The children of the Order were standing on platform 9 and 3 Quarters, saying goodbye to their family.
Despite his desire to be there, Albus wasn't. He badly wanted to drop Harry off but knew that his attendance would attract too much unwanted attention. Instead, he and Harry shared a moment before Albus departed to Hogwarts.
Harry was still a bit peeved about having to go on the Hogwarts Express. He was Dumbledore's apprentice for Christ's sake! He should've gone with Albus directly to Hogwarts, not be with a crying Molly Weasley.
But, Dumbledore insisted. He wanted Harry to spend time with more people of his own age. So, Harry was stuck on the platform with ever
He quickly learned that the Weasleys and Potters were the world's most unorganized people. Harry had his stuff ready to go for a while, and despite her faults, Hermione did too. However, it appeared every single Weasley plus the Potters had forgotten that they had to go until 5 minutes till their departure. Harry had to wait for about an hour until they emerged with overpacked trunks.
Harry then learned that they took some additional time to say goodbye. When they were about to board the train, their parents called out for one last hug which lasted about 20 minutes. Even Hermione joined in. Harry simply stood off to the side, waiting for them to finish
After the ten minutes, Harry finally snapped "Fuck this, I'm going now."
He hopped into the train, ignoring James and Lily's wishes to speak with him.
Harry strode through the aisle trying to find an empty one. As he walked, he attracted many a giggle from girls watching him. Rumors began to spread about an attractive boy who no one knew about.
Looking into a compartment, he finally found a place which he'd be fine sitting in. Inside sat Neville Longbottom, Harry's closest friend (bar Dumbledore if you wish to count him).
Harry walked inside and gave his friend a tight hug "It's good to see you!"
"Yeah, but that doesn't mean you need to kill me" Neville squeaked as Harry's hug got tighter. Listening to Scion Longbottom, Harry let go. Neville sighed in relief afterwards "God, thank you."
"I got you, man" Harry clapped him on the back "So tell me, how's the greenhouse?"
Neville waved the question away "We can talk about that later. But first, are you that 'hot new kid' that people have been talking about?"
Harry raised an eyebrow "Are you calling me hot?"
"No!" Neville blushed a scarlet red "I mean, I guess you're hot but I don't swing that way! It's just what everyone has been saying!"
"Don't discount yourself!" Harry told him "You've been looking pretty good!"
When Neville was younger, he could easily be described as fat. And Neville called himself that, that was until Harry heard him say that last year. Harry then took it upon himself to whip Neville into shape.
And it worked somewhat. Neville's weight had balanced out with his height and his arms packed more muscle. It turns out, lifting dirt bags was very good exercise for Neville.
"Yeah I guess. I can't wait for someone to call me fat and then see me now" Neville laughed.
"If I'm not there, you gotta let me see that memory" Harry replied as the door swung open, revealing a blond-haired girl.
She was wearing a purple plaid coat along with glasses which Harry felt like he recognized from somewhere. Her hair was styled into a messy ponytail which went down over her left shoulder.
Neville smiled at the new arrival "Hey Luna. How are you?"
"Good" she said before turning to Harry "Hello Hadrian Peverell."
"How do you know my name" Harry quietly put his hand on his wand. This girl knowing his name slightly worried him.
"The Nargles told me" she smiled at him.
Harry looked at Neville, trying to see whether he was the only one who was confused about what was happened. Neville just shrugged "Luna can see creatures which only she can see."
That got another smile from Luna "There aren't many nargles around you Neville. I can not say the same though about your friend."
Harry glared at her "What is a nargle?"
His threat went unfinished as someone began knocking on the door. Harry continued his glare "This isn't over."
He opened the door and found Noah, Ron and Hermione standing outside.
"What?" Harry asked rudely, his patience waning quickly.
Noah gulped, suddenly scared to speak to his brother. Finally, he said "Um, do you want to sit with us?"
"No" Harry went to shut the door but Hermione jammed her foot in between "Why? Would you rather sit with the squib and Loony?"
"Yes" Harry pushed Hermione out of the way and shut the door. Turning back, he found that Neville had a guilty expression on his face.
"Um, I kinda need to go to the prefects meeting, so I'll open the door" Neville smiled sadly at Harry before opening the door and departing. Hermione, also realizing what time it was, followed him.
