Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter! You all know that of course!
AN1: KYAAAAA I'm not getting any creative juices for my other Harry potter story! Is it possible to fall out of love with your own fanfic? ANYWHO THANK YOU MY LOVELY REVIEWERS I AM SO HAPPY PEOPLE LIKE THIS!
AN2: Schools in session to expect the usual late updates…what can I say, I love to write then rewrite then omit and start back over before I get what I want
AN3: I'm kinda not feeling this chapter…maybe I left out something, I don't fell progress…well it's too long as is…
AN4: If you don't like then you should have stopped from the first chapter, DO NOT read each chappy and complain on how stupid or dull it is if you please just go read something else
Chapter 4 Wands and Hogwarts
Draco Malfoy was one happy pureblood. Why you ask? Well because in a few weeks he would be going to Hogwarts. His brothers Bill and Charlie told him all the stories he wished to hear, making him more than a bit excited to finally be going to the revered school.
Bill and Charlie were the best of the best in Draco's eyes; they were basically the big brothers he had secretly wanted and got 6 years ago. They were fun, gave jokes and were smart. Bill had actually become Headboy this year and Charlie was the captain of the Gryffindor quidditch team and a prefect to boot.
Draco thrived to become as brilliant as his brothers, they made his parents proud, even though his father had been a bit mean to them at first and though they were in Gryffindor − a house said to be for brave idiots − he knew they were anything but stupid.
A knock on his door snapped Draco from his thoughts. "Come on Draco, it's time to go." He recognized the deep tone as Bill's.
"Coming!" He said, quickly pulling on a green cloak around his shoulders and running to open the door.
Bill stood leaned against the opposite wall, his long red hair caught in a low ponytail by a black ribbon. He had a lean slightly muscular build, much unlike Charlie's body that had been toned from years of quidditch. He was dressed in a black pants and dark blue shirt.
"Alright let's go before mother erupts" Bill said, walking off in the direction of the stairs.
"Can we stop by the quidditch store? I want to get my gear!" Draco said excitedly.
Bill glanced back at him and frowned, "Draco you know how father gets when you behave like this."
Draco rolled his eyes "Yes, yes, Malfoy's never get excited, we are calm and reserved − but really Bill, I want new gear!"
"First years aren't allowed to play quidditch so it doesn't matter," Bill said, not realizing he had almost caused his brother to have a heart attack.
"What?!" Draco shouted in horror, looking at Bill like he had grown fur.
"Malfoy's never shout Draco."
Draco stomped his foot, "Answer the question Bill!"
"They don't stomp either − you're behaving like a spoilt brat Draco…wait I'm sorry, let me rephrase that: you're a spoilt brat Draco," Bill said, smirking at his brothers now red colour. Draco was so fun to tease. "I'm sorry Draco but it's a rule. Speak to Uncle Gellert if you want it changed."
Draco immediately went pale as all his anger left him. He would rather not get lectured by his uncle thank you very much.
Bill chuckled and continued down the stairs. Charlie stood at the bottom tapping his foot as he waited. Unlike Bill Charlie's hair was neither long nor straight. It was cut short, though not that short since Narcissa refused to have his hair falling below a certain length; only his right bangs seemed to remain uncut and fell in curls to slightly obscure his right eye. Like Bill he was dressed in black pants, but he wore a green shirt.
"Took you guys long enough – moms pissed by the way," Charlie said before walking off; Bill and Draco following close behind.
Bill and Draco shared a glance both making a mental note to do whatever Narcissa asked. She was scary when pissed.
By the time they made it from the left wing to the front door, Narcissa was releasing sparks from her hair with Lucius trying to calm her down. She shot the boys a deadly glare as they arrived; almost causing Draco to piss his pants and making the redheads take a few steps back.
"If that limited edition Snow fox fur coat is out of stock punishment will be in order," She hissed. Snow Foxes were a rarity and to get a fur coat made from them, especially by Millicent Magdung was definitely a prize. She would be the envy of many…if she got it.
She placed a hand on Draco's shoulder while Lucius did the same with Charlie and Bill; they twirled on spot and were gone from the manor.
They appeared outside Madam Malkin's where the Snape's, Grindelwald's and Flamel's were waiting for them. Draco eyed his brother's blood siblings focusing firstly on Ginny since he saw her the most given that she lived with the Grindelwald's – Bellatrix loved to visit her little sister. She looked different compared to years ago when they had first met.
Her hair which once flowed to her back was now cut to hang an inch above her shoulders, it was currently being held back by a white headband. She had grown taller and was now Hermione's height; living with the Grindelwald's had resulted in the etiquette of the upper-class being instilled in her, she held herself with great poise and elegance. A white summer dress, decorated in blue floral designs was her attire for the evening.
Standing next to the female redhead was Neville, Hermione and Harry. Hermione, unlike Ginny had refused to put a scissors to her head; her hair was caught in a ponytail with purple a band, her current favourite colour − it changed regularly. Hermione looked much like her mother, having a serene beauty at her young age; Sirius often called her a devil in angel's clothing. Unlike Ginny Hermione was not in a dress; she wore a white pleated skirt that fell a little above her knees and a purple sleeveless chiffon top − truth be told Ginny was the one who picked out the clothing not that Hermione would be telling anyone that.
