Chapter 28
Harry groaned as he looked at the three chests that were packed with things to take to Hogwarts. One was just for his clothes, the second for all his supplies, books, and extra things that he wanted to take. The third was smaller and specifically for his mini menagerie as the others teased him about. The rest of his summer had been devoted to studies and meeting more of his father’s followers. He still didn’t know what happened with Snape but he was assured that he could go to the man at Hogwarts. The man didn’t know the full story but was informed that Harry was to be watched after. That was fine with him. He still didn’t trust the man but as long as Voldemort did, he would trust.
He packed the last of his books and closed the chest tightly before sitting down on top of it. Hedwig had already flown for Hogwarts and of course Araphel would travel with him. Hephy would be tucked safely into a transporting container with some warming coals. He wondered what else would join his menagerie. He was excited about the prospect of learning and working with, the more he learned about magical creatures the more he wanted to learn. He wanted to know what creatures would be taught in his fifth year but it was hard to say with Hagrid leading the charge.
A soft knock and he turned to the door just as it opened to show Voldemort, now Lord Slytherin. “Oh, hey. Sorry I know I am late for dinner.”
The man smiled softly and had a box in his hands, “It is alright. I knew you would be taking your time to process. Did you pack everything you wanted to take?”
“Yeah. I have never had so much stuff before but knowing I have a home… a room of my own to leave things behind in means more to me. What is that?” He nodded to the box.
“Ah, just a little going away present. Here.” He handed it over and sat next to Harry on the chest.
Harry took the box and opened it slowly and his eyes widened. It was a book, large and so oddly familiar, “It looks like your journal.”
“Almost. It is similar to it but a little different. I made it green to match your eyes. You will need to place a drop of blood on the lock. It is time for you to begin your own Grimoire.”
Harry frowned and looked at it, “A Grimoire?”
“It is a wizard’s tool to record information for themselves. On subjects they enjoy the most. Spells, potions, and the like. Think of it as a magical journal.” He smiled and tapped it, “It is keyed to you, only you can use it or read from it unless you give permission. I look forward to seeing what you choose to use it for.”
The younger wizard smiled and nicked his finger dropping a bit of blood on the lock and watched it glow and click open, he fingered a few of the empty pages. “It's wonderful. Thank you.”
The man chuckled, “I knew you would like it.” The man had a feeling what it was going to be used for and he was proud of his son for having found a passion he felt so strongly about. “Also, I think you would benefit from a new addition to your menagerie. But I think you should find it naturally. Go to the forest this year, see what creature calls to you.”
Green eyes narrowed, “How would I do that?”
“Meditate. Like you do with your occlumency lessons. Clear your mind and then let your mind and magic seek out your surroundings. It is how one finds a familiar. A creature to match your magic and soul.”
“I have read about those, but the book says you shouldn't until your core fully matures and stabilizes.”
“Trust me, you are ready.”
Harry smiled and stepped closer to the man before hugging him tightly. The man wrapped his arms fully around him and tucked him close.
“I am so proud of you and the path you have chosen.”
“Thank you.”
The two stood there for a few moments before breaking apart and the man shrunk the three chests, “Now, Lucius is here to take you to the train and he will be there at Hogwarts when you arrive to announce the resorting. So keep your head about you and stay out of trouble.”
The teen smiled and nodded and leaned into the others accepting warmth as he took the shrunk luggage and put it in his pocket. He was ready to go back to a place he called home, though now it felt much more like a second home. He had come to love the manor and everything in it. Walking with his father he looked around the place one last time before they arrived at the main hall where Lucius stood next to the fireplace with Marcus next to him.
Harry smiled and walked up to Marcus and the elder pulled him close to gently kiss his forehead, “Be careful this year Harry. I will be there but I won’t be able to be there all the time. Even if you are resorted to Slytherin.”
Green eyes looked up at the older male and smiled softly, “Its alright. I will have the others. I should be fine. Be safe. I wish you would tell me how you are going to be at Hogwarts since you are already graduated.”
“It is a surprise. Now off you go. See you soon.”
Harry smiled and said his last goodbyes before following Lucius through the floo and onto the platform.
“Harry over here!”
He looked over and smiled at Draco who came over with Blaise on his heels. “Draco, you look well.”
The blonde scoffed, “Like I could look any other way.”
The grin that slid over Harry’s face was almost wicked, “Also, who said you could call me Harry?”
Grey eyes widened, “Wait…” A flush came across the pale cheeks as he shifted, “Yes, my Prince.” He flushed harder and rubbed at the back of his neck as he looked around before straightening when he noticed others arriving.
Harry laughed, “I’m joking Draco. Harry is fine.” Then turned to the Malfoy Lord, “Thank you for bringing me.”
The man nodded, “Of course. Now you all should head onto the train before more people arrive. No point in associating with others when there is no need to.”
