Chapter 9. Off to Hogwarts

Harry woke up earlier than his usual time on his last morning with the Dursleys. He was way too excited to sleep any longer. Today he was leaving for Hogwarts! He had already made plans with Anissa to meet him at the platform and had asked his uncle if he would drop him off at Kings Cross Station.

The train left at exactly eleven o'clock, so he made sure he had everything ready in his trunk so they could leave on time, he did not want there to be any reason that he did not make it aboard the train. He had already told Hedwig where he was going, and she had taken off the night before.

More than excited to get going, Harry slowly and painfully got ready for the day and waited for Petunia to unlock his cupboard so he could start breakfast. He hoped she would come early, as he was moving a bit slower than normal from his goodbye present from his uncle.

Harry waited impatiently in the kitchen for the Dursleys to slowly make their way through their breakfast. He was sure they were eating this way on purpose, just to make him miss the train. When they finally finished and made their way to gather their coats, Harry cleaned up in record time and was waiting for them by the front door with his trunk.

After an expectedly rude drop off by his uncle, Harry strode into Kings Cross Station, pulling his trunk behind him. With wide eyes, Harry looked around at all the people milling about and the trains that were waiting to carry passengers to their next destination. He had never been there before, so he stopped to look around for a sign to point him in the direction he needed to go.

"Harry!"

Harry turned to see Anissa waving at him. She had a huge smile on her face as she quickly made her way towards him, pulling her own trunk behind her. Harry met her halfway, and together they made their way towards platform nine and ten.

Anissa noticed that Harry was walking stiffly, and she sighed. Could he not go just one night without his uncle's brand of attention? Anissa looked at Harry and he just shook his head. She would help him once they were on the train.

Soon they stood in front of the barrier. Harry looked around, noticing the Muggles' eyes slid right past the barrier. He shared a disbelieving look with Anissa, the barrier looked pretty solid to them. Min had said to run at it if they were nervous, and they definitely were. 'Well here goes nothing.' Harry thought.

"I'll go first, then you come right behind me, yeah? I'll see you on the other side."

Harry assured Anissa that it would be fine and started walking toward the barrier. He started slow, then picked up speed. He was sure he was going to crash into it and closed his eyes. He felt a tingle across his body and his skin erupted with goosebumps. He quickly opened his eyes to a wonderous sight, his breath caught in his throat, and he stared.

Anissa appeared next to him a moment later and she too was frozen in awe. Harry heard her gasp in awe and had to agree. In front of them was a big scarlet steam engine with smoke billowing from the top. A sign overhead said Hogwarts Express, eleven o'clock.

They turned and looked behind them and saw a wrought-iron archway that they must have come through, which had the words Platform Nine and Three-Quarters on it. They had made it. They were free for the next ten months.

They were glad that they had gotten the shrinking charm placed on their trunks, which they now operated and placed in their pockets. They grinned at each other before they started walking down the platform and along the train, looking at everything. The platform was full of parents saying goodbye and people chattering about the start of the term, while cats of every color wound between their legs.

Owls hooted to each other, and Harry suddenly missed Hedwig. Since he had no cage for her, she had to fly to Hogwarts, and he hoped that she would be okay. He had read that there was an owlery there, so she would at least have a place to rest until he got there. He would get her a cage as soon as he could.

Harry noticed most of the carriages were already filled with students, some hanging out of the windows to talk to their families. Near the end of the platform, they passed a brown-haired boy with a round face who was saying, "Gran, I've lost my toad again."

"Oh, Neville," He heard the old woman sigh. They pressed on through the crowd until they found an empty compartment. Entering the train and sitting down, they both released a huge sigh as they looked around.

"This is brilliant." Anissa had a huge smile on her face.

"We're on our way. Finally free of our relatives, at least for the next ten months, but we will be stronger and able to protect ourselves better by the time we return." Harry grinned back.

"I can't wait to learn more. Everything we've already learned is amazing, and there is so much more that we don't know. I hope they have a good library."

Harry rolled his eyes fondly, but he had to agree. He knew they would be spending a lot of time studying in the school library. Harry looked out of the window at the thinning crowd and saw a group of people with red hair.

'Must be a family. They seem so happy together.' Harry thought wistfully. He wondered what it would be like to have a family that loved and supported him. He looked at Anissa and a rush of love filled him. 'That's what it feels like.' he decided.

They watched as the mother gave each of them a hug then seemed to be scolding two of the boys that looked like twins. The little and only girl in the group was crying and one of the boys with glasses on was crouching down talking to her.

The train's whistle sounded, and they all rushed to board. As the train started to move, the girl, half laughing, half crying, ran with it waving. Soon it left her behind, and they were out of the station and on their way. It seemed unbelievable to Harry. He was excited and nervous all at once.

They had been sitting in silence, watching the scenery go by, for about five minutes when the compartment door opened. They looked up to see the round-faced boy they had seen on the platform standing there in tears. Harry's heart instantly hurt for him. He hated to see anyone in pain.

"Sorry," the boy said with a sniff, "but have you seen a toad at all?" When they shook their heads, he wailed, "I've lost him! He keeps getting away from me!"

