Chapter 34 - My SI Stash #34 - A Curse of Truth by butalearner (Harry Potter) (2/2)

I don't recognize any of the other names, and before I know it, Professor McGonagall has stopped calling names, and I'm standing there alone with whispers starting to spring up around me. I look at her, but she is looking up at the head table. I follow her gaze to find Professor Dumbledore apparently studying me intently. Suddenly it hits me: I'm about to go under the Sorting Hat, who is going to be in my head. It's going to find out what I know! And Dumbledore's eyes are on mine, too. Legilimency! He wouldn't use it on me, would he? I look away, just in case, back to the Sorting Hat, and then back to McGonagall.

I avoid looking back at the headmaster, and I'm relieved when he continues the Sorting a moment later. With a scr_a_p_e of his chair, the aged headmaster silences the Hall. ”Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we welcome the first of several opportunities this coming year to comport ourselves admirably in front of outsiders. Mr. Lerner here has transferred to Hogwarts, and shall be joining the Fourth Years upon his Sorting. Professor McGonagall, if you please.”

”Lerner, Bud,” she says, inviting me to the stool as she had all First Years.

I try not to wince at the awful name; it helps that I'm terrified of what the Hat will see. He does claim to keep what he learns a secret, but seeing as how the damned thing talks...how hard would it be for Dumbledore to get a secret this big out of it? I swallow roughly and make my way forward in the silence of the Great Hall. I imagine the Hat being placed on my head and spilling my secrets, but then a mildly comforting thought occurs to me. Who would believe a hat about me? McGonagall would probably set it on fire.

With a bit more confidence I turn and seat myself facing the crowd. ”Oof...” I flop down a little harder than I mean to, because the stool is so low to the ground. The display elicits a few scattered laughs, and I feel my face flush in embarrassment but smile through it.

”Well, what do we have here, a dimensional traveller, eh? What's this? Oh...OH! Oh my, this is quite interesting. A fictional character in a fictional universe, am I? And what is...”

Suddenly the Hat starts laughing hysterically. And I mean hysterically. Not just in my head, either...I can hear it laughing externally as well. It's such a contagious laugh I can't help but chuckle myself.

”Oh my,” it says when it finally calms down. ”Oh my, that is delectable. I wish there were more stories about me in your head like that, though surely you realize as an enchanted article of clothing I am neither male nor female? Oh well, in any case...I must dutifully Sort you, but I suppose you know where you're going? Thought so. Before you go, I feel I must point out that, without the delicious memories you have of our entire existence, you'd have probably been Sorted into Ravenclaw. No? Well, some of your misgivings about me are quite unfounded – yes, several pieces of fanfiction have indeed gotten that right: I am quite unable to share what I've learned, even if I tried. Not even the headmaster can wheedle information about students out of me, and he has certainly tried. But your other misgivings are not. Yes, I suspect either one of the two Legilimency masters at this school could pick this information from you, even with your current abilities at Occlumency, though I'm not entirely certain they would maintain their sanity. Yes, I suggest you work on that, though it will be difficult without a Legilimens. Also, I see the canonical future, which I assume you're going to change? Yes, I see the terrible things that would have transpired had you not appeared, and I don't disagree that it could be better. But I must implore you to be careful, Mr. 'Lerner' – yes, I see your real name. But think about this: what if you make it worse?”

The hat finally pauses and the message sinks in. Oh. Shit.

”Right then. GRYFFINDOR!”

A/N:

Bit of a short chapter to start, but rest assured this is an anomaly. I shoot for at least 5k+ words per chapter, not counting disclaimers and author's notes, but that's not a hard and fast rule. This just seemed like a natural stopping point. I am averaging just over 6k words per chapter.

The fanfiction I'm referring to when I talk about the school in the United States is Inverarity's Alexandra Quick series. That was one of my first pieces of fanfiction, so I'm being totally honest when I say I don't remember much about it. And since 'I' fell into the Harry Potter universe, that would be realistic. The only time I will look up facts is when I'm describing something from canon that I don't remember off the top of my head (which will be often, true enough).

