THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL MY REVIEWS! I ACTUALLY NEARLY CRIED WITH JOY SO HERE ARE SOME REPLIES AND EXPLANATIONS FOR YOU, MY FANTASTICALLY AWESOME READERS!

Review Replies!

BUT FIRSTLY! Congratulations to SP7 for a correct guess! 30 points to Slytherin!

Carastarr: Thank you so much! Afraid not but Ron does come in after a bit so you can take 15 points to… uh well whatever House you want but I hope it's the deceptive, slippery, elusive, charmingly serpentine… SLYTHERIIIINNNN! :P

Brighteyes343: Thank you for reviewing! Perhaps as Hermione gets older but for know she's the "insufferable know-it-all" we all know and hate! Yes Dumble's reaction and the beginnings of his manipulations start right now in this very chapter.

GenoBeast: Harry has only ever known the cruelty of Muggles and Hermione is Muggleborn- basically the embodiment of the one thing he truly despises, as well as a reminder of the world he wants nothing more than to forget. He's only eleven at the moment and still quite immature but he won't be an upfront jerk all the time like Draco is in canon.

DaphneandBellatrixPotter: THANK YOU! I love writing Laini! You're the first person to actually give me feedback on her character and I am so happy over it! :D Please keep reviewing!

ik: Come ON, gimme some credit! XD Believe me, I know an all-smart, all-powerful Harry is ridiculous. Especially this early, eleven and an Animagus? I don't think so! Before Xmas? N.O. NO. Not gonna happen. He'll take a test at Gringotts during the summer to determine what abilities he can inherit/has the ability to learn. Skatha will make sure he doesn't attempt Animagus anyway. The bashing will merely be Harry's thoughts of the person and his antagonising of them but Harry will make Ron out to look like an idiot on a few occasions. I appreciate the review! Thanks!

Mr. RKO: Sorry, incorrect answer! Thanks you so much, glad you didn't think it was to harsh. As for adoption, it will be mentioned very briefly in this chapter but I was actually saving any further mentions of it for Christmas. A present perhaps? :P See, Skatha wants Harry to trust her fully and completely, no doubts whatsoever before she does anything drastic like blood adopting him, which btw, if Dumbles knew, he'd put a stop to it and put Harry back in the orphanage or worse… the Dursleys. As for glamours, at first Harry probably wouldn't trust a stranger to do it, after that I basically plain forgot but thank you for the useful reminder. It'll crop up later. As for your other review, my thoughts exactly on Herm so I put in a brief debate in this chap. Oh yeah… GO SLYTHERIN!

Kayla Anne: Luna doesn't start til next year unforch. And bash Gred and Forge? NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVERRRRR! I absolutely adore them with all my hearts! I have a very nice idea for these two lovely boys just you wait. Personally I don't see how anyone can bash them!

MaddGirl: Do I really? Sorry! But you are right! As for Herm, well I understand your thoughts but look at my reply to GenoBeast for a further explanation. Thank you.

Deby Magid: Thanks, um nope not Draco at the door. He already know's Harry so he wouldn't say Harry "Potter" thanks for reviewing.


I will not bow, I will not break
I will shut the world away
I will not fall, I will not fade
I will take your breath away


Harry jerked his head up and frowned at the unfamiliar face. A boy with dark skin and matching dark eyes leaned casually against the doorframe of the compartment.

"Do I know you?" Harry asked disinterestedly.

The boy smirked. "Blaise Zabini. How do you do?"

Harry liked the boy already, he was quite like Draco to some extent. Cool and confident, with a definite air of authority even for his age.

"A pleasure." Harry said and Blaise gestured at the empty seat.

"May I?" he asked and Harry nodded.

"Please."

Blaise sat down and rested one of his ankles across his knee as he grinned at Harry.

"Know what house you'll be in yet?" he asked and Harry shrugged.

"Ravenclaw or Slytherin. I'm not fussy but Slytherin does have a certain… appeal."

Blaise smirked again. "Indeed. I can imagine Dumbledore's face when the supposed Saviour would be sorted into the house that apparently breeds Dark Wizards."

Harry snorted. "Yes, quite. McGonagall too. She definitely hinted that she hoped I'd go to Gryffindor. Please! It's full of reckless and impulsive idiots."

