goodbye
Regulus hugged Harry tight as they stood on platform 9 ¾, This would be the first time Harry would be far from Regulus for more than a few days since James had passed away and Regulus was nervous to let Harry leave. After having stayed with Euphemia and Monty for about a month Regulus and Harry had moved in with Sirius and Remus who were laying low in the muggle world by running a small bookstore called Looney Lupin’s until the war was finished. “Now remember Harry, no matter how the sorting goes, I will support you.” Regulus said before giving Harry a small kiss on the forehead where his tan skin lightened into a scar shaped like a lightning bolt that was left the night James and Lily died.
“I know, Papa.” Harry said with a smile on his face. “Oh, one last thing,” Regulus said, reaching into his back pocket and pulling out a small piece of parchment. “You’re dad would’ve wanted you to have this. Now I don’t condone any form of mischief or pranking but if need be this is a very useful tool for sneaking around the castle without being noticed.” Regulus explained, handing the paper to Harry and placing his wand to the parchment gently. “I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.” Regulus said and suddenly the map came to life. “It shows everyone at Hogwarts’ location and has secret rooms and passageways on it. Your dad and uncles Moony and Padfoot made it when they were at school.” Regulus explained. Harry gave Regulus one last big hug before tucking the map into his bag and excitedly running on the train. Regulus felt odd watching the boy he’d cared for and protected so vigilantly for the past 11 years run off to be on his own for the first time but he knew that Harry needed this change in order to grow into his own person.
Harry chose an empty carriage to sit in, put his bag in the overhead rack, and sat down looking out the window. He hadn’t really met anyone his age who was a wizard before since he had grown up in muggle london so he figured that he’d simply have to sit alone until he found a group of friends. Harry was used to that by now though, he had never really had many long term friends his age since Regulus was always worried about Harry’s safety so he’d found hobbies to occupy his time.
Over the years Harry had grown to love reading, some days he would just sit in his room and read for hours on end much like his dad and uncle however he never really enjoyed books that his uncle and dad read, he found them too boring, instead Harry enjoyed reading action packed fantasy books. Harry’s favorite book series by far had been Percy Jackson, he loved being introduced to a magical system different to his own and being able to read about a boy like him who never felt like he belonged, thriving in a new environment.
Suddenly Harry heard a knock at the door of the carriage and a shorter girl with curly brown hair and a confident demeanor walked into the carriage. “Could I sit here?” The girl asked as she walked into the room. Harry looked up at her with a smile. “Sure, I’m Harry, what’s your name?” Harry asked. “I’m Hermione.” The girl said as she took the seat across from Harry.
After a few minutes the door burst open and a small red haired boy swooped into the room gasping for air in an attempt to catch his breath. “Oi, can I sit with you two? My brothers are being insufferable, and I could really use a break from them!” The boy said, pushing his back against the door to prevent anyone from opening it. “Sure, why not?” Harry said happily. “How exactly are your brothers being insufferable?” Hermione asked with a concerned look on her face. “Oh you know, just the usual, pranks, jokes, typical brother things.” The boy said, taking the seat next to Harry. “No, I don’t know. I don’t have any siblings.” Harry explained. “Me neither.” Hermione added. “Well, consider yourselves lucky.” the boy said and the other two didn’t feel like pushing him on that.
“Well, I’m Harry and this is Hermione.” Harry said cheerfully in an attempt to change the subject. “I’m Ron.” Ron said in response. “What houses do you guys think you’ll be put in?” Ron asked. “I’m not sure, both my parents are muggles so I don’t really have a grasp on any of this stuff yet.” Hermione explained. “Well then, you’ll want to stay clear of Slytherin house. They’re all blood purest twats.” Ron explained. “Oi, my dads a Slytherin so watch your mouth. Death eaters are equally likely to come out of any of the houses.” Harry said aggressively. “Oi, sorry, mate. I didn’t mean all Slytherins.” Ron said defensively. “Right well, I’m the heir to two long blood lines, one strongly tied to gryffindor and the other tied to slytherin so it’s kind of a toss up on where I’ll be. Who knows they may even throw me a curve ball and place me in Ravenclaw, I do love to read after all.” Harry explained
“Oh, what families are your parents from?” Ron asked innocently. “Well, my dad was a Potter and my papa is a Black, and then there were my moms, Lily Evans and Mary Macdonald but they all died when I was really young, the only people who survived were me and my Papa.” Harry explained. “Wait, you’re Harry Potter-Black, as in the one from the prophecy!” Ron exclaimed. “What are you talking about?” Harry asked with a confused look on his face. “You didn’t know? There was a prophecy when we were all young that someone who was orphaned by the dark lord himself would defeat him! Do you have it?!” Ron asked excitedly, reaching towards Harry’s head and lifting his hair.
Harry tried to fight Ron off but it was no use. “You have the lightning bolt scar!” Ron said excitedly. “Ya, so. Merlin, I’m not some animal in a cage!” Harry yelled. “Sorry mate, I guess I’m just a little over excited.” Ron explained.
Once the train stopped and everyone got into the castle all of the first years gathered around professor Mgonagal as they waited for her to explain the house system to them. In the crowd Harry lost track of his two newly found friends and accidentally ran into a taller silver haired boy with grey eyes. “Oi, watch it.” the boy said snarkily. “You watch yourself too! You’re the one who bumped into me.” Harry snapped back. “Fine. What house do you reckon you’ll be in?” The boy asked with a curious look on his face. “Probably Slytherin or Gryfindor but maybe Ravenclaw.” Harry explained, still a little tentative about talking to the boy.
“You’d better hope you’re a slytherin. Slytherin is the best house because they don’t let in anyone who isn’t magical by blood.” the boy explained. “Ta gueule!” Harry fired back at the boy. “What did you just say to me?!” The boy asked aggressively, grabbing Harry by his shirt collar. “Quoi? Est-tu trop stupide pour comprendre le français?” Harry fired back snarkily. The boy raised his wand to Harry’s throat in anger and pushed him up against a nearby wall.
“Mr. Malfoy! Mr. Black! Let us not kill each other before we’re even sorted!” Professor Mcgonagal boomed over the chatter of the crowd. Draco took his wand away from Harry’s throat and unpinned him from the wall and the professor began to talk.