Chapter four

Hogwarts express and the unusual sorting.

Harry, Draco, and Dudley spent the rest of the summer in relative peace. Draco loved learning about the muggle world almost as much as Dudley and Harry liked teaching him. Harry knew this muggle education was something most purebloods were lacking. Severus had told him what a joke their muggle studies class was. It was taught by a 16th generation pureblood that knew less about muggles then the Muggleborn first years knew about magic. It would be a good thing for Draco to know how muggles live, if he ever got in a position in the ministry of magic which was likely considering who his father was a general understanding of muggles would give him an advantage and make him a fair legislator.

Dudley and Harry enjoyed learning about the wizarding world from a kid's perspective. Draco was able to explain things easier then Severus could. It was nice when the three boys just sat and whiled away an afternoon talking about each others worlds.

It was the day before Harry and Draco were to leave for Hogwarts and Dudley Smeltings Vernon's old private school, and Harry decided to bring up a topic they had carefully avoided the last month. "Draco what do you know about my brother and sister?"

"I only know what we have been told. They are the apple of the public's eye. Diarmid throws extremely public temper tantrums just to get something he wants. Rose however is very quiet she charms everyone into giving her what she wants. Either one of them could get away with murder but I have seen their auras they are just a little above average in power they were just trained early. In short they are sickeningly famous I personally don't think they deserve it. I think Dumbledore was wrong but I can't prove anything." He explained.

"If they didn't do it who did?" Dudley asked not quite following what Draco was saying.

Harry however did, his cheeks burned with the understanding of what Draco said. "Draco I think your mistaken it can't be me. Dumbledore could be wrong but I doubt it I mean I am no more powerful then average right."

Draco now knew Harry's modesty so he hoped he would be able to handle this right. "No Harry you are not average, every day I stay here your aura grows stronger. Your well on your way to being the strongest I have ever seen."

"But they were the ones found first. I was all the way across the room how could I have done it?" Harry asked grasping at straws.

"I can't answer that all I know is power wise you are way stronger then your siblings. I think they have the wrong potter children I just can't fit all the pieces together right." Draco answered.

Harry could tell from Draco's aura that he was telling the truth. On the outside he appeared to give in, but on the inside it was utter turmoil could Draco really be right? Was Dumbledore wrong?"

They were interrupted by Aunt Petunia coming up and telling them to go to bed they all had big days the next day.

Draco and Dudley reluctantly let the topic drop. Dudley went into his room and Draco went to the extra bed that had been set up in Harry's room. He had been offered the guest room but had politely declined wishing to stay closer to Harry.

Harry's sleep that night was interrupted by strange dreams. Hissing sounds and blinding flashes of light one green the other white. He woke sweating and shaking unable to make sense out of his mystifying dreams. He figured he had dreamed about the night Voldemort attacked he had similar nightmares before but they had always been more vague then this.

He could never go back to sleep after one of those nightmares so all he was able to do was lie awake untill the sky lightened and Draco began to stir. The two boys dressed silently, Severus had told them to wear muggle clothes until they got on the train. Harry decided not to tell Draco about his dreams but he could tell from the looks Draco gave him that he knew something was wrong with Harry.

They met Dudley in the hall heading down to breakfast so they walked together into the kitchen. Where all three boys were surprised to see Severus and Lucius Malfoy sitting at the kitchen table.

"Father what are you doing here?" Draco asked his dad.

"Severus and I decided it would be best if we escorted you to the train station. Things have come up that you two must be aware of." Lucius explained.

"What happened Uncle Severus?" Harry asked.

"It involves your family, Dumbledore is pulling something. He has your father teaching flying and your mother is teaching history. Your brother threw another one of his tantrums. You will have to deal with your entire family Dumbledore has allowed Diarmid to begin Hogwarts a year early." Severus explained gently.

Harry got himself under control quickly the only sign of his anger was his flaming emerald eyes. "They are not my family. Dumbledore thinks that me seeing them and having them apologize I will forgive them. Well he was wrong once he is going to be wrong again. I will never forgive and I definitely will not forget."

