The morning calm was broken by the sudden scream that was sent ringing through the streets in the early morning hours. Vernon Dursley, a good sized old boy who kept himself in the same shape he had when he played rugby back in secondary school, tore out of his bedroom, clad only in his plain blue boxers and a white tee shirt to see what had scared his wife so. When he arrived on the first floor, he saw his wife holding a small baby boy with dark hair, crying as she hugged the poor child. Vernon recognized his nephew immediately and knew something had gone seriously wrong for his sister-in-law and her husband. Vernon quickly moved to the door and waved his neighbor off stating bad news was the source of Petunia's emotional state and closed his front door before leading his wife and the now whimpering baby to the front room.

"Pet. What's happened? Why is Harry here?" He asked, concern in his voice and on his face.

His wife didn't respond but simply thrust the letter at Vernon while she soothed the young boy who was very upset at the unusual wake up. Vernon quick smoothed the letter and began to read.

To Petunia Dursley,

It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the death of your sister, Lilly, and her husband James. Due to the circumstances and with the wards Lilly placed around your home last summer, I feel your home is the safest for young Harry. The reason I was not there to deliver him to you was because of the fall out of Lord Voldemort's death.

I know Lilly had explained everything to you in reguards to the evil that has ravaged us over the last several years. Upon Harry crossing the doorway in your home, you have granted him protection from any lingering followers of Voldemort who still wish him harm.

Sirius Black, Harry's Godfather, will not be able to take care of the boy as he has been arrested recently for the breaking of the Fidelis Charm used to hide your sister and her family. It is my greatest hope you will care for Harry as if he is your own. For you are all he has left in this world. I will be stopping by the day after tomorrow to answer any questions you may have, if that is permissible. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for allowing Harry into your home.

Albus Percival Wolfric Brian Dumbledore

Vernon was floored at what he had read. James and Lilly were dead and now there son was being threatened by followers of the Dark Nutter. And now his family was in danger. Vernon didn't blame Harry or Petunia's sister as ignorant men always find power. Look at Hitler! Just thinking about someone wanting to hurt his family even more on top of the lose Petunia had suffered just made his blood boil! Vernon bared his teeth and snarled in anger at this situation but quickly regained his calm before turning to Petunia, who was still crying.

"Pet, you stay here. I'm going to set up the other crib for Harry in the unused bedroom after I get it cleaned up a bit. Can you call Robert and let him know I won't be in today due to a lose in the family?" He asked his wife.

Petunia nodded with tear filled eyes as Harry began to coo in exhaustion. Vernon sent a short nod and hurried to complete his task before Dudley woke. Lord knows that boy was a handful by himself.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

Vernon opened his door two days later and greeted Albus before shooing him into the sitting room where Petunia was watching as Harry and Dudley played together with the colored blocks. Both boys were giggling as they knocked the tower of blocks over. Petunia chuckled with a sad smile before she looked and saw Albus. The old man sent her a kind smile before waving her off from standing up.

"It's fine Petunia. Please stay seated." He glanced over at Harry and smiled sadly. "It's good to see him so happy and healthy." The old wizard spoke as he sat down in the open chair near the doorway.

Vernon sat in his favorite recliner, almost tripping over one of the blocks. He chuckled good naturedly as he placed the block next to Dudley before he sat down and turned his focus on Dumbledore. The older man began without preamble.

"As I'm sure you already know from my letter, young Harry's parents are gone. Sirius has been charged with the murder of thirteen bystanders and Peter Pettigrew and breaking of the Statute of Secrecy." Albus frowned and Vernon would dare say it was borderline anger on his face. "I really find that hard to believe as Sirius is smarter than to kill a mass group of people."

Vernon nodded before adding in his own two cents,

"He was one of your police officers. He'd of not been caught in the open like that."

"True enough. Also is the fact that I highly doubt he betrayed Lilly and James. I do recall a mention of disinformation last time I spoke with James about who the secret keeper was."

