Disclaimer: Do not own Harry Potter or its associated franchises. All characters are property of J.K.R and Warner Bros and other concerned agencies.

A.N: Kudos to Jo for acknowledging that we Harmony shippers were right, to an extent. But too little too late I guess…

A.N: I'm not following the exact timeline as per the Harry Potter lexicon, but the general order of events remains the same.

Last time:

"You don't think he has come here for the stone, do you Albus? And where is the stone exactly?" McGonagall's voice was a bit shaky.

Dumbledore's twinkle died down a bit. "I am sure of it Minerva. But I'll be standing in the way." Here his expression took a mischievous twist. "And he'll get a nasty surprise if he tries to investigate the whereabouts of the stone. It is very well guarded."

Chapter 9 – A Week in Hogwarts

Minerva McGonagall was a woman of many facets. First and foremost, a hard taskmaster and a dedicated teacher. Secondly, a loving aunt to her near and dear ones. She was also a fearsome witch to her opponents. It was not a widely known fact that she had been responsible for carting away many of the people that resided in Azkaban today. In the original Order of the Phoenix, only Dumbledore, James Potter, Alastor Moody and Sirius Black had a higher head count than her.

But today, as she observed the first years in her class as a tabby, she couldn't help but feel excited. This class had some real potential, chief amongst them being Harry Potter. It was going to be a pleasure teaching them. Call it academic intuition or whatever, this particular batch were destined for greater things.

She watched as her Gryffindors entered the class, most of them looking strangely at her, most likely wondering what a tabby was doing there. She did this to every new batch she got. She wanted to see what her students were like without the presence of a teacher. It gave her a new perspective on things.

Harry and Hermione entered the classroom together, looking forward to the lesson. Looking around, Harry spotted her and gave a small smile and a nod. She meowed in response and he winked at her, settling into the front row with Hermione.

Harry looked at Hermione. She was literally vibrating in excitement. He chuckled and grasped her wrist, whispering into her ear as he did so.

"Hermione, calm down."

She looked at him, one eyebrow raised in puzzlement. Harry smiled and explained.

"I know you are excited, but your magic is not going to respond to well to nerves. And you need your magic in control for today, right?"

Hermione nodded.

"So calm down. We'll be fine."

She smiled in response. "Thanks Harry."

He watched as she settled down a bit. He couldn't blame her, he too was looking forward to this. Their motives were different, no doubt. Hermione was thrilled about the knowledge she was going to gain and learning about her first bit of magic, while Harry was enthusiastic for another reason entirely.

He had never forgotten what Dumbledore had written in the letter when he had introduced Harry to Hogwarts. Hogwarts was where Harry was to start his pursuit of knowledge, to help him in his crusade against Voldemort. Harry had no doubt that they would clash soon. Given the fact that Voldemort had decades of knowledge and experience backing him up, there was no doubt that in a duel against the Dark Lord, Harry would be six feet under before he could even raise his wand. So he had get better and eventually even, with haste. What better place to start than his classes?

Add Dumbledore's suspicions about Voldemort being in Hogwarts, and Harry was on a mission. There was no time to waste.

He was rocked back to awareness at McGonagall's voice. She had changed back into a human and was levelling Ron Weasley with her best glare. He had apparently entered late and McGonagall had scared him out of his wits with her transformation. After taking the roll call, she turned her attention back to the class and studied them for a few moments.

"You are all here to learn about Transfiguration, one of the most demanding and fundamental branches of magic. This will be one of your core courses for the five years until your OWLs and after that if you are gifted in the subject, till your NEWTs. However, you will find that almost every mainstream career in the magical world demands a NEWT in Transfiguration."

Here she stopped and surveyed them all with a stern gaze, continuing after impressing upon them the seriousness of her lecture.

"Hence I suggest that all of you buck up and pay attention to each and everything I say in this class. I don't want any kind of accident in my classroom due to anyone's carelessness. Throughout history, people have been irreversibly damaged due to transfiguration related mishaps and I hope that no one here is unfortunate enough to become another example. Does everyone get me so far?"

Everyone nodded. McGonagall looked satisfied, before continuing.

