Amelia Bones watched as her niece, Susan, leave the platform on the Hogwarts express. Without a word to anyone, she apparates to the Ministry of Magic and heads straight to her office. Opening the door she find Alastor standing beside her desk. Without a word she puts on her molecule and checked it was really him. When she was sure, she shut her door, raised the offices private wards and collapsed int her chair. "I've not actually stopped and processed the will yet." Alastor nodded and sat in one of the visitors' chairs. Amelia opened a draw on her desk and pulled out two glasses and a half empty bottle of firewhisky. She fills the glasses, picks one up and downs it in one. Minutes past in silence. Amelia opened and closed her mouth multiple times before sighing. "I don't know where to start."
"Start with the published will." Alastor answered before pulling roll of parchment out of his cloak.
"This from the archives?" Amelia's asked as she took it and began to read.
"Copied from the archives. By hand if you're wondering. We're the only ones who know it exists." Alastor answered.
"The money to everyone but Dumbledore is less, who gets more. Minerva is cut out entirely. Snape gets Lilly's potions notes. If the godparents are unable to take care of Harry, he IS to go to his aunt and uncle!" Amelia notes.
"There was no signed witness either." Moody add. "And I can tell you Lilly and James' signatures were forged as well."
"It's good but, it's not enough." Amelia responded. "I guess we'll have to stay hidden for now."
"We've got plenty of questions to keep us occupied in the meantime. Like why did the Potters trust a rat animagus to be their secret keeper?"
"I'll invite Remus over for tea. See if he can give me any clues."
"One foot in front of the other Lass. Just like I taught you."
Amelia sighed, and began to contemplate. "Why purposely send Harry to a abusive home?"
"To break him. Then Dumbledore can rebuild him in his own image. But it didn't work."
Amelia gave Alastor a questioning glance at that. "It didn't? He seemed pretty shy to me."
"He wasn't shy Lass, he was guarded. He keeps a flip knife in each sock. And while he was eager to get away from his relatives, he wasn't desperate."
"He's not going to warm up to us too quickly, is he?"
"Us, no. Nymphadora, and the younger ones will gain his trust first."
"Alastor."
"Yeah?"
"Do you-... Do you think he could have set up my brothers to die?" Amelia asked as she looked down to her glass in her hands.
Alastor sighed. "You know how I feel about blaming it all on the boogieman. I think Edger was a genuine casualty of war. Ryan? I'm not so sure. We need that rat."
Later at Hogsmeade Station.
Harry, Hannah, Neville, Susan and Daphne all stepped onto the platform when they heard a booming voice.
"First years this way! All first years over 'ere now!" Hagrid called out.
Harry fixed him with a calculating gaze. "He's friendly but can't trusted." Harry's gaze was swapped for fake smile. "Hi Hagrid!" Harry greeted.
"'ello 'arry! I y've made a few more friends." Hagrid responded in a conversational manner.
"Yeah, this is Hannah Abbott, Susan Bones and Daphne Greengrass." Harry announced. Hannah gave a shy smile, Susan offered a short wave, and Daphne curtsied.
Hagrid gave a slight bow. "Nice ta meet ya all, but it's four per boat I'm afraid."
The group looked at one another not quite sure what to do, until Harry shrugged. "You guys go on ahead, I'll catch up."
"Are sure Harry?" Susan asked.
"Yeah, could do with meeting a few more people anyway." Harry responded with a reassuring smile.
"Well, we'll see you at the other side of the lake." Neville mentioned, to which Harry nodded.
Harry hopped into another boat with a redheaded and boy, a bushy haired girl and a girl shoulder length black hair of Asian decent.
The redhead look at Harry, before his he's widened in shock. "Bloody hell, you're Harry Potter!" He exclaimed while pointing at Harry.
"Language Ronald!" The bushy haired girl called out , before looking to Harry. "So, you're Harry Potter? I've read about you."
This caught Harry's attention. "What have you read about me?"
"That you defeated you-know-who as a baby, and that you have been on multiple adventures since." The bushy haired girl proudly stated.
