Potter Luck

“I’d let you come through the floo with me, but due to upgraded security, all students must arrive on the Hogwarts Express,” Sirius rolled his eyes. “Because hundreds of students on a train sounds a lot safer than flooing directly in.”

“Sounds about right. I seem to remember an incident with dementors…” Harry trailed off and laughed.

“Exactly.” Sirius tapped Harry’s trunk so that the lid popped open. “They’re searching belongings upon your return, so you’d be better off if I took your journals. I think Necromancy and Soul Magic would raise some questions.” Harry summoned the journals from where he had hidden them in his trunk. He was confident in the wards he had placed around them, but completely unwilling to risk it.

“They’d have a hard time figuring out Slytherin’s journals. They’re in parslescript. Though, that’s probably enough to get sent to Azkaban these days, I’m surprised I haven’t been hauled off yet” Harry’s face brightened. “Do you think they’d put me in your old cell?”

“Not funny,” Sirius growled, though his eyes betrayed him. “You had better keep that tongue in check during class,” Sirius warned.

“My tongue has a mind of its own, professor,” Harry smirked. He shrunk his trunk with a wave of his wand, put it in the pocket of his amethyst dueling robes, and headed to the entryway floo without waiting for Sirius’s response.

Narcissa and Draco were waiting at the fireplace. Draco was already in his Hogwarts robes, a silver prefect’s badge was pinned proudly to his chest. Harry grinned at it.

Narcissa grabbed a handful of floo powder and threw it into the grate. The flames turned green and she and Draco stepped in, confidently proclaiming “Platform 9 and ¾!”

Harry glanced back at Sirius who had since recovered. He nodded and stepped into the still-green flames. They said the same and after a warm, twisting feeling, landed in a cloud of dust on the platform. They stepped aside quickly, not wanting to be in the way of the next arriving wixen.

Narcissa and Draco waited for them a few steps away. Harry and Draco had both been nervous about keeping their, er, acquaintanceship secret. Harry being the Black Heir and Draco and his mother being claimed by the Black Lord alleviated a lot of that worry. They would be expected to be cordial. Presenting a United front would also help Harry when he was inevitably sorted into Slytherin. Draco didn’t have to worry about his friendship with Harry affecting his standing in Slytherin, it was secure, and once the truth of Harry’s Lordships and powers got out, it would only increase. Even if they weren’t friends, an alliance between the two would have been mutually beneficial.

Harry and Sirius joined the two Malfoy’s and together they headed towards the gleaming scarlet train. Harry was again reminded of the strange group they made. In the two days the four of them had lived together, Harry had grown accustomed to Narcissa and her son. They all fit into each other’s lives well, like some kind of twisted family. Harry grinned at the thought.

“I don’t want to know whatever thought just crossed your mind to produce such a demented smile,” Draco remarked.

“No you probably don’t,” Harry agreed. Draco’s low musical laugh was his response.

“Well boys,” Narcissa said, coming to a stop while they were still a ways away from the crowd on the platform. “Yes, yes, I know neither of you are boys any more.” Narcissa rolled her eyes, managing to still look elegant while doing it. “We’ll say goodbye now before too many people catch sight of Harry.” She gave her son a hug and whispered something in his ear. It had him blushing and nodding.

To Harry’s surprise, Narcissa pulled him into a hug once she released her son. It was a surprisingly warm hug for a woman that seemed so aloof. He returned it enthusiastically. Harry was never one to turn down a mother’s hug.

“Thank you for bringing a spark of life to my son. This summer was awful in so many ways, but it brought you two together. Continue to watch out for one another,” Narcissa kissed Harry’s cheek and released him.

“Yes ma’am, we will,” Harry said earnestly. Draco watched the exchange with interest, but didn’t comment.

“I’ll see you two chaps at the Welcome Feast, no need for a teary goodbye on my end,” Sirius said merrily. Harry and Draco gave Narcissa a final goodbye before heading into the crowd of waiting families.

Their plan to get on the train quickly was foiled almost immediately by bushy haired Hermione. She all but tackled Harry in her exuberance to hug him. His increased size came in handy for holding her up. She hugged him fiercely. Harry could feel her shoulders shaking with muffled sobs as he held her just as tightly. Distantly, he could feel eyes watching, but he didn’t care. This was Hermione, his Hermione, who would always love him no matter what.

“Hello Hermione,” he greeted weakly, voice thick. She sobbed harder.

