Chapter Five: New Friends, Sorting and the First Day

Emerald Blade Book One: The New Trainees

Disclaimer: Harry Potter and co. don't belong to me. Assassin's Creed and co. don't belong to me. I'm just taking some credit for the plot and original characters. Fire Lizards belong to the talented Anne McCaffrey. In no way, shape or form am I making money from this.

Beta(s): Inuyasha-loves-Hanyou-Kagome, CrazyJanaCat

Edited On: 12/9/17

Main Story Warnings: A.U.-severe-, characters are OOC, canon is only a minor guideline, crossover, swearing, violence, gore, character death, Light Grey!Harry, Assassin!Harry, modern technology, OC's abound, Ron!Molly!Ginny!Bashing, Dumbledore!Bashing

Pairings: James/Lily, Sirius/Kano, Remus/Emma, Harry/Luna, Neville/Hermione, Dean/Millicent

Author's Note: Wow…I can't believe how much this story has taken off! I can honestly say that I had some…hesitations in choosing Assassins Creed in this challenge but it's worked out for the best so far! I do have a lot of plans and ideas for this series so far and perhaps a few one shots featuring their lives in the future when they're all adults and married off. I did realize a mistake I made in the previous chapter. I made Sam out to be younger than he is. Dean and Megan are a year apart, when Sasha being a year behind Megan, Jessica a year behind Sasha and Sam a year younger than her. As such, Sam is six going on seven in this 'year'. Apologies everyone! Now, Hermione and the others who I have in mind to become Assassins won't be 'discovered' until mid to late in the year. Some will be 'discovered' before Christmas while others towards the end of the year. Now, I do love knowing what you all think and thanks again for all the lovely reviews!

Extra Note: The rant Harry has directed to Draco is based off of a very similar rant in Angry Harry and the Seven which is written by the very talented Sinyk. I have simply modified it to my needs. All credit goes to him.

Challenge: DZ2's Way of the Warrior challenge. For more information look to the first chapter or DZ2's forums.

[Parseltongue]

[Telepathic Speech]

Emphasis on words/Spells

Text

Chapter Five: New Friends, Sorting and the First Day

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An hour into the train ride, Harry, Neville and Dean were having fun playing hangman with Dean's set. The little skeleton stood near the collapsible gallows and whenever a letter was wrong, he would pull off a part of his body and attach it to the rope on the gallows until he had his whole entire body hanging. Yes, it was a little morbid but the skeleton man actually did a little jig whenever a letter was correct and many children and families had loved the product. Neville frowned as he looked at the letters on the sheet of parchment in front of all of them. The hangman's head, torso and right arm were already hanging on the gallows and only five letters have been found out of the sentence, which wasn't a very good start if you asked him. Looking at the hangman, he looked back down at the sheet.

"Um…'I'?" Neville asked, his eyes widening as the rest of the hangman's body did a jig while the enchanted parchment filled in the letters.

"Good one, Nev!" Harry crowed, grinning as the blonde flushed and grinned at his new nickname.

All of them turned towards the door to their compartment when someone knocked. Dean, sitting closest to the door, stood and slid it open. He blinked and smiled when he saw Tonks standing there, already dressed in her uniform with her Head Girl's badge pinned to her chest. Tonks smiled at Dean, her hair a bright bubblegum pink as she'd taken to having it since her Fourth Year. Harry grinned at his cousin, watching as she stepped inside.

"Wotcher, 'Ry, De." She said, grinning at the two boys before looking at Neville.

"Tonks, this is Neville Longbottom. Nev, this is my cousin Nymphadora Tonks." Harry said, watching as Neville bowed towards the older teen.

"Watch yourself, Harry." Tonks growled, though she smiled kindly at Neville when he looked at her with wide eyes.

"I prefer to go by Tonks or Nymph if you must. Don't know what my mum and dad were thinking when they named me." She muttered, making Neville smile and fight back a chuckle.

"Anyway, I was just checking up on you lot. Don't let them convince you to get into too much trouble, Mister Longbottom. I may let some things slide as Head Girl but I can't always turn a blind eye." Tonks said, winking at the flushed blonde.

"I-I won't, and call me Neville." He said, Tonks nodding her head in acknowledgement.

"Whelp, I'm gonna continue on my patrol. Behave and the snack trolley will be by in an hour." She said, heading out of the compartment as the boys said their goodbyes.

Dean closed the door and they returned to their game. However, they nearly had the entire game finished when another knock came at the door. Harry got up this time and pulled the door open, blinking when he saw a girl with rather frizzy brown hair and cinnamon brown eyes. Harry was instantly alarmed when he saw evidence that the girl had recently been crying.

"May I sit with you?" She asked, her voice soft as Harry blinked and looked at her.

"Sure. C'mon in." He said, stepping aside and watching as she dragged her trunk behind her.

"Dean, give me a hand." He said, making his friend blink and stand.

"O-Oh! You don't have to-"

"Nonsense. This is too heavy for you to lift on your own." Harry said, Dean walking over and helping him to lift the trunk onto the rack above the seats.

"Thank you." The girls said, smiling shyly at the trio.

"I'm Harry Potter-Othello; Heir of the Most Ancient and Noble Houses of Potter and Othello." Harry said, bowing slightly towards the brunette.

"Dean Thomas-Woods; Heir of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Woods." Dean said, bowing as well as the girl looked at them with wide eyes.

