Nemea Leonthrope Chapter 9 (Patreon)

Hello friends and fans, Kairomaru is here with another chapter of Harry Potter the First Nemea Leonthrope. This chapter we see more of Harry’s day to day classes and his suspicions about Hermione’s class schedule coming out.

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Chapter 9 – More Classes, Suspicion and Interest

Harry and his friends sat around the common room doing their homework. So far the first day of classes had been good for Harry. He had fun in his new subjects, was able to stop Malfoy from ruining Hagrid’s class and was even praised by Flitwick for his results in charms. Actually being able to study during the summer had done wonders for his class work. He had written a letter to Tonks, since the fun loving Auror had said he could write to her if he wanted, and sent Hedwig on her way. He also suspected that Malfoy would try to do something to cause Hagrid problems, even if the near attack by hippogriff had been the blonde ponce’s fault.

He was mildly amused how Parvati and Lavender were talking about Professor Trelawney. Poor girls had realized that the Professor only talked about Seer abilities. Without being a Seer the Divination class was useless. Trelawney didn’t even go over other forms of Divination, like Scrying for example. Ron was already looking put out at having to do all of this work. Luckily Hagrid hadn't give them any homework their first day, but McGonagall had given them an essay about the differences between the Animagus transformation compared to human transfiguration which was due on Friday.

Seeing that Hermione was taking up most of the space on the table with all of her books, Harry decided to talk to her privately about her course load. He wouldn't stand by and let his friend destroy herself with an overabundance of school work.

“Hermione, could we please talk in private for a bit?” Harry asked politely.

“Of course Harry. But let’s not take too long. I have a lot of work to do.” Hermione replied.

“Sure thing, I don’t think it will take more than a few minutes or so.” Harry responded with a nod.

They both stood up, leaving a confused Ron behind and walked out of the common room to find a quiet place for their conversation. They settled for an empty classroom near the Gryffindor common room, Harry then stood in front of Hermione and started speaking.

“Alright, I know you won't like what I am about to say, but I won't stand by as one of my best friends destroys herself by ridiculously trying to take every elective course available. Hermione, no one can keep up with all the subjects you are taking this year.” Harry held his hand up to stop her when he noticed she was about to interrupt him.

“I am not speaking about just attending the classes, as I am fairly sure you’ve gotten something that allows you to attend all your classes. It was probably when Professor McGonagall took you aside when I was taken to the Hospital Wing, most likely. I am talking about the amount of homework you’re doing. Today you got lucky since Professor Vector didn't give us any homework and obviously Professor Trelawney didn't either. But what happens when this isn't the case? You’re taking Arithmancy, Muggle Studies, Divination, Transfiguration, Care of Magical Creatures and Charms and that’s just on Monday. Hermione that is way too much. I know you’re really intelligent and that you work really hard, but you’re going to destroy yourself.” Harry took a deep breath before continuing.

“Have you thought about what you want to do after you graduate from Hogwarts?” Harry questioned.

“Not really, there are some jobs that seem interesting to me, but I am not sure which one I will choose yet.” Hermione answered, wondering where this talk was going.

“I thought so. Your determination to work very hard on every subject is admirable. But even you can't do everything. To write a proper essay, you have to do research and take your time to understand the theories before putting the assignment in your own words and perspective. Only then can you expect the high marks you’re striving for. I know you don't want to miss anything in your education, but think about it for a bit. Which subjects are actually necessary for your future?” Harry asked his bushy haired friend.

He gave her some time to think about it. She needed to figure this out for herself or she wouldn’t take it seriously.

“Well, other than the core subjects I’m not completely sure, Harry, what exactly are you trying to tell me?” Hermione questioned confused because Harry had never spoken like this to her.

“Alright as an example, what kind of stuff did you cover in Muggle Studies today?” Harry asked.

“Well, typewriters actually, but I did wonder why they were covering something rather outdated as there have been more recent inventions in that department.” Hermione replied thoughtfully.

‘Now she’s starting to really think about it.’ Harry thought happily while watching Hermione’s thinking expression.

“Hermione, what I am about to tell you, may shock you, but I would be a horrible friend if I didn't let you know. The curriculum for Muggle Studies is severely outdated in all years. The newest things they teach about are from the Nineteen Forties, not the current year or even decade. I chose Ancient Runes, because I find Wards and Broom Crafting interesting. Runes are a core part of both fields and I want to be able to understand them. Arithmancy is interesting both for Spell Creation and its’ application for Warding. Since I’ll always have to deal with being The-Boy-Who-Lived, I want to know how to keep myself safe from those who want to cause me harm. Don't argue you know there are plenty of people that would like to try and it will happen eventually.” Harry explained getting a reluctant nod from Hermione. Even though she wanted to deny it, Harry practically had a target on his back since Voldemort’s attack when he was only a year old.

