Hi guys! I'd like to thank everyone who has given me their support and encouraging words. This week I was able to post a little bit early so I hope you like it. I want you guys to give me your opinions on the modifications of the first chapter, it'll help me greatly.
This chapter will finally introduce Hermione and the rest of the gang.
DISCLAIMER: I don't own Harry Potter, its characters or its world. Too bad T-T
I hope you like this chapter.
Harry had a thoughtful face that had Sirius and Remus worried.
They had finished dropping the bomb of the prophecy that had marked Harry's life since before he was even born to the young man that was sitting in front of them. Harry sighed after a few minutes and shifted his gaze to the men that he cherished only behind Dora; he really loved his only female cousin.
"So Voldemort killed my parents in an attempt to eliminate the possibility of fulfillment of the prophecy?" he asked to his uncles.
They both nodded, "That's what we believe, we know by your parents that Dumbledore warned them about a death eater listening the first part of the prophecy, he didn't got to tell his master the part of marking you as his equal, so we believe Voldemort tried to kill you without knowing the consequences of his actions" Remus told him.
"But how do you know I didn't fulfilled the prophecy when he disappeared after he attacked him, everyone thinks he was killed that night" Harry asked.
"We've already told you we believe he's not dead, the lack of a body is the greatest proof of that, besides, he did mark you, no wonder you have your scar…. I really believe that he found a way to survive and that he'll be back" Sirius stopped for a moment, "Evil of that kind can't be killed that easily- Don't look at me like that Harry, you know what I mean-" Sirius said while Harry started barking about if being killed easy meant his parents sacrificing for him, "-The fact that nobody knows what happened exactly other than Dumbledore's theory of his magic rebounding on you defeating him doesn't explained what did happened nor assures us that he's gone for good"
Harry let his godfather's words sink in and nodded in resignation.
"Okay, I get what you say, however what is this 'power he knows not', I don't have any special power, I mean, is true that I'm part metamorphmagus and an animagus but those abilities, while rare, are common knowledge to wizardkind; I have fighting skills but he knows about weapons, I have Occlumency but he was a great Legilimens himself, he definitely know about Occlumency; I don't really believe my skills on a bike or with the guitar can help on any way unless he can be killed with a demonstration of BMX or playing "Smells Like Teen Spirit"" Harry said sardonically.
Remus and Sirius laughed at Harry's comment. "I don't know what that power is Harry, but we'll figure it out eventually, you'll see" Sirius said with the promise on his voice of hope and a tomorrow.
Remus nodded, "He's right Harry, and as you see, that's the reason we've been training you these six years" he added.
Harry looked at them and smiled, "Thanks guys, I know you do care about me and you do want me to win so I appreciate what you've done all these years" Harry said sincerely to the men that rescued him from 'Durzkaban' and raised him like a son.
Both men nodded at his words.
"Now, Harry, for the next part of your training, we'll head out tomorrow to Potter Manor and we'll start training you with your wand, what do you think about that?" Sirius asked the youngest Marauder.
Harry smiled at the idea of visiting the place his family had lived in (Sirius had explained him that his parents had left the place when they found out about the prophecy, in case that they were discovered them they wouldn't compromise the house that had been the residence of dozens of Potters before).
"That's great but, do you know where it is?" Harry asked his uncles while tilting his head lightly to his side.
Remus laughed, "Not really, the house is protected by a Fidelius charm, and you as the last Potter, are the secret keeper automatically, although, the goblins did gave us the written address before we left the bank" Remus said while handing Harry a piece of paper, "Here, only you can read it, and after you do you can tell us, that will give us the information we need to go there after Andy and Dora comes here tomorrow, Ted had to go to work" he continued.
Harry took the piece of paper and read, 'Potter Manor is located in mile 8, A3 road, Kingston'.
Suddenly a rush of images appeared on his head. He turned to see the older wizards and told them the address. Both of them had a rush of images as well and smiled as they remembered the place they had spent some time during their summers (at least in Remus's case, in Sirius's case it had become his home in summer before his sixth grade).
Harry suddenly started to frown with anger on his emerald eyes, "Shite! I can't believe that Potter Manor is just a few miles away from Surrey!" Harry screamed pissed off.
Sirius and Remus gave him an understanding look. Remus patted his back and retired to his room.
"Go to bed, you need to rest and forget about the Dursleys, you need to rest for tomorrow and thinking about them won't do you any good" Sirius said. Harry nodded and headed to his room. The Pack had decided they would always return to the tent to have some time off, but it was fair for Harry to return to the place of his ancestors.
Besides, the tent would remain in its place, so if they needed to hide for some reason, they could always count with Wolf's Den.
The next day, Harry woke up and took a shower. Sirius had packed the things they were taking, weapons, books, clothes and pictures, they would leave the tent and its contents and decorations with a stasis charm so food would still work and the place didn't need to be cleaned when they were back.
Harry had his things locked in the trunk he got the day before; including his parent's trunks (they were previously shrinked). After a simple breakfast, he started wondering around in the forest waiting for his aunt and cousin to arrive. He would miss the place, the fresh air, the sound of the animals, the breeze of the wind, the trees, the quietness, the sound of the river, everything.
That place had become his first home and he loved it.
"Wotcher Harry!" his cousin greeted him from behind.
Harry turned to see his cousin, "Hey Dora, when did you arrived?" he asked.
"Just a few minutes ago, Sirius told me to look for you, we need you to tell us the address so mum, and dad and I can aparate as well" the pink haired witch explained.
The cousins headed to the tent, "So cousin, how are you holding without the redhead?" Harry asked mockingly.
