Chapter 1
Harry Potter willed himself to get up from his prone position on the cupboard floor. He was still sore; the bruising had started to yellow, as the pain from his Uncle's latest beating slowly subsided. He was thankful that today was the day he'd finally be able to leave the hellhole that had become Privet Drive. His going to that 'freak school' had been what had instigated the thrashing he'd endured, thankful that in the end his Uncle and Aunt had agreed that having him out of their hair for most of the year was preferable than the alternative of having to put up with him constantly.
"Well come on boy, I haven't the patience to be waiting on you today! Get your things together and get a move on." said Vernon Dursley as he led the rest of his family towards the car. Harry struggled with the weighty trunk, but finally managed to muscle it into the trunk. He grabbed Hedwig's cage and propped it on his lap as he sat in the back seat beside his cousin.
It was a quiet ride to the station, something that Harry was very grateful for. He was also glad that Vernon actually stopped the car to let him out, rather than being pushed out of the moving vehicle like he expected he would be. Finally rid of his abominable family, Harry quietly made his way towards the station.
He was a bit stunned by the enormous size of the place; the mass of people also gave him a bit of a scare as he was wasn't used to being around such a crowd. "It's alright Hed, we'll be out of here soon, I don't like this anymore than you do." he whispered to the snowy owl who barked in agreement.
He headed over to platform nine, hoping to find someone that would be able to lead him in the correct direction. It was then that he noticed the young pretty girl, a girl who had the most stunning auburn hair color he'd ever seen. She was pushing a cart that had a trunk on it as well, just like he did, with a beautiful brown owl in its gilded cage. "Come Susan, or we'll be late. Not something you want to miss, your first ride on the Express!" said the woman walking next to her with a smile. The older woman had hair just like the young girl, Susan he now knew, and walked with an air of authority he'd never seen anyone carry themselves with.
Harry followed the pair, fairly certain that they were also headed to the same destination that he was trying to get too. It was Susan who noticed the skinny boy with glasses following them. He wore ragged clothing, his hair was a mess, and had signs of being in a fight if the bruises on his cheek were any indication.
"Auntie, I think we may have company." Susan said nodding her head towards Harry. Susan's aunt stopped and turned towards the young man that seemed to be following them. "Can we help you, young man?" said Amelia as she turned towards the flabbergasted Harry.
"I'm sorry, I don't mean to be following you. It's just that this is my first time to King's Cross station, and I'm a bit lost. I noticed you both were seemed to be familiar with the place, and so…"
"Decided to follow us so you could hopefully get to where you're going?" inquired Amelia.
"Yes, ma'am, I hope I didn't cause you any fright, as that was not my intention." answered Harry.
"I take it you are going to Hogwarts? If so, please join us, we'd be more than happy to make sure you make it to the correct place. I'm Amelia Bones by the way, and this is my niece Susan. And you are…?"
"Harry, ma'am, Harry Potter, it's nice to meet you both." he said extending a hand to the woman.
Amelia was shocked into silence. Here he was, the boy-who-lived, looking like an orphan who'd just stepped out the pages of Oliver Twist! She noticed the bruising on his cheeks, and with the experience of a trained Auror, knew that the young man before her had been recently beaten. That the savior of the wizarding world appeared to her like an abused child was angering her more than she could possibly put into words. That the stories circulating that young Lord Potter was raised in privilege and comfort was an obvious fabrication, one which she would get to the bottom of. She promised herself to look into his situation, it was the least she could do for her friends James and Lily.
Susan for her part was a bit star-struck. "A pleasure to meet you, Harry." she stammered. She looked around, searching for something and added, "Where are your guardians? Why are you here all by yourself with no idea how to get to the Express?"
"Oh, you mean my aunt and uncle? They had things to do today, so left me at the curb. We said our goodbye's there." he answered timidly, looking down at his shoes.
