Chapter 3: A Journey's Restart
—
September 1st 1970, Platform 9 ¾
Hydrus stood on the Platform he had been all-to familiar with, a strange feeling creeping around in the pit of his stomach.
Last time he had stood there, he had been Harry Potter, the boy-who-lived, later the guy who was Voldemort's mortal enemy. This time, he was Hydrus Black, future Slytherin and spy, probably hated by all Gryffindors and ignored by the rest of his house.
This is just great. He thought to himself, sharing a knowing look with Hedwig. Whilst the owl hadn't been the exact same before, Hydrus was pretty sure that this Hedwig was related somehow to his old Hedwig. He tickled her chin through the bars of her cage before turning and facing his family.
His father was in a deep conversation with Abraxas Malfoy whilst seventh year Lucius Malfoy was talking to his newly betrothed, fourth year Narcissa Black, and her sister, Bellatrix Black, who was a sixth year. They were Hydrus' cousins. Andromeda was standing a little away from them, on her own.
"I don't want you to go to Hogwarts, Hydrus." Regulus moaned, "Please don't leave me to deal with Sirius alone." He begged, causing Sirius to give him a playful shove. "See what I'll have to deal with?" The youngest Black asked.
"Sorry, Reg." Hydrus said, placing a hand on his shoulder in mock sympathy, "But I've been waiting to get on that train to Hogwarts since I knew it existed." He said honestly; he was curious at what Hogwarts had in store for him. "And you won't be alone with Sirius," he continued, upon seeing Regulus's deflated shoulders, "You'll have James to keep you company." He reminded his little brother.
Their cousin, and Hydrus's former father, James Potter, occasionally came around to their house during the week and stayed with them during the spring break and they stayed with the Potters during the winter.
"James is more tolerable than Sirius," Regulus mused, "But he's still annoying as Merlin at Morgana's birthday party." He informed Hydrus, causing the older brother to laugh slightly.
Before Hydrus could reply to Regulus's remark, Sirius cut him off. "Hydrus, you don't believe in the whole 'purebloods are superior' thing do you? And that we have to be all posh around 'the lowers'?" Sirius asked him.
"Of course not!" Hydrus exclaimed, "Why would you even ask me that?" He asked, offended slightly.
Sirius bit his bottom lip with a nervous laugh, looking down. "I just want you to be able to break the chain, Hy. Who cares about all the rules and stuff, you know what I mean. And you're really brave to! So when the hat thingy offers you Gryffindor, you can take it!"
Hydrus's expression softened slightly and he sighed, causing Sirius to raise his head. "I'll be a Slytherin, Sirius." He told his brother. He saw a flash of pain cross Sirius's face and smiled slightly. "Do you know why?" Hydrus asked, addressing both his brothers. Both of them shook their heads. "I'm brave, yes, but my bravery is fueled by my ambition. You guys are my ambition; and I would do anything to keep you safe." He told the pair. He engulfed the smaller boys into a hug. "And that's a promise." He whispered.
After a while of hugging, the train's whistle sounded and Hydrus reluctantly released them. "I'll write to you guys, ok? Every week." Hydrus promised. The two nodded, backing away as Hydrus bid farewell to them and his father one final time before turning and waking onto the train.
The Hogwarts Express was a lot tidier and shined than Hydrus remembered, no dirt on the carpets or sweet packets lining the train's corridors. He pushed his glasses up onto his nose a bit further.
Searching for free compartments. He brushed his waved hair to a side fringe on his face, allowing the lightning bolt scar to make itself evident.
Sure, the scar would draw attention, but at least no one would gasp over what it represented anymore.
Eventually, Hydrus found a lone compartment down the end of the train, although this one reminded him of the time the dementors attacked the same train. The windows were steamed though there was no heat present. Instead, a cool breeze flowed through it. Nonetheless, it was free, so he went inside, sitting on one of the benches, his legs branching over to the bench opposite.
Hydrus took out his wand and cast a quick heating charm over the carriage before searching for his family out the window.
Sirius and Regulus were waving like mad, whilst Orion just laughed at his younger sons' antics before raising his hand and waving at Hydrus.
Hydrus smiled and waved back, just as the train began to move. His brothers chased after it, Sirius yelling something about playing pranks, whilst Regulus was yelling for Sirius to shut up.
As the pair disappeared from view, Hydrus smiled and shook his head, when a knock sounded on the door of his carriage.
