Disclaimer: NOT MINE! NOTHING IS MINE EXCEPT FOR LOKI, THOR, VECTOR, LEO,
AKIRA, KAZUKI, AND RIN! AND OTHER OCS IN FUTURE CHAPTERS! THE HOUSE-ELVES
BELONGS TO ME TOO!
First time attempting to write a Harry Potter fic so be kind and R&R. And no one beta-ed this so don't mind my grammar mistakes.
Warning: This will be SLASH! Meaning 2 guys in THAT kind of relationship!
Spoilers: Books 1-4, ignore most of 5
Pairings: Main - Severus/Sirius Others - Reviewers choice! Voting ends July first!
Languages:
"blah blah blah" - English
'blah blah blah' - Japanese
------------------------------------------------------------------
11. You're sure the Sorting Hat is working properly?
(Posted 06/25/03 - Wednesday)
(Revision #1 11/06/03 - Thursday)
------------------------------------------------------------------
"At the rate you're going, the floor will have a new cavity before the students arrive," said Sirius, who was sitting languidly in the staff room, hired by Headmaster Dumbledore under the name Aries Green. "I didn't realize you worry over your nephew and godson like a mother-hen."
Severus halted his pacing in front of the fireplace and gave his new colleague one of his infamous glares.
"Don't add oil to fire," McGonagall said, the other person who was informed about Sirius' undercover post besides Madam Poppy Pomfrey. "Although I'm saddened that Severus never told me about his other living family members until this summer."
"He's always been tight-lipped about everything," said Sirius. "There's still about an hour left so why don't you sit and rest your legs?"
"I'll sit when I feel like it," Severus retorted, resuming his pacing. "Mind your own business."
McGonagall shrugged and said to Sirius, "How was your summer with Harry? You have tons of stories to share I assume."
"Of course," said Sirius. "It was my happiest summer in a very long time. We did so many things, from hiking to road trips to ice-skating. Harry caught on fast. He's as graceful on ice as he is in the air."
"Poetic," said Severus.
"Blame it on Kazuki's books," Sirius said, grinning. "Hey, you didn't tell me what happened when the kids met the Weasleys."
"I was only there for a second," Severus said, sitting on the armchair across from Sirius and next to McGonagall. "Saw their reactions to Draco and Kazuki."
"I hear Kazuki a lot," said the Transfiguration teacher. "Which one is he?"
"The cross-dresser," Severus said brusquely.
"Harry might have a crush on him," added Sirius. "Sweet kid."
"Oh, how interesting," said McGonagall. "I wonder if any of those transferred students would be sorted into Gryffindor."
Severus snorted. "Not Loki."
"I can see Leo in Ravenclaw or Slytherin," said Sirius. "Kazuki could probably be in Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw, though he has Gryffindor traits. It takes loads of bravery to dress like a girl in public."
"Hmm," said McGonagall.
Severus made a sound like a real laugh and Sirius stared at him.
"What?" Sirius said.
"Nothing," Severus said, a strange smile on his face.
"Tell me!"
"I'm not telling you anything!"
McGonagall ignored them as her two former students started bickering by picking up the Daily Prophet. The staff room began to fill with other teachers and small chitchat broke out as they waited for Dumbledore. In the not so far distance, the red Hogwarts Express was steaming to its destination. In one of the compartments held Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny.
"Which House do you think they'll get into?" Hermione asked out of the blue, stuffing her new Defense Against the Dark Arts textbook into her bag.
"Who?" Ginny said.
"You're talking about those Japanese students, aren't you?" Ron said unhappily, still unused to Harry's new friends. "I can't even say fellows because I get this flash image of Kazuki in that dress."
"Loki will definitely be a Slytherin," said Harry. "Hard to tell with Leo and Kazuki."
"You're hoping Kazuki to be a Gryffindor, right?" Hermione said slyly.
"Herm!" said Harry.
"I like him," said Ginny. "No, Ron, not that way. He's like a girl friend."
"I thought you didn't like him much," said Hermione.
"In the beginning, because it's weird having a guy look so good in a dress," said Ginny. "He detected my uneasiness or something and we talked in private when we ate ice cream at Florean Fortescue's. He's polite and understanding, and in the end, we became friends."
"Mr. Weasley kept asking Leo questions," said Hermione. "I was surprised he answered them all."