Amelia could feel that those words were only half true. It was more likely that Harry's family had stopped only long enough get him out of their car before speeding away. "Your aunt and uncle are muggles, Harry?" she asked curiously.
"Muggles, ma'am? You mean non-magical? Yes, ma'am, I guess they are muggles."
"Well, come on then, Harry. Let's get you both on the train before it leaves."
"Yeah, Harry, stick with us and we'll make sure you get to Hogwarts in one piece." added Susan with a kind smile. Harry hoped that in the future the young girl would smile at him like that a lot more. He nodded his head, and followed along behind the two, thankful to have found someone kind enough to help a lost Harry out.
"Harry, if I could ask you please, where is Professor McGonagall? Why isn't she with you?" asked the woman seriously.
"Professor McGonagall, ma'am? I'm sorry, but I don't know who that is. Is she someone I should have known before coming to school?" asked Harry.
"She's the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts, Harry. And if you were raised in the muggle world, it was her duty to either inform you about the world you are now joining, or at the very least, accompanied you today to make sure you made the Express without any problem."
"Hagrid was the one who came and saw me. He gave me my letter for the school and helped me get the things I would need from Diagon Alley. He was very kind." said a smiling Harry.
"Hagrid! They sent Hagrid to introduce you to our culture?" Amelia asked more than a little miffed. Amelia was now seething, the revelations of the last few minutes causing her to re-evaluate all she knew about the placement and treatment of this young earnest man before her.
Harry shrunk back a bit at the tone the witch had used, hoping that he'd done nothing to anger her. Amelia noticed this, cursing herself for her lack of restraint. "I'm sorry Harry; I didn't mean to frighten you. You've done nothing wrong. I'm just a little surprised at the fact that Hagrid was tasked with that duty. He's a gentle soul, but not the kind of person who should have been given such an important duty."
"He did alright, ma'am, he's the one who got me Hedwig here for my birthday. I'll be forever grateful for that to him." said Harry a bit defiantly, standing up for the first friend he'd made in the magical world.
Amelia nodded at Harry, acknowledging that Hagrid had probably done as fine a job as he was able. He wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but he would never do wrong by Harry. She'd have to think before speaking from here on out. This young man was every bit as bright as her mother, but being the son of Lily Potter, that shouldn't have surprised her in the least bit.
"Well, here we are, this is platform 9 ¾, Harry. I'll walk through first so you can see what's going to happen. You come through next, and Susan will bring up the rear, okay?" Amelia said disappearing from view as she strode through the illusion.
"Its okay, Harry, I'll be right behind you." said Susan, as she boldly took hold of Harry's hand. It was in that instant that Susan knew that Harry Potter was going to be a part of her life forever. She had one friend, Hannah Abbott, but now she had two. A cute one too!
Harry blushed a bit at Susan's gesture, but squeezed her hand gently as he gathered up his courage and pushed his cart at the wall. He was surprised to find a platform full of people had appeared before him. The loud whistle from the bright red Express echoing off the walls, failing though to overcome the loud noises from the gathered people as they wished their children a good year at school.
Susan smiled at him as she joined them. She grabbed his hand again, "See, I told you I'd be right behind you!"
"Yes, you did Susan. Thank you, I couldn't have done it without you." he said sincerely.
"Alright you two, off you go! Susan, I shall see you soon. Harry, it was a pleasure to meet you. Would you mind terribly if I pop by Hogwarts and ask you a few questions. It's nothing bad. I assure you, I think that I would like to get to know you a bit better is all. Would that be alright?" requested Amelia.
"Sure, I don't mind at all. Besides, you know where to find me, don't you?" he said with a twinkle in his eye that reminded her so much of his father, James.
ooOOooOOoo
Harry and Susan had quickly found an empty compartment towards the back of the Express. Harry had lifted her and his trunks into the overhead bin after much struggling, and had settled down into the comfortable seats to begin their journey to Hogwarts.
"Harry, tell me about your life?" asked Susan curiously.
