Beta'd By shinykamon

Chapter 1

Weird Opportunities

'Life can be weird,' a young 11-year old boy thought solemnly. His name was Harry Potter, he was skinny and short even for his age, with raven black hair that was constantly messy and brilliant emerald eyes hidden behind a pair of crooked glasses. He was currently sitting on a stool with a hat on his head waiting to be sorted into a house before he could start learning magic. Still some lives are weirder than others.

Take his life for instance, he grew up on number 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging Surrey. The entire neighborhood screamed normal, in a way that was itself weird. His bedroom was the cupboard under the stairs until about two months ago. He shared the house with his Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon, and cousin Dudley, and they often said he was a freak.

Looking back at his life he couldn't help but feel maybe they were right. As far back as he could remember he was his relative's, he could not call them family even within his own mind, personal house boy. He cooked, cleaned, and did anything else they asked of him, whether he wanted to or not, and he better do it perfectly the first time and not complain or there would be consequences.

One of Harry's earliest memories was of scrubbing the floors after his cousin Dudley, had made a mess. Dudley didn't even get scolded or anything for causing the problem in the first place! Harry knew from overhearing other children at school that they all had chores and got scolded like him, but got an allowance and praised like Dudley. In that way both he and his cousin were weird.

Another instance of weirdness was when his aunt cut his hair into an absolute abomination, it was right before picture day at school and he hated it! He didn't know how but his hair was back to normal the next day, his aunt was furious, and gave him extra chores for the next month afterwards.

Then there was this time when he got mad at a teacher, he couldn't remember what about, probably accusing him of something he didn't do like usual, and her hair turned bright blue. He was punished extra hard for that, the teacher blamed him too and suspended him for a week making it that much worse.

Of course, he would never forget when he ended up on the roof of a building during an especially vigorous round of "Harry Hunting." He has been running away as fast as he could, already out of breath from lack of proper nutrition, when he found himself in a dead-end alley. He could hear Dudley and his goons closing in and wished as much as possible that he could be anywhere but there. A sudden squeezing sensation overtook him, and when he looked around he found himself atop a building.

Things really started getting weird on Dudley's 11th birthday, that was a day he would never forget. It started when his usual babysitter, Mrs. Figg, got sick and the Dursleys took him to the zoo with them. Things got very strange when he started talking to a snake of all things, he had encountered them in his aunt's garden before but didn't recall them ever speaking. Then the glass barrier separating the serpent from the public disappeared and his cousin ended up in the cage while the snake ran... err... slithered away.

That was just the beginning, soon after he got a letter addressed specifically to him. That had never happened before, of course his relatives wouldn't let him keep it, or the literal flood of identical letters that came after. His uncle took everyone to a small hut on an island in the middle of nowhere. The biggest person Harry had ever seen, not that he had seen many people, but this guy was bigger than his uncle and that was big, showed up in the middle of the night. He said his name was Hagrid, told him he was a wizard, and gave him his first ever birthday cake!

In the morning Hagrid took him to a Wizarding shopping center, Diagon Alley, where he found out his parents left him quite a bit of money, some Dark Lord killed his parents and tried to kill him but failed, and that he was famous. They made several purchases including clothes, books, potion supplies, and an actual magic wand! Eleven and a half inches, Mr. Ollivander said, he wasn't sure how to feel about his wand's brother playing a part in his parents murder but what can you do?

Hagrid also gave him a birthday present, a gorgeous snowy owl he named Hedwig. Hagrid said owls were dead useful because they could deliver mail, and even though he didn't have anyone to send mail to, Hedwig was still awesome. Perhaps he would make some friends at school and Hedwig would allow him to stay in touch over the summer.

Harry had some trouble getting onto the train platform, fortunately a nice redheaded family helped him out. On the train he sat with one of the redheads, the Weasleys apparently, and the boy introduced himself as Ron. Ron told him a bit about his family, youngest boy out of six with a younger sister, and some things about the magical world. A couple of interruptions later, involving an incredibly nervous boy looking for a toad, an extremely bossy girl helping him, and a remarkably snooty boy being mean, and they had finally reached it. Hogwarts school for Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he would finally learn magic.

