I Finally Got a Room

Chapter 4. I Finally Got A Room

"You ready?" His mum asked as he stepped out of their bedroom.

She was sitting on the couch, wearing crisp white trousers and a black full-sleeve shirt, looking ready for a picnic.

And no, they weren't going on a picnic. Instead, they were going to Hogwarts.

He had thought they'd need more preparation to get into the wizarding world. Like changing their clothing styles, maybe picking up a new culture, and many other life-altering changes.

But he had been wrong.

It seemed he overestimated the migration process. Because all they did for the preparation was buy a couple of robes that they'd need to wear at Hogwarts. And he was already dreading that. He hated those robes. They just felt so stuffy and girly. But even with his father's progressive thinking affecting the country, robes remained the most important traditional garb for the magicals.

Hopefully, he would be able to take them off when not in class.

"Yep," he answered, pocketing the shrunken trunk that she had bought for him.

She stood up and closed the distance between them, straightening imaginary creases over his shirt and trying to straighten his hair. Unsuccessfully, he might add.

Then she pulled a small cup from her bottomless purse and gave it to him.

"You know what to do?"

"You're making it sound so difficult when I just need to touch it with my wand," he muttered exasperatedly, flicking his wrist and grinning when he was able to catch the shooting wand from the holster. It has gotten a lot easier with daily practice. And it was so damn cool. This was the best he could do for his roleplay as a gunslinger.

Maybe when he grew up, he'd be able to buy a real gun and put on a cowboy hat.

Probably not.

She touched his shoulder and gave him a nod, telling him to activate the portkey.

He gulped and tapped the ceramic cup with the tip of his wand, suddenly fearing it wouldn't work.

Harry shouldn't have worried.

A phantom hook sank into their guts, and they were forced through a thin pipe. At least that was how he felt. And while he hadn't gotten used to it, he was experienced enough to not fall face first once he reached the destination.

Seconds later, they were standing in the parlour of Potter Manor.

"Good morning, Lily. Good morning, Harry." Lena greeted them with a smile.

Did she ever stop smiling? He mused. And surprisingly enough, her smiles never felt fake, so that always caught him off guard. Weren't stepmothers meant to be cruel and sadistic?

Anyway, he'd remain careful around her, like his mum asked him to.

Currently, all the members of their family were present. His stepmother looked resplendent in a blue blouse and a white ankle-length skirt. Susan followed her example, wearing a yellow and white combo of blouse and skirt. And they both had their hair done in intricate crowns atop their heads.

His brother and father, on the other hand, were far less concerned with their outfits, having put on a simple pair of shirts and trousers. Just like him. It seemed they were related after all, if their similar looks weren't enough proof.

"Good morning, Lena." He greeted back, unsurprised when his mum remained cold and silent. Seriously, she should follow her own advice and hide her true feelings behind amicable smiles, like he was doing.

No need to make enemies where not needed.

"Erm, we should go. It's getting late." His father said awkwardly after glancing at his mum's deepening scowl.

That announcement was followed by his first experience with floo powder. And he liked it just as much as portkeys. Which was to say, not much.

He stumbled and would have fallen on his face if not for his mum's steadying hand.

Giving her a thankful nod, he looked around in wonder.

It was starting to fill up and was becoming crowded. Though his attention was quickly taken by the Hogwarts Express shining under the sunlight. For an ancient train, it looked quite new and polished.

They walked towards it and stopped in a less crowded area. And although he did not enjoy the blatant staring and hushed whispers, it wasn't bad enough to make him give up public outings altogether.

He glanced to his right as Susan was approached by an auburn-haired woman. But from the smile on his sister's lips—it still felt weird calling her that—this lady must be very close to her. He recalled hearing about Amelia Bones, the head of the DMLE.

This must be her, then. She looked just as old as his mum, which was to say, in her early thirties. Oh, and she also had a monocle over her left eye. That was quite unique. Alas, he wasn't given the privilege to keep watching when he was whirled around and got himself captured in a bear hug.

He gasped, hugging her back. "We will meet at Hogwarts, mum."

She just squeezed him tighter, almost breaking his ribs. "I know. But I'll still miss you."

"You're weird," he croaked, accepting his fate and resting his face on her soft chest.

"I know," she said, pulling back and brushing her lips against his.

Before she could say anything and get any more sentimental, an unfamiliar voice came to his rescue. "Lily, it's been a while."

They both looked at the newly arrived duo.

