Chapter 10

He moved aside, watching as the rest of his year mates walked past him into the Great Hall. He followed behind the last person, who just happened to be Blaise. Even Harry had to admit that the Great Hall was magnificent. Candles floated all around the room, ensuring that the Hall was basked in a warm glow of light and warmth. Glancing up past the candles at the ceiling, he could see the night sky from outside. He assumed that the ceiling was charmed to reflect the weather. There were four huge dining tables running the length of the Hall. By the colour the students were wearing at each table, Harry guessed that the tables were sorted into Houses.

Harry came to a stop with the rest of the first years in front of a stool, standing on a raised platform that had a tatty old hat siting on top. The hat suddenly broke out into song. It was some of the most terrible singing that Harry has ever heard. It got so bad that after a couple of lines Harry took out his Ipod and plugged in his earphones. The music blasting into his head was able to drown out the terrible singing being done by the hat. Harry could feel his body relax the more he listened to the familiar music.

He snapped his eyes open when he felt a sharp nudge to his ribs. He glanced to the side to see Blaise given him an expectant look. Glancing around the Hall he found all eyes were now currently focused on him. Not dropping the bored look of indifference off his face, he quirks the right side of his mouth upward into a smirk as he takes out his earphones.

"I apologise for holding up proceedings. I could not bear the sound of that awful singing any longer so I decided to listen to so good music instead and seemed to have lost myself to my thoughts for a bit." He turns his head to regard McGonagall. "Professor, if you could please repeat the instructions? I wouldn't want to delay proceedings anymore than I already have."

McGonagall sends Harry a stern glare, which he replies to by raising an eyebrow in amusement.

"Step forward and sit on the stool, Mr Potter. I shall then place the Sorting Hat upon your head. The Sorting Hat will then comb through your mind to sort you into the House that would be the best fit for you."

Harry curtly nods his head before walking confidently over to the stool on the platform and sitting upon it. McGonagall then places the Hat on Harry's head.

"Oh my, Mr Potter you have a brilliant mind indeed. I must say that I am extremely surprised by this, especially for one so young as yourself."

"I assume that the voice in my head that just spoke is the sorting Hat." Harry whispers so softly that only the Sorting Hat can hear him.

"You assume correctly Mr Potter. I can see every single memory that you have. I know of your future plans as well. Know that the path you have chosen to take will be a difficult one indeed. A lot of parties will stand against you, hoping to prevent and stall your attempts at dragging the British Magical world into a new age."

"I already know that. I am prepared to face all opposition that stand in my way."

"Mr Potter, from your thoughts I can tell that you already know the type of opposition that you shall eventually have to face. Can you honestly tell me that you are okay with taking away life from those individuals?" Harry doesn't answer immediately. He sits on the stool quietly and loses himself to his thoughts.

Everyone else starts murmuring and whispering due to the length of the sorting taking place. Dumbledore begins to worry that more of his plan for the Greater Good is about to unravel. He needs the young Potter to be placed to Gryffindor in order to keep a closer eye on him and for Harry to gain the personality traits that most Gryffindors are known for.

Professor McGonagall walks over to Harry and reaches out to shake his shoulder to check if everything is all right.

"Please do not interfere Minerva. Your Mr Potter is contemplating very tough question that I have asked him. It would not do for you or anyone else to distract him at this moment." McGonagall steps back in surprise. In all her years at Hogwarts, never has the Sorting Hat acted in this manor. He was normally sarcastic and condescending when speaking to others. The tone he just used with her was one of utmost seriousness. If she wasn't worried before, she was definitely worried about Mr Potter now.

"No…"

"What was that Mr Potter?"

"No, I would not be okay with taking a life. To be honest, it's a question I have been asking myself a lot over the past year." Harry takes a deep breath to gather his thoughts and formulate his answer properly. "I know that eventually I will have to take a life. I have prepared myself as much as possible for that outcome. I doubt I will ever take pleasure in it unless someone truly enrages me. I have never thought of myself as the hero that Magical Britain sees me as. I will never be the Champion of the Light, nor of the Dark. Death is unavoidable no matter what we do. I will protect me and mine. Nothing more, nothing less."

