Chapter 4
Week 1
Soon the trio found themselves in the familiar embrace of routine. Their day would begin with convincing Madam Anand that they were feeling alright. She in turn would insist they have a light breakfast with a pepper-up potion. They would make their way to the library, avoiding Peeves and Slughorn with determination. They then would fill their time reading any book that (Hermione would open for them first) they came across that hinted at the slightest sprout of time travel. Around this time Dumbledore would appear, a bowl of confectionaries in hand as he updated Hermione and checked in on them.
"Mr. Weasley, I see you have regained your energy. I was beginning to worry when I found you asleep in the Great hall." Dumbledore hummed to himself, knitting away at a rainbow scarf with a needle and his wand, content. Hermione had her nose buried in her journal, rereading her notes, she glanced at Ron's red face with a smile.
"I just don't understand how you managed to fall asleep on the teachers table Ron" Smiled Harry, ignoring the Weasley's pout as he read over the words in, 'Time? What makes it tick?' The words were dancing in his vision, their meaning swaying away from Harry as he found himself distracted.
"I'm feeling better professor. Honestly, I think it's the House-elves cooking that's Hogwarts's real magic." Ron sighed as he bit into a slice of treacle tart. Hermione hummed quietly, catching his and Harry's attention as they realized what they had done. Dumbledore however, looked to Hermione oblivious, hands working away at his new scarf.
"Miss Granger, what do you think of the-eh…"Dumbledore trailed off as he finally looked to Ron and Harry, waving their arms around, shaking their heads and praying to whichever deity would listen that the professor would understand. "…the library? Does it keep its standard fifty three years from today?"
The boys sighed in relief as Hermione looked up with a curious smile, she began to look around the room and pointed her wand to the bookshelf beside Dumbledore, a brown moth was perched on the shelf, listening to their conversation. "There's another one." She made a note in her journal before looking back, "Actually professor, much of the material in the restricted section gets removed. There's a lot more dark topics here in this age then what we're used to."
"Ah, I am sure with good reason." He smiled before going back to his scarf. He didn't notice Harry's amusement at his words. The restricted section was once so unregulated, a student had found his way between these shelves and split his soul, with knowledge he acquired on these grounds. The forty's really didn't care did they?
"'Mione, where's the watch?" asked Harry, closing his book and tossing it onto the table. He looked out the window in front of his desk, watching the dust dance in the rays of sunlight shining in the glass as he waited for her to register his question.
"In the bag, it's useless at the moment, until we can find out what we're dealing with, it seems safer to keep it away." She mumbled as she browsed the spines of the restricted section.
Harry turned back in his chair to Ron, who was happily eating his tart, book discarded beside him, "And what about the cup?"
Ron looked up with surprise mid-bite, glancing back and forth between Harry and Dumbledore, "Oh that cup, its uhhh, well its simple really, it's with the watch, we didn't tell them about what's in the cup by the way. Thought you should know that."
"It must be quite an exquisite cup." Dumbledore nodded as his scarf was now midway to the ground. Harry nodded to Ron as he made his way to the Weasley.
"Professor, who else knows about us? Are the ministry going to appear before the start of the school year?" Harry asked as he sat beside Ron.
"Oh no, once we learned of your origins we knew we could not involve the ministry." Dumbledore shook his head with a frown, "Imagine, with the Department of mysteries looking into time travel, I can't imagine what they would do to you and your eyes. And the politicians, why they might pluck you to become their personal seers, whether you know their future or not." The old wizard shook himself as though to get rid of the disgust.
"You are students of Hogwarts, maybe not in this time, but in yours. Hogwarts will always keep her students safe as best she can. As a professor, I could not stand by and allow those vultures to have at you in any way." Hermione had nested in a window nook, looking over friends.
"It's strange that Slughorn knows." Harry commented, flipping the pages of a book in his hands, looking to the professor with a curious expression. It had taken a few days but in the end Harry had once again grown accustomed to the professor's presence.
"He was the one to find you." Dumbledore explained, taking in Harry's shock in the corner of his eye, "He brought you three to the hospital wing, he refused to let the subject lie when Miss Granger awoke. Only when he saw her with his own eyes was he finally subdued. Soon afterwards Headmaster Dippet indulged him with the truth of the matter at hand."
"I can imagine how that went." Harry looked to Ron with raised eyebrows, his friend nodding gravely in return with a deep frown.
