Hi! Here's some more for you!
To answer mizzrazz72's question about Draco's familiar, it's revealed this chapter. My argument over familiars is that it's a pureblood magical custom that the Weasleys are unable to afford and only the occasional Muggleborn manages to follow by accident (Hermione and Crookshanks for example).
This is the long awaited sorting and I'm afraid to say that I plan to have a twin in each house with Neville and Draco being the additional members of the group.
Obviously I don't own Harry Potter, I am writing this for fun, not profit. I'm glad you're all enjoying it so much though.
Sooner than the adults thought natural, the first of September came upon them and it was time to send off their group of troublemakers to Hogwarts. Paradox had yet to work out a way to get herself a place in the castle so was frantically giving directions to those who would. This meant Severus.
"Now, remember to watch Dumbledore and Quirrell as closely as possible. This is Dumbledore's first chance at getting Harry back under his control and we don't know what he'll do once he realises that Harry's been warned against him. Also, I don't know exactly how my actions will have affected the timeline. This time around, Voldemort is unknowingly working with only the soul pieces in the diary, Harry and himself. We've managed to collect the others over the years but we've still got a way to go with this."
Severus was slowly losing patience with the goddess.
"Paradox, I know all this! I worked to retrieve the ring and diadem with you! Trust me with this!"
This finally seemed to break Paradox out of the panic she'd found herself in and back to rationality.
"You're right of course Severus. Of course I trust you. I apologise for my idiotic speeches."
And, Paradox being Paradox, she couldn't help but hug Severus before running out the room, laughing at his stunned expression.
"Good luck at Hogwarts, Sevvie!"
This shocked Severus out of his stupor and a spectacular chase ensued through the house and garden. Jinxes flying everywhere they went. Needless to say the rest of the houses occupants hastily sought cover. These battles were a regular occurrence after all and they had all painfully learnt to avoid them at all costs. Paradox's favourite past time had become playfully aggravating the families most antisocial member. The true miracle was that she got away with it with nothing worse than a stinging hex as retaliation. Sirius was convinced that Severus was going soft on them all. He even helped the kids create prank potions, his most common students being Harry and Fred. The group of five children had successfully created all of their own prank items for every occasion and were constantly inventing more at an incredible rate. Severus was convinced that Harry and Fred at least could beat his record of youngest Potions Master if they wished to. The question on everyone's minds now was where the new first years of the family would be sorted. The children seemed to know, but weren't offering any insight.
Finally, the family of four made it to platform 9¾ without too much incident. Severus having already gone on to Hogwarts. Once there, the Weasley twins, Neville, and, surprisingly, Draco, quickly joined them. The five old friends grinned at the newest addition to their friend group in clear delight.
"Draco! How-"
"-Truly wonderful to-"
"-See you on this-"
"-Splendiferous morning."
The two sets of twins pronounced with glee. Draco's head spent a good two minutes swivelling between them all before turning hopelessly to Neville who smiled reassuringly before pulling him into a hug.
"Don't worry, you'll get used to it eventually. I did."
Draco blushed slightly while smiling his thanks up at the taller boy, only to straighten suddenly and pull on a blank mask as an older version of himself approached. Lucius Malfoy cut an intimidating figure, that was for certain. His black robes drawing attention to his pale complexion and silvery blonde hair. Paradox personally thought that he resembled what a male Veela would look like if there were any. She also thought that he looked like fun to mess with. Just then, Lucius managed to reach the group and surveyed them all with an air of icy indifference.
"Draco, why don't you introduce me to your friends."
The last word being said with a slight sneer. Draco seemed, if possible, to tense up even further and the rest of the boys huddled closer to offer their silent support.
"Father, these are Fred and George Weasley, Neville Longbottom, Tom Black and Harry Potter-Black and Harry and Tom's adoptive mother and uncle, Pandora and Mort Wild-Black."
A brief flicker of interest flashed in Lucius's silver orbs at that.
"Indeed, what interesting friends you've made. The first Weasleys to be sorted into a house other than Gryffindor, the Longbottom heir and the boy-who-lived and his twin."
With that he dismissed the children altogether and turned to study the adult twins. His eyes lingered for a minute on Deaths rather obvious tattoo before sweeping to rest on Paradox.
"Lucius Malfoy at your service. I have heard much about you from my wife. The long lost children of the Black family, come all the way from Australia. She's desperate to meet you."
Paradox smirked, running through her list of perfect responses for dealing with stuck up Death Eater Lords.
"Indeed. You find me at a disadvantage as Sirius has never mentioned you or your wife. Now, you'll have to excuse me, the train will be leaving soon."
