Disclaimer: J K Rowling owns the rights and likenesses of all the characters in the Harry Potter series. This story is meant to add to the world she created. Any conflicts are accidental and they yield to her reality (canon).
5. The Sorting Of Another Potter
The next morning came early for Samantha. Harry had woken her up at daybreak. She got ready and headed downstairs to join her father. He was waiting for her at the table. Hermione was sitting with Harry discussing a few things. Harry turned towards her as she approached the table.
"What have you chosen for the day?" Asked Harry.
"I just want to spend time with you today, Father," answered Samantha. "Nothing special, just us."
Harry was very happy at these words. "That sounds wonderful, Honey. Shall we go then?"
Hermione bid them good morning and walked them out of the house. When she closed the door, the Daily Prophet owl was at the window. Hermione took the paper and found a very disconcerting headline on the front page.
"Harry Potter Sited. A source close to Hogwarts has informed the Daily Prophet that Harry Potter, The-Boy-Who-Lived, has returned to the area. Details will be reported as they come in."
"Damn! How did they find out so quickly? Exclaimed Hermione.
"What was that, dear?" Asked a sleepy Ron.
"Look for yourself," said Hermione tossing the paper to him.
Ron scanned the page, "Bloody hell! Harry is not going to like this." Ron sighed.
Harry and Samantha wondered around the country near the Weasley home. Samantha showed him the all the interesting sites including the haunted house not far from the village up the road. They had a wonderful time just talking about old times and what she could expect in the year to come. About midday, they were returning to the Weasley home. As they came to the top of the hill, Harry noticed three people standing at the front door of the house. One of them had a camera, and the others looked like reporters.
"News travels fast I see," said Harry. He looked at Samantha and frowned. "It looks like I can't walk you back. They can't see us together here." Harry hugged his precious daughter tightly, told her he loved her, and suggested she go in the back door.
As Samantha snuck around to the back door, Harry watched from afar. Once she was inside, he disapparated.
"Oh Samantha, I am so glad you are here. They didn't see you, did they?" Questioned Hermione.
"No Mrs. Weasley," replied Samantha. "They didn't see me. I am not sure where my dad is though."
"Don't worry about him, dear. He can take care of himself," consoled Hermione. "His return was in the paper this morning. The entire wizarding world knows by now. Those vultures have been out there since nine o'clock. The children can't even leave the house. Why don't you go and join them upstairs. They were looking for you earlier."
Samantha went upstairs and found everyone in James's bedroom. It was in a shambles. Clothes all over the floor, broken toys in the corner, and a box dungbombs sitting on the bed between Sirius and Lily.
"What are you guys doing?" Asked Samantha.
James jumped away from the window with a start, but once he saw it was Samantha he motioned for her to close the door. "We are having fun with reporters. The goal is to hit them with a dungbomb and not let them see you do it," informed James. "I have a score of five, Lily has two, and Sirius has four. It is hard without using magic."
"Well, it is a good thing that I am not restricted from using it then isn't it," asserted Samantha. She pulled out her wand and cast a levitation spell on ten of the dungbombs. She sent them out the window behind and above the reporters. Then with a flick of her wand, the pellets flew at the small group at the front door. They let out a loud yell in protest spinning around to see where the nasty things had come from, but there was no one behind them. The kids couldn't resist the laughter and they shut the window. Hermione yelled up the stairs because of the noise, but they couldn't answer her.
When darkness fell, the reporters left deciding that eight hours undergoing constant assault from dungbombs wasn't getting them any new information. James had put up a good fight, but Samantha ended up scoring more hits on their prey by the time they ran out of ammunition.
"Well done, Samantha," said an impressed James. "I figured you for a by-the-book type like Sirius."
"I pick my fights carefully," Samantha explained. "It was a worthy cause and loads of fun."
Ron came home from work looking very tired. "You wouldn't believe how many people asked me if I had seen Harry," complained Ron. "It was a nightmare. I had to lock my office door by noon and I didn't dare answer any owls."
