Chapter 10

Dumbledore was furious. The Hat had placed his pawns in Slytherin. The stupid Bloody Baron allowed no one besides Slytherin students and the head of house to enter the Slytherin dorms. He hoped that Molly would send a letter to her son and maybe scare him enough he would beg him to be resorted. Hopefully Harry would want to be resorted. He was really regretting his decision to send Hagrid to get the boy. He thought Hagrid would over play the Potters death, get Harry to dislike certain people. Obviously it failed. Luckily he had Severus in the Order so he still had eyes on his pawn.

"If I can't have my weapons then I'll just have to take them out." Fawkes watched Dumbledore planning and hoped that the children would be okay. Fawkes was worried but not overly. Fawkes knew the children were protected by magic. Magic wouldn't allow the children to be killed before they had a chance to complete their task. Fawkes watched Dumbledore turn his anger and his wand towards the Hat. Fawkes shock his head, honestly didn't Dumbledore ever learn that he could do nothing to the Hat.

"I did say I would place Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, and Hermione Granger in Gryffindor." Hat paused to get the full effect of his next words. "I placed Daemon Malfoy, Orion Lestrange and Elladora Malfoy in Slytherin. So technically I never lied." The Hat would have laughed his head off if he had one so instead he stuck out his tongue.

"Why haven't you told them?" asked Dumbledore. He thought that if the Hat knew then he would have told someone.

"My job is to sort the children Headmaster. You remember the student's right. The young people that you lie to day in and day out. I simply placed them in the House they would be safest. I would also like to take this time to inform you that Ginerva Weasley is receiving her letter as we speak. There is nothing that you can do about it."

Dumbledore sputtered at the news. People would ask why a supposed ten year old would be allowed in to Hogwarts early.

"She is only ten. She can't enter Hogwarts."

"Is she really? She was supposed to receive her letter this summer but somehow the owl that was supposed to deliver the letter to the young witch was declared M.I.F (missing in flight). Hat watched his favorite sport which was Dumbledore as he ranted and raved.

"I won't send the train to pick up the girl." roared Dumbledore.

"Either way old goat Devon Lestrange will arrive tomorrow and be sorted at dinner. Try something Headmaster and you'll really see me mad." The headmaster glared at him which only caused him to laugh. "You may try to do something to those children but remember that there are others who know what you really are like old coot. You are always been watched. So plan away they will always fail. This school will regain its glory once you're gone. Which will be real soon." Hat watched the headmaster grab his hair and pull. What a weird wizard was the last thought before the Hat drifted off the sleep.

Fawkes was shocked at the maliciousness of the Headmaster. So many things had been overlooked because Dumbledore took credit for destroying his old friend Grindlewald. No one besides the old families knew why there were Lords and Ladies. The Lords and Lady's were the one thing standing between the Ministry from passing any unnecessary laws. Fawkes was lost in memories of the old days. He mourned for the loss of the seventh year trip. Every year, that is till Dumbledore took office that is, the seventh years would exchange with a foreign schools upper class to give them the chance to see other wizards from other countries. He missed the First Year Orientation Week. First years would be assigned a fellow house mate from a higher year to follow around and learn the school. The first years never got to go to Hogsmead to see the last unchanged Wizard town in Britain. He remembered the shops would give the students various objects as a welcome to neighborhood.

He remembered the vampire and werewolf students. It was funny how no one actually checked the wards of Hogwarts. If they had they would know that Hogwarts had an anti Werewolf charm. Werewolves would find the castle smell to be repulsive to them thus turning away. Vampires attended the school and helped to create alliances with wizards. When Dumbledore had banned any of the Vampires to attend Hogwarts he had destroyed all alliances.

Fawkes remembered the summer programs. Hogwarts knew that muggleborn students didn't always have nice families. There were summer programs. Mostly the students would go to a Potion Ingredients Farm or be sponsored by a wizarding family to learn and have fun. Fawkes was surprised that the wizarding world was still economically okay. A lot of jobs had disappeared.

There were of course the Potion Ingredient Farms but there was also Rare Ingredient Harvesters. Most children in the day tried the Harvester job for awhile to allow them to travel the world. There were internships in the ministry to allow students to see how the ministry worked. There was even jobs that took muggle technology and made them magical. Dumbledore ended all that.

