CHAPTER 1 : THE POTTER PARADOX
Harry Potter stood as the elder of the two siblings, sharing a remarkable connection with his younger twin, Adrian Potter. Despite being the older of the pair, Harry existed in the shadow of his more renowned brother. Their lives took a fateful turn when, upon their birth, a prophetic declaration cast a mysterious aura over one of the twins, leaving Dumbledore convinced that Adrian was the subject of this ominous foretelling.
One chilling evening, the malevolent wizard Voldemort infiltrated the sanctuary of their home. In the face of betrayal, James Potter, the twins' father, swiftly ushered his wife to the upper floor, tasking her with safeguarding their precious children. Engaging in a valiant struggle against the dark forces, James fought desperately, only to succumb eventually to the relentless onslaught of Voldemort.
Wasting no time, the malevolent sorcerer ascended the stairs, breaching the sanctity of the children's bedroom. Lily Potter met her tragic demise at the hands of Voldemort, whose attention then turned to the twins. Adrian, adorned with fiery red hair and expressive brown eyes, wailed in terror at the impending threat. In stark contrast, Harry, with jet-black hair and piercing green eyes, calmly regarded the dark wizard.
Voldemort, in his malevolent certainty, unleashed the killing curse upon the unsuspecting infants. Yet, to his bewilderment, the curse rebounded, sealing his own fate. The unexpected turn of events left the notorious wizard stupefied, providing a fleeting moment for Sirius Black to make a dramatic entrance.
Sirius, with fierce determination and curses flying, confronted Peter Pettigrew, ensuring justice was served. The relief of finding his best friend James alive and his wife Lily spared was tinged with sorrow as they lay unconscious. Turning his attention to the twins, both miraculously unharmed, Sirius contemplated the course of action.
Before he could delve deeper into the situation, the colossal figure of Hagrid burst into the room, bearing news of Dumbledore's urgent directive. A heated exchange followed as Sirius hesitated, torn between his desire to avenge Pettigrew and the necessity of ensuring the safety of the infants.
In the end, swayed by Hagrid's insistence and Dumbledore's presumed wisdom, Sirius reluctantly acquiesced. Entrusting Hagrid with the care of the infants, he believed that this temporary separation would ensure their safety, and he could reunite with them later. With a heavy heart, Sirius departed, the weight of responsibility and uncertainty hanging over him, determined to secure medical attention for his fallen friends and seeking a way to reconcile the fractured pieces of their shattered world.
Simultaneously, in another corner of the wizarding world, Hagrid carefully delivered the twin boys into the watchful gaze of Professor Dumbledore. The aged wizard scrutinized the infants, noting the distinctive V-shaped scar adorning Adrian's forehead. After a thorough examination, Dumbledore discerned no ominous traces of dark magic in the scar. In stark contrast, the lightning-shaped scar on Harry's head captured the wizard's attention.
Dumbledore theorized that Adrian, marked by the peculiar scar, had somehow deflected the killing curse, resulting in the unusual connection between Harry and Voldemort's fragmented soul. The prophecy's mention of the seventh month suggested that Adrian might indeed be the subject of the foretelling, setting the stage for an unfolding destiny.
In a moment of calculated decision-making, Dumbledore resolved to leave Harry in the care of his aunt, a woman harboring a deep-rooted disdain for magic. The Headmaster envisioned a strategic plan where the woman's negative sentiments, compounded over the years and augmented by subtle magical manipulations, would eventually turn her resentful towards the young Harry. The end goal, however grim, was to orchestrate a scenario where she might unwittingly bring about the demise of the boy, thereby severing the Horcrux connection and relieving Dumbledore of the burden of guilt.
With a heavy heart and a seemingly casual demeanor, Dumbledore deposited Harry on the doorstep of his aunt's home. As he walked away with Adrian in tow, a subtle smile played on his lips. In his mind, the intricate pieces of a grand plan were falling into place, and the wheels of destiny were set in motion. The wizard's confidence echoed in his thoughts – everything, it seemed, would unfold according to his carefully laid out strategy. The future, rife with uncertainty and hidden complexities, awaited the twins as they embarked on divergent paths, one left vulnerable on a doorstep, and the other destined for a fate entwined with prophecies and ancient magic.
