Calum Hood was extremely excited about going to Hogwarts. His sister Mali Koa is going into her fourth year and he’s heard amazing things from her. The entire Hood family has been in Slytherin since they first began going to Hogwarts. However, the Hood family is unlike most Slytherin families. They believe everyone is equal no matter their blood status and they never worked for Voldemort. Mali spent most of her first three years at school convincing people that she was on the right side and would never side with Voldemort or hurt anyone. It worked and it was well known around school that you could trust a Hood and their friends.

“Come on Calum! We have to get a good spot.” Mali groaned, tugging her little brother onto the train by his arm. The two raced through the train, looking for a good compartment to sit in. Mali of course had her favorite spot she sat in every year but if Calum didn’t pick up the pace, then they’d lose it. Luckily, the siblings were fast enough to reach their spot. Calum and Mali waved to their parents as the train left the station and the two continued to wave until their family were just specks in the distance. “Alright, first order of business Calum.” Mali stated, getting the attention of the 11-year-old. “As a Hood, it’s your job to protect people. Now that You-Know-Who is gone, people feel safer but there are Slytherin assholes all over the school that bully the other kids. But we are one of the good guys. We stick up for them and make sure everyone knows they can trust us.”

“What if I’m not in Slytherin?”

Mali only rolled her eyes and smiled at her brother. “Trust me. You will. Now, Dad gave me some money for snacks. What would you like?” As the two discussed their snack options, two blonde boys rushed past their room with a younger blonde following close behind.

…

The older two Hemmings boys were an absolute menace to everyone around them. Ben Hemmings was also in his fourth year with Mali and Jack was starting his third year. The two Gryffindor boys had only been at Hogwarts for a few short years, but they already had quite the reputation. They were loud, obnoxious, and chaotic; they gave teachers and students alike headaches but almost everyone loved them. They had hearts of gold despite the disasters they made everywhere they went.

Luke, the youngest brother, was going into his first year and he couldn’t be more different than the older two. Luke was shy and quiet and often kept to himself. He didn’t like to cause trouble and he didn’t like people looking at him. He was living in the shadow of his brothers and he didn’t mind at all. No one saw him in the shadows and that was just how he liked it.

Jack and Ben fought their way into a compartment, shoving the other out of their way so they could try to take up as much space as possible. Seeing his brothers shove each other in the hall, Luke slipped into the empty room and took a seat next to the window, watching the scenery pass by.

…

Only one compartment over, a young boy with dark blonde hair sat with a boy with jet black hair. Ashton Irwin sat entranced as the boy told him everything about the magical world. Ashton was a muggle-born and he had so idea magic existed until a few short months ago. His world was flipped upside down, but his mother couldn’t be more excited for her son. Before Ashton left, she made him promise to have fun and teach her all about this new world when he got home for break. Ashton was sitting by himself before this other boy came in and asked if he could sit with him. Tommy was a pureblood so he felt like it was his job to teach Ashton everything he could about magic before they got to Hogwarts.

“So when we get there you’ll be sorted into the houses. I’m sure someone will talk about it but there’s secrets you need to know first.”

Ashton nodded and leaned forward, signaling Tommy to continue.

“The houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Gryffindor is the best house there is. Ravenclaw is for all the nerds and Hufflepuff only has losers.” Ashton frowned at his companion’s words but listened anyway. However, Ashton noticed he had forgotten one of the houses.

“What about Slytherin? That’s the fourth one, right?”

Tommy shook his head, almost in disappointment at Ashton’s questions. “You don’t want to be in Slytherin. That’s the house the evilest wizard was in. Everyone in that house is a bad egg. But you won’t have to worry about that. I can tell right now that you’d never be in Slytherin. You’re far too nice Ashton so don’t even worry. Besides, everyone knows that muggle-borns aren’t accepted into that house.”

With a glare, Ashton then made up his mind that he was going to get into Slytherin no matter what happens. He was going to prove this boy wrong.

…

At the cart outside the room, an energetic blonde boy stood with a few other students. Michael Clifford was no stranger to the magical snacks since his mother had often talked about them and brought him home some when she could. Michael’s mom was a witch but his dad was a muggle, making him half-blooded. His mom made sure that he grew up knowing as much about both worlds as he could, just to prepare him in case he wasn’t a wizard. Luckily for him, he was and Michael was very excited to be here. Michael bought as much food as he could and began putting them in his pockets.

