A/N: Hi everyone. I am so sorry for the long wait. I have no excuses. It has been a really long time since I even looked at this story so a few of my plot points have escaped me. I make it as I go along so it should not be noticeable. I wanted to finish next chapter before I updated this, but I just could not sit on this and let you guys wait more. So, Enjoy!

~Bold print is a direct quote from Harry Potter and the Philosophers stone~

DISCLAIMER: I do not own this, nor do I make money from this (I wish).

WARNING: Grammar and Spelling mistakes. (Please point out any obvious ones so that I can rectify my mistakes).

Chapter 38

Previously:

"Hufflepuff"

Harry heard gasps around him as he came back to the present. The hats laughter ringing in his mind.

"Finally! The time has come"

Harry sat frozen on the chair, trying to comprehend what had just happened. He barely felt the hat being lifted from his head, chuckles still ringing in his mind.

He was a Hufflepuff ?! He knew Marvolo said that the hat was always right but it was wrong this time.

"Mr. Potter!"

The sharp note took his attention to the women next to him,

"Please join your house so that we can continue with the sorting"

The Professors words seemed to ring in the silence of the room. Sudden laughter from the unsorted students took his attention. He stood up from the chair and moved towards the house table with what he could tell were the dullest colours… Hufflepuff? He ignored what he knew was Sebastian laughing from the entrance.

Harry knew that Sebastian now had proof that Harry really was nothing; just a stupid, dumb and dull Hufflepuff…. That was not true! He was more than that! Did the hat not see his ambitions to be the best and to make Lucius and Marvolo proud? Did it not see his thirst for knowledge? Did it not see his plans and pride? Why did the hat do this to him!?

He sat on the bench between two students, barely glancing at them, shoulders straight. He knew that what he felt about the sorting was not there on his face for anyone to see. He was trained too well. Did the hat not see his training?

"Sebastian Potter!"

His brother's name bought his attention back to the sorting, as more whispers filled the hall. A few people from the Hufflepuff table stood up to look at Sebastian as he walked towards the hat, waving his hand in greeting to all his fans.

Harry looked towards the Slytherin table and watched as Draco imitated gagging at the spectacle. A smile curled at his lips when he saw the wink that Draco sent him. He would not lose his friends over this, of that he was sure. Now if only the same could be said about Lucius and Marvolo. Harry withheld the shivers that wanted to erupt. He would worry about that later.

The hat was taking too long with Sebastain. He seemed to be arguing with the hat, his grip on the stool tightening the longer the hat took.

Harry decided to take a look at the teachers table, while the hat dealt with his brother. There was Dumbledore, the man behind everything. He seemed like just an old man but Harry could feel him. He was dangerous.

Harry moved towards the other teachers on the table. There was Hagrid, the gatekeeper; the one who had been kicked out for opening the chamber of secrets. Harry's eyes moved up the table. They widened as they fell upon onyx looking directly at him. The spike of fear that shook him only made him angry.

No! He would not fear that man. Severus Snape had been a fool and a toy. He had been used and discarded by many people. Harry watched as the man tried to break their eye contact, the right side of his face blemished by a scar, that Harry was sure he was the cause of.

He had fought the man and won, he had no reason to be afraid. He was strong. Harry took every bit of strength he had and opened himself enough to feel him. He wanted to know if he would feel the pain again. His intention was foiled when the hat's voice broke his concentration and the eye contact he had with Snape as the other looked towards Sebastian.

"Gryffindor!"

Triumph lit Sebastian's face as he took off the hat and pushed it in the Professor's hand. He took a few steps away from the stool and bowed towards the Gryffindor table, where all the students were standing on the feet, clapping and yelling. The Weasely twins had taken to shouting that they got Potter. Idiots. There were two Potters at Hogwarts.

The Hufflepuff table was clapping quietly as well, a few proud smiles adorning them. Harry withheld a snort of disgust. He could not believe this.

Even when he had loved his brother with all his might, he had known that his brother was not worth the praise they had given him. He had felt jealous at times at the attention that his father gave Sebastian but he had not let it bother him, seeing as he had more attention from Lily and Sirius.

Even after he had left Potter manor, Harry had not been bothered by the attention and praise that his brother had gotten from the press. Now though, Harry was surprised at the sting he was feeling at everyone's reaction to his brother and him. Even his own house was looking at Sebastian with awe and pride, while they had only seen him as an extension of his brother. Apparently the dumber extension. The Hufflepuff house was clapping for his brother when he sorted in Gryffindor while he had not even been afforded that and he had been sorted in their house.

He had always wanted his family to know that he was not crazy, for believing that flowers could feel, and that he was powerful, but never had he wanted everyone to know how little powerful his brother had compared to him. If Lucius was here he would definitely tell him that this sudden burst of jealousy and resentment was unbecoming of him; but he could not control the flare of jagged emotion that lit up within him.

These people barely knew his brother, hell they knew nothing about him and they already loved him. He remembered though, what Lucius said about this kind of love, it was very easy for it to turn away from you. He did not trust it and he did not want it; but he wanted everyone to know that his brother was not how they thought he was. He was surprised how badly he wanted everyone to know that his brother was not worth it. It was he, Harry, who was the Boy- Who-Lived. Not his brother.

They forgot about him. He had never wanted so badly to show everyone how wrong they were; but he had to be patient. Marvolo always said patience and cunning could get you everywhere. He would show these sheep the truth.

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The sorting hat was soon over. Harry watched as Dumbledore got up on his feet as he welcomed them all, and announced the beginning of the feast. Food appeared on the tables and the sounds of plates and spoons could be heard all over the hall as the students filled their bellies and chatted amongst themselves. Harry had clapped with the rest as Dumbledore finished his little announcement, pondering over his last words, "Nitwit, Blubber, Oddment, Tweak". What a load of hogwash.

Harry watched the people around him as he ate his meal. He could not help but notice the rowdiness of the Gryffindor table, the debates on the Ravenclaw, and it was only the first night, and the utter silence at the Slytherin table. The Hufflepuff table by contrast was a mixture of gossip and silence. He did not know how to interact with these people, by all accounts they were the duffers of the lot; why on earth was he sorted here then? He was no duffer.

He needed to think logically without letting his resentment and other peoples judgement cloud his description of the house. Hufflepuff was the house of the loyal, dependable, just and the hardworking. Harry was loyal, dependable and hardworking, and according to the hat he could have fit anywhere, then why here? Why not Slytherin? Hell even Gryffindor was preferable to this drabness.

Harry was snapped out of his thought by the girl across for him,

"So, you are the brother of the boy-who-lived. How come we don't know about you much? I mean we all knew that Sebastian had a brother, but how come we never saw you anywhere, not even at the parties?"

Harry seethed as he thought of how to handle this situation. He wanted to lash out, but he knew that would only damage his reputation. He was an unknown entity, and Hufflepuff would always support him, but only if he was a Hufflepuff. He needed to be the Slytherin he was to be the Hufflepuff they expected to see. They would never know the reason why he was a Hufflepuff. Lucius did tell him to never show anyone who he was, and to always be what they wanted him to be.

Harry pretended to sigh as he peeked up at the girl from his eyelashes.

"I.. ummm.. My parents…. Did not like the media attention… My brother could not help but get it. He did win aga-ainst You-Know-Who… but I never liked it… So..ummm.. I decided to stay away… I like to stay with my flowers…" Harry broke off as he looked at his food.

Harry had been taught that lies only got a person in trouble. It was best to be honest but the question was how the truth was told. Now that he thought about it, being in Hufflepuff was the best cover. He doubted Dumbledore would ever think him a threat now. Nor would anyone else.

