Hairball and Nymphikins

Dear Harry,

Your aunt and I are delighted to hear that you’re settling in alright. As far as the truth about the Sorting, well, it’s generally regarded as good form not to let you sprogs know about it ahead of time - hence all the wild stories that older siblings pass on to their younger ones. Think of it as a tradition you now get to participate in when it comes to kids who’ve yet to go to Hogwarts.

Congratulations on getting into the snake pit! I still have no earthly idea as to why you were so eager to go there instead of, say, the badger den, but as long as you’re happy I won’t fuss. And you of course know your aunt is bursting with pride, even if she’s a bit concerned for your well-being.

Honestly, though, I know you’ll do just fine. Far too much pranking talent in your blood to be brow-beaten by anyone, right?

We’re grateful that you’re maintaining your old friendships, and hope that you gain many more. Do well, be safe, and we’ll see you come winter hols.

Love,

Uncle Ted and Aunt Andy

P.S. If you do, by some strange twist of fate, make it onto the Quidditch team, rest assured that we’ll grant permission. No sense in keeping someone with your affinity for flying stuck on the ground longer than strictly necessary, after all.

Grinning at the letter Hedwig had brought back from his guardians, Harry handed it over for Draco to read as the boys munched on their second breakfast at Hogwarts. He then picked up his next note, dropped off by an unfamiliar brown owl.

Dear Hairball,

Oh, I could’ve come up with plenty more inventive stories to scare you with, little brother. I know it would have been all too easy to convince you that the Sorting was done based off of how you fought a troll, for example.

I’m glad to know you’ll be giving as good as you get in that snake pit - and even more delighted to know I left a lasting impression on some of the gits! Now, before you start fussing, I know perfectly well not everyone in Slytherin deserves the reputation that others have gotten for them. But, by the same token, there are plenty others who do indeed live up to the title of sneaky serpents.

So, watch out for yourself, alright? At least I know Drakey-boy will side with you, but the others ought to be held at arm’s length until you’re positive they’re trustworthy.

And if the Dungeon Bat treats you unfairly, don’t be afraid to tell another teacher, preferably with some solid evidence or testimony to back you up (see? Auror training is already sinking in!). They might not be able to do much since you’re in another House, but at least it’ll show the git you won’t take anything lying down.

Of course you’ll be a shoo-in for the team - you were out-flying ME even after I’d started the lessons at school and you were still on that second-hand training broom from Padfoot. And you’re barmy if you think the old dog won’t send you a top of the line Nimbus the instant he hears about it, either.

Love and luck,

Nymph

“Looks like my family all seem to think I’d have a shot at taking becoming Seeker.” Harry said cheerfully, setting down his sister’s letter. Draco rolled his eyes.

“Of course you do, you dolt - I’ve heard about Higgs’ flying skills, with very few compliments towards him. You’ll have the spot in no time, and then we’ll be the Cup winners for certain!”

“You don’t think that’s a little far-fetched, do you?”

“Of course not.”

Thoughts of Quidditch had to wait until after Potions, though, which the Slytherins had with Gryffindor. Were he slightly more cynical, Harry would have pronounced it to be a war-zone in the making, but instead the boy was just glad to have a couple more friends present. He and Draco claimed a work table beside Ron and Neville, with smiles of varying strengths presented across the aisle. Neither Weasley nor Malfoy seemed all that happy about being civil towards one another, while Neville was attempting to put on a brave face before their terrifying teacher showed up, but Harry was just happy to be in a lesson where he’d not only read ahead but actually had some practical experience. He’d started helping his Aunt Andy in the kitchen at an early age, and her personal Potions lab not long afterward.

Everyone jumped when the door was slammed open by Professor Snape, and he swiftly swept up to the front of the room. There, he fixed the first years with a stern glare, and launched into a speech that sounded both rehearsed yet inspiring. Harry was intrigued and listened closely, but still ended up caught off guard when the professor focused on him alone.

“Potter! What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?”

