Living in Blood – Chapter 2 (Learning the Ropes)

Micola Zabini had known that Sirius Black would not be pleased to know that they were no closer to finding out where his godson was. Even the tracker she had placed had vanished when it crossed into Surrey and they simply could not knock at every muggle residence. The Ministry would be in an outcry and they couldn't risk exposure to the Brotherhood. It was one of the three tenants after all, never compromise the Brotherhood.

So, they had to do the one task that everyone despised, the waiting game… And this was not a task that she could partake in. It was a duty that had been set for her son. He was still too young for an official mission as an Assassin. That would have to wait till he reached thirteen.

"Blaise," Lady Zabini called over.

Blaise perked his head up, hearing his mother. He put down the book he had been studying.

"Yes, mother?"

Lady Zabini gave her only son a gentle smile.

"As you know, you are too young to have an official mission set by the Council of Assassins. But they have agreed for an unofficial mission to be set."

Blaise looked interested but didn't interrupt.

"Sirius has even agreed, he and the Council would like you to keep an eye on Mr. Potter. I'm sure you know why," Micola said.

Blaise nodded, "Templars…"

"Correct, they would love to either have Mr. Potter on their side or to kill him. And you know we must not let that happen or them to discover his heritage."

Blaise nodded.

"I'm not saying that you can't be his friend. If you are, don't let him think you are spying on him. But his safety is the top concern here and I rather not risk Sirius' wrath on anyone, especially myself."

Blaise nodded, "I won't let you down, Mama."

Micola nodded, "I know you won't. But don't let that take away from you being a child."

Blaise looked determined but nodded.

"Now, you leave for Hogwarts next week. I expect that trunk to be packed and ready to go. I have already arranged to have a portkey."

"Done already, I'm not one of those last-minute packers, Mother," Blaise responded.

Lady Zabini nodded in approval.

"Just know you are to be on your best behavior while at Hogwarts. And do the House of Zabini and Assassins proud."

Blaise had expected the words and didn't protest against them. He knew what was expected of him and he refused to let his mother or the Brotherhood down.

Harry didn't know what to expect when his uncle dropped him off at Kings Cross. He felt so lost, even more so when he glanced down at his ticket. He doubted that such a platform existed. There were only platforms that listed whole numbers. How could platform 9 ¾ exist?

Harry was at the point of a breakdown when he felt a hand on his shoulder. A scream was at the edge of his lips before he realized who it was. He had never felt more relieved.

"Harry? Are you alright?" Blaise's voice was filled with concern.

All he could manage was a shaky nod.

Micola's lips thinned, having a good idea why Mr. Potter almost had a breakdown. She was not pleased about it either. It seems like the tour guide did not seem fit to entertain him with that knowledge.

"My son, if you are to find a seat, I suggest we go now."

Blaise nodded to his mother's words and headed towards the barrier.

"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Potter. I imagine finding this all out has not been easy. And your guide has probably not been the most kind of information. The barrier is hidden from Muggles to protect our world. Just walk between the barriers, you will not crash, that I promise," Lady Zabini's words were gentle.

Harry looked hesitate at her last words. But he did find truth in them. Letting out a sigh, he pushed his trolley forth towards the barrier. And to his surprise… it didn't hit the stone but go through it.

"A small form of magic, if you will," Micola said, walking aside the eleven-year-old.

"Thank you," Harry managed.

"Think nothing of it. This should have been your right. I'm sad to note that I didn't realize you knew nothing about your world."

Harry tensed, not sure if that was an insult or not.

"I don't mean to offend, Mr. Potter. You should have grown up hearing stories, not finding out this way. I should have provided aid if I were able," Micola's voice was sad.

"You knew them?" Harry shyly asked.

"A little, I knew Lily the most. Us being only a few years apart. I only knew James by stories and few encounters. You have her eyes; I haven't seen a more brilliant green in all my years."

Harry raised a hand to his face. Not touching, just hovering.

"You will do them both great pride but don't let their images control yourself. You are still your own person. Let your decisions rule you, not theirs," Lady Zabini almost lectured.

Harry nodded, "Thank you."

"If you have any questions, feel free to ask my son, Blaise. And don't let yourself think that any question is stupid," Micola said.

Harry nodded, feeling slightly overwhelmed. He wasn't sure at first if he should sit with Blaise or not. For one, Blaise knew about this world, a place he grew up in. But another part of him argued that he was the only familiar face at the moment. And just like his mother, he didn't seem to judge that he lived with the Dursleys. He knew Blaise kept the same ideals, if their first meeting was anything to go by. Though they probably only knew that he lived with muggles, not the depth of cruelty that they held.

And Blaise didn't seem to look at the supposed fame he got for his parents' murder. Parents, he knew nothing about. Though he wondered if Blaise heard any stories about this mother.

Mind made up; Harry made his way onto the train. Lady Zabini still by his heels. Maybe she wanted to say goodbye to her son?

Harry made his way through the train, past the compartments until he came across a familiar face.

"Blaise," Harry greeted.

Blaise gave a half smile, "Harry, nice to see you again. Mother."

"Not bothering to see me off, dear?" Micola teased.

