.
"I don't know. I would like to think I'm brave enough for Gryffindor but you never know until your situation calls for it. School was always interesting and I learned quickly so Ravenclaw makes sense there. I've never really had friends before so I don't think I've developed the traits of a true Hufflepuff and Slytherin? I don't think I'm nearly ambitious enough. How about you?"
"Ravenclaw is for the bookish so I suppose that's where I'll be headed. Same issues for me with Hufflepuff and Slytherin typically houses purebloods that, if Draco were anything to go off of, wouldn't be healthy for me. I'm not really brave so I doubt I'm a Gryff."
"Oh I don't know," Harry replied. "It took real bravery to walk up to a stranger in a train station and offer to help them."
"You're one to talk, Mr. Draco-Apologize-to-this-person-I-just met. There's nothing braver than standing up for someone else."
"Guess that settles it. Either Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. Let's make a promise: no matter which house we're in, we stay friends."
"That's an easy promise to make."
Harry was brought out of his thoughts as the boats pushed through a waterfall of moss and docked at a boathouse below the castle. One-by-one the youngsters filed out of the boats, the dock creaking with the sudden weight thrust upon it as Hagrid raised his gigantic fist and knocked on the door three times.
The door creaked open, bringing images of a haunted mansion. In the doorway stood a tall, severe-looking woman.
"Th' firs' years Professor McGonagall," Hagrid turned them over to her and then moved past.
"Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," McGonagall said, surveying the group. "My name is Professor McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress and Head of Gryffindor house. In a moment I will lead you to the Great Hall. There you will be sorted into one of four houses formed by the school's founders. They are Godric Gryffindor's Lions, Helga Hufflepuff's Badgers, Rowena Ravenclaw's Eagles and Salazar Slytherin's snakes. While here, your house will be like your family. Any accolades will earn you house points while any rulebreaking will lose them. At the end of the year, the house with the most points will have the closing feast thrown in their honor. Each house has its own noble history and you will be tasked with adding to it throughout your seven years here. Now, follow me."
With military precision, she performed an about-face and marched the youngsters up toward the Great Hall, stopping them just outside the doors.
"Form up and wait here," She said. "We will enter in just a few moments."
As she walked off the check something, multiple girls screamed around the group. Harry turned, trying to decide whether fight or flight was the better option as an army of ghosts flew overhead.
"Ahh first years!" A ghost wearing ruffs observed. "Welcome to Hogwarts!"
"Hope to see you down in the Sett," another ghost, who looked remarkably like Friar Tuck, said. "Always glad to have more Badgers."
As the ghosts moved on, Harry's ears picked up another conversation happening.
"There's no way the Boy-Who-Lived shook your hand," A redheaded boy said.
"Just because the Weasleys are too poor to teach proper manners, doesn't mean Potter has to be," a voice, which Harry quickly identified as Draco, said.
"No way. He's been training with Dumbledore since he was a baby! There's no way he'd shake the hand of filthy snake," the redhead, Weasley apparently, said.
"I don't know what you've heard," Harry cut in, as the first years opened up a space so that Harry now had a clear line of sight to both boys. "But I have not been training since I was little. I'm not sure where that story originated but I can tell you, it didn't come from me. And as for shaking his hand, (Harry inclined his head toward Draco) yes I shook it. It would be rude to reject the hand that was offered, no matter how rude (Harry's gaze turned to glare at Draco) they were being at the time."
Any response to this was stalled as the door opened and McGonagall ushered them in.
They're going to have to find a better name. This hall is better than Great, Harry thought as he looked at the thousands of candles suspended over the four tables, the night's sky shining above.
"It's bewitched to look like the sky outside. I read about it in Hogwarts: A History, " Hermione said beside him. Harry could see other kids roll their eyes but he just smiled. He cast his eyes down to the head table where Albus Dumbledore stood, looking just like his chocolate frog card. In front of him sat a very old hat on what looked like an even older stool. Once the first years started filing in, a tear near the brim opened up and the hat spoke.
"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve and chivalry,
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true,
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
If you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin,
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folk use any means,
To achieve their ends.
So put me on! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!"
(Taken from the first book)
"You have to put on a hat?" Came Weasley's incredulous voice. "Fred and George told me I had to fight a troll!"
"Remind me to congratulate them on a well-constructed prank," Harry whispered to Hermione who giggled. Harry was thankful for Hermione's memorization of Hogwarts: A History as there was a full section on the sorting and the hat in particular.
McGonagall then unrolled a roll of parchment and began to read names.
"Abbott, Hannah." A blonde girl in pigtails walked forward and sat on the stool as McGonagall lowered the hat over her eyes.
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
The table to Harry's right applauded and Harry noticed the black tie Hannah wore turn to Hufflepuff black and gold.
"Bones, Susan"
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Boot, Terry"
"RAVENCLAW!" His tie changed to blue and bronze
Applause rang from the table to his left.
"Brown, Lavender"
"GRYFFINDOR!" The girl squealed with joy as her tie turned Crimson and Gold.
The table to the right of Hufflepuff clapped the loudest with whoops and shouts in celebration of their newest housemate.
