Harry awoke in an unfamiliar bed. It took him a moment to remember, he was finally at Hogwarts! After looking around the room he realized, He must've been really tired. 3 of his 4 roommates were snoring like crazy, while a toad was causing a ruckus.

Harry didn't even notice when the others entered the room last night.

Harry took care of his morning things, then let Hedwig out. She was still mad at him for yesterday morning and made it well known. Harry had to promise her treats for breakfast later when she delivered the prophet.

He managed to sneak out of the dorm with nobody noticing. There were only a couple students in the common room this early. One of the prefects, and a couple of older years. Harry wanted to know when they'd be shown the way to classes so approached the prefect boy.

“When will you guys be taking everyone to breakfast?”

The whole group paused their conversation and turned to the first year. “Probably around 6:30, 7 if we're unlucky.”

So Harry had another hour until then. And more if he ditched the guides. Harry nodded to the older student in thanks. Walking away, he could hear whispers of the-boy-who-lived.

An hour and a half later, Harry entered the hall after finding a classroom near the great hall and using it as a training room. He was a bit sweaty but honestly didn't care, he was starving. He hardly looked up from his food until it vanished.

The stern lady gathered all of the first years. Her constant glare made them all think they were in trouble. With the assistance of the prefects, they were all handed their timetables.

Today was reserved for the new students to familiarize themselves with the school. The prefects guided them around to each of their classrooms and points of interest, bathrooms, library, teacher offices… broom closets... well the last one earned the older boy a glare from the prefect girl, and a few awkward chuckles from some first years.

After lunch, they were free to do as they pleased and Harry immediately made his way to the library.

THIS

This was magic. As unimpressed as he’d been with the magical world, after getting past the initial amazement. This is why he still wanted to join anyway.

The library itself was massive. The bookshelves alone were probably close to three stories tall each, they all had accompanying ladders. There were giant chandeliers that lit up the place. He could spot various tables with a few students at them, studying. As amazing as the sight was, what amazed him was the flying books. They were fluttering between shelves and through the isles and through the… illusory? Sky, which was quite similar to the great hall but not full of candles to obstruct the view.

Harry stood in a daze for a solid minute before ANOTHER stern lady gave a cough.

She was sitting at a desk to the side of the door. Probably the librarian.

Noticing she got his attention, she gave him a look and pointed to a basket of pamphlets. All titled simply ‘rules’

Harry shot her an unamused look and took one.

They were rather simple, most were common sense. Be quiet in the library, don't damage the books, don't eat while handling the books, damages of the books will be repaid, don't try to interrupt the flight of the books, restricted section is… restricted unless express permission is given. Other rules were a little less common sense… at least for someone like him, who grew up in the non magical world. Cursed or charmed books are to be reported, no casting spells on the books (including copying magic), and other unusual rules.

Harry learned a bit on how the library worked from the pamphlet as well. He could use one of a few copies of a catalog. You could tell it what you were looking for and it would narrow down results, almost like a primitive google search. It was based on keywords like ‘spell’, ‘charms’, ‘stupefy’. The more narrow the term, the fewer books.

Harry spent the rest of the time until dinner using the catalog to find all sorts of books. He tried for occlumency and Legilimens first, he only got a couple books that briefly mentioned them in passing. Then he went a little wider to mind magic, he got an actual description of mind magics but again nothing worthwhile. Was there really nothing on a whole branch of magic?

Harry then looked for books on all of the other spells he knew, and wandless magic. All of the spells had many books each at least mentioning them, while wandless magic had mentions but no actual explanations. It seems he got lucky with the books in his briefcase. Without it, there would be massive gaps in his knowledge now.

He hardly read anything, just skimming through books. Trying to find the limits of the catalog while also probing for any other gaps of knowledge missing from the library. To his relief, it was just mind magic, ritual magic and ‘dark’ magic. He supposed it made sense to keep them out of the reach of children, but at least allowing them basic information would be ideal. Maybe knowing that a Legilimens could just read your mind caused anxiety or something?

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Harry was still pondering the discovery during dinner.

