The next morning Harry was up bright and early. He dutifully made his bed, then hurried off with Justin down the hall to the common room.

"Good morning!" Susan called cheerfully as she came from the opposite hall where the girls dorm was. "You mind if I join you boys for breakfast?"

"Please," Justin said, and Harry nodded happily as well. Together the three first years made their way up the kitchen passage to the great hall, where breakfast was already being served.

"The food is quite excellent," Justin observed as he dug into a large plate of beans and sausage.

"My father always said the one thing he missed most about Hogwarts were the meals," Susan declared as she liberally spread jam on her toast.

Harry smacked his lips in appreciation after taking a bite of fried oatcakes. "I can see why. My dad was always talking about going on adventures with his friends, but I could really get used to having grub like this."

Once they'd finished breakfast, the three 'puffs pulled out their schedules and studied them. "Looks like the first thing we have is Defense with Ravenclaw," Susan said. "Then transfiguration with Slytherin, Xylomancy with Ravenclaw again, and Charms with Gryffindor."

"They sound so fascinating. I fear I will be behind the two of you though. I shall have to work hard to catch up," Justin said.

Harry shook his head. "Not so much. I didn't even get my wand until a month ago, and while I've helped my dad a bit with potions and such, I don't know much about magic beyond the fact I've seen it done."

"Don't worry, muggleborns catch up very quickly," Susan assured Justin. "You'll do fine as long as you work hard, and if you're really stuck Harry and I would love to help.

Gabriel led the first year Hufflepuffs to their first class, warning them about the staircases as they went. "They like to change directions, but it's a bit predictable. On your schedules you have the most reliable routes. Sometimes you will have to find a work around though, so be sure to head to all your classes a bit sooner than you might think necessary, at least until you get a feel for things around here."

At the Defense Classroom, Harry waved to Hermione who was sitting with one of the Indian twins.

"How's Ravenclaw?" Harry asked as he took a seat next to the two girls.

"It's wonderful!" Hermione gushed. "You have to answer a riddle to get in. Last night it was easy, it was the old sphinxes riddle and I think we all knew it. Oh, and this is Padma Patil, she's in the same dorm as I am. Padma, this is Harry Potter."

"Hello," Padma said, looking at Harry with a measuring expression. "I thought you'd be taller."

"Well, maybe someday," Harry joked, feeling a bit awkward once again as his classmates treated him like a rare specimen of some sort. "This is Justin Finch-Fletchley, he's a muggleborn like you Hermione, and this is Susan Bones."

"Charmed, I am sure," Justin said, shaking Hermione and Padma's hands.

Susan waved cheerily as she took out her books. "Hello!"

"Is that a dragon skeleton?" Justin whispered to Harry, nodding to a large winged creature hanging from the ceiling.

"Wyvern I'd guess," Harry answered. "Notice how it doesn't have any forelimbs aside from the wings? Dragons are quadrupeds but also have the wings."

"Harry's right," Susan agreed. "My Uncle Antoine works at a dragon preserve in Wales."

"Incredible. It would be famous to see a dragon I think," Justin said, still looking up at the wyvern skeleton.

After a short time, Professor Jones bustled into the classroom. She paused a moment to say hello to Megan, who turned out to be her second cousin.

"Welcome everyone to your first year Defense Against the Dark Arts class. As you know, I am a new professor this year, but I have several years of experience combating the Dark Arts as a magical pest remover. This year, our curriculum will cover basic hexes and jinxes, as well as their counters. Now, since you're all new to your wands, today we'll simply work on the basic light and darkness spells, Nox and Lumos. I want you to be able to produce a steady beam of light, and cancel it at will. Once you've mastered that, you may begin your homework which is on the board. Now, watch as I demonstrate the spell. Lumos!"

The tip of the Professor's wand glowed brightly, emitting a beam of light. She flexed her wrist and said,"Nox!" the light was extinguished instantly. "Begin please, I'll be walking around to assist with any of you having trouble."

