Chapter 10
The Journey To Hogwarts
A. N. :I am really, really sorry for the late chapter. I was swamped with assignments and on top of that, I got fever. So sorry. Enjoy the chapter. I believe that this is the biggest one yet.
Now, I will like to address a few reviews.
Arcturus: 1.Sorry about the tenses. I edited them but I think the proofread chapter was not saved correctly.
2.As for the meal, I deliberately mentioned fatty, child food dishes. You have to understand that he has only been taking the needed diet, not the wanted one. He is still thin. And besides, he is still an eleven year old.
3. The sarcasm comment was deliberate. It's a poetic expression. I don't exactly remember the term.
4. I already mentioned that he got his first letter. In the Canon, it took a long time before he was able to get his letter. My time line is correct.
5. It's a figure of speech. Also, I mentioned it that learning and doing is easy but not mastering. First year charms are easy in general but extremely difficult to master without control of your magic and concentration. Something to think about.
I am glad you are enjoying my story. Please review. I love to read the criticisms. It makes for a better story.
Hadrian was truly regretting barging into Sev's room without knocking. He really didn't need to see that. Sev and Siri were kissing each other like there was no tomorrow. Really, he understood that Hogwarts was starting the next day but they could have used locking charms. Plus, Sev had been busy at Hogwarts for the last couple of days to complete the work he should have done in the whole week, but he had managed by using lesson plans from the last year as they were basically the same. He immediately slammed the door back shut and he was sure he heard them falling. Good. They really should know how to behave with an eleven year old in the home. He then remembered his objective of coming to find Sev in the first place. He had been baking as a last minute de-stressing activity as Dumby will surely try to make his school life hell, and he had accidently made too many sweets. He knew Siri couldn't eat too many because of the prison stay but he was sure to try if both Sev and Hadrian were away. So, he wanted to ask Sev if he wanted to take packages of sweets to snack on. And then, he had walked into that make out. He could still feel warmth in his cheeks. Seconds later, the door opened and the two blushing adults came out.
Sev began, "We're sorry, Hadrian! We just forgot to ward the door. We promise it will not happen again."
"Yes, we promise! Now, see, no harm done! Did you want something? Not that you can not come just to talk to us but I was just wondering if you needed anything.. I mean, we will be happy to help but if you just wanna talk then it's fine too.. ", and Siri was rambling again. Hadrian had noticed it was his default setting in any form of excited state. He really couldn't believe the man had been one of the best aurors.
"It's fine! I just wanted to ask Sev if he wants to take some sweet packages with him as I made a lot of them accidently and I don't think I will be able to finish them by Christmas myself even if helped by friends what with the healthy eating thing I prefer, although you sure have tried to make it a high carb diet. And before you ask Siri, no, you can't have them as I won't be the reason you fell ill.", Hadrian replied.
Sirius actually pouted at that but after a minute let it go. Meanwhile, Sev agreed to take half of the sweets with him what with his extremely secret sweet tooth. He also told Hadrian in no simple terms that revealing this piece of information to the student body will have consequences he will not like. Then, he sent him to double check the trunk to make sure he had absolutely everything he needed and nothing was left behind.
They really would miss the Manor at Hogwarts. They also weren't looking forward to Dumby finally realising just how much of his side of the chess board had been decimated by them. Really, it wasn't his board any longer. It was imperative to them that Dumby not gain any kind of power over Hadrian, because his name was one of the most influential around and wasn't going to fall down just because of some doubts. They were in no delusions that the little spark at Sirius' trial would make any problem for him. Hadrian already had been given various protection amulets for compulsions, poisons, potions etc. even though he was sure his Magical core would take care of them. Better safe than sorry.
The summer was one of the best he ever had. He learned so much about his parents, magic and his life. Before, he was swimming in denial, practicality and survival. Now, he had a clear head, cunning, smartness and life. He also learnt that using his fame would open closed doors which would not normally open. He finally gained his place in the world. He had already planned in detail, his revenge against the Dursleys. It would start next summer as he had been busy. They would learn not to mess with House Potter.
