Control
By Fatpunk
Chapter 3
Hogwarts
In the following month Harry's time was occupied with reading his first year books. He found the information fascinating. The knowledge contained in the books was completely different to what he was used to. While most of what he had been learning to now was focused on will, what he was about to learn was more focused on the form. It made Harry wonder whether wandless magic would be accessible to any witch or wizard if they were taught at a young age. Later he would realise that the power of the witch or wizard would also determine their ability perform wandless magic. The contrast between art and science fascinated Harry especially because he could do both well.
The biggest fascination Harry found was that wand magic was quicker to perform. The wand allowed Harry to draw his magic quicker, something which would be very important in a duel. He spent a couple of hours each week practicing his wand movements, feeling the magic and how it moves. This fitted around his normal daily routine of horse riding, sword play and martial arts, along with his sorcerer and mage studies.
When August 30th rolled around Harry felt he was as prepared for his schooling days as he could be. He spent the next two days packing his trunk with anything he needed, clothes, swords and stuff of the like. He had a couple of long conversations with the house-elves so that the castle would continue to function while he was away. Most of the conversation revolved around the elves telling Harry what they would be doing and that either party should talk to the other if anything should go wrong.
On September 1st Harry used his vault key to return to Gringotts and from outside the Leaky Cauldron he caught a taxi to Kings Cross Station. Using his magical sight Harry saw the wrought iron gates to platform 9 and 3/4, hidden behind a support column between platforms 9 and 10. Harry looked around to ensure that he wasn't been observer. He saw a family gather together all with fiery red hair. Harry watched for a moment, remembering the inadequacies that he always felt in those years before he left the Dursleys for Potter Castle, he had a moment where he lamented on all that he had lost in the past and the family he would never know with the exception of the letters from their spirits. Shaking off the nostalgia Harry enter platform 9 and ¾ and caught his first look at the Hogwarts Express, the scarlet steam engine which ferries students to and from the school. He found an empty compartment, stored his trunk and let Hedwig out so she wasn't cramped in the cage all day. He looked out the window watching as parents farewelled their children for the years schooling. At 11 o'clock Harry felt a lurch as the train left on its day's journey to Scotland and Hogwarts.
The first person that Harry met on his journey was the same boy with platinum blonde hair he met at Madam Malkin's.
"Hello, I see you have plenty of space here do you mind if I sit" he said.
Harry motioned towards the seat opposite him. The boy sat and began a conversation Harry would remember for years to come.
"My name is Draco Malfoy, pureblood of the highest standing. Who would you be?"
Harry was cautious and decided to question Malfoy on his belief's rather than answer his question. "Why is that important? Being pureblood I mean?"
Malfoy sneered slightly, a skill he would improve in years to come "Blood purity is of the greatest importance. Muggles are a curse on the wizarding society, on the world; they taint magic, that which separates us from the inferior species of the world."
Harry smiled "that's quite a speech. Your parents must have been drilling that into your head for years. Tell me, do you know what magic is and where wizards get the power to use magic from?"
Malfoy frowned, then quickly replaced the expressionless mask he had been taught to wear "well no" he replied "but what does that matter wizards can and magic should be kept in all magic families, pureblood families!"
Again Harry smiled "well, it would seem that we have very little to talk about then. Maybe one day, when you can answer that question we can take up this conversation again"
Harry stood and collected his trunk "come Hedwig lets find somewhere else to sit" the owl flew down onto his shoulder and they left. He walked up the train to find somewhere to sit. Most compartments were full with chatting students. The only compartment he could find had a single occupant. She was a basically beautiful young girl with big bushy brown hair, soft brown eyes and slightly bucked teeth with her head buried in a book.
"Excuse me, may I join you?"
She smiled and blushed but nodded. "My names Hermione Granger" she said with a slightly bossy voice. "I had no idea I was a witch and all the strange stuff I could do was magic until my letter came. I've been reading everything I can to make to catch up I just hope its enough" she started to become slightly down hearted but quickly recovered. "So what's your name?"
Harry avoided the question and asked "why do you think you would be behind? Most witches and wizards don't learn anything until their 11 when the buy their first wand before school."
