Harry Potter and the Once and Future King.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Merlin.
Summary: Harry has a twin brother, who is the boy-who-lived. Raise away from his birth family, and trained by some of the most powerful witch and wizard ever lived, Harry forged a different path for himself. Joins Hogwarts at Fourth-year. Good Dumbledore.
A/N: Edited – Shout-out to Reviewer "Reader AZ" who notices some mistakes with this chapter. I've revised the mistakes. Cheers."
Chapter Two: Explosive Debut at Hogwarts!
September arrive, Morgana and Merlin brought Harry to King's Cross Station. For generations, witches and wizards have brought to children to platform nine-an-three-quarters to take the Hogwarts Express to Hogsmeade. Morgana and Merlin are unable to conceive as a by-product of their supernatural immortality – as such, they had never had the experience of taking a son or daughter to the platform. It was proving to be an exciting and emotional experience for the family.
Harry followed the other students through the gateway into the platform. Morgana and Merlin followed behind.
"Please write to us at least once every few days." Said Morgana, almost tearfully.
"Honey, please, you're making a scene."
"I can make a scene if I damn-well want to!" She hissed to her husband.
"Mum, I'll write to you once a day." Promised Harry, he scratched an x over his chest. "Cross my heart."
Morgana loved it when Harry calls her mum or mother. "I expect perfect grades."
"Take care, Harry." Merlin nodded with pride.
"I'll be back for Christmas break." Harry said before he heads off. He only carried a single luggage case. His luggage imbued with an expansion charm. Inside the luggage was a small apartment. Such an item was very expensive to purchase, but Morgana wanted the best for her son.
Taking a deep breath, Harry stepped on board the locomotive vessel. He cast one last look at his guardians, flashing them a quick two-finger salute before walking down the carriage.
He found a compartment with three other students in it. "I hope you don't mind, but the other compartments are full."
The slightly chubby teen nodded politely. "Um, sure."
"Cheers, mate." Harry smiled. "I'm Harry."
"I'm Neville Longbottom." Neville shook Harry's hands.
Harry then turned to the other two ladies in the compartment. He reached out to shake their hands as they introduced themselves.
"Hannah Abbott." The blonde girl said.
"Susan Bones." Susan said.
"Pleasure." Harry winked and smiled, causing Susan and Hannah to blush slightly.
He then took the seat beside the boy, situated near the door and across from the two female Hogwarts students. Harry kept to himself as the train went on the move. Neville, Susan and Hannah talked amongst themselves.
Thirty minutes in, one of them spoke directly to Harry. It was Neville.
"Um, Harry, what year are you in, I don't believe I've seen you before, not that I know everyone." Neville added meekly.
"You would be correct. I transferred here from Ilvermorny." Harry said, going with the fabricated story. "I am in my fourth year this year."
"Ilvermorny!" Hannah said with surprise. "From America?"
Harry nodded and smiled.
"What's it like?" Susan questioned curiously.
Harry had no idea how to respond, having never set foot in Ilvermorny before. "The castle is magical. The students are friendly. And the professors are strict, but kind." Harry shrugged, he was basically describing Camelot in very vague details.
Susan seemed satisfied. "So, you haven't been sorted yet? We're fourth-years as well. So we might even me housemates." She mused.
"I'm okay to be sorted with any of the houses, to be honest." Harry opined. "What houses are you guys in."
"I'm in Gryffindor." Neville told. "Hannah and Susan are in Hufflepuff."
Shortly before arriving, Harry and Neville left the compartment so the girls could change into their school robes. Then they swapped.
Harry's uniform and robes look like theirs, except they lack any additional colour to them that would indicate his school house. After his sorting, Harry plan to send a letter to Morgana, then she would purchase the uniform with house colours on them.
"First-years, come with me!" A giant of man called out across the platform.
'He must be a half-giant. Wicked.' Harry gaped. He turned to Neville. "I think I'll go with the First-years. Catch you guys around." He said with a grin.
It was tradition for the First Years to take canoes across the lake into the Castle. On the small boats, the younglings all looked at him strangely, probably wondering why an older student was going with them.
He followed the large man, whom he learnt was called Hagrid. They made their way towards great hall, where he recognised Professor McGonagall standing just outside the great hall.
"Welcome to Hogwarts." She said. "When I call out your name, please walk down towards the stool. You will then be sorted." She gave Harry a look. Merlin and Morgana had managed to persuade the Transfiguration professor not to inform Dumbledore of Harry's transfer to Hogwarts, at least not until the sorting. She agreed, as the Headmaster doesn't necessarily need to be informed of such matters.
Harry watched from afar as each of the first-year students were called out by name. He figured, being the only Fourth-year among them, his name would be the last to be called out.
"Harry Potter!" Professor McGonagall finally called out. With a breath, he stepped forward.
(Line break)
Lily Potter, the smartest and brightest witch of generation was sitting at the long table at the end of the Great Hall. Her eyes habitually fleet towards her son.
But her presence at this moment wasn't in the capacity as a helicopter parent. No. She was the Muggle Studies professor at Hogwarts, and the occasional Charms substitute teacher.
William's hair looked like a shade half-way between her red hair and James' dark hair. Growing up, her son had been somewhat arrogant, reminding her of his father during his early years at Hogwarts. But it never ceased to surprise her the trouble and adventure he gets into each year. Each tribulation, she saw her son growing into a more mature young man.
In his first year, William faced Voldermort, who was reduced to nothing more than a wraith. The dark lord had attempted a revival by taking the Philosopher stone.
In second year, the Chamber of Secrets was opened. This event too was related to a diary Voldermort left behind.
In third-year, Peter Pettigrew escaped from Azkaban. He tried to kidnap William.
And now it was the fourth-year.
'Dear Merlin, just one year without any danger…' She prayed.
On both of Williams side, were Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger. Lily attribute William's reform in behaviour to Miss Granger's friendship. She rather like Hermione, as the young muggleborn-Witch reminds her of herself when she was at Hogwarts.