The magical camera was the last piece of muggle technology that had been converted to magic. Fawkes remembered everyone's excitement at having ways to save memories without a pensive. The coveted Muggle Relations Liaison that would keep the wizard world in touch with the muggle world growing around them was no longer available which allowed the Ministry to say whatever. He missed all the clubs that had sprouted over the years. There was no more Wizarding Chess Club, or the Wizarding Law Debate Club and Fawkes most favorite was the Pureblood Welcome Committee. The club would help people figure out if they could register for Pureblood status.

Fawkes also knew that most all muggleborns were really long lost decedents of squibs that had gone missing during the witch hunts. Most wizard families could appearate away but unfortunately the squibs could not leaving alot to suffer the wrath of the crazed muggles. Many squibs were hidden by their relatives with other muggle families. Many families had decided that they would rather have their squib children alive and living as muggles then to be killed because they didn't have any magic.

It was those decedents that had stopped the witch hunts which all wizards and witches were thankful for. Even the Royal Family of Brittan were Squibs. Did people really think that a Pureblood family just threw away children? Many Purebloods revered children seeing them as their greatest achievement in the world. Most Pureblood knowledge was passed between father and son and mother and daughters and if your family line died out so did their families history. You didn't need magic to know your family history.

Fawkes hoped that the world that he watched grow could pick itself back up after the fallout.

Harry was getting dressed to head to breakfast. "I'll wait for you guys in the common room." Harry and his dorm mates had laughed and joked around after waking up. Harry noticed that Draco was looking at him funny but decided not to say anything. Draco was his friend and he didn't feel that the stare was dangerous.

Draco watched his brother leave the room. When he had seen the scars in the daylight he had seen red and it was only because of Gregory that he didn't jump Daemon to find out who hurt him. Soon after Ron left to wait for them in the common room. Draco waited for the door to close before talking.

"I need you guys to tell only the trusted Slytherins about Daemon and Orion. No one is to call them that till we tell them otherwise. Tell them to spread the news to the upper years. We need everyone eyes to make sure that Dumbledore doesn't do anything."

"Do you think that they will accept the truth." asked Vincent. Unlike popular belief Vincent and Gregory were smart but knew it was best to seem simple minded to have the upper hand in a duel. Not only that but everyone dismissed them as being all brawn and no brain allowing them to see alot of stuff that people wouldn't want them to see.

"I think Har... I mean Daemon" muttered Gregory as Draco glared at him. "Daemon and Elladora will be the easier of the two. Orion has ties to his family. The Weasley twins might be the best way to reach Orion without him thinking we are lying to them."

"Everyone knows that the Weasley twins are more Slytherin than most. How do you think they pull off half their pranks." replied Vincent.

"They are exceptionally smart. All their pranks are funny but everyone fails to see the ability required to complete the potions that they use. I also have heard rumors of the Weasley twins creating potions." Gregory whispered the last part almost reverently.

"They will be too smart to lie to. The only way to win the Weasley twins is to show them truth." agreed Draco.

"We should keep an eye on Percy. Marcus Flint says that he would rat his own brother out if it got him more awards." Vincent informed as he grimaced "His own brother, what a reject. I hope all those awards keep him warm when he betrays his family" Gregory shuddered at the thought of a family member betraying him.

"Lets go before Daemon or Orion come back." They swung their book bags over their shoulder before heading down to the common room. Daemon and Orion were waiting for them with Hermione, Pansy, Millicent, Daphne, Theodore, and Blaise. Draco was happy to see Pansy introduce everyone to each other. Hermione had her hair pulled back into a simple french bun. Pansy was giving him the eye so he hung back as they headed for the Great Hall. "You look nice Hermione with your hair like that."

"Thanks. Pansy helped me." They all left the common room in a large group.

Pansy drifted to Draco and whispered.

"Draco. There is a new student coming later tonight. Professor Snape told us this morning to expect another girl, we asked who it was but he didn't know." Draco raised his eyebrow.

Draco logged that away to write about this piece of news to his father. Draco nodded his head before changing the subject. "Thank you for watching my friend for me Pansy."

