A/N: Chapter 2. Just so you know, the internet was messing up a lot, and it took almost half an hour to get thhe chapter uploaded and to keep it uploaded. Also, there are misspellings and such located throughout the chapter and I will worl on this as soon as the interenet stops messing up and erasing all of my corrections. Until then, I hope you enjoy.
Chapter Two:
They were content in their compartment as the train made its way down the tracks. Antioch and Cadmus were quizzing their baby brother while Draco and Neville played chess. "What year are you at again?" Draco asked, not even able to guess at the potions question Cadmus had fired at Ignotus.
"Iggy's at a third year level with most of his classes in theory. As for practical and magical application, he's about mid second year." Antioch answered with a shrug, like being that advanced was normal.
"And you and Cadmus?" Neville questioned with a raised brow.
"Theory wise, I'm approaching fifth. Magical and practical application is merely mid-third." the eldest replied, though the pride was still clear in his voice. "As for Cadmus, he's just under me theory wise, and in application, he's at beginner third year. Except for potions. He's at fifth year application in that class." Antioch added. Of course, theory wise, Antioch and Cadmus were well past seventh year, having already graduated from Hogwarts. Antioch though had a slight disadvantage in comparison to Cadmus, since the school had had a much different curriculum when he was Tom Riddle. Due to their shrunken cores though, they were where he said in application.
"You three are definitely going to be in Ravenclaw." Draco muttered, before moving his knight and putting Neville in check.
"There's nothing wrong with being in Ravenclaw Dray." Ignotus said with a chuckle.
"Just promise we'll see you guys outside of classes this year. That you won't disappear into the library during all your free time." Neville pleaded, taking Draco's side in this conversation.
"Fine. We promise we won't stay in the library all year." Cadmus said with a roll of his eyes. The triplets huffed indignantly when the other two let out sighs of relief.
"We're not that bad." Antioch grumbled.
"We were in Flourish & Blotts for nearly two hours when we were shopping for school supplies. Two hours!" Draco countered. "I almost thought we weren't going to get you to leave."
Before either brother could counter the Malfoy Heir's words, their compartment doors were pulled open, resulting in the Peverells' wands to be out and pointing at the entrance in an instant. The tall, red headed boy paled and backed away in alarm at having three wands pointing at him. Cadmus released a put out sigh, and returned his wand, Ignotus following suit. Antioch, however, kept his wand out. Even if he did redirect it from the red head. "Honestly. Were you raised without manners?" Cadmus asked with a bored drawl. Blue eyes narrowed in offense.
"Excuse you! Who do you think you are?" the red head demanded.
"He's a Weasley." Draco told the brothers, like that explained everything. "The two eldest are the only ones possessing manners." Draco explained.
"How dare you, you slimy snake. It's better than being a Death Eater in training. Taking after mommy and daddy, I bet." Weasley replied.
"You really shouldn't insult a family of higher status than your own Weasley. Besides, Lord Malfoy was cleared of all charges. And I really don't think your family can handle a lawsuit for Defamation of Character." Neville replied. "And considering your dad works in the ministry, that same lawsuit could get him fired."
"You really need to think before you speak." Ignotus added. Then he looked at the boy. "What do you want, anyways. We're busy."
"I was going to ask if you saw Matthew Potter, but considering who's in this compartment, I think I'll continue looking on my own." he grumbled.
"The first smart thing to leave your mouth. Now get out or I will hex you." Antioch said in an emotionless voice, which did the trick because the kid left grumbling complaints of dark wizards in training under his breath. "I swear, some people's children." Ignotus couldn't help but laugh at his oldest brother's words.
'That was Ronald Weasley. I know the Potters often took Matthew to the Weasley family for play dates. I know Molly and Arthur Weasley are rather close with Albus as well.' Cadmus thought to his brothers, giving them a side glance.
'You think he's going to be one of Albus's chosen friends for Matthew's test?' Antioch replied with a frown. Cadmus nodded.
'A strong ally from a heavily light oriented family. Low enough self esteem- due to having five older brothers- that he'd want to stand out. Even if it was by being friends with the BWL and sharing in the fame of his adventures.' Ignotus mused. 'It makes sense, I suppose.'
'We'll keep a close eye on him just to be certain. But I believe it's a safe bet.' Cadmus confirmed. The triplets smiled, pleasantly surprised that they already had a strong suspect.
"You're doing it again!" Draco and Neville's voices caused the triplets to look up in confusion and slight surprise.
"See Nev. They even forgot we were here." Draco cried in mock hurt to his friend. Neville shook his head in slight amusement at the blonde's dramatics. Neville was glad he had another friend who could understand what he had dealt with for many months on his own. Neville had always found it fascinating, when the brothers began to communicate silently the way they did. But it also put him on edge. It made him wonder what the younger boys had planned and how they were going to get into trouble because of it.
"What did we do?" Ignotus asked. And it was still a surprise that Ignotus remained oblivious to how often they did it.
"What did you-?" Draco began to sputter. "You're doing the whole triplet mind speaking thing again." Draco accused, causing Ignotus to give a sheepish grin and for Antioch and Cadmus to roll their eyes at the blonde.
"It's common among magical siblings." Antioch shrugged his indifference.
"It's rude when we have others present Anti." Cadmus said with a smirk to his brother.
"Sometimes it just happens." Ignotus defended himself. "I don't even realize it's happening at times."
"Obviously. Now make up for it and join us in a game of exploding snap." Neville told them. Ignotus readily agreed while the other two rolled their eyes before agreeing to the game. It was a few hours later that the door to their compartment was opened again, and once more, the person to do so was the recipient of three wands pointed at them. It was Matthew Potter with four other boys around him- including the red headed Ronald from earlier. Behind their group were a few other kids following out of curiosity. From what Cadmus could make out, all of them were first years.
Neville looked at the brothers in concern. "Your reflexes remind me of my parents. They did the same thing for years after the war ended." Draco nodded.
"Like they were expecting to be attacked at any moment." he added, also looking at the triplets in concern. The triplets shrugged.
"We were trained by Uncle Severus for a while before he left to Albania." Ignotus said, like that explained it. Which it did, when the other two thought about it. Severus had been a survivor, after all. "Hello Potter, what can we do for you?" Ignotus asked, turning to the boy before he could explode. It had been close if the reddening of his face was anything to go by.
"I had heard there were some Death Eaters in training in this compartment and got curious." Matthew sneered. "I have to say, I'm disappointed in you Longbottom. What will your mommy and daddy say when they find out you're hanging around with dark wizards like Malfoy and the Peverells?"
Neville grinned. "My parents happen to adore all four of them and say I couldn't have made better friends. Besides, the Longbottoms and Malfoys now have an alliance with each other, so really they'll not have anything other than good to say about it." he smirked, Draco and the twins mirroring it.
Matthew frowned. "I'll have to see about Headmaster Dumbledore checking you and your family over. It's obvious you've been spelled." Neville snorted in derision. "This isn't funny Longbottom. Your family's been light for centuries! To suddenly go dark and throw in your lot with the likes of these-" here he sent the other four boys looks of disgust. "It's suspicious."
"You really know nothing, do you Potter?" Neville looked so disappointed in Matthew. "My family's been neutral for nearly a decade now. As for dark wizards- the Malfoys aren't going around slaughtering people and ruining lives." Neville replied. "And say what you might, Albus Dumbledore has no rights or control over my family and I. He can do nothing about my family's decisions."
"But the Peverells-" Matthew began.
"You don't know us Potter. We're neutral affiliation." Cadmus sneered, and Potter and his cronies genuinely looked shocked upon hearing that.
"But that one has definitely ruined lives!" Matthew snarled, pointing at Ignotus.
"No he hasn't." Antioch defended his baby brother.
"He ruined my family's life. He stole our family's money!" Matthew snarled.
"No, I merely saved your family financial situation from falling to ruins. Besides, if any family here is dark, its the Potters." Ignotus replied scornfully.
"We are not dark!" Matthew snarled.
"Oh really. Then what do you call your family abandoning Harry Potter to magic hating muggles where he was beaten to death when he was ten?" Antioch asked. Matthew froze.
"W-what?" he asked in shock, going pale.
"Did you think no one would know? It's knowledge that is open to the public. All records show that Harry Potter was abandoned by his family in the muggle world when he was eight. It also shows he had no contact with any member of the Potter family over the next two years before being beaten to death by his muggle uncle." Neville replied. His dad had discovered that shortly after discovering Severus had died as well. The students in the hallway and around Matthew began to whisper furiously. It wouldn't be long before that bit of news spread through out the entire train.