"Never left us without a question that one. You know, he began mentioning names of students at one point, I thought it was random at first but I think he was trying to see if we recognized any from the future, just from our reactions! Oh that slimy-"
"I think he was genuinely concerned. He kept me company while I waited for you two to wake up." Hermione hummed as she smiled at the memory. "He mentioned many fascinating tales of his trips to Romania, he didn't want me to fuss over my brothers."
Ron frowned slightly as he set down his empty plate. "So it's only Slughorn, Dippet, Anand and the professor here that knows what's going on." He wiped his mouth, looking to Harry's grim expression. "Oh, don't worry mate, before you know it we're gonna come across a step by step textbook on how to waltz back to the future."
That was one of many weights in Harry's mind. As optimistic as Ron felt and Dumbledore appeared, he knew that Hermione was well aware of their chances of returning home. A month had passed and there was no sign of time traveler records of any kind. Harry knew how lady luck treated them when they needed her most. It was highly possible they wouldn't find any guide or answer to their problem. They would have to spend more time in the past, meaning they had a higher chance of changing the timeline and possibly wiping out their own existence.
This trouble was without the voice in the back of Harry's mind. At first he assumed it was just his inner thoughts and he had grown more aware of it. However when he realized the voice sounded both male and female, did he know something wasn't normal. He didn't mention it to Hermione or Ron, feeling their ailments were more severe, he decided he was overreacting and the voice would fade away.
"I know," He smiled, cutting a slice of tart for himself, "Before you know it we'll be back to saving the wizarding world and hunting jewelry." His shoulders felt lighter with the soft laughs of his friends.
"Mr. Potter, has your eye given you any trouble?" Dumbledore asked, focusing on his scarf, "Has there been any odd occurrences at all?" He turned his head to the trio.
"I'm fine, I still need my glasses if that's what you're wondering." He tilted his head to Hermione, "What about you?"
She shrugged as she read over her journal, "My eyesight hasn't deteriorated in the slightest. Ron often rubs at his however, no matter how much I discourage him." She missed the look of betrayal on the red heads face.
"Rubbish." He flipped his braided hair (curtesy of Hermione) over his shoulder, earning a snort from Harry, who was burying his nose in his tart. "I haven't seen any anything weird. Well anything weirder than usual." He picked up his forgotten book with a sigh, "Why can't anything normal happen to us? Why can't we just get the flu and call it a day?"
Dumbledore sighed with a light laugh as he went back to his knitting, happy to know his future students were not experiencing any more side effects…
Week 2
Hermione wondered why no one had mentioned Neville. Harry and Ron were eating breakfast in the hospital wing without a care in the world, discussing whether or not placing bets on the winning Quidditch matches would change anything of the future.
She glanced to the Hospital wing entrance anxiously.
Ron noticed her chewing at her lip and asked quietly, "Mione, you alright there?" Harry observed her shoulders tensing, as well as the hold on her utensils tightening as she looked up with a frown.
"No Ron, I am not alright. Neville isn't here and no one has bothered to ask why. Honestly he could be in trouble right now and you two are busy organizing a gambling scheme over breakfast." She placed aside her plate and stood, unaware of the wide eyes of Ron and Harry.
She made her way out of the wing. It was eating at her. Why didn't they care? Neville was supposed to be here with them. He went to bed last night and wasn't there in the morning. Perhaps Dippet had awoken him early to speak with him, but he hadn't let them know like he usually did.
"Oh no, not again…"Ron quickly shoveled his scramble eggs into his mouth before he began running after her. Harry was still holding his plate when they rounded the corner and out of sight.
"What?" He asked the empty room before he grabbed his wand and ran after the duo.
"Neville!?" Hermione's voice echoed across the stone walls, "Ron, did the headmaster want to talk to him again? This is third time this week." She called behind her, never slowing as Ron tried to run and not choke on his food.
"Hermione! Wait! Listen please!" He managed to grab her sleeve, causing her to slow down. He led her to a bench, ignoring her protests and the cold settling into his bones. Harry had finally caught up to them.
"Harry! You know Neville wouldn't just wander off. He would have said something! And you two aren't even worried." She pulled her sleeve away from Ron with irritation.
Ron kneeled before her, holding her hands gently he began, "Hermione, Neville isn't here. It's just Harry and me. He never touched the watch with us." She twisted her hands away, growing angrier.
"Ron, how can you say that? Neville was the one to wake first! He told Dumbledore who we were and you're acting like he was never here?!" She began to hyperventilate wondering what someone had done to her friends.
Harry sat beside her as it finally registered.
