September 1991

Harry walked beside James as Sirius casually pushed his trolley through King's Cross station. Remus walked behind them his gait casual but eyes alert.

"Here we are!" Sirius declared as they stood between platforms nine and ten. "Excited, little Bambi?"

Harry grinned at Sirius before the latter pushed the trolley in, Harry, Remus and James followed seconds later.

Harry's eyes scanned the crowd eagerly for Neville and Arianna.

"I think I saw Aunt Alice, right there." Harry said pointing a little farther down the platform.

"Hi!" Neville said in a relieved voice as the three marauders and Harry approached them. "Thank God! You are here."

"Where would I be?" Harry asked, giving Neville a broad grin. "Can you believe it? We are finally going!"

"And you squirts better not embarrass me." Arianna said, as she approached the gathering with her mother.

"Aww… Anna!" Neville said, "We were thinking of pra- making you proud." He finished, looking innocently at his mother.

Alice mock glared at him before giving him a wide grin. "Go raise some hell. Dumbledore knows what he is getting into with this family."

"Children." Sirius said, "Remus and I have already placed your trunks in your compartment. It is ten minutes to eleven, so I guess you better say Goodbye."

During all this pandemonium no one had noticed James Potter step back a little and observe his son with sad eyes. He was really happy for Harry, but somehow he dreaded going back home. The house would be soul less without Harry in it. Remus and Sirius had offered to stay with him but it just wouldn't be the same. He wondered if his parents felt the same way about him. So lost was James in his own misery, he didn't even notice that Harry had moved towards him, it was Harry's hug which pulled him out of his stupor.

"Hey, Monkey." James said softly, wrapping his hand around Harry's shoulders and running a hand in his hair. Harry buried his face in James' stomach.

"Harry." James said softly, "You will be fine. You will have a blast at Hogwarts, I promise you that."

Harry nodded, "Will you be okay?" He asked as James knelt in front of him.

"I will be fine, Champ." James said, "I knew one day you would leave me and walk away." He added dramatically, wiping fake tears from his eyes.

"Don't miss me too much, then." Harry shot back, with a smirk.

"I was worried, you would miss me more." James replied amusedly.

"Maybe we will miss each other equally." Harry conceded. "Dad?"

"Harry."

"What if I am not a Gryffindor?" Harry asked hesitantly. "What if I am a Hufflepuff, will Sirius really disown me?"

"Yes." Sirius said walking up to them. "If you dare get into Hufflepuff, I am writing you off my will."

"Padfoot!" Remus and James exclaimed together.

"What?" Sirius asked innocently, "Fawn here needs a healthy dose of fear in his veins."

"Its not funny Uncle Sirius." Harry sniffed dramatically.

"As if you were really worried that I would disown you for being a Hufflepuff." Sirius scoffed, "Nymphadora was a Hufflepuff."

"So, none of you care about our houses?" Neville asked hopefully, approaching James to hug him goodbye.

"No. As long as you are happy." Remus said.

"That's a relief!" Neville exclaimed, hugging Sirius and Remus.

Harry gave quick hugs to Alice, who asked him to prank once a month, Frank who asked him to behave, his aunt Alexandra who told him to not to anything his father wouldn't do, which didn't leave much really. At last he turned to the three men in his life. Before he could do or say anything, Remus had engulfed him in a tight hug.

"You be good." Remus told Harry. "And study hard, I promised Lily that I won't let your father and godfather fill your head with stupid ideas."

"Alas! You failed, Uncle Remus." Harry said cheekily. Remus laughed and ruffled his hair. "Write to me. Every week. You hear me?"

Harry nodded as Sirius pulled him in a bear hug.

"I can't believe, you are so grown up." He said proudly, wiping fake tears from his eyes. "Oh! Look at our boy! All grown up going to Hogwarts, soon he will have a girlfriend, get married, have chil-"

"Uncle Sirius!" Harry said groaning.

"Fine. Fine." Sirius conceded. "Now you have all the prank gear I gave you?"

Harry nodded, James and Remus listening closely.

"And your dad's cloak?"

"Yes."

"Good!" Sirius said, "Now if James doesn't get a letter every month about some or the other prank, I am going to be very disappointed in you. You better finish all of the gear before you come home for Christmas."

Harry grinned. Oh! He had glorious plans already.

"I guess Remus and Sirius covered pretty much everything." James said, "Just enjoy yourself and be careful. Use your good head. Don't cheek off McGonagall. Okay?"

"Yes Sir!" Harry mock saluted before blinking rapidly as a camera flashed near them.

