AN: Sorry for the delay. I didn't have a computer at my disposal all summer, but I recently bought myself a MacBook Pro (Ah! 3) so all my problems are solved. This one is longer than my previous entry so I hope that makes up for it being really late. Thank you for stickin' with me and thank you for the reviews. They really do make me a better writer and it makes the story better for everyone. Ok, here it is! (ALL HAIL ROWLING!)
Chapter 2
"Padfoot, this is total nonsense! There is absolutely no ruddy point for me to go to this school. Anything I need to know, you or Moony can teach me!" Harry Potter was pacing about his room in Number 12, Grimmauld Place. It had been his home for his whole life. How could he just up and leave to go live at a boarding school for a year?
Sirius was lazily flicking his wand, willing Harry's clothes to fold neatly in the trunk. "Could you please turn your moody, teenager angst down? It's getting a little stuffy in here."
Harry whipped around to face his godfather. "Sirius. This is not a time to joke. I have no reason to go to this Hog-Face or Pigs-Wart place..."
"Hogwarts, Harry," Sirius interrupted sternly. He twisted the wand in his fingers. "And honestly I thought you'd be excited about this. You're always complaining about how you don't get to go out and do anything. Moony and I are letting you go out for a whole year. You don't even have to come back for Christmas or Easter or anything!"
"Exactly my point, Sirius! Instead of this house, I'm being cooped up in a bloody castle in the middle of Merlin-knows-where and it's awful! Why can't I go with you and Moony?"
Sirius looked straight at Harry. "Are you daft, boy? If Dumbledore is bringing us into the field again, it's obviously not a job just anyone can do!"
Harry attempted to interrupt, but Sirius forged on. "I'm not saying you are incapable, but you are still a boy, like it or not. You still have much to learn. And besides, there are things that Hogwarts teaches you that we can't, like..."
"Like social skills," Remus finished, leaning against the doorframe. "Because let's face it: When you hang around with a werewolf pariah and, well, Sirus, you don't have typical social interactions."
Sirius frowned at Remus, "I interact perfectly fine with people, Moony!"
"Right. So when you hexed the woman in Diagon Alley for spraying you with cologne, that was normal?"
Harry laughed as Sirius glared at Remus. "You can't hold that one against me, Remus. I had my own cologne and the combination made me smell like a 5th year dormitory."
Remus grinned and turned to Harry, "Like I said, social interactions."
Sirius closed Harry's trunk and sat down on the edge of the bed. "What I was going to say was not that. Our curriculum here is more or less biased. We've spent quite a lot of time on Defense and charm work. And, I guess, Transfiguration, but you pick that up easily so it's hardly time consuming. Anyway, Hogwarts has a number of classes that we barely have toughed in. Potion making, for instance, is not either of our fortes. Dumbledore only has the best professors at Hogwarts, so you'll be in good hands."
Harry slumped where he stood. "I still don't like this," he said. "I don't even know where you're going and I can't contact you? What is that about?"
"Now we didn't say you couldn't contact us," Remus interceded. "You just can't owl us directly. Just send any letters to Gloria and she'll pass them on to us."
Sirius faced visibly darkened. "Yes, Mrs. Gloria Lupin can figure everything out."
Remus stared at Sirius. "That isn't her name, Padfoot. It's Gloria Thorson and we're not even dating.
"No, just two lonely and love-sick puppies against the world. It's truly tragic."
The tension in the room was palpable so Harry decided to intervene. "Alright then, we should go now. I really don't want to miss the train on account of you two bickering."
His faux-uncles both turned towards him. Sirius smiled, quickly replacing the glare he had previously donned. "He's right, Moony. Let's get going." He stood and straightened out his pants. He picked up his tailored robes and slipped them on.
Remus shook his head at his friend and turned to find his coat. "You know we're going through the muggle-way, Sirius. Do you really need the robes?"
"I am an upstanding member of the wizarding community. I will be in my robes." Sirius said smartly, closing his robes so they laid flat.
Harry yanked his trunk off the bed and moved toward the door. "I'll see you two in the kitchen," he said before descending the staircase.
