Author's Notes:
Aha! I did some research, after reading my beloved reviews. Anyway, yes, in the movie, James Potter was a Seeker, but nowhere in the books does it say that he was a Chaser. According to the site I was looking at ), the information given was that the author stated in an interview that he was a Chaser. Dunno, I just thought that it'd be more fun if I could get Harry and James to duel it out in Quidditch. Plus, Sirius wanted to watch Harry play to see if he was as good as James... well it would make more sense if he could compare if the two played the same position...? Ahhh, I don't know!
Research good. From the site above (called Harry Potter Lexicon, by the way), it said that Snape found about about Lupin sometime in sixth year (because Sirius was 16, and following Harry's age and year, that would be 6th year), and also that it was in sixth year that the Marauders' Map was made...? Dunno, if I feel like it, I might write that into my story. It really depends if I'm in the mood or not, lol.
As usual, please read & review!
What was I doing up at such an ungodly hour? Well, the movie was from 9:30pm till midnight, and since we had to drop off my host-brother's girlfriend, we got home at 1am. I took a bath and brushed my teeth and got ready for "bed", then decided that I was so happy that I got to see the movie almost 2 weeks earlier than planned, so I decided to write another chapter despite the late time. Be happy I did so! -wink- Nah, I wasn't doing anything bad... plus, it was the weekend, why not stay up.

NOW EDITED!

Disclaimer:
Any other suggestions? Remember, I own only those things that you've never read or heard of before, plus my blue fluffball called my plot bunny.

Re-Sorting

The last ten days of summer break passed by happily for Darron. He had received his brand new broomstick the morning after his trip to Diagon Alley and was thrilled. Granted, it was nothing close to his Firebolt, but it was the best that the present time offered. Thus, he spent many hours just zooming around, and even occasionally played a mini game of Quidditch with some of the professors. Other times, he was found in the library, reading, researching, and Professor Flitwick was delighted at this trait of Darron's. He was quite certain that Darron would be sorted into Ravenclaw.

In actuality, all the teachers were busying analyzing him daily and even placing bets as to which house he would be sorted into. Darron, when he got wind of this little fact, laughed rather than got angry. He was still a celebrity of sorts, but this time, it was in a good way, because it was about who he really was rather than the world's image of him. The highest bids stood for Ravenclaw, with Gryffindor in second place, for his bravery in surviving the Mumbliar attack. Hufflepuff closely followed, from Professor McGonagall's view in how fast he became friends with James and Sirius. Professor Sinadell still kept her distance from Darron, and didn't seem remotely affected when Slytherin wasn't even considered in the bets. In truth, apart from Argus Filch, she was the only staff member who did not participate in the bet.

Darron got to spend a Sunday at James Potter's house, along with Sirius, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew. He pretended to forget about the nicknames that Sirius accidently let slip while in Diagon Alley. He could feel James and Sirius's relief at his lack of curiousity, but he could barely suppress his malevolent feelings towards Wormtail. The last time he had seen the man in person was in the graveyard the night Voldemort came back to life. That, plus the knowledge that he betrayed Harry's parents and framed Sirius into being an Azkaban prisoner for 12 years didn't help things either.

Remus had still seemed a bit tired, but was genuinely pleased to get to know Darron better. Peter stared on with suspicion, keeping mostly to himself during the day's activities. Darron himself was excited as well, this being the only chance for him to know about his grandparents. All in all, it was a day of fun for the 5 excitable adolescent wizards, enjoying the last of their holiday before school started once more.

Darron had been Harry just yesterday when he woke up on September 1st. It had been decided that when the students arrived, Darron would stay with Professor McGonagall when she greeted the first years. That way, once the regular sorting was done, Darron himself would be sorted. Butterflies fluttered in his stomach every time he thought of his sorting, despite the professors' attempts to calm him down. Finally, unable to stand his nerves no longer, Madam Hooch took him out to the Quidditch field for his last free time on the field alone.

