Chapter two: Hogwarts and Houses

"Would you truly despise me if I were to be sorted into Slytherin?" Harry asked over dinner one night. Harry knew that his father thought all Slytherins to be conniving, sneaky and followers of the Dark Lord. However, Harry knew that Slytherins were merely those who were ambitious, cunning, resourceful and often; leaders. The more Harry had read about Slytherin house from his textbooks, the more Harry knew that he belonged.

His mother responded immediately, "of course not! We could never hate you, Harry!"

Harry nodded his acknowledgment toward her, he appreciated her words. He was confused at the slight sad face she developed at his action, but he simply brushed it off and turned his attention to his father who had yet to respond. Nathan watched on silently because he knew his stance on this. He would never hate Harry and he too had read Hogwarts history books with Harry and his impression of Slytherins grew less hateful. Besides if his brother was one, then surely, they could not all be bad.

James put down his fork and ever so slowly, he wiped his mouth with his dinner napkin as contemplated on his answer.

"I know that I wouldn't hate you. I know I have not been the most attentive father toward you, Harry, but there are great things at work in this world. You have understood that more than Nathan ever could, and perhaps that is due to my neglect," James said thoughtfully with a severe frown.

The two redheads at the table gaped at the man. Lily was astonished that James would use such a harsh word to describe his own behavior and Nathan gaped because he also thought the words to be too harsh. Either way, they also gaped because the man rarely ever admitted fault for anything.

Harry waited, and with his hand he gestured for his father to continue.

"However, a born Potter has never been a Slytherin—"

"James!" Lily shouted as she stood from her seat. James did something he had never done, and he raised his hand in a non-threatening manner but a silencing one. His face showed no nonsense and it forced everyone in the room to quiet down.

"A born Potter has never been a Slytherin. Which you being one would be… Only a slither of a problem if our family was not in the current position that it was in. Harry, your brother is the boy-who-lived and your mother and I have fought against He-who-shall-not-be-named, thrice. If you were to be put into Slytherin with that kind of background, you yourself would be targeted and most likely used against your brother—the-boy-who-lived. Do you understand?"

Harry nodded—slowly but, most of he and his father's conversation went like this. Always back to Nathan, but typically such conversations were not held in front of Nathan himself because his father knew that not only did Nathan despised such favoritism but he also did not appreciate being out of the loop during Harry's and their father's discussions about the Dark Lord or his role as the boy-who-lived.

His father was right too. Going into Slytherin would be a death wish, they would not accept him—could not accept him as a Slytherin because of their parent's political stances. Harry planned to change such childish behaviors, but he did not need to be within Slytherin to do so. He understood that his father held a fair point, despite bringing up Nathan.

"I do. It's best to go with Ravenclaw," Harry said with a nod before he continued to pick at the food on his plate. He already had so little on it, he was not much of an eater.

James gaped at the boy, obviously he was very surprised at Harry's response, but he too nodded just as definitely as Harry had, "I see. Yes, best to go with Ravenclaw," he agreed.

With that the two continued to eat and the two redheads to gaped at one another once more, they could barely understand what had just happened.

They shrugged it off, Nathan knew that he would talk to Harry about it later and Lily knew that she would tear a new one into James Potter that night.

"Our letters are here, Harrison!" Nathan practically screeched as he ran toward Harry only to be cut off and engulfed into a hug by Sirius who shook him about and began to spin around and around with Nathan in his arms. Nathan laughed but demanded to be put down so that he could give Harry his letter, but he was ignored by the over excited Sirius.

Remus and Sirius were newer additions into their lives, the two men had only been introduced to them two years ago and until recent they had visited only once a month. The men were introduced as uncle Moony and uncle Padfoot but Harry refused to call the two either.

Together, Nathan and Harry were told that the two had returned from a long "trip" in America. However; when Harry was alone with their father the man had informed him that Remus went on a rather dangerous mission for intel on the behalf of Dumbledore and Sirius had gone with him. He went further and told Harry that when he was older, he could know the details of their trip from the men themselves.

"Finally, finally! Oh, I am so proud!" Sirius yelled just as loud as Nathan had when he exclaimed the arrival of their letters. Harry approached the two and took his letter from Nathan's dangling hands.

