Chapter 44
Hogwarts Return and Marvel Shadows
Alex McKinnon’s POV
I leaned back in my seat at the Ravenclaw table, watching as the new first years filed into the Great Hall. The ceiling reflected the cloudy night sky outside, casting a soft glow over the room. I wasn’t really focused on the ceremony though—not this time. My mind was split between two worlds, and it was hard to let go of the fact that I had a mission to save Howard and Maria Stark from being murdered by HYDRA in the upcoming months.
But that didn’t mean I was completely checked out. I had been keeping a close eye on Harry for the last year, helping him as much as I could without drawing too much attention to myself. In many ways, he felt like a younger brother to me now. He was quick to learn, determined, and already showed flashes of the wizard he’d become. This was a huge night for him—his official introduction to the magical world—and I wanted to see how it all unfolded.
I glanced over to where Harry stood in line, looking both excited and a bit nervous. Hagrid had dropped him off at the entrance with the other first years, and now he was waiting, like the rest of them, to be sorted into one of the houses.
Of course, I already knew where he’d end up. Gryffindor. That part of history hadn’t changed, and I didn’t plan on interfering with it. But I was curious to see the others—the ones who’d become so integral to his story.
First up was Hermione Granger. She was hard to miss, with her wild bushy hair and intense, eager look. I chuckled under my breath. She looked almost exactly like the Emma Watson I remembered from the movies. I could already tell she’d be a force to reckon with—sharp, driven, and probably a little overwhelming for most people at first. When Professor McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on her head, there was a pause, as though the Hat was debating where to put her.
Then the decision was made: "Gryffindor!"
Hermione practically bounced over to the Gryffindor table, where she was greeted by cheers. She looked thrilled, and I couldn’t help but smile. She was going to be a great friend to Harry.
Next was Ron Weasley. He shuffled up to the stool, looking a bit sheepish. His bright red hair was unmistakable, and he had the same slightly awkward demeanor I remembered from Rupert Grint’s portrayal. As soon as the Hat touched his head, it shouted, "Gryffindor!" He let out a relieved breath and quickly joined his brothers at the table.
Then it was Harry’s turn.
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Harry’s POV
My heart was pounding as I walked up to the stool. The Great Hall seemed to stretch out endlessly, and every pair of eyes in the room was fixed on me. I could feel their stares, their curiosity. They all knew who I was—even though I didn’t know most of them.
I sat down on the stool, and Professor McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on my head. It was heavy, and it slipped down over my eyes, making everything go dark.
"Hmm," a small voice echoed in my head. "Difficult. Very difficult. Plenty of courage, I see. Not a bad mind, either. There's talent, oh yes—lots of talent. And a thirst to prove yourself... But where to put you?"
I swallowed hard, my throat dry. “Not Slytherin,” I whispered.
"Not Slytherin, eh?" the Hat mused. "Are you sure? You could be great, you know. It’s all here in your head, and Slytherin will help you on the way to greatness, no doubt about that."
I shook my head, even though the Hat couldn’t see it. “No, not Slytherin.”
There was a pause, and then the Hat seemed to sigh.
"Well, if you’re sure... Better be—Gryffindor!"
The Hat was lifted off my head, and I blinked in the bright light of the hall. The Gryffindor table erupted into cheers, and I quickly made my way over to them, feeling a mix of relief and excitement. I glanced back at the staff table, noticing Dumbledore watching me with a small smile. His eyes twinkled behind his half-moon glasses, as though he knew something I didn’t.
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Alex McKinnon’s POV
I watched as Harry joined the Gryffindor table, a small smile on his face. It was official now—he was in Gryffindor, just as I had expected. Hermione and Ron were already there too, and I knew the trio would soon become inseparable. Everything was going according to the plan I remembered from canon, and I felt a strange sense of satisfaction seeing it play out.
But as much as I was invested in Harry’s journey, I couldn’t afford to let myself get too comfortable. I had other matters to deal with—ones that didn’t involve Hogwarts. The Starks were still out there, unaware of the threat looming over them, and the Winter Soldier was waiting in the shadows, ready to strike.
For now, though, I would allow myself to enjoy the moment. The Sorting Ceremony continued, and I exchanged a few friendly glances with my friends at the Ravenclaw table. My second year at Hogwarts was starting, and it was bound to be just as eventful as the last.
Little did I know, balancing both the magical and non-magical worlds would become even harder as the year went on. But for now, I could let my guard down—just a little—and focus on Hogwarts.
Tomorrow, the real work would begin.