Chapter 2
Harry sighed as he sat in the compartment of the Hogwarts Express. He was not in a good mood, not in the slightest. It was only through deep breaths that Harry was able to keep remotely calm. It did not matter if he was going back to Hogwarts as for once, he wanted to be somewhere else. Well more correctly with someone else.
After Raven and Harry had gotten up that morning. They had eaten breakfast before Raven had used her power to teleport both Harry and herself to Platform Nine-and-three-quarters. She had seen Harry onto the train, before helping him get his luggage into a rack. Once this was done, she had pulled Harry into a tight hug, wishing him the best of luck, and to write her as soon as anything happened.
Harry had promised to do so, then knowing if she put it off any longer, she would not be able to bring herself to leave. Raven had teleported away, to set about getting Harry's home set up for the time Raven was away, before leaving for the wide world.
Harry had been left feeling rather empty. For the first time he had felt like he had a family, and to have to give it up so soon after finding it felt terrible. However he knew, no matter what, that by the time summer came about he would find a way to visit her, or she him again. He had then sat down on one of the bench seats, and began meditating as to keep calm.
As such he did not notice when others began arriving nearly a half an hour later. In fact he did not notice anything till someone knocked on the door of his compartment. The reason for this was rather simple, he had done something he had been trying to do since he had begun these meditation sessions, touch his magic.
He had felt it, felt the flow of it coursing through his body. It was like a powerful river flowing with quickly yet gentle paths throughout his body. When he had touched it with his mind, his body seemed to hum with power as it began to respond. But Harry had withdrawn from this touch before he did something crazy. Uncontrolled magic, had the same level of danger to it as a nuclear bomb.
Opening his eyes, Harry saw Hermione smiling at him, "Hello Harry."
"Hi Hermione, come in," Harry said, feeling a smile gracing his face.
"It is good to see you, care to help me?" Hermione asked, pointing to her trunk.
Harry nodded, and together they were just able to heave Hermione's trunk up into the luggage rack. Once this was done, Hermione sat down, pulling out one of the Lockhart books. Harry sat down, picking up a small bundle and sighed looking down at it. Hermione looked over at him, and gave Harry a sad sort of smile.
"Missing her?" Hermione said, more than asked.
"Yeah, a lot more than I thought I would," Harry said.
"It is okay. I mean you will be able to keep in contact right?" Hermione asked, glancing up to where Hedwig was sleeping in her cage.
"Yes, Raven set it up so Hedwig could travel to her with ease. Even over impossible distances," Harry said, looking back down at the bundle.
"Then you should be just fine," Hermione said, getting up and sitting down next to Harry.
Harry looked over at Hermione as she said, "I know it is hard on you never having to deal with these feelings before. But it will get better, and you will be back by her side, or her by yours before you know it."
Harry rolled his eyes at this, and said in a slightly more mocking voice that none the less had a little bit of humor in it, "I don't known, you think she will remember me in ten months' time?"
"Harry, I can without a doubt say it would be impossible not to remember you," Hermione said a smirk on her face.
Harry smiled at this and nodded. Sitting back in the seat he glanced out the window watching as more families came onto the platform. Hermione watched him, before glancing down at the bundle.
"What is that?" Hermione asked, gesturing towards it.
Harry smiled at this, and stood up. Then with a flick of his wrists caused the bundle to spin out, while he held onto one end. Then with a spinning flourish spun it around him then with a flick of his fingers latched it together. Hermione chuckled, then clapped a little bit at the display, it was a cloak much like the one Raven had worn, expect the gem that covered the clasp was a large emerald.
"She gave this to me as a going away present. She added a few spells to it as well. One to help it always fit, and another to make it a lot harder to damage," Harry said, his hands by his side.
The effect the cloak gave to Harry was very much like that of Raven. Only his eyes were visible from under the hood. And as he moved about it gave him that same ridge form like movement where he seemed to glide rather than walk. Hermione though like it, it seemed to fit Harry surprising well.
"Well, I can say that it suits you," Hermione said.
Harry smiled and unclasped it, and removed the cloak carefully folding it up again. He then put it away in his trunk, before pulling out one of his school book and began to read. Hermione looked slightly surprised at this.
"Studying already?" Hermione asked, a little amused.