Ron sneered at Harry "So you're gonna hang out with Loony?"
"Yes" Harry said plainly "And if you keep bothering me, you're gonna pay."
"You're my brother!" Noah yelled "You should sit with me! Not that crazy weirdo!"
The temperature in the room suddenly dropped and Harry flashed a smile which was downright sadistic.
"Let me get something across Noah" Harry pushed his brother and Ron against the wall "You do not insult anyone who is my friend. If you say another bad word about Luna or Neville, I will make you think that death is better than living. Do you understand?"
Neither said anything so Harry asked again after sending a stinging hex at their balls "I SAID DO YOU UNDERSTAND?"
Both nodded fearfully and ran off to Harry's pleasure. He then returned the compartment where Luna was smiling dreamily. When he sat back down, she focused her smile on him "I think I'll like you."
"Welcome to Hogwarts" McGonagall said to applause "Before we approach dessert, I have a few announcements regarding the school. Don't worry, I'll make sure to be quick."
"First, Professor Grubby-Plank will be returning to teach Care of Magical Creatures" the professor in question got up at the end and gave a short wave to the 4 people applauding.
"Next, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister, Dolores Umbridge, will be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts this year" this one got no applause. No one knew her and if they knew her, they didn't exactly like her.
"Finally" McGonagall began before she was cut off with a "hem hem" and an approaching Umbridge.
"Dolores will now say a few words" McGonagall added, hiding her anger towards the approaching teacher.
"Thank you, Headmaster, for those kind words of welcome. And how lovely to see all your bright happy faces smiling up at me. I'm sure we're all going to be very good friends." Umbridge said to no sign of happiness from the crowd.
"The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizard of vital importance. Although each Headmaster has brought something new to this historic school" Umbridge was not deterred by the lack of expression on the kids' faces "Progress for the sake of progress must be discouraged. Let us preserve what must be preserved, perfect what can be perfected and prune practices that ought to be prohibited."
Umbridge then left the podium to smatters of applause, mostly from people with high-ranking Ministry parents.
"Now, we have our last personnel change" McGonagall said as she returned the podium "I will be stepping down as Headmistress."
Scanning the crowd of children who were all in shock "I am the Deputy Headmistress once again. So, when you get in trouble, you still have to deal with me."
People laughed at that as she continued "Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore will be returning to the job after a 10 year absence. Hogwarts, show him your love."
The school exploded into cheers. Most had not known of his appointment. Only people with Ministry parents (like Draco Malfoy and Marietta Edgecombe) and parents in the Order (like Noah and Ron) were privy to this piece of information. No current student had been present where Dumbledore was Headmaster and they were all excited to be in the presence of a legend.
Dumbledore strode to the podium, taking it from McGonagall with a simple "thank you." He then looked at all the students with a smile "It is wonderful to be returning here. I truly have missed the school environment during my time away."
"I am excited to be your Headmaster once again, and hope to make this one of your most enjoyable years at Hogwarts yet" Dumbledore grinned as if he was many years younger "I am also excited to announce that my apprentice will be attending with me."
Everyone, including the teachers, began talking at who this mystery apprentice could be. Some knew of course, but not all. Dumbledore chuckled "I met him during my time away from Hogwarts and took it upon myself to raise him. Now, that I am returning, he agreed to come with me to continue his studies."
"I know some will worry that having an apprentice will distract me from doing my job but your fears are unfounded. His apprenticeship contains lots of self-studying and projects with intervention from me to directly teach him something. I will be able to do both" Dumbledore explained. He thought that some people would be unsure of his ability to multitask.
"Now, it is my pleasure to introduce my apprentice, Hadrian Peverelll" Dumbledore said to silence.
People began discussing this new revelation amongst themselves. They had heard of the boy who saved Noah Potter in the trial and was Lord Peverell. Now, finding out that he was also Lord Peverell, that was a lot to handle.
Harry got up from his old position in the trophy room and moved to sit at Dumbledore's left (as his deputy, Minerva took the right spot).
"Will he be sorted?" someone yelled from what Harry guessed to be the Ravenclaw table based on where the sound came from.
"He will not" Dumbledore responded "Let's eat!"
With that Harry began eat some pie while every in Hogwarts remained focused on him.
Thanks for reading!