Hogwarts A History
Harry stood alone in the room he shared with Wufei (when Wufei was there and not on duty with Commander Une, anyway) and stared around at the faded wallpaper and the massive four-poster bed. He'd only been at Grimmauld Place for four months, and he wouldn't call that time pleasant. He'd been thrust into a culture that was completely foreign and dangerous. He'd about killed himself with stress and worry, trying to cram three years of knowledge into twelve weeks. Worse, he'd taken up a war and put his brothers at risk.
It hadn't been fun, being here, living in this room that he only shared with Wufei about half the time. He desperately missed the Colonies. He missed the circus and the massive Winner estates. He missed coming and going between his brothers, everyone busy and happy. He missed the freedom of going outside whenever he wished. Most of all, he missed the safety of that time and place.
No, Harry didn't like Grimmauld Place, and he wasn't going to miss it, but…
But he was equally scared to move forward. Terrified, really.
Harry wrapped his arms around his waist and chewed painfully on his lower lip. Today he would go to Hogwarts. He'd take the Third Year exams, receive his results, and just before dinner the castle would fill with students who were ready to start another school year. Whether as a Third or Fourth Year, Harry would attend a school with other children for the first time in his life. Even more daunting, he'd be away from his brothers for the first time since Heero had rescued him from the Dursleys almost six years ago.
This was what he'd chosen. He'd demanded to be let in on this war, to be an equal partner. But now that the day had come Harry wasn't sure he could do it. Already he felt like a black hole had opened up in his gut. He felt sick, and it didn't matter how much he told himself this was his job. That he had to be their eyes and ears in Hogwarts. That he had to feel out the other students, maybe gather information on potential Death Eater families. Not to mention, he had to attend the school so all the magical kids would have somewhere safe from Voldemort.
Harry knew all of this, but a very large part of him didn't want to be separated from his family. For any reason. Not even for the sake of innocents. Nothing seemed worth being alone.
"Harry-chan…" Duo called softly from the doorway behind him.
Harry clenched his eyes shut, hoping Duo wouldn't be able to see the terror if he kept them closed.
Strong, lean arms wrapped around him as Duo hugged him from behind, his chin resting on top of Harry's head. "I want to promise you that nothing bad's going to happen," his brother whispered.
"But you can't," Harry said for him, voice heavy with tears.
"We're going to check up on you all the time." Duo released Harry and turned him so they could see each other's eyes. "You've got the two-way mirror. There's the floo, and nothing's going to stop us from walking up to the front door and seeing you whenever we want."
Harry gave a watery smile and flung his arms around Duo. "I love you. Please come see me."
Duo held him tightly. "Love you, too, little brother. You can do this." After a long moment, he pulled away and gave a playful tug on Harry's braid. "Give them hell, Harry-chan. I'm counting on you."
Harry did his best to smile back. "Yeah. I will."
Together, they left the bedroom and went downstairs. Everyone was there, but Harry's eyes were immediately drawn to Heero. Heero stood at attention with Sirius' old battered school trunk sitting next to him on the floor. His messy dark-brown hair was more subdued than normal, while his dark blue eyes practically bore into Harry.
"I double checked your trunk. It should be sufficient. If you have need of more supplies, contact us immediately. I will come by the end of the week to check up on your progress."
"I'll look forward to that," Harry rasped, throat tight with tears despite all his efforts to present a strong front. He took that final step forward and Heero bent down almost simultaneously to let Harry brush Heero's cheek with his finger-tips.
Wufei was next. The proud, Chinese man was only a few inches taller than Harry. "I have every confidence in your performance at this school. You are an excellent student."
Harry had to bite his lip. It may sound distant and cold, but from Wufei that was the highest compliment. Harry bowed deeply at the waist, and the gesture was returned in equal measure.
"Come here, little one."
Harry practically flung himself in Trowa's warm arms. He cried quietly against his brother's chest as Trowa held him gently, one hand slowly rubbing circles on his back even as he felt a rush of hot embarrassment. Harry was fourteen years old now! He couldn't believe he was being such a crybaby, but he couldn't help it. He'd never been so scared and hurt in all his life. He didn't want to leave them!