“I didn’t think I would ever see you again,” she sobbed, head buried somewhere in Harry’s chest. He rested his cheek atop her bushy hair.

“I thought the same,” he admitted quietly.

“Potter Luck,” her laugh was watery.

“It’s a bitch,” Harry smiled down at her as she pulled away, wiping her eyes furiously. Hermione peered at him critically.

“You’ve reached your Majority,” she said astutely, curiosity evident on her tear streaked face. Gods bless Hermione and her other-worldly observation skills. Harry smiled wryly at her.

“This is a story for a more private venue,” Harry replied gently. She nodded before looking him up and down again.

“I really am glad that you’re okay, Harry. I would be so lost without you. I was lost without you. I hope you are taking things easy like I discussed in my letters,” she said pointedly. Harry couldn’t help but roll his eyes, affection practically oozing from his pores.

“I am, Hermione. Please don’t worry about me, there’s enough of that going on,” his eyes darted to Draco on their own accord. Hermione’s followed and narrowed, just seeing him for the first time.

“Malfoy,” she greeted icily. Draco took a deep breath and stepped closer.

“Granger, I owe you an apology.” He said simply. Harry’s eyes locked on the blonde. “I was a prat to you, worse than a prat. I said unforgivable things to you and about you, and for that I am eternally sorry. I only hope that in the future my actions will reflect this apology and you can forgive me. Even if forgiveness is not possible, my apology stands,” he took another breath and continued before Hermione could respond. He spoke quietly enough so that only Harry and Hermione would be able to hear his words.

“I also want to thank you. This summer, by virtue of our unfortunate circumstances and surroundings, Harry and I spent a lot of time together and grew rather close. He had a much worse time of it than I did, but nevertheless I saw the true extent of what he experienced,” Draco’s eyes locked onto Harry’s for a moment, flashing something unrecognizable before looking back to Hermione.

“The fact that he is standing here today is a miracle. And despite all that he experienced and all that he survived, the one thing he worried about more than anything was how people would accept the person he has become. So again, thank you. Thank you for loving Harry for being just Harry, no matter what it entails,” Draco finished. His eyes were shining with fierce determination as he extended a hand towards Hermione. She stared at it for a moment before ignoring it completely and pulling Draco into a fierce hug.

“Thank you, Draco,” Hermione said, voice thick with tears again. Draco was caught off guard by the hug, but returned it almost immediately. Hermione pulled away, again wiping away tears. “Goodness, I’ve made such a mess on both of your robes,” Harry waved off her apologies and flicked his wand at himself and Draco. Their robes righted themselves instantly.

Harry looked between Hermione and Draco with a heart that was filled to the brim with love. Draco’s words echoed through Harry’s head, and he wondered, not for the first time, how he had gone four years without him in his life. Hermione’s acceptance and selfless love was the icing on the cake. His joyful mood was somewhat deflated when Hermione next spoke:

“Have you heard from Ronald?” She grimaced as she spoke. Harry and Draco exchanged a dark look. “I take that as a yes.”

“It’s not worth discussing,” Harry replied simply. Hermione frowned sympathetically.

“Right. Draco and I have to attend the prefect’s meeting, but we should get a compartment before they fill. I’m sure everyone will be clamoring to sit with The Boy Who Lived Again,” Harry snorted at the stupid name. “Will you be joining us, Draco?” She asked kindly, if a little stiffly.

“I’m afraid that I will be joining my fellow Slytherins, but I will see you at the prefect’s meeting” Draco replied gently. Hermione nodded in understanding. “I’ll see you at the feast Harry, good luck,” he said with a smirk. Harry rolled his eyes and waved him off. Hermione watched the two interact with interest.

“Well I suppose we should get a move on too. I can’t believe we haven’t been mauled yet,” Harry remarked, pulling Hermione in the direction of the train. All around him, Harry could hear his name being whispered. Several people shouted greetings at him. He waved vaguely, not wanting to get into a meet and greet in the middle of the platform.

Harry and Hermione made it into the train before they were stopped.

“Harrykins!” two voices chimed as one. Harry couldn’t help but grin as two towering red heads popped up on either side of him.

“Specy scrawny git, no more!” Fred said, looking Harry up and down with wide eyes.

“Maybe we should ask You-Know-Who to capture us, what do you think, Gred?”

