Disclaimer: I neither own the Harry Potter universe nor the characters they all belong to JK Rowling
Platform 9¾ was alive with children on the first of September as it always was. The Potters afraid of drawing much attention had decided to turn up just before the train departed. In all the chaos, the Potters appearance definitely slipped under the radar.
"Now kids what did we tell you?"
"Keep our heads down don't draw to much attention, study hard and make friends" replied Linfred.
"Well at least I know now that one of you has been listening to me."
"Yeah because you haven't drilled that into us for the last week or so I mean come on mum it's not as if we'll be able draw more attention than we already have. Plus the stories dad has told me about his time in Hogwarts are all about making mischief and he said he had a great time at Hogwarts. So mum I'm afraid work will have to take a back seat won't it Lenny?"
"Harry I think I'm probably gonna do what mum suggests"
Before Harry could argue James stepped in and suggested that they should get on the train, Linfred and Harry made to get on the train when James caught Harry's arm.
"What now dad? please don't tell me your going to encourage me to stick to the rules as well"
"Actually son, I think I know a lost cause when I see one, you remind me of myself at your age so I don't see any point in trying to stop you, however I do want you to be careful so instead I'm going to give you these" James handed over a piece of parchment and a cloak, "I want you to keep these items hidden, you know what they're and I think it would be unfair to yourself, Sam and Lenny that you can't experience Hogwarts fully like Sirius and I did"
Harry's eyes bulged remembering the times when his dad had shown him the invisibility cloak previously, as to the parchment he had heard about the marauders map, but never seen it in the flesh, the train then whistled, Harry quickly hugged his dad and skipped off into a carriage.
James smiled and then turned around to meet the annoyed gaze of Lily, "don't think I didn't see that Jamie, you know what I think about troublemakers"
"Actually no I don't Lily you never expressed your feelings to us marauders back in Hogwarts"
"Ok I'll tell you now then, I thought you were a bunch of dickheads" expressed Lily sarcastically.
"And yet here you're right beside me waving our children off" quipped James.
"Jamie I didn't marry you for your personality, no it was because you were stinking rich and had a big cock"
"How crude of you Lilykins" laughed Sirius whom had crept up behind them.
"Ahhh…, don't do that Sirius you gave me a shock and worse I thought some stranger had heard me"
"Well next time Lily maybe you should stop talking about James's cock in public I mean really I didn't need to know Prongs's dimensions down there."
Lily laughed and then teased Sirius "Well Siri I would of thought you would be familiar to Jamie's anatomy if the rumours of Hogwarts are true, you two were inseparable"
"Lily, please shut up before I throw up in my mouth" added James.
Back on the train Linfred was searching through the carriages looking for an empty compartment, he went past a a compartment that compromised of Daphne, Tracey, Sam and a brown haired girl Linfred did not recognise. While Linfred was friendly with Sam and Daphne, he had always been the quiet Potter of his generation and thus never had connected with the boisterous Black or the outspoken Greengrass, thus would always feel slightly awkward by himself with the two of them.
"Hey Potter"
"Davis"
"Where's the cute one of you"
"Leave him alone Tracey, Lenny looks similar to Harry, Lenny you can hang around with us if you want" added Sam politely.
"Yeah Trace shut up neither of the two Potters are cute"
"You will see what I mean Daph in a few years"
The conversation between the the three girls had allowed Linfred to regather himself after Tracey's directness, "Despite this conversation being enthralling girls, I have no desire to listen to you three bicker on how cute certain boys are"
"Lenny you know me I'm not like that" admonished Daphne.
"No maybe not but those two are so I'm going to find Nev"
Linfred had always got on with Neville sometimes more so than his brother, despite Neville's lack of confidence, he would always back Linfred up even when they argued with Harry and Daphne, which was mostly times over chess or muggle football. The two also connected over the fact that both in their eyes anyway, they saw themselves as different to the rest of their families traits. Linfred did not represent the outgoing personality both his parents had, whiles Neville did not obtain the brave and gifted attributes his mum and dad had, to the extent Frank longbottom was head boy his final year. Both boys had often joked about how both were going to end up in Hufflepuff. He'd finally found Neville with another boy and two girls. "Hi Nev,"
"Oh hey Lenny",
Silence greeted the compartment, while Linfred was quiet he still understood social situations, to which the Longbottom heir often found difficult.
"You fancy introducing us Neville" asked Linfred trying to point Neville in the right direction.
"Oh right, yeah so this is Justin, Hannah and Hermione."
"Hey I'm Linfred but you can call me Lenny"
They all responded Hey, "So Lenny, you looking forward to the feast I hear it's got like every food you can think of"
"I suppose, my mind seems to be more focused on the sorting at the minute, than thinking about the food, you know what I mean, I know my Mum will be fine with it but even though he might not say it I still think dad will be slightly disappointed if I don't get into Gryffindor"
"Hey my gran always has a go at me for being so lousy so maybe it's better for James to be silently disappointed" laughed Neville trying to cheer Linfred up.
"I wouldn't worry erm Linfred was it, I mean in Hogwarts: a history, the sorting hat was originally Godric Gryffindors, and before the founders passed, they inserted their knowledge into the hat to make a decision on the pupils sorting , it judges where the student are best suited to thrive, it's exceptionally rare for the hat to make mistakes, thus your parents if they were rational should not be disappointed in which house you go to!" acclaimed Hermione whom's cheeks were now flush from her passionate sentiments.
Linfred just stared at the small brunette in awe, to which Neville then admitted that Hermione was very knowledgeable like that. Linfred just replied "Thanks Hermione I needed that"
"It's fine I was kinda convincing myself too, because I imagine all first years are a bit apprehensive of the sorting. I mean I want to be in Ravenclaw because I think that would prove to me my intelligence but then I think there is more too me than just intellect"
"Yeah I would agree with you but I know at least one first year on the train who won't be worrying about his sorting, because he is a sure thing to be in the house he wants, plus most old pureblood's often end up Slytherin due to their bigotry"
"Oh bugger" muttered Neville beside them.
"What's up Nev?"
"I've lost Trevor again!"