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On the bustling platform, Daphne Greengrass bid her parents farewell, her youthful visage graced by blonde locks and piercing blue eyes. As the heiress to the prestigious Greengrass name and fortune, she carried the weight of familial expectations, a cautionary reminder to be discerning in her choice of companions.
Navigating through the bustling throng, Daphne finally boarded the train, her destination clear – the world of wizardry awaited. Finding a nearly vacant compartment, she ventured inside to discover a young boy, approximately her age, donned in unconventional Muggle attire. His unkempt black hair framed his face, and he sported white sneakers, blue jeans, a crisp white shirt, and a black leather jacket – an ensemble that intrigued rather than repelled Daphne.
"Excuse me," she addressed the boy, "may I sit here, please?"
"Of course," he replied, tearing his gaze away from the passing scenery outside. As she settled in, placing her suitcase overhead, their eyes met.
"I'm Daphne Greengrass," she introduced herself, extending a delicate hand. The boy, in a surprising display of formality, took her hand and gallantly kissed the back of it. The subtle gesture triggered a silent observation in Daphne's mind – 'Pure-blood,' she concluded, deeming such a courtly greeting unlikely from a Muggle-born.
"A pleasure to meet you," the boy responded, his gaze unwavering. "My name is Hadrian, but you can call me Harry."
"Just Harry?" Daphne quizzed, curiosity evident in her tone. "Don't you have a surname?"
A mysterious smile played on Harry's lips as he responded, "Yes, but I prefer to get to know a person before revealing my name. Besides, I'm sure you'll hear it during the sorting."
As the train hurtled towards Hogwarts, Daphne Greengrass found herself in the company of a boy shrouded in enigma. The unspoken promise of revelations to come lingered in the air, and the journey into the wizarding world had only just begun.
"Fair enough," Daphne nodded thoughtfully. "I can presume your surname carries some weight, then."
"Yes, unfortunately," Harry responded with a hint of wryness. "But enough about me. Are you looking forward to Hogwarts?"
Daphne's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "Absolutely! I'm anticipating being sorted into Slytherin. What about you?"
"If I had to choose," Harry mused, "it would be either Ravenclaw or Slytherin. Honestly, I don't mind the house, but those two provide individual rooms. It's a sanctuary, you know? A retreat if someone bothers me."
"I completely get that," Daphne concurred. "There are always a few... unpleasant individuals in Slytherin. My father warned me that Lucius Malfoy's son is starting this year."
Harry arched an eyebrow, a playful smile dancing on his lips. "I suppose you don't particularly like him."
"I hate him," Daphne declared vehemently. "I... oh, I'm sorry, I shouldn't rant."
"It's alright," Harry assured her with a charming smile. "I like the sound of your voice. So, why don't you like him?" he probed, genuinely curious.
Daphne, though trying to hide it, blushed at the unexpected compliment. "Well, he's just insufferable, thinks he's better than everyone else. And he has this air of entitlement that makes my skin crawl."
Harry chuckled softly. "Sounds like someone I'd rather avoid as well. Hopefully, Hogwarts has enough nooks and crannies to escape such characters." The train rattled on, carrying the duo closer to the castle and the mysteries that awaited them in the world of magic.
Daphne continued, her expression revealing the weight of frustration. "If he's anything like his father, he'll be arrogant, presumptuous, and annoying. His father also tries to enforce a marriage contract between me and him. My father is tired of warding him off, but he persists and continues to insist on this marriage contract."
Before Harry could respond, the compartment door swung open, revealing Draco Malfoy, an embodiment of wizarding elegance. Two imposing boys flanked him like loyal guards.
"Greengrass," Draco greeted with a smug smile, and Daphne fought the urge to rise and deliver a resounding slap. "It's nice to see you."
"Such a shame I can't say the same," Daphne retorted with feigned sweetness. "Would you please leave now and stop bothering me?"
Undeterred, Draco turned his attention to Harry. "Who are you? Judging by your clothes, I can assume you're just another Mudblood."
"Mr. Malfoy, was it?" Harry responded, his tone calm and collected. "Unlike you, I haven't forgotten the proper etiquette that comes with membership in a respected house. In case you need reminding, you should introduce yourself properly first."
Draco, slightly embarrassed, reluctantly extended his hand. "I'm Draco Malfoy, heir to the Malfoys. Who are you?"
"A bit better," Harry remarked casually, standing up and shaking Draco's hand. Suddenly, Draco winced in pain as Harry's grip tightened. "My name is Hadrian, but Harry is fine too. You can learn my surname during the sorting."
