Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction based on the Harry Potter Universe. All recognisable characters, plots, and settings are the exclusive property of Joanne Kathleen Rowling.

I make no claims to ownership, nor am I making any profit.

Some lines have been taken from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's stone. I'm not the owner of Harry Potter else, Harry would've been way more competent, and Sirius would've never died.

Type: Self-Insert OC Fanfic.

Pairings- Not decided yet.

Author's Notes: I'll be taking a lot of liberty with some canon knowledge of events, and specific facts have been liberally changed to facilitate the plot of the story better.

Special thanks to AJAvenger01 and Madness Immortality & Magic for being the betas for the chapter.

I also have a Discord Server where I talk more about the story and updates. Feel free to check it out. I also have plans for some more stories, which will be posted there soon. The link for the server is in my profile.

Sortes Qui Facit

by

Ares Alexander Peverell

Year1: Rising Powers and Sorcerer Stones

Chapter5: Entering the Serpent's Lair

"All warfare is based on deception. Slytherin chose an entrance that would be easily overlooked as no one would expect him to be anything but grandiose and luxurious. Well, there's no doubt on the founder's abilities, but is it applicable to the students?"

"This is the entrance to the Slytherin Common Room. The password is 'Purity'. You're not allowed to share the password with any other student except a Slytherin. If you forget the password, you can ask a prefect or another student for the password. The password updates on the first of every month and the new one will be posted on the Slytherin common board inside the common room." The Prefect explained before adopting a cruel smile, "If you forget the password, you will be remaining outside the common room until someone lets you in."

"Purity."

With the single word, the entrance opened to reveal the Slytherin Common Room. Time to deal with whatever they threw at him

He was aware of the dangers his fellow snakes could pose, yet, he possessed a snake of his own, shifting in his sleeves and ready to defend him should the need arise. With that thought in his mind, Ares entered the lair of the serpents.

The Slytherin common room was a long, low underground room with rough stone walls and ceiling, from which round, greenish lamps were hanging on chains. A fire was crackling under an elaborately carved mantelpiece ahead of them. The ceiling above them indicated that the place was under the lake, giving the room a greenish glow. All around them, finely carved snakes were embedded in the wall.

Ares could see that the rest of the Slytherins were already in the room, standing around a raised platform. The crest of the Slytherin house was visible along with Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus written in silver. The rest of the students were lounging in the plushy sofas that were present in the room.

Ares and the others stopped at a raised platform where some other Slytherins were stood. He assumed that they were the most influential members of the house. They appeared to be nonchalant, but he could see the entire house carefully observing their whole group, judging them and making their observations regarding them. The tension in the room was palpable.

"Hello." A smooth, silky voice spoke from the corner of the room. The effect was immediate and all his classmates flinched. Nott and Bulstrode jumped in surprise. Ares smirked, which didn't go unnoticed by the more observant Slytherins.

He had felt someone was hiding under an invisibility spell of some sort since the distortion in the area was quite apparent. After that, there was hardly a leap of logic required to connect the dots. The smooth, silky voice just confirmed it. The man walked towards the students in a graceful, predatory manner.

"Welcome to the Noble House of Slytherin," said Severus Snape, sweeping onto the stage. "You are now all Slytherins," he glanced at the students, his voice barely a whisper, yet holding everyone in place nonetheless. "Your house placement is a place of pride and power. We pride ourselves on our cunning and the ability to achieve any ambition we set our eyes upon. As members of this house, be expected to be under the scrutiny of fellow students, professors and even the headmaster. Oh, yes, they will fear you and what you may eventually become. Salazar Slytherin was a great wizard, both renowned for his abilities and feared for his power. He expected the best from his students, as I expect from you."

He took a pause, letting his words sink in.

"You all may do whatever shenanigans inside these walls. However, the outside won't be so kind. Outside these walls, you stay united. Being a Slytherin would ensure that people would try to turn you against each other and then easily pick you off at their discretion. House Unity is the first rule of Slytherin. Remember, Slytherins take care of their own."