"He's smart but too busy doing other things to study," said Harry. "He gets above average grades."
"Remarkable," said Hermione. "They have a large chance of sorting into Ravenclaw."
"It would be nice to have at least one of my new friends to be in the same House as me," Harry admitted.
"Shame Malfoy is already a Slytherin," Ron said, spitting out Draco's surname like it was a disease.
"Malfoy isn't too bad," said Hermione. "He didn't say anything bad to you or your family when we bumped into him and Professor from time to time in Diagon Alley. He was civil."
"Civil doesn't mean he wasn't cursing my family in his mind," said Ron. "And I don't like how Fred and George were being friendly towards that Snape."
"His name is Loki and he's a great friend," said Harry. "He's getting along with Fred and George because he wants to be a sponsor for their Wizard Wheezes."
"I guess there's some good in him," Ron said grudgingly. "But we've spent one day with him when you've been seeing him for two months."
"Ron's right," Ginny said, remembering Tom Riddle's harmless-looking diary. "Appearances can be deceiving. I wouldn't be saying this if Loki hadn't paid more attention to the twins than to us."
"She has a point," said Hermione. "Look at our past Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers. First year was a man hosting You-Know-Who. Second, I confess Lockhart was a treacherous liar behind his handsome looks. Professor Lupin was our best teacher, besides him being a werewolf. And fourth, a Death Eater masquerading as Mad-Eye Moody."
"Loki is not our old professors," said Harry.
"We should get our robes on," Hermione said, changing the subject. "The train should be stopping soon."
"Alright," Harry said, opening his trunk. "We should tell them."
"Fine, fine," surrendered Ron. "We'll go after we dress."
Further down from Harry and his friends was the compartment with Loki, Leo, Kazuki, and Draco. Loki was asleep, head resting on Leo's shoulder, as the hacker read the New York Times on stocks. Draco was staring out the window daydreaming while Kazuki read his new textbook on Arithmancy. Their door slid open.
"It's almost time for the train to stop," Harry said, the rest standing behind him, all clad in black. "You should throw on your robes."
"Thank you," Kazuki said, closing his textbook. "I didn't realize it was this late already."
"Thanks," Leo said, folding his newspaper.
He stood up and Loki, losing his support, stumped so half his body was laying on the seat. Draco snickered when Loki continued sleeping and Kazuki tucked his textbook in his white Manhattan portage, but not before Hermione saw the title.
"You're taking Arithmancy too?" she said, clearly thrilled.
"Yes," Kazuki answered, tightening his ponytail. "I find it stimulating and I've taken classes like the other electives but I needed two so I picked Care for Magical Creatures. It's the only class I could take where I can get some sun."
"You've taken Ancient Runes in your old school?" said Hermione. "What about Divination? And Muggle Studies?"
"Yes to all questions," said Kazuki.
"Granger, he's tied in first place in academies with Loki," Draco said, pulling close his robe. "You can make a study group with them."
"That's a wonderful idea," said Kazuki.
"I'll think about it," Hermione said earnestly. "It would be nice to have study buddies, especially since we have to take our O.W.L.s this year."
"Ah, Ordinary Wizarding Level exams," said Kazuki. "Leo told me about them."
Ron was the first to notice.
"Hey Malfoy," he said, puffing out his chest where he had pinned his perfect badge. "You don't have a prefect badge on you."
"That's because I'm not a prefect," Draco said nonchalantly. "Blaise Zabini is Slytherin's male perfect. Granger, Weasley, congratulations on making prefect."
"Thank you," Hermione said faintly, shaking his hand.
Harry gave Ron a look, as if to say I-told-you-so, while the redhead shook Draco's hand.
"Shouldn't someone wake him up?" Ginny said, pointing at Loki.
"Yea," Leo said, nudging him in the ribs.
A giggle broke out from Loki's lips but he remained asleep. Draco and Ron raised an eyebrow at the same time. Hermione, Ginny, and Harry laughed. Leo tickled Loki lightly on the sides.
"I'm awake, I'm awake," Loki said quickly, getting up groggily.
"Here," Draco said, handing him his robe. "The train's stopping."
"Thanks Jr.," Loki said, yawning.
"Tired?" Harry said, leaning against the wall of the passageway.