He gently laid a hand on her shoulder, causing her to jump as she turned to him. "Hermione, breathe." He instructed, "Don't forget to breathe." She took a large gulp of air, her hands beginning to tremble.
Ron quickly noticed this and clasped her hands in his, "it's okay 'Mione, we're here. It's alright." Hermione looked to his blue and purple eye, her voice shaking,
"But, Neville, he-he isn't here." She began to panic again, her grip on Ron's hand tightening as she wondered what was real.
Harry gently shook her shoulder, her shaking frame turning to him slightly as gold met grey. "Your name is Hermione Granger," He stated calmly, "You are friends with Harry Potter and Ron Weasley." He nodded with her as her breathing slowed slightly, "Can you repeat that for me?"
"My-my name is Hermione Granger and I am friends with Harry Potter and Ron-Ronald Weasley. I am with them, I am safe." She repeated the phrase a few times, her breathing slowly returned back to normal. "He isn't here is he?" She asked, closing her eyes, trying to discern her memories from the fake. "He never came with us to Bellatrix's vault."
"No, afraid not. "Ron gently patted Hermione's hands intertwined with his, "Lucky git's in the future, throwing cabbages at Snape, I hope."
Harry and her laughed quietly, a gentle rain had begun to fall behind them as Ron settled on the bench beside Hermione, hands never leaving hers.
"This is clearly a normal occurrence?" Asked Harry as he leaned forward onto his knees. He looked up and down the corridor, wondering what he would say if a teacher or ghost came upon them. Now that Hermione was safe, his guard was back up.
"As normal as it can be for us." She commented, trying not to panic again. Ron nodded as he shared a look with Harry.
"Last time it was-"
"Ah my dear boy, you must be Harry Potter!" A jovial voice called out, cutting off Ron. Harry looked up to a young face with a mess of brown hair, neatly parted to the side. His round belly was absent, Harry noticed as he looked into the grey eyes of Horace Slughorn. "What a pleasure it is to see you awake!" He laughed, quickly stopping as he noticed Hermione.
"Miss Granger! Are you alright?" He asked, voice thick with concern as he put an arm forth, "Come quick Miss Granger, no time to waste, Madam Anand will have you set within a moment's notice."
Hermione half smiled as she accepted the professor's arm to lift herself up, "I am fine professor, just a bit under the weather, that's all."
"Don't listen to her Mr. Weasley, she is most certainly not alright!" He patiently waited for Ron to stand beside her, allowing her to put her weight on him as she swayed. "Mr. Potter, if you would be so kind as to run ahead and inform Madam Anand of our arrival." He nodded to the stunned Harry.
He broke out into a slight run as he made his way to the hospital wing. 'This will hurt…' the voice suddenly whispered in his mind, causing Harry to run into the Hospital wing's door. "Shush!" He muttered, rubbing his forehead and cursing the voice. The only reason he ran into the door was because of the bloody voice. He shook his head in disbelief, pushing this problem to deal with another day. His mind wondered to Slughorn.
He did find himself shocked at Slughorn's behavior. The last time he went to the wizard with an emergency, Ron almost died on the spot, yet here he was helping Hermione to the hospital wing.
Riddle's actions must have broken something in the man as the years and guilt raged on.
"Madam! It's Hermione! She's…well I…it's-"
"Is it more false memories?" She asked, her back to him as she looked over Hermione's medi-quill notes, "I noticed her heart rate increased a few moments ago, another panic attack I assume?" The quills never stopped writing, Harry registered as he nodded to the witch.
"I'll get the dreamless sleep potion. Poor dear, she begins mixing her realities when she gets like this. I find myself wondering if they're real memories or false truths…" Slughorn walked in, Ron and Hermione trailing behind him. "Set her here Horace, I'll have her feeling like a prized Thestral in no time."
Harry didn't feel confident with the analogy comparing his sick friend to an omen of death but decided not to comment on the matter. The odd medi-witch made her way to a cart of potions and began searching for the Dreamless draught.
"Ah, my boy I must say, you do have quite the arm!" Slughorn laughed, rubbing his cheek in memory. He moved over as he helped Ron set Hermione onto the bed, "I have many questions to ask you, but first! Good news awaits!" The man crossed his hands behind his back as he smiled in a knowing, amused way.
Ron settled beside Hermione, sharing a weary glance at Harry as they looked to the professor. Hermione sighed leaning her head against Ron's shoulder, repeating the mantra in her head, feeling drained.