“What are you going to do with that Michael?” A young girl asked, wrinkling her nose at the sight of him shoving food into his robe pockets.

“You never know when you’ll need a snack.” Michael shrugged and followed the group back to their room. “What house do you guys want to get in? I hope I’m in anything but Ravenclaw. Everyone says that’s where the losers all go.” The others laughed at his words, agreeing that no one wanted Ravenclaw. Michael settled back into his seat and smiled to himself, happy to finally be going to Hogwarts.

…

The first years all made their way off the train and followed a giant man onto the boats that took them to the castle. Some students were mesmerized by the castle but others, like Calum, had heard of the castle enough from their family to not be impressed. When the boats stopped, everyone climbed out and made their way into the castle, following a stern looking woman. “Now,” she began, stopping outside of two large doors, “you will be sorted into your house. The people in your house will be your friends and teammates. You will work together. There is Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Please, follow me.” The first years made their way into the Great Hall and gasps filled the air as they took in the sight of the floating candles and the ceiling that looked like the night sky. Excited whispers began but they were quickly shut down as the woman spoke once more. “I will call your name and you’ll come up and sit on the stool to be sorted. Michael Clifford.”

Michael looked around just in case there was another Michael Clifford that would step up but when no one moved, he cleared his throat and stepped up to the front. Once he was seated, the woman rested the hat on his head.

“Mr. Clifford is it? I remember your mother well. She was an outstanding Gryffindor. I see here that’s what you want as well. Hmm…” The hat trailed off and Michael looked out into the sea of people, wondering if anyone could hear the hat. “You would make a lovely Gryffindor, but I think there is somewhere else that you would excel in. A house that will challenge you to be yourself.” The hat was quiet for a moment before it shouted for the whole school to hear, “Ravenclaw!”

Michael was stunned and watched as the kids he had been talking to began to laugh while the Ravenclaw table cheered and welcomed him over with open arms. Michael could just imagine everyone calling him a loser and so it was then he decided that he would make sure no one called him a loser. “Luke Hemmings.” The woman called after the crowd died down. If you were looking close enough, you could see the grimace on her face as the young boy scurried up to the stool.

Luke could see his brothers out of the corner of his eye which only made him more afraid. Not only was the who school watching, his brothers were there too. “Luke Hemmings. Your brothers are quite the characters. They’re Gryffindors through and through but you, there’s something different about you. Something that I believe makes you differ from your family.” Luke’s eyes widened in fear as he started to piece together what the hat was getting at. Luke wasn’t going to be in Gryffindor and that terrified him. What would he do without his brothers to hide behind? What if he disappointed his parents? What was he going to do? “Hufflepuff!” As he walked to the Hufflepuff table, Luke could see the shock on his brothers’ faces as they slowly clapped.

“Calum Hood.”

Calum smiled and gave his sister a little thumbs up as he took a seat. “Another Hood? Your sister is in Slytherin, as is the rest of your family. You are a fiercely loyal young boy and you would do well anywhere, but I believe tradition will serve you very well Mr. Hood.” Calum’s body visibly relaxed as the hat called out, “Slytherin!” The moment the hat was off, Calum ran to the Slytherin tabled and slid into the seat his sister saved for him.

“Ashton Irwin.”

The young boy squared his shoulder and with a pat on his back from Tommy, he made his way to the hat. “Nice to meet you Mr. Irwin. My, you are very confusing, aren’t you? You could do well anywhere, and my first reaction would be to put you in Gryffindor, but you don’t want that. I don’t always listen to requests, but I can feel the ambition behind you. If you’re sure.” A smug smirk graced Ashton’s face as the hat yelled, “Slytherin!”

As Ashton passed Tommy on his way to the table he stopped and mumbled, “I don’t have to worry huh?”

…

A week into school Calum heard rumors about the Irwin boy in his house. People had been saying he was a muggle-born so there was no way he should be in Slytherin and he definitely shouldn’t be at the school. There was talk about perhaps the hat made a mistake but most of what Calum heard were plans to put Irwin in his place. Calum had no idea what people were planning but he knew that he needed to make sure Ashton was hurt or anything. It was the right thing to do and it’s exactly what his sister wanted him to do as well. After potions class one day, Calum ran after Ashton to catch up to him.

