Harry met Draco outside the Great Hall after the feast. A grouchy-looking prefect scowled at the young Gryffindor and strode off in the direction of the dungeon without a word. They followed silently for a moment before Draco leaned closer to his brother and whispered.

"We'll owl Dad," he said, "maybe he can convince the Headmaster to let you switch." Harry narrowed his eyes.

"Why don't you switch," he shot back and Draco sneered.

"I'm not going to switch to Gryffindor!" he protested causing Harry to glower further.

"Nothing wrong with Gryffindor," he defended his house almost automatically, "My real parents were in Gryffindor." Draco, still sore from being separated from his brother, could not stop the next words out of his mouth.

"Lotta good it did them." Harry whirled on Draco and tackled him to the ground.

"Shut up!" he screamed, causing the prefect to turn around. At seeing his two charges fighting, he quickly stormed in and grabbed Harry's collar. With a glance around to ensure they were alone, he slammed Harry against the stone walls. Holding the boy off the ground, he leaned in menacingly – close enough for Harry to make out the Bole family crest.

"Don't you ever lay a hand on a Slytherin, Potter!" he hissed, "Ten points from Gryffindor." He would have loved to take more, but he hadn't read the prefect's handbook and didn't know the proper deductions for certain infractions; and he wasn't dumb enough to rush headlong into a lecture from McGonagall. Harry stared down at the fifth year flabbergasted; no one had ever bullied him around like this before! He made to kick out, but Bole was too strong. Suddenly, the prefect felt the tip of a wand press firmly into his neck.

"Put my brother down or face the consequences," Draco said in his best impersonation of an angry Severus, but nothing compared to the genuine article.

"Yes, Bole," came a dangerously slow voice, "put him down." Bole gulped and set Harry down on his feet before stepping back and turning to his Head of House.

"He –" but Bole never got to say what Harry had done. Severus stalked swiftly over and leaned down into his terrified student's face. It was rare that Slytherins ever received this kind of treatment from their Housemaster, and Bole made a mental survival note never to be caught messing with the boy again.

"I will be speaking with you after Mr. Weasley retrieves Mr. Malfoy. Be available." It was not a request and Bole nodded before bolting in the direction of his common room. Severus moved over to Harry and laid a hand on his shoulder.

"Thank you, professor," Harry said meagerly, not really sure how he should be acting around Severus now. He'd heard some of the older Gryffindors how the Potions Master hated their house and he was always looking to dock points or give detentions.

"Not at all," Severus replied, somewhat taken aback at the dispirited youth. Harry looked at Draco and relayed his thanks as well as an apology through non-verbal signals. Severus picked it up immediately and wondered to himself exactly what had transpired before he had come looking for his godsons.

"Let's go; I do not wish to keep you too late." The boys followed silently, neither looking at the other. Once they reached Severus' chambers he gave the password and the wall slid back. The two first years followed the professor into the main area and took seats on the sofa when they were offered. Severus summoned cocoa for the boys and tea for himself before settling himself in his chair. As the boys sipped their drinks, Severus addressed his foremost question.

"Harry, why did Bole attack you?" Harry didn't answer immediately; he didn't really want to snitch on Draco.

"He recognized me, Professor," he deferred to the man's title, perhaps to throw the man off the scent. But Severus wasn't the Head of Slytherin for nothing.

"I'm sure everyone will know who you are, Harry, that is something you will have to deal with. That, however, was not my question." Again, the boy paused and looked at Draco before taking a breath to answer; but Draco beat him to it.

"I said something I shouldn't have and I'm really sorry Harry – I didn't mean it! Honest! Anyway, Harry shoved me and that fathead grabbed him and told him never to touch Slytherins again." Severus had to commend the boy on his vagueness, but he still had a lot to learn as a Slytherin. Harry, on the other hand, was looking sheepish again.

"S'okay Draco," he said, "I shouldn't have pushed you." Severus pinched the bridge of his nose to stave off the oncoming headache.

