"Ah," Vison said, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. His tone carried a trace of pride as he launched into a rambling explanation. "Harry is a good kid. I taught him some simple Charms before he started school, and he remembered them all. Did you know, the first time he cast the Wand-Lighting Charm..."
As they listened to Vison talk about Harry as though showing off his own child, Professor Flitwick and Professor Sprout exchanged a meaningful glance. Perhaps the relationship between Vison and Harry was far closer than anyone had imagined.
Professor Snape's displeasure with Vison, on the other hand, became even more obvious.
——
Meanwhile, the students had already filled their stomachs. On Harry's table, the main dishes had been replaced with desserts. Around him, the Gryffindor students began chatting about their families.
Seamus mentioned that his dad was a Muggle. Neville talked about being raised by his grandmother. Hermione explained that her father was a dentist.
Naturally, no one asked Harry about his family. Everyone already knew his parents had died at Voldemort's hands. Bringing it up would only make things awkward, wouldn't it?
Harry glanced toward Vison at the Professors' table, then shifted his gaze to Percy Weasley, who sat across from him.
"Weasley Prefect," Harry hesitated before asking, "What do they teach in Care of Magical Creatures?"
Percy immediately set down the syrup-soaked pancake in his hand, straightened his posture, and looked serious and proud all at once. "Just call me Percy, Harry."
"Okay, Percy Prefect."
Hearing Harry's slightly off address, Percy's smile widened. "Did you have a question?"
"Yes, what is Care of Magical Creatures, exactly?"
Percy cleared his throat, adopting a formal, lecturing pose. "Care of Magical Creatures is an elective course available only from the third year onwards. In this class, you'll learn about the habits of various magical creatures, how to feed them, and how to interact with them properly."
"Only third years can take it?" Harry frowned, clearly disappointed. "So that means I can't take it this year?"
"That's right," Percy nodded. "Probably because the Professors think it's too risky for first and second years to handle magical creatures. Most magical creatures are dangerous to some extent, and younger students might not even be able to wield their wands properly."
"The book list we got before school didn't have any magical creatures textbooks either," Hermione added thoughtfully. "Are you interested in magical creatures, Harry?"
"I guess," Harry replied vaguely, his eyes flicking toward Vison again.
Percy noticed the glance and nodded thoughtfully. "Speaking of which, this year is a bit unusual. Two Professors have changed at once. Everyone expected Defense Against the Dark Arts to change again, but Care of Magical Creatures—honestly, I thought Professor Kettleburn would stick around for another couple of years."
Harry followed Percy's gaze and looked at Professor Quirrell. Suddenly, a sharp pain stabbed through his forehead, making him clutch at his scar.
"What's wrong?" Percy asked, concerned.
"Nothing."
Harry took a deep breath, shook his head, and tried to force a relaxed smile. Then he pulled out a small bag from his robes, rummaged through it, and retrieved a small bottle of light-blue potion. He uncorked it and drank it down in one gulp.
"What's that?" Percy asked, curious.
"Just medicine for headaches," Harry said casually as he tucked the bottle back into his bag. "I get them sometimes."
Percy nodded, accepting the explanation without suspicion. He probably thought Harry was just using some Muggle remedy.
In truth, what Harry had drunk was a tranquilizer potion. Before school started, Vison had given him a small bag with an Undetectable Extension Charm cast on it. Inside were all sorts of useful potions: tranquilizers, blood-replenishing elixirs, burn salves, Essence of Murtlap—almost everything one could need for daily emergencies. There was even a beauty potion, though Harry doubted he'd ever need that and couldn't figure out why Vison had included it. To charm girls, maybe?
Harry still didn't understand why just looking at Quirrell—especially that purple turban—triggered such sharp pain. But after drinking the potion, the pain faded quickly, and Harry decided not to dwell on it. He even tried glancing at Quirrell again, but this time the pain didn't return.
Maybe I'm just too nervous, Harry thought.
——
After the feast, Dumbledore stood to make his usual announcements for the new semester. He reminded students not to enter the Forbidden Forest and warned against casting spells in the corridors—both things Harry could easily understand.
But then Dumbledore added, "For those who do not wish to suffer painful accidents or death, please avoid the corridor on the right side of the fourth floor."
Harry blinked. That was a bit strange, wasn't it? If anything, it made the corridor sound more enticing to thrill-seekers. To him, it sounded more like, "Hey, there's an exciting and dangerous adventure waiting right here!"
In short, Harry felt the warning had the opposite effect.
Finally came the last part of the banquet—the school song. Harry wasn't a fan. Everyone sang in their own tune, making the whole thing sound chaotic. But when he noticed Vison singing too, with a deadpan expression, Harry couldn't help but find it a little funny.
When the song ended, Harry wanted to go say hello to Vison, but there was no chance. Percy had already rounded up the Gryffindor first-years.
"Everyone, follow me!" Percy called out. "I'll take you to the Gryffindor common room."
With no choice, Harry fell in line. He quickly realized why they needed guidance—moving stairs and shifting panels made navigating the castle a nightmare. Without Percy, Harry was sure he'd be hopelessly lost.
After what felt like forever, they finally stopped. Harry sighed, thinking they'd finally arrived—only for a short, stout man to float into view, blocking their path. He wore a flashy suit, a tiny blue top hat, and had a cheap, mischievous grin.
"That's Peeves," Percy whispered. "A prankster ghost. Best to stay out of his way."
Harry eyed Peeves. Aside from being uglier than other ghosts, he didn't seem that different.
"Welcome!" Peeves cackled, his voice echoing through the corridor. He grinned wickedly and lunged at Percy with such speed that Harry could barely track the movement.
When Peeves reappeared, he was holding a small, glittering object in his hand.
—
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