Hogwarts
"First years!!" A loud booming voice called to everyone.
The four had changed and were in their robes as they moved to the docks. The other three moved to the boats but Harry stayed back.
That has to be him. "Hello. Are you Hagrid?"
The large man saw the boy with green eyes and gave a huge smile. "Arry!! Look at you. All grown up. Last I saw you, you were we tike."
"You are exactly like Sirius describes you." The boy mused with a smile of his own.
"Good ey hope?" Hagrid had his version of an eye twinkle going at him. "Bin ter long since I seen 'I'm. How is he? Heard he got a good woman an' a small version o' himself running around."
"He does. Regulus and they are just as you probably imagine they would be."
"Well, things will get more lively here when tha' tike get here." He then remembered he was supposed to be doing something. "Oh firs' years ter the boats. No more tha' four ter a boat! We'll talk later if tha''s alright?
"Sure. Nice to meet you, sir."
"None of that now. Just Hagrid." The half-giant chuckled.
Harry went to join the rest. Neville saved him the last spot on their boat.
The boats took off and Harry could feel all the excitement from all the others as they took in the amazing view of the castle from the lake.
Beautiful
Wow
That's bloody wicked.
Just like mum and dad said.
Harry had to agree with all of them.
They pulled into the docks where McGonagall was waiting for them.
"The first year's professor." Hagrid greeted her.
"Thank you, Hagrid." She nodded.
Hagrid smiled and went to join the other professors in the hall.
*"Welcome to Hogwarts," said Professor McGonagall as she grabbed the children's attention. "The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory, and spend your free time in your house common room.
"The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house has its noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rulebreaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup, a great honor. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours.
"The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school." Her stern eyes looked over the children. I suggest you take some time to smarten yourselves up will you wait."*
Harry saw Ron wipe some dirt off his nose and Neville mess with his hair.
"I shall return when we are ready for you," said Professor McGonagall. "Please wait quietly." She then left them alone.
Hermione was whispering a lot. Wondering what spells she might learn.
"Sirius told me a lot about what he learned but he said some of the best were ones that were made up here," Harry told her.
"Made up? We can create spells. Brilliant." Her face lit up.
"He also told me some of the spells he created were...messy. So you might want to practice somewhere it's easy to clean up."
"Messy?" She scrunched her face.
"One of my dad's, less than perfect, spells. Sirius and he were covered in some slime-like stuff. Ruined their clothes forever." He chuckled.
"Why would he make a spell that created slime?"
"Why not?" Harry shrugged. The fact he planned to use it on Death Eaters in training wasn't important. Probably Snape too not that he didn't deserve it. Stop. He was mum's friend once. I'll just have to see how he is in class before fully judging him.
"So how long do you think the sorting will take? I'm starving." Neville asked. He had eaten on the train but sweets only last so long. True he was saving his appetite for the feast.
"Me too." You could hear Ron's stomach.
He ate two sandwiches from his mum and some of the candy Harry offered. How can he be so hungry? Hermione asked herself.
"Well, I see about 140 people here." Harry looked around while trying not to laugh at Hermione's thought. "Average maybe twenty seconds up to a minute to put them into their houses." He did the math in his head. "A little over two hours. Give or take."
"You did that in your head?" Ron looked shocked.
"Harry can be a human calculator when he wants." Neville laughed.
Harry rolled his eyes. He was good at school. With his parents being geniuses when they were alive and Doc as his mentor he always took his studies seriously. Math was easy when you break it down.
"Are you Harry Potter?"
Harry turned to question. Several of the kids all looked at his scar and started whispering about it.
"Yes."
"Wow. I can't believe The Boy Who Lived is in my year."
"Could...could you not call me that?" Harry asked. "I hate that title."
"Why?"
"Because it just reminds me that my parents didn't."
That made several of the others realize how it would sound to them. Nobody thought about what was lost that day.
"I'm sorry I didn't think of that."
"Most people don't."
"Anyone knows how they do the sorting?" Someone asked to hope to steer the conversation somewhere else.
"I heard we have to fight a troll." Ron gulped.
"That's not true. They put a hat on your head and it sorts you into whatever house it feels best suits you." Harry was wondering what kind of brothers he had to mess with him this much.
