(A/N): There was actually not a lot of confusion in the past couple of chapters which is cool in my book. But there were a couple of things. Schnookums brought up a good point about Harry's parents in the Pensieve. Don't worry, I have something planned for this, it's in the next chapter at the earliest and chapter 13 at the latest. I'm maybe a third of the way through chapter 11 right now and I already know what I'm going to write for the following chapters all the up to Halloween which should be on ... maybe chapter 16 or 17 I don't know. Timetables are a bit wonky as of now. First year might have about 30 some odd chapters if all goes right. Now on to another reviewer. Jarno, while I do appreciate the review I will not listen to "It's impossible". Keep in mind that this is a work of fiction, meaning the impossible is going to happen. Besides, you may have all that experience under your belt, but I'm a "Pics or it didn't happen" kind of guy. I don't necessarily think you're lying about your titles, but I can't find proof of the other side of it. Besides, if you caught three people COMPLETELY off guard who had NO fighting experience whatsoever who's strength came from lifting a small ten inch stick all day, I do believe you could beat them hands down. Then the last two, yes that was from old comedy movies. I like the classics and it worked. I'll say it again, I do appreciate the review, but feel that the scene was completely doable. I took the time to talk it over with a bunch of people whom I don't know, I.E. random strangers. They all said that it was quite possible. Maybe difficult, but possible. Other than that, on with the show. Oh and I particularly liked the end of this chapter. As always I don't own anything from the Harry Potter verse, the one and only J. does.
A brisk and clear night greeted the three children as they exited the train. Harry looked around to see that there was a full moon in the sky. Though it was dark, the moonlight and starlight illuminated the station around them. The hustle and bustle of children trying to find their friends in the crowd was starting to make Harry a little jumpy. He was glad when he heard a familiar voice booming over the clamor.
"Firs' years over 'ere, firs' years with me, come on you lot."
"Hello Hagrid, how are you? Did your trip go well?"
"Hullo Harry, the trip was perfect and I'm doin' quite well thank you."
Harry smiled when he saw Hermione and Neville's jaw drop at the sight of Hagrid. He knew that, behind those big muscles and bushy beard were kind eyes. He remembered Hagrid giving away his location to Dumbledore, but he just couldn't find a reason to get angry with him. Hagrid, after all, had been one of his parent's closest friends. Hagrid may have inadvertently betrayed Harry, but it was only because he tended to speak from his heart, not his brain.
"Glad to here it went well. Are we going to Hogwarts by the boats then?"
"Right, follow me and I'll show yeh the boats."
Hagrid made a path through the students after he collected all the first years. He led them down a small stone stairway that turned into a beaten dirt path. Once at the bottom, they came out onto a small jetty. Boats were sloshing slightly in the ripples of the lake.
"Alright, in the boats yeh go. No more'n four to a boat."
Harry, Hermione, and Neville immediately took the boat nearest to them. They saw Ron coming up to their boat. Harry wasn't sure if he wanted to start something else up or wanted to apologize. He didn't rightly care what the boy did, so long as it was far away from him. He was glad when another boy filled the remaining seat in the boat. The boy had dark skin. Harry couldn't tell if it was a tan or natural. He had short black hair and stern eyes.
"Do you mind if I sit here?"
"Please do," Harry nodded his head nonchalantly.
"My name is Blaise Zabini by the way."
"This is Hermione Granger," Hermione waved. "This is Neville Longbottom," Neville shook Blaise's hand, "And I'm Harry Potter." Harry extended his hand.
"You mean the Harry Potter." Harry rolled his eyes. This was starting to get annoying.
"Yes I'm that Harry Potter." Harry withdrew his hand slightly.
"Want to be friends then?" The boy smiled at the three of them.
"That would be great." Harry reached forward and grasped the boy's outstretched hand.