Harry's jaw dropped, and he couldn't help but gape at the woman.

She might just be the prettiest woman after his mum.

Her long black hair fell straight down her back, not a single strand standing out from the neat stream. Her eyes were deep azure, and he was almost sure that they really had a soft glow to them. She was also tall for a woman, almost a head taller than his mum. And her dark gown was just as beautiful, with its thin straps displaying the expanse of her shoulders. It showed off her odd snow-white skin and was tight around her thin waist.

Also, she had big boobies like his mum.

She literally looked like those perfect, ageless models from the magazines, which his mum sometimes flipped through when bored at work.

And standing beside her was a boy his age, examining them curiously.

"Alice." His mum smiled brightly and hugged her.

It was a bit shocking how friendly she was being, because he had never seen her act like this with anyone other than him.

The woman named Alice returned the gesture, her cherry-red lips stretching in a gentle smile. The two friends bathed in the moment with closed eyes and happy sighs.

"Is that Neville?" His mum asked once they pulled away, looking at the boy beside her.

"Introduce yourself, love."

"I'm Neville, Neville Longbottom." The boy stepped forward and confidently shook his mum's hand.

"Aw, come here, Nev. I'm Auntie Lily. It's been a while, but I'm still your godmother." She giggled, pulling the boy into her arms.

Neville blushed at the sudden familiarity but embraced her back, having heard many stories about her from his mother.

"And this must be little Harry. I remember how he made us run around in circles. Is he still just as handful?" Alice chuckled, kneeling before him and grabbing him by his shoulders.

"He has gotten worse, if you can believe it." His mum said playfully, making him glare at her.

'Oi! Don't go spouting nonsense in front of this goddess! I'm cool and mature. Don't tarnish my reputation.' That was what he wanted to say, but all he could do was switch between blushing at Alice and glowering at his giggling mum.

Thankfully, Alice felt merciful and took him in her arms, allowing him to hide his face in her big, soft bosom. Hmm, she smelled like roses and was comfortably warm. He would happily use her as a pillow and fall asleep, but he didn't have the courage to wrap his arms around her and hug her even more tightly, which he so wanted to do.

When she pulled back and ruffled his hair, he remained frozen like a dumb troll.

"Don't lie. It seems Harry has gotten shy. I like it." Alice smirked, patting his head before standing up and moving beside her own son.

Was being shy fucking cool? If yes, then he was the most shy person in the universe.

He did not run and hide behind his mum. He took a strategic retreat, too overwhelmed by the strange feelings growing inside him. Was this love at first sight? He might need to reevaluate his view of girls. Until now, he felt they were yucky and annoying. But things were changing. He finally realised why the older boys in his old school tried to woo girls with such desperation. He'd do the same for Alice Longbottom.

He feared he'd do anything for her.

"Stop making me jealous!" His mum grumbled and dragged him forward. "See, she is just a normal witch. I'm still better looking, right?"

That was a complicated question that didn't have a straight answer.

"You've gotten older. You look like a mum while I don't. And Harry seems to agree." Alice preened, highly amused but flattered by his reaction.

He had never felt affection for his father before, but he almost wanted to voluntarily hug him when the man interrupted them and saved him from choosing between two impossible choices.

Subjectively speaking, he still thought his mum was the best. So what if she had gotten a bit older and didn't look like a young girl? That just added to her beauty, in his opinion.

But objectively speaking, Alice was easily prettier. After all, he had never felt like kissing someone on the lips. But he would pay anything to kiss her on those cherry-red lips. Not that he was going to say it aloud. He liked breathing too much to die just yet. And he had made enough of a fool of himself today. He couldn't allow himself to fall any more.

"The train's about to go. Hurry up," James said, trying his best not to look at Alice.

Alice, too, ignored the Potters and kneeled before her son. "Be Harry's friend. He's your brother in all but blood. Look out for each other."

Neville nodded and hugged her tightly.

Harry was kind of jealous. He wanted to hug her too.

"You too, Harry. Alice is your godmother, so Neville's like a family." His mum nodded at him, and that was a big thing. She hadn't even called the Potters their family, and yet she was giving that title to the Longbottoms.

He nodded back, deciding to get along with the other boy.

Wait a minute? Alice was his godmother. Did that mean he couldn't marry her in the future?

That… That was so unfair.

Before Harry could experience his first foray into depression, Lena moved before him, giving him a smile and a quick hug. "Look after your sister for me, will you?"

