High Noon
Chapter 6- High noon
“What if he hates me”? The words slipped out before Harry could stop them. He was quickly met with an array of confused and bewildered looks from his friends.
He had enjoyed Charms, even though they were just discussing the theory, it was the first day afterall. That and he was fascinated with Filtwick who he assumed was at least part goblin.
Though he held back from the greeting he'd learned before, not wanting to offend.
Transfiguration was also interesting enough, though McGonagall seemed to get a weird expression whenever he happened to catch her looking his way. But unlike most other adults he'd met so far, she kept it professional.
But this was different.
This was Potions which had been his favorite subject to read over the summer. But reading and doing were two very different things, not helped by the fact it seemed his Professor already had it out for him.
“Snape was probably just grumpy, all the upperclassmen say he's a secret softie- i’m sure it’ll be fine in class” Blaise reassured, doing his best to slow down his strides to not outwalk Theo and Harry. Curse his long ass legs.
“Besides you have us- it'll be fine Potter” Daphne who was now in line with the group
“And where have you been”? Blaise put on a fake exaggerated posh accent.
Daphne rolled her eyes, pulling a textbook closer to her chest “I forgot my book so I ran to grab it”
Harry clutched his own textbook, he'd made notes all over the pages in pencil just in case he ended up being wrong or needed to change them. He wanted to wait but he'd been so invested in the book it was impossible not to annotate just a little.
Then a little turned into a lot.
And after this class, probably a lot more.
Having long passed by the hall leading to their common room, and instead they ventured to a new area in the dungeons. It had a vaguely damp scent and was a bit uncomfortable even just walking though. Harry was also disappointed to notice the distinct lack of greenery on this side of the dungeon.
Now it just looked creepy.
They passed through another set of ornate wooden doors, though these were much more simple than the ones he had seen in other places around the castle.
Theo pushed open the doors and they were met with a much smaller hall, walls adorned with beautiful paintings all of which seemed to interact freely amongst one another.
Harry looked at one in particular with a plain wooden round frame that seemed to be separated from the rest. It had an older gentleman with frizzy grey hair and beard that looked almost like he'd been electrocuted.
On top of his head was a hat that looked like a mushroom with legs and seemed to almost glow on top of his head. Well- it matched his equally bright multicolored robes, but unlike the headmaster- these bright robes strangely fit.
The man caught his eyes and his face split into a wide grin, lifting both hands he waved them wildly in greeting.
Harry’s lip quirked and he gave a wave back before being ushered to the end of the hall by his friends.
Finally they pushed through yet another set of doors and were met with the entrance to the potions classroom.
Well- that looks unsafe.
There were stacks of cauldrons lining the walls, but unlike the books at Flourish and Blotts these seemed to be half leaning in every direction as if one wrong move would cause them all to clatter onto the floor.
“Hurry- we don't want to be late-” Daphne urged as they stood by three different doorways.
“Which one is it”? Blaise groaned
Theo walked over to the far right door and stepped in “Ellie told me classes go right to left depending on what level you are”
“Why would they need different rooms for different grade levels”? Blaise said but didn't hesitate to follow Theo
“Because some potions take multiple days- and you don't want a group of first years having access to the same ingredients and unsupervised potions as say a NEWT level student” Daphne elaborated.
Harry looked at the other two doors, itching to get just a peek inside, but they were already pushing time as is and he refused to be late on the first day. Especially after Snape’s whole “Punctuality is key” lecture.
At last they entered the classroom and Harry was pleasantly surprised by the fact it looked like a normal muggle classroom, at least ignoring the towering shelves of ingredients against the back wall and what looked like burners on each table.
Harry took a seat just a row back from the front, Theo set his book on the table and wordlessly took a seat next to him while Blaise went off to sit with Daphne just a row over.
For how long it took them to get there, the classroom was still fairly empty. The only people left being Malfoy and his goons. Thankfully Bulstrode, whom he still really needed to ask her name, took a seat alongside Pansy instead of Crabbe who ended up sitting alone and would likely end up paired with a Gryffindor.
Pity.
It took another five minutes before lions began pouring into the room and took their seats across the room. Harry half noted as Hermione took a seat next to Crabbe, but otherwise fidgeted with his supplies and watched Theo spin his quill between his thumb and pointer.
“Good- we aren't late, god Ron I told you we should have woken up sooner” one of the lions hissed to the Weasley boy as they took the last empty table towards the front of the room.
“It's fine Seamus- besides the professor isn't even here yet, besides its the first day” Ron snapped back as he practically threw his stuff on the table.
On cue- Harry saw Theo shift his attention to another side of the room. Before Harry could follow, he flinched as the sound of a loud door banging open reverberated off the stone walls and Snape strode into the room with a purpose, robes flowing behind him.
“There will be no foolish wand waving or silly incantations in this class” Snape started as he reached the head of the room, spinning on his heel to face the class. “As such I expect not many of you will appreciate the subtle.. science and careful.. craftsmanship that is.. potion making”
“However, for those select.. Few” Snapes gaze flickered over to Draco for just a moment, and the boy smirked pridefully “I can teach you many.. things”
Harry quickly smoothed out his parchment, dipping his quill in its ink and writing down the professor's words. He knew from experience teachers liked when you took notes in class, that and it helped him focus.
“I can teach you to bewitch the mind… and ensnare the senses” Snape drawled as he folded the front of his robes over his arms.
“I can tell you how to bottle fame, to brew glory- and even put a stopper.. in death”
Harry made sure to scribble down the speech, listening carefully as the Professor continued “Then again- perhaps some of you.. have come to Hogwarts with abilities so formidable you feel confident enough.. to- not. pay. attention.”
