Look over there.
- Where?
- The one with glasses?
- Did you see his face?
- Did you see the scar?
The murmurs followed Harry from the moment he left the dormitory the next day to return to his daily routine of exercises throughout the week. The kids queuing outside the common rooms and corridors stood on tiptoe to catch a glimpse, or went back and forth in the corridors to see him twice.
Harry wished they wouldn't do that because he was slightly sweaty from his morning workout, where he had found the perfect place for it. Located at the edge of the castle grounds, Harry found a sort of grand sports field, the perfect spot for him to run, exercise, and keep his Kenjutsu skills sharp.
All this had been happening for about a week since classes had started, with his daily routine being a subject of speculation by everyone.
He actually found the timing good, as there was no one to interrupt him; however, as time went by, older students started to appear to practice Quidditch, and students who studied in the stands.
Realizing it was time to return to his dormitory and finally dress for his first Potions class of the year, ending the first week of free time for students to prepare and complete their assignments from the previous year.
Currently, Harry hurriedly made his way back to his dormitory, took a quick shower, dressed as instructed, and then went off in search of the classroom.
He remembered that he managed to feed all the creatures in his no-mag fooler suitcase, some of which scared him, but they were very receptive, showing no hostility towards him.
[ ... ]
There were a hundred and forty-two staircases at Hogwarts, wide and sweeping, narrow and rickety, some that led somewhere different on Fridays, others with a vanishing step halfway up that you had to remember to jump.
There were doors that wouldn't open unless you asked politely or tickled them in exactly the right place, and doors that weren't really doors at all, but solid walls just pretending. It was also very hard to remember where anything was because everything seemed to move around a lot, making it really difficult for Harry to create a mental map.
The people in the portraits left to visit each other, and Harry was sure the coats of arms moved around.
The ghosts didn't help either. It was always a horrible shock when one of them suddenly passed through a door you were trying to open. Nearly Headless Nick was always happy to point the Gryffindors in the right direction, but Peeves the poltergeist represented two locked doors and a fake stairway if you ran into him when you were late or just walking. He dumped wastepaper baskets on your head, pulled rugs out from under your feet, pelted you with bits of chalk, or sneaked up behind you, invisible, grabbed your nose and screeched: "GOT YOUR CONK!"
This was new for Harry, and when he had his second encounter with the poltergeist, Peeves just stared at him again as Harry handed him something he had dropped.
Peeves looked at him, nonplussed, before disappearing to go bother other students.
However, none of this was a problem for Harry. The only thing that truly showed any disdain for him was the caretaker, Argus Filch.
Harry had managed to earn Filch's ill-will within the first few days when he found him trying to force his way through a door that, unfortunately, was the entrance to the forbidden corridor on the third floor. Filch wouldn't believe he was lost, as he was sure Harry was trying to break in on purpose, and he threatened to lock him in the dungeons. This happened four more times on different days whenever Filch saw Harry's presence, only to be saved by Professor Snape passing by.
From the start, Harry noticed that this professor also didn't seem to like him, or perhaps he didn't like Harry's physical appearance, which certainly seemed to affect him, making him angry.
But amidst all this, Harry's curiosity was greater in discovering why an eleven-year-old boy had a complete and mature appearance of a true adult.
As Snape was heading to the dungeons where he would teach his first class to the first-years, he promptly warned Harry to follow him to avoid being late for his lesson.
- Professor Snape... may I ask you a question? - Harry inquired while walking beside the man. To Snape's surprise, Harry didn't show the slightest hint of being apprehensive, as his voice indicated, or being afraid to talk to him. Instead, he seemed to pretend a manner of conversation to fit the environment and company.
- Classes have barely started and you already want to be ahead of the class, Potter. - Snape said, making Harry smile because he knew well how to act around someone who would always be there to needle him or try to make him uncomfortable, seeing that he didn't need to pretend to be a fragile little lamb.
- Aren't you the head of Slytherin House? The house that trains genius students who always aim to be at the top? - Harry said, adjusting his posture, with the man looking at him strangely. - I know I'm new to all this magic and wizarding world, but if I want to learn everything, I shouldn't hold back from asking questions. - Harry concluded with Snape looking away after a short grunt.
- Just get to the point. What do you want to know? - The Potions professor said seriously, with a slight tone of coldness.
- I've been reading about potions recently... and there was one in particular, the Cure for Boils, which is said to be a must-know for any teenage wizard. - Harry began under the older man's gaze. - I read and re-read everything about it, and in theory, I understood how it's made... Could you tell me when and where I might be able to test this in practice? - Harry asked, to the slight surprise of the professor, who hadn't imagined that "that guy's" son would want to learn about potions.
