A/N: Here's the next chapter for you guys! I hope you enjoy!

The last month of summer seemed like it was never going to end for Harry. The days just stretched on with seemingly no end in sight for the now eleven-year-old boy. Waiting on the term to begin at Hogwarts was pure torture to Harry. The Potter parents had decided to forgo the usual birthday gala in favor of a small party for friends and family only this year. Harry had made the decision to not participate and was only slightly saddened that neither James nor Lily really tried to convince him otherwise. Both Sirius and Remus had made an attempt to get him to come down if only for the cake, but he had declined both invitations until they had finally given up and just gave him his presents in his room.

Finally, after what felt like years to Harry the morning of 1 September dawned. Harry has always been an early riser, usually waking up hours before anyone else in the manor, but today was a new record for him. He had woken at the crack of dawn, even after staying up well past his normal bedtime to make sure that he had everything packed and ready for today. He couldn't have slept for more than four or five hours, but he was so excited to be going to Hogwarts that he couldn't have gone back to sleep if he wanted to. Instead, he made his way to the bathroom to start getting ready for the day. He took a shower and brushed his teeth and hair. He had grown his hair out some so that it no longer stuck up every which way. He had managed to tame the untamable Potter hair, unlike his father and brother. He was sitting in his favorite armchair in the living room reading a book, when he heard his family waking up at last. He had already been up for about three hours or so, seeing as it was 9:30 in the morning now. The train departed at 11 o'clock, but if he knew anything about his family it was that they would be rushing to make it to the platform at the last minute, most likely because of Chris. Harry doubted that the boy had followed their mother's instructions to pack last night, and he would have to gather everything he needed this morning. After breakfast was served, Chris embarrassedly admitted to Lily that he had not packed the night before. Lily was furious with him and dragged him up the stairs to his room to assist with the packing so they would not be too late to catch the train. After they were done packing all his things Lily shrunk both boys' trunks so they could carry them in their pockets before they apparated to King's Cross Station. James with Harry and Lily with Chris. Harry had already sent Hedwig along early to fly to Hogwarts so she wouldn't be trapped in her cage for the duration of the train ride.

Harry was correct in assuming that they would almost be late to the station, as they stepped through the barrier with only minutes to spare. He figured that he would be able to say a quick goodbye to his parents and be on his way to find a compartment that wasn't completely full yet. However, he was surprised when his mother drew him into a hug with Chris and gave them a teary-eyed farewell, saying how much she was going to miss her boys. Harry felt his heart ache slightly, wishing that everything she was saying was true. But years of her behavior told him that it was all a show for the public, because of course the media was here to document the prestigious moment of the Boy-Who-Lived going off to Hogwarts for the first time. His father then pulled each of the boys aside individually to give them his goodbye. Harry did not hear what he said to Chris, but he could guess that it was something about making sure to cause mischief and to be sorted into Gryffindor. When he pulled Harry aside, Harry was apprehensive as to what would be said.

"Harry, I want you to look out for your brother. He has powerful enemies who have kids going to school with you guys. He's going to need someone to watch his back." James stated in a quiet voice, so Lily did not hear him. Harry was disappointed in what his father was saying, but instead of showing it he simply nodded his head and said in the most neutral tone he could muster, "Yes, father." Before turning on his heal and heading to find a compartment that wasn't full yet squashing down the anger he felt at his father. He had begun reading the book on occlumency that he had gotten and was starting to get quite good at hiding his emotions from the outside world. He still felt them of course, but he did not have to worry about everyone knowing that he was angry and upset. He miraculously came upon a compartment that was completely empty still and set his trunk on the rack above the seats before tapping it twice with his wand which was the key to ending the shrinking charm his mother had put on it. He grabbed his potions book and commenced reading it for the third time since buying it. Harry had a pretty good memory and could remember most things he read, but he wanted to make sure that he had his textbooks almost completely memorized by the time classes began tomorrow. Also, potions was a subject that highly interested him, so he enjoyed reading about it.

About an hour into the train ride, he was still sitting by himself when he heard a knock on the door before it slid open. He looked up from his book to see a bushy brown-haired girl, with large front teeth, already dressed in her school uniform standing in the doorway. "Must be a muggleborn." Harry thought to himself, before she started speaking.

"Have you seen a toad? A boy named Neville has lost one." She stated without even introducing herself which Harry found incredibly rude of her. "Must be Neville Longbottom." Harry thought before he replied.