Hadrian packed everything in his trunk and closed it. He had wanted to take his parents' portraits but had decided against it after thinking about Siri. He was ready to board the train the next day. He lay down in the bed and started thinking about how to avoid Dumby while in Hogwarts. Personal meetings can be avoided by the simple rule he had read in the Hogwarts charter about how students are not allowed to meet the Headmaster without their Head of House and never for anything that didn't directly affect their studies or in rare cases, abuse. He had also planned to maintaining his distance from his most avid supporters which involve Weasleys first and foremost. He also had no desire to be sorted in Gryffindor, not because he had anything against the house but because it would be expected and he would be surrounded by Dumby's cronies. He knew it would be difficult as he was a direct descendant but he had hopes for Ravenclaw as that was also his ancestral house. However, he wanted to be in Slytherin personally. After all, he was a parseltongue. Lily was one too, she had told him after he had bought Silbrig. She had just hidden it because of the social implications. But, what he was most looking forward to most was Dumby's face when he realised just how far he was from the broken, malnourished and impressionable Harry Potter. He was Hadrian Potter-Black with confidence and talent and Lords Sirius Black and Severus Prince on his side. With these thoughts, he went to sleep.
Next day, Hadrian woke up at 6:30 which was later than normal because of his usual training schedule and got ready. He wanted to make an impression so, he wore a blood red silk shirt, black leather trousers, black dragonhide boots and a black casual robe. With his raven hair and blood red highlights falling tastefully just to his shoulders, he looked positively a dark prince. He then shrunk his trunk and put it in his pocket. Breakfast was already prepared by the time he went down. There was his usual toast, bacon and orange juice but again the house elves had made some high carb dishes. They had told him that he was too thin even if he was tall and he needed to gain weight. They weren't exactly wrong as he already ate healthy food most of the time but it was difficult for him to stomach after so many years of eating only what was essential for nutrition. So, he ate without complaint. Sev had already left but Siri was coming with him to the platform. They had decided to floo to the Leaky Cauldron and then, apparate to the platform. However, Siri apparated them to the King's Cross Station rather than the platform saying something about the rite of passage.
Just as he was about to walk through the pillar between platform 9 and 10 to reach platform 9 3/4, a group of people passed just behind him and he caught a few words of what they were saying. "-- packed with Muggles, of course --" Hadrian swung around. The speaker was a plump woman who was talking to four boys, all with flaming red hair. He instantly went on guard. He knew they were Weasleys and talking this loudly about muggles was directly in breach of the Statute of Secrecy. It could very well be for his benefit. The next words he heard proved it. "Now, what's the platform number?" said the boys' mother. "Nine and three-quarters!", piped a small girl, also red-headed, who was holding her hand.
Hadrian carefully avoided them and quickly went to the platform. A scarlet steam engine was waiting next to a platform packed with people. A sign overhead said Hogwarts Express, eleven O'clock. Hadrian looked behind him and saw a wrought-iron archway where the barrier had been, with the words Platform Nine and Three-Quarters on it. Smoke from the engine drifted over the heads of the chattering crowd, while cats of every color wound here and there between their legs. Owls hooted to one another in a disgruntled sort of way over the babble and the scraping of heavy trunks. The first few carriages were already packed with students, some hanging out of the window to talk to their families, some fighting over seats. Hadrian walked down the platform in search of an empty seat. He passed a round-faced boy who was saying, "Gran, I've lost my toad again."
"Oh, Neville," he heard an old woman sigh. He recognised her as Augusta Longbottom. A boy with dreadlocks was surrounded by a small crowd.
"Give us a look, Lee, go on."
The boy lifted the lid of a box in his arms, and the people around him shrieked and yelled as something inside poked out a long, hairy leg.
Hadrian carefully observed, but sidestepped it all. He decided to look after Neville if possible, as he was his God brother. He also knew that Lee most probably was a Gryff if he could take a venomous tentacula to Hogwarts. He just shook his head at the hypocrisy. He knew he would have to do quite a bit of maneuvering if he wanted to keep Silbrig with him as he fully intended to. He was currently under his robe hidden from view. Hedwig had decided to fly to the school herself. He finally came to an empty compartment at the end of the train among older years which wouldn't draw any attention if he locked it with a spell. He immediately shot a medium powered colloportus at the door after entering it and shut the curtains. His mind inevitably slid to the very blatant attempt to gain an uninformed muggle born or muggle raised child's attention. He knew that all of them were informed of it at the reception of their acceptance letter courtesy of Sev. So, he knew it had to have been for his benefit as Dumby must think that he wouldn't be informed. But why would he think so? It was getting confusing. Nonetheless, he wanted to give Weasley children a chance to plead innocent. After all, only the parents' signatures were there on the marriage contract and the girl was too young to know better. So, he would give them a sporting chance. Just then, someone knocked on his compartment's door. When he opened it, there was the youngest Weasley male standing there. He was tall, had flaming red hair and freckles, a smudge on his nose and a pathetic fanboy grin on his face. There went his chance. He practically reeked of greed, imagined self importance, self obsession and idiocy.
