Title: I'd Rather Drown, Thanks Though
Rated: T for language and heavy themes, subject to change
Theme: Family, Mystery
Pairings: [Harry/Voldemort], IDK
Chapter 2 : The First Day
Author's Note:
Hey, something I didn't mention last chapter cuz I forgot is that I'm taking suggestions for pairings. I know I want Harry with Voldemort and I've been toying with a few ideas for Draco. Let me know which ones you want and I'll see if I can get it to fit!
And sorry I didn't upload earlier. I've written this out in a very odd pattern, whatever part I'm currently inspired for. And I was sick for a while so I was too fuzzy to upload anything. Still got a nasty cough that makes it hard to sleep.
-0-
Harry was very excited to go on the Hogwarts Train. It was so shiny and red! It was like… like a signal of wonder to all ages…. Like Christmas!
"Thank you, Aunt Petunia." Harry squeezed her wrist.
"Stay safe, dear." Petunia smiled bravely, but she was obviously keeping back tears.
"I'll stay in touch, Auntie." He promised. "And I'll do my best." He then turned to his cousin. "Uhm..."
"See ya, Harry. Have fun." Dudley offered. Oh good. They had gotten into a fight because of an idiot wizarding boy Harry had met in a shop. He was glad they weren't leaving on bad terms.
"Alright! See you on the holidays!" Harry bounced towards the big red train, dragging his thankfully lightened trunk behind him.
"Bye Harry!" He waved back at them before boarding the transportation. It took him a bit, but he found a mostly empty compartment towards the back. Just a redheaded boy in it.
"Hey, can I come in?" Harry asked, smiling charmingly.
The boy stared blankly at him before nodding slowly. "A-Are you H-Harry Potter?"
"Oh, you know me?" Harry blinked, not expecting that. "Well, that rather puts me at a disadvantage. What's your name?"
"R-Ronald Weasley." The poor boy seemed rather dazed.
"Well, it's a pleasure, Mister Weasley." He nodded firmly, deciding to leave Weasley alone for the moment and give him the chance to collect himself. So he opened up Hogwarts : A History and continued reading. He had already glanced through his books to get an idea of what he was going to be learning. Now he was actually reading it.
"...So which Quidditch team do you like?"
Harry glanced up. "...What's Quidditch?"
Weasley gaped openly. "W-What! You don't know what Quidditch is?"
He shook his head, closing his book. This would probably take a while. "No. Sorry. What is it?"
"Just the most awesome sport ever!" The redhead sputtered, gesturing wildly. "It-It's amazing! Everybody rides on broomsticks and-"
Harry's brows shot up. "I'm sorry, I know I'm being rude. But broomsticks?" He shook his head. Surely not…
"Yeah, rugs were outlawed about 50 years back but broomsticks were always better anyhow. They're faster and more balanced." Ron informed him.
"...Kay." Harry shook his head. Well then. "So what are the positions?"
"Well there's-" Weasley continued to extol the virtues of Quidditch until an older lady popped her head in.
"Hello there, dearies. I have snacks if you want to buy them."
"None for me." The scruffy redhead seemed to wilt. Probably had no money.
"What sort of candies do you have?" Harry scooched over, deciding to buy some for Weasley.
"I have Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, Cauldron Cakes, Chocolate Frogs, Drooble's Best Blowing Gum, Jelly Slugs, Liquorice Wands, Pumpkin Pasties, Explosive Fairy Dust, and Powdered Porcupine. Which do you want, dearie?"
"Uh…" Harry blanked. Well, this was different. "Two of everything except the Liquorice Wands. Ron, do you want one of those?"
"Wha?" Weasley blinked. "You-"
"I'm buying you food. Believe me, I can afford it. Do you want one or not?" Harry knew his tone came out a little short and winced inside.
"...No, thanks." Fantastic. He didn't take it the wrong way.
"Alright then. Enjoy and save some room for the feast."
"Thank you!" The two boys split the sweets between them. "So is this Fairy Dust like Pixie Stix or Pop Rocks?"
Weasley stared at him blankly. "...I don't know what either of those are."
"It's a muggle sweet." Harry explained, pouring some of the wizarding treat into his mouth. "Umph!" He swallowed, wincing. "Oh yeah," he coughed, "that's a more intense version of Pop Rocks."
The brat just laughed at him. "What did you think would happen? It's called Exploding for a reason."
"Jerk!" He tried to clear his throat the best he could.
The door to the compartment opened again and a girl popped her head in. "Hey, do either of you- Oh! Are you OK?"
