Ah, now it clicked. This must have been the girl Dumbledore had hinted about to me earlier. Except clearly, Jasmine still mistakenly believed James Potter was my biological father...
She stared at me expectantly, anxiety beginning to creep back into her expression as I took a moment to process it. Her large, expressive eyes were filled with so much hope and nervous anticipation that I felt a pang of sympathy for her confusion.
"Jasmine," I started gently, touching her shoulder again softly to reassure her, "Thank you for trusting me with this, truly. But-um, James Potter wasn't my father..."
Jasmine stared at me, mouth slightly open, eyes wide with shock and confusion. Her expression was almost comical in how utterly stunned she looked. "Huh?" was all she managed to say, blinking rapidly as though trying to reset her thoughts.
I nodded slowly, offering a gentle smile. She looked so baffled that I almost felt bad for dropping such a bombshell on her. Gently, I placed a comforting hand back on her shoulder, trying to reassure her as best I could. "Sorry, Jasmine. I know it's probably not what you expected to hear," I said softly. "The truth is, Lily Evans-well, Lily Potter-was furious after discovering James's affair. In her anger, she went out looking for some form of revenge, I suppose. That's when she ended up having a one-night stand with my other mother named Serafall. And well... Serafall knocked Lily up."
Which was pretty amazing considering how shitty devil fertility was. But I guess I was just so awesome that nothing was going to stop me from being born.
Jasmine blinked several more times, still utterly flabbergasted, her cheeks now tinged faintly pink as my words sunk in. "Huh...?" she repeated weakly, clearly overwhelmed by the information I'd just shared.
I chuckled softly, shaking my head at her bewildered reaction. "Wow, I'm really sorry if I ruined your dreams of having a super awesome big brother."
Her expression immediately shifted into a pout, crossing her arms defiantly over her chest. "Excuse me," she huffed. "I happen to be the older one here, I'll have you know."
Technically, given the timeline, she was right.
Her pout dissolved into an even deeper blush. Jasmine quickly glanced away from me, embarrassment clearly flooding her delicate features. "Oh Merlin, this is so embarrassing," she muttered to herself, covering her face briefly with her hands. "I can't believe I just blurted all that out to you! I should have done more research first, or maybe I should have asked my mom what really happened back then! I wonder if she already knew all this? But then why did she never tell me? Harry, please forget everything I just told you, alright!?" She rambled at me adorably.
It definitely wasn't Jasmine's fault, if anything it was Lily's considering she never told anyone. I'd like to consider that James Potter knew, and maybe they chose to forgive each other over both of their infidelities. But given the fact that they were both long gone and dead no one would ever really know.
"Hey, it's okay. I'm the one who should probably apologize here. I mean, everyone calls me Harry Potter. It almost feels like I'm stealing something that should rightfully be yours," I told Jasmine.
She quickly shook her head, turning to face me again, her large eyes filled with surprising warmth and sincerity. "No, Harry. Really. I never even knew James Potter anyway, and honestly, my mum is amazing! I love her, and I prefer just being known as Jasmine McKinnon." Her lips curved into a mischievous grin. "Though, I suppose it's not all bad news for me. If you're not actually related to James Potter, then technically the entire Potter fortune might come straight to me, right!?"
"At least there's that," I said while giving her a smile. "But you don't have to worry about me, money is something my family is not lacking."
My expression must have given me away instantly, as Jasmine's eyes widened dramatically, lips forming a perfect little 'O' of surprise and curiosity. "Wait... seriously? How rich are we talking here, Harry?"
Grinning cheekily, I lightly booped her nose with a fingertip, making her scrunch it up cutely. "Sorry, Jasmine. That's a family secret."
...Our conversation drew to a close when the large wooden doors at the castle entrance swung open abruptly, and the massive form of Hagrid filled the doorway. He held both doors wide, allowing a wave of eager, wide-eyed sixteen-year-olds to flow into the hallway. They flooded around us.
Jasmine glanced around quickly, noticing the students filing into a disorderly line beside us. She gave me an apologetic smile, her cheeks still slightly flushed from our earlier conversation. "I guess our talk will have to wait until later."
I nodded, offering her a gentle smile. "You're in Gryffindor, right? Don't worry, we'll have plenty of chances to talk. I'll be sitting at your table soon enough."
Her lips curled into a smirk, and she tilted her head at me, those round glasses sliding slightly down her nose. "How do you know that?" she asked, teasing me. "You haven't even been sorted yet."
I grinned at her, leaning just a little closer. "Because Gryffindor is full of the cutest girls," I said confidently. "Of course that's where I'm going to end up."
Jasmine rolled her eyes dramatically behind her round glasses, though I didn't miss the subtle blush on her cheeks as she stepped back, turning towards the Great Hall entrance with a huff. "You're impossible, Harry...whatever your real last name is," she muttered playfully as she disappeared into the noisy crowd streaming forward.
I watched her go, amused, when suddenly a few of the first-years noticed me standing to the side. Their eyes widened with awe as whispers spread quickly.
"Is that really him?"
"It's actually Harry Potter!"
"No way! He really came to Hogwarts!"
Unable to resist, I smiled and gave a small, casual wave.
"Harry! Can I have your autograph?" a bold blonde girl asked eagerly, practically bouncing on her feet. Her friends giggled and encouraged her, watching me shyly.
"Or maybe just a quick photo?" another boy added hopefully.
I shook my head apologetically. "Sorry, not right now. But I'll make sure to do it next time, okay?"
Disappointment flashed briefly across their faces before it turned back into shy giggles.
As the first-year students began lining up, I glanced casually over the crowd once more. My eyes caught on two particular figures among them-both curvy and undeniably feminine, even beneath the cloaks that concealed their features. Their hoods were drawn low, hiding their faces, but something about them sparked a vague yet distinctly familiar feeling in my chest.
My instincts stirred as I studied them more closely. Who were they? Why did they feel so familiar?
I tried to take a step forward for a better look, when suddenly the doors to the Great Hall swung open wide. I reluctantly tore my gaze away from the mysterious figures as an imposing witch with stern features stood at the doorway.
She adjusted her glasses, her voice loud and firm, echoing clearly through the crowded hallway. "Attention, everyone! It's time for the sorting ceremony. Form a neat line, please, and follow me."
The gathered students quickly complied, hurriedly forming a somewhat organized line. I joined the end of it, still glancing occasionally towards the two mysterious, voluptuous girls. Yet, every time I caught sight of them, a flash of excitement and confusion rippled through me.
However, before I could give them further thought, I was swept forward along with the others, moving into the massive and breathtaking expanse of the Great Hall.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," she announced calmly, her voice echoing through the hall. "Shortly, the Sorting Hat will determine your houses. When your name is called, please step forward to be sorted."
Professor McGonagall began calling out names, but I wasn't really paying attention. My thoughts drifted elsewhere as I stood there, feeling hundreds of eyes fixed on me from all around the Great Hall. To be fair, it didn't seem like many people were actually paying attention to the sorting ceremony itself either.
Everyone at the house tables seemed far more interested in staring at me. A lot of the students were openly pointing, whispering excitedly among themselves, clearly eager to get their first real glimpse of the famous "Harry Potter."
I let my gaze wander casually around the hall, taking in the curious stares from the Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs. They all seemed friendly enough, intrigued rather than hostile.
But then I looked at the Slytherin table and almost laughed at the dramatically different reception. Around half of the students at that table were openly glaring at me, hostility clear on their faces.
I raised an eyebrow slightly and smirked back at them, letting them know I didn't care in the slightest.
From the front of the room, I saw Dumbledore sitting at the staff table. He gave me a knowing nod, and I returned it casually. Beside him sat Lockhart, looking pale and jumpy, and he was also wearing different robes after he pissed his last ones.
Further along sat Professor Lupin, who caught my eye and gave me a supportive smile and nod. Lupin had been genuinely cool earlier-coming to help us-even if we hadn't really needed his help against that demon.
The damn thing survived getting flung off the train, but next time-I was going to kill it.
Then my eyes landed on another professor, a pale, dark-haired man with a long nose and cold black eyes that bored into mine with undisguised contempt. I'd never even seen this guy before, yet he looked at me like I'd personally offended him.
The fuck was this about?
I narrowed my eyes slightly at him, silently challenging his glare with my own indifferent smirk.
My quiet battle of wills with the sour-faced professor was interrupted when Professor McGonagall finally reached my name on the list. But her voice stumbled slightly as she read it aloud.
"Sitri... Harry?" she said uncertainly, squinting at the parchment like she assumed there must have been a mistake.
Instantly, confused whispers spread around the hall, the students' murmurs growing louder.
Ignoring their shocked voices, I strode casually forward, moving up to where McGonagall stood beside the stool. She glanced at me apologetically, clearly flustered by the apparent mistake.
"I'm terribly sorry, Mr. Potter," she started, flustered. "There seems to be a clerical error. I'll correct your surname-"
I raised my hand gently, stopping her mid-sentence. "Actually, Professor, that's right," I said loudly, calmly enough for my voice to carry clearly through the Great Hall. "My name is Harry Sitri. My mom cheated on James Potter."
McGonagall stared at me in absolute horror, eyes wide. "WHAT!?" she shrieked. "LILY DID WHAT!?"
Her voice wasn't quiet in the least.
Instantly, the hall erupted into chaos! Voices rose, echoing shock, confusion, and scandal. I could hear gasps and cries of disbelief as the news spread instantly through the entire student body.
Kind of the reaction I was expecting to be honest...
Paying them no attention, I simply sat down casually on the sorting stool, picking up the Sorting Hat and placing it lightly on my head. The old hat chuckled softly in my mind, clearly amused by my antics.
"Hmm... are you absolutely sure you're not James Potter's son?" it asked in a teasing voice. "He was just as much trouble as you are turning out to be, boy."
"Very sure," I replied mentally, smirking. "My mom is a million times cooler than James Potter ever could've been. Now, hurry up and put me in Gryffindor already."
The hat grumbled slightly, hesitating for a moment. "Perhaps Gryffindor might not be the best idea after all," it muttered skeptically. "With your... unique talents, I fear all the young witches-and probably some older ones too-might wind up pregnant before the end of the school year!"
I snorted softly in amusement, mentally rolling my eyes. "That's exactly what contraceptive potions are for, isn't it?"
The Sorting Hat sighed dramatically, clearly giving up. "I suppose you're right. And besides, no other house would suit you anyway. Very well... better be-GRYFFINDOR!" It shouted the last word aloud, loud enough to echo clearly over the still-stunned hall.
Most of the students were still too shocked by my announcement to react immediately, so only a small cluster at first cheered my sorting. Fred and George Weasley stood up, hollering with delight. Hermione was grinning brightly, clapping enthusiastically along with Ginny beside her. Over at the Ravenclaw table, Luna smiled dreamily, clapping politely and giving me a soft, amused wink.
The rest of the hall remained in various states of stunned disbelief.
Removing the hat from my head, I stood up casually, nodding politely to a still-gaping Professor McGonagall before strolling over confidently to the Gryffindor table. Hermione immediately scooted over, making space for me to sit right next to her.
Fred and George sat across the table, roaring with laughter. Fred slammed his fist onto the wooden surface, tears streaming down his cheeks. "Harry, mate, that prank was bloody legendary!"
George snickered beside him, leaning forward and shaking his head. "Honestly, I didn't know you had it in you. Brilliant stuff!"
I laughed softly, shaking my head and glancing around the table. "Guys, believe it or not, it wasn't even a prank," I said with a chuckle, casually grabbing a glass of pumpkin juice and taking a long sip. Ugh, that was nasty! I choked a bit before speaking again. "...All I did was tell the truth. It was about time everyone knew."
Should have listened to Hermione's warnings about the pumpkin juice...
The laughter slowly faded into silence, confusion replacing amusement on many of my new housemates' faces. Voices quickly rose up again, flooding me with questions.
"Wait, so you're actually not Harry Potter?" asked a curvy brunette-Lavender if I remembered right.
"Are you not really the Boy Who Lived?" said Parvarti next to her.
I grimaced slightly at the title and sighed. "Ugh, I really hate that stupid nickname," I muttered, rolling my eyes. "Yes, I'm still technically the Boy Who Lived-unfortunately-and yeah, I did kick Voldemort's sorry ass! Turning his murdering ass to dust that probably ended up getting vacuumed off the floor..."
Several gasps erupted around me, eyes widening in horror as the name Voldemort left my lips. A girl across from me visibly flinched.
"Merlin's beard, Harry! Don't say his name out loud!" someone whispered urgently.
