Disclaimer: They're not mine. I just take them out to play every now and then.

A/N: Ya know, I'm beginning to think that mere virtual baked goods aren't enough to thank everyone for their support of this fic. Methinks a full twelve-course meal of all your favorites ought to cover it. (As to my favorites, well… They include tomato soup, grilled cheese, Oreos, and a glass of milk. What can I say? I'm a simple kind of girl.)

This chapter covers everyone's reactions to Harry's sorting, including a lengthy conversation between Dumbledore and the Sorting Hat. There's also some conversation between Arthur and Harry at the end.

Chapter Seventeen: Reasoning, Reckoning, and Remembering

Sirius was standing, staring blankly out his living room window at the softly falling snow. "Hufflepuff? Hufflepuff?" He shook his head, wondering for the first time if maybe it wasn't time to retire the Sorting Hat and find a better way to split the students up.

His floo flared, and Remus stepped up behind him. "You thinking what I'm thinking?"

Sirius nodded, "I think so. Just how the hell is Harry a Hufflepuff?"

Remus grinned, "At least it's alliterative." He clasped Sirius' shoulder. "Tea?"

"Eh, why not?" The two of them made for the kitchen. After tea was brewed, poured, and doctored to their specifications – Remus' unsweetened with a touch of lemon, Sirius' more sugar and milk than tea – Sirius cleared his throat. "I've been meaning to ask, Moony, you taught the Weasley boy for an entire year… How come you didn't smell out Wormtail when you were teaching?"

Remus cast his memory back to his year as DADA professor. "To be honest, I didn't have much close contact with any of the students. At the time, Ron had a tendency to sit with one of his dorm-mates in the back of the class. There were enough people around that the scent was drowned out… Rather like trying to find the smell of a single rose in the whole of a flower shop."

"The entire time you were there, you didn't have a single one-on-one session with him?"

Remus shook his head and sipped his tea. "There was no need. He was a good enough student, so he didn't need tutoring. He was also not top-of-the-class, so I rarely called him for demonstrations. The few times I should have been close enough to smell that rat, it was coincidentally far enough from the full moon that my senses weren't at their best. I do recall a time or two that I thought I might have smelled something… familiar, but I chalked it up to an overactive imagination. It wasn't until I was around Harry that my mind made the link between that scent and Peter."

Sirius was quiet for a while then shook his head, "Hufflepuff?"

Snape was in the middle of restocking the infirmary's supplies. Simple work, he did it just to keep his hands busy while he thought. He could brew Pepper-Up and Skele-Gro in his sleep. In fact, he may have once or twice. As his hands diced, crushed, measured, and stirred, his thoughts kept chasing themselves through his head.

A Potter in Hufflepuff? Which gods were asleep this time? There hasn't been a Potter in any house but Gryffindor in over a hundred years… Severus, look at it logically. The boy is intelligent, but that is obviously not what drives him, so Ravenclaw isn't a perfect fit. He's observant enough for Slytherin, yet he doesn't have that all-consuming ambition that would make Slytherin a good choice. That leaves Gryffindor and Hufflepuff. Of the two, Gryffindor makes even less sense than Slytherin. Though I'm certain he wouldn't hesitate to stand up for his beliefs, he lacks the impetuousness that defines a Gryffindor. His reluctance to do any practical potions work is proof enough of that. The only remaining House is Hufflepuff. They do tend to get the leftovers, don't they?

He removed the cauldron of Skele-Gro from the fire and added the last ingredient, watching as it turned clear. Once it cooled, he split it into the proper jars, satisfied with both the potion and that he'd reasoned his way to the answer as to why Potter was in Hufflepuff.

Albus sat in his office, sucking idly on a lemon drop. As much as he tried, he was unable to reason out why the Sorting Hat had placed Harry in Hufflepuff. The logic was beyond his grasp. He shook his head and crossed the room to the shelf where the Hat was stored. He carried it back to his desk and replaced his own mauve-and-orange hat with the Sorting hat.

"Good afternoon, Albus. What can I do for you?"

Albus sent a mental picture of Harry in a Hufflepuff uniform, a giant question mark superimposed over it.

"Ah… I should have known. You want to hear my reasoning, eh?"

Of course. You know his importance… It's not where I would have placed him.

"Hmm… But you're not enchanted to know the entirety of the list of qualifications for each House, are you? No matter. He is definitely a Hufflepuff, though, as I told him, he is well-suited to any House."

I can see how that argument could be made. But if you would elucidate...