- Are you telling me you understood the theory of a potion in just a few days by only reading it in a book, without any practice? - Snape asked, not believing Harry's words. - Then tell me everything you understood about it, and depending on your answer, I'll see what I can do," the man in black robes finally said.
Seeing that they had entered the dungeons, which consisted of a place made of stone, with a very medieval and dark style, Harry promptly began:
Boil-Cure Potion: This potion, as the name implies, is used to cure boils, but it can also be used as a remedy for acne and oiliness. The potion can be ingested or applied to the part of the body affected by the boil. One should be very careful with this potion, as one of the most common mistakes is adding the porcupine quills while the potion is over the fire, as this could cause the solution to explode, causing boils on the skin.
Causes: A boil is a skin disease caused by the inflammation of hair follicles, resulting in an accumulation of pus and dead tissue. Common examples include blackheads and pimples.
Ingredients:
- 1 Liter of water
- 3 Cooked slugs
- 5 Porcupine quills
- 6 Dried nettle leaves
- 2 Snake fangs
Preparation Method: Place the water in the cauldron and heat it. While heating, cook the slugs in a separate container with hot water. When the water in the cauldron is hot, add the dried nettle leaves. After cooking the slugs, let them cool, and then add the snake fangs and slugs to the cauldron solution. Stir the solution slowly and let it cook for a few more minutes until it becomes homogeneous and viscous. Remove the cauldron from the fire and only then add the porcupine quills to obtain a silver color, stirring it twenty times clockwise and five times counterclockwise. Let the potion cool, and after that, it can be used.
Harry, who was reciting all of this, surprised the professor even more, as books usually only contain basic theories, not detailed explanations of preparation methods and the like. Especially no book he knew of, and with such a detailed explanation, it seemed more like Potter wanted to write his own potions book with original recipes.
- And this is what I learned in theory... in my opinion, it's all correct, but I don't want to make hasty decisions before performing the practical process. After all, the main error in the potion lies in the clockwise and counterclockwise stirring, which can cause serious mistakes if done irregularly. - Harry finally said, now inside the Potions classroom.
The professor, who had been quiet up until then while walking to his desk and arranging his materials, now looked at Harry, seeing in his eyes a great desire for knowledge. Something often seen in Slytherins, but without the usual arrogance and superiority.
- Very well, Potter! I must admit your quest for knowledge is commendable... if you continue like this in my class, you may gain free access to my Potions room for at least two hours a day, and since you are a Divergent... you may always seek me out in the private Slytherin common room. - Snape said, making Harry smile. - But don't think everything will be handed to you on a silver platter... I don't tolerate any mess in my classes, everything you dirty must be cleaned, and when in my presence, you will have to answer a short random quiz on whichever potion you are studying. - The professor finally said, gesturing for Potter to take a seat.
He quickly found a spot between Hermione and Ron, who, like the other students, were surprised by the friendly conversation between the two.
Snape had a terrible record of cutting off any student immediately, making them seek their own answers in books.
- What do we have today? - Harry asked Ron while placing his books on the table.
- The morning period will be just Potions with the Slytherin lot. - Ron replied. - But that doesn't matter; what's with all the chit-chat with Snape? - Ron continued as if Harry had betrayed Gryffindor.
- Oh, I never thought I should refrain from asking a professor questions just because he heads a different house. - Harry said as if it were obvious, rendering Ron silent and causing Hermione to laugh, which Ron didn't like at all. - Besides, if anything goes wrong, it's my problem because I know very well what I'm doing.
[ ... ]
Snape promptly began the roll call in the classroom. When he reached Harry Potter's name, he paused for a second as if he wanted to say something but then continued normally, marking Harry's presence.
He demonstrated an unmatched seriousness and superiority in front of the various children in the room who avoided eye contact. Only Harry stared back at him intently, with a quill in hand, ready to start noting down class topics.
- You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-making... - Snape began. He spoke barely above a whisper, but they caught every word. The man had a special gift for capturing all the students' attention without any murmurs when he spoke. - As we do not make foolish wand-waving here until you're prepared, 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, and even stopper death – if you aren't as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach. - More silence followed this little speech. Harry and Ron didn't want to miss a word. Hermione Granger was on the edge of her seat and looked desperate to start proving she wasn't a dunderhead.
Only when the professor noticed Harry's attention on him did he test him:
- Potter! - Snape said suddenly, startling some students.
- What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?" Snape asked, knowing that Harry was a beginner and surely didn't know this.
