A/N: Tada! I'm back again, this time with the third chapter of Every Heart.
I hope you guys all enjoy:
Every Heart
Chapter Three- Settling Down
By Firestar
Harry exited Dumbledore's office and headed down in the direction of the secret tunnel which would lead him into Hogsmeade.
As he stepped out into the busy streets, he found himself surrounded by noise. Students chattered on excitedly to their friends blended in with the background sounds of robes swishing and doors opening. Harry found himself stopping for a moment to look around.
Hogsmeade had not changed much -- Zonko's joke shop still stood proudly at the end of the street, while other familiar shops littered the street. If he just closed his eyes to the students, he could almost imagine that he was back in his own him. He wondered what Ron and Hermione was doing, and whether they were worried about him....
He inwardly shook himself out of his thoughts. Now that he was in the past, he couldn't afford to waste time worrying about what was going on in his own time. For now, he would just enjoy the little "holiday" he had in this time.
Instead of shopping at Hogsmeade like Dumbledore had expected him, Harry found himself going to the small alley way behind Zonko's. He made his way to the dead end down the alley, before pausing and looking around him. Seeing that no one was watching, he closed his eyes.
With a small pop, he disappeared.
He opened his eyes to find himself in Diagon Alley. After all, this was still the best place one could go for shopping.
He paused for a moment, breathing in the fresh, afternoon air deeply. Sunlight shone on the edge of the horizon as a gentle wind whipped through his hair.
Normally, he would be cautious of curious witches wondering what a student was doing in Diagon Alley on a school day, but for some reason, he couldn't careless. He was in the past, another time, a time in which he could be himself. He was Harry, just Harry: Not Great Harry Potter, nor the Boy-Who-Lived, but just another teenage boy.
He determinedly turned and headed in the direction of Gringotts. He need wizard gold first and foremost before he could buy the necessities. His hand automatically reached down and closed around the pendant hanging around his neck as he pulled out a small, silver key. The key which held the money he had stored for emergency purposes during the time of the Founders. He smiled fondly at the memory. It looked like it would come in handy now.
"Alexander Septimus Goldleaf," he said quietly, informing an expectant goblin of his name. Harry handed him the key as they entered the cart which would bring them to the correct vault.
Although Harry had only put in seventy galleons at the time, it had been a very long time ago, and as the years had gone by, the interest rate had started to build. As Harry looked in, he was stunned to see that he now had as much wizard gold in the Goldleaf vault as he had used to have --- will have, he reminded himself--- in the Potter vault of his time.
After filling his pocket with galleons and sickles, Harry left the bank and headed in the direction of his first stop: Madam Malkin's robes.
---Many hours later----
A few hours after Harry had first entered Diagon Alley, he found himself arms full and carrying the many items he had just bought. Shrunken in his robes pockets now included many pairs of robes, a royal blue trunk with many locks (just like the one the fake-Moody had had), his various new textbooks (in which he reminded himself that he would have to tell Dumbledore about his elective courses), a new broomstick, and a pet owl. He was thinking about leaving when he suddenly noticed a small store at the end of the alley that had not been there in his own him.
Feeling curious as to what this new shop was selling, he soon found himself heading over and pulling open the old, wooden door. He stepped into a small musty room cluttered with items.
As he could not see the sales clerk anywhere, he decided to explore for a bit. He began peering around the shelves, examining the items -- a few of them in which he had never seen before.
Half an hour passed by quickly. He was about to leave, deciding hat there was nothing worthwhile to by, when something caught his eye. In a flash, he rushed over to the last shelf, almost hidden behind the stack of books placed in front of it.
His eyes sought out the metallic glint he had seen earlier and landed on a pair of small knives. The blades were simple but delicate, the sharp tips gleaming dangerously in the fading light. But that wasn't what had surprised him. But shocked Harry the most was the sign engraved on the knives.
Two letter "S"s had been engraved into the blades, the characters entwined in the shape of twin serpents. Shapes of a lion and badger could be seen vaguely in the background as the blurred form of a magnificent eagle could be seen even further back.
His breath caught in his throat at the engravement. This was the famous and legendary Salazar's Knives, an item that used to belong to the Founder himself -- said to be the sharpest and finest blades to be found. The only other weapons that even came close to matching its skill were the weapons of Godric, Rowena, and Helga, all three of them yet to be found.