It took a long minute to pull himself back together, but Harry finally stepped back, face no doubt splotchy and his eyes red. Trowa smiled down at him, his golden-brown hair falling over his face, keeping half of it covered. A single green eye looked down at Harry with love. There didn't need to be words.
Quatre crouched down and smiled as he looked up at Harry from his now lower height. "This isn't goodbye forever. We'll see you really soon, Harry," his brother assured him. Quatre was dressed in a casual suit, his top button undone. His hair was almost as messy as Heero's. Clearly, Quatre had had a sleepless night, but his eyes were clear and his voice was strong. "This isn't going to beat us. Not even close. You have to remember that. You have to believe in us."
"I do," Harry promised. He really did. It was just so damn hard. "You guys are amazing."
"So are you, kiddo." Sirius stepped up to give him a one-armed hug.
"Please be careful," Harry demanded, staring beseechingly into his pale blue eyes. "I don't care what it takes, but stay alive."
Sirius gave a barked-laugh. "Don't you worry about that! I'm a crafty old dog."
Harry smiled. "Good."
"Are you ready?" Remus asked quietly. He was in one of his better robes and would be accompanying Harry.
Dumbledore had offered Remus a position on staff as a Dueling Instructor and Defense tutor to assist some Ministry appointed teacher who would teach DADA this year. It was good to have someone he could trust at the school with him, and it would give his brothers a place to stay when they did visit Hogwarts, but Harry couldn't help wishing that his family was coming instead.
Harry looked one last time at each of his brothers before giving a sharp nod and turning to focus on Remus. "Yes. I'm ready."
Remus smiled and spelled both his and Harry's trunk invisible to hover in their wake.
Harry didn't look back as he left Grimmauld Place. If he had, he wouldn't have been able to go.
xXxXxXx
They arrived at Hogwarts shortly after the breakfast hour and Harry practically threw himself into the tests. It was all he could do. He pushed everything else out of his head and focused on the demanding tasks in front of him. He had to turn a teapot into a tortoise, perform multiple Charms, brew a Confusing Concoction from memory, run an obstacle course for Defense, and write four different essays. His favorite part, by far, was being able to sit with Professor Sinistra for an hour and study the stars through the window she created in the atmosphere.
By dinner, Harry was numb, exhausted, and starving. Trudging into the Great Hall, Harry found the Headmaster standing in a cluster with Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, Sprout, and Snape. Other teachers were cluttered in smaller groups across the Head Table platform, talking before the students arrived.
"Harry, my boy," Dumbledore called jovially, spotting Harry. The elderly wizard came around the Head Table and walked down the aisle to meet Harry halfway. "Due to Voldemort's vow of protection, we have not had a single student withdraw. I am very pleased at your decision to attend. I know how hard that was for you." A soft hand settled on Harry's shoulder as Dumbledore guided him off to the side. "Come. I set up a small table for you until we can determine your House."
"Thank you, Headmaster," Harry said formally, keeping his face blank.
The small round table was just in front of and between the Hufflepuff and Gryffindor tables. Harry hated to be singled out and deeply resented the Headmaster for not finding a more subtle way than this, but Harry had already resigned himself to being treated as an object for Show-and-Tell for as long as he remained in the Wizarding World, so he didn't make a big deal about it.
"Headmaster," a high, syrupy voice called. Harry looked to see a fat, short woman approaching wearing a hideous shade of pink that not even Relena would like. She had big blue eyes that bulged slightly and large, graying ringlets falling around her face. "Is this Mr. Potter?"
"Dolores," Dumbledore greeted with the most neutral tone of voice Harry had heard from him yet. "Let me introduce you." Dumbledore met Harry's eyes and there was warning there. It immediately set Harry on guard. His back straightened and his face became even more mask-like. "Harry, this is Dolores Umbridge. She is an Undersecretary to our Minister. She will be teaching Defense this year."