The room fell into an awkward silence for a few seconds, where Harry felt a tingling sensation in his right arm. Specifically in the spot where he had asked Ollivander to bind his second wand with magic, the Elder Wand sheathed in the tears of Death itself.
- "It produces a sleeping potion so powerful it is known as the Draught of Living Death." – A deep voice echoed in Harry's mind. As he looked around, he noticed Hermione with her hand raised and immediately responded, unsure if it was correct.
- Hm... It produces a sleeping potion so powerful it is known as the Draught of Living Death, if I'm not mistaken. - Harry replied as he saw Hermione lower her hand while looking at him in admiration for knowing the answer. As did the entire class, and the professor, who hadn't expected him to actually respond.
- And where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar? - Snape asked again, with Hermione's hand shooting up, only to be ignored by Snape.
- "A bezoar is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat and it will save you from most poisons." - The voice said again, with Harry wondering if it was someone in the room.
- A bezoar is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat and it will save you from most poisons. - Harry answered seriously to the professor, who leaned on his desk in an intimidating manner and stared him in the eyes. - But I would advise seeking medical emergency first or running to a supplier for such a product. Money is nothing if you're already dead after wasting time eviscerating a goat.
- What's the difference, Potter, between monkshood and wolfsbane? - Snape asked loudly with extreme suspicion at Harry's previous answer, and upon hearing this, Hermione raised her left hand toward the dungeon ceiling in a desperate attempt to answer.
Harry felt sorry for the girl; he understood the test from his professor here, and ignoring her in such a manner wasn't a very mature attitude for a teacher.
- "They are the same plant, which also goes by the name aconite." - The voice finally said, as it slowly faded away, giving Harry the sensation it was distancing itself more and more.
- They are the same plant, which also goes by the name aconite. And I believe in the No-mag society, there is also a plant called aconite, but it's one of the most poisonous plants in the terrestrial flora, and if I'm not mistaken... in mythological fiction, this plant serves as an incredible nerf for werewolves. - Harry quickly replied, to the surprise of the class, who didn't know this, and Draco turned completely interested in the No-mag stories of werewolves. - Now, why don't you ask questions to other students who also want to participate in the class, instead of continuing this little psychological test... Because know that if you want to challenge me in such a test, you will need your wand to defeat me. - Harry said, trying to show he wouldn't stay quiet in the face of any injustice, to Snape's presumptuous laughter, who didn't believe this creature from James Potter's sack would challenge him on equal footing, yet without any arrogance and still with reason in his arguments, leaving no chance for the Potions Master to dock points from a student who answered everything correctly and even included interesting facts to study.
Snape might hate Potter's appearance as it reminded him of someone he didn't like from his past, but the way Harry spoke, his expressions, his mannerisms... all reflected a personality similar to an old friend of Snape.
- Very well... Ten points to Gryffindor for answering questions of an advanced subject beyond your level... but since you're a Divergent, ten points will be awarded to each house. - Snape said reluctantly, having truly lost in this failed attempt to see Potter panic. - Now tell me! Why aren't you taking notes? I may not have a dunderhead student here, but I doubt everyone here knows the answers that were given to me. - The Potions Master finally asked seriously, startling everyone who quickly grabbed their quills and began noting down Snape's questions, whispering among themselves about which parts they had missed from Harry's answers.
Things didn't get better for the Gryffindor students as the Potions class continued. Snape paired them up and told them to concoct a simple potion to cure boils. He had an incredible knack for psychologically attacking the Gryffindor students, but as always. Harry was there, challenging him, always answering everything without fail, or even sharpening his gaze at the professor who wouldn't stop staring and seemed to feel under the predatory look, especially when he childishly attacked a student, making Snape behave himself.
Harry didn't know this potion would come up in the first class of this subject, and Snape liked the surprised look on Potter's face, as he could see that the boy had studied a potion out of personal interest, not to suck up to him.
He walked imperiously with his long black cloak, observing them weigh dried nettles and grind snake fangs, criticizing nearly everyone except Draco and Harry, who paired up and for the first time managed to converse normally for the sake of making the potion work.
Until recently, Harry had only seen Draco display a huge ego and childish rivalry with Ron, who was struggling not to make mistakes in the potion along with Hermione, who censured him constantly.
- Let's do it this way, Malfoy. - Harry said after he and Draco had prepared all the correct quantities for the potion. - I'll handle the first stage while you assist me with the ingredients, and in the second stage, we'll switch roles and you take care of the mixing. - Harry explained, to the consent of Draco, who then moved to the side of the bench under Snape's watchful eye.
Harry and Malfoy had already set the water to boil in the cauldron for exactly ten minutes, and started cooking the three slugs in a separate container with hot water.