Godric's Sword, Harry knew, he would find in his second year in the Chamber of Secrets. Rowena's and Helga's weapons, however, he would search for later on.
His arms closed around the handle as he turned to look for the sales clerk, but as he whirled around, he found himself face to face with an enormous eagle.
Welcome, young one, a whispery voice said in his mind, causing him to jump. The wise, amber eyes pierced his own emerald ones as he found himself unable to look away.
"Sapientia?" Harry gasped in surprise at the sight of Rowena's eagle. "What are you doing here?"
I guard this shop, Alex, the bird answered. For this is the shop of dreams and meanings... And each items here has its own value.
"I'm afraid I don't understand."
Look around you, child, the soft voice replied. To you, the most important thing in this shop right now, is the item you are holding in your hand: Salazar's Knives. Yet to many others, this item will differ. Every object and article in this store, whether it be an ornament or a picture frame, has its own special value. And I am the guardian of this shop, for it is my job to guide the ones in need here. With those words, the eagle suddenly took flight, rising into the air. It is time for you to leave now, little one. You must be getting back. It is late.
With those words of farewell, the bird flew out of an open window, it's magnificent wings spread wide and sweeping the sky. Slowly, almost as if in a dream, the store dissipated around him, and Harry once again found himself in the alley where he had apparated in earlier. Turning back, he saw that the shop was gone.
Sighing, and deciding to worry about this phenomenon later, Harry took a deep breath and disappeared with a loud crack.
He found himself back in Hogsmeade. By now, the sun had almost set completely and the last of the Hogwarts students were racing towards the carriages which would bring them back to school. Harry, not wanting to walk back, quickened his pace and stepped into the last available carriage.
He wasn't alone. Sitting across from him was a tall, but pale boy, probably the same age as him. A layer of inky black hair covered most of his face so that Harry could not easily see his facial features.
Deciding that it wouldn't do to make enemies before he was even sorted, he stood and offered his hand. "Alexander Goldleaf," he said quietly, waiting for a response.
For a few minutes, it seemed as if the boy was about to ignore him. Suddenly, however, Harry found himself looking straight into flashing onyx eyes. There was something strangely familiar about that piercing gaze. Before he could ponder on it though, the other reached out and grasped his hand.
"Severus Snape, Slytherin."
Magic jolted through him as he looked up. Although his face showed no change of emotions, his mind was in shock at seeing his Potions Master as a teen again. Inwardly, he berated himself for even being surprise: after all, he should have expected such a meeting, seeing to the fact that Snape was in the same year as his parents.
For the rest of the trip, the two of them just sat there in silence. As the carriage lurched to a stop in front of the school, the other Slytherin swept off and left without another word.
Friendly, isn't he? A voice that sounded strangely like Salazar said sarcastically.
Harry promptly ignored the voice and stepped out onto the grounds. Checking his watch and seeing that it was almost time for dinner, he sighed and headed in the direction of the Great Hall.
By the time he arrived, most of the students had already settled into the Great Hall. Harry was met outside the door by Professor McGonagall.
"When we enter the Hall, you must wait by side as Professor Dumbledore makes his announcements. When he calls out your name, you are to sit down on the stool and place the Hat on your head. You will then be sorted into your house. Any questions?" Seeing his shake of the head, the Transfiguration Professor smiled. "Good luck, Mr. Goldleaf. And welcome to Hogwarts." With that, the she swept open the door and stepped into the Great Hall. Harry, realizing what she was doing, followed suit and stood at the side of the Head Table.
Throughout Dumbledore's announcements, Harry was met with many looks: some curious, others piercing. He met all of them with a judging stare of his own, his emerald eyes piercing into theirs until they were forced to look away.
Throughout Dumbledore's announcements, Harry was met with many looks: some curious, others judging. He met all of them with a critical stare of his own, his emerald eyes piercing into theirs until they were forced to look away. He smirked inwardly in satisfaction when all of them finally looked away.
"... and I would like to welcome, Mr. Alexander Goldleaf. He is a transfer student from the Phoenix Academy of Magic in North America and will be staying with us until further notice. I trust you will make him feel at home. Mr. Goldleaf?"
Harry stepped forward at the words as he placed the sorting hat on his head. The hat fell over his eyes, covering his view of the hall.
'My, my, back again so soon, Mr. Potter?' A small voice in his head asked. 'And as a time traveler this time? Well, well, let's see where I can put you. Any preferences this time?'