Harry withheld a grin that wanted to break out. The hat was cunning. It never lied. Harry was a Hufflepuff. He had it in him. He just had to be the Harry he was 4 years ago. The little boy who was open and friendly. The boy who had not seen the depravity that was humanity. The boy who had not been taught by Lucius Malfoy… and Voldemort himself…. But just because he was being Hufflepuff did not mean he could not be a Ravenclaw, a Slytherin and a Gryffindor as well. Hmmm. this might just be fun.

Harry continued where he left off, "I um.. never really had any friends either, well, not a lot. I only had Draco and Neville, oh and Alex, but he is smaller than us…I like books though, and playing with the flowers."

He could see the girl in front of him soften, a first year as well, whose name he thought was Bones something, an important name, if he was correct. She smiled at him and patted his hand which was playing with the utensils.

"You don't have to worry, you will have friends here." She extended her hand to him, as if to shake, "let me introduce myself. I am Susan Bones."

Harry grinned at the girl, he was right, "Hi, I am Harry Potter, and I would be really happy to be your friend."

Susan smiled at him and pointed to the girl next to her, "This is Hannah Abbott. She is a childhood friend of mine."

Harry shook Hannah's hand as well, the girls had apparently known each other since they were very small; their parents having been best friends, until Susan lost hers during the war, and was taken in by her aunt, who was now the Head of Magical Law enforcement. A powerful position in the Ministry to be sure and at such a young age as well.

Hannah was the quieter of the two and Susan was apparently the chatter box, a quite blunt one at that. Harry listened to her ramble about their childhood as dinner finished and it was time to get up.

He watched as Dumbledore stood up from his chair in a grandiose gesture.

"Ahem- just a few more words now that we are all fed and watered" Harry withheld a snort, he talked like they were all plants, watered indeed. Harry listened as Dumbledore gave the beginning of the year notices; no going into the forbidden forest, as if Dumbledore could stop him from going there, it was a beautiful place, with so much life, he really wanted to visit it and he would. No magic in corridors, as if the students would ever listen to that particular rule. Quidditch trials, as if first years were even allowed to apply, "And finally, I must tell you that this year, the third-floor corridor on the right hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish a die a very painful death"

Harry heard a few people laugh around the hall, including Sebastian. Harry knew it was no laughing matter. Dumbledore played chess with everyone and everything, he had already started moving his pieces. It was best to inform the students that an area was out of bounds, but telling a group of 11-17 year olds that they would be welcoming death by going to a place was like waving a red flag mocking them to come check it out. The twin Weasely's already welcomed the trips to the forbidden forest and it was actually dangerous, they would definitely be visiting the corridor.

The question was whether he ought to check it himself or have Neville find out from the twins when they checked it out or, Harry looked at the determination on Sebastian's face and grinned; he would just get the information from Sebastian, who was definitely going to visit the corridor. Ah, this could all very well be for Sebastian.

Harry was distracted from his thoughts as light flared from Dumbledores wand to create words in the air, oh Merlin, they were going to sing. Harry grit his teeth as he endured the next few minutes, glad when it was over and the students started standing to go towards their dormitories.

A person stood from the end of the Hufflepuff table, he was tall with short sand coloured hair, and light blue eyes, eyes that seemed to be smiling "First years, I am your prefect Adam Smithson and this is your other prefect Clare Summerton," he pointed to a girl with dark black hair and navy blue eyes, sitting next to him, his eyes shining with adoration, "We are your fifth year prefects. Please follow us so that we can show you to your dormitory."

Harry watched as Adam took Clare hands as she got up and the two moved towards the corridor. Harry joined the line of first years behind Susan and Hannah.

"I heard that the Hufflepuff dormitory is one of the most secretly hidden. Very few people even know where it is. It's in the basement though, my auntie told me," Susan spoke from ahead of him.

Harry listened to her conversation with half an ear, his complete attention on the couple leading them. They were holding hands, and doing nothing to hide what they felt for one another. He could not understand how they could be so open with what they were feeling. He opened his walls and directed his magic towards the couple, and was surprised. The guy was in pain, very deep pain, what seemed like a wound on his back. He should be limping by all accounts, and the girl was worried.

Harry closed his walls as he focused on the couple. Now that he knew he could see the terseness in both their shoulders but other than that nothing. He needed to improve his observation. He could not always rely on his skill, he needed to be able to tell about a person just by looking. He would need to keep an eye on the couple.

He followed the prefects as they led them through the corridors. They came across a marble staircase. Harry watched as the Slytherins moved towards the left corridors, probably to go to the dungeons, and the Ravenclaw and Gryffindor were about to take the staircase up. He halted as he saw Hermione and Neville walking close by. He quietly left the Hufflepuff line and reached them.

"Psst..Listen, meet me tomorrow at the 7th floor before breakfast. Ask the ghosts, they will show you the way."

Harry did not wait for a response as he turned around and followed the Hufflepuff's going down the staircase.

Harry moved up the line until he was again behind Hannah. He watched in fascination as he saw a few of the stairs change direction midway. They reached another corridor which seemed to be below the corridor leading to the entrance hall. The crossed a painting of a fruit bowl on the left. Harry could feel the intense magic and emotions coming from the room. Ah, these must be the kitchens then.

The moved along the corridor until they reached a nook on the right hand side filled with barrels. The two prefects stopped in front of the barrels and waited for all the first years to catch up.

"Okay, now what I am about to tell you is a very well-kept secret," Adam started, "So be very careful not to tell anyone"

Adam smirked at the students as he turned towards the barrels, "Please watch carefully and memorise."

He pointed towards the second barrel from the bottom, in the middle of the second row. He tapped it with his hand in a strangely catchy rhythm. Clare called out towards the first years,

"This is the rhythm of Helga Hufflepuff; should make it easy to remember. Please be sure to press the correct lid and use the same rhythm. Any mistake and the person will be doused with vinegar and barred entry."

The first years listened as Adam finished tapping and the lid of the barrel swung open, exposing a passageway.

"This leads straight to the Hufflepuff basement," Clare continued as Adam got down and crawled through the passageway, yelling behind him, "Follow me!"

Harry looked towards the first years and saw a look of disgust pass a few of the faces. One boy, with the most distaste was one he thought was named Justin, one who definitely needed to be kept an eye on.

He smiled to himself. Having spent what seemed like half his life in the gardens and grounds, a little dirt had never bothered him. The indignity of having to crawl in front of everyone was annoying but someone had to be the first and he needed to be someone, in his house at least. He needed them to follow him. He stepped forward before any of the first years could, and bent as he crawled in. The passageway went on for a few seconds before it opened up into an open, round space.

He stood up and gaped in surprise. Being surrounded by Gryffindors and Slytherins all his life, he had heard enough about what the common room in those houses looked like. Even Ravenclaw had been discussed but never Hufflepuff.

Harry ignored the prefect Adam as he circled in place, awed at the sight that greeted him. The first thing that caught his eye was the open space. The common room was large and round. The ceiling was low, and through the darkness seen from the circular windows, Harry could see the grass blowing in the wind, and the flowers tucking in for the night. There were yellow hangings from the walls, burnished copper and overstuffed sofas and armchairs in yellow and black. In the front of the entrance was a portrait of what could only be Helga Hufflepuff, located beneath which was a large, honey colored wooden mantelpiece with carvings of badgers on it.

Harry had to admit that while the colours were not really to his liking, the room gave a welcoming and warm feeling. But what made him truly gasp was the flowers and plants arranged all around the room, on the windowsills and some even hanging from the ceiling. Harry had to breathe and tighten his shields, so as to not be taken in by their call. He stiffened at the shuffling sound behind him and quietly moved towards the side.

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Adam smirked as he tapped the entrance to the common room. It was a tradition to have the first years be the first to enter the common room so that they could enjoy the effects without having to look at the other students. He crawled towards the common room, withholding a wince that wanted to break as the wound on his back rubbed against his shirt.