Harry looked at Anissa and she smiled and nodded. She knew he was going to want to help the boy. Harry could not help it, he had to help anyone in trouble. It was one of the things she loved about him.

"We'll help you look for him. He can't have gone far, he's on a train after all." Anissa said.

The boy looked relieved to have the help and held out his hand. "I'm Neville, Neville Longbottom."

Anissa shook his hand. "I'm Anissa King and this is Harry Potter."

Neville's jaw dropped and his eyes jumped to Harry's forehead. Harry was getting tired of that and wished he could somehow cover it up so people would stop staring. Neville seemed to realize he was staring and quickly turned back to Anissa.

"Pleasure, Miss King. Thank you both for helping me."

"Our pleasure," Anissa replied.

They decided to keep heading in the direction Neville had been going and they eventually found the toad at the end of the train in one of the bathrooms. Neville quickly scooped him up and thanked them again for their help.

Harry invited Neville to join them in their compartment and Neville was happy to accept as he did not have any friends, having grown up with only his grandmother, and he hoped to make many while attending Hogwarts. He was happy that he had already made two.

While Neville went to get his trunk, the duo went back to their compartment to look through some of their books. They wanted to help Neville with his toad and Anissa remembered reading something that might help. By the time Neville arrived, Harry and Anissa had found a charm to keep Neville's toad from getting too far away.

They explained that the child leash charm would bring his toad back to him if he wandered too far away from him. Neville was very excited, and they spent the next hour learning how to do it together, then casting it on Trevor. They were chatting about what they were most excited to learn while at Hogwarts, when there was another knock on the compartment door.

A smiling, dimpled woman slid back the door and said, "Anything off the trolley, dears?"

Harry, who had not been allowed to eat breakfast that morning, leapt to his feet. He was going to buy as many Mars bars as he could. Anissa calmly searched for her little purse of money and Neville pulled some out of his pocket.

Harry and Anissa had never seen most of what was on the cart and asked Neville to give them suggestions on what to get. The trolley lady gave her opinion as well, which was quite helpful, and Harry thanked her and asked for her name. She was surprised he cared to ask and gave it to him, figuring he would not remember it.

The trio ended up with a bit of everything: Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, Droobles Best Blowing Gum, Chocolate Frogs, Fizzing Whizzbees, Pumpkin Pasties, Giggle Water, Cauldron Cakes, Fudge Flies, Peppermint Imps, Licorice Wands, and a number of other interesting things.

They steadily made their way through their treats, tasting and complimenting the ones they liked or screwing up their noses and spitting out the ones they did not. Then Harry picked up a Chocolate Frog. He was not sure about this one.

"These aren't real frogs, are they?" he asked nervously.

"No," Neville laughed, "It's just a spell that makes them hop. The fun part is catching it before it escapes, then feeling it hop around in your stomach. They also come with cards that you can collect. I've got about a hundred of them."

Harry unwrapped his Chocolate Frog and picked up the card. It showed a man's face. He wore half-moon glasses, had a long, crooked nose, and flowing, white hair, beard and mustache. Underneath the picture was the name Albus Dumbledore.

"So this is Dumbledore," he mused. Why did this man look so familiar to him? Harry wondered.

Harry handed the card to Anissa. She turned it over and read it aloud:

ALBUS DUMBLEDORE

*Currently Headmaster of Hogwarts*

Considered by many the greatest wizard of modern times, Dumbledore is particularly famous for his defeat of the Dark wizard Grindelwald in 1945, for the discovery of the twelve uses of dragon's blood, and his work on Alchemy with his partner, Nicolas Flamel. Professor Dumbledore enjoys chamber music and tenpin bowling.

When Anissa turned the card back over, she gasped. "He's gone!"

"Well, you can't expect him to hang around all day," Neville said. "He'll be back."

After filling their bellies, they decided to take a walk. They made it about two cars before they heard a voice they recognized but wished they did not. They only heard the tail end of the conversation, but it was enough to know that he was bullying again. Looking down the corridor, they saw Malfoy and two beefy looking kids cornering one of the red-haired kids they had seen on the platform.

"My father told me all the Weasley's have red hair, freckles, and more children than they can afford." The cornered boy's face turned as red as his hair, and he was shaking in rage. Harry took a step forward, Anissa right behind him.

"Leave him alone, Malfoy. Why do you insist on bullying everyone you meet?"

Malfoy turned around, a snarky comment on his lips. Seeing Harry Potter, he paused. His father had told him to try and befriend him, as he would have a lot of influence later. Ignoring everyone else, Malfoy addressed Harry.

"Harry Potter. We were never properly introduced. My name is Malfoy, Draco Malfoy. This is Crabbe and Goyle."

Harry looked at Malfoy, then Crabbe and Goyle. The two boys were thickset and looked extremely mean. They stood on either side of Malfoy like bodyguards. Harry disliked them immediately as they reminded him of Dudley's friends.

"We weren't introduced properly because you were bullying Luna the first time we met. Then, when we told you to stop and you got hurt, you ran away to get your father." said Harry.

Malfoy flushed in embarrassment and narrowed his eyes at Harry. How dare he make fun of a Malfoy! Crabbe and Goyle just looked confused, not understanding anything being said. Draco ignored the smirk from the girl and focused on Potter.

