Shattering Timelines

Regulus and Harry quickly began to depart from the train.

“I’m surprised,” Regulus said. Harry looked back at him quizzically. Regulus grinned as he pushed his way through the crowd of people. “Well, usually, all the firsties want to know how they’re sorted. It’s a school secret; you only find out how you’re sorted when you get here. People are usually begging to be let in on the secret, yet you haven’t asked me about it once. Don’t you want to know?”

Harry glanced at Regulus surprised. He hadn’t known it was a secret. The first time Harry had been sorted he had just assumed he hadn’t known how the sorting happened because he had been raised by muggles. Although, it did make more sense looking back on it. Why would everybody be asking how the sorting happened if they already knew? Hell, Ron hadn’t even known how the sorting happened. He thought you had to battle a troll.

Harry gave Regulus a small smirk and winked. “It’s more fun not knowing.”

Regulus gave a startled laugh. “You’re a strange one, Emrys.”

Harry began to reply but was cut off when he accidently ran into someone in front of him, knocking the person down. “Hey! Watch where you’re going!”

“I’m sorry! I wasn’t…” Harry trailed off as he glanced down at the person he ran into. His father lay on the ground, a dark scowl marring his features.

“I am so sorry!” Harry began again, “I wasn’t paying attention. Here, let me help you up.” Harry quickly offered his hand to his father.

James glanced behind Harry before sneering. “I don’t need your help!” He shoved himself up and glared at Harry. “Slimy Slytherins,” Harry heard him grumble as he walked away.

Harry watched him walk away, confused. “But… I’m not even sorted yet. He doesn’t even know me!”

Regulus shrugged apologetically. “Sorry, mate. Just by being seen with me, you’re a Slytherin by association,” He paused and cocked his head, “It doesn’t help that you are Lord Slytherin,” he added as an afterthought.

Harry scowled. “Still doesn’t give him the right to be so rude,” he grumbled.

Regulus rolled his eyes and began to push Harry out of the train. “Come on, Emrys. We need to go, or we’re going to miss the carriages. Unless you want to take the boats with the firsties?”  Regulus finished with a smirk.

Harry pretended to shudder. “The first years? How would my reputation ever survive?” Harry said dramatically as he walked towards a carriage.

“Wow, you’re dramatic aren’t you?” Regulus rolled his eyes again. “Even for a pureblood-Shit!” Regulus shouted as he took off running, “The last carriage is leaving!”

“Hey, wait up!” Harry shouted as he began to follow him. He ran after Regulus and quickly passed him, Harry’s old war habits kicking in. Harry quickly jumped onto the carriage step and grabbed onto the door handle before holding his hand out for Regulus. “Come on! You can make it!”

Regulus was slowing down; it was obvious. Purebloods weren’t known for exercising much. They tended to use magic for everything. His face was turning red, and he was beginning to pant. Regulus held out his hand but didn’t quite reach Harry. “Come on! Just a little further.”

Regulus put on a burst of speed and grabbed onto Harry’s hand. Harry grinned and pulled Regulus onto the step. Harry laughed. “Well, that was fun! We should do that again!”

Regulus glared at Harry while he tried to slow his breathing. “You’re insane. And to think, I was beginning to like you,” he panted out.

Harry grinned at him. “You know you love me! Now get in the carriage before you fall!”

Regulus sent another glare at him before Harry carefully opened the door between them and pushed him in, ignoring his shout of protest. Harry grinned slightly before carefully pulling himself into the carriage.

Regulus laid in a heap on the carriage floor, scowling up at Harry. Harry quickly helped him up saying, “Sorry! I didn’t realize I pushed you so hard.”

“Evening, cousin. I must say I didn’t expect you to drop in. Who’s your friend?” said a voice that immediately sent chills down Harry’s spine. Harry finally glanced around the carriage. He hadn’t noticed when he and Regulus had first climbed in since the carriage had been silent, but there were five people already seated in it. Five very familiar Death Eaters.