Harry shook his head and gulped down some water, eternally thankful to Aunt Petunia. "Oh dear Lord Almighty! I think I'm fine now." He sipped some more.
"If that's your reaction to Fairy Dust, stay away from Acid Pops. Those can burn a hole right through your tongue." Weasley advised sagely.
"Why would you want that?" Harry gaped. Wizarding treats were dangerous!
"That sounds horrible!" The girl agreed, sliding into a seat. "Sorry, I'm Hermione Granger." She stuck her hand out.
"Nice to meet you, Miss Granger." He shook her hand. "Harry Potter and this is Ron Weasley."
"Hi." Good Lord, Weasley! The boy had just shoved an entire chocolate frog into his mouth before he spoke.
"Pleasure." Granger grimaced, not that Harry could blame her. "I don't suppose either of you have found a toad? He lost his." She waved towards the quiet boy hovering in the doorway
"No, sorry." Harry shook his head. "Try checking with one of the older students. Maybe they know a spell that can help?"
"Thank you, I'll try that." Granger stood up. "You better get your robes on, we're almost there."
"Thanks." He waved as she left. "Well, she's nice."
"Seriously?" Weasley made a funny expression with his face. "She's got huge hair and her teeth-"
Harry frowned at the other boy. "Really? She's eleven. We're all still growing up into our bodies. And it's not like you're any better, Mister Foal."
"What?"
He rolled his eyes. What he would give for someone who could understand his insults for once. Dudley was just too easy. "You're all gangly and skinny. You probably trip over yourself just like a baby horse."
Weasley flushed at this. "S-So?"
Harry snorted. "Relax, Weasley. Nobody's expecting you to have it all together and puberty's a right mess. Just don't be mean and rude and try your best. You'll be fine."
"Thanks." The redhead grinned cheerfully, giving him a warm fuzzy feeling in his chest. Aww…
Then the door opened to a familiar face behind which was two large firsties who threatened Dudley's spot as largest boy in England. "Hey, I heard Harry Potter was in this compartment. Guess I heard wrong, huh."
"Nope." Harry frowned. "Hi. You're the boy from the clothing store."
The blond seemed off-footed by this. "...Yes."
"What you said to my cousin was rather rude." Harry sighed. Well, this was awkward. "Want to start again? Hi, my name's Harry Potter." He stretched out his hand.
The boy shook his hand. "Malfoy. Draco Malfoy."
"It's nice to properly meet you." Harry smiled serenely. "So a fan of Bond, huh?"
"What's Bond?"
-0-
The rest of the trip was filled with Harry trying to explain what James Bond was, then what films were. It was when they disembarked was when the actual trouble started.
"Nope." Harry headed back towards the train.
"Potter?" Malfoy called out, confused.
"I'm not crossing that lake! I'm finding another way!" He searched for the older classmen. They had gone another way, assumedly the first years got a 'special trip'. Which sucked majorly.
"Potter!" He could hear Malfoy and Weasley follow behind him. "It's tradition!"
"Tradition can kiss my ass! I can't cross!"
"What's going on over here?" The big wizard, who was absolutely adorable by the way, shambled over, followed by Granger who had obviously told him. Well at least there was going to be a solution.
"I can't cross the lake!" Harry repeated.
"There's no danger at all." The wizard explained. "The mermaids push the boats along and everyone is safe."
Unbidden, dread crept up Harry's limbs and his breath went short. "I can't cross!" But the man wouldn't listen!
"Now, come on, kiddie." The wizard pushed him gently into a boat. Harry scraped his knee as he fell in. The pain only added to his building emotions. He couldn't- He couldn't- "See? Just fine. Like I said. Alright! Everyone on!"
"...Potter?" Someone said, but all Harry could focus on was the water. Cold. Unforgiving. Wet. Suffocating! Can't- I can't- Not working! Get her off! Get her off! Get-
-0-
Harry woke up, being surrounded by concerned faces, namely a strict-looking woman, Malfoy, Weasley, Granger, and the boy who lost his toad but apparently found again. "Mister Potter, how are you feeling?" The woman asked.
"Uhm… Considerably calmer than I was a few moments ago. Did I pass out to an attack? Again?" Harry huffed. He thought he was over those! He must have been brought into Hogwarts after he passed out.
The witch raised a sharp brow at Granger who looked strangely ashamed. "I'm sorry, Harry! I saw that you were freaking out about the lake so I may have knocked you out so you could cross it. I'm so so-"
"Thank you." Harry sat up and squeezed her hand then quickly withdrew it before the pain could get to him. "I'm hydrophobic. Almost drowned one time and never been able to take a bath since. I really appreciate it."
