Chereads / Harry Potter: The Boy Who Watches / Chapter 4 - Hogwarts Days

Chapter 4 - Hogwarts Days

The morning at Hogwarts started early. Itachi woke up before dawn, checked to make sure his medication was okay, and headed towards the bathroom, trying not to wake anyone.

After breakfast in the Great Hall, which was like a morning feast, Itachi went to his first lessons. He spent the day learning spells and the history of magic and watching the other students. He tried to absorb as much information as he could, analyzing every word the teachers said.

The day passed and Itachi waited for his last class, potions. He had heard a lot of talk about Professor Snape, and he was worried about what this teacher would turn out to be like in practice. Potions, as he understood from the books, was an important part of a magical education, requiring precision, attention, and patience.

The Potions class was located in a dungeon, which was fitting for the dark and mysterious atmosphere of Slytherin. The walls were covered with shelves stacked with vials of colorful liquids and jars of dry ingredients. The heavy air was filled with the scents of herbs, spices, and something else hard to describe.

When Itachi entered the classroom, he immediately noticed the figure standing at the blackboard. It was Professor Snape - a tall, thin man with a pale face, wearing a long black robe. His dark eyes looked at his students with such a squint, as if he was constantly looking for flaws.

Snape began the lesson with a quiet but clear speech.

"Potions is a delicate art that requires not only knowledge, but also precision and attention," he pronounced

"And as you realize, many of you possess neither."

Itachi noticed Snape shift his gaze to Harry Potter, who had positioned himself at the very edge of the classroom.

The professor began the lesson by explaining the basic principle behind the boil potion they were to brew for the class. He spoke calmly and monotonously, but you could feel his rigidity. He didn't waste time with unnecessary phrases, and his demands were quite strict.

Itachi listened carefully, trying to memorize every nuance. He had already read about potions in his books, and much of it was familiar to him, but he realized that practice was another matter entirely.

Suddenly Snape stopped, and his gaze settled on Harry Potter.

"Mr. Potter," he said, and his voice sounded like a whiplash.

"What do you get when you add goldenseal root to an infusion of wormwood?"

Harry seemed caught off guard. He looked around, and it was clear he wasn't listening. Itachi watched quietly, unsurprised by this course of events.

"I... don't know, Professor," Harry replied.

"As I suspected," Snape replied, and his voice was full of contempt.

"Mr. Potter, if you're not interested in potions, is there anything you might know about them? What, for example, is the name of the potion that cures mandrake bites?"

Harry was silent, not knowing what to answer.

"And past you again, Mr. Potter," Snape pronounced.

"Can you at least tell me where to find the bezoar?"

Itachi listened to the dialog and mentally went over the answers. The answers to all three questions were simple and logical. He didn't understand why Harry, who was, as everyone said, so special, couldn't know them. But for what it was worth, Itachi remained silent.

Itachi noticed that from the desk across from him, Hermione Granger raised her hand, clearly wanting to answer Snape's questions. But Snape ignored her, paying no attention to her. It was as if he fundamentally did not want to give her a chance to prove herself.

Itachi stared at Hermione unceasingly.

The lesson continued. A lot of new and difficult things awaited him. But now he knew that he had a lot to learn, and that he was not alone in his quest for knowledge.

The day was drawing to a close. After dinner in the Great Hall, where Itachi once again scrutinized his tablemates, he returned to the Slytherin living room. He retreated to the window with the underwater view, trying not to attract too much attention. He loved watching the underwater life, and in that silence he could quietly contemplate all the events of the day.

Today had been a busy day - lots of new knowledge, acquaintances, and of course, Professor Snape.

But, it was Harry Potter who occupied him the most. During the day, he tried to observe the boy, noting every detail. He saw how Harry wondered about simple magical things, how inattentively he listened to his teachers, and how hard he struggled to deal with simple questions in class. Itachi, who had read books about the magical world, couldn't help but notice his complete ignorance of basic things.

"He's... uneducated," Itachi muttered, leaning his back against the cold wall.

"So much so that he doesn't know the basics."

Indeed, most wizarding children knew about besar, wormwood tincture, and other things, but Harry was like a blank slate. And it wasn't just a lack of knowledge. Itachi sensed in the boy a lack of discipline, and concentration, which was clearly not like the hero everyone was describing.

He realized that there was something else behind the image of the 'boy who survived', something more complex. Everyone was looking at him so intently, he was like a walking magnet, and Itachi decided that he needed to look at the boy, as they say, from the inside out. He decided to use the Sharingan.

