Chapter One: Hogwarts
A/N: Welcome to year one! Sorry for the delay; the chapters will be longer and more complex. Ratings may go up as the story progresses.
The feel of shoulders being shaken woke up twelve pairs of bleary eyes. "Wake up my dear children!" Narcissa Malfoy sang out softly. "It's time that you prepare for your next great adventure-" She sniffed at the next thing she said. "Without me and your guardians."
"But Mum, we'll keep you all updated," Draco reminded his mother, rubbing sleepy grey eyes with a pale hand. His eyes landed on his best friends: Ron, Harry, and Neville.
"And we'll be here for Christmas," Harry added, stretching his slender arms over his head.
"We've been preparing for this these past six years," Hermione added. They had been spending their last night before Hogwarts in the same room before Hogwarts separated them from having any more sleepovers.
"Well, let's eat breakfast!" Ron announced, leaving his unmade mattress on the floor for someone like Neville or anyone else to trip over.
"Seriously," a girl with blue eyes and light red hair pulled back in a ponytail with her fringe out, said with a dramatic roll of her eyes. "You would think to be polite and not leave a mess especially when you're a guest."
"Exactly," a boy with neat, wavy black hair and hazel green eyes with flecks of gold and brown, said.
"If you don't want a mess, then you should hop to it and help," Draco mused.
"Oh, another pun," the first boy remarked resignedly.
"I think Ron should take care of it," the redhead said. Then she turned to the first boy and said, "I'm sorry for the puns, Wayne." Wayne just shook his head. "And for the record, I agree with Harry."
"What are we? As old as the founders?" Lucius teased.
"Sorry, Mr. Malfoy," Neville backpaddled. Narcissa laughed lightly.
"Then Polaris must be as old as Merlin himself!"
"But he hacks as though he's as young as you," Padma remarked. "Ah, oh well, he's just eccentric."
"I like eccentric people!" Luna declared.
"Because your dad is that way?" Ron snipped. Hannah spat out her mouthful of eggs in shock, spraying Neville, Harry, and Nova.
"Gross!" Nova squealed, pushing back her chair dramatically, the wooden chair digging into the lush green carpet.
"Ron!" Hermione admonished. "It's perfectly fine to be eccentric!" The two males carefully picked off the remnants of food from their robes.
"Let's just finish eating," Blaise cut in clearly, munching on crispy, buttery toast and averting his gaze pointedly. Breakfast continued without another hitch and soon it was time for them to Apparate to the Apparition point just inside the platform.
"See you at Christmas!" Ron called after them hurriedly as Lucius and Narcissa shepherded them out of the front door.
In the shadow of a large tree, just outside of their wards, they Apparated right on the platform. It was mostly deserted save a few families, of which many stared at them.
"I beg your pardon?" Lucius called out authoritatively. "This should be common knowledge by now!" These legendary friendships were known all across Britain, but apparently, people didn't have important things to do other than stare at the hodge-podge group of friends. Harry's involvement with the Wizarding World wasn't a secret as children told everyone. Besides, a few years ago, he had started to make appearances at functions with his friends. However, he liked to keep to those select few as he found that most enjoyed gossiping about him and how he had been raised unconventionally and the uncertain fates of his family, which were unconventional in themselves.
However, unlike receiving a scar of sorts, he was recognised as a Potter, though they never wanted to know about the Potter Family.
His green eyes widened behind his round glasses, which he chose in remembrance of his father. He straightened his posture as he stared unblinkingly around him, meeting the gazes of the people closest to them.
"For the next seven years, you'll see me here on the platform or at Hogwarts," he said. "I hope that you get sick of me because I do sometimes." Neville elbowed him. "Don't you ever get sick of yourself?" The boy shrugged.
Still staring, the ten students made their rounds with farewells to the Malfoy adults, the pair hugging Harry and Draco twice before departing.
They made their way down the long aisle of cars, coming to the last one. Padma stepped forward and opened it, allowing everyone entry first.
"Merlin!" Blaise groaned. "People are just plain rude."
"The world needs to be a better place," Wayne muttered.
"You would think that after a while the novelty would just wear off," Hermione stated, plopping herself between Ron and Neville.
"I was about to ask Auntie Amelia if we could station some Aurors," Susan muttered.
"That might not be such a bad idea next time," Hannah agreed.
"But wouldn't that be a bit frivolous?" Hermione asked.
"How about if people try to talk to me or any of you while we're just out somewhere, then that can be arranged," Harry suggested. "Today was just a bunch of stares."
"Well, I'm glad that Luna wasn't here today," Neville said with a full-body shiver.
"Same," Harry concurred. "She doesn't need that."
"There's the bonus that we went to Diagon Alley on a not-busy day," Draco pointed out. "Thank Merlin." He retrieved the Wizards Chess Set from his trunk and suggested that Ron play with him. The other eight split and rooted for their teammate to win.
Both boys bent over the board, looks of concentration on their faces. "Come on Draco!" Susan shouted.
"Ron!" Hannah, Blaise, Hermione, and Padma chanted.
"And Checkmate!" Ron exclaimed triumphantly. Everyone cheered. Hermione glanced up and across to the racks and spotted some very familiar names engraved in the wood. Across from her were the following, she read: Mariposa, Echo, Leo, Aerochaser, Flora, and Rory.
"Harry, look!" she called out, interrupting their celebration. She pointed at the engraved names. "They took their rides here."
"They even wrote their names themselves!" Hannah pointed out, twisting around to look at the name above her. It read: Padfoot. It was in a fancy, curly script that made writing look like an art form. It seemed as if he had tried to ruin the fanciness and elegance, but everyone could tell that he failed.
Draco laughed as he looked at the name above him. It was Prongs, done in a messy cursive that Draco would hear Hermione dub as a 'doctor's' handwriting. "Harry, your father's handwriting stinks!"
"Writing doesn't have a smell!" Harry retorted easily.
"At least you write more like your mother!" Blaise replied as he gestured to the neat, looping script of Lily "Flora" Potter.
"And your writing is like Leo's, Draco," Susan added. It was true that Draco wrote similarly with the small, fancy loops that were perfectly lined up. If Leo and Padfoot's handwritings were to be compared, they would be similar as one could tell that Leo implied that enjoyed copying his older brother, but fancier and neater.
The group of friends studied each of the scripts and tried to analyse what they could about each of them. Hermione recorded their findings in a notebook.
Slowly, the train began filling up and an air of anticipation grew as they got ready to head to their next adventure.
"Awww, look at these ten peas in a pod," a chilly voice mocked sarcastically. "You're going to pair up with one another and be all sickly." The compartment door opened to reveal a stocky boy with neat blond hair and brown eyes that seemed to appear crossed.
"Cross-eyes!" Ron shouted. "You have no business here!"
"Patrick!" Susan shouted crossly at the same time as Ron.
"You've been with each other since you were all five!" he stated in a disgusted voice. "Haven't you gotten sick of one another yet? If one is around, the other's aren't far away."
"Yes, we spend lots of time together, but we also make sure that we each get our own space!" Draco and Blaise shot back in unison.
"Besides, we all haven't been friends since the age of five even if we all act like it," Hermione added. "You're just jealous that you don't have people as loyal."
"Yeah, I didn't join them until last year," Wayne said.
"No, I genuinely think that you're all so sappy and sentimental and won't let each other go," he responded coldly.
"And if we were then it wouldn't be your business," Hannah growled. "You don't have to deal with it, we do."
"We got used to it," Blaise said with a shrug.
"And you should be the one most disgusted!" Hermione was holding Ron and Neville's hands tightly as they were keeping her from drawing her wand or fist.
"And now a girl is holding the hands of two boys," he continued, rolling his eyes. "A love triangle?"
"That's for your safety," Neville spat coldly. "If we weren't holding her hands, she would be using her wand or her fist on you."
"But ladies don't get into fights," Patrick said, scrambling to find a way not to show that he would be afraid.
"We're not in the Middle Ages," Harry reminded him indifferently. He wanted Hermione to go after him, but his conscience stopped him.
"And remember Ginny?" Draco mocked, a smirk on his face.
"She's not here," Patrick countered.
"But she has taught us all," Padma argued in an ominous voice, closing her hand into a tight fist, a dark glint in her dark eyes.
"Get out of here!" Percy Weasley bellowed, grabbing Patrick under the armpits, and lifting him a foot off the ground to carry him away.
Twenty minutes later, Percy returned and waved, tapping the glass with his wand. He put a repellant charm on it to ensure their privacy.
The argument had spanned a decent hour and they had been riding for half of it. The ride was peaceful.
"Hey," Padma said into the lull of a silence. "Remember when we drew comparisons to us and the Marauders?" Everyone remembered. "We could be matched up finally!"
"Yeah!" Hermione agreed.
"It's so cool that we can relate to each of them and be very different," Neville said, smiling. "And we have our little family of friends."
"Patrick would be puking," Hannah giggled.
"Ugh!" Draco groused. "Seriously?" Hannah pointed at Ron.
"And he would appreciate that!" Harry declared with a laugh.
"Idiots!" Blaise and Hermione promulgated. They shuffled about until they found their new seats. There were spaces where Ginny and Luna would sit when they arrived.
The trolley lady came by a short while after that. "Anything off the trolley, dears?" she asked kindly.
They all pitched in to buy the entire cart for them to share. Susan and Hannah shared a smirk.
"Want to torment him with sweetness?" she asked the group at large. Neville laughed. Others either laughed or rolled their eyes.
Once they were full, the compartment quieted as some read books while others took a nap.
Ron was snoring loudly as he napped on Harry's shoulder. The train rattled and thus couldn't sleep sitting upright. Harry was reading his Defence Against the Dark Arts textbook. Hermione tried with futile success to pull her friend off. Harry shook his head, a fond smile on his face.
"He's going to be so embarrassed," Susan giggled.
"We'll definitely photograph this," Draco added.
"Oh, Ronniekins is so cute!" Padma mimicked Mrs. Weasley. "And I need to tell Pavarti later!"
Susan, Hannah, and Neville took naps as well. However, they did their best to keep from lolloping on someone even if they were allowed to.
The Hogwarts Express rumbled by, bringing old and new students to the castle that awaited them.
Hermione ensured that everyone was awake and ready before their eyes feasted upon the glittering school. The entire compartment gasped as they took in their sights.
"It's even better than the fantasy books I've read," Hermione and Wayne breathed out in awe. It was gorgeous. It was better than any description the adults could ever think of for any wizard child.
Every student clambered off the train in excitement, the drizzle of rain unable to dampen their spirits.
"Firs' years! This way!" a booming voice carried through the noise of rain and people. The voice belonged to a very large man in a dark moleskin coat, his long hair and beard in tangles, and his black, beady eyes were full of warmth.
"Hello, my name is Rubeus Hagrid, though everyone calls me Hagrid," the man said more quietly since the entire year had congregated around him. "Now, this way to the boats." He led them to the dock with the boats, where he explained that four could fit per boat. Harry, Ron, Heroine, and Neville were in one. Draco, Susan, Hannah, and Wayne were in another. Padma and Blaise were in one with her sister, Parvati, and her best friend, Lavender.
The view of Hogwarts improved as they drew closer, the boats gliding silently across the rippling water. Across the lake, they climbed out onto dry land, the stone steps to the castle just down the path through an arch. The young faces took in every detail of the ancient school, savouring it.
A tall woman with green eyes and black hair tied tightly into a bun under her tall, pointed hat, stood elegantly at the top of the stairs waiting for them. The only signs of aging were the wrinkles around her eyes and mouth, which were drawn into a thin, hard line.
Harry smiled as he recalled the many stories that he had eked out about his family that pertained to this woman. Many of which included his missing family members. He grinned at her brightly. She raised an eyebrow in response, her sharp eyes looking him over critically, and to his surprise, she smiled at him in return. It was nothing more than the lift of the corners of her lips, but it was there.
"Ah, Professor McGonagall, the new students," Hagrid announced jovially.
"Thank you, Hagrid," she acknowledged with a curt nod. Then he disappeared into the warmly lit castle. Her attention moved to the students as she instructed, "If you will follow me, I will guide you to a side chamber, where we will leave you while we prepare for the sorting ceremony. For those of you who don't know, there are four houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. While you attend this school, your house will become like a family and you may cooperate by doing good deeds and earning house points while any rule-breaking will cause you to lose points." She said this while walking and when she had finished, the door to the side chamber had been opened for them.
"-and it's so unfair that Peeves gets away with everything!" a man's voice was saying in annoyance. It was medium in vocal weight, the tone bright and rich with kindness.
"It's that new headmaster," a cold, thin voice retorted. "Even I can't deter him anymore."
"The Board of Governors has been threatened into silence," the first voice replied as the last of the students shuffled in.
"Oh!" a plump man in a monk's clothes exclaimed joyfully. "New students! I'm The Fat Friar and I hope to see you in Hufflepuff!" He astonished the mob of students as he phased easily through a stone wall. The others followed.
Harry supposed that because they were transparent and were ghosts, that was something that they could do.
"Wait here," Professor McGonagall advised as she stepped out and closed the door.
"About that new headmaster, he started two years ago, and the Board of Governors have written complaints, but all evidence kept disappearing and the Ministry of Magic can't do anything without proof. He allows for Peeves to be a borderline dangerous nuisance."
"It's just that why can't memories be used?" Wayne asked. "Isn't that what they're used for?"
"They're scared that they might be tampered with," Draco drawled.
"They're just a bunch of ninnies," Harry groused. "It's Fudge." The door opened to reveal Professor McGonagall, ready to retrieve them.
"Follow me," she commanded. They listened. The year of students trooped out into the brightly lit Great Hall, the light source being the thousands upon thousands of candles hung from the ceiling, which was charmed to reflect the night sky. The sky had cleared to reveal the many lights from the stars. Harry waved at the Andromeda Galaxy, smiling softly.
"Good evening to all," a man with thin auburn hair and muddy brown eyes greeted in a loud, dark voice that had a grating rasp to it. "Welcome to Hogwarts, old and new! Today marks the beginning of a journey within these halls. I hope that you learn much under the great tutelage of these Hogwarts Staff. Now, it's time to sort these brand new students!"
Professor McGonagall stepped forward. "Now, when I call your name, please come forward to be sorted by the Sorting Hat!" She placed an old, ragged hat on an equally worn, three-legged stool.
Harry looked up at his friends. "No matter where we're sorted, I am with you. If I have to trek across the school to meet you, any of you, then so be it."
"We've grown up together," Neville added. "Together we shall always be."
"I love you all," Hannah said.
"Absolutely," Susan added.
"Ready?" Draco asked.
"Ready as I'll ever be," Blaise answered.
"Likewise," Hermione agreed. Professor McGonagall interrupted them.
"Abbott, Hannah!" she called. Hannah walked calmly to the stool, sat down, and smiled at her friends before her view of them was obscured by the hat.
Ah, yes, Miss Abbott, the hat greeted, startling her. You're very kind…nearly to a fault, but you're fiercely loyal, and you try your very best to be fair. There's also a great mind, especially the history of both worlds, and you want to merge both into your life….Hmmm…I know! The next words were spoken out to the Great Hall. "HUFFLEPUFF!"
The black and yellow-clad table cheered loudly. "HANNAH!" the other nine chanted. The noise died down with the bang at the end of Professor McGonagall's wand. She called out Admir, Alloy, Avery, Ball, Bell, and Benson before she called out "Bones, Susan!" She met the eyes of her friends, their support quelling her nerves. It wrapped around her like a comforting blanket as she went to the stool.
Greetings Miss Bones, he greeted her. Let's see, there's lots of courage, strength, and ooh, a fiery temper…Lots of loyalty, very detail-oriented, and helpful. You're a bit louder, but… "HUFFLEPUFF!"
"SUSAN!" Hannah shouted enthusiastically. Blue eyes gleaming with unshed tears of happiness, Susan rushed over to her friend and crushed her into a bear hug. A few tears leaked out onto Hannah's black robe, who let out a wet laugh. Boot became a Ravenclaw, Brown became a Gryffindor, and Bucklehurst became another Ravenclaw. Then came Campfield, a Slytherin, Clark, Gryffindor, Cook, Hufflepuff, Dunbar, Gryffindor, Dunn, Hufflepuff, Edwards, Ravenclaw. Then came Finch-Fletchley, Hufflepuff, Frost, Slytherin, Fry, Ravenclaw, Goodman, Hufflepuff. Harry had started to tune out the names until it was interrupted by "Granger, Hermione!" Hermione walked up to the stool slowly, taking her time to savour this moment.
Goodness, Miss Granger, the hat exclaimed. If you knew everything about Hogwarts, then there would be no sense of adventure or fun! It's much better to explore the castle and discover it for yourself. Yet, there is much chivalry and bravery. If you needed to, you would break the rules for your friends. You have loyalty, but it's much bolder, but I think the best is, "RAVENCLAW!"
"That's perfect!" Draco called out.
Absolutely!" Blaise agreed. The list continued as the Ravenclaws clapped. Green, Gryffindor, Hall, Ravenclaw, Heines, Gryffindor. The list went on until the strict professor called out "Hopkins, Wayne!" The boy smiled, excited a little bit. He wanted to start the next adventure.
Wayne Hopkins were the first words to him. Ah, a love of magic and adventure! You'll be getting some these next several years. Hmmm…There's curiosity in spades, a thirst for knowledge. Maybe Ravenclaw, but there's a fairness like your friend Miss Abbott, and it seems you are all very loyal… "HUFFLEPUFF!"
Hannah and Susan jumped up and cheered, the people around them were a bit surprised with their energy levels. They created a space between them for him. Irvine, James, Jennings….The list rolled on. Harry wondered if it was going to take all night. "Longbottom, Neville!"
Ah, yes, young Mr. Longbottom. I remember your parents. Brave and strong they were. So are you. There are traces of them everywhere in you. You are kind, loyal, and patient, and if you wish to be in Hufflepuff, it would be better if you were in, "GRYFFINDOR!" He sought out his friends and smiled at them. He sat down to listen to his friends. MacDougal, and then "Malfoy, Draco!" Draco straightened his posture and walked up to the stool as if he were a runway model.
And what do we have here? The hat examined his mind. Lots of ambition, a thirst for knowledge, a cunning mind, a different type of loyalty…You much share with Miss Granger.
We've known each other our whole lives…
I see, but it's different, so, "SLYTHERIN!" The green and silver table clapped loudly. One of the sides split in half to put him front and centre.
Moore, Nott, Parkinson, and "Patil, Padma!"
And an inquisitive mind we've got here…Hmmm…You'd be very good at Ancient Runes and Arithmancy. Oh definitely, "RAVENCLAW!" Hermione waved wildly at Padma as she joined her friend. Perks followed, but then it was the moment everyone was waiting for. "Potter, Harry!" The Great Hall was dead silent.
Harry squared his shoulders as if he were preparing for battle. He drew support from his friends as he ignored the extra strong stares. He made his way to the stool and sat down.
Mr. Potter…Yes…I see all the houses within you...Intelligence, loyalty, thirst for knowledge, but there's uncommon kindness, ambition, and most of all ready for the great things you're about to do. You would do best in, "SLYTHERIN!" Draco shot out of his seat, rising and waving his hands frantically. Harry burst out laughing as he sat next to his friend. Pucey came to sit across from them. Then Rivers, Sanchez, Spinks, Travers, Vane, and then "Weasley, Ronald!"
Ron shared a look with Blaise and met the eyes of those who had been sorted. He was surprised to realise that he was less nervous than he thought he was. He had begun to blaze his own trail in and beyond his family. No matter where he went, there were people there to support him.
He was the strategist amongst his friends as well as a history buff. He helped Hermione keep track of the connections of the Wizarding World.
Another Weasley…
And there's one more next year.
And I know what to do with you… "GRYFFINDOR!" If one looked close enough, one could spot Percy, Fred, and George rolling their eyes fondly. Of course, he would be a Gryffindor. Only a few more and it was Blaise's turn.
He was the last to be sorted and understood what would happen. The boy marched up to the stool hurriedly.
Let's get this over with…
An impatient one, I see.
I've waited for the entire ceremony.
Ah, well…Let's see…You've got uncommon bonds between your friends, for you do prefer time to yourself. You're much more open than you used to be and have come a long way. Your philosophical thoughts are interesting and need to be better explored…Quiet, reserved, ambition…If missed the kinder Slytherins like Mr. Potter and Mrs. Tonks. You would be perfect for, "SLYTHERIN!"
The whole school cheered, happy that everyone had been sorted. "Well done!" Headmaster Cessair proclaimed. "We will, now, listen to what the hat has to say about each house!"
The Sorting Hat sang a song in each house, highlighting each strength. They were encouraged to reflect on the Hat's decision. Except people were too hungry to do it well if at all.
Finally, the food appeared, and everyone dug into the English feast: Harty pies, meats, and many sides. Harry dug into a steak and kidney pie while Draco took some roasted chicken. Blaise filled his plate with pasta.
After the main course, there were desserts such as treacle tart, chocolate brownies and biscuits, and even cake. They were happily full when they all split to go to their common rooms.
Elera Malkin and Cassius Achlys led the Slytherins to the Slytherin Common Room, which could be accessed off the Great Hall. Next to the Grand Staircase, there was another, going down. That was where the dungeons were. They were dimly lit and the wall gave off a greenish tint as they were under the Black Lake.
They stood before a stone wall when Elera stepped forward and gave the password, "Tradition!" The wall split from left to right, revealing a green-tinted room. Though it looked a bit eerie, it also looked cosy in an odd way. Armchairs were arranged about a glowing fire, and nooks and crannies around the room for quiet spaces to study and privacy lined the perimeter of the room. Large tables in the middle accommodated larger groups.
Behind a quiet nook were the staircases to the dormitories. A portly man with greying hair waited for them. He cleared his throat loudly.
"My name is Professor Horace Slughorn and I am the Head of Slytherin House. We pride ourselves on our ambition, cleverness, and our merit. However, we carry a united front outside the common room. If there are any issues, leave them here. All and any issues will have solutions, all we need to do is find them. Respect those around you, and you should do well within these halls. Do very well, and you may be able to join my Slug Club. Thank you."
The house clapped politely. Then they split off to go to their dorms. Their trunks were at the foot of each bed.
Draco made a face as he noted that he, Harry, and Blaise shared a dorm with two gorilla-looking boys, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle.
They got ready for bed by brushing their teeth and changing into pyjamas. Harry returned to find his bed warm. A blanket of steam covered the duvet and sheets. As he crawled into bed, he began to relax into the warmth.
Halfway to sleep, he heard voices singing. What were they? Could anyone else listen to them?