Chapter 05

• Hogwarts •

Sirius had known what he was doing. It should have been easy. Harry would have simply board the train to Hogwarts and explain everything once he was there. Well, it hadn't exactly turn out that way. Harry and Sirius had gotten to the train station to find that the train had already left, they were too late. Sirius, who had more ways of getting there than he wanted to know, headed back to home to decide the way Harry would be getting to Hogwarts.

The car they had 'borrowed' from the village rattled along. Harry didn't feel very safe in it, it seemed to be held together by a string or two.

Sirius looked down at Harry's sad expression. "We can still get there on time. No worries."

Harry nodded his head and just watched silently hoping the strings didn't break. The drive was very boring so Harry recited the things he planned in his head. A list he had been making to insure he did everything right. Sirius would be freed if it was the only thing he did at Hogwarts. Maybe Hermione could help him. Virginia had already started, he would sent Paka to her for the time being.

Paka was above them. He didn't enjoy a cage very much, which was all the car was really, a big cage. Harry had found Paka was very intelligent, and not just for mail. He could hunt too. It was actually quite entertaining to watch Paka as she sought her prey.

Sirius said something and Harry looked up at him. "Harry. We are going to go to Hogsmeade and get to Hogwarts from there."

Harry nodded. Trips to Hogsmeade, he planned on making a few of them before the year was up. Sirius had told him all about the secret passages and the map. The twins were going to have an encounter with the Marauders before the year was up and Harry would get back the map. If that didn't work he would come forward and ask them to share it with him.

The town became visible as they passed over the rise. Sirius muttered something about checking his list when they stopped at the house. Disappearing he left Harry to continue to wonder if Hogwarts would be different then Sirius had explained. Sirius was excessively imaginative when it came to some of the times at Hogwarts.

Harry personally wondered if what he had said about some of the teachers and the halls were true. He would have to find out for himself. Maybe they wouldn't trust him though. Maybe he wouldn't be accepted. He knew magic already, maybe they wouldn't want him.

When Sirius reappeared out the door he had a parchment in his hands that he was reading. Harry ignored him and wondered how far Sirius was going to go, if he would just drop him off at Hogwarts and allow him to venture through the secret passages himself or if he would guide him to Hogwarts and leave him just before the passage opening. If it was Harry's choice he would take the garden passage, it was the fastest one according to Sirius, large and easy to run in. Harry knew about them all. Sirius rambled on many times about adventures and Harry waited, waited for the right time.

Sirius pulled up in front of the house they had used before. He waited a few minutes then got out of the car and pulled out Harry's baggage. The fire was already roaring when Harry came in. Sirius handed him some Floo powder and simply said. "Hogsmeade."

Harry flicked the powder into the fire and then stepped in pulling his baggage behind him. "Hogsmeade." He was off, on the rollercoaster ride of a lifetime. This trip lasted much longer and had many more twists.

When Harry finally rolled out of the fire he felt queasy. He pulled his trunk away from the fireplace and stood for a minute catching his breath and allowing his head to quit spinning. Sirius appeared behind him looking much more pale and taking deep breaths. Harry smiled, and Sirius grinned back. "Which one shall we take?"

It was the question.

Harry thought it over and still figured the Gardens would be the best path He pointed towards the gardens and started walking there. It was evening but Hogsmeade was as full as it could be, people bustling around between the shops trying to buy things. Only a few people even noticed Harry at all, most likely only because of the space that his trunk and broom were taking up.

Sirius meshed well with the crowd and disappeared several times when Harry glanced back. Harry wasn't worried, the Glamour Chocolate was still in effect and no one would recognize him looking like he did. Harry finally found the side street Sirius had described and walked down it, away from the crowd.

The noise almost completely vanished in just a few moments and Harry entered into the garden gates. It was amazing that so few people actually came here, it was so beautiful. Harry walked down the path to a far wall and awaited Sirius.

Sirius seemed to be in a fantastic mood when he finally entered a few minutes later. The grin was enough to tell Harry that Sirius missed the wizarding world just as much as Harry thought he did. Harry knew that getting Sirius back into this world, this amazing world, would be the best present Sirius had ever received.

