Disclaimer/reminder: This is all based off works by JK Rowling, she owns the rights to all of this I'm borrowing her ideas with no ideas to profit off them.

Chapter 4

Things That Go Bump in the Night

Soon enough September the first rolled around. The house had been in quiet preparations for the start of the academic year, the only exception had been a three-way argument between Harry, Minerva and Archer about the Hogwarts Express. Archer had it in his mind that since he lived with a member of staff in the summers he should be allowed to skip the "peasant wagon" as he lovingly referred to the crimson steam engine. McGonagall tried to argue it was an essential experience for any Hogwarts student to travel on the train. Harry agreed with both, though he felt that in a lot of ways the train was obsolete he thought it would be a great experience. He wasn't looking forwards to being penned in like an exhibition. The boys managed to get a concession from McGonagall that they would take a train although they were allowed to lock and ward their compartment so as to have a peaceful journey. They owled Neville and invited him to their compartment, they had struck up a regular correspondence with the Longbottom heir meaning Harry's new owl, named Hedwig, had had plenty of exercise.

The morning of the first the boy's trunks had been shrunken and taken with Minerva so as to make things easier on the station. While this did indeed reduce the hassle it did reinforce Archer's arguments about how obsolete the train was. Something he was keen to point out. They met up with Neville on the platform early and settled into their compartment including a few complex locking charms and a notice-me-not charm. Neville pulled out a book on Flora with Fangs, Archer took out his book on Curse-breaking while Oscar the kitten curled into his lap and Harry looked at his travelling companions wondering if they were going to bother to chat at all. Sighing as they seemed content with their texts Harry reached over to his travel bag and pulled out his book, A Mindful Approach to the Mind Arts. Their reading was soon disturbed though by a series of whistles from the steam engine. Neville explained that this was the departure warning meaning the train was about to leave. Neville went on to explain how most students played a game, they had to guess the number of seconds after the warning before the Weasley clan burst through the portal from the muggle world. "Well" started Archer, "we won't get much more peace and quiet until the train leaves, Neville let's talk plants," at this Neville's face lit up. "What difference is there between wand trees and other trees that make them suitable for wands? I've read lots on wandlore but there is never a good explanation, hit me with the herbology side." This lead to a chat about infusing magic into plants and the nature of magical plants which lasted until the train left London. Harry sat and listened not really having anything to add, he did change topic however when they seemed to exhaust the overlap between wandlore and herbology.

"Archer, you never told us how your salvage deal with the goblins went?"

"Oh, I guess I never got round to it." Archer replied, "Well they are starting to strip the carcass over Christmas. On the deal itself I think I did rather well. I negotiated for ages to have their services paid for in the meat of the beast. It's some kind of goblin delicacy. For half the meat they were willing to waive all sales fees which normally amount to about ten percent of the total sale. I have complete control over what is sold meaning that the hide, fangs and other goodies are mine to put aside for a rainy day or to be made into toys. For the other half of the meat since they seemed desperate so I manged to snag a curse-breaking tutor for next summer. Normally its considered trade secrets but I'm good at what I do. Yet another Weasley, he'll be finishing up his tour of Egypt then I get him for the summer before he is re-assigned. I've sent him a letter asking what preparations I'll need and he ought to get back to me soon." Harry just sat slightly stunned. How on earth had he persuaded the goblins to part with their curse-breaking secrets to a non-employee?

"Any non-compete or anything? They don't just give those secrets away?"

"I signed a deal saying I wouldn't teach anyone else what I learn, sorry Harry. I also signed a contract saying if I ever want to enter the curse-breaking profession Gringotts would have first refusal on my employment. Seeing as I think of it as an interesting hobby I doubt that will matter." Harry accepted that and left it there. As they passed into the countryside they picked their books up and passed into a content quiet other than the purring from the little silver tabby. When they crossed the border into Scotland their reading was interrupted by some knocking on the door. Using a crafty spell from an obscure branch of transfiguration Harry was able to change the door so they could see out without anyone outside noticing the difference. Seeing some blonde kid with a pointy face, thus not a member of staff, therefore someone of no consequence they ignored it and Harry released the spell channel allowing the door to return to its natural state. "Who was that Nev?" Archer asked.

"That was Draco Malfoy, self-appointed king of Slytherin, our year. Really though he's harmless. Sometime I wonder if he exists solely to annoy Ron."

"that's the youngest Weasley brother, the one from your party right?" Seeing Neville nod he turned to Harry "I bet I can break him in less than a week."