Dora glared at him and hit him in his arm, hard, "None of your business"
Nymphadora had a crush on a guy who was two years older than her; he was Gryffindor's seeker and had just finished Hogwarts. Dora never managed to ask him out. He just remembered his last name sounded like an animal like a mongrel, weasel or something like that.
They kept bickering until they reached the tent. He greeted his aunt and told the ladies the Manor's address, they aparated in Surrey and Andy put a toy car in the ground, after a swing from her wand it became the Tonks's car, a blue sedan. The five wizards entered the car and Dora started driving, much to Harry's pleasure who kept joking about Dora's clumsiness causing any kind of accident in the road.
Sirius couldn't avoid making comments on Harry's sadistic sense of humor as he kept thinking in much more ridicule deathly accidents, like causing a wood transporting truck to crash and start a chain reaction that would kill everybody in the imaginary mile 180 (the A3 road is 67 mile long).
They kept driving for about twenty minutes until they got to the mile 8, they entered a deviation that Harry somehow knew they had to enter. After another five minutes of driving they finally arrived Potter Manor. Dora turned off the engine in front of the black gates that surrounded the property, both adorned with a 'P' engraved on them. Harry opened the gates and Dora moved the car inside the terrain, everything was surrounded by a deep barrier of trees, the place was inside a forest area.
The group stood in front of the mansion. It was a white building three stories high. It had an ancient, Victorian style. The entrance was inside the terrace, it was a nice, wide deck, the group could fit perfectly without feeling squashed among them. Harry entered the door and a nostalgic feeling rushed him. They entered the living room, it was big, almost the size of the living room, dining room and kitchen of the tent combined, the walls had a creamy color with dark brown furniture, it had a human-fitting size fireplace and was connected by the left to a grand staircase.
Past the living room was the formal dining room, the back part was a glass wall that connected to the backyard. It had a wood table and twelve chairs. To the right was the door for a bathroom and the kitchen. The kitchen was huge, white walls with dark brown color furniture and a door that led to the basement. To the left of the dining room were a couple of oak doors that led to the ballroom. It was simply enormous; it was about four times the size of the tent.
The group headed upstairs and found a family living room much cozier than the one downstairs that connected to an outdoor balcony that was more a like a terrace due to its size, and counted nine rooms, each with their own bathroom.
The master bedroom was huge; about three times bigger than Harry's room in Wolf's Den and had its own balcony/deck. Sirius and Remus insisted on Harry taking that room despite his protests. They headed to the nursery where they found Harry's crib. In the little bed they found five plushies, a doe, a stag, a black dog, a wolf and a rat.
Harry was filled with emotion when he entered his parent's room but he cracked when he entered the infirmary as he looked at the plushies. Waves of sadness washing over him, he couldn't remember them but he missed his parents.
Dora and Sirius held him while he recovered. Andy and Remus closed the door when they got out. Remus and Sirius selected their rooms while Harry invited Dora and Andromeda to do the same. The last floor was an enormous attic; it had several boxes and frames covered with sheets, the place itself had the potential to be turned into something else, a bunch of rooms, a storage, etc.
After Harry, Remus and Sirius unpacked their things they headed down to eat the food they had prepared in the tent.
As they sat on the dining room Sirius started talking, "So, Harry, how do you like the place?" he asked.
"It's really nice, quite big, but nice" he replied sincerely.
They all smiled at his simple reaction.
"Harry, this house has a big basement, we'll train there, the first thing you are to learn before going to Hogwarts are the everyday handy spells, the list includes Engorgio, Reducio, Accio, Lumos, Evanesco, Scourgify, Alohomora and Expelliarmus, most of them are charms, with the only exception of Expelliarmus, which is from your DADA class, and you've already have learnt Latin so this shouldn't be much trouble" Remus told Harry.
Dora winced at the spells named, "Remus, are you kidding, some of those spells like Evanesco and Accio are fourth year spells, you honestly don't expect Harry to learn those spells right now" she fumed at the werewolf.
Sirius smiled at his niece, "Dear Dora, looks like you really don't know Harry, telling him that he can't do something will drive him to work harder and make it better and faster than everybody else"
Harry smiled at his cousin, "Let's make a bet, I will learn those fourth year spells before we go to Hogwarts, I'll show them to you in the Express, if I do it, you'll get me tickets to go to Nirvana's concert when they come here for their tour in December once we are here on vacation, and if you win, I'll get those tickets to you, what do you think?" he told his cousin.
Nymphadora thought about it and smiled, "I want you to give me first row seats tickets when I win dear cousin" she said while she shook Harry's hand, "I think you better remember that while you get the tickets for me" he replied with a grin on his face.
Sirius and Remus smiled while Andy shook her head to the children's display.
Andromeda and Harry aparated in the Tonks's house in the afternoon to pick up Ted from work, they went shopping for food and returned to the Manor a couple of hours later. Ted put something in the table after he finished exploring the house with his daughter.
That day's Daily Prophet had the headline: 'Sirius-Black-Innocent-and-Forgiven' they read the article and discovered that the Wizengamot wasn't very happy about Amelia's decision of suspending the hunt for Sirius, but in the end they accepted and respected the decision but they wanted to see proof just as a formality, 'Thinking to do something about my freedom, those bloody arses' Sirius thought silently.
"Can they do that?" Harry asked nervously, "Yes, they can, however, I believe we should be relieved that they are doing this just as a formality and they are not overruling Am" Sirius said, "Of course, we can't trust them until they say they agree after the 'hearing'" Sirius added.
The paper indicated that the hearing would be on August the 15th. Of course, Sirius already knew, having received a letter from Amelia while Harry was out.