Harry cringed a bit at that, something Susan noticed, but settled down before answering her question. "My life was not great. My aunt and uncle, my cousin too I suppose, all treated me very…unkindly." It felt odd to him, that he was about to spill his deepest shame to this girl he'd only just met. But he somehow knew he could, and that she wouldn't judge him because of the hell he'd been put through his whole life. "I suppose you could say I was like a slave to them," Susan gasped, "cooking, cleaning, laundry, yard work, I did it all. I lived in this little cupboard that was under the stairs. I've never had clothes of my own; using whatever my cousin had grown out of instead. If ever they didn't like what I did, my uncle would hit me." he hung his head in shame.
Susan got up from her seat and moved next to Harry. She embraced him tightly, tears streaming down her face. "What kind of people would do that to family?" she asked.
"I honestly don't know, Susan. You want to know something? This is the first hug I have ever gotten!" he said.
Susan jerked her head back in disbelief. "You've never been hugged? That's so sad Harry! Well, we're just going to have to remedy, won't we? You, Mr. Potter, are going to be getting hugged a lot from here on out!"
Harry blushed a little, "As long as they're from you, Susan; I don't think I'll have a problem with that." Susan was grateful Harry couldn't see her face, as she buried her head into his shoulder and blushed fiercely.
"Susan Bones, just what the hell do you think you're doing hugging some strange boy!" yelled the young blonde witch that had just entered their compartment. Harry and Susan broke quickly from their embrace embarrassed, and also a bit annoyed, at having to be separated.
The young blonde witch looked at them sternly, before breaking out into a big grin and chuckling, "You should see your faces!"
"Damn, you Hannah, you just about gave us heart attacks. And for your information, this isn't some 'strange' boy! Hannah, meet Harry Potter!
Hannah's eyes bugged out, "What, Harry Potter, you're lying!"
Susan rolled her eyes and Harry frowned at that, but standing he offered his hand to the intruder, "Hannah, I am happy to meet you. I really am Harry Potter."
"Wow, Susan, you meet Harry Potter on your first day at school. Most of the witches in school are going to be so freaking jealous of you!"
"Hannah, why would people be jealous of Susan for having met me, I'm nobody?" asked Harry curiously.
Hannah looked at Susan, finding it impossible to believe that 'Harry Potter' had no idea who he was. "He doesn't know Hannah. He's been raised by muggles. He has no idea who he is to our world."
"Uhm, Sue, what do you mean 'who I am to our world'?"
"Harry, I don't know if I'm the right person to be telling you these things." she said timidly.
"Please, Susan, up until a week ago I had no idea I had magic. I could tell your aunt was very surprised to meet me, as were you I might add. The look on Hanna's face over there is another sign that something is wrong. I know we've only known each other a short while, but I trust you. As long as I can ask questions, I'll trust what you have to say to me, okay?"
Susan looked to Hannah, who nodded her head, "Tell him Sue, he has a right to know who he is!"
Taking a deep breath, Susan began, "On Halloween of 1981, and evil wizard attacked your family. He killed you mother and father, but for some reason, he was unable to kill you. My auntie has told me that he-who-must-not-be-named cast a spell at you that should have killed you, but somehow, you survived. He, on the other hand, was killed. Now, nobody really knows what happened the night your parents were murdered, as the only person to have survived was you and you were just a baby. Since that time, there has been lots of gossiping regarding your life since that night. Tons of books have been written about you, read by the wizarding community as a whole I bet, that went into great detail about your 'life'. It told stories of how you lived in a faraway castle, surrounded by servants that you had at your beck and call, and having adventures where you battled dark wizards and dragons. Why do you think my Auntie was so upset? And I'm sorry about this Harry, but you do not appear in any way to be the Prince of Magical Britain!"