"And you believe that crap?" Harry questioned. The bushy haired girl was gobsmacked, and the redhead snorted. "So what's your names, anyway?"
"Ron Wesley!" The redhead proudly proclaimed.
"Hermione Granger, it's a pleasure to meet you." The bushy haired girl answered.
"It's nice to meet you to Hermione." Harry responded with a smile, before he looked to the small girl next to him.
"Don't bother mate, she didn't say a the whole way here. She was doing was reading this book on duelling history. To be honest, I'm not sure if she even speaks English." Ron interrupted.
"I can speak English just fine you imbecile. My book is in English." The Asian girl answered with a glare. Her voice was soft and quiet, without sounding scared or shy. She looked up at Harry. "My name Su. Su Li."
Su offered Harry her, which Harry accepted and kissed her knuckles. "A pleasure to meet you Miss Li."
"The pleasure is all mine Heir Potter. But please, call me Su."
"Then you must call me Harry."
All conversation stopped as they looked up in awe of the grand castle, that stood above the lake.
Soon in the great hall.
This was Albus' favourite time of year. He was about to get his first look at the new tools fate has gifted him. As the doors opened and the knew students entered, Dumbledore could practically smell the sent of fresh brushes and wet clay. They looked around in awe. They looked at HIM in awe. Yes, one of the luxuries of being fate's servant was you could paint yourself how you please. He watched as some children went to the houses he expected and a few surprised him.
"Harry Potter!" Professor Mcgonagall called.
It was finally time. But this part was completely in fate's hands.
Meanwhile with Harry.
"Harry Potter!"
Every eye gazed upon Harry as he approached the hat. Harry raised his occlumency shields, he didn't know if Dumbledore's mind probes would be able to reach him, but he would would be prepared. Once the hat was placed it began to speak. "Hmm... interesting. I have not had one this difficult in a long time. Ah, now I know where to put you. What do you say to Slytherin?"
"Slytherin!? Why?"
"To start your ambition to create a better life for yourself and stop similar horrors falling upon others. You are cunning enough to force your relatives' to give you a real room, enough food to grow and clothes that fit. But you also like a challenge. You are aware of Slytherin's reputation, but you know that is not true. Most follow out of fear, but you can give them the strength to do more than stand by. It will be far from easy, but you maybe able to be the beacon for the house Merlin once was."
"And I'll be able to hurt blood-supremacy most there than in any other house."
"Exactly."
Harry grinned. "Okay, do it."
"Very well." "SLYTHERIN!"
The entire hall looked on in shock. Slowly a handful of began clapping as the hat was taken off his head and he moved to sit next to Daphne.
"What are you doing here Potter!? You're not one of us!" Malfoy sneered.
"I'm here to pull up the weeds, Malfoy." Harry's tone was like a cold fire, as he glared at his housemate.
"This is going to be interesting." Daphne commented without a hint of emotion.
Soon the sorting was over and Dumbldore gave his warnings, including a painful death on the third floor, and the feast began. Harry noticed multiple glances and whispers his way from all around the hall.
Finally a prefect named Marcus Flint took them down to dungeons and into the Slytherin commen room. The first years had time for a quick look around, before the entrance opened for their head of house.
He wore black billowing robes, with long unwashed hair. Yes, Severus Snape had arrived in all his greasy glory. Harry and Daphne raised their oclumency with out a second thought. "I am only going to say this once, so pay attention." He called out. "I can already tell that some of you are destined for greatness..." Snape looked at Malfoy who puffed out his chest. "... Others will be nothing more than disappointments..." This time he looked to Harry. "Never the less, I will not tolerate infighting in Slytherin. Those that are responsible, will regret it. Now get to bed."
The next morning.
Harry was the first one up out of the first year Slytherin boys, despite being the last one to fall asleep. Harry checked the time and saw it was 6:05 am. He got changed into his tracksuit and headed outside. Once outside, he a handful of people jogging around the Black Lake. Among the cluster he spotted Su.
