After bidding Hagrid farewell, Harry stayed temporarily at the Leaky Cauldron. Each day was spent either reading books or practicing magic from his textbooks. Time passed quickly, and soon it was September 1st.
At 9:30 a.m., Harry arrived at Kings Cross Station by taxi. However, when he followed the instructions on his school admission letter to find Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, he stood between Platforms Nine and Ten, glancing left and right, before tapping the solid concrete wall in front of him with a puzzled expression.
Could this be some sort of test? A way to determine if the person trying to enter has magical abilities?
Thinking this, Harry placed his hand on the wall again, focusing intently to sense its magic. Soon, he detected an active magical formation within the wall. Concentrating his magic at his fingertips, Harry traced the formation on the concrete wall.
As he completed the final stroke, an iron archway suddenly materialized in the concrete.
So, thats all it takesjust tracing the detected formation. Pretty simple, Harry nodded in satisfaction at the newly appeared archway, then dragged his luggage through it.
Behind him, ordinary passersby noticed the new platform that had appeared between Platforms Nine and Ten. Many stopped in their tracks, curious. Those not in a hurry even walked through the archway, only to be astounded by the scene before them.
Steam from the locomotive swirled above the bustling crowd. Cats of various colors wove through peoples legs. Among the hum of conversations and the clatter of heavy luggage being dragged, owls hooted loudly, calling back and forth. Nearly everyone was dressed in robes, giving the scene an air of a nineteenth-century medieval village. The steady clicks of camera shutters filled the air.
Meanwhile, Harry sat quietly in a compartment, absorbed in a book.
As he read The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1 and practiced wand movements, the door to his compartment slid open.
A boy with flaming red hair stepped in.
Mind if I sit here? he asked, pointing to the seat across from Harry. Everywhere else is full.
Harry shook his head, and the boy sat down. He cast a quick glance at Harry before turning to look out the window, pretending not to notice him. Harry observed a smudge of dirt on the boys nose.
Hey, Ron.
The door opened again, and a pair of twins with matching red hair walked in.
Listen, were off to the middle carLee Jordans got a huge tarantula!
Oh, the boy called Ron mumbled.
Hello there, mate, said one of the twins to Harry. Were Fred and George Weasley, and this is Ron, our little brother. And you are?
Harry, Harry replied.
Well, Harry and Ron, see you later! The twins waved, then left the compartment, sliding the door shut behind them.
Bye, Harry and Ron said in turn.
Harry, you know, the Boy Who Lived is also named Harry. Supposedly, hes starting school this year too. Wonder which compartment hes inId love to see what he looks like, Ron blurted out.
Harry paused his reading and looked up at the excited red-haired boy.
Did you grow up in the wizarding world? Harry asked.
Oh, yes, Ron replied. My whole familys magical. Well, except for a distant cousin of my mums whos an accountant, but we never talk about him. What about you, Harry?
My parents died because of Voldemort. I used to stay with my aunt and uncle, but now I live alone.
Ah, sorryI didnt mean to bring up anything sad, Ron stammered, clearly flustered upon learning Harry was an orphan.
Its fine. It happened decades ago, Harry said calmly. With no real memory of his parents, their deaths didnt weigh heavily on him. After all, emotional bonds are built over time.
Decades ago? Ron frowned. Harry, arent you only eleven?
Ah, slip of the tongue, Harry quickly covered, scratching his head. By the way, Fred and George are your brothers, right? So, youre the third child in your family?
Im not the thirdIm the sixth, Ron replied, looking slightly annoyed.
The red-haired boy prattled on about his family but seemed to catch himself and turned to gaze out the window instead.
Harry, unfazed by the fact that he couldnt afford an owl, thought back to a time not long ago when he had been penniless himself. He shared with Ron stories about life at the Dursleys, including wearing his cousins hand-me-downs, never receiving proper birthday presents, and being ordered around as if it were perfectly normal. Harry noticed that as he spoke, Rons mood seemed to lift.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
You know, Harry, when you mentioned You-Know-Whos name earlier, it really startled me, Ron said, his tone now admiring. My dad says only people who truly arent afraid of him can say his name so casually.
Saying his name doesnt mean Im brave, Harry shrugged. I just never knew it wasnt supposed to be said. You see what I mean? Theres still a lot I need to learn.
As they chatted, the train sped out of London, racing past fields dotted with sheep and cattle. Gazing at the rolling countryside, the two boys fell into a comfortable silence, watching the scenery blur past the window.
The rhythmic clatter of the train filled the compartment as Harry resumed reading, attempting to transfigure a button, while Ron lay sprawled on the seat, playing with his pet rat, Scabbers.
By noon, the sound of wheels rolling down the corridor, accompanied by the excited chatter of young wizards, reached their compartment.
Soon, a smiling woman with dimples opened their door. Anything off the trolley, dears?
Harry, his stomach rumbling after a morning of practicing spells, stood up eagerly. Can I see what youve got?
Rons ears turned red as he mumbled something about having sandwiches.
Looking at the trolley filled with unfamiliar snacks, Harry examined the labels: Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans, Droobles Best Blowing Gum, Chocolate Frogs, Pumpkin Pasties, Cauldron Cakes, and Liquorice Wands
Finally, Harry, unbothered by the cost, bought a little of everything. After handing the trolley witch eleven silver Sickles and seven bronze Knuts, he returned to the compartment, arms full of snacks.
Ron stared wide-eyed as Harry dumped the mountain of food onto the seat.
Hungry? Ron asked, swallowing hard.
Starving, Harry replied, unwrapping a pumpkin pasty and taking a bite.
Mmm, not bad.
Ron opened a paper bag containing four sandwiches. Pulling one out, he muttered, She always forgets I hate corned beef.
Harry glanced at Ron, then offered, Hey, Ron, mind if I trade you for one of those sandwiches? Ill give you a pasty.
You wont like itits too dry, Ron said, glancing at the pasty but quickly looking away. Mum had to make food for all of us, so the sandwiches arent that great.
But Ive never had a sandwich before, Harry fibbed. Come on, satisfy my curiosity. Deal?
At Harrys insistence, Ron blushed but agreed to swap food. Bowing his head, he began eating the pasty, while Harry bit into the sandwich, contentedly munching away.
As for Harry, the sandwiches naturally ended up in his mouth. Though they were a bit salty, it was still far better than those days in Faer?n when they were so poor they had to scavenge hard, stale bread from the corpses of their enemies. Even the worst sandwich was better than that, right?
What are these? After finishing four sandwiches and feeling mostly full, Harry picked up a packet of Chocolate Frogs and asked Ron, Theyre not real frogs, are they?
No, Ron replied. Take a look at the cards inside. Im still missing Agrippa.
What?
Oh, you probably wouldnt know. Each Chocolate Frog comes with a collectible card featuring a famous witch or wizard. Ive collected nearly 500 cards, but Im still missing Agrippa and Ptolemy.
Harry opened a Chocolate Frog and pulled out the card.
On it was the face of a man with half-moon glasses, a long crooked nose, and silver hair and beard cascading down his chest. The name at the bottom read: Albus Dumbledore.
Harry flipped the card over and read the text on the back:
Albus Dumbledore, current Headmaster of Hogwarts, widely recognized as the greatest wizard of modern times. His notable achievements include the 1945 defeat of the Dark Wizard Grindelwald, the discovery of the twelve uses of dragons blood, and his work in alchemy in partnership with Nicolas Flamel. Professor Dumbledore enjoys chamber music and ten-pin bowling.
Harry turned the card back over, only to find that Dumbledores face had vanished.
Magic stuff is really something, Harry said with a laugh, pocketing the Dumbledore card. In the non-magical world, people in photos stay put once theyve been captured.
Really? So they just freeze in place? Ron mused, stroking his chin. Thats fascinating. But wouldnt holding the same pose forever be exhausting?Ah, another Morgana card. I already have six of her. Here, you can have this one, Harry. You can start your own collection.
After eating a few Chocolate Frogs, Harry opened a bag of Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans.
Be careful with those, Ron warned. When they say every flavor, they mean it. Youll get the usual ones like chocolate, mint, and marmalade, but theres also spinach, liver, and tripe. George once found one that tasted like bogies.
Ron picked up a green bean, examined it, and nibbled cautiously.
Luckythis ones bean sprout flavor.
The bag of beans quickly emptied. Harry tried flavors like toast, coconut, strawberry, curry, grass, and sardine. He even bravely bit into a peculiar gray bean that Ron wouldnt touchit turned out to be pepper-flavored.
Before they realized it, the fields outside the train windows transformed from neat farmlands into clusters of woods, winding rivers, and dark green hills.
Looks like were far from the city now, Harry remarked, tossing an unidentifiable candy into his mouth as he gazed at the scenery.
Ron didnt respond. He was too busy wrestling a Licorice Wand out of Scabbers mouth.
Just then, someone knocked on their compartment door.
A round-faced boy they didnt recognize stepped in, his eyes brimming with tears.
Excuse me, he said, sniffling. Have you seen my toad?
Harry and Ron shook their heads, and the boy burst into tears.
Ive lost him again! He keeps trying to run away from me!
Dont worry, youll find him, Harry comforted him.
I hope so, the boy said miserably. Im in compartment 117. If you see him, could you bring him to me?
He turned to leave, but Harry stopped him.
Hey, Ive got an idea to help you find him faster. Butit might cost you a little.
Twenty minutes later, a group of excited boys arrived at their compartment, proudly holding the round-faced boys toad.
Were here to claim the reward! The boys crowded the doorway, their eager eyes darting between Neville, Harry, and Ron.
Harry patted Neville on the shoulder, while Neville, thrilled to have his toad Trevor back, handed over a silver sickle.
Smart thinking! A girl sitting nearby glanced at Harry, her eyes full of challenge.
The girl introduced herself as Hermione Granger. She had a neat, clean look, thick brown hair, and large front teeth like a rabbits. Wearing her Hogwarts robes, she had apparently followed Neville into their compartment. According to Neville, she had encouraged him to search compartment by compartment for Trevor, though her suggestion seemed a bit rigid compared to Harrys method.
