Arch Mage, the Path of Magic Chapter 2 (Patreon)

Hey friends and fans, Kairomaru is here with another chapter of Arch Mage, the Path of Magic! So glad this has been received so well! Now our OP Spellcrafter makes his way to Hogwarts, what House awaits him? What secrets might he find? How fast can he go through most of the library?

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So without further delay, please enjoy.

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Chapter 2 – Hogwarts and Sorting

The Hogwarts Express rattled down the tracks, heading north towards Scotland and the castle. Harry was engrossed in his book, even though the train had only left the station about fifteen or twenty minutes ago at most. The Spellcrafter was enjoying this particular Magical Scholar’s take on Magic in relation to Warding and setting up long term Wards of various functions. Harry was fairly certain that the basis of Ward Magic wasn’t totally reliant on Anchor Points like Ward Stones. Just as the basis of Charms, Hexes, Jinxes, Curses, and Transfiguration wasn’t really reliant on a wand or other Foci.

A knock on the compartment door broke Harry from his reading and musings. Looking up he spotted a red-haired boy that looked his age through the door’s glass window. Motioning for the other boy to open the door Harry gave him his attention. The red-headed boy opened the door and gave a lopsided smile.

“Would you mind if I sat here? Most of the other compartments are full already.” The boy asked with his trunk in hand behind him.

“Of course, take a seat.” Harry motioned to the empty seats across from him.

“Thanks.” The red-head gave a smile and a thankful nod. “I’m Ron, by the way, Ron Weasley.”

“Harry Potter, nice to meet you, Ron.” Harry replied and felt a small grin tug at the corner of his lips when Ron went stock still and stared at him. “You alright there, Ron?”

“Uh, yeah, blimey, are you really Harry Potter?” Ron looked like he was between shocked belief and suspicious disbelief.

“As far as I’m aware.” Harry chuckled slightly before noticing Ron’s trunk was still in the redhead’s hand. “Need some help with that?” With a flick of his index finger Ron’s trunk slowly levitated into the overhead rack next to Harry’s. The stunned redhead could only gape and blink at the casual display of silent, wandless Magic. After a few moments, Ron dropped heavily into the seat across from Harry.

“Blimey, I’m really sharing a compartment with Harry Potter.” Ron couldn’t seem to believe his current situation.

“It’s not that big a deal, Ron.” Harry shook his head. “I know the rumors and such, but I don’t slay dragons, or ride them. I haven’t been undergoing secret Magical training from Dumbledore and other great Wizards and Witches from around the world. All of those rumors and tall tales were just people’s imaginations running wild. Sirius thinks drinking played a big part too.”

“But, if you haven’t been receiving special training, how did you just do silent, wandless Magic?” Ron questioned, his eyes narrowed in suspicion, like he was trying to catch Harry in a lie.

“I studied a lot at home from a young age. Aunt Andromeda says I’m a prodigy. Sirius just says I get Magic, like it’s easy for me to understand. I guess I can agree with that. Magic has always been easy for me to control and comprehend.” Harry explained to his new acquaintance. “Other than that, it really is just a lot of studying and practice.”

“Well, alright, if you say so.” Ron gave a shrug. He couldn’t refute what Harry had said after all, he wasn’t there to witness Harry growing up.

“I’ll be reading if you need me. I’m getting to an interesting section of this book.” Harry held up the tome on Warding to let Ron see it. The redhead’s eyes almost bugged out at seeing the large book and the title.

Silence persisted as Harry read and Ron seemed to be going through a magazine that he’d pulled out of his robe pocket. Harry had glanced at the title ‘Quidditch Monthly’ and surmised that Ron was a fan of the sport. Not being a fan himself, Harry went back to his own reading. It was about two hours later that Ron and Harry’s compartment was knocked on.

“Anything from the Trolley, dearies?” An older, squat witch asked with a smile to the two boys.

“I’ve got sandwiches.” Ron held up a few wrapped sandwiches, though he didn’t seem particularly interested in them.