Harry knelt and tapped on the discolored brick then kicked it as hard as he could. Slowly the brick changed color and the bricks around it did also. When every brick had changed color in the form of a doorway Harry reached out and touched it. There was nothing that contacted his hand and Harry stepped through the wall. Sirius stepped in too.

"Harry, this is where I am going to leave you. The other side simply opens at your touch. You know as much about Hogwarts as most of the students could ever know. I trust you will enjoy it. Remember to keep in contact. I already sent Kapa to Dumbledore explaining everything. He should be getting there soon."

Harry looked at Sirius and almost started crying. He forced himself to stop though. He wouldn't let Sirius see him cry. He was a big boy and didn't need to cry. Sirius hugged him tightly and whispered in his ear. "Harry, I taught you everything I could. Be careful in the real world, you know what you did. I don't know what people will look at you like now that everything has happened. Remember I will always be thinking of you."

Sirius let go and looked directly into Harry's eyes. "There are things you can do that people won't accept easily. A Parselmouth, I still can't believe it myself, it was always seen as ev... Harry, listen to me. Find people, friends you can trust. I found mine and I still hide from them, be very careful about how your friendships develop."

Harry nodded and Sirius turned around and exited the path. Harry heard him say one last thing as he walked away. "I will love you always Harry."

Harry bowed his head and almost turned back around. He couldn't leave Sirius. He stopped and thought for a long time about what he was about to do. To walk into Hogwarts was going to set him free in some ways but lock him down in others. Could he do it?

Harry took a deep breath and looked at the darkened tunnel ahead of him and started walking. He would do it, he could do anything. Sirius had always told him he could do anything and he had yet to fail. He took one step at a time feeling a chill and then a feeling somewhere inside his stomach telling him not to go. He ignored it, he could do it, Sirius wanted him to do it.

After what seemed like a million steps and hours of walking Harry came to a wall. All he had to do was touch it and he would be inside Hogwarts. His heart beat faster and he trembled as he reached out to touch the wall. As he did a hand reached through and pulled at him hard. Harry didn't know what to do, he felt himself being pulled through the wall and then moments later found an evil looking man standing over him grinning.

"So, I caught someone trying to sneak into the castle." He eyed Harry for a long time. "Sort of young to be sneaking in. You ain't a first year. What sort of tricks you be trying to pull? Well, we go to the headmaster about this one."

Before Harry could do anything he found himself being pulled along. His wand was in his trunk which he held tightly onto with his free hand, he didn't want his stuff to disappear. The wicked looking man stopped for a moment and pulled some doors open. Harry found himself staring at a room full of kids, some his age some older.

Harry started taking deep breaths, his heart beating faster than it ever had in his life. An elderly man stood up at the other end of the room. His voice was cut through all the noise of the room like a dagger. "Mr. Filch, I expect there is good reason you have interrupted the sorting ceremony."

Harry's eyes locked onto a student who was pulling a battered hat off her head. She must have just been sorted, and the hat must be the sorting hat. Filch grinned again, looking as wicked as ever. "Caught a youngster trying to sneak onto the grounds."

Filch pulled Harry around him to show Professor Dumbledore. At the same moment Harry felt the Glamour chocolate wearing off. He closed his eyes and let the feeling envelope him trying not to get sick in front of the whole school. When he opened them again everyone was staring at him in shock. Harry felt his knees start to grow week and his head lighten, it was as though he was going to faint. For a moment he focused, he needed to stand up to them, prove he wasn't weak.

Paka swooped into the room and onto Dumbledore's shoulder. Harry felt a little relieved that he wouldn't have to explain everything himself. Dumbledore opened the letter and read it carefully then nodded. "Very well. Filch, why don't you bring this young man up to join his fellow classmates in line."

Dumbledore then bent down and whispered something to an elderly professor who seemed a little surprised but nodded. She walked back to the place she had been standing. "We have a late entry. Potter, Harry! Please place the hat upon you head to be sorted."

Harry looked stunned as Filch pushed him up to the seat where the Sorting hat lay. The name seemed to trigger a response by every single student in the room. Most of them gasped and started whispering between themselves. Some just watched him passed wide-eyed. A few teachers smiled happily and one small one clapped as loud as possible.