Harry took in his appearance, knowing she was right. He wasn't angry at her words. He was more uncomfortable than anything else, wishing for once that his cupboard had been close at hand so that he could go hide in it. Susan could see the look of shame coming from Harry's face even though he tried to keep it well hidden. She turned to face him, lifting his chin to look in his eyes, "You never have to be embarrassed again, Harry. I will never look down on you because of how you dress. And you can definitely count on me to be your friend Harry!"
The sadness in his eyes disappeared at that statement, replaced instead by a huge grin that caused her to smile at him as well. He reached for her, embracing her in a warm embrace, grateful for his new friend. It was a bit strange to him that he'd been able to make a friend so quickly. This had never happened to him before. Dudley always scared the other kids that had tried to befriend him away, purposefully making sure Harry had no one. Fate, however, seemed to have blessed him finally, giving him a companion he knew for certain he'd have for the rest of his life.
Susan had been raised in privilege. She empathized with Harry as she, like him, had lost her parents at a very young age. She'd been raised solely by her Aunt Amelia who'd loved her like she was her own daughter. She knew she would be the next Lady Bones when she came of age, a legacy from her father who'd been the last Lord Bones. She'd had tutors on etiquette and deportment, estate management, laws and procedures of the Wizengamot, from a very young age. She had learned everything she could, all in an effort to make sure that the Bones family name carried on and was again meaningful in the wizarding world. Susan made it a point to ask her Aunt about Harry as she was almost certain that he was also supposed to be the next Lord Potter. It was disgrace, she thought, that someone as kind and as gentle as Harry had gone through the life he had. Even Death Eaters treated their children better!
She watched to boy intently as he and Hannah chatted away. He was amazed at the stories she was telling him about their destination, Hogwarts. The look of wonder in Harry's eyes was touching. To be able to look at the world around them with such marvel and excitement! She was a bit curious as to why she'd been drawn to Harry since she'd spied him following her Aunt and herself. He smiled when he caught her staring at him, which caused her to blush a little, but it was in that look from him that she'd found her answer. It was his eyes! Those bright emerald eyes of his that seemed to look deep into her soul and read her as though she was an open book. And it was also through those eyes that she was able to see into his soul as well, sensing the nobility of character contained within. 'Geez Susan' she thought to herself, 'you sound like your literature tutor when she spouted off about poetry!'
OoOOooOOoo
Family, Honor, Duty. He'd been taught from a young age to uphold these tenets. Having lost his parents at such a young age, family meant everything to him; family above all else. Duty; to the ideals of one's House. Honor; to the memory and sacrifices of those before him and to help guide him in his life yet to come. But Family above all, because without it, nothing else mattered.
It was with these thoughts on his mind that he boarded the Express for the first time, intent on finding his charge and ensuring that he was protected and educated in the ways of House and Lordship. His charge was family, and although they'd been raised apart, he felt a loyalty toward this boy that was hard for him to put into words.
Watching the other kids his age as they took up residence in their compartments, he wandered aimlessly, searching. He wondered to himself; what kind of life would he have had had he been one of these kids? To be able to join in the laughter and awe that he saw in their eyes. To be able to enjoy a small amount of freedom in his life that would enable him to join with those his same age and be able to laugh and play. All his short life, his fondest wish was to be normal. Not average, never that, just normal.
He took a seat in an empty compartment, and watched with at longing mothers and fathers saying their goodbyes to sons and daughters. Hugs, kisses, a tear or two, promises of writing home, and final goodbyes as parents bid their kids farewell until the Christmas break.
It wasn't long before the Express gave its final whistle, signaling the beginning of the trip to Hogwarts. As the train rolled out of the station, he wondered to himself if he'd be able to live up to the expectations that his family had set for him. To fail would mean evil had won; something that he would never allow to happen.
Several times during the journey students his age had tried to join him in the compartment. He'd smiled at them, of course, unsure of whether they would stay. It felt odd that none of them did. The smiles that had greeted him faded as they took in his appearance. He wasn't sure what it was, his tutors had dressed him 'muggle' style, hoping he'd look the part of a muggleborn or half-blood. It then occurred to him that it was for that very reason that people were not joining him. It confused him somewhat, this bigotry, especially from kids his own age. It would be something that he and his charge would have to change. Their world, wizarding Britain, could not survive with such prejudice.
