[a/n0]magitech I don't think Daphne is in much need of pity, Mr. Prefects Who Got Power might be a good match for the Ice Queen. And if not, he deserves what he gets.

[a/n]This was intended just to fit into the title theme, and Harry's early Muggle school teacher rather faceless. But then Kobe Bryant died in the helicopter crash in California on 1/26/20. I'm not a basketball fan, but honor his post-career work.

Harry Does Different CCXCVIII

Hufflepuff Sorting

Harry began working hard as soon as he could speak. It continued as he started school. There was one fundamental difference in that learning was something Harry enjoyed doing. Art and music, well…hadn't found a niche that first month. He could outrun anyone in gym class. Reading, the lad leapt on. It was math that the teacher watched him just devour. Then it happened, the first test that went home to the parents. DUDLEY DURSLEY – 64 HARRY POTTER – 98

The following Monday the teacher notices the much smaller boy favoring his side. A simple enough ruse he commanded sharply "You will clean my erasers, Harry Potter! Instead of recess!" As the bell rang. Predictably most of the children sniggered as they fled for the yard.

"Yessir Mr. Bryant!" the underdeveloped boy rushed to the front of the classroom to begin his task.

He looked more like a pre-K than a first-grader. The tall kindly black man sat on top of one of the student desks near the boy "I apologize for the act there Harry. But more and more you're confirming my suspicions. If I was to ask you to lift your shirt on the left side, you would refuse, which of course you can. I could insist you goto the nurse, but let's cut the bullshit." He purposely smiled at the curse "We both know she'll find a bruise. One you got because you're smarter than Tubby? Am I right?"

Harry gave a disconsolate shrug.

"One of these days, when you trust me some, maybe you'll explain some more about your situation." He said, not even extending a hand, knowing it wouldn't be a welcome gesture "Pass a note or something in class, so I can give you a detention after school and we'll talk again, right?"

Harry became Mr. Bryant's special project. He taught the boy how to work hard. In fact Harry worked harder than probably any other pupil in the school, because he had the need to outperform everyone else, but then had to make his schoolwork seem like he was underperforming the Privet gang. Mr. Bryant, knowing the system, could do little but offer a sympathetic ear to the bullied boy and promise the hard work would result in a better life later.

August 18 1991

"What mischief brings a troublemaker like you to my classroom in the dog days of summer?" the first grade teacher sounded severe, but his smile belied any anger.

The former pupil returned the grin and only leaned on his old desk "I've been walking by all week, sir, waiting to see your car. I wanted to say goodbye and thank you in person."

"Something a little better than Stonewall High?" queried the towering teacher.

The still undersized boy nodded "All came out in the mix a couple weeks ago. First my never recognized birthday is July 31…..Thank you, sir….My parents were Lily and James and get this, no, they didn't die in some drunken car crash like they taught me. A terrorist leader ….in person….murdered them because Dad was some kind of agent after his group."

"Really!" gasped the teacher "What else do you know?"

Harry shrugged "Sounds all glorious, but - anyway I got special rights to goto Hogwarts… it's called, way up north… I leave September 1. And it's where my parents went as kids."

"That sounds very exciting, Harry." He replied "It is horrible what happened to your parents, but… somehow … knowing the truth is better. And a school where they grew up sounds nice. Let's not sugarcoat it, your life here sucks. Getting away is the best thing that could happen to you."

The boy gave that an emphatic nod "Still hafta come back for summer. But I don't have to worry about comparing grades with dudders. You'll still be here?"

"Until Surrey has no more children to teach." Mr. Bryant promised, offering a firm shake and smile.

September 1 1991

"Ickle firsties for Peevesey to teeseey! Yippeey!" it was a bluish apparition that cackled over the heads of the new arrivals who were still wondering over every site. Well this one shrank to a pinpoint then exploded in a shower of light and noise.

The Deputy Headmistress appeared and gave her speech "…you must be Sorted 'The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rule-breaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the House Cup, a great honour. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours. 'The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. I suggest you all smarten yourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting.' Her eyes lingered for a moment on Neville's cloak, which was fastened under his left ear, and on Ron's smudged nose. Harry nervously tried to flatten his hair. 'I will return when we are ready for you,' said Professor McGonagall. 'Please wait -quietly.'

Again what muggleborns could only call a ghost appeared, this time oddly bloated.

"Come along then." Professor McGonagall appeared briefly.

Peeves floated down as the deputy began leading the way, his expression one of a person with a violent case of constipation. Underneath the glowing mass a cheery frecklefaced boy, a rather pugnosed girl and a redheaded girl. Harry gave little thought to himself, throwing an impressive shoulder into the redhead who caused a chain-reaction effect.

"You smell of Mudblood." Pansy Parkinson's relationship with Dean Thomas got off to an auspicious start.

