I do not own Harry Potter, if I did there would have been a lot of changes done to the story.

Hello guys, Badger here. I hope everyone is doing well. Before I begin, I just want to let you know of a new story I recently published called The Leader Of The Light. I'm not demanding, or requesting you to go and read it. I'm just merely placing a shameless plug in. If you want to read the first chapter then go ahead. If you don't, that's fine too.

Anyway. Chapter 4. I'm not sure what I think of this chapter. Halfway through writing this chapter, I went to the tattooist, as I had a 2 hour tattoo session booked and I was in a lot of pain afterwards, which may have affected my writing, but I'll let you be the judge of that. The pain has subsided now, but jesus it did hurt, and it's only half done, I need to make another book in, to do the shading of the tattoo. Anyway, that is all I will say for now.

Read on, enjoy and I will see you at the end.

Chapter 4

Welcome To Hogwarts

Harry lazily chewed some gum, pushing a trolley containing his luggage, as he followed Professor McGonagall along the platform at Kings Cross Station. As her usual attire would gain unwanted attention and curiosity from the 'Muggles', McGonagall wore some smart clothes that a woman of her age would commonly wear. Harry couldn't help but notice she looked uncomfortable wearing them. He figured it was because she was used to wearing her witches robes. Hedwig and Loki seemed agitated, due to their cages rattling on the trolley, but Harry made sure they were as comfortable as possible. After returning from Diagon Alley, whilst he let Hedwig out of her cage to stretch her wings, he thought about a name for his Kneazle. The shop owner said the Kneazle was quite temperamental, so Harry wanted a name that fit the animals personality. It was that moment, when Harry remembered an old superhero comic, where the main villain of the comic was someone called Loki, the God of Mischief. The Kneazle seemed to like the name too, so on that day, Loki the Kneazle was born. Harry hoped he lived up to his namesake.

Harry had to quickly bring his trolley to a halt, as McGonagall randomly stopped, much to Harry's confusion. McGonagall moved to one side, where she gestured towards a pillar, several feet away from them, with a sign either side of it, one labelled 9, the other labelled 10.

"Now, to get to Platform 9 ¾ you need to run into that pillar over there" McGonagall said, keeping her voice quiet, so no one could overhear "You will pass through that pillar, and be transported to the platform, where you'll be able to board the Hogwarts Express…however, you will also need your ticket to get through"

Harry couldn't help but give the woman an incredulous look as she handed him a ticket. He gingerly took it, where Harry couldn't help but be reminded of the Golden Tickets from the old Charlie and the Chocolate Factory film. He was almost expecting McGonagall to hand him a Wonka Bar too.

"'London to Hogwarts, one way travel to Platform 9 ¾" Harry said, reading what was on the ticket "This better be legitimate, otherwise I'll sue you for any injuries I may receive"

McGonagall gave him a stern, unamused, glare. A glare which Harry ignored, as he tightened his grip on his trolley, before running towards the pillar, like she had instructed him to do. As he got closer, he closed his eyes and expected to smack straight into the bricks. Instead, he felt a strange feeling engulf him. A feeling he couldn't quite explain. Opening his eyes, he found he wasn't at Kings Cross anymore. At least, not the Kings Cross he was familiar with. He was on some kind of train platform, though there was only one train on the tracks. An old looking steam train, painted a bright crimson red, with HOGWARTS EXPRESS, written along the side in big letters, painted gold.

"Well I'll be…" Harry muttered under his breath, as he made his way towards the train, looking for a place to store his luggage

Michael Corner sat alone in a train compartment, looking out the window watching people walk up and down the platform, as he brushed his ever growing hair out of his eyes. As a Half-Blood, he was told about Hogwarts and the Wizarding World, when his first bout of accidental magic happened, when he was six years old.

His mother was a witch who, after graduating Hogwarts, chose to live the Muggle life and chose to distance herself from the Wizarding World. From what he read about the Wizarding War and a Dark Lord, people were to afraid to speak of, choosing to refer to him as You-Know-Who, Michael understood why she chose to distance herself from it all. His father on the other hand was a Muggle and, even though the man had nothing against magic or the Wizarding World, he was not happy about Michael going to a magic school, where he would probably face prejudice from other students because he wasn't classed as, what they referred to as, 'Pure-blooded'. This didn't sway Michaels opinion on going however. He practically floated around Diagon Alley as he purchased his supplies for the school year and now, he was giddy with excitement as he sat on the train, though he was able to keep himself composed. In fact, Michael believed the only reason his father wasn't so keen on him going to Hogwarts was because Michael was a bit of a troublemaker at times. His father probably was just fearful of what kinds of pranks Michael would do, especially if magic was involved.

