For the first time, I lived alone. Not a cupboard, not the cramped "second bedroom" the Dursleys begrudgingly handed me years ago, but a proper inn room in the Leaky Cauldron.
Modest, yes, but mine.
Tom the bartender grinned every time he saw me. "Harry Potter, under my roof! Blimey. World's gettin' stranger every day."
I only gave him a polite nod. "Happy to be your quietest tenant."
My days settled into rhythm:
Mornings → Breakfast downstairs, then into Diagon Alley. I'd walk its cobblestones like I'd lived there forever.
I treated myself at times, Florean Fortescue's ice cream, a butterbeer at midday.
Afternoons → Books. Flourish and Blotts practically knew me by name. I tore through sections on arithmancy, runes, alchemy, even advanced charms theory meant for NEWT students.
Knowledge was currency, and I meant to be rich.
Evenings → Training. I didn't need my wand to display strength anymore, I could lift massive weights, stone and steel, whole carts from the alley storage yards, purely on will.
The wand wasn't for power; it was for control.
So I honed it on precision: levitating twenty quills into synchronized formation, sculpting shields into razor-thin layers, bending charms into new shapes.
And when the inn was quiet, I sank inward into Occlumency — my mindscape taking shape as a white fortress, halls stretching wider each week.
Florean's ice cream became a small indulgence. The man always gave me an extra scoop, muttering something about "bright young minds needing sugar."
I lingered at Quality Quidditch Supplies often, staring at the Nimbus 2000 gleaming in the window.
The shopkeeper boasted it was the finest broom ever made. He wasn't wrong.
And once — cloaked, careful — I slipped into Knockturn Alley. The air was heavy with whispers, Borgin and Burkes crowded with relics humming of dark curses.
Dangerous, yes. But knowledge doesn't only live in the light. I filed the location away.
I burned Dudley's old rags in the Leaky's fireplace. Then I replaced them — fitted Muggle clothing from London, shirts and trousers tailored to my frame, shoes that actually fit.
From Madam Malkin's, I purchased robes with subtle enchantments: temperature balancing, stain resistance, quick-mending. Nothing ostentatious, just functional.
For the first time, I dressed like someone who belonged in both worlds.
By the end of August, I was sharper, steadier, stronger. Even Tom noticed. "Carry yerself like a proper wizard already, lad," he said with a chuckle.
I smiled faintly, fingers brushing the holly wand hidden under my sleeve. He wasn't wrong.
Hogwarts was next.
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[A/N: I realised in btw writing there is little to no humor in his innermonologue so i take my time to get some fun myself, enjoy :)]
The morning of September 1st arrived crisp and cool. My trunk, shrunk to pocket-size, sat in my jacket.
Hedwig's cage balanced easily in one hand as I slipped into the bustle of King's Cross Station.
Muggles streamed around me, shoulders brushing, chatter echoing beneath the great iron arches. Normal people.
Unaware of the world they brushed against.
Platforms 9 and 10 loomed ahead. I didn't need anyone to guide me; the faint shimmer of wards curled across the barrier like sunlight on water. Easy enough.
I leaned casually against a column, pretending to adjust Hedwig's cage, and watched.
A family bustled past, red-haired, freckled, chattering. I noted the way the older boys pushed their trolley straight into the wall without hesitation, disappearing clean through.
The Weasleys, no doubt.
"Subtle as a stampede," I muttered with a smirk.
When no one was looking, I stepped forward. The barrier accepted me instantly, a gentle tug in my chest, and then I emerged into steam and scarlet.
It was magnificent. A gleaming red train, billowing smoke that drifted across the platform.
Owls hooted from cages, cats darted between trunks, parents hugged children tight before sending them off.
For the first time in this life, I stood among my peers. Not above them, not beneath them. Among them.
I adjusted Hedwig's cage, my wand humming faintly in its holster, and let the noise of the platform wash over me.
This was it. The start of the stage Dumbledore had built.
The stage where Voldemort's shadow lingered. The stage where I would play.
I boarded the train, calm and collected.
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The Hogwarts Express was already humming with chatter, compartments filling up fast. Kids leaned out of windows to wave goodbye, parents fussed over ties and cloaks.
I slipped down the aisle, scanning. Too loud. Too crowded. Too much sugar-rush energy bouncing off the walls. I wasn't here to play babysitter.
An empty compartment at the far end of the carriage caught my eye. Jackpot.
I slid the door shut behind me, set Hedwig's cage down, and let out a breath. Finally. Peace.
I flopped onto the seat, smirk tugging at my lips. Okay, main character energy secured. Cue the opening credits.
For a moment, I just stared out the window at the steam curling along the platform. Wild, isn't it?
One month ago I was still stuck at Privet Drive, gaslighting the Dursleys into tolerating me.
Now I'm on a magic train heading to a castle to learn how to legally commit arson.
