Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or its characters
AN: Alright so when I edited chapter 1, I couldn't believe just how bad the grammar was... I know I was lazy when I started this, but damn. Anyway it's been looked at now so hope you enjoy.
Last edited Nov 2012
September 1st, 1991
Harry awoke at 7am exactly, just before his alarm started buzzing, excited to finally be going to Hogwarts that he had heard and read about. Being able to actually try out the spells he had been reading about in his first year books. His snowy white owl, he named Hedwig when he came across the name in his night time reading, turning to her he asked "Hey girl. Would you like to come on the train with me, or fly to Hogwarts yourself?"
Hedwig flew from her perch, over to his shoulder, nipping his ear affectionately twice. She ruffled her wings and circled his head a few times before returning to her perch. Harry chuckled softly in understanding "Alright, I'll see you at Hogwarts then girl"
Climbing up the stairs of his trunk, he opened his window and watched her fly off into the distance. Walking back to the trunk, he double checked the other two compartments, making sure he had everything, even though he knew only he had access to it. Having something that was his made him slightly overprotective. Contemplating what to do until he had to leave, he gathered the clothes he was going to wear on the train from the first compartment, than re-entered his apartment, cooked up a quick breakfast and got ready for the day.
As odd as it was for him, the bathroom in the third compartment was quite fascinating for him. Instead of a typical shower, the showerhead was attached to a massive glass tank like structure. Symbols much like the ones he saw that day in the hut, were on the floor of the water tank, as well as around the shower head and the floor drain. At closer inspection, the sink and toilet both had the symbols as well.
The first time Harry entered the shower, the symbols all glowed for a moment. When he pushed the large red button, the water coming out of the showerhead was the perfect temperature. He could have sworn he felt that the symbols drew some of his magic out of him as well. So they were obviously powered by his magic. The water was steadily lowering in the tank as he showered. When he finished, pressing the button once more, the runes on the floor drain and tank glowed again, before the water in the tank was full again, once more he noticed the pull on his magic. Harry wasn't entirely sure what to make of it, but he had a feeling the water that reappeared was the dirty water, and the magic somehow cleaned it. The same process seemed to happen with the sink and toilet.
Harry decided with wearing some navy blue jeans, a skin tight dark green short sleeved shirt, with a long sleeved black button up shirt, unbuttoned over it, with sneakers. Looking in the mirror he messed up his black hair some more and smiled at the look, much better than wearing Dudley's hand me downs. He left the trunk in a very chipper mood, he gazed around the second bedroom at Number 4 Privet Drive, knowing he wouldn't see it again until June 20th. He didn't shrink his trunk yet, he wanted to scare his relatives a bit, it was the last time he could for many months after all.
Harry placed his 3 compartment trunk into the cheaper shrinking trunk, than lifted it. Walking downstairs, he was met with his relatives already there and apparently waiting on him, they were clearly eager to see him off. The young wizard quickly noticed his Uncle had the strangest look in his features. His body posture and facial expressions showed how nervous, with a tinge of fear he was. However his eyes were full of glee, Harry inwardly rolled his eyes, it was probably because his Uncle thought no nine and three quarters existed. In the fat man's mind he was probably thinking he would be abandoning the freak at the station. Plus Harry had promised he wouldn't return to the house once he got to King's cross station until June 20th.
Shrugging he walked up to his relatives with a broad smile, unnerving them gratefully "Magic is real" Flicking his wrist, his wand appeared in his hand, than he very slowly tapped the trunk. It began shaking dramatically before shrinking down to pocket size. "Thought you ought to know" A handy feature that Harry paid for was when in its shrunken form, it grew a protected necklace. After putting it around his neck, he looked up to see his relative's expressions. It was quite difficult for him not to just burst into laughter, Petunia looked truly scandalized, Vernon was glaring at the miniature trunk around Harry's neck like it would blow up. His cousin was shaking and was glaring at Harry intensely, the same look he got whenever he wanted something, oddly enough the boy didn't say anything.
Facing his Uncle again he snickered at what happened a few weeks earlier, probably why Dudley was able to hold his tongue. He had gone out to eat, Vernon must have grown a backbone again, as he had tried to take control of the situation with Harry. He had gone upstairs to bring down the boy's trunk and lock it up, to get him to begin doing all those chores that hadn't been getting done. Of course poor Vernon Dursley didn't know that the trunk had an added feature, to make it unmovable unless one touches it with the tap of his wand. Said tapping also made the trunk weightless. He could have got more protections, but many of them were quite, violent in their methods, especially to a non magical being.
The trip to the station wasn't very eventful, unless you count his Aunt and Uncle unable to stop their moods from switching randomly, his Uncle from death eyeing Harry through the rear view mirror, to random happy chuckles. His Aunt would do some weird cackle like noise while nervously turning back to look at Harry randomly. The closer they got to the station, the worse they got.
Once they arrived Harry hopped out calmly, shut the door and walked off. Turning around once he entered the station, just to see the expressions on his relative's faces, he could see just how happy they were. "Enjoy your term boy" His Uncle shouted happily as they tore off down the road. Harry barely managed to suppress his snort, at how proud and happy they looked with themselves as they drove off.