"Bulstrode, Millicent"
"SLYTHERIN!"
The final table clapped, though it was by far the most reserved, worthy of a golf course. Bulstrode sank into an open spot on the bench, now wearing the green and silver tie of her house.
On the sorting went and Harry lost track of who went where until McGonagall called out "Davis, Tracey" as Harry recognized the brunette from the boat ride.
"SLYTHERIN!" The hat said. Harry politely clapped and gave her a small smile as she made her way to the table of green. Goyle joined Crabbe who was sorted into Slytherin earlier and before long "Granger, Hermione" was called.
Harry gave Hermione a warm smile as she nervously walked up to sit on the stool. McGonagall lowered the hat. Up to this point, every sorting had been quick but for Hermione, it took a minute before shouting out
"GRYFFINDOR!" Hermione's tie changed to her house colors as she hopped off the stool to join Lavender and the rest of the Lions
After Hermione was Tracey's blonde friend, Daphne Greengrass, apparently. Looking like royalty, Daphne glided up to the stool and had McGonagall lower it over her ice-blue eyes.
"SLYTHERIN!" The hat rang out after a minute's deliberation.
Daphne regally slipped off the stool and moved to sit down next to Tracey. Harry let his attention slip as he looked around the hall, drinking in every sight and smell that he could. He looked back and saw Neville putting the hat on.
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Neville was so excited that he ran off before McGonagall was able to take the hat off, leading to general laughter as he walked back to hand the hat back. Malfoy was quickly sorted into Slytherin as if the hat was afraid to touch Malfoy's head. On things went. "Parkinson, Pansy" joined Malfoy as a Snake while a set of twins, Padma and Parvati Patil, joined the Eagles and Lions, respectively, until it was time for…
"Potter, Harry"
"Really?"
"The Boy-Who-Lived?"
"He's here!"
Harry couldn't help but hear the comments from the hall as he walked toward the hat. The last thing he saw was a hall of people craning their necks to get a proper look at him.
Hmm… what do we have here? Harry heard a voice in his head. Oh yes, there's potential here. A good mind, yes. A strong sense of loyalty, I can see that and, what's this? A thirst to prove yourself as more than your legacy but still to honor your family? Ravenclaw would not help you with this but Slytherin could allow you to achieve everything you want."
"Do I get a say in this?" Harry thought.
"Oh, another one who talks back," the Hat said. "It gets really boring talking to myself, you know? Yes you have a say."
"I think I'd like Gryffindor. I know I have a friend there and I'm told that was the house my parents were in. I feel that's where I belong."
"Only a Lion would negotiate with a hat about their destination. Yes, my boy, you certainly belong in
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Harry was almost blown backward off the stool by the ovation that followed the hat's pronouncement. He felt magic at his neck and looked down to see his tie in his house colors, like all the rest.
"We got Potter! We got Potter" Harry spied a pair of redheads, possibly related to Weasley, chanting. After an uncomfortable moment of back slaps and hand shakes, Harry sat down in the spot Hermione saved for him, Neville sitting across from him as the sorting wound up.
"Turpin, Lisa" went to Ravenclaw and "Thomas, Dean" was the next Lion to be sorted. He sat next to a pale boy Harry thought was named Seamus. Harry learned Weasley's first name was Ron as he was sorted with his brothers into the Lions den and "Zabini, Blaise" was placed in Slytherin to conclude the sorting.
McGonagall pulled up the stool and moved the hat to the chamber behind the staff table as Dumbledore stood up.
"Welcome to all of our newest students. May you all be a credit to your house. Before we start the feast, I have a few announcements."
Ron groaned and his stomach rumbled.
"Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!"
At the last word, the platters filled with more food than Harry had seen in his life. Braised beef; fresh, steamed vegetables; roast chicken, duck, and turkey as far as the eye could see. Quicker than Harry with the frog earlier, Ron reached in for a pair of chicken wings, taking a bite out of each, eating like he thought it would vanish as quickly as it came.
For the next while, the only sounds in the hall were the clinking of silverware and goblets. During the dessert course, Harry took another look around the hall, this time up at the staff table. He saw McGonagall next to Dumbledore and a small man with salt-and-pepper hair and a goatee next to her. On the other side, he spied a portly witch leaning in to join the conversation between the headmaster and his deputy. Beyond her was a purple turban Harry recognized as Professor Quirrell, talking to a sallow-looking man with a hooked nose, clad in black robes. The man turned from Quirrell and looked Harry in the eyes.
"Ow!" Harry's hand shot to his forehead as his scar burned.
"You okay?" Hermione caught the motion, concern in her eyes.
"Yes, just a headache," Harry shrugged it off. Hermione's eyes narrowed but she let it go for now. Harry looked at the boy next to her and saw the boy's prefect badge.
"Excuse me?" Harry caught his attention and the boy looked over. "Who are the teachers up there? I know Hagrid and met Professor Quirrell in Diagon but I don't know the rest."