"Hi! Can I sit here? Everywhere else is full.", the redheaded brat said.
"I find that hard to believe because first, it is a magical train, and second, there is a free compartment just opposite mine.", Hadrian coolly replied. The redhead flushed scarlet and was clearly about to shout indignantly but he shut the door on his face and silenced it. Then, he took out one of the beginner alchemy books he had been able to find in Ravenclaw vault audit just few days ago. It was called "Integrating chemistry in the physical art" and basically described the two important subjects practiced in alchemy. The most important was the law of the equivalent exchange. About halfway through the ride, the door rattled and he realised he never took down the silencing spell. He did so and opened the door. A bushy haired girl with overly large front teeth was standing there along with Neville Longbottom, whom he had recognised from the platform.
The girl started in an annoying bossy shrill voice, "Hello! Have you seen a toad? Neville's lost his."
Hadrian replied politely, "No, miss. I haven't. Hello Mr Longbottom, My name is Hadrian Potter-Black. I came to know this summer that you are my god brother as your mum, Aunt Alice, is my godmother and my mum was yours. I will like to get to know you. Would you like to sit with me?"
Neville first looked shocked, but then hesitating replied, "O..Oh, Hello! Nice to me..meet you! I would love to s..sit with you. Thank you! B..but now I need to f..find my toad first."
Hadrian sent him a reassuring smile and said, "I can help you with that. I read about a charm in one of the extra books I have. It is used to summon things to you. It's a fourth year charm but I think I will be able to do it. What's the name of your toad?"
"Trevor.", Neville said.
"Accio Trevor, the toad.", Hadrian said and a toad came sailing out of the air towards him. He caught it and gave it to its owner.
Neville blissfully took it and sat down in the compartment with Hadrian before finally acknowledging the buck-toothed girl, "Thank you for the help, Hermione." He did not really notice the furious expression on her face or the deep jealousy in her eyes as she stared at Hadrian. She simply shut the door forcefully and stomped away not even acknowledging Neville's gratitude. Neville simply stared incredulously after her. After a few minutes, he finally snapped out of his shock.
The conversation was somewhat stilted for a few minutes as Neville was too nervous. But soon, Hadrian got him talking. "You know, I will love to learn more about potion ingredients. I think I will be able to brew without a problem but I want to get the in-depth knowledge, so, I am really looking forward to Herbology classes. What about you?", Hadrian said after some time.
Neville got this gleam in his eyes and suddenly spoke very animatedly, "Oh, Herbology is my favourite subject. I even have my own greenhouse in our Manor. Gran wouldn't buy me the really dangerous ones because of age and well, no magic, but I have amassed a lot of rare plants and I am growing them. You wouldn't believe how amazing it is. You need total temperature control, right amount of fertiliser and water and what not. I have read a lot about the plants, herbs and ingredients over the years. If you want to ask anything, I will help. Besides, I am only good at this subject."
"I will love it if you will help me. And, you wouldn't know what you are good at before the school starts. So, don't worry, I will help you if you really find the subjects difficult. But, really, the way you talk about plants and the amount of knowledge you have, you could very well be a Ravenclaw.", Hadrian reassured Neville.
"You really think so? It's just, everyone thinks I am a near squib. I didn't do any magic until I was seven when Uncle Algie dropped me from the second floor window.", Neville explained.
"That's barbaric, Neville. And you are not a near squib. Hell, I can feel the power radiating from you. You shouldn't believe these idiots. They wouldn't know sense if it bit them.", Hadrian said, and it was true. He could truly feel the power and focusing, could see the magic threads in him. They were earth-brown and forest green in colours and it was clear that they came from a powerful source. He was flabbergasted that someone could actually believe the tosh of Neville being a squib. He decided then and there to help his godbrother prove them wrong.
Neville was pleasantly surprised at hearing this. He confessed, "Maybe you are right, but I think that is why Gran gave me my father's wand. I think she wants me to be more like my father. A fighter. But there is no connection between the wand and me. I didn't want to say this to Gran as I know she misses Dad and it was not done out of spite. But I know that it will affect my practical work."
Hadrian thought this over and said, "You know, if you are in Ravenclaw or Slytherin, I can get my guardian help in getting you a wand on the weekend. The other houses won't come near him and it will lead to awkward questions should you do so and I know you want to keep it quiet.", said Hadrian.
"Thanks, Hadrian. I really appreciate it. Well, enough of this, what house would you like to go to? I really am impartial to the house system, but I know that Slytherin is not really safe to be in. Nothing against the house, but a lot of the school population despise them.", Neville said.
"Hmm.. You're right. Well, I will like to be either in Slytherin or in Ravenclaw. Not anything against the other houses, but I think I will not appreciate the two houses in their entirety. You see, I believe that loyalty must be earned, not given, and being brave without planning escape is stupid. I won't impose my opinions, of course, it's just my personality. And well, opinions and reputations are fickle, can be changed easily.", Hadrian replied.
They, then, got on talking about plants and potions very animatedly. No-one else bothered them for the rest of the ride. They were both happy that they clearly got a true friend in each other. Hadrian also realised that the nervousness Neville portrayed was partly because of people mocking him about being a near squib and partly a mask abused children adapt to make their lives easier. He was finally able to coax out why his Uncle Algie had gone to extreme measures to bring his magic out. Turns out, hehe would be the Longbottom heir if Neville was truly a squib. Or was accidently killed off. Neville's Gran wasn't able to keep a close eye because of her duties as the Lady Regent of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Longbottom. Hadrian really wanted to help his friend but thought that helping him learn more magic was a hood way to help as well.
Suddenly a voice echoed through the train: "We will be reaching Hogwarts in five minutes' time. Please leave your luggage on the train, it will be taken to the school separately." The two boys immediately got out of the casual robes and got into the school robes. Hadrian didn't want to leave his trunk but knew he had no choice. At least it was well protected. It was getting dark. He could see mountains and forests under a deep purple sky. The train was slowing down and finally stopped. People pushed their way toward the door and out on to a tiny, dark platform. Then a lamp came bobbing over the heads of the students, and Hadrian heard a loud voice: "Firs' years! Firs' years over here!" He could see a huge man easily about ten feet with wild, bushy, black hair and beard. From his memories, he remembered Rubeus Hagrid, the kind half-giant Keeper of the keys of Hogwarts and Dumby's greatest worshipper. Hadrian didn't have anything against the man but he wouldn't be becoming his confidante ever.
"C'mon, follow me -- any more firs' years? Mind yer step, now! Firs' years follow me!" Slipping and stumbling, they followed Hagrid down what seemed to be a steep, narrow path. It was so dark on either side of them that Hadrian was sure there must be thick trees there. Nobody spoke much.
"Ye' all get yer firs' sight o' Hogwarts in a sec," Hagrid called over his shoulder, "jus' round this bend here. "There was a loud "Oooooh!" The narrow path had opened suddenly onto the edge of a great black lake. Perched atop a high mountain on the other side, its windows sparkling in the starry sky, was a vast castle with many turrets and towers. "No more'n four to a boat!" Hagrid called, pointing to a fleet of little boats sitting in the water by the shore. Hadrian and Neville were followed into their boat by Hermione and another girl, with long black hair and pale skin.
"Everyone in?" shouted Hagrid, who had a boat to himself. "Right then-FORWARD!" And the fleet of little boats moved off all at once, gliding across the lake, which was as smooth as glass. Everyone was silent, staring up at the great castle overhead. It towered over them as they sailed nearer and nearer to the cliff on which it stood. "Heads down!" yelled Hagrid as the first boats reached the cliff; the others all bent their heads while Hadrian almost snorted, really, a ten feet tall giant asks you to bend your heads, what's the point, and the little boats carried them through a curtain of ivy that hid a wide opening in the cliff face. They were carried along a dark tunnel, which seemed to be taking them right underneath the castle, until they reached a kind of underground harbor, where they clambered out onto rocks and pebbles. Then they clambered up a passageway in the rock after Hagrid's lamp, coming out at last onto smooth, damp grass right in the shadow of the castle. They walked up a flight of stone steps and crowded around the huge, Oak front door. "Everyone here." Hagrid raised a gigantic fist and knocked three times on the castle door.
The door swung open at once. A tall, black-haired witch in emerald-green robes stood there. She had a very stern face and Hadrian's first thought was that this was not someone to cross. "The firs' years, Professor McGonagall," said Hagrid.
