Chapter 11: A New Legacy Begins
Summer in Potter Castle passed with an undercurrent of calm determination. Harrison Strange Potter, now entering his third year at Hogwarts, trained harder than ever. The looming shadow of the remaining Horcruxes, the increasing complexity of his eldritch magic, and his role as guardian to his younger cousin Harry and god-sister Daphne Greengrass, drove him to prepare for anything.
But beneath the burden, there was joy.
Harrison watched with quiet pride as Harry and Daphne practiced spells in the castle courtyard, their movements growing sharper with each session. Astoria joined when she could, though she was still too young for Hogwarts. The air was filled with laughter, bursts of magic, and the unmistakable excitement of children on the brink of their magical journey.
---
### **Departure from Platform 9¾**
September 1st arrived with the same anticipation it always did. The hustle and bustle at King's Cross was familiar, comforting. Harrison, now taller and carrying the quiet confidence of someone far older than his years, led the group.
Harry's green eyes were wide with wonder as they passed through the barrier. Daphne, graceful and poised, walked beside him, clutching her mother's wand tightly.
Fred and George spotted them first. "Oi, here comes the Potter parade!"
"Make way for the prodigies!" George added, mock-bowing to Harry.
Harrison smirked. "Be nice. This is their first year."
The twins guided them into the train, securing a compartment. Harrison conjured a floating trunk holder for their luggage, which hovered neatly in place.
"You excited?" Harrison asked Harry.
"I've dreamt of this," Harry whispered. "I want to learn everything."
"You will," Harrison said. "Just don't let anyone tell you who to be."
As the train pulled out of the station, Harrison noticed a silver-haired boy lingering outside their compartment. He knocked lightly and entered without waiting for an answer.
"I'm Draco Malfoy," he said, nodding with aristocratic confidence. "You're Harrison Potter. I've heard of you."
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Heard or obsessed?"
Draco ignored the jab. "And you must be Harry Potter. Our families were once allies."
Harry's voice was calm. "Your father tried to kill mine."
An awkward silence followed. Draco flushed slightly.
"I didn't come to fight," Draco said. "I came to offer friendship. Things are changing."
Harrison stood, arms crossed. "Let actions prove it. Not words."
Draco bowed slightly and left.
Fred looked stunned. "Well, that wasn't the worst Malfoy encounter I've seen."
---
### **Arrival at Hogwarts**
The castle loomed like a dream against the twilight sky, its turrets glowing warmly. The new first-years were taken across the lake, but Harrison, Daphne, and the others rode in the carriages.
As they entered the Great Hall, the enchanted ceiling mirrored a star-filled sky. The Sorting Hat sat on its stool, already singing a new verse:
*"Beware the quiet year, my song forewarns,*
*For darkness brews behind calm forms.*
*But light remains in kin and bond,*
*And heroes rise with magic strong."*
Professor McGonagall began calling names.
"Greengrass, Daphne."
She approached with grace and confidence. The Hat barely touched her head.
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Harrison applauded loudly, and she beamed.
"Potter, Harry."
Gasps echoed. Harrison's face remained impassive.
Harry strode up, shoulders square. The Hat hesitated.
"Hmmm… brave, clever, cunning… Ah, you have power indeed, child. But your heart belongs in—GRYFFINDOR!"
The Gryffindor table erupted. Harrison stood and clapped, offering a brief but proud nod to Harry.
The rest of the ceremony passed in a blur. Harrison observed the other students, noting Slytherin's intake with particular scrutiny. Draco was sorted into Slytherin as expected, though he cast a curious glance toward the Gryffindor table more than once.
Dumbledore stood to give his traditional speech. His eyes lingered on Harrison.
"Let this year be one of wisdom, courage, and the pursuit of truth. May friendships be forged and destinies fulfilled."
---
### **The Common Room**
That night, the Gryffindor common room pulsed with energy. First-years crowded around Harrison, whispering about his reputation.
"You're the one who dueled a troll, right?"
"Is it true you speak Parseltongue?"
"Can you teach us to summon firebirds?"
Harrison chuckled. "One question at a time."
Daphne and Harry sat close to him, absorbing every word. Harrison promised to help them with classes and to guide them through the complexities of magical society.
As the fire crackled, Fred and George performed a welcome prank on Percy, who emerged from his dorm room covered in blue feathers. The laughter echoed long into the night.
---
### **The First Week**
Classes began with Transfiguration. McGonagall welcomed Harry and Daphne with genuine warmth but assigned Harrison to assist with teaching second-year practicals.
In Potions, Snape eyed Harry like a hawk, but Harry's performance silenced any criticism. Daphne's calm demeanor and precise technique impressed even the strictest professors.
In Defense Against the Dark Arts, the new professor—an energetic witch named Cassia Vale—impressed Harrison with her understanding of ancient hexes and warding. She singled him out immediately.
"I expect you to challenge me, Mr. Potter," she said.
"I hope to learn from you," Harrison replied diplomatically.
---
### **The Encounter Revisited**
Outside class, Harrison received a message via enchanted parchment. It was from Draco Malfoy, requesting a meeting in the Astronomy Tower.
Despite his instincts, Harrison agreed.
That night, they met under the stars.
"I'm not like my father," Draco said. "He's disappointed in me, and I'm tired of pretending."
Harrison studied him. "You want redemption?"
Draco nodded. "I want to be better. For real."
Harrison considered. "One step at a time. I'll be watching."
Draco accepted this, and they parted with an understanding.
---
### **Legacy in Motion**
By the end of the first week, it was clear: this year would not mirror the chaos of years past.
Harry had found his place.
Daphne was blooming.
Harrison remained vigilant—but for the first time, hopeful.
And in the shadows beneath the castle, something stirred.
Not yet a threat.
But a whisper.
A promise.