It was almost two hours into the five hour train ride to Hogsmeade Station that he made preparations to find he who he'd come for. He hoped that by giving him some time alone, he'd maybe be able to make some friends. The road ahead, for both of them would long and hard. What friends and allies they could make from here on out would count for much in the times ahead.
He put on his robes quickly, making sure that everything was in its proper place. He masked his usually hard expression into one of a much more relaxed kid. He exited his compartment, making his way towards the rear of the train. He casually glanced into the compartments as he passed, hoping to find him soon.
He approached the next compartment slowly, eyes wide open at what he felt was about to happen. And he saw him. Sitting there, almost relaxed, accompanied by two others in his year group. The young blonde witch was laughing loudly, accompanied also by the giggling redheaded girl sitting next to the one he'd come seeking.
They all noticed him standing at the doorway of the compartment, looking at him curiously. He'd found him. At last he and his brother would be together. They would together set right those things in the world that had gone wrong. They'd avenge their parents, and seek retribution against those who had caused them both so much pain.
"Uhm," he said a bit nervously, "I don't suppose any of you have seen a toad?"
ooOOooOOoo
Harry glanced at the kid standing in front of him, a look of curiosity on his face. He was tall, much taller than him. He got the impression he should trust him, so standing, offered him his hand. "Hi, I'm Harry Potter, these are my friends Susan and Hannah."
The boy smiled at him genuinely, and took the offered hand. "Neville Longbottom, Harry, it's a pleasure to meet you. Susan Bones I'm guessing? Your Aunt is a close friend of my Gran's. I'm very happy to meet you. You must be Hannah Abbott? My Uncle Algernon serves on the Wizengamot with your father. I am also very happy to make your acquaintance. I hope you don't mind if I join you?"
Harry looked to Susan and Hannah, and seeing no objection invited Neville to join them. "So what's this about a missing toad, Neville?"
Neville chuckled, "Trevor, my toad, is an escape artist! It doesn't matter how I lock him up, he always manages to escape. I'm not worried though, as he usually finds me when he gets hungry!"
The three laughed at that, pretty sure that Neville was teasing them. "So tell me Harry, where have you been hiding yourself all this time? According to the books on the subject, you were either raised in a chalet high in the Swiss Alps, or in a castle in Germany somewhere."
Harry tensed at the question, Susan instantly grabbing his hand and holding it firmly. He looked Neville in the eye, trying to determine how much he could trust the boy. The look of genuine concern in the boy's eyes told him all he needed to know. He held on to Susan's hand as he related the tale that he'd already shared with the girls.
The look of concern vanished, replaced instead by fury. "Harry, on my honor, you will never return to those animals ever again!" Susan raised an eyebrow at the formal words coming from Neville. He was the heir to the Longbottom title, she knew that with certainty.
"Neville, why on your honor?" asked Susan.
Neville cursed himself for his loose tongue. But he resigned himself to telling the story of his parents, Frank and Alice.
"You know Harry you may think you have no family, but nothing could be farther from the truth. You see, my mother was you godmother. Your father was my godfather, your mother my godmother. Had anything happened to either one of our parents, we would have been placed with the surviving family. When your parents died that Halloween night, you were to have come to live with us in Longbottom Manor. And even after my parents were injured in an assault a few days later, you were still supposed to come live with me and Gran."
Harry looked stunned. That he had family, aside from the Dursley's, was something he had wished for his whole life. "So why was I placed with my Aunt and Uncle?" he asked softly. Susan squeezed his hand comfortingly.
"I don't know Harry; you should have never gone to them. They're muggles, unaware of the magical world. Not only that, but they probably have no idea what it means to be a Potter! Arriving at Hogwarts with barely more understanding of our world than a muggle is just wrong!" he growled.