Harry picked it up the sorting hat as soon as he reached it. He knew exactly what the sorting entailed and would rather have the hat on his head than be looking at all the students. He dropped his luggage and used both hands to position the hat on his head. It only took a moment for the hat to start talking.

"Well, well another Potter. I see you have your father's courage and your mothers ease of mind. Well, trustworthy and loyal too. I don't know, you wouldn't mind proving yourself to anyone, but it isn't first priority. Do you have any particular house that you are interested in? I say, any house would do well for you, Knowledge, Perseverance, Courage, Loyalty, and a willingness to show you can do anything. I don't know."

Harry took a long minute to think, he had always wanted Gryffindor, but was that what he wanted now. He would notbe in Slytherin, if the hat chose Slytherin he would tell it to choose again and refuse to accept its opinion. Hufflepuff wasn't completely out of the question but he didn't enjoy being a follower as much as he enjoyed doing things on his own. So, Ravenclaw or Gryffindor? Would he rather be smart of brave?

Well it was a tossup. He wondered which would help him more in the end. The Ravenclaws would always be about working and studying. He may be smart but Harry decided it was best not to dedicate his life to learning, it helped but wasn't something he wanted to do forever. Still, it seemed, Gryffindor was the best choice. 'I want to be Gryffindor' he told himself and hoped the hat was listening.

"Are you sure? You could do well in any of the houses. In Slytherin you could bring out your potential and become a great wizard. In Ravenclaw you could become one of the smartest, if you applied yourself. I see you have already become several years ahead of the other students here. Hufflepuff could help you find your place, Gryffindor as well. Let's see, if you would like to be in Gryffindor I guess that is the best for you. It is after all, your destiny is chosen by yourself, I just help guide you into it."

Harry listened waiting for the hat to call out the house but heard nothing. It seemed the hat was thinking. Finally the words... "GRYFFINDOR!"

Harry slowly pulled the hat down off his head and noticed that the hall was completely silent. Dumbledore was nearing Harry. He clamped his hand down on Harry. "We need to speak following the ceremony and dinner. I will be waiting for you in the common room."

Harry nodded and looked down, his luggage was gone. He assumed someone had taken it away to either be searched or for his room, either way he would get it back soon enough. Harry slowly made his way down the stairs to the Gryffindor table. He saw Ron Weasley a few seats down looking at him strangely. Further down the table he saw a familiar face. Hermione.

Harry quickened his pace and sat down right next to her. "Hermione! Am I glad to see you."

It took a moment for her to say anything but she finally did. "James?"

Harry nodded slightly and she threw her arms around him. "I didn't see you at all on the train. I searched the whole train too. I thought you had missed it. But... You aren't really named James are you? You really are THE Harry Potter."

There was a moment of silence while Harry let the words sink in finally he nodded again. She looked at him strangely, "then your uncle was really..."

Harry put his finger to his lips to silence her and nodded again. He could talk to her later about it. In the background he heard another name being called. Blaise, Zabini. There was another moment and then she was called to Gryffindor. No one seemed to take any notice of her as she sat down. Everyone was watched Harry who was now sitting silently watching Blaise sit down at the table.

Looking down he saw a gold plate that reminded him of how sick he had been only moments before. He looked up again trying to avoid direct eye contact with anyone specifically. Dumbledore stood drawing several people's attention. He seemed a little reserved as though he was thinking about something until he spread his arms widely.

Following the motion he smiled brightly. "Welcome students. I am happy to have all of you here for the new year. We have already had a few surprises this year, quite unexpected to say the least. Very well, now, please enjoy the banquet you are about to participate in." There was silence as if the older students were waiting for him to say something else but nothing else came.

In front of him suddenly appeared dinner. Harry wondered if he could eat at all at the moment. Everyone's eyes till seemed to be focused on him. Paka called to him from above, Harry released a little anxiety. From the cry Harry could tell Paka was definitely slightly hungry. He swooped down and landed on Harry shoulder. Hermione offered him a small piece of food and he took it willingly. She stroked him again then went about eating, occasionally feeding Paka.

Harry just sat there and wished he would have come in later in the evening, after the sorting ceremony, when Dumbledore would have been alone. Maybe Filch wouldn't have even caught him then. Paka left his shoulder just prior to dinner finishing leaving Harry with Hermione.