"Psh. I would have done it anyways. Millicent and Daphne agree with inviting Hermione to our girls club. She is really smart and well informed. I have an excellent feeling that we are looking at first in our class." Draco puffed out his chest with pride.

"Still Pansy, thank you." Draco slowed down a few steps and whispered to Pansy "Talk to Vincent or Gregory privately they have information that needs to be spread among the trusted Slytherins."

Pansy smirked "Spreading information is my specialty. I'm not just a pretty girl." They both laughed as they rejoined the group as they arrived at the Great Hall door. All the first years sat together talking about the upcoming classes. Soon hundreds of owls were flying overhead with letters and packages.

Harry watched a little enviously but shook it off as a few children were being yelled at by screaming red lips. Harry watched as Ron received a letter, he knew that his friend was worried about his parent's reaction to him being in Slytherin.

Ron opened his letter with shaking hands.

"Dear Ron,

I am glad that you made friends. I am a little disappointed about you going into Slytherin but Ginny taught me otherwise. Even if you are in Slytherin you are still my Ron. Stay safe and keep up your studies. I expect great things from you Ronald. Make the family proud.

Onto other news Ginny received a Hogwarts letter and will arrive later tonight. Please watch out for your sister no matter what house she goes into.

I will make your new friends some Christmas sweaters. I don't trust the Malfoys but again Ginny reminded me that you are an exceptional judge of character.

Don't let Percy get to you. Remember your father and I are proud of you. As long as you don't get into trouble.

Love Mum

Ron sighed and a smile spread across his face. "Guess what guy. My sister Ginny is coming to Hogwarts this year."

Everyone was congratulating Ron so missed the look that passed between Pansy and Draco.

"She should have sent you a howler Ronald. You're a disgrace to the Weasley name." snapped Percy as he stood behind Ron.

"Why is he a disgrace" asked Hermione innocently.

"Slytherin is the house of all evil wizards. Everyone knows that."

"So you're saying that all eleven year olds that go into Slytherin are evil. I highly doubt that."

"Mum is okay with me being in Slytherin." whispered Ron.

Draco was furious but remained quiet as he saw his Uncle Severus walking over to them.

"She just didn't want to take the time to send a howler. If it were me you would be disowned." Percy said darkly.

Suddenly Percy's hair flashed green. After the smoke cleared everyone started to laugh at Percy's Slytherin green hair.

"You shouldn't try to sound like the Head of the Weasley clan." said Fred and then looked at his twin.

"Doesn't sound like dear old dad does it Fred?" joked George.

"Sounds more like Preachy Perfect Percy." Everyone who could hear what they were saying laughed.

"Ronald's in Slytherin. You play nearly all of your childish pranks on the snakes. Why would you care if I insult them." muttered Percy. Everyone at the Slytherin table shock their heads sadly at the older Weasley brother.

"You're just mad that Charlie and Bill were living legends when they were in school." informed Fred snidely.

"Not to brag but we plan on going out a legend while you will always be remembered as having a stick up your bum." laughed George.

Fred looked at his younger brother Ron. They might have been young but they remembered how sad their mother had been when Uncle Fabian and Uncle Gideon were killed. They remembered that they got their happy mother back when Ron and Ginny joined their family. That was how they fell in love with pranks. They made their mother smile even though she always tried to hide it.

"We're both proud of our Ronnikins." Ron turned red at his nickname. George smirked at his brother. "Why don't you go stick your nose in a book Percy? Leave Ronnikins alone to enjoy his first day at school." warned George.

Fred looked at Ron and smiled. "Have fun Ronnikins." Fred started to walk away but turned around and added "Try not to reveal all our secrets dear brother."

Fred and George walked away whispering plans to get Percy back for his personality defect.

Percy stood there and watched his twin brothers walk away. "The twins might accept you but I don't. Watch yourself brother" snapped Percy.

"Fifty points from Gryffindor for threatening a first year and two weeks detention with Filch." said Professor snidely.

"He is my brother and I will talk to him like I want to." Harry was reminded of his cousin Dudley whining.

"Twenty points for lying to a Professor. I would really leave before you lose your house more points." Severus watched the Weasley boy leave the hall quickly muttering under his breath.

