Chapter 4

New friends

Harry found it hard to contain his excitement as he and Sirius made their way through Kings Cross Station. After all, he was about to go to Hogwarts! "Come on Uncle Sirius, we don't want to miss the train!".

"Calm down, kiddo, we have plenty of time."

Harry had barely slept the night before. Ever since he was told the truth of his heritage and the Wizarding World, he began to read most of his schoolbooks (especially Transfiguration. After all, his Aunt Min… no, Professor McGonagall taught it), heard spectacular tales of Quidditch and itched to try out magic with his wand.

Magic could do so many spectacular things. The two were walking past hundreds of muggles with a beautiful snowy owl in a floating cage beside them, a large suitcase following suit, without any of them batting an eye at the unusual sight! Through the crowds Harry could see either Hogwarts students also heading towards Platform 9 ¾, most with some form of animal familiar. The noise of the various owls should have caught the attention of the non-magical people! Magic was amazing.

The duo went through the solid looking wall to the Platform, and as Harry gaped at the magical steam train, Sirius called him over.

"Harry, this is Molly Weasley. She's a very good friend," Sirius introduced the shorter woman, with shocking red hair and a friendly face. "Molly, this is Harry."

"It's so lovely to meet you, dear," Molly greeted Harry with a warm hug.

Harry smiled. "Thank you Mrs. Weasley, it's lovely to meet you too," Harry returned the greeting.

"These are my children," Molly turned to introduce Harry to Percy, Fred, George, Ginny and Ron. "It's Ron's first year as well."

"Nice to meet you, Ron," Harry said, holding out his hand.

Ron grinned, accepting the hand.

"The Weasley's are some of the nicest people in our world, Harry," Sirius explained.

"You're too kind, Sirius," Molly lightly shoved Sirius, though the blush on her face conveyed how she didn't really mind the compliment.

Sirius laughed just as the train's warning horn blared. "Right, let's get you aboard. Molly, how about we catch up after? Maybe Arthur can join us?"

"Wonderful idea," Molly agreed. "It's been far too long. Letters just aren't the same." Sirius and Molly used their magic to direct the suitcases, Hedwig and another owl to their assigned carriages before bidding the group goodbye. Ron and Harry found a carriage for themselves; Percy was with the Prefects and Fred and George went off to look for a friend, after they had a quick chat and Harry had shown them his scar.

"This is Scabbers. Bit pathetic, isn't he?" Ron indicated to a pouch Harry had noticed on his side as they settled down into the carriage. An old rat poked his head out, sleepy dark eyes observing the area before the pet climbed out and lay claim to the more comfortable area of his owners' lap.

Harry held out a finger for the twitching nose to sniff. "He's cute. I always liked rats," Harry said, gently petting the grey fur when the plump rodent settled to sleep. "Does he do anything? Some rats can learn tricks."

"Sleep and eat. He used to be my brother Percy's, but now he's mine because after Percy got named a prefect, he was given an owl," Ron said, a little bitterly. "Fred and George gave me a harmless spell to turn him yellow, though?"

"Yellow? Can you show me?" Harry said, grinning. Ron cleared his throat, but as he went to say the enchantment the door opened, and a bushy haired girl came in.

"Have any of you seen a toad called Trevor? A boy called Neville lost one," she said, before spotting Ron's wand. "Are you doing magic? Let's see then," she sat herself down, staring intently.

Ron's spell was either not a real spell, or it failed miserably. "Don't worry Ron, you'll get the hang of it at school," Harry said encouragingly.

"He's right. I'm Hermione Granger," the girl introduced herself.

"Ron Weasley."

"And you're Harry Potter. I've read all about you in a History of Magic," Hermione said, before Harry could introduce himself.

"I know my uncle told me I was going to be famous, but I don't think I like people knowing more about me and my family than I do," Harry sighed with a self-conscious shuffle.

Hermione's interested expression shifted. "I'm sorry for what happened Harry. I can't imagine it was easy to live with," she said kindly.

Harry smiled at her. "Thank you, Hermione. That means a lot. I just… I wonder what my parents would think of me sometimes. I love Sirius for everything that he has done, but…"

"I'm sure they would be really proud of you. Not only did you defeat the greatest evil of Wizarding England, but you seem really nice as well." Hermione told him.

"She's right," Ron chimed in. Harry flashed them both a brighter smile. It faded, however, as the door opened to reveal three students, one of which was the blonde boy he had met in Diagon Alley.

"So, it's true. Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts," the boy said. "This is Crabbe, and Goyle, and I'm Malfoy, Draco Malfoy." Ron snickered at the name, which caused Malfoy to glare at him. "No need to ask your name. Red hair, and hand me down robes. You're obviously a Weasley," Malfoy smirked at the clear insult. "You don't want to make friends with the wrong sort, Potter. I can help you there," Malfoy said, holding out his hand.