"You know Hufflepuff as the 'loyal and hardworking' House. It's rather more complicated than that, and if you would think on it, I'm sure you could reason out precisely what Helga was looking for."

Humor an old man. I've been working on this since you announced Harry as one of Helga's Badgers yesterday. I can't get it to make sense.

"I see. Your only interactions with the boy were when he was less than at his best."

Are you going to tell me or not? Albus was rapidly losing patience with the Hat. This was only the third time he had the dubious pleasure of conversing with the Hat. He had forgotten how… less than direct it could be.

"Patience is a virtue, Albus. I recall I had told you something similar at your own sorting. However, if you insist…"

I do.

"Very well. Harry Potter is a Hufflepuff."

You've said that already.

"Patience, Albus. Patience." The Hat chided. "Harry's a hard worker. No matter what area of his life, he works to the best of his capacity – as long as it is safe for him to do so."

Safe for him to do so? What do you mean?

"Simply that if the situation is such that he can work to the best of his ability, he will do so."

What makes you say that?

"He has memories of his relatives being rather… snippy with him when he and his cousin were small. They had received their first marks at school and Harry's were significantly higher than his cousin's. After that, Harry worked to the best of his ability that was safe, which meant making sure his cousin's grades were higher than his own."

Albus sighed. He really needed to figure out a way to apologize to Harry. His decision to leave Harry with the Dursleys was quite probably the worst mistake he had ever made. The Hat sensed his guilt, "Don't worry overmuch about it, Albus. It's what made him who he is today. If I may continue?"

Please do.

"Since his cousin started at a different school, it has been easier for him to work to the best of his own ability. Not only in schoolwork, though, does Mr. Potter possess this trait. When doing chores, his aunt would regularly look for the slightest mistake in order to further punish the boy. This simply reinforced the trait and made Harry apply it to all areas of his life. Whether polishing floors, trimming hedges, filing paperwork, or preparing a meal, he never does less than his personal best."

Interesting… I suppose it could make for a convincing argument in the Nature vs. Nurture debate…

"That it could, Albus, but I am not done, yet. So, we see that Harry is hardworking. What is the other aspect commonly known about Hufflepuffs? That they're loyal. I can say with certainty that you will likely never meet someone more loyal than Harry Potter. Loyalty is more than just standing by your friends, though. Most people tend to forget that loyalty to oneself is as important, if not more so, than loyalty to an outside force."

I had thought loyalty to oneself was more a Slytherin trait…

"You couldn't be more wrong, Albus. Loyalty rarely figures in a Slytherin's reckoning. Name a single Slytherin that would remain true to their ideals when presented with the opportunity to make their ambitions true?"

Severus Snape.

"Ah… Your potions master. Would you be disappointed if I mentioned that he would not be working for you if he had not seen the lies of Voldemort for what they were?"

Dumbledore sent an exclamation-point of surprise towards the Hat. I was unaware you were as aware of the outside world as you are.

"I am more than a simple hat, Albus. If you would pay attention to my start-of-term song, you would know that. But, we're getting off-topic. Believe me when I say that loyalty – no matter the form – is not a Slytherin trait. Sometimes, you might find a Slytherin with enough internal Hufflepuff to have a strong sense of loyalty, but it's not common. Back to Mr. Potter, though. He is highly loyal. Did you realize, even after all his relatives had done to him, he was still reluctant to see them punished?"

No, I didn't know that. Nymphadora and Remus didn't mention anything.

"I'm sure if you asked, Remus would be able to confirm it. More than loyalty to even his relatives, he has a highly developed sense of loyalty to himself. I'm certain that, should you ask him, even he would be hard-pressed to put his belief system into words. It is very unique, though, drawing on principles from Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Neo-Paganism."

Interesting. I must see about a theological conversation with him at some point.

"It's not purely theological, though, Albus. In that arena, he's more agnostic than anything. It's more how he lives his life. He believes in an underlying balance in all things, that for every bad thing that happens, something good happens to balance it. You should be happy about that, at least. Though he doesn't yet see it as such, he is the balance to Voldemort's evil."

Comforting. Continue, please.

"It is rather comforting, isn't it? In any case, we're now down to the less well-known criteria of Helga's. Cast your mind back to the study of animal symbolism in Ancient Runes. What does the Badger represent?"

It's been a while since I was in Ancient Runes…

"The memory is still there, Albus."

It took a few minutes for Dumbledore to track down the memory. He had a feeling that the Hat was helping to pull the long-forgotten memory out of storage. He was a sixth-year student at the time, and the class had been studying the history of Druidic writing, starting with animal symbolism. When the memory cleared, Albus was certain the Hat had done something to make him able to recall the text on Badger symbolism. Though he had a good memory, Albus knew it was not photographic.