Despite the Sorting Hat's reaction, I have in fact never read any fanfiction in which the Sorting Hat is involved in s_e_x_u_a_l situations. Although suddenly I have an idea for another story...

If you find any errors, be they spelling, grammatical, logical, canonical, temporal, or otherwise, let me know! That includes past/present tense mistakes as well: unless one of the characters is talking about the past or I'm recapping, everything is supposed to be in the present tense. Maybe that's kind of odd, but I like the way it reads for first-person stories since it makes it seem like you're there. I'm a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to those things, so don't be afraid to call me names when I mess something up – as long as you're explicit about what it is I messed up in the process. Also, regarding those Americanisms I brought up in the preface: if you see any non-PoV characters using them in what seems like an unusual way, that is most likely a mistake, so call me out on it. Although, if you've ever met a foreign exchange student, you might know that they often exchange words or sayings.

Let me know what you think!

One reviewer pointed out the Supreme Chancellor Palpatine did not exist in 1994; it was only through Episode I in 1999 that we learned his previous title. Oops! Hermione must have just assumed I made up a political position to firm up my fake fake back story (as opposed to my real fake backstory...you'll see). So maybe five years from this point Hermione will think it's fishy.There was a 11-inch magic wand placed beside inside of the case which I grabbed. It looked like a black twig that had been sharpened to a point with small bumps on its side.

A skill has been created through a special action.

[Observe] (Active) LV 1

Through continuous observation, a skill to observe objects, situations, and persons was generated allowing the user to quickly gather information.

”Oh now that's an interesting quirk. Should I test it on the wand then?”

Blackthorn Wand- Rank: Special

A magical wand crafted by Garrick Olivander made out of blackthorn wood and dragon heartstring.

Magic spells cost 50% less mana to use.

Magic spells are 50% more powerful.

Pocketing the wand, I closed the trunk and opened the spell book, I needed to play my part after all.

About twenty minutes into my reading, the compartment door opened and two girls stepped inside.

I knew who they were almost immediately as their names were floating above their heads.

Daphne Greengrass (LV 3)

Tracy Davis (LV 2)

My mouth quirked up automatically in a well-practiced smile, ”Hello.”

They ignored me completely as they took their seats on the opposite side of the room and placed their respective trunks under their seat.

It was to be expected I suppose. They correctly assumed that I was either a muggle-born or a half-blood and rather than take the effort to look for a new compartment they instead chose to ignore me.

I mentally rolled my eyes. Children.

I was happy to do the same as I returned to the book in my hand. It was interesting all things considering. I passed the time by trying to come up with a logical explanation to some of these spells, like the lumos spell.

The train's whistle sounded, and I could feel as it pulled out of the station. All things considering it could be worse.

Turning a page in my book I received another message.

Diligent studying causes your INT to go up by 1.

Now that was an interesting result. Looking at my Mana pool I noticed that it had gone up by 10, meaning that one point of INT equaled 10 points of mana.

Dismissing the window, I turned to look at the two girls that were completely absorbed in their talk. By the looks of it, neither one could see the game's window.

Daphne looked like the stereotypical rich girl portrayed in media nowadays, with white skin, silky blond hair, and pale blue eyes. Her efforts to keep an emotionless facade was almost funny in how bad it was, but that was to be expected of a 11-year-old. She was still green (pun intended) but in time she would be able to hide her emotions more easily.

Tracy was the exact opposite with black hair and brown eyes. Her presences was completely overshadowed by Daphne's, and she apparently knew this too as she made an effort to be as loud and eye-catching as possible.

I had met their types plenty of times before. Entitled children of rich parents that had never known the hardsh_i_p_s of life. In my past life I could also be considered one.

It was almost funny how just 24 hours ago I was practicing for my big debut and now I was eleven again on my way to a magical school. That was alright however, as I had always been quick to adapt to new situations. For now, I was content to just enjoy this new experience and see were it would take me.

I could hear a trolley being pulled, and a jovial looking woman pushed a cart full of sweets with a full smile, ”Anything off the trolley, dears?”

I silently observed as the two girls walked up to the cart and bought some candy and pastries, carefully recording how much things cost so as to get a good reference.

