Chapter TEN

Train Rides to New Adventures

...

Dear Mr. Potter-Black,

We are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary Books and equipment.

Term begins on the 1st of September. We await your arrival and look forward to having you as part of our Illustrious school.

Yours Sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall,

Deputy Headmistress.

HPSBHP

Dressed in a pair of Black slacks, his shiny dress shoes, a Deep royal blue button down and his Day Robe Harrison walked along the streets of Diagon accompanied by his dad the following day, after reviewing his acceptance letter.

Thanks to his potions and shooting up another two inches as well as filling out until he was at a healthy weight for his age over the last couple months, Sirius had taken him shopping a few weeks prior for new clothes both muggle and magical and had had the forethought to get his Hogwarts Robes done up at the same time, so he was happy he would be able to skip that part of the shopping trip that day. He was also happy to note that he had most of the books required at home and were only one or two that he still needed to pick up, along with any new ones that caught his attention as well as stock up on parchment, quills, and ink.

So, with a confident stride- Mostly for show, as he once read that if you looked like you were in need of being somewhere, you were less likely to be disturbed on your travels - Harrison opened the door to Flourish and Blotts and stepped into the busy shop doing his best to ignore the stares as people realized who had just passed them by.

With Sirius stepping in front of him, they easily Maneuvered their way to the Hogwarts section, and grabbed the two books he needed before roaming the isles quickly and picking up a few more magical guides he thought could be useful during the year, and Level one of both Arithmancy and Ancient Runes, to browse in his spare time if he found himself getting bored. It wouldn't hurt to read ahead into the classes he planned to take eventually after all.

Once Sirius had paid for his purchases, he led his son by the shoulder back out the door and into the bustling streets, side stepping a red-haired woman yelling about the increase in prices for potion ingredients and headed into the Apothecary to grab three sets of the basic Hogwarts Potions kits, along with a few other ingredients Sirius knew from his own school days would be good to have extra of.

After that, they grabbed enough parchment, ink, and quills to get Harrison through until the Yule Holidays -he could always have his dad send more if needed, before finally going to the one place Harrison was excited for the most. Ollivander's wand shop.

HPSBHP

Stepping through the door Harrison felt a shiver run down his spine as he felt the excess of magic that hung in the air. With so many wands stashed around in the shop, the magical residue was thick, and it was a wonder more people didn't feel its effects whenever they entered the shop.

Harrison was suddenly startled as a man with wild greying hair appeared on a rolling ladder from behind a set of shelves. "Ah Mr. Potter I'd wondered when id be seeing you," He said with an air of knowing more than he would ever let on. "Or should I say Mr. Potter-Black hmm?

It seems like only yesterday that your mother and Father – Both of them as it were- were in here buying their first wands."

As he spoke, he browsed through the shelves grabbing multiple boxes all rectangular, but in varying lengths. As he approached Harrison who was now stood in front of the main desk, while Sirius had chosen to sit on a stool near the door, Mr. Ollivander opened one of the boxes and held it out for him to take the wand held within. "Well, go on then, give it a wave."

Grabbing the wand in his right hand, Harrison gave it a quick flick, dropping it immediately back into the box when suddenly the boxes on the wall to their left, exploded off the shelves and scattered along the floor. "Nope, nope definitely not." The older man stated in surprise.

Grabbing the next box, he presented it once more to the 11-year-old in front of him. Thus, began a pattern, Harrison tried wand after wand, with varying results, but none seeming to suit the young wizard just right.

"Hmm, I wonder," he said quietly to himself, as he pulled out one particular box. Could it possibly be the one meant for the child, who survived an attack cast by the owner of his brother?

"Try this one Mr. Potter-Black, 11 inches, Holy with the tail feather of a phoenix," He said still with that curious expression still on his face as he waited in anticipation.

Not sure what the man was looking for, Harrison waved the one just as he had done all the others, and while it felt like a better match then any, he had tried previous, it still didn't feal right.

"Curious, curious. Part of me had expected that one to do it." Ollivander's said quietly.

"I'm sorry, but what exactly is curious?"

Looking the boy in the eye, and deciding the father and son deserved to know the truth he replied, "I remember every wand I have ever sold Mr. Potter-Black; Every single one. It so happens, that the tail feather of the Phoenix that lies inside that wand, gave another feather. Just one other. Its so curious, as I had expected you to be the one that bonded with this wand, because its Brother, why its brother gave you that scar. You are the only person to ever survive that dreadful curse Mr. Potter-Black. So, I assumed if anyone were meant for this wand, it would be you.

