A/N: I am thrilled that I am able to create my own universe in the reality created by JKR. I own the ideas and characters and places which are unfamiliar. Anything you recognize belongs to the Creator.

The alarm clock woke Keith from his unexpectedly refreshing sleep at 6:00 am.

No pre-battle jitters last night. Guess I got rid of them yesterday, at least for now. He arose, bathed, got dressed and checked to see that all his belongings were packed. Finding that all was in order, he headed downstairs.

As he ambled into the bar he spotted Tom. Good Merlin, when does he sleep? "So, how does 1 September look in the Alley?" He asked the amiable barkeep.

Tom shrugged and smiled. "Like a double-edged sword. Until around 10:00-10:30 it'll be even busier than yesterday, after that pretty it will probably be pretty dead."

"Tom, I think I'll take a look-see, then I'll be back for my first breakfast."

"First breakfast?"

"Yes, I've a feeling that today, I'm going to need all the breakfasts I can get."

Keith immediately saw the truth in Tom's words. The Alley was practically cheek to jowl with witches and wizards. Still, he felt he needed to stretch his legs, so he made his way down to the end of the Alley and back, stopping at Flourish and Blotts to check if they had replaced the copies of the Occlumency books. Seeing that they had, he bought them out again. Returning to the Cauldron, Keith sat at a table and ordered a breakfast pastry and coffee. After eating, he returned to his room.

At 7:30 the Boneses knocked on his door. "Good morning, Director, Susan. You both look well, I trust you had a restful evening?"

Madame Bones looked at him, a trifle weary. "No, I'm afraid we were a bit too wound up to get much rest last night. How about you?"

"I slept quite well actually, better than I expected in fact, all things considered."

As they talked, Keith had ushered them to his room.

-BFtF-

At 8:30 Harry, Hermione and Mr. Weasley knocked on the door. Keith invited them in, giving both Harry and Hermione a 'Hermione hug'. Once again the faint blue glow went unnoticed. "Come in, Harry, Hermione and Mr. Weasley. I notice that Harry's trunk must have been shrunk and lightened. Thank you for showing him those charms, Hermione. Will you be using them with your family, Mr. Weasley? That would simplify things with your crew."

"Indeed we have, Keith. Thank you for teaching it to Hermione."

Keith looked thoughtful. "You know, those charms are not that difficult. I don't know why they aren't used more. Director, Mr. Weasley, do you have any ideas?"

Both of the adults pondered the question. "The only reason I can imagine would be that if you have your trunk shrunk and in your pocket, the house elves at Hogwarts can't bring them in and inventory them. It may be that a level of control over students is lost if these charms are widely known. This is just a guess, though." Having said that, Amelia continued to look pensive. "Just another mystery to solve, but at a later time."

While Keith and the adults were talking, Harry had his first real chance to look at Keith and the two Boneses. Looking at Keith, he saw someone well-built and about six inches taller than he and about three inches taller than Hermione. Harry noted that Keith gave the air of being a capable person. Keith's face was not classically handsome. But the feature that blew Harry away was his eyes. The exact same eyes that looked back at him in a mirror. The precise shade, shape, cant, EVERYTHING. Could he be some lost branch of the Evans family? Blood relative? Harry decided, for his own peace of mind, to leave these questions for another day.

Shakily, Harry turned his attention to Susan and her Aunt Amelia. He saw a pair that could be mother and daughter. Amelia looked to be a few years older than his parents would have been. She had strong and intelligent features, dark brown eyes and pale complexion. Her hair was a deep dark strawberry blond, verging on red. It was both striking and beautiful. Harry sensed a slim, athletic figure, one that could be easily confused with a dancer's. She had obvious strength, and he could tell she knew how to take care of herself, with or without magic. Susan looked as though she were a clone of her aunt.

Harry heard the others as they finished speaking. "…Ok, It's 9 am now. We'll leave on the muggle side and be at the platform by 9:30. We'll try one time and if it doesn't work we go to plan 'Zebra'. Once we arrive at Hogwarts Harry will be safe, well safer."

Keith walked up to Harry. "What are you doing about Hedwig?"

Harry paled slightly, "How did you know about her?"

"Magic." Keith said simply, earning a playful punch on his arm.

"For your information nosy, I let her fly to Hogwarts."

"Just wondered, it's for the best that she's free."

-BFtF-

Even after the morning rush hour, King's Cross was busy. After five minutes, they reached the wall separating Platforms 9 and 10. Watching the others, Amelia ordered "Go, Harry!"

Harry walked briskly, arms crossed. When he reached the entrance, he hit the stanchion and looked to Amelia, avoiding the odd looks of those nearby.

"So now we know", murmured Amelia. "Zebra!" With that, the other four converged on Amelia who produced the Portkey. "Come with me." Finding a relatively secluded spot, she cast a Notice-Me-Not charm. "Go!" She said and the five were gone.