Susan was beginning to understand, she began to comprehend now the formal words of honor he'd spoken earlier. "Neville, is your House allied to House Potter?"
"We are," he said proudly, "and have been for hundreds of years. Where Potter goes, so do the Longbottoms!"
Harry was starting to freak out. It was only the calming warmth of Susan's hand in his that stopped him from going completely mental. He didn't understand what was happening, didn't understand the words being spoken. Neville was looking at him with concern. Hannah cast a questioning look at Susan, who shook her head at her friend. Hannah sat back and waited on what was to happen.
"I don't understand, Neville, what are you trying to say?" asked Harry nervously.
"That I have taken oaths to protect you in this world that is new to you Harry. I am a Longbottom, you are a Potter. We stand together in all things." he said gently. "You have my friendship Harry, but more importantly, you have always been family."
Harry nodded his head. He didn't fully understand, but a question about something Neville said nagged at him. "Neville, what did you mean about being a Potter?"
Neville looked to Susan, who answered the question Harry asked. "Harry, the Potters are one of the oldest magical families in Britain. Your family holds a seat on the Wizengamot, and has always been very influential in the political side of our world. Your family is also extremely wealthy and are known as great philanthropists who funded orphanages and hospitals."
Harry sank back into the seat as he tried to come to grips with the information he was being given. "Alright, so let's see if I got this straight, okay? My family is rich, influential, politically powerful, correct? So, I am wondering how I ended up in that hellhole?" he said finally losing his temper.
"I don't know Harry, my Gran searched for you for years! She tried everything she could think of to find you, even going so far as hiring muggle Aurors to search for you. Until today, when we knew you'd be on the Express to Hogwarts." answered Neville. "Oh, and by the way, you're also Lord Potter, and have been since you turned eleven."
Harry's eyes rolled in his head and he passed out.
It was a few minutes later that he awoke, thanks in part to Susan dabbing his forehead with a damp cloth. She had a look of concern on her face, as she gently held the cloth in one hand while running her other hand through his hair. It felt really good, no one had ever done this for him before, and it made the affection he had for Susan grow all the more. He grabbed her hand, which startled her a bit, "Thank you, Susan."
She pinked a little, but was glad that his hand was once again holding hers. She'd felt horrible when he'd fainted. The information had been too much for him, and she had said as much to Neville while Harry was still passed out, but accepted the fact that Harry really did need to know about his heritage. Had he gotten to Hogwarts without this information, he was susceptible to all manner of undue and unwarranted influence.
"Why did you tell me all this Neville? There has to be a reason for saddling me with all this information." asked Harry.
"Someone has been messing with your life, Harry; we have some idea of who that is but want to be sure before we do anything about it. As an ally to your family, we couldn't let that stand. We had to intervene, even if just to let you know about yourself. But given your living situation, you can bet my Gran is going to get all worked up about that. She will have you with us in no time. You'll never have to live with those animals ever again."
"Harry, before we get to Hogwarts there is something I need you to do. You need to declare yourself Lord Potter. Doing so will let Gringotts know you've taken up your title and also release your Head of House ring. The ring will appear on your finger, and will offer you many benefits while you're wearing it." said Neville seriously.
Susan caught the look of confusion of Harry's face, and lightly squeezed his hand. She whispered in his ear, and he looked at her surprised, "That's it, that's all I have to do to become Lord Potter?" he asked. She nodded her head.
He pulled his wand from his back pocket, and aiming it at the ceiling intoned, "I Harry James Potter do take up my title of Lord Potter!" For a moment, he thought he was being pranked, but then the tip of his wand glowed a deep golden color. A small orb of light broke away from the glow and settled on Harry's right hand. When it dissipated, Harry was wearing his Head of House ring. "Wow!" said Harry impressed. Susan and Hannah giggled at his proclamation, while Neville had a huge smile on his face.