"I didn't run away, Potter. No one speaks to a Malfoy that way. I simply ended it since a Pureblood does not engage in useless conversations with those of a lesser blood status."

"Whatever, Malfoy. Being a Pureblood doesn't make you better than anyone else. Just snobbier." Harry then looked past Malfoy to the redhead, who looked thankful for the interruption. "Why don't you join us in our compartment?"

The Weasley boy nodded, and they all started to head back. Malfoy could not let it go like that. No one ignored Draco Malfoy. He did not care who they were or how much influence they may one day have. They should be honored that he even paid them attention.

"I'd be careful if I were you, Potter," Draco drawled slowly. "You hang out with riffraff like the Weasels and Lardbottoms, and it'll rub off on you. The Potter name will become a disgrace."

Harry had his wand in his hand and in Malfoy's face in seconds. "Say that again." Harry hissed. "You have no right to insult anyone. Do that again and you'll get a taste of my wand."

Malfoy grimaced at the heat that was coming out of Potter's wand. He was not expecting that kind of reaction, and Potter had moved so fast. He did not doubt that Potter would do exactly what he said. Crabbe and Goyle just stood there stupidly, not knowing what to do and waiting for instruction from Malfoy.

"Don't Harry, he's not worth it,"

Anissa put her hand on Harry's arm, calming him instantly. Harry's glare was fierce, and slowly he lowered his wand then turned and walked away. Malfoy and his goons ran off. The four students went back to their compartment after stopping to pick up the redhead's trunk. Harry sat and stared out of the window for a bit, still seething at Malfoy's comment. What a tosser.

"My name is Ron by the way. Ron Weasley. Thanks for the help back there." The boy piped up and a little brown head popped out of his shirt pocket. Anissa cooed at it, and reached out to pet the miniature cat. "This is Scabbers. I got him when my brother Percy got an owl. He's a little devil, but he's mine."

"Scabbers?" asked Neville.

Ron pulled up his sleeve to show the old scabbed up scratches the cat had given him. The others nodded in understanding. Scabbers was an adorable pygmy kneezle – which made it half the size of a regular cat – but those claws were still just as sharp as the bigger version.

Introductions were then made, and like Neville, Ron's eyes flicked up to Harry's forehead and he stared at his scar so long he did not look like he would snap out of it anytime soon.

"Please don't stare, it's annoying." Harry snapped.

"Sorry mate, it's just that I've heard about you all my life. It's exciting, but I understand, and I'll help to keep others from doing it."

Harry just nodded, knowing they could not stop people from staring, and they soon went back to talking about Hogwarts. They took turns guessing which House they thought the others would get sorted into, and which classes they thought would be the best. When they got onto the subject of Quidditch, both Ron and Neville excitedly took over the conversation.

They went into detail about the game and who their favorite teams were. Ron, the Chudley Cannons and Neville, the Ballycastle Bats. This lasted the rest of the day. As night fell, they changed into their robes and put all their stuff away. They had to be getting close to their destination. Just then they heard the conductor's voice echoing through the train.

"We will be arriving at Hogsmeade Station in five minutes. Please leave your luggage on the train, it will be taken to the school separately."

Their group grinned at each other in excitement and nerves as they did a last check to make sure everything was put away. They were almost there. The train slowed to a stop, and the group joined the crowd in the corridor, Anissa grasping Harry's hand, so she did not get separated.

She could feel the tension pouring off Harry. He did not like to be in crowds, and Anissa could feel his tremors through their tightly clasped hands. She moved closer to him to keep the others away as best she could. Harry gave Anissa a small smile.

They exited onto a tiny, dark platform. Looking around, they tried to see where they were supposed to go. Then a lamp came bobbing over their heads, and a loud voice shouted, "Firs' years! Firs' years over here!"

Suddenly there were a lot of voices calling out greetings; "Hey Hagrid." "Have a good summer, Hagrid?" "Wotcher, Hagrid." "See you later, Hagrid." It seemed a lot of people liked this Hagrid guy.

They made their way towards the voice, and Harry paused at the sight of a giant of a man. His face was almost completely hidden by a long, shaggy mane of hair and a wild, tangled beard, but you could make out his eyes, glinting like black beetles under all the hair.

Harry hoped, from the reactions of the other students' greetings, that this man was not as scary as he looked, and stepped closer to Anissa as the man was looking around at their small group. Then his eyes landed on Harry, and he smiled.

"Alrigh' there, Harry?"

Anissa gasped, and along with the other students around them, looked at Harry in surprise. Harry was just as shocked that this man knew him, but then everyone seemed to. Except he seemed to actually know him. Like he was familiar with him.

"No' surprised yeh don' remember me. Las' time I saw yeh, yeh was only a baby. So tiny yeh were, fit in the palm of me hand, yeh did." Hagrid looked at him softly.

So, just like Professor McGonagall, Hagrid had known his parents. Harry decided that he would like to get to know the giant, he seemed like a nice guy, and maybe he could tell him more about his parents. Harry smiled shyly and Hagrid smiled brightly back. Hagrid then looked over the sea of heads.

