Thick of it : reboot

James was up early, already dressed and ready to go. He glanced around the dormitory at the other boys, still lost in the land of dreams. The room smelled faintly of old wood, and the unmistakable scent of boys who hadn't yet developed a proper morning routine.

Rolling his eyes, he decided to do the responsible thing.

James: "Harry, Ron, Neville—wake up, lads! You'll be late."

Ron groaned and buried his face deeper into his pillow.

Ron (mumbling): "Five more minutes, Mum..."

James smirked. Well, that's adorable.

Harry, on the other hand, didn't stir at all. He looked peaceful—completely at ease, as if this was the first proper sleep he'd had in years. James hesitated. Should I wake him? He watched for a moment before deciding otherwise. Nah, let the lad sleep. He deserves it.

Neville, meanwhile, was mumbling something about his grandmother in his sleep.

Neville (mumbling): "I'm getting up, Gran…"

Seamus yawned and sat up groggily.

Seamus: "What time is it?"

James: "Time to get moving before McGonagall turns you into a teapot."

Leaving them to sort themselves out, James made his way to the Great Hall for breakfast.

The Great Hall was already buzzing with early risers. The enchanted ceiling mirrored the morning sky—a soft golden hue creeping in as the sun rose over the castle. James noted that, predictably, the girls had beaten the boys to breakfast.

James (grinning): "Morning, Hermione."

Hermione (looking up from her toast): "Morning, James."

James turned to the other girls at the table, flashing them an easy smile.

James: "Hello, ladies. Name's James. James Dawson."

A girl with dark plaited hair and a mischievous smile was the first to respond.

Parvati: "Hello, I'm Parvati Patil."

Next to her, a blonde girl with a soft giggle introduced herself.

Lavender: "And I'm Lavender Brown."

James nodded in greeting. Alright, these two are the gossiping types.

Hermione (raising an eyebrow): "Where are the rest of the boys?"

James (shrugging): "Still snoring. They'll waddle in eventually."

Hermione rolled her eyes but smiled.

James: "So, Hermione, excited for our first class?"

The reaction was immediate.

Hermione (practically bouncing in her seat): "Yes! I can't wait! There's so much to learn—Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, Astronomy—"

James chuckled. Yep, saw that coming.

Soon enough, Neville and Seamus stumbled in, looking half-asleep but wasting no time stuffing their mouths with breakfast.

James (raising an eyebrow): "Hungry, are we?"

After breakfast, the first-years made their way to the classroom. The corridors of Hogwarts were alive with moving portraits, whispering students, and the occasional ghost floating by.

Inside the classroom, students began pairing up. Neville and Seamus sat together, while Parvati and Lavender took a seat beside each other.

James glanced at Hermione, who was hesitating, scanning the room for an empty seat.

James: "Oi, Hermione—over here. Sit down."

Hermione's face lit up with a small, grateful smile as she slid into the seat next to him.

Moments later, the door burst open, and Ron and Harry came rushing in, looking flustered.

Ron (panting): "Whew! Made it! Can you imagine the look on McGonagall's face if we were late?"

Before James could even smirk, a cat sitting on the desk leapt into the air and transformed—seamlessly—into Professor McGonagall.

The class collectively gasped.

Ron (eyes wide): "That was bloody brilliant!"

McGonagall gave him a stern look.

McGonagall: "Thank you for that assessment, Mr. Weasley. Perhaps it would be more useful if I were to transfigure Mr. Potter and yourself into a pocket watch. That way, one of you might be on time."

James barely held back a chuckle. 

Harry (scrambling for an excuse): "We got lost."

McGonagall (raising an eyebrow): "Then perhaps a map? I trust you don't need one to find your seats."

James, still grinning, raised his hand.

James: "Professor McGonagall, that transformation—how did you do it?"

McGonagall gave him a rare, almost approving look.

McGonagall: "That would be Animagus magic, Mr. Dawson. A highly advanced form of Transfiguration—far beyond your current curriculum."

James wasn't deterred.

James: "Could you at least tell us a little about it?"

McGonagall sighed, but there was a glint of amusement in her eyes.

McGonagall: "Since you insist—Animagi are wizards who can transform into animals at will. There are only seven known registered Animagi in all of Britain."

The entire class widened their eyes in shock.

James: "Seven? That's it?"

McGonagall nodded.

James: "So… how do we tell if someone is an Animagus?"

McGonagall's lips twitched slightly.

McGonagall: "That, Mr. Dawson, is precisely the point. You usually can't. A skilled Animagus can blend seamlessly into their chosen form. And prolonged transformations are not advised—it can be... dangerous."

The class sat in awe.

James: "Dangerous how?"

McGonagall: "Many have lost their lives attempting it. It requires intense skill and patience. Now, let's return to today's lesson before you get any ideas."

James leaned back in his seat, deep in thought. class starting .