Harry didn't particularly want to encourage his friend to be an arse but he knew he'd take some perverse pleasure in doing it anyway so why not profit from it? "Terms?"

"Neville should judge what classes as broken. Loser takes full responsibility for anything McGee catches us doing." Harry thought about this for a but then held his hand accepting the deal. He knew his friend could be irritating at times but he'd barely have time to settle within a week.

"Deal" they shook on it and settled back "I reckon best get changed about now?" The boys finished changing and repacked their bags putting Oscar in a carrier just as the train rolled into the train station at Hogsmeade. For the most part they followed the crowd up to a series of carriages that didn't appear to be pulled by anything. Having seen stranger things in the wizarding world they didn't even break stride as the three of them took a carriage, some girl walked up possibly looking to take the last seat but she wilted under Archer's gaze. Harry smiled apologetically at her as the carriage pulled away. "that was just mean."

"yeah but now I have this bench to myself so I think it's worth it." Archer said.

"definitely not a Hufflepuff are you?" asked Neville. Archer's sneer broke for that as he laughed.

"Merlin, I couldn't think of many things worse. Imagine having to be happy and cheery all the time. You can't trust people who are happy all the time. They either know something you don't or don't understand the situation, not my kind of people."

As they filed into the Entrance Hall McGonagall who had reprised her position of deputy head and head of Gryffindor nodded towards and antechamber where they were expected to wait. It had been explained before they left that they would be sorted until after the main sorting so Harry's sorting wouldn't take all the attention away from one of the most important moments of the ickle firsties lives.

With nothing to do but stand in the room and wait, it felt like ages before Minnie, Professor McGonagall in this situation, came and collected them. Leading them back into the Great Hall their second entrance was only slightly less dramatic than their first. Everyone turned to them recognising them. A few whispers passed as it was explained to the first years who they were. Harry focused ahead trying to ignore the attention, he was fully aware that Archer was waving to the crowd like the conquering hero returning home. He even went as far as to wink at some of the girls. Professor McGonagall explained to the hall about the situation with regards to these two boys. Then it was time for the boy's sorting. In a break from tradition they weren't called alphabetically, instead Harry was called first to try on the Sorting Hat.

"Ah Mr Potter, I must admit I expected you a few years ago," said a voice inside his head, "Now let's have a look around. Yes, its quite interesting in here. You clearly have a thirst for knowledge in here, you're loyal to your friends but your fame has made you cynical meaning you're not trusting enough for Hufflepuff. You are powerful and you know it, you could do well in Slytherin but care not for their little games and manipulations. Bravery is clear, you have noble intent and wish to be kind. Gryffindor or Ravenclaw then. Ah you wish to take after your parents and do them proud, in that case GRYFFINDOR" The announcing the last word to the Hall. Huge applause rang from the lion's table and a polite clap from the other tables.

It only took moments for Archer to be sorted into Slytherin. While there was nowhere near the level of applause for his sorting compared to Harry's, Archer put the hat down and instead of travelling towards the Slytherin table stood, sneered and took a bow as if it was some great performance. Then walking towards the Slytherin table he loudly sighed, "didn't someone tell them I was coming?" With that he waved his hand and conjured a throne like chair at the head of the Slytherin table. "Much better" he announced to the shock of the Hall.

"What exactly is wrong with the benches Mr Pittman?" Professor McGonagall asked in a severe tone. Before Archer had time to justify the extravagance a greasy haired Professor announced;

"ten points to Slytherin for good conjuration skills." Archer just sneered smugly at the still staring Hall wondering if it was a record for getting points so early. He knew his adopted father and Harry's father had managed detention before the feast, the marauders for all the trouble they caused were brilliant and regularly topped the classes Lily Potter (neé Evans) didn't, they earned as many points as they lost but Archer hadn't heard of points this early. Looking around the room Archer saw Slytherin split between impressed by the magic and balls it took and offended by the nerve of a newcomer, most thinking there was no way he deserved to sit at the head of the table like he was the head of the house. Turning he saw Dumbledore raise his goblet to him and nod, with that he knew he was safe from losing points or getting a detention. Never one to punish well executed magic even if it was distracting Dumbledore, the main reason the marauders hadn't been expelled by the end of their first year.

Dumbledore stood and said "Welcome new students and staff. I have a few start of year announcements for you all. That can wait however, I'm sure you will all be more receptive with food in your bellies, so tuck in." he sat back down and food appeared on the golden plates adorning the tables.