"Enough," he said softly, causing the boys to look at him. "The point deduction will stand for the fighting. I will, however, forego assigning detention as you are brothers and it is your first night here. But I do not want to hear of anymore scuffling between you or any other students." The boys visibly relaxed and nodded, sipping their cocoa. Severus drained his tea and launched into his prepared speech.

"While you are here, whether in the halls or in class, you will address me as 'professor' or 'sir.' You may use my name only when we are alone in my chambers. No exceptions." He waited for that to sink in before continuing, "Your parents have asked for monthly reports on your studies," the boys groaned but Severus held up a hand, "However that will pose a great deal more work for me on top of my already demanding responsibilities. So I am passing the task to you. At the end of each month, you will solicit your standings in each class from your professors and compose a letter to your parents including your grades and at least one way you could improve in your two worst classes." He waited for protest and was pleasantly surprised when none came. "You will present it to me for review before you send it off.

"Now, your disciplinary matters will fall to your Head of House. Rest assured, Harry, that Professor McGonagall (like me) tolerates zero disrespect and even less laziness. In addition, should you find yourself in trouble with another teacher, not only will you accept whatever punishment that teacher deems appropriate, but you will also be dealing with a detention with me. If I were you, boys, I would endeavor to keep out of trouble." The last was accompanied by a stern glare, promising unpleasantness to either of them should they fail to take him seriously. Both boys nodded solemnly, promising their godfather they would be good and stay out of trouble. Severus sent word with a portrait to fetch Percival Weasley and Derrick Bole, then he turned back to the boys.

"You missed the speech I give to all Slytherin first years, Draco, so I'll give it now; Harry could benefit from it as well. There will be times when you may disagree with your housemates and enmity may arise. Outside of these walls, however, you will stand united, protecting the honor of your house – no matter the dissension between you." Harry and Draco shared a look, knowing Severus was talking about more than the houses at Hogwarts. "Many may not understand you and you must find it in yourselves to resist the urge to reach out to everyone who asks it of you. Pride in yourself, above all things, and carry yourself with the dignity befitting your status. Should I hear otherwise – hear that you've shamed the house in any way – you will be dealt with by me. Trust me when I say that detention with other professors will seem like a picnic. Welcome." As Severus finished his riveting speech, his wards alerted him to the presence of someone outside his chambers. As he opened the entrance, he saw Mr. Weasley waiting patiently. He could also make out the shadowy shape of Bole hiding in the darkened hallway; hoping to glean anything useful by his eavesdropping.

"That will be all, Misters Malfoy. Mr. Weasley, please escort these boys back to their common rooms. Mr. Bole, come here." Harry threw a 'goodnight, professor' back before hearing the wall shut Bole in with a dangerous-looking Snape. Harry waved goodbye to his brother as Percy dropped by the Slytherin common rooms, then continued to Gryffindor Tower.

When they reached their destination (after Harry had memorized the way) Percy uttered the password. "Caput Draconis." The portrait of a pleasantly plump lady in a pink dress swung open, revealing a small passageway. Harry followed Percy through and got his first look at the Gryffindor common room. It was cozy, with a fireplace and several couches and plush chairs. Leading upwards, two staircases rose grandly and Harry followed Percy to the left one and they began ascending.

"First year dorms are here," Percy said, indicating the door that appeared in front of him. "The elves have already brought up your things, and you will share the adjoining bathroom with four other boys. Should you have any problems, address me first before taking it straight to Professor McGonagall." Harry nodded and yawned widely, the fullness in his stomach combining with his exhaustion, making it nearly impossible to keep his eyes open much longer. Percy bade him goodnight before warning him to be in the common room at seven sharp to be escorted back to the Great Hall. Harry pushed the door open as quietly as possible, not wanting to wake the already sleeping occupants.

His four roommates were sprawled in various positions; Dean looked as though he had fallen over while putting his pajamas on and promptly lost consciousness. Harry crept over to the only empty bed, noting that Ron Weasley was on his left and Neville Longbottom on his right. After making sure he had everything ready for tomorrow, he changed and climbed into bed.