For the first time, Harry and Hermione felt the 'hooked around the navel and pulled' feeling of a Portkey. After the brief disorientation passed, they found themselves at the gates of Hogwarts. Amelia shook sent her Patronus towards the castle.

"We'll get a response soon. For anyone wondering, the code word was left deliberately vague to confuse 'Dobby'. Of course he hasn't made a further move, but I'd like Miss Granger to hold onto Mr. Potter until we get stronger protection in place." Hermione hooked her left arm around Harry's waist, her wand out and showing the faintest of blushes on her face.

A moment later they saw the figure of the half-giant groundskeeper approach. "Madam Bones, good to see you. Been a while. Headmaster is awaiting you in his office. No password. All right, Harry, Hermione, Susan? You got here a bit early, didn't you? Who's this?"

Harry grinned at the sight of his gigantic friend. "Hagrid, this is Keith Krukmakare. He's a first year. He's with us because he learned I might have trouble getting to school. Turned out he was right"

Hagrid beamed at the newcomer. "Well, Keith, any friend of this lot's all right in my book!"

Keith endured Hagrid's handshake and pat on the back. "It is good to meet you too, Hagrid."

-BFtF-

As they entered the Entrance Hall they were met by a Witch in emerald green robes. "Madam Bones, Mr. Potter, Miss Granger, Miss Bones and Mr...er Krukmakare, please follow me to the conference room." They followed the witch to a wall next to a gargoyle guarding a staircase. She then said "Gummy Bears" and the wall retracted to show a large room with several others already seated.

They saw a large oval table, with a dozen comfortable looking chairs. Seated at the table were five people. The wizard seated in the middle rose and with a gesture said, "Amelia, Harry, Miss Granger, Miss Bones, Mr. Krukmakare, please be seated. Minerva, if you would?"

While the children sat themselves next to Madam Bones, the tall witch closed the door, then sat on the right of the wizard who spoke.

The wizard then continued. He looked a lot like the 'Merlin' from 'The Sword and The Stone'. "We are meeting here to discover what transpired this morning, and if necessary, plan for the upcoming term. As we have a new student, please allow me to make introductions. I am the Headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore. To my right is my Deputy Headmistress, Head of Gryffindor and Professor of Transfiguration, Minerva McGonagall. On her right is the Head of Ravenclaw and Charms Professor, Filius Flitwick. On my left is the Head of Slytherin and Potions Professor, Severus Snape. To his left is Head of Hufflepuff and Herbology Professor, Pomona Sprout." Dumbledore gestured to each of his professors as he introduced them. "Now if you would be so kind, from the beginning please."

The four looked at each other. Hermione nudged Harry. "Harry, this started before yesterday."

I guess so, Hermione", Harry sighed and began recounting the events that Dobby had set in motion. "So after the dinner Uncle Vernon beat me with his belt, he threw me into my bedroom and locked it. When the warning about Underage Magic came, they didn't feed me for a week. They only let me out to cook for them and then beat me, before they locked me in again. It wasn't until the Weasleys managed to get me out, that I ate regularly and started to heal".

"We're not really going to listen to this pathetic attempt at grandstanding are we? Potter breaks the rule on Underage magic and banks on his celebrity status to get away with it. I say we expel him now and put him out of our misery." Snape snarled.

Snape's statement caused an uproar, that was only stopped when Harry spoke with in a quiet, deadly tone. "I honestly don't know why you hate me so much, Professor." Harry said as he began to remove his robes and shirt, "But does this look like grandstanding to you?" Harry's back was one mass of scars, with many looking red and fresh. Were it not for the scars, all present would have been shocked at how every bone stood out in stark relief.

There was a shocked silence, broken by a whimpering Hermione whispering her best friend's name. "Oh Harry!" The look on her young face promised pain and death to anyone who would dare attack him.

Keith looked stricken, silent tears running down his cheeks. Drawing his wand as quickly as Hermione, he hugged Harry as well and said, "Never again, I promise."

Dumbledore cut through the rising din. "Severus, I think you have made your contribution. Please continue with your preparations for the start of term." Snape bowed and left. "Could you continue with the events of the last two days?"

Keith testified to what he had heard and what he had done. His story was corroborated by the others.

The Headmaster pondered everything he had been told. "Very well, putting aside Harry's physical condition for the moment, does anyone here have any ideas for his protection?"

Keith spoke up. "Headmaster, does Hogwarts have House Elves?"

"Indeed, Mr. Krukmakare, more than in any other place in magical Britain."

"Ok, then I suggest we use them in our favor. The elves should be instructed to keep an eye out for foreign elves and to capture any that trespass on the grounds. Further, there should be an elf protecting Harry at all times, on campus or off, until this business is concluded."

Madam Bones interjected, "This is an elegant solution for now. How soon can we adopt this plan?"

Dumbledore nodded his head. "Immediately, Madam Bones. Pappy!"

