Disclaimer: anything you recognise doesn't belong to me.

Dumbledore had been right (of course) – Madam Pomphrey did not let him out of the infirmary until Halloween night, by which time Harry was begging to leave.

"Please, Madam Pomphrey. I'm honestly fine. Look, I can walk and everything. Can I please go, please?" he gave her a puppy dog look, and she caved almost instantly.

"Fine, but if you feel anything you have to come back straight away. Promise me that," the Matron sighed as Harry smirked triumphantly.

"Whatever you say, I'll come back," he trailed off as he tore through the doors of the infirmary, glad to finally be out of the place.

It was when Harry left that he realised he wasn't at his Hogwarts. Ron and Hermione weren't here, and though he knew of people, not one person knew him.

Harry reached the doors of the Great Hall just as Dumbledore stood up to make his speech. Upon sighting Harry, Dumbledore smiled widely.

"As you are all aware, we have a new student among us. He has come from a school abroad due to personal reasons, and I ask that you do not question him on this. Now Mr Peters, if you will come forward," Dumbledore stated, motioning towards the three legged stool holding a ragged looking Sorting Hat.

Harry felt the gazes of every member of the school fall on him, and wished he was invisible as the whispers began. He wasn't even famous in this time and people still whispered about him.

Harry reached the front of the Hall, sat on the stool and watched the Hall disappear as the Sorting Hat fell over his eyes.

"Ah, Mr Potter – we meet again," Harry was startled at this statement. How did the Hat know who he was? "Yes, I know what happened to you, though I don't think anyone else does. I say we keep that between ourselves." Harry silently agreed with the Hat, he couldn't even imagine what would happen if the truth got out. "Now, I'm meant to be sorting you aren't I? You have qualities for all Houses and would be an asset wherever I put you.

"I think we can rule out Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, just not you. That leaves Slytherin and Gryffindor. I believe we've had this argument before. I will say the same thing however; you would do well in Slytherin, Harry. I don't think you have ever realised the number of favourable qualities you possess." Harry had to disagree with the Hat; he was adamant at not being in Slytherin – they were the Death Eaters of his time.

"Gryffindor would be happy to have you once again, I feel, but why not try something different. Slytherin will lead you to greatness," Harry frantically thought "No! No no no no no!" He heard it take a breath and hoped it wouldn't yell – "SLYTHERIN!"

Harry groaned as he heard scattered applause from the Slytherin table. He couldn't believe it; he was in the same time as his parents and their friends, but was denied being in their House. He begrudgingly made his way toward the Slytherin table, wishing that Voldemort's curse had killed him. The Sorting Hat had officially made his life a nightmare.

As Harry took his place at the Slytherin table, Dumbledore continued with his speech. Harry looked over at the Gryffindor table sadly; he hadn't even considered being in another House. He saw his father and the Marauders whispering conspiringly, and began to feel hurt that he wouldn't be a part of the famous group.

xxxxx

The remainder of the night passed in a daze as Harry sulked at being Sorted into Slytherin. Without realising, he had reached the entrance to the Slytherin common room. Harry's bad luck continued, with no one around to tell him the password.

Just as he was starting to panic that he would be in the corridor all night, he heard footsteps coming towards him. Harry was startled at the sight of Snape; he had completely forgotten he would be here.

"Peters, is it? You look a lot like Potter. You're not related, are you?" Harry heard the loathing in Snape's voice and remembered the memory he had seen last year of his father tormenting Snape. Harry filled with shame.

"Not that I know of. I s'pose it is a lucky coincidence that we look like twins." Harry mumbled in a defeated voice.

"I would have to say it is unlucky. You are new, so I shall tell you now. James Potter is an arrogant prat who takes pleasure in tormenting anyone other than his friends and Lily." Harry heard the mixed sadness and hate at the mention of Lily and James. He decided not to argue the point with Snape at the risk of being on his bad side after only ten minutes.

"I suggest you avoid him at all costs, unless you wish to be humiliated in front of the entire school. Pureblood." Harry was stunned at the last word, but quickly realised that it was the password as the stone wall began to slide away.

Harry ignored everyone in the common room and headed directly to his new dorm. The greenish light gave an eerie feeling to the underground House, emphasising to Harry what he was missing out on.

Harry made his way to the empty bed in the Sixth Year dormitory, and sleepily noticed that he had a trunk and a seemingly full set of supplies. There was a note on the top:

Harry,

I hope this will make fitting in easier. You don't want to be the odd one out on your first day, so I took the liberty to gather your supplies.

Good luck,

Professor Dumbledore.

Harry silently thanked Dumbledore for his thoughtfulness and changed into his new pyjamas. He sat in his new four-poster and was asleep before his head hit the pillow.