It was not a fancy ring by any means, not like some of the gaudy rings he'd seen his uncle wear on some occasions. He liked this one; it was tasteful and understated, but beautiful nevertheless. Its gold band had the words 'vincit lux tenebris' inscribed on it. What he thought was the coat of arms of House Potter adorned the face, a rearing stag over crossed wands.
"Each ring is different for each family, Harry, and you'll have to head to you vaults at Gringotts to find your family magic book that should contain the rings attributes. But it should have protection against most potions and poisons, as well as protection from mind magic in case someone tries to read your thoughts."
"Read my thoughts? Really? People can do that?" asked a worried Harry.
"Unfortunately, yes. It is a criminal act, but one that still happens. Not everyone can do it, as it takes years to master." answered Neville.
Harry still held on to Susan's hand, taking a great deal of reassurance at the simple act. In the space of a few hours, Harry had gone from a lonely and friendless boy, to a boy who had friends and family.
"Harry, when we reach the castle, things might get a little…dodgy. I hope you'll trust me enough to help you out?" said Neville with a serious tone. "Gran believes that the Headmaster is, for some odd reason, the main reason that you've been kept from the magical world for all these years."
"The Headmaster of Hogwarts? I don't understand why the headmaster of a school would have any say in my upbringing?" asked Harry.
"Along with being Headmaster, he is also the Chief Wizard of the Wizengamot. It's a position of great power, politically, that would allow him to take liberties where you are concerned."
"Okay, fine, but I still don't see how he'd have any say in how or where I was raised. He could be the Queen of England and still have no say in anything that had to do with me!"
"And that's the question we need answered, Harry. Gran says he was friends with your parents, maybe he thought he was doing the right thing?"
"Putting me in a home where I was beaten and starved? How could that possibly be the right thing to do?" he asked as his temper started to rise again.
Susan at this point could see that Harry was losing it, and merely holding his hand wasn't alleviating the pain and anger Harry was feeling. So she did the only thing she could think of, she stood up and boldly plopped herself on his lap! She looked deeply into his eyes, those verdant orbs she was beginning to fancy so much, "Harry, your life has been crap. Neville, and I for that matter, will do our best to make sure you never have to return to it. Neville's grandmother is a force not to be trifled with, and my Auntie is not someone you should piss off either! They have both obviously taken an interest in you; let them help…let us help."
Harry was surprised at having the pretty young girl sit on his lap. As he looked into her eyes, the words she spoke resonated within him. She was right. He needed all the help he could get. He nodded to her, never taking his eyes from hers, "Okay, Susan, I need all the help I can get. Neville, lead the way, just don't surprise me anymore, okay? It wouldn't be cool for me to pass out in the middle of dinner!"
The four passed the rest of the time on the train just talking and getting to know each other better. Susan had moved off Harry's lap, but still held on fiercely to his hand. "Why don't you boys go walk around a bit, Hannah and I have to change into our robes? It looks like we're getting close to the station."
Harry reluctantly let go of Susan's hand, and walked out of the compartment accompanied by Neville. The girls opened the door and stepped out, allowing Harry and Neville to get into uniform. As Harry donned his robe, he noticed something on it that had not been there before. "Nev, what's this?" he asked, pointing at the badge over his left breast.
Neville glanced up to Harry's robes, and smiled. "It's your badge of station. It marks you as Lord Potter. Only the Head of House can wear that emblem." he answered.
Harry sighed loudly, "Could this day get any weirder?"
Neville chuckled at that, "Harry, we haven't even gotten to the castle yet. I imagine things are about to get even more weird!"
A/N
Got a little stuck with "Fifth House". Well not stuck per se, more like I'm rewriting a bit of the next chapter that I didn't quite like. Erased about half the thing, and am now diligently working towards completing chapter 10.
So as I was contemplating what a bastard writers block is, this idea struck me. So I typed. And this is the result. I will eventually get back to this one and write more. After "fifth house" anyways.
'vincit lux tenebris'- light conquers dark