Ramblings and Dribbles

by WolfgangNH

This is a posting of ramblings, dribbles, one-shots, unfinished ideas or other stuff I just don't think deserves it's own storyline. Some I plan to finish someday, others are what they are. This is mature reading for some posts. Some items may be well developed, others are not yet, and may never be. There will many different pairings, and sometimes none.

16. Traveler

A/N: This is a story I plan to continue at some point. For now, it has been relegated to my Rambling and Dribbles while it takes a backburner so I can finish other works I have going on. Oh, if I didn't have to work then I would be able to publich more...

Harry Potter - Traveler

Note/ Concept(subject to change):

1) Lily had an older cousin who received a copy of the Lily's Will. Lilith Evans. She was able to take Harry within a few months of Lily and James death

2) Lilith is a magizoologist and Harry grew up traveling much of the year, learning about animals, runes, ancient magics and other cultures. Magic monks in Tibet were able to remove the soul piece in his head (to be found out much later)

3) Albus knows Harry is alive, but is unable to find him. Only the blood trackers on his health still work. Albus wants Harry, so manipulative bastard.

4) NO clue the pairings yet. May be a multi-pairing?

-oOo-

UPDATED 08 OCT 21

UPDATED 26 OCT 21

-oOo-

Chapter 1

-oOo-

September 1, 1991

London, England

Harry was looking at the scarlet red steam engine at the head of the train. He was in his comfortable dragon hide travel cloak, cargo pants, a vest and one of his heavy cotton dress shirts. Harry knew he looked a little odd compared to many of the people around him, but it was the best attire for the type of life style his Aunt and him lived.

"So, that's the Express?" Harry asked, sounding unimpressed.

"Yep. I thought it the best thing ever when I was your age," Aunt Lilith replied.

"I take it you hadn't ridden the Orient Express yet to Shrangri-La?" He still wasn't impressed looking at the train.

His aunt laughed. "Not even close. I graduated before your mum was born and didn't take my first trip to Shrangri-La until I was twenty-eight."

Looking around, everything looked so mundane and boring. "Do I have to go?"

"Unfortunately, yes. Your parents decided on Hogwarts and signed you up. I can't go against their will without endangering your inheritance, kiddo. You have to at least get your O.W.L.'s before you can transfer," she told him.

"I can still go to Mohoutokoro?"

"If that is what you want. You have to put in four years and then you can request to test early, otherwise you have five years here," she replied.

He curled his lip before sighing. "I want to go back to Japan over Christmas," he told her.

"How about Madagascar instead? I need to go back and see if we can find those rainbow crested tamarins," she told him.

He made a face. "Fine. I would like to see if we can find a Kuda-gitsune again. You said I am old enough to have a familiar now."

She ruffled his hair. "That you are. I'll plan something over the summer, but I need to get that paper published by March or we loose our bread ticket."

"Fine. Do I get any credit? I did find where they nest," Harry put to her.

"I always give you credit. You still only rank an explorer though. Maybe over the summer we can finally work on a paper that you are co-author of," she told him.

He beamed at her as the platform got busier. "Supposed I should go. I'll send Hedwig with a letter tomorrow and let you know if you need to come get me or not."

She laughed as she pulled him in for a hug. "Not happening. I will see you at Christmas."

"I had to try." He yawned. They had gotten back late the night before from Norway and had to rush to get his school supplies yesterday. Last night he spent a while trying to fill in his adventure journal and his botany book.

"Take a nap on the train and don't stay up too late tonight with all your new friends."

"Do I have to wear those robes?"

"Yes. I don't want to get a letter you got detention for not following the school dress code on the first day. If you get detention, make it something that was worth it," she ordered.

He gave her a smirk. "Got it. Not the first day and get into some real trouble," he promised.

She laughed and pushed him towards the train. Harry laughed too and grabbed his cage with Hedwig. His trunk was in his pocket and would stay there for now. He entered towards the front of the train. It was filling with students of all ages from eleven to seventeen. Some looked at him oddly with his clothes, many just saw him and went back to what they were doing. He found an empty cabin in the third car back from the engine and stepped in.

Like his Aunt had taught him whenever they stayed in an unknown place, he took his wand out and cast a few charms and the only ward he was strong enough to cast right now. In a few years he would be able to do everything he wanted, but he knew his core wasn't big enough yet. It was most likely larger than most second years though, according to his aunt. Once he started puberty he should be much stronger.

A few people came up to the door as he settled on the seat, his owl next to him. The three girls were older and when one of them touched the handle, she suddenly turned to her friends and they walked away. The ward he has used was called Akuryō o mawasu, meaning 'turn the bad spirit'. It was a ward that many Japanese magical houses used to turn away those that wouldn't bring good karma. It was a low powered ward that could easily be overcome, but it would turn away the casual people who had no real interest in getting to know him.

He was already missing Japan. Aunt Lilith and him had spent much of the last year there after Madagascar and then stopping in Norway for two weeks before coming back. Aunt Lilith always said it was coming home, but he didn't really feel like he was coming home. They lived in England maybe two or three months a year and it had been over a year since they had been back.

A few more did the same at the door and he moved his hat over his face and settled in. It was a good ten minutes before the door opened. "Hello," a girl greeted him. "Do you mind if we join you? All the other compartments up here are taken."

He pushed the brim of his hat up and looked at a group of four girls. One was a redhead with a few freckles, a little rounded with baby fat and a smile. She had neat brown eyes with a hint of green. Next to her was a honey blonde, a little taller then the others and with high cheekbones. The girl's ice blue eyes were sizing him up and unsure what she was looking at. Behind her was another blonde. This one was more golden blonde with her hair in a long plait, inviting brown eyes and a broad smile. The last girl was a brunette that had her head cocked and regarding him. Her more hazel eyes were investigating his face and trying to look under the brim of his hat. She looked to have sharper lines to her features like the honey blonde.

"Not my train. Feel free to join," Harry told them.

"Thank you," the redhead said. They came in and Harry moved Hedwig to the floor and then helped the girls. "I can shrink your trunks if you want," Harry offered. It was a skill his Aunt had taught him when he got his first wand at nine. It was essential to know how to do this in their travels.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I thought you were a first year," the golden blonde said.

"I am. Just had to learn how with with how much my aunt and I travel. Would you like me to?"

All four girls looked at him shocked. "I would like to see that," the brunette challenged him.

Harry just shrugged. "Reducio," he said tapping the trunk before him. He channeled his magic into it. "Should wear off in about eight hours or so. If you need me to recast it later, let me know. Anyone else?"

They didn't say anything for a second. "Woah," the golden hair girl commented.

"I agree," the redhead responded. "I'm sorry, I haven't introduced myself. Susan Bones." She stuck her hand out.

He took it. "Harry Evans, nice to meet you."

"Daphne Greengrass," the honey blonde said, doing a small curtsy before extending her hand.

Harry bowed over it and brushed his lips just over her knuckles. It was obvious she was one of the Purebloods his aunt had prepared him for, but she didn't seem all haughty. She had taught him many ways to be polite with all the different societies they meandered through at times. "A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Greengrass. Or is it Heiress?"

Her eyebrows rose, obviously not expecting him to know how to do this. "It is just miss for now. Father won't allow me to take my ring until I am thirteen."

"Well, let me introduce myself properly. Scion Harry Evans, Scion of House Potter, future-Heiress Greengrass."

All four girls eyes opened wide. "Did you say Potter? You're Harry Potter?"

"Evans. My name is Evans," Harry told them. His aunt had done that soon after adopting him and he liked to be called Evans.

They still looked at him dumbfounded. "Harry Evans," Harry said, holding out his hand to the other blonde.

"Hannah Abbot," she replied in a distracted voice. When "Tracey Davis," curtsied, Harry did the same he had done with Daphne. He shrunk the other's trunks and they were sitting before the train lurched and they were on their way to Hogwarts.

"So, where have you been all this time? Why did you change your name to Evans? So many have been looking for you," Tracy started until Daphne nudged her.

"Tracey," Daphne admonished in a harsh whisper.

Hannah and Susan laughed as he raised an eyebrow at her. "Is she always this hyper?"

"Pretty much. You get used to her after a while," Susan answered.

Tracey brushed them all off. "Oh, come off it. You all know you want to know this. Where have you been? Are any of the stories true about you?"

Harry snorted. "You mean those stupid books my aunt gets all the royalties from?"

"Stupid books! I've read them all," Hannah exclaimed.

"You mean you obsess over them," Daphne retorted.

Hannah stuck her tongue out. "You read them too."

"Yes, and I know they aren't real, Hannah. You really think Harry fought a vampire or werewolf? He wasn't even eleven yet," Daphne countered.

Hannah flushed a little.

"I don't know about a vampire or werewolf, but my aunt and I had to run from a nundu once," Harry said to save the girl.

"You what!" Tracey reacted first.

Susan snapped his head to him. "How are you alive!"

"I did say we ran from it," Harry told her. "We weren't stupid enough to take it on. It was hunting at the time and we didn't want to be dinner."

"You aren't being serious!" Daphne accused.

Harry shrugged. "It happened. I was eight. We were in the Congo trying to find a Inkanyamba. My aunt had word one had been seen. Saw a rompo and some red gorrillas too."

Again, they were all looking at him. "Are you telling me that for the last ten years you've been all over the world with your aunt? Who is your aunt?"

"Not all the world and we came back to England at times. Lilith Evans is my aunt."

Hannah brightened. "You mean the magizoologist Lilith Evans?"

"That would be her," he replied. "You know about her?"

They all looked to Hannah, obviously realizing she knew what she was talking about. "Dad has said she has discovered or confirmed almost as many creatures as Newt Scamander or Terrance Lovegood. In the last hundred years, the three of them have been the biggest names in the field out of England," Hannah exclaimed.

"I don't know either Lovegood or Evans," Daphne put in.

"Neither of them have published books, but their research had been used everywhere and many have written about their findings. Dad said they have plaques in the Explorers club in London," Hannah said excitedly. "Oh, can I tell dad? He would love to meet your aunt."

Harry looked at her. Susan must have gotten his questioning look. "Hannah's father is a magiherbologist. He is always looking for new samples and leads."