“However many Chocolate Frogs, Cauldron Cakes, and Sugar Quills this will buy.” Harry handed the lady several Sickles. “We’ll take a pitcher of Pumpkin Juice too.”

“Of course, dearie.” The old witch smiled at Harry, seeing that the new First Year was planning on sharing with the other boy in his compartment. The transaction was made and the sweets and juice were left with Harry and Ron.

“Harry, you didn’t have to.” Ron looked surprised at the small pile of treats and the pitcher of Pumpkin Juice.

“It’s no big deal, Ron.” Harry gave a smile to the other boy. “Besides, you need a drink to go with your sandwiches and snacks, right?” A Cauldron Cake levitated over to Harry and the boy caught it before taking a bite.

“Thanks Harry.” Ron smiled back as he poured himself some Pumpkin Juice in one of the two paper cups that the Trolley Lady had given them. With a sip he relaxed back into his seat and unwrapped one of his sandwiches.

Several minutes later and Ron had finished his sandwiches, along with half the Chocolate Frogs. The redhead was going through the cards, after making sure Harry didn’t want them. Harry had his fill of sweets and juice and continued to read. If they weren’t interrupted for the rest of the trip, Harry thought he might be able to finish his book. That was when the door was knocked on again.

‘Shouldn’t have even thought it.’ Harry laughed in his own mind. Turning to the door as it was opened, there were two kids standing in the doorway. Harry didn’t see a house sigil on their black robes, so he correctly guessed that they were also new First Years. The boy in the back seemed timid and nervous. He was a little chubby, had a bit of baby fat left, and his dark-blonde hair, though in the right light it could probably be mistaken for brown, was a little disheveled. The girl that stood in front of him however didn’t show such timidity. She was a brunette with bushy hair and brown eyes. She seemed bookish, with a slightly pale skin tone. Harry would have the same if Sirius didn’t make him go outside fairly often.

“Can we help you?” Harry asked the girl and boy. Ron blinked as he tried to finish chewing the Cauldron Cake he had in his mouth.

“Sorry to bother you, I’m Hermione Granger, have either of you seen a toad? Neville has lost his pet.” Hermione motioned to the timid-looking boy.

“Not in here.” Harry replied in the negative. Ron shook his head as he swallowed his food.

“Not since we got onboard, sorry mate.” Ron spoke up after clearing his throat.

“I suppose we’ll have to keep looking then.” Hermione said to the down-looking Neville.

“You said it’s your pet, right?” Harry questioned before the two could turn to leave.”

“Y-Yes, his name is Trevor.” Neville spoke up with a slight stutter.

“I’ll help you out, just give me a second.” Harry smiled at Neville reassuringly. He put a bookmark on the page he was on and closed the large tome. Hermione’s eyes were drawn to the rather large book and she seemed to be trying to read the title. Harry put the book on the seat next to him and then gained a thoughtful look on his face. He held up both of his hands at chest height and then began to construct a spell.

“What are you doing?” Hermione asked with a bright and curious gleam in her brown eyes.

“Magic,” Harry grinned at the girl before focusing again. “Principle of Observation, Aspect is Searching. Principle of Identity, Aspect Animal, refined to Toads. Principle of Possession, Aspect is Ownership, refined to Neville’s ownership.” Harry mumbled as he constructed the spell. All three of the other First Years could only stare on in shock as a light breeze seemed to ruffle Harry’s robes. Then all three felt a pulse pass through them as Harry closed his eyes. A few seconds later and Harry perked up, his eyes opening and a smile on his face. “There you are. Principle Attraction, Principle Protection, Principle Movement, Aspect Air, refined to Air Travel.”

“What on Earth?” Hermione couldn’t contain her shock and curiosity.

“Merlin, he can do more than Levitation?” Ron gaped at Harry.

“Is he making a spell?” Neville muttered quietly, but everyone in the compartment heard him clearly. Hermione’s brown eyes almost bugged out as she stared at Harry in confusion and amazement.

A few moments later, along with several exclamations of shock coming from further down the train. And a large toad floated into the open compartment and into Harry’s open hands. The large toad gave a croak as Harry held it gently. It took a moment before Hermione, Ron, and Neville could stop staring in abject shock and react.