"Sorry about that..." Began Harry as he nodded to the beaming man, his eyes focusing on the orange butterfly that was perched on the wizard's shoulder, one that wasn't there before. He decided to be cordial with the professor, wondering how Slughorn would help in the future. "…It is nice to see you again professor."
"Oh marvelous! You know of me as well! I happen to know the magical students that travelled the furthest in time anyone has ever seen!" He preened, neatening his waistcoat at Anand who rolled her eyes. "Tell me, what else do you know of me?"
Harry considered telling the man how he would one day fake his death while hiding as an armchair, but decided to say, "I'm sorry Professor, didn't you say you have good news? I'm sure you're bursting to tell us?" He put on a fake intrigued voice, understanding Slughorn a bit too well for his own good.
"Oh goodness you're right! My apologies, I shall explain before Miss Granger returns to bed for a well-earned nap, am I right Miss Granger?" He asked with a raised eyebrow, amusement shining in his eye.
"Yes professor." She smiled, rubbing her temples, ignoring the urge to look to the door for Neville's return.
"As you three are aware, the school year is meant to start soon and we find ourselves in a predicament. What to do with the time travelers?" He asked his imaginary audience with a flourish. Harry decided to sit beside Ron, knowing this would take a while. "As you know, Hogwarts is the safest place in all of Britain, however the war is indeed closing in. Grindlewald is slowly increasing his territories and so, many wizards and witches fear for their children. It has grown common for Hogwarts to receive a range of students over the years." The professor paused, rubbing his eye,
"We often see students leave as well I am afraid, however next week we are to receive four students, seeking safety from the war. Professor Dumbledore was the one to suggest you three join this roster!" He beamed.
Harry felt a headache begin to form as the truth settled in.
"That means we have more time to find an answer as well!" Her eyes lit up, finally leaving the doorway as she looked to her grimacing friends. "It's like what the muggles did during the war. Fearing for their children's safety, they sent them to the countryside. I can understand why Hogwarts would be considered a safe haven.."
"You're joking." Ron mumbled, "Attend Hogwarts? In 1945? That sounds absolutely mental! That means we'd have homework again!?" Hermione grinned at his words.
"That also means we'd have to deal with Riddle." Harry piped up, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Oh! You know Tom I see!?" Slughorn smiled, the orange butterfly climbing down his waistcoat, "Splendid, please indulge an old man. How does Tom do in the future? Is he successful? I am certain he will become the minister at some point if he isn't already. The boy has so much talent! Is he alright?" Slughorn finished with eyes of concern and pride.
Harry realized in that moment that Slughorn did care for his students. At least to some degree during his youth. His actions with Hermione proved it and his concern for Riddle's future cemented it. Harry looked into Slughorn's eyes, not knowing what to say.
"He's brilliant." He stated, ignoring Ron's wide eyes, "He'll accomplish things the wizarding world hasn't even thought of yet." Harry didn't lie, not once. Voldemort did manage to split his soul into pieces in an attempt at immortality, no one in the wizarding world would have thought of that.
Taking into account anyone who was sane.
"Oh marvelous! I always knew that boy would do great things someday." Slughorn turned to Madam Anand, missing the frowns on the trio's face. "Madam, please ensure these three feel their best by the morrow. Once the new students arrive, we shall have a short sorting ceremony, before the other years arrive." He turned back to the children, "So you don't feel put on the spot during the feast." He whispered in an amused manner.
"Professor, if you would be so kind as to leave my wing, I have children to bring back to health" Madam Anand murmured as she inspected her vials.
"Of course my dear Madam, I would never intrude on these hallow grounds if unneeded." He bowed to her with a flourish, earning a light laugh from Hermione, who closed her eyes as a pain settled behind her pupils.
"I do hope to speak with you three in the future." He winked, taking his leave from the wing. Harry was the first to let out a breath of relief before Madam Anand returned.
"I believe a vial might be in my office storage, I take it you two won't be running off while I'm gone?" She sent Harry and Ron a stare that had them nodding their heads as they rooted themselves to the spot.
Harry wondered how the witch could be scary and kind at the same time.
The moment she left, Harry made himself comfortable at the base of the bed while Ron settled Hermione down onto the pillow. "And here I was hoping to never write another charms essay again." Mumbled Ron, trying not to disturb Hermione.
Harry was rubbing his temples, nodding in agreement as he said, "Slughorn mentioned a sorting Ceremony, just for the new students. That means we won't be on display for the entire school or attract any unnecessary attention."
"Now why on earth would we attract any attention Harry?" Ron settled his head on his palm as he smiled at Harry, "We three are the most uninteresting persons this school has ever seen!"
