Sorry for the delay, wanted to finish my other story before I went on with this one. Also, I have just signed up to nanowrimo, so I probably will not update again until after November.

Chapter 3

Dear Mum and Dad,

I was sorted into Slytherin. I'm sorry if you're disappointed, but it's nothing like you said. I've made lots of new friends, the older students are very helpful, and Professor Snape seems very kind…

Billy was interrupted in his letter-writing as a hand clapped him on the shoulder. He looked up to see a Slytherin sixth-year boy studying them.

"Potter?"

"That's me."

"I'm Anthony Piper, I'm your mentor."

"Oh! It's nice to meet you!"

They shook hands.

"It's good to meet you too. In a moment, Professor Snape will come down and give you your timetable, but first, may I join you?"

"Of course!"

Anthony sat down, and helped himself to some toast.

"So, my job is basically to help you settle into Slytherin house. I'll be here this year, and also next year if you have any problems. I'll be showing you around, giving you hints with your homework, and teaching you the appropriate etiquette for someone worthy of Slytherin house."

"Etiquette?"

"Of course, the proper way to behave. Now, I'll see you in the common room just before lunch, and we'll have a proper little chat then. Look, here comes Professor Snape now."

Snape was leaving the teachers table.

"Good morning," he said cordially to the first years. He began handing out slips of parchment. As he reached Billy, there was a loud clattering noise overhead, and owls flooded into the hall. Billy took the timetable from Snape, and then froze as an eagle owl swooped down to land in front of him, closely followed by Harry's owl, Hedwig.

"Merlin's pants," he muttered. "I'd forgotten about my sisters."

Snape watched him with concern as he tucked the letters inside his robes.

"Are you alright, Mr Potter?"

"Yes sir,"

Snape looked as though he wanted to say more, but instead he nodded curtly, and continued down the table. Anthony turned to him.

"Whatever the letters say," he said gently. "Always remember, that being chosen for Slytherin house is an honour like no other."

Billy nodded, but his stomach felt tight, so he pushed his breakfast away.

"I'll take you to your first lesson," said Anthony. "It's History of Magic, a good place to read those letters, all the other students are usually busy sleeping."

When Billy was left at the classroom, he realised they shared this lesson with the Ravenclaws, who had already seated themselves in the front rows. Connie waved to him, and he smiled back, before heading to a desk right at the back of the room. A few minutes later he was joined by Fraser.

They all jumped as a ghost floated through the blackboard.

"Wow," whispered a Ravenclaw girl.

"Wicked," her friend agreed.

Unfortunately, Professor Binns' entrance was the last interesting thing that happened that lesson. Binns droned on and on into his notes, and Billy soon found himself slumped over the table-top, struggling to keep his eyes open. A few of the Ravenclaws were taking notes, but Fraser was wide awake, drinking in every word the ghost said. After about ten minutes, Billy gave up on listening, and drew the letters out of his robes. He opened the one from his parents first.

Dear Billy,

We received an owl from the girls saying you had been sorted into Slytherin. First of all, it is important that you do not panic. We're not angry with you, we can fix this. It's obvious that you don't belong in Slytherin, and we shall be coming up to the school tomorrow afternoon to sort things out, we will see you then. Be careful, keep your wits about you.

Love,

Mum and dad.

Billy's eyes widened. His parents were coming today! Discarding the thought for the time being, he opened Harry's letter.

Hey Scamp,

I heard mum and dad planning on storming up to Hogwarts. I tried to persuade them to wait until you wrote, but it was no good. Luckily, I did persuade them to calm down enough to book an appointment with Professor Dumbledore. I'd hate for them to make a scene, and it certainly wouldn't do you any favours. I don't know what time the appointment is, though, so I can't give you any more warning than that.

They want you to be re-sorted, but I just wanted to let you know that it is your decision. If you're truly unhappy in Slytherin go ahead, but don't let our parents pressurize you into doing anything you don't want to.

Speaking of parental pressure… I'm taking mum's advice and moving out. Neville found a flat in London yesterday, and asked if I wanted to do a flat share. The rent is reasonable, and it's convenient for the ministry. I haven't been to see it yet, but I'm going after work and if it's decent, then I'll probably pack up and leave in the next few days. Apparently the place has been empty for a few days, and the landlord is desperate to get tenants in.

Anyway, enjoy Slytherin! Their common room was one of the few places that me, Nev and the twins never managed to infiltrate… you'll have to tell me all about it when you get home

Lots of love,

Harry.

The next lesson was transfiguration. McGonagall seemed like a nice teacher, but she was very strict. After making a lot of complicated notes, they were all handed matches, and instructed to try to turn them into needles. After failing to make any impression on their matches, the Slytherin first years flocked back to the common room for their free time before lunch.

"Hey! William!"

Billy looked up to see Paolo grinning at him.

"We're playing exploding snap, do you want me to deal you in?"

"Sure," said Billy, jumping up to join them.

After twenty minutes and a lot of laughter, the bell rang to tell them it was lunchtime, and a prefect led them back to the hall. Billy was surrounded with his year mates when he spotted his sisters. Emily nodded to him, but Jessica narrowed her eyes.

Lunch itself was a noisy affair, but silence fell amongst the first year Slytherins as Snape approached them, and placed a hand on Billy's shoulder.

"Mr Potter," he said quietly. "Please come with me."

Billy waved goodbye to his friends and followed the professor on what he assumed was the path to the headmaster's office. They stopped in front of a gargoyle.

"Chocolate frogs."

The gargoyle moved aside, revealing a moving staircase. Snape indicated he should get on.

"Aren't you coming with me, Professor?"

Snape shook his head.

"My presence won't do you any favours, Mr Potter," he said. "But if you like, I shall wait for you to return."

"Yes please. Thank you, Professor."

His parents were waiting for him, sat opposite Dumbledore. He smiled at them, and ran to hug them.

"Hi mum, hi dad!"

They grinned at him, and he sat down in the only remaining chair.

"Now, Billy," said Dumbledore cordially. "We are here, because your parents have requested a resorting."

"What?" gasped Billy.

"Yes, I thought that would cheer you up," he smiled. "All we need is your agreement, and you will be settled elsewhere."

"All you need to do is say yes, son," said his father soothingly.

Billy was furious, but he schooled his expression so it was unreadable.

"No."

His parent's smiles faltered a little, and Dumbledore's expression turned confused. Lily sighed.

"Billy, love, this isn't the time to play jokes…"

"Who's joking?" retorted Billy. "It must be you two, because I'm not."

"We can get you out of Slytherin!" said James.

"I don't want to get out of Slytherin!"

"Billy, we're being serious…"

"So am I! Slytherin is brilliant. It is an honour to be sorted there. If you try to resort me I'll just be going straight back, it's my choice to remain there."

"Who told you that?" asked James. "Have the older kids been…"

"Actually it was Harry," replied Billy. "He wrote to me this morning too, warned me not to let you pressure me into anything."

"Billy we're trying to help you…"

"I like it in Slytherin," he insisted. "I belong there. I won't change my mind."

"But…"

"Can I go now? Professor Snape is waiting for me."

"Snape!" exclaimed James. "What are you doing with him?"

"He's my head of house," pointed out Billy. "And he's really nice, I dunno why you're so horrible to him."

This statement effectively stunned them into silence. Billy got to his feet.

"I'll see you at Christmas. Nice to meet you, Professor."

As promised, Snape was still waiting for him.

"Are you alright?"

Billy nodded, but didn't speak. That had been much harder than he'd let on.

Snape seemed to understand, and placed a gentle arm around his shoulders as he led him to his next class.