As it were, I can tell that part of the wand has chosen you, but there is something not quite right.

Come, follow me, and bring that wand, we will take it apart and see what its needs to become your perfect match."

Sirius and Harrison followed him into the back where there was room filled with jars containing different ingredients and a work bench located in the center.

Mr. Ollivander pulled a few different ingredients off the shelves and set them on the table before directing Harrison to hand over the wand which he then proceeded to run his own wand along the length of it, and the wood fell apart like he had cut a seem along the top and bottom. Inside laid a glowing orange feather, that appeared as if it was on fire.

"I want you to run your hands along the items laid out on the desk and tell me which one or more call to you." He instructed Harrison and he removed the feather and set it aside.

Harrison ran his hand along the table, and gasped as he felt what appeared to be a warming sensation on his palm from two of the ingredients. Noticing his reaction, Ollivander used his wand to collect a sliver of a Red Welsh Dragon scale, and the ashes of a Phoenix and placed them onto the pieces of wood, before sealing them back together, making the wand hole once more.

When he was done, he handed the wand back to the boy, and watched in satisfaction, and the tip glowed bright, and blue and green sparks shot out of it and into the air. "Excellent, Excellent. Congratulations Mr. Potter-Black. A nice and strong wand for a wizard such as yourself. 11 inches, Holy with a Dragon scale and the ashes the same phoenix who's feather used to lie inside that wand. While they may have come from the same Creature as the Feather that is the core the Dark Lords wand, they are no longer brothers. But I suspect, we shall still see great things come from you in the future, of that I have no doubt."

Wanting to dissolve the awkward tension that had built over the last half hour since the wand was first taken out of the box, Sirius pulled his son into a hug and congratulated him for getting his first wand before they were led back to the front of the store to pay.

"That will be 16 galleons for the multiple cores Lord Black, is there anything else you need?" Mr. Ollivander asked once he had made his way back behind the front desk.

"That and an adjustable arm-holster, something sturdy that he can grow with, so made out of dragonhide if you have it," He said as he pulled out his Magicard to pay for their items when the man behind the counter grabbed one in black off the shelf to his right and gave it to the boy along with the box to store his wand if he so chose.

Saying their goodbyes, they left the shop and headed back towards the Leaky cauldron, ready to get out of the craziness that was the Alley this time of year.

"Is there anything else you want to get while we are out pup?" Sirius asked as they walked.

"Can we head out to the muggle side and stop at a stationary store? I need to pick up some new pencils and notebooks for my muggle schoolwork, and I was thinking that I might grab a few extra for taking notes in my classes at Hogwarts, as well as a few new fountain pens. Maybe just leave the parchment and quills for official work, like finished homework to pass in, tests and exams and such, or any of the official paperwork I will eventually have to do as Lord Potter.?" Harrison asked, somewhat unsure.

He still wasn't confident in his penmanship while writing with a quill and ink pot and wanted a way to be able to take notes and do rough drafts without the fear of ink droplets making his work difficult to read.

"Sure kiddo, lets get that done, and then we can head home and have a late lunch."

It was a quick trip to pick up the rest of his supplies, and soon enough, they were on their way home and Harrison was finally ready for September to finally arrive.

HPSBHP

On the morning of the 1st of September, The Potter-Black house was filled with excitement as the two human occupants had one final breakfast together for the next few months while Sirius went down a list, making sure his son had everything packed into his mult-compartment trunk.

"I've got everything dad, I'm ready." Harrison assured the man for what felt like the 10th time just the morning. It was beginning to seem like his father was more nervous than he was, and he was the one going off to school.

"Alright, ill stop bugging you about it then," he said amused at his exasperated son. "I do, however, want to talk to you about a couple things before we get ready and head to the station. I want you to remember, that no matter what house you get into, I am proud of you okay. And if anything bothers you, I want you to write home, no matter what its about. I'll send your owl Athena off as soon as I get home toady and she will meet you at school and I will have Apollo here with me. No matter what, we will always be able to get in touch with each other, understand?" Sirius stated firmly. After the last decade they both had, and since finding each other again barely more than a year ago he knew that the separation was going to be hard on both of them.

Getting a nod of confirmation proving the boy was paying attention Sirius continued, "Good, now remember, it is very likely Dumbledore will try and make his move. We both know he will try and get you alone, either to try and manipulate you, or try and find out where we are living. If he calls you into his office for any reason, I want you to go to your head of house and request they either find out what it is regards to, and if its school related accompany you to his office for the meeting or contact me via Floo if it's not and I'll be there as quick as I can.

