Disclaimer: I own the unfamiliar, the rest belongs to JK Rowling.

A/N: Something off the top of my head. Hope you all like it.

~^-^~ = Parseltongue

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Changing Past Wrongs

Chapter Five: Train Rides, Sortings and Meetings

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In the next month, Harry had told both Daniel and Melanie that he wanted to talk to Sirius before deciding anything, but that he wanted his godfather to be a part of his life. Daniel had immediately suggested that Sirius might be willing to move in with them, or arrange something that would allow for Harry to see Sirius and Sirius to see Harry, as often as they wanted to.

Melanie had indeed taken Harry to purchase a snake familiar, and Harry had picked out a plain black snake, that had green eyes like his, and a sense of humor that Harry liked. The snake had announced to Harry that his name was 'Nois'. Lana and Alexander hadn't been told anything, and treated their big brother the same way they always had, making Harry feel as though Sirius would have to deal with the situation.

Harry had however commented several times that he wouldn't be able to call Sirius, 'Padfoot' as 'Padfoot' was their dog. Danny had grinned and replied that Harry had best tell 'Padfoot' about their 'Padfoot'. Harry spent a remarkable amount of time using his Muggle books, running around with the friends he had here in the Muggle World, but mostly thinking about everything he'd learned in the past few weeks.

Finally however, it was September 1st, and time for Harry to leave for Hogwarts. Harry had just finished convincing Nois to stay in his trunk, and putting the last of his belongings into the trunk and closing it. Melanie's voice drifted up stairs, "Harry! Hurry down or we'll be late for the train!"

Harry grabbed his charmed weightless trunk, as Hedwig was already in the mini-van in her cage waiting for him, and ran down the stairs. Harry yelled down, "Coming Mum!"

He could hear Lana's excited shrieks, "Hawwie's going to Hogswars!"

Daniel was securing Hedwig's cage in the car, while Melanie was strapping Alexander and Lana into their car seat and booster seat. Harry put his trunk into the boot of the car, shut it and climbed in to his own seat, watching his 'Dad' struggle with the cage and his 'Mum' struggle with his 'siblings'.

Daniel finally settled Hedwig and moved to his seat, starting the car. Melanie finished with Alexander and Lana before turning to Harry as she sat down in her own seat and asked, "Now, you have everything? Your cloaks? Your robes? Your wand? All of your texts? You did read up on Potions extra, right?"

Harry rolled his eyes and said, "Mum, I have everything, including all of my extra cauldrons and Potions supplies. If I'm placed in Slytherin I'll remember to ask for extra tutoring, and mention that my Mum happens to be Melanie Branstone. If I'm in Gryffindor I'll still mention you're my Mum, and pray it helps Professor Snape hate me less. If I'm in Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff I won't bother with either."

Melanie nodded and Daniel laughed out loud before asking, "Mel, don't you think that's a bit much?"

Melanie shook her head and said, "Besides, he's already doing all those things for you, he might as well let Severus know that he's got my brats coming through the student body soon. Lana and Alexander won't start until Harry's done anyhow. Who knows? Maybe Harry will be one of their Professors."

Harry indignantly replied, "Mum! I'm going to be an Auror! Not a lame Professor!"

Daniel and Melanie both smiled at his proclamation. Daniel couldn't help but ask, "Are you sure Harry? There's always Dragon Taming, or working with Gringotts."

Harry's eyes lit up with the words 'Dragon' and 'Taming'. Melanie groaned and muttered, "Like Father, Like Son. Daniel if you lose us our baby boy over those bloody Dragons I'll wring your neck!"

Daniel muttered under his breath as he parked the car at the station, "Bloody Dragons my arse, the kid has a Dark Lord after him and she's worried about the Dragons. Sweet, harmless Dragons and she thinks they're the problem. Honestly. Women."

Melanie rolled her eyes and started to get Lana and Alexander out of their seats so they could leave with Harry. Harry got Hedwig's cage as Daniel got a trolley for Harry's things. Once they had the trunk and the cage situated on the trolley, which Daniel pushed, the family made their way towards Platform 9 ¾.

Harry carried Alexander, while Melanie carried Lana, as they were running a little late. They walked through the station quickly, and Daniel smiled when he saw the family of red heads. He motioned to Harry and pointed before saying, "Those are the Weasleys. Remember about Fred and George now, they're the twins. Ron is your age, but as you made friends with Draco when you were fitting your robes, you'll likely have trouble keeping him as a friend if you're friends with Draco."

