End of flashback
Charlie: Why did he react so violently toward the school matron?
Susan: I'm not entirely sure. Henry has always been... particular about personal space. He loathes physical touch—hugs especially.
Neville: That's odd. Was he always like this?
Hannah: Always. But Lady Greengrass? She's the exception. She's the only one he allows to hug him.
Charlie (frowning): Why her? Why not anyone else?
Susan (smiling faintly): Because Lady Greengrass treats Henry with the respect and care like a mother without asking for anything in return. She's genuine, and that means a lot to him.
Charlie: What's so special about the Greengrasses? And why did he take their offer but not your aunt's, Susan?
Susan: Henry respects the Greengrasses. They're straightforward—neutral in politics and unwavering in their principles. My aunt's invitation? That's a different matter entirely.
Charlie: Why?
Susan: Because it wasn't just an invitation. It was a move on the chessboard of alliances.
Neville: Chessboard?
Susan (nodding): The Potters are one of the most Ancient and Most Noble Houses. They are not just old—they are foundational to magical society, tied to ancient magic and the very fabric of wizarding history. The Bones family, while ancient, doesn't carry the same weight. My ancestors joined the Great Alliance your grandfather, Charlus Potter, built a long time ago during Grindelwald war time. But during the last war, my parents and aunt split from that banner, aligning with the so-called Light Side.
Hannah: To the Potters, loyalty matters more than sides. That split? It wasn't just political. It was personal.
Susan: My aunt wanted to use Yule as an opportunity to rebuild that bond—by using Henry as the bridge. But Henry? He doesn't trust easily, and he despises being manipulated. He saw right through it and refused.
Charlie (frowning): So, you're saying your family tried to use my brother for your gain? No wonder he keeps his distance.
Susan: It wasn't like that, Charlie—at least not for me. I tried, yes, in the beginning. But it wasn't just me. Everyone in these halls has tried to sway him at some point.
Charlie (his tone sharp): That's worse! You all see him as a tool, not a person.
(Neville looks thoughtful, understanding Charlie's frustration. All his life, Charlie has been used because of his title, "The Boy Who Lived.")
Susan (firmly): No one uses Henry. He doesn't allow it. He sees through people—their motives, their masks. You think you have the upper hand, but he's already five steps ahead.
Neville: But if the Potters are neutral, why does it matter which side the Bones family is on?
Hannah: Because the Potters aren't neutral in the way most people think. They're Grey. They uphold their own code of honour and protect the balance between light and dark. When the Bones family left their banner, they weakened that balance.
Susan: And Henry takes that personally. To him, loyalty to the House of Potter is sacred. It's not about sides; it's about trust.
Neville: But then, why accept the Greengrass's' invitation? Aren't they... dark?
Susan (shaking her head): No. The Greengrass's are neutral. They value honour and loyalty and family above all. To Henry, they're an extension of that ancient magic the Potters respect so deeply.
Charlie (snorting): So, it's all politics, then?
Susan: Of course, it's politics, Charlie. We're heirs and heiresses of Ancient Houses. We're trained from birth to navigate these waters. It's our duty.
Neville: Duty or not, using friendship as a tool? That doesn't sit right with me.
Susan: Neither does it with Henry. That's why he doesn't let anyone close. But that doesn't mean I'm not his friend. I am.
Charlie (with a sneer): Then why does he seem to hate you so much?
(Susan's voice falters, her eyes misting as she recalls the complexities of their relationship.)
Susan (softly): That's... a story for another day.
Neville: And how did he end up the youngest Quidditch player in centuries?
Hannah (she tried brightening the situation with changing the topic): Oh, that's a story worth telling. But first, you have to understand Henry's character.
Susan: Henry is relentless. He doesn't bend—doesn't break. He's calculating, always thinking three moves ahead. He has this way of making you feel like he's looking right through you, peeling back every layer.
Hannah: And when he's on a broom? He's untouchable. He's not just flying—he's commanding the skies. Brutal, ruthless, and unyielding. There's a ferocity to him that no one can match.
Charlie (thoughtfully): He sounds like someone who carries a lot on his shoulders.
Susan: He does. More than anyone realizes. But if you want to understand Henry, you have to see him for who he is, not who you expect him to be.