He entered the room and took some time to move his shoulder, hissing at the sting. He then tured around and waited to see who would be the first. Hufflepuff had a reputation of being nothing and the lowest in the food chain. As such, no one paid much attention to them. His mother had once told him that even the most genius of individual would get nowhere if they sat on their arse doing nothing. Only the people who worked for what they wanted went anywhere in their life.

Everyone in Hufflepuff was hardworking and were the last to give up. Because of this, they could be found in every profession, from the menial to the elite and yet none cared enough to notice them. Humans were not one dimensional, to assume so was a folly which the Hogwarts founders had made. Many people ended up in Hufflepuff because of different qualities, and Helga realizing the complexities of humans and children alike, decided to create a system where they could find out the strength of each Hufflepuff. The first few weeks in Hufflepuff were tests, subtle tests to find out what qualities were strongest in which individual, other than loyalty and hard work.

The first test started with the entrance itself. It could have been a simple entry but the act of crawling made many people hesitant. Although eleven year old's hardly cared, but you could tell about the ones who would in the future by their reaction. The first person to follow after the prefects was the one who needed most watching. They were normally the bravest and the ones who had higher goals then being afraid to let everyone watch them crawl first. And so Adam waited.

He heard the scuffle before a stark black head came. The child stood and Adam recognised him instantly, having watched Harry Potter all through the sorting and afterwards. He watched emerald eyes grow in surprise and wonder.

For only a moment Adam swore his eyes glowed and the very air seemed to breathe. He would not help his incredulity as he watched the child move towards the hanging plants and it felt as if they every one of them moved towards the child in an instant before they moved back in place. The child's eyes seemed to still be looking in awe before the sound of the other students was heard and students one by entered the room. Harry Potter had by this time moved away from the front, and Adam watched him go towards the back as the crowd gathered in the center of the room.

He saw Clare give the signal as he knocked on the table, where he had moved to and gained their attention, "Okay. Now I know you lot are tired so boys will follow me to their dormitories, while the girls follow Clare. I want everyone here tomorrow morning at seven, so that we can introduce you to the Head of your house and rules that you need to follow here at Hufflepuff. You lot can ask any questions you might have at that time. Now, come along".

Adam moved towards the tunnel on the right which lead to the boys dormitories, "Now boys be aware that you are not allowed in the girls tunnels, which is the one exactly opposite to this tunnel. There are traps to ensure that you do not, so please do not even try; you will not like the resulting embarrassment. There are many tunnels that lead away from the common rooms as you saw. They one's pointed out to you leads to the dormitories, the rest… well… you will just have to find out for yourself."

Adam grinned towards the first year boys as he kept moving. Along the tunnels there were circular wooden doors, all decorated with badgers, some had two, others five. They stopped towards a door on the right, which had one small badger on it.

"The number of badgers represents your year, so that you can always remember. Now I will leave you to it. Enjoy your stay at Hufflepuff!"

Adam left the first years to their door and went out the tunnel. He entered the common room to see Clare sitting on one of the tables. He let his should slump and did not hesitate before going to her and taking her hand. He swiftly moved towards the mantle beneath Helga Hufflepuffs portrait, and pressed one of the badgers decorating it. He did not wait, because he knew the others would be coming soon, and entered the tunnel that opened on the left. The tunnel closed behind them.

The moved swiftly, hand still holding Clare's, not looking back as they reached the end and a door appeared. Adam put his palm on the door, which glowed and opened. He entered and pulled Clare with him, before locking the door and taking her in his arms.

The fragrance of cherries reached him and he pulled her closer, letting her presence take him away from his memories which had started to pull him.

He barely heard Clare's broken whisper, "Let me see. I learned some healing spells last year. Please, let me help you".

Adam tightly closed his eyes before minutely nodding, letting go of her to turn his back. He held the hem of his shirt, shoulders tense as he raised it over his head. He flinched when a warm hand touch his back, "Oh my love".

The wand was cool against his skin as it lightly passed over the wounds and he felt his skin stitch back. He just closed his eyes, and prayed for escape.

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Harry looked at the other first years with him as he entered the dormitory. There were six boys in their year, including him. The dormitory was a huge circular room. There were six four-poster beds, three on one side of the room and three on another. Another tunnel lead from the center of the two rows, no doubt leading to the washrooms.

Each bed was covered in patchwork quilts. The dormitory was illuminated by warm copper lamps, and there were copper bed warmers hung on the walls, beside each bed, no doubt for cold feet.

Harry did not wait for the others and went towards the first bed on the right. It was closest to the door and he wanted to be able to leave quickly, without disturbing the others much if he wanted to. He went towards the bed and saw his trunk pop up at the foot of the bed. He smiled as he changed into his pyjamas, barely paying attention to the others, and got into bed. He felt exhaustion tugging at him and let himself fall.

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Harry Potter sat in the common room, looking at the parchment in his hand. It was barely five in the morning, but he had felt the sun heat up the ground above him, and it had woken him. The flowers around him were all in bloom. He pushed the rose curling around his cheek away so that he could focus on the letter.

He scowled as he bunched the parchment and threw it away. He took out a new one and chewed the end of the quill. This was his fifth attempt at writing a letter to Marvolo and Lucius and he had no idea how to tell them. Now that he was awake and no longer tired, the disappointed visage of his mentors kept his heart and mind in turmoil. How to tell them? that despite everything, he was a Hufflepuff.

Dear Lucius and Marvolo,

How are you? I have not talked to you guys in a while, so I thought I would write and let you know how things have been with me. I am sure that Rabastan has kept you updated, but I wanted to tell you myself as well. So, I got my first year stuff and managed to learn all my books, although I had already covered most of it with the tutors. I went to Diagon Alley with Sirius and the Potters. Rabastan could not come because father still does not like to spend a lot of time with him.

I went to Gringotts to take my money from my vault, when Sirius stopped me. He said he was going to take care of everything, since I was the black heir. Sirius did not even let me ride on Gringotts trolley. Sebastian went with father who said he had some more business at Gringotts. Father said he would pay for my stuff but Sirius said no. So, I got my uniform and books. We went to the owlery as well. Sebastian and I both liked the same owl. There was a bit of a … an argument over who would get it.

Sebastian had decided he would take it and opened the cage to get the owl. But the owl bit him, and flew and landed on my shoulders. You should have seen the expressions on Sebastian's face, it was hilarious. The owl told me she sensed me, and what I was and so she chose me.

Sebastian threw a major fit, but father managed to calm him, but only after promising him the new Nimbus 2000. I am sure that father thinks that one owl is the same as another.

He is wrong though. The owl that has bought this letter is her. I named her Hedwig. She is sentient and far more intelligent than any owl in the shop and any I have seen so far. I fell in love with her the moment I saw her. Anyhow, we managed to finally get to Ollivander's which father had kept to the last, so that our wands would have more impact.

Marvolo, this news pertains to you. Sebastian managed to get a wand that is the brother half of your wand. It was a Holly wand with a Pheonix feather, actually the feather is from the same phoenix that gave the feather for your wand, according to Ollivander. To be honest the wand was not a perfect match, while the wood did fit him, the feather seemed to rebel. I don't know if anyone other than me even felt it, but the feather was not happy.

Ollivander did say that they could keep trying until they found a perfect match but Sebastian claimed that since he was the chosen one, as powerful as you (eye roll), he should get that wand. Yes, I am aware that he is an idiot.

As for me, well, that was not a happy moment, for my family at least. After Sebastian had gotten his wand, he and father did not wait around for me. They went to get the broom. Mom and Sirius stayed and I am glad for that. I do not know how father or Sebastian would have reacted to my wand.

I'll just tell you then. My want is 8 inch, Yew wood with a dragon heartstring. Actually the yew is from the same tree that was used in Marvolo's wand. Ollivander said that he had wanted to throw the wood away, when he found what its twin had become, but a core from the end of his shop, where materials from all of his ancestors are kept, came flying and joined the wood.

