Severus Snape appeared where the door had been closed. His hair was chin-length and as greasy as ever. He looked around the compartment and sneered. "Well...well...well. What do we have here?" he drawled. "A couple of arrogant gits, the tattered sickly one, and...a new mudblood, Black?" He lifted an eyebrow at the sight of Harry asleep against Sirius. "Don't call him that!" Sirius hissed sharply, glaring daggers at Snape. The Slytherin sneered before taking a threatening step towards Harry and Sirius, but his path was quickly blocked by an angry looking James. "You won't come near him, Snivellus. Ever," James said sharply, pointing his wand in between Snape's eyes. Snape sneered at him. "We'll see about that, Potter!" he said, loud enough to wake Harry but not Remus. Snape was gone by the time Harry was aware of his surroundings. "What's going on?" he asked, rubbing his eyes. "Nothing, just a greasy git Slytherin," James muttered, sitting back down next to Remus and adjusting the coat around the tired boy. Sirius brushed a dark lock out of Harry's eyes, smiling at him softly. Harry looked at him, surprisingly content with their comfort and proximity to each other.
As they journeyed closer to Hogwarts, Peter rejoined their compartment, much to Harry's displeasure. Sirius immediately felt the boy stiffen next to him and gave him a concerned look. "Are you guys finished talking about my birthday?" Peter asked. James nodded and watched as Peter took the seat next to him, wondering what on earth Peter could have done to make Harry distrust him so much. Thankfully, the train soon stopped in front of the gates of the castle and all of the boys stood, including an awake, but groggy, Remus. The air outside the train was warm and Harry looked around, smiling at the familiar setting. His glee was short lived, however, when someone sent an elbow into his ribcage. The sudden pain caused Harry to flinch violently, nearly falling backwards, but thankfully being caught by an irate looking Sirius. "Bellatrix!" he barked, keeping his arms around Harry's waist. Harry was shaking ever so slightly. His brief stay with Sirius and James had already caused Harry's anticipation for pain to lessen, making the sudden jolt more jarring.
At Sirius's bark, a hateful looking girl in green robes turned around, "Yes, dear cousin," she said, feigning innocence. "Unless you would like me to let slip to Uncle Orion who you really spent your summer with, I strongly suggest that you stay away from Harry and the rest of us," Sirius finished, gesturing over his shoulder at the rest of the Marauders. Bellatrix pursed her lips, gave Sirius a hateful look, and turned on her heel to leave. "She spent her summer with a half-blood and told the family he was a pureblood in Romania," he whispered conspiratorially in Harry's ear, expecting him to laugh. To his surprise, Harry had a look of hatred on his face, almost worse than the one he gave Peter, and he looked like he was ready to chase after Bellatrix. "Hey, you okay?" he asked, squeezing Harry around the waist. Harry looked at him, surprise on his face for a moment before he nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine," he assured.
The Marauders and Harry climbed into a carriage, Harry, Sirius, and Remus on one side, and Peter and James on the other. To Harry's delight, Lily climbed in next to James, across from him. "Hello, love," James greeted, wrapping an arm around her and kissing her forehead. "Hello, James," she said, smiling at him affectionately before she turned to Harry. "So, are you excited to be starting at Hogwarts?" she asked. "Oh, yeah. Really excited," Harry answered, smiling at his mother. "Good! If you have any trouble getting around, don't hesitate to ask me for anything!" she said kindly. "Thanks, M-Lily," Harry said, blushing at his slip. Thankfully the only ones who seemed to notice were James, Sirius, and Remus, and they all smiled at him knowingly.
Once they reached Hogwarts and got out of the carriages, James and Sirius appeared on either side of Harry. "We'll walk you to Dumbledore's office," James explained, "Listen, I think you should stick to the cousin story, yeah?" Harry nodded. "Yeah, I don't want him to try and make me go back," Harry said, nodding his head. He wasn't sure he could handle being sent back right now. He was only just getting to know all of the people who really meant something in his life. Despite the fact that he knew exactly where Dumbledore's office was, he allowed James and Sirius to guide him, following in their easy rhythm.
After naming all of the candies they could think of, they were finally granted entrance when James said Cockroach Clusters with a sour look on his face. The older Potter led the way, followed by Harry and Sirius. Harry smiled as he spotted the headmaster, looking a little younger than when he had last seen him. "Ah, hello, boys! In my office already?" Dumbledore asked, smiling all the while. "Hello, headmaster," James greeted. "I wanted to introduce you to my cousin Harry. He is starting at Hogwarts this year." Dumbledore's eyes moved to Harry and his brows instantly rose. "Very well," he said, snapping his fingers. They watched as the Sorting Hat flew into his hand. "What year are you, Harry?" he asked. "Sixth, sir," Harry answered, his gaze never wavering from the headmaster. "Very well. Please put this on before Professor McGonagall takes it for the first years," he said, placing it on Harry's head.
"Well, hello, weary traveler," the hat murmured in his ear. "Yes, yes. I know exactly where to put you. GRYFFINDOR!" the hat shouted around the large office. James and Sirius grinned as the hat was pulled off of Harry's head. Dumbledore looked upon them all with a bemused expression. "Welcome to Hogwarts, Harry. I'm sure Mr. Black and Mr. Potter will have no trouble showing you around." Harry smiled as said boys draped an arm around his shoulder from opposite sides. "Thank you, headmaster," he said and he was quickly steared out the door. "Brilliant!" Sirius exclaimed, once they were out of earshot, ruffling Harry's unruly hair.
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