Chapter 13: The Return to Hogwarts

The 1st of September 1991 was hot, dry and sunny with not a cloud appearing in the calm, bright blue skies over London. Harry had woken early and made sure everything he was taking had been packed safely before heading downstairs to an early breakfast. Sirius, Andi and Ted were all planning on accompanying Harry and Dora to the station for Harry's second 'first' year at Hogwarts, and Dora's last.

Harry thought back to the previous night's conversation with Ted. He'd remembered Molly Weasley's loud words about muggles and her apparent inability to recall the platform number and had asked Ted to wait outside the barrier to see if this would happen again. They'd already planned for Harry to meet up with some of his friends on the train and so would be at the station early, avoiding the troop of red-headed Gryffindors who'd had a tendency to arrive as close to departure as possible in his prior time.

He was also dreading the encounter with Dumbledore that would inevitably occur after the welcoming feast. Somehow Dumbledore had remained ignorant of Harry's new family status – Severus had told him that the objects tied to Harry's health in Dumbledore's office were still ticking on nicely. He'd seen them during a meeting he'd been summoned to with the headmaster that contained no indication that he was aware of anything Harry had done in the last few years.

"Now Severus," Dumbledore began, "Harry Potter will be joining us this year…"

"And I'm sure he'll be as much of an arrogant toe rag as his father was before him." Severus spat.

Dumbledore continued speaking, ignoring the words of his Potions Master. "…and I would hope you will be able to see past his outward appearance and deal with him as an individual, setting aside any preconceived notions you may have of him?"

"Yes, Headmaster. Right up until he displays his true colours and then I will take the appropriate measures."

Dumbledore sighed. "You are, of course, well within your rights to punish the students appropriately for misbehaviour but I must insist you not be too harsh on the boy. He has been ignorant of our world up until now for his own safety and it would not do us any favours to turn him away from us. I believe he has a further role to play in the future."

"You still insist that the Dark Lord has not gone?"

"I believe that is the case. A simple look at your forearm would suggest I am correct. If Voldemort were truly gone would that mark still be visible at all? You yourself have told me it has faded since that Halloween night in 1981 but has not disappeared entirely."

"Very well. I will reserve my judgement until I have met the boy but do not be surprised if he turns out as I expect."

"Thank you, Severus. That is all I ask."

At precisely 10 am the party arrived at Platform 9 ¾. Ted helped Dora and Harry onto the train and said goodbye to them both, before disappearing through the portal to await the arrivals of the Weasley's. Harry and Sirius strolled along the platform for a while, chatting about inconsequential things until they reached the spot where Dolohov had made his attack.

"This is it, Sirius. This is where it happened…"

Sirius reached out and placed a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder.

"I didn't even think about this… coming here again? I've been so focussed on preparing myself for what's coming…" Harry took a deep, shaking breath. "I was stood right here… this was the last place I saw my family." With that, Harry broke down into tears and clung desperately to Sirius who had pulled him into a tight hug, allowing Harry to sob into his chest. After a few moments, the tears stopped and Harry gathered his emotions again. Wiping the tears from his cheeks he took another deep breath and let it out slowly. "Thanks, Sirius."

"Don't mention it Pup," Sirius said gently. "They'll never leave you, just remember you're back here to help build a future they would be proud of." Sirius glanced up over the top of Harry's head and caught sight of a brown-haired girl who seemed to have been watching them, turning away quickly and climbing onto the train. "Now, straighten up and get ahold of yourself. I do believe Miss Granger has arrived."

"Hermione's here?" Harry's turned, wiping his face one more and looking down the platform for a sight of his friend.

"She's just got into the fourth carriage. Why don't you go introduce yourself again? Hopefully, you'll do better than that shambles in the bookshop." Sirius grinned mischievously at Harry and received a punch on the arm in return. "Hey!" he said, rubbing the now sore spot where Harry had made contact.