Harry didn't even budge. "I can figure out the wrong sort by myself, thanks," Harry said, narrowing his eyes at Malfoy, who glared before leaving.

"Thanks Harry," Ron murmured. "Malfoys are known for being judgemental, manipulative and used to getting what they want. Pretty sure no one has told the git no before."

"My Uncle Sirius taught me to spot a bully a mile off. You're definitely someone I want to be friends with," Harry told them. "That goes for you too, Hermione."

"I'd like that," Hermione said, smiling as well. "I… well, I never had many friends," her smile faded as she made the admission.

"Why not?" Ron asked, frowning.

Hermione sighed. "People don't like the fact that I'm smarter than most of them," Hermione explained with another sigh. "And apparently I talk about it too much."

"If you're clever, be proud of it. Clearly Malfoy isn't, otherwise he'd be nicer," Harry said. "At least we'll have someone to help us study, right?"

"I could use the help. I've got all my brothers to make fun of me if I don't do well," Ron expressed glumly.

"I'd love to help you study," Hermione exclaimed brightly. "I read all the textbooks and studied what I could. My parents couldn't help me much as they're dentists, but they were so proud of me when Professor McGonagall came and explained to them that I was a witch."

"Aunt Minnie came to your house?" Harry inquired. "Isn't she amazing?"

"Aunt Minnie?" Ron repeated, looking at Harry with both shock and admiration.

"Professor McGonagall was always there for me when I was growing up. She brought my books, and a few extra ones, and told me to study hard," Harry clarified. "She also said she'll be tough on me at school as she wants me to be the best wizard I can be."

An older witch pushing a food trolly knocked on their door. "Anything from the trolley, dears?" the woman asked.

Harry immediately treated Hermione and Ron to sweets, pasties and drinks.

"Thanks, Harry," Hermione began to read some of the packets carefully.

"Fank ooo," Ron added, his mouth full of Pumpkin pasty, causing the other two to laugh.

The train journey was very pleasant for Harry and his new friends. They spoke about magic, Quidditch and the muggle world. By the time they arrived at Hogwarts and were lined up for the sorting, Harry was feeling confident but nervous. Hermione was sorted first from the group, and she was put into Gryffindor. When Ron was sorted, the Hat audibly told him he knew where to put Ron and put him in Gryffindor as well. When it came to Harry's turn, his confidence had faded and he mentally whispered, 'Not Slytherin", as the old hat was placed on his head.

"Hmm, difficult, very difficult, plenty of courage I see, not a bad mind either. There's talent there, and a thirst to prove yourself, but where to put you," the hat said. Harry continued his whispers of 'not Slytherin.'

"Not Slytherin, eh? Are you sure? You could be great, you know, it's all here in your head, and Slytherin will help you on your way to greatness, there's no doubt about that," the hat said. "No? Well, if you're sure, better be… GRYFFINDOR!"

There were roars of delight from the Gryffindor table, and Harry grinned self consciously as he sat in between Hermione and Ron. It didn't take long for the sorting to finish – "Of course Malfoy is sorted into Slytherin, all of his family has been from the very beginning of Hogwarts", Ron muttered – and Harry made sure to make note of the other new Gryffindors.

Not long after, the famous Dumbledore stood up from the Head Table and began to speak. He introduced the Head of Houses, spoke of the main rules, the Forbidden Forest, and gave a warning about how the Third Floor Corridor was currently out of bounds. "Magic gifts us with great ability, but we must remember we are also at its mercy," the Headmaster warned the students. "Treat it well, and it will become our greatest ally. Misuse the power and, well, the third-floor corridor happens. It will settle in time, but classes have been moved to accommodate for the unstable magic. Make sure to refer to your timetables tomorrow morning and remember, Hogwarts is your home!"

From further along up the table, Harry could have sworn he heard one of the Weasley twins proudly claim that they were the reason the corridor was malfunctioning. "- testing out things there! Must be good of Hogwarts is freaking out about it."

A few hours later, Harry was in his dorm room with Ron, Seamus Finnigan, Dean Thomas and Neville Longbottom Despite not sleeping well the night before he still did not feel tired. As the others slept, he sat on the window seat, looking out across the vast grounds for a while before gazing up at the stars, wondering of things yet to come and how things might be for him in the future.