After a tiring day, everybody went to their rooms. The days after that went by like a blur, Harry, Dora and Sirius went to the SSDT and enjoyed it immensely, and Harry had a great surprise. He was a big fan of Steve Saunders who had won the competition in 1988, 1989 and 1990 and he competed that year as well, the man won the competition that year as well, making it his fourth consecutive victory.
Sirius went to his date with Amelia Bones, and he returned with a grin that lasted for a week. He told Harry about them as promised. Before his imprisonment she had been his fiancée. That explained their reactions and familiarity when they met in the reading. Sirius told him that they had decided to try again and see if their relation could work again. Harry was really happy that his godfather was starting to have a life again. Now they needed to find Remus a girlfriend.
The week after that was the revision of Sirius's case, which thank God went well. The only black spot was Dumbledore questioning Sirius about Harry's disappearance, making him look like a kidnaper but Amelia helped him dodge the bullet by re-questioning him making him explain his reasons. In the end, the members of the Wizengamot in general were satisfied by the results. They only one who wasn't happy about it was Lucius Malfoy, since, given the consequences, Sirius's freedom, he could destroy the Malfoys.
After the hearing and the evidence presentation, Sirius took Amelia to the Manor with her niece Susan so she and Harry could meet, 'You could end up being cousins so why not getting to know each other, if this doesn't work, you could still have a friend in Hogwarts' Sirius told Harry. Potter found out that Susan was actually a very nice girl, somewhat shy but once she opened up she was someone fun to hang out with.
Before he knew it he was crossing the portal of King's Cross's Platform 9¾. It was Sunday and the place was crowded with people and carts filled with trunks and animals.
"You're not forgetting anything, right pup?" Sirius asked his godson, "Nope, I got everything, books, clothes, robes, cauldron, potion ingredients, quills, ink, parchments, weapons, music player, headphones, cassettes, my guitar, charmed amplifier, my bike, my hidden blade, my wand, and Hedwig" Harry said sheepishly as he repeated the list he made earlier in the morning.
Sirius chuckled, "Alright, looks like you've got everything" he said. He kept quiet and still for a few moments when he suddenly gave Harry a bear hug. Harry could have laughed at him for being that emotional but he decided against it.
"I'll miss you pup" he said while he hold his godson, "I'll miss you too Padfoot" he said to his father-in-all-but-blood.
He let go of Sirius and turned to Remus, "I'll miss you Moony" he said, "I'll miss you too cub, don't be a stranger and write us often" Remus instructed.
Harry nodded and headed to the Tonks's who had finished saying their goodbyes to Dora, "I'll miss you both" Harry said while he hugged them, "We'll miss you too Harry" said Ted for both him and his wife. She hugged again, "You've grown into a fine young man and we're proud of you, I'm sure your parents agree with us" Andromeda said to the now sobbing kid, who was trying to fight the tears that threatened to fall down.
"Thanks Aunt Andy" he said simply.
Dora finished saying goodbye to her uncles and spoke to Harry, "Come on, we gotta go, I'll help you find a compartment"
Harry nodded and waved the adults goodbye before entering the crimson train.
He and Dora walked in the corridors of the train until they found a compartment for Harry to settle in; both had decided that it was better if she went with her classmates.
"Alright Harry, this is it, but before I leave is time for you to pay your debt" she said to his cousin, to which he smiled, "Don't run too fast, you could fell" Harry replied.
Harry dropped a rock on the seat and with a swift move of his wand and the proper incantation he summoned the rock to his hand and with another wand movement and different incantation, he vanished the rock on his hand.
Dora had her mouth wide open in shock; her baby cousin had just performed two charms she had learnt in fourth year, spells that took her about a week to do so, each.
Harry had a satisfied smile on his face, "Dora, flies, they can enter your mouth" Harry said to his cousin, "And don't worry cutie, I'll expect the payment the day before the concert" he added.
Nymphadora Tonks was an unhappy and surprised sixth year girl because of her cousin's skills. She nodded and walked out the compartment dazed and confused about what just happened, she had just lost a bet to little Harry, he had definitely kicked her arse. Her hair was changing in a variety of colors since she didn't know what to feel and decided to think in a way to make him pay. She was a Black, and most of all, niece of Sirius Black, she, just like his uncle was a premier prankster. She knew her little cousin was one as well; but she would learn later on the year how good were his cousin's pranking skills and would start with him a pranking war between both descendants of the House Black.
Harry sat in his place laughing at his cousin's face, he knew he could beat her and he did. Because of that he got her a ticket so she could go with him to the concert but that was going to be a surprise for her, his early Christmas gift.
The train started moving and a few minutes later a redheaded kid stood in the door, "Excuse me, do you mind if I sit here, everywhere else is full" the kid said. Harry found that odd since the compartment beside his was empty when he returned from the restroom about a minute ago, but he dismissed the fact.
"I don't mind, come on in" Harry said. The redhead did so. "I'm Ron, Ron Weasley" he introduced himself, Harry nodded, "I'm Harry, Harry Potter" he replied.
The other kid gasped at his name, he then asked, "Is it true then that you have the, the… the scar?" Harry laughed at his reaction and said, "Yeah it's true" he lifted the hair that fell on his face so Ron could see.
Harry had grown acceptance to his scar and wasn't shamed of it, however, because of his long hair (it was shoulder length, like Sirius's) his scar kept hidden.
"Wicked" Ron responded, "You know, my siblings and I were raised with stories about you" he said.