"No, sorry I haven't." Harry simply said before returning to his book, which was now his charms textbook since he had finished the potions one about five minutes before the girl so rudely barged into his compartment.

"You're reading the books before class too? I haven't met anyone else who has either read or is reading the textbooks." The girl said, surprised. Harry sighed before closing the book and leveling her with a bored stare.

"I've actually already read them all, I'm just refreshing to prepare for classes starting tomorrow."

"What house do you think you will be in? I think I'll be in Ravenclaw, but I wouldn't mind being in Gryffindor either. They both seem to be a pretty good fit for me." The girl, who Harry still didn't know the name of, sat down across from him as she spoke.

"I must ask, since you failed to introduce yourself, who exactly are you?" Harry inquired.

"Oh! How rude of me! I'm sorry, I'm Hermione, Hermione Granger. I'm the first in my family to have magic, and this whole situation has been a bit of a shock for my parents and I." She offered her hand for him to shake, and he noticed how he was right about her being a muggleborn.

"Pleasure to meet you properly Hermione, I'm Harrison Potter, but you can call me Harry." And he shook her hand.

"Potter? As in Chris Potter?" She queried and Harry sighed, even now he was only interesting because of his famous brother.

"Yes. He's my brother, twin brother to be exact."

"I wasn't aware that he had a brother, much less a twin. You were never mentioned in any of the books I've read about him." Harry just shrugged not really knowing what to say about that.

"Didn't you have a toad you were looking for? You should probably get back to searching before Longbottom gets upset that his toad is still missing." Harry said to get the girl to leave because he was sure the conversation was about to become about nothing but his brother.

"Oh yes. I should. It was nice to meet you, Harry." Hermione looked a little put out to be dismissed in such a way but did a pretty good job of hiding it.

"Yeah, you too." He mumbled at the closing door, feeling like second best to his brother once again. Harry spent the rest of the ride just staring out the window at the changing landscape, and when he could tell that they were getting close to Hogsmeade, he changed into his school uniform. The train slowed and finally came to a stop in the village station. All students were advised to leave their belongings on the train and that they would be taken to the castle for them.

"Firs' years! Firs' years over here!" Hagrid towered over the students and all the first years made their way over to him.

"C'mon, follow me. Mind yer step, now. Firs' years follow me!"

Slipping and stumbling they followed Hagrid down what appeared to be a steep, narrow path. The turned a corner and across the inky black lake that lie ahead of them was the gleaming castle of Hogwarts. Harry had never seen anything look so magical and breathtaking.

"No more'n four to a boat!" Hagrid called, pointing to the boats that sat in the water by the shore. Harry was followed into his boat by Hermione, his brother, and Ron Weasley who was Chris' best friend. The boats began to glide across the water at Hagrid's shout of "FORWARD!" The boats sailed their way across the lake, through a dark tunnel that seemed to go right under the castle itself, to a little underground harbor of sorts where they disembarked from the boats. Hagrid led them up a flight of stone steps to the large front door of the castle and raised a giant fist to bang against the oak door. The door swung open at once and Professor McGonagall stood there to greet them.

"The firs' years Professor McGonagall," said Hagrid.

"Thank you, Hagrid. I will take them from here." She pulled the door wide and gestured for the students to follow her. She led them to a small empty chamber outside of the great hall in which they all crowded in nervously.

"Welcome to Hogwarts. The start-of-term feast shall begin shortly, but before you can take your seats you must first be sorted into your houses. The sorting is a very important part of your education, because while you are here your house will be like your family. You will eat with your house, share classes with your house, sleep within your house dormitory and spend free time in your house common room. There are four houses, and they are Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. Each has its own rich history and traits. While you are at school your deeds shall either win or lose you house points, depending on what those deeds are. At the end of the year the house with the most points will be awarded the house cup. The Sorting Ceremony will begin shortly. I shall return when we are ready for you." She left the chamber, and everyone began whispering anxiously. Harry heard a few squeals from the back of the crowd and turned just in time to see about twenty ghosts glide through the wall of the chamber. The ghosts were talking amongst themselves and didn't notice the students standing there right away. However, a large monk ghost finally noticed the children and stopped his conversation with another ghost.

"I say, what are you all doing here?" The monk asked.

"Obviously, they are first years waiting to be sorted, Friar." The ghost who had been speaking with him replied.

"Right. Of course. Well, I should hope to see some of you in my house, Hufflepuff." The Friar said as he floated through the next wall into the great hall.

