Chapter 10: To Belong

The trunk was packed, Hedwig the owl, Hagrid's latest birthday gift, was in her cage, Harry's wand was freshly polished, his robes newly pressed, and his chores had been done for the last time. Still, a lingering sense of something having been forgotten remained, and Harry looked around the cottage one last time.

"You're forgetting something," Remus said, coming over to stand beside his son.

Harry looked up, trying to think of what he'd forgotten. Remus knelt, and enveloped his son in a bear hug. "This."

"I love you," Harry whispered, clutching his father tightly.

"I love you too, son," Remus said, his voice hoarse. "James and Lily would be proud of you indeed. Don't worry, you'll do great at school."

"I know. And I'll see you every full moon. I'd say I'm looking forward to it, but…"

"But only an idiot would look forward to that. Still, it will be good to see you. Come on, let's floo to the Leaky Cauldron and then catch a cab to the station." Both of them were dressed in muggle clothes so as to fit in, and gingerly stepped into the green flames to avoid getting ash on their jeans.

Before Harry knew it, they were exiting the cab at King's Cross station. Remus grabbed Harry's trunk from the boot, and insisted on carrying them into the station. "It's not every day a father sends his boy off to school for the first time," Remus said.

Together they stepped into the busy station. It was early yet, but Harry spied a family walking towards platform nine, the parents looking at a piece of parchment as they glanced around. "Looks like a muggleborn family," Harry observed.

When they got to the barrier, the girl took the letter and gestured toward the barrier, whispering to her parents.

"Good morning," Remus said as he and Harry approached. "Having a bit of trouble?"

"Oh, er, just you know, looking for our platform," the father said nervously. From behind him, the girl peered at Harry, her large mane of bushy hair sticking every which way.

"It wouldn't be 9 ¾, would it?" Harry asked helpfully.

"I knew it!" the girl declared, coming around her parents in a flash to inspect Harry. "No one else would be carrying an owl around Kings Cross Station! You're a wizard, aren't you?"

"Hermione!" her mother said, flushing. "You don't know if-"

"It's alright ma'am," Harry said respectfully. "I'm off to Hogwarts too. I take it Hermione's the first magical in your family?"

"Yes, no one else in my family has ever had magic according to Professor McGonagall. Did you know she can turn into a cat? I read about the ability in our transfiguration textbook, it's called being an animagus."

"Yeah, Auntie Minnie's pretty brilliant," Harry agreed, momentarily forgetting himself.

"She's your aunt?" Hermione demanded. "Are you a McGonagall too?"

"Er, honorary aunt. Oh, sorry, this is my dad Remus Lupin. I'm Harry."

"Hermione Granger. These are my parents, Harold and Teresa Granger."

"A pleasure," Harold said, shaking Harry and Remus' hands.

"Want some help getting through the barrier?" Remus asked. "Muggles can get through it as well; it's only enchanted to stop those who don't desire access to the platform."

"No, I think I can manage just fine," Hermione said, and squaring her shoulders, she walked straight into the seemingly solid wall and vanished.

"Always has a plan, our daughter does," Harold chuckled. "Well, I guess we're next then."

Hermione's parents stepped through the barrier, and with a quick glance around, Remus and Harry followed.

It was still quite early, so the platform was mostly empty still, as Remus and Harry had planned it. Harry wanted to avoid the crowds, seeking to avoid a confrontation about his fame. Hermione was waiting for them on the other side, and unleashed a barrage of questions on Harry.

"What house do you think you'll be in? I rather favor Gryffindor personally."

"Well, dad here was in Gryffindor, but I don't know. I think any house by Slytherin would suit me well."

"But I want to be in the very best house, and according to Hogwarts, a History, the-"

"Hermione, every house is a good house," Harry said seriously. "Well, except maybe Slytherin, but I have some personal history with Professor Snape that would make me want to avoid it. If you've got loads of ambition and don't mind playing politics and always being well mannered, it's a good place. If you value wisdom and knowledge, I know for a fact that Professor Flitwick was not only once a champion duelist, but that he's very kind and always willing to answer questions for any Ravenclaw. Professor Sprout is very warm and motherly, and if you don't mind hard work a Hufflepuff is the best friend you can have. Don't think that just become Gryffindor is supposed to be the home of the brave that it's the best. Sure, Professor McGonagall is great, but only go to her house if you value courage above all."