With that, an elderly looking house elf appeared. "Yes Headmaster?"

"Pappy, there is a bad elf, not a Hogwarts Elf that has threatened to harm Mr. Potter here. I want all of you to be on the lookout for any strange Elves. Any strange Elves are to be captured and brought to me. Furthermore, I want your best and most protective elf to guard Harry Potter personally, everywhere he goes, until instructed otherwise."

"Very good, Headmaster. I'lls tell the staff. Gwen!" Another elf appeared. "You is stay'in with Harry Potter on or off the grounds, until further notice. There's a bad elf after him. If it 'pears, capture it and bring it to the Headmaster."

Gwen, a tall and fierce looking elf bowed to Pappy and to the Headmaster. "Yes Pappy, I's stay with Harry Potter an 'tect him from bad elf!" No'un, person ur elf ur other will hurt young Master!"

Dumbledore addressed Pappy again. "Pappy, I repeat, I want constant vigilance from the elves. Let no other elf in, but capture it and bring it to me."

"We's doin' that Headmaster". And with that, both Elves vanished.

"Professors, we are done here for now. Our guests may eat here. Harry, you are to report to Madam Pomfrey for treatment. I think the rest of you might show Mr. Krukmakare around the castle before the Express arrives."

"I will need a copy of Pomfrey's report for the DMLE." Madam Bones stated.

Dumbledore adopted a grandfatherly attitude toward the witch. "My dear Amelia, I'm afraid that falls under Hogwarts' private matters..."

"The hell it does! These injuries were not due to Hogwarts discipline and as such fall under my jurisdiction. This is a child abuse case, and I expect to bring charges, through the non-magical authorities if need be! If you resist, I'll have him taken to St. Mungo's, here and now!"

Dumbledore sighed. "You may have all the records on Mr. Potter, Amelia. I must attend to my other duties."

After Dumbledore left, several platters of sandwiches appeared on the table along with drinks.

Susan offered Keith a goblet. "Keith, try this. It's pumpkin juice and it's really good."

Keith tasted the drink and smiled at her. "Thanks, Susan, it is good." They ate in silence.

After the platters were bare, Amelia looked at Harry. "I'm sorry you weren't asked this sooner. Are you satisfied with how things were handled?"

Harry thought a moment. "Pretty much. I trust all of you, and Keith's ideas make sense. I still wish I knew why Snape hates me. I've felt it since last year's Welcoming Feast and it's no different today. Professor Dumbledore says it's because my dad saved his life when he hated my dad. Does that make sense?"

Amelia sighed. "The human mind is a very strange place. Ideas, even obsessions arise for the oddest reasons. Sometimes you just have accept that as reality and adjust to it. Not happy news for you, but remember; you don't want him to win and he wins if you sink to his level. Now let's go to the Hospital Wing."

-BFtF-

The five walked to the Infirmary. Along the way, Amelia commented, "Hermione, since Harry has protection now, you don't have to hold onto him."

Harry quickly said, "I know that, but I feel safer this way." Hermione held him tighter, and both blushed. At that moment, they reached the Infirmary and were met by Madam Pomfrey.

Madam Pomfrey tut-tutted at Harry's presence. "Ah Mr. Potter, here you are it seems. You've broken a record. I haven't treated a student before the Express arrived 'til now. Madam Bones, I expect you will be staying, the others may go."

Harry quickly protested. "But I want Hermione to stay, I feel safer."

Amelia quickly took control of the situation. "In that case, Hermione, will you stay here? Susan, would you show the castle to Keith? If you can, show him the inside of the Hufflepuff common room."

"Yes, Auntie." And with that they left to explore.

-BFtF-

As they walked to the Great Hall, Susan showed Keith the entrance to the Professors' Wing, where their quarters were located and the staircase to the Headmaster's Office. She then led him through the entrance to the Great Hall. "We come through these doors three times a day to eat. See the raised table at the far wall? That is the Professors' Table. The table to the right of Head Table, is the Ravenclaw Table, where those in Ravenclaw House eat. The table to left is the Hufflepuff House Table, where I sit. To the near left, is the Gryffindor House Table, where Harry, Hermione and their housemates sit. To the immediate right is the Slytherin House Table. I don't think you've knowingly met anyone from Ravenclaw or Slytherin yet."

She led Keith further into the Great Hall. "Over here, between the Ravenclaw and Slytherin tables is the door to the chamber that you and the rest of the First Year students will wait before you come in and get sorted. On that stool, the Sorting Hat will rest. You will sit on the stool, put the hat on, and be told which house you will join."

Keith thought a moment. "So the hat will place me where the Founders would have placed me, were they still alive?"

"Yes".

Susan led him from the Great Hall to the Transfiguration classroom and then up to Professor McGonagall's office. "Miss Bones, Mr. Krukmakare, do you need something?"

