Chapter 3: Hoggy Hoggy Hogwarts

Harry strolled down the platform leisurely. He was pulling his trunk behind him - blasted heavy thing, he thought sourly - and had Hedwig's cage perched atop it. He couldn't wait to get on the train so he could switch it out for his new bag. Harry had always been so confused as a child to see all the other kids at his primary school in the muggle world to have backpacks when he had to carry all his supplies by hand. When he had gone to Hogwarts it had been no different, and it wasn't until his later years that he had indulged in the useful tool. Having his own bag, especially in first year, would help him keep track of his various books and kits much better than before.

Harry stepped left abruptly, barely escaping the path of a large woman in a sharp suit, moving as quickly as her pudgy legs could carry her. Her face was a queer sort of beet red from her overexertion and the boy could practically see the steam coming out of her ears in anger. Someone was having a bad day. Harry was suddenly reminded of his Aunt Marge and chuckled. He had always been terrified of the woman and her aggressive dog, but it all seemed so far away now. He focused his eyes on the task of finding the platform again.

The boy looked ahead and saw half a dozen heads of red hair, bobbing about; the Weasleys. Harry stayed back, letting the family walk through the wall to the real platform before him. The Weasleys had always been a part of Harry's life since he had entered the wizarding world. He wasn't sure whether he should put them in that danger again. He watched Ginny in particular, remembering with a fondness how she had grown to care for him. His eyes were drawn then to Fred and George. Harry felt a knot tie in his gut. This time things would be different, they had to be. He had never forgiven himself for allowing the two brothers to be separated by such cruel twists of fate.

Shaking his head, Harry went through soon after and hopped on to the train, finding an empty compartment and settling in. It was the same one he'd sat in on his first trip on the locomotive, and he was glad the seats were still just as plush as he had remembered them.

It felt good to be on the Hogwarts express once again. Something inside Harry just loved the feel of being in motion, he had decided. Whether he was on his broom, riding the train, or anything else, he savored the experience of the journey to or from somewhere. Harry grinned to himself; he was alone and could use his bag. Before anyone had a chance to find him, Harry quickly opened his trunk. He pointed his wand at his school supplies and muttered a shrinking charm, moving all his school supplies into his new satchel. Finally. He then stored both in the rack above and sat down with his charms book again.

Over the past weekend he had made it up to Chapter 3, Envious Environments. There were a slew of warming charms he thought would be quite useful during his stay at the castle. The walls of stone never seemed to keep all the heat in, and the single large blanket they were given barely helped. He looked over at the charms that lit an area or space and wondered how they were different from Lumos. He'd have to try them out when had got a minute alone.

For the moment, it looked as though he would have to wait. The compartment door slid open, a bright red head of hair peeking it's way dejectedly around the corner, "Mind if I join you? Everywhere else is full."

Harry stared at his old friend thoughtfully. This was a defining moment. Ron had always been Harry's friend, though he certainly hadn't shown it sometimes. "Sure," he replied motioning to the seat across from himself.

"Thanks. Name's Ron, Ron Weasley." The red haired boy grinned, slumping down into the seat.

"Harry Potter," he extended his hand to shake. Ron simply stared.

"Do you have that... that scar?" Ron's eyes were wide, whether in awe or fear Harry still couldn't decide all these years later. He frowned. The boy certainly hadn't cared that he wanted to shake hands. "Sorry, it's just, well I rather promised that if I saw you I'd ask if I could see it. You see my sister's absolutely barking in love with you."

Harry's face fell further. Ginny didn't even know him yet here. She had started to care for him after they had flown out of the chamber of secrets together in Harry's second year. No, he must've misheard. Besides, this was Ron, Harry wasn't sure what in the world he was talking about sometimes but he was a true friend.

Harry threw him what he hoped was an understanding smile and turned back to his book. Ron continued to stare at Harry as he flipped through a few more pages idly. Ohh, now that looked interesting. He had no idea there was a spell that acted like muggle contact lenses.

Suddenly the compartment door flew open, "Ahh, hello. I'd heard Harry Potter was in this compartment. Are you him?" Draco Malfoy eyed Harry warily. It had been a long time since Harry had seen the slytherin with his hair slicked back as it was now. He snickered and the other boy's eyes narrowed, "What is it? What are you laughing at?"

"Nothing," Harry replied smoothly, "Sorry where are my manners? Yes, I'm Harry. You must be Draco Malfoy, I've heard quite a bit about your family in the short time I've been in the wizarding world." Harry noted that the blonde's chest puffed out proudly at that. Merlin, was this really the boy that had been so cruel when they met in Diagon Alley? Would he truly try to kill Dumbledore in his sixth year? Of course only to save all their lives only a year later. Perhaps this time, it could be different. This time Harry could change that now. "Won't you sit with us?" He patted the seat next to him.

