... The beginning ...

The small, pristine hallway contained only a few people, the rhythmic sound of footsteps the only sound. A tall man was pacing across the room, agitation and nervousness pouring out of him in waves, giving the image of a panther pacing in a cage. A hand brushed long, dark brown hair out of his face, and orange-red eyes drifted to the same door often. While it wasn't obvious to the average passerby at first glance, once one got close to this man it was obvious that he was something different. An aura of otherworldliness hung around him, his face narrow and angular, with worry etched across it and an air of regality around him.

The silence of the waiting room was pierced by a shrill scream, followed by the sound of a baby crying. It was all the man could do not to rush into the room, keeping his knees locked as he stood, staring at the door with the same nervous energy, not noticing the other members of the room rise to their feet. It was several minutes before a nurse exited that door, eyes scanning the room before settling on the man.

"Mr. Sumner?" He nodded warily, and her eyes softened. "Both your wife and daughter are alive and well. If you'll follow me, I can take you to them."

The man kept his steps controlled as they entered the room, seeing his fair haired wife sitting up in her bed, cradling a bundle in her arms. Eryn looked up, eyes shining with unshed tears as she smiled. "Oh Hayden, she looks just like you." He accepted the bundle from his wife, parting the blankets to look at his child, eyes softening. Thus Reed Sumner was born. The child of an average human and a demon.

... A year later ...

The couple sat in the living room, watching their daughter explore the room with curious eyes. Pictures were scattered across the room, depicting the trio, along with friends and family, all smiling broadly with the young girl, and toys were spread across the floor. An urgent knock at the door sounded through out the small house, and Eryn got up to answer the door as her husband amused the baby, both of them laughing joyfully as he played silly tunes on a wooden flute. There was nothing to make either of them suspicious, nothing that seemed out of place- they were expecting friends of theirs to come with their child. And that was the reason Hayden didn't suspect anything until the smell of blood permeated the air.

Within moments he had Reed in his arms, cradled protectively as he approached the hallway with a guarded expression, making sure to keep her tilted away as he took in the sight that awaited him. Eryn was dangling in the air, eyes flooded with fear and with a clawed hand keeping her suspended. Two figures stood behind her and her attacker, and he could immediately distinguish the familiar scent of demons, but none that he recognized. His grip on Reed tightened as the demon holding his wife captive spoke.

"Hayden Sumner." the man drawled, charm dripping from his voice. "It would be a shame if something were to happen to your pretty little human," his hand tightened around Eryn's neck and she gasped in pain. "because of any... unneeded unpleasantness. We'll be willing to be civilized if you are."

Hayden's voice held barely repressed fury as he demanded, "And what exactly are we supposed to be 'civilized' about?"

The man chuckled. "It really is very simple milord." contempt oozed from his voice. "You hand over your little half-breed whelp, and you get precious Eryn back." Hayden felt furious as he stared at the attackers, his gaze drifting from them, to his wife, whose eyes told him all the answer he needed, and then to the wide innocent eyes of his daughter, who was clutching the wooden flute that he didn't even remember releasing. He only had a slim chance. Smoothly, he dropped Reed to the ground, launching at his wife's captor. The man had no choice but to drop the woman or lose his head, and the group scattered, not foolish enough or willing to take on one of the most powerful demon lords still alive after the Great Purge.

The demon knelt down next to the unconscious body of his wife, who'd only managed to stay awake long enough to ensure that their child was alright before the impact of what had happened finally got to her. Reed was sitting on the other side of Eryn, still hugging the flute to her chest, treating it like a lifeline as she watched him with uncomprehending eyes. He sat there for a moment, deep in thought, before rising to his feet. With an impossible speed, he filled a small bag with everything he would need and left a note lying next to his wife. Less then either of them deserve, he thought, eyes full of regret as he knelt once more, pecking Eryn on the cheek and his daughter on the forehead. He laid a hand on her head briefly, smiling gently, before standing and walking out the door, his small pack slung across his shoulders. He couldn't bring himself to look back.

