Re:HP-A New Life

I am 15 chapters ahead on my patreón, check it out if you are interested.

https://www.patréon.com/emperordragon

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Chapter Nineteen: A New Path

The Hogwarts Express screeched to a halt, and Harry stepped onto the platform with a mix of anticipation and determination. This time, he was entering Hogwarts as a completely different person—a young man shaped by both love and pain, with a mission to ensure Voldemort never rose again.

Rose bounded ahead, her excitement palpable as she chattered with Ron about the Sorting Ceremony. Harry, however, was more reserved, his thoughts lingering on the year ahead. The staff roster had changed significantly in this timeline. Horace Slughorn remained Potions Master, with Snape as his assistant, and his uncle Remus had joined the Defense Against the Dark Arts department.

This time, I'll make sure the jinx on that position is dealt with before it can harm him, Harry thought as he helped Rose and Ron with their trunks.

Hagrid's booming voice called for the first-years, and Harry felt a pang of warmth seeing the half-giant again, guiding the nervous new students toward the boats.

As the castle loomed into view, its spires glowing under the evening sky, Harry felt a tug of nostalgia. No matter how much had changed, Hogwarts still held the same magic for him.

The Great Hall was as grand as ever, the enchanted ceiling mirroring the night sky. Harry and Rose stood near the front, awaiting the Sorting Ceremony. Harry's eyes swept over the staff table, taking in the familiar faces of Slughorn, Snape, and Remus.

Before the Sorting began, Professor McGonagall rose from her seat at the head table. Her stern expression softened slightly as she addressed the hall.

"This year, we are pleased to welcome several new additions to our faculty," she began. "Firstly, Professor Remus Lupin, who will serve as Assistant Professor for Defense Against the Dark Arts."

Polite applause echoed through the hall, and Harry noted the warm smile Remus sent in his direction.

"And finally," McGonagall continued, her tone taking on a note of pride, "joining us as Professor of Muggle Studies and Assistant Professor for Charms is none other than Lily Potter."

The hall fell into stunned silence before erupting in whispers and murmurs.

"Mum?" Rose whispered, her eyes wide as she looked at Harry.

Harry was equally stunned. He hadn't expected his mother to become a professor, let alone at Hogwarts.

Lily stood gracefully, offering the students and staff a kind smile. "Thank you," she said simply before taking her seat.

The whispers continued as Professor McGonagall moved on to the Sorting Ceremony.

One by one, the first-years were called forward. Rose was sorted into Gryffindor, much to her delight. She joined the Gryffindor table, waving enthusiastically at Harry.

When Harry's name was called, a hush fell over the hall.

"Potter, Harry."

He stepped forward calmly, feeling the weight of hundreds of eyes on him. Sitting on the stool, he barely flinched as the Sorting Hat was placed on his head.

"Ah, Mr. Potter," the Hat said in his mind. "A complex one, aren't you? Courage and cunning, intelligence and loyalty... But where to place you this time?"

Harry tensed. This time?

The Hat chuckled. "Oh yes, I see everything, my boy. You're not like the other students. Your choices are layered, your path unique. You could thrive in Gryffindor again, but... no. Slytherin, I think, will challenge and shape you in ways you've never allowed yourself before."

Harry felt his heart race. He thought of his family, of the expectations, and of the weight the name "Potter" carried. But he also thought of his mission, of the work he needed to do.

Do it, he told the Hat. Slytherin.

The Hat hesitated, then shouted, "Slytherin!"

The hall was stunned into silence before scattered applause broke out at the Slytherin table.

Harry stood, his face calm, and walked to join his new house. The Gryffindor table looked shocked, and Rose stared at him, her mouth agape. He caught Remus's startled expression and his mother's barely hidden concern.

Sitting down at the Slytherin table, Harry nodded politely at his new housemates. A pale, blond boy extended his hand.

"Draco Malfoy," the boy said with a smirk.

"Harry Potter," Harry replied, shaking his hand firmly.

The Sorting continued, but Harry's mind was racing. This wasn't what anyone had expected—not his family, not the school, not even himself. But he knew this was the right choice.

As the feast began, he caught Rose's gaze across the hall. She looked worried, but Harry gave her a small smile. He had a mission, and this time, he was taking a different path.