"Firs' years, Firs' years

"Firs' years, Firs' years! Over 'ere!"

A tall man with a huge bushy black beard towered about them.

"Who's that?" asked Midori.

"Hagrid, he's the Grounds Keeper," said Neville.

They followed Hagrid and walked down a narrow, steep path. It dark around and the powers of imagination were starting to kick in. No one spoke much. Midori was standing next to Shimo and Neville and watch as Neville carefully put his toad on the ground away from the path and walked off whistling.

Shimo grinned. "I like that kid," he whispered to Midori.

"You would."

After a while they caught sight of Hogwarts, perched atop a high mountain on the other side of a black lake where a dozen boats bobbed.

"No more'n four to a boat," Hagrid called. Harry and Shimo automatically climbed into a boat and were quickly joined by Neville and Hermione.

The boats floated off onto the lake. Within seconds there was a splash and everyone turned around to see a blonde haired boy splashing around in the water. Matthias Potter was glaring down at him and had appeared to push the boy in. Hagrid pulled his boat around and pick the boy.

Finally the reached an underground tunnel where they all climbed out onto the rocks and sand.

They clambered up a passageway after Hagrid's lantern coming out at last on to damp grass in the shadow of the castle.

They walked up a flight of stone steps and gathered around an oak door.

"Everyone here? Yes? Good,' asked Hagrid. Then he raised a gigantic fist and knocked three times.

The door swung open to reveal a tall black-haired witch in emerald-green robes. Her face was stern and Midori made a mental note to stay on her good side.

"The firs' years, Professor McGonagall," said Hagrid.

"Thank you Hagrid. I will take them from here."

She pulled the door wider so that they could see a giant entrance hall. The stone walls were lit with flaming torches, the ceiling was too high to make out and magnificent marble staircase facing them led to the upper floor.

They followed Professor McGonagall into a small chamber off the hall, where they were all stuffed in, peering nervously at the Professor.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," said Professor McGonagall, "The start of term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory and spend free time in your house common room.

The four houses are called Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin and Hufflepuff. Each house has it own noble history and each has produced outstand wizards and witches. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rule breaking will lose house points. At the end of the year the house with the most points is awarded the house cup, a great honour. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours."

Personally Midori thought that was the dumbest idea in history. It just brought about rivalry and limited people's friendships and created prejudice. And by the snort Shimo made when McGonagall mentioned it, he did too.

"I shall return when we are ready for you," said McGonagall, "Please wait quietly."

"Well how do we get sorted?" asked Hermione loudly.

A voice from the front of the group called out, "Some sort of test. My brother Fred said it hurts a lot but I think he was joking."

Neville sighed and called back, "It's just a magicked hat! It can read your mind and chose where you'll go."

A hat? Original.

There was a lot of chattering after that and a few screams when a dozen ghosts had swooped in and started talking to them.

The Academy had a lot of ghosts and Midori struck up an interesting conversation with the Ravenclaw ghost, The Grey Lady.

"Move along now," said a sharp voice, "The Sorting Ceremony is about to start."

Professor McGonagall had returned. The Grey Lady said goodbye to Midori and told him she hoped to see him in Ravenclaw.

"From a line and follow me," Professor McGonagall ordered.

Thousands and thousands of candles, which were floating in mid air above four long tables where the students were sitting, lighted the Hall. The tables were lined with glittering goblets, plates and cutlery but no food. They probably waiting for the first years he guessed. At the front of the hall was a table where the teacher's sat. Midori barely glanced at them.

The ghosts were here as well, floating leisurely above the students' heads. Midori looked up and saw a velvety black ceiling dotted with stars. Next to him Hermione whispered, "It's bewitched to look like the sky outside."

"Hogwarts, a History?" Harry asked and she nodded.

"Bookworm," muttered Shimo and Midori elbowed him in the ribs.

He looked forward to see McGonagall placed a four-legged stool in front of the teacher's table.