Blaise blushed in embarrassment, "of course not, Mother."

Lady Zabini nodded and silently levitated both trunks to the rack above them.

"Have a wonderful time at Hogwarts, my son. Remember to behave yourself," she warned.

Blaise nodded.

"It was wonderful to speak with you, Harry. I hope to see you again, have a good year at Hogwarts."

"Likewise, Ma'am."

Blaise watched carefully as his mother left the compartment. He knew that she didn't come in here just to reprimand him for not saying goodbye. He assumed it was to do with Harry Potter. Not that he minded the raven's presence. Though he seemed to be full of mystery.

"Do you want to play some Snap? Blaise offered.

Harry had been shifting on the seat he was on.

"Play what?"

Blaise wanted to curse himself, he had forgotten that Harry probably didn't know what he was talking about. He quickly explained what the game was and the rules. He didn't miss the look of curiosity in those emerald eyes.

"Sure," Harry shrugged.

It was by the 4th or 5th game that Harry's curiosity got the better of him.

"Your mother said she knew my mum," Harry stated.

Blaise looked up as the game ended.

"They went to Hogwarts together, though in different houses. My mother had been in Slytherin, while Lily had been in Gryffindor."

Harry let the information absorb into his mind.

"What about my dad?"

"He made Gryffindor as well. Though mother says that she didn't really meet James until her 7th year," Blaise commented.

"How come?"

"That's when Lily started dating the tosser, apparently."

Harry looked agitated at the slight insult.

"Don't let it get to you Harry. My mother wasn't a big fan of James during school. Most Slytherins weren't. But he got better during her 5th year," Blaise cut in.

"Why?"

"James and his band of friends liked to target the Slytherins. Mother always seemed to escape their pranks. Apparently, they almost stopped that in her 5th year, two years before James started to date Lily," Blaise explained.

Harry seemed shocked by the information. He had always liked to think best of his dead parents. But it was obvious that he didn't know anything about them.

"Don't let it get to you too much. They were still kids who didn't really know any better. From what my mother mentioned of James after that. He seemed like a decent bloke, always protective of his friends and family."

The comment was somewhat soothing. But it was still weird to think that his parents weren't the perfect image that Hagrid seemed to paint them as.

From there Blaise started to explain more of their world to him. How the different houses worked and the point system. That they had a game called, Quidditch, a sport played on broom. The various classes that Hogwarts offered, even the electives that would be offered once you hit 3rd year. Stories about the castle, the Black Lake, the Forbidden Forest, and its moving staircases. The professors that had been teaching there since his mother was a student. Then the politics that a lot of purebloods seemed to hold over because of their blood. He didn't think that Harry would be called a mudblood due to James' blood status. But there was a chance that a friend may be called that, and it wouldn't be good to not understand what they meant by it.

As if expected, he knew that Harry didn't like the idea that wizards and witches thought their blood would be superior to another's. Though he was a bit interested in his family history.

Blaise explained he knew a little about the Potter's history, though the real truth would be in the Potter's Family Tapestry. A tapestry most likely kept in a family vault at Gringotts. The one thing that he had refused to reveal was Harry's Assassin history. That had been a lecture given to him by his mother. That was not something they could tell him. Only family reserved that right. If there was no family left, then close friends were allowed to divulge that truth. That and she didn't think he was ready to hear such news.

It was one thing to learn that you were a wizard and part of a hidden world that you knew nothing about. It was another thing to learn that you were a wizard, but also part of another hidden world. A world of Assassins and the Brotherhood. Though there was an internal fight within herself that he needed to be trained as soon as possible. But that wouldn't be her decision to make. She could only hope that this year they would be able to take Harry from that muggle residence and move him into the Brotherhood Sanctuary. But there was still the risk that Templars could find him. And they would either kill him for being a potential threat or convert him to their side. And neither of those options would do good for the Brotherhood.

The endless conversations seemed to have last for the entire duration of the train ride. Which if you counted, had taken several hours, eight to be exact. They had after all left Kings Cross Station at eleven that morning. And it was around seven at night when they officially arrived at the Hogsmeade Station.

Though there had been a few untimely visits from the not most pleasant of company.

One had been a slightly familiar blonde. The same blonde that Harry had run into at Diagon Alley.

"It's nice to see that Potter has enough brain in him to recognize quality families. Even if yours just barely breeches the mark. It would be a shame if Lady Zabini ever got caught…"

"Malfoy, why don't you scurry along before you say something you really regret," Blaise hissed.

The boy, Malfoy, snorted.

"You should know that words like those can have a dangerous impact on your social standing, if they were to be leaked… out."

The blonde paled and left without a word.

"Do you want to explain that?" Harry asked.

"Draco Malfoy, heir to the House of Malfoy. It's a Noble house, not quite as old as an Ancient house. His mother is one of the daughters of Black, but she's been disowned as a Black. So, her being a Malfoy is the only standing she has. By their heir accusing my house, which is an Ancient and Noble house. He is giving me and my mother permission to go after his house for slander. And he is one of those that I warned you about, he thinks he is superior to the rest because he's a Pureblood and that his father works in the Ministry. Not much of a threat, all he threatens is that he's going to tell his father on you. A poor excuse for a wizard if I had to say so…"

Harry looked thoughtful at that. Though he laughed at Blaise's last remark.