Harry smiled, "I'm sorry, but I believe none of those were real, even though I don't know what they say I did, I'm pretty positive I did nothing that's written there"
Ron was about to say something when the snack lady entered. Harry decided to buy some Chocolate Frogs, and some Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. He bought Ron some candy's as well when he showed him his lunch.
Harry opened one of his Chocolate Frogs. He found Dumbledore's wizard card that talked about his and Nicholas Flamel's work in alchemy by creating a Philosopher's Stone as well as his discovery of Dragon's 12 Blood Uses and he defeating Gellert Grindewald back in 1945 ending World War II (Grindewald was Hitler's main supporter and puppeteer).
They started talking about things in general; Ron started talking about how bad was the House of Slytherin and how everyone of that house was evil. Harry frowned at this since his Aunt Andy was a Slytherin and he got to love her like the mother he never had. They then started talking about magic spells.
They were interrupted by the entrance of a girl. She looked like a first year too. She had white skin, some freckles, bushy brown hair and chocolate colored eyes. Harry felt himself drawn towards to her for some reason but he quickly regained his senses.
"Excuse me; have you seen a toad around? A boy named Neville lost it and he can't find it" she said to the boys.
The girl looked expectantly to the boys, one of them was a redhead with blue eyes and the other was raven haired boy, he had a somewhat wild appearance with his messy shoulder length hair, black jeans, black sneakers, red shirt and black jacket (his style somewhat resembled Dora's but not that extreme), plus he had the greenest eyes she had ever seen (Harry had eye problems when he was a kid, but when he became an animagus, his eyesight was restored and his hear and nose senses enhanced).
It made her curious, attracted to him like an impulse, but was taken from her thoughts when both of them exchanged glances and shook their heads, "I'm sorry, we haven't" the emerald eyed boy said.
"Oh, that's alright, thanks anyway" she said and started to get away when Harry stood and called, "Hey wait!" she turned around to see him, "Yes?" she asked neutrally.
"Sorry but, May I ask your name?" Harry asked to which she replied, "I'm Hermione Granger, it's rude to ask someone's name without giving yours first you know?" she said a little bit exasperated.
"Eh… yeah, sorry about that, I'm Harry Potter" he responded, "You're Harry Potter?! I've read a lot about you! You appear in at least five different books that narrate how you vanquished the Dark Lord when you were a baby" she said excitedly.
Ron groaned, he decided that this girl was just probably a bookworm and he should stay away from her. "Like I told Ron, probably all lies, the only one who can say something about what happened that night is Voldemort-" Ron winced as he heard the name, "-and me. He disappeared and I don't remember anything so don't believe everything you read, at least everything regards myself" Harry said with good humor, Hermione laughed at his words, "Say Hermione, this Neville, his last name is by any chance Longbottom?" Harry asked.
Hermione thought about it for a few seconds, "Yes, I remember him saying his last name was Longbottom, do you know him?" she asked.
"You could say that" Harry replied thoughtfully not knowing how to respond that particular answer without revealing Neville's past (he didn't knew his cousin and he didn't wanted to start to divulge what he could probably keep as a secret).
Hermione nodded accepting his response but she narrowed her eyes, she somehow knew that that wasn't the whole truth, "Say… would you like me to help you finding the toad?" Harry asked nervously, to which the girl gave him a bright smile, "Really!?" she then stopped for a few seconds; "…You would do that for someone you barely know?" Hermione asked.
"Well, you barely know this Neville, right? Isn't that exactly what you are doing?" Harry asked grinning. The chocolate eyed girl blushed at the comment, "Yeah, I suppose" she said shyly.
Potter grinned, "By any chance do you know the name of the toad?" he asked the girl, "Yeah, its name is Trevor, why do you ask?" she replied.
The raven haired boy smiled again and took his wand from his holster; Hermione and Ron were surprised to see the gauntlet that he wore on his left hand. Harry made a movement with his wand, "Accio Trevor!" he exclaimed and a few seconds later a deep green skinned toad flew into his hands, "Looks like we found Trevor" he said sheepishly.
"That was amazing! You did a fourth year spell! How did you do that?" Hermione asked excitedly.
"My godfather taught me after I got my wand" he said simply, like if that were the most obvious thing in the world.
Hermione just nodded in astonishment. "Want me to come with you to deliver Trevor?" he asked the shocked girl.
She was brought from her amazement and blushed at the invitation from the boy, "Eh… yeah, sure… I'd like that" she said nervously, "Ron are you coming?" Harry asked, "Yeah, sure mate" He answered with doubt on his voice.
The three students headed to where Neville was headed. They arrive to a compartment that held a single boy. He had a round face and was a little bit chubby.
"Hermione… did you found him?" the boy asked shyly, "Yes, actually Harry was the one who found him" the girl said while letting Harry step in, "Hi Neville" Potter greeted the boy, who was somewhat intimidated by Harry's looks.
"Hi… I'm Neville Longbottom… May I ask who you are?" the shy boy asked.
"I'm Harry, Harry Potter, your mother's godson, and I know who you are, you are my mother's godson" the young Marauder said while he wore a big smile, "Meaning you are my cousin"
The grin and confidence in the young wizard was contagious and Ron and Hermione couldn't help but smile as well.
Neville was wide eyed and suddenly his demeanor changed because of the aura of trust that Harry somehow exuded.
"I wasn't aware that you knew about our mothers, but I think I'm grateful you do… cousin" Neville answered with much more confidence than before.
"Likewise" Harry replied, he then turned to Hermione, "Hey, would you guys want to move into our compartment so we can talk better, I'll help you move your things if you want" Hermione was surprised to see someone so amiable, "You want us to go with you and talk?" she asked, "Of course, otherwise how would I get to know my new friends!" Harry answered.
