Harry came floating down when the portkey released him and started walking to lose momentum as his feet touched the ground. Charlus, Harrison and Azalea had crashed in a jumble on the ground. The adults however had fared better than the children.
"James Potter and family", said a wizard who was holding a clip board in his hand, "7 people straight from Potterwood."
"How is it going Ben?", James asked.
"Busy day", said the wizard, "Get out of the way because we have a great party coming in straight from the black forest within a couple of minutes."
"Come on you lot", said James herding them behind him, "We are just around the corner from here."
To get to the campsite witches and wizards had to across a deserted moor, it was difficult to see through the mist present on the moor. After twenty minutes, a small stone cottage next to a gate could be seen. Beyond it, Harry Potter was able to make out the ghostly shapes of hundreds and hundreds of tents. The tents were located among the gentle slope of a large field toward a dark wood on the horizon.
Harry was looking over the vast fields where tents were strewn about. It looked like a mini country had come here to live and there were people that were clearly from other countries as he could see. Some couldn't even speak English from what he heard. He also saw a group of African wizard huddled together and smoking pipes while stroking a fire windlessly.
There was a tent which was about 3 stories high and there were peacocks outside it and Harry knew it was the Malfoys. There were many which clearly looked magical. Many were openly using magic and it was so different from the other world where the witches and wizard gathered from the entire world but they were all forbidden from using magic.
There were similar tents around the site and all were decked out in their entire splendour. He could feel the magic in the surroundings and felt some sort of elation. It was nice feeling.
"Ah, here we are", said James and they turned to see monstrosity of a tent erected. It was a three storied structure on the outside and on the canvas of the tent were painted a stag, a dog, a wolf, a doe and a fox. On the flap which served as the entrance to the site, there were bold words written, "MARAUDERS & Family".
They entered the tent and their jaws hung open. The tent looked like a mansion on the inside. There was a chandelier, wash rooms to clean up and there were lots of rooms. There was also a kitchen on the ground floor where two elves were cooking food. And there were so many people in there that Harry didn't knew all of them.
Sirius saw them and bellowed, "Prongs, the second-floor right side is yours. As you get others settled let me introduce all of these people to Harry here."
As James took others to the second floor, Sirius introduced him to a wizard whom Harry knew by seeing him in a photo which had hung in Grimmauld place for all his life.
"Harry, this is my brother Regulus Arcturus Black. Reg, this is Harry James Potter, son of Prongs and my godson."
"So, this is the next Lord of Black, eh?", Regulus asked.
"I. I. don't…"
"Come off it, lad", he said, "I am just yanking your wand however Sirius has been going barmy that he has a godson now. Drove us all to the wall with Harry this and Harry that. You will have to sit with me later to tell me how did you manage to charm him."
"Move along Reg", said Andromeda pushing him to side, "let me also see James's first born."
"Harry this is Andromeda Rosier nee Black and along with her is her husband, Evan Rosier and their son, Sagittarius Rosier."
Andromeda looked as she had done in that world and in fact she looked better here because she was not burdened with the sorrow of the death of all of her family. She simply looked radiant and her bearing looked like a proud pureblood lady. Evan Rosier was about average in height, but was well built with grey eyes and hair which reached up to his shoulders. He didn't look like as if he was a death eater or was even related to dark arts. He had learnt all his life to look for signs which could associate a person's affiliation with Dark Arts. Evan Rosier looked like one who knew the dark arts but not one who was an ardent follower.
The last one with the Rosiers was a boy who Harry guessed was as old as Nymphadora may have been in this world and he had his mother's high cheek bones, big eyes but otherwise resembled his father with a grace that Harry had come to associate with the Blacks in the other world.
Harry did his curtsy with Andromeda, "Lady Rosier, it is an honour to meet you."
He then turned towards Evan Rosier who looked at him but none of them made any movement. They kept looking at each other in the eyes and finally Evan Rosier sighed and extended his hand, "I am Lord Evan Rosier."
"Harry James Potter, Lord Rosier", said Harry and turned to Sagittarius Rosier, "Heir Rosier, Harry James Potter."
Sagittarius shook his head, "Pleased to meet you. What I want to know is where Uncle James had hidden you."
"Move along brother", said a girl whom Harry thought could not be older than 2nd year.
Harry took her hand in his and asked, "You have me at disadvantage here, my lady for I don't know your name."
She giggled, "My name is Celeste Rosier and I am the daughter of Lord Evan Rosier. I will start my 2nd year at Hogwarts this year."
"I am grateful to have met you, Mr. Rosier and I hope to see you at Hogwarts."