"Your behaviour should leave nothing to be desired. Whether it be your attire or your manners, I won't have uncivilized brutes besmirching our legacy," a glance at Crabbe and Goyle, "Or arrogant morons who think that their name entitles them everything on a golden platter." here, he shot a look at Ares.

"It will also be expected from you to excel in your studies and extracurricular activities. You will follow the rules and if you break them, don't get caught. You will receive no help from me in any such situation."

Snape sent a sweeping glare towards the room and asked the Prefects to take the students to their rooms.

"Mr Potter, a word." Snape almost snarled. Daphne looked at him questioningly; he shrugged at her.

Reinforcing his somewhat rudimentary occlumency shields, he faced his head of the house.

"Make no mistake, Mr Potter, I am not happy with your sorting into this house. I expect you to behave just like any other Slytherin student. Just because you are a Potter, it doesn't entitle you to be exempted from following the rules. I will be watching you. Am I clear?"

Ares nodded. However, he internally admitted he had underestimated Snape's hatred for all things Potter. He silently thanked Penelope for the fashion makeover. Without it, he would've been royally screwed by Snape. Still, the professor had ensured that he would be an outcast within his own house. That would significantly decrease his chances of climbing the ladder, but it was not entirely unexpected. He could see the entire house following the byplay.

"I'll strive to ensure that I avoid getting caught breaking rules, Professor," Ares spoke, intentionally using words beyond a first year's level to show that he was paying attention.

"See that you do." Snape nodded with a flicker of surprise in his eyes. It was clear that he had understood the meaning. "Mr Flint will take you to the dormitory." The man in question nodded and motioned Ares to follow him.

"This is your room, Potter." Flint spat at him. The door had his name written in silver carvings. Thanking the boy politely, Ares entered the room.

The room was sparsely decorated with a comfortable bed and a wardrobe on the side. The walls were plain stone, and a rather stuffy chair and table sat in the corner, along with a bookshelf on the wall. There was a door that led to the bathroom on the left. Overall, it looked like the room was pretty ordinary and nothing compared to the grandeur of the common room.

It took around an hour for Ares to unpack his belongings and store them properly. The other books and things were stored in his trunk, since he doubted anyone could break through the blood wards. He made a note to look into some advanced transfigurations and charms to make his room more accommodating. The furniture and the decorations were either uncomfortable or just disgusting to look at. It seemed like a test for students to give them plain rooms.

Shaking his head, he placed the heating pad along with the terrarium in the corner of the room. Belleza had gone to visit the other snakes to glean any information she could from his spy network. He hoped she'd love the location of her new home. Well, she could tell him herself in the morning.

Adding alert wards to the wardrobe and the bookshelf, he then started to ward the door. It took him eight attempts before he finally managed to inscribe the runes on the back. While it would not stop anyone who desperately wanted to break into the room, it would alert him immediately of someone's presence and make it hard for people to gain access. He silently cursed himself for not learning even the basic protection wards, having underestimated the dangers of Slytherin house.

Ares sighed again. It looked like it was becoming a common occurrence. He added a hair-shaving hex on the inside of the door handle, and a trip jinx outside the door.

While a simple finite could remove the outer jinx, the curse would only activate when the intruder tried to leave the room. He was rather proud of it. Creativity wasn't something he ever lacked, after all.

After all the hectic work (not to mention frustrating), Ares proceeded to do his nightly routine of occlumency exercises and noting things in his journal. Casting an alarm spell, he changed into a pair of comfortable pyjamas and went to sleep.

Ares woke up the next day after being nearly smothered by his familiar. He cast a Tempus, which told him it was almost six in the morning.

"Wake up, masster. I've returned."Belleza whined(could a snake even whine?)

"I'm ssso glad you're back, midear. Your nessst hasss been ssset up. Go and enjoy your food. We have much to do today." Ares hissed back.

Ares mumbled to himself sleepily before fully waking up and petting his familiar. Gods! She was sometimes even worse than a princess on steroids. Throwing some treats, he went through his morning routine.