“Where was I before I got off topic? Oh right, electives that are outdated. As I said the stuff they teach in Muggle Studies is severely outdated and you, as a muggleborn witch, don't have to take it to be informed. You probably know more about the subject than the Professor that teaches that class.” Harry stated with certainty.

“But it’s still interesting to study it from the magical perspective.” Hermione argued.

“How long did it take you to finish the essay for Muggle Studies?” Harry asked.

“About an hour, why?" Hermione answered.

“Simple math, Hermione. You need one hour to finish an easy essay given on the first day of class. Add two other hours on other days when Professor Vector and Professor Trelawney also give out homework. That makes three hours of homework. The essays for Professor McGonagall usually take two hours, three if they are especially long and require extra research. I’m not sure what Hagrid has planned for his classes but he will give us homework eventually, so add another hour. Professor Flitwick mostly tells us to read up on what we’ve learned that day in class and practice. That’s another hour at least. Added up that makes a minimum of seven hours total. Our school days end at five in the afternoon and I know you don't have any free hours like me, so you’ll have to do all the homework after dinner. That means you have to work close to midnight every day, Hermione, just to have a chance to get all your work done.” Harry laid out, getting a surprised look from Hermione at the amount of thought he’d put into his argument.

Harry waited for her to process his argument. She needed to realize his points herself to accept it. He knew her too well to believe that just telling her what would most likely happen would be enough. When he felt that she had taken in everything he’d told her he continued.

“While it is true that we normally have to hand in the essays a couple days later, this was still only one day. You’ll break down in a matter of weeks and I don't want to see that happen. So please, be reasonable and drop the useless subjects like Divination, which is pointless for you to study as I’m fairly certain that you’re no seer. Additionally Professor Trelawney sounds like she only talks about predicting the future. All the talk about death omens every year, bad things happening to all of you, just useless without having the abilities of a Seer. She doesn’t even talk about other forms of Divination according to Parvati and Lavender and yet nobody really questions her.” Harry explained hoping Hermione would see reason. Though he did remember something he had wanted to do after finding out what had happened in the first Divination class.

“Which reminds me, I need to talk to Neville soon and get him out of that class. His self-esteem is already really low and with Professor Trelawney predicting his death it won’t get any better. I’m fairly certain that Neville could do a lot better if he was encouraged, he wouldn't be as good as he is in Herbology otherwise. It's the only subject he is confident in and it shows in his competence. If he wasn’t ridiculed in most of the other classes I’m sure he’d show similar results. But let’s get back to your timetable.” Harry said to Hermione with a shake of his head after going off topic.

Hermione was slightly confused about the change in topics from her schedule to Neville’s confidence but looked at Harry expectantly.

“While Muggle Studies may be interesting to see from another point of view, is it worth your health? You will get sick if you continue to put yourself through this. You’ll be exhausted every day both physically and mentally. Also I am rather sure they will allow you take the O.W.L. in Muggle Studies even if you don't take the class. Please, Hermione, I don't want to see you destroy yourself.” Harry pleaded with her.

Hermione was taken aback. She hadn't thought about this from an outside perspective. Was Harry right? She did have the impression that Divination was a waste of time. Plus the things Professor McGonagall had told them strengthened her opinion. Did she want to take an outdated subject when she knew everything about muggles? She was the daughter of two dentists and had grown up in the non-magical world; did she really need to be told things she already knew?

“Take some time to think about it Hermione. If you want to talk, I will be there for you. Thanks for hearing me out. I can't make you drop anything, but I think it is my responsibility as your friend to make you see what you’re getting yourself into.” Harry smiled at Hermione.

“No, I should thank you Harry. You’ve given me some important things to think about. It’s just; it’s so difficult to get a good job as a muggleborn. When I got my Hogwarts letter I was so excited. The possibilities I could have in this world seemed limitless. But then I found out about the bigotry against muggleborns. Only if my scores are at the top of everyone else’s could I hope to gain a decent position, at the Ministry for example.” Hermione explained contemplatively.

“I know, Hermione. It’s ridiculous to hold back the intelligent and the hard working just because of their blood status. Apparently I have a seat on the Wizengamot through my family. When I’m of age I’ll at least have the potential to try and make things a little better in Magical Britain.” Harry replied. Hermione was rather impressed. Where had Harry's sudden increase in knowledge come from?

“Where did you learn all of this?” Hermione questioned.

