Journey To Hogwarts, old - thread closed Options

[evlpez]

Okay folks. I know many of you have no care to explore 'ships and alt universe stuff, but I wanted to get something else moving in our brains.
Here is a short installment of an AU story about James Potter, son to Harry and Ginny. This is all that is written so far.

Rather than chapter-long installments, let's try just a few paragraphs at a time and see how it develops.

The story begins with James' first ride on the Hogwarts Express. I see James as a bit of a loner, coping silently with being related to a celebrity and unsure about his own place in the world. He is more mature than his age and is intelligent, brave and has a darkness about him. (He isn't evil or bad, though.) I see a bit of a 'young Remus' in this James. I have written in one baby brother, but there may be up to 5 children in the Potter family, considering Ginny's experience with a large family and Harry's feelings about having a different, lonlier childhood.

JOURNEY TO HOGWARTS

James Potter sat in an otherwise empty compartment of the Hogwarts Express, looking out the window and eagerly waiting for it to pull away from the platform. He could barely sit still. He felt only a twinge of guilt at his hasty good-bye to his parents, having felt awkward as always standing there with one of the most famous wizards in history. He needed to get away and be by himself on this train before he was bombarded by cousins and other curious people. He loved his cousins, but he always felt a little different from all of them. Not better, but something about being who he was had made him… alone. He preferred being alone at important times like this; important to him, anyway. His first trip on the Hogwarts Express, this was the beginning of his journey to become someone. To make a name for himself that wasn't automatically followed by 'the son of Harry Potter'. He glanced at the cage he had set on the bench opposite only moments before. His new owl, a young brown Tawny, stared back at him. He still hadn't given him a name, despite his mother's prodding.

"Just pick something, James. He's just an owl, not your firstborn child," she had said that morning while juggling a breakfast pan with her wand hand and his baby brother with the other. His father intervened as he took baby Albert off her hands.

"Now, now… this isn't just any owl. It's his owl. James will name him when he needs to. It's important to some people, Gin. This little guy is going to be more than just his owl, he'll be a friend." James smiled at his dad then. He understood. He understood a lot of things about James that his mother just couldn't, not that she didn't try.

James' new owl hooted, reminding him of a penny whistle. It was such a different voice than Hedwig's. James smiled. His father had known that this owl should be as different as he could be from Hedwig.

Continue, introducing at least one new character, maybe a Weasley Cousin (one of the twins' kids?).

[agrippa]

He stared out the window as the country-side flew by, fingering the wand in his pocket.

“Mahogany, 10 1/2 inches, Dragon Heartstring core… very interesting,” Mr. Olivander had said. “This particular dragon was a Hungarian Horntail.”

“Why did he say, ‘Very interesting,’ Dad?” James had asked Harry when they’d left the store.

Harry grinned and ruffled James’ hair. “I think he says that to everybody.”

It’s a good wand, James thought. I like dragons.

The compartment door slid open. James looked up to see a red-haired, freckle-faced girl and a tall blond boy.

“Ha! Found you, didn’t I, cousin!” said the girl.

“Hello, Serena,” James said dully. Just what I need – little miss jabberjaw.

She turned to the blond boy. “This is my cousin, James Potter. His dad Harry – well, you know.”

“Wow!” said the boy. “Hi. I’m Philip. Philip McKenzie.”

“Philip’s a first year too,” said Serena, winding up for her spiel. “His parents are both muggles, and he lives in London. He was just telling me about the day his Hogwarts letter came – his parents were so surprised – but he’s really excited – and we were just talking about the Sorting – he doesn’t know what house he wants to be in – but I’m wanting Gryffindor, of course – and I’m sure you’ll be in Gryffindor too - ”

James interrupted. “Well, I don’t know. Ravenclaw wouldn’t be so bad, would it?”

Serena looked appalled. “What do you mean? Uncle Harry and Aunt Gin were both in Gryffindor, and my mum and dad, and Uncle Ron…”

“I know. The whole family.” James sighed. “Would it be so bad for one of us to be a little different for a change?”

“Oh, James!” Serena grinned. “Always so independent. Next you’ll be saying you’re not going to play Quidditch!”

James tried to look serious, but he broke into a wide grin.

“My uncle is a wizard, so he’s been explaining things to me since my letter came.” Philip looked nervous. “Both of you’ve flown a broom before, I guess.”

“Oh, loads of times,” Serena said before James could open his mouth. “We play all the time with our cousins.”

Philip looked worried. “Oh. I’ve never - ”

“No worries,” said James. “It’s easy.” Try to change the topic, he pulled a velvet bag out of his knapsack. “Gobstones, anyone?”

(Take the next paragraph as you wish. I’ve left it intentionally vague as to who’s child Serena is – although she’s obviously not Ron’s.)

[bakbam]

Philip looked down at the bag. "No! I am too nervous to play anything." He glanced over at Serena. " I just wonder if the teachers are nice?"