Sensing the competitive energy radiating from the girl, Harry quietly shifted a little further away.
Having nothing else to do, Harry began practicing Transfiguration on a Bertie Botts bean. But he soon noticed the competitive aura around Hermione intensifying.
What is this all about? Harry rubbed his forehead in exasperation. He was just trying to get ahead with some extra magic practicewhy did it feel like the girl next to him was gearing up for a duel?
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Chapter 9: The Brightest One
Night gradually descended. Outside the window, the scenery was now entirely composed of mountains and forests. Harry, Neville, and Ron had all changed into their robesthough
"Harry, what''s up with your robes?" Ron looked at his own noticeably shorter robes, then at Harry''s new ones, scratching his head in confusion. "Why did you have the cuffs... umm... uh..."
Unable to find the right word, Ron scratched his head even harder, and before he could scratch himself bald, Hermione, standing nearby, provided the answer.
"Harry, why did you make your cuffs so snug? That''s not appropriateit''s part of the school uniform!" The young girl frowned, her eyebrows scrunching into a "" character as she stared at Harrys distinctively altered robes.
"But dont you think this is much more practical?" Harry stretched his arms. "I even paid an extra silver Sickle for the tailoring. Besides, the school rules dont say we cant modify the design of our robes, do they?"
Hermione and Ron were speechless, unable to refute him. But even Neville, who had been as quiet as a ghost, felt that there was something off about Harry''s reasoning.
Half an hour later, the outside world was completely dark. A voice echoed through the train:
"Well be arriving at Hogwarts in five minutes. Please leave your luggage on the train; it will be brought to the school for you."
Harry glanced at Ron and Neville, noticing that both of their faces had gone a bit pale. Hermione, on the other hand, seemed eager and ready for what lay ahead.
Stuffing the remaining candy into their pockets, the four of them left the compartment and joined the crowd of students surging through the corridor.
The scenery outside the window blurred as the train slowed down, the clattering of wheels against the tracks growing more sporadic. Finally, the train came to a halt. The students jostled and squeezed toward the doors, and Harry found himself standing on a small, dark platform.
The chilly night air of the British mountains swept through the station, and Harry shivered, regretting not layering up more on the train.
Just then, a lantern suspended high in the air lit up, casting a warm glow. Along with the light came a voice Harry recognized all too well.
"First years! First years over here!"
Pushing through the crowd toward the lantern, Harry spotted a familiar bearded face. The owner of the beard also noticed Harry.
"Harry! Doing alright, are yeh?" Hagrid grinned and gave him a nod.
"Not bad," Harry replied with a smile.
The other young wizards, especially those from non-magical families, huddled together in groups of twos and threes, eyeing the towering Hagrid with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
Once everyone had disembarked, Hagrid cleared his throat.
"Right then, follow me! Any more first years? Watch yer stepalright! First years, this way!"
The mountain path was not easy to navigate. In fact, aside from Hagrid and the students close to him (like Harry), most of the young wizards stumbled along blindly. Every so often, someone would trip or step on the hem of the person in front of them.
"Honestly, couldnt they give us lanterns or something?" Ron grumbled as he shuffled along beside Harry.
"Arent you from a wizarding family, Ron? Dont you know any basic spells for daily life? Like this?" Harry steadied Neville, who had nearly tripped over his own robe, and cast a Lumos Charm on himself. His body radiated a soft, bright light, illuminating the path around him.
Rons face turned red. "Kids in the wizarding world usually dont start learning magic until they get to school."
Before Ron could finish his sentence, Hermione, walking on Harrys other side, leaned in with sparkling eyes, her face alight with curiosity.
"Harry, what spell is that? I dont think I saw it in The Standard Book of Spells: Grade 1! Where did you learn it? Can you teach me?"
"Its just a simple trick called the Lumos Charm. As for learning it... it might be tricky. Im not even sure how I know these spells myself."
"Maybe its some kind of magic hidden in your familys bloodline," Ron suggested knowingly. "Ive heard there are wizarding families with unique secret techniques. Maybe this spell of yours is one of those legendary secrets."
While the trio chatted, other young wizards, noticing Harry''s glowing form, began crowding around him. After all, a friendly-looking peer was far less intimidating than the giant leading them, and Harrys shorter stature only added to his approachability.
"Just around this bend, youll get your first look at Hogwarts!" Hagrid called out, glancing back. His eyes widened slightly as he noticed the glowing Harry.
"Nice work, Harry!" Hagrid gave him a grin of approval.
Amid the collective gasps of the students, the narrow path suddenly opened up to reveal a vast, dark lake. Across the water, perched on a high hill, stood a towering castle. Its spires rose against the night sky, and countless windows twinkled like stars.
"No more than four to a boat!" Hagrid called out, pointing to a fleet of small boats lined up by the shore. Harry and Ron climbed into one, followed by Neville and Hermione, filling the little vessel completely.
"All aboard? Right thenforward!" Hagrid, occupying a boat by himself, gave the signal.
The fleet of boats glided smoothly across the glassy lake. Everyone fell silent, their eyes fixed on the magnificent castle drawing ever closer, its sheer size and grandeur taking their breath away.
As they neared the cliffs where the castle stood, it loomed high above them, its towers seemingly piercing the heavens.
"Duck your heads!" Hagrids voice came from the front of the line as the first boats approached the cliff. Some students obediently ducked, while othersincluding Harrys groupremained seated, puzzled, as the ivy-covered rock face passed just a few feet overhead.
The boats slid through a curtain of ivy and emerged into a hidden, open cavern. They followed a dimly lit tunnelmade brighter by Harrys glowuntil they reached an underground dock.
Climbing out onto the rocky shore, they ascended a path that brought them to a flat, damp patch of grass in the shadow of the castle.
Hagrid led them up a flight of stone steps to a massive oak door. Raising his giant fist, he knocked three times.
The door swung open to reveal a tall witch with sleek black hair and a stern expression, dressed in a perfectly pressed emerald-green robe. Not a single wrinkle marred her attire.
Harry waved at Professor McGonagall, who gave him a brief nod, her gaze lingering on his glowing robes.
"First years, Professor McGonagall," Hagrid said.
"Thank you, Hagrid. Ill take it from here."
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Chapter 10: Harry? Harry Potter!
The young wizards, led by Professor McGonagall, filed through the grand doors and walked along a stone-paved corridor. On either side, tall stone walls loomed, each section adorned with a blazing torch. The ceiling above them remained shrouded in darkness, far beyond the reach of the flickering light.
Directly ahead stood an elegant marble staircase ascending to an upper floor, while the hum of voices from hundreds of people came from behind a large door to their right. However, Professor McGonagall did not lead them toward the door. Instead, she guided them to a small, empty chamber at the end of the corridor.
The room was so cramped that the students had to stand shoulder to shoulder. Of course, I say shoulder to shoulder, but certain individuals seemed to have a bit more breathing space. For example, Harry noticed a blond boy with slicked-back hair standing comfortably in a small area cleared by two tall boys flanking him.
As the group exchanged nervous glances, Professor McGonagalls voice rang out from the front of the crowd.
Welcome to Hogwarts. The start-of-term feast will begin shortly, but before you join the other students in the Great Hall, youll need to be sorted into your Houses. The Sorting Ceremony is a significant tradition, as your House will be your home here at Hogwarts for the next five to seven years. Youll attend classes with your Housemates, share a dormitory, and spend free time in your House common room. Its important to remember that your House will be like your family while youre here, so please listen carefully to what Im about to explain.
Here, Professor McGonagall cleared her throat.
The four Houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each House has its own proud history and has produced outstanding witches and wizards. During your time at Hogwarts, your achievements will earn points for your House, while any rule-breaking will result in point deductions. At the end of the year, the House with the most points will be awarded the House Cup, a great honor. I hope each of you will contribute to your Houses success, regardless of where you are sorted.
Now, she continued, in just a few minutes, the Sorting Ceremony will take place in front of the entire school. I suggest you take this moment to prepare yourselves
Her gaze lingered on Neville, whose cloak was fastened under his left ear, and Ron, who had a smudge of dirt on his nose. Finally, her eyes settled on Harry, who was glowing faintly. ...and tidy up a bit, she added.
Neville and Harry, oblivious to Professor McGonagalls scrutiny, whispered to each other, while Ron scratched his head in confusion.
Once Professor McGonagall left the room, the students began whispering among themselves.
Ron, do you know how the Sorting works? Harry asked.
Ron thought for a moment. I think its some sort of test. Fred said its really painful, but he was probably joking.
A test?! Hermione exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.
Harry raised an eyebrow as he glanced at the girl to his left. Why are you so excited about that?
Before anyone could speculate further, a group of ghosts suddenly emerged from the walls behind them.
The ghosts floated above the students, animatedly conversing with each other.
I think we should give him another chance, said a ghostly, round monk, his expression kind and serene as he floated through the heads of several taller students.
My dear Friar, havent we given Peeves enough chances already? retorted a ghost in a ruffed collar and doublet. Just look at the names hes called us! And you know hes not even a proper ghostoh, whats this? What are you all doing here? And why is one of you glowing?
Professor McGonagall asked us to wait here, Harry said, stepping forward when no one else spoke. As for the glowing, thats just a spell I cast earlier.
Ah, I see, said the round Friar with a smile. I do hope some of you make it into Hufflepuff. That was my old House, you know.
Whats the Sorting Ceremony like? Harry asked.
Youll find out soon enough, the Friar replied, winking. Wouldnt want to spoil the surprise!
After a few more pleasantries, the ghosts floated through the walls toward the Great Hall. Moments later, Professor McGonagall returned, briskly entering the room.
Form a single file line, she instructed the first-years. Follow me.
The students walked out of the chamber, across the entrance hall, and through a pair of grand double doors into the Great Hall.
The older students were already seated at four long tables, their faces illuminated by the thousands of floating candles hovering above. The tables gleamed with golden plates and goblets. At the head of the Hall, a long table was set for the teachers, who faced the students from their elevated platform.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.
Professor McGonagall led the first-years to a spot in front of the Hall, where they stood in a line facing the older students, with the teachers behind them.