Neville: So, how did he make the team?
Hannah: Well, it happened like this…
(And so, Hannah begins recounting the tale, her words painting a vivid picture of the boy who would later become a legend.)
flashback
The Ravenclaw common room was silent as dusk fell, its pale blue glow painting an ethereal light across the stone walls. Henry Potter sat near the arched window, his piercing green eyes scanning an old tome on advanced magical theory. A sharp knock at the door interrupted his solitude.
Moments later, Professor Flitwick entered, his diminutive frame exuding authority despite his cheerful demeanour. Madam Hooch followed close behind, her stern expression softening slightly as her gaze fell on Henry.
"Mr. Potter," Flitwick began, his voice warm but brimming with intent, "your actions today were nothing short of extraordinary. Madam Hooch and I have come to discuss an opportunity for you."
Henry closed the book with deliberate calm, his sharp eyes assessing the pair. "Opportunity?"
Madam Hooch stepped forward, her tone brisk. "You've earned yourself a place on the Ravenclaw Quidditch team. As Chaser."
Henry's expression didn't change, but a subtle tension filled the air. He tilted his head slightly, his voice carrying an edge. "Chaser? I wasn't aware I'd auditioned."
Hooch frowned but didn't respond. It was Flitwick who took the lead. "Your instincts, Mr. Potter—your speed, precision, and quick thinking under pressure—are unmatched. Ravenclaw hasn't seen such raw talent in decades. You could lead us to victory."
Henry leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxed but his voice cold. "Professor, I didn't save Daphne and Susan for applause or titles. I acted because it was necessary, not because I wanted to be part of a team."
Flitwick's smile faltered slightly, replaced with a look of quiet determination. "It's not just about being part of a team, Henry. Quidditch is a test of strategy, discipline, and courage—qualities you possess in spades. This isn't about glory; it's about growth."
Henry's jaw tightened. "With all due respect, Professor, I have no intention of letting others dictate how I spend my time. I prioritize knowledge, skill, and preparation—not flying in circles for the amusement of a crowd."
Madam Hooch bristled at his dismissive tone, but Flitwick raised a hand to forestall her. His sharp eyes studied Henry, and his tone shifted.
"Then let me propose an alternative," Flitwick said, his voice quieter but no less commanding. "Join the team, and in return, I will provide you with private tutoring—advanced charms, duelling, and spell craft. Lessons far beyond the standard curriculum. You'll have access to training that will sharpen your considerable abilities."
Henry's eyes narrowed. "Private lessons? Why offer this for a Quidditch position?"
Flitwick smiled faintly. "Because I see potential in you, Mr. Potter. Great potential. But even the most gifted wizards need guidance, and I believe this arrangement will benefit us both. You'll grow stronger, and Ravenclaw will grow better."
The room fell silent as Henry considered the offer, his calculating mind weighing every angle. Finally, he stood, his gaze as sharp as steel.
"Fine," he said. "I'll join the team—but let me be clear: I'll join the team—but on my terms. my studies and training come first. I won't waste time on frivolities, and I expect these lessons to be worth my effort. I won't tolerate distractions"
Flitwick's grin returned, broader than before. "Oh, I assure you, Mr. Potter, they will be."
Madam Hooch exhaled, clearly relieved but masking it with her usual briskness. "Practice starts next week, Potter. Don't be late."
As they left, Henry returned to his seat, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
Private lessons in advanced magic... It's not submission. It's leverage.
This isn't a loss. It's a calculated advantage.
end of the flashback
Charlie (leaning forward, his tone incredulous): He's really that cunning? Like... a Slytherin hiding behind a Ravenclaw crest?
Hannah (nodding firmly): More like a Slytherin genius wearing a Ravenclaw mask. Everything Henry does is calculated. He's always two, maybe three steps ahead of everyone else.
Neville (surprised): But how does he manage it? He's only our age.
Susan (smirking): He's been like this from the start. Do you remember our first Quidditch match against Ravenclaw, Hannah?
Hannah (grimacing): How could I forget? He didn't just beat Hufflepuff—he humiliated us.
Charlie (frowning): What do you mean?
Susan (her tone laced with admiration): First, he studied every Hufflepuff play for weeks. He didn't just learn our strategies—he learned our weaknesses. Then, during the match, he exploited them mercilessly.
