AN:/ Hello and welcome one and all to chapter 5 of Harry Pendragon. First off, I would like to state as always that I do not own Harry Potter or his wonderful world. That right and privilege belongs to J.K. Rowling. I would also like to thank AlphaFlash for his invaluable assistance in bringing this fic to you all. I would also like to apologize for not better proofreading last chapter using spell check and such. I wanted to make sure you all had the chapter on time and plan on going back to recheck it later. I found out my roof is leaking rather bad and had been preoccupied by that new discovery last Friday. I will try to be better in the future but please remember I am not a professional writer. I am simply a security guard who wanted to bring you something a little different. Just as anyone on this app does. I do this for fun and to share how I think something would go or change if something was a little different in this vast and fascinating world that is Harry Potter. However enough rambling on my part. Please, read, enjoy, and please leave a comment with your thoughts.
Chapter 5
Harry and Larry made it to the platform at nine forty-five on September the first. They were only two of the very few students that had arrived this early. He found himself a compartment at the very end of the train and stashed his trunk along with his owl Athena. He then made his way out of the train deciding that it would be a good idea to move around. He ended up back on the muggle side examining the architecture of the old station. He had just looked at his watch to see he had thirty minutes left and had decided to make his way back to the train.
That's when he heard a familiar voice. "Lily did Severus or McGonagall explain how exactly to get onto the platform?"
He looked around to see the Evens family standing between platforms nine and ten. He smiled, at least they had gotten closer than he had. "No mum I don't think they did. What if we can't find it. I don't want to miss out on this." She said sounding close to tears.
"Hmph of course he wouldn't be helpful." He heard a very familiar voice say under her breath. He wasn't sure he wanted to deal with that can of worms.
Harry decided that he should help them out. "Excuse me but I can help you find the platform." He said from behind them.
The four of them whirled around only to come face to face with familiar sapphire eyes and blond hair. "Oh, Harry dear you almost gave me a heart attack." Rose said with a hand to her chest.
Harry smiled apologetically and gave a slight bow. "I apologize ma'am. I did not mean to scare you in anyway."
"It's fine dear I was just distracted is all." She said with a small smile.
"Harry! Oh, thank God you are here. We can't find the platform." Lily said in a hushed voice.
Harry smiled again. "No problem at all but I believe that I have yet to meet this young lady here." He said deciding that he should be nice to Petunia.
Petunia for her part looked a bit taken aback that he was speaking to her. She looked away a bit though before speaking. "I'm Petunia... Lily's sister."
Harry gave a short bow knowing that it was rather odd to be too formal in the muggle world. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Petunia."
She looked at him for a moment. 'Maybe not all of these wizards are mean.' She thought to herself. "It's nice to meet you to."
Lily smiled at them both along with her parents. It was nice seeing Petunia getting along with someone who may be Lilly's friend soon. Harry smiled again before speaking. "Okay this will sound rather strange, but you go to the second pillar and walk through it." They all looked at him for a moment. Petunia was starting to rethink her opinion of him. Harry just smiled a bit and started walking. "Come I'll show you."
They followed him over to the suggested barrier. "Now then its best to go at it at a bit of a run." and with that he started a light jog and before their eyes he disappeared.
They looked at one another. Lilly shrugged and before anyone could stop her, she was off at a trot and gone just as Harry was. The others looked at where she disappeared and quickly went after her. The sight that they came upon was a breathtaking sight at seeing the scarlet engine sitting before them. They spotted Lilly waving at them and followed her toward the end of the train. There they watched as Harry hefted her trunk onto the carriage.
"I could have helped you with that you know?" Robert said both impressed and amused as well.
"Nonsense sir it is my pleasure to help." He told the older man before lifting the trunk and moving into the compartment. Petunia's opinion of him was back to being more on the positive.
As they stood there saying their goodbyes, they heard a smooth voice speak behind them. "Ah there you are Lily. I can assume that you already have your things onboard."
