Chapter Text
Around twenty minutes in, Theo cast a spell that made numbers appear, which was apparently a clock and woke up Percy gently to ask if now was a good time to change into their school robes, Percy sat upright in shock and quickly agreed before fleeing, tasked with his prefect duties to inform the others. The five first years all quickly turned away to change while discussing things.
"So, what house will you guys be in?" Neville asked softly while stripping off his t-shirt for something thicker. "My granny says I have the makings of a Gryffindor if I wasn't such a..."
"Screw her! you can be anywhere you ought to be," Piers huffed while not even turning around, instead displaying his scarred chest. He had been the punching bag for his family but saw the positive side and worked out. "What about you, Theo? Your asshole of a father expecting much?"
Theo glanced over his shoulder, only to see Pier's muscular chest and took a moment to stare. To see the shorter teen boy display his bare figure made the young Pureblood wonder what it would feel like if- 'Stop Theo! I know living alone matured yourself way too fast but this is too fast!' Taking a deep breath, he answered neutrally, "I'm a Slytherin through and through. Plus, I wish to obtain a Potion Apprentice."
"That sounds cool," Harry said after changing clothes so quickly while taking a seat. "I think Im a Ravenclaw. There's just no way I'm a Gryffindor."
"The world would be shocked, not gonna lie." Neville chuckled while Dudley struggled with his tie. "Here, let me..."
Soon they all settled and Percy came in while using a simple swapping spell. The boys ohed in delight while their senior blushed awkwardly. He claimed it was a nifty spell he learnt for no reason but the boys said it was cool. He couldn't help but smile at their enthusiasm and soon noticed the train's velocity decreasing.
"Alright, when we reach the station, you guys don't need to bring anything cause the House Elves will deal with it..." He noticed their confused looks and reminded himself to introduce them to magical creatures later. "You just need your wand which should be on your person at all times, your hat which honestly only used tonight so I see no reason as to why we need one and if you want, your pet, although most owls are sent to the owlery straight away."
"I see," the kids mumbled while following Prcy like obedient ducklings, except Theo who had his head raised high for his status image.
When they exited the train, Percy rounded the first years to go through the lake on boats. At that, Piers and Dudley went green and he furrowed his brows in worry. "Seasick?" When they nodded, he tapped his wand on their heads and gave a small smile. "That should help. If you still feel nauseous, you may speak to Professor McGonagall before this sorting so she will provide you with stomach-soothing potions during the feast. See you!"
And with that, they parted ways while the five friends joined a single boat, avoiding the large man.
The boat ride was as magnificent as the stories say and even better. Dudley and Piers were grateful for that nifty spell, although Piers spent most of his time leaning against Theo's shoulder. When they docked, the friends headed indoors side by side and made sure to blend in, all hiding Harrys Potter looks. During the boat ride, they informed Neville of his identity and the Longbottom Heir, instead of googling eyes, offered books on Pureblood etiquette and political book titles. Harry decided that Neville would be a great friend.
The door opened and a stern lady loomed over them. Based on her expression and attire, the boys quickly hurried to her side after the speech and spoke of Percy's reminder about Piers's nausea. *He was still struggling to stand straight) The lady's eyes grew softer before nodding in understanding and promised to have a potion by Piers tableside during the Feast. (A/N: Mention to add how Piers is okay with his family name being said out loud) The group was about to return to their place at the back but they heard something that made them stop in their tracks.
"Shove it! I'm Harry Potter's best friend! Move aside!" A chubby redhead with freckles and hand-me-down roes taunted with a cauldron cake in hand, smearing it over his lips. "Mione! You said we would find him!"
"Well he must've been hiding his scar on the train," the familiar bushy hair brat hissed while pulling out a book. "Glamours shouldn't work at Hogwarts ground based on page 50 of Hogwarts: a History so we should be able to find him.."
"What's going on here?" A prissy blonde interjected with two larger boys. Theo kindly supplied the names of Draco Maloy, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle. "Should've known. Hand me down clothes, red air and freckles, the latest Weasley joins us. And it seems like his manners haven't." This gained a few amused chuckles and worried looks while the Weasley turned bright red.
"Shut it, Malfoy! Everyone here knows you Malfoys are just Mini Death Eaters," he jeered and watched as the majority of the students stepped back. Dudley, Piers and Harry shared a look, knowing whatever he said must've been bad and there was no way they would be friends.
"Whatever! You, filthy blood traitors, aren't worth my time, especially if you'll just stain my robes with... mustard," It seemed to have sent the redhead over the edge (for no reason whatsoever) and the group stepped into the shadows to avoid things. Harry hid behind Dudley with Neville as Piers was pushed behind Theo. Before things could escalate, Professor McGonagall returned and took 10 points from both boys to whatever house they would end up in. Soon, they all entered in a single file and many gasped at the Great Hall's ceiling. Harry was about to mentally recall what he read from his book but Granger loudly pointed it out, which only made him roll his eyes.
"If she speaks again, I think I may throw up," Piers weakly groaned softly to his little group of friends and smiled at their exchanged grins.
Eventually, they stood as one while staring at a battered old hat. Before anyone could ask, it began to sing.
Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve and chivalry,
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true,
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
If you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin,
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folk use any means,
To achieve their ends.
So put me on! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!
Once it ended, they all gave a round of applause and Harry heard the redhead say something about killing his brothers. 'Wait... Will Percy be okay?' He was going to give his favourite senior a warning but was interrupted as the Sorting began and Professor McGonagall called upon Abbot, Hannah.
Soon, she called out, "Dudley, Dursley!" And the largest of the group gave a nervous grin before striding forward. Harry noticed the confused look in the headmaster's eyes and nudged Theo. The Pureblood took note of this and reminded himself to do some research between the Dursleys and the Headmasters. "Gryffindor!" The hat roared and Dudley grinned while joining Percy, all noticing the headmaster's reluctant smile.
(A/N: Forgot to include Neville's sorting and how Dudley hugs him at the Gryffindor's table)
"Polkiss, Piers," the vice headmaster called out and PIers stumbled up, ignoring the snickers while gently rubbing his churning stomach. His friends gave him an encouraging smile and he soon sat down. The har was placed on his head and after a few months, it announced, "HUFFLEPUFF!" Almost immediately he was crowded by his new housemates who offered him stomach-soothing potions and he smiled gratefully.
It was pretty loud until McGonagall called out, "Potter. Harry!" And the hall fell silent. Everyone watched as Harry slowly made his way to the stage and ignored the multiple eyes. He could see Granger gape at the bandage over his left eye, hiding his cursed lightening both scars and sat down before accepting the darkness... and voice.
"Hello, young man..." The hat began softly. "It seems like you have a very bright mind, young Potter... Completely unlike your father, I must say..."
"Hello, can I know your name? It sounds weird to call you Hat..." Harry thought, not wanting to tell Dudley and his friends this statement. He has no clue who or how his parents were before they passed away so this was one clue.
The hat fell silent before it chuckled goodheartedly. "You have a kind mind, Harry... My name is Alister... It's been a while since anyone has called me that. Only a select few do and your fate seems to be entangled with theirs..."
"Can you tell me who they are?" Harry wondered mentally, truly excited to meet more people.
"Hush now, child. A secret is what drives fate forward," the hat chided with a smile. "So, let me do my job, although there isn't much to consider, RAVENCLAW!"
The third table from the right clapped enthusiastically while the lions booed. Granger, herself seemed annoyed while the disgusting Weasley was staring at him with a dropped jaw. His friends all seemed saddened they would part ways but gave meaningful looks as Harry sat down. 'We will never part...'