Harry Potter and the Shadowed Light
Chapter 6
Previously
Happy now that he had finished all of his shopping, Harry found a small cafe to have lunch before returning to collect his clothing. Glad he was done, Harry wandered through the Leaky Cauldron and apperated back to Surrey.
He didn't want to risk forgetting anything about his first year again like he almost did with the stone, so he was going to make a list of everything that had happened. Thinking back as he wrote, Harry couldn't believe at the amount of things he had done that played into Dumbledore's hands; but, then again, that was probably exactly what he had wanted. Vowing things would be different, Harry started to plot.
4 Privet Drive, September 1st 1991
On the morning of September 1st, Harry could hardly contain his impatience and resentment. He had spent the last month reviewing everything that had happened in his last life, and he honestly feared that he would curse Dumbledore the moment he saw him. So much had been manipulated that Harry truly feared he had never once had a chance to act like himself, to be his own person.
Doing one final check of his room, Harry was happy to see that he had not forgotten anything. When he had been packing his trunk, Harry had been careful to ward each compartment individually - especially his book compartment. Harry had returned to London a few times since his first visit in order to buy a variety of books; books that would not be approved of by many. He had travelled to Knockturn Alley a few times in his past life, but never extensively, so Harry had been anxious this time around, however, his presence was soon ignored.
Harry had also been to a private healer and, after making him swear a privacy vow, had him perform an in depth scan. Harry had been pleased when he had learnt that, without the glamour, he had no need for his glasses, but he still wanted to be checked out. The healer had been horrified after the scans were done and had tried to get Harry to report the damage to the ministry. Many of his bones had breaks that had healed incorrectly and he had numerous scars. Harry had been given potions to fix the damage as well as an ointment to wear while sleeping. The healer had also worried for Harry's growth and development and given Harry potions to combat the damage, though he would never be tall, Harry hope to gain another inch or two.
With a final glance around, Harry cast a tempus charm that said it was half 10. Deciding to get to the platform early and find a compartment, Harry released Hedwig from her cage.
"You can fly to Hogwarts from here," he said, not wanting her to be cooped up for the long journey. Stretching her wings, Hedwig swooped over to Harry and landed on his shoulder, pecking his ear affectionately before taking flight out of the open window.
Walking down the stairs, Harry was not surprised when he saw Petunia standing awkwardly by the front door. He had had few interactions with the Dursleys in the last month; they had taken his warnings to heart after Harry had once again cursed Vernon, this time with Dudley watching, when the man had tried to hit Harry once he had returned from Diagon Alley the first time.
"You're going then," she said.
"Yes, I won't be back until the summer. If I return at all," Harry told her.
Petunia swallowed again. "Right then, good."
Walking past her with his school supplies shrunk down in his pocket, Harry walked a short distance before apparating onto the platform.
Kings Cross Station, September 1st 1991
Arriving at the station, Harry walked quickly. There were a few families milling about that Harry chose to ignore in favour of getting onto the train.
Finding an empty compartment, Harry entered and un-shrunk his trunk, levitating it above him before he sat down and conjured the book he had been reading: Mind Magics, Shields, and Webs. Even with his mind protected by his heir ring, Harry wanted to learn occlumency, if only so he would have better control of his emotions. He had so far developed the beginnings of a mindscape and was trying to meditate for at least an hour a day before bed. It was hard going, but he was positive he would have mastered it by the end of the year.
Eventually Harry's solitude was disturbed by knocking on the door to his compartment. Looking up in time, Harry saw a young Susan Bones enter alongside Hannah Abbott.
"Do you mind if we join you?" Susan asked, standing just inside the door.
Smiling Harry nodded. "Of course," he said. He had liked both of these girls in his last life, although they hadn't really been friends. He had known them and worked with them as part of the DA. He also knew they would never be part of Dumbledore's schemes; Susan in particular, as her aunt was the head of the DMLE.