"Neville Longbottom; Heir of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Longbottom." Neville said, smiling shyly as he bowed as well.

"Oh wow! I've read about the House system in my books for Wizarding Customs!" The girl gushed, her eyes bright as the boys smiled and chuckled.

"And what's your name, Miss?" Neville asked, watching as the girl blushed and smiled sheepishly at them.

"Oh! Sorry. I'm Hermione Granger. I'm the first one of my family to come to Hogwarts." Hermione said, curtsying lightly.

"It's nice to meet you Miss Granger. Call me Harry." Harry said, smiling as Dean and Neville quickly told the brunette to call them by their first names.

Hermione blushed and quickly asked them to call her by her first name, to which they nodded and smiled. When she saw the small hangman, her eyes widened in surprise, to which Harry happily told her about the game and how they were getting along already. She looked intently at the letters already chosen and those that had been crossed out. All three boys could see the exact moment when she figured it out due to the brightening of her eyes and on how she nearly vibrated in her seat.

"Did you figure it out, Hermione?" Dean asked, grinning as she blinked and looked at him.

"Of course!" She said, watching as the trio chuckled which made her blush.

"What's the answer? I've been stumped for a while." Neville said, glaring at Dean who just smirked at him.

"Almost anything is possible with magic." Hermione said, her eyes widening in surprise and delight as the little skeleton did a jig as he pulled himself off of the gallows.

"Brilliant!" Dean said, grinning as Hermione blushed but smiled proudly.

"Hermione, if you don't mind me asking, what had you so upset? You looked as if you had been crying." Harry said, his voice soft as Hermione blinked and looked down at her hands in her lap.

"I…I was in an empty compartment earlier. You see, my parents had gotten me here early and I had found a compartment to wait in. When people started arriving I didn't think much of it until a few older girls walked into my compartment. I introduced myself but they…they just sneered and began insulting me. They called me a…a Mudblood." Hermione said, her voice soft as she refused to look at the three boys.

Harry, Dean and Neville looked enraged at learning this and Neville walked over to Hermione and sat down next to her. Hermione jumped slightly when she felt someone wrap an arm around her shoulders. Looking up, her eyes widened when she saw the angered looks on Harry and Dean's faces; heck, even Neville looked angry!

"Do you know the names of the girls?" Dean asked, his anger simmering just below the surface.

"U-Um, no I didn't. But they had green trim on their robes." Hermione said, frowning as the boys nodded lightly.

"Typical Slytherins. You'd think that kind of attitude wouldn't be around anymore." Harry muttered, glaring darkly towards the compartment door.

"Or they'd have more class than that." Dean huffed, Neville nodding as Hermione blinked.

"I-I knew that what they said was something bad, but I didn't understand it." Hermione said, watching as the three boys looked at each other.

"M-Mudblood is a horrible name for Muggleborns. It means dirty blood and many Purebloods call Muggleborns this because they believe that Muggleborns are beneath them." Harry spat, anger in his voice as Hermione's eyes widened.

"Why would they-"

"Because they knew that you're a Muggleborn and instantly thought less of you. Don't worry though, none of us feel that way." Dean said, watching as Hermione frowned lightly but nodded.

"That's a barbaric way of thinking. Don't they know that ability matters more than blood?" Hermione asked, making the boys smile.

"We know that. However many people are still clinging to the old way of thinking. Before Minister Matthews was elected and all of the reforms and new laws took place, Purebloods and some Halfbloods held all the power here in our society. Minister Matthews has ensured that our world has all the right people in the correct positions. Our society has been improving but some people refuse to change." Neville explained, watching as Hermione nodded in understanding.

"Of course there are old families like the Longbottoms, Potters, Greengrasses, Bones' and Othellos who never believed in that crap in the first place." Harry said, smiling as Dean and Neville nodded.

Hermione smiled at them and they soon got back to their game. Hermione watched them and offered hints after she discovered the answer, which normally wasn't too long after the first few letters were in place. When she noticed Mira Hermione was shocked and slightly worried about the small dragon-like creature. Harry, however, was quick to reassure her that Mira was perfectly safe so long as no one tried to hurt him or her. Hermione was more than interested in learning about the Fire Lizard and was absolutely amazed when Mira camouflaged herself. Her eyes lit up when Harry handed her a book on Fire Lizards and the girl spent the next hour eagerly reading the slim volume. When the snack trolley came around, Harry, Dean and Neville all bought something from the cart, though Hermione hesitated at first. Eventually the three boys pooled their money together and got Hermione one of everything, making her sputter and blush and try to get them to put some of the sweets back.

Settling back in their compartment Neville happily unwrapped a Cauldron Cake and ate the 'foam' first before eating the actual 'cauldron' part. Harry and Dean opened their Chocolate Frogs and Hermione squealed when the chocolate amphibians hopped out of their boxes and attempted to make a get-away. The boys simply snatched them up and, after inspecting them, bit into the sweets, causing the amphibians to go limp. Neville chuckled when he saw the horrified look on Hermione's face.

"Don't worry, it's an enchantment. They're also spelled to be completely sanitary even if they get away and hop around the floor." He said, Hermione nodding as she shook herself out of her thoughts.

Hermione tried a Pumpkin Pastry, which she loved, before trying her own Chocolate Frog. She managed to catch the enchanted sweet before it could land on the floor and hurriedly bit its head off, mentally wincing as it went limp in her hand. Humming contently at the taste, she glanced down at the package and her eyes widened when she saw a kind of a trading card inside. Using her free hand, she pulled out the card and looked it over, taking in the moving picture of a dark skinned man holding a small telescope with a background showing the night sky.