"Is there no way to speak with Sirius?" Petunia asked softly.

This time, Vernon was sure he saw anger on Albus' face.

"The damned Minister won't let me speak to him. I've even used my status as Chief Warlock and reminded him I can overrule him on any matter." He paused and took a calming breath. "However, he was quick to point out that our world is still under Marshal Law and that his word is final. The Wizengomet has even shot down my request. My only course of action is to wait for the heat to die down before attempting to contact him." He paused. "Or break in." Albus mused.

Vernon shook his head in a negative before he asked his own questions.

"So what can we do Mister Dumbledore? Other than raise Harry best we can?"

Albus smiled at the question.

"If you would allow, I want to key Remus Lupin into the wards so that he can visit Harry."

"That's sounds fine. Remus is a good man, his furry problem not withstanding."

"And he can help tell Harry stories of his parents once the child is old enough. Dare I say he has quite the legacy to live up to." Albus stated, smirking.

Petunia and Vernon knew very well about James' group and their antics in school. Vernon himself wasn't that different except he was near expelled from his secondary for a soap bomb. His father had threatened to disown him should he continue his 'childish actions' that were 'below the family.' Vernon chuckled.

"He'll be one hell of a wizard once he is of age." Vernon remarked.

It was Petunia who brought up the only true bump in the road they would face.

"What about Dudley? How can we explain to him that his cousin is gifted with Magic?"

Albus smiled, almost as if he had anticipated the question.

"That my dear is something only time can help us deal with. When it comes to that, Dudley will be mature enough to understand. It will also help that myself and a few of the professors along with Mr. Lupin will visit on occasion so as to allow the idea to set with him."

Vernon again nodded his head in agreement before Albus checked his watch and mutter to himself before standing up.

"I do apologize for my abrupt departure, but I am afraid I have a school board meeting to attend. I only hope those feather brains will have approved my request for the wards to be strengthened." He shook his head. "Fools. Just because the wards charge themselves on ambient magical energy in the area doesn't mean that they don't need to be updated and upgraded." He sighed. "The wards have been the same since they were laid."

Vernon showed Albus out and wished the old man a safe trip before shutting the door. He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose before heading back to the sitting room. Only tine would tell if things truly worked out for the best.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

Ten years later, the house hadn't changed much. At least on the outside. Inside, pictures of two boys, one blonde, one dark haired, lined the walls. There were pictures of the family out to eat, pictures of them at amusement parks, and pictures of them on the beach. The fridge was covered in papers, all school assignments with high grades on them from both boys. Petunia Dursley found herself knocking gently on her nephew's bedroom door.

"Harry? It's time to wake dear. Breakfast is ready and your Uncle and Cousin are waiting for you so we can decided what to do today." She heard a muffled answer and smiled as she walked to the kitchen to finish breakfast for her family.

Harry Potter slowly rose and yawned with a stretch before putting his glasses on and making his ritual trip to the bathroom for some relief of his bladder and fresher breath. The boy checked his reflection in the mirror and once again, his eyes landed on the odd shaped scar on his forehead. He'd been teased about it several times. Last year, some large kid in his class who had been held back for almost two years behind his peers had sneered during a parents day event.

"What's the matter scar head? Your parents that ashamed of you they dumped you off on some respectable family?"

Harry had heard his Aunt gasp while his Uncle growled menacingly. But most shockingly, Dudley had moved quickly past his cousin and had hit the kid with a right hook, breaking the older boy's nose. Harry quickly moved in between Dudley and the other kid and began to lead his cousin away when the kid's parents began ranting and raving before Uncle Vernon set them straight and told them what their son had done. Needless to say, tensions had been high that day.

Harry pushed those thoughts aside and hurried to get to the dinning room. He spotted his Uncle reading the paper as Dudley toyed with his bacon. Harry dropped into his seat and his uncle sent him a smile.