“Hey man, I’m Calum Hood. You’re Ashton Irwin, right?” Calum held out his hand for Ashton to take.

Ashton only stared at Calum for a few minutes before slowly shaking his hand. “Yeah, why?”

“Well I figured since we’re both first year Slytherins we should stick together. We could be friends.” Calum said happily, hoping Ashton would agree to be his friend so he could keep an eye out for him.

“Don’t you have enough friends?” That shocked Calum. He didn’t expect Ashton to react that way.

Calum cleared his throat and looked around them. “Those people aren’t my friends and, I heard from a few people that they want to put you in your place. A lot of Slytherins don’t like having a muggle-born in their house. I don’t mind at all and I think it would be good for you to have someone on your side.”

Ashton crossed his arms over his chest and looked behind Calum, seeing a very angry fifth year glaring at Ashton. “So it’s just business?”

Calum chuckled and shook his head. “No, yes but no. I do want to be your friend. What do you say?”

With a small smile and a nod, Ashton agreed and the two walked off to their next class together.

…

In their third year, Calum was walking through the halls when he saw a young girl against the wall with a Gryffindor boy in his year standing in front of her. She looked terrified and the boy was yelling at her. “Watch it Hufflepuff. Stay out of my way next time or there will be hell to pay.”

Calum balled his hands into fists as he watched the young girl begin to cry and promise to stay out of his way. He thought that maybe the boy would leave her alone but he didn’t budge. He only got closer to her while she tried to move as far away from him as possible. Calum marched over and tapped the boy on the shoulder and the moment he turned around, Calum punched him right on the nose. The girl ran off and out of the corner of his eye he could see a blonde boy hold the girl to comfort her. However, he didn’t have long to think about them as the Gryffindor tackled Calum to the ground. The two boys were just a mass of limbs as they each tried to get another hit on the other. The Gryffindor managed to land a hit on Calum’s face, splitting his lip, but that was the only damage Calum suffered.

A teacher ran over and pulled the boys away from each other, shouting, “What happened here? Who started this?”

Before either boy could answer, the blonde caring for the girl spoke up. “The Gryffindor started it. He was scaring Katie and Calum stepped in to help her when this colossal idiot hit Calum.” He looked at Katie who nodded, agreeing with the lie. “Calum had to fight back to defend himself.”

The teacher looked between the two boys and after telling them to get fixed up, she dragged the Gryffindor off to her office.

Calum dusted himself off and made his way over to Katie. “Hey, are you alright?”

Katie nodded and let a small smile slip. “Yeah, thanks to you and Michael.” She gave Calum a quick hug before she ran off to class.

The other boy, Michael, smiled and offered Calum a bread roll he pulled out of his coat. “Nice swing.”

Calum chuckled and took the food. “Thanks for lying for me back there. I didn’t think he’d land a hit on me or that a teacher would come over.”

Michael shrugged and leaned against the wall. “That Gryffindor had it coming. He’s always picking on the first years and I’m just glad someone gave him what he deserved. And that you were there to help Katie. You’re pretty cool for a Slytherin.”

With a small smile, Calum nodded. “Yeah. I think it’s stupid that people can’t get along or people think blood status means anything. Slytherins are known for thinking purebloods are superior when it’s not true. My sister and I try our hardest to make sure we’re there for the little guy.”

“I’m glad someone thinks so. Most of you guys are giant assholes so I’m glad there are at least two good guys.”

“You know,” Calum began as he thought about Ashton. “There is another. My buddy Ashton Irwin is in Slytherin too. He’s a muggle born and he’s all about showing people a good person can be in Slytherin. I think the three of us could be pretty good friends.”

Pretty good was an understatement. Calum, Ashton, and Michael became thicker than thieves. The three boys were almost attached at the hip and always had the other’s back. If Ashton got into trouble, Michael was quick to lie and get him out of it. If Michael ever ran into an issue, especially about being a Ravenclaw, Ashton was the first one to tell the other person off. And of course, if Calum ever got into another first fight, it only took a few seconds for the other two to jump in and help.

