Mind Over Magic
Disclaimer: SEE FIRST CHAPTER
Review Answers:
Beenhere: Sociopath? Maybe a high-functioning one – then again, in the original, I did describe Harrison in an Author's Note as a combination of Sherlock Holmes – more Cumberbatch than RDJ or Jonny Lee Miller – Patrick Jane and Tony Stark;
Pickle3719: If you remember the name of that story, I'd love to read it;
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ALSO:
Everything you see in this chapter is new content for this rewrite of my old story, so enjoy.
There will be old stuff returning in future chapters, but the changes are going to be more-obvious, if not a little subtle here and there too, so I hope you all like what's coming.
"Potter, Harry?"
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Cheers erupted throughout the Great Hall, though as they did so, even Harrison gasped when the hat spoke again;
"NO WAIT…I MEAN…HUFFLEPUFF! NO…RAVENCLAW! OH MERLIN…MAYBE SLYTHERIN!"
"What's going on here?" asked McGonagall, looking from the hat to Harrison before she looked to Dumbledore as she asked, "What do we do?"
"THIS STUDENT IS NOT TO BE SORTED INTO ANY HOUSE!"
Chapter 5: The Fifth Option: Harrison's Request
For a long moment, nobody dared to say anything as they all seemed content in trying to process what they'd just heard the Sorting Hat announce.
A student was not to be Sorted?
Into Hogwarts, aka the Greatest School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the World – according to the UK members of the magical communities?
And not just a student, either, but Harry Potter? The Boy-Who-Lived wasn't to be Sorted?
For several minutes, the only sounds to fill the Great Hall were confused, surprised murmurs and curious whispers before, from somewhere in the now-very-small group of students waiting to be Sorted, a redheaded youth cried, "What do you mean he won't be Sorted? We all just heard you put the Boy-Who-Lived in Gryffindor where he belongs: bloody Hat's got a screw loose."
"Five points from Gryffindor for your crass remark, Mr Weasley," drawled Professor Snape, earning gasps and cries of outrage from the red-clad table, before Snape added, "Since it's obvious you'll be going there, I don't think we need to guess anything more; and the rest of you dunderheads, close your mouths and pay attention for once! Since Potter seems so eager for the attention of the rest of the world, we'll see what he has to say!"
"Now Severus," argued Dumbledore, rising from his golden throne, before he moved around the High Table as he added, "First, you should know better than anyone else that a student cannot have points deducted or given before they're Sorted into a House…"
Snape scoffed, as did Harrison, who rolled his eyes under the hat as he wondered what the man named Snape's problem was, especially since his decorum was anything, but professional, while his attitude suggested he seemed to believe himself untouchable and free to do whatever he wanted and damn the consequences.
Weirdly, he reminded Harrison of his old care worker, Roger, though, unlike that Muggle, the so-called Professor Snape was an opponent that Harrison could, and vowed he would, meet head-on should the biased, bigoted man decide to cross swords with Harrison James Potter.
Especially since Harrison's keen senses also detected a note of personally-fuelled loathing, if not some sort of one-sided feud with Harrison, if not those who maybe came before him, when the guy used his surname in suggesting that Harrison was looking to be the centre of attention.
Dumbledore, meanwhile, stood next to the hat as he explained, "Second, while I do agree with Mr Weasley's argument concerning Harry's Sorting result, I too must speak for the assembled students and staff in expressing my confusion regarding your declaration of multiple Houses and then announcing that Harry is not to be Sorted, dear friend. Are you so sure of that?"
For a long time, the hat was silent, or so it seemed to everyone in the Hall.
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Everyone, that is, except for Harrison, who heard the voice of the hat whisper in his ear, "Normally, I am bound from revealing the secrets of those whose potential I read year-in and year-out, Mr Potter; however, in this very unique circumstance, I request your permission to share what I have seen in you with our esteemed Headmaster. Rest assured, in the name of the Founders, I vow that I shall only discuss your Sorting and nothing else…what do you say?"
"I'm as curious as the rest of them, Custodian," muttered Harrison, keeping his voice low as he shrugged dismissively.
"Speak…and maybe by sharing what you've seen, we can figure out a solution to this curious conundrum."
"As you wish…"
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"Hat?"
The Sorting Hat jerked suddenly before his wizened voice spoke aloud to the hall, "Apologies, Headmaster: I was having a private chat with Mr Potter who, in light of these unique, mysterious circumstances, has given me permission to share what I see in him with the rest of you…so, since the soon-to-be newest Weasley is so curious, let me first say this."
