Disclaimer: Any possibility of me owning Harry Potter is completely bogus.
Please do not think that I really own him. Everything you recognize is
owned by the great talented JKR. Again, that's not me.
Summary: Sequel to Living At Hogwarts. Harry, Draco and Jem are starting their first year as students at Hogwarts. Who will they meet? Friends? Enemies? And sometimes, they feel they are living only to die. READ!
AN This is the sequel to Living At Hogwarts. If you haven't read that, please do so, as it will make much more sense if you do. This story will not be slash in any kind, though it will have loads of characters OOC. Please do not flame, as I have many not so nice ways of dealing with them. Enjoy!
"^^blah-blah^^" = Elfish
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Chapter 2
"So let me get this straight," Harry said slowly, looking at Minerva McGonagal in confusion. "You want us to ride on the Hogwarts express, even though we're already at school. And you want us to spend the night in the Leaky Cauldron and take a taxi to the train station?"
Minerva nodded. "I know it sounds strange," she said hastily, "but think of it this way. If you're already at school when the rest of the first years arrive, they'll think of you as upperclassmen. . . we just think of it better this way."
Harry sighed and looked over at Draco and Jem. "I guess it's okay," he said slowly. But all our stuff is already going to be here right?"
The Transfiguration teacher smiled. "Yes, you won't have to lug your things around outside of school. But that does bring up another question. Are you going to continue living with Severus, or move into a dorm?"
"I'll have to get back to you on that one," Harry whispered.
--oo00oo--
"^^So you guys want to live in the dorms?^^" Harry asked after he and his friends flooed into the Leaky Cauldron later that day.
"^^Yeah,^^" Jem nodded, "^^think of it this way Harry. It's very likely that all of us are going to be in the same dorm, so we're just closer together. And if we aren't in the same one, it won't really be any different.^^"
Harry nodded; strangely he could understand her logic. The dark haired boy walked up to the counter. "We'd like two rooms please," he said to Tom, the toothless bartender, "preferably with an adjoining door? Thanks," he added as Tom handed him a key and smiled.
The three kids walked up to their room and flopped down on one of the beds. They sat up talking for most of the night.
The next morning, a ministry cab picked them up and brought them to Kings Cross station, and together they tackled platform 9 and ¾.
Harry was awed when he first saw the large train. Scarlet steam engine with smoke billowing out of its chimney. People milling around, first years (who were easily identified because of their scared faces and continual screaming) through seventh (who greeted the three like old friends). Parents frowned at their lack of parental figures but didn't say anything.
"^^Let's get on the train,^^" Draco suggested, looking around and frowning, "^^it's way too loud out here.^^"
Inside the train wasn't too much better, but Draco didn't bother complaining. Soon enough the train left the station and started on the four hour long journey to Hogwarts. Suddenly, the door opened and two identical red-heads popped in.
"I see you three made it," Fred Weasley grinned.
"We were hoping you would be here," George added, "we wanted you to meet our brother, Ron."
Another red head entered the compartment, and Draco immediately groaned. "^^Not him,^^" he moaned, "^^anybody but him. . . I'd rather eat a hippogriff them see him again!^^"
Jem giggled.
"Hi," the new boy said, somewhat pompously. "I'm Ron Weasley." He had a bit of dirt on his nose, and an air of pride that was semi-covered up with arrogance.
Behind him the Weasley twins rolled their eyes and right in front of him the trio exchanged glances and started talking immediately in Elfish. Ron frowned and turned to glare at his brothers, who shrugged and walked away, grinning madly.
Finally Harry looked up. "This is Jem Grazer," he said, pointing at Jem, "and Draco Malfoy. And I'm Harry Potter."
"Are you really?" Ron asked distantly, as though he had better things to do.
"^^No,^^" Draco muttered, "^^he just says that to make people think he is.^^"
Jem sighed, and looking at her friends she asked. "^^Is it just me, or is this guy really annoying?^^"
"^^It's not just you,^^" Harry muttered, before turning back to Ron. "^^I'm getting that vibe too.^^"
But the red-head wasn't looking at Harry anymore, he was looking at Draco, a look of angry realization on his face. "You," he growled, "you're the one who knocked me over!"