"They are nice enough." exclaimed James as if everyone knew the teachers on a personal level. "Our headmistress McGonagall is a very strict women , but the Herbology teacher Professor Longbottom is very nice. "

Philip stood with his mouth open wide. "How do you know ?"

"My dad and mum know everyone. They have them to dinner often." James quietly replied.

"They are wonderful. Professor Lovegood is a bit of a wierdo , but they say she is a fine teacher. She teaches DADA." Serena added.

The compartment door slid open. A young boy and girl entered, wearing prefect badges. The boy reached over to James, put his hand on his head and messed his hair up.

"Hi, you two! How have you been?" He looked over to the unfamilar face. "Hi. I'm Freddrick Percival Weasley. This is my cousin, Lily Anne Potter. Please call me Freddy."

Philip peered at the two in utter confusion. "How much of your family is here?"

Lily held up her fingers and began to think. "Well James and I are brother and sister, Freddy is Uncle Ron's son. Serena is Uncle George's daughter, and then there are the older cousins, but I am sure you will meet more of them later. "

"How many Uncles do you have?"

Freddy chimed in. "There were seven in the family all together, but Uncle Percy died at the hands of Voldemort, and Uncle Fred died during the..."

"That is enough! You know we're not allowed to talk about that around others," yelled James, who was now very angry.

Philip's eyes got wide. "I'm sorry, I was just asking".

The compartment door opened again. This time it was the food trolley. Everyone in the room was very quiet. They got their sweets from the trolley, sat down quietly and began eating .

James opened his chocolate frog, looked at his card and quickly set it face down beside him.

Lily looked over at James. "Who did you get, little brother? "

This post has been edited by evlpez: Jan 8 2004, 03:53 PM

[evlpez]

James stuffed the frog in his mouth and didn't answer. He turned his gaze back to the passing countryside.

Serena ignored the tension in the compartment and snatched up James' card. Her face split into a wide grin and she turned to Lily with the card.

"Right, then." Lily beamed. "Thanks Serena. This will go into the collection for Dad," She said as she handed it to Freddy.

Philip shook his head. "Your Dad collects trading cards?"

Freddy smiled with a mischevious look at Lily.

"He used to when he was younger. Now he just gets our extras. He makes such a big deal out of it, even though we know he really doesn't care about them. Thing is, though…"

Freddy piped in, "We hide his cards."

Philip looked blankly at him.

"I mean, he's never seen his own wizard card! His mentor, Albus Dumbledore once said he didn't care what other wizards said about him professionally, so long as they didn't take him off the wizard cards. He was brilliant." Freddy's eyes glossed over.

"So when my father found out they had started making Harry Potter cards, he was very keen to get one," Lily chimed in, "But every time one of us kids gets one, we hide it. He thinks it must be the rarest wizard card in circulation. We've been collecting them for him for years and years. We've about… " Lily looked to Freddy.

"2, 784. It's the most common one. Someday, we're going to jinx them and give them to him all at once." Freddy straightened up, adjusted his badge and turned to Lily. "Shall we go? I think I saw some first year Slytherin wannabes in the last car. Let's go give some 'Charms lessons'."

Lily winked at Philip and they left the compartment.

Philip was horrified. "Those two are prefects? I thought prefects are supposed to be…"

James turned to him, bored. "They're not real prefects. If you'd read their badges, you'd have seen they said 'Perfect'."

Serena smiled proudly. "They're 'Marauders', Philip."

This post has been edited by evlpez: Dec 16 2003, 10:34 AM

[agrippa]

“Marauders?”

“Yeah,” said Serena, admiration sparkling in her eyes. James rolled his eyes, but Serena took no notice. “The original Marauders were James’ grand-dad and his friends – a gang of mischief-makers. My dad and my uncle Fred were kinda like Marauders when they were a Hogwarts, too – although they didn’t use that name. And so were Uncle Harry and Uncle Ron, sort of – well they had the map, anyway – but it wasn’t until Freddy and Lily started Hogwarts that they started using the name ‘Marauders’ again. Everyone thinks that they’re the best!”

“Don’t be fooled, Philip,” James said. “Some of their jokes are pretty funny – but they’re not all that great. Besides, if Freddy ever got in any real trouble, his mom would absolutely kill him. If Freddy doesn’t make his grades, he’s in hot water.”

“That’s certainly true. But Freddy also has his mum’s brains,” said Serena.

“Thank goodness for that,” James quipped. “If he had Uncle Ron’s -”

A loud bang echoed in the corridor, and Lily and Freddy slipped back into the compartment.

“If anyone asks,” said Freddy solemnly, “we’ve been in here the whole time.”

(You’ll notice I’m dropping hints that Ron’s married to Hermione. But do with it what you will.)