"I will." He answered, not knowing if he meant it or not.

Actually, scratch that; he'd look after her since he didn't dislike her. And the couple of times they met and talked, she remained polite, if a bit distant.

Julian approached him next, and Harry was surprised by the needy hug. Still, he returned it awkwardly, not knowing how the brat got fond of him. He hadn't done much to warrant his affection.

Well, he did help him clear that level in that game. That must have done it. Children were so easy to please. No wonder they were easily kidnapped.

For his father, he put on his most fake smile and hugged him back, refraining from punching him in the face. James just had that face that annoyed him. He conveniently ignored that they shared a similar appearance.

Surviving his mum's another death hug, he boarded the train after Neville and Susan.

They found themselves a compartment, and Harry was quick enough to grab the window seat before the other two.

Neville took the other window seat in front of him, while Susan plopped down beside him.

…

It was awkward. He could almost see sparks flying between Neville and Susan. And it wasn't the fun sort of sparks that led to kissing and marriage like in those cheesy romance movies. No, it was the spark before two gunslingers fired their guns.

Now that he wasn't overwhelmed by Alice's wonderful presence, he recalled how the Potters and the Longbottoms avoided one another at the station.

He wondered why.

Clearing his throat, he said, "So, what's up?"

Someone had to start the conversation; otherwise, he'd die of boredom.

"Let's go to another compartment. I want to search for Hannah," Susan said as she took his hand and prepared to leave Neville on his own.

"You can go alone, Bones. I'm sure Harry would rather sit with me than suffer Hannah's chattering." The other boy responded before he could say yes or no.

That was rude.

Susan jumped out of her seat and pointed her wand at him. "Mind your tone, Longbottom. Hannah has nothing to do with this."

"Lower your wand before you get yourself hurt. Do you even know any spells?" Neville sneered and got to his feet before whipping out his wand.

Well, there goes his boredom.

"You wanna bet?"

Harry could either kick back and enjoy the fight or be mature and step in. Since there was no popcorn to munch on while watching this movie, he decided to interrupt them.

Honestly, sometimes being mature was no fun.

"Alright, you two, shut it. Don't make me bonk your heads." He threatened, flicking his wrist and catching his wand.

The move was still just as cool as the first time.

But, apparently, he wasn't threatening enough, because they ignored him and began waving their wands to cast who knows what.

Not knowing whether they would summon party caps or explode the train, he holstered his wand and became a bit serious.

Already proficient at controlling the flow of his magic, he filled his body with it. Drawing it from the Magiscape and stuffing himself full.

He felt warm.

No, not warm, but hot.

Though it was somehow pleasing instead of worrying. Like a blissful dip in a steamy sauna, not a jump into a bubbling volcano. He wasn't Gollum, after all.

But instead of shaping it and letting it out in the form of a structured spell, he kept it inside and circulated it through his body.

Then he moved.

This was a trick his mum had created a while ago. Since she couldn't push the magic out of her for the spells, she found a way to exploit her weakness.

Magic, when circulating through the body, gave the wizard or witch a massive 15 percent boost in strength and speed. And while it wasn't groundbreaking, it had many uses.

Like when you need to surprise two brats and look cool.

He didn't become a blur like he wished to, but his movements were incredibly quick and nimble. The other two didn't even know when he appeared between them and knocked the wands out of their grasps.

"Enough! No killing each other when I can be accused as a suspect."

The two gave him astonished looks before picking up their wands and taking back their seats sullenly.

Harry's grin dimmed. Wait, why weren't they asking how he did that? Why weren't they questioning him for his brilliant speed? He had an entire monologue prepared for it. Weren't they a teeny bit curious?

Pouting, he slumped beside Susan and looked out of the window, opting to enjoy the view rather than babysit two snot-nosed brats. What was the use of executing cool moves when no one complimented you?

"Just so you know, my father got killed because of James bloody Potter. It was due to his fake prophecy that Voldemort sent his elites to hunt us down on Halloween. My dad died protecting me. I'm just glad that my mother somehow killed them off and didn't lose her life." Neville explained in a murmur, pulling his attention away from the view.

He pursed his lips, understanding why the Longbottoms hated James. "I'm sorry to hear that. To be honest, even I don't like my father's decision to risk mine and mum's lives to kill the dark lord. If not for my mum, we all would've been dead. She lost her magic and half her life essence that day. So yes, I know how you feel."

Susan stiffened beside him and scoffed. "Everyone is so easy to judge my dad. But put yourself in his shoes. You have a brilliant idea to save thousands of lives. You have the opportunity to end the dark lord's terror. Wouldn't you do the same in his place, even if it meant taking some minor risks? And keep in mind that he was sure of his victory and didn't believe you and your mum would get hurt."

Harry and Neville shared a look before shaking their heads together.

"I won't risk my mum's life for anyone. However safe the risk seemed." Harry shrugged.

Neville nodded along, glad that he wasn't alone in this.

"Even if it meant letting thousands of innocent people die needlessly?" Susan said in a disbelieving tone.

"You can be sure that I won't go into everyone's house to slit their throats. But their wellbeing isn't my responsibility. If you try to save everyone, you fail to save anyone." He answered, getting comfortable and propping his back against the glass window, facing his sister.

Susan seemed unable to comprehend that, as if that point of view was totally foreign to her.

Maybe it really was.

"Just think of it like this. Can you kill Julian to save ten innocent boys? Can you pick up a knife and plunge it through his heart for the greater good?"

She opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out.

Gritting her teeth, she lowered her head.

Harry gave her a pitying look and turned around in his seat to enjoy the view from the window. He had been asked questions like these since his early childhood. And it always made his mum smile when he chose her over the world.

That was enough for him. The world could go burn to cinders for all he cared if it made his mum smile.

After a minute, Susan silently stood up and slid open the door. "I'm going to find Hannah. You coming?"

"Maybe. Maybe not. I'll find you if I feel like it."

Without another attempt to convince him, she left.

"Ha! Maybe she will go cry in the bathroom for losing the argument. Stupid—"

"Mind your language. She's my sister. I'm obliged to break your teeth if you continue with that sentence."

From the way he was glaring, it was clear he wasn't joking.

Neville wisely shut up and began talking about Hogwarts houses instead.

During the course of that discussion, Harry's eyes widened when he learnt an important thing.

Slytherins get a personal room, unlike the other three houses.

For someone like him, who never had his own room, this was too tempting a treasure to let go. And it wasn't as if his mum had asked him to choose a particular house, so he was allowed to do as he pleased.

~xXxXx~

After promising Alice to meet later for a drink, she turned around and faced James, who offered his hand. She put her finger on his sleeve grudgingly as he activated the portkey.

It was humiliating that she couldn't even use a portkey without needing another wizard. But that was the price she had paid to kill Voldemort. And while she regretted the price, she never regretted the cause.

But all was not bleak.

Magiscape was there for her as an alternative. But it only allowed her to affect people, not objects. Even then, wizards and witches were impossible to influence. Their innate defence was far too strong for her to breach. Though now that she had Harry as a partner, she was hoping for a breakthrough. And he'd already begun to learn how to create tendrils after done with mastering his spectre form in the other world. Now, he could easily raise or lower his innate defence in the Magiscape at his will.

Sometime in the future, the two would have an unstoppable way to use this unknown form of magic.

And she couldn't wait for that future.

As she landed in the Great Hall, a deep sense of nostalgia took hold of her, pushing away all the other thoughts.

While the magical world had changed, the school remained just the same: homely and inviting. It felt like Hogwarts itself was welcoming her.

She smiled softly, though it disappeared when she saw it mirrored on James' face.

"You can fuck off now. I know my way to Dumbledore's office."

He gave her a stiff nod and a tired glare before using the portkey to return to the station.

Lily took her time wandering the castle, looking for her favourite nooks and corners, remembering her teenage years. It took her an hour to reach the spiral staircase hidden behind the alcove in the Gargoyle Corridor.

It moved to the side as she walked towards it and allowed her access to the stairs.

She stepped onto the stairs and waited for them to move.

The staircase slowly spiralled upwards and stopped before a door.

It was already open.

She marched through it and found the headmaster busy at his claw-footed desk.

He looked up from the parchments and gave her a smile. "Good morning."

"Good morning. Where is my classroom? And am I wrong to believe my quarters will be attached to it?"

"No need to hurry, Lily. Take a seat and relax. I was waiting for your arrival to summon all the professors. You must introduce yourself to your coworkers first before taking up your post."

She nodded and dropped into the chair, looking curiously at the bell that he struck. And there were dozens of other unique things that caught her interest. While looking around the office in childish wonder, she participated in the idle talks that involved everything and nothing.

Soon, the others started arriving. And Dumbledore put his work on hold and conjured chairs around the table.

Once everyone was present, she introduced herself and was pleasantly surprised that most of them didn't view her in a negative light. Well, at least they didn't show it on their faces. Who knows what they were hiding behind the cordial smiles.

She would remain careful and vigilant.

There were some familiar and some unfamiliar faces. The presence of Narcissa Black did shock her more than a bit. She was apparently the head of Slytherin house and taught Defence against Dark Arts to all years. It became more confusing since Professor Slughorn was there too.

Wasn't he retired? And if he was back, then why wasn't he the head of the Slytherin house?

Also, wasn't Narcissa married to Lucius Malfoy and had a child with him? Then why she still used her maiden name?

There were so many questions and no answers.

She'd need to get caught up on what she had missed in the last decade. Both Slughorn and Flitwick were eager to talk to their favourite student. She better use that opportunity to learn more about the current situation in the wizarding world. And there was Alice anyways, who'd help her gain all the essential information.

Professor McGonagall guided her to her classroom and her quarters. And indeed, both were connected. It was situated on the first floor, with the windows looking out to one of the courtyards. The personal room was also an upgrade; it was both bigger and more lavish.

"I'll see you for the feast, Lily. Make yourself at home."

She nodded at her and navigated through the benches, slumping at the teacher's desk. It felt odd being in this position. She was used to sitting on one of these benches and looking up at the professors.

It would probably take some time for her mind to realise she was a teacher and not a student anymore.

Pulling the notebook from her bag, she reviewed the syllabus. It was quite thorough and up-to-date with the Muggle world. There were detailed chapters on various electronics and muggle weaponry. There was even a chapter on nuclear bombs and the names of the countries possessing them.

She was impressed. And while she hated James, she would give him credit where such credit was due. He really was pulling the country to the present by himself.

The strange thing was that it took him only three years. She wondered what he'd be able to do in ten more years.

~xXxXx~

Harry stepped out of the train with Susan and Hannah. He had gone and spent some time with her during the last two hours, not wanting to destroy their relationship before it even began. And Hannah was good too, curious and chatty but knowing when to stop. No, he wasn't praising the blonde because she called him the prettier sibling.

Of course, he didn't leave Neville alone; he left him in the company of Hermione, their new friend. Just because he wanted to remain Susan's brother didn't mean he'd ignore his friend. And between his mum's and stepmother's requests, he'd obviously give more priority to his mum.

They approached the bellowing giant, who then led them to the boats.

Harry's first look at the castle was breathtaking.

And the way the moonlight fell on its towers just made it more striking.

It seemed straight out of a fantasy novel.

Neville and Hermione joined them once they entered the antechamber, waiting to be summoned by the strict Professor McGonagall. Thankfully, Susan and Neville remained civil. Maybe because they were busy avoiding each other and talking with their own friends.

Oh well, he'd take that over stopping their catfights.

When they entered the Great Hall, his eyes quickly sought his mother and found her sitting at the head table with the other professors.

He gave her an enthusiastic wave, which she returned with a big, relieved smile.

Seriously, was she thinking the train would crash and he'd die or something?

At Hermione's awed tone, he looked up at the enchanted ceiling, unable to utter a single word, too mesmerised by the view. And even after trying his best, he couldn't find any weak points in the illusion. It really felt like the Great Hall was open to the natural sky.

He watched Hannah and Susan get sorted into Hufflepuffs. If he had been deeply attached to his new sister, he'd have tried to follow after her in that house. But since the prospect of a new room was too much for his simple brain, he remained steadfast in his goal to get into Slytherin.

Soon, it was his turn.

"Evans, Harry."

For a moment, he wondered if the House of Red would be better suited for him with its loud humour and camaraderie. He would surely fit right in with them. But the greed of getting his own personal room remained forefront in his mind.

So when he sat on the three-legged stool, he hoped for the house of snakes and prepared to barter with the talking hat.

But the hat barely touched his head before he got sorted instantly.

…

"Slytherin!"

Well, he didn't think it would be this easy. Alright, got to go and claim his new room. He strolled towards his new housemates and was a bit annoyed that they weren't as enthusiastic as others. Fuck them; he just wanted his room. They could go bugger themselves for all he cared.

Though when he looked at the head table and saw the complicated expression on his mum's face, he wondered if he had made a bad decision.

Nah, how bad could it be?