On the top of the stool she put a point wizard's hat, Neville had been right. The hat was patched and frayed and extremely dirty.

For s few seconds, there was complete silence. The hat twitched and a rip opened wide like and mouth - and the hat began to sing:

'Oh you may not think I'm pretty,

But don't judge on what you see,

I'll my self if you can find,

A smarter hat than me.

You can keep your bowlers black,

Your top hats sleek.

For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat

And I cap them all.

There's nothing hidden in your head

The Sorting Hat can't see,

Harry gulped.

So try me on and I will tell you

Where you ought to be.

You might belong to 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 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 you real friends,

Those cunning folk use any means

To achieve their 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!

The hall burst into applause as the hat bowed to each table before becoming still again.

Professor McGonagall now stepped forward holding a long roll of parchment,

"When I call your name, you put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted," she said, "Abbott, Hannah!"

A pink-faced girl with blonde pig-tails stumbled out of the line, put the hat on, which fell beyond her eyes, and sat down. A moment latter…

"HUFFLEPUFF!" shouted the hat.

The Hufflepuff table cheered as Hannah went to sit down at the table.

"Bones, Susan!"

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

"Boot, Terry!"

"RAVENCLAW!"

'Brocklehurst, Mandy' went to Ravenclaw too, then 'Brown, Lavender' became the first Gryffindor of the year.

'Bulstrode, Millicent,' then became Slytherin.

"Finch-Fletchley, Justin!"

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

"Longbottom, Neville!"

There was a whisper throughout the hall. The Longbottoms were famous for the capture of Bellatrix Lestrang and Barty Crouch Jr.

Neville calmly placed the hat on his head and almost immediately it yelled,

"GRYFFINDOR!"

Neville smiled, took of the hat and went to sit at the Gryffindor table.

"Granger, Hermione!"

Beside him Hermione gulped and stood up. She practically ran to the stool in fear and jammed the hat on her head.

The was a long period of time where the hat bobbed it's 'head' (the tip) from side to side as if playing 'Eennie Meanie Miney Mo' between houses until finally;

"RAVENCLAW!"

Hermione whipped the hat off and stumbled down the Ravenclaw table.

"Malfoy, Draco!"

A boy swaggered up to the stool. He had white-blonde hair and ice-blue eyes that gave Midori the chills. He was drenched. Midori smiled as he realised he was the boy Matthias had pushed in the lake.

The hat barely touched his head before screaming (somewhat in horror) "SLYTHERIN!"

The Malfoy boy took off the hat smugly and went to join two thuggish looking boys at the Slytherin table.

"Midori!"

Midori got to his feet and walked up to the stool, his heart beating quickly. He could hear some girls giggling and a few hushed whispers of.

"He's so cute!"

"So toned!"
He took a quick look at the teacher's table. He froze. Sitting there was his true face. Exactly his face, well except for the eyes. And that this man was older… far older. He looked tired and… hung-over.

"Midori."

He pulled away from the clone to see McGonagall looking at him impatiently.

"Sorry," he muttered. He put the hat on his head and sat down on the stool.

"Hello Midori, although that's not your real name," a voice said inside his head.

"Hello… hat? And it's my real name now. I don't remember my old one."

"Ah yes. Your missing identity. I can see the pieces of that puzzle all in your head. I can piece them together… can you?"

"Alright Mr Smarty Hat I know your dying to tell me just do it."

"Professor Potter has your real face and Professor Evans and Matthias Potter have your real eyes."

"So you're saying I'm the supposedly dead son of the famous Potters? And they lied about my death and pawned me off to the Dursleys?"

"Maybe. But for now let's get onto your sorting."

"Fine. So sort me."

"Patience is a virtue… of Hufflepuffs and your don't really seem to have any of those apart from loyalty to your friends. You aren't very trusting and I think the touchy feely Puffs would scare you."