"Oh you know Professor Quirrell? That's Professor Snape that he's talking to. He's the Potions Master but rumor is he wants the Defense job. The small man next to Professor McGonagall is Professor Flitwick. He's the Charms teacher and the Head of Ravenclaw. On the other side, next to Dumbledore is Professor Sprout who teaches Herbology and is Head of Hufflepuff. And further beyond Professor Snape is..."
Percy continued down the line, introducing the teachers but Harry's attention remained on Snape. He had seen that look many times, it was the one Petunia saved specifically for him.
"I'm Percy Weasley, by the way," He finally introduced himself. "That there is Fred and George, my younger brothers, though do not ask me which is which, and you have probably already met Ron."
"How many of you are there?" Hermione asked as kindly as possible.
"Seven in all. Two of my brothers have graduated and one more, my sister, will start next year."
Harry nodded along as Dumbledore stood once again.
"Now that we are all fed and watered, welcome all of our first years and a welcome back to the rest of our students. First years, please note that the Forbidden Forest is off-limits to all students and a few of our older students ought to be reminded of that as well," his eyes scanned to the Gryffindor table. "A few announcements before the beds that I'm sure are calling your names. First, our Caretaker Mr. Filch has informed me yet again that Fanged Frisbees, Dungbombs and the other Zonko's products are forbidden within the castle. The list of banned items is on the door to his office on the first floor if you need it. Second, students are reminded that magic is forbidden in the corridors between classes. Last, the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is off-limits to all who do not wish to die a most painful death. Now, bed awaits. Pip pip!"
Dumbledore stepped off the dais as the students pondered whether he was serious or not, some even going so far as to plan how to investigate.
"First years, this way," Percy stood with a petite blond girl and beckoned the group to gather around. "I am Percy Weasley and this is Chelsea Thomason. We are the fifth-year prefects. Follow us and we will lead you to your dormitories in Gryffindor tower. Remember the way so you can make it back down to breakfast tomorrow."
Harry and Hermione trudged with heavy legs up staircase after staircase until they stopped before a painting of a rotund lady in an opera outfit.
"This is the Fat Lady," Chelsea explained. "She guards the entry to Gryffindor tower."
"Fortuna Major," Percy called out. The Fat Lady nodded and swung forward, revealing a doorway into what looked like a cozy sitting room. Percy faced the first years again once they filed in. "This is the Gryffindor common room where you can relax and study. Girl's dormitories are up and to the left, boys to the right. Find the door with your year, your trunks have already been moved there. Breakfast tomorrow goes from 7 to 8:30 with classes starting at 9. Curfew is at 10 and if you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask any of the prefects."
The first years all split up, some heading to explore the common room, others straight up to their dorms. Harry turned to Hermione.
"Okay we should be down here in the common room at seven to give us plenty of time to find our way to breakfast," Hermione declared. "Does that work for you?"
"Sounds good," Harry said.
Hermione didn't move and after a moment's deliberation, stepped forward to wrap Harry into a bone-crushing hug.
"Thank you for being my friend."
"It's nice to have a friend," Harry replied as he awkwardly patted her back. So that's what a hug feels like, huh?
He stepped back, smiled at her and bade her good night before venturing up the stairs. He found the sign that read "first years." Inside he found five four-poster beds arrayed in a circle with an opening for the doorway. A window looked out onto the forest. Harry watched a gigantic willow tree swaying in the breeze for a minute before turning and making his way to the bed closest to the window. He reached out a hand to examine the bed and when he made contact, his trunk appeared at the foot. At that, Neville entered and claimed the bed next to Harry.
That night, as he lay in the biggest, most comfortable bed he'd ever been in, Harry smiled.
"I'm home," he said and promptly rolled over into a deep sleep.
A/N: Thank you for all the follows, favorites and comments.
In response to Sazert: I don't intend for there to be any romance before third year at the earliest. Harry just thought the sound was cute, not necessarily that she was. I need to build their friendship properly and allow them to grow together so they don't fall apart and that will take time.
Chapter 5: One Week
Monday had dawned bright and clear as Harry made his way down to the common room to find Hermione sitting on a loveseat by the fireplace, reading a book.
"Good Morning," Harry called out as she looked. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, wonderful. Though it took a little bit of time, getting used to a new bed but It was nice, overall."
"I know what you mean. The beds here are the biggest, softest, warmest beds I've ever slept on."
He's never slept on a full-sized bed before? What exactly was his life like before yesterday? Horrifying thought after horrifying thought sped through her brain as she observed her new friend.
"Well, shall we head down?" Harry said as he hefted his book bag onto his shoulder. Together they walked out of the portal, down the curved marble staircase and onto the landing of the seventh floor.
Harry then realized he had no idea where they needed to go. It'd be nice if I had a map, he thought.
"You wouldn't happen to remember the way down, would you?" Harry asked.
"Of course! The prefects told us to remember last night," Hermione replied in an exasperated voice. "Come on, follow me."
Hermione led Harry down the hallway to the main stairwell. Three flights later, Harry stepped onto the next staircase and had his foot sink through a step all the way up past his ankle. As soon as he got stuck, the stairway started to move to a new platform. Hermione grabbed Harry under the armpits and pulled him out. Once free, Harry's inertia took him down the last half of the stairs, landing hard and loud in a heap at the bottom.