"Alright there lad?" Seeing Harry's nod, he continued. "Dudley has decided that since we were unable to go out on your birthday last year, he wanted to go somewhere you both would like to go."

Harry glanced at his cousin who shrugged his shoulders.

"It seems fair Harry."

"Okay." Harry paused. "How about the zoo? We haven't been in ages."

Dudley thought on it as he munched on his bacon while Harry began to eat his own breakfast. After a few moments, Dudley smiled.

"Sounds good. We can hit the reptile house this time and then go see the lions as well."

Harry happily nodded. Last time, they had to cut it short because of some people who had been following them through the Zoo. They both knew something was up, but had been told not to worry about it. Uncle Vernon had made a phone call once they got home and about three hours later, his Uncle Mooney had stopped by saying that it had been taken care of. Harry just hopped something bad didn't happen this time. Almost as if sensing his thoughts about his other Uncle, Petunia spoke up from by the stove.

"Will Remus be able to make it today?"

Vernon shook his head.

"Don't think so. Chap said he wasn't feeling well and we both know the full moon is tonight."

"Poor dear. He's such a good man and yet he is treated like dirt because of his Lycanthropy. It's a good thing you we able to get him a steady job."

Vernon smirked.

"Being a manager has it's advantages."

Harry had remembered when he had been told the whole story about his parents and their friends. His Uncle Mooney had pulled him and Dudley aside one day and had explained everything to them. Even demonstrated that magic was indeed real and that Harry was a wizard. Dudley had been put out about not being magical but had been cheered up when Harry promised him he'd show him everything he learned. It was during that same day that Remus had also told them about his condition. He explained that werewolves were considered dark beings, nothing more than beasts with intelligence, by the magical government in Brittan. He went into a lecture about how other magical societies had embraced those afflicted and offered what ever help they could. When asked why Brittish wizards were so resistant to change, Remus had said they were set in their ways dating back hundreds of years. Vernon said it was because they were a bunch of stuck up, bureaucratic bastards who didn't know their ass from a hole in the ground.

"Well lads. Once you finish breakfast, we'll pack up and head to the Zoo. I've been waiting to see a few of those bears they have."

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

It was a great day for the boys. They'd seen several animals and even laughed when one of the chimps did an imitation of Vernon when he was checking the park map. They had lunch at one of the many restaurants that operated in the park and had headed to the reptile house. Petunia decided not to go in as she had a fear of snakes. Harry never understood why, but his Aunt would only tell him she had had a bad experience as a child with one. The boys had found their attention drawn to one in particular snake. A Brazilian Boa Constrictor. Harry and Dudley looked at the snake with awe as Vernon read off the short description of the animal.

"Too bad he's not awake." Dudley mused before he and Vernon looked toward the cobra on the other side of the room.

"Your such a cool looking snake. Too bad you have to be locked in a cage." Harry mused.

The snake opened it's eyes and looked right at Harry. The next part threw him for a loop.

"It's not all bad. At least the food is good."

Harry nearly had a heart attack as he came to grips with what had just happened.

"You can understand me?"

"Yes I can. You are a speaker of our language."

"Wicked. Hey, I have to ask…do you eat your prey alive? Or is it dead before you eat it."

The snake seemed to pause before answering Harry's question.

"It depends. If I can't get a good grip on it, it is usually still alive when I swallow it, but paralyzed. I prefer it dead." The snake seemed to shiver. "It's too damned creepy when it's still alive and trying to escape from inside you."

Harry nodded in understanding when he felt a hand roughly spin him around. He found himself face to face with a man with smoothed blonde hair and a nasty sneer on his face.

"Harry Potter. At last, we meet."

Harry knew instantly that this man was trouble.

"I'm sorry sir. I don't know you. I need to get back to my family."

The man's sneer grew nastier.

"Ah…the muggles." He seemed to spit out the term. "Filthy animals. They will soon learn their place. As will you!"