[bakbam]

The compartment door was thrown open. In the doorway stood two girls. They were wearing their school robes with Slytherin colors. The tallest girl, who looked as friendly as a swarm of killer bees, stared Lily down.

"I can guess it was you who threw the Whiz Bangs in the last compartment." The girl snarled at Lily.

Lily stood up with her wand held tight by her side. "What, did the giant lion firecracker scare all the slimey little snake wannabes into hiding?"

Freddy jumped up beside her and raised his wand. He begged for a reason to curse the girls. After peering around the compartment the girls turned their backs and left. James walked out the door as quickly as the girls had.

"Where is he going?" Freddy asked Lily.

Lily shrugged her shoulders then pulled out her Wizards Chess set. Philip went looking for James. After walking the length of the train twice over, Philip found James sitting alone in the front reading a book. He went and sat down beside him. He was looking out the window.

Philip finally spoke. "So is your family always that crazy?"

James put his book down then spoke. "What do you want? You want to hear about how the famous Harry Potter killed Voldemort and saved everyone from his evil powers? How about this one, you want to know about the time that one of the great Weasley twins sacrificed his life to save Harry and Ron, or there is the one when..."

Philip interupted. "I can't say I care to know anymore about all that than I have already been told or read about. I am muggle born, I have no friends, I don' t know anyone. I am simply trying to make a new friend here, but I can see that you are not up for making friends so I will leave. "

"I am sorry I just - I am so tired of people asking me about what happened 20 years ago." James was feeling guilty for the way he had yelled him.

Philip and James looked up at the sound of the opening door. There was a small group of first years standing in the doorway. They didn't look very happy to see someone sitting in their seats.

This post has been edited by McGonagall's Cat: Jan 18 2004, 02:25 PM

[evlpez]

- written by evlpez & agrippa

James looked at the four angry looking boys and smiled, prepared. He stood and stepped in front of Philip, who got to his feet.

"You two get an invitation to be in my compartment?" The smallest one said. James looked at him, his mouth falling open.

"Well, well, well," the boy continued. "If it isn't my long-lost cousin, James."

"Another cousin?" said Philip in amazement.

"Er - second cousin. How are you, Duke? I had no idea that you -"

"Oh? Suprised, are you? Thought that wizard blood only ran on your side of the family, did you? Dad wasn't too pleased when my letter came from Hogwarts, but he never could tell me 'no' when I really wanted something. I'm going to be twice the wizard you will ever be."

A knot was forming in James' stomach. He hadn't seen Duke except in pictures, and he was certainly suprised to find him on the Hogwarts Express. Duke's dad and James' dad were cousins, but the Dursleys had always hated everything about the wizarding world. Then again, Duke and James shared a set of great-grandparents, so it was possible.

Although Duke was thin - nothing like his dad - he had three hulking friends, who were now advancing menacingly on James and Philip. James quickly played out in his head the ways this confrontation could go and decided they would probably have to resort to fighting. No problem, he thought. He steadied himself when Philip stepped in between the two, towering over them all. He was the calmest James had seen him since meeting. Philip just looked into Duke's eyes and stepped forward, forcing Duke to step back. Not a word was said. He turned and looked at the three thugs in the doorway, whose faces went blank as they quietly moved to let James and Philip pass. James could feel something radiating from Philip, but couldn't guess what kind of charm he'd used.

When they closed the gate behind them in the next car, James put a hand on Philip's shoulder.

"What was that, Philip?"

"I'm not sure," Philip shrugged, "but it was clear we'd have to fight if we didn’t do something. I don't mind that so much, but I just thought we wouldn't want to get ourselves into trouble before we even get to school. Besides, I've learned that sometimes just a look is all it takes to stop someone from beating me to a pulp."

James shook his head, "No. You used a charm or something, didn't you?"

"I don't know any charms, James," Philip smiled. "But it was pretty cool, wasn't it? I've been using that trick to avoid trouble all my life."

James decided he wanted to know more about Philip McKenzie, and the new friends made their way back to their compartments to change into their robes.

Notes: Big thanks go to agrippa, who helped me with the foil character. I instinctively thought "Malfoy!" when bakbam gave us the boys at the compartment door, but decided (with a suggestion from agrippa) that we don't need another story about the Potter-Malfoy feud. I sent him my first draft and he gave me a DURSLEY! (Is he clever or what?)
We wondered how the young muggleborn Dursley would have wizard friends so quickly, and agrippa suggested that maybe Dudley sent him to some posh quidditch camp over the summer. It works for me!
Duke Dursley is named after one of Dudley's favorite childhood video games.
It's macho, and easy to spell.


A note from Agrippa, too: It's my assumption that, at the very least, Vernon Dursley is either dead, permanently incapacitated, or totally unaware of his grandson's actions. He'd be none too pleased.