They turned around to see a rather greasy looking boy. He had pale skin, and his long black hair was greasy as though he had stuck his head into a vat of the stuff. Petunia quickly crossed her arms over her chest and scooted behind her father. Lilly however smiled widely. "Hey Sev! Yeah, I already have my things in a compartment. It's the second from the last."
"Very well I shall go and store my own things then." He said as she turned back to her parents with a nod. When her back was turned the boy scowled a bit at her parents before lifting his things and boarding the train.
He walked down the length of the car and to the second from last compartment. What he found however was another boy lifting a trunk into the overhead storage. He growled lightly drawing the other boy's attention. The blond turned to look at him with sapphire eyes. "Ah hello there I would be correct in assuming that you are sharing a compartment with us. Well would you like a hand lifting your trunk."
"You are not welcome here." He growled again.
They boy just raised an eyebrow. "Well welcome or not this is where I shall be sitting as it was I who was here before anyone. Now then I have a friend that I was going to find so I shall be back shortly." Harry said gently pushing his way from the compartment.
Severus Snape stood there with his teeth gritted together. How dare another boy try and sit with his Lilly. He narrowed his eyes. It was no matter he would take care of it. He just needed to show her how it was he who was the best person for her. A small smirk came to his lips as he began to formulate a plan.
Back outside the train car the Evens family was finishing up their goodbyes. Harry stepped out of the car and looked around. He spotted the Bones family having just arrived. He stood away from the Evens and called out to them. "Amelia over here!"
Amelia turned her blue eyes in his direction and a small smile appeared on her face. She waved and pointed him out to her parents. The group of three made their way over to him as the Evans family watched. For some reason Lily felt a little twinge in her chest at seeing the other redhead coming toward Harry with a smile. But she ignored it.
"Ah hello Harry how are you this fine morning?" Edward said sticking his hand out.
"Hello Edward. I'm doing well actually thank you for asking. Hello Caroline, Amelia, how are you?" He replied.
"Good I'm excited to see Hogwarts though." Amelia said after Caroline said she was doing well.
"Me too. Hey, let me introduce you to someone." He said as he led them over to the Evens family. "I would like to introduce the four of you to three of my other new friends in the country the Bones family. This is Edward, Caroline, and Amelia. This is the Evens family. Richard, Ross, Petunia, and Lilly."
Richard stepped forward and offered his hand to Edward. "Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Ah and it's a pleasure to meet you as well. I haven't known Harry long, but he seems a good judge of character so I'm sure we shall get along splendidly." Edward said jovially.
"Petunia dear that is a lovely necklace where did you get that from?" Caroline asked the stunned girl who hadn't expected to be talked to. The cat lady hadn't talked to her when she came to see Lily. She had become to the conclusion that magical beings hated her and other none magicals. But these people and that boy were starting to make her question that.
"What subject are you most looking forward to?" Amelia asked Lilly as she came up to the other girl.
"Oh, I can't wait for charms it seems so fascinating. Though potions seem fun as well. It seems like cooking in a way." Lilly said.
"Oh, you like to cook to?" Amelia asked.
"Hey Edward, where did Edgar run off to?" Harry asked looking around.
"Ah he went on to find some of his friends." The man told him.
Harry nodded as he looked around the station to see if there was anyone else, he recognized. It wasn't until he heard a stern and exasperated voice that caught his attention. There was a woman standing with her hand on her face as another man laughed lightly. Before them was a round face boy that looked familiar. "Mum, I think I lost Terence."
"Oh Frank..." The woman sighed.
Harry smiled as he realized that this must be Frank Longbottom Nevil's father. He made a mental note that he should try and find the boy latter. Neville had been a good friend and he was sure his father would be to. Before he could get back into the conversations the train whistle blew. They all quickly said their goodbyes as Harry took up Amelia's trunk and carried it off.
Before he left though, he said goodbye. "Well, it was nice seeing you all again. And Petunia it was lovely meeting you and I hope that you have a pleasant school year."
"Thank you it was nice meeting you to Harry and have a good year." She said shyly. Her view of wizards changed slightly.