"Oh Harry!" Hermione ran to check on him. "Are you okay? That looked painful."
"Memo to self: avoid that step," Harry said as he took inventory of himself, to make sure all his pieces and parts were still attached. As he stood and dusted himself off, he heard a growl, followed by a loud bark ring out behind him. Remembering Marge's dog Ripper, Harry snapped to look behind him.
"Oh no! This must be the corridor that's off limits!" Hermione said, wringing her hands. "Oh, this is not good, not good at all. We're going to be in so much trouble!"
"Easy, Hermione," Harry tried to calm her down. "It's our first day and we're just learning our way around. The stairs moved while I was trapped. If anything, this is my fault and I'll take the blame. Though I would like to move away from these dogs. Wonder what they're protecting?"
"Protecting?"
"Forbidden corridor with lots of curious children around? What better way to make sure nobody comes poking around than a guard dog or three?"
"A good question for another time. Let's get out of here."
Without further incident, the pair made their way to the Great Hall. Even at half-past seven, few students had arrived. Making their way down the table, Harry and Hermione sat across from one other, Harry with his back to the wall. While Harry was digging into a bowl of porridge, Professor Snape entered the hall, leading the Slytherin first years into the hall. When he took his place at the staff table, Professor McGonagall walked up carrying two pieces of parchment.
"Good morning, Mr. Potter, Miss Granger." Professor McGonagall said. "Nice to see you get an early start to the day. Here are your schedules."
"Excuse me, professor?" Harry began. "Is there a school map or anything? I see my classes but I have no idea where the classrooms might be. We don't want to get lost or end up someplace we're not supposed to be" (again, he finished, inwardly.)
"Excellent question, Mr. Potter. You can interact with any of the portraits here or the ghosts. They will help direct you, Though you'll want to steer clear of Peeves, our Poltergeist if you actually want to make it to the proper place. 10 points to Gryffindor for the initiative." Hermione beamed at Harry and McGonagall walked off.
Making their way to their first class, Harry was followed by whispers, pointing, and general attention from the rest of the student population. After talking to a portrait of a group of wizards having a garden party, Harry and Hermione found the Transfiguration quite easily. They sat down in front of the class and spied a tabby cat sitting on the desk in front. Harry took a quick look to confirm they were alone in the classroom.
"Nice trick, Professor," Harry said to Hermione's astonishment. Even the cat looked surprised.
"How did you know?" Hermione asked. "I only know because she transformed to prove to my parents that magic exists."
"It's the eyes," Harry responded. "I've never seen a cat look that focused. One of our neighbors, Mrs. Figg, had a lot of cats so I have a lot of experience in that area."
"You're quite observant."
"Yeah, well I learned to be," Harry explained. "It's helpful in recognizing when someone is angry."
McGonagall, still in cat form, narrowed her eyes.
"What do you mean…" Hermione started to ask but stopped with the door opened and the rest of Gryffindor filed in with the Hufflepuffs and Neville sat down next to her.
"When's Professor McGonagall going to arrive?" Lavender Brown asked.
At her question, McGonagall transformed back into her human self.
"She's right here, Miss Brown," she said. "Welcome to Transfiguration: one of the most difficult and precise branches of magic. Using Transfiguration, you will learn to shape your magic and use it the transform something into another, conjure items from the air around you and vanish solid objects into air."
As she finished, she withdrew her wand and turned her desk into a pig and then back again.
"Mess around in my class and you will be asked to leave. Am I clear? Good. Now, (she waved her wand at the blackboard) there are several core principles to Transfiguration. Write them down and memorize them, please."
With that, she resumed her cat form while the class got to work. A few minutes into writing, the door banged open and a disheveled Ron Weasley entered, followed closely by Seamus Finnigan.
"I wondered if they would be late," Neville said. "Neither of them were up by the time I went down for breakfast."
"Oh good, we still beat McGonagall," Ron turned back to look at Seamus. "Can you imagine the look on old McGonagall's face if she knew we were late?"
"Would it possibly look like this one?" Ron turned to see McGonagall. "10 points from Gryffindor for tardiness, Mr. Weasley, Mr. Finnigan. Make sure to ask your classmates what you missed. Now take your seats and write down everything on the board."
From there, McGonagall placed a matchstick in front of every student, telling them the process for turning it into a matchstick. She had them practice the wand movements.
"Mutare materia is the incantation and you have the wand movements. Now try to put them together. Focus on what you want the matchstick to become."
Twenty voices rang out with "Mutare materia" and twenty matchsticks remained, though Hermione's took on a silver sheen.
"Keep trying and do not get discouraged. It is common for students to not see a change in their first lesson."
"Mutare material," Harry heard next to him and saw Hermione's match turn into a perfect sewing needle.
"How'd you do that?" Harry asked.
"Just relax and picture the needle in your mind very clearly," Hermione said. "Then do the wand movement with the incantation."
Harry closed his eyes and pictured the needle.