"Hey Su." Harry greeted after he caught up.
"No talking, just running." Su responded.
After completing a lap, they both stopped and looked at Su's watch. "I think we've got time for another lap, but I don't think we should risk being late on our first day."
"Good point." With that the pair headed back to their dorms to get ready for the day.
When Harry got back he found that Blaise was already up, Theo and Darco were beginning to wake up, while Crabbe and Goyle were still snoring. No one said a word as they got ready and headed to the Great Hall for Breakfast. Harry sat away from the others but was soon joined by Daphne, who was followed by two other girls. "Harry, this is Tracy Davis and Lilly Moon." Daphne introduced. "Tracey, Lilly this is Harry Potter." After introductions were through they started to eat breakfast and wait for Snape to give them their timetables.
"Do not get to comftable Potter. I have already asked the headmaster to remove you." Snape growled at Harry as he slammed his timetable down onto the table. Harry merely rolled his eyes and looked at where he needed to be. "Dose anyone know where the hell the charms classroom is!?"
Meanwhile with Amelia.
Amelia was sat at home as read the Daily Prophet. Every second of September they would dedicate a page to the sorting of the new students of Hogwarts. Her floo roared to life and Remus Lupin stepped out.
Amelia stood up and walked over to greet him. "Thank you for coming Remus."
"Anytime Amelia." The pair share a brief hug, before sitting back down.
"So which house did Harry end up in?" Remus asked, expecting to already know the answer.
"Slytherin." Amelia answered. Smiling at Remus' shocked expression.
"I wasn't expecting that."
"Clearly. Now, the reason I asked you her is to help fill some gaps, while we wait to have Sirius released."
"I'll what I know but I'm sure how much of it will be useful." Remus' scepticism was all to clear.
"Can tell me why James and Sirius trusted a rat animagus to be the secret-keeper? Surely they know what someone's form represents!"
"When we first found out there was a massive argument. James wanted to take a loyalty oath and Sirius wanted to be completely rid of him. One day Pettigrew walked into our dorm followed by Dumbledore. Once we found out he had told Dumbledore everything, both James and Sirius tried to curse him. But some how Dumbledore managed to talk us into trusting him."
"How?"
"I don't know. His argument wasn't all that special, but we just caved in." Remus thought about the memory over and over. Until a very concerning thought came to his mind. "What if he can cast compilation charms through eye contact?"
"Do think its possible?" Amelia asked alarmed.
"Do you know anyone else with twinkling eyes?" Remus countered.
The more Amelia thought about it, the more it made sense. "Shit."
"Yep."
"We need warn the kids, but I don't want to risk using a owl."
"I've sent a request to Dumbledore to let me see Harry. At the end I'll give him a package with some photos of his parents and a communication mirror. Did Sirius ever tell you about those?"
Amelia nodded. "They allowed James and Sirius to talk to each other in separate detentions. But didn't have much range or pass through wards."
"Originally yeah, but I've had time to work on the design."
A few days later at Hogwarts.
Gryffindor and Slytherin first years had just finished their first flying lesson. It started rough with Neville losing control of his broom and breaking his wrist. He also dropped a glass orb full of mist, but pocketed it before anyone noticed. Which was way he was making his way to the hospital wing. Harry entered and saw that Neville was awake and sat up in a bed.
Harry walked over and pull up a chair for himself. "Hey Neville." He greeted with a smile.
"Oh, hi Harry. I've not really seen you for a while." Neville responded, not sure what to really say.
"Oh. Yeah. Sorry about, I've been trying to get a hang of everything." Harry responded, looking down and rubbing the back of his head.
"You know, some of the Gryffindors are really upset that you're in Slytherin." Neville mentioned.
Harry shrugged. "That's okay. Some of the Slytherins are upset I'm in Slytherin as well." Harry grinned and Neville smiled a little as well. "We should all get together on the weekend."
"You think so?" Neville asked.
"Yeah! I've not really had a chance to talk to Susan or Hannah either. And I think Daphne's the same.