... Ten years later ... *Reed's POV*

I stirred, eyes opening slightly just as a sliver of light began to emerge from between the curtains. Sunrise again..I sighed. I couldn't remember a single time that I hadn't woken up exactly at sunrise every day, no matter what the season. Groaning, I rolled out of bed, knowing better by now then to try and get back to sleep. I got dressed and made my way downstairs, my sensitive nose picking up the smell of pancakes before I'd even left the room and my stomach made itself known loudly. Aunt Eeva was already dressed and cooking at the stove, and I greeted her as I plopped down in a chair at the table. Just as Eeva set my plate infront of me, Mother sat down daintily, not even acknowleging that I was there. Just as she'd done as far back as I could remember. Aunt Eeva kept the conversation from becoming awkward as I just stared at my plate with more interest then was necessary, trying to finish and leave as soon as possible. I was on my feet and washing off my plate in no time, saying a quick 'bye' as I darted out the door with my bag in hand.

It was still too early for any of the others to be awake, so I scrambled up the oak tree outside our house and leaned against the trunk, just as I'd done time after time to escape the house. Reaching into my bag, I pulled out a plain black instrument case, and drew my flute out. I'd had the flute ever since I was younger, it being one of the few momentos of my father we had. My aunt had paid for lessons without protest, even going to every concert. The flute was carved expertly out of wood, small designs etched into it with painstaking care, and it played sound as well as some of the best of flutes, much to my teachers' chargin.

Thinking for a moment, I drew the flute to my mouth and began to play one of the most recent songs I'd learned, letting the quick and cheerful song pierce the morning's drowsy silence. I went on like that, playing song after song to pass the time as the sun rose higher and higher in the air. As I returned my flute to it's case I saw something flicker out of the corner of my eye and barely managed to hold on to my perch in the tree as my eardrums were nearly shattered from a loud 'crack!' that I doubted even my aunt and mother couldn't hear. Ringing echoed in my ears for several moments as I cradled my head in pain, lying on my stomach precariously balancing on the branch, my flute case- thankfully closed- likely hit the ground, safely protecting the instrument inside. After several moments I looked up, blinking the dots swimming in my vision away and looking through a sheet of hair as I realized that someone had managed to approach where I was dangling while I was distracted.

The man below me wore what looked like a deep blue robe, and a matching pointed hat on his head. He seemed to be incredibly old, with long silver hair and an equally long silver beard tucked into his belt, and his eyes - an electric blue behind half moon glasses that rested on a crooked nose - twinkled with a timeless knowledge and a child's curiosity and amusement directed toward the world around him. Despite his appearance, part of me - the part I associated with the demon half of my blood I'd inherited from my father - inwardly raised its hackles at the man.

After our gazes met, a series of emotions passed through his eyes, so quickly that had I not had enhanced vision I wouldn't have caught them. First there was reconizition, then surprise, amazement, and then back to that same amusement I'd seen before. "Well that can't be comfortable." he said casually. I scrambled back onto the limb, never taking my eyes off of him for more than a few seconds as I crawled back down the tree. He waited patiently as I came back down to ground level, watching him warily and not moving as I waited for him to speak. He just smiled in bemusement, holding out his hand, which had my flute case resting there, without so much as a scratch.

Hesitantly, I reached for the black case, watching for any tricks he could have been using. Again he just smiled once more, asking, "You are Ms. Sumner, correct?" I considered for a moment. Seeing no reason to lie, I nodded, even more wary now that he had confirmed that he had come looking for me. He gestured towards the house, making sure to walk right next to me the entire way.

The house looked the same as it always had; a simple, white house with two stories and several rooms, with the neighbors' houses further down the road. The inside was painted with a variety of colors- my aunt and I had gone wild when my mother went out one day, painting each of the rooms different colors and painting little designs and scenes in some of the rooms. I led him to the orange dining room, where Aunt Eeva and Mother were still sitting at the table. Eeva rose to her feet when she saw the man walking slightly in front of me, her eyebrows knitting in concern while Mother just watched with a bored expression while sipping her coffee.

The man sat down, gesturing for my aunt and I to do the same. We did so, cautiously. He cleared his throat, linking his fingers together and looking at us over the rim of his half-moon glasses. "To start, I should introduce myself: I am Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." he held up and hand slightly, cutting off my aunt's question. "As I said, Hogwarts teaches young witches and wizards how to control their powers. Wizards and witches, to be frank, have always been living, hiding among and separate from the non-magical people- Muggles- along with other magical creatures." He reached into his cloak and pulled out what looked like an ornate stick. Pointing it at his head, his blue hat changed into a squirrel; then a scarf; then a christmas hat; finally changing back into his original headware. "Wizards and witches born into families with other witches and wizards would only have been sent a letter," he pulled a sealed letter written on thick parchment out of his robes. " while witches and wizards born into Muggle- non-magical- families would have been sent someone who could explain everything. However, I now realize that this case is slightly unique, considering your bloodline, Ms. Sumner. Your father, his name was Hayden Sumner?" I nodded, not willing to talk. "I thought so. You really are the spitting image of him, my dear." At this, I perked up inwardly. This was the first I'd heard anything about my dad for years, Aunt Eeva and Mother preferring to avoid talking about him when possible. Dumbledore slid the letter toward me before folding his hands together, letting me make my own decision.