"Already getting special treatment, Potter?" a snide voice came from one bed over. Harry lifted his head to glare at Ron, the boy's three year old insult to his mother still fresh in Harry's mind. Smirking a little, he replied.

"Of course. I am the Boy Who Lived," he returned harshly before dimming the lights and rolling away from the jealous redhead.

Harry awoke the next morning with a feeling of excitement. Today he would be learning magic! He quickly showered and dressed, noting happily that all of his robes now bore the Gryffindor crest on the left side and the Malfoy family crest on the right. Grabbing his bookbag, he made sure to make enough noise to wake his dormmates.

"We're going to the Great Hall in fifteen minutes," he called as he shut the door, satisfied as he heard the flurry of activity as the other four boys scrambled to get ready. Harry descended the staircase into the common room, surprised to see it occupied this early. Three of the girls were already there; Lavender and the Patil girl were chatting amicably with two older girls – probably second or third years. A brown-haired girl whose name Harry could not remember was sitting on the couch with one of her textbooks open in her lap. Harry joined her and pulled out his defense book, hoping to read a few chapters before the class.

Ten minutes later, Percy emerged in immaculate robes, his head held up high. The twins were following him, unseen, mimicking their older brother's pompous attitude perfectly. A few snickers followed them until Percy caught on and cuffed them lightly.

"Please try to stay out of trouble today," he admonished. "I would like one first day of the term to pass without the two of you getting a detention." The twins smiled cheekily and bowed to the applause from their accomplice, Lee Jordan. Percy merely huffed and turned to the first years.

"Where are the others?" he asked hastily, and Harry shrugged.

"Not sure about the other two girls, but the other boys were just getting up ten minutes ago. They should be ready soon." Percy nodded and checked the clock just as the girls emerged from their dorms – Malone and Runcorn, Harry remembered from the sorting. That leaves Granger, he looked over at the girl sitting next to him. He recalled the name Runcorn as a relatively new pure-blood family, which meant the ministry probably still classified them as half-blood. Heather Malone was looking around curiously and, Harry noticed, lacked a family crest, which led him to believe she was a muggleborn like Granger.

Just as Percy was about to storm up the stairs, a stampede was heard and the four remaining members of the Gryffindor first years came running down the stairs. Percy pursed his lips and glared at his youngest brother but said nothing save to gather the flock of eleven year olds and lead them to the Great Hall.

Breakfast was a relatively normal affair, and Harry took the opportunity to meet his fellow yearmates. Just from looking at the robes, he could tell the muggleborns from the magical families – Granger, Malone, and Thomas were the only first year Gryffindors without a family crest on their robes. Harry knew for a fact that the Longbottoms were almost as old as the Malfoys, but Weasley and Finnegan were more closely tied to muggles. Harry's brain sifted through his research on wizarding families and supplied the status of the Patils and Browns as pure bloods, though not as new as the Runcorns. When someone, Seamus he thought, asked him a question, Harry snapped out of his internal monologue enough to ask him to repeat the question.

"I asked have you ever played Quidditch?" he said again, his Irish accent making it a little difficult for Harry to understand him.

"Yeah, my brother and I played all the time. Dad got us both Cleansweeps a couple of years ago, and we practice as much as possible. Draco's a fine Beater, but a better Chaser. Hopefully, I'll make Seeker next year." Harry watched in disgust as Ron shoveled an inappropriately large amount of eggs into his mouth. One of the twins looked about to say something, but a sharp voice from behind them stopped any conversation.

"Time tables," McGonagall passed a roll of parchment to each student as she walked by. Harry unfurled his and glanced over his schedule.

"Nothing too bad," he murmured. "Transfiguration on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. History of Magic Mondays and Fridays. Defense and Herbology Mondays and Wednesdays. Double Charms and Flying Tuesdays and Thursdays. Astronomy on Wednesday nights, and Double Potions on Fridays. Study times already set in, that's brilliant." He noted happily that Potions, Charms, and Flying were with Slytherin, so he would be seeing a lot of his brother.