After a long cold shower, he dressed up in his school robes, brushed his hair and made sure that he was ready for the day. After a quick look in the mirror, he hummed in approval. He picked his pouch and left the room.

"Belleza, let'sss go. I want to explore the cassstle, and now would be a perfect time. I won't be able to ssspeak to you, but warn me if sssomething happensss." His familiar entered the sleeve of his left arm and blended with its shadow.

Stepping down into an empty common room, he gave a glance to the noticeboard. Finding it empty, he swiftly exited the Slytherin dungeons and walked towards the Great Hall. The shortcut the Slytherin prefect had told them was indeed correct, as he recognised the corridor of the great hall.

Ares was hardly surprised to find the Great Hall utterly devoid of people at this hour. He supposed that six-forty was too early for breakfast when classes started at ten-thirty. Exiting the main gate, the site of Hogwarts grounds greeted him.

The air was fresh, and the weather was quite pleasant. Ares sat beside the lake, took out his book and started reading the chapter titled Creativity.

Creativity is the most underrated aspect when it comes to performing magic. Nothing can ever question the versatility of magic. Power is limited; knowledge depends upon how much is known to us, and intent can change with our emotions. However, creativity can ensure that we can use the simplest of magic to achieve significant effects. The prime example is the duelling champion Fillius Flitwick. Charms are considered the most accessible form of magic by most wizards. So when a half-goblin charms master entered the duelling arena, it was taken as a joke by most of the audience. However, the brilliance with which the man wielded his spells were enough to impress even the greatest wizards of his time. This led to his unbeatable streak of being the fifteen-times world champion consecutively. The only wizard to even come close to beating the streak was Antonin Dolohov, with his nine consecutive wins.

"Ahem," Before Ares could read any further, a voice interrupted his readings.

A startled Ares turned back with a wand in his hand, only to see Albus Dumbledore, who was dressed in neon-purple coloured robes and looked as if he had just finished getting ready himself.

"Nice reflexes, my boy." Dumbledore praised.

Slightly embarrassed, Ares flicked his wand back into its holster.

"Umm... Good morning, Sir." Ares greeted the elderly wizard. He didn't expect an encounter with Dumbledore so soon.

"I always find mornings to be an excellent time to spend with myself. The scenery of this spot is quite fabulous. I discovered it in my fourth year at Hogwarts." the wizard spoke, a reminiscing look entering his twinkling blue eyes.

"I was just reading a book myself, Professor." Ares gestured to the book in his hand.

"Ah! The thirst for knowledge among young minds is always refreshing to see." the man said merrily. "However, don't forget to enjoy and relax for a while."

Ares nodded. Dumbledore took out a bag from inside his ridiculous patterned robe and offered him a yellowish-green candy.

"Lemon drops, my boy." the aged wizard offered him.

Ares hesitantly took two lemon drops. After seeing Dumbledore eat some, he popped it in his mouth. It had a surprisingly good taste, and he even ate the second one.

Dumbledore beamed at him. Ares was sure that people usually didn't like the sour treat. To be honest, he could understand the reason for that particular happening.

They simply watched the lake in silence. Ares had no intention of starting the conversation. He doubted that Dumbledore had no ulterior motive for meeting him here. Still, there was no reason not to be courteous if the other person extended it first. The silence was something which he preferred anyway.

A flaming phoenix suddenly flashed beside Ares, making him jump in surprise. He could feel Belleza's suddenly squeeze his elbow.

"It looks like duty calls. Have a good day, Ares, my boy." Dumbledore told him while stroking the brilliant fiery plumage of the immortal bird. The phoenix sat nestled on his shoulders, careful not to hurt his familiar wrapped around his arm. A piercing glare was aimed at him. Ares stared back. He felt as if the bird was judging his entire being. Before he could do anything, however, the bird cooed at him and flew away.

"Good day to you too Sir." In a flash of fire, both of them disappeared from view, leaving more questions than answers in his mind.

Since Belleza was out hunting in the woods, Ares had to trek the entire way without his familiar for company.