Hannah: Every single time we tried to form our defensive lines, he would force a feint, scatter us, and score. He even predicted where our Seeker would look for the Snitch and set up distractions.
Neville (his jaw dropping): Wait—he manipulated your Seeker into wasting time?
Susan (nodding): Oh, yes. And he didn't stop there. He deliberately targeted our strongest players, wearing them down until we were completely out of sync. By the time the match was over, the score was something like 320 to 50.
Charlie (staring in disbelief): That's... brutal.
Hannah (with a rueful laugh): That's Henry. Brutal, ruthless, and absolutely brilliant on the pitch. And it wasn't just us. He smashed Slytherin and Gryffindor too, each time with a different strategy.
Susan (smiling): Against Slytherin, he baited their Chasers into fouling repeatedly, forcing them into penalties. Against Gryffindor, he used their aggressiveness against them, making them overextend and leaving their Keeper exposed.
Charlie (slowly, his eyes filled with growing pride): So, he's not just skilled—he's a tactician.
Susan: Exactly. And it's not just Quidditch. Henry excels in academics too. He holds records in almost every subject, from Potions to Charms.
Charlie (excitedly): So tell me more about him, what made Henry such a phenomenon on the Quidditch pitch? You keep saying he was unstoppable.
Susan (grinning): "Unstoppable" doesn't even begin to describe it. Henry wasn't just a player—he was a force of nature.
Hannah: Do you know how hard it is to score a margin of 200 points in Quidditch? Henry led Ravenclaw to victories with margins of 1000 points. Against every house.
Neville (gasping): A thousand? How? i don't belive it!
Susan (leaning forward): It was all about strategy. Henry didn't just play Quidditch; he studied it. Before every match, he'd analyse the other teams' weaknesses, predict their plays, and even exploit their personalities.
Hannah (nodding): Against Hufflepuff—my house—he used our sense of teamwork against us. He'd create situations where we had to choose between helping a teammate or stopping him from scoring. Either way, he won.
Susan (grimacing): Against Gryffindor, he baited their Chasers into overcommitting, leaving their Keeper vulnerable. He'd score three goals in the time it took them to recover.
Hannah (smirking): And Slytherin? He toyed with them. He'd feint and draw their Beaters away, then send Bludgers at their own players. By the end of the match, they were too disoriented to even mount a proper defense.
Charlie (in awe): That's... incredible.
Susan (her tone growing more animated): And then there were the matches where he played as Seeker. He wasn't just good—he was daring.
Hannah (interrupting, excited): Remember the Gryffindor match two years ago? Henry's "Leap of Fate"?
Neville: The what?
Susan (smiling): Oh, it's legendary. The match was intense—Gryffindor was leading by 150 points. The Snitch was darting around the pitch, just out of reach of both Seekers.
Hannah: And then Henry did something no one else would even consider. He stood on his broom and jumped at a height of 50 feet—right in the middle of the match.
Charlie (staring, stunned): He what?
Susan: You heard her. He jumped.
Hannah (her eyes lighting up): It was like watching a hawk dive. He plummeted straight toward the ground, arms outstretched, the wind whipping around him. Everyone thought he'd lost his mind.
Susan: But he hadn't. Henry always calculates everything. He timed the dive perfectly, catching the Snitch just inches from the ground.
Hannah (smiling wistfully): He didn't even look shaken. Just held the Snitch up, smirked, and said, "Game over."
Charlie (his voice filled with awe): That's... insane. And brilliant.
Neville: He must've scared the life out of Madam Hooch.
Susan (laughing): Oh, absolutely. But what could she say? It was perfectly legal. And after that, the Leap of Fate became his signature move. He pulled it off twice more in matches against Slytherin and Hufflepuff.
Hannah: And every time, it was flawless. The crowd loved him, of course. But the other teams? They dreaded facing him.
Charlie (beaming with pride): My brother... he's not just good. He's a legend.
Susan (smiling): That's Henry. Intelligent, fearless, and always five steps ahead. He doesn't just play the game—he redefines it.
Hannah: And it's not just Quidditch. In academics, he's the same. He holds records in Potions, Charms, and even Defense Against the Dark Arts. Professors adore him and fear him in equal measure because he questions everything.