Sitting down opposite him, both girls exchanged a look before Susan held out her hand. "I'm Susan Bones," she introduced herself.
Taking her hand and kissing the air above it, Harry smiled slightly at her blushed cheeks. "A pleasure, Miss Bones. My name is Harrison Potter."
When they heard his name both girls instantly looked at his forehead and to the place his fringe was covering.
Hannah gulped before holding out her hand. "I'm honoured to meet you Harry - I mean, Harrison. I'm Hannah Abbott."
Doing the same to Hannah, Harry kissed her hand before looking at both girls. They were staring at him with fascination that made Harry want to sigh.
"I understand that you've grown up with stories about me, but honestly, I would rather you treat me like every other student. I'm really not that interesting, and please feel free to call me Harrison or Harry. I really don't like it when people act weird around me or treat me special for something I have no memory of doing."
Susan seemed to come to a decision then and smiled at him. "So, Harry," she started, "are you excited to start Hogwarts?"
Happy that he would not be putting up with fangirls for the entire trip, Harry relaxed slightly in his chair. "I am, I've read all about it," Harry said, letting himself act as a soundboard to the two girls, who seemed to explode talking about all they had heard about Hogwarts.
Just as the train started to pull away, another knock was heard. Turning, Harry saw that this time a very timid looking Neville Longbottom had entered and was now standing awkwardly, clutching his toad in his hands.
"D-do you m-m-mind if I sit with you?" he stuttered out.
Without sparing the girls a glance, Harry agreed, indicating for Neville to sit next to him as he moved his satchel out of the way.
"Hello," Harry greeted, knowing that at this age Neville was a walking bag of nerves. It wasn't until 5th year that the Neville he knew gained any confidence. "Who've you got there?" Harry asked, indicating to the toad.
Neville seemed to calm down when Harry started to speak to him. "T-Trevor. His name is Trevor, and my name is Neville, Neville Longbottom," he said, looking around the compartment.
Looking up, Harry gave the girls encouraging smiles, which they seemed to pick up on. Sitting forward, Hannah and Susan both introduced themselves.
Once they had done, Harry smiled and introduced himself, "Pleased to meet you, Neville, my name's Harrison Potter."
Neville spluttered and tried to say something, but no words came out. Deciding to save him, Harry smiled and said, "I know, I know - Boy-Who-Lived and all that rubbish, but really? I'm just Harry."
Susan, who had watched this, laughed, "I see what you mean, Harry. I bet it does get tiring being treated like that all the time."
Neville seemed to shrink in on himself for a moment before he realised they were not laughing at him, sending Harry a hesitant smile.
"Do you have the scar?" Neville asked hesitantly, reminding Harry that Neville was a true Gryffindor. The girls instantly stopped their quiet conversation to look at Harry with interest.
Sighing, Harry moved his fringe and showed them before brushing his hair back into place.
"Does it hurt?" Hannah asked tentatively.
Harry smiled at the girl. "No, not usually. However, sometimes it can ache after I have dreams."
Susan frowned. "Dreams?" she asked.
"I think they're of that night," Harry paused to shrug, "I'm really not sure, and sometimes it just aches in general," he said, wanting to spread this story for when his scar ached in Quirrell's presence, if it did this time around.
"Oh," was the quiet reply he got.
"Well, that was depressing," Harry said, trying to brighten the mood. "Before you got here Neville, we were talking out the four houses. Do you know which house you want?"
Neville seemed to shake himself before he smiled. "My gran thinks I destined for Hufflepuff," he said sadly.
"And what's wrong with Hufflepuff?" the girls demanded simultaneously before they giggled.
"N-nothing," Neville said, scared for a moment he had insulted them.
Harry laughed. "Ignore them Nev, they're both proud descendants of mighty 'puffs," Harry said.
"What about you, Harry?" Neville asked.
"Honestly there's a chance I'll be in Slytherin I think, but I want Ravenclaw," Harry said, shocking them.
"S-S-Slytherin?" Neville squeaked.
