Disclaimer: Sadly I don't own any of the fantastic world that is Harry Potter. Not even a tiny bit.
It seemed the entire hall sat breathless for a moment while waiting for something to happen. Harry was the only first year who didn't jump out of surprise when the hats brim opened and started to sing.
"Oh you might not think I'm pretty
But don't judge on what you see
I'll eat my self if you can find
A smarter hat then me.
You can keep your bowlers black
Your top hats straight and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.
There's nothing in your head
The sorting hat can see,
So try me on and ill 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 there kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folk use any means
To achieve there ends.
So put me on! Don't be Afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a thinking cap!"
(J.K. Rowling – Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone)
The great hall burst into applause and Harry heard Ron say something abour killing his brothers.
His mum walked forward holding a long piece of parchment. Harry guessed correctly that it had the names of all the first year students.
"When I call you name you will step forward and put the sorting hat on to be sorted." She said before calling out "Abbot, Hannah."
The girl was sorted into Hufflepuff and from there on Harry watched the sorting progress. He had noticed that the hat took a different amount of time with each person. He guessed it had to do with the persons attributes.
His mum continued calling names and Timothy continued sorting them. Finally someone he knew was called. "Greengrass, Daphne"
"Good luck." he whispered to the red head as she walked to the hat. She only nodded at him and went to the stool.
Harry's eyes locked onto hers as the hat was lowered onto her head. She stared at him with her enchanting grey eyes even as the hat was lowered onto her head and covered her eyes.
This time the hat took at least a minute before shouting out "Slytherin."
Daphne took the hat off and stared defiantly back at Harry. Harry just smiled at her the same way he did his mum. He knew she expected him to be prejudice against her like most people were to Slytherins, but his dad had taught him that just because a person was ambitious didn't mean they were evil. It was true that more dark wizards came out of Slytherin but it was only because most dark wizards were ambitious. Harry also knew that dark wizards could come from other houses too.
More names were called out but only two that Harry knew. Neville Longbottom was sorted in Gryffindor after a long consultation and Draco Malfoy was put into Slytherin almost immediately.
Almost before Harry knew it his name was called. "Potter, Harry." his mother said her voice only slightly different than before.
Harry stepped up to Timothy and was proud to see that his knee's didn't shake at all.
Every student in the hall seemed to be trying to look at him. saying things like "Potter, did she say Harry Potter." or "The boy-who-lived.". Harry gritted his teeth to stop from telling them off.
A little more forcefully than he intended he put Timothy on his head.
'Ah' Timothy said in his head. 'Young Harry, it's finally time to know your house.'
'I would imagine so.' Harry thought dryly, his anger abating slightly.
'Hmm' Timothy hummed. 'You could do well in any house. The loyalty of a Hufflepuff, the intelligence of a Ravenclaw, the bravery of a Gryffindor, and the cunning of a Slytherin. But which house would suit you best.'
'Aren't you supposed to tell me that.' Harry jibed the hat
'Shush' Timothy scolded him. 'I'm trying to work.'
'Hufflepuff is out of the question, your to reckless, as is Ravenclaw. Your intelligent but your life does not revolve around studying. The choice now lays between Slytherin and Gryffindor.'
'I think Gryffindor because while you find me to be cunning I don't have the ambition to be in Slytherin. I also would like to live until I graduate and I don't think living with a group of death eaters children would be good for my health.'
Timothy chuckled in his ear. 'I happen to agree with you young Harry, so it better be GRYFFINDOR' And Timothy shouted the last word out loud.
Harry jumped up and pulled the hat off his head as the Gryffindor table exploded with cheers, even going so far as a pair of twins were shouting "We got Potter" over and over again.
Harry winked at his mum and walked over to his new house table and sat next to Neville the only other first year boy. He looked up at the head table and caught his fathers prideful glance and smiled happily to himself. The rest of the sorting went by quickly. Gryffindor got three more boys and three more girls, Ron included.
When the sorting was over his father stood and even Harry had to admit he looked impressive standing over everyone with a wide smile and twinkling eyes. He looked a little like the history books he read depicted Merlin. He wondered if that's what he was going for when he had chosen his disguise.
"Welcome!" he said. "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Be fore we begin the feat I have a few words I would like to say. Nitwit. Blubber. Oddment. Tweak. Thank you." Then he sat down.
Harry stared at him with a dumb look on his face. How was it possible that his father acted like this to the rest of the world but yet he was so well respected. It was almost inconceivable.
"He's mad, blood barmy." he mutter to himself with a small smile. A prefect with red hair, another Weasley, who was sitting next to him smiled.
"Maybe." the boy said "But he's a genius. Potatoes?"
Harry shook his head and excepted the bowl of potatoes. He'd ponder the wizarding world later. For now he'd eat his dinner.
