Novels2Search

The Library

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When I wake up in the morning and go down into the sett for our group trip for breakfast, I receive an immediate scolding from the two prefects for leaving the hospital wing and coming back to the common room on my own.

I take it in stride, I have cleared things with Tonks, and I have a full day of classes to look forward to. Perhaps even a trip to the library after. Or, most definitely a trip to the library after.

Unfortunately our sadistic educational masters decide that History of Magic right after breakfast is sensible scheduling, and is supposed to have any other effect than drowsy students. I teach Su how to play hangman in the back, Padma and Susan both giving us dirty looks. Hannah, after watching us for a few minutes, ropes Neville into a game of it as well. Slowly but surely I'll corrupt these Puffs.

Most other students doze off, only the hardcore Ravenclaws bothering to take extensive notes of Binns babble. Susan and Padma both break halfway through the lesson, and join us, realizing this class is utterly useless. By group decision it's decided History of Magic is homework hour. My vote on dueling in the back is viciously voted down. Even Neville gives me a dirty look.

I pout for the rest of the lesson. It's not like Binns would even notice. I had gotten Susan and Padma to break, by loudly speaking up and asking the ghostly Professor a history question - speaking up, because raising my hand did not seem to draw any attention from the ghost. When the Professor then not only called me Patricia for some reason, but then answered my question about the creation of the Wizengamot by rambling on about the goblin rebellion of 1266, Padma and Susan could not take the class seriously anymore.

Me arguing that if the Professor can't even tell who we are , pointing out we can't get in trouble for dueling in class when he can't report us - falls on deaf ears. I'll get to them eventually. These cute kids stand no chance against the corruption of fun and games.

Charms class is next, and for the first time that counts, we have class with the Gryffindors. I don't count Herbology, because honestly, who can even notice the golden trio to be, when you have to look out for the plants eating you, dissolving you. Or in one Japanese plants case - and of course it's Japanese - impregnating you. And yes, that works for both sexes. Needless to say, no male student - except Neville. Is going anywhere near the dark back area of the greenhouse. For any reason or grade. Ever.

The less said about how excited Hannah and Neville both are about finding out about that plant the better. Merlin, those two deserve each other, and their potential abomination plant babies.

Neville had spent a lot of time in the greenhouses with Sprout in canon, hadn't he? No! Away bad thoughts, ugh, I need brain bleach.

I watch surreptitiously as Harry and Ron sit and chat quietly together. Hermione nearby shares a seat with Sophie Roper. The only reason I know her name - the fact she tripped and fell into fertilizer during our first Herbology lesson near the end. Perhaps not the best thing to be known for. But I still don't know the names of half my year in Hufflepuff so good on her to earn recognition.

They don't look upset, so they must have not had Quirrell yet. I can't imagine Hermione looking anything but furious if she's been forced through that class.

Professor Flitwick does roll call, and I can't help but chuckle as he does in fact fall off his stack of books upon reading Harry's name. The first part of the lesson is as usual, lots of warnings and precautions about spell usage and dangers in mispronunciations. But for the first class so far, Professor Flitwick moves us onto spells. Sure it's only Lumos, but hey it's magic. Not just warnings of - If you do this you die. I get it. Magic world = dangerous. Now lemme do some magic... Is what I would say if I hadn't already mastered this spell… Why did I want to study ahead again? Classes are going to be dull this year.

I'm partnered with Hannah as Professor Flitwick walks around, giving instructions and helping students along. I watch her instead of performing my own spell, interested in seeing how someone that has lived with magic their entire life deals with spell casting. Do they know about intent? Belief?

Hannah manages a flickering light after a few tries. She bites her lip, staring at her wand in consternation. Her eyes flick my way and she seems surprised. "Why aren't you trying?" She whispers.

"I already know how to do it, do you want some advice?" I whisper back. The books seem pretty accurate, even the magically raised doesn't seem to have much of a head start, just more aware of all the surrounding knowledge a muggleborn couldn't possibly learn this quick.

She nods quickly, looking at me attentively. "Go ahead, Professor." She giggles, a mischievous look on her face.

"Professor Greenwood sounds good." I say with a smirk, I have to admit, I definitely have - become a Hogwarts Professor - on my list of plans.

"Alright, so what are you visualizing when you perform the spell?" I ask Hannah.

She scrunches her nose cutely, "What do you mean?"

"The way I got it to work instantly. I visualized it as a light switch turning on, or as simply a bright light, pushing away the darkness. I said the spell with that intent. You control the spell, focus, and intend there to be bright light, say the words, and believe there will be." I explain, having to stop myself from going on to further explain my theories on intent and belief.

"Lumos!" Hannah calls out a few moments later and a bright light shines from her wand. Sputtering out as she drops it in shock, her face red as she scrambles to pick it back up from where it rolls away across the floor. Eyes turning her way at the successful cast and commotion.

Without thinking I say "Accio." The wand flies to me, smacking into my hand. I hand it to Hannah, not realizing what I just did until I see her gobsmacked face.

I look around, the entire class has been watching since the instance Hannah became the first person in the class to perform a perfect Lumos. And I'd just used a wandless spell. In front of everyone.

Oh my God and Merlin and Morgana! I want to rip my hair out right now. I have been here for three days! Stop making a spectacle in EVERY damn class! I scream at myself internally.

"Mister Greenwood!" Professor Flitwick chirps, astonished. "Was that a wandless summoning charm I just witnessed?"

"It can't be, the summoning charm is fourth year material!" Hermione blurts out, looking at me in shock. "It can't be!" She insists, her jaw sets stubbornly and she gives me a glare like I've completely upset the world order.

"I really didn't mean to show that off, sorry for disrupting the class, Professor." I say, chagrined.

"Twenty points to Hufflepuff for performing an advanced spell, Mister Greenwood, and take another ten for doing it wandlessly." Professor Flitwick on the other hand seems so happy he's almost levitating.

"He also already knows Lumos, and it's his advice that helped me perform the spell." Hannah piles on, giving me a proud supportive look.

I want to palm my face, Hannah, sweetie, no!

"Splendid! Five more points to Hufflepuff for assisting your classmate!" Flitwick is grinning ear to ear, while Hermione is looking increasingly sour. I do not want a rivalry, stahp!