He has already been warned that he isn't to bother you outside of your schooling, but after being approached by the Goblins and forced to return all the items he removed from the Vaults he may be feeling a little testy and could have been pushed to try something. Just be careful pup, please."

"Yes sir, I'll be careful, and I'll write if I need to, I promise." Harrison told him quickly. He wasn't just saying it to appease his dad either, now that he had someone he could depend on, he would make sure to always go to the man if he couldn't handle something on his own, or just needed him.

When all was said, and Sirius was sure there wasn't anything else they needed to touch on at the moment, the got up and headed into the Receiving room where Harrison's trunk was waiting for them along with his messenger, bag with a couple books to read on the train, and his school robes folded neatly inside.

Grabbing the trunk, Sirius shrunk it until it was the size of a matchbox, and it could be stored inside Harrisons, bag they headed towards the Fireplace and Floo'd to platform.

HPSBHP

Sirius made sure to place a hand on Harrison's shoulder and turned him in the direction of the Hogwarts express being sure to watch his sons face when the Gleaming red engine came into view. He was not disappointed at seeing the awe clearly plastered across his face, before he remembered where he was and tried for a forced calm mask instead, although Sirius was happy to notice a small smile still sat upon his lips. While he was making sure Harrison learned all the tricks of the trade so to speak and followed proper etiquette – which include how to present oneself when in public, he didn't want his son to become or appear emotionless. Sirius and James both over the years had perfected the art of acting the Propper Heirs that they were, while still allowing there mischievous, personalities to shine through, giving off a welcoming and genuine aura. It was something he was happy to note, their son was also slowly coming to prefect as the weeks and months have gone by.

Harrison grinned up at his father, as he slightly sped up his pace, when he saw a very recognizable hat with a vulture sat upon its rim in the distance and made his way towards it.

He had finally gotten to meet his godbrother over the summer, after months of exchanging letters, and was thankful that they would be able to share a compartment on the ride to school.

Neville looked over when he heard their approach; his own grin appearing in recognition. Sirius had told him once, that Dowager Longbottom, had expressed a change in her grandson as the months went on and his friendship with the Potter-Black heir grew. He seemed to grow more confident and settled within himself the more the boys opened up and got to know each other. It was something the older woman was immensely grateful for.

"Harrison, you made it," Neville greeted him when they got close enough. "Hello, Lord Black." He made sure to greet the man as was polite and expected of him before he turned back to his companion when Sirius nodded his own greeting in return, with a simple, "Pleasure seeing you Heir Longbottom."

While Neville was greeting his father, Harrison made sure to greet Neville's grandmother in a similar fashion, before the boys were happily discussing the upcoming sorting. Harrison was hoping for either Ravenclaw, as he was very academically inclined, or Gryffindor, just so he could see inside the common rooms, he had heard so much about from his dad over the summer.

Neville on the other hand was expecting either Hufflepuff or Gryffindor like his parents.

"Alright boys, its about time you should be heading onto the train if you want a good compartment, lets get the goodbyes out of the way, and you can head on in alright?" Sirius interrupted them after a while.

Harrison was quick to wrap his arms around his dad, suddenly feeling an overwhelming saddens at having to say goodbye. "I'll see you soon pup, its only a few months until Yule. It'll be here before you know it."

Nodding against the man's chest, Harrison pulled away and said one last goodbye before he turned towards the train and climbed on board, Neville following close behind.

HPSBHP

The two boys quickly found an empty compartment and made themselves comfortable, as they sat across from each other near the windows so they could see the scenery pass by as the train made its long journey towards the school.

It felt like no time at all, before the train began to move, gathering speed as raced along the track and out of site of the families that had decided to wait on the platform behind them.

Soon enough a couple hours had passed, as the boys spent time between reading their respective books or just talking to pass the time, when the door to their compartment slid opened and stood before them was a tall Italian boy, and a Blonde girl, a few inches shorter than her companion; both around their age.

"Hello, my name is Blaise Zabini, and this is Daphne Greengrass, we are looking for the Potter-Black Heir, would that be you?" The boy asked looking in Harrisons direction.

"Yes, I am Harrison, and this is my godbrother Heir Neville Longbottom, what can I do for you Heirs Zabini and Heiress Greengrass?" Harrison asked, putting into practice what he had learned over the past few months at the hands of his father.