“If that’s how I’ll look when I escape, I say we should, Forge,” Fred said seriously. Harry rolled his eyes. If this came out of any other person’s mouths he’d be livid, but Fred and George were different. They each wrapped an arm around Harry and squeezed.

“Glad to have you back, Harry,” They said in unison with serious voices.

“You gave us all quite a fright,” George said.

“Sorry about that, next time I’ll be sure to write,” the twins grinned.

“Okay move it, you three,” Hermione’s voice called from behind. “You’re holding up the train and we still need a compartment,” she’ll make an excellent prefect, Harry thought.

Eventually they found an empty compartment. Hermione put her trunk in the rack above the seats and left. Fred and George stuck around for a few minutes before disappearing to find their friend Lee Jordan. Harry was alone in his compartment, savoring the quiet while it lasted, for it was sure to break soon.

When it did, it was by an unexpected source. The compartment door slid open quietly and a girl with long icy blonde hair floated in as if she and Harry were planning to meet here the whole time. She closed the door behind her and sat in the seat opposite him and he was able to take in her delicate features. She could be some sort of wood nymph, Harry thought. The magic that surrounded her was unlike anything Harry had ever seen before. Its primary color was gold, but there were streaks of every color Harry could imagine rippling through it. Her eyes were wide and silvery blue and had a dreamy far away look to them, as if she were only partially aware of her surroundings. Harry was instantly intrigued.

“Hello,” Harry greeted her kindly. He didn’t get the impression that she was a crazed fan.

“Hello Lord Slytherin,” she greeted in an airy voice. Harry raised his eyebrows at the girl. She smiled in return. “Your secrets are safe with me, My Lord,” she assured him. Harry shifted uncomfortably at the title.

“You have traveled very far in such a short amount of time,” the blonde girl frowned. “You need not worry about acceptance. As long as you accept your true self, the rest will follow. And they will follow,” She nodded at her own words, as if confirming that they are true.

“You’re a seer,” Harry breathed out. Her magic shifted as she spoke, morphing into different colors and patterns. The girl smiled again, eyes focusing on Harry directly. She had a piercing gaze when the full power of it was focused. It was as if she could see through to Harry’s very soul, which he supposed maybe she could.

“I am many things, Lord Slytherin, as are you. But most importantly, I am destined to be your friend.” her eyes took on the clouded dreamy look once more as she extended a hand. “My name is Luna Elizabeth Lovegood.”

“Harry James Potter,” Harry responded. He shook her hand. It was small and delicate yet firm in its grip. She smiled knowingly at him before releasing his hand and pulling out a magazine entitled The Quibbler, turning it upside down, and getting lost in the words. Harry leaned back into his seat, making a conscious decision to just accept Luna’s word.

Shortly after, the compartment door opened again and Neville stood there beaming at Harry. Harry smiled back and stood to embrace the other boy. He introduced Neville and Luna who distantly knew each other– both were purebloods afterall. It was easy to talk to Neville. He didn’t push or prod at Harry, listening intently when he spoke, but comfortable to do a majority of the talking.

Eventually Ginny Weasley threw open the door and rushed in to give Harry a hug. She was crying and seemed torn between relief and anger.

“That ridiculous tournament!” she spat, making Harry laugh. She greeted Luna and Neville and politely asked about their summers. The other three fell into easy conversation while Harry half listened. Countless people streamed in and out of their compartment. Everyone wanted to see Harry. Why, he didn’t know. Half the school thought he was an attention seeking cheat last year. Harry supposed prior transgressions were forgotten when you were held captive by a Dark Lord for two months. He wondered how quickly everyone would change their minds after the sorting.

Ginny was joined by Michael Corner, they are dating, Harry learned. He greeted the Ravenclaw amicably, never having interacted with him much.

Harry watched the countryside roll past the window. He was overwhelmed by all of the attention. He was overwhelmed by the memories that came rushing back to him. He had worked so hard for two years to lock these happy memories away. They couldn’t hurt him if he couldn’t see them. Now he was back and he was living the life of a dead boy.

For truly, the Harry Potter that had last sat on this train was well and truly dead.

“Harry?” Neville prompted. Everyone in the compartment was staring at him. “Do you want anything from the trolley?” Harry was still coming out of his thoughts so Luna answered for him.

“He’ll have two chocolate frogs, a licorice wand, and a pack of Bertie Botts,” she said airily, not looking up from her magazine. Harry nodded gratefully and handed over the correct amount to the Trolley Lady.