"Again! come on Neville you lost him like four times yesterday! that was so tiresome I've done my bit it's your turn Hermione, it'll show you what it's like to know Neville on a regular basis"
"Fine come on Neville"
Further down the train Harry had found Ron, the two of them had ordered nearly all the sweets from the trolley, and were currently arguing over quidditch.
"Potter I knew you would be spending time with Weasley instead of someone more intelligent and politically more important for instance Macmillan or even Longbottom" admitted Daphne sarcastically.
Harry rolled his eyes and replied "Now Daph, I'm fairly sure we are on a first term basis don't you think"
"Maybe outside of Hogwarts yes but here I have to act accordingly"
"Meaning?"
"I can't act all chummy with you in public if I'm chosen into Slytherin"
"Please tell me Greengrass why that is the case" Harry asked stonily.
"Oh Potter I forget how sheltered your life is at the manor, Slytherin let's just say is home to many death eater spawn, and thus will not be welcoming to us being on friendly terms"
"Harry before you retaliate back at Daph, I do agree on some parts to Daph's reasoning" interrupted Sam whom had followed Daphne into the compartment.
"What so you're just going to abide by their morals and agree with their bigotry acts just so you will get on with them"
"Harry please don't make this a big thing I mean we can still talk to each other civilly during lessons, and act the same as always during the holidays"
"Daph what you don't seem to get is that it is a big thing to me anyway I mean Lenny is likely going to be in a different house, which will be a massive change for me compared to what I'm used to growing up, what I don't need now is further change with my best friend asking to be just mere acquaintances"
"Harry you must realise how dangerous it would be to affiliate on a friends basis"
"Then risk it or better yet don't be a Slytherin"
"I can't Harry at least not right away"
"Before you two argue the world into oblivion surely the best method is to continue being friends by meeting up in secret"
"Sam that would be breaking all sorts of rules if we're doing it after hours which I can see is what you're getting at"
"Don't worry Daph we won't get caught I've got a couple of items that will ensure that"
"Let me see them then" asked Daphne in a challenging tone
"Promise not to talk about this with the Rest of Hogwarts " said Harry while looking pointedly at Ron
All three replied fine, Harry got out the marauders map and his wand and began to mutter the phrase when a small brown frizzy haired girl opened the compartment door,
"Has anyone seen a toad a boy called Neville has lost one oh your doing magic let's see then"
"Your manners are dreadful if I must say so myself" regraded Daphne with a disgusted look, "by any chance are you a muggleborn" the brown haired witch looked slightly taken a back "and what is wrong with that may I ask"
Daphne replied snootily "oh nothings wrong with it, it's just I always believed Dumbledore should teach muggleborns the basics to wizarding culture"
Harry interjected "don't worry about her she's just a bit pretentious at times I'm sure you're a well mannered erm"
"Sorry I'm Hermione Granger and you're?" before Harry could reply the blonde next to him did so
"Daphne Greengrass now can you go run along, we're trying to have a conversation here", Hermione was about to leave when Harry called her back.
"Hermione, you don't have to go just because Daph here says so, I mean if everybody starts cooperating with everything she says it'll be the most dull school year Hogwarts has ever seen, plus my parents told me to find new friends"
"Thank you I appreciate that ..erm.. it seems I don't know your name either"
Harry slightly nervous about revealing his identity, pushed his hair back, a reflex he'd learned from his dad, which actually helped give away his identity as Hermione saw the scar
"Holy Cricket, you're Harry Potter...and you are...? Looking questionably at Ron , "Ron Weasley"
"Well it's nice to meet you but I really need to help Neville with his toad."
"Have you been with him the whole journey?" responded Harry quickly.
"Pretty much why?"
"Was there a boy my height with browny ginger hair with him that looked quite like me?"
"Yeah Linfred they called him,…holy smokes he's Linfred Potter isn't he?"
"Yeah he is, do you mind if you see them again that you let him know where I am, thanks"
"No problem, I'm happy to return favours when the person in question is polite, bye" Hermione said while looking at Daphne.
"Typical, an intelligent muggleborn who is so brazen she thinks people are beneath her without experiencing any wizarding culture"
"Daph word of warning if you want to make any friends here I advise you to be slightly less cold and judging" laughed Harry.
"Harry shut up and tell me how we're going to meet without us being caught"
Harry got out the marauders map and proceeded to tell Daphne and Ron its functions, Samantha began to roll her her eyes. "Typical Harry, of course you would show and mention the map to your girlfriend, before you even showed it too your family, and the other marauder juniors, show off"
"How can it be showing off Sam, when I didn't even make it, no I was just showing it to Daph because we needed a way to meet up in private"
"What you just said is worse Harry, I mean you've just admitted that you're using the map for hidden snog sessions, not just for showing off."
"Firstly Sam we're just going to be talking, and secondly I imagine Sirius's main use of the map was to find hidden broom cupboards to take girls too"
"Eww I don't need to hear that about my dad!"
"Harry you can't blame Sam for inferring that, I mean why do you need to talk to Greengrass in secret or at all" admonished Ron who looked at Daphne in distain.
"Well our Daph here is under the impression that close links with the name Potter will no doubt harm her standing, furthermore she is under the illusion that the Slytherins notably I imagine Samantha's cousin Cygnus could physically hurt her am I right Daffy." Harry Sarcastically replied
"Potter do not talk to me like that you know as well as I that the Potters and the Blacks have a great distaste for each other"
Daphne alluded to the great rift that had divided the grey and light families during the first wizarding war. The initial rupture had been caused by the informal adoption of Sirius Black by Fleamont and Euphemia Potter, whom had housed Sirius after his banishment from Grimmauld Place. Orion Black was disgusted to the extent he petitioned for an formal blood feud to be made between the two great wizarding houses. His farther Arcturus Black III had strongly refuted the idea, Arcturus believed in blood purity and thus believed like many of his house that Sirius's behaviour were unacceptable for that of the a heir of a Blacks, yet was different at the same time, he had fallen for Melania Macmillan, a pureblood but a Hufflepuff and had been judged harshly by his farther. He was thus accustomed to Sirius's situation, his belief to refrain from quarrelling with the Potters were also due to Melania's love of Sirius. The continued stalemate between the two Houses remained until it was blown apart by two major events. While Lord Voldemort had been gaining followers the House of Black and House of Potter had remained away from the headlines. Arcturus Black had strongly refuted joining the desperado that named himself Voldemort. Yet despite this Arcturus had allowed younger members of his family to infiltrate the ranks of Voldemort, through lack of care but also curiosity. The resulting attitude led Regulus to his death, while Arcturus knew Voldemort was behind it he made little effort too confront him, at this stage the family was more important. This event was the first to cause the great rift that was apparent today. This combined with Arcturus confronting Sirius to re-establish links with his family caused the full rift to develop on hearing both James and Sirius had joined the auror force and that Sirius noted to Arcturus Black that he would never return while his mother and father were still present, Arcturus had little belief in Sirius yet struggled to come to terms that it was the boys fault, instead the scapegoat were in fact the Potters.
