The Boy Who Ate

As Harry stepped out of the Potions classroom, he felt a wave of fatigue wash over him. He blinked rapidly and shook his head to clear it. 

"You alright there mate?" Ron asked noticing him shaking his head. 

Harry rubbed his temples, "Yeah...just feeling very tired suddenly..." It was very confusing for Harry, why was he so tired all of a sudden. He had not done anything except for attending the potion class and that too was not hard at all. Then why was he so damn tired all of a sudden?

Hermione noticed the confused look on Harry's face, "Are you really okay, Harry?"

"Yeah, I am...just tired from last night I guess", Harry replied with a forced smile. "Let's get to the next class, we don't want to be late to history."

Ron and Hermione well still not convinced but they dropped the subject because they knew, Harry would not say anything more. With that the trio headed towards their Charm class. Harry was still trying to clear his head without showing anything on his face.

"Honestly, Ron, if you paid even half as much attention in class as you do to you broomstick catalog, you'd be top of the year," Hermione scolded with a teasing tone.

Ron rolled his eyes and countered, "And if you spent half as much time having fun as you do reading, you'd be less of a swot."

Harry chuckled at their banter. The relationship of these two never changed regardless of anything he did. They are destined to banter forever. 

As the trio entered the classroom, Harry saw Professor Flitwick was setting up his desk. His small frame barely visible behind the pile of books and materials. Harry quickly took his usual seat followed by Ron and Hermione.

After the students were seated, Professor Flitwick started his lecture. "Students, today we will be catching up briefly on all the charms we learnt till now." He looked around and smiled before continuing, "It is important to have a strong grasp on these fundamentals."

Harry felt relieved as relieved as revising material meant he could relax more, even though starting a new material wouldn't make much of a difference to him. 

Flitwick flicked his wand at the chalkboard and it filled with neat writing of all the spells and charms they had gone through till now. 

"Let's start with the Levitation Charm. Can anyone tell me the incantation?"

Several hands went up instantly and Professor Flitwick pointed to Seamus, who answered confidently. "Wingardium Leviosa"

"Excellent, Mr. Finnigan!" Flitwick beamed. "Now, who can demonstrate the proper wand movement?"

Again several hands went up and Flitwick pointed to Ron, who raised stood up and performed the swish-and-flick motion. "Very good, Mr. Weasley. Remember, the key is to be gentle but precise."

Harry found himself almost drifting off slightly. He knew all these spells and he didn't need all the elaborate movements to cast them. He could probably teach the class himself. 

"Next, let's discuss the Wand-Lighting Charm," Flitwick announced. "Who can remind us of the incantation?"

This time Flitwick picked Hermione who proudly said, "Lumos."

"Correct Ms. Granger. Could you perform the spell for us?"

Hermione quickly took out her wand and chanted Lumos. The tip of her wand illuminated causing Flitwick to beam even more.

"Perfect! Remember, the Wand-Lighting Charm can be incredibly useful when you find yourself in the dark."

The rest of the class passed smoothly but was definitely boring for Harry. They reviewed, the Softening Charm(Spongify), the Fire-Making Spell(Incendio), the Locking Spell(Colloportus), the Unlocking Charm(Alohomora), the Wand-Extinguishing Charm(Nox) and the Mending Charm(Reparo).

It was surprising to see how many students still couldn't get some of them down. This showed how less people actually focused on learning the spells. No wonder there are not many powerful wizards in the country whether it be in the past, present or the future. Everyone took magic for granted so never really got ahead in it.

After the class got over, the trio made their way to the Great Hall for lunch. Having only a few sandwiches for breakfast, Harry was quite peckish and wanted some good food. As they reached the Great Hall, the delicious aroma from the food made Harry's stomach rumble. They quickly found their usual spots at the Gryffindor table and sat down. The hall was already filled with various students having their lunch, their chatter turning into an almost continuous hum.

Harry piled his plate with food. Chicken, steak, pies, gravy whatever his hand could reach. Hermione chuckled and commented, "Hungry are you?"

Harry started digging in and replied between mouthfuls, "Starving!"

Ron nodded in agreement, munching on a drumstick, "Yeah, I agree"

Hermione just shook her head as he helped herself to some food. As they continued to eat, the conversation flowed from one topic to other. Although Harry was mostly quiet and just eating, cause for some reason his hunger seemed to have no bounds today.

Ron with mouthful of chicken starting talking about Quidditch, "When are you starting practice again, Harry?"