"Transfiguration is to put it simply, the art of changing one thing to another. This change brings about variations in size, form, type and mass, amongst other things. Transfiguration requires a fair amount of power; the larger the scope, the more the amount of magic required. For example, if you were changing a matchstick into a needle, which is what you'll be attempting to do today, the drain on your core will be minimal. But if you are attempting something like this,"

Here she changed her desk into a pig and then reversed it back, before continuing.

"This takes much more power than many of you have. It would be very tiring for a third year to do it, not to mention the average first year."

McGonagall let her gaze rest on Harry for a few moments, a twinkle appearing in her eye and disappearing just as fast.

"What you saw me doing earlier is the Animagus transformation. Undoubtedly, as many of you already know, it involves the conscious, self-controlled transfiguration of a human into an animal and vice versa. It is probably the only internal, wandless piece of magic that an average magician is capable of doing. Because of its difficulty and its dangerous nature, the knowledge about it is tightly controlled by the ministry and every animagus is registered."

Here, Hermione raised her hand. At McGonagall's nod, she spoke.

"Can we choose our forms, professor?"

McGonagall shook her head before replying.

"No Miss Granger, you cannot. Your form, that is if you have one, is determined by your nature, your personality and the strength of your magic. The Animagus transformation and the Patronus charm are two pieces of magic that rely heavily on the nature of the user. Each result is unique and cannot be duplicated. Before you ask why, it is one of the idiosyncrasies of magic. And about the Patronus charm, you can ask Professor Flitwick. He'll be able to explain it better than me."

She took a break before continuing.

"But getting back to Transfiguration, open your books to the section on non-animated Transfiguration."

After they had done so, she had them writing notes on the spell required, the wand movement, the visual component required and the imagination of the spell caster, which was paramount in Transfiguration. She went up and down the benches to make sure the whole class had understood her, after which she asked them to take out their wands.

"All of you have a matchstick in front of you. Start attempting the spell. Keep in mind the incantation, the wand movement and the pronunciation."

Every one attempted to transfigure the matchstick. Most efforts were ineffectual. Harry looked at Hermione, he could see her matchstick already starting to morph into something silvery, the transformation almost like mercury flowing.

He concentrated on his own. His mind had already created a visual representation of the needle, complete with pointy pin and the eye. He paused to take a deep breath and focussed on that image only. After a few heartbeats, he spoke the incantation and allowed his magic to use his wand as a conduit, letting it out, bit by bit.

He looked at his matchstick. A shiny needle sat in its place.

"Look, Miss Granger and Mr Potter have managed to do it on their first try. Well done both of you!"

McGonagall's cry caused him to look around at the class. They were staring at him and Hermione. Some in awe, some in envy. He cast a look at Hermione's matchstick, or rather needle. She herself was grinning broadly.

McGonagall gave them a pleased smile.

"Mr Potter, can you try changing them back? You try too, Miss Granger. All of you note this, most spells can be reversed with a simple finite or a finite incatatem. But in this subject, the reversal of the spell is another transfiguration of the same variety. Or in the case of living beings, just the opposite."

Harry applied the same principles, only this time he imagined the matchstick as it was before. After a few moments, the matchstick was back. McGonagall gave him a quick nod. He turned to look at Hermione who however, seemed to have hit a block. He leaned in, whispering in her ear,

"Control and imagine, Hermione."

His words seemed to have an effect, for she took a deep breath before resuming her efforts. The next second, she was holding a matchstick with a pleased look on her face. She gave his hand a quick squeeze.

"Thank you, Harry."

"Nicely done, both of you. Perhaps you can help your classmates around you while I see to the rest of the class." McGonagall spoke as she moved around to help others.

The rest of the class passed with Harry and Hermione earning their first points of the day, helping their classmates and experimenting with the spell. After sometime, the bell rang, signalling the end of the class. McGonagall went around, collecting the odd assortment of matchsticks and needles that were the remains of the period as she announced homework.

"Six inches on your experience in class today, including your thoughts on why some of you failed to accomplish the transfiguration and why the rest of you did. To be handed next class."

Once outside, Hermione turned to Harry, excitement plain on her place.

