Book 1 - Harry Potter And The Dawn Of Chaos

Chapter 6 - The snake's nest.


Harry had spent the walk to the common room trying to remember every detail of the castle, every turn and off shoot, he hoped that this would make it easier for him to find his way in future journeys, the walk had also been an interesting opportunity to see how the other students reacted to his presence. Some choose to try and antagonise him, pushing past him like he wasn't there and this wasn't worrying to Harry, it meant they didn't like him and had made this clear, this group included those like Draco. Some chose to treat him like any other child, not interacting with him not because they didn't want to but because they didn't actually know him or just didn't care, that was fine by him since he didn't like the idea of people following him around just for the sake of it The final group was what Harry was keeping an eye on the most, those who looked at him but did nothing, those who watched him when they thought he didn't know. These were unknowns and that put Harry on edge.

The actual common room however. Well Harry loved it, already the other years had settled down, a few of the upper years sat around the fireplace, their chairs seemed to be set in a way that allowed them to view the whole room yet appear like they weren't watching but Harry could feel their eyes on him. One of the group stood out to him, younger than the rest and sat off to the side, a girl who couldn't be more than a year older than Harry sat watching him. She had dark curly hair and her eyes were a dark purple, the way she was watching him seemed so familiar to Harry but he couldn't figure out why. A few smaller groups had huddled around the smaller study tables and were also watching the first years with a lot less subtlety than those around the fireplace. As the rest of the first years filed into the room Harry stood off to the side of the group. Ron and Hermione stood a bit in front of him. He was glad that they stuck around. They hadn't spoken much but they seemed a lot nicer than when he had spoken to Draco. He wondered how Neville was getting on in Gryffindor. Hermione was clearly very scared and failing horribly to hide it whereas Ron looked on edge and ready for a fight, Harry while also nervous hoped that he was a lot better at hiding it, he knew that those who were watching would take any sign of weakness as a chance to get the better of him, everything Neville had told him and everything he had learnt from his experiences with the Dursleys put him on edge.

A small door, off to the side of the room and up a short flight of stairs opened and out stepped a man dressed in long flowing black robes, his equally black hair and eyes struck an imposing figure. This must be Professor Snape, the head of Slytherin house.

The Professor's eyes seemed to scan over each first year individually, like he was committing each face to memory as quickly as he could, he's eyes fell on Harry, flicking to his scar and then back to his eyes,

"Welcome first years to the noble house of Slytherin" his voice was sharp and seemed to cut through the air as even Harry who was standing a decent length away from him could hear him almost perfectly "You are now part of a house which has stood for centuries and the values and traditions of said house shall be maintained by you all. There will be no exceptions. The value of ambition is key to Slytherins success, as a result I expect you to all strive towards success and I will not accept anyone who believes laziness is acceptable." His eyes seemed to flick to Ron as he said this. "This house will help anyone who can prove they deserve help, this means if you commit to improving, if you are dedicated to bettering yourself and becoming more than you are now, you will find this house to be most welcoming. You are Slytherins now, do not let yourselves down, do not fail this house and most importantly do not embarrass me." With that last warning he turned from the room and retreated back through the small door, the sound of a lock clicking ran through the common room.

The first years stood in stunned silence, not daring to move. The professor's words scared a lot of them.

"Thank you Professor Snape for those inspiring words," Daniel said, drawing attention back to him. "Now it is up to us to explain the things professor Snape either can't or won't. First things first, Slytherin's have a rule. What happens in the common room stays in the common room. I don't think I need to explain that one. Second, if you have any issues with another student of Slytherin house you deal with it in the common room, outside of this room no matter your personal differences, stay together, stick together, and support your fellow Slytherin. No exceptions. Thirdly, if you have a problem with someone from another house, you deal with it in a Slytherin way. Professor Snape drove into you all the importance of ambition and it's our job as prefects to make sure you understand the importance of cunning. If you want to do anything to anyone in another house, either revenge or any other reason, do not under any circumstance let me or another perfect catch you."

The meaning behind his words was obvious to anyone and Harry had a feeling it would be the last time anyone in this room would be this straightforward with him.

Vinda spoke next. "Now you're probably very tired so I will be quick, the notice boards you see around the room." She gestured to them. "Each one represents a different year, this is where you will find all important information relating to your year and the house as a whole and finally we come to sleeping arrangements. Now unlike the other houses Slytherins do not separate dormitories into boys and girls," this caused a ripple of murmuring to break through the first year, "Yes, I know very exciting, this is because in this house if you wish to make such a foolish mistake then you shouldn't be in this house, now form groups of three to five and we will show you to your rooms."

Everyone stood for a second. Harry could almost hear the ticking on everyone's brain, trying to figure out who to go too. Tapping Ron on the shoulder Harry gathered his strength and hoped his voice wasn't as weak as he felt. "Hey Ron, I know we don't know each other that well but I was hoping that you would be up for sharing. I don't really know anyone else."

The boy's eyes widened to an almost worrying size, Ron nodded, clearly too relieved to speak. For a second they stood awkwardly staring at each other before Ron turned to Hermionie. "Wanna join us?"

"Umm… If you're sure. I mean as long as Harry is okay with that then sure."

"I would love for you to join us," gesturing to the stairs in which the prefects and a couple of groups had already descended "after you."

Together the newly formed trio walked down the steps, descending deeper into the Hogwarts basement. The dormitories were simply laid out, a long corridor, on the left and right wall there were three doors on each side. On the furthest wall there was another door making seven in total.

Next to each door was a simple sign which read the year which each door housed, the first year's dorms were the closest door on the left. Daniel stood in front of it. "Well here is where I leave you for the night, through this door is around 10 rooms, each one is designed to house five students so just pick one and once you are inside your stuff will appear in it, everyone should gather next to your notice board at 7 o'clock and we will show you back to the main hall, enjoy your first night at Hogwarts people."

He turned and walked towards the fifth year door. Going through the first year door it was Just as Daniel had described, the three of them found an unclaimed room at the back, it was one of the final rooms. Harry used the silver serpent doorknob to open the dark door, it opened into a decently sized room, five beds were laid out, 3 on the left and 2 on the right, on the far wall there was a narrow bookshelf which stretched up the wall. A door which Harry assumed led to the toilet was on the right wall.

Harry had never had this much space to live in, even sharing the room with the two others gave him more space than he had ever had before. He could work with this.


LINE BREAK


The older students watched as the rabble of first years loudly made their way down to their rooms. The two prefects stood back and watched, waiting till the last child was out of sight before relaxing.

Rosier groaned. "I have the feeling this year is going to be a problem."

Avery looked at her like she was an idiot. "Oh I wonder why? Maybe because the bloody Boy-Who-Lived is for some reason in our year." As he spoke both of the fifth year prefects made their way over to the sofa and chairs near the emerald fire roared. Already in the collection of chairs were the rest of the prefects. Gemma Farley and Sebastian Notts, the Prefects in sixth year, were sprawled lazily across the sofa. Isaac Bustrode was sitting in the chair facing furthest from the fire, he was reading the charms textbook while Valaria Selwyn rereading her notes on Magical creatures.

There was only one person who wasn't a Prefect sat in the group. A third year who no one would dare question as to why they were sat with the older years. Cassiopeia Black was a terrifying girl, her bright purple eyes seemed to stare right into your mind which considering the reputation the black family had for mind magic might well be the case. Daniel had to repress the shudder that wanted to pass through his body. It was a bad idea to show uncomfortableness to the other prefects and the Black girl.

"So," Gemma started, "What is he like?'

"Well we didn't get much of a chance to talk to him since you know, we had to deal with the rest of them as well. Can't exactly show interest in one student over the others, that's the Professors jobs." Avery answered.

"Quite, he didn't say much. Mainly just looked around while we walked here, it seemed like he was trying to memorise the route. Honestly, I don't think he relaxed at all until he started chatting to the Weasley kid." Daniel had always possessed a talent for reading people. Noticing the subtle changes in behaviour and their meanings. It was a skill his Uncle had been eager to cultivate when Daniel was younger and while back then those boring lessons on human facial expressions and what they mean has been a chore Daniel could not help but be thankful for the edge they gave him at Hogwarts. Easier to make friends when you can read their faces like an open book. Part of the reason he found the young third year sitting with them so strange is he could never get a read on her.

"Speaking of which, what in Morgana's name is that about? When has there ever been a Weasley in this house?"

"There has not. Ever." Valaria said, looking up from her notes. "That house is as old as the Blacks but they don't keep as clear a record so some of the details are patchy but to my knowledge the Weasley family have only ever sorted into Gryffindor, with one or two Hufflepuffs here and there." Makes sense she would know that. Valaria was also taking History of magic as a N.E.W.T.

"Back to the slightly more newsworthy issue. Harry Potter is now a Slytherin. Others are already talking."

"You mean Montague and his group."

"And others. This isn't just about those who still vocally support the Dark Lords message. A lot of us were affected by what he did and a lot of us aren't happy that he now is part of our house. Someone will act, it is only a matter of time." Sebastian said as he had clearly given up on his attempt to appear uninterested. "What do we do?"

"Nothing." Cassiopeia's voice cut through the group. Everyone turned to face her. "He is a first year student. The truce stands as it always has. We will not change traditions due to misplaced blame and sore feelings." There was a mummer of agreement from the others.

Isaac closed his book and finally gave his input. "All of you are to speak to your years. Remind them that the first years are not to be touched. If anyone is found attempting to break the truce which as Miss Black reminded us has been in place for a very very long time, then they will face the judgement of Slytherin House. Cassiopeia I would ask that you speak to those younger years who might have foolish notions of disobeying the prefects."

The girl simply nodded. It was understood that the heir to house black had a hold on the younger years, which was part of the reason the prefects had started to include her in these unofficial little debriefs. Daniel nodded, he would speak to the boys in his year tonight. Make sure they all understood the message. Letting out a brief yawn Avery announced that she would do so in the morning before departing for bed. Daniel followed shortly after since the two had to get up and walk the first years to the great hall.


LINE BREAK


Hermione looked around at her new room and relaxed finally. She had been tense ever since her sorting, not even relaxing when Ron had joined her. Somehow she had gotten even more tense, which she didn't think was possible when the prefects had announced that she would have to find a group of three to four to form a room. The fact that the group could be boys or girls was a bit weird to Hermionie. The panic that had been building had almost exploded out and she had been struggling to not run from the room. But luckily she had managed to keep herself together long enough for Harry Potter to come to her rescue, well technically he had come to Ron's aid and then Ron had come to her rescue but at the time she didn't care and now as she stood staring at her own room, she didn't know what she felt. It was difficult sorting out what was excitement and what was fear, which ones of her concerns were rational and which were widely irrational.

The room itself was lovely, the colour scheme matched that of the common room, green and silver with a hint of black. The beds all had curtains which eases the panic she had about sleeping in the same room as a group of boys, even if it was only two. The bookshelf would be useful and the fact that each bed had a bedside cabinet which had a much smaller personal bookshelf built into it made her very happy, her trunk appeared in front of a bed on the right side, Harry's and Ron's appeared on the left.

"What was that?" Hermione asked, more to herself than anyone else.

"My guess is the Hogwarts house elves have been looking after our stuff while we were being sorted" she wanted to ask Ron what a house elf was but decided she could do that later.

"So this is our room, I guess they have chosen which bed is which for us."

"It seems they have, not that it would have mattered. I think they are all the same '' Harry's strange voice seemed to calm her and put her on edge. She couldn't figure out the emotion behind it. She studied the hero of the wizarding world, he was a skinny boy who looked like he needed to eat more. He was smaller than she had expected him to be and that wasn't helped by the way he almost seemed to hunch within himself, like he was trying to disappear. His black hair was a mess and his glasses looked well used and were taped together. However it was his eyes that caught Hermionies attention, they were an emerald green and almost seemed to shine, though Hermione was sure this was just a trick on the light. She had read a lot of books in preparation for coming to Hogwarts and they had all made him out to be the magical saviours, so Hermione had a hard time fitting that image in with the normal looking boy in front of her, he didn't look special, in fact he looked really unhealthy.