The Sorting Hat was quietly for a short moment before it started chuckling, surprising everyone in the Great Hall.

"Mr Potter, you will go on to do great things. I wish you all the best with your future endeavours. You have the intelligence to fit in nicely in Ravenclaw; the loyalty that would no doubt make you welcome in Hufflepuff; and the Gryffindor courage to stand up for what you believe in no matter the cause. But it is your ambition that stands out more than anything else. Yes, I believe that the best fit for you would be with those that can help show you the way to go about achieving what you hope to achieve. You will exceed your expectations in the House of SLYTHERIN!"

Besides Harry and Daphne, the Great Hall was shocked into inaction. They all watched on as the lining of Harry's robes turned green and the emblem of Slytherin House appear on the left side of his chest. No one could believe that the famed Boy-Who-Lived would be sorted into any other House besides Gryffindor. For him to be sorted into Slytherin was as close to a scandal as you could possibly get.

Harry stands up and takes the Sorting Hat off his head before holding it at eye level with himself.

"Do you have a name Hat? I would really enjoy having another conversation with you as I have no doubt that you hold a wealth of knowledge that most people are unaware off."

"The Founders named me Allistor. I look forward to these upcoming conversations Mr Potter. I wish you all the best until we next meet."

Harry sets Allistor back onto the stool before standing up straight and walking confidently to the table where the rest of the students wearing green sat. He walked past the head of the table to the side facing the wall and proceeded to walk down the length of the table to where he spotted Daphne sitting at the end of the table with Tracy opposite her. Walking up to her he spotted Draco Malfoy sitting in the only seat next to her. He feels a slight tightening in his stomach at the sight before him but pushes it to the back of his mind for the time being. Deciding to ignore Malfoy for the time being, Harry turned towards Daphne and gave an elegant bow as he gently took a hold of her hand and placed a soft kiss against it. He glances up into her eyes and Daphne can see the playful glint in his eyes despite the bored look on his face.

"Good evening Ms Greengrass. I must say that you look absolutely lovely under the twinkling stars provided by the charmed ceiling." Even though he keeps his eyes on Daphne, Harry can hear Tracy trying to contain her giggling and the surrounding girls cooing at the scene before them. Harry notices the side of Daphne's mouth quirk up ever so slightly, letting him know that if they weren't in public she would be gracing him with her beautiful smile. "It's my hope that I'm not being to forward in asking if the seat next to you is taken?"

Daphne raises an eyebrow at Harry before glancing at Malfoy sitting next to her, who is sending his fiercest glare at Harry. Daphne notes with amusement that Harry completely ignores Malfoy in favour of continuing to stare at her intensely. She would be lying to herself if she forced herself to believe that Harry's action didn't cause her heart to flutter.

"I don't see anyone worthy of my time sitting next to me at the moment Mr Potter, so I suppose I will allow you to keep me company this evening."

Harry and Daphne ignore Malfoy's indigent shout in favour of continuing to stare at each other, as emerald green eyes meet sapphire blue. Without breaking eye contact, Harry begins speaking to Malfoy in a low tone so that only those around them could hear.

"Heir Malfoy, it would be a very good idea for you to take a look around. Currently, the attention of the Great Hall is upon us. Everyone who is of high standing has just witnessed Heir Greengrass publicly state that she has no desire for you to be seated next to her. Do you really think that your father would want you to make an embarrassment of the House of Malfoy in front of this crowed which includes a vast number of future Lords and Ladies?"

Malfoy takes a look around the Great Hall to see that, indeed, everyone is closely watching them. His face gains a tint of red as he faces Harry again and answers back in an equally low tone.

"You better watch yourself Potter! I am the future Prince of Slytherin. I will make sure you pay for this embarrassment."

Harry glances out the corner of his eye and sends Malfoy a bloodthirsty look. He allows his magical aura to run free so that everyone in the Great Hall can feel the seriousness of the situation. His Magical aura and the faint tint of green around the edges of his eyes the only indication of just how close he is to losing his patience with the Malfoy Heir.