His reaction was exactly what Severus had expected having experienced Harry's anger before. Lucius however was completely caught off guard, first the boy had surprised him by the iron control he had over himself then the boy had said that in a tone of voice so cold it actually made him shiver. If he didn't know that anger was completely justified he would have pitied the poor creature that had that rage directed at them.

To break the icy silence that had descended over the kitchen Lucius asked. "Do you two have everything ready? We got permission from the minister to apparate to kings cross everything will need to be shrunk to make it easier to carry."

The two boys nodded so Lucius offered to help them get their things. "That won't be necessary Lucius." Harry told him.

The elder Malfoy watched in fascination as Harry closed his eyes and concentrated. Soon a few soft pops heralded the arrival of Harry's luggage in the kitchen it was closely followed by Zafirah who was carrying Sarlassa securely in her claws. Lucius felt that this child would give him a heart attack if he gave anymore surprises that day. He was almost calmed down when Harry waved his hand over his trunk and without uttering a word he shrunk it.

The only outward shock Lucius displayed was a slight widening of the eyes but his aura told all. Harry flashed him a sheepish grin then turned to playfully glare at Severus. "Apparently when you were telling the Malfoys about me you left a few things out."

"A few things Severus this boy can do wandless and wordless magic? You can't tell me this little fact slipped your mind." Lucius said accusingly to his old friend.

"We were trying to keep it a secret we were hoping to get Draco's help in helping Harry cover up his power. As you can see he is extremely powerful and not only can he do wandless magic he sometimes doesn't even need a spell. If Dumbledore found out about the extent of Harry's power he could be killed simply because he would pose a threat." Severus explained. "I found a magic block on Harry the day we met up with you in Diagon Alley that is slowly disintegrating. Harry's power will grow as that fails we need to keep his visible magic level steady so Dumbledore doesn't notice his barrier is failing. If it fails completely Harry is too strong mentally for Dumbledore to block his magic again. I just hope Harry doesn't get killed in the crossfire."

Lucius just looked at the delicate child. It was hard to believe the impressive display of magic had come from this tiny child. He above all people knew not to underestimate anyone, Harry might be small but he was fast agile and had a wiry strength to him. Even though he knew this about Harry it was still easy to dismiss him because lets face it the child was downright tiny. "Alright Severus we will help. What do you need us to do?" Lucius asked placing his son and himself at their mercy.

"Thank you my old friend I have a feeling we will need your help greatly. For now we just need someone to keep an eye on Harry spell casting. He has never used a wand before that could work to our advantage. I know you have been tutoring Draco as well, Harry might be higher then Draco but if both the boys display equal talent it would let Harry blend in more. I wont lie to you this could be dangerous. If Dumbledore found out that we have been planning this then both of us could find ourselves in Azkaban under Death Eater charges." Severus explained making sure he made the danger crystal clear.

"I am always in danger that is no different. I have a feeling if we lose Harry then we lose the war. I just have one question why does Dumbledore think Harry could go Dark so easily? Anyone that talks to him for more then a minute would see his innocence." Lucius asked gently.

"There are two reasons for this Lucius," Harry said deciding to step in here, "The first being a prophecy that was made before I was born. Uncle Severus and I don't know the last three lines but in them is a warning about the dark child. Which Dumbledore took to be me and as far as I know that's one thing he got right. The second reason is the night Voldemort attacked my family," He spat the word family like venom. "He cast a spell on me before the killing curse." Here he felt sight would work better then words so he pulled his shirt up exposing his thinly muscled chest and the Dark Mark that had been burned into his flesh.

Lucius didn't speak he just reached out and brushed his finger across the ugly Mark lightly. Then he roughly shoved his left sleeve up baring his marred forearm. "No child should have to go through that pain. Severus and I bare the Mark through our own choice and our own folly. You were just an innocent child if I haven't said it before I say it now. You and only you have my allegiance I don't care what side you fight for or even if you decide not to fight at all you have the Malfoy's backing." With that Lucius bowed low to the shocked child.