Right as he crossed the t over the word “death” he felt Theo nudge his arm and gesture to the professor. Harry looked up and froze as he saw Snape was once again glaring daggers at him.
Harry quickly put his quill back in the well and straightened up, seeming Snape was more of an engagement person.
He could work with that- this was fine.
Snape moved forward, his robes rustling as he approached Harry's side of the room “Mister Potter- I thought I made it clear before… your celebraty status does not make up for.. lack of engagement”
“You did- sorry sir” Harry muttered, trying to keep his voice even though it felt like his throat was closing up.
He could save this- it was fine, he was fine.
Snape did not seem satisfied by his apology as he leaned up against a stone pillar “Tell me- what would I get... if I added powdered root of asphodel to wormwood”?
Harry saw Hermione's hand shoot up from across the room, waving wildly enough that Crabbe was scooting away to not be hit accidentally.
He took a breath, he'd read the potions book enough. He knew the answers. “Its- um, Draught of death, a powerful sleeping potion- sir”
Snape raised a brow “Where would one find Bezoar”?
“It's a stone- from a goat”
The professor leaned forward, eyes still showing nothing more than cold disdain “What is the difference between.. Monkshood and Wolfsbane”?
Harry froze. Hermione was practically stood up in her chair, leaning over the table to try and get called on by the professor. Harry half wished it would work as he felt the professors glare worsen with every moment longer he took.
“I- I don't know- sir”
“You. don't. know.”? Snape spat and Harry held back from a flinch.
Suddenly the man swept between the rows of tables and stood just in front of Harry, half kneeling to be at his eye level. “It’s Draught of the living death, and it's not from a goats eyeball or hoof… its from its stomach, be specific.”
The professor straightened back up “And they are the same plant.. also known as Aconite”
Snape took a half step back, giving one last look at Harry before turning to the rest of the class “Well? Why aren't any of you.. writing this down”!?
Quickly the sound of dozens of rustling papers and quills scratching against parchment filled the room. Theo gave Harry a sympathetic look, but turned his attention to his own notes.
Harry's quill stayed in his inkwell for the rest of that class.
—
“It well- it could have been worse”? Blaise remarked and earned twin glares from Theo and Daphne who had taken to comforting Harry.
He'd practically shut down for the rest of class. It didn't matter if he did or didn't take notes, if he did or didn't know the answer, Snape looked annoyed either way.
“I mean- I heard you thought he might hate you, but I thought the common room meeting was just a one off” Daphne muttered, half skipping alongside the group as they made their way to the field from the dungeons.
His friends seemed to be doing their best but Harry knew. It wasn't the first time an adult had simply decided to hate him for existing.
Half of the reason his aunt and uncle were always so happy with each other was they always took their frustration out on him. He knew when they would start nitpicking at everything, then yell at him for talking back or ignoring them.
It was a trap.
But it was familiar.
All it did was prove one thing in his mind at least.
Snape was not a safe adult.
—
They arrived at the quidditch pitch and were quickly told to line up alongside a dozen or so brooms laid out on the ground.
Harry still found a bit of humor in the whole “witches riding broomsticks” being an actual thing. He wondered how it ended up in the muggle world anyways.
“Good afternoon class I am Madame Hooch-” a woman quickly walked through the clearing between both rows of students, greeting a few with a simple head nod as she fastened on a set of leather gloves.
Once she reached the end she turned and faced the group, Harry couldn't help but do a double take once he noticed her golden hawk-like eyes.
“Welcome to your first flying lesson- Well what are you waiting for? Everyone step to the left side of your broomstick”
Harry quickly followed her directions, staring down at the wood he could feel the buzz under his skin reappear, but more of a soft presence instead of a warning.
“Stick your right hand over the broom and say up- once you succeed we will wait for your classmates before moving on” Madame Hooch waved her hand and everyone quickly began calling out to their brooms.
Taking in a deep breath Harry commanded “Up”! And to his stock, the broom shot up into his hand, he had to stop himself from dropping it in shock.
Glancing around the group his pride only grew, noticing that no one else had achieved the same feat on the first try.
Of course a few moments later Draco was the next person to be successful- the boy seemingly immediately aware he was doing better than his peers by the smug look on his face.
No interhouse squabbling in public was a matra Harry would need to cling to if he was going to survive this year.
“UP”! He heard Weasley shout and watched as the broom shot up, but instead of into his hand- it smacked him right on the nose before crumbling back down.
Harry heard Theo snort next to him, and saw his friend had also gotten his broom. The only snakes who seemed to still be struggling were Crabbe, Goyle, and Blaise who was leaning as far away from the broom as possible, seemingly anxious about being smacked.
As soon as everyone got their brooms up Madame Hooch continued her lesson “Now then- everyone mount your broom, grip it tightly, you don't want to be sliding off the end”
She grabbed at something around her neck “When I blow my whistle” oh- that answers that “You will kick off hard, hold steady, and hover for a moment then lean forward slightly and touch back down”
Madame Hooch stood at the end once more and blew loudly into her whistle. As soon as the sound went off Harry heard a loud gasp from Hermione, he turned to see Neville quickly floating off the ground.
He was almost jealous, until he saw the boys look of utter terror as he continued to rise.
“Mr.Longbottom-” He heard Hooch call out, but Harry's eyes were fixed on Neville, whose panic was quickly growing the higher he went.
Hooch continued to stutter out his name and within moments Neville was now several feet off the ground and moving forward. He began to soar higher as some of the other lions began calling out for him in mounting concern.
