Look at that it's finally beta'ed!
Professor Minerva McGonagall sat behind her desk in Gryffindor Tower. She was busily finishing the last-minute housekeeping before the start of the new school year began in a week. She kept glancing out of her office window overlooking the courtyard where the first years would have their flying lessons was. She was worried, very worried. All but one letter had been received by prospective students. Today she could no longer wait, she sent her own familiar with the last letter, arguably the most important letter. The oddest thing had happened with the letter, there was no address that magic could find for the boy. She sighed and glanced at the pictures on her desk. One was of her and her husband in their younger years, he had died quite suddenly before they could have any children of their own. The other two pictures were of her favorite two students, James and Lily Potter. It was the orphaned Potter whose letter was going amiss.
She went back to her work with another sigh. Minutes later she sent the work requests on to the cantankerous caretaker of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. She leaned back in her seat pondering just what she should do. Albus Dumbledore, the man with too many tittles and names, had assured her young Harry Potter was fine and safe and sound at his aunt's home. She had realized by now that was very much a lie. The man had once been like a mentor to her but lately she had grown weary of his endless riddles and somewhat senile ways. He was growing old and if he endangered Lily's son she would see him out of this school faster than he could eat one his sweets. She would never forgive herself if something turned out to be seriously wrong with Harry.
A hoot drew her attention to the window where her tawny elf owl sat, letter still clenched in her beak. "Damn," Minerva swore tiredly and her familiar flew over to her to try and comfort her. "Well Lady what am I going to do now? I do not know enough about the muggle world to try and track down the boy." Lady gave a soft hoot. "And Severus is absolutely out of the question for this." She leaned forward looking at the letter whose loopy writing scrawled the name Harry Potter, address unknown. She looked out to the sky and it hit her. "Aurora." She shot up rather spritely for a woman in her sixties but then magical folk aged a bit differently. "Thank you, Lady," she said to her owl before grabbing the letter and leaving her office in a bustle.
She climbed the stairs to the astronomy tower and took the path to the left about half way up the stairs. She could continue to the roof but she wanted Aurora Sinistra's office. She knocked urgently on the door.
"Come in," came the smooth melodious voice from behind the closed door. "Minerva how can I help you," the tall woman asked from where the corner of the office. She was using her wand to hang a new picture of what Minerva thought was the night sky.
"That's very interesting?" Minerva said momentarily distracted by the unique painting.
"It's by Vincent Van Gough, a muggle artist."
Aurora Sinistra was a very attractive young woman, something that garnered attention from numerous male students. In fact, over the last five years, the number of male students continuing with Astronomy passed their exams was up thirty percent. She had light mocha skin with dark amber eyes that glittered liked the stars she studied. Her long black hair flowed to mid back and her face inherited the aristocratic features of her pureblood father. Aurora herself was a half-blood, her mother a muggle bartender that had fallen in love with the wayward wizard that tramped into her bar. She had been home-schooled never attending Hogwarts. Her father, Matthias Sinistra, had assented to his wife's wish that Aurora attend muggle school as well as be educated in magic. As such Aurora had a muggle's master's degree in science along with her magical master in astronomy.
"But I'm sure by that knock you didn't come here just to look at my new painting," Aurora said with a bit of a laugh that sounded bell-like but her boss's serious look paused her laughter.
"No. I need your help with a letter." Minerva said.
"I thought you had heard back from all the student's," Aurora said offering a seat to Minerva. Aurora took her own rather plush desk chair with a confused expression.
"I have, except for one," Minerva handed the letter to Aurora.
"You have got to be kidding me, Dumbledore misplaced the savior of the wizarding world?" Aurora having been home-schooled did not share the love of the Headmaster of Hogwarts that most people did. She had seen too much at the school to respect the Headmaster, she did not discount his power but it was time for the man to retire.
"Aurora the magic at the school has never failed to locate a student." Minerva said with a bit of reproach in her voice. Aurora lost her joking manner. "The only thing I can think of is that Harry is," Minerva's voice choked, "homeless."
Aurora sat forward with a frown, "How could that happen. Dumbledore's been assuring everyone for years that Harry is okay. In fact, wasn't it just months ago he said Harry was happily on vacation with his aunt's family?"
"Yes, which leads me to believe he has at the very least not checked on Harry lately." Minerva eyes were misting as she spoke, "I told that man they were the very worst type of muggles and now I am afraid that I was right."
Aurora stood and came over to lay a hand on Minerva's shoulder, "What do you need me to do?"
"I need you to try and find him. You know the muggle world in ways I cannot hope to and you know legilimency."
"You want me to use legilimency on muggles?" Aurora asked just to clarify. She had no problems with it; Minerva very rarely was wrong about one's character.
"Yes." Minerva's lips were pressed into a tight line. She did not relish giving her fellow professor this task but she must know what happened to Harry.
"Do you have a picture of James and Lily?" Aurora asked. "Hopefully his features will be recognized in them."
"Yes," Minerva nodded. "Come to my office and I'll give it to you and the address."
"Alright I'll be there in a few minutes. I need to change." Minerva nodded and grabbed Aurora's hand as she stood. Aurora nodded to the woman who had mentored her, "I'll find him if I can."
Minerva gave her smile before leaving Aurora alone. Aurora stood in her office for a few seconds gathering her thoughts before she ducked into her private quarters. She tossed her robe to the side as she walked into her bedroom and quickly changed into a pair of jeans and a button up stripped long sleeve shirt. She strapped her wand into a holster on her forearm pulling the shirt sleeve over it. She grabbed her muggle purse, slinging it over her shoulder so it hung across her chest.
Aurora made her way quickly to Professor McGonagall's office. She knocked and was ushered into the office by Minerva. Aurora's fellow professor handed her the picture of Lily and James as well as the address of Harry's aunt and uncle.
"Please find him." Minerva said wishing her colleague speed.
"Ahh, the horrible monotony of the suburbs," Aurora muttered as strolled down Privet Drive in Surrey, England.
She had been to suburbs before but this one took the cake, every house looked the same and were even painted the same. There was nothing other than the numbers that differentiated the houses. Aurora drew a few looks from passers-by but paid them no attention as she came to Number Four. She could hear the television from outside the door. She wrapped hard on the door so she would be heard, she did not fancy staying on this street any longer than she had to.
The door opened and a horse-faced woman stood there as a blast of cold air hit Aurora. The woman was positively unattractive and bristled as she looked the attractive young Professor up and down.
"Yes?" The woman asked.
Aurora raised one perfectly sculpted eyebrow; this was Lily Potter's sister. There was absolutely no resemblance.
"Good afternoon I am looking for one Harry James Potter." The woman in front of her paled and slammed the door shut. The lock clicked into place and Aurora's eyes narrowed.