Acting coy Harry responded "I dunno daph if you ask Sam, Wilfred and Sirius I'm sure they would be happy with you talking to me"
"You're infuriating Potter"
"Whatever"
"Right get up I'll take you to some Slytherins and I'll show you what they're like," Harry stayed sitting "get up Harry" barked Daphne,
"Daph I believe what you're saying, I just want us to remain friends because if you're willing to severe ties to me in public whom I supposed trust after that"
"Just believe in me Harry I will not forget you nor will I stop being your friend but in public we must act differently ok!"
"Fine so be it I'll meet you after the feast"
Harry stomped off down the train leaving a little shell shocked Daphne, Harry in his haste was not looking to where he was going and walked head first into Susan Bones. "Oh sorry I didn't mean to.. oh hi Susan I didn't mean to knock you over"
"it's alright Harry, what's up with you?"
"I'd rather not talk about it"
"You want too meet my friend Hannah Abbot she's in the carriage down th
e hall I think she's with your brother and Neville"
"Yeah alright then"
Linfred sprang up to grab Harry, "Hey bruv I was just about to come and see you since Hermione, told me where you were."
"Its alright Lenny, I'm not to hurt that you didn't come and see me straight away but I didn't exactly follow Hermione either to come and find you so we're even"
"So Lenny who've you met yet?"
"Well Justin, Hannah, Hermione, Neville and that Tracey girl"
"You?"
"Well Ron, Susan, Daphne, Hermione that's about it, what have you been up to?"
"Not much just talking about what to expect from Hogwarts"
"Not being funny Lenny but that sounds pretty lame are you up for doing something fun?"
"Like what?"
"Dunno but I fancy messing about with some Slytherins"
"Nah I'm alright Harry you've heard dad and Sirius talk about how sadistic they can be I'd rather not get on their bad side"
"You're just like Daph it's infuriating"
"Problems with the missus aye Harry" Neville added cheekily.
"Shut up Nev"
"What about you Susan want to muck about?"
"I guess so Harry" replied a nervous Susan
"Go on Sue you will have fun" winked Hannah.
"You don't have to if you don't want to Susan"
"No I've been stuck in a compartment the whole journey I might as well do something else right I mean auntie told me to try new things so why not" replied the timid Susan Bones
Once the two of them had put on their robes they made their way to the front of the train, where the prefects carriage awaited, "Damn the Slytherins must be at the back of the train since we didn't see them in any of the carriages we went through"
"Oh we'll just have to go all the way back"
"Actually Susan I reckon I've got a better idea instead"
"Oh what's that Harry"
"Well I don't know if you know but my dad was part of the marauders they are known for.."
"I know who they're Harry my auntie told me about them"
"Right well I kinda promised Sirius that I would keep up the tradition, and I've decided the best way to hold up that end of the bargain is to start off with a really big prank one that would go down in history"
"Ok we're gonna be safe though Harry aren't we?"
"Susan I don't want to force you into something you don't want to do are you sure you want to do it"
"Yeah Harry come on I might be nervous but I'm excited too"
"Ok so here's the plan, I know that from Percy Weasley the prefect, that all the brooms students bring to Hogwarts are kept in a closet in the prefect carriage and while it is locked under high levelled magic, it is likely easily unlocked by a simple muggle method of picking the lock."
"So what do you need me to do"
"Right Susan I need you to distract Percy, I've heard he is the one whom is left in charge of monitoring the cupboard, I'll sneak in without the others bothering me, just you need to get Percy out of the carriage"
"Ok I got an idea"
And before Harry could tell her the plan further she was off entering the prefect carriage. Five minutes later Percy was following Susan down the train leaving Harry his opportunity, Harry reacting quickly looked around checked nobody was looking and placed the invisibility cloak over him, while distracted he nearly bumped into Penelope Clearwater, Harry approached the cupboard with a paper clip that had been magical hardened by numerous charms, as suggested the cupboard suddenly unlocked, their in front of him were thousands of galleons worth of broomstick. The pranks magnitude suddenly dawned on Harry. Now Harry had ridden a broomstick nearly all his life yet had never felt a sense of obligation to them, but now he would be dealing with others expensive property and if he were to crash it would be an expensive bill passed to the Potters. Harry muttered to himself get a grip, he picked up the top of the line Cleansweep and made his way out of the prefects carriage quickly he suddenly rushed into the closest empty compartment in the next carriage, he struck the window shattering it, now the cost of the broom was not dawning upon Harry no it was the heavy laden that his life was strongly at risk too, as the train buffeted along at one hundred miles per hour, the wind blustery, again he breathed in muttering its not bragging if you can back it up and then shot out of the train window
Initially Harry was subjected to the general laws of physics as he found himself toward the very back of the carriage when he eventually go control of his broom. He looked into the final carriage window on the train to which he noticed three girls and two boys staring with gaping mouths. Harry blushed slightly, realising it was him whom they were staring at, but quickly scrambled his brain what would Sirius do. Harry instantly made up his mind he shot closer to the cabin, where he could identify two of the five onlookers, one was Tracey Davis, the other was a boy with black scruffy hair with them compromised of a large girl whom resembled a troll, a dark skinned boy who was slight and finally a girl the same height as Daphne but while Daphne was graced with long flowing blonde hair and button nose, the girl had a slight upturned nose and brown hair, Harry thinking of Sirius decided that maybe she was the best to act manly to so Harry preceded to wink at her and then shot off toward the front of the train, the surrounding landscape was imposing, the environment resembled moorland that was subject to barren weather year round. Harry underserved by the weather and surroundings reached the front of the train now was the tricky part, to accomplish his plan he would have to decouple the engine to its carriages, while Harry had little idea of how trains worked he had a good idea that it was rather simple that for the train to decouple the hook and the pin would have to be raised. Harry without thinking manoeuvred his way in between the train engine and the first carriage. Harry with as much strength as he could muster began to attempt to lift the hook, the safety mechanism however was designed to withstand much greater force in the muggle world,
Suddenly the train lurched as it made toward a corner up ahead was a rounded viaduct 30m high, the lurch caused Harry to become unbalanced causing his arm to smack against the carriage, in pain Harry gulped, physically he was tiring while mentally he recognised the bridge as the one his parents had described when asking how to gauge how close they were to Hogwarts. Harry knew he had little over 30 minutes to finish what he started. Suddenly Harry thought of something with his mind back to the cupboard he decided the alternative could work, Harry began to think what spells he could use leviosa suddenly sprung to mind.