"Woah! That's Claudius Ptolemy! His card is rather rare." Dean exclaimed, making Hermione look at him and Harry with surprise.

"Really?" She asked, blinking when the two boys nodded.

"He's a famous Egyptian Astronomer, Geographer, Mathematician and Writer." Harry said, smiling as Hermione looked at the card with interest.

"So, these are collectible?" She asked, making Neville chuckle.

"Yeah. It's common to trade certain cards for other ones. If you keep that card you might have a few people asking to trade. Another rare card is Cornelius Agrippa besides Merlin and Morgana's cards." Neville said, watching as Harry and Dean looked at their cards.

"Another Dumbledore card. I have about…seven of him." Dean said, sighing as Harry hummed lightly as he chewed on the back right leg of his sweet.

"I have Godric Gryffindor again." Harry added, making Hermione perk up and look at him.

"Really!?" She asked, her eyes wide as Harry nodded and handed her the card.

Hermione looked down at the picture of a rather regal looking man with deep reddish brown hair and warm brown eyes. He was dressed in a gold and crimson robe and there was a Griffin in the background. The man smiled at her and waved, making Hermione blink in surprise before she smiled and handed the card back to Harry. As the group continued to devour their sweets, they talked about what they liked to do in their spare time and what House they hoped to be sorted into. Hermione, Harry and Dean were quick to reassure Neville that he'd likely make it into Gryffindor if he put his mind to it. Hermione admitted that she'd likely be sorted into Ravenclaw since she loved learning so much while Harry and Dean explained that they'd likely be sorted into Gryffindor. It was Dean who explained that they were allowed to sit at different House tables during meals so long as it wasn't a feast. Hermione and Neville relaxed upon hearing that; glad that they'd still be able to eat and hang out together even if they got into different Houses.

Conversation shifted to their families, in which Neville was fascinated in learning that Hermione's parents were dentists. He was slightly confused as to why they only worked on mouths, but Hermione was rather understanding and took her time explain her parents occupation so the boy would understand. Hermione was rather interested in Neville's grandmother and the fact that she was part of the advisory board for the school. Neville told her about what the board used to be and how things had improved thanks to the new laws and regulations that the Minister had implemented. Harry simply explained that both his parents worked from home though his dad was very involved in politics while his mum mostly worked with the various charities and the orphanage. Dean explained that his mum was a nurse which left him to take care of his siblings for the most part but now they had neighbors who were willing to watch his sisters and brother now that he was heading to school and his mum was still working long hours.

Hermione was rather surprised on how different Harry was from the supposed 'facts' in the books that mention him. Yes, every book that had mentioned him had a warning stating that it was mostly speculation and she could see why. One of the books she had found said that Harry looked like an exact copy of his dad: James Potter, with messy black hair and glasses. However the Harry in front of her was the complete opposite. There were no glasses and his hair was shoulder length with streaks of dark blonde. Yes his eyes were a stunningly bright shade of emerald but there was also a very faint ring of ice blue around the pupils. Not only that, but Harry was rather tan and was surprisingly well built for a boy his age; Dean as well. It made her wonder if the two of them worked out or had been involved in some kind of sport. From what they had told her both of them had gone to a Muggle primary school so it wasn't too hard to imagine them playing in their school's football team or even a youth league like she had done.

-Hopefully I can learn more about them.-She thought, smiling as Dean pulled out a deck of Exploding Snap cards.

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Halfway through their journey to Hogwarts, Hermione got to see another side of Harry and Dean. It happened when the door to their compartment was opened; rather rudely if you asked her. A boy stood in the doorway with slicked back bright blonde hair and stormy silver/grey eyes. His entire posture screamed: I am better than you, and on either side of him stood two brutes that looked like they belonged in a higher year than their unmarked school uniforms proclaimed. The boy looked around, sneering when he saw Neville and Hermione before his eyes finally fell on Harry and seemed to light up.

"I had heard you were on the train. You must be Harry Potter. I'm Draco, Draco Malfoy." He said, blinking when Neville and Dean snorted softly.

"I can see you've already found the dredges of our society: a Squib and a Mudblood. You should know that some Wizarding families are better than others, Potter. You don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there." Draco said, sneering at Dean and Neville before focusing on Harry and holding his hand out to the other boy.

Neville seemed to shrink back at the insult while Dean and Hermione bristled with anger over the word Mudblood. Harry, however, glanced sharply at Dean who instantly calmed down. Harry looked at Draco before glancing at the blonde's hand as he stood. Draco seemed to draw back when he saw that Harry was taller than him by at least three inches.

"A Malfoy, you say? I vaguely remember learning about the Malfoys during my history lesson with my godfather and father. A Minor House, of course. I believe my godfather had told me that your great-grandfather had actually bought his Lordship somehow. It's a wonder how the House of Malfoy still has it considering its current Lord is in Azkaban." Harry drawled, looking aloof as Draco's cheeks reddened with anger and shame.

"I believe they're somewhat wealthy Harry. Also, didn't your godfather say that Lady Malfoy was a cousin?" Dean asked, fighting back his smirk as Harry nodded.