“Trevor!” Neville smiled at seeing his pet safe and sound.

“Blimey…” Ron stared at Harry as if he’d never seen anyone like him before. Which, to be fair, he actually hadn’t.

“How? You didn’t use a wand? But Wandless is supposed to be really complex and difficult, even for powerful Wizards and Witches. Did you really just make a spell? This isn’t anything like what I read…” Hermione seemed like she was asking questions on autopilot, they just kept coming but they didn’t really seem to be directed at Harry. It was almost like she was asking herself and her own knowledge.

“Let’s keep Trevor from wandering off again, first, alright?” Harry snapped Hermione out of her mumbling questions as he held Trevor up to his eye level. “Box.” He uttered and before the three stunned First Years’ eyes a clear, plastic box surrounded Trevor. It had a green, plastic lid and several holes for air. “Here you go, Neville, he shouldn’t wander off for now. You’ll need to get him a container of his own though, that one will only last twenty-four hours before it disappears.” Harry explained as he handed Neville the plastic box.

“Thank you…” Neville accepted the box from Harry, clearly still stunned by what he’d seen. “I think I’ll head back to my compartment…” He nodded to the other three before turning and leaving the compartment. He seemed to be walking a bit stiffly, probably from shock.

“How, how did you do all of that?” Hermione questioned, taking the open seat next to Harry that wasn’t occupied by his large book. “That wasn’t like anything I’ve read to try and understand Magic and the Magical World! You didn’t follow the steps! You didn’t use a wand! Nothing! You didn’t do any of it the proper way! How did you make it work?”

“Breathe,” Harry chuckled and the red in Hermione’s cheeks faded away as she inhaled after her question spree. “I told you, Hermione, it’s Magic. I just do it a much different way than most.”

“But how?” Hermione asked again. “That wasn’t anything like what any of the books say.”

They were interrupted when three other boys made their presence known. One was a pale-blonde boy, thin, pale, and with a questioning look on his face. The one behind him on the left was dark-haired, wide, and taller than the blonde. The boy behind the blonde’s right was about the same height as the blonde, but much wider around the middle, with brown-hair and an almost sleepy look about him.

“Did you three see the flying toad come past here? It startled a lot of the people in the corridor. Have you seen it?” The blonde questioned the three of them.

“Sorry, that was me, I was returning Neville’s lost toad to him.” Harry raised his right hand up slightly.

“And you are?” The blonde questioned as he looked Harry over.

“Harry Potter and you?” Harry introduced himself while asking for the other boy’s name. Next to him he heard Hermione let out something that sounded like a squeak.

“Are you really?” The blonde blinked while looking closer, as if trying to ascertain whether Harry was lying or not.

“As far as I’m aware.” Harry grinned at getting to use that line twice in one day.

“I’m Malfoy, Draco Malfoy.” Draco introduced himself. “This is Crabbe,” He pointed at the point on his right. “And this is Goyle.” He pointed to the large boy on his left.

“Pleased to make your acquaintance.” Harry nodded to the three boys. He noticed Draco’s eyes move over Hermione and then glare slightly at Ron.

“Any reason you’re sitting with these two? You know some Wizarding Families are better than others, right?” Draco asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Well, I’m from a Common Wizard Family, Malfoy, so I’m afraid the only upper class Wizards and Witches I know are the Blacks. Sirius is my godfather and Aunt Andromeda was reinstated to the Family years ago.” Harry put a small barb into his reply, subtle as to not come off as blatantly antagonistic, of course. Just like Sirius had taught him.

It was no secret that after old Arcturus Black had passed, that Sirius had become the Head of the Black Family. His first act was to reinstate Andromeda and her family. He’d also disowned Bellatrix Lestrange nee Black. Plus the Malfoy Family, which Narcissa Malfoy nee Black had married into, was on thin ice. The only reason they still had any connection was because Narcissa herself couldn’t be connected directly to Voldemort. Forcing a Daughter of the Black Family to commit crimes would have broken the old Marriage Contract that Lucius Malfoy and Narcissa Black had married under.