The Neville boy was probably the one who had changed the most; he lost most of his weight and gained toned muscles – from quidditch with Harry and Tom − giving him a firm build. Draco doubted anyone would try to attack the boy with their bare hands. Neville had kept his hair short which was probably the only thing that had not changed about him. He was in a white flannel shirt and cropped baggy jeans.
Harry hadn't changed all that much, his hair had merely grown to the middle of his back; the front was still kept short, courtesy of Lily who refused to get rid of his 'cute' bangs. He had gained some height and was now an inch or two taller than Hermione. Quidditch had done him well and like Neville it gave his lean build some toned muscle. He was dressed in a black ripped jeans and a black flannel shirt.
Draco remembered years ago when Neville and Hermione were at odds with each other; at that time Harry seemed to have been going through a period where he thought no one was worthy of Hermione but himself and he told them that whenever Hermione wasn't around. But over the years Harry's obsession seemed to have dulled and Hermione started talking back to Neville; no longer did Harry make it his duty to tell them they were strictly friends with Hermione. Thank merlin for that, Harry had been scary.
He shook his head free of that thought and went back to observing.
Tom, Sirius and Orion only seemed to have gained height and toned muscles over the years. Orion and Tom had kept their hair short while Sirius grew his to his shoulder and kept it there, he said he was charming the ladies. Draco didn't even bother to observe the boys attire as he was sure they all wore flannel shirts and jeans. Was it flannel shirt season or something? Why wasn't he told they were coordinating? He felt like the odd one out in his robes.
He stopped staring at them and turned his attention to the twin's. Charlie said they haunted the nightmares of all prefects; they were trouble. They were as smart as they were funny and proved this almost every day at Hogwarts through multiple pranks. They were tall, at least for boys going into their third year; probably because of the food they were fed. Perenelle spoilt them terribly, especially since she could have no children. The twin's short hair never passed their necks most likely due to Perenelle who thought they looked better this way.
Narcissa's squeal tore through Draco's thoughts and he looked around to see his mother accepting a bag from Lily, "Oh I was sure they would be out of stock!"
Bellatrix waved off her words "We were early and we knew they were limited so we took one for you as well"
Narcissa smiled "I can't thank you both enough." She shrunk the bag and stuck it her robe pocket, "Well let's go then. Since we're already here, let's get their Hogwarts robes"
Hermione stepped up blocking Draco's view of his mother "Are you excited Draco?" she asked.
The blonde rolled his eyes "Of course not."
Neville smirked "Oh really?"
"Yes really!" Draco hissed, gritting his teeth together. He could see where this was going, for some odd reason he had been given the position of comical relief among his friends; he was always the one they made fun off. It was annoying and borderline Irritating.
Harry chuckled "I do believe you lie Draco, I just heard Bill telling the others of his morning − did you have a heart attack when you heard no quidditch?"
Draco turned red, looking ready to explode but lucky for him Ginny came to his rescue, "Leave him be Harry, everyone gets a little excited about Hogwarts, 'it holds an allure that pulls everyone towards it'"
Harry rolled his eyes "You quoted that from Hogwarts A history I presume," he stated more than asked.
"Does that matter? It's the truth," Ginny shrugged before following Hermione inside the store. The adults were already inside, standing to one side while the older children had their robes fitted first.
The girls sat on some free stools with the boys taking up positions behind them as there were no more available seats.
"Don't you think Aunt Perenelle's dress is beautiful?" Ginny asked Hermione, trying to get her sister to put away the book in her hand. It was a bit disconcerting; only Hermione would read a book in a clothes store.
Harry caught Ginny's words; having nothing better to do he glanced at Perenelle not to observe her dress of course, he was merely observing the woman. He had never seen her or Nicholas in his world but he knew for a fact that they looked different. For one, in this world they didn't look over 600 years old. Another thing he had noted was that the philosopher's stone had yet to be created in this world and at this moment in time, Nicholas was merely researching it. He had long since realized that the time periods in this world were out of whack.
Nicholas had long straight brown hair that he always left to flow freely to his shoulders, never tying it up as he seemed to like t that way. His eyes were identical to Perenelle's as they were both a light blue.
Perenelle had blonde hair that she cut to the nape of her neck, it made her look younger than she actually was and fit her quite well. Her shapely figure and happy-go-lucky attitude also added to her young appearance. They were both in their sixties and if he hadn't known better he would have thought they already created the philosopher's stone.
"I think it matches her eyes," Hermione said, looking up for a mere second to see Perenelle's blue dress.
Ginny smiled, feeling more than a bit accomplished; getting Hermione to comment on a dress with a book in her hands was definitely an accomplishment "I know!"
Ginny looked ready to go into a tirade on clothes, the redhead was determined to keep Hermione's attention for as long as possible. Draco crushed those thoughts when he poised a question, "So which house do you guys want to get in?"
Neville was the first to answer, "Gryffindor."
Draco smirked finding a perfect point for revenge "I'm sure you'll get in, your brain fits their pea-sized criteria."