'The Badger (Broc) - The badger is a member of the weasel family. They range is length from two to three feet and are about twelve inches high. Family members often mark each other with scent for recognition since their sight is poor. Their senses of smell and hearing, however, are excellent. Those with this medicine would do well in professions that incorporate sound as a healing tool. On a personal note, badger medicine people need to develop clear sight, both psychically and physically and not just rely on their other senses for survival.

'Badgers have solid muscular bodies. Its outer skin is loose which gives it a deceiving appearance, because of this it is often associated with illusion. What you see is not always what you get! Its strong powerful jaws represent discrimination of speech; words can cut, tear, and crush or encourage, teach, and compliment others. Those with this medicine have the ability to do both.

'Badger dens are extremely clean and well organized. They change their bedding often, backing into their dens with straw, so as not to make a mess in the process. Fastidious about their surroundings they will correct any disorder quickly.

'The badger brings the gift of tidiness and organization. If badger has come to you in some way it may be saying that you need to concentrate on maintaining an orderly environment to better facilitate your day-to-day living. It can also teach you how to manage your time more efficiently.

'Badgers will fight to their death if cornered. Bold and ferocious they are unsociable animals. Those with this medicine have difficulty relating to others. They will shun authority and stand their ground in any situation. Expressing themselves in a concise balanced way is one of their greatest challenges.

'The badger is a remarkable digger and can get beneath the surface easily. This ability ties the badger to the mysteries of the underworld, where the magic of life and creation is stored. It also symbolizes a strong connection to plant and animal spirits and can teach those with this totem how to align with life both above ground and below it.'

"Do you see why the boy is a Hufflepuff, now, Albus? It's obvious when you know what to look for."

Albus nodded, suddenly more at ease with the Hat's decision. Thank you for clarifying this little issue. It certainly sets my mind at rest.

"You should know better than to question my decisions, Albus."

It wasn't that I was questioning your decision, it was more that I couldn't connect the decision to the boy I met. Thank you, again, friend.

"Anytime, Albus. Anytime."

Hermione and Ron were probably the least surprised of anyone concerning Harry's sorting. They had both taken Ancient Runes the year before and were aware of the symbolism of the badger, and both knew enough to realize they didn't know everything about Harry, and so could accept the decision without any fanfare. Well, not much fanfare, at least.

Ron was snickering into his NEWT potions guide.

"What's so funny?" Hermione asked, looking up from her essay.

"Just that Harry Potter, of all people, is a Hufflepuff."

Hermione sighed and shook her head. "I know wizardkind has Harry painted to be this great hero and all, but why is it so unbelievable that he's a Hufflepuff?"

Ron smiled, "Come on, 'Mione. He's Harry Potter. Defeater of You-Know-Who."

"Four words, Ron: Cedric Diggory, Tri-Wizard Champion."

Ron's smile disappeared and he looked pensive for a moment, "I guess you're right, Hermione…"

Unaware of the confusion that surfaced due to his sorting, Harry was spending Sunday with Arthur Weasley, going over the Wireless schematics at the Kellerman home. Harry covered bringing Arthur up to speed on the realities of electricity, and Arthur was busy explaining how magic interacted with technology. After a couple of hours, the two took a break.

"You're a lot better with technology than I would have assumed," Harry mentioned over tea and biscuits. "I was under the impression that wizards avoided muggle stuff."

Arthur nodded, "That is true, but I have always been fascinated with muggles. Ever since I learned that there were people that had to function without magic. It was such an alien concept… I took Muggle Studies at the first opportunity. Ever since then, I've wondered why we – wizards, that is – don't embrace more technology. There are things that science can do that we can't, and vice-versa. The two are not mutually exclusive, in fact, with the proper research, I'm sure they would complement each other quite well."

Harry nodded, nibbling on a chocolate-covered biscuit. "I think so, too. Why hasn't there been more research in this area?"

Arthur sighed, "It has to do with history. Wizardkind has been so persecuted by muggles in the past, that we – as a whole, of course – are reluctant to mingle with muggles. The Dark Ages, the Salem trials in the US; history is full of these unfortunate tales. In most of the older pureblooded families, it gets taken to the extreme. Muggles are seen as little more than animals, and less useful than even sheep."

"Sounds horrible. However, I don't think that modern muggles would have that much of a problem with it."

Arthur shook his head, "I have to disagree, Harry. Religious fanaticism is still rampant."