She smiled "thank you. At first I thought that witches and wizards from all magic families would be taught from when they are young, much like with, muggle is it?" Harry nodded "yea like muggle schools do. Then when I got on the train everyone I've met keeps talking about purebloods. I'm just worried that I'll be so far behind everyone else"
"I had a conversation with someone like that earlier" Harry said "I left when I found that he had no reason for his dislike of muggle born witches and wizards, it's just straight out bigotry and racism. Don't worry you there are other muggle borns you've just happened to miss them" Harry said with a joking half smile causing Hermione to blush again
"Thank you again, but you never answered my earlier question. What is your name?" she asked again.
Harry opened his mouth to answer when the door to the compartment burst open closely followed by portly young boy with a round face and highly expressive, but obviously nervous, eyes.
"I've lost my toad has anyone see him? He just keeps getting away from me I don't know what to do" he was very close to tears.
Harry froze. He could deal with many things animal, dangerous and cuddly, or blood from injuries, but people, especially emotional people, Harry had very little dealings with. He was saved by Hermione when she jumped to her feet "sorry but we haven't seen your toad" she said "but I'll help you find him if you want, if that's okay?" she continued looking to Harry to see that he was okay with her deserting him after just meeting.
"That's cool, I'm sure there'll be plenty of chances to finish this conversation at school" Harry said smiling.
Hermione left leaving Harry alone once again. He pulled out on of his favourite books Magic by Merlin a topic that had been touched upon already during the day and he opened his senses to ensure that no one saw what he was reading. A few hours into the trip, after the lunch lady had been and gone, Harry was interrupted again he put his book away just before the doors opened. Standing in the door way was a young blond girl. She possessed a childish beauty which would, in time, turn her into a stunning example of human art. One of the accomplishments of human breeding which could never be achieved if one deliberately tried to achieve. "Can I join you? I'm sick of the idiotic conversations of the other "purebloods" going on about how their better than everyone else because of who their parents are" she said slightly disgusted.
Harry agreed inviting her to sit down. He said "I take it you don't agree with that statement."
She looked at him, thinking he was another pureblood supremacist "no, I don't agree" she jeered "do you have a problem with that?" she accused reaching towards his pocket.
Harry raised both his hands in surrender "not at all, in fact I happen to agree with you. To my knowledge most people that hold the position that muggle borns are inferior base their belief on half the facts. Please have a seat."
She raised an eye brow and considered him before sitting. "That's quite a statement. Not many 11 year olds like us are that perceptive. My parents say much the same thing." She said "I'm not sure what to believe though. I mean the most powerful wizards of the age are pureblood but there are so many muggle borns that hold so much magic and power that I just don't know."
Harry nodded he could see her point and why she was confused but he continued "Who do you think is so powerful then?" he queried.
"Well there's Dumbledore," she started "you-know-who are the most recent but going back you get the founders of Hogwarts, Merlin, Morganna, Circe the list goes on."
"To start with Voldemort (the girl shivered at the name) was muggle born, so was Merlin, Gryffindor's Grandmother was a muggle. From what I've learnt breeding has some effect on a person's power and skill but it's not the most important thing deciding a one's strength. People's prejudice often blinds them from what is available to people." Harry countered.
The girl was shocked. In one statement this boy had shattered many of her long held beliefs. If what he said is true it could change the way the wizarding society forever, if he could get others to believe him. She was about to continue the conversation when the train's intercom bleared to life announcing that they where approaching Hogwarts and that all students should prepare themselves for arrivals and leave their trunks on the train when they arrived.
"Well I better go find my trunk and get changed. Maybe I'll see you 'round" She said. As she moved to the exit she turned and said "my name's Daphne Greengrass, by the way" and left with a barely noticeable blush.
Harry smiled and thought how much fun it would be to cause girls to blush. He'd never do so with a nasty streak, but pushing their boundaries of social acceptability would be fun. Harry carefully put his glasses to the side as he donned his Hogwarts robes, wearing them over his jeans and tee shirt. He returned his glasses to his face, locked his trunk and waited to arrive at Hogwarts.
