Sequel to Harry and the Viper's Chess. Harry returns to Hogwarts for his second year with a house-elf's warning in mind. As the term passes, he falls back into the habit of not seeking help when he most needs it. Harry tries to convince the House of Vipers that he's not the next Dark Lord but fails. If he can't convince his housemates, how will he convince the rest of Hogwarts?

AU-ish. Harry rebels against two particular traits expected of a Slytherin, that of unwavering House loyalty and self-serving ambition. As he experiences life as a student of Hogwarts, he learns that, while some of his housemates are not who they merely appear to be, others are precisely the sort of person they present. The chess board is set... How will Harry play the game?