Over the last days, he had been trying out the different Quidditich positions, in case he was sorted into a house where the Seeker position was unavailable. He found he had the knack for being a Beater, not very well as a Keeper, and about average for a Chaser. Thus, he promised that if he couldn't be a Seeker, then he would try out for the Beater position and still keep his love for the sport through that method.

Darron had been in the middle of chasing a loose Bludger when he saw it - Hogwarts Express pulling up into Hogsmeade. Madam Hooch noticed his sudden stop and flew up to him, concerned. Darron didn't see the flying professor at all, his full concentration focused on the train and its deboarding passengers. The Mumbliar's poison, rather than took out his eye, ended up correcting his eyesight - for both eyes, as well as enhancing them. Thus, it was the reason why he could clearly see each of the individual student as they went in search of an empty carriage. The Thestrals stomping impatiently and snorting noiselessly.

He saw the sandy blond head of Remus and the two black heads of Sirius and James. He frowned in confusion at the lack of Peter, but his attention was caught when James suddenly dashed off, to a certain redhead in the crowd - Lily Evans, hi... Harry's mother. Gulping, he ripped his gaze at the station and was startled to find Madam Hooch hovering right beside him.

"I see that the rest of the students have arrived," Madam Hooch said in a soothing voice. "Come, Darron," he managed to get the rest of the staff with the exception of Professor Sinadell to call him without the "mister" attached, "let's go get cleaned up and ready. There's nothing to be worried about."

Darron returned to the guest room he had been staying in and grabbed his robes. Everything else had been packed up and ready to go as soon as he was sorted. He took a quick shower, taming his hair somewhat - he decided to let it grow out, seeing as how Darron's hair had been a lot more tamed when it was down to his shoulders than Harry's short one had been - he got dressed and set off to find Professor McGonagall in her office.

The first years stared at him curiously as McGonagall explained the start-of-term banquet and the sorting to them. He trailed behind the first years when the professor finally led them in, feeling a bit out of place with the younger kids. Of course, murmurs started in the Great Hall as the rest of the students noticed Darron as well. Holding out a slightly shaky grin, he kept walking until he saw frantic movements out of the corner of his eye. Turning slightly, he saw James and Sirius waving madly; Remus was more tamed, and even Peter offered a tiny shake of his hand. His grin strengthened and grew as he turned his attention back to the Sorting Hat, awaiting its song.

There was nothing unusual about the song this year, no warning or otherwise, and the Sorting Ceremony proceeded. Some of the names of the first years sounded vaguely familiar to Darron, but he didn't dare to place too much thought upon it. Best to maintain his ignorance of Hogwarts and people than to have it accidentally slip at a later time.

In no time at all, all the first years had been sorted and Darron was left standing alone. He chanced a glance at the Marauders and they all gave him a thumbs up. He turned his attention to Dumbledore, who had stood up to explain his presence.

"You might've noticed that we have an older student with us today. No, he is not a first year." To the last sentence, laughter rang out in the Great Hall. "Due to unknown circumstances, he has lost all memory of events prior to his arrival at Hogwarts. Because of this, we as the staff decided to sponsor him here until he remembers or until he graduates. Please give a warm welcome to Darron - his last name is unknown at the moment - as he is sorted!"

Applause rang out as Darron walked up to the stool. He sat down, facing the student body, and caught a glimpse of James' and Sirius's hyperactive waving before Professor McGonagall dropped the hat on his head. As before, the hat slipped down beyond his ears. Remembering just in time, he threw his mental shield on full blast, but not before the Sorting Hat caught a glimpse of memories.

"Hmm," the small voice said, "you're hiding something, something important. You're hiding it so well that I wouldn't have noticed had I not seen that brief glance. You even have the Headmaster fooled! No doubt about it, with your cunning skills and secrets, you're best fitted for SLYTHERIN!"

Darron sat there shocked, as did all the professors and the Marauders. Darron couldn't believe that he sealed his fate by putting up his shields. He could've been sorted into Gryffindor if he had let the Sorting Hat see who he really was, but that would've started a paradox, for if he knew that Harry Potter existed, then... No, no more what if's or could be's or would've's. What had happened had happened, and the best that Darron could do was to track down the Marauders directly after the feast and swear to them that he'd remain their friend.

