Chapter 2: The Sorting
Minerva had warned The Family that she would stay a bit distant from the kids. The professor knew that Albus had placed a target on her back and that he would eventually come to collect. McGonagall wasn't that concerned about her safety. She was both ready to die and prepared to kill. That is the kind of adversary you do not want to have: a fearless vengeful woman with a bone to pick and maps to all the hatchets she had buried. Minerva had too much background information on Albus, and as such, she had a leg up in the fight. He knew her past, but not her present or her future. All the information she had gathered in these years had her confident that Dumbledore was working with someone smarter and darker than himself. Otherwise, he would not have been able to massacre her elves. McGonagall was, however, worried about the children's safety.
It had taken significant effort and expenses on Hogwarts' budget to get any elves to even accept to come to work there. They were terrified of a Massacre 2.0. They had demanded that the kitchen be sealed shut. Now, only elves could pop in or out of the kitchen. The walls had been reinforced and charmed for this purpose. Filius had requested advice from the goblins since, this year, Hogwarts' coffers were running on meager funds. Flitwick was told to eliminate the feasts and exchange them for a buffet per house, and elves would be physically present in the Great Hall to serve the plates. The elves' demands had cost quite a bit, and the food options were now limited. Students couldn't just wish for anything they wanted. The menu was posted per day, so everyone could know if they wanted to eat at the Great Hall. If children didn't like the food, they had no choice but to order in from Hogsmeade.
Once having a menu became their only choice, Filius had consulted the healers to provide a healthy but filling menu for growing teenagers. Desserts had been removed as the healers noted that the older the students were, the more extra pounds they had. Before the budget cuts, students could have three helpings of dessert. It was madness. The number of galleons that the school spent on food was too vast. It could feed a small country. The elves that had been slaughtered were always exhausted from the extreme demands that this resort-like living cost them. Dumbledore had never cared much about finances, and he ran Hogwarts like a hotel. His expenses on sweets and alcohol were astronomical. As were his costs in imported magical fabrics to have his outlandish tunics made. The silverware was of the highest quality and had the Hogwarts' seal engraved at the end of each piece. The plates had House Crests that were hand-painted. Simple bedsheets that should have been practical instead of fancy were Egyptian cotton with a count of 800 threads on average. Albus felt that as a 'hero' and leader, he deserved to be as eccentric as he chose to be.
Among the many ridiculous things that they found in their audit, the goblins also found illegal transactions. If those things became public knowledge, people would revolt. Dumbledore had been charging non-magical families up to three times the cost that pureblood families were charged for tuition. Flitwick was at a loss. The goblins also discovered that pureblood professors were paid more than half-bloods and muggles. All the professors were incensed, and the School Board was both humiliated and furious. Dumbledore had been masking the real financial status of their accounts. Now, they had to start auctioning off school property to have the balance sheets look like they could afford to stay open for a couple of years without raising all tuition or having to cut back on instruction hours. Filius was very concerned. The superfluous expenses of the last 10 years could have kept the school running comfortably for 20 years, at least.
Hagrid and the prefects began guiding all first-years to a dock. There were small boats there. Only three students were allowed per boat, and since Neville looked a bit green, Draco decided to take let him join Harry and Hermione. Before he knew it, two hands pulled him to another boat.
"Malfoy," a burly round-faced boy said.
"Your father says hi," the other goon said.
Draco took a shaky angry breath. "I am not a Malfoy. I am scion Black of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black. Unhand me, or I will have my Head of House contact yours."
The mean boys frowned. "You are Draco Malfoy. Our parents told us that you had to be friends with us… For your own good…"
"I am Draco Black, and if I were you, I would word my speech carefully. You don't want to threaten the heir of a Most Ancient and Noble House."
The boys frowned and shared a look.
"Don't think that is going to protect you here…"
"I don't think so. I know so. If you try to hurt me, I will fight back just as hard, and I will press charges with the DMLE, make no mistake. Tell your fathers, whoever they are, that I will not be bullied," Draco pulled his closest unimpressed facial expression he learned from Severus. Inside, he was shaken. Who were these wannabe thugs? They looked too old to be first years. They were taller than him and seemed heavier and more muscular than him also.
"I'm Crabbe. This is Goyle. Your fancy words don't scare us. We will share a room tonight… no House power can protect you there, blondie," Crabbe smirked darkly.
Draco vaguely remembered them now, but they looked quite different. He refused to show fear anyway. "I wouldn't do that if I were you. You wouldn't want for your first day at Hogwarts to be your last."
"Uuuuuuh, he is threatening us!" Goyle laughed, punching Draco harshly on his arm.
"Don't touch me!"
"Or what? You'll tell daddy?!" Crabbe laughed and punched his other arm.
Other students were speaking excitedly, and this drowned Crabbe and Goyle's bullying.
"Children, be quiet and enjoy the view, will ya?" Hagrid said with his thick accent.
The boys hit a fist to their opposite palm and mouthed a "later" to Draco, who forced himself to roll his eyes and sit tall. He wouldn't give them the satisfaction.
The view of the castle from the boats was one that the kids knew would stay with them forever. It was magical. They followed Hagrid up to the castle. The whole way, the rude redhead from the station kept complaining that he was tired and asking if there were there yet. Hermione could feel her IQ lowering the more he kept pestering the older students and the gamekeeper. The ghosts were waiting for them as they came in to greet them. They were told to wait in line so that they could be sorted into their houses. Professor McGonagall walked next to them, looking formidable in deep green robes. She didn't look much at her kids. She was in professor mode here.
"Children," she stated. "Stand in line right away, please. We need to get started with the sorting so dinner can start and-"
"I'm starving! Can't we eat first?" the redhead interrupted with a groan.
"Mr. Weasley! Do not interrupt your professors in such a disrespectful manner. In all your classes, you must raise your hand when you want to say something. Understood?" she lifted a questioning brow and turned around to open the doors to the Hall.
"Bitch," he murmured back.
The students around him gasped. A boy next to him actually hit him in the back of his head. Harry was ready to trash him, but the professor turned calmly with a cold expression.