Umbridge tittered like a school girl, her hand rising to offer a handshake. Harry took it reluctantly and released the soft, squishy appendage as fast as possible. "It's a pleasure, Mr. Potter. I've heard so much about you. It pleases the Ministry greatly to have you return to the Wizarding World. May I inquire to your previous location these long years?"
"I was raised on the Colonies, Professor Umbridge," Harry answered simply.
"He was safe with his guardians," the Headmaster added, head tilted so he could stare at her over his half-moon glasses. "I believe the paperwork was all filed correctly this summer."
"Yes, yes." Umbridge waved this away. She had eyes only for Harry. Her smile had gone and a small frown took its place. "His guardians are listed and approved, but I'm concerned that Harry wasn't in an environment fit for a Wizarding child of his power." She eyed Harry's long braid especially, her frown becoming more pronounced. "It is essential that Mr. Potter presents himself well. For his sake as well as the Ministry's. His position is… peculiar, after all."
"I assure you our Mr. Potter is very well mannered and a dedicated student," Dumbledore said firmly. The sound of the students arriving interrupted any further comment and the Headmaster beamed a happy smile, his cheerfulness returned. "We should get to our seats, Dolores. The children have arrived. You'll have plenty of time to talk to Mr. Potter later." Pulling an envelope from his sleeve, he handed it to Harry. "Your results, my boy." And with that, Harry was alone, Dumbledore having successfully led Umbridge away.
Harry caught Remus' eye from the Head Table as they took their seats and gave a quick nod. Umbridge was unpleasant and would be watched, but Harry was not unfamiliar with that type of person. Quatre had to deal with them on a regular business and had taught Harry how to handle it. Instead of worrying about it, he turned his focus on the letter in his hand. Sliding his finger under the envelope flap, Harry took a deep breath and pulled out the folded parchment within.
Dear Mr. Potter,
Your scores given fairly by Professors qualified in their field of study and accepted thereby by Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for the Third Year curriculum are as follows: one O, three E's, and three A's which are sufficient to advance you to the next Year level.
Charms essay and practical: E, E
Overall score of an Exceeds Expectations
Herbology essay and practical: E, E
Overall score of an Exceeds Expectations
Transfiguration essay and practical: A, A
Overall score of an Acceptable
Potions practical: A
Overall score of an Acceptable
Defense Against the Dark Arts essay and practical: E, E
Overall score of an Exceeds Expectations
History of Magic exam: A
Overall score of Acceptable
Astronomy practical: O
Overall score of Outstanding
We look forward to your future as a Fourth Year Hogwart's student. Congratulations!
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore
Headmaster of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry couldn't help the grin that lit up his face. He'd passed! Harry had worked extremely hard that summer with hardly any breaks and then had to deal with the aftermath of witnessing that horrific attack on the Quidditch World Cup the week before the tests. He was surprised he'd done as well as he had, and he couldn't wait to give the results to his brothers, Wufei and Heero especially.
Glancing up at the High Table, he found Remus still looking over at him, his amber eyes filled with an obvious pride, and Harry ducked his head, cheeks warm with satisfaction. So involved in his scores, he never even noticed the Hall was now packed with teenagers and filled to the brim with excited chatter. He hadn't noticed that almost half the Hall was staring straight at him.
Harry's expression closed off immediately, his heart beginning to hammer in his chest, but before he could panic completely, Dumbledore stood up with his arms spread wide and a barmy smile on his face. The rambunctious students quieted down and looked away to give the Headmaster their complete attention. Harry took a deep breath to settle himself as he listened.
"Welcome back to another year at Hogwarts!" Dumbledore said loudly into the silence. His hands came down to rest at the sides of the ornate bird podium that he stood behind. "I know we traditionally start with the Sorting, but considering the recent events in the world, forgive me for beginning a little differently."
The Headmaster's expression became serious, the jovial grandfatherly figure melting away into the erect carriage of someone who was a leader of men. The silence of the Hall deepened. Even Harry found himself holding his breath.
"There has been a Darkness flirting at the edges of our world for some time now. This summer it has given us a name and face to fear. Voldemort – " There was a massive flinch and even some whimpers at the name. " – has returned to full power once more, after nearly a decade of silence."