Hermione was very quiet. She seemed to be thinking about something, Harry wondered what it was. He was very glad that Hermione had made it into Gryffindor. She seemed more along the lines of Ravenclaw or Slytherin even if she was muggle born. The teachers seemed to be discussing things quietly up in front and Harry hoped that it wasn't about him even though it probably was.

As dessert came out many of the people at the table seemed to loosen up around them. Harry listened at some of there conversations. Some of them were very reserved. A well-to-do boy just across from Harry who had a very polite smile introduced himself. "Names Neville. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Harry nodded and shook his hand. There was a sort of strength in them, something Harry didn't see any many other people. Next to him was another boy, a dark haired boy. He started to introduce himself when someone interrupted and he looked up. Harry turned around and to find Ron standing behind him.

Harry smiled weakly at Ron and turned back to stare at the plate that had been untouched. He moved the desert around and picked at it until Ron spoke. "I know you from somewhere don't I?"

Harry shrugged his shoulders and continued staring at his food. Ron didn't move though, Hermione turned around and stared at him for a minute. "What's wrong, is Harry just here to be goggled over?"

Ron still didn't move. Harry could here him whispering under his breath. "Harry, Harry, Harry..." He put his arm on Harry and spun him around. "Harry! As in my sister's Harry?"

Ron stared for a minute somehow finally realizing he was right. "Yeah, I knew I had seen you somewhere before! With the blond hair, I saw you one day at the makeshift Quidditch pitch near our house. If you don't leave my sister alone...!"

Harry stood quickly and turned to face him speaking softly but very clear. "What? You'll do what Ron? You don't even remember when we really met. You couldn't do anything to me, neither could any of your brothers. Virginia is my friend, don't bother her about it."

Ron was quickly joined by three other brothers. It hadn't taken long for the situation to heat up even if Harry had been quiet. The twins stepped forward and Harry shook his head. "I know some secrets about you too. The Marauders are friends of mine, well some of them. Seems you have been using they once created. Don't want Filch to know about it do you?" He finished, still trying to be quiet, maintain control over the situation. Both the twins stepped back and whispered to each other about something. Neither took a step forward again. Percy stepped forward. Harry didn't even want to bother with him.

Ron was still angry and Harry didn't want to be bothered about the friendship between he and Virginia. "If you weren't so short sided you might figure out that we are friends. Only friends, I don't see anything wrong with having a girl as a friend." Harry just shook his head feeling much more in control of himself than he had at first.

Ron didn't know what to do. Several people had approached the two and Hermione was pulling back against Harry. "Teachers are coming. We're all going to get into trouble."

Harry turned and sat back down in his seat again leaving everyone around him to try to figure out what had happened. Ron tried to return to his seat but was stopped by a teacher.

"So, it seams the Gryffindors are already causing trouble even before dinner is over." Harry took a second to glance up. A tall dark individual with greasy black hair was reprimanding Ron.

Another teacher stopped the first from saying anything. She grabbed Ron by the ear. "So another trouble making Weasley. We'll see about that." Harry noticed that the twins had disappeared without being noticed. Percy had merged into the crowd with the rest of the students that were surrounding Ron.

The newest teacher that had joined them set everyone quiet. An older gentleman, his presence seemed to demand respect. Harry watched him approach Ron. He sat his hand on Ron who was looking up at him strangely. He slowly bowed his head. "Sorry sir." Then took his seat and didn't even look back up.

Harry watched as the teachers spoke between themselves and then walked back up to the front. The older female hadn't seemed happy that the third teacher had interrupted and the first, the greasy haired one seemed as though he wanted to do something at that moment, something horrible. Harry could feel his misery as he walked away. It was as though it were spreading around him.

Harry looked away, he didn't like the first and somehow found that the 3rd was someone he would enjoy being around. Hermione was not eating either. She just sat, staring at her food. Professor Dumbledore stood again and the hall slowly fell silent.

"Well, there are a few basic rules that I feel are best to announce right now. First and foremost, the Forbidden Forest is off-limits, I believe the first years would be wise to follow this council. It would also be wise for a few of the older students to remember this."

There was a glance, Harry followed it down to the table just in front of him. The twins.