He glanced towards the source of the sound to see a girl, first year, with dark blonde hair in a messy fishtail plait. She was smiling awkwardly, cradled within her arms and she held a wriggling black cat. "Sorry," She said awkwardly, an Irish accent in her voice, "Do you mind if I come in? Ciara's a bit squirmy…" she trailed off.
"Of course." Hydrus said, getting up and unbolting the locked door. The girl sighed and went inside, placing the cat onto the seat next to her, stroking its fur soothingly.
"Thank you so much." She smiled in relief, "The cat's fiesty, you see. She isn't exactly used to moving vehicles… I'm Ashling Murphy, by the way."
"Hydrus." Hydrus replied simply. He had learnt early on that mentioning his last name on the introductions wasn't the best idea, especially since he himself had 'been responsible' for his mother's death. "Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too." Ashling grinned, "Me mam was a little cautious about me bringin' Ciara to Hogwarts, but me da' managed to convince her otherwise."
"She's a very pretty cat." Hydrus observed, looking into Ciara's pretty blue eyes. Said cat hopped onto his lap. "Intelligent, also." He mused.
"Funny," Ashling began, "She's got a very good judge of personality. If she likes you, take it as a compliment." She laughed.
"That I will." The boy said. "Do you want to play Exploding Snap?" He asked, taking the cards from his pocket. Ashling nodded enthusiastically.
"How'd ya get that scar?" Ashling asked curiously after a few minutes of her thrashing him at the game. Hydrus cringed.
"My Mother." He intoned, trying hard to keep the venom from crossing into his voice. "It wasn't an accident." He continued.
"You're a pureblood, aren't you?" Ashling asked, a tone of sympathy creeping into her voice, "Me grandma was as well, though she ran away from home. Me da's a halfblood, and so is me mam. Has yer mam always been really strict?" She asked.
"She was, yeah." Hydrus said, "She's, uh, not around anymore."
"Oh," Ashling said quietly. Then, she pulled something from her rucksack, a packet of every flavour beans. "Wanna play roulette?" She asked, smiling sheepishly as she shook the packet.
Hydrus just laughed, and Ashling soon joined in, his laughter contagious. "Sure." He took a bean from the packet and tossed it into his mouth. He sighed happily as he tasted the flavour. "Strawberries." Ashling, however, wasn't so lucky. She got hit with a double brussel sprout.
Just as Hydrus went to take another bean, he heard someone talking in a low tone in the corridor and froze. Both he and his new friend got up at the same time and peeked through the door to see what was going on. To say Hydrus was surprised at the sight would be an understatement. He was shocked.
Fourth years, Avery and Dolohov, were threatening a student. But that wasn't what surprised Hydrus. What surprised him was the fact that the student they were threatening was a fellow first year, Evan Rosier, who was a future Death Eater.
"What are they saying to him?" Ashling whispered.
"I don't know." Hydrus replied back, curiosity laced in his tone. He closed his eyes, trying to focus on the elder boys' voices.
"You better not make friends with those lower than you, Rosier, are we clear? And if you don't, we'll report back to mummy that you're against the Dark Lord's ways. What do you think she'll do? Praise you, or feed you to her cerberus?" Dolohov hissed, as Avery pressed his wand into the younger boy's throat and pushed him to the ground. Rosier whimpered.
"We're supposed to be looking out for you, mate." Avery sneered, "Can't have you mixing with mudbloods, can we?"
Hydrus made his move then, shocking Ashling by leaping out from behind the door and punching Avery squarely in the jaw. The three onlookers and Avery himself looked at Hydrus in surprise.
"Don't ever threaten anyone or use that… word… again, or you'll have more than your jaw to worry about." Hydrus told the fourth years, his eyes glowing with green fire. Avery just looked startled whilst Dolohov nodded frantically, pulling his ally down the corridor with him.
Hydrus shook his head swiftly, clearing any ideas of attacking Avery and Dolohov further, before turning to the awed and slightly scared boy blinking up at him from the floor. Hydrus extended a hand, to which Rosier gratefully accepted, and helped him up.
"Th-Thank you." Rosier nodded sincerely, "I d-don't know what I w-would do if you weren't here. I'd probably be stupefied into unconsciousness… or something." He murmured shakily.