"That was a very good class. I learnt so much, didn't you?"

Harry nodded as he replied. "I did Hermione. But, I just hope the other classes can match up to McGonagall's. Otherwise, life at Hogwarts is going to become very tedious."

She laughed, pulling at his arm as she did so. "Come on, we have Charms next."

Gryffindor had Charms with Ravenclaw. Harry had high hopes from the class, since Charms was his favourite subject in the syllabus. He need not have been worried. Filius Flitwick was a genius and one of the foremost names in Charms theory and spell craft today. Perhaps a little unconventional, but he also had the gift of capturing the attention of his class through astounding displays of magic, if not reputation and sternness.

Harry's love of the subject had started when he had learnt about his mother being a certified Charms mistress, as opposed to his father, who was a Transfiguration master. It rose to dizzying heights when halfway through the lesson, Hermione asked Flitwick about the Patronus Charm. Flitwick's expression grew even more enthusiastic as he answered.

"The Patronus charm Miss Granger, is one of the most difficult Charms in use today. It is also one of the most light-oriented spells ever invented. In the Hogwarts curriculum, it is a part of the defense against the dark arts for the NEWT students. What it does is summon a guardian to defend against creatures such as Lethifolds and Dementors, which are known to be the darkest creatures known to wizard kind. It is a very taxing spell, on both magic and mind since it relies on your emotions. As for what it looks like, mine looks like this."

He raised his wand and concentrated, his expression changing into a contented one. After a short pause and shout of "Expecto Patronum", a silvery white rabbit burst out of Flitwick's wand and hopped onto the middle of his desk. The class oohed and aahed appropriately. Harry could feel the positive aura it emitted and his mage sight identified a single strand of magic connecting the apparition and Flitwick. After a few moments that included a close scrutiny of its surroundings with its nose and tail twitching, it upped and vanished.

Flitwick spoke, "As all of you can feel, this spell relies heavily on emotions such as love, happiness and sometimes, protectiveness. It also requires much more power than the average spell. Any of you try this, and I can promise you that you'll be knocked unconscious for a day or two. It'll take you a few more years to reach that stage. As for why mine is a rabbit, I kept a one as a pet in my youth. But now, back to the topic at hand."

After another half an hour of explanations and attempts at the unlocking charm, they were dismissed, with no homework this time. While they were packing up, Hermione looked at Harry and whispered. "With what you showed me on the train Harry, I bet you can do it."

Harry shook his head and smiled. "Perhaps, Hermione. But it would be unwise to experiment without any help close by, don't you think?"

Hermione smiled fondly at him in return as they made their way towards DADA.

Later that Evening…

Harry sat in a corner of the Common Room, perusing a potions book that he had issued an hour prior from the library. Madam Pince, the sole guardian of the cavernous repository of knowledge that was the Hogwarts Library had looked down her nose at him when he had set the book in front of her on her desk, most likely attempting to intimidate him.

After Snape, Filch the caretaker and Mrs Norris, his cat, Pince was the least liked characters at Hogwarts. Harry had noticed her tendency of being overprotective about her books, to the point of being annoying and a nuisance to the students when they went to issue something from her. Hermione had also been on the receiving end of her annoyance for a few minutes after which somehow, she had won over the hard-nosed librarian. Harry had looked on, both apprehensive and envious as Hermione had proceeded to the lay on the charm quite thick and fast on Pince and had happily signed out half a dozen books without nary a disturbance.

Harry on the other hand, had been treated to a five minute monologue about care and looking after the books and dire consequences if something should ever happen to them. All the way through it, Pince had glared at him in an uncanny likeliness of Aunt Petunia when she was in one of her bad moods while Hermione attempted to hide her giggles at Harry's bewildered expression.

The reason the two first years had to visit the library on the first day of classes could be summed up in one word.

Potions.

Or specifically, three words.

Professor Severus Snape.

Harry was still reeling from the surprise that was Severus Snape. Conflicting feelings ran through his mind as he thought back to the afternoon, which had been quite a bit of a mixed bag. After the expert teachings of McGonagall and Flitwick and the retarded ones of Quirrell, it was no wonder that they expected a thrilling introduction from Snape who had the distinction of being one of the most decorated Potions Masters ever. However, the class had left Harry in a neutral zone.