Harry knew the next one in line. "Harry meet Narcissa Macmillan nee Black, my cousin."
Harry took her hand in his and pretended to kiss her knuckles, "Charmed, Lady Macmillan."
"Along with her are her daughter Lyra Macmillan and her son Ernest Macmillan", Sirius introduced the other two.
Lyra was beautiful. There is no other word for it. He knew that she was metamorph so there was no way to know how she really looked like but presently she looked like a brunette with grey eyes. She smiled at him as he approached her.
Harry caught Lrya's hand in his and pretended to kiss her knuckles saying, "It is truly wondrous occasion for me to be able to make your introduction, my lady. Harry James Potter at your service."
"Well, this one is definitely Sirius's godson", said Bella who was watching him meet all the Blacks, "The boy has guts to try and flirt with Lyra in front of everyone."
Harry had blushed deeply but was now concentrating upon the Macmillan heir, "Heir Macmillan, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"Phew! That is the extended family, Harry", said Sirius exhaling loudly, "Now all of you children go upstairs or wherever you want to. Just don't forget the location. I and Prongs have to go to look after the security arrangements of the event. I swear Fudge would bungle up things if we left it up to him."
With that Sirius started to walk out of the tent hollering at the top of his voice, "James, come down right now. We are wanted."
"Potter", said Ernest, "Call your brothers and sister. We are going on a tour."
Harry didn't need to call them because at that moment, they appeared on James's heels.
It soon became apparent that all of them were acquainted with each other beforehand. Harry decided to stick with Ernie and Lyra as Charlus sought out Celeste who chose to walk with him. Lilly hadn't allowed Azalea to venture out of the tent with them because she was not yet of Hogwarts age. Harrison had decided to stick to Sagittarius and it was apparent that the Rosier heir liked the youngest Potter son a lot.
"So, Harry", Ernie was saying, "You look like you could be in 4th year at Hogwarts and yet we haven't seen you before. Where you were hiding?"
"It is all a secret right now, Ernie", Harry was saying, "You will know later about it. However, it was felt that I should join Hogwarts from this year and so here I am."
"Who raised you, Potter?", asked Lyra, "I know Uncle James and he has no other relatives here or elsewhere."
"Well, that is the secret, isn't it?"
"What can you tell us?", asked Celeste.
"Well, I am Harry James Potter and I am the son of James Potter and Lilly. I was born in Godric's Hollow", he said, "That is all that I can tell you at the moment."
"Ernie, Lyra", said Susan Bones as she walked towards them with a boy in tow. The boy looked younger than her and was talking to Charlus as she talked with them.
"Mother was not ready to risk coming here", she was saying, "it was only when Auntie intervened that she allowed us to come."
"Hello Ms. Bones", Harry said to Susan, "I hadn't hoped to meet you again so soon."
"Hello Mr. Potter", she said jovially, "allow me to introduce you to my brother Edward Bones, heir of House Bones."
Harry shook hands with the Bones heir who looked as if he was shy on being confronted with so many people.
As they took leave of the Bones', Harry asked Ernie, "What can you tell me about the House of Bones?"
"Susan's father Edmund was the Lord of House Bones and he was killed about 6 months ago in a death eater raid in Manchester. Many say that he was caught in the cross fire and many say that he was a member of the Order of the Phoenix and was there to stop the death eater attack that day."
"What is the Order of the Phoenix?", Harry asked.
"The Order of the Phoenix is a secret society which is made of wizards who are fighting you-know-who and his death eaters. Like the death eaters, no one knows what they look like. Many people say that many upstanding lords are member of this secret society but no concrete evidence of the same has been found so far", he explained.
"So, no one knows who has founded it or who are its members?", Harry asked, "And no one knows any of the death eaters?"
"Well, there are some very well-known death eaters in this world", said Ernie, "but the ministry keeps everything under wraps. The head of the DMLE Bartiemus Crouch is very tough on them."
"You don't know even a single one?", Harry asked, resignedly. If there was not a single death eater in this world same as his last one then Harry's work was cut for him.
"Well, I have heard that the three of the Notts are death eaters and so is Lord Nott but there is nothing that can be certainly said about it."
"Enough of it, Potter", said Lyra who was feeling left out, "Tell me about yourself."
"Well, I like Quidditch above everything", Harry said, "And then I like Defense against the Dark Arts. I am good at Transfiguration and Runes interest me with the possibility that they hold. However, I would like to stay outside and enjoy the scenes and I have seen a lot of fascinating creatures over the years so I like Care of Magical Creatures."
"Will they sort you?", Lyra asked.