"Sure," Harry said happily, ignoring their horrified looks.
"Do you really think that's possible?" asked Susan.
"It's the house of ambition and cunning," Harry said, "and I think that I'm ambitious."
"But, well, You-Know-Who..." Hannah trailed off.
"I don't think that an entire house should be judged just because of what happened in the last war. I mean, not all dark wizards are in Slytherin, there are dark wizards in any house, just like there are light wizards in any house, including Slytherin," Harry said.
Susan nodded. "You're right, Harry."
"Anyway, I think I would prefer Ravenclaw, so I'm going to ask the hat for that."
"Ask the hat?" Neville asked.
Harry realised his mistake, remembering how wizards all tried to keep it a secret how you were sorted. "Oops," he said sheepishly, looking around the compartment.
Hannah and Susan shared a look and laughed.
"It's okay Harry, we know how it works," Hannah said.
"Yeah, my aunt Amelia told us because we were worried," Susan continued, whispering conspiratorially.
Neville just looked confused. "I don't get it," he said making them all laugh again.
"It's okay Nev, don't worry," Harry said.
"You never did say where you wanted to be placed, Neville," Hannah said after she finished laughing.
"Oh, well, I think I want to go to Gryffindor," Neville said. "My parents were in Gryffindor, but, well, I doubt I'll get in..."
"Don't be silly, Neville," Harry said. "I think you would do great in Gryffindor."
"Really?" Neville asked eagerly.
Just then the door to their compartment opened, causing them all to turn and look.
"Can we help you?" Susan asked.
"Can I - oh, it's you," came the derisive voice of Hermione Granger.
Seeing her look, Neville turned to Harry. "Do you know her, Harry?" he asked.
"We met briefly in Ollivander's. Miss Granger, yes?" Harry said, saying her name as a question.
"He was very rude to me actually," Hermione said. "Didn't your parents teach you not to be rude to people?" she added snidely. Harry couldn't believe his luck - with that comment she had doomed herself, not just to him, but to everybody who heard it.
The silence that followed was consuming. Harry had to bite his lip to keep from laughing, which made the situation for Hermione worse as it looked like he was trying to contain his sadness, not his laughter.
"Get out," said Neville, his voice so soft and deadly that even Harry was shocked for a moment.
"I beg your pardon?" Hermione said, shocked by his tone.
"I said leave," Neville said, standing.
"But—"
"You heard him," Susan added, also standing and giving Hermione a withering stare.
Looking around, Hermione stuck her nose up and turned, slamming the door in her haste to retreat.
Silence fell before Hannah hesitantly spoke. "Are you okay, Harry?" she asked.
Taking another moment as he feared if he opened his mouth he would break out in laughter, Harry shut his eyes and centred himself. "Yes," he said softly.
Turning to Neville, he smiled at the boy, who was still standing and looking shocked. "Thank you, Neville," Harry said. "Thank you all," he added to the girls.
"It's okay Harry, that's what friends are for." His hesitant use of the word friend made Harry sad; Neville never seemed to have real friends until he was older and, thinking back on it, that made Harry feel guilty as Neville was a true friend when given a chance. "She had no right to say that to you about your parents," Neville added after seeing Harry's smile.
"I don't know what I did to her - in the shop, I mean. She just seemed to hate me as soon as she saw me; when I entered she made a snide comment and when I ignored her she started to argue with me," Harry said, adopting a confused expression.
Susan sat back and shook her head. "She's probably muggleborn," she said before quickly adding, "Not that I have a problem with muggleborns or think purebloods are better or anything, no, it's just that sometimes when they first enter our world they feel like they have something to prove. Then again, she could just be a terrible person."
Harry laughed. "I think it's a combination of all of that, to be honest," he said, easing Susan's fears that she would upset Harry when she mentioned muggleborns.
Seeing the tension slowly ease, Harry sat back happily. He had worried when he thought about coming back to Hogwarts that he wouldn't be able to cope with being 11 again and surrounded by children, but now he had more confidence that he would manage. At least he hoped he would.
"And to think, Neville," Harry said, "you didn't think you were Gryffindor material. What you just did was brave.,"
Neville perked up. "It was, wasn't it?" he said, his excitement making the girls smile.
Eventually Harry started to tune out the conversation and picked up his book again. Reading, Harry would add the occasional comment, but for the next hour or so he devoured the chapter in his book.
"Are you interested in mind magic?" Susan asked when Harry closed the book, having finished the chapter he had been on.
"Yes, I find it to be quite fascinating," Harry said.
"My aunt has told me a little about it," Susan said. "It's really hard to master, but she promised to try and teach me some basic occlumency next summer; she said it would help me study."
Harry was not surprised by this, a lot of purebloods and halfbloods taught their children occlumency if they could.
"You've heard of occlumency, right?" Susan asked.
"Yes, I find it fascinating. I read about it over the summer, which is what lead me to reading this book. I've started to do some of the exercises and think I've got a good starting base," Harry said.
"That's cool. You know, I'm sure my aunt wouldn't mind answering any questions if you have any. She's a Master Occlumens because of her job," Susan said happily.
"Thank you, I will remember that," Harry promised. Once again the conversation drifted and Harry found his thoughts wandering. He joined in, adding comments in places, but he was more than happy to sit back and observe.
This time when the trolley lady got to their compartment, Harry once again bought a large amount of food and, like last time, he shared his treats before putting half away in his trunk.
"I heard it's a smart idea to buy a load now so they can last, we're not allowed to go to Hogsmeade until 3rd year and well... in my case, I don't really have anyone to send me sweets," Harry said at their curious looks.
"Is it true then? The rumours?" Neville asked.
"What rumours would those be? I've heard a lot recently."
"Well... that you were raised by muggles?" Neville said.
"Oh, that rumour," Harry said, his voice losing some of its warmth, "yes. My aunt and uncle."
"Do you not like them?" Susan asked, picking up on Harry's tone.
Harry was suddenly glad that she and Hannah had decided to sit with him; the odds are that she would tell her aunt anything he said. "Well it's not that, it's just that, well…. They don't like anything not normal, not muggle, and me, well, I'm not normal to them," Harry said in a quiet voice.
Hannah gasped quietly. "They don't like you?" she said, shocked.
Harry just shrugged.
"They don't, you know…." Susan asked hesitantly.
Harry just looked up. "It's not so bad now, since I got my letter," is all he said.
After letting that sink in and a silence fall, Harry had to congratulate himself. He doubted that it would change anything but it certainly wouldn't hurt.
"Could you not say anything to anybody about that?" Harry asked. "I don't want people looking at me with pity or anything."
"Sure, Harry," Neville said, "it that's what you want."
Smiling, Harry couldn't wait to see what planting the seeds in Susan's mind would do. It helped that he really wasn't lying.
Arriving at Hogsmeade station, Harry joined the crowd of growing first years and looked out for the famous red hair of the Weasley family.
Getting to the boats Harry, Hannah, Susan, and Neville got on together. Harry watched with amusement as Neville struggled with Trevor; at least he hadn't lost him on the train this time, he thought fleetingly.
As the boats took off, Harry looked up to see with amusement that Ron had somehow managed to get himself trapped on a boat with Draco Malfoy and his two goons, Crabbe and Goyle. Making sure not to use his wand as he didn't want anybody to see him, Harry focused on his magic and sent a push towards the redhead.
Harry barely contained his mirth when Ron fell, landing with a splash in the Black Lake. Some people screamed whilst others laughed; Harry thought for a moment Malfoy would join Ron with the amount he was laughing.
"Easy now," shouted Hagrid from the first boat. "He'll be fine, the squid will rescue him."
His words seemed to incite more fear and people huddle close into the boats. Eventually Ron resurfaced with a tentacle around his waist and was plopped back in his boat. His white face made his freckles stand out even more.