"Ok Hufflepuffs out. What's next?"

"Hmm Slytherin… No definitely not. No ambition, only a tab of cunning, definitely not Slytherin material."
"Gryffindor or Ravenclaw then."

"Yes… you got on with the Grey Lady it seemed and you have a thirst for knowledge. You like to read, and you are witty, all qualities of a Ravenclaw."

"Then let's go!"

"Hold your horses. There is also a lot of bravery here and chivalry. Adventurous, a need to push yourself but not prove yourself. So Gryffindor or Ravenclaw… hmmm."
Midori shuffled in his seat, his butt was going numb, "How long have I be sitting here?"

"Half an hour but don't worry about that. So does your yearn for knowledge out way your chivalry?"

"Who knows. Now I hate to be rude but my bottom hurts a great deal. Could you please place me somewhere? Anywhere?"

"Alright, alright…. Better be GRYFFINDOR!"

Finally. He took off the hat and saw that everyone in the room was staring at him. He guessed half an hour was a really long time. He walked down the Gryffindor table.

"Potter, Matthias!"

The hall went quiet and everyone sat up in attention. The Sorting of The Boy Who Lived.

The hat sat on Matthias' head for fifteen minutes until it yelled,

"GRYFFINDOR!"
But it seemed slightly reluctant.

Matthias would later tell the other Gryffindor first years it had wanted to put him in Hufflepuff but a strong voice had chimed in and called for Gryffindor.

The Gryffindor table broke out into cheers and two identical red heads started cheering "We got Potter! We got Potter!"

"Shimo!"

Shimo walked up and put the hat on, displaying no sign of nervousness at all. Midori smirked as he heard the girls react the same way they had to him. Shimo looked like the Ice Prince in a Boy Band.

A moment and… "SLYTHERIN."

The Slytherin table erupted into cheers and Shimo shot Midori an apologetic look. Midori smiled back but he had seen the glares the Gryffindors and Slytherins had sent each other. There was a rivalry there and something told Midori that being best friends with Shimo was going to be a problem.

And now there were only three people left to be sorted. "Turpin, Lisa" became Ravenclaw and 'Weasley, Ronald' became a Gryffindor. Finally 'Zabini, Blaise' went to Slytherin. Professor McGonagall rolled up the scroll and took the Sorting Hat away.

A tall old man with long white hair and an even longer, whiter beard, stood up. Midori recognised as the Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore.

"Welcome! Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweat!" Midori chuckled at the old coot's insanity and watched as the tables filled with food.

He reached over and filled up his plate. He looked to the high table and saw Dumbledore smiling at him. Midori raised his glass and toasted the Headmaster smiling.

The rest of the feast was filled with conversations of magical parents and Quidditch. Midori loved Quidditch. At the academy most students used days off the hold informal Quidditch competitions. He was a seeker, he loved the feel of wind in his hair.

He learnt a lot of things about Matthias during the feast. He didn't like Quidditch, although he was a very good chaser. He disliked the importance of blood purity, proclaiming that some of the best witches and wizards we muggle-borns. He also learnt that the family had moved from Godric's Hollow to somewhere nearer to Sirius Black.

He was freaking out as he looked at the emerald green eyes on the Chosen One. He wasn't related to this boy, the Potters were not his family. The Sorting Hat was just a conspiracy nut.

Finally after the pudding disappeared Dumbledore stood up and the room went quiet.

"Ahem- a few words while we are all fed and watered. Firstly as many of you know many of our teacher's left last year. Professors Flitwick and Hooch both retired so Professor Lily Evans will be taking over Charms and Professor James Potter will take over Flying and Quidditch matches. Professor Sinistra was offered a place at Salem Academy in America so Professor Black will be taking over Astronomy."

Sirius Black sat next to James Potter, who sat next Lily Evans who sat next to…

"And since we have been unable to find Professor Binns recently Professor Lupin will be taking History of Magic."

