Fragmented fate

Chapter 4

As the train left platform, the door of his compartment slid open to reveal small figure of one Ron Weasley. Harry had completely forgotten how little they all were as first year students. When he sat in front of him, Harry was happy and little bit nervous because this was the first time he had met any of his friends ever since he landed here.

They both introduced themselves. There was no awe or excitement when Ron heard name ' Harry Potter'.

'Maybe we could start normal friendship this time... Without all that BWL nonsense' Harry thought wistfully.

" Do you know the Boy who lived starting Hogwarts this year?" Ron started to speak excitedly.

'Or maybe not... ' he smiled ruefully.

Ron began to tell him about what must be latest hot news for all students. His eyes were glazing over when he was describing all this. There was a small dreamy smile lingering on his face. Harry found this slightly disturbing and very amusing... Especially when he compared it to his past experiences.

"Just imagine he will be sitting with us in our classes. I only saw him personally three times, you know... I wished to find him on train but all were saying he got special compartment or something. Ginny.. er.. that is my little sister.. saw him on the platform but didn't get chance to go past security. She is crazy about him. She wanted his autograph but they have very tight security. My Dad said that the Ministry specially organised... "

Harry blinked. 'Wow...Ron was rambling. Did he take any breath during that speech?! '

" Yeah, it must be great" Harry mumbled just to stop him.

Ron stopped and smiled sheepishly. Maybe he realised that Harry was not that much interested in his hero.

Harry felt that silence which followed afterwards was very awkward as Ron immediately didn't start any other conversation. So Harry used typical trick and brought topic of wizarding world's sports. Ron was happy to help and guide him as he learned about Harry's muggle upbringing. Their conversation went smoothly after that. Ron was very eager to inform him all fine details of the sport.

Hermione and Neville never visited them... Maybe this Neville didn't have toad. They didn't get any visitors except Fred and George... much to Ron's annoyance.

When they entered in the Great hall his gaze promptly landed on the High table. Harry saw him finally... sitting next to Dumbledore... The Tom Riddle.

He sat comfortably between Dumbledore and Snape. Harry did not appreciate the irony in this situation. He had sudden insane urge to laugh. Three men in his past life who had always tried to manipulate him for whatever good or bad intentions, were sitting side by side and chatting amicably...absolutely crazy!

Sorting started just like before. When Hermione sorted in Gryffindor, Harry also clapped for her along with the other Gryffindors. Ron looked at him bemusedly and going ask something when his attention sharply shifted to sorting. Next one was the Boy who lived.

" Longbottom Neville! ", as soon as Professor McGonagall said that, excited whispers broke out. Students were craning there necks to get glimpse of him.

Neville strode forward calmly. He smiled at McGonagall and nodded towards the High table. The hat had just barely touched his head when it screamed, "SLYTHERIN!"

'WHAT!? '

It's only thought in Harry's mind when all students clapped loudly for Neville. Slytherin table was literally glowing with happiness as they welcomed the famous BWL. Gryffindor side was more subdued than others but all remaining houses were showing disappointment over their loss. There was no outrage or vocal negative reactions. No one seemed to overreact that their hero got into supposedly evil house... It's actually good improvement ... but little strange. He caught slight frown on Dumbledore's face which vanished in next second and he too smiled at Neville in his grandfatherly way. Tom was smiling politely... like he had done since sorting began.

When Harry's turn came, he told the hat firmly to place him only into Gryfindor house. He ignored all rambling of hat. His occlumency shield were firmly in place as he did not want to take risk.

"Hmm, very well" the hat said as it finally shouted, "GRYFFINDOR!"

Harry removed the hat and reached towards his former house table where he was welcomed warmly. Rest of sorting completed without any more surprises. Ron sat next to him. He was still in shock that his hero... the BWL was not in Gryffindor and sorted into their rival house.

"It is not fair" Ron whined again and glared at smug looking Malfoy who was seating next to Neville and discussing something animatedly. Harry sighed. He was starting to feel mild exasperation with all that hero worship.

When food appeared on the table it suitably distracted Ron and Harry felt relieved. Sometimes Ron acted too childish. Harry introduced himself to Hermione and started discussion about their classes which grabbed her attention effortlessly . This time he would not wait for the troll.

After a while there was lull in conversation. Harry let this warm atmosphere wash over his senses. He closed his eyes. This meaningless chatter, smell of delicious food...Harry almost thought that this was his first year and his previous life was just nightmare ...almost.

He opened his eyes and smiled at scene of Hermione and Percy discussing school schedule . Ron had forgotten all other things and was concentrating on his food.

Harry's eyes wandered to high table and abruptly he was brought back to harsh reality. Tom Riddle...there would not be any peace until he was punished for his crimes. He had no right to be here...among all innocent people.

Tom Riddle shifted his head and for a brief second their eyes meet. Harry felt jolt of fear ran through his body. Tom had looked away...totally unaware of effect his gaze caused but Harry's body filled with adrenaline. His mind was abruptly brought back to the final days of the Horcrux hunt when it had been working only in fight or flight mode. He took deep breath and willed his mind to think rationally.

'OK.. His enemy is stronger here. He has no help and limited knowledge of this world. But his biggest advantage is that he is unknown element here. Nobody knows his secret.'

As he once again remembered his situation, he suddenly felt alienated... surrounded by children who had never experienced brutal war. It was up to Harry to ensure that they would never need to grow up early.

'This is battle field where his battle had started since he had woke up here...whether he had realised this at that time or not did not matter. Now he has to win it...by hook or by crook, ' Harry thought with determination.

Afterwards when they finished singing school song, all students left for their respective common rooms. First years were nervous yet eager to start their school year. Harry was also very anxious about his first year in this timeline but his reasons were totally different. He slept restlessly that night.

A lone figure sat in a darkened room. His fingers were playing with a wand absentmindedly as he pondered on his next moves. He wanted to end this game early without alerting his opponent.

"You will pay,Tom. You will pay for it very dearly", he sneered. His eyes flashing red briefly. Crystal vase on the table shattered suddenly. Its broken pieces landed everywhere.

A/N. Can you guess who is that ?

Thank you for reading this story. R & R