Harry had to bite his lip as he heard Malfoy taunt, "Bet that's the first bath you've taken all year, weasel."
Eventually the boats reached the castle and Harry found himself reaching out with his magic instinctively. He felt the castle's magic sing within him and felt an overwhelming peace.
Seeing his enraptured look the girls giggled. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" Susan asked.
Harry, dazed from the magical connection, merely nodded. "Yeah."
The crowd follow Hagrid into the entrance hall with Ron standing at the front next him, dripping lake water on the floor. The doors opened and Professor McGonagall entered.
"Good heavens, what happened?" she asked, indicating to Ron.
"He fell in the lake," Hagrid said.
"No, I didn't!" Ron shouted, "I was pushed! I bet Malfoy did it!"
Draco snorted. "Please, like I would want to touch you," he drawled, getting laughs from some people, including a small one from Harry.
McGonagall sighed and withdrew her wand. "Stand still, Mr. Weasley - you are a Weasley, I presume?" she asked.
Ron's grumbled reply was lost when Harry heard Draco mutter, "Red hair, hand-me-down clothes? He's obviously a Weasley."
After Ron had been dried, McGonagall gave the students two minutes to prepare themselves and left, promising to be back.
Alone again, the students milled out slightly. The girls and Neville chose to stay close to Harry, who had wandered towards Draco and Ron to watch their argument.
"I know it was you, you dirty Death Eater!" Ron snarled, red faced.
Draco narrowed his eyes. "You know nothing, weasel," he hissed.
"Oh, yeah? Just wait, me and Harry will get you and your little Slytherin friends," Ron threatened, shocking Harry as he had yet to meet the redhead in this life.
"I doubt you even know the great Boy-Who-Lived," Draco said.
"Me and Harry will be great friends, you'll see. We'll be in Gryffindor together and—" Ron started before cutting off when Harry snorted.
"Why are you laughing?" Ron demanded.
"I just think it's funny is all," Harry drawled. Behind him, Neville, Susan, and Hannah were all snickering slightly as they knew who Harry was.
"Oh yeah," Ron challenged.
"Yes," Harry said calmly.
"Well, who asked you anyway?" Ron said, dismissing Harry as he turned back to Draco. Looking up, Harry saw the blond giving him an appraising look. Draco, seeing he had been noticed, nodded his head in greeting. Harry, seeing this, nodded back and smirked slightly.
Before Ron could continue his argument McGonagall returned. "If you would, line up in twos and follow me," she instructed. Not waiting, she began striding through the entrance doors.
The sorting happened as Harry remembered, however, this time when Harry's name was called out, there was a gasp of indignation heard coming from Ronald Weasley as he realized who he had argued with and a wide smirk on the face of Draco Malfoy. Walking with grace up to the stool, Harry sat down and waited for the hat to be placed on his head.
'Hello again,'Harry thought as the hat settled on his head.
'Oh, you are interesting Lord Potter - or should I say Heir Potter? You're not a lord yet. Such a fascinating mind you have, so many secrets; oh, you would do very well in Slytherin, but I can see you don't want to go there. Why not, Harry? You could achieve so much greatness,' the hat questioned.
'You've seen my mind, you know exactly who I face; if I go into Slytherin I stand the chance of being discovered that much earlier. Dumbledore's suspicious already now that he's seen I don't have a glamour; if I go to the snake pit he'll never leave me alone.'Harry hoped his reasoning would persuade the hat, he was lucky the hat was bound to Hogwarts and could not reveal what it found in people's heads and held no loyalty to the headmaster - just to Hogwarts itself.
'Mmm yes, I see. Then it better be—'
"RAVENCLAW!" The final word was shouted out loud and, for a moment, the hall froze in shock before erupting into cheers, the eagle house jumping up and down. Looking around before he moved, Harry noticed Draco Malfoy staring at him again, and nodded his head as he went to sit.