As the flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows, hundreds of eyes focused on the newcomers. Many of those eyes, naturally, were fixed on Harry, who had forgotten to cancel his illumination charm. Ghosts mingled among the students, their faint silver glows adding to the ethereal atmosphere.
Looking up, Harry noticed many students gazing at the ceiling. Following suit, he saw a velvety black sky dotted with stars.
The ceilings been enchanted to look like the night sky, Hermione whispered. I read about it in Hogwarts: A History.
Harry nodded in understanding.
Professor McGonagall placed a four-legged stool before the first-years, then set a patched, frayed, and very dirty pointed hat on top of it.
The room fell silent as everyone stared at the hat. Then, to Harrys astonishment, the hat twitched. A wide slit near its brim opened like a mouth, and the hat began to sing:
You might think Im not much to look at,
But dont judge on what you see
(320 words omitted)
Try me on! Dont be afraid!
Youre in safe handsor rather, my safe brim
For I am the Sorting Hat!
When the Sorting Hat finished its song, thunderous applause erupted across the Hall. The hat bowed to each of the four tables before falling still.
So all we have to do is put on the hat? Ron whispered to Harry. Im going to kill Fred; he made it sound like wed have to wrestle a troll or something.
Harry chuckled lightly. Even a troll would probably be too much for these first-years, let alone a giant. Trolls were, after all, level-10 monsters or higher.
At this moment, Professor McGonagall stepped forward, holding a roll of parchment in her hand.
"When I call your name, you will put on the hat, sit on the stool, and await your house assignment," she announced. "Hannah Abbott!"
A rosy-cheeked girl with golden braids stumbled out of the line, placed the hat on her head, and sat down. The hat slipped over her eyes just as she took her seat. After a brief pause
"Hufflepuff!" the hat shouted.
The table to the right erupted in applause, welcoming Hannah to their group. Harry noticed the ghost of the Fat Friar happily waving to her.
"Susan Bones!"
"Hufflepuff!" the hat called again. Susan quickly joined Hannah at the table.
"Terry Boot!"
"Ravenclaw!"
This time, the second table on the left clapped enthusiastically. As Terry joined them, a few Ravenclaw students stood up to shake his hand.
Mandy Brocklehurst was also sorted into Ravenclaw, while Lavender Brown became the first new Gryffindor. The far-left table immediately burst into cheers, and Harry noticed Ron''s twin brothers booing playfully.
Then, Millicent Bulstrode became the newest member of Slytherin.
"Justin Finch-Fletchley!"
"Hufflepuff!"
Harry observed that sometimes the hat announced the house immediately, while at other times it seemed to deliberate. For instance, the sandy-haired boy Seamus Finnigan sat on the stool for nearly a full minute before the hat finally declared him a Gryffindor.
"Hermione Granger!"
Hermione nearly sprinted to the stool, quickly jamming the hat onto her head.
"Gryffindor!" the hat shouted. Ron groaned, but Harry found it didnt bother him.
"Neville Longbottom!"
The round-faced boy jogged to the stool but tripped halfway there. The hat took an unusually long time to decide on Neville''s placement.
When the hat finally shouted, "Gryffindor!" Neville accidentally ran off with the hat still on his head. Amid peals of laughter, a blushing Neville hurried back to return it to Professor McGonagall.
By now, only a few students remained.
After Pansy Parkinson, a pair of twins, and Sally-Anne Perks, it was finally
"Harry Potter!"
As Harry stepped forward under Ron''s astonished gaze, he heard Ron muttering in disbelief, "Harryyou never told me you were the Harry Potter!"
Meanwhile, a buzz of whispers rippled through the Great Hall as Harry approached the stool.
"Potter? Did she say Potter?"
"Is that the Harry Potter?"
Ignoring the students craning their necks to get a better look, Harry grabbed the hat and placed it on his head.
"Ah," a soft voice whispered in his ear. "Difficult. Very difficult. Plenty of courage, I see. Not a bad mind, either. There''s talentoh yesand a thirst to prove yourself. Fascinating. So, where shall I put you?"
"Anywheres fine," Harry thought nonchalantly, stifling a yawn.
"Anywheres fine?" the voice replied, amused. "You could be great, you knowit''s all here in your head. And Slytherin would help you on your way to greatness, there''s no doubt about that. So, shall it be Slyth"
But just as the hat was about to declare Slytherin, Harry felt a surge of magical energy from the direction of the staff table.
"Gryffindor!" the hat suddenly shouted.
"??????"
"Wait, werent you just about to say Slytherin?" Harry asked in his mind. "What made you change your mind?"
The hat remained silent.
Moments later, Harry felt the hat being lifted off his head and found himself ushered off the stool.
"Mr. Potter, please join the Gryffindor table. Dont dawdle here," Professor McGonagall said briskly.
The Gryffindor table erupted in cheers so loud it seemed they might blow the enchanted ceiling off.
As Harry walked over, Percy Weasley stood up to give him a firm handshake. Fred and George yelled, "We got Potter! We got Potter!"
Harry glanced around before settling in a seat near Hermione and Neville.
Turning his attention to the staff table, Harry spotted Hagrid in a corner closest to him. When their eyes met, Hagrid gave him a thumbs-up, and Harry grinned in response.
At the center of the staff table sat Albus Dumbledore on a grand golden chair. Beside him, one seat was empty, while on his other side sat a teacher who looked like a cross between a goblin and a human, as well as Professor Snape, who had once dueled Harry.
Harry also recognized Professor Quirrell, the jittery man hed met in the Leaky Cauldron, wrapped in an enormous purple turban that looked rather odd.
Thinking about the magical surge hed felt earlier, Harrys gaze returned to Dumbledore. At that exact moment, Dumbledore also looked at Harry, their eyes meeting briefly.
Dumbledore smiled and gave a small nod, but Harry quickly looked away.
Now, only three students remained. Lisa Turpin was sorted into Ravenclaw.
Next was Ron, whose face had gone pale. He looked unwell as he approached the stool.
The hat barely touched Rons head before it shouted, "Gryffindor!"
Ron collapsed into the seat next to Harry, looking utterly relieved.
"Well done, Ron! Excellent work!" Percy said in an exaggerated tone, leaning over Harry to pat Ron on the back.
Finally, the last student, Blaise Zabini, was sorted into Slytherin.
With that, Professor McGonagall rolled up the parchment, picked up the Sorting Hat, and left the hall.
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Chapter 11: A New Life Begins with a Leap from the Tower
Albus Dumbledore stood up, his face beaming with joy as he gazed at the young faces staring back at him. He stretched out his arms as if nothing delighted him more than seeing the students gathered together.
Welcome! he said, Welcome to Hogwarts for a new school year! Before the feast begins, Id like to say a few words, and they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you!
Dumbledore sat back down, and the room erupted into applause and cheers. Harry, who had also raised his hands to clap, froze in place.
Is he... a bit mad? Harry hesitantly asked Percy.
Mad? Percy looked around and then lowered his voice. Hes a genius! The greatest wizard in the world! But, yes, youre righthes a bit mad. Oh, by the way, want some potatoes, Harry?
Unnoticed by Harry, the plates in front of everyone had magically filled with food. Harry had never seen so much food he loved spread out at once: roast beef, chicken, pork chops, lamb chops, sausages, steak, boiled potatoes, roasted potatoes, chips, Yorkshire pudding, peas, carrots, gravy, ketchup, and for some peculiar reason, peppermint humbugs.
To be honest, Harry had never had the chance to eat his fill, whether during his time with the Dursleys or in Faer?n.
At the Dursleys, Dudley always grabbed all the food Harry wanted, even if Dudley ended up sick from overeating.
As for Faer?n, the only time Harry had the chance to eat as much as he wanted was after they cleared out a goblin camp. But surrounded by corpses, facing roasted meat of questionable originwhether human or animaleven Astarion, the vampire spawn, lost his appetite.
Seeing the tempting dishes in front of him, Harry took a bit of everything and started eating enthusiastically. He also pocketed some peppermint humbugs.
Looks amazing! said a ghost in a ruffled collar, watching Harry spear half a steak and stuff it into his mouth.
Cant you eat living peoples food? Harry asked.
I havent eaten anything for 400 years, said the ghost. We ghosts dont need to eat, but, oh, how I miss the taste. By the way, I havent introduced myself. Im Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, the resident ghost of Gryffindor Tower.
I know who you are! Ron suddenly exclaimed, holding two lamb chops. My brothers told me about youyoure Nearly Headless Nick!
Id prefer if you called me Sir Nicholas, the ghost said, looking a bit flustered. But Seamus Finnigan, with his sandy hair, chimed in: Nearly headless? How can you be nearly headless?
Sir Nicholas looked annoyed, clearly not wanting to discuss the topic.
Like this. He grabbed his left ear and pulled. His head wobbled off his neck and dangled on his shoulder as if connected by hinges.
Looks like someone tried to behead you but didnt quite finish the job, said Harry, sipping pumpkin juice. Mustve hurt, being hacked at with a blunt axe.
Sir Nicholas glanced at Harry, then seemed lost in thought, a faint glimmer of regret in his eyes.
It did hurt. But honestly, I wish theyd gone through with it. At least then my head wouldve been fully separated... Anyway, lets not dwell on such sad matters, he said, noticing the wide-eyed expressions of the young wizards around him. He looked quite pleased with their reactions.
He popped his head back into place, cleared his throat, and said, Now, Gryffindor first-years! Lets aim to win the House Cup this year, shall we? Gryffindor hasnt won in ages. Slytherins had a six-year streak! The Bloody Barons unbearableoh, hes Slytherins ghost, over there.
Harry glanced at the Slytherin table and saw a terrifying ghost sitting beside a blond boy. The ghosts hollow eyes and emaciated face were marked by silvery bloodstains on his robes.
Whys he covered in blood? Seamus asked with interest.
Ive never asked, said Nearly Headless Nick awkwardly.
Judging by those marks, Harry said, studying the Bloody Baron with keen interest, he mustve attacked his enemys major arteries at close range. Looks like it was one-sided.