Oh, by the way, you dropped this." Harry took the orb out of his pocket and placed on the bedside table.
"My remembrall!" Neville gasped. "I guess we should get together, but where should we meet up?"
"I can answer that." Both boys looked to the end of the bed and saw Remus was stood there next to Dumbledore. "Hello Harry, my name Remus Lupin. I was a friend of your farther's."
"Hi." Harry responded, not sure what to say.
Dumbledore chuckled. "I'll leave you both to get . You know the way back to my office Remus." With that Dumbledore walked away from the group.
"How did you know my father?" And so Remus began to tell stories about the marauders to the two boys, trying to remember ones where either Frank or Alice were involved.
"I thought you might like this." Remus took out package wrapped up in paper from his tattered robes and handed it to Harry. "It's some photos of your parents." The package felt to heavy to just be photos. Find yourself a empty classroom before you open it. Most of them are on the fourth floor upwards."
"Thank you." Harry gasped as he placed the package into his pocket.
"Not a problem Harry. I'll let head off for dinner. Feel free to write to me now and again."
"Thank you Mr Lupin."
"Call me Remus, Harry. Mr Lupin makes me feel old." Remus responded as he walk out of the hospital wing.
After Remus was out of sight, Harry looked back to Neville. "I'll see you latter Nev'."
"See ya Harry."
Harry was about to walk out into the hallway, when he turned around. "Hey Nev'!"
"Yeah Harry?"
"You up for meeting on Saturday?"
Neville shrugged. "Sure."
"Great!" Harry grinned before rushing to the Great Hall. Upon entering, Harry went straight to Susan and Hannah at the Hufflepuff table. Multiple Hufflepuffs looked at Harry with suspicion.
Ernie Macmillan stood up and drew his on Harry. "What do you want Snake!?" While he tried to put on a brave face, but his hand was shaking violently.
"Or what? We've not learned any spells yet." Harry glared at the Hufflepuff.
Ernie paled and began stuttering. "I-I-I'll-"
"You will put your wand away and return to your seat, Mr Macmillan." Professor Sprout ordered from behind him.
"Y-yes professor." Ernie stuttered, before doing as instructed.
"Five points from Hufflepuff for threatening behaviour. And ten points to Slytherin for not retaliating." Professor Sprout announced before returning to the teachers table.
Harry was soon stood behind Susan and Hannah. "You sure know how to make an entrance Harry." Susan joked.
"He started it! Harry responded, pointing to Ernie.
Susan and Hannah giggled. "We know Harry. What did you want to talk to us about?" Hannah asked.
"Well, Neville helped me realise we've not really talked since the train, so I thought we all should meet up on Saturday and catch up."
"Sure." Susan smiled.
"Sounds fun." Hannah agreed. "I think we should visit Neville before curfew." She suggested to Susan in a quiet voice.
Susan nodded in response.
"Whelp, I'm off to tell Daphne." Harry announced, before walking off.
"Bye Harry."
Harry soon told Daphne and she agreed.
After dinner Harry found a empty classroom and opened the package and did indeed find some photos of his parents Hogwarts years. As well as a mirror with a note. "Call me Moony."
Harry looked into the mirror. "Moony?"
The mirror turned black. "Hello?"
The image in the shifted and Remus' face appeared. "Sorry Harry, I had the thing upside down."
"When do we learn to make these!?" Harry asked in awe.
Remus chuckled. "You don't really. But if you want to make your own things, I'd recommend picking arithmetic and ancient runes for your third year and paying attention in charms."
Harry nodded his head. "I'll definitely be doing that then!"
Remus chuckled again. "I should probably tell you why I gave you this. Owls can be intercepted Harry, so if you find something off, tell me through this mirror."
"Well do a painful death on the third floor, our defence teacher not being able to stop stuttering and Snape being a complete basted count?"
"Language Harry. The third floor sounds strange, there wasn't much their but a forgotten obstetrical course during my time. As for the teachers, that's sadly Dumbledore's business."
"Dam it. How's the plan on getting Sirius free coming?"