Harry shook his head. 'Put me where you will,' he replied softly. His stay with the Founders had taught him that all houses had their benefits and none were considered as 'evil'. This time round, he would go where he was destined to go.
'A change of attitude, is it? How interesting. Let's see..... Great mind, a thirst for knowledge, although I really don't think Ravenclaw is suited for you. Loyal till the end, but Hufflepuff isn't for you either. Gryffindor perhaps? You've certainly got the bravery, although the honesty that was in you last time has faded. I see you've learned your lesson in life.' The hat sighed. 'Well, there's only one place left. It had better be ... SLYTHERIN!'
Harry took the hat off, noticing the Slytherins' appraising looks as he seated himself at the table. He wasn't quite sure how he felt about being in Slytherin: True, after meeting Salazar, he no longer felt any kind of hate for the Serpent house, but a part of him regretted not being put into Gryffindor -- Now, he would never get the chance to know his parents.
And Sirius. Even after two years, Harry found that he still missed his godfather dearly. He missed the man's mischievous nature, his dog-like bark of laughter. And most of all, he missed their rare but meaningful talks. Sirius had been the first one who had ever loved him, ever wanted him -- and that, in itself, meant more to Harry than he could ever imagine.
He was jerked out of his thoughts halfway through an apple pie at the sound of his name. He looked up to see a boy with dark black eyes. Arrogance lined his face as his lips curled into a sneer.
"Simon Lestrange."
Harry, having never heard of the name, shook the offered hand. "Alexander Goldleaf." He didn't bother with any other pleasantries.
"So you're the knew exchange student."
Harry nodded. "Yes. From the Phoenix Academy of Magic."
A new but familiar voice cut in, freezing Harry on the spot.
"I heard no mudbloods go there."
Harry quickly turned to find himself face to face with a pair of silver-blue eyes. He looked up into the face of Lucius Malfoy.
"Obviously, you've heard wrong," he said, carefully placing the right amount of contempt in his voice. "I am, what you would call a 'Mudblood' yourself."
At hearing those words, Malfoy's face changed into an cold sneer. "Indeed," he said, his lips curling as he turned away. The rest of the table followed suit, hostility suddenly radiating from them. Harry just smirked. Just as he'd though. He had no interest what so ever in making 'friends' with people whom he knew would turn their backs on him without a second thought.
He left halfway through dinner to retire to his new room and unpack his belongings from the shopping expedition earlier. He was already in front of the Slytherin Common Room when he realized: he didn't have the password.
He stood there for a moment, wondering what he should do, when the sound of hissing caught his ears. Turning, he found himself looking at the portrait that guarded the Common Room. His breath caught as he saw who was in the picture.
Salazar Slytherin stood proud and tall, his face featured into an emotionless mask. A snake curled around his arms, resting gently against his shoulder. Every once in a while, it would raise it's head and hiss loudly.
Harry smiled. Greetings, Lord Slytherin, he hissed softly.
The Founder looked up, shock evident in his eyes. Harry?
Harry's eyes widened. Salazar? How is it that you still remember me?
The man sighed softly. When a magical portrait is painted, he explained, the person in the painting will only remember what has happened in his life until that moment. Even if the real person is still alive, experiencing new things each day, the painting version will only remember what the person had known up to that moment. Do you understand?
Harry nodded slowly.
The reason I remember you is because this painting of me, was painted after the time we spent training together. Salazar paused for a moment. Child, how is it that you are in this time?
So it was then that found Harry explaining to the Founder what had happened. He told the man about the battle with Voldemort, the soul-destroying curse, how he had been transported through time. By the time he was finished, the rest of the Slytherins were beginning to come back. After quickly asking Salazar for the password, he slipped Common Room.
The dorms were much different from the Gryffindor's. Instead of large rooms to accommodate all of the boys, there were, instead, many smaller rooms. On the door of each room were the name of the two occupants that lived inside. After walking down the corridor above the common room, he finally found his name on the door of the room at the very end.
The sign on the door read,
Severus Snape
Alexander Goldleaf
Harry paused slightly at the thought of sharing rooms with his future Potions Master, but shrugged after a while. At least it was better that sharing with..... say, Lucius Malfoy, or Crabbe and Goyle. He shuddered at the very thought.