Harry, how do you know that? Ron asked curiously.
Experience~ Harry replied, grabbing a roast chicken and tearing into it.
Ron didnt press further, though his appetite noticeably diminished after that.
Later, the group discussed an article in the Daily Prophet titled Dumbledores Big BlunderMuggle Influx at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters: Should the Ministry Take Responsibility?
Percy gave a seven-minute speech on the topic, though few listened.
Once everyone had eaten their fill, the leftover food vanished, and the plates were spotless again.
After a while, dessert appearedevery imaginable kind of pudding: ice cream in various flavors, apple pie, treacle tart, chocolate clairs, jam doughnuts, trifle, jelly, rice pudding, and more.
Harry took a jelly while the first-years began sharing stories about their families.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
Im half-and-half, said Seamus. Dads a Muggle. Mom didnt tell him she was a witch until after they married. That was a nasty shock for him.
Everyone laughed except those still eating.
What about you, Neville? Ron asked.
Oh, I live with my gran. Shes a witch, Neville said. But for years, my family thought I was a Squib. Uncle Algie kept trying to catch me off guard, hoping Id do some magiche once pushed me off the pier at Black Lake and nearly drowned me. Nothing happened, though. Then, when I was eight, he came for tea, dangled me out the window by my ankles, and dropped me. I bounced across the garden and landed on the road! They were so happy. Aunt Enid even cried. When I got my Hogwarts letter, you shouldve seen their faces. Uncle Algie was so thrilled he bought me a toad.
On Harrys other side, Percy and Hermione were discussing coursework.
I hope its straightforwardtheres so much to learn, Hermione said. Im particularly interested in Transfiguration. You know, turning one thing into another. Of course, it must be very hard.
You should start small, like turning matches into needles, Percy suggested.
Harry, now full, yawned and glanced at the staff table. Hagrid was drinking deeply, Professor McGonagall was speaking with Dumbledore, and Professor Quirrell, his head wrapped in a ridiculous turban, was talking to Snape.
Snape briefly locked eyes with Harry before looking away as if nothing had happened.
Finally, Dumbledore stood up again, and the hall fell silent.
Now that were all fed and watered, I have a few start-of-term announcements. First-years should note that the Forbidden Forest is off-limits to all students. Some of our older students would do well to remember that.
Dumbledores twinkling eyes swept toward the Weasley twins.
Second, Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me to remind you that no magic is to be used in the corridors between classes.
Third, Quidditch tryouts will be held in the second week of term. Anyone interested should contact Madam Hooch.
Finally, a word of caution: anyone who does not wish to suffer a most painful death should avoid the third-floor corridor on the right.
At this, a few students laughed.
Harry raised his eyebrows in surprise and then glanced at Percy, whispering, He cant be serious, right? Facing life-threatening dangers at school? I thought Hogwarts was supposed to be the safest place in the world.
Im not sure, Percy replied, frowning as he looked toward Dumbledore.
Whats strange is that whenever theres somewhere were not allowed to go, he usually explains why. For example, everyone knows the forest is filled with dangerous creatures. Still, I think he should at least make things clear to us prefects.
Now, before everyone heads to bed, lets sing the school song together! Dumbledore announced with arms wide open. At the same time, Harry noticed the other teachers smiles seemed to freeze awkwardly.
Dumbledore gave his wand a light flick, and a long golden ribbon unfurled from it, twisting and curling like a snake above the tables to form lines of text in midair.
Everyone pick your favorite tune, Dumbledore said. Ready? Sing!
And so, all the staff and students belted out the school song in various melodies:
Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts, teach us all you know,
Whether we are balding elders or children with skinned knees,
Our minds can absorb a bit of interesting stuff.
Because right now, theyre filled with air, dead flies, and petty fluff,
Teach us some valuable knowledge, restore what we forgot,
You do your best, and well do the rest, until we rot.
The song concluded haphazardly as everyone finished at different times. Only the Weasley twins kept going, singing in the slow, mournful tune of the funeral march. Dumbledore waved his wand to conduct their final notes, applauding them enthusiastically when they finished.
Ah, music, he said, wiping his glasses. It has a magic far greater than anything we do here! And now, bedtime. Off to your dormitories!
The first-year Gryffindors followed Percy through the noisy crowd, out of the Great Hall, and up the marble staircase. Harry, both full and exhausted, felt as if his legs had turned to lead.
Yawning repeatedly, the young wizards trudged up countless stairs. Just as Harry began to wonder how much farther they had to go, the group came to a sudden halt.
In front of them floated a bundle of walking sticks, suspended in midair. Percy was just one step away, and the students behind him stumbled into each other, nearly knocking him over.
Its Peeves, Percy whispered to the first-years. A ghost who loves playing pranks. Then he raised his voice, saying, Peevesshow yourself!
A loud, rasping noise like air escaping a balloon answered him.
Do I need to fetch the Bloody Baron? Percy threatened.
With a sudden pop, a small, mischievous ghost appeareda short, squat figure with a pair of malevolent black eyes and a wide mouth. Floating cross-legged in the air, he clutched the bundle of walking sticks tightly. Oh ho ho! First-year brats! What fun!
He swooped toward them, cackling.
The students froze, too shocked to react.
Then, as though struck by an invisible force, Peeves advance came to an abrupt halt. The sticks he had been holding clattered to the floor as a translucent pale blue hand materialized before him.
Who was that? Who hit me?! Peeves clutched his face, angrily scanning the walls as if searching for the source of the mysterious handor its ghostly owner.
No need to look, a lazy voice drawled from the crowd. It was Harry, speaking without much enthusiasm. I hit you. Im tired and cranky, so dont test my patience, okay?
Peeves stared at Harry, his eyes flickering to the green energy swirling faintly in Harrys hand. Though he couldnt identify what it was, the aura emanated a potent sense of danger.
With a snort, Peeves made a face at the group before disappearing through a wall.
Well done, Harry, Percy said, patting him on the shoulder. I dont know what spell you just used, but scaring Peeves off is no small feat. He doesnt even listen to us prefects. The only one who can really deal with him is the Bloody Baron, and honestly, Id rather not bother the Slytherin ghost if I can avoid it.
The group continued down the corridor, stopping before a painting of a rather plump woman dressed in pink.
Password? the portrait asked.
Dragon dung, Percy said.
The painting swung forward, revealing a circular hole in the wall. The students clambered through one by oneNeville needed a bit of helpand found themselves in the Gryffindor common room.
It was a cozy, round space filled with plush armchairs and a large fireplace, though the fire inside was only a faint glow now.
Percy directed the girls to one door leading to their dormitories and then led the boys to another. At the top of a spiral staircase, they reached their room.
The dormitory had five four-poster beds draped with deep crimson velvet curtains. Their trunks from the train were already waiting for them. Too exhausted for conversation, everyone changed into their pajamas and collapsed into bed.
The feast was incredible, wasnt it? Ron murmured to Harry through the curtains. Hey, Scabbers! Stop chewing my sheets!
The night passed uneventfully.
At five the next morning, Harry woke up as if on instinct. His years of adventuring had ingrained the habit of rising early.
Seeing the dormitory still shrouded in darkness, Harry quietly made his way to the bathroom. After washing up and changing into his robes, he grabbed his books for the day and left the room.
Standing in the corridor, he looked down at the labyrinth of constantly shifting staircases below.
After a moments thought, he cast a Featherlight Charm on himself.
Then, with a decisive leap, he vaulted over the railing.
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Chapter 12: Kicking Off the School Year with a Bang
Amid the dim candlelight around him, Harry sat in a daze at an empty long table, glancing up at the unfamiliar starry sky, so different from Faer?ns. It took him a while to realize it might not yet be breakfast time.
With nothing else to do, Harry decided to explore. Before embarking on his adventure, he habitually cast three Level 1 spells on himself for safety: Grease to enhance his movement speed, False Life to add a protective magical layer to his body, and Mage Armor to slightly boost his defense.
With preparations complete, a small figure darted down the corridor towards the dungeons.
Passing a stretch of barren, damp stone walls, Harry came across two tightly shut doors. He tried pushing one but found it locked. The other one, however, opened with a bit of luck.
Peeking cautiously inside, he found a dimly lit room with shelves lining the walls, holding large glass jars filled with grotesque specimens. At the far end of the room stood another closed wooden door.
He pushed it experimentally, but it didnt budge. Harrys adventurer instinctsthoroughly ingrained in himkicked in, and he began rummaging through the dimly lit room.
About ten minutes later, Harry left the room, satisfied and laden with loot, thoughtfully shutting the door behind him.
After exploring the dungeons, Harry re-cast Grease on himself and headed up to the second floor, his curiosity unrelenting.
By the time Harry had wandered through every door he could open in the castle, gathering a fair share of treasures, he found himself on the fourth-floor corridorthe one marked as forbidden. After a brief hesitation, he resolutely ventured inside.
He was soon stopped by yet another locked door at the corridor''s end.
Forget it. Ill come back to explore this area later, Harry muttered, patting his bulging bag. For now, the priority is to stash all these goodies.
Flying back to Gryffindor Tower on the eighth floor, Harry noticed the sky was already growing light. Watching as Hogwarts began to stir, Harry abandoned his plan to return to the dormitory with his loot.
Pacing back and forth in the corridor, deep in thought about where to hide his newfound treasures, Harrys peripheral vision caught sight of a door. It was on the left wallone he was certain hadnt been there before.
Driven by the spirit of a true adventurer, Harry pushed the ornately patterned door open.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.
Inside, the space was massive, like a grand cathedral. Harry gazed at the sight before him: a city-like maze of towering walls built from piles of old furniture, broken trinkets, and thousands of books scattered among the chaos.
Harry pulled out a few books to inspect them. One was covered in bizarre graffiti, while anothera thick tome with a brown-black leather cover titled Advanced Dark Arts Unveiledpiqued his curiosity.
After skimming through it for half an hour, Harry tossed the book aside with a look of disdain.