On his way for breakfast, Ares wondered about the strangeness of the encounter. What was the headmaster's plan? If it involved him in any way, he'd have to be aware to save his and his brother's neck. Besides, there was no one to trust, and he didn't believe in luck. First Snape and now Dumbledore. What would be next, Voldemort walking in front of him.

It was at this exact moment that he saw Quirrell scuttling around the next corridor.

"Well, the fates love me after all." he thought sarcastically.

"Good morning, Professor Quirrell." he greeted the professor in his best excitable student's voice.

Quirrell almost jumped in surprise, which was entirely fake in Ares' opinion. The man nervously observed his surroundings before looking at him.

"G-Good M-Morning, M-Mr Pot-Potter." he stuttered.

Ares nodded at the man respectfully.

"I await your class, Sir. Defense is the most practical subject in our curriculum and I know that you're quite knowledgeable in your subject."

The man stopped in his tracks, turned and regarded him carefully in a new light. Suddenly, his demeanour became sharper and more confident than before.

"What makes you think so,? " the DADA professor asked curiously him. Ares could see the gears turning into the man's head. So it seems Tom had decided to make his presence known. It was a very risky gamble in Ares' opinion, but if he succeeded, at least the students could get a proper DADA education.

"You hold the record for highest Defense and Muggle Studies marks in a decade Professor. Only a fool would doubt your capabilities." Ares had indeed studied the profiles of every Hogwarts teacher along with the record-holders.

(A/N- I decided to make Quirrel competent. I doubt he would've been a bad teacher had he not been possessed by Voldemort, who was intentionally trying to sabotage the Defense education of students. Plus Dumbledore would not hire a useless teacher. Lockhart was the only applicant besides Snape and Umbridge was a ministry minion.

Quirrel''s name was something Ares was hardly going to forget anytime soon. He was a very gifted individual. He didn't mention that Tom Riddle still held top place in the DADA and a distinction at the very least in every subject he had taken.

"Marks alone cannot judge someone's capabilities, Mr Potter. I may be a terrible teacher for all you know." Quirrel informed him, a predatory gleam in his eyes.

"Of course not, Professor. But it is a mark of hard work and ability to achieve, Sir," he replied respectfully. Quirrel nodded back, satisfied with the answer.

"Then you're a more capable student than most, Mr Potter. I would expect to see you excel in my class since I do not want such capability getting wasted." Quirrel (or Riddle) all but declared.

"I just like to read a lot, Sir. I will try to do my best," Ares responded in a shy and hopeful voice.

"See that you do."

With the parting words, Quirrel entered the great hall and slowly moved towards the teacher's table, all his grace and charisma suddenly disappearing into a meek facade.

Ares carried himself to the nearly empty Slytherin table. He plopped to the corner of the Slytherin table, not noticing the eyes of an aged headmaster following his every move with a contemplative look in his eyes.

[Ares' POV]

Ares was halfway through his breakfast when a fuming Daphne dragged a half-dead Tracey Davis and sat down in front of him. He simply raised a single eyebrow at the antics.

"Greetings, Ladies" he greeted them.

When she remained silent, he looked at Davis questioningly.

"Malfoy told her that she was his soon-to-be wife and that she should not associate with filthy mudbloods and half-bloods. Daphne then insulted him and Malfoy then told her that his father was preparing a marriage contract," she informed him with a downcast look, eyes filled with concern.

He completely understood their dilemmas. Slytherin house was not kind towards those who were perceived as 'inferior blood'. Even his situation was far better than hers due to House Potter being an Ancient and Noble House. Being the boy-who-lived's twin also ensured that he was protected from political interference. While it didn't protect him from the Slytherins, they would still think twice before crossing him.