"How do you know?"
"Remus told me. He's a uncle who went here. Sirius tried to make a joke of it but he confirmed it too."
"My brothers are bloody arseholes!" Ron growled.
"Language!" Hermione glared at the redhead. Very rude.
Ron glares back at the girl. Bloody bossy girl.
Yeah, those two are like fire and ice. Don't see them being friends without someone else mediating. Harry noted. He could tell their personalities were polar opposite. One for studying and education. The other is laid back and fun-loving.
The only thing the two had in common was insecurities. One for failure the other for family.
I don't think these two are going to be friends. Neville thought. You know it too.
Harry looked at him and nodded. Neville was the only one who could tell when he was reading thoughts. Years of experience gave him the little signs.
"Oooooooh!’ a voice said, with an evil cackle. ‘Ickle firsties! What fun!"
The new generation all looked startled when they turn to see a ghost grinning at them.
Hermione backed up into Harry. "Sorry." She noticed he wasn't as surprised as the others. "You've seen ghosts before?"
"Nope," Harry replied then whispered. "When you have had lunch with a god you don't get easily surprised by some things."
"Fair point."
Peeves flew down and looked Harry in the eyes. Harry didn't blink or flinch as the poltergeist sized him.
"Little Harry Potter. James mini-me. Oh, what fun you will be!"
"James Potter born and Sirius Black raised." Harry corrected. "Take that any way you want." He smirked. Careful ghost. We might have to settle a dispute when I'm Astral.
The troublesome ghost giggled then flew up and a bunch of water balloons fell on the kids as he laughed.
Harry expected something and was ready with his wand. "Protego!"
A shield went over Neville, him, and Hermione. Unfortunately, Ron was out of the range.
The redhead was hit with water along with a few of the other kids. One is Draco.
"Bloody ghost!" Ron growled shaking his wet hair.
"Peeves." Harry lowered his wand after the ghost flew away laughing. "Was warned about him. Keep on your toes when he's around."
"That was an advanced spell." Hermione realized.
"A good one to learn," Neville said. "Thanks for the save mate."
"Sorry, it wasn't big enough for everyone." Harry looked at the drenched others. Except you Malfoy. That gell needed to be washed out and hey that dirt is gone, Ron.
A few minutes later McGonagall returned. When she saw the damp students she didn't need an explanation. "Let me guess. Peeves?"
"Peeves." Some of the students growled as they said it.
She shook her head with a sigh and led them through the large doors as they opened.
All the new years admired the incredible enchanted ceiling as they walked in. Even those sore about the poltergeist antics were feeling more chipper at the sight.
Not bad. Strange has cooler things but that ceiling is wicked.
Ten years. Ten years of this and now I have to be in the same place as another Potter!
The first few years stuck in Hogwarts under Dumbledore's thumb weren't too bad. He hated every moment of it but at least he could get by making all the dunderhead brats respect him.
Not that he cared. Respect or fear was fine with him. But that changed with Black's interference.
Now he had a portrait watching his class and every altercation with his Slytherins was under investigation. It was hardly his fault the arrogant brats always instigated a fight with his snakes.
No, now McGonagall was watching his points and detentions closely. Dumbledore was supposed to be ahead of her but she seemed to lose some faith in the old man at least when it came to him.
How could he be blamed for the fall in passing students in his class? If the dunderheads simply followed instructions and stop pestering him they would be fine.
But no, now that portrait was constantly telling of his strick ways. The brats should read a book before coming into his class!
As the great door opened he scanned the first years. With more hate filling him he finally laid eyes on him.
It was like looking at James Potter all over again! Minus the glasses. And those eyes...those damn eyes!
Black even dressed him in expensive clothes. The brat is no doubt just as spoiled and entitled as his father. Well, it will be my pleasure to knock that ego down.
He may have to help keep the brat alive but who said Potter had to enjoy his life? Alive and miserable. Fitting for the son of his biggest tormentor.
Albus Dumbledore felt the first bit of hope in the last ten years inside himself.
Ten years of wondering and now he had the prophet child under his roof. Ever since the night all his plans for Harry had been uprooted and shredded he finally was in a position to gain some control.