"Slytherins," Ron scowled as if reading Harry's mind, "I can't believe they pair us up with them." He shoveled another large spoonful into his mouth and rudely continued. "Ah meem, doan ey mo we ate ess ofer?" Hermione looked disgusted at Ron's manners and turned to Harry.

"I don't care if we have classes with trolls! I'm so excited!" Her enthusiasm was catching and Harry couldn't stop the smile that spread across his face. Someone plopped down beside him and by the scowls on everyone's face it was no guess who.

"Hey Draco," Harry greeted, turning to his brother. The blonde slid a small cup in Harry's direction.

"Here, take him," he said, "Hedwig's might rethink her agreement not to eat him if he keeps annoying her. He won't stop that hissing!" he complained. Harry leaned in and listened to Orion hissing from within the cup.

"Hungry." Harry winced and apologized to Draco and, because he could hear, Orion as well. Harry stood and looked at the clock, calculating the time it would take to return to Gryffindor Tower, settle Orion with a pinkie, and get to Transfiguration. Draco clapped him on the back and returned to his own table, silencing any protesters with a glare.

Meanwhile, Harry had decided to wait until after his first class to return to the Tower and stow the snake. According to his parents, the professor for his second class, History of Magic, was a ghost and didn't really pay attention to the class as a whole; he probably wouldn't stop teaching even if a mountain troll were loose in the school.

"What's in the cup, Harry?" Seamus asked. Harry smirked at the Irish boy and held the cup firmly.

"Well, Seamus, this," he pried the lid off, "is Orion." Lavender, who occupied the seat on Harry's right, screamed.

"A snake!" She bolted out of her seat and out of the Great Hall, and Harry joined others in chuckling.

"He's harmless," Harry told the onlookers, "Dad asked Headmaster Dumbledore if I could bring him; got him this summer."

"Why is he hissing like that?" Seamus seemed a little wary and kept his eyes glued to the snake. Again, Harry chuckled.

"He's just hungry. I didn't get a chance to feed him last night." Harry stood, intent on letting Orion know he would be fed soon. "Well, better be off. I don't want to be late to my very first class ever. See you later." As soon as he exited the hall, the whispers began. By the end of breakfast, the entire school knew that Harry Potter had a pet snake.

Harry walked with Orion's cup in his hands. Once he was well away from everyone he hissed quietly.

"I'll feed you after the first class." Orion quieted down, finally satisfied at getting an answer to his incessant hissing. After putting the newly closed cup in a side compartment in his pack he walked toward the Transfiguration classroom. Upon entering, he noted only one person had beaten him there: Hermione Granger. He shrugged and moved to her table.

"Mind if I sit here?" he asked, and Hermione looked up at him curiously.

"You want to? I'm muggleborn after all," she said. Harry rolled his eyes dramatically.

"I'll forgive you," he said snidely, but Hermione huffed and turned away. Harry bit his bottom lip. "Look, I'm sorry okay? It's just…"

"Your last name is Malfoy," she said it like it was an insult to everyone and Harry's expression darkened.

"And?" he growled. "I'll have you know Granger that the Malfoy family is one of the oldest and most noble of the ancient houses. In fact, we are the wealthiest family still in existence; the Gaunt family is extant now." If anything, Hermione huffed even more.

"Money isn't everything," she spat disdainfully, and Harry had to agree.

"True, but it helps a lot. My family has served the wizarding world for almost fifteen centuries. We've produced artists and warriors, thinkers and masters." Harry recalled his father's speech that summer and smirked inwardly. "And, though the old families are dwindling, we are one of the only four families that have no taint by muggles." He hadn't meant the last as an insult, but Hermione's eyes filled with tears.

"For your information, Malfoy, my muggle parents are the best people in the world. The help a lot of people have a better life everyday." Harry could see they weren't going to agree, so he settled with her.

"Look, we come from different worlds," he started, "but we at least have one thing in common." He waited until she was curious enough to look up at him. "We're magic." He laid his wand on the table next to hers.

"I'm just surprised you're not a Slytherin," she said finally. "The way they spout that pureblood nonsense." Harry shrugged.

"You're naïve if you think it's confined to Slytherin. Sample the forty first year students."