"Of course, of course. Though she wasn't a main heiress and my godfather, Lord Black blasted her off the family tree for wedding a Death Eater. Of course, he could've dissolved their marriage but since she never had the Dark Mark he allowed the marriage to remain. Anyway, I guess I could overlook your blunder; after all, your mother has only had so long to teach you respect after your father was imprisoned.

"You see, Heir Malfoy, I am Harry James Potter-Othello: Head of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter and Heir Apparent of the Most Ancient and House of Othello. Not only that, but I am also Heir Presumptive of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black. I have no need of your…assistance in finding the 'right' sort of people to surround myself with. Mister Dean Thomas-Woods, Head of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Woods is a good childhood friend of mine. Mister Neville Longbottom is the Heir Apparent of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Longbottom. I am also close friends with Miss Susan Bones: Heiress Apparent of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Bones and Miss Hannah Abbott; Heiress of the Ancient and Noble House of Abbott. All of them outrank you when it comes status in our world." Harry drawled, looking down at Draco as the blonde trembled in rage.

"Now, I do believe you owe Heir Longbottom and Lord Thomas-Woods an apology for your…crass remarks." He said, narrowing his eyes dangerously at the blonde.

Hermione watched as Malfoy glared murderously up at Harry; his hands balled into fists as slight tremors shook his form. She swore that the blonde was going to attempt to strike Harry, but instead Draco seemed to swallow his pride 'man up' so to say.

"I apologize, Heir Longbottom, Lord Thomas-Woods, for my rude and…disgusting remarks. I retract them unreservedly." He grit out, his left eye twitching slightly.

Dean and Neville looked at each other; amusement in Dean's eyes while Neville looked surprised and awestruck that someone had stepped up and defended him. Both boys nodded lightly before looking back at Malfoy.

"Apology accepted. Since you apologized for your…error, I won't send word of my regent about what happened here." Dean said, watching as Malfoy paled drastically.

"Same. My grandmother: Dowager Madame Longbottom, would've been most…displeased had you not apologized." Neville added, making Draco pale even more until it looked as if the boy would faint.

Draco nodded and spun on his heel, stalking away with the two brutish boys following behind him. Harry closed the compartment door and returned to his seat, grinning when Dean started chuckling while Neville shook his head and looked at the black haired boy in wonder and gratefulness. Hermione had to blink a few times as her mind went over the entire interaction between Harry and Malfoy. From what she'd already read about her in her two Wizarding Customs books, Harry, Dean and Neville were very influential in their world. Not only that, but Draco was on one of the lower rungs in the House system given he was from a Minor House. However, the entire statement about Dean's and Neville's guardians and proxy confused her.

"Um…I didn't understand that last part…" She said, her voice soft as the boys looked at her.

"Which part?" Neville asked, watching as Hermione shifted.

"When Dean mentioned that he doesn't need to send word to his…regent about what happened and what you had said about your grandmother." Hermione explained, the boys smiling and nodding in understanding.

"Currently, because I'm still a minor, I cannot take charge of the matter of my House. Harry's godfather, Lord Sirius Black, is acting as my regent at this moment though he confers with my mother on all matters, especially when it comes to businesses to invest in and what to do with those families that owe debts to my House. If Malfoy hadn't apologized and I sent word of what happened, Lord Black could've called Lady Malfoy out in an honor duel. She could've been heavily fined or injured as a result of her son's stupidity" Dean explained, watching as Hermione's eyes widened in horror.

"Dean's right. My grandmother is acting as proxy as well. She, like Lord Black, could've demanded satisfaction for Malfoy's…remarks. She's always been…against the Malfoy family. The Longbottom's have an old feud with the family that dates back a couple years. My great-grandfather attempted to patch that feud by way of a betrothal between my grandmother and Abraxas Malfoy. However, he shamed her by 'playing the field' so to say. He actually got another woman pregnant days before their engagement party. Their parents were forced to end the betrothal because of it and Abraxas married the woman he had gotten pregnant. Abraxas' parents were just glad that their son had knocked up a Pureblood. My grandmother was shamed but she eventually found my grandfather and they married.

"However, the current Lord and Lady Malfoy have openly insulted my family many times over. Lord and Lady Malfoy had tried to convince my parents and grandmother to agree to a betrothal contract before Draco and I were born. My parents and grandmother took great pleasure in refusing it which was basically a political slap in the face." Neville explained, Hermione listening intently with some horror on her face.

"How could they betroth their unborn children to someone else?! I-It's-"

"Hermione, calm down. You have to think. Betrothal contracts were and still are in use. It's a way to solidify alliances between Houses, to ensure bloodlines continue and to strengthen bloodlines as well. I know there had been a betrothal between my great-great-grandfather and Neville's great-great-grandmother and they had two children out of the union, one being my great-grandfather Charlus Potter and his sister Elizabeth Potter." Harry explained, making the brunette frown.

"I do know that Malfoy is betrothed to Miss Pansy Parkinson; Heiress Apparent to the Elder House of Parkinson. They have been since before they were born. Also, when I find someone who I am intent on marrying, I'll likely enter a betrothal with them." Neville said, making Hermione's eyes widen.

"The contracts will mostly have clauses which state that the firstborn child of the union will become the head of the husband's family; should he be from an entitled House such as Harry's, mine or Neville's. The second born child will become the head of the wife's family if she's from an entitled House. Many contracts state that the pair are to have their first child a year or two after they are married, though some allow more leeway. It's also to protect the interests of both Houses so the husband doesn't simply 'absorb' the stocks, fortune, heirlooms and properties of his wife's House into his House which will 'end' the second House; especially if the wife is the only child from that second House." Dean explained, watching as Hermione slowly nodded as she began to understand.

"It's just another difference, Hermione. You'll learn more about it in Wizarding Customs." Harry said, smiling gently at the girl.

"Thank you for explaining it to me. It still seems…barbaric, but I think I'm beginning to understand the need for them." Hermione said, the boys nodding happily.

"Enough politics! We still have quite some way before we reach Hogwarts." Dean said.

"How about we play truth or dare? But we can spice things up with Bertie Bott's Every-Flavor Beans. Every time we pass on a truth or a dare we have to eat two random beans." Harry suggested, grinning at Dean's smirk, Neville's worried look and the look of interest on Hermione's face.

All of them agreed to the game, though Neville was hesitant to agree at the beginning. Hermione came up the idea of using an empty Pumpkin Juice bottle to determine who was to go first, to which the boys agreed since it would make things fair. Spinning the bottle, Neville was surprised when it landed on him. He shyly asked Hermione 'truth or dare' to which she picked truth. They learned that Hermione had a fear of flying, which often made visiting her relatives who lived in other countries slightly difficult. Harry was dared to speak in riddles for four minutes which was hilarious while Dean was the first one to eat two beans when he passed up the dare of running down the car of the train yelling that he was a pretty princess. All of them were laughing at Dean's face when he ended up eating ear wax and grass. Needless to say he was very grateful for the bottle of Pumpkin Juice that Hermione had saved.

The game continued for most of the remainder of the ride to Hogwarts. Tonks had passed by the group's compartment and paused when she heard shrieks of laughter coming from within. Raising an eyebrow, she edged open the door and blinked at the sight of Harry wearing makeup while Neville had a red lipstick kiss on his cheek. She was able to figure out what was happening when Neville spun the glass bottle on the floor between them and issued Dean the challenge of truth or dare. Shaking her head, Tonks chuckled as she closed the door and continued on her patrol. She was glad that Harry and Dean were making friends already. There was always the worry about Assassins being able to make friends outside of the Brotherhood. However, Harry and Dean had already managed to do that in primary school and Tonks knew that their parents would be happy to hear that they had made friends already even though they hadn't made it to the school yet.

By the time the sky darkened, Harry, Dean, Hermione and Neville had managed to eat more than half the box of Bertie's Beans. They decided to end the game, though promised to pick it up at a later time. Harry explained that it was a good idea to save room for the feast since it featured five courses, which made Hermione's eyes widen while Dean groaned and hung his head. He instantly regretted having so many sweets, to which Hermione said 'I told you so' since she had been the one to warn him to slow down as he had also eaten a Sugar Quill and two more Chocolate Frogs during their game. Gathering up their trash, they tossed everything away in the small bin near the door and Harry and Neville got Hermione's trunk down so she could change. She blushed and thanked them as they made their way out of the compartment to give her privacy. When she finished changing, Hermione opened the compartment door and stepped outside while the boys went inside to change as well.

Harry and Dean helped Neville get his trunk down before they all changed into their uniforms. After putting their trunks up, they called Hermione back into the compartment and spent the remainder of their time just talking and relaxing. Hermione admitted that she was nervous; especially since this would be the first time she'd be away from her parents for such a long time. Harry, Dean and Neville explained that it was the same with them, though, unlike her, they've known that this was coming for years now.

"It'll seem like time has flown by, Hermione. We have Christmas break and then Easter break where we can go home." Harry said, smiling as the girl relaxed and smiled back.

"Besides, you can always write letters to your parents and we have cameras in case you want to send them some pictures." Dean offered, watching as the girl blinked before tilting her head thoughtfully.

"I-I never thought of that, actually. My parents would love the chance to see my school." She said, watching as Dean dug through his bag before handing her a sleek black and gold camera.

"Here, you can have mine. It works just like a Muggle camera though you have to send the film to Lucy's Photography Shop in Diagon Alley to have it developed for a small fee." Dean said, watching as Hermione protested.

"I can't just take your camera, Dean." She said, frowning as the dark skinned boy smiled.

"It's alright, 'Mione. I have another one and I can always owl order another in case mine breaks. I have a catalog if you'd like to see the different cameras that are for sale." Dean offered, making the girl blink before she nodded and smiled.

"Alright. Thank you, Dean." She said, her voice soft.

"No problem."

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Hogsmeade station had, at one point, been a small and rather simple platform that could barely handle the arrival and departure of all the students that attend Hogwarts. However, since the end of the war and especially since Minister Matthews was elected, the small village had expanded and stretched its boarders and things had greatly improved. One of the first things that had happened was Gringotts had been permitted to build a smaller bank in the village which had drawn more people to the village and encouraged them to settle down. The residents of Hogsmeade had decided that it was high time to create a full station for the students of Hogwarts instead of the tiny platform that had been there for years. Now, the platform was long enough to stretch the full length of the train on both sides with a bridge that went above the train that connected the two sides. The station was well lit and had various stairs so there was less confusion and congestion around a few staircases. Also, it was agreed by everyone that trunks and familiars should be left on the train to avoid cluttering and potential accidents caused by students tripping over said trunks.

Many residents looked out their windows and even stopped on the sidewalks as the Hogwarts Expressed pulled into the station. The children eagerly pulled their parents/guardians closer as the doors of the train opened and students steadily began stepped off and onto the platform. Many students began heading towards the row of horseless carriages waiting for them nearby while First Years were called towards another end of the station by the booming voice of Rebus Hagrid. Hermione stuck close to Dean, Harry and Neville; grateful that Harry and Dean were taller than her and had firmly placed her between them in order to prevent her from being knocked around by the press of bodies. Neville walked on the other side of Harry since he wasn't much shorter than the black haired boy. Many students stared at Harry in shock as Mira had refused to wait in their compartment for the House Elves to come and collect her. Of course Ricki hadn't been too happy in being put back into his carrier but Dean appeased him by way of treats.

The First Years nervously shifted and looked around as they gathered in the lamp light of Hagrid's large lantern. Hermione was rather surprised on Hagrid's large size and height and she was even more surprised when Harry quietly explained that the man is half-giant. Harry also explained that Hagrid was a gentle soul who served as the grounds keeper for the school. Looking up at Hagrid, Hermione felt herself relaxing when she saw the kindness in Hagrid's beetle black eyes. Hagrid waited another minute before leading the rather large group of new students down a well-lit stone path that seemed to lead away from the main road leading up to the school. A few students muttered about this and wondered where they were being taken but they quickly fell silent when they saw the lake and a rather impressive fleet of boats at a dock.

"No more than four to a boat!" Hagrid called, walking down one of the docks where he got into a larger boat by himself.

Dean led the group to one of the first boats and stepped down into it. Turning, he held his hand out and helped Hermione get in and seated. Neville nearly slid as he tried stepping down into the boat, but Harry and Dean managed to steady him which made the boy blush but thank them. Harry got in last, though only after he made sure the boat behind them, which was being used by a group of four girls, had settled without any incident. Hagrid waited until everyone had settled in the boats before facing forward and calling for the boats to begin their journey across the lake. Admittedly, it was rather eerie as the fleet silently crossed the lake; the water reflecting the star lit sky and revealing nothing that might lie below the water. Mira shifted on Harry's shoulders before she launched into the air. Harry kept a close eye on his familiar as she flew around their boat and dipped one of her wing tips into the water. She settled back on Harry's shoulders after she circled their boat a few times, making the boy shake his head fondly.

Everyone gasped when they finally caught sight of Hogwarts. Sitting atop a cliff, the castle glimmered in the night as the hundreds of windows were lit up. Hermione, Dean and Harry hurriedly pulled out their cameras and quickly snapped a few pictures of the stunning sight. All of them ducked underneath a curtain of ivy which hung off of the inlet they were heading into. Underneath the cliff, they arrived at another set of docks and the boats came to a stop. Harry and Dean stepped out first and helped Hermione and Neville out of the boat before they went around and helped others who were struggling. Only when everyone was safely out of the boats and on the docks did Hagrid begin leading them up a stone path that was built into the cliff. They soon reached massive, double wooden doors which had black knockers the size of a child's head. Hagrid smartly wrapped on the doors and stood back; causing the students to shift and whisper nervously to each other. After a minute one of the doors opened, revealing a stern looking woman with greying black hair which was held up in a tight bun, sharp dark green eyes and dressed in a deep green robe with a matching witch's hat.

"All 'ere, McGonagall." Hagrid said, the woman glancing over the group before she nodded curtly.

"Very well, thank you, Hagrid. Go ahead and join the others." She said, causing Hagrid to nod and wave to the group of First Years before he walked inside.

"Follow me, quickly now." The woman ordered, stepping back inside as the group looked at her.

Everyone hurriedly followed the woman inside and their eyes widened as they were led into the castle. The main hall was…well massive in size. Suits of armor lined the walls at odd intervals and moving portraits hung on the walls. All of the portraits smiled and waved at the new students, making some smile and wave back while others looked on in wonder. They were led past massive double doors, one of which was slightly cracked open and allowed the noise of hundreds of students to filter out to the main hall. Hermione swallowed nervously when she caught sight of a sea of older students sitting at two tables inside. They were led down a small hallway and into an ante-chamber. There, the woman turned and looked at them once the door was closed.

"Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. My name is Professor McGonagall. I am the Deputy Headmistress of this school, the Head of Gryffindor House and the Transfiguration Professor. 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. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your House points, while any rule-breaking will lose 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 you are sorted into." She explained, her sharp eyes sweeping over them as they listened intently.

"The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. I suggest you all smarten yourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting. I will return when we are ready for you." She finished, her eyes lingering over a few students who had crumbs or even smudges on their faces.

As soon as Professor McGonagall walked through another door and it closed behind her, the students split into groups and began talking nervously amongst themselves. Harry and Dean found themselves busy trying to keep Hermione and Neville calm as the pair was slowly getting worked up about the sorting. It certainly didn't help when Ronald Weasley began stating, rather loudly, that his brothers had told him that they had to fight a Troll. Of course those who knew about what the actual sorting entailed didn't fall for that statement, but the Muggleborns and Muggle-raised were becoming increasingly worried and looked on the verge of tears.

"Honestly, Mister Weasley, use your brain." Harry snapped, making the entire room fall silent and focus on him.

"We're First Years, Weasley; we haven't even begun our magical schooling and training. The Professors and Headmaster of this school are not cruel and would never make eleven year-old children go against a class four dangerous being. Our sorting entails us simply having to don the Sorting Hat which will then scan our minds and determine which House we're best suited to on our personalities. There is no pain and certainly no battling. I dare say your brothers were trying to make you panic. I sincerely doubt that your parents would allow you or any of your siblings attend Hogwarts if such a dangerous task was needed to be performed." Harry drawled, watching as Ronald's face turned bright red in anger and embarrassment.

Many of those who had been on the verge of panicking gave Harry grateful and relieved looks before he turned and focused on his friends. The chatter continued until there were shrieks from many of the girls. Turning, Harry and his friends watched as a group of ghosts floated through the wall near the ceiling. One of the ghosts 'drifted' down and welcomed them warmly before introducing himself as the 'Fat Friar', the House Ghost of Hufflepuff. After he introduced himself, Professor McGonagall returned and the Fat Friar headed out of the room through the wall. All of them formed a line and followed the deputy headmistress out of the ante-chamber and into the Great Hall. They were led down a row between two of the four massive tables where all of the upper class students were seated. At the back of the hall, on a raised platform, were the two Head tables where all of the professors and the headmaster were seated.

A stool appeared at the base of the stairs leading up to the platform and they stopped walking as soon as Professor McGonagall reached the stool. She explained that she would call their names and they were to come up to the stool, sit down and she would place the Sorting Hat on their heads. Some of the First Years shifted as they looked at the battered hat, though many jumped when the Hat twitched before seemingly forming a mouth and beginning to sing! The First Years were in awe as the Sorting Hat sang about all four Houses; explaining what traits were valued by each and giving a brief history on the four founders. Once it fell silent, everyone clapped for the hat before quieting as Professor McGonagall picked up the parchment and unrolled it. Hannah was the very first student sorted and Harry and Dean grinned when the Hat announced Hufflepuff for the girl. They clapped as their friend headed towards the table to their right as her robes gained a golden yellow trim as the school's magic added her to the House.

Susan soon joined Hannah at Hufflepuff after a few other students were sorted. Harry and Dean also noticed that there was a small number of students, both older years and in their own year group who were obviously not human. Two First Years were rather tall with deeply tanned skin and delicately pointed ears. Their natural grace and the way they stood calmly identified them as a type of Elf, Wood Elf from their appearances. Two girls in their year group were stunningly beautiful and Dean managed to catch a few words spoken by one of the girls. The melodious quality of her voice and the faint 'daze' it gave him identified her and her companion as Sirens. Another girl had rather pale skin and intensely bright blue eyes. When she smiled at the boy in front of her, Hermione caught sight of elongated fangs, identifying the girl as a Vampire.

"I didn't know there are so many races." She whispered, making Neville glance at her and smile.

"Yeah. Headmaster Dumbledore opened Hogwarts to different races years ago. It's actually kinda nice to see so many already attending." Neville said, Hermione nodding in agreement.

All four tables seem to have at least two to five non-human students. However, Harry pointed out that there may be more since Sirens, Veela and Werewolves looked just like any other student. They fell silent as soon as Hermione's name was announced. Hermione drew in a deep breath before she walked to the stool and sat down. Her eyes were tightly clamped shut as the Sorting Hat was placed on her head. It took nearly a minute before the Hat announced Gryffindor, which made Harry, Dean and Neville grin. Neville was soon called up and Harry and Dean grinned when they saw their new friend walk to the Sorting Hat with his head held high. The Sorting Hat barely touched Neville's head before it called out Gryffindor, making Harry, Dean and Hermione cheer as Neville removed the hat and headed towards the right most table.

The sorting continued with Draco Malfoy heading off to Slytherin after the Hat had barely touched his head. When Harry's name was called, he nearly rolled his eyes when whispers erupted around the Great Hall. Heading up to the stool, he noticed that most of those whispers were about how people were shocked at his appearance and that fact that Mira was still on his shoulders. As he neared the Head table, he also noticed that many of the professors seemed surprised to see his familiar, though Hagrid looked gleeful.

-Ah, that's right. I heard Hagrid is fascinated with Dragons.- He thought, sitting down with his back to the professors.

As the hat dropped below his eyes, Harry felt a light pressure against his Occlumency shields. Lowering his shields, he was greeted by a warm voice.

-Ah, Mister Potter-Othello. I was wondering when I would get to sort you.- The voice said, its rich timber alerting Harry that the Sorting Hat was a male.

-Now where to put you…Hmm…Ah, I see you're noble, brave and passionate. However, you're also very cunning and careful. I can also see that you're dedicated and loyal to your family and friends while also being highly intelligent. You truly are a perfect blend of all four Houses.- The Hat said, making Harry frown lightly.

-Could you hurry it up? I'd like to join my friends.- Harry thought, making the magical artifact chuckle inside his mind.

-Ah yes, your friends. Never has there been a truer group than the ones you've found. I wish you luck, Mister Potter-Othello, in all your endeavors.-

"Gryffindor!"

Harry blinked as the Sorting Hat was pulled off of his head as the four Houses burst into applause with Gryffindor being the loudest. Fred and George were on their feet cheering and dancing around which made Harry chuckle as he walked over to the table of the Lions. Sitting down, the sorting continued with the remainder of the students being sorted into the different Houses. Dean soon joined Harry, Neville and Hermione at Gryffindor, to which he grinned as Hermione scooched over to make room for him beside her. Harry and Dean mentally groaned when Ronald Weasley was sorted into their House as well. Both boys knew that Ronald would be a pain in their arse, but there wasn't much they could do. All they could hope for was that neither of them had to sleep near the redhead.