However, the professors and the Marauders were shocked for a different reason. From what they seen of the mysterious young man, nothing even remotely suggested that he would be sorted into Slytherin. But the Sorting Hat is never wrong, there must be something that none of them knew, or saw. And it was this something that worried them.

Finally, Professor McGonagall pulled the hat off Darron's head and gently gave him a small push in the direction of the Slytherin table. As he stumbled towards his new house, he saw Professor Sinadell give a malicious grin. Shuddering slightly, he flopped down at the closest empty spot, right beside a certain Severus Snape. He was so surprised that he leaped off immediately as if he had sat on a hot iron. This younger version of the hated Potions Master turned to look at him impassively with a raised eyebrow.

"Is there a problem, Mr. Darron?" Professor Sinadell asked. Darron did not like her tone of voice.

"No, madam, I, er, I was just startled, that's all," Darron stammered slightly before he sat down once again.

Dinner was a quiet affair. Snape didn't bother to speak to him at all, and the other Slytherins plain distrusted the newcomer. With the lack of conversation to keep his mind busy, Darron soon became depressed again. He was used to loneliness for the first half of his life, but since Hogwarts he, Harry, had found close friends in Ron and Hermione, and now, their lack of presence was weighing him down once again.

After a seemingly long time, the feast was finally finished, the rules and start-of-term notices announced, the school song sung, everyone began to move towards their dormatories, the first years led by the prefects. Darron glanced around before dashing off after the Marauders - he had been down in the Slytherin common room in Harry's second year, and so he was certain that he would remember the way. They were halfway up the staircase before Darron finally caught up.

"Wait! Wait a sec, I just want to talk to you!" Darron called out as he tried to fight his way through the Gryffindor crowd. Everyone stopped to look at him, most glared with suppressed dislike at the Slytherin.

"James, Sirius," Darron puffed, staggering up the last few steps, "Remus, Peter... wait." He panted for a short bit before straightening up. "Well, I know I've been sorted into slimy Slytherin, but I was hoping we could still be friends." He stuck out his hand, hoping that they would shake it rather that swat it away.

The three studied him carefully while Peter sneered in disgust. However, he immediately stopped when Sirius gripped Darron's hand in a firm handshake.

"And lose our chance to insult you guys? Never!" Sirius grinned good-naturedly to let Darron know that he was joking. "You're not much of a Slytherin anyway, after all, even the professors were shocked that you ended up there!"

"Yeah," James shoved Sirius out of the way to grab Darron's hand, shaking it enthusiastically, "we dub thee, an Honorary Gryffindor! Right, Remus?" He winked at the young werewolf.

"Of course," Remus smiled warmly, "welcome to Gryffindor."

Peter simply stormed past the Fat Lady's portrait and into the Gryffindor common room. Darron stared after him in shock.

James smiled in apology and said, "he's a bit upset that we've been talking to you so much and probably feels that we're ignoring him," as Sirius climbed in, calling out the mousy boy's name.

Darron nodded in understanding before leaving, well aware of the rest of the Gryffindors' stares for being the Slytherin who befriended James Potter and Sirius Black, the two most vocalized and active Slytherin haters. He slowly walked down to the dungeons, thinking about the latest turn of events. He was now in Slytherin, and a house- and year-mate of Severus Snape, the future Potions Professor who hated his guts for being the Boy-Who-Lived and James Potter's son. It was impossibly confusing. He was startled to find Snape standing just outside the stone door leading to the Slytherins' dormatories.

"Good, you're here," Snape said briskly before turning to face the portrait, "I didn't have to go track you down. The password is serpensortia. I'll be your roommate for the next two years here. Come on!" The last order was barked impatiently when Darron hadn't made a move since he first saw Snape waiting for him.

Darron started at the Professor Snape-like command and followed him in. Inside, Professor Sinadell was explaining the house rules to the first years. She paused as the pair came in, and turned to Darron.

"Mr. Darron," she began in a cold voice, "Slytherin has strict house rules. It would do you well to follow them."