As Harry had practiced just this spell when he first got his wand, he was easily able to produce a beam of light. It took him a few tries to get it to remain consistent though, as his wand kept fluctuating with power. "Dragon heartstring wand dear?" Professor Jones asked as she passed by.

Harry nodded. "Yeah, my dad said it's a great wand, but it's going to take time for me to bond with it and really get a feel for the power of the wand."

"Very good, it's important to really know your wand before we attempt anything advanced."

Susan had easily mastered her spell, producing a steady beam and extinguishing it with a flick of her wrist and a nox. "Unicorn hair," Susan said, holding up her wand and smiling. "Good for consistency."

"I've got a phoenix feather in mine I think," Justin said, waving his wand and saying "Lumos!" it merely sputtered. Justin flushed, looking embarrassed. "I guess I'm not as good as you."

"Truth be told, this is the first spell most families teach their kids," Susan said, holding up her wand. "My mum and I were practicing this before I even came to Hogwarts. I think professor Jones knows that, but she wants to see who's a muggleborn in the class without asking. It's a polite way of figuring out who knows the basics of spellwork and who needs some extra help."

"Yeah, my dad and I were practicing this and some simple charms at home," Harry agreed. "Here, watch how I do it Justin."

After about 10 minutes, Justin was able to coax a faint glow from his wand, and get it to go off again. By the end of the periods, his wand was shining brightly, as were all the other students. To Harry's surprise, Hermione had been one of the first students to get her wand to light up, despite being a muggleborn like Justin.

"We're you trying some spells at home, Hermione?" Harry asked as they left the classroom.

Hermione nodded excitedly. "Yes, I was certain that I could manage it, and the pictures were very clear."

"I couldn't get anything I did alone to work," Justin admitted. "But I did like sleeping with my wand. It just felt right."

"Most wizards sleep with their wands," Padma put in. "Not just for defense, but because it feels weird not having your wand with you. I keep mine under my pillow."

"See you in xylomancy, Harry!" Hermione said, waving goodbye as they parted ways.

Transfiguration was very enjoyable. Professor McGonagall started off the class as a cat, which Harry immediately recognized, as did several other muggleborns. For once, it was the purebloods and half bloods who were in for a surprise.

"What, the teacher decided to not even show up?" Draco Malfoy said as he waltzed into the classroom. "Typical Gryffindor. Not even enough manners to be prompt."

The small tabby cat leapt from the desk towards Draco, transforming into Professor McGonagall mid leap. "I believe it is you, Mr. Malfoy, who is late. In future, I would advise you to refrain from disparaging remarks about others when they reflect qualities you yourself are guilty of. Perhaps two points from Slytherin will help you remember this fact."

Several of the Hufflepuff students sniggered, having already picked up on Draco's arrogant attitude. Draco glared around the room, his eyes fixing on Harry. Wiping the grin off his face, Harry tried to assume a polite but neutral expression. Realizing that it would be unwise to antagonize McGonagall further though, Draco stalked over to an empty desk by the rest of the Slytherins and sat down.

The first lesson was to turn a matchstick into a needle. To Harry's surprise, this was very easy for him; he had his matchstick transfigured before anyone else.

"Very good Mr. Potter. I seem to recall your father James was rather adapt at transfiguration himself. Take a point for Hufflepuff."

Harry grinned up at McGonagall, then turned to help Justin and Susan. Justin actually managed to get his matchstick sharp and pointy by the end of the practical part of the lesson, where the class took notes on Gamp's Laws of Elemental Transfiguration.

"See, you're doing very well Justin," Susan said encouragingly. "Your matchstick was even looking a bit silver towards the end there."

Smiling, Justin nodded at the praise, then checked his schedule. "Well at least it's lunch time now, it seems practicing magic gives one a bit of an appetite."

Lunch turned out to be every pit as good as breakfast. There were several kinds of sandwiches, some meat pasties, and even Shepherd's Pie. Harry took a large piece of pie and dug in happily, washing it down with a cup of cold pumpkin juice.