About five minutes later the train began to slow the jolt to a stop. He stood and left the compartment and saw the flood of students entering the corridor and moved to the exit. Once outside he began to wonder where to go.
"First year's ova 'ere! First years this way!" announced a loud voice from a man about twice the size of a normal man.
'That answers that question' Harry thought 'I wonder if he's half giant, no matter' finishing the thought with a thoughtful look on his face, moving towards the man. Harry stopped in the middle of the group of first years and waited a short time before.
"Right, that everyone? Follow me!" the man said leading them down a branch covered path finally ending on the shores of a lake.
"Okay, you'll get ya first look at 'Ogwarts just as soon as we get across the lake. Now get in four to a boat."
Harry entered a boat followed by Hermione, Daphne and the boy who lost his toad. Harry saw the large man sit down and take up two seats on his own.
"Right, everyone ready. Forward!" The man shouted.
The boats moved forward sliding across the glassy waters of Hogwarts Lake. A silent journey ensured as each party contemplated what happened on the train ride. Eventually Hogwarts Castle came into view. Its many turrets and towers inspiring awe in all the students, be it pureblood or muggle born. The boats pulled into an underground harbour and disembarked from the amazingly stable boat. The students all gathered around in a tight and slightly fearful group looking towards the large man who was standing at the bottom of a stair case.
"Right, all out? 'Kay follow me!" he said before setting off up the stair case with the children following.
The group climbed up the stairs without talking. The only sounds that could be heard was the clop of shoes against the stone floors echoing off the walls. After a few minutes of climbing the group of first year students came to a set of enormous oak double doors easily twice the size of the man who was leading them. He walked to the door once everyone had arrived on the landing and rapped three times on the door. Everyone waited with baited breath. After a moments pause the door began to open. This surprised Harry slightly. He was expecting the door to creak and drag, but the door opened silently, gliding on its hinges. When the door was open completely, woman of average height, with her dark brown hair put up in a tight bun on the top of her head. Harry got the impression that she wouldn't be a person to cross though, if on her good side, she would be a teacher to take good care of the students under her guidance.
"First years, Professor McGonagall" the man said waving a dustpan sized hand towards the new students.
"Thank you Hagrid," she said nodding to the man as left to parts as yet unknown. Addressing the students again "follow me" she said before moving into the hall.
The students followed her passing a set of doors with a bubbling of noise emanating nothing could be understood but it was obviously the rest of the students.
The first years were lead into a small room off to the side of the hall. They all packed in together in a tight bunch lending each other the support that they were all facing the unknown together. Harry was feeling both fascinated be the history of the castle, knowing how many of his ancestors had learn their trade here within these walls. He was also slightly nervous. It was a rare occasion when he wasn't prepared for a situation but this was one of those times and, what's more, he felt this would be the first of many in years to come.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall began "The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory, and spend free time in your house common room.
"The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rule breaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup, a great honour. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours."i
She then left, to prepare for their arrival Harry assumed. She also left Harry with a lot to think about. When introducing the houses she seemed to spit the name of Slytherin out with great disgust. The reason Harry did not know but the prejudice concerned Harry greatly. How could society function when some of the possibly the best students are disregarded because of there house?
While waiting for McGonagall to return many students started to debate what they had to do for sorting. One boy, from the fiery red headed family Harry saw at Kings Cross, suggested they would have to fight a troll. This cause Harry to chuckle quietly wondering how fighting a troll would decide what house you belonged in. Hermione was rattling off all the spells she knew to the person next to her wondering which she would have to know. Many of the spells Harry had never heard of but he assumed he would learn them at some time in the year.
He was asked his opinion by the person next to him. As he was about to answer he was interrupted by the entrance and conversation of the ghosts above them. Their arrival caused many to jump.
"I say we give him another chance. He's bound to change one day" said a portly ghost in flowing robe.
"But how many chances have we given him but still with no change? How many more does he deserve?" a female ghost dressed in a delicate evening gown said quietly, though everyone heard her with perfect clarity.