"You will soon find out, Mr. Weasley, that you cannot run around here like a wild animal. Detention with me for a month. Your blatant disrespect and cheek have just lost you fifty points from whichever house you are placed in during the ceremony."
"What?! You can't-" the boy began.
"Yes, I can, Mr. Weasley. If I ever hear you use that word or any other offensive remark to refer to any other professor or student, you will lose triple the points and will be sent home for a week," the professor said in a tone that allowed no response.
The redhead seemed confused and to be calculating what triple meant… with difficulty. He looked at the boy next to him who whisper shouted, "One hundred and fifty, you dolt!"
The redhead blanched and frowned at the professor. McGonagall brought the first years to stand to the side of the Head Table. There was a tattered-looking hat on a single chair. Filius stood and asked the students to stand for the Sorting Hat's Song.
The hat hovered over the chair and began singing:
"Oh you may not think I'm pretty,/ But don't judge on what you see,/ I'll eat myself if you can find/ A smarter hat than me. You can keep your bowlers black,/ Your top hats sleek and tall,/ For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat/ And I can cap them all./ There's nothing hidden in your head/ The Sorting Hat can't see,/ So try me on and I will tell you/ Where you ought to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,/ Where dwell the brave at heart,/ Their daring, nerve, and chivalry/ Set Gryffindors apart;/ You might belong in Hufflepuff,/ Where they are just and loyal,/ Those patient Hufflepuffs are true/ And unafraid of toil;/ Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,/ if you've a ready mind,/ Where those of wit and learning,/ Will always find their kind;/ Or perhaps in Slytherin/ You'll make your real friends,/ Those cunning folks use any means/ To achieve their ends./
So put me on! Don't be afraid!/ And don't get in a flap!/ You're in safe hands (though I have none)/ For I'm a Thinking Cap!"** [A/N: All rights belong to J.K. Rowling.]
McGonagall clapped politely once the hat ended. Then, she began calling students. "Abbott, Hanah."
A blonde, beautiful girl with pigtails stepped forward. The professor walked her to a chair before the Head Table and produced a tattered looking hat. Hannah sat, and McGonagall put the hat on her head. A couple of seconds later, the hat announced: "Hufflepuff!"
A table to the right side of the Great Hall cheered. Neville was shaking like a leaf. Draco had managed to distance himself from the bullies and was now next to the boy. He nudged Neville and whispered, "You will be alright, no matter where you end up." The boy smiled a bit at that and nodded.
"Black, Draco,"
Murmurs were coming from several tables, especially the one with green décor.
The hat spoke into Draco's mind. "A former Malfoy, I see. I sorted your father. I didn't like him much."
"I don't like him either. That's why I changed my name and my hair,"
The hat laughed. "Very wise. Keep your eyes open. You may have more enemies than you think."
"I know."
"Be careful with your fellow snakes… many of them are poisonous."
"Really? Slytherin?" Draco asked, a bit disappointed.
"You have the cunning for it. You are smart with an ambitious streak."
"Is that all I really am?" Draco was dismayed. He had been working hard on improving himself and distancing his personality from his father.
"No, you are also brave, loyal, hardworking, and smart. But you can be the change of air Slytherin house needs. You showed Lucius you could be better than him. Show all those blood purists too. It is also your mother's House, you know?"
Draco sighed. "Fine... I will."
"Slytherin!"
Draco walked with his head down to Slytherin's table and sat as far as he could from everyone. No one clapped. Harry and Hermione exchanged concerned looks.
"Bones, Susan,"
Immediately, the hat exclaimed, "Hufflepuff!" There was a cheer from each table a student was sorted into.
The next students (Terry Boot, Mandy Brocklehurst, Michael Corner, and Stephen Cornfoot) were all placed into Ravenclaw in a row. There was only a parenthesis to declare that Lavender Brown was a Gryffindor and Millicent Bullstrode and Vincent Crabbe as Slytherins. Marie Dalton was placed into Ravenclaw, Tracey Davis into Slytherin, while Daniel Everly and Seamus Finnigan were placed in Gryffindor.
Justin Finch-Fletchley was another Hufflepuff. Seamus Finnegan was declared a lion. Wayne Hopkins was another 'Puff.'
"Goldstein, Anthony,"
"Ravenclaw!"
Harry and Hermione were nervous as more names were called. Would Hermione be called in the G or in the P? They didn't think to ask their aunt Minnie before. The Grangers had actually thought of it and contacted the school to request that their bond was kept secret from the students and staff who didn't need to know. Eventually, Professor McGonagall exclaimed. "Granger, Hermione"
The hat seemed pensieve. It changed expressions several times, and several minutes passed. Hermione was the first hat-stall of their year. Harry was getting concerned. He could hear their conversation. The hat spoke rapidly in Hermione's mind, and she replied just as quickly. Harry was feeling a bit confused about their intense talk. Am I supposed to argue with the hat too? The boy thought with dismay. He didn't like arguing.
Everyone in the Hall was growing impatient. The redhead boy made a rude remark about Hermione delaying dinner, which was audible to everyone in the silent room. The hat nodded a little and smiled on the seven-minute mark: "Gryffindor!"
Hermione ran to the cheering table after smiling encouragingly at Harry. McGonagall couldn't help but crack a small smile.
"Goyle, Gregory,"
"Slytherin!" the hat grimaced as if in pain.
Megan Jones was called a Hufflepuff while Su Li was called a Ravenclaw. Morag MacDougal was a Ravenclaw, Ernie MacMillan was a Hufflepuff, and Eloise Midgen was a Gryffindor
"Longbottom, Neville,"
The boy tripped as he reached the chair. The hat seemed pensieve for a whole minute, "Gryffindor!"
Neville's eyes widened comically: he couldn't believe it. He clumsily ran to the cheering table and sat across from a smiley Hermione. The hat barely hovered over Theodore Nott's hair before announcing an agitated "Slytherin! Ouch."
Pansy Parkinson was called next, and the hat barely touched her when it yelled, "Slytherin! Calm down, child!"