Hermione and Neville smiled and nodded. Neville hold his trunk while Harry took Hermione's making the girl blush. Harry didn't have a ladies' man personality like his godfather, however, he, Andy, Ted and Remus made sure he knew how to be respectful towards women.
Once the four settled in the compartment they started talking among themselves.
"What a beautiful owl!" Hermione said when she saw Hedwig, Harry smiled, "Yes she is, her name is Hedwig, she's my familiar" Harry announced and turned to his avian friend, "Aren't you the cutest, my girl " he started talking sweet words to the snowy owl, "Harry, you spoil me, and when the time comes for you to want me to do something and I don't want to I won't be able to say no, so stop it" the offended owl replied, his owner just laughed at his familiar's dilemma.
The rest of the kids just saw the owl hoot in what they could translate as annoyance, as she rolled her eyes. Harry was laughing at his friend and replied to her with a fake hurt tone, "You know I wouldn't do that to you, I love you beyond words and I would never force you to deliver letters when you don't want to" Harry said and turned to his side slightly as if don't wanting the owl to hear him and said in almost a whisper, "If I need to talk to anyone in the family I could just use the mirrors"
The owl looked indignant, "Well if that's what you want…" she said to his master, "Okay, okay, I'll let you carry the mail" Harry laughed at his owl to which she flapped her wings in a victory dance, amusing the wizards.
"Blimey mate, I didn't know your owl was your familiar" Ron said.
"So you really do understand what she says?" Hermione asked curious.
Harry smiled, "Yeah, at first I could only felt her emotions, when she was happy when I gave her a treat, or when she was mad at me when I forgot once to serve her water on her plate. Then about a week ago I listened to her, she woke me up because I forgot to open her cage so she could go hunting" Harry said while he remembered that day.
"I was surprised to hear her voice; if she were human I could fall in love with her easily. While a little proud, she has quite a good sense of humor, and she has this sexy voice that would make blush every guy in school… It's like if you were listening to your cute English teacher talking to you in class" Harry said to which the other three students blushed at Harry's bluntness.
He then analyzed to what he had just said, "Sorry, I had a crush on my English teacher while I was in fifth grade" Harry apologized. The rest of the kids laughed at him, even Hermione.
While talking, Harry discovered that both Ron and Neville were pureblooded and Hermione was a muggleborn.
"You know, I've never liked the term muggleborn, somehow I feel it racist, I prefer better first generation witch or wizard" Harry commented. Ron had a frown in his face towards the hero's reaction. Neville and Hermione both agreed with him in regards the foul term.
"So, are you a pureblood too?" Ron asked Harry to whom the young man answered, "Na, I'm a half-blood, my father was a pureblood while my mum was a first generation witch. Plus I was raised completely as a half-blood; I went to school in Fort William, Scotland and my house has both magical and isolated electricity appliances. Meaning that I can see the telly and listen to the non-magical radio, we have bulbs in our house but they are magic powered, the water is warmed with magic and the fridge used Cooling and Freezing rune charms"
Hermione felt fascinated by Harry's lifestyle. When she received her Hogwarts letter, her parents were afraid that they would lose her to the magical world but Harry's information helped her have peace. She had a really interesting letter to write to her parents when she got Hogwarts.
"But Harry, magic destroys electronic circuits, how can you keep working your telly while settled in a magical environment?" Hermione asked with her thirst of knowledge always present.
"Well, I don't know the spell yet, but according to my uncle Moony, it was my mum who created the spell, it's like the combination of an Impervious spell and a sort of ward that protects the components, when we're on vacation I'll ask my godfather to teach me the spell and I'll teach it to you Hermione" Harry said to which Hermione felt very pleased.
They were suddenly interrupted by the entrance of a blond kid, "I heard that Harry Potter was in the train, have any of you seen him" the occupants of the compartment turned to look at each other uncomfortably because of the blond kid's attitude.
Harry recognized the kid by the description Sirius had given him of the members of his family, so he spoke, "May I ask your name?" the semi-albino kid scowled, "I don't have to introduce myself to lowlife mudblood kids like you" the other three kids looked offended, "Well, you see, that's not the way to introduce yourself to family you know" Harry said.
Hermione, Ron and Neville turned to see him wide eyed, the other kid frowned, "What are you talking about?" Draco asked, to which Harry smiled, "I'm Harry Potter, son of James Potter, who was son of Charlus Potter, husband of Dorea Black who was sister of Cygnus Black, father of Narcissa Malfoy, your mother… in case you didn't understand Draco, I'm your second cousin" Harry explained.
All the other kids were thunderstruck; nobody expected a revelation like that.
Draco grinned at the thought of being cousin of The-Boy-Who-Lived, "Well this makes things better, as my cousin you should hang out with me and your peers, is better for you since there are better families than others" the blond said this while looking at Harry's friends, "I can help you with that" he finished by extending his hand.
Harry looked at his cousin with a frown, "I'm sorry Draco, but family or not, I don't like prejudiced bigots who think themselves more than others just because of their status or titles, so if you don't leave, I'll kick you out of here, do we understand each other?" Harry asked with ice in his voice.
Draco, being the inbreed he was, didn't get the message, "Come on Potter, the blood traitor and the squib arse are passable, but you can't possibly believe that hanging with the mudblood whore wil-" Malfoy couldn't finish the sentence because of Harry's fist slamming him on his right cheek. The hit threw him back and he got to the floor.
"Don't you ever insult my friends again!" Harry hissed in anger. He didn't reply to the lowlife mudblood kid's comment nor the insults towards Ron and Neville, but he wouldn't tolerate the insult to Hermione.
