Chapter 2 Harry goes to Hogwarts

Harry threw some old Dudley clothes in a corner, and sat down. There was a bed, wardrobe, and dresser in the room. Boxes were stacked along one wall, and old toys littered the floor.

He went to visit Kneazle, in his mind.

"Where have you been," asked Kneazle. "You usually aren't gone this long."

"I've been busy," said Harry. "I told you about those unusual letters that were disturbing those I live with. They tried to avoid them by taking a trip up north. While you were sleeping, a huge man, Hagrid, delivered one personally. He said I was going to get my letter, and nothing would stop him. The guy was scary, without trying to be. Vernon tried to act tough, but the big guy just ate his food. Hagrid told me things about magic people. I am a wizard, and have been enrolled at their school, for years. I have a bank account. I bought a lot of books and supplies. Hagrid gave me a postal owl, as a gift. They carry mail, for wizards."

"You don't care much, for owls and hawks," said Kneazle. "What are you going to do with this one?"

"Hagrid said owls are useful," said Harry. "I am supposed to be able to bring an owl, cat, or toad with me, to school. They call them a familiar, what ever that means."

"So," said Kneazle, "I won't see you after school any more?"

"I will be going to Scotland for ten months out of the year," said Harry. "I don't know if I am even coming back. This place means little to me. I was thinking about trying to move to an orphanage anyway. My relatives don't really want me here, and now, as a wizard, they are afraid of me. I don't think afraid is a good thing. They knew my parents were magical, and it seems they hoped I wasn't. They didn't want me going to wizard school."

"Get rid of the owl," said Kneazle. "Take me with you. It sounds exciting, to go exploring in a new place."

"Won't you miss this place, or the other kneazles?" asked Harry.

"No," said Kneazle. "We've talked about how much smarter you made me, than the others. I am as bored as you are. We have seen and done everything there is to do here. The old woman won't miss me. We are gone for weeks at a time, now. I haven't been a kitten for a long time. What is there to miss?"

"I'll do the owl, and see what happens," said Harry. "I have never done a bird that large, and never a hunter either."

"What is a wizard?" asked Kneazle. "How is the school different?" Kneazle had spent his whole life, on Wisteria Walk, with Mrs. Figg in Little Whinging.

"Maybe they are people like me," said Harry. "Hagrid had things he called por'keys, and they took us other places instantly. It was kind of uncomfortable. Hagrid works with all sorts of different creatures, that we haven't seen. Creatures I have only read about in books, that aren't supposed to exist. The shopping area had things we have never seen. I am looking forward to going next month. You are going with me, one way or the other, if you want to go."

"You go do the owl," said Kneazle. "I'll let the alphas know I am leaving. How are you getting to Scotland?"

"I don't know, exactly," said Harry. "The invitation said something about a train, from London to the school, at Charing Cross Station. We will use some of the money Rat, you, and the others have found, to pay for a ride to London. Shouldn't be too hard. Ripper has traveled with Marge enough places. We give people money, and they will let us a ride. You and I have been to London before, just never on the train. We walked. Marge takes a taxi sometimes, when she has a lot of packages, but she complains about how much more it costs."

"Too much traffic in the city," said Kneazle. "The smell is awful."

"Why don't you go over where I am," said Harry. "If they ask, I will tell them you are part of my school supplies, like the trunk and the owl. You are now my official 'familiar'. Come in the east window by the tree on the second floor. I can't stay in my cupboard any more. Aunt sent me up here. She is really afraid of 'them', like it is a crime I like my cupboard."

"I will go over there in a while," said Kneazle.

"The window will be open," said Harry. "I'll go do the owl."

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The owl was still in the cage. Harry walked over, and sent his mind into the owl. He wasn't expecting any surprises.

"You have a consciousness?," asked Harry absently. The owl didn't have a lot going for it, but Hagrid was right. This bird was a lot more than any other bird Harry had seen. He started improving the brain's neural circuits. He had found out, over time, that an impression worked better, when the brain had first been improved. "The package that came with you said I have to claim you as mine, for the postal enchantments to work. I better do that now."

Harry looked at the papers again, which suggested a phrase to use, and returned to the cage. "I am Harry James Potter, and this owl is my personal postal owl," he stated. The enchantment worked, apparently, The owl became unbalanced on its perch, and fluttered it wings a bit, to steady itself.

The owl was watching Harry. She felt the compulsion take hold. This was her human. She felt drawn to this human. She would always know where this human was.

Harry went back into the mind of the owl. "I've never seen a bird with a consciousness before," thought Harry. "I thought only kneazles were self-aware, besides humans. I wonder what makes you so different from other birds. I am guessing all kneazles are self-aware, the same as all humans. I really don't know, I suppose. Well, here goes."

The owl continued to watch Harry, as he did what ever he did, to impress another mind. He was experienced with birds, and it went very quickly. He had a small piece of himself, in the owl, similar to how he had a piece of himself, in Kneazle. If the owl hadn't been self-aware, Harry would have done a complete overhaul, of the owl's mind. He was curious, about the owl. Harry and Kneazle were great friends. Maybe he and the owl would be friends.

The owl didn't have near the mental vocabulary that Kneazle had, when the two youngsters met.

"I am Harry," said Harry, in the owl's mind. "You are Owl."

"You are mine?," said the owl, not in so many words, of course.

"Yes, I guess," said Harry. "You are my postal owl."

"Yes," said the owl. "I carry mail, and I am yours."

Harry opened up the cage, and the owl hopped to the door, and jumped out. She flew over to the bed post.

"I will protect you," said Harry. "Need anything?"

"No," said the owl.

"There is a cat coming soon," said Harry. "He won't bother you. Are you OK with that?"

"Fear cats," said the owl. The white owl flew back to the cage, and hopped to its perch. It placed it's head under its wing.

Harry took his school books out of the trunk, and left everything else alone. He read, until Kneazle arrived. He focused on his connection with Kneazle.

"The owl isn't like other birds," said Harry. "She has a sense of self, a lot like a young kneazle. I made it so I can talk to her, like I talk to you, but not like I did with the other birds. I told her a cat was coming, and you wouldn't bother her."

"Hunting birds don't bother cats," said Kneazle, "and we don't bother them. I'd rather eat a rabbit, anyway. I let the alphas know I am leaving."

"There isn't much for us to do, until it is time to go," said Harry. "I have to go to the train station to get a schedule, and I'll find out how much a taxi would cost. It isn't that far, to London. I will need to get a pet carrier for you. Ripper always travels in a pet carrier, on the train. It's something about rules, or policy. Ripper doesn't mind the pet carrier. You need to go to Rats' place, behind the food store, and get the sack of money. Rat will be there tonight, waiting for you. We will leave the rest of the stuff there. I am going to read these books for a while. I want to know as much as I can, about this witchcraft and wizardry."

"I'm going to head out for a while, and be at Rats' later," said Kneazle. "I'm going to go bother a dog, or chase something. Come find me later."

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Rats' had a pretty good life, living behind the food store. There were three of them. They had several easy ways to get to the rafters in the attic of the warehouse next door, where no one could, or would, get to. There was usually a small amount of light there. It was out of the weather, with plenty of food near the bin. They had collected all sorts of shiny tidbits ... rings, watches, coins, things from kid's games, lost wallets and money clips. Rat always collected paper money that he, or the others, had found. Birds dropped off what they found. If Squirrel found something, Bird transported it to Rats' place. Rats' place was main treasure box. There were a couple others, as well. Squirrels had one in an old hollow tree, but it wasn't as good as Rats' place.

Ripper knew the potential value of money. Marge often talked about money. She treated Ripper like he was human. If necessary, Ripper was going to give it to her. It hadn't been necessary yet. Of course, Ripper wouldn't have handed it to her, but it would have been in a good place for Marge to find it.

The month went quickly. Harry decided to take the early train into London. Owl and Kneazle could both get in, and out, of their cages, at will. Owl's modification was coming along well. Owl was going to fly to the school. She would be there in a short time, by flying through the postal portals. She remembered flying all over the British Isles, during her postal enchantment and certification ... not that she knew it was for her certification. She didn't feel comfortable with the train, and none of them knew what to expect.

"That's everything," said Harry. "We are ready to go to Hogwarts." Owl flew through the window, and Kneazle jumped to the tree. Harry put the four mice in the carrier. There was food and water in there. Birds and squirrels were fine as they were, but mice shouldn't stay here. Rats were staying in Surrey County also. Harry wasn't as interested in them, as he once was. Kneazle could find a rat for Harry, any time he needed one. Harry shut the window and put the wheels on the trunk. He took the trunk and cages downstairs. Aunt was getting up to get the paper, and make coffee.

"I'm leaving," said Harry.

"They gave you a way to get to the train station, then," said Petunia. Her surface thoughts spoke of Vernon being glad he wouldn't have to take him. She thought he was too stupid to go Hogwarts, but that wasn't her problem. She didn't think he would go beyond primary school.

Harry said nothing, as usual, and pulled his trunk down the side walk. They were going to take the train to Charing Cross Station, and use a taxi for emergency transportation. Owl and the birds followed Kneazle and Harry to the local train station. It took about an hour, but they were not pressed for time. Kneazle climbed into the carrier tied to the trunk, and Harry sat on the front of the trunk. They waited half an hour for the scheduled train, and a guy helped Harry get his trunk on board.

No one watching them could tell how exited the boy and the cat were. They appeared like they took this trip all of the time, bored and indifferent. Inside Kneazle's head they were chattering like magpies. Harry had read every book he bought in Diagon Alley, and told Kneazle what he read. The world of magic was nothing like the world Ripper was aware of, and Harry's initial excitement carried over into Kneazle. Harry's book on Care of Magical Creatures had listed Kneazle as a magical creature, with pictures. The following was typical of their conversation.

"I am a magical creature," said Kneazle. "What if I can learn magic?"

"What kind of wand would you use," said Harry. "I can't wait to use my wand. Hagrid was really worried about getting caught using his wand illegally. The first chapter in History of Magic listed the secrecy act, and the reasons the magical world hid itself. Can you imagine being burned alive, for being magical?"

"No problem there," said Kneazle. "We know how to hide what we do. No one pays any attention to what you do, and no one will watch me either. I can't wait to find out more about kneazles. I wish I could have moved in with you before now. Learning to read is a lot of fun."

"Aunt and Uncle didn't really like me there, let alone you," said Harry. "Uncle lets Marge bring Ripper, but Aunt doesn't like it much. Ripper has never caused a problem, and you wouldn't either."

"The book on transfiguration says there is nearly no limit to what can be changed, depending on the wizard's power and knowledge," said Kneazle. "You could change me into something that flies. I could be a flying hunter."

"I could be a flying hunter," said Harry. "The book gave examples. There are magical flying hunters."

"Charms sounds like they are useful, but boring," said Kneazle. "Who cares about cooking and cleaning charms?"

"Yeah, but what about wards?" said Harry. "The magical world has successfully hidden from the rest of the world for centuries. It thinks the magical world is fantasy."

"Here comes the conductor," said Kneazle. "You said he will take the money for letting us a ride."

"Yeah," said Harry. "I have watched Marge do it, since I became Ripper. Oh, Ripper is out chasing a stray out of his territory."

"Where to, young man?" said the conductor.

"Charing Cross Station," replied Harry, handing him a bill he knew was larger than the listed fare. The conductor moved to the next car, after handing Harry a punched ticket, and his change.

"You said Hagrid knows all about magical creatures," said Kneazle. "Do you really think he will help you more that your other teachers have?"

"He said he would," replied Harry. "I could tell he was interested in me. That's different, but he can't do magic legally. He puts all of his effort into magical creatures. I wish he had kept me, instead of taking me to Aunt and Uncle."

"Then you wouldn't have met me," said Kneazle.

"There is that," said Harry.

The speaker system announced that they were approaching the end of the line, at Charing Cross Station. Harry dragged the trunk down the steps, bumping Kneazle around a bit.

"Hey, careful with me," said Kneazle. "Let me out of here now. I can get out, right?"

"Yeah, sorry," said Harry, opening the door. "You hungry?"

"No," said Kneazle. "I caught a couple rats last night."

"I'm going to find something to eat," said Harry. "We should pick up something for the trip to school. It takes a while."

"I like that dry food you bought at the pet store," said Kneazle.

"Yeah, it's OK," said Harry. "Tasted a bit gritty, between my teeth. My teeth are flatter, than yours. Let's get some fish and chips anyway. Ripper really likes it. He likes cooked beef and pork too."

"I liked the eggs you bought last time we were out," said Kneazle. "Where can you get them?"

"Maybe that way," said Harry. "Marge and Ripper like McDonald's, when they come to London."

They finished eating by 9:00 a.m., and found their way to platform 9 and 10. There was no sign for platform 9 and three fourths.

"What now?" said Kneazle.

Harry sat down on his trunk. "Let's scout around," he said.

It didn't take long, before Kneazle had discovered that false wall of platform 9 3/4. Harry followed Kneazle into the wizarding area of Charing Cross Station. There was only one train waiting for them. On the sides of the coal car, were the words 'Hogwarts Express'. He took the wheels off of his trunk, and managed to get the trunk onto the last car. It looked like it was empty, and that suited Harry just fine. They settled in to wait.

Owl was already at Hogwarts, in the owlery. Ripper was watching television. Birds and squirrels were in the park, being fed by some kids and old people. Rats were sleeping, as were mice. Harry and Kneazle took a nap. They woke up, when the train started moving. The door to the compartment opened.

"Can I join you?" asked a red headed boy. "We just got here in time, and my brothers ditched me. Are you a first year, like me?" Harry just nodded.

"My name is Ron Weasley," said the boy.

Harry just gave him his patented blank look. Harry could tell he was excited, nervous, and a bit irritated that Harry didn't say anything.

"What is your name?" asked Ron.

"Harry," said Harry.

"Like the Boy Who Lived?" said Ron. "Mum said he would be going to Hogwarts this year."

Ron's thoughts turned to the wizard legend, that was the Boy Who Lived. Harry did NOT like attention. Nothing good ever came from attention.

"You look like you're muggle-born," said Ron, rattling on. "You aren't wearing robes. Mum said Harry Potter will probably be in Gryffindor, like Weasleys usually are. Potter and me will be great friends. Year mates always room together in the dorm." Ron rattled on and on, self-importantly. He was teaching a muggle-born. Harry just listened, and took in the information.

After about an hour and a half, Ron asked a question. "You have a cat. You won't let him eat my rat, will you? Not that I care a lot about it, but he is mine. My brother Percy gave him to me. He got an owl this year. He plans to be important, in the Ministry."

That got Harry's attention. A rat. The list didn't say anything about rats. Harry sent out his mind, and found the creature. It was sleeping. It was no ordinary rat. Maybe it was a magical rat. He left it alone. He was curious, but he knew all about rats. Kneazle and Ripper were great. He didn't want anything to do with another person's familiar, or what ever they called them.

"You have a magical rat?" asked Harry. "Kneazle won't bother your rat."

"Nothing magical about it, as far as I know," said Ron. "It just sleeps and eats. My brothers gave me a spell to turn it yellow." As he finished that statement, the compartment door opened again.

"You're doing spells?" asked the girl in the doorway. Another boy was behind her. "I want to see. I've done a few, and they worked. My name is Hermione Granger. I found out this summer I was a witch, and I read all of my books. I was ever so surprised. We are looking for Neville's toad. It is somewhere in this car. We are at the front compartment. This is the last one. You don't mind ..." She showed no signs of slowing down.

"I'll try it," said Ron. He took his rat from one of the pockets in his robe. It woke up, saw the cat, and started squirming. Ron performed the spell, and nothing happened.

"That don't sound much like a spell I have read about," said the girl authoritatively. "It didn't work either."

Harry read her surface thoughts. She was excited, and meant no harm, but Ron turned red with embarrassment. Harry sent out his mind again, and found the toad in the second boy's robe pocket. Harry said nothing. The toad was just a normal toad, best he could tell. Harry didn't waste his time on reptiles. Their mind was simpler than birds, and of no value to Harry. They weren't fast enough to be of use, and their brain case was really small. He could do it, but why? He watched Ron's spell fail, and the terrified rat squirmed free, jumping back in Ron's pocket. Harry paid no attention to either the rat, or toad.