"Oh look, first years I suppose" said another ghost, this one dressed in a historical tunic and shirt with a high ruffled neck. A few students nodded but no one said anything. "Oh excellent, excellent!" he said "I am Sir Nicolas, The Gryffindor Ghost"
"Thank you Sir Nicolas, move along please" said Professor McGonagall as she re-entered the room. The ghosts nodded and moved on.
"Everyone form a single line and follow me" McGonagall said and led the students back out of the room.
Harry joined the line about a quarter back from the front with Daphne a little in front of him and Hermione slightly behind. The group moved into the great hall which grew quiet on their entry. The made their way to the front of the Great hall between the centre two of the four house tables. Harry looked around the hall watching the group with excitement written in their faces.
"Its bewitched to look like the sky outside. I read it in Hogwarts: A History" he heard Hermione say and looked up to see the star covered roof much like it was outside.
McGonagall stepped into an anteroom to the side of the great hall. A minute later she returned carrying a three legged stool and a tatty and frayed wizard's hat. The two were set up at the centre of the room. Everyone in the hall looked towards the hat expectantly, causing the first years to follow suit. Suddenly a tear in the brim of the hat came apart and began to sing
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.
After that Harry took very little notice. He caught a few mentions of house values, bowler hats, and safe hands though they were lacking. At the end of the song everyone in the great hall, with the exception of one of the teachers, clapped with zeal. The sorting hat bowed its peak to each of the tables in turn before becoming still.
McGonagall took out a scroll and began reading names starting with Abbott, Hannah who went to Hufflepuff. Hermione was sorted into Gryffindor; Daphne was somewhat controversial, the tear in the brim separated to announce the house but stopped before finally shouting to the crowd "Ravenclaw!" The sorting continued through the line of student Draco Malfoy went to Slytherin after the hat barely touched his head. After Perks, Sally Anne was sorted into Ravenclaw came Harry's turn though none new it.
McGonagall opened her mouth to announce the next student but stopped. She looked to a man with long white hair and a beard to his waist. She looked back at the scroll then turned and walked to the head table and had a hurried conversation. Many students broke out in hushed whispers which disturbed Harry's ability to hear the conversation between the professors though he did hear words like "impossible" "no reply" and "lost or dead". Finally she went back to the hat and silence fell over the hall before she announced
"Potter, Harry"
The hall broke out in unrestrained chatter and stares, searching the line of first years as Harry began to step forward. Harry caught a glimpse of all those that he had spoken to on the train ride to Hogwarts. Most held faces of disbelief, though Malfoy had a look of distain and disgust.
Harry walked forward to the hat and was most surprised when he saw that the teachers had the same look of disbelief. He sat on the stool and placed the hat on his head, bringing his limited occlumency skills into play. The hat began to probe his mind but Harry interrupted.
"Hello Mr Hat"
"Why, hello Mr Potter" the hat replied. "I must say from what I heard in the headmaster's office few thought you would be here today"
"Really? I'm rather surprised, I sent my confirmation letter. May I ask why you're trying to get into my head?"
"Mr Potter, very Ravenclaw, knowing what I was doing, but very Gryffindor, charging straight towards the problem" hat said "but if you listened to my song you would know what I am doing"
"Then I must apologise, I was some what distracted during your song plus the puns were a little obvious."
"Criticising my song that is definitely Slytherin, he was never fond of my songs. I'm searching your mind to find where you would be most suited."
"How is that appropriate? Stereotyping them at such an early age. The stigma of been in the wrong house will follow them for the rest of their life" Harry reasoned
If the hat could it would be smiling. "That is very true Mr Potter I wonder if I am doing the right thing every year. Unfortunately it must be done if you would consent, may I sort you now?" the Hat finished by asking.
"Certainly, but only if we can finish this conversation later" Harry replied.
"I would be honoured, being a hat can be were boring."
"I can imagine."
Harry lowered his mental shields and allowed the hat to begin the sorting in earnest.
"Now there's cunning, courage, smart and loyal to a fault, a thirst to prove yourself but where to put you?"
Harry thought for a moment then thought to the hat "not Slytherin please."
