The Granger Son

Harry; Hermione; Dr. Grangerx2

Rated T

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or its characters from the franchise. That honor belongs to JK Rowling

The Granger Son

Chapter 8

After dinner, all the students left the Great Hall and followed their House Prefects to their designated Common Rooms. Harry walked along with Draco and the other First Year Slytherins down into the Dungeons and down the dark, damp corridor until they stopped before a part of the wall that was completely bare. The prefect, a light-haired brunette named Gemma Farley, looked at the new students and said kindly, "Please listen carefully to this password, as it is the one you will be using for the year to enter the Slytherin Common Room, and be sure to remember it. And if for any reason you don't remember the password, don't be afraid to ask another member of Slytherin, or even myself and our other Prefect."

Gemma turned back to the bare patch of wall and said, "Titanoboa."

The moment Gemma spoke that password, the wall shifted inward a bit before sliding to the side, revealing an entryway for them to enter. Gemma led the First Years down a small set of stairs into the Common Room, to which all the First Years gasped and gawked that in amazement and awe. The Common Room was decorated mostly with green, with some silver and black. The sofas were black leather with buttons on them, and there were tables and chairs set up as well, most likely for those wanting to do schoolwork. It was kind of dungeon-like, but it was also rather cozy. It also had a grand and Medieval atmosphere, but Harry loved it. Harry couldn't help but stare in amazement at the large windows that seemed to look out into the Great Lake. He couldn't help but stare in bewilderment when a giant, tentacled silhouette swam by the window. Running to the window, he looked out into the dark waters looking for whatever it was that had swum by.

Draco walked up to him and asked, "What is it, Harry?"

"I saw something," Harry answered, frowning when he still didn't see whatever it was.

Suddenly, a giant eye popped up in front of them, startling the boys and causing them to shout, causing other students to look at them in surprise. Chuckling, a Fifth Year male student, the other Prefect, walked over to them and said, "That's just the Giant Squid. It lives in the Great Lake, and we see him swim by from time to time down here, though it'll show itself up on the surface from time to time. It even likes performing tricks and dancing for us, too."

"Giant Squid?" Harry repeated, his disbelieving tone causing the Prefect and Draco to laugh. With instruction from the Prefect, Draco and Harry found a seat in the Common Room, waiting patiently for their Head of House to introduce himself, as well as give them the usual start-of-the-year speech. Before long, the entrance to the Common Room opened and the man in black Harry saw staring at him in the Great Hall strode in, his robes practically billowing behind him as he did. His presence was commanding, and everyone instantly quieted down. Harry immediately believed that this was a man that was completely no nonsense and had a type of silent wrath one did not want to experience. And yet, that made him interesting to him. After all, he taught and watched out for an entire House of students and he taught, so he had to be caring in some aspect.

The man walked into the middle of the Common Room, standing in the middle of all his Slytherin students and stared at them all before saying in a clear deep voice with a natural drawl, "Welcome to Slytherin and Hogwarts, First Years. And to those returning, welcome back. I will keep this brief and will only say this once, so pay absolute attention. You are not here to act foolishly or misrepresent this House. You are here to learn, and you will act accordingly. You will treat each other, your professors, and myself with respect. Break any rules whatsoever, you will receive punishment in the form of detention and a reduction of House Points. And let us hope you don't do anything to get yourselves expelled. Be here by curfew each night and have all your assigned schoolwork done by your next classes; I won't tolerate procrastination or slacking, especially in my class. You will receive your timetables tomorrow morning at breakfast and you will be on time to each and every class. Failure to show up to class without a good reason or a note won't be excused and will not end well for you. Have I made myself clear?"

All the returning students nodded while the First Years stared wide-eyed at their Head of House. Satisfied with the terrified expressions of his new students, as he had been staring at them rather intensely during his time talking, smirked and said, "Good. You are dismissed straight to bed. I will not excuse tiredness or lateness on the first day of classes, or ever. Now go."

None of the Slytherins wasted any time and bid each other 'goodnight' before heading to their assigned dormitories. The male Prefect led the Slytherin First Year males to their dormitory. Harry went to the canopy bed that had his trunk stashed at the foot before looking around at the room. The room had lit sconces hanging on the walls lighting the room, and there was another door that was opened to reveal a bathroom that held three shower stalls, and two toilet stalls. There were five other beds in the dorm besides his own, three against the walls across from each other. Harry looked to see his bed was next to Draco's, and on the other side of Draco's bed was a dark-skinned boy that had introduced himself as Blaise Zabini. All in all, the dormitory was nice in Harry's opinion.