Shaking his head at their narrow minds, he walked to the area between platforms nine and ten. He was sure it would be like the Leaky Cauldron, something only magical folk could see. Gazing around the general area of the two platforms, he quickly realized that one, there was nothing obvious in the scenery. Two, that even though it was peak hour traffic at the station, no one walked near one wall between the stations. Assuming it was some sort of muggle repelling barrier he started towards it. As he was about to pass through the barrier, he heard a loud woman behind him say "Packed with muggles, of course. What was the platform number dear?"
Harry stopped and looked at the woman and a large family of redheads. The mother seemed to be looking around the platform intently. A thought raced through his mind, that perhaps she might have been sent to help him out, since Hagrid forgot to tell him how to get on the platform, he shrugged before continuing through the barrier.
Harry arrived on the other side of the barrier to see a large scarlet multi compartment steam engine on a platform with many witches and wizards with their children. At further observation, there were obviously muggles as well, parents to muggleborn students probably, all over the platform. Gazing at the sign near him he read Hogwarts Express, Platform Nine and Three Quarters. Smiling he gazed at the packed platform again, feeling a slight twinge of sadness hit him, seeing students saying goodbye to their families, crying mothers, proud fathers and upset siblings.
Deciding he wanted to be alone in his thoughts and not surrounded by happy families, he entered the train. Harry passed by compartments that already had people in it, frowning when he noticed they all appeared to be older students. Finally, he found one that was empty towards the end of the train. Opening the door, he enlarged the trunk, entered and brought out a few books to read during the journey. Then locked and lifted it onto the racking with ease. He looked back to the crowds as he sat down and let his thoughts start to drift.
Harry momentarily thought of the image of his parents, the features he had burned into his mind. As he gazed at some of the mothers, he saw his own tearing up while saying goodbye to him. The sight of his father overlapped one of the random fathers, with his hand on his son's shoulder. Hagrid had told him that he looked like his father but had his mother's eyes. If he had siblings, would they have had his mother's hair? Maybe they would have looked like his Aunt? He snorted at that and listened intently, accessing his enhanced hearing to hear what some of them were saying. Come to think of it, he didn't even know what his parents sounded like?
Shaking his head he vowed to talk to some of the older Professors, Jean from Madam Malkin's spoke of, that still taught at Hogwarts, about them. Maybe even get some pictures, they moved after all, so he could see them in greater detail. Surely someone has pictures of his family somewhere?
Noticing the crowd starting to disperse, he assumed that it must be close to 11am now, so the train would be leaving shortly. A whistle sounded, the remaining students on the platform began to rush to the train and soon enough it started to move. He watched the remaining families waving goodbye, with a few of the younger children running with the train. A young redheaded girl caught his eye and he smiled softly, perhaps his sister would have looked like her, she seemed to look much like his mother's image, with his father's brown eyes. She was part of the group that were about to pass through the barrier after him, curious.
Once out of sight, Harry picked up a potions book and began to read, he was warned by Jean, that the Professor was very strict. He was known for asking very hard questions and taking points for not knowing answers to his questions. Occlumency did help with remembering things and he had read most of the book already, but Harry needed something to do so he decided to read it again. It was then that he noticed a young redheaded boy stop outside his compartment, looking to be deciding to come in or not. The boy opened the door and asked "Uh, do you mind if I sit here? My brothers kicked me out of their compartment"
Harry couldn't see the harm in it, he was probably from that group of redheads too "Sure I guess, I was just reading this, I heard Professor Snape is hard with all non Slytherin students. I'm Harry by the way" The young wizard purposefully didn't state his last name, to see what this boy was like first. He had already decided he wouldn't go to Slytherin if he could help it. Since the wizarding world seemed very bias, even Jean saw Slytherin as the evil house, the house with children from Voldemort's followers.
Harry could just imagine how the wizarding world would take him being sorted there. The Dark Lord's defeater being sorted into his old house, he would probably be labelled as the next Dark lord within the week. Either way it would make his years at Hogwarts more annoying, especially if they learnt he was a parcelmouth, which the magical world considered to be a dark wizard trait apparently.
The red haired boy had a strange expression on his face, somewhere between impressed that Harry seemed to dislike Slytherin somewhat, and disgusted that he was reading a textbook. So Harry had a feeling this boy would be a Gryffindor or Hufflepuff, from the look of him, probably the former. The red head seemed to get over his thoughts though "I'm Ron, Ron Weasley, do you know what house you'll be in?"
Of course he would ask that, clearly had a very prejudiced view of the houses like Hagrid. Harry considered the question before he said "No way to know until the sorting. But my parents were both in Gryffindor, but I guess I could just as likely end up a Ravenclaw I think"
Ron seemed pleased with the answer and soon the discussion turned towards Quidditch. Since it was something Harry was eager to get involved in once at Hogwarts, he questioned Ron enthusiastically, quickly discovering the young redhead was a Quidditch fanatic.
Around an hour later a lady with a trolley of sweets came by, asking if they wanted anything. Ron said he was fine, with a very disgruntled look on his face. It was obviously a homemade sandwich, Harry found that reaction quite rude, but then again, that was because he had never had one before. Harry decided to by a far few of his favourite sweets, enough for both of them. The jealous glint was easy to spot in Ron's eyes, as Harry handed the lady one galleon. Harry realized that Ron's family must be poor, so made a note to try to not flaunt his money as much as possible around Ron in the future. Although it may be unavoidable, he needed to prove himself to other powerful members of the pureblood community after all.