Compared to The Tome of Undeath by Zain, this so-called Advanced Dark Arts Unveiled was utter trash. It couldnt even guide someone in resurrecting the deadwhat advanced dark arts was that supposed to be?
Still, the vast trove of items ignited Harrys interest. He navigated the narrow paths, rummaging for anything useful.
He found enchanted items still faintly glowing as they hovered over heaps of contraband, jars of solidified potions, strange hats, jewelry, cloaks, dragon eggshells, bottles containing eerie glowing liquids, rusted swords, a blood-stained axe, and a grotesque goblin-like creature preserved in a jar.
One chest-of-drawers appeared to have been splashed with acid; inside its hollow remains, Harry found a cage containing a long-dead creature with five legs. There was also a grimy old tiara perched atop the head of an ugly wizard mannequin.
Harry paused. Something felt off.
He turned back to the mannequin and focused on the rusty tiara. It emanated a powerful magical aura intertwined with a deep, hidden malevolence.
Recalling descriptions from Advanced Dark Arts Unveiled, Harrys eyes widened in shock.
This... this is a Horcrux?
--
When breakfast time came, the house tables were laden with food. Students trickled into the Great Hall in groups, following the arrival of the faculty.
Some observant students noticed that the teachers looked unusually grim. Snape, perpetually sour-faced, was unsurprisingly the same. But even Professor Sprout, the ever-cheerful Hufflepuff Head, appeared unusually serious as she murmured quietly with Professor McGonagall. Students sitting nearby caught snippets of words like "thief" and "burglar."
As the hall buzzed with speculation, Harry entered, carrying a rusty tiara in one hand and a thick brown-black book in the other, promptly catching Hermiones attention.
Harry, were you at the library all morning? Hermione called out, waving half a baguette at him.
Harry, however, mouthed to her to wait before heading straight for the staff table.
Professor Dumbledore, Ive discovered a major problem, Harry said, looking up at the headmaster, who regarded him curiously over his half-moon spectacles.
What kind of problem could be so urgent you skipped breakfast? Dumbledore asked, setting aside his plate of sweets.
I found a Horcrux in a room on the eighth floor, Harry said.
The smile vanished instantly from Dumbledores face, his blue eyes narrowing sharply.
Next to him, McGonagall gasped, staring at Harry and Dumbledore in shock, while Snape stood abruptly, fixing Dumbledore with an intense, dark gaze.
This is a serious matter. Lets discuss it in the Headmasters office, Dumbledore said gravely.
He rose from his seat, a fiery bird appearing on his shoulder. McGonagall, Snape, and Sprout each reached out to grab his robes. Harry, however, was unceremoniously dragged into their midst by Snape.
The six figures disappeared from the Great Hall, leaving behind a rising murmur of student chatter and a group of puzzled professorsexcept for Quirrell, whose face had gone pale and uncharacteristically silent.
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Chapter 13: The Reviled Advanced Dark Magic Revealed
Including the time he was dragged here, this was Harrys second visit to the Headmasters office. As the saying goes, Once a stranger, twice a friend, and by now, Harry had practically become a regular. So naturally, while Dumbledore and the others examined the diadem and Advanced Dark Magic Revealed, Harry wandered off to play with the bird nearby.
As he stroked the magnificent phoenix, Dumbledores gentle voice sounded from behind him:
Harry, have you read the book you brought with you?
Distracted by the phoenix, Harry didnt notice the unusually solemn expression on Dumbledores face.
I have, Harry replied casually, dodging a playful peck from the bird. Just as Dumbledores pupils contracted slightly, Harry added nonchalantly, But the magic in Advanced Dark Magic Revealed is pretty useless. Theres not even a resurrection spell
At this, Harry heard two sharp intakes of breath behind him.
like the kind that brings people back to life. Its not nearly as good as the Necromancy Compendium Gale picked up in Baldurs Gate Library.
Harry, Dumbledores voice trembled slightly, are you saying you know of spells that can bring the dead back to life?
Let me think Harry paused, scratching his head as he dodged the phoenix again. Theres the Revivify spellits a third-tier spell that works only if the person has been dead for less than a minute. It doesnt work on creatures that died of old age, and it cant restore lost body parts or revive undead. It requires a diamond worth about 300 gold pieces as a material component. Then theres Raise Dead, a fifth-tier spell. That one works if the person has been dead for up to ten days. It neutralizes poisons and nonmagical diseases, heals lethal injuries, but cant cure magical ailments, curses, or restore missing body parts. If critical body parts are missing, the spell fails. Oh, and it also doesnt work on those who died of old age or on undead. That one needs a diamond worth 500 gold pieces
As Harry rambled on, Dumbledores eyes were filled with hope, and Snapes were a mixture of skepticism and anticipation.
Right, theres also Resurrection and True Resurrection, Harry finally exclaimed after a moment of thought, slapping his forehead. Resurrection is a seventh-tier spellit works if the persons been dead for less than a hundred years, as long as they didnt die of old age and werent undead. It can cure all injuries and even restore lost body parts. It requires a diamond worth 1,000 gold pieces. True Resurrection is even more amazing! Its a ninth-tier spell. As long as someones been dead for less than two hundred years and didnt die of old age, it can bring them back to life, fully healed, and even recreate their body if its completely gone. That one needs a diamond worth 25,000 gold pieces and a bit of holy water.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
Harry turned around and noticed Dumbledores complicated expression. He tilted his head.
Professor Dumbledore, whats wrong?
Harry, Dumbledore began, his voice hesitant, the seventh-tier Resurrection spell can you cast it? Or do you know someone who can?
That spells for 13th-level clerics, druids, or bards. Me? Im just a humble 1st-level sorcerer. Theres no way I could manage that kind of magic, Harry said with a shrug. Noticing the disappointment in Dumbledores eyes, he added, But its not entirely impossible. If I can find Gale and he sweet-talks his goddess, not just Resurrection, even True Resurrection would be a piece of cake!
Revived with hope, Dumbledore eagerly began discussing ways to locate the world of Faer?n with Harry. Snape listened intently, while Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, and Sprout looked on with increasing confusion.
Arent we supposed to be examining the Horcrux found on the eighth floor? McGonagall asked, her tone growing sharper. Dumbledore, why are you talking about crossing dimensions? And Severus, why are you paying such close attention?
Time ticked onten minutes, twenty, thirty. The three men were lost in increasingly fervent discussions when McGonagall finally lost patience. With a light tap of her wand on the table, she pulled them back from their wild speculations.
Professor Dumbledore, dont forget we have a Horcrux to deal with. And isnt it time Harry went to class?
The white-bearded wizard blinked, turning his attention to the diadem and the book on the desk. For a moment, he seemed puzzled as to why they were there, but his mind soon cleared. Reluctantly abandoning thoughts of resurrecting his sister, Dumbledore nodded.
Youre right, Minerva. Please escort Harry to his class. Severus, Pomona, and Filius, stay here and help me study this book and diadem.
McGonagall led Harry out of the office, the door closing behind them and silencing Dumbledores voice. The pair made their way through the moving staircases and the eighth-floor corridor, hurrying toward the Transfiguration classroom.
By the time they arrived, twenty minutes remained before class began. McGonagall instructed Harry to find a seat before heading to her office.
Harry entered the buzzing classroom, found an empty seat in the front corner, and sat down. Moments later, a loud thud startled him as a copy of A Beginners Guide to Transfiguration landed on the desk beside him. A bushy-haired girl plopped down into the seat.
Harry, what were you doing with Professor Dumbledore just now? Hermione asked, her curiosity plain. She leaned closer, eyes gleaming. And where are the diadem and the book you were holding?
Hermione was about to unleash a barrage of questions when McGonagall entered, carrying her lesson plan. Sensing the impending lecture, Hermione wisely shut her mouth.
After placing her book down, McGonagall checked the time and glanced around the room, her brows furrowing slightly.
Noticing Rons absence, Hermione leaned close to Harry and whispered, Harry, did you wake Ron up when you came out?
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Chapter 14: Swoosh
"I got up at five o''clock. Do you think five in the morning is a reasonable time to wake your roommates?" Harry shifted slightly to the left. Hermione''s breath had tickled his ear, and she was sitting uncomfortably close. He still wasn''t used to being this near to anyone other than Shadowheart.
Of course, Karlach and Lae''zel were exceptionsthose two goofballs were more like brothers to him anyway.
Soon, the class bell rang, and rushing into the classroom, as usual, was a flustered Ron.
"Sorry, Professor, I... I got lost," Ron panted, shrinking under Professor McGonagall''s stern gaze.
"Try to arrive earlier next time, Mr. Weasley. At the very least, don''t come in with the bell."
"Y-Yes, sorry..."
"Very well, find yourself a seat. I trust you won''t get lost inside the classroom, will you, Mr. Weasley?"
Ron blushed, glancing around. His eyes lit up when he spotted Harry but dimmed just as quickly when he saw that the seat next to him was already occupied. With a faintly resentful glance at Hermione, Ron finally plopped down beside Seamus.
"Transfiguration is the most complex and dangerous magic you will learn at Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall announced, her gaze sweeping across the eager young faces before her. Her tone was solemn, almost grave.
"Anyone who chooses to fool around in my class will be shown the door and barred from returning. Consider yourselves warned."
With that, she raised her wand and gave it a light flick. The desk at the front of the classroom transformed into a large, snorting white pig. With another wave, it turned back into a desk.
McGonagall''s demonstration instantly captivated the curious first-years. Eager to try it themselves, they all whipped out their wands, itching to begin.
However, before they could start, they had to take down a mountain of notes on complicated and unfamiliar theories. These dense explanations and cautionary advice quickly dampened their enthusiasm, forcing them to confront just how far they were from turning furniture into animalsit might as well be a thousand years away.
After filling their notebooks with dense scribbles, McGonagall brought out a box of matches. A flick of her wand sent a matchstick tumbling to each student''s desk.
Theoretical math was over; it was time to solve the equivalent of advanced calculus.
By the end of the class, only Hermione Granger had managed to make her matchstick show any change, earning her a rare smile from McGonagall and two house points. As for Harry, he managed to vanish his 35th matchstick completely.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
"Harry, you need to visualize the object you want to create. The clearer and more detailed the image in your mind, the better. Do you understand?"