"I only did what any Hufflepuff would have done." I say with a long suffering sigh, silently groaning at the way all these Hufflepuffs look at me for that one, I just keep digging my grave, I shouldn't be allowed to talk. Simple plan, Lucas, keep it quiet and under the radar until the new year. How's that one going?

"Could you show your Lumos to the class?" Professor Flitwick asks me, I don't really want to, but how do you tell a professor no, especially one as nice as Flitwick?"

I raise my wand, solidifying my intent, imagining a great light, "Lumos!"

Professor Flitwick applauds me, almost squeaking in delight. "That is as perfect of a Lumos I have ever seen from a first year." He praises me. Every eye on me. I squirm, the gossip is going to be horrendous. I already have enough due to the article, my actions at the opening feast, and then getting sent to the hospital wing already.

Professor Flitwick gives me a considering look, before smiling conspiratorially, "Say, Mister Greenwood? With such a strong Lumos, do you happen to know its stronger variant?"

"No, I can't say that I do." I lie bold facedly. Actually sighing in frustration as Hermione Granger of course raises her hand immediately.

Professor Flitwick calls on her, and the bushy haired annoyance gives me a superior look, before primly reciting. "The superior version of Lumos is Lumos Maxima, unlike the wand lighting charm, Lumos Maxima can be used against light sensitive dark creatures and is therefore considered as a defensive spell as well."

Professor Flitwick smiles delightedly, "A textbook answer Miss Granger. From the third year textbook. Take ten points to Gryffindor."

Good, shove the attention back on her. Leave me out of it. I think, relieved.

"Care to give it a try? Mister Greenwood?" Professor Flitwick asks me with a happy grin on his little face.

Damn….

I nod, giving out a little huff of air, I glance to my left, catching the eyes of my friends, mouthing, close your eyes!

Then I raise my wand, look straight at that smug ass professor's face. Imagine a thousand suns, obliterating all darkness, then I cast, "Lumos Maxima!"

Thankfully I have the slight common sense to not only warn my friends, but to also close my own eyes at the last second. The shrieks from my classmates must mean I have a particularly bright spell today. The thud I hear right after casting is probably the Professor falling off his desk. Making me feel a little better. It was Flitwick after all, so I don't actually want him hurt, a bruise or two I'm okay with…

"Turn it off!" Hermione shrieks. Followed by several other students, I think I hear a "Bloody hell!" From a certain Weasley even.

I imagine everything falling into darkness. All light perishing, "Nox." I say, and open my eyes. Finding a room full of students blinking heavily, many with tears in their eyes. The Professor jumps up on his desk again looking sheepish.

I turn and give Hannah an exasperated look, Susan and Neville are sitting to the side of her, and obviously closed their eyes, "Why didn't you close your eyes, you dummy!" I chide, seeing her blink tears out of her eyes.

She grins through the tears, "I wanted to see it." Are all Hufflepuffs going to be Gryffindors now?

"Ten points for a wonderfully strong spell demonstration, and another five for a perfectly executed wand extinguishing spell!" Professor Flitwick says looking proud, "Perhaps, a five minute breather for everyone before we continue practicing?"

The class handily agrees, even though we're supposed to be on a small break, Hermione immediately sets to creating her own Lumos with a vengeance. Sending occasional looks my way.

Hannah grabs my hand, smiling widely, "You earned us fifty points in one class!" She whispers exultant.

I shake my head, "You know I don't care about that."

Susan and Neville, sitting to the left of Hannah both give me exasperated looks to that. Susan piping in, "We'll care for you, and praise you for being such a good boy." She says determinedly.

I snort, giving her a dry look, "Please, if anything I'll lose fifty house points by tomorrow."

"Then it's good that you're already ahead." She says with a decisive nod.

Neville puts his face into his hands, "Please lose fifty house points when I'm not there." He begs me.

"I can't control these things." I say with a shrug.

"You kind of can." Neville and Susan both say at the same time. Hannah giggling at us all.

Soon the class is on point again. And I suppose it's something to cheer for when I don't manage to ruin my own plans all by myself, again, in the last thirty minutes.

Unfortunately I'm immediately ambushed by a Granger the second the class is over.

"How did you do that? Is it hard learning wandless magic? I haven't found anything about it in the library? Did you really do that Maxima spell for the first time? Did you lie to the Professor? How did you do that? You're a muggleborn like me, right? What books have you read?" She fires off question after question barely stopping to take a breath as I'm pushed up against the wall of the charms corridor, by this tiny bushy inquisitive monster child.

"Some help?" I ask, my traitor friends all hanging back, seeming to find something very funny about the situation.

"Why won't you answer me?" Hermione snaps, literally stomping her foot and everything.

"For one, you fired off so many questions I don't even remember your first one." I lie, seeing the bushy haired kid chew her lip in consternation. "Secondly I don't have time to write you an essay, just to satisfy your curiosity." I do not need a rivalry, thank you very much!

"What if I give you the questions in writing?" She persists. She's obviously not letting this go. Considering SPEW, she's kind of obsessive over things once she digs her teeth in. Heh, teeth, cuz they're huge…

I send an helpless look to my friends, Hannah offering her version of help, mouthing, kiss her. I glare at her, what the fuck Hannah?

She breaks down giggling, falling into Susan's shoulder, Susan herself struggling to keep her laughter down. Neville looks at the giggling girls and at the stubborn girl holding me hostage for answers. Then wisely decides to go stand by the other Hufflepuffs waiting for our prefect. Abandoning me. Wise, but traitorous my disciple. You shall pay one day!

I look at Hermione who's biting her lip nervously from the long wait for an answer. Her shoulders tense, no doubt thinking the girls are laughing at her. "If you write the questions down, I might answer them, once a week." I weakly surrender. If I answer back in writing it's not technically spending time with her. Right? More like… Penpals?

She brightens up, giving me a quick nod before running off. No doubt to find somewhere to prepare a 30 inch questionnaire. I suspect I'm going to regret not setting rules on the limits on what she can ask.

"Hannah, there's something wrong with you." I accuse, as we move towards the rest of the Hufflepuffs.

"She'd definitely shut up if you kissed her." She teases me.

"We're eleven." I sigh, trying to find support from Susan, who just gives me a giggle, her cheeks pink.

"It would work." Hannah insists stubbornly.

"Fellow Hufflepuffs, save me from the evil witches." I cry out. Looking for succor amongst my peers.

