Author's Note: Chapter 11's up... I'll shut up so you can read. ^_^()
In spite of all that had happened that night - or perhaps because of it - Harry found that he was ravenous. He eagerly dug into the delightful delectables that appeared on the tables. Roast potatoes, sausages, chicken, bread, soufflés, and other treats were passed around. Pumpkin juice washed it down, followed by apple pies and pumpkin tarts.
During dinner, Harry and the new first years were introduced to all the Slytherins. "I was only put into Gryffindor because Draco Malfoy was being a git. I couldn't stand the though of being in the same house as him!" Harry explained to them. They laughed, and, very soon, he was accepted by most as a new addition to the family - someone not to be trusted until proven worthy, but still someone to protect and include. A couple sixth- and seventh-years still regarded him darkly, but were not openly hostile.
Blaise Zabini he liked. A small, quiet boy with a dark complexion, he was very polite. He also had a very sharp mind, he discovered, and a rather twisted sense of humor.
Millicent Bulstrode was gruff, but he that she was actually a bit like Crabbe and Goyle - content to let others be witty and clever, she was left with the physical tough-girl image. She was very protective of the first- year Slytherins, and was seen comforting one who was homesick. She was also very attached to her cat, Muffin. Harry grinned.
Crabbe and Goyle were the sons of Lucius Malfoy's associates, and were frequent guests at the Malfoy Manner. Their dads answered to Mr. Malfoy, and they had taken up following Draco around as bodyguards. ("I tried to get them to stop; I can't get any privacy. But they seem set upon it, and they do come in handy at times," he had confided quietly.) They weren't clever, but did, Harry was surprised to discover, have personalities and their own unique talents. Vincent Crabbe was a junior boxing champion, and worked out every night. Gregory Goyle was a talented pianist. Harry was amazed.
Slowly, each student up and down the table introduced themselves. Draco was last.
"Draco Malfoy," he smirked," third year. I'm an ass if you're not a friend, but I can be a friend -"
" - in which case, he's one of the best friends you could have," finished Harry, smiling. "But he's still an ass." Draco mock-glared at him, and the Slytherins laughed.
After dinner, a Slytherin prefect led the way into the entrance hall. Harry followed the rest of the Slytherins, glancing at the Gryffindors' retreating forms heading towards the tower. He, however, was taken down unfamiliar corridors and staircases until they reached the dungeons. The group came to a halt in from of an ordinary, non-descript wall. Harry recognized it as the entrance to the Slytherin common room from last year when he and Ron had masqueraded as Crabbe and Goyle. He would have to tell Draco about that, he thought, grinning to himself. The Prefect spoke loudly, "Remember this wall. You'll probably get lost the first couple days. Just look for one of the older students - it's not that hard to recognize." He cleared his throat. "Serpentia." The hidden stone door slid to the side, and the Slytherins slowly filed in. As Harry stepped through the entrance, he noticed that things were slightly different from last year, but comfortable. There was a fire in the fireplace at the end of the long, narrow room. A couch and several high-backed armchairs faced it. The walls, made of large gray stones, were hung with tapestries. His favorite, Harry decided, was a large one with a green, black, and silver dragon on it. Its eyes were polished stones, and flickered in the light, making it impossible to tell what color they were. The floor, too, was gray stone, but a thick, dark silver carpet covered most of it. Most of the upholstery was a rich, dark green, thus completing the Slytherin scheme, with bits of black, blue or purple thrown in tastefully. And, in one of the black chairs sat a man, Harry now noticed with a start, whose black eyes, hair, and robes blended in perfectly.