Harry's concern was also growing, but he glanced at Hooch who had her hands on her hips and felt a little relief.
It was just like the lake windows, it was scary, but surely someone who was their flying teacher would be able to help save a student mid flight- she knew what she was doing.
“Come back down this instant”! She cried- as if Neville was in control of what was happening.
If anything, the broom seemed to get even more out of his control. Twisting in the air and Harry flinched as the wood made contact with the stone building several times over.
He looked at Madame Hooch but the woman stood stiff, making no movement to help Neville.
God he wished he knew what to do.
The broom dipped into a sharp dive and charged right for the small group of students that had formed.
Harry half tackled Theo and Blaise to get them out of the way as Neville's broom swept by at an alarming speed.
The trio quickly found their footing and continued watching in amounting horror, though he could see the other snakes holding back their expressions.
The broom came up from between two towers and flew right at one of the statues holding a spear.
Thankfully only Nevilles robe got snagged and the broom continued flying off.
But the boy was still suspended a good forty five feet off the ground, surely a death sentence if he were to plummet.
Madame Hooch was dusting off her robes and Harry had half a mind to scream at her to do something, anything. But his mouth refused to move.
Neville plummeted.
His robes caught on yet another spiked death trap that looked like it was meant to hold a torch. He fell again- his robe ripping off completely as he slammed into the ground below.
Madame Hooch seemed to finally be spurred into action, demanding for everyone to move as she rushed towards Neville. She held the boy, proclaiming he had a broken wrist.
It was almost physically painful for Harry to have to listen to the boy whimper, and be helpless to do anything.
Neville wasn't his friend- but Harry had always been a protector, even at his own sake.
… Maybe the hat had a point.
—
Madame Hooch demanded that everyone stay grounded as she took Neville to the hospital wing, and threatened expulsion for anyone who disobeyed.
Harry couldn't help but scoff at her for leaving over a dozen impulsive pre teens unattended with magic flying brooms.
Oh and just so happens both groups were bitter rivals. But surely it would be fine.
It was barely moments after the two left sight before Draco stepped forward brandishing a shiny orb. “Lookie here- maybe if the fat lug had given this a squeeze, he wouldn't have fallen on his fat arse”
“Give it here Malfoy”! Ron snarled, holding a demanding hand out to the boy.
Oh brother- this out to be good.
Draco turned from his posse to Ron and sneered “Ginger, and a hand me down rob. You must be a Weasley, never seem a remembrall before? It's out of your status isn't it”
Harry turned away from the brewing fight to his friends who were watching silently. Daphne caught his gaze and leaned in “A remembrall is an expensive artifact, it fills with red smoke if you have forgotten something- not very useful if you ask me, but it has its charm”
That sounded about right, maybe if it could- oh no.
Draco was holding out the ball to a now red faced Ron as he half mounted his broom and began floating away. “Don't worry Weasley- I'll leave it for him to find… on the roof”!
“You have got to be kidding me-” Theo muttered.
Harry gripped the handle of his broom tighter. What was that phrase the librarian used to use?
Not my circus, not my monkeys.
Ron mounted his broom “Oh yeah- well see about that Malfoy”
Hermione stepped forward, grabbing the end of his broom “No way- you heard what she said, besides you barely know how to fly”!
Ron roughly shoved her hand off and took off after the blonde.
Hermione sighed “What an idiot”
Harry couldn't agree more.
Not my circus, not my monkeys.
“Give it here or I'll knock you off your broom”! Ron said, but even Harry could tell he seemed more unsteady on the broom compared to Draco.
“Well see about that” Draco snapped back, taking off in a flash.
Not my circus, not my monkeys.
The two danced in the air across the field, with every quick strike Ron made, Draco seemed to slither his way out, all the while taunting him.
It seemed to reach its peak as Draco hovered in the air and his smirk grew as Ron matched his height “If you want it so bad- then fetch” and he chunked the ball.
It wasn't his circus- but… Ron wouldn't make it in time. Harry knew as soon as the ball left Dracos hands.
It would shatter, such an expensive thing was probably a gift from his family, maybe for coming to Hogwarts- or maybe even an heirloom.
Someone would have to tell Neville, look at the boy probably still crutching a broken wrist and tell him a likely sentimental heirloom was destroyed by a teacher's carelessness and childrens cruelty.
Harry thought back to his Teddy, the one thing he had from his parents. He remembered taking that thing everywhere, until Dudley decided his toys weren't enough and he wanted Harrys as well.
He fought to wretch the toy out of a sobbing Harrys hands- until the bear's arm was torn off. Of course only after it was broken did he decide Harry could have it.
He still loved that bear, still one of his most prized and irreplaceable possessions- locked away safely in his trunk.
Harry gripped onto his broom and swung his leg over. He would not sit back and do nothing while someone else would suffer. With a strong kick…. He soared.
The clear ball was hard to see, but not impossible- especially with his new prescription. The sun rays danced around the glass as it plummeted.
Harry flew even higher, even faster, and he reached out- closer and closer.
What was only a few seconds felt like an eternity. His hand clasped around the cool metal and glass, pulling the orb into his chest he took a quick turn.
Unable to hold back a gleeful cheer as the wind whipped through his hair and he flew. It was freedom.
The moment soon ended and Harry landed gently on the grass- his cheeks once again straining for the wide grin that stretched across his face.
Soon he was swarmed by his peers all congratulating him- a few trying to pat him on the back but were thankfully blocked by some subtle movements from Daphne or Theo.
“What on earth did you do that for”? Blaise asked, looking down at the ball in Harrys hands- that was now almost filled to the brim with billowing red smoke.
“It sounded sentimental- he didn't deserve to have it destroyed”
Draco and Ron soon landed, their glaring having moved from one another to Harry, but he couldn’t care less.
Now on how he was going to get this back to Neville.
"Harry Potter"! a strong Scottish accent called out and his heart raced as he came face to face with Professor McGonnagall "Come with me."
Well shit-
—
Ten minutes of struggling to keep up with the professor as the wound through the halls of Hogwarts, all the while he tried to give an explanation for his actions.
He couldn't get expelled- go back to the Dursleys.
Ha- yeah no, they would have to drag him back screaming.
“Here we are” She remarked, breaking the silence as Harry had accepted she wasn't listening to him.
The buzzing returned, constricting around his chest and squeezing.
This was it- he was done for.
Professor McGonagall stuck her head inside a classroom and cleared her throat “Ah Professor Quirrell, may I borrow Wood and Flint for a moment”?
The turban professor blinked, holding some kind of lizard in his arms. “O-Oh of course, b-boys take your things”
A few moments later Harry was met with Oliver and Marcus who looked equally nervous, though Marcus hid it better.
“Did we do something professor”? Oliver asked
McGonagall lifted a brow “At the very least, nothing I am aware of”
She gestured over to Harry “Boys, I want you to meet Harry Potter”
Oliver and Marcus blinked- seemingly having not noticed him until just then.
“Oh hey little fang- what are you doing here”? Marcus nervousness slipped away into nonchalance.
“I thought I was getting expelled but now I'm just confused-” he replied honestly, the remembrall still clutched in his hands as he looked at McGonagall.
The professor only chuckled “If that's all it took to get expelled- we wouldn't have had a class of ‘78 or ‘79 for that matter-” she cleared her throat and turned to the duo “Im electing Mister Potter as this years replacement Slytherin seeker-”
Harry froze, he’d heard seeker before- just that morning when the two boys were rambling his ear off.
“I thought First years couldn't be on the team”? Oliver asked, though Harry could see the excitement hidden behind his gaze.
“First years are forbidden to try out, not to join, and besides I think when you two see his natural gift, you will agree with me why such a talent must not go to waste” The Professor corrected, a small smile on her face.
Marcus only raised his brow more “I mean sure- but wouldn't this be up to Professor Snape? He is our head of house- also if Harry is joining the Slytherin team why the hell is Wood joining us”?
Harry would very much like to know that too- the whole situation felt just strange. Not to mention if it really was up to Professor Snape he would have a better chance of his parents returning than be on the team.
“Language Mister Flint,” McGonnagalls scowled “First of all- while yes Snape normally has final say, it was actually the headmaster himself who also witnessed Mister Potters skills and insisted an exception be made”
That's...weird- but then what wasn't at this point.
“As for Mister Woods presence- I personally trust that he will be a wonderful assistant in helping you assess and prepare Mister Potter for the team”
Marcus just scowled- his shoulders slumped and he turned to Harry “You got a sweater under your robes right”? He nodded “Good- because it's going to be chilly, lets go”
—------
And that's what got him here. Standing in the grassy field with Oliver and Marcus chatting as they lugged out a giant trunk.
Harry rang his hands together- wishing he had something to fidget with but he gave the remembrall to McGonagall for Neville.
“Relax little fang- have two of the most talented quidditch players in Hogwarts to show you the ropes and we aren't going to maul you, yet at least" Marcus face split into a cat-like grin.
Oliver kicked his shin and ignored the glare in return "Now then- let's show ya the ropes, Quidditch is easy enough to understand yeah”?
He threw the giant trunk onto the ground with a grin.
“Each team has seven players, three chasers Flint there is one a those, two beaters- a seeker- that'll be you and a keeper- thats me”
Oliver crouched down, popping open the trunk and pulling out a giant ball “There's three kinds of balls, this ones a Quaffle-Chasers handle the Quaffle and try ta put it through one of those there hoops, while the keeper tries to stop em”
Harry looked over at the towering metal poles with giant rings around them in wonder- they were pretty high up, even higher than Neville flew before.
The chest lurched and Harry flinched, hearing loud unintelligible muttering as the two balls on the ends he now noticed were chained down began violently shaking. “What on earth are those”?
Oliver grinned “Ready Flint”?
Marcus twirled a bat in his hands “Born ready Wood- open fire”
With that Oliver unclipped the restraints and the ball shot into the air before plummeting back down.
Right as Harry was preparing for impact Marcus swung the bat and sent the ball flying across the field and through yet another armed statue, right through its arms. It looked almost like baseball.
Marcus did an exaggerated bow and looked smugly at Oliver but his gaze was locked on the goal “Uh oh-”
Harry watched the ball come barreling back and slam into Oliver's chest, he collapsed onto the ground- fighting against the ball as it tried to break free.
He would have been worried had it not been for Marcus cackling laughter as Oliver army crawled onto the ground, forcing the ball back in its case and strapping it down.
“Thank ya for the help Flint-” Oliver remarked as he stood up, brushing himself off.
Marcus just grinned more and replied in a sultry voice “Anything for you Wood~”
They stayed staring at each other for just a moment more before they broke away.
Oliver cleared his throat “That is a bludger- nasty lil buggers”
Marcus put his bat down and leaned over the cast, pressing down on the crest on the back and Harry watched a flap split open and a small golden ball was pulled out “As seeker- all you need to worry your pretty little head about is this right here- the golden snitch”
“It's wicked fast and damm near impossible to see” Oliver added on “Ya gotta catch it before the other teams seeker, ya catch it and tha game is over”
“You also get one hundred points which is about ten normal goals- it gives you a massive boost but in some games it still doesn't mean an automatic win” Marcus elaborated as he handed Harry the ball.
