September 1994
Hogwarts Express
After Daphne stopped speaking, silence hung in the compartment and an expression of worry could be seen on Tracey's face.
Though she would probably be not be suffering so much, given that she was not a muggle born but a half-blood. Also, her family was an Ancient and Most Noble family.
Daphne immediately switched the topic of conversation to change the depressive mood of the compartment. Both of the girls talked on my different things ranging from their studies, homework, spell weaving to some classroom gossip.
Harry was amused to hear himself being mentioned few times in the conversation but it was nothing more than a casual gossip.
Throughout their conversation Harry learned many things he was unaware of. From the subtle power struggle in the Slytherin house to how he and his friends were viewed across the school. He learned that half the school considered him an ignorant brat following an useless Weasley while the other half considered him an arrogant brat, who had not bothered to reply to any one of the single letters or gifts they had sent him, expressing their thanks for vanquishing Voldemort.
Harry again cursed Dumbledore for a bit before gaining some composure.
The journey which he wanted to use for rest turned out to be an arduous one. He had to keep his movement minimal so as not to produce any kind sound fearing that he might be discovered.
Half an hour before Hogsmeade station was about to arrive, both the Slytherin girls left the compartment to return to their other friends.
Harry let out a deep sigh on his departure and twisted his body to stretch his muscles.
September 1994
Hogsmeade Station
Harry stepped down from the train on the platform and started to move towards the path leading towards Hogwarts.
Even before he could have taken a couple of steps, a bushy brow hair girl collided and squeezed him with all her might.
Hermione asked almost sobbing, "Harry! Where have you been? I have been searching for you since the platform. I was about to go to Professor McGonagall."
Harry smiled, "I was on the train only Hermione. I Was just taking a little rest."
Hermione let Harry go and stared at him in anger, "Why didn't you even inform me? I was so worried."
Harry chuckled and was about to answer the question before a snickering interrupted him.
Draco walked haughtily towards Harry followed by his two bodyguards.
He sneered, "Here you are, Potter. Your mudblood of a follower was searching for you on the whole train. I finally thought that the world got rid of your pathetic existence."
Though Harry got angry at the specific word used for Hermione, he maintained his composure, "Malfoy.... Malfoy...."
Harry stepped forward and despite Harry being only slightly taller, he towered over Malfoy. His green eyes glowed like a burning orb and Malfoy stepped back in fear bumping into his followers.
Harry stood at his position for few seconds but did not speak a word. Finally, he took Hermione's hand and walked away towards Hogwarts.
Hermione also walked by Harry's side for few seconds in silence, before her anxiety finally gave in, "What have happened to you Harry? You are so changed."
Harry did not say anything for few seconds and continued to walk forward until he muttered, "I have learned many things Hermione."
Before she could respond, Harry snapped his finger and a thick book appeared in his hands, thanks to Dobby.
'Introduction of Wizarding World, Politics and Families by Griselda Marchbanks.'
Harry handed the book to Hermione, "Read this book before we talk. Only then you will be able to understand some of my answers."
Hermione nodded, already engrossing her in the introduction of the book.
Harry suddenly turned around and faced Hermione, "I hope I can trust you Hermione."
Hermione stared at him in confusion until she nodded her head fervently.
For the first time Harry tried to use passive 'legilimency' and could feel Hermione's unwavering determination to stay true to him.
Harry smiled and both of them resumed their walk.
Hermione questioned again, "Why is Ron so upset with you? On the journey I asked him to help me in finding you but he... was not very pleasant. He then got into a fight with me. He was calling you arrogant and also that you are starting to turn evil."
Harry laughed. What more could he have expected from a person with half a brain? He knew, him announcing himself as Lord apparent of House Black, a known dark family, was the reason Ron called him evil. He could not help but feel amused when he thought about their reactions, when the world would learn of him being Lord Slytherin, supposedly the darkest wizard ever known to mankind.
He chuckled, "I am also trying to figure out Hermione."
Hermione wanted to ask more questions but stopped herself and went back to turning the pages of the book.
Soon the duo reached the perimeter of Hogwarts, and as Harry stepped his feet, Harry felt the Hogwarts tuning in with him.
The land around Hogwarts and its castle was jointly owned by the four founders and since Harry was Lord Gryffindor and Lord Slytherin, he had half the ownership of the Hogwarts castle.
For now Harry's control over Hogwarts was almost equal or a bit greater to that of Dumbledore.
Dumbledore was restricted from making many changes in the Hogwarts, since he was not the real owner but a caretaker. Harry had no such restrictions and with no Lord Ravenclaw or Lord Hufflepuff, Harry remained as the sole decision maker.
If he wished he could tear apart the control all the wards from Dumbledore to himself, taking complete control over the Hogwarts castle but that would immediately notify Dumbledore and so Harry refrained from doing so.