Bellatrix Lestrange, now known as Bellatrix Black, sat directly in front of Harry surrounded by people Harry had hoped he would never have to see again. Her hair was still a mass of curls, but it looked as if she was trying to make an effort to tame in by having it partially pulled back. She looked disturbingly like Hermione only darker. Bellatrix had the same mass of curls but whereas Hermione had soft brown hair, Bella’s was a dark ebony. She was in her robes and looked like the perfect Slytherin student, but her eyes, her eyes couldn’t mask the cruelty she possessed. There was a dark streak in her that she would never be able to hide. The problem now was she wasn’t as insane as she was in his time. Azkaban had really done a number on her, but she had never been tortured by Dementors in this time.

Harry clenched his fists, trying to keep his temper in check. This bitch had killed his godfather and countless other people. She had tortured Neville’s parents to insanity. It would be so easy to just kill her now. She would never expect it. Two words, a flick of a wand, that’s all it would take to save all the people she killed. Harry shook his head. He couldn’t kill her now. It would ruin all his plans. No, he would have to wait.

Harry glanced at the people that surrounded her. The carriage seemed to be separated into light and dark. To Bella’s right sat the women who Harry owed his life to. Narcissa Black sat primly by her twin. Although they were twins, they couldn’t be more opposite. While Bellatrix had a violent streak, Narcissa was cold. She was the perfect pureblood lady in every aspect. Her clothes and blonde hair were impeccable, nothing out of place, but what caught Harry’s attention was her mask. Even now, at seventeen, she had perfected the look of cold indifference that every pureblood needed, but her family had never been able to perfect. Both Draco and Lucius had a penchant for splaying their emotions on their faces.

To Narcissa’s left sat Lucius in all his self-righteous glory. He was a lot more...provocative in this time. Harry had to keep himself from shuddering when Lucius looked him up and down again, oblivious to Harry’s discomfort, and winked suggestively. It was so wrong for his former nemesis’ parent to be looking at him like that.

A dark chuckle brought Harry’s attention to the person on Bella’s left. It took him a few seconds to figure out who the strange man was. Rabastan Lestrange. The younger brother of Rodolphus Lestrange, the Bellatrix’s husband. With his dark curls and even darker eyes, he truly looked like a pureblood.

Rabastan chuckled again. “Well, are you going to answer the lady’s question, little boy?”

Regulus snarled, “Why would I listen to you? At least, I’m not my brother’s lap dog.”

Rabastan eyes darkened dangerously and a sneer formed on his face. Harry quickly stepped in front of Regulus before things could get out of hand.

Harry smirked and held out his hand. “It’s not his job to introduce me anyway. I’m Hadrian Emrys-Slytherin, and you are?”

The entire carriage froze except for Lucius, who looked like the cat who ate the canary. Bellatrix got a calculating look in her eyes and put on a fake smile as she took his hand. “It’s an honor to meet you, Lord Emrys-Slytherin. I think we can expect great things from you. I’m Bellatrix Black.”

Harry didn’t stop to ponder how she knew the words that Ollivander had said so long ago as he brought his lips to her hands. He tried not to gag in order to keep up the premises of the perfect pureblood lord he needed to be. “The pleasure’s all mine.”

Bellatrix gave him a small flirtatious smile before she started to interrogate him. “Well, you certainly have all the training of a lord. May I ask where you’ve hidden yourself away all this time?  Your lines were thought to have been extinct.”

Harry raised an eyebrow at her. He hadn’t thought she would immediately question him. He leaned forward and winked at her. “But that would be telling,” He said with a grin. Bellatrix’s mask couldn’t hide the fact that she was slightly startled, or maybe it was the fact that her mask was so much better when she was older and crazier.

Bellatrix pouted dramatically. “And here I thought you were fun.”

Harry chuckled thinking back to all the adventures he had had. “Trust me. I can be very fun.”

Harry glanced at her twin and smiled gently. “And who might you be?”

Narcissa looked slightly surprised at being addressed, her fingers twitching slightly in her lap, but she hid it better than her sister. Evidently, Narcissa was used to being overshadowed by her sister. She dipped her head respectfully and answered, “I’m Narcissa Black; Bella’s sister. It’s a pleasure to meet you, and may I say on behalf of the Slytherin House, welcome to Hogwarts.”

Harry grinned. “Thank you. I’m sure I’m going to enjoy my year here.”

Narcissa tilted her head in confusion. “Year? Are you only going to attend for a year?”

“I’m afraid so. I don’t think they’ll allow me to stay after I complete my seventh year,” He said chuckling slightly.