"In all seriousness Sirius, thank you. For everything you, Ted and Andi have done so far, and for believing me." Harry pulled him into one final hug.

"You're welcome Pup. Now get going!"

Harry made his way along the train until he found Hermione sat on her own, looking out of the window onto the platform. He hesitated at the doorway and wiped his clammy hands down his front. Why was he so nervous? He'd felt the same way when they'd met in Diagon Alley but before he could follow that train of thought any further, she spoke.

"Are you just going to stand there and stare at me all day or are you going to come in?"

Harry took a breath and stepped into the compartment. "Sorry… it's just I recognised you from the Alley and the last time we spoke didn't seem to go particularly well…" Hermione looked at Harry with a puzzled expression on her face. "We met in Flourish and Blotts – I helped you reach a copy of Hogwarts: A History. I'm Harry Potter. You're Hermione right?"

"Yes, Hermione Granger. So that was you? I'm sorry if I was impolite in the shop, it was all just a little overwhelming."

"No – not a problem at all! Listen, I'm supposed to be meeting some friends in a bit, would you like to join us?"

"Yes thank you… You say you're meeting some friends? Will they also be first years?" Hermione looked quizzically at Harry.

"Yeah, I've known them for a couple of years now. Neville, Susan, Hannah and Daphne. All of us are heirs to our houses and we ended up learning about politics and etiquette together…" Harry trailed off as he noticed a strange expression on Hermione's face. "Are you OK?"

"Of course!" she replied hastily. "It's just strange to hear you talk about needing training on being the head of a house. It sounds like something out of the Victorian era."

Harry chuckled. "Oddly that's pretty much bang on the money. In some ways the Wizarding world is stuck in the past, that's something I'm hoping I can help fix once I come of age."

Harry grabbed Hermione's trunk for her and carried it to the compartment he'd stowed his things in earlier. Just as they sat down, Dora poked her head through the door. "Harry – some of my friends have just arrived so I'm going to head off to sit with them." She eyed Hermione who appeared to be staring at her bring pink hair. "Everything OK here?"

"Yeah. Hermione, this is Dora Tonks. Dora's not her full name but I can't tell you that under pain of death. She's basically been my adopted big sister for the last few years."

"Wotcher Hermione," Dora said with a grin before turning back to Harry. "I'll be a few carriages up if you need anything." With that, she withdrew her head and headed back up the train.

"Are you sure you're OK Hermione?" Harry asked again.

"Yes, I'm fine. It's just all a little… overwhelming. Will you tell me more about yourself?" She gave Harry a small, shy smile. "About your family I mean. I'd read somewhere that you lived with your muggle relatives but now it seems you've got a witch as an adopted sister and a raft of magical friends?"

"Yeah, my muggle relatives didn't really care for me so I moved in with my Godfather's cousin, and was eventually adopted by him. Legally my name is Harry Black-Potter but I only use Potter – it helps me feel connected to my parents."

Hermione leant across and briefly clasped Harry's hand in sympathy. The pair felt another shock, similar to the one they'd experienced in the bookstore but not as sharp this time, and Hermione sat immediately back in her seat and listened to Harry talk.

Harry had noticed that Hermione seemed to be much more relaxed than on their previous first journey. She wasn't speaking at a mile a minute, nor was she demonstrating the bossy nature that had so 'endeared' her to Harry and Ron, but Harry pushed these concerns aside, just happy to be in the company of his best friend again.

Suddenly the door to their compartment slid open. "My Lord Potter! What an absolutely spiffing pleasure it is to see you again my dear fellow!" A slightly chubby young boy stood in the doorway and was throwing a mock bow in the direction of Harry, who shot an apologetic grin to Hermione before standing.

"Heir Longbottom! May I just say this is an honour and a delight! It would have been almost criminal for us not have had the opportunity to have a jolly good chinwag on this journey!"

"Move out of the way Nev – this trunk is heavy!" A girl's head appeared over Neville's shoulder and pushed him into the compartment. "Hi, Harry!"