Michael looked away from the window, when he heard the compartment door open. Standing in the open doorway was a boy the same age as himself. His raven black hair was short and wild and he had emerald green eyes, that seemed to glow with mischief. Judging from his attire, Michael guessed they were Muggleborn, or at least a Half-Blood, as the boy was wearing dark shoes, black ripped jeans and an Iron Maiden t-shirt that looked like it had seen better days.

"Hey, do you mind if I sit here?" The boy asked

"Not at all" Michael said, gesturing to the seat opposite him "Feel free"

The boy smiled, as he entered the compartment, closing the door behind him. He took a moment to sit down on the seat opposite Michael, sighing at how comfortable they felt.

"My name is Michael, Michael Corner" Michael said, introducing himself

"Pleasure to meet you Michael" The boy replied "I'm Harry Potter"

Michaels eyes widened, when he looked up to see, peeking out from under his hair, was a scar in the shape of a lightning bolt. When reading more about the Wizarding World, Michael had read about Harry Potter. An infant the Wizarding World named, the Boy-Who-Lived. The boy who not only survived the impossible, the Killing Curse, but also supposedly defeated You-Know-Who. The question of 'how', was a question now one could find the answer to. There were also many books about Harry, about him saving damsels and defeating dragons and trolls, each one written as if it was a biography of some kind. However, seeing the boy in front of him, Michael had a suspicion those books were purely fictional.

"You really are him" Michael commented "Seems those books about you are false"

"I've not read any of them, personally" Harry shrugged "Then again, I didn't know about magic, and the Wizarding World, until I received my Hogwarts letter"

"You're serious?" Michael asked, in surprise

"Dead serious" Harry replied "I was raised by my Muggle relatives…they hate anything and everything to do with magic and tried to make sure I never found out about the Wizarding World…of course, that all failed when my Hogwarts letter arrived"

"I'm sorry to hear that" Michael said "If they hate magic…does that mean…they hate you?"

"Partially, they want to live a normal life and for them, magic is not normal" Harry said "However magic is only half of the reason why they hate me"

"What's the other reason?" Michael asked

"I'm a troublemaker" Harry smiled manically, causing Michael to laugh

"That makes two of us then" Michael said, once he calmed down a bit "My mother is a witch, but my dad is a Muggle…he has nothing against witches or wizards, however is was less then keen to have me go to Hogwarts…I'm a troublemaker myself and I think he is worried about what kind of trouble I could get into whilst I'm getting an magical education"

"Well, Michael, maybe we can get into trouble together" Harry said, extending his hand

"Maybe we shall, Harry, maybe we shall" Michael replied, with a grin, as he reached out and the two shook hands

The journey to Hogwarts was a fairly eventful one, at least in Harry's opinion. He found Michael to be pleasant company and, even though he hid it well, he could see the mischief in the boys eyes. If Harry was going to cause all kinds of pranks and mayhem during his time at Hogwarts, he wasn't going to be doing it alone. He needed friends to help him. During the journey, Harry had informed Michael about all the times he got sent to Juvie for his misbehaviour. Michael was quite surprised by it all, but hearing all the pranks Harry pulled whilst staying in Juvie, practically had the boy rolling along the ground, in laughter.

Michael also wasn't too happy when Harry told him about his relatives and how they used to treat him. To Michael, he understood why Harry is the way he is. If people believed he was a troublemaker, he may as well embrace it. And embrace it, he did. Michael, in hopes of lightening the mood a little, told Harry more about some of the pranks he had pulled during school. Harry's eyes practically gleamed, as he listening intently, like he was feasting on what he was being told. Thankfully the two were uninterrupted during the journey, meaning they spoke for hours. When an announcement rang across the entire train, that they will be arriving at Hogwarts, in half an hour, the two went ahead and got changed into their Hogwarts robes, spending the remainder of the journey talking about Hogwarts and which House they hoped to be a part of.