Harry's days at Hogwarts quickly became routine. He would get up, get washed and go for breakfast, and after breakfast in the Great Hall he would be ready for classes. Transfiguration was his favourite, followed by Defense Against the Dark Arts despite Quirrell's uniqueness. Professor Snape made Potions intimidating, and Sirius's tone in a return letter sounded frustrated after Harry mentioned the rather unfair questioning that had been fired his way during the first class. Thankfully the Professor left Harry alone in the succeeding lessons. Charms was difficult for Harry and Ron, but Hermione showed them how to do the correct wand actions and pronunciations.

On top of that, in his first flying lesson, Harry had proved himself to be an excellent flyer after stopping Malfoy from destroying an item belonging to Neville. Aunt Mi – Professor McGonagall had spotted the altercation while grading homework and had shrieked at Harry for being reckless while they were alone but for that skill, he had been given a place on the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Two days after, he had been sent a Nimbus 2000 by Sirius, who said he was very proud of Harry ("you're the youngest Hogwarts seeker in a century, Harry!"), and that pride grew even more after defeating the Slytherin team in his first match.

Before too long, Halloween had arrived, which had all the students excited. The celebration had always been a rather solemn one for him and Sirius. It was, after all, the night where Harry lost his parents. Seeing the usually placid ghosts of Hogwarts become more animated distracted Harry from his thoughts, and the usually manageable Peeves became unbearable. The Poltergeist was able to throw small objects and random students were pummelled by food.

Ron and Harry were waiting for Hermione to return from the bathroom, who had fallen victim to some of the flying food, when Professor Quirrell barged into the Great Hall. He screamed about a troll in the dungeon, turban askew, before collapsing out of shock.

Dumbledore and the other Professors quickly gave out orders, and as the students were guided to their respective dormitories by pale looking Prefects, the two realised that Hermione hadn't returned.

With no professors available and their fellow dorm mates looking frightened, the two ran to get Hermione themselves, only to find the troll in the bathroom that she was occupying. It had trapped her inside and the girl was clearly terrified. Ron and Harry managed to knock the creature unconscious just as the Professors arrived, Nearly Headless Nick – the Gryffindor Ghost – having alerted them to the true location of the troll and what was transpiring.

Minerva took the three of them to her office when it deemed the troll was out cold, pale and shaking.

"What do you think you were doing, Harry?" Minerva demanded, looking at the boy with a confusing mix of pride, fear and disbelief over her pale face. "A troll? Don't you realise how dangerous and stupid they are? You could have been killed!"

"Aunt Minnie, we went looking for Hermione. She had gone to the bathroom before Professor Quirrell came running in, and when she hadn't returned as everyone was heading to the dorms, we wanted to make sure she was okay," Harry explained. He did not regret his decision, but he felt bad for making the older woman look so stressed.

Minerva pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Professor, we couldn't let our friend be hurt, and when we reached the girls bathroom, the troll was going in there," Ron added.

Minerva sighed. "I don't know why I'm still surprised by how Gryffindors act. What you both did was very foolish… and very brave. I don't know if anyone else could have done what you did. However, I don't want any of you to do anything so reckless again. You were incredibly lucky tonight."

"No kidding," Ron agreed, breathless. "Honestly, if Hermione hadn't helped me learn the right wand movement for the Wingardium Leviosa spell…"

"Indeed. Miss Granger, you seem to be an excellent influence on Harry and Mr. Weasley here," Minerva told the girl. "Fifty points for Gryffindor, for bravery and sheer dumb luck."

"Thank you, Aunt Minnie," Harry said. He blushed as she glared at him. "Sorry, Professor McGonagall."

She rolled her eyes at him. "Go back to your dorm room and enjoy the food that's been sent up. And may I suggest a shower as well? The quicker you get rid of the troll stench, the better."

As the three students went to leave, McGonagall called out to them. "You three have an inspiring bond. It's rare for such a connection to forge so quickly." She smiled at their confused expressions. "Friends for life. Come hell or high water, it's clear that the three of you will always support each other. We need more connections like that in this World."

As the three arrived at the waiting Fat Lady portrait, Nearly Headless Nick following them from behind under McGonagall's instruction, Harry paused.

"Harry?"

"No matter what, I will always be here for you both," he told the two fiercely.

Hermione began to sob. "You two are the best friends anyone can ask for. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for being there. I always felt so alone before but now…"

"Now we're friends for life," Ron finished. He looked mildly uncomfortable at the crying girl, but he pressed his shoulder against hers in a show of comfort, resting another on Harry's shoulder.


Hours later, sitting alone in the common room, stared into the fireplace, watching the flames crackling and burning the logs. He remembered the guttural sound the troll made as it went to attack them, and anxious thoughts raced through his mind. What if he had been hurt, or died? What if he lost his new friends? What would Sirius say to him for taking on a troll? Would he be proud? Would he be angry? There were so many things he wanted to ask Sirius… something not entirely unrelated also occupying his mind.