"C'mon, follow me – any more firs' years? Mind yer step now! Firs' years follow me!"

Hagrid led them down a narrow dirt path. It was dark and no one spoke above a whisper. The ambiance of awe and excitement kept the first years silent as they followed. Neville, who seemed to have lost his toad again sniffed once or twice. Harry looked around, but could not see Trevor anywhere.

"Yeh'll get yer firs' sight o' Hogwarts in a sec," Hagrid called out, "jus' round this bend here."

There was a mixture of 'Ooooh!' 'Wow!' 'Ooooo!' 'Ahhh!' from all the students. The narrow path had suddenly opened up in front of a great black lake. And… There it was. Hogwarts was perched atop a high mountain across the lake from them.

There were no other words to describe it but magnificent. The windows sparkled in the many turrets and towers. The castle seemed to glow in welcome and Harry wanted nothing more than to accept.

"It's like a fairytale." Anissa murmured, and Harry nodded, it was an amazing sight.

"No more'n four to a boat!" Hagrid called, pointing to a fleet of boats that Harry had not seen until now.

Harry and Anissa scrambled into a boat and were joined by Neville and Luna, who had found them when Anissa had mentioned fairytales. Luna was asking Anissa if she could tell her about Muggle fairies and which ones she had met that had tails. She had lots of questions.

"Everyone in? Right then – FORWARD!" Hagrid shouted.

The boats jerked slightly then moved by themselves across the lake. 'Why does everything seem to move on its own? First the Gringotts carts and now these boats.' Harry thought.

Gliding slowly across the lake gave the new students time to really look at the castle. More details came into view as they moved closer. Did they really get to live here? Harry knew he was going to get lost constantly, it was just so huge.

They were a little over halfway to the other side of the lake, still staring at the massive castle, when suddenly a massive tentacle came out of the water and waved at the group before going back under the surface.

Harry and Anissa quickly leaned over the sides of the boat and could see the shape of a gigantic squid. Harry's jaw dropped open as he heard screams of fright all around him and Hagrid's booming voice reassuring them.

"Don' be alarmed. Tha's just the giant squid. He's friendly, mind. Always willing to help those in need and comes to the shore to hang out with the students. Yeh'll see him 'round."

The students stared at Hagrid in disbelief as some whimpered and prayed they would leave the lake soon. Harry was enthralled with the squid and put his hand in the water and waved it back and forth to say hello back.

He was surprised when a tentacle came out right next to his boat and lightly patted him on the head before going back under. Anissa, Neville and Luna burst out laughing at his shocked expression.

Hagrid had a huge grin as he commented, "See, friendly as can be." As they neared the cliff that the castle sat on, they heard Hagrid shout in warning. "Duck!" Someone asked, "Where?" and Harry and Anissa burst out laughing but complied with the order.

Almost everyone put their heads down. There were a couple 'ouches' and 'oofs' as some were not fast enough or were not paying attention. They went through a curtain of ivy and into a tunnel that took them underneath the castle. They ended up in a harbor and they quickly clambered out of the boats.

"Oi, you there! Is this your toad?" asked Hagrid. It had appeared in his boat as they had sailed across the lake, and he remembered seeing the boy looking sad.

"Trevor!" cried Neville as he grabbed the toad.

It seemed that the child leash charm kept popping Trevor close to Neville, he just could not catch him before he hopped away again. They would have to find a different charm to keep Trevor from getting away.

Hagrid led them to an archway, and they all filed into the room. It was empty, just a large, round room. The top half was open, like they were in a large pit. Hagrid tapped the floor with a pink umbrella and the floor started moving upwards, a couple of girls shrieked. It was like a Muggle elevator.

Hogwarts castle came slowly back into view as they reached the top. It was even more stunning up close, and Harry could feel something in the air, something pulling at something deep within him. Hagrid took them down a path that led them around some bushes and to the front and up to a pair of massive double doors.

There, on the front steps, stood a tall black-haired witch in emerald-green robes and black pointed hat. She had a stern look that said, 'don't cross me' as she stood rigidly in front of them. As she looked down on them over her glasses, everyone quieted down and started to fidget. Anissa and Harry looked at each other grinning. They both knew what the other was thinking. 'Min!'

"The firs' years, Professor McGonagall," said Hagrid.

"Thank you, Hagrid. I will take them from here." Her voice was crisp with a strong Scottish accent.

Hagrid gave her a salute then turned and walked back the way they had come, and they soon lost sight of him as he moved behind the bushes. When Professor McGonagall cleared her throat, she regained all their attention again.

She led them right up to the set of massive double doors. The doors towered over them and Harry craned his neck back as he climbed the steps. They were even taller than Hagrid. She pushed them wide with her hands and ushered the students inside.

"How did she open those, they are huge?" Anissa whispered.

"No idea." Harry whispered back. "Min's jacked." Anissa snickered.

Magic filled Harry as he walked over the threshold, rushing through every vein and making his breath catch. He stopped as the warm feeling squeezed him tight like a loving hug and Anissa paused to look back at him. Sighing, he looked around to see if anyone else had felt it, but no one seemed to have felt anything.

Anissa tilted her head in question. "Are you okay?"