"Slow I'm afraid, things typically are when your being cautious. Andromeda is not scheduled to the auror recruits until mid-January."
Harry sighed. "I guess I should get going if I want to make curfew."
"What floor you on?"
"Fourth. Why?"
"Find the painting of a old lamp and say to it 'wish granted' while rubbing it. It'll open up a short cut to the dungeons."
"Really!? Thanks!"
Remus couldn't help but smile. "It's my pleasure Harry."
Saturday Morning.
As per what was coming the norm, Harry met Su Li at The Black Lake to do a lap before breakfast.
But Su already looked exhausted. Which was strange considering she never struggled with their morning routine. But she was flustered and her breathing was heavier than usual. "Are you okay Su?" Harry's concern for her was perfectly clear.
"I'm... fine... Harry." Su answered.
"Su,you look exhausted!"
"I just... a few laps. To warm up."
Harry opened his mouth to argue, but closed it. Realising it was of no use, Harry swapped tactics. "What's got you so worked up today anyway?"
"Professor Flitwick was once duelling champion. I'm going to ask him to be my mentor." Su smiled in anticipation as she answered.
"And you're planning on running yourself into the ground beforehand?" Harry's comment caused Su's smile to turn into a frown. "It's not gonna look good if you collapses on the first day. You need to take a brake Su. Ask him Monday, and Sunday off like I do."
Su continued to scowl. "Why would I do that?"
"Because your body needs rest Su. Believe it or not Su, I don't want you to collapse of exhaustion."
Su huffed. "Fine." She groaned.
Later.
Hannah, Harry, Daphne, Susan and Neville all filled into a empty classroom. "Dose anyone know a dusting charm by any chance?" Harry joked.
"Actually I do." Hannah answered. "Mum thought some basic charms would help me learn to control my magic, before I came to Hogwarts." Hannah clean a couple of tables and some chairs, while the others pushed them together.
"So how was everyone's first week?" Harry asked.
"Hufflepuff' great!" Susan announced and Hannah nodded in agreement.
"We all get together to do our homework so you don't struggle if your stuck." Hannah mentioned.
"We have own in house chess club."
"There's even sleepover parties in the common room that anyone can join."
"Nice." Harry comments. "What's Gryffindor like Nev'?"
"Pretty good. Apparently we have massive parties when the quidditch team wins a game and the Weaselly twins smuggle in crates of butterbeer." Neville responded. "How about you two? How's Slytherin?"
"What you would expect with Snape running the house." Harry casually responded.
"The preservative faction run the house and pick on anyone who dears go against them. That includes Snape coming down on you." Daphne adds.
"Why are two even in that house? Can't you get resorted?" Hannah asked.
"I told the hat I didn't care where I went. I don't think Slytherin was this bad when my farther was there. But Tracey and Lilly are nice people."
"What house is your mother from?" Susan asked.
"Ravenclaw."
"I'm there because it's such a mess. The hat told me I can do he most damage to the Death Eaters there, so that's what I'm doing. I don't trust any of my dorm-mates the slightest. Zabini just seems happy to just peer over the fence at us all."
"You're insane." Neville commented.
"Thank you."
"What's everyone's class?" Hannah asked. "Mine's potions, not because of the teacher mind you, I find healing potions to be amazing."
"Shame they can't taste better." Neville muttered causing the group to laugh. "I like herbology the best. I've always been good with plants and find them really interesting.
"Mine's charms. I just love how there's a spell for pretty much anything." Susan answered.
"Charms is my favourite too, but I'm more interested in the theory side of magic. I'll probably like Arithmancy more when I start it in my third year." Daphne confessed.
"DADA for me. I like being able to take care of myself." Harry replied.
They spent the rest of the morning sharing opposition on teachers, students, classrooms and so on. After lunch; Harry, Neville, Daphne and Susan all tested each others Occlumency barriers and began teach Hannah in the art. Harry worked hard on to get to Daphne's level. The first week was coming to a end and he had the information he needed. It was time for Harry to start butting heads.