Too bad no one had warned us, thought Harry.

Flashback, five hours earlier…

Fresh from a nourishing lunch and an hour long siesta, the first years of Slytherin and Gryffindor had trickled in for their first Potions lesson ever. Harry and Hermione as usual, took their seats at the front, Harry ignoring the glares coming from one blond Slytherin.

The chatter died down instantly as Severus Snape swept into the room in a flurry of black. From where Harry sat, Snape's profile looked strict and to an extent, fierce. Like McGonagall, Snape was also likely to be a demanding taskmaster. Honestly, after the disappointment that had been DADA, Harry looked forward to it.

Call him what you may, there was no doubt that Severus Snape was the consummate Potions master. He loved the subject almost as much he did the Dark Arts. His exhaustive and comprehensive knowledge of Potions, both common and esoteric, the understanding of how potions worked on an intimate level with the human body, the uncanny ability of knowing just how to modify a single concoction on a whim to vary its potency and effects, and lastly, his experience and skill had granted him the title of the world's youngest Potions Master ever. He had been asked to teach at Hogwarts when Slughorn, the rotund-spider-of-a-potions professor had retired. He had jumped at the chance, eager to get away from public scrutiny after the fiasco with Voldemort and his status as a Death Eater revealed at Karkaroff's trial.

The fact that he was absolute pants at passing on that knowledge to young minds, was another matter altogether.

He always started the class with a single aim. To impress the importance of Potions upon the first years he had labelled as dunderheads. His voice was silky, dark and severe all at the same time.

"Potions is one of the most demanding and arcane subjects you will explore at Hogwarts. While you study Potions, you will be challenged to your limits, both mentally and physically. In my class, I will accept only the best and keep in mind that you will be judged by the harshest and the highest of standards."

A firm look was levelled at the class as ebony eyes looked at them without remorse.

"While most of the wizarding world looks at Potions as mixing things at random while following instructions, in reality it is anything but. Potions are the most powerful medium of magic there is. That is because, apart from a few specific compositions, anyone, from a squib to a muggle to the most powerful magical being can whip up one."

At this, most of the Slytherins looked disgusted, while the Gryffindors looked intrigued. Snape gestured at the various ingredients that lined the walls as he continued with his monologue, a slight sneer playing around his mouth.

"Using these substances, a master such as myself can brew potions to stop death or impart it, control minds or destroy them. While a dunderhead, such as yourselves, can convert a simple boil cure into a lethal blend. Potions is not a science but an art. It is not constrained by any magical rules or the magical strength of the user. It is all in the mind, in the brilliance of the potioneer. Unlike spells, potions have no symptoms. More often than not, unlike curses or the like, the effect of a potion running through your veins is noticed too late. Too late for anything to be done. And keep in mind," here Snape levelled a particularly harsh glare at the class, "wand use, foolish or necessary, is neither wanted, nor needed here. Respond as I call your names."

Snape went through the roll call in a no-nonsense manner. Once he arrived at Harry's name though, the mood in the class changed.

"Ah, Harry Potter, our new celebrity." Snape's tone was a little more than a mocking drawl, immediately catching the attentions of the Slytherin half of the class. The Gryffindors on the other hand, had weary expressions on their faces.

Crap, Harry thought, as he raised his hand inspite of himself. I was having so much fun, what with that excellent speech, but I can already tell that this is not going to be a pleasant experience, what with him glaring at me like that.

After finishing the roll call, Snape walked, or indeed glided towards where Harry and Hermione were sitting, a smirk on his face to match his drawl.

"So Potter, What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"

Harry stared at the professor's eyes. They were black, void of expression or feeling, a sure tell of an Occlumencer and most probably a Legilimencer as well. Once he came to the realisation, he immediately shifted his gaze slightly lower, to the overly large nose in this case and bought the full power of his shields into play. They slammed into place, in a mental likeliness of a castle's drawbridge being raised and locked shut.