"Mousy," Harry called out, and immediately a house elf appeared and bowed lowly.

Mousy was the calmest house elf in the Potter house and she was the one to practically raise Harry from the time he was just a wee babe until he was about 4 years old.

While James and Lily had been baffled by Harry's cold attitude and behavior, Mousy however, understood him completely and would help identify the needs of the young Potter boy who was not as vocal as his brother. Harry typically called her for everything and unbeknownst to him, she is assigned by his parents to always be available to him.

"Yes, masters Harry?"

"Our letters came today," Harry informed and was not surprised to immediately have his arms filled with an excited house elf.

"Oh! Congratulations young masters! I will be makings your favorites, tonight! Yes, I will!"

Harry let out a sound that sounded like a huff, but it was unmistakable fond laughter to Mousy's ears. Gently and quickly, he returned the hug.

"I am looking forward to it. Would you please inform our parents that our letters have arrived?" Harry asked politely.

"Of course, masters Harry, I'll be doing that right aways."

"Thank you."

Mousy smiled, unlike other house elves who would fluster and blush at the boy's politeness, she was quite used to the boy, so with a kind smile she silently popped away.

Sirius had finally put Nathan down and was telling him about all the adventures he, James and Remus had at Hogwarts. Harry looked around because now that they spoke of Remus, Harry wondered where he was— "Hiya, pup!" The man greeted as he appeared behind Harry suddenly which startled him. Remus took Harry into a bear hug from behind and he effectively trapped the young boy in his hold. The man went as far as to pick him up and scent mark Harry too, he sniffed the young boy's hair and rubbed his face all over it. Harry huffed a little but took the scenting with no complaint.

"Hello, uncle Remus." Harry greeted blandly. The werewolf laughed at his monotone tone, he made it sound even more bland than usual.

Nathan was number one in knowing Harry the best, of course. Although, Remus was a close second. Well, third if you count Mousy.

Remus put him down once he was satisfied that the boy was covered in his scent. "I hear that we got Hogwarts letters today!"

Harry quietly hummed in confirmation and at the same time Nathan yelled, "we did!" he ran over to the two and hugged Remus quickly before going to his brother and shook him in excitement.

Sirius approached them as well. He dutifully attempted to ignore Harry as he had earlier. However, Remus gave him a pointed look.

Sirius internally sighed, Harry was James' son and for that alone, he loved Harry, he really did. Albeit not as much as he loved Nathan, which was obvious, but he loved the boy and would die for him. However, the child was just so off putting, legitimately, he made Sirius uncomfortable but that did not give the man the right to openly ignore him as he did.

Sirius ruffled Harry's long hair a bit and winked at him. Harry looked at him slightly surprised which forced Sirius to feel a thousand times guiltier. It wasn't the boy's fault that he was so awkward.

"Hello… uncle Sirius."

Sirius perked up at that, Harry rarely used his name at all.

"Hey, kiddo, so… Hogwarts." Sirius said.

Harry gave a gentle smile causing Sirius to melt and feel even more guilty.

"Yeah, Hogwarts."

With that the four dove into a conversation on all there was to know about Hogwarts, and came up with a plan to finish up their shopping in Diagon Alley as early as tomorrow.

James and Lily decided to give their uncles full reign and they could take the two to Diagon ally to finish their shopping for Hogwarts.

They decided to get the books and cauldron buying out of the way early, now all that was left was to get their robes, owls and an animal if they so choose.

"Madam Malkin's, your favorite place in the world I bet, boys." Sirius said sarcastically as they entered the tailor's building.

Nathan groaned, he hated getting measured for robes, Harry however, was not so bothered, "we are the same size; you and uncle Sirius should go to the Quidditch shop until we are done here." Nathan began to protest immediately, Sirius however; asked if Harry was sure to which Remus hissed Sirius' name for even considering Harry's offer.

"It does not bother me in the slightest, the two of you antsy and loud in a small quiet shop, however, does indeed bother me," Harry stated.