And she swept away with all six children hurrying after her leaving a stunned Lord Malfoy in her wake. Draco was staring at Paradox is ill concealed awe. This woman had just out-insulted his father using pure Slytherin tecniques to do so. In that moment, Draco gained a new rolemodel. He wanted to be like the Wild-Black twins. They were the most amazing adults he'd ever met in his life. Soon enough he was being bundled on to the Hogwarts Express after receiving a quick hug from Pandora as she'd asked him to call her and they were off to Hogwarts. They all hastily found a compartment and settled down to discuss and plan out the year ahead. The first item of business being the introduction of familiars. Harry went first. His Tiger Snake was securely wrapped around his shoulders, easily visible to the others in the compartment.
"Everyone, this is my beautiful familiar Andraste."
Harry said proudly. Draco, as the only one meeting her for the first time, tentatively reached out and stroked her head. Slowly, a smile made it's way on to his face. Harry grinned back at him then turned to his twin.
"You're next Tom."
Tom smirked back at Harry before pulling his t-shirt out slightly and hissing down at his stomach. Slowly, his Black Mamba slithered into view and curled up in his arms.
"This is my familiar, Ducarius."
The process was repeated again with Draco and Tom's familiar. Then it was Fred's turn. Fred pulled open the shoulder bag he had placed gently on his lap and lifted out his slightly sleepy Red Wolf cub.
"Everyone, it is my honour to present Agro the wolf."
The cub merely yawned and curled up contentedly on Fred's lap. At this point Draco was looking slightly concerned over what the others would reveal.
"Georgie, your turn."
George's grin was feral as he pulled the cover off the cage sitting at his elbow.
"Introducing the wonderful Aella to my fellow mischief makers."
The Gyrfalcon's piercing glare passed over all members of the compartment before she quietly turned away to gaze out the compartment window.
"Alright Nev, what've you named that kitty cat of yours?"
Neville quietly unwrapped his cloak so the others could see the small bundle of fur cradled in one arm.
"I'd like you all to meet my lynx, Alala. She's still very young though so she sleeps a lot."
Draco was in a state of deep shock. He'd thought he'd have problems as one of the only people with a dangerous familiar. That was obviously now a moot point. All these animals would grow up to be deadly.
"Draco? Show us your familiar now. They'll all be working with us so we need to meet them."
"Oh, right."
Blushing, Draco reached into his own shoulder bag with both arms, drawing out his own familiar. The rest of the compartment was snorts of amusement when they realised it was another dangerous creature. Not only that, but a Panther cub. Draco Malfoy having a black panther was strangely fitting for them. It finished up the group nicely.
"Ok, this is my familiar. He's called Bahadur."
Now that the big reveal was out of the way, the group sat around chatting. George let Aella out of her cage so she could perch on his shoulder. They made a strange group, each with their familiar resting on their shoulders or curled contentedly in their laps. Suddenly though the peace was shattered by the compartment door being pulled open. A girl with wild chocolate coloured hair and matching eyes stood framed in the doorway.
"Is there any room in here? A very rude idiot just became unbearable and I had to escape."
The group easily made room for her and it was only once she was seated that she spotted their unusual companions and let out a squeak.
"I… I thought we were only allowed to choose from a cat, a toad or an owl. Those aren't any of those."
She whispered, eyes wide with apprehension and curiosity. It was Harry who answered her.
"Normally that's true. However, these aren't just pets. They're our magically bonded familiars and so are able to accompany us if we have the backing of a teacher. From your questions I'm guessing you're a muggleborn."
The girls' eyes sparkled at the new information and she was leaning forwards slightly.
"Yes, that's right. I'm Hermione Granger and I'm desperate to learn everything I should. I feel so nervous and scared that I'll make a huge social blunder or something."
Harry snorted.
"Well at least you're honest and trying to learn. We'll help you with that. I'm Harry Potter-Black and please ignore any books that mention me, they're wrong. This here is my twin brother, Tom. Those two over there are the Weasley twins, Fred and George. They're two years above us. Next to them is Neville Longbottom and next to Tom is Draco Malfoy. Welcome to our mad group, I hope you don't mind pranks as we are famous for them."
Hermione smiled anxiously around at the group, still clearly nervous but more relaxed than moments before.
"Hello everyone."
The Weasley twins converged suddenly, taking a side each and swinging their arms over her small shoulders.
"What do you think Forge?"
"She's a Ravenclaw for sure Gred. Just like-"
"Me brother dearest. She thirsts for knowledge like you wouldn't believe."
Hermione was furiously blushing by this point but the smile was yet to leave her face.
"I've been told you get used to them. The whole group seem to live off of physical affection, just warning you. They ambushed me in a group hug the first day we met."
Drawled Draco from his corner by the window. This prompted Neville into pulling Draco against his side, wrapping an arm tightly round his shoulders while he used his other hand to mess up Draco's hair a bit before relaxing his grip marginally.
"There, your hair no longer resembles a mirror or crystal ball. Much better."
Neville declared, his smile taking all the sting from his words.
The group chatted happily for the rest of the trip. Only pausing long enough to pull on their school robes. Upon arriving at the station, the group of seven new students stepped down onto the platform and made their way towards the towering figure of Hagrid. The Potter-Black-Riddle twins had decidedly mixed feelings towards the cheerful half-giant.
'Tom. He's the one mum said would have taken me away. I know it's stupid to dislike someone for something they would have done but never did but I can't help it.'
'It's alright Harry, I get it. I can't help feeling guilty every time I see him. After all, I'm the reason he can't use a wand.'
'It wasn't you, it's that mad version of you who's still wandering a rounds' fault. Mum explained that several times already.'
Both twins being momentarily reassured they continued to follow Hagrid to the boats. The boats proved a problem, without the twins there was only five of them so someone would have to sit with others. Surprisingly it was Draco who offered, saying he would sit with some of the people his father had shoved at him as friends. The group was far from happy at this situation but reluctantly parted with one of their most insecure members. The boat trip was breath taking. Even for the wizarding children who had seen Hogwarts from Hogsmeade. Soon enough though they had reached the far side with nothing more noteworthy than the Giant Squid becoming interested in the twins' boat which led to the twins gaining yet another friend. Even if he was a squid. The long trek up the stairs to the doors of Hogwarts was exhausting, especially for the twins, Neville and Draco as they were also still carrying their familiars, even if they were hidden from view. Eventually though, the long climb was over and they were passed over into the care of Professor McGonagall. This sparked another silent conference.
'To think I would have gone to school with her.'
'Tom! You're such an old fart!'
'You take that back or I'll start another prank war.'
'….'
'Oh brother dearest you're looking particularly youthful this fine September evening.'
'Better.'
The two shut up after that as they were getting weird looks from Hermione and Draco while Neville was just giving his infuriating 'knowing look'.
'Shall we explain?'
'Of course. Can't have them realising we're mad quite yet.'
"Hermione, Draco, we should warn you that me and my twin-"
"That is to say, my twin and I-"
"Have a telepathic twin bond.-"
"Fred and George have one too and-"
"We have learned-"
"How to connect the two on occasion."
"We are telling you this-"
"So you don't get confused-"
"Or think we're mad-"
"Either one really."
Draco and Hermione were left to blink dazedly at the pair until they finally sorted out what had been said. Draco groaned while grumbling,
"That explains so much. However, how did you two form the bond when you're only blood adopted twins?"
The twins shared a look and grinned.
"Accidental magic."
At this, Draco looked ready to hit his head off of something but settled for a good natured huff of,
"Only you two."
Hermione, who'd been silent up until that point, busy absorbing the newest information finally spoke up.
"How about the link to the twins? How did that happen? There's never been a case of that happening in the past."
The twins' smirk looked positively evil at this and even Neville's grin looked mildly concerning.
"Ah yes-"
"That was a case of some-"
"Rather interesting magic on our part-"
"It was far from accidental too."
The two newest members of the group were left gaping yet again. Neville laughing silently in the background. Draco was again the first to recover.
"You managed to do deliberate, wandless magic to that extent?"
Neville's laughs finally became vocal.
"That's not the worst they've done. The link was with all four of them working on it. Those two have been flying since the age of one, terrifying all adults in the process. You have no idea how disconcerting it is to be looking for them only to find them hovering up by the ceiling planning something. They stuck all the furniture in the house to the ceiling once and weren't caught for ages. There's a long running joke in the family that the only thing those two haven't done yet is bring about the apocalypse."
By this point the two children were looking a confusing mix of amazement, worry and amusement at all the ridiculous things the pair undoubtedly got up to. Neville smiled at the two.
"As you're now part of the group, you'll be taught how we work and use magic and be a part of our planning and operations. We'll be needing all hands on deck if we want to succeed at pranking the Headmaster himself."
Hermione's innate respect for authority figures finally raised it's head.
"But… He's the Headmaster. Shouldn't we show him respect?"
The twins took that one.
"Hermione. There is a lot-"
"That lemon drop sucking old coot-"
"Has tried to do to us personally-"
"That causes us to have-"
"No respect whatsoever-"
"Towards him-"
"And we'll-"
"Explain it all-"
"Later."