Neville was not to be put down though and had a quick come back, "Says the one who got lost in his own house."
Draco turned red "I was 7 and I was sick!"
Ginny might have come to his rescue if not for the fact that he had cut down her tirade before it began; honestly, why did the blonde ask that question right before she made Hermione more knowledgeable in fashion?"So he say's" The redhead whispered to Hermione, resulting in the girls trying to stifle a laugh.
Draco harrumphed, "Back to the question."
"I'd rather not get into Gryffindor," Harry said.
Hermione looked up "Why? Is it because Tom's in Slytherin? Gryffindor and Slytherin has always been at odds…I suppose you might not want Tom as an enemy…"
They all shivered involuntarily at the thought.
"Have you realized how all the Weasley's are in Gryffindor? There's Bill and Charlie in 7th, the twins in 3rd and that Percy in 4th…I bet that Ronald one will definitely get in and I would rather not be near him," Harry stated.
"I suppose you're right, Ron can be a handful," Ginny groaned thinking back on her days in the Weasley household. "So which house then…Slytherin?"
Harry shook his head "Ravenclaw."
No one spoke at that revelation. Seconds went by, and then finally Draco started laughing which resulted in everyone else bursting out in laughter.
Draco gripped his stomach as his body shook "Y-You?! In Ravenclaw!?"
Neville draped an arm around Harry's shoulder, having long since gotten over his fear of his brother "You don't even go into the library unless Hermione's there − give up Harry, its impossible"
The mirth in Ginny and Hermione's eyes showed their view on his revelation. "Your best bets Slytherin Harry" Hermione managed to choke out.
Harry smirked "You'll see."
Sirius winked at the pretty little witch who was taking his measurements. The girl blushed a dark shade and seemed to increase in speed. Sirius chuckled.
"She's a bit old for you Sirius," Tom said from next to him. "Not to mention below standard."
The girl flinched and Sirius noticed, "That's a bit mean, don't you think?" Sirius said, giving Tom a small glare.
Tom shrugged "I only speak the truth." He gave the girl a disgusted glance.
Fred and George rolled their eyes; Tom could be so uptight, it was almost like the boy had been born with a stick stuck up his ass. The fact that he was a prefect really put a damper on their pranking days.
"You're being a real −"
"− Prick Tom"
Tom sneered, glaring at the twins "And when did I start caring about your opinions?"
Orion sighed "You best calm down Tom; I will not be spending my lunch removing you from a bench again."
Bill pointed a finger at the twins "You both need to stop doing that, I'm headboy this year and even if you're my brothers I will punish you."
The twins pouted "And to think −"
"− We thought you were −"
"− A good brother, now we have to−"
"− Rewrite our entire schedule!"
Charlie gave the twins a pointed glare "How about not having a schedule at all?"
The twins stared at Charlie, faces completely blank before what he said sinked in and they started choking in laughter "Wow! You almost had us there Charlie!" George gasped, leaning unto his twin for support.
"Yeah, because you couldn't honestly be serious!" Fred added.
"Of course he can't be Sirius, that's me remember?" Sirius piped up, not able to give up the small chance for a joke. He was completely ignored though, as if he hadn't said a thing.
"No schedule he says!" George laughed before turning to Orion and cocking a thumb in Charlie's direction. "He can give a good joke when he's ready right?"
"I don't believe he was joking," Orion said, watching as the twins stared at him in horror. "Stop moving around you're making it hard for that woman to take the measurements."
George calmed down and went back to standing still, much to the relief of the young woman taking his size.
"So Tom are you going to apologize or not?" Fred asked, he was the only one not being measured as he and George were the same size.
Tom scowled in reply.
Fred sighed, shaking his finger as if admonishing a child "Alright, I gave you a chance. I guess it's time to − as the muggles put it − bring out the big guns…Aunt Lily!"
Tom went rigid. Lily looked around from her conversation with Perenelle "Yes Fred?" Sweet merlin if Lily found out about his behavior she would go all crazy-demon-lecturer on him, she was always telling him to be kind to the opposite sex.
"Fine I'll tell her just shut up!" Tom hissed. His mother's tirades were long and tiring; they also often ended with some form of punishment from his father.
Charlie chuckled "Don't worry Aunt Lily, it's been sorted out."
Lily stared at them suspiciously for a few seconds before returning to her conversation.
Sirius grinned and promptly grabbed the woman, turning her to face a frowning Tom.
Tom gave the girl a withering glare but apologized all the same. "I am sorry if my words were an insult to your person − Orion lets head to the apothecary." Orion nodded and they both immediately left, their sizes already having been taken. It was better to head there than go to Ollivander's with the others, they already had their wands and it would be a waste of time.
Sirius Charlie and the twins had the same idea, though they left for the Quidditch store instead. Bill was the only one who stayed, leaving him with the responsibility to explain why the others had left. Narcissa was a bit overprotective as was Bellatrix so they hadn't been too happy to hear that the others had left. Dumbledore was becoming more brazen in his attacks and they didn't want the boys to get hurt. From the glint in their eyes Bill knew that punishment was in order. Curse those idiots and their non-existent fear of consequences!
