Disclaimer: Not JKR. Not Led Zepplin, the Stones, the Beatles, or any other group/business/individual that might be quoted at any point. Don't sue.

A/N: Wow. I'm a day earlier getting to my destination than I had anticipated, so I thought I would celebrate with allowing y'all a nice and not-as-short chapter. As always, help yourself to a cookie on me!

This chappie covers a bit of Snape/Dumbledore interaction, an argument between Remus and Sirius, an exasperated Harry, the introduction of Arthur Weasley, and dun dun dun! Harry's sorting!

Chapter Sixteen: Sorted

"And how goes your training of Mister Potter, Severus?" Albus asked, not even bothering to offer the potions master any sweets – he knew they'd just be declined.

"Rather like teaching a Ravenclaw, only without the attitude that he already knows it all. It's refreshing, to say the least."

Dumbledore conjured a tea service, "I would have thought him to be more of a Slytherin, myself."

Severus resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "How so?"

"A couple of weeks ago, when he was on the grounds, I had the opportunity to speak with him. To be quite frank, Severus, he reminded me of you."

"I was never that innocent."

"Innocent, Severus? What do you mean?"

Snape stared into his teacup, "The boy is far more lighthearted and," he sneered, "happy than I ever was, Albus. I would think even you could see that."

Dumbledore took a moment to ponder the information. After relying on Snape's information during the war of fifteen years prior, he had grown used to trusting the man's ability to read people. Albus shook his head, "I must be getting old, Severus. I don't recall meeting a lighthearted or happy Harry. He was… Well, he said a few things – rather forcefully, I'll add – that led me to believe his life and yours were not so different…"

Though Severus was curious as to what could have precipitated the headmaster's misreading of the irritatingly cheerful – yet reasonably intelligent – youth, he deigned not to voice the question he wanted, instead he asked, "Just how could his life be anything like mine?"

"You are aware he is not currently living with his aunt and uncle?" Severus nodded and Dumbledore proceeded to explain just how Harry came to live at the Kellermans.

Harry sighed and looked up at his door. He was supposed to be working on studying his potions information, but it sounded like Sirius had dropped by, and he and Remus had immediately started in on the 'What House Harry Is' argument. If I didn't know better, I would swear those two weren't friends! They like to argue too much… Harry shook his head and decided that it was time to put an end to the argument. He hurried down the stairs. "Guys?"

"But, Remus, he's a lot like James! Lily, too, for that matter! They were both Gryffindors. I don't see why Harry wouldn't have been in Gryffindor, too!"

"Guys?" Harry tried to grab either Sirius' or Remus' attention again.

"And your entire family had been in Slytherin for how many generations, Sirius? The bloodline does not make the house – it's the person that does."

Harry ignored Sirius' rebuttal in order to retrieve his wand from where it was secured to his forearm. Sending a neutral flash of white light – for he knew that making it any sort of color at this point would be taken as confirmation of one House or another – Harry shouted, "Guys!" Startled into silence, Sirius and Remus turned to face Harry, looking more than a little sheepish. "This is the umpteenth time I've been forced to hear this argument. Pick something else to argue about!"

"But, Harry," Sirius started, but didn't get very far.

"No 'buts,' Sirius. I'm well and truly sick of it. Why is this such a fascinating topic for you two?" Harry turned to Remus for the answer.

Remus shrugged, "I guess it's because we both went to Hogwarts. We're used to being able to make simple assessments of how people are likely to act based on their Hogwarts house."

Sirius nodded, "You know, I never really thought of it that way, but everyone that went to Hogwarts does do that, or something like that, with any witch or wizard they meet. D'you suppose that's why the majority of us don't travel much? Because we don't know how to react to people that aren't in a House? I mean, I don't know a single witch or wizard that routinely travels even to France for holiday. It rather threw me when I was talking to my neighbor and she mentioned spending almost every other weekend with her husband at their house in Ireland."

Remus shrugged, "I don't know, but it does makes sense."

Harry sighed and sat on one of the armchairs. "Fine then. Tell me more about the houses. I know you've mentioned before that there are four of them; Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Slytherin, and Gryffindor. Tell me why you keep fighting about this – why do you think I'm a Ravenclaw, Remus? Why Gryffindor, Sirius? Why not the other two?"

Remus and Sirius exchanged a look. Sirius made a motion with his hand, "You're better at explaining things than I am."

Remus nodded in agreement, "That I do." He faced Harry once more. "You see, the Houses at Hogwarts are split how they are based on what aspect of your personality is strongest. Ravenclaw's defining characteristic is a love of learning for learning's sake. Gryffindors are brave and just, Slytherins are cunning and ambitious, and Hufflepuffs are loyal and hardworking."

