Chapter 8:

With that, she began a short lecture on turning a match in a needle. The instructions were to be concise and focus on the incantation. Harry who had been working on wandless magic recently turned his first one into an inaccurate needle with pieces of wood sticking out of it, but then pulled out his wand and made them into perfectly shaped needles.

His partner next to him gasped, "That was wicked Harry, you did the first one without a wand!"

Some of the class had heard her exclamation, and turned to look while Neville focused really hard in front of him and was also able to do the same, "He's not the only one!"

McGonagall had a smile for a split second before returning to her usual posture, "Five points of Hufflepuff and Gryffindor! Now Mr. Potter, Mr. Longbottom, do you mind explaining to the class how you did it?"

Neville motioned to his best friend, "You are the better teacher among us, so it's all yours!"

Harry nodded speaking carefully, "The goal of any transfiguration is to picture your intended goal and focus your magic on exactly what you want. You have to be able to see exactly what you want to do. I am willing to bet that the people who would've gotten it the fastest would have been people who knew the spell movement really well or those who had been around pins and needles the most. Magic cannot be commanded, but only controlled. You have to be precise in what you want."

The head of Gryffindor nodded, "Very good Mr. Potter, five more points to Hufflepuff. Now, who knows why I did not teach you this myself?"

Daphne Greengrass raised her hand to be called on, "Because you wanted it to be a learning experience professor?"

McGonagall nodded, "Very good five points to Slytherin. Now everyone close your eyes and picture your transfiguration. Then be tight with your circle and cast the spell. For some of you this may be your first real attempt at magic, so do not be discouraged. Mr. Potter, Mr. Longbottom please go around and try and help if you can."

Harry nodded first turning to his housemate, "Let's see it, Megan, remember what she said, the accuracy of the wand motion is important for someone who had never done this before. Focus on it."

After two short attempts, Megan had gotten the imperfect Transfiguration and squealed with excitement at being in the first few to get it done. Harry smile at the girl and stood up going to his other housemates making sure they had it.

The class went by from there, with everyone getting at least an imperfect transfiguration, and a few like Daphne getting one perfect.

When the bell rang the first years pulled themselves up, while Harry and Neville were asked to stay behind. McGonagall looked at two of her students with pride, "I am awarding each of you with ten more points to your respective houses. I am slightly disappointed Mr. Potter that Hufflepuff is going to be making a lot of points off of you.

Hopefully, Mr. Longbottom will be able to counter you a little, and I hope it sparks friendly competition between the two of you. Now, I would like to tell you both that since this is going to be too easy for the two of you, I would like you to complete all of your assignments wandlessly.

I know your parents have instructed you two for a while now, and Dumbledore tells me you are both trying to become proficient wandless casters. I will not take points off, but will award extra points for every assignment you can complete without a wand, does that seem fair?"

Harry and Neville grinned at each other, while the head of Gryffindor dismissed them. The two boys quickly ran to catch up with their friends as they were now headed to the dungeons. Hermione Granger, who was waiting to speak with the boys along with her friend who Harry didn't recognize exclaimed, "You two are going to make taking the top spot this year in grades rather difficult aren't you?"

Her tone was accusatory, but Harry laughed, "I wouldn't worry about it, Hermione. I am an idiot in Herbology, while Neville makes everything he touches in potions explode. Not to mention Astronomy makes me cry myself to tears. Transfiguration, DADA, and Charms, should be the only classes we excel in. Well, and potions for me, but my mom is the potions master so that's not really fair."

Hermione seemed to take this news with joy knowing she would only have to beat both boys in their weak subjects and she would have a chance. Neville and Harry didn't have the heart to mention McGonagall's extra credits so they made their way into the dungeon's classroom and took their seats beside each other this time, in the second row.

The Slytherin house had invaded the first row quickly in order to gain favor with their head of the house. After a few moments banging sounds entered the classroom and Snape was moving down the entrance way closing all the windows and making the classroom appear a little dark.

Snape kept an impassive face that hadn't wavered for as long as Harry had known the man. Snape then stood in front of the class with his arms crossed behind his back, he looked like a young soldier prepared for instruction, "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 delicate 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 put a stopper to death – if you aren't as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach."

Snape then cast a gleaming evil smile upon the class, "Weasley, Tell me what will I get if I add the powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"

Harry grinned, that was an easy one, but by the looks of Ron's cheeks he had no idea, Hermione however was excited about knowing the answer she shot her hand into the air. Ron however responded, "I don't know, aren't you supposed to be teaching me these things?"