This fails, mostly because there's somehow ten Hufflepuff girls in our year - I really should learn their names - and they all immediately seem to be on the girls' side. Rude.

Secondly because the boys have Zacharias who probably wouldn't help me if I was on fire. Speaking of… I point at him, "Is that a new Gryffindor? What's he doing with our group?"

Derek the pretty Hufflepuff prefect arrives as if materializing out of the ether, "Don't you even dare start with that." He says warningly. "Let's get you all to the Great Hall for lunch."

"Derek! Lucas earned us fifty points in class!" Hannah tattles, the little… Witch…

Derek seems lost for words, he stares at me, finally he speaks up, "What did you do? Cast a Patronus!?"

"I blinded the whole class and made Professor Flitwick fall off his desk." I report. Factually, kind of.

Derek snorts, "Now that sounds like you." He looks over the group, "Alright, no more dawdling, let's move towards lunch."

I sidle up to Neville, "Neville, mate, bestest of pals." I start. He starts walking faster. "I swear it isn't bad!" I promise, keeping up with him.

Neville looks at me skeptically. I wave my hands in front of me, "Hey, I get it, a lot has happened already, but I just want your help with something."

"What is it, Lucas?" He says resignedly.

"Could you tell me who the Hufflepuff girls are?" I ask quietly. Feeling slightly embarrassed I was on day three and I didn't know any of their names. At least for the guys I knew, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Ernest Macmillan, Wayne Hopkins and Zacharias Smith. Easy. But there were ten Hufflepuff girls. And I only knew Susan and Hannah by name.

I had also noticed that Ravenclaw, Gryffindor and Slytherin had a lot more students then I remember. Only the Ravenclaw girls seem somewhat canonical, based on vague memories. Although they had a couple extras as well I think. Background characters Rowling never fleshed out? Who knows, but it would be rude to go seven years without knowing their names.

Neville gives me a disbelieving look, "How do you not know their names!" He whispers at me.

"I've been kind of occupied." I argue, "Just help me out, mate."

Neville sighs, then in a quiet move I never would have attributed to him, he tilts his chin at a short bespeckled black haired girl, not letting on what he's doing. "That's Sally-Anne Perks."

He moves his eyes to the girl next to her, a cute brunette with long free flowing hair "Megan Jones." He whispers. "She's related to the Gwenog Jones."

"The two girls behind us, on the left is Eloise Midgen, on the right is Lilian Moon, she has a twin in Ravenclaw."

I briefly look behind, just letting my eyes scan across the hallway, briefly catching the glimpse of a slightly pudgy brunette girl on the left, and a snobby looking blonde girl with a giant forehead on the right.

"Alright thanks, Nev, who's the other four?" I ask looking ahead. One of the girls is walking and talking with Susan and Hannah. She looks Asian, and has an easygoing smile wearing her black hair up in a bun, some colored sticks sticking through them. And… her wand. Well that's a new way to keep your wand.

"That's Katie Kogawa. Her older brother is in Hufflepuff as well, and she has an older sister in Ravenclaw." Neville says quietly. "They're all insane about quidditch."

"How do you know all that?" I whisper back.

"I listen." He deadpans, giving me a judgemental look.

"Alright, I get it. Who's the last three?"

The last three were walking together, I'd seen them around us so I knew what they looked like, but I had no idea on their names. To the left was a black girl who'd dyed her hair dirty blonde, it certainly drew looks, I definitely wagered muggleborn on her. In the middle was a slightly heavy set black haired girl with an unfortunate bulbous nose that I don't believe she'll grow into well. And lastly on the right was a fair skinned girl, with round glasses and a red haired ponytail.

"From the left, Emma Rayner, Grace Lawang and Moira Thistlewood." Neville finishes just as we're reaching the Great Hall. I pat him on the back thankfully.

I'd have to pay attention in classes with the other houses, pick up at least the names of those in my year. It would be embarrassing if some Slytherin was putting me down and I didn't even know the name of the person I was cursing to pee from their ears from now on…

Speaking of Slytherins…

Draco Malfoy and another Slytherin boy with cold blue eyes and a large jutting jaw have Hermione cornered right by the door. She's almost in tears, but is obviously trying to hold it together. Holding her book bag to her chest so hard her hands are starting to turn white.

Derek thankfully is already on it, walking forward with quick decisive steps. "Everything alright, here?" He says sharply, tapping his prefect badge as he stares the tiny Slytherins down.

Hermione takes the opportunity to run off to the Gryffindor table the second the Slytherins focus on the fifth year prefect. Can't really blame her, I doubt they have been saying nice things.

"Of course a Huffleduff comes to the rescue of the low and dirty." The Slytherin boy with the large jaw says snidely. His voice is low and scratchy.

Malfoy snickers, "Evander, did you see how quick she scurried away, like a rat!" The arrogant little toad doesn't even seem to care he's in front of a prefect.

"That's enough! You're… Malfoy and Rosier, Right? Move along or I'll have to take points." Derek says, distaste evident.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Malfoy and Rosier both roll their eyes, but begin to move, I tense up slightly as they come by me, Neville suddenly stepping in front of me, his jaw set. Merlin, he really has some Gryffindor spine in him, to think he could have been like this from the start if Harry and Ron had included him. I think, a bit touched to be honest, that he's standing up for me. Not that a few words from Malfoy or all people would really upset me.

Malfoy spots me, and nods his head politely. "Greenwood." He says neutrally. Rosier follows suit a second later, as they continue on past us. And all I can think is. What. The. Fuck?

I'm not the only one that is thrown. The whole Hufflepuff contingent stands in the entranceway to the Great Hall, frozen in confusion. I can see Nevilles puzzled look at me, and I imagine my face is showing something similar.

"Mister Court, is there a reason the entire Hufflepuff first year group is blocking the entranceway to the Great Hall?" Professor McGonagall asks sternly, we all flinch not having noticed her arriving.

Derek especially practically jumps as he springs into action. "So sorry, Professor! Come along then, move along, move it, that means you, Greenwood!" He says hurriedly as he coaxes us along quickly.

I am lost in thought as I follow along with my classmates. That had been odd. Malfoy was up to his usual muggleborn bullying obviously. So then why was he polite to me? It has to have something to do with that damned article. Me doing well in classes can't be it. Hermione also has and she's obviously still being bullied and looked down upon.