The entire room erupted in cheers. Not because they loved Remus Lupin but because they were finally free of Boring Binns.

Midori had been looking forward to being taught by a ghost…

"And finally since Professor Branson had that unfortunate incident with Peeves Professor Quirrel will be taking Defence Against the Dark Arts."

Midori looked up and saw a man in an absurd purple turban. Suddenly his head started aching. Immediately his hand flew up to a scar on his forehead. It had been one of two scars the Magic Voice hadn't been able to fix. The other…

He stopped looking at Quirrel and the ache stopped. A coincidence of course, but a freaky one.

Dumbledore continued. "Now, first years should note that the forest in the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. And a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkling eyes flashed in the direction of the red haired twins.

"I have also been asked by Mr Filch, the caretaker, to remind you all that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors.

"Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of term. Anyone interested in playing for their house teams should contact Professor Potter.

"And finally, I must tell you that this year, the third floor corridor on the right hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a painful death."

A few people laughed but Midori remained solemn. He sensed there was some truth in Dumbledore's words.

"And now, before we go to be, let us sing the school song!" cried Dumbledore. He gave his wand a little flick as if he was trying to get a fly off the end and a long golden ribbon flew out of it, which rose high above the table and twisted itself snake-like into words.

"Everyone pick their favourite tune," said Dumbledore, "and off we go!"
Midori grinned and winked at Shimo and they both proceeded to sing the words in Japanese to the tune of the Australian song Waltzing Matilda.

Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Wart Hogwarts,

Teach us something please,

Whether we be old and bald

Or young with scabby knees,

Our heads could do with filling

With some interesting stuff,

For now they're bare and full of air,

Dead flies and bits of fluff,

So teach us things worth knowing,

Bring back what we've forgot,

Just do your best, we'll do the rest,

And learn until our brains rot.

Everyone finished the song at different times. The boys finished second last, just before the twins who had sung it to a very slow funeral march. One of the twins gave him a wink and the three of them sat down.

"Now to bed. Off you trot!"

The Gryffindor first years stood up to go follow a pompous looking prefect. Midori waved wildly over at Shimo, who although being very confused followed him into a dark corner.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Shimo can you get out of the castle?"

He nodded, "Sure piece of cake. Why?"

Midori sighed. "I need you to go to Number 4 Private Drive. Little Whinging in Surrey. I need you to ask the Dursleys who left me with them."

Shimo froze. "You told Manebe you didn't know where they lived."

He hung his head, "I didn't want him to go kill them. He's a good Buddhist, he doesn't need that sort of bad karma."

"Does this have anything to do with the Professor who looks exactly like you?" asked Shimo quietly.

"I need to know if I was abandoned not orphaned," Midori said angrily. "Can you do that for me Shimo."

"Yeah," he said quietly, "Talk to you in the morning Midori."

"Yeah Night, Shi." He quickly ran off to follow the Gryffindor group who was heading out of the Great Hall and up the marble staircase. He took time to look at the portraits and noting all the hidden doorways. They climbed up the staircases until they came to a portrait of a very fat lady in a pink silk dress.

"Password?" she asked.

"Caput Draconis," said the male prefect and the portrait swung forward to reveal a round hole in the wall. Harry managed to squeeze through, an amazing feat in itself since everyone was pushing and shoving desperate to go to bed. They found themselves in the common-room, a cosy, round room full of armchairs.

Percy directed the girls through one door to their dormitory and the boys through another. At the top of the a spiral staircase – they were obviously in one of the towers – they found their beds at last: six four-posters hung with deep red velvet curtains. Their trunks were already there so Midori automatically changed into his pyjamas and made for bed.

The others had a different idea.

"Hey you're Midori right?" asked Matt.

"Yes," Harry said, his throat tight with fear, "You're Matthias aren't you?"

Matt pulled a face. "I prefer Matt. What language is your name?"

"Japanese. I live there."

