{Hogsmeade station}
I felt the train slowing down as I adjusted my tie. The four of us have taken turns changing into our school uniforms. Looking at the blank tie on all of us, I knew we'd soon be divided into different houses.
Normally, Harry Potter would have gone to Gryffindor, and I wouldn't have had to think about this too much. But our conversation throughout the train journey led me to think about it more deeply.
'I'm not a character in a book or a movie. Who knows how much the butterfly effect of us just being older would have? There is no way childish scenes like the midnight duel would ever take place. So if the timeline itself couldn't be guaranteed, then how can I be sure that Voldemort would suffer the same fate as canon?' I thought as I watched the train slowly pull up to the station.
It's a thought that had occurred to me, but only after hearing the world described as a living, breathing thing by Susan did I slowly realize that any change I had already made meant nothing was guaranteed, so from this point on, I had to be responsible for my own actions.
'Which means taking advantage of the fact that I have a fucking horcrux in my head that gives me an ability that is revered in a certain house.' I thought. They didn't know it was a borrowed ability, but if I want to face Voldemort when he eventually returns, then I need power, and the best way to do that is to leverage the vaults of magic that were old families to arm myself with as much magic as possible.
'And turn families against Voldemort all the same, but do I have to go to Slytherin to do that? Will just being a Parselmouth be enough to gain a chance at alliances?' I thought.
It was a risk, but maybe going to Slytherin would be risky as well. A non-believer could take me out simply because of their misguided beliefs, so where is it better to be a snake: hiding among the lions or in a snake pit itself?
'I can't believe I'm contemplating going to Slytherin,' I thought. While it could be beneficial, it also means alienating myself from the other three houses, which means fewer interactions with witches, which in turn means less LP and a chance to grow strong.
The debate had been raging in my head for the past hour, and as the train slid to a halt, I stood up.
"Let's go then," I said, smiling, trying to push my worries away for now. From what I could see, students were already rushing outside without their trunks, so I likely didn't need to worry about mine.
"You reckon we need to take them with us?" I still asked Susan, who shook her head no and responded, "The house elf will take them in for us."
"The house elf?" Hermione asked in confusion, and I had the urge to resist smacking my hand against my head.
"Firs' years! Firs' years over here! Firs' years follow me!" A loud voice boomed from outside, which gave me the excuse to hurry everyone along. I felt the chill of the evening wind, it was already starting to get colder in September. I need to learn the warming charm soon.
When we stepped out, I extended my arm to help the three girls and got a nod of gratitude from all of them. My affection with them was already maxed out, but there was no reason not to be considerate.
"C'mon, follow me... any more firs' years? Mind yer step, now!" Hagrid's voice boomed, and I turned toward the half-giant. We hadn't been introduced in this life yet, and I could see the big oaf trying to keep himself from closing the distance, but he managed to suppress his excitement as he gathered everyone and led us down a steep path.
"You feel like a rat yet?" I whispered to Hermione, who giggled at the reference as she almost slipped, and I had to grab her waist to help her.
"Why a rat?" Susan asked, confused, and I had to brush it off as a Muggle thing for now.
"Ye' all get yer firs' sight o' Hogwarts in a sec," Hagrid called over his shoulder, "jus' round this bend here."
I watched, anticipating the scene. As someone who liked taking in the sights, I found the one in front of me almost magical. The narrow path opened up to a bank. A great lake spread out in front of us, dark as the night, and the twinkling stars it reflected.
But it was the big castle that illuminated the light. It was reflected in the lake, the world's biggest mirror, as it stood majestically in the night. It was a proper medieval castle with multiple towers that could hold a princess hostage and give the evil dragon enough space to lounge around.
"Now that's straight out of a fairy tale," I commented, and all three girls agreed. A loud shout broke the serene scene.
"No more'n four to a boat!" Hagrid called, pointing to a fleet of boats sitting in the water by the shore.
"That works for us," I said, turning to Susan and Hannah. "You ladies mind accompanying us on this journey?" I did a mock bow, referencing our earlier discussion on pureblood customs on the train.
"We would love to, Harry," Susan replied, and I could feel many eyes turn to us. Harry, it seems, wasn't a common name, and as everyone in our generation knew, I would be joining Hogwarts. Whispers already started, along with a fleet of notifications spamming my vision.
...
[Lavender Brown's Affection increased by 10 for being a dreamboat]
[Parvati Patil's Affection increased by 5 for being handsome]
[Padma Patil's Affection increased by 5 for the polite words]
...
...
[Pansy Parkinson's affection decreased by 10 for stealing Draco's limelight]
[Daphne Greengrass's Affection increased by 5 for looking better than last time]
[Daphne Greengrass's Affection decreased by 1 for standing next to a Mudblood]
...
They kept piling on, not all of them were good, as Pansy and some other Slytherin girls had the opposite effect on me for the first time, as the effect of the Boy-Who-Lived title took effect.
'Turn down the affection notifications,' I thought, and all of a sudden the screens vanished.
I sighed in relief as I stepped onto the boat and extended my hand to Hermione, who grabbed it as she stepped onto the boat next to me. Susan and Hannah quickly climbed overboard as we settled into the wooden bleachers.
'It's a good thing I turned them off because I think I would be getting a bunch of notifications right about now of increased affection for being chivalrous or something like that.' I thought. I'd better keep this turned off until after the sorting. I don't want to deal with the mass spam.
"Everyone in?" Hagrid shouted after a little while, as my batchmates quickly found their own groups after shuffling around. I saw that Ron had settled in with Neville and the other three Gryffindor boys. I turned to look at Susan, who was sitting in front of me as the boat moved.
"Right then... FORWARD!"
-x-X-x-
{Over the Great Black Lake, Hogwarts}
"Right then... FORWARD!" Hagrid shouted, and the boats started moving on his command.
I braced for a sudden lurch, but instead it was a smooth transition from stillness to motion as we started cruising and picked up speed, gliding across the water. I looked around as we all moved in formation, following Hagrid's boat.
'Well, he's not piloting it, so we are moving along a fixed path. I wonder how these boats were enchanted.' I thought and turned to Hermione.
00078-205262959.png"Was there something about these boats in Hogwarts: A History?" I asked. It was one of her favorite books, but I hadn't dedicated as much time to it other than a basic cursory reading.
"Yes, arriving at Hogwarts is a tradition that is followed every year. Rumor has it that Godric himself brought the first class of students over the boats and Rowena Ravenclaw herself created the enchantment that drives these boats," Hermione whispered excitedly.
Her excited voice washed over the four of us as we focused on the boat. My eyes drifted to the side. As we moved, I noticed we left almost no ripples on the lake's surface, which led me to the real reason the scene felt almost otherworldly.
'There are fucking no waves or ripples in this massive lake even though the wind is blowing.' I thought as I dipped my hand over the side. The water was freezing cold, but even my hand penetrating the water's surface barely left any ripples. A mysterious force quickly smothered any disturbance that I left behind.
'Well, Hogwarts went to great lengths to make a great first impression. I wonder what source feeds such a massive spell. Surely a person can't maintain this kind of spell.' I thought as the others watched my actions, repeating them with fascination.
Amid this overwhelming display of magic, we reached the other end of the lake, beneath the castle's canopy. I could see the castle up close. It was made of white and brown stone mixed together. It towered over our heads, and I could see light emanating from several windows.
We shuffled together, most of us silent in awe of the magical building, but quite a few nervous about the upcoming sorting. I ought to be nervous as well, but I know where I'm going. Now I even have contingency plans in case I do end up in the snake's den by mistake.
We walked up a few stone steps and arrived in front of a massive oak door. Hagrid motioned for us to wait, then walked over and knocked three times with his large hands.
The door swung open moments later, and I caught a glimpse of my favorite teacher. Her sharp grey eyes noticed me immediately, but she didn't return my nod as she looked at everyone.
"The first years, Professor McGonagall," Hagrid announced as Professor McGonagall nodded at him.
"Thank you, Hagrid. I will take them from here." She replied before she addressed us, "Follow me."
She said, and then walked through the large doors. We walked through a courtyard and a hallway before we reached a grand marble staircase. I looked up and couldn't quite make out the roof as the stairs kept moving one after another.
'Oh boy, learning their patterns could take a while. Should I ask the twins for the map.' I thought as we stopped in front of another large door. Prof. McGonagall turned around and addressed us as a group.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," said Professor McGonagall. "The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory, and spend free time in your house common room."
She finished the sentence in one breath, reminding me of an excited Hermione. "The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history, and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rule-breaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup, a great honor. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours."
She looked back at the noise coming from the door and continued, "The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. I suggest you all smarten yourselves up as much as possible before you have some time"
"I shall return when we are ready for you," said Professor McGonagall. "Please wait here quietly."
She left the chamber. And an excited bubble burst as everyone started talking about the sorting ceremony. Before I could speak, though, an unfamiliar face quickly barged into our little group.
"Are you really? Harry Potter?" Lavender asked, her eyes gleaming with excitement and a need for gossip. I looked at her. Her tie was a little loose, and her buttons were unbuttoned. The shirt was a size or two small for her, but I guess she knew that, as her cleavage was visible even in formal attire.
...
[Lavender Brown]
[7]
...
'A good source of LP it seems, though I need to make sure Hermione doesn't get jealous.'
"I would assume so. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss?" I offered my hand.
"Lavender Brown, the pleasure is all mine, Harry," She whispered as she closed the distance slightly. I felt Hermione's frown as I nodded to Lavender and tried to steer the conversation away from the obvious.
"So how do we get sorted?" I asked Susan as Lavender pouted at being ignored.
"Don't know, my Auntie won't tell me. She says that it's tradition that we don't know." She shrugged.
"I know it, I know it... Do you want to know, Harry?" Lavender jumped in place beside me, drawing my attention with her bouncing breasts.
Without me saying anything, she leaned against me, her breasts squishing my arms as she leaned in to whisper in my ear, "There is an enchanted artifact called the Sorting Hat. You put it on your head, and it will sort you into one of the four houses that best suit your talents."
She lingered a bit after and then whispered, "If we get sorted into the same house, wait for me tonight..." She purred into my ear, gave me a wink, and walked away giggling with a brown-skinned girl.
Before anyone from our group could voice their complaints, I jumped back as a white silhouette emerged from the door right beside me.
'Fucking jump scare.' I screamed internally as I backed away. About twenty ghosts had just
streamed through the doors and the walls. They were a pale shade of pearly-white and slightly transparent, they glided across the room talking to one another and hardly glancing
at the first years.
They seemed to be arguing. What looked like a fat little monk was arguing: "Forgive and forget, I say, we ought to give him a second chance-"
"My dear Friar, haven't we given Peeves all the chances he deserves? He gives us all a bad name, and you know, he's not really even a ghost..." The ghost wearing a ruff and tights paused, looked at us, and asked, "I say, what are you all doing here?"
"New students!" exclaimed the Fat Friar, smiling around at everyone. "About to be
Sorted, I suppose?"
I nodded mutely along with a couple of other students.
"Hope to see you in Hufflepuff!" said the Friar. "My old house, you
know."
"Move along, everyone," I heard Prof. McGonagall say as she emerged once again from the doors. "The Sorting Ceremony's about to start."
One by one, the ghosts floated away through the opposite wall and the gates.
"Now, form a line," Professor McGonagall told the first years, "and follow me."
She pushed the door open, and I peered inside as I walked in, Hermione quickly stepping up beside me, boxing out Lavender. Ignoring her antics, I looked upwards at the starry sky. Not a cloud was in sight today, and I sighed in wonder at the sight.
-x-X-x-
{Great Hall, Hogwarts}
"I wonder if it is showing the exact state of the weather outside or if we can record a scene and store it to display, imagining the Northern Lights up there," I whispered to Hermione as we walked between the four tables. I noticed that everyone was looking at us, as if they were trying to find someone.
"It's bewitched to look like the sky outside. I don't think it works that way, Harry," Hermione replied in a confident tone. "I read about it in Hogwarts: A History"
I nodded and looked up at the professors' table. The first one that caught my eye was a dark-skinned witch wearing a dark robe. Hints of cleavage showed through the candles placed in front of her, and it became clearer through her green dress as we walked closer. My eyes flicked up to read her name and inhibition level.
...
[Aurora Sinistra]
[9]
...
Next to her sat a witch who had a stern expression plastered on her face. She was wearing a more conservative style than Aurora, hiding her body as her light grey eyes scanned the incoming arrivals. Her personality looked like a copy-paste of McGonagall even though she looked like the youngest teacher at the table.
...
[Septima Vector]
[10]
...
I eyed her brown sweater, which was a sharp contrast to how most witches liked to dress. It showed off her Muggle heritage a little bit.
Aside from these two, two more witches sat at the high table together, whispering to one another. They both looked a bit older, similar in age to Prof. McGonagall but had more wrinkles and lines marring their faces.
...
[Pomona Sprout]
[8]
...
...
[Bathsheda Babbling]
[6]
...
'Now that's a gilf,' I thought as I gave the last professor a brief look, noting her unfamiliar name as we arrived at the table. Looking past the unknown witch, I looked at the rest of the staff. I caught a brief glance with both Snape and Albus, broke it as soon as possible, and avoided looking too closely at the turban-wearing man at the very end of the table.
'Right, I need to know how to start practicing Occlumency, not only to protect secrets about future events but also my own personal secrets.' I thought. I should have been a bit more careful, but events with Emma and the quiet lull of a happy life had kind of made me forget my life was in danger.
'I'll try emptying my mind and meditating later tonight, and see where it takes us.'
My thoughts were broken as Prof. McGonagall waved her wand and a four-legged stool appeared in front of us. She then placed a hat that had seen better days on the table.
"That's the sorting hat, Harry," I heard Lavender whisper from my left. She had somehow joined our little circle. I nodded my thanks as the sorting hat started flapping its torn mouth and began singing.
"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
If you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folk use any means
To achieve their ends.
So put me on! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!"
'Right, how does the sorting hat work again? Will it be able to see that I'm not actually Harry Potter?' Another thought appeared in my mind. I really should have tried to learn Occlumency. I'm doing a really bad job at being a main character, ain't I?
As everyone around the four tables and the professors burst into applause at the frankly over-rhymed song, Professor McGonagall stepped forward, holding a long roll of parchment.
"When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted," she said. Giving everyone just a moment to digest her words, she spoke again, "Abbott, Hannah!"
Hannah had been ready to move first, yet she blushed as everyone's eyes turned toward her. She took a shaky step forward as I patted her shoulder to comfort her. I would like to think I helped, as she steadied herself and carefully grabbed the hat as she sat down on the stool.
The whole hall fell silent as we waited. It wasn't even two seconds before the hat shouted, "HUFFLEPUFF!"
I watched Hannah grin in relief as she waved at us a little before she ran and quickly settled down at the middle-right table, as her fellow housemates cheered her sorting. Professor McGonagall moved through the list and quickly shouted the next name, "Bones, Susan!"
Susan winked at me as she happily took the seat her friend had vacated, and a few seconds later she skipped down the steps to join Hannah at the Hufflepuff table. I did not remember the next few names, but Terry Boot, which seemed familiar, and Mandy Brocklehurst went to Ravenclaw.
Lavender Brown became the first Gryffindor of our year, and the list kept rolling. Hermione, like in canon, went to Gryffindor, and now I stood alone as all of my new friends and acquaintances were quickly sorted. I vaguely heard Malfoy being sorted into Slytherin, though his sorting took a second longer than in canon, so it was nice to see he had at least more personality than in canon.
"Potter, Harry!" Prof. McGonagall called, and the whole Great Hall went silent as everybody stared. I could feel everyone's eyes on me as my fellow first years parted. With anxious steps, I slowly walked over and sat on the stool. I looked at the Sorting Hat and prayed it wouldn't read my mind as it was placed over my head.
I saw the twins staring at me with wide eyes, realizing who they had met earlier that day. Susan gave me an encouraging look as I focused on hearing what the hat had to say.
"Of course I can't read minds, Mr. Potter, though I can hear your surface thoughts, an amazing piece of magic given to me by Rowena. Especially useful in difficult cases like yours." The hat hummed in my ear. I let out a silent sigh of relief and simply thought about being placed into Gryffindor.
"Gryffindor, really. Are you sure? You could be great in Slytherin, you know, it's all here in your head, you're smart, and Slytherin will help you on the way to greatness, no doubt about that -- no? Well, if you're so sure about where you want to go-- better be GRYFFINDOR!" I heard the last word shouted, followed by a loud bang as fireworks erupted over the Gryffindor table.
'That would be the twins,' I thought as I walked down the steps, happy to have avoided a major accident as I heard them chant, "We got Potter! We got Potter!"
I settled down next to Hermione, who hugged me excitedly as I waved to Susan and Hannah, who both nodded. As Hermione let me go, my nerves settled, and I could focus more on the upcoming sortings.
'Alright, avoided my first major flag. Now I'm feeling rather hungry.'
-x-X-x-
{Great Hall, Hogwarts}
"Welcome," Dumbledore said. "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin
our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you!"
Resisting the urge to shake my head at his ridiculous statement, I watched in anticipation as the table in front of me was suddenly filled with food. I remember a fanfic theory that the four words were just the names of four house elves in charge of getting the food on the table.
'Which looks quite likely, or there was an illusion cast on the food that hid the food,' I thought as I reached for the food that had somehow appeared on my table. I grabbed some roast chicken legs and placed them on my table. I reached for some mashed potatoes and stopped as another fair hand grabbed the plate first.
"Oh, go on, Harry," Lavender said as she smiled shyly. I debated for a second, then listened to my stomach and filled my plate with mashed potatoes, rice, and gravy.
With food on the table, I could listen to the conversation going around: "You reckon we can get into the Quidditch team?" Asked a boy who had light freckles on his face. He was sitting next to Hermione. "Oh, I'm Seamus Finnigan, by the way. Nice to meet you all."
'Why am I not surprised that their first concern is Quidditch?' I shared a look with Hermione, who shook her head in exasperation. We had spent some time around Diagon Alley over the summer, so we knew what Quidditch was.
'A sport that makes zero sense,' Hermione had said upon learning that catching the snitch would give 150 points and end the game. Which is an odd rule, but considering the sport was J.K.'s brainchild, it's the best we could have gotten.
"I don't think so, there hasn't been a first year in the team in like... I dunno decades or so," Fred or George Weasley replied. The Weasleys were sitting quite close to where the first years sat.
"It would be wicked though," Ron replied with a grin, "Do we get to go to tryouts?" He asked his brothers.
"Now slow down, ickle Ronnikins," Fred/George teased as Ron turned red at his nickname being exposed, "...you need to first pass the flying class."
"...And pray none of you got spashed like a grape on the floor," Fred/George continued, "...it could be a nasty way to go." The other took over as he leaned in to stage-whisper, "... the school brooms are very old, so there could be... accidents from time to time."
I could see the amusement in their eyes, but the rest of the students stopped eating as they looked properly afraid. Suppressing a snort, I asked, "So when do classes start anyway?"
Fred and George both did a double-take, looking at me with wide eyes before breaking into conspiring grins. "It seems like the sorting hat misplaced a raven among us, Fred."
"Right, you are, George. Do you think we should hide him before Prof. Flitwick finds out and fights Prof. McGonagall for him?" Fred replied as I was finally able to tag onto their names, at least for now.
The teasing and talking continued as the twins made sure the atmosphere stayed light. I tried not to make eye contact with both Snape and Dumbledore throughout the meal, but I did catch Draco looking at me with a blank look.
Sticking to my plan of not antagonizing anyone for now, I raised my goblet in a silent toast. After a few moments of freezing, the blond replied with one of his own. At the same moment, I caught sight of Daphne looking at me with a strange expression.
'I wonder how much she knows about the stuff her mother and father are up to,' I thought as I refocused on the conversation, which had somehow moved on to our families. I didn't contribute much, so I silently finished my food and grabbed a slice of chocolate ice cream for dessert.
I listened to Finnigan's tale of his father getting duped and Neville's fears that his nan thought he was a squib. Hermione shared that her parents were dentists, which made me doze off for a moment thinking about last night with Emma.
The food vanished from in front of us along with the goblets and plates as Dumbledore finally stood up. He was wearing almost orange colored robes which looked ridiculous, not the first impression I would have gone for in his position, but then again, the goofy grandfather act worked for him in canon.
"Ahern... just a few more words now that we are all fed and watered. I have a few start-of-term notices to give you." He cleared his throat to get everyone's attention before speaking. His voice had an aged tone, even if it was surprisingly strong.
"First years should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. And a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well." Dumbledore's twinkling eyes flashed toward the Weasley twins. They puffed up with great pride at that reminder, having achieved something that they considered precious.
"I have also been asked by Mr. Filch, the caretaker, to remind you all that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors. Also, Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term. Anyone interested in playing for their house teams should contact Madam Hooch. And finally, I must tell you that this year, the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death." He finished his list of notices with a nod, as if he'd said something trivial.
"Is he barmy?" I heard Ron mutter, and quickly got hit on the head by George.
'So the plot for the first year is still on. I wonder how it would turn out if I simply refused to be baited into going to save the stone.' I thought as Dumbledore continued.
"And now, before we go to bed, let us sing the school song!" Dumbledore exclaimed, and I got to watch the most sorry excuse of a choir performance of all time.
I looked at Hermione, who was looking at Dumbledore in disbelief. Throughout the summer, she had developed a bit of reverence for the man's many accomplishments. Now I could see that belief crumbling away as Dumbledore acted like his usual self in front of everyone.
'I refuse to sing along to this tragedy,'
-x-X-x-
{Gryffindor Common Room, Hogwarts}
{Hermione's POV}
'We are in a magic castle.' I thought, looking around at the moving staircases. Although it was an absurd thought to wait for the stairs to come back around so we could move, I could think of it as a bizarre elevator for now.
'What was wrong with normal stairs?' I thought as we walked through the corridors leading us to the common room. Percy Weasley, Ron's prefect brother, led us to our common room.
According to Hogwarts: A History, the Gryffindor common room was on the seventh floor, so I expected to wait a long time on those stairs, but they were surprisingly well organized, arranged neatly one after the other until we reached the seventh floor.
'There is clearly a system to these movements. I might need to search for some books on it in the Library,' I thought as Harry turned to me and whispered, "Please tell me that no moving pictures will be there in our rooms. I don't want an ancient wizard watching me as I sleep."
'Or fuck someone,' My mind added automatically. The images of him destroying Mum every night emerged in my mind as I felt a tingle going down my spine.
He gave me an odd look before he looked away. Sometimes I swear he knows that I know. There is that knowing look in his eyes that sometimes makes me wonder if he knows my secret. My thoughts were interrupted as Lavender tried to cozy up to Harry once again, and I resisted the urge to shout at that banshee.
We arrived in front of a fat lady wearing a pearl necklace. Percy confidently stated the password, "Caput Draconis."
"Very well, welcome to Gryffindor," she said as the portrait swung open, revealing a gate to the common room. One by one, we walked through it and, through a narrow corridor, arrived in a wide-open living room/hall.
The room's theme was clearly red and gold. I saw the Gryffindor shield painted on the wall, along with several other paintings lining the walls. A fire sat in the corner, with several sofas lined up in front of it and around the room.
"Boys, down one floor to the left," Percy said, pointing toward the opening, then to another. "Girls, up one floor to the right."
"Does anyone have any questions?" He asked, but no one said anything. With a sigh of relief, he waved us on before ducking into the left passageway and heading down.
"Alright, I'll see you tomorrow morning, Hermione," Harry said, waving at me before disappearing into the passageway behind Percy as several other students shuffled out. Clearly, no one was interested in exploring on the first day; everyone was dead tired and stuffed full.
"Come on, let's go to," Lavender said, grabbing my arm and humming like we were best friends as she dragged me along. Unlike there being five boys in our batch, there were only three girls in Gryffindor.
"So how do you know Harry Potter?" Lavender asked as soon as we walked into the dormitory. It was a cozy-looking big room with three poster beds and heavy curtains that could be closed. A godsend, considering I was going to share a room with one of those girls.
"We met in Diagon Alley," I lied as Lavender let out a dreamy sigh.
"How lucky, I wish he said goodnight to me like he just said to you," Parvati quickly joined in, and I suppressed a groan. Don't tell me there were two of them. Ignoring their antics, I walked over to my bed and opened my trunk to pull out my nightwear.
"So what's he like?" Lavender asked as she flopped onto her bed, clearly not taking the hint.
"He's nice, sweet," I replied, a smile involuntarily seeping onto my face.
Both girls noticed and shrieked in surprise and jealousy, "You like him." They declared together as I rolled my eyes and walked toward the bathroom. Since they were not fitting me for it, I could change first.
When I walked out wearing my satin pink top and shorts, I noticed that the other two occupants of my dorm had changed into their nightwear as well. Though Lavender's felt a bit questionable, with her crop top being so short, it was completely unable to hide her bulging breasts.
"Did you guys change out here?" I asked in surprise.
"Of course," Lavender replied. "We are going to share this room for seven years. Trust me, at some point you are going to see me naked. Plus, we were wearing a bra and panties." She shrugged, as Parvati clearly followed her lead.
I shook my head and slipped into bed, grabbed the potions book for a late-night read, and started to draw the curtains, but Lavender stopped me with a question as she looked in the mirror, touched up her makeup, and applied lipstick.
'Who does that before going to bed?'
"So any tips?" Lavender asked.
"About what?" I asked, suppressing the impulse to snap at her.
"What Harry likes during a blowjob. You have given him one, right?" She asked as she looked at me with the corner of her eye.
I could feel blood rushing to my face as my cheeks grew warm. Lavender winked at me, giggled, and turned to Parvati. "See, she's not as innocent as she looks."
"So how big is he?" Parvati asked, and for a moment I was completely floored by their questions. I had no idea what girl talk was like, since I was never included in it, but now I'm thinking I dodged a bullet.
Seeing me not reply, Lavender winked at Parvati. "Don't worry, I'll tell you later," She said as she blew a kiss to herself in the mirror and adjusted her crop top to show off more underboob and a little bit of her areolas, and then she pulled on her thong upward to make it more visible.
"What do you mean?" I asked as Lavender turned to me and gave me an innocent look. "Oh, I promised Harry I'd give him a blowjob if we got sorted in the same house, and voila... it must be fate." She sighed, giggled, then walked to the door and vanished.
I stared wide-eyed at her departing figure, a strange mix of rage, anticipation, and arousal hitting me as I shared a look with Parvati.
"That slut, I would have to wait till tomorrow night now," Parvati cursed as she sat on her bed and waited.
'This is crazy.' I thought as I pushed my potions book aside and leaned against my bedframe, my eyes locked on the dorm entrance as I waited for Lavender to return.
...
...
'She's really crazy,' I thought once some time had passed. Parvati and I shared several glances, but neither of us broke the ice as we simply waited. Lavender returned almost 10 minutes later, and immediately I noticed her ruined makeup and the sheen of something covering her face.
"He came down my throat for most of his load, but I managed to catch some in my mouth and on my face. Fancy a taste," Lavender said as Parvati giggled.
'...why did Harry allow her to do that... and why am I aroused by it?'
-x-X-x-
{Gryffindor Common Room, Hogwarts}
"Alright, I'll see you tomorrow morning, Hermione." I waved at Hermione as I dragged my tired body towards the dormitory. I heard shuffling behind me as Ron and the other boys followed my lead.
The dorm room door was open, and I spotted my trunk as soon as I walked in. It sat in front of the bed closest to the door. Liking the convenience, I opened it, grabbed some clothes, my toothbrush, and toothpaste, and rushed to the bathroom before everyone.
I looked around curiously, the dorm bathroom wasn't something that had been covered in the movie or the novel. The bathroom was divided into two sides, with mirrors and faucets in the front as soon as you walked in. To the left and right were identical stalls, except the toilet was visible under one set of wooden doors and the shower above the other.
'Alright, no fancy bathtubs like the prefects,' I thought as I walked into one of the shower stalls and hooked my casual clothes, and I quickly changed out of my school uniform. The black-bordered robe had turned dark red, and my tie had turned the same color, with yellow/gold stripes.
