Chapter 5: Old and New Houses
A/N: I don't own Harry Potter, D&D, or any realm. I also don't own the idea of giving PCs Roleplaying XP, but it's darn useful with all the Non-combat and world building.
Of the formation and finding of compatriots, friends or colleagues...
It is not good for an Artist to journey by themselves, at least at the beginning of their journey. Devoting ourselves to our studies leaves less time to exercise. Of course, this is just one of the myriad of reasons. Traveling the roads, planes and definitely journeying into a mysterious cavern or dungeon can be very dangerous but also... very full of ennui. Having someone to journey with you can alleviate many needs beyond the obvious uses of one to handle combat, traps or other support. A colleague can help you research, discuss the Arts, or might even share their mastery with you. A compatriot can travel with you, and share the load. Someone who can assist you along the way. A friend though... Now a friend is a greater magic than any you will find within this tome.
The journey to and from the Prefects compartment was incredibly uneventful. The first Prefect they found cast a quick 'Accio' after a quick description of Neville's Toad. They even bemusedly described the basic idea of the spell to Hermione who practically bounced with joy at the new information. Harry and the group now were sitting in the compartment Harry had chosen and were discussing an odd assortment of topics ("Did you hear about the break in at Gringotts?" "What's Quidditch?" "Have you really never heard Electricity?") as yet another knock came to the door. They looked at each other, wondering who it would be this time. "Come in." Harry said. The door opened to reveal Draco Malfoy. He was alone. His eyebrows went up as his eyes darted around the room but finally rested on Harry and a smile rested on his face. "Hey, Harry, glad I found you." "Oh, hey Draco." Harry looked at the others, Hermione looked curious but Neville and Ron looked disturbed. "This is Hermione, Neville and Ron respectively." "Nice to meet you." Draco responded, crossing eyes with Ron for a few moments. "So what's up?" Harry asked. Draco rolled his eyes, "This might take a while actually..." Harry gestured to Neville to scoot over and invite Draco to sit. "Well... it may surprise you Harry but my family knows a surprising amount of people." Harry shrugged, "Those people seemed to have … changed a bit from formal gatherings to casual gatherings." Ron narrowed his eyes, "Now hold on there Malfoy, what're you pulling?"
Harry sharply looked up at Ron, quizzical. "This git is none other than Draco Malfoy, blood-purist and all around tosser." Neville looked like he wanted to agree but held himself back. "My dad's told me about the Malfoys, they think full blooded wizards should be the only wizards." "I think we should let.. Draco.. speak for himself." Hermione responded. "Thank you Hermione." Draco responded. "What th- Ron says is in fact correct, my father plays politics very well. While he does put more emphasis on what Ron would call Blood-purist agenda that is because the administration enjoys that sort of thing. If you did your research you would know that attached to several Statutes are some hidden provisions here and there for the safety and protection of Muggles, Muggleborns and more." Ron looked unperturbed at the idea, "Hmm." Is all he responded with. "May I continue please?" Draco asked, "As I was saying. My family associates with many people, and I thought to sit with some of the children I have known throughout the years." Harry nodded in understanding and to let Draco continue. "Outside of these formal gatherings... These children," Harry thought this was funny as they were all quite young, "act so uncouth. Using slurs, derogatory terms, and they definitely would not have kind words for the companions you've gathered."
Harry shrugged, "I like these people I've met, and while nervous about the Sorting, am hoping we'll get to see each other often somehow." Neville and Hermione smiled at this and Ron flushed a bit but then smiled as well. Draco nodded to that, "Being that the only Wizard I know outside of these circles is the mysterious Harry Potter, whom 'no one' knows what to expect, I knew I could find more pleasant company with you. I am glad to have found you with some enjoyable compatriots as well. I do so hope though Ron that I can change your mind a bit about the Malfoys." Ron rolled his eyes and looked out the window. His expression changed quickly from annoyance to shock. "Blimey it's gotten dark, I reckon we're close to the castle. Harry, Neville and I should change." He looked pointedly at Malfoy and Hermione. "Don't have to tell me twice." Malfoy said and stood up, offering an hand to Hermione. Hermione not wanting to appear rude took his hand and helped herself up and they left the compartment. Ron looked at Harry and commented softly as he reached into his trunk and Harry felt awkward as he reached into his pouch. "Never seen one of those before," Ron continued, "Looks like it'd be bloody useful."They took off their jackets and put on their robes. Ron's were a bit short, Nevilles looked nice enough and Harry's were brand new. They looked to the door, but before Harry went to it, he had to know. "So... you two seem to know the Malfoys a bit..." They nodded and Neville looked to Harry, "I... I sometimes have to go to these gatherings because of Gran." he said, "Draco always seemed to belong to the... conservative side of things. But it could've been as he said, for political gains." Harry shrugged and they heard a voice throughout the train "We will be reaching Hogwarts in five minutes' time. Please leave your luggage on the train, it will be taken to the school separately." They opened the door and Hermione and Draco were there, looking like they were annoyed at being stopped in the middle of a conversation. "Well... Shall we?" Harry said. They traveled by boat with Hagrid. They drew lots to see who would be on which boat, Harry ended up with Draco and Neville and Hermione was with Ron. Once inside they met Professor McGonagall, who told them a bit more about the houses, some simple rules and left the chamber. Harry grew increasingly nervous, but this was replaced by shock when introduced to ghosts. He prepared a spell, but they seemed friendly enough. Soon enough, they were lined up to be Sorted.
Harry waited his turn for a musty hat to tell him what house he'd be in, still incredibly nervous. Of his new companions, Hermione was first. She almost ran to the stool, but composed herself to get the hat on her head. Harry watched as the hat took it's time and shouted "GRYFFINDOR!" Harry started worrying he wouldn't be chosen at all as Neville Longbottom stepped up to the stool and nervously put it on his head. The hat seemed to take its time with Neville but then finally shouted "GRYFFINDOR!" as well. Another fear entered Harrys head, what if he was not in the house with his new companions?
Malfoy stepped up to the plate, the hat touched his head and took it's time. Malfoy bit his lip in concentration. Harry looked on as almost a little bit of blood started to appear, but disappeared as he licked his lips. Finally, the hat shouted the house it had chosen for Malfoy.