The boy was well dressed and didn't shrink into himself as some new children do. No Harry had a very confident stance and, while showing interest in the ceiling, he seemed very calm.
He doesn't seem to lack confidence. But how much of that is arrogance? Perhaps Severus will be able to get a better idea when he is in class.
He stood close to young Neville. No surprise there. But the young Weasley is also near. That is perfect. Hopefully having Harry be friends with a family as dedicated to the light as the Weasleys will help guide him.
The fact they were some of his strongest supporters was a plus as well.
I need to evaluate Harry's personality and character. I just hope all this time with Sirius didn't ruin the boy.
But that was for later. Now he had to preside over his school and see what house the boy would be in.
And see what impact Strange may have had on the boy.
The man had gone out of his way to make life difficult for many. Albus had heard talks all over the magical world about how he was forcing changes in every country.
The number of people resentful of it was growing by the day. But so was the number of people who were benefiting from it as well.
Albus sighed at the infighting that had been building. If only he could have made Strange see sense and understand how delicate their world was. A change had to be slow or this would be the case.
But it did have a benefit. He was hoping to turn it to his advantage in the future.
McGonagall began reading the names and his focus went back to the children. The future of the Wizard world. One more than any other.
Harry looked up at the staff table. He could already spot two of his biggest problems. The man in black with greasy hair glared at him.
Snape.
The other, sitting on a throne, was the Headmaster and possibly the bigger issue.
He seems like a kind old man. But looked are deceiving. He did try to steal you from Sirius. And that bloody prophecy to boot.
"Susan Bone."
Harry saw the redhead girl move towards the stool.
Bone? Didn't Frank mention his new boss's name was Bones?
"Hufflepuff!"
The badgers cheered as she went to join them.
"Neville Longbottom."
Neville walked up and sat on the stool. The hat barely touched his head when it called out.
"Gryffindor!"
Neville smiled as he jumped off the stool. Dad was right just be confident. They'll be happy to hear about this.
Harry knew that Alice and Frank didn't care about the house Neville was in as long as he was happy and doing his best.
"Draco Malfoy."
The arrogant blonde strolled up and sat. It was a copy of Neville but with the hat shouting.
"Slytherin!"
He might be ambitious but going looking for a fight with me on the train shows a real lack of cunning.
"Ron Weasley."
Ron moved forward and sat down.
"Another Weasley. I know where to put you. Gryffindor!"
The redhead felt relieved as he went to the only house he wanted to be in.
"Hermione Granger."
Hermione hid her nervousness well but Harry could still feel it.
"You'll do fine. Focus on why you're here." He whispered to her.
She looked back at him. How could he tell? He's right though just focus you're a witch you belong here. She nodded and went to the stool.
Once the hat was on her head it was only a few moments before it shouted.
"Gryffindor!"
Hermione let out a sigh of relief and went to her table. Neville moved over and let her sit next to him.
"Harry Potter."
Harry walked forward.
The whispers around were loud enough to hear but it was the thoughts running through everyone's head that drown them out.
He's here.
That scar. It's not so bad.
Where are his glasses?
Black probably spoiled him. Look at those clothes.
Can't believe Black had a child with a muggle. Disgraceful. Bet he calls her mum too.
I can't believe he wrote back.
He was nice in the letter. I still can't believe I wrote that when I was six. So embarrassing.
Harry held in a smirk at those. He spent a whole year writing back to the fan mail he got personally. By the sounds of it, several of the writers were here.
He reached the stool and sat down. McGonagall put the old hat on his head and it began.
What magic is this?!
Mine.
You...what are you? I've never encountered magic like this before.
I'm Harry and it's complicated.
I say. Can you lower your shields? I need to see deeper to properly sort you.
Are you going to tell the headmaster about my gift?
No. All secrets in your head will remain yours. I can only tell what character I see.
Okay but I'm watching you. Can't be too careful.
Reminds me a bit of Alastor Moody... Hmmm, Difficult. Very difficult. Courage to rival Godric. Mind to match Rowena. Loyalty to family and friends would do Helga proud. And an ambitious nature that even Salazar would admire. But where to put you?