After he had unpacked his things and settled down, he found, to his surprise, that it was only eight thirty. Having nothing to do, he decided to give the Headmaster a visit and notify him about his elective courses.
Half an hour later found Harry wandering back to the Common Room, a small smile on his face. He had chosen to take DADA, Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, and Care of Magical Creatures. It was a pleasant surprise when the Headmaster told him that a small Healing class was being conducted by Madam Pomfrey for the seventh years. Deciding that such skills would be useful, Healing then became his sixth elective.
His happy mood was quickly destroyed as he stepped into the common room to find all wands trained on him. In front of them stood Lucius Malfoy. The only one who hadn't done anything, to his surprise, was Snape. The boy sat on the other side of the common room, his face void of any emotions.
"Lucius," Harry said, his voice dripping with displeasure. "What a pleasant ... surprise."
Malfoy's eyes narrowed at his words. "I don't like your tone, Goldleaf," the blond said coldly. "And I've been wondering, how a filthy Mudblood managed to get into Slytherin house." He turned to the others. "I believe that we should.... teach him a lesson, shall we?"
Sounds of agreement came from the crowd as Malfoy stepped forward, his wand raised.
Harry was in no mood for this. "I'm afraid, Malfoy, that I'm rather tired after a long day, and don't feel like playing with you. I'll just retire to my rooms, shall I?" With that, he turned to leave, ignoring the wands trained on him.
Malfoy sputtered indignantly and Harry smirked as he imagined the look on the blond's face. He was almost up the stairs when he felt a rush of hot magic. He knew instinctively that several curses had been fired at him.
He allowed his own magic to reach out slowly as he sensed the positions the curses were coming from. He tilted his body to the side as several curses shot past, bouncing against the wall.
"Tell your goons to learn to aim, Malfoy," he said smoothly as he disappeared down the dorms corridor.
"This isn't the end of this, Goldleaf!" he heard the blond yell behind him, but Harry deliberately ignored them.
As he settled down onto his bed, the carefully charmed the door so that Snape would be the only other person able to get in. He cast a strong, silencing charm around him before closing the curtains shut around his bed. Only then did he close his eyes and fell into Sleep's embrace.
End of Chapter Three
A/N: I hope you enjoyed that. All comments welcome, as long as it's friendly criticism and no rudeness involved. I look forward to your reviews.
I hope you guys all enjoy:
Chapter Three- Settling Down
By Firestar
Harry exited Dumbledore's office and headed down in the direction of the secret tunnel which would lead him into Hogsmeade.
As he stepped out into the busy streets, he found himself surrounded by noise. Students chattered on excitedly to their friends blended in with the background sounds of robes swishing and doors opening. Harry found himself stopping for a moment to look around.
Hogsmeade had not changed much -- Zonko's joke shop still stood proudly at the end of the street, while other familiar shops littered the street. If he just closed his eyes to the students, he could almost imagine that he was back in his own him. He wondered what Ron and Hermione was doing, and whether they were worried about him....
He inwardly shook himself out of his thoughts. Now that he was in the past, he couldn't afford to waste time worrying about what was going on in his own time. For now, he would just enjoy the little "holiday" he had in this time.
Instead of shopping at Hogsmeade like Dumbledore had expected him, Harry found himself going to the small alley way behind Zonko's. He made his way to the dead end down the alley, before pausing and looking around him. Seeing that no one was watching, he closed his eyes.
With a small pop, he disappeared.
He opened his eyes to find himself in Diagon Alley. After all, this was still the best place one could go for shopping.
He paused for a moment, breathing in the fresh, afternoon air deeply. Sunlight shone on the edge of the horizon as a gentle wind whipped through his hair.
Normally, he would be cautious of curious witches wondering what a student was doing in Diagon Alley on a school day, but for some reason, he couldn't careless. He was in the past, another time, a time in which he could be himself. He was Harry, just Harry: Not Great Harry Potter, nor the Boy-Who-Lived, but just another teenage boy.
He determinedly turned and headed in the direction of Gringotts. He need wizard gold first and foremost before he could buy the necessities. His hand automatically reached down and closed around the pendant hanging around his neck as he pulled out a small, silver key. The key which held the money he had stored for emergency purposes during the time of the Founders. He smiled fondly at the memory. It looked like it would come in handy now.
"Alexander Septimus Goldleaf," he said quietly, informing an expectant goblin of his name. Harry handed him the key as they entered the cart which would bring them to the correct vault.
Although Harry had only put in seventy galleons at the time, it had been a very long time ago, and as the years had gone by, the interest rate had started to build. As Harry looked in, he was stunned to see that he now had as much wizard gold in the Goldleaf vault as he had used to have --- will have, he reminded himself--- in the Potter vault of his time.
After filling his pocket with galleons and sickles, Harry left the bank and headed in the direction of his first stop: Madam Malkin's robes.
---Many hours later----
A few hours after Harry had first entered Diagon Alley, he found himself arms full and carrying the many items he had just bought. Shrunken in his robes pockets now included many pairs of robes, a royal blue trunk with many locks (just like the one the fake-Moody had had), his various new textbooks (in which he reminded himself that he would have to tell Dumbledore about his elective courses), a new broomstick, and a pet owl. He was thinking about leaving when he suddenly noticed a small store at the end of the alley that had not been there in his own him.
Feeling curious as to what this new shop was selling, he soon found himself heading over and pulling open the old, wooden door. He stepped into a small musty room cluttered with items.
As he could not see the sales clerk anywhere, he decided to explore for a bit. He began peering around the shelves, examining the items -- a few of them in which he had never seen before.
Half an hour passed by quickly. He was about to leave, deciding hat there was nothing worthwhile to by, when something caught his eye. In a flash, he rushed over to the last shelf, almost hidden behind the stack of books placed in front of it.
His eyes sought out the metallic glint he had seen earlier and landed on a pair of small knives. The blades were simple but delicate, the sharp tips gleaming dangerously in the fading light. But that wasn't what had surprised him. But shocked Harry the most was the sign engraved on the knives.
Two letter "S"s had been engraved into the blades, the characters entwined in the shape of twin serpents. Shapes of a lion and badger could be seen vaguely in the background as the blurred form of a magnificent eagle could be seen even further back.
His breath caught in his throat at the engravement. This was the famous and legendary Salazar's Knives, an item that used to belong to the Founder himself -- said to be the sharpest and finest blades to be found. The only other weapons that even came close to matching its skill were the weapons of Godric, Rowena, and Helga, all three of them yet to be found.
Godric's Sword, Harry knew, he would find in his second year in the Chamber of Secrets. Rowena's and Helga's weapons, however, he would search for later on.
His arms closed around the handle as he turned to look for the sales clerk, but as he whirled around, he found himself face to face with an enormous eagle.
Welcome, young one, a whispery voice said in his mind, causing him to jump. The wise, amber eyes pierced his own emerald ones as he found himself unable to look away.
"Sapientia?" Harry gasped in surprise at the sight of Rowena's eagle. "What are you doing here?"
I guard this shop, Alex, the bird answered. For this is the shop of dreams and meanings... And each items here has its own value.
"I'm afraid I don't understand."
Look around you, child, the soft voice replied. To you, the most important thing in this shop right now, is the item you are holding in your hand: Salazar's Knives. Yet to many others, this item will differ. Every object and article in this store, whether it be an ornament or a picture frame, has its own special value. And I am the guardian of this shop, for it is my job to guide the ones in need here. With those words, the eagle suddenly took flight, rising into the air. It is time for you to leave now, little one. You must be getting back. It is late.
With those words of farewell, the bird flew out of an open window, it's magnificent wings spread wide and sweeping the sky. Slowly, almost as if in a dream, the store dissipated around him, and Harry once again found himself in the alley where he had apparated in earlier. Turning back, he saw that the shop was gone.
Sighing, and deciding to worry about this phenomenon later, Harry took a deep breath and disappeared with a loud crack.
He found himself back in Hogsmeade. By now, the sun had almost set completely and the last of the Hogwarts students were racing towards the carriages which would bring them back to school. Harry, not wanting to walk back, quickened his pace and stepped into the last available carriage.
He wasn't alone. Sitting across from him was a tall, but pale boy, probably the same age as him. A layer of inky black hair covered most of his face so that Harry could not easily see his facial features.
Deciding that it wouldn't do to make enemies before he was even sorted, he stood and offered his hand. "Alexander Goldleaf," he said quietly, waiting for a response.
For a few minutes, it seemed as if the boy was about to ignore him. Suddenly, however, Harry found himself looking straight into flashing onyx eyes. There was something strangely familiar about that piercing gaze. Before he could ponder on it though, the other reached out and grasped his hand.
"Severus Snape, Slytherin."
Magic jolted through him as he looked up. Although his face showed no change of emotions, his mind was in shock at seeing his Potions Master as a teen again. Inwardly, he berated himself for even being surprise: after all, he should have expected such a meeting, seeing to the fact that Snape was in the same year as his parents.
For the rest of the trip, the two of them just sat there in silence. As the carriage lurched to a stop in front of the school, the other Slytherin swept off and left without another word.
Friendly, isn't he? A voice that sounded strangely like Salazar said sarcastically.
Harry promptly ignored the voice and stepped out onto the grounds. Checking his watch and seeing that it was almost time for dinner, he sighed and headed in the direction of the Great Hall.
By the time he arrived, most of the students had already settled into the Great Hall. Harry was met outside the door by Professor McGonagall.
"When we enter the Hall, you must wait by side as Professor Dumbledore makes his announcements. When he calls out your name, you are to sit down on the stool and place the Hat on your head. You will then be sorted into your house. Any questions?" Seeing his shake of the head, the Transfiguration Professor smiled. "Good luck, Mr. Goldleaf. And welcome to Hogwarts." With that, the she swept open the door and stepped into the Great Hall. Harry, realizing what she was doing, followed suit and stood at the side of the Head Table.
Throughout Dumbledore's announcements, Harry was met with many looks: some curious, others piercing. He met all of them with a judging stare of his own, his emerald eyes piercing into theirs until they were forced to look away.
Throughout Dumbledore's announcements, Harry was met with many looks: some curious, others judging. He met all of them with a critical stare of his own, his emerald eyes piercing into theirs until they were forced to look away. He smirked inwardly in satisfaction when all of them finally looked away.
"... and I would like to welcome, Mr. Alexander Goldleaf. He is a transfer student from the Phoenix Academy of Magic in North America and will be staying with us until further notice. I trust you will make him feel at home. Mr. Goldleaf?"
Harry stepped forward at the words as he placed the sorting hat on his head. The hat fell over his eyes, covering his view of the hall.
'My, my, back again so soon, Mr. Potter?' A small voice in his head asked. 'And as a time traveler this time? Well, well, let's see where I can put you. Any preferences this time?'
Harry shook his head. 'Put me where you will,' he replied softly. His stay with the Founders had taught him that all houses had their benefits and none were considered as 'evil'. This time round, he would go where he was destined to go.
'A change of attitude, is it? How interesting. Let's see..... Great mind, a thirst for knowledge, although I really don't think Ravenclaw is suited for you. Loyal till the end, but Hufflepuff isn't for you either. Gryffindor perhaps? You've certainly got the bravery, although the honesty that was in you last time has faded. I see you've learned your lesson in life.' The hat sighed. 'Well, there's only one place left. It had better be ... SLYTHERIN!'
Harry took the hat off, noticing the Slytherins' appraising looks as he seated himself at the table. He wasn't quite sure how he felt about being in Slytherin: True, after meeting Salazar, he no longer felt any kind of hate for the Serpent house, but a part of him regretted not being put into Gryffindor -- Now, he would never get the chance to know his parents.
And Sirius. Even after two years, Harry found that he still missed his godfather dearly. He missed the man's mischievous nature, his dog-like bark of laughter. And most of all, he missed their rare but meaningful talks. Sirius had been the first one who had ever loved him, ever wanted him -- and that, in itself, meant more to Harry than he could ever imagine.
He was jerked out of his thoughts halfway through an apple pie at the sound of his name. He looked up to see a boy with dark black eyes. Arrogance lined his face as his lips curled into a sneer.
"Simon Lestrange."
Harry, having never heard of the name, shook the offered hand. "Alexander Goldleaf." He didn't bother with any other pleasantries.
"So you're the knew exchange student."
Harry nodded. "Yes. From the Phoenix Academy of Magic."
A new but familiar voice cut in, freezing Harry on the spot.
"I heard no mudbloods go there."
Harry quickly turned to find himself face to face with a pair of silver-blue eyes. He looked up into the face of Lucius Malfoy.
"Obviously, you've heard wrong," he said, carefully placing the right amount of contempt in his voice. "I am, what you would call a 'Mudblood' yourself."