Neville and Harry both stared at the red-headed idiot with wide eyes, didn't his brothers warn him of Professor Snape's wrath? Snape's glare deepened, "Interesting response Weasley, perhaps we should try again, Where would you look if I asked you to find me a bezoar?"

Ron shook his head, "Once again I don't know how you expect me to know that?"

Hermione, however, was not raising her hand in the air, Harry gently whispered over to her, "He won't call on you if you are waving your hand in the air, he hates when people raise their hand, he calls on people at random."

Hermione spat quietly back, "And how would you know that?"

Harry said quietly, "That's my mum's best friend. Trust me."

Snape then called out, "Mr. Potter. It seems you have taken a particular interest in talking in my class. Perhaps you would like to answer my questions."

Harry sighed, "Forgive me, professor. Your first question was the powdered root of asphodel infusion of wormwood, and that would create a sleeping potion so powerful it would create the draught of living death, while the best place would be to find the bezoar in the stomach of a goat. Unless you had a very skilled potion master to create one out of dragon heartstring."

Snape nodded, "If you get this last question Mr. Potter then I do believe I will forgive your ignorance this once."

Harry nodded preparing himself, "What is the difference between Monkswood and Wolfsbane?"

Thinking back to his mum's lessons he replied hastily, "The answer would simply be they are the exact same thing. Monkshood of course came around first, but then Wolfsbane was more like a remastered version that came many years later. I believe Thomas Belby created it, sir."

Snape gave a slight smile, "It seems not all of your father's idiotic cells went into your head. You can thank your mother at dinner that I will not be taking points or issuing any detentions."

Harry gave a slight bow, "Thank you, Professor, I will watch my tongue next time."

Some people watched Harry in shock, but Harry knew that if someone like him wanted to survive Professor Snape's class the best thing to do would be to kiss ass as much as possible, but not overly so, where he hates you.

Snape then waved his wand at that board allowing several instructions to appear, "Follow these instructions to the exact point and you will come up with a simple healing draft. You have one hour, upon completion like every day you will be free to exit the classroom. You must however complete the potion in its entirety and clean your station."

"House points will be lost to anyone who does not follow those instructions. You may also do your homework in this classroom using me as an available resource to answer any questions, only during class time that you may or may not have available. Otherwise, your homework will be due at the beginning of the next class period, except for your essays which will be assigned Monday and due that Friday, you will not have an Essay this week, but expect one every week after this. You may begin."

Harry turned to Neville with a sigh, "You get me a passing grade in Herbology I will make sure you survive potions?"

Neville grinned, "Just stick to the plan right?"

Harry smiled at his best friend, "Go get the exact ingredients that are on the board, if we are short or have too much of anything our batch will be rendered obsolete."

Neville shook his head quickly and went off towards the cabinet. He then whispered over to Hermione, "If I say get down you better do it. Every potion Neville has ever touched has turned volatile."

Hermione's eyes widened and nodded, while Neville returned with a little more than necessary. Harry sighed cutting off the extra ingredients and making sure everything was precise, "Take the boomslang skin, and let's get started."

The potion took a little under an hour, and when they finished Neville began cleaning up while Harry marched over to the potions master, "Professor, Neville and I have completed our potion for the day. Will there be a homework assignment?"

Snape's dark black eyes met his for a moment, but the boy had his Occulmency shields prepared, which made Snape smirk, "Very good Mr. Potter, no homework on the first day, headmaster's orders. I expect to be hearing from you on your progress on that project by the way."

Harry bowed again, "Of course Professor."

The oldest Potter scion was glad that his father wasn't here to see him act this way towards his old school rival, but he knew how to be a survivor. Neville cast a quick scourgify on the cauldron after putting all the extra ingredients away, and then almost made it out of the class before Snape called out, "Ten points to Hufflepuff for being prepared, and knowing how to respect your professors. Twenty points from Gryffindor for being rude and unprepared."

Neville gaped at the man, and Ron Weasley turned scarlet red, but Harry clamped an arm down on Neville, convincing the boy to walk out while they still could. When they made it to the hallway Neville asked, "What was up with all that? I have never known you to be a kiss ass?"