Sirius' laugh caught the attention of the store's patrons and Madam Malkin herself who told them to lower their voices or leave. To this Sirius practically carried Nathan out the door and ignored Remus as the werewolf called out for him.

Remus shook his head, "geez pup, you really have the biggest heart, huh?"

Harry shrugged and greeted Madam Malkin and her assistant.

"Oh! Little Harry Potter, welcome, welcome back. Sit, lad, Agnus will be with you in a moment, I am tending to the Malfoy heir at the moment."

"I am right here, you know," pompous cultured voice said in a huff. It came from a boy with snow white hair, who looked as if he'd rather be anywhere else but here. He looked toward Harry, his expression screamed unimpressed, but the other boy was quick to cover the expression up with indifference, "so you're Harrison Charles Potter. The brother of the boy-who-lived."

Harry raised an eyebrow at him, allowing his own complete indifference to show, unlike the Malfoy heir, Harry didn't have to try, "that I be, Draconus Abraxas Malfoy, son of the follower Lucius Malfoy."

Draco nearly lost his pureblood mask to gape at the boy, "what do you mean by "follower," Potter?" he growled.

"Who knows, Malfoy," Harry was bored, and his tone really expressed that. Harry did not really know what he meant, sometimes he truly was too young to understand the visions and messages that he received.

Malfoy began to turn red and seemed ready to yell, however; the other boy's mother and Agnus entered their vicinity.

"Ah, Harry Potter, as always, it is the utmost pleasure!" Agnus exclaimed cheerfully, effectively dispelling the earlier tension created between the two boys.

"It really always is Madam Agnus. Today, as usual I will be measured for robes for both my brother and I. However; this time they are Hogwarts' robes. Neither of us have hit a growth spurt and are still of equal size," Harry informed politely.

"Understood young Harry, if you would please stand next to the young Malfoy heir on that stool there," madam Agnus pointed him where she'd like for him to be.

Harry did as he was told, and Remus tentatively took a seat in one of the visitor's chairs next to Draco's mother. He was still nervous of the boy's earlier… conversation.

"I say Mr. Potter; I do not believe we have ever had the pleasure of meeting face to face." Said Malfoy's mother politely.

"I am Narcissa Malfoy Nee Black. I am Draconus Abraxas Malfoy's mother," Mrs. Malfoy said regally as she gestured to her son.

Harry nodded his head gently, as he was unable to bow as he should since he was currently being measured.

"It is a pleasure Lady Malfoy. I am Harrison Charles Potter, elder twin of Nathaniel James Potter and oldest child of James and Lily Potter, thus heir to the noble house of Potter. Forgive my rudeness, I am unable to bow as is proper."

Narcissa smiled, none too surprised about the youngest Potter's mannerisms, Lucius often spoke of the boy very well from the things he saw at ministry gatherings between the Potters and the minister.

"You are forgiven, Harrison." Narcissa said kindly.

"I thank you, and please do me the honor of calling me Harry, my Lady."

"Ah, understood, Harry."

Harry nodded his thanks.

Narcissa and Remus began their own quiet conversation through the measurements. Harry noticed the young Malfoy eyeing him up every so often but ignored him.

A few minutes later Malfoy seemed to come to a decision, with ears bright red he spoke in a near whisper, "I do say that I was quite rude earlier, Potter."

"Oh?" Harry inquired.

Draco turned even redder, "Yes. I do hope you can forgive my earlier micro aggression and that we may begin a new—as proper associates."

Harry held out a hand to him, "I do not see why that would not be possible."

They shake it on it, effectively impressing all the adults within the room.

"Let's get our own companion animals now, Harry!"

Remus wanted to tell Nathan to ask Harry instead of demanding his brother, but Harry immediately told the other boy "ok." So, Remus assumed that he must want to go as well.

The moment they entered the shop, a snowy white owl flew onto Harry's head and stayed perched there. Nathan and Sirius shrieked, and Remus looked completely baffled while Harry appeared to be unconcerned.

As they all had their own reaction to the owl, the shop keeper approached them with a broom, ready to strike. "Boy. Do not move. That is an albino devil bird. It's been nesting at the top of my roof, refusing to leave, and it was only today that it came in and nested in another owl's cage—" just as he finished a black Dusky Barn owl took the opportunity to perch itself on Nathan's awaiting arm.