Hermione bit her lip. "But, I just want to do well. I mean, I always got top marks in school, but I don't know anything or anyone hear. I'm worried I'll never catch up."

"Well, did you read any thing in the text books?"

"Oh yes, I read all of them. I think I need to reread the charms textbook, I don't quite have that one memorized yet."

"Memorized?" Harry laughed. "Hermione, do you have all the textbooks memorized?"

She flushed and looked down. "Yes."

"Well, then it's obvious. You'd fit right in with Ravenclaw. I'm sure you'd find loads of friends who love to read and study just as much as you do. I love to read myself, I brought along a few books in my trunk. Come on, let's say goodbye and we can go get a nice carriage to ourselves. I don't like crowds."

Remus hugged Harry tightly, and both of them had to struggle not to cry. "I'll see you come the full moon," Remus whispered. "So it's not goodbye forever."

"Yeah, but I've never left you before," Harry said, wiping his nose with the back of his hand. "Not since…"

"It'll be OK kiddo. First time for both of us." Remus ruffled Harry's hair and smiled. "Besides, that girl seems like she'd make a good friend. Go on. Best of luck."

"Bye dad!" Harry waved, and with Hermione he tucked his trunk away in a small compartment near the middle of the train.

It was around three quarters of an hour later that the train finally departed. Harry looked out the window and found Remus waving to him, and he grinned and waved back. Hermione waved to her own parents, who looked rather nervous to be bidding farewell to their daughter while she went into a world they would never be a part of.

"Was it hard, saying goodbye?" Harry asked her.

Hermione shrugged. "I've always known I was different. I never really fit into school. My parents are very kind, but they never really understood me and I was always doing things they couldn't explain. Finding out I was a witch was a bit of a relief for them, though it was a bit of a paradigm shift. My family hadn't really believed in any supernatural or spiritual stuff until Professor McGonagall turned into a cat in our living room."

"Ha! She's done that over at my house a few times. Quite the party trick."

"Quite. Say, do you know any spells?" Hermione dug through her robes and pulled out her wand. "I've tried a few and they've all worked just as the book said. What about you?"

"Hmm." Harry glanced around, then dug out his copy of Watership Down and set it on the table. Taking out his wand, he waved it through the air. "Wingardium Leviosa."

The book jerked into the air before steadying out as Harry found the right flow of power. His wand was a bit tricky, though once he got a feel for a spell it performed admirably. After a moment, Harry set the book down. "Why don't you try?"

After just a couple of attempts, Hermione easily levitated the book, and Harry grinned at her. "Brilliant. You sure you want to be in Gryffindor? Reckless courage doesn't really seem to be your thing: you're more of a thinker I suspect."

"Well, I've always been a bit of a bookworm. Oooo, the other kids were always calling me silly names like brainiac and bookgirl. I guess I'll show them! I'll be the best witch of the age."

"Talk like that will get you in Slytherin," Harry teased. Hermione gave him a dirty look, and he held up his hands. "Hey, just because Slytherin isn't for me doesn't mean it couldn't be for you."

"But…"Hermione dropped her voice. "But what about the blood purity bit. I mean, do people still go on about that? It almost seemed like racism or something, except for people with non-magical parents instead of a different skin color."

"I wish I could say that's all done with. But, well, the truth is, a lot of people, and not just those in Slytherin, are still on about that. There was a war not to long ago, and while the other side one, the Blood Purists were only defeated, not destroyed."

"You're talking about the Wizarding War against You-Know-Who?" Hermione asked

Reluctantly, Harry nodded. "Yes. Thats...that's why my family has a history with Slytherin that would make it awkward if I were to be sorted there."

"Was it your mum?" Hermione asked quietly. She flushed and looked away. "I mean, you don't have to say anything, but-"

Reluctantly, Harry took off his hat. "It was both my parents. Remus adopted me. I'm actually-"

Hermione gasped, covering her mouth with her hands and letting out a squeak. "You're Harry Potter! You were in Great Wizarding Events of the 20th Century!"