"No Professor, I'm showing the castle to Keith. Sorry to interrupt."

"There is no problem, Miss Bones. Mr. Krukmakare, please be in the Great Hall at 8:15 tonight. I will take you to where you and the other First Years will wait before Sorting."

Keith nodded his head respectfully. "Yes, Professor and thank you."

Susan repeated the tour with Charms, and then took Keith down to the Dungeons. "Through this corridor and to the right is the Potions classroom. Professor Snape's office is connected to the classroom. The Slytherin Common Room is off to the left, somewhere, but I don't think I want to explore. Snape is not the nicest of people and he's angry right now."

Keith shuddered. "You don't have to convince me about that!"

Susan took him next out of the castle, and showed him to the Greenhouses, which were the Herbology classrooms. She showed him the greenhouse that would be his. Then they looked into the other greenhouses to see if Professor Sprout was there. Not finding her, they went to her office.

Susan said, "Hello, Professor. I'm giving Keith a tour of the castle, and I wanted to show him our Common Room. Could I have the current password?"

Keith interjected, with a polite bow. "Professor, it is nice to see you in a less fraught situation.

A few minutes later, Susan led the way, telling Keith about the peculiarities of the stairs and doors. When they reached the corridor to the Common Room Keith waited a distance while she opened the door and ushered him in. He came into the room and found a very comfortable area, with chairs, love seats, couches, tables and a large fireplace. "This looks like a great place to study or socialize," he commented.

Susan nodded excitedly. "Oh, it is, we have the best times here! Those stairs lead to our dormitories. On the left is the boys', the right for girls'."

"I imagine that the boys can't get into the girls' and the reverse?"

Susan blushed. "Actually, only half right. Girls can go into the boys' but not the reverse."

Keith shrugged. "Seems strange, but I suppose it's none of my business. I would think that girls would be just as apt to visit boys they fancy as the reverse. If it's a holdover from the Founders, I guess it says something about their time and morals. More important to me is if you're allowed to have friends from other houses in the Common Room."

"I don't know, but I think it would be all right." She looked up at him. "I'd really like you to be in Hufflepuff, Keith," she said hugging him tightly.

"I'd like that too, big sister," said Keith, returning the hug and kissing her cheek. "But if I'm not, I hope you can have me over here. We'll find time for family."

After they left the Common Room, Keith looked at his watch. "It's 2:40. I'd like to go back and see Harry, Hermione and Auntie,"

-BFtF-

While Susan conducted her tour, Harry had undergone extensive diagnostic screening by Madam Pomfrey. During the examinations, Harry and Hermione kept up a long sotto voce conversation, stopping only when the Healer needed to talk to Harry. Amelia placed a privacy charm around them and stepped back to give them space.

By 2:50, the scans were done and Madam Pomfrey spoke to them. "Mr. Potter, you have an extraordinarily high tolerance for pain. Just looking at you, no one would have an inkling of your injuries. Drink this potion, it will heal your back wounds, but not your scars I'm afraid. Then tonight, you will have Skele-Gro to fix all those fractures. After that, you'll be on a regimen of nutrition and growth potions, to bring you to the stature and strength you should have been. That should be finished by Christmas."

"That is very good to hear, Poppy." Director Bones continued. "If you will write all that in your report, give me a copy and a copy of Mr. Potter's first year's medical records, I will have what I need."

"But Madam Bones, his first year records are private to Hogwarts..."

"Not so! Harry is a victim of child abuse and this is a criminal investigation. Every record is going to be needed. Most such cases will go through non-magical courts, but I may still bring them to trial before the Wizengamot. I want the lot within 15 minutes."

Amelia looked at Harry and Hermione, and saw that something was bothering them both. She felt the air needed clearing. She conjured up some comfortable chairs, and erected privacy shielding again. "It looks to me like you need to talk about something, so here I am, all ears."

Harry and Hermione looked at each other, came to a silent agreement. Harry began. "Well, Madam Bones, we are both getting odd feelings about Keith. Not a bad feeling, I know he wouldn't have sworn that oath if he meant us harm, it just it feels off, somehow. When he hugged me this morning and last night, it felt almost as if he wanted to merge into me."

Hermione added her agreement. "Yes Madam Bones, I felt the same, it was not creepy, but like he wished he were a part of me."

Amelia considered the two children thoughtfully. "Harry, Hermione, I've only known him for just over a day, but you didn't notice the things I did. He was frantic, his eyes were full of panic and terror. I don't think Susan noticed, but I did. When your name came up, Hermione, there was just as much fear for you as there was for Harry. When you two came in last night and this morning, I saw his eyes, there was absolute terror in them, fear that you would not accept what he told you, that you would reject his help, reject him. Afterwards, he looked at us with such gratitude, my heart melted. He was so relieved that you two were going to be safe, that you believed him, that Susan and I had believed in him and helped him. I think that if it happened differently, that he would have physically collapsed. That is why Susan and I became family with him yesterday. I simply knew he would not let anything happen to the four of us, not as long as he can draw a breath."