"Are you okay Le... Weasley" Severus berated himself for the near slip.

"Yeah Professor, thank you." Ron was relieved that the twins were still talking to him. He was already planning pranks to play on his brothers. Let the Prank Wars begin.

"Well here are your schedules. Markus Flint here will show you around. Ask him anything that you don't want to ask a teacher. Now off with you all or you'll be late for class." Severus felt his heart skip a beat as his nephews smiled at him. He couldn't wait to have them in his class. Severus looked at Draco before adding "Do try not to lose points on your first day."

Severus chuckled to himself as they all nodded vigorously. Severus watched them leave before continuing to hand out the other schedules. Severus took a subtle glance at the head table and grew concerned with Dumbledore's calculating look.

"We have Transfiguration with the Gryffindors now." informed Hermione as they were guided by Markus to the classroom.

"Professor McGonagall teaches the subject. She is a little stern but she has to be. Transfiguration can be a trick and dangerous subject if not taught right. As long as you listen and ask for help when you need you'll do fine." Markus already knew about Draco's good fortune and felt bad for him. He finally found his brother but couldn't tell him. He looked at the two found children and noticed Ron's pale face. "Any questions?" Markus made eye contact with Ron and asked again when he remained quiet. "Ron I know you have a question. Ask it"

Ron took a breath at Markus's encouraging smile.

"What if I'm not any good at Transfiguration?" Markus had to lean in to hear the quietly spoken words.

"Nearly everyone is rubbish at Transfiguration when they first start. That's why we go to class to learn." Markus sighed at Ron's still frowning face.

"Cheer up Ron Slytherin choose you for our house. Which must mean that you'll be smart I mean not as smart as Ravenclaw but not many outside Ravenclaw can say they have a Ravenclaw mind." informed Draco as he patted his cousin's shoulder. Merlin he couldn't wait till they knew the truth. He had plans running thru his head, plans about training with his brother and cousin and all the things they had to catch up on.

"Not only that Ron, but we won't let you fail." Pansy said as she looked into his eyes. Hermione was glad that Pansy was her friend. When she had awoken in the morning she had watched Pansy and the other girls fixing their hair with their wands. Hermione had sighed at her frizzy hair when Pansy had grabbed her hand and sat her down on her bed. With a quick wave of her wand Heroines once untamable hair was wrestled into a twist. She had finally known why all the girls at her muggle school would spend hours fixing their hair. Pansy had promised to teach her the spells.

Millicent was shy but when she was comfortable watch out. Which was what Hermione found out? Hermione had laughed so hard at Millicent's jokes and impersonations Daphne was a bookworm like her and they both had comparing what they had read and what they wanted to read.

"Thanks guys." muttered Ron.

"Now enough of the mushy stuff." joked Markus. "I'll be here after class to show you to your next class. Have fun"

They entered the classroom and soon sorted out who would sit next to whom. Draco had managed to sit next to his brother. Hermione sat next to Ron since she would be better to explain things to him. Millicent was next to Gregory. Pansy sat next to Theodore Nott who quietly whispered the news about Orion and Daemon. Vincent sat next to Blaise Zabini. Draco caught Blaise eyes and nodded. Draco knew Blaise well and would want confirmation about the news. Soon Draco was nodding slightly to his house members who received the news.

Harry enjoyed his first class and couldn't wait to see if he could be an Animagus like the Professor. Ron was happy that he wasn't the only one that was nervous about failing. Ron had watched Neville Longbottom sitting by himself and felt glad that he didn't end up in Gryffindor that could have easily been him.

"Hey Hermione. Is there a rule that other students of different houses can't sit at a different house table."

Hermione rolled her eyes and wrote her answer down, she didn't want to get caught not listening to the professor.

Ron read the scribbled note and smiled. It would be good to have friends from different houses.

Soon they were gathering their notes and supplies and packing up.

"Hey guys would it be okay if Neville sits with us." asked Ron.

Draco looked over to the young Lord Longbottom who was being avoided by his housemates. "We have flying with them next. We can ask after the lesson."

"Well was your class fun?" asked Markus as he led them outside the castle. Markus smiled at the excited faces of the first years apparently their first class was good. "Now you have flying. I expect you all to try out for the team next year."

"You bet" cheered Draco and the others except Harry and Hermione. "What's Quidditch?" asked Harry

"We actually fly on brooms" asked Hermione.

"Yeah it's the greatest. I'm sure the guys would be glad to teach you the game. Yes we do fly brooms. Don't worry they can only go so high."

"We won't let you fall Hermione." muttered Gregory who immediately turned red as Hermione smiled at him.

"Quidditch is great Hermione but don't worry if you fall we all did when we rode our first brooms. If you're not good you can cheer with me in the stands. I like flying but I'm horrible at Quidditch" laughed Pansy as she looped her arm with Hermione's.

Harry was having second thoughts on flying once he saw the brooms. Some of the brooms handles were splintering and huge sections of twigs were gone.

Harry and Hermione paid extra attention to the instructions. They were discussing different type of brooms as the teacher went around helping students who needed it. Suddenly they were screaming at the teacher as one of the brooms rose above the charmed height.

"Neville!" yelled several Slytherins. Most Gryffindors laughed while a few looked torn between wanting to do something and not knowing what to do.

` Draco was stunned as his brother took to the sky. Quickly deciding what to do he barked out his orders "Ron can you fly under Neville in case Daemon can't reach him in time." Ron nodded but filed away the name for later. Draco cursed himself for his slip.

Draco flew under Daemon as he flew towards Neville. Draco heard more screaming as Neville slipped from his broom. Draco watched Daemon point his broom downward and prayed to Merlin that his brother would catch Neville. Draco cheered the loudest as Harry caught Neville's robes just before he hit the ground. Draco pushed several people out of his way to get to his brother.

"What do you think you were doing? Trying to get yourself killed." Yelled Draco.

"At least I know you care Draco." Harry stood shakily and helped Neville up.

"Are you okay Neville." asked Hermione.

"Yeah thanks." Neville was so relieved to escape without injury he didn't notice that his remembrall had disappeared. Neville looked at his housemates who were pretending like he didn't exist. Neville had hoped that he would be in Gryffindor like his parents but now he wished he had gone anywhere else.

Neville glance quickly at Seamus Finnegan and Dean Thomas. There in Deans hand was his remembrall.

"Hey that's my remembrall. My Gram sent it to me." Neville took a step back as Dean stepped forward. Suddenly Neville was pushed behind someone. He heard a wickedly loud crunch.

Neville peeked around the person to see Dean rolling on the floor holding his nose. He craned his next to see Gregory's face. He watched as Draco pick up his remembrall. Neville wondered why everyone said that the Malfoys were evil. Draco had been nicer to him then his own housemates.

"Thanks Malfoy." stuttered Neville as he took the ball from Draco's hand.

"You shouldn't let them pick on you Longbottom. You're a lord." Neville blushed at Draco's words. He could barely stand up to his over baring grandmother how was he going to stand up to people that were supposed to be his housemates.

"Hey Neville." Neville turned his head to Ron. "Do you want to sit with us at lunch?"

"Are we allowed to sit at another house table." asked Neville

"Any student can sit at any table. It's the common rooms and dorms that only house members can enter." rattled off Ron. "Hermione taught me that rule." Neville watched Hermione's face turn red.

"We promise to refrain from our evil and dark ways." joked Millicent.

"Sure" Draco was nearly blinded by Neville's smile.

Ron fell into step with Draco and whispered "Who is Daemon Draco?" Draco saw the look on Orion's face and knew if he lied he just might lose his cousin.

"I can't tell you here. What till I tell you before you plan to tell Harry or Hermione." Ron looked uncertain "I plan on telling them as well just not at this moment."Ron nodded his head in understanding. He knew that it was probably best if fewer people knew.

"Tonight Draco." Draco gulped at his cousins commanding voice.

They ate their dinner in friendly companionship and ignored the Gryffindors glares.

Neville sat with the Slytherins and had the best time of his short school life. He was really dreading going to sleep tonight. Soon they were walking together to Potions class. Again they paired up. Neville had tried to sit on the other side but was called over by Hermione.

"Hey Neville were uneven we need one more person to pair everyone up. Will you join us." asked Hermione. Neville blushed at Hermione.

"I'm rubbish at Potions. Along with everything else." muttered Neville.

"Don't worry just listen to me and you'll do great." stated Hermione smugly.

Soon several Gryffindors walked in. Dean was glaring at

Gregory who did an impersonation of Dean crying with a broken nose.

"She's right Neville. Hermione is super smart. You can't mess up if you listen to her." Pansy told Neville confidently.

"She's only smart because she has no friends giving her all the time to stuff a book under her noise." snapped Seamus.

"Your just mad because you not smarter than a girl." shot Millicent.

"Well at least were not evil." said Dean as he stood up.

"If anyone is evil and dark it would be you Dean Thomas." Neville growled.

"Way to go Lord Longbottom" cheered Draco. "From your confused looks I take it you didn't know that Neville was a Lord. He's got more power than anyone in this room."

Vincent stepped in front of the approaching Dean and Seamus. "Gregory gave you a bloody nose. I will break your bones if you continue to bother us."

Just then Severus walked into his classroom to see the duel begging to erupt between his students. "What is going on here?"

All the Slytherins remained quiet as the Gryffindors all shouted out their side of the story.

"The Slytherin's were cursing Neville to sit with them." Severus sneered at the boy. He turned to Neville as the boy snorted.

"Well it seems that Neville might not agree with you. Hermione what happened?" Hermione blushed at the professor.

"Well sir. We invited Neville to pair up with us because his housemates don't want to pair with him. Neville was worried about failing potions." Pansy watched her friend become silent. She wanted to strangle the people who destroyed her friend's confidence.

"I told Neville that Hermione wouldn't let him fail when the Gryffindors walked in and started to make fun of Hermione for being smart." Hermione smiled at Pansy in thanks.

"Nothing every changes" muttered Severus "Twenty points for name calling. I would give you detention but I have no wish to see your face outside of class so early in the year. Now everyone to their seats.

"Professor, Neville can't sit with the Slytherins. He's a Gryffindor." said Seamus with his nose in the air.

"If you could count, someone would have to pair with an opposite house member anyway. Are you brave enough to enter the snakes den?" Severus chuckled as the boy sat down quickly.

Harry decided that Potions was his favorite subject. He was an expert cutter and with Draco helping him he soon was having fun as they made their first potion.

Ron was glad that he had paired with Pansy. She helped him cut his ingredients right and she didn't talk to him like he was stupid.

Neville was sneaking looks at Hermione from the sides of his eyes. He couldn't believe a pretty girl would want to pair up with him.

"You'll never learn anything Neville if you just stare at Hermione." Whispered Blaise from behind him. Neville felt his face heat up as Blaise chuckled.

Harry and friends bade goodbye to Neville at the end of class.

"Will you join us for dinner Neville" asked Hermione

"Yeah." was all Neville could say which caused the guys to chuckle and the girls to get starry eyes.

They worked on their homework for a while before heading to dinner. Everyone was waiting for the food to arrive when a phoenix appeared and dropped the Hat on the steps to the head table.

"I have made two mistakes this year." informed the Hat.

"Neville Longbottom." the hall remained quiet as everyone turned to look at Neville walk slowly to the Hat. He slowly placed the Hat on his head.

"We'll Lord Longbottom are you ready to be your own man."

Neville just mutter yes over and over again in relief.

"Then I am glad to place you in your true house. Slytherin." Neville's Gryffindor logo on his uniform lit up and changed the crest to Slytherin.

Neville nearly went deaf from all the cheering from the Slytherin table.

"Now that that's fixed will Ginerva Weasley come forward?" Everyone turned to the door as it was pushed open to allow a small girl to slid into the room

"That's our sister. Youngest Hogwarts student ever." yelled Fred and George causing Ginny to blush.

Ron stood up and clapped which caused all the other Slytherins to clap.

Ginny was embarrassed but also very happy she wouldn't be alone at home for a year. She glanced at her brother Ron as the Hat slipped over her eyes.

"You probably wondering why you are here early. Your answers will come soon. Just remember to trust your gut and you'll do great. The best house that you are suited for is..."