“Who are you, exactly?” Draco turned his gaze on Hermione. Clearly Harry’s subtle barb had not caught on to the boy.

“Hermione Granger, a pleasure.” Hermione politely replied.

“Granger? I don’t recall a Magical Family with that name.” Draco’s face took on a conceited look. “You’re a Muggleborn, aren’t you?”

“My parents are both Non-Magical, yes.” Hermione nodded while easily picking up on the shift in Draco’s tone and mood.

“No need to ask who you are,” Draco sneered at Ron. The redhead glared right back at the blonde. “Red hair and a hand-me-down robe, you’re obviously a Weasley.”

“Sod off, Malfoy.” Ron retorted with a glare.

“You shouldn’t lower yourself to cavorting with those of lesser standing than you, Potter.” Draco turned back to Harry, completely ignoring Ron.

“As I said, Malfoy, I’m only from a Common Magical House.” Harry shrugged at the blonde, a small grin on his lips. “I don’t have such high and lofty standards for company. I just chat with those that’re polite.”

“You’ll see I was right someday, Potter.” Draco shook his head and left, Crabbe and Goyle following behind him.

“Such a prat.” Ron grumbled, still glaring at the compartment door that had closed.

“He didn’t seem to like me much either.” Hermione noted and Ron went on a short rant about the Malfoy Family being a bunch of bigoted Dark Wizards that used to serve the Dark Lord.

“Back to what we were talking about earlier,” Hermione focused on Harry again. “What did you mean about you performing Magic differently? I’ve been reading and learning all I could since I got my letter. I even got extra books on Magical Theory and Magical History. Your name is in Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century, The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts, and Modern Magical History. Did you receive a special education growing up or something?”

“Nothing like that, Hermione,” Harry shook his head with a chuckle. “I just liked to read while I grew up. I’ve just always had an intrinsic understanding of Magic. Sirius said I was using it willingly from a very young age. Studying and learning what I could and then applying my own viewpoint and understanding to what I read helped me to advance my Magical Knowledge.”

“But Neville said you were creating a spell when you were looking for Trevor. What I read said that Spellcrafting takes years of study and a lot of Arithmancy knowledge and experience. You were just mumbling stuff about Principles and Aspects? I never came across those terms in my readings.” Hermione was infinitely curious about the anomaly that was Harry’s Magical Prowess.

“Can you stop with the book talk?” Ron complained to the brunette. “We’re not even at school yet and I already feel like I’m sitting through a lesson.”

“What’s wrong with learning?” Hermione almost looked scandalized at the very thought.

“I only want to learn what I have to,” Ron replied with a shrug. “I plan to be a Pro Quidditch Player after school. So I just want to do what I have to, take some easy classes later, and then graduate.”

‘Well, that’s a poor attitude to have when it comes to Magic.’Harry sighed internally. Ron appeared to be much like the majority of the Magical World. All of them perfectly content to barely scratch the surface of Magic and call it done. Harry still couldn’t understand such a mindset to this day.

“But it’s Magic, isn’t it wonderful and amazing?” Hermione asked and Harry’s lips quirked into a small smile reflexively. Now there was someone else who understood the wonder and splendor of Magic!

“Eh,” Ron gave a half-hearted grunt. “What Houses do you think you two will be in? I’ll probably be in Gryffindor; all of my family has been for a long time.”

“Oh, well, I’m hoping for Gryffindor too. Dumbledore was in that House, so it must be the best, right?” Hermione half asked and half stated. Ron was nodding along like it was common knowledge though.

“I don’t have a preference, honestly.” Harry shrugged. He got a weird look from Ron and a curious one from Hermione. “It’s just a House, and I’d rather choose my own path. I don’t need to follow someone else. It’s much more fun to do things your own way after all.”

“You’re crazy, Harry.” Ron shook his head. “Everyone knows that Gryffindor is the best House and that Slytherin is for Dark Wizards. Ravenclaw is for the brainy nerd types and Hufflepuff is where the rest end up.”