Draco rolled his eyes. "Are you still on about that?" He asked coldly, disinterestedly picking a piece of non-existence fluff off of his shirt. "Well then I'm sorry to tell you that you're a little out of the times, as that happened over a month ago. You've got dirt on your nose, by the way," he added, snickering, "did you know?"
Ron practically growled, his whole face turning red. But without anything to snap back at Draco, he simply turned on his heal and stalked out of the compartment.
The moment he left, Jem jumped up and gave Draco a big hug. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" She squealed, "He was so annoying, I didn't think I could stand his presence any longer!" Draco choked from the force of her hug.
"Your welcome, Jem," he gasped, "but could you please let go of me?"
Jem let go and sat back down in her seat, grinning broadly. At that moment, a smiling woman passed their compartment pushing a cart laded with candy and treats.
"Anything off the trolley dears?" she asked.
Harry dug into his pocked for his money. "A bit of everything please," he said, handing her the money.
"Thanks Harry," Jem and Draco grinned, before diving after the candy he had laid down on the only empty seat. Three and a half hours later, all the candy had been eaten and a girl walked into the still open compartment door, and looked at them all.
"Excuse me," he said softly, "has anyone seen a toad? A boy named Neville's lost one. . ." Her eyes widened. "Jem!" She cried, instantly recognizing the girl.
"Hermione," Jem smiled, beckoning for the other girl to sit down. Hermione did so and smiled at the two boys in the compartment. "Hermione, these are my friends, Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter."
"Harry Potter?" Hermione asked, her eyes widening. "I've read all about you. You're in three different books that I've seen!"
"I'm actually in twenty-seven so far," Harry smiled. "But trust me, they've all got the same thing written in them, so there's really no point in reading them all."
"I thought it was twenty-eight," Draco said frowning, the leg of a chocolate frog hanging out of his mouth.
"Nope, it's only twenty-seven."
Hermione laughed before looking at Draco. "And you must be the boy that that red-head was muttering about," she smiled. "I heard that you tripped him or something."
"About a month ago," Draco laughed. "Geez, I can't believe he's still on about that! Stupid maltu {1} that he is. . ."
"Draco!" Jem gasped.
Draco grinned sheepishly. "Sorry, Jem, but he really is!"
Harry shook his head. "Don't mind them," he said to Hermione, who was staring at the three of them strangely. "They've always had a weird display of fighting going on. It actually gets rather amusing after a while."
Hermione shook her head. "Well, I promised Neville that I'd help him find his toad. You should be putting on your robes, I just talked to the conductor, and he said we'll be arriving soon."
"I like her," Draco declared after Hermione had left the compartment.
--oo00oo--
"First-years, this way! Come on first-years, don't be shy!"
"Hi Hagrid!"
"Hello you three, ready to be sorted? Know what house you'll be in?"
"What ever house that maltu isn't in, I'm happy."
"Draco!"
"WHAT?!"
Harry sighed and started following Hagrid, trying desperately to ignore his friends. Spotting Hermione slightly ahead, he called out her name and jogged to catch up. The two of them climbed into a boat, closely followed by Draco and Jem, and they were off.
"Anyone loose a toad? You there! Is this your toad?"
"Trevor!"
"Guess that's a 'yes'," Draco whispered to his friends, before they all started up the trek to the castle. "Ah home," he smiled.
This time Jem sighed, and they silently followed Minerva into the school to the Entrance hall. They listened patiently while she gave her usual 'Welcome to Hogwarts' speech. Before watching as she disappeared into the hall. Moments later she was back, and motioned for them all to line up and follow her into the hall.
She led them straight up to the three legged stool where the sorting hat was perched.
"See the ceiling?" Jem whispered to Hermione, "It's bewitched to look like the outside sky."
Hermione looked up and gasped, amazement in the sound. "Wow. . ."
"Now when I call your name, you shall come forth- I shall place the Sorting Hat on your head, and you shall be sorted into your houses." She looked around to see if everyone understood before unrolling her long piece of paper. "Abbott, Hannah!"
A small girl with pig-tails slowly walked up to the stool and sat down. While Hannah was being sorted, Harry was looking up at the teachers table, smiling at them all. But when his eyes landed on Professor Quirrell, who had taken Sirius' place this year, a sharp pain shot through his head. He winced, but otherwise hid his pain.
Finally, it was Hermione's turn to be sorted. She practically ran up to the stool and eagerly jammed the hat on her head.
"Gryffindor!"