"Mutare materia," Harry said and watched the matchstick sharpen at one end and turn silver with a loop at the other end. In place of the match now stood a needle.
"Perfect explanation, Miss Granger," McGonagall said. "10 points to Gyffindor, five for being the first to complete the spell and five for helping others. Now both of you try changing the needle back. The incantation to revert anything is revertatur."
Hermione looked pleased as she turned to focus. One simple spell from both and the match returned.
"It is always easier to revert an object back to its natural state," McGonagall explained to the class.
Hermione turned to Neville, his face screwed up in concentration.
"Relax, Neville. You can't force the change, you have to guide your magic to shape the way the needle will appear."
"I just can't seem to get it to come! I'm pathetic."
"You're not pathetic, you're just trying too hard, Neville." Harry offered. "You can't force this."
Neville went back to work while Harry returned to focus on the match.
"Professor," Harry raised his hand. "Do you have to picture a needle or can you change it up?"
Harry closed his eyes and pictured a metal crochet hook that he remembered Mrs. Figg using once. Hers was purple, a hook on the end, thicker at the base. "Mutare materia" He opened his eyes to see the hook as he pictured.
"Well done Mr. Potter," an impressed McGonagall picked up the hook.
"Yes you have some element of creativity with this but the greater the creativity, the more power it requires. Though I would caution you," she snapped the hook that was clearly still made of wood. "Make sure to think through to composition of the item you are transfiguring. Otherwise, you're liable to end up with something like this. You tried so hard to make it what you imagined that forgot to make your hook metal in the process."
She repaired the hook and reverted it to a match, replacing it in front of Harry.
Class continued on and only a few more students were able to change their needles. Neville got his to turn silver but he still exited the classroom, his head hung low.
After Transfiguration came Herbology, which neither Harry nor Hermione was quite as adept in. They were working with a plant that Harry thought must have been part weed and part Python. He reached in to try and repot the thing when the plant grabbed his arm in a death grip.
His fingers started to purple as the thorns dug into his skin. Remembering Petunia's precious roses (that were really his precious roses) and how many times he had been forced through them for "being freakish," Harry started to panic. It was then a pair of hands grabbed hold of the vine and peeled it back.
"Careful, Harry," Neville said. "The more you tense, the harder Devil's Snare holds on. Direct sunlight and flame will also make it retreat if needed."
"Thanks, Neville," Harry tried to get his breathing to calm. "I'm not a huge fan of plants and gardening, though you seem to be a natural."
"We have a greenhouse at home," Neville said. "I spent a lot of time out there. It is my favorite place to relax."
"What would happen if a muggle were to work with one of these plants?" Harry gestured to the plants around the greenhouse.
"They'd die," Neville said as Hermione's eyes widened.
"Is the same true with squibs?"
Neville nodded.
"And how long did you say you've been working with them?" Harry said.
"Since I was six."
"So you're saying that, while your family was wondering whether or not you were magical, you were in a greenhouse, comfortably working with all manner of magical plants?" Harry peered at the sandy-haired boy he was working with.
"I never thought of it like that."
"While most of us were using accidental magic to turn our teacher's hair blue or," Harry looked at Hermione.
"Summon books that we wanted to read," Hermione blushed.
"You were actually controlling your magic to work with plants?" Harry finished. "That's really quite impressive."
As the class wrapped up and Harry was scrubbing the dirt from his hands.
"That was a nice thing you did," Hermione said as she joined him in washing her hands. "Giving Neville some confidence which he obviously desperately needs? You're a good person, Harry Potter."
"There's no reason for family to make anyone feel inferior," Harry said as he dried his hands, grabbed his book bag and moved out of the greenhouse, not noticing Hermione's furrowed brow and narrowed eyes.
After lunch, the trio made their way toward their first Defense class which turned out to be a true disappointment. An hour and a half later, Harry walked out of the room disgruntled with his first class.
"That was disappointing," Harry said. "I was hoping there would be more. He just stood at the front of the class and extolled the virtues of 'being prepared' and vague overtures about how 'evil never sleeps.' I was hoping to learn some actual defense so I could actually protect myself."
"I mean he is a professor and it was the first class," Hermione argued. "You can't expect to be thrown into the deep end, can you? Have some patience, though it would be better if he didn't stutter quite so bad."
"I'll give him a chance but not the benefit of the doubt, Hermione," Harry said with finality.
They returned to the common room, pulled out a roll of parchment and started the homework McGonagall had assigned. Thanks to Hermione, they finished it with an hour and a half to spare, prompting Hermione to ask the question she was sitting on all day.
"Do you think we can find the library before dinner?" Hermione asked as Harry laughed.
"Yes we can go find the library, though I am impressed you waited this long to ask. I figured you would have asked the first thing this morning."
"Well I was hungry and then you fell down the stairs so I had a few things distracting me," Hermione said.
"I appreciate your restraint. You deserve a reward." Harry walked to the portrait hole and led her down the steps. Thanks to the Ravenclaw's ghost, the Grey Lady, they soon walked into what Hermione would call "heaven."
