Harry was roused from his nap on the train by a gently shake from Neville. Harry tilted his hat back and looked at the other boy. Neville looked uncomfortable at the scrutiny but stood still. Harry grinned and said. "Good man. Never let 'em see ya flinch, remember that Neville."

Then Harry stood up. And stretched, before popping his back, neck, shoulders, and knuckles. He turned to see everyone looking at him with horrified expressions. "What?" he asked them with a confused scowl.

"That sounded unpleasant." Hermione said with a cute nose wrinkle. Harry grinned at her and said. "Well it felt GREAT. I gotta pop all that ever once in a while after I hurt my back in a bronco bustin' tournament down in Dallas."

"A what in where?" Ron asked confusion chiseled across his face.

"A wild horse riding competition." Hermione said matter-of-factly. Harry looked at Hermione with an eyebrow arched questioningly. Hermione blushed and ducked her head, before mumbling her dad watched the yank cowboy competitions a lot.

"Why do you keep saying yank?" Harry asked with a frown. "I was raised in the south. I ain't a yank."

"Yank is a Brit term for an American." Hermione said with a flush.

"Well its a southern term for a northerner." Harry said with a frown. "Just call me Harry or if you are mad at me Potter."

"Well you need to put on your robe the train has stopped. I tried to wake you but your dog wouldn't let me or Ron touch you." She said pointing towards Split who was laying in the floor. "By the way what breed is it?"

"He's a German Police." Harry said with a wicked grin.

"But isn't it a magical dog?" Ron asked with a frown.

"Nope he's just a regular dog born a little different. The Veterinarian explained it as he was probably two pups in the belly. They growed together, and so Split here was born with Two heads and Six legs. We took him to an animal healer who did an operation and some potion treatments and here he is happy healthy two headed dog." Harry said flashing them his Shit-eating grin. "I got him when he had just finished the potion treatments. I love him to death. Been mine since he wasn't much bigger than a half-grown cat. We just sorta bonded along the way."

"Like bonded as in a familiar bond?" Hermione asked excitedly. "I've read about those you have to have your pet for years and be feeding them your magic most of their life. Most wizards don't start trying to build a familiar bond until they are at least seventeen."

"Yeah well I was six so I didn't filter in the risks. Sirius almost had a heart attack when he found out." Harry said with a wry grin. "In America there are so many so called magicians that nobody takes magic seriously. So if you want to teach your kids magic your allowed to at any age. If they get caught doing something just say they are trying to learn magic. They let it go as illusions. The best part is a lot of the stage magicians are really magicals."

Hermione's mouth fell open. "You've been studying magic since you were six?" She sputtered.

"Well yea I've already completed all the first through fourth year assignments for what Hogwarts was when Sirius and Uncle Remus were here. They don't really think the curriculum has changed since they left. They are still using the same books. I actually have four sets of all the books but they figured for appearances I should bring new ones so Dumbledore doesn't get any ideas." Harry said with a thoughtful look. "He really wants me to be here and got a bill passed that says anyone from Briton who doesn't go to Hogwarts can't inherit anything in Magical Briton."

"Why you you say such things about the headmaster?!" Hermione asked shrilly. "Everything I've read says he's a great man."

Neville laughed from where he was sitting. "Oh yeah he's a great man alright. My gran says he's a bumbling old fool who believes his own hubris."

"But...he defeated Grindelwald." Hermione said uncertainly.

"Who was his friend and co-conspirator in a plot to make magicals overlords of the muggle populace." Harry said with a shake of his head. "Its illegal knowledge in Briton, but it's pretty common knowledge elsewhere."

"But...the books?" Hermione asked aghast.

"In America there is a saying." Harry said looking at the girl who seemed to be a few hard truths from hyperventilating. "It's the victors who write the history books."

"What does that mean?!" She asked with wide imploringly.

"It means who ever won gets to paint themselves as whatever they want while vilifying whoever else." Harry said bluntly. "The venerable headmaster is a meddlesome old fool and probably worse."

"I won't let you say things like that about Dumbledore!" Ron said jumping up and pulling his wand on Harry. "He's a great man."

"Uh-huh." Harry said with a frown. "I bet your family is firmly rooted in his camp, but that doesn't change what he is."

Ron growled at Harry and pointed the wand right between Harry's eyes, only for Split to tackle Ron. Ron yelped and looked up to see two angry snarling mouths over his face. He paled and froze in place. Harry, still sitting in the same place, looked at Ron.

"That was kind of stupid of you Ron." Harry said calmly. "I mean really, why on earth would you draw your wand on a person who has a two headed dog right beside them?"

Ron didn't say anything since Split's teeth were right in front of his face, but everyone knew the point was taken.

"Split, heel!" Harry said sharply which caused Split to back away from Ron. "Now your going to leave. And your never going to bother me or my friends again. Got it?"

Ron nodded quickly and ran out of the compartment. Hermione looked at him uncertainly. Neville was watching him inquisitively. Harry just gave them an aw shucks grin and shrugged. He stood up and straightened out his duster and said. "You two comin'?"

Neville was the first to get up, followed by Hermione who was moving rather slower. They made their way off the train and onto the Hogsmeade station. They found Draco waiting on them.