…

Luke kept to himself and didn’t make any friends until his fifth year. It wasn’t that he didn’t want friends, it’s just he didn’t know how to make friends. He was very shy and afraid to stand out too much so instead of embarrassing himself while talking to people, he just didn’t talk at all.

One day in fifth year, Luke was in his potions class not really paying attention when Snape called on him. “Hemmings, what is the first ingredient in the Draught of Peace?”

Luke looked up from his table and stared at Professor Snape with wide eyes. He knew Snape was talking to him, but he didn’t know why he would have been. Luke has never raised his hand in his five years at school and so far, no teachers have ever called on him. Not only was Luke shy, he wasn’t very smart either. So even if he wasn’t afraid to speak up, he’d still be clueless. With a deep breath, Luke softly answered, “I don’t know.”

For a moment, Luke wondered if Snape had even heard his response, but his question was soon answered when Snape’s glare deepened. “You don’t know? We have been discussing this potion for a month Hemmings. This will be on your OWLs and you expect to pass them without knowing the first step? 30 points from Hufflepuff because you’re so unbelievably stupid.” At this, another blonde in the front of the room stood. Snape turned his attention to the other boy and crossed his arms over his chest. “Something to add Clifford?”

Michael Clifford looked between Snape and Luke before clearing his throat. “Yeah. Fuck off and leave him alone.”

If Snape had been a cartoon, his face would be bright red and smoke would be coming out of his ears. “50 points from Ravenclaw and you’ll be having detention with me for the rest of the week. Sit down and shut up before I make it a month.”

Michael glanced back at Luke but did as he was told and took his place in his seat. For the rest of class, Snape terrorized Michael but at least he left Luke alone. After all, that was what Michael wanted to happen.

After class, Luke tried to run away as quickly as he could but before he could make it too far, Michael caught up to him. With a little corralling on Michael’s part, Luke gave in and stood still, watching the other boy. “Are you alright? Snape was really harsh.” Luke only nodded and looked around them, searching for an escape. Michael then held out his hand and smiled, hoping it would calm the other boy. “I’m Michael Clifford and I’m going to cut to the chase, I think we should be friends. Then you can be friends with my friends. I know you don’t have any friends.”

Luke frowned at Michael’s words, but he was right. He didn’t have any friends and it would be nice to finally have other people besides his brothers to talk to. “I’m Luke Hemmings.”

…

A few weeks later, Luke was very close to Michael, but he was still wary of Ashton and Calum. He had grown up hearing from his parents and brothers that there was no such thing as a good Slytherin. The three boys promised that Luke had nothing to worry about but it was hard for him to trust them. Luke had an easier time trusting Ashton since he was a muggle born and that made him more trustworthy but Calum was different. He was Slytherin through and through. But that all changed in one day.

Luke had a girlfriend for only a few days, but she had been the first girl to ever show interest in him and he really liked her. But it didn’t last as he found out through one of her friends that she had cheated on him. With a heavy sigh, Luke sat with the boys outside by the lake. All conversation stopped when Luke sat down; clearly the other three could tell something was wrong. Without much prompting, Luke told them what happened. “Emily cheated on me with some asshole.”

Before anyone could ask, Calum stood and began stomping around the courtyard. It seemed like he had no idea where he was going but all of a sudden, it was like his vision narrowed on whatever it was he was looking for. Now there was nothing anyone could do to stop him; once Calum was on a mission, he was going to complete it no matter what it took. The other boys ran after him and soon, they figured out where Calum was going. There by the Quidditch pitch was Luke’s now ex-girlfriend and a boy with his arm around her waist. Calum broke out into a sprint and in a few moments, he reached Emily and her new boyfriend. Without a word, Calum kneed the guy in the crotch. He dropped to the ground and curled into a ball, moaning in pain. His friends quickly reacted and jumped Calum, pushing him onto the ground and throwing their own punches. As soon as Luke reached the fight, he jumped in and with one good swing, he knocked out one of the guys. Michael and Ashton joined in once they got there, each getting hit but also landing some hits of their own. At the sound of the commotion, a few teachers, including Snape, ran over and pulled the boys apart. Once everyone was off of each other the questions began. Calum admitted to starting the fight and knowing he would get detention or worse, Luke added that it was his fault the fight begun in the first place. Michael and Ashton weren’t about to let their friends take the fall so they too joined in and told the teachers it had been their fault as well.