"Indeed. I like you Potter, I hope to see you in Slytherin. My family has been in Slytherin for a few generations, a few went to Ravenclaw though. I won't."

Harry nodded. "Either suits me. I like to learn but Skatha says that someday I'll sprout scales and have a forked tongue with the way I act."

He paused and thought back fondly at the memory before Blaise brought him back to earth again.

"Who is Skatha?" he asked interestedly.

"My guardian."

"Ah I see. You caused quite a stir from what I heard from my father and Mr. Malfoy." Blaise sniggered.

"You know the Malfoys?" Harry asked.

"Of course Potter. Close associates but the Zabini line tends to keep a neutral façade these days."

Harry nodded. "Draco's a friend of mine. We met in Diagon Alley in the summer and I've met his parents. Nice people."

"Yes, Narcissa is a bit overly affectionate though. She called me cute." Blaise grumbled, almost as if it was a crime.

Harry sniggered. "Well she was pretty taken with my charming manners and she seems to like Skatha too."

"Hm, you'll have to tell me more of your guardian. I've heard the name somewhere… but never mind. I'll think of it."

An old lady with a cart loaded with sweets paused at the door and smiled at them.

"Anything from the trolley dears?" she asked.

"Chocolate Frog and a packet of Drooble's." Blaise requested.

"And you dear?" she asked Harry.

"Um, the same please."

They paid for their sweets and ate in silence before being interrupted again. It was a student this time however.

"Hello."

The boy had red hair and a freckled face, he also had a smudge of dirt on his larger than average nose.

"Hello." Harry said warily, eyes narrowing.

The boy seemed to interpret that one word as an invitation into the compartment and promptly sat opposite him.

'Bloody brilliant.' Harry thought irritably.

"I'm Ron Weasley, y-you're Harry Potter aren't you? I saw a picture of your dad and you look loads like him!" the boy exclaimed and Blaise rolled his eyes.

"Well it appears you already know who I am, this is Blaise." Harry drawled and Ron shrugged.

"Hey… can I see your scar?" he asked excitedly and Harry glared at him.

"I don't think so."

Ron frowned. "Why? Come on, one peek! Please?"

Harry jumped to his feet. "I said NO!"

"All right calm down mate!" he exclaimed and Harry felt a tremble ripple through his spine. Blaise was wearing an expression that made him look like he'd ingested a particularly sour lemon.

'Skatha I miss you already…' Harry thought sadly.

A faint squeaking issued from Ron's pocket and he pulled out a very ugly rat much to Harry and Blaise's disgust.

"This is Scabbers. Pathetic isn't he?" he said.

"Indeed." Harry deadpanned.

"Fred gave me a spell as to turn him yellow. Want to see?" he asked.

Harry ignored him, giving Blaise a bored look while Ron took out his obviously second-hand wand.

"Sunshine daisies, butter mellow-"

"What are you blabbering about?" Harry interrupted, annoyed at the boy's clear idiocy.

"Huh?" Ron said stupidly.

"Idiot." Blaise spat. "That's obviously not a real spell. Whoever gave you that wanted to make you look like an idiot… although…"

"You've quite managed that already." Harry finished for him and Blaise smirked.

"My thoughts exactly." Blaise agreed and Ron's face darkened to a red shade almost equal to his hair.

"Okay… um, so what house d'you think you'll be in? A Gryff like your parents huh?" he said excitedly.

Harry and Blaise exchanged amused looks before Harry sniggered at Ron.

"Uh, yeah sure. I don't know much about Hogwarts or anything though…" Harry said, acting the very believable part of a Muggle-raised wizard. Blaise was biting his lip to refrain from laughing.

"Great! Oi! Scabbers come back!" Ron exclaimed and ran out of the compartment, chasing the ugly rodent.

Harry and Blaise dissolved into fits of laughter at the ginger idiot before finally regaining composure when Hermione Granger stopped at the door.

"Well, well look who it is." Harry sneered and she glared daggers at him.

"Potter. Have you seen a toad? A boy named Neville's lost one."

"No." Blaise drawled and Hermione glanced at Harry.

"Have you Potter?" she pressed and he shrugged.

"Maybe I have… maybe I haven't. Who's to know?" he replied vaguely and she rolled her eyes.