[agrippa]

As the train slowed down, James found himself staring out the window with Philip as they pulled into Hogsmeade station. James had been here countless times before, of course. Even before Lily started Hogwarts, the family had made the trip countless times. He remembered being here for Dumbledore’s grand retirement party. He remembered being here for the most recent Tri-Wizard Tournament, in which his dad had been head judge. He remembered being here just last spring to pick up Lily after she finished her second year.

And yet James’ anxiety was growing. Was it just about Duke? James wondered. He decided that his feelings were bigger than that: no matter how often he’d been here, he’d never been here without his dad. Even with Lily here, happily chatting now with Freddy and their friend Marcus Wood, he felt the tension building.

He glanced at Philip, wondering what he must be feeling. Philip wore a broad grin as he took in the view that spread before them. Over the lake from the station, the high towers of Hogwarts glimmered in the twilight.

“Firs’ years, this way!” Hagrid’s familiar voice called over the din of students exiting the train. Philip looked up at the half-giant and then at James. James tried to reassure Philip with a small grin, but he found his face buried in moleskin.

“James!” laughed Hagrid. “Yer finally here! Good t’ see you. Get in t’ th’ boat, yeh scalawag!”

He ushered James and Philip into a boat where they were joined by several other new students. The nervous chatter faded into the background of James’ mind as the boats glided across the lake. He stared, solitary, at the castle – large, imposing, warm, mysterious. So this was Hogwarts. He felt as if he were seeing it for the first time.

Notes:
Obviously, the sorting is next. I’m going to work on a sorting hat song unless somebody’s already working on one – even if I have to insert it into somebody else’s story.

[agrippa]

The new first-years piled up the stone steps in a mob, straining to see inside the banquet hall. But at the top, a round-faced wizard held up his hand, and the group became silent.

"Er - welcome!" said Prof. Longbottom. "Now just calm down. The sorting's about to begin. This way, please. Oh - wait - I nearly forgot. Hagrid found somebody's pet toad."

He held up a large green toad with bulging eyes. "Does this belong to anyone?"

An excited boy near the back nearly knocked James over as he rushed to the front. "Rupert!" shouted the boy, hugging his toad to his chest. The rest of the students laughed. Blushing, he looked up at Prof. Longbottom. "Thanks, professor."

"Not at all. Something very similar happened to me on my first day at Hogwarts," he said with a smile. "All right, everyone? Let's go!"

The group moved quietly into the great hall, its enchanted ceiling sparkling with stars. A teacher James had never seen before brought out a small stool, put an old hat on it, and said, "Let the Sorting begin!"

And with that, a tear in the hat opened, drew a deep breath, and began to sing:

So many years have come and gone
since Hogwarts first was founded,
when four brave souls put up these walls
and did with charms surround it.

Then I was made for but one job:
to peek into the mind
of every student ent’ring here,
and houses to assign.

For each of those who built the school,
who made my point and brim,
prized diff’rent qualities in those
who came to learn from them.

Brave Gryffindor, the lion-heart,
sought those both loyal and bold;
for Ravenclaw, the brainy maid,
the mind must power hold.

Sly Slytherin, the wily kind,
loved those with great ambition;
and Hufflepuff, the kindly lass,
took all, in any condition.

So now, sit down and try me on,
you noggins full of dreams!
Inside your head I’ll see the truth –
not all is what it seems.

But badger, eagle, snake or lion
I want you each to hear
that Hogwarts School unites us all.
So let’s begin the year!

[evlpez]

This is a bit longer than I intended.. you know how it is when the creative juices start pumping. I only wish the Yule Duel was calling out to me like this story! Besides, in addition to all the sorting hat stuff, I wanted to spend a moment on the new Professor agrippa gave us. I hope someone has more ideas about who she could be.

James found himself at the very front of the crowd of nervous First Years, gazing at the Sorting Hat. Flanked on either side by Serena and Philip, he became very aware that he had a decision to make. The faces of all his family flashed in his mind. Gryffindor scarves and banners waved madly; a memory of the view round him in the stands at the Triwizard Cup's First Task. He glanced at Serena, her face beaming with the proud confidence of knowing where she belonged.
If only I could be so sure, he thought desperately. He closed his eyes and recalled the conversation with his father the morning after James' Hogwarts letter arrived.

James had hardly slept the previous night. His mind was racing with dreams of the Great Hall, his own wand and playing quidditch.

"What if I'm not in Gryffindor, Dad?" James had asked, quietly. Harry looked surprised.

"Well James, that wouldn’t be so bad. I mean, you wouldn't have your family around you so much, but you'd make plenty of very good friends to… " He paused. "Look, son. The Sorting isn't a random thing. The hat isn't going to make you be someone you're not. It wanted to put me in Slytherin, if you can believe that."

"But why would.."

"It doesn't matter now. It was my decision that put me in Gryffindor. I just kept thinking anything but Slytherin."