Her younger daughter, born a year after Voldermort's fall was now in her second year. She was sorted in Gryffindor as well, and Lily could make her form at the other end of the Gryffindor table. Her daughter was a carbon copy of her. Scarlet hair and emerald green eyes.
The Sorting Hat began to sing, as it does every year. And every year, a different song.
"A thousand years or more ago
When I was newly sewn,
There lived four wizards of renown,
Whose names are still well known:
Bold Gryffindor, from wild moor,
Fair Ravenclaw, from glen,
Sweet Hufflepuff, from valley broad,
Shrewd Slytherin, from fen.
They shared a wish, a hope, a dream,
They hatched a daring plan
To educate young sorcerers
Thus Hogwarts School began.
Now each of these four founders
Formed their own house, for each
Did value different virtues
In the ones they had to teach.
By Gryffindor, the bravest were
Prized far beyond the rest;
For Ravenclaw, the cleverest
Would always be the best;
For Hufflepuff, hard workers were
Most worthy of admission;
And power-hungry Slytherin
Loved those of great ambition.
While still alive they did divide
Their favourites from the throng,
Yet how to pick the worthy ones
When they were dead and gone?
Twas Gryffindor who found the way,
He whipped me off his head
The founders put some brains in me
So I could choose instead!
Now slip me snug about your ears,
I've never yet been wrong,
I'll have a look inside your mind
And tell where you belong!"
The final note of the song informed Lily that the sorting was about to begin. She tried to pay attention, as many of these new first-years are going to be her student. As a former Gryffindor, she was also interested to see the New Gryffindor.
Overall, she though the Sorting hat had divided the cohort rather evenly. Lily believed the sorting should almost be done now. Patiently, she listened as McGonagall called the last of the to-be-sorted students.
"Harry Potter!" She called out.
Lily felt her breath hitched in her throat. Her chest began to feel heavy, and her blood ran cold. Did she hear correctly? Apparently, she did, because everyone around, students were whispering, they were repeating the word 'Potter' with confusion. The Hall was buzzing with whispers and movements.
Her head snapped towards the entrance to Great Hall.
A young man walked confidently towards the Sorting hat. Lily almost gasped. Even from afar, the young man held an incredible resemblance to James. No doubt, others were making the connection. Lily unconsciously covered her mouth her hand. 'It's Harry!' She felt wetness flowing from her eyes, and down her cheeks. She kept her eyes on Harry. 'What is he doing here…' Out of the corner of her eyes, she knew her other children were casting glances at her.
Harry sat down on the stool. The Hat was then place atop his head.
Lily watched, wondering which House her eldest son would be sort into. 'He's grown so big…and I missed it all. I wonder if he knows about me…what has Petunia told him?'
After nearly five minutes, the Hat still haven't made a decision. Lily thought it was odd.
Meanwhile at the Slytherin table – Daphne Greengrass was having her very own reaction to Harry Potter's debut at Hogwarts. While his last name had pique her interest during the sorting, it was his face that caught her attention.
It was him. The look on Astoria's face confirmed any small doubts she might have had. Harry Potter was the boy who saved her and her sister the night of the Quidditch World Cup. Why's he here? She thought. Cascades of questions filled her mind. Is he related to the Boy-Who-Lived? And Daphne figured the best way to find out is to ask Harry Potter himself.
The Gryffindor table was a buzzed.
"Hey mate, did McGonagall say 'Potter'?" Ron said sharply. "Is he a distant cousin or something?"
William, looking pensive, didn't reply right away. He saw the emotional look adorn on his mother's face. "I think he's my brother…"
"I didn't know you have a brother." Hermione said strangely.
"He's my twin-brother. My mum and dad doesn't really talk about it. I only knew about it because my godfather accidentally let it slip once last year." William admitted.
"Where has he been all this time?" Ron said with a frown.
"Never mind that, why didn't he live with you?" Hermione pressed.
"Sirius didn't say much, only that an accident left him a squib, so my parents sent him to live with our muggle relatives."
"That's not fair." Hermione couldn't help but remarked.
"They wanted him to live a normal life." William defended.
Hermione stilled her tongue.
Further down the table, Roselyn Potter stared with wide-eye at Harry Potter, whom looked like a younger copy of her father.
"Hey Rose, do you know him, he has the same last name as you." Ginny asked quietly.
Roselyn shook her head in denial. "I've never seen him before…" But hesitantly, she added, "but I think my mum does."
Roselyn saw her mother's expression. She looked to be on the verge of tears.
Roselyn and William shared a look. They were going to have to see their mother later for an explanation.
"Very interesting Mister Potter." The Hat said aloud. "It's been a very long time since I had this much trouble sorting a student. A very long time, indeed. You have qualities befitting all four houses."
Some of the Professors at the table gasped. The students were similarly galvanised. To them, this must seem novel and exciting, as it almost never happens.
"I look forward to seeing your potential, Mister Potter." The Hat chuckled. "So better be, RAVENCLAW!"
The hall was met with silence at that announcement.
William and Roselyn were surprised. A Potter in Ravenclaw.
The silence was like the calm before a storm. The Ravenclaw table erupted into applause, welcoming their newest member.
Lily Potter watched poignantly as her estranged son moved to sit with the Ravens.
Even Albus Dumbledore seemed shock at the development.
Professor McGonagall cleared her throat. "Albus." She signalled. That seemed to do the trick to wake Albus out of his reverie.
Professor Dumbledore got to his feet, his arms opened in wide welcome. "May the feast commence!"
(Line Break)
Harry walked towards the Ravenclaw table. The Ravens even made room for him to sit with the other Fourth-year Ravenclaw students. He could feel all eyes were on him, he could nothing but try his best to ignore them.
"Hello Harry, welcome to Ravenclaw. I'm Padma Patil." A fourth-year girl introduced politely. She sat to his right.
"Thanks." He beamed.
Anthony Goldstein, Lisa Turpin, Michael Corner, Isobel MacDougal, Sue Li and Terry Boot each similarly introduced themselves.
Harry then noticed an elderly Wizard address the entire hall. His voice was deep and it echoed soundingly across the Hall.
"May the feast commence!" Dumbledore issued, and the tables were suddenly lavished with dish and rich cuisine.