"You're lying!" Matthew growled, drawing his wand and pointing it at Ignotus. Only to be disarmed by a livid looking Cadmus who tossed his wand down the hall.
"If you think we're lying, look it up! But don't you dare turn your wand on my baby brother because you don't like what you're hearing. You ever pull your wand on him again and I will show you the consequences. Now get out of our compartment before I decide Anti has every right to curse you to oblivion." Cadmus said, his voice so cold and threatening that a couple of first years actually passed out in the hall while others ran away.
"This isn't over Peverell!" he snarled before leaving, grabbing his wand as he did. Once the boy was gone, Cadmus slammed the door shut and cast several locking and privacy charms on the door. It took both Ignotus and Antioch half an hour to calm him down after that.
"You went a little overboard Cadmus." Ignotus said with a small sigh.
"He was going to hex you for things the rest of us were saying Ignotus." Neville told the boy. "If anything, Cadmus didn't go far enough. Matthew deserved to be hexed, and your brothers showed some rather impressive self control." he told the boy gently.
'I can still curse him.' Antioch snarled in his head.
'No. It would immediately come back to us.' Ignotus told him before he spoke out loud. "We can't let him get to us. Besides, news that the Potter family abandoned their youngest to his death is spreading all over the train right now. Kids have their owls and are probably writing letters to their parents and guardians already. The older ones probably writing for proof of that information." he told them earnestly.
"Fine. But only because they're going to go through hell these next few weeks or so." Antioch sighed, making Ignotus smile back.
"How about a game of gob stones?" Ignotus suggested. So they spent the rest of the trip to Hogwarts playing gob stones and ignoring people who would come to their compartment demanding answers.
-TPT&TSS-
It was dark when they arrived at Hogsmeade, but Hagrid and his lantern were still noticeable in the gloom. "First years! First years over here!" Hagrid's booming voice called for them. Once he had all of them, he lead them down to the edge of the Black Lake where several boats were waiting for them. "No more than four to a boat kids!" Hagrid called to them. The brothers got their own boat, though Neville and Draco shared their boat with a couple of girls. The ride across the Black Lake was nice, though a little chilly. "You'll be getting your first glimpse of Hogwarts any minute now!" Hagrid called back to the first years with excitement that matched their own. And when the castle came into view, everyone let out 'Oohs!' of awe.
"It's beautiful." Ignotus whispered to his brothers, the lights of the castle reflecting in his own bright eyes.
"It is." they agreed, feeling like they were returning home once more. It wasn't long after that their boats bumped into the docking shed and the first years followed the giant up the stairs and to the front door. After making sure all of the kids were still there, he turned and knocked three times on the heavy oak door. The first years held their breath as they waited for the doors to open.
Which it did a minute later revealing a tall witch in black robes lined with emerald green. The first years released the breaths they had been holding, making the witch raise a brow in amusement. "The first years McGonagall. No one fell into the lake this time either." Hagrid said proudly.
"Thank you Hagrid. I will take them from here. Please go take your place in the hall."
"Yes ma'am. Have fun kids!" Hagrid waved before disappearing into the hall where they could hear the sounds of students talking.
McGonagall turned to the nervous first years before her and couldn't help her small, reassuring smile. "Welcome to Hogwarts." she told them, motioning them to follow her to a room on the side of the hall. "Here at Hogwarts you will be sorted into one of four houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. These houses will be like your family during your education here. Answering questions correctly and certain events will earn your house points, while any rule breaking will lose points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points will win the house cup." she explained, ushering them into the annex room. "You will wait here while I go get things ready. You are about to make your first impression on your housemates and professors. I would suggest some of you... straiten yourselves up." she added, eyeing Ronald's nose which had dirt smeared on it. And another kid who had their cloak fastened under their ear. And on Antioch for some strange reason. "I will return." and she left the group of first years alone in the room where they began talking excitedly about how they were going to be sorted.
"I'm telling you, they make you fight a troll." Ronald was telling some gullible muggle-born who looked ready to faint.
"I'm sure it's a spell of some kind. Hogwarts a History doesn't say though." A girl with bushy brown hair was telling a girl that was next to her and looked like she wanted to be anywhere else. The brothers and their two friends decided to stay closer to each other, rather than venture out.
"Gryffindor is the best house. Albus Dumbledore himself was in it, and everyone knows that he's the strongest wizard alive." Matthew was saying to the first years that had gathered around him.