Ron began talking animatedly about his large family, when Harry offered him some of the sweets. 5 older brothers and a younger sister, Harry couldn't fathom that sort of life, but it was something he would love to have, a large family. It seemed quite obvious to Harry, that Ron was from a pureblood family, it was likely they had lost any power they held though, from the way he spoke and the clothes he wore. Ron seemed jealous of his sibling's achievements as well, so much envy he put into each description. Harry on the other hand was impressed, the two eldest had taken good positions in the wizarding world, proving that even though their family standing is low, they still fulfilled their goals.
Harry briefly explained his parents died during the last war, and he was sent to live with his Aunt and her family to grow up. He briefly spoke of attending a muggle school but overall his description of his youth was much smaller and simple in comparison to Ron's. The young redhead didn't seem to mind in the least, Harry noted that the guy didn't pick up on any of his hints either.
Harry opened a chocolate frog and it tried to jump away, but he wasn't about to let it get away. With speed he shouldn't have, he snatched it just before it could make it out the window. Ron stared at him in awe at how quick he did it, Harry made another mental note to watch his speed and strength while at Hogwarts. Wouldn't want the world thinking he's a vampire or something. His worry faded when Ron started ranting about how he should try out for seeker on the Gryffindor team the next year.
Reading the card on Dumbledore, he decided to look up Nicholas Flamel in the library later, Dumbledore was very powerful politically, associates of his would be important people to get information on. Harry gazed out of the window at the meadows and fields below, a smile came on his face, as it was very similar to the fields Merlin taught him at. He listened as Ron spoke about his favourite Quidditch team as he thought about all that changed for him.
A few moments later a knock on their door pulled him from sinking into a memory, as a pudgy faced boy poked his head in and asked if they had seen a toad. Harry recommended he ask someone older to summon it for him, since he remembered that from his charms book in reference. The boy thanked Harry and left to do just that.
No one else bothered them for the rest of the trip, he let Ron talk and half listened, chipping in occasionally. His attention was more towards the potions text. Harry noticed the sun starting to go down, he recommended that they should change into their school robes soon. Harry made sure his trunk was locked when the conductor asked them to leave their luggage on the train before it came to a stop. He was tempted to just take it with him, but thought better of it in case someone noticed.
They left the train following the crowd, until they heard a loud booming voice Harry recognized straight away "Firs years, firs years over ere" Heading towards the big man, a smile made its way onto his face "Doin aight there arry? Firs years, firs years to me"
Hagrid did a headcount to make sure everyone enrolled was present, than led the students away from the mass of older students. They followed a long and narrow path. "Watch yer step now" Since a bulk of them were slipping and sliding down the wet path.
They rounded a corner and Hagrid boomed "An there she is, ogwarts, yer ome for yeh next nine months" A loud chorus of ooh's and aah's came from the students. Hagrid chuckled at the reaction, then moved further on, they arrived at a massive lake with boats lined up, turning around he yelled out "No more han four to a boat" He himself got into a bigger boat to compensate for his size in the middle.
Harry got into a boat, with Ron and two pretty girls, a blonde and a brunette. Once the boats set off Harry noticed how they sat gracefully, a strong indication of training in behaviour and appearances. The blonde girl held an expressionless face, her blue eyes not showing her inner thoughts at all, as she gazed at the castle. Harry had a feeling she was from an old pureblood family and possibly an heir to her family. Putting on a light smirk he took the blonde girls hand which startled her and kissed the back lightly "Hi there, I'm Harry. To whom do I owe the pleasure, for having such a beautiful young lady, join me on this cruise to the castle?"
The girl's eyes narrowed before she looked into his eyes, the frown vanished and her cheeks turned a light pink. Her mouth opened in shock slightly, as her deep blue eyes didn't waver from his emerald green. The brunette girl watched the exchange with her hand covering her mouth, Harry thought she was shocked as well. Until he felt her shifting and an odd noise left her, as if struggling to prevent herself from bursting into laughter.
The brunette couldn't stop herself and began giggling, this action snapped the blonde, making her realize how long she had been staring. Pulling back the hand that Harry was still holding, she put back on a mask of indifference, seemed to fight hard to defeat the blush that was trying to spread across her cheeks. She sent the brunette a quick glare, that seemed to have no effect, other than harder giggling. Letting out a light huff, she turned back to Harry "I'm Daphne. It's nice to meet you Harry"
Harry smirked, oh she was definitely from a powerful family, she didn't give her last name either. Getting a full smile he replied "Well now I have a pretty name, to put to your pretty face. It's nice to meet you too Daphne" The girl had to look back towards the castle, but Harry still saw the light blush, mentally laughing at the reaction. Seemed she wasn't expecting such a subtle method from one her own age, her guard was definitely down.
Turning to the other girl and quirked an eyebrow, unlike her friend, she was much bolder, she held out her hand and raised one of her own eyebrows to match. Kissing her hand as well she stated "I'm Tracey. I can't say I've ever seen someone break through Daphne's mask so easily, I like you"
Daphne merely sent a mild glare at letting such information slip to Tracey. Harry's grin widened as he responded to Tracey "A pleasure Tracey, it's not every day I get to see such a wonderful view after all" He didn't even turn to the castle, instead looked at each of them in turn. Tracey laughed again, put her arm around Daphne and began whispering in hushed whispers. Tracey eyed him multiple times, in different places, as if sizing him up, when she got Daphne to giggle on occasion his eyebrows rose or a smirk came upon his face to match. Tracey seemed to notice this too if the large grin on her face, each time he did it was anything to go by. Harry could have listened in with his enhanced hearing, but thought better of it, it was much for fun doing things as they come.