Shelf upon shelf held a massive amount of knowledge just waiting for her. She could smell the leather bindings of the books; feel their age as she moved her hands across the spines, lovingly caressing the tomes.
We're going to need to put a bed in here for her, I feel, Harry chuckled to himself. They walked up to the desk in the center of the library and met Madam Pince, a stern-looking woman whose eyes seemed to be on constant alert for trouble.
"Welcome to the Hogwarts library," Pince lectured. "This place is a privilege to students and privileges can be taken away. Do not write on any of these books, do not damage them and return them to this desk when you are finished. If you wish, you may check one out with me at the desk here. Keep the noise to a respectful volume and if you cast any spell at another student in here you will find yourself forcefully evicted from the premises. Am I clear?"
Two heads quickly nodded.
"Behind me is the restricted section. Any books here may only be checked out with a signed note from a teacher."
After Pince's soliloquy, they split up to explore the shelves. Harry made note of the defense section and went in search of a book on wizarding culture. Three aisles later, he was getting frustrated until he spotted a pair of familiar heads at one of the study desks.
"Pardon me, Miss Greengrass, Miss Davis?" Harry approached slowly. "First off, I apologize for not introducing myself yesterday. Harry Potter."
He extended his hand and they both shook it in turn.
"Good to meet you, Mr. Potter," the blonde Greengrass said. "I am Daphne Greengrass, heiress to the Greengrass House and this is Tracey Davis of House Davis. Can we help you with something?"
"Actually you can. My friend and I both come from the muggle world and we are hoping to find a book on wizarding culture and customs. I've been looking for one in the library but I am coming up blank. I was hoping you might know."
"Look in the History section," Daphne responded. "There should be a book called Wizarding Culture and Etiquette for the Uncultured. It's a bit dry but it has everything you'll need."
"Thank you," Harry turned to leave.
"Oh and Potter," Tracey said. "While you're there, take a look at Wizarding Families of Britain. You'll find it rather interesting."
Harry nodded and moved toward the section to find the recommended books.
"That was odd," Tracey said.
"We'll have to keep a closer eye on Heir Potter, don't you think?" Daphne asked and Tracey nodded.
Plucking the two books off the shelves, Harry went to find Hermione. A minute later, he found her in between Charms and Transfiguration sections with her eyes drinking in every book.
"Worth the wait?"
"Oh it's simply wonderful! I think I could live here."
At that phrase, two stomachs rumbled.
"Okay maybe live is an exaggeration," Hermione said. "It's just about time for dinner. Let's go."
On Tuesday came the first Charms class with the Ravenclaws, taught by the diminutive Professor Flitwick who had to stand on his desk to be seen.
"Welcome to Charms," he squeaked. "While in Transfiguration, you learn how to shape your magic, here you learn to control it. Charms class is not as precise as other branches of magic so it offers some flexibility. With this, you can put a quill away," he lifted his wand and guided a quill toward a drawer in his desk, "or you can put it into the wall." He flicked his wrist and the quill embedded itself into the wall behind him.
"With Charms under your full control, there are no limits to what you can do. First, we will be learning the lighting charm Lumos. A simple charm; simply flick your wand up with the incantation and your wand will light. Try it now."
As one the class made the incantation and wands lit across the classroom.
"Good!" Flitwick continued to pace on top of his desk. "Now feel your magic. Feel it flowing through you, down your hand and into your wand."
Harry felt the warmth of his magic coursing through his arm.
"Now, try to change the flow. Push more out, or constrict the flow."
As Harry constricted the flow of his magic, the light dimmed. He pushed a little through and the light shone brighter.
"Excellent work, Mr. Potter! Five points to Gryffindor! See how the change of the flow is changing the light. This is true of all charms. Every charm requires different levels of power to cast. The more power you give a spell, the more powerful it will be. A word of caution when you start casting on another person: an overpowered stupefy or even expelliarmus can do serious harm. Imagine that quill but with a person instead.
"That is what we are doing here. Learning spells is important, yes, but at the same time you will be learning to control your magic so that you are not a danger to yourself or other students."
Flitwick then had them move on to the knockback jinx, Flipendo, on a quill to teach them how to let their magic out in bursts instead of the steady stream for Lumos.
"Now that you can feel and vary your power," the professor said. "I want you to learn to release it on command. Remember my warning, release too little and this won't work. Release too much and you can hurt someone. Sense your magic, feel it flow through you and learn to channel it properly."
At the conclusion of the class, Harry was worn out.
"I think I could use a nap," he told Hermione as they walked to History. Ten excruciating minutes in, he turned to her.
"This is not what I meant. I thought having a ghost as a professor would be interesting."
"Just keep the book open and read along with it," Hermione's razor-sharp mind seemed to be one of the only ones to remain focused. Neville's eyes were glazed, Ron was snoring softly in his chair, and Parvati and Lavender seemed to be chatting with one another. Since History was with all the other houses, Harry took a look around. In the Hufflepuffs, Susan Bones was doing her best to fight nap jerk while Hannah and Ernie Macmillan appeared to be playing a wizarding version of hangman. The Ravenclaws appeared to be using the Hermione Granger strategy while most of Slytherin looked to be discussing something of general importance.