As minutes passed and the water heated even more, Harry added six dried nettle leaves handed over by Malfoy.
At the same time, Malfoy took notes on his parchment.
Harry, seeing that the slugs were cooked, turned off the heat and poured the hot water down the drain of the bench, letting the slugs cool while noting his part of the lesson.
In response to the slugs cooling, he added the two snake fangs and the slugs to the main cauldron solution.
At this point, he called Malfoy over to take his place while he handled the assistance this time.
Much like Snape, many students watched the main pair of the first lesson of the school year. The two worked very well together, where silence prevailed. This helped focus, and with focus, they assisted each other without needing to ask, as they already knew what had been done and what followed.
Malfoy stirred the solution slowly, allowing it to cook for a few minutes until it became homogeneous and viscous.
Many students made mistakes in this, as they stirred the solution too quickly or added ingredients at the wrong moment, causing different reactions.
Examples of this included Neville, who had melted Seamus's cauldron, turning it into a twisted blob with their potion leaking onto the stone floor and burning holes in the boys' shoes.
Harry quickly acted to protect himself and his partner, grabbing two iron stools and placing them on the floor, allowing them both to stand on top without being affected.
The entire class stood perched on their stools while Neville, who had been drenched in the potion when the cauldron melted, had his arms and legs covered in red boils that made him moan in pain.
- Foolish boy! - Snape roared, clearing away the spilled potion with a wave of his wand. - I suppose you added the porcupine quills before taking the cauldron off the fire? - Neville whimpered as the boils started to pop up on his nose and feet. - Take him to the hospital wing. - Snape ordered Seamus. Then he angrily turned to Harry, who was working in front of Neville.
- You, Potter! Why didn't you tell him not to add the quills while the cauldron was still on the fire? - Snape questioned, trying to test Harry again. - You thought you'd look better if he made a mistake, didn't you? - Snape continued, looking strangely at Harry, who was finishing up some notes and barely paying attention to him.
Meanwhile, Malfoy was also focused on his task, asking Harry to remove the cauldron from the fire. Harry moved it to a specific spot in the room while the blond-haired boy added the five porcupine quills, slowly achieving the perfect silver color they aimed for as Malfoy gently stirred the potion twenty times clockwise and five times counterclockwise.
Harry, now wiping some sweat from his forehead, faced the rest of the room and the professor, who were all watching him and Malfoy, not understanding their silence.
- Sorry, Snape, did you say something? - Harry asked, genuinely unsure, as he had been on autopilot, taking notes, performing potion tasks, and ensuring nothing affected him and his partner along the way.
- No! It's fine... and it's Professor Snape to you, Potter... but it's the perfect moment to test the potion! - Snape said seriously, picking up a large vial and, using magic, poured the cauldron's contents into it.
To many, it was just another potion. But as a master in this field, Snape could see the perfect solution. The temperature was ideal, the ingredients measured exactly... Even the color and texture matched a potion made at his level, though he wouldn't admit it out loud.
Still staring at it, Snape soon said:
- One point from Gryffindor for making such a simple and obvious mistake... - He said, amidst general protests of injustice for the injured Neville. - However, fifteen points to Gryffindor and Slytherin, both for the perfect solution I have in hand and the excellent work and perfect synchronization by newly acquainted first-year students from opposing houses.
- Anyway, just to reiterate, the points earned by Mr. Potter are currently calculated for the other houses due to him being a Divergent. So, don't be surprised if the house scores rise or fall simultaneously; in the end, it's all Mr. Potter's fault. - Snape said to the rest of the class.
- Here, Potter! Take this to the Hospital Wing located on the Lower Floor - West of the castle. Ask the nurse to use this solution on the newly arrived student, Longbottom. - The professor finally said, as the recent injuries of the boy could be treated with this potion, making it the perfect opportunity to test Potter's courage in using something he made on a friend.
- Alright! - Harry said, picking up his books and handing Malfoy's parchment back to him. The blond boy noticed that Harry had corrected some of his handwriting errors and even added important observations about the potion that Malfoy had forgotten to mention. - See you later, folks. - He said, winking at Snape, grabbing the vial of Boil-Cure Potion, and immediately leaving the Potions classroom, not missing the audible huff of disdain from his professor.
[ ... ]
It was almost lunchtime, and only now did Harry realize he had spent a good amount of time on the potion-making process, which felt like mere minutes to him due to his focus. Currently, Harry was walking towards the castle's hospital wing, passing through a corridor filled with students entering the common room, others studying on the benches present there.
