Disclaimer: All recognizable characters and settings belong to J.K. Rowling.
A/N: So a few things now that we are at Hogwarts. Obviously events will be different from canon, this is AU, such as even though Harry isn't a Horcrux as Voldemort is dead, he still will speak Parseltongue. I want to have some fun with it LOL... House – Elves can Apparate into the Chamber for the purpose of the story later on, children of professors are honorary members of their House if they are sorted into a different House. Blame the Sorting Hat, it still wants to work on uniting the Houses LOL Basically I just want to have some fun with this story even if it goes against some of the canon. But that's the fun of fan fiction, right? =)
Harry, Neville, Ron and Draco were in a compartment when Neville suddenly jumped up. "I lost Trevor again!" He hurried out of the compartment.
"He loses Trevor every other day," Ron snickered.
"I can't believe he brought a toad," Draco sneered.
"Why not? Toads are allowed," Ron said.
"Yeah, but...it's a toad," Draco shook his head. "Owls and cats, those are proper animals to bring. Toads have been out of fashion for quite awhile." He glanced at the old looking rat sleeping next to Ron. "And rats aren't far behind."
Ron scowled.
"Nothing wrong with rats," Harry said. "And Neville likes Trevor. His uncle gave him to him."
Draco blew out a breathe. "Some gift." He muttered.
"Don't be a prat," Harry chided.
"Aw, look. You two are acting like brothers already," Ron smirked.
Fred and George Weasley stopped by their compartment. "Hey, Lee Jordan has a giant tarantula several compartments down. Ron, want to come and see?"
"No," Ron said in alarm.
"Oh, that's right. You hate spiders."
"Poor Ronniekins."
"Don't worry, I'm sure it won't get loose -"
"And find you."
Snickering, the twins left.
"They think they are so funny," Ron huffed.
"They are funny," Harry said with a laugh.
"They are but I hear they lose points practically on a daily basis," Draco said. "Another reason not to be in Gryffindor."
"I'm hoping for Gryffindor." Ron shot back.
Draco's eyes widened. "Shocking."
"Like you're so unpredictable? Gee, what House are you hoping for?" Ron pretended to think.
"Hufflepuff," Harry said with a straight face.
Ron's mouth dropped open. "You want to be a Hufflepuff?"
"No, I do not!" Draco snapped. He glared at Harry. "Stop saying things like that."
Harry shared a grin with Ron. "Sorry, Dray."
Draco grimaced. "You know I hate that," He complained. He suddenly grinned maliciously. "Harry Potty."
Ron laughed. "Dray and Potty!"
"Whatever Weasel," Draco said.
"Okay, maybe we should stop," Harry said quickly when he saw Ron's face darken in anger.
Crisis passed, Ron decided to show them a spell to turn his rat yellow. He was just beginning to start when the door opened and Neville returned, looking glum. A girl with bushy brown hair followed him.
"Has Trevor shown up?" The girl asked, her brown eyes gazing around.
"No," Harry said, looking at her curiously.
"This is Hermione, she was helping me look," Neville said.
Hermione brightened when she saw the wand in Ron's hand. "You're doing magic? Let's see it then." She sat down next to Neville and looked at Ron expectantly.
Ron looked taken aback and after a glance at Harry and Draco, he shrugged. "Um, okay. Sunshine, daisies, butter mellow, turn this stupid fat rat yellow." He waved his wand yet Scabbers didn't change, he didn't even wake. Ron frowned. "Darn, I thought that would work."
"Is that a real spell? It's not very good, is it?" Hermione said. "I've practiced a few spells and they all worked for me. It was such a surprise when I got my letter, no one is magical in my family. I've read through all our course books already, I wanted to be prepared for class."
"You read through all the books?" Ron asked incredulously. "All the way through?"
"Of course, didn't you?"
"Uh, no," Ron said.
"I read through the first chapter in some of the books," Harry said.
"So did I," Draco gazed at Hermione. "So you're a muggle-born?"
"Yes," Hermione said.
"Hm," Draco said, ignoring the sharp look Harry was giving him.
"Is that a problem?" Hermione raised an eyebrow.
"Of course not," Draco said smoothly.
"So what are your names?" Hermione asked after a moment.
"Oh, sorry. I should have introduced everyone," Neville spoke up, still looking glum over losing Trevor. "That's Ron Weasley, Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter."
"Harry Potter? I've read about you!" Hermione said brightly. "I got a few extra books for some background reading and you're mentioned in several of them. So, what House does everyone hope to be in? I've heard that Gryffindor is the best, I hear that was the House Headmaster Dumbledore was in and he's supposed to be the most powerful wizard of our time. Although Ravenclaw would be good too." She looked out the window. "Neville, I'll go check a few more compartments for Trevor. You should all get changed into your robes, I think we'll be there soon."
"Yes Ma'am," Draco said sarcastically.
Hermione stared at him for a moment. "You have dirt on your nose. Did you know?" With a sweet smile, she left.
"Merlin, don't let me be in the same House as her," Ron muttered. "I think she's mental."
Draco furiously rubbed his nose. "Is it gone? Why didn't anyone tell me?"
