While Harry knew Hermione always liked to be at least five minutes early to each class so she could properly set herself up for the lesson about to be imparted upon them, Harry actually wanted to be right on time. He didn't want to give others the chance to approach him and 'be stupid' before the Professor arrived to teach the class.
However, he was relieved to discover the new Transfigurations Professor also preferred to arrive about five minutes before the beginning of the class.
With the new Professor already there and waiting for them, he was saved from being approached. As no one, yet, had any real idea as to the man's general attitude, no one wanted to 'test' him just yet; as kids are wont to do.
Harry thought he looked pleasant enough. He was standing before his desk, leaning back with his bum perched on the edge of it with his arms and ankles crossed; smiling.
Hermione immediately dragged Harry to the front row of the class. And Harry was happy to see Neville, Susan and Hannah sitting in the second from front row. The front row before them was empty, so that's where Hermione led him.
Not wanting to gain the Professor's ire in their first class on their first day, Harry only acknowledged Neville and the two girls with a slight head nod and smile to all three and said, "Neville, Susan, Hannah. I look forward to speaking with you during morning tea."
All three smiled back and greeted them both.
As soon as they sat, both teens pulled out their texts and stationery, ready; and were joined by Justin Finch-Fletchley a minute later. The boy sat next to Hermione on the other side and quietly greeted them.
As soon as he sat, he quickly pulled out his own text and writing equipment, before then immediately writing a short note. He asked Hermione to pass it to Harry moments later.
Curious and knowing the class had not started yet, Harry quickly checked the note.
~ # ~
Lord Potter,
I seek audience with you at a time of your convenience for a few moments to discuss a matter of importance to us both.
Please respond when you can.
Lord Justin Finch-Fletchley
The Viscount Lonsdale
~ # ~
With surprised shock, Harry was stunned for a moment before he leaned to look around Hermione and saw the boy was watching him. Softly, he said, "Please speak with me for a few moments immediately after the end of this class, Lord Finch-Fletchley."
Finch-Fletchley gave a nod back and replied, "That is agreeable Lord Potter." And sat back again.
Hermione stared at Finch-Fletchley in her own shock for a moment before she turned to look at Harry in confusion.
Harry gave her a quick head shake and softly said, "After class."
As Hermione gave a nod back, he immediately sat back and turned to look at the three behind. He could see they were just as surprised and just as curious as he.
When he turned back to look at the Professor, the man was looking at him a little curiously of his own, but didn't say a word. He didn't even move, other to turn his head to look back towards the door and occasionally glance down at the wristwatch he was wearing and was visible peeking out from under the cuff of the left sleeve of his robe.
_‗_
―==(oIo)==―
ˇ
Harry thought the class was brilliant. By her reaction as they were packing their things up, so did Hermione. He'd been so involved in what the man was teaching he didn't even realise the time was getting-on, until the sound of the ringing of the bell signalling the end of the class period was heard.
Packing up and knowing Finch-Fletchley wanted a quick word, he indicated Hermione to stay seated. She did. So did Finch-Fletchley.
Once those nearest them headed for the doors, Harry looked to Finch-Fletchley and quietly said, "I owe you two apologies, Lord Finch-Fletchley."
"And I owe you a major one, Lord Potter," he replied. "But, please, me first?"
Harry gave him a nod.
With a similar nod, Finch-Fletchley said, "I am completely aware I treated you appallingly on the evening of Flophart's one and only duelling class, Lord Potter. I reacted instead of thinking of what had occurred. In hindsight, it is easy to recognise you had called that blasted snake back from me. My instant near-terror blinded me to that.
"I apologise unreservedly for the slight against you."
"Thank you, Lord Finch-Fletchley. I accept your apology without quibble," replied Harry. "For myself, I apologise for the very public slur I directed towards you regarding your... intellect... on the day of the first task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament. It was behaviour most unseemly on my part. Irrespective of your prior behaviour I should not have done that.
"Secondly, I was operating under the false impression you were not titled. While there are some within the wizarding world who will refuse to recognise you hold such title, I am not of that mind. I shall be immediately endeavouring to discuss with other members of the Potter-Longbottom Alliance how the Alliance may aid you. And I shall, from this moment forth, pay you the respect for which you are entitled.
"I apologise unreservedly for both slights against you."
Finch-Fletchley smiled back and replied, "Thank you, Lord Potter. I unreservedly accept."
Each smiled back at the other.
Harry gave a nod and then indicated Hermione. "I also introduce to you the Lady Presumptive of my House, Lady Presumptive Hermione Jean Granger, magical ward of the Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, Lord Sirius Orion Black the Third; and betrothed of, myself, the Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter."
Reflexively, Hermione held her right hand out and Finch-Fletchley raised it to his lips and lightly kissed her on the back of her knuckles while smirking back. "Charmed, my Lady."
"As am I, Lord Finch-Fletchley," she softly replied with a light blush.
"Uh-hmm!" came the throat clear from the front of the class. Professor Biffingwater was sitting at the desk and smirking at the three of them. "Don't you three think you should be heading for the Great Hall?"
Harry smiled back and began to rise, "Thank you for the reminder, Professor."
As the three headed out the door, Biffingwater sat back and pondered on what he'd just seen and heard. He'd been warned about the hereditary title issues in magical Britain. But, seeing it in action for the first time, demonstrated for him he had much to learn of the system. Born and raised in MaCUSA, he'd not had to deal with it in the past.
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