Peak career progression.
Hedwig gave me a reproachful hoot.
I raised an eyebrow. "What? Too soon?"
She clicked her beak.
"Fine. Note to self: owl disapproves of casual dark humor."
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The door rattled. Footsteps. Voices in the corridor.
And just like that, the peace was about to end.
I straightened my posture, school-perfect, expression calm. Mask on.
Time to meet the cast.
The door slid open. A lanky redhead peeked in, ears pink.
"Er… mind if I sit here? Everywhere else's full."
Classic canon moment. I gestured to the seat opposite. "Go ahead. Long as you don't snore."
Ron chuckled nervously and dropped into the seat, setting down a battered trunk.
His stomach growled loud enough to rattle the glass.
I raised an eyebrow. "You brought your appetite but forgot the food, huh?"
"Yeah," Ron admitted sheepishly. "Mum packed sandwiches but Fred and George nicked 'em. I'll just wait for the trolley."
"Bro's running on DLC trial mode," I muttered under my breath, then smiled. "Don't worry. I'll spot you a Chocolate Frog later. Consider it an investment."
Ron blinked. "Er—thanks, mate."
3 Minutes Later*
Not long after, the door slid open again. A bushy-haired girl stuck her head in, holding a spellbook.
"Have either of you seen a toad? Neville's lost one."
I shook my head. "No amphibians here. Just one hungry redhead."
Ron scowled. "Oi!"
She ignored him, her sharp eyes locking on me. "Are you Harry Potter?"
"Depends," I said smoothly. "If you're here to quiz me on trivia, maybe I'm just Gary Snotter."
Her mouth fell open, then shut with an audible click. "…You're Harry Potter."
"Allegedly."
She huffed, muttered something about "boys and their jokes," and disappeared.
Ron leaned over. "She's mental."
I smirked. And she'll probably save both our lives someday. Respect the Grind, Weasley.
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After a while, I excused myself. "Stretching my legs. Don't eat Hedwig while I'm gone."
Ron blinked. "What?!"
I slid the door shut before he could respond.
The corridor of the train buzzed with chatter, laughter, and the smell of too many snacks.
I strolled through it like a scout in hostile territory, cataloguing faces, names, alliances in the making.
Draco Malfoy held court like a pint sized aristocrat.
Pansy Parkinson hung on his every word, Theo Nott listened quietly, Blaise Zabini watched with detached amusement, while Crabbe and Goyle loomed like confused furniture.
"…and Father says, once I'm in Slytherin, I'll be well on the path to—" Draco broke off when he noticed me. His expression flickered, then smoothed into practiced politeness. "Potter."
"Malfoy," I said, inclining my head. "Nice entourage. Do you rent them by the hour, or are they subscription-based?"
Blaise actually snorted. Theo smirked. Pansy frowned. Crabbe and Goyle blinked, as though waiting for instructions. Draco flushed but forced a laugh.
"You'll find it pays to have loyal friends," he said stiffly.
"Agreed," I said easily. "Though loyalty's earned, not bought. You'll see."
I left him stewing on that, Blaise's curious gaze following me.
Note to self: Nott and Zabini, keep tabs. They're thinkers, not sheep.
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A few compartments down, I found four girls sharing one space. Daphne Greengrass and Tracey Davis sat together, composed but observant.
Opposite them were the Patil twins, already gossiping and laughing. Beside them sat Lily Moon, a quiet girl with a thoughtful gaze.
The room hushed as I slid the door open.
"Sorry to interrupt," I said, smiling faintly. "Just stretching my legs."
"You're Harry Potter," Tracey blurted before Daphne elbowed her.
"So they keep telling me," I said dryly. "Personally, I was hoping for something more original. Like 'Guy-With-Messy-Hair-and-Trauma.'"
The twins laughed. Lily's lips twitched. Even Daphne's composure cracked a little.
I leaned against the doorframe. "Enjoying the circus outside? Loud kids tripping over themselves to impress strangers?"
Daphne tilted her head. "And what are you doing?"
"Scouting," I said simply. "While everyone else is shouting about houses and family names, I'm watching. Taking notes."
The way Daphne's eyes sharpened told me she understood. The Patils exchanged intrigued looks. Lily simply studied me, like she was filing me away for later.
"See you around," I said, giving them a small nod before slipping back into the corridor.
Note to self: That compartment's full of thinkers. Worth keeping an eye on.
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Closer to the front, Cedric Diggory was chatting with Fred and George Weasley.
"Oi, look who it is!" one twin called.
"The Boy-Who-Lived—in 3D!" the other added.
Cedric grinned, extending a hand. "Cedric Diggory. Pleasure to meet you, Harry."
"Likewise," I said, shaking it firmly.
The twins bombarded me with jokes, Cedric with polite questions. I matched their energy, just enough to be memorable without overcommitting.
