Prince Darkly: I know, the majority of you want to skip through the author's note and go right into the story. But, I have a few points I need to explain. So, please, bear with me.

This is not just a Dark Harry fanfic.

This is more along the lines of Harry, brought into the wizardry world, without a clue how to survive, and kind of experiments with it. Although yes, he's put into Slytherin, he's not immediately going to be buddy buddy with Draco, for the simple fact he's a bully. Being raised with Dudley molded Harry to hate bullies.

I'm kind of putting into play that Harry is an outsider people don't understand. He shows he has attributes of all Houses, and he's an outsider of his own house (mainly for turning down friendship with Malfoy). So this is the result. Think of Harry starting out in the grey, and then somewhere along the way he went dark. But then may or may not turn around after his mistake.

I'm still working the kinks out. So, for the moment, please enjoy.

Chapter One The Sorting Hat


Harry never thought of himself as special. In his short eleven years of life, he was only good at figuring out how to survive. Even if it meant sneaking snacks, tip toeing in the Dursley house on Private Drive. Or escaping from Dudley and his group of fat and stupid friends. Harry was so good at surviving, he was already a natural by the time he came to Hogwarts.

But here, he had no clue on what to do.

Unlike most of the children here, he grew up in the shadows, away from this magical world he had been pushed into. And to make things even more uncomfortable, he's a famous wizard. Harry didn't know how to make of this, and it put him off guard whenever someone comments or praises him. Growing up being told everyday he was unwanted, being given compliments left and right was awkward for him.

On the train ride, he didn't mind the company of Ron and Hermione. Hermione didn't treat him like a celebrity, with the one exception she mentioned he was named in a few books she had already read. Was he supposed to read ahead too for a head start? Harry wished he had the chance to, but the motion of the train would have upset his stomach if he tried to read.

With Ron, he didn't know how he felt about the boy. He enjoyed Ron's enthusiasm, but he wasn't sure if he could keep up with him. The only thing they had in common were the hand me down clothes and being overshadowed in the family (although for different reasons).

Once in Hogwarts castle, Harry couldn't help but stare at the marvelous surroundings. Everything was strange, and he certainly wasn't expecting the school to take place in a castle. He had imagined everything to be like in the muggle world, with boring brick buildings with the feeling of prison for children.

It's a lot better than I expected.

Maybe Hogwarts wouldn't be so bad, after all.

They were introduced to Professor McGonagall, who explained they were to take part in a sorting ceremony and placed in one of four houses. Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin were the four houses. While it was great to learn the names, Harry was peeved at what house meant and how they were to be sorted. There was also a point system to ensure students are on best behavior, and whoever has the most points at the end of the year wins the House Cup.

She left them alone to have a word with the headmaster.

"So, the rumors on the train are true. Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts." A voice Harry recognized from the robes shop at Diagon Alley addressed him.

Harry turned to see a boy with blonde hair, and behind him were two boys who looked like Dudley would love to recruit among the Harry Hater Group. Was this a way of being intimidating? If so, it was more comical to Harry than intimidating.

"What house do you think you'll be in, Potter? I bet I'll be in Slytherin like my father."

"I wouldn't know until we find out." Harry shrugged.

Unused to being put off, the fair haired boy continued on his brave face.

"I'm Malfoy. Draco Malfoy."

Harry heard a snort beside him, and under normal circumstances he would have joined. His humor shriveled when he felt all eyes on him. Even though he felt extremely uncomfortable, Harry somehow managed to keep a straight face.

"I don't need to know who you are. Red hair, and a hand me down robe. You must be a Weasley. Father says that all Weasleys have red hair and shaggy robes, and more children than they can manage."

Ron made a move to punch Malfoy. Thinking quickly Harry held him back with an extended arm. Malfoy seemed to enjoy this action. Pale grey eyes turned back to Harry. It took a lot of resolve for him not to shiver.

"You'll soon find out that some wizarding families are better than others, Potter. I can help you there." The boy extended out a hand.

"I think I can figure out the wrong sort for myself, thanks."

Then Professor McGonagall appeared again. With a wave of her hand the students lined up and followed her into the vast Great Hall. Harry couldn't help but stare, looking up at the ceiling.

Or what was supposed to be the ceiling.

The castle seemed to have no roof, displaying only the night sky above them. And in the air were floating candles, illuminating the Great Hall all around. On the floor were four long tables. One for each house, Harry supposed. Beyond them was a long table for the teachers.