Harry shook his head, "Sounds like a horrid way to manage a school."

"What do you mean?"

"Just that if you put everyone with the same personality traits together, then how are they supposed to change and grow? If you live with a bunch of people that hold to the same basic ideals, where does change come from? From what you two have told me, as well as what Ron and Hermione have told me in their letters, the houses don't intermingle outside of classes. You've likewise told me about the biases that exist regarding blood purity. Can't you see how the house situation would give strength to the blood purity issue?"

"How's that?" Sirius asked. Harry seemed to have completely changed topics on him without warning.

"Well, Remus has mentioned before that most of the 'pureblood' students get sorted into Slytherin house. If they're constantly surrounded by people raised to believe that whole spiel, how are they going to learn that it's inaccurate to assume that 'pureblood' means the same thing as 'better?'" Harry paused to take a breath. "In being put with others whose basic personality is the same as yours, you aren't given the option to change. Those aspects that landed you in your house are shared by those around you – and keep in mind that this is during the teenage years where conformity is actively sought by everyone. I would imagine that someone in… let's say Gryffindor for the sake of argument, someone in Gryffindor trying to develop the Slytherin trait of cunning would be discouraged from doing so, thus making that person less likely to use that aspect of their personality in the future. Taking the example to the extreme, the person in question may actually bury their 'cunning' so deeply they'd never be able to express it.

"It just sounds like a bad way to split groups up. It doesn't lend itself to balance."

Sirius sighed, "I think I see what you mean, Remus. Definitely a Ravenclaw."

Harry growled and got to his feet, he had had enough of this! He pulled out his wand and aimed it at first Sirius, then Remus, casting two quick silencing charms. "I've had enough. If you two want to keep on about this, do so quietly." He stormed back to his room.

Remus cancelled the spells. "No, I think you might have been right after all, Padfoot. That was definitely a Gryffindor action."

"Whacha working on, 'Mione?" Ron asked, looking over Hermione's shoulder.

"Not much, just a bit of research for Harry." She didn't even look up from the book she was reading.

Ron sprawled in a nearby chair, earning a glare from Madam Pince. "What is it, though? The only other time I see someone looking through that book," he gestured towards the copy of Magic of Muggles she was reading, "is when Dad's trying to charm a… cell-block, no, that's not right… One of those traveling fellytones that the muggles use. Or one of those little picture-boxes. Or something else that runs off ekletricity."

Hermione sighed and closed the book, "First, it's a cellular phone, telephone, television, and electricity. Second, what would your father be doing charming those items? Doesn't he work in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts office?"

Ron laughed, "That he does, but he's completely muggle-mad. Fascinated by all those things that muggles can do without magic."

Hermione nodded, making a snap decision, and quickly gathered her notes and books into her backpack. "Come on, Ron, you're going to get me in touch with your dad." She pulled Ron to his feet.

"What? Why?" Ron asked.

"Because this is more his area than mine." She continued tugging him out of the library and towards Gryffindor tower.

December 7, 1997
Dear Harry,

Would you believe I have located someone uniquely suited to help you with your little pet project?

Ron's dad is apparently a bit obsessed with muggles and technology. Now, what I'm going to tell you can't be repeated – it would get him into trouble. Arthur Weasley has managed to charm a car to run off of magic, as well as a record-player, three clocks, and numerous lamps. He probably knows more about the transference of magic to electricity than any other wizard.

I wrote to him, and let him know a bit about what you're trying to do, and he wanted more information, so, I wrote back to let him know he should probably talk to you since I don't know quite how far you've gotten. Here's his address:

Arthur Weasley
The Burrow
Ottery St. Catchpole

Eek! Look at the time! I've got Ancient Runes in ten minutes! Talk to you later!

Hermione

December 8, 1997
Dear Mr. Weasley:

My name is Harry Potter, and I was directed to talk with you by my friend, Hermione Granger. I'm currently trying to figure out a way to convert magic into electricity in order to run a notebook computer. Hermione goes to school with Ron, and Ron was the one that told her how successful you are with projects like these.

I would appreciate any sort of assistance you could give me with this project. Of course, I am more than willing to compensate you for your time. If you know of anyone more suited to a project like this, please let me know.

Thank you for your time, sir.
Harry J. Potter

December 8, 1997
Dear Hermione,

Thanks for the information, and thank Ron for me, too. I sent Mr. Weasley a letter. Hopefully he won't laugh too hard.

We still on for the thirteenth?