"Also, remember the meeting today. He was up as fast as you were, Hermione, with his wand out. Did you see his face? It was covered with tears. Did you hear what he said, 'Never again, I promise."? Keith will stand by you, Susan and me, even if it means his own death."

Hermione nodded. "Madam Bones, I think we realized that, but I still suspect he has another agenda."

"Hermione, with another person I would tend to agree with you, but I have to ask you to trust me on this. I've spent a good part of my life learning to read people and know when they are lying. Keith is not lying, or he is the single most accomplished actor I've ever met, at age 11." She smiled. "That leaves insanity, but my instincts say no to that too. He is driven, extraordinarily so, however. Remember, he did make oaths to us and made them freely."

The two friends shared another look. Harry spoke up. "I think you are right, Madam Bones. We'll both have to think about this."

Just then, Keith and Susan entered the Infirmary, Keith brightened at the sight of Harry looking so chipper. "Harry, I'm glad you look OK. I was rather hoping for a big change when we got back."

Harry smiled. "No, I've got a lot of potions to take, but by Christmas, Madam Pomfrey says I should look the way I should have looked."

Susan squealed. "Harry, that's so great! Hermione, were you worried?"

She shook her head. "Not really. Harry was awake the whole time, he didn't seem to be in any pain that I could tell and we talked about a lot of things."

Keith grinned. "Do you think if you asked Professor McGonagall, she'd give you the password to the Gryffindor Common Room? Susan showed me Hufflepuff's and I'd like to see another."

Hermione beamed at the other three. "That's a real good idea. Let's go see Professor McGonagall!"

-BFtF-

Soon the pair returned and led them up to the seventh floor to a large painting of a fat lady in a pink dress. Holding back, they watched while Hermione whispered to the painting. The portrait swung open and the five stepped into the Common Room. Keith, Susan and Amelia immediately saw that there was little difference between the rooms. The same sort of furniture was there, the only real difference was the scarlet and gold color scheme. They moved a couch and love-seat to face each other by the fireplace and sat down, the Gryffindors on the love-seat. Keith was amused to see that Hermione still had a death grip on Harry's hand, not that Harry seemed to mind at all.

They spent about three and a half hours talking about the Common rooms, the traditions inside each house's common rooms, stories about the people currently in the houses. Both Keith and Susan noted that the position of the Gryffindor dormitories were switched from the arrangement in Hufflepuff and mentioned that, to Harry and Hermione's amusement.

Amelia told stories about Harry's parents and their friends, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew, who were also known as the Marauders. She had been two years ahead of Harry's parents and their friends. She admitted that although she'd never been in the Gryffindor Room, it wasn't for the lack of Black's trying all through her sixth and seventh years. "I realized that his ideas about 'social interaction' and mine were definitely not the same." That led to a round of giggles from the youngsters and quite a bit of blushing, though not on Amelia's part.

Keith was very interested in this. "So students from different houses can be invited to each other's Common Rooms?"

"Yes Keith, but sadly it doesn't happen nearly enough. House membership seems to have raised walls that shouldn't be there."

Keith glanced at his watch it was 7:55. "Professor McGonagall wants me down in the Great Hall soon. I need to talk to Auntie Amelia privately for a moment. Could you three wait outside for a minute." Keith grinned impishly. "We promise we will not change the color scheme".

Everyone laughed and the other three stepped outside. As soon as they left, Keith looked at Amelia with utter seriousness. "Aunt Amelia, you need to stay after the feast at least an hour, maybe two. I am sure you can do so, citing security for Harry

"I've a bad feeling about tonight. You need to have Aurors loaded for bear and ready to move. Something is going to happen and both Harry and Hermione will be involved. If there is a chance to get Harry to St. Mungos tonight, take it. I am suspicious that none of his physical problems were addressed last year.

"I can send you my Patronus. Expecto Patronum." With that a fully formed Patronus appeared, then disappeared.

Amelia simply looked at him, speechless, and then nodded.

-BFtF-

The five left and were in the hall on time. They sat at the Hufflepuff table. Soon, a few students began entering, At that moment, Professor McGonagall entered and motioning to Keith, led him through the door by the Sorting Hat.

Keith found himself in a small room lit by torches. He waited a few minutes before around 40 other children came in led by Hagrid.

The gigantic man looked down at Keith, winked and said, "All right there, Keith?" Keith winked and nodded. Hagrid knocked thunderously on the door, which was opened by Professor McGonagall. With a "The first years, Professor." he made his way back out of the room.

Professor McGonagall looked over the group of new students and caught their attention. "Welcome to Hogwarts. I am Professor McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress and Transfiguration professor. In a few minutes, I will lead you out to be Sorted into your houses."