Narcissa’s eyes widened slightly. “Oh! I didn’t realize we were in the same year.”

Harry rubbed the back of his head. “Yeah, very few people think I’m seventeen. Damn my height! It shall always be a curse!” He said jokingly.

Narcissa covered her mouth with her hand as she giggled before she leaned forward and loudly whispered to him, “Don’t worry. They say people who are shorter are usually smarter than their taller counterparts.”

Harry pretend to look shocked. “Really?! Who told you this! I must meet them and thank them for finally acknowledging my brilliance!” Harry said dramatically.

“But that would be telling,” Narcissa smirked as she threw his own line back at him.

A quiet snort interrupted Harry’s next comment. Harry glanced over at the corner where the noise had come from. He had almost forgotten about the fifth person in the carriage. Although the corner was dark, Harry knew who was there. Harry stepped forward and held out his hand. “Hello, I’m Hadrian.”

The boy glanced up through the dark hair that hung in front of his face before taking his hand. It was calloused from use which was odd considering the people he was with were all pureblood and wouldn’t dare be seen doing something as menial labor. “I’m Severus. Severus Snape.”

Harry grinned at the boy hoping he would look friendly, but only causing Severus to scowl at him. Harry tried not to wince and tuned down his smile. “Nice to meet you.”

Severus sneered at him. “Pleasure.”

Before Harry could answer the carriage pulled to a stop.

“Looks like we’re here,” Bellatrix said as she stood up. “Come on, we don’t want to be late.”

The group quickly exited the carriage and started to head to the castle. Regulus and Harry followed the group quietly before Regulus leaned over to him and asked, “Why were you so nice to them? Usually, people play the political game, but you were actually nice! Do you know who they are?”

Harry smirked slightly and whispered back, “Of course I know who they are. You would have  to be blind not to be able to tell. And who says I wasn’t playing the political game?”

Regulus peered up at him through the darkness, trying to figure him out. “You’re an odd one, Hadrian Emrys-Slytherin.”

Harry smiled and chuckled quietly. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Regulus!” Bellatrix called shrilly from the front of the group before them as the entered the entrance hall. “Hurry up, cousin, if you want a good seat at the table!” She glanced back at Harry. “I have a suspicion that this is going to be a very interesting sorting ceremony.”

“I’m coming!” Regulus called before turning back to Harry. “Well, it looks like I’m going to have to leave you here with the firsties. Hopefully, it won’t damage your reputation!” Regulus said smirked before he ran after the group of future Death Eaters.

Harry shook his head as he carefully slipped into the Great Hall, casting a silent Notice Me Not charm so people wouldn’t wonder who the new kid was. Harry refused to wander in with the first years. It would truly damage his reputation (he hadn’t been joking when he told Regulus that) if everybody saw the new Lord Emrys-Slytherin stumble into the hall with a bunch of nervous firsties, not to mention it would be terribly embarrassing.        

Harry looked around the hall. There were more people here than there was in his time. Even before the war started again and children were pulled out of school by worried parents, Harry couldn’t remember a time when the hall was so full. And this was without the first years. Harry carefully looked around the room, but nobody seemed to think the large number of students was odd. In fact, people seemed to be looking for people who were missing. Harry could easily see the signs of students asking where certain friends were. They always had a certain look that was a mixture of sadness and worry.

Suddenly Harry felt somebody watching him. Harry had to suppress a growl. He knew he should have used a stronger charm. Harry looked up at the head table and his eyes immediately connected with twinkling sky blue eyes he hoped to never see again. Harry quickly strengthened his occlumency walls in case Dumbledore tried to peek into his thoughts. He couldn’t afford the old fool to learn who he truly was. Harry had to fight a scowl from appearing on his face when Dumbledore’s eyes brightened and gave a grandfatherly smile to him.

He was snapped out of his thoughts when the doors to the Great Hall were flung open and McGonagall walked in leading a large group of first years. Harry smiled slightly as he took in their nervous faces and stumbling figures. Harry remembered when he was just like them, half terrified he would be sorted into Slytherin and half terrified he wouldn’t be sorted at all. Harry blinked himself out of his thoughts as the students who were previously rowdy and loud quieted down and listened to the old sorting hat open its mouth and start to sing.