Neville (thoughtfully): A Slytherin in Ravenclaw colors. It fits.
Charlie (his tone proud, his eyes softening): And here I thought I already knew my brother by listening your words of conversation.
Susan (grinning): Welcome to the world of Henry Potter.
Charlie (his tone eager): Tell me more. There has to be more. What else did Henry do that left everyone in awe?
Neville (nodding): Yeah, it's hard to believe one person could be that... unstoppable.
Charlie (leaning forward eagerly): Alright, no holding back this time. I want to hear it all. How did my brother—a Chaser, of all things—become such a legend?
Hannah (smirking): Where do we even begin?
Susan (nodding): Start with Hufflepuff. That match last year still stings, but it shows exactly what kind of person Henry is.
Charlie (curious): What happened?
Susan (sighing): In our second year, Hufflepuff' acted unfair. It's one of the reason, we are not friends anymore.
Hannah: And Henry never forgot it.
Susan: Last year, he made sure we paid for it.
Neville (raising an eyebrow): How bad was it?
Hannah (grimacing): He scored 207 goals. That's not a typo—two hundred and seven. And still it's a record.
Charlie (stunned): 207?! That's... impossible!
Susan (grimacing): Not for him. He tore through our defences like they weren't even there. Every strategy we had, he dismantled. By halftime, Ravenclaw was up by 1850 points. He scored 2070 points himself, Revenclaw won on Hupplepuff by a margin of 2090 to 10.
Hannah: And the crowd was going wild. They called him the Rogue Raven. His jersey number '7', painted in silver on his back, flashed with every goal.
Susan (softly): The thing is, he wasn't just playing to win. He wanted to send a message. That's Henry—he doesn't just win; he makes sure you never forget why you lost.
Neville (shaking his head in amazement): What about Gryffindor? Did he destroy them too?
Hannah: Oh, absolutely. And that match was personal.
Charlie (frowning): Personal? Why?
Susan: as I said before, First year. Gryffindors targeted Violetta Lestrange, her name made her a target in the school.
Charlie (his voice tight): What did he do? I thought he bested them with the duel.
Susan (smiling faintly): He didn't retaliate right away. He wanted them to pay more than that. He waited. Planned. Then, during the Ravenclaw-Gryffindor match the same year he made debute, he took them apart.
Hannah: Henry played both Chaser and Seeker that day. He scored 190 points within the first half and changed his position to seeker, when the Snitch appeared, he pulled off his signature move.
Neville (intrigued): Signature move?
Hannah: The Ravenclaws calls it as 'Rogue Dive'.
Susan (her voice filled with awe): He jumps off his broom from ridiculous heights—50 feet, 60 feet sometimes—to catch the Snitch. No one else even dares to try it.
Charlie (genuinely impressed): And he pulls it off every time?
Hannah (grinning): Every. Single. Time. That day, Gryffindor lost by over 500 points. He himself score 190 points as chaser and 150 as seeker, it was brutal.
Neville (curious): What about Slytherin? I thought they'd be his biggest rivals.
Susan (shaking her head): Surprisingly, no. Henry has best of friends in Slytherin—real friends. Blaise Zabini, Theodore Nott, Tracy Davis, Daphne Greengrass and from Gryffindor Violetta Lestrange …... they're like family to him.
Hannah: But that doesn't mean he went easy on their Quidditch team.
Susan (laughing): Not at our second year. some of the Senior Slytherins had been bullying younger students, Henry did something to them but, they won't speak about it, no one dares to. But in quidditch he was something else.
Hannah: That match was... devastating. Slytherin couldn't score a single goal. Ravenclaw won by over 430 points.
Susan: And the best part? After the match, Henry didn't gloat. He walked straight up to the Slytherin stands, shook hands with his friends, and left.
Charlie (stunned): He really is... incredible.
Susan: that he is.
Charlie (hesitant): But what about now? He's clearly done so much, built so many connections. How do I even approach him?
Susan (pausing, her tone softening): Start by being honest. Henry values honesty more than anything. Don't try to manipulate him or force a bond—he'll see through it instantly.
Charlie (earnestly): And if I want to be close to him?