Harry swallowed a piece of steak before answering, "I think Wood would start practice later this week mostly." He continued as he cut up another piece of steak, "I am surprised he hasn't started already."

Hermione who was now sipping on pumpkin juice, "Who are we playing against next?"

"Ravenclaw I guess", Harry replied as he continued to devour the steak. Ron who was now platting up mashed potatoes on his plate answered, "We are definitely winning that one then!"

Harry chuckled, "I won't be so sure. Ravenclaw is good too." He reached out to get another steak as he had already finished the first one. The conversation shifted again as Hermione bought up the topic of their next class, "We have Transfiguration next. I wonder if Professor McGonagall will also revise up all the spells we have done till now"

Ron groaned as he poured gravy on his mashed potatoes, "Transfiguration is so hard, though. I mean, I'm doing better, but it's still a tough subject."

Hermione gave him an encouraging smile, "Don't be down. You have improved a lot and are almost keeping up with me. I'm sure you can get better if you just keep at it"

Harry who had devoured two steaks and was reaching for the third one added, "If both of you read the book I gave you for Christmas, you will be able to do magic much more easily"

Hermione looked at Harry as he dumped the third piece of steak on his plate, "Harry is that your third steak?"

Harry nodded with his mouthful, "I am particularly hungry today..."

As they continued eating, Hermione noticed that both Ron and Harry were competing to see who could eat more. She watched in amusement as both the boys kept pilling their plates with food.

"Honestly, you two!" Hermione shook her head. "It's like watching a pair of human vacuum cleaners"

Ron didn't understand what vacuum cleaner meant but Harry did and he laughed. "As I said Hermione, I am particularly hungry today!"

The competition intensified and everyone around them started murmuring about Harry devouring enormous amounts of food. Neville who was sitting just next to Hermione spoke up, "Are you okay, Harry?"

Harry chuckled as he pulled a tray of sandwiches closer, "I am fine Neville, just unusually hungry. I feel like I haven't eaten for a month!"

Neville chuckled, "I think everyone can see that already!"

Harry smirked as he started devouring the sandwiches. Ron who didn't want to be left behind hastily finished his mashed potatoes and got himself a plate of pasta causing Hermione to shake her head in disbelief. 

Fred and George who were walking by heard the rumors and came closer to see what was happening. The found the scene of Harry with his slim body devouring the food as the others at the table watched him very amusing. Being the pranksters they were, they couldn't help but add more to the amusement. Fred and George smirked to each other before Fred called out loudly across the Great Hall, "Go on, Harry! Empty those plates! You're making us proud!"

George smirked as he chimed in, "That's our Harry! The Boy who ate!"

Harry who was sipping on pumpkin juice almost snorted at that comment. Half the Gryffindor table burst out laughing. But it didn't stop him from eating more. He had already finished the tray of sandwiches and was now going for the lamb chops. He took 2 lamb chops on his plate and started cutting it up. 

Fred and George continued to cheer him on with funny comments now and then. Soon the entire Gryffindor table was cheering for him. Harry smirked as he devoured 4 lamb chops and took up 2 Yorkshire pudding on his plate. He quickly finished those as well and then proceeded to devour an entire tray of treacle tarts.

Meanwhile, Professor McGonagall, who had been quietly observing from the staff table, couldn't help but smile at the sight of her students enjoying themselves. She exchanged amused glances with Professor Flitwick and Professor Sprout, who were equally entertained by the scene unfolding in the Great Hall.

By now half of the Great Hall was cheering him on. Hermione who was at disbelief of Harry's appetite found herself laughing along with the others. "Honestly, Harry," she said, shaking her head, "you're going to turn into a feast yourself if you keep eating like this."

Harry chuckled as he felt that he was full, "Don't worry Hermione. I'll be quick to burn it all up." He proceeded to drink some butterbeer to finish. As he took a long swig of the cool butterbeer, Ron looked in disbelief at all the empty plates that stood near him. Harry had proceeded to eat 4 steaks, 4 lamb chops, an entire plate of mashed potatoes, a tray of sandwiches, a garlic bread, 2 Yorkshire puddings, an entire tray of treacle tarts not to mention all the vegetables sides.

"That was some ungodly amount of food you just devoured Harry!", Ron commented still in disbelief. Hermione nodded, still laughing at the unusual display of appetite Harry showed today. 

Neville leaned in said, "You might want to be careful, Harry. You don't want to end up in the Hospital Wing from overeating."