"That owl! It made a nest with that owl! And that owl let him! They're both sneaky little devils, I tell you!" The shop keeper exclaimed, truly nervous and disturbed by the two owls.

Harry whistled and extended an arm which the white owl immediately latched onto. The owl stared into his eyes and he stared right back, "what's wrong with its eyes, they look like—"

"Stars…" Nathan finished in awe as he peered over Harry's shoulder at the bird. The owl's eyes were the color of a night sky and it appeared as if there were constellations within them. Nathan swore that he could see the little dipper.

Harry nodded in agreement and looked toward the shop keep for an answer.

"How would I know!? The bugger is no owl of mine! But I would take a guess that it is perhaps blind, or just a freak of nature."

Again, Harry nodded in acceptance of the man's answer. Nathan whispered a surprised, "cool," at finding out the owl was possibly blind, but went on to coo at the Dusky Barn owl that instantly began to puff its chest at Nathan's attention.

"I'll take this one," Harry stated.

The shopkeeper gaped, "Lad, she's not mine to give, do what you want. Do you really understand what a devil bird is? They're bad omens."

"I understand. They are birds that are rumored to portend death with a human like shriek. However, she seems just as intelligent as any owl, and I am sure she can deliver the letters that I will need delivered, and I am sure having her away from your shop will be beneficial as well as I doubt, she will come back. She seems to have taken a liking to me."

Sirius was too busy cooing with Nathan over the Dusky Barn owl, however; Remus gave Harry's shoulder a slight squeeze in support.

The shopkeeper put his broom down and walked towards his cash register, "whatever, it's your choice. Not like I can charge you for it, lad. However; your brother seems to like the Dusky Barn, that one I bred and raised me self."

Harry nodded and waited for Sirius to pay for Nathan's owl. Harry knew that owl was Nathan's without the other boy exclaiming so.

They got the Dusky Barn at half the price because the shopkeeper could not possibly charge the boy who lived at full price.

"Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hogwarts!" Nathan exclaimed as they enter onto the platform.

"Yes, Hogwarts. Today is the day, I suppose," Harry agreed which caused Nathan to bounce even more.

Sirius and James began to fake cry and exclaimed that they could not believe how big the two got, they went for hugs and only managed to catch Nathan between them as Harry stepped away.

Remus laughed and caught Harry into a bear hug anyway, he put him down as quickly as he picked him up and even gave him a ruffle of the hair. He told Harry how proud he was of him with such emotion that it caused Harry to look away as he was slightly overwhelmed and embarrassed. He managed to give a polite thank you.

"I know we haven't known each other long but I love you, pup. So much. You know how to reach me if you need anything. Don't be a stranger, alright?"

Again, Harry nodded and very awkwardly he stated, "you as well. I… ah, love you."

Remus got very teary eyed then but managed to joke just to break the tension, "geez, don't stress yourself, pup." It caused Harry to laugh—in his own way at least. Feeling that his job was done, Remus scurried off to say goodbye to Nathan.

His mother approached Harry next, ever so gingerly and as awkward as ever.

"Harry, write often, ok? I want to hear everything, ok? I love you a lot."

Harry nodded and approached her for once and gave her a gentle hug. Which caught Lily by surprise if her soft gasp was anything to go by. Immediately, terrified that he'd run away, she hugged him back fiercely, and just as she knew he would; he stepped back the moment her hug loosened.

"I love you as well. I do. I know I am not the most affectionate between Nathan and I, but it is because of how I was raised. I was raised to be the eldest and come second. Always. I do not care about that anymore, but I was raised that way and raised around whispers that my brother may die. I decided to stay the way that I am and not seek affection so that Nathan could have all that he can. However; Nathan will not die, I will not allow it and I will protect him at school, understand?"

His mother sobbed quietly as she whispered, "oh, Harry, oh baby, I am so sorry. I love you too an-and—thank you, please protect him, but be careful too, I could not lose either of you."