"He was playing videos games until morning so he's been sleeping since we got on the train," said Leo. "That idiot."
"I told him he should have a full night sleep," said Kazuki.
"But I was on a roll," said Loki. "I was winning level after level but it took me forever to beat that game."
The Hogwarts Express came to a full stop and the student clambered out. Harry had been looking forward to seeing Hagrid but he was nowhere in sight and it was impossible to miss a half-giant. In front of the lake, with the boats, was Professor Sprout, teacher for Herbology.
"First years! First years this way!" she cried. "New students! The new students this way!"
"Aww, we can't ride with Jr.," pouted Loki.
"I'll see you in the Great Hall then," Draco said, before entering a carriage with a group of Ravenclaws.
"See you later," Harry said, one foot up the carriage. "WHAT THE - "
"What is it mate?" said Ron.
"What are you looking at?" Hermione said, gazing in front of the carriage where Harry was staring.
"Do you see what I see?" said Harry.
"Whoa, music theme from the Gremlins playing in my head," Loki said, and seeing Ron and Ginny's confused expressions, explained, "It's a movie. Muggle thing."
"What are you talking about?" Ginny said to Harry. "There's nothing there."
"The things pulling the carriages," elaborated Harry. "Those winged horses, or I think they're horses, and they're black with skeletal bodies."
"I don't see anything," Ron said worriedly. "Are you feeling okay?"
"Maybe you're exhausted," suggested Hermione.
"No, they're really there," persisted Harry. "I'm not going mad."
"Of course you're not mad Lightning," Loki said knowingly. "They're thestrals."
"Ohhh," Hermione said, comprehension dawning on her face. "Of course! Thestrals! I should have known."
"Come on," Professor Sprout said to the transferred students. "Don't just stand there. Go find an empty or partially empty boat."
"Later all," Loki said, walking to the side of the lake with Kazuki and Leo.
They could hear Ron asking Hermione, "What are thestrals?"
The ride across the lake went well, besides Loki almost being pulled in by the Giant Squid because he was trying to poke it with his new wand. It took Leo, Kazuki, and the first year with them, named Euan Abercrombie, to get Loki back. It almost gave the small boy a heart attack when one tentacle rocked the boat dangerously in revenge.
"Did you know your last name is also a major brand name branch of clothing?" Loki said, their boat disembarking. "You have a cool last name."
"Thanks," said Euan. "I think."
Once on land, he darted to another group of first years.
"You're scared him," said Leo.
"I did not," said Loki. "He's just shy."
"Shh," Kazuki said, as McGonagall came out to lead them to the Great Hall.
"I am Professor McGonagall," she said. "Deputy Headmistress, teacher of Transfiguration, and Head of Gryffindor House. Welcome new students. Please wait quietly until it is time."
She went away.
"The British wizards like flaunting their accomplishments and job, don't they?" whispered Loki. "You remember that letter they sent us? Bumblebee has done a lot in his long life."
"Waste of paper," said Leo. "Killing trees."
Kazuki giggled. All of a sudden, there was an irritating cackle and water balloons plummeted from the ceiling. First years screamed and Loki cast a Shielding Spell on instinct. The ones screaming stopped when they saw the water balloons bouncing off harmlessly from dome-shaped shield surrounding them.
"Peeves!" McGonagall said, returning upon hearing the commotion.
"Icky first years! Icky first years!" chanted the floating poltergeist. "No fair! They're not first years!"
"Cool," Loki said, removing his spell. "What are you? You're not a ghost, right? You've got one flashy outfit. My name's Loki, what's yours?"
Peeves cocked his head and lowered himself to Loki's height.
"Peeves," said the poltergeist.
"Want a lollypop?" Loki said, fumbling through his pocket and producing cherry-flavored ones. "They're Muggle candy but good."
Peeves took one and floated quietly out of the corridor.
"See you around," Loki said, waving his arm. "What?"
McGonagall and the first years were staring at him, awed.
The Transfiguration professor cleared her throat. "Come now, this way to the Great Hall. Those not first years stay here. Enter the Great Hall when you hear your name called."
Loki, Leo, and Kazuki obediently remained outside the Great Hall. They could hear the applause every time the Sorting Hat announced a House. Harry and Draco were both anxious. There were four unoccupied seats on the teacher's table, three unknown because McGonagall was standing next to the Sorting Hat's stool. Finally the line of first years disappeared and Dumbledore stood up.
