New Beginnings
Harry could hardly believe the events of the past few days. After receiving a letter from a place called Hogwarts, he learned that magic was real and that he was a wizard. Not only that, but a famous one as well, if the looks of awe and joy were anything to go by. It was certainly better than the looks of hatred and fear he got at school for being related to Dudley, not that it had ever done him any favours.
Moreover, he learned his parents, rather than die in a drunk-driving accident, had been attacked in their own home by a malevolent, and powerful Dark Wizard. One so powerful no one was willing to even speak his name. That he had survived, and somehow been responsible for the defeat of this murderous bastard was a miracle, and explained the looks he was receiving.
But perhaps the best thing he had learned: his mum was alive.
Granted, she had spent the last decade in a coma, completely unresponsive, but alive nonetheless. One day, he knew, she'd wake up, and he'd never have to live with the Dursleys ever again. At least, he hoped that was the case.
It was obvious to anyone that took a close look at his living situation that the boy wasn't happy, and the Dursleys were the cause of this. From being forced to sleep in a cupboard to Dudley's favourite game - Harry Hunting - it had been made abundantly clear to him he wasn't loved, or even wanted, as his wretched relatives seemed to delight in reminding him of his apparent status as an orphan.
Still, he was a bright student if the praise his teachers gave (and the punishments for outdoing Dudley) were any indication. His one saving grace was sooner or later he'd be free to live his own life, and Hogwarts offered that freedom sooner than he ever dreamed of.
Now if only he could calm his bloody nerves.
Hagrid stood next to him in Gringotts, waiting for Head Goblin Bloodwick to finish... whatever he was writing. On his desk, next to the parchment, was a small box. It looked like an old jewelry box.
"Excuse me, but what do you need us fer?" Hagrid spoke softly, as though unsure of what to expect from the goblin. They'd already retrieved money for Harry's school supplies, and whatever Hagrid was meant to deliver. He'd mentioned that goblins aren't particularly friendly to wizards, though this one seemed amused when Harry thanked him for his help.
"Merely finishing the closure of one of our vaults, Mister Hagrid. At least finalizing the required documentation before fulfilling the terms of our contract."
"Contract? What contract?"
Seemingly finished with his paperwork - or is it parchment-work - Bloodwick looked Hagrid dead in the eyes before picking up the box.
"This box, Mister Hagrid, has been in a Gringotts vault since its founding 500 years ago. No other item has gone in, and per the terms of the original contract, it has never been removed. Until today. The contract dictated that this item be kept in said vault until the arrival of the wizard it's meant for: Harry James Potter."
"You've kept it all this time... for me?" For the first time since arriving, Harry spoke to the goblin directly. The goblin slowly turned to face the boy, an unreadable expression on his face.
"That is correct Mister Potter. While the contract never explicitly states who created it, the terms are binding. One Harry James Potter, that would be you, is to receive said item upon arriving here with one Rubeus Hagrid."
Hagrid went stiff at the mention of his name. "Are you certain it's safe to give it to him?"
"The contract contains stipulations that require its inspection prior to release to ensure no harm might fall on Mister Potter upon his receiving of said item."
"And eh, what exactly are you giving him?"
At that, Bloodwick simply handed Harry the box, giving him a look that said open it up.
Slowly opening it, Harry found it contained an amulet, with the emblem of a roaring dragon upon it. From the emblem itself to the chain meant to be worn, it was pure gold. Almost by instinct, Harry slipped it over his head and felt... nothing. No change whatsoever, much to Hagrids relief. Bloodwick provided documents outlining the lack of hazards surrounding the amulet to Hagrid, in the event Dumbledore had inquiries.
With all that taken care of, now was the time to get his school supplies.
Harry sat next to the bed in St Mungos Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. On this bed lay a woman he had never seen in his entire life: his mother.
The Dursleys, Petunia in particular, had never seen fit to keep any photographs, mementos, or indeed indications that Lily Evans Potter had even existed, let alone had a family. The night Hagrid arrived and revealed his mothers' survival, had prompted a barrage of venom from Petunia, as though she couldn't hold in her hatred and contempt for the woman she called a sister.