Then it was Jem's turn.
"Gryffindor!"
A boy named Gregory Goyle was next, (Hufflepuff!) And then Neville Longbottem (Gryffindor!) was after him.
Then it was Draco's turn.
"Gryffindor!"
Finally, it was Harry's turn. He slowly walked up to the stool and slipped the hat over his head.
"Ah, Mr. Potter. Nice to finally see the inside of your mind. You do understand that you are perfectly able to go into any house. You have every quality for each of them. Some stronger then others, of course. . . maybe you wouldn't be so great in Hufflepuff, as you aren't exactly patient, but still..." the hat 'hummed, "but in contrast, you would be great in Slytherin- but still, do you have a preference?"
Harry smiled internally. //Gryffindor?// He requested of the hat.
"Gryffindor!"
The Gryffindor table let out loud cheers as Harry joined them.
"Great job, Harry," Draco laughed, "really great. I'm glad that I don't have to suffer in this house with Jem alone."
Jem pouted and Harry laughed before they all turned back to the sorting. By this time, a great number of the first year students had been sorted already, and only Ron Weasley and a few other students were left. Then, Ron was called.
"^^Not Gryffindor,^^" Harry and Draco chanted silently, with Jem squeezing her eyes shut, her fingers crossed. "^^Not Gryffindor. . .^^"
"Slytherin!"
The three of them let out a sign of relief before listening to Albus when he stood up to give out the start of term announcements. After that, they dug in to their meal and left for the teachers table.
"Congratulations, you three," Minerva beamed at them. "I'm very proud of you. Can't do any better then Gryffindor." There was a twinkle in her eyes as she shot a look down to Severus, who seemed to be pouting.
"Thank you, grandmamma," Draco smiled, kissing her cheek good-night. She ruffled his hair and pushed him towards Severus and pulled Harry and Jem towards her.
They all said their good-nights before catching up with Hermione and heading up to the Gryffindor dormitories. After that, it was a simple process of debating over beds before they sank into an exhausted sleep.
--oo00oo--
Classes were more or less what the trio expected them to be. Considering how many they had sat in on in the years before. In each class their grades, including Hermione's, went to the top and stayed there.
In beginning transfiguration, the class was given a strict talking to before they took numerous pages of notes. Finally they were each given a match and told to change it into a needle. Only Harry and Hermione managed to complete the task, though Draco and Jem came close.
In their first potions lesson, with Slytherin's as the case was, was actually quite humorous.
The door slammed open, and Severus stalked inside. The whole class, save the trio jumped. Then the man proceeded to give them a stern speech.
"There will be no foolish wand waving or silly incantations in this class. As such, I don't expect many of you to appreciate the exact art and subtle silence that is potion making. However, for those select few who maintain the disposition," he paused, his eyes flashing over to where Harry, Draco and Jem were sitting, right in the front row, before continuing. "I can teach you to bottle fame, brew glory and even put a stopper in death."
He paused as a whisper was heard from the back of the room. "Then again," he snapped, "perhaps some of you have come to Hogwarts with skills so formidable that you find it excusable to NOT PAY ATTENTITION!!"
The whisper stopped and Severus made his way to the back of the room.
"Mr. Weasley," he said silkily, "our own Minister's son. . . tell me, what would you get if I added powdered root of Asphodel to an infusion of Wormwood?"
Ron's mouth dropped open, but Hermione's and Draco's hand shot up.
"You don't know? Well let's try again. Tell me, where would you look if I asked you to find me a beazor?"
Ron started to slump down in his seat.
"And what is the difference between Monkshood and Wolfbane?"
Ron still didn't answer, though he did sent a glare over at Draco and Hermione, who smirked at him in return.
"Mr. Malfoy, would you please answer my questions, seeing as Mr. Weasley cannot?"
Draco swelled with pride. "Asphodel and Wormwood create a sleeping potion known as the Draught of Living Death. A Beazor is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat and can save you from most poisons. And Monkshood and Wolfbane are the same plant, which also goes by the name, 'Acolyte'.
"Very good," the potions master said, a trace of pride in his eyes. "Twenty points to Gryffindor.
Draco smirked at Ron.
They were then set to make a simple potion to cure boils. Draco and Harry quickly completed it, as did Jem and Hermione. Ron however was working with Pansy Parkinson, and they didn't seem to have a clue to what they were doing. Next to them, Neville Longbottem and Seamus Finnegan, two fellow Gryffindor's, weren't having much luck either.