Harry nodded and gently pushed his mother toward his brother so that she could say goodbye. As she went, his father and Sirius approached him. Sirius gave him a quick big hug and they exchanged awkward "I love you's" then Sirius hastily returned to Nathan's side.

His father remained and he gripped Harry's shoulder—firmly. The man's eyes were slightly watery, but he was not quite close to crying, "best to do Ravenclaw?" His father questioned.

Harry smirked ever so slightly, "best to do Ravenclaw," he agreed.

His father nodded, and surprised Harry with his next words, "I am proud of you. I know you think of me as harsh, but that is only because I know what you are capable of, Harry. However; I admit that I know the things you are capable of but not much about you... Perhaps you will write, and we can better get to know one another through letters?"

It should be awkward, to an outsider this would be so very awkward. A father should not need to say such words to their son, but his father must because he truly does not know Harry. Not only did Harry learn his mannerisms and expectations from tutors, but his father and mother both barely caught the biggest moments of Harry's life. His first word, which was "Mousy." His first step, which they only caught because Mousy popped him into the living room mid step. It discombobulated him, but he managed to walk over to Nathan anyway and then proceeded to teach him how to walk as well. They also completely missed his first case of accidental magic because they believed him to be a squib and once, they found out that he was not. That he could properly be the heir to the Potter legacy, they-well, his father-bombarded him with tradition and education through tutors and harsh repetition. They missed so much, and they know they did and none of them know how to repair it.

However, despite all of that, this banter between his father and he was something he enjoyed and hoped to never change. It made him feel mature, as if he had the upper hand in whatever this was between them. It can be awkward and stilted but it is his and his father's and it is the only thing that the two know how to do in order to communicate with one another.

"I will be sure to write both you and mother." Harry confirmed.

"Be sure to do that. Watch over your brother, and watch your back as I told you, and only you." His eyes hard. Nathan has been trained to fight and defend and yet, his father and the others rarely talk to Nathan the way they talk to Harry. So unfiltered and unprotected, "the two of you have big targets on your back," James warned. Another thing he has not said to Nathan, because only Harry needed to hear it. Only Harry could shoulder the anxiety that came with the knowledge of knowing that there are those out there who want his family dead.

"I will, sir," Harry promised.

"Good, take care."

"You too."

James shocked Harry as he cuffed the back of the boy's head and kissed the top of his brow before he walked away without another word. Harry, confused, decided to not think too hard on it as he took both he and Nathan's luggage aside to put it on the train. Waiting at an entrance upon finishing in order to board with his brother.

"Ok, ok, guys! We must board! Gosh!" Nathan exclaimed through laughter. He was ready to be done with goodbyes because surely, they would all see each other over winter break.

James and Sirius asked for one more group hug which almost turned into full blown playful wrestling. Harry waited patiently.

"Mr. Potter, what a pleasure." Lucius Malfoy stated as he approached the boy, with his family close behind.

"Hallo, Harry." Narcissa greeted cheerfully.

Harry bowed as is proper, "good evening, Lady Malfoy, Lord Malfoy, Malfoy heir."

The adults tipped their head in greeting, and Draco bowed back as he should, "good evening, Potter heir."

Lucius looked on approvingly, and Narcissa just smiled.

"Pardon me, I do believe my brother is finally ready to board, I must be going." Harry excused as he watched Nathan approach with their irate father watching him go from a distance.

"By all means, have a good year at Hogwarts, perhaps we will finally see you two at Yule," Lucius stated hopefully.

Harry looked the slightest bit of surprised as he carefully said, "yes, perhaps."

He boarded the train after Nathan, and waved a silent goodbye to anyone paying attention, he was pleased when his entire present family waved back, and even the older Malfoy's wave as well.

"Come on, Harrison, there's an empty cart right over here!" Nathan exclaimed as he grabbed Harry by the arm and ran them toward the empty cart. Nathan threw them onto the seats across from one another.

"Hogwarts, Harrison!"

Harry almost laughed, but he only gave a small smile instead. "Are you ready?"

Nathan did laugh, "am I ready!? Am I, ready!? Of course, I am! Are you!?"