And in front of the table was a lone stool with a very old brown hat.

Harry held back his confusion, as the first years spread out before the hat, waiting. Professor McGonagall pulled out a parchment out of nowhere, but didn't unroll it quite yet. The hat started to speak loud and clear. It took Harry a moment to realize it was a poem about the houses.

Although he found it boring, he paid attention to figure out what each house meant.

To put it simply, Gryffindor was courage, with their crest a lion and their colors crimson and gold. Hufflepuff was loyalty, their crest a bagder and their colors yellow and black. Ravenclaw sought wisdom, their crest a raven and their colors were blue and grey. Slytherin was ambition, their crest a snake and their colors were green and silver.

Harry honestly didn't think any of those fit him. As he debated on which house, Professor McGonagall began to read off names alphabetically. Being low on the list, Harry watched other students sit on the stool and Professor McGonagall placed the hat on top of their heads. And within a few seconds to a minute, the hat would shout the house to place them.

He anxiously watched Hermione. She was nervous, as she sat on the stool.

"GRYFFINDOR"

The hat decided. Harry blinked in surprise. He would have thought she would be Ravenclaw, since she loved books so much. Maybe the hat saw something he couldn't see in her.

The longest time the hat took was for a boy named Neville Longbottom. The name ringed a bell in Harry's head, recognizing it was the boy Hermione said he was missing his toad. After nearly five minutes the hat finally decided.

"GRYFFINDOR"

Another surprise. From what little Harry saw of the boy, he was shy and scared. Once again, maybe the hat saw something no one else saw. Or perhaps the boy didn't have his courage just yet.

A few names later, Malfoy strode up to the stool. The hat barely even touched his head when it shouted.

"SLYTHERIN"

No surprise, there. Harry watched him proudly walk his way to the Slytherin table to sit next to his bodyguards he learned were Crabbe and Goyle. Harry turned his attention back to the hat.

Some names later, Professor McGonagall paused.

"Potter, Harry."

A hush fell over the entire Great Hall. Everyone waited on baited breath, all eyes on the Boy Who Lived. Harry wished he had Malfoy's confidence, as he nervously walked up to the stool and sat down. The hat was placed on his head, covering half of his face. His vision blurred beyond the glasses.

(Difficult, very difficult. There's courage, yes, yes, and loyalty, I can feel that thirst for knowledge, too. And that ambition! But where to put you?)

To have another voice in your head was strange. Harry bit his lip.

I...I don't know.

(I don't know, he says! HA! You could be great you know, it's all here, in your head.)

Then whatever suits me best.

(Difficult, indeed! That doesn't clarify anything at all! You could be great no matter where I place you. What matters to you the most, hm?)

Not expecting such a deep question, Harry thought it over. He was glad the hat covered his eyes, as he thought over his answers. It didn't help the hat chatted on and on in his head.

(It's all in your head. But where to put you? Oh, the possibilities are endless!)

I want to show them who I truly am. I want to show them I'm not what they see me as.

(That can be interpreted as two ways. Brave, or ambitious?)

I don't think I'm very brave.

Harry was being honest. If he was brave, he wouldn't be weak. He would have stood up to the Dursley's mistreatment a long time ago. He simply accepted their ways of thinking, adapting to be silent as he found the best way to survive is appeal to their good graces.

(Well, if that's your answer, then better be...)

"SLYTHERIN"

Stunned silence was the answer. Professor McGonagall must have been speechless for the answer, and didn't immediately remove the hat. Taking initiative, Harry took it off and placed it on the stool. He caught sight of the Slytherin table and made his way towards it. He was welcomed by his fellow Slytherins with claps when they got over the initial shock. Some even cheered "We got Potter!"

When he sat down, he was suddenly aware of the Gryffindor table next to the Slytherin table. Their expressions gave off a mix of horror, betrayal, and shock. Hermione gave him an odd look, but was otherwise indifferent than her fellow Gryffindors. After a moment however, the majority of the Gryffindors started booing and insulting Harry.

The other Slytherins looked at Harry, wondering what he would do. Decided he wasn't going to crack under pressure, he held his head high and ignored the outraged and boisterous Gryffindors, even if his cheeks had hints of pink on them.

When the insults turned into threats did the other Slytherins react. They all cluttered around Harry, like snakes putting numbers to their advantage to ward off a mighty enemy. They hissed back insults, but didn't turn it to threats in order to show they were above such immature behavior.

"Potter's a bloody git! Someone should curse him!"

"You're just jealous we got Potter! Go cry in your tower!"

"Potter should have been placed in Gryffindor!"

"Harry Potter, the Boy Who Betrayed the world!"

That one stung. Harry flinched, but otherwise didn't crack at the words. They were just words, he had heard worse from the Dursley's. He could feel his legs begin to shake. Harry bit the inside of his cheek so as not to break apart. Suddenly the whole Great Hall erupted into chaos when Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw joined in. What surprised Harry was that Hufflepuff attempted to calm the rioting.

"CURSE POTTER CURSE POTTER CURSE POTTER CURSE POTTER"

Suddenly Harry caught sight of the headmaster standing up. He recognized the man from the Famous Witch and Wizards cards given away in each single box of chocolate frogs. And Dumbledore bellowed in a great voice over all the shouting.

"SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIILLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEENNNNNNNNCCCCCCEEEE!"

Everyone stopped at what they are doing. All eyes were now on the headmaster.

"Please, sit down."

Everyone but the last few first years who haven't been sorted yet sat down at their respective tables. The last to do so were the Slytherins, each and every one of them eyeing the Gryffindor table next to them to ensure they didn't pull any nasty tricks. Somehow Malfoy took the seat across from Harry, when before the chaos he wasn't anywhere near Harry. His lackeys didn't even get the chance to follow their leader like ducklings.

"I am deeply ashamed by this disgraceful behavior. It should not matter where Harry Potter is placed. There should be no discrimination between houses. And all towards a first year!"

At the mention of first year, many students bowed their head in shame.

"I will not tolerate any discrimination towards any student. It doesn't matter if it's between Gryffindor against Slytherin, or Ravenclaw against Hufflepuff, or vice versa. If there is any action like this to any student, then there will be harsh punishments by the house's head professor. And not to mention a large amount of points deducted from the house the tormentor is from."

Note to self, don't underestimate Dumbledore.

After his gaze studied each table to ensure his words sunk in, the headmaster turned to Professor McGonagall.

"Would you please continue, Minerva."

With that the headmaster sat down as Professor McGonagall recollected herself. She continued on with the list, and Harry couldn't find it within himself to care about the other students. He was lost within his own mind, ignoring the glare from Ron as he sat next to his brothers at the Gryffindor table.

Whatever spark of friendship they would have had, was over. Ron made it clear he didn't want anything to do with Harry.

That doesn't mean he was running to Malfoy.

Harry was going to keep to his word from earlier. He didn't mind the idea of Malfoy being his friend, but he had to work on a few personality traits first. If he wanted to be Harry's friend, he would have to work for it.

When all of the first years were sorted, the headmaster was back on his feet. He spoke of a few rules, reminding all that the Forbidden Forest was off limits to all students no matter their year. He also warned the first years about a tree that was not friendly at all within the school grounds.

Danger all around, it would seem.

"And lastly, the corridor to the left on the third floor is strictly off limits. Mister Filch and Mrs. Norris will patrol that corridor for any wandering students. Any student caught walking there, will be punished appropriately by their head professors."

Harry noticed the confusion among the other students. This section of the castle being blocked off without explanation was strange. And it made Harry to believe this was the first time that particular corridor has been strictly off limits.

"Now, let the feast begin!" With a clap of his hands food and tableware appeared out of thin air on the tables.

Harry stared as he took in the amount. He had never seen so much food in one sitting. Harry began to fill his plate enthusiastically, not noticing the weird looks he got from his fellow Slytherins about his great appetite for his small stature. At least his housemates had the courtesy not to comment on it.

As he was finishing his second plate, Harry felt malevolent eyes on him. He glanced around, and found a teacher staring hard at him. Harry held his gaze, confused. The man was in his early thirties, with greasy hair to his shoulders, dark eyes and a black robe.

Seconds within their stare down, Harry felt pain where his scar was. Instinctively he reached up to it with one hand. When he looked back at the man who had been glaring at him, he was caught up in a conversation with a different teacher.

"Who's that professor sitting next to Quirrell?" Harry inquired to no one in particular.

"That's Professor Snape, the potions teacher. He's also the head of our house. And he's my godfather." Malfoy gloated with pride.

Harry ignored the boast and continued to eat. Malfoy stared at him with calculating eyes.

"You're not very versed with the wizardry world, are you, Potter?"

Not sure whether to take it as an insult or not, Harry decided to be brutally honest.

"That's what happens when you're raised by muggles. In the first ten years of my life, I didn't know of my origins or of magic. Their treatment of me makes more sense, now. Guess they tried to beat the magic out of me. Not that it worked, I'm here anyways." For added effect, Harry continued to eat as if he were only talking about the weather.

Surprise spread like wildfire among the Slytherin table. Some were shocked, others felt sorry for him, and a few were bitterly angry at his relatives. Even though he didn't want anymore attention on him, the stunned expression on Malfoy's face was priceless. In the end it was worth it, even though he was questioned left and right about the Dursley's.

Harry didn't go into full detail. He gave them vague answers, and never revealed their names. Getting the hint, his housemates dropped the subject altogether. Malfoy had one last go, though. He had counted each plate Harry had, which at this point was four going on five.

"Do those muggles not feed you proper, Potter?"

For once there wasn't any hint of holier than thou in Malfoy's smooth voice. Harry studied the fairchaired boy with scrutiny. When there was nothing but genuine concern, Harry answered.

"My muggle relatives are poor."

"Is that why you have such horrid clothes? They seem to be too big for you." Someone else commented.

"Yeah, these were my cousin's." Harry stated to feed his lie. Well, it was half a lie. Yes, his clothes were Dudley's old clothes. But the Dursley's were well off when it came to finances.

One look at Malfoy, and Harry knew the other didn't fully believe him. But the other boy didn't press the issue. He showed Harry he knew when not to push buttons. At least to a fellow Slytherin. Put a Gryffindor in front of him, Malfoy wouldn't know when to stop.

In the end, Harry had only finished half of his fifth plate when dinner was proofed away. Dumbledore had clapped, and suddenly the food was replaced with dessert. Even though Harry wasn't much of a sweet tooth, he reached for pumpkin pasties and other desserts to fill his plate. It was then he noticed the hall had other guests that weren't flesh and bone.

Ghosts resided here, as well. And each of them had belonged to houses, as well. A Slytherin ghost nicknamed the Bloody Baron politely welcomed Harry to Slytherin. Although he was a little scared, Harry responded his thanks with a nod. Meanwhile he made sure to keep his eyes trained away from the blood stains over the man's robes.

After Harry finished his third plate of dessert, while secretly wondering how he could fit all of his food, dessert was over. Professor Dumbledore stood up with a clap, and the dessert and tableware vanished. After having everyone break into song, he bid them all goodnight and instructed all Head Boys and Girls lead the first years to their respective common rooms.

Harry got in line, following the Head Boy. His body felt warm and content from his meal beforehand. He resisted a yawn by wondering where the Slytherin common room was. His answer came when they reached the dungeons, and at first he was confused when the Head Boy stopped before a blank wall.

"Every two weeks the password changes. So, please pay attention when I announce the new password. Else you will be locked out either a whole night, or another student is coming in." The boy informed.

At least he warned us.

"Salazar."

The door pulled back, revealing a dark common room. While most other boys were hesitant, Harry and Malfoy strolled in unaffected by the atmosphere. The lighting was green, emphasizing the Slytherin colors. The windows had a great view of the lake, with a shining moon reflected off of it. The furniture was dark and expensive, but when he sat down in a chair it was surprisingly comfortable.

The fire was going underneath an impressive mantelpiece, which was decorated with skulls and a large and proud Slytherin crest. Despite the cold dungeons outside the common room, the fire kept heat within. Combined with the warmth and huge meal he had earlier, Harry was getting sleepy. Looking around, he wasn't the only one.

"To the left are the boy's dormritries. The right is the girls dormritries. Under no circumstances are girls allowed in the boy's dormritries, and vice versa. If anyone wants to meet up, can choose between the common room or Hogwarts grounds."

Good to know, Harry noted.

"And curfew for first years are nine on weekdays and eleven on weekends."

When the Head Boy had no more rules to state, Harry made his say into the boy's dormritry. He chose a bed in the farthest end of a row osest to the windows. He placed his trunk at the foot of the bed and began to pull out his oversized pajamas.

When he was done, he was so out of it that he had forgotten to roll up the bottoms to better fit him. He nearly tripped, but saved himself with his arms reaching out for the edge of the bed. Harry quickly sat down, face flushed when he realized he wasn't alone.

Malfoy had chosen the bed next to him. One look at Harry with the comically too big sleepwear, Malfoy reached for his trunk and thrusted a clean, newly bought pair of pajamas. They were green, perfectly matching Harry's eyes.

"You can borrow these, Potter. Can't have you tripping on those ghastly pajamas." Malfoy had a hint of vulgarity in his voice, but was trying to hide it.

"Why are you doing this?" Harry stared at the fair haired boy in suspicion.

"You want me to work for your friendship, to earn it. I accept the challenge, Potter." Malfoy sent a smirk, just before he began to change into another pair of pajamas.

Harry began to do the same. When he was done he threw away the old pair, glad to be rid of it. The green pair the other boy gave him were a size too big, but it was better than Dudley's old itchy things. As a bonus the fabric was soft and warm.

"Tomorrow I will send my mother your measurements and request she sends appropriate clothing that better fit you. Don't worry about the cost, or for paying me back."

Harry knew part of the reason was because Malfoy couldn't stand the thought of a fellow Slytherin wearing preposterous clothing that were five sizes too big. In essence, he couldn't appear as the Weasley of Slytherin.

"Why are you being so helpful? And how would you know my size?"

"As I said, I'm working to earn your friendship. And I can already tell you're one size smaller than I am. This makes it easy for me to inform my mother. She would be delighted to go clothes shopping and send them over."

Well, Harry can't fault Malfoy for trying. He had to give him that.

"My friendship can't be bought." He stated clearly.

"I'm aware of this, Potter. Think of this as a token of my friendship, then." Malfoy yawned.

Harry sat down on his bed, debating whether or not to ask a few questions that have been disturbing him.

"If you have a question, then ask. I can't fault you for being raised by filthy muggles." Malfoy urged.

"Why is it bad I was placed in Slytherin?"

The fair haired boy stared at him, only his eyes gave away his shock. He recovered and explained a few theories.

"Well, you're the Boy Who Lived. Surviving the killing curse from the Dark Lord is an amazing feat. So people expected you to join Gryffindor. There's also your family line to consider."

"What do you mean my family?"

"If I am correct, both of your parents were Gryffindors."

Oh.

"As far as I believe, the Potter lineage were mostly Gryffindors. I think you're the first in your family to be placed in Slytherin. You can check for yourself, but I'm pretty sure there have been no Potters in Slytherin. Except you. Maybe it's a good thing."

"Why would it be a good thing? I just want people to look at me and see I'm not special."

"Oh, but you are, Potter. The sooner you accept it, the more confident you'll be."

Harry had been around a lot of people who lied a lot. He was amazed and confused about Malfoy being honest.

"And it might be a good thing because the Slytherin house has been the bane of Hogwarts. To the other houses, anyway."

"Why?"

"They say that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was from Slytherin."

That makes more sense. That explains the fear and anger everyone displayed. They were terrified he would become the next Dark Lord. Well, that's a load of shit Harry had ever heard of.

"Night." Harry mumbled, undoing the drapes on each corner of his bed.

He climbed underneath the green sheets. He was exhausted from the strange events of this day. Harry fell into a deep, dreamless slumber.


Prince Darkly: Rough start for a first day of Hogwarts. And while Harry and Draco are not quite friends yet, it's off at a rocky start. But what of Ron and Hermione?

And to explain the Slytherin housemates behavior, allow me to elaborate.

The Slytherins are surprised that Harry is among them. While they take pride such a powerful and well known wizard is among them, they don't know they feel about this. They're a little wary of him, having the same fear as everyone else: will he become the next Dark Lord?

But, they rose up against the rest of the houses in Harry's defense.

Slytherins protect their own.

Think, for a moment. Slytherin is a hated house because of Lord Voldemort and his band of Death Eaters. With this prejudice, everyone starts going along the bandwagon and look at Slytherin to see of someone will become the next big threat. So, now with a celebrity among them, Slytherins will still defend Harry, even if they're scared themselves in the meantime.

And no, Draco will not always be kissing Harry's ass to be his friend. The clothes thing is just a starting point to break the tension. Sort of. Harry is naturally stubborn, he just might turn this into a game to see how far Draco will go.

So, please, without further ado leave a review.