"While you are at Hogwarts, your house will be like your family. You will live together and many of your friends will be your housemates. Your triumphs will earn your house points towards the House Cup, your transgressions will lose you points.

"The houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and each has produced many great and famous wizards and witches. When I return, you will follow me in a line into the Great Hall."

After she left, the room was quiet for a moment. before a murmur broke out, as they wondered what the Sorting would entail. Then, a boy pushed his way through the others and looked challengingly at Keith. "You weren't on the train. Who the Hell are you?"

Keith looked at the boy. He was a bit shorter than Keith, and had a raw-boned look to him. His bony face had a certain handsomeness to it, and was framed by a mop of dark brown hair. "That is an unusual greeting to be sure. However, I the Hell am Keith Krukmakare, and who the Hell are you?"

The other boy started, and looked at Keith with a certain amount of astonishment, realizing his demand for information and attempt to establish a superior position had failed, if the chuckles he heard were any indication. "I am Jamison Flint, and I need to ask you the Ultimate Question."

Keith had no problem hearing the capitalization in Jamison's words. "I know of only two such questions, and those answers are '42' and 'Let there be light!'"

Before the other could respond, a girl's dreamy sounding voice claimed the room's attention. "Oh, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy! I really like that book!"

Keith spotted the speaker, a smallish girl with dirty-blond hair and unusual silver-blue eyes. "Right in one! May I ask your name?"

"I am Luna Lovegood."

"Well, Luna, any fan of Hitchhiker's is a friend of mine. I'm Keith Krukmakare and you've just earned a gold star. I'll bring it around when I find some time."

He returned his attention to Jamison. "OK, I can tell those weren't your question, so shoot."

Jamison growled and said, "I want to know your blood status?!"

Keith looked back mildly in return. "A Positive. And yours?"

No one had noticed that Professor McGonagall had opened the door, catching the exchange. Instead of reprimanding the dark-haired boy, she waited to see where this confrontation would lead.

"What sort of stupid answer is that?" Flint exclaimed. "Are you a Pure-blood, Half-Blood or Mudblood?!"

"Ah, you were serious then. Well, this an important topic. Everyone, listen up. There are 5.48 billion people alive right now. Most are about average, in any trait you can think of, but some are taller, faster, stronger, more intelligent, or whatever than the average person. Doesn't make them better, just means they push the envelope in one direction or another. We have magic. There are about 11 million of us in the world. That's .02007 of one percent of the population, about the same percentage of those who excel in mathematics or music or physical traits. With us, we push the envelope by being sensitive to and able to control certain energies which we call magic."

"Doesn't make us better people or worse than the rest of humanity, just different. The big point here is that magic unites us! We all can do magic! And there are so few of us. That is what's important. Who our ancestors were is inconsequential. We have something in common that is terribly important and rare. We are too few for us to afford to raise artificial barriers!

"That doesn't mean that we are all going to love each other, or even like each other. But how we relate should come down to us as people." He turned and focused on Jamison. "We can be friends, or enemies, or just acquaintances, but it should be on the basis of me, Keith and you, Jamison; not on our ancestry, or the house into which we are sorted, or anything else. Just as it should be for all of us."

Flint looked in shock at Keith. These concepts were new and alien to him, but he could see that the others in the room agreed with Krukmakare. Since he didn't really have any way to argue back, he decided to go along. "Ok, Krukmakare, you have a deal." And then he extended his hand.

Keith smiled and took the offered hand. "Good to meet you Flint. I hope we'll become friends."

Everyone was startled when Professor McGonagall spoke. "Mr. Krukmakare that is the best short description of the ideals of Hogwarts I've ever heard. Mr. Flint, I am pleased to see you respond in kind. I would give out house points, but that wouldn't be in the spirit of your discussion. All of you please follow me into the Great Hall."

-BFtF-

The Deputy Headmistress led the first year class into the Great Hall. After the Sorting Hat sang its song for the year, she spoke to the assembled students. "Before I brought the first years in, I heard a discussion between Misters Krukmakare and Flint. Mr. Krukmakare gave the finest brief description of the ideals of Hogwarts it has been my privilege to ever hear. I cannot give him any house points, but when you each receive a copy of that discussion at breakfast tomorrow you will understand why. There will also be copies permanently posted in each Common Room."

After that, each new student was sorted. With each name, Keith led the applause and soon it was time for him to don the Hat.

"Well well well. We do have something different with us today."

"True enough, Mycroft. I am a bit out of the ordinary."

"And why do you call me 'Mycroft'?"

"I know that some call you 'Sherlock'. But, Mycroft was the older, smarter brother and I am certain that you get less credit than you deserve."

"That is likely enough. I lean towards placing you in Slytherin, as I see huge and ambitious plans."

"True enough. However, those plans are much better served by placing me into Gryffindor."

"Well, if you so insist. It's best then to be "Gryffindor!"