She was really hoping she would not have to resort to magic just yet. She flicked her wand into her hand and waved it at the door. The lock clicked open and the door creaked open showing a very fat walrus like man, holding a shotgun. Aurora waived her wand again and turned the gun into a rubber chicken causing a rather undignified squeak. Aurora gave another wave of her wand and sent both the fat man and skinny horse faced woman onto a couch in the room off to the side. A very fat child sat watching her with wide terrified eyes, she smirked at him.
"You know I was hoping I would not have to use magic just yet but it seems you are intent on being rude. Now listen closely I simply want to know where Harry is?"
The husband seemed to go a bit starry eyed as he heard her voice.
The horse faced woman sneered though it was somewhat lessened by the fact that she was magically stuck to her own couch. "We sent the freakish brat to the orphanage the day we found him."
"Found him?" Aurora asked archly.
"The brat was left on the steps the day after my sister got herself blown up." The horse faced woman voice went up a few octaves.
Aurora fought to control her anger at the woman, as if Lily Potter asked for it. "What orphanage," she bit out, gone was her normally cheerful tone.
"St. Christopher's in London." The woman said with a sniff. Aurora waved her wand and a phonebook floated out of a cupboard. She searched it for the address she needed before turning abruptly on her heel and apparating out of Number Four with small pop. She did not bother unsticking the family.
She appeared with a small pop and cancelled her aversion charm as she looked up at the gloomy orphanage in what looked like one of the poorer areas of London. The apartment buildings surrounding the Victorian era orphanage were rundown and guarded by derelict cameras and fences. Down the road was an equally rundown school enclosed by a chain link fence with barbed wire at the top. "Are they trying to keep them in or out?" Aurora wondered to herself.
She opened the door of the iron barred fence that read St. Christopher's. It made a horrible wrenching sound as she pushed on it, the damn thing stuck. The green space around the dilapidated building was spattered with a swing set and a sand box. There was an old basketball hoop off to one side. She buzzed the intercom as she stood at the large skinny doors. "Yes?" A garbled voice came from the intercom.
"I am Professor at a boarding school and I think you may have one of our prospective students here?" Aurora said smoothly holding up a business card to the camera.
"Come in please," Aurora could hear the confusion in the woman's voice as she was buzzed into the building.
The inside of the building was better off than the outside but not by much. She heard the footsteps of kids running around the second floor. Behind the desk was a worn outworn-out looking old woman. Aurora walked up to the desk and handed the woman her business card.
"Professor Aurora Sinistra, Astronomy." The old woman read off the card. "I'm Sister Mary Stephen one of the mistresses of St. Christopher's. You're looking for one our kids?"
"Yes. This may sound a little strange but the child's name was put down by his parents the day he was born." Well, magic added his name to the Hogwarts registry but she didn't need to know that. "You see, we were under the impression the boy was placed with his aunt's family after the death of his parents. I just found out today they dropped him off here at the orphanage instead of raising him." Aurora could not keep the bitterness out of her voice, "His name is Harry James Potter. I do not have a picture of him but I do have a picture of his parents."
"Alright we never had a Harry James Potter but we've had a couple of boys that were dropped off with no information." Sister Mary Stephen said with a twinge of sadness. "Can I see the pictures?"
"Yes, he would be eleven this year," Aurora handed over the picture of Lily and James. The woman took one look at them and gasped. Aurora held her breath, she could tell this would not be good. Aurora used a subtle form of legilimency on the old nun. She saw a happy but isolated little boy that looked like James Potter but had Lily's blazing green eyes.
"Yes, we did have the boy," Sister Mary Stephen said quietly looking at the picture. "Those eyes," the old woman muttered to herself. "I think you should come with me," the Sister said and opened the door to her office. Aurora followed her in and took one of the worn-out leather chairs. "We gave him the name Henry," she pulled out a bottle of scotch and poured herself one as well as Aurora. Aurora made a face, it was only noon. "Trust me you're going to need it when I'm done."
"I was the one who found him early one morning in November. The poor lad only had a blanket." Aurora was using legilimency on the nun as she spoke. She saw the memories that went along with her words. "He was happy little baby but even then, odd things happened around him." Aurora saw instances of accidental magic, summoning toys and bottles to himself. "It continued as he grew." The Sister took a sip of scotch before continuing. "He got along fine with myself and the other Sisters but he was isolated from the other children. They," she paused, "they picked up on the strange things that happened around him." Aurora saw the other children suspicion of Harry and his ease with adults, his odd behaviors that were caused by his magic reacting to situations. He was remarkably strong for a child with no magical training. "The other children started to tease him, torment him." Aurora saw the flashes of it, of Sister Mary Stephen trying to stop the teasing.
"He became isolated and then one day it happened." Sister Mary downed her glass of scotch and poured another. "Martin Smith, he was a bully and two years older than Henry. He was one of Henry's tormentors. We kept them apart but one day, Martin and his friends went after Henry. We, we heard the scream and came running. Martin's two friends held Henry down and Martin used a kitchen knife to slit Henry's throat." Aurora flinched as she saw the Sister's memories. "Father O' Mulley was hear here and tackled Martin off Henry. Martin was screaming about Henry being the devil." She downed another glass and Aurora followed her. Sister Mary Stephen poured two more glasses. "Henry was rushed to the hospital, he lost a lot of blood but pulled through. Martin and his friends were sent to a juvenile detention facility."
"And Harry?" Aurora asked as pictures flooded Sister Mary Stephen's mind. She visited Harry in the hospital and brought him a small brown teddy bear.
"The police wanted to send him back here," Sister Mary Stephen said downing another glass. Aurora wondered just how much the old nun could take, she wasn't even slurring her words. "Not surprisingly Henry chose to run. He took off from the hospital one night and I haven't seen him since." She had tears in her eyes.
"Do you have any idea where he might have gone?" Aurora asked.
"Actually, I do have someone who could help you," Sister Mary Stephen. "This is the address for a homeless shelter a couple blocks away. It's run by Sister Peg. She used to see him come in for food. He hasn't been in in the last year though. She might be able to point you in the right direction."
"You didn't have her try to get him to stay?" Aurora asked.
"If I involved the cops at best he would be brought back here and at worst he would have been treated as a runaway and sent to a juvenile facility." Sister Mary Stephen said.
Aurora nodded and stood, "Thank you for all your help."
"If you find him would you let me know how he's doing?" Sister Mary Stephen said as she walked Aurora to the door.
"I'd be glad to," Aurora said with a soft smile.
"God be with you," Sister Mary said ushering her out the door.
Aurora left the orphanage with a sigh. "I need better pay for this." She made her way out to the street and over to a payphone. She dialed a cab company and waited for them to pick her up.
"I need to go to St. Elizabeth's shelter." Aurora said as she got in the cab.
"Sure, I know the place," the cabbie said with a thick cockney accent. The ride only took about twenty minutes. "This is it. That's twenty- five pounds."