"No problem." Hydrus said with a half smile. He was still slightly awed by the fact Evan Rosier was likely threatened into becoming a Death Eater. This boy in front of him reminded him of Neville a bit, only Rosier looked more like a small brown haired spitfire with shy blue eyes. "I'm Hydrus." Hydrus introduced himself, before turning and gesturing to the wide-eyed, gaping girl behind him. "That's Ashling."
"E-Evan." Rosier- Evan- said, nodding his head politely again. He glanced behind his shoulder, a frown masking his face. "I was, uh, kind of sitting in their c-compartment and… um…"
"You can come and sit with us, if you'd like." Ashling spoke up from the door, slapping herself out of her trance, "We're the only ones in here, so yeah." Ashling shrugged, glancing at Hydrus, who gave a happy nod. "Me cat can be a bit funny when meetin' new people so enter at yer own risk!" She warned with a laugh.
"I know what you mean." Evan smiled shyly, "My cat's like that towards people who don't like me, but he's nice to everyone else." Suddenly, his face became pale and alarmed. "He's in the compartment with my cousin and Antonin Dolohov." He squeaked, his voice just above a whisper. "He might be in trouble. He has claws, but if he was immobilized…"
"I'll go and get him." Hydrus said, and Evan turned to face him with wide eyes. "What does he look like? In case there are any other cats in there."
"He's big." Evan began, "An Achi maine coon- they're like normal cats but can live up to a hundred years- silver with black stripes and big tufts on his ears and a silky but fluffy coat and really fluffy tail. Looks more like a lynx than a cat, actually. Responds to the name Kyron."
Hydrus nodded once before walking down the corridor and opening Dolohov and Avery's compartment door before speaking calmly; "Kyron, come." The large cat, who was hissing ferally at the two boys who had attacked his master, turned his head and softened his expression upon seeing Hydrus before calmly stalking out of the carriage. Hydrus slammed the door shut once the last of Kyron's long tail was out, waving mockingly to the two Slytherins.
Kyron had bounded up to Evan, when Hydrus had turned around, and was licking the boy's hair with his sandpaper tongue. Hydrus and Ashling held back their laughs as Evan tried to convince the overly protective cat he was ok.
Back in the compartment, Ashling and Hydrus continued their game of bean roulette, Evan joining in with them shyly.
Eventually, the three new friends had begun to sing some songs, Ashling introducing them to the likes of her favourite band 'The Warlock and Key'. She was singing loudly and off key when the train stopped, Evan and Hydrus laughing loudly. Throughout the two hour journey, the smallest boy had come out of his shell quite a bit. Hydrus couldn't help but feel as though something about Ashling was vaguely familiar, but he couldn't quite place his finger on it.
"I didn't ask." Ashling said, a slight smirk on her face as she hopped off the train, closely followed by Evan and Hydrus, "What houses did you want to be in? I personally like the sound of Slytherin because I'm a bit ambitious and can be quite resourceful and trick my way into getting what I want, though I'm not blood prejudice."
Hydrus raised his eyebrows in mild surprise. Ashling seemed as if she'd be more a Gryffindor than a Slytherin, but nevertheless she wanted to be in the house of the snakes. "Same here, same reasons." Hydrus replied simply, "Though my ambition is protecting my brothers."
Ashling inhaled sharply. "Ooh, I don't know, Hydrus. That sounds like Gryffindor bravery to me." She said, half joking. "Me Da' was a Lion but me mam was a Snake. They're actually bettin' to guess where I'm put. Wha'd about you, Evan?" Ashling enquired.
The boy in question shrugged. "I'm not really friendly enough to be a Hufflepuff because I'm a little shy, not smart enough for ravenclaw and definitely not brave enough for Gryffindor. I'm quite resourceful, though. Not to mention my family would probably hate me if I got put anywhere other than Slytherin." He murmured awkwardly.
Hydrus placed a hand onto the smaller boy's shoulder, "I know what you mean; besides my Dad and brothers, my family are pureblood supremes. The only others who aren't are the Potter side of the family." He informed them.
"Wait, Hydrus, are you a Black?" Ashling asked, her hazel eyes wide. At Hydrus's cautious nod, she eagerly continued, "Me grandma was a Black, she got blasted off the tree cause she fell in love with me Grandpa. Her name's Ella."
"Woah, Cedrella?" Hydrus asked, eyebrows raised. Ashling nodded happily, "My Father had always thought she married a Weasley?"