"Oh." Granger blushed. She was so cute! Harry had to keep himself from squishing her. That would not turn out well for him at all. "You're welcome."
"Well then," The woman stood up, brushing her knees off, "I suppose as long as there's no harm done. Mister Potter, I expect you to report to Madam Pomfrey at the Hospital Wing and explain the situation to her after the sorting. The other teachers will be informed."
"Yes, ma'am." Harry stood up too. "Thank you."
She nodded sharply and swept to the front of the room. "If you could all turn your attention to me."
"Malfoy, is that a wizarding thing?" At his confusion, Harry expounded. "The swooshy-sweepy thing that your mom did too."
"Swooshy-sweepy?" Malfoy was hilariously horrified and he spluttered for a moment. This was going to be fun. "A-As far as I'm aware. My godfather who is the potions professor here does it too."
"Oh yeah, Professor Snape." Weasley huffed. "My brothers are always complaining about him."
"Mister Snape is your godfather?" Harry brightened before scowling. "I've met him. He stole my card." Ignoring their confused faces, he muttered "Didn't even bother telling me which one he got either."
They were finally called into the Great Hall, which lacked in architecture but made up for in the magical ceiling. Harry looked around curiously, automatically noting the exits, but also noticing Snape at the table on the dias. He scowled at him when the professor looked at him, ignoring the sudden prickles at his scar for the moment.
Harry crossed his arms and pointedly turned to the shy boy. "So I never caught your name."
"Uh… I'm Neville Longbottom." The sweetheart was flushing. "T-Thank you for helping me earlier. Trevor's always running away."
"Well, why don't you get a cage for him?" Harry asked, curious.
"He really doesn't like them." Neville explained.
"Ah." Harry nodded. That's when the sorting began and first years went up to get assigned. "So which house are you hoping for?"
"Gran wants me in Gryffindor." The other boy explained. "But I'd rather be in Hufflepuff."
Harry frowned. The house of the brave? Didn't really fit the shy boy. The house of hard work and patience would suit him more. "I think you'll do well in Hufflepuff."
"Thanks." They watched as Granger was surprisingly sorted into Gryffindor.
"Huh. I would have thought she'd be in Ravenclaw." Malfoy commented.
"She did knock me out." Harry shrugged. Longbottom was next. "Good luck!" He gave the poor boy two thumbs-up. He clearly was incredibly nervous over this, but still gave a shaky smile and went up. It probably didn't help that this was in front of a crowd.
It took five minutes, apparently a hat stall, before the hat shouted "Gryffindor" and a pale Longbottom went towards the lion table. Harry was surprised, making a note to ask him about it later.
Both he and Malfoy had to wait about half an hour for their names to be called. Malfoy went up first and got sorted into Slytherin before the hat could touch a single greasy hair. He seriously needed to go au naturale. But he swaggered off to his table as if he owned the castle.
"Harry Potter." The entire room went silent when his name was called.
It was a little troubling. Was one of his parents famous or something? You would think Auntie would tell him that. He went up to the stool and let the woman from before, Professor McGonagall, who was apparently also the Assistant Headmistress, put the Sorting Hat on his head.
Well, hello. This is different.
"You are not telling any of my secrets to anyone or I will set you on fire."
Are you threatening me? No fire can harm me, brat.
"No, I'm telling you the consequences of betraying my confidence in you." Harry brought up a few choice memories of his destructive tendencies.
OK, OK! I get it! The Sorting Hat huffed. Jeez, I can't anyways. I was charmed by Rowena Ravenclaw herself to be unable to tell anything about the people I sort, other than to warn when a child's in an abusive household.
"Oh, well that's nice of her." Harry approved of the safety measure. "Still could have told me that first."
Of course, Dumbledore's just ignores me- Never mind. The Hat cut itself off. Now where do we sort you?
"He does what now?" Harry was horrified at the implications of what it just said. What was going on in this school?
Definitely not Ravenclaw. You learn to get by, not because you enjoy it. It was clearly ignoring him which he did not appreciate it.
"Are you calling me stupid?" Oh shit, he said that out loud. Chuckles spread through the Hall. He pulled the Hat further over his burning face in embarrassment.
The Hat cackled in his head. Oh, you're going to be fun. Seriously though, you wouldn't know what to do in Ravenclaw. Not Gryffindor, I think. They tend to be close-minded and you'd be getting into fights left and right there. Besides, you're not particularly brave.
"I call it having a healthy sense of self-preservation." Harry huffed, still blushing.
Tomato, tomahto. You're loyal and kind, but also cunning and brash. Hufflepuff or Slytherin. Do you have a preference?
