Chapter 3
Schedules and classes quickly became a normal thing once again in the corridors of Hogwarts. In the first week, Harry and his fellow housemates had been repeatedly sought out by the first years who'd surprisingly taken a large liking to their upperclassman -Harry being one of their most favorites. They had all gone through the routines of being introduced to their new lessons.
For Harry that seemed to partake in Care of Magical Creatures, Runes, History of Magic, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Potions, Transfiguration, Charms and Herbology. Sadly, this also meant he found himself spending more time around Malfoy, Parkinson and his twin brother as their classes all seemed to match up perfectly. So far Care of Magical Creatures was the worst by far -what with Malfoy making a scene against a Hippogriff refusing to believe Harry could do better than him, and than Harden making a larger scene about how he hadn't been able to ride Buckbeak. Zabini had just snorted, patted his head and told him "good luck" that very afternoon before hiding behind the latest Daily Prophet.
And now, on the Friday before the weekend began, Harry found himself walking into his favorite subject after taking yet another detour to show a poor Hufflepuff first year to his Charms class. Every head turned as the door slammed behind him. Most smiled and waved, while people -like Pansy Parkinson- rolled her eyes knowing exactly where Harry had been. "The hat should've sorted you in Hufflepuff, Potter. At least than you wouldn't smother our houses reputation." "Oh, really? You like being marked as the evil house of DOOM!" She jumped at the unexpected volume Harry's voice took, making him cackle quietly as he took his seat behind her. She hissed, "Right git you are." "And proudly." She scowled once more, before turning to the front.
Up at the top of the classroom Lily had ceased her talking as soon as the door had closed behind Harry. She had expected he was doing something for how late he was, and yet became speechless when more than half the class became giddy at his presence and waved hello. Regaining some of her equilibrium, Lily cleared her throat. "You're late, Mr. Potter." "Ah, but I have a very good reason Professor." The formality stung a bit. "And what would that be?" She asked. "I was clearly helping a poor innocent badger find his way to Herbology." "He showed a first year Hufflepuff to the green houses," The small group around him coarsed. "Yes... thank you for the elaboration." Lily smiled at Harry, "Unfortunately that is not good enough of a reason." "If I said I got drunk, would that be better?" Lily blinked, Parkinson smacked a hand to her forehead. "Idiot. Whos ruining Slytherins reputation now?!" "The Gryffindors do it all the time." "We aren't them." She hissed. Harry raised his hands in defense. "Only sayin'. You can pull your panties from their twist." Parkinson gasped and snarled. "Professor Evans you can just take twenty points right now. It wouldn't be the most he lost anyways." Harry gasped, looking almost offended at Parkinsons snide remark. "Excuse me but someone who constantly loses points for giggling at Malfoys rotten jokes instead of doing her homework has absolutely no room to talk." Slytherins and Gryffindors alike chuckled. Parkinsons cheeks turned pink. "I do not do that!" "Next time I'll make sure to point it out." "I hate you Potter." "And I love you." He poked her nose. "Boop."
Parkinson turned to strangle Harry, before Zabini screeched his chair back and Malfoy forced her back into her seat. Malfoy glared at the two of them. "Quit acting like children. You both are becoming an embarrassment for Slytherin." He snapped. The two blinked, before huffing and slouching back into their seats. Harden scowled at the front of the classroom. "I hope you are all done. We're not at lunch, but in class." "This coming from the guy who threw a tantrum last year 'cause Lockhart didn't like him." "What did you just say, Nott?!" Lily was quick to interfere by laying a hand on her sons shoulder. "Now, boys, this is a classroom. No fighting please." "Mummy to the rescue." A Slytherin snide. "Hey." Harry snapped, "That's Malfoys line." The blonde glared. "Shove off Potter." "I rather climb." He winked before Lily hushed the class.
Lily took another moment to calm the class, before turning to Harry. "My classroom is not like Mister Lockharts, Mr. Potter, I expect you to be on your best behavior." "Only for you." Lily smiled, but when she turned her back Zabini shook his head. Harry had said that to more Professors before running them up the walls than he could count.
And it seemed the entire school knew this, as it quickly set to wild fire that Harry had slithered himself into the spotlight of yet another Professor, by dinner time. It was the top gossip as platters of food covered the long four House tables and students rose in volume to talk to their friends. At the front of the Great Hall was the staff table. Lily had settled between the two most popular Heads of Houses (Professor Minerva McGonagall and Professor Severus Snape, the Potions Master). She watched her two boys from their respectful tables -though angered and saddened they didn't share the same red and gold.
"I heard you had class with Mr. Harry Potter today, Lily." McGonagall abruptly brought up. Lily smiled, turning her attention away from the smoke now rising from Seamus Finnigans goblet. "Yes, he's lovely to have." McGonagall nodded before turning to Dumbledore. Lily frowned, now confused as to why the Deputy Headmistress brought up her son if she wasn't going to ask further about the boy. She looked to Snape, but he seemed to deep in his love for the fried chicken to ask and disturb him. A shriek from Slytherin table followed by a laugh had the red-headed mother whipping her head around. Eyes wide. But who was laughing was not who she had expected. Lily blinked, and stared at Harry who banged his fist on the table, howling with laughter as Daphne Greengrass counter-charmed her sisters turned pink hair. Somehow, Lily had expected to see James laughing, even with the man being dead for twelve years. She sighed, of course it was Harry who sounded like his father laughing -the boy already demonstrated how alike he was to her husband.
On the other hand, Daphne was chewing Harry out for the transfiguration. "...I'll turn your hair pink...!" She was saying. But Harry wasn't listening -only holding his stomach as he gasped for air, tears in his eyes. Greengrass snarled and hissed, until finally, Harry calmed down enough to give an apology they all knew he felt no sorrys' about. "Don't waste your breath Greengrass," Malfoy said. "The last thing you'll get from him is a sincere apology." She huffed, "It's still something to get a sorry out of him Malfoy. We'll take what we can get." Harry giggled, laying his chin happily on his crossed arms. "It's no permanent damage, just a bit o' transfiguration." Malfoy rolled his eyes, "Counting on you. It's never that simple." "One of the great mysteries!" "Eat your dinner." Harry pouted, but one stern look from Zabini and he folded. Everyone was always amazed how well Zabini controlled Harry -hopefully such a power never faded from the thirteen-year-old man.
"We have Astrology next," Parkinson said. "So don't eat too much or you'll fall asleep." "I thought Astrology was on Wednesdays." "That's for the first years bloke." "Huh? Well I went to the wrong class." Those hearing, sighed. Of course Potter had.