The day passed as slow as possible. Sirius forgot how boring school had been. So much homework too! So this was school without the famous Marauders? What a shame. He did have Snape's class to look forward to though. Oh how he would enjoy annoying the sneer off ol' Snivelly's face! He would have never guessed that Snape would become a professor. The children must be traumatized by his class. He sure would have been if he hadn't know the greasy git as an emotionally brooding teenager.
He walked to gryffindor tower with a wide smile and reached the portrait of the Fat Lady. Oh no, what was the password? He wasn't told by Remus or Dumbledore? Now he had to wait for another student to come. It was about five minutes later when another student walked up. It was none other than Harry Potter. He was alone too, that was a plus. He walked up and spotted Sirius and smiled. "Hey, Silos right?"
"Yes, and you're Harry Potter?"
Harry smirked and said, "haven't met a person who didn't know that. Now, why are you sitting out here?"
"Um, well, I was never given the password..."
"S'alright. Password is gillyweed."
The portrait opened and the two stepped into the red and gold common room. They sat down on the couch and began to get out homework materials. The two worked in awkward silence before Sirius exhaled lordly and threw down his quill. Harry looked up to him as Sirius said "damn essays. I'm only halfway done and my neck is already in pain." Harry just chuckled and replied "you should see Kitten study. Works for hours with no complaints."
He looked at Harry curiously and asked, "Kitten?"
Harry blushed and ruffled his hair nervously and replied, "yeah, I call Hermione Kitten sometimes."
"Is that the girl that sat with you this morning?"
Harry gave a small smile and said "yes, she's my best friend really."
"Why do you call her Kitten?"
He blushed a deeper shade of Crimson and coughed nervously. "Don't tell her I told you, but we had a Polyjuice potion incident in second year. She accidentally used cat hair instead of human hair and was turned into a half cat. Ever since then I called her Kitten. She used to hate it, but she gave up telling me to stop."
Sirius chuckled and then stopped and asked "Polyjuice potion? In second year? Sniv- I mean that professor Snape had you doing Polyjuice in second year?"
Harry just looked away and said, "um no. She brewed it. We wanted to sneak in somewhere and Polyjuice seemed to be the answer. She worked on it for a month. Our potions worked, but she got cat hair mix up."
"That's a really advanced potion!"
Harry smiled fondly and replied, "yeah, she's scary brilliant! So, enough about my life and Hermione. What school did you go to before here?"
Sirius fidgeted nervously and responded, "well, um. My parents homeschooled me. I learned a lot, but they were really strict. Didn't even get to leave the house! That's why I ran away. Then when I came back they told me to find somewhere else to live because they wouldn't put up with my troublesome self anymore."
Harry looked at him sympathetically and asked, "I'm sorry Silos. How does Lupin come into all of this?"
"It's alright. Traveled a long way to the Leaky Cauldron and floo'd Remus. He went to my parents and got my stuff and we apparatus to Hogsmeade and went up to the castle to meet the Headmaster. I got my timetable and was sorted and everything."
"How are you related to him?"
"He was friends with my parents and was named my godfather. As my only known relative he took me in. Great man, Remus"
Harry just nodded. A few more hours later and it was close to midnight. One...more...sentence...yes! Sirius jumped from his chair with a triumphant fist pump and breathed out "finally!" A moment after that, Hermione walked into the common room looking drained of all energy. Harry got up and grabbed her bag as she plopped down on the couch. As Sirius packed up his stuff, Harry sat next to Hermione and asked, "long day, Kitten?" She groaned and plopped her head on Harry's shoulder and replied with a muttered, "doubly so."
Sirius couldn't help but chuckle. He looked up to see a frizzy haired witch glaring darkly at him. "You try taking twelve bloody classes and see who's laughing then." His mouth dropped open and asked incredulously, "twelve? That's not even possible!" She just grunted and closed her eyes and laid back. He looked to Harry who just shrugged and laid back with her. Sirius just shook his head and went to the dorms get some sleep.
A new bed was placed in the dorms with his name on plaques on the trunk. He walked Down the line and read the names of Dean Thomas, Neville Longbottom, Seamus Finnigan, Ron Weasley, Harry Potter and then his bed on the end. From Ron Weasley's you could hear the distinct sounds of snoring. How could the boys sleep through that chainsaw? He took out his wand and silenced the curtains. Sirius went over to his trunk and looked inside. Everything he needed for school was given to him by Dumbledore, including a bag with a Feather-Light charm. He grabbed his night clothes and slipped into bed. His last thought before sleep overtook him was the marvelous morning he would have annoying Snivellus tomorrow morning for double potions.
At the same time, Harry and Hermione were downstairs enjoying each others company. Harry was lying down with his head in Hermione's lap and she was stroking his hair. They sat together like that often having quiet conversations. Harry closed his eyes and asked her, "how was the library?"
"It was as it always is, informational and relaxing. Finished my homework and doc some extra...research."
He opened his eyes and lifted an eyebrow with the question, "research, Kitten? Is this your typical school work research or suspicious research?"
She fidgeted nervously and Harry smirked. "That's what I thought. Now, who had you suspicious enough to try and research their lives?"
Hermione narrowed her eyes at him and it having no effect, she gave up and sighed, "Silos Banther..."
"Ah, the new kid. What made you suspicious about him?"
She snorted, "how many transfer student come to Hogwarts oh smart and noble Boy-Who-Lived?"
Harry scowled at the nickname, but gave it some thought. "He had a legitimate reason..." She raised an eyebrow and he explained his what Silos told him. She looked thoughtful and replied, so that's why I couldn't find him anywhere in the Lupin family tree. The thing is that there is no Banther family tree...So his dad would have to be a muggle and his mum a witch. So, he's not a Pureblood even if he holds himself like one..." Hermione trailed off. Harry just shook his head. They sat in companionable silence until both grew too tired. They bid each other goodnight and slept peacefully.
The next morning, Hermione decided to wake up Harry a little less nicely that morning. She was feeling mischievous and Sirius needed to get used to early wake up calls. After getting ready and dressing in her customary uniform, minus the skirt, wearing trousers instead. She put her curly hair into a hair tie and off she went to wake up the boys. Breakfast was soon and you needed a full stomach and lots of energy to deal with double potions in the morning.
She quietly snuck into the third year boys dormitories and set to work. She charmed all the rugs on each side of the beds to be slippery and she added some water to them just to be sure. Of course she put light cushioning charms around, injuries made the prank not fun. Then, she cast a silencing care around the area as to not wake up everyone else (lesson learned). As soon as the charms were up, she sucked in a large gulp of breath and promptly creamed like a banshee. She made it sound like she was in trouble or scared, not in pain.
The boys got up at different times and quickly tried to move to see what happened. Sirius was the first to jump up to help and slipped and fell on his arse. The others had different falls in different states of dress. All moaning and groaning about "every bloody morning." Sirius just looked a bit confused. The only person who didn't fall for the trick was none other than Harry Potter. He merely stretched his tired limbs and vanished the slippery rug with a smirk. Hermione scowled and crossed her arms, mumbling about "insensitive to ingenious wake up calls. "Good morning Kitten dear" Harry stated it a happy voice. Hermione grumbled and stomped out of the room.
The rest watched in wide eyes as Dean exclaimed, "you have to teach us that!" Harry's simple response was, "there's nothing to teach. I just wake up earlier. She does keep a schedule you know." Then he sauntered to the bathroom to prepare for the day. Sirius snapped out of his surprised silence and asked the other guys, "what on earth was that?" Ron answered his question with a scowl and said, "Hermione always wakes us up before breakfast. It used to be great. She'd be our alarm clocks! And then, after some point during second year, she got more mischievous ways to wake us all up. Right before you got here it was a Sonorus Charm and a loud slam of a text book!" The others grumbled in agreement, but none of them looked genuinely upset, just a bit grumpy.
Sirius finally managed to get up and get dressed after a few slips on the rug. Everyone was showered and fresh and they headed down only to be greeted by a now smug face of one Hermione Granger and laughing Weasley twins.
"What did their face look like?" Questioned George.
"Did they scream like little girlies?" Questioned Fred. Hermione just laughed and nodded.
"We have a whole line of products for you to try Hermy darling" stated Fed.
"Yes, a whole new line for wake up calls," replied George.
"I think we found a business partner, Forge?"
"I think you're absolutely correct, Gred!"
"Welcome Madame, to the madness of the Weasley Twins!"
"No need for payment-"
"Only some good potions skills!"
"Candy, magic, and bunny slippers-"
"With a hint of sugar to add to our charm."
"What were we talking about, Gred?"
"No idea Forge. Give us an answer so we can pick that intelligent brain of yours."
Then both finished off with a "ta ta for now dear!" And left Hermione shaking her head in silent laughter. While all the boys and a few girls that came down and witnessed the scene that played before them stood stock still with jaws hanging open for the second time that morning. Harry casually walked over and him and Hermione headed for the portrait. Sirius just looked confused as the others got their bearings and sat in the empty seats as others headed out the portrait hole.
Sirius had no clue what was going Weasley twins sounded like fun lads. He just shrugged his shoulders and trudged his way to breakfast. He could do for some more sleep. It's not every day you break out of Azkaban. Food, that's what was on his mind in that moment. The delicious scent of breakfast was wafting down the halls and he could almost taste the elf made meal. He quickened his pace and finally entered the Great Hall. The enchanted ceiling was showing the rising sunshine with a few clouds scattered through the sky.
Sirius quickly found an empty seat across from Harry and Hermione. They were talking quietly to each other and laughing. He plopped down in the seat, much to the surprise of the two heads of messy hair. "Good morning" chirped the two. He nodded in acknowledgement and started working on breakfast. Not long after that, Ron came into the hall only to find his seat taken. He would not tolerate that, not this early in the morning. Ron stomped up to Sirius and said to him "you're in my seat." Hen Sirius opened his mouth to answer, but never got the chance as Hermione responded with "Ronald! Don't be rude. There are a lot of seats open, you don't need to sit in that one." Ron responded with a huff and say down next to Sirius, said a quick apology before devouring his food.
Hermione looked on with a cringe before turning back to her own food. They are in silence until Sirius got uncomfortable and asked "what's our first class today?" Hermione took out her schedule and answered "double potions with Slytherin." A collective groan could be heard in the group. "Snape is that bad?" Sirius questioned. "Professor Snape" Hermione corrected. Ron and Harry just rolled their eyes. Ron answered his question, "He's awful! Makes fun of students, nearly made poor Neville blow up the class a few times from scaring him so bad. Snape takes some kind of joy insulting Hermione, Harry and Neville. Just keep your hand down and brew perfectly if you can manage." Sirius almost shivered before remembering that they were talking about Snivellus! He sounded like a right terror.
Hermione glanced at her watch and promptly squeaked and rushed up grabbing Harry as well. "Speaking of Professor Snape's temper, we'll get a mouth full if we don't get down to the dungeons." They scrambled up from the table and headed for Potions. The boys all chatted about Quidditch while Hermione opted for silently thinking. Silos seemed to be no threat, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about him. He didn't look to be under and glamours. He wasn't drinking Polyjuice every hour. Those weren't the only way to alter your appearance though. Why would it matter though? He didn't give off the feeling of a danger, just not entirely honest.
His story of why he came there was true enough and made sense. He wasn't hostile or mean. Then why did he unsettle her so? Maybe some research would help. She had plenty of time with the use of the time turner, she would figure it out.
Soon enough, they reached the classroom and all of Hermione's thoughts were pushed aside. They sat on the left side of room as the Slytherin took the right side. They took out their materials and waited for the Professor. Looking over to Silos, he almost looked excited. Hermione wondered if he had a thing for potions or something.
The truth was that Sirius was excited. He already completed schooling and would sce the answers, annoying Snape at the same time. All chatter stopped as Snape dramatically entered the room in all his black billowing robes glory. Sirius almost laughed at the way Snape looked. The years had not been kind to little Snape. His large hooked nose and sallow pale skin. His hair hung limp and greasy while his lips were pressed in a thin line of annoyance. His robes were dramatic and almost bat like as he stood tall, shoulders held back.
"Wands away as usual and today you sorry excuse for potion students will be brewing Shrinking Solution, but before you try to blow yourselfs up, a new student has decided to join us. So, make sure Mr. Banther know what not to do. Questions? no. Good, you have two hours." Snape waved his hand and instruction appeared on the board. The Shrinking solution was fairly easy, It took a long time due to the extreme amount of ingredients and the time it takes between each. Adding the number of stirs and time it takes to cool and you have a difficult procedure for a simple potion.
Thankfully, Hermione was particularly gifted in the art of potion making while her potions partner Harry had more skill in Defense. Hermione went off to collect the ingredients while Harry prepared for the potion. So began the potion making. Snape made his rounds, occasionally insulting a student or two. Other than that, it was a pretty calm class. close to the end, they were to put their cauldrons to the side to settle. By the time the potion was done it should be a smooth blue color with a watery texture. After their potions were to the side Snape asked questions about the potion. This is where the fun began. "Observing some of your potions, I admit that you did well. Even Mr. Longbottom managed not to blow his up. Now, the question is, did you learn anything from this?" Snape was going to continue when Sirius's hand lazily raised into the air. "Yes Mr. Banther?"
"Yes."
"Yes?"
"I believe that's what I answered."
Snape looked annoyed and barked out, "you are to call me 'sir' or Professor', Mr. Banther. Five points from Gryffindor for cheek. Now, answer me this. How does the newt eyes react with the flobberworm mucus?"
Hermione, Sirius, and Draco rose their hands. "Yes, Mr. Banther?"
"The flobberworm mucus thickens the Potion where the newt eyes made it too watery. With that in mind, it works the other way around making them being used together to counteract each others effects."
Snape lifted an eyebrow and Sirius knew what he was expecting. He slowly grit out through clenched teeth "Sir." Snape looked less annoyed and continued to question the class, ignoring Sirius's hand. All the while, Sirius was thinking of ten different ways to prank his "Professor." The class eventually ended with Sirius severely disappointed. He barely annoyed Snape enough. He'd have work on it. The rest of the day passed fairly normally. Sirius hung around Potter and his friends where he noticed Hermione giving him calculating glances. He was getting nervous that she would figure him out. She was scary brilliant and threatening enough. All he could do is go with the flow and not do anything suspicious.