"Wha-" He gasped before James pushed Harry behind his body and Sirius and Remus flanked him. Alexandra covered Harry's and Arianna's back. Frank and Alice were doing the same with Neville.

"Digget." James hissed. "What is the meaning of this? I specifically requested for privacy, we have a contract. I will sue whichever tabloid you are working for."

The man named Digget grinned. "But I am not working for any tabloid. I am freelancing. There is nothing in your contract about freelancers."

Sirius swore, as Remus held his hand out. "Give your camera here." He ordered.

"No." The wizard said with a grin, "It is not every day you get the LONGBOTTOMS and the POTTERS together, especially HARRY POTTER!" He shouted the last word, making other people swivel around. James glared after him angrily, knowing that they could do nothing.

With five minutes left, Harry, Neville and Arianna were hurried onto the train, they ducked out of the window to wave at their families.

"Neville." Harry asked curiously, "Who is that woman?" He asked pointing to the red haired woman standing next to Alice. A little red-haired girl in tow.

"That's Molly Weasley. Mum's cousin." Neville replied, "Oh right! Ron is joining this year too."

Harry looked back at the girl and he wished he hadn't because the girl pointed at him and started shrieking.

"Mum! Mum!" The girl shrieked, "I can see Harry Potter. I can see his scar!"

Harry hand flew to his forehead in an attempt to cover his scar as his eyes shot to James. James looked at Harry, his gaze half furious, half sympathetic. He shrugged apologetically and Harry nodded in understanding. Somewhere in between this exchange the two did notice that Mrs. Weasley had told the little girl off for being rude.

James walked along the train, waving and smiling at Harry, trying very hard to stem his tears till the train faded away from his eyes. Witches and wizards on the platform were staring at the family now. Remus placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and shot him a reassuring smile. Sirius slapped his back and muttered, "He will be fine. Don't worry."

James nodded before all of them went back to their jobs.

Harry looked out of the window thinking about Hogwarts. Arianna had gone off to find her friends and Neville had stepped out to say Hello to some friends from grooming school. He had asked Harry to come along but Harry had declined, he didn't feel like meeting anyone when he was so nervous. Neville had stepped out assuring him that he would be back in no time. Neville's owl Night; slept peacefully in her cage just like Harry's owl Hedwig. Neville had however taken his toad, Trevor with him.

Harry was still lost in his thoughts when the compartment door opened revealing a red haired boy.

"Is anyone sitting there?" He asked, "Everywhere else is full."

Harry shook his head and the boy sat down. He glanced at Harry but looked away quickly. Before Harry could introduce himself the door of the compartment opened and Arianna walked in with a dark haired girl.

"Harry." Arianna said, "This is my friend Kate Shafiq. And Katie, this is Harry, one of the closest things I have to a pesky sibling."

Harry smiled politely at the girl, sticking his tongue out at Anna, who had taken a seat next to him.

"Are you excited Harry?" Kate asked taking a seat next to the red haired boy.

"Yes." Harry replied with a huge grin.

"Hi." Kate said kindly to the red haired boy. "My name is Kate Shafiq, I am a fourth year Gryffindor. That's Arianna Potter, another fourth year and that is Harry Potter a first year just like you."

The boy's eyes widened at Harry's name and he blushed as he muttered his name, "Ron Weasley."

"Weasley?" Kate asked arching an eyebrow. "Another one? You are not like those demon twins are you?"

The girls exchanged a grin and Harry looked at all of them curiously. His curiosity was however quenched as the compartment door slid open and two boys came in.

"Ah! Katie, Anna! You are already here." One of them said with a happy grin. "Ron, you have already met people. Good."

"Wanna bet on who would start off the prank season this year?" The other asked settling next to Kate and giving her a huge grin.

"You will lose, Fred. Marauder's honour!" Kate said with a grin.

"And you still won't tell us who the Marauder's are?" George asked.

"Nope. Not happening." Arianna replied.

"Well, introduce us to the pipsqueak then." George said.

"Harry." Arianna said, "This is George Weasley and that's Fred Weasley, the demon twins of Gryffindor Tower."

"Ah! Harry Potter." Fred said jumping to his feet, and grabbing Harry's hand and shaking it vigorously. "What an honour, sir. What an honour."

"Merlin be kind on us!" George added, wiping fake tears of joy, "Harry Potter slayer of you-know-who, saviour of wizardkind and wearer of geeky glasses! Ah! I can die in peace."