Antioch rolled his eyes at the Potter Heir's words and began looking his brothers over to make sure they were presentable. While Antioch's hair was usually neat and slicked back, Cadmus's was slightly longer and usually in a low ponytail. He narrowed his forest green eyes at the circles under Cadmus's eyes and the potion residue he noticed in his hair, giving it a more oily look. "Were you up late working on a potion?" he asked lowly. Cadmus merely gave his older brother a blank look and refused to answer. Antioch's eye twitched and he pulled out his wand, causing Cadmus to take a step back.
"Anti no." Cadmus said, but was unable to stop his brother's fast spell work. Having the potion residue removed from his hair was fine- but it was uncomfortable when it was done with a spell like the one his older brother was using. 'Ugh. That was unpleasant.' Cadmus grumbled to himself, even as he felt his hair was now softer, lighter, and no longer oily. He turned his eyes on his baby brother who was snickering at his predicament. 'It's not funny Iggy. That spell is unpleasant to be subjected too.'
'Your face though!' Iggy replied with mirth. The brothers looked over Ignotus next. His hair was longer than Cadmus's by a few inches, but wasn't kept in a pony tail. Instead, his hair hung loosely around his face, only being kept out of his eyes with a couple of bronze raven clips with aquamarines Professor Flitwick had gifted the boy with during the summer. Seeing he was fine except for the circles that all of the brothers were becoming acquainted with, Cadmus looked his oldest brother over, then snickered.
'What?' Antioch asked in suspicion, eyes narrowing.
'Your hair is sticking up.' Ignotus informed him mischievously.
'WHAT?' Antioch summoned a mirror and his eyes went wide at the offending hair. He scowled and spelled it down. 'How long has it been like that?' he demanded.
'Just after the ride in the boats.' Ignotus assured him. Antioch groaned and put his face in his hands.
'How embarrassing.' he thought. His self pity was interrupted by shrill screams behind them which once more put the brothers on edge as they drew their wands. It was ghosts. Several pearly white ghosts floating through the walls and over them as they discussed many things, but mostly Peeves and whether he deserved a second chance or not.
"OH! And who are all of you?" a rotund ghost asked, stopping his conversation with the lady ghost next to him.
"F-first years sir. Waiting to be sorted." one of the girls answered after a moment of silence.
"Ah yes! Excited are you?" he asked, many of them nodding. "Of course you are. Hope to see some of you in Hufflepuff, my old house you know." he cheered.
"Alright! Out you lot! It's time for the sorting." McGonagall called, rejoining them. "Now, if you'll follow me." she told her group of first years. She lead them from the annex and into a large hall. There were four large tables in the main part of the room, each with a banner to show which table held which house. At the front of the room, before a large glass window was another, but this one held all the teachers and staff at Hogwarts. The brothers easily picked out Prof. Flitwick who was talking to Death before the Ravenclaw Table. They also noticed the fiery red hair of Lily Potter talking to Prof. Slughorn and Sprout. In the center was none other than Albus Dumbledore. Above them, the roof was showing the sky outside.
"It's charmed to reveal the exact same conditions as the sky out side. It says so in Hogwarts: A History." The bushy haired girl was saying to another kid, since the girl from before had disappeared further down the line.
'I hope she's not in Ravenclaw.' Cadmus commented to his brothers.
'And why is that Cad?' Iggy asked with a snicker.
'Because I know a by-the-text know-it-all when I see one.' Cadmus grumbled, pinching the bridge of his nose in exasperation. It was one of the habits he had never dropped since their return. He ignored his brothers' snickering and faced back to the front where McGonagall had just placed a hat on a stool. It was silent for a moment before the hat opened at the brim and began to sing. The entire hall was listening to the hat's song as it sang about the different houses and what they represented. Chivalry and bravery for Gryffindor. Hard work and loyalty for Hufflepuff. The intelligence and wit of Ravenclaw. And the cunning and ambition of Slytherin. Each house honorable in their own way. And each with their own history. The hall clapped enthusiastically for the hat once its song was finished.
"When I call your name, you will step up, place the hat on your head, and join your house table when it's called. Abbott, Hannah!" McGonagall began.
'HUFFLEPUFF!' the hat cried.