I quickly changed, then went to the faucets to wash my face and brush my teeth before turning in for the night. The door opened, and I saw Ron enter. He still looked awkward, as this was the first time we had been alone. It was the awkwardness of unfamiliarity.
"Doing okay there, Harry?" Ron tried, and I just nodded. What was he expecting with my brush still in my mouth? Blushing a little, Ron quickly ducked into another shower stall to change while I rinsed my mouth and walked out.
"...you reckon we would have to start classes tomorrow, can't we wait for, you know, a new week?" Finnigan said. He was currently collapsed on his bed, talking with Dean. Thankfully, they were on the other corner of the room, as I didn't want to be disturbed right now. I had some LP points to spend.
"Did you even read your letter? It said Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This is not a summer camp, mate," Dean replied, and I had to suppress a smile at that.
"One can hope, can he not," Finnigan replied, grunting as he stood up, his eyes meeting mine as he nodded. "Hey Harry, ready to turn in for the night?" He questioned, noticing my attire.
"Yeah, mate, dead tired today. Need to get up early for classes, you know." I grinned as he groaned again and grabbed his clothes, lounging toward the bathroom as Ron emerged. I shared an amused look with Dean as Neville sat quietly on his bed.
"So what was it like growing up, Harry?" Ron finally asked as he collapsed onto his bed.
"I dunno, nothing interesting for a wizard to grow up in a Muggle household, I suppose," I replied. The boy was as tactless as in canon, it seems.
"Tell me about it," I heard Finnigan shout from the bathroom as he emerged, changed into Pajamas, "Mother told me all about magic, but since we lived in a Muggle area, we didn't really get to see it much."
"That's..." Ron spoke before he closed his mouth, turning red as he finally said something under everyone's gaze, "Mental, I can't really imagine life without magic. How do you guys wash your dishes or water the garden or heck, even do in your free time?"
"We do it by hand, mate, and play football. Anybody here play?" Finnigan asked excitedly as he collapsed on his bed.
"Used to a long time ago. Even tried out for the academy, but it didn't work out," Dean mentioned. He was the only Muggle-born in our year.
"Oh, which academy?" Finnigan asked curiously as he leaned in.
"West Ham," Dean grinned as Finnigan groaned. "Lucky you. The leagues in Ireland are not as competitive nowadays. I spend most of my time supporting the local quidditch team these days."
'Not Quidditch,' I thought as the forbidden topic was brought up. I had to cut this conversation short, or everyone would continue talking about the sport.
"Well, lads, I'll turn in for the night. Big day tomorrow. Don't want to lose house points because I was sleeping in class now, would I?" I grinned as I slunk into my bed and grabbed the curtains. Thankfully, they were a solid color, so they should block a lot of sound and light, meaning hushed conversations should be okay.
Still, before I could draw the curtains completely closed, I heard shuffling as Neville quickly followed my lead, then Ron followed suit, and Finnigan and Dean gave in as well. It seems like Prof. McGonagall had left quite an impression on everyone. Still, as everyone turned off their desk lamps, I closed the curtains completely.
All of a sudden, my surroundings became eerily quiet. I looked around, and no sound was coming from outside. I slid my curtains back and came face to face with Dean, who had noticed the same anomaly.
"Wicked, huh?" I grinned as he nodded. Everyone else had already retreated, so I waved goodnight and closed the curtains again.
"Lumos~" I chanted as I lifted my wand up, a bright light illuminated the bed as I reached for the corruption diary once again. I was eager to see what perks I could unlock with the new characters I met today.
'I could spend LP before sleeping.' I thought as I opened the diary, breezing past the portraits of Prof. McGonagall, Hermione, Adorabella, Daphne, Susan, and Hannah. The first face I saw was someone that I hadn't expected to be there.
...
[Pansy Parkinson]
[Corruption Level: 0/5 {Bigoted Princess}]
[Affection Meter: -15/100]
[Inhibition Level: 10/10]
[Inhibition Meter: 10/100]
[Trait unlocked at Level 1: Unwavering Focus {Blue}]
[Unwavering Focus {Blue}: You have a very focused mind that has been carefully nurtured since birth. Increases spell power by -30% to +30% based on focus.]
[Trait unlocked at Level 2: Locked]
[Trait unlocked at Level 3: Locked]
[Trait unlocked at Level 4: Locked]
[Trait unlocked at Level 5: Locked]
...
'Isn't that Malfoy's girlfriend?' I thought I had seen her briefly in a throng of students, but I thought someone like Lavender or Parvati would be noticed first. My eyes shifted to her portrait. Her arms were crossed as she frowned at me from the camera. Disdain splashed across her face.
She wasn't ugly-looking as described in various fanfictions. Her heart-shaped face and frown had a different charm, but her flat chest still did nothing for her sex appeal.
'But then again, there is a different kind of arousal in breaking through an enemy's psychological barriers.' I thought as I flipped through. Still, that would likely be a long project like McGonagall.
'I have no idea how I'm gonna approach her, maybe those corruption potions that were mentioned in the introduction to the Diary. I wonder when they would unlock, maybe at level 5.'
...
[Lavender Brown]
[Corruption Level: 1/5 {Slutty Cheerleader}]
[Affection Meter: 100/100]
[Inhibition Level: 7/10]
[Inhibition Meter: 10/100]
[Trait unlocked at Level 2: Facial Reader {Purple}]
[Facial Reader {Purple}: You have spent your whole life reading everyone's faces. During a conversation, there is a 50% chance to get an idea of the person's real intentions.]
[Trait unlocked at Level 3: Locked]
[Trait unlocked at Level 4: Locked]
[Trait unlocked at Level 5: Locked]
...
'She's a slut, alright,' I thought as I looked at her portrait. While Hermione was wearing a satin crop top and PJs at Corruption level 1, she's already down to her knickers. My eyes traced her curvy figure as she waved her body back and forth, her breasts jiggling, enticing me.
I lingered on that photo for a while, but before I could move on to the next one, I felt the curtains of my bed move.
'Nox~' I thought, pulling down my wand in alarm. The Diary disappeared from my hand, and the light vanished. In the rush of adrenaline, I didn't notice that it was my first successful silent cast.
I felt someone creep into my bed, and then the curtains shut themselves off. I felt a touch on my dick as she giggled. "Oh, I knew you would be waiting for me, Harry," I heard Lavender giggle as her warm breath collided with my cock as her soft hands pulled me out.
...
[14(*2.5*10)LP gained for getting a Handjob from Lavender Brown]
...
{1st year dorm, Gryffindor common room, Hogwarts}
"Lumos~" I whispered, raising my wand. The small area around my bed lit up as I looked at Lavender. She was straddling my legs as her right hand was gripping my erect cock. Her smile widened for a moment, then froze as she looked down at what she held.
"Holy Merlin's balls, h-how are you this big?" She whispered in strange fascination as she brought her other hand to my cock as well. I hadn't increased my cock even when I reached Level for shop because it was enough for now, but looking at her expression, a strange sense of arousal and pride fluttered through me.