"Did you feel that?"

"Feel what?" Anissa looked around, wondering what she was missing.

"Like you just got hugged,"

Anissa shook her head. She knew Harry was sensitive to magic, and wished she could have felt what he had. Harry looked so happy and relaxed right now, like he was finally home, and she wanted that feeling as well. They moved on quickly and joined the other first years while looking around with huge eyes and their mouths hanging open.

The inside was as amazing as the outside… even more so. The entrance hall was enormous, you could fit the whole of the Dursley's house in it. There were flaming torches on the walls and there was a magnificent marble double staircase in front of them leading to the upper floors.

Right in front of them, in between the two sets of stairs, was the giant Hogwarts coat of arms, just like the wax seal on the back of their acceptance letters. Placed down the walls to the left and the right were the four House crests with a suit of armor on either side of them.

There were portraits all over the walls, and some of them were moving! Harry pointed this out to Anissa as a girl curtsied to them. Magic was amazing, this place just got better and better. They stopped near another set of huge double doors. What was with all the massive doors?

"Welcome to Hogwarts. My name is Professor Minerva McGonagall, and I am the Deputy Headmistress here at Hogwarts. This castle will be your home away from home for the next seven years. The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you can take your seats you will need to be sorted into your Houses. While you are here your House will be like your family. You will help your House earn points, sleep in your House dormitory and spend free time in your House common room."

Minerva paused as screams interrupted her speech. Looking over to see what the problem was, she realized a couple of Hogwarts ghosts had just glided through the wall. The ghosts were arguing about Peeves again and Minerva cleared her throat to catch their attention. They looked around and saw all the little faces looking at them in fear.

"Oh, new students! Getting ready to be sorted? What excitement! I hope to see some of you in my old House, Hufflepuff." said the one who looked like a monk.

The two ghosts (with a fierce look from Minerva) quickly glided through the double doors, continuing their argument. Minerva turned back to the students, annoyed that her speech had been ruined. She did not like being interrupted.

"As you can tell, we have ghosts here at Hogwarts. This is a magic castle and there are a lot of interesting things here, so do not be afraid of them. I would use caution though as there are also things that can be harmful if you are not properly prepared. Now, back to what I was saying before we were so rudely interrupted. The four Houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. (Here she gestured to the House crests on the walls) I am the Head of House for Gryffindor, Professor Pamona Sprout is the Head of House for Hufflepuff, Professor Filius Flitwick the Head of House for Ravenclaw and Professor Severus Snape the Head of House for Slytherin.

Each House has its own noble history and has produced outstanding witches and wizards. I will warn you now that any rule breaking will mean a loss of House points. Similarly, your achievements in class shall also be equally praised. At the end of the year, the House with the most points is awarded the House Cup. This is a great honor for that House. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever House becomes yours. The Sorting Ceremony will begin momentarily. Let's straighten up, then you will follow me."

Harry swiped his hands down his robes then ran his fingers through his hair, (it never wanted to lie down, just stuck up in every direction) he did not want to make a bad first impression. He looked at Anissa to make sure she was ready, and she tsked and reached out to fix his collar. Harry wondered if the giant squid had turned it up when it had said hello to him.

Walking towards the Great Hall was unnerving. Neville asked how they were going to be sorted and Ron said something about a test. Harry hoped not. As much as he and Anissa had already learned, he was not ready to try anything in front of the whole school. He knew he would only make a fool of himself if he tried. Harry did not like being the center of attention.

Harry looked at Anissa and he could see that she was nervous too. He reached out and took her hand in his, entwining their fingers. She gave it a squeeze but kept her eyes forward. When they reached the set of giant wooden doors, Professor McGonagall flicked her wand, and the doors opened. Now Harry understood how Min was able to open the giant front doors by hand.

Harry could never have imagined anything like this. The room was lit by thousands of candles floating in midair above four long tables. There were banners for each House hanging above their respective tables as well. The tables were set with glittering golden plates and goblets. Harry had never seen anything so fancy. He was afraid to touch anything.

"This place is insane," Ron whispered. "Absolutely bonkers, blimey."

Harry nodded as he tried to keep some distance between himself and the others. He was still really sore from Vernon's going away present and did not want to aggravate it more. He turned forward to see the rest of the huge hall.

At the far end was another table, where it looked like the professors sat. Behind them was a banner with the Hogwarts crest on it and huge windows that looked like stained glass. But what really drew Harry's attention was the fact that the ceiling was… well, the sky.

He flinched when Ron reached past him and pointed to the ceiling right next to his head and he heard a voice behind him whisper, "It's bewitched to look like the sky outside. I read about it in Hogwarts, A History."

Harry remembered reading about that as well, but it was something totally different to see it in person. Anissa looked at him as she beamed, she did not look so nervous anymore. Harry grinned back. Hogwarts gave you the impression of complete welcome, like this was your home and it wanted you there.

Professor McGonagall led them to the front, where they saw an old hat sitting on a stool at the center of the front table. The hat was patched and frayed and extremely dirty. Harry wondered what this was about. Anissa jerked into Harry when the hat twitched, and a rip opened near the brim like a wide mouth – then the hat began to sing:

Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,

But don't judge on what you see,

I'll eat myself if you can find

A smarter hat than me.