Harry watched the man pull out his wand. Harry knew very well what a wand was and knew what the man intended to do wasn't anything good. The boy ducked and heard a strangled cry causing him to look up. Vernon Dursley was a very intimidating sight as he threw the man into the nearest wall and holding him with just one hand. In the other, he snapped the blonde man's wand easily over his leg. The crowds had long since rushed out in a panic since they believed the blonde man had pulled a weapon of some sort.

"You filthy muggle!" He spat out. "You will die for what you have just done!"

"And you're looking at close to fifteen years in Azkaban Malfoy."

Harry turned and saw Albus Dumbledore flanked by Remus Lupin and Amelia Bones. Both looked livid as they saw the struggle form of Lucius Malfoy.

"Muggle loving fool! You will all pay for this!" Lucius sneered.

His sneer quickly became fear as Vernon squeezed tighter on Malfoy's neck. Albus seemed highly amused.

"What's wrong Lucius? Can't slip away? I think you'll find the wards in place prevent that."

Amelia stepped forward, her wand aimed right at Lucius.

"If you'll let him down, I can handle it from here Mr. Dursley." Her pretty face was set into a look of controlled anger. Vernon nodded and looked at Malfoy once more.

"If they weren't here, you can bet I'd have snapped your greasy little neck." He snarled. "As is, I think the fate that awaits you is much worse than that." He spat out and dropped him.

Amelia was quick on the trigger and stunned Lucius almost as soon as the blonde man was dropped. She marched over to him and gave a swift kick to his head much to the amusement of Albus.

"My dear Amelia. I thought you were above police brutality."

Madam Bones didn't look to be amused.

"You know my suspicions about his involvement in Susan's parents murder." She gained her professional manner as she turned back to Harry and his family. "If it is permissible, I'd like to stop by your home this evening to get your statements."

Seeing Vernon's nod she turned and whiskered Malfoy away as Remus and Albus stepped nearer to the group. Remus, obviously, looked angry at himself.

"I knew I should have come with." He muttered.

Petunia sent him a small glare at the man's mulish nature. It seems he was always blaming himself for things beyond his control. Albus seemed to agree.

"Remus, it's not your fault. No one suspected Malfoy of doing something so foolish. It is lucky the danger charm alerted me when it did." He mused. "Perhaps Remus and I should accompany you for the rest of your family outing." He smiled widely. "I always find myself drawn to the chimps whenever I get out. Funny little creatures they are."

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

Harry quietly looked over his letter. He had know for a while now it was coming, but it still felt surreal to him. He was going to be learning Magic! Just like his Mom and Dad had. He happily tucked the letter in his desk drawl and stretched briefly before he heard a tapping noise from his window. There he spotted a beautiful snowy white owl perched on his window sill, tapping at the glass. Harry knew magical sent post via owls and opened the window, thinking he had mail. The beautiful bird flew into his room and settled on his desk, it's amber eyes looking up at him in curiosity. Harry noted the owl had no mail attached to it's leg.

"Well hello beautiful. What can I do for you?" He asked.

The owl hooted lightly before hopping over to his glass of water and took a few drinks. Harry laughed lightly as he stroked the owl's feathers.

"You just needed a rest, huh?"

A soft rap on his door followed Remus entering the room. The old wolf spotted the owl and looked at Harry with curiosity.

"Well, who sent you the owl? She's beautiful."

The owl seemed to be pleased with the compliments and puffed out it's chest some. Harry laughed at the owl's antics before he answered his Uncle.

"Dunno Uncle Moony. It was sitting outside the window and I let it in." Harry explained.

"Well, I think your familiar found you."

"Huh?"

Remus then explained that sometimes, powerful magical beings gained what was known as a familiar. It was a representation of their spirit. The familiar would strengthen them and give them an advantage, but more importantly, a friend for life. Remus spotted the bird bobbing it's head in agreement and Remus had a gut feeling he was right. Or the wolf in him wanted buffalo wings. He figured it was the familiar deal.