An Irish boy called Seamus Finnigan looked Midori up and down. "You don't look Japanese," he said.

"My first bout of major accidental magic was when I was seven. I apperated to Japan and was found by my guardian Manebe Kuragi. I had been living with relatives who didn't really like me before that since my parents are dead so I was raised in the Academy."

Seamus turned red, "Oh. Sorry."

He shrugged, "It's fine. I came to Hogwarts in hope to find out about them."
Thankfully Dean Thomas, a muggleborn who was putting up pictures of West Ham football team, changed the subject.

"Hey Potter. Why'd you push that Malfoy kid in the lake?"

Matt's eyes narrowed. "The git made a joke about my brother."

"You have a brother?" asked Seamus.

"He did," said Neville sourly.

Matt glared at him. "You do that every time someone mentions Harry don't you Longbottom."

Neville raised an eyebrow and the temperature in the room plummeted. "Do what Potter? I have no idea what you're talking about."

Matt took two long strides and came face to face with Neville. "That. Whenever someone talks about Harry you get all pissy at me. He was my brother, don't you think it bothers me too?"

Neville narrowed his eyes. "No I don't, because every year on Halloween you play it up. Poor you your brother died but hey you defeated Voldermort," Matt, Ron, Dean and Seamus flinched, "So his death was worth it. Now we both know it could have been you or me that night and I'm sure you hate me as much I hate you, just because Voldermort chose your family not mine. But the point is my friend died and because our parents are friends I've had to watch you go through life like Harry never existed."

Matt stepped back as if Neville's words had physically hit him. "You're a really bastard Longbottom. And you're right. I wish You-Know-Who had killed you instead of my brother and I hate you because he didn't. Got a problem with that?"

Neville smirked, "Can't even say Voldermort's name can you O'Wonderful Saviour?"

Matt raised his fist as if to strike Neville.

"Stop!" Midori said.

Everyone turned to stare at him.

"Violence and sharp words cause more problems than they solve," he said, repeating word for word the lesson Manebe had drilled into his mind.

Ron sighed, "Let's just go to bed."

"Fine," snapped Matt and he and Neville turned away from each other and went to their respective beds.

Midori returned to his bed and drew the curtains. Taking off his glasses he lay down in bed for an uncomfortable night filled with nightmares of whips and red hot pokers.

-

Number 4 Private Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey.

Vernon Dursley had only gotten fatter and drunker as the years had gone by. Eventually Petunia had taken Dudley and left her husband. He saw Dudley on every second weekend.

Vernon shivered. It was very cold. Unnaturally cold for the end of summer.

"Vernon Dursley," a chilly voice whispered through the house. "Vernon, Vernon. Little murderer, killed little Harry Potter didn't you?"

"Who's there?" roared Vernon.

"Ever heard of karma Verny? You beat a little boy you bastard. You killed him! MURDERER!"

The house rocked with the voice of the voice.

"Go away!" spluttered Vernon, "Outta my house! Before I come after you!"

"Tut tut Vern. Did you make those threats to the Potter boy? What gave you the right to beat him? What gave you the right to take his life?"

"His whore of a mother sold him to us! My ex-wife's freak sister!" screamed Vernon. "Paid us every month to keep the little shit!" he fumbled to open a drawer. He ripped it open and pulled out a envelope. He threw it into thin air where it promptly disappeared. "Take it! Proof! THAT SLUT SOLD THE BASTARD CHILD TO US! Said his brother was the important one! SHE DIDN'T GIVE A SHIT!"

Shimo lost his patience. A huge burst of wind blasted its way at Vernon Dursley knocking him against the wall. He cracked his head and fell to the ground blood pooling under him.

That was the end of Vernon Dursley… and the end of Midori's search for his family.

-

A/N: Sorry to the people who wanted Midori in Ravenclaw. It's more fun this way. Next Chapter: Skipping forward in time a few years.