According to Ollivander it happened on my birth day. So he said the wand must have been meant for me. I asked him which dragon it was, but he said he did not know. It was not from his own batch, but previous ones, that he had been recollecting, and most of them had no records as to the exact type of dragon. After the wand was made, he had tried many times to find the core of the wand, but had been unsuccessful.

He does know that there was another heartstring from the same dragon, made for an Elm wand some 1000 years back and was given to a Noble family. The name of the family had been scratched out from his ancestors records and he does not know why they would do such a thing. He did mention that I was one to keep an eye on. I do wish he had not said that, I really don't need the wrong kind of attention at the moment.

Thankfully Sirius and Mom made sure to explain to me how a wand did not make a wizard. How Sebastian had the same core as you and he was not evil, so no way was I going to turn out evil. I think mom is worried now though. Yew, while not evil in itself, has always been associated with life and death. Mom does not know that it was I who survived the killing curse so it makes sense for me to have a yew. I better than most know how the balance between life and death works.

As for the core. I always knew it would either be a dragon heartstring or a pheonix, considering that I am a fire elemental. I actually wanted a phoenix, since they are magnificent creatures and so powerful….. and because Marvolo has a core of Phoenix, but I think I am happy with this. When I touched the wand for the first time, it was beautiful. Time seemed to stop as the magic poured inside me, moving like lava, heating every part of me. I felt more alive in that moment than I ever have before.

Anyway, we left Diagon soon after. Yesterday we just arrived at Hogwarts and it was everything you guys said it would be. There is an issue though. I looked at Hogwarts and it was sentiment as you said Marvolo, though I have not tried contacting her yet and beautiful, but a part of the castle was corroding and dying. Its magic has started to blacken around the top. I do not know what that magic is for, whether it is the castle itself, or the wards, but it is dying none the less.

So after that we had the sorting, and as you had predicted Lucius, Draco ended up in Slytherin. I am so glad I did not bet against you. I am sure Draco will be sending you his own letter with the details. I actually wanted to be the first one to write to you so that I can tell you about my sorting myself.

We found a muggle-born girl Hermione Granger. She is very strong and smart, from what I could tell. I will see if see fits in with us. She ended up in Ravenclaw. While Neville went to Gryffindor. To be honest I think Hufflepuff would have suited him well. He is an earth elemental and it is supposed to be the strong suit of the Hufflepuff. I actually have no idea what the hat was thinking when it sorted us.

(Sigh). I am trying to delay giving you the news. I don't know how to tell you. I really don't want you to be disappointed and I am afraid that you will be. I …..

Here goes, when I went to the sorting hat, it told me that I had the equal capacity to be in all of the four houses. Since Marvolo had told me that the hat knew best, I trusted it…. And It gave me a scenario where I had to choose between you both and my family, under particular circumstances. I chose you…. And the hat decided that loyalty like mine only deserves Hufflepuff.

I don't like it. While the house is beautiful in its own way, I know in my heart that I am no Hufflepuff. I think when all other things were equal, it sensed my strongest quality and sent me to the house where it belonged. Although Gryffindors are also known to be loyal, leaving the rat…Huflepuff are considered more loyal I guess... I don't know… I really don't know….. I kept asking myself why all through the sorting. The hat also said something along the lines of "Finally, the time has come". No idea what it meant.

Still, just being here, It's as if I can feel myself getting slow and ordinary, exactly what everyone else thinks I am; ordinary. I am beginning to hate it.

Today is still just the first day. I have made plans on how to deal with this. I realised that Dumbledore would never suspect me in this house, it is actually the perfect protection, even though it chafes.

I guess that is all that has happened. I just rechecked the letter and it is long. I will try to keep it short from now on, but a lot of things had happened and… it has been a while since I talked to you or even felt your presence.

Anyway, I guess that's it for now. If I remember something else, I'll let you know.. I hope you are not too disappointed with my sorting. I promise you that no matter what, I will make you both proud, I will.

All my best.

Harry Potter – Black

Harry blew over the parchment and left it to dry. He stood up from the chair and sat in the centre of the floor. He slowly opened his outer walls, enough to use his power. Keeping himself centred, he let it flow outward. Buzzing filled his mind, happiness and vitality. These were the well-tended flowers and plants in the common room. Above which was the ground and grass blowing in this breeze. Laughter filled his mind, and he smiled. He felt for magic around the room. There was magic on the left tunnel, though he did not have enough knowledge yet to tell what kind, no doubt the repulsive spells against boys.

Spreading further was a magical signature on- Harry opened his eyes to see the mantle and one badger glowing… maybe a secret passageway. Two auras from the tunnels told him that someone was coming. He reigned in his magic, and got up. He quickly wrapped up his dried letter and put it in his school bag.

He sat on the chair again, looking at the wall where he had felt the auras, confusion apparent in his expression. He watched as a tunnel appeared next to the mantle, and the prefect's from last night entered the common room. Their bedraggled appearance and the love bite on the girls shoulder would have told him enough but their startled and guilty expression when they noticed him clearly showed the rest of the story.

Clare was the first one to gather herself, "Hi, Harry was it. What are you doing up so early? The meeting was to be at 7:00, did you have trouble sleeping?"

Harry watched her before letting a small smile come to his face, "I slept well, but I always wake up early with the dawn. I love the day, and don't like to let it go to waste. I was just writing a letter to my family. I was not sure how to let them know that I am a Hufflepuff. People don't look to kindly to us".

Harry watched light cross Adam's eye. There was some story there. Clare looked somber as she came and patted him on his shoulders, "Hey, It's okay. If the hat sorted you here, then it is where you belong. It is the house which will help you grow into the person you are meant to be. I have no doubt that your family loves you and will be proud of you no matter which house you ended up in."

Harry let her words comfort him, although he had his doubts. How could Marvolo respect someone who was a Hufflepuff. Lucius might accept him but Marvolo would not like it.

Harry just nodded his head to let her know he understood.

"Since it is already half past six, no point in you going to bed. Wait for us here and then we will gather the first years. Actually why don't you go and wake up the boys. Okay?"

Harry smiled and nodded, not looking at the two as he went towards the tunnel to his dormitory. He felt Adam enter the tunnel a few minutes after him. Harry really did not want to wake up the others. If they were lazy enough to still be asleep then they should face what they deserved. He needed to remember to be nice to not just his friends but everyone. This was going to be more taxing than he thought.

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Harry ran towards the 7th floor, having taken directions from the Fat Friar. Hogwarts was a labyrinth and it was well known for first years to get lost and not find their way during the first few weeks. It was also rumoured that the ghosts did not help. The reason being that most students never bothered to ask them.

The ghosts being dead preferred nothing more than acknowledgement from the living as proof that while they did not have a physical body, they were still there. They mattered, they were needed; they had a purpose. Nobody paid enough attention to them to make use of this fact. Marvolo had and Harry intended to follow in his footsteps.

Harry skid to a stop in front of the entrance to the corridor, gasping as he bent at his knees, trying to get some much needed oxygen. He was late. He had not known that Hufflepuff would have an early morning meeting. He doubted that they could have a proper discussion right now, being late for breakfast. They would have to meet here at the first weekend.

Neville's voice interrupted him, "Harry!"

He turned to see Neville sitting in a corner of the corridor.

"I have been here for 20 minutes. Breakfast starts at 8:00, we'll be late."

"I know Nev. I just have to show you guys something and then decide when to meet again."

Neville nodded as they heard running feet from the entrance and they saw Draco and Hermione coming together.

"Sorry!" both started at the same time.

Harry interrupted before they could say more,

"We will discuss later, right now I just wanted to show you guys something."