"My aunt isn't really into plants, but I have my notes, sample book and other stuff at home. Maybe over Easter we can meet with him. Over Christmas we are going to Madagascar," Harry informed them.

"Oh, dad would be thrilled!"

"Where have you been?" Daphne questioned.

Harry reached for a pocket on his pants and pulled out his passport. "Senagal. Russia a few times. Sweden. France. Germany. Austria. Egypt. Ethiopia. Iran. Iraq. Saudi Arabia," he started to list off as he went through the stamps on his passport.

"Merlin! I've only been to France and Italy and thought that was special," Tracey blurted out.

"I only have five stamps in my passport. France. Spain. Sweden. The United States and Bermuda," Daphne added.

"I've only been to Albania and France with Hannah," said Susan.

"Where was your favorite place," Hannah asked. By the look on her she looked like she didn't want to brag. By all their reactions Harry was wondering if he was bragging. He hadn't meant to sound that way.

"Japan. I tried to convince Aunt Lilith to let me stay at Mohoutokoro but my parents had already signed me to Hogwarts," he said, knowing he hadn't kept out his disdain.

They didn't say anything else when a knock came at the door. A pudgy boy with blonde hair and blue eyes and a girl with frizzy hair and large front teeth were at the door. Hannah got up and opened the door. "Hey, Neville. Looking for a place to sit?"

"Yeah, if you don't mind."

Hannah looked into the compartment. Harry shrugged. If they were able to avoid the ward then they were fine by him. "Doesn't matter to me."

"The more the merrier," Susan pipped up.

"Daph, budge over," Tracey told her friend. Daphne gave a look to Tracey but moved to sit against the wall.

When they came in, Harry didn't hesitate to shrink their trunks. It was getting crowded and he didn't want trunks swinging out. He had been in too many crowded buses or trains to want a trunk to his face today.

"That is a second year spell. How do you know how to do that?" the girl with frizzy brown hair asked.

"My aunt," he answered her.

"Who is your friend, Nev?" Hannah asked.

"Hermione Granger," the girl said, sticking her hand out. "I helped Neville get his toad before it hopped under the train."

"Nice to meet you. This is Susan Bones, Tracey Davis, Daphne Greengrass... oh, come off it, Daph, you don't need to be all prissy with us today," Hannah admonished the honey blonde.

Daphne stuck up her chin. "I am not prissy! It is proper manners."

The other girls giggled, as though there was some inside joke he didn't get. "I am Hannah Abbott and the boy over there is Harry Evans. Harry, Neville Longbottom."

"Nice to meet you," said Harry, holding out his hand and shook both the new comers

After a few minutes they settled and Tracey put to him, "Why did you want to go to Mohoutokoro?"

"Oh, Mohoutokoro, that's in Japan. I read it's on top of a mountain and you can only get there by flying on a giant storm petral," Hermione said excitedly.

"Yeah, it was neat. My aunt let me do a little over two semesters there while she was doing her research," Harry replied.

"Wait! You have been to school already?" Susan asked incredulously.

"What of it? Mohoutokoro will accept students as young as seven if they have the talent. Once I did my entrance exams there, they put me in the second half of first year. I got to do two of the three semesters. I really liked it. I already miss my friends. That was why I wanted to stay," Harry replied.

"You can speak Japanese?" Hermione questioned.

Harry nodded. "They won't let you in if you don't."

"How many languages do you know?" Tracey asked.

"Four," he answered.

"I know French, but four?" Daphne asked, looking a little impressed now.

"What other ones do you know," Hannah asked.

"English, French, Japanese and Arabic."

"Oh, that would be so interesting to know Japanese. Like Daphne, I only know French," Hermione put in. "So, how much do you know? I have only been able to do a few simple spells, but that shrinking spell is second year," Hermione put to him.

"It's first year at Mohoutokoro and my aunt taught me before then. After looking at the first year books here, I think it's going to be boring," Harry answered honestly. "I may have to ask for the second year book list."

Hermione looked at him enviously. She suddenly scrunched her brow. "What is that on your forehead?"

"Just a scar," Harry replied.

"His real name is Harry Potter," Tracey said with a smile, as though she had just given away a huge secret she was dying to tell people.

"H...H...Harry Potter?" Neville asked.

"Evans. Potter is the name of my parents," Harry replied.

"You're Harry Potter! You were mentioned in the Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts and Important Figures of the Last Decades."

He shrugged. "So?"

"I think he doesn't really put much stock in all that," Susan put to Hermione.

"Oh," she replied.

"So, Nev, you still worried about what house you will be in," Hannah asked.

Neville grimmaced. "Yeah. Gran will be so upset if I am not a Gryffindor."

Daphne nodded. "My parents have expectations as well."

"I don't really care. Auntie and my father were Hufflepuff. My mother was a Ravenclaw," Susan stated without a care.

"You are so a Hufflepuff," Daphne teased.

Tracey laughed. "She could make a good Gryffindor as well."

"I suppose both of you will be Slytherin. If you are, will you still be our friends?" Hannah asked concerned.

"Always. We may just have to be careful about letting others know," Daphne replied.

"I want to be a Ravenclaw or a Gryffindor," Hermione declared.

"I really don't care and why would being a Slytherin mean you couldn't be friends?" Harry asked.

All the obviously magically raised kids looked at him oddly. "You do know that all the other houses don't like Slytherin?"

"So? Why should it matter? If any of you said hi or wanted to talk I would. I don't care about houses," Harry stated.

Tracey snorted. "You are so a Gryffindor."

"Or a Hufflepuff. They would accept anyone," Susan countered.

"I really don't care," Harry told both of them.

Daphne gave him a discerning look. He returned it when he realized she was staring at him. "What?"

Daphne sniffed. "You really don't care, do you?"

"No. There weren't any houses at Mohotokoro. I thought it rather silly when Aunt Lilith was telling me about all this," Harry answered Daphne.

"You really would remain friends with us all?" Daphne pressed.

"If that is what you want," Harry replied.

Neville looked down cast. "I think he means you too, Neville," Hannah supplied.

As the train steamed north, Harry found he liked all the people that had joined him. Hermione mellowed out some and Neville turned out to be a nice boy. The other girls, all friends since they were young, were nice and he was able to start asking them more questions. People walked by, but no one else bothered them. He was enjoying talking to people his own age and telling them of some of his adventures and they told him what they had done to notice the few people that walked by the compartment multiple times.

When the train stopped, the seven of them all left together and stayed close. Harry kept his trunk on him. He had traveled to much to trust his luggage like that. "Why are you not putting your trunk down," Daphne asked as he waited for them to come back.

"I don't trust my stuff in others' hands," he replied truthfully. "I have lost luggage before."

Daphne looked at him and went back to take her trunk. Tracey had watched the situation and done the same. The others followed instructions and left there trunks. Harry reversed the shrinking spell on the ones left behind and then they followed the towering man who was yelling, "First years! Come over here! First Years."

"Who is the big guy," Harry asked.

"Rubeus Hagrid," Susan answered. "Auntie told me he was here when she was. He was the Groundkeepers apprentice."

"I hear he is a half-giant," Tracey said into their knot.

"Does that matter?" Harry asked, honestly curious. He had been so many places he wasn't sure how the culture here viewed half-people.

"No," Neville answered for the group.

"Why would that matter?" Hermione asked confused.

"To some it does. Many look at them like they are disgusting. Like Malfoy over there," Hannah told him, nodding her head towards a blond boy with short hair and sharp features. Something about the better material and the sneer on his face as he looked at the tall half giant had Harry knowing he may not get along with him already.

The cone shaped hat on his head slipped and Harry set it straight. "I wish I could wear my normal hat," he muttered.

"It's part of the uniform," Hermione said from next to him.

"I don't see many of the older years wearing them," Harry indicated the others moving in the opposite way down the platform.

"Is this all 'o ye? Two. Eight. Twelve," Hagrid said out loud as he counted. His booming voice finished by shouting, "There is only fourty-one. Who am missing?"

"Over here, Professor," a sandy-hair boy shouted. "I didn't realize I needed to come this way."

A few sniggered.

Hagrid's booming voice came over them. "Right then, all you lot this way."

Harry was soon sitting in a boat with Daphne, Tracey and Hermione while Neville, Susan and Hannah sat before them. It was a beautiful night in the Scottich highlands. Not a cloud in the sky and a half moon that outlined the castle. Harry had to admit it was an impressive sight, but it wasn't Mohoutokoro. It wasn't even close. There was a sense of disappointment. Aunt Lilith would probably laugh at him when he sent her a letter with his first impression.

As they entered the old castle by way of a stair under the ground, Harry felt less impressed. It was drab. The stone was brown or grey, the floors lusterless and the tapestries in mutted colours. Almost all those around him though looked awed. After a dour woman in green witches robes told them something about their Houses being like family, they were forced to wait for a moment.

"I thought when that oaf said someone was missing that Harry Potter had decided not to show," a drolling voice said loudly to the milling group.

There was muttering and Tracey leaned over. "Can I tell him?"

"Harry Potter didn't come. My name is Evans," Harry told her.

"Has anyone seen Harry Potter?" the boy asked louder.

A redhead boy was looking at him. "Are you Harry Potter," the boy asked.

"Harry Evans," Harry held his hand out to the boy.

The boy took his hand. "Ron Weasley. You have a scar on your head. Blimey, you are Harry Potter," the boy said rather loudly.

"That is Harry Evans," Susan stated.

"Potter? You are Potter?" the blond, Malfoy, enquired.

"Evans," Harry said again, now starting to get annoyed. He let go of the red head's hand and turned to Malfoy. "I am Harry Evans, Scion of House Potter."

There was a gasp though the crowd, but nothing else was said as the doors to the great hall opened and Professor McGonagall walked out. "Follow me."

Harry motioned for the girls to go first and took up next to Neville with Ron falling into his other side. "Why are you an Evans if you are a Potter?"

"That is what happened when I was adopted by my aunt. I like Evans. It was my mother's name too," Harry told him before catching site of the ceiling. Harry whistled. Now this was the first really impressive magic he had seen so far. "That is so cool."