Harry

December 9, 1997
Hey Harry,

Just what did you say to my dad? He sent me a long, rambling letter that took both me and Hermione over an hour to sort through, only to discover that it boiled down to: Hey Ron. How's class? How do you know Harry Potter? Do you know why he's working on charming muggle technology? Why did you tell him I'd be good to contact? I only tinker! Mum says hello.

It went on for eight feet.

Anyway, I get the impression he'd like to meet you. Is it alright if he drops by on Saturday?

See you this weekend,
Ron

December 9, 1997
Dear Harry,

Ron got a letter from his dad today. Apparently, once we managed to separate it out into coherent sentences, he's rather excited to be asked to work on this project with you, and more than a little star-struck that it's you that's asked him.

I know you haven't had much interaction in the wizarding world, but do keep in mind you are famous. You writing to Ron's dad would be something akin to you getting a random letter from Stephen Hawking or someone similar.

If it's fine with you, then Ron's dad will stop by the Three Broomsticks on Saturday, and you can tell him in a bit more detail what you're working on and what you've done thus far.

See you soon,
Hermione

December 10, 1997
Dear Mr. Potter:

I must admit it was a bit of a shock to hear from you. I would be honored to assist in any way I can. I was informed by my son that you will be in Hogsmeade this weekend. I know this is short notice, but would it be possible to speak with you while you are there?

Thank you for your consideration,

Arthur Weasley

The remainder of the week prior to the thirteenth of December passed quickly. Harry's time was even more stretched than normal since the end of the term at Stonewall was rapidly approaching. He had major projects due in History, Latin, and Physics. He also had a series of five paintings to finish for his 2-D art class, and a sculpture to finish for his 3-D art class. He was working ten hours a week at the shop, and when he was there, the guys were hard-pressed to drag his attention from whatever book – muggle or magic – he had his nose buried in.

Allen decided, in the interest of Harry's sanity, to let him know that he would be taking a leave of absence from the shop. He knew that Harry would protest, not wanting to leave them shorthanded, but Allen figured he could always point out that Mike's arm had been healed for a while now, and Remus was still technically employed there. If Harry pressed the issue, Allen would let him know that Harry would be on-call, just in case the shop got really busy.

He needn't have worried. Harry just looked relieved and said, "Thanks, Allen. I was trying to figure out a way to tell you I needed more time. I just didn't want to leave you shorthanded."

"Don't worry about it, Harry. Remus has agreed to stay on as long as I need him, especially since the two of you don't have quite as much to go over together, anymore."

Harry yawned, glancing at the clock. It was only ten. "I want to sleep, but I don't think I have the time… I have that paper for history due next week, and I haven't even started the sculpture, yet…"

"Go to bed, Harry. Two extra hours aren't going to make much difference in the long run."

"I suppose you're right, Allen. See you tomorrow."

That had been Thursday. Friday had been spent at school, and working on his history paper and physics project. He finished the paper, and crawled into bed just as his clock ticked over to midnight.

Saturday dawned bright and sunny. It must have snowed during the night, though, as there were a good three inches covering everything. Harry blearily opened his eyes and blinked at the fuzzy numbers on his alarm clock. Ten? Ten? He bolted out of bed, putting his glasses on in the process. How'd I sleep so late? He hurried to his closet and pulled on a jumper. He was dressed in record time.

Sirius and Remus were sitting in the kitchen, chatting with Jennifer. All three looked up when a breathless Harry tripped over his own feet and sprawled on the floor. "Ow."

"You alright there, Harry?" Remus asked while Sirius snickered.

"Been taking grace lessons from Tonks, have you?"

"You could have waken me." Harry said as he got back to his feet.

"I told them not to, Harry. You needed the sleep." Jennifer said, handing Harry a mug of tea.

"Thanks," Harry sipped from the mug and sat at the table. "So… When are we leaving?"

Remus glanced at his watch, "In about an hour and a half. Eat something."

Sirius laughed again, "Watch it, Moony, you sound like a parent."

Remus just gave Sirius a look that seemed to say, "And what if I do?"

"Quit worrying about it, Dad. Harry's cool."

"But this is Harry Potter, Ron. I know you've been trading letters with him, but he's still famous. What if I disappoint him?"

Hermione shook her head, grinning. She knew Ron's tendency to worry had to have come from somewhere… "Mr. Weasley, please. Quit worrying. Harry's not like that. If anything, he's probably more worried about meeting with you than you are about meeting him."

"It's just that so few people have met him…"

"Mr. Weasley!" Hermione said, just as Ron exclaimed, "Dad!"