"I was afraid that would be your reaction," Harry grumbled, stuffing the hat back on his head. "I don't want to be famous just because my parents were murdered. I'm just me, Harry."

"Oh. Sorry. It's just, well, I've never met anyone who was in a book before."

"I hate to disappoint, but I'm not really anything special. I'm not even a proper wizard yet."

"But you defeated You-Know-Who!"

"No, I didn't. His spell backfired. Probably due to some magical protections my mother had made. I didn't do anything but get the lovely scar you saw."

Hermione sat back, looking faintly disappointed. "Well, I guess you really are just a normal boy then Harry."

Oh if only you knew what I really am, Harry thought bitterly. Then it wouldn't be awe in Hermione's eyes, but terror.

Just then the trolley witch came by with her cart full of sweets. "Ever had wizarding candy?" Harry said, indicating the boxes of chocolate frogs and other delicacies.

"No. My parents are dentists, they rather frown on sweets."

"Oh. Well, you want some anyway?"

Hermione gave Harry a wicked grin. "I rather do!"

The chocolate frogs fascinated Hermione, but not as much as the cards that came with them. "Why do the people not stay in the pictures?" Hermione wondered. "I noticed that with my textbooks, the pictures are always changing."

"Well, the picture are snapshots of the person and their magic. So sometimes they move around or get bored and wander off. I hear the portraits in the castle can talk to you or move about to other picture frames."

"Fascinating," Hermione said as she moved her chocolate frog card of Morgana around. "I wonder if that old myth is true, that a picture contains a small bit of someone's soul."

Just then, the compartment door opened and a red headed boy looked in. "Oi, any of you seen a toad?"

"Er, no," Harry said. He held up an unopened box of chocolate frogs. "But I've got loads of chocolate frogs. Want one?"

For a moment, the boy looked slightly guilty, and Harry thought he'd refuse, but then he stepped in and accepted the offered frog. "Yeah, thanks. Ron Weasley, by the way."

"Name's Harry. This is Hermione Granger; she's muggleborn and very excited to learn about the wizarding world."

"A pleasure," Hermione said, wrinkling her nose as Ron stuffed the entire chocolate frog into his mouth, chewed, and swallowed.

"Nice to meet you," Ron slurred, his mouth still coated in chocolate. "Muggleborn eh? Cool. My dad's really into muggle stuff. Always bringing home batteries and stuff. Don't know how they work though."

"Well, most batteries are powered by some form of chemical reaction, such as zinc carbon batteries. The two chemicals produce an electrical charge with can be used to power an electrical device."

Ron looked at Hermione blankly, then glanced at Harry. "You get any of that?"

"Honestly not really," Harry admitted. "I know batteries make electricity and that's how muggles get most of their stuff to work, but beyond that I'm lost."

"Yeah, well, more than I know I suppose. I guess you're for Ravenclaw then Hermione?"

She sniffed and raised her nose. "I haven't decided yet. What house do you think you'll end up in?"

"Gryffindor for sure," Ron declared. "All my families in there. Weasley's are famously brave. We're an old family but we don't buy into all that pureblood nonsense."

"That's because the lot of you are a load of impoverished blood traitors," a familiar drawling voice said. Draco Malfoy, flanked by two hulking boys that looked like they had a bit of troll blood in them, stepped into the compartment. "Hmph. It's just you. I don't suppose you're not secretly Harry Potter in disguise, are you? Obviously it can't be the girl; if you have to explain to her what a Weasley is she must be a mudblood."

"You watch yourself," Ron said, rounding on Draco before he caught sight of the other boys. He flinched then, but didn't back down. "Hermione's brilliant. She was just telling me and Harry about batteries."

Draco's eyes gleamed and he eyed Harry and his hat. "So, what was your name anyway? You never did tell me."

With a sigh, Harry held out his hand. "It's Harry Potter."

Draco took it, giving Harry a somewhat limp handshake, before glaring at the other occupants of the compartment. "You'd best come with me, Potter. We don't want you getting the wrong sort of reputation. Consorting with blood traitors and mudbloods? People will think you're one of the headmaster's pets."