Harry helped himself to some chicken, roast vegies and bread. He realised that the Ravens sitting near him were still looking at him expectedly.
Raising an eyebrow, he said. "Just ask whatever's on your mind, I won't bite."
It was Lisa Turpin who spoke. She has medium length brown hair and a heart shaped face. To Harry, she had a very kind demeanour.
"Are you related to William Potter?" She said with barely restrained curiosity.
"Are you all wondering the same thing?" Harry questioned.
They nodded collectively.
Harry sighed. "If you must know, William is my twin brother."
This elicited surprised gasps from all those within earshot.
"If you're his twin, where have you been all this time?" Terry Boot questioned.
"Umm, that's a bit more complicated." Harry supposed. "I only found out about being related to the Potters recently."
"Guys, stop interrogating Harry. Let him eat." Padma admonished, sensing Harry's sudden discomfort in answering their questions. He mouthed her a silent 'thank-you.'
"Sorry Harry, I didn't mean to pry." Terry said.
"It's alright. I can hardly fault someone from the House of Knowledge for being curious." Harry dismissed good-naturedly.
"Wow, the food is awesome." Harry said with appreciation.
"Does it match the standard at Ilvermorny?" Lisa said coyly.
"It just might." Harry chortled whilst thinking of the cuisine prepared by the house-elves within Camelot.
As he ate, Harry glanced towards the professor's table. As he scanned the length of the long table, his emerald eyes met with eyes of identical shade and ambiance. Quickly, Harry turned back towards his plate. Harry couldn't deny that his mother was a beautiful woman. Was she still staring, Harry didn't dare to look up again, lest he wanted to increase the awkwardness.
He couldn't just waltz up to her and say, 'Hey, not sure if you recall, but I'm your son, cheerio.' Harry quickly shook his head to clear away to incessant thoughts.
(Line Break)
Lily's heart jumped when she saw Harry looked at her. When he quickly cast his eyes elsewhere, she couldn't help but feel dishearten. She felt weighed down – inside, her guilt was spiralling.
Professor McGonagall sat down beside Lily.
"Did you know?" Lily asked cooly.
McGonagall nodded, taking a casual sip of her Pumpkin juice.
"Why didn't you tell me?!" Lily hissed lowly.
"It wasn't my business to tell." The Transfiguration professor replied.
"He's my son." She said sharply, but quietly.
"A son you sent away." McGonagall said with clear disapproval.
"I-I…" Lily's breath hitched, unable to find words to justify her actions. Her voice softened. "I thought I was doing what's best for him, even Albus said he doesn't have any magic-"
"I assure you, he does." McGonagall cut in. "I'm sorry Lily, but that's the truth. If it's any consolation, he seems like a very well-adjusted and intelligent young man."
"You've spoken to him then? What can you tell me?" Lily asked, with desperation layered in her voice.
"I can tell you a number of things from what I've seen of Mister Potter, the elder." McGonagall said. "But I think it's best for you to learn these things for yourself."
"I don't know where to begin."
(Line Break)
After everyone was properly fed and watered, Professor Dumbledore stood up once more. "It is my painful duty to inform you that the inter-house Quidditch Cup will not take place this year."
"I guess I won't get to try out for the team this year." Harry groaned quietly to himself. Apart of his desire to go to Hogwarts is to try out for the Quidditch team.
"This is due to an event that will be starting in October, and throughout the school year, taking up much of the teacher's time and energy – but I am sure you will enjoy it immensely. I have great pleasure in announcing that this year at Hogwarts –"
At that moment, the sky ceiling thundered loudly. The large doors of the Great Hall banged open audibly. Standing under the archway was a frightening silhouette of a man. The lightning momentarily illuminated his appearance. His face looked like it had been disfigured and scarred on many occasions. Part of his nose was missing, and one of his eyes was artificial. This was a man who looked like he had been spat right out of hell.
A clunking sound could be heard as he walked towards Dumbledore, the sound made from the friction of his wooden peg and the floor.
Dumbledore and the strange man shook hands and exchanged inaudible words with one another. The scarred man then took a seat on the teacher's table.
Dumbledore then addressed the audience once more. "May I introduce our new Defence against the Dark arts teacher." Said Dumbledore brightly. "Professor Alastor Moody."
There seemed to be a lack of reception as everything was whispering.
Harry was listening in on what Terry Boot was saying to Sue Li. "Alastor Moody, I heard he was a former Auror."
Moody didn't seem disturbed one bit by his lack of welcome from the student body. Instead, he took of swig of flash that he pulled out of his jacket.
Dumbledore then cleared his throat. "As I was saying, we are to have the honour of hosting a very exciting event over the coming months, an event which has not been held for over a century. It is my pleasure to inform you that the Triwizard Tournament will be taking place at Hogwarts this year."
"You're joking!" A tall redheaded boy from the Gryffindor table said loudly.
Harry too felt excited at the prospect at competing in such a rare event. This would make up for the fact that Quidditch would be cancelled this year.
"I am not joking, Mr Weasley." Dumbledore said in good humour. "As I was saying, the Triwizard Tournament was first established centuries ago, as a friendly competition to foster friendship between the three great European schools of Wizardry – Hogwarts, Durmstrang and Beauxbatons. A champion was selected to represent each school, and the three champions competed in three magical tasks. The tradition has been discontinued due to a number of tragic accidents. Now, it's been decided by our ministry to be the right time to revive this age-old tradition. The head of the Durmstrang and Beauxbaton schools will be coming here in October with a delegation of their students, and they will remain with us for the remainder of the year. I implore you to be courteous to our foreign guests. And one last note," he said as the excited chatter increased. "It's been decided that, in light of the death-toll that the Tournament has accumulated in the past, only students who are of age, that is, being over 17, are allowed to put forth their name for consideration."
That last revelation was met with an outcry of outrage and boos. Even Harry felt disappointed about this rule.
"Anyway, it is late, and you all must get to bed." Dumbledore said with a finish.
(Line Break)
"What is in the water, but doesn't get wet?" The Animated Eagle knocker asked. The entrance to Ravenclaw tower was protected by a password. Not just any passwords, a riddle.