Kreacher had a pastry and a glass of pumpkin juice ready for Harry when he entered the kitchen. The house elf was as surly as an old man, but he had a soft spot for Harry. Padfoot claimed that he was trying to brainwash Harry into keeping up Black family ideals, but Harry knew it was because Harry had nicked a couple of Black family heirlooms to give to him that Sirius had been quick to hide or dispose of once found.
"Thank you, Kreacher. I don't know what I'm going to do without you this year."
The house elf bowed unsteadily and croaked, "Master Potter is too kind. The house elves at Hogwarts will obey your every will."
Harry shook his head. "I don't want them to. I don't want anymore attention than I am already going to get."
Kreacher nodded, "If Master wishes it, it shall be done." And with a pop, he disapperated.
Harry shook his head. The old elf was an odd one.
Remus walked into the kitchen wearing a tweed pea coat. A charcoal turtleneck peeked out from collar. Remus was always either wearing a high collar or a scarf in public. Sirius had told him it was to keep prying eyes off the scars that laced his neck and collarbones.
Sirius followed closely, adorned in his pin striped robes. Usually he kept those for special meetings. Apparently Little-Prongsie's first day of school was special enough.
Harry swallowed the last of his juice. "Ready?" he asked.
Remus looked at Sirius, waiting for confirmation. Sirius nodded, "Yes we are. Just grab ahold of your trunk and we'll be off."
Harry grabbed the handle of his trunk and held his godfather's arm. He never enjoyed side-along apparition, but they weren't going to let him without a permit. As they spun, Harry felt the uncomfortable feeling of being pulled through a rubber hose. Just when his lungs were about to implode, the pressure released and he was standing in a crowded waiting room at the train station.
Remus and Sirius began moving immediately and Harry tailed them. The amount of muggles was incomprehensible for Harry. When he went out with Remus or Sirius, it was always in Wizarding locations or unpopular muggle shops. Kings Cross Station was packed full of muggle mothers carrying babies, muggle businessmen in sharp suits, and muggle teens moving in packs through the crowds.
Remus had made a beeline for the 9th platform. When the reached the wall on the far side, Sirius stopped them. "Maybe I should go first. To make sure the way is clear."
Remus looked at him bemused before leaving the wall open for him. Sirius took a step back. Harry watched as he stretched his arms and took deep breaths.
"Really, Sirius? We haven't got all day," Remus reminded him.
Suddenly, Sirius went off in a dead sprint towards the wall, slipping through the brick and disappearing.
Harry whipped around to look at Remus. "Seriously, Moony? I have to run into a wall?"
Remus shook his head, laughing slightly. "No, Harry. You have to do no such thing. We are going to lean into the wall and pass through inconspicuously." He then walked to the wall, leaned his shoulder in and faded into the wall.
Harry gulped. It was stupid to get anxious over this. He had just seen both his mentors pass through the wall easily. He could do it.
He tightened his grip on his trunk and pushed against the wall. Instead of meeting resistance, he fell right through the brick and mortar, stopping right behind his two uncles.
Remus was glaring at Sirius. "If only! He's becoming you more and more each day!"
"Who's becoming Padfoot more and more?" Harry asked, peeking around Remus.
"It's not important. Let's just get you on this train." Remus again started forward, leading Harry and Sirius through the mass of people.
Harry took in the platform. The scarlet steam engine was emitting clouds of steam while the whistle screamed, announcing the upcoming departure. The amount of people had lessened slightly, but the clothing had drastically changed. Instead of clean cut suits, there were robes of every color. Instead of bowler hats, there were the signature pointed wizard hats atop a number of men who were towing their children.
But what caught his attention was the amount of teenagers there. The people who came by Grimmauld Place were all adults. And while their conversation was stimulating and exciting, they always treated him like the child he was. There weren't a lot of students that stopped by Number 12.
They reached the door to the train car. The train was gaining more and more passengers by the minute and if Harry didn't board soon, he wasn't going to get a spot.
He turned to Remus and Sirius. While they weren't technically family, they were the closest he had. They were his uncles, his teachers, and his caretakers. He didn't like leaving them so they could go risk their lives out in the field.