Susan: Show him respect. Let him know who you reallyare.
Hannah (nodding): And give him time. Henry doesn't trust easily, but once he does, it's unshakable.
"Alright, Susan," Charlie began, his voice laced with curiosity and caution. "I've heard about Henry and... Nymphadora Tonks? Is it true they were together? I just can't wrap my head around it—she's so much older."
Susan stiffened, her usual cheer dampened by the topic. Her hands twisted together in her lap, and a fleeting shadow of something—was it jealousy? —crossed her face. "Yeah," she replied softly. "They were together in our first year. She was in her fifth year when he was a first year."
Charlie blinked. "A first year and a fifth year? How did that even happen?"
Hannah took over, sensing Susan's discomfort. "It surprised everyone," she admitted. "no, one knows anything about their relationship in detail"
Susan's lips pressed into a thin line before she spoke again, her tone more controlled now. "Tonks was good person. They were surprisingly mature about it. Even when the age gap raised eyebrows, no one could deny they had something special."
Charlie's brow furrowed. "But if they were so good together, what happened? Why did they end it?"
Susan hesitated, her gaze flickering to Hannah, who gave her a small nod of encouragement. Finally, Susan said, "It was because of me… and the Hufflepuff house."
Charlie leaned back, visibly startled. "Because of you? What do you mean?"
Susan exhaled deeply. "Last year, there was... tension. Henry felt betrayed by Hufflepuff house, and I can't say he was entirely wrong. There was a lot of misunderstanding and politics. I—" She broke off, her voice faltering.
Hannah picked up where Susan left off. "Henry is fiercely loyal to the people he cares about. When he felt Susan didn't stand by him in a critical moment, she stood with Hufflepuff, it hit him hard. It wasn't just about the house—it was personal."
Susan's voice turned quieter. "Henry didn't want to drag Tonks into the fallout. He's always been protective, even if it hurts him. He told her it wasn't fair to continue their relationship when he was dealing with so much."
Charlie frowned. "And Tonks? How did she take it?"
"With grace," Hannah said with a sad smile. "She's amazing that way. They both knew it was the right decision at the time, even if it hurt. They didn't fight or end things bitterly. They just… let go. But they still respect each other."
Susan's voice was tinged with a mix of regret and bitterness. "It's not like it stopped the rest of the castle from swooning over him. Even now, girls from all houses talk about him—his intelligence, his skills, his confidence. Henry's the kind of person you notice."
Charlie tilted his head, studying Susan carefully. "And you? Did you ever feel that way about him?"
Susan's cheeks flushed, and she turned her gaze to the window. "Henry doesn't let people in easily. I respect him. Admire him. But he's complicated."
Hannah's voice grew softer. "Charlie, your brother is extraordinary. He's cunning, ambitious, and resilient, but he's also a young man who carries a lot on his shoulders. Tonks saw that and appreciated it. But if you want to get close to him, you'll have to meet him on his terms. Henry doesn't trust easily, but once he does… it's for life."
Charlie nodded slowly, his admiration for his brother deepening with each revelation. "Thanks," he murmured. "I think I have a lot to learn about who Henry really is."
Charlie and Neville moved to grounds to process the information they got from the two senior girls, while those two girls went to their class.
scene break
Henry Potter stood in the corridor, surrounded by his friends. His posture was calm, calculated, but his emerald-green eyes burned with quiet intensity. Charlie Potter's footsteps echoed as he approached, determination written on his young face. The first-year Hufflepuff stopped in front of the group, his small frame dwarfed by the imposing presence of the older students.
Henry didn't move, didn't blink. "What now, brat?" he said, his voice devoid of warmth.
"I want to talk to you," Charlie said firmly.
Daphne Greengrass crossed her arms, her expression cold and unforgiving. "Talk? What could you possibly have to say? Haven't you done enough damage?"
"Damage?" Charlie asked, confused.
Violetta Lestrange stepped forward, her icy glare drilling into Charlie. "Don't play dumb. You're from the same family that left Henry to rot. And now you've got the nerve to show up here, acting like you care?"
"That's not fair!" Charlie protested. "I didn't know about Henry! None of us did!"