"She only pretended so they wouldn't kill Grandpa." Ashling said, cringing slightly, "Septimus Weasley actually married someone else, unfortunately she passed away, and Septimus pretended to run away with Grandma Ella 'cause they were friends. My Grandpa's a muggleborn. Anyway, my grandparents live in Ireland now. Ella's son, me Da', he's called Atlas, it's a star in the Taurus constellation. She didn't break the Black naming tradition, but me Da' did, hence me name, Ashling." Ashling smiled.
Hydrus opened his mouth to say something, but was cut off by the familiar voice of Professor Slughorn calling "First years, this way please. First years!" The trio exchanged a quick glance at each other before racing through the crowds to get to the whimsical boats on the lake.
Hydrus was the fastest to get there, closely followed by Evan, and Ashling just behind. They stared out at the boats, the glowing lanterns buzzing as wildly as their wildest dreams.
Hydrus was happy he didn't have to go by thestral carriage; it would be hard to ignore the skeletal horses and possibly harder to explain that he could see them due to the fact he had killed his mother and been in a war his previous life.
As they all sat their boat, they stared in awe at the castle. Hydrus had forgotten how amazing it looked from the lake; last time he had been that close to its waters he was fighting for his life in the Triwizard Tournament. But then, seeing the castle in all its glory, he was amazed.
Once they got to the other side of the lake, they were met by Professor McGonagall just outside the great hall.
"Greetings first years," she began, looking a lot younger and happier than Hydrus had ever seen her. Her hair was black like coal. "I am Professor McGonagall and I teach transfiguration here at Hogwarts. In a moment, you will be sorted into your houses and the sorting hat will be placed on your head. Are we all clear?" She asked. When she received a chorus of 'yes', she beckoned them all to follow her through to the great hall.
Hydrus took this opportunity to glance over at the Slytherin table as he walked into the hall besides Evan. He saw Bellatrix and Narcissa talking about something or other, whilst Andromeda was stealing glances at someone over at the Hufflepuff table. Hydrus felt slightly sympathetic towards her, knowing that it was Ted Tonks she was looking at.
"Abbot, Daniel." McGonagall called.
"RAVENCLAW!" The hat called after a moment. Hydrus was mildly surprised at this. He looked more like a Hufflepuff, like Hannah.
"Askylan, Pandora." McGonagall said for the second time. Hydrus instantly recognised the girl; Luna's mum.
"RAVENCLAW!" The hat yipped.
"Binns, Freya." She called again. Hydrus stifled a laugh, knowing that she would be related somehow to the old ghost that taught History of Magic.
"HUFFLEPUFF!" The sorting hat yelled as soon as the hat touched her head.
"Black, Hydrus." McGonagall said. Hydrus waltzed up to the sorting hat, the opposite of what he previously had in mind the last time he sat on that stall.
'Curious.' He heard the sorting hat muse inside of his head, 'How very curious indeed, Mr. Black. Or should I call you Mr. Potter?'
Oh come on. Hydrus thought back, You know where I need to be for this to work, right. The last time I checked, you're not a pureblood supreme, are you, hat?
'No,' The hat said, 'but it is my job to sort those where they belong, and you and I both know you truly belong in Gryffindor. You would fit in there perfectly, you know-'
I'll stop you right there. Hydrus thought back, I belong in Slytherin if our plan is going to work. Plus, my ambitions are bigger than my bravery, aren't they? So be a good hat and help me out here, yeah? People are starting to wonder what's taking you so long. That's not being a good hat, is it?
'Oh, you are sneaky.' The hat realised, 'And I did nearly sort you into the snake house before. Very cunning, yes. Ok, then, better be…'
"SLYTHERIN!" The hat yelled loudly, and Hydrus did a smirk Malfoy would have been proud of before walking over to become the first Slytherin of 1970. And the first Slytherin to try and take down Voldemort, considering Snape wasn't there yet.
Soon after, Ashling and Evan were also sorted into Slytherin, alongside the creepy Carrow twins, Herbert Bulstrode, Michaelangelo Parkinson, Jaqueline Trinket and Serephina Greengrass.
Hydrus was briefly congratulated by his cousins and fellow housemates, though it was more formal and less welcoming, unlike he had been greeted when he was new to Gryffindor.
Hydrus was also certain that his new dorm mates, minus Evan, would be far less welcoming. He glanced with a grimace as Bulstrode gobbled down his food like an animal and Parkinson sipped his pumpkin juice before dabbing his mouth with the corner of a napkin.