Sitting down at his table, Harry was greeted by members, some of which he knew from his past, mainly the ones close to him in age but some he had never met before. Beside him was Padma Patil, who Harry knew through the DA and from the disaster that was the Yule Ball, when he took her twin Parvati. Terry Boot and Sue Li where opposite him, with Anthony Goldstein and Michael Corner slightly further up. Lisa Turpin was finally sorted and she took the space next to Harry.
"Do you really have the scar?" asked Terry, staring at Harry intently as though he was trying to see through his hair.
Sighing, Harry looked around. "I understand that as Ravenclaws you all love mysteries and knowledge, but please, can you not stare at me like I'm something special? I'm really not," Harry said.
"How can you say that? You defeated You-Know-Who!" asked one of the older students listening in.
"I didn't actually," Harry said causing silence to fall around him.
"What?" asked multiple people in shock.
"I very much doubt what happened had anything to do with me. I was most likely a mistake on Voldemort's end or something done by my mum," Harry said.
At that a lot of people shrank back and developed looks of consideration.
"Anyway, like I was saying, I do understand that you may have questions, but honestly, a lot of what you've been told about me is utter rubbish. I'm just a normal boy, a normal student, I'm really not all that interesting, so please treat me like you would anybody else," Harry said. With that he started to fill his plate with the food that had appeared.
The students around him shared some looks and followed his example, most even happier now that Harry was in their house as he seemed like a good person as well as being the Boy-Who-Lived.
Meanwhile at the staff table
Albus Dumbledore almost choked on his lemon drop as Harry Potter stepped forward. The boy looked nothing like James, which worried him as he himself had placed the blood glamour. Watching with trepidation as Harry walked forward with an unusual amount of grace for a muggle raised boy, Albus leaned forward. The sorting took a few minutes, the longest of the students so far, making Albus' heart rate skyrocket; he should have gone straight to Gryffindor! Eventually, when the hat shouted Ravenclaw, Albus almost wept in relief. Although not Gryffindor, the boy obviously had some redeeming qualities keeping him out of Slytherin. However, the fact that it appeared that some of his charms had failed worried him. He needed Harry to be his perfect little light warrior, his plans counted on that fact.
Severus Snape, however, had the opposite reaction to Harry Potter's appearance; he had dreaded the day that Potter's spawn would arrive at Hogwarts, expecting a pampered prince, a clone of James and the embodiment of everything he hated. Therefore, he was surprised when the longhaired, delicate looking boy walked forward with his head down at first. The boy was small for his age and walked with an innate grace that had Severus scowling. That scowl, however, soon died when the boy looked up; his features were soft - small nose, slightly pouted lips, and high cheekbones, but most shockingly were the vivid emerald eyes. Eyes Severus had once loved, that had belonged to the sister of his heart. The boy looked like a male version of Lily; sure, there were traces of Potter, but they were well hidden. The boy had even somehow managed to avoid the dreaded Potter hair; his hair falling in waves and curls to his shoulders, not perfectly in place, but a far cry from the untamable mane his sire had.
Severus watched with baited breath as the boy sat boy to be sorted and he wondered if maybe he would be a snake, but dismissed that thought. No Potter had ever been in Slytherin as far as he knew. The hat seemed to be taking his time and Severus wondered if maybe the boy would break the pattern before it called out for Ravenclaw. Clapping politely, Severus almost missed the nod Potter had sent to Draco Malfoy. Wondering what it was about, Severus tuned out the rest of the sorting, clapping whenever he heard Slytherin shouted out.
After the feast was finished and Dumbledore gave his warnings and spoke nonsense, Harry followed the other Ravenclaws up to their tower, being lead by Penelope Clearwater who Harry had never met, but remembered getting petrified in his second year and for dating Percy Weasley. The other prefect, Jason Samuels, Harry had never heard of.
Making the first years wait while the rest of the house entered, Penelope waited for the door to close before beckoning them all closer.