Itachi had thought it over during the day and decided that using the Sharingan in class was the perfect solution. Students were constantly changing positions, someone was distracted, teachers were taking notes or checking papers. Perfect to use the power of the Sharingan discreetly.

He chose a moment in one of the lessons when all the teacher's attention was on the blackboard. Itachi opened his eyes slightly, activating his three-tome Sharingan for a brief moment. His eyes lit up with scarlet light, and the world around him became clearer and more detailed. He directed his vision at Harry, and it was as if he had touched him with his gaze, scanning his body and his magical aura.

Itachi applied his Sharingan extremely carefully, trying not to give away the slightest sign that he was using his power. He scanned the boy and was surprised. He saw nothing outstanding, no magical talents that everyone talks about but...

Itachi noticed two things. First, there was a large amount of dark magic concentrated around Harry. It was like a shadow enveloping him from within, as if there was something inside the boy.

Second, he detected a faint trace of protective magic that enveloped Harry like a thin film. But that protection was weak, as if melting under the pressure of time. It was almost extinguished.

"Dark magic... and a nearly extinguished defense... What does that mean?" - Itachi whispered.

He turned off the Sharingan, and his eyes returned to normal. The information he had gotten only increased his suspicions. Harry Potter was not as simple as he seemed at first glance.

Time skip

The first weeks at Hogwarts had been a whirlwind of new experiences and knowledge.

For Itachi, with his sharp mind and ability to analyze, each lesson was like a different chapter in a new, exciting book. But what interested him most was not the subjects themselves, but the people who taught them. Each teacher was like their own mystery, and Itachi was eager to solve them.

His first impression was the transfiguration lesson with Professor Minerva McGonagall. She was strict and demanding, and her teaching methods did not allow for any sloppiness.

Itachi, accustomed to discipline and precision, immediately appreciated her approach. He quickly mastered the transformations of objects, surprising everyone with his agility and quickness. Professor McGonagall seemed pleased with his progress, though she did not express her feelings openly. Her stern gaze occasionally flickered with approval, which was even more valuable to Itachi than praise.

Potions class with Professor Severus Snape was a different story. Snape, with his grim face and sarcastic comments, seemed the epitome of the dark side of magic. He clearly disliked Gryffindors, but he didn't spare Slytherins either.

Itachi felt the professor looking at him with a particular suspicion, as if trying to read his mind. He tried to be flawless in his potion making, but even the slightest mistake drew Snape's ire.

He began to analyze Snape, trying to figure out what motivated the man.

The Defense Against the Dark Arts class with Professor Quirrell gave Itachi mixed feelings. The professor was nervous and stuttered, and his teaching methods seemed ineffective. Itachi saw that many of his students didn't take him seriously, and he himself doubted his competence.

Itachi decided to observe Professor Quirrell and analyze his behavior. He noticed that there was some fear behind his stuttering, but he didn't understand the reason behind it. Itachi sensed that something was wrong with the professor.

Spellcasting lessons with Professor Filius Flitwick had been a test of sorts for Itachi. Flitwick, with his short stature and quiet voice, seemed completely harmless. But his lessons were filled with many complex and interesting spells. Itachi quickly mastered new spells, surprising the professor with his dexterity and ability to analyze. He noticed a glimmer of approval in the professor's eyes from time to time, and felt a mutual respect budding between them. Itachi could see that the professor loved his subject and tried to pass on his knowledge to his students.

Outside of class, Itachi continued to explore the castle, trying to find answers to his questions. He often sat in the library studying magic books and practicing in silence, trying to improve his skills. He knew that his path in this world would be difficult and dangerous, and that he needed to be prepared for any challenges.

As he finished his first weeks at Hogwarts, Itachi began to better understand not only the teachers, but also the dynamics within his faculty, Slytherin. This faculty, known for its ambition and cunning, was a complex hierarchical structure in which blood purity and ancestry played an important role.

Itachi, being the child of a Muggle family, was an outsider in this circle of pureblood wizards. They looked at him with disdain and distrust, calling him a 'mudblood' behind his back.

Itachi didn't show that he was hurt by their words. He understood that they were fixated on their origins, but their prejudice didn't change who he was. He didn't let their disdain affect his self-confidence.

His academic success, however, made them not only scornful, but envious. Itachi, with his sharp mind and quick reactions, handled spells and potions with such ease that many pureblood wizards felt humiliated. They felt that their superiority should be recognized a priori, not earned through hard work. They were used to magic being easy for them, and couldn't accept the fact that some "mudblood" was superior to them.