"As I'm sure you are aware, The Zabini's and Greengrass's have always been allied with the Blacks in the past and we wish to continue the trend with our generation by offering you friendship." Blaise stated diplomatically, obviously being the spokesperson for the two newcomers.

Harrison sat and considered their offer; he of course had been aware of this fact and was expecting to be approached eventually. The Blacks being in higher standing than either of the other two houses, it was up to them to approach him first. He had however expected them to wait until after the sorting before they made their move. Making his decision quickly Harrison gestured for them to come in and take a seat. "That is agreeable, why don't you stay, and we can get to know each other. And let us please throw away proper decorum just a smidge so we can talk like normal people, without sounding so stuffy." He stated amused and making everyone in the compartment relax a bit.

"Oh good, I don't think I could have kept it up the entire train ride." Blaise stated laughing lightly before he turned to the boy he had sat beside. "Heir Longbottom," he greeted politely. While they may have stopped with the stuffy pompous speech, he couldn't call either boy by there given name without permission first.

Thankfully Daphnee took the seat beside Harrison, getting comfortable before she announced that Heiress Greengrass was too much of a mouthful and they were all to call her Daphnee. Thus, setting the precedent for the boys in the compartment, and before long, they were all on first name bases discussing the upcoming sorting, and school year for the rest of the journey.

HPSBHP

They were directed to a lake and into a set of boats along with all the other first years, - Harrison and his four companions snagging one to themselves -and were soon on their way towards the castle in the distance. Gasps of awe were heard from all around, as they approached the docks, getting a clear view for the first time, as the building was lit up in front of them.

They were led quickly up to the front entrance of the school and were met by a strict looking professor outside of a set of large double doors, engraved with the same four animals that Harrison knew to be the representatives for the four houses.

"Welcome to Hogwarts, I am Professor McGonagall, and I am the Transfiguration instructor, head of Gryffindor house and the Deputy Headmistress." She introduced as her gaze passed over each one of them individually. "The start-of-term Banquet will begin shortly, but before you can sit amongst the other student in the great hall, you must first be sorted into your houses.

The sorting is a very important ceremony because while you walk these halls, your house will be something like your family. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitories and spend free time in your house common rooms.

The four houses are called Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. Each house has its own outstanding history and has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn you points while any rule breaking will lose you points. At the end of every year the house with the most points is awarded the house cup. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours.

Now You will follow me in a single line through these doors and the sorting ceremony will take place in front of the rest of the school. You will stand quietly, while your fellow year mates are sorted do I make myself clear? Good, then follow me."

With that she turned around and threw open the double doors and the were led into a massive hall filled with four long tables with a banner hung from the ceiling at each end in the colors of their respective house, and up on a dais at the end of a hall was a long table facing outwards towards them seating all their new professors, and headmaster.

When they reached the end of the hall, Professor McGonagall turned to face them, and gestured to a stool at the front, "When I call your name, you will sit on the stool and place upon your head, the sorting hat and be sorted into your new house…. Abbot, Hannah."

Harrison surveyed the room and the occupants around him as the others were sorted trying to pass the time and settle the nerves that had started to stir when he entered the hall, - He still wasn't used to being surrounded by so many strangers - and he waited for his own turn. He clapped when Daphnee was sorted into Slytherin, and Neville into Hufflepuff, happy they got into the house they wanted and before he knew it his name was being called out into the hall, and dead silence was the response.

"Potter-Black, Harrison."

Taking a deep breath and keeping his head held high, Harrison did his best to ignore the stares as he sat on the stool and placed the hat onto his head, gasping quietly when he heard a strange voice whispering in the back of his mind.

"Hmm difficult, very difficult. You have a strong thirst for knowledge, and value learning as a prominent tool you need in order to achieve success. But your desires for your future, are of a very ambitious trait.

Your bravery over the years has known no bounds, it takes courage to move past and discuss all you have endured in your young life. So where, to put you? Hmmm"

Harrison sat nervously waiting to see what the Hat would inevitably pick, unsure which one he thought would suit him best.

"hmm, yes, I think that will do you nicely. I know exactly where to put you….BETTER BE RAVENCLAW!"

Removing the hat to the sound of roaring applause from the table on his right and directly next to the Slytherin house, Harrison handed it to his professor and made his way to his new house table sitting down by a couple of boys his age, saying his hellos as he passed the other students who welcomed him, and watched the rest of the sorting. Once again, he clapped when Blaise was sorted, heading to Slytherin along side Daphnee.

When it was all done, and the last student sorted, the stool and hat were set aside, and the feast finally began.