Getting off the train he met Hagrid again, and shared a boat ride to the castle with Ron and two girls, a redhead and a blonde. The redhead introduced herself as Susan Bones, and the Blonde said her name was Hannah Abbott. Seeing the castle for the first time was awe inspiring, a castle being a school was pretty weird too. After being told to wait by a stern looking woman, Professor McGonagall, most of them were startled by the appearance of several ghosts. Then the professor came back and led them into the Great Hall, already packed with students, and showed them a rickety stool with an old hat on it that soon began to sing of all things. Soon enough it was his turn, he walked up, sat down and put on the Sorting Hat.

When they were told about being sorted into one of four houses, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin, everyone wondered how they would find out which one they belonged to. No one expected the old, dirty, singing, hat to choose where they would end up for the next seven years

'Hey! I am not that dirty.'

Harry jumped slightly in surprise, still well aware of all the people watching him, 'who said that?' he thought.

'Well I did of course.'

'Err, are you the hat?' Harry responded wondering what was going on.

'Of course, I'm the Hat! I'm the Sorting Hat you heard the song! You should know this! Definitely not Ravenclaw material, are you?'

'What's that supposed to mean! Are you saying I'm not smart?' Harry was becoming a bit irked by the hat's attitude.

'That is exactly what I'm saying! Now that we have ruled one of the four out, the question remains, where to put you.'

Okay now the hat was just being mean, still he couldn't help but think, 'not Slytherin.'

'Not Slytherin eh? And why not? You could be great you know, and Slytherin would give you- '

'Didn't you hear me?' Harry interrupted, 'I just said not Slytherin.'

'Well why not? Slytherin is just as good as any other house!'

'Umm, my friend Ron said that everyone in his family gets sorted into Gryffindor, so I'd like to be in that house with him.' Harry was arguing with a hat of all things, this was definitely the weirdest moment in his life.

'Ah but you didn't say you wanted Gryffindor, did you? You specifically said not Slytherin. So why is that?'

Harry sighed in frustration, 'Ron also told me all dark wizards come from Slytherin.'

'That is a fairly recent assumption. Plenty of good witches and wizards have come from that house and plenty bad have come from the other three, besides you are famous you could turn that reputation around if you put your mind to it.'

Harry was getting worried about how long this was going to go on, he could see the other students staring and whispering to each other, so he asked, 'you seem to really want me in Slytherin, why is that?'

'It is quite simple really, I am the Sorting Hat and I believe it's the best place for you. I have been doing this for about a millennia after all.'

Harry shook his head in defeat, 'fine you win, I just hope this doesn't come back to bite me later.'

"Slytherin"

The Great Hall gasped in shock, and whispering broke out amongst the students and teachers. Harry quickly got off the stool, the Slytherin crest appearing on his robes, took the hat off his head and looked over at Ron, only too see his jaw dropped and eyes wide. 'I finally get a friend and now it's ruined by an old, ratty hat,' Harry thought sadly. That didn't stop him from squaring his shoulders, holding his head high and striding swiftly over to the Slytherin table with a confidence he didn't feel.

As he approached he looked at the rude blonde boy, Draco Malfoy he introduced himself as, who had a smug look on his face. Harry didn't really want anything to do with him, so he sat closer to two girls in his year, one had long, straight, silvery blonde hair and brilliant blue eyes, and the other short, wavy, brown hair and eyes.

The blonde was giving him an almost appraising look but didn't say anything and her face soon became expressionless, the brunette was staring in open shock but after a nudge from the blonde quickly looked away. He was grateful they were minding their own business, he was lost in his thoughts, not really paying attention to anything else, and was surprised when food suddenly appeared in front of him.

Harry loaded up his plate, eating slowly and not paying any attention to the conversations that had started up around him. He finally decided to make the most of his situation and see about making a new friend, not everyone in this House would be like Malfoy, he was sure of it.

_**SCENE BREAK**_

Her name was Daphne Greengrass. She was the eldest child, of two daughters, of an old pureblood family. The Greengrass's were not fabulously wealthy, like the Malfoy's, nor were they particularly poor, like the Weasley's, they were very much a middle-class family. She loved her little sister, Astoria, with all her heart, and they got along well despite having very different personalities. Her parents, Alberic and Anna, were supportive and loving despite buying a little too much into Pureblood Supremacy for her tastes. She was proud of her culture and family history, but believed those with magic were better than those without, regardless of blood status.

For the longest time Daphne believed her ultimate fate was to marry the second son of a more prominent family, who would take over as head of the Greengrass family, and be little more than a housewife and mother. Magic was a great equalizer among the genders, she knew magical women had more rights than muggle woman for centuries. There are many women who have held power and respect in the magical community, Amelia Bones the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement (DMLE) for instance, and she wanted to be one of them.

With no idea how to raise her status on her own she had resigned herself to being the lackey of someone else, probably Pansy Parkinson, who already had an in with a higher family. This was true up until Harry Potter was sorted into Slytherin. That was news, and Malfoy's smug look spoke volumes about his plans, then Potter blatantly snubbed Malfoy by sitting away from him. Clearly something had happened between them and there was an opening she could exploit.

She was studying him intensely until he noticed her, then she put her Ice Queen mask on. It was a good mask, she spent the summer practicing, the expressionless face went well with her eyes, they were a particularly cold blue that tended to freak people out. When she noticed her friend, Tracey Davis, staring at him she gently nudged her to snap her out of it, no need to alienate him right off. He was seemingly lost in thought, he didn't pay any attention to the rest of the sorting or the Headmaster speaking. Still her mind was rapidly coming up with ideas to get him on her side, all she had to do-

"Daphne"

Daphne glanced over at Tracey, "what?" she whispered, annoyed her planning was interrupted.

"I know what you're thinking!" Tracey whispered back furiously, "don't do it! You know what Malfoy would do if you went after Potter!"

"Look at him!" Daphne gestured over to Malfoy, who was clearly upset over Potter not sitting by him, "Something must have already happened, this is an opportunity I can't pass up!"

Tracey sighed in response, "look just give it some more time to get a read on the situation ok? I don't want anything happening to you... or your family."

Daphne thought it over before giving a small nod in response.

Potter seemed to snap out of whatever funk he was in around dessert, happily going after some treacle tart, and Daphne was wondering how long to wait before her chance passed her by.

Soon the feast had passed, and the Headmaster stood up to send everyone off to bed.

"Now that everyone is fed and watered I have a few announcements to make," he started, "The Forbidden Forest is just that, forbidden, I would like to remind some of the older students," he sent a look at the Gryffindor table, "of that as well."

"Also, our caretaker, Mr. Filch, has asked me to remind you there is no spell casting in the halls, also the list of contraband objects can be found in his office, new items have been added."

The Headmaster paused before continuing, "one last thing, the third-floor corridor is off limits to anyone who does not wish to die a most painful death.

Daphne raised an eyebrow, he really just said that to a room full of curious students? Everyone who wasn't completely cut off from the rumor mill would know what was there within the week.

"Now then, I have kept you from your beds long enough, first years please report to your house prefects to find out where your common rooms are. Off you trot." The Headmaster dismissed them with a wave before turning to talk with the teachers.

Daphne and Tracy stood up and walked over to the two students wearing prefect badges, along with their new year mates. Once they were all assembled, the two older students started walking away with barely a glance at them. Everyone hurried to keep up with them, two larger boys falling behind due to a late start.

The two prefects led them out of the Great Hall and through several corridors before stopping at an entrance with two separate staircases leading down.

"This is the entrance to the dungeons," the boy started, "the stairs on the right lead to our Head of House's private quarters and the potions classroom."

"Our Head of House is Severus Snape," the girl continued, "he is the potions professor and favors us over the other houses, as it should be."

"If anyone has a problem solve it amongst yourselves first," the boy glared at them, "if that does not work then we prefects will get involved."

"If we must intervene it will not be so bad," the girl smiled at them before frowning, "if Professor Snape has to get involved you will not like the consequences, he has better things to do then mediate disputes between those who ought to know better."

"The stairs on the left lead to the entrance to our common rooms," the boy's face was back to normal, "be thankful you are not in Gryffindor or Hufflepuff."

"Why?" Potter asked, somewhat stupidly in Daphne's opinion.

The girl seemed to just barely stifle a glare, "Gryffindor and Hufflepuff have all of the boys in a year sharing a room, and all of the girls in a year sharing another."

The boy continued also seemingly upset, "whereas in Ravenclaw and Slytherin we all get our own rooms, it makes for a better environment in my opinion. Any other questions?" No one responded. "Good follow us."

They headed down the left staircase eventually reaching a stretch of wall with only a small snake etched in silver, with emeralds for eyes not being blank stone.

"This is the marking for our Common Room," the boy started, "the password is Parselmouth remember it or you will be sleeping on cold, hard stone."

"Parselmouth?" Potter interrupted once again, couldn't he keep his mouth shut? Maybe Tracey was right.

The two prefects were clearly irritated at having their introduction disturbed once more.

"Yes Parselmouth," the girl answered anyway, "Salazar Slytherin, greatest of the Hogwarts Four, was well known for speaking the noble serpent tongue."

"Since you seem to like hearing yourself talk why don't you give the password?" The boy smirked slightly, most of the first years snickering. Potter himself was clearly embarrassed but Daphne thought she saw a flicker of amusement cross his face, interesting.

Potter walked up the the silver snake and hissed at it. Dear sweet Merlin, Potter was a Parselmouth himself. The shocked look on everyone's faces and his own smug grin, as the wall opened admitting them, was telling. She was definitely getting on Potter's good side now, what good was ambition without a little courage to take risks?

The girl coughed into her hand, "yes well, I guess you don't have to worry about remembering the password."

"What do you mean?" Potter asked, this time with more confidence.

The boy looked slightly uncomfortable, "Parseltongue allows one to bypass the password. Legend states there are many secrets within the castle, implemented by Salazar himself, that can only be found by a Parselmouth. Now is there anything else?"

Most of them were still too shocked to speak so they just shook their heads and followed the prefects inside the Common Room. Inside was amazing, green flames illuminated the room, casting an eerie glow and giving it an almost haunted atmosphere. A large window monopolized the far wall, looking through it revealed the Black Lake, multiple fish could be seen swimming by. All the furniture was high-end, and a serpentine motif dominated the decorations. Above a fireplace, also with green flames, was a portrait of Salazar Slytherin himself, it was too bad the four founders passed before portrait imprinting was created.

Letting the younger students be suitably impressed for an appropriate length of time, eventually the two prefects gestured at the openings on the left and right walls.

"The left is the stairs to the girl's dormitories, the right is for the boys, feel free to explore the room but let us tell you a few rules before we retire for the night." The girl started.

"Rule #1 we are Slytherins, that means we are the best. Don't forget it, and conduct yourselves properly at all times." The boy continued.

"Rule #2 keep any problems you have with a house mate within the house. Outside this room all of us are united." The girl stated firmly.

"Finally Rule #3 do not get on the bad side of someone of a higher status than you. It will not end well." The boy finished.

Nodding the two of them separated and went to their respective rooms, some of the others following. Daphne noticed Malfoy, his two goons, and Parkinson approach Potter, she had to make her move now.

Turning to Tracey she declared firmly, "I have to do it now."

Tracey took her hand and smiled softly, "I understand, please understand me when I say I can't go with you."

Daphne was slightly hurt, they had been friends for years, but did understand. Tracey was a half-blood, if Daphne failed at this, then Tracey and her family would be in far more danger than Daphne herself. Nodding in agreement, Daphne freed herself from Tracey's grip, brought herself up to her most dignified, made sure her ice queen mask was still in place, and straightened out her robes, before making her way over to Potter with all the grace she could manage.

As she approached she noticed Malfoy and Parkinson looked angry, Crabbe and Goyle looked like they were trying to be menacing, and Potter looked frustrated. Reaching them she tapped Potter on the shoulder and waited for him to face her.

"Hello, my name is Daphne Greengrass. I believe we sat at the feast together?" She gave him a small smile.

"Err... hello nice to meet you, I'm Harry Potter, and yes I think we did," he responded somewhat unsure.

"I was wondering if you would like to get together tomorrow morning? Maybe get to know each other a little better?" Daphne went all in.

Potter glanced back at Malfoy, who was furious, before smiling, it was a nice smile, and responding, "I would love to, it would be nice to have a friend."

YES!