"Well, our day was not all pumpkin juice and chocolate frogs either," replied Hermione. "We had reporters outside all day long. They finally gave up after dark."
The kids giggled when Hermione said this. She eyed them closely, knowing that something was up, but she chose not to force the issue. She had no love lost on reporters. After dinner, everyone relaxed in the living room playing games or reading in the case of Hermione.
As Harry apparated away from his baby, he knew it was going to be a rough time until he could see her again. He appeared in an alley near Diagon Alley. He pulled his hood up and purposely walked straight to Gringotts. He entered the bank and headed to a teller station. When his approached the goblin, he set his key on the counter and asked for discretion.
The goblin barely took notice that Harry Potter stood before him. "You have business with the head goblin. Please follow me."
Harry followed the goblin through a set of doors guarded by four rather large goblins. He walked down hallways and turned corners for some time before coming to a gilded door. Grisnak Knctur: Head Goblin was written in gold on the door. His guide knocked once and then waited for the door to open of its own accord.
"Harry Potter to see you, Sir."
"Mr. Potter," came the response. "Show him in, Crlade."
Harry entered the room and saw a regal desk piled with folders and a fancy quill set. The old, wrinkled goblin behind the desk watched Harry with piercing eyes. He was not a being to be crossed. Harry settled into the high backed chair he was directed to.
"Mr. Potter," said Grisnak, "you have finally decided to visit us. You have many things to take care of today."
"Mr. Grisnak," Harry replied, "I merely wanted to visit my vault and withdraw some funds. I need to remain unfound for a few days."
"Mr. Potter," Grisnak continued, "You have many things that have been held in pending since your disappearance. This is a perfect time to resolve them before you go into hiding again. Much of your finances await your claim."
"Sir," Harry stuttered, "I do not know what you mean."
"Harry James Potter," Grisnak read from a roll of parchment. "Heir to the Potter Estate, heir to the Most Noble House of Black, heir of Allison Dorothy Brooks, Lord of Godric's Hollow, part-owner of Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes, owner of vault numbers 1, 7, 43, 687, 711, and 1862. Please affix your signature, family seal, palm print, and wand signature on the aforementioned areas, please."
The goblin simply slid the parchment to Harry and waited for him to do as asked. Harry looked over the words. He knew about two of the vaults. It only made sense he was the heir of the Potter Estate. The Black Estate made sense as did the WWW ownership. The twins were Weasleys after all. Joking aside, they were honourable men. The rest didn't make sense.
"Sir," Harry began.
"I can answer nothing until you have taken proper ownership of the listed items or estates," Grisnak said.
Harry signed, printed, and wanded the parchment. "I do not have a family seal that I know of, Sir?"
Grisnak seemed slightly disappointed. "Surely your elf could get it for you?"
"I have no elf that I know of, Mr. Grisnak," Harry explained.
A crack sounded and Dobby appeared next to Harry. He was bouncing on his feet erratically. He still wore two hats and a pair of socks Harry had given him.
"Harry Potter, sir," Dobby beamed. "Dobby is here as requested, Harry Potter, sir."
"Did I ask for you Dobby?" Harry said in surprise.
"Yes, sir, Harry Potter, sir," Dobby said unable to contain himself. "You did, sir."
"Dobby," Harry began, "no more sirs and Harry Potters, please. Just call me Harry."
Dobby seemed conflicted at the request. He hopped forward and grabbed Harry's hand. He moved his free finger toward his other hand and a flash of light appeared on the end of it. In a quick motion, Dobby opened a small cut on Harry's hand and a drop of blood fell from it onto Dobby's hand which had a cut as well. Once Harry's blood met Dobby's, another flash appeared and encircled both of them.
Dobby was happier than Harry had ever seen him before. "I is your house elf now, Harry Potter, sir. What is your orders for Dobby, sir?"
Harry seemed to understand what had happened. Dobby had just bound himself to Harry. "You just bound yourself to me, didn't you Dobby?"
"Yes, sir, Harry Potter, sir. Dobby did just that." Dobby was all smiles and excitement.
"Fine," Harry said. "You have to explain it to Hermione when she finds out then. First off, call me Harry. Nothing more than that."
"Dobby will call you Harry Potter or Sir," Dobby said firmly. "Anything less would be an insult to the great Harry Potter."
With a groan, Harry relented. "Fine, Dobby. Now, second it seems I need my family seal. Do you know where that is Dobby?"
A crack announced Dobby's departure. Harry was surprised, but a few seconds later another crack announced his return. Only Dobby returned holding a gold miter in his hands. "Dobby brings sir's family seal."
"Thank you, Dobby," was all Harry could say. He affixed the seal to the document and it shuddered slightly. The golden glow appeared and faded quickly. Dobby seemed slightly ill for a moment, but then he became even more pleased. "What happened, Dobby?
"Sir has gained many more properties for Dobby to clean," Dobby said with glee. "Dobby has many houses to take care of. So much work to do." The smile was eerie, but he seemed happy. Until a slight drop in his facial expression appeared.
"What is it, Dobby?" Asked a concerned Harry.
"Harry Potter has more elves," Dobby said. "Where does Dobby fall in the order, sir?"
Harry knew nothing about the other elves, nor did he care at the moment. "Dobby, you are first in the list right now. I know nothing about the rest of them."
"I believe I can answer your questions, Mr. Potter, sir," Grisnak said formally.
Harry didn't know what to think when a goblin called him, sir. "You called me, sir. Why?"
"It is a proper title for you considering your holdings, sir," said Grisnak. "The Potter's were a wealthy family. You still are, Mr. Potter. The Blacks were a wealthy family as well. Your wife had a moderate financial position. The Weasley business has been a very profitable business venture. Godric's Hollow gives you your title of Lord and ownership of all land within the village and the surrounding area. The vaults bring your wealth to an incredible level, sir.
"The elf situation is an interesting one, sir. You have five in total including your newly acquired one. Three are from the Potter family, and one is from the Black family. All of the elves now know of the change in ownership and have access to all homes currently under your control."
"Kreacher!" Harry snapped. He only saw red when the vile, decrepit elf appeared before him.
"You called for me, master," Kreacher said, then continued quietly, "Stupid, mudblood traitor."
Dobby was on him instantly. He thrashed Kreacher until the old elf was near death. "Dobby is sorry, sir. Dobby will punish himself when he gets home."
"No, Dobby," Harry said quickly. "You may handle this elf however you wish to. He assisted in his master's death. I have no desire to see him ever again and wish him ill tidings."
"Yes, sir," Dobby said. He grabbed Kreacher and disappeared with a flash. Harry never saw Kreacher again and never asked what happened to him.
"OK, the elves are known well enough for the time being at least," Harry said to Grisnak. "The vaults are a different situation."
"Vault number 1 is just that, the first vault officially opened by a wizard," Grisnak explained vaguely. "Vault 7 is the Potter Family vault and 43 is the Black Family vault. Vault 687 is your trust fund and 711 was the vault of Sirius Black. Vault 1862 was the vault the Weasley business opened for your portion of the profits. Do you have any other questions, sir?"
"How many properties do I own?" Harry asked not really caring about the answer.
"You own nine properties outright, sir," Grisnak said. "You are the owner of twenty properties that are leased to other families. All are in the village of Godric's Hollow."
Harry was thinking quickly at this point. "What is my financial situation, sir?"
"You are our largest client, Mr. Potter," Grisnak said "You have a monthly income of approximately twenty-five thousand galleons."
"How much is from the rent for the Godric Hollow homes?" Harry asked getting an idea.
"You receive a converted amount of five thousand galleons for those properties since they are all muggle tenants," Grisnak said.