"So, owl. Are you a boy?" Seeing the almost offended look, Remus chuckled. "So you're a girl. I do apologize for insulting you." She seemed to be mollified at his apology as Remus looked to Harry. "Well, looks like I need to go get you a perch and some owl treats. You need to name her." He told Harry.

Harry looked at the owl in concentration, his mind wandering to the books Grandpa Albus had let him read. It took a few minutes before he spoke.

"How about Hedwig?" He asked the bird.

The owl seemed to be in thought before letting out a soft hoot that sounded more like a bark to Harry. Remus chuckled and wished her a pleasant rest before showing himself out.

"I'll leave the window open but I don't think it's a good idea to bring back dead mice just yet. Aunt Petunia would have a fit." Harry smiled as the owl seemed to sigh, or at least give the owl equivalent.

Harry stroked Hedwig once more before going to bed, not aware that his future was rushing toward him.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

Vernon led Harry through the throngs of people at Kings Cross. He wondered why the Magical community didn't simply have another way to get to Hogwarts as they had gotten quite a few queer glances at Harry's owl, Hedwig. But, being the man he was, he wouldn't bring the subject up to his nephew. Glancing at his watch, he was satisfied to see they still had thirty minutes before the train was set to depart. He steered the young boy toward the piller between platforms nine and ten and looked to Harry.

"Now from what I remember your parents telling me and your Aunt, we simply have to walk toward the wall between the two platforms. The wall is an alusion and we'll pass right through. Got that lad?" Vernon asked his young charge.

Harry nodded meekly and Vernon smiled at him in a comforting manner.

"They also said to do it at a bit of a run if you're scared."

Harry would have retorted that he wasn't scared, but kept his mouth closed and nodded to his Uncle. Both males took a running start at the wall, Vernon steering the trolley, and Harry began to panic as he saw that the trolley was now beyond the speed that Vernon could stop with what little distance was between the pillar and Harry. The boy closed his eyes as the wall appeared to be right in front of him. After not feeling the impact, he opened his eyes and saw the most wondrous sight. A scarlet engine with dozens of cars sat before them, waiting for it's passengers to board. Harry looked at it awestruck. Sure, he had heard stories of the train from Remus, but seeing was most definatly believing. Before Harry could fullt take in the trains scope, Vernon headed off toward one of the middle cars where he had spotted a young couple who were saying a few last minute words to what looked like their daughter.

"Excuse me sir? Could I ask for your help to get my nephew settled in?" Vernon asked politely.

The man turned around and both men's eyes widened in surprise before Vernon grinned.

"I'll be…Granger. You haven't changed since I last saw you!" Vernon declared.

The man, Granger, smirked as he shook Vernon's hand.

"Dursley. See you're keeping in shape. Good lad."

Vernon chuckled as the other man was gently elbowed by his wife while the young girl looked at the two men in curiosity. The man chuckled before speaking.

"Where are my manners. Dear, this is Vernon Dursley, a good friend of mine from my days in the service. Pulled my arse out of the fire on more than one occasion." He good naturedly chuckled. "Vernon, this is my wife Emily and our daughter Hermione."

Vernon, like a true English gentlemen, gave Mrs. Granger a polite bow before shaking her hand.

"Ma'am. I hope you're keeping him from doing any truly stupid stunts." Vernon joked.

She smiled brightly.

"Well, now that he's a dentist, the worst he can do is misuse the helium we use to blow up balloons for children."

Harry heard the man mutter "Only one time. Funny as hell though."

Vernon than took his cue to introduce Harry to them.

"This is my nephew, Harry. Harry, this is my old platoon leader Mike Granger."

Harry shook the man's hand, nodding politely.

"It's good to meet you sir."

"So dropping your nephew off? His parents busy at work today?"

Mike instantly regretted asking when he saw sadness pass across Harry's face and even Vernon seemed to look sad.

"Harry's parents died a decade ago. He lives with me and my wife." Vernon responded.