Professor McGonagall then called a set of twins. They were almost identical. But alas, the same appearance does not mean the same mind.
"Patil, Padma,"
"Ravenclaw!"
"Patil, Parvati,"
"Gryffindor!"
Minerva took a deep calming breath before announcing: "Potter, Harry,"
Whispers sounded in all tables, making Harry think that it sounded like a swarm of bees. He steadied himself, sighed, and walked towards the chair. Harry sat down slowly. The hat was heavier than he expected.
"I will have you know I have lost some pounds…" the hat said with a smile.
"You heard that, huh?"
"Didn't you hear the song?"
"Yes, sir."
"Polite, I like that. Mr. Potter, you have a well-balanced combination of both your mother and your father in you."
Harry smiled so wide that his muscles hurt. He was like them!
"Never doubt the resemblance. You are brave, strong, smart, resilient. You have been through a lot, and yet your heart is pure and free of hatred. Your… ahem… wife, that is so weird to say about eleven-year-olds, was almost placed in Ravenclaw."
"I heard your, um, discussion, sir," Harry blushed. "I can't help it. Sorry."
"Don't you worry. Bonds are so interesting! I think you could do well in your parents' house, but you could also do well in any other… Hmm, you have a mean streak... That could put you in Slytherin with Draco," the hat turned Harry's head towards Slytherin's table where Draco was looking quite nervous. "Hmm…You are fiercely loyal and hardworking… Perhaps, Hufflepuff?"
The hat felt really cold for a minute, and Harry heard the annoyed voice of the hat, "Never mind this old rag, then… The powers that be demand that I place you in Gryffindor with your other half. So, better be, Gryffindor!"
Who are the powers that be? Harry thought, but was quickly distracted by thunderous applause and cheers from the Gryffindor table. Zacharias Smith walked happily to the Hufflepuff table. Dean Thomas was declared a Gryffindor. Lisa Turpin was declared a Ravenclaw. Finally, the impolite redhead was called:
"Weasley, Ronald,"
The boy marched to the chair with a smug expression.
"You better go ahead and say Gryffindor, you ugly rag!"
"Another Weasley… Hmm… I don't think so."
"What?!"
"You are full of greed, envy, and ambition, not to mention poor manners and a head full of air," the hat couldn't finish because Ron yelled, threw the hat to the floor, and stomped on it several times.
"I am not a fucking snake, you idiot! Put me in Gryffindor, where I belong! I am not going to be in the same house as Death Eaters, you bastard!"
This earned several indignant screams and curses from Slytherins, and the redhead kicked the hat harshly, making some of its lining tear. The Slytherin counter showed -50 points; Slytherin table's complaints increased in volume.
"Mr. Weasley! Stop right this instant!" Professor McGonagall levitated the boy, and he kept throwing a tantrum on the air. His robes that now were trimmed in green and silver. Percy Weasley was as red as his hair. Fred and George looked embarrassed but resigned. Harry and Hermione had facepalmed simultaneously when Ron began his tantrum. Neville was still dazed next to them.
Headmaster Filius rushed to lift the hat. "Aldrich, are you alright?"
"Keep that little beast away from me! Never in all my hundreds of years in service have I been treated like this!" the hat shook back into its usual shape. A bit of its lining coming undone.
"I am so sorry. Professor McGonagall, please remove Mr. Weasley and send him to my office. Percy, Fred, and George Weasley should join him after dinner. Aldrich, I know you want to go home now, but please sort the last student, will you? Zabini, Blaise,"
The hat coughed dust and a few loose threads. Blaise took the hat with care and placed it on his head. "Slytherin!"
Blaise put the hat back on the chair, thanked the hat, and jumped in celebration. Students in the Slytherin table clapped loudly.
The Headmaster stood on a podium and did a sonorous to magnify his voice.
"Welcome, everyone, to another year at Hogwarts! I hope you had a wonderful vacation. This year, the corridor of the third floor is forbidden. There will be renovations taking place all year, and it could be dangerous for you. Anyone seen trying to get in will be in detention for the rest of the year and they will cost their house 300 points. Understood?"
Most students nodded. Nobody wanted to lose their house so many points.
"Gryffindors, your Head of House is Professor McGonagall. Hufflepuffs, your Head of House is Professor Sprout. Ravenclaws, Professor Trelawney will be your interim Head of House while I remain in the Headmaster position. Slytherins, your Head of House is Professor Snape. In Hogwarts, you earn your house points by being a good student and doing well in and out of classes. Or, you can lose your house points by being a poor student and misbehaving. At the end of the year, the House with the most points wins the House Cup… and bragging rights. Mister Weasley lost 50 points from Slytherin for disrespecting a professor. Do not follow his example," Filius narrowed his eyes.
"Students," Professor McGonagall took over. "As of this year, we will eat from a buffet. That means that you will be called to the serving stations at the back of the Hall. There is one station per table. You will form an orderly queue by year and get the foods you prefer from the ones being offered. There will be no seconds, nor will you get to wish what you want to eat. The Healers have asked me to inform you that desserts have been exchanged for fresh fruits."
There was a groan at that.
"You will either have fruit for dessert or no dessert at all. I suggest you start to like it," McGonagall went to the table and sat down.
Flitwick still stood on the podium. "First years, please proceed to the serving stations."
Harry and Hermione weren't starving yet. Neesy had made them their favorite sandwiches, and Emma had packed vegetable sticks, hummus, and lavender bubble tea. They let others go first. The first kids were struggling trying to carry their plates on their hands. For some reason, they didn't think of using the trays. A couple kids had already dropped or spilled things. Hermione quickly took one of the metal trays and demonstrated how to use it to a couple of kids who had already made a mess.
"See? You just have to make sure the weight is balanced, so it doesn't tilt," Hermione explained to one of the first years and went back to the end of the line. Quickly, the first years made their choices, and once they understood how things worked, the queue started moving fast. At last, Harry and Hermione reached the station.
"What is you having?" a frumpy looking elf asked Hermione.
The girl looked at the options. There was roast beef and roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, carrot cream soup, pasta salad, garlic bread, and either oranges or bananas for dessert. The drinks were at the end of the line.