Harry have Ron a half smile before he continued, "It's possible we three are going to get split up into different houses." Hermione opened her eyes as the realization set in.
"He's right Ron." She turned her head to the duo, ignoring the pain intensifying with the effort. "We don't know what changes the time magic may have caused. We also don't know how the Sorting Hat may react to us."
Ron's eyes widened as he stood from his seat, "Hold on now!-"He cut off as he turned back to make sure Madam Anand didn't know he left his seat. He waited a moment before he continued, "Why would we not end up in Gryffindor again!? Plus Dumbledore's the head of house this time around. Imagine, he'd never give us detention if we snuck off into the kitchens!" Ron beamed at the idea of never having a detention again, even if a part of him knew that the professor wouldn't be that forgiving.
Harry thought back to his first year, speaking with the hat for the first time. "Because this time around, I doubt I'll be able to avoid Slytherin again."
Ron's face shined with shock as he gaped, "Well you never mentioned this on our first night in the dorms now did you?"
"I had to fight the thing! After you mentioned how bad wizards end up in Slytherin, I asked for anything but the snake den!"
"You think the Hat will know from your memories? Or perhaps with its own magic?" Hermione's quiet voice asked, "You think you're going to be surrounded by Riddle and his sycophants?"
"Yeah, that's usually how my luck goes to be honest." Harry distracted himself by pulling on the blankets, "I wouldn't mind Hufflepuff at this point."
"Nothing's wrong with being a puff." Hermione smiled softly, looking up at the stark white ceiling of the hospital wing.
"Hold on- I for one am still processing Harry's new revelation here." Ron looked up in disbelief, "Harry mate, please tell me that's the last thing I didn't know about you? You aren't related to any unicorns are you?" He asked in all honesty, smiling briefly when Harry rolled his eyes.
He glanced over Ron's shoulder, searching for any flying arthropods. He quickly covered his mouth to hide his laugh.
"Don't worry Harry, it'll be alright. No matter where we end up." Hermione sighed as she closed her eyes. Ron's eyes flickered with concern, he took a step closer to her side before a huff made him jump with a squeak.
"I thought I told you not to run off, Mr. Weasley?" Madam Anand asked gravely from her stance behind Ron.
"No mam, I didn't move an inch." He started as he quickly sat back on the bed obediently, "I swear it on me mum's Christmas sweaters." He held up his wand with a hopeful smile, ignoring Harry laughing into his hand behind him.
"I'm sure." She hummed as she made her way to Hermione, "You dears may go about your day, and Miss Granger here needs her rest." The madam gently lifted Hermione up, "Come now dear, soon you'll be feeling like yourself in no time." She lifted the potion to Hermione.
Ron and Harry stood and made their way to the front of the bed, watching Hermione with pairs of sad and guilty eyes. Harry felt as though he did this to her. He felt as though he was the reason her mind was split. If he hadn't plunged his hand down the damned Horcrux then Hermione wouldn't be wondering which version of reality was the real one.
"Ron, Harry, please make sure Luna's okay? I told her the 'Crumple-Horned Snorkack' wasn't in Brazil, it's currently in Russia, but she insisted she go." Hermione muttered as she fell asleep. The duo nodded to her sleeping form.
Ron looked to Harry, "I thought she said Neville was here, now Luna's in Brazil?"
Harry readjusted his glasses, "I thought the Crumple-Horned Snorkack was in Sweden." Harry shrugged before he led Ron out of the wing.
Madam Anand watched them go, muttering to herself, "These dearies and their new words..."
Week 3
Hermione woke up remembering herself, just in time for the school year to begin.
Dumbledore and Slughorn arrived before the sun had risen, presenting them with their school uniforms, books and trunks that they would use for the time being. Courtesy of the Hogwarts's financial aid.
Only Hermione was content with dawning the uniforms.
The castle seemed the most alive on this day then it did in the last month they had been here. Madam Anand has asked them to try and stay clear of any professors who were running about the castle for any last minute measures they needed. As they left the wing, they discussed the lack of time travel records or evidence. It was after Ron mentioned that perhaps the time travelers went forward rather than backwards did they feel the actual blow to morale.
They felt like they were wasting time and realized that for the first time in a long while, they had nothing to do. There was no Horcrux to be hunted, or dark wizards chasing them. They weren't hiding in forests or destroying dark objects. They were inside Hogwarts walls, safe and healthy (as healthy as time travelers could be) and they had no idea of what to do.