"Idiot boy," Snape sighed, cleaning up Neville's potion mess, and frowning as the poor boy's skin started popping up with boils. "Take him to the hospital wing," he said to Seamus, before whirling on Ron.
"You, Weasley- why didn't you tell him not to add the porcupine quills? Thought you'd look good if you got it right and he didn't did you? Five points from Slytherin!"
Ron growled and made to stand up, but Pansy tugged him back down.
Finally, the class was over and upon leaving Draco smirked at Ron. "Nice performance in class today, Weasley," he taunted. "Amazing how you knew all of the answers."
Ron growled and took a few steps up to Draco. "Shut the hell up," he snapped. "It's not my fault you don't have any parents and were therefore punished by living inside this dump."
Draco snarled and Harry had to hold him back.
"Back off, Ginger," he shouted. "And next time try not to hit down below the belt. . . if you know what's good for you."
Ron frowned at Harry. "I wouldn't give me lessons on etiquette, Potter," he said threateningly. "Seeing as how you aren't much better." He actually grinned. "It's the parentless trio, hah!"
This time, Draco Jem had to hold Harry back.
"You take that back!" Harry shouted, "You low life scum! TAKE THAT BACK!" Harry started struggling against Jem. "^^Let me go! Let me kill him! Nobody insults us like that, LET ME GO!^^"
But they wouldn't let him go. And at that moment, Severus came out into the hall, a scowl on his face.
"Harry!" He snapped, "What do you think you are doing?"
"He insulted them," Hermione explained softly. "About not having parents."
Severus snarled. "Mr. Weasley, twenty points from Slytherin, and detention with Mr. Filch. And if I hear that you insult these four ever again, I'll see that you're punished as /I/ see fit."
He then beckoned for the four Gryffindor's to follow him into his office.
"Harry," he said, forcing the boy into a chair. "I know that those words hurt, but you've been raised to know better then that. I know you have. And Draco, I know that you don't like that boy, but that is no reason to provoke him like that. Next time, just let it lie."
The two boys lowered their heads. "Sorry Severus," they said in unison.
"Now," Severus smiled, "why don't you introduce me to your friend. She seems very intelligent. Minerva said that she actually managed a complete transfiguration today."
"With Harry's help," Hermione admitted. "I'm Hermione Granger, and your lesson was very interesting, Professor. I liked it very much."
Severus smiled before looking at his clock. "Time for dinner," he announced, "and I hear that tonight's menu is ham and pea soup- one of my all-time favorites." His eyes twinkled.
Harry made a face.
--oo00oo--
"I think that this soup is cursed." Harry announced, stabbing it rather viciously with his spoon.
"Potter, Grazer," A voice called from the other end of the table. "I wanted to have a word with you."
Oliver Wood, the Gryffindor Quidditch captain walked over and smiled at the two of them.
"I've just received word from Katie Bell that her injury is going to put her out of it for about a year. Jem, would you like to take her place? I know it's only for the year, but I think you would make an excellent addition to our team."
Jem nodded, her eyes sparkling.
"And Harry, we definitely need a seeker. You know that Charlie Weasley left last year, and you were better at age eight then he was at seventeen."
Harry laughed, "Cool!" He laughed. "I'd love to be on the team!"
Oliver smiled. "Great. Practice is tomorrow at seven. Don't be late."
The two nodded.
"And I believe that you both have your own brooms. . . what kind were they again?"
"A Nimbus 2000," Harry said proudly.
"Me too," Jem smiled.
Oliver's eyes glowed. "Great," he said, "I'll see you two at practice. Don't be late!" He walked away, a new bounce in his step. And Draco turned to Harry excitedly.
"And you see Ginger's face when he sees the two of you on the team? He'll probably die with envy!"
AN So, thanks to everyone who has reviewed so far. I love you all! And to answer some questions, (which this chapter didn't answer) yes, the snake Harry rescued will be a part of the story, but whether or not he's important, hasn't been decided.
PS To whoever asked, because you didn't leave a name. This is NOT going to be a slash story. They're just friends, nearly brothers because they've lived together for so long.
And also. . .