Once everyone was situated in the boats, Hagrid commanded them forward with a wave of his hand. The ride was slow and, thanks to the size of the lake, would take awhile. This gave Harry enough time to get to know Blaise. It turns out that Blaise was part of a pureblood family. He didn't really like the views expressed towards muggle born witches and Wizards. As far as his family was concerned, they were just another potential client in their business. The Zabini business catered to those that wished to have non-magical items charmed to be magical. There were laws against ordinary muggle devices, so they could only operate with magic related items. Harry then noticed Hermione shivering next to him.
"I guess I should have put my heavy cloak on over my light cloak."
"A little chilly there?"
"Yeah," Hermione tried to breathe hot air into her hands to warm up.
"Here," Harry pulled out one side of his cloak and drew Hermione close to him.
Hermione smiled up at Harry, thankful for the extra warmth. She rested her head on Harry's shoulder, eager to get the sleep that she had missed on the train. Her eyes fell shut and she fell asleep almost instantly. She was having a weird dream. She was flying through the air on a broom. She turned to her left and saw Harry flying next to her, above her flew Hedwig. She couldn't recognize the other three girls that were flying with them. She wished for the dream to continue but a loud voice woke her up from her sleep.
"Alrigh' you lot, once we turn this corner 'ere, you'll be able ter see your first glimpse o' Hogwarts Castle." Hagrid said over his shoulder.
"How long was I asleep?"
"Only about five minutes," Harry smiled down towards Hermione who was resting her head on his shoulder.
"How long does this boat ride take?" Neville asked from behind the two of them.
"It takes about ten or so minutes. Sometimes, it can take up to twenty minutes if the boats are going slower. They normally do that to increase the dramatics of the castle and the scenery." Harry seemed to be reciting this out of a book.
"Hogwarts, a History?" Hermione asked from Harry's side.
"Maybe," Harry gave Hermione a sly grin as they turned the corner.
They were torn from each other's gaze by the sudden clamor coming from the students. They turned their gazes towards the front to see Hogwarts castle looming over them. The stunning sight, sitting against the blackened sky, was remarkable. Harry had never seen anything like he. He had dreamed of running away to a castle like this once upon a time, but he never thought something like this existed. That was until a year ago when he met the Deadmans.
"Alrigh' watch yourselves now. There's a wall o' ivy up ahead, duck your heads."
Harry looked forward to see if he could spot the wall. All he could see was the wall of rock they were heading for. He looked around and saw the surprise from the other students. They all thought they were going to crash. Harry figured the wall was an illusion and waited for Hagrid's boat to disappear through it. Sure enough, seconds later Hagrid's boat vanished. Harry heard a few people breath a sigh of relief when they saw this.
Once the boats passed through the fake wall, they found themselves in a dimly lit cave. There were torches lining the walls as condensation steadily dripped from the ceiling. The students had to dip their heads as they drifted under a small wall of ivy. Their boats came to a slow halt next to a rocky pier. Once they stepped out, they were herded together by Hagrid. He looked the students over as if to make sure they were all there, then turned and stretched his arm forward. The students had to jog a little bit in order to keep up with the giant's strides.
"We'll be getting to the Great Hall soon. Once we do get there, you're to wait there for Professor McGonagall to come get yeh." Sure enough, not a minute later they made it to a pair of great oaken doors. "Wait here and don't try nothin'." Hagrid then disappeared through the doors. As soon as the doors closed, a familiar greasy haired boy walked in front of Harry.
"I think we got off on the wrong foot Mr. Potter."
"I'm not quite old enough to be called Mr. just yet."
Malfoy rolled his eyes, before he continued, "I can still show you who the right crowd is."
Harry looked at Hermione on his right and Neville on his left. "I'm in a pretty good crowd as it is. You should probably head on back to your boyfriends. They're probably missing you by now."
"I told you I'm not gay!" The effect of the yell was lost when Draco's voice cracked halfway through it.
"Honestly, it's not a bad thing." Harry shook his head.
Malfoy's face was now as red as Ron's hair as he stomped back to his minions. Draco turned around to throw another insult at Harry when pearlescent figures swept the before the group. Draco's shriek alerted the ghosts to the student's presence. Harry nudged Hermione and Neville and pointed towards Draco. While everyone was now looking at the ghosts, Draco had leapt into Goyle's arms in fright. The group shared a laugh as one of the ghosts flew towards them.