In front of Harrison, the youngest Weasley male's ears flashed red with embarrassment as he was singled out again in front of the Great Hall, and everyone – read: the slimy snakes and Death Eaters – had heard him, judging by the laughs and snickers that filled the air.
Meanwhile, the Sorting Hat actually cleared its non-existent throat as he explained in a proud voice, "Ever since my creation, I have been tasked with assessing the potential and the traits of the individual student. From there, I match them to the characteristics sought out by the spirits of the Founders, a tiny piece of which exists in the protective, identifying magical energies that watches over, assigns and governs each one of the four Houses of this school…yes, children, even the magic of one Salazar Slytherin is still ingrained into the school's day-to-day work."
On the Slytherin Table, a certain blond sat that little bit straighter, as though he'd been singled out, but nobody else seemed to notice.
They were more interested in the hat's words concerning Harrison, as was the youth himself, which was the cue for the Sorting Hat to continue, directing the conversation to the topic that Dumbledore had asked about: the strange result of Harrison Potter's Sorting…or lack thereof.
"Now, while my first answer was to place Mr Potter in Gryffindor House, owing to his warrior spirit and the bravery therein, my decision was soon thwarted by the fact that the aforementioned warrior spirit, as well as the bravery required to muster such a force within oneself, was quickly dashed by a powerful presence required by the second force of this school's founding personae: wisdom…hence my second choice; Ravenclaw."
"A house of wisdom-seekers and scholars…sounds like my kind of place," muttered Harrison, earning a few titters from the crowd, while Neville and Hermione – who were as shocked as everyone else by what was happening – shared a knowing smile, having spent time in the company of the very-different Harrison Potter.
The Hat also seemed to share their amusement as he explained, "It is true you seek knowledge and the wisdom to stand on your own two feet, and your hunger for knowledge is only as strong as many a young prodigy who has walked through these halls, Mr Potter, including, but not limited to your own dearly-departed Mother, Lily, as well as Lady Rowena and even Young Lady Helena themselves."
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A choked cough seemed to follow the hat's idea that Harry was like Lily, though only one person – Professor Flitwick – looked to the offending noisemaker, aka one Professor Severus Snape, with a mixture of knowing amusement and dark suspicion.
If Harrison did end up in his House, Filius silently vowed to have a few choice words with Mr All Potters Are Demons, if only to make sure his favourite student, and honorary daughter's, memory and legacy wasn't sullied further by Snape's immaturity and inability to let go of the past.
Meanwhile, Filius was still curious, so he quickly returned his attention to the Sorting.
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The Hat was speaking again.
"However, your hunger is wisdom is driven by what I would consider another of your greatest traits, Mr Potter; self-preservation, which is also driven by a strong sense of loyalty to yourself, your future and your own decisions on standing on your own two feet and seizing control of your own destiny…not to mention another loyalty I sensed you wished to honour, but I shall say nothing more on that."
"Thank you," whispered Harrison, listening as the Hat continued to explain his situation in greater detail.
"Therefore, with such loyalties driving your spirit, I was, again, forced to change my original answer to a House that values loyalty and the ability to stand tall and stride across the skin of this world while everyone else would laugh at you and look down on you: the House of Hufflepuff!"
"The Boy-Who-Lived a Duffer? Yeah right!"
"Detention, Mr Weasley!" insisted Professor Sprout, earning a thankful look from Minerva, who'd been a millisecond behind her colleague in doling out the punishment, "One more interruption out of you and I'm sure your parents will be interested to learn why their youngest son is not going to be Sorted, but is going to be sent home with Professor McGonagall for a parent-teacher meeting about your decorum and your inability to stop making a nuisance of yourself."
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Knowing who was waiting back at home seemed to be enough of an incentive for the youngest Weasley to shut his mouth, at last.
At the same time, two redheads on the Gryffindor Table seemed to share in their brother's dread, especially since they had never even earned anything remotely close to a home visit despite all their shenanigans.
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"Okay…following the train of thought thus far, I'm curious about Slytherin House, then," muttered Harrison, who'd managed to focus more on the task at hand rather than the constant interruptions of the boy whom, even then, Harrison knew would either end up a nuisance or someone who would be the cause of multiple headaches and sleepless nights.
If not for him, then for his compatriots.
The Sorting Hat happily responded to Harrison's request for information.