James was puzzled. "You mean it just sorts you however you want?"

Harry smiled, "Almost. James, you know how I feel about Gryffindor House; how our whole family feels about Gryffindor House. Your mother and I would be thrilled if that is where you end up, surrounded by people who love you and care for you. But son, part of being sorted is choosing where you feel you belong, and if you think you're better off in Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff, the hat will understand, and so will we."

James grinned.

"Slytherin is another matter," Harry looked deeply into James' eyes then, very serious. "No matter what anyone tells you James, no matter how many good wizards have come from Slytherin, just being who you are means you wouldn't be safe in that House. Even if you thought you'd be suited there…"

James shook his head, his eyes wide. Never, in a million years, he thought. He could never share a House with the likes of those who had hurt his family so much.

He was brought back to the present by an elbow from Philip, who then nodded towards the Hat. Duke Dursley sat proudly and smirked as the Hat's piercing voice shouted, "SLYTHERIN!" Duke removed the hat, plopping it back down on the stool as he joined his housemates. James' eyes followed, noticing a couple of Duke's friends from the train already sitting there. James wondered for a moment how a muggleborn would survive in Slytherin house. He had a brief daydream of Duke being ostracized and neglected when Philip's eyes met his.

"Wish me luck, James." He said, then turned and slowly walked up to the stool and sat. James suddenly noticed he had a very good view of the tall new Professor conducting the Sorting. A younger witch than most of the Professors he knew personally, she had very long, auburn hair. She wore it loose and as she turned to face him, the layers lay in bouncy curls around her face. She was unusually pretty. James caught himself staring when she locked her eyes on his and smiled, her eyes twinkling. He looked down to the floor nervously, when he realized people had begun whooping and cheering. Serena was among them, and clapping James on the back, hard.

"Gryffindor, James! I knew Philip would be with us!" Her voice hushed as she pushed out her ramble for James' ears only, "I-had-a-really-good-feeling-about-him-you-know-he's-really-clever-but-kind-of-nervous-most-of-the-time but-I-knew-he-would-probably-be-in-Gryffindor and-I'm-usually-right-about-these-kinds-of-things…" James tuned out, suddenly stricken with the realization that he might have lost his first and only unrelated friend at Hogwarts.

If I ask the hat for Ravenclaw… well I don't know anyone in there, do I? I'd meet people I could make friends with, but then how much time would I spend recounting the stories of my family again and again? On the other hand, I could ask the hat to put me in Gryffindor and I could be with Philip… but then I'd have to be around Serena all the time and her babbling… probably never get anything done, not to mention get lumped in with Lily's mischief and all the Weasleys.

James looked up to the Headmistress. Professor McGonagall was looking directly at him, her stern face lined with years of knowledge and experience. She was a strange witch, really. Brilliant mind, he'd heard, and strict. How on earth could she have been a Gryffindor?

"James Potter," the new Professor called, looking at him.

James stepped forward and paused, looking back out over the crowded Hall. It was silent. You could hear a pin drop. His stomach fluttered, and he couldn't let his eyes rest anywhere. He turned again and stepped up to the stool, sitting down and sighing as the hat fell over his eyes.

"Hmmm. Potter, why are you making this so difficult? You're more like your father than your sister was."

James' collar got warm. What do you mean? You're not going to try and put me in Slytherin. I'd die in that house.

The hat chuckled, then. "This isn't hard for me, boy. I can see clearly where you belong. It's you who are uncertain."

I know. I'm not like the rest of them though, am I? I've been so excited about maybe not being hounded by family if I was in Ravenclaw. But then I met someone I want to be around. And you've gone and put him in Gryffindor.

"Ravenclaw, eh? And beside this great intellectual potential I see, *snicker*, what makes you think you'd be in Ravenclaw?"

James was shocked. Well there's nothing wrong with Hufflepuff, either… I mean.. well, no offense but I just thought..

"You thought wrong. You do have a great mind, boy, no doubt about that. And you do have ambition. And yes, your loyalty and willingness to work hard stands out among these qualities. But boy, you've forgotten that you are yourself, no matter what I or anyone else thinks."

James sighed, and the hat fell silent.

You're right. I am. James smiled. So just say it then, will you? They're all staring.

"GRYFFINDOR!"

[bakbam]

James looked over at the Gryffindor table. He gave a slight chuckle as he walked to sit beside Philip.

"What are you laughing at? Philip asked rather curiously.

"It almost looks like dinner with the family." James pointed around the table at all the red headed children. "The Weasley genes are much stronger then most."

James pointed around the table at all the red headed children. "The Weasley genes are much stronger then most."

Philip eyed all the students while counting on his fingers. "Wow! There are what? Six, seven, no eight counting you."

James had a skeptical look on his face. "Well not exactly. The two next to Lily are Uncle Bill's kids. Twins! Finley and Fiona. They are prefects this year." James could tell by the look on Philip's face he was very confused. "They are part Veela. That is why they don't have the red hair."