"Take notes of the important parts for review later. He's just teaching out of the book so it should be easier to know what questions will be on the test."
With the bell, the class stirred out of their collective naps and made their way into the brightly-lit hall.
That night in the common room, Harry was perusing the book on wizarding culture when Ron walked up.
"Hey Harry," he said, nervously. Harry noticed the board tucked under his arm. "Would you like to play a game of chess?"
Harry pondered for a moment. Hermione seemed to be busy writing a letter while Neville was reading a Herbology text from home. Ron noticed his eyes nervously flicking toward Fred and George who seemed to be in a hushed conversation. Harry had only known them two days but he knew that was a sign of impending mischief.
"Sure," he replied. "I've never played before so you'll have to teach me."
With that, Ron started explaining how the different pieces moved. Harry didn't think Ron meant literally, as his Wizard's Chess set had actual moving pieces that would capture a piece by smashing it. Even though they repaired themselves once off the board, it was still a shock the first time it happened. Harry was easily trounced the first two games but noticed Ron liked to give his opponents obvious moves, leading to traps, allowing him to counter.
"How do you like classes?" Harry asked.
"They're not that bad. History's boring but Charms is fun. I'm not looking forward to Potions with the snakes," Ron said. "Fred and George say Snape is terrible, worst teacher in the school and he heavily favors his house."
Harry absorbed this and resolved to prepare extra hard for the class.
"We'll see how he is," Harry said as Ron's knight checkmated his King for the third game in a row. "I think that's about enough for me. Thanks for teaching me. I look forward to our next game."
Harry walked off to sit down with Hermione.
"You could have checkmated him three moves earlier if you had moved your Bishop to B6," Hermione said without looking up.
"Didn't realize you played chess."
"It's not my favorite game but I do know how to play."
"Anyway, Ron was talking to me about Potions. Apparently, Professor Snape is pretty biased toward his house so it might be a good idea to prepare a little ahead of time."
"I've heard similar stories float around the common room. Let's grab our books and prepare."
Friday finally came and with it the first Potions class. Slytherin had already gathered around the door when the Gryffindors arrived.
"Well, Potter," Malfoy stepped forward toward Harry. "You made it through the week. Oh, and it looks like you've still got your little pet with you."
His eyes moved toward Hermione as Harry stepped forward, meeting his challenge.
"Good morning, Mr. Malfoy," Harry said. "My your hair is looking wonderful. How early do you have to get up to get it looking like that? Petunia would love to know your tricks. Even with all that time spent, you're still here early enough to greet me. I'm so glad you've taken a special interest in my well-being, it makes me feel so special. Mr. Goyle, Mr. Crabbe, it's good to see you again. Hope you've had a good first week."
Before any more words could be exchanged, the door of the dungeon swung open and the class filed in.
"Welcome to Potions class, I am Professor Snape. In this class, there will be no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations. As such, I don't expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art that is potion-making. However, for those select few… 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.
"Ah, Mr. Potter," Snape drawled, a sneer on his lip. "Our new celebrity. What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood."
Harry's brain churned as Hermione's hand pierced the air. He tried to remember what One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi said about these two ingredients.
"I'm not sure the exact potion, sir," Harry started. "But I believe those two elements would combine to make some sort of sleeping agent."
"Mr. Malfoy!" Snape turned to the blonde boy. "Where would you look if I asked you to find me a bezoar?"
"The stomach of a goat, sir," Malfoy responded in a cocky tone.
"That is correct. Five points to Slytherin," Snape's eyes shot to Ron who was staring off into space. "Mr. Weasley! What is the difference between Monkshood and Wolfsbane? Miss Granger lower your hand, this question is for Mr. Weasley."
"Well one starts with an 'M' and the other with a 'W,' Ron said with a small smile. Clearly, this was the wrong thing to do.
"Ten points from Gryffindor for your cheek. To answer: Monkshood and Wolfsbane are the same plant, called aconite and it is crucial in preparing the Wolfsbane Potion. A bezoar is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat and will save you from most poisons. Adding powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood does make a sleeping agent, a powerful one known as the Draught of Living Death."
"Where're the points for Harry's answer?" Ron demanded.
"15 points from Gryffindor, Mr. Weasley, for telling me how to run my class. Now you will find the recipe for today's potion used to cure boils. You will be working with your station partner; the instructions are on the board. You have an hour."
The students all set out to work. Harry picked up his quill and began writing the instructions while Hermione ran to get their supplies from the cupboards. Harry was just lighting the fire on his cauldron as Hermione returned.
Both were halfway done when they heard a couple of screams from the next station. Neville had somehow managed to melt his cauldron and Ron's shoes were melting as Neville howled in pain, welts appearing over his forearms.
"Idiot boy!" Snape rushed over, his cape billowing as he walked. "I suppose you forgot the part about taking the cauldron off the fire before adding the porcupine quills!? Potter! Why didn't you warn him? Did you think it would make the Boy-Who-Lived look better by comparison? 20 points from Gryffindor! Weasley, take Longbottom to the Hospital Wing. Hopefully, Madam Pomfrey can help his hands since I apparently can't help his brains."