Finished, she abruptly turned and resumed talking to the first years. Darron stared, bewildered. What had he done to annoy the professor so? And she was the Defense professor, too! Snape tugged on his sleeve towards the rooms. Inside the shared bedroom, it was damp and chilly. Darron grimaced, fighting the reality that this was to be his home for the next two years. It was just too depressing after his time up in Gryffindor Tower with all the windows and sunlight.

"This section is mine," Snape said as he pointed to the bed wedged in the corner. He paused, remembering, "I'm Severus Snape."

"Er, hi, Severus," Darron said, the name rolling awkwardly off his tongue. He had never imaged that he would call the future well-feared professor by his first name.

Severus nodded and sat down at his desk, flipping a book open and scribbing quickly on a piece of parchment. Feeling ignored, Darron turned to his trunk and began to unpack. Pulling out his robes, he ran a hand across the Slytherin badge, frowning at the foreign feeling. When he finally finished, he glanced at the clock hanging above the doorway and saw that it was already well past midnight. Sighing, he noticed Severus still working and got ready for bed. Falling into bed, he pulled his curtains shut, effectively sealing out all light, before subconciously clearing his mind. It was a routine he now did so often that he performed it every night without a second thought. While Occlumency successfully stopped his visions, it could not stop his memory-induced nightmares.

A little before four in the morning, Severus woke to the sound of someone groaning. Frowning, he grabbed his wand from its position beside his pillow and threw his bed curtains open, peering out into the darkness. Upon seeing nothing out of ordinary, he was about to head back to sleep when a yell sounded.

"Cedric, no! Don't kill Cedric! Noooo! Ahhhhh!"

Nonplussed, Severus only stared at the closed curtains of the bed in front of him. He was soon startled to hear a familiar name.

"Sirius, come back! You're not dead, you can't be dead, no, not you too! Sirius!!!" Sounds of thrashing followed.

"Lumos!" Severus said quietly as the tip of his wand flared into light. From the shadows, he saw the curtained figure thrash around on the bed, limbs flailing wildly. He simply stared, confused, as he tried to understand why the newcomer, Darron, who Dumbledore had stated had lost his memories, would be dreaming of Cedric and Sirius dying. The only Sirius that Severus knew was Sirius Black, and he was far from dead, being an arrogant, egotistical Gryffindor who, along with Potter, loved to torment him. Whimpers followed, and suddenly the figure bolted up in bed. Shocked, Severus quickly whispered "nox" to stop the lumos spell and the room fell back into darkness.

Heavy breathing could be heard as Darron whispered breathlessly to himself, "it was a dream, just a dream." This phrase was repeated over and over until his breathing calmed. But rather than falling back asleep, Darron curled into a ball, unseen by Severus, as he cried into his pillow. Severus strained to hear the muffled cries, ashamed to be eavesdropping into such a private moment, but couldn't restrain himself. He also caught the names Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and he lost count after the fifth or sixth name. Severus frowned - it was obvious that this stranger, Darron, was fully aware of his past, but why or how he managed to hide it from everyone was a mystery.

An hour and a half later, as the sun peaked over the mountains, unbeknownst to the pair sleeping in the cold dungeon room, Darron's whimpers finally faded as he drifted off into sleep once more. Severus had been unable to sleep, with all these new facts about Darron becoming known to him. He laid in bed, staring at the canopy, and pondered. Try as he might, he just couldn't get the depth of anguish he had heard out of his head. Snarling, he finally got out of bed and went to his desk to work some more. Soon, the events of the last hour and a half shoved to the recess of his brain as he focused on his private works.

End Notes:
Heh, hope you're all fine with me sticking Harry in Slytherin! Pretty cliche, I know, but I was thinking that Severus was quite the "loner" so to speak, and pretty much the only way to get him and Harry to become friends would be to put them in close proximity with each other. But hey, finally, Severus comes into the picture!
My chapters seem to be getting longer and longer... (likewise, my author's notes) but hey, I'm starting to get into the interesting stuff! Heh, as usual, please make me happy and read & review! Pretty please with a cherry on top! -wink-