"Wow, do people really drink this?" Justin asked, looking into his goblet skeptically. "Pumpkin is very nice and all, but pumpkin juice?"

"Good for developing magical minds," Susan stated.

Harry nodded. "Yep. Princes Prime Pumpkin Juice: What a developing magical core needs."

"What's a magical core?"

"Just something they made up I think, but the idea's right. Pumpkin has mystical properties," Susan explained.

"Oh." Justin made a face like he was taking medicine, and downed the juice. " Perhaps it will grow on me."

Xylomancy turned out to be a basic divination class, taught by the eccentric professor Trelawney, who invariably predicted that every fall of the sticks would lead to some sort of disaster.

"I think this is bollocks," Harry muttered as he tossed his sticks in the air. "I mean, how do the sticks know what I'm going to do?"

Susan shrugged as she studied her sticks. "Who knows? Professor Trelawney said next week we'll be using the sticks as dowsers. At least that should be interesting. Hmm, according to this, I should look for good fortune next month."

"My dear, you are reading the sticks upside down!" Professor Trelawney declared as she sauntered over. "This clearly indicates you're about to lose something precious."

"Maybe it's our time in this boring class," Justin muttered, causing his friends to have to stifle their giggles.

Charms on the other hand, was very interesting. Ron and Neville came over to sit with Harry and introduce themselves to Justin and Susan. "I hope this class is better than bloody potions," Ron muttered. "Snape took three points from Neville and me just because we messed it up. I mean really, we've never even made a potion before."

Professor Flitwick showed the class the levitation charm, which Harry of course already knew, as Remus had taught him how to do it. He happily helped his friends though, and earned a point from the Professor for showing house spirit. "Most excellent that you are willing to assist even those outside your own house, Mr. Potter!"

"Well, Ron and Neville can still be my friends Professor, and a good Hufflepuff is a true friend," Harry said modestly.

After class they had a few hours of leisure before dinner, which the five friends spent exploring the castle grounds down towards the lake.

"Fred and George told me there's a giant squid out there somewhere," Ron said, skipping a rock out over the waters.

"Yeah, I think my dad and his mates are responsible for that," Harry explained, skipping his own rock.

Ron frowned. "What? Who's your dad? Fred and George said it was some guys named Padfoot, Moony, Wormtail and Prongs."

"Oh, yeah, that was them alright. My birth father James was Prongs. Moony is Remus, my dad, and Wormtail was Peter Pettigrew, you know, the hero from the last war."

From Ron's pocket came a squeak, and rat peeked out. "Oi, Scabbers, what is it?" Ron said, drawing the rat out. "Something bothering you mate?"

"Is that your pet?" Harry asked.

Ron blushed. "Yeah, I it is. He's Percy's old rat. I couldn't have a cool pet, like an owl. I always get hand me downs."

"I rather like rats," Harry said stoutly. "Could I hold him?"

Ron grinned and handed the rat over. Harry stroked Scabbers, noticing that he was missing his second claw on his right paw. Harry got a bit teary eyed, wiping his face. "He's a brilliant rat Ron, and very special. Keep him in honor of Peter Pettigrew."

"Well, he wasn't a rat, was he? He was a hero," Ron said, trying to understand why Harry was reacting like this.

"Sometimes even rat's can be heroes," Harry said softly, giving Scabbers a piece of treacle tart he'd been saving for a late snack. Scabbers happily accepted the offering, seeming very content in Harry's hands. For a moment, Harry half wondered if the rat was more intelligent than it seemed, as it looked Harry right in the eye. The the rat flinched, squealed, and took it's piece of tart back to Ron's pocket.

"Say, who was Padfoot then?" Ron asked as he tucked Scabbers away.

Harry's face darkened. "We don't talk about Padfoot," he growled. It was only with a effort of will that he managed to keep his wolf down, as his bloodlust always rose when he thought of the Black traitor.

"Alright, never mind, I don't really care about them anyway. Still, I would like to see the squid," Ron said.