Harry moved towards the dancing troll and paced in front of it three times. A door appeared on the wall,

"Okay, this is the Room of Requirement. My mentor told me about it. He also asked me not to show it to a lot of people, but only to those I trust. You can come here in your free time, but only you guys, don't bring anyone else."

Harry then pointedly looked at Hermione, "I trust the other two cause I have been with them most of my life. I am trusting you as well Hermione. Please don't ever betray me."

Hermione looked into bright emerald eyes and knew this was something bigger than what she had thought previously. She nodded her head resolutely. She would not betray the first ever people to accept her as who she was, without any reservations.

"Okay, just pace in front of this place and think of the place you want and the door will give you that place. I wanted to talk to you guys today, but we are late. So I will see you guys this weekend, I'll let you know the time, and we can chat properly. Kay?"

As the nod from the three, Harry moved away from the door and started running towards the Great Hall.

"Come on! We will be later otherwise!"

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Harry Potter's first day at Hogwarts was going well. He had called Hedwig and had her take the letter early morning after he had run away from the meeting. It had been a close call, but Hedwig was smart enough to always find him, and he had only needed an open window.

After breakfast, he had gotten his schedule for classes. In had become evident to him in his first Charms class that all the other students were way behind him. The half goblin professor had them practicing wand waving but he already knew the spell and knew how to work it. Magic came easy to him, since he could practically see and feel it. It was not an ability he came with naturally, it had taken a while to twist his reading abilities to be able to see magic other than just auras. Marvolo was best at it. He could not only tell that there was a magical presence but also exactly who it was.

Harry quickly differentiated himself within his own house. While Hufflepuff were smart enough, not a lot of them were Ravenclaw material. Harry had won his house a lot of points during the first week by answering all questions that the teachers asked. In a class room with Ravenclaws and Hufflepuff, when the later raised their hand, the teacher was most definitely going to choose them.

He was sure the Ravenclaw's would have hated him had it not been for the fact that he was not a bragger. He never tried to take the attention and the titles of the smarts that Ravenclaw had but he was most credibly one of the top student in his year, being joined closely by Hermione. It was a toss-up between the two depending on the subject.

Harry had been most excited for Transfiguration, which had gone great for him. He had managed to turn his pin into a needle on the first try, Hermione quickly following behind him. He had been unsure about Defense against the dark Arts, if for no other reason than it was the one of the class he would have with Gryffindors.

It had been bearable, but only just. The presence of the teacher had been the only thing keeping Sebastian in his place as Harry answered the questions that Quirell asked and gained points for his house. Sebastian tried to show Harry up on more than one occasion but it was quickly evident that Quirrel did not like Sebastian much. Harry was unsure if anyone other than him picked upon it.

Another thing Harry found odd was Quirell's presence. He had felt a strong recognisable magic when he had first entered the room, but it had disappeared in the next instance.

He was still trying to figure out who the magic reminded him off. It had not been pure. It had seemed to be a mix of what he guessed was Quirell himself and someone else but he was having a hard time separating the essence he had felt.

Finally it was Friday night, the end of the week. It was his last class of the day, one that he had dreaded for the whole week, the moment he had seen it on his schedule. Potions.

Harry had heard through the grapevine how Sebastian had been dissected and thoroughly embarrassed by the potions professor. Apparently Sebastian had not learnt anything from mom about the importance of knowing the ingredients in potions. Harry still got the chuckles over it. He would have to hear the whole story from Neville over the weekend. Although he hoped he would not have his own story added to the grapevine.

Harry met Hermione in front of the classroom, and smiled at her. She came to stand next to him.

"How has your week been so far? Mine was amazing. Magic is so wonderful. Ravenclaw are a bit tough though. They tell you each person for themselves. First day, they made it clear that we were not to ask help of the senior years and they would not give it. If we wanted to learn we had to do it ourselves. I mean really? I get it but it's harsh, isn't it."

Harry decided to give Hermione's conversation his whole attention to avoid thinking about anything else.

"Hmm. It is actually, in a way. I have no doubt that it is the Ravenclaw motto though. Knowledge is power and Ravenclaw seem like the kind to hoard knowledge and not want to share it. How about this, if you feel as if it is unfair, then help the others. Be careful not to let it seem like you pity them or are smarter then them. Ravenclaws might not need direct help, just guidance. Start small with your class fellows, have a study group. Then next year, be sure to help the first years. Each consecutive year you will be known as the one to go to in case of problems. You can help the student's that way."

Harry looked into Hermione's surprised eyes, along with a little suspicion in them.

"What?"

"I am not stupid Harry. Far from it. That was a very clever plan, but it seems like I am missing something. I am still not sure how you ended in Hufflepuff, you are a Ravenclaw if I ever saw one, and a Slytherin if the vibes I am getting from your plan are to be given credit."

Harry smiled sheepishly, she was smart. She was also with them, so she would find out everything, but in time.

"Well-", Harry rubbed his shoulders in embarrassment, "The hat told me that I could be in all four of the houses, but that Hufflepuff would suit me best."

Hermione smiled at that, eyes glinting with happiness, "Then you truly are special, Harry Potter."

Harry felt himself glow with pride. To be recognised for his talent, even by his friend was an amazing feeling. One he was sure would be doubled if he just got that pesky letter from Lucius and Marvolo, as they had yet to reply to him.

Harry's thoughts were broken when the potions room opened and the dark voice spoke, "Come in." Harry rubbed his shoulders to rid himself of the chill the voice caused. The dungeon was cold enough as it was without the added stimulation.

Harry carefully entered and took hold of Hermione's hand to stop her from going to the front. He pulled her with him, as he took a seat closest to the exit, dragging her to sit next to him. Harry ignored her questioning gaze and looked at the board, taking out his notebook and writing the ingredients mentioned there, Hermione following his example.

The Ravenclaw's had managed to take all the chairs closest to the teachers desk and the board, with the Hufflepuff in the centre and back. The door shut magically as the last student entered the lab.

Severus Snape entered from one of the smaller doors leading away from the lab.

"So these are the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw students this year. I hope you do much better than my previous class, which was atrocious." He spoke softly.

Harry kept looking at the board. His first night Harry had gathered enough courage to face Snape, but the resulting week and growing dread for this class had left him shaken. He was stuck in a room with the man. Although there were many students there, but he was not sure how much of a hindrance they would be if Snape suddenly decided to attack. Harry felt his magic snap to attention around him at the thought, and felt the table warm under his hand.

"Mr. Potter!", the snapped words jerked Harry from his fear, eyes clashing with calm onyx. Despite his tone telling otherwise, there was no anger, resentment or lust in those eyes, just calm.

Harry felt his lungs burn and realised that he had stopped breathing. Dammit! He was having a panic attack. He was supposed to be stronger than this. Harry tried to breathe through his nose but could feel blackness edging at the corner of his eyes. He was going to faint.

Harry felt air enter his lungs with his next breath as strong magic pierced through his panic to wrap him in a cacoon, Marvolo! He felt himself inhale the essence and breathed deeply as the blackness receded from his sight. The magic seemed to be crooning to him, helping him calm, until Harry felt like himself again. The magic squeezed him tight once, as if hugging him and disappeared.

Harry felt the loss keenly but had enough presence of mind now to focus on the important part, not acting crazy in front of his year mates.

"Yes, Professor?"

Harry knew that the time he took to answer had been noted. He looked around discreetly at the faces of the class fellows, and while most were astonished and surprised at what seemed like him ignoring his teacher, no one had noticed his attack. That was until a small hand held his warm ones and pressed. He could feel the support resonating from his side and knew they had chosen well.

Snape's acerbic tone snapped his attention back to the man responsible for all his troubles, "Since it seems Mr. Potter, that you consider yourself too important, by virtue of your brother no doubt, to pay attention to this class, then please tell me this; What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"

Harry blinked at the question. Was this a test?

"You would get the Draught of the Living Death, a very powerful sleeping potion."