"Everything looks delicious. What is your name?" Hermione smiled at the elf, who blinked rapidly. No one had been this polite to her yet.
"Taffy. We is hoping you likes the meals," the elf gave a shy smile.
"It's lovely to meet you, Taffy. I am sure we will love it. I am Hermione, and this is Harry."
The elf blushed, lowering her ears at the praise. "What can I serves you?"
"I will have some soup and bread, please, oh, and an orange," Hermione smiled. She moved down the station.
"Can I please get the same she did with a bit of chicken, Taffy?" Harry asked. The incredible smells made him feel a bit hungry. The elf quickly plated his choices and gave him a happy smile that he returned. Hermione went with lemonade while Harry decided to try Pumpkin Juice. As they neared the table, they heard the Weasleys arguing about Ron. Hermione was going to sit by them, but Harry pulled her closer to Neville.
"Gran told me there would be no feast, but I wasn't expecting this," Neville chuckled. His plate had about twice as much food as his friends' did, but he didn't eat much in the ride because he was motion sick. Hermione began eating while scanning the crowds of green searching for Draco. He had seemed positively ill during the sorting.
She found him sitting as far as possible from everyone else, playing with his food while others threw him dirty looks. Her stomach constricted. Harry grabbed her hand. "Are you okay?"
"Draco…" she trailed off.
Harry saw his friend looking decidedly upset. He nodded and stood up with Hermione.
"Where are you guys going? You haven't even touched your food…" Neville stopped eating.
"We're going to go get Draco," Hermione said decidedly.
"What? B-But house members are supposed to sit in their house tables…" Neville shut up at the look from Harry.
"Is it in the rules?" Harry asked Hermione.
"No. I read the rule book twice. It isn't forbidden," Hermione replied.
"Nev, he's our friend. Look at the way they are treating him," Harry motioned with his head. Neville gulped.
"I'll save three seats," Neville nodded.
"Look at him, Crabbe, he thinks that changing his hair makes it not be a Malfoy," Goyle sniggered.
"He thinks he's too good to sit with the rest of us," Crabbe laughed, crumbs coming out of his mouth.
Draco kept pushing food around, making himself small. He pretended he didn't hear anything. Snape had been looking at the scene with concern. As a stepfather, he wanted to intervene, but as a professor, dirty looks were not enough. He was about to stand when he saw Harry and Hermione walking towards Draco. Severus immediately felt relieved. The pair stood behind Draco. The girl put a hand on her friend's shoulder, and he jumped. "Hey, get your plate," she smiled at him. Draco was about to ask them to leave. He didn't want any more trouble.
"What do you think you are doing at our table?" Crabbe crossed his arms. Bits of food coming out of his mouth as he spoke.
Hermione grimaced in disgust. "We are not at your table. We are just here to get Draco."
"I was talking to Potter, not to you, you filthy mud-"
"Crabbe! Don't you dare finish that sentence!" Severus Snape rushed to them. His cape waving behind him. "My name is Severus Snape, and I am your Head of House. Insults like that are not tolerated in Hogwarts."
"But that's what she is!" Goyle yelled, crumbs falling from his mouth too.
"You will sit and eat your dinner quietly, or I will have you sent to your room without a meal," Severus said slowly.
"Fine!" the buffoons spat.
Severus motioned for Harry and Hermione to leave with Draco, who was blushing furiously. Hermione took his tray, and Harry put an arm around his friend's shoulders.
"Thank you," Draco sighed. He finally felt the tension on his shoulders subside a bit.
"What is up with those gorillas?" Hermione asked as soon as she put down the tray.
"They are the kids of some of Lucius'… friends," Draco said darkly.
"Did they hurt you?" Neville asked, looking at how Draco rubbed his arms discreetly.
"No, I am fine. They did threaten me, though."
"You need to tell Aun-Professor McGonagall," Hermione said after swallowing her bite and demurely dabbing her lips with a napkin.
"No. What is the use? They cannot keep me safe in my room… Those two already told me that…" Draco took a bite of his roast beef. "Also, she is not my Head of House. I don't want Sev involved."
"Draco, that is a serious threat," Harry frowned, crossing his arms.
"Yes, but I don't want to be a crybaby about this," Draco replied with a sigh.
Neville peeled his orange with a frown. He rarely gave advice to anyone, let alone Malfoy who was doing much better than he would be if roles were reversed. Regardless, Neville decided to appeal to his friend's superior breeding on all things magical etiquette. "Draco, you are the heir of a Most Ancient and Noble House. They are purebloods. They know better than to hurt you."
"Nev, they are also the sons of Death Eaters! They don't care about a possible feud!" Draco whisper-shouted and took an angry bite of his food. Harry's mouth was full of pumpkin juice, as was Neville's.
"Maybe it's time for the Marauders to come back…" she said in a sing-songy voice. The three boys chocked on what they were having and had coughing fits from the shock. Harry couldn't breathe in between his coughing fit. Hermione took a juicy wedge from her orange and bit it with a dark, teasing smile. Harry shook his head to clear it as he felt a thrill go down his spine: naughty Hermione was quite something.
"Draco, you are rubbing off on her…" Neville said, stopping to take some gulps of water.
"What?! Me?! I'm an angel! I blame Tonks and Padfoot!" Draco laughed.
A few seats over, Fred and George's eyes widened. Padfoot?They only managed to hear that word, but they would be paying attention. Percy swatted at their heads and motioned for them to walk to the Head Table, where they followed the Headmaster and their Head of House to the office containing an irate Ron. They weren't looking forward to the scene. They hoped their brother had enough neurons to realize that they couldn't afford to replace the -they were sure- pricey things in that office.
"First-Year Gryffindors," Andromeda Tonks said, standing by the door to the Great Hall. "I am Andromeda Tonks, Assistant Healer to Madame Pomfrey, our Head Healer. Since Professor McGonagall is busy, I will be taking you to your dorms. Follow me."