With a subtle menace in his voice, Harry added, "I'm not a Muggle-born, but it would be better if I never heard that word from your mouth again." The tension in the compartment rose, setting the stage for the dynamics that would unfold in the upcoming years at Hogwarts.
Harry released his grip on Malfoy, who, reaching for his wand, was met with another wand pointed squarely between his eyes. Harry's green eyes blazed with anger, but his body remained as immovable as stone.
"Careful, Mr. Malfoy," warned Harry, his voice dripping with a threatening calmness. "It wouldn't look good for the Malfoy heir to attend the sorting with a black eye and a few broken bones."
Swallowing hard, Malfoy begrudgingly retreated, accompanied by his bodyguards. Harry nonchalantly returned his wand to its holster and resumed his seat. He turned to Daphne, who stared at him wide-eyed. Gently lifting her chin, Harry closed her gaping mouth.
"Are you okay, Daphne?" he inquired, his concern evident. Daphne blushed, recovering from her initial shock.
"Yes, but Harry, you just threatened Draco Malfoy. As you mentioned, his father is really powerful."
Harry shrugged. "Well, at least life won't be boring. Besides, I've made it much worse for boys who rely on daddy to get by. But now I can see why you don't want to marry him; maybe one of those gorillas could replace you if you ask nicely."
Daphne chuckled, the tension from the confrontation dissipating. The two resumed their conversation until, about half an hour later, another interruption came in the form of a girl with bushy hair.
"Has anyone seen a toad? A boy named Neville lost one," the girl with bushy hair inquired as she entered the compartment.
"No," both Daphne and Harry replied.
"Oh, you're doing magic?" She pointed at Harry, who had his wand in hand. "Let me see."
"Sorry, but I'm not doing magic," Harry replied.
"Don't lie to me; you have your wand," she persisted.
"That doesn't mean I'm using it," Harry retorted. Indeed, Harry had only shown it to Daphne. "Well, if there's nothing else, could you please leave?"
"You're terribly rude," she commented.
"Says the girl who barged in here without permission," Daphne interjected. "We answered your question; you then called him a liar when he didn't lie. He just showed it to me, and you didn't even introduce yourself."
"Fine," she sniffed. "I'm Hermione Granger, and you?"
"Daphne Greengrass."
"Harry," added Harry.
"What's your last name?" She asked.
"You'll find out during the sorting ceremony."
"Why won't you tell me now?!" She demanded to know.
"Because he doesn't want to," answered Daphne. "I've been sitting with him the whole train ride, and he hasn't told me. You don't see me complaining and shouting like a harpy."
"I'm not a harpy!" Hermione exclaimed before storming off.
"Thanks," said Harry, appreciating Daphne's support amid the unexpected intrusion. The compartment returned to a semblance of peace, allowing the duo to resume their conversation as the train continued its journey to Hogwarts.
"No problem," Daphne said with a smile. "You saved me from an idiot, and I saved you from another."
"That sounds like a brilliant system," Harry commented. "I guess it means I'll have to deal with the next idiot we encounter."
"Obviously," Daphne agreed, and as if on cue, another interruption arrived in the form of a red-haired boy.
"Hey," he announced, "I just wanted to let you know that Adrian Potter is giving autographs if any of you want one."
"Who even are you?" Harry questioned.
"Adrian Potter, I'm his best friend," the boy, named Ron Weasley, proudly declared. "By the way, my name is Ron, Ron Weasley. He wanted me to let everyone know he's giving autographs."
"Great," Harry responded sarcastically. "I appreciate you informing us, but I'm not interested. Daphne?" Daphne shook her head. "She's not interested either. If there's nothing else, could you please leave?"
"Hey, you can't talk to me like that!" Ron protested.
"Why not?" Harry questioned.
"Because I'm the Boy Who Lived's best friend; you have to respect me."
Harry grinned falsely at him, and Daphne tried to suppress a laugh. "And I congratulate you on finding a friend, but that doesn't automatically earn you respect. Now, please go."
"Slippery snake," Ron muttered before exiting.
"How much do you want to bet he'll be in Gryffindor?" Daphne asked.
"That's a lost bet, and you know it. Even if he's not Gryffindor material, he'll ask to be sorted there," Harry replied, the train ride proving to be a series of unexpected encounters and challenges.