Harry bit back a cutting remark and smiled. "I think I rather like it here, with my friends. You're welcome to stay, but only if you're friendly. I don't appreciate the sort of language you've been using, Mr. Malfoy, and I would have thought that someone of your breeding would know better."

Draco just sneered. "I see. Well, no hope for it then. Father told me to seek you out, but if you're determined to be just another lackey, so be it." With that, Draco and his odious companions departed.

"And that," Harry said with a heavy sigh, "Is a perfect example of your typical Pure Blood."

"Oi, I'm a bloody pure blood, but I'm not going to make an arse of myself like that," Ron protested.

Hermione studied Ron again, pursing her lips. "You tried to stand up for me. You don't even know me. And you, Harry, you'd barely gotten to know me and you didn't go with Draco; he was obviously expecting you to."

"Well, Draco's a ponce, and you seem nice enough," Ron said with a shrug. "Wasn't going to lick his boot heels just because his father's rich. Better an honest man than a rich one my mum always says."

"Smart of her," Harry agreed. "You couldn't give me all the gold in britain to be in the same house as Draco, or be that nasty to someone just because of who their parents are."

"Yeah well, now I've got to tell my mum and Ginny I met Harry Potter." Ron grinned at Harry. "Well, thanks for the sweets, but I promised Neville to help find his toad. See you around Harry, hope you get into Gryffindor too."

A short while later, Harry excused himself so that he and Hermione could get changed, and the train arrived at Hogwarts. Harry bid goodbye to Hedwig and stepped out into the Hogsmeade train station. He'd been to Hogsmeade before of course; Remus had felt it was an important part of his education, but never at night. Off in the distance, Harry could see the sparkling lights of Hogwarts, and felt a thrill of wonder: he'd not been to the castle since he was six after being bitten.

"First years, first years over here!" Hagrid called, and Harry directed Hermione over to the giant Groundskeeper.

"Hello, Hagrid!" Harry called, waving up at the big man.

"Oh! 'Ello there, Harry! Good ter see yeh safe and sound eh. And who's your friend?"

"Hermione Granger," Hermione said, staring wide eyed at Hagrid.

"Well, welcome to Hogwarts, Hermione. Oi! First years over here! Come on you lot, down ter the boats."

The boat ride was exciting, and Harry and Hermione gazed out wide eyed as the approached the castle and the walls grew ever larger. Finally they were across the lake, and the first years assembled in the hallway. Ron waved at Harry, slapping the back of a nervous looking chubby boy, who was clutching a toad tightly to his chest. When Ron whispered in the boy's ear, his eyes widened and he dropped his toad. "He's Harry Potter?" the boy said loudly.

Harry groaned as all eyes immediately turned to him. "Er, hello. I'm Harry. I guess we're all classmates."

Before anyone could barrage Harry with questions, Auntie Minnie swept into the room and Harry sighed with relief.

"You are about to participate in the time honored tradition of the Sorting Ceremony," Professor McGonagall intoned. "The sorting ceremony will determine your house, with which you will spend most of your time. The houses compete for points in the house cup, but each has their own unique history and heritage. Once you are sorted, you will take a seat with the house you are assigned to: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin. Follow me."

The great hall was as wondrous as Remus had described it, from it's perfect map of the current summer constellations to the floating candles, to the banners draped above each table. Harry studied the Lion, Badger and Eagle, wondering which he would end up with and pointedly ignoring the Serpent.

To Harry's surprise, the sorting was conducted by an animated Hat, which sang a song extolling the individual virtues of the different houses. Remus had been so secretive about it Harry had thought it some terrible ordeal, but now he just thought it was a bit silly. Soon though, students were being called up and the hat was placed upon their head. After some silent deliberation, the hat would cry out a house name, and the student walked over to cheers and applause.

Hermione ended up in Ravenclaw, as Harry had suspected she would. Ron of course went to Gryffindor, Draco to Slytherin. Harry considered each of them a pretty decent example of each of their houses, and resolved to at least keep up relations with Hermione and Ron even if he didn't end up in their houses. Draco he just hoped to avoid as much as possible.