I eat quietly, barely joining into the small talk amongst my friends, sparing a quick smile for Padma and Su as they join us from the Ravenclaw table. I can see the looks the other Hufflepuff first years are giving me. Wondering. Why is he on friendly terms with Slytherins?

My face suddenly being pushed down by a hand in my hair, until I get a face full of mash interrupts my brooding. "Tonks!" I manage to growl out, because who else could it be?

My head is pulled up, and I see Tonks grinning face through the mash dripping off my face. "Wotcher, Lucas! I heard you earned us fifty points from pigtail girl telling Derek, who told Amelia, who told me, congrats!"

"What a fine way to congratulate me…" I say sarcastically. "Scourgify." I clean myself up with a quick flick of my wand, resigned to the looks from my fellow Puffs and the raised eyebrow from Tonks. Yes, I can do that spell too, all glory in my genius, I think glumly, giving Hannah a gimlet glare, Stop bragging about me, it's sweet but oh so annoying!

"It was, wasn't it?" Tonks says cheerfully. Before sitting down next to me, an arm around my shoulder as she peers around. "So these are your friends? C'mon introduce us?" She wheedles.

I can't help but smile, Tonks great mood makes it hard to grumble. "Everyone, this is Nymph-Oof!" I am interrupted from my introduction by a punch to the ribs. Not a gentle one either.

"You already introduced me plenty on the train, you berk!" Tonks growls, "Introduce your friends, you puffskein brain!"

I can't quite hide my amused smile, and although she is glaring at me, I can spot the amused twinkle in her eyes as well. I wave a hand towards Neville. "This is the brave and valiant sir Neville of Longbottom, he of Gryffindor spine and a Hufflepuff heart!" I say grandly. The rest of the Hufflepuff first years watching us, as I'm not exactly quiet.

Neville blushes bright red as Tonks flutters her eyelashes at him, growing them extra long just for the occasion.

I continue on, switching my gaze to Padma. "The Lady Padma of Patil, the great beauty from the east, with wit befitting of a raven!"

Padma just gives me a dry look, shaking her head at my antics. Tonks is practically jumping in her seat giddily at my over the top introductions, what a child, I hope she never changes.

Su looks pink already and I haven't even started yet, I smile at her, "The lady Su of Li, cutest girl in Hogwarts," I say with a wink, making her go beet red, "She may be small, but has a fiery soul, she is the Lady Spitfire!"

"She is adorable, but I'm the cutest girl in Hogwarts." Tonks argues, winking at the embarrassed but pleased looking Su.

"To who? The blind?* I tease, only dodging the elbow to the ribs because I knew it was coming. I move right along to distract Tonks. Susan looks at me with bright blue eyes sitting at the edge of her seat in anticipation.

"Lady Susan of Bones, fairest lady of them all, the soul of Hufflepuff and holding the grace of an angel!" I smile, as Susan breaks out giggling at my over the top introduction.

I turn to Hannah, and wave a hand, "And that's Hannah Abbott." I say, making the girl give me a dirty look.

"Riveting." Tonks giggles, giving Hannah and me a curious look.

"Where's my awesome introduction?" Hannah demands, shaking a fist at me.

"I don't know? Are you going to stop telling everyone about me earning fifty points?" I say giving her a pointed look.

Hannah glares at me mulishly. "No."

"Then no introduction." I say with a sugary sweet smile. Tonks looks amused at our byplay.

Hannah glares at me, and Tonks swoops in to the rescue. "The amazing, beautiful Hannah of the pigtails!" She says grandly enough for the whole table to hear, she doesn't stop there, "The defeater of Greenwood, the witch making Lucas be a little ickle baby! The wonder of Hufflepuff, Hannah!"

Hannah is blushing but she's also laughing, as are most of my friends. I roll my eyes, "Well I guess that's on me."

Tonks ruffles my hair, "It's alright, boys are meant to be clueless." She teases me.

"That's why we girls are around to make sure they make it through life." Su, of all people, says with a small grin, looking my way.

"Neville, mate, help me out here. We're being assaulted!" I say, mock affronted.

Neville shakes his head, "I'm on the girls side." He mumbles, refusing to be drawn into my shenanigans.

I laugh at his beet red face right after, as Susan and Hannah both glomp him from each side. Tonks nods approvingly, "You could learn a thing or two from that boy, a future player I can tell." She winks at him, making poor Neville almost pass out, the boy isn't used to all this physical affection and praise.

"Don't make him pass out, we have Transfiguration after lunch." I say, a smirk on my face. Susan and Hannah both smirking as well as they release a still beet red Neville. Who gives me a weak glare, like it's somehow my fault.

"Tonks! What are you doing with my firsties!" Derek stomps up, looking both nervous and determined at the same time.

"Your firsties?" Tonks says with a sharp grin. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Court." She pulls me closer, "This one's mine!"

"What? So you can put him in the hospital wing again?" Derek says with a distasteful look.

"That was you!?" Hannah says, suddenly frowning at Tonks. All my friends are giving her dirty looks now. I should nip this in the bud.

"I deserved that, and I asked to have that fight. Don't blame her." I say seriously, wiping the expressions on my friends' faces. Not so much on Derek however.

"You are a first year student. Tonks knows better. Or at least she should." He sniffs, "She has a month of detentions for her foolishness."

Tonks shrugs, looking unconcerned. "I'll take another week of them for hexing you if you don't watch it, Court." She grins dangerously.

I turn to Tonks, "No seriously, why? How did you manage to get a month?" I say chagrined. I had asked for that fight. What did Tonks do? Drop my unconscious body off in front of McGonagall's office?

"Sprouty caught me." Tonks says with an easy going smile, eyes sparkling in barely hidden glee as Derek makes a quick retreat away from the first year part of the Hufflepuff table.

I crane my neck towards the teacher's table and spot Professor Sprout. "Right." I say, getting up.

Tonks' iron grip on my arm stops me. "Lucas, if you're doing what I think you're doing, it's sweet, but just no. Sit down."

"If he asked for the fight, Professor Sprout should know about that before deciding on a punishment." Susan says reluctantly. Still giving Tonks a wary look.