Next to him, Ashling was trying to make conversation with Greengrass, then Trinket, but was promptly ignored. "They're quite rude, aren't they?" She whispered to Hydrus.
"They're what Gryffindors would call stereotypical Slytherins." Hydrus told her, earning a small laugh from his two new friends.
"What would happen if we were to talk to the Gryffs and ask to be their friends?" Ashling asked, a small grin playing upon her face, "I mean, they're probably nice, but would they befriend a Slytherin?" She wondered aloud, tapping her chin.
"I think they'd presume we'd: a) been dared to say it, b) pretend to be their friend so we could stab them in the back, or c) want to later recruit them to 'the dark side' by our fathers or 'master'." Evan piped up, rolling his eyes lightly and making Ashling snicker. "I'd just stay out of their ways, to be honest. If we start an accidental battle with the first year Gryffindors then we may just make accidental enemies for the rest of our lives." He finished cautiously.
Hydrus just blinked. He has never really thought about it that way before. The Slytherins were probably 50% manipulated into making their families proud. He shuddered at the thought of Walburga Black.
"I agree with Evan." Ashling said, nodding her head, "We should just lay it low. But if they're mean to us, we'll just give them a nice long lecture and make them feel bad. Hey, who knows, we could even stand up for muggleborns and see how they react then. That will be a fun show to watch." They all laughed at that.
Hydrus was picturing the look that would have been on Ron's face if Flint had stood up for Hermione when Malfoy called her a… that name. But then Hydrus realized that Harry Potter would also have the same shocked look on his face, and possibly even stupefy Flint for 'mocking her' or something like that.
Later that night, in Hydrus's new dorm room, he had depicted the different personalities of his roommates.
Parkinson; huge supporter of Voldemort and prim and proper pureblood prince in every little way, thought he was definitely above everyone else and was a major perfectionist.
Bulstrode; supporter of Voldemort, though partially via his family's influence. Greedy and henchman type, much like Crabbe and Goyle to Malfoy. Probably would start to worship Parkinson soon.
Carrow; creepy and quiet but clearly enjoys pain and suffering due to ships laughter when Bulstrode choked on his chicken wing. Basically nothing without his twin sister, though. Unclear views on Voldemort but likely supporter.
Evan; shy and dislikes Voldemort. Only really comfortable with Ashling and Hydrus around. He has opinions but struggles to have a voice. A bit of a spitfire spark within, could have probably become a Gryffindor in the future once he discovers a voice.
With this newfound information of characteristics, Hydrus's only mission was to fit in and listen to any news from the boys' parents about Death Eater plans, if they possessed any of that knowledge. Other than that, it was just a big waiting game for Hermione to join him.
This was the first level of any to come and he was pretty sure he had already saved one person partially; Evan Rosier.
Hydrus fell asleep that night, staring at his owl drawing knowing that he would be able to change the future with the help of his friends.
Even if those friends were to Slytherins.
Because not all Slytherins were bad.
The silver and green trio were an example of that.
Ashling Murphy, Evan Rosier and Hydrus Black were a future example of unexpected good.
Even if the Gryffindors didn't know that yet…
—
September 7th 1970, Slytherin common room
The Slytherins had their common room in the dungeon and it stank. The dungeon literally stank of sewage and rotten smells. Hydrus was certain the scent of the basilisk feeding on rats was part of the reason.
Hydrus was confused to say the least. A whole week had passed since they had joined Hogwarts, and not one Slytherin and Gryffindor fight had outburst.
Strange.
Very strange indeed.
Hydrus was almost certain that his house was planning something; that morning in the dungeons basically proved his suspicions correct. He watched as Dolohov and Avery flicked through the pages of a book together; but they weren't studying.
Hydrus had never depicted the pair as lowlifes, but that book proved otherwise. 'Hexes for Pain' was what it was called.
Hydrus's green eyes narrowed, and he was about to go and talk to the pair when he felt a tapping on his shoulder. He spun around quickly, wand drawn, the tip of a spell on his tongue, when he saw who it was.
Ashling was standing there, her eyes wide and shook. "Easy now, Hy." She laughed nervously, Hydrus sighed and retracted his wand. "I was just wondering if you wanted to come and get breakfast? I'm ready to go when you are. Evan's already down there." She told him.
