Surviving by Zazzle
Warnings: Slash Pairings: HPSB RL??
Het Pairings: NBKS, RBAB
For now... there will be lots of side pairings...
Violence, Mentions of past child abuse,
Politics and Old traditions
The rating on this story is likely going to change to an M rating in the future.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
AN: This story was formerly under the name Saving Harry, and is now being rewritten into a hopefully much better story. If you want to read the original- for whatever reason. It is still up as I got many, many good reviews that I would not like to lose.
Old Readers: The plot line will not differ much, but the writing, different views, pace and additions should hopefully make it worth your time. Sirius is back for hugs, see him at the bottom.
New Readers: Welcome! I hope you enjoy the story, and leaves oodles of reviews! An old tradition here is hugs given out by characters. Simply review and ask and Presto! The Character of the chapter is their for a hug.
Please Review!!!
Surviving
Chapter One: Arrived
James Potter waved cheerfully at his friends from the entrance to Platform 9 and 3/4. Remus Lupin, a quiet boy with sandy hair and amber eyes; Sirius Black, a handsome, over-enthusiastic teen; Peter Pettigrew, an eager, chubby boy; and Jason Wood, a new student from America who had transferred last year, Remus' boyfriend were gathered close by one of the doors to the Hogwart's Express. Their trunks and familiars sat higgedly-piggedly around them, and other students eyed them suspiciously as they laughed. James bounded over, pulling his trunk behind him.
"Hey guys!"
"Jimmy-boy!" Sirius crowed, pounding James on the back.
"Hey, James." Remus greeted more quietly, and they shared an amused smile at Siri's antics.
Peter waved, and bounced up and down on the balls of his feet, while Jason gave a smile and a short nod. Jason and James got on all right, but for James there would always be some resentment to the brown-haired boy who had stolen Remus away from them.
"Let's find a compartment, shall we?"
The five boys made their way onto the train, dragging their trunks behind them. They found a mostly empty compartment, and it was only too easy to scare the Second years out. After all, who would want to stay in close quarters with the Marauders? They settled into their seats, allowing Remus, who was the strongest of them all (Though Jason still did not know why) to lift their trunks up. Sirius, James and Peter started a game of exploding snap, while Remus cracked open a book, and Jason curled into his side.
On the other side of the train from the Marauders, a collection of Slytherins played their games. Lucius Malfoy had graduated last year, and Alexander Zabini had stepped up in his place as King of Slytherin. His own fiance played Queen this year, which meant Narcissa Black played second. Of course, all the Slytheirn's paid her the proper deferential attitude, but she was no longer directly in charge. This suited Narcissa, she'd much rather control from the background.
Around the 'King' were the other important Slytherin Seventh years, and the seating descended ouward by rank. Malcolm Wilkes, and that brute whose name Narcissa could never remember, Lobster? Crab? Crabbe! That was it, played body guards.
Severus Snape was shunted into the very corner of their compartment, only allowed in because of his astounding grades and his almost complete Potions Mastery. His lank black hair hung in his face, and he looked as dark and miserable as ever. Though Old-Blooded, Snape was a miserable creature to behold and no one really wanted to be seen with him, despite his prestigious blood history.
Narcissa turned her icy gaze on the rest of the Slytherins, silently considering, as was the job of a true Slytherin.
"No one respects Old Blood anymore," Zabini was whining. His followers nodded adoringly, " Not even the teachers give a wit about Old Blood vs. MudBlood. I don't see why any of their sort are even allowed. Old Blood is pure, precious, and teeming with magic- the MudBlood makes it harder for it to flow."
Narcissa snorted elegantly and turned away.
When the train arrived at the station, the Hogwarts students cheerfully and loudly made their way up to the castle. From the Headmaster's tower, a dark-haired man, with intent green eyes and a jagged scar running down from just under his left eye, watched intently. It was not so long ago (Or was it, not long from now?) he, himself had been a cheerful student making his way into Hogwarts' warm halls. But nobody must know that about him, no, not quite yet, if ever. He turned back to the ancient Headmaster, who was twinling brightly at the man's young son, who was chatting cheerfully to the Phoenix, Fawkes.
"They are strong children, to remain so cheerful in the face of such adversity." Albus commented.
Jake, for that was his name now, frowned, "That, or very protected. Children rarely know how terrible war truly is."
"You are but a child yourself, Jacob."
Jake snorted, and glanced away, unawaredly casting a harsh light across his scar. The old man sighed. Albus did not know where the boy had come from- only that he had shown up that morning, a young, blond, solemn and yet cheerful boy in tow. He had easily proved his skill with both wand and sword, and though Albus had been hesitant to hire one so young (Only nineteen!) it would have been foolish to refuse. Jacob could obviously whip his students into fighting shape, and with the recent slew of terrible teachers, they needed it. The War grew more terrible and terrifying each day. It was a storm that was ready to wash them all away, and against his will, Albus' students were being swept into the middle of a bloody and deadly fight.
Adam, the young, odd child looked up from his chatter.
"Daddy knows what pain is, an' he knows how to su'vive, an' he can teach eve'y body else to."
Albus sighed again, feeling defeated. What had the world come to that students, students had to fight?
The Marauders took their usual seat at Gryffindor table, adjusting for one more than previous years had held. James fought down the bitterness and tried not to glare at Jason. Really, he was glad that Remus, who was so awkward around other people had found someone who really cared for him. It was hard not to be bitter though- he and Sirius could have any girl they wanted essentially, but Siri was much better at the swaggering step and smooth talking than he was.
Plus- he had his eyes full of beauty, brilliance, green-eyes and red hair. Lily Evans was perhaps the most perfect creature he had ever laid eyes on, but no matter what he did, she refused him. Only his friends knew how much it hurt him each time she rejected him.
James swept his eyes up at the Head Table, looking for the new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher. A black haired man, who wore his hair like James', short and wild, was sitting near the end of the table. He had starling green eyes James could swear he had seen somewhere before and a jagged scar. He seemed both undeniably young and bone achingly ancient. Besides him was a young boy with blond curls and bright blue eyes. James nudged Sirius and pointed at the new DADA teacher, soon they were all considering him.
"A scar doesn't necessarily mean he'll be any good." Jason argued. " Professor Orrin had several scars." They all shuddered in remembrance. Last year's teacher had been one of the more spectacular flops of a Defense teacher.
"It's not just that," Sirius argued back, "I mean he just looks like he'd be a good fighter. I don't know, there's something about him..." James agreed.
The new teacher seemed like he'd fought before and won. Finally the sorting was over, and the Headmaster stood up.
The hall fell deferentially quiet.
"Welcome back to another year at Hogwarts! I know you are all too distracted by the thought of food to properly listen to me at the moment," Laughter rang out across the hall, "So I will only make one quick announcement at the moment. Please Welcome our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor J. A. Potter." There was polite applause, but nothing enthusiastic. This seemed to amuse Professor Potter. " And also please welcome his young son, Adam." The applause for the boy was much louder. The blond child jumped up and down in his seat and flashed a bright and adorable smile. "You will likely see Adam in your classes and in the hall with his Father. He is to be treated kindly or there will be very severe punishment. Please enjoy your meal!"
What a Dumbledore way to end a speech! James thought to himself, as he helped himself to some Shepherd's pie, wondering about the presence of another Potter. Potter was a farely popular name in the Muggle world, but it was one of a kind in the Wizarding World.
Please Review! Hope you enjoyed the first chapter of the rewrite bit.
Siri: Hullo guys! Hullo new guys! I am your wonderful hugger this fine day!
(Do you think the mean old author will get on with it and give me some Jake kisses?)