“That’s kind of a narrow mindset, isn’t it?” Hermione looked as if she was thinking over the House System. “I felt that if I went to the same House that the Headmaster went to, then I’d be on the same path as him, being a well-respected Witch and maybe even an educator in the future. But Harry has a point, trying to get into a House just because someone else was in it may not be the best choice.”

“Any House is fine.” Harry shrugged as he briefly thought about it. “I’m more interested in the library and what kind of books I can find there.”

“I know, right?” Hermione was all smiles at finding a fellow reader. “The largest Magical Library in all of Britain! I can’t wait to see it and learn as much as I can!”

“You’re both crazy,” Ron declared with an aghast look on his face. “You two are definitely going to end up in Ravenclaw!”

“If it fits.” Harry chuckled and Hermione looked thoughtful.

Not long after the announcement that the train was almost to Hogwarts was heard. They were told to leave their trunks onboard and that they’d be taken to their dorms during the Welcoming Feast. Seeing no reason to wait if that was the case, Harry held up his book and before Ron and Hermione’s eyes, shrunk it down until it was small enough to fit inside the inner pocket of his robe. Suppressing a chuckle at their stunned faces, Harry led the way out of the compartment and off the train.

The First Years were gathered up by Hagrid, a large man that stood taller than any other man Harry knew. He was also the widest and burliest Wizard that Harry knew. The gentle giant was friends with Sirius and had been one of the few adults that his godfather had allowed to meet Harry as he grew up. Harry had always thought Hagrid was nice, though his taste in Magical Creatures, specifically which ones he thought were cute or misunderstoodstill baffled the boy. He was given a smile and a wave from Hagrid as the rest of the First Years gathered around. When everyone was gathered Hagrid led them down a rocky path that stopped at the edge of the large lake. A fleet of small boats were ready for them and Hagrid gave out instructions.

“No more than four to a boat!” Hagrid called out to the new First Years. He sat in one of the small boats all by himself. But that was to be expected considering he took up all of the space. The rest of the new students quickly settled into their boats. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville shared a boat. When all of the kids were ready Hagrid nodded and spoke strongly. “Forward!” The fleet of little boats began to glide across the still surface of the lake.

“Wow…” Harry couldn’t help but utter as he got his first look at the castle. With all the windows lit up and the light of the waning moon reflecting off the lake, it made for a truly magical sight.

“Watch your heads now.” Hagrid called out and ducked as the fleet of little boats passed under a stone overhang covered in ivy that drooped down towards the lake’s surface. None of the children could have hit their heads unless they were standing up. When all the boats pushed up onto a rocky shore under the castle, the children got out and followed Hagrid up a flight of stone steps to a large door. The giant man banged on the door three times and waited. The large, wooden doors opened a moment later to reveal an older witch in dark-green robes.

“Hagrid.” The witch greeted the large man.

“The First Years, Professor McGonagall.” Hagrid smiled at the witch.

“Thank you Hagrid, I’ll take them from here.” McGonagall nodded to the large man who made his way passed her and through another set of doors. The Professor led the group of new students across the flagged stone floor and into a chamber directly across from another set of large, wooden doors. Harry could hear the voices of many others behind it.

‘That must be the Great Hall.’ Harry correctly deduced as the First Years crowded into the chamber.

“Welcome to Hogwarts,” Professor McGonagall welcomed them while looking over the new students. “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 free time in your house common room. The four Houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Each House has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards throughout the ages. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your House points, while any rule-breaking will lose your 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.”

Muttering and whispers began as McGonagall left them in the chamber for a moment to check that the Great Hall was ready to receive them. Harry noticed several students trying to straighten themselves up a bit while they waited. Neville seemed to notice that his robe was fastened wrong, the timid boy unclasping it from beneath his ear and straightening it out before clasping it properly. Harry felt something in the air, without moving his head much he shot a glance at the far wall of the chamber. A white face, partially transparent was poking through near where wall met ceiling. Harry recognized what it was from his reading as he grew up.