"It's enchanted to look like the night sky. It is said in Hogwarts: A History that it was made by one of the old headmasters as his Mastery project," Hermione informed him.

"It's still cool," Harry said, still looking up.

Neville gave a nervous chuckle. "I'm going to be a Hufflepuff," he stated morosely.

"And who cares? We are here to learn and have fun. My aunt said I should get into some trouble too," he told Neville.

"You can't. We have to follow the rules," Hermione stated and then they went silent as they lined up at the end of four tables. Harry was still studying the ceiling as the hat sang some silly song and McGonagall started to call names. Hannah and Susan went to Hufflepuff. A very surprised looking Tracey stood stock still after she had been declared a Gryffindor.

"I told her," Daphne whispered.

When Professor McGonagall skipped from 'Entwhistle, Kevin' to 'Finch-Fletchley, Justin', Harry stepped forward before Justin could sit on the chair.

"Excuse me, Professor, but you missed me," said Harry loudly.

The hall went quiet.

McGonagall looked at her list and then him. "I don't think I missed anyone. Now wait in line until your name is called," Professor McGonagall ordered and he heard a few people laughing behind them.

Harry thought that meant he wasn't enrolled. With a grin, he turned and started to walk back towards the doors. The laughing stopped and confused murmuring and looks followed him now. "Young man, where are you going," Professor McGonagall called after him.

"You didn't call my name, so I am going to go find a way to talk to my aunt and have her send me back to Japan," Harry stated matter of factly.

The woman looked at him and then at the list. The eye she was giving him was as though she suspected him of playing some joke. "Every name I have called so far has had a student associated with it. What is your name?"

"Harry Evans, ma'am. If you excuse me," Harry said and turned to walk out. He felt a little guilty with some of the new people he met today, but he really hadn't wanted to come here.

Her eyes seemed to take on some recognition. A man down the table looked to sallow more than his complexion already was. There was a lot of talking in the hall now. A rather aged man with long white hair and wire rim glasses stood. When he spoke, it rang out over everyone else. "That is far enough. You have been entrusted to our care. May I ask what your real surname is," the man asked.

"Evans," Harry replied, wanting to go.

"That was your mother's maiden name. What is yours," the man pressed.

"Evans, sir," he said respectfully, but not liking this. Everyone was looking between him and the old man.

The man gave him a grandfatherly smile like. "Mr. Potter, I think you can get back in line and wait for your turn."

"My name is Harry Evans, sir. I may be the Scion Potter, but my last name is not Potter," Harry stated.

"It's Harry Potter," someone said nearby.

"Potter."

"It's the Boy-Who-Lived."

"Why is he calling himself Evans?"

The sallow-faced man's eyes became shrewed. The man in a turbin next to him looked on interestingly. Harry didn't have a good feel from the man. It was like the man was dirty or surrounded with darkness. "Please get in line. We can talk about this later," the old man pressed.

Harry frowned before walking back. The woman had a severe look towards him. "Professor McGonagall please continue with the sorting."

"Yes, Headmaster," she replied. "Mr. Finch-Fletchley, please sit."

Harry stood tall, trying to keep a frown off his face. He was Harry Evans.

Daphne leaned in. "Would you really have left?"

"I didn't want to come here to begin with," he confessed. "I like you and the others, but I want to go back to Japan."

Daphne's brow furrowed. Finch-Fletcley went to Hufflepuff. Hermione went after 'Goyle, Gregory'. The hat was on her head for a a few minutes before sending her to Ravenclaw. Next Professor McGonagall called out 'Greengrass, Daphne', he winked at her. "If you don't want to be a Slytherin, then don't," he whispered.

She raised an eyebrow for a moment before walking up. Where Susan and Hannah had been quick sorts and Tracey had taken over a minute, Daphne sat on the stool for a few minutes. Longer than Hermione. A few times she shook her head before the hat yelled out, "RAVENCLAW!"

A huge smile broke her face and she hopped off the chair before restraining herself as she walked towards the Ravenclaw table. Her smile didn't fall as she walked past him. He smiled back at her. Neville came in closer. Once Neville went up, Harry was left standing on his own. He shared Neville's smile when he went to Gryffindor.

"Potter, Harry," McGonagall called out, looking straight at him.

Harry didn't move.

"Mr. Potter, please come up."

Harry looked at the woman. "My name is Harry Evans, ma'am" he said obstinately.

She pursed her lips as the volume of talk in the hall rose again. "Mr. Potter, you need to be sorted by your name," the old man, the Headmaster, informed him.

"My name is Harry Evans, sir. If you will not sort me by that name or do not have me on the rolls by that name, I want to talk with my aunt," Harry replied.

The man obviously didn't like anyone talking back to him or not doing as he decreed. Harry saw it in the way the man's eyes narrowed. "Your parents put your name down as Harry Potter and that is how Hogwarts recognizes you."

"My acceptance letter said Harry Evans. I want to talk with my Aunt Lilith," Harry demanded.

"Headmaster, this is already taking too long. Perhaps Mr. Evans should be sorted after the feast and this can be resolved," the man with greasy hair responded.

"He must be sorted to sit at a table," McGonagall stated.

"Hufflepuff will accept Evans until he can be sorted," a girl said, standing at the table behind him.

Harry turned and flashed a smile at a girl with blue hair. Harry always loved his cousin, though he didn't see her often. She winked at him.

"That is not the way this is done, Head Girl Tonks. Please sit," McGonagall ordered.

"I will agree and allow him to sit at my House table," a dumpy woman spoke up. She had a smile on her face. Other tables were starting to speak up or shout they would take him. The Headmaster looked at him and Harry returned the look petulantly.

After a moment, the Headmaster inclined his head. "Please sort Mr. Evans."

Harry nodded and finally stepped towards the stool to the hall talking loudly. The woman didn't look pleased with him and Harry didn't really care.

The hat dropped onto his head.

So, you are an Evans. Interesting. You still see yourself as a Potter by birth though, the hat spoke into his head.

Harry shrugged. I am a Potter, but I am an Evans. My Aunt Lilith and mum were Evans, so why is it so important to be a Potter?

Why indeed? Many will look to you as Harry Potter. There is a certain expectation to that name.

I am just Harry. Harry Evans. Can you not sort me and say I don't belong here? Harry put to the hat.

The hat chuckled in his mind. I have never been asked that. Unfortunately, I must place you somewhere. That is my job. A job given to me by two of your ancestors many years ago. No, your blood is too diluted to claim any Founder rights or leave because of that.

Harry snapped his fingers. He hadn't even been able to ask the question.

The hat laughed this time. My, my. You have been around. You are as bright as a Ravenclaw, but don't thirst for the knowledge. You have bravery and the spine to back your actions, but I feel that is just who you are. It is not a defining feature in your mind. Loyal. Yes. You are loyal. You like to adventure. You have no qualms about working for what you want. You have adventured far and wide, always searching. Your aunt is a large part of that. You miss your friends you left back in Japan, but you like the ones made here today.

Harry cocked his head. Out of curiosity he asked, You don't think I belong in Slytherin, do you?

Merlin! No. You would tear that house apart. You have ambition, but not the thirst. You would also not put up with the culture that is Slytherin House. No, I could not release you there.

Can you just choose, please? I am hungry. I need to send a letter to my aunt.

The hat chuckled again. Gryffindor or Hufflepuff, that is my question?

I get a choice? Harry asked.

We all get choices. My choice will be, "HUFFLEPUFF!"

Harry nodded and took the hat off. He didn't pay any attention to the staff, many of which looked surprised, instead moving towards Hannah and Susan. The Hufflepuffs were clapping and cheering. Dora moved to be near him. "Mum says hi," Dora remarked as though everything that just happened was nothing.

"Would you really have walked out?" Susan asked.

"Yes," Harry said, not understanding why that was a question.

Dora shook her head. "Aunt Lilith would have gone up one side of the Headmaster and down the other."

"She may still. I need to send a letter before I go to bed tonight," Harry told his cousin.

"You write it and I will get it out. Did you take Hedwig?"

"Yeah. Thanks, Dora. Why didn't you stop by on the train?"

"You looked liked you were having fun. Didn't want to bother you. By the way, Dora Tonks." Dora held her hand out to Susan.

"Susan Bones," Susan replied, shaking Dora's hand.

"Hannah Abbott. Yes, I had fun on the ride here," she provided.

"I did too," Harry agreed.

When the last boy was sorted, the Headmaster stood. "I will not keep you any longer from the marvelous feast that is waiting us. So with these words, I leave you to your meal. Flobber. Meadow. Quidditch."

Harry looked at the man. "Is he mad?" he whispered to Dora.

Dora chuckled. "Mum thinks he is."

Both Susan and Hannah looked at them as though they were barmy for saying something like that.

-oOo-

-oOo-

Chapter 2

September 2, 1991

Harry had found his roommates alright. Zacharias Smith was a little snooty. He was a pureblood, and acting it a little, but he shook hands with Justin Finch-Fletchley and didn't bat an eyelid when Justin told them he was Muggleborn. Wayne Hopkins was as well, and Earnie McMillan was a half-blood. Harry had shooken his head that they all seemed to be worried about that. Zach just said it was rubbish, and that his father worked with Muggles alot. That still didn't get rid of some of his rich airs.

Beyond that, he didn't really get to know his new roommates, leaving the dorm early and easily finding his way back to the Great Hall. He was hungry and wanted to get a lay of the land. After last night, he wasn't really impressed. Though the Hufflepuff dorms were rather neat. He had never lived underground like that before, with windows that overlooked the Black Lake from the side of the rock outcrop the school was built on.

The fact the common room and dorms felt like a hobbit-hole from his favorite book series definitely raised his impression of his House. Though the Headmaster was not Gandalf that much was sure. Maybe Rabagast or Sauruman? Harry snorted to himself. He couldn't picture the Headmaster using a sled pulled by rabbits.

Walking into the hall, he found Hermione and Daphne sitting towards the end of the Ravenclaw table. Not recognizing anyone else from last night, he walked over and sat next to the blond girl. "Good morning, ladies," he greeted them.