"Professor Dumbledore told me that they will", Harry told her, "He even insisted that I have to take a boat to the school."
She chuckled, "Well you can keep Harrison company in that case. Anyway, which house do you think you will go into?"
"Well, I don't know", Harry said, "Besides it doesn't matter which house we are in, does it?"
"No", she conceded, "But I hope you will be in Gryffindor like me."
"And what house are you in, Ernie?", he asked Ernie.
"I am in Hufflepuff", Ernie said, "the coolest house."
As they talked, they kept walking around the site and when Harry saw people doing magic openly, he asked Sagittarius, "Won't the muggles notice them using magic?"
"What muggles?", Sagittarius asked, "This war which we have been fighting for years now has dwindled the muggles. Many of them left the British Isles for they could not explain the unexplained things which happened to them. In fact, the ministry won't admit it but you-know-who has started to foray into different territories by now and has been attacking our neighbours for months."
"What do you do for a living, Sagittarius?", Harry asked.
"I have just joined the Ministry as an Auror", said the older boy, "It desperately needs more Aurors as we have been losing many in the recent months."
"What made you become an Auror?", Harry asked curiously.
"Lord Potter and Lord Black", he answered, "Well I used to think how cool they looked in those auror robes and how they knew so much fascinating magic. Now I know better."
"Aren't you supposed to be on duty?", Harry asked him again.
"I am on duty", he said, "I have been assigned to protect you lot and I am doing my duty."
"Well, I for one…. Woah", Ernie had stopped because he had come in the Bulgarian section where there were massive banners floating around sporting photograph of one of the most famous quidditch players of the world, Viktor Krum.
And the entire section where the Bulgarian supporters were was painted in the colours of Bulgaria. Wherever they looked, they could see the visage of Krum painted on a flag or a banner.
"Let's get back", Harry said to the others, "They would be looking for us."
As they returned, Ernie kept pointing people to him and telling him whoever they were. With Ernie's help, he was able to spot many of his former classmates but the only person that he could not find was Hermione Granger. May be this time, there was no family who could take her to the world cup with themselves.
When they returned to the tent, Harry found that many more occupants had arrived in the meanwhile.
"Harry", said Lilly, "Let me introduce you to the Weasleys."
Harry smiled, "No need of that. I know all of them."
Harry approached Mrs. Weasley who was looking at him expectantly, "Lady Weasley, it is an honour to have met you. All the compliments that I have ever heard about you falls short of the description. Harry James Potter at your service."
She blushed deeply, "You are such a charmer."
He then approached the boys who were looking at him inquisitively, "Let me get this straight if I can find who is who."
He approached the eldest first, "You are William Weasley working as curse breaker for Gringotts."
Bill nodded as Harry was already moving on to Charlie, "You are Charlie Weasley, a dragon keeper in the Romanian Dragon Reserve."
He then approached Percy, "You are Percy Weasley, the proprietor of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes."
It was the twins finally, "I believe you both are called Gred and Forge Weasley and you like to experiment with magic. I think you will find me an enthusiast in developing some of the products for your shop."
"Are you really…"
"Come from elsewhere?"
Harry hushed them, "Not so loud. Keep it a secret between ourselves for now and I will tell you about a stag, a dog and a werewolf later."
It was an hour to sunset when the bells started tolling in the distance. Harry jumped up with his wand in hand and then realised that it was not an alarm but it was telling people to start lining up for going into the stadium.
From every direction as far as he could see, there were countless wizards who had lined up and were walking towards the Quidditch stadium. By the team they were near the stadium, the sun had set and dusk had come. The lights had been turned one and the floating lanterns, the fairies, the fireworks all made it very mesmerising experience for him. Lilly was leading those in front while Bella brought up the rear and Sagittarius was looking out in the middle of the group. Harry was keeping an eye on Harrison and Azalea while Lyra preferred to walk with him. Thousands of people walking together without any disturbance was surreal experience.
When they reached the gates, Lilly produced her tickets for inspection and the wizard at the gate announced, "Lady Potter, go on up. Don't stop till you reach the top. Your lot have been given seats in the top box beside the minister's."
"Thanks Stan", she said and they continued walking as Harry looked on Stan Shunpike, the bloke was the conductor on the Knight bus in that world.
For a change, they had the top box to themselves. There were no Malfoys and Fudge to share the space with and there was no Winky there. The children were given the front row to sit on and Harry waited for the match to start.