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The train journey concluded as they arrived at Hogwarts. Daphne introduced Harry to her friend Tracy Davis, who seemed amicable enough. Tracy teased Daphne about whether Harry was her new boyfriend, causing Daphne to blush while avoiding eye contact with Harry, who couldn't help but hide a smile. As they waited in the corridor, Harry's attention shifted to a particular redhead.
Observing from a distance, he saw his brother engaged in conversation with Ron Weasley. Adrian, about an inch shorter than Harry, possessed bright red hair and brown eyes, his stature not hefty but slightly chubby. Ron whispered something to him, prompting Harry to avert his gaze, uncertain about Adrian's intentions, though a suspicion lingered.
"Hey," Adrian approached Harry, "do you know who I am?"
"Adrian Potter," Harry replied, wondering about the purpose of this inquiry.
"Exactly. According to my friend, you don't care enough to have one of my autographs."
"Maybe not, so what?" Harry met Adrian's gaze, but before Adrian could respond, another voice cut in.
"Forget him," Draco Malfoy interjected, "He's nobody important; you don't want to befriend the wrong sort. My name is Malfoy, Draco Malfoy," he chuckled.
"Do you find my name amusing, or?" Draco demanded.
"Yes, it is," Adrian interjected, "And I don't hang out with baby Death Eaters."
The tension in the corridor escalated as the exchanges between the characters unfolded, foreshadowing the complexities that awaited them within the hallowed halls of Hogwarts.
Malfoy turned red, but before he could reply, Professor McGonagall entered and ushered them all into the Great Hall. Hermione Granger, to whoever would listen, narrated how she read that the ceiling was enchanted. Ron made a joke about fighting a troll, while Adrian and Malfoy strutted around as if they owned the place.
Soon, the sorting began, starting with a girl named Hannah Abbott. Hermione Granger was sorted into Gryffindor, Daphne into Slytherin, and Draco Malfoy was also sorted into Slytherin. Then it was Adrian Potter's turn. He sat on the stool, engaging in what seemed like a debate with the Sorting Hat, eventually joining Gryffindor. Applause filled the hall before the sorting resumed. McGonagall glanced at the list, her eyes widening in shock.
"H... Harry Potter," she announced, and an immediate hush fell over the crowd as all eyes turned to the Sorting Hat.
Harry sighed, preparing to face the inevitable. He walked slowly past the students and took a seat on the stool. After a brief pause, McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on his head.
"Hmm, difficult, very difficult. How are you, Mr. Potter?" The Hat inquired in his mind.
"As good as one can be," Harry mentally replied. "A bit chilly, but otherwise fine."
"Hmm, yes," said the Hat. "But I'm sure a bit of cold wouldn't bother someone like you. My goodness, I can't believe what I'm seeing in your mind. Godric Gryffindor would kill to have you in his house; adults wouldn't even do half the things you've done. But then again, I'm sure the other founders would be equally eager to have you. You're unusual."
"You're the Hat and should sort me," said Harry, cutting to the chase.
"Fair point," the Hat replied. "Now, where shall I send you? Hmm, you don't want Gryffindor, and I agree. While you embody everything Godric would expect from a Gryffindor, you just wouldn't fit. Hufflepuff? No, you're loyal, but only to very few. So, it's between Ravenclaw or Slytherin. Do you have a preference?"
"Not really, but I'd like Slytherin just to annoy my brother."
"Ha," the Hat laughed loudly, surprising the hall. "You're unusual. I see great things in your future, Mr. Potter. That being said, I hope you enjoy your time in SLYTHERIN!"
The entire hall fell silent as Harry removed the Hat and headed to Slytherin. He took a seat next to Daphne, who looked at him with wide eyes.
"As cute as you look right now, you look even better when you smile," he whispered in her ear, and she blushed before composing herself.
"So, Harry Potter?" She said, "As in the brother of the Gryffindor golden boy?"
"Older brother," nodded Harry. "And yes, I wanted to wait until I was at Hogwarts before anyone found out. Now I can avoid anyone who feels the need to ask annoying questions."
"What about me?" asked Daphne, curiosity evident in her eyes.
Tracy interjected confidently, "Certainly, count me in on this discussion. Would you deliberately avoid Daphne, Harry?"
Harry, with a grin, responded, "Absolutely not. It would be utterly foolish to decline the company of such a brilliant individual." His gaze lingered on Daphne, who couldn't help but internally curse him for consistently causing her to blush, disrupting the Ice Queen persona she aimed to uphold.