There were once four friends

Who cared a lot

About our shining school

They never fought or had a thought

About how they were fools

‘We are such great friends’ they all would claim

‘So how could we ever fight?’

But all their claims drew to an end

The night their secrets came to light

Bad blood began to spread

Between our founders four

Their friendship began to crumble

And they trusted each other no more

That was the end of a legacy

That graced these sacred halls

And if you do not heed my warning

Hogwarts will be the next to fall

It is no secret that war is here

As loved ones continue to die

But I do not fault you for this war

For it is your leaders who continue to lie

Although this war is not your own

It will be yours if  ignore

All the people who are dying

Because of something as silly as ancient lore

So stand up now and join the fight

Against those who kill your kin

But be careful who you trust

For even your heroes can sin

Now is the time to stand together

And unite the houses once more

For there is a secret legacy in your midst

Who will help you win this war

There is still time to save our world

If you listen to me speak

Protect one another and unite our school

And it will not be your end you meet

Harry watched as the students stared at each other in shock. The hall was completely silent. Evidently they had never heard a sorting song so dark before, unlike Harry. The sorting songs had become darker and darker with every year when Harry was in school. Harry looked at the hat. He sincerely hoped that the ‘legacy’ the hat had been referring to wasn’t him, but no matter how much he tried to convince himself, Harry couldn’t think of anyone else that it could be. Whispers began to fill the hall as people began to debate what the sorting hat had meant.

Harry’s eyes snapped to the teacher’s table as Dumbledore stood. It could not have been a coincident that the hat had sung about lying leaders. Harry could think of several people in positions of power who were ruled by their own greed or need of glory rather than the good of the wizarding world. Harry wondered if this threw a wrench in any of Dumbledore’s plans.

“Now, now,” Dumbledore called over the loud whispers, “The sorting hat is a strange thing. It has been known to speak in riddles before, but that does not mean everything it says is a prophecy. There is no need to worry. You are perfectly safe at Hogwarts.”

Dumbledore looked down at the crowd of students, his eyes twinkling. “Now I believe we have tallied too long. Let the sorting begin!” Dumbledore said dramatically, spreading his arms wide before sitting down.

McGonagall nodded sharply before turning back to the first years and began the sorting. Harry zoned out, the names of little use to him. He glanced around the hall again his eyes lingering on the Slytherin table where Regulus sat. He was with sitting beside Severus at the edge of the most powerful group in school. Bellatrix sat regally at the middle of the table surrounded by other various Death Eaters Harry could recognize.

Harry’s eyes wandered through the hall, looking at people who looked vaguely familiar and trying to guess which family they were from. Harry couldn’t help it. Eventually, he looked down the Gryffindor table. It was loud and boisterous; the students cheering loudly whenever a first year was sorted into the house. Slowly his eyes looked for the loudest group. A group of fours boys would stand and cheer whenever someone was sorted into Gryffindor, reminding Harry so much of how the Weasley twins cheered for him when he was sorted. Harry couldn’t stop staring at them. The Marauders. They looked so happy now, even though there was a warning just moments ago about their imminent death if they did not end this war. They were laughing and smiling and just so, so happy. It had been a long time since Harry had seen anyone act so freely.

He eventually tore his eyes away from his father’s friends and looked further down the table before he froze. Fiery red hair caught his attention. “Mum,” Harry whispered. She was stunning, gorgeous, beautiful. Okay, maybe Harry was exaggerating a little bit, but how could he not. That was his mother, the mother who had died for him, laughing with a group of friends. The only memory he had of Lily was of her begging for his life and here she was smiling kindly at her friends. Harry couldn’t wait to meet her.

The room became silent once more as Harry realized the sorting for the first years must be over. Students began to whisper loudly again as they wondered why dinner wasn’t being served. Dumbledore slowly stood up, drawing everyone’s attention to him.

Dumbledore’s eyes were twinkling dangerously in a way that always meant he was up to something. Harry did not like that look at all. “As some of you may know, somebody in the wizarding world has caused quite the stir by accepting a few titles that have been previously thought long dead,” Harry’s eyes narrowed. He did not like where this was going. “Shortly after this, the same person approached me and asked to attend his last year of schooling here. How could I possibly refuse when it was one of his ancestors that had helped create this school? Now, I do believe he needs to be sorted... May I present to you Lord Hadrian Emrys-Slytherin.”       

