I apologize. This should have been posted long ago, I just didn't finish end of this chapter. Thankfully my wonderful friend reminded me! She'll pester me until the story is complete.

Enjoy!

To eat at a restaurant had Harry a bit lost. He had never been to a restaurant before. Severus explained a few things and the boy was quick to learn. Although, he was preferring a specific food, but he knew he had to wait for that later.

"You boys ready to go to Hogwarts?" Remus took a sip of his drink.

Dudley nodded, "Oh yeah! To learn all the potions, magic, and stuff? How can we not be ready?"

"Yeah, I guess." Harry wasn't certain what was the big deal, but he played along.

Severus casted a spell among them, "And there is something you need to be ready. I've been holding it off."

Harry hummed, "Like what? Is it about going on heroic mission and I'm still not allowed to do that at Hogwarts?"

"…you will talk to me when you feel that needs to happen, but no. Something completely different."

Remus agreed, "He's right. Harry, you know how your parents died right?"

"Yes," He glanced both of the adults, "Was I lied to about my parents?"

"No," Severus took a deep breath, "It is the fact what you did as an infant. Where you defeat the dark lord."

"Oh." Harry tilted his head, "But what about it? I don't even remember it."

"Do people take it as a big deal," Dudley piped up.

"Exactly," Remus sipped his glass.

Severus groaned, "Yes. Once people see the scar of yours, they are seeing you as Harry Potter. Not the boy as Harry. They will wish to be friend with a hero and have a social celebrity status. You are famous in the wizard world here."

Harry felt paled by such thoughts. These people believed he's famous? All because he stopped Voldemort? It was rather an odd behavior to follow through, considering he was just a baby!

"But I don't remember anything. How am I supposed to…what am I supposed to do?" Cried out desperately for help.

Severus soothed his back, "You will be fine. Dudley will be on your side. He knows the boy."

"Severus is right. I know you and I'm sure there's people who wants to be friends with who you are, not somebody you aren't." Dudley grinned.

"True…and no one knows about us. None of your ex-friends are following us there, are they?"

"Too muggles, if you ask me."

Severus sighed, "Believe me, I would have known if any in the area. You're safe. All you need to understand is there is people who will try to attempt to be friends with you for what you are to the society."

Remus sighed to chime in, "And there will be people who expects you to be a hero, to save them, and all sorts of heroic thing. Which is probably why Severus wishes you to involve him. I'd like to know what happened?"

The chosen one grimaced, "My lamia abilities had me overhearing Severus twice and found out Albus was missing. Once I got Dudley involved, the lamia power within me took over and went overboard. I was really protective and lost it. I fought against Albus' archenemy and won. Severus found me in the middle of the battle."

The professor nodded, "It was quite powerful, but he scared me to death with his involvement. It was beyond dangerous and life threatening."

"Harry!" The golden eyes were huge, "Merlin, when I was just your age, all I could do is basic spells before going to school. A battle at your age is too risky. Please don't do that again…not without an adult."

"…already promised that to Severus. You too?" Harry felt rather at loss for these behaviors.

"An adult I would trust as well, Harry," Severus softly smiled, "It is a serious matter and with you, you are likely to be involved a lot of risk and you need one of us to help you through whatever may come."

Dudley leaned over, "Will that prevent us getting grounded?"

"Yes…maybe. It depends on how you address these situations and behave." Severus eyed them.

Remus nodded, "He's right. It is for your safety, not the other ways around it."

"And there is something else I'd like to mention. When we are in Hogwarts, I will be a different person. I have to act these roles to protect my role. The role that I must follow and it is for everyone's safety. If I act mean and harsh, deal with it. There are death eater's children who reports to their parents. If I need to protect you, Harry, that means you have to be careful who you are around. I will inform you or change my act to secure the secret that I am your guardian."

That was confusing for the boy, "Why does it has to be a secret?"

Remus coughed, "He is a former death eater, Harry. Anyone who once was is difficult to trust, but Professor Dumbledore trusts him."

"Oh," His cousin understood, "A spy. Neat! Wait…you're going to suffocate us under so much homework, aren't you?"

"Why you think I had you both read early? I did not buy your potion textbook early on for nothing. I'd read the first chapter again." Severus sipped his drink.