Mike felt like a right ass while his wife muttered "The poor dear."

"Well don't I feel horrible. I'm sorry to have said anything young Harry."

"It's okay. You didn't know." Harry told the older man. "I'm proud to be their son and I hope they are proud of me." He said, making everyone smile.

Vernon placed a hand on Harry's shoulder.

"Son, I can guarantee your parents would be proud of you. You're growing into a right fine man." His statement caused Harry's eyes to swim with emotion and he ducked his head, smiling.

Mike clapped his hands together.

"Right then. Let's get the lad loaded up and the three of them can talk for a bit."

Vernon agreed and he and Mike went on to gather Harry's things and get them on the train. Harry felt a little awkward at being left with two people he had just meet. Mrs. Granger broke the silence.

"So Harry. Have you done any reading on the school?"

Harry nodded.

"Yeah. Uncle Moony went to Hogwarts and told me a lot about it. So did Aunt Minnie and Grandpa Albus. He's the Headmaster." Harry noticed the young girls wide eyed expression.

"You know the Headmaster? What's he like? Is he strong? Well of course he's strong, he's the Headmaster!" She started to talk to herself. "I bet you know loads of magic already. Do you think it will be fun? Did he ever talk about the classes?"

Her rapid fire questions would have gone on longer had Mrs. Granger intervened. Harry's stunned expression brought a gale of laughter from the woman.

"Dear, you need to slow down and give the boy a chance to answer." Hermione blushed and ducked her head, meekly apologizing.

Emily smiled.

"I'm sure you two will have plenty of time to talk once you get settled in." Emily assured her daughter.

Harry liked the girls thirst for knowledge and smiled.

"I can tell you some of the things he told me. As for magic," He paused before continuing. "We aren't allowed to use magic outside of school. But he did talk a bit about some of the things we'd learn in our first year and even taught me a couple basic spells."

Hermione beamed and nodded as Vernon and Mike exited the train, laughing at a joke one of them had told. A few hugs were exchanged between Hermione and her parents and Harry and Vernon before the two kids entered the train, sending one final wave. Harry didn't see Vernon turn to the Grangers, concern on his face.

"What are your guys' plans right now?" He asked.

Mike noticed the look on Vernon's face and knew he had something to talk with them about.

"They can wait. I have a feeling we're going to need a few drinks."

Vernon could only nod his agreement.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

Harry and Hermione sat in their own compartment and had immediately started talking. After a half an hour and a few spell demonstrations, Hermione was impressed with the usefulness of some of the charms.

"That spell would have come in handy when I had locked myself out of my locker." She mused.

"We can't use magic in public unless it's life or death." Harry explained.

"I'll admit. I'm a little jealous you know the Headmaster. He's such a great wizard."

"He cheats in go fish."

Hermione blinked before both kids began laughing. They stopped when a round faced boy knocked on the door and Harry opened it. The boy looked rather nervous.

"Would it be okay to join you?" He asked.

Harry smiled and slid over, patting the seat beside him. The boy smiled gratefully and entered the compartment, taking the offered seat. He turned to speak when a formidable old woman entered the compartment and looked at the young boy that had recently entered.

"Neville, your things are on board. Your Uncles wish you the best and hope you'll make them proud." She glanced at the other two before doing a double take and set her wide eyes on Harry. "My word. Young Master Potter. I am Augusta Longbottom."

Harry rose and shook her hand.

"It's nice to meet you ma'am."

Harry ignored the looks the other two were giving him and saw the older woman smile slightly.

"It's good to see your mother's politeness was passed down to you. Lord knows James wasn't the most polite person. A good man, but too silly at times." She shook her head and answered Harry's unasked question. "I knew your parents through my son and daughter-in-law. It might interest you to know Neville's mother was your Godmother and your mother was his." She was about to say more when she heard the warning whistle, indicating the train was preparing to depart. "I must be off. Neville," The boy looked up at her, still nervous. She gave her grandson a smile. "Do us proud."