"Sorry." Hydrus apologised. "Constant vigilance around this place. Especially when there are rats about." He said with a shudder.
"You think I could have been a rat?" Ashling scoffed, "Not that I'm offended; they're actually very agile creatures. Sneaky, am I?" She teased with a laugh. Hydrus rolled his eyes. "So, you coming?"
"In a sec, Ash." Hydrus addressed her, "I just need to-" But when he turned around, Avery and Dolohov were gone. Hydrus looked around suspiciously. His eyes narrowed once more before being masked by a forced smile. "Never mind, I'll go with you now."
"Great!" Ashling beamed. Hydrus walked alongside her, still distracted. "Hydrus, where's your mind at?" She asked him, waving a hand in front of his eyes.
"Avery and Dolohov are up to something." He said, his voice still full of suspicion. "I'm pretty sure first years are their targets and you can guess what house they want to do their evil deeds on." He growled.
"It's probably nothing." Ashling played off. Hydrus looked at her and sighed.
"Yeah, you're right," he said. But his eyes still searched for an answer as he walked down to the hall.
That was when he saw a lone Gryffindor first year walking just in front of them, Avery and Dolohov standing behind the Knight Statue. They were waiting.
It pained Hydrus, but he knew he couldn't send a hex at them until they had done anything. But he could help somehow.
"Hey!" He called, grabbing the Gryffindor's attention. Beside him, Ashling had frozen, throwing her friend a worried look. Hydrus ignored this, however, and continued to talk, "Watch out, some of my housemates are going to hex you." He told the Gryffindor, pointing at Avery and Dolohov behind the statue.
"Meddling brat!" Avery yelled, "You're the little idiot that punched me!"
"I'm actually quite tall for my age, I think you'll find." Hydrus remarked calmly, "And I'm also fairly intelligent. For example, I know that if you were to have hexed this gentleman here, you would not have only been getting Slytherin into trouble, but may have made an enemy." He continued, and the Gryffindor boy was just frozen in shock.
"I'm not afraid of you." Avery intoned, stepping out from behind the statue as Dolohov remained in place, "Because I know things you don't know. I'm older. More experienced."
"Is that so, Avery?" Hydrus asked, trying not to cause any problems. But he knew that wouldn't be the case that day.
Avery pointed his wand at the Gryffindor. "Stupefy!" He yelled.
Instinctively, Hydrus leapt in front of the boy and yelled back "Expelliarmus!", trying to remember what spells were in the first year books.
Avery's magic rebounded against Hydrus's powerful red spell, effectively stupefying him himself. And of course, Professor McGonagall chose that moment to step out of the great hall.
"Mister Black!" She snapped, Hydrus immediately lowered his wand, tucking it back into his pocket. "Just what do you think you're doing?"
"He was defending a student, ma'am." Ashling informed helpfully. At McGonagall's pointed look, she continued, "Don't worry, I didn't get involved; no explosions." She laughed cheekily.
"It's true, Professor." The Gryffindor boy spoke up. "The older boy was trying to stupefy me and Black defended me. He saw them hiding behind the statue.
"Well," McGonagall said, looking quite baffled upon hearing a Slytherin turn against his own house in order to protect a Gryffindor. "If what Ms. Murphy and Mr. Longbottom says is true," Hydrus's eyebrows raised upon hearing the Gryffindor's surname, "Then ten points will be rewarded to Slytherin for helping another student. However, on Mr. Avery's behalf, twenty points will be taken for attacking another student. Be on your way, Black, Murphy, Longbottom. Avery, Dolohov, come with me please."
"Thank you," Frank Longbottom said, before Ashling and Hydrus walked away. As they turned around, he took a gulp and continued, "Thanks for standing up for me, even though it got your own house in trouble. Avery probably could have gotten away in time had you not been here."
"No problem." Hydrus said with a small smile, "If innocents get saved for the cost a million, I'd do it. Come on, Ash." Hydrus said to him before calling Ashling to follow him. Just before he went through the doors, however, he said, "I'm Hydrus, by the way, resident Slytherin who's not all that bad."
And with that, the pair walked through the door to meet Evan at the Slytherin table. Frank Longbottom would probably never been believed had he ever told anyone about the time he was saved by a Slytherin.
But it didn't matter.
He knew the truth.
—-
A/N: I do not own Harry Potter and I only half own the character Ashling ; )