Loud gasps filled the room, and students glanced wildly around the room, looking for the mysterious new lord that was related to both Merlin and Slytherin. Harry tried not to grimace as he canceled the Notice Me Not charm and walked past the gaping students to the sorting hat. Harry struggled to keep his face completely blank. He was seething inside. This was not how he wanted everybody’s first impression of him to be. He wanted to blend in for at least a little while before rumors of his heritage spread, but Dumbledore had ruined those plans in the blink of an eye. Not only were his plans ruined, but it was more than likely that most people now probably thought he was a pureblood supremacist. It didn’t surprise Harry that Dumbledore had seemed to stress the fact that he was Lord Slytherin to the entire student body. Harry knew about the prejudice against anything even remotely related to Slytherin, after all, for the first few years of his schooling he had despised everything about Slytherin because he thought it was dark. Harry’s lips turned up in a bit of a smile, but Harry squashed the desire to smile before he would ruin his perfectly blank mask. Yes, he had been completely wrong back then.

Harry ignored the stares and sat down on the stool. He glanced one last time at the shocked students before the hat was placed over his head.

Hello, again, Harry heard the hat whisper in his head.

Harry smiled slightly. ‘I’m surprised you remember me since we technically haven’t met before’

The hat snorted. Like I could forget you. I must say you were one of the most interesting people I have sorted.

‘Thanks, I guess?’

Harry thought if the hat had eyes he would be rolling them by now. You were also one of the hardest people to sort if I remember correctly. Now let’s get to the sorting so we don’t worry that nosy headmaster of yours.

Harry grimaced. ‘You’re not going to tell him about anything in my head, right? I’ve worked very hard to keep him out, and I wouldn’t like all my efforts to be useless.’

The hat shuddered, and Harry heard whispering start up from the students. I am the Sorting Hat! Everything I see is confidential! I’m almost insulted that you thought I would do such a thing!

‘Sorry! Sorry, I just had to make sure you wouldn’t tell Dumbledore. I apologize if I offended you.’

Humph, you should be sorry! Me, tell that old coot anything! That is just ridiculous!

Harry sighed, trying to ignore the loud whisperings from the hall. ‘Sorry for rushing you, but we need to hurry. People are getting impatient, and I can’t afford people getting suspicious of me.’

The hat sighed. Yes, I suppose. It’s just sad I don’t get to actually talk with anybody these days. The first years are always too scared to talk to me.

Harry smiled slightly. ‘I’ll try to come talk to you soon. But now you need to sort me!’

Hmm, the hat hummed, where should I put you? Not Hufflepuff. You would eat them alive. They are too naive for you, and you would only scare them.

Harry nodded, secretly thankful. Harry wouldn’t know what to do if the hat put him into Hufflepuff. It would destroy all his plans.

The hat chuckled sensing his relief. There’s Ravenclaw. You are smarter than you give yourself credit for. You could easily outsmart most of the Ravenclaws just from the amount of experience you’ve had in your life.

Harry tensed. He couldn’t see himself as a Ravenclaw. But the house doesn’t suit you. You’re more street smart than book smart. They have to follow the rules, but you have been known to break rules daily. You would be an outcast in that house. I can’t put you there.

The hat paused. That only leaves two. The same two as last time. There’s Gryffindor, the house of the brave. You have already proven your bravery time and time again. You fought and survived the war. Very few people can say they did that… But I don’t think that house fits you anymore.

Harry sat up straight, alarmed. ‘What! But I need to go there! All my plans involve me being in Gryffindor. It’s my house. I’ve always been a Gryffindor! I can’t save everyone I’m trying to save if I’m in Slytherin! My parents, the marauders, hell the student body as a whole, won’t trust me!’

The hat sighed. I’ve reviewed your plans, Harry. They can be easily changed. In fact, I think you can accomplish more if you were in Slytherin. Harry, this plan you are trying to accomplish it’s a sign of ambition! You went back in time to save everybody, and if that’s not ambition, I don’t know what is! The war...it’s made you more cunning. You’re not the brave little Gryffindor you were in first year. You don’t just charge into a fight anymore! You know when it’s better to try diplomacy or when it’s better to run. You are not the same person you were when you started at Hogwarts. I know you don’t want to admit it, but the war changed you. You wouldn’t do well in Gryffindor. They won’t accept you.