Not Slytherin.
Not Slytherin you say? You could be great you know and Slytherin could help you on that path to greatness!
Did you say the same about Voldemort? He was never great. Besides if you put me there I don't see Draco not spending every night in the infirmary.
Such fire! No Slytherin would not do for you. This is perhaps the most difficult sorting I have had. You fit all the houses. But with your friends are where you wish to be. Therefore...
"Gryffindor!!"
The house erupted and cheered.
Harry slipped off the stool and he heard two people chanting 'We got Potter!' He chuckled and took a seat next to Neville.
"Had me worried there," Neville smirked. "Thought you might be wearing green." He joked.
"I look good in green but Slytherin isn't for me. Nothing personal to them, but how long do you think Draco would last with me there?"
"End of the night. Maybe."
The rest of the sorting went without a hitch and that was when Harry heard the first words from Albus Dumbledore.
*"Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!"* The old man's eyes twinkled as he smiled.
Okay, so he's a complete nutter.
As the incredible food appeared everyone introduced themselves to those around them. Ron pointed out his brothers, including the perfect. The two next to Ron were Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan.
"So I hear you got a muggle for a step mum," Seamus said as they ate.
"Non-magical and yes I do." Harry loaded his plate.
"She's a hero." Hermione chimed in. "I saw her on the telly fighting an alien invasion in New York."
"Aliens? Like from space?" Ron's brother overheard "That's a bunch of hogwash. Probably one of those moving pictures muggles love." Percy said condescendingly.
"It's not. It was on the news." Hermione argued.
"It's true," Harry said. "Mum is one of the coolest people on the planet. She fought aliens, robots, super soldiers, and that was just the boring stuff."
"Nat is cool, but I think Tony is awesome," Neville added.
"Wait a moment," Dean said as he put the names together. "Tony Stark?! Nat as in short for Natasha? The Black Widow? Your step mum is one of the Avengers?!"
"Yep." Harry laughed.
"A ..w...at?" Ron asked with a full mouth.
"Can you chew and swallow instead of showing everyone what you keep in your mouth?" Hermione looked disgusted at his table manners. Didn't his mum teach him manners?
This only earned her another glare from Ron. What a nightmare she is!
"The Avengers are heroes," Dean explained. "Earth's mightiest. They saved the world about twelve years ago. Stopped an alien invasion."
"They also defeated a rogue robot. Two of them died before it could destroy the whole planet."
"Yeah. Vision." Harry said. "I never met him but he merged himself with Ultron and destroyed both of themselves, but he stopped the bad robot from turning a city into a meteor." And Pietro. Wanda always thinks about him. I don't know what I would do if anything happened to Reg...
"That all sounds like hogwash," Ron said he rarely agreed with Percy but this was too much. "If they are so great where were they during You-Know-Who's reign?"
"They don't get involved in the magical world. I mean they didn't know anything about this world until Doc told them." Harry explained with narrow eyes. The Avengers were his family.
"Doc?"
"Dr. Stephen Strange." Harry clarified.
"You call the Sorcerer Supreme, Doc?" Seamus was gobsmacked.
"I'm like the only person he let's do that."
"Is he stronger than Dumbledore?"
"No one is stronger than Dumbledore," Ron spoke after swallowing another mouthful. "He was the only one You-Know-Who was afraid of."
"Voldemort was a coward in every way possible. Of course, he was too afraid to fight Dumbledore. Dr. Strange would beat him blindfolded." Harry argued as he rolled his eyes at Ron's gasp.
A few of the others did too, but most of the students didn't react.
"Dr. Strange is WAY stronger," Neville said. "He beat Bellatrix with ease. Even made her hit herself with her spell before turning her into an icicle." He loved the story of how Strange, Sirius, Remus, and Grandmother best the Death Eaters.
"Was that when she attacked your house?" Seamus asked.
"Yeah. Sirius said he had never seen someone fight like him. I've seen it some over the years. His magic is incredible."
"Doc is stronger than Dumbledore or Voldemort, but he's not the strongest."
"There's someone stronger than him?!"
"Her name is Wanda and she is like an aunt to me." And mentor but you guys don't need to know that. Not yet anyway.
"Wanda Maximoff," Hermione spoke. "She's incredibly powerful, but I didn't know she was stronger than Dr. Strange." She looked at Harry.
"She's stronger than all the Avengers. Power-wise. Thor is still the strongest in brute force."
"There's someone green who would disagree," Neville smirked.
"Don't tell him I said that," Harry smirked back.
"Green?" Ron was confused.
"Something you have to see to believe, trust me," Neville said.
"Is this Wanda a sorcerer like Strange?"
"Dr. Strange." Hermione corrected.
"Yes and no." Harry moved his hand in a wave from side to side. "She has access to a magic so powerful it can do anything."
"Bollucks," Seamus said. "Even magic has limits."
"Not hers. She's limitless. If she wanted she could reduce this whole castle to dust with a snap of her finger or put it and everyone inside on the moon." That made several of them very uneasy. "But she wouldn't. She fights to protect the whole world. Because that's what heroes do." Harry reassured. Alright, they're afraid of her now. Great move dummy. Docs right I better keep my magic under wraps.
"Greetings new years." Another ghost floated to them.
"Please don't be like Peeves." Someone spoke loudly.
"Ah, I see he greeted you. I apologize for his behavior. Only the Headmaster and Bloody Baron can control him."
"Hey, I know you." Ron realized. "You're Nearly Headless Nick!"
"Nearly Headless? How can you be nearly headless?" Hermione asked.
"Like this." Nick pulled back his head to show the flap of skin still holding his head together.
Hermione winced at the sight and several others looked sick.
"You had to ask." Neville shook his head at her.
Harry looked back up at the staff table. They were too far away to get a read of their thoughts over all the others or their emotions.
I'll have to wait until classes for better reading.
But he could still see some signs by looking. Dumbledore looked pleased and McGonagall looked almost smug.
Hagrid was talking to a small professor, who looked part Goblin.
One with a turban on his head was having a conversation with another woman in a brown robe and matching hat.
It was easy to spot the History Professor. She was really beautiful and Harry could feel some of the more adult emotions from some of the older years when they looked at her.
Next to her was the Muggle History Professor. He was saying something that made her laugh. It didn't look like he was flirting, since he was old enough to be her father, but was just a very warm and welcoming man.
Then there was Snape. The man was looking directly at him.
Harry looked back at him. Both sizing each other up. Harry smiled at the professor's polity and went back to his meal. I don't need to read your mind to know that you and I are not going to get along. I'll give you one chance for my mum but that is all you get.
After everyone ate Dumbledore stood back up.
"Now that our stomachs are sated I have a few announcements to make."
Everyone turned to see what he had to say.
"Welcome, everyone, to a new year at Hogwarts. For our returning students, it's a pleasure to see you again. For our new students, welcome to the finest school of Magic in the world. There are a few rules that I need to pass on to you. The Forbidden Forest, as its name suggests, is strictly off-limits." Dumbledore peered down his nose at the Weasley twins. "Some of our older students would do well to remember this rule. Our caretaker, Mr. Filch, has asked me to remind you that magic is not to be used in the corridors. The list of banned items has now reached a record two hundred and nine items. The entire list can be seen in Mr. Filch's office if you so desire."
He then moved to the next topic.
"Third years will be able to choose between non-magical and magical classes. Be warned that the number of students for the non-magical classes is limited due to the travel distance."
The non-magical classes were held in a separate place and required floo travel. Dumbledore argued hard against this because it left an easy way for someone to sneak into the school but the safety precautions Strange set up countered his concerns.
It was a waste of work to Albus. He didn't see the point in the classes. Sure he welcomed muggleborns happily but why would anyone want muggle education?
What surprised him the most was, in the five years since it had been offered, how many students took the classes.
He was even more surprised when the older years left for the muggle world to further their education. He just didn't see the appeal. Magic was so much more important to understand and learn.
"Also Mr. Filch has asked me to remind 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 Harry's attention. What? Is he insane? What are you planning Dumbledore?
"He does know this is a school right?" Neville asked.
"That's just Dumbledore." Ron waved off. "Dad says he acts a little nutter but he's brilliant."
"A painful death doesn't sound like a joke," Harry argued.
"I'm sure he knows what he's doing," Hermione said. "He's Albus Dumbledore after all."
You're not filling me with confidence with that Hermione. Dumbledore has made plenty of mistakes in the past.
After the feast, they were led to their dorms. Harry found the title 'Fat Lady' a little insulting but it didn't seem to bother her.
The format of the tower was explained and they were led to their rooms.
Harry and Neville took one next to each other.
"You going to call Reg and check-in?" Neville asked.
"In the morning. He should be asleep by now." Harry laid back in the bed. "Comfy." He sighed. I wonder if dad or Sirius stayed in this bed? I'll ask later.
It was later that night Harry discovered the horrible fact that Ron snored. Loudly.
After a few minutes, he was over it and cast some noise-canceling spells around Ron's bed.
"Thank you." Several of the others said gratefully at the same time.
Harry laughed and climbed back into his bed.
Tomorrow the real adventure begins.
Potter Manor.
Natasha rolled over in the bed. Sleep wasn't coming anytime soon.
There was nothing wrong with the bed or house. It was an inter copy of the cabin so comfort wasn't the issue.
No, she couldn't sleep because for the first time in years Harry wasn't somewhere she was sure he was safe. No, he was in a castle she couldn't get into.
That didn't sit right with her. No, it irritated her to no end.
She felt Sirius roll on his side and look at her. "Can't sleep?"
"As observant as ever." She smiled.
Sirius brushed some of her hair behind her ear. "Harry's fine. I didn't get into any trouble well before my second day."
"You certainly know how to ease my worries."
Sirius smiled but went soft. "He'll be fine. With what he can do he's probably the safest child on the planet."
"He's still a kid."
"One you raised. I know you wouldn't even let him stay at Clint's if you didn't think he could handle himself."
"I'm not that big of a mother hen."
"You're protective." He smirked. "Do you think you taught him well enough to handle one old castle? I know you did." He taught Harry a lot too but Nat understood things and situations he couldn't fathom. Dangers he would miss.
"Okay, maybe you do know what you're talking about." She leaned in. "Every once and a while." And kissed him.
Sirius kissed her back deeply. He didn't understand what he did to earn an incredible woman like this but he wasn't ever going to complain.
Then she stopped and pulled back off him.
Except when she did that!
"Back in a minute." She winked.
Nat slipped out of bed and down the hallway. She made it into the kitchen, she could use a glass of water when realized someone else was up.
"Aren't you supposed to be asleep?"
Regulus shrugged as he flipped through the channels. "I can't sleep."
She sat next to him. "You miss Harry."
"I'm not a baby," Regulus mumbled. I don't need my big brother here. I just think he should be here there's a difference!
"Sorry kiddo. You'll always be the baby no matter how big you get." She teased.
Regulus pouted more. "I do miss him."
"I do too." She put an arm across the back of the couch behind him. "He'll be back in a few days." He'd better.
"It's odd he's not here."
"You don't have a problem when he stays at Nates or Neville's."
"This is different. It's not for a day or two. It's for months."
"We both know nothing will stop him from coming home. He can't stand the idea of you going through his stuff."
Regulus laughed at that.
Natasha pulled him close. "How about we see if you can go see Morgan tomorrow? I know how much you love pranking Tony."
Regulus smiled wider. "He's like the only person who you let me do it."
"Because Tony gives it back and can usually see it coming. Makes you have to learn to work on the fly. Improvisation can save your life."
Regulus rested against her arm. "Can I get a small monkey? It would be wicked for Hogwarts."
"Or it could eat your face in your sleep."
"That...that doesn't happen right?"
"Do you want the truth or a lie?"
"Nevermind."
Regulus kept throwing out different suggestions for pets and Natasha kept coming up with counters to them.
It was a fun little back and forth.
Sirius found them on the couch a while later. Regulus was out using her lap as a pillow.
Natasha turned to him as he sat next to her. He smiled as she leaned her head against his chest and closed her eyes.
Interrupted by my child and I'll have a sore back tomorrow. Sirius mused to himself as he looked at his son and the woman he loved. Worth it.