As they landed on the shore Ron hopped out first, Harry figured he had never had lessons on tact at home. Harry got out next, however unlike Ron, he then turned back and offered his hand to Daphne. Helping her out of the boat caused Daphne's eyes to widen again. Tracey couldn't help it, she laughed loudly this time, getting the attention of other first years. Like on the boat, she held her hand out to Harry with a large grin, rolling his eyes at what she was doing. He also helped her out of the boat as well, ignoring the whispers of the other first years. Nodding his head lightly to both girls, he turned and walked off with Ron, who was looking at Harry like he had grown a second head.
Arriving at the doors Hagrid pounded on it a few times, it opened swiftly. Out came an old stern looking witch, in emerald green robes, many of the students gulped and looked at her nervously. Harry however got a grin on his face, the Professor was clearly very traditional in her ways. It would be so much fun, seeing just what would push her to her limits of her patience. She was individually eyeing the students, whether this was to intimidate or she was memorizing the faces, he wasn't sure. But when her eyes landed on him, seeing his grin, he noticed she paled slightly. Her eyes remained on him a moment longer than the others. Once finished, she turned and asked the students to follow her inside.
As they entered the entrance hall Harry ignored the exciting whispering going on around him, choosing instead to look at the room in wonder. Just this room alone could have easily fit the Dursley's whole house with room to spare. As they neared two sets of massive doors, he could hear excited talking coming from the other side. That must be the great hall, the main dining hall he had read about in Hogwarts a History.
Professor McGonagall led them a connecting room nearby, it was rather small, causing them to be huddled together quite closely "Welcome to Hogwarts, my name is Professor McGonagall, I will be your Transfiguration professor during your stay here. The start of term feast will begin shortly, of course, first you need to be sorted into your houses. As well as telling you the school rules"
Harry quirked an eyebrow when she stated school rules, making direct eye contact with him. It would appear he had already made an impression with her, maybe not a good one either "You will be sorted into one of the four school houses, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, or Slytherin. Once in your house, they will become like your family here at Hogwarts. That is seven years with the same people, so I implore you all to remember that. Rule breaking –" Again she looked right at him, making him wonder if one of his parents were troublemakers. He had a feeling it was his father personally "- will lose you points. While triumphs, will earn you house points"
She finally took her eyes off him "At the end of the school year, the house with the most points receives the house cup. I hope you will all be a credit, to whatever house you are sorted into"
She then left them to prepare the sorting ceremony. They were told to wait quietly but of course, excited whispering started between the first years as soon as she left. He noticed a bushy haired girl muttering about various spells and incantations, Harry shook his head. Considering the number of muggleborn students Hogwarts apparently gets, they wouldn't issue such a test. Ron told him about having to wrestle a troll, causing Harry to just look at him in a 'are you really that stupid' way.
As he gazed around the room, he noticed most of them looked quite nervous. Some indifferent and others, well, they looked the image of confident. Then a bunch of them screamed, causing his head to snap around quickly. He immediately saw what caused that reaction, transparent people coming through the walls, he realized they must be ghosts, and they were arguing between themselves. One ghost seemed to notice the group of first years and cheerily greeted them.
Professor McGonagall returned a short time later, after a few of the ghosts introduced themselves. She led them into the great hall in a single line formation. He gazed around the massive hall, four tables separated each house. Gazing upwards, he noted the enchanted ceiling he had read about was much greater than the description led him to believe. Once again, Harry noticed the bushy haired girl, explaining to whoever would listen, how she read about it in the same book he had read. She was a Ravenclaw, surely, reciting book quotes.
They were led to the front of the hall, the teachers sat gazing at the first years intently. Professor McGonagall stopped them in front of an old worn out hat on a stool. Harry tilted his head in an innocent way, wondering what its purpose was. His eyes widened slightly, when a rim in the shape of a mouth opened
"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I 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 their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your 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!"
Professor McGonagall explained all they had to do, was when called, sit on the stool and the hat will sort them. Relieved sighs rang out amongst the first year group. Harry rolled his eyes "Abbot, Hannah" A cute girl with blonde hair tied up in two pigtails, was sorted into Hufflepuff. Harry vaguely paid attention to the sorting, noting Daphne and Tracey went to Slytherin.
Thinking on the words of the hat, during his song, he wondered how it sorted. Did it read their minds? Maybe it read their emotions to get a read on their personality? He was actually nervous the hat would be able to somehow bypass his shields and see the training and changes from Merlin. The last thing he needed was anyone to know about that yet.
Finally he heard "Potter, Harry" Suddenly the hall burst into excited whispering. Harry shook off his concerns, surely Merlin took this into consideration after all. As he walked forward, towards the stool, he heard Ron yell "WHAT, YOU'RE Harry Potter?" Rolling his eyes again, he saw the professor saw him, her lips quirking upwards slightly and sat on the stool. When the hat touched his head it began to speak in his mind.