Harry found the hospital wing just before the main staircase, entering under the gaze of some students lying on the beds, and Neville at the end of the ward, being helped by Seamus and attended to by a beautiful blonde woman with blue eyes, wearing a standard nurse's uniform.
- Excuse me. - Harry said, gaining the attention of Seamus and the nurse, who immediately noticed the medium-sized vial in his hand.
- Severus asked me to bring this Boil-Cure Potion. - Harry said to the woman, who looked at him as if she had something to say about the prominent scar on his forehead. However, she immediately dismissed Seamus, who bid farewell to Neville, assuring him that everything would be fine.
- Perfect timing for the professor to prepare a potion. - The woman said, examining the texture and color of the potion. - We're running low on supplies due to the incident at Gringotts, and I was getting worried about this boy. - She finished, placing a basin under Neville's feet and using a kind of sponge to spread the solution over the wounds.
- Actually... it was made by me! My first potion. - Harry said under the nurse's immediate gaze.
- You made it? You're very good at potions, Mr. Potter. - The nurse said with a laugh, causing Harry to smile. - Just like your mother."
- It was a team effort. Draco and I managed to create it together, so don't take away the boy's credit. - Harry added, surprising the woman with his words, and she even found his manner of speaking amusing.
- So it's true? - She asked, with some doubt. - Is it true that Harry Potter is enrolled in the first year, looking like an adolescent on the verge of adulthood? - She continued, not as a question, but as an answer to her own inquiries.
- Just Harry is fine... No excessive formalities, as I'm the student here and you're a superior staff member. - Harry said, pretending to bow, as if he had to treat her with respect, causing her to laugh as she finished what she was doing.
- And still very sarcastic like his father! A pleasure, Mr. Potter... I'm Poppy Pomfrey. - The blonde woman said with a cheerful smile. - Don't worry about your friend, he'll be fine by the end of the afternoon, and by night he can return to the dormitories. - The head nurse concluded while storing the remaining solution, making Harry approach Neville.
- It's almost lunchtime, I'll bring you something from there as compensation for not noticing you got hurt right in front of me. - Harry said, as he realized Neville had made a mistake in the potion beside him, but his focus had kept him solely on his task.
- Don't bring anything too sweet... Potions and sugary foods don't work well together. - Madam Pomfrey said as she listened to what Harry said.
With that, Harry finally left the hospital wing, seeing now the corridors were emptier, though still with a few students around.
[ ... ]
During lunch, once again the table was filled with a variety of foods.
Harry, thinking of Neville, promptly prepared a healthy lunch plate with rice, beans, salad, potatoes, and chicken, along with a medium glass of natural orange juice.
He had everything ready by his side on the table, just as the sounds of owls swooping through the open castle windows could be heard.
Each owl circled the tables, delivering letters and packages that fell into the laps of the witches and wizards, the more skillful ones grabbing their items even before they reached the tables.
Harry, who thought he wouldn't receive anything, soon saw his snowy owl, Hedwig, bring a letter along with a small note.
The owl, in response to Harry's affection, perched lovingly on his shoulder, nipping his ear lightly while eating some bits of bacon he had set aside, as many other owls flew back out through the window to sleep in the owlery with the school's other owls.
Seeing the smaller note, Harry quickly unfolded it, noticing the rather scribbled handwriting:
"Dear Harry,
I know you have Friday afternoons free, so would you like to come and have a cup of tea with me around three o'clock? I'd like to hear how your first week of classes has been.
Send me a reply through Hedwig... from your friend, Hagrid."
Seeing that he had no other obligations for today, as it was the first week of classes and they only had one class per day,
Harry borrowed Hermione's quill and wrote:
"Yes! I'd like that, see you later."
Noticing a letter lying on the table, he saw Ron's face turning red at the sight of the seal on it. He opened it and began to read:
"Dear Harrysson James Potter! This is the general manager of the Potter accounts at Gringotts bank writing to you.
Regarding the recent events that have become news in the wizarding society of Great Britain, I want to reassure you that nothing bad has happened to your bank accounts...
Everything is running as discussed, and I apologize for any fright or mistrust toward our security system due to the unfortunate surprise break-in, which we can only theorize was some dark wizard seeking attention.
In any case, I hope you have a good school year and do not hesitate to contact me with any information or questions you may have.
Cordially,
Not - Manager of the Potter Vaults."
The letter he had been reading made him understand that this communication was not just for him, but for all Gringotts clients who might have been concerned about their inheritances after the break-in of one of the bank's vaults.
Naturally, he had worried about the bank being targeted for a break-in right after he had left it a few days ago, but he had no distrust toward them, as they had shown themselves to be on his side when he stated he had never met his guardian.