"I'll write my dad, see if he knows how to get it to surface," Harry promised.

That night, Harry wrote a quick letter to his father and handed it off to Hedwig.

Dear dad,

Well, I'm in Hufflepuff! I rather like it here. I've made friends with two of my house mates, Susan Bones and Justin Finch-Fletchley. Justin's a muggleborn, but he says his mum is some sort of muggle nobility. Still, he's not stuff or cruel like some of the pureblood families, and I think we'll be good friends.

By the way, you're still famous here! Ron Weasley knows about the giant squid you and the Marauders let loose in the lake during your sixth year. He even knew your Marauder names! I sort of wish I could have been in Gryffindor to try to find some of your old haunts, but the Badger's Set is pretty brilliant.

Classes are good so far. Hestia Jones is the new DADA professor. Do you know her? Hope to hear from you soon,

Your son, Harry

Hedwig hooted, and Harry opened the small window above his bed. The owl happily scampered out and took off into the night. Tired but content, Harry lay down and was soon asleep.

The next morning, Hedwig returned, bearing a letter for Harry.

Dear son,

Congratulations, I'm sure you'll do very well in Hufflepuff. I'm sure Professor Sprout was over the moon that she won the betting pool. Looks like i owe her a galleon, I was betting with your Auntie Minnie. I owe Hagrid a galleon too! He said you'd be a Badger, and it looks like the big man was right. He's a lot smarter than he seems. If you ever need anything, know that Hagrid will always look out for you and is very understanding of your condition; he helped me when I was younger as well.

I'm not surprised that my infamy continues on. I think James would be thrilled to know he's still remembered, though personally I could do with forgetting. I'm not certain they ever did manage to get the squid ink out of the Gryffindor girls showers.

I'm afraid I don't know Hestia Jones personally, though I did know her older brother Ellis Jones; he was in Hufflepuff two or three years behind us.

Know that I'm proud of you and love you. The Cottage isn't the same with you gone.

Love, Dad

"Harry, do you know how I could send a letter home to my parents?" Justin asked, looking at Hedwig admiringly. "I don't think owls deliver post to Bundleford Manor."

"I'm afraid I don't," Harry admitted. "Ask Gabriel or Wendy, I'm sure they would know."

Justin did so, and Gabriel nodded. "Of course. Muggle post goes to Hogsmeade. Give it to myself or one of the other prefects and we'll take it to the post office there on the next Hogsmeade weekend. Or perhaps if you know an especially clever owl they might do it for you."

"Hedwig's a very clever girl," Susan declared, stroking Hedwig's feathers. The snowy owl let out a smug hoot and bobbed her head.

Justin laughed and gave Hedwig a sitting bow. "I shall entrust my post to you them, my fair lady."

Managing to look rather smug, Hedwig accepted another piece of bacon, then flew off with the rest of the owls.

History of Magic turned out to be as epically boring as Remus had warned Harry it would be. At first he thought his father had been exaggerating: how could a subject taught by a ghost fail to be interesting? Harry had never met a ghost become coming to Hogwarts, and the other ones such as Hufflepuff's Fat Friar seemed fascinating enough. Instead, Binns simply took attendance and launched into a droning lecture with little to no context that was so utterly bland and dry Harry found himself struggling to stay awake by the end of it.

The only thing that kept Harry awake was knowing that Draco Malfoy and the other Slytherin's were watching him. Dutifully, Harry took notes on the formation of the Wizarding Charter in Great Britain, though it was little more than a long list of names and dates with little action. Several of the Slytherin students did nod off though, and others simply started playing games or talking quietly to one another.

"That was an interesting class," Justin said carefully as they left Binns' lecture hall.

Susan snorted. "No it wasn't Justin."

The muggleborn boy looked faintly relieved. "Oh thank goodness, I thought I was the only one who was struggling to stay awake."

"My dad warned me Binns' classes were a bit dry, but frankly I had no idea how much of an understatement that was," Harry said, stifling a yawn. He grimaced. "Well, at least potions should keep us on our toes."