"Oh, spare us the sob story," Daphne said, her voice sharp as a dagger. "You expect us to believe you didn't know? What kind of family forgets their own blood? A disgraceful one, that's what."
Violetta's sneer deepened. "Hufflepuffs. Always pretending to be noble and loyal, but the moment things get complicated, you turn your backs. You and that little group of yours—Susan Bones, especially—are the worst kind of traitors."
Charlie's fists clenched at his sides. "Susan's not a traitor! She told me about Henry because she thought he deserved to be known—"
"She told you because she wanted to soothe her own guilty conscience," Violetta snapped, her voice rising. "The Bones family always talks about loyalty, but when it matters, they're nowhere to be found. They're cowards. And you're just like them."
"That's not true!" Charlie shouted, his voice trembling with anger.
"Face it," Daphne added, her tone as icy as her gaze. "You're a fraud, just like the rest of them. You come here, pretending to care, but you're only here to make yourself feel better. To fix your little family's reputation."
Henry's cold voice cut through the rising tension like a knife. "Enough." He stepped forward, his green eyes locking onto Charlie with an almost predatory calm. "Say what you came to say, and then leave. I don't have time for this."
Charlie swallowed hard, his voice faltering but steady. "I—I just wanted to say I'm sorry. I didn't know. None of us did. But now I do, and I want to fix things. I want to be your brother, Henry."
Henry stared at him for a long moment, his face unreadable. Then he spoke, his voice laced with icy finality. "You're not my brother. The only family I ever had was Rosaline Potter. She was my sister, my blood, my world. The rest of you—Lily, James, Sirius, Remus and you—are nothing to me."
Charlie's face crumpled with pain. "Henry, please—"
"Don't waste my time brat," Henry interrupted. "Or yours."
Violetta sneered again, her voice dripping with venom. "Listen to him, little Hufflepuff. You don't belong here. Run back to your burrow and cry to Susan Bones about how unfair the world is."
Blaise Zabini, leaning lazily against the wall, chuckled. "Honestly, kid, you're punching above your weight. It's almost impressive, in a sad sort of way."
Tracy Davis grinned mischievously, twirling her wand. "I give him credit for trying, though. It's cute. Misguided, but cute."
Theodore Nott finally spoke, his tone steady and firm. "Leave it, Charlie. Henry doesn't need you, and he doesn't need your pity. Walk away before you make things worse."
Charlie, trembling with frustration, shook his head. "I'm not walking away. I don't care what any of you say. Henry's my brother, and I'm not giving up on him!"
Henry sighed, his patience clearly thinning. "Stubborn brat," he muttered, turning his back on Charlie. "Do what you want. Just don't expect me to care."
As Henry began to walk away, his friends followed. Violetta threw one last scornful look at Charlie. "Pathetic."
Daphne smirked. "He'll learn eventually. Or maybe not."
Charlie stood frozen in the empty corridor, their words ringing in his ears. Despite the pain and humiliation, a flicker of determination burned in his chest.
"I won't give up," he whispered to himself, his voice steady despite the tears stinging his eyes. "I'll get through to you, Henry. I swear I will."
As the group disappeared into the dim corridors of Hogwarts, Charlie lingered in the empty hall, his fists clenching and unclenching at his sides. The echo of their taunts and Henry's cold dismissal reverberated in his mind.
Finally, with a deep breath, he turned and began walking back toward the Hufflepuff common room. His pace quickened, determination hardening his resolve. He wouldn't stop—not until he found a way to reach Henry.
Author's Note:
I know many of you are trying to connect this story to the main canon, but this is a different take entirely. To clarify—Henry is not the main hero of this fic. Charlie is The Boy Who Lived, and the true depth of the plot hasn't even begun. The Seven Knights and their significance will be revealed in Charlie's fifth year.
As for pairings, Susan, Voiletta, and Daphne will have major roles, with plenty of development ahead. Dumbledore is not a villain in this story—he's simply an old man who chases grandeur, sometimes at the cost of what's right.
There are many more characters yet to be introduced, so don't worry—the world is still expanding. I've been considering a way to incorporate a detailed family tree into the fic, but I haven't found the right method yet. That said, the upcoming chapters will be crucial, so stay tuned and enjoy the story!
If you have suggestions, I'm open to hearing them.
Thank you,
—A Madman