Harry frowned and said, "He bases his friendships on something that Father's did before their sons were born? That's awfully narrow-minded of him."

Daniel nodded and said, "Yes, but that isn't how I raised you to be, now is it Harry?"

Harry smiled and shook his head before answering, "No, Dad."

Melanie rolled her eyes at the two as they arrived at the barrier right behind the Weasleys. She turned and said, "Danny take Alexander from Harry. Honestly, Harry don't forget to owl us with what house you're placed in. And make sure Headmaster Dumbledore knows that your Father will be there tomorrow to speak with him. And don't forget everything Danny told you to do, don't you dare mess up or you'll get a howler when I hear about it that will embarrass you for weeks to come. Understand?"

Harry nodded and handed his brother over to Daniel before giving each of his parents and siblings hugs goodbye. Melanie nodded at him and said, "Just remember Harry, you'll be a credit to whatever house you're put in. Slytherin, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, even Hufflepuff. Just do your best."

Harry smiled and turned, running into the barrier just after Ron Weasley had gone in. Leaving his parents behind to face one disgruntled Molly Weasley and a confused Ginny Weasley. Molly approached the young couple with their two young children and asked, "May I ask just why you find it appropriate to offer your son support no matter what house he is in? Everyone knows the only Wizards that come out of Slytherin are - "

Charlie finished for her, "Dark Wizards. Yes, we know what Society thinks of Slytherins. I'm a Gryffindor myself, while my wife here is a Slytherin. You'd do well to learn to adjust your prejudices Mrs. Weasley. The reason we live in the Muggle world is those prejudices, we wanted our children to grow up free from them, and to be uninfluenced to their sorting, and from there, for them to become what they will."

Melanie glared at what was actually her Mother-in-law and added on, "There were several Dark Wizards equally as bad as those in Slytherin in other houses, including Gryffindor. It's the Wizard, not the House, that decides the Wizard's path."

With that they turned and left the station to return home with their two children, hoping that Harry was doing alright. Daniel was anxious about the next day and Melanie couldn't wait to hear what House Harry was sorted into. She wasn't sure, because he really had qualities from all four houses. Harry was brave, outrageously so when he needed to be, he was diligent and hard-working, he was smart and loved to learn, but he was cunning to the bone, and ruthless when the moment called for it. She'd just have to wait and see.

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Harry finished going through the barrier and got his things onto the train. He found an empty compartment and settled in and waited for the train to start. He took out the book, 'Buttons into Dragons' and started to read, oblivious to the world. Shortly after the train started to roll away there was a knock at the door and a drawling voice asked, "Harry Watson, right?"

Harry looked up and smiled before saying, "Yes. Hello Draco, how are you?"

Draco smiled back and said, "Fine, and yourself?"

Harry replied simply, "Oh I'm good. I can't wait to get to Hogwarts for the Sorting though."

The two boys sat and talked companionably for a while, subjects ranging from Quidditch and Hogwarts to the Houses themselves and the History of the School. While talking, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle came in and introduced themselves, though they knew Draco already. Both seemed rather dull to Harry at first, but they joined in when discussing the Myths surrounding Hogwarts.

Harry already knew the Chamber of Secrets existed, and that the Basilisk was the 'evil creature' hidden in it. He was rather amused that the other three boys knew it existed by rumors of the last time it had opened, and the girl that had been murdered when it had opened. They all looked up however, when the door opened up and a red-head suddenly appeared in the compartment.

He looked at the three boys, and Harry recognized him as Ron Weasley, who's older brother's Harry was supposed to confront on the train regarding the Marauders Map. Harry smiled pleasantly at him and said, "Hello."

Ron seemed to understand that Harry had just made friends with Draco and his goons, and used the opportunity. Draco, Vince and Greg were glowering at the red-head as he said, "Hello, I'm Ron Weasley, you do realize you're sitting with Death Eaters don't you?"

Harry's eyes furrowed and he looked at Draco, Vince and Greg before asking, "Might I see your left forearms?"

All three looked at him questionably and Harry went on, "Well if you have the Dark Mark, which would have had to be placed on you before your first birthday, without your consent if you do, I'd rather like to see it so that I might recognize it in the future."