Harry sighed, "He doesn't like me in private, and I have nearly killed myself trying to prove myself to him. What do you think his reaction to me in public would have been if I had tried a casual approach. You got to know which battles to fight mate."

Neville acknowledged that and the two made their way to the great hall for lunch. The two decided to send a message and let Neville sit with him for Lunch, then they would sit at Gryffindor for dinner. No one questioned Neville at Lunch about anything, so when the two boys finished eating they made their way towards their charms class which would finish out the day.

The best friends had also decided that they needed to sit apart during this class in order to get to know some of the other students. The charms class was three to a table, so Harry took his seat with Susan, and Hannah, giving them both bright smiles as he took his seat. Hannah spoke quietly to Harry, "You're working up a name for yourself on the first day Harry! Thirty points and even Snape gave you points! That is like unheard of in Hufflepuff."

Harry gave the girl a wink, "You just have to know how everyone ticks."

In a fake epic display, he flaunted his hand twice causing two roses to appear in his hand, and gave a fake bow, "My ladies."

Hannah fake swooned into Susan's arms, "Suzie he just has me petrified with his charms. Call the Doctor!"

This sent the trio into laughter, while professor Flitwick began the lesson. It was a pretty steadfast lesson with mostly just lectures to show for it. Two hours later the charms mater dismissed the students with no real magic having been done. Except for demonstrations of course, which wowed the students. At the end of class, Harry approached his mentor with a smile, "Master Flitwick. I was wondering when you and I might have our next match?"

Flitwick laughed a bit, "Ah Harry, now that I know you are likely going to be on the dueling team I am not sure I can continue coaching you knowing that you will be going up against my eagles. Once the Summer comes back around I promise I will show you some more tricks, but in the spirit of fairness I will have to turn you down my boy!"

Harry gave a sad smile to his professor, "I understand professor. I will see you at dinner!"

With a slight bow of respect to the half-goblin, Harry rushed out of the room to catch up with his friends. The group went to the common room first in order to meet with Professor Sprout and said their goodbyes to the other house students.

The entire house had gathered for the meeting, hence why Sprout called it a house meeting, but Harry was surprised to see so many in the common room at once. After only five minutes of socializing Professor Sprout came in with her herbology clothes still on, but with a huge smile on her face,

"Good evening Puffs! For those of you who don't know me yet, I am Professor Pomona Sprout, and I will be your head of house during your stay at Hogwarts. I strongly encourage each of you if there is a serious problem that needs to be taken care of, please come to me, as I am always available for one of my own no matter what time of day it is. Now I recognize some of you, but first years I would like you to introduce yourselves to me and give me a little bit about yourself. Ms. Bones would you mind starting us off?"

Susan blushed, but nodded standing up from the staircase she was sitting on, "Hello everyone, my name is Susan Bones, and I am only one of the two remaining members of the Ancient Noble House of Bones. I live with my Aunt Amelia who some of you may know as the head of DMLE, and I really like to watch dueling matches?"

Professor Sprout clapped, "A fine addition to Hufflepuff you will make Ms. Bones, just like your aunt and mother before you!"

The girl blushed and Hannah stood up, "My name is Hannah Abbot, of the Noble house of Abbot, and I am the sister of course to our prefect Darrel Abbot, but other than that I am obsessed with Quittditch, and I hope to try out for the team next year."

The pretty blonde sat down with a satisfied smile on her face, while the last of the girls stood up, "I guess all the bravery in this house goes to the first-year girls." The rest of the puffs laughed at that while the boys all turned a little red at her shot, "My name is Megan Jones, and I have spent my whole life in the magical world, though my mom is a witch and my dad was a muggle-born.

I live with my mum Hestia Jones, and I was thankful to be sorted here because I have known, Hannah, Susan, and Harry most of my life, so it was nice to be among friends even on my first day!"

Harry clapped respectively for the Welsh girl, and the blonde tosser stood up next, "I am Zacharias Smith, from the Ancient and Noble House of Smith. I am an only child which makes me the heir to my family, and I too am a bit Quittditch crazed, and only recently realized this morning that it will probably be the fifth year before I make the team, because my designated position is seeker!"

Cedric called out, "Tough luck mate!"

The house all laughed at this and even Professor Sprout laughed while Zach continued, "Most of my family is in Slytherin, but my mom was a Hufflepuff, and apparently I take after her a lot so here I am!"