I picked up the letter warily, expecting some kind of trick, but nothing happened. Glancing at him in distrust once more, I broke the seal on the letter and began reading.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Ms. R. Sumner,

The Green Room Upstairs,

302, Forest Cove

Wiltshire.

Dear Ms. Sumner,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wisardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.

Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall,

Minerva McGonagall

(Deputy Headmistress)

There the letter ended, and glancing over the second parchment I saw a list of required books and equipment.

"So you expect me to believe that theres a school that teaches magic? To kids?" He nodded. "And you're.. the headmaster of this school?" My tone sounded more than a little skeptical.

"It's true." my head shot around, meeting Mother's eyes for the first time in weeks. "Hay-... Your father mentioned this school before. He didn't go there himself, but said that he was going to make arrangements for you to go there when you were old enough." she continued sipping her coffee as my eyes bored into hers, slightly surprised at hearing her speak more words to me today than she had for months at a time.

"Ms. Sumner, can you honestly say, knowing what your father was and what you are, that you can't see any way to believe in magic?" The older man's eyes bore into mine.

I thought for a moment, considering. What he'd showed me before couldn't have been anything other than magic, and it was true that I couldn't exactly be considered normal, what with my being able to hear and smell things from far away, and being able to pick out individual details even in the darkest room. But even so... My aunt laid a gently hand on my arm, and I turned to meet her gaze.

"Reed, I think he's telling the truth. Why don't we trust him?" I nodded slowly, still slightly reluctant to trust a complete stranger. Aunt Eeva then turned her attention to Dumbledore. "Now, where exactly are we supposed to get these school supplies of yours? I doubt that they can be found in your average store."

And that was how the next day found my aunt and I walking through a huge stone archway, pockets full of the wizard money we'd gotten from Dumbledore in exchange for the pounds we'd given him, keeping in mind that I would likely need some of the money during the school year.

I was overwhelmed by all of the sights and smells of Diagon Alley, and Aunt Eeva seemed awed by the wizarding marketplace. There were joke shops emiting loud bangs and whistles; a sweet and icecream shop with wonderful and mouthwatering aromas wafting from their doors, while the Apothecary had smells so horrible that I almost wrinkled my nose from the smell, even from the distance we were away from it now. There was a robe store, and an ancient looking store claiming to sell wands, both facing a book store, next to which was an animal shop with rattling cages containing animals from cats to owls to some kind of glowing animal that darted about in its cage too quickly for me to get a good look at it. A huge marble building stood at the other end of the alley, with golden letters deeming it GRINGOTTS. Stalls and other shops were spread around the alley, with chattering people wearing both robes and clothes like ours milling in between.

I checked the school list. First we'd have to get a wand.

A bell rang as we entered the musty wand shop, echoing through the stacks as Aunt Eeva sat down on the lone and spindly chair. I looked around us in amazement, and a subtle smell covered the room, a smell a small part of my mind recognized as old magic- which seemed both alien and familiar to my mind. Huge stacks towered all the way to the ceiling, and filling every slot were wand cases. The store itself was musty; but it was the air itself that practically hummed with the same old magic that I had smelled before.

A quiet scuffling broke the silence of the shop. "Well, well," a raspy voice said softly, before speaking louder. "I'd been expecting to see you around this time, Reed Sumner." Turning, I saw an old man, his pale silver eyes examining us, piercing in the dark gloom of the shop, even more so to my eyes. "Your father spoke to me, years ago. Just after you were born, I believe. Never needed a wand himself, but wanted to ensure that you would get one if you were able to use a wand. Well now, let's get to work. Which arm is your wand arm?"

I held out my right arm, slightly curious.

He held out a measuring tape, which then began measuring me from fingertips to forearm, wrist to shoudler, knee to shoulderblade, and he began talking as he looked through the stacks. "Let's see... what color do you like, Ms. Sumner?" he asked as the measuring tape seemed to finish and went limp.

"Any color, sir."

"How about.. this one? Purple heart wood and veela hair. Eight inches." he held out a wand to me, only to yank it away before I even tightened my grip on it. Over and over again he handed me wand after wand, and I couldn't help but wonder if half demons really could use wands as the pile on his desk grew. Ollivander snapped his fingers, darting back into the stacks, and I could hear his footsteps move further into the store, stopping at the back before returning with two wands. Holding out the first, he gestured for me to take it, saying, "Cocobolo and siren bone core. Eleven inches."

I picked it up, only to feel repulsed at the feeling I got from the wand. The surface was too rough, a bitter feeling emanating from where my hand firmly grasped the wand. I shook my head, placing it back in its case quickly. He held out the second wand, saying, "This wand wasn't made by me, but passed on by my mentor. Blue mahoe, griffin tail feather core. Seven inches."

The wand was a white-silver color, occasionally taking on a blue tint as the sun coming in from the window hit it. I stared at it, captivated, before taking it gingerly from the box. The wood felt right in my hand, the surface both rough and smooth, almost familiar resting in my palm. As my grip tightened, a warm feeling rushed down my arm and orange sparks shot from the end.

Ollivander clapped. "Wonderful! A unique wand for a unique individual." he practically beamed. Aunt Eeva paid for the wand, thanking him softly before we exited the store. We split up, Aunt Eeva agreeing to buy the books as I bought the robes, afterward browsing through the alley until it was time for us to leave, unless we wanted to be home after dark.

I went to sleep, my room packed with wizarding supplies, smiling slightly at the ceiling painted to resemble a sunrise, before quickly drifting off to sleep.

... ...

I hugged my aunt lightly, and she said a tearful goodbye as I turned to the platform. I closed my eyes tightly, running forward with my trolley quickly. The smell of smoke filled my nose, and I opened my eyes to see a brilliant scarlet train before me. All around me, students and parents of every age and wearing a variety of different clothes milled, saying their last goodbyes before leaving. As I wheeled my trolley toward the train, I passed several people wearing long robes, along with bewildered looking people wearing Muggle clothing, all reluctant to part with their children. The younger students, most close to my age, looked around in slight awe, while the older students greeted each other loudly, loitering in front of the train.

I heaved my heavy trunk up the steps to the train, flicking dark brown hair out of my face as I finally succeeded. I tugged the trunk down the train, quickly finding an empty compartment. After a few painstaking minutes, I managed to shove my trunk on the luggage rack above the seats, collapsing onto the opposite seat later on with the door closed, feeling the train jerk slightly into motion. I braced one leg against the chair facing me, watching the scenery blur past us.

After a few minutes, I heard the sound of a clattering cart coming down the corridor, stopping at every compartment briefly before continuing on. When it reached my compartment, the door slid open, revealing a young looking woman with a huge grin on her face, pushing a cart infront of her. "Would you like anything off of the cart, m'dear?"

Curious, I got to my feet, my face lighting up at the wonderful smells coming from the cart. Grinning inwardly, I bought several of the candies and pastries on the cart, planning on sending some of them to my aunt as I munched on chocolate, putting the rest in my trunk for later. As we neared Hogwarts, I began feeling more and more restless, getting dressed in the robes and fidgeting in my seat. I rose to my feet, deciding to do something productive as I got my sheet music out of my trunk, having already been carrying my flute with me. I hoped that being toward the back of the train would mean less people hearing me before lifting my flute to my mouth and beginning to play.

I started out playing a slower song, gradually becoming quicker as I warmed up, ending on a high note that trailed on, just as the train began to slow down. One of the people patrolling the corridor told me to leave my trunk in the compartment; they would be placed in our rooms later on. I put my wand and flute case in the pockets of my robes and joined the rest of the students flooding out of the train. A light drizzle made my hair stick to my face as I heard a booming voice call, "Firs' years! All firs' years o'er hear!"

I followed the voice, coming from a huge man that towered over all of the other students, looking over ten feet tall as I stopped in front of him, craning my neck to see him.

"I'm Rubeus Hagrid, the gamekeeper o' Hogwarts." he introduced himself, eyes sparkling good-naturedly underneath bushy eyebrows. "All firs' years have to cross the castle on boats."

He led us down a narrow path, surrounded by trees. I felt thankful for my demon blood as I heard some of the other students stumbling over roots and rocks in the semi-dark light that I could see in perfectly. The path opened up at the end, revealing a glittering lake, so huge that I could barely see the opposite shore. A line of boats with lanterns hanging on the front laid on the shallow shore. On the other end of the lake, A vast castle with several turrets and towers stood atop a mountain, several of its windows glittering with light.

"No more'n four to a boat!" Hagrid called over the talking of the other first years, and I climbed into a boat along with three girls that chattered the entire way, not paying attention as Hogwarts became nearer and nearer. As the castle became closer, I could make out more details, becoming more awed the closer we got. The entire place seemed warm and inviting, and a stray breeze brought the subtle smell of magic with it from the direction of the school. The entire structure seemed majestic, and had an aura of mystery around it as the boats entered a tunnel, coming out in a small hidden dock, where all of the first years scrambled out of their boats. Hagrid led all of the first years up a flight of stone steps, grinning reassuringly before knocking on a huge oak door.

... ...

The doors swung open, revealing a stern-faced witch with glasses and a tight bun, and my first thought was that she would be a bad person to cross.

"Thank you, Hagrid. I'll take them from here." She spoke in a strict tone.

"I'm sure yeh will, Prof'ssor McGonagall." he replied with a discreet wink toward where we were standing before walking back to where we came.

She wordlessly motioned for us to follow, and we soon found ourselves in a huge corridor outside a huge pair of double-doors, behind which I could hear the older students already seated. The witch turned to us.

"My name is Professor McGonagall, and welcome to Hogwarts. You may refer to me as Professor or Ma'am." her piercing gaze looked over all of us in turn, lingering on a messy-haired boy's crooked glasses and the flute that could be seen poking out of my robe pocket. "You would do well to remember that none of the teachers, especially me, will allow tardiness or messiness of any sort." We all nodded, and the boy tried in vain to fix his hair while I straightened my headband slightly.

"In a moment these doors will open and you shall be sorted into your respective houses. While you are here, your house will serve as your family. You will spend every moment with your house, go to classes together, eat together, spend your free time together. The houses you could be sorted into are Griffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. Each house has its own history and it's own distinctive traits. Each house has a head Professor, and during times of need your Head of House should be sought out before any of the other teachers or Headmaster. There will also be prefects in every house, ready to help out new studens, and the Head Boy and Girl can also be sought out for any problems you might have." Here she stopped, giving a slight smile that only a few students caught before saying, "Good luck." She left the chamber, and the other students broke into rapid talking.

"How do you figure we'll be sorted?" one boy asked, looking slightly intimidated.

"My sister said you have to go through a trial!" one girl said.

"I heard they release some kind of monster for us to fight!"

" I heard that we have to show a special talent."

"Well, all I know is that I'll be horrified if I wind up in Hufflepuff." One boy said, grey eyes looking around in arrogance.

The bespecticled boy with messy hair looked at him. "Hufflepuff is better than Slytherin," His face formed a sneer. "There hasn't been a single person that's gone bad that hasn't been in Slytherin. It attracts thugs and horrible personalities."

The other boy scowled. "Nearly everyone in my families' been in Slytherin. I don't doubt that I'll turn out the same."

Before their conversation could continue, the huge doors opened, and all of the first years fell silent. Wordlessly, we walked in single file, pass countless pairs of eyes as we entered the Great Hall. Looking up, I watched in amazement as the ceiling seemed to fade, replaced with the same starry night that could be seen outside, along with floating candles that hovered over the tables. Dumbledore sat at the head of a table, with other teachers sitting on both sides of him. At the foot of their table, sitting on a lone stool, was a grubby old hat. I and the others watched in shock as a rip at the brim of the hat appeared and it began to sing.

"From the beginning I've sat here,

Looking into fresh and eager minds,

Pairing them, like with like,

Seeing individuals' true selves.

Placed here by the great Founders Four,

I sit here eagerly on this stool,

Ready to place you in your houses,

And give you your new family.

For those whose bravery never falters,

Even at the center of danger,

Keep your minds strong, your heads held proud,

Behold, brave Griffindor! The noblest hearts of all!

For those who have the kind of heart,

That could never leave a friend behind,

Keep your minds fresh, your arms held wide;

Great Hufflepuff! The kindest of them all!

For those who come seeking knowledge,

The wisdom of the ages,

Those who favor their destincitve wit,

Enter Ravenclaw! The den of brilliance!

For those whose minds are cunning,

Whose thoughts are shrewd and mindful,

You whose cunning outwits them all,

Honor Slytherin! The slyest of us all!

Now come to me, and let me tell,

Let me decide where you should go;

My purpose is not to set you apart,

But to bring you closer at the seams,

And bring you together in the end!"

Cheers erupted around the Great Hall as the hat finished it's song. Glancing over, I saw that- aside from the teacher's table- there were four long tables laid with glittering plates and silverware and packed with students, each with different colored crests and ties on their uniforms, with brilliant banners hanging over the tables: one silver and green depicting a snake, another blue and copper with a raven, the next red and gold with a griffin, and the final one black and yellow with a badger. Those must be the houses, I thought inwardly, turning as the professor from before, Professor McGonagall, came to stand next to the stool with a roll of parchment.

"When I call your name, you will put on the Sorting Hat and be sorted into your houses. Andy, George!"

A tall boy rushed forward, placing the hat on his head. Almost immediately, the hat yelled out, "HUFFLEPUFF!" Everyone clapped as the boy sat at the table underneith the badger banner.

The Professor continued calling names, some taking no time at all, while other students sat there for several moments, and I only recognized a few faces as they all went to their separate houses. In what seemed like no time at all to my nervous mind, she called out, "Sumner, Reed!" I tried to keep my face blank of all emotion as the other students watched me make my way to the stool. A sea of faces was the last thing I saw before the huge hat fell over my eyes.

"Well, well, what have we hear?" the voice echoed in my ears as I stiffened, hands gripping the edge of the chair tightly. "Another half-breed. Dumbledore does enjoy taking in your kind, doesn't he? Now what have we here, in your mind? Plenty of courage, certainly, but but too smart for recklessness. Much kindness, hidden behind masks and facades. An intelligence that rivals several of the smartest Ravenclaws, but it's here..." the hat paused for a moment. "I see a great amount of cunning, and the will to prove yourself to others. It's that which will aid you here, aid in keeping your deep secret. Half-demon, you will be put in-

SLYTHERIN!" The table under the green and silver banner clapped as I sat down, facing the rest of the room. Several of the students nodded slightly before turning their attention back to the students. Looking up, I could see a dark look disapear from his face, almost too quick for me to catch it.

As the last student, "Zanders, Doreen," was sorted into Ravenclaw and the ceremony ended, Proffessor McGonagall whisked the stool and hat off the platform with a flick of her wand, and Dumbledore rose to his feet. Silence immediately fell across the hall.

"Welcome to a brand new year at Hogwarts! This year, I only have two words to say to you: Dig in."

A wonderful mixture of aromas filled my senses, scaring me to no end as food suddenly filled every available space on the table. I piled my plate high with food, listening to the other Slytherins' conversations.

As everyone finished their dinners and deserts, several of the students yawned sleepily and I fought to stay alert. Professor Dumbledore rose to his feet.

"And now, before we all climb into our welcoming beds, "here several people yawned once more. "I have a few start-of-term notices to give.

"All first years should know that the forest on the castle grounds is strictly forbidden to all who hope to remain alive and well. Second, the Whomping Willow tree at the edge of the forest is also forbidden, and it is not recommended to go near it for your own safety. Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term. Anyone interested in playing for their house teams should speak with Madame Hooch. Also, Mr. Filch would like me to remind all students of the many banned items of the school, whose list can be seen hanging outside his office, and that magic is prohibited in the hallways. And now I shan't keep you from your beds for a moment longer. So scoot!"

A loud rumbling ensued as all of the students rose to their feet, the older students going for the exits as the first years stood there uncertainly. A black-harired girl and sleek-haired blond boy made their way towards the group I was in, the latter looking bored as she said, "All right, follow me, and make sure you don't get lost. The Slytherin Common room is near impossible to get to on your own. She glared at all of us before turning on her heels and leading the way.

We followed silently, going through twisting stairways, going lower and deeper into the schools, coldness seeping in through my robes as we made our way through the dungeons. The prefect stopped in front of a stone wall, turning to look at us sharply. "This is the entrance to the Slytherin common room. You can identify it by this snake carving on the wall." She gestured to a small etching in the wall, hardly noticeable in the torchlight. "The password is Blood Traitor." The stone wall opened into a doorway, and we all stepped inside.

... ...