Draco, seeming to understand that Harry was merely trying to prove a point, bared his left forearm, pale, but smooth and unmarked. Vince and Greg followed suit. Harry frowned and turned to the red-head and asked, "Is there a reason you lied and accused them of activities that could land them in Azkaban for the rest of their lives?"

Ron seemed to stutter out a few letters, and Harry shook his head before saying, "Never mind. I'm not an Auror; you certainly don't have to explain to me. However, do you know where your brothers Fred and George are? I need to speak with them regarding a certain item."

Ron blinked and said, "I think they're three compartments down to the left."

Harry nodded and stood, Draco made to do the same and Harry waved a hand before saying, "This has to be private Draco. I'll be back shortly though, if the Lady with the Trolley comes by, get me a few Chocolate Frogs and a thing of Every Flavor Beans, will you?"

Draco nodded and made himself comfortable again. Harry left the compartment before Ron could follow, and made his way down to Fred and George's compartment. Not realizing that he'd just given the rat in Ron's pocket a few clues as to who he was. He knocked on the compartment door and opened it, to see a group of third years conversing with the twins.

Harry smiled and asked, "Fred and George Weasley?"

They nodded and asked, "Yes and who are you?"

Harry smirked and replied, "Prongs Junior at your service. Also, Godson of Padfoot, boy who was betrayed by Wormtail and abandoned by Moony. I believe you have an item of my Father's called, 'The Marauders Map'?"

The reaction was instantaneous, their jaws dropped and they kicked the rest of the people in the compartment out, ignoring their indignant shouts and hollers as they did so. George spelled the compartment shut, while Fred spelled it silent and they turned as one to the smirking first-year and asked, "Who are you?"

Harry smiled and said, "For right now? I'm Harry."

Their eyebrows went up at that and Harry explained, "If I tell you this, you cannot tell a living soul what I'm about to tell you, and you have to promise, Marauders Honor."

They both nodded and Harry explained, "My name, for the last ten years, has been Harry Watson, but in reality I'm Harry Potter."

They blinked and Fred asked, "If you're Harry Potter, why are you using a different name? And where's your scar?"

Harry smiled and said, "Actually, all I know about that so far is that my Dad, well, the one that kidnapped me from the Dursleys under Dumbledore's orders, had it magically removed as well as through Muggle surgery. He's coming to meet with Dumbledore tomorrow, to explain where I've been and what not. But it's important that you only think of me as Harry Watson, and only call me that, until Dumbledore says otherwise, which might be never."

They nodded and Harry continued, "I bet you're wondering who the other Marauders are though, now that you know Prongs is James Potter, ey?"

They smiled and George asked, "Yeah? Who are they exactly?"

Harry explained the entire story, James, Sirius and Peter were animaguses and the truth about the secret keepers. He didn't tell them why Remus was called 'Moony', he explained that it wasn't his story to tell. Then Harry explained the big part, "You see, Peter wasn't just happy hiding though. He's been hiding with a Wizarding Family in his rat form. Your Wizarding Family."

Their eyes went wide and they stood, probably to grab the rat before he could hurt their little brother. Harry shook his head and said, "No, no, no! Wait! This is a man who murdered thirteen Muggles to avoid Azkaban, and left an innocent man to rot in it all these years. We're just children to him, and we need to do this in a way that offers nothing other than the most possible witnesses."

They looked confused slightly but then smirked and Harry grinned as he explained what they would do. Between the two pranksters and Harry they managed a full-proof plan and then Harry left to sit with Draco, Vince and Greg, who noticed his smirking, delighted expression, but said nothing.

It wasn't long before the train pulled into Hogsmeade. Harry and Draco walked out side-by-side, Vince and Greg behind them. Harry saw Ron Weasley talking to his brothers, looking disgruntled as he handed over the family 'pet'. A bushy-brown-haired girl was glaring at the three muttering under her breath about 'being on time to the boats already!', Harry supposed she'd never met the Weasley Twins before.

Draco saw where he was looking and asked curiously, "What did you have to talk to the Weasley twins about?"

Harry smirked and said, "You'll see my friend, you'll see."

Draco rolled his eyes, but the four were silent as they followed Hagrid to the boats that would take them to the castle. The next thing Harry knew, they were rounding the bend and getting their first glimpse at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry nearly forgot all the things he had to accomplish between now and when his Father showed up at the school.