Professor Sprout smiled, "And we're glad to have you, Mr. Smith!"

Wayne Hopkins stood up next, "Well I am a muggle-born, so half the things mentioned tonight I have no idea what you're talking about!" Some of the guys laughed while the girls shot him a sympathetic look, "However when I heard this was the house of the hardworking I knew this was where I was going. I have had to work hard most of my life, and I was beyond relieved to find out that I was a wizard, because I was having some really weird things happen to me." His face darkened a bit at that, but continued, "I am pretty friendly to those who are friendly back, so I hope to make friends quickly and make my time at Hogwarts enjoyable!"

The house clapped again, while Justin stood, "Well Wayne and I are pretty much in the same boat, so I won't say much other than I am to a muggle-born. Back in the muggle world I loved to play Football, so I hope I can teach some of you guys, and maybe we can have some pickup games during the school year!"

Harry grinned at the boy as he took his seat quickly, clearly being a little shy, that just left Harry and Ernie who were standing up to address the crowd, "Well I am Ernie Macmillan, and I am the heir to the Noble house of Macmillan, but I don't really care about all of that since I have no interest in politics. I do however love to watch the international dueling league, and hope I can get some training and maybe compete on our dueling team here!"

Ernie gave the group a smile and Darrel called in, "We have tryouts this Saturday, but if you want some pointers come to ask me during the week and I'd be glad to give you some advice before tryouts."

Harry recognized the loyalty of the group and couldn't refrain from smiling. Professor Sprout looked to Harry, "Now Mr. Potter, our surprise this year in Hufflepuff house. I must say I was shocked when you ended up here, but I am glad to have you!"

Tonks called out, "I think we're all glad to have him professor, thirty points on his first day!"

Professor Sprout gave the boy an approving smile, "Your mum has the record in Hogwarts, she scored three hundred and forty points her first year. If you manage to beat that I think we will bring home the house cup!"

Ernie who was nearby Harry elbowed him, "No pressure or anything!"

This caused some good-natured laughing and Professor Sprout spoke, "So Mr. Potter please tell us about yourself."

Harry thought for a moment before speaking, "Well I guess I should first address something about my title, which I have grown to hate. In the Wizarding world, I am known as the boy who lived, but I would honestly just like to say I don't care about all that. I was too young to remember the so-called accomplishment, and if anyone judges me I would like it to be on my own merits, not by something that I had no control over."

"Let's see, I will say I love magic. I love everything about it and every aspect of it. I have spent most of my life trying to control it because I had my first accidental blast of magic at two. And I do mean blast, I blew up my cake in Sirius Black's face. He was most put out with me, but I think it allowed my dad to have a permanent memory in his Pensieve."

This caused a lot of people to laugh, but some to whisper about how rare accidental magic had come at such a young age, "My dad tells me I am a protege in Battle magic because of my Potter blood, so I have been under dueling tutoring since I was seven. Same with quidditch, I have been playing most of my life, and I hope to try out for the team next year."

"My dad was a really good seeker, but I think since I just want to play I will probably go out for Keeper or Chaser. I can play just about every position thanks to my dad's obsession. I guess the last thing I need to say about myself is that I am exceptionally hard-working, and driven by a need to prove myself as the hat said last night. I have a long family history of success and I have big shoes to fill. I don't want to stand on anyone's shoulders, but build up my own reputation off my merits, not my family."

Professor Sprout smiled at her newest badger, "Well Mr. Potter, I will do everything to help you reach those goals, and that goes for all of you. Mr. Potter is right, if you want to be someone it should be off your own accomplishments. Professor Dumbledore is a fine example of that, and in times of distress, we can always look to our headmaster and our other leaders to lead. Now, everyone should be finished introducing themselves, so please let us as a unit make our way to dinner, and enjoy the rest of our evening."

The Hufflepuff house made its way to dinner, and Harry was busy talking to several older students about his abilities in quidditch and dueling, and they said they would like to see him perform in both, soon and Harry readily agreed to it!

The youngest Potter made his way to the Gryffindor table to sit with his best friend, but his mother sent a paper airplane at him at dinner, and Harry grabbed it without looking up at her, reading the note, "Your father is here, meet us in my quarters on the fourth floor. Come alone. -Mum."

Harry didn't even acknowledge her but received the message. He quickly wondered why his dad was here and dreaded a possible confrontation, but as dinner died down he acted as if nothing was wrong.