The cousins immediately knew what they have to do and prepared to do this ahead of time. They learned a lot of potion work and understanding its purposes.

"Oh wait…you already have their potion textbooks?" Remus shook his head, "I should have known. Excuse me," He stood up.

Severus pulled him down, "Later. You deserve a dessert today for helping me to watch them. The least I could do is treat you out. After this, it will be difficult to eat out without anyone recognizing us."

Remus was shock and stammered about that it wasn't necessary. Unfortunately, the boys begged him to stay and the werewolf caved in. Severus felt successful today and they were able enjoy their day. No one was able to recognize anyone…well, the potion professor managed used notice-me-not spell and this gave them privacy.

They enjoyed their times and found themselves getting ready to go home. Harry grabbed the werewolf's hand and Lupin glanced down at him to see a kind smile. It reminded him of Lily.

"Please visit us, sir."

Remus nodded, "I'll do what I can. I'll let Severus know I'm visiting or he will let you know I'm coming."

"Of course." Severus chimed in, "Now, we best be going. Both of you are going to Hogwarts tomorrow."

The cousins heard the professor and found themselves shock. It was happening so soon and they sided by the man. Remus chuckled as he noticed Severus kept this quiet as a punishment. All children would be curious in their first year what day be the official date. Severus took them home and Remus took care of the potion text books. He was shock that he was told to keep the money. He knew it was part of the payment, but it did not feel right. He decided to hold onto it when he needed it or Harry needs it.

… … …

"Severus!" Whispered, almost squealed.

The dark eyes revealed to find a small child in front of him with full of smile. How did he not hear him come in? Harry was smiling at him and looked absolutely nothing like the shy or doubtful Harry. This was nice for a change. He pulled the boy into a hug and pretended to sleep.

"Shush, I'm sleeping." Severus smirked.

Harry shook his head, "Not if you're talking, you're awake. Come on!" Tried to get up, but pulled back from doing so, "Today we're going to Hogwarts! I'd like to find out which house I'll land!"

Severus huffed, "Spoil my precious sleep, why don't you, prat?"

"Aren't I supposed to? Erm…Dudley say any kids that is happy on special days get to wake up the adult for fun…did I fail?"

The slytherin hummed, "I doubt it. You know how to do well and you did it by surprising me."

"I surprised you?" That was new, "Neat! Is Albus going to be there? I hope so, but if not…why not? You think he'd still care if I land in the wrong house or failed all the classes there?"

The boy was set on full questions and he knew he should have dealt with Harry sooner on this. He sat up and looked at the child.

Severus brushed the boy's curly hair, "Harry, the headmaster is one of the caring person I've known. He is like a grandfather to most people and he will make sure you are happy and safe. He sent me here, correct?"

The Lamia blinked, "Yes, as a guardian and protector."

The professor grinned, "That means there is no wrong house. It is impossible to be sorted into the wrong house. Whatever house you land in is a reason and fits you in well by who you are."

"Oh…" Harry tilted his head, "…why aren't we getting ready yet?"

Severus glanced at the muggle alarm clock and noticed it was four in the morning. He should have suspected the boy would be too excited for the first day to school, especially Hogwarts.

"Because you weren't supposed to be up this early for another hour an-" Glanced down, "-and you are already showered, dressed, and in my bed to wake me up."

How disappointing that Harry was ready to go. It seemed like the beginning of the year had vanished on them. Harry truly grew up a little too fast for his liking and preferred to keep him young and be wanted.

"Pester your cousin and your uncle. I am not going to be the only one awake this early by a prat."

Harry lit up, "This is going to be fun!" His arms squeezed around Severus tightly and dashed out of the bedroom.

The professor shook his head, but he knew he could not escape this behavior today. He wanted the boy to set on his determination for his school and feel confident. Hogwarts was probably something that he needed to look forward to and feel belonged. Severus knew that feeling too well, but he dismissed it for now.

"Harry!" Hearing the cousin shouting out, "Let me sleep-ugh no! I want to sleep! Wha-yes, I know!"

Severus chuckled and pitied his cousin. He gathered himself up and decided to prepared himself today. His things were tucked into his small suitcase and only left certain things to be kept here later.

"Potter! I will have Severus ground you for waking us up this bright and early ! Where did you get this-oh, Dudley…fine! But not without my hugs!"

That was fast. Severus chuckled at the fact Harry was too excited for the first day. He had wondered what went on his mind today. Perhaps Albus and Minerva were a help to encourage him to attend and they wanted him. Harry has become used to new people over time, but he wondered how the boy will deal with the rest of the professors. Still, it was much to consider before it would begin. He met up with the grouchy uncle and provided a sympathy to him.

"This is an improvement, but couldn't you have told him one step out of bed early means no chocolate or something?" Vernon shook his head, "I thought we stopped his early bed rising…I'm beginning to hate enjoy sleeping in too much."

"She forced him up too early, did she not?"

"Afraid so," Vernon sighed, "Mostly him and me. She figured Dudley could sleep in an hour later. Once she was gone, I was happy to sleep in for a change."

"I noticed. I think his emotions made it difficult to stay asleep and he'll be asleep on the train ride today. I think he'll need it."

Vernon smiled at the man.

"Hey," Vernon stopped Severus from heading into the kitchen, "Look after them. Keep me inform, I'd like to know how they're coping."

"I believed my owl will sense you have a letter to send. You can check in anytime."

That made the uncle's day and he agreed immediately. There was much to know and worries running at once. They got themselves ready for the day and Harry was getting everything together. Dudley made sure Harry took an extra feeding and to keep him calm down. Severus kept Vernon from going in for ten minutes and it helped to keep things at a calm level. He returned their wands before they walked out of the house.

Vernon packed in their things and drove them to the station. Severus led the way and the cousins could not wait any longer. Today was the day that changes all.

Dudley hopped on the train station and turned left. Harry got on and glanced behind. The men waved at him and he nodded at them.

Harry quickly caught up to his cousin and found an empty compartment.

"I think this will do for us." Dudley opened the door and started placing their luggage on the shelf, "Maybe all to ourselves?"

"We'll see," Harry commented and quickly sat by the window to find Severus, "Did they leave already?"

His cousin sat down across, "I don't see my dad, I think so. Didn't Severus have to reach the school before us?"

"Yeah," Harry tilted us head, "Why not bring us there?"

"Maybe not everyone has someone to appariate us there?" His cousin commented.

"Maybe."

Knock, "Hello there mates, mind if I join?" Softer voice caught their attention.

The cousins glanced at him and saw the red head kid. The blue eyes glanced at them and realized they weren't saying much. His head shook and sighed.

"Never mind, I'll-"

Harry smiled lightly, "Come in. I'm Harry."

The boy smiled, "Ron Weasely. You?"

"Dudley."

"You guys brothers or something?" Ron walked in and placed his luggage up on the shelf as well.

Dudley chuckled, "Close, we're cousins."

"Cool! Must be nice to have same age relatives to go with. My brothers are older and my other cousins have gone to other schools." Rambled and shook his head.

Harry nodded along, "Cool."

Ron sat across from Harry and noticed something as his jaw dropped, "No way, You're Harry Potter?"

Harry froze and his cousin eyed the red head boy. They were told to be careful since anyone would rather befriend a 'hero' than the boy himself.

"You know you're famous, right?"

Harry shrugged, "It was something I did as a baby. I don't remember much?"

His head shook, "Right, but still, you're talking to me. Why? No one likes to talk to me as a Weasely."

Dudley blinked, "Big family?"

"Yes, I've got five older brothers and one younger sister. I'm the last brother in the family." Ron leaned against the seat, "You either got big family or something?"

Harry tilted his head, "Doubt it. Dudley and Uncle Vernon are my only family member."

"Hey," Someone else shouted, "Didn't we meet before?" The blond stood in their compartment doorway.

Harry nodded, "Yes? The Quidditch."

Draco hummed, "You were with Professor Snape, what's your name by the way?"

Dudley crossed his arms, "I'm Dudley Dursely and this is my cousin Harry."

"Last name, Harry?" Draco looked at his cousin and back at the chosen one.

Harry nodded, "Potter."

Draco glanced at them all, "Professor Snape must see something special in you, Potter…even to allow Weasely to associate with you."

Ron lowered his head, "Not like I had a chance to avoid a Malfoy."

The emerald eyes glanced at the red head and blond, "You guys don't like each other or something?"

"My family has a thing against Malfoy, I don't know why, but yeah." Ron muttered.

Draco's brow rose, "Good point. I think you're the exception, Weasely. Might have good place in Slytherin house."

Ron was shock, but he nodded along. Draco held up his hand to Harry and smug.

"Friends?"

Harry eyed his hand, "Long we don't fight over what house we're in?"

"Agreed." Malfoy smiled, "Never know, Professor Snape don't waste time unless he sees a potential working with you. He must find something important with you. I know him all my life."

Harry accepted his hand and they shook. Draco felt content and left them alone. The red head was shock for a change and had no idea. Dudley closed the compartment door settled next to Harry.

"Merlin, you got Malfoy to trust me, Harry. What magic did you do?"

Harry shrugged, "Nothing."

Dudley chuckled, "It's probably because Draco isn't a muggle. Most muggles aren't nice to either of us."

"Oh," Ron blinked, "Personality thing. But," His head tilted, "Malfoy hates muggles."

"You just have to do is ask the reasons behind it and ask." Dudley nodded.

Harry hummed, "He's right. I've been asking a lot since we discovered we're wizards and it makes you think a lot of things."

Somehow, Ron began to understand their point and agreed no less. They ended up chatting different things about themselves and became comfortable enough to trust each other. Harry was happy to gain two friends already and thought nothing of it. Dudley was happy to be a part of the wizard world and no one seems to have an issue about him. The trolly cart arrived and Harry helped himself to buy enough food for everyone. Ron was shocked how sharing Harry was and offered to split his lunch his mum made. Dudley and Harry accepted it in return.

"Hello, sorry to interrupt, but-" The boys heard a girl's voice and saw the bushy hair at the door, "-have any of you seen a frog?"

Ron shook his head, "Erm, no."

She sighed, "Thank you anyway. My friend lost his frog and I'll be going up the train until I do find him."

Harry nodded, "Okay. We'll keep an eye out. Did he hop out of his hands or something?"

She frowned, "No. He said he couldn't find his frog."

Dudley blinked, "Most frogs usually can't jump out of a pocket. Did he check his pockets before looking anywhere else?"

The young witch blinked, "Clever thinking, I would have never thought. Hold on."

They heard her shout out, 'Neville! Check your pocket!'

It was quiet for a while and the girl came back with gleeful smile on her.

"Thank you! It was in his pocket! I'm Hermione Granger and-" Seeing the glasses, "-you must be Harry Potter. You're quite the topic in the historic event." She glanced at the others, "You all are?"

Dudley smiled, "Dudley Dursely. I'm Harry's cousin."

"Ron Weasely," The red head shoved food in his mouth.

Hermione nodded, "Interesting. How did you know about the frogs?"

"Well, I was doing gardening work and Dudley found one. He picked it up and kept it in his pocket."

His cousin chuckled, "Oh man, I forgot about that! That frog was in my pocket all day and mum lost it! It was after I took it off and I forgot! Harry took the frog and put it back in the garden."

She nodded, "I supposed my friend is thankful for his frog to be found. You all best get changed, we're getting close." She smiled.

Hermione waved and went off to her friend. The boys figured she was right and began to change once the privacy on the door and window were set up. It wasn't too long until they were able to get themselves off the train.

Harry and Dudley glanced around and noticed the giant man calling out for first years. They did follow up to him and listened as they were told. The three boys kept themselves together and ended up on the boat to get to Hogwarts. To see the castle itself had amazed Harry to no ends and he held himself at fascination. Dudley knew how much Harry loved the details of the place and recalled their up close visit one time. That will be something else to tell to someone about their days.

To be followed by a witch known as Professor McGonagall. She noticed Potter and Dursely as she smiled…until she saw another red head. She knew this was not good. She led them to the great hall and prepared them to be sorted for the first time. All the first years were curious and found themselves fascinated how the hall turns out to be.

Everyone was called out by their names and waited patiently. Some did not take long as others and not longer than expected. Harry's cousin got called in first and he was nervous. He went up and let the hat sit on him. It seemed a lot of shock for a second, but later to go on with. This was a little longer than anyone else would have expected.

"SLYTHERIN!"

Dudley shook and was rather surprised to hear the sorting hat in person. He smiled and headed to the table of Slytherin. He was welcome and he nodded. He looked for his cousin and smiled at him. Harry returned the smile for him. The list of students continued and took a while to pass on to each person. A couple of new Gryffindors here and there, some Ravenclaw, one new Hufflepuff…oh, wait, couple more.

Hermione's turn and she went up. This was not long, but she seemed to be content in what she was getting into.

"GRYFFINDOR!" Her face lit up and went to join her table as they cheered for her.

The list went on and the houses grew bigger with the first year joining them. Some of the older students were chatting quietly, but kept themselves involved to patriciate. There was an odd boy named Neville and the cousins recognized this one due to Hermione. He ended up in Gryffindor and he felt welcomed there.

Malfoy was called up and announced as Slytherin. He took his pride to his expected house.

There were only fifteen students left, but it was almost over for some of them. Finally, the lamia's name was called and he didn't know if it was worth it. Harry slowly walked up to the hat and felt it on him.

'Ah, hm…this is the great cousin of Dudley Dursely. You have loyal cousin and clever at that one. You…you have many position and options to land all houses. Tricky, but we cannot have you separated from your cousin. It won't do.' The sorting hat commented in his head.

Harry was surprised, but it knew exactly what he needed. It was quiet in the great hall and everyone was watching the chosen one. They were all expecting the right house to land in for him. It was strange.

'Once I place you with your cousin, these people will not react well. Will you act like a Gryffindor and behave for the Slytherin? Otherwise, I might have to discuss this with the headmaster on arranging your cousin to the other house. It would not do well to separate you both.'

Harry mentally hummed and felt that his cousin mattered more. He didn't want anything to mess up his cousin's impression and decided to accept it. His mouth opened and the sorting hat beat him to it.

"SLYTHERIN!"

The Slytherin cheered for Potter to be in their house. Harry smiled a bit and joined his house. He met up with his cousin and Draco welcomed him in. There still students left to be sorted and it came quickly to each until Weasely was shouted to come up. The young red head walked up and tried to see what could happen. Ron sat down and felt the hat on his head.

"SLYTHERIN!"

"WHAT?!" An older Weasely stood up, "THAT'S NOT POSSIBLE!"

Professor McGonagall glared, "Mister Percy Weasely, sit down or remove yourself immediately." There was sharp tone that managed to get Percy sitting down in fear for detention. She turned to the young Weasely, "You may join your table."

Ron nodded and did so quietly. It was rather unusual mix for the Slytherin, but there was no going back. The sorted hat was never wrong.

The rest of the students were finally sorted to their houses and the celebration of new members. Harry glanced around to see how big the school was and spotted the staff members at the front. Minerva was sitting next to the headmaster and it made the boy's day to see three people he knew. Severus noticed him, but did not express. Harry understood it was an act to protect him and decided to play along. Although, there was a strange man next to his guardian and muttering something. There was a sharp pain when he was looked at.

He groaned, "…when you think we can sleep?"

Dudley shrugged, "I don't know. I'm starving, though. You alright?"

"Just a headache."

"Oh, I'm sure they'll give us water or something. I don't understand why they won't let us in line to get food."

"It'll magically appear," Ron commented softly, "After announcement."

The headmaster welcomed his students and pride them with joy of their first education of the day. He expressed much changes and pointed out the forbidden forest would be off limit. He made a brief comment and all the food appeared! Harry was shock and felt content to see plenty of food! Everyone helped themselves and settled in.

"Potter, Dursely, and Weasely. You're with me," Draco moved in closely with them, "I don't need idiot to room with and you're all bright enough to pass. We good?" The blond glanced at them.

The boys exchanged glances and found no reasons to dismiss it. Although, Dudley and Harry weren't certain how to cover up their blood feeding time. For now, they played along and found themselves heading to the dormitory by their Head Boy and Girl.

Once they were free from the head boy and girl, the four boys teamed up and went to the first year floor. They all saw their things already and ready to settle themselves to sleep. Ron and Draco didn't say a thing to each other, but the cousins kept quiet since they knew they needed sleep to wake up early. Harry needed blood to eat, but to do it day to day without being caught? It was going to be a long school year for everyone.