Tonks rolls her eyes, before giving me a pointed look. "Look, if you wanna try and beg ol' Sprouty, I won't stop you." She says slowly, "Just maybe not in the Great Hall, you're making a habit…"

I wince and sit down. She's right. A time and a place. Her office would make more sense. I almost made a spectacle again. "I'll talk to her later." I acknowledge Tonks' point with a thankful nod.

Eventually lunch winds down and it's time to once again be escorted like little ducklings. This time to Transfiguration. Probably my favorite wand subject just based on my practices before Hogwarts.

Whether it was the strong belief I held in the possibility of changing one thing to another, my creative mind allowing me to easily visualize the change, or if my magic was just predisposed for the subject - I had done very well in practice. I loved Transfiguration. Conjuration and Transfiguration had transfixed not only my mind, but so many of the stories I had read in the past had expanded greatly on the subject. Conjuring up physical shields to shield from the unforgivables being the most used skill, but the ever popular Transfiguration of common objects or rubble into a pack of wolves to attack your foe had been seen in almost any transfiguration based fight in the fandom.

I was far from that level of skill, but the common practices of transfiguring needles and the like, I had no issues with. Although I intended to finish the class as one of the successful students - I did not intend to finish with less than an O in any class. I'd refrain from showing off this time.

Prodigy is a word I would see attached to my name by the new year, after I've observed and gotten settled in with life and whatever threats I can see. I've already made myself too visible as is now. Being the top student, or finishing within the top 3-4 students in class assignments would do for the moment. I couldn't put the rabbit back in the hat and remain mostly anonymous as a studious muggle born student in the background. Coupled with the seeming mix of elements from the games and the competence displayed by the professors, I would have to knuckle down on studying on my own, improving myself, and limiting these public displays I've been drawn into. Soon enough Harry Potter will draw the attention away. Then I can allow the focus on him as I study for my own reveal.

As we enter the Transfiguration classroom, I'm not surprised to see an orange tabby cat on the Professor's desk. Unlike the other classrooms so far - excepting the plain and dull History of Magic classroom. Transfiguration looked the least magical so far. A plain classroom with no decoration, several rows of students desks facing the blackboard. The curved back wall behind the professor and the moveable blackboard, holds several cabinets and cupboards. Likely holding the supplies for most Transfiguration classes. Notably they look ancient, hardly decorative, but sturdy and old. They'd probably bring a fortune in a muggle auction. It wouldn't surprise me if they were at least 500 years old.

I share a seat with Padma in this class, Su bagging Susan and breaking up the dream team, putting the Herbology duo Hannah and Neville together. I make a mental note to find a way to get Neville to see that his wand is the issue and not him, once it starts becoming obvious he'll struggle in the wand based classes.

With us Hufflepuffs being escorted around the castle and the Ravenclaws hurrying to class as a matter of course. No one is late, Professor McGonagall dramatically closes the door at 13:00 on the dot - It seems all professors share a dramatic tendency. I ponder if she can use wandless magic as a cat to close the door, or if she had it set on a timed charm. A slow mumble of confusion starts rumbling across the classroom as no Professor is in sight.

I fake my shocked gasp with the others as the cat suddenly leaps off the desk and transforms into Professor McGonagall, whose face does not betray for a moment how much she enjoys messing with us little firsties. You don't set up this little play every time otherwise.

Casually she waves her wand, turning her desk into a pig, waiting just long enough for us all to gape in astonishment, before turning it back. Staring down at us sternly, tapping her wand on her left palm.

"Transfiguration is some of the most complex and dangerous magic you will learn at Hogwarts." She doesn't raise her voice as she speaks, she doesn't have to, she has such a commanding voice, no one would be caught not paying attention. "Anyone messing around in my class, endangering another student or themselves, will leave and not come back!" Her gaze sweeps over us all. "And in such a case I will do my utmost to see you expelled, Transfiguration is not a subject to take lightly, or half heartedly, you have been warned…"

I couldn't wait for the day when I could really learn from this woman. Not the kid stuff of the first few years, but to get to study under a real Mistress of Transfiguration. Or to one day call her a colleague… Hogwarts in a few short days had already made my heart ache for the possibility of never leaving it again.

Professor McGonagall certainly lives up to her strict but fair reputation. The first hour of the double class was the spiel we were now so used to. The precautions and safety rules of the class. No one dares to breathe a word of protest however as Professor McGonagall makes us write down every rule for her class, twice - To let it properly sink in. She says, amusing me slightly as she inadvertently channels Dolores Umbridge.

As soon as we do end up attempting to transform a toothpick into a shiny needle, she walks amongst the aisles and helps students from each house in the same no nonsense tone. Awarding points to both the first Ravenclaw to successfully perform the spell (Padma), but also the first Hufflepuff. In our house only three people manage it during this first lesson. I ensure I am the third, finishing just before the end of class when it looks like no one else is going to get it.

To my amusement, Zacharias Smith was the first one to transfigure his toothpick, and he made sure to send me a superior look for it too, I sent him a puzzled look with a tilted head, like I was trying to figure out who he was, and why on earth he was staring at me. I might be having too much fun with this little rivalry.

Boy was he going to look silly once I really started blowing these eleven year olds out of the water.

The second to beat me had been Megan Jones, who looked shocked as she stared at the finished transfiguration. The congratulations from her fellow Puffs snapping her out of it. Honestly I had a hard time understanding the Duffer reputation. Having seen Tonks and Ophelia, having read about Diggory. I mean… Gryffindor had what geniuses exactly? Ron Weasley and Seamus Finnegan? Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown? Outside Harry and Hermione they really hadn't exactly shined. And even Harry mostly only in practicals.

I mentally refocus away from all the messes and people in the books that never got explored much and focus back in on my thoughts about our lessons.

From these first few lessons I've had. And from looking over the schedule, I've noticed it seems more - Is proper the right word? Then what's seen in the books. They barely seemed to have classes at all, with only seven subjects and flying class to go to, for example they apparently only had Potions once a week!

Here we have 3 Transfiguration classes a week, 2 doubles and one single. Same with Potions and DADA. Herbology has 1 double and two singles, Charms likewise. Astronomy has 2 doubles, and History of Magic has 2 singles. Also as first years we have the 1 single flying class a week.