'Not to worry Mr Potter, your concerns are just. But I am bound to never reveal what I see in a student's mind, especially yours it would seem. Yes, yes, my charms overwrite Occlumency shields. Never mind that, let's take a look here, difficult, very difficult. Oh and such power and potential, there's no doubt you will be great, but where to put you?'
Harry thought out 'I'd prefer not to be put in Slytherin, too much trouble for me and others if I'm placed there'
The hat sighed before stating 'You could be great there, I could see it now. However you are right in the backlash, I see you will be great whatever house you go in. I see you wish to be in Ravenclaw or Gryffindor, however, based on your mission and personality, I think it better be' "GRYFFINDOR" The hat shouted out
The Gryffindor table burst into screams and applause. Harry calmly took off the hat, walked over to the table coated in red and gold that were now chanting "We got Potter! We got Potter" Harry sat down between Fay Dunbar and Lavender Brown. His mind was in a whirlwind, the hat knew of his mission yet didn't act surprised. Such an intelligent sentient artefact would surely react to such a thing like meeting Merlin.
Shaking away his concerns, he turned to his knew housemates and became introducing himself to them, all he got from Lavender though, was excited giggling. When he tried again she squealed, then began whispering to an Indian girl he heard was Parvati Patil. So much for those two, they must be fangirls or something. Fay however was more open to him, she seemed slightly nervous around him, but made light conversation during the remainder of the sorting.
He gazed at other students at the Gryffindor table as they talked, taking note of the posture of certain people. When he heard "Weasley, Ronald" He turned back to the sorting, he saw Ron on the stool, starting to turn slightly red and clenching his fists as if he was angry. From what Ron had described to Harry, he figured it might be the hat trying to put him in Slytherin for his ambition to outdo his brothers, clearly he was refusing. The hat did call out "GRYFFINDOR" in the end though and he happily came over and sat down opposite Harry while giving Fay and Lavender mild glares.
"Harry, why didn't you tell me you were the Harry Potter" Ron exclaimed once he got there.
Rolling his eyes as Ron had interrupted a talk about Fay's family, Harry looked at him blankly "Why's my surname matter Ron, I'm still just Harry"
Ron ignored his hint and continued "No you're the boy who lived though, you're famous" By this time the sorting had ended and Harry didn't even bother responding to Ron. Sending Fay an apologetic smile, which she returned, they faced the front of the hall.
Albus Dumbledore got to his feet and addressed the students with a beaming smile and twinkling eyes. "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts. Notices will be given at the end of the feast. So I only have a few words to say before we begin, and those are Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Dig in!" As he said that food appeared all over the four tables, if Harry hadn't seen Merlin create a whole landscape with a swipe of his hand, he was sure he might be staring in awe at the sheer amount of food that just magically appeared. Once he noticed the older students getting into the food, he didn't need to be told twice and started dishing himself.
Soon enough the first years started to introduce themselves since they were going to be spending the next 7 years together, Seamus started it off "I'm half n half, me dad's a muggle an me mam's a witch, she didn't tell im til after they married. Nasty shock when he found out, as yeh can probably tell, I'm Irish"
Harry took mental notes of each of their personalities and traits. As well as thinking of which of them might be good to become close too. The earlier friendships and alliances could be made, the easier the future would be.
Dean Thomas - muggleborn who seems very laid back, enjoys drawing and playing soccer, as a first generation wizard in his family he is both excited and nervous at the same time. Could be an okay friend in the future but time will tell. He could make a good ally for his links in the muggle world at the very least.
Hermione Granger - muggleborn who seems to have a very confident, intelligent personality, to the point she almost acts like she is more important or superior to the rest of them. She seems to enjoy reading, studying and learning just from what Harry had observed so far. He was honestly surprised she wasn't put in ravenclaw. Harry had a boy in his class with the same sort of attitude, very smart, knew all the answers. Other kids bullied him for being a teacher's pet and knowing all the answers. It was one of the few people Harry had tried to make friends with, before Dudley ran him away crying. He would wait and see how she adjusts, but for now he would only observe and not get too close. He already learnt not to try his methods on a muggle raised girl his age.
Neville Longbottom – Pureblood who appears very timid and shy. Very much like himself in many ways before Merlin intervened. Knowing what caused him to act like he did, Harry felt it was likely a combination of confidence issues and heavy bullying from others, probably family from how like himself before his training he seems to be. He seems to have a strong interest in plants and gardening. Could be a very good person to befriend being from a old family, lives with his Gran, which meant his parents likely died in the last war. Harry truly felt a kindred spirit with Neville and the fact he wears decent robes, shows he may have power in his family name. A person to discover the major players maybe?
Parvati Patil – Pureblood, seems like the typical 11 year old pureblood raised girl. Reading about gossip, gossiping itself, the fact she's a witch and pureblood, probably discussing boys as well. For now Harry will keep her in the fangirl category until further notice. The type that would latch onto those with power to increase their own family's by any means necessary.
Lavender Brown - Half-Blood who seems to have a very bubbily personality and very self centred. She enjoys dancing and gossiping, also should be placed in the fangirl zone. But Harry would keep an eye out for the future, she could be useful as a bridge between the two worlds for other alliance members.
Kellah Lanza - Muggleborn with a very shy personality, Harry could see a confidence in her eyes as she spoke though. Possibly a mask to hide her intelligence to fit in with the crowd, a good way to fit into a new situation like this, like Dean and Hermione, could be useful for muggle knowledge he might be lacking in.
Fay Dunbar – Pureblood with a very confident personality, she seemed very outspoken but her behaviour and attitude made Harry believe she wasn't a power player in the wizarding world. She was nice enough though with an impressive knowledge of Quidditch. At the very least, she could be a good friend, like Neville, with knowledge of the workings of the wizarding world.
Harry already knew Ron so tuned him out. All in all he didn't see any reason to fake being nice to any of them, they all seemed decent enough. Neville, once he builds up some confidence would likely be one of his main allies. Ron probably a close second due to his brothers, with Fay third being a Pureblood, his thoughts were cut short as they all turned to him "Hmm my turn? Alright, so I'm Harry Potter if you didn't hear the entire hall before. My Mum was a muggleborn and Dad was a Pureblood so I guess that makes me a half-blood. I lived with my Mum's muggle sister and her family when they were murdered when I was 1."
He did a quick mental note of the reactions that they had, to judge their personalities further. Seeing Neville's, Harry defiantly thought he would be a worthy friend. The disbelief on Ron and Seamus's face annoyed him internally. Pausing since he wasn't sure what he liked, he never had any friends thanks to Dudley. He definitely didn't like his cousin's 'Harry hunting' game. Harry hated school, constantly bullied, even by the other students to avoid Dudley's gang. He was always forced to do chores or locked in his cupboard at home. Thinking about it for a few moments more he said "Uh, honestly I don't really have any hobbies. I guess I like making new friends, since I discovered it the magical world a month ago all it has to offer. I'm especially eager to start flying and learning as much magic as I can. I guess I like reading and learning lately too"
Harry caught Hermione looking at him with an odd gleam in her eyes, tilting his head she asked "But what about all those books about you?"
Harry blinked a moment when he heard about books "Uh, what books?"
She looked at him wide eyed "The books about you of course, about your adventures"
Harry blinked a few times again, looking around he saw the half and pure bloods looking at him too, as well as students trying to eavesdrop on him. "Uh guys, I was taken away from the magical world when I was one. I've had no contact with the magical world until a month ago, if there are books about me, well I they are most likely complete crap"
Hermione flinched back as if she had just been slapped "But, it says they have memories of the events happening and –"
Harry now annoyed simply sighed loudly, Hermione stopped to hear him out "You can't believe everything that's written in a book, just because it says something is true doesn't mean it is. Do you believe Spiderman is real because there is comics about him? Or actors in a tv show? I have given no interviews, no one knows about my life, my life has been pretty boring actually, unless you call running away from bullies exciting. Again I have never had contact with the magical world until they contacted me one month ago. So these adventures are likely just made up rubbish using my name, might be something to look into though"
She huffed slightly but his words did seem to go through to her as she did look thoughtful. Unfortunately it made the other first years slightly awkward. Hermione turned to Percy Weasley now that the first years were introduced to each other, to talk about lessons, which the older redhead was more than happy to discuss with her.
Harry ignored her occasional stare in his direction as the meal continued, and began chatting lightly with his fellow first years, never answering in detail about what his home life was really like. He gazed up at the staff table and looked at the teachers, wondering which he should approach to talk about his parents.
His eyes landed on Professor Quirrell talking to another man with greasy black hair and when their eyes met Harry felt something tap into his mental shield. He gently pushed the intrusion aside and noticed the Professor's eyes narrowed. Harry narrowed his eyes back at the Professor for a moment, turned away lest the man try a stronger attack on his shield.
The house ghost Sir Nick introduced himself to the newest members of Gryffindor, than they joined in some conversations with some of the older years. Harry found out the names of all the Professors, who were members of the Gryffindor Quidditch team, thanks to Ron's twin brothers Fred and George. He was intrigued at discovering their seeker graduated the year before, so the position was open. Fay appeared to be quite disappointed that there was no way she could play beater, at least not until the Weasley twins graduated or quit. Once dessert came and went Dumbledore stood once more and the hall fell silent.
"Just a few start of term notices. Students should remember that the forbidden forest, is forbidden to all of you for a reason. Also a reminder from our caretaker Mr Filch, asking that no magic should be performed in the halls. Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of term, if you wish to try out, let your Head of House know. Most importantly so everyone pay attention, the third floor corridor is out of bounds to all students, who do not wish to suffer a slow, painful death. Now tomorrow is Sunday so no classes, timetables will be handed out tomorrow during breakfast. New students should familiarise themselves with the school and the locations of their classes. Classes shall commence on Monday. Now then off to bed"
The older students began to file out of the hall, Percy stood up tall and yelled out "Alright first year Gryffindors follow me"
Harry blinked before he said "Ahh Percy, there's only ten of us and we're standing right here so no need to shout"
Percy flushed and briefly turned as red as his hair as students laughed. Harry again noticed Hermione glare at him heatedly, confusing him greatly. All he did was state the truth, Percy quickly regained his composure and said "Right then, follow me"
The first year students followed Percy through the many hidden passages, behind tapestries, alcoves and switching stair cases. Harry ignored the whisperings from his housemates at each new wonder, and the many talking portraits. He was busy committing the path to the common room to memory. However, he couldn't help but wonder if Percy was leading them the longest way possible, since they started off following other Gryffindors and now it was just them.
They were forced to a stop when floating sticks blocked their way forward, when Percy took a step forward a ghost appeared and actually started throwing them at him. Gasps came from most of his yearmates rang out, as Percy explained about Peeves the poltergeist of Hogwarts. So the ghost can actually affect things physically to a certain degree, he might not ever harm students but he is a nuisance apparently.
They reached a portrait with a fat lady and after hearing the password "Caput draconis" they entered the common room for the first time. A large area stood in front of the group, multiple couches, tables, and a fireplace burning brightly. The entire room was decorated in the house colours of scarlet and gold. They were shown directions to their correct dorms, with an odd explanation about going up a level each year. There was also a rule that boys may not enter the girl's dorms, without setting off an alarm alerting the prefects and Professor McGonagall. There were no such restrictions given to the girls having access to the boy's dorms, Harry contemplated how he could use that later on. Bathrooms were in each dorm as well, with 10 showers and a toilet.
After muttering goodnights to the girls on the second level, the boys entered their new dorm. The first thing Harry noticed was that their trunks were already there. Harry picked up his trunk and placed it at the four poster bed closest to the door leading to the common room. Ron rushed to get the bed next to him, then Neville, with the bathroom between him and Dean, then finally Seamus. Harry checked his trunk hadn't been tampered with. Satisfied, he pulled out his main trunk. Shrunk his second trunk, than muttered the password and placed the trunk in his first compartment.
Looking up he saw the gaping faces of his new dormmates "Uh, sorry guys. I'm kind of a bit paranoid, specially knowing that fangirls can get in here anytime they want and go through my things. I got a nice warning from an ex student when I was in Diagon" They all seemed to understand easily enough, but they were all wondering just how much it cost to make that trunk. Entering it, he stripped his robes and clothes.
Climbing the stairs to get back out in nothing but his boxers, he heard Seamus whistle "Merlin mate, I'd be more worried bout what the'll do if they see ya like hat hahaha" Harry blinked before chuckling himself, the others joining in "So what does each of em do?"
Realizing they meant the compartments "First one is like a walk in wardrobe, second is a mini library/study and the third is to store personal items" Harry explained calmly, he caught Ron's furious look, as he must have been tallying roughly the cost of such a trunk.
They talked a little longer, it seemed to be more a discussion to discover who will get along will who the best, to have your 'best friend' through Hogwarts. Seamus and Dean seemed to hit it off completely, being a half-blood, Seamus knew a lot about the muggle world. Harry tried to make conversation with Neville but it was slightly awkward, the boy being so shy. It didn't last long though, as the trip was exhausting for them, after muttering goodnights to each other they got onto their respective beds and went to sleep.
Harry awoke early the next day, finding he didn't need much sleep since Merlin 'altered' him. So he ended up heading down to the common room before his roommates even awoke. He wanted to get a better grasp of the school, looking around to see who was in the room already, he spotted the twins already there, so headed over to them.
"Hey guys, there isn't a map or something of Hogwarts is there?" The twins looked up at him then, at each other, then back to him. To Harry it was like they were having some sort of silent conversation.
Harry blinked innocently at them, causing Fred to narrow his eyes and asked "Why do you ask Harry?"
Tilting his head in confusion Harry responded "Ahh this place is big, surely they would have made a map to help new students find their way around or something."
The twins looked at each other and blinked before they got identical grins "Now that's an idea dear Harrikins" before they huddled and began whispering with renewed vigor, completely ignoring Harry. Before he said something to get their attention again, he heard a scoff from behind him. Turning around he saw Angelina Johnson and Alicia Spinnet, chasers from the house Quidditch team that were pointed out to him the night before.
"Ignore them Harry, when they get like this they ignore everything else around. Come with us, we'll show you to the great hall, usually the firsties just follow an older student like a puppy, to work out how to get there." Angelina stated sending the twins a curious look, when she heard something about fast galleons. Harry nodded before he followed the two girls out of the common room.
"How come you're up this early anyway Harry? We did it, since we want to get used to waking up for Quidditch practice sessions, they'll be starting up again in a few weeks. Usually first years stick to each other during the first few weeks too" Alicia asked with a curious glance at the famous first year.
Harry merely shrugged "I'm a light sleeper, always have been. Didn't feel like waking anyone up on the first day" The girls nodded as they walked with him. Harry inwardly rolled his eyes and ignored the whispers, fingers pointing in his direction as they passed students on the way to the hall. Girls were giggling in groups, guys were eyeing him as if sizing him up. Some people even flicked their eyes between him and the third year girls with him, almost like debating whether it is worth spreading around the student body.
Harry paid attention and realized how much faster they ended up in the hall, Angelina answered his unasked question "Let me guess, seemed quicker our way? Well for one Percy has used that same route since he was shown in first year I hear. Anyway, the twins know this castle like the back of their hand, not sure why really, but they know all the shortcuts to get places. We have classes with them, so now we know how to get practically everywhere quickly, if you ever need directions ask us anytime Harry."
Harry made idle chat with the two 3rd years about what the Professors are like. Their conversation was interrupted 30 minutes later, when a disgruntled Hermione plonked herself down next to him, "Alright there Hermione?"
She ignored him for a few minutes and he just shrugged and continued eating. The two third years left to sit with the twins and Lee Jordon once they arrived. Hermione suddenly exclaimed happily out of nowhere "Well at least someone else is excited for classes, since you're hear this early too Harry"
Harry merely chuckled at her assumption "Nah not really, just wanted someone to show me how to get here faster, Alicia and Angelina were kind enough to show me a much faster way to get here then when Percy showed us"
She looked at him with a confused expression before she said "Why isn't anyone excited? We're about to learn how to do magic, isn't that exciting? And what do you mean faster way here? Surely Percy showed us the fastest way last night since he's the prefect?"
Looking at her in amusement he chuckled, noticing she gave him a look that clearly stated 'What?'. He took a moment to think of the best way to word what he was about to say. "First off just because he is a prefect doesn't mean he knows the best way to get around, perhaps he was showing us the longest way so if we ever get lost for example. Or maybe he just has never used the way I was just shown, he might not have explored as much as some other students so might not know the fastest way"
Seeing that his logical answer seemed to please her he continued "As for the girls that I assume didn't want to wake up to come here with you, you have to realize three of them grew up knowing about magic, with the exception of Keelah of course. They always knew they were going to come here to learn it. Also it is the first day here, as well as there being no classes since its Sunday. Also I don't know about Lavender, but Pureblood families tend to home school their children, at least on the theory of what they may learn. Thus they learn at their own pace at their own time, unless they have tutors or strict parents with set times"
Hermione gasped loudly and blurted out "What? Do you mean they learn about magical concepts before Hogwarts? That's so unfair! And why do you know this? You said that you only found out about the magical world last month!"
Harry had to close his eyes and focus his thoughts. This girl would become infuriating if she's like this all the time. Especially because she asks questions in a way that makes it sound more like an order, rather than a simple question. Then again, he was probably the same when he was asking Merlin 100 questions, why that old being didn't just zap him into nothingness was beyond him. Speaking as calmly as he could, to avoid letting out any of the slight irritation into his tone, he replied "Only those that can afford it, or know enough to teach their kids themselves do it. Did your parents ever teach you say, math at home?"
Hermione blinked at the random question, but answered "Of course, my parents taught me all sorts of things before and during school"
Harry nodded, she had just walked into her own trap there. "Well, do you think other students in primary school would think it was unfair that you got taught at home?" The young girl's eyes widened in understanding and she looked sheepish. "Also not too many families force their kids to learn before Hogwarts, teaching kids only how to read and write. No math or any other subject matter. You'll find most of the students who did learn a fair bit are now in Slytherin or Ravenclaw. As for me knowing about it –"
'Well Merlin told me' He thought to himself, but out loud he stated "- I got a few books on Pureblood customs and similar when I bought my school texts" He saw Hermione eyes go big and get an odd glint in them, before she could ask/demand for the books Harry said "I might let you borrow them, but you'll find they also have them in the library too. From what I've been told, Hogwarts has one of the greatest selections of magical texts in the world. I plan to have a good look there myself eventually. If you don't know how to get there, well those girls, Ron's brothers or the Professors can probably tell you, I could go with-" She immediately stood up and practically ran over to the staff table and Harry finished "-you. Or not".
Shrugging at the eagerness the young girl showed, Harry began to dish for himself. The rest of his fellow first years came into the hall a short time later and Ron immediately asked "Harry where'd you go this morning? I woke up and you were gone!"
Harry felt like banging his head against the table, did Ron really just openly state he was worried because he wasn't in the dorm with him. He managed to resist the temptation though and answered the redhead "I woke up early, decided to let you guys sleep since there no classes today. So I got Alicia and Angelina there, to show me a quicker way to get here from the common room"
They all asked him to show the way later and Harry agreed, most of the students were now at the Gryffindor table so Professor McGonagall came over to hand out the timetables. Hermione had returned to the table earlier, so Harry assumed Professor McGonagall had asked her to wait in the hall until the timetables were handed out. Harry gazed down at it and noticed that each class had two periods a week.
Gryffindor First Years
Monday: 9-11am DADA Theory (H)
1-3pm History (R)
4-6pm Transfiguration Theory (S)
Tuesday: 9-11am Charms Theory (R)
1-3pm Astronomy Theory
4-6pm Herbology Theory (H)
Wednesday: 9-11am Transfiguration Practical (S)
1-3pm History (R)
11pm-1am Astronomy Practical
Thursday: 9-11am Charms Practical (R)
1-3pm Herbology Practical (H)
4-6pm DADA Practical (H)
Friday: 9-11am Free Period
1=5pm Potions (S)
Note: (S) – With Slytherin, (H) – With Hufflepuff, (R) - With Ravenclaw
Hermione had set off to the library soon after receiving the timetable, not asking if any of them wished to join her. Harry couldn't help but shake his head at how hard it will be for her to make friends with that attitude. He asked his fellow housemates whether they wanted to come explore the castle with him, all but Lavender and Parvarti joined him.
They asked older students while exploring to make sure they were going the right way, they only managed to get lost a couple of times but Harry quickly found Slytherin students weren't to be trusted. Three times they sent them to random areas that would be easy to get lost in. Either way, they managed to find each of their classrooms by the end of the day. Harry was now confident he would be able to find his way to each class now.