Meanwhile, Hermione's features had darkened a bit, recognising the question for what it was, an attempt to humiliate Harry. On the other hand, Malfoy looked gleeful; the impending mortification of his self-proclaimed rival was too good to resist.

"Well Potter? No answer from the famed Boy-Who-Lived?" Snape's sneering was at full tilt.

"Draught of Living Death, professor."

Harry's tone was quiet but confident. The fact that the question was more in the realm of a third year's reading material was irrelevant, a fact that Snape had planned to exploit and the slight trace of surprise that flitted across his features betrayed it.

Disbelief replaced the sneer on Malfoy's mug while Hermione almost smirked in vindication.

Composing himself, Snape continued.

"Lucky guess I think, Potter." Hermione almost opened her mouth in outrage, but a slight squeeze of Harry's hand on her thigh silenced her.

The whole class was riveted at this point.

"Where would you find a bezoar if I asked you to, Mr Potter?"

"A goat's stomach and our Potion kits. It's standard fare for poison containment, professor." Harry's answer was instant and sure this time, leaving no doubt that he was in fact, not just a pretty name. Harry himself noted the addition of the honorific, choosing to brood on it later.

The gleam of surprise in Snape's eye intensified. A final question then, Mr Potter, to prove that you are really more Lily than your father.

"The difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?"

Harry for the first time, allowed a glint to enter his eye. He was actually enjoying this.

"None, though it is also known as aconite and if ingested, I would most likely use up the bezoar in my kit, Sir."

Snape almost allowed a smirk to colour his countenance at the Lily-ish answer, but settled for nodding curtly at Harry as he turned to face the class, who were looking at Harry in awe. Maybe for the first time in Hogwarts history, Snape hadn't taken points within the first five minutes of a Gryffindor class. Harry was rapidly becoming Hogwarts legend.

At their bench, Hermione smiled at Harry in pride as he winked at her and squeezed her thigh once more, not noticing the slight touch of colour in her cheeks.

Oh dear, that feels nice. Does he even know where his hand is? These were the thoughts of a certain bushy haired witch.

Any other professor and Gryffindor would surely have gotten points for that, were the collective thoughts of the Gryffindors.

Show off, were the thoughts of one Malfoy and one Weasley.

Their attention was pulled back to Snape as he spoke, albeit grudgingly. "Mr Potter's answers were brief, but correct. These kinds of questions will be asked frequently in the class, so make sure you read up ahead."

He then flicked his wand at the chalkboard where instructions for a boil cure potion appeared, complete with ingredients and steps.

"I want this on my desk, labelled with your names and the potion's, within thirty minutes. No questions asked."

Harry and Hermione stared at the man in surprise. No hints, no guidance, nothing. Just an abrupt wand jab at the board and a demand for perfectly brewed potions. Where was the talk about cauldron safety, stasis charms, temperature regulation and cauldron shielding charms, brewing guidelines and all the help that a professor was supposed to provide to the class?

Talk about tripe for a Potions Professor, this was a sure recipe for disaster.

Sure enough, fifteen minutes into their half hour, just as Harry and Hermione had stewed their horned slugs to perfection - better than Malfoy's claims - twin hisses echoed through the dungeon. Snape who had been observing, critiquing, and praising outright in some cases –mostly Slytherins - rushed over to the scene of the damage as Harry hurriedly cast a small stasis and shielding charm on their cauldron.

Neville and Seamus, and Crabbe and Goyle had somehow managed to melt their cauldrons simultaneously into big blobs of green nothingness. Their potions had succeeded in burning straight through their cauldrons as pungent clouds of green vapour seeped into the vicinity.

Snape cleared away the mess away with a wave of his wand before it could cause serious damage to Neville and Seamus, who had jumped away from the cauldron when it had collapsed.

"Exactly what I stressed upon earlier, Longbottom and Finnegan. A simple boil cure turns into a lethal mess in the hands of dunderheads like you. Twenty points from Gryffindor and next time, read the instructions as carefully as your pea sized brains allow you."

Crabbe and Goyle who had made the same mistake as Neville and Seamus, got away scot free. Harry shook his head, disappointed at the blatant favouritism being displayed by Snape.