"Same goes for me, Gryffindor." The other ghost followed the Friar, as did all the other ghosts. Just as the last ghost disappeared, Professor McGonagall came back into the chamber to lead them in for the Sorting. Harry observed the room as he entered and saw that there were four long tables filled with students, the house tables he assumed. At the front of the hall sat another long table that was perpendicular to the other four tables and all the staff sat there. He saw Dumbledore sat in the middle of the table but tried not to make eye contact with the man knowing of his powerful mind magic abilities. A few seats down from him was Severus Snape, talking to a man wearing a vivid purple turban. The man with the turban had his back turned towards Harry so he could not see who it was, but when he locked eyes on the back of his head, he felt a searing pain radiate through the lightning bolt shaped scar on his forehead. He made no reaction to the pain other than to wince slightly, but Snape seemed to notice over the other man's shoulder. Harry quickly moved on with his observations and noticed that in front of the staff table sat a three-legged stool, with an old and worn wizard hat sitting upon it. He was unimpressed until the hat opened a tear near the brim and began to sing:

"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,

But don't judge on what you see,

I'll eat myself if you can fine

A smarter hat than me.

You can keep your bowlers black,

Your top hats sleek and tall,

For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat

And I can cap them all.

There's nothing hidden in your head,

The Sorting Hat can't see,

So, try me on and I will tell you

Where you ought to be.

You might belong in Gryffindor,

Where dwell the brave at heart,

Their daring, nerve, and chivalry

Set Gryffindors apart.

You might belong in Hufflepuff,

Where they are just and loyal,

Those patient Hufflepuffs are true

And unafraid of toil.

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,

If you've a ready mind,

Where those of wit and learning

Will always find their kind.

Or perhaps Slytherin,

You'll make your real friends,

Those cunning folks use any means

To achieve their ends.

So put me on! Don't be afraid!

And don't get in a flap!

You're in safe hands (though I have none)

For I'm a Thinking Cap!"

Everyone in the hall, including the unsorted first years, politely clapped when the Hat finished its song. Professor McGonagall stepped up to said first years with a long scroll of parchment.

"When I call your name, you will come sit on the stool, I will put the Hat on your head, and you will be sorted into your house. Understood?" She looked out over the see of first years to see them all nodding their heads at her, before she went back to where the stool was located and grabbed the Hat in preparation for the first student to be called.

"Abbott, Hannah!" The other students parted ways for the pink faced, blond girl to stumble her way up to the stool where she took a seat and McGonagall placed the Hat on her head. After a minute or two of deliberation the Hat shouted out, "Hufflepuff!" and the table of yellow and black clad students burst into a round of applause. Hannah then went and took her seat at the table, being congratulated, and clapped on the back by the many students already sitting there. The sorting continued in that manner, as Susan Bones joined Hannah at the Hufflepuff table, Terry Boot went to Ravenclaw as did Mandy Brocklehurst. Lavender Brown became the first new Gryffindor, and the table of red and gold exploded in cheers far louder than either of the two others who had received new students already. Millicent Bulstrode became the first student to join the Slytherin house. On and on it went as the first years were sorted. The girl from the train Hermione joined the Ravenclaw table, Neville Longbottom went to Hufflepuff. The Malfoy boy, Draco, went straight to Slytherin as the Hat called out his house after it had barely touched his head. There weren't many people left now.

"Moon" …, "Nott" …, "Parkinson" …, then a pair of twin girls, "Patil" and "Patil" …, then "Perks, Sally-Anne" …and then,

"Potter, Christopher!" Harry had no doubts where his brother was going, but the Hat seemed reluctant to decide, as it sat on his head for minutes seemingly arguing with Chris until it finally called out "Gryffindor!" The hat did not seem too excited to place his brother in the house of the lions, but it did. And then finally, Professor McGonagall called out, "Potter, Harrison!" The noise of the hall appeared to fade into the background as Harry made his way to sit on the stool. The professor situated the Hat on his head and Harry was startled when a voice spoke in his mind.

"Harrison Potter. I've been anxious to sort you. Even more so now that I've seen inside your brother's mind. Let's have a look inside your mind, shall we? Hmm…not a bad mind at all. Very difficult to sort you though. You would do well in multiple houses. You're cunning and ambitious, intelligent beyond belief, loyalty does not appear to be your strong suit so Hufflepuff is out. You're brave and independent, not by choice however, by necessity."

"Not Gryffindor." Harry thought to the hat.