…
[Learned Lavender's sexual trait: [Size-Queen]]
…
Suppressing the urge to spend some LP, I asked, "What are you doing here, Lavender?"
She looked up at me. Her eyes looked a little dazed as she whispered, "Well, I came to reward the hero for vanquishing the dark lord, but…" She looked down and bit her lips. I felt her slip as she slid down, coming face to face with my massive cock as she moaned her reply, "I think it's my turn to get a reward for being a gooood girlll~"
Her mouth opened wide, her pink tongue peeked out as she went for a lick. I suppressed a shiver of pleasure that went down my spine as her warm lips followed soon after, as she placed a wet smooch on the tip.
…
[21(x2.5 x10) LP gained for getting a blowjob from Lavender]
[Learned Lavender's sexual trait: [Blowjob Lover]]
…
"Don't worry, Harry, just enjoy it. I know I'm going to," Lavender whispered as she opened her mouth wide once again and gulped down my entire cock into it with practiced ease. She smiled as she looked at my expression of disbelief before she pulled her head off a few inches and then slammed her own face into my stomach.
…
[35(x2.5 x10) LP gained for getting a throatjob from Lavender]
[Learned Lavender's sexual trait: [Deepthroat Enthusiast]]
…
"Guck~" Her throat finally gagged at the rough treatment, but she had no intention of stopping. I looked around, waiting for someone to open the curtains after hearing the noise as she used her own throat as a cocksleeve, but no one interrupted us as I curled my toes in pleasure and resisted the urge to grab onto her head. Even when, almost a minute into her brutal throatfuck, she had to let me go from her mouth to cough as she took deep breaths.
"W-wow," She coughed as she started giving me a handjob with her left hand while her right hand pinched her nipple as she exposed her perky breasts by pulling up her top giving me my first view of her busty figure.
"N-no one has lasted that long with me doing that," Lavender said as she looked down at my twitching cock.
'Well, she's not titled slutty cheerleader for no reason,' I thought as I asked her, "You have a lot of experience doing this?"
"Enough to know that I don't think I'll be going back to those small dicks… ever again," She breathed her words onto my cock as she kissed the tip again, and then she started making out with it while using both of her hands to give me a double handjob.
"You know I'm not looking for a girlfriend, right?" I tried to clarify. I realized I hadn't talked with Hermione about our relationship, and I didn't want another misunderstanding to float around.
"Don't you worry about that, Harry. I'm already betrothed to some guy from a French noble family, so I just have 7 years to enjoy my life before I have to go be a proper noble princess and Lady or whatever." Lavender replied even though her lips never left my dick.
"All I need from you is this magnificent dick reshaping my throat and ass for seven years, scrambling my brains to make me forget everything." She finished her rather absurd request before winking at me and going for a second deepthroat attempt.
'Fuck she's crazy,' I thought as I stopped suppressing the urge, reached for her head, and grabbed onto her hair. Her eyes met mine as she nodded with my cock wedged deep in her throat, her lips pecking my pelvis, leaving behind a lipstick mark at the base of my cock.
'Fine then, it's a good source of LP anyway.'
…
[42(x2.5 x10) LP gained for fucking Lavender's throat]
…
I grabbed her hair and pulled her head upward, watching in fascination as my cock glistened from her saliva. Once I reached an optimal height, I grabbed her head with both of my hands, and I pushed my dick upward, thrusting into her throat. Her eyes widened slightly as she teared up a little, but her hands slipped downward, likely fingering herself.
"Gluck~ Gluck~ Gluck~ Gluck~ Gluck~ Gluck~ Gluck~" She gagged with each brutal thrust, yet I never felt her push me away. I kept my eye on her pleasure meter, and it slowly climbed to 100, and I saw her eyes roll back in her head.
"Mhmmm~ Gwacckk~ Hmhmhhmmm~ Gluck~" She moaned and gagged as her throat collapsed and converged, massaging my dick as she gulped. I felt my orgasm approaching, and I tightened my core. My thrusts became more brutal as her nose and face slammed onto my abdomen with each thrust, her throat barrier giving way to the brutal assault.
"Fuck," I grunted as I slammed up one more time, deep into her throat before I burst. Holding her in place, with my hips raised, slamming deep into her throat, I shot my fourth load of the day straight into her stomach.
…
[70(x2.5 x10) LP gained for giving Lavender a throatpie]
…
Consciousness finally returned to her eyes as she tapped at my hips. A little reluctant, I pulled away from her throat as I started to fill her mouth. Contrary to my expectations, air was not the reason for Lavender's tapping as she pulled her lips off my cock and aimed my dick straight at her face.
…
[35(x2.5 x10) LP gained for giving Lavender a facial]
[Learned Lavender's sexual trait: [Cumslut]]
…
She closed her eyes as she painted her face with my cum as I saw her gulp down the few strands that I had shot into her mouth. As my orgasm subsided, I looked at her, still massaging my dick, hoping for a few more drops as she came down from her orgasmic high.
'How the fuck is she a bigger slut than Adora?' I thought as Lavender grinned, likely at my stunned expression.
"Don't worry, pretty boy, as long as you have the biggest cock in Hogwarts, you own my throat and ass. Fuck me anytime you want, in the shower, on the Quidditch field, heck, even in the middle of the common room if you feel like it." She winked as she licked the cum that was staining her hands and brought her top back down.
"Save me a load for tomorrow. I want this beast tearing up my asshole." She gave me an air kiss, then slowly stood and slid the curtains shut.
"Nox~" I hurriedly whispered and extinguished the light from my wand as I heard Lavender giggle, felt her hair brush my thigh as she leaned down, and placed a loud kiss on top of my dick.
"Muuuuuuahh~"
I heard her giggle again and then shuffle for a few seconds. Then she pressed something against my hand, and her footsteps slowly retreated and faded as she left the dorm. I looked around as my eyes adjusted to the dark room. I quickly shut off the curtains and recast Lumos to see what she had left me.
Crumpled together in my hand was a pair of lace black thong, still dripping with her juices.
…
'Welcome to Hogwarts, I guess,'
—
{1st year dorm, Gryffindor common room, Hogwarts}
I flicked my hands, and Lavender's thong vanished into my inventory. That's two trophies that I have unknowingly collected, and I have no idea what to do about them. I looked down and quickly tucked myself in. I debated going back to the diary to finish what I was doing, but decided against it and moved on to the more important part.
…
[Available LP: 41,290]
[Lifetime LP gained: 48,074]
[LEWD Shop level 4]
[LEWD shop]
[Sexual Aura – Sexual Aura increases how desirable you are found by other women and gives a percentage boost to Affection gain. Unlock Level 3: 30% boost – 10000 LP]
[Pleasure Meter- See how far your target is from her orgasm. Unlocked.]