Harry walked into Ollivander's, feeling a bit nostalgic. He had had the same feeling when he came with Tom for his first wand; in all truth he had been expecting Ollivander's to look much different, with the whole love of dark magic thing he thought that the man would look even creepier, not to mention his store. But it looked the same and Ollivander was his usual crazy self. Diagon Alley on a whole was the same, with the exception of Knockturn alley being popular.
"Ah I've been wondering when you all would arrive" Ollivander's voice boomed from somewhere in the store.
Hermione groaned "He's a bit creepy don't you think?" She whispered to Harry.
Harry almost laughed at Hermione's disgusted face, maybe this was her reaction when she first got her wand in his world "Not creepy Hermione, more insane."
"Maybe keeping track of all the wands he's sold fried his brain," Ginny said from behind them.
Draco scoffed "I heard he took quiet the fall as a child."
"Not all falls are bad Draco − remember Harry?"
Draco rolled his eyes but said nothing. Hermione had taken to making that comment whenever he mentioned a knock to the head making someone dumb or anything demeaning. He had long since realized that replying resulted in a long debate that he would never win.
"Well who's first?" Ollivander asked popping from around a shelf of books. His arms were filled with cases of wands. He deposited them on the counter top before walking over to the group of five children.
"Ladies first" Harry said, smiling cheekily when Hermione sent him a harsh glare. "What?"
She merely huffed and stepped forward, holding out her wand arm. Ollivander's measuring tape immediately went to work, measuring all around her body. "I find it quite annoying that to find a wand that I hold in my hand you must measure my entire body."
Ollivander shook a finger in front her face, "You have to first understand the theory of wand making Ms. Snape, but that is for another day!" he laughed at the end and turned to grabbed a wand from a box "Give it a flick."
Hermione decided at that point that immediately upon reaching Flourish and Blott's she would find as many books on wand-making as she could, if there weren't any then she would rip Knockturn alley apart until she did. She refused to believe he had to measure everything.
With her plan set she gave the wand a flick and watched as a jar shattered; instantly she discarded it on the counter.
Ollivander stared at her for a few seconds, his eyes seeming to examine her very existence. "Aha!" he suddenly exclaimed, running to the back and coming back with a single case. He took out the small wand and handed it to her.
A wave of warmth shot through Hermione's body and a small smile appeared on her face. It felt right; she finally had her own wand. Oh the wonders she could do with this, all those spells she could finally practice!
"10 ¾ Vinewood, dragon heartstring core − I should have guessed it would be the same core as your mother, genetics play a part − though small − in the selection of wands…next"
The following 5 minutes were spent finding wands for Neville and Draco; Harry wasn't surprised when they got the wands they had from his world, well he suspected Draco got back his, he never really knew what Draco's wand was. Neville though got the wand he had after his first was broken. At the rate things were going Harry suspected he would get the same wand as Tom.
Fate though, seemed to have a different thought.
"Ollivander, please explain what is going on" Lily said, looking at the many open boxes and the pile of wands in a corner. "Why can't you find a wand for my son? It's been over an hour."
Truly it had been over an hour. Every wand Harry had flicked so far were disasters, Ollivander's store would need major repairs by the rate Harry was going. Lily was currently very worried; could it have anything to do with his fall? But it couldn't have, that had been so long ago…
"It's alright Lily," Perenelle said, placing a comforting hand on Lily's shoulder.
"This is not alright!" Lily snarled. "We've gone through almost every wand! Nothing works!"
Bellatrix frowned "There has to be something."
Ollivander looked puzzled "Curious, very curious − worry not Mrs. Snape I merely have to make Mr. Snape's wand from scratch"
Harry blinked, from scratch? Did fate really have to make his life so complicated? He would have really liked to have a normal wand selection; but noooo fate just had to be a bitch!
"Is this normal?" Hermione asked. "Getting your wand made from scratch because none fit your standards."
Ollivander had already disappeared but seemingly heard her question and answered from wherever in the store he was. "Well no, the last time such a thing was done was with the Darklord and Lord Gellert"
Hermione turned to her father "I never knew that" she accused. In all his stories of his younger days before, during and after Hogwarts he had never mentioned this.
"I didn't find it important." Gellert said
Hermione huffed and looked away. Ollivander popped back in from…wherever he had been and after brushing aside all the empty boxes on his counter he put down 2 small separate boxes.
"More wands?" Hermione asked in exasperation.
Ollivander seemed used to Hermione's game of a thousand questions as he didn't seem the least bit annoyed and answered her. "Oh no Ms. Grindelwald, these are bottomless boxes containing pieces of wood and cores… these will be used to make Mr. Snape's wand − now Mr. Snape if you would please reach into each and select whatever feels the best or right…"
Harry sighed and walked up to the counter; he reached into the first box and allowed his fingers to run over the cold pieces of wood until they grazed one that sent a shock up his fingers, it was warm and felt much like his first wand. He took it out and handed it to Ollivander.
Ollivander stared at the piece of wood like it had grown an arm before his face melted back to its usual crazy "Curious very curious," he hummed.
"What is it?" Ginny whispered to Hermione while Harry searched the other box.