Daphne looked at him. "Are you sure you want to be around us after last night? You seemed intent to leave."

Harry shrugged his shoulders and put some porridge in a bowl. "I didn't lie that I wished I was in Japan, but my aunt always says to make the best of where you are. I am here for at least four years and you two were interesting to talk to yesterday. I wish they had more fruit." A bowl appeared before him with some apple and pear slices. "Wicked."

"I didn't know it could that. Are you supposed to sit with us," Hermione pressed.

Daphne instead snorted. "Just interesting?"

Harry gave them both a smirk. "Interesting. I don't often find people my age that interest me. If you want me to leave, I will."

"We didn't say that! I just don't want us getting into trouble," Hermione quickly said, looking desperate for a second for him to stay.

A dumpy looking woman came up to them. Professor Sprout had met them all in the common room last night so he knew she was his Head of House. "Mr. Evans, it is nice to see you here so early. Are any of the other first-years up?"

"Zack and Ernie were taking showers when I came up. I didn't see any of the girls, Professor," he told his Head-of-House.

"Well, they will learn our schedules. Breakfast doesn't break until eight-fifteen and its barely seven. Here is your schedule. Head Girl Tonks should be giving you all a tour and you should be able to attend the second half of your transfiguration class about nine-thirty," Professor Sprout told them. "It's good to see you in Hufflepuff, Evans, and good to see you are making friends in other houses. Girls."

The woman moved off and talked with some students at the Hufflepuff table.

"She likes you," Daphne stated.

"Who doesn't," he joked.

Daphne laughed and Hermione eyed him. "I am not sure you made any good impressions on the Headmaster or Professor McGonagall," Hermione told him.

Harry shrugged again. "My name is Evans. I know my family name is Potter, but my aunt is like my mother. I want to be an Evans."

The very small professor that he had seen last night came up to them. "Good morning girls. I'm Professor Flitwick, your Head-of-House. It's Ms. Granger and Ms. Greengrass, correct?"

"Yes, Professor," Daphne answered.

"Very good. These are the first year schedules. Mr. Evans, it is nice to see you at our table," Professor Flitwick nodded.

As he walked away, they were joined by Tracey and Neville across from them. "Are we allowed to sit at other tables?" Neville asked nervously.

"Professor Sprout didn't say a word against it and Professor Flitwick welcomed Harry to our table," Daphne responded.

"It can't be breaking the rules if the Professors don't stop it," Hermione reasoned, still sounding unsure.

"I don't really care," Harry commented.

Tracey laughed. "How did you not become a Gryffindor. I can't believe I was placed there. Daph, what do you think my parents will say?" Tracey sounded a little fearful.

"Not sure. Wasn't your grandmother a Gryffindor? Besides, you run your mouth and stick up to people too much. You were not going to be a Slytherin," Daphne reassured her friend.

"Yeah, Grammy was. Where are the others? Didn't you bring Susan and Hannah with you?" Tracey put to him.

"They weren't up. I was hungry. If they want me to wait for now on, I will," Harry responded to Tracey.

A blond ponce walked in with a few upper years and gave him a nasty look. Harry ignored the boy as Susan, Hannah and others came in behind them, led by some prefects. The redhead and golden blonde came right for them. "They sent Ernie back in to look for you. You could have told someone you were coming up here," Susan admonished him.

"I was hungry. I just told Tracey if you want me to wait in the future I will," Harry tried to placate her.

Susan huffed before looking at them all. "Are we allowed to sit at other tables?"

"Apparently," Tracey replied with a smile.

"Brilliant," Hannah said cheerfully and sat next to Tracey while Susan sat next to him. It was a pretty chatty group that found Sprout coming back to, then Flitwick, finally McGonagall.

"I am surprised to not see you with your new dormmates," McGonagall commented as she took two parchments from her arms. She handed them out. "Ms. Davis. Mr. Longbottom."

"My dormmates are fine, but I wanted to spend more time with my new friends," Tracey said.

"I am glad to see you and Longbottom reaching out already. Now, Evans, the Headmaster would like to see you at noontime," Professor McGonagall told him.

He nodded. "Thank you, Professor. If you lot excuse me for a few," Harry excused himself and walked towards Professor Sprout, who was still handing out time sheets.

"Evans, what can I do for your," Sprout asked when he caught her attention. "Something you don't understand with your schedule?"

"No, ma'am. The Headmaster has asked for a meeting with me at noon. I was hoping you would be able to join, otherwise I will have to decline his invitation until you can. My aunt told me she would like my Head-of-House at any meetings with the Headmaster," he informed her.

She looked at him and then the Headmaster. The man was watching the interaction. "I will make myself available. Meet me outside his office at that time."

"Can you tell me where his office is, Professor? Professor McGonagall told me to go, but not where it was," he requested.

"Meet me outside the Great Hall and we will walk up together."

"Thank you."

When he sat back down, the Great Hall was pretty full now. They were not the only ones sitting at different tables, but it wasn't a wide spread phenomenon.

"What was that about," Susan asked as they all looked at him.

"I was just asking Professor Sprout to come with me to meet the headmaster," he replied.

Tracey and Daphne nodded, as though that was a practical thing to do. "Why would you not trust the Headmaster," Hermione questioned.

"Aunt Lilith said I should not talk with him alone," Harry responded.

"I don't think its customary for the Headmaster to just have a meeting like that. Auntie said we should talk with our Head-of-House or they would talk with us if there were issues," Susan added.

An upper year came over shortly before breakfast was done. She ushered everyone to their other tables so Prefects could show the first years around. When they were left in their first class with the Slytherins, Harry took out his book and got ready like all the others in House.

Malfoy didn't look pleased but didn't say a work with the ghostly professor at the front of the room. Harry was hoping this might be an interesting class, but he didn't think it was going to be. He had a feeling he was going to be bored in all his classes.

Susan and Hannah shared his table. The other Hufflepuffs sat around them. Harry hadn't really introduced himself to the other three girls and made a mental note to do that later. When Professor Binns started to talk, the man's drone and the notes suddenly appearing on the board were had Harry immediately knowing he was going to hate this class.

By the time it was done, half the people looked like they were falling asleep. "We need to find a spell that copies the notes on the board. Do you think Professor Sprout would give us permission to use a dictaquill?" Harry asked Susan and Hannah.

Hannah yawned. "That was awful. I hope Professor Sprout will let us use a dictaquill."

"That is genius," Susan praised. "Any clue how to get to Transfiguration?"

"This way, I'm pretty sure," Harry said, turning down a corridor when everyone else went straight.

Susan and Hannah looked around. "Are you sure about this?" Susan questioned.

"I know its up in the courtyard, and that way takes you all the way to the bridge. If I am right... see, there, a stairs going down," Harry pointed out.

The girls smiled at him and they were sitting in the class, already getting situated and talking when the first of the others showed up. It was a knot of Slytherin that did not include Malfoy. They looked at the three of them surprised, then silently moved to the other side of the room.

A tabby cat on the desk watched the students file in. He had the sense that it wasn't an ordinary cat.

"Where is Professor McGonagall," Hannah asked as the bell tolled the start of the class.

"I assumed she was the cat on the desk," Harry replied, looking at it. The cat swiveled its head to look right at him.

Susan made an 'O' with her mouth. "Oh, she's an animagus? Auntie never told me that."

All the others in the room were talking and not paying attention until the cat 'mroewled' to get everyone's attention and then it jumped off the table, morphing into the stern looking Professor before her feet touched the floor. Most in the class were caught by surprise.

"I want to be a cat," said Hannah.

"If you make an outstanding in your OWL's, then we can talk your seventh year, Miss Abbott," McGonagall stated. "Mr. Evans, how did you know?"

"Your aura, Professor. Animals and humans have very different auras," Harry replied.

She looked at him skeptically. "So you have the Sight?"

He shook his head. "Monks in Shrangri-La taught my aunt and me for several months."

The woman's brow rose. Someone laughed from across the room. "Ha! You must be cracked in the head. There is no such place," Malfoy shouted out. A few around him laughed.

"That will be enough. I will not allow such behavior in my class. Consider this your only warning, Mr. Malfoy, is it?"

The boy stopped laughing and settled in, a disgruntled look on his face.

"Evans, I would like to talk with you more about this at some point. Now, for the rest of you, this is Transfiguration. It will be one of the hardest branches of magic you will do. As such, I will not put up with disturbances in my room," she stated, looking towards the Slytherins.

It was a half hour lecture on the general magical theorem before they all had match sticks floating to them. As a match landed before him, Harry lazily took out his wand. "Acusfors," Harry said as he swept his wand over the matchtstick, which easily turned into a needle. Susan gasped.

"Now, to make sure you all know the movement and incantum, repeat after me," Professor McGonagall instructed as she did a much more exaggerated motion than Harry had just done himself.

"How did you do that," Susan whispered to him.

"It's basic. The whole point of the routine is to learn how to feel and channel your magic," Harry whispered back.

"Mr. Evans and Ms. Bones, is there a reason you are not paying attention," McGonagall cut over them. Some sniggering came from Malfoy and those around them.

"Yes, ma'am. I was just telling Ms. Bones why we are doing it like this and was going to help her and Ms. Abbott achieve the objective for the day," Harry replied.

The woman looked a little skeptical and upset. "And what, pray tell, is the point of the lesson? I will warn you that you are getting close to loosing points."

"It's a way to teach us how to channel our magic and do a simple transmogrification. My teacher in Japan always said simple exercises like this are for that purpose," Harry replied.

The woman's eyebrow rose up her forehead. "Teachers in Japan? If it is so easy, perhaps you could demonstrate and then help Ms. Bones and Ms. Abbott?"

"Already done," Harry told her.

By now, the whole class was watching the interaction. McGonagall didn't look like she believed him. "That is a nice needle, but I think you need to demonstrate you actually performed the spell."

Harry shrugged. "Motonimodosu," Harry clearly annunciated and the needle turned back into a match. He casually swept his wand over it again. "Acusfors."

The woman's eyebrow rose even higher and many in class whispered or looked at him wide eyed. "Very good, Evans. Five points. What spell did you use to reverse that transmogrification?"