The prefect watched them all go to their designated beds before saying, "This is where you'll be staying during your time here. Usually, there are only five of you, but with Potter being Sorted into Slytherin, it gives you an extra roommate. But I'm sure that won't be an issue and you'll all get along just fine. Now, have a good night and good luck tomorrow."

With that said, the Prefect left, closing the door behind him. The moment he was gone, Harry and the others began to get ready for bed, changing into their night clothes and getting their uniforms in their wardrobes ready for tomorrow. Once that was all done, Draco spoke saying, "Let's all introduce ourselves before going to sleep. I'm Draco Malfoy."

"I'm Vincent Crabbe," one tubby boy spoke.

"I'm Gregory Goyle," said a stocky boy with a rather sweet face.

"Blaise Zabini," said Blaise.

"Theodore Nott," said a dark brown-haired boy.

Harry smiled at them nervously and said, "I'm Harry Potter, nice to meet you."

They all nodded at him before climbing into bed, Blaise stating they'd all have time to get to know each other better later. The moment they were all in bed, the sconces on the walls dimmed where though it was dark, should one of them get up in the middle of the night, they would still be able to see. Harry settled into bed, staring up at the canopy before smiling to himself. He had made it. He was at Hogwarts, he was Sorted into a House chosen for him, and he had already made a few friends. He couldn't wait for tomorrow and what classes he had and whatever the day would bring.

The next day indicated the first day of classes, and Hogwarts was abuzz with its students going from class to class, its new students trying to find their designated classrooms. Harry was liking how his day was going so far, and he liked learning in his classes. The subjects that he found to enjoy were Charms; Professor Flitwick was very kind and patient, Transfiguration because Professor McGonagall was the teacher, and Potions. Potions was in a way kind of like cooking, and he took to making the Cure for Boils Potion really well, so much so that Professor Snape was surprised. Well, he thought he was surprised, but his facial expression never changed, so he wasn't sure. But Snape had said his potion was adequate, to which Draco told him was a compliment and that he did a good job. When he asked how he knew that for sure, Draco had told him the man was his godfather. Harry instantly thought that meant Draco was probably going to get preferential treatment, but then again maybe not.

All in all, his day was going well so far, and he liked having classes with students not just from his House, but also those from the different Houses. Hufflepuff students were really nice, and the Ravenclaws were polite and smart; he knew with his sister among them, they were now definitely the smartest Hogwarts House. Gryffindor however, those students weren't too fond it seemed to be learning with the Slytherins. Not only that, but some of them seemed to be wary of him. Even Ron was wary of him, which he found a bit sad because they spoke civilly to each other on the train before the Sorting. Despite this, Harry was having a great first day and couldn't wait to continue it.

When free period rolled around, Harry went to the courtyard below the Astronomy Tower, as that was where he would be meeting his sister. They had sat next to each other in Charms, and Hermione had suggested they meet there during free period to catch each other up on how there first day was going. He had agreed and now he was waiting in said courtyard. While he waited, he looked around at all the other students sitting and talking together, others studying and doing their schoolwork already. This would be him some time this school year, he was sure. Harry was so deep in his thoughts, that he jumped when a pair of arms suddenly wrapped around him in a hug.

"Hi Harry!" Hermione greeted him, her brown eyes shining at she at her brother.

Harry laughed and hugged his sister in return before saying, "Hi Hermione! How is your day going so far?"

The brunette released the bespectacled boy and answered, "It's going great! I'm really enjoying all my classes and all the spells I'm learning. Have you made any other friends?"

"Yeah, Draco Malfoy and I've met the other boys in my dormitory. It may only be a matter of time before we all become friends, I think. You?"

"Yes, I've met the other girls in my dorm, but I've made real good friends with Padma Patil already; she has a twin in Gryffindor. Apparently, I'm one too many in Ravenclaw, but it's where the Sorting Hat put me. Padma told me her sister Parvati says they are one less in her dorm and surmises that if the Sorting Hat hadn't placed me Ravenclaw, I would have ended up in Gryffindor."

"It's the same for me, I'm one more in Slytherin too. But the Sorting Hat isn't wrong about House placement; we read about that ourselves. It placed us in Slytherin and Ravenclaw for a reason, and if we were supposed to be in Gryffindor, then maybe we don't have enough of that House's attributes to be there."