A hundred thousand witches and wizards were taking their places in the seats, which rose in levels around the long oval field. Everything was suffused with a mysterious golden light, which seemed to come from the stadium itself. The field looked smooth as velvet from their lofty position. At either end of the field stood three goal hoops, fifty feet high; right opposite them, almost at Harry's eye level, was a gigantic blackboard. Gold writing kept dashing across it as though an invisible giant's hand were scrawling upon the blackboard and then wiping it off again; watching it, Harry saw that it was flashing advertisements across the field.
When Arthur Weasley entered the box with the Bulgarian Minister of Magic, it looked like Arthur was having trouble communicating with the man. Whenever Arthur said anything, he would pretend as if he could not understand a word of what he was saying.
Harry knew what the Bulgarian minister was up to and walked to Arthur, "Hello Minister, who is the baboon with you here?"
Before Arthur could even admonish him, the Bulgarian minister spat, "You are very rude."
Harry smirked, "So you did understand him?"
The Bulgarian turned to Arthur looking embarrassed, "I am very sory, Minister Weazly."
Arthur chuckled good naturedly, "I have been bewildered for the entire day thanks to you but I can how funny it would have been to you."
"Minister", said Ludo Bagman entering, "Are we ready?"
"Start", said Arthur and sat back watching the game start.
"What do you reckon is going to win, mate?", Harry asked the twins.
"Krum will get the snitch but Ireland will win", they said together.
"Want to bet that Ireland will win my 10 points?", Harry asked.
They looked at each other incredulously and then turned to him, "You are on! What do you wager?"
"I win and you'll do as I ask of you. You win and I'll do whatever you want", he said.
They both grinned, "You are on, mate. You don't what you have got yourselves into."
Harry gave them a grin which scared them, "We will see, mates."
"Welcome to the final of the Quidditch world cup", boomed Ludo Bagman, "We are expecting a well charged match here and it promises to worth every knut that we have spent on purchasing those precious tickets. Here come the Irish Mascots- The Leprechauns."
Harry tuned them out for he knew them. They did as they had done in that world and then it was turn of the Bulgarians.
"Here comes the Bulgarian Mascots", said Ludo Bagman, "The Veelas."
The effect was instantaneous. Arthur was cleaning his glasses on his robes before putting them on again.
The Veela as before looked unearthly and Harry watched them with interest. They were spreading their allure and it started to overwhelm him a but before he would have lost his senses, he pushed on his mental shields and the effect vanished. The others however were not unaffected. The boys wanted to jump down but Lilly and Bella kept hold of them. Charlus was straightening his robes and looking like a lost puppy.
Lilly saw him sitting unaffected and asked, "The allure does not affect you?"
Harry shook his head, "No, once was enough for me."
"Here comes the Irish team. I give you Mullet, Troy, Moran, Connolly, Quigley, Ryan and Lynch."
A shout of appreciating went up on the side of stadium where the Irish supporters were sitting.
"Here comes the Bulgarians. I give you Dimitrov, Ivanova, Levski, Vulchanov, Zograf and Viktor Krum."
A great shout went up on the other side where the Bulgarian supporters were sitting.
"And they are off. Dimitrov takes the Quaffle and passes to Ivanova…."
When the match ended, Harry had won the bet with the twins who were looking at him with their mouth agape, "How did you know that?"
Harry smirked, "That doesn't matter now. You will do what I will ask of you."
They were still celebrating in the tent when a cry went up on other side of the field. Harry picked up his wand and ran outside with Sagittarius in tow and they could see tents on fire.
"What is happening?", Harry asked Sagittarius who was shaking with fury.
"Death eaters", he said gritting his teeth, "Harry go and alert everyone and tell them to evacuate now."
Harry could see dozens of death eaters walking in a group, setting tents on fire and shooting curses everywhere. Blood rushed in his head and he was running out when Lilly caught his arm, "Where are you going?"
"I am going to fight the death eaters", he roared, "Let me go."
"No Harry", she said sternly, "you will stay put. Aurors will deal with them."
"No, let me go right now", Harry was trying to free himself from her grip.
There was a sound of running footsteps and Sirius appeared, "Are you all here?"
"Yes Padfoot", Lilly said, "What is happening?"
"The death eaters are attacking", he said, "Take everyone and get away from here. Go into the woods and remain there until you receive a message from one of us. Keep your communication device at hand. Sagittarius, go with them and keep them safe."
As Lilly, Bella, Andromeda and Evan herded them out, Harry slipped out of the group with Sagittarius falling behind, "Oi, where are you going? Don't you remember what Uncle James said?"
"I am going to fight", Harry said resolutely, "You can come with me or you can go with the others."
Sagittarius sighed, "Uncle James and Aunt Lilly will murder me for this. Alright, I am coming with you."