"Hi Susan – good to see you again." smiled Harry. "You too Nev. No Trevor with you?"

"No, I left him at home with Gran. I took your advice – he'll just end up getting lost."

"Trevor is Neville's pet toad," Harry said to Hermione. "Guys this is Hermione Granger – she's a first-year too. Hermione, this is Neville Longbottom and Susan Bones… and this is Hannah Abbott." Harry pointed at the blonde, pigtailed girl who had just stumbled in dragging her trunk behind her. Hermione had only just waved hello when they were interrupted once more by another tall blonde girl who was introduced as Daphne Greengrass.

They settled into their seats and began the friendly banter that comes easily to people that have known each other for a while but went to great lengths to include Hermione in their conversations, something that both Harry and Hermione were grateful for. Hermione hadn't really had many female friends at Hogwarts, having spent most of her time with Harry and Ron, so Harry was pleased to see her engaging with the others.

Harry joined in the discussions but continued to peer out of the carriage window towards the portal from the muggle side of Kings Cross station, bouncing his leg distractedly as though he was waiting for something. At 10:57 he stilled abruptly and Hermione glanced outside to see a family with bright red hair scampering onto the platform and hurriedly loading their trunks onto the train. A woman, who looked like she was probably their mother, was shouting at them and trying to hurry them onto the train, looking harassed as she glanced up and down the platform. She turned her head and peered at their compartment window and Harry immediately ducked back out of sight.

"Is everything OK Harry? Do you know that woman?" Hermione asked quietly so the others in the compartment couldn't hear.

"No, no. Everything's fine." He said, shooting Hermione a smile and rapidly changing the subject, missing Hermione's considering gaze as the door opened once more to show the youngest red-headed boy from the platform who was staring at Harry. "Hi, I'm Ron – everywhere else is full, do you mind if I sit here?"

Susan looked around the compartment with a bemused expression. "But this one is full too you see? Six seats, six people?"

"Oh…" Ron stuttered. "Ermm… I could just squeeze in…"

"Sorry mate," said Harry suddenly standing and making Ron take a step back "but there's really no room. Maybe try the next one down?" He flashed Ron a tight smile and closed the door before sitting back down.

"What was that about?" Hermione asked.

"Something we all expected. He wasn't the first, and he certainly won't be the last person who wants to be friends with 'the-boy-who-lived." said Daphne with a touch of warning in her voice. "We all learnt quite early on that if you want to get to know Harry you have to set that all to one side."

"I don't think Hermione is going to have that issue," Harry said with a laugh. "She was really quite rude to me the first time we met." He grinned at Hermione and her cheeks flushed as Harry recounted the story of their meeting.

With the train underway, the compartment's occupants all settled in for the long journey. Hermione had dug into her trunk and pulled out a book which she now appeared to be engrossed in. Harry had done the same but occasionally shot glances over the top of his book at Hermione, trying to figure her out. She was still the Hermione he remembered, but seemed more rounded somehow, closer to the way he remembered her in their later school years than their first. He was trying to make sense of things when the door slid open once more and the confrontation he'd been expecting stepped into the compartment.

"Is it true?" the boy said. "They're saying all down the train that Harry Potter's in this compartment. So it's you, is it?"

"Yes," said Harry. He was looking at the other boys who had lingered in the doorway.

"Oh, this is Crabbe and this is Goyle," said the pale boy carelessly, noticing where Harry was looking. "And my name's Malfoy, Draco Malfoy." (1)

"Ah!" Harry stood and held out his hand. "I was wondering if we'd meet today, my Godfather said you would be attending Hogwarts this year Heir Malfoy. Allow me to introduce myself and my companions. I am Lord Harry Black-Potter, Head of House Potter and House Peverell and Heir to House Black. These are Heir Neville Longbottom and Heiresses Susan Bones, Hannah Abbott and Daphne Greengrass. And finally, this is Miss Hermione Granger. A pleasure to meet you."

