Chapter Text
Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts.
A/N - So here is the start of Book 3. Thank you so much for reading the first two. Humbled and proud that they currently have over 43000 hits and 650 kudos combined. This book has fewer chapters but they are mostly longer ones. 28 Chapters, still posting Monday, Thursday and Saturday. Hope to see this one eclipse the first two books, so tell your friends if you like what I'm writing. Thank you to all my readers.
01 Sept 1993 - London – King’s Cross Station
Harry and the Blacks made it to the station early. They had breakfast on the morning of the first at an eatery near Kings Cross. Harry had stowed his trunk early in the compartment that he claimed, putting a special ward on it that would only allow his friends to enter. Harry had spent a bit of time the night before going to a few different shops to pick up items that were now stored in a picnic basket under stasis charms hidden in the compartment as well.
Harry waited on the platform and greeted each of his friends and their parents. When Susan arrived, he gave her a birthday gift, which when she opened it, she found it to be an expensive set of earrings. The card listed a set of enchantments and protective charms on the jewelry that surprised her. Harry had a similar gift for Tracy.
After greetings, Harry did the chivalrous thing of taking their luggage to his compartment. He cast feather light charms on each of them and then made a show of heaving some people’s trunks, asking if they were packed with rocks instead of school things. When Hermione and her parents arrived he asked if she managed to fit the entirety of the London Library inside, she rolled her eyes but the affection they held were clear for anyone to see. Her mother noticed but did not react beyond a small smile, her father was slightly more guarded but still greeted Harry and his family warmly.
At five minutes to eleven, with all his friends on the train already, they watched as the Weasleys rushed onto the platform. Quick goodbyes were shared with their parents and soon the train was rolling forward. A short while into the trip, Harry excused himself to use the washroom. He was just coming out of the washroom when he bumped into Hannah.
“Miss Abbott, if you wished for a clandestine meeting, you could have just asked. Skulking around outside the men’s is below a lady of your station.” Harry said fondly, affecting a posh accent.
Hannah was chewing at the inside of her cheek, looking nervous. Harry sensing this, cut the banter and raised some privacy wards, not an easy task in an open hallway. “Hannah, is everything alright?”
Hannah sighed deeply. “Harry, you really don’t make this easy do you? You're a great guy, really you are.”
“Uh oh. Is this the ‘It’s not you it’s me’ speech to break up with me. If it is, you’re wrong. It really is me and not you. At least I think that’s how you do the UNO reverse card on that one.” Harry said with a smile.
Hannah having learned the mundane card game over the summer on the island attempted to suppress a chuckle while holding back tears.
“Harry damn it! You're too cute and charming. I must be stupid for doing this but I can’t. I can’t be one of many. I hope you understand.” Hannah rushed out, eyes brimming with tears as she turned to run.
“Hannah” Harry’s voice softened as he took her hands, stopping her from fleeing.
She looked up at him, then down at her shoes. When he paused, she looked into his eyes again. “Hannah, I, the last thing I ever wanted to do was hurt you or any of my friends. I still have no idea what I’m doing and I'm just trying to do my best. I know that it will take a lot of patience on the part of the women who choose me and that this type of life isn’t for everyone.
I wish I could have a more simple life. I am so sorry for how this has affected you. I hold no hard feelings and hope to still be your friend.” Harry said honestly, reaching up to swipe the tears with his thumbs as he cupped her cheeks.
Hannah rushed into his arms and hugged him. “I, I was so worried you’d hate me for breaking up with you. I don’t know why. You’ve always been so good, to all of us. The few times we got to have alone time, you made me feel like I was the most important person in the world to you. Friends?”
“Always and forever, and maybe even after that too. As there are no other Abbott’s here, can I be the overprotective big brother?” Harry affected a stern stance.
“Very scary Harry.” Hannah chuckled as she attempted to not cry any further. “Yes, I will always want you as my protector. But maybe…” She started blushing.
“Maybe what?” Harry asked, arching and eyebrow. “Maybe don’t get too shirty with Neville. He has learned from you, and I think I might like him. He’s like you but without the six other girlfriends, maybe just a bit less confident.” Hannah said.
“Longbottom eh? I guess you can do worse. I approve.” Harry started out sounding skeptical then contemplative before smiling.
They walked back to the compartment together. She quickly wrapped her arms around Harry and hugged him again for a few moments outside the compartment before going back inside. The others noticed a shift in the atmosphere but were too polite to ask.
The rest of the train ride had moved from mildly awkward at first after 'the break up' to gradually more comfortable. This was despite Harry's best efforts to break up the tension. Neville, having Hannah cuddling close to him felt like Harry was going to curse him for stealing his girlfriend.
He was a stuttering and nervous wreck like it was his first year at Hogwarts all over again. Harry nodded and smiled at Neville which eventually calmed his friend. Harry then pulled out the food he had stored and everyone enjoyed a nice picnic lunch.
The Hogwarts Express pulled into Hogsmeade Station and Harry helped by shrinking his friend's trunks. He shared a carriage up to the castle with Hermione, Luna, Tracy and Daphne. Neville escorted Susan and Hannah in a separate one.
Once at the castle, they all walked in together and separated to go to their house tables, Harry following Hannah and Susan. He received a few odd stares and Zacharias Smith finally voiced what others were thinking. "Potter, I know you like to travel amongst the tables with your various girlfriends, but the feast is to be with your house so leave."
"First, rude." Harry said, "Maybe you noticed I was a ‘Claw last year and a Lion the year before. Unless I conjure the table that should be here for 'Hogwarts' House, I will be a Badger this year. The high side is that it means you have a shot this year at the Quidditch Cup. Maybe the only shot during your years here so you should be thanking me. I don't care much for the House Cup though, so I'll be no help there."
"And if we refuse?" Ernie MacMillian asked pompously. "Ask Smith's boyfriend Michael Corner how that worked for the 'Claws last year. I believe Mr. Pissy Pants is in his NEWT year." Gerry over at the Ravenclaw table heard Harry and flinched remembering the night Harry claimed dominance in his house.
The sorting happened and the hat sang it’s new song, this year to the tune of ‘I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)’ by the Proclaimers, which got a lot of odd stares from the witches and wizards in the hall. Harry clapped loudly but he was one of the few who did. Once all the students had been sorted and the Headmaster rose, Harry noticed that there were several open spots at the Head Table which also seemed to be larger than before.
"Now is not the time to get between you and the feast prepared lovingly by the Hogwarts House Elves but I have some new staff to announce for the term.” The Headmaster began and Harry heard Ron groan at the Gryffindor table.
“Firstly, there will be a few new courses open as electives starting this year. We have the pleasure of welcoming Joelle Desplait to a newly appointed position of languages Professor. She will be teaching several world languages throughout the year." Harry's head snapped up.
It was Sirius's girlfriend, she was smiling slyly and looking at Harry. Light applause started in the hall, mostly by people that met her this summer at Potter Escape.
"Secondly, we have a new extracurriculars teacher to assist Madam Hooch. They will be taking the students that signup, for adventuring and survival treks. The treks will include the Forbidden Forest, Muggle London..."
"Mundane London." Harry loudly interrupted. Many heads turned to him. Dumbledore looked stunned momentarily before smiling and correcting himself. "Yes, mundane London, my apologies to our first generation witches and wizards in the Hall."
Many scoffs could be heard from the Slytherin table and one look at Snape made Harry think he was about to explode. Harry elected to tweak his nose a bit and winked at the dour Potions Master. "May I present, Melinda Sigmaloba who will be teaching survival techniques, wilderness tracking and some mundane integration.” More murmurs and polite applause.
“Next, I have the distinct honor to welcome Dowager Dorea Potter Nee Black, who will be attending one day a month for mandatory Wizarding culture classes for all mug - first generation witches and wizards. (Some smirks and sneers from mostly Slytherins again but also a few others.) Our new Defense Against the Dark Arts Instructor is Professor R J Lupin. Harry looked over at Snape who appeared to be livid and trying to not combust.
Lastly, it seems that over the summer, Professor Binns decided to move on to his next great adventure. Graciously taking over the position of History of Magic Professor is Sirius Black. Now let us tuck in."
Harry applauded loudly as the food arrived. Throughout the feast he was now practically vibrating in his seat. He ate with barely contained energy considering his options. Clearly, his family had pranked him, now most of them were either in the castle or would be regularly visiting.
He was so lost in his thoughts that he missed most of the conversation happening around him. He was pulled back in by Cedric asking Harry if he was joining their quidditch team. Harry said he intended to. He was then asked about what he did over the summer and was congratulated on becoming an International Dueling Champion over two age groups. When he was able to deflect the conversation and enjoy a treacle tart he was considering how to approach his godfather. He would need to speak to them, find out when this happened and possibly get revenge. He knew tonight was the full moon and Remus would need to leave the castle shortly with his girlfriend.
At the staff table Sirius bent his head to Remus, "Remi, Harry really does mix with his classmates well but I think I can see the gears of the pup working away. We should watch out for a few days. Bet you a Galleon he tries to prank us in the first week. You took your potion, correct?" Sirius asked.
"Double it and make it two days." Said Remus.
Remus and Melinda had taken their potions and would be leaving shortly after the feast for the Shrieking Shack. Remus was looking forward to being in the castle again with the other remaining Marauder. He was feeling a strong sense of nostalgia and was enjoying the Welcome Feast remembering how they managed their latest prank.
Flashback
While Harry was away at the Sanctuary.
Albus Dumbledore was in his office awaiting an appointment for an interview for the vacant DADA post again.
"It does seem this is a yearly tradition Fawkes, doesn't it old friend?" Albus mentioned merrily
Fawkes trilled a tune of hope. Remus Lupin was striding up to the castle with an entourage. Remus, Sirius, Dorea, Joelle and Melinda were all in attendance. They walked into the castle and Remus broke away to head to the Headmaster's office. Once there, he knocked and entered for his interview. "Please enter Remus, my boy…. Lemon Drop?"
Meanwhile, Minerva had greeted the other guests in the Great Hall. They spoke about their summers and Harry, when Sirius broke off, saying he needed to use the men's room. He walked out of the hall and headed directly for the History class. When he arrived, he didn't find who he was looking for there and went off in the direction of the staff room.
Arriving at the staff room, he checked to make sure that there were no other teachers inside before slipping inside to find Professor Binns resting in his favorite armchair. Ten minutes later, Sirius crept out of the staff room, a satisfied smirk on his face.
Fifty minutes after entering, Remus left the Headmaster's office, now the newest DADA instructor for Hogwarts. Albus Dumbledore was following the young werewolf down to the Great Hall thinking this move would hopefully ingratiate the Headmaster to Harry Potter. They had discussed the mandatory safety measures that he would need to take but Albus was confident they would be enough.
When the Headmaster reached the Great Hall he found Dorea Potter, Sirius Black and two female witches he had not been previously introduced to in the company of Minerva McGonagal. "Dorea, to what do I owe the pleasure? I’m so happy to hear that news of your death long ago was… incorrect. And hello as well to you Sirius." The aged Headmaster smiled to the group, eyes sparkling.
Dorea replied, "Albus, Arcturus sends his regards. He has, as you will doubtlessly read in this letter..." Dorea handed the Headmaster an envelope. "...made a donation to the school on behalf of the Potter and Black families. The donation is to provide a raise for all staff as well as pay for several new positions, all currently extracurricular in nature. There is a Language Studies professor position, one to which, conveniently, the lovely, Joelle here is highly qualified for." Joelle handed over her resume smiling.
"There are also galleons for a position for an extracurriculars post of Adventuring, Survival and Integration. A course for both being in nature as well as situations in the non-magical world, etiquette and the like.
A course guide has been borrowed from the Salem Academy in Massachusetts, Miss Melinda Sigmaloba would like to put in her resume for that position. I also wish to donate a day per month to help educate the non-magicals in our ways and customs particularly the meanings behind them." Dorea mentioned confidently.
Albus was surprised by all the new information coming at him. He was then given a further shock.
"Albus?" Are you sure all your professors are all accounted for and in good health?" Sirius asked seriously. "I only ask because I went to the loo a few minutes back and saw Binns drift off and disappear.”
Albus considered himself for a few moments and realized through his connection with the wards on the castle grounds that Sirius was right and Professor Binns was no longer in the castle.
"By happy coincidence, I too seem to have brought my resume." Sirius smiled mischievously. Albus Dumbledore wasn’t often surprised, but the moves clearly coordinated by the group today, left him floored. He didn’t think they understood the significance of the machinations they had worked on and their unwitting benefits to him.
Albus had just been handed the answer to both his Harry and DADA post problems at the same time as being handed additional staff, paid for privately and raises that would keep his existing staff happy. Severus would hate it, but he would have to do something to smooth this over with the dour man.
"You have all seemed to put a great deal of time and effort into this endeavor. As this does not cost the school anything and does not change anyone's school schedules in the short term, I will allow it on a provisional basis, subject to board approval of course.
Remus, as previously discussed, you and your friend will be forced to submit to being escorted to a safe location during the full moon and will have to promise to take doses of the Wolfsbane potion. I will have Severus begin to brew them for you and your companion."
Remus shouldn’t have been shocked but still was when Albus outed his girlfriend. "No need Headmaster, Harry already brews a better version than the one Snape makes."
This made the Headmaster raise an eyebrow. Harry can brew the Wolfsbane potion, what else can this boy do?
End Flashback
As Harry approached the staff table once the desserts had been cleared away, he noted Remus and Melinda leaving. "So Padfoot, when were you planning on telling me of your new job?"
"That's Professor Padfoot to you now, Sparky, and we just did. Surprise!" Sirius said with a big grin on his face.
“Oh, this isn’t over, you think that was a prank sir. Just remember, you haven’t beat me in a prank war yet.” Harry then sharply looked to Joelle who shuddered momentarily before resuming haughty and defiant look. “Declare neutral now and don’t aid the mutt, I might be convinced to not involve you in this prank war Joe.” Harry said to Joelle. She said nothing, yet looking blankly at the kid knowing what he was capable of noticing his lips moving.
Harry walked away smirking. It would be several more minutes before Sirius would attempt to get up and find himself stuck to his seat. Sirius reached for his wand to counter the sticking charm only to have it change in a puff of smoke into a rubber chicken. "Spar KEYOOONNN!" Sirius's mouth had elongated, and he was now braying like a donkey.
Those still in the Great Hall were beginning to laugh. "Harry James Potter!", the words rang out over the Great Hall but also activated a color change jinx and the new History Professor's robes had changed into a very fetching periwinkle blue dress to the delight and increasing laughter of the remaining students and even Snape could not hold his dour face seeing one of his worst childhood tormentors being taken down a peg, even if it was Potter that did it. A new banner dropped by the doors to the Great Hall just as Harry exited. New Marauder 1, Old Dogs 0. Joelle was left to wonder if it was too late to declare a truce with Harry.
Harry had stepped out of the hall, unshrunk and mounted his broom. He then used an invisibility spell to make himself and his broom disappear. He returned to the Hall quietly landing behind the Head Table. After several funny moments watching Professors McGonagall and Flitwick attempt to counter the spells, each with their own effects, ears, a tail, and a large marquee sign appearing behind Sirius with lit arrows, Harry who had snuck up behind Sirius, whispered in his ear. "Mischief Managed" upon which all the spells cancelled out and Harry was gone again in an invisible flame before Sirius could turn.
Harry caught up with Susan and Hannah who had just left the Great Hall laughing and talking about the prank as they were heading to the Hufflepuff common room. Harry suddenly made himself re-appear. He spoke with a few of the new firsties on the way down and watched with everyone else as they were shown the way into the Hufflepuff common room.
This was Harry’s first time in the Hufflepuff dorms. He found the common room to be as inviting as the Gryffindor one, without the blaring red and gold on everything. The Hufflepuff common room had several cheery fires crackling away in their large hearths. The couches all matched and looked soft and inviting.
The room had a definite earthy air to it, the balconies had leaf shaped guards and the handrails looked like the wood was vine shaped. The walls were in taupe and blended into other earthy colors. They had an area with boxes of board games and tables to play them on, another area was clearly set up for collaborative homework in a quiet corner.
The next day being Thursday and a day of classes, Harry waited to be directed to the male dorms and walked off to claim a bed once shown his room. He unpacked quickly and efficiently then returned with several small cubes to the common room which he enlarged. The first cube was a box with many buttons on it and two dials. The second was a medium sized organization type box with what non-magicals in the house recognized as records, tapes and CD's.
"Harry, is that a stereo system? But electronics don't work with magic. Everyone knows that." Justin Finch-Fletchly had said aloud importantly, as though he was speaking to a particularly slow child.
Harry rolled his eyes, ignoring Justin and several questions from others. He enlarged another item from the third box and plugged the stereo system up to the strange box. Once the stereo was set up he asked the firsties who had returned to the room to step up. When they did, Harry put on a glove and handed the youngsters a copy of the Marauder's map he had made but without any special functions unlocked.
"This is a map of the school. Write on it and it will learn to track you. Ask it for help finding a class and it will provide you a route." Many of the upper years crowded around. "None for us Harry?" A few older students could be seen nodding.
"No, newbies only. They need a map to find their way. You should know it by now. It’s also got snitch like memory, now that the firsties have touched them, it knows their magical signature. If you steal it, I’ll know, it won’t work for you and it will fly back to them anyways. Susan if you would please…"
Harry nodded to the map in the hands of the last first year, a young blonde boy. Susan looked at the kid, nodded and took the map from him, it folded itself into a face, blew a raspberry at Susan and flapped to Harry saying who had taken the map, before flapping back to the first year, they all laughed at the magic.
"That’s a cool bit of magic. Does this show the secret passageways?" Gerald the first year with his newly returned map asked. “I heard there were a bunch of secret passageways in the castle.”
"Not on this map, they are for you to find on your own. I found it was part of the fun in my first year." Harry replied.
"Ok, everyone." Harry turned back to the group, "What we have here is a stereo system. Sort of like the wizarding wireless but better. I will show everyone how it works. I will also keep this down in the common room provided everyone can respect each other's needs to study and it doesn't become a problem or source of fighting." Harry said.
He then proceeded to provide a tutorial on how to use the stereo as most of Hufflepuff house gathered around and Harry put on a couple of different albums. He played a few tracks from a Van Halen album, a few tracks from AC/DC Back in Black and then Aerosmith's Greatest Hits.
For a genre change he put on some Classical, playing Midnight Sonata from Beethoven and Debussy's "Clair de Lune" Harry showed his new dorm mates the difference between vinyl and CD's. When asked about the cassette portions of the stereo system. "I only have a few cassettes and a bunch of blanks which can be used to make "Mixed tapes" if there are particular songs you like from different people or records.
"Harry, how did you do this? Make electricity or electrical devices work here with magic?" Wayne Hopkins, a first-generation wizard in his year, asked.
"Who said electronics can't work with magic. Cedric, your father works at the ministry, right? The ministry is in London under the city. Diagon Alley is in London behind a pub. With all the magic going on in those two places, you'd think that we'd be frying electronics nearby in London. That would trigger, a Statute of Secrecy issue. I just figured out how to fix the problem."
Harry didn’t explain further. “Well, it’s been a long day. I think I’ll turn in. Good night everyone.”