"Thank you Lucius but are you sure you want to pledge yourself to me. What can I do yes I am powerful but I am no match for Dumbledore or Voldemort."

"Maybe not yet but Harry never forget you are still practically a child. Yet you are stronger then many fully trained wizards. Give yourself time to grow and learn and experience life. I have a feeling you will be surprising yourself with the outcome." Lucius assured him.

"Its time for us to get going, Draco I have the things you got a t Diagon Alley your owl will be waiting for you at the school. Draco you'll be apparating with me Harry you'll be going with Severus." The boys nodded and went to the respective adults. Harry made sure Zafirah and Sarlassa were content and touching his skin.

When Harry gave him the all clear Severus apparated them away. They reappeared in a darkened corner of the bustling platform 9 ¾. Harry let none of his awe show on his features. He took in the gleaming scarlet train and the multitude of people with an expression of mild interest. In reality his eyes couldn't take everything in fast enough. The press of sounds and colors was beginning to give him a headache by the time Severus and he had located Draco and Lucius. The two older wizards made sure Harry and Draco got onboard the train safely then left them to their own devices with a warning to be careful.

Harry and Draco said goodbye to the adults then moved down the train to find a compartment. Harry let Draco lead him into a compartment that already held a few people.

"Draco who is this, and where were you this summer?" a small girl with dark brown hair asked.

"This is Harry Potter, Pansy, and I was staying with him at his aunt and uncles house." Draco explained.

"Harry Potter? Related to Diarmid and Rose Potter I didn't know they had a brother?" A tall boy with black hair and bright blue eyes asked.

"Unfortunately yes I am their brother. I take it you've met them before." Again the word brother was spat out like something disgusting.

"What did they do to you to cause this?" the same boy asked.

"They abandoned me I haven't seen my so called family since I was two years old." Harry answered coldly.

"I didn't mean to open old wounds for you. I won't bring them up again, my name is Blaise Zabini." Blaise then held out his hand to Harry. Who hesitated and with a nod of assent from Draco he took the waiting hand.

"You didn't know, plus I imagine the Potters have been gilded with gold. I didn't think anyone would actually believe they were capable of abandoning one of their own." Harry forgave gracefully as he had been taught.

The rest of the ride passed in relative peace except for one incident. The door to their compartment swung open and two children entered. One was a chubby boy with brown hair and hazel eyes the other was a wiry girl with curling red hair. Harry knew as soon as he saw them that these were his siblings.

His siblings also recognized him, "Father was right consorting with Dark wizards I bet you're one of them. You filthy death eater, you will stay out of our way this year dear brother and you might do alright." Rose said scathingly.

Draco could sense that Harry was now dangerously close to losing his battle over his power. He decided to speak before Harry's temper got the better of him. "You two better leave now to the world you might be cherubs but we know better. Deep down you are both spoiled selfish animals. In good conscience I warn you stay clear of your brother and you might live to see the end of this war."

"Do you know who you're threatening, we are the Children Who Lived we beat Voldemort and you expect our pathetic brother to best us?" Diarmid said in a whiny voice.

"That was not a threat that was a friendly warning. For the record yes I believe Harry could best you but this is not a competition. You two should be concentrating on taking Voldemort out not on acquiring more fame. Listen well to what we say and you might have a chance." Draco snapped back.

"Tell my parents that they can beg, plead, and apologize all they want I will not forgive and I definitely will not forget. I am not on the Dark side but that doesn't mean I am happy with the Light side either." Harry said in his deadly cold voice.

Rose deciding it would be better to retreat there then fight further and cause more damage. She practically dragged Diarmid from the compartment after her. Harry couldn't have been happier to see them go.

It was about another hour before Harry was fully under control again and they could feel the train slowing to a stop. The four wizards in the compartment silently donned their plain black robes. They had been charmed to change to their house colors as soon as they were sorted.

When the train pulled into the station the four first years were pushed along the tide of people heading off the train. Harry had left Zafirah on the train but carried Sarlassa wrapped around him. They finally pushed their way onto the platform of Hogsmeade station. Harry's sensitive ears were assaulted by a booming voice calling over the crowd, "First years! And first years please follow me!"