When they sat down it was finally my turn. I walked to the trolley giving my best smile to the witch. I had found some money in a sock inside of my trunk earlier.

”I'd like a chocolate frog please. How much would it be?”

”It will be 1 Sickle dearie,” she said as she took a pentagonal box from the cart.

I hand over the silver coin and took the offered candy, ”Thank you very much.”

”Enjoy the trip dears.”

The two girls were munching away at a cauldron cake by the time I took my seat again.

Chocolate Frog- Rank: Magical

Chocolate in the shape of a frog, enchanted to act like a real frog for 5 seconds. Restores 5 MP.

I decided to not eat the chocolate frog at the moment and instead tried to go back to my reading but a sudden noise made look up.

Tracey was gagging as she spit something into her hand. I spotted an opened box of those weird jellybean things and guessed what had happened.

I let out a small snort. Really, they are just children, putting strange things into their mouths.

”What, have something to say?”

Oh dear, it would seem that the Greengrass Heiress didn't like my sense of humor.

Still I smiled pleasantly, ”I beg your pardon?”

”You're a muggle-born aren't you. I suppose this must all be very strange to you,” she said while crossing her arms and narrowing her eyes.

”Wow. You're right, I am a whatchacallit, a muggle-born. I admit that this is all very new to me. Everything on this side is just so fantastic,” I said trying my best to play the part of surprised boy, ”It's almost as if I step into a fantasy book. Ah! I'm sorry. I forgot to introduce myself. I am Charles Bell. It is a p_l_e_a_s_u_r_e meeting you both.”

”I am Daphne Greengrass,” the blonde introduced herself stoically as she extended a hand.

I wasn't really sure what she was expecting, but I shook her hand rather than kiss it just to be safe.

”Hey, I'm Tracy Davis!” the other girl said waving her hand before jumping to the opened seat next to me and took out the box of jellybeans, ”Here try one.”

I looked at Daphne and saw a hint of a mischiefs smile.

I mentally rolled my eyes at their childish prank. ”That's rather kind of you. I'll take one I suppose.”

My eyes quickly used observe to scan the jellybeans. Unhesitant I took a yellow jellybean and threw it in my mouth.

The two girls search my face for any reaction, but they were disappointed when I didn't immediately gag.

”It's lemon, it rather good actually.”

Tracy, seemed to not accept defeat after a single instant however, ”Really, have another?”

I took a green jellybean this time, ”Watermelon.”

”Tch. One more?” she said shaking the box to mix them up.

”Cotton candy,” I told her as I got another.

”One more.”

”Raspberry, I think?”

”One more.”

”Mango.”

After a few more turns she finally gave up with a scowl and shoved the box into my c_h_e_s_t before retreating to her seat to sulk.

I looked at Daphne with an innocent expression, ”Did I do something wrong?”

”…No. But I must say, you have rather amazing luck,” she said sounding a little impressed.

”Oh? Okay. So Daphne, would you mind teaching me a bit on wizarding culture?” I asked, taking this golden moment to find out more about the magical world.

”Why would I do that?” she said raising an eyebrow.

[A quest has been created.]

[Impress an Heiress:

Daphne Greengrass doesn't think very highly of you. Impress her enough to change her mind.

Completion award: EXP 500

Increase closeness with Daphne Greengrass and Tracy Davis.

Completion failure: none]

”Well seeing as you have lived on this side longer than I have, I just thought you could give me some tips.”

”Hmm? I suppose I could, but what would I get in return?”

”Well I have nothing right now that could possible interest you, but… how about a favor.”

”Just a favor?”

”Then what if I show you a neat magic trick I just learned? If you can figure out how I did it then you can ask me for anything?”

The two girls looked at each other unsurely. ”Okay, let me see this trick.”

I rolled back my sleeves all the way to my elbow and took the box of Jellybeans in one hand, ”Now keep a careful eye on the box.”

They leaned in closer to get a better look.

When I knew I had their full attention I brought my other hand up and slammed it down on the box with a loud slap causing the girls to jump back in surprise.

Lifting up my hand I revealed that the box was now gone, ”Tada! So how did I do it?”

Daphne looked unsure at her friend, ”Umm. Was it banishing magic?”

I titled my head to the side in an innocent manner, ”Banishing magic? I don't know what that is?”

”Right. You're a muggleborn, you don't know about that yet?” the blonde muttered under her breath as she bit her nail.

This went on for a few more minutes with the two girls coming up with different theories but none of them made sense.

Finally, Daphne hung her head, ”I-I don't know.”

Of course, she couldn't figure it out, I had used the inventory window instead of magic after all.

Clapping my hands again I made the box appeare and put on a c_o_c_ky expression, now for the final step to complete my act.

”Told you it was a neat trick,” I said before throwing a jellybean into my mouth only for my face to scrunch up and gag, ”Guk, gross. It tastes like grass!” I made an exaggerated show of using my robe to clean my tongue.

They giggled at my displeased expression.

[Quest Complete.]

Your level went up by 1.

Seeing that my plan had worked I joined them in laughter.

Now that the ice was broken, the girls seemed to completely forget their previous attitude towards me as they took turns to answer my questions.

For the rest of the trip I asked different manners of questions, with Daphne and Tracy more than happy to boast about all the amazing things that the wizarding world had to offer.

I asked some personal questions here and their so as not seem rude, while they did the same. Most of what I said was made up obviously since I had no memories of ever living in this world, but it was believable enough.

To be completely honest I was a little surprised to find out how much Daphne acted like my past self, though seeing how we both came from similar backgrounds it should have been obvious.

As previously mentioned, I was what one would consider a child born with a silver spoon. Both my parents were successful people that had made their individual fortunes in the hotel and clothing industries. As such there was never anything I really lacked growing up, anything I wanted I got. I grew up receiving one of the best educations possible and never lacked any parental affection. They would make it a point to come to all my recitals, all my doctor appointments, even stay at my bed side when I got sick.

I lived in a perfect home.

…Yet I could tell something wasn't right as I grew older.

I am unsure as to went it started, but soon I noticed that I didn't enjoy the same things as I used to. Things began to feel bland almost to the point where I didn't know if I liked it or hated it. Nothing excited me anymore, not the luxury vacations to the Bahamas, not the new game system, not the new puppy. I felt nothing, and I didn't no why.

Yet despite my new mindset I was still grateful to the two people who had raised me with all of their love. That was the one thing that had remained true until the very end. It was for their sake that I took the role of being the perfect son both at home and in public.

I did the things that would make them most happy. Father wanted to see me play sports, I joined a fencing club. Mother wanted to now about my love life, I got a girlfriend the next day. Friends, lovers, hobbies, they were all just pieces that I had carefully picked so to maintain the illusion of normality. Even my career to become a professional musician stemmed from my parents love for music.

I knew of course that if I simply told them about my problem that they would understand and even try to support me, but I had no d_e_s_i_r_e to put them through that much grief and suffering for something I myself didn't care about.

It was this reason why I did not lament my death. I had played my part perfectly until the very end. And now I could finally rest.

In I way, I suppose that this new life really had been a blessing in disguise.

A small part of me briefly wondered if Daphne was destined to turn out the same way I did, a cold emotionless doll.

I was brought out of my musing when I heard her ask a question.

”So Charles, what house are you hoping to be sorted into?”

I quickly switched to a friendly smile, ”Well, after your explanation. I hope to be sorted into Ravenclaw.”

”Ravenclaw? I suppose that is the best choice for you,” she said thoughtfully, ”a lot of powerful witches and wizards come from Ravenclaw.”

”I take it the two of you plan to join Slytherin,” I said.

”Naturally.”

”Duh.”

”Well I hope we all get sorted into the houses we want.”

The train slowed to a stop after unknown amount of time had passed. The three of us had gotten somewhat closer in this short time, with the only interruption being Hermione knocking on the door to ask if we had seen a toad.

”Looks like we are here?” I announced.

Looking out of the window I could see the silhouette of a large castle in the distance.

For some reason I felt my mouth quirk into a smile all by itself.