“Oi! Harry!”

One of the twins yelled while the other shook him by the shoulder.

“What?”

“Your girlfriend asked you about your day.”

“Hm?” glancing at the blushing Hermione.

“I asked where you were, we didn't see you this morning or at lunch. And I'm not his girlfriend.” giving the twins a weak glare.

“Oh. I came in late both times, I promised Dan to not slack off on training. Then I got caught up in the library.”

Hermione's eyes seemed to light up at the mention of the library. The tour only led them to the doors, the first years didn't even get to see the inside before the group was moving on.

The others started to tune out as soon as they heard ‘library’.

“How was it? I'm sure it was amazing! Did you bring anything back? How many books can we check out?”

Honestly, he walked right into that one. If there was one thing he knew about her, it was that Hermione LOVED books. She continued rapid firing questions and comments, Harry tuned her out after the first couple. He’d tried to break her of this habit, alongside her parents but no matter what they did she still continued.

Harry continued eating.

He was soon disturbed once more with a jab to his shoulder. Hermione looked part annoyed and abashed. “So? How was it?”

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“It was great, you should go. It's hard to put into words, it'd be better to experience for yourself.”

The group made small talk throughout dinner and were led back to the common room, tomorrow there would be classes and everyone looked a little flustered.

Harry did his best to ignore everyone and headed to the dorm.

Neville was already there. The poor boy looked about ready to puke from the anxiety. Harry debated just going to bed anyways but remembered the plan. Ragnok said he would probably need multiple allies, and what better allies than one of the most noble houses heir…

Harry joined Neville on the bed and patted his shoulder. “What kind of toad is it?”

“Huh?”

The poor boy looked completely lost.

“Your toad, what kind is it?”

“Oh um he’s a… um, i dunno. He's just a toad.”

Harry gave a profound nod. “Indeed. So what led you to own ‘just a toad’?”

“He was my uncle’s.” Neville already looked a lot better.

“Do you like potions or something? They use toads for ingredients, right?”

Outraged. “What? i- i couldn't! Trevor's been around so long, he's practically family!”

Harry gave the boy an appraising gaze and repeated the same for the toad. Before slapping the boy on the arm and in the most serious tone he could. “Ok. I see the resemblance now. I'm sorry for insulting your family. Please allow me to make it up to you both.”

…

…

Both boys burst into laughter

They both chatted for a while longer, until Neville noticed Harry zoning out and shooed him to bed.

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Harry awoke early and did his usual morning routine, bathroom stuff, running, new workout. Before heading straight for breakfast.

The others were already there. Hermione looking accusatory, Neville looking like he wanted to vanish, and the twins looking more mischievous than usual.

Harry ignored all in favor of getting more food for himself.

-

-

-

The prefects led them to their first actual class for the year, Potions.

Hermione wouldn't stop chattering about what they might learn, Harry inwardly thought she wouldn't learn anything with all the reading she did.

‘The dungeons’ as the older years called it, were quite dingy in comparison to the rest of the castle. While there was no mold or moss, you could feel the moisture in the air. Honestly, being so close to the lake, the dungeons should probably be flooded if not for magic.

The prefects sped off to their own classes as soon as they made it to the classroom doors. The Slytherin first years were already there, waiting for the doors to open.

Harry watched as a blonde boy walked over to them, accompanied by two larger boys, a girl he didn't know, and surprisingly Daphne and Tracy.

Hermione was still chattering on, unaware of the approaching company. Harry patted her shoulder to catch her attention.

“Ah, Harry potter.” the boy glanced at both Hermione and Neville, who Harry was with. “Longbottom,” with a sneer. “And who's this?” gesturing to Hermione.

“Hermione Granger.” Hermione held her hand out to shake.

As soon as the boy heard her last name, he completely ignored her. She wasn't even worth a sneer like Neville.

The boy then held out his hand to harry. “Draco Malfoy, I'd advise you to find better friends, Harry Potter. Some families are clearly better than others.”

Harry was inwardly raging, how dare he dictate who Harry should hang around? Outwardly, Harry took the boy's offered hand with a calm look.