Harry followed the voice until he stood in the shadow of a gigantic man. He had met Hagrid once or twice before but it was still awe inspiring to see the extremely large man.

The rest of the first years and Harry followed the Hogwarts gamekeeper down a gravely path and into a subterranean tunnel. Hagrid called back to them to say that they would catch their first sight of Hogwarts soon. The First years were not disappointed even Harry and Draco couldn't keep up their masks and a look of awe crossed their faces.

Hogwarts castle was huge with many towers and turrets, lights shinned out from thousands of windows. The entire castle was glowing so brightly it was nearly blinding and was giving Harry a severe headache.

Hagrid had then led the awed first years to a group of little boats and told them to get in no more then four to a boat. Harry climbed into one with Draco, Blaise, and Pansy. Hagrid got a boat to himself and with a low mutter the boats were sent gliding serenely across the lake.

The boat trip only took a few minutes and soon they were at the large front doors. From there a stern looking Professor took them to a small chamber. She gave a small speech explaining the different houses and their many virtues. Then she left them to get the hall ready for them.

The wait for the professor was uneventful as long as you didn't count the number of ghost that floated in through a back wall scaring some of the more skittish students. They just ignited strong curiosity from Harry.

Soon though Professor McGonagall came back and led them out a small door and into the great hall. When there she told them to gather around an old hat on a three legged stool. Harry let his mind wander as the hat sang its song. He had been told what to expect by Severus.

After the hat finished its song the sorting began. He watched as Draco was sorted immediately into Slytherin, a bushy haired girl called granger was sorted into Gryffindor, Pansy a Slytherin, and then Diarmid was called. He sauntered up to the hat and put it on already facing the Gryffindor table. It wasn't long before a small frown appeared on his face he opened his mouth like he was about to throw a tantrum but before he could the hat called out, Hufflepuff.

There were several minutes of shocked silence as the Boy Who Lived walked slowly towards the Hufflepuff table.

The hall calmed down only to be shocked again by the next name. No one had heard about the third Potter sibling. Harry held his head high and gracefully went to the stool and let the hat fall over his eyes.

"Ah Harry Potter my, your mind is a strong one. You my dear boy have the courage of a lion the heart of the badgers the cunning of a snake and the mind of a raven. Yet I see power in you much power, if used wrongly you could be a grate danger if used right a grate asset. Yes seems there is only one place for you they shall care for you. Your bonded awaits you in the house of the snake. Slytherin!" Harry knew the hat had called the last word out loud.

He rose from the stool equally as gracefully as he had sat. He moved towards the Slytherin table his robes changing to Slytherin green and silver. He totally ignored the flabbergasted looks he received as the first Potter in history to be sorted into the house of snakes.

He sank down gratefully next to Draco and watched his sister be sorted. She had a look of argument on her face before the hat was even placed on her head. So it was unsurprising to Harry when in the next moment the hat called out Gryffindor.

He lost interest in the sorting after that although he did notice when Blaise joined them sitting next to Pansy across from Harry. The feast past quickly with Dumbledore giving out start of term notices such as the forbidden forest was exactly what it sounded like forbidden he also mentioned something about a corridor.

By the time he had followed the Slytherin prefect down to the common rooms he was so exhausted he fell bonelessly onto his bed. He didn't even bother to change his clothes normally he just used magic. Harry was lucky the other boys that shared the room were in the bathroom getting ready for bed.

He went to bed thinking that this school year might not be too bad. He hoped he could control himself in his classes the next day. He was happy he got sorted with Draco that means they would have more classes together and more opportunities for Draco to help him. He fell asleep warm and contented that night with Sarlassa hissing softly in his ear and Zafirah watching over him carefully.

A/N sorry this took so long hope it was worth the wait and next chapter we learn who Harry's dorm mates are snape has a talk with his students and first day of classes.

Please tell me what you think of it every comment is appreciated except for flames.