Pale blue eyes scanned the room. "I know each and every person in this Hall has suffered some kind of loss at the hands of this Darkness. It wants us to cower and submit, but I want to remind all of you that there is still Light in this world. There are countless souls out there putting their lives on the line to put an end to this Evil. No matter how small, each action of kindness you practice and each act of bravery to stand up for what is Right aids this fight. I want all of you to know I have the utmost faith we will win this war. After all, this Darkness has been banished once before. It can be done again!"
"Now…" Dumbledore's smile came back, his eyes at full twinkle as he turned to look at Harry. "You may have noticed the additional table in the Hall, and I know many of you are excited to make Mr. Potter's acquaintance, but let us get through the First Year Sorting and dinner before I make a more formal introduction."
Harry rolled his eyes. Dumbledore had basically given everyone a free pass to stare some more. Whispered conversations instantly started up, nearly over shadowing the Sorting of the fifteen or so First Years going up one by one to sit under a dingy hat. It didn't take long for Harry to feel like he was an exhibit at a zoo. But no matter how much it grated against Harry's nerves, he couldn't do anything about it. Anything he did right now would only draw even more attention.
Finally, the Sorting ended and dinner was eaten. As the food was cleared magically from the long House tables, the Hall grew noisier than ever. Every single eye was turned toward Harry. Harry did his best to pretend Dumbledore was the only other person in the Hall.
"So!" Dumbledore clapped his hands together, drawing attention once more. "Now that we are all fed and watered, I must ask for your attention while I give out a few notices. Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me to tell you that the list of objects forbidden inside the castle has this year been extended to include Screaming Yo-Yos, Fanged Frisbees, and Ever-Bashing Boomerangs. The full list comprises some four hundred and thirty seven items, I believe, and can be viewed in Mr. Filch's office, if anybody would like to check it."
"Get to Harry Potter!" a young male voice called from the red and gold table. Several nervous laughs went up at this.
Harry grimaced, but the Headmaster merely smiled wider.
"As ever, I would like to remind you all that the Forest in the grounds is out-of-bounds to students, as is the village of Hogsmeade to all below Third Year. And now, may I introduce…. our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher…" Loud groans went up at this that the Headmaster ignored. "… Professor Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to our Minister. She will be assisted by a teacher you are well acquainted with, Professor Lupin. He will also be in charge of the Dueling Club we are starting this year. Every Head of House has a sign-up sheet, if you are interested. A notice of the first Club meeting will be posted this weekend."
A loud cheer went up at this, and Remus gave a little wave to the happy teenagers. Harry couldn't help but notice that Umbridge looked a little hot around the collar, her eyes filled with anger, as her introduction was glanced over.
"Finally, without further ado, let me introduce you to Harry Potter. Harry, will you come up here please?" Dumbledore reached out his hand in a beckoning gesture that caused Harry to want to slap some sense into the man.
Gritting his teeth, Harry obediently rose and walked steadily to the podium. He didn't turn his head to look at any of the loudly whispering teens he passed on his way to the Headmaster's side at the podium. Dumbledore placed a hand on his shoulder and beamed out at the crowd of breathless teenagers.
"Mr. Potter will be joining his year-mates and starting his Fourth Year. I ask that everyone offer Mr. Potter assistance when needed, for he comes to us from very far away and is not familiar with our ways. As for his House, it has been a long time since a student has joined Hogwarts so late in their education. Children over the age of thirteen cannot be Sorted due to the maturity and complexity of the mind after that age. Therefore, it is my great pleasure to announce that we will hold a House Tournament to decide his future House."
Loud whispers went up at this that died down when Dumbledore gently cleared his throat.
"Well, some of you will not know what this Tournament involves, so I hope those who do know will forgive me for giving a short explanation, and allow their attention to wander freely."
Harry doubted even a single student took the Headmaster up on that offer. He began to feel sweat bead at his brow from the focused attention by hundreds of kids, and he bitterly wished Dumbledore had let him stay at his table for this.