"I studied before I came last year. It was not enough, I plan to do better this year," Harry said, holding up the book so Hermione could see the title, 'The Standard Book of Spell Grade 2'.
"Trying to take my place as top student are we?" Hermione asked teasingly.
"If I can take that, I think it will be not because of my own skills," Harry admitted, "But I think I shall try to."
"Well then I better be ready to defend my title," Hermione said, putting on a grim face of determination.
Harry who glanced over at this could not help it and began laughing. Hermione soon joined in, and it was several minutes before they could fully stop. With this said and done, the pair fell quiet as they read their own books. Harry, every now and again, would glance outside towards the station, as if looking for something.
Hermione finally notice these looks, and realized who he must be looking for, "I am sure Ron will be here before the train leaves."
"I am not worried about them begin late," Harry said before adding, "Though they are cutting it rather close with five minutes left."
"What is it then?" Hermione asked.
"I well…" Harry began, not sure how to make it not sound worse than it might actually be.
"You what?" Hermione asked again.
"I might have insulted Ron's mother. She wanted me to come to their house for the rest of the summer, since she did not seem to trust Raven. I flat out refused, and left before anymore could be said," Harry explained, looking both abashed and determined.
"Well that was a bit stupid," Hermione said, not really surprising Harry, before then adding, "But I can understand why you did it."
"Thanks, I think," Harry said, feeling a little confused by Hermione reaction, was she telling him off, or congratulating him.
Hermione just gave him a small smile and said, "As it is, she really does not have any say over what you do. Muggle wise the Dursley's have say over your life. Magic wise, from what I have read, only direct relations and Godparents have any say."
"Why do you know that?" Harry asked a little surprised.
"It is in one of the books that focus on you after Voldemort's downfall. Saying how everyone for a while was trying to claim you as their own due to long ranging and interconnected bloodlines. But that out of three people who could, only two can, that being your aunt and uncle," Hermione explained.
"Who is the third?" Harry asked.
"Well…" Hermione began, but her attention was drawn away as they saw a flurry of movement by the entrance onto Platform Nine-and-three-quarters.
The Weasley family had just arrived, with barely any time to spare. Each one of their kids quickly got onto the train. Percy, Fred, George, then Ginny. Ron getting on last of all just as the train whistle sounded. Harry was slightly glad for this, as their late minute arrive meant that Molly Weasley would be unable to yell or tell of Harry for what had said.
Then as the train began moving, Harry turned towards the door of the compartment as they waited for the inevitable appearance of Ron. They saw Ron, and the others move pass the compartment heading for the front of the train. Each with a slightly annoyed expression, expect for Ginny who just looked nervous. Harry got up as the group passed by and peered down the car towards the front, noticing they had all left the train car.
"Think he will come back?" Harry asked as he sat back down.
"Oh I am sure he will," Hermione said, though she did look a little surprised as well that Ron had not even looked into the compartment to check for them.
However by the time Ron did make his way back to their compartment, it had been nearly an hour since the train had left the station. Harry having quite forgotten about who had a say in his life, due to Ron's late arrive and then lack of appearance on the train. As such when Ron finally did show up, still with that annoyed on his face, Harry and Hermione where both deep in their books.
"Oh, this is where you have been hiding," Ron said, sounding just as annoyed as he looked.
"Hello to you too," Hermione replied, looking over her book at Ron, "Come on take a seat."
Ron did so sitting down by Hermione, as harry finally looked up from his book saying, "It is good to see you Ron. I hope I did not anger your mother too much."
"Anger her to much?" Ron said, giving Harry a look of complete disbelief, "She has become a nightmare. You might as well have declared war on the Ministry of Magic and Dumbledore."
"I cannot really say I am that sorry," Harry commented before adding in a defiant voice, "I was not about to let her insult Raven, or control me a week after I had escaped the Dursleys."
Ron sent a glare towards Harry at this, though when he spoke his voice was a good deal more level than it had been, "I am not blaming you, but did you really have to do it then?"
Harry just nodded as Hermione spoke up, "I will admit Harry was a bit rude. But it is over and done now so let it be."
"It is not over and done, my mother never lets things slide just like that. Just you wait, besides she might be right," Ron said, the last part just barely audible.
