Chapter 3

"Do you have everything?" Argante asked for the third time as Harry tapped the lid of his trunk. The large wooden trunk shrunk to the size of a pack of playing cards and Harry slipped it into his pocket.

"I think so," Harry said as he straightened up. "I've got my books, parchment and quills, cauldron, and I've sent Hedwig to Hogwarts.

"Did you pack your clothes?"

"Yes," Harry said. "Mum, you are worrying too much."

Argante slipped an arm around him and drew him close. "This will be the first time I've been away from you in eleven years."

Harry laid his head against her breast. "I'm gonna miss you to. Having a loving parent has been a nice change from my previous life."

Argante kissed hiss hair and in a swirl if wind, they vanished.

**ACC**

Harry blinked at the scarlet steam engine in front of them. He looked around at the crowd of people around them, but no one appeared to have noticed their arrival.

"How?" he looked at his mother.

Argante giggled. "Magic."

Harry rolled his eyes. "No one noticed we just showed up here."

"Nope."

Before Harry could say anything else, he heard a voice call out to him.

"Harry."

Turning, Harry was just in time to catch Luna as she threw herself into his arms. Luna wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly.

"Hi Harry," Lily said rolling her eyes as she walked over.

Harry gave the girl a hug. "Excited?"

"Of course, I am. come on, I want you to meet someone."

Lily led him over to a tall dark-haired man with blue eyes. "This is my dad, Malcolm Evans."

Harry nodded. "How do you do sir," he said.

Malcolm smiled at Harry. "Look after her for me, will you?"

"Dad," Lily said. "You just met him."

"Maybe, but Pandora vouches for him and that's good enough for me. I may have been slow to come around to this magic thing, but I support you and want you to be safe."

"Don't worry," Lily said hugging her father. "Hogwarts is perfectly safe."

Harry winced. He really hoped nothing happened at Hogwarts this year.

Rose walked over. "Ready love?"

"As ready as I'll ever be."

Before Rose could say anything else, the whistle blue. "That's the last warning," Malcolm said. "You are sure you haven't forgotten anything?"

Lily nodded. "I can't wait to see what Hogwarts is like." She, Harry, and Luna boarded the train and turned to wave at their parents.

Argante waved to Harry. "Stay safe."

"It's Hogwarts," Harry said with a grin. "Hogwarts is the safest place in the world."

"Very funny," Argante mouthed.

The train began to move, forcing them to step back. They watched and waved until the train rounded a bend and their parents were out of sight.

"Well," Harry said turning to the girls. "What do you want to do now?"

"Only one thing to do," Luna said. "We wait."

**ACC**

A few hours later, Harry was bored. The witch with the trolley had come and gone, he and the girls had played exploding snap, and now Luna and Lily were asleep against him as he gazed out the window. He watched the countryside blur past and wondered what the future would hold.

This new world wasn't his world. Wands were very different from what they had been, other creatures lived alongside wizards, and the magical world seemed happier and less divided than in his world, but why? What had changed? He'd never worked up the courage to talk to his mother about her past and now he was regretting it. He needed to know more about this world. How different had Voldemort been in this world? Why had the fae taken Grindelwald? What did the purebloods think of magical creatures living with wizards?

All these questions he should've asked, but he'd been having too much fun being a kid in a loving home. True, he was well trained in fae magic and he was physically fit. Argante had trained him in self-defense, but what else didn't he know? How many people would get hurt because he didn't ask what he should've.

Sighing, he snuggled back into the seat and laid his head back. Hopefully, they will have a better History of magic professor this time around. If not, he would have to send his Mum a letter. He couldn't afford to run headlong into danger like he had before. He wasn't going to risk his family and friends like that. He had too much to lose this time.

**ACC**

Harry awoke with a start as the door to their compartment slammed open. Looking up, he saw three boys standing in the doorway. At sight of the middle one, he groaned.

"Oh no, you three."

Draco snickered. "It looks like our reputation precedes us. We heard one of the high and mighty fae was sending one of their own to Hogwarts. So, it's you?"