But he needed to put on a brave face. "Well, this is goodbye for the year then," he said extending his hand to them. He shook hands with Remus and then Sirius, short and firmly.
Harry attempted to straighten up, but he couldn't leave them quite yet. He dropped the hold on his trunk and pulled both of his uncles into a hug. They both hugged him back in silence.
Feeling slightly better, Harry released them.
"Well, good luck, Harry," Remus said, regaining his composure. "We'll let you know when you can owl us. It'll be soon. I promise."
"Just don't miss us too much, Prongsie," Sirius said, clapping Harry on the shoulder. "You'll get along better here than you could possibly imagine. After all, it was where I met Moony here and your father, James. And James met Lily here. Obviously, there are plenty of good pickin's."
Harry laughed at his ridiculous family. He picked up his trunk and made for the stairs that led to the train car. As he hit the first step, he felt a tug on his arm.
Sirius turned him around one last time. "By the way, I snuck some presents into your trunk that you might find useful. Ok, good bye, kid." And with that he turned and walked back to Remus.
Harry climbed the stairs and entered the bustling train.
"Well that was a mistake," Harry grumbled as he pulled his trunk along behind him. Halfway through the trip, the corridor was mostly empty so he was able to maneuver pretty well under his father's invisibility cloak.
Harry had known about his father's cloak, but he had never allowed him to have it, knowing full well its potential. Sirius giving it to him was a sign of trust and it made Harry feel empowered. So when the first group of students had made their way into his compartment, he decided to make friends.
There were three girls, all giggling about some boy named Thomas. Harry greeted them extending his hand. The first girl looked at him funny, but returned the gesture.
"Hi, I'm Lavender Brown. And you are?"
"Harry. Harry Potter."
Suddenly the atmosphere changed in the compartment. All the girls were staring at him with mouths slightly gaping.
Lavender was first to recover, her demeanor suddenly much more friendly. "So do you really have the scar?"
"Oh yeah," Harry answered, brushing his unruly bangs away from his forehead. Underneath sat a perfect, lightning bolt shaped scar. The thin red lines sat prominently against his pale skin.
The girls squealed, which seemed like an odd reaction to an old scar.
One of the other girls coughed slightly, getting Lavender's attention.
"Oh yeah. Harry, this is..."
"Pavarti Patil and this is my twin sister..."
"Padma. It's nice to meet you, Harry."
Lavender cleared her throat, bringing the attention back to herself. "So what brings you to Hogwarts, Harry?"
"Um, I'm gonna take some classes while my uncles are working," Harry responded. It was more or less true.
"Uncles? I thought you only had the one Aunt, who was a muggle," Pavarti remarked.
Harry recovered, "Well they aren't really my uncles. They were my dad's friends during school. you might know who they are. Uh, Sirius Black and Remus Lupin?"
"And you all live together?" Lavender asked, clearly miffed that she hadn't thought of the question.
"Yeah," Harry responded, slightly unsure. "Is that weird?"
"Well it's just, two grown men living together with a teenage boy isn't your typical house, unless there are closer relationships."
Harry was starting to feel uncomfortable under their preying eyes. "I have to go to the bathroom. Where's the nearest one?"
Padma answered first, "The one at the front of the train is closest, but don't use the fourth stall. It likes to backup in people."
Harry nodded and got up to leave. As he closed the compartment door, a fit of giggles burst from the seat behind him.
Great first acquaintances, he thought as he moved toward the front of the train. He kept his head low to avoid anymore interactions. He just wanted to go to the bathroom peacefully.
When he arrived back at the compartment, the number of girls inside had tripled. It was packed inside and Harry wasn't really sure he wanted to deal with that.
He slowly opened up the compartment door. Lavender caught his eye first. "Harry, come sit by me. I want you to meet some more people."
The almost hungry look in most of the girl's eyes was enough to push Harry out the door.
"I'm sorry Lavender, but I can't. I met up with an old friend of mine and I'm meeting him in his compartment so..."
"Oh, well can I walk you?"