"Here you go," Aurora handed him the notes before getting out of the cab and looking the shelter over. It was all very non-descript. A sister was waiting out front and walked up to Aurora with her hand out. "You must be Sister Peg. It's nice to meet you," Aurora said.
"I am and you must be the Professor," Sister Peg was in street clothes and had hair done in short dreadlocks. "Sister Stephen said you were looking for Henry?"
"Yes, he has a place at our school."
"I'm afraid he hasn't come in in over a year but I can still help you." Sister Peg said. "He lived in a tent city in one of the abandoned underground sections until a year ago."
"What happened a year ago?" Aurora said wearily.
"He was taken in by a local mobster," Sister Peg said just as wearily.
"Please tell me you're joking," Aurora said as she dropped her head back in frustration.
"It's not as bad as it sounds," Sister Peg said with a small grin. "Henry's a runner for them. He delivers packages for them and stays at the pawn shop one of them owns most of the time. Occasionally he stays with other members of the family, usually only when the cops drop by for a visit."
"Why did a mobster take him in?" Aurora asked.
"Sister Mary Stephen told you about what happened?" Sister Peg asked. Aurora nodded, "He can't or won't talk, and he doesn't have any family and is a runaway. He's perfect for the running. The pawn shop is right over there." She pointed down the road to a shop that had a large neon sign flashing 'We buy gold and silver for fast cash.'
"Thank you. Do you think I'll have any trouble?" Aurora asked.
Sister Peg shook her head, "He's good to Henry."
Aurora nodded and started down the street and steeled herself. She unconsciously flexed her wrist where her wand was as she moved down the street. She entered the shop and the bell tolled that someone was there. She scanned the room and saw a thirty-year-old man with slicked back hair at the counter. Over to the side a boy sat with his face in a book, 'Romeo and Juliet,' she read the title and her eyes widened.
"Well 'lo there," the man said from behind the counter. He was rugged looking and gave her glance up and down. He gave her a charming grin and she could see a gold capped tooth.
"Are you the proprietor?" She asked.
"I am. Sal Gallo what can I do for you?" Sal said straightening up.
"I'm here to talk about Henry," She pointed to the young man who had put his book down at hearing his name. She looked over and saw those green eyes watching her intently. Sal meanwhile straighten up and reached a hand under the desk.
"What do you want with Henry?"
"You can take your hand off that gun I am not a cop," Aurora said calmly.
Sal's eyes narrowed and he gave her a cold stare, "Then what are you?"
Gone was the cheerful tone and it was replaced by with a chilling tone.
"I'm Professor Aurora Sinistra and I work at boarding school in Scotland for gifted students." She handed Sal her card. "Harry here has a place at the school, he has since birth. His parents enrolled him. We start at age eleven."
"Harry?" Came a soft scratchy voice. Aurora looked to her left at the boy who had just spoke. Sal's eyes widen at the boy's word, he had only ever heard him talk twice before and never to anyone new.
Aurora moved over to Harry and bent so she was at eye level with the boy, "Yes. Harry James Potter." She took out his acceptance letter and handed it to the boy. He read it over and his eyes widened at the witchcraft and wizardry part. "That would be the explanation of why weird things happen around you." She spoke quietly to the boy. "Both of your parents were magical also." Sal couldn't hear but he saw the boy's eyes sparkle.
"Well Henry do you want to go?" Sal asked the boy. Harry nodded. "Go get your stuff, I'm assuming you want to take him now?"
"I do," Aurora nodded. "I need to get him his supplies as well as take him to a doctor for his physical." Harry took off for the back of the shop.
"Wait here," Sal said before following Harry.
Sal followed Harry into the warehouse part of the shop and took a ladder up to the loft. Harry was gathering the few pair of jeans and shirts he owned. He was shoving the little bear he was given in the hospital into his book bag as Sal came up. Sal had to duck down so not to hit his head in the cozy little nook Harry had.
"Well kid I told you were special," Sal said with a grin. Harry ducked his head shyly but nodded. "Now I don't want to hear that you haven't been keeping up with your work, right?" Harry nodded with serious look in his eyes. "Good. You have your knife?" Sal had given him a stiletto switch blade when he started running for him. Harry nodded again. "Good, good. I've got something else for you. He pulled out a polished wooden box. Harry opened it and grinned. Inside was a small Walther P22 handgun and a clip of ammo. "Now I don't expect you'll have to use it but just in case. If you need more ammo just send me a message. Now let's not keep the pretty lady waiting. Never keep a pretty woman waiting." Sal said as they came back through the warehouse. Harry gave a silent chuckle which Sal knew only because his shoulders shook a little. Sal often chose to impart little words of mobster wisdom on the eleven-year-old whether it was appropriate or not.
"Ready?" Aurora said with a grin as she saw Harry with a backpack slung across his shoulders and a too big leather jacket in his one hand.
"Before you go," Sal said starting back with his charming tone. "If anything happens to him again, we're going to have a problem."
Aurora nodded and gave him a smile, "I'll make sure nothing happens. Come on Harry we need to visit a doctor." Harry stiffened a little and gave her puppy dog eyes. "Not going to work." Aurora said with a grin giving him or her own version of puppy dog eyes. Harry knew his would not work after seeing hers. He groaned a little. They exited the shop and Aurora took his arm. "This is going to be unpleasant," She said and apparated with him.
Harry dropped to his knees once they reappeared in a waiting room. Aurora knelt down next to him and rubbed his back. He looked at her with a glare. She chuckled a little, "You did well, most people puke their first time." Harry gave a silent laugh at that. The ill feeling passed and he stood up with Aurora. "Harry, while we're here keep your scar on your forehead covered. I'll explain to you why when we get into the office." Harry nodded. It was not too much of a challenge; his hair was long and hung over his eyes.
Aurora walked up to the desk, "Would you please summon Healer Jacobs for me."
The secretary at the desk nodded. They waited for only a few minutes before a spritely young woman practically glided over to them.
"Aurora how can I help you?" The young woman with spikey dark brown hair asked. She was only about a foot taller than Harry.
"I need you to check over one of my future students," Aurora said and placed a hand on Harry's shoulder ushering him forward a bit.
"Why hello there, I'm healer Healer Jacobs." She held out her hand to Harry. Harry nodded and shook her hands. She saw the scar at his neck and frowned a bit but was back to cheerful so fast Harry almost missed it. "If you guys we'll just follow me I'll take you back to an exam room." Harry gave his professor a look and nodded to spastic little healer. Aurora just grinned at him and shrugged.
"Alright so why don't you tell me who this is Aurora?"
"This is Harry Potter," Aurora said once the door was shut. Healer Jacobs' eyes widened at and her eyes went up to his forehead. Harry's eyes narrowed and he shot Aurora a look. "I have yet to explain things to Harry."
"Right why don't you do that and I'll go get his file," Healer Jacobs said and Aurora shot her a look of thanks. Harry was sitting up on the exam table looking back and forth between the two.