Unable to stand watching any longer, Hermione tried to coach Harry, but he still managed to disintegrate his 36th matchstick into thin air.
In the end, Hermione accompanied Harry to see Professor McGonagall after class to seek advice. (Ron, meanwhile, bolted out the door as soon as the bell rang.)
"Professor, could you help me figure out what I''m doing wrong with Transfiguration?"
After receiving an affirmative nod, Harry placed his 37th matchstick on the desk and began channeling his magic into it, probing every detail of its structure.
Ten seconds passed. Then twenty. Then thirty. McGonagall frowned as Harry stared intently at the matchstick without moving.
"Mr. Potter, what exactly are you doing?"
"I''m analyzing the matchstick''s structure. How else am I supposed to infuse magic into every fiber of the wood?"
"Why would you need to infuse magic into every... fiber? What even are fibers?"
"I know that one!" Hermione chimed in, practically bouncing. "Fibers are the mechanical tissues composed of lignified thickened cell walls and fiber cells with slit-like pits. Theyre one of the main components of wood!"
"Cells...?" McGonagall trailed off, looking bewildered before shaking her head. "Never mind that. Let''s get back to the topic.
"Transfiguration works on the object as a whole, Mr. Potter, not by transforming every single part simultaneously. Does that make sense?"
Harry tilted his head thoughtfully. "Professor, could you demonstrate it for me one more time?"
"Of course, Mr. Potter. I''ll slow it down so you can observe carefully. Miss Granger, you should pay attention as well."
McGonagall drew her wand and gave a slow, deliberate flick. A matchstick tumbled out of the box, spun in midair, and landed gracefully on the desk. With a gentle tap, it transformed into a delicate silver needle etched with intricate patterns.
"Oh, I get it now! It''s all about the swoosh, isn''t it?" Harry exclaimed, his eyes lighting up. He clenched his fist and smacked his other palm as if hed just solved an ancient mystery.
"Swoosh? Harry, are you sure you understand?" Hermione asked skeptically, rolling her eyes.
"Of course!" Harry said confidently, drawing his wand. He pointed it at his 37th matchstick, muttered the incantation, andswoosh!the matchstick transformed into a silver needle with a dogs head engraved on it.
"See? Just like that. Swoosh!"
Hermione and McGonagall: "(O_o)??"
By the time they left the Transfiguration classroom, the third-floor corridor was empty.
"Harry, let''s hurry to the Great Hall. I''m starving," Hermione said, stuffing A Beginner''s Guide to Transfiguration into her bag while her stomach growled.
"Good idea," Harry agreed, adjusting his bag. "Want to take a shortcut, Hermione?"
"If theres a shortcut, of course! You know how annoying those moving staircases are."
"Got it." Harry raised his right hand, and a faint, shimmering fragment flickered briefly in his palm.
Casting a Feather Fall Charm on himself and Hermione, Harry grabbed her hand and leapt over the banister.
Hermiones panicked screams echoed through the castle.
At 2 p.m., sporting a panda-like black eye, Harry arrived early for Charms on the fourth floor.
Five minutes before class started, Ron rushed into the room, his face flushed. Seeing the empty seat next to Harry, he beamed and plopped down beside him.
"Hey, Harry, didnt see you back at the common room at lunchtimeBloody hell! What happened to your eye?"
"An involuntary reaction during an intense experience. Dont worry about it."
For the entire day, Hermione didnt say a single word to Harry.
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Chapter 15: The Portal
The next day, at 5:25 AM, on the eighth floor, across from the tapestry where the giant beast had knocked out the foolish Banaba, Harry, carrying his bag, walked out of a door exactly the same as the one he had encountered yesterday. He turned around, watching the wooden door quickly vanish, thoughtfully stroking his chin.
"So, as long as I walk back and forth through this corridor with some kind of need in mind three times, a door will appear here, leading to a room that fulfills the user''s demand? If thats the case"
"I need a vast beach," Harry muttered to himself. After walking back and forth three times in front of the wall, a door appeared in front of him.
He opened the door, and a cool sea breeze greeted him. What he saw before him was a wide beach bathed in moonlight, and further in the distance, waves crashed rhythmically against the shore. But...
"Its too quiet. No insects, no birds, no visible shells or plants under the water, and this water... hmm, its still fresh water."
Lifting his head from the water, Harry wiped his face and began walking toward the beach, glancing at the wooden door that stood out strangely against the sand. Even though, based on the information he had so far, it seemed that the objects in this room were merely illusions created by magic, he couldn''t help but wonder... what if?
A thought that had been on his mind for days gradually filled his head.
Soaked in wet clothes, Harry returned to the corridor, watching the wooden door disappear from the wall. He took a deep breath and began pacing again in front of the wall.
"I need a portal that leads to Shadow Hearth and the others."
"I need a portal that leads to Shadow Hearth and the others."
"I need a portal that leads to Shadow Hearth and the others."
The door that appeared in front of him opened to reveal a swirling blue vortex of energy.
...
With a deafening roar and a massive explosion, the Nezha brain, floating in the sky, swayed for a moment before crashing heavily into the water.
With the death of the Netherbrain, the sense of foreignness that had lingered in the minds of Shadow Hearth and the others disappeared. The heart-controlling parasitic magic larvae that had been lodged in their heads could no longer influence them. The squid-like brains in the city were also drowned by the courageous citizens who rose up to resist. Now, in all of Baldurs Gate, the only remaining heart-controlling demon was just one.
Gazing at the sunset on the horizon, Harry, who should have been celebrating the victory with his friends and lover, felt no joy. Standing at the water''s edge, he saw his reflectionnot the familiar figure with black hair and green eyes, but one distorted, sporting a squid-like head with tentacles.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
It was said that the heart-controlling demons were monsters without souls, transformed from heart-controlling magic larvae, and only retained the memories of their former selves.
Yet, Harry, now transformed into a heart-controlling demon, felt different. Aside from the changes in his appearance, he hadn''t lost any of his human emotions. When he saw others, he didnt feel the urge to suck their brains, and he still had a desire to eat normal food.
But, after all, he was still a heart-controlling demon, wasn''t he?
Making a decision in his heart, Harry turned and walked toward his friends standing nearby, smiling (though his squid-like head made it hard to tell), and embraced each one of them. Especially when he hugged Shadow Hearth, he held her tightly, very tightly, almost as if he wanted to squeeze her into his heart.
Finally, in the midst of Shadow Hearths shy protests, Harry released his hold and stepped back, looking at everyone deeply, his eyes filled with nostalgia.
Amidst the confused and somewhat panicked looks of his friends, Harry drew a dagger and thrust it hard into his chest, twisting it with force.
The cold blade pierced through his chest, creating a large hole in his heart. He didnt feel much painonly the encroaching darkness and the sense of weakness.
Past memories surged into Harrys mind. When he opened his eyes, he found himself floating in an illusory, transparent form in an endless void.
"Whats happening to me..." Harry wondered, looking at his still small eleven-year-old body. He touched his wizard robes, his wand, the role-playing card tucked inside, and the black magic defense textbook in his bag. It seemed like he had turned into a ghost?
But why?
Just as Harry was feeling confused about his predicament, a familiar, long-missed voice sounded behind him.
"You drift aimlessly in the darkness, but our eyes are sharp, and we have seen your existence." Harry turned around to find an old man, dressed in tattered robes, with dry, shriveled skin and muscles clinging tightly to his bones, gazing at him with curiosity.
"I had said that the Soul-Eater has no soul, yet it seems you still have some form of spirit within you." This old man, who had accompanied Harry throughout his entire adventure, looked at the eleven-year-old Harry, now in his robes, with a tone full of awe.
"I cant explain this, but how wonderful! Tell me, how does it feel, to wander about after your transformation?"
"I still feel like myself, both before and after turning into a Soul-Eater," Harry thought for a moment, then decided to keep the truth about returning to the Harry Potter world a secretfor now.
"Even if I must wander this world forever, I will always be amazed by the ancient and new secrets," the old man said, his eyes glinting with mysterious energy. "I cannot explain it to you, adventurer... hero... friend, but I know that your story is far from over. And right now, there is a banquet being held. Perhaps you will find it interesting?"
...
Meanwhile, in the classroom for Defense Against the Dark Arts, Professor Quirrell was holding the roll sheet and read Harry Potter''s name aloud again.
"Look, it seems, it seems Harry Potter might be in a hurry. This... this is the first time Ive encountered a first-year student missing class right at the start of the semester~"
After stammering these words, Professor Quirrell smiled awkwardly, his gaze lingering on the Gryffindor side for a moment. "Does anyone, anyone know where Mr. Potter has gone? If hes not here within fifteen minutes, Ill have to mark him as absent."
Upon hearing Professor Quirrell''s words, the Gryffindors (especially a certain little beaver) looked anxious.
"Ron, did you see Harry this morning?" Hermione turned to Ron, who was looking around, and asked in a low voice.
"I dont know," Ron replied, his face puzzled. "Harry got up before I woke up."
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Chapter 16: Building Sandcastles
Even by the end of the Defense Against the Dark Arts class, Harry was still nowhere to be seen. Ron and the others searched the common room meticulously, but they couldnt find any clues he might have left behind. A wave of anxiety spread among the Gryffindor students. Even the usually cheerful Weasley twins wore solemn expressions as they huddled over a piece of yellowed parchment, looking for something.
Eventually, word of Harry''s disappearance somehow reached Professor McGonagall. Soon after, not just Gryffindor students but also the professors began searching the castle for him.
By dinnertime, a rumor started circulating among the students that the famous Savior, Harry Potter, had vanished while experimenting with magic in an abandoned classroom, accidentally erasing himself in the process. As for the origin of this rumor, a certain blond-haired snake claimed to know nothing at all.
Because of Harry Potter''s disappearance, Hogwarts descended into a state of anxietyexcluding certain members of Slytherin, of course. Meanwhile, on the other side of reality, a banquet brought joy to a group of individuals, thanks to the arrival of a certain soul.
