Knowledge is Power

Disclaimer/Plot/Author's Note: SEE FIRST CHAPTER

Dedication: I'd like to dedicate this story to my many good friends and loyal fans: my recommended reads are Saviour of Magic by Colt01, For Love of Magic by Noodlehammer, Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality by Less Wrong, Partially Kissed Hero by Perfect Lionheart, Harry Potter and the Daft Morons and Angry Harry and the Seven by Sinyk, Harry Potter and the Prince of Slytherin by The Sinister Man, Harry Potter and the Rune Stone Path by Temporal Knight, A Study in Magic and A Study in Magic: The Application by Books of Change, Dark and Light by Pleasedial123 and Harry Potter: My Life Is My Own by Sashian

Key Pairing: Eventual Harmony;

Other Pairings: To be confirmed

Normal Speech

'Thoughts'

/Parseltongue/

Review Answers:

Ahhreader: I can't help but agree with your assessment, friend: hope you like what's coming;

Jostanos: And, with this chapter, I deliver the final nail into the coffin of that realisation;

The stargate time traveller: As Luna…that is, the girl we all know and love, just how I like writing her;

ALSO: A HUGE thank you to everyone who clearly must be enjoying this story: we are now up to 200-plus reviews already and we're barely beginning the first year, so, despite a few negatives, I MUST be doing something right. Anyway, thanks to everyone for their support, reviews and encouragement to keep going.

Oh, and I hope you all enjoy what's coming up as we have a nice little surprise for you all;

"Sometimes, the only way to know the right answer is to see it, find it and then decide for yourself; as a wise man once said: Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution."

Chapter 7: Shock to the System

Shortly after midday, Harrison and Hermione found their studious silence interrupted once more, but this time, the source of the disturbance was a kindly-looking lady who offered them a selection of treats from a trolley. While Harrison declined out of nothing more than habit – he wasn't against the idea of sweets, but he was calm and preferred to save his appetite for the Hogwarts feasts, especially if they were as vast and filling as he'd read and heard – he was curious and interested to see Hermione deny the offer just as quickly.

When the lady left them alone again, Harrison sniffed once before he asked, "So, I know why I said no, but what's your excuse, Miss Granger? You don't look like the sort of person to have a sugar deficiency or even a dislike of the aforementioned treats every now and again…"

"My parents are dentists," replied Hermione, earning a slow nod from Harrison before she went on, "So, naturally, I have to try and avoid having too many treats because they tend to punish me when they notice I've had too much."

"Punish?" asked Harrison, his eyes narrowing in suspicion as, when Hermione said what she did, he couldn't help but think of another family whose punishments had been borderline sadistic, if not criminal in nature. "How?"

"Usually by limiting my time with books or giving me chores," said Hermione, though when she noticed Harrison's look, the brunette gulped as she asked, "Harrison, are you okay? You look like you want to kill someone."

"Sorry…" replied Harrison, clearing his throat as he decided to lose himself in Loki's comforts, the black cat now purring once more as he felt the soft hand of his master stroking his fur delicately and teasingly. At the same time, Harrison picked up the Mystica once more before he turned it to a page that spoke of a prolific history – certainly moreso than the one described in Hogwarts: A History, which made Harrison wonder if someone had tried to censor said histories – of the Four Founders of Hogwarts.

In particular, he was reading about the histories and lives of two whom Harrison had been interested in most of all from reading his other books.

Rowena Ravenclaw and Salazar Slytherin, both of whom had founded the Houses Harrison wanted to go to most of all, not that he told anybody else that, not even his new friend, Miss Granger.

As Harrison lost himself in the details, however, Hermione frowned as she asked, "Were you…were you ever punished for being naughty?"

"Of course," scoffed Harrison, his glare hardening in his expression as he tried to stay focused on the words and images on the page in front of him.

Hermione, on the other hand, swallowed hard before she asked, "How…how were you…"

"Can we come to an agreement, Hermione?" asked Harrison suddenly, his cold, steely tone startling Hermione, though not as much as when he emphasised his point by slamming his book shut, which startled Loki in the process.