Keith made his way to the Gryffindor table and sat between Harry and Hermione. "Keith," said Hermione "the Sorting Hat took a long time to sort you. I'm not sure if Harry took that long."

"I'll take your word for that. The hat and I had a nice conversation and I ended up here."

Just as soon as the last student was Sorted and sat down, the tables magically filled with all sorts to wonderful foods. Quickly filling his plate, Keith went to work with gusto. Hermione noticed that Keith ate nearly as fast as her friend Ron. But where Ron tended to be rather sloppy when he ate, Keith's table manners were perfect. After his first plate, Keith partly filled a second, but slowed down and began talking with some of the other first years, like Colin Creevey, Demelza Robins, Ginny Weasley and Romilda Vane.

After most present had eaten their fill, the plates cleared and a selection of deserts appeared. Keith, having had his fill decided to limit himself to a clementine. Finishing it, he remained chatting with Harry, Hermione and the other first years. No one noticed him draw his wand under the table and give it a couple of flicks.

After another several minutes, the tables cleared themselves of all that remained from the feast. The Headmaster rose and began to speak.

"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! It is good to see so many familiar faces and those of our newest students too. I have a few start of term announcements before you seek your rooms. First, the Forbidden Forest is just that, forbidden. Any students found there will be punished after their hopefully successful rescue. Mr. Filch, the School's Caretaker reminds everyone that there is no magic allowed in the halls. Further, there are additions to the list of banned items. That list can be found in your Common Rooms. Quidditch tryouts will be at the end of the month. Those wishing to try out for your house team, please notify your heads of house."

"Finally, I would like to welcome to Hogwarts our new Defense against the Dark Arts Professor, Professor Gilderoy Lockhart..." Under the table, Keirh's right hand twitched. (3)

And then, several colored spotlights shone on the professor, music began playing and a voice began to sing:

I am the entertainer
And I know just where I stand
Another serenader
And another long-haired man

Today I am your champion
I may have won your hearts
But I know the game, you'll forget my name
And I won't be here in another year
If I don't stay on the charts (1)

Hermione recognized the song as one of her parents' and her favorite singers, Billy Joel and the song, which seemed to be slightly bowdlerized. "Keith, do you know the song?"

"Sure, 'The Entertainer'. I love Billy Joel. If I had to listen to only one musician's work, he's the one I'd choose."

"I feel the same way. Do you know he's a wizard?"

"Oh yes, but even if he wasn't, he's Merlin behind a keyboard and mike. Look at Lockhart now!" It was all Keith could do to avoid howling outloud with laughter. Lockhart was trying and failing to get out of the spotlights. He looked as if he'd love to dive under the table, but couldn't seem to be able to get out of his chair. The other professors looked stony-faced at him.

Hermione shot Keith a look through narrowed eyes. "Keith, do you have anything to do with this?"

Keith shrugged. "Yes, I set this up. The so and so had it coming and no one will believe he didn't set it up to promote himself."

Hermione looked at him, half sternly, half amused. Keith had told them the story of his encounter with the DADA Professor at Flourish and Blotts the day before, when they all talked earlier in the Gryffindor Common Room. "And how did you do this?" She gave him an elbow to the ribs at his answer of 'magic'.

"Hermione, you are just mean. Yes, some of it is what they teach here. But the rest comes under Clarke's Third Law. (2) My guardians gave me some interesting gizmos."

Hermione gave him a look before dissolving into very un-Hermione like giggles.

After a few moments, the song concluded and the Headmaster dismissed the students to their houses. As he got up, he told Harry and Hermione he'd see them again soon, he spotted Susan rising from her place at the Hufflepuff tables. He caught her eye and waved. Susan gave an enormous grin and waved back. Keith then followed the fifth year perfects up to the Gryffindor Common Room

-BFtF-

Keith, along with the other Gryffindor first years followed Linda Carver and Mike Franklyn, the fifth year prefects, as they led the group to the Gryffindor Common Room. As they went along, they explained about the oddities and potential pitfalls of negotiating the halls and stairways of Hogwarts. Keith had heard almost all of this earlier from Susan, Harry and Hermione, but kept alert just in case.

Soon they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady, learned the current password (Wattle Bird), and climbed through the hole into the Common Room. As soon as they got in, Keith asked Ginny to wait and signaled Hermione to come over.

"Ginny, the diary you found in your cauldron, the one with T. M. Riddle on the spine. It's very important that you bring it down to me immediately. Hermione, please go up with her and help."

All the color drained from Ginny's face. "H-How did you know about that? It's not in my trunk. I wrote in it on the train. H-Here it is. I-It scared me." And she handed Keith the diary.

Keith smiled reassuringly. "Thanks Ginny. I have a replacement for you in my trunk. I'll get it for you tomorrow."

Keith squeezed Ginny's shoulder, smiled and walked around the room. Near the fireplace, he joined Harry and his friend, Ron Weasley.

Harry turned to Keith and beamed. "Ron, this is the guy I told you about, Keith Krukmakare. Keith, this is my best friend, Ron Weasley."

Keith and Ron said hello to each other, and shook hands. Just then, a gray, furry head popped out of Ron's robes. "Scabbers..." Ron began.

No one noticed the wand in Keith's left hand (3) twitch, but everyone saw the results. Scabbers was banished to the wall, but as he moved across the room, in mid-flight, he turned into a small, portly, sharp-nosed man, with thinning grayish hair. The transformed 'rat' hit the wall and stuck there. The impact knocked him out. A cutting curse sliced through his left sleeve, which fell off, revealing a dark tattoo on his forearm. Then, his arms and legs snapped to his side as if he'd been petrified. In all of the commotion, no one noticed a streak of silver bolting through the door.

-BFtF-

In the Great Hall Amelia Bones was chatting with the Headmaster, Professor McGonagall, Kingsley Shacklebolt, John Dawlish, and Susan Bones, who'd received permission to stay with her aunt until she left. Suddenly, a silver Patronus appeared before the group, then vanished.

Amelia started barking out orders. "Shacklebolt, Dawlish with me! Dumbledore, McGonagall, come too! Trouble in the Gryffindor Common Room!" Scooping up Susan, she took off at a dead run.

Meanwhile, while the rest of the room was in an uproar, Keith dropped the diary on the stones in front of the fireplace. With a murmured "Ignitio Diablos!" a dagger of blast furnace hot flame appeared and slammed into the diary. The diary screamed, and a green mist rose up and blew away. Keith's knees buckled and he fell to the floor.

Keith had never felt so tired in his entire life. He still could see and hear clearly, but even those senses seemed to be getting a bit blurry. He heard Hermione cry out and saw her and Harry rush towards him, felt their arms around him and even with the bedlam around them, he felt safe and protected.

"Keith, what's wrong?"

"Too much magic today Hermione. Listen both of you. Tell the Director that diary needs to go to the Unspeakables. She'll be here soon. Don't worry." With that, Keith's vision grayed out and he slumped down. He could still hear, but it was as if from a distance and there was an unreal quality to it.

"Oh my God Harry! I-is he dead?"

"No, I can feel his heartbeat and his breath, but he's passed out."

"Thank Merlin! Harry, hold him up for a moment. Good, now lower his head into my lap and get his legs out from under him. Keith it's going to be OK, we promise." Keith could barely feel, but knew they were both holding him. Then, he heard a cacophony of voices.

"Merlin on a mushroom! (4) That's Peter Pettigrew!"

"How can that be? He's been dead for ten years!"

"Look at his arm. The Dark Mark!"

"Who can tell us what happened here?"

"My pet rat Scabbers poked his head out from my robes, then he flew to the wall and tuned into this. I don't understand. What's happening?"

"Mr. Weasley, it appears your rat is really an Animagus. A wizard who can change into an animal. They are supposed to be registered, but Peter never was."

"Dumbledore, can you make a Portkey to the Ministry holding cells?"

"Certainly, Amelia."

"Dawlish, take Pettigrew in, make sure he's cuffed with anti-Animagus cuffs and keep an eye on him until I get back."

"Yes, Director"

Keith heard a muted scream, and then another presence was holding him. Somehow, he felt even more secure and protected.

"Auntie, come quick, it's Keith!"

"Harry, Hermione, what happened?"

"We're not sure, Director. We found him like this, but he could still talk. He said this diary needed to be taken to the Unspeakables, then he kind of passed out, but he's still breathing. Ginny Weasley gave him the diary when he asked her about it."

"I see Hermione, thank you. Shaklebolt, please talk to Miss Weasley. Dumbledore, attach this fireplace to the Floo Network, Mr. Krukmakare and Mr. Potter are going to St. Mungo's."

"Auntie, if they are going, Hermione and I are coming too!"

"Very well, you two and Harry go first."

Harry. "St. Mungo's!"

Hermione. "St. Mungo's!"

Susan. "St. Mungo's!"

Keith could feel himself being picked up gently, tenderly and felt protected, safe. He heard Amelia cry out, "St. Mungo's!" felt the whirl of Floo travel and knew no more.

A/N: As always, a tip of the keyboard for my fabulous Beta, Alix33, who's earned a lot of the kudos. I've earned any and all brickbats.

Starting with this chapter I will use footnotes á la chem prof.

(1) The Entertainer by Billy Joel in his Streetlife Serenade album (1994)
(2) Clarke's Third Law: Any sufficiently advance technology is indistinguishable from magic
(3) For the record, Keith is ambidextrous
(4) This is saying Amelia Bones says a lot in the stories of TomHRichardson. So it's a tip of the keyboard to him.

Thank you all for reading. Please read and review. All thoughts, ideas and comments are appreciated.

RePosted 08/11/2022
Words 7,811