Chapter 10: The Class Begin

The day after the Sorting Hat Ceremony, when Leo woke up to the chiming of his magical alarm clock, he found himself in a room that was quite different from what he was used to. For a moment, he felt like he was still in a dream. But then, he remembered that this was Hogwarts, and he had been assigned his own room.

Perhaps due to the proximity of the Great Hall or the fact that some students preferred to have an early breakfast, the tantalizing aroma of food had already wafted into his room. After a brief stretching session, Leo changed into his robes and prepared for the day's classes before heading to breakfast.

While most of the Hogwarts staff had assembled in the Great Hall, the students were still in smaller numbers, leisurely enjoying their breakfast.

As Leo entered the Great Hall, he noticed some students whispering and pointing in his direction. It seemed that rumors were circulating about him receiving special accommodation to live in a study room instead of a dormitory. Some of these rumors were wildly inaccurate.

(Well, it doesn't really matter. The fact remains that I have my study room, and as long as it doesn't disrupt my studies, there's no problem.)

Leo thought to himself as he started eating at the Ravenclaw table. British cuisine, he had heard, was often criticized even by its own citizens. However, breakfast was an exception. The breakfast served at Hogwarts was undeniably delicious.

(Come to think of it, the extravagant dinner at the Sorting Hat Ceremony last night was also quite tasty. I wonder who's responsible for the food here? If I get the chance, I'd like to express my gratitude. Can you make requests?)

While savoring his dessert, Hermione approached him to exchange morning greetings.

"Good morning, Leo! So, you've officially joined Ravenclaw. I was torn between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw until the very end. But now, it's a competition for the House Cup! Let's earn as many points as we can! Also, I heard that you've been granted the privilege of living in your own study room. Would it be alright if I visit you sometime when you have free time?"

"Good morning, Hermione. You seem quite energetic this morning. My room is located across the Entrance Hall, opposite the Great Hall. You're welcome to visit whenever I'm in."

After a brief discussion about classes, Hermione returned to her seat at the Gryffindor table.

At Hogwarts, classes began right after the Sorting Hat Ceremony, the day after the students' arrival. For new students, the initial challenge was not the difficulty of the subjects, strict professors, or the large amount of homework. It was the castle itself.

The Hogwarts castle was not merely complex; it was like a labyrinth. Staircases changed positions depending on the day of the week, some staircases disappeared entirely, and there were hidden rooms with secret passages.

Senior students silently observed the new students, offering help only when absolutely necessary (though some did laugh and offer assistance). Their philosophy was clear: Learn by getting lost. It was crucial for newcomers to explore and become familiar with Hogwarts, as they, too, would eventually guide the next generation of students.

However, there was one new student this year who didn't seem to share the others' trepidation about the castle. Unsurprisingly, it was Leonard Taylor. Leo effortlessly navigated the castle without using the staircases, using Levitation Charms to transport himself to his desired floor. The other students were left dumbfounded, their mouths agape.

Unlocking locked doors and bypassing shifting door destinations one after another, Leo made his way to his classes without being tardy. His fellow students, who had initially been rooted to the spot in shock, suddenly remembered they were also en route and sprinted to catch up.

For Ravenclaw students like Leo, their first class was History of Magic, taught by Professor Binns, who happened to be a ghost. His teaching style involved monotonously reading from a textbook, making it one of the dullest classes. What's more, Leo could see that "something" had taken possession of his "Eye." Realizing that with such a professor, there was little hope of success, Leo decided to give up and focus on self-study..

On the first day, two-thirds of Leo's classes were far from satisfactory, making him consider whether he should continue his studies at home. However, his perception was about to change on the next day.

On the second day, their first class was Transfiguration. When Leo entered the classroom, Professor McGonagall was nowhere to be seen, but a tabby cat was sitting on the teacher's desk. While the other students were unaware, Leo, using his "Eye," recognized the cat as McGonagall.

(As expected of the Transfiguration professor. I can't believe she's an Animagus... It's quite a complex spell, from what I've seen.)

The cat transformed back into McGonagall, and the class began.

"Let me warn you first. Transfiguration is one of the most complex and dangerous forms of magic you'll learn at Hogwarts. Any student who approaches my class with a insolent behaviour will be asked to leave and should not expect to return."

The class consisted of a demonstration of Transfiguration, followed by the task of turning a matchstick into a needle. Leo accomplished the task on his first try and submitted it.

"Well done, Mr. Taylor. Five points to Ravenclaw."

"Thank you. Professor McGonagall, you're an Animagus, right? I've never met an Animagus before, so I have a lot of questions."

"Of course. It seems you have a good grasp of the basics, so I'll give you a brief lecture on Animagus. However, if other students have questions or need assistance, I'll prioritize them."

After talking with McGonagall, Leo understood just how accomplished he was. By the end of the class, the two of them were engaged in a heated discussion about Transfiguration theory and more.