With that she turned and left, leaving both Hermione and the boy now identified as Neville to look at Harry in wonder. He cocked an eyebrow.

"What?"

"You're Harry Potter!" Hermione breathed. "The one who defeated You-Know-Who."

Harry rolled his eyes before sitting back down.

"Yeah, I've heard all the stories." He shook his head. "The magical world has some funny ideas how I got rid of Moldyshorts." Again, both looked at him in shock and amazement. "What? Grandpa Albus says fear of the name increase fear of the person. And that's all Voldemort was. A person."

"You've got stones." Neville noted. "Gran says the same thing."

Harry grinned before he paused.

"Wait…if your mum was my godmother and mine was yours…does that make us brothers?" Harry asked.

Neville seemed in thought before Hermione spoke up.

"Yes. It would." Both boys looked at her. "Think about it. You'd have both grown up together had…well…you know." She suddenly took interest in her shoe.

"It's okay Hermione. And I guess you're right. So what do you say Neville? Friends?" He offered his hand.

Neville was startled for a moment before smiling happily and shook Harry's hand.

"Friends it is." He glanced at Hermione and saw her staring out the window. "What about you Hermione? Wanna be our friend as well?" Harry asked her.

The girl looked surprised and nodded shyly. Harry grinned.

"Good. By the way…Uncle Moony made me swear to uphold the legacy of he and his friends. And we need to work together. He's already asked me to do something to a greasy git named Snape…"

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

The sorting hat finished it's song and Harry clapped with the others as Albus rose from his chair and sent a small knowing smile to Harry who tried his best to look innocent. Beside him, Hermione was in awe of the Great Hall while Neville was fidgeting nervously. Harry barely paid attention to Albus and began looking for a man that matched the description that Remus had given him about Snape. It didn't take too long to find him and Harry was sure he saw the man glare at him. Harry frowned and mentally set Snape into his dislike category. He watched as Hermione was sorted into Gryffindor followed by Neville. Both watched as Harry's name had been called and the whole school seemed a buzz. Harry ignored them and waited for the hat to be placed upon his head.

"Hello Nigel. How are you this evening?"

Harry sensed the Hat's amusement.

"Can't complain young Potter. Now, shall we begin?" The hat didn't wait for a response before it went about it's duty. "Hmmm….plenty of loyalty to your friends and family. A very noble trait. You have a sharp mind and use your knowledge to help others with out thought of yourself. Cunning…" Harry heard the hat chuckle in his head. "Indeed very cunning and ambitious…very difficult. You show characteristics of each house…However…yes…your bravery is your strongest trait. You leap before you look when those you hold dear are in danger. You are reckless…but not without merit. I suppose there is only one place for you Mr. Potter. Care to guess?"

Harry smirked in his mind.

"I have no clue Nigel. Please enlighten me and the rest of the school."

"Cheeky little brat too. Better be…Gryffindor!" The hat shouted much to the roar from the lions.

Harry handed the hat to his Aunt Minnie who was trying to hide her pride in him being sorted into her house and headed to sit next Neville and Hermione, both who welcomed him happily. After a few last minute words from Albus, the gather staff and students began digging into the meal that appeared.

"Amazing. I wonder how the cooks do it?" Hermione asked as she began making her plate.

"House elves." Harry began explaining as he dug into his own plate. "They serve Hogwarts and take care of everything from cleaning to cooking."

Hermione narrowed her eyes slightly.

"Slavery?"

Harry shook his head.

"No. Grandpa Albus explained it to me when I asked the same thing. The elves need to be bounded to a wizard. They can't survive without the ambient magic we release almost every second." He started to go into detail. "See, they don't have magical cores of their own that refills itself, much like most magical creatures. In fact, their core acts more like batteries that need to be constantly recharged. And the magic that they can perform is levels above what most wizards and witches can do. If they aren't bounded, their magic eventually runs out and they die."