"Slytherin House, apart from being a house that might not welcome you with open arms, Mr Potter, is a place I, once again, see as a potential for you given you have a cunning, not to mention ambitious streak that would make Salazar himself blush; the actions of your past, specifically a certain act I shall not mention as it has nothing to do with magic, as well as your way of handling both new circumstances and those who might look at you and expect to see something you are not…Minerva-Severus-Albus…"
He almost seemed to cough out the last words, earning an enraged look from Snape, a solemn look from Minerva and a curious, but also awed look from Dumbledore whom, like the rest of the hall, was still listening intently as the Hat laid out the facts for all to hear.
"Mr Potter has talent, as do many prodigious Slytherins, not to mention many students from other Houses…yes, Severus, I even include his Father there, as well as his Mother, not to mention other names of students who accomplished many great things, such as Charles Potter, Arcturus Black, Andromeda Tonks, Leta Lestrange, Newt Scamander…why, even our very own Filius Flitwick and, yes, Headmaster, even one Tom Marvolo Riddle, not to mention you yourself, Albus Dumbledore; Mr Potter is right up there with all of you, where his potential for greatness is concerned."
Dumbledore tried not to look too terrified by that insinuation, though it was more the comparison with Tom that made him take notice, while the Hat cleared its throat again as it continued, "Because of these equally-powerful, mutually-potent traits, as well as the total complexity of young Mr Potter's spirit; even though he does have plenty of courage, not a bad mind either; there's talent, oh yes, and a thirst…to prove himself…though the question of to whom is one even I cannot answer…"
"Maybe everyone…including myself," argued Harrison, earning a knowing titter from the Hat.
"Perhaps, but because of all these defining factors, I find it hard…nay…impossible, to Sort Mr Potter and so, as I said before, I declare him unable to be Sorted into any House! Quite simply-put, my peers and past and present prodigies; I do not have the capacity to find a solution that will benefit either Hogwarts as a whole, a House as an individual or Mr Potter personally; why, even a single choice would be as unpredictably-beneficial, but also un-beneficial for our young enigma…so…unless someone has an alternative solution."
"Send him home?" asked Snape, earning a loud scoff and even a growl from Filius at the note of hope in the man's voice.
"Someone else!" insisted Harrison and the Sorting Hat, both of them saying it in tandem.
For a long moment, nobody, not even an older student, said anything.
However, as the Hat's brow furrowed in apparent confusion, if not inevitability, it was Harrison who cleared his throat before he asked, "Might I suggest something, both to my future mentors and my potentially-future classmates and peers?"
"Of course, Harry," said Dumbledore, unaware of the look of discomfort that crossed Harrison's face as he lifted his hands to the hat, removing it from his head where he set it down in the hands of the curious, but also relieved-looking Head of Gryffindor, who seemed to be relieved because, from personal experience, she assumed Harrison's mind had worked something out.
Harrison, meanwhile, stood up on the stool, so he could see everyone in the hall – and ignoring the disdainful scoffing sound from the Head of Slytherin as he did so – before he addressed the Great Hall, looking to each table in turn as he spoke in a clear, proud voice.
"In preparation for my time at this school, I did a lot of research into the dos and don'ts of the institution, including tales of past achievements and, as the Sorting Hat announced, even past alumni who went on to achieve great things, some of whom I feel almost-compelled to admit my pride, if not duty as the Last Scion of said House to recognise as being past members of House Potter, including my late Lord-Father, James, and my late Lady-Mother, whom was also commended by many here for her smarts, the late Lily Alexandrea Potter nee Evans."
He gave a curt nod to Filius as he said this, while Harrison also noted the look of outrage on Snape's face as he brazenly talked about his own Mother, but, again, Harrison didn't bother paying attention to the Potions Master.
Instead, he kept going as he returned his attention to the Hall, "In my research into the Founders and the past results of many Sorting results, some of which seemed to defy the status quo of many families here in Albion, including a family by the name of Black, as well as a few members of older, lost families, and even our own Headmaster, who I would have sworn blind was more-Ravenclaw-inclined than Gryffindor, even if only because of his many accolades in the fields of Alchemy and that which earned him his rank of Grand Sorcerer."
Again, he inclined his head to Dumbledore, who returned it with a humbled smile and a nod of his own, while Harrison cleared his throat as he took up the conversation, "Apologies for the sidebar there; as I was saying, in my explorations into the rules and terms and conditions of my Sorting, I came across an old position that, now more than any who have come before me, might be more-appropriate a solution, especially as it allows me to maintain my neutrality and potential as sensed by the Sorting Hat, but also decide where my achievements may warrant merit."