‘A ghost, never seen one before.’ Harry mused as he locked eyes with the ghost, a male with the hair cut of a monk from the Medieval Era.

The monk seemed to notice him immediately and the ghostly eyes widened. Harry cocked an eyebrow at the ghost only for it to disappear back through the wall quickly. He wouldn’t know that he’d saved some of his year mates a sudden fright. It was a little prank the ghosts of the castle liked to play each year. But upon being noticed the Fat Friar, as he was nicknamed by the students, had felt somethingfrom the young First Year and promptly retreated to tell the others the prank should be cancelled this year.

“Form a line, two side by side,” McGonagall instructed the First Years as she returned. She was pleasantly surprised to not have to shoo away the ghosts of the castle. They were often helpful, but every year they played that ridiculous prank. When the students had two lines formed, McGonagall nodded and led the out of the chamber and across the hallway. The Great Hall doors opened by themselves and the new students go their first look at the hall.

It was lit by thousands and thousands of candles which were floating in mid-air over four long tables, where the rest of the students were sitting. The tables were laid with glittering golden plates and goblets. At the top of the Hall was another long table where the other Professors were sitting, along with Hagrid at one end. Harry looked up and took in the enchanted ceiling that both Sirius and Nym had told him about. It was like there wasn’t a ceiling at all, the Magic of that Enchantment was impressive in Harry’s opinion. He briefly heard Hermione mentioning that she’d read about the ceiling in Hogwarts: A History.

Once all the new students were lined up, McGonagall left them to grab a spindly stool and a tattered-looking, pointed hat. She placed the stool down and then the hat on top of it. Harry glanced at the hat, knowing something was different about it. A tear near the brim opened up and the hat began to sing! After an interestingsong about the four Houses, the hat stopped and bowed to all four tables of students as some applause rang out. Harry felt a large smile on his lips at the performance.

‘I love Magic.’ Harry thought to himself as McGonagall stood next to the Sorting Hat and unrolled a piece of parchment. It appeared they would all be called up in alphabetical order by last name. A blonde girl called Hannah Abbot went first.

Name after name was called and Harry noted when Hermione ended up going to Ravenclaw. He gave her a grin at her change of House choice since the train ride. Neville Longbottom became a Gryffindor with such relief that he almost walked away with the Sorting Hat still on his head. Draco Malfoy barely had the hat touch his head before it declared him a Slytherin.

“Potter, Harry.” McGonagall called out and Harry heard the Great Hall fall into a hush. With a slight shake of his head, Harry stepped forward and felt the eyes of hundreds on him all at once. Hopefully that would stop after a while. It would be weird to go throughout his school years with every single one of his peers staring and gawking all the time. He sat on the stool and McGonagall placed the large hat on his head, covering his eyes with the large brim.

‘Oh my, how interesting.’ The Sorting Hat’s voice was heard in Harry’s head.

‘Hello,’Harry greeted back with the mental equivalent of a grin.

‘You are quite the surprise, Mr. Potter. To think one your age has such mastery of Mind Magic.’ The Sorting Hat praised the boy with genuine respect.

‘It seemed interesting and Sirius said it would be good to learn it.’Harry replied in his mind.

‘You don’t have to try and keep me out, Mr. Potter. I’m merely feeling out your personality, your wants and your feelings, those are the criteria that students are sorted on, not their memories.’ The Sorting Hat informed him and Harry gave a mental shrug before opening up his mind fully to the Hat for a brief moment.

‘Take a quick look, if you want.’ Harry offered and felt the Hat stiffen atop his head.

‘My word… So many thoughts, theories, feelings, such an immense understanding of Magic. I dare say I’ve not seen a mind like yours in all my days, Mr. Potter! Not even Rowena’s mind was so filled with the depth and nature of Magic like yours is. I’m not even able to ponder on such a deep level normally and it is truly awe-inspiring what you seem to know…’ The Sorting Hat sounded like it had just gazed upon the night sky and truly realized how small it was in the grand scheme of things.