"I highly doubt you know who you are currently speaking to Malfoy. Make no mistake; I do not hold the same moral compass as our dear Headmaster. I believe in prevention rather than finding a cure. If you make a move against me, I will put you down with extreme prejudice."

Harry pulses his magical aura and watches as Malfoy tries to scramble away with as much dignity as his fear allows. Harry watches Malfoy find another seat further down the table before an angelic voice brings his attention back to the beautiful girl sitting in front of him.

"Lord Potter, I feel that if I continue spending my time with you I will be forever entertained."

Harry glances into Daphne's eyes to see them twinkling with mirth.

"My dear Ms Greengrass, I will do my best to forever keep you well entertained. I would not forgive myself if I was to ever lose your company."

Their eyes stay locked in another staring match. Harry notes with grate intrigue that Daphne's blue eyes are lighter than they were a few minutes ago. He files that discovery away for future reference as Tracy decides to put a stop to their romantic moment.

"I hate to ruin this moment for all the hopeless romantics that are currently watching the two of you but I haven't eaten since the lunch lady came along on the train. I doubt I will be getting any food until the sorting is done so can you guys please make googly eyes at each other later and allow the sorting to continue?"

Harry and Daphne glance around at everyone watching them before Harry sits down in the recently made vacant seat next to Daphne. After a moment Professor McGonagall clears her throat and carries on with the sorting.

The last person to be sorted is Blaise. None of his friends are surprised when the Hat immediately puts him into Slytherin. After the polite clapping dies down, Dumbledore stands up and walks over to an intricately designed podium.

"Welcome students, to a new year of Hogwarts of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I now we are all famished but I feel that it would be best to give out all the announcements now so that we do not have to dilly dally later on." Harry can't help but feel annoyed at the grandfatherly tone used b Dumbledore, as well as the twinkling in his eyes. "I would like to remind everyone that the Forbidden Forest is just that, forbidden. Anyone caught in the forest will have points deducted and risk gaining a detention. Our caretaker, Mr Filch, has posted up a new list of banned items. Please ensure that you all take the time to go over it so that none of your possessions are confiscated. Lastly, the third floor corridor is now under construction. It is banned to everyone who does not wish to meet an unpleasant death." Dumbledore gazes at all the students to ensure that his point is made. "Now, I will allow everyone to finally fill their bellies with the delicious food prepared for us by the Hogwarts staff." Dumbledore claps his hands twice and suddenly a whole buffet appears along all the tables in the Great Hall, including the teacher's table.

Harry snorts out loud at Dumbledore's grand act before glancing around and filling his plate with food that he knows he will enjoy. As his about to take his first bite, he notices that Blaise is given him an expectant look. He sighs audibly before sitting down his knife and fork.

"Yes Blaise, can I help you?"

"You do realise that his third announcement was a clear open invitation for the students to go exploring the third floor corridor, right?"

"Of course I know that. I actually have an idea of what it is he is using the third floor for as well. Lets enjoy our meal and first night here and then I will tell you as much as I know tomorrow when we are in a less crowded place."

"Do you really trust Tracy and I that much that you would tell us something like that?"

Harry takes a pause to think of his answer. He glances at Daphne who is elegantly eating her food next to him. She's a great actress but he can tell she is listening quite closely to their conversation. He turns back to face Blaise.

"I trust you and Tracy. Not on the same level as Daphne but definitely high enough for you two to be considered good friends. I don't trust easily but my instincts are telling me that I can trust you. I have a few ideas about why that is but I will have to go someone who I have been lead to believe is an expert on such matters." At that, Blaise gives a nod and finally starts eating his food.

After 30 minutes, the food disappeared only to be replaced by a wide variety of desserts. Harry looked around to see if one of the sweets would catch his eye but sadly, none of them did. Once everyone had their fill, Dumbledore stood up to dismiss the students.

Harry and the rest of the first years followed the two fifth year prefects down to the dungeons where the Slytherin common room was located. Stopping in front of a statue of an beautiful carved stone snake, one of the prefects tap his wand against the snout of the snake and spoke the password.