{1} A Maltu is a word that I made up. It's an elfish word that basically means something around the lines of 'prat' or 'bastard' take your pick. Either way, it's something incredibly insulting.
.
Summary: Sequel to Living At Hogwarts. Harry, Draco and Jem are starting their first year as students at Hogwarts. Who will they meet? Friends? Enemies? And sometimes, they feel they are living only to die. READ!
AN This is the sequel to Living At Hogwarts. If you haven't read that, please do so, as it will make much more sense if you do. This story will not be slash in any kind, though it will have loads of characters OOC. Please do not flame, as I have many not so nice ways of dealing with them. Enjoy!
"^^blah-blah^^" = Elfish
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Chapter 2
"So let me get this straight," Harry said slowly, looking at Minerva McGonagal in confusion. "You want us to ride on the Hogwarts express, even though we're already at school. And you want us to spend the night in the Leaky Cauldron and take a taxi to the train station?"
Minerva nodded. "I know it sounds strange," she said hastily, "but think of it this way. If you're already at school when the rest of the first years arrive, they'll think of you as upperclassmen. . . we just think of it better this way."
Harry sighed and looked over at Draco and Jem. "I guess it's okay," he said slowly. But all our stuff is already going to be here right?"
The Transfiguration teacher smiled. "Yes, you won't have to lug your things around outside of school. But that does bring up another question. Are you going to continue living with Severus, or move into a dorm?"
"I'll have to get back to you on that one," Harry whispered.
--oo00oo--
"^^So you guys want to live in the dorms?^^" Harry asked after he and his friends flooed into the Leaky Cauldron later that day.
"^^Yeah,^^" Jem nodded, "^^think of it this way Harry. It's very likely that all of us are going to be in the same dorm, so we're just closer together. And if we aren't in the same one, it won't really be any different.^^"
Harry nodded; strangely he could understand her logic. The dark haired boy walked up to the counter. "We'd like two rooms please," he said to Tom, the toothless bartender, "preferably with an adjoining door? Thanks," he added as Tom handed him a key and smiled.
The three kids walked up to their room and flopped down on one of the beds. They sat up talking for most of the night.
The next morning, a ministry cab picked them up and brought them to Kings Cross station, and together they tackled platform 9 and ¾.
Harry was awed when he first saw the large train. Scarlet steam engine with smoke billowing out of its chimney. People milling around, first years (who were easily identified because of their scared faces and continual screaming) through seventh (who greeted the three like old friends). Parents frowned at their lack of parental figures but didn't say anything.
"^^Let's get on the train,^^" Draco suggested, looking around and frowning, "^^it's way too loud out here.^^"
Inside the train wasn't too much better, but Draco didn't bother complaining. Soon enough the train left the station and started on the four hour long journey to Hogwarts. Suddenly, the door opened and two identical red-heads popped in.
"I see you three made it," Fred Weasley grinned.
"We were hoping you would be here," George added, "we wanted you to meet our brother, Ron."
Another red head entered the compartment, and Draco immediately groaned. "^^Not him,^^" he moaned, "^^anybody but him. . . I'd rather eat a hippogriff them see him again!^^"
Jem giggled.
"Hi," the new boy said, somewhat pompously. "I'm Ron Weasley." He had a bit of dirt on his nose, and an air of pride that was semi-covered up with arrogance.
Behind him the Weasley twins rolled their eyes and right in front of him the trio exchanged glances and started talking immediately in Elfish. Ron frowned and turned to glare at his brothers, who shrugged and walked away, grinning madly.
Finally Harry looked up. "This is Jem Grazer," he said, pointing at Jem, "and Draco Malfoy. And I'm Harry Potter."
"Are you really?" Ron asked distantly, as though he had better things to do.
"^^No,^^" Draco muttered, "^^he just says that to make people think he is.^^"
Jem sighed, and looking at her friends she asked. "^^Is it just me, or is this guy really annoying?^^"
"^^It's not just you,^^" Harry muttered, before turning back to Ron. "^^I'm getting that vibe too.^^"
But the red-head wasn't looking at Harry anymore, he was looking at Draco, a look of angry realization on his face. "You," he growled, "you're the one who knocked me over!"
Draco rolled his eyes. "Are you still on about that?" He asked coldly, disinterestedly picking a piece of non-existence fluff off of his shirt. "Well then I'm sorry to tell you that you're a little out of the times, as that happened over a month ago. You've got dirt on your nose, by the way," he added, snickering, "did you know?"
Ron practically growled, his whole face turning red. But without anything to snap back at Draco, he simply turned on his heal and stalked out of the compartment.
The moment he left, Jem jumped up and gave Draco a big hug. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" She squealed, "He was so annoying, I didn't think I could stand his presence any longer!" Draco choked from the force of her hug.
"Your welcome, Jem," he gasped, "but could you please let go of me?"
Jem let go and sat back down in her seat, grinning broadly. At that moment, a smiling woman passed their compartment pushing a cart laded with candy and treats.
"Anything off the trolley dears?" she asked.
Harry dug into his pocked for his money. "A bit of everything please," he said, handing her the money.
"Thanks Harry," Jem and Draco grinned, before diving after the candy he had laid down on the only empty seat. Three and a half hours later, all the candy had been eaten and a girl walked into the still open compartment door, and looked at them all.
"Excuse me," he said softly, "has anyone seen a toad? A boy named Neville's lost one. . ." Her eyes widened. "Jem!" She cried, instantly recognizing the girl.
"Hermione," Jem smiled, beckoning for the other girl to sit down. Hermione did so and smiled at the two boys in the compartment. "Hermione, these are my friends, Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter."
"Harry Potter?" Hermione asked, her eyes widening. "I've read all about you. You're in three different books that I've seen!"
"I'm actually in twenty-seven so far," Harry smiled. "But trust me, they've all got the same thing written in them, so there's really no point in reading them all."
"I thought it was twenty-eight," Draco said frowning, the leg of a chocolate frog hanging out of his mouth.
"Nope, it's only twenty-seven."
Hermione laughed before looking at Draco. "And you must be the boy that that red-head was muttering about," she smiled. "I heard that you tripped him or something."
"About a month ago," Draco laughed. "Geez, I can't believe he's still on about that! Stupid maltu {1} that he is. . ."
"Draco!" Jem gasped.
Draco grinned sheepishly. "Sorry, Jem, but he really is!"
Harry shook his head. "Don't mind them," he said to Hermione, who was staring at the three of them strangely. "They've always had a weird display of fighting going on. It actually gets rather amusing after a while."
Hermione shook her head. "Well, I promised Neville that I'd help him find his toad. You should be putting on your robes, I just talked to the conductor, and he said we'll be arriving soon."
"I like her," Draco declared after Hermione had left the compartment.
--oo00oo--
"First-years, this way! Come on first-years, don't be shy!"
"Hi Hagrid!"
"Hello you three, ready to be sorted? Know what house you'll be in?"
"What ever house that maltu isn't in, I'm happy."
"Draco!"
"WHAT?!"
Harry sighed and started following Hagrid, trying desperately to ignore his friends. Spotting Hermione slightly ahead, he called out her name and jogged to catch up. The two of them climbed into a boat, closely followed by Draco and Jem, and they were off.
"Anyone loose a toad? You there! Is this your toad?"
"Trevor!"
"Guess that's a 'yes'," Draco whispered to his friends, before they all started up the trek to the castle. "Ah home," he smiled.
This time Jem sighed, and they silently followed Minerva into the school to the Entrance hall. They listened patiently while she gave her usual 'Welcome to Hogwarts' speech. Before watching as she disappeared into the hall. Moments later she was back, and motioned for them all to line up and follow her into the hall.
She led them straight up to the three legged stool where the sorting hat was perched.
"See the ceiling?" Jem whispered to Hermione, "It's bewitched to look like the outside sky."
Hermione looked up and gasped, amazement in the sound. "Wow. . ."
"Now when I call your name, you shall come forth- I shall place the Sorting Hat on your head, and you shall be sorted into your houses." She looked around to see if everyone understood before unrolling her long piece of paper. "Abbott, Hannah!"
A small girl with pig-tails slowly walked up to the stool and sat down. While Hannah was being sorted, Harry was looking up at the teachers table, smiling at them all. But when his eyes landed on Professor Quirrell, who had taken Sirius' place this year, a sharp pain shot through his head. He winced, but otherwise hid his pain.
Finally, it was Hermione's turn to be sorted. She practically ran up to the stool and eagerly jammed the hat on her head.
"Gryffindor!"
Then it was Jem's turn.
"Gryffindor!"
A boy named Gregory Goyle was next, (Hufflepuff!) And then Neville Longbottem (Gryffindor!) was after him.
Then it was Draco's turn.
"Gryffindor!"
Finally, it was Harry's turn. He slowly walked up to the stool and slipped the hat over his head.
"Ah, Mr. Potter. Nice to finally see the inside of your mind. You do understand that you are perfectly able to go into any house. You have every quality for each of them. Some stronger then others, of course. . . maybe you wouldn't be so great in Hufflepuff, as you aren't exactly patient, but still..." the hat 'hummed, "but in contrast, you would be great in Slytherin- but still, do you have a preference?"
Harry smiled internally. //Gryffindor?// He requested of the hat.
"Gryffindor!"
The Gryffindor table let out loud cheers as Harry joined them.
"Great job, Harry," Draco laughed, "really great. I'm glad that I don't have to suffer in this house with Jem alone."
Jem pouted and Harry laughed before they all turned back to the sorting. By this time, a great number of the first year students had been sorted already, and only Ron Weasley and a few other students were left. Then, Ron was called.
"^^Not Gryffindor,^^" Harry and Draco chanted silently, with Jem squeezing her eyes shut, her fingers crossed. "^^Not Gryffindor. . .^^"
"Slytherin!"
The three of them let out a sign of relief before listening to Albus when he stood up to give out the start of term announcements. After that, they dug in to their meal and left for the teachers table.
"Congratulations, you three," Minerva beamed at them. "I'm very proud of you. Can't do any better then Gryffindor." There was a twinkle in her eyes as she shot a look down to Severus, who seemed to be pouting.
"Thank you, grandmamma," Draco smiled, kissing her cheek good-night. She ruffled his hair and pushed him towards Severus and pulled Harry and Jem towards her.
They all said their good-nights before catching up with Hermione and heading up to the Gryffindor dormitories. After that, it was a simple process of debating over beds before they sank into an exhausted sleep.
--oo00oo--
Classes were more or less what the trio expected them to be. Considering how many they had sat in on in the years before. In each class their grades, including Hermione's, went to the top and stayed there.
In beginning transfiguration, the class was given a strict talking to before they took numerous pages of notes. Finally they were each given a match and told to change it into a needle. Only Harry and Hermione managed to complete the task, though Draco and Jem came close.
In their first potions lesson, with Slytherin's as the case was, was actually quite humorous.
The door slammed open, and Severus stalked inside. The whole class, save the trio jumped. Then the man proceeded to give them a stern speech.
"There will be no foolish wand waving or silly incantations in this class. As such, I don't expect many of you to appreciate the exact art and subtle silence that is potion making. However, for those select few who maintain the disposition," he paused, his eyes flashing over to where Harry, Draco and Jem were sitting, right in the front row, before continuing. "I can teach you to bottle fame, brew glory and even put a stopper in death."
He paused as a whisper was heard from the back of the room. "Then again," he snapped, "perhaps some of you have come to Hogwarts with skills so formidable that you find it excusable to NOT PAY ATTENTITION!!"
The whisper stopped and Severus made his way to the back of the room.
"Mr. Weasley," he said silkily, "our own Minister's son. . . tell me, what would you get if I added powdered root of Asphodel to an infusion of Wormwood?"
Ron's mouth dropped open, but Hermione's and Draco's hand shot up.
"You don't know? Well let's try again. Tell me, where would you look if I asked you to find me a beazor?"
Ron started to slump down in his seat.
"And what is the difference between Monkshood and Wolfbane?"
Ron still didn't answer, though he did sent a glare over at Draco and Hermione, who smirked at him in return.
"Mr. Malfoy, would you please answer my questions, seeing as Mr. Weasley cannot?"
Draco swelled with pride. "Asphodel and Wormwood create a sleeping potion known as the Draught of Living Death. A Beazor is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat and can save you from most poisons. And Monkshood and Wolfbane are the same plant, which also goes by the name, 'Acolyte'.
"Very good," the potions master said, a trace of pride in his eyes. "Twenty points to Gryffindor.
Draco smirked at Ron.
They were then set to make a simple potion to cure boils. Draco and Harry quickly completed it, as did Jem and Hermione. Ron however was working with Pansy Parkinson, and they didn't seem to have a clue to what they were doing. Next to them, Neville Longbottem and Seamus Finnegan, two fellow Gryffindor's, weren't having much luck either.