Harry flinched slightly. Gryffindor was his home, his only hope. Everything would be ruined if he wasn’t in Gryffindor. His parents would never trust him.

But if you were in Slytherin, the hat tried to convince him, you could be great! It’s all right here in your head! I said it before, and I will say it again. You could do so much in Slytherin. You could destroy this war from the inside out! Not to mention, you are a true Slytherin. You haven’t been a foolish Gryffindor for many years, Harry.

   Harry’s mind began to raise. I didn’t sound like he was going to convince the hat not to sort him into Slytherin like he did in his first year. Harry would have to try something different this time.

‘You’re right,’ Harry thought, ‘I’m not that same Gryffindor I was in my first year. I haven’t been that person for years. The war forced me to use my Slytherin side more than my Gryffindor side, and now that’s who I am. I’m a Slytherin.’

The hat cut him off, I’m glad you understand. It opened its mouth to call out Harry’s new house.

‘Wait!’ Harry called, ‘I can’t go into Slytherin! If I’m sorted into Slytherin nobody will trust me. I can’t afford that!’

The hat sighed in frustration. But you are a Slytherin! It’s where you belong! If you go back to Gryffindor, they will never accept you!

‘I know!’ Harry cried, ‘But I’m willing to accept that! My house used to turn against me all the time. I lived through it then; I can live through it now! And anyway,’ Harry thought with a smirk, ‘What’s more Slytherin than a snake hiding in the house of the lions?’

The hat froze before slumping. You are too cunning for your own good.

‘Listen to me!’ Harry tried to convince the hat, ‘They’ll never suspect me! I can do so much hidden in Gryffindor! If I was in Slytherin, everybody would be wary of me! But if they think I’m a goody two-shoes that follows Dumbledore…’

They’ll trust you more. The hat finished for him. Fine. I’ll sort you into Gryffindor. But heed my warning! This will not turn out like you want it to! They won’t accept you! GRYFFINDOR!!!

‘Thank you,’ Harry thought as he stood up. You are a fool, Harry Potter. The hat whispered before Harry took it off and handed it to a gaping McGonagall.

Harry started to walk to the Gryffindor table before he paused. When he had been first been announced as a Gryffindor, there had been a slight splattering of applause from the muggleborn first years, but it had pattered out when they had realized nobody else was clapping. The entire hall was looking at him in shock, and the Gryffindor table was looking at him in slight revulsion. Harry ignored the looks and held his head up high as he walked proudly to his table before sitting down at the end away from everybody else.

Harry finally dared a glance at the Slytherin table. They looked… betrayed. It was obvious the main group was trying to hide their confusion and betrayal, but it was still there, not quite hidden behind their masks. Bellatrix was still trying to act like she was in control, but the entire house was ignoring her in favor of glaring at Harry. Harry glanced at where Severus and Regulus were sitting. Severus was sneering at him like he had when Harry had completely failed a potions exam. And Regulus looked absolutely crushed. Harry felt a pang of guilt. He hadn’t even thought about Regulus. He probably thought that Harry was going to turn out like Sirius. Maybe he should have thought about this more.

“Well, that was a… interesting sorting,” Dumbledore finally said, “Well we have postponed dinner long enough! Nitflick! Rummundo! Florence! Enjoy your meal, everyone!”

Harry shook his head at the headmaster’s antics. He didn’t know why Dumbledore even tried to convince people that he was doing magic to summon the meal. Everybody knew the house elves sent up the food from the kitchens as soon as the sorting was over. Sometimes the headmaster’s grandfatherly act really pissed him off.

Harry slowly began to fill his plate. “Hello,” somebody to his right said. Harry looked up before freezing. Lily Potter was standing right beside him with her group of friends slightly behind her. “I’m Lily. Welcome to Hogwarts.”

“Har-Hadrian. Pleasure to meet you,” Harry said as he shook her hand.

Lily smiled before gesturing to her friends. “Do you mind if we sit with you? You looked kind of lonely.”

Harry nodded dumbly as her group of friends sat down with him. “So,” a vaguely familiar brunette in front of him. She had a cute spiky pixie cut and a happy sparkle in her eyes. She looked so familiar. “Lord Emrys-Slytherin, huh? What are you doing in Gryffindor?”