"Perhaps, but I'm not worried about it. Besides, I like my House, and the way to get in is fantastic. We have this bronze knocker that asks us a riddle, and in order to enter Ravenclaw Tower, we have to answer correctly, and it changes its riddle every time."

"Wicked."

Hermione looked around for a moment before leaning closer to her sibling, lowering her voice so as not to be overheard. "We should write to mum and dad and update them about how things have been. After all, we last spoke to them before stepping onto Platform 9 ¾."

Harry nodded in agreement. "Yes, I'm sure they would like to hear from us. And we can send Hedwig since they know what she looks like. That way, they'll know it's from us."

A call of his name pulled Harry's attention from his sister, causing him to turn to see Draco walking towards him. Walking along with him was Nott and four Slytherin girls, obviously First Years. Harry didn't remember their names, but he definitely remembered the blonde girl only because he thought her blue-green eyes were pretty; they also kind of reminded him of his mother's eyes.

Once they reached them, Harry said, "Hi Draco, Hi Theo."

"Hi. So, apparently some of the girls want to meet you and be your friend, and I said I'd introduce you properly during free period," Draco said. Gesturing to the blonde witch, he said, "This is Daphne Greengrass."

"This is Millicent Bulstrode," Theo said pointing to a black-haired girl with heavily jutted jaw. She was rather large and intimidating, and not really pretty, but Harry thought her dark eyes were rather kind.

Draco pointed to a brown-haired girl with what Harry and Hermione could only think of as a pug face saying, "This is Pansy Parkinson."

Harry had to bite back his laugh that was threatening to escape at the disdain in his friend's voice. It was subtle, but he heard it. And it was obvious as to why, because Pansy was giving the blond wizard a look of complete adoration; the hearts in her eyes were seriously visible.

"And this is Tracey Davis," Theo said pointing to a short-haired brunette that wore glasses.

Harry smiled at them and politely said, "It's nice to meet you all. I'm Harry Potter, and this is my friend Hermione Granger."

"Hello," Hermione greeted nicely, all the while ignoring the way Parkinson turned her nose up at her.

Daphne looked at her for a moment before asking, "Are you related to that famous potioneer, Hector Dagworth-Granger?"

Hermione blinked in surprise at the sudden question and answered, "Oh, I'm not sure. I've never heard of him before."

"Really? Why not?" Millicent asked.

"Well, I didn't grow up in the Wizarding World to know of him. I grew up in the Muggle World, and my parents are Muggles, so I wouldn't know of any magical relatives."

Pansy let out a sound of disgust before saying, "Ew, you're a disgusting Mudblood. I should have known with that frizzy, unkempt hair and large front teeth. No one of pure blood would look like you. And there can't be any way you are related to Dagworth-Granger, Mudblood."

Hermione stared at the girl bewildered and scandalized by her sudden verbal attack. And for her to call her such a disgusting name hurt her feelings, especially because she knew what the term meant.

Harry watched the hurt on his sister's face grow and how her brown eyes began to well up with tears. Seeing her bite her lip and turn her head, ducking it a bit to hide behind her hair, ticked him off greatly and he quickly rounded on Parkinson. Instantly jumping to Hermione's defense, he said, "You have no right to call her that! Just because her blood status is different from yours, you think you're better than she is? Well guess what? You're not! You call her disgusting, but the only one that should be looked at in disgust in you! It isn't right to be so hateful and judging of someone just because of their blood status, something they have no control over. You should look at their character before judging them rather than if they are of the same blood as you; don't just make assumptions! I'm a Halfblood because my birth mother is a Muggleborn like Hermione, and yet you stand here hoping to be my friend. Let me tell you something: if you want to be my friend, then you need to respect Hermione because she's my friend first. And even if you can't ever bring yourself to like her because of something as stupid as blood status, you will respect her. And you will do well to remember that."

Pansy looked very put out by the tongue-lashing Harry had just given her, only then becoming too aware of the many pairs of eyes on her. Thoroughly embarrassed from her public scolding, Pansy glared at Harry and Hermione before huffing and stomping away in anger.

The moment she was gone, Daphne grinned and said, "Wow Potter, I'm impressed. You put Pansy in her place quick, fast, and in a hurry. And I know you wouldn't have done it if Granger wasn't an important friend to you."

Daphne held out her hand to Hermione to shake, Hermione doing so as she said, "You feel free to join us any time, Granger."

"That's okay?" Hermione couldn't help but ask.