“I was able to get a copy of my family’s grimoire from Gringotts. So I’ve learned a lot more about the Magical World. Including how to hold myself and some of the proper decorum expected of a future Lord. I’m not looking forward to all the politicking in the future though.” Harry answered with a sigh at the thought of the future he’d have to deal with. They both smiled at each other and decided to return to the common room. But before they opened the door and left the classroom Hermione had one last question.

“Harry, how did you come to the conclusion I was using something to attend all my classes?” Hermione asked.

“Because you knew what happened in Divination when we got to Transfiguration. But we’d just sat through Arithmancy together so there had to have been some way for you to have been in two places at once. You don't need to tell me what it is. I believe you most likely had to promise to not tell anybody.” Harry responded with a grin.

“You’re right; I did have to promise that. Thank you for being understanding Harry. I’ll need some time to get used to this new confident you. By the way, I really do like your new glasses.” Hermione smiled with a small hint of red on her cheeks.

“My old glasses were a bad match, so it would be good to get new ones at least that’s what I thought. I think they look good. Auror Tonks was teasing me about how I’d soon have to beat girls away with a stick. I think she is exaggerating. Like that would happen.” Harry chuckled at the memory of Tonks and her light hearted teasing.

Hermione giggled. Even if Harry had matured a bit over the summer he was still clueless in some regards. The prediction of his Auror friend could become reality very soon. This thought made a blush blossom on her cheeks again.

-The Next Day-

Tuesday went by smoothly. Ancient Runes was interesting as Harry expected and Professor Babbling was a good teacher. Harry enjoyed the fact that she didn't get excited when she’d called his name during roll call. To Harry's surprise Neville had also chosen to take Ancient Runes. The shy Gryffindor said it was because he wanted to know more about the protective enchantments and wards that could be done with runes. Harry, during that lesson, decided to help Neville believe in himself more. Hermione, knowing what Harry wanted to do, was supporting him. Since this was a new subject for all of them they were able to help Neville relax and do well for the first lesson.

The next class, History of Magic, was as always, a waste of time. Harry had stopped listening to Binns after a few minutes. Instead he took out a different history book that he’d picked up at Flourish and Blott’s and began reading. He didn’t even feel bad doing this as even most of the Ravenclaws ignored Binns and did their own studying. The Hufflepuffs usually fell asleep like the Slytherins and the rest of the Gryffindors. Yes in the eyes of most students History of Magic was good for one thing, catching up with missed sleep.

Outside the classroom after class, Hermione questioned Harry about his behavior.

“Why weren’t you listening to Professor Binns?” Hermione asked, slightly annoyed.

“Because he reads from the textbook verbatim. I can always look up whatever he lectures about if I need to. It’s not like he ever talks about anything except Goblin Rebellions anyway. I’ve been reading a bit about history from this book I got over the summer. It covers the history of Magical Britain from the time of the Roman occupation to the Nineteen Sixties. I’ve been reading ahead to be honest. This book has given me more history knowledge than the last two years of Binn’s class put together.” Harry replied while holding up the book in question. Hermione’s eyes were practically glued to the new source of information.

“You read ahead?" Ron asked surprised. “Why would you do that, Harry?”

“Yes, I read ahead, Ron. I’m hoping to do really well this year. Plus all this studying is going to put me at a level where even Snape can’t call me a dunderhead without looking ridiculous." Harry grinned smugly imagining the look on Snape’s face when Harry wasn’t tripped up by his questions anymore.

Ron was pleased with this. Showing up Slytherins and Snape during class was something to look forward to in his opinion.

Herbology with the Hufflepuffs was as always a peaceful class. So long as the plants themselves weren’t violent. They were taken to more interesting and dangerous plants this year and Harry paid close attention so he’d be able to do well. As usual Neville was the one to shine in this class. With Herbology being the only subject Neville was able to truly show his abilities in. Well, everybody was more than willing to let him answer most of Professor Sprout’s questions.

After classes were over Harry was sitting in the common room with his friends finishing up homework. Ron had begged off after finishing a single assignment and was on the other side of the room playing chess with an upper year. Hermione was going over her essays while assisting Neville with his. Lavender and Parvati were finishing up their last assignment before they both made an announcement.

“Parvati and I are dropping Divination. Any suggestions on which class we should take as an alternative?” Lavender questioned the group with Parvati nodding beside her.

“Trelawney is more like an over acting charlatan than a Professor. All she talks about is the ‘Inner Eye’ and peering through the ‘Veil’ to see the future. It’s honestly starting to get ridiculous and it has only been one class.” Parvati sighed at the time wasted.

“Care of Magical Creatures was interesting; Hagrid says our next class is going to be about Crups.” Harry replied getting a smile and small squeals of ‘Puppies!’ from his two female friends.