As the first years trooped down to the dungeons, Gabriel paused and gave them all a stern look. "Now, I know that history of magic can be a bit snore inducing, but for the love of Merlin, don't go slacking off in Snape's class. He's not the sort to take it well. Be on your best behavior at all times, and work hard. Snape is easily the most demanding of our professors, and he has no fondness for our house. Just remember though: as hard of a time as he gives you, the Gryffindors have it five times worse."

Bracing himself, Harry walked into the potions classroom and hurried to sit down. After everyone was seated, a back door opened and the potions master walked in a swirl of dark robes.

"This is not a class I expect most of you to flourish in," Snape began without preamble. "As there is little room for silly wand waving or idiotic explosions and loud noises. The art of potion making is a subtle one that requires a deft hand and a keen mind. Perhaps some of you shall succeed, though if you are as big a group of idiots as I usually find in my first year classes I rather doubt it. However," Snape paused, gazing around at the students, who almost universally had a deer in the wand lights look in their eyes, "for those of you who put for the effort, I can teach you the most powerful and wondrous of the magical arts. Ever wanted to have the perfect day? I know the recipe for one. Do you seek knowledge above all? It is the simplest of things to brew a tinkture that will make you as wise as Merlin. Want the strength to vanquish your foes? A brewer knows how to gain the strength of giants. But to do so requires dedication and discipline. I wonder, which of you have it? And which of you are the usual slovenly morons who couldn't be bothered to clean their cauldrons properly!"

Harry glanced around. Most of the Hufflepuffs looked intimidated but determined. The Ravenclaws looked cautions but intrigued. For his part, Harry just prayed Snape didn't-

"Ah, Mr. Potter. Perhaps your fame has provided you with insights that allow your mind to drift instead of paying attention! Tell me, what is the difference between Monkshood and Wolfsbane?"

Now that, thought Harry, was playing dirty. Still, he tried to keep his face calm and answered,"Nothing sir. They're the same plant."

"Hmph. Lucky guess. You! Patil. When is the opportune time to harvest Monks hood?

"During the new moon, sir," the dark haired ravenclaw replied after a moment's hesitation.

"Well well well. Perhaps they haven't sent me a load of idiots this time. You! Finch-Fletchley. What would get if you added liquid silver to a tincture of dittany?"

Harry did his best not to grind his teeth. These were leading questions and Snape bloody well knew it. "Um, I don't know sir," Justin admitted.

Hermione raised her hand, looking excited. Snape ignored her. "Ah, it is good to see that my predictions were not entirely inaccurate. You would produce a balm for treating the bite of a werewolf. Well? Why are you not all writing this down?"

Harry dutifully copied the notes, quietly seething the entire time. He was tempted to speak to his father or Professor Sprout about this, but he quietly decided he did not want to give Snape the satisfaction.

Aside from potions though, Harry quickly fell into a happy rhythm at Hogwarts. He spent the vast majority of his time with Justin and Susan, quickly becoming fast friends. He got along well with Hannah, Megan, Leane and Ernie as well, and if Zacharius and he were not good friends, they were at least cordial to one another.

But the full moon came all too soon. The day before, Harry began to feel its effects, becoming restless and agitated. "Alright, Harry?" Justin asked, looking at him with concern after Defense.

"I'm fine," Harry said.

"Harry, you really don't look well," Susan said at lunch time. "Do you want us to walk you to the hospital wing?"

"I'll be fine," Harry insisted, though he knew he wouldn't be.

On the day of the full Moon, he was a complete mess. Even the other Hufflepuffs picked up on it, and after groaning through history of magic, Harry knew that he simply could not face Snape in this state, and allowed Susan and Justin to escort him up to see Madam Pomfrey.

"Oh, Harry, you don't look well at all. Please, why don't you lie down and I'll do some diagnostics. You two wait just a moment, I'll write a pass for Professor Snape explaining everything."