Harry meanwhile pulled out a pad of paper and a pen. He started writing and then showed her the pad, 'Why did she look for my scar?' His writing was extremely neat for an elven-year-old street urchin.
"As you may be able to tell, we wizards have a world of our own. However, just because we have magic doesn't make us immune to problems like war." Harry was listening with rapt attention. Aurora pulled out her wand gave it to Harry to study. "This makes us perhaps more dangerous than muggles. We can kill without leaving a mark just as fast as we can heal wounds like what happened to your throat."
She stopped when Harry started writing, 'Can you fix my voice.'
Aurora gave him a soft smile, "If Healer Jacobs can, she will, it is an old injury so I'm not sure how much she can do." Harry just nodded. "Any way, years ago, a war started in our world. A dark wizard who called himself Voldemort." She paused, "Don't repeat that name out loud or write it, people get frighten by it."
'He's that bad?'
She nodded, "He was; eleven years ago a one year old defeated him." Harry did the math in his head and his eyes widen. "Yes, it was you. You see your parents fought against him. They actually fought him to a standstill at least three times that I know of, that was unheard of. After the third time, you were born and your parents went into hiding. They were betrayed by a close friend and he found their location." She paused and struggle to find the words. This was harder than she thought it would be. Harry was looking at her with rapt attention as he hung on her words.
"He attacked them on Halloween. He killed both of your parents and tried to kill you." Harry's hand went to the scar on his forehead. Aurora nodded, "You see there are three curses in our world that are considered unforgivable to use. One of which is the killing curse, it is impossible to block and only one person has ever survived."
'Me?' Harry wrote.
"Yes, you. It left you with that scar. It also left you famous." Aurora said.
Harry frowned, 'I don't want to be famous.'
"I don't blame you," Aurora said.
'How did I end up at the orphanage?' Harry wrote.
"You were given to your mother's sister to raise. You mother was muggleborn, meaning no one in her family had magic. Your aunt left you at the orphanage instead of raising you." Harry's eyes burned with anger. "I don't know if her raising you would have helped much; she seemed to hate magic when I was there." Harry was still angry but nodded.
A wrap on the door came and Aurora called out, "Come in."
"Sorry it took so long, I had to dig the file out without anyone noticing," Healer Jacobs said with a grin. She set Harry at ease and Harry handed Aurora back her wand. "Alright Harry I'm just going to cast a few spells on you that will give me your height and weight and it will check for anything wrong. Sound good?" She waived waved her wand around Harry and then tapped it to a sheet of parchment in his file. "Well that's good, your weight and height are on track though you could stand to gain a few pounds, otherwise you're in fine shape. Now I checked your throat," Harry looked at her with interest. "Unfortunately, I cannot fix the damage down to your vocal cords," Harry looked disappointed, "but I can give you a potion that will help soothe your vocal cords and take away a bit of the gravelly voice you probably have."
Harry grinned at her and it lit up his eyes. Healer Jacobs grinned at the boy. She gave him a potion bottle filled with a light blue liquid. "Take a sip every day when you wake up and send an owl to me when you need more."
"Thanks Jesse," Aurora said as she stood and Harry hopped off the exam table.
"Any time. So where are you two staying tonight it's getting kind of late to go shopping for supplies."
Aurora checked her watch and groaned. Finding Harry had taken more time then she thought it would. "I guess we'll head to the Leaky Cauldron. I need to let Professor McGonagall know I found Harry as well."
Harry was fast asleep in his room as Minerva McGonagall and Aurora Sinistra shared a night cap. "The poor boy," Minerva said as she nursed her drink.
"He seems to have dealt with everything surprisingly well," Aurora said.
"I'm going to kill Albus." Minerva replied. Aurora grinned at her mentor who rolled her eyes at the younger colleague. "He seems to trust you, he didn't seem too fond of me."
"Probably because I'm the one who found him." Aurora said with a wave of her hand. "I would like to be the one who takes him tomorrow."
"Of course," Minerva said. "You will need to take him to the Ministry and look up his guardianship, I doubt magic has let Dumbledore stay on after this."
"Will do. Now let's hit the hay, I want to take Harry to the Ministry early before it gets busy," Aurora said. Minerva nodded and took the other bedroom of the suite while Aurora transfigured the couch into a comfy bed. She set an alarm that would tell her if Harry woke up before she did.
The next morning found the three eating a traditional English breakfast much to Harry's delight. The boy could eat. "Where are we going?" Harry asked quietly pleased to hear the roughness was gone from his tone, though it still gave a twinge to talk louder. He had tried to talk while still in his room to practice.
"First we have to go to the Ministry of Magic to see who your guardian is." Aurora said. She had explained the night before that it was important he have a guardian if Dumbledore was removed. Both professors were worried about who could take Harry's guardianship. Aurora had explained about Voldemort's followers and how some were still at large.
"Then we'll go into the Alley to get your stuff for school." Harry grinned at his professor. Last night the two women had described Hogwarts to him as best they could and it sounded like something out of one of his books.
"You can leave your stuff here Harry," Professor Sinistra said. Harry gave her an odd look, "We'll be back for it and Professor McGonagall has something to give you that will cover the costs."
Professor McGonagall gave harry Harry and old skeleton key. "This is the key to your vault at Gringotts, the wizarding bank. Do not ever lose it or give it to someone else?" She wanted his confirmation. He nodded at the woman as he took the key. "You look so much like your parents." She laid a hand on his shoulder and Harry grinned and his eyes sparkled. "I will see you on Saturday." She left through the floo in the room much to Harry's amazement.
Professor Sinistra chuckled, "It's not that much more pleasant than apparating." Harry made a face causing her to laugh again. "Alright take my hand. She tossed a handful of floo powder in the fireplace. She stood with Harry in the green flame. Harry looked rather fascinated with the painless green flames. "Ready?" Harry nodded. "Ministry of Magic Atrium."
They stepped out of the floo Aurora catching had to catch Harry to stop him from falling over as he stepped out of the floo. He looked at Professor Sinistra and frowned, shaking his head. Aurora chuckled she was getting quite good at reading his eyes, although they were so expressive it was easy. She led Harry to one of the lifts and pressed number four.
"Magical Records," The elevator announced. Professor Sinistra led him past a few doors before she knocked on one.
"Come in." She opened the door. "Professor what can I do for you?"
"Well, Madam Hopkirk, I need to do a guardianship check for this young man." Aurora said pushing Harry to the front. She had both hands on his shoulders. There was a pause as Madam Hopkirk's eyes landed on Harry's scarred throat.
"And who is this," Madam Hopkirk asked. Harry just raised an eyebrow at the woman's blatant stare. He didn't feel like he wanted to bother talking to this woman.