Lily reached over the table to swat at her arm. “Alice! Don’t be rude! You haven’t even introduced yourself yet!”

Harry perked up at the mention of the girl’s name. There was only one Alice he knew from this time, but surely it wasn’t her. Alice was a fairly common name, after all.

The girl rolled her eyes dramatically before smiling at Harry. “My name’s Alice Meadows. There, now I’ve introduced myself.”

Lily groaned. “I’m never going to get you to act polite, am I?”

Alice giggled slightly. “Nope,” she said popping the P, “You’ve been trying since first year, and it hasn’t worked yet!”

Harry paled. Neville had once mentioned his mother’s maiden name was Meadows. Sitting in front of him was Alice Longbottom. She looked nothing like the poor women Harry had seen in his fifth year who collected candy wrappers. No, in this time she looked genuinely happy. She was always smiling, and her once dull hazel eyes had a certain spark in them now. Harry opened his mouth to say Merlin knows what to her when he was interrupted by the blonde girl sitting to his left.

“Anyway,” she said, rolling her eyes at her friend’s antics, “I’m Marlene Mckinnon, and this bashful girl in front of me,” she kicked the quiet girl in front of her under the table and ignoring her shout of protest, “Is Guinevere, but we all call her Gwen.”

Harry smiled at the two girls. It was obvious that Marlene and Alice were the most outgoing of the group. Gwen was evidently shy although Harry didn’t understand why. The girl was beautiful with her dark curly hair and bronze skin color. Harry wouldn’t be surprised if boys constantly asked her out.

“What made you decide to come to Hogwarts?” his mother asked, drawing his attention back to her. She looked so friendly and curious. Harry tried not to stare at her, but it was extremely hard. He wanted to look for any similarities. They truly did have the same eyes, but Harry wanted to find more similar features.

“I always wanted to come here, but my parents homeschooled me. I was forced to make other arrangements after they died.”

Lily looked aghast. “I’m so sorry! I hadn’t realized!” she said sincerely before glaring at her friends, “Guys, you’re supposed to stop me before my curiosity gets the best of me!”

Her friends shrugged sheepishly. “Sorry, Lils,” They mumbled.

Harry chuckled slightly. “It’s alright. You didn’t know.”

Lily still looked glum. “I still feel bad...”

Harry shrugged. “It’s fine. I’m used to it.”

This seemed to make Lily even more upset. “But you shouldn’t be used to it! You should be used to be giving you condolences, not being forced to explain your parents dead!”

“Lily, do you mind if I call you Lily? It’s fine. It doesn’t bother me anymore.”

Lily began to play with the food on her plate as an awkward silence enveloped their section of the table. Harry sighed. Honestly, girls were too emotional sometimes.

“So,” Harry said awkwardly, “What classes are you guys in?”

They group perked up, happy to get away from the depressing topic. Harry listened as they chattered on about their favorite classes and what classes they were taking this year. As the time passed, Harry realized that he was surrounded by some fairly brilliant people. They were all taking advanced classes and had done well in them in the past. Harry was surprised they hadn’t been placed in Ravenclaw. Eventually, the conversation slowed as they realized very few people were left in the Great Hall.

“Shoot,” Lily muttered, “We should probably head up to the common room. Come on, Hadrian, we’ll show you where it’s at.”

The group of girls stood up except for Gwen who looked slightly concerned. “But, Lily, he’s barely even touched his food! We should wait for him to finish.”

Harry glanced down at his plate. It was true. He had barely eaten, but Harry was used to not eating. Through the years, Harry had developed a small appetite. Plus, Harry was still partly recuperating from the war. It had only been a few months ago when he had been happy to have a meal a day.

Harry shook his head and stood. “No, I’m fine. Let’s go to the common room.”

Gwen still looked hesitant. “You need to eat something…”

Harry gave her a small smile. “Don’t worry. It was just nerves. I’ll eat something in the morning.”

Gwen finally stood up if somewhat hesitantly. Alice grabbed his arm dragged him out of the hall. “Come on! I want to show you the castle!”

Harry laughed as the group of friendly girls dragged him around the castle showing him various mundane things as they took the long way to the Gryffindor common room. Yes, it was nice to be back at Hogwarts.