"During this next month, each House will elect a House Champion from the transferring student's Year and up. In this case, that means anyone Fourth Year and above can be elected. If the House cannot come to an agreed upon person, the Head of House will make the final decision. There will be a total of five Tasks. Each House Champion, as well as Mr. Potter, will participate. The House who wins the most Tasks shall be Mr. Potter's House until he graduates. Should Mr. Potter win a Task himself, he will choose the House to give that winning point to. In this way, the Hogwarts Founders allow a person the chance to choose their own destiny. However, I will say that in the history of this school, no transfer student has won this right.
"In the meantime, Mr. Potter will have mixed classes with all the Houses and will take turns rooming in each. After every Task, Mr. Potter will switch Houses with the next in line. The first Task is scheduled on All Hallows Eve. Until then, he will board with Hufflepuff House. I will announce more information regarding the First Task when the House Champions are announced." Dumbledore looked down at Harry, blue eyes twinkling madly. "Harry, if you please, join the Hufflepuff table. Your things should already be added to the Fourth Year boys' dorm."
Harry gave a stiff nod and made his way to the yellow and black table. Cheers and clapping went up at this, although mostly there was excited and confused chatter. Harry really, really hoped that this Tournament stuff was real. If Dumbledore was making all this up just for Harry to put on a show, Harry's brothers were going to be pissed.
An older teen, sandy brown hair and blue eyes, stood and offered Harry the seat next to him. "Hi! I'm Cedric Diggory, a Seventh Year. Welcome to the 'Puffs."
Harry pulled on a plastic smile and shook Cedric's hand. "Hi." Before Harry could even sit, the Headmaster clapped his hands.
"That concludes the announcements. Good luck this year and remember that your studies are important!"
Everyone stood up and began talking at once. Harry held his smile with sheer force of will as six or seven boys and girls crowded around him, all asking different questions in fast, excited voices. Suddenly, Cedric stepped in front of Harry. "Hey! Give him some room! We have more manners than this! You're acting like a bunch of Gryffs! We'll all get a chance to introduce ourselves later."
Apologies where murmured in his direction as everyone obediently backed off and began to file out of the Great Hall. Harry stared up at Cedric in surprised wonder. "Thanks."
Cedric flashed a charming smile. "No problem. Come on. I'll show you the way."
Harry followed the chattering group through a door to the right of the Entrance Hall and down a staircase. There, they traveled down a long passage and came to a still-life painting of a small square table covered in a white tablecloth. On the table rested four goblets.
"You say the password and the painting opens," Cedric explained. "It's Veritas this week."
Someone at the front of the group called out the password and Harry followed everyone into a large round chamber decorated in bright, warm yellows that were accented with black. There were dozens of comfortable armchairs and a few sofas scattered around the room. It seemed disorganized, but very homey as the kids laughed and jostled each other, finding places to settle and talk.
Harry spun as he felt a hand reach up and grab his braid. His hand slashed out in a chop that hit the offender's wrist hard enough for the girl to gasp in pain and stumble back, wide-eyed. As the little girl's lip trembled and tears began to roll down her cheeks, Harry reached out, only to drop his hand when she flinched. She couldn't be any older than eleven, and Harry knew he'd overacted. The day had been long and grueling – emotionally, mentally, and physically. He felt pulled thin, but that was no excuse to hurt a child.
"I'm sorry. Really. I… I don't like it when people touch my hair." Harry gripped his long braid in both hands as he looked around at the silent and accusing stares of the Hufflepuffs. "I shouldn't have struck you, though. I'm really sorry."
Cedric stepped up and put a hand on the little girl's shoulder. "It's okay, isn't it, Eleanor? And you should say sorry for touching his hair like that without asking."
"No," Harry protested, but Cedric waved him silent.
"I'm sorry, Harry," Eleanor said softly. Her wavy, dark hair hung freely over her shoulders and down her back, and as she lowered her head, it hid her large brown eyes from view.
"Hey, please don't cry…" Harry knelt and offered the end of his braid. "You can touch it, but ask me first. I get startled sometimes."