Harry sitting at the Gryffindor table looked back to see Neville swapping down to sit with him and the first years leaving behind the Gryffindors he had met at the party and some girl with bushy hair who he assumed was the Hermione girl. "so Harry, welcome to Gryffindor." Harry smiled as he already felt at home.

"We'll chat later Nev, its time to eat till we feel ill. McGee would never let us eat this irresponsibly at home."

"Whatever, you think Archer is going to get in trouble for that chair stunt?"

"Dumbledore loved it. If he gets in trouble it will be with the other students, I reckon."

Once all of the students had eaten their own bodyweight Dumbledore stood to make the announcements he had mentioned earlier. "Ah here we are ready for another year at Hogwarts, firstly some staffing announcements. I am pleased to announce the return of Professor McGonagall who will be resuming her roles as deputy headmistress and head of Gryffindor house." Polite applause was heard around the hall. "Another Professor returns to us this year, our muggle-studies Professor Quirrell has returned from his travels of the Balkans." Again polite applause for a nervous looking man wearing a large turban. "Joining our returning Professors, I am pleased to welcome Professor Lupin to our staff." Archer and Harry lead the clapping for that announcement. Seeing Remus have a real job was a relief, he had been moaning for years about Sirius paying him for part time tutoring of the boys. He kept claiming the need to earn an honest living then complaining that his werewolf status kept people from employing him. "I must also welcome two special additions to our students. For the first time in many years Hogwarts has accepted transfers. Please make sure you welcome Harry Potter and Archer Pittman to the Hogwarts Family." Another round of clapping for this. "Now, first years please note that the Forbidden Forest is just that, forbidden, though a few of our older students may need reminding of that." Harry saw Dumbledore glance towards a pair of Gryffindors who by their hair could only be the infamous Weasley twins he had heard about at the party. "Our caretaker Mr Filtch has added a few more items to the banned item list, the complete list can be viewed at your pleasure outside Mr Filtch's office. House quidditch teams are to organise their try outs with Madam Hooch within the first fortnight of term and finally, I must tell you that this year, the third floor corridor on the eastern side of the Castle is out of bounds to everyone who does not want to experience a very painful death." Harry sighed at this sombre note knowing full well Archer would want to investigate whatever this danger was as soon as he could.

He was lead up to the seventh floor of the castle to Gryffindor tower, as the prefect gave the password: "Fortuna Major" a portrait of a rather overweight woman swung revealing a passage into a cosy circular room. Comfy chairs and sofas were arranged around a large fireplace. Desks and bookcases around the side of the room created a few little nooks and crevices with cushioned benches allowing more private chats. At the back of the room two staircases split and curled away from each other. Professor McGonagall came in and assembled the house. She gave a speech about your house being your family and reminded them to come to her if they had issues. Neville lead Harry up to the third year dorms where he settled down for the night wondering if down in the Slytherin dorms Archer had been given a more interesting reception.

When Archer had arrived at the hidden entrance to the Slytherin room he continued his shock and awe offensive. The prefects turn to the students stopping them, preparing to reveal the password, Archer wonders how proud of his parseltounge ability Slytherin was, ignoring the prefect he stepped forwards and hissed "Open", the stunt paid off as the common room was revealed, leaving the stunned students behind he strolled in and sat on a comfy looking overstuffed green chair with silver stitching. Unlike the round Gryffindor room, the Slytherin common room seemed to be carved out of a natural cavern leading to numerous little nooks and private areas, one whole side of the room was a giant glass window that showed a view that meant that they were well below the water level of the lake.

The house gathered in the common room as Professor Snape the head of Slytherin prepared his address. Though he touched on the same ideas of your house being your family he was far less complimentary than McGonagall was with regards to the other houses. Snape also heavily recommended a potions book "for further reading". Snape also expressed that while Ravenclaw and Slytherin know that house points are worthless and do not feature on any job applications and the like, so long as Gryffindor wants to win it, it is the duty of all Slytherins to make sure the house of ambition and cunning is always on top. With a final remark about the house of cunning meaning that if you must break rules you do not get caught Snape left, robes billowing behind him.