"I didn't really think the spell would work," said Ron. "My brothers are always taking the mickey. I wanted to try. Mum won't let us try any spells at home. Believe me, you don't want to get on the wrong side of Mum."

Three more boys walked into the now crowded compartment. The platinum blond spoke up.

"I heard Harry Potter was supposed to be on this train," said the blond. "This is the last compartment of the last car. The only boy here with dark hair is you. Are you Harry Potter?" He pointed at Harry. Harry just nodded yes.

"You can't be," said the blond. "You are the street urchin I saw at Madam Malkin's. Harry Potter isn't supposed to be an urchin." Harry said nothing. The pompous idiot was looking for the Boy Who Lived, and Harry just disregarded him, as usual. Dumb looks worked every time.

"You didn't tell me you are Harry Potter," yelled Ron. "Why didn't you say anything? You just let me make a fool of my self."

"Weasley, right," said the blond. "Second hand robes, red hair. Fool is your natural state. Potter, my name is Malfoy. Draco Malfoy. I can show you the right sort of people to associate with, and these are not it."

"Harry Potter," said Granger. "I have read all about you. I .."

"And who are you," said Malfoy.

"Hermione Granger," said Granger.

"I have never heard that name before," said Malfoy. "I know EVERYONE who matters, and Granger does not matter. You must be a mudblood."

Malfoy looked over at toadboy. "Who are you?" he asked.

"Neville Longbottom," said the shy boy.

"Squib," said Malfoy. "All losers. Potter, follow me." Harry did nothing.

"Get your sorry Slytherin arse out of here," yelled Ron. "You don't want to mess with me and the Boy Who Lived."

"What's going on here," said a tall, older teen. "I am a prefect, and you all look like first years, to me. There are no disturbances allowed on the Express. Move on back to your own compartment."

Malfoy, and crew left, as did the two looking for the toad.

"What kind of Gryff are you?" asked Ron. "You didn't do anything." Harry just looked out the window. "I'm going to go find my brothers. We'll fix that wanker." Ron walked out.

The terrain was changing, as they moved into Scotland. Harry wished he could see farther. Everything was fuzzy, past twenty-five feet or so. He could read, but he had never been able to see like Kneazle and the birds could. He switched his attention back into Kneazle. Kneazle's eyes were perfect. Owl's eyes were incredible.

Ron returned, after quite a while. He stayed sullenly quiet. Kneazle was napping, and Harry was staring off into space. He was watching telly.

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A voice was heard throughout the train. "Hogsmeade station in ten minutes. First years, please leave your belongings and familiars on the train. They will be delivered to the castle for you. Hogsmeade station in ten minutes."

Kneazle got into the carrier, and Harry followed Ron off of the train. He could hear Hagrid's booming voice.

"Firs' yers o'er here," he yelled. "Firs' yers o'er here." A group of about forty-five kids followed Hagrid to some boats. He saw Harry and waved. Harry waved back.

"Four to a boat," said Hagrid. "Four to a boat." When the students were seated, he said, "Row, row, row yer boat." That made Harry smile. The boats moved by themselves across the lake. As they rounded a tree covered peninsula, the castle came in to view. It was impressive. The boats continued to the castle, and locked themselves in place to several docks that were apparently designed just for them. The students followed Hagrid up some stairs, and into a room, where they met a stern looking woman.

"The firs' yers, Perfessor," said Hagrid.

"Thank you Hagrid," said the Professor. "My name is Professor McGonagall. Line up, and follow me." She led them to another chamber. The first years were a rag tag, rainbow bunch. Some were dressed in robes, some in jeans, others in dresses.

"Please wait here, until I call for you," she began. "Presently, you will be sorted into one of four houses. While you are here, these houses will be your family. Each house has a Professor assigned as Head, who is in charge of you, second only to myself, the Deputy Headmistress, and Professor Dumbledore, the Headmaster. Proper behavior will be rewarded, by our point system. Improper behavior will cause points to be removed. Sufficiently poor behavior may bring about several punishments, up to and including suspension or expulsion. If you have any questions, please see your prefects, or Head of House." She turned, and walked out the door.

The students started muttering to themselves, regarding the sorting, while they waited. Professor McGonagall returned, and led the students into a much larger room, with several students seated at four tables. The students were all dressed in the school uniform. Several adults were seated on a small, elevated platform at one end of the hall.

"Please wait here until I call your name to be sorted," said McGonagall. "Then, come forward, and be seated on the stool in the front of the room."

She walked up to a small table and stool. An old, weather beaten hat sat on the table.

The professor looked at a list, and said, "Abbott, Hannah."

Hannah Abbott walked up to the stool, and sat down. Professor McGonagall placed the hat on her head. After a few seconds, a tear opened up in the hat, and it yelled, "Hufflepuff." One of the tables started clapping. There was a banner at the end of the table with a crest, and the word 'Hufflepuff'.

The professor continued down the list. Slytherin, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff ... all of the names were yelled by the hat, as the students were sorted. Some took longer than others. She presently came to Harry's name.

"Potter, Harry," said McGonagall. A murmur spread through out the hall.

Harry walked up, and she placed the hat on his head.

"Mr. Potter," said the hat, in his mind, "I have seen some odd talents, in my time, but never one quite like yours. That is not my problem, in sorting you.

"Ravenclaw is generally for academically oriented people, and you have one of the strongest memories I have ever seen. A strong memory is the foundation for most measures of academic intelligence. You could excel in Ravenclaw, but you have no desire to. You would flounder there."

"Hufflepuff is for people hard working, and loyal, generally forming teams. You, however, have formed teams of yourself. I dare say that you are extremely loyal to your kneazle friend, but you probably won't thrive in Hufflepuff, because you have never learned to socialize with people. You don't cause trouble, and could stay there. You do not overtly work diligently, and that would cause you problems."

"It is said that Slytherin is for the cunning and ambitious, and you may be the most cunning person I have ever met. Most Slytherins have trust issues, as you also have trust issues. You are most definitely not ambitious, and the games played in Slytherin would have you defending yourself before long. You have lived a long time in the world of predator and prey, and I don't think you would play the games Slytherins play. They wouldn't be ready for the type of fight you are capable of, if you were there."

"That leaves Gryffindor, the house of the brave. I don't doubt your courage, and frankly, there are probably few obstacles you can't overcome, if you care to try. You have spent far too long hiding, to thrive in Gryffindor. You have none of the characteristic, albeit shallow, bravado found in Gryffindor, and they will look upon you with disdain. You never will be the classic knight looking for a cause to fight for, to win fame and fortune. Frankly, Slytherin and Gryffindor differ little, other than methods used."

"There is no fifth house, Mr. Potter."

"I want to learn magic," thought Harry quickly. "There is no one like me, in Surrey County."

"I know, Mr. Potter. We don't turn away the magically gifted, especially one as powerful as you might be. What house can best deal with you? Frankly, the sorting starts while the first years are in the waiting room. Putting on the hat formalizes the procedure, and lets me talk directly to the few people who are on the cusp between two houses. I see you have met Mr. Malfoy. He was easy to sort. I know where I would put you, and I made a decision before you came up here. You are one on the cusp. What do you think?"

"I listened to what you said. I don't have a preference, as long as I stay here," thought Harry.

"GRYFFINDOR," yelled the hat. Before he took the hat off, it spoke to his mind again. "Your house mates may need to be brave, to deal with you, before you graduate. Come see me, from time to time, if you can. You are most interesting. Your reputation as the Boy Who Lived may help you there. Good luck, Mr. Potter. I will be most interested in talking with you again, in the future."

Harry walked to Gryffindor table, to the wild clapping of the Gryffindor students. Two older red heads were yelling, "WE GOT POTTER. WE GOT POTTER." Harry quietly sat down.

The rest of the students were sorted. Toadboy and the girl with him were sorted into Gryffindor, as was the ratboy. Blondie, and the two bookends with him were sorted into Slytherin. Harry hadn't really met anyone else yet. The only interesting one, was the girl who liked to read. She had read all of her books also. She even had books that mentioned him by name.