The hook which had been attached to the pin suddenly lifted unbuckling the carriages to the engine, Harry pumped his fist as he watched the engine continue to chunter along, while the carriages were gradually coming to a stop, once stopped Harry found the Brocken compartment window and brought himself and the broom back onto the train carriage.
He was confronted by Penelope Clearwater, whom being a fifth year towered over him,
"What the hell do you think you're doing, my first day as a prefect and I get a thick big headed firsty who thinks it's a great idea to break a window and go for a joyride"
Penelope waited for Harry to answer yet was met by silence just before she was going to berate Harry again Percy Weasley stepped into the compartment, "Clearwater the situation is worse the carriages have not stopped because the train is faulty, no its because the train is no longer attached to the carriages."
"Can this day start off any worse, what's your name anyway, not that it matters I imagine you will be at a different school by tomorrow, I'm sure Dumbledore will not abide by this marauder attitude"
despite Harry's glumness, he immediately smiled when he heard Penelope's summary.
"Name kid"
"Harry James Potter"
"Shit, my day has just got worse"
"How is that Clearwater"
"Well Weasley it is highly unlikely the Hogwarts staff will frown upon the wizarding worlds chosen one and since the reckless child can no longer be blamed, the scapegoat pit will fall upon the two responsible in monitoring the brooms."
"Can I go, it's just.."
"No you will remain with us in the prefects carriage till the end of the journey"
Tracey had sprinted toward the front of the train, as soon as she had spotted Harry Potter shoot off away from the back of the train, in fact what she was doing was looking for her best mate Daphne Greengrass, while both members of an ancient and noble house the two acted very differently in public while Tracey was flamboyant and playful, Daphne often placated a neutral face in public releasing little emotion. While many would wonder how both ended up best friends it was clear to Tracey that, the Daphne in public was far from the Daphne she knew in private. While her teasing often broke Daphne down occasionally in front of people, there was only one person who could tear her mask down instantly no matter the circumstances, Harry Potter and while slightly jealous of this fact, Tracey loved it and would take advantage of it to the best of her ability, just like now.
Tracey found her in a compartment with Samantha Black, Linfred Potter, Ron Weasley, Neville Longbottom, Hermione Granger and Hannah Abbot, seemingly they had merged the two compartments into one, Tracey sauntered in and decided the best method was to be brash
"I must tell all those in the vicinity, since it concerns them that I saw something rather bold outside my window on the train"
"Tracey if this is just about some cute farmer you caught a glimpse of from the window I'm gonna…"
"Yeah Trace if this is about some dreamy male I'll paint your nails orange"
"Well Daphne I will have to suffer that consequence, but only if you do not believe the information is relevant or in fact interesting to you"
"Deal, its highly unlikely a man outside your window would appeal or interest an Greengrass heiress" replied Daphne snootily.
Tracey smirked and added slyly, "I would not be so sure o great heiress I'm sure your heart will and already has fluttered for this very man"
"Spit it out Tracey"
"Well let's just say Master Potter sure knows how to introduce himself to the Hogwarts's population and it's teachers"
"What do you mean Potter …wait you saw him through the inner window of the compartment door or the exterior window… don't answer that….was he on his broom as always?"
"Got there in the end Daph, I always knew you would know where Harry's most comfortable positions were" Tracey replied wiggling her eyebrows.
"Argh I'm gonna kill that boy, what the hell does he think he's doing didn't he listen to the rents when they told him to keep a reasonably low profile."
"I haven't even told you the worst yet Daphne"
"What now Tracey he's being chased by a dragon, or he's lost an arm from flying debris"
"Worse, he flew up to the carriage and winked at Pansy Parkinson."
Daphne Greengrass had always dealt with Harry's daring escapades, by shrugging and putting it down to youthful exuberance, but if Harry had started acting foolishly to impress girls then the calming technique would fail sure enough Daphne flipped like few had seen before she hexed Tracey for her troubles and then started punching the floor. Linfred eventually stepped in and held her, until the carriage lurched forward and then back suddenly.
"I'm guessing that's probably Harry" muttered Linfred.
Dumbledore was currently sitting at his desk, considering the situation, he had just been informed by Minerva that the train had arrived without carriages, from Minerva's reports the driver was left in a state of delirium. Minerva had managed to obtain some information though, as the driver had guessed that the carriages had unbuckled around half an hour from the destination. With only prefects supervising the train journey, Dumbledore hastily sent Professor Sinistra and Madame Hooch to investigate further. Dumbledore however was relatively calm the train was protected by old Hogwarts magic to which shielded any attempts of malevolent behaviour toward the train and its students. Weighing up these facts it had come to Dumbledore that a student was the likely cause of the train debacle, what was not clear was if it was an accident or a prank.
Professor Sinistra entered the train through the front carriages door, when entering her eyes immediately locked onto a small young boy whom was surrounded by three prefects. Sinistra immediately caught on that it was in fact this small boy that was either a victim or the culprit. Striding over she announced her presence to the group
"I'm guessing master Weasley that this boy has some link to the train decoupling."
"Yes professor this is the culprit"
"What is your name, I don't recognise you"
"I'm a first year professor" Harry tried to deflect her attention on his name
"I see, in that case I will definitely require your name please"
"Harry James Potter miss"
"Is there anything you want to tell me that could prove your innocence"
"Not really professor accept that I admit I was the sole perpetrator "
"Which means you were not, however while this is a serious issue master Potter, it is my understanding that the headmaster, was aware that it could be a prank and thus cautioned me with regard to an interrogation."
"So I'll be the only one taking the fall" replied Harry with a smile
"Yes master Potter, now if this were usual I would take you to Dumbledore for further questioning but since we're not at Hogwarts yet and that you're an unsorted firsty I'm allowing you to go back to your original compartment, but no more funny business ok master Potter"
"Yes Professor"
Harry walked back down the carriages to a mixed reception, while many still had know clue to whom he was word had travelled that a firsty had instigated the train incident, some whispered quietly in awe, some looked with caution and other looked upon him with an attitude of disgust. Harry made it to his compartment where he was met with 8 sets of eyes staring at him
"Hey how is everyone"
The room remained quiet everybody waiting for someone to react first of course it was Daphne
"WHAT THE HELL POTTER, YOU GO FLYING OFF LIKE A MANIAC, WHERE YOU COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED, YOU WINK AT GODDAM PANSY PARKINSON AND THEN HAVE THE GUTS TO COME IN HERE AND JUST SAY HEY, IM VERY CLOSE TO LYNCHING YOU"
"Well at least I don't need to ask for Daph's opinion then" smiled Harry shyly
Hannah, Tracey and Sam laughed, Neville and Hermione frowned, and Linfred just smiled, he'd seen Harry like this a few times while he continued his outer confidence, the shy smile usually presented itself after disappointing Daphne, its appearance in Linfred opinion showed Harry's frailties in that really like everybody else he wanted and required comfort and support.
"Sorry Daph, I probably should of thought of the consequences beforehand"
Daphne then walked up to Harry and pushed him onto the seat, she bent down to reach Harry's level their faces less than foot apart and then whispered in Harry ear, "you will be the death of me Harry James Potter, but I will stick with you know matter what" to which Daphne got back up and sat opposite Harry.
"Well that was pretty heated want to tell us anything you two" asked Sam while Tracey cackled in the background, the response from both were two resounding no's.
"So it was Pansy that I winked at then" Harry started to break the silence
"Yep while she didn't know who you were, she seemed pretty struck afterwards, you'd make a funny couple I must say" admitted Tracey
"Harry won't go near her with a 10 foot pole if she is anything like that Malfoy she hangs out with" replied Linfred confidently.
"Dunno Harry might like the pug nose thing I hear it can be a turn on"
"A turn what?" remarked Harry and Neville at the same time
"It means you find her nose appealing Harry" remarked Hermione.
"How can anyone find that appealing, I mean she looks a lot like a dog"
"There is no need for that Daph, she seems to look nice from where I was I mea… erm… what is it that you call it Lenny"
"I think the word you're looking for is pretty, oh yeah that then"
"Really Harry you prefer her to Daphne, I mean are you blind?" regarded Tracey immediately.
"Hey Tracey you should no that there is nobody I prefer more than Daphne."
"Tell her that she's pretty then" remarked Tracey
"She doesn't need to hear that from me she already knows and feels pretty she does not need me to sing her praises do I Daph"
Daphne was still in a trance set from hearing Harry thought Pansy Parkinson looked nice. "Sorry what were you saying Harry, actually it doesn't matter why don't we figure out how we are going to prevent Harry from being suspended"
Harry was standing in front of a set of huge wooden doors, marked by metal, Harry imagined a troll would have difficulty barging through the thick wood. After a minute the door swung open, a elderly woman walked over, while looking slightly haggard the professor emitted an air of sternness, she talked to the giant Hagrid for a second in stage whisper, when she addressed the first years,
"Follow quickly and quietly behind me, no wandering off we have been delayed enough as it is" the entranceway was huge, it reminded Harry of a muggle Churches nave, the first years followed the professor up a set of stairs before McGonagall addressed them
"Welcome to Hogwarts," she then went into a monologue about the houses and the sorting process, which to Harry was rather uneventful
"I will leave you now for a few minutes and then return, I advise to remain calm and remain still as to avoid any incidents" staring pointedly at Harry.
Harry refrained from messing about because in truth he was slightly nervous, all around him was a mix of nervous and exited energy. Harry was standing next to Daphne now, he whispered
"You ready?
"Yeah I'm a bit nervous though"
While Daphne had been acting pretty cold to Harry since the train, Daphne found it reassuring when Harry silently and inconspicuously slid his hand into hers while they waited. Ron was fidgeting nearby, he then made his way over to Harry.
"I'm not sure I can fight a troll Harry, I might not get into Gryffindor!"
"What the hell are you talking about?" muttered Harry
"Fred said I'd have to fight of a troll to prove my bravery"
"I wouldn't worry about it Ron"
While Harry was tempted to put the nervous Ron out of his misery and tell Ron about the sorting hat, he decided that it would be funny to see his reaction, after 5 minutes the strict professor had returned.
"Follow me we're ready for you now"
The first years followed McGonagall into the great hall, to which she proceeded to bring them to the front. Professor McGonagall now stepped forward holding a long roll of parchment.
"When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted," she said.
"That's all it is, bloody hell Fred" shouted Ron loudly, The whole hall including Dumbledore chuckled at Ron's outburst
Mr Weasley please Deter from interrupting again "Abbott, Hannah!" The pink-faced girl on the train with blonde pigtails stumbled out of line, put on the hat, A moments pause "Hufflepuff!" shouted the hat. The table on the right cheered and clapped as Hannah went to sit down at the Hufflepuff table.
"Bones, Susan!" The sweet, shy strawberry blonde girl scurried over, slightly embarrassed from the attention "Hufflepuff!" shouted the hat again, and Susan scuttled off to sit next to Hannah.
"Boot, Terry!" a brown haired nondescript boy whom could blend into a crowd walked to the front
"Ravenclaw!". After Boot, Harry, Linfred and Daphne started to guess the house which each person would go to
"Lavender Brown!"
"She's definitely a puff, she looks to have no talent" regarded Daphne, I second that whispered Linfred, Harry though hesitated and the muttered Gryffindor, "why?"
"I heard her before, she was wittering on to one of the Patils how she got two boys too lift her out of the boat, I'd say demanding two lads who you've only just met to lift her out takes nerve"
"Gryffindor"
"1-0" whispered Harry
"Bulstrode, Millicent!"
"Definitely Slytherin" muttered Daphne "I've seen at most of them pretentious pureblood balls"
"You probs shouldn't of told us that Daph I was gonna say the Claws but hey I'll say Slytherin" smirked Harry.
"Slytherin"
"Corner, Michael!"
A long black haired boy stepped forward, Harry laughed "somebody's trying to pull of the Sirius look, he'll struggle though he looks rather uptight and cupboardy"
"What's that supposed to mean?" regarded Daphne,
"he lacks any mischief" all three then proceeded to label him as a Ravenclaw
"Ravenclaw"
The next two boys were Cornfoot and Crabbe, to which Daphne got both right whereas the twins only predicted Crabbe.
"Davis, Tracey"
This should be good your turn Lenny to go first, well she's a half blood, so while cunning she'll end up in Hufflepuff than Slytherin"
"Wrong she's way too boisterous of a personality, I'm stuck on this one" muttered Daphne
"Trace will be a Slytherin, her dad was a Slytherin and she's got nearly all their so called blessed traits"
" I'll go with Harry on this then." Muttered Linfred.
"Slytherin"
Harry and Linfred smiled but Daph looked solemn, "hey Daph why the long face"
"she'll be ridiculed their, for her ancestry I just think she deserves better than that I'm just worried for her"
After some time of the hat sorting others to whom had little relevance to the three the scores were 8 for Daphne and Harry, while only seven for Lenny.
"Granger, Hermione!" the name Granger caught Harry's attention Hermione ran to the stool, impatient to learn more from a magical artefact plus gain information on herself, well this will be the last one, before I'm up there so let's say winner takes all aye Harry" whispered Daphne.
" yeah why not, I'm going to say Claw, safe bet."
"I second that" whispered Daphne
"Well this isn't gonna be fun because that's the way I'm heading too. However I'll push the boat out then because I can see her in Gryffindor to."
"Gryffindor!" shouted the hat. Harry raised his eyebrows to that as did Daph, in their minds Hermione was a nailed on Ravenclaw. Lenny just smiled and whispered better luck next time.
"Greengrass, Daphne"
Harry had a lot invested in this decision, Daphne sat there for over a minute, Harry began to fidget worrying for Daphne not to be chosen at all until suddenly the hat announced loudly "Slytherin" Harry deflated a bit after the decision but as soon as Daphne removed the hat she looked toward Harry for almost mutual reassurance, to which Harry responded with a smile that didn't quite match the sorrow in his eyes,
"she'll be alright mate" encouraged Lenny.
When Malfoy swaggered forward to be sorted, Harry whispered to Linfred "that must be the ferret ponce that Daphne refers to all the time" the hat barely touched his head when it screamed, "Slytherin!" Malfoy went to join his friends Crabbe and Goyle, looking pleased with himself.
Eventually the sorting got to the Ps and then finally
"Potter, Harry!"
As Harry stepped forward, he was reminded of just how famous his last name was, while Harry had grown up in the relatively private manor, away from the limelight, Lily and James knew they'd struggle to keep Harry sheltered and thus had often in great length reference the famous Halloween night. While Harry was aware, he'd never been subject to any differences, now all the eyes staring and mutterings were rather uncomfortable.
He approached the hat and McGonagall dropped the hat on him Hmm," said a small voice in his ear. "Difficult. Very difficult. Plenty of courage, I see. Not a bad mind either. There's talent, A my goodness, yes - and a nice thirst to prove yourself, now that's interesting... So where shall I put you?"
Harry gripped the edges of the stool and thought, Gryffindor is where I belong why is that eh? I'm just like my dad and he's a Gryff,"
"Are you sure? You could be great, you know, it's all here in your head, and Slytherin will help you on the way to greatness, no doubt about that –
No, I want to be like my parents!"
"Well, if you're sure - better be Gryffindor!"
The Gryffindor table erupted, with Potter twins chanting while Samantha Black got up ran toward Harry and lifted him in the air with the help of a boy called Wood. Harry blushed red from all the attention, but was thankful once he'd sat down at the table
"Potter, Linfred"
While the majority population knew of the Potter twins, little or nobody gave him the same attention, Harry was the boy who lived, not himself.
"Aha another Potter, very similar, you too are courageous, strong headed, but your different too, you do not substantiate between others, no you can be fulfilled internally, and do not seek reassurance from afar, instead you already believe in your intelligence it has to be..
"Ravenclaw!"
Linfred made his way over to the Claws table and was welcomed by Terry Boot, hey I'm Terry I'll probably be your roomy. Linfred was surprised mostly because he had presumed that all the boys in each house shared one dormitory between themselves.
"Won't we all be sharing a dormitory" asked Linfred while pointing at Cornfoot and Corner"
"You have never heard of Ravenclaws traditional buddy system" replied Boot sceptically.
"Nope should I"
"I suppose your parents were Gryffindors, it's essentially to help in studies, so that if you're stuck you can ask your buddy for help"
"Isn't this house known for individuality though"
"Yes, but I mean the buddy system is essentially there to help Ravenclaws gain more house points, and I mean it's not as if your buddy will change your mind"
"So you reckon we've got a good chance of winning the house cup this year?" Started Linfred.
"Doubt it my older brother says that Slytherin have won it the last six years in a row, but he says that's due to professor Snape's bias toward his own house, Slytherin"
"Alright I see, so Boot you have a brother?"
"Yeah I've got two, ones in his final year and the other is in third year."
"I'm guessing your from a family of wizards and witches then, otherwise your parents would eat a hat or something, to keep three magical kids in order, without themselves being magical."
"Yeah I suppose, we're purebloods, yet we've only been around 7 generations, so we aren't to bigoted like the Slytherins over there"
"Good to know, I'm not sure I need a bigoted Slytherin in my life or in my bedroom, if you know what I mean"
"But don't you already have a bigoted Slytherin in your life?"
"What, of course not! don't be foolish"
"Isn't Harry your brother best friends with Greengrass"
"Well yes but she's not bigoted, just very proud of her origins"
"I suppose her best friends are Potter and Davis, I guess that obviously supporting evidence to your theory" muttered Boot.
At the Gryffindor table Harry was having a good time he'd met headless Nick, he'd stuffed his face full of treacle tart and now was proceeding to tease Hermione about her incessant book behaviour
"Harry you should know that, as a muggle born I'm inclined to study more to catch up with those like yourself that grew up in a wizarding family."
"Mione, you don't have to worry I went to a muggle primary school, and learnt little about magic other than how to control it, your probs way ahead of me already so why not relax for at least the first day eh?"
"What did you just say Harry"
"I said that you should relax because you're ahead of me already.."
"No at the start"
"What erm… oh you mean Mione it's a nickname hope that alright"
Hermione had never had a nickname as a quiet bookworm that acted differently to the other kids at school she lacked much attention, to gain a nickname at the first day of school made her heart leap.
"Thanks Harry, I love that name" she proclaimed excitedly.
Then proceeded to lecture Neville on the theory of transfiguration, Harry just rolled his eyes and turned back to Ron and Sam, whom were arguing about quidditch teams. Harry not wanting to get in the middle decided to scan the room, where he gazed upon first Daphne and then Lenny.
"You reckon Daphne and Lenny will be alright" he asked Neville
"Well I can't speak for Daphne but I know that Lenny will take it in his stride and let's be honest the hat chooses the best house for you"
Harry smiled "I suppose so, anyway when did you get so clever Nev", whom flushed slightly, Harry looked to the side of Neville and saw an expectant Hermione, "oh I see you've been listening to an intelligent girl with brown hair haven't you Nev" Hermione blushed from the compliment while Neville, lacking experience with girls coloured due to Harry's implication of getting friendly with Hermione.
"Shut up Harry I prefer it when you're talking to Greengrass, it's just my luck that I get this Potter twin" Neville replied jokingly.
"Hey we got the better Potter from where I'm sitting, from what I heard, you'll be in the quidditch team in no time" announced Oliver Wood.
"I'm glad I'm judged only for my amazing quidditch talent rather than my personality against Lenny" joked Harry
"Yeah but if it was based on your personality you would lose, because Lenny is gentle and kind" shrieked Samantha
"Harry you're our chosen-one"
"you'll lead us to the title" proclaimed Fred and George whom made habit of finishing off each other's sentences.
"Knock it off you two, we get that your twins no need to annoy us further" admonished Ron.
"Sorry little Ronniekins, but we hate to disappoint but that is one of the main reasons why we continue to finish each other's sentences" announced Fred.
Suddenly there was a loud clearing off the throats, Professor Dumbledore got to his feet again. The hall fell silent. Dumbledore witted on about the dangers of the forbidden forest, and no magic in the corridors, the revealing of quidditch try outs had gained Harry's attention however, thus he was attentive when he heard the third floor corridor out of bounds, Dumbledore finished his speech with
"Pip pip and off too bed"
All four Houses stood up and began to drift out in an orderly manner, Harry looked around saw Lenny, whom just nodded, which could be took as a I'm alright, Harry then began to look for Daphne, once he caught sight of the blonde he smoothly drifted in her direction, eventually reaching her side, he inconspicuously whispered
"if you're in trouble or just want to talk tonight or any time, walk back and forth in your dormitory three times I'll meet you outside of the dungeons, as quick as I can ok?"
Daphne nodded slowly, keeping an eye on those in her house that may catch on to what she was doing. Daphne's welcome to Slytherin had been as expected her pureblood background allowed her to remain above the teasers, with many of the elder years politely greeting her. While Daphne hoped to keep a low profile she'd decided that if her best friend Trace was in trouble then she would step in despite the likely outcome of her standing in Slytherin deteriorating. Daphne had met the rest of her Slytherin house mates, whom she'd had little contact with, prior to the pureblood balls. Blaise Zabini, Sophie Roper, Theodore Nott. Daphne couldn't wait to talk to just Tracey, as soon as she sat down she was bombarded with questions from Millicent Bulstrode and Sophie, while gaining unwanted attention from Malfoy.
Daphne and the following first year prefects were being guided around by the elder Gemma Farley, once at the dungeons, Daphne listened in to her welcoming speech, as a pureblood she was always to to be polite and attentive. Listening also allowed Daphne to observe the current Slytherin affairs within Hogwarts and outside. Inferring from Farley, it seemed Hogwarts staff had encouraged a more neutral Slytherin, trying to distance the house from its recent dark heritage. However Daphne felt the very essence of the cold dark common room discouraged their successfulness. Furthermore the intra house bickering had continued since her dads day with Farley making a point to subject Gryffindor to a couple of insults. After being dismissed as a group, Gemma Farley approached Daphne.
"Greengrass, I have been told to bring you to professor Snape's office, so please follow me"
Daphne proceeded to follow the fifth year prefect, surprised by the summoning, they left the common room and proceeded further into the dungeons, Gemma brought Daphne into a small cramped room dominated by dark wooden furniture.
"Have a seat Miss Greengrass" directed Snape whom had entered the room after them
"Sir, eh what is this about I don't think I've done anything wrong"
"Don't worry Miss Greengrass, I'm only here to notify you that there has been a change to your dormitory plan for this year"
"What do you mean sir I thought as of tradition I would be rooming with the four pupils of my year"
"That maybe the most well known tradition however, on occasion either the staff of Hogwarts or parents of a child often wish for different circumstances to which, Slytherin house can adjust to"
Daphne catching on too his meaning bluntly replied "and to who will I be sharing a dormitory with then professor?"
"Miss Parkinson will be your roommate, it has been requested by her family that she is accompanied with a girl of her standing so to speak."
"I see, so I'm her roomie because of my standing, do I get a say in this?"
"I'm afraid not Miss Greengrass, Mr Parkinson is high up with the school governors and thus his request is often taken seriously. Furthermore the other options this year according to Mr Parkinson are very much below his standard."