The boys managed to keep straight faces as they walked out of the Potions classroom, but as soon as they were mostly down the hall all four broke out into delighted laughter.

“His- his face!” Ron in particular was nearly falling over from the force of his guffaws. “Merlin, Harry, I thought the greasy git was about to drop from shock! How’d you know the answers to his questions?”

“I was always sneaking off with my sister’s textbooks and reading them when I was younger,” the dark haired boy explained with a wide grin. “And Aunt Andy taught me a lot of stuff whenever I was helping her brew or prepare ingredients.”

“And good thing, too, because I certainly didn’t know the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane.” Draco grinned.

“I did,” Neville remarked, still chuckling. “But definitely not where to find a bezoar.”

“Still, though, those are things we aren’t supposed to learn for a couple years yet...”

“He probably just wanted to catch you out, then, except that it blew up in his face like an unstable potion!”

That afternoon, Harry and his friends took their homework out into the grounds to enjoy a bit of fresh air and sunshine. Word of the unexpected victory over Professor Snape had spread like wildfire through the school, and while pleased to have finally done something he didn’t mind getting recognition for, the stares and whispers were starting to get on Harry’s nerves.

“It’s going to be like this all seven years, isn’t it?” He groaned.

“Maybe you should have asked Aunt Andromeda to send you to Beauxbatons instead.”

“Draco! That’s a girl’s school!”

“Well, you would’ve fit right in then.” Both Gryffindor boys broke out into giggles at the glare Harry was sending his cousin. The Boy-Who-Lived very nearly became the Boy-Who-Attacked-Draco-Bloody-Malfoy, except for the timely arrival of a very large shadow. All four first years looked up to see the same massive man who’d led them from the Hogwarts Express to the boats that carried them across the Black Lake.

“Goodness me, it really is little Harry!” The man beamed at them.

“Um... Yes?”

“Right, sorry, there I go fergettin’ my manners ‘gain - I’m Hagrid, Rubeus Hagrid! Groundskeeper ‘ere at Hogwarts.” If it was possible, the smile got even bigger, and Harry had a flash of recognition.

“I remember Uncle Ted talking about you!”

“Not s’rprised, good ole Ted was a decent sort. That Nymphadora, too, just like ‘im she is.”

“I’ll tell her you said that.”

“Thankee, I’d ‘ppreciate that. ‘N tell those guardians a’ yers they did a fine job a’ raisin’ ya, even if you did end up in Slytherin of all places.”

“Hey.” Draco said, sounding a bit put out.

“No offense meant, a’ course. Was just a surprise, is all, considerin’ how both yer folks were in Gryffindor, and then on account a’ how fearless you were as a wee tyke.” All four boys perked up a bit at this.

“You knew me when I was a baby?” Harry asked.

“Oh, sure! You ‘n James ‘n Lily stayed here a couple months ‘fore they went ‘n hid in Godric’s Hollow. Heh, I c’n still remember th’ looks on their faces when ya managed t’ git yerself all th’ way down th’ stairs t’ th’ Great Hall...”

“Hagrid? Would you like to join us for a bit? Share any other embarrassing stories about Harry as a baby?” Ron asked hopefully.

“‘Fraid I can’t as of right now, got some work t’ finish up. But this weekend, mebbe Sunday, how ‘bout you lot come stop by my cabin in th’ afternoon?”

“Thanks! We’ll be there.” The first years offered their own goodbyes to Hagrid, and then the groundskeeper was striding off out out of sight.

“Huh.” Neville said after a minute. “That was... Huh.”

Draco rolled his eyes. “Very eloquent, Longbottom.”

“Well how would you describe that little scene, then?”

And for once, the Malfoy heir was at a loss for words.

The rest of the day went smoothly, despite the continuous scrutiny that Harry was under. That evening, however, when Harry and Draco returned to the Slytherin common room after dinner, there was an unexpected surprise waiting.