Harry for his part was pondering the girl's attitude. He couldn't help but wonder what it was that had happened to the girl in the last timeline or was going to happen to her in this timeline that would make her into what she was. He followed the girls as they made their way down to their compartment where the boy from before was waiting with a scowl on his face.
He looked up at them as he came in. "Lily where were you I've been waiting." He said in a smooth voice. Harry and Amelia could detect a hint of anger under the smoothness and glanced at one another.
Lily however didn't seem to notice anything. "Oh, Sev sorry I was just saying goodbye to my parents and Toony." She said brightly as she plopped down next to him.
That was when Harry realized that this must be Severus Snape. He remembered that his mother had been friends with him at one point. He wasn't sure how he felt about sharing a compartment with the man, however he had decided a while ago to not go into this with preconceived notions on people until they proved otherwise.
Severus watched as Harry heaved the other girl's heavy trunk into the overhead. He leaned over to whisper rather loudly into Lilly's ear. "Who are these two?"
Lilly whispered back though softer and feeling a bit embarrassed by her friends' words. "Oh, this is Harry, and this is Amelia Bones. I meet Harry in the ally when my parents took me to get my things. Amelia is a friend of his."
Snape stage whispered again and was starting to really irk Harry by his disrespect. Amelia was getting rather irritated as well but was interested in making a new friend in Lilly so kept her mouth closed for now. "I don't trust them, Lilly. Remember what I said about how people treat muggleborns."
Okay now Harry was getting angry. How dare he try and pass him off as some form of muggle hater. He could tell Snape was up to something. He was most likely stage whispering so that they heard him say that and hoping that they would be in that denomination of purebloods. He cleared his throat. "Ah well neither of us much care for one's blood status. I go more on one's strength of character and willingness to learn new things. I also believe that most muggleborns get slack for not being willing to learn about the wizarding world and our traditions and such. The way I see it knowledge is power, and learning is of your compatriots gives you power to sway the mind of obstinance."
While not fully understanding what he was getting at Amelia nodded. "My family doesn't really believe in blood superiority. We believe in the traditional values of our society but also are open to trying new things."
Lily's face had gone a bit sad at Severus's words but had lit back up after hearing Harry and Amelia's. "Wait what kind of traditions?" She said cocking her head to the right a little.
Harry had to look away it was a cute gesture of curiosity. He stood up and got on the seat to rummage through his trunk. He pulled out a book that looked rather new. "My mother had taught me all the British traditions when I was younger. However, I wanted to know is she had left anything out and bought this. It appears though that she was rather thorough, so this is now useless to me. You can have it if you like." He said as he passed the book to her.
Lily's eyes lit up at the prospect of learning something new. "Oh, thank you so much I'll be sure to read it."
"I would just be sure to read it with an open mind. There are some things such as house elves that can come across as being something different than what it is. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me." He told her and she nodded eagerly.
"You can come to me if you want as well. I'm always willing to help." Amelia told her with a small smile.
Snape was now gritting his teeth as his plan had backfired. "Oh, thank you both so much."
Harry nodded before turning to Amelia. "You know with a drive to help people like that you may just be a shoe in for Hufflepuff from what I read."
Amelia blushed a bit and smile. "I hope so. Most of my family have gone into Hufflepuff and I hope to go there as well."
Harry leaned back and against the window. "Well, I'm sure you will then. If that's what you want of course."
"You're talking about the four houses, right?" Lilly asked. "I'm not sure where I want to go. Sev said that Slytherin was the best as that's where his mum went, and where he wants to go, but not a place for muggleborns."
Harry looked out the window as he spoke. "Well, I'm not sure really. From what I have read and heard I would say that it isn't a bad house to go to. However, I have heard that many of the more traditional people go into that house so I can see how it would be hard for a muggleborns to be in that house. However honestly with your apparent love of learning." She blushed a bit. "I could see you doing well in Ravenclaw. You are coming here willing to face the unknown of a new world like you could be considered bravery so I could also see you in Gryffindor."
"Really?" She asked softly. "You could see me in Ravenclaw?"
Harry smiled at her. "Of course. If that's what you want of course."
Amelia gave him a look. "What about you Harry where do you want to go?"