Malfoy stepped back, thrown by the unexpectedly cordial greeting. Automatically he reached out and shook Harry's hand. "The pleasure is mine Lord Potter."

"Please, call me Harry." He said with a smile. "If you don't mind we'd all like to get to know you a little better – after all, we'll all be working together on the Wizengamot one day. Would you mind if we perhaps arranged to catch up once we were all settled in at school?"

"Of course Harry. Call me Draco. I look forward to it." He gave a short bow to the girls and a brisk nod to Neville and backed out of the compartment with a confused expression on his face.

Harry sat back down to words of approval from his friends at the way he'd dealt with the situation but missed another evaluating look from Hermione over the top of her book.

"Firs' years! Firs' years this way!" The enormous figure of Hagrid towered over the sea of schoolchildren who were now mingling on the Hogsmeade station platform. Harry kept his head down, unable to show his familiarity with Hagrid as they were yet to officially meet, and instead walked alongside Hermione as the first years all made their way down to the small boats that would carry them across the black lake and give them their first sight of the castle that would be their homes for the next seven years.

"No more than four to a boat!" Hagrid called as Ron tried to squeeze himself onto the craft that contained Harry, Hermione, Neville and Daphne. Ron gave a huff and walked off to look for space elsewhere, then, as the last child was seated, they were swept silently onto the lake.

"Watch yer 'eads here" called Hagrid as they approached a low rocky outcropping. Harry nudged Hermione. "Keep an eye out – you're not going to want to miss this," he whispered.

Suddenly the small boats swung around a corner and the illuminated marvel that was Hogwarts came into view. Gasps could be heard all over as the youngsters took in their first view of the school. Hermione took the opportunity to steal a glimpse at Harry. His eyes were shining and he had a wide beaming smile on his face as he gazed up at the castle.

Eventually, they came to a stop at the bottom of a wide stone staircase that led up to an enormous pair of doors. Hagrid ascended first and used a heavy iron ring to knock on the door, which was opened almost immediately by the stern, but familiar face of Minerva McGonagall.

"The firs' years Professor McGonagall."

"Thank you Hagrid, I'll take them from here. Follow me everyone, and stay together."

Harry tuned out the Deputy Headmistress as she began to explain the houses and instead looked around the antechamber the students had been gathered in. He caught Neville's eye and shot him a small grin, barely noticing his former head of house leaving the room. The scream that echoed around the chamber caught him by surprise and he jumped as the Hogwarts ghosts filtered through the stone wall next to him.

Moments later Professor McGonagall returned and led them all into the Great Hall. Hermione was walking next to him and opened her mouth to speak but, unable to resist, Harry nudged her and said "Look at the ceiling, it's enchanted to look like the sky outside. I read about it in Hogwarts: A History." A look of irritation flashed across Hermione's face but was swiftly replaced by a glare. Harry tried desperately to stifle the giggles welling up inside him and managed to regain control as the Sorting Hat was placed on a stool in front of them 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.

You can keep your bowlers black,

Your top hats sleek and tall,

For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat

And I can cap them all.

There's nothing hidden in your head

The Sorting Hat can't see,

So try me on and I will tell you

Where you ought to be.

You might belong in Gryffindor,

Where dwell the brave at heart,

Their daring, nerve and chivalry

Set Gryffindors apart;

You might belong in Hufflepuff,

Where they are just and loyal,

Those patient Hufflepuffs are true

And unafraid of toil;

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,

If you've a ready mind,

Where those of wit and learning,

Will always find their kind;

Or perhaps in Slytherin

You'll make your real friends,

Those cunning folk use any means

To achieve their ends.

So put me on! Don't be afraid!

And don't get in a flap!

You're in safe hands (though I have none)

For I'm a Thinking Cap! (2)

The hall broke into applause following the song but soon fell silent as Professor McGonagall stepped forward and began to read names from a list.

"Abbot, Hannah!"