"To the new students, welcome to Hogwarts," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling steady and strong. "To the returning students, welcome back. I have a few announcements to make. First, I am happy to say Hogwarts are having transfer students since over a century ago. They will be joining the fifth years and sorted into Houses right now."
"Mizuno, Leo," said McGonagall.
The hacker walked to the platform, paying no heed to the whispering and following eyes. McGonagall placed the Hat on his head and Draco crossed his fingers under the table.
A minute ticked by and the brim of the Hat opened. "SLYTHERIN!"
The Slytherin table exploded with applause, Draco clapping the hardest. Leo strolled to his House and sat down next to the blond.
"Shimizu, Kazuki," said McGonagall.
The petite boy received catcalls, whistles, jealous glares, and confusion on his gender. The Hat was put on.
In less than one second, the brim ripped open. "SLYTHERIN!"
Groans came from the other three tables while Slytherins stomped feet and banged their fists on the table. Harry was outwardly dissatisfied and Kazuki, catching his eye, smiled sadly.
"How unusual," Hermione said. "I would never think Kazuki would get sorted into Slytherin faster than Leo."
"Snape, Loki," McGonagall said loud enough to be heard over the noise.
Instant silence. Loki skipped into the Great Hall and waved to Severus, and then to Harry.
The Hat didn't even touch his head when it said, "SLYTHERIN!"
"That was a given," Lee Jordan said, close friend of Fred and George.
"Touya, Akira," said McGonagall.
"Akira?" Loki shot up from his chair, watching his friend walk through the doors.
The young Go pro nodded in his friends' direction before sitting on the stool. McGonagall set the Hat on his head.
"SLYTHERIN!" it said.
"Four transfer students and they all went to Slytherin," said Fred.
"What are the odds," George said, shaking his head.
'What are you doing here?' Loki said, tackling Akira. 'I've missed you.'
'Hey,' said Leo. 'Don't tell anyone you're Muggle-born.'
'Good advice,' said Akira.
'I was worried you couldn't make it,' said Kazuki.
'You knew?' said Loki.
'I didn't know if Akira would really come,' said Kazuki. 'It was up to Akira, his parents, and our Headmasters.'
Dumbledore tapped his goblet with his spoon. "I have more announcements to make. The introductions of new students are done; it is time to introduce your new professors. Meet Professor Green, your new teacher for Defense Against the Dark Arts."
Sirius stepped into the Great Hall and took his seat on the teacher's table. The students clapped graciously and Harry's spirits rose.
"That's Snuffles?" Ron whispered to Harry. "He sure looks different."
"Thanks to Loki and the others," Harry whispered back.
"I think I'll ask what they did to him to make him look this way," said Hermione.
Dumbledore continued, "I'm sure students enjoyed the Dueling class we had in the past. This year Hogwarts is opening a new class called Auror Training and will be taught by a highly skilled Auror. I welcome Auror Snape."
Gasps and shock from the students and teachers. Severus and Loki were not informed about this. Thor came in wearing cargo pants and a white button- down shirt, not tucked in. He had a small smile on, basking in the bewilderment of his family.
"Shouldn't he be in robes?" asked Ron.
"There's nothing in Hogwarts: A History that prohibits teachers wearing Muggle clothing," said Hermione.
"One more," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling in overdrive. "Older students may have noticed that Hagrid is not present. He is on vacation at the moment and will be back later in the year. In his absence will be young Professor Snape."
"Another Snape?" Ron exclaimed. "They're taking over the school."
An ethereal figure glided into the Great Hall. He or she, difficult to tell, wore flowing robes. The robes itself were weird, in pastel green and white. They weren't like regular robes because it was more like a loose- fitting kimono. The youthful face shone like ivory and lips pale pink. The hair was pitch black and in a complicated knot with twists, braids, and sparkling hairpins.
"Rin!" Loki said happily.
------------------------------------------------------------------
A.N. - Cliffhanger! I'm so evil! This chapter would have been finished earlier if I weren't so busy reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! Some good parts, some bad, go out there and buy it! Anyone want to complain that I put them all in Slytherin? Did anyone know Touya Akira isn't really mine? He's a character from this anime called Hikaru no Go but I don't feel like changing my disclaimer. Also, I've decided to make the trip at Diagon Alley into an interlude and have no idea when it'll be posted.
