Love Potion No. 13

Chapter 3

“That’s pretty awesome Harry, that’ll mean you can actually fly without a broom or anything.” Ron sat closely to Harry completely ignoring Professor Moorefall, the latest addition to the Defense Against Dark Art’s position. Moorefall, or awful as Ron was now calling him, was completely useless worse than Lockhart had been. It was partly why Dumbledore’s Army was still up and running, the meetings being used to study the actual curriculum that would be on their exams other than listening to Moorefall ramble on about his time as Auror.

“I’d say that is why Harry is so good on a broom Ron, it is natural instinct coming out.” Hermione chimed in having used Professor Moorefall’s classes as a catch up study session throughout the year and as such wasn’t listening to the professor either.

“True Hermione, that’s what McGonagall said about you. An intelligent cat, for an intelligent girl.” Hermione was somewhat proud of her own animagus form, as a cream and white colored cat, with a bushy brown tail. Ron beamed at Hermione who smiled in thanks.

“Pity you’re nothing like a squirrel Ron, although you do scurry about and hide food in the strangest of places.” Harry chuckled at Ron who glared at his best friend before stabbing him playfully with the end of his quill.

“Shut up Harry you haven’t got there yet.” Harry rolled his eyes but nodded in agreement. All this talk of his animagus being a bat, yet he hadn’t transformed completely yet and so had no idea what he would actually look like. “When’s your first lesson?” Ron continued watching as Harry began packing away his books as the final bell for the end of lessons rang.

“After dinner tonight, McGonagall says she’ll see me as a bat before summer holidays or die trying.” Harry chuckled as he followed Hermione from the room, leaving Ron to trail behind them.

“That’s only four weeks away Harry, don’t be disappointed if you’ve not got it quite right by the time summer break comes along, flying animagus forms are difficult to achieve.” Hermione smiled at her best friend and tucked her arm supporting under Harry’s as they headed towards the Gryfindor Tower to wash up for dinner. “But I’ve got faith in you Harry, perhaps we’ll even be able to practice together when you come to the burrow at the end of summer.” By now Ron had caught up with the pair and linked his own arm cautiously through Hermione’s. The girl it seemed had gotten over her little argument with the red head after the weekend’s debacle.

“Yeah that’ll make the summer go quickly then Harry.” Ron smiled at Harry across Hermione’s shoulder as the three of them stepped in through the portrait hole into the crazy rush of the common room.

*******************************************

Harry stepped into the transfiguration classroom at ten past 7, a little late but not concerned. McGonagall would be lenient considering it was Dumbledore’s notices at dinner, which had made him late in the first place. McGonagall was sitting on the top of one of the desks down the front of the classroom her wand resting in her lap and her glasses perched on top of her head as she rubbed her eyes. Harry waited politely at the entrance until the professor had lowered her glasses back down and finally spotted him waiting to be called in.

“Ah Harry, please come in and sit yourself down this is not a formal class and I don’t want you to feel awkward.” Harry dropped his bag by the door and made his way to the seats at the front of the classroom beside McGonagall who stood up and stretched a little before flicking her wand at the black board, where a line separating two sides of the board appeared. “I must admit I was quite surprised when Professor Snape asked me to schedule you some extra lessons for transfiguration, but I’m glad also. We were quite worried for you there as basic animagus transformation is on your Newt’s.” It was when McGonagall gestured to the back of the room that Harry realized he and the professor weren’t alone and the boy spun around to see Snape reclined casually in an armchair the first years had been using for practice earlier in the day. “Please don’t worry Harry, Professor Snape is merely here to observe your progress. Now shall we begin?” Harry glared at Snape but turned back sharply to focus his attention on McGonagall. After all he was here because he wanted to learn something not to be intimidated by Snape sitting like a ghost in the back of the classroom. Ignoring Snape’s presence Harry concentrated on McGonagall’s instructions. “You have from being in my class learnt the necessities of transformation, so I see no point in repeating myself. I believe you have the skills to achieve this Potter, but perhaps need a little more coaxing. So I want us to begin by having you write down on the board in one column what you believe the physical characteristics of a bat to be, and then in the other column descriptive words you can associate with a bat’s behavior. This will help you ground your center of focus when we come to practice.” With a determined nod, Harry set to work.

It was late by the time McGonagall finally called a halt to the session, after Harry’s last attempt at transfiguration. Attempting to transform himself into an animal was tiring and having tried as hard as he had all evening he was practically exhausted.

“Good Mr. Potter you were so close that time.” Harry stared at himself in the full-length mirror McGonagall had wheeled out from her office. Indeed his transformation this time around had been the best yet. Turning to his side Harry surveyed the sleek black wings protruding from his back, along with the furry black nose and his sharp radar ears. His body had shrunk too this time a good indicator that he was getting the hang of it. In the reflection of the mirror Harry caught Snape’s reflection too. Harry had to admit he’d quite forgotten about the potions professor who was still sat at the back of the classroom. Snape was staring at Harry, a strange expression on his face. Experimentally Harry flapped his wings and watched in the reflection as Snape closed his eyes for a moment as if savoring the movement of air the flap of the wings had made before slowly reopening them again as McGonagall broke the silence again. “You’re progressing very well Harry. Now that you know your form I believe it is coming easier to you.” McGonagall passed Harry what remained of the large bottle of potion they’d been using all evening to return him to human form. It was far less strenuous having to transform only one way when first learning, and thus the potion. Harry drained the vial of potion feeling with some sadness his wings crumple and disappear. “I believe that will be all for today Harry, get some rest and I’ll see you tomorrow same time.” Harry nodded and having collected his wand moved to the door and picked up his bag again.

“Night professor McGonagall and thank-you.” Harry smiled pleasantly at the tired looking transfiguration professor before glancing at the armchair where Snape still sat. “Good night Professor Snape.” With a slightly bitter tone and lacking the smile he’d given McGonagall Harry addressed Snape before turning and leaving the classroom. He would have just enough time to have a quick shower and get into bed before curfew, then Harry could also tell Ron what he’d achieved if the red head was still up.

TBC>>>>>>>>>>