Hannah stepped forward after giving Susan's hand a quick squeeze, then sat on the stool facing the other first years.

"Hufflepuff" whispered Harry, quietly enough so no one else would be able to hear. Concentrating on the sight before him, he missed the sharp intake breath from his side.

"HUFFLEPUFF" roared the sorting hat and the table of students nearest to him burst into cheers.

There was a slight pause before the next name was called as the Hogwarts Deputy glanced up at the Headmaster.

"Black-Potter, Harry!"

Whispers and muttering broke out around the hall. "Did she say Black-Potter?" The Headmaster stared down at Harry as he made his way forward and placed the hat on his head.

"Well, well, well. This is unexpected." The hat spoke once again directly into Harry's mind. "I see I've sorted you before. Now how did that come to pass?" The hat sorted through Harry's memories, learning all about the tasks he had to accomplish. "A Gryffindor last time eh? Well, that won't help you achieve your goals. I agree with your assessment as to your likely destinations, now which one to choose…"

"Whatever you decide is fine," thought Harry anxiously "but please don't tell the Headmaster my secret."

"Not to worry Mr Potter. This will be kept in the strictest confidence, though I would like the opportunity to talk with you further in the future."

"Of course." Harry suddenly became aware of the murmuring of students around him and realised he'd been sat on the stool for a number of minutes now. "Ermm… could we hurry things along a little, please? I'm a little uncomfortable with the looks I'm getting."

"Oh, certainly!"

The hat brim opened wide and it seemed the students were collectively holding their breath and leaning forwards in anticipation.

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

A shocked silence filled the hall. A confused sounding "We didn't get Potter?" emanated from the Gryffindor table but the silence was broken fully by one of the students waiting to be sorted.

Ron Weasley couldn't believe his ears "Wait? Potter's a duffer?"

"Detention. Tomorrow night and for the rest of the week." stormed Professor Sprout, looking enraged at the disrespect shown to her house by a student yet to be sorted. The Hufflepuff table looked angrily at the youngest Weasley brother who appeared to shrink in on himself.

"Mr Black-Potter, would you please join your house so we can recommence with the sorting?" Professor McGonagall took the hat from Harry as his new housemates finally caught up with what had happened and exploded with delight for their newest Badger.

Harry sat down at the table opposite Hannah then looked around – first grinning at Dora who was cheering for him like mad, then up at the head table where he caught a brief nod from Severus and avoided the Headmaster's stare altogether. He was pleased to notice there was no twinge of pain when the back of Quirrell's head was turned towards him.

"Bones, Susan!"

"Hufflepuff" whispered Harry.

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

Susan joined her friends to loud cheers and sat herself next to Hannah. She flashed Harry a wide smile before turning back to watch the rest of the sorting.

"Boot, Terry!" McGonagall called.

"Ravenclaw"

"RAVENCLAW" bellowed the hat.

Harry continued to whisper each house ahead of the sorting hat's decision. Whilst unaware of the eyes that were lingering on him, he was correct each time right up until the name of his best friend.

"Granger, Hermione!"

Harry looked down at the table in disappointment. He knew he'd done what was necessary by being sorted away from Gryffindor, but it still hurt that he wouldn't get to spend every day with his friend this time around. He didn't watch as Hermione stepped up and pulled the hat down onto her head, nor did he see her face twitch at the discussion she was clearly having with the hat.

"Gryffindor" Harry whispered sadly.

"HUFFLEPUFF!" roared the sorting hat.

Once again his housemates burst out in cheers for the newest addition to The Sett. Harry's head snapped up and he locked eyes with Hermione as she strode toward him. Taking the empty space next to him she leant over and whispered ten words into his ear before pulling him into a hug.

Harry's brain took a moment to kick in and process the words she'd said before he grabbed her and returned the hug with everything he had.

"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good"

A/N: (1) Lines you recognise here are taken directly from Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone.
(2) Sorting hat song taken directly from Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone.