AN: Probably the longest chapter I've written, but I had housecleaning to do. I realize that I'm not big on writing action, but now that we're actually at Hogwarts I may be able to pick up the pace! Go me. No promises though. I also realize that I lifted a lot of Dumbledore's speech, but he does say the same things over and over in the books, so I feel justified. Oh yeah, and I wrote a school song!
Warning: I've already got warnings up, but this is one of the chapters where it gets slashy. So if you don't want to read it, don't. If you feel a need to comment on it, go ahead, but I'd really rather people stick to comments with some constructive stuff in them.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of J. K. Rowling's WONDERFUL creations and I am sincerely sorry about the butchering that they receive at my hands.
Parlance of the Serpent
Chapter 7
Draco sat at the end of the Slytherin table and stared at his hands. As usual Crabbe and Goyle sat off to one side, but otherwise, they were alone. Their loyalty to him had remained unwavering over the two years since they had seen each other. Draco knew he should be happy for that, but he also realised that they stayed with him because they were too stupid to do anything for themselves. He felt sure that if they had any brains they would be avoiding him like the rest of the Slytherins at the table.
Draco glanced to the other end of the table where students had clustered. He could see people smiling and talking animatedly. While he was looking he briefly caught Pansy Parkinson's eye. The brown haired girl had admired Draco greatly from their first year. Even though he tried to show his disdain for her in their fifth year, she had not left him alone. But all that had changed, like so much in Draco's life, with the war. Pansy tossed her head and spoke loudly.
"You know, if so many of us had to leave, it's sad that we couldn't at least keep the loyal ones," she glanced pointedly in Draco's direction, stressing certain words as she spoke. "Some people would betray even their own families if it suited them."
Draco clenched his teeth and glared back at his hands. He didn't know how Pansy knew what he had done, but he was sure that with her mouth it would be all over the school immediately. He had made sure that the Ministry wouldn't publicise his and his mother's involvement in ending the war; he didn't want other people's pity. Of course Dumbledore had to know because he had been leading the defence, but he had promised not to tell anyone. But he had apparently broken that promise once already.
Draco peered past the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables at Potter. The other wizard was laughing with Weasley and Granger. Probably some joke about Draco stopped himself. He didn't know what Potter was thinking. He would have given a fortune to be in Potter's mind earlier that day. Draco wasn't sure what had made him help the other boy pick up his dropped sweets, but he was sure that he had felt very strange afterwards. When Potter had thanked him a warm and friendly feeling had crept through Draco. Then Potter had looked at him. Draco was used to them sizing each other up every time they saw one another, but not when that look was without anger. This time he had felt like he was being reviewed, strangely enough, with pleasure on the part of the viewer. And even stranger, he had been pleased at the review Suddenly his thoughts were interrupted.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts."
Dumbledore stood at the long staff table in front of the four house tables in Great Hall, his arms spread wide. He wore his usual twinkling smile, but the sharp-eyed observer could spot a sense of care and weariness that was uncommon. He beamed out at the students his smile only faltering slightly when he looked at the Slytherin table. Just under half the Slytherin students had been pulled out of Hogwarts during the war for one reason or another. Rumour had it that most of the students who had left were now at Durmstrang, but nobody had officially verified the statement. Dumbledore cleared his throat and continued his speech.
"Professor McGonagall will be bringing in the first years any moment now, but before she does I would like to make an announcement to all you returning students. The student body this year will be slightly different. You yourselves are being held back two years to make up for the years you missed. We have lost many students. The students who would have been first years two years ago and last year are also being held back, but to attempt a return to normal school life, or as normal as we can be here, a new batch of first year students is arriving now as well. In other words the first years will make up a very large percentage of the students and they will range in age from eleven to thirteen."
Students muttered uncomfortably, not sure of how to take this news. Draco couldn't really care less. He knew that none of them would be in his classes, but he wasn't sure why Dumbledore thought they should know. He watched a few other students having similar reactions to his. Crabbe and Goyle, of course, did nothing but stare blankly at Dumbledore. The Headmaster raised his hand for silence and the muttering ceased.
"I tell you this because there will be some tension between the first year students. Older students might resent the younger ones, and the younger ones might aggravate their elders. It is my hope that as more mature young people you can try and alleviate the tension and not succumb to it yourselves."
Again Dumbledore's eyes flickered towards the Slytherin table. Draco smirked as Dumbledore went on to talk about restorations to the school and the responsibility of older students. No wonder they had a reputation of being troublemakers. Not that it wasn't true, but if the teaching staff promoted the idea all the time they would never get a chance to change that. At least one teacher would never put forth that opinion.
Draco's eyes moved along the staff table to rest on Professor Snape. The potions master sat with his usual scowl, his long greasy hair hanging in his face. His back was turned slightly towards Draco, but as if he sensed someone watching him, he turned and looked at his favourite student. Draco shivered as he saw Snape's eyes. The left one was small and black, but the right was large, round, and dark green. Draco knew that Snape's new magical eye was there because his father, Lucius Malfoy had plucked the other one out.
The professor's normal eye crinkled slightly as he looked down his long nose, giving a hint that a smile might be forthcoming. Snape never smiled with happiness, but Draco knew that this was as close to affection as the man could muster. Over the past years Snape's relationship with Draco had grown from teacher and head of house, to personal mentor and supporter. Draco had been worried that Snape would resent having his life saved by a student, but that had not been the case. The two were never particularly friendly to observers, but Draco knew that behind their mutual austerity and cordiality there was more than just respect. Draco smiled lopsidedly back at his teacher.
Snape's magical eye rolled suddenly towards Pansy, and his face returned to its usual scowl. Draco couldn't see anything but the girl looking down at the table. Bending slightly, he looked under the table. Pansy was comparing nail varnishes under the table instead of listening to Dumbledore's speech. Draco straightened and smirked again. She had apparently forgotten Snape's new ability to see through wooden tables. He looked up at Snape, but the teacher was watching Dumbledore again.
The doors to the entrance hall opened. Professor McGonagall walked in, leading a huge line of new students. They walked close together, staring at the ceiling as they went. One small boy with bright red hair tripped on his overly long robes. Draco rolled his eyes at the thought of yet another Weasley. McGonagall herded the first years to the front as older students shifted in their seats and prepared for the almost endless sorting ceremony that would surely follow. Argus Filch stumped to the front of the Great Hall and placed the Sorting Hat on its customary stool. Draco watched the first years shiver and stare wide eyed at the hat. Suddenly it opened the rip in its brim and began to sing.
Gather 'round me all you learners
Who come from near and far
To hear of life at Hogwarts
Both sombre and bizarre
Founded by the bravest
And smartest of the lot
The truest and the purest
Picked out this chartless spot
To build a school of witchcraft
And wizardry renowned
They built up this fine castle
Then houses they did found
Gryffindor was bravest
He shone with might and main
His house is known for valour
His spark will never wane
Ravenclaw was wisest
And knowledge was her love
Her students all are bookworms
With learning hand in glove
Hufflepuff was loyal
And unafraid of work
Her students here at Hogwarts
Assignments never shirk
Slytherin was cunning
The slyest of the four
His students reach their goals
And stay purest to the core
Our history is noble,
Please have no doubt of that
It's highest point to my mind
Is me, the Sorting Hat
I'll read into your psyche
Each high point and each flaw
I've never made a wrong choice
It's like a magic law
So try me on you students
And let me read your mind
I'll tell you what your house is
For this I was designed
Draco applauded with the rest. He appreciated the sorting hat's songs each year, but the following ceremony usually bored him to death. As "Ackden, Shandley" went up to the hat, Draco scanned his eyes over the rest of the new students. He tried to predict which of them would get into Slytherin. He felt sure of at least three of them, but didn't really pay attention. Instead he stared blankly at the table in front of him, vaguely aware of the periodic cheering that erupted from his table.
His daydreaming was cut short when he saw a flash of red out of the corner of his eye. Looking up he saw the short redhead who he'd assumed was a Weasley sitting in front of him. Confused, Draco looked along the table. All the other new Slytherins were sitting at the far end watching the rest of the sorting. Draco turned back to the little redhead and saw that he was being regarded by a pair of calm green eyes. With a sceptically raised eyebrow, Draco addressed the boy.
"And you are?"
"Nat," the boy replied quietly.
"Nat?"
"Nathair Merosus."
Draco smiled to hear the same slight challenge he himself used to use when he was introduced to people, just daring someone to make fun of his name.
"Why are you in Slytherin, Merosus?" Draco noticed the boy's jaw harden at the formal use of his last name.
"I'd have to be seriously defective not to be," his voice was still high, and he spoke with a heavy Scottish brogue. "My mum's family's been in Slytherin since it was founded practically. Supposedly we're a distant offshoot of some branch of Slytherin's family, but I think Mum's just making that one up. We're supposed to be really proud of being in this house. My dad would've had a heart attack if I didn't make it. It's even in my name; Nathair means snake. So you see I really didn't much of a choice."
Draco found himself smiling. This boy was entertaining in a strange sort of way.
"This is Vincent Crabbe, and that's Gregory Goyle," Draco nodded towards them as they were introduced. "And I'm Draco Malfoy."
Draco's smile faded as he saw a shadow flicker through Nathair's eyes.
"I see you recognise the name."
"Who doesn't?" Nathair shrugged. "I mean, the Malfoys are one of the oldest wizarding families. I just didn't know you were still at Hogwarts."
"Apparently I am," Draco stared at the other boy's face, trying to see if he was referring to his father's arrest. "Tell me Nathair"
"Nat," the other boy interrupted him apologetically. "Call me Nat, please. I've hated Nathair all my life."
"Yes, I can relate. So, Nat, why did you sit over here with the three of us instead of at the other end with the rest?"
Nat looked down the table at the other Slytherins. His left nostril rose slightly in contempt. Draco again saw himself in the other boy's face.
"Them. They looked too boring. Besides, people who sit alone usually have more thoughts to offer than those who stay in a group. It's like animals. The smarter ones fend for themselves while the sheep stay in a flock."
"I'm afraid I don't know much about sheep."
Draco said the word like it was a foreign concept, and not one he particularly wanted to familiarise himself with. As soon as he spoke he regretted it. Nat's cheeks turned red and a scowl began to grow on his forehead. He crossed his arms and glared at Draco.
"Look Malfoy, if you're going to insult my family I'll sit elsewhere."
"Calm down," Draco nodded as he spoke. He was strangely pleased with Nat and he didn't want to chase him off. "I meant no disrespect to you or your family. I'm just betraying my ignorance."
Nat's brow cleared and his face settled into a lopsided smile reminiscent of Draco's own. The cheering ceased as Dumbledore stood up at the staff table. Draco looked up, surprised that the sorting was already over. Nat opened his mouth to speak, but Draco hushed him with a gesture.
"Welcome to you all," Dumbledore said jovially. "Before we enjoy our sumptuous feast, I would like to give you a few words to mull over. They are nostrum, tchotchke, hundle, and bon ton. Thank you."
This speech was met with a brief flurry of applause, which was cut short by the appearance of food all along the tables. Draco watched Nat's eyes widen at the sight of all the food appearing on their golden plates. Draco laughed at Nat's expression and filled his plate with food. All along the five tables students and staff alike were swiftly consuming salads, soups, pasties, meats, bowls of fruit, and pitchers of pumpkin juice.
"Draco," Nat said around a mouthful of steak. "Who are all those teachers?"
Draco looked up at the staff table. "I assume you know Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall on his right. She's head of Gryffindor and teaches transfiguration. Next to her is Flitwick. He's the charms teacher and head of Ravenclaw. That witch with the purple hat is Sinistra: Astronomy. The huge man who looks like a fur-ball is Hagrid. He teaches Care of Magical Creatures."
"I've heard of him," Nat interrupted Draco. "He's that half-giant one, right?"
"Yes," Draco's mouth twitched slightly, showing his distaste. "He used to just be the groundskeeper, but then Dumbledore made him a professor. Now he's some official emissary for the giants. Don't worry he won't hurt you, he's just not too bright." Draco added, seeing a worried look on Nat's face. "On the other side of Dumbledore is Professor Snape. He's the head of Slytherin and the potions master. He seems strict, but don't be too worried. Just don't show it if you're nervous: he hates scare-cats. Oh, and watch out for his eye: it can see through anything. Next to him is Vector, she teaches Arithmancy. And next to her well I don't know them."
Draco frowned and examined two new teachers at the staff table. One was a thin witch with greying blond hair and small oval glasses. The other was a tall looking wizard with a black beard and bright blue eyes. They both seemed quite at ease sitting in front of the students and were chatting animatedly with each other.
"I suppose they're the new Herbology and Defence Against the Dark Arts teachers," Draco said. "I don't know if you've heard this, but we never keep Defence teachers. I've never had the same one twice in my years here, and some people say the position is cursed. I doubt it though. Whichever one of them isn't the Defence teacher is teaching Herbology. The old Herbology teacher died."
"Oh," Nat looked down at his plate. "Did you like him?"
"Her," Draco corrected. "I didn't know much about her, but she was alright. She was head of Hufflepuff, so they're the ones who you should ask if you ever feel like talking to a Hufflepuff. Anyway that woman on the end is Madame Hooch. She'll be teaching you to fly and she referees quidditch matches."
The two of them discussed classes and quidditch, with the occasional grunt from Crabbe or Goyle, until the puddings had been almost finished. Nat was looking around the Great Hall at the other students when he caught sight of Harry Potter.
"Say Draco, is that Harry Potter?"
"Yes," Draco said tersely. "It is. Saint Potter. I should warn you that he and his two little friends get could get away with murder here. All the teachers, except Snape, think he's the perfect little golden boy, so he acts like he owns the place."
Nat looked back at Draco with an understanding look on his face.
"You don't like Potter?"
"No, I don't," Draco said dryly. "You could say there's been a feud going on between us since our first year here."
"Ah. Who are his friends?"
"That plain looking girl next to him is Granger. She's the top of our class and loves it. The redhead with the shabby robes is Weasley. You're lucky you just got here now. The school used to be swarming with Weasleys, but thankfully it's just Weasel and his bratty sister."
"I don't think Granger looks that plain"
Before Draco had a chance to respond to this obvious lack of judgement, Dumbledore stood up to make his final speech.
"Now that we are all fed and watered," Draco rolled his eyes at the familiar beginning of Dumbledore's speech. "I would like to formally welcome you to Hogwarts. As you all know, this year is a year of rebuilding. We have just gone through a dreadful ordeal and now we are reconstructing our lives. I rely on all of you to help us do this. To start the term I would like to relay to you some warnings. First of all I would like to inform first years, and remind everyone else, that the forest on the grounds is strictly forbidden, this year particularly so. We do not know exactly who or what is in there, and I do not want any students running into any former supporters of Voldemort."
Draco shuddered along with the rest of the student body. After experiencing the power of the Dark-Lord first hand, many students had increased their fear. Draco knew that he was dead now, but still certain memories lingered.
"I would also like to inform you all of the work being done to restore the lake." Dumbledore continued ignoring the chill among the students. " Merchiefteness Murcus is assisting us in repairing the damage, as is our new Herbology teacher. Which, I think brings me to introductions."
Dumbledore turned slightly to the two new teachers and smiled. They both stood up looking slightly nervous. There was scattered applause for a moment, but it faded into unenthusiastic silence as the two sat back down.
"Professors Nimity and Myrmidian are the two new professors this year. Professor Nimity is your new Herbology teacher. She will instruct you in the greenhouses and possibly show you how to assist in repairing damages made to our many valuable plants. Professor Myrmidian is your new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. Have no fear for he is fully capable of filling all the requirements for this position and many more. He is highly knowledgeable of curses, informed about hexes, and an excellent chess player if anyone wants to challenge him."
Draco saw Dumbledore glance at the Gryffindor table again. Looking over there himself, Draco saw Granger beaming sickly at Weasley who had a strange grin on his face and was trying to tell Potter something, but the other wizard was staring off into space. Draco sneered elegantly. Then he realised that Potter wasn't staring off into space, he was staring at Draco. Their eyes caught and held for a moment, but Draco looked away.
"And now," Dumbledore continued, "before we all go off to rest our heads in the softness of our pillows and our minds in the land of dreams, I would like to propose a toast."
Golden goblets full of pumpkin juice appeared at everyone's seats. Draco leaned over and told Crabbe and Goyle not to drink it yet. The other students took them and waited for Dumbledore to keep speaking.
"Let us stand and raise our glasses in honour of all our friends and teachers who were lost during the war. They gave their lives bravely to our cause and we will always remember them. To friends."
The students raised their glasses and echoed him.
"Now if students will please follow their prefects to their common rooms. Off you go!"
Draco stood with the rest and followed Pansy, the new Slytherin prefect, out of the Great Hall. Nat walked next to him with Crabbe and Goyle in their usual positions behind. Draco sighed as they headed across the entrance hall. Just before he went down the stairs to the dungeon, he felt someone looking at him. Turning, he caught Potter's eyes fixed on him. Draco frowned not understanding why Potter would stare at him so. The two stood across the hall from each other surrounded by moving students, locked in their silent stare. Potter looked away when someone bumped into him and he walked up the large marble staircase with his friends. Draco turned to go to the Slytherin common room. Potter was very confusing and Draco would be wondering about that look long into the night.