"Not really. I mean Malfoy's in Slytherin, but I'd still be friends with him either way." Harry shrugged. He'd have to warn his housemates not to touch him in both cases.
Wait, what? He could feel the Hat digging through his memories. Holy shit! That's one hell of a curse.
"It's a curse? I thought it was a psychological reaction to-"
Nope. That lady did a right number on you. Definitely not Hufflepuff then. They are very touchy. So… "Slytherin!" After a shocked silence, the group began murmuring loudly.
Harry handed the Hat to a surprised Professor McGonagall. "Thank you, Mister Hat."
"No problem, kid. Tell Pomfrey about that curse, understood?"
"Yes, sir!" Harry trotted off to Malfoy's side and plopped down beside him. He turned to his new housemates. "Hi! I'm Harry Potter! What are your names?"
-0-
Severus wasn't quite sure what to make of Harry's sudden change in attitude at the sorting and definitely wasn't sure what to make of him being in Slytherin. But either way, he had to pull Potter aside as he missed the speech Severus gave his House.
"You!" He was not expecting to be bombarded as soon as Harry came in the door, escorted by Pomfrey's assistant, one Melody Barmola. "Professor, you stole my card! I can't believe you didn't even let me tell your fortune!" Barmola gave a surprised snort of laughter.
Severus glared at the medical assistant. That was what it was about? Just because he forgot to give it back? "You mean this?" He slid the playing card out of his sleeve and handed it to him.
"Hmm…" Harry examined it. "The three of hearts. It means an opportunity to change your destiny. Of course because you didn't let me tell you before, it's already past. My fortunes usually come true within an hour or two." Harry informed him, grinning as if he was never angry in the first place.
"I see…" Severus was still suspicious. "Do you mind telling me why you weren't with the other first years?"
"Professor McGonagall ordered Mister Potter to the Hospital Wing after an incident at the lake." Barmola informed him, handing him a scroll.
Severus raised a brow, deciding to look at it later. "Thank you, Barmola. That will be all."
She nodded, used to his brusqueness. "See you later, Harry." Already on first name basis.
"Bye, Miss Melody." Harry waved as she left.
"Potter." Severus caught his attention again. "Since you missed my lecture, I will sum it up."
"OK." The boy nodded, all his attention on the potions master.
"We must present a united front to the rest of the Houses due to our poor reputation." The lecture poured off his tongue easily. He had been doing it for many years after all. "If you have an issue with a fellow Slytherin, you will deal with it inside the common room. If you have an issue with another student from one of the other Houses, you may ask your fellow students for help. You will not give more grief than is due. You also will not bully others or anyone. You will be punished harshly, especially if I find out that it is based on blood. Understand me so far?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good. Besides the prefects that are assigned by the Headmaster, there is a different government for each House. Ravenclaw is a representative democracy, Hufflepuff is a pure democracy, Slytherin resembles an aristocratic monarchy. Gryffindor is ruled by the prefects and the Head. Do you need me to explain any of those terms?"
Harry shook his head. "No, I've got it… But what do you mean Slytherin resembles an aristo-monarchy?"
"There is a court system based around chess pieces that is decided based on power and wealth as well as year. The Slytherins not a part of the court are called pawns. There can only be one King and one Queen, the ruling one is called the Crown. The Rulers assists me with grading and governs you. However, there can be multiples of every other piece, two per piece per year with different responsibilities, one to each gender. For example, Draco Malfoy is automatically the first boys' Bishop as his father is politically powerful and wealthy. He is the leader of the first years and only obeys the Rulers, prefects, and me. Whoever is the first girls' Bishop will have to listen to him along with the aforementioned. Understand so far?"
"Yes, sir. We all listen to him. Despite his big head." Harry nodded. "What about the other pieces?"
"Knights answer to Bishops and are ...friendly with other Houses. Rooks are the lowest Court piece and must be competent in dueling. Each Court piece is available for any questions you may have. Tuesdays and Thursdays I myself will be in the common room. You may also request meetings. If it is an emergency, you will head to the nearest or appropriate teacher."
Every semester, I, the King, and the Queen will meet with each student and go over your grades. If you need either help or a challenge, we will provide it. Do you need me to go over anything again?"
"Erm… I think I've got it." Harry answered. "Court system, obey Bishops and Rulers, don't be an ars- I mean, bully," he quickly corrected himself, "and everything runs on power and wealth. Understood, sir!" He saluted.
Severus' mouth twitched without him meaning to. "Good. Ask Malfoy about the current Court. Tomorrow we will discuss how to best accommodate you and your… needs."