With this in mind, Harry quickly sent Hedwig to deliver his reply to Hagrid and even one to his account manager, informing them that he had no mistrust towards the bank and wished them good luck in capturing the intruder causing so much trouble for the Goblin race and the bank.
- I didn't know you had such contact with the important people at Gringotts. - Ron said, still strangely red, or completely red as a beetroot in Harry's perception, while the red-haired twins watched Harry from a short distance.
- It's just an apology notice about the recent incident at the bank... nothing special. - Harry said this time, while glancing at Headmaster Dumbledore, who was eating with the other staff members, noting his curiosity about what was happening between Harry and Gringotts. In Dumbledore's eyes, it seemed that something was amiss, not with the letter's content, but with the fact that Harry was able to receive such a letter. Something unusual that he was already planning to investigate.
- He says "nothing special", Gred. - George said.
- He must be filthy rich and just playing humble, Forge. - Fred continued with a presumptuous look at Harry.
- He must think we're muggles... wait. - Fred and George replied in unison, making a pun that made the others laugh.
Immediately, Harry stood up with a serious look, under the attention of the people around him:
- Hm... maybe yes, maybe no. - Harry replied enigmatically, with a smile appearing at the corner of his lips that made the twins understand well. - Anyway, see you later. - Harry said, picking up the lunch tray prepared for Neville, and promptly walked out of the Great Hall.
[ ... ]
It was one o'clock in the afternoon, and at that exact moment, Harry watched Neville enjoying the lunch he had received. Although it was a simple meal compared to the variety in the Great Hall, the taste remained delicious, and Neville thanked Harry for it.
Madam Pomfrey had left the hospital wing to have a quick lunch before returning to work, allowing Harry to chat cheerfully with the chubby, shy boy.
Harry didn't know why, but he felt a connection with the boy, making him want to know him better, whether about his family or his knowledge in the magical world. Because in that boy, Harry saw an exact image of how he was before his accelerated development.
As everyone treated him poorly and labeled him useless, Harry actually saw that this Neville Longbottom could be one of the great wizards in the future and a great ally.
- So, you mean you don't know how you became so big and strong? - Neville asked while sitting up in bed.
- Strong, not so much. I feel like an ant in this vast new wizarding world..., but yes, I don't know how it happened. I was always despised by my uncles and forced to fend for myself. I believe that by experiencing hardships, something inside me changed. As they say, many accidental magics occur at this age. - Harry said, holding his katana. - Who knows, maybe something strange and accidental happened to me.
- This beauty here has protected me from many problems because, let's face it, who would want to pick a fight with someone carrying an extremely sharp sword... Although I would never use its edge lightly. - Harry continued, gazing at the sword.
- But what about you, Neville, how is your family?" Harry asked, immediately seeing the boy's expression fall, causing him to stop eating for a short period. "Oh... I'm sorry, that was insensitive of me! It's complicated for me to talk about my parents too, as I never met either of them. - Harry continued, trying to soften the conversation.
- It's okay... It's just that... It's really hard for me to talk about them too. - Neville commented, looking down as if finding his plate utterly fascinating.
- First of all! - Harry said, catching Neville's attention as he lifted his chin. - Never lower your head when talking to someone, it shows weakness, and there are a lot of bad people out there who can take advantage of that. - With Neville's face fixed to look into Harry's eyes, he seemed satisfied and smiled as he released him.
- You don't have to explain anything to anyone, but know that if you want to talk... you can trust me never to say anything to anyone. - Harry added, under Neville's analytical gaze, when a loud cough from one of the patients in the infirmary drew Harry's attention.
- She looks unwell... she started coughing like that since Madam Pomfrey left for lunch. - Neville explained, making Harry move closer to the girl, where he noticed she had long dark hair and appeared to be in her fourth year.
Touching the back of his hand to the girl's forehead, it was clear her temperature was elevated with an imminent fever.
Seeing no one around, Harry rummaged in a basin and filled it with water, which luckily was very cold. He took six small towels under Neville's full attention, who didn't know what he was doing.
As Harry felt the girl grip his arm tightly, he calmed her down, saying he would take care of it.
With the towels in hand, Harry submerged them in the cold water of the basin. Turning his attention back to the girl, he noticed she was wearing an infirmary pajama, which Harry immediately took advantage of to roll up the sleeves of her arms and legs, slightly lifting the shirt to expose part of her stomach.
Neville didn't want to interfere, but he had seen this done at home when someone had a fever and didn't know Harry also used this technique to alleviate the symptom.