"Welcome," Professor Snape said quietly, standing, and instantly the room fell silent. "Welcome, Slytherins, most cunning of students, most dangerous of enemies, most loyal of friends. Welcome to Hogwarts." His eyes glittered. Harry was intrigued, watching the professor's every movement, eager to see how he acted among those of his own House. "I am Professor Severus Snape," he continued softly, "your Potions Master and Head of House. I am your guardian while you are here. I will lay down your rules, and I will punish you." He glared around. Then, to Harry's amazement, his face softened. "I will also protect you and reward you. If you have any problems or concerns, you may come to me. Older students will be able to help you as well. Now," he raised his voice, "get to bed, the lot of you. You must be exhausted." He smirked - or did he actually smile? - and moved aside. The students surged forward, splitting off to go to their respective dorms; girls to the left, boys to the right.
"Draco, Harry, a word," Snape called. Harry groaned inwardly. He was tired! But he turned around and, with Draco, made their way out of the throng of students and went to stand in front of Snape. Harry heard snatches of conversation from the other students as they filed out:
"He looked so scary at first!"
"It's dark down here. Cozy, though."
"I'm tired."
"Come on, Blaise, don't lag...!"
When the last student had left, Snape spoke to Harry, amusement evident in his eyes. "Harry, I must admit that I didn't quite believe that you would end up here. But I see you did, and it's my responsibility to welcome you," the Potions Master's thin lips twisted into the semblance of a smile, and Harry smiled back tentatively. "Draco," Snape continued," I'd like for you to help him. He's not an idiot, he'll be fine soon, but make the transition smoother, alright?" Draco nodded. Harry fidgeted. Snape arched an eyebrow. "Yes, Harry? Have you got a question? Speak up," he commanded.
Harry swallowed. "Sir, why - why are you using my first name?" He flushed; it sounded stupid. "I don't mind, I mean, it's a nice change, it's just - you've never -" he stopped.
After a nod from the older wizard, Draco explained. "I told you it's like a family, Harry. In here, we use first names. It's supposed to be a sign of trust, I think." Snape nodded. Harry opened his mouth, then shut it.
"If you were wondering," Snape said dryly, "yes, you may address me as 'Severus.' But only in here, and only on a one-on-one basis. Understood?" Harry reddened, and nodded. "But no more tonight - to bed! And don't be late to breakfast. Slytherins are not lazy." He spun, his robes swishing behind him, and slipped out of the room.
After he had left, Draco sighed. "I wish I could get my robes to do that," he muttered enviously. Harry laughed.
Draco led him down a flight of stairs and to a large, dimly lit room. It was hexagonal, with one bed against each of the five walls not taken up by the doorway. The four-posters, three of which were already occupied, were identical to the ones in the Gryffindor tower, except that their draperies and sheets were green, not scarlet. Harry found that he liked these better. He looked around and saw his trunk at the end of the bed immediately to his left. Yawning, he moved to the bed and opened his trunk, sifting through his belongings in search of his pajamas. By the time he had found them and had changed, Draco was already sitting on his own bed next to Harry's and watching. His pagamas were dark gray silk, with the Slytherin serpent sewn on the breast pocket in green. Harry looked down at his own, plain scarlet ones, and made a face. Grimacing, Draco pulled out his wand.
"That'll have to go. Virida!" he murmured, and Harry's garments were emerald green. "Much better," the other nodded, and slipped under his covers. Harry followed suit.
"Good night, Harry," Draco mumbled, stifling a yawn.
"Mm. G'night, Draco," he replied sleepily. His eyes closed and, within a minute, he was asleep.
Author's Note: I watched The Two Towers! YAY! God, I loved it. Especially the scenes between Aragorn and Legolas... Does anyone else here firmly support A/L slash? I love it! ^_____^ ::drools:: Oh, and for X-mas I got a DVD player (it's about time, too) and the FOTR DVD set (extended version, of course)! So, now I can watch Orli and Viggo whenever I like! Isn't life wonderful?
ANYWAY, I'm glad I got this chapter up. Oh, and THANK YOU to Babyshiro and to Diana Lucille Snape for their e-mails... It made me feel warm and fuzzy inside to know that I am loved (well... that my fics are, at any rate!). So, I hope to get the next chapter up soon, but the longer the wait, the longer (hopefully) the chapter! ::sweatdrops:: At least, that's how it SHOULD work... hehe
In spite of all that had happened that night - or perhaps because of it - Harry found that he was ravenous. He eagerly dug into the delightful delectables that appeared on the tables. Roast potatoes, sausages, chicken, bread, soufflés, and other treats were passed around. Pumpkin juice washed it down, followed by apple pies and pumpkin tarts.