He hadn't noticed several surrounding students listening with rapt attention. He quickly stopped talking and saw Hermione poke at her food before eating, muttering "Still doesn't mean it's right."

The feast passed quickly and Harry found himself chatting with a pair of red headed twins who seemed likable enough, and before they knew it, the feast was ending. Albus had asked them all to rise and pick their favorite tune to sing the Hogwarts song. Harry sprang into action. Hiding his wand movements and keeping a face of innocent curiosity, he muttered the spell that Remus had taught him. Albus would get a kick out of this one! Snape suddenly jumped onto the head table, screaming in rage and began to dance like a puppet, his robes cycling through all the house colors before the man let loose a huge fart and was dropped back on the table, his face going to almost purple as his anger mounted. The whole school was laughing as Albus tried and failed to keep his amusement in check. The greasy potion master stormed out of the hall, embarrassed. The twins were laughing so hard no sound came out and they were clapping their hands like a pair of retarded seals with tears running down their faces. Harry grinned at Neville and Hermione.

"Wait until Moony hears about this!"

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

Harry had just left the Headmasters office where he had been told that such behavior was not acceptable and he would be punished should he be caught. He had grinned when Albus asked him to make sure he wasn't. Minnie tried to look stern but her mask was cracked and Harry could see her amusement. He shook his head and entered the tower, only to be pulled aside by the two twins that had identified themselves as Fred and George Weasley.

"This kid has stones Fred."

"Quite right George."

"To prank Snape in front of the whole school…"

"Something we have wanted to do for sometime." His twin interjected.

"Yes quite. How did you do it?"

Harry smirked.

"Trade secret. After all, Uncle Moony would kill me if I let slip how any of the Marauders pranks worked."

Both twins jaws dropped in shock. Harry chuckled, having a feeling these were the two Minnie had warned was trying to give the Marauders a run for their money. Fred, or was it George?, recovered first.

"No way…you know Moony?"

Harry nodded.

"Yep. In fact, my Dad was Prongs. Uncle Moony wanted me to keep their legacy alive."

Both twins fell to their knees and began bowing.

"We're not worthy!" They chanted.

All in all, it was an interesting start to his Hogwarts school years.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

The first few weeks passed very smoothly for Harry and his two friends. At first, Harry was nervous about his classes, in particularly, potions. He had heard of what had happened between James and Severus all those years ago and hoped the man didn't hold a grudge. He got his answer three weeks later when Snape asked him to remain behind after class. Harry approached Snape's desk.

"Please Mr. Potter. Take a seat."

Harry took the chair as instructed and waited for a slew of insults aimed at his father.

"I must admit Mr. Potter, that you have surprised me. I had first worried you would have an arrogance about you, thinking yourself above the other students and not put forth the effort in your work." he pursed his lips. "Like you father had."

Harry looked at him curiously. Snape held up a hand.

"I will admit, I rather disliked your father. Plain and simple, he always came off as arrogant and a bully…though to be fair, I did deserve some of the pranks aimed my way." He leaned back and continued to speak in a calm voice. "I am happy to see you seem to have inherited your mother's talent in potions and seem to take this class seriously. I merely wished to assure you, any lingering dislike I may have about your father will not be aimed at you."

"Sir, if I may ask a question?" He waited for Snape's nod before speaking. "I heard from Uncle Moony you and my mom were friends when you were children. Was she…was she nice to others?"

For the first time in many years, Snape smiled lightly.

"Lily Potter was one of the most kind people I had ever had the pleasure to know. She always put others ahead of herself, a trait she and your father both had." He sighed.

If anyone knew he had just complemented James Potter, he'd be ridiculed for going soft. Granted, it took Potter's death for him to come to peace with his past with the man. Well…it took several years actually.

"Well, I believe you should be getting to lunch Mr. Potter. I expect your work ethic to remain the same."

Harry left the classroom and didn't notice the look of shame and sorrow on the Potion Master's face as the man watched the orphan exit his classroom.