Title: The Return of Merlin (Year 1)

Rating: T

Summary: We all see the seven books through Harry Potter's eyes but what about a muggleborn girl name Sandra Snow. Sorted into Slytherin she finds out that she's not who she thinks she is. Because, centuries ago, she was called Merlin! Follow her through her first year at Hogwarts trying to keep Harry from getting himself killed.

Disclaimer: I don't own any of Rowling's Harry Potter characters and I'm making nothing from this.

Chapter 9

When Sandra woke up she found herself smelling the Christmas breakfast that was always made for the family. She came down to find Harry already awake and eating.

"The little darling has a good appetite," the maid said.

"I'm glad to see him eating," she said and she sat down next to him.

"I got presents," Harry told her.

"That's great," Sandra said.

Everyone else showed up and Sandra watched as they opened their presents. Harry had gotten books, most of them in potions, and she had gotten more clothes and a wand holster. Everyone ran off to do something and Sandra spend her time reading the books that she had gotten.

"These books are going to help during Potions," Harry told her.

"I know that Snape doesn't like you," she said, feeling sorry for her new adopted brother.

"It's alright; I'm use to people not liking me."

"Still, it's wrong," she said.

They spent the rest of the break talking about the coming match between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, who she believed would win, and spoiling Hedwig. She then told him about what members of Slytherin house tried to do.

"So they tried to go against the hat," Harry said, shocked.

"Yeah, but it didn't work," she said, "Dumbledore believes that the hat's magic is far more powerful than is known. Professor Snape promised to take care of it."

Harry snorted and said, "I doubt that he'll do anything."

"Well I have a tiny bit of hope," Sandra told him. "When Quirrell is gone I want to work on some of those spells and potions that Hermione copied down."

"I don't know why you think that Quirrell is the bad guy," Harry said. "I mean, look at what happened during the first match."

"Harry, I can sense things," she said, "And there's something off about him. Trust me, on this."

She heard Harry sighing and said, "Okay, fine, I'll believe you."

"Thanks," she said.

Before long it was time to pack the bags and head back to Kings Cross. Sandra was sorry to be leaving but they would be back for the summer. When they arrived they saw Hermione waiting on them.

"Did you have a great holiday?" Hermione asked them.

"It was great," Sandra said.

When they got on the train they found a compartment and loaded their things. Once settled Hermione showed them some of the things that she had gotten. Harry told her about the potion books that he had gotten.

"Can I read them?" she begged.

"Sure," Harry said. "However, I wish that the books had contained some information about Nicholas Flamel."

Sandra gasped and said, "I know about him."

She saw Harry and Hermione staring at her.

"What do you mean, you know about him?" Hermione asked.

"It's on this Chocolate Frog card," she said, taking it out and showing it.

Harry took it and read it over.

"I did some reading about him and he's the only known maker of the Sorcerer's Stone, a stone that gives the drinker immortality and makes gold from lead."

"So all the life and money you could want. No wonder Sn-."

"Hermione, its Quirrell," Sandra cut in.

"But, Snape hates Harry."

"Just because someone hates someone doesn't mean they want the person dead. Simple logic!"

Hermione didn't look convinced and thankfully Harry said, "Just drop it."

"I'm going to watch out for him," Sandra told them. "I don't trust that man as far as I can throw him."

"And we'll watch Snape," Hermione said.

Sandra had a feeling that she wasn't going to give up.

When the Hogwarts Express finally pulled up they had all changed into their robes and went back in the boats that took them back across the lake. On the other side the small group of first years walked up the steps and back onto the grounds. Sandra, despite of everything, was glad to be back.

"I see that your back, Snow," Malfoy snarled.

"Yes, I'm back, got a problem with that," Sandra stated.

He opened his mouth to say something but stormed up to the dorm.

An hour later she was setting in-front of her Head of House. He looked as though he hadn't had a good Christmas. He did a lot of glaring and it was mostly at her.

"They admitted that they tried to force you out," he said, "Even though I don't like the fact that your friends with Potter I will not allow Slytherin to force a member out."

She ignored the 'even though I don't like the fact that your friends with Potter' bit and said, "Do you have any idea why the spell didn't work."

"Because of the hats magic," Snape answered. "Once the hat decides what house you're sorted into no one can overturn that decision."

Sandra had a feeling that there was another reason. She decided to get a second opinion, as people would say.

"Welcome back, Merlin," Alsan said, bowing.

"I hope that you had a good Christmas," Sandra said to him.

"I only pay attention to Yule," Alsan told her, "But with you having Druid blood in you, you should know that."

"I have Druid blood."

"Yes, your far more important than you can even imagine," he said, "So what brings you here?"

"The Slytherins tried to revoke my right to be in Slytherin," she said, "The Professors believe it's because of the hat's power that kept it from happening."

"They are wrong," Alsan said, licking the air with his tongue. "You're Merlin! His magic lives in this very building and now that your back your magic and his magic have joined. That's what's prevented you from being removed. There's something in the next room that you three didn't notice. And only Merlin can use it."

"What is it?" Sandra asked.

"His staff," Alsan answered. "Crafted by Salazar Slytherin himself! The staff is connected to the land of England and Scotland. The time will come, Merlin, that you will reveal yourself. Until then, you will need to protect that Potter child."

"Will I be able to use it?"

"Not until your second year," he answered. "Until then, you need to learn to focus on your magic so that you can use it when the time comes."

Sandra nodded.