Professor Sinistra lost her smile at Madam Hopkirk's stare, "Harry Potter." The woman gasped and Harry shrunk into Professor Sinistra. "We have other stops we have to make," Professor Sinistra snapped now thoroughly annoyed at the woman.
Madam Hopkirk nodded and moved over to a file filing cabinet and drew out a large leather bound book. It hit the desk with a thud. She used her wand to flip through the pages. She kept glancing at Harry and his scar. Professor Sinistra grew more agitated with the woman when finally, she came to Harry's name.
"Um, well," She stuttered.
"Yes?" Aurora said with heat in voice. Harry grinned.
"It seems that magic has decided you're his guardian."
Both Harry and Professor Sinistra's eyes widened. Professor Sinistra grabbed the book and spun it so both her she and Harry could see it. In elaborate script next to 'Harry James Potter' was written 'Aurora Lynn Sinistra' and under the relationship column was listed, as 'magic'. Aurora dropped into a chair while Harry started stared at the book and then at the Professor. He liked her and he was usually a pretty good judge of character, he'd had to be.
Aurora looked at the hopeful green eyes and managed to compose herself from her mini freak out that was going on in her head.
"Well Harry it looks like you're now my ward." Harry grinned at her, his largest grin yet. Inside she was panicking a bit, more than a bit, if she was being honest, but she did not want Harry to see that.
"Thank you Madam Hopkirk. I expect this to remain out of the papers or you'll be hearing from the Sinistra family barristers. Come on Harry we should get to the bank."
Harry stopped her as they were leaving the Ministry and just looked at her. He could sense her unease. Aurora paused and knelt down to his height. "I'm fine Harry. I just wasn't expecting this is all and I need to digest it. But don't worry, I think I'm going to enjoy being your guardian. The first thing were we're going to do is give my parents a heart attack. This will pay them back nicely for a blind date they set me up on." Harry grinned at his Professor.
Harry looked at his Professor oddly as they stop stopped at a brick wall in an alley behind the inn they had stayed at last night. She grinned knowing exactly what he was thinking. "I would not want to you miss out on the full effect."She tapped her wand on the bricks in front of her. The wall unfolded in front of Harry's eyes and opened up into a jam- packed alley. "Welcome to Diagon Alley."
Harry stared at the Alley with his jaw open as he stepped gingerly into the Alley. He was not sure what to look at first. There were street vendors lining the cobble stone Alley as well as shops lining the sides. He saw brooms, cauldrons, amulets, potions, and everything magical he could think of. Dominating part of the Alley and looking out of place in the oddly shaped and colorful buildings was a large, white, column lined building.
"Harry that big white building is where we're heading first," Aurora said after a few minutes of letting Harry take in the alley. Harry followed closely to Aurora, not wanting to get separated in the bustle of robed people. He looked at one man in a bright purple robe with disbelief and a bit of laughter. Aurora got his smile and grinned. They came up to the massive building and Harry took a reflexive step back, he usually got kicked out of buildings like that. Aurora stopped when she realized Harry was not following her.
"Harry?" She asked coming to stand in front of him. He gave her a long look and then nodded at the building. "It's alright you have a family account here and I need to get money out for you." Harry frowned at her words and shook his head.
"Harry you're my ward you're not paying for yourself unless it's for something you want not instead of needing." Aurora said firmly. Harry starred stared at her unblinkingly and finally nodded tentatively. "Good, now let's go; I don't like goblins very much." Harry's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Yes, goblins." She nodded to one of the guards as they walked in the building.
Harry took a step back from the goblins toward the door. He froze as he starred stared at the weapons they were holding. He slipped his hand in his pocket where his switch blade lay before he started walking at his professor's insistence. They came up to a desk that was so high, the diminutive goblin was looking down on even Professor Sinistra.
"What?" The goblin snapped testily.
Harry glared at the little cretin but Professor Sinistra placed a hand on his shoulder. The goblin looked amused at the boy, "We need to visit our vaults. Sinistra and Potter," She said quietly nodding to Harry. She gave the goblin her vault key and prompted Harry to do the same. Harry released his hold on his knife and took the key out of the same pocket. He handed it to the goblin and snatched back when it was offered.
"Follow Griphook," The Goblin snapped and another goblin came forward from behind the bench. The goblin led them over to iron cart.
Harry looked and the cart dubiously.
"It's alright Harry, I promise its safe," Professor Sinistra said soothingly.
Harry got in the cart like a skittish cat and Aurora had to hide smile. The cart took off like a rocket when Harry was seated and a large grin spread on his face. The cart went for almost a minute before stopping. Aurora started laughing at his grin when they came to a stop.
"Potter Trust Vault," Griphook said in a monotone voice.
He placed the vault key and turned, instantly there came loud rumblings of the locks turning. The door opened and opened of its own accord and Harry's eyes widened as the light glinted off a substantial pile of gold coins.
"Wow," Harry said in his quiet voice.
"Harry I'd take about twenty of the gold coins. That should be enough for anything you want." Professor Sinistra said with a grin at his wonder. They got back into the cart and travelled only a few levels down for the Professor's vault. Her vault held more than just coins; but there were also books and jewels. They were back out front of the bank in a few minutes.
"Why don't we head to Madam Malkin's first? She can fit you for your clothes and then we can pick them up when were we're done." Harry just nodded at her after looking down at his old worn out clothes. Professor Sinistra just gave him a soft smile and started leading him through the alley. They stepped outside a purple painted building that had a mannequin in the window dressed in robes.
"What's with the dresses?" Harry asked quietly.
Aurora had to lean down to hear him, "They're robes, it's what most wizards and witches wear." Harry raised an eyebrow at her. She chuckled, "Don't worry, most younger wizards and witches wear them over regular clothes. We'll stop by Harrods when we're done for some jeans and the like." Harry nodded and followed her into the shop.
"Professor!" A cheerful voice came from a middle-aged woman in light purple robes. "What brings you in today?"
Aurora smiled at the woman and stepped to the side showing Harry who was behind her. "Hello Madam Malkin. My ward needs a set of first year Hogwarts kit as well as two other pairs of slacks and four buttoned long sleeve shirts."
"Your ward?"The woman asked surprised as she looked the skinny boy with long hair over. Her eyes lingered for a moment on his throat but only for a moment.
"It's a recent development," Aurora said with a smile for Harry. Harry returned it.
"What color would you like for the slacks?" Madam Malkin asked looking to Harry.
Harry just shrugged and Aurora spoke up., "Both black for the pants. Two black shirts, one green and one blue I think?" She said the last to Harry. Harry nodded.
Madam Malkin wrote the order down and then turned to Harry., "If you would go stand on the platform I'll take your measurements."
Harry looked to Aurora who gave him an encouraging nod. Harry went over to the platform and stood there a bit awkwardly. Madam Malkin came over and a floating tape measure went shooting around Harry. Harry nearly flinched away from it before he realized Madam Malkin must be controlling it.