"Blood Superiority"

The snake statue moved out of the way to reveal a hidden passageway. The first years were ushered into the common room where they came upon the whole House waiting for their arrival. On a raised platform stood a Professor. His skin was a deathly pale; while his hair seemed that it hadn't been washed in years. When he spoke, he spoke quietly with a condescending drawl, ensuring that you listened intently to whatever was being said.

"Welcome to Slytherin House. I am your Head of House, Severus Snape. Before you turn in for the night, there are certain rules that I am required to tell the lot of you. Firstly, even though we have House prefects, the Tribunal runs our House. They are made up of our smartest and most powerful House members. The Tribunal's decisions shall always be followed unless you wish to face harsh punishment. Secondly, in public Slytherin House shall always stand up for one another. If you have any problems with any in tis House, the duelling platform that I am currently standing on is where you will settle your differences. Thirdly, our House holds the most animosity from the other Houses. It would be in your best interest to always travel in groups instead of by yourself. Lastly, under no circumstances, what so ever, are you to embarrass this House." At the last statement, Snape locked eyes with Harry. The disdain in his eyes could not be any clearer to Harry. "I leave you in the hands of our capable prefects."

Snape steps off the platform and walks straight through the group of first years without slowing down. Just as he reached the passageway to leave the common room, a voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Severus Snape."

Snape whirls around to find the son of his childhood bully standing before him with not an ounce of fear. The sight enrages him more than he would ever care to admit. He sends Harry his most vicious sneer.

The only response he gets is a raised eyebrow with a look of indifference. The response does nothing but add to the rage building up inside him.

"Potter! Just as arrogant as your lousy father I see. In case you tiny brain was unable to comprehend, I am a Professor. You shall address me as such!"

At the insult to his father, Harry's magical aura immediately assaults the air around him, the only indication that he has been angered.

The rest of the House watches with intrigue as Harry and Snape release their magical aura. The more powerful members of the House note that while Snape's aura is more powerful, Harry's aura feels more dangerous.

After a bit of a struggle, Harry is able to reign in his temper and takes a deep, calming breath.

"I am not speaking to you as a student, but as the Head of House Potter. I was instructed to pass along a letter addressed to you. If I insulted you in anyway then I apologise." Harry reaches into his robes and takes out a letter and hands it to Snape. He turns around to walk back to the rest of the first years before stopping halfway between them and Snape. "Professor, I feel I should warn you that I do not take kindly to insults regarding my parents. I will not let such a transgression slide again."

Snape stares at the letter in his hand, completely ignoring Harry's warning. He walks down the passageway and out the common. The rest of the occupants of the room only had a moment to process the recent events before a trio of regal looking older students stepped onto the duelling platform. A brunette young lady stood between two boys. She steeped forward and addressed the first years.

"My name is Viola Richmond. On my right is Terence Higgs and on my left is Adrian Pucey. We are all 6th years and we represent the Tribunal. We help make all the important decisions relating to Slytherin House. If you have any queries or inquiries, please contact us through any of the prefects. Now, I know you are all tired so I shall allow you to turn in for the night. In Slytherin House, you are allowed to persons to a dorm as well as choosing your roommate. No, you cannot choose from the opposite gender. Once in a dorm simply place your wand on the door and channel your magic through it so that your name appears on it. As of this moment the rooms are bare so it is up to you to decorate it however you please. Girls are on the right side of the common room and the boys are on the left. Girls are allowed into the boys' dorm while the boys have to be invited into the girls'."

The three Tribunal member step off the platform and walked off to their respective dorms. The rest of the House followed their lead, leaving the first years to sort out themselves.

Daphne and Tracy said good night to Blaise and Harry before going off to choose a dorm for themselves. Blaise and Harry share a look before going of to claim their own.

Walking to the first door they came upon, they went inside to inspect the place. The room was fairly large for just two people with queen-sized beds against opposite walls. There were chests, draws, and bookshelves around the beds. The boys' chests that they brought with them to Hogwarts were set in the middle of the room for them sort through.

Harry turns to Blaise and gives him a small smile.

"Classes start in two days times. Lets just go sleep and then start sorting through the room tomorrow. If we are lucky, the girls might help us out."

Blaise nods his head and both boys walk over to their chests two get ready for bed.

sorry for the late update. will try to post one or two more chapters before new years