"Thank you, Hagrid. I will take them from here." She pulled the door wide. The entrance hall was so big you could have fit the whole of the Dursleys' house in it, however, it was lacking compared to the elegance of Potter Manor. The stone walls were lit with flaming torches like the ones at Gringotts, the ceiling was too high to make out, and a magnificent marble staircase facing them led to the upper floors. They followed Professor McGonagall across the flagged stone floor.
Hadrian could hear the drone of hundreds of voices from a doorway to the right-the rest of the school must already be here -- but Professor McGonagall showed the first years into a small, empty chamber off the hall. They crowded in, standing rather closer together than they would usually have done, peering about nervously.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," said Professor McGonagall. "The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory, and spend free time in your house common room. The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rulebreaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup, a great honor. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours. The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. I suggest you all smarten yourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting."
Her eyes lingered for a moment on Ron's smudged nose. "I shall return when we are ready for you," said Professor McGonagall. "Please wait quietly." She left the chamber. Much to Hadrian's amusement, there were wild guesses going on about the method used for sorting such as a magical test or fighting a troll. Hadrian rolled his eyes. He didn't know the exact method per se but had the common sense to know that it would be only a character reading. But now, he was thinking about the professor. He remembered her, of course, but he also remembered the night after his parents' deaths. She had fought for him but in the end, had allowed Dumby free reign. She was too susceptible to Dumby and his manipulation. Almost too susceptible. Maybe he would talk to Sev about it.
Then something happened that made him go in combat position -several people behind him screamed. "What the--?" He gasped. So did the people around him. About twenty ghosts had just streamed through the back wall. Pearly-white and slightly transparent, they glided across the room talking to one another and hardly glancing at the first years. They seemed to be arguing. What looked like a fat little monk was saying: "Forgive and forget, I say, we ought to give him a second chance--"
"My dear Friar, haven't we given Peeves all the chances he deserves? He gives us all a bad name and you know, he's not really even a ghost -- I say, what are you all doing here?", a ghost wearing a ruff and tights had suddenly noticed the first years.
Hadrian answered, "We are waiting for Professor McGonagall to take us to be sorted, Sir. I am Hadrian Potter-Black. Can you possibly tell us what method do they use for sorting? You see, we are quite anxious about it."
The ghost wearing the ruff and tights answered, "I am Sir Nicholas de Mimsy Porpington, Mr Potter-Black. I am sorry but I won't be able to give you the information you seek. It is a Hogwarts tradition."
Hadrian smiled and with a half bow, said, "I understand, Sir Nicholas. However, as you are a ghost, you must be quite knowledgeable about history and old magic. Would you, and your friends, of course, be amenable to tell me about it at your leisure?"
Sir Nicholas cheerfully replied, "Of course, of course. Find me when you are settled in the school. More often than not, you can call for the ghosts in the astronomy tower. I will see you then. I can't say about the others, though." The other ghosts also replied in affirmative to his request. However, before they could talk more, "Move along now," said a sharp voice. "The Sorting Ceremony's about to start." Professor McGonagall had returned. One by one, the ghosts floated away through the opposite wall. "Now, form a line," Professor McGonagall told the first years, "and follow me."
They walked out of the chamber, back across the hall, and through a pair of double doors into the Great Hall. It was lit by thousands and thousands of candles that were floating in midair over four long tables, where the rest of the students were sitting. These tables were laid with glittering golden plates and goblets. At the top of the hall was another long table where the teachers were sitting. Professor McGonagall led the first years up here, so that they came to a halt in a line facing the other students, with the teachers behind them. The hundreds of faces staring at them looked like pale lanterns in the flickering candlelight. Dotted here and there among the students, the ghosts shone misty silver. Hadrian looked up to confirm something he read in 'Hogwarts: A History' and saw a velvety black ceiling dotted with stars. He heard Hermione whisper, "Its bewitched to look like the sky outside. I read about it in Hogwarts, A History." Hadrian was really irritated with the girl, he had read it too but he didn't feel the need to advertise that fact.
Professor McGonagall silently placed a four-legged stool in front of the first years. On top of the stool she put a pointed wizard's hat. This hat was patched and frayed and extremely dirty. For a few seconds, there was complete silence. Then the hat twitched. A rip near the brim opened wide like a mouth-- and the hat began to sing.