"…Yew"
Ginny looked at Hermione's puzzled expression, "Is there something special about it?"
Hermione might not know plenty about wand-making but she did know enough about symbolism to understand what exactly that piece of wood meant. She looked at Ginny's curious expression and answered "Custom made wands usual signifies a person's life or trial's they have faced or are about to face …"
"And?"
"The yew wood mainly represents rebirth and immortality"
"So what, are you saying Harry's immortal or something?"
She looked at Ginny who was still waiting for an answer and smiled "I doubt that, it also represents longevity, I guess it just means Harry won't be dying anytime soon"
Hermione turned back to the selecting and watched as he handed Ollivander two separate things, Ollivander then asked the question she held in her mind "Two core's Mr. Snape?"
"They both felt right," was Harry's short answer.
Hermione stared at one of the cores, it didn't look like anything at all; in fact she could see nothing. It was merely a vial and but from what Hermione could tell it held air. The other core was a single lock of hair.
Ollivander took the cores and payment for all the wands, then informing them that Harry's wand would be ready in a few days to pick up; apparently the blood of a Thestral − which Hermione found out was in the vial − was hard to handle as the creatures were unseen to anyone who had yet to witness death. The lock of hair was from a Banshee.
All these things led to Hermione staring at Harry for most of their trip around Diagon Alley, trying as best as she could to find out why Harry was virtually getting a death wand; she had disregarded the wood before but now she was truly pondering it as well. Maybe Harry had been the harbinger of death in some wacked up alternate universe, because that was the only conclusion she could arrive at
The second they stepped foot into Flourish and Blott's Harry dragged Hermione off down an aisle, he let her go when they were far enough. "I can tell you're dying to ask me something" He said, leaning against a shelf with his arms crossed, examining her reaction.
Hermione scoffed, crossing her arms as well "I'm not stupid, I can figure it out by myself."
Harry rolled his eyes "I never said that you were stupid," He reached into the shelf behind her and grabbed 2 copies of a book that was on the Hogwarts list. "If it's about the wand, I don't understand it either…maybe I died in another life or something and was 'reborn'." It was the truth, but Hermione didn't know need to know that.
Hermione sighed "I thought that for a moment but that's impossible, when a soul dies it stay dead – forget it, forget I said anything… lets go find the rest of our books… some on wand-making as well, I can't believe it was necessary to measure my entire body"
Harry chuckled; leave it to Hermione to study wand-making simply because she didn't like the way Ollivander took her measurement.
"Books…check…shoes…check…Parchment…"
"Check. Sweet Merlin Hermione, if you leave anything father can get it for you" Sirius said from the entrance to Hermione's room, he wasn't really paying much attention to Hermione; instead he was examining the snitch in his hand.
"I don't care, it's better to check than to not at all" Hermione whispered absentmindedly, not removing her attention from the list in her hand. Her eyes flitted across the parchment, ticking off everything that was present.
"Hmmm, well hurry up or else we'll miss the train − I wonder if Remus did his homework?" Sirius walked off leaving Hermione to her devices. She spent the next ten minutes ensuring everything was accounted for then changed into her Hogwarts uniform; as usual Bellatrix had done her hair, styling it in a ponytail.
"Winky!"
The small elf popped in, dressed in a black skirt and jacket suit, on the breast pocket of the jacket and the white blouse was the Grindelwald family crest "You called Hermione?" Winky was the only elf that called Hermione by her first name; having Hermione as her owner led to her perfect speech and high intellect.
Hermione smiled at her favourite elf "Could you bring my luggage downstairs please?"
Winky nodded "I've packed your lunch and placed it on the table downstairs."
"Thanks Winky, I'll see you during winter break."
The elf bowed before popping away with the luggage. Hermione quickly left the room, taking the stairs two at a time in her haste to reach downstairs. She took the long way around so that she could grab the pack of sandwiches in the dining room.
"You're late, are you aware I must be at Hogwarts before you?" Gellert calmly asked, not sounding as angry as he really was.
"Oh leave her be Gellert, she's just a bit excited," Bellatrix said, she was dressed in her Auror uniform as she had work. "She's never seen outside your office when she visits Hogwarts."
"I want to go with father," Ginny whined from her spot next to Bellatrix, she was dressed in a miniature version of Bellatrix's outfit; Bellatrix had to train the new Auror recruits and since Ginny was free of her classes with Tonks for the day, she would be following her to work.
"Your acting like a baby Ginny," Hermione said giving Ginny a disappointed look that immediately had the redhead looking ashamed.
"I'm sorry," Ginny whispered.
Sirius and Orion exchanged amused glances. Hermione truly made it her job to be a nag to poor Ginny; apparently she refused to make Sirius rub off on her.
Bellatrix clapped her hands, garnering attention "Well then, let's go!"
Harry tapped his foot as he waited for Hermione to finally arrive; why were they so late? The train was about to leave! Lily and Severus had already said their goodbyes and left for Hogwarts, The Flamel's and Malfoy's had also already arrived and said their goodbyes before leaving…but the Grindelwald's had yet to show up.