They ran towards the site where the death eaters were causing mayhem. As they passed a group, Harry stopped suddenly.
"Well Longbottom", drawled one of the death eaters in mask, "You have caused enough trouble for the dark lord. He will reward us handsomely for killing you."
The wizards who had surrounded Neville were laughing and he was bravely standing covering someone behind him, "I am not afraid of you or your master."
"Well then, say good bye Longbottom", said the death eater and raised his wand.
Harry saw red and he levelled his wand at them and yelled, "Fulminata".
The curse hit one of the death eaters and blasted him apart. The death eaters turned towards them, multitude of curses on their lips when Sagittarius raised his wand, "Protego Maxima."
A shield appeared between them and the death eaters and their spells were rendered ineffective.
Harry however was itching to go and as the shield dissipated, he shouted, "Aim for one on the left and I will go for the middle one."
Sagittarius understood and pointed his wand at the one on the left and shot a blasting hex at him. Harry used a bone breaker at the one on the right. As this was happening, Neville dragged his companion away from the fight.
Harry and Sagittarius were fighting as one, shielding for each other and taking down death eaters when one of them who had managed to get behind them roared, "Avada Kedavra."
As Harry heard the incantation, he pulled down the Rosier heir and aimed towards the death eater but the death eater was already knocked out cold with the heavy stone that had cracked his skull.
"Harry, Sag!", said Remus who had arrived, "Thank Merlin you both are alright. When Lilly told me that you both were lost, I assumed the worst."
"No, we are fine", Harry said pointing to Neville, "This bloke was surrounded by the death eaters and was protecting someone."
"Neville!", Remus exclaimed, "What happened?"
"Remus, they had caught Charlus", Neville said, "I was protecting him."
"Charlus!", Remus exclaimed, "Where is he? Is he alright?"
"Yes, he is fine. Just stunned", Neville reassured him "But if they had not arrived on time, I would have been hurt."
"What happened here?", said a voice and Harry saw Bartiemus Crouch approaching them on the head of a group of Aurors which included James and Sirius.
Sagittarius stepped forward and relayed everything that had happened. Crouch looked at Harry critically, "Where did you learn to cast like that?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, those are not the spells that Aurors use. They stun them but not maim or injure and you both have injured many of them gravely", he said, "I will have to take you in custody."
James snapped, "Are you mad, Bartie? That is my son and Sag is an Auror as you well know. I'll not allow you to take my son anywhere."
"I won't allow you to bend the law, Potter", said Crouch, "I'll have to…"
"Bartie please shut up", said Arthur who had come up, "These boys saved two lives today and gave you some prisoners and you are arguing like children."
He then turned to James, "Can I impose on your hospitality for tonight, Lord Potter?"
James nodded, "Of course. What will you have me do?"
"Since it is going to take us time to clean this mess and I need to be here, will you take my family with yours to Potter Manor?"
"It'd be my pleasure", said James, "Now come with me you all. You too, Neville. Frank had told me to find you and take you to Potter Manor. Your sister is already there with Lilly."
"QUIDDITCH WORLD CUP ATTACKED
Yesterday was supposed to be a day full of cheer for the wizards and witches in the British Isles but it was marred by a death eater attack which also shows the ministry's incompetence.
The death eater attack started right after the match and continued for an hour at the end of which, it is said that 20 wizards including 3 Aurors had died. It is a matter of shame for the ministry and the head Auror James Potter…."
Harry slammed the paper on the table, "One thing that I'd have liked in this world was that the media was unbiased."
"Rita Skeeter?", Lilly asked.
Harry nodded, "She is a pest. She was a pest in that world too. Wish I could do something about her."
"She has come after us far too many times already", she said, "she is a menace but we can't just shut her up."
"How many died yesterday?", Harry asked.
"About 20", she sighed, "And that includes 3 Aurors including Williamson, Savage and Dawlish. James is still at office."
"Wish I could help", he said, "I have already dealt with this before."
"Harry, don't get me wrong", she said, "But you are only 14 years old no matter what you were in that world. Even if you could do something amazing it would be hard to replicate it because I think your magic will depend on your core now."
"I almost forgot that", Harry said, "I am a child still so I haven't yet reached even my magical maturity so I would find some magics difficult to perform."
"Are you packed for Hogwarts?", she asked.
"Yes, I am prepared", he said, "I can't wait to get to Hogwarts even if we are at war right now."
She smiled, "Good. Remember that you will have to get up early if you don't want to miss the train."
He nodded, "I won't miss the train."