Knowing that not taking his hand would be akin to declaring war with the Malfoys. And he wasn't quite ready for that, yet…

“I'll be sure to keep that in mind, heir Malfoy. I'm sorry, but I don't know who's accompanying you?”

A flash of surprise appeared when Harry addressed him as heir, then a pang of shame when he pointed out he didn't introduce his companions as he should.

“Apologies, this is Crabbe and Goyle, this is Daphne Greengrass, Tracy Davis, and my betrothed, Pansy Parkinson.”

Harry ignored the boys and kissed each of the ladies' hands, as if he were in an extremely formal setting. “A pleasure to meet you.” looking specifically at Pansy, making her blush up a storm.

The Malfoy heir looked ready to start yelling already, but was interrupted by the teacher arriving.

The large dungeon-like doors swung open, allowing all the first years their first glimpse into their first class.

Walking in, everyone was gawking. It was quite similar to Harry's potion room in his trunk.

Brick walls, wooden floor, shelving and cabinets along the walls filled with jars of animal parts and herbs, more shelves in rows towards the back. Where it differed was the large desks and chairs in the center made to fit multiple students.

They all found spots to sit, Gryffindor on one side of the class, Slytherin on the other. Harry chose a spot close to the back corner much to the chagrin of Hermione who wanted to sit in the front row. Hermione and Neville both quietly followed Harry.

The professor was the first to enter, and was watching the students from his desk. Particularly Harry Potter.

Once all of the students were seated, professor Snape started with roll call. He called everyone's names normally until he got to harry.

“Ah yes, Harry Potter” his face morphing into the definition of annoyance. “Our new celebrity.”

Malfoy started silently laughing, soon followed by most of the Slytherins.

There were students that had not been called yet, but the professor seemed to think that was enough for now since he continued.

“You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-making, As there is little foolish wand-waving here, many of you will hardly believe this is magic. I don’t expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the deli-cate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses ... I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death – if you aren’t as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach.” his words started quiet and slow, but he soon worked himself into a passionate display… well as passionate a monotone voice and stone face could be…

There was a brief moment of silence before professor Snape continued.

“POTTER! What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?”

Honestly, Harry had been far too caught up in learning about general rules that applied to him, practicing, working out, learning new spells, and literally anything else. He didn't even pre read the year one potions books. It was literally Snape's job to teach him these answers.

“I haven't a clue sir.” Harry answered with a straight face, as Hermione was wiggling her arm around like Snape couldn't see her.

Snape sneered, almost as well as the stern lady’s frown. “Tut, tut – fame clearly isn’t everything.”

“Let’s try again. Potter, where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?”

“Umm there?” Harry pointed to a random cabinet.

Snape seemed surprised for a second, before schooling his features back into a sneer. “Thought you wouldn’t open a book before coming, eh, Potter?”

Did he actually guess correctly? HA!

“What is the difference, Potter, between monkshood and wolfs-bane?”

“I dunno, even Hermione doesn't seem to know this one… are you sure this is first year material sir?”

Hermione looked rather dejected after not being able to answer a question, even though Snape clearly wasn't going to call on her.

“For your information, Potter, asphodel and wormwood make a sleeping potion so powerful it is known as the Draught of Living Death. A bezoar is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat and it will save you from most poisons. As for monkshood and wolfsbane, they are the same plant, which also goes by the name of aconite. Which admittedly is learned in a later year.”

“Well? Why aren't you all copying that down?” he all but shouted at the surrounding students.

“And a point will be taken from Gryffindor house for your cheek, Potter.”

Snape then waved his wand and instructions for a potion appeared on the board.

The rest of the class was a combination of Harry and Hermione following directions, ending up in a decent potion. Ron and another first year exploding a cauldron, Snape looming over random students (all Gryffindor of course), causing multiple mistakes. And point removal for crummy excuses.

A cauldron explosion and subsequent visit to the infirmary cost them 5 points, while a Dean something.. Lost them 10 points for breathing loudly.

Suffice to say. Potions sucked.