(a/n in the next couple of chapters there will reference the knights old code. it is most notably known in the move Dragon heart. but is based off of historical references to a squires oath, when sworn would either help knights or once promoted to knighthood. I do not claim to own anything of that nature. and only use it in historical references to move the plot along. and you will see where mine differs from any movie or historical document.)
The hat woke up and 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
The year has come and soon we will see
A house long forgotten so says me
A house that calls for all those who
Think of knights and valor thee
Gryffindor while I'm brave is not me
Nor is my wit the calling for me
My cunning shall be compared
To my loyalty to all and not just fair
Time to rise house of flame and gold
For the Pendragon is to be behold.
The hat then silenced himself much to the shock of all who listened. The staff in particular seemed confused. The old man on the gold throne looked more panicked and angry then shocked. But Persephone rolled her eyes. The headmaster is already losing it seems. One by one McGonagall began to call them out to sit on the stool. Hannah abbot went first and went to Hufflepuff. When Tracey got called up the first in their group the hat paused for a while before shouting out Pendragon! Tracey confused looked at the professor who looked back at her and glanced around before seeing a small table that appeared in the back of the hall. And her robe trim and tie turned black and a deep purple with a black emblem with the same purple in the shape of a snarling Dragon appeared on her robe. She slowly slid off the stool looking at her friends before walking slowly to the lone table without other students at it.
The hall erupted in noise and chatter before the headmaster cast a sonorous charm and called for silence. "it seems that Hogwarts has deemed that an old house long abandoned be resurfaced. Let us finish the sorting before we discuss the implications of this." He boomed and the hall fell silent once again. Persephone went before Hermione and Daphne. The hat slid over her whole head and a voice echoed in her mind. I see, so you are the reason Hogwarts has deemed the old house of Pendragon be reborn. From the future with aiding knowledge. Miss Gallows I suggest you learn occlumency as soon as possible. Protect your secrets. Once his voice echoed away, he called out "Pendragon!" She slid off the stool and hurried over to Tracey giving her a sheepish smile. "Thank Merlin I won't be alone here." Hermione soon joined them. "This is historic you know? We will be the first sorted to this house in over 250 years!" Persephone rolled her eyes. Of course she'd know that They both chuckled looking back to the stool as Daphne sat. The hat only took a moment then called out "Pendragon!" Daphne gave a soft smirk before calmly walking to their table, Tracey gave her a quick hug thankful they weren't separated..
The rest of the sorting began to flow as normal with Neville joining them, and even surprisingly Draco Malfoy. He took a shocked seat unsure what to say. He was a mix of angry and relieved. Like a curse was battling in his mind. once Harry was called out the hall went silent again. Once he sat nervously it seemed the hat struggled. It took almost ten minutes before the hat was able to finally call out "Pendragon!" The hall went silent. Gryffindor seemed to sulk, and no house clapped except the new Pendragon house. He rushed over a large grin on his face as he sat right by them. Dumbledore seemed furious but only in his eyes. With Weasley going to Gryffindor and shouting loudly that he was supposed to be with Harry Potter, they finished out with blaze zabini who swiftly went to Slytherin.
Persephone looked around the small table, including her there was 7. What a coincidence. As the professor picked up the hat he shouted out a HAULT! everyone went silent once again. I have those who were sorted into houses because that is what fit them at the time. However now I can and will be resorting them! A loud bell tolled throughout the castle causing many to cover their ears and shriek. Dumbledore stood frozen at the podium. MISTERS FRED AND GEORGE WEASLEY, MISTER CEDRIC DIGGORY, MISS PENELOPE CLEARWATER AND MISS NYMPHADORA TONKS. YOU SHALL HENCE BE SORTED INTO HOUSE PENDRAGON! LEAD THE YOUNGER YEARS WELL. The hat went silent once again and shouts arose in the hall. The twins stood and gave each other a high five pointing at their ties as they changed color and ran over to the quickly enlarging table.
Tonks while glowering at the hat came over and sat. "I'm in my seventh year a bit late for a resort isn't it?" She muttered to herself but the younger kids shrugged.
Once Cedric and Penelope joined them at the round table they had the hall was once more silenced by the head master.
"I can see all the questions. I will first speak about the forgotten house. 256 years ago was the last time the house of Pendragon had any members in it. Those who were worthy of the ancient knights of the round table. We long since thought after no one was called to the house again that it was in fact abandoned so the head master of the era warded the house and enlarged the house tables for the remaining four. But as we can all see, the round table has been reformed. How we do not know, and if my memory is correct only a master of dueling or sword can head the house of Pendragon. We will have to figure out the best course of action. For now the four heads shall rotate duties until a permanent solution can be made." With that sentence there was a flash and a container gleamed into existence next to four others with purple gems in it's tank above to show the house of the dragon. " Now onto other announcements. I will remind all students new and returning the forbidden Forrest is out of bounds for all students. And Mr filch has asked me to remind you that the items not allowed in the halls and grounds has grown and can be found posted on his door for any questions. And also. The third floor corridor left wing is out of bounds for those who break that rule you may die a most painful death." Letting those words sink in he clapped his hands and the food appeared on the tables.