"Bones, Susan!" also became a Hufflepuff. And so the sorting continued. "Boot, Terry." went to Gryffindor followed by "Brocklehurst, Mandy!" as the first Ravenclaw. With "Bulstrode, Millicent." being the first Slytherin. And so the sorting progressed. Eventually "Granger, Hermione!" was called and the bushy haired girl stepped up eagerly. She also went to Gryffindor- much to Cadmus and Antioch's relief. "Longbottom, Neville." many of the teachers knew the boy, and were surprised when Neville Longbottom joined the Badger House, rather than the lions. "Malfoy, Draco!" she called, getting over the surprise. Draco went to Slytherin before the hat even touched his head. Unsurprisingly. After a few more names, like Parkinson, Patil, Patil, and Perks, "Peverell, Antioch!" was called and those who were raised in the magical world broke out in whispers. After all, Peverell was a name just as well known and famous in magical households as Potter was. Albus and Horace however were shocked by the sight of the boy who stepped forward. So similar did he look to Tom Riddle, Horace's first thought was that he was a distant relative. And he hoped the boy was happier than the one who later became Voldemort. Albus of course, noticed the similarities, but he knew the Voldemort's shade was on the loose and discarded this child being the shade. His name, however, did attract his attention. Peverell. The Deathly Hallows. It would be prudent, Albus decided, to do some research on the child for any clues to the Deathly Hallows. Noticing Lily Potter's pale face, he knew he would need to speak to her and make sure she was well.
'What to do with you.' the hat mused, once it was on the eldest brother's head. And Antioch immediately remembered the conversation he and his brothers had earlier that year.
: "So we're in agreement?" Antioch asked his brothers.
"Ravenclaw house is where we want to try and convince the hat to sort us." Cadmus agreed. "It keeps us closer to Prof. Flitwick's sphere of influence, which works even better since he'll be our guardian while in school. Also, Ravenclaw house causes the least amount of trouble every year, so they don't get watched as closely."
"Admittedly, we're going to be watched because of our names. When we 'prove' we don't know anything about the Hallows and are like every other Ravenclaw who only wants to learn, they'll stop looking so closely." Ignotus added.
"Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff have the least amount of students every year compared to Gryffindor and Slytherin. And therefore they get certain perks. The Hufflepuff students are allowed access to the kitchens. And Ravenclaw students, when they prove their seriousness about learning, are usually given access to the lower level area of the Restricted Section- with supervision of course. This is something we can use to our advantage. I know there are plenty of useful things in there that might give us clues to finding the other horcruxes." Cadmus answered.
"In addition, Ravenclaw is a neutral house, which works in our favor of being neutral. Which means it'll look bad if certain someones try to force us to one side or another." Antioch said with a grin.:
'I see. It makes sense. I'm glad your back and whole, Mr. Peverell. I wish you luck with your mission. RAVENCLAW!' The hat shouted. The brothers noticed that Albus was disappointed by the sorting, but tried to hide it. They noticed that Filius and Death also noticed and gave reassuring nods to the brothers.
"Peverell, Cadmus!" McGonagall called, almost dropping her list in shock at the boy who looked so similar to Severus it hurt. She gave him a sad, gentle smile and placed the hat on his head. When the Ravenclaw house was called again, she smiled in encouragement. "Peverell, Ignotus!" she called, only to hold back a flinch at the boy who looked eerily similar to the late Harry Potter- though with the knowledge of his death and the differences that were present, she knew it couldn't be him. She gave another gentle smile as she placed the hat on his head. Only to shake her head in bemusement when Ravenclaw was called for the third time in a row. The chatter died down as she called out "Potter, Matthew!" the boy swaggered up to the stool making her shake her head in exasperated amusement at how much like his father he was. Though she swore to not let him get away with the things his father and his marauder friends did in school. It shamed her that she had allowed it to continue, and could only hope she made it up to Severus's memory by not letting the Weasley twins or Potter get away with those same things. She was not surprised when her house was called out by the hat, and Matthew Potter joined the table of red and gold. Finally, the sorting ended with "Weasley, Ronald!" in Gryffindor. And "Zabini, Blaise!" in Slytherin. She took the hat, scroll, and stool and exited the hall at Albus's words to begin the welcoming feast.
