AN: I know it has been awhile, however I have my reasons. I broke four bones in my left hand, so it was a little hard to get any work done. But now I am fully healed and posting again. YAY me. Expect a lot to come over the next few months. I have one summer to finish up every IC story I have. ONE SUMMER TO COMPLETE ALL OF MY IC FANFICTIONS! They will all be unbetaed because I dont feel like harassing anyone. If you want to send me my mistakes go ahead. I will fix them when I have time.

Without Further Ado Chapter Seven!

Emerald Falcon

Chapter Seven - Great Hall

Harry sighed gently as he pulled down the duffle he had brought on the train. He was glad he didn't have to worry about his actual trunk, it would have been a nightmare. Looking at the two Malfoys he gave a small wave and went to join Ron and Hermione in their cart. He had to talk to them so it might as well be now.

They looked up in surprise and Hermione gave him a tight hug, "Harry! Where have you been?"

Harry shrugged off her hug and took a seat across from them, "With Draco and Hydrus."

Hermione sighed gently, "I really wish you wouldn't hang out with him Harry, his father is a known Death Eater."

Harry looked at her frowning, "He was released from those charges Hermione. You of all people should know that, and they were very kind. They never once tried to hurt me. I was even introduced at the Heir's Ball"

Ron's faced dropped into a confused mope, "What's an Heir's Ball"

Harry laughed and answered even as Hermione's mouth opened, "An Heir's Ball is when all the ancient and old families of the wizarding community gather and announce the next Heir to their families. A pureblood coming out party, so to speak. It helps parents gain alliances through careful matchmaking."

Hermione nodded, "That's great Harry where you announced as the Black and Potter heir?"

Harry shook his head, "No Hermione I am not an heir, I was announced Lord. I gained all my Titles and Lordships with my inheritance over the summer."

Ron smiled, "Right on mate, did you get a nice power jump?"

Hermione laughed, "Ron, Your inheritance doesn't just give a power boost it also unlocks any blood traits or magical talents you might possess. For example, I have the gift of Owl Sight. Which means I can read and attain any knowledge I gain from books. It's one of the few muggleborn gifts."

Harry nodded, "Congrats Hermione. I gained the magical skill Doll Conjuring. It is an advanced form of soul magic."

Ron growled, "So that's what that screeching doll was earlier."

He nodded pulling her out of his pocket, "Yes this is Marietta, and she is a Watcher Doll"

Hermione nodded, "She is very beautiful Harry, congratulations that's a very rare talent."

He shrugged and pocketed the doll once more before looking at them, "Anyways, have you guys thought anymore on what I said earlier this summer?"

Ron scoffed suddenly, "If you think I will ever be nice to that filthy ferret then you can bugger off"

The frizzy haired girl jammed her elbow into his rib, "Ron that's not very nice, remember Dumbledore wants us all sticking together. We can try to be civil with him at least"

Harry frowned his sharp green eyes narrowing, "How much do you two tell Dumbledore? How often do you speak with him?"

Ron shrugged, "Depends on the situation, Professor Dumbledore like to know that you're ok so we tell him."

Hermione nodded, "yes Harry it's for your own protection. I mean look, your befriending a criminal's child. He needs to know these things"

Harry felt the small doll he wore around his neck burn as they spoke and he sighed, "You're not spying on me are you?"

"Of course not" they shot back.

The doll around his neck grew hotter and the pit of his stomach dropped. Harry gave a quick small smile, "Of course Hermione, your right what was I thinking"

She nodded and the carriage fell silent until they pulled up to Hogwarts. Harry stepped out of the car and headed inside. Looking around he was surprised to see everyone from his year being herded into the great hall and into their seats. Even the first years where already lined up in the center aisle.

Dumbledore stood and waited till everyone was seated before he raised his hands and called for silence, "My dear students, this year the sorting hat has demanded a resorting of several students in the school. We will begin with the first years, then continue to the fourth years then up from there, I am not sure how many names or who is to be resorted. I wish everyone luck. Alright Sorting Hat take it away"

The hat cleared his throat before speaking,

"Oh listen here my fair

And listen to my tale

Of ravens and lions

Badgers and snakes.

