Permanent Disclaimer: I do not own anything you recognize. Don't sue me.

A/n: I'm not sure how often I will post but hopefully at least one chapter a week (may be less often as I am also writing other stories). As of now I'm not sure of all future pairings.

Warnings Read All: OOC, AU, 6th and 7th book never happened, not really based too much on the other books, different prophecy, male/male pairings, abuse (physical/verbal), mentions of rape, Dumbledore lovers don't read, (Voldemort, Draco, Lucius, or Severus haters don't read), possible character death later

If you don't like this then don't read and if you do anyway don't complain.

Chapter One: The New Student

It was almost time for the sorting. The doors to the Great Hall opened and in came Professor McGonagall followed by a bunch of apprehensive looking first years. Everyone in the hall quieted down to watch the procession, eager not only to see the sorting but for it to be over so they could eat. When the first years reached the front of the hall Albus stood to address the students.

"I have a special announcement. This year we will be having an exchange student as a guest. He will be in the sixth year. Please give a warm welcome to Ethan Rial!"

Out from the doors to the side of the High Table came an extremely handsome young man. He had black hair that was cropped semi-short and spiked with gel. He was slightly tanned and had eyes of such a dark brown that one could hardly tell where the pupils ended and the colour began. Underneath his plain black robes he wore a pair of designer jeans and a silver form-fitting button-up shirt. He looked very fit, you could tell he worked out.

Everyone stared as Ethan made his way over to the sorting hat. He sat down and then placed the hat upon his head. He stayed like that for a very long amount of time, until finally…

"GRYFFINDOR!"

He got up and placed the hat back on the stool then went straight to the Gryffindor table. He did not look at anyone on his way and sat down at the table not seeming to notice everyone staring at him or the fact that he had sat next to Harry. The sorting continued and Ethan ignored all the looks of curiosity that were aimed in his direction. Finally the sorting was through and Albus gave the rest of his beginning of the term announcements. Everyone cheered as he sat down and the food appeared signaling the start of the feast.

Harry glanced at the other house tables and noticed that the Slytherin table was the only table that didn't have someone trying to look at Ethan every couple of seconds. Well, until he noticed Draco. Draco was staring intently at Ethan and he wore and expression of disappointment as well as looking genuinely sad. This confused Harry greatly, he had no idea how to react to the emotions playing across Draco's face. Harry decided he would think about that later and turned to look up at the High Table. Two of the tables occupants were staring at Ethan as well. Professor Snape was wearing a similar expression to that of Draco's but was managing to mask it better, if only slightly. Albus was also staring at Ethan. Albus didn't look any different to Harry except that the usual twinkle in his eyes seems to have diminished some. Harry shrugged off his own odd feelings then tucked into his meal. Everyone was eating and talking happily, that is except Ethan who was just pushing his food around his plate and no one noticed even though every one seemed to be watching him. As the meal was coming to a close Professor McGonagall came to stand behind Ethan and Harry.

"Ethan, if you will follow me, I will show you to your room." stated Professor McGonagall.

"Um, Professor? I could show him to the dorms if you'd like me to." said Harry.

"That is kind of you Harry but I will show him. He will be staying with the Gryffindors but will have a separate bedroom than the other sixth years," replied McGonagall "Come Ethan."

Ethan, who had been quiet during the exchange, stood silently and followed Professor McGonagall out of the hall. The trio stood and headed for the common room. They were all pretty tired so they bid each other goodnight and then headed up to their separate dorms. Seamus, Dean, and Neville were already all asleep. Ron fell asleep just moments after getting into bed but Harry lay awake pondering over the new boy. Soon his curiosity got the better of him and he pulled out the Marauder's Map to see where Ethan was. He found him quickly and with a "mischief managed" he put the map away and pulled out his invisibility cloak.

A/n: I'll try not to leave cliffhangers (I'm not fond of them), if there is one I usually have the next chapter ready, though I know sometimes there will be cliffhangers. Sorry ahead of time. Please review and let me know any suggestions you may have so I can improve the story. Ta.