Archer thought it was about time to meet his fellow third years. He spied who he assumed to be the third years, those that had been sitting near that Malfoy person at dinner. He noticed the clear divides in the year, Malfoy had a boy either side who could well be part troll, opposite him was a scrawny, thin boy with a large nose. In the same group was a pug faced girl who seemed to be trying to get Malfoy's attention, next to her was a heavy set girl who looked like she would rather not be there. A little way away was a trio, a dark skinned boy with close shaved hair and two girls. One had dark wavy hair, the exact colour would be hard to tell in the low light of the common room, a rounding bright face. The other girl had blonde hair so light it was almost white, deep blue eyes and a sneer that put his own to shame. It was almost a scowl and it ruined her otherwise beautiful face with high cheekbones and all the other regal signs of a well-bred pureblood. The scrawny boy opposite Malfoy was trying to be stubble about it but was leering at her whenever he thought no-one would notice.

Getting up and heading over to the trio he brushed imagined dirt off his robes, sneer in place he walked over to them, "Hello there, I'm Archer Titus Pittman, I'm sorry we haven't had the pleasure yet." He gave a slightly flamboyant bow to the girls revealing someone which a touch too much French flair.

"Blaise Zambini" the boy said with no sign of friendliness other than a polite nod. It was clear to Archer that these were the real Slytherins, they would wait to see things settle before they made any decisions with regards to friendship, those who knew the secret to success was to back a winner before stabbing them in the back to claim the glory. To fill the slight silence that followed the dark haired girl spoke up.
"I'm Tracey Davis, this miserable bitch is Daphne Greengrass."

"well it is an honour and a privilege to meet you all." Archer said laying on the charm and flattery, anything to gather a few allies. "may I sit for a moment?"

"suit yourself, I have some questions for you anyway" The girl continued, once he sat she dived straight in; "What was that throne nonsense in the hall?"

"I bet Harry I could break that Malfoy kid within a week, that was part one."

"Harry as in Harry Potter, so it was you."

"Was me…?"

"From last year, you two showed up, claimed to have found the Chamber of Secrets and saved the Weaslette and waltzed on out." The girl said, the others just watched with only a slight raise of the eyebrow from the boy to show any reaction. Greengrass remained completely unmoved.

"You're forgetting the bit where we slain Slytherin's monster." Archer said as his sneer slipped to a smirk.

"Is that normal for you two?" The girl asked "It's just a tad wild for someone so young."

"well we've done equally stupid stuff. I would argue that its only because we're young that we do such wild things. You'd hope once we grow up we'll realise we are only mortal after all and stop testing that theory." The girl snorted, getting in before she could ask another question Archer asked "So who's who in our year?"
"Well," started Tracey "you seem to know Malfoy, his lackey's are Crabbe and Goyle, you don't need to know which is which they're never apart. His sycophantic pug is Pansy Parkinson who seems to have roped Millicent Bullstrode into some of her Malfoy watching. On the other couch is Nott."

"And Nott can't keep his eyes of our Miss Greengrass here," Archer finished for her.

"I am aware of his, interest, however it is not welcome nor is being referred to as 'our', I do not belong to you and never will." Greengrass said, speaking at last.

Archer faked surprise and turned back to Tracey "It speaks? There I was thinking it was just a pretty face?"

Tracey laughed, "No, she can even be nice on occasion. She's just not in a great mood at the moment and won't tell me why."

"Well I'll have to rectify that. I think its time I went and broke Malfoy a bit more, that ought to be entertaining enough to cheer her up."

"Good luck and have fun" Tracey replied. Archer stood up and strolled over towards the other group. Making a quick plan he walked over to the sofa with Bullstrode and Parkinson on it.

"Why hello there, I'm afraid we've not been formally introduced I am Archer Titus Pittman, you must be Miss Parkinson, even in France we've heard of your beauty, I'm honoured to make your acquaintance and you must be Miss Bullstrode I have heard less about you I'm afraid but all I have heard has been good." Parkinson started beaming at this, clearly Malfoy hadn't been returning her interest with anywhere near the levels of intensity she wanted. Bullstrode just grunted, at this point Archer wasn't sure if that passed for speech with her but Tracey had implied she didn't want to be here so there was a chance she was alright. "Oh and Mr Nott I believe, you must be proud to come from such an established family. One of the greatest pureblood houses in Britain." Nott's attention was taken away from glancing at Greengrass and he smirked proudly. Turning to the other sofa "Crabbe, Goyle" he said with a nod to each. He had a fifty, fifty chance of getting them the right way round but if they were as thick as they looked they wouldn't notice even if he got it wrong. With the introductions make he sat on the space next to Nott and asked "So Mr Nott, I've been told you're one of the people to know in Slytherin, its said you'll be one of the next big things from this proud house."

Nott's smirked across at Malfoy clearly enjoying top billing. "Yes, I suppose so, I am a Nott after all".