In effect we've got classes from about 8-5, 9-5 -ish Monday to Friday. With Astronomy lessons from 22:00-Midnight twice a week on Wednesday and Friday. Classes start an hour later on Thursday for this reason. Even considering we have 1.5-2 hours for lunch everyday, this is a pretty normal looking school day. Not at all as empty and free time filled as the books had implied. Of course with the day ending around five each day, there were plenty of hours to socialize, study or do whatever else students do, plus the weekend being free.

My own take on this; These core subjects needed to hammer in the basics. They had the first two years only, to teach basics on safety. How to do essays/homework, how to behave in class and with spellwork, potions and plants. Because, when third year sets in with electives, these core subjects would no doubt shrink down to a double a week and not much more. Each student has by then been taught a level of proficiency to be able to handle self study outside of the double core classes.

All currently hypotheses of mine, but I had a feeling this is how it was laid out. Because it made sense. Especially considering Hogwarts did offer more electives then the books had suggested. I had taken a peek at an upper year's course suggestions, and there were several more available.

Healing was an elective only available 6th year and up, and was taught by Madame Pomfrey as an example. But there were also other third year electives, and some starting fifth year. Dumbledore even offered an Alchemy elective! One almost never taken up on, as the students need to achieve an O in Potions, Transfiguration, Arithmancy, Astronomy, and Herbology on their OWLs to qualify.

As we finish Transfiguration I'm still thinking about electives, wondering what I'm going to do about those, except the obvious. Three will be off the board soon enough. I'm interrupted in my thoughts by Neville accidentally bumping into me, looking pale.

"Nev, hey what's up? You alright?" I ask, looking around me, but I don't spot any Slytherins or anything unusual. Just our regular Puff group and attached minder.

"We have flying lessons next." He says his face paling even further, he looks at me with panicked eyes. "I'm clumsy, Lucas! I can't be fifty feet in the air!"

"We'll all be there, I'm sure Susan or Hannah have plenty of experience with flying." I say soothingly. Looking at the girls to back me up.

Susan grimaces, looking away as Hannah whistles innocently.

"Seriously, both of you?" I ask, they grew up in magical households, how has no one learned how to use a broom!?

"We're not terrible, not really." Hannah hems and haws. "We can float just fine. It's… The up and down parts that go wonky sometimes." Oh, so none of the important bits, I think sarcastically.

"Hannah crashed into the Abbot greenhouses five times." Susan volunteers this helpful information, from the look Hannah is giving her, Susan had her fair share too.

"You are so not helping right now." I deadpan, seeing Neville looking ready to faint. It wouldn't surprise me if he's actively trying to induce it to avoid going to the lesson. Unfortunately we have them all year, so it's hardly a solution.

"Neville, don't worry, I mean I've never been on a broom before either, I mean as a muggleborn the idea of being a hundred feet in the air with just a stick in between you and the ground is just - " I stop before finishing the sentence, palming my face, way to go, Lucas! That sure comforted him!

Indeed, Neville looks more likely to hit the ground any second then soon leave it on a broom.

"If it helps Longbottom, I am an experienced flier, and my father says Madame Hooch is a skilled instructor. Nothing will befall you in her presence." Ernest Macmillan says, giving Neville an earnest pat on the back.

He then turns to us reprovingly, "I say, you don't know how to give someone a pep talk at all, do you?"

"Not really it seems," I acknowledge, "Thanks, Macmillan." I give the boy an honest smile, Neville had gained some color to his cheeks after Macmillan gave such high praise for our flying instructor.

"We're all Hufflepuffs!" He says proudly, looking way too pleased at the small thank you. What is it with all these pureblood and half-blood kids? Do magicals not know what positive reinforcement is!?

I check the time, "We still have about forty five minutes until we need to be at the lesson, what say we head down to the lake and just sit and chill until then?" I tell Neville and my friends.

Amelia clears her throat pointedly. And I hang my head a little. How do I keep forgetting they're there? This whole group thing is getting mildly annoying and crimping my style. I'll be glad when the week is done and we'll be expected to get around on our own.

"Sorry, I forgot we can't just wander off." I apologize. Susan and Hannah both turning wide puppy dog eyes on our fifth year prefect for me.

Amelia rolls her eyes, an amused smile blossoming on her face, "At least you didn't just walk away this time, Greenwood." She looks around the group, "If no one objects, I might as well take you down to the lake, it will be an easy walk to the flying lesson from there."

She chuckles as there's some excited mumbling amongst the firsties. Coming forward and patting Neville on the head. "Let's go then, and Longbottom, don't worry. No one's died during flying lessons since the 1600's."

Neville looks somewhat less terrified, I keep my mouth shut, wanting to quip about how no one has ever died during a lesson would have been a much better answer for a school.

Then again considering what monstrosities are apparently in the upper level greenhouses, and the fun with the Acromantula colony in the forbidden forest. It's perhaps surprising there haven't been more deaths.

We all spend an enjoyable thirty minutes sitting by the lake, Amelia teaching us all the warming charm as it is getting a bit nippy out here in the Scottish Highlands in September.

Without Gryffindor versus Slytherin rivalries, and with a supportive Hufflepuff cast. Neville does not crash. Although he barely hovers two feet off the ground and no words from Madame Hooch gets him to fly any higher today. He's definitely going to be a work in progress over the year.

As for myself, I have no problems willing the broom to my hand, it's the same basis as spell casting after all. As for flying, I don't care how sitting on the broom feels like you're on a comfortable seat, how there's charms for comfort, grip and safety and all that jazz. Once I look down and see that the ground is quite far away, and I have a stick between me and it… Well I might pass this class, but I'll never willingly fly a broom if there's another way to travel.

As for quidditch, hah! Over my dead body!

After flying class I beg off going to dinner. It takes some effort to convince my friends to go on without me, I really shouldn't be so attached already and neither should they. Maybe there's some magic surrounding the Hogwarts Express that just solidifies friendships immediately.

I'm probably overthinking again, we're eleven and spent close to nine hours together on the train, for any eleven year old that basically is best friends for life right there.

Knowing I literally walk by the kitchens to get to my common room, missing dinner isn't an issue. I can easily grab a snack, or a four course meal when I return to the sett.

For now, I have something much more important to do.

Opening the dark wooden doors inlaid with the Hogwarts crest sends shivers down my spine. There's just this heavy feeling in the air, like magic is more prominent in the air. As it should be, for the world's greatest repository of magical knowledge.