"Why? I mean I can see why he thinks that of Tracey, but why the others"
"Let me be frank Miss Greengrass I'm not a teacher that gossips and thus will remain silent on his thinking, will you be able to get yourself back to the common room?"
"Yes sir"
Once back in the common room she made her way up the stairs that resembles a manor she turned right to the girls dorms, she made her way to the far end where the first years dorms were, and walked in where their were further two doors, proceeding to enter the door with Greengrass and Parkinson above she was met by a room that had three large windows opposite the two beds which looked out onto the hidden depths of the black lake. The room was a simple rectangle, yet the décor was rich the wallpaper a dark green, the furniture dark wooden black lined with silver, the four poster bed also black but trimmed with silver. Eventually Daphne met eyes with her roommate.
"Hello Parkinson"
"Greengrass"
"I took the far bed, I hope that's ok"
"That's fine, erm how was your summer?"
"Oh brilliant I met Draco a lot, his mum was very kind and sweet, their home is lovely, have you seen it Greengrass"
"Yeah I have unfortunately seen it many a time, don't you think it lacks a bit of soul or character?
"What do you mean unfortunately, the Malfoy's are a well bred pureblood family, it is always pleasant to meet such a family in their own manor?"
"Yeah but it's not fun is it, I mean let's be frank Lucius hardly let's Draco off his leash metaphorically speaking", Pansy frowned "but don't get me wrong Narcissa is very nice" Daphne responded trying to not upset Pansy to much.
"Yes the whole family are nice aren't they, right I'm going to loo to wash up, goodbye".
Daphne groaned when Pansy left, while the girl seemed relatively harmless, Daphne knew she had a viscous side to her, especially to those she viewed below herself. Daphne had known Pansy as long as Harry and Tracey, and while at the start they were very close friends, they had drifted apart to mere acquaintances, yet both continued to respect the other. Daphne however wasn't sure she could keep up the small talk, or pureblood gossip that was likely to follow once Pansy got back, she was tired already and just required piece, ruling out Tracey therefore as a place of refuge, she began to pace her room back and forth three times.
20 minutes later Daphne was waiting outside the Slytherin common room slightly to the side hidden in an alcove.
"Pssst Daph I'm here where are you" of course Harry while still having the map hadn't looked at it since he'd set off
"Over here Harry,"
"Oh there you are, what's up are you alright"
"Yeah just that I'm not rooming with Tracey, but instead Parkinson"
"Oh bummer, is she already annoying you?"
"Well no but I'm just to tired to hear her witter on?"
"You want to come back to Gryffindor, it's pretty quiet there now most people are asleep"
"What you're just going to show a snake like me where the lions den is" responded Daphne in a teasing way.
"Now Daffy you know I don't think you of a common snake, nope you're my snake" Harry quipped while also winking, Daphne in return giggled and proceeded to get under the cloak too.
"How far is it Harry" whispered Daphne while walking
"It's probably about 20 minutes considering we have to get up a lot of stairs.
"You could of told me that earlier! I came to you because I was tired if I wanted a physical or mental workout I could of just gone and seen Tracey!"
"That maybe the case Daffy but let's be honest you were curious to see Gryffindor and most of all you just wanted to see me, your so called best friend"
"Shut up Harry nobody likes a know it all"
Eventually they reached the fat lady, Harry sprung his cloak off to reveal himself and muttered "Caput Draconis"
Daphne walked with Harry through the tubed corridor and was welcomed by a warm cosy environment that was the common room, with the fire blazing, there were only two people left. To which she recognised as Hermione Granger and Samantha Black
"Where have you been Harry, we were told not to go out after curfew"
Harry just shrugged and replied "sorry Mione I'll remember in the future"
"I'm not to bothered about when you go out but I'am bothered that you won't say where or who you saw, was it Lenny?" Asked Samantha Black
"Maybe"
"Don't act coy with me Harry Potter I will find out all I have to do is ask Linfred tomorrow"
"Yeah ok goodnight"
Harry silently made his way up to the dormitory, where all four of his roommates were asleep, he proceeded to take the cloak off Daphne, and put it in his bedside table. Daphne was just about to speak when Harry put his finger to his mouth indicating shush. Harry climbed into bed followed by Daphne, he shut the blinds and muttered muffliato
"Go on then"
"You brought me to your bedroom" squeaked Daphne.
"Where else was I going to bring you if you wanted to talk in private, I couldn't exactly talk in the common room, the Weasley twins could of come down, or worse Samantha"
"So you thought, I know where's best I'll bring my friend to my bedroom!"
"So what's wrong with that? you've been in my bed at home hundreds of times."
"Yeah but, there aren't four other boys in their asleep, also the room is in a state Harry, there was clothes everywhere including underwear Harry! I don't want to see that, how am I supposed to forget them bright orange Chudley Cannons boxer shorts."
"Well next time you can take me to your bedroom if it's so bad in here"
"So how was the rest of your housemates?"
"Well Draco was his usual overbearing self"
"If he makes you uncomfortable I'll hex him all the way to Madame Pomfrey"
"Thank you Harry, but I can handle Draco, Crabbe and Goyle are still clueless as ever, Blaise and Theodore don't seem to bad, Roper and Bulstrode were just nosy but seemed ok I guess".
"Isn't Theodore a first name"
"Yeah it is Harry, why what's wrong with that, so is Blaise if you must know"
"Dunno you just don't usually call anybody by their first names without being friends, it's just a bit odd, do you like them? What are their surnames"
"Nott and Zabini, and Harry it's like the first day I can't really judge them fairly at the minute"
"Nott senior was a death eater Daphne don't get to close ok"
"What's your problem Harry he's a kid just like us, I will not judge him because of who his father was"
"Sorry Daph I didn't mean to upset you, I'm just looking out for you, I'm always gonna protect you Daph, especially since Sirius told me that's the manly thing to do" Daphne giggled and whispered in Harry's ear,
"Thank you Goodnight Harry" before Harry could respond she'd cuddled into him and shut her eyes, essentially stopping their conversation, Harry just smiled, while putting his head on the pillow, first day complete, Hogwarts was going to be great.