As the bell rang to end the class, everyone except the four handed in their finished potions to the sour-looking potions master. Just as they were packing up, Snape's voice rang through.

"Everyone, a detailed essay on this potion by next class. I will not accept anything less than ten inches of parchment. And Longbottom, Finnegan," he smirked at Neville, who was turning red rapidly at being singled out, again and Seamus who now wore a sour expression similar to Snape's. "An extra five inches from you two on why you melted your cauldron and what could have been done to avoid it. Class dismissed."

Flashback Ends.

Harry frowned yet again as he remembered how Snape had blatantly favoured his house. Potions was going to be a pain all the way, he could tell.

He was broken from his thoughts when Hermione sat down next to him, clad in a top and skirt. Her own potions book was clutched under her arm and she looked as introspective as Harry. Looking at her, he noticed her eyes were fixed on Neville and Seamus, who were labouring over their Potions essays. Their faces looked weary and confused.

"Poor Neville. Snape was particularly hard on him today." Harry nodded at Hermione, sympathising with Neville.

"Hey guys. Having problems?"

Neville and Seamus lifted their gazes from their parchment to look at them. Their faces broke into weary smiles as they shifted to allow Harry and Hermione to join them.

Neville's tone betrayed his frustration. "We still can't tell what we did wrong this afternoon. How are we ever going to finish these?" He gestured at the parchment strewn over the table. Seamus nodded in agreement.

Hermione looked deep in thought as she thought back to the potion's steps.

"Guys, did you add the porcupine quills before or after removing the potion off the fire?"

Seamus answered before Neville did. "Before."

Harry shook his head. "That's why your cauldrons melted. The quills set off a reaction due to the heat of the flame. Be thankful you were uninjured."

Neville looked thankful. "Thanks Hermione, Harry."

Harry smiled. "We'll let you get back to work. If you have any problems, don't hesitate to ask. See you guys later."

They returned to their corner to get started on their Transfiguration essays, having already done their Potion ones earlier in the library. Quirrell hadn't set any homework, so Transfiguration was the last item on their to-do list.

Half an hour later, they had almost finished with their homework. Harry finished up the last bit of editing with some very helpful charms he had found for erasing mistakes, ink spills and the like, something which Hermione had demanded to be taught when she had seen Harry using them.

"Look Fred, two hard working firsties."

"Yep Georgie. Look at them, so precocious, innocent and so eager to please."

Harry and Hermione looked up from their work to find two red headed twins smirking widely at them. They had matching, mischievous smiles on their faces as they peered down at the pair.

Harry and Hermione felt a kind of foreboding creep up their veins as they studied the two. Plus the distinctive hair reminded them of a particularly bothersome Weasley.

"So you're the two who've gotten our little brother's knickers in a twist?"

Harry exchanged a look with Hermione as he responded, "Pardon me? I seem to be at a loss."

The twin on the right smiled at him as he extended his hand to Harry. "Fred and George Weasley, third years, at your service. We're both beaters on the Gryffindor Quidditch Team. I was speaking about our sibling Ron, who seems to be in a perpetually bad mood these days."

Hermione looked wary as she shook the hand that was offered to her as Harry did the same with his as he spoke.

"Hermione Granger and Harry Potter. We had a slight altercation with Ron on the train. Sorry guys, but your brother just can't take a hint."

Fred laughed outright as George clapped Harry on his back. "No problems there mate. Anyone who annoys our brother is alright in our book."

George nodded in agreement. "Plus the way you set up Malfoy in the train was hilarious. Everyone within five compartments heard that showdown. And your answers to Snape's questions in your first Potions class has the whole school buzzing. Good going there, Harry."

Harry shook his head as he nevertheless smiled at the pair. "Thanks guys. I'll be extra careful from now on." Hermione added her two cents. "Nice to meet you guys. Nice to see that Ronald is the exception, not the rule."

The twins left after a last laugh. Harry turned to Hermione, amusement and wariness warring in his eyes. "Now what do you make of them?"

Hermione shook her head in answer, her own laughs spilling out.