"Right, we have a tradition in our house for first years, which is that you all have to work together the first time to unlock the door. Unlike the other houses, we in Ravenclaw don't have a set password, instead the door guardian will ask you a riddle. To get in, all you have to do is answer correctly," she explained.
Harry shared nervous looks with the rest of his house mates. He had become a lot more studious and cunning since having the blocks removed, but he didn't know if that would correspond with him being able to solve riddles.
"Right then, are we ready?" Jason asked.
Harry, alongside his year mates, nodded and waited for the guardian to speak.
"You will always find me in the past. I can be created in the present, but the future can never taint me. What am I?
Harry thought about it and failed to reach a conclusion straight away; he had first thought about memories but he knew from his own that they could be tainted quite easily, however, after a moment, a new idea hit him.
Sue Li seemed to have worked it out as well as she bounced slightly. "History," she said.
The others all nodded and realised the answer after she spoke.
"Correct," the guardian said, opening the door.
Leading them up the spiral staircase and into the circular common room where the rest of the house was waiting, Penelope walked forward and led the group into the room. Harry remembered coming in here once in his last life when he was looking for Tom's horcruxes; at the time he hadn't really taken in the beauty of the room. It was very different from the Gryffindor common room. The white walls were broken up by tapestries of famous events and the ceiling was covered in stars, perfect renditions of the solar system. Against most of the walls were massive bookcases, which were filled to the brim. Unlike the stone floor that covered Gryffindor common room, the eagles nest had navy carpet and there were more singular love seats over couches and sofas. There was also a lot more desks and notice boards dotted around, which Harry saw had specific subjects engraved underneath.
After Harry had finished his appraisal, he noticed that Penelope had taken a step back and that a new older prefect had stepped forward. "Welcome and congratulations on being sorted into Ravenclaw, the house of wit, learning, and wisdom. My name is Maria Delphine and I'm your seventh year female prefect. Now, like I said, we eagles do strive for knowledge but you should remember that's not what we're all about. Unlike what some people will say, we do know how to have fun and, between us, we do throw the wildest parties. However, as you can probably tell from looking around, we take our learning seriously. You'll see that each subject has a notice board in the common room; if you're ever struggling and want help, or simply want to talk about a specific subject, you can put a note on the board. I recommend that you check them regularly as often people will post study sessions on them and they're a great way to advance your studies and have fun."
Harry was impressed by the system and wished that Gryffindor had had something similar - that notice board had been covered in junk. This seemed like a great idea.
Maria continued her speech, "For first years, you'll see that some of the subjects don't apply to you. This does not mean you can't ask questions; deciding what options to take in your third year is important and asking questions to make an informed decision is the smart thing to do. However, you should know that 5th and 7th years may not always take the time to indulge you as they are exam years. Moving on, in Ravenclaw we have unofficial rules, you won't find them written down but we all know them and we all abide to them. The rules are simple: never leave a fellow raven alone in danger - If you see a raven alone being attacked or bullied, you help them. If that means getting involved, distracting the perpetrator, or getting a teacher it doesn't matter. You help. The next rule is similar to the first: you never deliberately get a fellow raven into trouble. If you have a problem, you keep it in the common room, you don't risk house points to get even. The last rule: never be afraid to push the boundaries of knowledge or conform to what is expected, we all have our strengths and weaknesses. Never feel that you have to back down, chase the knowledge you desire if that's your passion."
Maria's speech left the first years nodding in agreement. A second seventh year stepped forward, this one a wiry Asian male. "Like Maria said, we are Ravenclaws and we stick together. I'm Tomas Li, your male seventh year prefect. During this first week many of you will most likely begin to see which areas of magic you excel in, however don't be disheartened if what you get isn't what you expected. Some of you will be great at charms, some at potions, and some at transfiguration, so don't worry if you seem to struggle in some areas - work together and help each other. Building on that, for the first few days there will be an upperclassman escorting you to and from your lessons until you get a general feeling for the route. You will also be given a map of the school. Study it and learn it, after the first few days tardiness will not be accepted.