‘Thank you, I love Magic, it’s the greatest of experiences to delve into the depths of it and try to understand the truth of it all.’Harry knew he was smiling and hoped the wide brim of the Sorting Hat was covering it up. His sorting had already taken longer than anyone’s so far.

‘Very well, Mr. Potter, I daresay you could fit in anywhere here at Hogwarts. You don’t seem to have any true preference either. I’m sure Rowena would find a way back from the beyond if I didn’t put you in her House though. So better be…’The Sorting Hat ended its mental conversation with Harry to announce his House to the Great Hall. “Ravenclaw!”

The Ravenclaw House table exploded into raucous cheers and applause. Many of the other students were stunned that Harry Potter had gone to any House other than Gryffindor! Filius Flitwick, the Charms Professor and Head of Ravenclaw House, was bouncing in his seat excitedly! What a thrill it would be to have Lily Potter’s son in his House! If her son was the same kind of student that Lily had been, oh it would be such a delight to instruct the boy!

McGonagall pulled the Sorting Hat off Harry’s head and he headed towards the Ravenclaw table. He felt the Magic on his robes and tie as the Ravenclaw sigil appeared over his left breast and his tie turned blue and bronze. With a grin he sat next to Hermione. The brunette beamed at him in return and the two waited for the Sorting to finish up.

Ron Weasley became a Gryffindor as he’d wanted and the final student on the list, Blaise Zabini, had become a Slytherin. With the Sorting complete McGonagall took the Sorting Hat and the stool away. Dumbledore stood up and made what sounded like standard start of term announcements. Harry barely paid attention though. Sirius had told him all about the Marauders time in school. Where was the fun in following all of the rules?

“And finally, I must tell you that this year; the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death.” Dumbledore stated seriously, looking out over all of the students.

‘Well now, that’s interesting…’ Harry thought to himself with a raised eyebrow. ‘Kind of sounds like a challenge too.’ A small grin made its way onto his face.

The golden serving plates were suddenly filled with food and pitchers of drinks appeared in between the servings of food. Harry recognized the use of House Elf Magic, though he still wasn’t quite sure why the helpful little creatures were called that. They were clearly Brownies, or Broonies as they were sometimes called by the Scots, a type of Fae Folk that helped out with chores around the home of a Witch or Wizard for food and a bit of Magic. Harry had tried to figure out just when Witches and Wizards had started calling them House Elves, but there wasn’t much in the History texts he’d read about them. He’d only met the surly, and half-mad, old Kreacher on a rare few occasions. When he’d asked the old Elf if he was really a Brownie he’d gotten the oddest look from the large eyes of Kreacher. But he was fairly certain that the so-called Elf had recognized the name.

‘Thoughts for later, food for now.’ Harry thought as he set about filling his plate and chatting with Hermione.

Several minutes into the meal Harry felt something brush against his protected mind. Snapping his gaze towards the source of the feeling he came eye to eye with Professor Severus Snape, or Snivellus, as Sirius called the man. The greasy-haired man was looking at him while chatting with a man wearing a purple turban that was facing way from Harry. The First Year stared back at Snape without fear and even pushed a bit of his own Magic back towards the man with Legilimency. A single feeling, not even truly a thought was conveyed in that brief exchange.

‘I’m aware of you.’

Snape kept his face carefully controlled, but inside he was startled. No First Year should be capable of what Potter’s brat had just done! He’d have to watch the boy carefully. There was no doubt in Snape’s mind that the man-child that was Sirius Black had turned James Potter’s brat into a spoiled, entitled, little monster. He’d quickly teach the boy that his fame had no place here in Hogwarts.

-End Chapter-

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Well now, Harry has met some folks, he’s been sorted. Was there ever really any doubt where he’d end up though? Hermione has gone to a House that fits her better too, isn’t that nice?

We see a bit more of Sirius-raised Harry’s traits too! Oh what fun will this Harry have at Hogwarts?

Also, yeah, you know what Snape, you do that! We’ll see you in a bit, okay big man?

What will Harry’s response be to his classes?

Keep reading to find out!

Until I get your reviews, later!