Harry barely saw Snape blink before the next question was thrown his way, "What is a bezoar Potter? Where can it be found? And what is its purpose?"

"A bezoar is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat and can be used to cure most poisons."

Harry saw a glint appear in Snaps eyes. Snape was happy and he was doing this on purpose, why though he did not know.

"Well, it seems you have managed to open a book before coming to class, unlike your brother, so tell me what is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?"

Harry felt his eyes widen at the complement and he answered as quickly as he could, "They are the same plant, also known as aconite."

Snaps lips twisted in a smirk, "Well Mr, Potter, it would seem only one brother got their mothers brain in your family. The other no doubt took after the father."

Snape then turned towards the other students, "Well, why are you not writing that down!?"

Over the noise of the scribbling quills, Snape spoke clearly, "And five points to Hufflepuff for opening a book before coming to Hogwarts."

Students gaped at Snaps back as he went toward the front of the class to sit on his desk. In a week Snape had made an impression as a bias and bitter man, who favoured Slytherins to the extreme. His disparaging comments towards Hufflepuff, Gryffindors and all that he considered dunderheads were becoming well known. The elders who had had him several years back had also mentioned how worse he was compared to before. So his support, minute though it may be, of a Hufflepuff and a Potter at that (after what had happened to the first one) was enough to stump all of them.

Snape then paired the students to start of the first potion of the term. Harry and Hermione teamed up and had a perfect potion at the end of the class. They received a nod from Snape, before the class ended. Harry was just packing his bag when he heard the demand,

"Mr. Potter, please stay after class."

Harry ignored Hermione and the rest of the students. He wondered why Snape wanted to talk to him. He had been told that Snape was ordered to never talk to him personally and to never come near him. As the last student left the lab, Harry felt the air become oppressive. He waited for the door to close, his legs tensing with the instinct to run.

"Mr. Potter, please come up to the front desk. I will leave the door open."

Harry ignored the tinge of relief that the door would stay open and steeled his resolve, he was not going to cower, and stiffly moved towards the front desk. He kept his bag on the table, but refused to sit. Snape sat behind his desk, arms folded on the table.

"Mr. Po- Harry," Snape signed, and Harry looked up in surprise. Snape's eyes were clear and his magic was not warning him for danger. Harry wanted to know, so he let his magic free to slowly move towards Snape to feel him. Harry's brow furrowed as he felt nothing from the man. How was that possible? Only one person could ever stop him like this.

"Please Harry, do not try to feel me. It will only cause you pain and I do not want that."

Harry tried to gather his composure which was splintering. How was this man blocking him? If he could not feel him, then how would he know whether he was a danger or not. Harry focused clearly on the burn on Snape's skin and let his hand warm up. He would be ready.

"Why did you call me?!" Harry snapped, getting tired of the silence. The tension and nerves were getting to him.

Snape closed his eyes and rubbed them. "I wanted to apologi-"

"You what?!" Harry shouted. Harry could feel anger coursing through his veins and his fingers lit on fire.

"Control yourself Mr. Potter!", Snape snapped back.

Harry let the fire decrease as he tried to control his breathing and continued scathingly, "Oh really. So you just apologise and I am supposed to forgive you. Just forget everything. Oh great, you were not at fault, boo hoo,poor Severus Snape, was under a curse. What about me? Does anyone even care about me? What have you ever done for me? Have I ever received a bit of kindness from you? I never even met you before… before…. Dammit! What do you want?!"

Harry breathed hard as he screamed the last, composure completely lost. Lucius would not be happy but he could not help it. Just being alone with this man was unraveling everything he had worked so hard to built; he thought he was stronger than this. Marvolo was strong. But Marvolo had also killed the person who hurt him. He had never had to look into black eyes that had looked at him with lust, stood in front of the man whose hands, mouth…. Ugh. He was going to be sick.

Harry turned around, grabbing the bag, and almost ran from the room, before Snape's shout, finally a crack in the man's composure stopped him. He did not look behind him.

"Harry! I do not deserve your forgiveness and I do not even attempt to ask it. I just wanted you to know that I am sorry for what happened," Harry heard his voice break, "You may not believe this, but I was punished for that act. I was punished for making the potion that caused this, punished for putting my love for Regulus above everything and everyone else. Punished for not trusting my lord. I accepted it. I accepted every punished I was given because I am deeply sorry for the hurt I caused you. I cannot touch another human, not even the man I love till this day. So, I want you know that the man who hurt you is facing a punishment worse than death and will keep doing so until my Lord releases me, and I doubt he ever will."

Harry waited after Snape was finished. He stood at the door, gazing with blank eyes at the corridor. Snape's voice had been anguished. The man was in pain, of that there was no doubt. Could Harry really forgive him? He had though he could, but thinking about it and being in his presence were completely different things.

Harry hesitated at the door. He wanted to forgive so badly, but…. He couldn't. He couldn't. He was not ready. He was only eleven. Sometimes even Harry forgot how young he truly was. Harry ran.

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Severus Snape watched the boy run from his lab and waved his wand to close the door behind him. He held his head in his hands and let a sob break. After 4 years, he was looking at the damage. During all this time, he had never forgotten that the one person most damaged by his actions had been the child. He knew that he would catch hell for his actions today by everyone, Lily, James, Dumbledore, Black, Lucius, The Dark Lord, and most especially Nero, but he had done it for a reason.

He needed to know how damaged the boy was. He knew that Lucius and the Dark Lord had taken care of him, but Severus needed to be sure that the boy knew that what had happened had not been his fault and that the culprit was being punished. He planned on telling Harry everything that happened to him, if only to help him realise that his pain had been avenged.

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Harry was sitting in the room of requirement after the end of the first week. He was waiting for Hermione and Draco. Neville had been there earlier than him even.

"Neville, how come you are always early? I don't remember you being the early type."

Neville snored from where he sitting on a soft couch in front of the fire.

"I try to avoid my house whenever I can. The first years are all behind Sebastian. The great Boy-Who-Lived. It has not been so bad but I am already called the Hufflepuff of Gryffindor. Sebastian tells everyone that I should have been there with you. Two half-wits together in the house of the duffers."

Harry smirked at that, "I wonder how the Hufflepuffs would feel if they knew that the great hero thinks of their house that way."

Neville snorted at that, "They would probably still follow him."

Harry nodded shortly at that. The Hufflepuff had been giving him respect as of late. Most people were confused by him and his sorting. If Hufflepuff were not known for being accepting, he was sure they would have asked him to be re-sorted or kicked out. He was a Hufflepuff who was even smarter than some of the Ravenclaws. He did not fit in with what everyone though Hufflepuffs to be, which he thought was stupid.

The door opened and Hermione and Draco entered the room. Draco had a scowl on his face while Hermione's brow was furrowed. "Hey guys." Harry said.

Neville looked up from the fire at the entrance and waved his hand in greeting.

"Hey," replied Draco, as he came towards the couch located on the other side of the fire and threw himself in it, landing with his legs over the arm rest of the couch.

"I am freaking tired of the Malfoy mask. I mean I know I have to convince people that I am not as much of a threat, compared to my dad anyway but still…. I have decided that I am going to be a proper Slytherin, not one of those wanna be's who think bullying is the motto of Slytherin. I had to stop 3 of the first years for trying to hurt some Hufflepuff's. I can't do a thing about the upper years. I can't be…good, or I lose a lot of respect from the seniors. Then again, being my dads son gives me enough carte blanche that I can be however I want to be. By the way Harry, I wrote dad about your sorting. I guessed you would want to tell him, so I waited till night to send him my first letter, guessed he would have received yours by then.. and"

"Draco!" Harry cut in with a wide smile on his face, Neville hiding his sniggering behind the couch.

"We get it that you don't have enough people to talk to in your house, and you love talking above all else, but take a breather, would you."