At the same time, the young wizard glared at Hermione, who nodded in response before she listened as he told her, "All right, here's my agreement: I'll gladly let you have a look at one or two of my books to give you a little more knowledge that might come in handy at Hogwarts and, in return, you don't ask about my life before Hogwarts, deal?"

Hermione didn't want to admit it, but Harrison's sudden hostility unnerved and even frightened her; at the same time, she felt embarrassed because she had let her curiosities get the better of her, even after Harrison had been civil with her and praised her on her act of being an overexcited little girl when, all the while, she was clearly someone with something between her ears.

He probably hadn't even meant to show an interest in her past, but she'd wrongfully assumed that was an invitation to return the favour; all she'd had to say was that she didn't want to talk about it and he probably would have let the matter drop.

Blushing with the embarrassment she felt, Hermione lowered her eyes as she told him, "I…I'd like that, Harrison…but…but I'd also like to apologise for thinking I had to learn your life story. I guess I came to the wrong conclusion when you asked me about my parents…so…if you want to let me have a little help, then I'd accept it gratefully; thank you."

"Hmm," replied Harrison, looking out of the window for the first time since they'd left King's Cross Station.

As Hermione looked up, a small part of her wondering what he was going to say, her eyes widened when he told her, "Apology accepted…and next time, just say you'd rather not talk so freely about it with me. After all, we're travelling companions, but that doesn't make us friends, let alone on a level of trust where such personal things are freely given."

Here, Harrison looked away from the window and to one of his two pets as he continued petting Loki before he smiled thinly as he added, "Secrets should remain secret until the time is chosen for them to be spoken."

Hermione didn't know what she was meant to say in response to that; however, before she could come up with a counter-argument or any other kind of response, her eyes snapped to the door when a soft, if shaky knocking came from the other side of said door.

While Harrison remained where he was sat, Hermione lifted herself out of her seat and opened the door; to her bewilderment, she found herself looking at a round-faced young boy with darkish-blonde hair and eyes that were a dull shade of oak-brown, though, at that moment, they were also filled with tears of sorrow and guilt.

"S-S-S-Sorry…" stammered the boy, earning a look from Harrison as he glanced towards said boy, though he didn't lift his head or otherwise move from his seat as the boy asked, "Have…have either of you…I mean…you wouldn't happen to have…erm…what I mean is…"

"Stop," said Harrison coolly, earning a shocked look from Hermione as she turned just in time to see him get out of his seat and, walking to the door, he took the boy by the hand as he added, "Sit down, take a few deep breaths and then ask what you've come here to ask."

While the boy was surprised by Harrison's generosity and the calm, if explanatory description of the instructions, Hermione was more surprised at the fact that this self-isolated, smart young man could suddenly be so calm and kind towards someone he'd never met before.

At the same time, the boy took a deep breath, then another one and, when he took a third deep, long, drawn-out breath, he seemed to stop crying, but he also appeared to recover from whatever fear, sorrow or even guilt he'd felt as he wiped his eyes and sniffed before nodding at Harrison.

Nodding in response, Harrison pulled himself up again as he asked, "Now, what have you come to ask us?"

"Have either one of you seen a toad?" asked the teary boy, though he was much less tearful and much less-shaky with his words as he looked up at Harrison and Hermione, both of whom shook their heads in negative responses before the boy added, "I was ordering from the trolley lady and he just…he left my compartment before I could grab him."

"He probably went to seek somewhere dark, damp and out of the light," explained Harrison calmly, putting a finger to his lips before, to Hermione's shock, he drew his wand as he asked, "What's his name?"

"Uh…Trevor," replied the boy, before he blushed as he added, "Oh, and mine's Neville…Neville Longbottom."

"I'm Hermione Granger."

"Harrison," replied Harrison coolly, lifting the wand he held before, flicking it once, he added, "Accio Trevor the Toad."

While Hermione was surprised by the spell and the way that Harrison could cast it so calmly and without any emotion or intent in his voice at all, the surprise only grew when a loud croak suddenly filled the compartment as a greenish-coloured lump of slimy flesh flew through the door.

As if that wasn't enough, Harrison also managed to catch the flying toad before it splatted against the window, the wall or any of the kids.

Holding said toad out to Neville, Harrison asked, "This him?"

"Y…yes," replied Neville, a note of shock in his voice as he looked up at Harrison before he asked, "But…but that's a fourth-year spell; how did…"

"I read about it," answered Harrison calmly, looking once to Hermione as he added, "That's just one of the spells I'll help you learn about because you never know when a good summoning will come in handy. As for Trevor, Neville, I suggest getting him a tank or fishbowl with water and river plants in it; that should be enough to keep him calm when travelling through daylight."

"I…I will, I'll remember that, thank you, Harrison," replied Neville, nodding several times before he asked, "How…how can I repay you for this?"

"Call it a freebie," said Harrison, earning another stunned look from Neville before he added, "However, if you want to owe me a favour, you can repay it by letting yourself be the wizard you clearly are, Neville Longbottom. And that's not a frightened rabbit; that's a lion with a roar so powerful that the mountains themselves tremble when you speak…even if it takes time for the little cub to earn his mane."

Again, Hermione was speechless, though Neville looked somewhere between surprised and humbled by his words; as he nodded with a slight blush, the young boy looked up at Harrison with renewed interest as he asked, "I…I don't suppose I could stay here with you guys? An extra set of eyes to watch out for Trevor and…and it'd be nice to have a friend to travel with."

"I'm sure we've got the room," drawled Harrison before, to Hermione's surprise and Neville's relief, he summoned Neville's possessions to their now-shared compartment, setting them next to his before pocketing his wand as he returned to his seat, earning a mew from Loki as he curled up in Harrison's lap once more.

While Hermione was surprised by how calm and cavalier Harrison had been with his offer and acceptance towards Neville's company, said boy was just as curious about Harrison and why he'd even be the way he was around Neville.

However, as had been the case several times before, Harrison seemed to lose interest in any conversations almost-instantly as he chose to spend the remainder of the journey reading from the Mystica.

So, any hopes of getting answers were likewise lost to Hermione and Neville.

At least, for the time being…

Knowledge is Power

At long last, an announcement was sent along the train asking students to prepare for the arrival at the station, though when it was advised that they leave all possessions on the train, Neville and Hermione noticed Harrison seemed hesitant to agree.

However, he did change into his Hogwarts robes in relative silence and he even made sure Loki was safely stored in his carry case whilst ensuring his suitcase was locked and sealed. How he'd sealed it or how he was so certain nobody would be able to look in and see what he didn't want them to see, Hermione didn't know and Neville was likewise curious. However, at the same time, the remainder of the journey, including the meeting with Neville, had taught Hermione she didn't know what Harrison was capable of.

As for Neville, he just didn't ask, since he suspected – read: hoped – that the coming days, weeks, months, and even years would offer him the chance to earn Harrison's trust so he could get the answers when Harrison was ready to give them.

Once the train slowed to a halt, Harrison seemed to take point as he led the other two off the train, bringing all three of them into contact with the rest of their schoolmates as they all disembarked from the Hogwarts Express. Standing in the dark evening atmosphere of their destination, Neville shivered while Hermione closed her robe tighter around her; as for Harrison, he idly brushed a stray hair away from his eyes while he watched and waited with the others.

Seconds later, a loud, booming voice cut through the darkness, startling Hermione and Neville while Harrison rolled his eyes, "First years; this way please! Come on now, first-years, don't be shy!"

"Sure, don't be shy," drawled Harrison under his breath, keeping his head down even as he followed the crowd of first-years over to where a large man seemed to be waiting for them. "It's just a very loud man screaming for you to pay attention to him when you've just stepped off a train with little to no idea what you're doing or where you're going. Clearly subtlety's not his strong suit either, but at least we have a guide."

"You sound annoyed," remarked Hermione, earning a scoff from Harrison as he looked to her.

"Let's just say I hate loud people, as you should remember from our not-so-subtle classmate on the train…and he already had a black mark against his name thanks to the first impression of his family before I met you," said Harrison, earning a curious look from Hermione while Neville managed a small smile as he followed his friends – though he was currently unaware of how Harrison saw him as a travelling companion only, for now – along the platform.

As they followed the large man, whom Harrison was loathed and disbelieving to notice didn't even explain anything, such as who he was or what he was doing waiting for them, the first-years were led away from the rest of the school's student populace and along a narrow, muddy track.

At one point, Harrison had to scoff again when he heard an oddly-familiar, unimportant drawling voice behind him complain about his new shoes as though it was meant to mean something.

Talk about shallow.

Soon, however, the first-years found themselves led towards the edge of a large and, in Harrison's mind, rather-attractive-looking lake, which he guessed led them straight to Hogwarts, taking the scenic route while the rest of the school got there first.

Talk about stupid!

"No more than four to a boat!" called the large man, earning a sigh of relief from Harrison as he indicated his two companions.

"Come on, before we have to sit with silly people," remarked the raven-haired youth, leading a relieved Neville and Hermione to one of the boats.

When the trio were sat down, however, Harrison's blood ran colder than cold when the familiar voice from before was revealed in the form of the blonde boy – Malfoy, if Harrison remembered rightly – from Madam Malkin's.

When he saw Harrison, Malfoy's eyes hardened before he asked, "So, you actually decided to show up?"

"How's your shoes?" asked Harrison, earning a snigger from Neville while Malfoy bristled as Harrison lifted a finger before he added, "Word of advice: always have a change of footwear or protection charms in place against mud and filth. I'd think Lucius Malfoy's son would know all about that sort of thing."

Again, Malfoy's eyes widened with outrage before Harrison smirked as he drawled, "That's right: I know exactly who you are and, between you and me, I don't see much of an accord between us, Draco. I mean, I'm someone with the mental skills to think for himself whereas you clearly believe we're stuck in some Victorian socialist's circle and not a school, so here's another free word of advice: keep your eyes open and your mouth shut!"

Once again, Neville couldn't help but snigger in unspoken agreement while Hermione was speechless, though she was also in awe of Harrison's logic and how he talked about something that she'd also read about and, if anyone asked her, she'd have said it was a really archaic way of looking at the world with Pure-Bloods, Half-Bloods and Muggle-born students and families.

Blood was blood and magic was magic.

As Malfoy fumed, he looked to Neville as he heard the sniggers before, to Harrison's dislike, he sneered as he asked, "Longbottom, how in magic's name does a pathetic little Squib like you get into Hogwarts? Shouldn't you be back at home being smothered by that Grandmother of yours?"

"Shouldn't you be practicing how to kiss You-Know-Who's behind like your Daddy, Malfoy?" sneered Neville, earning a hidden smile from Harrison while Draco's nostrils flared as he heard the insult.

"Just you wait…all of you!" snarled Malfoy, his grey eyes looking away from them as he insisted, "Once Harry Potter's my second, we'll make all of you regret you ever crossed House Malfoy."

"Don't hold your breath," muttered Harrison.

"What?" asked Malfoy, earning a smirk from Harrison as he looked back to Draco.

"Don't hold your breath, Dragon Boy," whispered Harrison, smirking with a hint of true victory as he added, "I have it on the highest authority that Harry Potter wouldn't want anything to do with a shallow, narrow-minded leech like you…but your Father, Lord Malfoy, on the other hand? I can see him taking an interest in an audience with such a proud man and figurehead of wizarding nobility."

Hearing this, Neville blinked in surprise while Harrison coughed once as he looked ahead before he added, "Oh look, we're here: come on, you two. Time and tide waits for no man…nor woman."

While Neville and Hermione were still speechless at Harrison's cavalier attitude and his air of mocking towards Malfoy's arguments and beliefs, the young sorcerer offered a hand to his companions to help them out of the boat. However, when Malfoy extended his hand, expecting Harrison to help as he'd aided the others, he was outraged to discover Harrison had gone off without even waiting for the blonde to try and make a retort.

Well, just wait until his Father heard about this!

Harrison Whoever-He-Was would sorely regret ever crossing Draco Malfoy…

Knowledge is Power

When Harrison found their introduction to Hogwarts given by none other than McGonagall, he was interested, but soon bored when he heard her recite what had to be a clearly, well-rehearsed welcome speech.

When she talked about the house being like the family, Harrison's interest hit rock bottom and, soon, he took more of an interest in the ancient architecture of the Entrance Hall, though he was aware of McGonagall leaving for some unknown reason soon after. While everyone else began discussing among themselves and trying to tidy themselves up, Harrison idly toyed with the collar of his robe before, sniffing once, he drew his wand from his robe and began juggling it between his fingers like it was a coin.

He also kept his mind focused on what he wanted, especially since he'd realised by now that, soon, everyone would know who he was with the Sorting Ceremony, so Harrison needed to be in a state of perfect focus.

While he did his best to remain in this state, he also considered the pros and cons of each of the Houses;

First choice: Gryffindor House…not bloody likely.

Everyone would want him to be a double of his parents or a big hero, which took Gryffindor off the list immediately: although he wouldn't have minded being in the House of a Warrior and legend like Godric Gryffindor himself, especially if it meant getting a chance to seek his sword, Harrison was turned off the idea by the aforementioned reasons.

Either people would expect him to honour and live up to the reputations of Lily and James Potter or they'd bend over backwards to try and be a friend and ally to the Boy-Who-Lived.

And if anyone wanted proof of that sort of person, they only had to look at Draco Malfoy.

So, no, Gryffindor was a dead no with regards to where Harrison wanted to go.

Knowledge is Power

Ravenclaw?

Hmm…possibly.

A House that valued knowledge certainly sounded like Harrison's cup of tea, but he had to be sure they deserved his friendship and, right now, a lot of potential in the House of Knowledge had the same downside as the Warrior's House.

People seeing him for being the Boy-Who-Lived.

So Ravenclaw was more or less on an ever-shifting pair of scales…not saying yes, but not saying no either.

Knowledge is Power

Hufflepuff, House of the Loyal, was also a possibility, but Harrison soon turned himself off the idea with one simple truth;

He was only loyal to three people.

He, himself and his.

So, as quickly as he'd have liked the idea of Hufflepuff, he said no just as quickly.

Knowledge is Power

Slytherin.

Home of the Cunning, but also more-recently looked down on for being the Dark House, the proverbial black sheep in the flock.

As Harrison had learned, with a little help from the Mystica and his other books, several known Dark Wizards had come from the Serpent's Den, including, but not limited to the man responsible for Harrison being the way he was as an orphan and loner.

Voldemort.

But Harrison wouldn't let that deter him, especially not after reading about the mysteries and the history of Salazar Slytherin himself. Admittedly, the Muggle-born bias didn't really interest Harrison, even with his bad history with their side of the world, but there was one thing that immediately drew his attention like a fish being instantly hooked by a fat, juicy worm.

Salazar Slytherin had, apparently, left a hidden Chamber of Secrets somewhere inside Hogwarts, guarded by a monster whom protected Slytherin's treasures and secrets from the unwanted, the unwelcome and the unworthy.

So yes, Slytherin was also a possibility, if only to find that Chamber and discover the hidden secrets about Salazar Slytherin.

And if that meant Harrison somehow had to prove himself worthy, then so be it.

Knowledge is Power

"Harrison?"

Shaking his head as he found his train of thought broken by Hermione's voice, Harrison looked up in time to see that McGonagall had returned and was now leading the students into the Great Hall. Silently thanking Hermione for the heads-up, Harrison drew himself to his full height and walked into the hall, ignoring the stares and whispers as well as the impressive air of grandeur and awe that filled the hall with its decorations and the wonders of its setup.

Reaching the front of the gathering with his future classmates, Harrison tuned out some uninteresting message from the Headmaster of Hogwarts, whom seemed to spend most of his lecture looking at Harrison, which made Harrison feel uncomfortable and annoyed. He didn't know why he was suddenly the focus of the old man's attention, but he wouldn't give Dumbledore the satisfaction of seeing him crack beneath the stare.