That seemed to have attracted the attention of another visitor. A visitor with flaming red hair.

"Zabini," he hissed.

"Weasley… such a shocker… never expected you to grace me with your presence."

Harry just looked between the two, confused.

"I was looking for Potter, as he could do with much better sights than you."

"I think I can tell that for myself, thanks," Harry said cooly.

The red-head's ears went red.

"How about you not insult my friend and leave," Harry said.

The red head looked like he was about to say something else. But closed his mouth and turned tails.

"Who was that?" Harry asked, bewildered.

"Ronald Weasley, the second youngest of their extremely large family."

"Why did he seem to think that?" Harry asked.

"Most Weasleys seem to think my mother has ties with the Death Eaters, so they see us as evil. And no doubt he was under orders from his mother to become friends with you," Blaise explained.

"Why? Why would they do that?"

Blaise sighed, "The Weasleys have been known to be poor, ever since the debacle with the Malfoys decades ago. They lost every penny at that time. They are under the belief that they can use your standing to bring them back up. It is well known that the Potters had a fortune that can rival the Malfoys. And they are prime allies of Dumbledore, a man that uses his followers as pawns. My mother believes that the Potters had power of some sort that he wishes to control. Or least control your funds to support his own."

Harry looked horrified at that.

"Thanks for that," he mumbled.

"Its best that you try to stay away from him. His older brothers aren't loyal followers, though. Though Percy may align with his mother and younger siblings."

"Noted," Harry muttered.

There's wasn't much more said after those two visitations as Blaise and Harry made their way to the boats.

Harry didn't like the idea of sailing across a lake in a wobbling boat that could tip over at any point. But he sat with Blaise, a chubby boy, and a boy that shared Blaise's skin complexion. Though later he would find out their names to be Dean Thomas and Neville Longbottom. They both seemed nice enough and at least didn't stare at his scar.

It was with shaky legs that Harry climbed out of the boat and looked up to see a rather stern woman. She was wearing an emerald cloak with a hat to match.

She nodded to Hagrid and waved him away, instructing for everyone to follow her. There were a few sets of stairs they climbed up before reaching a golden door.

"Welcome to Hogwarts. I am Professor McGonagall, deputy Headmistress and your Transfiguration professor. While at Hogwarts, you will be chosen into one of four houses. Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. Each year, the houses compete for the House Cup and Quidditch Cup. You can earn points by your triumphs but will lose them by any rule breaking. Once you have reached the end of the year, we will announce which house has won each cup. I hope that each and every one of you will do your house proud. Now you all will wait here for a few moments and then the Sorting Ceremony will begin momentarily."

Harry watched at Professor McGonagall opened the golden doors before they were slammed shut once more. He couldn't help but feel a wave of anticipation roll over him. What house would be chosen for him? He didn't think he'd fit into Hufflepuff. He remembered Blaise's words when he first told him about the houses. They all had good qualities, but he didn't know which he would fit into best. It was a scary notion to think about. No doubt the entire school would be watching him, as if they were putting on a show.

Harry had to shake those thoughts, it was as if Blaise had said, everyone had to be sorted in front of everyone. He would be no exception and yet he was… Even Blaise had admitted that most students grew up hearing about him. Though most of them lies and heresy. But that didn't make it any less true.

It could have been a few minutes or half an hour before Professor McGonagall returned. Harry had lost track, or he just never kept track. He couldn't remember which it had been.

"If you all will follow me," she ordered.

Harry stood in line and walked through the golden doors, stunned. There were hundreds of candles hovering in the room. Most likely suspended by magic as was the ceiling, bewitched to appear as the night sky. It was amazing to look at, but he had to look ahead. He didn't want to trip over himself just because he wasn't paying attention.

"When I call your name, you will come up and let the Sorting Hat decide your house," Professor McGonagall said.

Harry didn't pay attention to half the names that were called. Not recognizing most of them. But he did recognize Malfoy's name as he went to Slytherin. The two boys he met on the boat had gone into Gryffindor. Then his name was called.

"A brilliant mind I see… you have quite the skill set that your mother has blessed you with. A knowledge you will find out later in time. Determine and courage is all there… you wouldn't do well in Slytherin… you wouldn't hope to survive there… better be… GRYFFINDOR!"

Harry was deeply confused what the hat meant by that he had been blessed with a skill set from his mother. It didn't make sense. And that he would learn later? And what did it mean by that Slytherin would be too dangerous for him? But he looked up to see the Gryffindor table erupting into applause. He turned to look at Blaise and was thankful to see pride in his new friend's eyes.

Though his mood went slightly downhill that Blaise had been sorted into Slytherin. He looked over at the Slytherin table. Blaise gave a slight nod towards him.

Harry's lips thinned, but he wouldn't let this severe their friendship. He knew it was possible. His mother and Blaise's mother didn't let that stop their friendship. That surely had to mean something. And he could already see himself being friends with Neville and Dean. They both had seemed alright blokes. With that, he began to eat.