Five minutes later, the door opened again to reveal an exasperated Hermione. Harry scooted over to make a seat for her between himself and Neville.

“I swear, there is no sense to who was made prefect!” she exclaimed. “I don’t know what Dumbledore was thinking,” she threw her hands up. “I mean come on, he made Ronald a prefect, no offense Ginny,” she added with a wince.

Ginny shrugged and grinned, “We all questioned it too. He’s not exactly a model student.”

“I thought it would be you, Neville, or Dean. I mean you were missing when our letters came out, so I figured it wouldn’t be you, Harry, but still, Ronald?” she groaned. “And don’t even get me started on Pansy Parkinson!”

“Her father tried to get us a marriage contract,” Harry said casually, knowing it would lighten Hermione’s mood. Everyone in the compartment gaped at him. Luna giggled.

“That would have gone well,” she remarked. Harry grinned at her.

“Hermione, this is Luna Lovegood. Luna, this is Hermione Granger,” Harry introduced the two girls promptly.

“Your father owns The Quibbler,” Hermione said excitedly. Luna beamed and nodded. “It is such an interesting publication! I must say, many of the creatures it discusses I have never heard of before. But I had never heard of real witches and wizards before I got my Hogwarts letter, either. Is it really so far-fetched that there are magical creatures yet unknown to the masses?” Hermione gushed. Luna’s smile only grew. Harry smiled too. Luna may have somewhat forcefully attached herself to him, but he would have chosen her anyways.

Hermione and Luna were just getting into an interesting discussion about the difference between a Crumplehornedsnorkak and the Erumpent when the final Weasley made his grand appearance.

Ron stepped in through the still open door, chest puffed out proudly displaying his silver prefect’s badge. He eyed the compartment wearily before his eyes settled on Harry.

“Couldn’t bother to let me know you’re here, could you?” He asked, ears reddening with anger. Conversation ceased as the rest of the compartment listened in. Harry’s eyes hardened as they took in Ron’s defensive posture. He remained relaxed in his seat, comfortably wedged between the window and Hermione.

“The Prophet said I’d be here, didn’t it?” Harry asked cooly. Ron’s face reddened.

“I think I deserve more than some press clipping!” Ron exclaimed. Everyone in the compartment flared at him.

“Harry doesn’t owe you, or anyone else, anything, Ron,” Neville said with a confidence Harry had never heard from him. Ron cut his glare to Neville before refocusing on Harry.

“You disappear for two months and I’m just supposed to let it go? I’m your best mate, you’re supposed to tell me things,” Ron demanded.

“You’ve got a funny way of showing it,” Harry remarked with narrowed eyes.

“Ron you’re being a git,” Ginny said warningly. MIchael sat awkwardly beside his girlfriend, unsure of what to do.

“Harry doesn’t have to talk about what happened this summer. If you were really his friend you’d understand that,” Hermione said stonily.

“It was two whole months with You-Know-Who! You’re all lying to yourselves if you say you aren’t curious at what happened,” his voice was defensive as he looked around the room. Hermione and Ginny wore matching looks of disgust, Neville disappointed, and Luna and odd sort of cold calculating.

“I’m sure it was a right laugh, Weasley. Potter and the Dark Lord swapping knitting patterns and trading chocolate frog cards,” a cold voice said from behind Ron. Draco’s most tried and true Malfoy sneer was aimed wholly at Ron. Harry snorted and Luna giggled. She settled back into her seat and resumed her reading, danger averted it seemed.

“Unfortunately he only wanted to trade for Dumbledore and all I had were Nicholas Flammel,” Harry shrugged as if to say ‘what can you do’. Draco’s lips twitched in repressed mirth. Neville seemed torn between horror and amusement, Ginny roared with laughter and Hermione giggled behind her hand. Luna read on, oblivious to the happenings.

Ron gaped, looking between Harry and Draco.

“No, that’s not— I’m not— This hasn’t got anything to do with you, Malfoy, so piss off,” he spluttered.

“I disagree, Weasley,” Draco’s tone was icy. “You are dangerously close to making an enemy of House Black. As I have been claimed by the House, any attack on its heir is an attack on me,” he sneered. Ron’s face turned scarlet.

“So,” Draco continued, “if that was not your intention, I suggest you make your intentions more clear.” Ron glared furiously at Draco.