I divide you once

Yet now twice

Let not your fears

Control you

For this year, no matter the fear

I will sort you where you fall

Inside the house of truest Hearts

Not in a house of lies and doubts.

Now step on up

Whether it be your first or second

And let us have a lengthy talk

Of where your path must halt"

Harry smiled at the short but meaningful song from the hat. He liked how it was always aware of what was going on around it. Watching he clapped with others as each first year was sorted into the appropriate house. At one point a girl screamed and threw the hat screeching on how she was supposed to be a Gryffindor not a Ravenclaw. That her parents would be disappointed. Before going over to her new house. A few comforting the now crying eleven year old.

When the hat sell silent from the last first year sorting the stern transfiguration professor took a seat and the hat gave a smile, "I will call you up one by one, and sort you were your meant to be. Let's begin with Luna Lovegood, Ravenclaw"

Luna blinked before smiling dreamily and walking toward the podium taking a seat she set the hat on her head a small giggle trickling from her throat. It was only a moment before the house shouted out, "Slytherin!"

Several of the Ravenclaws looked around confused and Harry stood clapping, "Well done Moonbeam!"

She took off the hat and gave a small bow before walking over to the Slytherin table, her Ravenclaws colors and badge shifting to the correct house. She was welcome with soft looks and words of welcome.

Then a few more names where called and the resorting had begun. They slowly climbed past the fifth years and began the sixth. With a clenched fist Hermione was the first name to be called and her steps where firm as she walked up. The hat barely touched her scalp before crying out Ravenclaw, and Hermione seemed to nod in acceptance before striding over to her new house. Crabbe and Goyle went to Hufflepuff along with Neville.

"Harry Potter"

Harry' head shot up and the entire hall fell silent and turned to stare. He stood carefully and walked over to the hat placing it on his head securely.

"Well well, back again are we Potter"

"You never cease to surprise me." Harry shot back.

"I surprise you, you're the one who asked me for the resorting. You are also the last to be resorted. I fear the seventh years are far to set in their ways. How was your inheritance?"

"Interesting to say the least. You knew my mom wasn't a muggleborn didn't you"

"Yes I did know, I am sorry I didn't not tell you. I wanted you to discover on your own, as you have."

"Ya it's pretty surprising. Anyways you best place me in Slytherin, People are beginning to stare."

"Mr. Potter stop by and say hello once in a while. I would enjoy it"

"Alright I will"

The hat smiled before screaming out to everyone, "Slytherin!"

The crowd burst into noise, many where shouting curses others the word traitor, it was only a matter of luck that Harry dodged a random spell in time. Ducking over to the Slytherin table he joined Draco who looked at him worried.

"SILENCE!"

Dumbledore's booming voice filled the hall and slowly everyone quieted down till it was only a few hushed voices, "Now that the resorting is finished we have one more to be sorted. This year we have a 6th year transferring to us. Hydrus Malfoy"

The doors opened and Hydrus walked in his cloak billowing behind him. His stride immediately set him apart from normal people. The long even steps resonating in the quiet hall. Taking a seat he let the hat fall onto his head the brim obscuring his liquid silver eyes.

"Slytherin!"

Hydrus nods and walks over to the table sitting on Harry's other side just as food appeared on the table. Once seated he turned to look at Harry his eyes filled with anger, "Who shot that spell?"

Harry looked at him, "You saw that?"

He shook his head, "No Draco told me through a patronus."

Harry whirled on Draco, "When did you send a patronus?"

The blonde shrugged, "Just after it happened and it came from the Ravenclaw table so I couldn't tell."

"Neither could I" Harry said honestly.

The three fell silent taking food from the platters. The meal was filled with quiet conversation and Harry looked over to Luna ho winked and blew him a kiss. Laughing he turned to his food and ate quickly. This year was going to be interesting to say the least.