It wasn't long until the train came to a stop, allowing all the students to get off, where they heard a voice call out from the darkness.

"First Years follow me, everyone else head on over to the carriages" A man said, emerging from the darkness, carrying a lantern

"Blimey, look at that big bastard!" Michael whispered to Harry, when the two got a better look at the sheer size of the man, who was more of a giant

"First Years, follow me" The man repeated "I am Rubeus Hagrid, I'm the groundskeeper at Hogwarts, please follow me, to the boats"

Harry and Michael followed the rest of the First Year students, as they were led by Hagrid down a dirt trail, towards a boating area, where there were more then a dozen, rickety looking, boats floating on the surface of the water. Harry and Michael shared a concerned look, as they saw how old the boats were, but ultimately got into one, where they were joined by two girls, one who had brown frizzy hair and the other had dirty blonde hair, both of which also had concerns at how old the boats were and how they creaked, when they got into it. Hagrid looked around to make sure all the students were sat in a boat, before he removed an umbrella and tapped it against the side, causing all the boats to begin floating across the water, with a sudden jolt.

"I wonder if anyone has fallen in, during these boat rides" Harry commented, as he looked around at the scenery that passed by them

"Why would you ask that?" the frizzy haired girl asked, looking into the water, slightly fearful, unable to see the bottom

"It's a perfectly logical question to ask" Michael shrugged "These boats are quite old and I'm not sure they have any protective enchantments on them"

Harry couldn't help but roll his eyes, at the fearful look on the girls face, as he turned his attention to the magnificent looking castle that appeared around the cliff face. Harry couldn't help but look in awe at the castle, as it glowed in the moonlight, like a beacon. A small smirk crossed his face, as Harry continued gazing at the castle, thinking about all the mischief he could get into within its walls. He couldn't wait to get started.

"Okay, I'll admit" Harry whispered to Michael "The Wizarding World has style"

Thankfully, no students had fallen into the water, as the boats finished the journey and pulled into a boat house. Hagrid then led the group up to the castle where, in the courtyards, standing in front of the doors, was Professor McGonagall, giving each one of the new students a stern glare. Hagrid exchanged a few words with the Professor before the giant walked off, leaving the students with McGonagall.

"Welcome, First Years, to Hogwarts" McGonagall said "In a few minutes, I will lead you to the Great Hall, where you will be sorted into your Houses…they are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin…I would like to remind you, that good behaviour and obedience will earn you points…any rule breaking, and you will lose points, at the end of the year, the House with the most points, will win the House Cup…now, please follow me"

The First Years whispered and muttered to one another, as McGonagall led them into the castle. However, all noise stopped, when they entered the Great Hall, each one transfixed by the ceiling enchanted to look like the night sky, the entire Hall being illuminated by the enchanted moon and floating candles. Harry looked around the Great Hall, at each one of the tables. His eyes widened, when he saw someone he didn't expect to see, dressed in Slytherin robes. James Badger. He noticed the purple hair from the corner of his eye, but he couldn't believe it was actually him. James must've felt like someone was looking at him, as he turned his attention away from the person he was talking to. They caught each other's gaze, where Harry saw James' eyes widen massively, where Harry could see the older boy mouth the words, 'Son of a bitch'.

Harry was still in a slight state of shock, as he turned his attention away, from his old friend, looking towards McGonagall, as the First Years stopped at the front of the Great Hall, in front of a stool where a lone hat was sat. McGonagall picked up the hat and reached out her free hand, where a scroll appeared, from thin air.

"Now, one by one, I will call you up" She said "You will sit on the stool…I will place the Sorting Hat on your head, and you will be sorted into your House"

With everything said and done, McGonagall started the Sorting, beginning with a girl called Hannah Abbot. Harry yawned slightly as the Sorting went on, though he clapped wildly, when Michael got sorted into Ravenclaw. As the Sorting continued, Harry felt like someone was watching him. Looking to the Professors table, Harry caught the gaze of a creepy looking man, wearing a turban on his head. Harry couldn't help but feel unnerved from the intense way the man was staring at him. Like a predator stalking its prey, before it pounced. Harry shook his head, bringing his attention back to the Sorting, just as his name was called out.