After eating third helpings of desert Harry agreed with his mothers assessment. Hogwarts food was good, even on par with Madam Murphy's or his mothers. Dinner was an enjoyable affair. He talked with his house mates and Nick, watched Ron eat twice as much as he did, and talked with the older students about classes and teachers.
Most everything he'd already known, but he did learn a few things. For example he knew the history teacher had the ability to put even the most studious students to sleep at one time or another. He'd already known the teacher was a ghost. He also learned that Professor Snape the potions master was unfair and biased to anyone who wasn't a Slytherin, and that he hated Gryffindors. His parents hadn't told him that, in fact they hadn't told him much about Snape at all.
Pushing his empty plate away his sat back feeling comfortable full and observed the head table. His mother and father were glaring at each other while having an animated discussion. Most would think they were angry at each other but Harry could see the twinkle behind his fathers glare and the love behind his mothers stern look. Hagrid was drinking deeply from a large goblet and looked rather drunk. A man in a absurd turban was talking with who he assumed was Snape, if the greasy black hair and hooked nose were anything to go by.
Almost as if he could sense Harry watching him Snape's unforgiving black eyes swiveled to his. A sharp hot pain erupted in his forehead right where his scar was. It was gone in a instant and he almost believed he'd imagined it. It was only due to pure will that his hands hadn't clapped onto his forehead.
He quickly averted his eyes and met his mothers green. She seemed to notice his distress and gave him a long look and then a quick nod, before turning to his father who was also watching him, though more discreetly, and whispered something to him. His father nodded then gave him a look. Harry nodded back and got the message, he would talk to them about it later, for now he would just enjoy himself.
He tried to go back to his conversations but he was worried. His scar had never hurt before. Was it a sign of some sort, and why did it seem to happen when he looked at his potions Professor?
Luckily for him the golden plates soon cleared at his father stood up again. Ron groaned that he wasn't done eating yet but he to became silent as he looked to the front of the hall.
"Just a few more start of term announcements." he said with a smile, though Harry could see it was somewhat forced, even if no one else could.
"First years should be reminded that the forbidden forest is called so for a reason. No students are permitted entry." His dads eyes flashed to the twins who had sung when he was sorted before giving him a look. He'd been known to break the rules.
"Mr. Filch, our care taker, has also reminded me that the use of magic is strictly forbidden in the corridors.
"Quidditch trials will be held during the second week of term. Anyone interested in playing for their house team should contact Madam Hooch.
"And finally" he said his voice switching from light and jovial to heavy serious. "I must tell you that the third floor corridor is out of bounds for anyone who does not wish to die a horrible and painful death."
A few students laughed but Harry knew better. His father would never make a joke like that. He was being completely serious.
Again his fathers demeanor changed he once again looked jovial and carefree, though Harry knew better, his father was excellent at hiding his emotions. "Now before we go to bed let us sing the school song."
Harry smiled as he saw his mother grimace, this would be fun. His dad flicked his wand and golden words appeared floating in the air. "Everyone pick you favorite tune and sing along."
The entire thing sounded absolutely horrible but Harry enjoyed it nonetheless. The hall finished with the red headed twins singing to a slow funeral march.
"Ah music." his dad said smiling brightly at his colleges and his wife's looks of resentment. "A magic beyond what we learn here. Now time for bed. Off you trot." he said making hand motions to the doors.
Harry stood slowly thinking his dad had forgotten about earlier.
"And Harry Potter could you come with me. I believe the incident earlier needs to be discussed." his father said. Most of the hall looked at him curiously, but word of what had happened on the platform had spread, so they all believed that was the incident the headmaster spoke of. Harry wasn't about to correct them.
"Of course." Harry said though his dad had no of hearing him. Breaking away from the wave of students he walked to the head table and smiled slightly at his fathers wink.
"Ahh Harry I believe we should take this to my office." he said. Harry nodded his consent and followed his father out of the hall wondering why his mother wasn't coming with them.
"Where's m-" he started only to be cut off.
"We'll talk in my office. The halls have ears even I'm not aware of."
Harry mentally berated himself. He should have known better. The trip took less than five minutes and Harry spent the last three minutes looking at his father robes in amusement. Up close you could really see the detail better. There were little wizards on his robe preforming bits of magic. One wizard was dueling a garden gnome.
Several times he snorted in repressed laughter only to stop quickly when his father looked at him.
"Lemon drops." His dad said to the gargoyle that guarded his office. Harry rolled his eyes at the sweet obsession and waved to the gargoyle. He followed his dad up the stairs and was surprised to see his mum there looking as she normally did, forging the bulky robes and bun in favor of a light under robe that was still suitable to wear by itself and loose curls.
He opened his mouth to speak but before he could get a word out she launched herself st him and was squeezing the air out of his lungs. Harry's eyes bulged and he just knew he was slightly blue by the time she released him.