The Hogwarts library is even grander than I could have ever imagined. Upon entry I'm greeted with a grand domed ceiling, barely visible. It's so high up. The giant round room is covered in bookshelves almost all the way up, three whole floors of them. The wood itself is so ancient and dark, yet polished almost to a sheen, the ornate crest on top of every shelf holding a motif explaining its general subject matter.

The restricted section is not hard to see, the entire right side of the bottom floor of the library is sectioned off. Ancient wrought metal gates barring entry. The Hogwarts crest proudly displayed not only on the two gates - one at the entrance of the library, one by the librarian's desk- but on the gold plated floor to ceiling bars wrapping around the rest of the restricted section. I don't know about anyone else, but I can feel the thrum of magic in these bars, especially over the gates.

There would be no just walking in there, invisibility cloak or not. It was properly warded and protected as befitting a repository - no doubt full of ancient magic and dark arts.

As I walk across the emerald green carpeted floor - No doubt a way to lower the noise level. I keep looking around me, in awe of the sheer amount of knowledge. Even if I skipped every class for the next seven years and just lived here, I wouldn't get through half of it.

Interspersed here and there amongst the beautiful ancient shelves, there were desks and tables for study. All empty for now, I have no doubt that those like me, the eager, magic hungry students, would soon fill them after dinner. Each desk or table had a small stationary lamp to provide light. Much needed as the entire library was eerily ill lit, small floating crystal orbs providing a small amount of light floating over the aisles of bookshelves. For obvious reasons there were no candles or lanterns to be seen. Perhaps there was so much magic gathered in this one place, that fireproof wards and the like just didn't take completely?

I noticed Irma Pince, the school librarian at her desk, placed on a round raised platform at the opposite end of the entrance. The slight elevation gave her a complete view of not only the entrance, but every study desk or table on the first floor that was not hidden in a nook amongst the aisles. Surrounding her desk to the sides were several tall mirrors, periodically I could see them flash by different sights of the library, one seemed wholly dedicated to the restricted section by the constant flashes of bars I could spot.

I wandered past her desk as she gave me a gimlet glare, I returned a polite nod. This was one adult I could not piss off at any cost. My access to the library was too important.

Behind her was a caged room, the gate not locked, I could see stacks and stacks of Daily Prophets, I read the plaque by the gate, not surprised to find that Hogwarts library has the only complete collection of every Prophet ever printed. No wonder it is in a caged area right behind the librarian. No doubt they did not want to lose a priceless hundreds years old paper to some grubby child.

I was more surprised to find that they also have similar copies in there of every other known British publication, plus several international ones. Although I couldn't help being bemused to know Potions and Transfiguration monthlies shared space with Witch Weekly and Quidditch monthlies. The last two hardly needed saving for posterity. Quidditch was in my own humble opinion a ridiculous sport and held much to large prominence amongst wizardkind.

My discomfort on a broom has nothing to do with my dislike of Quidditch..

Well… Perhaps a little. The whole snitch and seekers rules held most of my distaste. It's ludicrous to have a game possibly last days, just as it is pointless and a waste of time to show up to one that will last five minutes.

Imagine that as a professional athlete? Or even a school athlete. You train all year. Get hyped up for the big game. Then the seeker sees the snitch and catches it five minutes in before you've even done anything. That Quidditch career still feel great? Accomplished so much for all that training?

Bah, I'm in the best magical library in the world, and I'm wasting time wondering about Quidditch!

I longingly look around me, I won't have time really to properly explore until the weekend, so get what I need and find myself somewhere to hide and read where no one's going to Hufflepuff me.

Madam Pince eyes me distastefully as I continue to appear in front of her desk, depositing book after book. I take care to put them down gently, not wanting her to invent a reason that I'm brutalizing the books - and kick me out.

Finally I have collected what I believe I'll need for the next few months of hardcore studying, my way of soon creating free time for years to come.

Madam Pince purses her lips, "17 books is an unusually large amount to borrow, Mister..?" She gives me a penetrating look. Eyes sharp.

I nod with a polite smile, "Greenwood, Madam. There are no rules on what amount of books you can borrow at the same time, is there?"

She grimaces slightly, "...No."

"Then I'd like to borrow all of these!" I say politely, not showing off any cheer. I don't want to piss her off at any point. More than borrowing many many books would anyway.

"History of Magic, Astronomy… and… Arithmancy…Divination… Muggle studies?" She reads over the titles, growing more severe as she does so. "You are a first year student." She finishes with a look demanding immediate explanation.

I must learn where these people perfect their glares, Pince and Snape both must have taken classes for it, they have exquisite glares, if I was really eleven I'd no doubt be running right now.

"I like to read ahead." I say innocently.

"You don't take electives until third year." She replies snappily.

"Far far ahead." I say sweetly. "Is there a problem, am I not allowed?"

Madam Pince looks like she's sucked a dozen lemons, taking her time before reluctantly answering me. "There are no rules against it."

From her face I wager she believes there definitely should be. Yet, she starts processing the books. Placing them on a metal scale on her desk one at a time.

I take the time to explore her desk and the many gadgets she has at her disposal. The metal scale seems to be connected to a hovering beautifully plumed quill that is writing down the book titles - as well as my name, on a large golden decorated Rolodex type device. It looks positively ancient, and must be where they store the information on who has borrowed what. I see it moving slowly as book titles and my name gets written on the parchment attached to it.

"What is that?" I ask, Pointing to a silver tuning rod attached to what appears to be a globe, but not of the earth, a round map of the library itself, sitting just to the left of Madam Pince on her desk. "I mean if I'm allowed to ask?" I hurriedly add.

Madam Pince glares at me, age lines more visible as her mouth thins in displeasure. "That detects any magic used in the library, If I catch you at it, you will not return."

Awesome, I can't help but think. With the mirrors showing flashing images of the library going through every view every few seconds, the wards on the restricted section, and magical gadgets like this, the library was well protected. I approve. I don't want anything or anyone hurting my … Everyone's books.

I wonder if the charms are attached to Filch or the house elves or something, or just Hogwarts wards when Madam Pince isn't in the Library. Surely she couldn't watch over it for 24 hours a day. I'm interrupted in my musings as Madam Pince speaks up again, having finished processing my books.

"If there is even the slightest tear, smudge, breadcrumb or defect when you return these books…" She says ominously, rising up to loom over me. " I'll transfigure you to a playwizard magazine and put you away in that section for all to enjoy!"