Draco Malfoy, the son of a rich and powerful pureblood wizard, was one of Itachi's fiercest opponents. Draco, used to being worshipped and admired, couldn't stand the fact that Itachi didn't show him the respect he deserved. He tried to humiliate him every chance he got, but Itachi remained unfazed, giving him no reason to attack him further. He realized that this was just a publicity stunt and that Draco was no real threat to him. Itachi only saw him as a stupid kid who was fixated on his origins and couldn't see beyond his own nose.

Despite all of this, Itachi tried to keep himself in check and not get into open conflict. He realized that he shouldn't waste his energies on petty squabbles. He preferred to observe and analyze, trying to figure out which of the Slytherins could be a threat to him and which could be an ally.

Itachi soon noticed that not all Slytherins were the same. Theodore Nott, though he came from a pureblood family, did not share the prejudices of his fellow students. He, like Itachi, preferred to observe and analyze rather than blindly follow tradition.

Their interactions began with occasional conversations in the library, where they both spent a lot of time studying magical books. Itachi noticed that Theodore often asked him questions, trying to understand his point of view, but never pressured or imposed his opinion. Itachi answered evasively and carefully, not revealing his true thoughts and plans. He realized that trusting anyone in Slytherin was a luxury he couldn't afford, but curiosity took over.

Their conversations slowly began to turn to discussing study materials and then practicing together in a quiet place. Theodore proved to be a capable student, but he clearly lacked strategic thinking and self-control. Itachi, with his past shinobi experience, could give him valuable advice and steer him in the right direction.

Their relationship developed slowly and cautiously, like two snakes sniffing each other before getting close. They respected each other's personal space and didn't ask unnecessary questions

Itachi was beginning to trust Theodore, albeit slowly, always leaving a small margin for doubt.

Itachi realized that in Slytherin he had to be careful not to trust everyone. He knew that many of his classmates could betray him at the first opportunity. So he tried to keep his thoughts and plans private.

Draco Malfoy and his minions Crabbe and Goyle were particularly annoying. Once, during lunch in the Great Hall, Draco, seeing Itachi enter the hall, deliberately said in a loud voice

''Look at that, our little mudblood is here again to show how smart he is.''

A few Slytherins grinned, and Itachi walked past them and sat down at his desk. He tried to ignore Draco's provocations, but the latter, seeing that his attempts weren't working, decided to go along with it:

''I wonder if your muggle dad knows that his little boy is showing off here? He must be very proud of his 'genius'.'''

Itachi was silent for a moment, his hands clenched into fists. But he immediately pulled himself together. He wasn't going to give Draco a reason to provoke him further. Calmly he turned around and looked at him and, almost without excitement, said

''My parents are proud of me, Draco. And I don't need to prove it to anyone.''

He then simply continued on his way to the Slytherin table. Confusion appeared on Draco's face and his minions fell silent.

Skirmishes like this happened all the time, but Itachi was careful not to get into open conflict. He realized that Draco and his friends were simply seeking attention and trying to establish themselves at the expense of others. His carelessness infuriated Draco, but Itachi was only amused by it.

Also.

During his first weeks at Hogwarts, Itachi used his Sharingan to scrutinize the castle, its secret passages and nooks and crannies. He wasn't looking for easy paths, he was looking for a place where he could train without prying eyes. He realized that the castle, like a living organism, held many secrets for him to uncover.

Itachi started with the most obvious places: abandoned corridors and empty classrooms. He used his Sharingan to see the streams of magical energy that flowed throughout the castle, and noticed that some places had stronger streams than others. He realized that there might be some special artifacts or places that had unique magical properties in those places.

Itachi also noticed that the ghosts that were so plentiful at Hogwarts tended to patrol the same places. He studied their behavior and realized that they posed no danger to him, but he still tried to avoid them so as not to draw unnecessary attention to himself. He realized that they could be watching him, and he didn't want them to find out about his training.

In the same way, he also noticed Argus Filch, the castle caretaker, and his cat, Mrs. Norris. He realized that they were also on watch, and their presence made him feel somewhat uncomfortable. He needed to find a place where Filch and Mrs. Norris couldn't get him.

Itachi continued his search, and soon his Sharingan led him to one of the corridors on the eighth floor. He noticed that the currents of magical energy were particularly strong in this place, and that they were constantly changing, as if they were breathing. He sensed that there was something unusual here, and decided to explore the place further.

He walked down this corridor several times, studying every wall and every door. He used his Sharingan to look behind the walls and doors, but he didn't find anything unusual. However, he continued to feel a strange magical energy that was constantly changing.

He applied his Sharingan in an attempt to catch this strange magic, but all was in vain.