Draco started crying in fear and pain and left the compartment.
Hermione and Neville were shocked; they had been talking with a nice, funny, interesting guy and he suddenly changed the aura surrounding them because of the death eater's spawn.
Ron on the other hand was oblivious of the change in the atmosphere, "Are you cousin of Draco Malfoy?!" he shouted.
"Well… Yeah, what about it?" Harry answered in a calm, neutral façade, "What do you mean with 'what about it'?! The Malfoy's are Slytherins, and the Slytherins are evil! You are The-Boy-Who-Lived! You can't be part of a dark family being the light champion!"
Harry looked at him intensely, "Look, all that Boy-Who-Lived bullshit is a name given to me by the media for something I don't even remember and that it cost my parents lives, and I don't give a shit about all that 'light's champion' crap, I never asked for that title; about being family with Malfoy, do you chose your family? No? Well I didn't either, they are my family, period; about the Slytherin's being evil, that is complete and utter crap, Slytherin is the house of ambitious and cunning, not of evil, the fact that Voldemort and several others Dark Wizards were from Slytherin means that they were smart and ambitious, then again, not evil, a person's morality or allegiance to the light or the dark, according to recent studies, is dictated by your upbringing and your surroundings mainly" Harry finished his rant.
Hermione listened Harry's words and agreed with him. Her parents being killed and surviving the attack of the last Dark Lord is something she wouldn't like to be famous for, she somehow detected something else in Harry's voice when he talked about family… it was anger, not directed at Ron, but there was definitely anger in his voice.
She had read the origins of the House of Slytherin and Harry was correct, Salazar Slytherin always treasured those who had bigger purposes, and were cunning or sneaky enough to get what they wanted, no wonder many politicians of the Wizengamot had been Slytherins.
She had seen in her school the differences between kids raised in good loving homes and kids raised in homes with problems, the result was evident. Kids raised in houses with the lack of values, principles, and sometimes lacked one of their parents, were kids who ended up being bullies, or in the minority, victims of abuse.
She was brought back to reality by Ron's voice, "I can't believe you are siding with the son of a death eater! He and his friends are evil and you are the Vanquisher of the Dark Lord, you should be against them not on their side!" she heard him exclaim.
Harry massaged the bridge of his nose, "Ron did you hear anything of what I said about my beliefs and my opinions?" he said exasperated.
Ron started to turn into a deep shade of red that nearly matched his hair by being treated as a stupid kid (which both Harry and Hermione thought so) and in a burst of anger tried to punch Harry.
Harry sensed the incoming attack and easily blocked his attack, he grabbed his arm and twisted it so he could have Ron in a 'pig's knot' and said in a low voice, "Ronald, I would appreciate if you would please leave the compartment and leave us alone, I really wouldn't like to hurt you"
Harry released him and Ron grabbed his trunk and his rat and leave fuming while he rambled on about betrayal, new darks lords and stuff.
"I'm sorry about that… I didn't want to scare you… I better look for another compartment" said Harry ashamed of his behavior, 'That's great Potter, you are starting to make friends in school and you scare your cousin and another kid away with your attitude and the other two kids that looked to be willing to hang out with you probably think you are just a trouble seeking bully' Harry mused to himself.
He extended his arm to grab Hedwig, who was on Hermione's left side when she held his arm, "Honestly, don't be ridiculous, what Ron said and did was uncalled for, you just defended yourself and your beliefs…" Hermione said and looked away before she continued, "…I probably would have done the same" she said and then looked scared, "Obviously not the physical actions but I wouldn't let anyone tell me I'm wrong about my beliefs" she finished, 'Did I just said that? Just a couple of hours ago we met and he's already corrupting me. First I accept his chocolates when my parents disagree with them, then I accept and condone that he scared away two boys with his words and actions…' Hermione thought shamefully.
'Then again, what he said had sense, besides, that blonde kid was rude to us and Ron tried to hit him, he just defended himself, is not like he attacked him' she told herself. When she heard her words in her head she swiftly compared them to her reality back in school, she realized that no one had stood up for her until now and because of that she started to feel some kind of respect towards Harry.
Harry relaxed at her grip and her words, "She's right mate, Draco shouldn't have said what he said and Ron shouldn't have tried to attack you" Neville added.
Harry asked shyly, "So… You are not scared of me… for my reactions?"
Both Neville and Hermione shook their heads, "Not at all… in fact… I wish I could always speak what I believe in and not shy away" Neville told his cousin.
Harry laughed, "Yeah, I know the feeling"
Hermione looked at him oddly, all the time he seemed like a confident kid, not arrogant but not insecure, and she couldn't by the life of her imagine him as a shy kid.
Harry saw this and added, "My life hasn't been easy, especially my early years so I do know what it is to fear to speak your opinion… Maybe I'll told you about it another time" Harry said in 'please don't ask' tone.
His friends both nodded. Despite the previous events, the rest of the trip was a quiet one; they kept talking getting to know each other, digging the seed of what would become later a great friendship.
When they arrived Hogsmeade it was dark, they left the train already in their robes and they were directed by a huge man to hop in boats, they were to arrive Hogwarts crossing the lake. Harry, Hermione and Neville hoped on a boat and they were joined by Susan Bones.
"Hi Harry!" she greeted the dark haired wizard, "Hi Sue! How are you doing?" Harry asked his friend.
"I'm fine, thanks" she replied. Harry then said, "Sue, this are my friends Neville Longbottom and Hermione Granger, guys, this is my friend Susan Bones" all three exchanged greetings, "So, how you know each other?"Hermione asked Harry.