As he stood up, she stopped him, "Harry, sit down. We have to talk about something."
"What?", Harry asked her.
"James had planned a party to tell the world that you are alive", she said.
"That will be a bad idea", Harry said.
She nodded, "I know. Dumbledore saw the error before we did. If you-know-who got wind of the fact that you were somehow alive then he will bend all his energy towards killing you and it will put others also at risk."
He nodded, "I know. So, what has been decided?"
"Professor Dumbledore told us that the announcement shall be made at dinner time in front of whole school. That way, you three will be safe from him until you are inside the castle."
"If that is what you all want", he said.
On the day that they were supposed to go back to school, nobody was ready to leave home with time to spare. Charlus had forgot to prepare his trunk, Harrison had misplaced his books and was frantically searching for them. Harry was the only one who was ready to go with his trunk packed ages ago.
Harry turned to Harrison, "Why don't you ask her to summon your books and sort them into your trunk? It will be less hassle that way."
He then turned to Charlus, "If you were a marauder, you would know that you can use a nifty little spell to sort your things in a trice and the ministry won't know it."
He looked at Harry as if he was speaking a foreign language, "I guess you don't know the rule that an underage wizard isn't allowed to use magic at home."
Harry shrugged, "Suit yourself then. I was suggesting it for your benefit."
Charlus did not answer him but kept cramming his things in his trunk. Harry decided it was useless to argue with him over something so petty.
He walked up on the top floor where the parliament of owls were kept and called Hedwig down, "Hedwig, come here girl."
The owl hooted loudly and came flying down to perch on his outstretched hand, "Off you go, Hedwig. Fly to Hogwarts and come see me tomorrow at breakfast time."
When he came down, it was nearing 10 and the two boys were nowhere ready. They were constantly running here and there, tyring to find their things and stuffing it in their trunks.
"Alright you lot", roared Lilly, "You have 10 minutes to get down here and get moving. The last one will have to miss the train."
It turns out that her warning had the desired effect on her brood because everyone was there within the next 10 minutes, their trunks packed and ready to go.
"Now, remember you all", she said, "Harry will go with Sirius, Remus will take Harrison and James will take Charlus to the station. I will take Azalea with me and we will take the muggle transport there."
"What happened to the floo?", Harry asked.
"The floo was disabled in 1982 because a group of death eaters had appeared on the station through it. Now you cannot disapparate, use a portkey or floo through the station. Do you know where is the station?"
Little Azalea said enthusiastically, "I know! I Know mummy. It is Platform No. 9 ¾, right between 9 & 10."
She encouragingly nodded, "That is right, Aza. Now let's going everyone. Here comes our escort."
"Harry", Sirius bellowed as he saw him, "How is the godson of mine?"
"I am fine, Sirius", Harry said, "Why can't we disapparate directly to Hogsmead?"
"Lillypad thinks it a tradition that every firstie should take the train to the school", he said shrugging, "Besides the village is laden with anti disapparition and anti portkey wards. You can't appear in the village like that or by floo. You can walk in from the portkey or apparition point situated 2 kilo meters from the village. Walking that distance exposed can be detrimental to your safety."
"If you put it that way", he said, "How are we going to King's Cross?"
"I have borrowed a car from the Minister of Magic and Arthur assures me that the car will fit all of our needs."
"Is it a Flying Ford Anglia?", he asked.
"Yes, you have had experience with it?", Sirius asked.
Harry snorted, "We missed the train in second year and we took the car to Hogwarts. Once it reached near the school, the car crashed in the Whomping Willow. The enchantments of the car made it go haywire and it spent the rest of its life running amok in the Forbidden Forest."
"That sounds like an adventure", Sirius grinned, "Looks like you had a fun filled life. You will have to sit with me over butterbeer someday and tell me everything."
"Sure Sirius, but right now we need to get going to King's cross or Lilly will murder us", Harry said.
Sirius looked at him sharply and opened his mouth to say something but decided not to and escorted Harry outside where the car was ready.
The Ford Anglia, as he remembered was similar to the one in his world and had expansion charms at work. He ran his fingers on the body and could feel the power of the enchantments on his fingertips.
The trip to King's Cross was uneventful but on the way to the station, Harry realised what the impact the war had on the muggle world. Many of the areas that they passed through looked like they were vacant and the muggles were hurrying about their business, they looked apprehensive of something and the buildings had a desolate look around them as if no one had set foot in them for years. He also realised that he did not see as many people as he could expect to see in a metropolis like London. The war had ravaged the muggle world and ran it ragged.