The doorbell drew his fascination away from the magic on display. Coming into the shop was a girl about his age with auburn hair. She was taller than Harry and looked a bit healthier than him too. She smiled at Harry before her eyes were drawn to his neck. Her eyes widened but she quickly returned her gaze to his emerald eyes.
"Miss Bones," Madam Malkin said with a grin. "I'll be with you in a minute."
Following the girl into the shop was a woman older than his Professor but younger than Madam Malkin. The woman shared some facial features with the girl but her hair was brown and she wore a monocle.
"Madam Bones." Madam Malkin greeted. Madam Bones smiled to the shopkeeper before her eyes landed on Harry. He got the standard look when her eyes fell on his scar. Only her look morphed into blazing anger.
"Who is here with you, young man?" She asked, her voice soft, helping to reassure Harry in the heat of her anger.
Harry nodded his head to his Professor, who had drifted to look at some robes. Madam Bones marched over to the woman who had her back turned to them. Madam Bones cleared her throat causing Professor Sinistra to turn.
"Professor," Madam Bones said some of her anger leaving her.
"Madam Bones," Aurora said with a respectful nod. That was all Harry heard as the two started talking in hushed tones.
"Wel,l young man you're done," Madam Malkin said with a smile. Harry nodded and stepped off the platform. "I'll have your clothes ready in an hour."
Harry wondered over to a chair while he watched his professor chat with Madam Bones, neither woman looked particularly happy.
"Hi!" Came the cheerful voice of Miss Bones. Harry turned to look at her and nodded with a smile. "I'm Susan Bones."
The girl held her hand out to Harry. Harry shook her hand and quietly said, "Harry."
"Are you a first year too?" Susan asked. Harry nodded. "Are you excited? I can't wait. Auntie's been talking about Hogwarts more and more." Susan said with a nod towards Madam Bones. Harry grinned widely at her. Susan returned his grin before saying, "You don't talk much do you?" Harry shook his head.
"Come on Harry we have to continue with our shopping," Aurora said coming over to the two. "Susan I'll be seeing you soon. I teach Astronomy at Hogwarts, my name is Professor Sinistra." Susan shook her hand.
As they returned to the Alley, Harry tugged on Professor Sinistra's hand and looked up at her with a confused look.
"That was Madam Bones. She runs the Department of Magical Defense Law Enforcement at the Ministry. She's basically a police commissioner." A worried look passed Harry's face. "You are most certainly not in trouble. Professor McGonagall contacted her this morning. She's going to be personally handling your case." Harry nodded but still looked a little skeptical; he didn't have the best track record when it came to the police.
Aurora gave him a soft smile, "It will be okay Harry." She placed her hand on his shoulder as they walked through the Alley. "How about we get your wand next?" Harry grinned at her and nodded his head emphatically.
They were soon at a shop whose sign read 'Ollivander's: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C.' The door chimed as they entered but no one appeared to be in the shop. Harry's eyes were drawn to the many, many shelves lined with long skinny boxes throughout the shop.
"Harry Potter, I was wondering when I would see you in my shop," A dreamy voice came from behind Harry. Harry jumped and spun with his knife out in his hand. "My boy you won't be needing that," As said the old man with long white hair and silvery eyes said holding his hands up. "I am Ollivander and you are in my shop, I presume, for your wand."
"Harry!" Professor Sinistra called loudly, "Why do you have that?" Harry just looked at her blankly before putting the switchblade back in his pocket. Aurora shook her head, "We'll discuss this later. Harry just shrugged.
"Well, Mr. Potter, let's find you your wand. Why don't we try mahogany like you father's? You do look a great deal like him." Ollivander said as he snatched a box from the shelves and took out a wand handing it to Harry. As soon as Harry touched it, an explosion was heard and boxes went flying from the shelves.
"No, no definitely not," Ollivander muttered, taking it back and shoving another wand into Harry's hand. This continued for nearly twenty minutes and Harry was starting to worry that he didn't belong here. His face turned to stone as another wand reacted badly to him. "Don't worry Mr. Potter I have never failed to match a wizard and wand."
"Relax Harry, I blew up that shelf over there with the sixth wand I tried," Aurora said with a grin.
"Yes. Yew and Miss Sinistra did do not go well together," Ollivander mused fondly. "I wonder," Ollivander mused. He disappeared into the shelves in the back before coming back with a box. He gingerly opened the box and handed the wand to Harry. "Holly with a phoenix feather core." As soon as Harry's hand wrapped around it he was filled with warmth and feeling of worth. "Curious," Mr. Ollivander said musing.
"What is curious?" Professor Sinistra said asked defensively.
"I remember every wand I ever sold. That wand," He pointed to Harry's wand, "has a brother. You see the phoenix that donated your core gave only one other feather. That feather is in the wand that gave you that scar." Ollivander said, his eyes on Harry's forehead. Harry looked uneasy, as did Professor Sinistra.
"How much?" Professor Sinistra asked.
"Seven galleons." Ollivander said, his serious voice gone.
Harry and Professor Sinistra didn't mention his wand's relation as they shopped for the rest of his school supplies. They got his cauldron, scales, and potion kit for potions. Professor Sinistra told him she had tools for astronomy that he could use. Most of their time was spent in the bookstore where Harry got far more than just his school books. He got books on the history of the wizarding world, the four founders of Hogwarts, a book on magical beasts, and finally a supplemental book on jinxes and hexes that Professor Sinistra recommended. She did not seem very fond of this Professor Quirrell who would be teaching him defense.
"Harry, would you like to stop at the pet store to see if we can find you a familiar?" Professor Sinistra asked. Harry nodded, he was quite fond of animals. He took care of a few strays outside Sal's.
They walked into a brightly decorated store call Magical Menagerie. The shop was jam packed with animals of every sort. Harry wondered through the shop and was drawn to the cat section. He had never seen so many different cats in one place. He went through the aisles and came to a large cage that held six kittens that were pouncing on each other. The little cats were shorthaired with spots all over their silver and bronze coats. One of the little kittens stopped pouncing and moved to look at Harry who was peering at them. The kitten had big soft green eyes and tilted its head at Harry. Harry grinned and reached into the cage taking out the little thing. It meowed at Harry softly and started chortling.
"Well I think you might have found a keeper,?" A middle-aged man said coming up to Harry. "These little ones are Egyptian Maus. He likes you," He said as the kitten meowed again and batted its head against Harry's palm. Harry turned to look for Professor Sinistra.
"Found one, have you?" She said looking at the two softly. Harry nodded. "Great we'll take him." They loaded up with cat supplies.
"Tottie?" Professor Sinistra called and Harry looked at her oddly. Suddenly a pop was heard and Harry jumped backwards as a green creature that reminded him of Yoda stood in front of them. "Can you take these supplies and the kitten home?"
"Yes Ma'ams," The little thing said, bobbing its head.