The obvious Headmaster stood up, and made a short, frivolous announcement, finally saying, "Let the feast begin."

Instantly, several platters of food appeared on the table, with pitchers of drink. Harry looked around the table. Ratboy was eating like he never would again. Harry ate a bit, and wrapped a couple large pieces of chicken in a napkin for Kneazle, and took a few tidbits for the mice. He dropped a couple apples in his pocket, for himself.

The professors were also a rainbow assortment. It was obvious there was no dress code for them. They chatted among themselves, occasionally glancing at the student body. Harry noticed a professor dressed in black, with dark, oily hair, staring at him. Harry ignored him.

When it seemed the students were finished, or should have been, the Headmaster stood up again. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts," he began. "The list of banned items is, as usual, posted in your dormitory. The Forbidden Forest is exactly that, forbidden. No student is to go there... unless in the company of a professor. The east wing of the third floor is off limits to all students, without exception. Students found there may be expelled, if found alive. Students are now released to your dormitories, and the first year students should wait for your prefects to lead you to your quarters."

Harry lined up with the other first year Gryffindors, and walked through the castle. As they walked, the prefects talked ceaselessly about one thing, or the other. They arrived at a portrait, apparently known affectionately as The Fat Lady, which had to be told a password to be let in. She moved like the telly, but she talked to the prefects as if she was alive. The portrait swung open to let them in.

More rules were laid down. Girls dorms were on the left, and boys dorms were on the right. Girls could enter the boys dorm, but boys could not enter the girls dorm. Lights out in the dorms by 11:00, the common room was open all night. All students were to be in the dorm by curfew, 9:00 p.m., unless given permission otherwise. Curfew was over at 6:00 a.m., and the first years were given an handout, with the rules written. The first years had meetings scheduled with the prefects, to check their penmanship with quills, review the rules, and to learn the castle. The first years were the primary responsibility of the fifth year prefects.

Harry was led to his room, which he shared with toadboy, ratboy, an Irish boy with a heavy brogue, and black boy dribbling a footbag. Kneazle was sitting on the bed behind his trunk.

Harry didn't like the bed, but he could put up with it. He curled up with his back to the head board, and went as close to sleep as he could, and still go see Rats and Owl. They were hunting around. Harry and Kneazle went exploring. It didn't take long to find out where cats could exit the dorm. Harry's multi-tasking mind centered on Kneazle.

Harry and Kneazle spent three hours exploring the hallways of the castle. It was a huge building, and it was readily apparent there was a lot of exploring to do. They saw a few other cats roaming around. True sleep came to him.

--------------------

The prefects met with the first years in the morning, to take them to breakfast. Harry was simply absorbing every thing he could. He got his class schedule, and followed his classmates to class in a group. The prefect would leave, as soon as the classroom in question was in sight. He had his own class to get to.

Each of the professors gave the first years their version of the rules, and they would tolerate no immature behavior. Yada, Yada, Yada. Professor Snape, the potions professor, tried to make an example of Harry, calling him their newest celebrity. Harry just made his answers a simple 'Yes sir', or 'No sir', as he did with all of his teachers. Harry was accustomed to that sort of behavior from adults, and it was no surprise.

What did surprise Harry, was that Professor Snape's surface thoughts were a constant, invaried irritation, that matched the scowl on his face. Harry had never seen a mind that consistent before.

Professor Quirrell, the defense professor, seemed to stutter, because his mind could barely focus enough to speak. He lectured straight from the book, and Harry went visiting with his other selves, soon after he went to his class.

The history professor, Binns, was a ghost, and even more useless than Quirrell. He didn't even appear to notice if students were present, or not. Harry watched more telly.

Professor Flitwick truly enjoyed teaching, but the course work was slow, and measured. His surface thoughts matched what he said, completely.

Professor McGonagall had the largest surprise of the first week, when she had changed from a tabby cat, sitting on the desk. Her frosty, no-nonsense exterior hid a love of teaching as encompassing as Flitwick. Harry had to learn more about her transformation.

Professor Grubblyplank, who taught magical creatures, just stumbled through her lesson plan, waiting for retirement.

Professor Sprout taught herbology, a kind of gardening. Harry had been doing that for a few years. It was easy to see she also enjoyed teaching.

The best part of his life at Hogwarts, was with Hagrid. He was drawn to the gentle giant, and Kneazle found his hut the first day there. Hagrid was the Groundskeeper, and the Keeper of the Keys, which meant he went everywhere. Harry was with him, much of his free time during the day. He had to trot, to keep up with Hagrid's normal pace, and the first few days wore Harry out. There was no question Hagrid didn't have an opinion on, and he thoroughly enjoyed Harry's company. Harry had never used his muscles like he did around Hagrid. He slept like a rock, at night.

The first animals Harry impressed were barn cats, who had no real sense of identity. The second species he impressed was a nest of barn owls, who also had no sense of identity. Harry was in paradise. He still spent significant time with Marge, but the other animals in Surrey County were pretty much on their own. They were rather self-sufficient.

If Harry wasn't otherwise occupied, he was in the library. The first project was familiars. What were they? Apparently, there were a cross species friendship that developed, usually from a owner/pet relationship. Harry found several examples, including the famed relationship between Headmaster Dumbledore and Fawks the ancient phoenix. The book speculated no one was sure who was the owner, and who was the pet, with Dumbledore and Fawks. The relationship between magical humans and animals could be weak, or strong. Regardless of the strength of the relationship, an attack on one's familiar was considered a personal attack on the wizard, or witch, in question.

The most common familiar, in the wizard world, was the cat. Consequently, cats were common in the castle. They could go just about everywhere, except into the potions department, the green houses, and the infirmary. Any familiar causing trouble would get its human in trouble. There was no information what so ever, on when a species was self aware. The books made the assumption familiars were self aware. Most witches and wizards didn't say much about their personal relationship with their familiars, so the author was guessing. The author didn't have a familiar. Harry couldn't find any better books.

School was remarkably normal, for Harry, even though he was in the magical world. He learned more from the trials and errors of his fellow students, than he did from professors. He quickly learned what the minimum acceptable performance was, for each class. He practiced his practical lessons in abandoned classrooms.

Hermione Granger was the only student that really caught his attention. She had a quick mind, and her surface thoughts gave Harry ideas he otherwise might not have had. She spent more time in the library than he did. She truly enjoyed learning, and given what the hat said, he couldn't imagine why she wasn't in Ravenclaw. Another thing that caught Harry's attention about Granger, was that she was incredibly lonely. Her dorm mates were interested in cosmetics, clothing, and gossip ... subjects that bored Granger to tears. The habits she developed in primary school for class participation drew unnecessary attention to her at the castle. There WERE points for class participation, but not for one's personal class performance. She quickly picked up a reputation as a pushy know-it-all. She truly just wanted to be involved, and help ... and it blew up in her face. Harry remembered what it was like, to be alone.

Ratboy was as shallow and vapid as anyone Harry had ever met. He truly earned his acceptable grades. Games were always on his mind. Toadboy was little better, for different reasons, except in herbology. Toadboy had memory problems, but he enjoyed working with plants, and it showed. Toadboy hung around a couple of the girls. Footbag took to his school work well enough, but was preoccupied with sports. He was disappointed no one in the wizarding world played football. Irish was somewhere in between Footbag, and Ratboy', and the three became fast friends. They tried to draw Harry into a conversation from time to time, but a blank stare is an incredibly useful tool, to blow off a pest.

The different year groups in Gryffindor formed tight groups. The first years were somewhat ostracized by the others. The only people giving the first years any attention, were the prefects.

--------------------

Headmaster Dumbledore held a weekly staff meeting, that really wasn't much more than a social club. His heads of house were very competent in taking care of their charges.

"How are the first years doing?" asked Dumbledore, to no one in particular.

"We have the usual home sickness and student who gets lost for a while in this old castle," said Sprout. "I haven't seen anything unusual."

"I was most surprised with Potter," said Snape. "The boy is nearly incapable of performing well enough to keep up. His writing is atrocious, and it is all I can do to keep from giving him remedial assignments. First year students have enough on their plate, with out extra assignments."