"Oh be helpful would you? I expected the defeater of You-Know-Who to at least be civil!"

Harry got a wonderfully devious idea and pretty soon a plan formed in his mind.

"You're right Hermione, I apologise for being so rude, in the bookshop too. I haven't seen a toad though but you're welcome to join us?" he asked and her features registered utter shock.

"W-Well I suppose I could accept your apology, you seem genuine. Okay. I should help Neville though and you should change into your robes. I expect we'll be arriving soon. Bye."

She slid the door shut and Harry lowered the blinds with his wand before cackling loudly.

"Uh… Potter?" Blaise asked worriedly.

"Oh she is such a Hufflepuff! Ooh you seem genuine!" Harry mocked, still shaking with laughter. "Honestly, that Mudblood is so stupid!"

Blaise's expression darkened. "You let that filth in here?"

Harry smirked. "Oh trust me Blaise… I have a very… Slytherin plan forming."

Blaise smirked back. "I look forward to your execution of it then."

The two boys quickly changed into their robes and the train finally came to a halt at Hogsmeade Station.


"Firs' years! Firs' years over here! This way c'mon you lot!" a giant of a man with black shaggy hair and a matching beard yelled as they exited the train.

"Bloody Hell that man's huge!" Ron Weasley exclaimed as they were led down to the lake, where boats awaited them.

Harry clambered into a boat at the giant's yell of "no more 'n four to a boat!" and waited. Blaise climbed in with him alone with, much to Harry's dismay, Hermione Granger and a pudgy, fearful looking boy.

"Oh I hope I'm in Gryffindor!" Hermione exclaimed excitedly. "Dumbledore himself was in that House!"

Harry shook his head. "Nah you want Ravenclaw."

Hermione looked slightly put out but thoughtful as the boats floated towards the castle.

"Master! Laini doesn't like the water! It's cold and dark! Laini hates!"

Harry chuckled and hissed back quietly. He knew that many witches and wizards saw the ability to converse with snakes as a dark and even evil gift.

"Hush Laini, it's not far and I won't let you fall. I never will." Harry assured the trembling serpent.

"Please don't Master, Laini loves you and doesn't want to leave you!" the snake hissed frantically, squeezing his arm underneath the sleeve tightly.

"I… you mean the world to me Laini." Harry murmured. "You're my best friend."

Laini hissed happily and wriggled slightly. "Even better than Blondie? Laini thinks Blondie should shed his hair and make it come back less bright."

Harry laughed outright at the reference to Draco, causing the other three to turn and stare at him in confusion.

"Sorry, just imagining if I became a Hufflepuff." Harry sniggered and Blaise joined in. The pudgy boy looked downright glum.

"I'll probably end up there."

"Who're you?" Blaise asked and the boy sighed.

"Neville Longbottom."

Harry's eyes widened. He remembered what he had been told about Alice and Frank Longbottom. They had been tortured to insanity by Death Eaters and they had a son… called Neville. Harry sympathised inwardly and held out his hand to the boy.

"Nice to meet you Nev, I'm Harry Potter."

"Blaise Zabini."

Neville smiled as he shook the two boys' hands and lost most of his fearful expression.

"My Gran wants me in Gryffindor like my parents but I'm almost certain I'll be in Hufflepuff. My whole family thought I was a Squib for ages because I didn't do any accidental magic until I was older…" he mumbled sadly.

"Really?" Blaise asked. "No way, you're a Pureblood and you're just as powerful as your parents I'm sure."

Neville shot Blaise a grateful smile and the boats pulled up to the dock, below the magnificent gothic castle that was Hogwarts. Harry smiled and closed his eyes, feeling the gentle hum of magic that surrounded her walls. The castle seemed to sense Harry's almost instant affection for her and responded with a pulse of warming magic that heated Harry right to his very core.

"Hello Hogwarts." Harry whispered and a gentle breeze ruffled his hair almost playfully.

"Harry!" Neville called, lagging behind everyone on the steps, seeing as he'd had to run back to grab his toad.

Harry headed to the back of the group to Neville and patted the panting boy on the back.

"Deep breath." Harry teased and Neville laughed breathlessly.

"HARRY!"

Harry whirled around and saw a blonde blur flying towards him. It grabbed him in a hug and Harry laughed when he realised who it was.

"Whoa Drake, down boy, down!" he laughed and Draco stuck out his tongue.

"Where were you? I couldn't find you anywhere!" he exclaimed and Harry shrugged.

"I was in a compartment with Blaise."

Draco nodded and smiled widely before taking a glance at Neville.

"Longbottom wasn't it?" he asked and Neville nodded fearfully.

"I'm Draco Malfoy."

Neville took Draco's extended hand and Draco flashed him a large smile, deciding he liked the boy.


They finally reached the large double doors that led into the castle and a tall, strict looking witch in emerald robes and a black conical hat awaited them. It was Minerva McGonagall, looking as stern and unyielding as ever.

"The firs' years Professor McGonagall!" the giant announced.

"Thank you Hagrid. I will take them from here."

The giant, Hagrid, plodded off and McGonagall led them through the large oak doors and into Hogwarts for the first time.

The halls were huge and shadows leaped across the stone walls from the flaming torches that lit the way. She led them up a magnificent marble staircase before turning to face them once the reached another set of double doors.

Neville was trembling slightly and Draco patted him on the back, actually surprising Harry that he had warmed to him so soon.

"Welcome to Hogwarts. The start-of-term feast will begin in a few moments but before you can take your seats, you must be Sorted into your Houses. Now whilst you are here, you're House shall be like your family. Your triumphs will earn you House points, any rule breaking and you will lose points. At the end of the year the House with the highest amount of points is awarded the House Cup. There are four Houses, they are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin." McGonagall explained and Harry fought down a sneer. Was that in order of preference, what with Slytherin being the least favourite?

"I will return in a few moments and you will enter the Hall, so take a moment to… make yourselves respectable."

She looked pointedly at Ron, he still had that smudge on his nose, and Harry smirked.

"See you in Gryffindor Harry!" Ron yelled and gasps and mutters erupted

"Harry? Harry Potter? Potter?" the mutters went on and Harry groaned.

"Hush little Master, Laini will bite them in their sleep if you wish it." Laini assured.

Harry smiled but suddenly there were a few loud screams and gasps.

"What on earth?" Harry muttered, whirling around to see at least twenty ghosts floating overhead.

"Oh for crying out loud!" Draco muttered. "Bloody Mudbloods."

The ghosts were all pearly white and transparent as they floated in and out of the solid walls and Harry stared in interest. He knew ghosts existed but seeing them was a whole other story.

A few of the ghosts were arguing however.

"Forgive and forget, I say, we ought to give him a second chance!" a ghost that looked like a fat monk said only to be rebuked by another ghost wearing a Shakespearean style outfit, tights and all.

"My dear Friar, haven't we given Peeves all the chances he deserves? He gives us all such a bad name, he's not even a ghost! He's a poltergeist… oh? Who are you?" he said, looking at them all and the "Friar" clapped excitedly.

"Ooh, the first years! I hope to see you in Hufflepuff! My old House you know!" he exclaimed and Harry scoffed along with Draco and Blaise. Neville merely mumbled something incoherent.

The ghosts floated through the walls and Harry turned to see that McGonagall had returned.

"We're ready for you now."


The Hall was magnificent to say the least. Hundreds of lit candles floated above four long wooden tables where the students were seated and another smaller table where the staff sat.

As they walked up the length of the Hall, Harry gazed up at the ceiling, except it wasn't wood he was staring at. It was a beautifully clear night sky with bright twinkling stars.

"It's bewitched to look like the night sky, I read about it in Hogwarts, a History." Hermione said in a "I know everything" tone.

'Bloody know-it-all. Thinks she knows everything from reading books? There's nothing intelligent about reading textbooks and remembering everything word-for-word. Actors do that for crying out loud… well… with scripts at least!' Harry snarled inwardly.

They stopped at the top of the Hall and McGonagall stood beside an old, tatty looking hat on a three-legged stool. She unrolled a piece of parchment and looked at the first-years.

"Now, when I call your name, you will come forward, I will place the Sorting Hat on your head, and you will be sorted into your Houses. But first…" McGonagall trailed of as a rip formed a grotesque mouth on the hat and it began to sing.

Welcome all to another year!

In this our Hogwarts dear.

Welcome newcomers to a place of learning

Where you'll surely find what you've been yearning.

Four Houses of Noble Pride

But where will you reside?

In Hufflepuff where friends are bred true

Loyalty immeasurable must have you.

Perhaps in Ravenclaw where all are clever with wit.

Under the blue colours the Eagles do sit.

Gryffindor are brave for their part,

With chivalry and nerve the Lions take heart.

Lastly Slytherin, his cunning knows no bounds

The snakes are sly amongst these grounds.

And even now as the Shade's Ward does arrive.

His House I have as yet to derive.

You will know his face or maybe his mask

Ahead do lay many the arduous task…

So come on up and don't be shy

I'll tell you where you belong.

Come on now don't you hide

I tell you I'm never wrong.

Enough of this let's see your worth!

I now consent to SORT!

The Hall erupted with applause and Harry joined in with a smirk at the Sorting Hat. The Shade's Ward, now there was a brainteaser…

"Abbot, Hannah!"

"HUFFLEPUFF!" the Hat roared.

"Bones, Susan!"

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

"Boot Terry!"

"RAVENCLAW!"

The Sorting continued and Harry watched as Hermione hurried forward and sat on the stool, the Sorting Hat on her bushy mane of hair. She appeared to be arguing furiously with the Hat and Laini sniggered.

"Master should hear this!" she hissed, shaking with laughter.

"Hmm… Muggle-born, that rules out Slytherin, not that you possess any of his qualities anyway. Humph… Gryffindor eh? You do have bravery but… it seems to only come when you fight to make people know you're right. Ravenclaw would value your brains… if only there was real intelligence behind it as opposed to a good memory… yes I know the perfect House for you, perhaps you'll finally make the friends you long for. I think Helga's House is for you Miss Granger."

"No! I'm not a Hufflepuff! I'm a Gryffindor or Ravenclaw! I can prove how smart I am! Goloplatt's Third Law clearly states that-" Hermione argued fiercely. She wanted to be in Dumbledore's House or the smart House! Not the one for loyal badgers! The Sorting Hat interrupted her halfway through the various definitions she was spouting off

"FINE! OKAY YOU SILLY GIRL! Just shut up Merlin damn it! RAVENCLAW!"

Harry tried not to roar laughing at comments the Hat was making that Laini was relaying to him as Hermione Sorted. Hermione hopped off the seat with a self-satisfied smile and headed over to the clapping blue themed table.

"Harry I'm scared! What if I end up in Hufflepuff? I don't want to be and I don't think I want to be in Gryffindor either but I'm not smart enough for Ravenclaw!" Neville whispered in a panic and Harry gripped his shoulders firmly.

"Nev, listen to me. You are stronger than you give yourself credit for. Okay, Ravenclaw isn't for you and you don't want to be a Gryff or Puff. So why not a Snake?" Harry asked and Neville paled.

"S-Slytherin?" he squeaked. "B-But G-Gran would k-kill-"

"No Nev. You are not your parents just as I am not my parents. We are both exceptions and we will both go where we belong. The Hat is very old and it will direct you to the best House for you, just trust it and trust Hogwarts, she likes you." Harry interrupted.

It wasn't a lie. Harry could almost see the faint golden tendrils of magic that Hogwarts sent towards certain students, enveloping them almost in a motherly way. She had done it to Neville too.

"Hogwarts likes me?" he asked aghast and Harry nodded.

"Yes Nev, now just take a deep breath and relax."

"Longbottom, Neville!" McGonagall called and Neville gulped, only to be given three reassuring pats from Harry, Draco and Blaise.

The Hat sat on Neville's head and Neville closed his eyes as if he was saying a silent prayer.

"Ah young Longbottom, I have been looking forward to meeting you, you are quite the mystery. Now… hmm… conflicted, so conflicted. Courage, yes… Gryffindor? No. Loyalty, yes… Hufflepuff… no! Smarts, yes but not for Rowena's House. Ambition, without doubt. You seek to show your family that you are capable of living to their expectations and even surpassing them. You are a Pureblood and I am certain this House will grant you truer friends than even Hufflepuff could give…"

"Wait!" Neville whispered. "You mean Slytherin? What about my Gran? My parents…"

"Mr. Longbottom, you can spend your whole life trying to please others… but when they are all gone… will you have done what was right for you? Or will you only think of them? You are not the first to be so conflicted. Sirius Black… came from a long line of Slytherins and went to Gryffindor! You will be surprised what Slytherin may reveal to you." the Hat replied.

Neville sighed. "You're sure?"

"I have no doubts young… Longbottom, you will have great friends," the Hat replied. "Shall we?"

Taking a deep breath, Neville opened his eyes and locked on to Harry's bright emerald gaze. He felt a rush of confidence fill him and he nodded ever so slightly whispering a firm, "Yes."

"Then it is my pleasure to welcome you to… SLYTHERIN!" the Hat roared the House name and the green and silver themed table clapped loudly, some even cheering raucously. McGonagall went wide-eyed briefly before slipping on a mask and calling up the next student.

Draco became a Slytherin before the Hat even covered his hair and the blonde sat down happily beside Neville.

"Perks, Sally-Anne."

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

And finally, after what seemed like forever, "Potter, Harry."

The Hall fell into an eerie silence before the gasps and mutters broke out.

"Potter? Harry Potter did she say?"

"The Harry Potter?"

Harry walked calmly to the stool and sat down before the Hat covered his eyes.

"Well, well, well… Harry Potter… or is it Osiris LeFay now? Not officially at least but I'm sure Skatha will fix that right up."

"You know Skatha?" Harry asked in surprise.

"Know her? The woman is a legend! And a beautiful creature too…" the Hat sighed before jerking slightly. "Sorry… Salazar always had a crush on her. Moving along, yes I know her as did all the Founders, she was the inspiration to begin Hogwarts. Now back to you Mr. Potter."

"Call me Harry."

"Very well Harry, I am Gideon. There are only two Houses you would do well in, Ravenclaw or Slytherin. Yes, your blood screams Gryffindor but you as a person are far from it. Brave, yes, but not the Gryffindor bravery. You only have loyalty to those who have unwavering loyalty to you so Hufflepuff was never an option."

"I like to learn but I am a Slytherin at heart." Harry admitted.

"Yes… you could be great you know… Slytherin will help you on your way to greatness, no doubt about that… there's talent and a thirst to prove yourself. A serpentine familiar and the tongue of Salazar himself, there is no question about it Harry!"


Albus Dumbledore could barely retain his delight and excitement when he saw Harry Potter amongst the first years. The boy was safe and sound, it looked like the orphanage had made him a very mouldable being. Perfect for his plans to defeat Voldemort, now… as long as the boy ended up with Gryffindor. Mixing with the Slytherins was not a good start for the boy but once he went to Gryffindor, they would all turn on him. He used a mixture of Legilimens and a Hearing Enhancement Charm to listen in to the Sorting.

"…Yes… you could be great you know… Slytherin will help you on your way to greatness, no doubt about that… there's talent and a thirst to prove yourself…"

Dumbledore cancelled the charm in shock. Slytherin, never! The Boy-Who-Lived, the Defeater of Voldemort… a Slytherin? It couldn't happen!

'I won't allow it! Forgive me Gideon… it is for the Greater Good.' Dumbledore thought and held his wand under the table.

'Imperio!' he cast wordlessly.


A/N: Yes I know I'm an evil twisted snake (although I take that as a compliment) for leaving you with another cliffie! Don't worry, all the reviews I got made me so happy that I updated the next day! I would have updated the same day only for I had school. there's still time left so review and i might just update another chappie tonight!

ONE MORE THING! YES I WROTE THE SORTING HAT SONG THAT WAS USED, IF YOU WANT TO USE IT AND EVEN TWEAK IT A BIT FOR YOUR OWN FIC I'D APPRECIATE IF YOU MENTION THAT ITS MY WORK, IT TOOK DAMN WELL LONG ENOUGH TO WRITE!

QUESTION OF THE CHAPTER!

Is Quidditch a definite must-have? Oh and I'll take any suggestions on any other topics you have! PAIRINGS especially! Not for now, but to get an idea of what to work towards. PLEASE GUYS I NEED YOUR HELP! Thanks again

Your ever the Serpentine Author- DominaDeSerpensDorcha- The Lady of Dark Serpents.

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