A/N: Well here we are Chapter 9! and as promised all Harry pairings are coming down off of the poll. the reason is because Harry is finally entering th Academy this chapter and i have to star planning for how to introduce him to Luna. who, by the way, one with a three vote lead over Daphne. it was real close there for a while but Luna still won. all other Pairings are up and as i said i am doing at least one gay pairing. so enjoy the story!

ONWITHTHEFIC!

Chapter 9

August 1st 1991 (continued)

Harry was sitting on his bed staring blankly at the chess board between he and Tom. Wizard's Chess was one of the few games that Tom was actually able to play since it didn't actually need a physical form to play. Of course it was still a waste of time to play against Tom. Not because he was a bad chess play, just the opposite in fact. The only person who had ever managed to beat him was Katelyn, and only once because Tom refused to play her again after that. Carl had never managed to actually 'win', though it had ended in a draw a couple times. First time Harry had ever seen a draw in chess, but it was true. Now though, he was attempting to use the game as a distraction. He couldn't explain why, but ever since he had found his Fathers yearbook, he had been worrying over those Drama club pictures. More specifically, the ones of Carl with the man he had never met. He didn't know why it bothered him. Really he didn't, maybe he was just being selfish?. That was probably it. He had spent his whole life thinking he knew his father inside and out, and yet he had somehow managed to through a proverbial fast ball right past him. Now he was trying to cope with the knowledge that he 'didn't' know everything about his Father.

Tom, who was hovering just above the covers across from Harry on the bed, was well aware of the dilemma going on in Harry's mind. Course, he didn't actually know what it was over, but he knew it was there. Ordinarily, he could distract Harry from depressing or just generally upsetting things by playing this game. He would play through about Half the game letting Harry Start to win, but would come back at the last second and claim victory. It was like a little ritual they had come up with to help Harry feel better when something was bothering him. The trouble was, it wasn't working. Harry had taken four of his Pawns, one of his Knights, both his Bishops and a Rook. He was going to have to start Really playing again soon to win, but Harry still hadn't shaken off his funk. So, it was with a heavy sigh that Tom consigned him self to the one thing he dreaded doing. 'Talking to Harry about his Problems'. Only Harry could make him feel like he was a kid again, it was so...strange.

"Alright, whats wrong?" Tom Decided to broach when Harry didn't take his move.

"Can't decide what I want to move." Harry answered.

"I meant in general. Not the game." he Countered earning a surprised blink from Harry.

"Nothings wrong, I'm fine."

Tom rolled his eyes. "You are such a Huffelpuff. You can't lie worth crap."

"Really it's nothing."

"Again, you can't lie to me." Tom said leveling his gaze at the boy. "now tell me whats wrong or I'm gonna start phasing through you again, and I know that bothers you."

Harry shivered at the thought of that. Tom couldn't touch anything cuss he didn't have a body, but when he passed through another human body, Forget it. It wasn't a pleasant experience, it was comparable to being in a hot tub for an hour. And then being thrown into a snow bank stark naked. Except you weren't actually cold. It was weird to say the least.

"OK fine, so I am worrying!" Harry admitted throwing his hands in the air. "But it's stupid, and you know when I think something I do is stupid, it's really stupid."

"Usually, yeah. But you're human Harry. You make mistakes, and do stupid things. Look at Carl, just last week he accidentally put powdered beezore into his morning coffee because he thought it was a good idea to keep it in the kitchen. Stupid things happen, so what is it that's so stupid it might cost me this game?" Tom lectured earning himself a giggle from Harry who had been in the kitchen for the aforementioned incident.

"It really is stupid. It's just those pictures I found in Dad's yearbook." Harry explained relaxing a bit into his headboard.

"Which ones," Tom Countered with a slightly amused snort. Honestly, was there a club Carl hadn't been in?

"The Drama Club ones..."

"Ah..." Tom replied seeing the bigger picture and sighed. "For the love of Circe and Morgana, why do children always feel betrayed when they discover they don't know everything about their parent's?"

Harry's reaction was only to blush. He knew that Tom was right, and he wasn't being sensible. It certainly didn't help that he knew that, but he was still unable to shake that feeling. Which only made him more frustrated about the whole thing.