Both mentioned kids smiled and Sue answered, "I live with my aunt Amelia. It turns out that she is dating Harry's godfather. Years ago they were engaged but then some problems came out and they separated. About a month ago they met again and well… like I said, now they are dating again" she said with a grin on her face.
"That's right, Amelia asked Sirius out and the old dog didn't need another bone being thrown at so he said yes, and like Sue said, they are dating now, making us almost cousins, since we are both nice or nephew of our guardians" Harry said, while earning a playful smack on his arm from Sue because of the use of her surname.
Neville had a scowl on his face, "When you say Sirius, you are talking about Sirius Black?" Neville asked. Hermione gasped when she heard the name she had seen listed as one of the Lieutenants of Lord Voldemort and the one who betrayed the Potters in one of her books.
Harry smiled, "That's right"
"But he's the one who betrayed your parents!" Hermione exclaimed anguished.
Harry laughed at that, "No Hermione, he didn't, he was exonerated last month when we presented evidence of his innocence to Madam Bones" Harry figured she had probably read about Sirius supposed betrayal.
Hermione blushed in embarrassment, "I'm sorry… I didn't knew"
Harry laughed good heartily, "Hey, don't worry about it, it was an honest mistake, the real traitor did a fine job to incriminate him, however I'll repeat the same advice I gave Ron, don't believe anything you read that is related to me unless I said so, the media doesn't know a thing and very few people know most of the truth about that night, my life and the persons involved with me" the wizard said.
Hermione nodded still embarrassed and vowed herself to follow his advice so she wouldn't made the same mistake.
They disembarked the boats and walked to the castle.
The scene of the castle by the lake was amazing and engraved itself in the minds of the young wizards, the interiors of the castle, while not spectacular like the outside, held their own charm and mystery.
The students were led to the outside of the Great Hall where they were received by a stern looking woman.
"Good evening everyone, my name is Minerva McGonagall and I'm the Deputy Headmistress of the school, I'm also Head of House Gryffindor and your Transfiguration teacher. In a few moments you will all be sorted in a different house. They are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw… and Slytherin, your house will be like your family, with every achievement you'll gain points for your house, if you misbehave, you'll lose them, do you have any question?" she spoke to the newly arrived students.
Harry recognized her name as one of the possible guardians from his parents will and most of all, from the notebooks his parents left him in their trunks.
Harry lifted his hand, "Yes?" Professor McGonagall asked, "When you say that our house is like our family, does that mean we can't relate ourselves with members of other houses ma'am?" he asked.
McGonagall was taken aback by the young man's question, which by the way she recognized as Harry Potter, it wasn't hard to miss since he had his mother's eyes and could be James's carbon copy, "Thank you for your question, and no, not at all, you are free to relate yourself with members of any house, I have to admit though, that is uncommon for a student to do so, however, I at least, do recommend expanding your friendships into the other houses, you'll find that there are people outside of your houses who can become great friends to you if you give them a chance" the stern looking woman finished with a warm smile.
Many students started whispering among themselves due to their classmate's question. McGonagall headed to the door and instructed the young witches and wizards to follow her.
They finally entered the Great Hall, it was an enormous room with four big tables, one for each house and from the roof hanged the flag of every house along with Hogwarts shield, at the bottom of the Hall, was the Head Table, and Harry recognized Albus Dumbledore, his Headmaster.
Harry heard Hermione getting close to him and told him, "The roof is enchanted to look like the sky outside of the castle, I read it in-" Harry interrupted, "'Hogwarts; a History', yeah, I know, great book by the way, one of my favorites"
Hermione wore a big bright smile when Harry interrupted her and spoke the source of her information, she was happy that she wasn't the only one who liked Hogwarts; a History, it was her favorite book too.
The students formed into a line in front of a stool that had an old looking hat on it. After that, hat came alive and sung. Then, McGonagall instructed everyone to sit on the stool when they were named to be sorted.
Kids started passing to the stool. Harry didn't really pay any attention other than his friends; Sue was sorted into Hufflepuff with his cousin Dora. After a few names, Hermione was next. The hat took his time to make a decision and Harry could see that Hermione was like in deep concentration when the hat was placed on top of her head. The hat finally decided to place her in Griffindor, some other names later, Neville was sorted in Griffindor too and Draco on Slytherin.
After hearing the Patil twins being sorted into Griffindor and Ravenclaw his name was called.
"Potter, Harry James" McGonagall said. Everyone in the room kept quiet, paying close attention to the Sorting Hat's decision. Harry didn't saw that Professor Dumbledore had shifted on his seat to have a better look of the sorting when Harry was called.
Harry sat on the stool and the Head of Griffindor place the hat on his head. He managed to see Neville and Hermione's faces with longing eyes, like if they expected to Harry to be placed with them. Harry wanted the same as well.
'Well, what do we have here, Mr. Potter, how nice to see you' the hat spoke into his mind.
'Can you talk?' Harry said in his thoughts.
'Well of course I can talk, don't worry though, young man, nobody can hear us in your head' Harry sighed in relief while he wondered what was going to happen.
'This is a very difficult decision, you are incredibly smart, so far the only student smartest than you would be Miss Granger, and the difference is really small' the hat said.
'If she is so smart how come you didn't place her on Ravenclaw, hat?' Harry said curious.
'For the same reason I'm having trouble placing you as well, and by the way, my name is Adrian' the hat told Harry.
'Sorry Adrian, I didn't know' Harry apologized quickly.