That…. Is probably the most terrifying threat I have ever been given. Forget Snape. This woman is a true sadist. Also, they have a playwizard section!?

"There's a section for that here!?" I ask, incredulously. That's just a bad idea all over… Who would want to borrow a used naughty mag? Even with magic that's just… Ew.

Madam Pince gives me a dirty look, I feel somewhat offended, She brought it up in the first place. Eventually she answers me, looking none too happy to be doing so. "There is … It is one of the… Many… Decisions made by Headmaster Phineus Nigellus Black once upon a time, that have never been reversed." Her disgusted look encapsulates her thoughts on that matter, before she glares at me again, straightening her back. "Don't even dare to try and take anything from there, the section is protected by an age line." She hisses.

"I'm eleven!" I say, offended for real now, what kind of pervert does she think I am?

She sneers, "You never know with muggleborns." She continues haughtily, "Always touching what they shouldn't, acting like ancient texts are notebooks."

It's going to get tiring real fast to hear about how barbaric I am, somehow I remain polite, even as I note down mentally to never seek this one out for any kind of help. "How do you know I'm a muggleborn?" I ask.

She looks at me like I'm stupid. Before speaking slowly, "As the curator of the largest magical library in the world, of course I know the genealogy of the students that attend here. Greenwood is not a pureblood name."

"You have pureblood genealogy books here?" How on earth did any pureblood family allow that? Family trees and such seemed too important to let just anyone go have a gander at.

"Don't get any ideas, boy. They are in the restricted section, that section can not be entered by anyone not a pureblood for at least two generations." She scoffs, "Do you think just anyone can access such information."

I swear I could hear a silent dunderhead there at the end. Yet I persist, this is all interesting information, even if not necessarily something I can ever use. "How does it detect you're pure enough?" Do pureblood only wards exist? In that case could you make an anti-pureblood ward? That would be incredibly useful as an anti-death eater ward. They were majorly purebloods after all.

Madam Pince looks like she's smelling something foul as she answers me clippedly, "Blood magic."

"Phineas Nigellus Black, again?" I ask, nodding at her accompanying nod. Blood magic was definitely illegal. Although I'm sure if I read the law it would specifically outline already placed blood wards as perfectly legal. Purebloods got to keep their special privileges after all.

Our conversation is interrupted as the silver tuning rod lets out a gong-like sound, the globe rolling in place until the rod settles on somewhere on the second floor by my guess, from my limited view. Madam Pince immediately discards my presence and taps one of the mirrors with her wand. Quickly finding the view of a seventh year Ravenclaw at a study table, a copying spell in progress. I guess it wasn't completely empty after all, I think. Another tap of her wand, and she steps through the mirror, the glass rippling in her wake. That is honestly so damn cool! I can't help but nerd out about cool magic.

I start sliding my books into my mokeskin pouch, as there is no way I'd fit them all in my bookbag. - note to self, investigate space expansion charms - and I don't want to be here when Madam Pince returns with that doomed student. Or without…

I give one last longing look at the library, knowing without a doubt that I will spend a lot of time here for the next 6 years at least.

Then I'm off. I have one place to investigate as a possible secret location for my own private study room. If it was here, then awesome. If it didn't exist or was in use, then I'd have to settle for reading in my own dorm for now. As much as Hufflepuffs will allow me to anyway.

I head to the base of the Defense against the Dark Arts tower. Going up a floor, admiring the almost amber coloured walls, whatever material was used around here certainly made things look pretty. The gloss catching my reflection it's so polished. There are no paintings here, just a few statues and a display case featuring two miniature ships at sea, fighting a battle, mini flashes of spell light racing across decks as the mini pirates fight on a loop. I glance at the golden plaque. It commemorates a Hogwarts professor, who in 1805 took part in the battle of Trafalgar. He protected the ICW and the statue of secrecy by fighting and defeating magical mercenaries that had been hired to destroy the British muggles at sea, hired by a rogue dark wizard. Probably also code for - And we obliviated the fuck out of those muggles.

"Wicked! Way to go Professor… Potter? Seriously?" I whisper to myself. The display case is somewhat off to the side and behind the staircase up to the third floor of the DADA tower so perhaps Harry never found it? Surely it would have been mentioned if his great great great something granddad had fought pirates!

I shake my head, bemused. If I ever do talk to Harry, this is definitely something I would have to show him. I continue down the corridor, and step around a bend in the wall. Finding… just a dead end. A wall with absolutely nothing there. Just a window on the sidewall bathing this empty space in light. That's slightly disappointing.

I narrow my eyes in thought. The look of Hogwarts did seem a mix of all the games and the movies, although in different ways, these amber walls I remember, but they weren't in this corridor in the game... I had noticed the names like Wildsmith that I recognized from Hogwarts Legacy. Name's like Haywood that I recognized from Hogwarts Mystery. It should be here.

"Revelio!" I cast, using my wand, as I have not yet managed the wandless cast. Nothing appears. Not a single trace. I start pacing. Thinking it through. What hides something so effectively that no one can find it.

The Undercroft had been mentioned to be hidden in such a way as to not be easy to find. Despite the fact it had held such an obviously suspicious entrance, one easily found at that. Perhaps the fact the player was invited in, played a part. Was it protected by the Fidelius charm? Ominous Gaunt had certainly acted possessive of it, like perhaps he was a secret keeper. Yet how then could I even think or imagine it here?

Just as I focus again on the wall, thinking on the entrance to the Undercroft, pondering how it's hidden. The clock appears before me, like a veil has been lifted. Was it enough just me knowing the location like that and reasoning it out? The charm recognized that I'm aware and is letting me in? Or is it not a Fidelius charm? Or am I now the secret keeper? Or does someone else hold the secret?

I would have to test it at a later date. Find a way to lure someone to this corner, without seeming like I invited them or told them to. And then I'd find out if the entrance can be seen again, or not. If I simply had penetrated a ward that now has fallen. Or if it is actually the Fidelius charm.

The floor to ceiling statuesque clock in front of me is beautiful, I try tapping my wand on it, thinking open, the front symbols all move slowly after I do, a heavy thunk coming through as they settle into a new position. The front of the clock pops open just by an inch. Slowly and carefully I pry it open, and step inside, closing the doorway behind me.

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