"This is why I said it was stupid."

"Harry, if it's really bothering you, why don't you ask Carl about it?"

"One, as you will agree, it's stupid. Two, it's none of my business, and I know that. Three, I'm not really sure I want to know in the first place." Harry countered. Listing off his reasons easily.

"Then just put it out of you're mind. Chances are, there probably isn't anything to the pictures any way. Even if there were, Carl is with Katelyn now, so it has no barring on the present." Tom assured his young friend.

Downstairs, Katelyn was enjoying her tea with Perenell in the living room. Perenell Flemell was a lovely woman, who was also very knowledgeable. Not really surprising considering her real age. As it turned out the Ancient witch was actually a fully trained pioneer in the medical field. In fact, she had been the one responsible for many of the healing spells that were now in standard use in all magical Hospitals. Even knowing this tidbit of information, however, Katelyn was not prepared for the Woman's Intuitiveness.

"Are you alright dear? You seem a bit distracted."

"Is it that obvious?" Katelyn asked with a sheepish grin.

"Only to the trained eye." Perenell responded kindly. "Now, what's troubling you?"

in response Katelyn leaned back and placed her hand over her abdomen. She was trying to gain her thoughts on how to say it. The move did not go unnoticed by the older of the two.

"I believe congratulations are in order then my dear, though I am surprised nothing was said at dinner." she said earning a surprised glance from Katelyn until she noticed her arm.

"I didn't know until only just before you arrived..." Katelyn explained quietly.

"Ah, I see. So the boys are unaware are they?"

Katelyn nodded. This was eating her up. Her and Carl had never planned for children. With Harry in the picture, the thought never really crossed their minds. She had to be, at the very least, five weeks pregnant. She was going to start showing soon, and she needed to see a doctor for a checkup. But she didn't know how this would affect things. Harry was starting school, Carl was coming out as the Arch Mage. That left her to run the bookstore. She was happy, mind you, ecstatic even, but the Timing certainly could have been better. She also didn't know how Harry would react to a new baby in the house. Harry had always been the only child in the picture. She didn't want him, getting jealous over something like this. Luckily for Katelyn, Perenell was well-trained in dealing in these situations. Having lived for over six hundred years, who wouldn't be?

"My dear, I think you are worrying over nothing. Not to inflate my Husbands ego, but he is an impeccable judge of character. He would not be so friendly with dear Carl if he was the type to react negatively to this sort of news." She said taking a sip of her tea.

"It's not Carl I'm actually worried about." Katelyn sighed.

"Surely, you don't think young Harry would be upset over this, do you?"

"I just think the timing is bad. Harry's starting school. Carl is beginning to dabble in more politics now...not to mention Harry's always been the only child, I love him like my own. But when you're a kid..."

"You don't always see things in the same way, I understand." Perenell said placing her now empty tea-cup on the coffee table.

"But you will have to tell them soon. And it's better to tell Harry before he goes to school, you will find that children will take information better if it is told directly to them, instead of through the post." she continued watching as Katelyn was slowly succumbing to her advice.

"Besides," she went on with a kindly smile. "with Harry at school it will give you and Carl a chance to get more acclimated to the baby in the house before Harry comes home."

"Oh, He'll be here on the weekends, no doubt about that. We signed his permission slip to return home on the weekends provided either Carl or I can report him here." Katelyn explained in an attempt to distract the elder witch. it seemed to work.

"Oh? How unusual."

"Not really," Katelyn continued. "Carl has marked the house as a 'student safe zone'. That means if something happens while a student is out in town on a weekend, they can come here to seek help. I believe there are nine safe zones in all. Our book shop is one as well." Katelyn concluded.

"My, and do incidents warranting such measures happen often?"

"Not normally," Katelyn answered with a shrug. "for the most part it's just kids being kids. Most just get stuck out after curfew, and it's preferable for them to stay at a safe zone then to attempt to walk around town at night. The worst situation I, personally, have ever seen, was a breakup gone bad where one of the older students had to break up the fight before wands were drawn. Though Carl handled one far worse, where a girl was jumped by a muggle. One of the few times I have ever seen Carl angry enough to do bodily harm to someone." she finished with a shiver.

"He doesn't strike me as the violent type-"

"Oh, he's not. He's just very protective of children. He used to be a social worker you know."

"Oh, he does sound like quite the catch. I am happy for you my dear. Sadly, I do believe I hear our men returning. Which means our conversation must draw to a close." Perenell said as she stood with all the elegance and grace one would expect of royalty. Yet she was so humble it was impossible to confuse it with arrogance.

Just as Katelyn followed her example, Carl stepped into the room with Nicholas not far behind. Both looked rather pleased with them selves. Obviously whatever they had been discussing had proven beneficial in some way or another. So Katelyn would be sure to ask about it later. Perenell walked right up to Nicholas with the barest hint of a smile in place.

"Everything alright dear?" she asked her husband who only smiled.

Nicholas reached down and took one of his wife's hands and proceeded to kiss her knuckles gently, and assure her everything was fine. That he and Carl had made a few plans that were nothing short of genius. Perenell and Nicholas were then led outside where they would use their Port-key to return home. Once they had left Carl turned to Katelyn with a smile.

"So, what did you think?"

"Perenell was certainly...insightful." she responded with a somewhat nervous chuckle that she knew he had noticed.

With a sigh she led him back into the house to sit on the couch. There was no way she was going to weasel her way out of it now.

"Carl," she began. "you know how I've been a little...out of sorts the last couple weeks?"

"Yes..."

"Well, I called Monica, you know little Jessica's older sister, the one studying to be a nurse. Anyway, she said I should probably get a test-"

"Test? What's the matter? Are you sick? Do I need to call Paul?" Carl cur her off jumping to conclusions. She loved the man but he was such a worry-wart sometimes.

"Carl calm down! I'm not sick. I'm...well...I'm pregnant."

This was greeted by stunned silence. Carl had been prepared for a lot this evening. But hearing that Katelyn was pregnant was not something he had planned for.

"D-did you just say...that your pregnant?"

"Um, yes..."

it only took a moment for a huge grin to spread over Carl's face. He stood from the couch taking Katelyn with him before picking her up and spinning her around the room while laughing with joy. Unfortunately this resulted in knocking the couch over and breaking the tea cups still resting on the table. That in turn alerted Harry and Tom, who were upstairs when it happened. When the boys came down in a rush to see what was going on, they were greeted by the sight of Carl holding Katelyn close while kissing her lovingly. Naturally with Harry only being eleven, he had to make a comment.

"Oh, ewww! Don't you guy's have a bed room to do that stuff in?" he asked sticking his tongue out in distaste.

Carl chuckled as he half turned towards them, never letting go of Katelyn. "Boys, Katelyn just gave me the best news!"

Harry was a bit wary of his father. Carl was a good guy but he tended to get overly clumsy when he got to happy. Katelyn had told him the first time he had called him 'Daddy' he had accidentally dropped him. So now he was a bit cautious. Tom on the other hand had no such fears, what with not having a body and all.

"OK...so what is it?" the wraith asked with a raised eyebrow.

Carl's smile seemed to grow even larger, if that was even possible. "We're having a baby! Harry's gonna be a big Brother!"

Tom processed the information immediately and offered up his congratulations. Harry, on the other hand, took a few seconds to figure out what had just been said. During which time Katelyn was on the verge of pulling out her hair in worry. This was the exact reason why she was worried about saying something to him. Lucky for her, her fears proved unfounded as a second later she had her arms full of an excited little boy who was laughing like no tomorrow. That night was spent discussing possible names and how to decorate the nursery.

*0*~TIME-SKIP~*0*

September 1st 1991 6:35am

Harry stood outside his house rubbing his arms vigorously in his official Academy uniform to try and beat out the chill. Carl was standing next to him with a happy smile. Today was the day that Harry would be going to the Academy. Although he had visited the Academy with Carl in the past, this would be the first time he would be taking the official way in. the Night Carriage. Unlike with Hogwarts, which had the Hogwarts Express train. The Academy utilized a horse-drawn carriage that had been enchanted. Only magical beings would be able to see it, and it could hold hundreds of passengers easily. Harry had questioned his father on what type of Horse could handle taking the carriage around the Country and back to the school before five in the evening, when the welcoming feast was scheduled to occur. Carl had only laughed and said that they changed from year to year. His first year, apparently, had seen Pegasus pulling it along. Then his last year it had been Thestrals, Harry was dead curious to see what could be pulling it this time.

"Nervous Harry?" Carl asked casting a mild warming charm on him to help keep out the chill.

Harry shook his head in response. "No, just excited. I can't believe I actually get to start learning magic."

"Hey I've taught you some things." Carl said with a pout that was clearly meant to be funny.

"No offense Dad, but a quick notes quill enchantment and bunch of magical theory, don't really count..."

Carl sniffed at his adoptive son. "You'll be thanking me for that quick notes quill enchantment before to long. Just you wait."

just then the sound of hooves clamping on the pavement could be heard coming from down the street. Harry and Carl both watched as the Night Carriage came into view. The steeds pulling it stunned even Carl into silence. They were Unicorns, but not just any unicorns, these were the rarest breed ever discovered, 'Black' Unicorns. Black unicorns had the ability to hide in plain sight, but their fur and horns were more attractive then that of a normal Unicorns. As such, they were hunted down to the brink of excitation despite their ability. Carl had to wonder how Arthur had managed to get these particular creatures to draw the Carriage. Once it stopped in front of them a very old skinny man wearing what looked like an old Carriage drivers uniform from the Victorian age jumped down with a tiny bow.

"A very good morn to the both of you Gentlemen." he greeted with a slight accent that Harry thought might have been Irish.

"Daniel, you old fox! Your still driving this thing?" Carl greeted the older man taking his hand in his with a healthy hand shake.

As it turned out, the old man was named Daniel O' Healy, a first generation Irish wizard who had been driving the Night Carriage for the last sixty five years. (A/N: Healy is my mothers last name so I have the right to use it :P they were pretty well known for being horse thieves apparently...)

"This your boy Carl?" Daniel asked waving his wand at Harry's luggage which shrunk and floated to the top of the carriage.

"Yeah, this is Harry. He's a good kid, so don't g trying to corrupt him like you did me."

"HA! Carl, I couldn't get you to lighten up when you were in school if I had all the magical pranksters in the world on my side." Daniel said with a heart laugh opening the Carriage for Harry to enter.

Carl turned to Harry and pulled him into a tight hug. With a reassurance to stay in contact and to see him over the holidays.

The inside of the Carriage was unlike anything Harry could have imagined. The floor was carpeted with a ruby red plush material. The walls were lined witch leather and silver studs, like one would expect to find in a normal carriage. It wasn't one room either. It was a long hallway filled with doors on either side. Harry could see a small window all the way on the other end. Walking down he glanced into some of the rooms. They almost all empty, but clothed tables and comfortable looking chairs.

He was about three quarters of the way down when he found some of the other magical kids from around town sitting together in one of the compartments. First there was Andrew Spig, he was a big sports buff like his Dad who was a muggle. His mom was a potions mistress at Saint Gertrude's and always was trying to get the boy's together at the house. Next to him was Arcia Filly. She was a little annoying if you weren't used to dealing with her, but she was also wicked protective of her friends. She lived with her Mom who wasn't home all that much so she spent most of her time with Jessica Monroe, who was sitting across from her. Jessica was the youngest of three siblings. Her older brother who was twenty now was a fully trained Arrour, her older sister who was Seventeen was in training to be a nurse.

Then you had Jason Lugen. Poor Jason was always the timid one of the group. His Dad had been a Horrible drunk who liked to beat his wife. One day when Jason was eight, Carl had been passing by and saw him hit poor Jason for the first, and last, time. Apparently, Jason's Mom had warned his dad about hitting him. Said he could knock her around all he wanted but as soon as Jason was hurt that was it. Now his dad was serving time for domestic violence and Child abuse. Jason was also one of the nicer kids around though. Almost all of his Accidental magic growing up from what Harry had seen was either downright beautiful, like making the rose bushes bloom in December, or healing. He and Jason had found a stray dog that was hit by a car a while back. Harry was going to get Carl but Jason had managed to heal the dog with his magic. Said dog now lived with Jason and his mom, who was working for Carl and Katelyn in the book store. It wouldn't be far fetched for Harry to say that next to Tom Jason was his Closest Friend.