'No problem at all Mr. Potter, now, returning to our previous issue, as I said you are far too smart, you are the exact combination of your parents, I see you have a mischievous side; you are cunning, and sneaky. Besides, you are very loyal to your friends and family, even when some may not deserve it (Harry thought of Draco and his confrontation with Ron) and I can see extreme valor. You are a born warrior and leader…' Adrian kept thinking while Harry kept repeating 'Griffindor, Griffindor, Griffindor!'
Adrian sighed, 'I've decided I'll listen to you… I do believe you shall become complete in…' then the Hat shouted:
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Harry smiled when the hat sorted in the same house as Hermione and Neville.
Harry headed to his table while the Griffindors kept clapping and a couple of twins were shouting, "We got Potter!"
Harry managed to wave his hand to Dora who was seated in the middle of the Hufflepuff table. Some students look at them weird. Harry seated beside Hermione, in front of Neville. They kept listening the sorting with Ron being sorted in Griffindor and the list ending with a boy, Blaise Zabini, sorted in Slytherin.
The Headmaster stood and shared a few welcoming words before diner started, "Welcome to all of our new students, to the ones who have returned, welcome back, for now just tuck in" He said as food appeared magically in the center of the tables and the students started eating.
Harry was talking with their prefect Percy Weasley, who turned out to be brother of Ron and the twins that were shouting earlier, "Excuse me, Percy, by any chance do you have a brother that graduated this June from Hogwarts?" Harry asked the prefect. The redhead stared at him surprised he knew of his family so he answered sincerely, "Yes, actually, my older brother Charlie graduated and left to Romania earlier in the summer to work in a dragon reserve, do you know him?" Percy asked.
"Not really but I know a person who does, my cousin Tonks, she's chaser of the Hufflepuff team and, as far as I know your brother was seeker right?" Harry asked and Weasley nodded, "She always talked about how good he was, she said that in the three years she has been playing they have defeated Gryffindor just once, so I was just curious" Harry finished while smirking internally, 'I'm sorry Dora but this is a piece of information that I can't miss' he thought.
Diner was an amicable affair, getting to know each other; however Harry developed a sudden headache that was kinda distracting. He noticed as well that a professor kept staring at him. He asked Percy again, "Excuse me, Percy, who is that professor, the one who is to a side to the professor with the turban?"
Percy turned to see the table and recognized the professor Harry was talking about, "Ah, that would be Professor Severus Snape" he answered before returning to his plate.
Harry remembered a conversation he had with Sirius and Remus the day before.
"Harry, there's a piece of advice that I want to give you before you leave tomorrow, be prepared, inside the halls of Hogwarts there's a professor that I have no doubt he'll try to make your life hell" Sirius told his godson.
Harry look at him incredulous, "Now, why the hell would that man try to do that to me? I don't even know him" he asked.
"That may be true, but he knows us and your parents" Remus said.
Harry sighed, that simple sentence was all he needed to know, "You picked on him right? He was your objective in some point of your education" Harry stated.
Both Remus and Sirius looked regretful, "Harry, you know we only did pranks to the ones who deserved it, he was a Voldemort sympathizer, plus, he was Lily's childhood friend and he was head over heels for your mum and your dad didn't like that. The fact that he got to tell her 'mudblood' didn't helped things either" Sirius explained.
Harry looked thoughtful for a moment, "What's his name?" he said in a no-nonsense tone.
Remus was the one who answered, "Snape, Severus Snape, apparently he's the Head of Slytherin so be careful with him, he's the potions professor and he is most likely to pick on you"
"I recommend you to save a sample of your potions at the end of the class so in case he gives you a bad mark you head to your House Head and present evidence" Sirius said.
Harry nodded at his advice; it seemed to be most logical answer.
Harry kept looking to the professor sitting in the Head Table and finally he sighed and returned to his diner.
Hermione didn't miss the questions he asked Percy nor the glares between him and the dark haired professor, nor the deep sigh he gave after a long moment.
"Is everything alright Harry?" she asked.
Harry turned to see her worried face and tried to relax, "Yeah… I was just remembering something, don't worry about it, everything is fine"
Thankfully, Hermione decided to drop the questioning with a look that promised that this wasn't over.
Hermione kept stealing glances of the boy seated at her side, they had known a few hours early but she felt drawn towards him since moment one, 'What does this mean, why am I feeling like this' she thought as she started thinking in that 'Impulse' she felt when she met him. Some minutes later, Headmaster Dumbledore rose from his seat and started his speech.
"Greetings again, I hope you've liked the feast of this evening, I'd like to warn you that the Forbidden Forest is, as it name implies, restricted to every alumni from the school, I'd like to remember you that doing magic in the corridors is forbidden and tell you that the list of banned articles had grown to the spectacular quantity of 358 items, the list is in Mr. Filch's office, our caretaker. Lastly I'd like to announce that the corridor in the left side of the third floor is restricted to every student unless you want to suffer a most painful death. And now with those announcements shared, everyone to bed, good night.
The students of the Lion House followed their prefects to Griffindor tower where they were given a password to enter, this time it was 'Freedom'.
The students enter through the Fat Lady picture and arrived a big room that had several couches, sofas, a table, chairs, and a fireplace. The decorations and furniture had the house colors, red and gold mainly with the neutral brown for table and every wooden application.
The prefects explained the distribution of the students, boys to the stairs in the left, girls in the stairs of the right.
Everyone headed to their rooms. Harry and the rest of first years got to their bedroom; five four posts beds were distributed with their respective trunks. Harry changed his clothes and settled on his bed feeling excited to what would happen the next day.
Well, this was it, like I said on the beginning I hope you liked it. Please, R&R.