During the feast, many things were discussed by the students. The Peverells. Potter. The lack of a Potter child. Which in turn continued into the discussion of what had been heard on the train about the Potters abandoning their youngest son in favor of their famous one. It ignited the rage of many of the children. And for the ones who asked why, even if it was bad, the reaction was so infuriating? They explained about how in the magical world, children were supposed to be sacred and protected. Even their squibs were tutored in something that would allow them to make a name for themselves and still get married off to other squibs since eventually, a magical child would be born from a distant enough union. Of course, the staff table heard this talk and questioned the only Potter adult present about such a thing. McGonagall's confirmation that Harry Potter had died at the hands of his muggle uncle only incited their own anger. It took Albus lowly telling the teachers to drop the conversation, as things could and would be addressed later, for the conversation to change direction. Lily remained silent for the rest of dinner. All throughout dinner though, the Peverell brothers ignored what was being said about and around them, instead going over different spells and charms they'd be learning that year, much to the older Ravenclaw students approval. And when they discovered Nagini who had awoken part way through dinner, they were intrigued. After Antioch assured them that Nagini was his familiar and he wasn't breaking the rules, and she wouldn't hurt them.
"Attention students of Hogwarts!" Albus called jovially after the last dessert disappeared. "It is my pleasure to welcome our students back to Hogwarts. And our first years to Hogwarts for the first time. I would like to make a few announcements. First, let me welcome Prof. Lily Potter who will be teaching Muggle-Studies this year." The children were still unsure about what they had heard about the new teacher, but still clapped out of politeness. "And I'd like to also welcome Prof. Damien Athanasius who will be taking over as History of Magic professor!" the applause that came from this announcement was loud and echoing all throughout the hall. Albus hid the slight souring of his smile well, but those that noticed chose not to say anything about it at the moment. "Now for a few more announcements! The Forbidden Forest is still forbidden, as some of our older students may do well to remember." his blue eyes landing on the Weasley Twins for a moment. "In addition, our caretaker, Argus Filch, has asked me to remind students that magic is forbidden in the hallways. Quidditch try outs will take place the second week of term and anyone second year and above who wish to attempt need only tell Madam Hooch. And last but not least, the third floor corridor on the right hand side is off limits to any one who doesn't wish to die a painful death." This made the Peverells and the teachers to send sharp looks at the man. "Now off you trot." he called, leaving many of the younger years scared and clinging to the older students.
'How daft is that man? He has just caused several first and second years to have panic attacks. Madam Pomfrey is going to be busy tonight try to make sure the students are taken care of.' Cadmus growled lowly to his brothers.
'I know, but we'll have a meeting with Death and Filius some time soon. Hopefully we can keep a few of the students from getting caught up in this mess.' Antioch replied, following their prefect- Penelope Clearwater- from the Great Hall and towards the Ravenclaw tower.
"Don't worry about Prof. Dumbledore's words this evening first years. So long as you don't go near that third floor corridor, you'll be fine. Focus on your studies and friends and things will be fine." she said, seeing a couple of the first years looked nervous. "Ravenclaw house has a lot to offer. We are seekers of knowledge and learning and I hope all of you can enjoy it here." she said with a smile as they arrived at a wall with a silver eagle's head. "Instead of passwords here at Ravenclaw tower, we answer riddles to get into the tower. The knocker here will assess you year level, and slowly increase the difficulty of each riddle for all of you as the year progresses and you learn to use your brain more and more." she explained.
'What begins with 'E' and ends with 'E' but only has one letter?' a melodic voice left the beak. All of the first year Ravenclaw girls gave small laughs as they answered in unison with Ignotus.
"An envelope!" they said excitedly.
'Well answered. You may enter.' the eagle said before the wall seemed to fall away, revealing a set of stairs leading upwards.
"Come along, our common room is right up these steps. The rest of our house mates are already waiting for you." she grinned, and began to lead them up the dimly lit stairs. When they piled out and into the common room, there were gasps from the first years. The tower was circular in build, roughly eight levels high. The walls were made up of bookshelves along most of the wall. On each of the levels were two doors and two large windows that allowed in the light. The very first level they were on had books along the entire wall except for a large sapphire fire place, the door they had come from, and two large windows over looking the grounds and forest. The floor had several chairs, tables, and desks. The next level had two doors leading to the dorms for the boys and the dorms for the girls. This had two windows and so the pattern continued going up every level, with the doors and windows shifted like the numbers on a clock as it climbed upwards. It was amazing.
Antioch looked around the room in contemplation before turning to his baby brother. "Iggy, change of plans." he told the green eyed boy.