The entrance to King's cross which was always full to bursting with muggles and daily commute looked almost vacant. There were so little people there that Harry had to wonder if it were a holiday and people were simply staying at home. However, that was not to be. Kingsley Shacklebolt, Hestia Jones, Emmeline Vance and an Auror whom Harry remembered was named Proudfoot, waited for them where the car stopped. As Sirius got off from the car, Mundungus Fletcher arrived out of nowhere and drove the car away, ostensibly to the Weasleys.
"Now, remember lads", Sirius was saying, "Each one of you'll stay with your chosen guardian and walk towards the platform. Once we reach there, we will regroup."
Kingsley Shacklebolt entered first and returned a minute later, "Clear to approach."
Hestia Jones went second followed by Sirius with Harry, James with Charlus, Remus with Harrison, Lilly with Azalea, Emmeline and Proudfoot brought up the rear.
When they were all on the platform, it was entirely different than what he remembered in that world. Here people huddled in groups, the mood was rather subdued, there was little laughter or the hustle and bustle that he had come to associate with King's Cross. The only thing unchanged was the scarlet engine.
The Marauders led the three to the last coach of the train where they climbed in, put their luggage on the racks and then came down to the platform.
"James! They are here… Alice, he is here", said Frank Longbottom who was leading his two children with his wife in tow.
"Frank, good day?", James asked.
"I hope so! With these two back to school, things should be peaceful around the house", said Frank, "I spent one very noisy summer this year."
James chuckled, "Same with me, mate. Are you off to the ministry now?"
"As soon as the train leave the platform", said Frank, "I thought maybe I can introduce Neville to Harry, you know. I mean, Neville always stays alone."
James nodded, "That will be a good idea. Harry made friends with the Macmillan heir during the world cup but it will be good for him to meet new people."
James turned and hollered for Harry, "Harry, come here. Let me introduce you to some friends of mine."
As Harry came over, James introduced him, "Harry, meet Lord Longbottom and Lady Longbottom. With them are their sons Neville Longbottom, who is also our godson and Jeremy Longbottom. Lord and Lady Longbottom work in the Auror department with me."
Harry bowed to the Longbottom Lord, "It is an honour to make your acquaintance, Lord Longbottom."
He then approached Lady Longbottom, took her knuckles in his hand and pretended to kiss them, "Lady Longbottom, if elegance were to be personified it won't be elegant than you."
Then he shook hands with Neville, who had a look of recognition in his eyes, "Heir Longbottom, well met."
"I reciprocate the gesture, Heir Apparent Potter."
"Alright you guys", said James, "Now get on the train. And don't forget to write letters back home and do as many pranks as you can. Charlus, I was really disappointed that you did not get one detention the entire year."
Charlus frowned and deigned to reply but Lilly caught him in a hug and started talking to him. James held Harry at arm's length and examined him, "Now Harry, I know I am not your father in the true sense of the word and I am not trying to take his place but remember that if you ever need me, I am just a mirror call away. The mirror is in your trunk and you can use it to talk to me or Sirius or Remus. Take care of your brothers for me. For not raising suspicions, it would be best if you would sometimes write letters too."
Harry nodded, "I will write letters."
As they boarded the train, Charlus turned to Harry, "I am going to meet some friends of mine so don't worry about me. I will see you at school."
Neville looked at the retreating boy's back, "What is his problem? I mean why he won't sit with his brothers?"
Harry smiled, "Well, Charlus is trying to be a big boy."
They sat in the last compartment with Harrison, Neville, Jeremy and Harrison. About half an hour in the ride and the door slid open and Susan Bones poked her head in, "Can I join you guys?"
"Sure Ms. Bones", said Harry standing, "Please do come in and join us and bring little Edward too."
"Edgar is gone to meet Charlus", she said, "They both are best mates. Edgar was the first in many generations to go into Ravenclaw."
"There is always the first time for something", Harry said, "Do you know Neville here?"
She chuckled, "You may be new to our world, Mr. Potter but we all know each other very closely. My father Edward Bones was an Auror and worked very closely with the Lord Potter, Lord Longbottom, Lord Black and my aunt Amelia Bones. By the way you still haven't told me how are you related to the Potters."
He grinned, "Well, we will know that once we get to Hogwarts. I guess the headmaster will have something to say on the matter."
She shrugged, "I reckon I can wait till then."
Sometime later, the door opened again and Ernie and Lyra poked their head in, "Can we join you guys?"
"Of course", said Harry, "Do come in and be comfortable."
He noticed that Lyra was very distracted and asked her, "What is bothering you all?"