"Okay, okay. I'll worry quietly."

The three of them continued on the path towards Hogsmeade.

If the rumors were to be believed, Potter was going to be in Hogsmeade today, meeting with that insufferable know-it-all and her Weasley sidekick. If Snape hadn't been out of doxie eggs, he probably would have remained at the school, postponing what he felt he had to do until the next practical lesson with Potter.

Despite his sarcasm and inapproachable nature, he liked to think himself an honorable person. With all the haziness surrounding his loyalties during the fight against Voldemort, it wasn't so surprising that he would have ironclad ideals. It was his own business, though, so only one person knew where he stood. He felt a bit ashamed that he had managed to fall into the same trap that so many others had – he had judged someone based on their name, rather than their actions. He had sworn not to do so, he'd had it done to himself too much in the past, and had seen it happen too often to his Slytherins.

He was going to do something that went against his personality.

He was going to apologize.

Harry followed Remus and Sirius into the Three Broomsticks. Glancing around, he didn't see Ron and Hermione anywhere, so they took a table in the corner farthest from the door. After ordering a round of butterbeers, they didn't have long to wait before Hermione showed up, a tall red-headed man following her closely, with Ron on his heels.

Harry waived them over, "Hey, guys. Over here!"

"Harry, Remus." Hermione nodded to them both.

After a round of introductions, the Weasleys and Hermione sat. All six chatted of insignificant things for a while, and Ron told Harry and Sirius all about Pettigrew posing as Scabbers. "It's all right now, though. I mean, you're not in Azkaban anymore, and I got this really nifty kneazle kitten. She's this golden-orange color and irritates Crookshanks to no end by pouncing his tail all the time."

"Crookshanks?" Harry asked.

"My cat." Hermione supplied.

They continued to chat, and after an hour or so, it was apparent that Mr. Weasley's worrying of earlier was completely misplaced. "Hermione and Ron told me you're working on a way to make ekeltronics work in magical areas?"

Harry nodded, "Yeah, though I'm focusing on computers at this point."

"What's a computer?"

Three hours later, after much elaboration on computers and electricity, Harry and Arthur were on a first-name basis and even Hermione was a little lost in following some of the technical side of things. Though Arthur didn't know the actual names of the pieces Harry was talking about, Harry described them and before long, Arthur's vocabulary regarding electronics and circuitry were much-improved.

After watching Harry and Arthur bounce ideas back and forth for twenty minutes, Sirius leaned over to Remus, "Are you following any of this?"

Remus shook his head, "Not in the slightest. What about you, Hermione?"

Hermione shook her head, "A little, but… I almost hate to admit it, but they rapidly got away from the little I know about the topic. Is Harry planning on majoring in physics, Remus?"

Remus shrugged, "To be honest, I'm not sure. I know he's planning on going to uni, and that he's relieved he doesn't have to major in art, but I don't know what else he has planned at this point."

Ron was staring at the table, wondering if they were going to just sit around all day, listening with half an ear towards both conversations at the table. He should have known better than to introduce his muggle-obsessed father to a muggle-raised wizard. Add to that the fact that said wizard was Harry Potter… Ron sighed. Just as he was about to interrupt both conversations, a voice that haunted his nightmares broke into the conversations. Ron's head shot up to see his potions professor looming over the table.

"Excuse the interruption, Arthur. I need to borrow Potter for a moment."

Ron shook his head, he obviously had something in his ears. He could have sworn Snape had said something that bordered on polite. To his father, nonetheless.

"Good afternoon, Severus." Arthur motioned to the only empty chair remaining at the table. "Care to join us?"

Snape shook his head, "No, I can't stay long." He turned to face Harry, "Potter, if you would?"

Harry stood, "Be back in a minute, all." He missed the look of utter fury on Sirius' face as he followed the potions master.

"Down, Padfoot." Remus whispered, one hand on Sirius' arm. "Snape is teaching Harry potions. I'm sure it's not serious."

Sirius missed the opportunity to pun on his name, "It's Snivellus, Moony," Sirius growled.

"And we're no longer in fifth year, Sirius. We both may have reason not to like the man, but he's been… reasonably respectful each time I've seen him work with Harry. He's even helped Harry with a computer program on potions."

"He's still Snape, though."

"And if he ever hurts Harry, we'll both be there to rend him limb from limb."

Harry followed the professor to an out of the way corner of the tavern. "What did you need, Professor?"

Snape took a breath, "It has been brought to my attention that I was… Mistaken about your… muggle family."

Harry raised an eyebrow, "What have the Dursleys got to do with this?"