Davis had no such reassurances. She was a half-blood from a relatively new family and was hardly anything big at all. While Ares wanted to help her, he had to decide whether the fallout was worth dealing with. On the one hand, the Slytherins may make a move against him sooner. But he didn't want to lose Daphne. Tracey was the only thread that could keep them connected. Besides, he had no hopes of gaining any other allies anytime soon. The older Slytherins would not involve themselves in the matter. The younger snakes were too afraid of Malfoy to ally with Ares and/or Daphne and Tracey. Well, they had to stick together to survive.

Ares was not worried about the younger Slytherins. He knew they had cunning, but they would sooner or later fall if they crossed him.

The senior Slytherins were something that could make his life hell. Malfoy already had a small following of Zabini, Nott, Bulstrode, Parkinson, Crabbe and Goyle. He knew that he was outmatched in that respect and Malfoy alone would be hard to deal with. His year was closely monitored due to so many influential future lords of Wizengamot as well.

They may be kids, but Slytherin politics were not kind. Especially when you were at rock bottom and you were almost unanimously hated by everyone.

"Daphne, I should warn you, you should be careful while defending Davis against the other Slytherins."

"I would not abandon my friend. I expected bette-" she snarled.

Ares interrupted the upcoming lecture. "I know, and I appreciate loyalty towards your friend. It's an admirable trait. But you are a Slytherin, not a Hufflepuff. Act subtle and try to avoid them. You're not gonna win against them either way. Remember, Only fools wear their hearts on their sleeves. They can't pin you if you're not directly involved."

"And why are you telling me this?" Beside her, Davis' eyes widened in recognization. Smart girl indeed, he noted.

"Well, we half-bloods have to stick around each other after all." he smoothly said as he winked towards an embarrassed Tracey.

"Yeah," mumbled Tracey. After all, no one would like to be alone and friendless.

After the breakfast was finished, Snape distributed the schedule to everyone, although he almost threw the schedule at Ares' face.

Gulping the last of his Pumpkin Juice, he looked at his timetable.

1st year Slytherins

Monday, Wednesday and Friday

9:30-10:30- Transfiguration with Ravenclaws

10:45-11:45- DADA with Gryffindors

Lunch

1:30-2:30- Charms with Gryffindors

Note:- Astronomy classes would be held every Wednesday from Midnight to 2 am.

Tuesday and Thursday

9:30-10:30-History of Magic with Hufflepuffs

10:45-11:45-Herbology with Ravenclaws

Lunch

1:30-2:30- Potions with Gryffindors

Saturday

9:30-10:30- Potions with Gryffindors

10:45-11:45- DADA with Gryffindors

Lunch

1:30-2:30- Free Period (Flying lessons for the first month)

Ares whistled. Three wand classes on the first day of the class.

"We should go and get our books from the dormitory. Don't wanna be late on the first day of class," he told the other two, who quickly stood up and joined him on the way to the dormitories.

It was going to be an eventful day after all.

The magical world was not just about Dark Lords and political power-plays. Magic was far more wondrous than anything else, a power of its own. And he vowed to be the very best.

War was on the horizon. Magic being the redemption and the cause. He was in this world for a reason. Fate was a bitch and he knew it. But maybe, it would turn out to be good after all.

I know quite a few of you have been anticipating the meeting of Ares and Harry. I had originally planned it for this chapter but decided to make things a bit more interesting, The Dumbledore and Quirrelmort meeting were something I had planned for later on. But I changed my decision to give Ares a bit more time to think about his actions.

And someone commented that the OC was far too Mary Sue for their taste. The OC is mentally an adult in a child's body. I have not made things perfect for him, he's just better at getting out of things.

He will make mistakes and miscalculations as the plot moves further. You can already see him underestimating Snape and the Slytherins. I didn't give him sudden friends and/or followers. Remember, an adult's mind is far more knowledgeable than a child's.

"Some things only come with experience." is the motto I follow.

If you haven't checked my other works, I am working regularly on a Harry/Bellatrix fanfiction named Dulce Periculum. Please make sure to give it a try. You won't be disappointed.

I also have a discord server where I post spells and theories related to my fiction verse that can't be explained in my chapters.

Discord Link:- /6ngeKHXktN

Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely,

Ares Alexander Peverell.