They spent their morning in the Great Hall, playing wizards chess, actually the words, 'they were losing to Ron in every round' would be a more fitting description. They tried venturing back into the library with a slight ray of hope that was snuffed out as the librarian, Mr. Jenkins, chased them out, claiming it was too early for any students to be studying, unaware of the trio's plight.
They spent their afternoon in Dumbledore's classroom, transforming cauldrons into weird sculptures to pass the time, they tried their best to remain as silent as possible while the professor was looking over his lesson plans for the year. Soon Dumbledore grew bored of his work and invited them to a game of bowling, transfiguring books into pins and a globe into a bowling ball.
They didn't keep track of who was winning, on account of Ron and Harry not having any experience with the game. Their mirth and fun was shattered with the sound of breaking glass. They immediately thought they were under attack and moved into a defensive stance. Soon they realized Dumbledore had mistakenly thrown the bowling ball out his classroom window.
The trio looked to the classroom entrance, a distinct low yell was growing louder and louder as it neared. They turned to Dumbledore, not really knowing what to do only to find him hiking up his neon green robes and running out the classroom, with the yell, "My dear children, I believe we are meant to run now!"
"DUMBLEDORE! THIS IS THE THIRD TIME TODAY THAT YOU HAVE THROWN THAT BLASTED MUGGLE BALL-"
The friends didn't wait any longer for the caretaker to find them in the classroom and ran after Dumbledore, keeping up with him as he skidded into the great hall.
"Ah professor, how wonderful of you to join us so timeously" Dippet stood at the raised platform with a series of students beside him. The sight of these fallen faces wiped the joy from the pits of the trio's souls. Their eyes were haunted and empty, bruises and scars were fading away, hidden slightly by their school robes. These were children of war.
Hermione was the first to enter behind Dumbledore, the boys trailing behind her. "A wizard is never late, Headmaster," Dumbledore quipped, smiling to the students beside Dippet. A few managed a slight smile back while others folded in on themselves. "He arrives precisely when he means to." He took his place beside Dippet and bowed to the students. "Welcome to Hogwarts my dear children, here I offer you sanctuary away from the war."
Ron noted how Dumbledore didn't treat them like children. These children had faced horrors and monsters few could imagine, it would be an insult if Dumbledore sugar-coated their arrival.
Dippet made his way to his seat at the center of the teachers table. The trio stepped beside the rest of the students, who seemed to less than eager to try and make their acquaintance.
Soon the Hogwarts staff had arrived, taking their seats at the teachers table, appearing calm and collected. Harry recalled how certain he was that one of the professors were claiming resignation on account of a missing quill that morning.
Dumbledore presented the sorting hat, which looked as old as ever. It was here that Harry tuned out the professors words. He noted a young girl, probably third year walk forward to the seat, wearing an eyepatch over her right eye. Harry didn't know what he was going to do in the snake den. Even though they agreed they weren't pushing Riddle down the grand staircase, he was certain Ron would approve Harry try and smother the head boy while he slept. He could put up with Hermione's scolding for that.
Three more students' names were called as Harry stared at the hourglasses behind the teachers. How many points was murdering a head boy worth? He mused to himself, would he garner points on account of him being a future dark lord?
"Hermione Granger." Dumbledore called with a smile. Hermione got to keep her last name, on the basis that no one would know her family. She could easily claim half-blood status to avoid any attention or prejudice. It was the forty's after all, who knew how bad the muggleborns were treated around this time.
Dumbledore set the hat on her head and Ron already knew they would be there awhile. He shifted about in his boredom, a minute passed, two more and he was poking Harry in the ribs trying to make the boy who lived laugh and garner the entire Hogwarts teaching councils attention.
"Let it be…"The Hats aged voice called out, startling the rooms occupants, "Slytherin!" Ron's jaw hit the ground as Harry gaped. Just what did Hermione say to the Hat?! She never mentioned she would try and sway the hat in any way.
Hermione lifted the hat with a knowing nod, "Thank you." Hermione politely smiled, handing the hat back to Dumbledore, she proudly made her way to the snake's empty table. She looked over to the teacher's table at the sound of light applause, Slughorn clapping the loudest of all.
"Ronald Williams." Ron stepped up with determination, his eyes ablaze as the hat covered his eyes. Ron would pass as a half-blood as well, considering any pure blood name would raise questions. Especially when Septimus was already a resident of Hogwarts and had claimed the Weasley name.