"Ah, fresh students I see." The ghost was wearing something similar to regal attire with a scruff around his neck. He had a wide mustache and curled gray hair.
"Yeah, we're waiting for Professor McGonagall to come and get us." Harry stepped forward towards the ghost.
"Ah, yes. That would explain why you are all waiting out here."
"By the way, what's your name?"
"My name is Sir Nicholas De Mimsy-Porpington." The ghost did a flourished bow. "I am one of the ghosts for the hose of Gryffindor. I do hope to see some of you sorted into my house." Sir Nicholas then turned to head into the Great Hall before Ron piped up.
"Hey, aren't you Nearly Headless Nick?" Sir Nicholas flinched at his nickname.
"Nearly headless, how can you be nearly headless?" Hermione's curiosity got the better of her.
Sir Nicholas sighed as he floated back towards the group. "Like this," He then took hold of a tuft of hair and pulled his head to the side. Everyone jumped back a step save for a few people, Harry and Hermione. The pull made a sickening pop when Nick tugged on his head. He then let it hang there from the small amount of skin and muscle tissue that was left. After satisfied that everyone had seen, he made a jerking motion causing his head to flip back into place. The act sounded as if two pieces of fresh meat were being slapped together.
"Now if you'll excuse me, I do want to join the feast." No one stopped him as he floated through the door.
Harry returned to Hermione's side and stole a glance at her. She looked a little sheepish at asking a question that Nick obviously didn't like being asked. Before Harry could say anything to encourage his friend for her boldness, he was interrupted by the sound of the large oak doors opening. Out stepped a rather tall witch.
This witch had a stare that could silence a room with but a glance. She was wearing emerald green robes with a matching witch's hat. She had auburn hair, which was tied up in a bun. The energy that she emitted through her stare didn't betray the age that she looked. She held a wand in one hand and a small roll of parchment in the other. She surveyed the students in front of her when her eyes caught sight of Harry. She paused for a fraction of a second. Harry barely caught the small smile that McGonagall gave him. She then looked at the majority of the group before she addressed them.
"Good evening, my name is Professor McGonagall. I am the Deputy Headmistress here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am also the Gryffindor's Head of House. There are four of these houses, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin." She said the last house with a hint of distaste. "In a moment, you will enter the Great Hall and be sorted into your house. For the duration of your stay, your house will be something like that of a family. You will sleep together, attend classes together, and eat together."
The group looked around at their new and old friends, hoping that they would be sorted together. McGonagall cleared her throat to get their attention back.
"Every year, a house is awarded the House Cup. The house with the highest points wins. Good deeds and correct answers will award you with points." She then paused over Malfoy, "Any rule breaking will lose you house points. Now without further…" She was interrupted by a loud croak. Everyone looked down at the spot in front of McGonagall and saw a large toad sitting there. McGonagall looked slightly appalled when she saw the toad, but changed her demeanor when she realized that the toad belonged to one of the children.
"Trevor," Neville yelled as he bolted forward and scooped up his pet. He then looked up at McGonagall and hesitantly backed up into the group.
"As I was saying," She cleared her throat once more. "Without further delay, I want you all to line up into three lines and follow me into the Great Hall. Remember you are now representing Hogwarts. That means you need to be on your best behavior." The children nodded as they formed the three lines.
Neville stood to Harry's left, while Hermione stood to Harry's right. The group of children then followed Professor McGonagall into the Great Hall. As soon as the group of first years entered the hall, they were greeted to the stares of their older classmates. All of the first years were eager to be sorted into their houses to ease their trepidation. The older students stared at the younger students out of curiosity, not animosity. They too were eager to see where the new students would be sorted.
No sounds were heard in the great hall, save for the tap tapping of Harry's staff. Harry's face was obscured from view by his upturned hood, so he had free view of everyone else but not visa versa. Hedwig had decided to use his head as her perch while she waited for her master to be sorted into a house. He heard whispers from the second years and higher, all directed towards him.