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It wasn't long after they landed, that the group of first-year-students followed Hagrid to two double doors and to see the stern face of what could only be Professor McGonagall, who seemed to be looking hopefully at the first years. Harry assumed she was looking for him, if he ended up in Gryffindor, perhaps she could know the truth.

Minerva McGonagall smiled sadly at Hagrid, who smiled sadly back, and asked, "Is he with them Hagrid?"

Hagrid shook his head no and replied sadly, "I was hopin' he'd be with the firs' years, but he's not."

Minerva closed her eyes for a moment and then said, "Please, inform Albus he's not here. Ollivander owled to tell us he'd purchased a wand, you wouldn't believe which wand if I told you, but at least we know that little Harry Potter is somewhere learning Magic. I suppose it was too much to hope for."

Hagrid nodded tiredly and went through the doors leading to the hall as Minerva turned to the group of first years. She smiled and said, "Welcome to Hogwarts! I am Professor McGonagall, your Transfiguartion Professor, and Gryffindor's Head of House. Now, we are about to walk through these doors and walk to the front of the hall just in front of the Head Table where the Professors sit. You will notice that we have four houses here, they will become your home while you attend Hogwarts. Your behavior can and will loose or earn your house points towards the house cup."

Taking a breath and gazing at each first year as she continued, "The houses themselves are named Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, and Slytherin. All four are reputable houses, with strong ties to strong Wizards, and each of you will be a credit to your house. Please form a line, and follow me."

Harry walked in with Draco and looked in awe of the Great Hall, as they passed the Weasley twins, they gave him a thumbs up, while taking turns slipping curses at the rat that was unconscious in-between them. Harry would have laughed if he could afford to draw attention to himself, but as he couldn't, he didn't.

They stopped just as Professor McGonagall had said, and waited as she walked to a stool and hat, and picked up a scroll seemingly out of nowhere. She smiled at the first-years and said, "When I call your name, you will come forward, sit on the bench, place the sorting hat on your head, and be sorted."

The Professor smiled before she cleared her throat slightly and started to read off names, "Abbott, Hannah!"

Harry watched the sorting of the students passively, Hannah Abbott was sorted into Hufflepuff. Hermione Granger into Ravenclaw, Draco, Greg and Vince into Slytherin, and then a familiar face, Thomas Moon, was sorted into Slytherin. Then, finally, Professor McGonagall called out, "Watson, Harry!"

Harry walked forward and sat down on the stool, and put the hat on his head. Almost immediately he heard a voice in his head say, 'Well, Mr. Potter, how nice to meet you. You're just like your Mother, did you know that? You however, would not do well in Gryffindor, no I think this will be much better', a moment later the hat yelled aloud, "SLYTHERIN!"

Harry grinned as he jumped off the stool and walked over to sit with Draco, Greg and Vince. As he sat down, Thomas recognized him and said, "Harry? I didn't know you were a Wizard!"

Harry smirked and replied, "I didn't know you were either Thomas."

Thomas smirked back and they watched the rest of the Sorting, where they gained one last girl, Blaise Zabini, after Ron Weasley joined his brothers at Gryffindor. Fred and George Weasley nodded to him, it was obvious they would still keep their word, regardless of his house. Once the sorting was done, the meals appeared in front of them, and Harry ate quickly.

As soon as dinner was over, Harry followed the Slytherin Prefect to their common rooms, gave the portrait the password, 'Home'. Once inside, Harry sat down next to Draco, Thomas, Vince, Greg, Blaise, Pansy Parkinson, Millicent Bulstrode, Morag MacDougal, and Emily Nott, the other first years in Slytherin. The Prefect, a boy named Graham Avery, stood before them scowling slightly.

Graham seemed to look each of them over before saying, "Welcome to Slytherin. The other prefects will be instructing their houses regarding the rules, my advice to you is that you read Hogwarts: A History if you want to know the rules, and you had best know them. Our house is not regarded in a good way, you will be hated by all but those in this room, for no reason other than you being in Slytherin. Your teachers will look at you with suspicion, and mild disgust."

Harry rolled his eyes, his Mum had already explained that, but perhaps there were a few in the house that didn't know that yet. "Your only friend among the staff is our Head of House, Professor Severus Snape. He will take care of anything you need while you are here. However, if you have a problem at home and need to get out of a bad situation, you need to go to Professor Dumbledore, Hogwart's Headmaster, or this year's Head Boy, a Ravenclaw named Daryl Crispin, or the Head Girl, a Hufflepuff named Miranda Reid."