During dinner, Harry and the new first years were introduced to all the Slytherins. "I was only put into Gryffindor because Draco Malfoy was being a git. I couldn't stand the though of being in the same house as him!" Harry explained to them. They laughed, and, very soon, he was accepted by most as a new addition to the family - someone not to be trusted until proven worthy, but still someone to protect and include. A couple sixth- and seventh-years still regarded him darkly, but were not openly hostile.
Blaise Zabini he liked. A small, quiet boy with a dark complexion, he was very polite. He also had a very sharp mind, he discovered, and a rather twisted sense of humor.
Millicent Bulstrode was gruff, but he that she was actually a bit like Crabbe and Goyle - content to let others be witty and clever, she was left with the physical tough-girl image. She was very protective of the first- year Slytherins, and was seen comforting one who was homesick. She was also very attached to her cat, Muffin. Harry grinned.
Crabbe and Goyle were the sons of Lucius Malfoy's associates, and were frequent guests at the Malfoy Manner. Their dads answered to Mr. Malfoy, and they had taken up following Draco around as bodyguards. ("I tried to get them to stop; I can't get any privacy. But they seem set upon it, and they do come in handy at times," he had confided quietly.) They weren't clever, but did, Harry was surprised to discover, have personalities and their own unique talents. Vincent Crabbe was a junior boxing champion, and worked out every night. Gregory Goyle was a talented pianist. Harry was amazed.
Slowly, each student up and down the table introduced themselves. Draco was last.
"Draco Malfoy," he smirked," third year. I'm an ass if you're not a friend, but I can be a friend -"
" - in which case, he's one of the best friends you could have," finished Harry, smiling. "But he's still an ass." Draco mock-glared at him, and the Slytherins laughed.
After dinner, a Slytherin prefect led the way into the entrance hall. Harry followed the rest of the Slytherins, glancing at the Gryffindors' retreating forms heading towards the tower. He, however, was taken down unfamiliar corridors and staircases until they reached the dungeons. The group came to a halt in from of an ordinary, non-descript wall. Harry recognized it as the entrance to the Slytherin common room from last year when he and Ron had masqueraded as Crabbe and Goyle. He would have to tell Draco about that, he thought, grinning to himself. The Prefect spoke loudly, "Remember this wall. You'll probably get lost the first couple days. Just look for one of the older students - it's not that hard to recognize." He cleared his throat. "Serpentia." The hidden stone door slid to the side, and the Slytherins slowly filed in. As Harry stepped through the entrance, he noticed that things were slightly different from last year, but comfortable. There was a fire in the fireplace at the end of the long, narrow room. A couch and several high-backed armchairs faced it. The walls, made of large gray stones, were hung with tapestries. His favorite, Harry decided, was a large one with a green, black, and silver dragon on it. Its eyes were polished stones, and flickered in the light, making it impossible to tell what color they were. The floor, too, was gray stone, but a thick, dark silver carpet covered most of it. Most of the upholstery was a rich, dark green, thus completing the Slytherin scheme, with bits of black, blue or purple thrown in tastefully. And, in one of the black chairs sat a man, Harry now noticed with a start, whose black eyes, hair, and robes blended in perfectly.
"Welcome," Professor Snape said quietly, standing, and instantly the room fell silent. "Welcome, Slytherins, most cunning of students, most dangerous of enemies, most loyal of friends. Welcome to Hogwarts." His eyes glittered. Harry was intrigued, watching the professor's every movement, eager to see how he acted among those of his own House. "I am Professor Severus Snape," he continued softly, "your Potions Master and Head of House. I am your guardian while you are here. I will lay down your rules, and I will punish you." He glared around. Then, to Harry's amazement, his face softened. "I will also protect you and reward you. If you have any problems or concerns, you may come to me. Older students will be able to help you as well. Now," he raised his voice, "get to bed, the lot of you. You must be exhausted." He smirked - or did he actually smile? - and moved aside. The students surged forward, splitting off to go to their respective dorms; girls to the left, boys to the right.
"Draco, Harry, a word," Snape called. Harry groaned inwardly. He was tired! But he turned around and, with Draco, made their way out of the throng of students and went to stand in front of Snape. Harry heard snatches of conversation from the other students as they filed out:
"He looked so scary at first!"
"It's dark down here. Cozy, though."
"I'm tired."
"Come on, Blaise, don't lag...!"
When the last student had left, Snape spoke to Harry, amusement evident in his eyes. "Harry, I must admit that I didn't quite believe that you would end up here. But I see you did, and it's my responsibility to welcome you," the Potions Master's thin lips twisted into the semblance of a smile, and Harry smiled back tentatively. "Draco," Snape continued," I'd like for you to help him. He's not an idiot, he'll be fine soon, but make the transition smoother, alright?" Draco nodded. Harry fidgeted. Snape arched an eyebrow. "Yes, Harry? Have you got a question? Speak up," he commanded.
Harry swallowed. "Sir, why - why are you using my first name?" He flushed; it sounded stupid. "I don't mind, I mean, it's a nice change, it's just - you've never -" he stopped.
After a nod from the older wizard, Draco explained. "I told you it's like a family, Harry. In here, we use first names. It's supposed to be a sign of trust, I think." Snape nodded. Harry opened his mouth, then shut it.
"If you were wondering," Snape said dryly, "yes, you may address me as 'Severus.' But only in here, and only on a one-on-one basis. Understood?" Harry reddened, and nodded. "But no more tonight - to bed! And don't be late to breakfast. Slytherins are not lazy." He spun, his robes swishing behind him, and slipped out of the room.
After he had left, Draco sighed. "I wish I could get my robes to do that," he muttered enviously. Harry laughed.
Draco led him down a flight of stairs and to a large, dimly lit room. It was hexagonal, with one bed against each of the five walls not taken up by the doorway. The four-posters, three of which were already occupied, were identical to the ones in the Gryffindor tower, except that their draperies and sheets were green, not scarlet. Harry found that he liked these better. He looked around and saw his trunk at the end of the bed immediately to his left. Yawning, he moved to the bed and opened his trunk, sifting through his belongings in search of his pajamas. By the time he had found them and had changed, Draco was already sitting on his own bed next to Harry's and watching. His pagamas were dark gray silk, with the Slytherin serpent sewn on the breast pocket in green. Harry looked down at his own, plain scarlet ones, and made a face. Grimacing, Draco pulled out his wand.
"That'll have to go. Virida!" he murmured, and Harry's garments were emerald green. "Much better," the other nodded, and slipped under his covers. Harry followed suit.
"Good night, Harry," Draco mumbled, stifling a yawn.
"Mm. G'night, Draco," he replied sleepily. His eyes closed and, within a minute, he was asleep.
Author's Note: I watched The Two Towers! YAY! God, I loved it. Especially the scenes between Aragorn and Legolas... Does anyone else here firmly support A/L slash? I love it! ^_____^ ::drools:: Oh, and for X-mas I got a DVD player (it's about time, too) and the FOTR DVD set (extended version, of course)! So, now I can watch Orli and Viggo whenever I like! Isn't life wonderful?
ANYWAY, I'm glad I got this chapter up. Oh, and THANK YOU to Babyshiro and to Diana Lucille Snape for their e-mails... It made me feel warm and fuzzy inside to know that I am loved (well... that my fics are, at any rate!). So, I hope to get the next chapter up soon, but the longer the wait, the longer (hopefully) the chapter! ::sweatdrops:: At least, that's how it SHOULD work... hehe