The sorting ended when a boy by the name of Blaise Zabini was sorted into Slytherin. Headmaster Dumbledore stood and welcomed them all to a new year before informing them that there would be announcements at the end of the feast. As the aged Wizard sat down, food appeared on the golden serving plates and bowls while pitchers filled with Pumpkin juice, fruit juice, milk and water. The din of hundreds of students talking and eating filled the Great Hall. Harry, Hermione, Neville and Dean soon met their fellow year mates in their House. A girl named Lavender Brown and her friend Parvati Patil, a rather pretty Indian Witch, were easily identified as the gossip queens of their year and House. Seamus Finnigan was a rather funny Irish lad and they quickly discovered he had been down to attend St. Brigid's but his mum wanted him to attend Hogwarts where she had gone.

Another girl by the name of Eliana Grace quickly struck up a conversation with Hermione and another girl by the name of Jillian Michaels about the classes they were supposed to take and about the other schools. Hermione avidly asked questions about the three other schools, in which she learned that Jillian had nearly gone to Beauxbatons because they were generally more accepting of different races. At Hermione's confused look, Jillian explained that she's half-Vampire and Eliana chimed in with the explanation that she's a Siren. Harry, Dean and Neville were surprised in learning this, though looking around they saw that some of the guys were almost constantly glancing towards Eliana every time she spoke. Ronald was practically drooling around the raven haired girl.

Throughout the entire feast Hermione, Harry, Dean and Neville conversed with their House mates and learned more about the school and its professors. They learned to never cross Professor McGonagall or Professor Snape as both were stern and Professor Snape tended to favor his Slytherins and often took points from Gryffindors whenever he could. They also learned that Professor Quirrell was a rather…skittish man who often jumped at the slightest of sounds. Apparently he had been the Muggle Studies professor before going on a two year trip. When he returned he knew very little about the new and updated material that was a requirement for the position as the Muggle Studies Professor. However, he did take on the position as Defense Against the Dark Arts professor instead. They asked plenty of questions about the staff and about daily life in the school. The male Prefect, Percy Weasley, informed them that the schedules were, well, rather interesting as the classes normally lasted an hour long and there was only about three or four classes a day for First Years.

Dean and Harry frowned lightly when they learned that as it meant that they'd have plenty of 'off' time to do what they please. They would need to find a room to practice their training quickly so they didn't become bored. Focusing back on the conversations around them, they continued to talk and laugh with their new House mates, though they were greatly horrified by Ronald's table manners…or lack thereof. The boy shoveled food into his mouth at a rapid rate though he hadn't really touched the first course of the feast which had been salads that they could make themselves. Everyone around him inched away until there was a noticeable gap around him. Fred, George and Percy shot the new members of their House apologetic looks, silently apologizing for their younger brother's horrible table manners. When the food finally disappeared, Harry and Dean were sure that they'd need to run four miles just to work everything off that they had eaten. However, before they could wonder about anything else, Headmaster Dumbledore stood once more.

The aged Headmaster warned them about the Forbidden Forest, in which his sparkling blue eyes locked onto the Weasley twins who just grinned sheepishly. Many older students were excited about the Quidditch tryouts, though Harry and Dean were slightly upset that they couldn't try out for the Gryffindor team until next year. However, what made everyone pause was when Headmaster Dumbledore warned them to stay away from the third floor corridor; lest they wish to die a most horrible death. Many of the older students looked confused and slightly alarmed though it was mostly the First Years who looked fearful and worried. Hermione clutched onto Dean's arm tightly, her eyes wide as the headmaster simply moved on from the comment and wished them a goodnight's sleep. As everyone began getting up, the din rose as many began chatting about their summers and the announcements.

"First Years, follow me please." Percy called, watching as the First Years slowly gathered around him and a rather pretty blonde.

"This way. Stay close now. We don't need you getting lost." The girl said, smiling warmly at the ten new students.

Harry yawned and smiled as Hermione sleepily leaned against him. He wrapped an arm around her waist to keep her on track as they slowly began the trek through the school and up to the seventh floor where Gryffindor Tower was located.

-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx-

In the common room Percy and the female Prefect, Morgana Stone, showed them around and explained some of the rules of their House and what was expected of them. The common room was tastefully decorated in deep gold and reds with three seating arrangements scattered around along with a few bookcases. Morgana pointed out the bulletin board where all the school notices were posted and where they could put up their own notices such as lost and found items along with messages. On the coffee table in front of the large fireplace was a stack of various board games and puzzles for students to play and put together in their free time. Against one of the windows overlooking the Great Lake was a rather well used but cared for chess set for students to use as well.

"Now, girls are up the stairs to left and boys are up the stairs to the right. First Years are on the first landing." Morgana explained, watching as the sleepy-eyed students nodded.

After a few more points of interest, they were all released to head to their dorm room and get ready for bed. Harry, Dean and Neville said goodnight to Hermione, Eliana and Jillian before heading up the stairs to their dorm. Reaching the first landing, they easily found the door to the room and stepped inside. The dorm room was rather large and circular with five, four-poster canopy beds with dark crimson curtains and gold and black comforters and pillows. In the center of the room was a large, wood burning heater to help heat up the room during the harsh winters. Through another door was the bathroom which had toilet stalls and shower stalls along with four sinks and mirrors. Over all, it was a pretty nice setup and Dean and Harry were rather pleased that they could slightly personalize their own space.