Harry laughed, "Don't worry I don't eat like this everyday. I don't know why I did today though"

"Maybe you were possessed by a dragon", Hermione joked causing everyone around them to start laughing. Fred and George who were behind Harry said out loudly, "Ladies and Gentlemen, we present you the Harry Potter, the Boy Who Ate and the Destroyer of the Gryffindor Table Lunch!"

Harry's face turned red in embarrassment as the entire Great Hall burst out laughing. He tried to laugh along but his face was still red. "Alright, alright," he said, waving his hands, "let's not make a big deal out of it."

Fred who smirked at him, "Too late mate. You'll be known as the Boy Who Ate for a long time."

George added, "People will be talking about this for a long long time. The day Harry Potter devoured the Gryffindor table during lunch!"

Harry shook his head, smiling. As the laughter died down, the trio along with Neville stood up to leave. "Let's get going to Transfiguration before McGonagall cuts points for being late!", Hermione said.

Harry who felt surprisingly light even after devouring so much food, nodded and lead them out. After about 10 minutes of walking the trio along with Neville reached the Transfiguration classroom. As they entered they saw that Professor McGonagall was already waiting for them. They quickly took their seats and waited for the others to arrive.

"Come along, everyone. Take your seats," McGonagall instructed as the last few students hurried in. Once the students were seated, she addressed the class. "Today, we will be revising the material we've covered so far this year. It is crucial that you have a firm grasp on these fundamentals."

Ron groaned softly, "More revision. I swear, I still can't get the match to needle right half the time."

Harry gave Ron an encouraging pat on the back. "You'll get there, Ron. Just focus."

As the students pulled out their books, McGonagall flicked her wand at the board and it filled with neat notes, listing the various spells and concepts they would be reviewing. So far they have only done the transformation formula, the match to needle and the switching spells.

"Let's begin with the match to needle," McGonagall said. "Who can tell me the incantation and the wand movement?"

Several hands went up, and McGonagall called on Hermione, who answered confidently. "The incantation is 'Mutatio Acus,' and the wand movement is a sharp flick."

"Very good, Miss Granger. Now, who can demonstrate the spell?"

Hermione performed the spell, turning the match into a needle. McGonagall nodded, "Excellent. Now, everyone, practice this spell. Remember, precision is key."

Harry found himself utterly bored. Maybe he should talk with Dumbledore and ask him to grant him permission on not attending the classes whenever he didn't want to. This definitely would be a great thing as attending the classes was just a way to pass time anyway. Not like he needed to learn anything they have been teaching so far. Well it was another thing if they started teaching him some advance stuff he didn't know already, which he highly doubted would happen.

He thought that maybe he would talk to Vernon today in the evening and then talk to Dumbledore tomorrow. Harry was still not sure if it was the right thing to do. 

".otter...Mr. Potter!" McGonagall's sharp voice broke him out of his thoughts. He looked at her and she seemed a bit angry. 

"Yes, Professor?" Harry responded. 

"I believe you should pay attention while in class or is it perhaps just a boring lecture to you?", McGonagall asked. 

Harry blinked, "No, Professor. I was just thinking about the spell."

McGonagall's expression softened a bit but she still looked angry. "Very well, Mr. Potter. But please try to focus on the lesson at hand."

Harry nodded and looked at his matchstick. With a flick of his finger, the matchstick transformed into a needle instantly. He glanced around to see how the others were doing. Most of the students were still struggling with it. Hermione and Ron had already completed the task. The surprising fact was that Blaise Zabini and Daphne had also transfigured their matches into needles. 

As Harry looked around he saw that Susan Bones had completed the transformation too. It wasn't that much of a surprise considering that Amelia Bones was her aunt. Then again many other students came from pureblood families and some of them were still struggling. 

The class continued with more revisions and Harry tried to keep himself entertained by watching the other students. Even then it was very boring but he tried not to fall asleep. 

Finally as the class came to an end, McGonagall addressed the class, "Good work, everyone. Remember to practice these spells in your own time. They are fundamental to your understanding of Transfiguration."

As the students began to pack up their things, McGonagall called out, "Mr. Potter, please stay behind for a moment."

Hermione and Ron looked at him and he smiled and let them know that he will catch up. They nodded and moved out first. Once the room was empty, McGonagall turned to him. 

"Mr. Potter," she began, "Why is it that you are always mostly day dreaming in my class?"

Harry sighed, he really didn't want to answer that question truthfully but then again it any other answer wouldn't be good. 