At hearing those words, Malfoy's face changed into an cold sneer. "Indeed," he said, his lips curling as he turned away. The rest of the table followed suit, hostility suddenly radiating from them. Harry just smirked. Just as he'd though. He had no interest what so ever in making 'friends' with people whom he knew would turn their backs on him without a second thought.
He left halfway through dinner to retire to his new room and unpack his belongings from the shopping expedition earlier. He was already in front of the Slytherin Common Room when he realized: he didn't have the password.
He stood there for a moment, wondering what he should do, when the sound of hissing caught his ears. Turning, he found himself looking at the portrait that guarded the Common Room. His breath caught as he saw who was in the picture.
Salazar Slytherin stood proud and tall, his face featured into an emotionless mask. A snake curled around his arms, resting gently against his shoulder. Every once in a while, it would raise it's head and hiss loudly.
Harry smiled. Greetings, Lord Slytherin, he hissed softly.
The Founder looked up, shock evident in his eyes. Harry?
Harry's eyes widened. Salazar? How is it that you still remember me?
The man sighed softly. When a magical portrait is painted, he explained, the person in the painting will only remember what has happened in his life until that moment. Even if the real person is still alive, experiencing new things each day, the painting version will only remember what the person had known up to that moment. Do you understand?
Harry nodded slowly.
The reason I remember you is because this painting of me, was painted after the time we spent training together. Salazar paused for a moment. Child, how is it that you are in this time?
So it was then that found Harry explaining to the Founder what had happened. He told the man about the battle with Voldemort, the soul-destroying curse, how he had been transported through time. By the time he was finished, the rest of the Slytherins were beginning to come back. After quickly asking Salazar for the password, he slipped Common Room.
The dorms were much different from the Gryffindor's. Instead of large rooms to accommodate all of the boys, there were, instead, many smaller rooms. On the door of each room were the name of the two occupants that lived inside. After walking down the corridor above the common room, he finally found his name on the door of the room at the very end.
The sign on the door read,
Severus Snape
Alexander Goldleaf
Harry paused slightly at the thought of sharing rooms with his future Potions Master, but shrugged after a while. At least it was better that sharing with..... say, Lucius Malfoy, or Crabbe and Goyle. He shuddered at the very thought.
After he had unpacked his things and settled down, he found, to his surprise, that it was only eight thirty. Having nothing to do, he decided to give the Headmaster a visit and notify him about his elective courses.
Half an hour later found Harry wandering back to the Common Room, a small smile on his face. He had chosen to take DADA, Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, and Care of Magical Creatures. It was a pleasant surprise when the Headmaster told him that a small Healing class was being conducted by Madam Pomfrey for the seventh years. Deciding that such skills would be useful, Healing then became his sixth elective.
His happy mood was quickly destroyed as he stepped into the common room to find all wands trained on him. In front of them stood Lucius Malfoy. The only one who hadn't done anything, to his surprise, was Snape. The boy sat on the other side of the common room, his face void of any emotions.
"Lucius," Harry said, his voice dripping with displeasure. "What a pleasant ... surprise."
Malfoy's eyes narrowed at his words. "I don't like your tone, Goldleaf," the blond said coldly. "And I've been wondering, how a filthy Mudblood managed to get into Slytherin house." He turned to the others. "I believe that we should.... teach him a lesson, shall we?"
Sounds of agreement came from the crowd as Malfoy stepped forward, his wand raised.
Harry was in no mood for this. "I'm afraid, Malfoy, that I'm rather tired after a long day, and don't feel like playing with you. I'll just retire to my rooms, shall I?" With that, he turned to leave, ignoring the wands trained on him.
Malfoy sputtered indignantly and Harry smirked as he imagined the look on the blond's face. He was almost up the stairs when he felt a rush of hot magic. He knew instinctively that several curses had been fired at him.
He allowed his own magic to reach out slowly as he sensed the positions the curses were coming from. He tilted his body to the side as several curses shot past, bouncing against the wall.
"Tell your goons to learn to aim, Malfoy," he said smoothly as he disappeared down the dorms corridor.
"This isn't the end of this, Goldleaf!" he heard the blond yell behind him, but Harry deliberately ignored them.
As he settled down onto his bed, the carefully charmed the door so that Snape would be the only other person able to get in. He cast a strong, silencing charm around him before closing the curtains shut around his bed. Only then did he close his eyes and fell into Sleep's embrace.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed that. All comments welcome, as long as it's friendly criticism and no rudeness involved. I look forward to your reviews.