"How do you know so much about other families?" she asked suddenly.

"It's required for pureblood scions to learn their history and the history of other wizarding families. For some, like Pansy Parkinson for example, it's an education on who they may or may not associate with." He paused a moment before continuing his previous train of thought. "The first years. Let's start with the Slytherins since you brought it up.

"Of all the first year girls in Slytherin, only one of them is pureblooded: Pansy Parkinson. The rest are half-blood. The boys are different though," he said taking the seat next to her. "Of the five boys, three are 'pureblood' though only Draco is actually. Theodore Nott and Blaise Zabini can boast, but we've studied all the families. They've got muggles in their lineage, but they're so far back that the families may as well be pure. Crabbe and Goyle are technically classified as half-blood, though their muggle ancestors are quite a ways back, too." Hermione looked intrigued, so Harry continued.

"Then take Hufflepuff, the tolerant house. Quite a few muggleborns, but mostly half-bloods – again most with muggle ancestors way back. In our year alone they have two purebloods – Ernie MacMillan and Lilith Moon – and according to my father, the Moons are very picky about whom they associate with. I think Lilith's father and mother were both in Slytherin." Hermione nodded along, taking in all the information she could on her new world. Harry was on a roll now, and noted quickly that class would start in eight minutes.

"Ravenclaw is about even between purebloods and muggleborn, but their majority, again, is half-blood. Now Gryffindor. You'd be surprised to note that we have four purebloods in our house, six if you include me and Runcorn, but the ministry classifies us as half. My biological mother was a muggleborn, and Runcorn's great grandmother was a muggle." Harry finished off his spiel and Hermione looked thoughtful.

"You've put a lot of thought into -" she paused and gestured to indicate his previous speech.

"Not really. At the Welcome Feast I noted everyone's names. The muggleborns were easy to place, and I just had to rack my memory from my lessons this summer to determine the rest." Hermione looked slightly impressed.

"But you remembered all that?" Harry nodded.

"Sure, I have a great memory; eidetic, I think it's called. It means I can pretty much remember anything I learn. I have to drill it into my head sometimes, and other times it just sticks."

"That's going to be quite useful here, I'd think." Harry shrugged.

"The downside is, it's not really useful for a lot of information on different subjects. If I can focus on one thing, like family histories, I usually don't have a problem. And it's short term. Come Christmas, I probably won't be able to tell you my own lineage, let alone anyone else's." Hermione gave him a small smile as people began filling in for class. Harry bid her goodbye and took his things over to another table. He was soon joined by Kevin who seemed a little apprehensive at first, but a nod and smile from Harry were all the encouragement he needed to take his seat.

By the end of class, however, Harry was scowling along with everyone else. Hermione had been the only one to come close to transfiguring her match into a needle. When it had gone all pointy and silver, Professor McGonagall praised her and awarded Gryffindor ten points. Harry quickly rushed back to the Tower and put Orion away with a pinkie before going to History. The teacher, Professor Binns, was indeed a ghost and didn't even pause a second when Harry entered halfway through his welcome speech. Harry had been looking forward to defense, but the stuttering idiot who taught it made Harry realize he was going to be doing a lot of independent study for that class.

That night, Harry suspended Orion's tank above his bed, earning him awed remarks from Dean and Seamus and a scowl from Ron. Neville seemed too intent on finding his lost toad to really care. Harry took out his bookbag and tried to ignore Dean and Seamus' attempt to gather everyone for Exploding Snap in the common room.

Harry started his homework (practice turning the match into a needle) and was finally able to transfigure it after two hours of practice. He quickly made some notes for his Defense homework (write out ten things you wish to learn this year) and bid Orion goodnight before succumbing to his exhaustion.


Well, that's the first day, folks. Sorry about the delay...it's been really hectic around here. I'll try to get back on once a week. Next up - Flying and their first adventure.

Note (04-03-07): After writing a chapter and realizing the schedule I had wouldn't work, I re-did it. The schedule has been corrected. Nothing major, and no inconsistencies in the plot. Sorry!