"Me?" Harry thought about it a moment after she nodded along with Lilly. "Well, I think all the houses are rather good houses. All having their goods and bads. However, I kind of want a house that will challenge me in a more mental fashion. I think Ravenclaw is the place for me."
"I could see it." Mumbled Amelia to where only Lilly could hear her. Lilly just nodded.
The rest of the train ride went by with three of the four occupants having a pleasant time. Harry and Amelia told Lilly all about the various wizarding games and taught her to play a few. Harry had been taught how to play chess by his father now rather enjoyed the game. He did his best not to show his lord's ring. He wasn't trying to hide things from Lilly, but he wanted to let her see him for him and not his lordship.
Finally, the train came into Hogsmeade station, and they piled out of the train. They spotted Hagrid waving his lantern around. "Firs' years! Firs' years over here!" He called. Harry smiled at seeing his old friend. Even if he wasn't sure that he could truly trust him.
The group of four headed to the boats where He got in behind Snape and Lilly. He looked over to see Amelia looking a bit nervously at the swaying boat. He held out his hand to her. She looked from his outstretched hand to his eyes. "Don't worry I won't let anything happen." He told her softly so others couldn't hear.
She stared into his sapphire eyes for a long moment before she reached out and gently took the hand. He helped her into the boat and get settled in. He expected her to let go once settled she didn't and kept a tight hold on his hand. He found he didn't mind though.
The sight of coming upon the castle from the lake was once again a breath taking one. The windows all glittering in the darkness. The reflection off the water a tranquil scene. He looked around to see the other's reaction when he noticed a group of four boys in a boat across from them. One boy that he instantly could tell was James Potter. The boy was looking over at Lily with a faraway look in his eye that made Harry a bit uneasy. Looking at the other boys he could easily tell who who was. Remus however was looking better than he had in his time. Not nearly as worn though. Sirius was a rather handsome boy when he hadn't gone through hell. Pettigrew however hadn't changed at all. He still looked rather rattish.
When the boats arrived at the cave entrance Amelia finally let go. They climbed out and were led into the same antechamber. McGonagall came out and gave the same spiel about the house being your family. He couldn't help but snort at that. How many times had his so-called family left him to suffer alone in his last life. Then the ghosts came bustling through talking about peeves.
Just like in his first go around people were whispering about what they thought was going to happen. Lilly stood there looking rather nervous. He reached out and placed his hand on her shoulder gaining her attention. He gave her a kind smile. "Don't worry Lily it won't be anything horrible, I am sure. They wouldn't put us into danger like that." He whispered loud enough for Amelia to hear him. Snap also heard having been glaring at him since he touched Lily's shoulder.
She relaxed a bit at his words and gave him a smile. Finally, McGonagall came back and led them into the hall. It still amazed him how the ceiling looked. He smiled as he looked at Amelia and Lilly staring up in awe. He glanced around when he heard a pssst. He noticed Edgar smiling and waving like a fool. He smiled and shook his head, tapping Amelia on her shoulder. She looked over at him and he motioned to her brother. By this time, he was making silly faces at them. She scowled at him making him smile more.
"I'm going to kill him." She hissed.
"Come on Amelia it isn't so bad. He could be hollering out your name or something." Harry tried to placate the girl. She just huffed and looked away from her brother.
Harry just chuckled as the sorting ceremony started. Name after name was called and he only recognized a few. Sirius was put into Gryffindor which wasn't a surprise. Amelia was none to shocking as she joined her brother at the Badger den, punching him in the arm as she sat down. This drew a laugh from the boy as he nudged her with his shoulder.
What was surprising though was Lily's sorting. After the hat was put on her head it took a total of six minutes for it to finally call out a house. The house that it called though was the surprise. Instead of calling Gryffindor it shouted Ravenclaw. He was confused as he watched her glance at him and then take up a seat at the blue and bronze table. He was concerned that this would prevent her from getting with James but then remembered deaths parting words. They may not be with the people that they were with before. He decided to just go with the flow on this and see what happened.