"Well, of course, I am." Harry replied playfully which earned him a gentle kick. The two begin to discuss their possible classes and of the excitement that came with having teachers who had taught their own parents and uncles. Nathan took out his wand and began to practice some easier second year spells. He had been struggling with them as of late, and Harry had been helping as best as he could in secret.

They were interrupted by a bushy haired girl who aggressively opened their compartment. Without pause she asked if they had seen a toad named Trevor because a boy named Neville was looking for it.

"No, we haven't," Harry answered bluntly. His eyes bore into the girl's own and he had a slight glare with them as he could not believe the girl's rudeness.

"Oh. Really? Well, Neville Longbottom is looking for it," She repeated a bit snootily with her nose in the air.

"Oh, is he now?" Harry mocked disinterested in the entire situation. Nathan giggled a bit but elbowed him for his own rudeness.

Just then, Neville himself came out from behind the girl, and shyly waved to the two twins. "Hi, Harry, hi Nathan."

"Hello, Neville," the twins greeted in unison.

Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood were the only two children the Potter children had ever played with and met. Sure, they went to public social events from time to time, just to be seen, but they were initially in hiding, and could not trust anyone. This led to the twins growing up very secluded and away from other wizarding children. However; they had met Neville and Luna and they all agreed to be friends of sorts, hence, why the boys used each other's first names.

"Mind if I sit with you? Ms. Granger and I haven't had the chance to sit down since boarding because I lost my frog," Neville asked timidly.

"Sure, Neville, pop a squat!" Nathan exclaimed slapping the seat next to him.

"What about your frog, you aren't just going to leave him to roam, will you!?" Granger nearly yelled. She was scandalized that the boy would do such a thing.

"He's a magic frog...Ms. Granger, was it? The frog will find Neville in due time," Harry's tone showed exactly how bored he was with it all. Harry did not care if he was rude or not, he just wanted the girl to leave.

"And oh? Who are you then?" The bushy haired girl demanded with her hands on her hips.

"Harry."

"It's proper to introduce yourself with your full name!" she nearly stamped.

"I believe it's proper to introduce yourself at all and knock before we enter a compartment and or room with a closed door, but you do not seem too big on manners yourself."

The girl turned bright red and looked as if she was about to cry and without retorting she stomped away.

"Yeesh, Harry, you really know how to slam'em down. Not that I don't appreciate it," Neville breathed, causing the other two boys to laugh.

They shut the compartment door and locked it effectively and luckily no one else came to bother them. Not for lack of trying. Unbeknownst to the other two inhabitants, Harry silently placed a confundus on their door. Which caused anyone near to become confused and walk away.

They stick together all the way into the sorting. The first girl who was sorted ended up being a Hufflepuff. Granger had unsurprisingly gone into Ravenclaw. It was obvious that she belonged there. Upon entering the castle, she quickly began to spout off about everything she had read in, 'Hogwarts: A History.' A red-haired boy, snorted and called her a "Know-it-all." She nearly cried again as she did on the train but refrained.

Malfoy's sorting went the quickest by far as the hat had yelled Slytherin before it had even touched him.

Neville went into Gryffindor surprising all within the room.

"Harrison Potter." The witch known as professor Minerva McGonagall called out with a slight strain in her neck.

Immediately everyone began to whisper among one another.

"Is that the boy who lived?"

"No, you idiot, that's his brother!"

"He has a brother? I had no idea"

"Me either."

Harry ignored them all, he was genuinely uninterested in what they had to say. He looked toward the head table and spotted a man in dark robes. The man glared at Harry hatefully and Harry deduced that the man must be Severus Tobias Snap as his mother had described the man prior. She had dared Harry to tell the man that she had said hello.

Harry felt something tried to probe his mind as he made eye contact with the man. Luckily, Harry effectively blocked it through pure will and if the man had been caught trying to read his mind, Harry could not tell as the man's face remained perfectly black. This time it was Harry who glared. He made a mental note to tell Nathan to avoid all eye contact with the man in the future.

As he finally reached the stool, the teacher who stood before him appeared to be a stern, cold and calculating woman. She however, surprised Harry and gave him the kindest and most gentle smile he had received thus far within Hogwarts before she politely asked him to sit.

