Deux
Chapter 2:
Buried Truths
Summary: Lord Voldemort never existed, or at least, he has yet to exist. Harry Potter begins his first year at Hogwarts, where he forms a tentative friendship with a young orphan named Tom Riddle…
Disclaimer: I do not nor do I claim any right to any of the recognizable characters or places in this story. They are the property of J. K. Rowling et al.
Author's Notes: So this is pretty late… I was gone last weekend so I didn't get a chance to write. And my only time to write is weekends. I apologize for this. On a better note, I found a beta!
After sending Harry off, the couple retreated to the Potter Manor. Remus left them earlier at King's Cross citing a few chores he needed to complete.
"Lily," James warily eyed his wife. The two sat on opposite ends of the living room. Looking at his wife, James realized how unfamiliar she was to him now.
"James, do you think we've done the right thing? Do you think it was alright to let him go to Hogwarts?" Do you think we'll lose him? With each question, Lily took a step closer to James until she stood right beside him. She hadn't asked the last question, but it lingered in both their minds.
Hesitating for a second, James leaned forward tenderly kissed his wife on the cheek. "I honestly don't know Lily. But what else can we do? We can't cage him forever. If there were anyplace he would be safe it would be Hogwarts."
Lily leaned into the arms of her husband, letting his warmth comfort her. I hope you're right James… She closed her eyes and relished in her first moment of peace with her husband. She'd missed him the past few years. But even in that moment, Lily knew this was temporary James would have to leave soon.
Severus took a sip from his crystalline goblet, swirling the dark liquid afterwards. He watched the flames flicker and dance, as he continued to absently drink small swigs of his potion. There were a number of things bothering Severus that day, the very least of them the impending school year. And so he sat contemplating his choices, the light of the fire illuminating the shadows of his face.
Harry managed to claim the last empty compartment on the entire train. And he was pleased as the other compartments had been loud with a few too many explosions for Harry's liking. The whole train was giving him a headache. So Harry Potter sat alone in his own compartment, contently ignoring the presence of all the other students aboard.
Knock knock. Harry sighed, "come in."
The first thing Harry saw was long frizzy brown hair. A girl peered at him, a sheepish grin at her lips, quickly seizing him up before she spoke.
"Hi, I'm Hermione Granger. I was wondering if I could sit here. The other compartments are obnoxious," she added hastily at the end. A small smile tugged at Harry's lips—this girl reminded him of his mother.
"Of course Miss Granger. I'm Harry Potter by the way, pleased to meet your acquaintance," Harry responded. It was a public train and therefore was not within his rights to stop her anyways. Hermione had demonstrated her courtesy by asking his for permission. Harry noticed she struggled with her trunk and quickly helped her secure it into the compartment. Hermione smiled gratefully before sitting down in a seat across from Harry.
"Thanks for that. Are you a first year?" She asked.
Harry nodded, "what about you?"
"Yeah, I'm muggle-born. My parents were really surprised when they suddenly found an owl at our front porch. I was excited getting my letter; no one in my family had heard of Hogwarts before so I took it upon myself to look up as much as I could about it. Did you know that it's considered one of the best schools for magic of the times? My parents were ecstatic to find out I was a witch, first in the family they told me." Hermione beamed at this point in her story. "Hopefully I'll do well, I've already begun reading up on everything. I've also managed a few spells."
"My mum was muggle-born too. She was best in her class, I'm sure you'll be brilliant too." Hermione blushed at the compliment but looked extremely pleased.
"Really? Did both your parents go to Hogwarts?"
"Yeah, they were both Gryffindors."
"Oh! I've read about the different Houses at Hogwarts. Gryffindor does seem like the best doesn't it? I hope I'll get in there. Although I suppose Ravenclaw wouldn't be too terrible... Where do you think you'll end up? Gryffindor like your parents?"
Harry hesitated. Truth be told, he wasn't certain where he would wind up. His parents would surely want him in Gryffindor, but Harry wasn't certain if he fit Gryffindor. He wasn't particularly courageous or anything. Really Harry felt he was nothing special, but where did people like that go? Hufflepuff, his mind quipped up. No, Harry decided, he would rather go back home than to Hufflepuff. But before Harry could answer Hermione's question, another person intruded.
"Potter will be a Hufflepuff to shame his family." The arrogant drawl was unmistakable.
"Draco!" The blonde leaned lazily against the door of the compartment, smirking.
"Hermione, this is my friend Draco. Draco, this is Hermione Granger, she's a first year like us." Hermione reached out her hand at Harry's introduction.
"It's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance Hermione," Draco bowed formally and brought Hermione's hand to his lips. Hermione looked shell-shocked. Harry bit back a snicker.
Hermione quickly straightened herself out and pulled back her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well Draco. So what house do you believe you'll be in?"
Draco's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Why Slytherin of course. Everyone knows that Slytherin is the superior house. All Malfoys have been in Slytherin, and I certainly will not be one to disgrace my family name. And what of you Miss Granger?"