The children left after her in a line. As they walked, Andy mentioned several things. Apparently, staircases were always moving. What is the point of that? Hermione thought. It is dangerous, not to mention, time-consuming. Andromeda pointed them to the lavatories, the classrooms, the Library -Hermione almost stayed behind there-, the Infirmary, and their common room entrance. It was the painting of a Fat Lady holding a glass of wine with a banquet on a table behind her. It moved.
"New lions and lionesses: welcome," the Lady said.
"The password for this month is 'mighty roar.' You need to say the password whenever you want to come into the Common Room, so memorize it," Andy smiled and went into the room with the children following her closely. "This will be your home away from home. Consider your Housemates as your family while you are here. Think of this area like your living room back home. Professor McGonagall asked me to remind you that you need to tidy up yourselves. Hogwarts' elves now work on a fixed schedule from 6 am to 12 and 3 pm to 7 pm. Any messes outside of those hours and you will have to clean them. I suggest you learn a few good cleaning spells soon."
The kids sighed. Others, who were naturally organized, were unfazed. "Now, as for your dorms, ladies to your right, up the stairs, find the room with a number one on its door. That's yours. You have one bathroom to share per level. Your class schedules are on your beds."
The girls went up to find their room. Hermione briefly squeezed Harry's hand and left.
"Gentleman, to your left is the entrance to your dorms. Find number one too. That one is your room. You will share a bathroom with your roommates as well. Your schedules are on your beds too," Andy motioned for them to start walking.
"Is there a password for all the rooms?" Seamus asked with a smirk.
"No. Before you get any ideas, Mr. Finnigan, the stairs up to the girls' room will violently throw out any boys who try to get in," Andromeda frowned. "If you come to the Infirmary with a bruised butt, you will be losing points and getting lengthy detention. Not to mention that all the girls will know you tried."
Seamus blushed a bit and followed the other boys up the stairs. Harry kept frowning at him; it was such an inappropriate question. There was a reason rooms were segregated by gender. He would keep his eyes on Finnigan. The only concern Harry had was that both he and Hermione were used to sleeping in the same room. It would be difficult not to have her calming presence a few feet away. But, it wouldn't be for long. They would get up early to go for a jog before class. Neville was coming with them, and so was Draco.
It was still a bit dark when Hermione's alarm ringed. She immediately turned it off and got dressed in her usual baggy jogging attire and put her hair up in a ponytail. She found Harry and Neville already stretching in the common room.
"Morning boys… give me a minute to stretch, and we'll meet with Draco."
"I hope he was able to rest last night."
Neville sighed. "I doubt those idiots left him alone."
Harry and Hermione shared a concerned look and took off.
They waited outside of the Great Hall. Draco was late. Ten minutes late. Hermione was starting to freak out. He was always punctual. When they were about to go get help, the boy walked up to them. He had a black eye and a few scratches on his face. His hair was disheveled.
Hermione gasped and gave him a fierce hug. "Draco! What happened?!"
Draco pushed her away slightly with a grimace. Her hug had hurt. "They happened. Let's just go for that blasted run. I want to feel pain on purpose."
"Draco, no, we have to go to the Infirmary! We need evidence for the DMLE," Harry frowned, putting a hand on Draco's shoulder.
"No, Potter. Don't you get it? If I tell anyone, it will only be worse next time. That was how my f-Lucius was, and they were raised by people like him," Draco was resolute.
"You don't really think you will out stubborn us, do you?" Hermione crossed her arms and lifted a brow at him. Draco sighed.
"I'll go get help," said Neville. He left running towards the Infirmary without looking back.
Draco sat with Harry and Hermione, resigned. "We could help you with the pain, but I think it's best if Aunt Andy or Madam Pomfrey do it, so it stays in your file. We need proof, in case this ever happens again."
Soon enough, Andromeda was running towards them with Neville, a healer's kit, and a camera.
She handed her things to the other kids and hugged her nephew.
"Why didn't you come to me immediately, Drakey?" Andromeda asked as she cast diagnosis spells. He had bruised ribs, a mild concussion, as well as scratches and a black eye. She quickly took off his shirt and took pictures. "I will be contacting Severus and the Headmaster with this."
"Auntie, no… Please don't. I don't want things to get worse…" Draco begged as she healed his body and face.
"Oh, trust me, they will not. I promise, okay?" Andy offered her pinky. Draco chuckled despite himself and shook pinkies with her. "Take this potion. Now you can go out and jog. Would you like me to watch over you?"
"Don't worry, Andy, we can take care of each other as long as we're together," Harry said with a smile.
"Wands?" she asked.
They pulled the sleeves of their hoodies to show her their holsters.
"Amulets?" Andy said with a lifted brow.
The children pulled down the hoodies to reveal a necklace with a small stone at the end. Harry's was green, Hermione's was red, Neville's was blue, Draco's was missing. He paled. It had cost Remus and Sirius a fortune to get him that amulet.
"I knew it! They wouldn't have been able to harm you without you alerting anyone. Look for it when you go shower. Perhaps it got tangled in your clothes when you changed for bed. If you don't find it, send me a note with any elf so Sirius can send you another one. Any sign of trouble, you use your amulets. Understood?" Andromeda smiled at them.
"But those things cost a fortune! They will be so mad at me…" Draco sighed.
"Don't worry about the money. I'll talk to him. Be safe, kids," Andy smiled.
The kids saluted her and left. Freaking mini Death Eaters at Hogwarts, just great! Andromeda thought, rolling her eyes.
After their workout, they quickly showered, gathered their things, and got to the Great Hall. Slytherin's counter was at a historical -550 points. The friends looked at each other in shock. What had happened? The Slytherins were furious at the points. There were only a couple of other students from other houses. Taffy had just set up the buffet. They quickly greeted her, introduced Neville and Draco, and had their breakfast in peaceful silence. As they left with their things to get to their first lesson early, Ron ran into them as he rushed to the buffet, trying to skip the line formed by now. Ron had pushed Hermione again, harshly. Harry really didn't like that. She rubbed her shoulder, so he took her bag as well as his and offered her his hand. Neville noticed that the redhead was wearing the robes with the Slytherin crest. He hadn't succeeded in his demands. Thank Merlin! Harry had enough with potential creep Seamus to put up with this other more severe case of stupid.