However, both Harry and Hermione caught it. Hermione glanced over at Harry and could see hints of anger in his eyes. However Harry did not jump on Ron's case like he would have normally surprising Hermione. Harry did ask about it though, his tone a lot more calm than it should have been.
"What do you mean, might be right?" Harry asked.
"I don't know, she just does not seem…" Ron trialed off looking thoughtful before saying, "human."
Harry nodded, taking a few deep calming breaths, before speaking, "Raven is very much so a human. Her actions and manors are results of her upbringing. We talked quite a lot about her past over the summer."
"And you are sure you can trust her?" Ron asked, doubt clear in his voice.
"Yes, I am completely sure," Harry said, a note of warning in his voice.
Ron nodded at this, and seemed to change tactics as he then asked, "So where did you stay for the rest of the summer? Mom said you had left the Leaky Cauldron."
Harry just nodded, "Yeah, Raven and I wanted to see some of the sights. More importantly my parent's old home."
"You saw your parent's old home?" Hermione gasped.
"Yep. We also visited my parent's graves, and the memorial," Harry said, a hint of sadness in his voice.
Hermione gave Harry a sad look, as Ron, not seeming to notice the mood shift said, "That was rather risky. It is not safe to be out alone by yourself."
"I wasn't," Harry said, biting back the anger barely, "Raven was with me, and I trust her."
Ron looked like he was about to speak up but Hermione cut across him, "I trust her as well. She is just not very social, is all."
Ron looked at both Harry and Hermione with an expression of disbelief. However as both of them seemed to be set on their points. And Ron, dim he might be at times, he was not dumb enough to run headlong against both Hermione and Harry. So slumping back into the chair, Ron seemed to give up, at least for now.
The journey went rather quietly much to Ron's annoyance. For not only was Hermione reading a book, which was normal. But Harry was also reading a book as well, which was not normal. And to make it even crazier for Ron, Harry was reading a spell book, rather than some book on Quidditch which would have been his normal. Finally, three hours later Ron could take it no longer, and got up and left. Harry look up at this, slightly surprised.
"Where you going?" Harry asked.
"Somewhere else, it is to quiet here," Ron said, and left.
"Well that was… unexpected," Harry said, glancing over at Hermione.
"Not really," Hermione said looking up from her book, "Ron and you are always talking. He does not known what to do with himself right now."
"Oh," Harry said, looking back towards the door.
"Don't worry about it, he will figure out something," Hermione said, as the snack cart showed up.
Harry nodded and got up, getting several different snacks for them. As they ate, they began to talk about what they had done over the summer. Hermione revealing more than Harry. Hermione did however guess that Harry had been living alone in a house he now owned with Raven. Harry admitted it, when Hermione asked, but would not say where it was.
Time slowly passed and it got increasingly dark outside. Harry and Hermione soon returned to their books, and it was about two hours before they arrived Hogwarts when Draco arrived. He was as ever flanked by his to friends, Crabbe and Goyle. However, Harry slid the door shut and locked it with a flick of his wrist. Harry grinned as Draco hammered uselessly on the door to the compartment, before finally leaving.
"Well that went better than expected," Harry said, smiling.
Hermione giggled a little bit at this, her laugher reminding Harry of Raven. He felt a small pang of longing, but pushed it aside trying to not dwell on it. Even then, as he read on, he could not focus quite like before, and by the time the train had come to a stop, he had barely moved forward two pages.
Leaving their things in the compartment, though setting Hedwig loses so she might fly up to the Owlery that night, they got up and disembarked. The station, located at the edge of Hogsmeade Village, was quickly filling with students, most excited and chattering happily. While a few were looking scared or nervous, those mostly being first year students. Then as Hermione and Harry tried to figure out where to go, they heard someone calling out over the crowd.
"First years come this way! First years over here! Come on now!"
It was Hagrid, standing near the edge of the station. His massive size, and large lantern he was holding making him easily visible even to the first years. As he was twice the height of a normal man and three times as wide, Hagrid cut an imposing figure. Though as Harry and Hermione knew he was very kind, though he did not always see things as others did.
"Hay Hagrid," Harry said, waving to get Hagrid's attention.
"Hi Harry, Hermione," Hagrid waved back, before nodding off to the side of the platform, "You will be taking those up. See you at the school feast. First years over here!"