Malfoy sneered, finally recognizing the other inhabitant of the compartment. "I'm afraid I don't sit with Weasleys. Wouldn't want him to rub off on me," he faked a shudder, Crabbe and Goyle laughing behind him. Ron glared at Malfoy, his face growing redder each second.

"Well all right then. See you around," Harry said easily. The blond almost did a double take, surprised at the sudden dismissal, before exiting the compartment. Harry was glad the encounter had been short. Even if he wasn't sure how to deal with Malfoy yet, the other boy and Ron would surely be explosive if they were let to interact too long.

Harry wondered if he'd ever get any peace to read his book this train ride. His question was answered when a knock was heard at the door. He bit back a groan. Maybe he should've joined a fuller compartment to begin with after all. "Oh come on in then, just shut the ruddy door behind you."

Hermione Granger stepped in, hair bushier than he remembered, and teeth more prominent. Harry was happy to see her, but her old appearance was quite a shock. He hadn't remembered her looking so… well so untamed as a child. Maybe he'd share his charms book with her, particularly the Glamour and Appearance chapter. "You haven't seen a toad have you? A boy named Neville has lost one."

Harry and Ron shook their heads. Hermione spotted the book open on Harry's lap. "Oh, is that about magic?" The girl sat down immediately. "I've read through most of our books' first chapters already. They're fascinating really, although I never really got a chance to try any of the actual spells..."

Harry took out his wand, a smile sliding on to his face. "Would you like to see one?" The girl nodded her head vigorously, Ron watching silently. He took off his glasses and put them over next to Ron. "Accio," Harry whispered. The glasses flew to his open hand and he put them on again.

Hermione giggled, "That was brilliant!"

"That wasn't a first year spell," Ron spluttered.

Harry frowned, "I like reading ahead a bit. Why not learn all we can, right?" Hermione's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. He knew it was a very Ravenclaw thing of him to say, and the boy knew that Hermione belonged there. Maybe now that she wasn't convinced he'd go to Gryffindor, she could stay more true to herself.

Ron's face fell a bit, but nodded. "Makes sense. I've got a spell too, you know. Here, I'll show you." Ron said the incantation and pointed his wand at the rat that was scurrying around his lap.

After Ron failed to turn Scabbers yellow, Harry's arm twitched reflexively, itching to grab his wand. Peter Pettigrew had caused him many problems in his last timeline. Going about dealing with the rat would take a great deal of thought, and he vowed to put as much time as possible to it later that year. Like Albus had said, he had time to do things right, and only one chance. The three children spent the train ride exchanging information about themselves, and Harry and Hermione discussed the first few chapters of some of their textbooks. She had a great grasp of the theory behind magic, Harry realized, and he decided to study up as much as possible.

Soon enough the train arrived at their destination, and the trio exited their compartment. Hagrid's familiar voice boomed out from the end of the platform, "Firs' years with me! Firs' years with me!"

The others made their way toward the half-giant while Harry paused for a moment to look over the carriages the older years were getting into. The thestrals were there, clear as day. He reached a hand out to one and it snuffed warm air out of its nostrils in assent. Harry's hand brushed over the beast's nose gently. He was glad none of the other first years seemed to be able to see them. The thought that this would change over the years did nothing good for his mood, so he moved on.

He smiled at Hagrid, who beamed back at him. Harry and the others followed the large man toward Hogwarts, stopping at the lake. They were lumped into boats just as he remembered, though this time he was sat beside Neville, Hermione, and Susan Bones. The latter two had struck up a conversation on what was more important in magic, doing everything correctly, or the intent. Harry was glad to see the girls happy, they'd both had a rough time making friends first year.

As they were handed off to Professor McGonagall, Harry's body began to thrum with excitement. She'd been one of his favorite teachers over his years at Hogwarts, not only with her effective teaching style, but because she truly cared about her students and their futures. He was glad to be back in her care, and back in the care of Hogwarts. She made her short speech, making a sharp, tart impression on the students immediately. Then a softer, "Follow me, please."

Harry entered the great Hall with the same wonder he had the first time. The magical ceiling held hundreds of shimmering candles. The older students at the four houses watched the first years pile in, McGonagall at the lead. Harry looked ahead toward the sorting hat perched on top of a stool. He wondered what it would have to say to him this year.