“Headmaster Dumbledore has requested your presence in his office, Mister Potter.” Professor Snape told them, sweeping past the startled boys back to the entrance. “Come.”

“Er, guess we’ll work on our homework later then, Draco.” The cousins gave each other worried looks, before Harry hurried off after the Potions Master. He knew better than to ask any questions about the Headmaster as they traversed the halls, instead remaining quiet along the journey. Eventually, though, a query of a different nature bubbled up in Harry’s mind, and he couldn’t help but ask it when they were alone in an empty corridor.

“Sir?”

“What, Potter?”

“Why did you tell me this morning you regret my mother’s death?” The grown man nearly tripped over his own feet, turning with a startled expression. “I mean, I thought that’s what you were saying, with the question about asphodel and wormwood, but if I’m wrong I apologize-”

“No, Mister Potter,” a quiet mutter interrupted him. “That is... The sentiment I was conveying.” Professor Snape resumed his fast pace then, and Harry didn’t think he’d get any more from the Potions Master.

Then they rounded another corner, and the man spoke again. “Lily Evans was my dearest friend, as a child. And despite the falling out we had during our school years, I have always deeply regretted her loss.”

“Oh.” At first, Harry wasn’t quite sure what to say. “Thank you for saying so, sir. Even if you had a strange way of going about it in class.”

The professor snorted, but didn’t say anything more on the matter as they’d arrived at a gargoyle statue. “Sugar Quills.” Harry’s eyebrows rose as the statue stepped aside, revealing a spiral staircase. He and Professor Snape ascended it, coming to a thick wooden door which the man reached to open.

“Come in, Severus!” The headmaster’s voice rang out before Professor Snape even had a chance to grab the doorknob. He rolled his eyes, causing Harry to snicker slightly, but went inside regardless.

“I’ve brought Potter, as requested.” The Potions Master said dryly, ushering the boy forward. Headmaster Dumbledore rose from behind his desk, beaming at the both of them.

“Ah, yes, thank you Severus. Good evening, young Harry.”

“And to you as well, Headmaster.”

“Please, have a seat, my boy. Severus, thank you for your time, I’m aware that you’re eager to get back to your quarters-”

“Which can wait until after I’ve escorted Mister Potter back to the common room again, Headmaster.” Professor Snape folded his arms and settled into a firm stance, staring the older wizard down.

“Ah. I see. Well, Harry, are you certain you’d appreciate Professor Snape being present during our chat?”

“Of course, sir.” The eleven year old went ahead and sent a small smile at his Head of House, who gave him a short nod in return. Headmaster Dumbledore seemed to deflate for a moment, but swiftly returned to normal.

“Well then, I suppose I should explain why I asked for you, my boy. You see, it is not common knowledge, but you in fact have much closer relatives than the Tonks family, to whom custody of yourself should have been given after your parents’ unfortunate deaths.”

Both Harry and Professor Snape blinked at him.

“I know, this comes as a large surprise, but I would have brought this to you much sooner had I been aware of exactly where you were living these ten years. In fact, I highly suspect that you were placed with Andromeda and Ted Tonks illegally-”

“Nothing illegal about it,” Harry jumped in. “They were given complete custody by the person who became my legal guardian after my mother and father were killed.”

This time it was Dumbledore’s turn to blink. “I’m afraid I don’t follow, my boy. Are you trying to tell me that- that Sirius Black was the one to transport you from Godric’s Hollow to the Tonks household?”

“That’s right.”

“WHAT.” Harry cast a glance over his shoulder, and shrank down a bit upon realizing that the Potions Master was quivering with fury. “Why would Black of all people do such a thing?”

“I wonder the same thing, Severus. We will need to change custody immediately-”

“No you don’t!” Harry jumped to his feet. “I’m perfectly safe with my family, and Sirius isn’t who you need to worry about anyway - Pettigrew was the one to betray my parents to the Dark Lord.”

