A/N thanks for your reviews and support.

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...

Most of the Slytherins were in the Common Room. Tom was included partially because he was Head Boy. Partially because their Head of House Severus Snape had called a House Meeting. A meeting that didn't include the transfer students. Tom felt as if he knew what this was going to be about. It wasn't hard to figure out Snape had a strong dislike for the Potters. That had been evident in the way he treated the eldest and only compounded with the youngest. This year however was the first time in living memory that a Potter had been in Slytherin. Snape's already strong dislike was further compounded.

Tom was curious though how Snape could not see the difference. Harrison Potter acted nothing like his arrogant siblings. Or like his father for that matter from what Tom had seen. Harrison was confident there was no questioning that but he had the strength and skills to back it up. If Snape pushed the middle Potter he would not like the consequences.

Once the last few stragglers came in Snape set wards on the door. He would know when anyone so much as walked by it. Tom folded his arms across his chest already not liking this.

Every eye was on Snape as he began, "Now that everyone is here," a glare was sent to the last stragglers, "We are here to discuss the Nightingale students."

Mutters began almost immediately. A lot of the Slytherins especially the younger years were being tutored by the Nightingale. It had not taken them long to realize the sheer amount of work it took to stay in Nightingale for more than 3 months. First years had to have an apprenticeship something not even considered until most people's sixth or seventh year before Christmas. They were required to take a class in Mind Magicks and Etiquette. They couldn't drop either class until they had an EE.

Tom had watched as members of Nightingale did their coursework. Hogwarts was too easy and the upper years were taking charge of the younger. Any time one of Hogwarts student tried to join they were met with cold stares. They did not trust Hogwarts students any more than the old Headmaster.

Snape continued, "Nightingale is different than what I and the other professors expected. We expected those who are weak and barely able to use magic. Now Dumbledore believes they have power and training equal to that aurors. I do not share in this belief."

Theo Nott asked sounding unimpressed, "They are just students. No better than the rest of us. I think everything has been exaggerated. Even Potter's tie with Riddle is little more than a fluke. I say throw them out and be dome with them."

Tom growled, "It was no fluke. Potter is powerful. He likely could defeat most Slytherins one on one and even in groups. It would take four or five of us to defeat him."

A few other the others glanced at him cautiously. They knew he was not prone to exaggerating. If he said it would take more than two of them. Then it would be no question about it. When it came to Potter he knew it would end in a draw if it was just between them. Nightingale did not train regular wizards. They trained the best of the best. That he was beginning to realize. Realize and envy that he wasn't chosen among them.

Snape sneered, "They are spoiled brats used to being coddled at their school. You will not have more interactions with them than necessary. Their use of magic has brought down the Headmaster's attention upon them. If they continue they will be expelled."

"What do you mean professor?" Asked Tom curious.

He already had the feeling that he knew. Either Snape, Dumbledore, or both thought they were using Dark Magic. What was and was not Dark Magic in their eyes was subjective. Rituals that had been part of their culture for centuries were being replaced by muggle traditions. This was because muggle-borns didn't want to accept change.

Hogwarts had a ritual ground that was hidden from prying eyes. The knowledge of where it was and how to access it was passed through trusted individuals. Those taken to the grounds swore oaths to never speak of it without permission. Snape like everyone else was held to the oath.

Tom had planned to invite the Nightingale students. He still did it wasn't like Snape could stop him. It was the choice of the students who had access. The only issue was that Snape seemed blinded by his hatred for Lord Potter. That would not do.

"You, Professor are blind," stated Tom simply.

"Excuse me?" Growled Snape.

Tom said matter of factly, "You are blind to what is right in front of you. As Head of Slytherin, you should be encouraging us to form strong connections with Nightingale. It is obvious that any student who makes it past their first year there will become masters of their craft. You are letting your hatred of Lord Potter blind you to these facts."

Snape's eye twitched the only sign of his displeasure. Internally Tom delighted in getting a reaction out of the man. This was not the year for the man. At every stage, he was making missteps and undermining his potion.

Most of the Slytherin House could see that the Nightingale students were powerful. A few exceptions being idiots like Crabbe, Goyle, and Nott. How those three made it into Slytherin was the biggest mystery? If it was up to him they would be in Hufflepuff.

Abraxas said finally, "Professor like it or not they are here. They will likely join us for the ritual on Samhain. They will be sworn to the same secrecy as everyone else."

Snape's eyes narrowed and a dark expression overtook him, "You would stand with outsiders over your own Head of House?"

Alphard answered this time, "There is power with them. Any good Slytherin follows the power. Professor, you have control, and comparatively speaking you are strong. For Hogwarts. But compared to those who came to Hogwarts as refugees you don't compare to their second years."

Anger flashed in the man's eyes but around them, others were nodding. No one would have put it so bluntly but they knew it to be true. There were second years who had more innate power than most adults. Tom wanted them on his side but most of all he wanted Potter. He would not allow Snape to get in his way.

Snape's head snapped over to the Common Room door suddenly. It opened admitting Harrison and XIII. The two stared assessing the group before them.

Then Harrison asked, "Are we interrupting something?"

Snape glowered, "No. Dismissed."