Draco's eyes flickered to Harry and winked. Harry scowled at the pompous git.
"Well, err, I was thinking I wanted to be in Gryffindor," Hermione chewed her lip nervously. She glanced at Harry uncertainly.
Draco's eyebrows shot up. "Gryffindork? Why ever would you actually want to belong to a house full of mindless idiots? Unless of course your parents were in there and expect the same of you."
Harry felt Draco smirk at him. And for a second, Harry couldn't quite remember why they were friends. Draco was such an arse.
"Actually, my parents are—"
"Her parents didn't attend Hogwarts Draco," Harry interjected smoothly. Hermione looked confused at Harry's interruption but didn't complain.
Draco looked thoughtful. "Is that so? I suppose too much time around Potter the model Gryffindork is enough to bring down anyone's intelligence. Isn't that right Harry?"
"Yeah Draco, you're the perfect example of someone whose been around me for too long." Harry smirked as Draco's expression became sullen. It had been too easy.
"So Harry, where do you think you'll end up?" Hermione directed the conversation back to her original question. Harry furrowed his brow for a second, seriously pondering the question again.
"Probably Gryffindor since my parents were both there," he finally admitted. It was true; Harry's parents would expect him to end up in their old house. It was something along the lines of a tradition. Even all his parents' closest friends had been in Gryffindor.
Draco snorted. "Yeah right Potter. You're a Gryffindork like I'm a Hufflepuff."
Hermione was confused. The conversation had redirected itself without her being aware, and when Harry just smiled, she became more confused.
"All the Houses are wonderful and the students brilliant in different ways."
"Except for Gryffindor and Hufflepuff."
Harry rolled his eyes. "If you say so Draco."
"Don't give me that Potter. You can fool your parents, you can fool their friends, you can fool all your other friends, but you can't fool me." Draco smirked for a second and then whispered," I've seen you in ways no one else has, and I can tell a Slytherin when I see one."
"If you want to believe that Draco, I'm not going to stop you."
Draco grinned. "Because you know I'm right."
Harry smirked back, not responding. Hermione hadn't completely followed the conversation but didn't try to make sense of the boys.
The conversation quickly switched to one about the impending year. Hermione opted out of speaking for the most part and listen attentively as the boys discussed professors and courses. Every so often she would contribute a comment but mostly she just nodded and watched with wide eyes.
"Beware of Professor Snape," Harry warned. "He's a complete git and enjoys making people squirm."
"Oh please Potter. You're just angry because he thinks you're a nitwit, which you are," said Draco. Harry opened his mouth to retort but Hermione cut him off.
"Professor Snape teaches Potions right?" Hermione asked as she took a sip from her water bottle. The train ride so far had been extremely smooth, although Hermione suspected it was a spell used on the trains. She was thankful, however, since she normally had motion sickness issues.
Draco nodded, "best bloody Potions Master in the world too. Hey Harry, do you know who's taking over the Defense position?"
"Yeah," Harry replied. "Sirius is."
Draco's eyes widened, and a look of horror spread over his face. "No, not that bludger. They're actually letting him near children?"
Hermione pulled out a book; she was out of the loop again and instead of wasting time trying to comprehend the boys, she would brush up on coursework.
Harry scowled. "He was a brilliant Auror Malfoy."
"Yeah, and he has the mind of a three year-old."
"I don't know how I stand you sometimes."
"You're actually quite enamored by me Harry. Don't worry, I would be too if I were you."
Harry snorted, but before he could respond there came another knock at the door. The door slowly swung open, revealing Neville standing with a boy Harry had seen once before.
"Hey Harry, look who I ran into!" Neville beamed, gesturing to his companion. Tom stood with his dark hair falling into his eyes, arms crossed, and no emotion on his face.
"Great, Can't-Find-His-Bottom is here." Harry heard Draco mutter. Neville's eyes flickered to Draco and a dark look appeared.
"Malfoy," Neville said coolly.
Draco sneered and stood up. "I'll talk to you later Potter. You know how sensitive I am to the slightest bit of filth," he said and walked out. Tom's gaze steadily followed Draco until the blonde shut the door of the compartment.
Hermione tugged at the collar of her t-shirt. "Well that was unexpected." No one responded to her.
"Why was Malfoy here Harry?" Neville asked, his eyes flashing.
"Just talking Neville. Don't worry so much," Harry responded with a small shrug of his shoulders.
"Harry, the Malfoys are Dark. You shouldn't be messing with one of them," Neville said.
Hermione put down the book she was reading, her interest peaked. "What do you mean by Dark?" she asked.
Neville blinked in surprise; he'd failed to notice her. Harry blinked also; he'd also apparently forgotten about Hermione.
"Oh hey Neville, this is Hermione Granger. She's muggle-born and going to be in our year. Hermione, this is Neville Longbottom; we've known each other for a long time."
"Nice to meet you Hermione. Oh! This is Tom Riddle," Neville directed towards the silent boy. Tom nodded politely but did not say anything.
"It's nice meeting the both of you as well. But my question again if you don't mind," Hermione shook Neville's hand and nodded awkwardly at Tom.