It was a week later that found Harry alone on the shores of the Black Lake, watching the Giant Squid. He thought back to the changes that had taken since he had received Dumbledore's letter three years ago.

Over the past week, he had thoroughly enjoyed his time at Hogwarts. Apart from the glaring omissions of DADA and History of Magic, all the other classes were engaging. He was learning a lot as he and Hermione had kept up their performance in classes, already making a name for themselves across the school grapevine.

Harry's name was expected, but Hermione had come across as a surprise. Not many muggleborns adapted themselves so well to the shift in beliefs and circumstances if history was to be believed, so Hermione stood head and shoulders above the rest. She was already a favourite of all the teachers. It had earned her jealous glares, particularly from Ravenclaw to which she had paid no mind. Whereas Hermione was a lot more forthcoming, Harry preferred to kick back and listen, unless a teacher asked for his participation.

They had earned Gryffindor many points along the way, due to which a smile had remained a permanent fixture on McGonagall's face these days.

Potions was vexing, to say the least. On one hand, Snape was a fountain of knowledge, which left Harry itching to pick his mind on Potions. On the other, he was a real bully, taking points left and right from Gryffindor students. Harry and Hermione had thankfully been spared from the man's wrath, which he usually took out on Neville and Ronald. It left Harry and Hermione feeling sorry for Neville and amused at the blubbering Weasley as Snape levelled his death glares at him, which were frequent.

The only class where they were challenged and beaten was Herbology. Neville, to make up for his shortcomings in Potions was an absolute whiz at Herbology. From what Harry had seen, the kid had a certified green thumb. It was something he was proud of and Harry found it enjoyable to grill Neville on Herbology and on the way, getting an insight into the kid that could easily have taken his place as the Boy-Who-Lived, if not for an inexplicable turn of fate.

He was interrupted from his thoughts as Hermione sat down beside him. It was another welcome development in Harry's life, a true friend.

He smiled at Hermione, who took his hand as he helped her beside him.

"So, what were you thinking?" Hermione asked as she tucked her legs neatly beneath her.

"Nothing, just thinking about Hogwarts and the last week. About classes, how I've made friends and so on."

Hermione smiled at him. "Same here." Then remembering something, she continued, "Hey I just saw the noticeboard. Flying lessons start next week."

Harry nodded, then remembered something himself. "Speaking of friends, do you want to meet my first friend in the magical world?" He asked her, even as he called Hedwig through their bond. He had been meaning to introduce them to each other for a while now.

Hermione nodded confused, not sure who he was speaking about. "Yeah sure."

Harry's smile grew even more as Hedwig responded immediately. "You'll like her, I promise. She's beautiful."

As Hermione's confusion grew, Harry held his arm out. In a flash of white, Hedwig alighted on his arm with incredible grace, staring at Hermione with sharp, calculating amber orbs. Hermione's confusion disappeared, replaced by a huge smile as Harry introduced them.

"Hermione, meet Hedwig, my familiar. Hedwig, meet Hermione, my best human friend."

Hedwig let out a short approving bark, apparently pleased with Hermione. She made it known as she landed on Hermione's thigh, who was beaming.

"Harry she's beautiful. And did you say familiar?"

Harry nodded as he stroked Hedwig's head which made her coo at the caress. "Yep, she's my beautiful girl. Bonded the first time we met. She'll take your letters to your parents if you want. Won't you girl?"

Hedwig barked emphatically, turning her eyes on Harry which seemed to say. Do you even need to ask?

Hermione looked at the pair, grateful for being a part of their group. "Thanks." She said to the snowy in her lap, caressing her feathers. "And to you too." She said to Harry, pleased.

Harry nodded once more as they sat there, enjoying the beautiful afternoon in solitude, looking forward to the coming weeks would bring.

- TO BE CONTINUED -

A.N: I make no apologies, except for the fact that life caught up. It's unpredictable, you see.

A.N: To those who are new. Check out my other story, Friends, Lovers and Companions. Its a one short series about H/Hr intended for adult audiences. Gonna be working on a third installment for it.

A.N: As usual, please tell me what you thought of this chapter and my interpretations of the opening classes, especially Snape.

Sincerely,

Lust of Alucard