Malfoy finally realised that he'd been snubbed both in the lack of introduction and the talk about status. "Well mudblood there is no need to suck up to Nott to keep you safe, I doubt you'll last a week."

Archer turned to him sneered a bit and turned to Nott, "Am I expected to know who that is, he clearly doesn't know his place."

Nott smiled but before he could respond Malfoy interjected "I'm Draco Malfoy, heir of the Malfoy's and you should be grovelling at my feet."

"Malfoy eh? Aren't they a minor house. From what I remember their greatest claim was marring a Black, of course she was cast out from the family for marrying so lowly. Narcissa Black I think it was."

"How dare you talk about my family like that, you just wait till my father hears about this." Malfoy spat.

"And what exactly will your father do about it Drakey wakey, I am heir Black, I am the Black of Black, eyes in the shadows" leaning in and whispering into Malfoy's ear "I'm the thing that goes bump in the night."

Malfoy had no response to that, his mind couldn't seem to comprehend the Black family making a muggle-born its heir, nor could he imagine how to respond to what might have been a threat. How could this person write him off so easily?

Over in the other corner Tracey was trying not to laugh at a spluttering Malfoy even Daphne was smiling though most people could only tell by the surprising lack of a sneer, it was her eyes that had lit up with glee.

Malfoy finally seemed to line up things in his head while Archer had started to make polite conversation with Nott. None of the other purebloods wanted to say anything about blood status after hearing he was heir to the Blacks, possibly the grandest wizarding family in British history with a record of producing powerful magicians often with short tempers. "You're going to pay for that Pittman" Malfoy declared pulling his wand.

Back in the corner Daphne spoke again. "Oh this should be good"

Tracey ever the opportunist added "want to make a bet?"

"it wouldn't be fair; I know who Pittman is."

"Oh who is that then?"

"Do you have any interest in the European duelling circuit?"

"Not really why?" Tracey asked intrigued,

"My family is wealthy enough my father has time and money to pursue his hobbies, while he's not good enough to compete himself he pays attention to the circuit on the continent. Pittman was ranked number one for under seventeens till he got banned at the start of summer."

"Shit." Tracey summed up. Blaise just smiled at the news looking forward to Malfoy being taken down another peg.

In the time that the girls were chatting all that had happened on the other sofas was upon being faced by Malfoy's wand Archer had paused before bursting out in genuine laughter.

"ha, that's hilarious but don't you need daddy's permission before you do something stupid little Drakey?"

"Why you insufferable mudblood" Malfoy screeched before loudly casting a series of curses and vicious hexes at Archer who merely raised a simple protego shield. He, like most duellers preferred to use a different shield charm that deflects spells, its a lot harder to use than the protego but far more energy efficient. The protego has to absorb the spell cast at it which uses more energy but it needed to be done for now since there were too many people close by for deflecting any spells. Hitting bystanders would ruin the charm and power-play. Holding the shield until Malfoy ran out of steam Archer clicked his finger for effect while sending a non-verbal disarming spell from his other hand low enough power there wasn't the distinctive red beam. Plucking Malfoy's wand out of the air he sighed and shook his head. Sending a non-verbal banishing charm at Malfoy with a waft of his hand he said,

"Sit down Malfoy and maybe if you're a good boy you can have your wand back for class tomorrow."

Malfoy forced into the chair by the banishing charm was stunned. Being unaware of the purpose of the rings Archer wore it appeared that his opponent had effortlessly and wandlessly beaten him.

Back in the corner Blaise and Tracey had huge grins, even Daphne was struggling to hold a look of disinterest. "Well that was educational" Blaise said.

"A slight understatement I believe" Tracey said before adding, "He'll do, we can keep him."

With Malfoy too stunned by the evenings events to notice he'd been hit by a silencing charm for good measure. A short time later Nott and Zambini lead Archer off to the dorms. Archer applied some of the simple intent based wards that he had read about, nothing offensive or advanced, they were misdirection wards meaning anyone with ill-intent towards the caster would remember some pressing matter to deal with. They were easily dismantled by anyone looking for them and were ineffective against someone with enough focus but they ought to do for the night. While Nott and Zambini went to the bathroom he took the time alone to cast a few advanced charms on Malfoy's bed, or at least the one his trunk was at the foot of. It was based around a detection charm used to alert nurses when a patient was drifting off to sleep it was tied into a weak banishing charm tied to Malfoy's mattress. The overall combination meant that whenever Malfoy got comfortable Archer's spells would go bump in the night. Malfoy wouldn't be getting much sleep tonight.