At this moment McGonagall re-entered the antechamber and bade them to follow her into the Great Hall for their Sorting. The first years shuffled nervously up the centre of the hall, chancing awed glances around them. The Mini Marauders as Sirius called the twins' group of friends were more composed, taking in everything they saw and waving to Fred and George when they spotted them at their respective tables. When they reached the front, McGonagall placed the Hat on the stool at the front of the hall. Moments later the Hats mouth opened wide as is began to sing.
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 folks 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!
Once the song was over, McGonagall unrolled the parchment she was holding and started to call out the students to be sorted. After the first student, Hannah Abbot was sorted, it was Tom's turn.
"Black, Thomas."
Tom slowly made his way up to the hat, glancing over his shoulder once to receive an encouraging smile from his brother. Then he was on the stool with the hat being dropped over his eyes.
"Well, well. It's a pleasure to finally meet the original Tom Riddle. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. Now, where to put you? Your little plan to take a house each is an interesting one. We'll have to see if it works.'
'Just put me where I'll fit best. I don't mind beyond that.'
'That's very good of you Mr Riddle. If only everyone was as accommodating as you. Alright, better be…"
"Gryffindor!"
Gryffindor table erupted into cheers for their newest member as he made his way over to the table to sit at the end. Harry's voice sounded in his mind soon after.
'Well that should annoy crazy other you if he ever finds out who you are.'
'True. His face would be priceless. Annoying a homicidal maniac isn't the best idea though.'
'Oh. Good point.'
'Pay attention to the sorting.'
They came back to themselves just in time to hear Hermione's name called. Hermione practically ran to the hat as her nerves took over.
'Hello, Mr Hat. How were you made? Is it true the founders made you? How do you decide where people go? How-'
"Ravenclaw!"
'Well that's rude.'
'Tough.'
The whole group exchanged amused smirks across the hall. They could guess what had happened. They lost interest again until it was finally Neville's turn. He stood tall and proud as he walked up to take his place to be sorted. His face half-obscured by the hat.
'Ah, Mr Longbottom. You are a difficult one. You are equally split. Your loyalty to your friends only rivalled by your fierce need to protect them. You have a soul as caring as Lady Hufflepuff but your heart is that of a true…'
"Gryffindor!"
Tom cheered happily, glad that he would have Neville with him. Neville protected them all and it was reassuring to know that he would be so close. Neville was beside him in an instant and Tom swiftly drew him into a tight hug. They all had thought that Neville would be a Gryffindor, it was good to know they'd been right. Soon after that it was Draco's turn. They could all see him projecting his confident mask for all he was worth as he made his way up to the hat. Soon his face disappeared and they waited to hear the verdict.
'Hmm… Interesting. Would have been an easy sort to Slytherin, but now you know what having friends is like and you're showing enough loyalty to make the best Hufflepuff jealous.'
'Oh, please. I have to go to Slytherin. Mother and father would never forgive me if I went anywhere else.'
'Yes, I can see that. Quite that Harpy, your mother. The Black madness didn't leave her out it seems. Well, you have the ambition and cunning for Slytherin even if it's now focused on helping your friends do anything they set their mind to. I'll stretch that to mean you belong to…"
"Slytherin!"
As soon as the hat was off Draco's head, his eyes sought out Tom and Neville, who instantly smiled to wordlessly say
'It's alright, we're still friends.'
If Draco wasn't a Malfoy, they were sure he would have sagged in relief as he sank into a seat at his new house table. Before they knew it, the final member of their group was being called;
"Potter-Black, Harry."
As harry made his way up to the Sorting hat, whispers swept the hall, everyone craning to see their wondrous 'boy-who-lived'. The whole group all knew Harry hated it. They all fully agreed. It was just plain annoying.
Finally, he was seated with that hat over his eyes.
'My, my. You're going to be just as easy as your brother. You really have all the house traits, but your mind simply screams…
"Slytherin!"
And the whole hall fell silent apart from the whoops coming from his group of friends.
DUCARIUS, divine noble (or leader)
ANDRASTE, irresistible, unconquerable
AGRO: From a Celtic word meaning "battle; slaughter."
AELLA (Αελλα): Greek and Latin variant form of Greek Aellô, meaning "storm wind or whirlwind."
ALALA (Ἀλαλά): Greek name meaning "war-like." In mythology, this is the name of the sister of Ares and personification of the war cry.
BAHADUR (Persian: بهادر): Hindi and Persian form of Mongolian Baghatur, meaning "hero" or "warrior.