Professor McGonagall gave her welcoming speech before the feast began. After everyone had their stomachs full they began talking, mostly of Quiddich. Philip was very interested in the subject. James changed the topic quickly. He began arguing with Lily about who was going to tell their father about Duke being at Hogwarts. Lily won the argument.

As soon as the feast was over Lily went straight to the owlery to send the message. James and Philip started up the stairs with all the other first years. Serena soon caught up with them. She pointed out a small area of swamp to Philip.

"This was done about 20 years ago by Uncle Fred and Dad. They quit school right after this prank. Thankfully they were allowed to take their N.E.W.T's anyway. The Headmaster pulled a few strings. Considering everything that went on that year the examiners felt a bit sorry for them. " Serena smiled to the boys and briskly walked away.

Finley began yelling from the top of the stairs. "Plenty of time for stories later. Come on, Come on, or you will get lost. "

James mumbled under his breath. "I know where I am going you git."

"Expecto Patronum! This is the password. If you don't remember it you will not be able to get in the common room." Fiona explained.

James headed straight for his room. He and Philip were unpacking when the door came open. Two boys stammered in. One of the boys was very tall with dark hair and dark eyes. The other boy looked as if he had fallen of the back of a truck. He was dressed very poorly. He carried a large toad tightly in his hands.

Philip extended his hand to the boys asking for their names.

The tall boy stood proud. "I'm Carson Bones."

"I'm Allan Smith." The toad jumped out of his hands and headed under the bed. "He is a bit nervous."

Carson questioned James. "You're the Potter boy aren't you? My Auntie thought I might be here with you."

James crawled in bed and closed his curtain. "Yes I am a Potter. Good Night!"

This post has been edited by evlpez: Jan 8 2004, 03:16 PM

[McGonagall's Cat]

He wasn't sure what time it was, though it was certainly still dark. With the strangeness of the new surroundings it took him a moment to orient himself, during which time he heard the noise again. A low moaning, or was it a shudder, a quiet cry? He couldn't quite tell where it came from either. James inched his bed curtain open just enough to peek out and saw that Phillip was looking out from his curtained bed also. Phillip nodded his head toward the bed in the corner

Moonlight streaked across the floor in a fluid undulation until abruptly being forced toward the ceiling by the red velvet surrounding the other boy's bed. A Dali window of light emphasized the lack of familiarity of this new place, which James found more interesting that alarming. Then he noticed Phillip walking on catfeet to the source of the noise, distorting the moonlight as he crossed the room and casting a gigantic modulating black silhouette of himself on the stone wall. He seemed to take a deep breath while staring at the curtain, holding his hands palms-toward-it, but not disturbing it in any manner. After a short while he climbed back into his own bed.

The moaning ceased before Phillip had left the other part of the room.

[bakbam]

Philip woke James up early the next morning. "Come on James hurry up! Lets go get some breakfast."

The two boys headed down to the common room. There was a crowd around the bulletin board.

"Our classes!" Philip exclaimed as he was dragging James across the room. " We have our first class after breakfast."

James stood tiptoed so he could see the schedule." Herbology at 8:00, Charms at 10:00, lunch, and then Double Potions. "

Serena came running over to the boys. "Do you realize that we have halfl of our classes today with the Slytherins? I really don't like the idea of spending my morning with those"I think I am better than all of you because I am a pureblood" gits. At least we have potions with Ravenclaw."

James quickly changed the subject. "So have you made any new friends yet Serena?"

Serena crunched her face together as if trying to think. "No! I can't say that I have, but you know it will take time. The other girls think I talk to much."

The two boys looked at each other, trying to hold back their laughter.

"Now why would they think a thing like that Serena?" questioned James.

"I will tell you on the way to breakfast, I'm hungry." Serena said while she opened the portrait hole. On the way through the corridor Serena kept going on about how the girls wanted to go to bed last night, but she was to excited to sleep . She had stayed up most of the night talking to them about everything she knew about the school. Apparently none of the others wanted to hear any of her stories. They had thrown pillows at her, and one of the girls even tried to put a silencing spell on her.

All through breakfast Serena jabbered. Lily and Freddy arrived to breakfast with two of their friends. They sat across the table from James and the others.

After ten minutes of Serena's talking Freddy quickly took action. "SILENCIO." Lily statrted cracking up. "We told you to hush, you would'nt listen." Serena got up angrily and stormed out of the room.

James had finished eating when he glanced over at Allan and remembered Philip's charm work the night before. "Philip do you remember waking up in the middle of the night?"

"No! Why? Did I sleep walk or something?" Philip asked quite curiously.

"Yes, you did actually. Allan was whining in his sleep. Do you not remember? Anyway you walked over to his bedside and moved you hands over him. He stopped whining and you went back to sleep." James looked at him for some sort of explaination.