You can keep your bowlers black,

Your top hats sleek and tall,

For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat

And I can cap them all.

There's nothing hidden in your head

The Sorting Hat can't see,

So try me on and I will tell you

Where you ought to be.

You might belong in Gryffindor,

Where dwell the brave at heart,

Their daring, nerve, and chivalry

Set Gryffindors apart;

You might belong in Hufflepuff,

Where they are just and loyal,

Those patient Hufflepuffs are true

And unafraid of toil;

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,

if you've a ready mind,

Where those of wit and learning,

Will always find their kind;

Or perhaps in Slytherin

You'll make your real friends,

Those cunning folks use any means

To achieve their ends.

So put me on! Don't be afraid!

And don't get in a flap!

You're in safe hands (though I have none)

For I'm a Thinking Cap!

The whole hall burst into applause when the hat finished its song. Harry clapped along wondering where he would be placed. Then a disturbing thought entered his mind. What if Anissa was sorted into a different House?

He had not thought about it before, but now it was front and center in his mind and his fear spiked. Would he ever see her? Would they still remain friends? They had read about the rivalries between the Houses. Would that rivalry break up their friendship?

"You'll still be my friend no matter what House I'm in, right?" Harry asked nervously. Anissa stared at him for a second before she rolled her eyes.

"Of course, you dolt. You're my best friend – no, my brother. I'll always love you, no matter if you end up in Slytherin with that tosser, Malfoy." A cheeky grin followed that statement.

"Ha. If anyone ends up in Slytherin it would be you, Miss Prankster." Harry lightly punched her arm.

"Now," Professor McGonagall said, gathering their attention again. "When I call your name, you will come sit on the stool, place the Sorting Hat on your head and you will be sorted."

She started to call out names. Harry was relieved that they did not have to do any magic or some other test. He did not pay attention to most of the names as he did not know them. The people he did know he listened to where they were placed.

"King, Anissa." Anissa squeezed Harry's hand.

"Good luck." Harry whispered to her.

Anissa smiled at him and made her way forward. She sat on the stool and McGonagall smiled as she gave her the hat. Placing it on her head there was silence for a couple seconds then…

"RAVENCLAW!"

Harry noticed the table second from the left and dressed in blue, clapped as Anissa went to join them. Harry clapped enthusiastically for her. Neville Longbottom was then sorted into Hufflepuff and Luna Lovegood was the next sorted into Ravenclaw. It will be nice having a familiar face in our House.

What was Harry thinking, he was not even sorted yet and might end up in a different House. Now he was nervous. Malfoy went quickly into Slytherin. Well, at least he knew he was not going to have to live with that prat. That was a relief. Then he heard it.

"Potter, Harry." Professor McGonagall had called.

Harry looked up at her and she gave him a discreet smile, her eyes filled with encouragement. He nervously walked up to the hat, and he could hear the whispers that broke out all over the hall. It was just like when he went to Diagon Alley.

"Did she say Potter?"

"The Harry Potter?"

"Can you see his scar?"

The last thing Harry saw was a hall full of people trying to get a look at him. Next second, he was looking at the black inside of the hat. Harry felt a tingly sensation in his head, like something was tickling his brain.

"Hmm," said a small voice inside his head.

"Er…hi?" Harry thought. The Hat chuckled.

"Hello, Mr. Potter. I have been expecting you. Let's have a look, shall we? Hmm difficult, very difficult. Plenty of courage, I see. Especially when it comes to keeping those you love safe. Gryffindor could use a person like you. A brilliant mind and such talent, oh yes, and a thirst to prove yourself, now that's interesting. Ravenclaw would be proud to have you. Such ambition and drive to boot! You'd do exceedingly well in Slytherin."

"I'd like to be in Ravenclaw with my sister, please." Harry thought. No way did he want to be with that git Malfoy.

"Sister? Ah, I see. Such loyalty, a Hufflepuff trait. You two have been through a lot together, I see. My, my, so much for ones so young. Your ambition to better yourself is admirable. You could go far in Slytherin, you know. Become the greatest wizard there ever was with their guidance."

"I'd rather be with Anissa in Ravenclaw, please. We promised to always be together no matter what, and I would like to keep that promise."

"You and your chosen sister have forged a tight magical bond. I have never seen something so bright. I would hate to be the one to damage what Magic has done, and I can see the greatness the two of you will achieve. You will do great together in RAVENCLAW!"

Harry heard the Hat shout out loud the last word and he let out the breath he had been holding. He had not been sure that the Hat would give him what he wanted. He had mentioned each House as one that Harry could easily be in, but he was glad that the Hat had considered his wishes.

The hall was quiet when he handed the Hat back to McGonagall. He caught Anissa's eyes as he walked to their table, the lining on his robe changing color to blue and the Ravenclaw crest appearing on his left breast.

She was grinning madly and clapping just as much. Soon, once they got over their shock, the rest of the Ravenclaw students joined her in cheering for him. Once seated, he looked back at Minerva. She looked a bit shocked but covered it up well. He could tell she was disappointed.