Harry thought he was imagining it, but Graham seemed to be looking at Draco, Vince, Greg, Pansy, and Emily as he said that. He thought for a moment about what his Mum had said about the Slytherin families, and then realized that Graham was telling would-be second generation Death Eaters that if they wanted out of it, there was a way, and they should take it before they left Hogwarts.

Before he had anymore time to think about it, Graham continued, "Every year a book called 'The Slytherin Rule Book' is updated by the last group of first years moving onto their second year. There is a female version and a male version, both are already in your dormitories, and everyone has their own copy. I suggest you read yours within the next week. It has suggestions on how to survive the inter-house relations, and what is expected of you as a Slytherin."

He looked up at this point, noticing Professor Snape entering to talk with the first years as well, and then finished by saying, "From this point on, the only place any of you are completely safe is in this house. Regardless of the Wizarding World, or anything that goes on beyond that Portrait hole, your new last name might as well be Slytherin. You will be loyal to this family, because in this school, that is what we are to one another. This is our Head of House, Professor Severus Snape. Once again, Welcome to Slytherin."

Severus Snape peered down at the first years and said, "In these walls, you use first names. You will refer to me as Severus here and in my private library, to which there is a hidden entry from this common room. Ask one of the Prefects, they will show you how to get inside if you need to talk to me. Your schedules will be in your rooms in the morning, be mindful of the classes with the Gryffindors, their blatant hatred of Slytherins is Legendry, and they need no reason to hurt one of you. For the next seven years you will be suspected of Dark Arts Practice, accused of being Dark Wizards or Witches, and treated with the same regard as Voldemort himself was. Feel free to come to my office or Library to discuss such treatment, I will attempt to deal with the behavior, but cannot stop it as Gryffindor's Head of House, while fair, tends to encourage it."

He paused and looked directly at each first year before saying, "You will now introduce yourself to me, and you will tell me what your wand is made of."

Harry sighed slightly, he knew this was meant to find out if Harry Potter was in Slytherin or not. Well of course he was! His Mum had been a Slytherin, and his Dad obviously didn't raise him to not be a Slytherin, and had supported his Mum when they both said that whatever house he went into would be fine as long as he actually belonged in the house.

Severus's eyes went to Harry, he'd heard the boy sigh slightly. His eyes narrowed and he said, "Let's start with you, ah, Harry Watson, correct?"

Harry smirked and said, "Yes, and it's made of Holly, with a Phoenix Feather as it's core."

Severus blinked but nodded and said, "The Headmaster will speak with you in the morning."

Harry nodded, and the rest of the Slytherin's looked at him oddly, but they continued with the rest of the students. When they were done, Severus dismissed them, asking Harry to accompany him to his Library. Harry went with, and once inside the Library, Severus put up several silencing charms before turning to Harry and suddenly laughing out loud.

Harry wondered why he was laughing, and Severus quickly explained, "I can not believe that James Potter's son is in MY House. You do realize your Father is likely rolling in his grave at the moment?"

Harry frowned and replied, "I was raised not to distinguish between houses, or hold petty and childish grudges against people. Not to mention, my Mum is a Slytherin, and my Dad, who happens to be a Gryffindor, obviously doesn't mind. So I don't quite see how two people that were in my life for roughly fifteen months before they were murdered really have any say in what House I'm placed in."

Severus blinked and said, "I didn't mean to insult you, Harry. Now, the people who've raised you obviously did well, what have they told you about yourself?"

Harry frowned and said, "I know all about 'Harry Potter The-Boy-Who-Lived' if that's what you mean. I'd rather not go out announcing I'm him though, if you know what I mean. I doubt the Wizarding World would like that I'm in Slytherin. My Dad said he would be here tomorrow to speak with the Headmaster, as it was the Headmaster who ordered him to take me from the Dursleys."

Severus raised an eyebrow at that but nodded and said, "Good. Go on back to your dormitory then. I expect to see you in the morning at Potions, I believe your second class tomorrow."

Harry hesitated and then said, "Professor, I thought you should know in case it comes up, I'm a Parselmouth. Dad thinks Voldemort transferred some of his powers to me that night."

Severus nodded, but rather than saying anything looked thoughtful. Harry left and quickly went back to his dormitory, where he and Draco quickly started up a game of Exploding Snap before going to bed. Harry went to sleep with a smile on his face, eager for the next day and his classes.

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