"Idiot boy," Snape sighed, cleaning up Neville's potion mess, and frowning as the poor boy's skin started popping up with boils. "Take him to the hospital wing," he said to Seamus, before whirling on Ron.
"You, Weasley- why didn't you tell him not to add the porcupine quills? Thought you'd look good if you got it right and he didn't did you? Five points from Slytherin!"
Ron growled and made to stand up, but Pansy tugged him back down.
Finally, the class was over and upon leaving Draco smirked at Ron. "Nice performance in class today, Weasley," he taunted. "Amazing how you knew all of the answers."
Ron growled and took a few steps up to Draco. "Shut the hell up," he snapped. "It's not my fault you don't have any parents and were therefore punished by living inside this dump."
Draco snarled and Harry had to hold him back.
"Back off, Ginger," he shouted. "And next time try not to hit down below the belt. . . if you know what's good for you."
Ron frowned at Harry. "I wouldn't give me lessons on etiquette, Potter," he said threateningly. "Seeing as how you aren't much better." He actually grinned. "It's the parentless trio, hah!"
This time, Draco Jem had to hold Harry back.
"You take that back!" Harry shouted, "You low life scum! TAKE THAT BACK!" Harry started struggling against Jem. "^^Let me go! Let me kill him! Nobody insults us like that, LET ME GO!^^"
But they wouldn't let him go. And at that moment, Severus came out into the hall, a scowl on his face.
"Harry!" He snapped, "What do you think you are doing?"
"He insulted them," Hermione explained softly. "About not having parents."
Severus snarled. "Mr. Weasley, twenty points from Slytherin, and detention with Mr. Filch. And if I hear that you insult these four ever again, I'll see that you're punished as /I/ see fit."
He then beckoned for the four Gryffindor's to follow him into his office.
"Harry," he said, forcing the boy into a chair. "I know that those words hurt, but you've been raised to know better then that. I know you have. And Draco, I know that you don't like that boy, but that is no reason to provoke him like that. Next time, just let it lie."
The two boys lowered their heads. "Sorry Severus," they said in unison.
"Now," Severus smiled, "why don't you introduce me to your friend. She seems very intelligent. Minerva said that she actually managed a complete transfiguration today."
"With Harry's help," Hermione admitted. "I'm Hermione Granger, and your lesson was very interesting, Professor. I liked it very much."
Severus smiled before looking at his clock. "Time for dinner," he announced, "and I hear that tonight's menu is ham and pea soup- one of my all-time favorites." His eyes twinkled.
Harry made a face.
--oo00oo--
"I think that this soup is cursed." Harry announced, stabbing it rather viciously with his spoon.
"Potter, Grazer," A voice called from the other end of the table. "I wanted to have a word with you."
Oliver Wood, the Gryffindor Quidditch captain walked over and smiled at the two of them.
"I've just received word from Katie Bell that her injury is going to put her out of it for about a year. Jem, would you like to take her place? I know it's only for the year, but I think you would make an excellent addition to our team."
Jem nodded, her eyes sparkling.
"And Harry, we definitely need a seeker. You know that Charlie Weasley left last year, and you were better at age eight then he was at seventeen."
Harry laughed, "Cool!" He laughed. "I'd love to be on the team!"
Oliver smiled. "Great. Practice is tomorrow at seven. Don't be late."
The two nodded.
"And I believe that you both have your own brooms. . . what kind were they again?"
"A Nimbus 2000," Harry said proudly.
"Me too," Jem smiled.
Oliver's eyes glowed. "Great," he said, "I'll see you two at practice. Don't be late!" He walked away, a new bounce in his step. And Draco turned to Harry excitedly.
"And you see Ginger's face when he sees the two of you on the team? He'll probably die with envy!"
AN So, thanks to everyone who has reviewed so far. I love you all! And to answer some questions, (which this chapter didn't answer) yes, the snake Harry rescued will be a part of the story, but whether or not he's important, hasn't been decided.
PS To whoever asked, because you didn't leave a name. This is NOT going to be a slash story. They're just friends, nearly brothers because they've lived together for so long.
And also. . .
{1} A Maltu is a word that I made up. It's an elfish word that basically means something around the lines of 'prat' or 'bastard' take your pick. Either way, it's something incredibly insulting.
.