"Now then, Professor Flitwick is our head of house. He tends to favour us slightly, but, in general, he's a fair teacher; all the heads of houses do that, so we're at no real advantage. The only teachers to be wary of would be Professor Snape in the dungeons. He teaches potions and he is not to be messed about with. If you do your work to the best of your ability and don't mess around, he should treat you fairly even if you're not naturally gifted in brewing. The other teacher to watch would be Professor Trelawney, though you shouldn't really come into contact with her until 3rd year. She teaches divination and tends to be a bit... free with her death predictions. It's best to take whatever she says with a pinch of salt. The defence professors should usually be treated carefully in the first week until you can get a feel for them; they change every year, so no insight can usually be given. However, Quirrell once taught muggle studies, therefore we can safely say you should be fine with him."
Harry barely contained his snort at that; he doubted that woman had ever given a true prediction and being safe with Quirrell? That was laughable.
"Now that's everything. Tomorrow morning be down at seven so that we can get to breakfast early as a group. Professor Flitwick will be giving out timetables, you'll find most of your lessons are with the Puffs, but Defence is shared across all four houses along with Herbology and Astronomy."
With the introduction finished, the boys were shown to their dorm by Li and told to get an early night. Quickly seeing his trunk by the bed closest to the bathroom, Harry placed some of his things around before he removed his pajamas and the ointment given to him by his healer. Entering the bathroom, Harry washed up before applying the cream and dressing. He noticed that the cream was running low and wondered if he should visit Madam Pomfrey for some more; he should probably tell her about his treatment regime anyway as he was taking potions every morning and every other evening.
Settling in to the bed, Harry said goodnight to his new roommates and closed the midnight blue curtains on his bed. Setting a wakeup charm as well as privacy and silencing charms, Harry closed his eyes and allowed himself to fall into his mindscape.
The next day, Harry was the first of his roommates up and, after showering and dressing ,he decided he should probably wake them. Decision made, Harry sent very low powered tickling jinxes at each bed and waited. They took a moment to work, but eventually the boys woke up giggling. Seeing them awake, Harry cancelled the jinx.
"It's half six, if you want to be ready in time, I thought it best to wake you," he said.
The boys, still giddy, smiled. "Thanks, mate," said Terry as he passed Harry while carrying his shower things.
Anthony, who was the furthest away, was staring at Harry. "How did you do that?" he asked.
"I read a lot," Harry said, hoping he wouldn't be questioned too much. He would have to look at what spells first years could do if he didn't want to stand out too much - at least, not straight away. He could maybe pull off being a humble prodigy though, if not.
Anthony seemed to accept his answer and went about getting ready. Eventually all four boys were dressed and had their bags packed and together they went down to the common room. Walking as a group to the great hall, Harry wondered how Hermione and Ron were faring, especially Ron after the confrontation outside. He had the beginnings of an idea with how to deal with Hermione and he couldn't wait to put it into practice.
Sitting down to eat breakfast with the rest of Ravenclaw, Harry saw that the other house tables were still mostly empty. Looking up at the head table, Harry felt his scar flutter, startling him as it had never done that before. Harry felt only a slight pull towards Quirrell and he wondered if being only part of his soul meant that the bond was weaker. Lost in his thoughts, Harry barely contained his surprise when the doors to the great hall slammed open and a green skinned Ron stormed in followed by the rest of the Gryffindors.
Not even trying to hold in his laughter, Harry wondered who Ron had upset before he caught Neville's eye and saw the blond haired boy smiling secretly. Harry was shocked, but happily so as he realised that this time Neville would learn to roar early.
AN: Big thank you to my Beta reader miisticalwrites for taking the time to check this for me!
Remember people that reviews are always appreciated but I won't hold the story to ransom for them.
Updates should come every few days and like usual this is being posed on Ao3 under the same name.
Hope you enjoy reading
~ Annie