“I’m sorry Harry,” Ron grumbled. “You don’t have to tell me anything if you don’t want to,” He bit out.

“I know I don’t,” Harry replied evenly.

“Do you mind if I join you all for the rest of the train ride?” Ron asked. Harry was so tempted to say no. His eyes flickered to Draco’s. Draco gave him a minute shrug. Harry stared hard at Ron. His red hair was longer than the last time Harry had seen it. It fell into his eyes and covered his ears. His robes were wrinkled in a way that couldn’t be explained away by being secondhand. Harry felt nothing when he looked at the boy who had been his first friend.

“Fine, go ahead,” Harry said, gesturing to the empty seat next to Neville.

“Heir Black is too kind,” Draco said with a smirk at Harry who rolled his eyes. “See you at the feast,” Draco disappeared down the train corridor. Ron sat awkwardly in the seat Harry had gestured to. There was an awkward silence in the compartment while Ginny and Hermione glared in his direction.

Harry pulled out that morning’s edition of The Daily Prophet and began reading. Slowly, the others started their own subdued conversations. Harry could feel Ron staring at him, but refusing to acknowledge the pointed looks. The Prophet held little of interest. It briefly mentioned the lack of sightings of Death Eaters and speculated as to why. There was a small article about Hogwarts new term starting; it of course mentioned that Harry would be returning as a fifth year student.

He glanced through the sports section and found an article about the Bulgarian national team. They’re head coach stepped down after fans called for his removal following their loss in the semi-finals of the World Cup.

“I’m sure Viktor will have a lot to say about this,” Harry pointed the article out to Hermione who rolled her eyes.

“Remind me not to read his next letter,” she said dryly. It made Harry smile to know that she and Viktor continued their friendship.

“He is surprisingly chatty in writing,” Harry remarked absentmindedly.

“You’re writing to Viktor Krum?” Ron demanded, leaning over Neville. Harry sighed, but didn’t look up from the box scores he was analyzing.

“I am,” Harry confirmed. Ron sputtered indignantly.

“You can take the time to write to Viktor Krum but not to me?” He demanded. Nevilled put his head in his hands and groaned.

“Yes,” Harry confirmed.

“WHY?” he shouted, causing Crookshanks to hiss indignantly from where he rested on Luna’s lap.

“I shouldn’t have to explain this to you, nor do I have any obligation to, but maybe it will help you to wrap your mind around things,” Harry took a calming breath, feeling his magic straining against his control, the echoes of shadow tainting the paper where he held it. “I did not have a good summer. I do not wish to discuss my summer with someone who views it as a spectacle, who feels entitled to my suffering, or who is jealous of the attention that such suffering has gotten me. I am not the same person that entered that maze.” Harry looked at Ron with the face of a Lord. “Everyone else in this compartment understands this. Viktor Krum understands this. Fleur Delacour, Cedric Diggory, Oliver Wood, the twins, and every other person that wrote to me expressing support and concern understands this. I will share my time, attention, and affections with those who do. I will not, however, waste any more of my energy on those that do not,” Harry finished. Hermione reached a hand over to pat his knee in support.

Ron went from scarlet to deathly pale in the span of a few seconds and threw himself from the compartment without a backwards glance. Harry sighed and shook his head.

“I’m really sorry, Harry,” Ginny said with a grimace. “He’s been an arse all summer. When we found out you were home, it only got worse. Seeing you in the prophet drove him insane when he hadn’t heard from you. The rest of us understood you would need some time and only had a few days before term, but not him,” she shook her head, looking disappointed in her brother. Michael put his arm around her and pulled her close.

“It’s not your fault, Ginny. This isn’t the first time he’s reacted like this, but I meant what I said. I really am not the same person, and I won’t put up with him any more. I’ve had enough of my life decided for me. It’s time that I choose how I live” Harry said resolutely.

“I think that’s great, Harry,” Neville said, a note of admiration in his voice. “None of us expected you to be the same person. We can’t imagine what you went through. We’re just glad that you’re back.”

“Thank you, Neville. I’m glad to be back.” Harry looked down at his watch and realized they would be arriving within the hour. He sighed again, not wanting to break the news to his friends, though he was now confident that they would stick by him regardless. “There is something I need to tell you guys before we get to Hogwarts, though,” All eyes turned serious at Harry’s tone. Luna even looked up from The Quibbler, but she only smiled encouragingly.

“While I was… otherwise occupied… this summer, I missed my Hogwarts letter. According to the Hogwarts Charter, if a letter is unable to be delivered to a student, they are disenrolled from the school. Upon my return, I received my letter and was effectively re enrolled. The Magic, however, will not recognize me as a student until I have been sorted again. I’m essentially treated like a transfer or like a new student because of the disenrollment,” Harry explained. Hermione furrowed her brows, deep in thought.

“So you have to be sorted again?” Ginny asked. Harry nodded.

“After the first years are sorted, McGonagall will explain the circumstances and I’ll go up for my sorting.” Harry confirmed.

“A second chance,” Luna smiled knowingly. Harry nodded at her, amazed at her knowledge of things she shouldn’t. No one else seemed to understand or register what she said.

“You’re worried you won’t be sorted back into Gryffindor,” Hermione guessed.

“I know I won’t be sorted back into Gryffindor,” the group, excluding Luna, looked surprised. “The sorting hat wanted to put me in Slytherin first year. I convinced it not to, but I don’t think I could again. I wouldn’t want to again,” Harry amended.

“That’s why your sorting took so long,” Neville said, as if just figuring out a complex problem. Harry nodded again.

“I love you guys and I love Gryffindor, but I know I won’t be returning. I just hope you guys will still be my friends after tonight,” Harry said hopefully.

“Of course we will,” they all chorused in unison.

“We will always be at your side, Harry,” Luna said confidently. “Except Michael,” she tacked on. Ginny gave Michael a suspicious look. Harry laughed at Michael’s affronted look.

“It’s alright, mate. I hardly know you,” Harry said, grinning at the relief on the Ravenclaw’s face. Ginny was still eyeing her boyfriend suspiciously before going slack-jawed and staring at Harry in horror.

“But quidditch!”

“I know Gin, I know,” Harry said sympathetically.

“We haven’t got a chance for the cup now,” she said glumley.

“They might not let me on the team,” Harry pointed out, knowing that they would. Slytherin would put winning over anything, especially with the poetic justice of winning with Harry Potter as their seeker.

“Fat chance. You’re the best player in a century,” she snorted. Harry grinned, excitement for Viktor’s reply flickering in the back of his mind.

Before long they changed into their Hogwarts robes, Harry’s were as blank as a first year’s, causing Ginny to snicker. The Hogwarts Express came to a halt at the Hogsmeade Station. They gathered their things and exited the train. Hermione branched off to guide first years, Luna promised to look after Crookshanks who had draped himself over her shoulders like an exceptionally fat and fluffy scarf.

When they reached the carriages that would take them to the castle, Harry drew up short. Pulling the carriages were large skeletal horses with great bat-like wings. He couldn’t remember ever noticing the creatures before, but no one else was staring at the creatures dumbstruck. Was he losing his mind again?

“They’re thestrals,” Neville whispered quietly and a bit sadly before climbing into the carriage. Harry looked after him confused.

“They are creatures of Death, Lord Peverell.” Luna explained. “You would be able to see them as their Lord, even if you had not witnessed death this summer.” Luna climbed in after Neville. Witnessed death. Harry did witness death this summer.

Black robes and black masks screamed as black magic flew from his wand, angry and determined and desperate. Black robes and black masks fell. Red blood spouted.

Harry shook himself free from the memory and climbed into the carriage, shutting the door behind him. The thestrals began moving immediately. Harry watched the castle grow larger as they made their way up the long and winding path to the main gates. Harry braced himself as he saw the boundary of the school’s magic approaching. He was the first Lord Slytherin to visit the castle since its founding. Would the magic recognize him?

The boundary grew ever closer. Harry’s magic grew restless with each passing moment. It yearned and reached out to meet that of the school. He was aware of a distant ringing in his ears as the buzzing of centuries of magic filled his mind. Harry closed his eyes and leaned into the carriage walls as the gate loomed in front of them. The magic of Hogwarts loomed before him in what looked like an impenetrable wall. As they passed into its boundary, Harry’s magic was thrown wide open and he was flooded with a warmth and welcoming that was tangible.

Hogwarts recognized the magic of Lord Slytherin and welcomed him home with open arms. Harry grew aware of every enchantment, every stone, and every creature within her boundaries. He could feel the love that swelled within the school when welcoming back her students. Hogwarts was sentient and she was beautiful and Harry was hers.