"What are you talking about, Potter? Get to the point, will you?" Snapped Snape, earning a sigh from Harrison as he clicked his tongue.
"Very well, Professor; the rite in question, the option that I suspect may very well be the only one left to us is this…allow me, Harrison James Potter, Last Scion of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter, to become a recognised Apprentice of Hogwarts!"
Gasps of shock filled the Hall, from everyone sans Harrison, who looked like he'd just told them what tomorrow's food special was going to be; at the same time, Dumbledore closed his eyes and, much like Filius and even Minerva, he whispered two words to nobody in particular.
"Of course…"
"As I understand it," said Harrison, turning to face his mentors, specifically the only one who'd earned his true, genuine respect – Filius – as he continued with his point, "An Apprentice does not reside in a House, per se, but rather, they would have their own quarters, where independent study is encouraged and, if they so wish, they may share their space with a few chosen, worthy souls. Furthermore, while they do not have a House of their own, any and all points awarded are given to a House named by the Apprentice and agreed upon by the one whom becomes both Mentor and Master, or Mistress if you'll forgive my gender-mixing term. Similarly, any demerits or point deductions affect that same House, but, as well as representing one House, the Apprentice also has the right to access all House Common Rooms as they are a symbol of the four-way bond of the four recognised famous Archmages who came together and founded this fine institution of magical study: Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw and, finally, but no means least-ly, one Salazar Slytherin."
"And you think you're deserving of an Apprentice Rank, do you, Potter?" spat Snape, shaking his head as he sneered, "How very like your Father!"
"You'd know better than I do, Snape," argued Harrison, folding his arms as he stared down the enraged man.
"Professor Snape!" exclaimed Severus, but Harrison just snorted.
"I'm not Sorted…so you're not my Professor, which I am thankful for as I would expect any who come to teach at such a fine, upstanding academy like this to be able to act with severe neutrality and professional decorum, forsaking all skeletons in one's closet and any ghosts that their vanity or ego refuse to lay to rest…which also means, should I be given this privilege, and I know it is a privilege, sir, before you say it. However, should I be given such a privilege, I assure you that I will not be choosing you to represent me as my Mentor and Master, since, for whatever reason, you appear to have a cat-and-dog-level hatred for anyone with my name."
Again, titters followed Harrison's tirade, while Filius smiled proudly and nodded.
It was at this time that the goblin professor saw an opportunity and, ironically, like a Slytherin, he decided to act on it;
"Headmaster, if you and my other Heads of Houses agree to grant Apprentice status to Mr Potter, I would be honoured to put my name in as a potential Master to this inspiring, if not independently-driven young man."
"Nay!" Exclaimed Snape, smugness and amusement radiating across his face as he remarked, "I suppose Potter's going home! If I, the Head of Slytherin, say nay, you don't have the votes, Filius!"
"Actually, the vote for Apprenticeship is majority rules, Professor," drawled Harrison, his green eyes actually twinkling as he looked to Filius before he added, "So, I suppose this means I have at least one vote in my favour, Master Flitwick?"
"Aye!" exclaimed Filius, memories of another bright witch using that same mantle causing his old warrior's heart to warm up and then some as he nodded, "And, again, I hereby nominate myself for a prospective Master, Mr Potter…but first, Minerva? Pomona? What say you?"
"I say Aye," answered Minerva, earning a brief flash of surprise from Harrison, while the Head of Gryffindor explained, "I might have underestimated the man you've become since that ill-fated night, Mr Potter, but, while I do not fully understand what it is that has made you what you have become, I know I could never forgive myself if I refused Lily and James' son the chance to discover his own path and seek the greatness that has not only impressed the Hat, which given its many Sortings is definitely saying something, but also Filius here; furthermore, not only do I vote in the affirmative; I support and second Filius Flitwick's nomination for Master."
"Because you believe he is the only one who could handle me, Ma'am," argued Harrison, though he did have a familiar note of sarcasm in his voice.
Minerva smirked back, "I can just as easily change my mind, young man."
"Pomona?" asked Filius.
The Head of Hufflepuff cleared her throat before she looked Harrison in the eyes as she explained, "While I understand what it is the Hat is saying, and I also agree with everything my colleagues…well, Minerva and Filius, have said; as a Head of a House that values loyalty, I'm afraid I must look the other way since such independent living would deny you the chance to experience the bonds of loyalty that exist within a House, both in and out of lessons…I'm sorry, Mr Potter, but I say nay!"
"HA!" Crowed Snape.
"He's really starting to piss me off," growled Harrison, before he shrugged as he added, "But I thank you for your honesty, Professor Sprout."
"So it looks like you're out of this school, Potter!" exclaimed Snape, earning a round of scoffs and arguments from most of the hall, one or two were following Harrison's train of thought, even if he himself wasn't aware of it.
Seconds later, a loud bang from the end of Dumbledore's wand silenced the Hall, earning a faint smirk from Harrison as the old man coughed once.
"I love being able to do that…but, at the same time, Professor Snape, you are, once again, mistaken in your belief that this is over."
"But Headmaster," argued Percy Weasley, speaking up from the Gryffindor Table. "You yourself said majority ruled and both sides have equal ayes and nays from the Heads of House."
"Ah-ha!" laughed the Sorting Hat, actually laughing with a hint of genuine amusement at the fact that was laid out before them, which, judging by his own smirk, Harrison also knew about – and since he'd been the one to bring it up, those who knew him well guessed he did know of it.
"But not every Head has made their vote, Prefect Weasley, isn't that right…Head…Master?"
Snape's face went even paler than pale could go.
Pomona suddenly found herself wanting to take a long, stiff drink from her goblet – her empty goblet, at that.
Filius' eyes widened, as did Minerva's, as both of them stared at their employer.
Harrison, however, adopted a look of curiosity, if not hope, as he turned to the aged sorcerer, his voice edged by the same emotion, "Well, sir?"
Albus looked into Harrison's eyes.
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As soon as he did so, he was taken back to that night.
Two dead bodies, all hope thought lost, and a house, a life, and a family in ruins.
He was taken back to his own words to Minerva, "He's far better off growing up away from all of that…until he is ready…"
He was taken to the talk moments ago about the greatness and how complex, yet perfectly-balanced, Harry was.
And, as he looked into Harrison's eyes now, Albus saw it…
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"What do you say, Albus?" asked Filius, watching as Harrison's folded arms shifted slightly.
If the goblin had to guess, the boy had just crossed his fingers, but with his arms folded tightly against his chest, nobody else was aware of it as they, along with Harrison himself, watched and waited for Dumbledore's decision.
Dumbledore, meanwhile, took a deep breath before he whispered, "I thought you would be ready growing up away from all this…maybe I was wrong to make such moves…"
Harrison jerked his head in a motion of agreement, or perhaps disagreement, while Dumbledore drew his wand and, waving it over Harrison's head, he sighed deeply as he smiled at the boy standing on the stool in front of him.
"Now, I can only hope none of us regret our actions from here on in, Harry…as Headmaster, I approve your request for Apprentice Status under Master Filius Flitwick: congratulations!"
"NO!" Thundered Severus, though his roar was drowned out by the roar of applause, celebration and relief that came from pretty much every table, even the Slytherins, as they watched Harrison's robe change from plain-black to a white-stripe lining, as well as the four Hogwarts animals, all of whom surrounded a proud, white dragon in the centre, the banner underneath reading Apprentice.
As Harrison bowed his head in thanks, he turned to Filius, again bowing to his now-Master, as he lifted his voice, cutting off the cries of support and respective adulation with his own declaration.
Though his words soon started the cheers up again;
"And, with your permission, Master, I would like to declare my achievements and demerits as being part of the rewards and punishments aimed at the House of…GRYFFINDOR!"
Chapter 5 and it seems that destiny has once again taken a curve with Harrison Potter, but now he's an Apprentice, what will the future hold for him, not to mention all that the Hat claimed he had inside of him?
Also, while some are celebrating, and someone else is sucking eggs and swallowing overly-soured lemons, is it entirely possible that Harrison Potter has friends and advocates he doesn't yet know about?
For instance, what did Dumbledore see when he looked into those bright green eyes of the now-Apprentice of Hogwarts?
Keep Reading to Find Out
Next Chapter: Harrison offers an olive branch, which will solve the loyalty problem, but also give those affected a little peace from the chattering monkeys who might try and bother them; also, Filius gives his apprentice a talk about rules and responsibilities, while Harrison finds his Sanctum Sanctorum…his Fortress of Solitude…or is it more a Hall of Justice? Either way, looks like he's home;
Please Read and Review