"Who's that boy in the middle wearing the cloak?"
"Why is he carrying a staff? That can't be his wand, can it?"
"Why does he have a phoenix? I heard those are hard to get."
"I wish I could see his face."
Harry smiled at all the questions being thrown in his direction. Harry heard a few questions coming from the first years surrounding him as well. Most were looking up towards the ceiling exclaiming their awe in their clear view of the night sky. He laughed quietly to himself as Hermione explained that it wasn't really the sky, only that the ceiling was enchanted to look like it. He was starting to grow accustomed to his new friend's vast wealth of knowledge. He was abruptly brought out of his thoughts as the group halted near the front of the tables.
Professor McGonagall ordered them to wait there while she went behind the staff table to fetch a stool and an old dusty hat. Harry knew the hat well from his aunt and uncle's stories of their time at Hogwarts. He knew that there was no test, or difficult task, that needed to be accomplished, in order to be sorted into your house. The only test you would have to do was a test of character under the brim of the hat. Professor McGonagall came to a stop in between the first years and the staff table. She set the stool down and rested the hat upon its top.
"This is the Sorting Hat. It will sort you into your respective houses." Then the brim of the hat opened wide and made a cough that sounded like ruffling fabric.
"Thank you Professor, I think I'll take it from here." The Sorting Hat's folds formed a face as its tear formed a mouth. Professor McGonagall nodded her head and stepped aside just as the hat cleared its throat.
From abroad, you are all found
To be sorted into a house, once year round
Through many aspects I may look
For to me, you are like an open book
Place me on your head and you shall see
That nothing in your mind is hidden from me
However, you may think that I don't know
Put me on, I'll tell you where to go
If Gryffindor, is what you seek
Pray not that you are meek
If brave and bold is what you are
In Gryffindor you'll go far
If Ravenclaw, is what you yearn
Be well of mind and thirst to learn
Though knowledgeable and smart
Ravenclaw is kind at heart
If Hufflepuff, is where you want to go
Then loyalty is what should flow
A Hufflepuff is just and true
They will never ever abandon you
Maybe Slytherin is your goal
One as cunning as the whole
They may wish to become great
They should also learn to wait
All four of these houses are pure
Nevertheless, be wary of what you'll endure
To betray those around you
Is the worst thing one can do
No one is quite as forgiving
As those who are living
So take heart and be merry
Put me on and do not worry
I am truly unbiased
This is why I am the wisest
As soon as the Sorting Hat finished its song the whole room erupted in applause, some were even cheering. It only took a few seconds for the sudden noise to die back down. The Sorting Hat bowed, as much as it could, to the students. He then flicked upright and waited for Professor McGonagall to call the students forward. Harry was barely paying attention to the sorting. He was looking across the staff table when he met Dumbledore's eyes. They both looked at each other but neither blinked for what seemed like hours. Harry finally broke free from his staring contest when he heard a name called out.
"Bones, Susan," Harry's head snapped towards the Sorting Hat. He didn't know why, but somehow he knew that name. He then saw the person associated with that name. A short girl with dark red hair nervously stepped forward towards the hat. Harry instantly recognized her as one of the girls from his dream. Her face was nervous but Harry could see the loyalty and kindness behind her eyes. He was just about to walk forward when he thought of something. If she didn't have the same dream then how could he confront her? He decided to hold off until he was approached by her about it.
"Hufflepuff," The hat shouted for the Great Hall. Harry clapped loudly with the rest of the students. He noticed that Slytherin wasn't clapping unless someone was sorted into his or her house. He saw a timid Slytherin first year sitting next to a group of older Slytherins. He had tried to clap for Susan, but the other Slytherins quickly stymied him.
He wondered just how deep the resentment between houses went. He found out, through careful observation, that the houses only clapped loudly when someone was sorted into their house. They didn't clap as if to greet a fellow student, but more to try to express dominance over the other houses. Harry scanned the staff table to see if the teachers showed the same resentment. None did, save for one. He had greasy black hair and a long hooked nose. He looked as if he could dissolve you with a glance.