He did so and the hat was placed onto his head immediately, he was not shocked when it began to speak into his head.

"Hello, I am Harrison Charles Potter," Harry managed to say through whatever mental link the hat created.

The hat laughed aloud before it responded privately, "hello, Mr. Potter, I am Marvin."

"Ravenclaw really decided to name you Marvin?"

Marvin laughed again, even louder. Everyone began to wonder what was so funny but did not dare attempt to interrupt a sorting.

"That she did child, good on ye fer knowing yer history."

"Thank you. I apologize to rush but if we take too long people will begin to question us. Marvin, you want to sort me into Slytherin, correct?" The question was definite as Harry knew the answer. Harry himself knew he was a Slytherin through and through, but the conversation with his father continued to echo through his memory. Reminding him that being sorted into Slytherin would not end well.

"Slytherin would do ye some good, now wouldn't it? However; that isn't where you want to go, is it?"

"It is not," Agreed Harry.

"You could be great you know. Slytherin would show you the means," Marvin insisted as he looked through the memories of an emotionally isolated child. He saw a father who refused to look his baby boy in the eye, and he saw a mother too occupied with her duties and youngest son to pay much attention to her oldest. Marvin then saw the oldest, angry, yet accepting of it all. For the child planned to make them regret their treatment by becoming better than his family ever could be by any means necessary. Marvin saw a Slytherin.

"I do not disagree, however, Ravenclaw is a safe choice. I will be great there too," Harry insisted.

Grumbling, Marvin dug further, easily finding events and memories that were not the child's own. The old hat even saw the memories from events that belonged to the Longbottom boy here.

The night the boy's parents had been tortured into insanity. Twitching and aching to the point that they foamed from their mouths as they wailed. It was horrid, really. As the hat looked further, he could see recurring memories of a big fat rat, who hid and scurried about. Marvin saw many more visions swim through the boy's head, visions that he apparently kept to himself.

"These visions child, some of them are downright ghastly, aren't they? Are ye a seer?"

Harry pondered his question a bit. No one had asked that question before. However, harry did only mention his "gift" once in his life and was strongly dismissed as seeking attention, "I think that I am."

"Aye, I be thinking the same thing. No child could be the same upon seeing the things you've seen, lad. Yer surviving somehow and it's truly impressive, a true Slytherin through and through," Marvin repeated.

Harry remained silent, deciding to focus and show the hat the memory of the conversation he and his father had regarding his sorting.

"Ah, I see. Will ye ever be allowed to live fer yeself, I wonder. Just keep it in mind that slytherin's doors will always be open for you."

Harry frowned; it was an odd thing to say. From what he has heard Slytherin's doors will most certainly be shut to anyone who was not sorted in Slytherin. He gave his thanks anyway.

"Also, know that I am an ally of yer's. Ye have big plans and they involve Hogwarts and her occupants. Ye will be needin' me. Whenever you need me, I sit upon a shelf in the headmaster's office."

Again, Harry was baffled but said, "Thank you."

The hat laughed again, telling him that he was such a polite child and that it was a pleasure to meet him before he yelled out, "RAVENCLAW!"

"Good luck." Marvin whispered as he was removed from Harry's head.

"Good luck indeed." Professor McGonagall commended, a small proud smile on her lips. Harry had not the slightest idea as to why the woman sounded so proud.

Nathan was the only one to clap immediately, which caused everyone else to follow suit, albeit slowly.

Nathan was unsurprisingly sorted into Gryffindor; Harry immediately noticed his sad smile. Everyone gave a thunderous round of applause—everyone except the Slytherins, of course. The Gryffindor table was the loudest in their applause. Harry clapped—rather excitedly for him. To others he may only look slightly impressed, but Nathan caught his eye and he knew that his brother was very proud of him.

After the feast everyone was told to avoid the third-floor corridor if they wished to live before they are granted permission to leave for their dorms.

Harry frowned deeply upon hearing Nathan's excited and curious whispers regarding the floor.

Harry's thoughts were interrupted as two Ravenclaw prefects called for attention and lead their respective first-year boys and girls to their new home. Before Harry could even leave the dining hall, he was approached by Nathan. Well, more so attacked as the other boy enveloped him into a fierce hug.