"I have been known to sleepwalk, maybe I should have warned you all last night."
Philip stared at the floor.

Lily had been listening to the conversation between the boys. "Don't be ashamed. It sounds like you are powerful with charms. Our family is strong in transfiguration. Our father is a Metamorphagus and our grandfather was an animagus. "

A smile formed on Philips face."Thats cool! Can either of you do that?"

I want to be animagus, but James here wants too take after our grandmother. She was gifted in charms like you . I don't think there is any hope for him." Lily answered curtly.

James' face turned red. "Shut up Lily. Let's go to our first class Philip."

The boys made their way to the Herbology room. Professor Longbottom was up to his elbows in potting soil when they arrived.

"Hello, James. How do you like the castle so far?" the Professor asked.

"Sucking up to the Professors already Potter? You must think you are special because of your daddy." Duke said as he entered the room.

"NO I DON'T!" James exclaimed.

Professor Longbotton shook the dirt from his hands. "That is enough. I will not tolerate bullying in my room. Do you understand?

Both Duke and James quietly said "Yes sir." and found a place to sit.

This post has been edited by bakbam: Jan 12 2004, 06:49 AM

[McGonagall's Cat]

"Herbology is very a very important aspect of magic. In this class we will learn to nurture and understand the world of plants, to use their power for our bidding and well-being." Professor Longbottom said as he faced the new class for its first session. He then pointedly added, "At some point all of us have been where you are now. We are all here to learn, so be kind and patient with eachother."

A cough came from the direction of Duke's little group that sounded suspiciously like "Lame".

With little more than a raised-eyebrow glance at the Slytherins, he continued, "The plant kingdom has energy and powers which we can tap into. Every problem or condition has a solution or rememdy that plants can provide for us. Being in tune with this energy can be a powerful ally in your magical work. Do not think of plants as inanimate objects. They have feelings, and will absorb your attitudes whether you intend them to or not."

Again Duke's group fidgetted and shuffled, this time their coughs sounded like, "Boring" and "Snore".

"Mr. Dursley, will you..." he paused deciding on which other student would best suit the lesson he was about to teach, "... and Miss Weasley, please come up here to the potting table and assist me?" he calmly continued.

Guffaws and teasing aimed at Duke came from the Slytherins as he stood up and swaggered toward the potting table. Serena was already there by the time he had sauntered to the front.

Neville placed several pots, a pitchur of water, a pile of gravel, and a container of soil on the table. He then pulled two tall leafy plants from one of the rows in the greenhouse, and brought them to the table at the front of the room.

Serena looked trustingly at the Herbology teacher.

"These are Amazonius Reticulous. They are integral in several potions which cure sleeping curses and certain muscular problems." Neville said as he placed them in front of Serena and Duke. "Notice the beautiful shades of fuscia and apricot in the flowers."

Duke rolled his eyes and mocked Professor Longbottom's words while Serena closely examined the delicate flowers on the plant nearest to her.

"These are heavy feeders who need either an abundant supply of nutrients, as they get from their natural habitat, or frequent repotting. Place some of the stones in the bottom of the new pot and about a quart of soil." the Professor instructed.

Duke made a big show of noisily tossing rocks into the container, and spilled quite a bit of soil as he transfered it, smirking and acting as though this was all beneath him.

"Now, please gently grasp the stem near the base so we can transfer these plants to their new containers." Neville said with a small smile as he leaned back against the wall at the end of the table.

Serena gently picked her plant out of its old pot. She felt something like a soft caring contentment envelop her hands and arms as she moved the plant. Smiling, she glanced at the class. She was shocked to see that they were all staring open-mouthed at other end of the table.

Showing off, Duke had roughly grabbed his plant and jerked it from its pot. The plant had retailiated by spinning no less than a dozen thick tendrills around his upper torso, pinning his arms to his sides and blocking his ability to let any sound escape from his mouth. The plant seemed to have grown to three times its original size, and it somehow looked angry. Duke frantically squirmed, which only caused the plant to throw more tendrils about his body.

"This particular species is exceptionally receptive of the emotions with which we approach it." Professor Longbottom patiently stated. "It is particularly cogenizent of rude intentions.' he added dryly.

Half the class giggled. A very red blush could be seen spreading across the portions of Duke's face not covered with tendrils and leaves. Neville, asking Serena to assit, approached Duke's plant and began talking nicely to it. Serena followed suit, also admiring the delicate colours of the blooms and the gloss of its leaves. As the plant absorbed the appreciation and admiration it released its hold on young Dursley, and relaxed back to its original size.

"As I said, plants have feelings, and will absorb your attitudes whether you intend them to or not." Professor Longbottom reiterated as Duke glared daggers at him. "Please remember not to underestimate the other entities in this world we live in!"