"No not Gryffindor indeed. Now to decide between Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Ravenclaw would be good for you, but I believe Slytherin will help you achieve the greatness you so desire. Better be…SLYTHERIN!" The last word was shouted for everyone in the hall to hear and a complete silence descended upon the students and staff. Harry removed the hat from his head replacing it on the stool before proceeding to the table of green and silver dressed students who all looked at him in shock. Surprised that a Potter would be sorted into Slytherin for sure. Harry took a seat next to Draco to finish watching the sorting since there were only four people left to be sorted now, "Thomas, Dean" became a Gryffindor, "Turpin, Lisa" a Ravenclaw, "Weasley, Ron" a Gryffindor, and finally "Zabini, Blaise" joined them at the Slytherin table. As all of this was going on, Harry took a moment study a few things in the Great Hall. First, he looked towards his brother who for some reason had a betrayed look upon his face as he stared incredulously at Harry. Second, he took note of Dumbledore trying, and failing, to subtly observe Harry. And third, he noticed Severus Snape blankly staring at him as if trying to figure out how he had been sorted into his house.

After the sorting was finished, Dumbledore stood and gave a speech about how the third-floor corridor was out of bounds to anyone not wishing to die a horrible death. Just what you want to tell a school full of curious children, especially Christopher Potter who didn't know how to stay away from trouble if he tried. The Forbidden Forest was of course forbidden to all students, with that statement he gave a hard look to the Weasley twins who adopted innocent grins. Dumbledore said a few other things, but Harry zoned out when he noticed how hungry he was and couldn't wait for the feast to truly begin. Finally, food appeared on all the platters and in the bowls on the table and the students dug in, with polite manners of course. Harry ate his fill of food to the point that he thought he was going to throw up on the first night. He had never been able to just eat as much as he wanted, because typically Chris ate enough for both of them. How he was not severely obese Harry could only guess it had to do with the amount of exercise he participated in. Harry joined in the conversation that was flowing around him some but he was much more interested in eating and most of the other children didn't make a big attempt to include him but that was nothing new for Harry. He was used to being ignored. As Harry was helping himself to some dessert, he noticed the man with the turban staring intently at his brother who did not seem to notice or care that he was being stared at. Harry had never met this professor and so he could not say who it was. He decided to ask Draco to see if maybe he knew, since his father was on the board of governors for the school.

"Say Draco, do you know who that teacher sitting next to Professor Snape is?" He gestured toward the man that he meant so that Draco would understand who it was he was asking about.

"The one with the turban? That's Professor Quirrell. He was the Muggle Studies teacher before he took a sabbatical this summer to travel around the world. Everyone says that he lost his mind on his travels. He came back with a severe stutter that he didn't have before, and he's afraid of his own shadow now." Draco chuckled at his own joke before returning to the conversation he was having with the other first years. It was then that Dumbledore stood up to dismiss everyone after they sang the Hogwarts school song, with the Weasley twins singing to the tempo of a funeral march. After they were done the fifth-year prefects, who oversaw the first years, came down to their end of the table to lead them to the dorms.

"My name is Gemma Farley, and this is Marcus Flint. We're the fifth-year prefects this year, and Marcus is also the Quidditch captain. We're here to lead you to the common room and then go over all the house rules before Professor Snape, our Head of house, comes to welcome you all. Now follow us." She turned on her heal and walked to the door of the great hall before stopping to wait for them to catch up. When they caught up with her, she continued her way out of the hall, and turned right towards the dungeons. She led them down the steps, and through a few twisting turns that Harry knew he would get lost in, before stopping before an unassuming patch of brick wall.

"Now the password right now is 'Serpent'," the wall behind her swung open at the password, "but it does change every fortnight. The new password will be posted on the bulletin board in the common room, so keep an eye on the board. Everything will be announced there, and if you have any questions about the things on there ask a prefect." Gemma continued as she led them into the common room. The Slytherin common room was a long, low underground room with rough stone walls and ceiling, from which round, greenish lamps were hanging on chains. A fire was crackling under an elaborately carved mantlepiece ahead of them. There were numerous chairs and couches and tables situated around the room in which some of the older students were already lounging in. There was a large window that looked out into the black lake, and a dark shape floated by. Harry was pretty sure that it was the giant squid. Gemma instructed them to take a seat on a couple of the couches by the fire after she ran off some of the upper years that had been lazing around on them. As her and Marcus took their seats across from them the door to the common room swung open once more.