As Hagrid yelled back over the crowd again, Harry and Hermione turned to look where Hagrid had been nodding. There lined along one of the streets were several dozen carriages each pulled by magic, for there were no horse harnessed up to them. Harry moved forward alongside Hermione, but he focused not one the carriage but between the beams of wood that would normally be harnessed up to a horse.
He noticed they were moving up and down a little bit, and there was the faintest sound of breathing. However, with all the noise around him, Harry was not sure if he had not just imagined the sound. Deciding to ask Hagrid about it later Harry got into a carriage along with Hermione. A few moments later, some other students Harry did not know got in.
Closing the door quickly Harry looked out the window, as the carriage lurched forward. It set off at a quick pace heading down the road then up towards the castle. Harry did not really pay attention to the others, as he instead looked out of the window, craning his neck till he was finally able to spot Hogwarts looming of the darkness. Its many windows bright with lights, its towers silhouetted against the darkening sky.
"Another year," Harry said quietly to himself.
As the carriage came to a halt Harry got out with the others and they quickly made their way up the stairs to the Entrance Hall high above them. The carriage once empty took off back down to the town, ready to pick up more students. Harry did not pay attention to much to this as they climbed the stairs and soon reached the warmth and light of the Entrance Hall. Turning left they went into the Great Hall, and like had down first year, it left Harry feeling rather dazed.
The room was massive, with four long tables stretching nearly the entire length of the room. Thousands of candles floated in the air, filling the room with a warm light. While the ceiling above them, enchanted to look like the sky outside, already showed stars shining down on them. At the head of the hall on a raised platform was the teachers table.
Harry could already see several of the teachers sitting there talking with each other. Professors Flitwick, Sprout, Snape were each talking to one of the other teachers. Harry noticed Lockhart was there in deep purple robes with gold trim. However Harry's eyes did not linger on Lockhart for long as they instead shifted to focus on the Headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore.
Old, even by the standers of Wizards, he none the less always seemed to put out a sense of power and energy that denied his age. He had long white hear and beard, blue robes and half-moon spectacles. And his bright blue eyes so full of energy, along with the smile on his face made Harry think he was happy to see everyone return safely.
Harry though could not stand still any longer. So passing around the ends of the Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables, Harry reached the Gryffindor table, and picked a spot about halfway down it to sit down. Hermione joined him as the Great Hall began rapidly filling. Ron joined them about a minute later, and the noise in the Great Hall soon reached a low roar.
Then, through the double doors came a line of students led by Professor McGonagall. Walking along the side they were soon up at the front of the hall, and facing all the other students. At this point Professor McGonagall left and brought forth a three legged stool, and sat it down in front of them. Before resting on it as well, a large but old tattered wizarding hat.
Every year, new students to Hogwarts would put on this old hat. And it would sort through the memories and personalities to figure out where they would fit best. Harry had almost been placed in Slytherin by the hat, but instead after hearing his thoughts about not wanting to be placed there. It had instead placed him in Gryffindor. Harry glanced at Hermione and wondered if she had nearly been placed into Ravenclaw as her brains could rival most anyone her age.
However Harry's attention was drawn back to the hat, which had burst into song. He listen closely noting the song was similar to the one he had heard in his first year. However it described the houses a little bit differently. Harry supposed it was rather boring being a hat and unable to do anything all year. And as such it thought of new songs, or close to new ones, to sing every year. Either that or it had a long list of songs to pick from already and was just reciting olds ones not heard in years.
Soon though the hat's song came to an end. And Professor McGonagall moved forward with a long list. She would be the one calling out everyone's names, before letting them try on the hat. Harry's eyes drifted from her, to the first year students about to be sorted. Most had a look of clear terror on their faces. There was one however who seemed quite content and happy.
She had long blond hair, and gray eyes. The bottle cap necklace, and the fact she had her wand stored over her ear gave her a rather innocent but peculiar look. She caught Harry looking at her, and Harry smiled, and gave a small wave. A grin, filled her face, and it was honestly the cutest thing Harry had seen so far. He returned the smile.
Harry's eyes then moved over to Ron's youngest sister, who was standing right next to the blond haired girl. And unlike the first, Ginny looked like she was shaking with nerves. She was muttering something completely inaudible from this distance. If Harry was honest with himself, he would have said Ginny was about to run for it.