"Harry Potter!"

The Great Hall was so silent, you could have heard a pin drop. The silence was kind of eery, for Harry, as he slowly made his way up to the stool, ignoring the whispering that began to spread from the four tables. Getting comfortable on the stool, Harry sat straight as the Sorting Hat was placed on his head. Almost instantly, Harry felt a strange feeling in his head, almost like a soft ringing in his ears.

"Greetings Mr Potter" A voice said, causing Harry to jump and look around, wondering where the voice was coming from "Relax, Mr Potter, it is I, the Sorting Hat…yes, I am talking to you, in your mind…but don't worry, my job is merely to sort, I will not reveal anything I find in this mind of yours, to anyone…and I must say, what a mind, Mr Potter…a bit of a trouble maker are we?"

"You could say that" Harry replied, mentally, with a grin on his face

"I must admit Mr Potter, I believe you could do well in any House" The Sorting Hat muttered "I see courage, loyalty, intelligence and cunning…however, I also see a hint of recklessness…hmm, tell me Mr Potter, what House would you prefer to be in?"

"Honestly, I don't really care" Harry shrugged "I'm just here to get and education, and see what kind of trouble I can get into…my House doesn't really matter to me"

"HA!" The Sorting Hat yelled out, startling the entire Great Hall "I must say, I like you Mr Potter and I look forward to seeing what you get up to during your time at Hogwarts, in the meantime, I welcome you to…..GRYFFINDOR!"

The Gryffindor table exploded with applause and cheers, ecstatic to have bagged the Boy-Who-Lived. Harry made his way over, not noticing his robes changing to done the Gryffindor colours and crest, where he began to shake hands with everyone who was in reach, a grin on his face. Instead of sitting down though, he stood up onto the table and looked towards the Ravenclaw Table.

"Hey, Corner!" He called out, causing the Great Hall to watch with intrigue "Sorry buddy, but it looks like we're House rivals…and Gryffindor will win that House Cup this year!"

"Bring it on Potter!" Michael called back, standing up on his seat, a big smile on his face "Bring it on!"

Dumbledore sat in the Headmasters chair, at the Professors table, as he watched the Sorting. When Harry's name was called out, he leant forward in his seat. This was a moment he had been anticipating for the past decade. He was happy to see that Harry looked healthy and well fed, meaning that Petunia must have gotten over her grudges and raised Harry as one of her own, which he was ecstatic to see.

As Harry made his way to the stool, though he tried to hide it, Dumbledore saw the mischievous glint in the boys eyes. Not only did Harry look a lot like James Potter, it seemed he inherited the mans love for pranks and mischief. The Headmaster felt a small chill down his spine, remembering some of the chaos, James Potter and his friends made during their time at Hogwarts. Hopefully he could calm Harry down, somewhat. When Harry was sorted into Gryffindor, Dumbledore had a smile on his face, as the boy made himself comfortable at the Gryffindor table. However, Harry stood on the bench and called to another boy, Michael Corner. It seemed Harry had made friends with the boy during the train ride. Harry's declaration that Gryffindor was going to win the House Cup, left Dumbledore slightly worried. He was definitely going to have to keep a closer eye on the boy.

Hogwarts already had to endure mayhem from the Marauders. The castle certainly didn't want to have to go through that again.

And that is Chapter 4 done. What do you guys think?

When planning this story, I knew right from the beginning that Harry would be in Gryffindor. As in my other stories, Harry has been in every other House, I decided to make on where he is in Gryffindor.

Michael Corner was also an addition that was immediately decided upon. When planning the characters for this story, I wanted to try and use characters I haven't used yet in a story. In terms of the New Marauders, I plan for Michael Corner to be the Sirius Black of this generation. I have a few ideas for other characters, but if you have any suggestions, do feel free to leave them. I've had quite a few interesting ideas. Now, finally, yes James Badger is in this story. More will be revealed in future chapters. And no, he will not be a Main Character. In this story, he will have frequent and regular appearances, but he will remain as a Side Character. He may be involved with a few story plots but he will not become a Main Character. That way, it allows other characters time in the spot light.

That is all for now though. I hope you enjoyed and I'll see you next time, in whatever story I see you in.

Badger Out