Once everyone's laughter had subsided Fred jumped to his feet. "Lee Jordan has an acromantula; we are going to the middle of the train. Anyone interested in joining us?"

"Oooh! I am." Kate said jumping to her feet, "Imagine the number of midgets you can freak out by letting one lose on them."

"You are diabolical." Arianna said shaking her head and getting to her feet.

"You will be fine by yourself?" She asked Harry.

"I am not a child." Harry replied rolling his eyes.

"Of course not! You are all grown up, baby Potter." She said with a grin, as she walked out.

"Hey!" Harry protested, "What is the point of being a bloody famous kid when your cousin gets to treat you like that? Tell me."

Ron grinned at him. "You are okay." He stated.

Harry gave him a funny look.

"I mean-" He said turning red, "I mean for someone so famous, you are pretty normal."

Harry looked at Ron for a moment and shrugged, "I guess. My family has made sure that I didn't end up becoming a world class prat."

Ron grinned before squeaking loudly as a rat poked out of his shirt pocket, sniffing hopefully.

"This is Scabbers." Ron said pulling out a rather fat and lazy rat and placing him on the seat, Harry recoiled a little. "He belonged to my brother Percy. He has been with us for ages."

Harry nodded his eyes looking at the rat warily.

"What's wrong?" Ron asked.

"Nothing." Harry said quickly, "I am just not really fond of rats. My dad and uncles don't really like rats and I guess it sort of seeped into me. I am sure he must be a good friend." He added kindly.

"That's Hedwig." He pointed at his owl, "And that's Night, he belongs to Neville Longbottom, my cousin."

"Hey, I know Neville." Ron said excitedly, "His mum is my mum's cousin. He comes to our place a lot."

"Oh right!" Harry said slapping his forehead. "I forgot about that. His dad is my dad's cousin."

Ron wasn't really paying attention to Harry, his eyes were fixed on his forehead.

"Is that where-"

"Yeah." Harry replied consciously.

"I am sorry, but do you remember anything?" Ron asked.

"No. Just a lot of green light. I guess that's the killing curse."

Ron nodded, looking awed. The two boys sat in silence till the lunch lady arrived. Harry bought a bit of everything as Ron complained about his mother packing corned beef sandwiches for him. Harry offered to share his stuff with Ron and the two boys happily munched on the goodies, chattering excitedly about Hogwarts.

The compartment door opened suddenly to reveal the pale, pointed face boy from Madam Malkin's shop.

"So, it's true!" The boy drawled. "Rumous is that Harry Potter is on the train. So it's you, is it?"

"Yes." Harry said.

"I am Malfoy. Draco Malfoy. That's Crabbe and that's Goyle." He added carelessly, gesturing at the two large boys behind him.

Ron tried to hide his laughter as a cough. Malfoy turned towards Ron, eyes narrowed.

"Think my name's funny, don't you?" He sneered, "No need to ask who you are. My father told me all the Weasleys have red hair, freckles and more children than they can afford."

He turned back to Harry. "You do know that some wizarding families are much better than others, Potter. You don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there." He held out his hand to shake Harry's, but Harry didn't take it.

"I think I can tell who the wrong sort are for myself, thanks," he said coolly.

Draco Malfoy didn't go red, but a pink tinge appeared in his pale cheeks. "I'd be careful if I were you, Potter," he said slowly. "Unless you're a bit politer you'll go the same way as your mother. She didn't know what was good for her, either. You hang around with riffraff like the Weasleys and that Hagrid, and it'll rub off on you."

Both Harry and Ron stood up.

"Say that again," Ron said, his face as red as his hair.

"Oh, you're going to fight us, are you?" Malfoy sneered.

"Unless you get out now," said Harry, more bravely than he felt, because Crabbe and Goyle were a lot bigger than him or Ron.

"But we don't feet like leaving, do we, boys? We've eaten all our food and you still seem to have some." Goyle reached toward the Chocolate Frogs next to Ron. Ron leapt forward, but before he'd so much as touched Goyle, Goyle let out a horrible yell. Scabbers the rat was hanging off his finger, sharp little teeth sunk deep into Goyle's knuckle - Crabbe and Malfoy backed away as Goyle swung Scabbers round and round, howling, and when Scabbets finally flew off and hit the window, all three of them disappeared at once.

They had hardly been gone when Neville entered along with a bushy haired girl.

"Neville!" Harry said, "Where have you been all this while?"

"Oh, you know each other?" Hermione asked surprised.

"Yes." Neville answered, "They are my cousins, Ron Weasley and Harry Potter. Harry and Ron, this is Hermione Granger."