"Professor, I'll be truthful. I am just incredibly bored since I've learnt everything that you teach or are going to teach." Harry responded. "Going through all the things I already know is very boring for me, Professor."

McGonagall looked visibly shocked. It seemed that she had not expected an answer like this. 

"Are you saying that you have already completed the entire first year course?" she asked with disbelief.

Harry smiled softly before answering, "Yes Professor, I had already completed about half of all the books of first year before I had come to Hogwarts." He lied since the truth could be too shocking for her. "And this time when I went back for Christmas I completed the rest of them."

Professor McGonagall looked skeptical of what Harry just said and refused to believe him. "Very well. Mr. Potter, since you admit that you have completed all the first year course, can you turn this quill into a bird?" She asked as she set a quill on the table. 

Harry smiled as he came to know that Professor McGonagall did not believe him. He didn't blame her though, she probably never met someone who completed their entire syllabus before the teacher even taught them. He waved his hand towards the quill and muttered, "Avifors"

The quill turned into a small white bird and started flying in circles around them. McGonagall's eyes went wide as she saw the quill turn into a bird. 

"Now can you turn the bird into a matchbox?" Professor McGonagall asked with curiosity. 

Harry nodded and flicked his hand at the bird and muttered, "Flintifors" The bird transformed into a matchbox and dropped to the floor. McGonagall inspected the matchbox and saw that it was flawless. She was very impressed with Harry's performance. 

"Exemplary work, Mr. Potter. I can't believe that a student finally opened their textbooks at their homes during holidays."

Harry chuckled lightly at her comment. "Thank you, Professor. I just found the material very interesting."

McGonagall eyed him thoughtfully. "Interest alone doesn't usually lead to such proficiency. Are you sure there's nothing more you'd like to share?"

Harry hesitated, then decided to reveal a bit more. "Well, Professor, I did have some additional guidance before coming here."

McGonagall raised an eyebrow. "Additional guidance? From whom, may I ask?"

Harry quickly improvised. "It was mum actually. She thought it would be good for me to be familiar with the works."

McGonagall sat down on her chair. "I see, Petunia is definitely skilled enough to do so. Even so Mr. Potter, I would appreciate it if you tried to stay engaged in class. Even if the material is familiar, there is always something new to learn from the way it is taught."

"Of course, Professor," Harry said. I highly doubt that Professor. First thing I'm doing today after classes is going to Dumbledore and getting my 'not necessary to attend classes' card, Harry thought. And moreover you would be fainting if I say that I am capable of completing my masters right now.

"Good. You may go now," McGonagall said. 

Harry nodded and left the classroom to find that Hermione and Ron were waiting for him outside. 

"What was that about?" Ron asked as Harry joined them.

"Well she just wanted to know the reason I appeared so bored in the class," Harry explained as the trio started walking towards the DADA class. Hermione pipped up, "What did you say?"

Harry smirked, "I told her that I have already cleared the first year syllabus and that's why I find it boring to go over the same topics again."

Ron and Hermione nodded and then Ron suddenly asked, "But you haven't just completed the first year have you?"

Harry chuckled, "No. I have completed way more than just first year"

Hermione and Ron looked excited. They didn't know exactly how much Harry knew. Hermione asked, "So, how much have you actually completed. Mrs. Dursley mentioned once that you have completed up till the Auror level."

Harry thought about it. What could the extent of his magical knowledge be? He knew he could easily pass Masters in any given subject but could he categorize his knowledge?

"I don't know Hermione. Ok how about this, you have been to elementary school right?" He asked her. Hermione nodded. Ron wanted to ask what was elementary school when Harry cut him off, "So think about it like this that, compared to everything I know, the seven years at Hogwarts are like elementary school knowledge."

Hermione's eyes went wide. Then the rumors that he was on par with Dumbledore, even maybe above him were true. She had always thought that the others exaggerated it too much. It was a given since everything she knew about the magical world came from books and the books paint Dumbledore as almost a godly human being.

Ron asked, "What's elementary school?"

Harry laughed, "Well it's a school where you go to learn the basics Ron. Like reading and writing."

Ron nodded. The trio kept walking the rest of the distance in silence. Hermione's mind was racing, even after seeing all that Harry does, she still refused to believe that he was above Dumbledore but now he is saying that the seven years of Hogwarts are like elementary school to him?

As the trio reached the DADA classroom, they noticed that Quirrell was already inside waiting for the students. They quickly took their seats and waited for the others. Harry noticed that Quirrell seemed less nervous than before.

After all the students were seated, Quirrell started, "G-Good afternoon, e-everyone. T-Today, we will be r-r-revisiting some of the spells and c-c-creatures we've c-c-covered so far this year. It's important to keep p-p-practicing to ensure you can use these spells effectively in any situation."

Quirrell flicked his wand at the blackboard, where a list of every spells and creatures they had covered appeared.

"L-Let's start with the V-Verdimillious Charm," Quirrell said. "C-C-Can anyone remind us of the incantation and its effect?"

Hermione's hand shot up immediately. "Verdimillious produces green sparks that can reveal hidden objects and also be used as a light source. It can also be used as an offensive spell"

"Correct, Miss G-G-Granger. W-Would you like to d-d-demonstrate?" Quirrell asked.

Hermione nodded, stood up, and flicked her wand. "Verdimillious!" Bright green sparks shot out from her wand, illuminating the room briefly.

"E-Excellent," Quirrell praised. "N-Now, let's p-p-practice this spell. E-Everyone, please take out your wands."

After a while, Quirrell moved on. "N-Next, we'll review the K-Knockback Jinx. W-Who can tell me its incantation and use?"

This time, Harry raised his hand. "The incantation is 'Flipendo,' and it's used to knock back opponents or objects."

"V-Very good, Mr. P-P-Potter. Would you d-d-demonstrate, please?" Quirrell requested.

Harry stood up, aimed his wand(he had always used a small stick that Harry disguised as a wand in Quirrells class. He did the hand movements and everything with the stick while casting the spell wandless) at a nearby dummy, and confidently said, "Flipendo!" The dummy flew backward and crashed against the wall.

"W-Well done, Mr. P-Potter," Quirrell said. "N-Now, everyone, pair up and p-p-practice the Knockback Jinx."

The class proceeded with more practice, and Harry continued to perform each spell with ease. As they moved on to the creatures, Quirrell asked, "W-Who can tell me about I-Imps?"

Ron, feeling a bit more confident, raised his hand. "Imps are small, mischievous creatures that like to cause trouble. They're not very dangerous but can be annoying."

"E-Exactly, Mr. W-W-Weasley," Quirrell said, nodding. "L-Let's review how to deal with them. Any v-v-volunteers?"

Ron raised his hand again, and Quirrell gestured for him to proceed. He flicked his wand and cast a series of harmless spells to subdue the imaginary Imps. The rest of the class continued in a similar fashion, with Quirrell covering creatures like ghosts, hags, and zombies, interspersed with spell practice. Finally, the class ended, and Quirrell dismissed the students. 

As the trio walked out, Ron sighed, "The entire day today has been nothing but revisions."

Harry chuckled, "Its a good thing. Did you see how many students were still unable to perform the spells?"

Hermione nodded, "Yes, it was a good thing. But it is surprising how many students have still not grasped the spells yet. I mean many of them are from wizarding households"

Harry smirked, "It's because they are too comfortable Hermione. Why do you think there are not many great wizards? Precisely because many of them just rely on their pureblood family background to make decisions and rules and don't give a damn about learning magic properly"

Both Ron and Hermione thought about it as it made sense. As the continued walking towards the Gryffindor tower, Ron asked, "Could we, you know form something like a tutoring club or something which could at least help the students who want to learn?"

Harry looked pleasantly surprised at that. He had not thought about it but this could certainly work. Similar to the DA in the original story, not that he would be choosing this name if he was the one forming the club.

Hermione squealed in excitement, "That is a brilliant idea Ron. It could help really well specially with muggleborn students."

Ron blushed, "Yeah, well I just wanted to help. Like how Harry helps us, it would be good if someone could help the ones took magic seriously."

Harry nodded, "That's actually a great idea, Ron. We could really make a difference for those who want to learn and improve."

Hermione beamed, "We can start organizing it right away. We'll need a place to practice and a schedule that doesn't interfere with regular classes. And, of course, we'll need to spread the word to those who might be interested."

Ron grinned, "You should talk to Professor McGonagall about it, Harry. She might even help us find a suitable place to hold the meetings."

Harry agreed, "I'll do that. But first, I need to talk to Dumbledore about something important. You two go ahead and start planning. I'll catch up with you later."

As they approached the portrait of the Fat Lady, Harry said goodbye to his friends and headed towards Dumbledore's office. He muttered the password to the gargoyle, which sprang aside, and made his way up the spiral staircase.