"Why don't we go inside and find a compartment? She'll make it in time and even if she doesn't her father's the bloody headmaster," Draco said, his feet were killing him and he wanted to quickly sit down.
Harry glared in the lazy blonde's direction "We're waiting on her."
Draco gulped; sweat quickly collecting on his forehead "O-Okay." Bloody hell! He had forgotten Harry was scary when irritated.
Neville draped an arm over Harry's shoulder "Calm down brother − look there she is!"
Harry followed Neville's finger and saw Hermione walking out the barrier, her parents and siblings by her side. She saw him as well "Harry!" she cried, leaving her trolley and running into his open arms. You would have thought they hadn't spoken last night.
"You're late," Harry laughed; it was funny really, Hermione could make him laugh over the simplest of things but everyone else had to put in an effort. "Hey Aunt Bella, Uncle Gellert."
The two adults waved before focusing on Hermione "Now sweetheart, I can't visit because of work but I will write you okay? And if you wish you can floo me in your father's office so we can talk. Behave and don't cause your teachers any trouble."
Sirius, who had already walked off, managed to hear this part of the conversation and burst out in a loud laugh "HA! Mother are you insane?! She's going to drive them crazy!" Sirius wiped a tear from his eye as he entered the train, muttering about little sister's murdering teachers with their know-it-all-ness.
Hermione's eyes flashed with anger.
"Hermione, I do not wish for teachers to complain to me about your behavior," Gellert said. He had enough on his head as is, Dumbledore was attacking more often he probably had spies in his school and therefore he needed to get his own spy into Dumbledore's circle, a double agent and a good one at that.
Hermione frowned "Father I would never−"
Ginny decided she was not in the room to hear Hermione's excuses for giving teachers eternal migraine's…so she cut her off "You have a habit of insulting people without meaning to."
Hermione turned on her, crossing her arms in defiance "When have I ever done that?"
Ginny and Neville shared a glance before they started to list off names and finally when it became annoying Hermione blatantly told them to 'stuff it'.
"I love you Hermione, make your family proud," Bellatrix said, giving Hermione one final hug.
Hermione smiled "Of course mother."
After giving her father and Ginny one last hug she entered the train with the boy's behind her. Like her companions she had her luggage shrunken and in her pocket, well except for her owl. It was a Great Horned Owl she had named buttercup due to his unusual creamy yellow colour – the man at the store said it was genetics. Harry had gotten a snow-white owl he named Hedwig and Draco had gotten a black eagle owl called Regal, Draco had been teased over the naming, after all only Draco would name an owl Regal. Neville hadn't wanted any of those and had gone with getting…a frog, which he called Trevor.
They easily found an empty compartment; the train was endless after all.
"Wow Hermione you would have thought that since you've been visiting Hogwarts since you couldn't walk that you would be the least bit excited out of us" Neville taunted deciding to give poor Draco a break lest the blonde have a mental breakdown. "Hogwarts robes before we've even left?"
Hermione frowned "I never left my father's office," She hissed, giving him a killer glare before pointedly ignoring him. "So Harry did you try out your wand?"
Harry smirked, when he first realized that the underaged magic thing was still up he had been pissed but then Hermione − who paid attention in class − told him that some homes – like his − had wards that blocked the ministry's surveillance magic.
"Father says it has more power than normal first years, apparently because of my magical capacity" He said in answer to her question. He took out the wand from the holster on his arm revealing it in all its glory. Ollivander had gone all out, going as far as to carve in what looked to Thestrals and adding metal around the end that Harry held.
Hermione was a bit jealous of Harry's wand; it made hers look plain. She shook her head free of those thoughts, it didn't matter how the wand look; what mattered though was the core itself, from what she had read the cores of wands was linked to their strength and Harry's was definitely powerful…she was definitely getting herself a custom made wand; later of course, maybe after she finished Hogwarts.
She blinked and was free of her thoughts; with nothing better to do she took out Hogwarts A History and started to read through it, leaving the boy's to their devices. Neville took out a pack of exploding snap and they started to play, they stopped only twice through the ride, once to buy sweets and second to change when they were an hour from Hogwarts.
A knock came to their compartment door; the boys were so into their game they didn't seem to hear it so Hermione called for the person to enter. The door slid open to reveal two faces, one only Harry would recognize, and other one they all loathed to see.
Seamus and Ron.
Hermione's eyes seemed to strip the unknown boy of his flesh; she ignored Ron "Who are you?"
Seamus grinned "Seamus Finnigan at your service my lady − wow you weren't joking Ron! She looks just like Lady Grindelwald…wow and you're the brother of the Prince of Slytherin"
Ron scowled deciding he had seen enough "Since you've seen them let's head back before they rub off on us," the redhead glared at Harry. "You evil spawns of hell destroyed my family."
Draco sneered "What the hell are you talking about; your mother did that all by herself."
Seamus seemed to ignore the tension in the air; his eyes glinted when he spotted Draco "Even the Malfoy's youngest son! I've read all about your families in the prophet, your all quiet popular and my neighbor told me lots of stories about Hogwarts especially the infamous Tom Snape…it's an honor to meet you all, let's be friends."
Ron looked at Seamus like he was an idiot. He had told the boy how evil these people were as well as answered all his questions about them so when the boy had asked him to help look for them he had thought it was to simply witness the faces of pure unaltered evil…not this!
Hermione went back to her book while Harry and Draco started to gather up their trash and throw them out the window. Neville rolled his eyes as he was left with getting rid of Seamus and Ron.
Neville stood, he was taller than Seamus and Ron though not by much, but his build was definitely better "We don't want to be anything with you so leave. It's obvious you only want popularity."
Ron glared at Neville hatred spilling from his eyes in spades; the redhead hated him more than anything. Blasted idiot should have died with his grandmother.
Seamus scoffed "Stay out of this. Who said I wanted to be friends with you? You're nothing but the stray dog the Snape's were kind enough to pick up."
Harry sighed, note to self…Seamus is a huge dick in this world.
Neville was already used to people calling him names, especially when he was in Diagon alley and got separated from the rest; people were simply jealous that he became a part of one of the most respected family's in the world. Therefore, due to his immunity to words, Neville simply opened the door and pushed Seamus and Ron out, locking the door behind him.
"This must be what Orion was speaking of," Hermione mused, closing her book and putting it away. "Annoying-morons-who-only-want-fame he had said…well lets resize our luggage and prepare to leave we're almost at Hogwarts."
"Wow, it's better than in the books," Neville gasped. He stared at the large school that they were slowing approaching by boat. Hermione had commented that they were travelling across the Black lake but Neville was too preoccupied with drooling over Hogwarts to hear. "I can't wait to check out those secret passages Sirius found."
"You'll get in trouble," Hermione commented before shifting her attention to the large half giant leading them to Hogwarts. Her father suspected he was in arms with Dumbledore and had practically ordered them to be careful around him; though Hermione couldn't see what was wrong with the half giant, he looked too nice to be evil.
"That's if he's caught," Harry said resulting in Hermione giving him a small glare. "Oh come on Hermione, you can't tell me you aren't excited about them." She hadn't been excited in his original world so the answer was most likely no; Hermione was such a sucker for the rules and even after all these years with her he still could not break her out of it.
"What are you drawing?" he asked, for the first time realizing she had a piece of parchment and quill in hand – she always had a shrunken amount in her pockets.
"Hogwarts."
Hermione's talent for drawing had taken Harry by surprise the first time she drew him; but then he remembered that not everything was the same in this world.
Draco stretched to see the drawing, his eyes widened to saucers upon glimpsing it "Sweet Merlin Hermione! How'd you draw it so quickly?!"
Hermione rolled her eyes "With practice and it isn't even finished yet, I still need detail."
Draco shrugged "Looks pretty good to not be complete."
Hermione didn't reply.
Minutes later the boats pulled up on the shores of Hogwarts and they all stood on solid ground "It's even better up close," Neville whispered, still practically drooling from his mouth.
"It is," Hermione agreed.
Harry wasn't impressed in the least; he had already spent a majority of his life in these castle walls. He had also died on these grounds which hadn't been a pleasant experience.
Hermione noticed his lack of expression "Is something the matter Harry?"
Harry shook his head "It's nothing, let's go."
"Well Welcome to Hogwarts!" Hagrid's voice carried across the throng of children "Remember to behave yeh're selves!" The half giant turned and slammed Hogwarts doorknocker a few times before stepping back.
A few seconds passed before the door creaked open. Harry was relieved to see McGonagall in all her glory, she looked the same, exactly like he remembered; he had feared she would be his age or maybe not even exist in this world.
"Thank you Hagrid," She said dismissively to the half giant, Hagrid gave her a small smile before leaving. She turned her stern gaze on the group before her "Follow me."
"Who is she?" Draco asked.
"Professor McGonagall," Harry answered. They all stared at him, wondering how he knew that, not even Hermione had known the woman's name, though she had recognized her face. "Tom told me."
Neville and Draco believed the small white lie; Draco didn't know much about Tom to know that Tom wouldn't spend his time telling his brother about Hogwarts and Neville though now a part of the Snape family was not spoken to regularly by Tom. Hermione on the other hand knew Harry and Tom like the back of her hands; she narrowed her eyes when the words left Harry's mouth but said nothing.
McGonagall walked and talked. Her speech similar to the one he had heard before about house, unity, family and rules; the only exception was when she went into the levels, Harry tuned in at this point "As you all should know – if you read your Hogwarts A History − along with being sorted into your houses you are sorted into one of three levels: Alpha, Beta or Omega depending on your current magic capacity," She paused to reach for a student and lift up one of their wrist, revealing a black band. "That level will appear in the colour of your house depending on where you are ranked…beware that these are not permanent. If you work hard to improve, the bands will automatically adjust, just as well if you fall below standard it will as well."
Harry looked down at his wrist, the band was on his wand hand as it was with everyone else; he had forgotten to question Hermione on the odd addition to the uniform.
"The sorter chooses your initial level as it is through his magic that the bands are activated," She stopped at the large double doors leading to the Greathall "Behind these doors is the Greathall, it is the site of all meals and announcements. You will be sorted here. I want you all to move in an orderly fashion − preferably a line − as we proceed."