At the same moment he saw everything, Harry folded each towel slightly damp but not excessively so, placing them on her legs, arms, belly, and finally on her forehead.
This was a clear attempt to lower her temperature over the next few minutes.
And it seemed to work, as over the next half hour, Harry changed the towels on the girl's body three times, showing now that she wasn't as hot, her breathing normalized, and she fell asleep.
- This should do for now... Harry said to himself as he took the basin back to a sink after changing the towels one last time.
- Do you know about medical care? - Neville asked, wanting to know more about Harry.
- Let's say I hurt myself a lot in the past and had to self-medicate. I guess using my own body as a test subject helped me discover some tricks. - Harry said jokingly. - And I had a job taking care of derived species in a zoo, learned a lot from them, and found that many treatments work on both animals and humans."
- And they didn't hurt you? - Neville continued to ask.
- Not once, they always showed affection towards me... it's based on your actions that they'll trust and protect you. - Harry replied as he heard the infirmary door open, with Madam Pomfrey walking in. - Anyway! I still have a few things to sort out... see you later, Neville... get well, buddy. - Harry finished with a friendly pat on his colleague's shoulder, then headed to the exit door, responding to Madam Pomfrey with an exaggerated bow, making the medi-witch laugh at his antics.
[ ... ]
After going to his dormitory, where he took some time to feed each rare species of animal in his no-maj fooler suitcase, Harry abandoned his cloak and suit he was wearing as the standard school uniform.
Currently, he was quickly descending the stairs with his baby phoenix situated in his shirt pocket. He wore black jeans and white Converse shoes he bought in Diagon Alley because of muggle clothing.
His shirt was a long-sleeved burgundy red, rolled up to the shoulder.
Since he had the rest of the afternoon free from classes due to it being the first week of school, he decided to take the little creature to Hagrid, who would surely be captivated by it even more and could answer any questions about the best foods and how to care for it outdoors.
The corridors were already partially empty, with only the first-year students scattered around the allowed areas of the castle, a way for them to familiarize themselves and not get lost in the castle.
Passing in front of the Great Hall, Harry promptly exited the castle to visit his first friend in the wizarding world, only to be approached by a red-haired boy who stopped him.
- Harry... can I go with you to Hagrid's house? - Ron asked, with Harry agreeing as he was already leaving the castle.
[ ... ]
It was two o'clock in the afternoon according to a large central clock in Hogwarts. At this moment, Harry and Ron stood in front of a wooden hut on the edge of the Forbidden Forest. They had to descend a large hill to get there.
When Harry knocked on the door, they heard frantic running. Only then did the familiar voice emerge.
- Back, Fang, back. - Hagrid's bearded face appeared in the crack when the door opened. - Wait there. Back, Fang. - He let them in, struggling to hold firmly onto the collar of a huge boarhound. There was only one room inside the house. Hams and pheasants were hanging from the ceiling, a copper kettle was boiling on the stove, and there was a massive bed in one corner covered with a patchwork quilt. - Make yourselves at home. - Hagrid said, letting go of Fang, who immediately jumped on Ron and began licking his ear. Like Hagrid, it was clear that Fang wasn't as ferocious as he seemed.
- This is Ron. - Harry said to Hagrid, who was pouring boiling water into a large teapot and arranging biscuits on a plate.
- Another Weasley, huh? - Hagrid exclaimed, seeing Ron's freckles. - Spent half my life chasing your brothers out of the Forbidden Forest.
The cornbread biscuits served to the boys almost broke their teeth, but Harry liked them a lot, having rarely eaten homemade things, and they tasted great dipped in coffee.
Both of them told Hagrid about their first class of the week. Fang rested his head on Harry's lap, responding to Harry's long pets, enjoying it a lot.
Harry was delighted to hear Hagrid refer to Filch as an old guitar.
- ... As for that cat, Mrs. Norris, sometimes I feel like introducing her to Fang. You know she follows me everywhere when I go to the school? Can't get rid of her. And I know it's Filch who sends her to do it.
Harry told Hagrid about Snape's class and how he acted towards the wizard... Something that surprised Hagrid, as he never thought Harry would act like that, and it worked very well:
- But he seemed to really hate me. - Harry said, thinking about it.
- Nonsense! Why would he hate you? - Hagrid said, dismissing the notion.
- I'm not sure, but it seems like something about my appearance bothers him. - Harry continued, and he couldn't help but notice that Hagrid avoided his gaze when he said this. Clearly, the gamekeeper knew something but seemed to think it was a personal matter.
- How's your brother Charlie doing? - Hagrid asked Ron. - I liked him a lot. He was great with animals.