"It was Japanese, Professor. I don't know the English equivalent yet."

Professor McGonagall gave him a puzzled look. "I see. I would like you to stay after class for a few minutes, Evans. Now, if you think you can help Bones and Abbott get it in the next twenty minutes, then I will award you five more points."

"Yes, ma'am," Harry said with a smile.

Both girls were looking at him expectantly, as were all the other Hufflepuff year mates around him. "Well, how did you that so easily," Hannah asked excitedly.

Harry chuckled. "Down girl," he joked and she rolled her eyes.

Susan laughed at her friend. "I think we need to keep him around. Now, how did you do that."

"Well, my aunt and I did a lot of traveling in the far east. Most of the magic there focuses on learning to find our magic inside us and then encourage it to do as you want," he told them. When they both looked at him a little oddly, he went on. "Have you ever tried to cast or done magic before?"

"We are not allowed to before we start Hogwarts," Susan said.

"Yes, mum was very adamant," Hannah said, looking dissapointed.

"Ok, then I want you to close your eyes. I am going to try to do what the monks taught me," he told them. They both shut their eyes. "Now, take some calming breaths. In. One. Two. Three. Out. One. Two. Three." He had them repeat it a few times. "As you breath out, picture their is a fire in you. It starts in your gut - keep breathing," he told them.

The two girls, Kevin and Megan were doing it as well. "Open your eyes and point your wand towards the needle. Keep breathing. All you are going to focus on is feeling your fire come from your belly, up your warm and through your wand. You don't want to cast anything."

It was a few minutes and Hannah frowned. "What am I supposed to be feeling?"

Many around the room were doing as McGonagall said. "Very good, Ms. Bulstrode. Two points for getting the color."

"Is it this tingling feeling down my arm?" Susan asked.

Harry smiled at her. "Most likely. It can vary from person to person. Many will feel it the first time, but it usually take a few months to really get the hang of it and call it without thinking about it. Now, if you can feel it, picture what you want the needle to look like. Close your eyes if you need too."

More around them had stopped to watch. Hannah suddenly exclaimed, "It feels like a warmth in my hand."

"Now cast the spell," Harry told them.

Susan went first. "Acusfors." Harry nodded in satisfaction as her matchstick went from wood to metal and it made a pointed end. "I did it," Susan yelled excitedly.

Hannah had a needle that looked the same. They were both missing the eye hole. Behind them Megan said in surprise, "I can do magic!"

Harry chuckled. She was a muggleborn from what Harry had heard. Her needle was a little cruder, but it had the eyehole.

"Excellent work. I have never had seven students get so far along in the first lesson. Five points, Evans. Each of you get a point each. Evans, please stay behind," McGonagall told him. Susan and Hannah beamed at him as they took their bags and left at the bell. "Thank you, Harry," Megan said as she passed.

Harry came and stood before McGonagall's desk. It is what would have been expected at Mohotokoro. She waited until the rest of the class was out before sitting. "It is obvious you have some training. Where did you get this training? Japan?"

"Many places. My aunt and I have traveled and many countries don't have a minimum age to practice," Harry told her.

"That was not something only learned from hedgewizards and sages. You have had formal education. That was quiet impressive."

Harry shrugged. "I didn't want to leave Mohotokoro, but I had too. I have looked over the syllabus and the books. Everything this year is very basic."

She eyed him for a few. "I have a free period Friday afternoon at three. I would like you to come to my office and to see what you really know."

Harry nodded. "Yes, ma'am. Now, if you will excuse me, I would like to get to the Great Hall. I need to meet Professor Sprout before I see the Headmaster."

"Very well, Evans," she said. He walked away, her eyes on him and pensive.

Susan and Hannah were still outside the classroom. "Are you in trouble?" Hannah worried.

"No. McGonagall wants to test me Friday afternoon to see what I know. I know I can do all the first year course work, but I know it mostly in Japanese or the little bit of Tibetan or Mandarin I have learned," he told them.

"I don't care what language you speak, that was awesome," Susan told him with a huge smile. "Fourteen points in the first class."

Harry laughed with them as they walked down. He broke off to wait by the doors to the Great Hall as the girls went down to Hufflepuff to grab there afternoon stuff. He didn't wait long before Professor Sprout met him. "Have you eaten yet?"

"I was told to meet the Headmaster at noon," Harry replied.

"Go grab something to eat quickly, Evans. I want you back here in twenty minutes."

"Yes, Professor." Harry didn't mind sticking up for himself when needed, but Mahoutokoro had taught him to be respectful, and Professor Sprout had made a good impression so far.

Susan and Hannah had joined him, as had Hermione and Neville, before he had to leave. Tracey and Daphne had gone off somewhere and told Neville they would see them all at diner. Hermione looked a little envious as Susan and Hannah told them all about their Transfiguration lesson until Harry offered to help them as well.

Professor Sprout was waiting for him and led him up to a gargoyle statue on the third floor. "The Headmaster has a love for sweets, both Muggle and Magical," the told him before saying, "Cockroach Clusters."

The gargoyle moved to the side and a rotating, circular stairwell was revealed. Harry followed Professor Sprout. Harry did not particularly want to meet with the Headmaster. Aunt Lillith had warned him to be careful around the man.

When they entered, the Headmaster was sitting behind his desk, his hands in a steeple and his blue eyes looking directly at him. "Thank you, Professor Sprout, for showing Mr. Evans up here. You may go."

"Mr. Evans," she said a affected tone, "has asked me to accompany him as his Head of House, Albus."

The man looked at her. "Mr. Evans," the man said, sounding like he wasn't as please to use the name, "is not in trouble and this is not a school matter."

"Then I request my Aunt Lilith here," Harry immediately stated.

"I don't think that necessary, Mr. Evans. Professor Sprout can stay," Headmaster Dumbledore stated.

"Can I ask what this is about then if this is not a matter of school," Professor Sprout enquired.

"I was a good friend of Mr. Evans parents and just want a conversation to see how you are doing," the Headmaster stated. "Would you like some tea or a lemon drop?"

"No thank you, sir," Harry replied.

"Now, Harry, I take it that you have lived the last nine years with Lily's second cousin? I admit to not knowing much about Lilith Evans, and Lily never mentioned her. What is she like? Have you had a good home life?" Professor Sprout was about to say something and the man went on. "I am only curious because I was listed as one of the curators of Mr. Evans through the WCS."

The woman sat back.

"She's my Aunt Lilith. We travel and explore for animals. Though I like collecting plants and other things on our journeys. Aunt Lilith always encourages me to learn everything I can. She's quick to a joke and a story. She's always been there," he said, not understanding what the Headmaster was getting at.

"I see. You say you go on trips and look for creatures. How often do you do that?"

Harry shrugged. "All the time. We would still be in Japan if I hadn't had to come to Hogwarts."

"You sound like you you didn't want to be there?" the man questioned.

"i don't want to be here. I had to leave my friends and I really liked Mohautokoro. They had more classes and looking at the material for first year here, I can tell I am going to be bored," Harry admitted. His aunt had always encouraged him to speak his mind.

Professor Dumbledore looked concerned.

"You attended Mohautokoro?" Professor Sprout asked curiously.

"Yes, Professor. Nine months, covering all their first year curriculum. I was hoping to ask to take Arithmancy and Runes. They are taught from first year at Mohautokoro," Harry informed them.

Both Professors eyes rose. "That seems a little advanced for one your age," the Headmaster stated.

"Not really. You need three years of both before they will consider you for Muggle or Magical Technologies your fourth year. Or if you want to get into advanced warding your sixth," Harry replied.

"They teach you about Muggle technologies? What about the statute of secrecy?" the man asked surprised.

Harry shrugged. "The witches and wizards all seem to fit in there. Do you have televisions or day-lights here. I am not sure how else to translate that word from Japanese," he said thoughtfully. "I haven't seen any in the castle."

Professor Sprout had her eyebrow raised and the Headmaster looked disturbed. "Japan was not that advanced the last time I was there," he said in a low voice.

"When was the last time you were there, Albus?" Professor Sprout enquired.

The man frowned. "Nineteen-twenty-eight, I think it was."

"That was before World War II. We were taught some of the history and how the magical world integrated more into the muggle world after that. When the muggles bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki with an atom bomb, it caused a huge magical breach and the weapons causes all the wards within twenty miles to fail for a few days," Harry said.

There was a look of disbelief in the Headmaster's face. "Harry, there is nothing that can interfere with magic like that."

"Mister Nagi was very clear about the, uhm, what did he call it, hōshasen, uhm... radiation, I think that is how it translates, caused issues with anything electronic or magical. It took a while for it to dissipate and the wards to regenerate. If things had not been so dire at the time, we were warned the Muggle world would have found out about the magical world," said Harry. "I would supposed it was dire. The entire city was destroyed."

Both Professors were looking at him oddly. "What do you mean the 'entire city'," Professor Sprout asked.

"One bomb. I think Mr. Nagi said more than thirty-five thousand muggles and magicals died that day," Harry commented. "I don't remember how many in Hiroshima. I remember Nagasaki because Kiko said her grandfather's brother died there."

Both looked shaken. "Yes, as that may be, we are in Scotland now and don't have to worry about any war like that," the Headmaster stated.

"Oh, the war ended almost fifty years ago," Harry piped up.

The Headmaster frowned. "Yes, quiet. Now, I would rather know more about where else you have been. I noticed your scar looks healed."

"I would think so," a shaken Sprout said. "That was almost ten years ago he got it."

Harry shrugged. "Aunt Lilith said she found a Healer in Shangri-La that helped to get rid of some infection that was in it. She still seems upset at times that my Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon didn't get it taken care of before she took me."

The Headmaster looked to pale some. "Shangri-La? The forbidden city?"

"Only to those that don't follow their laws and ways. I liked it there," Harry said, thinking of the giant kites they flew around. Harnessing the wind with your magic was very hard.

"Mr. Evans, how many places have you been?" Professor Sprout asked.

"Many," he said, fishing into a pocket that had an expansion charm on it. "I hate these robes," he muttered, wanting his usually cargo pants and travel cloak, before pulling out his passport and handing it to Professor Sprout. "I want to go back to Japan as soon as I can. Someday I think my aunt and I will go to Antarctica, but we just haven't wandered that far south yet. Oh, don't go to Australia in February. The Outback is wicked hot."