McGonagall called the first name, "Bones, Susan!" The girl was quickly sorted into Hufflepuff with a small smile. The list went on and on until, "Granger, Hermione!"

The girl walked forward, much more confident looking than she had the last time Harry witnessed this. The hat sat upon her head, muttering to her. "Better be, Ravenclaw," it announced after a full minutes deliberation. The girl gave Harry a little hopeful wave as she went to sit with her new housemates. Harry smiled and waved back. Hermione's whole body seemed to give an excited jump and Harry felt a bit of pity. Hermione had been so desperate for friends in her first year. He hoped she would make even more than just he and Ron, and now that she was in Ravenclaw Harry thought it was certainly possible.

He was pulled out of his reveree by a shout, "Potter, Harry!" The Great Hall went silent, and Harry shuffled forward, allowing the hat to plop down onto his head.

Well, well, Harry Potter. You're an interesting one, aren't you? Qualities of all the houses run strongly in you, oh and I see why! You have much life experience for one who is only a first year. Not to worry, all we discuss is a secret between us alone. You've already tried Gryffindor, and that didn't work out best at all did it? Hmm, and not Hufflepuff, your'e loyal but certainly not loyal enough for that group.

Ravenclaw suited your friend quite well. It would suit you as well. But something about you, something isn't quite right.

Harry almost groaned, it had been several minutes already and the hat was enjoying this far too much.

I wanted to place you in Slytherin, did I? Oh yes I see that would suit you quite well. Much better than the others. In fact... Better be, "Slytherin!"

No one moved for a moment before the hat was yanked from his head and he was pushed gently toward the Slytherin table. He'd been expecting this. He had long ago decided to stay silent this time around, thinking the hat must've had a reason to want to put him in Slytherin last time. So he accepted it. McGonagall gave him a sympathetic look and Harry only smiled back. She had wanted him in her house, he knew.

He sat down close to Crabbe and Goyle, both of whom had been sorted before Harry. Malfoy soon joined them with an upturned nose toward Harry. Clearly the boy had not forgotten about his earlier sudden dismissal.

Harry glanced over toward his friends. Hermione was sitting at the Ravenclaw table, looking about ready to burst into tears. Harry gave her an encouraging smile and a small wave, which seemed to make the girl perk up a bit. Her eyes were very watery. Ron, on the other hand, simply turned away quickly, confusion splashed plain across his face.

Ron was sorted into Gryffinder as he had been before, but Neville was sorted into Hufflepuff. Harry thought it was quite fitting. The boy had always been fiercely loyal, even when many others had abandoned him when Voldemort had returned.

Albus made his speech, warning people off the third floor corridor and to stay away from the Forbidden Forest. Harry wondered if this year he'd have to retrieve the stone again, or if he could take care of Quirrell earlier and complete his year with exams like he should've done. Though if he were honest, he was glad exams had been cancelled in his last timeline, there was no way he would have passed any of them.

His thoughts drifting back to Quirrell, his eyes glanced toward the head table. Quirrell and Snape were speaking in hushed tones just as they had been before, but this time his scar felt fine. There was no tell-tale burning that Voldemort was near, and he smiled in relief... just as Snape turned his eyes on the boy. Harry quickly looked back down at his dinner, not quite ready to face the man yet. His knowledge of Snape's past was still a shock, and he doubted if he could hide those thoughts from the man's subtle legilimency. Besides, he'd much rather stare at his potatoes then stare into the face of Snape's fury. The man would undoubtedly be even worse to him than before now that Harry had been sorted into his house.

Harry finished his dinner in silence, listening to the discussion of those around him. Slytherin house talked about almost the same things Gryffindor house did, save for the fact that Slytherins seemed to talk a bit more about academics and plans for the future. He was surprised to hear such a diversity of jobs come up, such as healers and professors all over the wizarding world. It hadn't occurred to him that there was such a diversity of jobs, and not just in wizarding Britain. He wondered if he would get to have a normal job someday, after this was all over, and if so, what would it be. He definitely didn't want to be an auror any longer.

As dinner ended, their prefect Marcus Flint led them to their dorm rooms and explained the password system and how to navigate the castle. The dungeons would take some getting used to, and the stale air that hung inside them caused more than one student's face to scrunch up..

As they stepped inside the portrait of Salazar Slytherin, they were met by the sight of their sour head of house. His eyes scanned the small crowd, glazing right over Harry as if he didn't exist.. The boy bit back a groan. He could only imagine the earful they were going to hear about proper Slytherin behavior. Yet, as the man began to speak, Harry found himself slightly taken aback. Severus Snape, greasy git, bat of the dungeons… might actually care about his students.