Once the desserts had been cleared and Dumbledore excuses the prefects to lead their houses back to the dorms he told the Pendragon table to stay. "The elves have been cleaning the dorm as we ate. As it is your first night and only I know where the entrance is. The heads of the other houses shall follow us as I lead you to the dorm." They all stood, Hades at Persephone's feet, followed the old headmaster. They walked up to the fourth floor, down almost the end of the right wing to a large statue of a snarling Dragon. The dragon blinked it's stone eyes and bowed his head to the students. " The mighty house has returned." His voice was gravely and deep. "Good evening Arlgon. Indeed the Pendragon house has returned. May we have entry?" The stone dragon huffed out a steady mist and sat up before lifting his tail to reveal the door.
They entered and Persephone imagined an old war room from the middle ages. There was a large stone oval table in the center of the room. A fireplace to the right with a roaring fire and plenty of seating by it. The walls were adorned with blank banners and weapons rack with shield. A large candle chandelier hung above the table as well as a second stone dragon statue that weaved around the ceiling its head just past the chandelier his claws holding it in place. It blinked and spoke in the same voice to the children. " Welcome young hatchlings. If you have questions I will do my best to answer them or lead you to the answers you seek. You each have a room to yourselves, all down the left hall. All doors are enchanted for privacy. Only the one whose room it belongs may give access. Sleep well young hatchlings." The dragon closed his eyes and all were silent. "This is splendid!" Cried out the ravenclaws head of house professor flitwick. "I've heard rumors but never believed I would see it in my lifetime." Said the Hufflepuff head professor Sprout.
"Indeed." Professor Snape spoke in his drawl but there was no sneer. He genuinely was impressed by the place. "I will be happy to watch the house first. My claws can easily take care of themselves." The tiny professor claimed. "I was also once a master duelist if you recall Albus." The headmaster grunted and resigned himself. "Very well Filius. The first few days are yours. Then Severus, and Sprout. And if you want to you may as well minerva, I know you have many other duties." Professor McGonagall gave a stiff nod. "very well. We will have to convene in my office to go over scheduling for the dragon house. Good night Pendragons." All the professors but Flitwick left. "oh splendid! This is all very exciting. And as Penelope came from my ravens she knows just what I expect out of my wards." Penelope nodded. "That said. The other heads may have different expectations but I have only a few. Try your best in all your classes. Make sure all homework is done and respect others who are studying or need help. If you do not know ask someone older to help if they can. I will always be available to help as well. Now having your own rooms and not dorms I will add another rule. Do not misplace my trust with the rooms. No one in your room after hours. I expect everyone to be in their rooms and resting no later than 10. To ensure good sleep and readiness for the next day. Weekend night of Friday and Saturday it will be midnight. But Sunday night through Thursday night is the former. Do I make myself clear?" The children nodded and flitwick smiled. "Good! Now you have a couple of hours before bed. I suggest getting to know your new house mates. Exciting indeed!" The little professor giddily skipped out of the common room and the sound of Arlgon's stone sliding to block the door could be heard.
Tonks sat at the far right of the table with Harry to her left then Hermione, Persephone, Daphne, Tracey, Neville, Draco, Fred, George, Cedric the Penelope. Draco looked passive but nervous. Tonks looked him up and down before speaking. "Well Draco all grown up it seems. Why you so finicky?" Draco looked around to everyone scratching his arm before sighing. "When my father hears I wasn't sorted into Slytherin… I hate to know what he will do." Persephone looked into his eyes seeing that the gray they were before, they were now a clear silvery slate.
"Well there's nothing your father can do." Cedric spoke up cracking his knuckles softly. "He's right." Neville added. "My gran says once you're sorted there is no going back. And the fact you were placed in a House that hasn't had members for over 250 years. That should be something a Malfoy would be proud of." Draco twitched his lip but frowned again "I sure hope so."
"Well! I say we each say something about ourselves that no one else knows." Tonks started and the others seemed to shrug and agree. "I'll go first. Although most of the student body knows my first name but not a lot know that I'm a metamorphmagus. It's a trait passed down from my mother's side. One in every few generations of females gain the ability. Some males but it's not as common. But because a few past partners knew about it they would manipulate me into contorting my body to whatever they fantasized about." Harry gave her a smile. "It won't happen again we won't let it at least while you're here with us."