Harry reached for his trunk, "No I think I'm good. Thanks though." He backed out through the door. "I guess I'll see you around." He then shut the door and started his way down the train.
When the coast was clear, Harry threw the invisibility cloak over his body and started on.
He shouldn't have let them know his name looking back. He just didn't realize how popular he actually was in the world. He hadn't done anything. He was just a baby when it all happened. Why should he get the fame?
He was near the back of the train by now. He looked inside a compartment. It was vacant aside from a girl who seemed to be taking a nap. She wouldn't mind if he just sat down a while, would she?
He slid the door open, careful not to cause too much of a ruckus. He closed the door behind him, pulled his cloak off, and sat down. Feeling the plush seat beneath him matched with the silence in the compartment was welcoming. He sighed and leaned his head back against the wall.
He started concentrating on his breathing. It was always good to clear your head. A fuddled mind was rubbish at defending itself. So he concentrated. In... Out... In... Out... In...
Harry felt the train jerk as it came to a stop in the station. When the train was finally still, the corridors erupted with sounds of laughter, cheering, and gossip. How much of it is about me?, he wondered. Surely, Lavender had told the majority of the train by now. He groaned, opening his eyes and pulling his head up from the top of the seat.
He looked at his travel companion. She had not moved during the entire ride. He had figured she was asleep. He wasn't sure on the best way to approach this.
"Hey. We're here. Umm..." Wow. Nailed that one, eh, Potter?
"Thank you," the girl replied thickly. She was slowly getting up from her sleeping position.
Harry gathered his belongings and made for the door. Halfway out, he turned back to his companion. "Thank you for letting me stay in here."
"No problem," she responded as she slipped her arms into her school robes. She was turned away and her scarlet hair fell like a shade in front of her face.
Harry nodded and side-stepped into the hall. He kept his face down, careful to avoid eye contact with the loiterers.
As he reached the platform, he looked around for the castle. He saw the turrets peaking out over the tops of the trees. He looked down and saw rows of black carriages surrounded by students.
"Harry!" Lavender came up from behind him. "So you'll share a carriage with me, right?" Her smile was bright and encouraging. He didn't trust this girl, but he didn't have a lot of options.
Harry started forward when a large hand grabbed his shoulder.
"Sorry, Ms. Brown, but 'Arry 'ere is takin' a 'nuther way up." Rebeus Hagrid the grounds keeper and Care of Magical Creatures professor was standing on Harry's other side.
Lavender's expression turned sour before she turned and huffed off, bidding Harry 'adieu'.
"Hagrid! It's good to see you," said Harry, clearly relieved. Hagrid had stopped by Grimmauld Place a number of times to visit. He always had tea and brought treats along. He would bring messages and news from Dumbledore and then return to his position at Hogwarts.
"'Ow you doing, 'Arry?" Hagrid's grin peeked out from behind his massive and tangled beard.
"Not too bad," Harry responded, keeping it light.
"Good. Dumbledore wanted to see ya before the feast starts so ya need ta floo up dere. Just walk to the Three Broomsticks 'ere in Hogsmead and ask Rosmerta for 'elp. I'll get yer trunk up to the castle."
"Thank you, Hagrid." And with that Harry left his trunk with Hagrid and made his way into Hogsmead.
It was really just a street, not really a town. The Three Broomsticks pub stood out as the prominent attraction. Harry went straight for the door, hoping to make his time in there as quick as possible.
As he pushed open the door, he was greeted by the smell of alcohol, spices, and pumpkin, lots of pumpkin. He quickly made his way to the bar. He caught the barkeep's eye quickly.
"Is Rosmerta here?" he asked.
"She is, but it's Madam Rosmerta to you. Who are you, boy?" The woman continued to pour drinks, only half paying attention to him.
"Uh, I'm Harry and Hagrid told me to come here and ask for..."
Suddenly Madam Rosmerta whipped around and said, "You're Harry? Why didn't you say so in the first place, son?" She wiped her hands on her apron before untying it. She turned and came out from behind the bar. "Come on. We have to get you up to Dumbledore's."