After getting his supplies, Hagrid stepped out to give him some time alone with Lily.
"H-Hi Mum." The words could barely be heard, like a whisper in the wind. As though he feared to even speak to her.
"It's... it's Harry Mum. The nur- the healers said they don't know if you can hear me. If you can, it's great to finally see you. I-I have so many questions, about you, about Dad, about... about what happened that night. I thought, for so long, that you were gone. That I'd never get to see, let alone meet you."
There was so much more he wanted to say, so many questions to ask. But nothing else could come out. Nothing seemed to prove this wasn't a dream, that there was still hope for his mother and his life.
"I have to go now, Mum. I'll try to visit more, now that I know where you are." He turned to leave, but had one last thing to say.
"I promise I'll find a way to wake you."
Stepping out of the hospital, Harry immediately saw Hagrid with a beautiful snowy owl.
"Happy birthday Harry."
Sitting in the train compartment, Harry couldn't help but fidget with the amulet. He'd kept it with him, and was wearing it now, but couldn't shake the feeling there was more to it. After all, why else would someone set up a vault solely for this item? Perhaps more importantly, who went to all the trouble to ensure he would get it? Who could even know that he'd be there, let alone with Hagrid? So many questions, and no clear way to get an answer.
"You really have no idea who left it to you?" Ron Weasley asked the question that had been bugging him since their meeting.
"No one does. And it doesn't seem that special. How would anyone even know to leave it to me, let alone when I would receive it?"
Ron shook his head, a look of supreme confusion on his face. "Divination I suppose, the magic of seeing into the future. But seeing that far ahead, and with that much accuracy? That should be impossible."
In between feasting on wizard snacks, the two had become quick friends, with Harry showing the amulet, hoping someone with more knowledge of the wizarding world could explain what it was.
Before their conversation could go any further, a pale girl with bushy brown hair opened the compartment door. Behind her stood a slightly chubby, and very timid boy.
"Have either of you seen a toad? Neville's lost his pet."
Ron shook his head. "Sorry mate."
Harry simply stood up. "Here, I'll help. Let's check the end of the car. We'll probably find him hiding in a corner."
After finding Trevor (Harry had gotten it right first try) the girl, Hemione Granger, joined Harry and Ron in their compartment, refusing the snacks but eagerly sharing her excitement at the prospect of learning magic. She was what's called a Muggle-born, a witch or wizard born to non-magical parents. This didn't seem to phase her in the slightest, though Ron pointed out some wizards held nothing but disdain for those without a magical lineage.
A brief encounter with a stuck-up blonde named Draco Malfoy had proved his point. Within the first minute of meeting them, he'd managed to insult Ron and Hermione while insinuating Harry could do better as far as friends go.
"Sod off Malfoy."
"As I said Potter, it's best to avoid cavorting with those of lower standing." The boy may not have been as violent, but he shared the same spoiled attitude as Dudley.
"Then I'll be sure to avoid you lest I become associated with mediocrity." He'd learned just how famous he was after being referred to as The Boy Who Lived. Now was as good a time as any to use it.
It worked as the greasy brat turned red and stomped off, leaving Ron snickering, and Hermione stunned. Somehow during the introductions, Harry neglected to mention his last name, and she just realized the most famous boy in Wizarding Britain was sitting next to her. The remainder of the train ride she bombarded Harry with questions, leaving him rather flustered and Ron thoroughly entertained.
Standing in the Great Hall gave a feeling of both awe and apprehension. Gazing up at the ceiling, he could see the night sky so clearly, it was as though there wasn't a ceiling at all. It was a magnificent sight, and the thousands of floating candles bathed the Hall in a warm light.
On the other hand, the Sorting Ceremony was underway. Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall was calling students one by one to sit on a stool and wear the Sorting Hat, a talking hat that placed each student in one of the four Houses. It was the possibilities that gave a feeling of apprehension.