[Dick Length- Increase your Dick length by 0.25 Inch. Current Size – 9.15 In. Upgrade Level 9 – Unlock cost 10,000]
[Dick Girth- Increase your Dick girth by 0.1 inch. Current Size – 5.0 In. Upgrade Level 7 – Unlock cost 10,000]
[MILF Hunter – Gain a 2.5x multiplier to gain LP during sexual encounters with a MILF. Boost Unlocked]
[Sexual Endurance- Increase the amount of time under maximum stimulation you can last before you reach your orgasm by 1 min. Current time- 5.5 min. Unlock Level 5 – Unlock cost 10,000]
[Pleasure Lock- Stop your target from achieving an Orgasm no matter how much stimulation they get. Unlock Level 1 – 5000 LP]
[LP Induction- Convert all available LP into EXP points that are stored in an experience pool that can be used to increase the skill levels of your spells or character Level. Unlock – 10000 LP]
[Jailbait- Gain a 2.5x multiplier to gain LP during sexual encounters with a teen who is aged 18. Boost Unlocked]
[Enhanced Pleasure- Gain a multiplier to your partner's pleasure during sexual encounters. Unlocked Level 1: 2x. Unlock Level 2: 3x – Shop Level 5 Required.]
[Taboo Encounters- Gain a 2x multiplier to all sexual acts that could be considered moral taboo. Boost Unlocked]
[Cock Block- Gain access to a spell that would alter your partner's interest in sexual situations other than the caster. Unlock cost: LP 50,000]
[Ebony Lover- Gain a 2x multiplier to LP gains from all sexual acts with a dark-skinned partner. Unlock – 500 LP]
[Impotent Potion – Gain a recipe for a potion that makes the drinker Impotent. Unlock – 50000]
[???]
[???]
…
'So the shop was level 1 at the beginning, went to level 2 once lifetime LP earned crossed 1000. To level 3 at 10,000 and to level 4 at 25,000.' I calculated. I had theorized the next level would be at 50,000 before the LP requirement jumped to 100,000, so I had been saving all LP gains in case anything good popped up in the Level 5 shop.
'But considering I had completely missed the obvious clue about Snape and Dumbledore possibly being able to read my mind, I think I will have to change some plans.' I thought as I bought the LP induction Perk.
My available LP dropped by 10,000, and a few new options appeared in my status screen.
…
[Status]
[Name: Harry Potter]
[Level: 5 {740/1600}]
[Experience Pool: 0]
[Traits: Boy-Who-Lived, Hidden Horcrux, Parseltongue, Dark Arts Prodigy, Transfiguration Inclination, Charms Inclination, Calm Mind]
[MP: 617/630]
[SP: 45/50]
[LP: 31,290]
[Stats]
[STR: 5]
[AGI: 6]
[DEX: 7]
[END: 5]
[INT: 10]
[REF: 7]
…
I looked through my status, a summer of focused training, plus a body that heals broken muscles on its own, has had almost miraculous effects on my physical stats- well, except reflex, of course. That thing had almost refused to budge.
'I had debated putting one of the free points I got from each level up and committing it to Reflex, but decided against it because that was a stat that didn't contribute to mana in any way. Maybe in the future, if I can't find any way to train it,' I thought as I focused on the new addition to my status page.
…
[Experience Pool]
[Convert all available LP into Experience at a rate of 10:1. Experience stored in the experience pool can be channeled into skills or spells to level them up, or used to increase character level at a rate of 10:1.]
…
'Damn, that's a brutal penalty. With the amount of LP I have, I can just get 312 EXP towards the next level, which seems like such a waste; it would be better to always level up spells and skills.' I thought. But that was exactly what I was planning to do anyway.
'Okay, now let's see if I can get it or not.' I thought, closing my eyes and chanting, "Nox~".
Engulfed in sudden darkness, I placed my wand back into my inventory. I focused on emptying my mind.
…
…
'Fuck, this is hard,' I thought as I opened my eyes. My chaotic thoughts would always wander in different directions, either thinking about magic or sex. It was a blessed life, I knew, but I intended to keep it that way.
'I have no other way, really, but to gamble.' I thought as I closed my eyes again, humming along to a silent tune and focusing on it and nothing else. It was a tactic I'd picked up from a meditation documentary.
So I hummed, focusing on the sound of my own voice reverberating around my enclosed bed.
And again…And again…
…
…
…
{Next Morning}
'Fuck, what time is it?' I shifted onto my side and, with a thought, reached into my inventory and pulled out my wand. I cast the time-telling charm with a simple thought and a flick of my wrist, staring at the numbers hovering over my wand.
"'6:45"'
I jolted upright and looked around. It was dark, and only when I pulled the curtain aside did I see the telltale sign of morning light drifting through the dorm windows.
'Fuck I fell asleep while trying to meditate,' I thought as I pulled up the notification log out of habit and paused. Two things stood out.
…
[16(x2.5) LP gained from Hermione masturbating as she listens to Lavender describe the throatfuck]
[New skill learned: Meditation Lv 0(1/50)]
…
'Well, three things if you take into account the number of notifications I got for affection gain and loss from being sorted into Gryffindor in the dozens.' I thought, focusing immediately on the new skill.
…
[Meditation Lv 0 (1/50)]
[Enter a hyper-focused state, calm your erratic thoughts, and draw ambient mana into your body. Improves mana recovery and increases mental clarity while maintained.]
[Mana recovery +10%]
…
'Hmm, a lot simpler than I was expecting, but a success nonetheless. Though it being at level 0 means it will not be as effective.' Still, mana was the lifeblood of a wizard, and even if it all failed in the end, there was no harm in taking a little gamble on pushing my hard-earned LP into this skill.
I checked the LEWD shop again to make sure I wasn't missing any obvious upgrades before I used LEWD induction, and all my LP was suddenly gone. In its place, 3129 EXP was added to my Experience pool.
'Okay, now to level up meditation,' I thought, channeling the EXP into the meditation skill and watching (1/50) change to (50/50). Before the skill leveled up.
…
[Meditation Lv 1 (0/100)]
[Enter a hyper-focused state, calm your erratic thoughts, and draw ambient mana into your body. Improves mana recovery and increases mental clarity while maintained.]
[Mana recovery +15%]
…
With a grin, I kept going until the skill reached level 9.
…
[Meditation Lv 9 (171/550)]
[Enter a hyper-focused state, calm your erratic thoughts, and draw ambient mana into your body. Improves mana recovery and increases mental clarity while maintained.]
[Mana recovery +55%]
…
'Well, that would make the first part of my plan a success.' I thought as I slowly got up and walked over to my trunk.
"Lumos~" I cast as I reached for a change of clothes. I walked into the bathroom and quickly changed into my fitness gear. Even though the benefits I'm getting from exercising are decreasing, I'm sure continuing my routine for over a year would still give me something to squeeze out.
The common room was pretty silent, so I walked out and headed toward the stairs I remembered taking to get up from the Great Hall.
'Now I just need to wait for the potions class for Snape to try Legilemency on me, use meditation to empty my thoughts and focus, and hopefully I will gain the Occlumency skill.' I thought. The whole plan relied on the fact that as long as I got even a hint of how to defend my mind with magic, I could practice the skill until I was proficient enough not to rely on constant vigilance against Snape and Dumbledore.
As I reached for the stairs leading down from the seventh floor, I came face-to-face with another pretty witch, with oriental facial features, walking toward me. My eyes flickered upward as I took in her name, and since I recognized it, I decided to wait and introduce myself.