Transfiguration was the first class of the day, and they didn't want to disappoint the professor. They were really excited to learn from Minnie again, and they wanted a front-row seat. Harry and Hermione sat together as did Draco and Neville. By the time other students got to the class, the four had their books open on the first chapter, their muggle writing supplies, and their bottles of water on their desks. Professor McGonagall had them answering a few questions about themselves in an activity, so they would get to know their classmates. As they wrote in silence, Ron and Seamus skidded to a halt inside the classroom.
"Bloody hell! We made it!" Seamus put his bag down on the closest available seat, hitting Hannah Abbott with it. She frowned at him, but he didn't notice.
"Can you imagine the look on old McGonagall's face if she saw-?" Ron's question was cut off when the tabby cat, which had been on the desk, jumped and transformed back to her human form. Both boys jumped back.
"Wicked! I'm sorry, professor, we got lost," Seamus whispered.
"Shall I transfigure one of you into a map, Mr. Finnigan? Or perhaps a watch, Mr. Weasley?" the woman pursed her lips. "10 points from Gryffindor and 10 points from Slytherin. Take your seats."
All Gryffindors groaned while Slytherins fumed. They already hated the redhead with a passion.
The rest of the class passed as the four expected: they learned, had fun, participated, and earned 5 points each. Even Neville had participated. Once the class was over, they had a free period. They took out the bananas they had saved from breakfast and ate them as they talked to some of their classmates. They all wanted to know what had happened with Ron. They didn't have to wonder a lot because the rumor mill was already working on the story. Apparently, Ron had trashed the Headmaster's office. When his brothers, the professor, and the Headmaster found him, he had torn books that were hundreds of years old. Hermione was horrified. He had also upturned the chairs and stabbed them with a letter opener. Ron broke a bust and tore some former headmasters' portraits when they began to tell him off. He had single-handedly cost Slytherin to lose 550 points in one night.
Ron had been detention until Christmas break, and it would be extended if he didn't improve his behavior. He had slept in the Infirmary because they had to sedate him to stop his tantrum. His brothers had written Mr. Weasley senior to come to talk to Ron. It would take a while for him to get the money for the ticket. As he wasn't a student, he had to pay his own fare, and the family's coffers took a hit with all the school expenses. Draco wasn't looking forward to having Ron as a roommate. He already had enough on his plate… Although maybe with him there, the other students would pick on him instead.
"I've heard he's the meanest professor here," Susan Bones whispered to Hannah, who was sitting next to her.
"But my brother says he's better now… less gloomy," Hannah replied.
The classroom doors opened dramatically. Snape had improved significantly, but he still liked his dramatic entrance. He was wearing his customary all black. He surprised everyone when upon reaching his desk, he removed his cloak and put on a white lab coat.
"Good morning, professor," all the students said.
"Welcome to the subtle art of Potion-Making," Severus said, walking towards the front of the classroom on the aisle between the lines of desks. "There will be no wand-waving or incantations in this class. I hope you have read ahead as I requested. In this class, you are expected to follow instructions impeccably as anything else can endanger us all."
"What potion are we making today?" Anthony asked without raising his hand.
"Raise your hand when you want to speak, Mr. Goldstein. We will not be making a potion today. We will first be learning about safety while we work and all of our tools as well as methods to prepare ingredients," the professor replied.
A few kids complained audibly. Anthony whispered, "This is stupid. I know how to brew simple ones already! What is the point of this class if we don't make potions?"
Severus heard that and strolled towards the boy. "Apparently, some of you think basic steps are beneath you…" Severus said, dragging his words with narrowed eyes. "Let's see how advanced you are in the subject, then… Mr. Goldstein, tell me, what would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"
Anthony seemed pensive for a while and then blanched. Ron sniggered. Harry, Hermione, Draco, and Neville had their hands up.
"Yes, Mr. Longbottom?" Severus chose the boy because he seemed the most nervous to participate.
"T-They make a powerful sleeping p-potion… It's so s-strong that it is called the D-Draught of the Living Dead, sir."
"Correct. 5 points to Gryffindor. Mr. Goldstein, let's try something simpler. What is the difference between monkshood and wolfbane?"
"How am I supposed to know that? You haven't taught us anything yet!" the boy replied with a huff.
"Exactly… First of all, you should always read ahead for my class. Also, you thought starting with the basics was stupid… Now, Miss Granger?"
"There is no difference, sir. It's the same plant, it is also called aconite," she said with a bright smile.
"Correct, Miss Granger. 5 points to Gryffindor."
"Bloody know-it-all," Ron groaned.
Harry was about to retort when Severus put his hands harshly on the redhead's desk -making him jump- and asked: "Where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar, Mr. Weasley?"
Several hands of kids that were purebloods or half-bloods went up around the class.
"I don't know. Why don't you ask Malfoy?"
"There are no Malfoys in this class, Mr. Weasley… No answer, then? It seems to me that instead of criticizing good students, you should strive to be more like them. You have already lost our House too many points as it is, but 10 points from Slytherin for disrespecting a fellow classmate. This is life-saving, basic information that you, having grown in a magical family, should already know…" Severus dragged his words to emphasize his point.
Draco's hand was up. Severus nodded at him. "Mr. Black?"
"A bezoar can be found in the stomach of a goat. It looks like a stone, and it can save you from most poisons, Professor Snape."
"Indeed. 5 points to Slytherin…"
Ron bit the inside of his cheek to stop himself from cursing.
"Let us get started. The first thing we will discuss is safety measures. As of four years ago, students have to wear a lab coat for this class. Remove your robes and put them on. You also have eye protection from potential irritating fumes or splashes. Any time we are heating anything, you will use it. Depending on what we are working with, you may have to wear gloves. Some ingredients can burn your skin. Any of you with long hair, tie it up."
"Professor, I'm sorry, sir. I don't have a hair tie," Susan said, raising her hand with a grimace. She expected to be told off severely.
Severus waved his wand expertly and transfigured a small pouch that was on his desk into one.
"Thank you, sir," she gave him a small smile. He returned the smile.
"Now, who can tell me what is the first thing to consider to stay safe in a potions' lab?"
The rest of the class went by without any more unwelcome interruptions.
Headmaster Flitwick had called Snape to his office. He went right after class.
"Severus," the headmaster nodded from behind his desk, sitting on a special high chair.
"Filius," Snape took a seat. The office looked quite empty. Several of the things the Weasley boy had broken couldn't be fixed.
"I have summoned you to talk to you about a delicate matter," Filius was expressionless.
"What is it?" Severus frowned.
"Draco was beaten last night by Mr. Crabbe and Mr. Goyle," the headmaster replied with a sad face.
"WHAT?! Why am I only being told this now?!" Severus stood up. "I just taught him, and he looked fine!"
"Please take a seat. Draco didn't want anyone to tell you. Mrs. Tonks took a few pictures, as evidence, and healed him early today. His friends wanted him to tell you, but he refused. He says that it will only make things worse. I tend to agree," Filius sighed.
"Excuse me?! They don't get to beat up a classmate and get away with it. What kind of precedent does that set for other students? That they can do whatever they want, and nothing will happen! This is how criminals are bred, Filius," Severus stood up and started pacing angrily.
"I understand, but I defer to you as their Head of House to figure out a solution," the headmaster said. "You know their families better than I do. I wouldn't know how to appeal to them."
"I will deal with it this time, but Filius… You are the Headmaster. You cannot remove yourself from situations that you find complicated or distasteful. It's your job. If something like this happens again, the only authority that will count is yours. As a parent, and as a professor, I am fully expecting you to take charge," Severus stood up with narrowed eyes, turned around, and left before Filius could reply.
After lunch, they had Herbology. Neville could barely eat from his excitement. Professor Pomona Sprout was every bit as lovely as they remembered from their tutoring. They learned about the magical properties of certain soils, herbs, and roots. By the end of the class, they were all muddied and sweaty. Most purebloods were audibly complaining about how filthy they were while the four were having a blast running back to shower before their Flight Class.
Hermione was still not the happiest on a broom, but Harry's innate love of flying had seeped into her through the bond, and now at least she wasn't terrified. Neville had an unfortunate early take-off when Ron pushed him forward. Madame Hooch had gone to fetch more brooms since a couple of them were not working. Even with Harry and Draco jumping on their brooms to help him, they couldn't catch him, and even when they cushioned his fall a bit, he sprained his wrist. Crabbe and Goyle mocked him loudly, as did Ron, but when the boy went to tell them off, one of them sent a stinging hex to his hurt wrist, so Neville growled in pain, whipped out his wand and did a tickling charm. The professor came back running when she saw wands were out.
"Mr. Longbottom, 20 points from Gryffindor and detention with me for a week for drawing out your wand on a fellow student!"
"But professor, he was only defending himself!" Hermione complained.
"They did a stinging hex on his injured wrist!" Harry went on.
"We did not!" the three Slytherins complained.
"Did too!" Hermione insisted with a huff.
"How on Earth did you hurt your wrist!?" the professor frowned. "Had you been following instructions, this wouldn't have happened boy!"
Harry grimaced. He saw a flash of his uncle Vernon's angry purple face. Hermione squeezed his hand. She saw it too.
"I was just getting ready with the broom. I wasn't trying to fly. I have no idea why it took off, and I lost control of it," Neville was trying not to scream in pain.
"Weasley pushed him forward!"
"No, I didn't!"
"Professor, Harry and Draco tried to help me, and if they hadn't cushioned my fall, I would have broken my arm," Neville explained, tears falling from his eyes with pain.
"So, the three of you disobeyed me? I told you not to fly until I returned!" the professor's frown deepened.
"Would you rather he broke his arm?!" Hermione asked angrily.
"Miss Granger, I will not have such cheek in my class. 20 points from Gryffindor!" the woman's yellow irises flashed with fury.
Hermione was shaking with the effort not to reply to that. Harry grabbed her arm and shook his head.
"Mr. Longbottom, to the infirmary right away,"
"Professor, could you please relieve his pain a bit?" Draco asked as politely as he could.
"I could, but I will not. Let the pain be a reminder that you need to follow instructions," the professor told Neville. She grabbed the injured arm, which made Neville scream. Still, she began pulling him to the castle anyway, only to be stopped by Professor McGonagall, who unbeknownst to anyone, had been seeing the class from a nearby tree in her cat form. The flying instructor jumped at the expression on her colleague's face.
"What is the meaning of this, Madame Hooch?" the Scotswoman said with pursed lips. She waved her wand expertly at Neville's wrist, and the boy sighed with relief. The painful throbbing stopped.
"Minerva, you scared me!"
"Let that be a reminder that I have eyes everywhere," McGonagall lifted a brow at Madam Hooch. "Do I have to remind you that the physical well-being of your students is a part of your job? You don't have a right to use pain on a student, so they learn a lesson! I have heard complaints before, but I couldn't believe you would do such a thing!"
"Professor McGonagall, respectfully, you didn't see what happened. Respect my authority. In my class, I will teach my way," Madame Hooch said haughtily.
"Rolanda, disrespectfully, you will do no such thing. Scion Longbottom is under my protection as a Gryffindor. You will not abuse your authority in such a medieval manner. I will not allow it!" Minerva wrapped her arm around Neville as she said this. The boy looked up in awe.
"You are no longer headmistress. Only Filius can tell me off for my methods, but I am sure he would not. He never tolerated disrespect in his classes," Rolanda crossed her arms.
"Neither do I. In my many decades as a professor, I have never had to use such a primitive approach to have my students obey me. Respect is earned, Rolanda. You will do well to remember that because you have just lost mine," the professor looked down at her colleague in such a way that even the children around them felt embarrassed and apologetic.
"Minerva!" Madame Hooch was irate.