"Déjà vu," Harry murmured. "Yeah, I am the fae you are looking for. He arched an eyebrow. "Did you search all the compartments for me? I'm flattered. Really, you have no idea."

"I'm Draco," the boy said. "Draco Malfoy."

"I'm Harry," Harry said. "Harry Emry's."

At mention of his last name, Draco paused. "Emry's," he said slowly. "Emry's," he repeated. "Only one wizard had the last name of Emry's. Did you copy it or are you related to Merlin because Merlin never had any kids."

"No kids with wizards," Harry said. "Old letch is my grandfather."

Malfoy scowled. "I suppose you think that makes you something special, don't you?"

Harry stood. "Look, this conversation is starting to get really boring. Why don't you go back to your compartment and do… whatever it is that you do and leave me and my friends alone."

Malfoy drew his wand from his robes. "I don't think so," he said a sneer twisting his pale lips. "I think it's time you learned who your betters are."

"The more things change the more they stay the same," Harry said with a sigh. Raising a hand, he drew on all the magic he could. Maybe spending his first night in the Hospital wing would shut Malfoy up.

"What are you all doing?" a voice said from behind them.

Harry turned his head and stared into a pair of fierce hazel eyes. Long dark hair fell to the girls shoulders. Her arms were crossed, and she was staring at Draco and him suspiciously.

"What's it to you Mudblood," Draco said his wand in his hand.

The girl glared right back. "I'm a pureblood as you well know, Draco."

"Some wizarding families are better than others," Malfoy said haughtily. "Your grandmother was a muggle-born. That makes you less pureblood than me."

"That makes no sense," Holly said.

"Why?" Harry asked.

"Why what?" Draco said.

"Why boast of something you had no control over? What if your mother or father had married a muggle-born or a muggle? You'd be a half-blood."

At Draco's horrified expression, Harry continued.

"You can take pride in your culture or history, but taking pride in blood status is no different than taking pride in skin color. Our race is a part of us, but it does not make us any better or worse than anyone else."

"Spoken like a muggle," Draco said.

Harry waved a hand over his head, canceling the mild glamour that hid his appearance. His brown hair faded to silver and his green eyes lost their pupil and iris.

"I am Harry Emry's, son of Argante and grandson of Myrddin Emry's. I am an elven prince of Avalon and if anyone would have any reason to be an arrogant twat, it'd be me."

Draco stared at him. "This isn't over. Wait…"

"Till my father here's about this," Harry and the girl finished together.

Scowling, Draco turned and walked away. Harry sighed and turned to face Holly.

"Thanks."

"Any time," the girl said. "I'm Holly Potter. I guess I don't need to ask your name."

"Harry blushed. "Yeah, I think I overdid it a bit there." With a wave of his hand, he restored his glamour. "I'm glad you stepped in before anything happened. I'd hate to get a reputation for fighting before the term even started."

Holly smiled at him. "I'm glad I could help. So, you're a fae?"

Harry nodded. "Yeah, mum raised me in the wizarding world."

"Argante?"

Harry nodded.

"I've heard about her. The history books say she has been in the wizarding world for a long time."

Harry nodded again. "I'll be happy to talk as much as you'd like, but can we do it in my compartment? I don't like just standing in the hallway."

Holly smiled. "That'd be great."

"Do you need help with your trunk?"

Holly pulled a shrunken trunk from her pocket. "You aren't the only one with secrets.", She removed a ring from her right hand. The ring seemed to melt and shift, changing into a twisted bronze wand about a foot and a half long. Glowing runes ran the length of the wand. Tapping the trunk with the wand, the shrunken trunk returned to normal size. Another tap, and the trunk shrank down to the size of a pack of playing cards.

Smiling, the wand shrank back into a ring that she slipped back on her finger.

Harry laughed. "Looks like you and I are gonna have some interesting conversations."

**ACC**

Holly fit in perfectly with Luna and Lily. As she got to know them, Holly told them about herself.

It appeared that James had made sure to try and keep her humble. He'd told Holly that he'd been a bully in school, and he didn't want her making his mistakes.

What surprised him was when she mentioned Harry should've been her brother.

"I didn't think your dad would mention that. Argante said he was afraid of me."

Holly nodded. "He regretted asking Mum to take you to the fae. He never took your name off the Potter vaults. You know I'm the heir?"

"Yes," Harry nodded. "You are his child by blood. That means you inherit any titles and the majority of everything."

"Right, well, he asked that if you ever came to me for help that I do what I could to help you."

"Kind of strange considering he wanted me gone so bad."

Holly shrugged. "Like I said, he has a lot of regrets where you're concerned."

"Do you have any siblings?" Lily asked.

"No, it'd be nice to have an annoying brother."

"I have a question," Luna said.

"Okay," Holly said curiously.

"Did your dad mention a Severus Snape when you were growing up?"

Holly giggled. "Oh yes, they hated each other. Dad said he was a real berk."

"So, where is he now?"

Holly stared out the window. "Dad said he's at Hogwarts. He warned me not to get on the wrong side of him. Mum reminded him that he wasn't exactly innocent in his fights with Snape."

"Do you think Snape and your dad's arguing was to hide their deep and undying love for each other?" Luna asked innocently.

"Luna?" Harry said calmly.

"Yes Harry?"

"Please never suggest anything like that about Snape and Mr. Potter again."

"Agreed," Holly said.

"No promises," Luna said her silvery eyes twinkling.

**ACC**

A few hours later, Harry was woken when someone poked him hard in the shoulder.

"Harry," a soft voice said.

Harry lifted his head from the window and stared at Lily. "Huh?"

"We're about ten minutes from Hogwarts. You probably need to get changed."

Groggily, Harry gestured with one hand. His robes landed on his head.

"That's a nice look," Luna said.

"Smooth," Holly drawled.

Harry pulled his robes off his head and left the compartment. After he changed, he was on his way back when he nearly ran into someone.

"Sorry," he said reaching out to keep the person from falling. A small hand gripped his wrist and he stared into a pair of chocolate brown eyes.

"Hermione?" he asked as he saw a wave of bushy brown hair.

The girl blinked at him. "How did you know my name?"

Harry scrambled to think of an answer.

"You remind me of someone I knew."

"Who was also named Hermione?"

"Yeah," Harry said lamely.

Hermione smiled slightly. "It seems you know my name. What's yours?"

"Harry," Harry said. "Harry Emry's."

"Any relation to Myrddin?"

"He was my grandfather."

Hermione nodded. "Many greats in front of Grandfather?"

"No," Harry said. "It's complicated."

Hermione nodded. "The magical world seems to be very complicated. Fae, wizards, unicorns, vampires, all things I thought were myths and legends. Now, I find out they are not only real, but that I'm one of them."

Harry nodded. "It's my first time in the wizarding world too. I was… sheltered for lack of a better word."

"Well," Hermione said. "I suppose we can learn the ropes together."

"Guess so."

"See you at Hogwarts," Hermione said turning away.

Harry waved as he continued walking back to the others. This Hermione was not the same girl he'd known. She was calmer, not as excited and yet…

Harry could sense that same curiosity in her. She still wanted to know everything, but had a patients that the Hermione he'd known lacked. He wondered what had changed. Why was she so different?

He could consider that later. For now, he had to get back to the others before the train stopped.

**ACC**

"You took your time," Lily said as he entered the compartment.

"Ran into someone," Harry said.

"Oh?" Luna said, turning from where she was staring out the window.

"I met a muggle-born named Hermione Granger."

Luna's eyes widened slightly. "Did you really?"

"Do you know her?" Lily asked.

"No," Harry said quickly. "We just heard of her family."

"What's she like?" Holly asked as the train began to slow.

"Calm," Harry said. "Thoughtful, nice, but excited."

The train stopped with a slight jolt and the quartette made their way towards the door.

As they stepped on to the platform, he smiled when he saw the giant figure of Hagrid approach.

"First years," Hagrid called. "First years, follow me if you would."

Harry noticed Hagrid was carrying a walking stick the size of a small oak tree. The stick was topped by a large glowing crystal.

"Is that his wand?" Lily asked.

"I suppose it'd have to be."

"He must be a giant," Holly whispered in awe.

"Half-giant," Harry said as they walked towards the giant. "Full blooded giants are a lot bigger."

"But how…" Lily began. "Never mind, I don't want to think about that."

"Best not to," Harry said.

The group of first years stopped in front of Hagrid.

"Follow me," Hagrid said, turning and walking a stone path towards a wooden dock. Harry noticed that the path was well kept and the trees alongside it were neatly trimmed.

"I think the branches were longer before," Luna whispered.

"The path wasn't this neat," Harry whispered back.

"Dryads live in the trees," Holly said. "Mum use to visit them when she came to Hogsmeade."

They stopped on the wooden dock and Hagrid pointed to a fleet of wooden boats.

"No more than four to a boat," he said climbing into the front boat that was larger than all the others.

Harry, Holly, Lily, and Luna climbed into the boat.

"Right then," Hagrid said. "Everyone in, forward."

With the word, he struck the side of the boat with his staff. The boats began moving rapidly across the great lake. Harry watched for the first sign of Hogwarts. His memories of his former life had faded, but he still remembered the ruins of the castle jutting towards the sky like the bones of a slain dragon.

"We won't let it happen this time," Luna said.

"Look," Lily said pointing at the large castle sitting on the cliff above them. "Isn't it amazing?"

As he looked at the castle, Harry allowed his eyes to become unfocused. His mother had warned him about using the sight too much, but he had to see the wards.

As the magic of the wards came into view, Harry felt a cold chill run down his back. The wards looked like a roughly woven wall of multi-colored thread. Several holes and severed threads littered the tapestry of magical energy. Was this how wards were supposed to look? Shouldn't they be bigger, more like a shield, or were Hogwarts wards more subtle than that?

Leaning back in the boat, he allowed the sight to fade. Just like that, the castle looked normal again. He would need to talk to his mother about the wards. Better yet, Merlin might be a better choice. Who better than the person who had trained the founders. For now, he needed to figure out where he wanted to be sorted.

**ACC**

The rest of the journey was just as he remembered. Hagrid led them up the steps to the front door of the castle. When he knocked, Professor McGonagall answered the door.

"I leave the first years in your hands, Professor McGonagall."

"Thank you, Hagrid," McGonagall said. "Any problems?"

Hagrid chuckled. "None at all. Ride went just as smooth as usual."

Harry frowned. What problems were they expecting? McGonagall hadn't said anything like that before. Were things that dangerous at Hogwarts?

"Come," Professor McGonagall said shortly.

They followed her into a small chamber to the left of the Great Hall. "Welcome to Hogwarts. In a moment, you will be sorted into your houses. The four houses are Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff. Each house has produced outstanding witches and wizards. I feel confident that each of you will be a credit to whatever house you are a part of."

She gave them all a piercing look. "Any rewards will gain you house points, while any rule breaking, or misbehavior will cost you house points. Now, I suggest you all smarten yourselves up before you meet your future housemates."

Without another word, she turned and left the room. Luna touched Harry's shoulder. "She seems out of sorts," she whispered.

"A lot more brisk than last time," Harry whispered back. As they waited, Harry expected the ghosts to show up, but they didn't appear.

"I've heard stories about the Hogwarts ghosts and a poltergeist," Harry whispered to Holly.

Holly nodded. "Dad told me about the ghosts, but so far I haven't seen them."

"Hogwarts has ghosts?" Lily asked excitedly.

Harry nodded. "They do."

"Why didn't you ever tell me?"

"It never came up."

Before they could say anything else, McGonagall returned. "Follow me," she said.

**ACC**

The great hall was just as Harry remembered. As he looked out over the students, he noticed there were more than there'd been before. Turning back towards Professor McGonagall, he stared as she placed the sorting hat on the stool in front of them.

The old hat had been dirty, torn, and ragged. This sorting hat looked brand new and freshly cleaned. A face had been carefully stitched into the cloth of the hat. The face was very detailed, down to tiny lashes in the eyes. As he watched, the hat's mouth opened with a slight ripping sound.

"Good evening, all," it said in a deep male voice. "Time for another sorting?"

"Yes," Professor McGonagall said. "You usually sing. Are you going to?"

The sorting hat cleared it's throat. "Whatever," it said. "No one ever wants to talk to me. It's all just sing your song, sort the kids, and get back to the Headmaster's office. Do you know what he does in there? Oh, the stories I could tell you."

Dumbledore spoke up from the staff table. "I would be interested in hearing these stories considering there are portraits all around that would be happy to tell if I'd done anything… questionable in my office."

The sorting hat twitched in the approximation of a shrug. "Spoil sport, you could've at least played along."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "Perhaps if you'd have warned me…"

"Where would be the fun in that. Should've said something about you and Fawkes," the hat grumbled.

Professor McGonagall cleared her throat. "We have a sorting to get through. Now, are you gonna sing or not?"

"You need to find a man," the hat said. "You're so touchy."

McGonagall drew a long silver wand. "Hat," she said.

"I mean if I had a body I'd offer, but that's not something the founders blessed me with."

"Headmaster," McGonagall pleaded.

"Always knew you and Dumbledore had a thing for each other," the hat cackled. "How many times have you taken that tone with him. Do you call him Headmaster when you two are snuggled up in bed?"

Dumbledore stood. "Professor McGonagall and my relationship has been nothing but professional."

"Have you ever considered it shouldn't be? I mean you two have been alone for a long time."

"That will be a discussion for later," Dumbledore said. Now, sort the students please."

"Fine," the sorting hat said with a put upon sigh.

The hat sang the same song Harry remembered, but it was clear it was not happy about having it's fun interrupted. After the song was done, McGonagall called for Susan bones and Hannah Abbot.

The first sign that something was going to be different was when Delphi Black was called.

The dark-haired girl they'd met in the robe shop went to Ravenclaw. Harry waved at her as the relieved girl sat down at the Ravenclaw table.

The sorting went the same until Harry's name was called.

"Emry's, Harry," McGonagall said.

Harry walked over to the stool and slipped on the hat. He heard the same deep voice in his ears as the hat spoke to him.

"So, the heir to one of my creators has come to Hogwarts? And what's this, ah, well, I see. Yes, well, I think you'll find this world different than you remember."

"I've guessed that," Harry thought. "Merlin helped create you?"

"Yes, although not in your world. No, I've got a lot more personality and style than that stuck up piece of cloth you knew. Now then, where should I put you? No, you wouldn't do well in Slytherin. Things have changed in that house, but not enough. You like to learn, and knowledge would definitely benefit you. Hmm, let me see, you are loyal to those that gain your trust, and you are brave there is no doubt about that."

"So, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, or Hufflepuff? That is the real question."

"I want to be with my friends."

"But you are the first to be sorted."

"If I'm gonna prevent the world I knew, I'll need courage and knowledge."

"Courage, you have. If it is knowledge you desire, better be Ravenclaw."

Harry listened to the applause as he made his way to the Ravenclaw table. As he sat down, he heard Lily's name called. A few seconds later, she joined him at the Ravenclaw table.

"You chose here?"

Lily grinned. "You're one of my best friends. I wasn't letting you go anywhere alone."

The two of them lapsed into silence as the sorting continued. Michael Corner who had been in Ravenclaw in Harry's old world, went to Gryffindor. Hermione Granger also went to Gryffindor. Harry tensed when Luna's name was called.

"Ravenclaw," the hat called.

Harry sighed in relief as Luna sat down on his other side. "Only Holly left," Luna whispered.

"I guess we keep our fingers crossed."

"Longbottom, Neville," McGonagall called.

Harry watched as Neville strode confidently up to the stool. He couldn't be more different than the Neville Harry had known before. Where that Neville was constantly scared and lacked confidence, this Neville was smiling and positively oozed excitement.

"Gryffindor," the hat shouted.

Harry clapped as Neville walked over to the Gryffindor table. Maybe some things have changed for the better in this world.

Harry snorted when Draco Malfoy went to Slytherin. Some things would truly never change.

When Holly's name was called, the hat paused before shouting, "Gryffindor."

Holly gave them a thumbs up as she went to the Gryffindor table.

"I'd have liked to be in the same house as her, but at least I still have you to," Harry murmured.

"Dito," Lily said.

Harry leaned back in his chair and allowed his mind to wander. Glancing over at the Gryffindor table, he noticed that Percy Weasley looked significantly younger than he should be, and Fred and George were older than they should be. What had happened? Why have people been born at different times. His head snapped up when a name he recognized was called.

"Weasley, Ginevra," McGonagall called.

"Ginny," Luna breathed as the small redhead made her way to the stool. Even from a distance, Harry could see the girl trembling. How had he not noticed her before? He should've seen her in the antechamber. Had he really been that distracted?

"Gryffindor," the hat shouted.

Harry watched as Ginny sat down with Holly. The hat was right. This world was going to be a lot different than the one he remembered.

After Blaze Zabini was sorted into Slytherin, Dumbledore rose to his feet.

"I have two words for you all and here they are. Tuck in."

At those words, the table filled with all kinds of food. As Harry piled his plate with steak, potatoes, stuffed mushrooms, and fried bread, he wondered who or what was making the food. Did Hogwarts employ brownies?

"What do you think Hogwarts is gonna be like?" Lily asked. "I'm looking forward to transformation."

"Mum didn't study charms with me that much," Harry said. "I'd like to learn more about that subject while I can."

Talk turned to their families. All those at the table were witches and wizards. It looked like Draco had been right. Harry appeared to be the only fae at the table.

Feeling eyes on him, Harry turned and stared right into the black eyes of Severus Snape. Harry felt pressure on his mind and quickly looked away.

"Harry?" Luna asked.

"Snape," Harry murmured.

"Yeah," an older boy said. "Snape has been tormenting the school for years. He hates teaching but stays for some reason."

Harry frowned. Had Snape been a Death eater in this world. If not, why was he here?

Once they'd all finished eating, Dumbledore stood to make the announcements. It was the usual droning. The forbidden forest was forbidden, list of band objects was on Filch's door, and the third floor corridor on the right hand side was forbidden. This time, Dumbledore gave no reason, just said that whoever went there would be punished severely.

As they stood to head to bed, Harry wondered if Voldemort was here. If he was, what was he going to do about it?

"First years over here please," a girl Harry recognized as Penelope Clearwater called. Harry, Lily, and Luna followed the girl out of the hall and up several flights of stairs. Stopping in front of a door, Penelope picked up a brass doorknocker in the shape of a Raven.

"Watch closely," she said.

The beak of the brass raven opened, and a harsh voice croaked, "Which came first, the phoenix or the flame?"

"A circle has no beginning," Penelope said.

"Correct," the raven said, and the door swung open. Harry followed the girl inside. "Girls dorms on the right, boys on the left," Penelope said.

"Goodnight," Harry said as he walked passed the statue of Rowena Ravenclaw.

Climbing the stairs to the boys dorm, he yawned as he heard the wind whistling around the tower. Approaching his bed, he heard a hoot. Looking over, he smiled at Hedwig. The snowy owl was perched on an owl perch beside his bed. As if she'd just been waiting for him, the owl spread her wings and flew out the window into the night.

Good hunting," he called softly as he climbed into bed. Pulling the blankets over himself, he drifted off into a dreamless sleep.

**ACC**

The man exited the shack, shaking his head in frustration. Again, there was no luck. He sighed. Was there any point in searching the other locations?

"Hello Sirius," Argante said stepping out of the shadows. "Long time, no see."

"Argante," Sirius said.

Argante stepped closer. "We need to talk."