Chapter 2: The Start Of Term
The next morning, Harry woke to the bright light filtering through the curtains of his four-poster bed. He felt a rush of excitement as he remembered where he was. Today was his first day of classes at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He quickly dressed and joined Ron, who was also getting ready.
"Morning, Harry," Ron said, yawning. "Ready for our first day?"
"Absolutely," Harry replied, feeling a thrill of anticipation.
They made their way down to the common room where Hermione was already waiting, her school robes neat and her bag packed with books.
"Good morning!" she greeted them cheerily. "I can't wait to get started. Have you seen the schedule? We're starting with Transfiguration."
Harry and Ron exchanged glances, amused by Hermione's enthusiasm. Together, they headed to the Great Hall for breakfast. The hall was buzzing with chatter and the clinking of cutlery as students filled up on a hearty breakfast.
As they ate, Harry noticed the status window appear in front of him again.
Harry Potter
• Age: 11
• Species: Human
• Magic Type: Unknown
• Abilities: None
Harry remembered the system's other abilities and glanced around, trying to see if he could spot anyone interesting. His eyes landed on a tall boy with a badge pinned to his chest.
Percy Weasley
• Age: 15
• Species: Wizard
• Magic Type: Elemental
• Abilities: Advanced Charms, Potions, Prefect Duties
Harry felt a surge of curiosity and concentration. The system allowed him to copy abilities, but it was his first time trying. He focused on Percy's abilities, particularly the advanced charms.
A progress bar appeared in his vision, slowly filling up. This would take time, Harry realized, especially since advanced charms were a complex skill.
"Come on, Harry, we'll be late!" Hermione's voice broke his concentration.
Harry nodded and followed his friends to their first class. The corridors were filled with students, and Harry could feel the magic in the air. They finally reached the Transfiguration classroom, where Professor McGonagall stood waiting.
"Good morning, everyone," she said crisply. "Transfiguration is some of the most complex and dangerous magic you will learn at Hogwarts. Anyone messing around in my class will leave and not come back. You have been warned."
She then transformed her desk into a pig and back again, eliciting gasps of amazement from the students.
"Now, who can tell me the fundamental law of Transfiguration?" she asked.
Hermione's hand shot up. "Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration."
"Correct. Five points to Gryffindor," McGonagall said, nodding. "Now, let's begin with something simple. Turn these matchsticks into needles."
The class spent the rest of the lesson attempting to transform matchsticks. Harry struggled, managing only to make his matchstick a bit pointier, while Hermione had already produced a perfect needle. As the lesson ended, Harry glanced at Hermione's status window.
Hermione Granger
• Age: 11
• Species: Wizard
• Magic Type: Elemental
• Abilities: Charms, Transfiguration, Quick Learning
He focused on her Transfiguration ability, and a new progress bar appeared. He knew this would also take time, but he felt encouraged by the system's potential.
Their next class was Potions with Professor Snape. As they entered the dungeon, the atmosphere became tense. Snape swept into the room, his black robes billowing behind him.
"There will be no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations in this class," Snape began in a low, menacing voice. "As such, I don't expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art that is potion-making. However, for those select few who possess the predisposition, I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses."
He paused, his cold eyes scanning the room. "Potter! What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"
Harry had no idea, but Hermione's hand was in the air. Ignoring her, Snape continued to question Harry, clearly enjoying his discomfort.
"Tsk, tsk. Fame isn't everything," Snape sneered. "Let's try again. Potter, where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?"
Harry shook his head, feeling increasingly humiliated.
"Thought not. And what is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?"
Again, Harry had no idea.
"Pity. Clearly, fame isn't everything, Mr. Potter," Snape said, turning away. "For your information, asphodel and wormwood make a sleeping potion so powerful it is known as the Draught of Living Death. A bezoar is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat and it will save you from most poisons. As for monkshood and wolfsbane, they are the same plant, which also goes by the name of aconite."
The rest of the lesson was spent brewing a simple potion to cure boils. Harry worked with Ron, while Hermione partnered with Neville Longbottom. By the end of the class, Harry and Ron managed to produce a somewhat decent potion, though Neville's had exploded, covering the dungeon in green goo.
Harry noticed Snape had a status window too, but it was complex and filled with abilities Harry couldn't even begin to understand.
Severus Snape
• Age: 38
• Species: Wizard
• Magic Type: Potions Mastery, Dark Arts Expertise, Occlumency
• Abilities: Advanced Potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Legilimency, Occlumency
The Potions class left Harry feeling dejected, but Hermione tried to cheer him up as they headed to their next lesson.
"You'll get better, Harry. It just takes practice," she said reassuringly.
"Thanks, Hermione," Harry replied, appreciating her support.
The rest of the day was a whirlwind of classes. In Charms, Professor Flitwick taught them the Levitation Charm. Harry and Ron struggled, but Hermione quickly mastered it, causing her feather to float effortlessly.
"Well done, Miss Granger!" Flitwick exclaimed, clapping his hands. "Five points to Gryffindor."
Harry watched Hermione's progress with a mix of admiration and determination. He knew he had a lot to learn, but with the system, he felt confident he could catch up.
By the end of the day, Harry was exhausted but exhilarated. The new experiences and the realization of his unique ability left him feeling hopeful about the future. As they returned to the Gryffindor common room, Harry couldn't wait to see what else Hogwarts had in store for him.