"Thought you art to know cousin." He said looking directly at Harry. "If I decide to be in your little group Theodore Nott is going to be Slytherins little prince. He's already got plans about it to he wants a public display of offering you friendship."

"Thanks for the heads up cousin." Harry said with a nod of his head. "I'll see you at lunch tomorrow?"

"What do you mean?" Draco asked confused.

"Well you only have to sit at your table the first morning to get your class schedules. Then there is no rule where you sit. So if all four of us are in different houses we can still hang out at meal times."

"I'll...think about it." Draco said uncertainly.

"Well you think about it. We need to go over to the large man who is callin' for first years." Harry said indicating Hagrid over at the entrance to the docks. The other three nodded and they made their way over.

"Now no more 'an four to a boat." Hagrid was saying indicating a large group of docked boats. Harry looked at the other three and shrugged before getting into the boat followed by the others. Split sat down at Harry's feet and curled up in a ball. They waited till everybody was loaded up and then they were moved forward at Hagrid's command. They all watched excitedly as the boats moved silently through the water. Harry shook he head in exasperation and put his hat down and leaned back and rested his head in Hermione's lap. She was preoccupied with the first sights of Hogwarts so she began to absently run her fingers through Harry's exposed hair. Draco snorted and motioned towards the pair which caused Neville to snicker. Which caused Hermione to look down and notice what she was doing. She eeped and blushed scarlet.

"Why'd you stop?" Harry asked moving his hat to look up at the girl's chocolate brown eyes. She gazed down into his own emerald green eyes.

"I didn't realize I was doing it." She said in a small voice.

"Oh." He said with a perplexed frown. "Well damn." He raised up just as the boats were pulling into the docks. He stood up and stretched he jumped out of the boat, and offered Hermione his hand. She blushed again and took it. Harry pulled her out of the boat and caught her in a one armed hug as she stumbled.

"Your awfully close already." Draco said causing Neville to laugh softly.

"Well ya can't blame me she's gorgeous." Harry said with a smirk.

Draco looked at her for a moment then a pink blush spread across his cheeks, before he turned away. "She's kind of pretty in her own way." He muttered noncommittally. Neville looked at him in shock. Draco growled. "What?"

"Nothing." Neville said hurriedly. Harry was laughing at them both, Hermione still held against him. He let her go and turned around to see a black haired boy with aristocratic features. He had high cheek bones and a small nose. His thin lips were pressed into a smirk. Harry felt Hermione stiffen at his side. He figured that meant this was one of the boys that had been picking on her earlier in the train ride.

"I'm Nott." The boy said stretching out his hand. "Theodore Nott. I wanted to offer you a chance to be around civilized company. No need for the heir of house Potter to be around mudbloods and squibs."

"Yeah know I was gonna give you the benefit of the doubt but you are just to much." Harry said shaking his head and ignoring the proffered hand. Then he moved quick as a striking copperhead and punched Nott in the nose. It made a sickening crunch and blood went flying. Nott fell to the ground crying bloody murder. "I don't like people impugning the honor of my friends."

The whole area stopped everything to look at the downed boy and the American who stood over him. Harry wrapped an arm around Hermione's shoulder and lead her away to where Hagrid was watching uncertainly. Draco looked down at Nott dispassionately, before shaking his head and turning away with Neville. The two boys walked over to Harry and Hermione.

"Well you lot best come on so I can turn you over to Professor McGonagall and get Madam Pomfrey. " Hagrid said shaking his head in exasperation. "Harry you shoulda let me take care of it that's why I'm here y'know."

"Not happenin' sir." Harry said with a shake of his head. "You ain't allowed to deal out the proper punishment for slanderin' a girl. I got 'em good enough that he'll at least never do it around me again."

"Well I guess but y'know ye'll be getting' in trouble fer this right?" Hagrid asked uncertainly leading them to a large double doors and banging on it three times. "Ever'body saw ye do it."

"Not a problem." Harry said with a shrug. "I'll be fine and I doubt he'll get in trouble for sayin' it in the first place. So he got his and I'll take mine."

The doors opened to allow a tall woman with a judging expression to walk through. She wore her black hair in a high bun, and a set of emerald green eyes that were just one shade lighter than Harry's eyes. She looked at them all and stopped on Nott.

"Hagrid what happened to that child?" She asked in an authoritative tone.

"Well he called the young girl beside Harry a...uh well nuthin' good." Hagrid stammered. "And then Harry used a bit o' muggle dualin' to get 'em back fer it."

The woman rounded on Harry. She seemed to notice him, and his attire for the first time. She did a double take and looked him up and down. She took in his stance, totally calm and uncaring. Then his clothes, from his black dragon hide duster and Quetzalcoatl hide boots. To the jeans and Green button up shirt. Her eyes rested on his shoulder length black hair, and gold hoop ear ring and the wide brimmed cowboy hat. Finally she met his indifferent eyes and asked. "Mr. Potter can you tell me why you felt it necessary to break young Mr. Nott's nose?"