Harry looked over his shoulder to Hermione who was looking up at the enchanted ceiling. "She was taken with the magic of it" The voice whispered to Harry, causing him to frown. In the days that past it seemed to have grown louder rather than quieter. None the less its words made Harry jump back to the first time he entered the hall, recalling Hermione account her knowledge of the ceilings mirage.
Harry turned back to Ron in time to see the hats mouth begin to op-"OH NO YOU DON'T!" Ron yelled as he clutched the cloth of the hat, preventing it from speaking. Another moment of silence and odd confusion passed before Ron let the hat go, a smile forming on his lips.
"Just send the child to Slytherin, please for the love of Merlin!" The hat's tired voice called out as a series of scattered polite applause ensued. Once again Slughorn clapped the loudest, accepting his winnings from a frowning Anand.
"Harry Mortimer" Harry got the oddest name of all, a 'parting gift' Madam Anand called it with a laugh. It seemed to be an inside joke with herself. None the less, Dippet accepted it with ease. Harry stepped up to the seat, sighting a grinning Slughorn who threw Harry a thumbs up, before he turned in his seat, the Hat covering his eyes.
'Hello there.' The hats tired voice rang through Harry's mind, 'I take it you're the one those lions have walked into a snake pit for?'
'Hello…again?' Harry asked feeling eleven again and exposed with the Hats laughter echoing in his mind. 'They put up quite the fight I take it?'
'You haven't the faintest idea…' The hat trailed off as it inspected Harry's mind out of curiosity. 'Ah, I have already sorted you as well? I see it in your memory. Determined you were then, now however I see acceptance?' The hat asked curiously, his voice fading as Harry began to speak.
'It seems like a useless fight.' He physically shrugged wondering if the Hat could see it, 'I don't have the best luck when it comes to these sorts of things…'
'You never do Mr. Potter…shall I spare us three any further waste of time?' The hat sighed in a tired manner, 'Please don't grab my silks like that other hooligan, and I hate wrinkles especially at my age.'
'Wait what-'
"Slytherin!"
Professor Slughorn leaped from his chair with raucous applause, Madam Anand pulling him down to his seat, apologizing to her colleague's curious stares. Dumbledore laughed softly as he whispered to Harry, "It seems I have lost my lion cubs this time around?"
"Sorry professor, sometimes things aren't destined to be repeated…" He handed the hat back to Dumbledore and made his way to the forbidden table. Harry wondered over the hats words. The thoughts were squeezed away from him as he soon found himself enveloped in a bear hug from Ron.
"Told you we wouldn't be leaving you alone!" He spoke as he sat Harry on the other side of Hermione, "If you have to put up with evil incarnate, then naturally you're gonna count us in too!" He made his way back to his seat.
Dumbledore set the hat on the seat and made his way bring in the First years. The moment he opened the doors, a sea of students entered, and the older years passed the deputy headmaster with smiles and greetings.
"Ah Miss Pinkle! How wonderful to see you!" He called out a series of names and greetings as he moved through the crowd, "Fizzersnap Mr. Yowl! I hope you've found those missing trousers of yours since last year!"
Hermione smiled to Harry with an amused grin, watching the students walk in with their friends and make their way to their house tables, completely unfazed by the new students already sorted. Slughorn did mention how common this was during the war…
"How on earth did you two threaten a magical old hat?" Harry began, happy to be facing away from the entrance as he looked at Hermione's grey and Ron's purple eye. For once, he didn't want to be aware of his surroundings. If he was lucky maybe Riddle would write him off as uninteresting and go on with his weird immortality plans.
"Oh I explained how we got here in the first place, the hat saw my memories of the future and agreed with me. So here I am, a lion in snake-skin." She smiled, rubbing her temples, her eyes scanning the crowd.
"I was almost sent to the puffs!" Ron began, crossing his arms over himself, "something about being loyal and a true friend, what absolute garbage." He absent mindedly played with Hermione's hands as he continued, unaware of how red she had gone, "What about you? That hat give you any trouble?"
Harry thought back to the hats conversation…three? Just who was three? "Went brilliant." He decided the moment the voice became more present was the moment he'd tell them. "Threw me right to the snakes the moment it saw my memories." Hearing a voice seemed silly when compared to Hermione's reality attacks. He knew it would eventually fade away.
A tall young girl with long brown hair sat down across the trio catching their attention. The hall was filling fast. She smiled and nodded to them before folding her lap as she looked over the teacher's table. Hermione nodded back and turned to Harry, her face still red, "I just realized we don't know what…" She glanced to the student across them, "…what he looks like?"