"Anti? What are you planning?" Cadmus asked with narrowed eyes.
"Your goal is to finish all of the books on the ground level by the end of the year. After that, it'll be the second level and so on and so forth. Understand?" Anti asked, ignoring his middle brother.
Cadmus pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation, painfully reminding many of the older years of their late Potions Professor. "Antioch Marvolo Peverell. So help me, if his grades drop below an O this year I will shove the first year course books down your throat, am I clear?" Cadmus told his older brother who had the nerve to look amused at Cadmus's words- as did the rest of the house.
"I'd like to see you try Cad." Antioch smirked. Seeing him reach for his wand, he threw his hands up in surrender- he knew that Cadmus still had access to some nasty hexes and jinxes that even he didn't know. "Fine! I'll make sure his grades don't drop. But Cad, you should have more faith in our baby brother's intelligence. And his ability to multitask. He can out do both of us with that ability and you know it."
"Just a warning Anti." Cadmus replied, making Ignotus laugh at them.
"Really boys? It's not even your first official day." a voice said, getting everyone's attention. It was their head of house Filius Flitwick.
"Prof. Flitwick!" they all called out in surprise.
"Good evening my ravens, and welcome to Ravenclaw my dear first years." Flitwick said with a grin. "Ravenclaw house is the house of learning, and I look forward to seeing how you all make your house proud this year. I am Filius Flitwick and I teach charms here at Hogwarts. I've just come to give a few simple announcements, then you can get yourselves ready for the evening so you're fresh for tomorrow. Curfew for first to second years is 10PM. 10:30PM for third to fourth years. 11:30PM for fifth years. And midnight for sixth and seventh years. My office is right down the hall from the Ravenclaw entrance, behind the portrait of the flying library. My office is always open to you should you have questions or concerns. All first year students will receive a checkup at the infirmary this weekend. I would also like to inform the first years, and remind our older years, that you cannot survive off reading your entire life. All students are required to eat at every meal. And you will receive check ups if any of your fellow housemates or teachers come to me with concerns that you are not taking care of yourself. There are a few other things within the Ravenclaw house, but I will leave those up to Ms. Clearwater to tell you about. You will receive your time tables in the morning. I would like for you three to visit my office before you leave for breakfast." he told the triplets who nodded. "Good. With that, I wish you all a good night."
"Good night Prof. Flitwick." the Ravenclaw house replied.
"Alright first years, the other things that happen in Ravenclaw house that Prof. Flitwick mentioned were our game nights. Every two weeks we have a chess tournament. And at the end of every semester, before exams, we have study game nights. One night for each year, though younger years are not limited to their year's night. We also have study halls in the library every month, which is where we work as a house to ensure all the students are doing okay and not having any troubles. However, if you are having trouble or have any questions, you are more than welcome to seek us out if you're too nervous to go to the teacher of the class. Any questions?" she asked. The first years all shook their heads and she grinned. "In that case, you have half an hour before it's lights out for you first and second years, so go ahead and get settled into your dorms. They're up the stairs on the first levels. Girls on the left and boys on the right. Have a good night." she told them. The brothers found their dorm fairly easily, as there was only one dorm room. Ravenclaw had only received six students that year: three girls and themselves. They weren't surprised, really. After all, the first years only had 30 students this year, an all time record of the lowest amount of students in a year. That was due to the war reaching its climax 11 years ago, resulting in not many children being born. That there were only six Ravenclaws wasn't too surprising either, since so many of their first years grew up on stories of bravery, hard work, and ambition before reaching Hogwarts. So those stories had set up those houses for likely hood of getting more students.
The brothers were relieved to have a room for themselves though, and after Nagini was released and returned to her proper size and Crookshanks was found darting around the room exploring their new home, the brothers finished getting ready for the night before falling into bed exhausted from the excitement of the day. 'Good night.' they said before they fell into the realm of dreams.
A/N: There we go. I hope you enjoyed the chapter and aren't to put off with the portrayal of some of the characters. And while the number of students is farfetched, I ask for understanding. Terry Boot is the only canon character from their year that's in RAvenclaw I remember, but that's it. And he won't be mentioned in the story at all. Though if it helps some people, you can imagine he's in second or third year. Please leave constructive criticism if you have it. Flames won't be accepted. And let me know what you think. If you have any concerns please let me know and I'll see what to do about them.