Harry ran his fingers over the lined engravings in the metal- it felt like real gold- like the gringotts coins and Aunt Petunia's necklace. He still had a mark on his shoulder from when she threw a figurine at him for touching it.
Suddenly the ball unfurled, beautiful golden wings spread out and the ball took off. Harry watched it zip around in fascination as the sun seemed to glimmer off of it.
Oliver let out a whistle tune and the snitch flew right over to him, he jumped as it hovered by his ear, but quickly snatched it out of the air and put it back in the case. Locking it shut.
“Now then- we just need to inform the rest of the team” Marcus added “And you Wood, will have hell to pay with my new seeker”
Oliver rolled his eyes and straightened his posture “We’ll see- ya may be a decent chaser but Gryffindors got a hell of a line up and I don't plan on going down without a fight”
“Oh I know- but what's the fun in an easy win” Marcus lifted the bat and pressed it against Oliver's chest with a smirk.
Harry wondered if his friends thought he was dead by now.
Oh fuck he still needed to talk to Cassius….was it too late to let the Bludger give him a concussion?
—--
He thought Marcus was cool- but instead of fulfilling the “bad boy fuck the rules” persona Harry had assumed- He insisted on Harry not skipping the meeting even complaining about him not being punctual.
They had eaten a quick lunch with Oliver which meant he couldn't use that as an excuse either, and any other excuse he had, Marcus was quirk to brush off or outright ignore. Harry would be pissed if he also wasn't impressed.
By the time Harry had accepted defeat and followed Marcus down the winding halls towards the dungeon, the older boy was all too happy to ramble on about
Quidditch strategy, offering to lend Harry a few books. He did take up that offer, if he was going to end up on the team he needed to prepare. Or else make a fool of himself.
Besides, first years weren't allowed to freely ride otherwise, and he doubted Madame Hooch- for as incompetent as she seemed, would allow them to be unsupervised with brooms again.
Whatever the headmasters meddling meant- if going the team also meant getting that feeling of freedom he felt on the broom, he would gladly do whatever it took.
The moment they stepped under the golden snake and past the fountain, every step he took felt stiff- each movement taking just a bit too long for it to be necessary. But unfortunately Marcus seemed to realize this as well and leveled Harry a look before slowing his own pace to match the boy.
Inside the common room it was definitely more sparsely populated than it had been the previous night, but that didnt mean it was empty. There were groups of students all spread out and talking amongst themselves, a few with papers in their arms.
A few whose eyes seemed to wander over to Harry with intensity that made him shift away. He averted his gaze, sweeping over to the main fireplace and smiling when he spotted his friends huddled together.
Blaise caught his eye first and without explanation shot up, startling Theo into dropping what looked like a pretty heavy book onto the bottom of Daphne's robes.
Theo seemed to be saved from Daphne's annoyance by Harry, throwing the book off her robes and striding over to join Blaise, with Theo not far behind.
“Merlin! There you are, what happened”!? Blaise checked him over
“Well- I didn't end up getting expelled”
“I didn't think you would be- but when you didn't show up for lunch we got worried” Theo attested and Harry felt his heart warm a little.
“That would be my fault, hatchlings” Marcus placed a hand on his chest, met with several confused looks from the first years. He cleared his throat and called out “Yo Higgs- announcement time”!
Terrence hopped up from a chair across the room and ran over, Adrien hot on his tail. The brunette slid to a stop and held his hands in front of his mouth, making a v e r y realistic trumpet call.
“Hear ye hear ye- the marvelous, majestic, magnificent, malevolent-”
“Get on with it” Windlow, the girl whom he recognized from the previous night- though her dreads were now pulled up into a half bun.
“Oi, Excuse you-” He was stopped by Adrien holding a hand out
“ Ugh-.... Marcus Flint everybody”!
Marcus snorted but continued without missing a beat “Im proud to announce that we have our newest addition to the Slytherin Quidditch team, Harry Potter will be our new seeker- sorry Puncey”
Harry almost denied the position on the spot if he thought he would be replacing Adrien.
But the boy threw his head back “Oh thank god-” he caught Harry's gaze and smirked “ I'm a much better Chaser”
“Not by much-” Terrence whispered, but just loud enough Adrien responded with a quick elbow in the ribs.
Blaise gasped, slapping Harry on the shoulder “Is this boy who lives privileges- break a rule and suddenly you're the youngest quidditch player in a century at least”!?
“Clam it Zanbini, we all saw Harry fly- he's a natural, besides if privilege was all it took half of Slytherin would be on the team” Daphne snarked back, but she also gave Harry a prideful smile.
Harry couldn't help but fluster a little- he wasn't expecting all the attention- but it was most certainly positive. Though It seemed most of the Slytherins he didn't know were still glaring daggers at him, or pointedly avoiding his presence all together.
It made him a bit uneasy- but at the same time he knew at the moment he was as safe as could be. Adrien had said something the other night about first years being “off limits” which he hoped meant anyone else’s hatred towards him was a problem for next year.
Unfortunately not all the glares were from students much older than him.
“So much for being famous not getting you privilege huh Potter” Draco called out, his arms crossed. “How on earth did Un- I mean Professor Snape approve of this blatant favoritism”
“Someones jealous,” Daphne sang just under her breath.
But Harry wasn't in the mood for Draco's taunting “He didn't- apparently Dumbledore saw me fly and put me up for the position”
Draco was left gaping like a fish, his cheeks growing red as he tried to find a rebuttal, probably knowing full well that there was nothing he could do against the headmaster himself.
Yeah he didn’t have the patience for that-
“Hey Theo, could you show me the book you mentioned after charms”?
“Of course- it’s back in our room- if you wish to join us Daphne i'll have Blaise fetch it and we can find an area for tea”?
“Hey why am I the fetcher”!?
“Oh what gentleman- I would be delighted, I also have a few questions about Transfiguration if you don't mind helping”?
“Not at all- I quite enjoyed the theory” Harry smirked as his friends had already begun walking away from the center of the common room, leaving Malfoy and the rest of the unnamed snakes to brood in peace.
—--------
Tea with his friends was lovely- Harry had almost choked on how rich the tea was compared to what he was used to. Thankfully his friends didnt make a scene, and instead Theo offered him the next steep.
Blaise even pulled out a little metal can of biscuits from his mother back in Italy. Harry only took one, a swirl of batter half dipped in chocolate with some light blue and white sprinkles on the top.
It was bloody brilliant- though he earned a glare from Daphne for “language”
“Lay off Daphne- it's just us, and besides let the boy enjoy his cookie, he's thin as a twig” Blaise bit back.
Daphne pursed her lips but sighed, taking yet another biscuit right before Blaise could grab it himself. “Oh alright- even if he doesn't like it, you’re the boy who lived Harry, eyes will always be on you-”
She gestured to the scar across his face with a half bitten cookie in hand “You may be eleven, but this is your debut into the wizarding world- and an image you can control”
Theo picked up the pot, careful to avoid moving it anywhere near their splain out textbooks as he refilled his glass “Stop before you overwhelm him- besides as long as we're at Hogwarts, he need not worry so much”
“Speaking of impressions” Blaise grinned as he found another biscuit to the kind Daphne had nabbed “How is the experiment going- the whole Heir Potter”?
Oh yeah- he’d almost forgotten about all that.
“None of the teachers called me by my title- but that could also be a whole authority thing, most of the upperclassmen did call me that- or just Potter” He gestured to Theo who began refilling his cup as well.
“Surprisingly- the hat was the most open about my title and well… I don't think Hogwarts is as safe as Id hope” Still- much safer than the dursleys, not that the bar was that high regardless.
Daphne's brow furrowed “How so”?
Well- where would he start?
“Well, my buzz has always been active, always a warning system you know- but it seems more active than ever for people I don't even know” Harry pushed up his glasses “Or well I guess that doesn't matter because everyone seems to know me- but my own head of house hates my guts, and now my scar burns and well I may not be the most well versed in magic but that seems like something to be concerned over. And don't even get me started on the headmaster”
All three of his friends were looking at him with wide eyes, sharing a silent look between each other before Blaise spoke “Harry what do you mean your… buzz”?
Harry's spiraling thoughts halted- out of all the questions they would have he hadn't expected that one “You know-” he really hoped they did at least “Like when you're in danger, it's like a buzz under your skin- other times its like constricted in my chest, it-it’s magic isn't it”?
“Not any kind of magic i've ever heard of” Theo muttered, placing down his cup “But then again- I could ask Ellie? She's more knowledgeable in all sorts of new and old magicks”
Oh so he's a freak even among his own kind.
“I can tell your being self deprecating now stop it” Daphne scolded, leaning her hand over to place on his shoulder.
“How can you know? We've barely known each other a day or so at the most”
“You’re just easy to read is all, at least to those who know how to look”
That was- mildly intimidating. Marcus may have had a point about him being a bit too obvious in his tells. Something to work on then.
“Okay- we can talk to your cousin, especially since you've been dying to introduce us since we first met” Theos ears turned a bit red, but he didnt object.
“Now to begin unpacking the- rest of all that, do you truly not trust Professor Snape? I mean sure he was a bit daft but I wouldn't think him a threat” Blaise began tapping his middle finger against his thigh.
“A threat… i’d say that’s to be determined, but I definitely can't trust him-” Harry stated “You saw him Theo, he had it out for me the whole class- he practically treated me like a lion”!
That got all their faces to screw up as if the tea had suddenly turned sour. Then again he had lost his appetite pretty quickly.
“Okay fair point-” Blaise conceded “So then, be careful around Snape- surely if you don't give him a reaction he'll get bored right”?
Harry shrugged, he might, but then again had only been under the man's gaze for two days and at least for now- that hatred didn't feel like it was going to go away anytime soon.
“I hope so, but I'm not sure what kind of bully he is”
“Only bullies were used to are Draco, Pansy, and their respective minions- not saying we don't have a bit of fun at times, but at the very least you have to piss us off first” Blaise remarked, putting the lid back on the tin of treats as it seemed everyone had their fill.
“Pansy seemed polite enough”
“That's because you are someone, and a someone with enough sway who she's still trying to gauge if you're worth aligning with” Daphne explained as if it was to be expected.
He really was lost in the social politics they all had going around, but hopefully even if Pansy found out he wasnt worth his name, at the very least she wouldn't make him a target as Draco had. At least Draco was just a nuisance.
“Hey- don't stress about it, it's not even Samhain yet, there's plenty of time to figure stuff out” Blaise assured.
But Harry only felt more confused and a bit ashamed “You say that but how can I figure stuff out if I don't even know what Samhain or half the shit everyone talks about is”
He felt a bit bad cursing knowing Daphne didn't like it, but honestly right now he wanted the catharsis of just screaming into the dead of night or something.
“Language Potter, and Samhain is what muggles call Halloween- and you aren't special, every muggleborn has gone through the same experience of feeling foreign among their own kind” A voice startled Harry enough he lost grip of his teacup he had been clutching in his hand.
But instead of shattering to the floor it floated, the liquid slowly refilling the glass as it lifted and gently settled down back onto the table with a small ‘tink’ sound.
Cassius stood just a foot or so behind him, wand pointed at the cup as it rested once more. “Now then- I presume this little meeting can wait, we are going to meet with Professor Snape before dinner”
Oh of course- as if his life couldn't get any worse. His friends looked concerned, but said nothing, not that he blamed them.
Harry brushed some crumbs off his robes, trying to hide his fidgeting hands and standing up “Let's go then- don't want to keep him waiting do we”?
Cassius' eyes narrowed, and Harry was holding back the urge to bite his lip, he wouldn't hurt him. He was safe. His friends were here- and Cassius was nice, he was the den whatever and he'd even fixed Harry's glasses.
He was safe.
Or well- he wasn't unsafe
The upper year stayed silent, just gesturing for Harry to follow him back to the dorm staircase. He gave one last look to his friends and shot them a quick thumbs up, but it seemed his tells were too strong as their concern did not lessen even a little.
They walked up the stairs in complete silence, Cassius taking the lead, and Harry trailing just a step or two behind. The only sound being the fading chatter as they drew further from the common room and the steady flow of the waterfall between the staircase spiral.
“So- how much of that did you hear”? Harry had never been one for keeping his mouth shut, even with the Dursleys, and he had the scars to prove it.
Cassius didnt glance back or even fault in his pace as they reached and passed through the main entrance. “...Just the part about Sanheim, but if you’re going to have private conversations, the common room at a populated hour isnt a smart choice”
“Then what do you suggest is a smart choice”? Harry used the more spacious room to pick up his pace, now walking alongside Cassius.
The boy scoffed, his eyes rolling back “Yeah Ill admit im a sucker for cute kids- but ya ain't THAT cute”
“Hey im not cute-” Harry snapped back, but it lacked his normal emphasis. He had been called many things throughout the years. But ‘cute’ was definitely a first for him.
“Uh huh-” Cassius continued down the hall towards the doors Harry had spotted earlier in the morning.
Two giant wooden doors, they were such a dark brown they almost looked black and he could only tell they were wooden from the grain. They were both covered in a fairly intricate silver detailing, interwoven together and flowing perfectly across the wood as if designed to fit perfectly in every nook.
Cassius stepped up to the doorway, lifting his wand and tapped it several times on different areas of the door. The beak of what looked like a crow, the bud of a rose, a mermaid's tail fin, and finally on the emerald colored eye of a snake.
A small click sounded and the boy reached out, pushing open both of the doors and becoming Harry inside.
Taking only a moment more, he pushed in, quickly taking in his surroundings and trying to ignore the knot in his stomach as the door creaked shut behind him.
The room looked similar to a potions classroom, the stone walls were filled to the brim with dozens upon dozens of glass jars and vials of all shapes and sizes stacked almost to the edge of each wooden shelf. Even the floor had a few of the bigger jars, each with a parchment label scribbled on.
Cassius led him past the table in the center of the room, where several cauldrons and a few loose ingredients sat untouched, though one of them was filled with an almost glittery blue liquid that seemed to swirl itself as the fire below licked against the container's metal.
A spoon suddenly lifted off the counter, half startling him as it lowered itself into the cauldron and began to stir with a steady pace.
“Well- Keep up” Cassius snapped when Harry hesitated. He walked through a stone archway with carvings in a language he didnt recognize stood proudly.
On the other side was more alongside what he had expected, well “simple” was not the right word for the leather and silk adored sitting room. With two massive green stained glass windows set with a beautiful metallic snake just above the mantle of a roaring fireplace.
Pre lit, and ready for their arrival.
“There you are, I was wondering if you had found more.. important.. matters to attend yes”? Snape's voice sounded, and as Harry's eyes adjusted to the dim light he saw the professor stood just a foot or so away from the fireplace.
“Hhn-” Cassius moved and took a seat on what looked to be a large loveseat, and motioned for Harry to do the same. Begrudgingly, having little other choice than knock something over and run for it, he took a seat.
“Now then.. Mister..Potter, Warrington here has informed me of some.. Concerns, would you care to enlighten me”?
Harry looked at Cassius who was looking right back “What you described sounded like neglect kid- sorry to rat you out but it's for your own good to be honest okay”?
He was going to kill Cassius.
But as much as he was angry, and maybe a bit betrayed, he knew how this went. Someone would see behind the mask, and ask if he needed help- or go the step further and call CPS, but it was always the same.
Harry was the problem, he was a troubled young boy- the Dursleys were the saints for putting up with him. Everyone else seemed to agree as well. He just needed Snape to see that part of him.
Shouldn't be hard considering he already hated his guts.
“If these concerns hold any weight… then as your head of house it is my responsibility to step in, but I presume this issue will… dissolve itself with some enlightenment”? Snape turned just enough so that the light of the fire highlighted the gaunt look in his eyes and the sharp edge of his hooked nose.
Oh yeah- this shouldn't be hard.
Harry blinked at Cassius “Wait- that's what we were gonna talk about”? He did his best to sound genuinely surprised and a bit guilty.
Snape shifted a bit and Cassius looked caught off guard, good.
“What else did you presume we would discuss.. Mister.. Potter” Snape droned.