"Many of the first years have penmanship issues," said Flitwick. "The muggleborn have never held a quill, and many of the home schooled have never had writing assignments."

"He keeps to himself, in the common room," said McGonagall. "I have seen him in the corner, playing with mice. He doesn't appear to have made any friends."

"I thought I saw the lad with a cat," said Sprout. "Mice and cats usually don't get along."

"These do," said McGonagall. "I've never seen anything like it."

"The wee lad spends time wit' me," said Hagrid. "He's a natch'ral, wit' animals. He got close to a nest of barn owls, withou' upsettin' the mother. I'm in me sixties, an' I 'aven' seen the like."

"What does he talk about?" asked Dumbledore.

"Nothin' but questions 'bout animals," said Hagrid. "Don' matter 'bout wha' kin'. Though' he was goin' ta talk me head off, askin' 'bou' fami'yers."

"Does he talk to any of the rest of you?" asked Dumbledore.

"All I can get out of him, is 'Yes Ma'am'," said Sprout. "Mr. Longbottom is a lot like how Mr. Potter is with Hagrid, in the green houses."

"Both of the brats are useless in potions," said Snape. "I will be surprised if either of them makes their OWL."

"I don't have any first year students who are floundering," said Flitwick.

"Any moron can do household charms," replied Snape.

"Mr. Crabbe and Mr. Goyle are having trouble in transfiguration," said McGonagall. "It is probably the most difficult first year class we have."

"I will find a tutor for them," said Snape.

The conversation drifted into upper class house rivalry issues.

-------------------

The last week of September, Hermione caught up with Harry, as he was leaving the library. It was nearly curfew. Kneazle was a few feet ahead. "You are in the library quite a bit," she said. "Would you like to revise together?" she asked shyly.

"Revising doesn't matter much to me," said Harry.

Hermione glanced down, embarrassed.

"Don't do that," said Harry. "I just don't think grades matter much." Harry didn't want to just blow her off, like the others. She was interesting, but he didn't dare say why he thought so. Humans became upset if another saw them without clothing on, let alone know what they were thinking.

"What do you mean?" asked Hermione. "How else do you know if you understood the material? Wouldn't your family be proud of your grades, if you did better? Don't you want to be at the top of the class? " They had stopped walking.

"The things we're learning aren't that complicated," said Harry. "It looks like first year magic is mostly about practice. Lots of practice. I go to the library to learn about other things."

"I do too, of course," said Hermione. "No offense, Harry, but I have noticed some of your essays. You never write the assigned length of essay."

"True," said Harry. "You always write a lot more."

"You noticed?" asked Hermione, surprised.

"I notice a lot of things," said Harry. "I don't think I need help with assignments, but I might like to discuss some second, or third year material."

"You've read the second year books too?" asked Hermione, astounded.

"Don't you think reading the same thing over and over is boring?" asked Harry.

"That's why you don't write your essays with a book open?" asked Hermione. "I thought you were just lazy. Oh, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that." Now Harry would just leave her, and she would be alone. Her big mouth, again.

Harry nodded, and said, "I can see how you would think I am lazy. It is really hard to hurt my feelings." He could feel her pending curiosity explosion, and he didn't want too much attention.

"That is why you don't appear to hear what people say," said Hermione out loud, to herself. "My parents always told me to ignore what people say, but it is not as easy as it sounds."

'Why can't I keep my big mouth shut?' she thought, her face coloring again.

"Maybe we can find things to talk about, in the library," said Harry. "This place is huge. It is a lot more fun, than the one at my old school. The whole place is a lot more fun, than where I was."

"I would like that," said Hermione, as they continued to the dorm. "That is a kneazle, isn't it?"

"Yeah," said Harry. "A woman down the street had them, and we started spending time together."

"I might like to get a cat someday," said Hermione. "Are they easy to take care of? My parents don't have any pets, but they might let me keep one. My cousin has cats, and they tear up the furniture. They get sick, and make messes. I don't think my parents would like that. Have you had any problems? What do you ..."

Harry just listened, with a small grin. She might be interesting. Harry knew how much different she was, than the others. She was more like him, than anyone he had ever met, with a couple glaring differences.

------------------

The baby barn owls were strong enough to fly, and the mother and Owl were watching over them. There were too many cats on the property, not to. Hogwarts was a huge farm, among other things. That drew mice and rats, and cats have been kept around granaries for centuries. One cat that Harry hadn't impressed had gotten too close for comfort, and said cat was convinced it was not a good idea. It might have fought one owl, but not two. Dumb cat. Harry would fix that one later. He thought it was inconvenient that he couldn't impress the cat when he was Barnowl.

If Owl wasn't watching the young ones, she was taking flights around Britain. The postal portals made exploring easy. Harry enjoyed flying with her, both in her mind, and as Barnowl. Her mind was still getting stronger. Her sense of self was getting more refined. Barn owls could not use the postal portals. Interesting, that.

Barncats were going everywhere. Spiders in the forest almost got one. Biggest spiders Harry had ever heard of. Cats could walk the halls of Hogwarts unmolested, since no one really paid attention to whose cats were where, as long as there was no trouble. Harry started sitting in on a few of the other charms and transfiguration classes. The other classes were boring.

The Gryffindors had flying lessons, out by greenhouse one, the first week of October. Hermione was not happy.

"I don't know why flying lessons are compulsory," said Hermione. "I am never going to use them. I don't think I am going to do well, and it will bring my position in class down."

"I know you realize there is no grade for flying," said Harry. "Historically, flying was important, before portkeys and floo powder. Everyone had to be able to enchant a basic flying broom. Now, it is done commercially."

"I know," said Hermione, "but I still don't like it. I don't like heights, and I have never liked sports. It just seems silly. What if I fall? I will just ..."

"It can't be that bad," said Harry.

The instructor had all of them stand by a broom, that she had laid out before the class.

"I don't want any mischief out here," said Madam Hooch, the instructor. "Foolishness will find you in detention with me, and I WILL make it memorable."

"Hold out your right hand, and clearly say 'Up'," Hooch said. "This will prove you have the necessary connection with the broom."

There was a lot of broom rolling, and false starts, but finally everyone had the broom in hand.

"Now, grab the broom firmly, and sit astride it," she continued. "Ladies, I know it is possible to sit side saddle, but we won't be doing that today. You will NOT be trying it."

Everyone took the position.

"Now, everyone push off gently," she said. "Hover about four feet off the ground. Oh my."

Harry watched Toadboy go sailing up over greenhouse's roof, and fall off. He slid down the roof, and hit the ground with a thud and a snap. Broken wrist, but he did not cry.

"I'm taking him to the hospital wing," said Hooch. "I want everyone to stay off those brooms until I get back. Remember what I said about my detentions."

Malfoy started his usual tirade about Gryffindors in general, and Longbottom specifically. He walked over to a small object laying on the ground.

"What is this?" asked Malfoy, picking it up.

"That is Neville's," said Weasley. "Give it back."

"Come get it," said Malfoy. He took off, with Weasley following. Barnowl watched them go. Weasley seemed to be having trouble with his broom, and Malfoy put the object in the notch of a tree limb, during his distraction.

"What's the matter, Weasel?" said Malfoy. "Never learned to fly?"

"It's this bloody broom," said Weasley. "Give back the remembrall."

"Don't have it," said Malfoy.

"Detention!" yelled Madam Hooch. "You young idiots thought I wouldn't be watching. See me Saturday morning at 9:00. Now, all of you, once again. Astride your brooms. Do not panic."

Broom flying was OK, but Harry preferred the real deal.

Barnowl picked up the remembrall later, and flew through the window Harry opened. He dropped the ball on Neville's bed, and flew away. Toadboy needed all the help he could get, and Blondie might get a rise out of this, if he noticed Toadboy had it again. Harry met Hermione for supper.

--------------------

The second week of October, Draco Malfoy wrote a letter to his father, Lucius. Potter was a dead end.