Ron leaned across Hermione to whisper to Harry, letting go of her hands he covered his mouth, being clearly unsuspicious, "I'm imagining Moldy in one of those cheap wigs that's missing half its hair." He announced causing Hermione and Harry to snort and laugh amongst themselves. The tables were soon filling and more students sat across the trio, either nodding in greeting or scoffing at their presence.
Dumbledore had appeared again, the remaining higher years moving about with prefects sending them to their seats. Behind him, the first years followed like ducklings, some staring at the professors eccentric robes or looking up to the enchanted ceiling.
Harry wondered if his friends and he would ever feel that awe again. Not just for Hogwarts, but for anything. He looked to the Gryffindor's table, the loud chatter emanating from their own prefects, Harry listened down the Slytherin table, whispers and soft laughter was heard. It seemed silly now to Harry, the house politics. Someone sat beside Harry. After everything he had endured, separate houses opinions seemed trivial and childish.
Hermione and Ron were watching Dumbledore begin the official sorting ceremony, he leaned his head on the palm of his hand, and feeling tired with the weight of…everything really.
Ron leaned closer in again and whispered to Hermione, "Oi, I bet they're a puff that one." He pointed to the tiny boy making his way to the seat, a ball of nerves.
"That's a raven, actually" The girl across them whispered back with a small smile. Ron shook his head as the hat covered the boy's eyes.
"Can't be. Look at him, he's shaking, the poor thing" Ron leaned forward to her as Hermione looked to the boy.
"I agree with you," She nodded to the girl, "He's a raven,"
"Nonsense you lot, watch and see-"
"Ravenclaw!" The hat called out as Ron's face fell and the Ravenclaw table broke out into applause.
"How'd you two guess that!?" His whisper shouted over their claps, looking at the Slytherin girl with weary eyes."
"He had a book in his hand." The girl laughed into her robes sleeves before Hermione joined in at the sight of Ron's red face.
The next two students were sorted as Hermione assessed the girl in front of them, "I'm Hermione, by the way." She extended an arm over the table in greeting.
Harry's tired eyes widened slightly as he realized his friends probably dropped their house politics as well.
"I am Emily" She whispered, looking down at the wooden bench, shaking Hermione's hand. Harry also noted that she didn't ask for Hermione's surname.
Ron crossed his arms leaning forward to Emily, "I'm Ronald, and that…"He pointed to another child under the hat, "…is a lion."
Emily and Hermione looked over the child, "Slytherin." They both called out in time with the Hat. Hermione laughed at Ron's red face, Harry even laughed into his hand while clapping for the first year joining their table.
"I will get one of them!" Ron announced, pointing to the first years with determination, his actions eliciting a laugh from Emily.
"I am sure you will Ronald." She smiled as they continued their game.
Harry tuned them out at this point. His smile falling away. A weight settled over his shoulders. Somewhere down this table, Voldemort was clapping for the first year that was now a Slytherin. On top of that he had to deal with the voice in his head. He knew Ron and Hermione wouldn't be happy with his silence on the subject but to him it was justified. Their ailments were more sever, and ever since Ron's magical narcolepsy went away, there was no telling what would replace it.
A blue monarch butterfly fluttered in front of harry. Floating in circles, Harry found the insect's pattern to be relaxing to his troubled mind as his eyes followed its path. The dainty insect settled on the clasped hands of Harry's neighbor. Harry shifted his head to trace his eyes over the intricate wing patterns. The activity calming. The butterfly twisted in circles and Harry wondered why his neighbor hadn't shooed the bug away. He decided to take a page from his friend's book and actually socialize during his time imprisonment.
He spotted a ring on his neighbors hand, "Nice ring…" his muffled voice called out into his hand, not really knowing how to converse with someone from the 1940s. A memory tickled in the back of Harry's mind but felt hazy for a reason he could not perceive.
"Thank you," A smooth baritone voice answered him, lifting his hand with the butterfly. Harry's eyebrows furrowed. "it's an old family heirloom." Something inside Harry froze.
"By the way there's no need to look so glum, I assure you. Slytherin isn't as bad as everyone makes it out to be, that goes for the students as well." The figure raised his hand to Harry, the one still carrying the dancing monarch. Harry summoned his Gryffindor courage and looked up to red eyes, "Welcome to Slytherin."
Tom Riddle smiled.
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I hope you enjoyed this chapter that was full of Easter eggs and foreshadowing Óô
who knows how Harry will react?
I'd love to hear your thoughts on everything it honestly makes my day :)