Both men stared at him in shock. “Harry,” the headmaster said gently. “I’m not sure where you received this misinformation from, but-”

“But nothing! They switched Secret Keepers without telling anyone! Pettigrew blew up that ferry in the Channel, too, in order to escape from Sirius. And with everyone assuming my godfather was the true traitor, he’s had to keep on the run to avoid being killed while still hunting for the rat.”

He looked up when a strong hand grasped his shoulder. “Potter,” Professor Snape growled. “How do you know all this? Has Black been in contact with you?”

Harry clenched his jaw and said nothing. He also avoided looking either man in the eye, knowing full well that they were accomplished Legilimens who’d probably get by his still-forming mental shields without too much trouble.

“Under these circumstances, my boy, I think it would be best to transfer custody of you to your mother’s sister and her family.” At that, Professor’s Snape’s intense gaze snapped from Harry to the headmaster.

“Petunia?” He asked incredulously. “You want to give him to Petunia? That woman can’t abide anything magical! She and Lily got along worse than Black and myself!”

“Severus...”

“You can’t do it.” Harry stubbornly cross his arms. “There’s a contract written up and everything - I’m to live with and be cared for by the Tonks family until I turn seventeen, or in the case of their demises, with one Remus Lupin.”

“I knew it! I knew the wolf had to be involved-”

“For all intents and purposes, Headmaster,” the boy plowed on through his professor’s outburst. “I’m a ward of the House of Black, and as such am being cared for by a branch of said family. This was all legalized before Sirius became a fugitive for, I ought to point out, crimes he didn’t commit and has not been proven guilty for.”

“If that’s the case, why doesn’t he turn himself in?” Professor Snape asked snidely.

“I don’t know, maybe because of the ‘kill on sight’ order that’s been out for him these past ten years!” Harry shouted in frustration. “My point is, you can’t do anything to move me! You wouldn’t even have the right if I actually was in danger!”

“Mister Potter sit down.” Dumbledore ordered. Harry did so with a thump, belatedly realizing he’d just yelled at one of the most powerful men in the Wizarding World. “Now. Once you’ve had a chance to calm down, I hope that you will realize I am simply acting in your best interests, my boy. Living with Petunia Evans will activate a powerful protective charm placed upon you, ensuring your continued safety in the coming years. Secrecy has, I will admit, done a fine job of keeping you out of harm’s way until now, but with the knowledge becoming widespread of just whom you’ve been in the care of, I think it best you be moved to a new location.”

“I don’t.” The boy said flatly. “And neither would my family. Besides, Aunt Andy has plenty of surprise defenses in store for anyone stupid enough to attack our home.”

“Harry-”

“If this was all you wanted to speak to me about, Headmaster, then I have to ask that the rest of your argument wait until such a time as one of my legal guardians is present as well.” Dumbledore sighed, but nodded his agreement. Harry promptly got back to his feet and headed for the door, Professor Snape following after a moment.

Neither of the Slytherins spoke until they were well away from the headmaster’s office, descending towards the dungeons.

“Potter... Has Black actually contacted you at any point in the last decade?”

Harry hesitated, but did decide to answer his Head of House, albeit with only a partial truth. “He sends really nice presents, at Christmas and on mine and Nymph’s birthdays.”

Professor Snape eyed him silently for several moments. “Then shall I also assume that he has included notes or letters that told stories of pranks and similar shameful exploits?”

“How do you think I knew to apologize to you on behalf of my father and his friends yesterday morning?” The boy replied. “...And I really did mean it, by the way. Some of the stuff Sirius told me about made me think the Marauders were nothing more than bullying toerags.”

A small smirk flickered across the Potion Master’s face. “I believe that is what your mother often referred to them as, in our younger years.” Harry looked at him in surprise, then smiled.

“I’ve always wanted to know more stories about her. Professor, do, do you think-?”

“Perhaps, Potter. My office hours are posted in the common room should any student ever need to speak to me.”

“Thank you, sir.” The rest of their walk afterward was in silence, but not an awkward one.