"The Malfoys are causing all sorts of trouble back there", Ernie said, "And the prefects are perfectly okay with let them have their way."
"Well they will rue if they came this way", said Harry.
About hour and half later since leaving King's Cross, the Malfoys entered their cabin and Harry was floored to see Pansy Parkinson of his world as a Malfoy here.
"Well, we were wondering where were our favourite playthings", drawled Malfoy.
Before anyone could say anything, Harry's wand was pointed at him, "I'd rather choose my next words very carefully, ferret or it may well be the last words that you will speak."
"You dare to threaten us?", shrieked Pansy but before she could do anything Harry cast the tongue-tying jinx and she started clawing at her throat to undo it.
"I am giving you a final warning. You will go to your compartment and stay there. If I find our that you have been out of bounds and harassing others then you will find why they fear the Potters. Is that clear?"
The way he growled, Draco shivered in front of the wand that was pointed at him and when Harry gave them leave to go, they got away very quickly.
"That was cool", said Neville.
"You can do it too", said Harry.
"Uh… mother has told me that I am not to get into fight with others or she will get angry with me", Neville explained.
"Well, I wasn't getting in a fight either", Harry explained, "I was simply using force to deter them from doing something stupid."
The rest of the train ride passed very peacefully. Ernie, Neville and Susan talked among themselves while Harry talked to Lyra about her years at Hogwarts so far and what it was like in the tower of Lions.
When they got off the train, Harry met Hagrid on the platform, "Alright there 'arry? You will get into a boat with Harrison and go to the castle. Dumbledore's orders."
About an hour later and a journey through the lake in pouring rain, Harry was standing in the entrance chamber with the other kids and waited for Dumbledore to make his announcement.
"Before we start sorting the first-year students, there is an important announcement", Dumbledore was saying, "Years ago, a son was born to the Potters who was named Harry. His parents were concerned for their safety but you all know that the boy had died. At least that was what the newspapers said at that time. What no one knew was that this was a ruse to fool those actively looking for the boy. They changed the boy with a homunculus and hid their boy by sending him aboard. Now the boy has grown and returned to where he belongs. He is going to join our school today and we will be sorting him before going through the sorting of the first years. Please join me in welcoming Harry James Potter."
Harry walked into the great hall while people looked at him, whispering to each other or trying to see if he was real. Harry scanned the teacher's table and did a double take. There sitting on the table were Lilly Potter and Remus Lupin. His jaw dropped to the floor as he realised that he was played by them and it never occurred to him to ask what they did in their spare time. It hadn't occurred to him either to ask why she was in Hogwarts in the first place when he had come into this world. He looked for other teachers and realised that everyone of them from his world was present here. There was Charity Burbage the witch who taught Muggle Studies, Professor Sinistra who taught Astronomy, Professor Babbling who taught Runes, Professor Vector who taught Arithmancy, Snape ought to have been teaching Potions as there was no Horace Slughorn, there was another teacher who had a hook for an arm and gave a sinister look to Harry and Harry didn't knew him.
"Mr. Potter", McGonagall was calling him, "Please sit on the stool and you will be sorted instantly."
As Harry sat on the stool, he started projecting the images of his first sorting within in brain. The hat was baffled for a moment, "What! I have already sorted you? But that was the song I sang 30 years ago. No, I have seen no other Harry Potter."
Suddenly, the hat started chuckling, "Oh, I get it now. Master of death! That'll explain how you could have got these images. So where do you want to go this time?"
"Is that even a question?", Harry asked.
He could have sworn that the hot snorted, "No. You are a reckless, hard headed Gryffindor who rushes into thick of things without thinking them through. You would end up murdering half the Slytherin house considering you'd be the basilisk among the snakes. You'd better be in GRYFFINDOR."
The triumphal roar that erupted from the Gryffindor table was monumental. The twins were standing and waving their arms wildly and chanting, "We got Potter! We got Potter!"
Harry walked to the Gryffindor table where Lyra had saved a seat for him beside her. When he fell in, he asked, "I know I am not a popular bloke then why this sudden jubilation?"
She snorted, "The Potters traditionally always have been sorted in Gryffindor house. The last time a Potter went to some other house was so long that we don't remember. When Charlus came to Hogwarts, it was a given that he will be Gryffindor but he went to Ravenclaw. Having the eldest Potter child in our house has made us feel elated."
"I will call each one of you by your name and you will put this hat on your head. When the hat has put you in a house, you will join your house table", called Proessfor McGonagall to the new students.
Harry patiently waited while the students were sorted and to no one's surprise Harrison followed Harry into Gryffindor where Harry had saved a seat for him beside himself.