"I believe that the students will be interested to know, Quidditch trials will be held a little late this year, 4th week of term. If you are interested in playing for your house team please speak with Madam Hooch." Filch stepped forward and looked at Dumbledore.

Dumbledore nodded. "One last thing. The care taker, Mr. Filch has asked that I remind all students that Magic is not allowed between classes in the hallways. Apparently there were a few occurrences in the halls last year where a little excessive magic was used. Students were seriously injured. NO DUELING. Now enjoy your evenings. We will finish off with the school song and then retire to our rooms."

Dumbledore led the school along in the official song. Harry found it amusing and very enlightening to hear several hundred people singing to a foolish song. It made him feel much better to here so many people off tune and off beat. The twins themselves sung at a pace that allowed Harry to have a good laugh deciding that they might be more delightful . When finished Harry stood and applauded their effort along with Dumbledore and a few occasional students.

Harry stood with the other students and followed Hermione out the door. It took a moment but Harry was not surprised to be pushed aside. A blonde boy about his age sneered at him. "So, it seams the infamous Harry Potter has come to grace our presence at this school. Fancy the entrance he made?"

Two boys behind him nodded mutely. The blonde boy stepped forward, running his hands through his hair. He offered Harry his hand. "Draco Malfoy pleased to meet you."

Harry laughed. He had heard about the Malfoy's and he wouldn't be caught dead with one of them. They played dirty and were evil, he was sure already just with his introduction that this Malfoy was no different. Harry curtly turned from Draco. He didn't even want to associate with someone like that. Hermione grabbed him. "What do you think you are doing? He was being nice."

Harry flipped back around and looked at her. Draco stared open mouthed at Harry. Harry finally got an idea. "Well, Malfoy. This is Hermione. She is a muggle born witch and very enjoyable to be around. She is my friend and I would love for you to say hello to her too."

Malfoy closed his mouth and looked at her saying something under his breath. Harry was sure he knew what it was and also knew that Hermione wouldn't understand and that at the moment she didn't. Without Malfoy reacting he would not be able to convince Hermione of his true intentions. He pulled out Hermione's hand and offered it to Draco. Draco stood still for a moment and stared at Harry then realized that Harry really intended for Draco to shake her hand.

Draco shook his head and spat on the ground. "A Malfoy doesn't shake hands with a mudblood."

Hermione looked confused as Draco stalked off. "Harry, why did he do that? What is a mudblood?"

Harry shook his head and caught up with the group of Gryffindors staying a good distance behind so his conversation wouldn't arouse talk. "Hermione, listen. A mudblood is a term to refer to muggle born witches and wizards, it's like calling you a tramp or a whore or a female dog. It is one of the most degrading terms he could have used. He is a Malfoy, rich and refined and a pureblood wizard through and through. He has been trained to hate muggle born such as you, it is the way he is."

Hermione was miffed, she didn't understand at all. What was so different between muggle born witches and wizards? They all had the same powers so to speak, some having less some more, never a definite connection between blood. It had all been explained to here in the interview where she found out that the invitation to Hogwarts was real.

Harry pulled her behind him as she thought, he didn't want her to get lost and have a bad experience in the castle her first day. The group slowed and Harry saw some interaction in the front of the group with a ghost of some sort. Harry wondered which one it was until he saw several dozen water balloons fly through the air and strike some of the students. It wasn't a ghost at all, just Peeves. Harry had heard some far-fetched tales about Peeves the Poltergeist before and thought it might be fun to tease him the next time he met him.

It took only a few more minutes to reach the common room. Harry spent the whole time watching the halls trying to relate them to the hallways that Sirius had spoken of. Hermione looked around in wonder and Harry found himself enjoying the fact that he was there. His thoughts turned to Sirius, soon he would start working on his freedom, possibly tonight with Dumbledore.

SNEAK OFF- PULL A PRANK

Harry watched ahead as the came to the portrait covering the common room, it was the same on Sirius had spoken to him about. The woman in the dress looked down on them with a smile as the password was given. When she swung open Harry watched the first years enter and followed them. The common room was large, but still inviting. Large comfortable looking armchairs and couches were placed all around the room. To one side was a very warm looking fireplace.