Then it was his turn. When his name was called, the hall became silent as everyone strained to get a look at Harry. He'd taken off his hat when Neville Longbottom, the boy with the toad, had called out his name for the world to hear. Head held high, Harry walked up to the stool and McGonagall placed it upon his head.

Well, now this is interesting. I've not sorted someone like you, since, well, ever I suppose.

With a start, Harry realized that hat was talking to him somehow, and wondered if it was practicing Legilimency against him.

Oh ho! Quite the brain you've got there. It is indeed a form of legilimency. Ah, I see you've begun to study occlumency. Good luck, not many ever master that art, though with your crowded noggin you might need it.

"You can tell I'm a werewolf?" Harry whispered, looking about nervously.

No need to whisper child, I can see it all in your mind. Yes, I can indeed tell you're a werewolf. And that you're carrying around a bit of something extra. Not seen that before, I can tell you that much. But still, werewolf or no, I've got to do my job, and my job is sorting you. As I observed, not a bad brain. You'd do alright in Ravenclaw. Hmm! And courage too. A hard worker, and very loyal I see, especially to your family but also to those you consider to be part of your pack. And ambition! Your could be great you know, and-

No. Not Slytherin. Any house but that. Wherever you think I'd do best, wherever I'd be happiest, that's where I want to go. But not Slytherin. I'm dark enough already.

Being in Slytherin doesn't make one dark you know, even if they do have a bit of a reputation. Still, you're being honest with me, and I can appreciate that. I note you didn't ask me to put you where you'd learn the most, or where you'd have the best adventures, but where you'd be happy and do your best. Well my boy, from what I've seen in here and what I know, there is only one house that truly excels in providing happiness and drawing out the best in a person so I'll have to put you where the true of heart live in HUFFLEPUFF!

The last word was said aloud, and the Hufflepuff table erupted into cheers as everyone stood and clapped for Harry. Blushing with embarrassment, Harry hurried across the floor to the Hufflepuff table, where he sat down beside several other first years.

"Welcome, Harry!" an older student with a prefect badge said cheerily, reaching across the table to shake Harry's hand. "Gabriel Truman, assigned as the boy's first year prefect. Don't worry about the attention, we'll sort that out for you if it makes you uncomfortable. For now, just enjoy the rest of the sorting, we'll do proper introductions after the feast."

"Hi, I'm Susan," a mousy haired girl next to Harry said, introducing herself.

"Ernie," the boy on his other side said.

Harry smiled at the both. "Harry. Glad to meet you."

They were joined by Justin Finch-Fletchley, Hannah Abbott, Leanne Rees, Megan Jones, and Zacharias Smith. Harry felt slightly nervous introducing himself to so many new children: previously he had only met others his own age either in passing save for Jacques and Marie. While Jacques had been impressed to meet Harry Potter, these others seemed more awed, save for Zacharias Smith, who had looked down his nose at Harry when he introduced himself.

Finally the sorting was over, and Dumbledore stood, smiling down at the students. His eyes lingered on Harry for a moment, and Harry grinned back. "Welcome, one and all, to another year here at Hogwarts. First, some announcements. Our staff has once again been joined by a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Hestia Jones."

A witch a little younger than Remus stood and bowed, smiling at the students and revealing a set of dimples. There was polite scattered applause, but Harry overheard one of the older students say, "Wonder how long this one will last."

"Do you think something will happen to her?" Harry murmured to Gabriel.

He frowned, but nodded. "Most likely. Everyone things the DADA professorship is cursed. Something always happens. Last year Professor Bogton had his leg bitten by a red cap. He had an allergic reaction and it ended up needing to be amputated. Needless to say, he won't be coming back. Professor Fenglee was caught kissing a 7th year, and Professor Ellis got married and moved to America. No one ever lasts longer than a year. Some of the students even have a pool going on how the newest professor will bite it."

"That's awful!" Harry gasped, looking at the pretty Hestia with concern.

Gabriel shrugged. "That's Hogwarts."

Dumbledore gave a few more instructions pertaining to what areas of the castle were off limits. Unsurprisingly, the Forbidden Forest was still forbidden, and wandering about the place at night was frowned upon. Then with a few nonsense words Harry was certain had nothing to do with any spell, Dumbledore waved his wand and a feast appeared.