At lunch time, Justin and Susan visited him, having brought some fruits and bread to offer him. Harry's wolf balked at the food, but he nibbled a banana out of gratitude. "Thanks," he said, lying back down. "But I don't want to be a bother. I just need some rest."

"OK, but we'll come back at dinner time to check on you," Susan promised.

"Better not dears, I'm dosing this one with some dreamless sleep so he can recover," Pomfrey told them. "Now shoo, I know you have classes and my patient needs to sleep."

"Thanks," Harry said quiety when his friends had gone.

Pomfrey just caressed Harry's forehead and gave him a worried smile. At dinner time, Harry wouldn't be asleep. He would be a prisoner in his own mind.

Late that afternoon, Professor Dumbledore escorted Harry through hidden passages to the whomping willow.

"I bid you farewell, Mr. Potter," Dumbledore said. He smiled sadly. "I only wish there was more I could do for you."

"Get the bloody snake out of my head and cure me of lycanthropy?" Harry suggested. He winced when he saw how weary and sad the headmaster looked at the suggestion.

"It is my fondest wish," Dumbledore said quietly. Then he was gone.

Waiting just inside was Remus, who embraced Harry despite his own condition. "Hello, son," he rasped. "Hope you're classes have been going well."

"All except one. Guess which it is?" Harry wheezed as they made their way up the passage.

"I had hoped Severus wouldn't hold a grudge, but then again, it was a rather faint hope," Remus chuckled darkly.

Once up in the shrieking shack, both men undressed and sat shivering on the floor, waiting. After about 15 minutes, the change took them, and sounds of pain and rage filled the building. In Hogsmeade, the villagers stopped what they were doing and shivered. The ghosts of the shack had returned.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

For his part, Moony was rather elated. The young wolf was a bit confused to find himself not in the woods again, but Moony yipped happily and bounded around the old building, looking for his old packmates. Lightning followed, confused, as he could scent nothing but man scent, and that distant. After a while Moony became morose and foul tempered, realizing that Prongs, Padfoot, and even wormtail were nowhere to be found. Soon however, his young companion drew Moony out of his sulk, and the two wolves howled and played in the shack throughout the night.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

The next day, Hagrid retrieved the limp bodies from the shrieking shack in the early hours of the morning. Remus he put in his own hut, and Harry he smuggled back to the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey dosed her patient, then put him to sleep.

"Can we see Harry?" Susan asked at lunch time, Justin at her side. "He missed breakfast and classes, we're worried."

"I'm afraid Harry is resting. He was very ill last night, but he should be well again in the morning. Off you go dears, let your friend sleep."

"Tell him we came, please Madam Pomfrey?" Justin asked.

She smiled and nodded, glad to know Harry had at least two good friends.

When Harry did awake the next morning, he was groggy and still a bit sore, but he took his potions and limped off to breakfast, where he found Susan and Justin waiting.

"Oh, Harry, there you are!" Susan cried, seeing him and running over. "We were so worried when you didn't come to meals or classes yesterday?"

"Good God man, I do hope you can forgive me for saying so but you look a right mess," Justin said, looking rather concerned. "You get attacked by something?"

"Just sick," Harry said, giving his friends a tired smile. "I'm starving though. Let's eat."

Though he was tempted to just eat bacon and sausage, Harry loaded up on fruits and grains as well to try and divert suspicion, and felt much better after the meal.

"We took notes for you," Justin said, putting a few sheets of parchment on the table. "We've an essay in potions on the uses for wolfsbane."

"Of course we do," Harry growled under his breath.

"What was that?" Susan said, looking concerned.

"Nothing, just a cough," Harry said, and coughed twice to demonstrate.

Still, his friends didn't ask any questions, and were instead very helpful.

It was the keen eyes from the Ravenclaw table that Harry should have been more concerned about, as they were looking up from an essay on the uses of wolfsbane in potion making.

Authors Note:

So, I've been updating this story with a fair bit of frequency to date (weekly) but due to the fact that I got the bright idea to have three ongoing stories, that's going to scale back. Expect updates to come monthly now.