"I had assumed, simply because of your name, Potter, that you…"

Harry started laughing. "Stop. You don't have to apologize. Everyone makes assumptions. So you were wrong, so what? You know better now."

"It was still inexcusable to assume you and your father were the same."

Harry shrugged, "Like I said, don't worry about it. It didn't hurt anyone and, to be honest, it didn't matter."

Deciding to drop the topic, and relieved that he didn't actually have to say any more, Severus changed the subject. "I realise your muggle school is nearing the end of its term?"

Harry nodded. "Yeah."

"In that case, I believe we should postpone the next lesson until after winter holidays have started for both of us."

"Sounds fine. So, I'll see you on the twenty-seventh?"

"Yes."

"Okay then. Good to see you, Professor." Harry nodded to the man and headed back to his table. He arrived to overhear all five of them debating on Harry's potential house. Sirius was still arguing for Gryffindor, Hermione, Ron, and Remus were arguing for Ravenclaw, and Arthur was mediating. Harry sighed.

"Is it really that big a deal what house I would have been?"

The entire table fell silent and looked towards Harry with sheepish expressions. "Sorry, Harry."

Harry slid into his chair. "I'm really getting sick of this argument, as I'm sure Sirius and Remus could attest. Is there any way to end it, once-and-for-all?"

Remus grinned, "We could always take you up to the school. I'm sure Albus would allow us to borrow the Sorting Hat."

"Anything to end this."

The sextet stood before the gargoyle to the headmaster's office. "Anyone know the password?" Sirius asked.

Hermione nodded, "Licorice wand." Hey, there are benefits to being Head Girl.

The gargoyle moved aside and they rode the spiraling staircase upwards. Hermione knocked on the door, which opened to show Snape and Dumbledore. "Miss Granger," Albus smiled, "What can I do for you?" He glanced behind her, "Correction. How can I help all of you?"

Harry's eyes narrowed towards the headmaster, much as his godfather's had when Snape was spotted. "We're here to end a rather irritating argument, sir." Harry's emphasis on the last word stripped it of any semblance of respect.

The old man just twinkled and offered a tin of sweets. "And what argument is that?"

Remus accepted a pepper imp, as did Arthur and Ron, "Harry's a bit… exasperated that Remus and I keep debating what House Harry would have been in." Remus relayed the tale that ended in Harry silencio-ing both he and Sirius. "Would it be possible to borrow the Sorting Hat for a moment?"

Albus nodded, noticing that Severus had remained in the office. He knew the potions professor was curious as well. "Certainly, Remus." He walked over to the shelf where the hat was stored when not in use.

Harry was urged to take a seat and before he could ask how the hat worked, it was plunked on his head. "Wha-? Oh, good day, Mr. Potter. I had expected to meet you sooner." Harry heard a strange voice in his head.

"What?" Harry almost shouted.

"Calm down, Mr. Potter. I'm the Sorting Hat. You can just think in my direction. There's no need to deafen your fellows."

So… What are you doing? Harry felt the slightly disturbing sensation of fingers riffling through his thoughts.

"Merely seeing what house you'd be best suited for. Though I am aware you are not a student of the school, it may be beneficial to know your house. If you ever taught here, we would need to know your house so that you could be a Head of House, or a stand in for one of the existing Heads."

Just how do you determine a person's house?

"I see inside their minds." Harry felt a rush of alarm at that admission. "No need to worry, Mr. Potter. I've seen more disturbing minds than yours, as well as other things. I do admit you are somewhat hard to place."

How so?

"Well… You've got a natural flare for learning and being able to use that knowledge. That would indicate Ravenclaw. However, you're unafraid of standing up for your beliefs, which would lend itself to Gryffindor. You've no small amount of cunning, as well. I applaud you on your plan to rid yourself of your former guardians. That would indicate Slytherin."

Aren't there four houses?

"I'm getting to that, Mr. Potter. The main unifying theme I'm seeing here, though, is an unwavering loyalty to your self."

'This above all else; to thine own self be true.'

"Ah, Shakespeare. Fascinating mind, did you know he was a Ravenclaw? He was also suited for Gryffindor, but I felt the quiet of the Ravenclaw common room would have been more beneficial to his writing."

Are you going to get to the point?

A sense of laughter echoed in Harry's head. "Indeed, Mr. Potter. Though I think you would do equally well in any of our Houses, you are most suited for…"

The rip in the brim opened and the others in the room held their breath.

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

A/N2: There y'all go. I hope it's up to snuff. I also hope it's clear enough why this version of Harry's a Hufflepuff. The next chapter should only take a couple of days.

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