Eleanor peeked out from the curtain of her hair and offered Harry a tearful smile before reaching forward and stroking the offered length. "It's really pretty," she offered shyly.
"Thank you," Harry said with a smile.
"Why do you wear it so long?" she asked innocently, and Harry was extremely aware that everyone was standing around listening intently to their conversation.
"My brother wears his long and I wanted to be like him," he finally answered.
Eleanor's eyes widened and the group around them began to whisper in confusion. Harry shifted uncomfortably and rose to his feet, not liking the vulnerable position in such an unfamiliar location.
"I didn't know you had a brother!" a different little girl around Eleanor's age called out.
"I was adopted into a family on the Colonies in space," Harry told her. "I have five brothers."
"All right. Let's save the interrogation for later," Cedric cut in with a cheerful smile. "Come on, Harry. I'll show you your dorm room."
Harry gratefully followed Cedric out of the common room. The older teen showed him the tunnel-like passage that led to the Fourth year boys' dorm and Harry counted four four-poster beds. At the end of the bed closest to the door, Harry could see Sirius' battered old school trunk and he sent a prayer of thanks for being placed so close to the exit.
Smiling, Harry turned to look up at Cedric. "Thanks for saving me," he said ruefully, reaching up to fiddle with the end of his braid.
"No problem. Just let me know if you need any more help." Cedric reached out to playfully slap Harry's shoulder. "I promise they're harmless, really."
"I'll try to remember that," Harry laughed.
"Good night."
"Night," Harry answered as Cedric softly closed the round, Hobbit-like door behind him.
Once he was alone, Harry quickly changed into pajamas and crawled into his bed, pulling the curtains closed tight. He cast a simple Lumos so he could see and cradled the large hand mirror Sirius had given him close to his face. "Heero Yuy," he called. The mirror shimmered and rippled, like the surface of a lake on a sunny day, and Heero's face appeared where Harry's reflection once was.
"Harry."
"Heero," Harry breathed in relief. "I passed. I'm a Fourth Year student."
Heero's eyes brightened with pride. "Well done, Harry. What House did you get Sorted into?"
"Well…" Harry sank down against his pillows, blowing a frustrated breath. "I didn't. Dumbledore said that kids over thirteen can't be Sorted because their brains are too complicated and mature, or something like that. Instead, I'm going to be shuffled from House to House every couple months or so."
"That is not a stable environment," Heero said gravely, disapproval clear in his tone.
"It gets worse," Harry admitted. "Dumbledore's holding a Tournament. Me and a kid from each House have to compete in a Task. They'll be five Tasks in all. The House that wins the most Tasks will be my permanent House for the rest of my time at Hogwarts starting next year."
"And if you win a Task?" Heero questioned.
"I get to pick which House that point goes to."
"I will confer with Sirius and Quatre. We'll see if we can change the situation," Heero promised. "What House are you in currently?"
"Hufflepuff."
"How is it?"
"It's okay. We're underground, but it's bright and warm. Lots of yellow. I met a nice guy. Cedric Diggory. He's helped me out with crowd control. I…" Harry flushed and ducked his head, unable to look Heero in the eyes. "I kinda hit a little girl when she grabbed my braid."
"Harry…" Heero started, but Harry quickly cut him off.
"I apologized and let her touch it and ask me some questions. She's all right. I don't think she's still mad or scared of me."
"Be careful," Heero said.
"I will," Harry promised with a smile. "I miss you guys."
"We miss you, too," Heero answered simply. "Here's Duo. He wants to talk to you."
"Okay. Love you."
Heero reached up to touch the glass between them before handing the mirror over to Duo.
"Harry! Tell me everything!"
Harry laughed and retold his story, adding the more humorous details that he'd left out with Heero. Harry laughed as Duo exclaimed dramatically at all the appropriate parts. By the time they were done talking and Harry had put the mirror safely away, Harry was able to fall asleep with a smile of contentment on his lips.
Chapter end.
A/N: What do you think? Lol. Did you see the Tournament coming?