Father,

Harry Potter is an idiot. He makes Crabbe and Goyle look like scholars. He dresses in rags, and looks like drool will start dripping down his chin at any time. He spends most of his free time with that oaf, the Grounds Keeper. He just started spending time in the library with a mudblood, who no one can stand to be around. They are both outcasts, for different reasons. It's no wonder they spend time together, besides, Potter needs all the help he can get.

Potter is really a Hufflepuff, not a Gryffindor. 'Puffs make more noise, than him. He won't stand up for Gryffindor, but Weasley did immediately. I made him look like a fool, even though it cost me detention with the old hag Hooch.

Maybe Potter didn't survive the Dark Lord very well, after all. That scar goes all the way through his head. Potter doesn't even answer my comments. Do you still want House Malfoy to make an alliance with him, at some point in the future? He can't be a very powerful wizard.

Draco

Lucius wrote back immediately.

Draco

An alliance with Potter could be more useful than Crabbe, Goyle, Zabini, or Parkinson. House Potter is an Ancient and Noble House.

Keep trying to forge that alliance. Drive off the mudblood, and make Potter see it is in his best interests to pay attention to you

LM

.

Three days later, Draco wrote again.

Father,

I caught Potter and the mudblood outside of the library alone. Crabbe and Goyle grabbed Potter, and I used some good stinging hexes on the mudblood. She was crying her eyes out.

Potter wiggled out of his robes, and attacked me physically. He nearly bit off a piece of my ear, while trying to deafen me. He tore my skin, with his fingers. Potter and the mudblood made so much noise, people started leaving the library to see what was happening.

Two prefects caught us. Potter, Crabbe, Goyle, and myself serve detention tomorrow, with our Heads of House.

I think Potter is a lost cause. I don't think he can be reasoned with. I am sure he lost his mind when the Dark Lord attacked.

Draco

Minerva McGonagall was worried. Potter would be in her office, in a few minutes, to serve detention for fighting in the hallways. The boy was passing his classes, barely, and he was nearly an outcast in Gryffindor. This was a continuation of his muggle school performance reviews. She had no idea what to do to change his situation.

The promising muggleborn witch, Granger, had apparently befriended him, and he had protected her with a passion. This sort of incident happened from time to time. Mr. Malfoy was trying to spread his influence. His father had done the same things. While she admired Potter's defense of Granger, she was appalled at Potter's methods. Poppy noted scratch and teeth marks on young Malfoy's neck. Fighting like common hooligans. A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts.

"Enter," said McGonagall. "Mr. Potter, please take a seat, and tell me why you think you are here."

"Fighting is not allowed," said Harry. "The rule book states that detention follows an incident of fighting, to deter another incident."

"That is true," said Minerva, a little shocked at how Potter worded his response. "I am more accustomed to students in detention telling me the details of how the fight started."

"Hermione and I were attacked," said Harry. "Malfoy was hexing Hermione, and I fought him."

"Why would Mr. Malfoy attack the both of you?" said Minerva.

"He wants to tell me what to do," said Harry. "I refuse to give him control, without first earning it."

"I usually have students tell me they are faultless, for having defended themselves, in an incident such as yours," said Minerva, surprised that Harry was aware of why it happened. "Many times they tell me they won't repeat the behavior, by reporting the incident to a prefect, or myself. There is usually an immediate apology for the behavior in question."

Harry said nothing. The professor had not asked a question, and he wasn't getting many surface thoughts from the professor, not that he would answer an unvocalized question. He hadn't done that, since he was four years old.

The emotions he was reading were primarily concern and worry, with a bit of fear. Why was she so worried about the fight in the hallway. Harry had already seen a few fights, and they were from upper classmen, who threw a few serious hexes.

"Mr. Potter, I can't condone this behavior," said Minerva. "This incident will be recorded in your file. What will your response be, if Mr. Malfoy repeats his behavior?"

"I wasn't prepared for an attack," said Harry. "I should be more alert, and prepare. If there is another attack, I must be more effective."

More effective!? This was not what Minerva wanted to hear. The little Malfoy snot was dangerous, because of his father. Her fear level rose.

"Mr. Potter, given your notoriety in our world, you should exercise more caution in how you respond," said Minerva. "Do not let yourself be manipulated into getting expelled from Hogwarts. I shudder to think what Mr. Malfoy's father would do if you had seriously injured his son. Lucius Malfoy is on the board of school governors, and could make your life ... difficult. You could easily be suspended, or expelled." Harry had the glimpse of a thought of the Malfoy patriarch in a meeting, sanctimoniously pressing for expulsion.

While Harry said nothing, he took her information to heart. He would NOT be expelled. He wanted to stay here. He would come up with a different way of protecting himself. No one would surprise him again in a dark hallway, especially not Blondie. Even now, Barncats were on the move toward the castle. Barnowls were in the air. Harry thought how he was blind as a bat. BATS! Flying mice.

Minerva noticed his eyes were blank, and raised her voice, "Do you understand me, Mr. Potter?" she asked. "What will you do, if Mr. Malfoy, or another person, harasses you with stinging hexes?"

"Run to a prefect, Ma'am," said Harry immediately. He knew the correct response to give to an adult.

"Thank you," said Minerva. "Now, considering you WERE defending yourself, spend the rest of this hour reviewing your assignment in transfiguration. You need the revision." She started grading papers, but didn't really enjoy telling Potter to, essentially, run from a fight. She didn't think he had the social aptitude for any other response.

Harry went straight to the library after the detention.

"Harry, what happened?" asked Hermione. "What did she say to you?"

"Don't fight, and tell a prefect about harassment," said Harry.

"I just screamed like a little girl," said Hermione. "I am disgusted with myself. I am a witch. There are defensive charms I can learn. That is third and four year material."

"Not a problem," said Harry. "Worst that can happen, is nothing. I want to look up information on bats."

"What ever for?" asked Hermione.

"We might have some in the barns here," said Harry. "I go out in the barns a lot. I grew up in the city, and we didn't have anything like this."

Harry found out that local bats were not blind, but being somewhat nocturnal, some were almost day blind. They started hunting at dusk. A bat's hearing was excellent. Perfect for the castle. Bats hibernate, but he might be able to interfere with hibernation. Otherwise, he could order some fruit bats, through Hagrid. Fruit bats had huge eyes, and do not hibernate. Hagrid could get about any animal, but animals that were not local could be a problem. They would be noticed.

Free library time focused on defense. Barncats roamed the hallways that Harry frequented. Harry made more Barncats, and looked for other small owls. Barnowls found some smaller owls, and he did them. He impressed a couple kestrels. His eyes weren't that good, but their eyes were great.

Barnowls found a few bats, and Harry impressed a couple. The bat's hearing was incredible. A bat was nearly helpless on the ground, though. That was not a problem. They ate insects. Insects were easy for Harry to get, if he had to feed them. He stationed bats around the castle. No one would sneak up on him again.

Barncats smelled the dogs on the third floor of the forbidden east wing. Bats could hear them, and they had to be large. There was at least two dogs, from all the noise they made. Curiosity got the best of Harry, so Barncat picked up one of the mice, and took him to the third floor. Mouse went under the door. Mouse's eyes weren't all that good, but that was one huge dog. It had three heads. Harry's curiosity wasn't strong enough for him to go in person.

It didn't take Harry long to feel secure, in the areas of the castle he normally went.

--------------------

The end of October brought another surprise to the school. Hermione continued to try to help her classmates, and the charm of the moment was wingardium leviosa, a charm for floating objects from one place to another. The object of the lesson was a feather, and as usual, Hermione had completed the charm. She was attempting to help Ratboy, and Ratboy called her some names as the class ended, for her trouble. Harry didn't see her for the rest of the day.

That night, she didn't show up for the Halloween Feast. He was enjoying her company. It was too bad she couldn't meet Kneazle, like he could. She had missed supper before, but not often. He was just getting ready to have the cats search for her, when he over heard a couple girls saying that Hermione was in the west wing, second floor girls' loo, crying again. Harry could figure out why.

The defense teacher staggered dramatically into the Great Hall, and exclaimed, "Troll! Troll in the dungeons." He passed out on the floor.

Professor Dumbledore immediately stood up, and directed the prefects to accompany all students to the common rooms, where the feast would continue. No one would miss supper.