So they weren't going to stay here and wait for the ghost to spook them? No fun, Harry thought mentally frowning.
McGonagall then proceeded to push the doors open. Shouts could be heard as the students shouted greetings and welcomes to the newcomers.
Harry was a bit disappointed that the Greathall looked the same; he had been hoping that with Gellert as the Headmaster it would look different. Hermione and the others looked impressed though, they were staring at everything in amazement; Hermione almost bit her tongue in her haste to tell them about the enchanted roof.
"Oh please, stop acting like a little-know-it-all," Ron's annoying voice rang from behind them. They ignored the boy which got to him more than a retort would. "Hey I'm−"
Seamus placed a hand on the redheads shoulder "Don't. Do you want to be suspended on your first day?"
Ron shrugged off Seamus's hold but relented. He looked away from the annoying group in front him and stared up at the platform; there sat 3 of the people who had a hand in his mother's imprisonment: Severus Snape, Lily Snape and Gellert Grindelwald. He couldn't possibly take them down, they were full grown powerful wizards, but there was one thing he could do, he could make the life of their brats living hell; he would leave the adults to Dumbledore.
With a scowl he turned his attention to the only man standing on the podium; he had a hat on his head, a brown battered looking hat. Ron knew exactly what that hat was; it was the sorting hat, an object of pure evil. Dumbledore had told him about it, apparently it was used to torture one high-level prisoner each year during Hogwarts sorting. It sucked there magic dry while giving them horrible nightmares; the victims didn't even know they were at Hogwarts. The dull glow in the man's eyes when they reached the platform of the hall spoke to this truth.
McGonagall walked up to the platform and took out a long piece of parchment; Ron could tell by its length that it held all their names. She didn't read it though she looked as if she was waiting on something.
Suddenly the glossy eyed man opened his mouth, and began to sing. Ron saw his face contort in pain; he knew that every time that man spoke he was feeling incredible pain as his magic was drained and torturous dreams flitted across his mind. How could these idiots call Dumbledore dark? They were obviously the bad guys.
Oh you may not think I'm 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 sit down 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 sit down! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands
For I'm a Thinking Cap!
Ron scowled; thinking cap?! More like demon cap! The redhead feared simply having it roam through his head using the body of the prisoner to tear through his thoughts. Luckily Dumbledore had a way around the demonic object and Ron placed his trust in Dumbledore to ensure he didn't die. The demon cap was loyal to the dark and would rat out his plans.
"When I call your name please seat before the sorter, Abbott Hannah." McGonagall's voice tore Ron free from his subconscious and he watched as the little girl took seat on the stool. The sorter – more like soul eater in Ron's eyes – placed both hands on the girls head.
"Hufflepuff…Beta" The man's voice rang.
Ron watched as the girls robes changed colour and Beta appeared on her wristband. Ron smirked, how pathetic.
After some time Ron heard his name being called; he loathed his name as it linked him to that dreadful woman he found himself living with. It probably wouldn't have been so bad if she at least lived in the magical world and did not have that many cats.
"Figg Ronald"
Ron marched up and took a seat. He tried to calm down, fearing that if he didn't Dumbledore's spell would stop working. He spied Harry trying to stifle a laugh; the arrogant ass was staring at him like he was the funniest thing in the world…what could be so funny Ron wondered.
He would never know that Harry was laughing at the redhead's misfortune of ending up in a house of cats and receiving such a dreadful name. Harry found it a bit odd to hear Ron referred to as Figg. Hermione and the others were staring at him in confusion, wondering what he found so funny but he merely waved off their curiosity.
"Gryffindor…Beta"
Harry was stunned. Ronald Bilius Wea-Figg had a beta level magical core? Well surprise surprise. Hermione and the others looked as stunned as him but they quickly hid it. Ron didn't look too happy at his level but got over it because he got into Gryffindor. The redhead quickly left the stool and the list continued.
"Grindelwald Hermione"
The room was quiet as everyone strained to see the youngest of the Grindelwald siblings. She sat, looking much like the pureblood she was and waited.
"Ravenclaw…Alpha." Hermione smiled and made her way to her table giving the boys a soft good luck on the way.
And so went the list "Malfoy Draco"
Draco's sorting was quiet similar to the other world in that it was so fast "Slytherin, Beta."
Then it was Harry's turn.
"Snape Harry." Like with Hermione the room went still as Harry took his seat.
'Ah certainly a Slytherin to heart.'
Harry frowned 'If you would be so kind, I'd like to be placed in Ravenclaw.'
'But that is not where you belong.'
'I assure you I will make that house proud…now do what I say hat…' Harry leaked a bit of his powers − the bit he had learned to control – and could almost see the hat sweating bullets.
'As you wish lord Death'
"Ravenclaw…Alpha"
Harry could pinpoint his friends and family easily, by the disbelief on their faces. He stood with a grin and left for his house.
"Snape Neville" Again with the silence, apparently they were curious about the adoptive son as well.
Neville took his seating "Gryffindor…Beta"
After Neville was sorted Harry promptly tuned out and instead tuned into Hermione's excited chatter of the curriculum. Ah Hogwarts was definitely going to be fun this year.
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