"And summers when we can see each other!" Hermione added. "A partner interview haha." Persephone giggled back. "You kids… you're alright. Now let's go with Harry next…" "me last…please." Everyone looked to each other and nodded. "Ok, well I'm a muggleborn" Hermione began. "I was always more advanced than other kids my age. While some played with dolls I was reading Shakespeare. I skipped 2nd year so I was younger than those kids too. They stayed away from me and forced other kids to do the same. My only company was adults, I've never had friends my own age." Hermione was pink by the end of it and looked down ashamed. Persephone nudged her shoulder with her own. "You'll have us now."
Persephone took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I'm not really sure what to say. Harry and Hermione and Tonks know my story for the most part. I can share that again?" The three shrugged. "Well my name is Persephone Gallows, I was mistakenly portkeyed to the middle of diagon ally, wearing muggle clothing I didn't recognize. The goblins said a close friend of mine told them I was coming and I had a family vault but no parents listed or blood status. I was born somewhere near Utah United States. And I bonded to a magical jaguar." The few who don't know seemed stunned. "Gallows? It's not a pure blood name I recognize." Stated Draco simply. "I don't either but I can ask my gran, she has a book from family long ago that was outside the 28. Perhaps it's there." Persephone smiled. "I appreciate it."
Daphne looked at the faces looking at her and rolled her eyes. "well I'm Daphne Greengrass. My family has been in the neutral faction since the Grindelwald war. I…" Tracey gave her a look, and stared at her until Daphne grew a little flustered. "oh fine! My sister has a curse that will most likely kill her before she's thirty. We have no idea how to stop it and I put on a mask so no one else can see how much pain I'm in." Most looked shocked or sad, Tracey hugged her closer and squeezed. "next person please." Daphne managed to squeak out while fighting for air.
Tracey let go of her friend and looked around anxiously. "Well uh.. I'm not exactly sure what to say…"
"Tracey…"
"What?"
"Tell them." Daphne stated simply.
"Tell them what?"
Daphne gave her a pointed stare. "Uh..heh… ok, ok! I'm kind of obsessed with muggle films…..stop it Daphne! Ok really obsessed with muggle films! Star wars in particular. There happy?... No? Screw you Daphne! FINE! I know every scene and line ok? There." She sat back arms folded and refused to look at her best friend who was trying not to crack her facade with a laugh. Until a very unladylike snort escaped her. She snorted a few times before she was able to hold her composure once again. The rest chuckled but stopped when Tracey glared at them all. "I happen to like Indiana Jones better." Called Tonks instantly intriguing Tracey. "Harrison Ford played a better role in that movie." Tracey nodded eagerly. But before they could launch into debate over movies, Draco cleared his throat. "I believe it's Longbottom's turn."
Neville took a deep breath and looked around at the friendlier faces, now that everyone was relaxing more. "I'm basically a squib." He mumbled. But Draco heard him. "What?" Neville snorted and spoke louder. "I-im basically a squib! It was a surprise I got my letter at all. They had to throw me out of a window to see if magic would save me when I was a toddler. My Father's wand will barely make sparks let alone anything else."
"You mean to tell me Longbottom. That you are using your father's wand?" Drawled Draco looking him over. "My gran said if it was good enough for him it was good enough for me."
"What a load of Tosh!" Cedric bellowed. "That's right Nev, everyone knows the wand chooses you. Not the other way around." Penelope added. Harry nodded aggressively. Remembering the strange man's words. "Gran won't give me one though. She refuses." Tonks snorted and reached down, pulling out a roll of parchment and a dip fountain pen. Most stared at it as Tonks wrote until she looked up. "What?"
"You're not using a quill!" Cedric spoke first much to the grumbles of others. "And? It's still a dip method and writes the same as quills, it's just sturdy." Penelope was rubbing the bridge of her nose and let out a huff. "Of course." Above them the dragon statue cracked open an eye and grinned in a stone like way, before closing he's eye again.
Draco looked around and nodded his head and let out a slow breath. "Well I'll go until Tonks can tell us what's wrong. My father… cursed my mother when they were betrothed. He did so daily until he deemed her ready to be suitable for the Malfoy line. And because of this cursing. I will be an only child. he then began to curse at me with what I do not know, until I became a miniature him. Being here in the Dragons lair?" He looked around to see a lot nodding liking the name. "Did something, I feel better than I have in years." Neville gave him a clap on the shoulder and an almost indiscreet nod.
Fred and George looked to each other and gave a simple nod. "We can't stand our mother." They said as one. Then George took over. "She is loud and rude, always trying to crush our creativity."