Draco smiled sheepishly at that and relaxed into the sofa.

Hermione watched their interaction from the entrance where she had stopped and though over what she had to say, "There is more going on than I can see isn't there?"

Her question had all three of the boys looking up at her. Harry nodded his head, eyes solemn.

"We will tell you everything eventually Hermione. Just know that I have heard a lot about Hogwarts from a lot of different sources, and what I got is that the houses treat each other with contempt." He nodded at Hermione's look of surprise, she had not caught any contempt,

"Everyone things Hufflepuff are worth the ground they live in. Slytherin are the evil bullies who are going to end up evil death eaters. Ravenclaw care only about books and how smart they are, while the Gryffindor are the good guys. They are the brave, the loyal. They care about the good of the wizard kind. How many people from different houses do you think participated in the last war?" Harry did not wait for Hermiones reply as he continued, "Many but history only likes to point out how Slytherin were the bad guys and Gryffindor the good guys. You yourself were biased when you came here. You wanted Gryffindor because you heard that Dumbledore was in Gryffindor, the greatest wizard of all time. No one even remembers that Peter Pettigrew was also in Gryffindor as was the serial killer Bendart, just to name the worst. A house is just your family, a way for similar minded people to meet and live, but not as a way of life. My father- he was a bully in Hogwarts, as is my brother, as you have already seen and both are Gryffindors"

Harry finished his tirade with a heaving chest. He could feel a pulse in his forheard throb. He had not realised how much he had felt over the injustice of the Hogwarts school system. But something had to be done.

"So -" Hermione started out hesistatingly, "What do you plan to do?"

Harry took a deep breath and looked each of his friends in the eye, "We are four students from each house and we are friends. I know that as much cunning and ambitions Draco has, he is also kind to those he cares about, he is intelligent, brilliant in potions, and very brave when the time calls for it. Neville is just, kind, and brave. You Hermione are smart, at the same time, you believe in justice, hard work, helping people and are very brave as well. And yet you are all in different houses, where your strengths lie."

Harry looked at Hermione, "You asked me what I wanted. I want Hogwarts united. Dumbledore, as great as he is, is not doing anything about it. I have heard people say that he wants house unity and asks the students to unite themselves, but he never does anything to assist or help the students with that. So I want us to stop fighting amongst ourselves."

Hermione looked at Harry as he finished. "You have been thinking of this for some time now, haven't you? I don't know why an eleven year old is ambitious enough to want that, and why you care so much about it, but I trust you. So… what do I have to do?"

Harry smiled widely at Hermione, eyes twinkling and she felt as if she had been given a gift. One she would make sure to never lose.

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It was Monday morning, an exact week since Harry had been in Hogwarts and he was losing his mind. He had written a letter to Marvolo and Lucius a week ago and he had yet to hear anything from them. Sitting at the breakfast table at Hufflepuff, chatting quietly with Hannah, Harry could not help but look up every minute.

"Harry? Are you waiting for something?"

"What? Oh. Ya, I sent a letter to my family and I keep waiting to hear back from them but I have yet to hear a reply."

Susan smiled supportively, "You are worried they will be disappointed. Don't be. I don't know your parents, but I have heard they are wonderful people. They will never consider you less because of your house."

Harry smiled at her appreciatively, while his hand tightened slightly on his fork. He had already written to his parents and received their reply. Mom had been happy for him as had been his father, but he had felt his father's dismissiveness towards him without having to see him. The letter felt of his mom's relief, glad he was not in Slytherin and evil, and his father's feeling of disappointment, a Hufflepuff son. He was so glad that there opinion of him had ended up being his least priority. He had also written to Sirius, who had actually been proud of him. Now if only the two people most important to him could let him know he was not a dunderhead.

He came out of his thoughts as Susan choked on her drink, "Oh my God! I can't believe it. He's here." she practically squeaked.

Harry looked up to see what had caught her attention and was hit with a wave of magic strong enough to almost drown him. He had to control his reaction and the excitement building up inside him. He also had to temper the wave of fear that overcame him. Marvolo and Lucius were in Hogwarts.

Harry tried to focus on his food as he watched Marvolo and Lucius walk the aisle and join the two empty seats on Dumbledore's right.

Harry attention was again captured by Susan who was ignoring her breakfast in favour of gazing at the table. Harry looked up at her and was surprised by the blush that was beginning to work on her cheeks.

"Susan?" Harry questioned.

Hannah looked at Susan and hid her snigger behind her hand. She moved forward to whisper softly to Harry.

"You see that man next to Dumbledore. Well, he was the Ambassador for Germany and is now also the official liaison between the two ministries. He is a very powerful man. Susan met him when she was with her aunt in the ministry one day. She ended up tripping and he kind of caught her and Susan has had a crush on him ever since."

Susan broke in then, "I do not have a crush on him."

"Yes you do!" Hannah retorted. "You should see yourself right now. You can barely stop looking at him."

Harry shifted uncomfortable on the seat at their conversation. He felt his stomach tighten and could not figure out why he was suddenly feeling so peculiar.

"Which one do you mean Hannah? Malfoy or the other Lord."

Susan sighed at that, "Lord Thanatos Marvolo Ares Dionysus. What a beautiful name. You know, he was known to be very weak and useless in Germany. He came from a powerful family but he was the last heir and he had dragged the name to the mud, if you can imagine. When his last relative, his grandmother, died he added the Marvolo into his name, as a way to show his change of heart and became what he is today. My aunt says no one knows politics better than him, at the same time, no one has ever tried to cater to the minority and majority the way he does. She is very supportive of him."

Harry felt pride burst in his chest, edged with a tanginess he could not define. Marvolo was wonderful. But what was the man doing here.

"Why do you think both of them are here?" Harry asked.

He discreetly looked at the Slytherin table. Draco's dumbfounded expression was enough to let him know that he had no idea his father was going to make this trip.

"Don't know. I could try asking my aunt though I doubt she would tell me." Susan replied.

As Harry got up to go towards his first class, he could not help but look back. Why were they here?

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Harry stood outside the corridor, his back resting against the wall as he waited. He had been notified by a student that Dumbledore wanted to meet him. On reaching the appointed location, he had been surprised to see Sebastian, Neville, Hermione, Draco and Justin. Dumbledore had then informed them that ministry officials were waiting here and were going to ask them questions. They had to answer truthfully. He had then smiled blindly at them as he left whistling.

Harry had already felt the presence inside. Two powerful sources that kept pulling at him, and he had to utilize every will to stay in his place as the students were called in one by one. Sebastian was the first one to enter and came out scowling and mumbling under his breath. Hermione had been next and had left with a glimmer in her eyes and a jump in her steps. He wondered what they had told her, no doubt she would tell him at a later time. Neville had entered then and returned with a pride in his stance that Harry knew came only from support. He ignored the flare of something that stung him at looking at the pride in Neville's stance. Neville deserved to be appreciated for who he was.

Justin had been next, and had come out with a thoughtful look on his face. Draco had taken the longest time and he was sure father and son were greeting each other. Draco had left with a small smile on his face and serenity shining in him. School had been hard on him, maintaining balance to earn respect and yet help clear Slytherin's name as a bully without coming across as weak. It may have been the first few weeks but they were the most important to create one's place in the hierarchy that was Hogwarts.

"Harry Potter~Black, please enter."

Harry felt his heart thud in his chest as it increased speed. He steadied himself as he entered the room.

"Please close the door behind you Mr. Potter."

Harry had barely closed the door when power wrapped him in an embrace. Harry felt himself go limp as tears clouded his eyes. He wanted to sob and he did not know why exactly. Why was he so weak? Especially in front of the very people he wanted to be strong.

"Harry, come on."