"Good evening mother." he said dryly slightly out of breath. Minerva only smiled tearfully and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
Harry turned to his dad to ask him about his scar but had to stop. The beard and outrageously long hair was gone replace by a smooth shaven face and white hair in tie at the nip of his neck. He was pulling the heavy garnish robes over his head and leaving himself in dressed in muggle black slacks and a grey button up shirt that was slightly rumpled.
The question came out of his mouth before he could stop himself. "Do you know how funny you looked?" he asked with a giggle, that he would later deny ever having uttered.
Albus mock glared at him. "I could give you detention for that you know. "
Harry smiled charmingly. "But you wont." he said as he bounced to his favorite red squashy arm chair. His mother laughed out right and as much as he tried to fight it his father soon joined in the merriment.
"What a cheeky son I have raised." Albus said throwing his hands up in exasperation. Harry laughed again before turning serious. He had something's he wanted to talk about and he doubted he had much time.
"Dad, my scar hurt earlier. Is that normal?" he asked. He was caught by surprise when his father looked at him sharply. His face lost all traces of laughter and he turned completely serious, his mother also looked worried.
"No its not." his father said slowly. "Tell me what you were doing when this happened." he said in a tone that left no room for arguments.
"I had just finished desert and I was looking at the staff table to see if I could tell which teachers were which. I looked at you and mum then the man with the turban and then I looked at Professor Snape. He turned and looked at me and met my eye. Then my scar hurt. Sort of like a sharp pain. It only lasted a second but it kind of freaked me out." Harry explained.
"I have heard of things like this happening before, but its rare. I will look into it for you. If it happens again I want you to tell me. If you can't speak with me write to me in the journals and I will arrange something."
"Alright." Harry said knowing that even if his dad knew more he wasn't going to tell Harry anything else.
"What happened at the platform?" his dad asked still serious.
Harry shrugged and looked to his mum for reassurance. With a sigh he explained about the crowd and how Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had rescued him.
"I think he had a panic attack." his mother said to the room.
"Yes, it does sound like one."
"I'm fine now though honestly." Harry reassured them with a smile.
"Of course you are dear." his mother said in a tone that said she didn't believe him for a second. Harry scowled slightly. He was fine he hated it when she made a big deal over every little time he got hurt. It was the curse of being the youngest he supposed.
"I have no idea how I'm going to stop myself from laughing every time I see you." Harry said completely seriously.
Both of his parents glared at him fiercely which only made Harry burst out laughing.
The family chatted for a few more minutes before Albus said that Harry had to get back to the tower before anyone suspected anything.
Harry sighed loudly. "This is going to become so complicated." he said his voice carried the slightest whine. He really didn't want to do this. If only he wasn't famous. Then he could have a normal life, with normal goals. And no one staring at him or wanting to kill him for something he couldn't remember.
His mum hugged him one last time and told him how proud she was that he was in Gryffindor, before he left with his dad to go to the Gryffindor common room. His dad turned himself invisible then they took a secret passage that brought them out behind a suit of armor right outside the entrance to the common room.
"Password." the fat lady asked looking at him suspiciously.
"Caput Draconis." Harry answered. His dad had told him while they were walking there.
He felt a hand squeeze his shoulder gently as the portrait opened. Harry flashed the seemingly empty space a smile before he walked into a empty common room.
After a bit of looking around he found a stairways that said 'Boys Dormitories' and followed it to the very top where there was another sign that said 'First Years'.
He opened the door and stepped in. He had to withhold a grimace when he was that everyone was awake and watching the door waiting for him to enter the room. Of course everyone looked away and tried to hide that fact as soon as he stepped in.
With a mental roll of his eyes he walked over to the bed that had his trunk at the foot. It was next to the wall and beside Ron's so he rather liked the position.
He set about getting ready for bed all to aware that everyone was watching him discretely. It wasn't until he came out of the bathroom that someone finally asked the question they were all dying to hear.
"So erm Harry." Ron said trying to act casual and failing horribly. "What did the Headmaster want?"
Harry sighed out loud this time and flopped down on his bed. "We talked about what happened at the train station and he told me he'd sort something out so it never happened again." Harry answered simply.
"Ohh" Ron said. Apparently he had been expecting something more exciting.
Harry said a vague good night then gabbed his journal, a pen, and closed the curtains around his bed. He wrote a short letter describing Hogwarts as a student so far to his brothers and sister. He'd been threatened with extreme pranking if he didn't write to them at least every other day.
It was thirty minutes later when he was laying down to go to sleep when he remembered that he'd never asked his parents about the third floor corridor being off bounds. He mentally resolved to ask at the next opportunity before he fell into odd dreams of magical stair cases, skate boards, and flying books.
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Here the next chappy. Hope you like it. The next chapter should be out next weekend as always.
Review me please.