"Cut their rent in half and tell them it is a permanent adjustment," Harry said. 'I don't need the money and they could probably use a break in their bills.' My daughter's vault, 1048, I wish to add funds to it. Move all of the funds in 711 into her vault. I also wish for her to have access to the other vaults if she asks for it. Please see to it that she is notified of their existence should I die. Also, I wish that Hermione and Ronald Weasley have access to vault 1862 should I die."
"Your wishes will be carried out, sir," Grisnak said. "Anything else, Mr. Potter?"
"I would like to withdraw some money now and thank you, sir," Harry answered.
The rest of the week was more of the same. A crew from the Daily Prophet was setup outside, but they had come prepared for the worst. Everyone waited anxiously for the day to arrive when they would go to Kings Cross to catch the train to Hogwarts. Samantha awoke early that morning; she couldn't sleep she was so excited. She had packed her things last night and they were down stairs in her trunk. She had just kept a few things in her pack upstairs to get her through the day. She changed quietly and went down stairs to wait for everyone to wake up. She found the kitchen light on and her father sitting at the table with a large object in the chair next to him.
"Hello, honey," he said. "I am sorry I haven't been able to see you this week."
"It is ok; I know everyone is looking for you. Why did you come back now?"
"I had to wish you luck before you left," said Harry with a tear in his eye. "I won't get to see you until dinner tonight, but we couldn't talk then either. Besides, I haven't given you your present yet."
"Present, I don't need a present. I am perfectly happy right now."
"Maybe you are, but you need one of these for school," said Harry pulling the cover off of the object. A large dark colored owl with white stripes and spots was sitting in the cage sleeping. "I know you like the hawk owls, so this one is for you. Congratulations my dear."
"Oh, thank you so much Daddy," whimpered Samantha. "Does she have a name yet?"
"Of course not, that is your choice," said Harry.
The owl spun her head up and looked at Samantha. "I will name her Edrea, because she looks powerful." The owl looked at her, sort of bowed her head, and went back to sleep.
"It appears she likes her name, Honey."
"I love her, thank you again, Dad," said Samantha hugging her father.
"I must go now before anyone shows up again. Remember what we talked about. You will be just fine; I believe in you, Honey.
Harry disapparated in front of her after they finished their goodbyes. Edrea perked up at the sound of Harry leaving but quickly went back to sleep. Samantha sat at the table gazing at her owl and thinking until the others started coming down stairs.
"I see we have another passenger today," said Hermione. "What a beautiful owl. What is her name, Samantha?"
"Edrea," said Samantha. "She seemed to like it."
Within an hour, the house was in a mad rush to get ready. "We have a car arriving at nine thirty and we are running late," cried Hermione hustling the children around the house getting all their things together.
At the appointed time, Ron began taking the trunks outside to the waiting car. Hermione pushed everyone outside and into the car. Ron had shooed away the reporters with a few threats and comments he hoped the kids hadn't overheard. Once they were all in the car, they were off to Kings Cross. Hermione kept asking the driver if they were going to arrive in time. Ron repeatedly told her to leave the man alone so he could drive. A few 'discussions' later they had arrived at the station.
They loaded their belongings onto a few trolleys and pushed them inside to the platform. The large group weaved their way through the crowd. Hermione motioned them through the wall when no one was looking. Sirius had given Samantha a tutorial about how the gateway worked on the way to the station. Once through, Samantha found an old train waiting for them. Hermione hurried the kids onto the train with their stuff in tow. Once all four had put away their trunks and animals, Hermione and Ron said their goodbyes. Hugs and kisses were exchanged; even Samantha received them from the Weasleys.
The train whistle blew sounding the last call. Everyone piled onto the train again and headed for the car they had chosen. The houses grew more parse as they cruised into the countryside. A knock on the door of the car broke the conversation. Mira stood in the doorway with another girl behind her.
"Hi Mira," said Sirius. "Had a good summer?"