“What about the hippogriffs? I heard Hagrid’s first class almost had an accident.” Lavender questioned after her outburst.

“That was entirely Malfoy’s fault. He was disrespectful to the hippogriff right after Hagrid told us to always be respectful.” Hermione piped up from helping Neville. “If Harry hadn’t shoved the ponce out of the way he’d have gotten clawed by the hippogriff.”

“But Harry’s fine; did the hippogriff miss?” Parvati questioned looking over at Harry.

“No he got me, but I have protection from getting cut.” Harry explained as he partially transformed his arm into the Half-Beast state. Parvati and Lavender looked amazed seeing the golden fur and the claws that had appeared from Harry’s arm.

“That’s amazing, Harry.” Lavender said getting a nod of agreement from Parvati.

“Thanks, but it’s just something that any therianthrope can do. Well the transformation part, not the cut protection.” Harry replied with a small smile.

“Hmm, do you think Malfoy’s lost some of his standing in Slytherin for being saved by a Gryffindor?” Parvati questioned.

“Considering it was Harry, who is a Half-Blood and a therianthrope, I’m sure Malfoy’s social standing will take a sharp dive among his Slytherin housemates.” Lavender nodded with certainty. She was a bit of a gossip and knew that Slytherin practically ran on social standing. Especially when it came to who stood on top in the House.

“He deserves it for being such a git.” Hermione replied while helping Neville finish up his essay. The slight nod of agreement from Neville was a good sign in Harry’s opinion. The shy Gryffindor did have courage; he just needed the support to bring it to the forefront.

-In the Slytherin Common Room-

“So, Malfoy, how’s it feel to be saved by a Gryffindor?” a Slytherin fourth year jeered at the Malfoy scion.

“I didn’t…” Draco attempted to retort before being cut off.

“You did indeed, Malfoy.” Daphne Greengrass spoke up, her cool gaze looking down on Draco. “I was there and saw you getting saved by Potter.” Tracey Davis nodded from beside Daphne hiding her giggles behind her hand.

“I wasn’t…” Draco tried to defend himself only to be interrupted again.

“You brought shame to not only your own Family but to the whole of Slytherin House, Malfoy.” The Slytherin seventh year prefect stated. “Not only did you show an impressive amount of foolishness, but worst of all you were saved from your own stupidity by a Gryffindor! Not just any Gryffindor either, but Harry Potter! A Half-Blood! A wizard that isn’t even human! You’ve fallen lower than I thought any Pureblood could. You’re barely above the Blood Traitors at this point.”

The entire Slytherin common room had gone silent at the words of the prefect. Only quiet whispers and muttering could be heard among the students. Draco looked to have gone pale enough to be almost translucent.

“I know this may be hard for you, Malfoy, but do try and understand what I’m about to say.” The seventh year prefect continued. “Keep your mouth shut and stay out of trouble. If you bring anymore shame upon Slytherin House I’ll personally see you censured by the entire House. Do I make myself clear?”

Draco, now too terrified to speak, simply nodded his head and quickly retreated to his dorm room. While he was terrified of being censured by the House; at his core burned a deep rage against Harry bloody Potter! As the rest of the House began to disperse from the common room to go about their evening Daphne Greengrass and Tracey Davis sat next to each other and conversed quietly.

“So, now that Malfoy is a non-factor for the foreseeable future, what should we do? Because I have an idea or two forming.” Tracey asked her friend with a grin.

“Hmm, well we can always keep an eye on Potter. If he’s going to keep shaking things up it might be better to keep on his good side.” Daphne replied with her own grin.

“My thoughts exactly, after all, Harry is from an Old House. He’ll probably need some properly taught witches to help him settle the affairs of his House once he reaches his majority.” Tracey giggled softly.

“True enough, he’s not exactly hard on the eyes either. He makes for a much better choice than several others we could potentially end up betrothed to; if our parents think we haven’t found any suitable prospects. Besides we’re from Neutral Families, so it’s not like we couldn’t try to get his attention. I’m sure if we play our cards right we’ll both be very happy witches in the future.” Daphne smiled getting a smile back from Tracey.

“Happy therianthrope witches to be precise. Do you think Malfoy would have a fit if two Slytherins started turning into lions?” Tracey laughed getting the cool and collected Daphne Greengrass to let out an inelegant snort of laughter. This just caused Tracey to laugh even more as Daphne’s face went scarlet.

-End Chapter-

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So how was it? Good? Bad? Let me know! So we see some more of Harry’s classes starting and the concern he shows for Hermione. Not to mention that more girls are showing interest in him! So many awkward teenager moments are incoming for Harry!

Until I get your feedback and reviews, later!