"Magic tends to be divided into two categories: Dark and Light. Dark wizards are that who practice Dark magic; that is magic which is sinister and vicious. Light wizards practice light magic which is more often defensive and protective. The Malfoys are an old pureblood Dark Wizarding family and they are great proponents of power and blood purity, which is why I stopped you from saying you were Muggle-born," Harry explained.
"Does the Wizarding World care about that?" Hermione asked, biting her lip nervously.
"Not really. Only the older Dark Wizarding families are obsessed. But families like that are rare and almost always in Slytherin anyways," Neville responded with a reassuring smile.
Hermione furrowed her eyebrows in thought. She nodded apprehensively but asked no more questions. Harry took this to mean she needed more time to mull over everything she'd just learned and would ask him questions later.
"So Harry, are you a pureblood?" Tom asked. Harry started; he'd forgotten about Tom.
"Er no, but Neville is." Tom looked thoughtful.
"Why were you talking to Malfoy anyways? I'm sure your parents must have pointed them out and told you to stay away." Neville remembered the other boy again.
Harry waved his hand dismissively. "I guess I must've forgotten or something. Don't worry about it Neville."
Harry glanced over and saw Hermione narrowing her eyes at him. He gave her a desperate look and she didn't say anything. Neville paused—his gazed focused on Harry who only stared back innocently.
"Why does it matter Neville?" Tom asked. Harry studied Tom; the other boy wore no expression, he simply sat impassively.
Neville flushed. "Well it doesn't really… Just you have to be careful sometimes," Neville finally responded. He glanced at his watch. "We should head back Tom, we need to get dressed. Almost at Hogwarts. See you guys in a bit."
"It was nice meeting you Hermione. Harry," Tom's eyes held Harry's for a moment before he abruptly followed Neville, leaving the remaining two occupants to rummage through their trunks.
There was a nervous tension amongst the First Years as they scuffled into Great Hall. Harry felt his stomach tighten as he glanced up towards the Head Table. A battered, dingy hat sat on a stool.
"That's the Sorting Hat," he whispered to Hermione, pointing it out. Hermione seemed anxious and fidgeted with her robes.
"What do we—" The entire Great Hall fell silent as the Sorting Hat began its song. Hermione's jaw dropped watching the Hat use what had appeared to be a large rip as a mouth.
Oh you may not think me pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
if you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folks use any means
To achieve their ends.
So put me on! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!
As soon as the Hat bellowed its last chords, the Great Hall burst into applause. Harry nearly bounced up and down as he clapped for the song; the magic of Hogwarts hypnotizing him. He hazily remembered Hermione and Neville clapping beside him. And then Professor McGonagall began calling names to the front.
"Granger, Hermione."
Hermione looked so startled, almost as if she'd forgotten her own name and she half tripped over herself on her way to the stool. Harry heard Neville sigh amidst the smattering of applause from her House table when she was sorted into Gryffindor.
"Longbottom, Neville."
Neville casually strode up and place the Sorting Hat on his head. It sat on for the briefest second before it pronounced Neville a Gryffindor and he was herded over to the Gryffindor table again amidst polite clapping. Harry ignored his environment as he waited for his turn. He was dimly aware as Draco was sorted into Slytherin, to no one's surprise.
"Potter, Harry." Harry sauntered up and plopped onto the stool. He was glad everyone seemed too distracted to stare at him. Then his view was blocked as Professor McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on his head.
"Ah, a Potter is it? Your family's been in Gryffindor for many generations now."
"Then put me in Gryffindor." Harry was relieved to say the least; he dreaded trying to explain to his parents if he wasn't in Gryffindor. The Hat gave something akin to a chuckle that unsettled Harry.
"Ah, but it's not that simple young Potter. No, I think it'd best be SLYTHERIN."
Harry froze to the chair. He could hear the standard patter of claps but he did not rise to walk to his House table. Harry stayed glued to the chair, his eyes wide. Harry's first reaction was to look at Neville; sure enough the Gryffindor wore an expression that mirrored Harry's own.
"Harry, please move." Professor McGonagall rushed over, her voice a frantic whisper as she tried to lead Harry to the Slytherin table. Her touch seemed to help Harry realize he was sitting at the front of the Great Hall when he shouldn't be and he managed to stiffly march over to the Slytherin table and sit down next to Draco. Harry's mind glazed over so he didn't notice when Draco prattled happily about being in the same House as Harry nor when Tom Riddle was sorted into Slytherin.
This isn't as good as I'd wanted it to be, I'm sorry! I was rushed towards the end to get this out in a timely manner, even when I wasn't in the writing mood. The ending also took a different twist than I'd anticipated, but I think it might be for the better. Hopefully the next chapter will have a bit more action and move faster. I'm really sorry about how slow everything's going right now; I think I'm trying a bit too hard to set everything up all at once and it makes things drag on… Anyways, I just really wanted to get this out since I've been trying to keep to a schedule. Hopefully next time it will go better.
stardusted