"Harry Potter!" Hermione exclaimed excitedly, "I have read all about you. You are there in several books. You are very famous."

"Am I?" Harry asked nervously, looking at Neville who rolled his eyes.

"Yes." Hermione chirped before shooting off the names of several books Harry had been mentioned in.

"Harry, Ron." Neville cut in politely but firmly, sending an apologetic glance at Hermione. "Have you seen Trevor? I think I lost him again."

Harry gave Neville a thankful look before shaking his head. Hermione looked at her watch and jumped.

"You boys better get ready." She squeaked, "We are about to reach."

She raced out of the compartment as the three boys started changing.

"You won't believe who came in for a visit while you were gone." Harry told Neville as they changed.

"That prat from Madam Malkin's shop. Draco Malfoy, knew he was a nutter, now we know why." Harry told him as Neville and Ron started laughing.

The train pulled to a gentle stop at Hogsmeade station and Hagrid's voice boomed through the crowd of students beckoning all first years to him.

Harry, Neville and Ron moved along after getting cheerful waves from Hagrid, the three clambered into a boat and were joined by Hermione Granger. Harry didn't say anything as Hermione started prattling about the history of Hogwarts, he just looked ahead, keeping his eye out for the bend. Remus, Sirius and James had told him to be ready for the first look of Hogwarts and have his breath taken away.

Harry stared at the looming castle a wide, excited smile on his lips, he heard quite a lot ooh's and aah's in the background. The castle was beautiful. They followed Hagrid out of the docks to a door, which was opened by none other than Professor McGonagall, Miss. Minnie for Harry and Neville.

Harry was shocked to see her looking so strict, she had always been jovial around him, it was almost unnerving to look at her and see this domineering, strict old woman.

"Wow!" Neville whispered in Harry's ear and Harry nodded. They had never believed their parents or Arianna when they claimed that Miss. Minnie and Professor McGonagall were two different ball games and that Prof. McGonagall could make you tremble in fear with just one look.

They followed Professor McGonagall into a waiting room, Harry's eyes grew wide in disbelief at her crisp, no non-sense tone. If her dressing hadn't driven in the idea that she was not to be messed with, her speech did. She left them alone in the waiting and Harry was just turning to Neville when several people gasped. Harry looked around and watched in fascination as the ghosts interacted with the students. He had heard of ghosts, seen their pictures but he had to admit that seeing them for real was a very different experience.

Professor McGonagall returned shortly and took them to the Great Hall. Ron was muttering darkly as he stood next to Neville. He had asked Harry and Neville about the sorting ceremony and the boys' answer had him muttering darkly about wanting to kill the twins for telling him that they had to wrestle a troll.

"Look up!" Hermione's voice floated to them as they marched in, "Its bewitched to resemble the night sky. I read about it in Hogwarts: A History."

Harry looked up and gasped, he could hear Ron and Neville's gasps too. He had lived around magic all his life, hell, a room at his home had a bewitched ceiling too but nothing compared to the beauty of this room. His dad was right, Hogwarts made you fall in love with magic all over again.

Harry quickly looked down again as Professor McGonagall silently placed a four-legged stool in front of the first years. On top of the stool she put a pointed wizard's hat. This hat was patched and frayed and extremely dirty.

"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,

But don't judge on what you see,

I'll eat myself if you can find

A smarter hat than me.

You can keep your bowlers black,

Your top hats sleek and tall,

For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat

And I can cap them all.

There's nothing hidden in your head

The Sorting Hat can't see,

So try me on and I will tell you

Where you ought to be.

You might belong in Gryffindor, Where dwell the brave at heart,

Their daring, nerve, and chivalry Set Gryffindors apart;

You might belong in Hufflepuff, Where they are just and loyal,

Those patient Hufflepuffis are true And unafraid of toil;

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw, if you've a ready mind,

Where those of wit and learning, Will always find their kind;

Or perhaps in Slytherin You'll make your real friends,

Those cunning folk use any means To achieve their ends.

So put me on! Don't be afraid!

And don't get in a flap!

You're in safe hands (though I have none)

For I'm a Thinking Cap!"

The whole hall burst into applause as the hat finished its song. It bowed to each of the four tables and then became quite still again.

Professor McGonagall now stepped forward holding a long roll of parchment. "When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted," she said.

"Abbott, Hannah!" A pink-faced girl with blonde pigtails stumbled out of line, put on the hat, which fell right down over her eyes, and sat down.

"Hey, that's my friend. She is really nice too!" Neville exclaimed.