"Granger, Hermione," The name brought him once more out of his thoughts.
Hermione looked extremely nervous. She hesitated for a moment until she felt something on her shoulder. She looked over and saw Harry's reassuring smile. She smiled herself as she bravely walked up towards the hat. The hat was placed on her bushy brown hair and sunk to her forehead. She sat there for around half a minute before the Sorting Hat shouted, "Gryffindor!"
Harry clapped loudly along with the rest of Gryffindors. Harry watched as two more students were sorted into Slytherin and Hufflepuff. Then another name was called that caught his attention. "Greengrass, Daphne," Harry looked around to see who was called but saw no one moving. Then he felt someone brush past him and walk up to the stool. She was a little bit taller than Harry was and had long flowing black hair. Her face showed a determination that he had only seen in a few of the students called. The hat needed only ten seconds to make up its decision, "Slytherin!" Harry clapped loudly for Daphne. This caused many people to stare at him. Apparently, the resentment for Slytherin was greater than the resentment for the other houses. This didn't stop Harry though. He knew that he could only talk to her about the dream if she approached him about it.
The next name that was called that Harry paid attention to was Neville's name. He gave him a pat on the back for courage. Neville nodded his head in thanks as he walked up to the stool. He tripped along the way, but that was because Trevor had jumped out of his pocket and he stepped wrong to avoid crushing him. Once the hat was placed on his head Neville was sorted into, "Gryffindor!" Harry clapped loudly at this. Neville caught Harry's eye and mouthed "Thank you" to him. Harry simply smiled and nodded his head. Harry was looking towards his new friends in Gryffindor when a name was called that everyone was waiting for.
"Potter, Harry," McGonagall looked up from her parchment to search for Harry. "Potter, Harry," She repeated when Harry didn't move from his spot. People were now craning their necks in an attempt at finding Harry Potter in the group of first years. Most of them were looking for the trademarks of his visage, the black hair, green eyes, and most of all, the scar.
"That would be me,"
Harry then stepped forward causing everyone's whispering to die down immediately. The only noise that carried through the hall came from his staff as it hit the stone floor. Dumbledore edged forward in his seat in anticipation. He wondered how his warrior of light was going to fare in the sorting. Harry stopped in front of the stool and flipped his cloak over it so that he could sit down. He then pulled down his hood causing Hedwig to fly up and around to sit in front of an open space on the Gryffindor table right next to Hermione. When Professor McGonagall placed hat on Harry's head it slid down to his nose.
"What's this, am I on someone right now?"
"Sorry about that."
"You have quite the shields there m'boy."
"Did you need me to lower them for you?"
"That would make the reading much easier for us both."
Harry started to lower his shields when he felt a sudden pressure on the back of his head. He quickly stood up and turned towards the staff table, enforcing his shields to their max. This caused the two causing the pressure to stagger ever so slightly.
"Mr. Potter, what seems to be the problem? The Sorting Hat has not called your house just yet."
"Professor McGonagall, can I ask you something?"
"While it is highly unusual for a student that hasn't been sorted to ask a question during his sorting, I shall allow it."
"Is it customary to invade a student's mind while they are here at Hogwarts?"
"Of course not, it's an invasion of their privacy and personal space."
"Then why are Headmaster Dumbledore and this man, whom I now recognize as Severus Snivellus Snape, attempting to invade my mind."
Professor McGonagall looked appalled as she looked towards the staff table. She recognized the symptoms of someone recovering from a Legilimency backlash.
"Professor Snape, Headmaster, I'm extremely displeased at the lack of respect you both are showing Mr. Potter."
"It's fine Professor. I just want them to know that if they attempt it a second time during the sorting, that they will receive more than a minor backlash."
Professor McGonagall stared both Snape and Dumbledore into submission before she nodded towards Harry. "You may continue with the sorting Mr. Potter. I doubt that they will try that a second time. Especially after being accused publicly."