"A reflection." Harry voiced confidently.
The Eagle bowed. "You may enter."
"Not bad, Potter." The Prefect nodded with a smile.
The Prefects had explained the rules to the first years and to Harry himself.
As it turns out, the Ravenclaw students each have their own individual bedrooms, which suited Harry just fine. It wasn't too spacious, but wasn't too confined either.
As Harry went to bed, he imagined the inevitable reunion between himself and his birth-family. Did they even want to talk to him? Should he seek them out, or wait for them to come to him? Hundreds of scenarios flowed through his head, until eventually he drifted off to sleep.
(Line Break)
"I appreciate you two for coming, as late as it is." Lily said to her son William and her daughter Roselyn. "I understand that you would have questions."
"Harry is my brother. My twin-brother." William said. It wasn't a question.
Roselyn was shocked and speechless. She had a brother, one she never even knew.
Lily nodded. "When did you find out?"
"During my first year, from Uncle Sirius." Supplied William.
Lily made a note to have a word with Sirius at some point.
"Wait," Roselyn demanded. "William has a twin-brother?! How come I've never heard anyone mention anything about it!" She said with fiery countenance. "Where has he been?!"
"Let me start from the beginning…" Lily began.
(Line Break)
Professor Flitwick had given everyone their timetables in the morning.
Harry was taking Transfiguration, Herbology, Charms, Potions, History of Magic, Defence against the Dark Arts, Astronomy, Arithmancy and Study of Ancient Runes. History, Herbology and Transfiguration with Slytherins. Potions, and Defence against the Dark arts with the Hufflepuff. Astronomy, and Charms with the Gryffindor's.
Arithmancy, and Ancient runes are complex electives, so due to the small numbers of students, the class has a mix of all four houses.
Harry's first subject of the day was Potions, down in the dungeons.
The Potions teacher was pale, and dons black robes. Harry would've pegged him for a vampire. He has long greasy hair, and a distinct long nose. He had heard from Padma that Professor Snape was notorious for favouring students belong to his own house, that is, Slytherin.
"Mr Potter, our new celebrity." Snape said in an oily tone.
'What is his problem?' Harry thought. Why was he singling him out? Was it because he's the only new student in class?
"What potion do I get if I use the following ingredients: Lacewing flies, Leeches, Powered Bicorn horn, Knotgrass, Fluxweed and Shredded Boom-slang skin."
'Easy.' Harry thought. "Sir, if those ingredients, I would most likely be brewing a Polyjuice Potion."
The professor then asked Harry two more Potions questions, each one harder than the last.
"The only cure to Basilisk venom is Phoenix tears, or using Unicorn blood to buy time." Harry answered the last one.
Professor Snape looked at Harry Potter with a contemplative look, staring straight into Harry's green-eyes. For a moment, Harry thought he saw a flash of surprise through the Professor's eyes. It was fleeting, almost as if it was never there, but Harry was sure he saw it.
The professor didn't acknowledge whether the answers were wrong or correct. He merely turned around, in an audible voice he said, "Turn your book to page 185."
The Puffs were surprised and count their blessings that no points were deducted from Ravenclaw.
The Ravens were surprised as well as impressed that Harry Potter was able to answer all of those questions. Even the smarter Ravens could only answer the first two questions.
(Line Break)
During recess, Harry went to explore the grounds outside of the castle.
"Potter." A voice called out from behind.
Naturally, Harry turned around. "You…?" He recognised her. It was the elder sister he saved during the World Cup.
The blonde Slytherin nudged her head for him to follow her for a walk.
"Last time, you left before you even introduced yourself." She added pointedly.
Harry looked sheepish at that. "Sorry about that, I really had to get home then. If it isn't too late, I'm Harry Potter."
Daphne snorted. "It is a bit late, but I'll accept it under one condition."
Harry raised an eyebrow. "What condition?"
"I don't know yet." She said whimsically. "I'll tell you when I do."
"Should I be worried?" He laughed.
"You are walking with a Slytherin of your own free will." She warned jokingly. "You'll just going to have to wait and see. First things first, I'm Daphne Greengrass."
He took her hand and kissed her knuckles, an etiquette taught to him by Morgana.
"I'm surprised to see you have some tact and manners." She joked with a small smile. "Unlike your brother." She added with slight distaste.
"Wait, how did you know about that?"
"News travel fast at Hogwarts."
"Unbelievable." He muttered. He decided to change the topic. "How was your first class of the day?"
"I had Defence against the Dark Arts with the Gryffindors. It was unusual." Said the blonde Slytherin.
"You're not going to tell me, are you?"
Her lips quirked upwards. "See? You're learning."
"Bloody snakes." He said shaking his head, she of course, understood he said it without any ill-feeling as it was meant to.
"Whatever Potter. Just be glad I'm wasting my time talking to you." She reminded, gracefully brushing hair behind her ear.
"So, Miss Greengrass, why are you spending your recess with someone like me?"
"Well, you did save me and my sister."
"Is that all?" He said amused.
"And I like to surround myself with interesting people?"
"And I'm interesting?" He asked challengingly.
"Not with that attitude you're not, Potter." She claimed, her sky-blue eyes seem to sparkle as she spoke.
"Harry." He said. "Call me Harry."
Daphne didn't say anything, at first. "Fine." She agreed. "But only if you call me Daphne."
"Well, that seems fair, Daphne."
"Recess is almost over." Daphne related, checking the time with a quick 'tempus' spell. "We should head to class. I have Transfiguration next."
"Same. Let's go together." He had almost forgotten that he was having double Transfiguration with the Slytherins next.
(Line Break)
Harry went to sit next to Terry and Padma during the lesson, while Daphne sat near Tracy Davis and Blaise Zabini.
"Today's topic will be to transfigure two objects into a single object. This is known as fusion transfiguration." Said the Professor. She then demonstrated the spell on two silver coins, turning them a gold coin. "Now practice amongst yourself." She said, ushering them by clapping her hands.