Harry could clearly see the high table now and he easily saw Hagrid, who gave him a grin and a thumbs up. He grinned back. He also saw Albus Dumbledore in the center of the table in bright purple robes. He recognized him from the Chocolate Frog card.

Harry looked Professor Dumbledore in his twinkling eyes and the piercing blue-eyed man smiled at him, giving him a nod, and Harry could not help but smile back. He felt like he knew the headmaster, he was so familiar, though he knew he had never met him before.

Ronald Weasley was the last person sorted that Harry listened to, and he went to Gryffindor. He clapped for him as well, then the Sorting was done, and the Hat was taken away. Professor Dumbledore got to his feet. He was beaming at the students, arms open wide, like he wanted to hug the whole lot of them.

"Welcome!" he said. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our feast, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you!"

Harry was not sure what to make of that. Anissa just shrugged at him with a 'who knows' gesture, then loaded her plate. Harry suddenly realized the tables were loaded with food and looked around in awe at the platters that had suddenly appeared.

The dinner itself was quite lovely. Harry had never seen so many things he liked to eat on one table and being allowed to eat as much as he wanted was amazing. Not that he could eat a lot, his stomach was not that big since he did not get to eat much at the Dursleys, but he had a bit of everything.

During dessert, Harry looked at the high table again. Min was talking to Professor Dumbledore, and there was a teacher with an absurd purple turban talking to a greasy black-haired teacher with a hooked nose and sallow skin.

The hooked nose teacher looked past the turban and straight into Harry's eyes. Like many others, recognition flared in those obsidian eyes before they went into angry slits. That was a different reaction than Harry was used to, and he wondered what caused it.

Something strong suddenly ripped through Harry, making him gasp softly, a familiarity that pulled him to the complete stranger he was locked eyes with. Like there was something special about the man that he wanted – no needed – to know. The man felt safe, like he was his protector, and he could trust him.

Harry was confused, he never trusted an adult, they always proved themselves untrustworthy and harmful, but this man felt different. What Harry felt was hard to resist, but Harry's life experiences had proved otherwise. He would have to wait and see.

Harry tentatively smiled and gave a small wave, but the teacher scowled even deeper in return. Nope, just like all the other adults he had ever met. Then the teacher with the purple turban turned and made eye contact with Harry. A sharp, hot pain shot across the scar on Harry's forehead making him gasp.

"Ouch!" Harry clapped a hand to his forehead and rubbed.

"What is it?" Anissa asked in concern.

"I don't know. There was a sharp pain and then it was gone. It happened when I looked at that teacher with the purple turban."

The pain was quick, but the feeling Harry got from the purple turbaned teacher's look said that that teacher did not like him at all. Harry leaned towards the table and asked who that teacher was. A girl across from Anissa answered.

"That's Professor Quirrell. He teaches Defense Against the Dark Arts. The professor next to him is Professor Snape. Be wary of him, he can be pretty mean, and he likes to take points from every House but Slytherin."

Harry nodded, and after looking one last time at the head table, he then listened to the conversation going on around him. He would try to figure out what had happened with those two professors later.

Severus Snape watched as the older students loudly burst into the Great Hall. He rolled his eyes at the dunderheads. Another year of teaching and trying to keep the little miscreants from blowing themselves and his classroom up. Only a few really cared about Potions and put in the work to succeed. The rest….

The sound of the giant doors opening a few minutes later brought his attention to the entrance. Ignoring the ramblings of a stuttering Professor Quirrell, Severus looked over at the awed but nervous first years. He was looking for a specific boy, Lily's son, Harry.

He was supposed to be starting this year, it was all Minerva and Albus talked about, and Severus was interested in what her boy would be like. It took him a moment to spot that dark unruly hair next to what looked to be another Weasley. Geeze, how many of them were there?

Severus took a closer look at the Potter boy, he looked a lot smaller than the other children, even the girl that he seemed to lean into every time someone moved. He watched, frowning, as the boy flinched when the Weasley boy pointed at the ceiling. And how he shied away from everyone around him, except the girl.

Hmm, he would have to keep an eye on him to see if what he seemed to be picking up could be true. Severus snorted. The boy probably did not want others to wrinkle his robes, he thought, sneering. Just like the boy's father used to.

The first years stood in front of the head table and Severus could finally get a good look at the boy. All he saw was James bloody Potter, his school bully, which made memories flashed through his mind, until that was all he could see.

He still could not believe Lily had married that arrogant toe rag, but he only had himself to blame. If he had not called her that horrible name in their fifth year and lost so much time with her, then he might have been able to talk her out of it.

Anger and disgust rolled over Severus at the thought of another James Potter at Hogwarts. He was sure the boy would be just as arrogant and spoiled as his father, being famous and treated like a king all his life, completely forgetting his earlier observations that told him otherwise. Flashbacks of his painful youth flipped through Severus' head, overshadowing his usual reasonable thinking. He only saw James Potter standing before him.

When the boy was sorted into Ravenclaw, he was surprised. Maybe there was some of his mother in him after all. He would have to wait and see, but he doubted there was much of her. Severus watched the boy while still ignoring the blabbering Quirrell. Did the man never cease talking? Like he cared about what lesson he was going to teach first.