At one point, Harrison also felt something cold trickle down the back of his neck, but not before he felt like some weight had been lifted from his shoulders as the man's words ended, followed by the start of the Sorting.

Once again, Harrison tuned out many of the names, only paying attention when it mattered.

For instance, when Hermione was called up, she made her way forwards with a worried look in her eyes, but when she faced Harrison as she sat down on the stool, the emerald-eyed scion offered her what could have been described as a friendly, reassuring smile.

Moments later, the Sorting Hat made its choice:

"GRYFFINDOR!"

'No,' thought Harrison, trying to keep the apathy on his face even as he saw Hermione make her way to the Gryffindor Table.

If anyone had asked, he would have sworn blind she was more-suited to Ravenclaw with a mind and thirst for knowledge like hers, but, clearly, magic and the Powers That Be thought differently.

Still, for Hermione to have to deal with such an unnecessarily-loud and, from the way they seemed to greet her with handshakes and cheers, personal-space-invading House like that, Harrison couldn't help but feel sorry for her.

Or rather, he did until, to his slight amusement and relief, Neville followed Hermione into Gryffindor House and, to Harrison's added relief, the young man also took a seat next to Hermione, as though shielding her or keeping an eye on her for the sake of someone else.

And, weirdly, Harrison got a sneaking suspicion he was that someone else.

When Draco Malfoy was called up, Harrison didn't know whether to laugh or just think Fate was being a sarcastic bitch for sending the boy to one of the two Houses Harrison was considering, meaning Slytherin House.

If he had any sort of cunning to him, let alone a talent for being his own man, it was clearly buried very deeply in a place that even the prat didn't know existed.

'Still, who knows? He might surprise me,' thought Harrison, though he smirked as he thought, 'I know, in a few names' time, I'm going to surprise him…and everyone else at the same time.'

Sure enough, a few names after Malfoy, Harrison steeled his features and put on his best expressionless look as he heard McGonagall call out his name, though when she did so, his glare hardened when she said, "Potter, Harry?"

Ignoring the ire that rose in him, Harrison walked forwards, as calm as you like; when he did so, he heard a few gasps from the crowds, as well as a gasp of pure shock, disbelief and outrage from the Slytherin Table.

However, Harrison did his best to ignore the gasps and reactions and, instead, he took a seat on the stool before he closed his eyes as the Sorting Hat was lowered down.

However, as the hat's rim brushed Harrison's fringe, everyone gasped when the old hat made its choice as quickly as it had done for Mr Malfoy;

"GRYFFINDOR!"

Cheers erupted throughout the Great Hall, though as they did so, even Harrison gasped when the hat spoke again;

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

Cheers died down, whispers rose up and people stared in disbelief and confusion, but the hat didn't seem to be done;

"RAVENCLAW!"

"What on earth is going on?" demanded a sharp male voice from behind Harrison's right-hand side, almost as though he knew what might be about to happen before, sure enough, the hat finished;

"SLYTHERIN!"

"What's going on here?" asked McGonagall, looking from the hat to Harrison before she looked to Dumbledore as she asked, "What do we do?"

"I…" Dumbledore began, but before he could finish, the Sorting Hat seemed to fill in the blanks as he gave another announcement;

"THIS STUDENT IS SORTED TO ALL HOUSES!"

There were no cheers that rose up, no whispers save those that sounded curious, confused and more than just a little suspicious of what was happening and, even as Harrison looked up, seeing the shocked face of McGonagall staring back at him, he could think of only one thing to say;

"Well, this is going to be an interesting seven years."

Chapter 7 and…WHAT? Harrison has been sorted to ALL FOUR Houses? Is…is that allowed? Is it possible? What does it mean?

Why would our hero be so well-suited that all four welcome him at the same time and what will this mean for his education?

Keep Reading to Find Out

Next Chapter: Joining his companions for the time being, Harrison faces a real enigma that even his smarts can't figure out, but, thankfully, he's not someone who just lets things happen, as he shows when he talks about his Sorting result with the only member of staff he can trust to be honest and open with him…

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