Harry wondered if Hagrid had changed the subject on purpose. While Ron talked about Charlie's work with dragons.
Harry picked up a piece of paper from the table under the teapot cozy. It was a news clipping from the Daily Prophet.
"THE GRINGOTTS CASE
Investigations continue into the Gringotts break-in, which is believed to be the work of unknown Dark witches and wizards.
The Gringotts Goblins insisted today that nothing was stolen.
The vault that was opened had, in fact, been emptied earlier that same day.
But we're not saying what was in there, so keep your noses out if you know what's good for you, said a Gringotts spokesperson this afternoon."
Harry remembered Ron telling him on the train that someone had tried to rob Gringotts, along with the letter from Not earlier.
- Hagrid. - Harry began. - That Gringotts break-in happened after we left Diagon Alley. Maybe it was happening while we were there.
There was no doubt this time, Hagrid definitely avoided looking at Harry.
He mumbled something and offered Harry another biscuit. Harry reread the news clipping:
"The vault that was opened had, in fact, been emptied earlier that same day."
Hagrid had emptied vault seven hundred and thirteen, if you could call emptying it taking away that small, lumpy package. Was that what the thieves were after?
However, even with these questions, Harry understood that it was a serious matter for the gamekeeper, and he decided not to dwell on it, as he had many other responsibilities to learn new subjects and themes of the wizarding world, rather than meddling in the personal and professional lives of those who clearly didn't want insistence on the matter.
To lighten the mood, Harry smiled at Hagrid, making him look puzzled, before Harry reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a tiny baby phoenix that was sleepily nestled there.
- Oh... So you brought her! - Hagrid said, his eyes shining with wonder, and Ron's amazement.
- I thought you could give me some tips on how to take care of her since there's no one better than you at these things. - Harry continued, under Hagrid's proud smile.
- Harry! What is that? Is it a real phoenix? - Ron exclaimed, seeing the little bird wake up and give a small yawn that emitted a bit of fire.
- Yes, amazing, isn't it? - Harry said, placing it on the table, where it soon jumped towards the biscuits, pecking and eating the crumbs.
- Amazing!? They're very rare... If the ministry finds out, they'll definitely try to confiscate her. - Ron said, playing with her, as she tried to peck his finger aggressively, though it made her look quite cute. He barely noticed Harry's sharp gaze and how the air around them seemed to grow darker and heavier.
- I know... your brothers told me the same. That's why I ask you not to tell anyone about this. - Harry explained. - It'll be our secret, right? - He said, with Hagrid and Ron nodding in agreement.
They all continued their conversations, with Harry baking some more acceptable biscuits, which became Hagrid's favorites.
Ron played with the baby phoenix, and the afternoon passed amicably for everyone, with their friendship growing gradually, built on a foundation of trust.
[ ... ]
When Harry and Ron returned to the castle for dinner, they carried two trays full of biscuits each.
This was because Harry had baked a lot, filling Hagrid's jars, so they decided to bring the leftovers, which were still plenty.
Once again, the Great Hall was crowded with students eating. However, Harry didn't feel hungry, so he decided to head to the dormitory, where he saw many students from the fourth year and above.
- Hey extras, help yourselves... I think I cooked too much. - Harry said jokingly as he left the trays on a table, causing many older students to gather around it.
[ ... ]
Harry fed the creatures and animals in his no-maj fooler suitcase again, each animal requiring up to three meals a day, and he had established a routine to follow every day.
After a hot shower, Harry stayed in just a pair of loose dark pants and a white T-shirt. He grabbed all the books he had bought in Diagon Alley and headed to the Gryffindor common room, where some older girls were eating the biscuits he had made and shamelessly eyeing him.
However, completely ignoring Potter, he placed all the books beside a couch, where he lay down and began reading the first book, related to Transfiguration.
Many older students now occupied the tower, due to its renovation before the start of the school year, making it a large tower with separate dormitories.
This arrangement allowed them to have more interaction with older and more experienced students.
Harry didn't know if he was doing well in his initiation into the magical world, but the looks from many students in his house indicated that he was already quite popular and well-known.
He just had to figure out whether this would be good or bad.
And so we end the ninth chapter of Changed Prophecy. I hope you're enjoying it, and don't forget to comment.
A note: This story is intended to cover everything from the Philosopher's Stone to the Deathly Hallows, so please help by leaving your comments. It's really discouraging when you create something, and no one comments.
Anyway, I look forward to seeing your comments below, see you all later XD
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Boil-Cure Potion:
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Cookies Harry Baked:
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Poppy Pomfrey:
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