“Fine,” Snape snarled. “All four of you can hand clean the trophy room tonight. If you aren’t there by 10 o’clock sharp, I’ll be discussing your expulsion with Dumbledore in the morning.”

That night, the four boys stood in the trophy room as Snape handed out sponges. “You’ll be here until half of the room is clean. Tomorrow night, you’ll finish the rest. Mr. Filch will be outside to make sure you do as you’re told.” And with that, Snape left and it was just the four boys in the room.

Luke quickly got to work, knowing that the sooner they got to work, the sooner they could leave. Ashton seemed to have the same idea as he went to the other side of the room to begin cleaning. The boys were quiet for almost an hour before Calum spoke up. “I’m sorry I got you guys into trouble.”

A loud snort came from another row and Luke poked his head out from between trophies. “Calum, this is my fault. I shouldn’t have told you guys about Emily and then we wouldn’t be here. I just can’t believe you’d get into a fist fight for me.”

At this, all three boys stopped their cleaning and looked over at Luke. Confusion flashed over all their faces as they processed what Luke had said. “Hemmings,” Ashton started, shaking his head. “This isn’t your fault.” The other three walked to Luke’s side of the row while trying to figure out how he could think it was his fault.

Calum nodded and added, “Yeah Luke. You’re our friend and we stick up for our friends. That’s what happens. The guy deserved it anyway.”

Luke stood frozen in place as he looked at the three boys. “You all got into a fight, for me.” He was shocked. He never thought that someone would ever do anything like that for him. Sure he assumed his brothers would have his back, but they had to; they were family. But Ashton, Calum, and Michael didn’t need to do anything for Luke, but they did.

“Of course Luke. You’re our friend. And when I got tackled you were the first person in there taking swings at people. Which you have a great arm. You’d be great on the Quidditch team.” Calum shrugged with a little laugh. “The four of us are friends and friends are there for each other, no matter what.”

Luke looked around at the three boys he had slowly begun to know and smiled. These guys were willing to risk getting expelled for him. They were his friends. “No matter what.” Luke smiled and Michael elbowed him in the side while Calum tossed a sponge at him.

“Let’s get this shit over with. I want to go to bed.” Ashton huffed but smiled as he patted Luke on the back. The others agreed and went back to cleaning all smiling as they did so. It took five years, but the four boys found friends that would be by their side through thick and thin and would last for a lifetime.

That was two years ago now and Michael, Ashton, Calum, and Luke are all in their seventh year, almost done with school forever. As seventh years, the boys have changed quite a bit.

Calum has only made more friends since knowing the boys and most everyone in the school knows they can come to him if there is ever a problem. Even a few teachers have come up to him telling him about a first year that was too scared to walk to class alone. But his problems aren’t always solved with his fists anymore. Calum was a wordsmith but he always kept that to himself. Now, he’s comfortable enough talking to people about his feelings and the feelings of others. Most of the time that solves issues but he still throws a punch at least once a week.

Ashton still hates the fact that all Slytherins are seen as horrible people but he knows that if he can teach one young Slytherin to love everyone the same, they can go on to teach another. Ashton doubts he will ever change the entire wizarding world but he knows he can change the lives of the people around him and he loves it. He loves going to class knowing that just because he can be there for someone, their whole future can change and he’s making history in their lives.

Michael has accepted that he is a Ravenclaw. He still fails tests on purpose, but school has never been important to him. He knows he’s smart, but he continues to use it in an unexpected way. He’d rather make people laugh as he uses his brain to come up with a hilarious prank on Snape than use it to be the top student in his class. There’s more to life than being smart or pretending to fit in. He’s still weird and he still carries food in his pockets but he isn’t ashamed to admit that yes, he’s in the “loser” house.

And finally, Luke was far more confident than he was then and he’s happy to be in Hufflepuff. He likes not always being the center of attention but now he knows how to command attention if he wants it. And after being friends with the boys, he finally knows how to talk to people and make friends; he’s even dated people now. Luke has finally learned that people like him and enjoy talking to him and he likes talking to them as well. But if you ask him, the most important thing he’s learned is that he has three friends, brothers really, that will be there for him every step of the way.

None of them know what they want to do after school or what this new year will hold, but they all know that whatever happens, they aren’t leaving their new brothers behind.

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