"Cough. Now, I'll assess the extent of everyone's Transfiguration. If you want to learn more about Transfiguration outside of class hours, you can ask Mr. Taylor here."

Most students had only achieved minor changes in color or shape, with very few approaching perfection. A few couldn't transfigure anything at all.

"This task was as basic as it gets, but it forms the foundation for all Transfiguration principles. Only Mr. Taylor and Miss Granger from your year have achieved a perfect transformation. Here are their examples for you to observe."

(Hermione succeeded too. It seems my teaching is paying off.)

Next was Charms class. Professor Flitwick was had a reputation for making learning spells enjoyable and understandable, and Leo soon found that reputation to be true. Leo could read magic, but he felt that teaching it as clearly as Flitwick did would be impossible without a deep understanding of magic.

They started with a simple practical exercise to make the tip of their wands emit light. Perhaps due to his success in the previous Transfiguration class, Leo found himself sought after for advice by his classmates.

"Taylor, how do you make it light up? Mine won't light at all."

"Mine lights up, but it keeps flickering."

"Mine's too bright...! My eyes! Help!"

Leo, in cooperation with Flitwick, began explaining the theory and visualization techniques to each student. By the end of the class, everyone had learned how to perform the spell correctly.

"An outstanding understanding of magic, Mr. Taylor. Thank you also for helping the other students. Ten points to Ravenclaw, and an additional ten points for everyone since you've all succeeded!"

The classroom erupted in joy, and Leo was showered with gratitude.

The last class of the day was Potions. The location was the chilly dungeons, where glass bottles containing strange creatures and plants preserved in alcohol were lined up, and cauldrons simmered with liquids of various colors.

While waiting for Professor Snape to arrive with the Hufflepuff students, he began his lecture.

"In this class, you will learn the delicate science and exact art of potion-making."

(Professor Snape is as poetic as ever... Well, his knowledge of potions is truly exceptional, so that's not a problem.)

Leo and Snape knew each other from the Wizarding Society of Potioneers and had even conducted joint research. After Snape finished his grand speech, he began explaining the theory of potions. For their first lesson, they were tasked with brewing a simple remedy for boils. They were instructed to pair up, but it seemed that everyone wanted to be paired with Leo, and pairs were formed rather slowly.

"How long does it take to form pairs?! One point deducted from Ravenclaw. Taylor, you already possess knowledge and skills in potion-making that are on par with, if not surpassing me. As an exception, you will assist me during this class."

The Ravenclaws reluctantly formed their pairs, and once they began the brewing process, Leo advised them on how to chop ingredients, prepare, and time their additions. Those who followed Leo's advice were able to complete the potion without any issues.

"Time's up. Submit your finished potions on your desks."

Snape began evaluating the potions. Everyone was nervous, as it was their first potion.

"Hmm, thanks to Mr. Taylor, most of the potions have reached a passing grade. Let's give one point each to Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. As homework, summarize the ingredients and effects of the potion you created today on a single piece of parchment. Mr. Taylor is exempt from this, but he must submit a report on any other potion, the topic doesn't matter."

Except for Leo, the other students were astonished since they had heard that Snape, who favored Slytherin, never awarded points to other houses.

Having had a satisfying day of classes, Leo enjoyed his dinner. As he finished eating, a few students gathered around him.

"Um, Taylor, we have a little favor to ask. Would that be okay?"

"What's up?"

"Today's class made us realize that you're as impressive as the rumors say. But we, too, are Ravenclaws seeking knowledge! We don't want to keep losing to you forever. So, could you please teach us a bit, anything you can spare?"

The surrounding students all nodded.

(What should I do...? I also want to do my own magical research on weekends... But I don't want to reject those who are interested in magic either.)

"Understood. I want to continue my own research as well, so let's have study sessions only on Friday afternoons during breaks. I'll prepare the room by the Friday in two weeks, so please gather in my research lab. However, I won't turn away anyone interested in learning magic, so please keep that in mind, even students from other houses are welcome."

"Thank you! I'll go spread the word to everyone right away."

(It feels like this is getting bigger than I expected, but I need to think about it for now.)

Returning to his room, Leo immediately began preparing the research lab. He secured enough space with an Enlargement Charm. Next, he transferred and set up the necessary items from his home research lab. In about two hours, the barren room had transformed into a familiar magical research lab. Satisfied with the redecoration, Leo fell into a peaceful sleep on his usual bed.

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Chapter 10, where the class began,

Leo's evaluations for each class are as follows:

History of Magic -> Preparation Time

Herbology -> Many familiar things but good lessons that sometimes introduce new things

Defense Against the Dark Arts -> Review time, worsened by garlic

Transfiguration -> A Transfiguration theory debate with McGonagall

Charms -> Flitwick's teaching style is interesting, seems to provide a new perspective on magic

Potions -> Somehow became an assistant

By the way, Professor Snape sees Leo as a younger brother figure,

although He would never admit it. He's become slightly kinder. 

Also, in this story, Harry bullying is still alive and well.