During the boat ride across the Lake, Ron had brought up the topic of the Houses and described the four. Gryffindor favoured courage and chivalry, Hufflepuff favoured loyalty and honesty, Ravenclaw favoured wit and intelligence, and Slytherin favoured ambition and determination. While none of these Houses were inherently good or evil, Slytherin had developed a reputation for the number of Dark Wizards it produced.
The prospect of joining such a House had little appeal to him, especially after Hermione joined Gryffindor. That became doubly true when Draco joined Slytherin instantly. Soon enough though, McGonagall called out "Potter, Harry"
He could hear the whispers as we walked up and sat on the stool, though they all seemed to be blocked out when the hat was placed upon his head.
Well now Mr.Potter...
H-Hello.
I confess it has been quite some time since I've had one such as you Mr.Potter. You've got the courage to rival Godric, honesty and loyalty to impress Helga, a mind that could one day humble Rowena, and a determination to prove yourself, truly worthy of Salazar. You could go to any of the Houses frankly.
Not Slytherin.
Not Slytherin eh? Are you certain? You'd be able to achieve your full potential and be surrounded by peers that will push you to become the greatest you can be.
Please not Slytherin.
Very well then Mr.Potter. I suppose it'll have to be...
"GRYFFINDOR!"
At that, the Gryffindor table exploded into cheers, and as she removed the hat, Harry swore he could see a Professor McGonagall smile. As he made his way to the Gryffindor table, he noticed his tie changed to red and gold, while the Gryffindor sigil appeared on his robes. On the plus side, the amulet didn't seem to be affecting anything so far, though only Ron and Hermione knew he was still wearing it, albeit under his clothes.
Taking a seat next to Hermione, the Sorting proceeded to its conclusion, and the Headmaster gave a speech ending with a cryptic warning.
“And finally, I must tell you, that the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side, is out of bounds to everyone, who does not wish to die a most painful death.”
That got Harrys' attention. After all, what could warrant such a warning in a school for magic? Especially with, as Hagrid put it, the greatest wizard alive as Headmaster.
But such thoughts were for later. A feast had appeared on the tables, and it was time for a proper meal.
However, he couldn't shake the feeling someone was watching him intently and said feeling came from the Head Table. Looking in its direction, he noticed one of the professors speaking to a man with a turban on his head. Whoever he was, no good could come from him.
After the feast, the students were led to their Common Rooms, and soon prepared for the night. For Harry, it had been a long day, particularly when other students felt obliged to introduce themselves to him and ask every question they could think of. By the time his head hit the pillow, he'd been too tired to remove the amulet.
Opening his eyes, he found he wasn't in his dorm room. Indeed, he wasn't even in the castle anymore, staring at a clear blue sky. Sitting up, he looked around, taking in his surroundings. Though he hadn't gotten a good look before, he was outside Hogwarts Castle, somewhere on the grounds.
That was when he noticed the laughter. Loud, boisterous laughter came from behind him.
Scrambling to his feet, he turned to see the source of the laughter and saw 4 figures, 2 witches and 2 wizards.
The source of the laughter was a broad, bearded man in red, who found something particularly entertaining.
"Godric, don't laugh!" The first witch, a slightly plump woman in yellow lectured the laughing man.
"Let him enjoy this Helga. He did win the bet after all." The second witch, a thin woman in blue seemed utterly unfazed by the display.
"I swear I shall turn that Malfoy into a toad for disgracing my House like that." The final figure, a thin man in green glared at the ground, shaking his head.
"Ummm hello?"
The four turned with a start, unaware they had company. Uncertain whether he had made a mistake, the laughing man spoke with a firm, but calm voice.
"It's quite alright young man, you don't need to be scared. You are in no danger from us."
That put Harry at ease, though his confusion still shone through.
The witch in yellow realized this and quickly spoke up. "Ah, but where are our manners? Introductions are in order. I am Helga Hufflepuff."
"Rowena Ravenclaw."
"Salazar Slytherin." The second man had looked up from the ground and fixed upon Harry with almost grandfatherly eyes.
"And I am Godric Gryffindor. We are the Founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Godric was beaming with pride as he rounded out the introductions.
"We've been waiting for you, Harry Potter."