Next to Harry, Padma seemed to be having some difficulty. Her managed to transfigure one coin, whilst the other one was improperly fused to the side of the goblet.
"Why isn't it working?!" She hissed quietly with frustration.
"Don't let the fact that you're manipulating two objects get to you." Said Harry. "Imagine the two coins are a singular object, even though they are not physically connected. Separation is only an illusion. The space that separates the two objects are inconsequential. Besides the target, ignore everything else. Now try again." Harry urged.
Padma nodded. She swirled her wand, and did the incantation. Her second set of coins turned into a goblet. It wasn't as refined as McGonagall's transfigured product, but it was an operational goblet nonetheless.
"Thanks Harry!" Padma said elated.
"Well done Miss Patil." The Transfiguration professor applauded. "Ten points to Ravenclaw."
Most of the Slytherins scowled.
"And Mr Potter, ten points to Ravenclaw for helping a fellow student." McGonagall beamed.
"Thanks, Padma did all of the work." Harry said modestly.
"Now, Mr Potter, I would like to see your attempt." She said, watching him carefully.
Harry waved his wand over his coins. They transformed into a brilliant goblet with Ravenclaw emblazoned on it.
"Well done Mister Potter! Twenty-points to Ravenclaw for successful use of non-verbal transfiguration. You seem to have inherited your father's knack for transfiguration."
Harry didn't know what to say to that. Should he be proud?
"Now I have an extra challenge for you Mister Potter." The Professor seem to muse. "Fission Transfiguration is the opposite of Fusion Transfiguration, and more difficult of the two." She then showed the wand movement and incantation. She demonstrated on a cushion, transfiguring it into a gold and a silver coin. "The more distinct the two objects from one another, the harder it is."
The professor then pointed to a second cushion, conveniently on her desk.
Harry stood up and walked closer to it. At this point, he was pretty sure all eyes were on him.
Harry imitated McGonagall's wand movement, and spoke the spell in his head. The cushion then transformed into a Snake and an Eagle. The serpent coiled, while the bird flapped upwards.
"Bravo Mister Potter!" The Professor clapped with marvel. "Combining animated transfiguration, that is turning a non-moving object into a living object, with fission transfiguration is a beyond N.E.W.T level. I'm most impressed. Thirty points to Ravenclaw."
The other Ravenclaws clapped happily, seeing that they have scored 70 points in one lesson.
When class was dismissed, Harry earned himself a stack of extra advanced level homework.
(Line Break)
Harry's last class for the day was double periods of Ancient Runes. The class had only 12 students. Half of whom were Ravenclaw students.
Su Li sat to Harry's left, while Daphne took his left. And to her left was her friend Blaise.
There were also two Gryffindors in the class. Parvati Patil, Padma's twin, and Hermione Granger.
Professor Bathsheda Babbling was the teacher in charge of the subject. She gave everyone a runic text that they had to decipher.
She walked around the classroom, watching the students transcribe the text.
"Mister Potter, why isn't your textbook opened?" She questioned.
Harry handed the professor his notebook.
On the page, written in beautiful cursive. "…fire breaths light, shadow encompasses space…the lack of both, equates to nothingness…"
"It seems you have already finished the task. Well done."
The other students in class were surprised by how fast he completed the assignment, especially the bushy-haired Gryffindor girl. She seemed rather displeased.
"Have you studied Ancient Runes before?" Professor Babbling questioned.
"Yes professor, I happened to have studied this particular ancient language before." He supplied with an honest smile.
"I must say, I am impressed with the syllabus at Ilvermorny. It seems I must keep an eye out for you, Mister Potter, and I now expect good things. Ten points to Ravenclaw." She smiled before moving on.
He then felt a sharp nudge to his right side.
"I can't seem to find any reference to this symbol." Daphne whispered.
Harry rolled his eyes, scooching over towards her. He then spent the remainder of the class helping Daphne with the assignment. Harry explained to her how the orientation of the symbols changes the syntax of the prose, and some tricks to help remember. Aside from Harry, Daphne and Granger were the only two to have complete the assignment by the end of the lesson.
(Line Break)
After class, Harry returned to the Ravenclaw tower to shower before heading down for dinner. As he made his way towards the great hall, he heard some people around the corner.
"Get out of my way, Malfoy." A young redheaded girl snapped.
"You need to show more respects towards your betters." A blonde boy proclaimed highly. Flanking both of his sides were two thuggish looking teens. All three boys were from Slytherins, donning the telltale green on their robes. The boy drew his wand.
The girl reactively reached for her own wand, but the two remaining Slytherin boys grabbed each of her arms.
"Ahhh." She cried as the burly boy twisted her wrist painfully, forcing her to drop her wand.
"Not so touch without scar-head protecting you." The blonde boy sneered, pressing the tip of his wand against her neck.
She tried to struggle free, but they were too strong.
"Hey! Pick on somebody your own size!"
Malfoy turned around. His lips curled venomously. "If it isn't the leftover Potter. I'll teach you to give me the proper respect." He sneakily fired off a red stunner.
The stunner was neutralised as Harry slashed his non-verbal shield charm against it. Harry did a quick series of wand movements. A red flash later, Malfoy's wand was sent flying out of his grasp, and barely a second later, the Malfoy heir was hanging upside down in mid-air, as if one of his legs was being tied by an invisible noose.
"Get him, you fools!" Malfoy shouted to his goons. The roguish boys obeyed like trained lapdogs, they released their grip on the young girl, and moved around Malfoy and on toward Harry.
Harry stunned one in the face, and banished the bigger one into the wall. Both attackers dropped unconscious.
"Wait until my father hears about this!" Malfoy raged.
"Please, save your breath." Harry fake-yawned. "I don't give two-shits about your father, or your mother, or even your great, great, grandfather. I'm sure that Lucius Malfoy will be happy to hear that his son and heir got his ass handed to him. And I'll be happy to share my memories of this encounter with others if you wish to brings others into this." Harry said, tapping his wand to his noggin. "Do you understand?"
Malfoy nodded mutely.
"And if I find you bullying any other students…" Harry didn't finish, he didn't have to.
