To be a Lion

Chapter 1

By: writinggiveslife

Disclaimer: Nothing. I own nothing, nor am I making any money. All characters belong to JK Rowling, though the plot of this particular story belongs solely to me.

This is not a slash story, do not ask for it. However, it may have swearing, just to let you know, if that's something that bothers you.

Alright, everyone, this is one of my first fanfics. Please understand that I do not have the leisure of using the computer as often as I'd like, so bear with me! I will try my hardest to be prompt with updates, I promise you. I appreciate any reviews, be they flames or not. Anything to let me know my story isn't just sitting there gathering dust. Thanks!

On with the story…

"Harry, mate, we're going to be late for Transfiguration! We haven't even had had breakfast, so get your arse in gear!"

The dark-haired boy groaned, being pulled reluctantly back into the realm of wakefulness. He slowly opened his eyes to see Ron before him, already showered and in his uniform. His best friend bent over, shoveling Harry's things into his bag. The sixth year redhead had started to become more responsible, and Harry suspected that perhaps Hermione was wearing off on him.

He slowly got out of bed, and fumbled for his glasses, running his hand through his hair in a feeble attempt to tame it. He found his way to the shower, while trying to remember exactly why he had awoken so late. Normally he was up an hour earlier, completing homework left over from the previous night… Homework! That was it- He had stayed awake long into the night trying to finish his Potions essay, in addition to Transfiguration, Charms, and Divination textbook reading.

He sighed as he completed his shower. The teachers surely must plot on how to give the maximum amount of homework possible. Harry wasn't even completely sure if he had finished that Potions essay… Did it really matter, though? He was destined to get a failing grade and scathing comments from Snape anyway.

Slipping on his uniform and red and gold Gryffindor tie, Harry headed for the Common Room, where he was sure his two best friends were waiting for him. He smiled, seeing Ron and Hermione waiting for him as he stepped off the staircase into the Common Room. Ron sprang up from the couch he was sitting on, obviously eager for breakfast. Hermione laughed and rose as well.

"Morning, 'Mione, Ron… Did you both finish the Potions essay?" Harry asked them as they walked together towards the Great Hall. He almost hoped Ron would say no, so that he wouldn't be alone in having incomplete homework.

"Of course, Harry… Why, did you not finish yours?" questioned Hermione as they walked to the Gryffindor table, laden with aromatic food. Harry averted his eyes, not wanting another lecture from Hermione about the importance of completing homework. To his surprise, it didn't come. Hermione had rubbed off on Ron, and vice versa. Lately, Hermione was still her brilliant self, just slightly more laid back. Harry had to admit, they were wonderful for eachother.

As for himself, Harry felt like he wasn't ready for a significant other… He loved Ginny as a sister, he had realized, but he was thankful she had been so understanding when he told her. Harry just wasn't sure what he wanted at the moment. For now, he was content just to be with his friends.

"Well, I suppose I can help you with it during breakfast…" murmured Hermione, sitting down next to Ron, and gesturing for Harry to sit next to her. He complied, and munched on a piece of toast while getting out his incomplete essay on Essence of Murtlap's effects on everyday pain reliefs potions.

Finally, just as the Great Hall was clearing, Harry rolled up his parchment and stuck it in his bag. He had finished just in time, thanks to Hermione. He got up, thanking Hermione while Ron scarfed down a final piece of sausage.

Sitting down at a desk next to Ron's, Harry looked up to see what Professor McGonnagal was writing on the board. "Animagus Assignment" was written in her sharp script, filling the blackboard. Students started murmuring excitedly, and Harry nudged Ron. Hermione, on Harry's other side, leant over.

"You know, that's extremely advanced magic! Not all wizards and witches can perform it! I wonder why McGonnagal thinks we can handle it, I mean, we're only 6th Years!" said muttered quickly, sounding confused yet excited.

Harry was about to reply when Professor McGonnagal began to speak.

"Attention, class. Attention! Today, I would like to talk to you about a type of very difficult magic that deals with transfiguration. Not all wizards can use this magic, but those who can are called Animagi. As you know, I am an Animagus, and I take the form of a tabby cat.

"This is not learned magic- you are either born with it, or you are not. As 6th years, only the most powerful among your peers will be able to succeed in bringing forth their inner Animagi. We will be spending the next few weeks learning about this field of magic, and how to control it. I encourage each of you to try your hardest to at some point focus, and attempt to morph into your Animagus form."

As McGonnagal continued to talk, The Golden Trio became more excited. Harry smiled at the thought of transforming into some creature. He hoped if he had the ability, he would be something large, and powerful. He tried to imagine what his other classmates would be, and he laughed, picturing Malfoy as a weasel again.

After class, the three friends met outside of the Transfiguration classroom. Excitedly, Hermione and Ron spoke of what creatures they hoped to be, while Harry listened on. After a moment, he spoke.

" Personally, I think we should try to all find our Animagus by the end of the week… " Harry realized what he had said had sounded like something Hermione would say, by the way his friends were staring. "It's just, well, think about it! My dad, Lupin, Sirius, and… Wormtail all found their forms, and I just thought it would, y'know… be cool." He struggled over Wormtail's name uncomfortably, looking at his friends for their reactions.

After a moment of thought, Ron burst out, " That's bloody brilliant, Harry! Imagine how easily we can sneak out of-" He stopped, looking at Hermione sheepishly. "Well, yeah, I mean it would be cool." Hermione laughed.

"No, I agree, Harry. It would be educational, and as you two put it, erm, cool." She smiled as they began walking to their next class.

"So it's agreed! One week for us to find our Animagus forms! " Harry spoke, quite excited. He had something to look forward to during this week, at least. This was going to be brilliant.

Alright, Not really sure if I like how I ended that… It's really quite short, I know! Review and there will be more as soon as possible! Please, as this is technically my first fanfic that I intend to continue, all reviews will be a huge boost in confidence. Basically, I'll update once I get…5 reviews. Not that much to ask!

I forgot to mention this, but feel free to PM me at any time if you have an idea for this story- I have a rough idea of what I'd like to do, but I'm always open to suggestions. If I like your idea, I will make sure to thank you at the beginning of chapters.

Also, I've seen the traffic for this story- It's only been up a few hours, but it already has over 80 people who have read it- Don't be lazy! Review!

Severus: Yes, please do. Otherwise she shall whine incessantly to me. I swear, I will hex you if you do not review. Such laziness shall not be tolerated. That is all.

Harsh, Sev…

S: Do. Not. Call. Me-

Yeah, yeah, sorry, SEVERUS. There. I'm just grumpy 'cos no one will review. *pout* Guys, I have the next chapter all typed up and everything! I'm just waiting for 5 reviews from you.

Oh! Almost forgot- we haven't heard from him yet in the story, but Severus is pretty much my muse. You'll be hearing from him in Author's notes, etc.

S: Don't be sure of that. I certainly have better ways to spend my time…

Oh. Um. He's not always very nice to me… TT^TT

S: Do you expect me to be? It is not in my nature.

Sev, you're in a bad mood. Did you spill potion in your hair again?

S: Never, ever call me Sev. Do you hear me? And it is no concern of yours the state my hair is in.

Ah, so you did. Oh well, Bye for now! Review and maybe Sev (heehee) won't be so mean! FIVE REVIEWS! AT LEAST!

S: I TOLD YOU NOT TO CALL ME SEV!

Oops. ^-^ Bye!