Harry's stomach grumbled and for the next few minutes he eagerly loaded his plate with food and dug in.

"I must say this place is really quite fascinating," Justin observed, looking around the great hall in appreciation. "Originally I was quite disappointed I wouldn't be going to Eaton like my father, but while this place isn't exactly posh it's definitely more interesting so far."

"Muggleborn?" Harry guessed.

Justin nodded. "Yes, the first in my family to have magic, or so Deputy Headmistress McGonagall told me. At first my parents were more than a little skeptical, but well, once someone turns into a cat in the formal sitting room it is sort of hard to pretend magic is a fairy tale. I would love to learn how to do something like that."

"Being an animagus isn't easy," Susan said from Harry's other side. "It takes years of hard work and study, and then you have to go get registered at the Ministry. There are only a dozen or so in Britain as far as I know."

Justin looked slightly deflated, but he nodded. "Well, it would still be brilliant I think. I would rather enjoy being a hawk or a eagle."

"You don't get to choose what your animagus form is," Harry explained. "It has to do with your inner characteristics and qualities."

"That almost makes it even more interesting. But it would be such a disappointment if you turned out to be something awful, like a toad or a fly. I wonder what I would be," Justin mused.

Harry laughed. "I don't think you'd have to worry about being something truly awful, you seem like a decent enough sort."

Justin smiled and held out his hand. "Justin Finch-Fletchley. Please to make your acquaintance."

"Harry Potter. I'm looking forward to the school year."

"I still can't believe I'm going to be in the same house as you," Susan said, looking at Harry's forehead where his scar was just visible. "I mean, I knew I was going to be in Hufflepuff, but it seems like the other houses always get the really famous people and we get ignored."

"Harry's famous?" Justin said, looking back at Harry again. "Is your family wizarding nobility? My mother is Viscountess of Bundleford, but I do not want to puff myself up over a title that likely means nothing here."

Harry flushed and shook his head. "Not exactly. The House of Potter isn't one of the Noble and Most Ancient houses, but even those really are not like being nobility. Earnie there is a Macmillan, and they're both Noble and Most Ancient. You might hear them referred to as the Sacred Twenty Eight."

Ernie snorted. "Not by me you bloody won't. I'm not one of those ponces who thinks the sun rises and sets on his blood purity. My mother was a half blood you know, so in some people's eyes we hardly even count anymore. Not that it matters. All being a Noble and Most Ancient house means is that the blood purity loonies are always trying to hook you into a marriage."

"There's a bit more too it than that, you do get a seat in the Wizengamot," Susan said. "That's our High Court, but it works a bit like your Parliament too since it helps make the laws."

"There is a wizarding government?" Justin asked.

"Worry about that later," Gabriel said, standing and looking around. "Everyone done yet? Right then, first year boys with me, girls with Wendy."

They all trooped down to the kitchens, following the two prefects. When they arrived, Wendy demonstrated how to enter the common room by tapping three barrels in the correct order.

"Mind you do it properly, or you'll wind up doused in vinegar," Wendy warned.

They followed the prefects up an earthy slope into the Hufflepuff Common room. It was a warm, roomy space with large comfortable couches and chairs and a roaring fire. There were plenty of plants that gave the place a vibrant, lifelike feel, and small round windows that looked out onto the darkened grounds, though Harry imagined they'd let in plenty of golden sunlight in the morning. Down two halls, round doorways could be seen painted in varying bright colors.

"It's like being in Bagend," Harry murmured, looking around in excitement.

Justin grinned and nodded. "I always dreamed of having tea with Frodo and Sam. I suppose this is the closest I will ever get."

As they all gathered around the fireplace, Professor Sprout bustled into the common room, smiling brightly at all the new badgers.

"Gather round cubs, gather round!"

Harry flinched at being called a cub before he recalled that wolves shared that particular appellation with badgers for their young. He sat down on the floor where Professor Sprout indicated, enjoying the warmth of the glowing fire.