Harry stood in the entrance way until some older Gryffindors pushed him out of the way. This snapped Harry out of his revere. He slowly went up to the dorms where the other first year boys had disappeared. His trunk was placed at the end of one of the beds already when he entered. Every other bed had boys in it already and some where even already asleep. The day must have been exhausting for him.

Harry sat in his bed for only a moment and then got back up, he didn't want to fall asleep and miss the talk with Dumbledore. He walked back downstairs to find several of the older students drinking Butterbeer and having a good time. Harry wondered why they were so happy. Then he heard one of them say something about it being their last year.

They must be 7th year students that were graduating this year. They seemed to be celebrating the beginning of the end basically, one year left.

The portrait opened and Dumbledore stepped into the room. His eyes twinkled as he noticed the seventh years who had quieted considerably. He took Harry shoulder in hand led him to a sofa where Harry sat down. Dumbledore shook his head and pointed to the door. "Outside." He winked at Harry, dissolving some of the tension that Harry was feeling. The twinkle in his eye made Harry feel better about talking to him and he knew why people looked up to him.

Harry nodded and stepped outside the portrait door. There was a long moment of silence before Dumbledore actually spoke up. Harry watched him think some things over thoroughly in his mind before speaking. "Harry. I understand you have lived with Sirius Black for most of your life. I would like to ask you some questions about him."

It took a moment before Harry showed any signs of acknowledgment. He wanted to be in more control over where the conversation would go. Usually it was easy to gain control without being too pushy. It wasn't something that was going to be simple in this conversation, he had to word everything carefully. "He raised me in my fathers place."

Dumbledore nodded slowly and allowed Harry to feel a little more at ease. "I just want to ask you a few simple questions about things that have happened during that time. I would also like to speak to you about what happened before."

"He was a good father Professor, he taught me about the evils and good in life. It doesn't matter anyone else's opinion of Sirius he didn't do it."

Again Dumbledore nodded much more pronounced. "I had thought you would believe as much. Tell me though, is there any proof? I have often wondered myself on this point, but never had heard anything to back up him in any matter. He hasn't even contacted me in his own defense."

Harry wondered if it was true, Sirius has told Harry he had owled Dumbledore more than a few times to try and get his freedom. Harry wondered if they owls were intercepted, but if they were why was Paka not stopped? Harry looked at Dumbledore. "He did. I don't know why you never received them but tried to tell you many times."

Harry pulled a coin out of his pocket and started rolling it across his fingers. "Sirius told me everything that happened. About the secret keeper, the charm, my parents dying. It made me hate Sirius for a while because if he hadn't suggested Peter replace him it never would have happened. I got over it though. Sirius still blames himself for it, and he tried the best he could to fix everything."

Dumbledore smiled. "I had thought as much. So, it was Peter that became the secret keeper. I had wondered, he seems to have a knack for getting into trouble and doing foolish things. I have been called to help him out in more than one instance. My confidence in him has severely diminished. I wondered what brought some of his troubles about."

The truth was music to Harry, Dumbledore believed him, at least believed that Sirius might not have done it. Now all they had to do was prove it. "Can we just make Peter tell the truth and let Sirius go free?"

The answer was not what Harry wanted to hear. "I am afraid we cannot simply bring it out like that, the politics of our world are very edgy right now. If someone were to simply do something like that it could be devastating to several people. I myself would be staking my reputation on it. It wouldn't be a problem normally, but I have to be careful about who I back there are some problems within the ministry."

Dumbledore looked hard at Harry. "I am afraid Voldemort is back. There are Rumors flying around everywhere and I need to keep a good foothold in the ministry to allow me to take care of things incase he is still as influential as he was."

Voldemort was back? It couldn't be possible. He had died hadn't he? Harry felt sick. "He is back. You are sure?"

Dumbledore nodded. "Yes. I am only telling you this because he is most likely to come after you. Many people that know want to keep it a secret for now but I do not follow their ideas. It would be best to tell people."

That was it, the truth. Would Harry be able to keep it a secret? Voldemort would probably be after him. "Will I be safe here sir?"

The nod relieved Harry. Hogwarts was safe. He wondered if Sirius would be safe.

• Edited 2004.09.18 •