"Hey guys!" Harry called as he walked into the room. The Carriage had stared moving again while he had been walking so he was trying to keep his balance.

"Hey Harry!"

"Hi Har!"

"Where you been?"

"Hi Harry," they all greeted with smiles. The last coming from Jason who gestured for him to sit nest to him.

"I've been busy reading ahead..." this was greeted with groans from everyone except Jason.

"Honestly," said Jessica pointing between the two boys. "between the two of you, we're never gonna have any fun!"

"Oh don't exaggerate." Harry responded while Jason's face just turned red in embarrassment. He probably read ahead just like Harry.

Suddenly there was a loud 'pop' as a house elf appeared in the middle of the table wearing a clean and pressed pillowcase with the Academy emblem on it.

"Can Flopsy be getting Student refreshments?" it asked in it's high pitched squeaky voice.

Apparently the house Elves on the Carriage where supposed to supply the food and drinks to the students who were going to be stuck on the Carriage all day. So everyone got a light breakfast of eggs and toast, or a bagel and cereal if you where the girls. The conversations from different things for a while. Form vacation spots to what classes they where looking forward to. Occasionally one of the new passengers would come up and say hello but would move on after a while. Soon though they noticed it getting darker out and were greeted Flopsy appearing on the table to inform them that they would be arriving in a matter of minuets.

No one really knew how they got to the Academy, as you could only reach it by magical means. But many knew it had something to do with some old abandoned muggle prison that people 'claimed' was haunted. The Academy it's self was actually a group of buildings of various shapes and sizes. Some were no more the regular Houses, while others looked like small castles or cathedrals. The largest building was where the Carriage was bringing them now. It was made of pure white Marble with many different inscriptions etched into the fines stone. This was the Welcoming Hall. This was were all of the schools Official functions were held. Like the opening Banquet, or the leaving Feast, a few dances were held there during the year as well.

Once they were off the carriage Harry saw Daniel standing off to the side with a box in his hands that had a small hole on top. He was calling for all first years.

"First years! Over here please! First years! Please select one Crystal from this box and only one! Then you may enter the Hall!"

Harry walked up earning a smile from Daniel who help the box down for him. Inside the box was what Harry thought felt like Marbles. When he pulled one out he had and Emerald green one with the number 27 carved into its face. Shrugging his shoulders he walked into the Hall and quickly found Jason who Had entered before him.

"Hey, any idea what these are for?" he asked Jason holding up his Green marble.

Jason shook his head. "No, it's probably for housing. I got red 36." he answered holding up his own jewel.

It didn't take long for the others to come in and Harry was somewhat pleasantly surprised that Andrew and he had the same Jewel. An emerald with the number 27.

"Huh, guess we're gonna be roommates then." Andrew said with a laugh.

After that, Headmaster Fremont stood and gave the usual rules speech, which was all common sense really, and confirmed that the jewels were in fact for rooming purposes. That night Harry couldn't get to sleep. He was just to excited for his lessons to begin.

A/N: Holy crap longest chapter I've written yet! hope you enjoyed, and need a bit of help with something...I am working a fic, that was requested by a friend of mine who read this story, "Harry Potter reads the Multivers". They wanted to know if it was possible for me to wright a crossover with multiple story lines, but kept with the original story of each. This is the list I came up with.

Potter

king Diamao

Kara Maoh

Metal Alchemist (Brotherhood)

Eater

Muyo (Ryo-Ohki)

I already started writing it and can tell it is going to be an extremely long fic. If your interested in being a buffer to bounce ideas off of PM me and I will Credit you when I post it. please not i said buffer not Beta. this means you would essentially be a co-author NOT just an editor. but anyway moving on see you all next time! JA NE!