"Not Slytherin a. you could be great and Slytherin will help you on your way to greatness" the hat reasoned.
"This maybe true but the odds of me being accepted if I'm a Slytherin. Something needs to change in the world for Slytherin's to be accepted. I think destiny has decided for me and I need acceptance, for everyone's sake, especially mine" Harry replied becoming less and less confidant throughout his monologue.
The hat accepted his explanation without question "in that case best be GRYFFINDOR!" shouting the house to the whole school "you need to start somewhere" the hat thought to Harry as a final note.
The school was silent as Harry stood to go to the Gryffindor table, stunned by how long Harry was in the chair. Then, after the other Gryffindor's realised what had happened, the Great Hall erupted with a gale of noise. Harry went to the table and sat between Hermione and another red-headed boy, Percy Weasley he would later learn. For the rest of the sorting Harry clapped for all the students as they were divided into their houses, getting many curious stares from people when he clapped for Slytherin's. He clapped and cheered loudest for people joining his own house, of course, already starting to feel the house as an extended family for him.
After Zambini, Blaise was sorted into Slytherin, took his seat and the subdued applause had stopped the Headmaster (tall man with the long white hair and beard) stood, gazing over assembled students "Before we start our wonderful feast" he began speaking in a melodic voice "and they are nitwit, blubber, oddment, tweak" he said, before sitting and turning to Professor McGonagall and starting a conversation.
The moment he sat the gold serving dishes that lined the tables filled with food. Everything from roast meats to mint humbugs lined the table which Harry served onto his plate, taking a small sample of each dish to see what was good at Hogwarts.
Once he had finished his meal and started on the after dinner drink of pumpkin juice Harry started observing the occupants of the school. Harry looked down the table starting with Hagrid at one end of the table, past a tiny little man reminiscent of a dwarf, past McGonagall and Dumbledore, eventually leading to a pair of young teachers. One of the teachers had a fearful looking face topped off by a purple turban; the other had slicked back, oily black hair and a hooked nose. As if he new he was been observed his head snapped around to stare at Harry. The pair stared at each other before Harry felt a slight tickling in his scar.
"Excuse me," he asked Percy "but who are those two teachers?"
"Well the guy with the turban is Professor Quirrell," he explained "he used to be a great teacher then he took a year off, hasn't been the same since. The other guy is Professor Snape. Nasty guy he is, hate everyone not in Slytherin, he probably hates them too just doesn't tell the rest of the school."
Harry nodded and thought about what he had been told for a moment before Dumbledore stood "welcome, welcome. Now that we are all feed and watered I can announce the start of term notices. The forbidden forest is still forbidden, it would be nice if some students would remember this" he said this with a slight smile looking towards a pair of twins, again with that bright red hair. "Mr Filch has asked me to remind you that magic is not allowed out of class and a list of forbidden objects can be seen outside his office. And finally the third floor corridor on the left hand side if out of bounds for all those who do not wish to die a most horrible death."
There was isolated laughter heard in response to this but it died very quickly. "Now to bed with you all" Dumbledore continued "classes start tomorrow and you don't want to be late do you?" This time the laughter was much more wide spread and the school started to exit the hall for their dormitories.
"Alright, first years follow me" called Percy "keep close"
Harry and the rest of the first years followed Percy to Gryffindor Tower, passing through a number of hidden passageways and trick stairs. Harry went to his room, found his bed and quickly fell asleep on the comfortable four poster bed. This would be the first night Harry sleep in the tower, the place Harry would love as his second home, the beginning of many years of excitement and friendships that will last a lifetime.
A/N
Thanks to everyone who reviewed
Imill123 – Ill probably put Harry in one of the normal houses. I'm going to treat wand magic as a different type of magic. The results will be the same but the methods use to get there are completely different. Also Harry believes that he is just normal. This keeps him humble and separating him would stop this.
80386 – the letters are from the sprits of Harry's ancestors. The trunk allow limited communication from the after life but Harry can't talk back. So he just gets advice for different things through his life.
i Taken from JKR Sorcerer's Stone