"It was fine, didn't do much," replied Mira. "Hi Samantha."
Samantha said hello to Mira and her friend Alexandra. After a short time, the two of them left to find more people to talk to. The train continued on as the light began to fade. Everyone was getting a little antsy. Samantha was worse than the rest of them. She couldn't wait until they were there.
Night had mostly fallen. The stars were bright and lit the fields and the mountains in the distance. The train began to slow and everyone looked relieved to be getting off the train soon. As the train stopped with a lurch, Samantha saw a small train station out of the windows. Hogsmeade looked just like what her father had described. Their stuff was drug off the train along with the other students. A large figure at the end of the platform was calling for first years to come forward. Sirius told Samantha that she had to go too.
Samantha fought her way towards the tall man amongst the sea of little people. They looked scared of such a large person or maybe it was just being here that scared them.
"Samantha Brooks?" Asked the large man in a booming voice.
"Yes, sir," replied Samantha.
"Well, sir I don't know about, but Hagrid 'ill be fine."
"Yes, si…yes Hagrid," stammered Samantha. She had heard the stories from her father, but Hagrid was someone to be seen to be believed.
"Everyone 'ere, good," said Hagrid. "Everyone follow me." Hagrid led the group to the waters edge where small boats were waiting. "Everyone in the boats, please."
Samantha found herself in a boat with a very small girl and two boys who were more than afraid. The boats took them across the still lake. The stars could be seen on the reflective water. They passed under a vine-covered overhang framing the castle up on a hill. Samantha could see why the first years were introduced to Hogwarts this way. The impression it made on you was amazing. Lights were shining through the windows making the castle look almost surreal. The boats stopped at a dock below the castle and everyone climbed out of their boats. Samantha had to help a few of the smaller children to avoid anyone getting wet. They walked to the main gates following in Hagrid's shadow. He opened the front doors and led them into the entrance hall.
Hermione was standing at the head of the stairs. The group walked up the stairs to meet her.
"I am Professor Weasley." Hermione went on to explain how the points worked and other things of importance. "When you enter the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses." The large doors opened behind her. "Now follow me and stay in line."
The group of first years and Samantha followed Hermione into the Great Hall. The ceiling was black except for a few stars that shone brightly. Numerous candles floated above their heads lighting the hall. Four long groups of tables were arranged end to end. The other students from the train were sitting at the tables. Samantha spotted Sirius, Lily, James, and Miranda sitting at the table to the right. Most of the others were watching the head table and whispering amongst themselves. Samantha recognized Professor Dumbledore sitting in the middle of the table resting in a high-backed chair. To his right was an empty seat and then a woman with bright red hair. Continuing on there was a tall man with short curly hair followed by a dark, greasy haired man who was looking up the table. To Dumbledore's left, sat her father engrossed in a conversation with another man who was taller and a little more round. A few other teachers were chatting among themselves, but at the end of the table sat Hagrid drinking from a very large goblet.
The doors closed behind the group and Dumbledore stood with his hands raised to silence the students. "Another year begins and I trust it will be a good one. As many of you are aware, we have a new teacher for Defense Against the Dark Arts. Harry Potter will be assuming that position." Dumbledore was cut off by the collective gasps and murmurs of the students. He let the room calm down a little before proceeding with his speech. "Now that we have that news out of the way, we will begin the sorting."
Hermione stepped forward carrying a three-legged stool and an old hat. She set the stool in front of the head table and placed the hat on it as well. She stepped back and waited. The old hat began to move and a mouth appeared above the brim.
"Another year has come and now is when I do my thing.
I sort you into your houses by looking into your head.
I use what knowledge I have and then make my decision.
Of the four houses here, you will live in one.
Calling their members friend and maybe even family.
Now up you come so I may complete my task."
The room was noisy from the children cheering. Hermione held out a scroll with writing on it. "Step forward when your name is called and take your seat." Hermione cleared her throat and began. "Brooks, Samantha."
Samantha looked at her father and then Dumbledore, and made her way forward. She sat on the stool and Hermione dropped the hat on her head.
"Brooks? I think not," said a voice in her head. "Potter suits you better, yes. Now let's see. You are strong-minded, a good heart too. But the grief you hold is for the living not the dead." The hat mumbled to its self for a few seconds. "I believe I know where you belong. Not unlike your father so it better be, 'GRYFFINDOR'!"
The hat was removed and the students clapped. The Gryffindor table cheered loudly, but the Weasleys were louder still. When Samantha took her seat next to Sirius and Lily, she looked up at the head table. Her father was clapping while holding back a smile. Dumbledore was clapping as well, but he didn't hide his smile. Samantha was very pleased with the outcome of the sorting. She had been placed in the only house she had ever wanted.
The sorting carried on as the number of students dwindled. When Hermione finished, she took away the hat and stool. Once she was seated at the table, Dumbledore rose again causing the room to fall silent. "Enjoy," was the only word he spoke. Food appeared on the tables, every kind food imaginable. Everyone started filling his or her plates. Samantha found the food to be most satisfying. She helped herself to a little bit of everything provided. Sirius congratulated her on making it in Gryffindor once he had his fill. They continued discussing things until Dumbledore came to his feet.
"It is late and I am sure many of you can't wait until tomorrow. Off you go," finished Dumbledore.
The desserts disappeared and the students got to their feet. Samantha followed Sirius and the others out of the hall and up to the Gryffindor tower. The password to the painting was "pollywog". The group entered the common room and some went up to their rooms. The first years were still getting the tour by the prefects. Samantha felt confident that she would find her way around as she went. Dumbledore was correct, it was late. Samantha found herself quite tired after an hour or so talking with the Weasleys, Miranda, and Alexandra.
Mira showed Samantha where her bed was on the girl's side. She shared a room with Mira, Alex, and a girl named Rachel Mc Michael. They were nice enough to live with, Samantha guessed. She found that her belongings had been brought up and her clothes put away in her dresser. Edrea was in her cage watching the girls move around the room. Everyone seemed fond of Samantha's owl. She was pleasant and allowed them to pet her. Samantha found one item remaining in her trunk. It was a long box that she hadn't seen before. She opened it up and found her father's old Firebolt. A note accompanied the broom.
My
darling baby, I didn't feel Edrea was enough so I decided to slip
this in your trunk while you were asleep. It may not be the fastest
broom anymore, but it served me well and it shall do the same for
you. Good night, Honey, and I will see you tomorrow.
Your Father
Samantha burned the note with the flame from the candle by her bed and disposed of the ashes in a bin.
"Is that a Firebolt?" Asked Mira.
"Yes, it is," answered Samantha. "My father gave it to me as a present."
"Nice. Only a few people here have Firebolts. Most use Comets or Cleansweeps," added Mira. "Are you planning to tryout for Quidditch?"
"I thought about it," said Samantha. "I hope to make Seeker, honestly."
"Really?" Alex asked. "We need a good one. I would love to see a girl be Seeker. It has been awhile since we had a female Seeker for Gryffindor."
"Well, I will do my best," said Samantha. "I only hope I am good enough. I have never played on a team before." The others had a shocked look on their faces. "Salem didn't have Quidditch. It would have been too public, but I have played with my father a few times. He seems to think I am good enough to tryout."
"Well, I hope you are," said Alex. "I am tired of being the only girl on the team."
"She is a chaser," said Mira. "And one of the best in Hogwarts."
"Stop it, Mira," scolded Alex. "You are talking me up too much. I am good enough to keep my spot on the team."
The girls got ready for bed and the lights were put out. Samantha lay in bed thinking about the future and especially tomorrow. A new school, new teachers, and new rules, hoping things will work out. 'It will be fine,' a voice told her. 'You will succeed, I have no doubt.' This was a comforting feeling and Samantha fell asleep.