Itachi began to methodically study this corridor, using his Sharingan to scan the walls, floor, and ceiling. He analyzed the smallest changes in the magical aura, trying to find a pattern to its chaotic movement. He realized that the magic in this corridor was unstable, as if it was waiting for some push to take a certain shape. Some form of dynamic magic was at work here, reacting to external stimuli.

Concentrating on the streams of magical energy, looking for some kind of clue in them. He realized that the magic was responding to intention, that it was looking for a manifestation of will. He remembered his training, his desire to find a place where he could develop his abilities, and he, without losing concentration, mentally recited his desire, trying to direct the magic in the right direction.

And so, the moment he envisioned the perfect place to train, he noticed the wall in front of him begin to change. The magic seemed to bend to his will, and an ancient door appeared on the wall as if out of thin air. He sensed that behind that door was what he was looking for.

He entered the room, and his Sharingan immediately sensed that this place was special. The room was spacious and bright, and it seemed tailored to his needs. It was as if it resonated with his magical energy, and Itachi felt that this was the place where he could truly unleash his potential.

Itachi didn't start training right away. He decided to scrutinize this strange room first to make sure it wasn't a threat to him. He used his Sharingan to scan the walls, ceiling, and floor, analyzing every corner. He noticed that there was no constant magical energy in the room, it was as if it was empty, but it had the potential to create magical forms.

Looking around, he found an old closet in the corner, covered in dust. He opened the cabinet and found various items in there: ancient books, broken tools, and, what caught his attention the most, a strange tiara. The tiara was made of dark metal, with strange symbols engraved on its surface, and it was as if it was shrouded in darkness. Itachi felt that the tiara contained some powerful and dark force.

He was surprised to notice that it had a very strong dark magic mark. It was as dark and unstable as Harry Potter's, as if the tiara was infected with the same darkness.

"This... can't be," Itachi whispered.

"How is that possible? For an object to have the same dark magical mark as a human?"

Itachi realized that his find was no accident. Something connected the tiara and Harry, and that connection had to do with dark magic. He had to study it, to understand how and why it happened.

Itachi examined the tiara once more, trying to memorize every detail of it, and then left the Room of Requirement, leaving the tiara where it was. He realized that he didn't need to draw attention to it right now.

Itachi realized that this tiara could be a danger to him, but he also realized that it could also be a source of knowledge for him. He decided to leave it alone for now, but to keep his eyes on it, trying to understand its true nature. He decided that he would keep a close eye on it until he understood how to handle it.

For the next few weeks, Itachi used this room for his training, but he didn't forget about the tiara either. He used his Sharingan to learn spells, and he used his shinobi skills to hone his body and mind. He spent hours in this room working on his abilities, and realized that this place had become a laboratory for him as well as a refuge. He also often spent time studying the tiara, trying to figure out what it was.

Outside of class, off the Quidditch pitch and away from the attention of the other students, Itachi immersed himself in the mysteries of his Sharingan. This unique gift, inherited from his past life, was not just a vision, but a tool that opened up new possibilities for him.

Itachi realized that the Sharingan gave him great advantages, but he also realized that his abilities were not limitless. He could memorize light and medium spells with ease, seeing their structure and energy flow, but when it came to complex spells, his abilities faced limitations. He could see the spell, he could understand its basis, but he could not reproduce it perfectly. His Sharingan only allowed him to gain theoretical knowledge, but not practical skills.

Complex spells that required precise gestures, intricate concentration, and large amounts of magical energy were puzzles to him that he could not put together completely. He could see high school students use these spells, he could analyze their movements and words, but he couldn't replicate it all in practice. The Sharingan gave him insight, but not experience.

So Itachi began to experiment. He spent hours in secret areas of the castle, trying to reproduce complex spells he had seen in books or during duels. He used his Sharingan to analyze his own mistakes and adjust his actions. He tried different variations, changing gestures, intonation, and concentration until he achieved some sort of result.

Often his experiments ended in failure. He could summon an uncontrollable flow of energy that nearly destroyed everything around him, or he could summon a spell that didn't work at all the way he had hoped. But Itachi didn't give up. He understood that failure was part of the learning process, and he used every mistake to get better. He patiently repeated his attempts until he achieved a certain result.

Itachi realized that learning complex spells required not only understanding theory, but also gaining experience. He realized that his Sharingan could give him a base, but he himself would have to go through hardships and trials to become a true master. He was ready to take on the challenge and had no intention of stopping there.

Itachi continued to watch the older students duel, using his Sharingan to analyze their tactics and techniques.

Thanks to his Sharingan, Itachi was making rapid progress in his study of magic. He was mastering new spells at an incredible rate, and he was quickly becoming one of the most powerful wizards of his class.