Harry and Kneazle went to get Hermione. Kneazle was running for all he was worth. He made good time to the bathroom in question. Harry wasn't a quarter of the way there yet. It wasn't easy, but Kneazle managed to get the door open. He found Hermione sitting in a stall on the end, with tissues in her hands.

Kneazle started tugging on her robes. If a cat could talk, he was.

"Hello," said Hermione with a sniff. "Harry probably wonders where I am, doesn't he. You, being the wonderful kneazle you are, came to get me. I don't really feel like eating."

Kneazle started tugging even harder.

"OK, OK," said Hermione. "I'll come with you."

The troll crushed the door to the loo. It must have heard the kneazle, at some point. Hermione screamed, as the troll rushed her position. Kneazle ran at the troll. The troll wanted a piece of the cat, but it couldn't catch it, or club it, to save its life. It was REALLY trying to. Kneazle was bouncing off walls and the few fixtures left. He would run up the troll's leg, and down its arm. Kneazle was driving the troll nuts. The troll didn't touch him once.

Hermione saw Harry reach the ruined door, but she couldn't move. The troll was too distracted to notice Harry grab Hermione's hand, and tug her toward the door. Hermione finally started moving to the door. The troll was making an awful racket, trying to pound the cat. The cat was a blur of motion.

Harry and Hermione made it to the stairway, and Kneazle fled. The harried troll just walked out the shattered remains of the doorway, dragging its club. Harry, Hermione, and Kneazle made good time to Gryffindor.

Harry and Hermione slowed down. Stairs were tiring, and the troll had used a lot of their adrenaline.

Harry was talking to himself. 'Why didn't I do the troll? What was the DADA professor doing? He feinted, of all things. Defense professor, yeah.'

Barncat watched Professors Dumbledore, Flitwick, and McGonagall subdue the troll.

Hermione was thinking about the troll. She was crying her eyes, again, over some comments made by someone. The troll could have killed her. If not for Harry's cat, she probably would have been killed. She finally gathered enough composure to talk.

"Harry, your cat saved my life," she said. "What is his name? He came for me, and kept the troll from killing me. Then, I saw you in the door." She nearly started crying again.

"His name is Kneazle," said Harry. "I never really thought about a different name. He is pretty smart. I told him to go get you."

"You were in the doorway," said Hermione. "How did you find me?"

"I heard some girls talking," said Harry. "They said you were here. When Quirrell said there was a troll loose, I sent Kneazle."

"You, and your cat, saved me," said Hermione. "I don't know how to thank you."

"Keep me company in the library?" said Harry, with a grin.

"You have that anyway, silly," said Hermione. "I'm a nervous wreck."

"Kneazle likes being scratched behind the ears," said Harry.

"I can do that," said Hermione.

"Professor Dumbledore said there would be food in the common room, because of the troll," said Harry. "You should eat something."

Harry gave the password to the Fat Lady. No one of consequence noticed them walk in. Hermione got something to eat.

Littleowl saw the person leaving the forbidden third floor corridor. She was there to observe the main stairwell. She didn't see the person's face, but he was wearing a turban, and was therefore, likely the DADA professor. The professor was boring, worthless with the troll, and leaving the area of the three-headed dog. The incident with the troll had put Harry on alert, and he hadn't relaxed much yet. Why didn't the DADA professor help with the troll? Odd.

The next morning, Hermione was in the common room. She hadn't seen Harry yet, but Kneazle was there. She walked over to him.

"Good morning, Kneazle," said Hermione. She reached out to pet the cat, and the cat leaned into her hand.

"eeelooo" said the cat.

That got Hermione's attention. She now remembered how Kneazle acted in the loo.

"Did you just say hello?" said a stunned Hermione.

"Yeeess," said Kneazle.

"Can you understand me?" asked Hermione.

"Yeess," said Kneazle.

"Oh my," said Hermione. "What will people say, when they find out you can talk?"

Kneazle just shook his head from side to side, and hissed. He ran out of the room, through the access the cats used. Harry came down the stairs.

"Ready for breakfast?" asked Harry.

"Harry, Kneazle spoke to me," said Hermione quietly.

"You won't find a smarter cat," said Harry. "He has been my friend for a while, one of the first. I am surprised he did that. He must trust you."

"People will be so surprised you have a cat that talks," said Hermione. "There are several birds that talk, and other animals that stomp their feet, or point to objects, in an animal act. Kneazle will be famous."

"He wouldn't like that," said Harry. "Attention has never been good for us. I really don't think Kneazle would like that."

"He hissed, and ran off, when I mentioned it," said Hermione. "I won't say anything. He saved my life."

"I know parrots talk," said Harry. "I saw a show on the telly."

"Crows, mynah birds, parakeets, and others can," said Hermione. "Chimpanzees use sign language, and dogs have used barks for yes and no, and used tokens for speech. Cat birds and mocking birds mimic many sounds."

"Crows," said Harry reflectively. "I've seen crows at the edge of the fields. I haven't been able to find out much about the postal enchantments."

"Postal enchantments?" asked Hermione.

"When Hagrid bought Owl for me, she came with a paper to activate the postal enchantments," said Harry. "I wanted to find out more about them."

Harry could imagine a light blinking on above Hermione's head, like he had seen on some cartoons. "Breakfast?" he asked.

Barnowls started watching crows. Crows kept their distance. Harry couldn't get close enough to impress a crow.

------------------

Harry started working with Barnowls, to see if they could talk. They could, but it wasn't like the parrots he had seen on the telly. They didn't hoot, and had a wide range of sounds.

Hermione started going with Harry to see Hagrid, from time to time. Not nearly as often as Harry did, but often enough for Minerva to notice it. She smiled.

Kneazle went with Harry and Hermione, for their trips on the grounds. Kneazle never spoke, unless they were alone, and he was not a cat of many words. He did listen rather well, though. They walked the halls together, after the library.

"Harry, its faster to get to the common room if we go this way," said Hermione.

"There are some interesting portraits this way," said Harry. Blondie, and the Bookends were waiting again. Just what was Blondie's problem? Didn't matter right now.

"If you say so," said Hermione. It didn't matter that much to her.

Draco Malfoy sent his November letter to his father.

Father,

I have been unable to get Potter alone again. He never uses the same hallway twice. It would be easy, if Potter got detention as often as Weasley and Longbottom, but he doesn't.

Not even my godfather can get under Potter's skin, and it is obvious Severus is trying. He could get a rise out of a baked potato, before he gets one out of Potter. Potter's potions are always acceptable, and he sits too far away for me to sabotage them.

The mudblood Granger is always his partner, regardless of the class he attends. I have not been able to separate them, in any fashion. Even she can't get his grades above average. She is likely to score better than anyone in Ravenclaw, in our year.

I hope to make progress by winter break.

Draco

Harry had a long conversation with Owl. Her intelligence was still growing. Harry had no idea how old she really was.

"I would like for you to be able to talk to people," said Harry. "It could be really useful to us."

"Why?" thought Owl. "We haven't needed to talk before. This is easier."

"I know," said Harry. "You are a postal owl, and some thing's are easier with words. It would make you a better postal owl."

"I am the best postal owl," said Owl. "You never have any letters to carry."

"I know you are the best," said Harry. "I have made a friend, you have seen her. Her name is Hermione. She is the one I am most likely to send mail to. Crows can talk. Maybe I should get a crow for her."

"I am better than any crow," said Owl. "I can handle the mail for both of you. I will practice talking your language. These other birds are too stupid anyway, and I am getting ... bored. I need something to do."

"I will introduce you to her tomorrow, when we go see Hagrid," said Harry. "I will take Hermione out to the sheep barn, and you can meet us there."

"I can do that," said Owl.

Harry and Hermione met Hagrid for tea, after their last class the following day. Hagrid was so busy, they had a standing appointment to meet him Tuesday and Friday afternoons. Harry knocked on the door.

"Yer don' haff ter knock," said Hagrid. "Come on in, set yerselves down. Tell me w'at yer b'en doin'."

"We were discussing birds that can talk," said Harry. "How many animals do you know of, that can talk?"