Intruding into the conversation with a hint of disdain in his voice, Malfoy, capturing the attention of the entire Slytherin table, questioned, "So, Harry Potter? A Potter in Slytherin? How does it feel to be a disappointment?"
Nonchalantly, Harry retorted, "Well, Malfoy, your expertise in disappointment seems unparalleled. How does it feel?"
Outraged, Malfoy exclaimed, "How dare you?! I'm the Heir of the Malfoy family!"
With dry humor, Harry shot back, "Congratulations on your birth. Although, I must express my sympathy for your father; he must have erred somewhere if his sole achievement is having you as a son." Laughter erupted from some Slytherins. "If I ever meet him, I'll likely regretfully inform him of how sorry I am that he can't have more children."
Defiantly, Malfoy retorted, "My father can have more children if he wanted!"
Unfazed, Harry quipped, "Well, that's a relief. Imagine being stuck with just one of you." The Slytherin table erupted in a mix of laughter and murmurs as Harry's remark lingered in the air.
Harry arched an eyebrow, feigning contemplation. "So, your father decided to stop at you? Well, in that case, it seems he opted to conclude the Malfoy legacy at a disappointment." The Slytherins erupted in laughter, and even Daphne struggled to contain her amusement.
An enraged Malfoy seethed, "You'll pay for this, Potter!"
Harry, with a mischievous glint in his eye, retorted, "I wasn't aware that Malfoys were facing financial difficulties. A pity if money is the sole measure of your family's significance. But hey, if you ask politely, I might just throw a Galleon your way. Come begging on your knees, and I'll even make it two Galleons."
Suppressing laughter, Daphne marveled at Harry's audacity, while Tracy discreetly covered her mouth to stifle her amusement.
Caught off guard and unable to formulate a response, Malfoy opted to keep his mouth shut, his disdain for the new Potter intensifying. As the awkward silence lingered, the Slytherins eventually shifted their attention back to their meals, allowing Daphne and Harry to engage in conversation, with Tracy eagerly joining in.
From the Gryffindor table, Adrian Potter observed his brother with disbelief. He couldn't fathom that his own flesh and blood had been sorted into Slytherin. He had been on the train as per Dumbledore's advice to network and make connections, never expecting to find his brother there. The news of Harry declining his autograph had reached him, and now he was witnessing his brother, the Boy Who Lived, sitting among the cunning Slytherins. Tomorrow, he decided, he would approach Harry and insist on a re-sorting; it was too embarrassing for the famous Harry Potter to have a Slytherin brother!
Professor Snape, from his position at the staff table, observed Harry with a mix of complex emotions. He had long contemplated putting an end to his animosity towards James Potter, realizing that had Potter lived, grown, and perhaps apologized, Snape might have found it in himself to let go of the bitterness, if only for Lily's memory. However, as he looked at the Boy Who Lived, Adrian Potter, his dormant feelings of hatred and disgust surged once again.
The young Potter proved to be even more insufferably arrogant than his deceased father. Snape had endured years of the brat strutting around as if Hogwarts belonged to him. Throughout that time, he had often wondered why the elder twin didn't reside within the castle as well. As his gaze shifted to the older twin, though resembling James Potter, he noticed the unmistakable presence of his mother's eyes. Unlike Adrian, the Gryffindor, this Potter did not display the same haughty demeanor, and to Snape's astonishment, he was sorted into Slytherin. Perhaps this Potter was different; Snape decided to withhold judgment, choosing to wait and observe.
Meanwhile, Dumbledore, seated at the head of the staff table, was lost in contemplation. The revelation that Harry Potter had been sorted into Slytherin caught him off guard; it was not what he had anticipated. He had hoped that, if Harry were still alive, he could guide him, appearing as a benevolent and grandfatherly mentor whom Harry could respect and look up to. This way, Dumbledore mused, he might eventually persuade Harry to sacrifice himself for the so-called "Greater Good." However, he now questioned the feasibility of that plan.
Harry was not in Gryffindor, and it seemed he was integrating well with his fellow Slytherins. Dumbledore decided to adopt a wait-and-see approach, hoping that his original plans would not require significant alterations. The unexpected turn of events had left him pondering the potential outcomes of this new chapter in the life of the Boy Who Lived.
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