"And wanting us to be as good as our brothers in school to get a respectable job at the ministry." Fred added. "but we love pranks." They said together again. "The planning, the creating our own potions and charms to get the results we desire." George began again. "It frees us. So we fudge our marks so mom doesn't know how smart we really are." Fred ended. The table was silent until Tonks began to bark out laughing. "You two are brilliant! You would have had to be planning this since you started school! Three years of pranking your mom so far!" The others smiled either brightly or in a smirking like way. The twins bowed together before grinning. Next came Cedric and he seemed to purse his lips in thought. Cedric sighed after a few minutes and looked at Penelope before looking back at everyone else. "My father is working on a betrothal contract for me. And expects me to put the Diggery name in high standing. I don't know who he's in contact with but I know miss Clearwater name came up once when I accidently overheard my father on a floo call." His cheeks were dusted pink and wouldn't look at Penelope. Penelope sighed looking away. "Not that I don't like you Cedric but I am dating Percy." Cedric nodded. "Believe me Penelope, no hard feelings between us. I'll do my best to convince my father to look elsewhere." Penelope nodded. The others had stayed pretty quiet on that. Draco and Neville seemed to nod in acceptance where the others either looked repulsed or confused. "That's barbaric!" Hermione cried out, only to have her mouth suddenly hushed by Persephone's hand. She muffled and ranted for a moment or two longer until Persephone whispered in her ear and, eyes still a blaze, quieted.
It took quite a few minutes for everyone to resettle and have tea served after an almost quiet request from Tonks to the Pendragon house elf. Having not been paying attention Hermione was glaring daggers at Persephone who was trying very poorly at a puppy face and pouting at her for forgiveness. Harry had switched places to sit closer to Draco and Neville, Penelope and Cedric seemed more awkward between the two while the twins whispered rapidly with each other.
Tea drank and now calm again, they started again. Penelope looked around and then gave Cedric a sheepish grin that confused the boy, his head clocking to the side and his slightly longer hair falling over his face. "Percy wants to marry me." She said simply and the twins gleamed brightly standing up and doing a jig. "He went to professor flitwick and had help making a promise ring for myself. With two years left for us he wanted to make sure no one else would snag me away." Fred and George came around the table and gave her a hug. "do us a favor and…"
"...get that stick out of his arse." Penelope giggled at the equal squeezes to both her cheeks from the boys hugging her at the same time. "I'll do my best." After they had calmed down again and the girls wanted to see the ring. Which was simple in design with two vines that continuously curled around her fingers. One with bright red buds and the other yellow. Harry grew anxious as the realization dawned on him it was his turn. He bowed his head and both Draco and Neville looked at him then each other. "Hey Harry it'll be ok. It can't be that bad right?" Draco spoke out getting everyone's attention again. "Persephone realized what Harry was going to talk about and bit her lip hard. So hard it started to turn white before bleeding.
Harry took a deep breath and stood. "I don't think I can speak it very well. But I can show you. This is from my relatives to cure me." He spat the word and turned around before quickly taking off his shirt. The second the light revealed his back a broken sob from one of the girls could be heard. Tonks gripped the table so hard her body shook. Scars littered his back and could clearly be traveled past the brim of his pants although covered. Half of them were still pink or angry red and scabbed. One set of scars looked like bite marks.
"H…Harry." Daphne stuttered out. Tracey dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief leaned into Daphne's shoulder. Hermione was debating herself to rocket off and give the boy a hug. Persephone scowled looking very much like Tonks in a mini form.
Cedric snarled. "Who did this? Do they not know hurting an heir to and ancient and noble house is almost a death sentence?!" He roared. Harry shrunk away quickly stepping back. At this both Neville and Draco stood in front of him side by side. "Cedric! Calm yourself!" Tonks shouted. But when Cedric didn't seem to hear,she gave a look to Penelope who quickly bound him and shoved him back to his bum. "He snorted and snarled more ranting to himself, so To ks silenced him until they knew he would calm. "Harry ..it's ok." Tonks said softly. Placing her wand down on the table. The boys stepped aside as Tonks came closer slowly going to her knees and looking him in the face. Harry had unshed tears in his eyes but wouldn't look at her. The others minus Cedric who was still silently ranting. Gathered around him. Tonks slowly reached out, and Harry flinched and stiffened. She paused only a moment before fully touching his chin, turning his face to look at her. "Harry, it's ok. As long as we are a house and family. They will never touch you again. In order to do this Harry, we need to take pictures… and contact the head of the DMLE. OK? We will be here the whole time with you." With multiple agreements Harry saw the silent fury in all of his housemates, but the care more so. Maybe, maybe this whole magic thing won't be so bad.