First time attempting to write a Harry Potter fic so be kind and R&R. And no one beta-ed this so don't mind my grammar mistakes.
Warning: This will be SLASH! Meaning 2 guys in THAT kind of relationship!
Spoilers: Books 1-4, ignore most of 5
Pairings: Main - Severus/Sirius Others - Reviewers choice! Voting ends July first!
Languages:
"blah blah blah" - English
'blah blah blah' - Japanese
------------------------------------------------------------------
11. You're sure the Sorting Hat is working properly?
(Posted 06/25/03 - Wednesday)
(Revision #1 11/06/03 - Thursday)
------------------------------------------------------------------
"At the rate you're going, the floor will have a new cavity before the students arrive," said Sirius, who was sitting languidly in the staff room, hired by Headmaster Dumbledore under the name Aries Green. "I didn't realize you worry over your nephew and godson like a mother-hen."
Severus halted his pacing in front of the fireplace and gave his new colleague one of his infamous glares.
"Don't add oil to fire," McGonagall said, the other person who was informed about Sirius' undercover post besides Madam Poppy Pomfrey. "Although I'm saddened that Severus never told me about his other living family members until this summer."
"He's always been tight-lipped about everything," said Sirius. "There's still about an hour left so why don't you sit and rest your legs?"
"I'll sit when I feel like it," Severus retorted, resuming his pacing. "Mind your own business."
McGonagall shrugged and said to Sirius, "How was your summer with Harry? You have tons of stories to share I assume."
"Of course," said Sirius. "It was my happiest summer in a very long time. We did so many things, from hiking to road trips to ice-skating. Harry caught on fast. He's as graceful on ice as he is in the air."
"Poetic," said Severus.
"Blame it on Kazuki's books," Sirius said, grinning. "Hey, you didn't tell me what happened when the kids met the Weasleys."
"I was only there for a second," Severus said, sitting on the armchair across from Sirius and next to McGonagall. "Saw their reactions to Draco and Kazuki."
"I hear Kazuki a lot," said the Transfiguration teacher. "Which one is he?"
"The cross-dresser," Severus said brusquely.
"Harry might have a crush on him," added Sirius. "Sweet kid."
"Oh, how interesting," said McGonagall. "I wonder if any of those transferred students would be sorted into Gryffindor."
Severus snorted. "Not Loki."
"I can see Leo in Ravenclaw or Slytherin," said Sirius. "Kazuki could probably be in Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw, though he has Gryffindor traits. It takes loads of bravery to dress like a girl in public."
"Hmm," said McGonagall.
Severus made a sound like a real laugh and Sirius stared at him.
"What?" Sirius said.
"Nothing," Severus said, a strange smile on his face.
"Tell me!"
"I'm not telling you anything!"
McGonagall ignored them as her two former students started bickering by picking up the Daily Prophet. The staff room began to fill with other teachers and small chitchat broke out as they waited for Dumbledore. In the not so far distance, the red Hogwarts Express was steaming to its destination. In one of the compartments held Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny.
"Which House do you think they'll get into?" Hermione asked out of the blue, stuffing her new Defense Against the Dark Arts textbook into her bag.
"Who?" Ginny said.
"You're talking about those Japanese students, aren't you?" Ron said unhappily, still unused to Harry's new friends. "I can't even say fellows because I get this flash image of Kazuki in that dress."
"Loki will definitely be a Slytherin," said Harry. "Hard to tell with Leo and Kazuki."
"You're hoping Kazuki to be a Gryffindor, right?" Hermione said slyly.
"Herm!" said Harry.
"I like him," said Ginny. "No, Ron, not that way. He's like a girl friend."
"I thought you didn't like him much," said Hermione.
"In the beginning, because it's weird having a guy look so good in a dress," said Ginny. "He detected my uneasiness or something and we talked in private when we ate ice cream at Florean Fortescue's. He's polite and understanding, and in the end, we became friends."
"Mr. Weasley kept asking Leo questions," said Hermione. "I was surprised he answered them all."
"He's smart but too busy doing other things to study," said Harry. "He gets above average grades."
"Remarkable," said Hermione. "They have a large chance of sorting into Ravenclaw."