She pushed open the door to the back parlor. There was a homey fireplace surrounded by plush chairs and couches. This was obviously for meetings and small gatherings, not the pub brawl that was contained to the main room. Rosmerta walked to the fireplace and snatched a bowl off the mantle.
"You've used the floo before?" she asked kindly.
Harry nodded. It was one of the few modes of transportation Sirius and Remus would let him do on his own, if only to go back home. He grabbed a pinch and moved toward the opening.
"Just say 'headmaster's office'. It'll work like a charm." She returned the bowl to the mantle and headed towards the door.
Harry flicked the powder into the flames. When they turned to a flashing emerald, he walked into the fireplace. "Headmaster's Office!" He felt the uncomfortable suction that lasted only for a moment.
The next he was standing in a grand office, covered with portraits and books and mechanical, whirring gizmos. A phoenix was perched on a golden stand next to an impressive mahogany desk. Behind the desk was a tall, wizened old man with crescent-moon shaped glasses. He hadn't done anything yet, but his presence was intimidating and imposing. Harry felt an enormous amount of respect for him although he did not know him.
He spoke merrily. "Ah, Mr. Potter. We have much to discuss and deal with before the feast tonight. Please, sit."
Harry couldn't sleep. It wasn't because of the unfamiliar bed hangings or the four strangers he was sharing a room with. It wasn't because he had eaten so much at the feast that he hardly could move.
No, it wasn't any of that. It was his talk with the headmaster that had him up at this hour. If he had gone to Hogwarts when the other students had, he would be in his 7th year and final year at Hogwarts. So he would share their dorm and take their classes. He would not, however, deal with N.E.W.T.'s.
Harry had grown impatient with this conversation. Why was this man worried about N.E.W.T.'s when Voldemort was running rampant through Europe?
But finally, he had to be sorted. Dumbledore had brought out a wrinkled, torn, and very sad looking hat. He placed it upon Harry's head carefully. He had heard a long sigh from within the hat's seams.
"Well, well, well... I finally get to sort the child of James Potter and Lily Evans. It's truly an honor."
Harry wasn't sure to be more confused that the hat was talking to him or that it knew his parent's names.
"Probably the names, old boy. Inanimate objects that talk aren't that unreasonable. But now comes the sorting. Hmmm... What house do you want to be in?"
Harry paused for a moment. Is this how it's supposed to go, he thought.
"No, but I have to sort a bunch of first years in a few minutes so I'd like not to overwork myself."
Harry made a face before really thinking about it. He had always been told the good things about Gryffindor house and the family tradition. Both of his parents, along with Sirius and Remus had come out of Gryffindor, but was that where he wanted? He was fairly loyal to his uncles, but it wasn't really his main feature.
"Don't worry. Take your time. It's not like I have anywhere to be tonight."
He was relatively clever, but it wasn't always academic cleverness. It was mostly finding ways to keep him out of trouble when he was younger. And he would have to be mad to consider Slytherine at all so...
Gryffindor, he thought confidently. Gryffindor is where I want to be.
"Took you that long, really? It's a good thing you're not a Ravenclaw. Well I agree with you so it better be GRYFFINDOR!"
The last word was audible for the whole room to hear. The phoenix leapt on its perch before resettling. Dumbledore picked the hat off his head and placed it on the bench in the corner and sent him on his way to the Great Hall.
Harry nestled in the sheets of his bed. He needed his rest before the upcoming week. If he had learned one thing from the feast, it was that the entire school knew he was here. Harry Potter, the boy who lived, was at Hogwarts.
AN: Am I still hated for being late? Ok maybe a little. That is ok. It's going to be a bit before the next installment because I have other stories I'm working on. But do not fear, I will not forget you! I also appreciate the help in your reviews though I do want to clear up some things. Because this isn't canon, I kinda took the liberty of changing some historical context. Like the publication of Ella Enchanted. I do know that it was published in the same year. I did do the research on it, I just chose to use it for my purposes. I also apologize for the whole shaking Ron thing. Why my brain allowed myself to type that, I have no idea. It has been fixed and I apologize for my idiocy. Alright, thank you for staying with me and I appreciate your reviews. Have a wonderful day! :)