As they sat down, the scared first years filed into the Great Hall. Standing in the front was Professor McGonagall, next to the old Sorting Hat. Once all the fist years were settled the hat burst into song. When the song was finished McGonagall unrolled a long piece of parchment.
"Adams, Ben"
Harry didn't pay much attention until . . . . "Evans, Mark"
"Ahhh," whispered the Sorting Hat into Evan's ear "Where to put you...? I know!
GRYFFINDOR!"
The Gryffindor's cheered all hoping that each first year would live up to Gryffindor's standers. Mark took off the hat, set it on the stool, and, with a smile on his face, took a seat at the Gryffindor table, away from Harry.
Harry took a closer look at the newest Gryffindor, He recognized this boy as the one Dudley had beaten up last summer. The thing that Harry found most interesting about Mark Evans was that he had the same last name as Harry's mother's maiden name, but then again, Evans was a popular last name in England.
"Evans..." Harry thought aloud. "There is no way," he said, and he tried to enjoy the feast.
Hermione and Ron talked while Harry sat in stony silence. "What's wrong Harry?" asked Ron.
Harry told them about the boy while trying to choke down some dinner. Mark was eating at the other end of the table with the other first years.
Ron was listing with his mouth opening wider and wider as Harry told them about the boy. He shut it when Hermione gave him a discussed look and turned to Harry. "Go to Dumbledore Harry, or write to Moony, they would know."
Harry thought this over and made no comment. He really did not want to face the headmaster after last summer's 'incident'.
Ron and Hermione were talking about this and Harry was looking at Mark Evens. He was looking Mark over to find any features that looked like his mother. Harry could not see any from the distance that he and Mark were apart.
"Well are you going to say anything or not Harry?" asked Ron.
"I . . . I don't know."
"Well if it were me I would want to know," said Hermione.
"He is in our house, Harry. You can ask him at anytime. Don't worry about it," said Ron, turning back to his dinner.
Harry nodded and continued to look at Mark. What if they were related? What would that mean?
Just then everyone got quite. Harry around, Dumbledore had stood up. Everyone's eyes were on him.
"Welcome to Hogwarts. I have a few year notices to mention. Mr. Filch would like to me remind you no magic in the corridors. Added to the list of objects forbidden are Canary creams, and portable swamps." Dumbledore smiled fondly at the last comment. "For the first years, they should know that the Forbidden Forrest is out of bounds." Dumbledore was looking straight at Harry and Ron.
They exchanged sheepish smiles.
"On another note, you may have noticed that we have one chair unfilled at the high table."
Harry took a closer look at the staff table; he had not noticed that the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher's chair had no occupant.
"The professor will be joining us tomorrow and I will introduce you to him at dinner. Now I ask that you retire to your dormitories."
Everyone was getting up and slowly working there way out of the Great Hall.
Harry quickly made his way down the table, passed Mark and took a good long look at him. Mark's eyes were green, but not as sharp as Harry's, but close enough to freak Harry out. He quickly walked out of the great hall and started towards the staircases, His heart pounding, and taking deep breaths to calm himself. He heard Ron and Hermione running to catch up with him, Harry slowed to wait for them.
"So?" asked Ron.
"He has my eyes, somewhat." Harry said in a quiet voice.
Hermione and Ron exchanged a look then Hermione said, "Well, did you say anything to him?"
"No"
"Harry, you can't beat yourself up about this. If you want to know just go ask him." said Ron.
"Maybe"
As they were walking along, Harry looked out the window into the night sky. The moon was full and ghostly white against the black, star speckled sky. Harry thought he heard a lone wolf, howling at the moon.
They talked about whom could possibly be the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Nobody could be as bad Umbridge. Harry shuddered at the thought of her. The scar on his hand had faded over the summer, to Harry's relief.
They reached the portrait of the fat lady.
"Password?"
"Quidditch Champions" said Hermione.
The portrait swung open to reveal the hole into the common room. No one was there yet. Harry, Ron, and Hermione took their favorite seats by the fire. The first years should be here any minute. Harry was thinking over what he would say to Mark and if he would even say anything when the portrait opened. Ron and Hermione looked at Harry then they all looked at the incoming first years.
Harry saw Mark in the back of the crowd, looking around with amazement. Harry waited till most of the first years had gone up to their dormitories. Mark was looking out a window at the Quidditch pitch below. Harry looked at Ron and Hermione, who nodded, then walked over to Mark.
"Hello," Harry said in a shaky voice.
Mark turned around with a surprised look on his face. "Hi."
"I'm Harry Potter," Marks eyes glanced at Harry's forehead, with a look that Harry was all too familiar with. "Your Mark Evens, right?" asked Harry.
"Yes,"
"Do you live around Priviet Drive?" Harry questioned.
"Yes." Marks voice was so low Harry could hardly hear it. He guessed it was because he was being interrogated by a sixth year. Harry remembered what it was like to be a first year, and that being pounced on by a sixth year on your first night was not an enjoyable experience.
"Are you in any way," Harry stopped, trying to make the last words come out of his mouth, "related to Lily Evens?" There, he had gotten it out. Harry waited for the answer, not sure what he hoped it would be.
Mark looked at Harry, "No" he mumbled out.
Harry did not know what to say; too many thoughts were flying through his head. He was vaguely aware of Ron and Hermione watching them from across the common room. Harry stared at Mark unable to speak.
"Oh," Harry could hardly find his voice. All his hope he had built up at having a family left him in one moment; leaving him with a huge whole in his chest.
"She was my mother." Harry said looking at Mark. "And I thought you might know something about her."
Mark's face registered shock and then, "I have to get to bed." And he almost ran up to the boy's dormitories.
Harry watched him go then walked back to Ron and Hermione and sat back down. Trying to sort through all the thoughts racing thought his mind.
"Harry?" Hermione asked.
He shook his head.
They looked at each other then Hermione said, "Well, I am going to bed. You two better do the same." She walked off towards the girls' dormitories.
"Come on Harry." Ron pulled him to his feet and lead him to the boys' dormitories.
Harry and Ron walked up the stairs and to a door with a brass plate labeled Sixth Years. Harry entered the familiar circular room, decorated in gold and red.
Seamus and Dean were busy talking about their holiday and hanging up posters and pictures. They looked up at Harry and Ron came in.
"Hullo Harry, Ron." said Dean, turning back to his poster of the West Ham soccer team.
"Hey Harry, hi Ron." said a pair of legs sticking out for under a bed.
Harry was about to reply when . . . .
"Ha! I got you now!" And the pair of legs started to move. A few seconds later Harry was looking at Neville Longbottom clutching his toad, Trevor, in his hands.
"Hi Neville."
Seamus was looking at Harry and the latter right back at him. Harry had not forgotten last year's fight the first night back.
"Hello Harry,"
"Hello Seamus," Harry said. Both boys shifted on their feet unconfortabley, not really knowing what to say.
Harry was the first to turn away, getting into his pj's and into bed, pulling his hangings around him. He heard the other boys getting ready for bed. Harry thought about Mark Evans, if or when he would say anymore to him. Then Harry fell into a surprisingly dreamless sleep.
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