--
In a secluded river valley more than ten kilometers from Baldurs Gate in Faer?n, several long tables laden with delicacies sat quietly on a riverside clearing, illuminated by dozens of candles. Around the tables were neatly arranged tents, a wooden stage, a roaring bonfire, and a few log benches circling the fire.
The night was tranquil, with a sparse moon and stars casting a serene glow over the scene.
Suddenly, a purple projection flickered into view, followed by a figure emerging from a riverside path, and then another. Finally, a blazing portal tore open in the clearing, spitting out two armored figures. All those invited to the banquetbe they people or soulsgathered here.
An old man in a tattered robe watched the familiar faces casually chatting in small groups. Clapping his hands to draw their attention, he began to speak as the chatter ceased.
You have all been summoned heresome from above, others from below. It is because of the bonds between you that the Wheel of Fate was able to keep turning when it was threatened to halt. After the fall of the Supreme God, you have been scattered across the months. Tonight, destiny has mended those ties again. You must cherish them. They are a powerful weapon, especially in the hands of the good. Now, go. Learn about one another once more.
When the old man finished speaking, the attendees began to enjoy the banquet, cherishing their reunion. Yet Harry (in his soul form), who stood beside the old man, never took his eyes off a solitary white-haired figure.
Seeing Shadowheart walking alone toward the river, Harry followed out of curiosityalong with Scratch, the white mixed-breed hunting dog who, for some reason, had been trailing him incessantly.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
There, Harry saw two translucent, star-speckled figures floating around Shadowheart, gazing at her with fondness.
Beyond the two glowing figures, through the starlit haze, Harry spotted a ghostly yet graceful woman with long black hair and dark eyes, clad in a flowing robe that shimmered like moonlight.
Harry froze in place.
Noticing the souls gaze, the moonlit woman turned her eyes toward him.
She paused briefly, then nodded gently in one direction behind Harry, then another, and finally offered a serene smile before addressing the boy with a kind look.
Though her lips didnt move, her gentle voice resonated in Harrys mind.
Greetings, traveler from another world.
Through the faint starlight, Sel?ne, Faer?ns eldest deity, greeted Harry.
Greetings, esteemed goddess, Harry replied respectfully, bowing deeply. Though Sel?nes reputation was far better than that of the Githyanki Queen, Harrys recent unpleasant encounter with the latter left him wary of divine beings.
No need for such formality, young one, the gentle voice soothed his mind. I am nothing like that lich queen, Vlaakith. Im far more... approachable.
Lich... queen Vlaakith? Wait, are you saying that Laezels enemy, the Githyanki queen, is not a god but a lich? Harrys head snapped up in surprise.
Precisely. And I suspect your mage friend is already aware of this. He has, after all, been spending these past months in Mystras company. Ah, speaking of herhere she comes now. Hello, Mystra!
Soft footsteps approached from behind, and Harry turned to see a strikingly beautiful woman with flowing dark hair and radiant skin. Her simple yet elegant dark robes, made of the finest silken fabric and adorned with a jeweled lattice, exuded a mysterious allure.
The dark-haired beauty nodded at Harry before turning her gaze to the hidden figure of the Lady of the Night. Sel?ne, arent you supposed to be feuding with your sister? How do you have time to drop by here?
Oh, and its perfectly fine for you to spend time with your little wizard paramour, but I cant spare a moment for my long-lost Chosen? The Moonmaiden raised an eyebrow, folding her arms as she challenged the goddess of magic.
Caught between two deities exchanging godly quips, Harry Potters heart raced as he sweated nervously, hearing far more than any mortal should.
As for Shadowheart, the girl who should have shared Harrys plight, she remained completely oblivious.
She couldnt see her goddess. Nor could she see Mystra, who had stepped out from the void.
Instead, Shadowheart sat on a large rock by the waters edge, her shoes off as her pale feet stirred the rippling water. A faint smile graced her lips, her eyes half-closed as if lost in memory.
Watching her serene expression, accompanied by the sounds of flowing water and chirping insects, Harry couldnt help but recall the night he and Shadowheart had built sandcastles together. Truly... peacefulyes, peaceful. Thats the word.
Honestly, Sel?ne, Mystra remarked, breaking his reverie, arent you going to help that little girl? She is your Chosen, after all.
With a glance at Shadowheart, still immersed in her memories, Mystra added, Youve got dominion over navigation and guidance. Doesnt it bother you to see the poor girl and her partner stuck in a long-distance relationship?
Blame the fact that this young mans universe is so far from here, Sel?ne sighed. Ive only just regained my status as a greater deity, and nearly all my energy is spent dealing with my sister. I cant possibly muster the divine power to build a cross-universal portal.
As the two goddesses conversed in divine whispers, a lively young womans voice suddenly interrupted.
Hey, hey! Speaking of fixing this long-distance romance, Ive got a brilliant idea!
The two deities turned to see a beautiful figure descending gracefully from the night sky, her face half-hidden behind an ornate fan.
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Chapter 17: The Vanishing Room
The joyous banquet lasted until around 1 a.m., but as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. When the festivities finally concluded and the last guests departed, even Gael disappeared in a flash of teleportation magic. Reluctantly, Harry was led away by the old man, transforming into a gust of wind. When he opened his eyes again, he was lying on the smooth wooden floor of the Room of Requirement.
Ugh Im starving. Is there anything to eat around here? Harry muttered, rubbing his grumbling stomach as he leaned against the wall, his legs weak, and trudged toward the Gryffindor common room. Unfortunately, he crossed paths with Professor McGonagall on patrol, and even worse, it was already well past eleven oclock.
Well, Mr. Potter, skipping three days of classes, staying out all night, and wandering the halls past curfewsplendid, absolutely splendid! Professor McGonagall glared at Harry, gritting her teeth in frustration.
Professor, Ill take the punishment, but can I at least go back to sleep first? Im thirsty, exhausted, and starvingIm practically dying here
Follow me to Dumbledores office first! Professor McGonagall grabbed Harry by the collar and dragged him along. Honestly, Ive never seen a student behave as outrageously as you!
As expected, a now-awake Dumbledore, who had just fallen asleep, was also hauled out of bed by Professor McGonagall. After ensuring that both the old headmaster and Harry were seated obediently across the desk, she cheerfully left to resume her patrol.
Um, Professor Dumbledore, Harry cautiously raised his hand amid the growling protests of his stomach. Before you decide on my punishment, could I have something to eat first? You know, to face it with a full stomach?
Oh, of course, of course! Filling ones stomach always takes precedence. Dumbledore clapped his hands lightly, and a sumptuous midnight feast appeared on the table, along with a glass of lemon sherbet.
However, Dumbledore added with a smile, his piercing blue eyes studying Harry with keen interest, before I send you on your way, I must admit Im more curious about your experiences over the past two days. You see, weve nearly turned the entire school upside down looking for you.
Harry paused mid-battle with a roasted chicken leg, then tore it off with a forceful bite. Professor, do you think gods exist? I mean, the kind of gods you hear about in mythology.
Gods? Dumbledore blinked. Harry, Im afraid theres no such thing as the gods youre imagining. Those legendary figures are likely just extraordinarily powerful wizards who surpassed ordinary comprehension.
After a moment of silence, Harry suddenly looked up. Professor, if Im not mistaken, you can read other peoples memories, cant you?
Strictly speaking, I do not read others memories, Dumbledore said slowly, meeting Harrys gaze. Legilimency, as its known, is an intricate magical art that allows one to perceive thoughts, emotions, memories, sensations, and fleeting ideas in a persons mind. Its far more complex and profound than mere mind-reading.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
So, you can read memories, Harry concluded with a nod.
Not exactly... Oh, never mind. Lets just call it memory-reading. But why are you asking, Harry?
You asked where Ive been these past two days. Instead of telling you, wouldnt it be more convincing if you saw it for yourself?
As it happens, I have a method even better than Legilimency for reviewing memories. Dumbledore stood and retrieved a stone basin filled with shimmering liquid from a cabinet. He placed it on the table. This is a Pensieve. I often use it to examine memories for details I might have overlooked. Its quite simple to use.
After explaining how to extract and deposit memories into the Pensieve, Dumbledore watched as Harry, having satisfied his hunger and thirst, skillfully extracted his memories of the past two days and deposited them into the basin.
Although Harry fast-forwarded through the less relevant parts, by the time he and Dumbledore emerged from the Pensieve, two hours had passed.
What an extraordinary adventure, Dumbledore murmured, stroking his long beard, a complicated look gleaming behind his half-moon spectacles.
It was, wasnt it? Harry agreed.
Harry, about the Heartseeker and the Heartseeker larvae you mentioned in your memorieswhat exactly are they? Dumbledore asked.
Well, I dont know much about Heartseekers, Harry admitted, scratching his head. Most of what I do know comes from Liaezer. All I can say is that when a Heartseeker larva enters someones bodyusually through the ears, nose, or eyesit quickly consumes their brain, along with their personality and soul. Once these are completely devoured, the larva uses the hosts body as its shell.
Within a day, the hosts body begins to transform, eventually turning into an adult Heartseeker. During this process, the hosts tissues are gradually replaced by those of the Heartseeker. By the end, the original person is completely gone, and no magicwhether healing spells, curse removals, resurrection rituals, or restorative charmscan reverse it. Moreover, the transformed Heartseeker doesnt retain any traits or memories from the original host, nor do they inherit their gender.
In other words, Dumbledore mused, narrowing his eyes thoughtfully, a person parasitized by a Heartseeker larva loses their soul and personality, which are replaced by a new soul and personality born from the larva?
Exactly. Thats what intrigued the old man the most, Harry said, spreading his hands. After I became a Heartseeker, not only did my thoughts and personality remain unchanged, but I could also eat normally, interact with others as usual, and had no interest in brains whatsoever. Other than my appearance, Im practically no different from a normal person.
I have a theory about that, Harry, Dumbledore said after a pause. But nows not the time to test it. He glanced at the clock. Its late. You should head back to rest; you still have classes tomorrow.
And my punishment, Professor? Harry asked as he reached the door.