"Don't. We will speak again in front of the Headmaster once I take Mr. Longbottom to see Madame Pomfrey. You better start wishing upon your lucky stars that Lady Longbottom does not accuse you of endangering her heir. That may cost you your job," McGonagall said with an ice-cold tone.
"Is that a threat?"
"No, it's a warning. Students, this class is dismissed. Mr. Crabbe, Mr. Goyle, and Mr. Weasley go to my office and wait for me there."
The Slytherins groaned but left. The rest of the kids began picking their backpacks… only to stop right away when the flying instructor harrumphed.
"Absolutely not. Put your things down and grab your brooms! Take Mr. Longbottom if you will, Minerva, but you have no right to end my class."
The children looked at both professors as if it was a tennis match.
"Students, please go back to the castle. Madame Hooch and I will take Mr. Longbottom to the Infirmary, and then we will go have a chat with the headmaster," Minerva said in a tone that allowed no arguing.
The students began to walk away.
"How dare you!? Come back here this instant!"
The kids looked conflicted, but McGonagall made a hand motion to keep walking, so they did.
"See? No need to scream or bully students into doing what you ask," McGonagall smirked. "I will see you in the Headmaster's office."
Harry, Hermione, and Draco were walking to the Infirmary when Professor Snape stopped them.
"Mr. Black, a word in my office," Severus motioned for the boy to follow him.
Draco went pale. "I will catch up with you at dinner," he said, walking resignedly after the professor.
Harry and Hermione looked at each other. Uncle Sev didn't look particularly happy, so they didn't interrupt. They kept going to the Infirmary. By the time they got there, Neville was perfectly fine. They stayed for tea with Aunt Andy and told her everything that happened. Mrs. Tonks was incensed. It was only the first day and two of The Family's kids had already been hurt. Draco hadn't found the amulet either. She needed to talk to Sirius.
Severus closed the door behind him after Draco sat down. The Potions Master was about to ask the boy if he was okay when he started speaking rapidly.
"Before you tell me how angry you are at me, I want you to know that I am not looking for trouble. I didn't do anything to Crabbe or Goyle. They ambushed me. They petrified, silenced, and tied me down then hit me. They said horrible things about my mother. I didn't tell you anything because I don't want you to have to deal with their parents. It is not because I don't trust you or because I don't want you involved in my life…" the boy shifted and looked down the whole time. "Please don't be too angry…"
Severus turned Draco's chair slowly. The boy winced as if expecting to be hit. Some coping mechanisms really take too long to be overcome. Snape was nothing but courteous and loving to his stepson, and Draco's logical brain knew Severus would never hit him. Still, he was always scared. Severus took a deep calming breath and crouched in front of him. His face was just concerned, not angry, the boy noticed.
Taking the boy's hands, he asked, "Are you okay?"
Draco blinked, perplexed. "Yes… I think so… Aunt Andy healed me. Nothing hurts."
Severus put his hand over the boy's heart. "How about here?"
Draco's lip quivered, and he jumped to Severus' arms, crying.
"Will they n-never stop s-seeing me as a Malfoy?" Draco asked.
"What matters is how you see yourself. Whatever they said, about your f-Lucius, about what he has done, should not matter to you. You are your own person and-"
"T-They called my m-mother a… a… a w-whore!" Draco whined in near physical pain from having to say that. "They said s-she s-slept a-around and cheated o-on Lucius."
Severus counted backward from ten and kept breathing slowly to calm himself. "Do you think that is true?"
"No. I-I don't think so… But Lucius was so mean to mother. I-I don't.. If she did, I wouldn't blame her. He was so horrible…"
"Draco, I don't think it's my place to tell you. What happened in their marriage is your mother's story to tell, but you need to know that anything bad your mother then came from him and the awful people surrounding him."
"Okay… Are you mad at me?" Draco asked with big hopeful red-rimmed gray eyes.
"No. Not at all… I was a bit hurt that you didn't want anyone to tell me."
"Why? I'm just trying to p-protect you. I know you could be in danger with their parents. They could hurt you…" Severus sat down on a chair across from Draco and put his hands on the boy's shoulder.
"Son, it is never a child's responsibility to protect an adult. I can handle their guardians… I have just been worried because I never know if I am doing a good job as a stepparent. This makes me feel like I am not. No one teaches step-parenting, and I don't want to fail you e-"
"No! You have never failed me, Sev. Never. You have been great… I just don't want you to regret taking us in if I get in a lot of trouble…"
Snape was shocked. "Draco, I would never regret you. Joining my life to your mother's and yours has been the best decision I ever made. I have never been this happy or excited about the future as I am now. I just never want you to think I will be mad at you if you tell me anything that worries you. I want that any time you are in trouble or scared, your first thought to be I need to talk to Severus."
Draco nodded with a grateful smile and squeezed the man's hand. "Thank you, Sev. I promise I will talk to you next time."
"That's all I ask."
A/N #1: Thank you for reading! I didn't expect so many of you to come back for part 2. It was lovely to see familiar usernames in my notifications. Welcome back! I'm thrilled you are here. I hope you are safe and healthy wherever you are, and I hope that reading my story gives you a bit of entertainment in these challenging times. See you next chapter. -Lux- :)
Do you feel lost in this story? Read A/N #2
A/N #2: There's a little something I want to address for people who feel a bit lost in the story. It feels bizarre to have to type this, but just as a reminder, this story is not canon. A Solid Foundation (Part 1) wasn't canon from the start. Therefore, the sequel cannot be canon either. I strongly suggest that if you started here, you should go back and read part 1 because that will answer many of your questions. I have had a couple of rude people messaging about how non-canon part 1 and part 2 are and yadda yadda yadda… I will not be replying anymore. This is all I will say: I will not re-read the books because you order me to. All the changes I have made to canon were done purposefully, and they were studied thoroughly so the story would work. Additionally, I have read the books many times. Lastly, no, I will not change my plotline, especially on a finished story to please someone's rude demands. If my story is not to your liking: don't read it. It's truly that simple. I am sure you can find other stories that you like better. If you choose to go looking for those, I release you with love back to the Harry Potter Fan Fiction world so you can find them. ^o^