Lucius soft tone had him hastily wiping his tears, and he moved away from the door, facing the two. He quicky looked around the room. It was one of the unused classrooms. There was only a desk in the center of the room, behind which Marvolo was sitting, going through papers. Next to the table was a couch where Lucius was sitting. In front of Marvolo behind the table, facing the back was another chair, most likely for the students. Harry moved to sit on the chair when he felt the magic spiking and guiding him to sit next to Lucius on the sofa.

Harry felt weird. He had been with these people for almost half his life, and he had never felt awkward around them as he was feeling now. The rustle of the couch as he shifted was loud in the silence of the room. He kept waiting for them to speak but they remained silent.

"I am so sorry!" he blurted, unable to handle the silence. "I wanted to fight the hat, but you said not to fight, but it said my loyalty only deserved Hufflepuff, but I am not… I-" Harry cut of at the chuckle that came from his left. He felt himself flush, and irritation began to crawl up his spine.

"Why-!"

"Relax Harry." Marvolo broke in.

Harry looked into rusty brown eyes and relaxed when he noticed no contempt or disappointment.

"Now, when we received your letter, I will admit I was surprised at your sorting. Not because I was dissapointed, but because I know your true strength. I feel proud that you are in Hufflepuff, if for no reason than because it means that above all your strengths, your loyalty towards us is your biggest character. Did you think I would hate you because you are loyal? I have a follower who was in Hufflepuff, he went in because his loyalty to his father was extreme. His father never appreciated it, but I know Harry. Loyalty is a character that is hard won. A hufflepuff's loyalty only breaks under the worst of betrayal, one I promise you I will never let happen. Why then would I consider you weak?"

Harry felt his tightened muscles relaxing and his breath easing. He felt tears cloud his eyes and did not stop them as they fell. He could fell Lucius shift as if he wanted to comfort him, but the other refrained. Harry appreciated that. He was not a child. He did not need to be coddled. Still it felt wonderful to know that Marvolo did not consider him weak.

"Now, had it been only this, I would have informed you via owl, but we have other things to worry about. I convinced the British Ministry that as a foreigner, it would be best if I looked at Hogwarts curriculum so that I can compare to Germany's and fill any gaps that our curriculum there might have. As if Hogwarts was truly better with its constrained subjects and simple modules. But it worked. As Lucius is the Head of the Governors at Hogwarts, he has kindly agreed to help me with my research."

Harry grinned at the tone Marvolo used when referring to Lucius. No one could ever guess how close the two were. Harry only knew cause he had come across them at times that even made him blush.

Lucius chuckled next to him, "As if those idiots could see anything other than there own arses".

"Anyway," Marvolo continued, "We don't have much time before Dumbledore comes back, and I still need your input on the research. The reason for my visit was Hogwarts itself. I have looked over the corroding you mentioned in your letter. I have pointed out the source. Hogwarts wards are eating themselves up. I will have Rabastan come over in a few days to Hogsmead to check them out. I still need you to keep looking to find the source of the wards. As a student I was more interested in learning about magic in general and creating my base, then in the wards. As far as I am aware Hogwarts has always had very strong wards around them. They have yet to be broken by an attack. While there are holes, or entries that one can take to sneak in, I doubt the wards were ever in this state."

"I have tried to reason why wards would be down, but since I am unable to grasp the extend of it, I have to assume Dumbledore is somehow responsible. He might have helped the erosion in order for his plans to come to fruition." Lucius broke in.

"However the case, you need to keep an eye on them, and see if you can find out where they originate from. Ask Hogwarts for help, if you can feel it the way you say you can, it might be of help. Also, stay low for now Harry, you are doing well. Don't be hasty, enjoy being 11 while you can." Marvolo finished.

"Now, lets get to the research"

Harry smiled as he relaxed in the chair and answered the questions as they were asked. He had wanted to talk to them about Severus and feeling Marvolo, but he knew that Marvolo most likely had already dealt with Severus and would not tell him anything more. He would just have to find out on his own.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Marvolo relaxed in the chair as the door closed behind Harry. Lucius got up from the sofa and came behind him. He relaxed into the arms that came around him and leaned back to let the other man kiss him.

The knock on the door broke them apart as Lucius spoke, "Come in."

Severus entered the room and closed the door behind him.

"It seems you broke my orders. You were informed to keep your distance and yet you took actions that were not yours to take."

Severus felt fear slither up his spine, the hair of his arms raising at the sibilant tone. Gone was the man as rust eyes bled crimson and Severus was frozen in place as he felt every nerve in his body light on fire. He knew there would be no physical damage but yet his back arched with the excruciating pain. His mouth would not open to let lose the scream that was building in his throat and he could not breath enough to even let out a whimper.

The loss of the pain and power was so sudden that the crack of his knees resounded in the room. Harsh pants escaped him, tears gathering in his eyes as he tried to hold them back. How longer would he be punished? How much would he need to suffer? He felt broken inside, carved hollow of anything that was life.

"Stand up."

Severus tried to steady his feet as he stumbled up. He was unable to control the twitches that his body gave. He could not raise his head enough to look into those eyes which had damned him to hell. He had nothing left to live for and yet he did not have the strength to kill himself. Hope for redemption was the only thing that kept him going now. Hope that Nero had put in his chest. Hope for a future the moment he was forgiven. Hope that he had not destroyed everything. Hope, which would crumble if he continued on his path. But he could not let the boy live without knowing that his abuser was being punished. How many times had he wanted his father to burn for he had done.

"Tsk, Tsk. You stupid man. How someone as intelligent as you can be as stupid still astounds me" Lucius's voice dripped with contempt.

Severus looked up to see sapphire analysing him. He had always found Lucius's colour strange. No one else in the family had the same colour as his. Unique.

"I can see what you are planning Severus and it is a fool's errand. You want to show an 11 year old that you suffered. That would not help him. You are forcing him to forgive you when he is not ready. Do not do it. If he wants to know your punishment, he will come to us and we will tell him exactly what happened. But only when he is ready and not a moment sooner. Do not try to help him. You will make things worse for him and for yourself."

Severus felt heaviness in his chest as Lucius read him like book. He had never known how powerful his ex-friend was, never when they had been friends. But now he could see exactly why he was second in command.

"Severus Snape. As of this moment your punishment is over. I have informed Nero that you are no longer his prisoner. As of this moment, I give you back your ability to choose what happens to you. Do remember that you will be watched. While you may be on your way to earning our forgiveness, be aware that trust is a completely different matter."

Severus snapped his head towards the dark Lord. It took a moment for the command to reach his brain. Why now? He had just gone against orders so why?

"Severus, I know you think the punishment was just for you but you are mistaken. The last four years were punishment for Regulus as well. He loved you, of that there is no doubt. He started a relationship with Nero when he found that you had betrayed him. When he realised that the betrayal was his fault, he wanted to make amends. It is never easy to forget your loved one. He has been punished as well. How you deal with them and what you do now will decide the rest of your life. Dumbledore trusts you the most at this moment because he knows that you have no choice. Keep reporting to me about him. Also keep an eye on the children. You are dismissed."

Severus stood where he was, and the raised brow was enough to get his feet moving. His feet felt heavy and he had to drag himself away from the room. He entered his quarters and slumped in front of the fire.

The taste of salt on his lips had him rubbing his cheek. It was done. He was forgiven by the Dark Lord. He was free. He did not know why the Dark Lord forgave him at this time, but he was free. He knew they did not trust him, but he had never been one to give up. The small dying ember of hope lit up bright within him. He could finally be himself again. The true him, not the twisted version that Dumbledore had made him into. He had to gain their trust again. He would. On his life he would.

A/N: I know there are a lot of mistakes, but my chapters end up so long and heavy that I can't recheck them more than once without the urge to just share it with you. Thank you to everyone who has reviewed and followed this story. Your reviews kept me going when I had almost given up. Your reviews also made my husband kick my arse a couple of times to get me moving (I so deserved it). So what do you think?