“I honestly wasn't sure, but I thought I was just talking to Cassius- no offense to you of course Professor”
Snape's eyes narrowed “No offense.. indeed…”
“I really didn't mean to cause trouble- My glasses broke after a stupid accident” However accidental you could call Dudleys little rage tantrums “If I knew it would be a whole thing I would have said I was just joking”
“Besides you saw the look on Terrence's face, it was priceless”! Harry continued leaning forward and back in the seat, looking around the room and honestly doing every little tick he knew normally drove his uncle mad during an attempted confrontation.
Acceptance of blame, but not in the way he wanted.
Avoiding eye contact, Fidgeting and moving around, and lack of respectful address- a recipe for disaster, and just what he needed right now.
“Is that.. so”? Snape drawled, his tone practically dripping with distaste. With a loud ruffle of his robes he turned on Cassius who was stiff besides him “It seems you had..misunderstood Mister Potters.. arrangement”
Cassius looked at Harry, blue eyes seeming to bore into his very soul. He remembered the hat's warning, and he stared right back.
“It seems I had.. my mistake, Heir Potter” Cassius said in an even voice.
“Im not surprised…it's quite ordinary for children to be.. dramatic as one would say” Professor Snape's gaze snapped to Harry “Especially for a child so.. well versed in such… a spotlight”
“Then can I go? Unless you want to talk about me joining the Quidditch team, I would rather get back to my friends” Harry phrased it as a question, but he was already standing up.
Going off what Draco said, and his own hunch, he threw in the Quidditch just as the final curveball. Living up to the negative image the Professor had already conjured of him.
Snapes sneer only grew “Ah yes I had forgotten that.. unusual turn of events, but as it seems out of my hands… there is no reason.. to discuss.”
Harry nodded and was quick to begin making his way out of the room, hoping that even in his escape the Professor wouldn't notice his trembling hands “Warrington, lead him out- we wouldn't want an.. unfortunate.. accident around my potions now.. would we”?
“Of course not professor” Cassius gave a quick head bow and followed after Harry, the boy forced to speed up or else get bowled into as they left the doors.
But as soon as the ornate doors slammed shut Cassius whipped over to Harry with a barely restrained snarl “Okay what in Godric's name was that”?
Harry held back a flinch at the sudden shift, but kept his head high. “It was a joke, i'm sorry you took it the wrong way- I suppose it wasn't a very good one but I was tired and foolishly attempting to impress my upperclassmen”
But unlike Snape- Cassius was none too quick to accept his defense “Yeah that's a load of bullshit and you know it, I don't know why your so insistent on playing dumb”
Harry could feel the edge of a headache forming at the base of his skull, he really hadn’t slept much, being kept up early and awoken by the nightmare. It was just before supper and yet he felt completely drained. “I am telling the truth okay”?
“God why are you being so difficult”? Cassius hissed, rubbing the bridge of his nose.
Harry only felt his annoyance grow, the edges of his exhaustion only fueling his outrage. Seriously, how dare he.
“Even if I wasn't- who the hell are you to go behind my back like that”!?
“Oi dont use that language with me kid-”
“Oh im sorry”
Harry knew he was goading, but right now he didn't care. He almost wished Cassius would lash out. It would be familiar, and maybe the guilt would be enough for him to leave Harry the fuck alone.
But just as quickly as Cassius' anger built, his shoulders dropped and he jerked out a hand in gesture instead of with intent to harm “Potter- I can't help you if you don't tell me the truth okay”?
Harry had reached his limit, the pounding in his head adding gasoline to the lit fuse and it reached its end. “And who the hell said I needed your fucking help”!?
Cassius looked at Harry with a shocked and scarily unreadable expression. His wand still in hand from when he shut the door.
Oh- oh fuck.
He slapped his hand over his mouth with moments later. Wide fearful eyes looking back at Cassius whose form towered over him.
But he made no move to raise his fist, or his wand. Instead Cassius let out a heavy breath, and ran a hand across his head as he stared down at Harry. His expression twisted, but not in anger. “Why. did. you. lie.”?
If Harry answered, he would be admitting the fact he'd lied, but something in Cassius' gaze made him hesitate to keep on. “I've never been saved before… what would make this time any different”?
Cassius didn't seem to expect this answer, eyes widening to something akin to almost panic- he glanced back at Snapes doorway. But before Harry could protest further, he stepped away. Now headed towards the common room.
Harry stood stunned for a moment before quickly hurrying after him.
The silence only lasted a few moments before Harry broke it once more.
“Besides- you saw how easy he was, and Daphne has been calling me out on being easily readable all day” He let out a cynical chuckle “You say he's trustworthy, and he might be- but not to me, at least not right now”
Cassius walked under the belly of the golden snake, but then stood still in front of the fountain “How the hell is an eleven year old so well spoken? It's kinda creepy kid”
Well, for a while his speech was far behind his age. His relatives refused to allow for more than a “yes sir” “no ma’am” and got annoyed the more he spoke. But then he started getting outcasted by his teachers, which led him to the library.
Weeks and weeks spent with nothing more than the worlds hidden in ink and parchment to keep him company, to be an escape from the screams and the pain that haunted almost every moment of his life since the day he had been left on that damned doorstep.
He was a curse upon their house, something they never let him forget, they never raised him. He was raised by his own two hands, and the incorporeal hands of the thousands of authors and artists that filled his childhood.
Their words now flowed through him- each having it’s part in making him who he was today.
No longer the kid who struggled to bandage his own hands after burning them against a hot stove.
No longer was he the kid that cried at every scathig remark and harsh smack.
No longer was he the kid that longed for his family, for friends, for anyone to scoop him up in their arms and take him away from the pain that was his life.
No longer was he the kid he used to be.
“I grew up-”