…
[Cho Chang]
[9]
…
'Looking at that inhibition level, she should not have a boyfriend, right?' I thought, smiling at her.
"Hello, I'm Harry Potter. Do you per chance know the way to the Quidditch grounds?"
…
—
{Seventh-floor landing, Hogwarts}
"Hi Harry, I'm Cho Chang. I'm going to the Quidditch field if you want to join me," Cho offered with a small smile on her face.
"Thank you, you are a godsend. I didn't want to be lost on my first day here," I grinned at her, and the moving stair finally arrived.
"Do we take this one?" I asked, and she giggled, shaking her head.
"No, the next one, it should arrive soon," She replied.
"How would it make a difference anyway? Both would take us down, no?" I asked. Since she was available, it was better to ask her. Plus, she was easier on the eyes than asking the twins.
Cho hesitated for a moment before she replied, "If we had taken the stairs just now, we would have been stalled on the third floor for an extra 10 minutes for the rotation. That was the fastest way to reach the third floor, and this one…" She pointed toward the new set of stairs, which slowly zoomed into view. "…is the fastest way to get to the ground floor."
I looked at the incoming stairs for any identifiable markings, but they looked identical to the ones I knew.
"How do you tell them apart?" I asked.
"Now that's a secret," Cho smirked, refusing to answer. "Half the fun at Hogwarts is exploring it by getting lost."
"Fine, keep your secrets, woman," I grumbled, stepping onto the stairs and following her. She was wearing a pair of black leggings that perfectly fit and shaped around her ass. She suddenly looked back, mouth open to say something, then paused when she noticed I was checking her out.
"hmgrhh…" I cleared my throat as I looked around, avoiding her eyes, and asked, "So, how is Hogwarts? I don't think you were sorted yesterday."
"…No, this is my second year." Cho replied with a dusty blush on her face as she slowed down and started walking next to me, "Last year was fun. You should enjoy it while it lasts. From what I have heard, starting from third year, the load of extra subjects makes it harder to have fun and explore the castle."
"So I should definitely get lost?" I asked, silently turning back the affection notification I'd changed before sorting.
…
[Notification settings updated]
…
"Definitely, no better thrill than hiding from Mrs. Norris after curfew as you get lost trying to remember which stair you had to take next." Cho smiled once again as she teased me.
As I looked at the slow-moving stairs again, it finally clicked what was different, so while I made small talk with Cho, I kept an eye out, and every time we stepped down one staircase, another slow-moving stair was already on its way.
"It's the speed of the moving stairs, isn't it?" I asked as Cho's footsteps paused for a beat.
…
[Cho's affection increased by 6 for cracking the secret hidden pattern of Hogwarts moving stairs]
…
She looked at me, surprised. "Are you sure you weren't sorted wrong?"
"You know you insulted every Gryffindor with that," I taunted, and her eyes widened as she blushed. "I wonder how offended the twins would be if I told them that."
"Please don't," Cho pleaded, joining her hands in apology. "I don't want to watch out for their pranks all day."
I chuckled at her antics as we left the castle. Even without going to the Quidditch field, a couple of laps around the castle should warm us up.
"Fine, but you owe me a kiss," I grinned, waving at her. "Thank you for the lovely company."
Having had the last word, I grinned cheekily at her and started jogging left, intending to take it a little light today, just one lap around the castle and then some conditioning exercise.
…
[Cho's affection increased by 2]
…
I tried to use my meditation skill to grind its exp as I ran, but it wasn't too effective, as the changing scenery around a magical school was quite distracting. So instead, I changed my approach and simply took in the sights, memorizing the layout of the place.
My memory and recall had increased a lot, as I could recall and process information more quickly over the past month. Having no other choice, I had to attribute this change to the increased INT stat. That was one reason it was my dump stat for all the points.
The full workout routine took around an hour, and a quick "Tempus~" revealed that it was almost 8 in the morning. Since we have classes around 9, I decided to swing by the Great Hall for breakfast and grab my schedule after a quick shower.
When I arrived at the grand staircase, drenched in sweat, quite a few early risers were already coming down. I nodded a polite greeting to everyone as I waited, cataloging the pace of the stairs. Finding the fastest one was easy, so I hopped on.
'Okay, I guess Hogwarts needs the greatest invention of mankind, the escalators,' I thought as I panted slightly. Walking up 7 flights of stairs one after another was no easy task. Especially after a workout.
'I should reserve an extra 10 minutes for travel time for every appointment in Hogwarts,' I thought as I walked back toward the common room and came face to face with Lavender and Parvati, who giggled as soon as they saw me.
"Good morning, ladies, going for breakfast?" I greeted them as I tried to walk past, but Lavender quickly stepped in my way.
"Good morning, Harry. We were going for breakfast. You see, I'm feeling rather thirsty this morning." She grinned as Parvati blushed, ducked her head slightly, and giggled at her words.
"I'm sure you would enjoy some pumpkin juice. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to take a shower." I dodged past Lavender, and thankfully she didn't try to stop me. I heard both girls giggle as I looked back and checked Parvati out. Compared to Lavender, I preferred her. She had that exotic charm that appealed to me.
"Caput Draconis," I said the password aloud, then ducked past everyone in the common room, already running late. When I arrived at the dorm, only Ron was still asleep, while the rest of my dormmates were nowhere to be seen. I debated waking Ron up for a second but decided to wait until after the shower.
Grabbing a towel, I walked into the first stall. As expected, the bathroom was empty. I dropped my dirty clothes onto the hooks, then turned to the shower. I hadn't noticed it last night, but unlike a traditional shower, the control had way more than 2 knobs. After a bit of debate, I decided to avoid the direct spray and turned on the first one.
A spray of cold water collided against the floor, and I quickly turned the knob off. As I reached for the second one, I heard footsteps from the dorm room, and then the bathroom door opened.
'I must have woken Ron up,' I thought, focusing on the second knob, turning it on, and a spray of light pink, frothy water splashed onto the floor. I stared at it, confused for a moment, before I reached in to touch it and found that it was lather.
'Huh, shampoo and soap straight from a magical shower.' I thought as I closed the knob and reached for the third knob when I heard someone chant a spell, "Alohomora~"
My eyes widened slightly as the door to my stall opened. I looked back and came face to face with a grinning Lavender, whose eyes immediately drifted down and mine followed.
'She's naked… of course she's naked.'
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"Well, I was going to skip the shower today, but since you are going to take one, isn't it better to save some water?" She grinned, walked into the stall, and closed the door. She set her wand on the empty slab and reached for the third knob, then opened it.
Warm water hit her body and rained down on me. She reached toward me and pulled me closer, her lips colliding against mine for a kiss as she used her thigh to grind against my growing erection.
She leaned back pretty quickly, and after making sure that I was fully erect, she turned around and bent over, using her hands to brace against the wall. Once she was in position, she reached over and turned the second knob on, causing pink lathered water to splash against her lower back and ass.
She pushed her lathered-up ass against my raging boner and moaned, "I tried a spell that cleaned my asshole, Harry. Why don't you check to see if it worked?"
…
'I'm going to have to take charge. Otherwise, she'll keep pushing me around.' I thought, and what better way to establish dominance than to reshape her anal cavity?
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