Harry nodded his head as he sat back down and placed the Sorting Hat back onto his head. He slowly lowered his shields for the hat. He didn't want another attack to happen.
"Ah, now I can see you clearly. Well, well, well, Harry Potter. It is a pleasure to finally be able to sort you."
"Likewise, it's a pleasure to finally be sorted."
"Now where shall I place you? I see aspects in you that would place you well in any of the four houses. Hm, this is tough. I haven't had anyone this difficult to sort since … well … I shall not divulge that bit of information."
"Understandable, take your time."
"Hmm, you seem to have a slight connection to three other students that I've sorted today. I wonder how deep a connection." Harry felt the hat dive deeper into his mind. "Very interesting indeed, you seem to have a deep connection with four girls. However, I have only seen three so far. Perhaps the other has yet to show herself. No matter, I still need to place you."
"Sir, if I may. Could you please place me in Gryffindor?"
"Why choose Gryffindor above the others?"
"Well, I don't really want to be in Slytherin."
"I can tell that much," the hat laughed at Harry's mental scowl.
"And I don't feel all that smart, so Ravenclaw is out of the question. I wouldn't mind Hufflepuff, but I don't know anyone there."
"So you want to be with the Granger girl then?"
"What, Hermione?"
"Yes, you seem to be attracted to her."
"She's just my friend." Harry felt his face go red.
"Relax dear boy, I only meant attracted magically to her. I didn't realize you were also infatuated with her. Well then, better make it," there was a slight pause, "Gryffindor!"
Harry smiled as he stood up and gave the hat to Professor McGonagall. He walked over to the Gryffindor table amidst all the cheers. He laughed when he saw Fred and George standing on the table doing the Russian Can-Can. They were yelling out to everyone, "We got Potter, We got Potter!" He sat down next to Hermione and across from Neville. He smiled as he gently stroked the breast feathers of his familiar. Hedwig seemed to know that he would be placed in Gryffindor. The rest of the sorting flew on by without a hitch until the last two names were called.
"Weasley, Ronald," Professor McGonagall called out as Ron stepped forward, the hat was on his head for only a second before it shouted, "Gryffindor!" Ron let out a sigh of relief as he walked over to the Gryffindor table. He looked towards Harry and Hermione before slinking around to sit by his brother Percy. The last name to be called was, "Zabini, Blaise." He was later sorted into Slytherin. Harry clapped for him even though some Gryffindors gave him odd looks. Harry was about to start another conversation with Fred and George about possible pranks when Dumbledore stood up.
"Now I know that you are all anxious to get to the feast, however, I do have a few words that I wish to say to you before you become too distracted. Romper, bumper, stumper, boo." A few people laughed at this, mostly first years. The others nodded their heads in silent appreciation to his supposed "wise words." Harry shook his head in disbelief. He turned to Fred to ask him about his apprehension towards Dumbledore.
"Is he insane, like truly insane?"
"Who, Dumbledore?" Fred looked curiously at Harry whom nodded. "Maybe, but no one usually bothers to ask him about it."
"That seems rather odd." Harry was about to ask another question when he saw a mound of food appear before him. All curiosity faded as he began to pile food onto his plate. He amazed himself when he found that, despite talking the entire day, he still had things to talk to his friends about. He had always wished that he could have friends his age to talk to, and now that he was going to Hogwarts, he had all that. Just when he thought he couldn't eat another bite, the plates were filled with all kinds of desserts. He threw caution to the wind and piled on random desserts. Soon Harry was laden down with food and he was beginning to doze off. The plates soon vanished and Dumbledore once again rose to address his students.
"Now I know that you all wish to retire to your warm beds, but there are a few more announcements that I feel I must say. The Forbidden Forest is off-limits, hence the name Forbidden Forest. Secondly, our caretaker Argus Filch has asked me to remind you of the list outside his office of banned items. Thirdly, the third floor corridor on the east side is off-limits as well to those who do not wish to die a horribly painful death."
Some of the students were beginning to whisper about the third floor corridor.
"Now, I do believe it is time to retire to your beds. Your Prefects shall guide you to your houses and inform you of the new password." Before anyone got too close to the doors, Dumbledore stepped towards the Gryffindor table. Harry, who wasn't paying attention to Dumbledore, saw something purple move out of the corner of his eye. He looked to his right to see Professor Dumbledore standing behind Neville looking at Harry. Harry raised an eyebrow in mock curiosity.
"Harry, I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions." Harry saw a twinkle in Dumbledore's eye that, oddly, seemed to annoy him.
"Sir," Harry replied without a hint of emotion as he continued to stare at Dumbledore.
"I was wondering if you could come with…" Harry held up a hand to stop Dumbledore mid sentence.
"I'm afraid you've misunderstood me."
"Pardon?" Dumbledore looked slightly confused. He didn't believe that Harry's affirmation of his presence could be misconstrued as something different from what it was.
"I didn't say sir in response to your presence. I had said sir to inform you that I do not appreciate you calling me by my first name, that I wished for you to call me sir. It's either sir, or mister. Actually I would prefer you call me lord, thanks to my Dukedom that I only just realized that I had." Harry waited for the information to sink in.
Those who had been paying attention to the conversation suddenly gasped. Harry hadn't even told his friends that he was considered a Duke in the magical world, possibly even the muggle world. The information started to spread like wildfire. Whispers were racing through the hall towards the other tables. Even the professors at the staff table began to whisper to one another about the new information.
"I'm sorry. I don't believe I follow you." Dumbledore smiled his grandfatherly smile and attempted to sway Harry with another twinkle in his eye.
"It's actually very simple sir. When I went to get my will, I found out that I was the heir to quite a few people. This led me to becoming a Duke. I do believe that it was Godric Gryffindor's side of the will, which gave me my title. Semantics aside, I would much rather you call me Lord Potter, as only my friends can call me by my first name."
Everyone was looking between Dumbledore and Harry with shocked looks on their faces. No one had ever reprimanded Dumbledore for anything. Harry had even gone so far as to insult his intelligence. Professor McGonagall, sensing a disturbance, hastened towards her Headmaster's side.
"Mr. Potter, what seems to be the trouble? I do hope you aren't giving Headmaster Dumbledore any trouble on the first day."
"Oh not at all Professor McGonagall, I was just informing him how I would like to be addressed."
"And how would that be?" McGonagall somehow knew where this was going.
"Well, since I'm a Duke, I'd much like to be called Lord Potter by those of whom I don't know."
"Well then, Lord Potter…" Harry cut her off.
"Please call me Harry." Professor McGonagall looked confused. Harry also caught a quick look of anger come from Dumbledore. "You have yet to do anything that I deem necessary to forbid calling me by my first name. Therefore, I ask that you call me by Harry. After all, it would get rather confusing keeping a mental list of how I want each person to address me."
"As I was saying … Lord Potter, I wanted to discuss with you a matter of utmost importance."
"I do believe that can wait, I'm rather tired and feel that I'd be able to better keep my attention if I'd rested. Oh, one more thing," It looked painful for Dumbledore to acknowledge the boy who was derailing every attempt to get him alone. "I was wondering about my living arrangements. Surely the Lord of Hogwarts deserves his own quarters." This small sentence caused an even greater storm of whispers.
"Perhaps we should discuss this in a more private setting Harry." Dumbledore sighed when Harry stared at him without moving, "Sorry, Lord Potter." Harry nodded as he got up out of his seat.
Harry quickly bent back down and whispered to Hedwig, "Hey, love, why don't you go and play outside for a bit. Then come find me later on, okay?"
"If you insist, don't cause too much trouble."
"Don't worry I won't. I'll see you later." Harry gently scratched Hedwig under her chin. He watched her fly away before he went with Dumbledore and McGonagall.
The three of them, Harry, Dumbledore, and McGonagall, were about five feet away when Harry stopped. He turned back towards his friends and waved for them to follow. Hermione and Neville jumped up instantly, their exhaustion completely forgotten. Once by Harry's side, the group, whom Dumbledore looked slightly displeased at the additions, walked out of the Hall. They immediately stepped into an unused classroom as the students tried to catch a glimpse or a word that was being discussed. Dumbledore turned towards the door and pulled out his wand. He closed it and performed a silencing charm on it.
"Now that I believe we shall be undisturbed I would like to ask you a question."
"Ask away," Harry held out his arms in welcome.
"Surely you do not wish to have your own quarters."
"That's more of a statement than a question, but I shall answer it anyways. Yes, I do wish to have my own quarters. I do not want to be disturbed if I just want to be alone."
"Surely the Gryffindor common room can be used for that purpose." McGonagall interjected.
"While I do not deny that the Gryffindor common room is probably a suitable option, I just wish to have my own quarters." McGonagall nodded her head in understanding.
"Harry," Harry acted as if he didn't hear his name when Dumbledore said it. Dumbledore sighed before he continued, "Lord Potter, why are you so adamant about requesting your own quarters?"
"Be grateful that I'm still requesting and not demanding." Harry was now getting annoyed at his Headmaster's pussyfooting around.
"Harry, while at Hogwarts you will not treat your Headmaster with disrespect."
"Sorry Professor McGonagall, perhaps you're right." Harry turned back to Dumbledore. "Professor Dumbledore, I request my own separate quarters. I shall still adhere to the school rules and be in my common room before curfew."
Dumbledore smiled his grandfatherly smile. He believed that he was beginning to reel Harry back into the side of light. "I will see to it that you can have your own accommodations whilst staying here at this school."
"Thank you Professor Dumbledore."
"Just tell both of us the password and I'll get set on finding a suitable location."
"Oh that won't be necessary."
"Did you have a location in mind then?"
"Well, no, but it was about my password. I think that only Professor McGonagall needs to know about the password."
"What if you desire my assistance with something?"
"Surely a man with such esteem need not concern himself with the life of a mere eleven year old boy. Or am I mistaken, is your life not as important as you claim?"
"Harry," McGonagall decided to stop another potential argument. She then turned to Professor Dumbledore, "Perhaps, it might be best if I only know the password. If anything truly goes wrong in which he needs your assistance Headmaster, he will notify me and I will notify you."
Dumbledore saw no way of winning this argument so he sighed and nodded his head. He undid his spells on the door and ushered the group out of the classroom. The group was a few paces down the hall when Harry turned around and called back to Dumbledore.
"Professor there was one thing I wanted to ask you though." Harry looked straight at Dumbledore's eyes with a pleading look.
"Anything my dear boy, what is it?" Dumbledore felt victorious once more.
"Well it's more of a statement than a question." Harry looked towards the floor.
"You can tell me anything you like m'boy." Dumbledore put the utmost sincerity behind his voice.
Harry then looked back up towards Dumbledore with the coldest stare he could muster. Dumbledore was taken aback for a fraction of a second before Harry spoke.
"The Potter line will not be so easily controlled."
(A/N): Ooh, can you feel the electricity in the air? I sure can. Harry defies Dumbledore left and right and then smacks him with a double whammy at the end. What will become of this little outburst? Will Dumbledore get revenge? Find out next time on another exciting episode of Harry Potter HSS. Ciao
P.S. There is always a method to my madness. The actions between Dumbledore and Harry do have significance. They will be sorted out by sometime between the third year and the fifth year. Everything in good time.
P.P.S. I've been reading a ton of Harmony stories and I'm starting to run out. I ask you the reader if there are any out there that you've particularly enjoyed. My wants are simple, it has to be long, like 10,000 words or longer at least. I've read through the epics and the short stories. I need more to satiate my thirst for Harmony. As it is, I've started three other separate Harmony stories. If this goes on, I fear I will lose time to write this one. I hope that doesn't happen, I really love writing this story. Anyways, enough of my complaining.
P.P.P.S. If you see something that is strikingly similar to an event in a story that you've read or that you've wrote, please tell me and I'll try to correct it. Unless you give me permission to use it, then I'll give you credit. Thanks all and no more ranting from me. Read x Review.