She flipped through the passport. "Albus, I would like to get Mr. Evans tested. With him already attending Mohautokoro and with where he has been, he may be beyond first year studies already."

The Headmaster steepled his fingers and looked at Harry. It was a long moment before he said, "I would like Mr. Evans to attend all the classes any first year would. If an evaluation is to occur, I would recommend the end of the year. You know the dangers of pushing first year students too hard."

"Can I have the books and syllabus for second year? I have already looked at what we will probably be doing this year and would like to stay ahead," Harry enquired.

The man's blue eyes stared at him. Harry met them, feeling the slight pressure on his head. He didn't hesitate to hit back. It was training his Aunt had him doing since he could remember. With how many places they went, it was not wise to leave yourself open when other countries had different laws or views on the mind arts.

There was a tick to the man's eyes.

"I didn't think it polite in British Society to use passive legilimancy," Harry asked.

Sprout whipped her head to Albus. "What is he talking about?"

The man sat back, the grandfatherly smile on his face and waving his hand. The man's comments were nonchalant and dismissive. "As you know, I am a master legilimancer, Pomona. Part of my training was to always scan to ascertain the general emotional state of people around me. Mr. Evans felt the surface contact. I will endeavor to be more conscious of you in the future, Mr. Evans."

Harry pursed his lips. Perhaps he had been too open? His Aunt said he had that tendency at times. He didn't think that was a general scan. He had another letter to write his Aunt.

"If you are done, Headmaster, I think Mr. Evans should get back to the Great Hall. The first year Hufflepuffs have Defense Against the Dark Arts next, if I remember correctly."

"Yes, of course. Enjoy your first day, Mr. Evans. We can catch up more at another time," the man dismissed him as though it was his own idea.

Walking out, Harry was positive he didn't like the Headmaster. "Mr. Evans, should you be summoned to Headmaster Dumbledore again, let me know. I would like to accompany you."

"Yes, ma'am," Harry replied, Heading back to the Great Hall.

-oOo-

DADA class...

Mondays were going to be long days. After spending the morning with the Slytherin, Harry was pleased to see Hermione and Daphne already there when he walked in with Susan and Hannah. He sat behind the Ravenclaw pair, with Susan and Hannah across from them.

"How were your first classes?"

"Transfiguration was amazing. Harry help us transfigure the match and we almost got a complete needle. Of course, Harry got it right away and we walked away with almost twenty points for Hufflepuff. Ernie slid in next ot him as Hannah spoke.

Hermione looked a little envious and Daphne thoughtful. "You got a perfect needle?"

"I did tell McGonagall I had done it before. It was only an excercise teaching your how to focus your magic," he replied, only half listening to the conversation.

"You have to show me how you did that," Ernie demanded.

"Later," Harry brushed him off. Ernie looked a little put out and didn't get to say anything else as Professor Quirrell came into the room. "B...b...books out and wands r...r...ready," the man stuttered.

Harry turned his attention to the man, the sickly feeling he had gotten last night was much greater being closer to the man. it was like black tendrils of corrupted magic were wafting off of him. Harry surpressed a shutter. There was something very wrong here and Harry wanted to be away. More importantly, Susan, Hannah, Daphne and Hermione were right next to the man as he came up close to the tables they sat at.

He touched his wand. "Aku ni taisuru byōtō," he whispered, using his raw intention to do something he never had. It was a technique he had picked up from Nagusa's sister, who was in her tenth year of study, having started at the age of eight. His wand tip glowed blue. He didn't see it, but he felt a small bubble form around him and the few tables around him. It was a knee jerk reaction to the presence.

Quirrell stopped, his eyes widening a bit and then his eyes narrowed in on Harry. No one else seemed to notice what happened. They stared each other down for a moment before, Harry feeling a little frightened. The man took a step back and turned to the chalkboard. "Today we will b...b...be going over the rules of this class. As you w...w...w...will be using your wands. One can not d...d...defend without it."

Harry intently watched the man all class. Ernie gave him a odd look that Harry didn't take any notes. They practiced sparks as a way to learn how to feel their magic, though Harry didn't think that was explained well and only Hannah and Susan seemed to get the reason. When it ended, Ernie asked, " Why didn't you take any notes?"

"I've already gone over all that," he said, only being mostly true. There were a few things that were different from Mohoutakora, but not enough to really be worried.

"Harry, are you feeling well?" Daphne asked when they walked out.

"I want you all to stay away from Quirrell as much as you can," warned Harry.

"He is our professor. How are we supposed to do that?" Hermione questioned.

"I don't know, but there is something not right about him. I think this way is quicker to potions," her offered.

Susan and Hannah followed him without comment. Hermione paused, looking at everyone else still going down a hallway, instead the stairs he was at. "Everyone is going the other way."

Daphne took one look and went with the others. "I am sticking with Harry," Daphne told her.

Hermione bit her lip, but followed as well. They made it to the potions class before the others. "How do you do that?" Susan demanded.

He shrugged. "I just feel it. If you feel the magical flows, you can ask the castle to lead you. It's not that hard."

"You sound like some sensai from a martial arts movie," Hermione said. "How do you sense the magic?"

Daphne had a raised brow. "A what from a what?"

Susan and Hannah just shrugged at Daphne's questioning gaze. "Beats me. I've never heard of that."

Harry chuckled. "Where do you think they got the idea from?"

Hermione looked at him shocked. "But the Statute of Secrecary..."

"Muggles know more about us than they realize," Harry replied.

"What are you two talking about?" Daphne asked annoyed this time. The others were starting to catch up.

"A movie. A moving picture that tells a story with sound," Harry told them. "I haven't been to many, but my aunt and I go in and out of the muggle world all the time."

Their three friends still looked confused.

Hermione shook her head. "Maybe you can all come over at Christmas and I will show you."

"I think I will be in Madagascar, but if my aunt and me are back in time, sounds like fun," Harry told them.

Hermione looked a little crestfallen. "Oh, sure."

"As far as I know my aunt and I will be home over Easter. Any that wants will be welcome," Harry added.

Hermione brightened, and they all agreed going over each others houses would be brilliant.

Harry led them into to the potions room before any one else. Ernie and the rest joined them a few minutes later. "How did you get here so fast? Zack and I went to ask you something and you three were gone."

"A short cut," Harry said, not feeling like explaining more.

"I need to learn that one," Ernie told him.

"I'm not sure it will be the same every time."

Daphne and Hermione turned. "What do you mean 'not the same every time'?" Hermione questioned.

"You have noticed that the school changes some?" Harry queried.

"You mean the moving stairwell?" Hermione asked.

"No. Mother and Father said that the hidden passages and others could change at times too," Daphne commented. "That's what you meant by following the magic?"

Harry smirked. "You're quick. Now can you do it?"

They all quieted when the door to the potions room opened. "Inside and find a seat. Quickly," the man Dora had told him was Snape demanded.

Daphne and Hermione sat in the center of the front row, with Hannah and Susan to their left and Harry right behind them, joined by dark-haired boy from Ravenclaw, who Harry found out was Micheal Corner during roll call. Harry nodded to the boy, but no one deigned to make a sound. Ernie looked a little disappointed when he sat behind Hannah and Susan with Zack.

Harry looked up at the oily-haired man with raven coloured hair as he gave some speech that sounded rehearesed and polished over many years. It had the right inflection to indicate how wonderful and dangerous potions could be. Harry didn't particularly care for potions, but he had still got good grades last year.

"Now, Mr. Potter, you don't seem to be paying much attention. Perhaps you can enlighten the class where you can find moondew and why it is important?" the man asked, clear thinking Harry wouldn't know it.

"I believe it is a local plant that is called moondew because in the moonlight it collects dew and then shimmers in the light. Some other countries grow it for base ingredients. The magically infused water, and the flower, when picked correctly in the moon light, is used in potions that try to capture the essence of the night and the longing of the moon, like in sleeping potions or when one wants something like living death that can only be broken by a kiss of someone that truly loves you or..."

"That is enough," the man cut him off, a look between loathing and bewilderment on his face. "Now, who cant tell me the difference between blue nightshade and white nightshade flowers?"

Hermione's hand shot up. She was seconds before anyone else. The man didn't seem to like the enthusiasm of the girl. She called on a different Ravenclaw, who got the answer right. After a few more questions, none of which he called on Hermione for, but he did call on Daphne, Professor Snape nodded reluctantly at the class.

"This class may not be as dunderheaded as most. Now, on the board are the rules of this class. Wands will only be out when required for brewing, which will not be often, and if anyone breaks the rules, you will leave for that day and receive and T. I do not want to see anyone in the hospital wing for stupid errors or actions that could have been avoided," he told them in his drawling tone.

On the first day they didn't get to brew anything. Harry had a good sense though that the man meant to keep them all safe. Well, as much as possible. He had also gone over many techniques that Harry didn't know. Potions could be a class that interested him this year.

"We will see you at dinner," Daphne told them as her and Hermione went off towards Herbology while he went towards Charms with the rest of Hufflepuff.

"He didn't give out any points," Hannah commented.

"I think he is going to be really hard," Susan added.

"I think that is the only class that will challenge me right now. I definitely didn't see half those techniques at Mohoutokora," Harry told them.

Hannah had a smirk. "You mean there is something you don't know?" Susan giggled.

Harry shrugged. "Many things," Harry agreed. "Like did you know that suit of armor is winking at us?"

They both turned to see a flap that covered it's eyes moving up and down. Both girls giggled. "That is so weird," Susan commented. Harry smiled at them, his wand slipping back up his sleeve.

They joined up with the Gryffindors as they made it to the third floor and charms. Tracey hopped over to them. "Hello. How is your afternoon?"

"Probably as good as yours," Susan replied.

Neville fell in besides him as the three girls started to talk about the last two classes. "How many points did you loose to Snape," Neville asked.

"None, why?" Harry replied.

Neville looked down. "He took twenty points from us."

Harry frowned. "Why?"