Harry whispered to Ron, "I hope you sister does not faint."
Ron only gave a small nod in agreement, looking very tense. And actually as Harry looked closer at Ron's feature, Harry realized he looked almost as worried as Ginny did. Harry could not help but wonder at this. What was to be scared about?
Well actually Harry could think of one thing, but for Ginny to be sorted into Slytherin was highly unlikely. But why would Ron think Ginny would end up there? Was she more Slytherin like than the rest of her family? Harry discard that idea at once. If anyone of their family would have ended up in Slytherin, it would have been the twins Fred and George. They were in general more ambitious and cunning than most anyone of the Slytherins.
Harry was drawn out of his musing as he heard the name, "Lovegood, Luna."
The girl he had first noticed seemed to glide forward form her spot and placed the hat over her head. Harry smiled as it slide over her head, wand and all, and covered up her eyes with ease. The hat seemed to take several minutes to decide. It was quite clear that the hat was confused by Luna as much as the students had. Finally though it the Hat yelled out.
"Gryffindor."
Harry clapped rather loudly as the girl took of the Hat, bowed to it, then skipped down the hall till she came to sit down by Ron, across from Harry and Hermione. Harry smiled, at her, a smile she returned, great joy in her eyes.
"Well welcome to Gryffindor," Harry said, offering his hand for her to shake.
"Thanks, Ginny told me so much about you from her brother's stories," Luna said, shaking his hand.
Harry was a little taken aback by this, "All the good stuff I hope."
Luna chuckled and nodded, "Or at least he tried to."
Ron, who the comment was about did not seem to notice as he was still too busy watching as the Hat sorted the next student. Harry looked at him and Luna quickly noticed his gazed, she reached across the table and tapped Harry's hand gaining both his and Hermione's attention again.
"They are worried about her not being sorted into Gryffindor," Luna said quietly.
"We guessed as much, but why?" Harry asked.
"Because she is more Slytherin like than all the others. Ambitious, cunning and rather powerful for her age," Luna explained.
"She is none of those things," Ron said, finally noticing the chat that had been taking place.
"Don't worry about it. If she wants to be in Gryffindor than she will be," Harry said, his voice strangely calm.
"And how do you know that?" Ron asked sharply.
"You were not under the hat for more than a second," Harry said, "But it takes your own thoughts into consideration when picking a house."
"Really?" Ron said, rather doubtfully.
"Yes, it put me in Gryffindor rather than Ravenclaw," Hermione said rather pointedly.
Ron nodded, and turned back to the sorting looking only a little bit less worried. However Hermione leaned forward enough so only Harry could hear her whisper to him.
"Which houses was it for you," Hermione asked Harry.
Harry turned back around and glanced at her, and shook his head. He might not be as ashamed about it, but the fact he was almost a Slytherin was not something to reveal here. He could just imagine the reaction it would cause, if it was leaked right now. However as he turned back away, Harry saw Hermione's eyes dart over to the Slytherin table, and he could not help but wonder if she had guessed it.
Ron, whose eyes remained fixed on the hat for the rest of the sorting as he got steadily paler. Finally, when Ginny was called he seem to twitch. Harry glanced up and down the table and saw equal looks of nervousness on each Fred, George and even Percy. And when the hat did not say Gryffindor right away, it seemed their worst fears had been realized.
It took the hat several minutes in which the tension of the Hall seemed to grow rapidly. The Weasley family was well known, even a little famous for being one of the very few families to have never been in a different house. Indeed, it was said as a joke in passing that the Weasley hair became red from being in the house so long. Finally, when it seemed like the tension had nearly reached its peak, and Ron looked close to panic the Hat spoke.
"Gryffindor."
It took the Hall a half second to react before a storm of cheers came from the Gryffindor table. And as Ginny took off the hat, Harry could just make out the glimmer of tears, and such a look of relief he was sure of one thing. Like him, Ginny had nearly been placed in Slytherin. He quickly waved her over, and Luna moved to the side a little bit to make room for Ginny.
"I knew you would end up here," Ron said.
Harry looked at Ron in disbelief, but decided now was not the time to discuss what had almost happened. Soon Dumbledore stood up at the Teachers table and looked about the room. Everyone turned to look at him, as he smiled down at everyone before grinning broadly at them.
"Dig in," Dumbledore said, then with a clap of his hand, the plates filled themselves full.
Harry smiled, and gladly began eating. The snacks on the train felt like an age ago. Luna tore into her own food with a gusto, while chat began to spring up all over the table. Harry only half listened as he ate. He though he did listen closely every now and again when something interesting was let slip.
This was actually something he had learned about from Raven. Listen first, then think on what you have learned, then decide whether to act on it or not. Harry had used it several times before during his first year, but after Raven pointed it out to him, he began listening more and talking less in a group setting like this. Or even more so when he had been out in public. After all you never known what useful information was just being talked about in the open.
But this was brought to a halt as Luna asked Ginny, "so what was the other house then?"
Ginny looked rather uncomfortable at this question. Harry then said, in a very quiet voice that only Ron, Hermione, Luna and Ginny could hear.
"It was Slytherin, wasn't it," Harry was not guessing, but stating fact.
Ginny nodded, while Ron looked discussed with Harry, and said, "How can you say that to her, she is a Weasley!"
"Calm down Ron, I think Ginny would have done well in that house. Like Hermione would have in Ravenclaw. If it was not for who was in the house I think it would have been a missed opportunity," Harry said, in a surprisingly calm tone that surprised Hermione.
"A missed opportunity? Going into that house basically is basically like saying I am evil!" Ron sputtered.
Harry actually laughed at this one, "Really now Ron. So Ginny and I are both evil?"
No one but Ron seemed to miss the implications of that sentence. Both Luna and Hermione were looking at Harry with equal looks of surprise, and knowing smiles. Harry was sure they had both guessed what his other house might have been a while ago, or so it would appear. While Ginny was looking a lot better about the whole matter, after all if Harry had been almost placed in Slytherin, how bad could it have been.
"I am not saying you are evil!" Ron said, backpedaling quickly, "After you are in Gryffindor."
"Indeed I am, but only because of two reasons," Harry said, a surprisingly pleasant smile on his face that none the less had Ron sliding away a few inches.
"What reasons?" Ron finally asked, looking a little worried about what he was going to learn.
"Draco happened to be sorted into Slytherin, and your warning about the houses reputation. If I had not had dealt with either of those, I would have been sitting over at the Slytherin table. Kind of interesting don't you think," Harry said, the pleasant smile still firmly in place.
Ron couldn't have looked any less shock, then if he had just heard Hermione calling books and teachers evil. Harry smiled at Ginny, who gave him an honest smile in return, her appreciation very apparent. Hermione and Luna both nodded, accepting the answer.
It took Ron nearly a minute before he could speak again, "You are joking, right?"
"No, I am not, the Hat seriously considered that house before it went with my own request," Harry said, in a rather bored tone as if the idea was not even worth the effort to talk about it.
Ron could only shake his head in disbelief. Harry smiled at Ginny, who grinned back blushing badly. Harry soon busied himself with his food, as he began listening to the others again. Though he mostly paid attention to Luna and Ginny talking with Hermione about the coming classes and what they would be like.
Finally the feast came to an end. Dumbledore stood up, gave his seemingly standard announcements. The Forbidden Forest was of course off limits. Those with permission forms should turn them into their Head of House. Those who wished to sign up for house teams should contact Madam Hooch. And of course the welcoming of their new Teacher Professor Gilderoy Lockhart.
With that, they were sent off to bed. Harry decided to follow the first years up, Hermione and Ron not far behind them. And were able to get the password to the dorms, from Percy when he showed all the first year Gryffindors how to get inside the common room. Harry at once said his goodnights and went upstairs. It had been a rather nice first day back, he was sure.
When Harry woke the next morning, he felt a weird sense of dread hanging over him. Though, he at least knew the reason for it. Since his parting with Mrs. Weasley back at the Leaky Cauldron, Harry and Raven were both sure that someone was going to start asking him questions the moment he returned as to where he had been.
Ron so far had been the only one. But soon Hermione would ask, and while Harry was willing to answer her, he was not about to reveal his new home to everyone. Raven had said, and he agreed with this, that only those he trusted fully should be told. And right now that list included two people only. Raven and Hermione. Ron would have been on it, if his mother was not so intimidating. Not that Harry didn't trust Ron to keep a secret, he did not trust Ron's mother to get it out of him.
Harry, if he was honest with himself, was sure the next time he was asked, it would be by either Dumbledore, or Professor McGonagall. At least if he was asked by a teacher. Sighing he got out of bed as he remembered what Hermione had said on the train ride up. Only three people could actually control him. His Aunt, Uncle, and that last unknown.
He resolved to ask Hermione that when they had a quiet moment alone. He was not sure why, but he felt that that detail was not something that should be said where anyone could listen in. He only hoped it allowed him more freedom. So with that settled, Harry left his dorm and headed down into the school.
His first week back, Harry felt later when he started writing up his letter to Raven, had been rather stressful. Harry had to push himself to relearn several old things, and the classed seemed a lot more demanding than they had been. But he supposed once he got back into the swing of things that would not be a problem. As such he decided not to comment on this yet in his letter to Raven.
'Dear Raven.
I miss you already, it is rather weird not seeing your face brighten up every morning when I walked in. But I am happy to be back at school as well. Things here are nice and quiet nothing weird or dangerous showing its face yet. Which is good, I just hope Dobby's warning proves to be fake or a prank. Or at least I hope it is.
Anyway classes are the same as ever. We are currently reviewing old spells before moving onto new ones. But I guess I am saying that incorrectly. Defense Against the Dark Arts, is a complete joke this year. Gilderoy Lockhart, yeah that same man who wrote half our book list, is teaching. He let loose a cage full of Pixies then lost control of the class not long after.
Good news is that we are allowed to self-study, so I think I shall find out what is expected of us for fifth year and begin learning all second and first year spells. Not like Quirrell really taught us that much. I guess it could be worse, at least we only learn about ten spells first year total so I should be able to master twenty before years end without a problem. Not to mention study how to defeat supposed 'Dark' creatures.
Made some new friends as well it would seem. Luna Lovegood, a first year, she is a little odd. Much like you seem to others. But she just seems to need friends. I also became friends, with Ron's sister. She was nearly sorted into Slytherin, and I decided to point out to Ron I was nearly placed there was well. It was rather funny to watch that reaction. Hermione, is doing well as well I might add, settling back into school with her normal drive.
So far, unlike what we thought, only one person, Ron, has asked about where I lived. Though it was his mother who put it up to him, I am sure. I am not sure how much I can actually trust him. Though I wish I could tell him, I know he means well.
There were to other things of note I found out. One, I was able to touch my magic, and I have been working hard so I can do that without deep meditation. The other is that only three people have any say over my life, inside or outside school, at least legally.
The first two are no surprise, my aunt and Uncle. But after my leaving like I did, I doubt I very much will ever be allowed back. The third person came as a bit of shock to say the least. It is a man named Sirius Black, former best friend, best man to my dad, and my Godfather. Hermione told me about him. We don't know much else, only that he has legal say over me still.
We will try and find out more as possible. But I would love to know your thoughts on the matter, and how you are doing. Please stay safe, I hope to see your letter this coming Friday.
Love Harry.'
Harry smiled as he finished it with a small furnish. Hermione who had been nearby glanced down at the letter and smiled. She had seen who it was to, and just nodded approvingly. Ron, who was trying to complete is Charm's homework did not notice Harry's current project till he got up to leave.
"Where you going?" Ron asked, looking up from 'The Stander Book of Spells Grade 2'.
"The Owlery. Raven and myself are going to be stay in contact, I need to send this before I head to bed," Harry explained, holding the rolled up letter in his left hand.
"You sure Hedwig can reach Raven, I heard you say once or twice she might be out of the country soon," Ron asked, his eyes on the letter for a few moments.
"I am sure Hedwig can do it," Harry replied a small smile on his face, they had after all tested out the spell for Hedwig's teleportation.
"What about your Homework?" Ron asked.
"Almost all done, I only have potions left. And that is more just double checking my work," Harry said, a grin showing on his face.
Ron's look of shock was nearly priceless. Ron had been putting off most of his work till the weekend. Harry and Hermione had already completed theirs for the most part. Which meant they could use their weekend for extra study, or for a leisure activity of their choosing. Something Harry realized he would have loved last year.
So with Ron's shocked expression, and Hermione nearly laughing faces in his mind. Harry left the common room and went to send his letter. It seemed his first week back had been going rather nicely indeed.