Hogwarts Castle loomed in the distance, majestic and ancient—but Harry didn't look impressed.
Hovering in low orbit above the lake, Excalibur cloaked itself with runes as Harry stepped off a goblin-forged hoverplate that gently descended to the front gates. His phoenix, Argent, screeched, wings blazing silver fire. Echo, the baby raptor, hissed at a passing student.
"Is that a dinosaur?" someone whispered.
"I think it just snarled at Malfoy."
Professor McGonagall stood by the gates, stiff as ever. But when she saw Harry, her breath caught.
He wore ceremonial black robes edged with gold, but beneath them, she could see battle armor humming with power. His eyes glinted with a knowing far too old for a child.
"Mr. Potter," she said carefully. "You've… grown."
"I was never meant to be small," Harry replied. "And I won't be manipulated again."
Before she could ask, he handed her a scroll sealed with the crest of Gringotts, the Ministry, the International Confederation of Wizards, and—strangely—S.H.I.E.L.D.
It read:
This student answers to no one but the law and the multiversal order. Interference with his education, safety, or property will be treated as a declaration of magical war.
– Signed: Ragnok, Director of Gringotts; Tony Stark; Charles Xavier; Thor Odinson; and Hades, Lord of the Underworld
McGonagall's jaw tightened.
Harry smirked. "Tell Dumbledore I'm watching him."
The Great Hall – Sorting Ceremony
The Hall fell silent as Harry entered. Whispers flew. Rumors already spread faster than owl post.
Dumbledore smiled at him from the head table, but Harry didn't return it.
When the Sorting Hat was placed on his head, it didn't even speak—it screamed.
"OH NO—NOT AGAIN—YOU'RE BACK?!"
Then it passed out.
Dead silence.
Harry stood, placed the hat gently on the stool, and turned to the Hall.
"I'll sit where I want," he said. "Founders' blood says I can."
He walked to the Ravenclaw table, sat at the end, and began eating. Everyone gawked.
Dumbledore's eyes narrowed, calculating—but for the first time in decades, he was unsure.
He couldn't manipulate this Harry.
And Harry… was here for revenge.