He sneered at her impressively and let the girl fall into a wall "Ooops. Just a dumb kaffir here, ma'am." He'd dealt with her type before and just hoped he wouldn't be in the same House.

"Nice show there, Potter!" Draco Malfoy chuckled along with his tagalongs and led them away. But not before nudging Harry's ankle a little out of alignment causing him to slop all over the puddle of mess.

Susan Bones and Seamus Finnegan cooperated in pulling their rescuer to his feet. The pair smiled and thanked him, never mind getting some of the goop over the them as well. "Auntie would say that shows some of the best, and worst, qualities of Gryffindor." The girl declined to allow him to disentangle his arm from hers.

"Me Mam'd never forgive me if I let this pass Harry." Said the Irish boy "Now, sure, goop's no life threatenin matter, but it's the principle behind the act. I will repay this favor one day."

Harry was the amusing center of attention all the way to the beginning of the Sorting Ceremony. Or, in the case of one snide professor "Just like your father, Potter."

Harry reflexively recoiled from the man, still dripping from the pranking poltergeist.

"Now now Severus" Headmaster Dumbledore placated "young Harry has clearly been victimized by Peeves. A simple drying charm will allow us to proceed without any delay. If any students would? Please clean anything that may have trailed in? Thank you. Let the Sorting begin."

"Susan Bones" "HUFFLEPUFF" "Anthony Goldstein" "RAVENCLAW" "Draco Malfoy" "SLYTHERIN"

When Professor McGonagall called out "Harry Potter" what little commotion there was came to an end. The bespectacled boy with a scar on his forehead, who was at least clean and dry stepped forward and sat on the Hatstool. He shot quick nervous glances to new friends from the train and now the pair he'd walked in with.

~~Well, quite the life young Potter~~

Harry spun around

*chuckle* ~~It's all here, in your head. Hardworking to a degree I've not seen since possibly Artemisia. Taking a fall for people you barely know, though? Sir Cadogan would have difficulty keeping up with young sir. But then again it shows Hufflepuffian loyalty. So! ~~ "HUFFLEPUFF!"

From some quarters there was shocked silence. The-Boy-Who-Lived with The Duffers! Professor Sprout was more than a little pleased, and her House cheered. The son of two of her favorite students not in her House? Professor McGonagall deflated some, as did Ron Weasley who just knew where he was going.

September 7 1991

"Mark Williams!" rumbled sharply through Surrey Primary's First Grade Class and several children jumped. Then the teacher lowered his voice "I would think you more concerned with the spelling quiz than the trees, hmm?"

The redhaired boy's ears turned almost purple as he replied "Sorry Mr. Bryant. But there's this Snowy Owl out there. Hardly seen anything like it afore. Got something on its foot too."

"I'll write that down for a future grammar lesson." The teacher promised then clapped his hands "Everyone! Back to your papers. Five more minutes. I'll see to Mark's bird." Quite to his surprise, the large white bird briefly looked him over, squawked, then hopped into the room. Landing on the desk it extended a leg "Hmm? A letter for me?" And indeed it was

KOBE BRYANT

ROOM 104 SURREY ELEMENTARY, LITTLE WHINGING, ENGLAND

Mr. Bryant 9/13/91

Arrived safe in Scotland at my new school. My new classes are real interesting. A defense course, a chemistry course, one dealing with plants too. Thanks again so much for being my friend over the years.

Owls are the way kids at my school write home. The best way to describe them is like carrier pigeons, except way smarter. Watch your fingers. Sorry. I asked her to hang around the school until you can write an answer, and yeah, she'll know when it's ready. She likes water, but not our pumpkin juice. She practically steals bacon out of my mouth, so if you could get some that would be great.

I'm in what they call here a House of like-minded kids called Hufflepuff, named for one of the school founders. She was big into hard work and loyalty. In the picture with me are my friends so far Susan Hannah and Ernie. They are in Hufflepuff with me. The other two are Ron and Seamus. They're in a House called Gryffindor. They say he would jump in where angels fear to tread. I almost went there after I kept Seamus and Susan from getting slimed the first day, made a great first impression on everyone.

See you in June

Harry Potter

The pair corresponded fairly regularly and of course Harry saw his former teacher during the summer. Naturally, he edited his tales in such a way to keep the Statute of Secrecy. Until he got a reply letter

HARRY POTTER

HUFFLEPUFF BOYS DORM HOGWARTS HOGSMEADE

Dear Harry October 3 1994

This Athletic Tournament you mentioned in your last letter sounds very exciting. But, really? Deaths previously? Please reassure your old teacher STAY OUT! A mass murdering godfather was quite enough don't you think?

I do have some bittersweet news for you. This is probably our last letter. Fine Post-owl that Hedwig is I don't think she can cross the Atlantic. The fine lady I introduced you to this summer has agreed to be my wife. She's an American and I'm going to move there with her. I even got a different kind of job there playing a game called Basketball. Being tall like I am helps they tell me.