"Well, crows, ravens, parrots, an' such," said Hagrid. "Some dragons, griffins, an' hypogriffs. Ain' no rules, really. Lots er creatures 'ave the ability, if'n they 'ave the smarts. Trus' don' come easy to 'em. Lots er animals er used fer parts. I 'ad a fami'yer that talked. Acromantula named Aragog. Aragog lives in the fores' now. See 'im, from time ta time. Don' yer go in ther'. Not safe, yer see. Ah'm a mite 'ard to hurt."

"Don't worry about that," said Harry. "The Forbidden Forest is no place for us."

"What can you tell us about Aragog?" asked Hermione.

Hagrid launched into a long story about Aragog, and how he took care of him. Hagrid didn't have many friends, in school, and he found Aragog when he was small. Aragog finally got too large, and spiders are not well accepted. He had Fang now, the large boar hound, but it wasn't the same.

Harry led Hermione out to the sheep barns, and Owl swooped in, landing on Harry's shoulder.

"Winter break is coming," said Harry. "and I don't have anyone to send mail to. I was wondering if you might like to take Owl with you, on break. She doesn't get a chance to deliver mail."

"What about your family?" asked Hermione. "Don't you write them? I use the normal post that muggleborn use, at the castle. There is a box. Deliveries are given to a Hogwarts' owl in the morning."

"My ... guardians ... don't care much for me," said Harry. "They would have a fit, if they saw an owl. Any letter I sent wouldn't get opened."

"That's awful," said Hermione. "Wouldn't they mind then, if I sent you a message during break?"

"I am staying here, on break," said Harry. "My name is already on the list."

"What about Christmas?" said Hermione. "Don't you celebrate, and exchange gifts?"

"Owl is the first gift I ever received," said Harry. "Hagrid gave her to me."

"What!" exclaimed Hermione.

"Don't worry about that," said Harry. "Nothing for it now. Would you take Owl with you?"

"Don't you have a better name for her?" asked Hermione. "Really. Owl. I have noticed you do the same thing with Kneazle."

"Never thought about it," said Harry. "You know a good name for her?"

"Hedwig is a good name," said Hermione. "Saint Hedwig is known for her staunch support of her family and people. It is synonymous with female warrior."

"Would you like that?" Harry asked Owl. Owl dipped her head, and hooted. "I think she likes it. Hedwig, it is." Hedwig flew over to Hermione's shoulder, and nipped her ear.

"Hey," said Hermione. "I thought you said she likes it."

"That's just her showing her appreciation," said Harry smiling. "If she didn't like it, she would keep a piece of ear."

"If you say so," said Hermione, gently rubbing Hedwig's head, as she leaned into Hermione's hand.

"Like," said Hedwig.

"She said she likes it!" said Hermione, a little too loudly. Hedwig shuffled around on Hermione's shoulder, and flew to the rafters.

"So she did," said Harry.

"I'm sorry Hedwig," said Hermione. "You can come home with me."

"I have the cage you will need, and everything," said Harry. "She would probably rather fly straight to your house. She can probably find the way."

"Fly," said Hedwig. "Fly."

"She catches her own food," said Harry. "She does like the treats, though. Could you buy her a perch, and a water dish. I will give you the money."

"Don't worry about it," said Hermione. "I am thrilled to buy it for her. What other surprises do you have for me. You have two familiars who talk."

Harry just shrugged his shoulders.

"Now, what do you mean you've never gotten gifts before," said Hermione. "Don't you get anyone anything for Christmas?"

"Don't know anything about it, really," said Harry. "Never had the occasion. I just stayed in my cupboard."

"CUPBOARD!!!" yelled Hermione. Some pigeons flew out of the barn.

Harry couldn't tell her what he did when he was in his cupboard, in his mind. Well, he could, but he didn't want to. He didn't want to do anything to risk this developing friendship. He knew enough, to know it was odd, what he could do. She knew he played with the mice, but she didn't know about Rats, or Squirrels, or Birds. None of it.

"My first Hogwarts letter was addressed to the Cupboard Under the Stairs," said Harry.

"First letter?" asked Hermione. "What do you mean, first letter?"

Harry told her the story, about meeting Hagrid, and getting a room on the second floor at his guardian's house.

"I liked my cupboard," said Harry. "It was warm, and safe, and cozy ... and mine."

"OK," said Hermione. She thought she better be quiet. Harry was getting defensive. Couldn't change history, anyway. She didn't need to ruin her only remaining friendship. She never kept friends very long. They walked around the grounds, and went back in for supper.

--------------------

Ripper won the December fifteenth Grand European Dog Show, again, in the English Bulldog competition. Marge was very pleased with the prize.

"Margaret Dursley isn't it?" asked a distinguished looking man. "Your fine animal has beaten me again. Are you sure you won't mate him to my bitch?"

"That has been my only disappointment with him," said Marge. "He has never shown any interest."

"I have never seen such a well behaved Bulldog," said the man. "That is how you keep beating me. There are ways to collect a sample, and I would make it worth your while. I know a vet who could sedate him. There would be no pain involved."

"If you really think so, maybe I could," said Marge. "I could use the money. Where would this be done?"

Ripper was paying full attention, and so was Harry. Ripper knew what was expected, and he didn't have any interest, but he wasn't thrilled with the idea of the vet. Harry could unblock the necessary response. It was there, he just didn't like compulsion. His choice was run away, go to the vet, or ... do the deed. He liked Marge too much, to leave. Living with Marge was nice.

"I would like to give Mother Nature a go," said the man. "It really is simpler. Maybe your dog is just a late bloomer, so to speak."

"I haven't tried in a couple years," said Marge. "It won't hurt anything to try. When do you want to make the attempt?"

"My bitch is coming in now," said the man. "I could take him with me, if you like."

"Oh no," said Marge. "Ripper never leaves my side. Bring her over to my place, day after tomorrow. If it doesn't work, we will try the vet." They made the necessary arrangements.

The day came quickly, and Ripper was a bit nervous. He went through the necessary motions, and ... everything worked fine. Maybe he shouldn't have resisted so long. That was ... different.

Harry didn't have to try to do any brain work with Ripper. He didn't think he could, unless he was fairly close to Ripper. He had never been able to earlier, when he tried from long distance. Ripper's instincts were buried good, and unnecessary.

The man gave Marge a check, and she grinned. She hadn't complained about money, recently. Maybe she was happy with the unexpected cash.

--------------------

Hermione studied diligently for her end of term exams, and did well. Harry did just like he wanted to. Hedwig rode Harry's shoulder, and he rode the carriage to take Hermione to the train station. Kneazle sat between them.

"I should have asked you to come with me," said Hermione. "Mum and Dad wouldn't mind. You should see what Christmas is."

"Maybe some other time," said Harry. "I will just have to make do in the library alone. What ever will Kneazle and I do?"

"Oh, you," said Hermione. "I really miss Mum and Dad. That is the worst thing about coming here. I wish I could show them some magic."

"My guardians would have a heart attack," said Harry.

"And that is bad why?" asked Hermione. "I still don't like what you told me about them."

"They don't matter," said Harry. "They really don't bother me. They leave me alone, I leave them alone."

"Let's not talk about them," said Hermione. "What are you going to focus on, in the library?"

"There is still a lot in the library I don't know is even there," said Harry. "I am going to explore the stacks."

"Let me know if you find anything good," said Hermione. "Wow, that didn't take long. Here we are."

Hermione had a light bag of clothes, and a book bag. She didn't need much. Off she went. A few hours later, Hedwig followed.

Harry kept busy. He was in the library, flying as Barnowl, or visiting Marge. He was also visiting Hermione, with Hedwig. He wasn't ready to let Hermione know that. Hedwig made several quick trips back and forth.

Harry had a surprise at Christmas. He knew Hermione would get something for him, and he had correctly predicted it was a book. He did not expect the other package.

Harry,

This was your father's cloak. I felt it was high time to return it.

Use it safely, and wisely.

'How curious,' thought Harry, as he put on the cloak. 'I didn't know my parents, from the man in the moon. I wonder who sent this.'

Harry turned invisible, under the cloak. Harry put the cloak in his trunk. He couldn't think of a single reason to use it, at this time, but one never knew what the future would bring.