Being in the girls' bathroom felt somehow… right. He usually tried to be the first up in the mornings so that he could have the boys' bathroom to himself, and even then, he had this underlying sense of being an intruder. He hated being there when another student stumbled in, half asleep, and he had been trying so hard to ignore the uncomfortable sensations. Yet, going into the female bathroom to rescue Hermione… Not to mention the dream he first experienced when he was six had also been reoccurring with increasing frequency. Why did he keep thinking of himself as Lily Potter? Why did he feel so wrong?

"Trouble sleeping?" a kindly voice asked. Harry looked up, and saw Minerva standing near the entrance way.

Harry nodded. "I didn't want to disturb the others."

Minerva came further into the dorm, sitting down next to Harry. "What's on your mind?" Minerva questioned softly.

Harry sighed; his eyes being drawn back to the orange glow of the fire. "I guess… I was worried about what if we hadn't been lucky tonight," he confessed.

Minerva placed a hand on his shoulder. "When Nick came and said that he had seen you and Mr Weasley go after the troll, I was scared of the same thing," she told him. "I had never run so fast in my life."

"I'm sorry I made you worry, Aunt Minnie. Ron and I didn't want to lose Hermione, and you and Uncle Sirius always taught me to stand up for our friends," Harry said quietly. "I know we did something stupid, but it felt like the only option at the time…"

Minerva chuckled softly, reaching to pull the blanket Harry was cuddled in closer around his body. "Standing up against bullies and prejudice, yes, but a troll?"

"I know, but I just… I don't know what I was thinking."

"You were thinking of your friend, and you were brave. As foolish as you were, and you are never to repeat this, I am proud of you. You were wonderful, you and your friend. You chose your friends well, Harry," Minerva said. "I spoke to your Uncle. He'll be writing to you, but he wanted me to say that whilst what you did was foolish, he was proud, and you're exactly like your parents. They were just as brave and would have done the same thing." The two sat in silence for a few minutes. "Lily and James would be proud of you."

"I miss them," Harry confided, his voice barely a whisper. "Everyone seems to only care about Halloween because of the sweets and the ghosts, but…"

"But it's the anniversary of when they died to protect you," Minerva finished. "It would be strange if you didn't miss them, Harry."

"But Sirius – "

"How you feel doesn't invalidate all that Sirius has done for you," the professor cut him off. "Listen to me carefully. People can be thoughtless. They can see holidays as a time to let loose, to spoil their loved ones and even themselves. It's a break from real life. They're so caught up in their own holiday that they don't recognise that there are others who don't have the same experiences. Countless Witches and Wizards celebrate today because it's Halloween and tradition, while only a few will remember it's also the anniversary of the downfall of the Dark Lord." She placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. "And only a handful, yourself and Sirius most of all, remember today as a time of sorrow. Sirius wouldn't trade you for the world, but I guarantee you that he also misses James and Lily dreadfully and thinks about how life would be different if they were still around."

"Sirius once mentioned how he lost everyone that night. He lost his best friends and his lover too," Harry remembered. "I understand Voldemort wanted to cull those he didn't deem worthy but why go after purebloods that defied him? Why did he think it would be okay to destroy so many lives for such selfish reasons?"

McGonagall sighed. "It's a question that has kept many people awake for the last decade. However, not everything was lost that night, as he gained you as his son. I never knew anyone who grew up overnight as quickly as he did. You make him proud everyday… and you do the same for me, too." She quickly raised a finger at him. "Don't tell anyone I told you this. I have a reputation to uphold."

Harry laughed, trying to fight off a yawn.

"Off to bed with you, Harry."

As he settled into his soft bed a few minutes later, he found his thoughts were less tumultuous. Harry felt better now he had spoken to his aunt, although he still had a lot of questions about his dreams. Why did he think of himself as Lily? Why now? And what else was going to happen to him this year? With his Aunt Minnie watching him, and with Ron and Hermione backing him up, he felt confident that he would be able to face it.

NOTE FROM J.M. JACKSON:

As you will have noticed, Mystic Dodo and I have made a number of changes to the characters, because we felt that first, being raised by Sirius and not the Dursley's would give Harry a much kinder view towards Hermione and others, and so he would have appreciated her much more. We also felt that the way Ron acted at times would have been against how Molly and Arthur raised him, given Arthur's love of muggles and people, so you may find the character's to be different from the books, but hey, that is the point, right? Thank you for the reviews so far, we both really appreciate your feedback and we both hope you enjoy the story.

Also, please note, we won't be changing too much in books one and two, except for what we write, so there will be a number of differences. With all due respect to how the books were written, sometimes there was a level of douche ness that wasn't needed, so this is our take on the characters. Any and all feedback is welcome.