Harry moved pass Malfoy to the younger redhead. She was on her bottom, looking at him with bewilderment. He offered his hand, and pulled her up to her feet. "Are you okay?"
She nodded shyly.
"Let's go." He said, leading the young girl away from the corner and towards the Great Hall.
"Wait, let me down!" Malfoy shouted.
"The spell should be released in half an hour! In the meantime, just hang around." He made a joke.
The young girl giggled at his pun.
"And please keep your voice down, you wouldn't want anyone to see you like this, do you? It would be so unseemly." Harry reminded, causing Malfoy to shut up.
Smiling, Harry led the younger girl away.
"Oh my god, I have never seen anyone handle Malfoy like that! It was so cool." She pumped her fist. "Ow!" She winced.
"What happened?" Harry asked quickly.
"Crabbe twisted my arm earlier." She related, a bit of tears welling up at the edge of her eyes.
"Let me see." Said Harry, she held out her arm. He waved his other hand over her arm. The purplish bruise fades away. "I'm Harry Potter by the way, what's your name?"
She felt the pain washing away. Her arm felt as good as new. She pulled her sleeve back down. "I'm Rose Potter."
Harry furrowed his brows in confusion.
"Yep, I'm your little sister."
'I have a sister?!' "What?!"
(Line Break)
Two siblings were sitting outside the castle, on a cosy grassy area. They had about half-an hour before dinner.
"So, you didn't know you had a sister?" She summarised.
Harry confirmed as he shook his head slowly. "I only recently learnt that the Boy-Who-Lived is my twin-brother. And I know James and Lily Potter are my birth-parents, I didn't know that they had a younger daughter as well." He admitted.
"Well, here I am." Roselyn said. "The sister you never knew existed."
"Well, I've always wanted a sister." Harry smiled. "I still can't believe I have one! You're so cute and adorable!"
Roselyn blushed.
"Rose."
"Hm?"
"I know you already have an older brother, and a father and mother that you know your whole life. But if you ever need anything, you know you can come to me and ask, right?"
Roselyn nodded, unsure of what to say to something so earnest.
"Let's head back in." Harry suggested.
"Harry? Are you angry with Mum and Dad?" She asked.
Harry turned his head back slightly. His green eyes seemed radiant in the darkness of the evening. "No, I'm not angry at them, nor do I hate them. They gave me life. At the same time, I feel no love for them either. I don't know them, though, a part of me wants to. Does that answer your question, little sister?"
She nodded, "Lets go in, I'm getting cold."
(Line Break)
During dinner, Lily Potter was already sitting at usual spot. When she saw Harry came in, she was surprised. Not because of his arrival, that, she had been anticipating nervously all day. No, it was the fact that her eldest son had walk in with her youngest daughter.
She was further astonished when they seemed to exchange pleasant words before Harry went off to sit at his table, and Roselyn went to the Gryffindor table. Each were then swarmed by their own friends.
Curiouser and curiouser.
(Line Break)
As Harry sat down, Ravenclaws from other years walked by and pat his back.
"Well done, Potter." A prefect said.
"Good job with the points mate." Another said.
He finally understood what was going on. He had singlehandedly earned the House 70 points on the first day, hence they were now in the lead. Seemingly, within the span of a day, his popularity within the house had skyrocketed.
Padma then sat down beside him. Her face was full of mirth. "Hey Harry, what's the deal between you and Greengrass?" she asked with interest swirling behind her eyes.
"We're friends." He replied cooly.
"Is that all?" She replied in a coy tone. "I don't know Harry. Greengrass hardly interacts with those within her own house, let alone fraternise with those from other houses. Do you know her nickname?"
Harry shook his head. "No, this is only my second day." He reminded pointedly.
"They call her the Ice Queen." Terry butted in. "Stone cold and indifferent towards almost everyone and everything."
Harry raised an eyebrow, really? That sounded nothing like the blonde he knew. She wasn't the liveliest person he knew, but he wouldn't call her cold.
But now that he thought about it, she did seem more distant towards most others. He cast a look towards the Slytherin table. Daphne was sitting there, beside Tracy and another Slytherin girl. And Harry saw it. The stoic expression – the Ice Queen.
Turning back to Padma, "She's my friend. Please stop insinuating, I don't mind you teasing me, but Daphne might not like it."
Padma pouted, but understood.
(Line Break)
The next day, Harry had Potions, Defence against the Dark Arts, History and Charms. Potions was bearable, Professor Snape had not made any other attempt to discredit Harry. This class was a practical, Harry ended up being paired with Susan, the Hufflepuff he met on the train. Susan was already quite adept at Potions, making her a competent partner.
"Harry, the instructions said to cut the ingredients, not to crush it." Susan pointed out, looking down at her notes.
"Trust me, for some ingredients, crushing with the blunt side of the knife allows the juice to be release – resulting in a more effective potion. Just trust me."
"If you say so." Susan then put her notes aside, she then simply assisted Harry as a sous-chef would a chef.
At the end of the class, Professor Snape took a long look at their Cauldron. They earned themselves an Exceeds Expectation for their efforts. What does it take to impress this guy? Harry thought, having hoped for an 'Outstanding'.
As the Professor walked away, Susan slapped his arm gently. She said to him, "No non-Slytherins has ever earned anything higher than an Acceptable from Professor Snape."
"Really?" Harry guffawed. "That man has a stone-cold poker face."
Susan laughed, having been familiar with the Muggle game from her muggleborn friend, Justin Finch-Fletchley.
"You must be really good at Potions."
"I had good teachers." Harry explained.
"Um Harry, do you mind if we study together sometimes? I'm doing okay in Potions, but I want to do better. I'll bring Hannah too."
Harry considered it for a moment. "Sure. Like a study group yeah? Would you mind if I bring my friend along?"
Susan beamed and shrugged, "The more the merrier."
Together, Harry and Susan head with their House towards the Defence classroom, their first lesson with Professor Moody.
"I had a letter from Professor Lupin, saying that you all have covered a number of dark creatures, ranging from Boggarts to Werewolves."
There was a general nodding of the head.
