The dark haired boy inhaled sharply as he sank to the floor. He would be leaving this house in just two hours. His family wouldn't be around for almost a year. He could have friends for once in his life. Only, that thought terrified him.

Several hours later, Harry Potter sat under the Sorting Hat, begging not to go to Slytherin or Gryffindor. Both boys he'd met terrified him. The redhead wouldn't stop staring, and the blond was rude and reminded him of his cousin.

"Fine then! RAVENCLAW!" The hall was silent as he sat down next to Terry Boot, who smiled.

"Hello, Harry! I'm Terry. Have you read the books yet?" Harry gave him a thankful look.

"Not really. I didn't have access to my school things before today. I barely got to look over the potions book. I think I'll like the class. I like to cook, and it's the closest thing I can get to science."

"What do you mean?"

"I was spending the last few minutes I could with my family." Harry lied.

"Oh, does that mean I get to fill you in on everything magical?"

CHAPTER ONE

Harry flinched as he sat down next to Terry on the train. His whole body ached, but he couldn't do anything about it. Since they never made any promises to write, they hadn't tried to correspond to each other over summer breaks. In a way, Harry wanted his friend to save him, but in another, he did.

First year school had been a joke with Quirrel trying to steal whatever Dumbledore had hid. He'd been caught, and arrested, but he didn't live to see his trial. People stared at him as if Harry was the reason the man had been caught. The headmaster had sent disappointed looks at him all the time after.

Second year hadn't passed much differently. Only Lockhart was an idiot. His books should have been burned they were such an insult! Then when he had told Terry about the zoo incident. His friend took it in stride, and pointed out books he should look at. Then Ginny Weasley, the sister of the boy who creeped him out, was caught with a dangerous object. Once again the headmaster sent his upset stares.

Third year had been somewhat normal. His aunt had begrudgingly signed his consent form for the Hogsmead trips. Harry had officially blurred into the background. No one paid him much mind except when he would earn house points or trip over something. Even Snape, the potions master, seemed to accept who he was, and let go of whatever Harry seemed to do wrong. He was just another student. He was happy, and his housemates could see that. Eventually, Sirius Black was caught, and questioned under veritaserum and freed. Only then Harry was informed on who his godfather was. Unfortunately he was deemed unfit to care for a child.

Now they were on their way back for their fourth year. Harry could see his friend shooting his worried looks, but didn't ask what was wrong. He knew Harry wouldn't answer. They just read quietly, eating snacks from the trolley, and talking about nothing in peculiar. It was when a commotion came from outside their compartment did they open the door. Weasley and Malfoy were squaring off. Hermione Granger was trying to get the redhead to leave, but was failing. Harry backed away, so Terry took over.

"Oi, some of us are trying to read. Go somewhere else." The blue eyed boy said, glaring.

"What's it to you Boot? Go back to your boyfriend Potter and stay out of it!" Weasley snarled and Harry ceased breathing. His mind turning to what his uncle had told him over the last few years.

Gays were disgusting just like him.

No poofs could live in Private Drive.

"Harry? Harry! HARRY!" Harry flinched back, looking at his friend, scared. "Are you okay, mate?" The Gryffindors had left, but Malfoy was standing there. "Don't listen to the prick. Being gay is okay, I mean, wizards can get pregnant-"

"What?" Harry screeched, pale. Terry frowned while Malfoy gave a surprised look. "They don't tell us crap at school do they?"

"No. You have to find out yourself by going to Madam Pomfrey, parents, or books. Did you not know that?" Malfoy sneered, "who are you anyways? A mud-blood?" Harry glared at him.

"My name is Harry, and you know perfectly well who I am, Malfoy."

"There is no way you are Harry Potter. He's my age now!" Harry flinched back.

"Thanks for reminding me I'm the height of a first year! Get lost, I was happy being a shadow!" Malfoy frowned, but did as told. "This year isn't going good, Terry."

"Oh, would you relax?" The taller Ravenclaw pulled out a vile, "here, try that. It's my latest potion for the twins." By twins, he meant the Weasley twins, who they had been helping with pranking items since second year. "Don't worry, I tested it on mother." With a shrug, Harry downed the potion. Licking his lips, he smiled.

Until a sharp pain at the top of his head and base of his spin struck. He inhaled sharply, holding his breath until it passed. "Here!" Terry handed him a mirror. "What do you think?" Harry gaped. He had cat ears to match his hair. "You have to take the antidote, but I thought you'd like it."

"As long as I have the antidote by the last week of school." Harry agreed, smiling. "This is so cool! I love how my tail is! It looks like an Egyptian Mau's cat." Even his black hair had turned silver with black dots. "Thank you!"

"No problem...it kinda doesn't work unless you don't have an animagus form or a cat form."

"So I either don't have one or its a cat? Sirius won't like that."

"Who cares? He should like you for you, not because you are James Potter's son." Harry shrugged, and they changed into robes. Minutes later, they were at Hogwarts. After the sorting, and dinner, the Headmaster stood, eyes twinkling.

"This year, the Triwizard Tournament will take place, here in Hogwarts!" Excited whispers echoed as the man continued. Harry shook his head when his blue eyes lingered on him. "Finally, your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Moody!" A man clanked in, shaking Albus Dumbledore's hand.

"Isn't that Alastor Moody?" Harry hissed to Cho Chang, an older Ravenclaw. She nodded, "why is he here? What's wrong with someone like Remus again?"

"You mean other than him being a Werewolf?" Harry flinched.

"He's my family, so watch your wording, Chang." Harry spat, "he was the best teacher we've had since I started here!"

"Leave Potter alone, Chang."

"He started it." Harry gave here a gape.

"What are we? Seven? I'm not playing who started it!" They were dismissed and he grabbed Terry's arm, dragging him to the commons. Knocking, they waited for the riddle.

"I am the beginning of the end, and the end of time and space. I am essential to creation, and I surround every place. What am I?"

"The letter 'e'." The teens said together, grinning as the door opened.

"Night Terry."

"Good night Harry.