Harry just looked at the thing and held the kitten to him. Professor Sinistra bent so she was eye level with Harry. "Harry this is Tottie, my house elf. She's like a maid," she explained to Harry.
The elf looked harmless enough, so Harry released the kitten to it and with a pop, the elf and cat disappeared. Harry shook his head softly. Professor Sinistra paid for the kitten and supplies before leading Harry back to gather his clothes from Madam Malkin's and before heading into muggle London once more.
Harry and Aurora stepped out of the floo and into a richly decorated entrance hall. Harry looked around with wide eyes. Aurora laid a hand on his shoulder and escorted him through the halls. The walls were done in shades of gray and cream with candles for light. Harry looked up at Aurora and then nodded to the candles.
"Electricity, among other muggle inventions, do not work well with magic," Aurora explained. "It tends to short out." Harry nodded.
Aurora led them into a sitting room where two middle aged adults were sitting. Harry could tell immediately they were his professor's parents. The woman shared Aurora's mocha skin tone and eyes. It was easy to see Aurora had inherited her father's facial structure. Aurora cleared her throat and the two turned towards them. Their eyes widened as they took in Harry. Harry was in one of his new outfits from Madam Malkin though he still had his worn converse shoes on -, Aurora couldn't get him to change into a pair of dress shoes. Harry would rather be in shoes he could run in. Aside from the new clothes Harry had gotten a haircut while they were in the muggle world. His hair, instead of scraggly and lone long, was clipped short with just enough length to cover the tops of ears and his forehead. His hair it was still messy, but a more respectable messy. He noticed the two older adults eye his scar on his throat and then as they flicked up his face the older woman gasped. She could just make out part of the scar hidden by his hair.
"Mum, dad, meet my ward, Harry Potter." Aurora said with a grin. Her parents made excellent fish impressions. Harry couldn't help himself he started laughing at their faces.
"Ward?" Her mother finally got out.
"Yes. Magic decided that I was best suited to be his ward." Aurora said.
Her father closed his mouth and look of understanding past passed his face. Her mother still looked confused but took her cue from her husband.
"Well welcome to the family Harry," Her father said. He got up and held his hand out to Harry. Harry shook his hand, "I am Cyril and my wife is Dawn." Harry smiled at the man and nodded his head in greeting. "Dinner should be ready; why don't we go and find out. Mipsy said something about duck earlier."
Harry raised an eyebrow at the word duck. Dawn caught it, "That was my reaction the first time I heard that." She said with a grin as she came to walk next to the boy. "Don't worry it's better than it sounds."
They walked into a formal dining parlor with a large table, large enough to fit at least twelve. Cyril waved his wand and the table shrunk to seat four. Aurora sat Harry in a chair across from her seat, while Cyril and Dawn took their seats at the heads of the table.
"So how exactly did this come about?" Cyril asked once they had finished eating their dessert. Treacle Tart had just become Harry's favorite food. Aurora looked at Harry, he nodded to her though it was bit uncomfortable.
"Tottie," Aurora called. The little Yoda popped into existence. "Can you bring Harry his kitten?" The elf popped out and in again in seconds, only this time there was a tiny kitten trying to climb up and get its ears. "Harry why don't you take him and go to the sitting room from before? Maybe give him a name?"
Harry nodded, grateful to be given an out. He did not need to sit through the said sad story that was his life, he'd already lived it. Harry scooped up the little silver stripped striped cat from Tottie and made his way from the room.
"Here's the room, young sirs," The Sinistra elf, Mipsy said, showing into the sitting room. He had gotten a bit lost in the house and then suitably freaked out by a moving, talking picture. His kitten had started hissing at it when he felt Harry's nerves. The hissing had brought the house elf to him. Harry nodded his thanks to the elf. Harry put his kitten down on the floor and sat next to it. He pulled out string from his pocket and started playing with the kitten. It seemed to enjoy pouncing on the string.
"You need a name," Harry said quietly.
He was comfortable talking to animals they never made fun of his voice. The kitten stopped pouncing and looked at Harry with its head cocked to the side. The kitten raced over to Harry and landed in his lap. It curled up while Harry scratched behind its ears. Harry mused for a minute before holding the kitten up so they were face to face.
"How about Ali,?" Harry asked the kitten. It gave a great big meow for its size.
"Ali it is," Harry said with a grin. The kitten wiggled out of Harry's hands and moved to sit on his shoulder, much like a pirate's parrot.
"You have a name then?" Aurora said from the doorway where she stood with her parents. Harry grinned up at her and nodded.
"Appropriate for an Egyptian Mau," Dawn said with a soft smile. Her heart broke at the amount number of things the young one had been through. It wasn't likely to get any easier on him either. "Well Harry what do you say to a trip to the zoo with us tomorrow? Aurora has to do some more work at her office before school starts." Harry looked at Aurora, she gave him an encouraging nod. Harry looked to Dawn and Cyril and nodded.
"Wonderful!"
Harry looked around the train platform with apprehension, there were a lot of people here. Aurora stood with her hand on one his shoulders while Ali was seated comfortably on his other. He looked up at Aurora with puppy dog eyes, he had either gotten better at them or Aurora was going soft because it almost worked.
"No you still have to take the train." Harry groaned but nodded. "Let's get your stuff on board before the rest of them the students wish farewell their parents off. That way you can get the last compartment, the one that I know you want."
Harry grinned at her and they took off into the train. Aurora had his black and silver trunk following behind them. She got him in the last compartment and but put his trunk on the shelf. No one else was on the train yet and Harry surprised Aurora by grabbing her in a hug. Aurora startled for a moment, it was the first time Harry had initiated contact. She grabbed him back in the hug.
"I'll see you at school. Remember it doesn't make a difference what you hear, any house is worthy." Harry nodded and pulled back. "Now be good. I'll see you in a few hours."
Harry was left to his own devices and pulled out a book while Ali curled up his lap. He was undisturbed for over twenty minutes before a knock on the door came. Harry looked up and was surprised to see the auburn-haired girl from the robe shop. He gave the girl a smile and she opened the door.
"Could you help me with my trunk?"
Harry nodded and put his book to the side which Ali promptly curled up on the book. Harry glared at the little kitten, it had taken to sleeping on his books or parchments, no matter how many times Harry moved him. Harry helped Susan put her trunk on the rack.
"Thanks Harry, you're stronger then than you look." Harry cocked his head at her. He hadn't given her his name, "Professor Sinistra said your name in the shop and then my aunt told me your last name." Susan explained. Harry nodded.
"So how are you liking the wizarding world?" Susan asked despite knowing he probably wouldn't answer a loud.
Harry looked at Susan for second before saying, "I love it."
Susan gave Harry a wide smile when he spoke, "That's great. Did Professor Sinistra tell you about Hogwarts and how the houses work?" Harry nodded.