He watched as Alice Fortescue was placed into Gryffindor. So too was Frank Longbottom. Remus was put into Gryffindor high fiving Sirius as he sat down. Next up was Marlene McKinnon getting put into Gryffindor.
Finally, it was Harrys turn to be sorted. "Harry Pendragon!" McGonagall called out and the hall went silent. He rolled his eyes as he made his way to the front.
"Did she just say Pendragon?"
"As in Arthur Pendragon the Most Ancient and Most noble house?"
"Like King Arthur?"
And on it went as the word of his name spread like wildfire. Before the hat came down over his eyes, he spotted snape looking rather sour and Lilly looking confused. Then he was plunged into darkness. He then felt the foreign presence enter his mind.
"Well if this isn't one of the oddest things, I have ever come across in one's mind. I have never met someone who has come to me through time and space itself to get here. Nor have I met a man who had died before. But that isn't really the important thing here I suppose. After all you simply being here has changed many things. So, the real question would be where to put you. Hmmm." The hat said as Harry felt him pilfering through his head. "Ah I see that you have found out not to trust the headmaster. The man has sat at the top for too long and has let it go to his head if you ask me."
Harry decided to reply to this. "Well, I'm sure it will be a thorn in his side with me being around."
The hat chuckled. "Oh, indeed it will. Your familiar alone will be a thorn in his bonnet. He had gone out of his way to make people think all things snake is evil. Speaking of snakes, I can see why I would have tried putting you there before. You would do good. However, I think it best to keep you away from them this time around. There are a few I think could help you, but you would kill the others. Hmmm. You are rather loyal and hard working. No, no Hufflepuff wouldn't be quite right for you. To many people look down on them and it wouldn't help you. You are exceptionally brave from your last life, but no Gryffindor isn't right either. Well then that only leaves one option now doesn't it. You should do wonderful in… RAVENCLAW!" He shouted.
The hate was taken off his head and he softly thanked the deputy headmistress as he walked down to the Ravenclaw table. He smiled over at the Bones who smiled back. He took a seat next to Lily who didn't look overly happy. "Why didn't you tell me your last name?" She asked softly sounding both a little angry and hurt.
Harry smiled a little sadly at her. "As I'm sure you heard most people treat me differently due to my name. I hate that. I just want to be Harry, my own person and want people to see me as such. I am proud of my family and my name, but I want people to see me for me and not my ancestor."
Lilly looked him in the eyes for a moment before she smiled a little. "Okay I guess I can forgive you for this one then. I can understand wanting people to see you for you."
Harry smiled gently at her. "Thanks Lily. Trust me I wouldn't have kept this from you simply to hurt you or anything."
She nodded at him and smiled as they turned back to the sorting. James was being sorted into Gryffindor and when he started to go to the lions table, he looked over at Lilly again. He also frowned when he seen her sitting next to Harry. The last person Harry really knew from his time was Snape who was very quickly put into Slytherin. The boy took his seat and the sorting quickly wrapped up after him.
Harry looked around only to find the headmaster watching him out of the corner of his eye. He shuddered a bit at the old man's gaze. It probably was more out of curiosity now but could turn to something more devious later. The old man gave a similarly odd speech as he had the last time.
"He's a bit off, isn't he?" Lilly whispered to him while looking at the old man.
"Hmm yes, he is really. However, it could be an act to help put people at ease." He said softly back only drawing the attention of a few older students around them.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"Well, I'm not sure how much you know about him, but he is well known for being the most powerful man since Merlin supposedly. He is also known as being the defeated of Grindelwald a dark wizard in the forties who started a war on the wizarding war. He was also said to be just as powerful. Knowing this as most who were raised in our world and even those coming into it who may have read on him it makes sense to be cautious of him. However, he is also known as the leader of the light. Now the leader of the light can't be feared by children particularly those that are his students. So would it not make sense that he would act a little off his rocker to put them at ease?" He explained gaining many calculating nods. Many of the older students who heard were thinking the hat made a good choice in his placement. Lilly just smiled and nodded having realized he was most likely right. All and all it was already starting to shape up to being a good year.