When I excused myself, Fred called, "Don't worry, Potter, we'll make sure you have a legendary first year!"
"Define legendary," I muttered under my breath as I walked away.
By the time I slid back into my own compartment, Ron had turned the seat into a battlefield of wrappers and crumbs.
"Trolley came," he mumbled around a mouthful. "Got you some too."
I raised a Pumpkin Pasty in salute. "Good man. Keep this up and you'll unlock Best Friend perks."
Ron blinked. "…Huh?"
"Don't worry about it."
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The train rattled on, steam hissing. Hogwarts grew closer with every mile.
The train screeched to a halt at Hogsmeade Station. Steam hissed around us like some dramatic stage cue. Kids poured out in a rush, chattering, dragging trunks, tripping over owl cages.
"Firs'-years! Firs'-years over here!"
There he was: Hagrid, looming in the mist, lantern swinging. His voice rolled over the crowd like a foghorn.
Ron leaned close. "Blimey, he's huge."
I deadpanned, "Really? I thought it was just the perspective."
Ron snorted. A few nearby kids blinked, trying to tell if I was joking. Good. Keep them off balance.
We followed Hagrid down a path to the lake, where small boats bobbed gently at the shore. Four to a boat.
Naturally, Ron and I ended up together, joined by Neville (still fretting about his toad) and Hermione (already lecturing Neville about better animal-keeping practices).
"Don' worry abou' the toad, Neville," Hagrid called. "If it's at Hogwarts, we'll find it."
I leaned toward Ron. "Plot twist: the toad's the final boss."
Ron nearly choked trying not to laugh. Hermione gave me the look, the one that said she was already considering writing my name in a report.
The boats drifted silently across the black water. Mist curled around us, and then there it was.
Hogwarts.
The castle loomed above, towers and turrets lit with golden fire, reflected in the lake below like a crown of light.
It was breathtaking, overwhelming, the kind of view designed to silence even the loudest child.
Everyone gasped. Some pointed. Some whispered.
I just smirked. Yep. DLC unlocked. Welcome to Hogwarts: Extended Edition.
Still, even I couldn't deny the sight made something stir in me. Not awe, exactly. More like… recognition.
This was the stage. The place where every piece would fall into play.
Ron leaned forward, eyes wide. "Wicked."
Hermione whispered, "It's beautiful."
Neville muttered, "Hope my toad's here."
And me? I just leaned back, hands folded behind my head, eyes fixed on the castle.
"Home sweet home," I murmured.
-----------------------------------------
The boats bumped softly against the far shore. We scrambled out, following Hagrid up a winding path and into a set of massive oak doors.
Inside, we were met by a stern-looking witch in emerald robes. McGonagall, of course. The room fell silent at her presence.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," she said crisply. "In a moment, you will be sorted into your Houses. Your House will be your family at Hogwarts—"
I tuned out the speech halfway through. Yeah yeah, Houses, family, rivalries, legacy, yada yada.
Translation: multiplayer teams with way too much friendly fire.
We were herded into a small stone chamber. Kids whispered nervously, tugging at sleeves, bouncing on heels.
Ron leaned over. "D'you think they'll make us fight a troll or somethin'?"
I raised an eyebrow. "If they do, dibs on using you as bait."
Ron spluttered. Hermione gasped. Neville looked like he might faint. I smiled faintly.
Mission accomplished: lighten the tension, but keep everyone guessing about how serious I was.
Then the doors opened.
The Great Hall was breathtaking: long tables glowing with candlelight, the enchanted ceiling a perfect mirror of the starry night sky.
Hundreds of students turned to stare as we filed in. Four tables, four Houses, four very different vibes.
Gryffindor: loud, rowdy, a sea of red-and-gold scarves already shouting encouragement. Ah yes, the "YOLO" crowd.
Hufflepuff: warm, smiling, polite claps and waves. Basically Hogwarts' emotional support squad.
Ravenclaw: quiet, curious, quills already scratching mid-sorting. Homework in 4K resolution.
Slytherin: cool, composed, eyes sharp as blades. Applause measured, precise. DLC: Snake Edition.
I let my gaze sweep over each table, filing details away. Gryffindor had heart, Slytherin had ambition, Ravenclaw had brains, Hufflepuff had loyalty.
Useful traits. Dangerous in the wrong hands.
And here I was, the wildcard, about to be sorted.
The Sorting Hat waited on its stool, brim curling like it was already smirking at me.
All right then, I thought, stepping forward. Let's see if you're ready for DLC content.
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YOU THOUGHT I WAS DONE?!?!? MUHAHAHAHA...
Okay but Seriously Is not gonna be this time every.single.day. I just emptyed my stock of ch. for you guys. ITS DONE FOR TODAY
I PROMICE(I don't)
Enjoy!!
-Nine11P2.