Harry was fuming with a death grip on his cutting knife. A hand landed on his knee and he looked over to see Hermione gazing at him with concern. Harry took a deep breath, calmed down and continued working.
15 minutes later, Harry and Hermione filled a vial with their potions and put them on Snape's desk.
"Passable but barely, Potter," Snape said without looking up.
Harry walked away from the desk, angry and confused. For whatever reason, Snape seemed to hate him and he had no clue as to why.
"Everyone, I want two rolls of parchment on this potion, its construction and uses, due by the beginning of class next week."
Still pondering Professor Snape's attitude as they exited the dungeon, Harry turned his attention toward his meeting with Hagrid.
The lovable giant had sent Harry a note at breakfast, inviting him to tea after his classes.
"Do you want to visit Hagrid with me?' Harry asked Hermione as they entered the Great Hall.
"Oh, I don't know. We've got that that essay Snape assigned, practice on Transfiguration and Charms, plus we have to finish our star charts from last night and I'd like to start looking ahead to next week's material."
"Which is why it might be a good idea to take a break," Harry offered. "This is all so new to me and my brain is a little overloaded. Taking some time to relax would probably do us some good."
Hermione pondered his words as a gray barn owl landed in front of Harry with a note. Harry took the note and unfurled it.
"Mr. Potter," the note read. "Please meet me in my office at 4 this afternoon. I have something that I would like to talk to you about.
Signed,
Professor McGonagall"
"Wonder what she wants to talk to me about?" Harry wondered aloud. "I can't have done anything that terrible, can I?"
"I don't think so but there's only one way to find out," Hermione said. "And I think I will join your visit to Hagrid."
Together they ventured through the courtyard down toward Hagrid's hut. They knocked on his door and heard a booming bark ring out. Harry stepped back as Hermione stepped closer to him.
"Back Fang! Back!" A recognizable voice rang out.
"'Arry, 'Ermione!" He beamed. "Glad ter see ya! Come in, I just put th' kettle on!"
As soon as they entered the shack, Fang pounced on the unsuspecting children.
"Good thing I just washed my hands," Harry whispered to Hermione as his hands were soon covered in slobber. They looked around at the shack that was little more than a flat. A bed sat in the corner covered in what looked like a unique assortment of furs that Harry couldn't quite tell what they were. In front of the fireplace sat a huge armchair and coffee table with a small (relative to Hagrid's size) dinette where Hagrid was setting out tea for the three of them.
"How's yer first week been?" Hagrid asked. Hermione quickly launched into a detailed account of their with Harry adding in commentary every once and while.
"But I don't know what Snape's-
"-Professor Snape, Harry," Hermione chided.
"-problem with me is though," Harry grumbled.
"Hogwash! Why would he have a problem with yer?" Hagrid said though Harry noticed he wouldn't meet Harry's eyes.
Harry cast his eyes to the table, continuing to ponder Snape when his eyes landed on the newspaper sitting out. Intrigued, Harry picked it up.
Break-in at Gringotts! Perpetrator Still At Large; Nothing Stolen, Goblins Say! Harry picked up the paper to read.
"Hagrid, this says the culprit broke on July 31. That's my birthday. We were there the same day. Maybe we saw them when we were there? Wait… it says the vault was emptied that day and you emptied Vault 713. Is that why Dumbledore had you grab it? Did he know it was going to be taken?"
"Don' know what yer talkin' bout" Hagrid said shifting his eye to the window. "Look at the time. I best be getting' yer back to th' castle."
Once Hagrid left them at the entrance hall, Hermione turned to Harry.
"What do you want to bet that's what those dogs are guarding?" Harry nodded at her theory as they climbed the stairs.
"Wonder what it is, the package wasn't large and is it really safe to keep it in a castle full of students."
"Oh! Look at the time," Hermione exclaimed as she checked her watch. "I didn't realize we were talking with Hagrid that long. It's almost time for your meeting with McGonagall. You don't want to be late."
"Thanks, Hermione. Are you headed to the library?"
"I'll be in the common room, actually. I just remembered I have a letter for my parents that I need to finish. Thank you for pushing me to come to visit Hagrid. I didn't realize how much I needed the break."
"You're welcome. I'll catch up with you in the common room."
Harry turned the corner and headed toward McGonagall's office, his heart nervously beating a little faster.
A/n: There you have the first week of class. There you saw the two different methodologies of Harry and Hermione. Hermione is quicker to master spells but Harry is more creative, and not as rigid. Harry won't be Genius!Harry but he will be smarter without Ron, who I think dragged him down. Ron is still going to be in this story, though I'm going to try and do more with his character. You're also starting to see Harry connect with a few more students, especially Neville.
Transfiguration spells are never really explored in the books so I've just taken it to be a Latin phrase, this one meaning "Change material" and made Transfiguration more about picturing the object than the spell itself and you have to picture and understand what you want otherwise it won't come out right, like Harry forgetting the hook would be metal. I won't get into the spells much from here on but I wanted to establish the principles.