"But it's there, even against other muggles. It will always be there. Much like there will always be people that think that a different skin tone is bad, or a different view as to how the universe is run. It's something that has to be lived with, not avoided." Harry poured another cup of tea, wondering momentarily where Jennifer had disappeared to. He shook his head to dispel the random thought. "Modern science is getting very close to discovering magic, Arthur. In researching our little project upstairs, I came across numerous articles that show how technology is advancing to the point where it can detect magic, though the scientists don't call it that."

"Are they really?" Arthur asked, interest apparent on his face. "How remarkable."

"That they are, Arthur, and it begs the question of how the wizarding world is going to react when, not if, they are exposed to the muggle world for what they are."

Arthur shivered a little, "It could either bring a long-lasting understanding between us, or cause another Dark Age."

"Precisely. All that remains is how to ensure the former and not the latter."

"I take it you have some ideas on this, as well?" he smiled. "You seem to have ideas on everything else."

"Nothing concrete just yet. Just some vague ideas. On a slightly related note, I've been wondering why you don't work with technology full-time?"

Arthur shrugged, "It's a hobby, Harry. I don't have the money to devote my full attention to it. Though, I do work in the department at the Ministry that most closely resembles my… How do the kids put it? Ah, yes. 'My obsession.'"

Harry chewed his bottom lip. "Arthur, if you had the money, would you want to work with technology all the time? Could you?"

Arthur laughed, "I would like nothing more, Harry."

Harry nodded, his idea was looking more and more plausible. "Hypothetically speaking, if a company that was working towards the merging of muggle technology and magic offered you a position, would you take it?"

"In a heartbeat."

"Hmm…" Harry's mind wandered off on a tangent.

"I know that look. Just what are you pondering, now?" Jennifer asked, emerging from the hallway that led to the den.

"Huh?" Harry looked up, "Oh, hi, Jenn. Not much, just organizing a revolution of sorts."

Jennifer shrugged, "So long as your homework's done first." She earned a strange look from Arthur. "What?"

"A revolution? Homework?"

Jennifer smiled, "Everyone needs a hobby. As long as his work's done, who am I to argue?"

Arthur laughed, "I suppose that makes sense. But that begs the question, Harry, what revolution?"

Harry grinned, "Oh, just merging the wizarding world and the muggle one. Nothing serious, really. By the way, you've just been hired."

Harry probably should have waited until Arthur had swallowed his mouthful of tea. "What?"

Casting a quick cleaning charm, Harry repeated, "You're hired. We'll probably need to talk to Remus and Gringotts, too, but that shouldn't take too awfully long."

"Hon, I think you need to clarify your idea, Arthur doesn't seem to be as used to your style of thinking as I am." Jennifer chuckled, gesturing in the direction of a gobsmacked Arthur Weasley.

"Well, it's like this: Science is progressing at an astonishing rate, yeah? Why not help it along a bit? I was thinking on getting together a group of people like yourself, Arthur, and maybe some select muggle scientists, to further that research we were talking about."

Arthur let out a low whistle. "Damn, Harry. And I suppose this group would be highly visible? To both the wizarding world and the muggles? I suppose that's one way to bring magic to light."

"Just a suggestion, though, Harry. Before you get too involved in this planning, you should probably talk with Andie Tonks and find out the legal aspect of what you're planning on doing." Jennifer helped herself to a biscuit.

Harry nodded, "Of course. I've never run a business before. I should probably talk with Allen about that aspect of it, too."

Arthur felt a little trickle of gooseflesh creep up his spine. Despite the somewhat hazy situation with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, the Order, the Ministry, and everything else that entailed, he knew he was watching history in the making. Albus may have hinted at Harry's destiny concerning You-Know-Who, but I think that even he doesn't realize just what Harry's capable of. He's going to turn the world on its ear, and smile while doing so. Just goes to prove that though Ravenclaws know how things should be changed, Gryffindors know why things should be changed, and Slytherins want to change things (or not,) it's truly those who are willing to work for it that change the world.

A/N2: Quote on Badgers taken from www (dot) sayahda (dot) com (slash) cycle (dot) htm. Interesting little factoid: I didn't know the symbolism on Badgers until I checked this website just today (Friday, June 30, 2006.) Don't you just love serendipity?

This chapter was going to be longer, but the logical end showed up before I had the chance to include everything I wanted to. I hope this further clarifies both the questions I've had concerning Harry's sorting and just why Remus took so long to recognize Peter's scent.

Mary had a little review,
A little review, a little review,
Mary had a little review,
Its words so loverly.