Harry was laughing. "You didn't have dirt on your nose. She totally got you!"
Draco scowled.
"Now your nose is bright red," Harry chuckled.
"Don't be a prat!" Draco snapped, flushing slightly. "That girl is a nightmare. And she is mental if she thinks Gryffindor is the best house. Of course, what can you expect from a muggle-born?"
"Draco!" Harry snapped. "That's not nice, you shouldn't say anything like that. Muggle-born, half-blood, pure-blood...it doesn't matter."
"I know that," Draco said sharply. "I was just joking."
"Besides, it seems she is going to know more than any of us," Harry sighed. "I can't believe she read all the course books already."
"Who spends their summer reading?" Ron wondered out loud.
"Hey Draco, why are you sitting with them?"
The pre-teens turned to see Theo Nott and Pansy Parkinson in the doorway, smirking. "Come sit with us." Pansy urged.
Draco bit his lip. He was sort of friends with them, though he knew his mother didn't care for their parents. He also figured they would for sure be in Slytherin with him. He didn't know if Harry would...on the other hand Harry was going to be his brother. He had been raised by his father to believe he was superior to everyone else and that pure-bloods were better yet now he was being taught that wasn't true. It was still all so confusing.
"Look, it's a famous celebrity," Theo said mockingly as he stared at Harry. "Can I have your autograph?"
"Sod off," Harry said.
"He's not a very friendly celebrity," Pansy said with a smirk.
"We all had hoped you would realize that some wizarding families are better than others. Clearly, you don't care about the right sort," Theo glanced distastefully at Ron and Neville.
"You aren't making that mistake, are you Draco?" Pansy asked.
"Draco's mum is going to marry Harry's dad," Ron said. "They are going to be brothers so of course he is sitting with us."
"Yes, we heard about their engagement," Theo said. "That doesn't mean Draco has to take the wrong road. Come on Draco, we've been your friends since forever."
"And all our dad's were friends," Pansy added. "Your dad would want you with us."
"You can at least come and say hi to Blaise, Gregory and Vincent," Theo said, exasperated.
"All right," Draco gave in.
"How can he be friends with them?" Ron asked in an annoyed voice after Draco left.
"That's what they think when they see him hanging with us," Harry sighed. "But I wish he wasn't friends with them, they aren't nice."
HP
Harry was still chuckling at the memory of Neville chasing Trevor up the stairs with Minerva staring at him in surprise when he heard his name and sat on the stool.
The Sorting Hat was dropped on his head and Harry could hear a voice as if it was inside his head. "Ah, Mr. Potter. I've been waiting to sort you. Let's see, hmm..."
Harry fidgeted slightly, feeling anxious. "Well?"
"Patience, young one," The Hat said airily. "Let's see, a kind heart...plenty of courage, I see...A thirst to prove yourself, mostly to your father. Interesting...sad past yet you've had a happy childhood since you were taken from your relative's...big changes coming...you're bright...there's talent there, yes...you're a loyal sort and I expect you will need that for the change coming in your life..."
"Oh, my dad marrying Narcissa? I'm okay with it."
"Hmm," The Hat responded. "You basically can be part of two Houses..."
"Huh? How?"
"Might be a good thing to unite the Houses better," The Hat said, not answering him. "Hmm. Better be... Gryffindor!"
The last word was shouted loudly and it made Harry jump. He took off the Hat and set in down on the stool as the Gryffindor table shouted their glee.
"We got Potter! We got Potter!"
Harry couldn't help but laugh at Fred and George antics. He glanced up at the table and noticed his dad watching him, his face blank. When their eyes met, his dad relaxed and gave him a small smile and a nod. Harry trotted over to his new House table, sitting next to Neville and across from Hermione.
Harry watched curiously as Draco sat on the stool to be sorted. He was surprised that the hat hadn't immediately shouted out Slytherin. There was a look of panic on Draco's face before the hat finally did shout out Slytherin and Draco hopped off the stool with a look of immense relief. Hmm, definitely a story there, Harry thought with interest before returning his attention back to the Gryffindor table.
"I can't believe I got in Gryffindor," Neville was mumbling.
"It's great! Now we just need Ron," Harry said as he waited for his friend's sorting. "Your sorting took awhile," He realized. Maybe it was doing that with everyone and he just hadn't noticed.
"So did yours," Neville responded, looking at him curiously.
Harry shrugged. "It couldn't seem to decide at first. I was just hoping for either here or Slytherin."
"Why Slytherin?" Hermione, who had been listening, asked.
"My dad was a Slytherin and is now their Head of House," Harry answered. "And my soon to be brother was sorted into Slytherin, so I would have been fine going there."
"Wait, your dad is the Head of Slytherin House?" Hermione's eyes went wide. "I read about the professors here, he is the potions professor too right?"
Harry nodded.
"Wow, you're so lucky!" Hermione said with a dreamy sigh. "You probably know loads about potions already and you can get help with your homework, he probably has a ton of books you can read...oh, I wish one of my parents was a professor here!"
Harry shared a bemused look with Neville before Hermione said, "Oh, your red-headed friend is being sorted. My, he looks like he is going to pass out."
Ron indeed did look like he was about to faint as he slowly sat on the stool. The Hat dropped on his head and Ron shut his eyes as he waited.
"Gryffindor!"
Ron collapsed into a seat next to Harry, looking relieved. One of his older brother's, Percy, gave him a nod. "Congratulations Ron, mum and dad will be so pleased."
"As pleased as they were when you were made prefect?" Fred asked innocently.
"Oh Percy, you make me so proud!" George said in a high voice.
"Another Prefect in the family! Oh Arthur, I'm so happy!" Fred added, clasping his hands together and looking dreamy.
Percy scowled. "The family won't be holding their breath waiting for either of your Prefect badges."
"Ouch," Fred clutched his heart as if mortally wounded.
"We aren't nerds so of course we aren't going to be Prefects," George said with a grin.
Dumbledore got to his feet and clapped his hands. "Wonderful! Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! We are so happy to see so many returning as well as those brand new to our school. Now, I am sure you are all hungry. Let the feast begin!"
Suddenly the dishes were piled high with food. Everyone immediately began filling their plates. Harry paused when Nearly Headless Nick floated by. "Hi, Sir Nicholas!"
"Harry! Congratulations on being sorted into Gryffindor!" Sir Nicholas said.
"Thanks!"
"Oh, it's Nearly Headless Nick!" A boy named Seamus Finnigan said. "I've heard about you!"
"I would rather be called Sir Nicholas -"
"If I may ask, how can one be Nearly Headless?" Hermione interrupted.
Sir Nicolas looked a bit irritable but otherwise obliged. He pulled on his left ear, his whole head swinging off his neck and fell onto his shoulder. He smirked slightly at the stunned looks on their faces.
"I didn't need to see that," Neville said faintly.
"I certainly hope you new Gryffindors are going to help us win the house cup this year. It has been far too long since we have won it, the Slytherins keep winning every year!" Sir Nicolas said. "It would silence the Bloody Baron, he's been unbearable. He's the Slytherin ghost." He added at some of the confused faces.
Harry looked over at the Slytherin table, he already knew the Bloody Baron having practically lived in the castle for the last several years. The only one who was more unbearable than him about winning the house cup was his dad. He noticed that Draco was seated next to the ghost, not looking pleased. He caught Harry's gaze and grimaced, tilting his head toward the ghost.
Harry couldn't help but grin, the Bloody Baron was solemn but he wasn't too bad.
Harry paused as everyone began following Percy out of the Great Hall. He looked over to the Head Table where his dad still was. He looked between his dad and his housemates, biting his lip. His dad gave him a frown when he saw that he wasn't moving and motioned for him to come to him.
"Is something wrong? Why are you not following your Prefect?" Severus asked.
"I know how to get to the Tower," Harry said. He knew how to get to all the common rooms.
"That's not the point, Harry," Severus said with a sigh. "You may know this castle, unlike the other first years but you are not exempt from any of the rules."
"I know, I just wanted to talk to you," Harry sighed. "Never mind." He started to turn away.
"Wait a second," Severus reached out a hand to stop him. "What did you want to talk to me about?" His face took on a concerned look.
"I just, well, I wanted to make sure you aren't upset about my sorting," Harry said, looking up at his dad. His bright green eyes were filled with worry.
"No, of course not," Severus said. He had to admit that he had hoped Harry would be in Slytherin, as that would mean he could keep a closer eye on him and that he and Draco could bond more. But he wasn't upset, he knew that Lily would be very proud of her son. He supposed his biggest concern would be Harry getting caught up in the Gryffindor recklessness and mischievousness that the lions seemed to get into far too often. Although he did wonder... "Your sorting took longer than most. You weren't trying to convince it not to put you in Slytherin, were you?" He asked lightly, trying to sound as if he were teasing.
"No," Harry answered honestly. "Why would I do that? Gryffindor and Slytherin were the only houses I was hoping to be in. But, uh, don't tell Filius and Pomona that," He said quickly, not wanting to hurt their feelings.
"I will not," Severus said in an amused voice. He felt relieved that Harry hadn't been turned against Slytherin, as seemed to happen to many students. If they were sorted into Slytherin, they were automatically bad, in a lot of people's eyes. He should have known Harry wouldn't be prejudiced like that, he had made friends over the years with students from every house. "And Harry, it is Professor Flitwick and Professor Sprout."
Harry sighed. "I know that but we aren't in class." He pointed out.
"It is a good habit to get into," Severus said.
"Yes Professor Snape."
Severus shook his head. "Despite your cheekiness, I am very proud of my Gryffindor son."
Harry tilted his head to the side. "Did you have to practice saying that?"
"No," Severus smirked. He ruffled his son's hair. "Go on to your Tower. Perhaps after dinner tomorrow you can stop by my office to tell me about your train ride and first day of classes."
"Okay!" Harry, seeing that the room was mostly empty now, gave his dad a quick hug before running off after his housemates.
Severus watched him go and then headed to the dungeons to welcome his new Slytherins.
TBC: