Hi people! I said Friday and here it is. On Friday. :) Hope you're pleased. I tried to make this chapter longer since you had to wait, but whatever. :) I'm kind of worried about my Tom POV, so if it sucks then I want you to review and tell me! I love constructive criticism because I know my writing isn't perfect and it let's me know people actually read my stuff and like it enough to review about it :) Also, I have a few reviews to answer and let me say, one of them was HUGE and I was super impressed. It made me hurry up and finish this chapter :D

Yours Truly- You're very welcome! Thanks for the review as well :) I appreciate it. Tom will definitely be doing some wooing hehehe, he meets him this chapter AND we see some Tom POV :D Hope you like it. I hope you like this chapter as much as the last and seriously, thanks for reviewing :)

Fae0306- Can't really reply to a review just saying, "Wonderful" :D But I still feel the need to recognize you. Thanks for the review and for reading my story. :) I hope this chapter meets your expectations and/or surpasses them :)

magicanimegurl- Thanks for the review! Honestly, I had no idea people actually read my AN's. Most people find them annoying :D But I'm glad I'm an exception to you. I really like the snake name too :) I didn't want to do something someone else had done so I spent awhile trying to find a name :) Anyways, I hope you like this chapter! :D

Marigold- Thanks for the compliment :) I try not to have too many mistakes in my writing and I try to make the story flow well, but sometimes I'm not sure. It's nice to know someone likes my writing though! :) I really like the Tom wooing aspect as well. There aren't enough stories like that. I just find it weird when Harry likes Tom before Tom likes Harry. I would think Harry would need the extra push. Besides. his innocence is adorable! :D Hope you like the chapter and keep reading!

EveryLastDrop- Thank you so much for your long review AND constructive criticism. :) You even made me edit this chapter because you're right. Harry did seem to be recovering too quickly. Thanks :D I tried to make Nick different from any other that I've read. I want my story to be original, but also follow the same path as other Tom/Harry fics that are set in the past since there aren't enough that are good or finished. I'm glad Nick is different from in other stories though :D I like his light-heartedness. I wanted that chapter to show how much being with Nick had changed Harry. He had been so lost and depressed, but then he FINALLY had someone that he cared about and wasn't afraid to lose. Later on the story will get a lot darker so I thought a few fluffy chapters would be nice :) I have some sad stuff planned. Anyways, I also chose the snake name for that reason! She's going to be a main help for Harry once things start going down-hill for him, but that won't be for a little while. I really appreciate the longer review and hope you enjoy this chapter as much as the ones before! :)

SOOO! :D I really like how many reviews I got, even though I would like a few more :D Anyways, hope you like this chapter and I'll probably come out with the next some time next week.

Chapter 4

A New Destiny

"Friendship is born at that moment when one man says to another: "What! You too? I thought that no one but myself . . .""
― C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves

"That's it Harry! You gotta dodge! You're not a fucking tree are you? Get out of the way!" Nick yelled while throwing all manner of jinxes and curses at Harry. Harry wasn't allowed to use his wand during these dueling sessions, and even though he could have used his wandless magic, he knew the purpose of these lessons so he didn't. Finally, Harry managed to grab Nick's wand arm and quickly disarm him. Nick breathed heavily and ruffled Harry's silky locks.

"That's my boy! Whatever wizard decided muggle techniques were barbaric and stupid was obviously a fat Ministry worker who uses a weak Levitation charm if he ever wants to move about! Dodging is the best way to avoid spells. Not only does it not waste your magical energy, but it surprises your opponent since most wizards rely on simple Protegos. Idiots the lot of em'."

Harry grinned up at Nick. Today was his last day at what had become his home. Lately their schedule had been getting up at 6:00 a.m. and practicing dueling. Then they would eat breakfast. After that Harry would be given time to finish his homework, ride around on his broom, or just do whatever. Then he would help Nick in his potions lab. Harry wasn't as great as Nick at potions, of course, but he could say he was on his way to being as great as Snape. Nick really was a great teacher.

After that him and Nick would just talk. Harry had told Nick so much about what his life had been like. He had never gotten into specifics, but Nick had gotten the gist. Harry could honestly say Nick knew him better than anyone else, and he knew Nick better than most. It turned out that Nick was happily married and had a great many children. Most of them looked older in appearance than Nick and his wife, but they still kept in touch.

A few of them were immortal like Nick, but others hadn't wanted to be immortal. The privilege of using the Philosopher's stone was bestowed to only a select few, and Nick made sure to only ask those he knew had business that would take more than one lifetime to complete. Right now it turned out that not many people even knew of the stone. Only some even knew it existed. Harry had no idea how people would find out about it in the future but...he guessed he would eventually.

"Ugh. It's already 8:00. We better go ahead and get breakfast eaten up so you won't be late for the train. Oh, by the way, your OWLs came in. We can take a look at them before we go kiddo." With another ruffle of his hair, Nick set off to the kitchen.

Harry had conflicted thoughts about going to Hogwarts. All in all, he was beyond excited. He would finally be able to see Hogwarts when it wasn't taken over by the Dark. He would be able to walk through the halls without seeing tortured students or body parts strewn about. That was another thing that worried him. What if he flashed back? What if he saw images that weren't there in the presence of the wrong person? Nick said to be wary the first few days, but after that he should be fine.

He had made him a few potions that should remove any problems related to that. Along with his Occlumency barriers, Harry felt he would be alright. Nightmares were so far almost non-existent as well. Any trauma before the war Harry had already faced and accepted. Stuff that happened during the war though...well, thank Merlin for silencing wards right? Harry had dealt with night terrors before. If anything, he could just brew some Dreamless sleep potion.

After some instruction from Nick he could make it perfectly now. Finally, there was the fear of Dumbledore. What if he ended up recognizing Harry in the future? Granted, this was a problem he could face when he got to it, but it still worried him. Harry just hoped that he wouldn't be born again in this universe. Otherwise, Dumbledore might start asking questions. Those small fears aside, Harry was beyond excited to get to his old home. However, the thing that bothered him the most was leaving Nick.

Nick had become a sort of...father to Harry. He had spent the last few months healing and learning and it was all thanks to Nick. He really didn't want to leave him. Never before had he had a home that he was leaving. He knew that he would miss the snarky comments and cursing from his new friend. He also would miss the unique point of view and opinions the man had. He was over 500 years old but still acted like a child sometimes and Harry loved it.

Either way, Harry was more focused on the imminent trip to Hogwarts. He was going to HOGWARTS! Those happy thoughts were tossed from his mind by a piece of thick parchment being thrown in his face.

ORDINARY WIZARDING LEVEL RESULTS

Pass Grades: Fail Grades:

Outstanding (O) Poor (P)

Exceeds Expectations (E) Dreadful (D)

Acceptable (A) Troll (T)

Mr. Harry Evan Flamel has achieved:

Transfiguration: O

Charms O

Ancient Ruins O

Arithmancy O

History of Magic O

Potions O

Defense Against the Dark Arts O

Herbology O

Astronomy O

Care of Magical Creatures O

Congratulations Mr. Flamel! You have achieved 10 OWLs. You may continue any of these classes next year. Again, congratulations.

Sincerely,

The Ministry of Magic

"Well done my boy! I knew you could get Outstandings in everything." Nick gave Harry a sharp pat on the back and started up breakfast.

Harry was just thankful he wouldn't have to continue some of his least favorite classes since he got Outstandings in them. Honestly, Harry would probably just quit History of Magic. He had no intentions of going through that special type of Hell again. Besides, he could always take his NEWTs with the class since he got an Outstanding in his OWLs. The Ministry made that exception if you did well.

Most didn't do that with the core classes because without the extra instruction they failed their NEWTs, but Harry was confident he would do fine. Besides, that free block could be put to good use.

"Eat." Nick said while pushing a plate of pancakes and bacon in front of his face. And eat he did.

"Hurry your ass up Harry. I swear, you would think we were old lovers taking a stroll in the park!" Harry just smirked and started walking at a faster pace. Nick quickly shoved Harry through the wall to platform 9 ¾ and the Hogwarts Express gleamed in all it's red and gold glory. Harry's smirk quickly shifted to a blazing smile and Nick quietly grinned beside him.

"Getting a bit nostalgic are we?" Nick quipped while ruffling his, who he thought as, adopted son's hair. Harry just gave a teasing glare in Nick's direction and shrunk all his bags. Right before he turned to leave Harry looked at Nick with surprisingly emotion-filled eyes. Once again Nick felt as if he was trapped within that too-green gaze, but for entirely different reasons.

"I'm...I'm gonna miss you Nick." Harry awkwardly rubbed his arm and looked at Nick beneath his long, black lashes. Nick gave Harry a bright grin and gripped him into a fierce hug.

"I'm gonna miss you too son." He whispered into Harry's ear. He stepped back slightly and gave Harry a quick kiss on the forehead. Harry's eyes became suspiciously wet, but Nick decided now was not the time for sarcastic remarks. Nick gripped both of Harry's arms and said sternly,

"Now you make sure to write me every week ya here? I'll go to Hogwarts myself to make sure you've not gotten into any trouble. Now you get on that train before you have to share a compartment with some obnoxious teen. I know how you hate them." Harry just gave Nick a sincere smile and one more big hug.

"See ya at Yule Nick." Nick gave Harry a pat on the cheek and pushed him towards the train.

"Yeah yeah. I'll make sure not to die till then." Harry just gave him a cheeky smile in return and boarded the train; the beginning of his new destiny waiting for him.

"Ugh. Children." Harry mumbled while listening to the obnoxious babbling of his peers. He didn't know if they were just stupid or his veteran-status just made him intolerant, but Merlin were they annoying. Did they really have nothing better to do than run about the train, screaming things no one in their right mind would care about? Harry just sighed and opened up his book called Dark Creatures and their Origins.

Harry may not be taking Care, but it was still an interesting subject. Sitting back and getting comfortable, Harry propped up one leg which just happened to be clad in a pair of muggle jeans. Jeans were designated for the poor, or working class, but Harry couldn't say he gave two hoots about what the fashion was nowadays. Let them judge him. As long as he was comfortable he didn't give a rat's ass.

With that opinion in place, Harry decided to let some of his magic roam a bit. He knew only powerful wizards had the ability to sense and control their magic in such a way and that's why he was comfortable doing it on the train. It was highly unlikely anyone here was powerful enough to sense it. If they did then they definitely wouldn't have the abilities to follow it. Either way, it felt good to let a bit of his magic wander.

About 40 minutes into the train ride someone ended up knocking on his compartment door. For a moment Harry thought about not dignifying the knocker with a response, but he realized he didn't want to hurt the feelings of someone who might be important. Besides, at least they had actually knocked first. They could have just barged in, or tried to since Harry had put up strong locking charms. With a wave of his hand the wards came down and he said absentmindedly without looking from his book once, "Come in."

In walked what he thought to be 4 boys, but he didn't look up because he had just gotten to an interesting section in his book about the Black Annis, which was a blue-skinned witch who supposedly traveled through the English countryside and would eat small children and lambs. Quite a bit more interesting than whoever was inside of his compartment to say the least.

"And who might this strapping young man be hmmm?" Someone with a very pompous accent said playfully. Only one family could ever sound like that. Harry slowly looked up at his visitors, not surprised in the least to see someone who was obviously a Malfoy. This one looked a tad bit kinder though. A bit less cold.

Behind him were three other boys. One of them had tan skin and deep violet eyes. His black hair was curly, but longer than Harry's, and one strip hung right above his beautiful eyes. Harry guessed that he was a Zabini. Beside him was a very skinny, but tall, fellow with an average skin tone. His nose was slightly pointed, but he didn't look so much as a rat as his grandson. His eyes were a bronze color, a shade lighter than his hair, which was straight.

Beside Nott was someone who had to be related to Sirius. Harry, for a moment, felt tears coming to his eyes, but quickly shut the memories far far away. That isn't Sirius. It's either Orion or Alphard Black. Calm down. He bore a striking resemblance to Sirius, but he was also very different. They had the same dark brown, almost black hair (except this guy's was shorter) and blue eyes, but this boy had a more refined look to him. That's because he might agree with his family's ideals. He's probably an obnoxious pureblood through and through. Maybe I can give them a chance though. Who knows, they might actually be nice blokes, even though they might become Death Eaters someday.

With tolerance in mind, Harry nodded slightly in the direction of the four boys. "Good evening. Do you all require something?" Harry said quietly while laying his book down beside him.

"Also, this strapping young man will tell you his name once he learns yours." Harry crossed one leg over the other and looked at the Slytherins expectantly. For a moment, the boys had frozen under Harry's glance, but Malfoy quickly shook himself of it and gave a dazzling smile.

"Good afternoon to you as well. My name is Abraxas Malfoy. Behind me here is Eric Zabini. Beside him is Theodore Nott and then there is Orion Black. And who might you be? I don't think I've ever seen you before and I'm sure I wouldn't forget your pretty face." Abraxas said while trailing his eyes up and down Harry's figure. He wasn't bothered in the least.

"Pleasure to meet all of you. And you are quite right. I am new here; a transfer student from Wales. My name is Harry Flamel." Harry stood and was slightly annoyed to see they were all much taller than him besides Nott, who was shorter than the others, but still an inch or two higher than him. Malfoy once again checked Harry out and grasped his much smaller hand.

"Its a pleasure to meet you as well Flamel. May we sit? I have to say I'm quite curious as to why you are here." Harry nodded his consent and the interrogation began.

Ugh. Children. Tom thought to himself while helping a red-headed first year put her luggage into her compartment. A Hufflepuff in the making, that one. However, not even stupid first-years could ruin his good mood. He was finally done. He would never have to go to that blasted orphanage ever again.

Well, Tom thought evilly, I might visit one last time to repay them all for their great generosity and hospitality. He smirked slightly to himself. Yes, he would definitely repay them for all they had done. Maybe by burning them all alive. Seeing that everyone was in a compartment and everything was in order Tom made his way back to his compartment. He knew that his friends would have spent the first 30 minutes just talking to other Slytherins and catching up with pureblood associates, but by now they should be in the compartment.

Tom wasn't in a hurry though. He didn't hate their company exactly; they were some of the smartest students at Hogwarts, but he preferred solitude above all else. Suddenly, Tom felt a brush of powerful and intoxicating magic mix with his own. He quickly rearranged his features to not show the surprise and pleasure he was feeling, but he couldn't help but roll his eyes to the back of his head a bit. It was amazing.

It was delectable.

He hadn't felt such pure magic in so long, if ever. While he could appreciate magic in all types, even Dumbledore's disgustingly Light magic, this almost seemed to be the perfect medium. It wasn't nearly as Dark as his own, but it wasn't anywhere close to as Light as the old coot's. Tom decided to follow the trail of magic, for there was no way he wouldn't have his curiosity sated, when he was surprised to find himself walking to his own compartment. Nobody in my Inner circle or in Hogwarts itself has power like this! Who on Earth is in my compartment?

He quickly created a small window in the door and took a look within. His regular group was inside besides Lestrange, but that was to be expected. He slowly looked about and found his eye caught on a new occupant. His breath caught in his throat unintentionally. Waves of power were practically rolling off of the boy. He could almost taste them. That wasn't the only thing that surprised him though. The boy was beautiful.

There was no other word for it. Slightly curled ink-black hair framed his cherub-like face. Small, bow shaped lips were upturned in slight amusement to whatever had been said, but Tom could tell it was just a mask. His skin was the palest he had ever seen, even paler than him, but he didn't look sickly. The main attraction were his eyes though. They're unnaturally large and green. Tom decided immediately.

He had never seen anything like them. The color was exactly like the Avada Kedavra curse and he realized that even though this boy was inside the body of someone so innocent and pure looking, this man was anything but. Those eyes were deadly. They spoke of the power within and Tom knew at that moment that he had to have him. No one else would be great enough for this angel. If there was a God, then he had sent this boy to him and him alone.

Whoever you are, you will be mine.

Smile and nod. Just smile and nod. Harry repeated this mantra within his mind while Malfoy rambled on and on. Harry knew that his stare was a bit unnerving, but did the poor fellow really feel the need to fill the silence that much? Or maybe he just likes to hear himself talk. At least he's not an asshat like Draco.

Abraxas might be chatty, but the boy hadn't once asked about Harry's blood purity and hadn't said one condescending thing to or about him. The only flaw of the guy was that he liked to hear himself talk too much, but Harry liked listening, or pretending to listen in this case, more than being forced to speak about himself, so he guessed it was a win-win. All of a sudden, everyone in the compartment stopped what they were doing and looked towards the door.

Harry didn't look up immediately, he assumed it was just another Slytherin, but then he heard the tone of Malfoy's voice when he said hello.

"T-tom. Good evening. How was your summer?" If Harry didn't know any better he had heard an un-said My Lord, and if that didn't give him chills he didn't know what did. Harry slowly turned his green gaze from Malfoy to the man he had used such a revered voice to. The first thing Harry noticed were, surprisingly, his eyebrows. Weird right? This guy must spend hours making them so perfect! What the hell? And it didn't stop there. The boy, no man, was a work of art.

High cheekbones, straight nose, devilish lips, shallow cheeks, straight dark brown hair, tall sleek figure, and dark gray pools that now seemed to be staring straight into Harry's soul. If I was gay… Harry thought to himself, smirking internally. He's probably a jackass anyways.

Harry didn't avert his eyes for a moment. No use in showing weakness when there wasn't any there. Tom didn't move his eyes from Harry once while answering, "Excellent Abraxas. I assume yours was fantastic as well. If you don't mind my asking, who is our guest this evening."

At least he gets straight to the point. Before Malfoy could answer for him Harry asked politely, "Since I am the guest I think it would be fitting to learn the host's name first, don't you think?" The man's answer was just a sharp smirk in his direction. Most would call it a smile, but it was more of a baring of teeth to Harry than anything.

"You are quite right. How rude of me." The man held out his hand and Harry stood up to take it. Like always, he was a bit exasperated to see how small his hand looked compared to the large, long-fingered one of this Slytherin. Harry was just about to grasp his hand in a quick shake when the boy reached out and engulfed Harry's entire hand in his tight grip. Harry's magic acted oddly at the sudden connection and without his consent, his magic went to greet him.

Their magic's mixed and Harry couldn't help the slight catch in his breath. By the looks of it, neither could the boy. Harry steeled his too-green gaze upon the newcomer. Not letting any of his feelings of curiosity and wariness shine through. The boy just grinned at Harry and tightened his grip even more. The tall Slytherin leaned forward and got so close Harry could feel his warm breath against his ear.

"My name," he whispered, "is Tom Riddle."

The rest of the ride had pretty much been uneventful. Harry had decided to ignore what happened with the Riddle fellow. So what if their magic reacted to each other? Maybe he was just abnormally powerful. His friends certainly seemed to think so.

It was almost as if Riddle was the king and the other Slytherins were his subjects. It was especially strange since Harry had never heard of the name "Riddle" before. There was no way this guy was a pureblood and if he was, he didn't come from a powerful family. Not that Harry had any prejudice; he personally thought blood purity was a bunch of crap, however, these pureblood heirs were the types of people who did care.

It made Harry think about all he knew about this time period. Nick had said people still cared about blood purity, but maybe he was mistaken. The poor guy didn't really get out that much. Maybe He had been the one to renew those beliefs, Harry thought to himself. He decided it didn't really matter. Maybe they had just overlooked his lack of pure blood because of his power? Because there was no doubt in Harry's mind this guy had a core the size of a damn bowling ball.

Now that Harry had gotten a taste, there was no way he could mistake Riddle for being normal. Over the course of the war, Harry had strengthened his core and developed the ability to sense magic. It made him especially good at warding since he could feel magic so well. If he tried hard enough he could even tell if someone was a squib or just a plain muggle. Muggles didn't have a magical core at all, but squibs did. They just hadn't developed the correct pathways in their brain to access that magic.

That's why Harry was pretty sure that one day there wouldn't be any more squibs. One day someone would develop some kind of potion to help create those pathways in squibs. Anyways, this Slytherin had so much magic he could rival his own and probably Dumbledore's with time. Whenever you age and practice magic regularly, your core also strengthens and grows. Your core is like your nose or ear cartilage. It never stops growing.

However, your core can weaken with age as well. If you don't take care of it you'll lose the ability to access it as easily as you could. Your core is a muscle. If you don't use it you lose it. That's why Dumbledore was so powerful. He constantly used his magic and strengthened it. His only problem was that his body had gotten too old. He was in his magical prime, but his body was failing him. Even wizards can only live so long.

Harry had been surprised to meet this new boy though. If he was so powerful, how on earth had he never heard of him? Based on Riddle's good looks and power, he would make it far in any field. Honestly, Harry could see him becoming the Minister of Magic based on how much his friends revered him. They were like loyal servants or something.

Like His Death Eaters. Harry's vision slightly dimmed with that thought. Memories rushed passed his mind like quick stabs of a dagger.

SiriusDumbledoreRonHermioneFredGeorgeLupinTonksMollyNevilleLunaSnapeTortureDeathPAINPAINPAIN.

Harry started shaking and gripped his book until his knuckles turned the brightest white. His vision tunneled with the memories of his loved ones.

Gone. Gone forever because of me. Because of ME.

He shook himself internally and calmed himself down. All the memories were forced behind tight Occlumency shields. He knew that what he was feeling was Survivor's guilt. He couldn't have saved them all. If it was anyone's fault it was His. He knew that. However, his heart refused to believe it.

Only time could heal those wounds. Or a well-placed Obliviate. Harry chuckled softly. After the fifteenth screaming nightmare he had had at his and Nick's home, Nick had offered to make him forget. He said he could take the memories away, but leave him with the idea that he had to stop Him. Harry had, of course, refused.

Flashback

"This is my curse to bear Mr. Flamel." Harry still hadn't been comfortable calling Nick by his first name. It felt too intimate.

"Please, my boy." Nick gripped Harry's sweaty shoulders and he flinched. Harry still hadn't gotten over his fear of touch. Nick just shook his head and his eyes became suspiciously wet.

"No one, let alone a 16 year old, deserves to go through the Hell you are in. It wasn't your fault! Please, let me take away your sorrows. Let me give you the happiness, or at least contentment that you have rightfully earned. Please. I can't stand to see you in such pain." Harry abruptly stood and screamed.

"You know nothing man! It is my fault. If I had died long ago like I should have at least Hermione and Ron and Neville and Luna and Fred and G-George and-" Nick stood as well and grabbed Harry, forcing him into his tight, warm embrace. Harry's tears and self-loathing were being sucked up by the cool fabric of Nick's shirt.

"My boy. My poor boy. You are but a child. A smart and mature one, but still a child. Dumbledore should never have expected you to take down a wizard over 4 times your age. One even he could not stop, prophecy or not. Besides," Nick whispered while pulled Harry back to look at his tear-stained face. "you're going to save them aren't you? Can you save them if you are too tired to even point a wand from nightmares?"

Harry's eyes were just staring up at Nick. Begging for guidance. Begging for something neither of them could name, but somehow managed to both understand. This was as innocent and vulnerable as Nick had ever seen him.

"I'll help you Harry. You're not alone anymore. Never again." With that, Harry clung onto Nick's tall, reassuring figure and never once called his Nick Flamel again.

End of Flashback

Harry sighed at the memory. It calmed him down every time he almost had a panic attack. They had lessened over the past few months, but every once in a while he would be reminded of what had happened and would need the comfort that memory gifted him.

"So Flamel," someone asked, "what house do you want to be in?" Harry turned his gaze upon whoever had spoken. Harry wasn't surprised to see that Riddle was he.

"I'm not sure, all of them seem fine, but it doesn't really matter what I want does it? It matters only what my personality is." he said lightly. Riddle just smirked.

"What a Slytherin answer. It doesn't let us know your views on anything while not discriminating on our own house or any other. I think we all know what house you belong in then Flamel."

"I wouldn't be so sure." Harry shot back. "I'm actually quite loyal and courageous for no reason at all. Besides, red goes great with my eyes." Harry's lips flipped up into a shark-like grin. Riddle's eyes just narrowed.

"I think green would match you much better. Red wouldn't do you justice." Harry just shook his head and went back to his book. The conversation was already boring him. Suddenly, the train stopped and Harry calmly shrunk his book with a wave of his wand. He wouldn't waste his time saying the spell, but most wizards couldn't do wandless magic and he knew for a fact that these Slytherins were watching him like hawks. No need to give them more information about himself than necessary.

He straightened his robes and threaded his fingers through soft tresses. He was careful not to expose his scar. With a soft hum on his lips he walked out the door. He felt no need to wait on his Slytherin companions, he knew they would likely follow. He gracefully jumped up into the first carriage he saw and waited patiently for the thestrals to start moving. He let his hand travel down their velvety wings, thoughts of Luna making him smile.

Most would think seeing the animals would bring back bad memories of whoever they had seen die, and that might be the case for some, but it wasn't for Harry. Seeing these horribly beautiful creatures reminded him of all the good times. All the happier times in his life. Harry thought that was the purpose of them. To make people accept that the death had happened. But that it didn't mean your life was over.

The whole, "It is better to have loved and lost, then to have never loved at all." message. Harry just continued to pet the beast, humming happily to his own mental tune, without the slightest idea that someone had been watching the whole time.

"And this year we are pleased to welcome a transfer student from a small town in Wales. He's in his seventh year and I hope you all are able to make Hogwarts his home, even though he will only be with us for a short time. Please welcome, Harry Flamel!"

Harry strode up to the hat and plopped it down on his head. Because of his size, it still managed to cover his eyes.

Well well well what do we have h-. Sweet Merlin. Is this really what is to become of us? The hat sounded quite distraught. He had not yet come across Harry's plan.

Don't worry Alistair. I will save us all. The hat seemed to brighten a bit and said, Hmmm. That is good to hear Mr. Potter. I only wish I could tell you who the Dark Lord is. I know who, but my Oaths keep me from saying.

Harry just sighed, it would have been much easier if he had known who He was beforehand. No worries. He will be stopped. Anyways, am I still meant for Slytherin?

The hat just chuckled. Now more than ever child. Just know, the House of Snakes will not be easy to live in, but without your prejudice, being there will help your quest immensely.

Of course. Thank you Alistair. Best of luck to your song next year.

I'm not the one in need of luck child. Harry could hear the smile in his voice. Without warning the Hat yelled, "SLYTHERIN!" and Harry slipped off his seat gracefully and walked over to his table with confidence.

Harry didn't once notice the predatory gleam Riddle's grey pools sported once Harry was seated.

Well! How do you like that? Please review and tell me your thoughts people! :D Hopefully I can get the next chapter by next Friday, but it might be sooner. Also, do I need to make the chapters longer, shorter, or are they fine like this? If I do shorter chapters then they'll come out every few days but long ones like this about every week. Tell me what ya think and remember, REVIEW!