"But, you are behind – very behind – on dealing with curses." Moody intoned. "I have one year to teach you how to deal with dark curses. After that, I shall return to my peaceful retirement."
"The ministry does not want me to teach you counter-curses and leave it at that. I'm not supposed to show you what illegal Dark curses look like until your sixth year. But Dumbledore says differently. He has higher opinion of you lot. And I say, the sooner you know, the better." He grunted ecstatically. "Who has heard of the three unforgivable curses?"
There was a general showing of hands. Harry knew what they were, but saw little point in putting his hand up.
Moody looked at Susan, who had her hands up. "There's the Imperius curse."
"Yes, total control." Said Moody, as he scooped out a spider from one of his glass jars. "Imperio!"
The spider seemingly began to dance in a comical manner, causing the class to laugh. "Think it's funny, do you?" he growled.
All those that laughed were now silenced.
"Back then, many witches and wizards were controlled by the Imperius Curse. It was quite a mess for the ministry to sort out who was forced to act, and who was acting of their own volition." Said Moody gruffly. "The good news is, the Imperious Curse can be fought! It takes Will and Fortitude! Not everyone's got it. Better avoid being hit with it. CONSTANT VIGILANCE!"
His voice boomed so suddenly, causing most of the students to flinch.
"Anyone else knows another one?" Moody questioned, his magical eye scanning madly around the room.
Terry raised his hands.
"Mister Boot." Moody nodded.
"Um, there's the Cruciatus curse." The teen supplied.
Moody expanded the size of the spider. He then pointed his wand directly at the arachnid. "Crucio!"
The spider seemed to buckled, it twitched and rolled over, rocking from side to side, in a constant manner. It was clear to everyone that it was under constant pain from the curse.
Most of the students began to pale. Especially Susan.
"Stop it!" Harry shouted sharply, seeing the distress on his friend's face.
Moody withdrew his wand. The spider's agony seemed to have stopped.
"Ah, Mister Potter. I didn't see you raising your hand earlier." He then turned to the rest of the class. "Pain. No need for screws or bolts to torture someone if you can perform the Cruciatus curse." He then turned back to Harry. "Now Mister Potter, do you know the name of the last Unforgivable curse?"
"The Killing Curse." Harry supplied forcefully. Others looked uneasy at the mention of the spell.
Moody remained stoic as he causally aimed his wand at the spider. "Avada Kedavra!" In a green flash, the spider stopped moving. Its life has ended. "The killing curse, hit with it, and you're dead. There's no blocking it. Only by upholding your Vigilance can you survive against such curses." He paused to breath. "The use of any of these curses will lend the wizard or witch a one-way ticket to Azkaban."
For the remainder of the lesson, they wrote notes on the history of the Unforgivables.
(Line Break)
Harry slept through History. He planned on revising simply from the textbooks as he was already quite aware of the History of magic in Europe as a whole.
Then onto his last class of the day. Charms class with the Gryffindors, taught by his own head of house. As Harry entered the classroom, he could almost feel his twin's eyes following him across the room.
The Gryffindors were already there. William sat next to Hermione and Ron Weasley, the so-called Gryffindor trio.
Harry went up next to a boy he met on the first day.
"Hi Neville, was it?" Harry greeted.
Neville was surprised that Harry remembered who he was. When he met Harry, he didn't know that Harry was William's brother.
"Hello Harry."
"Do you mind if I sit here?"
Neville shook his head. He wondered if William was okay with him sitting with Harry, as he didn't know what the relationship between the two twins was like. He didn't want to betray William, but at the same time, Harry seemed like a genuinely nice person.
"Alright class." The diminutive Charms Professor walked in through the doors. "Welcome to your first Charms class of the year. Today, we will be practicing the Summoning charm. That is, bringing an object towards you. Simply point your wand and the incantation is Accio. Now please find some space and practice summoning the cushion on your desk.
"Accio!" He heard Neville yelled. The cushion twitched slightly.
Harry felt something was wrong. Neville's form and power had been spot on. But it didn't work…
"Hey mate, can I take a look at your wand?"
Neville didn't refuse, slowly passing his wand to Harry.
"Is this your wand?" Harry asked.
"It was actually my fathers." Neville admitted.
"I see." Said Harry. "Have you been having problems casting other spells."
"Yeah, well, I'm not really good." He said shyly.
"Non-sense Neville. You gotta believe in yourself." Harry advised. "A wand chooses its master. This wand here was your fathers. You need to find and buy your own wand, one that is suited to you."
"But this is my Father's…" He insisted.
"I'm not telling you to throw it away. Keep it by all means, put it somewhere safe. But I suggest you get a wand of your own, it would make all the difference."
"I'll owl my Nan." Neville nodded. "Thanks Harry."
"No problem." Harry smiled.
Neville looked at Harry, then to Harry's cushion. "Aren't you going to try?"
Harry shook his head. "I already learnt the summoning charm." To demonstrate, he reached out with his hand, and the cushion flew right into his grasp.
"Brilliantly done, Mister Potter!" Professor Flitwick clapped.
The Gryffindors or looked at William Potter, only to see him making modest progress with the summoning charm. They then realised that the Professor must be referring to the other Potter in the room. They then turned to Harry Potter, who was holding the Cushion in his hands.
The Ravenclaws students had immediately turned to Harry, as they accustomed to him performing these sorts of feats in their other classes.
"Well done Mister Potter, on using the Summoning Charm windlessly and non-verbally." Cheered the Professor. "Can you perform it one more time for the class."
Harry nodded, as all eyes were now on him. He threw the cushion 5 metres away. He stretched out his arm at the cushion. 'Accio.' He casted within his mind.
The Cushion once more flew into his hands.
"Magnificent. Ten points to Ravenclaw." The Professor awarded. It would've been more, but Flitwick did not want to show too much favouritism to his own house.
William Potter was looking at his twin with surprise and awe, and admittedly, a bit of jealously. He then renewed his efforts to summon to the Cushion. When class ended, William and Hermione were amongst the handful of students that managed to successfully summon the cushion.
Harry looked around, it looked like his brother had already left, along with Hermione and Ron. Shaking his head, Harry approached Neville. "Hey, I'll be having a study-group with some friends before Dinner, come join us."
"I don't know Harry; I wouldn't want to drag everyone else down." Neville said, looking down.
Harry crossed his arms. "Come anyway, I'll break into the Gryffindor dorms if I have to, Neville, don't make me do it."
"Okay." Neville smiled. "As long as you don't mind."
(Line Break)
Susan was sitting with her best friend Hannah at a booth within the Library. Today was to be their first study group together, even though she had only suggested it in the morning.
She saw Harry entering the library. She was surprise who was with him. Harry had asked if he could bring friends, and she didn't mind, but she had assumed it would be someone from his own house, not Neville Longbottom of Gryffindor.
"Hi Neville." Hannah greeted nicely. Neville blushed.
Susan waved hello as well.
Neville's family ran in the same circles as Susan's.
"I'm still expecting two more, they should be here soon." Harry said. "Wait, there they are."
Susan, Neville and Hannah looked to where Harry was looking. Daphne Greengrass and Tracy Davis was making their way over.
Susan, Neville and Hannah shared an uneasy look, but Harry managed to caught it. "What's wrong?"
"It's just unusual to see Slytherins interacting outside of their posse." Hannah added uneasily.
"Is this going to be a problem?" Harry raised. "I won't be a part of any study-group that excludes my friends." He said in a determined tone.
"No, I have no problem with it." Susan ultimately said.
"I guess as long as it isn't Malfoy and his squad, I'm fine." Hannah added with a smirk.
Neville held up his hands. "I'm just happy to be included. Plus, Daphne is actually my second cousin, so I don't mind."
Harry finally beamed. "Good."
The two Slytherins finally reached the table. "Potter." Tracy greeted.
"Lovely as always, Tracy." Harry smiled. "Daphne." He greeted. "I'm sure you guys know everyone else." Once more, they nodded.
"Alright." Harry said. "Let me make something clear, I realised that the six of us comprise of members from all fours houses. When we're together here to study, I don't want to see any House bigotry. Hogwarts was formed by the combined efforts of all four Founders. We each bring something to the table. We can achieve more by working together. At Ilvermorny, there are Houses, but there's a lot of interconnectedness between the houses." He lied about that last part.
Everyone else looked at one another, before nodding.
Harry then cracked a smile, "So, what should we work on first?" He looked around the table.
"Let's work on our Potions essay." Daphne suggested. No one else seemed to object.
"Let's do it." Harry started.
(Line Break)
After dinner, Harry was given a memo by his Head of house to go to the Headmaster's office as Professor Dumbledore had requested a private meeting with him.
"Lemon drops." He said to the Gargoyles. The spiral staircase then appeared. The Headmaster's room was filled with unusual artefacts. What caught his eyes, was a brilliant fiery majestic phoenix.
Harry felt compelled to reach out and pet the bird's head. The Phoenix cooed against his palm.
"You're a beautiful little thing, aren't you?" Harry said to the bird. "Hedwig would be jealous if he knew I was petting another bird."
The phoenix seemed to puff its chest with pride at the compliment.
"Ah, I see Fawkes had taken a liking to you."
Harry turned around, to see Dumbledore standing near his bookshelf.
"Headmaster." Harry bowed slightly.
"No need for formality here." Dumbledore raised his hand. "Please take a seat, we have a bit to discuss."
Harry took a seat, as directed to by the Headmaster.
"I heard some very encouraging things about you, Harry, from your professors. They are very impressed with your attitude and performance in class." Dumbledore reported. "I even got the impression from Professor Snape that he was mildly impressed, high praise indeed."
Harry gave a small smile. "I'm sure they embellished my performance, Professor."
"Professor Babbling did say you were a modest one." Said Dumbledore with a grandfatherly smile. "Now, the real reason I called you here was to say I'm sorry."
Harry raised an eyebrow. "What for Professor? I believe this is only the first time we've properly met.
Dumbledore breathed out deeply, closing his eyes. "Thirteen years ago, it was my suggestion that prompted your parents to give you up."
Harry flinched.
"I don't have a proper excuse to give you. I'm sorry." Dumbledore bowed his head.
"It's okay, Professor." Said Harry. "Whoever made the mistakes, the world will continue to turn. I am happy with where I am. My past made me who I am, and I won't change it for the world. Who's to say I would be happier otherwise? For what it's worth, I forgive you, Professor."
Dumbledore slowly looked back up. "I'm happy to see that you are well mature for your age."
"Thank-you for the compliment, Professor." Harry accepted with a smile.
"How are your relatives, I understand that they took you to America." Dumbledore questioned.
"I have not lived with them for years. They didn't take too kindly when they discovered my magic. Luckily, a wizard and witch couple took me in." Harry answered honestly.
"Would you indulge an old man's curiosity by telling me the name of the couple that took you?"
Harry shook his head. "I'm sorry Professor. My guardians are reclusive, and they value their privacy."
"I understand." Dumbledore respected. "It seems I have taken enough of your time, Harry, off you go to bed."
"Goodnight Professor." Said Harry, before he turned and left down the spiral staircase, leaving Dumbledore alone to his thoughts.
And deep his thoughts were. Initially, the Professor's reports of young Harry's prowess in class had reminded the aged Headmaster of another student way-back-when. A young Tom Riddle who had grown up to become the nefarious self-stylised Lord Voldermort. Albus had feared that given Harry's past, he would follow this same destructive pattern.
But now, having met the boy, Albus now thought differently. He did now give Albus that same uneasy vibe that young Tom Riddle had when Albus met him at the Orphanage. Albus got the opposite impression. Harry Potter seems to be an intelligent, well-balanced and mature young man. The fact that Fawkes took a liking to Harry was an important factor too. Phoenixes were Empathetic creatures; they are attracted to people with a kind-spirit. Albus now believed that Harry might play a bigger role in helping his twin-brother vanquish Voldermort.
He remembered the troubling image Severus had showed him the other day.
The Dark Mark was darker than it has been in years, and darker still…
Voldermort was making his return.
A/N: Chapter Two done. Please Rate and Review :D