"Yes ma'am I can." Harry said looking her in the eye. "He decided to be vulgar about my friends heritage I defended her honor. And I'll except whatever punishment you want to dish out. I have to tell ya though. I'll do it again in a heartbeat."

Professor McGonagall was taken aback by the boys frank confession of the events. He hadn't even brought up what ever had been said to make his actions seem more acceptable. She frowned then shook her head. "Very well you will serve detention with me this Friday."

Harry nodded, and then went on like nothing had happened. The Professor went on to explain the houses and the point system. She was interrupted by the arrival of Madam Pomfrey, who went right to fussing over Nott's nose. Harry leaned over and looked at the other to boys.

"I bet you anything he makes it out that he got jumped by me over nothin' by mornin'." He said with a smirk.

"Not taking that bet mate." Neville said with a decisive shake of his head.

"My mother didn't raise a fool." Draco said shaking his head also.

"Well shit I was hoping for some easy money." Harry said with a frown. "So are we going to stick together?"

"Of course." Hermione said without much thought. Only to frown and look at them uncertainly. "We are right?"

Draco looked uncomfortable but gave a tentative nod. Harry kept a straight face at how the emotions playing across Draco's face. Obviously he thought the muggleborn girl was pretty, but he didn't know how to handle that as he had been raised to believe they were beneath him. Harry grinned Draco having a crush on Hermione made things so much easier on him. Neville looked at them tentatively.

"I think we'll be the first inter-house group that represents all for houses." Harry said with a grin.

"Huh?" The other three said with confusion etched all over their faces.

"Well we got Slytherin." Harry said pointing at Draco.

"Ravenclaw." He pointed at Hermione.

"Gryffindor." he pointed at Neville.

"And of course Hufflepuff." He said pointing at himself.

"Hufflepuff?" The other three asked in confusion.

"Well yeah." Harry said with a bemused smirk. "Where else would I be? I believe loyalty is the most important thing in the world."

Hermione looked at him dubiously. "Why Ravenclaw for me?"

"Besides that they have a personal library that only they can access? Because you would be happy there its a house full of intellectuals."

Hermione got a glazed look in her eye. He was right of course it would be something she would enjoy. More talk was stalled as they were ushered into the great hall. Split walked beside harry on his left, with Hermione walking with Harry on his right. Neville and Draco flanked the other two as the foursome plus dog walked in. they ignored most of the rest of the first years and the hat sitting on a stool. It began to sing, which Harry shook his head at. Then the sorting began. They were called up one by one until all of Harry's friends were called up and he and Split stood alone. He was amused that they all were place where he suspected they would be finally he was called up to be sorted. Harry and Split walked forwards and harry sat down he pulled his hat off and sat in on his knee and let McGonagall put the the sorting hat on his head.

"Hm what do we have here?" Harry heard a voice ask from inside his head.

"Hufflepuff please." Harry suggested with no preamble.

"...Are you sure?" The hat asked slowly. "You would do well anywhere."

"Yep I'm sure I want to be in Hufflepuff." Harry said with a wry grin.

"Well in that case - HUFFLEPUFF!" The hat said loudly.

Harry took off the hat and handed it to Professor McGonagall, and slid his own back on his head. He then stood up and walked over to the Hufflepuff table, who was in an uproar. Harry sat down beside a witch with spiky pink hair and vivid black eyes.

"Howdy cousin. How are you?" He asked looking at the girl with a smirk.

"I didn't know you knew." She stammered.

"Yeah I know. And Sirius says if you will ever get you mom to answer any of his owls he would reinstate her into the house of Black." Harry said with a bemused expression.

"But he hasn't ever owled mum." She said in confusion. Harry gave her a look like he was about to set her straight on the matter when Dumbledore stood up and said.

"Welcome! Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin the banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you!"

"He's totally insane I swear!" Harry said with a scowl. "What the hell are they thinking letting that man run a school for?!"

He of course didn't get a reply as the food arrived and he was left looking at the food. He frowned at it. There was nothing he actually recognized. Sure there were some things that he could guess at, but he didn't like the idea of just grabbing up random food and eating it. So in light of not knowing anything on the table he called Kreacher. The house elf popped up beside him and asked.

"Young master be's calling Kreacher?"

"Yes Kreacher. Could you make me a burger please?" Harry asked with a smile of anticipation.

"Of course, master" Kreacher said with a bow. Then the old elf disappeared. Harry turned around to see most of the table looking at his strangely.

"What?" He asked with some confusion.

"Well its just that why did you ask for something special with all the food on the table?" A girl Harry recognized as Susan Bones asked.

"I grew up in America and I don't really recognize any of the food here. I might try something later but i'm really craving a good burger and there aren't any here."

"Oh." She said with a frown. "I guess that makes sense. If I really wanted something I guess I would ask to."

"Exactly it won't be an all time thing I just really wanted a burger." Harry said with a grin. "What do you think Tonks is that ok? You got a badge so you must be like the hall cops."

Tonks shook her head bemused at the little cowboy. "It'll be fine just don't make a habit of it." she said as Kreacher returned with a plate holding a rather larger hamburger and a but load of fries. Harry grinned and dug into the food. He didn't even look up from his plate until time to go to their dormitories.