[zymurgy]

When they emerged from the Herbology lesson, Duke was none too happy. In fact, he was downright angry. Of course, being a bully, he felt there had to be someone to blame other than himself. He felt that that someone would have to be Serena, not to mention Philip and James.

He waited by the entrance for Serena to leave the greenhouse, and followed her closely, along with his two rather bulky friends. As soon as they were sure there weren’t any teachers in sight, Duke abruptly pulled Serena round to face him.

“What did you have to do that for?” he growled.

Serena tried to pull away, “What?” she protested, “I didn’t do anything!”

Duke grinned nastily. “That plant, you made it get mad at me,” he said, and promptly knocked her off her feet.

She lay on the floor for a moment, stunned. Then she reached for her wand. “You crazy muggle-born!” she shrieked, “The plant was mad at YOU! YOU made it that way! It was your own fault!” Before she could curse Duke with whatever it was she had in mind, James leapt in between the two.

“Stop it,” he commanded, “Now.”

Duke backed up a pace, not knowing what to do when confronted with a wand, “What?” he sneared, “Is the great James Potter scared? Scared I’ll heart this baby?”

James turned and silently helped Serena to her feet. “It’s not worth it,” he said to her, “He’s not worth getting expelled for. Leave it be.”

Serena knocked James’ arm away from her, “So I’m supposed to just walk back on to the castle and pretend that nothings happened? Am I supposed to just let people knock me over when they feel like it!?” she yelled at James, still clutching her wand.

Philip decided to join the fray. “Serena,” he said, “look. Go back to the greenhouse, and tell Professor Longbottom. He’ll help.”

Duke sneared. “Baby,” he taunted, “Going back to the professor for help. Baby’s afraid.” James turned to face Duke.

“Leave her alone,” he said.

Duke grinned. This was going to be fun. “Make me,” he said.

James turned to Philip. Philip narrowed his eyebrows, and turned back to Serena.

“If you get mad and curse him,” he said, quietly, “Than your doing what he wants. He wants you to hurt him. He wants you do break the rules so that he can see you get punished for it. Don’t let him.”

Serena made an exasperated motion with her hand. “I won’t!” she yelled, at them all. “I won’t be pushed around.”

Duke smiled again, keen on the chase, “What are you going to do about it, baby?” he asked.

Before James or Philip could do a thing, Serena had hexed Duke. Duke fell to his knees, and seemed to be having some sort of allergic reaction. Dukes friends panicked, and ran back to the greenhouse, probably to get Professor Longbottom to help.

James looked at Serena, who was shaking with anger, and sighed. “Now you’ve done it. You should have let me.”

Serena put her wand away and snapped. “Why?” she said, acidly, “I noticed you weren’t so uppity about breaking the rules before. Silencing me at breakfast! You think you're better than I am. Admit it!”

James sighed. “No, I don’t,” he said, “and I’m sorry about what happened at breakfast. I just don’t want you to get into trouble that’s all. What did you do to him?” He motioned to the prone form of Duke which was shaking and sneezing. Serena raised an eyebrow and surveyed her handiwork.

“Allergy charm,” she said, simply.

Just then, they saw a rather harried Professor Longbottom immerge from the greenhouse followed by Duke'sfriends.

“You explain,” she said to Philip and James, as she picked up her scattered books and hurried off.

Philip and James looked at each other wondering what to do now. “Finite incantatem,” muttered James.

Duke recovered, slowly, still on the ground, looking around wildly. “You cursed me,” he said, staring at James.

Professor Longbottom hurried up to Duke. He frowned in distast. “Are you allright?” he asked.

Duke sat up and shuddered slightly. “I think so,” he said.

Longbottom frowned again. “Get back to the castle, you have classes. You two, go with him,” he ordered, “If you feel badly during the day, go the nurse.”

Duke and his friends shuffled off, talking excitedly in hushed voices. Longbottom turned and stared at James. “Why did you have to do that, James?” he asked.

“I didn’t,” protested James, but was cut off by his professor.

“Stop it,” he said, “I saw you sparring in my class. I even told you to quit. But no, you had to keep it up. I’m disappointed in you, James. I figured you’d be the kind that would stand up to people without resorting to physical violence. Twenty points from Gryffindore.”

James opened his mouth, changed his mind, and shut it again. Nobody ever bothered to listen to his explanations anyhow. He’d been blamed for many thins that his siblings had done, and everybody still believed their stories over his.

However, Philip wasn’t going to stand by and take it. “He didn’t hex him,” he said to Professor Longbottom, “Serena did. Duke hit her, and knocked her down, said she’d set the plant on him. She got mad, and hexed him. James was trying to make them stop!”

Longbottom’s eyes narrowed as he looked from one to the other. “My office,” he said, shortly, “Now.’

sorry for the length- and that it happens to have gone a good deal farther than I originally intended. I only wanted a bit on Duke, and it just grew.