Again, he saw the boy flinching and only allowing the girl… Miss King, was it?... to get near him. Suddenly their eyes connected, and Severus froze. Lily stared back at him, and an ache stabbed Severus in the chest. He never thought to see those emerald-green eyes again.

But the boy's eyes were slightly different. The color of the Killing Curse surrounded the child's black pupils. Those big almond-shaped eyes covered by those thick ebony lashes gave off a unique quality. The innocence they held was just... incredible.

The child then had the audacity to smile and wave at him. Severus frowned but the moment was lost when the boy grimaced and started rubbing his forehead. Severus turned his attention to Quirrell and saw him staring intently at the boy with a strange look on his face. Hmmm.

"If you do not mind, I would like to eat now." Severus said, gesturing to the food that had appeared before them.

Quirrell looked away from Harry, nodded, and turned to serve himself. He stayed quiet for the rest of the meal. After dessert was finished, Dumbledore got to his feet. The clanging of a fork on Professor McGonagall's drinking glass made the hall fall silent.

"I have a few more words now that we have all been fed and watered. I have some start-of-term notices to give. First years should note that the forest is forbidden to all pupils. And some of our older students would do well to remember that." Here Dumbledore turned his twinkling eyes to the Gryffindor table and the Weasley twins had huge grins on their faces.

"I have also been asked by Mr. Filch, our caretaker, to remind you all that there is to be no magic in the corridors between classes. Quidditch trials will be held the second week of term and Madam Hooch is available for those who are interested in playing for their House. And finally, this year the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a horrible death. And now, before we head to our comfy beds, let us sing the school song!"

As Dumbledore waved his wand and a golden ribbon flew out, Harry could see that most of the teachers grimaced at the thought of singing. He wondered if they did not like the school song or if they just could not sing well and did not want anyone else to hear them. Harry could understand that, he was not good at singing either.

"First years try to follow along, you'll pick it up quickly, and off we go!"

Harry tried to follow along as the students bellowed. He ended up just reading the words and could now understand why the teachers looked the way they did.

'Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts,

Teach us something please,

Whether we be old and bald

Or young with scabby knees,

Our heads could do with filling

With some interesting stuff,

For now they're bare and full of air,

Dead flies and bits of fluff,

So teach us things worth knowing,

Bring back what we've forgot,

Just do your best, we'll do the rest,

And learn until our brains all rot.'

Once the song was done, Dumbledore clapped loudly and wiped the tears from his eyes. He then sent the students to bed with an 'Off you trot!'. Severus rose and left to greet his new Snakes. The whole way down to the dungeons he kept thinking about the James look-a-like with his Lily's eyes.

The Ravenclaw prefects led the first years up the never-ending stairs towards their dormitory in Ravenclaw Tower. Tiredly dragging their feet, they came upon a bundle of floating walking sticks. When the prefect took a step forward, they started pelting him.

"Peeves," a student next to Anissa whispered. "A poltergeist. He's nasty."

"Peeves – show yourself," the prefect demanded.

All they heard was a loud, rude sound. Harry's lips twitched and he looked at Anissa to see she was covering her mouth trying to hide her giggles. They both enjoyed a good prank and had played many on each other and Snuffles.

"Do you want me to go to the Bloody Baron?" continued the prefect. Suddenly a little man with wicked dark eyes and a wide mouth appeared. He was floating cross-legged in the air, holding the sticks.

"Ooooooh!" he cackled. "Ickle Firsties! What fun!"

They ducked when he swooped down and a couple of them screamed. Peeves laughed as he tossed a few sticks in the air and Harry and Anissa joined him. He stopped just above them and cocked his head. Anissa winked at him, and Harry just grinned. Peeves' smile grew bigger at that.

"Think Peeves is gonna like you two."

Peeves then stuck out his tongue at the rest of the group and vanished. They heard him rattling coats of armor as he passed. Everyone was looking at Harry and Anissa oddly – Peeves did not like anyone – until the prefect cleared his throat.

"You want to watch out for Peeves," he said, as they started up the stairs again. "The Bloody Baron's the only one who can control him, except probably Professor McGonagall. No one messes with her."

Harry felt proud of that statement. Their Min was formidable, but Harry already knew that. Their group finally reached their common room, and after an introduction by Professor Flitwick, everyone left for bed. Harry was led to his own room, which was perfect as he would not disturb his housemates with his nightmares.

The room was fairly large, especially compared to his cupboard. There was a large, comfortable-looking four poster bed with bronze curtains straight ahead with a bedside table on the right. His trunk was sitting at the foot of the bed ready to be opened and unpacked.

A window with a beautiful mosaic of an eagle was above the bed. A large bookshelf was on the wall on the left side of the bed with a desk area under it and Harry knew he would use that often. On the right side was the wardrobe, a perch for any bird the student might have, and a nice blue rug covered the stone floor. All in all, it was a great room.

Harry was exhausted from all that had happened that day. He quickly changed, put up his wards, and went to bed. Anissa's room was exactly like Harry's, down to the blue rug on the floor and the comfortable bed. She too changed and put up her wards. It had been a long and exciting day, and tomorrow promised to be even better.