"I don't know. He called on me to give an answer I didn't know and I lost five points for not reading ahead."

"That isn't fair, Neville. You should tell McGonagall," Hannah told him.

"My cousin told me Snape always does that," Tracey told them.

"Quiet down, please," the voice of Flitwic came to them. "Today we are going over the basic rules of the class and then work on one of the most simplistic spells that I have confidence most of you will be able to cast by the end of today, and certainty by end of class Wednesday."

It was another boring class and the same spell they had been shown in Defence. Harry entertained himself by teaching Tracey and Neville how to feel their magic. What his friends had achieved today was just the start. Harry was still just a babe at understanding how to harness and focus his power. It was part of why he was so upset he was torn from Mahoutokoro. Nothing he had learned about this school had interested. Except for his new friends, and the disturbing amount of dark magic here, he was going to be bored over the next four years.

Who he wanted right now was Etsuko-chan. Her fun nature always made this repetitive work go faster.

-oOo-

A/N: School day schedule: The school day in this AU will have six (6) periods. Breakfast will start at seven, first class at 8:30. Each class session is fifty minutes long, with three in the morning and three in the afternoon. Lunch will be between 11:30 am and 1:00 pm, with classes ending at about 4:00 and dinner from 6:00-7:00. Curfew for fourth years and below is 9:00, and 10:00 for fifth years and above.

-oOo-

-oOo-

oOo-

October 3, 1991

Hogwarts, Scotland

"Potter!"

"Will he just leave us alone," Susan huffed.

Harry pushed Hannah and Susan before him. They were on their way from the upper dungeons to the Great Hall for lunch.

"POTTER! Don't walk away from me," the angry voice of Draco came.

He had promised Madam Sprout he would not cause trouble again.

"Harry, just ignore him," Hannah encouraged him.

"POTTER! Either turn and face me like a man or I will curse," Malfoy said, sounding like he was slightly winded from moving fast for a bit.

"You two keep going," he told Hannah and Susan.

"We aren't leaving you," Susan said in a way that left no arguement.

Harry sighed and turned. Draco already had his wand in his hand. "My name is Evans! You are no man and have no honour? It wasn't bad enough you were charging a girl that was having issues, you would now curse someone in the back?"

He heard one of the girls behind him groan.

Draco bristled as he walked up to him. His group of four morons with him. "Don't talk to be about honour, you son of a mudblood..."

Harry's wand snapped out and he had it pointed right towards Malfoy's head. "I will give you one chance to appologize to Ms. Abbott and me. If you don't, any slight you make towards me or my friends I will consider a slight," he said in a dangerous voice. He knew he wasn't supposed to be doing this, but Malfoy had just gone a step too far.

Draco's anger flared on his face. "You dare threaten a pureblood scion?"

"I am the scion of my house also, Scion Malfoy. I have not provoked you or done anything without you acting first. I am the aggrieved party. Do you care to add to my grievances?"

"Draco, maybe this isn't the time," Pansy Parkinson said from behind him. He could see right away that was the wrong thing to do. The boys cheek twitched before he said, "Wizard's Duel. I'll show you honour."

Harry nodded. "Agreed. Heiress Bones, Ms. Abbot, will you serve as witnesses?"

"Harry, are you sure?" Susan asked.

Draco's angers subsided a bit and a smirk spread his face. "Yeah, Evans. Are you sure?"

"I am. Let's go find Professor Sprout," he declared.

The smug look suddenly dissapeared. "What do you mean Professor Sprout? You are chicken! Pulling out of this!"

"Anata no kazoku ya yūjin no meiyo wa watashi ga keishi suru monode wa arimasen. Watashi wa meiyo no kenri o kōshi shimasu," he stated in Japanese.

"What the bloody hell are you saying, you freak," Draco snapped.

Harry's eyes narrowed. "I invoke the rights of honour. We are going to find our Heads of House and they will lead us to the dueling area."

Draco paled a little. As angry as the boy had been, it was obvious Draco hadn't expected Harry to know the rules of honour between Houses or for him to use the systems he had been taught in Japan and the Far East. Honour was something very important there.

"Draco, you can't back down. Not after how he insulted you the other day," the tall, light brown hair boy said. Theodore Nott. That was his name.

Draco snorted "So, he needs a teacher to make sure he doesn't lose. How pathetic."

Harry wasn't climbing to the bait. These affairs were done in a certain way. The boy had called him out infront of others and was not accusing him of trying to back out. "The rules of the school say that a formal duel may only be performed when a real greivance is shown, under review of judges and in the dueling ring or runs. I will not impinge my honour, or my friends, by not following the rules. If you do not want to follow them, then I call you the coward."

Draco's anger raged to the surface. "Fine. I will tell my head of house. Midnight. Tonight. Trophy room."

Harry shook his head. "I am the challenged. I decide time. Let us go see when the earliest time our Professors will approve."

With that, he turned and started to march towards the great hall. Susan and Hannah had to jog to keep up with how fast he was moving. He didn't listen to them. In the month they had been here, the boy had been a thorn in his side. He marched into the hall and towards the Head Table. Professor Sprout was there and eating. He stopped just before her and waited for her to recognize him.

"Mr. Evans, you look bothered," Professor Sprout said.

"Scion Draco Malfoy has challenged me to a duel. I have invoked the rules for official duels and request for the ealiest time the Hogwarts dueling ring will be available. I do not seek anything besides a disarm or unable to go on. Wands and hands are acceptable. Nothing that will cause permanant damage," he said to her.

She looked at him a little dumbfounded for a second. Professor McGonagall was sitting next to her. "You can't duel. Hogwarts does not allow this."

"I respectfully disagree, Professor McGonagall. Per the student hand book, formal duels can be had and per House laws, when one Scion or Heiress challenges another, the duel can not be ignored unless the House calling the duel decideds to pay a boon," he told her. Aunt Lilith made sure he knew these rules. It had been essential when he went to Mouhatokoura.

Professor McGonagall's lips pursed. His head-of-house spoke first. "Very well, Scion Potter. I will enquire with the Headmaster and we can decide if your request is acceptable or not."

"Thank you, ma'am. I will not have my honour or my friends' honour questioned."

"This is not the high society days of the seventeen hundreds. Honour duels just aren't done anymore," McGongall said.

"My honour has been questions. Scion Malfoy has threatened and tried to harm my friends. Even today he threatened to curse me in the back if I did not talk to him..." he didn't say anything else when a man bellowed over the crowd. "POTTER!"

Harry didn't turn, instead still regarded his Professor.

-oOo-

October 14, 1991

Hogwarts, Scotland

Harry had finally convinced Daphne and Hermione to not sit in the front row of Quirrell's class. The man was eyeing more shrewdly each week, but it didn't seem like any of his friends were picking up on it. Susan and Hannah were concerned by the way Harry's mood dropped everytime the man was near.

"N...n...now, this is a minor hex. Realy on...on...only usef...f...fff...ful for restraining someone for a short bit. The p...p...proper pronunciation is 'petrificus totales'. Now, everyone repeat," the Professor stammered.

The dark wisps were particularly strong today. Harry didn't like it, but he didn't have a choice. He was not going to skive class and leave his friends in here alone.

When they lined up, Daphne decided to be his partner today. "So, I assume you already know this one too? That is what you hit Draco with, correct?"

Harry gave her a smirk. "Something similar. This one causes you to become a statue. The one I learned before freezes you in place."

Hermione was next to him, standing opposite Lisa Turpin, while Hannah and Susan were on the other side. Quirrell went around summoning mattresses behind each of them. Harry shivered when the man came near. The man's presence was really bad today.

Daphne caught his involuntary body movement. She followed Quirrell for a moment. "Will you teach us the Japanese version?"

"How about at our study sessions tonight?"

"I would love to know that," Hermione said next to him.

"B...b...begin," Professor Quirrel said from down the line. Harry just stood there as Daphne cast the spell. Her wand movement was a little sloppy, but her pronunciation was spot on. Without both of them being perfect, her magic didn't quiet respond.

Hermione got both right and a week spell hit Lisa. Her legs snapped together, but that was it. She still fell backwards with a slight squeak.

"Remember, breath, feel your magic rise, and then cast," Harry told her, exacurating his efforts and then calling out, "Petrificus totales!"

The white spell shot out true and powerful. A few second later her was canceling the spell and Daphne was getting up. "How do you do that so easily?" she put to him a little coolly. She took in a quick breath and clearly said, "Petrificus totales!"

The spell that came out had a decent power to it. He had to supress the urge to dodge. They were supposed to be practicing. When he got up, Hermione was helping Lisa up. Hannah and Susan were in a fit of giggles about something, but they had each been able to cast the spell. So far, it was only the five of them that had cast it, but others were starting to get it.

"Better," Harry said with a smile. Daphne and Hermione returned it. Susan tried to cast and it went wide.

"What are you two giggling at?" Hermione hissed at them. He was coming to learn she always tried to follow the rules and didn't like to go against authority.

"Hannah was wondering if you petrify Quirrell if his turbin would roll away," Susan said before she was hit with a petrifying spell from Hannah. Harry chuckled a little, but found himself worried about what might be under the tubin. That was were the darkest wisps where.

Daphne cracked a smirk quickly. "He's probably bald."

Hannah started to giggle again. Harry motioned behind Daphne before shooting a petrificus spell at Dpahne. She fell back about the time Quirrell came up behind her. "V...v...very good, Ev...vans. Each of you take one p...p...point."

Harry just stared at the man. After a few seconds, he walked away. When Harry undid his spell on Daphne, she got up. "You know, I don't want to know what's under his turbin, she said just loud enough for them to hear when the Professor got to the other end of the line. Hannah and Susan weren't giggling anymore.

"I don't either," Susan said.

Hermione got up, Lisa finally getting the spell for the first time. "Thanks, Harry. That really helped," Lisa said. She looked like she was trying not to listen to the conversation between the friends.

That night at dinner, they all sat at the Gryffindor table. Tracey was telling them how Dean missed Seamus and got a cage on the side with a few pixies in it while in DADA. They all got a laugh at how excitable the girl was, and hte fact the pixie got hold of some chalk and started to write some pretty lewd things on the walls before Professor Quirrell had stunned them and put them back into the cage.