We're moving to a city called Los Angeles. If you're ever in town. If not, it's been a pleasure knowing you

Kobe

Life pushed thoughts of the man out of Harry's mind for years. American basketball news didn't make it to the UK let alone into the Wizarding World. And can you blame him? He fought a war. Got married. Started a family. Took over the Aurors.

By January 30, 2020 The-Boy-Who-Lived was getting ready to yield his busy desk to his Number One, Susan Hopkins, so he could guest lecture to Hogwarts Defense Against the Dark Arts and referee a few Quidditch games. "All yours, Red."

"Something before you head out, Harry." The former Susan Bones touched his elbow "You mentioned this American a few times and an American muggle sport. This one story is all over the world right now and I wondered - - -"

The picture from a newspaper was of a man in yellow shorts and tanktop. There were assorted other pictures of the man, some also with a young girl. Obviously his daughter. Harry choked back a sob, closed his eyes and gathered his thoughts "My first stop is home, for Ginny. Floo Minerva, or at least Neville, to expect us. Uhmmm… I'll need the Muggle government's authorization to wear my dress uniform off British soil. Anything else…ahhhh"

"Need I remind you who really runs this place, Harry?" she scolded him lightly "By the time you are ready to leave the country I will have all the diplomatic ducks in a row. And the dozen other orders you haven't even thought of."

He gave a sloppy salute and said "Ayeaye ma'am." Allowing himself to be hazed from his own office.

Abcij

Harry and Ginny registered themselves with MACUSA authorities at the first international portkey stop for transatlantic travelers in New York City. Yes, he is a high foreign dignitary. No, his trip is personal. Uniform? The Bryant funeral. That story raised an eyebrow among the border agents.

The British pair wandered through a city that seemed to go on forever. The place Kobe built it was called. Flowers, stuffed bears dressed in uniforms, basketballs. Turning a corner, Ginny tensed and went for her thigh holster "Tereneb - - -"

"Th'bloody hell ya doin Gin?" he demanded, grateful that the cool evening air still required light jackets that conceled their wands. As subtly as possibly he trapped her arm between their bodies.

Her eyes flashed urgently "There! Biggest giant ever seen!" she twisted with him.

"It's a PICTURE Ginevra." He complained, exasperated, in her ear, making seem a lovers' moment "Of the same man I've been telling you about. And no, giants aren't 200 feet tall, YOU know that. Even Gwamp is only about 30 feet." He managed to stifle anything further not attracting muggles or even any MACUSA agents, who were doubtless in the crowd.

After huffing at her husband Ginny looked around for a subject change "All these people knew your teacher? There were tributes in New York Orlando Chicago and El Paso."

"Nah, just like you got a crush on The-Boy-Who-Lived Gin." He teased her lightly. The VIP couple generally enjoyed a quiet anonymity. At least until the funeral in the Catholic Church where Harry's full dress uniform drew attention. It was unintentional but he ended up thrust into a central but not starring role.

An organizer for the public funeral approached "Sir, we weren't expecting a Representative of Her Majesty. And you certainly should be more appropriately seated. Follow me please. And I am sure Mrs. Bryant would appreciate meeting you briefly. You'll want to say some words, I am sure."

"Oh no I didn't come here for that." Said Harry waving his hands in surrender, but it was futile.

Ginny was of no help "Come on dear." She said lovingly "Public speaking is why you got into politics."

"I shall have someone see to appropriately seating Mrs. Inspector" promised the organizer, correctly reading the uniform "And, sir, follow me please and I will give you speech guidelines."

Harry rose, shook hands with the previous speaker, spoke for a moment with Mrs. Bryant then took the podium "I am Harry Potter, holder of the Victoria Cross, I imagine I will get a bit of a scolding upon my return to England. But certainly Her Majesty mourns the loss of whom she would undoubtedly call a young man who nevertheless achieved much, besides all the other tragic loss. Kobe Bryant was a larger than life figure, as my wife can attest to. Haha. We were near the Staples Center and that rather tall display of Kobe startled her into all but yelling giant."

Cameras televising the funeral zoomed in on a very embarrassed young woman glaring at her husband.

"Right. Now my flight home is trouble too." Harry continued in a light moment "My ceremonial duties concluded, everyone has spoken about the great things accomplished by a great man. I'd like to tell everyone about an abused little boy who was helped, not by a great man, but a GOOD man. This boy went to school in England. Unfortunately, the boy's Uncle was influential and abuse accusations would never be believed. The very first day he did better than his cousin in school, he came with clear signs of abuse. One teacher showed him how to avoid abuse and get the best of school. I was that child, Kobe Bryant was that teacher." With that, he copied everyone's example leaving the podium, Crossing himself and returning to his seat next to Ginny.