He was stopped from speaking by a wrap rap on the door. Outside the door was a tiny little girl with deep golden-brown eyes and wavy strawberry blond hair.
"Sue you gonna let me in?" The girl asked with a cheerful upbeat voice. Susan laughed, and stood and opened the door for her. Harry hopped up and helped them with the trunk. Susan turned to Harry when they were done and gestured to the blond.
"This Isobel MacDougal. Iz this is Harry," Susan purposely left off his last name. She didn't think Harry would appreciate being bombarded over and over again with stares. He'd get enough when his name was called for the sorting.
"Nice to meet ya Harry," Iz said with same cheerful tone. Harry smiled and ducked his head in greeting. "That's a killer war wound by the way, very fetching," Iz said with a sly grin.
"Iz!" Susan reprimanded her friend but it lost some of its heat when she noticed Harry was laughing. That was certainly the first time someone his age didn't clam up or stare at him. "You're impossible!" Susan said with a small laugh.
"That's why you like me," Iz said with a wink towards Harry. Harry grinned at the girl. They were left alone for the rest of the ride to Hogwarts except for the trolley woman who came offering snacks. Harry brought an ice mice that drove Ali up the wall and some sugar quills. From there the girls introduced Harry to exploding snap and once he got over the massive bangs he quiet enjoyed it.
"We should change into our robes, we will be there soon," Isobel said as she noticed the sky getting dark. "Harry wait outside; we'll change first," she said gesturing to herself and Susan. Harry, Susan, and Isobel left their trunks on the train as instructed by a prefect.
"First years, ov'r here!" Ccame a loud booming voice.
Harry turned and identified him as Hagrid, the groundskeeper of Hogwarts. Professor Sinistra had described the man and as Harry looked at him, he thought she had vastly underrated the man's size. The three first years followed the man and fell into a swarm of eleven- year- olds.
"Four to a boat," Hagrid bellowed. Harry, Susan, and Isobel found themselves in a boat with another boy. He was slightly chubby with a round face and looked particularly ill at ease.
"Hey Neville, what's wrong?" Susan asked the boy.
"H, Hi Sue.," He had a bit of a stutter but it smoothed out as he said, "I lost Trevor again."
"He'll turn up; he always does," Susan replied.
All their talking stopped as they spied Hogwarts for the first time. The magnificent castle seemed to sit above everything else in their view. It was everything Harry imagined it to look like and so much more. He picked out the astronomy tower, the highest one, and hoped he wouldn't disappoint Aurora. The small boats docked at the edge of the lake and Harry helped Susan and Isobel out of their boat. They walked up a pathway to the front hall of the school. The doors were so massive Hagrid looked small as they walked through. They were stopped outside the doors to the Great Hall.
Professor McGonagall stood at the top of the steps surveying the first years. She smiled when she met Harry's eyes. He sent a small grin back to her before disappearing behind Susan and Isobel. He heard his full name and had no wish to play show in tell yet with his fellow first years.
"Attention please," the first years quieted down. "I am the interim Headmistress McGonagall and your Transfiguration professor."
This caused a flurry of whispers from the first years. Susan shared a look with Harry. They both knew why McGonagall was interim head, Dumbledore had been served with a warrant for child neglect. He was suspended until the outcome of the trial.
"When you enter these doors, you will be sorted into your houses. They are Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin," Harry detected a note of distaste when she said Slytherin and gave a small smile. From what Aurora told him, McGonagall was still a bit sore that Slytherin won the Quidditch and House cup last year. "These houses will be your homes for the next seven years. You will share equally in your houses triumphs and losses. Prepare yourselves." With that Headmistress McGonagall disappeared into the Great Hall.
The first years' nerves of getting sorted had been taken over by whispers of what happened to Dumbledore. A blonde-headed boy and a red-headed boy, nearly came to blows over Dumbledore.
"Enough!" Came a loud voice that came from a small body. "In all my years!" The small man with dark hair and glasses said his moustache twitching. "You," He pointed to the blonde boy, "over there; and you," the red head, "over there. And stay that way. I am Professor Flitwick, your charms professor and Head of Ravenclaw House. I will lead you to the sorting hat." He got them in two lines and led the students into the hall.
Silence fell over the hall as the first years came in. They stopped at the front of the hall where a stool with a hat on it sat in front of the head table. Harry's eyes were drawn to the ceiling and then they found Aurora's eyes and waved at her. She smiled back and pointed to Professor Flitwick. The Hat had finished singing the praises of all the houses and Professor Flitwick unraveled a long piece of parchment, "Abbot, Hannah." The man called.
A blonde haired girl that was Susan's height stepped forward nervously being the first one called. She sat on stool with her ankles crossed. The hat was only on her head for few seconds before it shouted, "Hufflepuff!"
The table with the yellow and black banners gave a loud cheer. The girl practically skipped to the table. Susan was called next and she walked somewhat hesitantly to the stool. The hat touched her head and called out, "Hufflepuff!" Susan looked relieved as soon as it spoke and made her way to the table.
More first years followed and by the time they got Isobel every house had gotten at least two new students. "Isobel MacDougal," Flitwick called in his loud but somewhat squeaky voice. Isobel strode confidently up to the stool and sat primly on the edge.
"Hufflepuff!" The hat shouted after a minute of deliberating. One more boy went to Hufflepuff, while Slytherin got five more students, Ravenclaw two and finally Gryffindor got one before Harry was called.
"Harry Potter!" Flitwick called.
An instant hush fell over the school as people started craning to get a look at Harry. Harry stepped to the side of the crowd of first years and made his way up to the stool. Gradually, the voices picked up again in hushed tones. Flitwick put the hat on his head. Harry looked out at the crowd and fought not to squirm - half the school was looking at him in awe and the other half in interest. Isobel looked a little put out but Susan was shushing her.
He started when he heard a voice in his head. "Mr. Potter you've been on quite a few minds this evening. Don't worry no one else can hear me. Now where to put you. You've got a good mind, seems you've taught yourself a lot."
Harry replied in his head, "You grow up where I did and see what happens."
The hat chuckled, if a hat could. "Quite a lot of cunning and thirst to prove yourself."
"I'd rather not be in a house where a lot a people probably want me dead. That turned out so well the first time."
"You've got bravery in spades," The hat said. "But I don't think Gryffindor would do you well they're a bit rambunctious there." Harry just shrugged this time by now he was getting a little nervous, nobody had taken this long. "You are loyal to those who earn it and you already have a budding friendships in the house of hard work."
The hat shouted, "Hufflepuff!" The black and yellow table burst into their biggest cheer yet as Harry handed Flitwick the hat and made his way happily to sit beside Susan and across from Isobel.
Isobel looked a little cross at him, "You know, you two could have told me," She said glaring at Harry and Susan. Her cheerful tone took some of the heat out of her words.
A/N: Hope the edit made it a better read for ya'll