Given the unusual circumstances this time Gryffindor will lose 20 points. As for detention, well skip it. Just dont skip class again tomorrow.
Got it.
As Harry opened the door, Dumbledore called after him. Harry, remember, the Room of Requirement is just a space created by advanced spatial magic and Transfiguration. Dont place too much faith in it. And, please, keep your visit to the other world a secret from others.
Understood.
Oh, one more thing, Dumbledore added, his tone lighter. Your makeup sessions for Transfiguration and Charms are scheduled for this Saturday morning and afternoon, respectively, in Professor McGonagalls and Professor Flitwicks offices. You know where those areafter all, youve visited them before.
Right. Got it.
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Chapter 18: “Ten Points from Gryffindor!”
The next morning, Harry woke up an hour later than usual, the dormitory still filled with the sound of snores. After freshening up, he left the common room and made his way to the location of the Room of Requirement, pacing back and forth.
I need a portal to Shadowheart and the others.
I need a portal to Shadowheart and the others.
I need a portal to Shadowheart and the others.
The wall showed no response.
After pacing for over half an hour without success, Harry was forced to accept the unyielding realityhe had no way to rejoin Shadowheart and the others.
Feeling dejected, Harry stumbled back to the dormitory. He woke the Fat Lady to climb inside, grabbed his books for the day, and woke her again to leave, ignoring her grumbling as he headed to the eighth-floor railingwhere he promptly leaned against it in frustration.
So far, Hedwig hadnt brought Harry anything, but he didnt blame her. After all, he hadnt been seen for days.
Today, however, was different. While Harry was finishing breakfast in the nearly empty Great Hall and preparing to head to Potions, Hedwig flapped down between his jam and toast, dropping a note onto his plate before tilting her head up expectantly, as if waiting for praise.
Harry extended his hand, channeling magic to trace a rune in the air with practiced ease. As the spell activated, he lifted his palm and cast a small protective charmBlade Ward.
Then he took a pinch of owl treats from his pocket and held it out. Hedwig eagerly fluttered onto his hand, pecking at the treats while Harry gently stroked her feathers, feeling his mood lighten.
Sensing her masters melancholy, Hedwig didnt fly off after finishing her snack. Instead, she cooed softly and nuzzled Harrys cheek, her beak brushing against his face.
After playing with Hedwig for a while, Harry, now in better spirits, watched her take off before opening the note.
Dear Harry,
(The handwriting was scrawled and messy.)
I know you dont have classes Friday afternoon. Could you stop by for tea around three? Id love to hear how your first week has been. Send Hedwig with a reply.
Hagrid
Harry glanced at the window Hedwig had flown through, then at the note in his hand.
Might as well tell him in person during lunch.
--
Arriving early at the Potions classroom, Harry picked a corner seat in the front row and began reviewing his textbook. (Yes, reviewinghed already read through Magical Drafts and Potions and One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi during the summer.)
Potions class was held in a dungeon, colder than the upper castle, with shelves of jarred specimens lining the walls. Harry found the preserved creatures fascinating.
After inspecting the jars up close, he returned to his seat, his wooden chair still cold to the touch. Raising his hand, he cast another minor spellPrestidigitationto warm the surface for an hour.
Settling into the now-warm seat, Harry shifted comfortably as he resumed his reading. His focus was only interrupted when a familiar voice rang out from the doorway.
Harry! Where have you been these past few days? Weve all been so worried! Hermione dashed to his side, scanning him from head to toe anxiously.
Relax, Im back, arent I? Harry patted her shoulder, trying to reassure her.
You dont know what its been likeyour disappearance caused such an uproar Hermione circled the desk to sit beside him, but leapt up a second later.
This chair is warm! Hermione exclaimed, patting the seat.
Its just a spell. No need to make a fuss, Harry waved dismissively, but Hermiones curiosity was piqued. She bombarded him with rapid-fire questions, her words flowing nonstop.
During this, Professor Snape entered silently, arranging teaching materials with a sharp, probing glance at the pair. Hermione, too engrossed in her interrogation of Harry, failed to notice the looming presence of the Potions Master.
By 8:30, other students trickled into the room, and Hermione reluctantly ended their conversation, though she was frequently interrupted by greetings of Harry! When did you get back?
At nine, the bell rang, and the door slammed open with a bang.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
--
Snape swept into the classroom, his black robes billowing like the wings of a bat. Instantly, the chatter ceased as Gryffindor students shrank under his intimidating gaze.
Like Professor Flitwick, Snape began by calling roll. And like Flitwick, he paused at Harrys name.
Ah, yes, he murmured softly. Harry Potter, our new celebrity.
Across the room, Malfoy, flanked by his cronies, Crabbe and Goyle, stifled laughter behind their hands.
Snapes dark eyes glinted coldly as he addressed the class.
You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-making, he began, his voice barely above a whisper yet audible to all. As there will be no foolish wand-waving here, many of you will doubt your abilities. I do not expect you to truly understand the beauty of a simmering cauldron, its shimmering fumes, or its power to ensnare the senses... I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even stopper deathif you arent the dunderheads I usually have to teach.
The room fell into a stunned silence. Harry raised an eyebrow, while Hermione perched on the edge of her seat, eager to prove herself.
Potter, Snape suddenly called out, scanning the class before focusing on him. What would you get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?
Harry hesitated. Beside him, Hermiones hand shot up like a rocket.
Some kind of sleeping draught? Harry ventured.
Snape sneered.
And where, Potter, would you look if I asked you to find me a bezoar?
The stomach of a cow, Harry replied without hesitation. Hed used bezoars frequently in Faer?n.
Well... at least that wasnt completely idiotic, Snape remarked softly, his black eyes gleaming strangely. One final question, Potter. What is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?
Recalling the herbology textbooks illustrations, Harry scratched his head. Professor, I dont think theres a difference
A few chuckles rippled through the Slytherin side of the room but quickly died under Snapes glare.
Barely adequate, Snape concluded, his tone dripping with disdain. Sit down, Potter, and stop blocking the view.
--
Potions class proceeded, and Gryffindor students faced a nightmare.
Snape paired them up to brew a simple cure for boils, prowling the classroom like a menacing shadow. Almost everyoneexcept Malfoyearned a sharp rebuke as they chopped nettles and crushed snake fangs under his watchful eye.
As Snape motioned for everyone to admire how flawlessly Malfoy had steamed his pot of tentacled slugs, a sudden eruption disrupted the underground classroom. A puff of acrid green smoke burst from one corner, followed by a distinct hissing sound, the crash of a cauldron hitting the floor, a chair toppling over, and the chaotic yelps of young wizards.
Snape pushed through the panicked crowd and quickly strode to the scene. There lay Neville, drenched head-to-toe in potion, rolling around on the floor, howling in pain. His exposed skin was covered in a horrifying rash of swollen blisters.
Snapes eyes darted to the warped and misshapen cauldron lying on the ground next to Neville, then scanned the surrounding students. A flash of fury surged within him.
"You imbecile!" he roared, flicking his wand to vanish the spilled potion in one swift motion.
"I suppose you didnt bother to take the cauldron off the fire before dumping in the porcupine quills, did you?!" Snape barked, exasperation etched into every syllable as he glared at Neville, whose blistered face contorted with misery.
"Take him to the hospital wing immediately! And dont touch his skin directly!" Snape ordered Seamus, who stood frozen beside Neville, looking utterly lost. His voice then lashed out toward Harry, who sat nearby. "Potter! Why didnt you warn him to remove the cauldron first? Whats the matter? Did you think letting others fail would somehow make you look better? Five points from Gryffindor"
Harry remained unfazed, calmly continuing his potion brewing. Snapes temper boiled over.
"Make that ten points from Gryffindor!"
At lunchtime, Ron plopped down next to Harry, gnawing on two roasted chicken legs, muttering indignantly. "Id bet my broomstick that greasy old bat only picks on you because hes jealous of your fame as the Boy Who Lived! Theres not a single decent person in Slytherin!"
"You do realize I almost got sorted into Slytherin, dont you?" Harry said nonchalantly, popping a fried meatball into his mouth. "So, according to your logic, Id be one of the bad ones too, huh?"
Ron froze mid-bite, startled, but quickly shot back, "Thats different! You ended up in Gryffindor. The Sorting Hat clearly knew you belonged with us!"
Harry shrugged.
The meal finished quickly, and Harry stretched as he stood. "Ron, Im planning to visit Hagrid. Want to come along?"
"Hagrid?" Ron asked through a mouthful of food, but before he could respond further, a blur of bushy brown hair bounded over.
"Harry, youre going to see Hagrid? Im coming too!" Hermione declared. Since their first meeting, she had spent an increasing amount of time with Harrymore than one might expect from someone her age, who would typically prefer the company of other young witches.
"Alright, once Ron finishes eating, the three of us can head over."
Ron blinked, still chewing, confused about when he had agreed, but resigned himself to being included.
Half an hour later, the trio left the castle, descending the grassy slope toward the wooden hut at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. The cozy house, standing just over five meters tall, was flanked by a vegetable garden on one side and neatly stacked firewood on the other. By the door sat a pair of oversized rubber boots, nearly as large as Harry himself.
Harry knocked on the door, but after waiting for a while, there was no response.
"Lets wait here. Hagrids probably patrolling in the forest," Harry suggested after pressing his ear to the door.
The three of them settled on the steps outside, chatting idly. Three minutes passed. Then six. Then ten. Ron grew restless.
"Harry," he said, "why dont we just go into the forest and look for him? Who knows how long hell be gone?"
"The Forbidden Forest? Are you mad?!" Hermione shot back instantly. "Dumbledore explicitly told us on the first day that its off-limits! If you sneak in there and get caught, you could be expelledor worse, put in detention and lose house points!"
"How is losing points worse than being expelled?" Ron retorted, unwilling to back down.
The two were soon arguing heatedly, their voices rising as Harry sat between them, his patience wearing thin. Just as Harry was about to step in and put an end to the squabbling, a deep barking sound rang out. A towering figure emerged from the woods, accompanied by a massive dog.
Hagrid was finally back.
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