About ten minutes into dinner, Professor Sprout stopped by. "This came for you today. Thought you might like it."

Harry took the letter, seeing his aunts scrawl on it. "Thank you, Professor."

She walked away and he ripped it open. "What does it say," Neville asked. They all knew he had been anxious to hear from her.

-o-

Dear Harry,

I know I said I would be home, but I have had to skirt around Europe the past month, not really staying in one spot for more than a day or two. Need some more research to complete my papers. In that time, Hedwig has not been able to find me. I am worried about that.

If you need to get hold of me, send a letter through the guild, and I will stay in Zurick for a week so that Hedwig can find me.

If it is an emergency, then floo directly to the guild or to Andromeda or Ted. They will be able to help. I will be back by the end of the month otherwise.

Love,

Aunt Lilith

-o-

Harry frowned at the letter. It was very unusual for Hedwig to get lost. She had been gone for over a month now. Fear she was hurt, or worse, went through him.

"Well?" Tracey put to him.

"Aunt Lilith hasn't seen Hedwig either. She's never gotten lost before," Harry told them.

Susan put a hand on his arm. "I'm sure she is alright."

He nodded. Harry looked up towards Quirrell. "I think I need to send you another letter. Daphne, would your parents mind if I use your own next time it is here to send a letter to the Guild?"

"I'm sure they won't," she replied.

"Why not use a school owl?" Hermione questioned.

"I already have. Maybe if I give you the letter to send out..."

Hermione and a few others looked the way Harry was. "You aren't thinking Quirrell, are you?" Tracey asked in a low tone.

"He does act a little odd around Harry," Hannah spoke up.

"You noticed that too?"

Hannah gave him an unimpressed look. "Do you think we don't see what ever you do when we sit in his class?"

"What does Harry do?" Hermione asked.

Harry shrugged. "Wasn't trying to hide it."

"What does he do?"

"He casts some ward that keeps Quirrell away from our desks when we are sitting," Hannah said as though it was obvious. Besides Susan, they all looked surprised.

"I don't like the way he feels. There is something wrong about him and only Professor Sprout seems to listen when I brought it up," Harry told them.

Daphne frowned. "I have noticed it too."

They were all looking at Professor Quirrell now. The man glanced at them, looking surprised to see a group of first-years just looking at him. They were interrupted by Professor McGonagall. "Potter. I want you to come by my office Friday afternoon about three."

"Yes, Professor McGonagall."

She looked at them. "What are you all looking at?" she asked following their eyes.

"Professor? Has Professor Quirrell always been the defence teacher," Harry asked.

She seemed a little surprised at the question. "No. He was Professor Kettleburn's assistant and received his Mastery in Creature Studies before he went on a two year sabbatical. When he came back, he applied for the Defence position."

Harry nodded.

"What was his specialty?" Hermione asked.

"Trolls and dragons, I believe. Why do you ask, Granger?"

"He seems a little skittish to specialize in those creatures," Tracey commented.

Professor McGonagall pursed her lips. "Perhaps. He wasn't always like this. Now, don't you all worry. I can assure you that Professor Quirrell is competent for the position," McGongall told them.

Harry wasn't concerned with the professor not being competent. Through the man's stuttering and apparent fear, the man was competent. Maybe that was what was worrying him so much?

"Now, don't you all worry. Dinner will be over soon, so finish eating and get to where you need to be after," she told them, before moving down the table to talk with a few fifth years.

"What are you thinking, Harry," Daphne asked, and they all looked to him.

"Something is just off," he told his friends.

"Right. We are not going to the library tonight," Susan declared.

"I want to work on our charms and transfiguration reports," Hermione complained.

"I still need to finish my herbology revision," Tracey put to them.

"What about the charms work Harry was going to help us with," Daphne added.

"We are are having a fun night. He worked most of the day yesterday and I know you finished the herbology paper Saturday," Susan put to Tracey.

"What are we doing," Hannah asked excitedly.

"Exploring," Harry put to them.

Most of them got grins on their faces. The last time they went exploring they had found a few hidden passages.

Hermione tried to complain some more before Daphne pulled her along after the others.

-oOo-

October 31, 1991

Hogwarts, Scotland

The wizarding world was a mix of the modern, the tradition and the ancient. Halloween, or Samhain, was one of those nights. The school was gathered on the practice grounds. Several hundred students and Professors waiting to start to festivities. Tables of food and drink were placed by the North Tower. People picked at the tables and mingled about as the giant Gameskeeper placed the last of the giant logs on the pyre that had been set for the night. It was only past seven and the sun had set a while ago.

Everyone seemed to quiver with the excitement on the air.

"Dora has told me the stories they tell are wicked," Harry said, the excitement of the night on his voice.

"My brother says the same," Hannah enthused.

"Do they really tell of the founding of Hogwarts," Hermione asked, a small smile on her face.

"That is one of them," Tracey agreed.

The voice of Professor Dumbledore came over the milling crowd. "Everyone settle down for a moment. Settle down." He waited for a silence to fall over the crowd. "Now that I have all your attention, let me say it is always a fun night to celebrate a tradition as old as magic is on the Brittish isle."

Many of the the older students cheered, and Harry and his friends followed suit. Dora was next to them and smiled at them.

"Yes. Very exciting. Now, first the tradition. The original magical wielders celebrated this night as the end of the harvest and the end of the year. It is the day when magic of the precious year dies and the new year of magic is born. As such, the dead are allowed to roam and honour all those that came before us," Dumbledore informed them. As he did, all the ghosts of the castle came out. "We also celebrate all those that will come."

"The burning of the offerings," he said, his hands sweeping the pyre, "is a time honoured tradition. For any that wish to do so, they may offer something to the dead and those not yet born to seek a small blessing."

There was a murmuring around the crowd. Harry had some wheat. To feed the dead was to honour their hunger in death. Everyone around them had something, even the Muggleborn. For much of the last week this had been talked about.

"If we all have our offerings ready, please cast it into the fire." With that, Dumbledore cast his wand and the pyre burst into flames. There was a gasped in his group and then cheering took up into the night. Everyone started to throw their offerings and the festivities started.

"This is so different," Hermione said.

Neville had his eyes closed, then tossed a knot of some blue grass into the pyre. "How do you mean?"

"My parents always had me dress in a costume and we went out to Trick-or-Treat," she told them.

"What?" Susan asked.

"Muggles celebrate Halloween much differently," Harry told them.

"We really should have Muggle Studies from first year," Daphne told them. "I have only been to celebrations like this."

"I agree. What is trick-or-treat," Tracey asked.

They were about to tell them when a large shape erupted from the fire and many of the older years cheered. Harry looked up with a huge smile on his face. A firery welch-green had just come out and roosted on the flames. "Our motto is Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus," Professor McGonagall said over the crowd and it mostly quieted.

"Don't Tickle a sleeping dragon," she said, and a round of snickering and giggles went through the gathered crowd, "is a rather apt saying for Hogwarts. We are all hear as teachers, students, friends, classmates and more. One of the traditions of our school is that when needed, everyone here will band together and become the sleeping dragon. This is a tradition started by the four founders."

As she talked, her wand was moving and visages of the four founders came up at the compass points. "The reason that the founders also used this Motto was the nest of Ceamoden, the great welsh-green that once called this place home."

Harry watched in wonder. Since he had had been here, he hadn't seen anything this impressive since the Great Hall ceiling. Everyone else watched in silence as well.

"The legend of how Hogwarts came to be goes back to about 980 AD. It was rumored that two dragons were fighting, and a small village," she motioned in the direction of Hogsmeade, "was caught in the middle. Word was sent to subdue the creatures and many came. Many died trying. Knights. Champions. Magical. Muggle. Once it was said an army of one-hundred and fifty tried to kill the feuding dragons."

"Into this fray came four great witches and wizards. Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin. By the time they arrived, Ceamoden had finally become victorious."

She flicked her wand and the fire-dragon spit out a huge stream of fire into the air. Hermione screamed and grabbed his arm. Susan and Hannah started, but smiled after a moment. Neville put an arm around Tracey for a second. Daphne cheered with some others.

"Godric Gryffindor challenge Ceamoden with his sword and wand and was bested. Helga Hufflepuff helped to heal him. Rowena Ravenclaw and Salazar Slytherin looked for a clever solution. They tried to slip sleeping potions into some sheep. Instead, Ceamoden smelt the rouse and burnt the sheep to a crisped before eating them."

"For three weeks it went this way. Godric would challenge the dragon. The Rowena and Salazar would try to outwit the beast. None of them getting the upper hand, until one day, Helga came to them all," she said.

"The traidition of the four Houses would be found in this fateful meeting. Helga Hufflepuff would propose an alliance between the four of them. This alliance would look to use the strengths of them all, for she saw that this would be the only way to achieve their goal. Thus, Hufflepuff praise friendship, hard work and working together, for it took all three of these prized traits to bring them together."

"It could not be doubted that Godric Gryffindor was brave, chivalrous and willing to lend a helping hand, but brute strength is not everything. He needed the support of Helga to heal him and encourage him when he thought he was beat. Next, we would find he needed the creativety, knowledge and wit of Rowena Ravenclaw."

"It was Rowena that learned how to enchant goblin sliver after many years of dedication and research. She was able to imbue in his weapon and armor a magical strength that could now challenge Ceamoden."

-oOo-

Kon'nichiwa, hiri to. Yoi furaito o? = Hello, Hirito. Have a good flight?

Hiri to, mizūminohotori de negura o shitara, kesa osoku ni sakana o motte kimasu. Watashi ga anata o okurikaesu mae ni, anata wa sū-kakan yasumubekidesu. = Hirito, if you roost by the lake, I will bring some fish to you later this morning. You should rest for a few days before I send you back.

Orokana baka= stupid idiot

Sutoppumōshon= stop motion

Fuyō suru = levitate

Anata no kazoku ya yūjin no meiyo wa watashi ga keishi suru monode wa arimasen. = Honour of thy family and friends are not something i take lightly.

Watashi wa meiyo no kenri o kōshi shimasu. = I