"Of course, it is. Besides, Pansy has no room to be so prejudiced. Both Millie ad Tracey are Halfbloods and we have to share a room."

Hermione smiled and thanked the girl, allowing her to pull her along elsewhere, Tracey and Millicent going with her, leaving the boys behind. They could hear Daphne offhandedly saying they could look into Hermione's family tree to figure out if she was related to Dagworth Granger in any way; there had to be a reason why she was a witch and Muggleborn, after all. Theo looked at Harry saying, "Not bad, Potter. Not many people can get Pansy upset like that. Though, it could just be because she's spoiled rotten and not used to being told off."

Harry frowned and replied, "Well, she deserved it for what she said."

Draco, who had yet to say anything, couldn't help but think about what Harry had said to Pansy, particularly one part. When Harry had mentioned his mother being Muggleborn, he could have ignored it and let it go. But it was because he had said 'birth mother' did he find it weird. Even so, he decided he'd let it go for now. After all, Harry would let him know in time, if at all. And even if he never did, he'd respect his privacy about it.

"Draco! Harry! Theo! Come join us!" Daphne called from the spot where she, Hermione, Millicent, and Tracey were all seated.

The boys nodded and went to join the girls, the seven of them spending their free period together until time to go to their next class.

That evening at the Granger home, Robert and Jean were seated at the dinner table having dinner. The two of them were discussing two interesting patients they had had at their dental practice, as well as what appointments they had tomorrow. At some point the conversation turned from talking about that to their absent children. Jean looked over at the two empty chairs and sighed, a sad look on her face. Robert noticed his wife's melancholy expression and reached over to take her smaller hand in his own, giving it a squeeze and her a small smile.

"Don't worry, Jean," Robert said. "I'm sure they are just fine."

"I know Robert, it's just that I miss them. I know it's only been twenty-four hours since they left for that school, but I miss my babies," Jean replied.

Robert nodded in understanding. He too missed his precious son and daughter. That, and he couldn't help but worry about Harry being there under the Headmaster's watchful eye and discovering his location all these years. But Professor McGonagall promised she'd do all she could to keep him from discovering Harry had been adopted by them, and he had to believe that. Smiling at Jean, he said, "Well, perhaps we'll hear from them soon to reassure us that they are fine there."

Jean looked at her husband, thinking that perhaps he was right, and they would hear from Harry and Hermione soon. No sooner had that thought crossed her mind, tapping on the kitchen window caught their attention and they turned to look. Surprise filled them at seeing Harry's owl Hedwig hovering outside the window with what looked like a letter in her beak. Robert stood up from the table and walked to the window, unlocking and opening it, allowing Hedwig entrance. Hedwig flew into the kitchen and landed on the table next to Jean, dropping the letter and hooting softly.

Looking at the letter the snowy owl, she grinned and said, "Robert, it's a letter from the children!"

Jean stroked Hedwig's feathers, the owl enjoying the gentle stroking before taking up a piece of roast beef off the woman's plate to eat. Robert joined his wife as she opened the letter and they began to read together, the letter written by their daughter, but including their son in it as well.

Dear Mum and Dad,

Just wanted to write to let you know that we are doing fine here at Hogwarts. We were Sorted into different Houses last night, I was Sorted in Ravenclaw, and Harry was Sorted into Slytherin. Apparently, we are one more than usual in these Houses, but we think it is fine. We have also enjoyed our first day of classes as well, and we are already learning so much, even if it is kind of basic, but that is to be expected as incoming students. We have also made friends with some other students, but we are also looking out for one another. Again, just wanted to write to you to let you know that we are okay and don't worry too much. We love you and will write again soon.

Love,

Harry and Hermione.

The Grangers smiled as they read the letter, pleased to know that their children had a good first day and had already made some friends. It lessened their worry a bit, though they knew as parents it would never fully go away. Looking up at her husband, Jean said, "I'm going to grab a pen and paper and write them back."

She then turned to Hedwig. "You will wait until I write my letter before returning to Harry, right?"

Hedwig blinked at her master's mother before hooting, as if to say, "Of course."

Jean smiled and left the kitchen to find a pen and notepad. Robert smiled as he read over the letter again, glad to know his children were doing alright at their new school. He was sure they were going to do some extraordinary things while there, and so long as they stuck together, he knew they would be alright. But he knew that he couldn't wait until wintertime. He was positive his children would get to come home for Christmas, and he couldn't wait to have a full house once again.