However, there was something different about her this year, something... Attractive? He wasn't sure but he found his gaze being drawn towards her unconsciously, personally he found it embarressing that he couldn't keep his eyes from wandering over her but when questioned about it Hermione only blushed and didn't complain... Now Harry definitely isn't a psychologist and had even less experience with women than most children but he was starting to suspect something was off with Hermione, the way she occasionally brushed her hand against his or looked into his eyes too long. It was all a new experience for him, but he wasn't sure whether he liked it or not. He was edging towards the former but his resistance against human contact always made it difficult to accept certain interactions...

One thing he found incredibly difficult this year was his enemy, the one who killed Sirius actually attending Hogwarts. While she acted like a normal girl, beautiful, bashful and not afraid to offend those around her, he knew that something more sinister lay beneath the thin veneer act of a likeable and approachable girl. He had thought he had witnessed what lay underneath when she had brutally crushed a spider beneath her fist, though it was in defence of her familiar so it was still justified, at least in Harry's own mind. Something else that confused him though was the powerful Patroni that were cast yesterday, from just listening to Lavender Brown he had found out that they were cast by Ciri Rivia and Reima Ludvig. This was incredibly hard to comprehend as he had already determined that they were both in some sort of plot to make his life h.e.l.l and probably even deliver him to Voldemort, now hearing that they are able to cast such powerful and pure feeling Patroni made his previous thoughts about them crumble.

While yes, she killed Sirius there was no doubt about that... But maybe there was more to this than just him being murdered by her, it wouldn't be the first time the Ministry has lied now would it. He doesn't make known these thoughts to Ron or Hermione as he wouldn't wish to worry them and believed these were his own problems, problems he'd either solve himself or die trying.

Harry lying in the courtyard enjoying the bright sun beaming down on him, around him there were various clicks, the popular done up girls belonging to various houses, studious nerds belonging almost entirely to Ravenclaw, Quidditch jocks spending their time each in their respective houses company. He'd almost confused this for a Muggle school were it not for magical pranks and games being played.

Suddenly some shadows block the warmth of the sunlight above him, looking up he sees the smug grin of his self proclaimed rival, Draco Malfoy.

"What's wrong Potter? Your shaking... Scared?" he sneers.

Harry just frowns at him, why couldn't he p.i.s.s off and bother someone else.

"Of you? Never, your just a pathetic copy of your father without his cunning or intelligence. When the money finally drys up and your lackeys leave you for your business rivals what will you do? Can't cry to father when he's dead can you?" He says quickly and succinctly, not bothering to get up and confront the inbred imbecile.

Draco frowns and glances at his amused goons, no, he can't be seen as weak by those lesser than him. "Pathetic? I'll show you Potter!" he says and draws his wand, only to be struck by another spell from elsewhere. "YOU BETTER NOT SONNY!" a hoa.r.s.e voice sounds out as they walk over with a visible limp.

Professor Moody levitates the now Ferret Malfoy and glares at his friends who back away in fear of retaliation. "Trying to cast on someone p.r.o.ne! I'd expect those tactics from your father but it seems you're NO BETTER!" he says while waving the Ferret around in a dizzying array of directions.

All the surrounding students gather to watch a Ferret be stuffed down Goyle's pants, the animal seeming to bite the boy in all his sensitive areas. Harry who's watching this smiles and takes grim pleasure in the pain of those who've tormented him for years on end, Moody seems to have the right idea apparently, finally a defence Professor he can respect.

Of course, the fun doesn't last long as Professor Mcgonagall soon arrives on the scene, turns Draco back into the greasy haired human he originally was and scolds Moody for using Transfiguration as a punishment on students. Draco slides away like his houses mascot and quickly starts plotting how to deal with Moody's disrespect for someone of his station.

After getting chewed out by Mcgonagall Moody looks at Harry and exclaims "CONSTANT VIGILANCE! Boy, don't you forget it, or next time one of those idiots try to curse you I won't be there to save your hide."

Harry "Thanks, I'll be sure to remember it." he says before noting that his cla.s.s is going to start soon and he needs to make his way down there.