A moment's pause - "HUFFLEPUFF!" shouted the hat.

Professor McGonagall kept calling out names and Neville kept pointing out the people he knew from finishing school. Harry looked over at the Gryffindor table, looking for Arianna. She was sitting with Kate and the twins, she gave him a wink and a huge grin as she caught Harry's eye.

"Longbottom, Neville!"

Neville gulped, looking nervous. Harry and Ron patted his back wishing him luck. The hat took a moment to decide on Neville.

"GRYFFINDOR!" The hat shouted.

Neville sagged in relief, he grinned at Harry and ran off to join Hermione Granger and Seamus Finnegan at the Gryffindor table. Arianna, ruffled his hair fondly before turning around to watch the rest of the sorting.

"Potter, Harry!" Professor McGonagall called.

Whispers erupted all around the hall as Harry moved to the stool. People craned their necks to have a better look at him, as the hat fell over Harry's eyes.

Hmm," said a small voice in his ear. "Difficult. Very difficult. Plenty of courage, I see. Not a bad mind either. There's talent, And my goodness, yes - and a nice thirst to prove yourself, now that's interesting... So where shall I put you?"

Harry gripped the edges of the stool and thought, Not Slytherin, not Slytherin.

"Not Slytherin, eh?" said the small voice. "Are you sure? You could be great, you know, it's all here in your head, and Slytherin will help you on the way to greatness, no doubt about that - no? Well, if you're sure - better be GRYFFINDOR!"

Harry let out a relieved breath and jogged to the Gryffindor table, not really noticing that he was getting the loudest cheer possible. The Weasley twins were shouting 'we got Potter, we got Potter" but Harry was busy dodging Arianna's hand as she tried to ruffle his hair.

"Brilliant!" Arianna crowed happily, "Now all of us are in the same house! This should be fun!"

"Thanks Harry." Fred said with a lopsided grin.

Harry looked at him confusedly.

"We always wanted to scream, 'We got Potter' but Anna dearest is a year ahead of us, so we never got the chance." He explained.

Harry laughed, shaking his head and cheered loudly as Ron was sorted into Gryffindor.

The rest of the feast was wonderful. Prof. Dumbledore said some very funny very funny words Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Before sitting down for dinner, Harry and Neville had exchanged amused glances but were quickly assured that while brilliant, Professor Dumbledore was definitely off his rocker. The twins, Arianna and Kate had received stern glares from Percy for saying this. Harry was looking at the staff table when a sallow skinned, greasy haired Professor, looked past Professor Quirrell's Turban and looked him in the eyes, Harry felt his scar twinge.

"Ow!" Harry exclaimed, clapping his hand on his scar.

"Harry?" Neville asked hurriedly, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah." Harry replied, "Hey, Anna. Who is that Professor talking to Quirrell?"

Arianna frowned, "That's Professor Snape."

"That's Snape?" Neville asked, giving Snape a look over again, "Merlin! He looks scary."

"He is scary." Arianna informed them, "He teaches potions. Favors the Slytherins. He is really nasty to every other house, especially to me and now to the two of you, especially you Harry."

"What have I done to him?" Harry asked dismayed.

"Nothing but that's Uncle James' Snivellus, isn't he?"

"Damn!" Harry and Neville exclaimed, quite alarmed.

"Is that why dad was mad when you wrote to him about the potions professor?" Harry asked.

"Yup!"

"Why is he teaching here?" Neville whined.

Arianna shrugged.

"Oh! That's brilliant!" Harry said, "I am a dead man walking."

"Dead boy." Arianna corrected him. "You are still a kid, squirt."

Harry kicked her under the table but caught Kate instead. Everyone laughed and continued with their conversation and somehow by the end of the feast Harry couldn't worry about Snape. He smiled lazily at Neville as they listened to Dumbledore's instructions before following Percy to the Gryffindor Tower. Harry had heard all about Hogwarts, over and over, he believed he knew Hogwarts but he couldn't help being awed by it at every turn.

Harry watched with amazement as Percy stopped infront of the portrait of the fat lady, gave the password before clambering in. Harry grinned as his head hit his pillow. This dormitory was where his dad had found his friends. He was a part of their history now. He rolled over, promising to himself that he would write to them as soon as possible.

AN: And another chapter done! Hope you like it. Please do read and review! Don't forget to fav/follow us. Some parts of the chapter have been copied from Platform 9 and ¾ and the Sorting Hat- Harry Potter and The Philosopher's stone.

Happy Reading.

Much Love,

The Fishes