"It would be nice to have at least one of my new friends to be in the same House as me," Harry admitted.
"Shame Malfoy is already a Slytherin," Ron said, spitting out Draco's surname like it was a disease.
"Malfoy isn't too bad," said Hermione. "He didn't say anything bad to you or your family when we bumped into him and Professor from time to time in Diagon Alley. He was civil."
"Civil doesn't mean he wasn't cursing my family in his mind," said Ron. "And I don't like how Fred and George were being friendly towards that Snape."
"His name is Loki and he's a great friend," said Harry. "He's getting along with Fred and George because he wants to be a sponsor for their Wizard Wheezes."
"I guess there's some good in him," Ron said grudgingly. "But we've spent one day with him when you've been seeing him for two months."
"Ron's right," Ginny said, remembering Tom Riddle's harmless-looking diary. "Appearances can be deceiving. I wouldn't be saying this if Loki hadn't paid more attention to the twins than to us."
"She has a point," said Hermione. "Look at our past Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers. First year was a man hosting You-Know-Who. Second, I confess Lockhart was a treacherous liar behind his handsome looks. Professor Lupin was our best teacher, besides him being a werewolf. And fourth, a Death Eater masquerading as Mad-Eye Moody."
"Loki is not our old professors," said Harry.
"We should get our robes on," Hermione said, changing the subject. "The train should be stopping soon."
"Alright," Harry said, opening his trunk. "We should tell them."
"Fine, fine," surrendered Ron. "We'll go after we dress."
Further down from Harry and his friends was the compartment with Loki, Leo, Kazuki, and Draco. Loki was asleep, head resting on Leo's shoulder, as the hacker read the New York Times on stocks. Draco was staring out the window daydreaming while Kazuki read his new textbook on Arithmancy. Their door slid open.
"It's almost time for the train to stop," Harry said, the rest standing behind him, all clad in black. "You should throw on your robes."
"Thank you," Kazuki said, closing his textbook. "I didn't realize it was this late already."
"Thanks," Leo said, folding his newspaper.
He stood up and Loki, losing his support, stumped so half his body was laying on the seat. Draco snickered when Loki continued sleeping and Kazuki tucked his textbook in his white Manhattan portage, but not before Hermione saw the title.
"You're taking Arithmancy too?" she said, clearly thrilled.
"Yes," Kazuki answered, tightening his ponytail. "I find it stimulating and I've taken classes like the other electives but I needed two so I picked Care for Magical Creatures. It's the only class I could take where I can get some sun."
"You've taken Ancient Runes in your old school?" said Hermione. "What about Divination? And Muggle Studies?"
"Yes to all questions," said Kazuki.
"Granger, he's tied in first place in academies with Loki," Draco said, pulling close his robe. "You can make a study group with them."
"That's a wonderful idea," said Kazuki.
"I'll think about it," Hermione said earnestly. "It would be nice to have study buddies, especially since we have to take our O.W.L.s this year."
"Ah, Ordinary Wizarding Level exams," said Kazuki. "Leo told me about them."
Ron was the first to notice.
"Hey Malfoy," he said, puffing out his chest where he had pinned his perfect badge. "You don't have a prefect badge on you."
"That's because I'm not a prefect," Draco said nonchalantly. "Blaise Zabini is Slytherin's male perfect. Granger, Weasley, congratulations on making prefect."
"Thank you," Hermione said faintly, shaking his hand.
Harry gave Ron a look, as if to say I-told-you-so, while the redhead shook Draco's hand.
"Shouldn't someone wake him up?" Ginny said, pointing at Loki.
"Yea," Leo said, nudging him in the ribs.
A giggle broke out from Loki's lips but he remained asleep. Draco and Ron raised an eyebrow at the same time. Hermione, Ginny, and Harry laughed. Leo tickled Loki lightly on the sides.
"I'm awake, I'm awake," Loki said quickly, getting up groggily.
"Here," Draco said, handing him his robe. "The train's stopping."
"Thanks Jr.," Loki said, yawning.
"Tired?" Harry said, leaning against the wall of the passageway.
"He was playing videos games until morning so he's been sleeping since we got on the train," said Leo. "That idiot."
"I told him he should have a full night sleep," said Kazuki.
"But I was on a roll," said Loki. "I was winning level after level but it took me forever to beat that game."
The Hogwarts Express came to a full stop and the student clambered out. Harry had been looking forward to seeing Hagrid but he was nowhere in sight and it was impossible to miss a half-giant. In front of the lake, with the boats, was Professor Sprout, teacher for Herbology.
"First years! First years this way!" she cried. "New students! The new students this way!"
"Aww, we can't ride with Jr.," pouted Loki.
"I'll see you in the Great Hall then," Draco said, before entering a carriage with a group of Ravenclaws.
"See you later," Harry said, one foot up the carriage. "WHAT THE - "
"What is it mate?" said Ron.
"What are you looking at?" Hermione said, gazing in front of the carriage where Harry was staring.
"Do you see what I see?" said Harry.
"Whoa, music theme from the Gremlins playing in my head," Loki said, and seeing Ron and Ginny's confused expressions, explained, "It's a movie. Muggle thing."
"What are you talking about?" Ginny said to Harry. "There's nothing there."
"The things pulling the carriages," elaborated Harry. "Those winged horses, or I think they're horses, and they're black with skeletal bodies."
"I don't see anything," Ron said worriedly. "Are you feeling okay?"
"Maybe you're exhausted," suggested Hermione.
"No, they're really there," persisted Harry. "I'm not going mad."
"Of course you're not mad Lightning," Loki said knowingly. "They're thestrals."
"Ohhh," Hermione said, comprehension dawning on her face. "Of course! Thestrals! I should have known."
"Come on," Professor Sprout said to the transferred students. "Don't just stand there. Go find an empty or partially empty boat."
"Later all," Loki said, walking to the side of the lake with Kazuki and Leo.
They could hear Ron asking Hermione, "What are thestrals?"
The ride across the lake went well, besides Loki almost being pulled in by the Giant Squid because he was trying to poke it with his new wand. It took Leo, Kazuki, and the first year with them, named Euan Abercrombie, to get Loki back. It almost gave the small boy a heart attack when one tentacle rocked the boat dangerously in revenge.
"Did you know your last name is also a major brand name branch of clothing?" Loki said, their boat disembarking. "You have a cool last name."
"Thanks," said Euan. "I think."
Once on land, he darted to another group of first years.
"You're scared him," said Leo.
"I did not," said Loki. "He's just shy."
"Shh," Kazuki said, as McGonagall came out to lead them to the Great Hall.
"I am Professor McGonagall," she said. "Deputy Headmistress, teacher of Transfiguration, and Head of Gryffindor House. Welcome new students. Please wait quietly until it is time."
She went away.
"The British wizards like flaunting their accomplishments and job, don't they?" whispered Loki. "You remember that letter they sent us? Bumblebee has done a lot in his long life."
"Waste of paper," said Leo. "Killing trees."
Kazuki giggled. All of a sudden, there was an irritating cackle and water balloons plummeted from the ceiling. First years screamed and Loki cast a Shielding Spell on instinct. The ones screaming stopped when they saw the water balloons bouncing off harmlessly from dome-shaped shield surrounding them.
"Peeves!" McGonagall said, returning upon hearing the commotion.
"Icky first years! Icky first years!" chanted the floating poltergeist. "No fair! They're not first years!"
"Cool," Loki said, removing his spell. "What are you? You're not a ghost, right? You've got one flashy outfit. My name's Loki, what's yours?"
Peeves cocked his head and lowered himself to Loki's height.
"Peeves," said the poltergeist.
"Want a lollypop?" Loki said, fumbling through his pocket and producing cherry-flavored ones. "They're Muggle candy but good."
Peeves took one and floated quietly out of the corridor.
"See you around," Loki said, waving his arm. "What?"
McGonagall and the first years were staring at him, awed.
The Transfiguration professor cleared her throat. "Come now, this way to the Great Hall. Those not first years stay here. Enter the Great Hall when you hear your name called."
Loki, Leo, and Kazuki obediently remained outside the Great Hall. They could hear the applause every time the Sorting Hat announced a House. Harry and Draco were both anxious. There were four unoccupied seats on the teacher's table, three unknown because McGonagall was standing next to the Sorting Hat's stool. Finally the line of first years disappeared and Dumbledore stood up.
"To the new students, welcome to Hogwarts," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling steady and strong. "To the returning students, welcome back. I have a few announcements to make. First, I am happy to say Hogwarts are having transfer students since over a century ago. They will be joining the fifth years and sorted into Houses right now."
"Mizuno, Leo," said McGonagall.
The hacker walked to the platform, paying no heed to the whispering and following eyes. McGonagall placed the Hat on his head and Draco crossed his fingers under the table.
A minute ticked by and the brim of the Hat opened. "SLYTHERIN!"
The Slytherin table exploded with applause, Draco clapping the hardest. Leo strolled to his House and sat down next to the blond.
"Shimizu, Kazuki," said McGonagall.
The petite boy received catcalls, whistles, jealous glares, and confusion on his gender. The Hat was put on.
In less than one second, the brim ripped open. "SLYTHERIN!"
Groans came from the other three tables while Slytherins stomped feet and banged their fists on the table. Harry was outwardly dissatisfied and Kazuki, catching his eye, smiled sadly.
"How unusual," Hermione said. "I would never think Kazuki would get sorted into Slytherin faster than Leo."
"Snape, Loki," McGonagall said loud enough to be heard over the noise.
Instant silence. Loki skipped into the Great Hall and waved to Severus, and then to Harry.
The Hat didn't even touch his head when it said, "SLYTHERIN!"
"That was a given," Lee Jordan said, close friend of Fred and George.
"Touya, Akira," said McGonagall.
"Akira?" Loki shot up from his chair, watching his friend walk through the doors.
The young Go pro nodded in his friends' direction before sitting on the stool. McGonagall set the Hat on his head.
"SLYTHERIN!" it said.
"Four transfer students and they all went to Slytherin," said Fred.
"What are the odds," George said, shaking his head.
'What are you doing here?' Loki said, tackling Akira. 'I've missed you.'
'Hey,' said Leo. 'Don't tell anyone you're Muggle-born.'
'Good advice,' said Akira.
'I was worried you couldn't make it,' said Kazuki.
'You knew?' said Loki.
'I didn't know if Akira would really come,' said Kazuki. 'It was up to Akira, his parents, and our Headmasters.'
Dumbledore tapped his goblet with his spoon. "I have more announcements to make. The introductions of new students are done; it is time to introduce your new professors. Meet Professor Green, your new teacher for Defense Against the Dark Arts."
Sirius stepped into the Great Hall and took his seat on the teacher's table. The students clapped graciously and Harry's spirits rose.
"That's Snuffles?" Ron whispered to Harry. "He sure looks different."
"Thanks to Loki and the others," Harry whispered back.
"I think I'll ask what they did to him to make him look this way," said Hermione.
Dumbledore continued, "I'm sure students enjoyed the Dueling class we had in the past. This year Hogwarts is opening a new class called Auror Training and will be taught by a highly skilled Auror. I welcome Auror Snape."
Gasps and shock from the students and teachers. Severus and Loki were not informed about this. Thor came in wearing cargo pants and a white button- down shirt, not tucked in. He had a small smile on, basking in the bewilderment of his family.
"Shouldn't he be in robes?" asked Ron.
"There's nothing in Hogwarts: A History that prohibits teachers wearing Muggle clothing," said Hermione.
"One more," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling in overdrive. "Older students may have noticed that Hagrid is not present. He is on vacation at the moment and will be back later in the year. In his absence will be young Professor Snape."
"Another Snape?" Ron exclaimed. "They're taking over the school."
An ethereal figure glided into the Great Hall. He or she, difficult to tell, wore flowing robes. The robes itself were weird, in pastel green and white. They weren't like regular robes because it was more like a loose- fitting kimono. The youthful face shone like ivory and lips pale pink. The hair was pitch black and in a complicated knot with twists, braids, and sparkling hairpins.
"Rin!" Loki said happily.
------------------------------------------------------------------
A.N. - Cliffhanger! I'm so evil! This chapter would have been finished earlier if I weren't so busy reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! Some good parts, some bad, go out there and buy it! Anyone want to complain that I put them all in Slytherin? Did anyone know Touya Akira isn't really mine? He's a character from this anime called Hikaru no Go but I don't feel like changing my disclaimer. Also, I've decided to make the trip at Diagon Alley into an interlude and have no idea when it'll be posted.