Harry rubbed the back of his neck. "Honestly? As long as people don't touch me and I stay away from bodies of water, I'll be fine."
...Water? "Very well." Severus inclined his head. "Do you need dinner?"
"No, sir. I ate at the Hospital Wing." Harry explained.
"Good. Go to your dorm."
"Yes, sir! Good night, sir!" Harry saluted and left him.
Severus took a glance over the scroll he still held and felt the beginnings of a headache. He needed the Court's help for this. "Shawn! Office!"
-0-
Rebecca Shawn did not become the Crown by any power or wealth her parents had like Malfoy likely would but by pure determination and hard work, overcoming the prejudice of being a muggleborn. She was tenacious and driven, intelligent and confident even at her young age. "You want to speak about Harry Potter, sir?" Of course he wanted to speak about the Boy-Who-Lived. Everyone did, wanting to know how to treat him and how to deal with Dumbledore's weapon.
The professor pulled out a carafe of firewhiskey which made her wince. That was a bad sign. Only once before had he ever pulled it out and it was not something she wanted to remember. It was only after Snape had finished his glass did he speak. "You are going to take Potter under your wing."
"Yes, sir." So winning him over then. "What would you like me to tutor him in?" She was excellent at spellwork and runes.
"Whatever he needs. Tell the Court to guard him and keep him from being touched at all times and away from bodies of water. Malfoy will obviously be in charge of him."
Rebecca hesitated, going over what he just said. "Uhm...Sir? The touching…?"
Snape handed her the medical scroll, sitting down in his chair. Rebecca knew better than to sit. "Injury analysis from ages 1 to 5 indicates abuse especially around the fifth year and fights from 7 onwards. There are traces of malnutrition that needs attention. His scar has intense Dark magic in it but is contained to simply that. Somehow, a curse that turns touching into pain has been transferred to him when he was 5. I am assuming he bumped into a carrier and they managed to transfer or share the curse into a child. He also has an intense fear of water."
Rebecca had paled during this speech. The poor boy! She quickly flicked over the scroll, noting the details he had left out. "Is his curse enhanced by the scar?"
"Unknown at this point. He has already been scheduled for regular check ups with Pomfrey and a mind healer. I will be requesting for a curse breaker to come and study the curse." Snape replied. "His Muggle aunt already knows about the touch to pain, but not the cause. She's also told me that he blocks out 5 and back. She will need to know everything else."
"Understood. I will draft up a letter." Rebecca nodded and laid the scroll back on the desk. "I will inform Malfoy tonight and the others in our meeting tomorrow. Is there anything else at the moment?"
Snape considered this. "Potter has been living with Muggles this entire time. Find out what he knows about the Wizarding World."
"Yes, sir." Rebecca quickly left and headed straight to the first years' area. She knocked on the boys' room. A lanky preteen opened the door, Theodore Nott if she remembered correctly. "I need to speak to Malfoy."
"Yes, ma'am." Nott nodded, eyes wide. "Hey, Malfoy! The Crown's here to see you!"
-0-
Harry was truly excited about his new House. He got Mister Snape as his Head after all and snakes were pretty cool. The Court system was an interesting concept. He was a little worried about Malfoy being in charge of him though. The boy seemed rather prejudiced and had the possibility of being a bit of a bully. Harry would have to help him with that. Maybe he could get Malfoy and Granger to be friends. He'd probably have to hang out in the library for them to meet more often then.
"...What is that?"
"Sorry?" Harry looked up to see his roommates staring at him.
"What are you hugging?" Zabini reiterated. He seemed rather wary of Harry which was rather odd but seemed nice otherwise.
"Oh? This?" Harry lifted up his stuffed giant squid. "This is Mister Squiggles. He gives nice hugs."
"..."
"He's…huge." Nott answered, a strange look on his face.
"Mm-hm." Harry nodded. The cephalopod was bigger than he was, though it was mostly tentacles. "I got him at a carnival a while ago. I can't hug others, so I hug Mister Squiggles instead."
"Oh. Good for you." One of the two bigger boys… Goyle was his name?... nodded and seemed to just accept his statement. Which was actually rather nice to not be questioned for once.
"Why?" Zabini seemed almost… offended? Which was weird.
"Curse." Malfoy answered for him, reentering the room, looking a little green. "You -uh…" The blonde stared at Harry's stuffed squid. "What is that?" He sounded strained.
Harry almost cackled. It was too funny! "This is Mister Squiggles! Say hi!"
-0-
Whew! Sorry that took me so long. I was stuck on the part where Harry meets Ron, Hermione, and Draco. Let me know what you think!