"I wish we could have been in the same house." Nathan confessed sadly.

Harry frowned and felt momentarily guilty for some unknown reason, "sorry…?"

Nathan pulled him back face extremely red, "no, no, don't be! That's not what I meant! I'm really glad that you got Ravenclaw! It suits you!"

Harry nodded and looked at his own tie and robes that had been changed into Ravenclaw colors. Nathan adjusted it for him ever so slightly.

"Well, I have to go! So, uh… bye!" Nathan gave him another hug but didn't let go immediately, he chose to request a favor from his captive audience, "I know the Granger girl was a bit bossy today, but I think she could use some friends. Try to play nice, ok?"

Harry sneered a bit at the request but still agreed—albeit slowly—and promised that he would try but only if Nathan would avoid the third-floor corridor as they had been warned. Surprised, Nathan agreed and scurried off, looking back toward Harry every few seconds as he exited.

The first years were taken to Ravenclaw Tower where they were met with elegant stairways and windows. The ceiling itself was painted with stars of the night sky that twinkled and glistened.

Their prefects introduced them to Professor Flitwick—a man who was clearly half goblin—as their head of house. He also happened to be their charms teacher as well.

"Good evening, everyone, good evening!" the small man greeted happily

The man was quite merry.

"As you may have been told, I am Professor Flitwick, I am your head of house and also your charms professor! Ravenclaw is home to its founder Rowena Ravenclaw, and home to those who value learning, wisdom, wit and intellect. However, we are not "the House for the Incredibly Smart," but we do have some of the best scores in Hogwarts. Slytherins come close in second," he said merrily and winked at the crowd and many of the students giggled at his antics.

"I assume that most of you are quite studious or are at least academically motivated. Which I think is fantastic. Perhaps many of you have read all your books and can recite them perfectly. Repetitive learning can be quite effective. However; I encourage you to branch out, and study things beyond what you are told to. However curious you may find yourself, I assure you I will have a book to help you in your endeavor, and if I don't I'll be sure to find it for you, so do not be shy, "at this he eyed Hermione as he spoke and gave the girl a slight and private smile.

"Ravenclaw has only a few simple rules. One, you never stop learning, keep your ears open to new information. Two, help your follow Ravenclaws, do not make fun of them. Some of you will know things that others do not. Do not hold such things over one another. Help each other. Three, Put everything back as you find it, if you borrow a book from our extensive collection around us," the professor made a grand gesture toward the bookshelves that surrounded the circular room's walls as he twirled in a circle, "be sure to borrow it no longer than two weeks and always be sure to put it back in its proper place. Lastly, be respectful and have fun! Any questions? No? Good! Ms. Stickney, show the ladies their dorms and Mr. Hilliard, you take the boys!"

"Yes sir." Say the two, telling their respective youth to follow them to their dorms.

"Hi, I'm Terry Boot, but you can just call me Terry, since we're roommates and all. let's get along, yeah?" Terry extended his hand out to Harry.

'Ah, a muggleborn.' Harry noted internally.

Harry shook the other boy's hand, "Harrison Potter, please call me Harry if you will."

Terry beamed and sat on Harry's bed as Harry continued to unpack his luggage.

"Are you perhaps muggleborn?" Harry inquired politely instead of stating the obvious as he usually would.

Terry laughed heartily, "what makes you ask that?"

Harry looked at the boy curiously, he wondered if the other could see the slight amusement in his eyes, "you shook my hand."

Terry laughed again, this time nearly rolling off the bed.

"I guess that would be a clear indicator. Although, I'm not muggleborn though. My dad is a wizard but raised me in the muggle world with my muggle mother."

"I take it that he loved the muggle world enough to not educate you on the wizarding one then?" Harry inquired curiously.

"Something like that," Terry replied vaguely.

Harry hummed satisfied with the answer.

Terry quickly learned that Harry wasn't much of a talker unless prompted and decided to ask him about wizarding culture and etiquette and received quite the run down from the other boy. Terry decided that although Harry was a bit abrasive, loopy and weird; the boy would be a good friend to have.