"Welcome to Hufflepuff! In a moment, I'll let your two excellent prefects explain things, but I always take a few minutes to welcome all my new cubs to the Set of Helga Hufflepuff! I want you all to know that Hufflepuff is easily the best house, and that you're all lucky to be hear! We may not be the most glamorous or flashy, but we get the job done and no one gets left behind! Here in Hufflepuff we have room for everyone, but we expect everyone to do their part. If you ever have any trouble, ask Gab or Wendy or one of the other older students and they'll be glad to lend a hand."

"Remember that a Badger is the best of friends to have, but terrible to their enemies! While I don't expect any of you to go around making foes at your age, I do expect you all to always be ready to help our housemates, or even students in other houses. My office door is always open for anything you may need, even if it's just a hug or a spot of tea. Welcome, all of you!"

She beamed around at all the students, though her gaze did linger on Harry a bit. He didn't mind too much though, he'd known there had been a bit of a competition from the professors for his birthday and last Christmas to see who could give him the most extravagant gift to lure him over to their house. He'd rather liked Professor Sprout's gift of dittany and moon violets. Both were ingredients in the healing potions he and his father used each month, though his favorite gift had been the Cleansweep 9 from his father.

Gabriel and Wendy went over the dormitory assignments and the list of chores. First years were to make their beds and help clean the common room one night a week, as well as help carry laundry for the house elves to clean. That take care of, Harry headed back to his dorm with Justin, Ernie, and Zacharias.

"You'd think they'd let the house elves do all chores for us. What's the point of having the largest labor in britain if you're not going to use them?" Zacharius complained.

"We're Badgers now, Zach! They'll want us to do our own chores," Ernie said cheerfully. "It won't be so bad, and you'll have Ebbie to look after you when you go home for the holidays."

"There are elves at Hogwarts?" Justin asked eagerly. "Are they anything like Glorfindel or Arawen?"

"I'm afraid house elves are more like the elves from the Cobbler and the Elves," Harry said. "They do chores and stuff in a lot of old wizarding homes. I imagine that quite a few students might have them, though my dad and I did all our chores back home."

"Who is your dad, Harry?" Ernie asked as they all got ready for bed. "Everyone's wondered where you were growing up. I'm pretty sure it wasn't anything like the Harry Potter Adventure Books, but you never know."

Blanching at the mention of those awful books, Harry shook his head. "No, not like that in the slightest. I was raised by Remus Lupin, he was a friend of my parents."

"Wow, you really do seem to be famous Harry," Justin observed. He picked out the bed next to Harry's, and climbed in under the covers. "You will have to tell me the story behind that sometime."

Sighing, Harry lay back on his pillows. "You may as well know now. I survived the killing curse of Lord Voldemort."

Ernie and Zach both gasped, and Harry shrugged. "Look, I won't say his name again, but obviously Justin wouldn't know who I was talking about if I just said You-Know-Who or He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Anyway Justin, don't say the name if you can help it, people get jumpy. He was a Dark Lord who lead a civil war in magical Britain in the 70s and 80s. On Halloween, 1981, he came to my parents house explicitly to murder me, even though I was only a baby. He killed both my parents, who died trying to save me. Then he tried to kill me. But his curse backfired, and his power was broken. He fled, and I was left with the scar." Harry lifted up his fringe and showed Justin, whose eyes had grown very wide indeed.

"That is incredible Harry! He basically sounds like Saron, and you lived through him trying to kill you? Where is he now?"

"No one really knows. Some people think he's dead, but I'm pretty sure that he's not. One day he'll come back, and when he does he'll want to finish the job. I suppose I'll have to fight him or something, so I'm going to have to be a cracking good wizard."

"You really think You-Know-Who isn't dead?" Ernie demanded, his own eyes peering at Harry from half under his covers, as if the story had frightened him badly, which it really had.

"The Headmaster thinks so, and so does my dad," Harry confirmed. "Not for a long time hopefully, but you never know."

"Wow. I don't think I'll be able to sleep all night," Ernie observed, then yawned hugely.

"Stuff it, Harry. No one wants to hear about your heroics this late," Zach grumbled, though he had been interested enough while Harry had told the story.

"Fine. Goodnight." Harry rolled over, and was soon asleep in the comfortable feather bed, and the sounds of snores soon filled the dorm.