They all nodded and waved before heading to the train and towards the back were all the slytherins seemed to congregate. Grabbing one of the empty cars Harry settled on the seat closest to the window before settling Araphel on the empty seat next to him. The snake had gained some length and bulk over the summer and was an impressive seven feet now. Nagini had taken the younger snake under her wing and taught him how to hunt bigger game. He tapped his knee as he watched people arrive and get on the train or wave off their children. It was fun to people watch. It allowed him to know who to avoid.
He was about to close the blinds when he spotted a gaggle of red heads with the only single brunette, so they are only just now arriving? The horn blared from the train and he watched them talking closely with another man that looked alot like the man that Barty had pretended to be. That had to be the real Moody. Interesting. “Draco, what do you know of Moody?”
The blonde looked out the window and sneered, “He is an ex-auror known for being rather merciless. He killed countless of the Dark Lord’s followers without even giving them a chance to argue for freedom. He would rather kill than capture.”
Harry hummed and closed the blinds when the whirling eye looked towards him. “Ward the door, we don’t need any unwelcome surprises.” He would have done it but he wasn’t ready to let people feel his magical signature and risk following it. Though he doubted the Weasley’s knew how. He wasn’t willing to risk it. He had to get through this year and the next. Then he would be old enough to simply take his tests and live how he wanted.
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The train passed rather uneventfully and soon they were in the carriages heading toward the great castle that held both hope and dread for many. Once they reached it he waited for Blaise and Draco to leave first before stepping out of the carriage taking Draco’s hand to get out of the carriage more fluidly. He could feel other’s looking at him and he didn’t care. As he began walking it into the hall he felt the Slytherins following into rank behind him with Draco at his right side.
There at the entrance was a small plump woman dressed in a bright pink skirt and cardigan, her tight curls framed her plump cheeks as she looked at the students with a bit of something, “Hello, dear students. A small announcement. All Students second year through seventh will be resorted this evening. Join your current tables and then we will sort year by year until we are finished. Run along now.”
Harry looked at the other two and Draco shrugged before they filed into the Great Hall with the other students. Harry going to the Gryffindor table. He wouldn’t be there for long, he already knew his house was going to change. He sat stiffly as the rest of the Gryffindors filled the table. Some giving him a wide birth.
“Harry! There you are.” Hermione ran up to him and hugged him.
The teen stiffened and pushed her away hurriedly, “Miss Granger, please do not hug me without permission.”
“Silence please. Take your seats so we may begin this as quickly as possible.” a sharp tone called out and the brunette looked at him before going back to take her seat. Time passed and soon the first years were led in by Professor McGonagall. They stood down the center row looking around like all the first years did and Harry smiled. He could already tell which students had older siblings who were at Hogwarts.
The same woman in pink followed the Deputy Head Mistress to the front where the Hat sat and she turned to address the hall, “I am Deputy Secretary Dolorus Umbridge. The Minister has asked me to not only oversee the sorting this year but to also join the staff as your Defence Against The dark Arts Professor. I fear the education in that subject has been lacking over the years and I am disappointed to see such dismal education. That will change this year.” She looked over them and gave a smile that reminded Harry of a hyena in front of a downed prey. “Now, First Years, you will come up and McGonagall shall place the hat on your head and you will be sorted.”
The hat sat up a bit straighter, “In times of old, when I was new,
And Hogwarts barely started,
The founders of our noble school
Thought never to be parted.
United by a common goal,
They had the selfsame yearning
To make the world’s best magic school
And pass along their learning.
…
Oh, know the perils, read the signs,
the warning history shows,
for our Hogwarts is in danger
from internal, deadly foes
and we must unite inside her
or we’ll crumble from within
I have told you, I have warned you…
let the Sorting now begin.”
Harry shuddered at the Hats song this year and watched the sorting and then the resorting. Several of the second and third years changed houses but as they got higher in year the less people changed houses until the twins were pulled towards the hat and no sooner had the hat brushed Fred’s head did the hat call out, “Slytherin!” and George followed. The two looked a bit skeptical as they began to make their way towards the table the red and gold fading to silver and green. The uproar from the gryffindor table overtook any clapping as the others began calling for it being a lie. Harry though wasn’t surprised. The twins were far smarter than most gave them credit for… they never seemed to follow most of their families ideals either. It was worth exploring. He did miss the mischievous pair.
As the fifth years began being sorted none of the Slytherins changed, a few left for different houses. Neville to Hufflepuff, Hermione to Ravenclaw. And finally him. “Harry Potter-Slytherin.”
Harry took a deep breath and stood as he walked to the front. He nodded respectfully to both women before sitting on the stool and closed his eyes as the hat settled on his head.
“Well well, we meet again.”
Harry smiled, “Of course. You expected this of course.”
“Of course. Are you going to fight me this time too?”
“No, I am tired of hiding who I am and being what they want me to be.”
“Rather freeing isn't it?”
“You always knew, didn't you.”
The Hat hummed softly, “Of course, I can see deeper into your mind that even you. Now, let us get you to your proper house.” Then for all to hear, “SLYTHERIN!”
Harry laughed and stood as the hat was removed and walked towards the table as the hall burst into a roar of chaos. Part of him loved being the cause of it.