Hermione didn't know what to say to him, should she introduce herself, he already knew her name but they had never been formally introduced and it might break the tension which was forming as they all stood in their new room, no one had spoken since Harry. Deciding she should try something she opened her mouth planning too introduce herself and maybe ask som basic ice breakers

"So were you secretly trained by the ghost of Merlin?"

Both Harry and Hermione turned to Ron who had clearly just realised what he'd said and started turning a deep shade of red. Harry started to laugh, Hermione joined in.

"I am sorry but my sister used to read these books about you as a kid and well they claimed you had trained with the ghosts of great wizards, she wanted me to ask if they were true."

Harry finished laughing "well I am sorry to disappoint your sister but sadly no, I was raised in the muggle world."

"Really? I mean I know all the books say that's what happened but I didn't think the wizarding world would trust its saviour to normal people."

"Yup, Muggle raised, that's me and I doubt I am that important to them."

Ron piped up "yeah you are, like super important. As I said my sister was raised with your story."

Hermione could see that all this talk of his fame was making Harry uncomfortable so decided to change the subject, "how are you two feeling about the whole sorting thing? I know how hard you thought it was going to be Ron," Harry looked at her confused so Ron explained.

"My brothers convinced me that to be sorted we had to fight a troll and the way we defeated it would tell us which house we belong too"

Harry let out a small laugh at this. Then he walked towards what Hermione assumed was his bed and sat on the edge of it.

"So would you rather fight the troll or are you okay just having a hat put on you?" Harry asked, she and Ron followed his example and where now sat on their beds.

"I will settle for the hat, though it's kinda creepy how it could read our thoughts."

"Yeah I didn't like that, is that something wizards can do then?" Hermione asked.

"Not really, well if it is then it isn't common since my parents have never mentioned it." Hermione was relieved to know she wouldn't have to worry about that in the future.

"Okay good, it was bad enough a hat doing it." Harry nodded in agreement.

"So Harry, who do you live with exactly?" Ron asked and Hermione watched as Harry went rigid.

"My aunt and uncle, from my mum's side obviously, what about you? What's your family like?"

Quickly answered and moving on, there was definitely more he wasn't saying.

"Oh well my family is huge, I have six siblings, five older brothers and a younger sister, she's going to come to Hogwarts next year." Ron seemed to get quiet as he spoke about them.

"Oh wow, what houses are they in?" Hermione cringed as Harry asked this. Surely he could see how this was affecting Ron.

"All Gyriffindors. I am the first Weasley in Slytherin in… well I think ever, Hermione tell us about your family?"

"Well I am muggleborn obviously so nothing interesting to say really, mum and dad are both dentists who were very surprised to find out about the whole wizarding thing, this is actually the longest I am going to be away from them."

Their room settled into a sombre silence, then Harry broke it.

"So Ron since you're the only one who might know anyone from our new house. Anything we should know?"

"Honestly no. Most of the families in this house aren't exactly friends with mine. The Weasley's aren't well respected by most of the other pureblood families because of my dad. He works for the ministry of magic as the head of the misuse of muggle artefacts." Clearly seeing the confusion on Her and Harry's face Ron drives into an explanation. "Basically he works alongside the DMLE, which is the department of law enforcement, and helps them in cases involving witches and wizards who have been meddling in the muggle world. Enchanting muggle stuff and other stuff like that. But because Dad has always argued for muggle right and their importance which means a lot of the more traditional families don't like him and by extension the family."

"That's horrible, just because he values the normal world."

"I mean yeah it's rubbish. Honestly the only person i know is Draco Malfoy and that's because his dad and mine are always at each other's throats."

"I know him." Harry interrupted. "I met him when I was getting my robes and then again on the train. He was with a couple of other kids. they all seemed to know each other."

"Well sorry you had to deal with him twice. He's a right arse. That group was probably the kids of his dad's creepy club. They follow him around like a lost dog because he's the only one that is actually an heir to his family whereas the others are all second or third children."

"Shall we talk about something a bit more fun. How about this, what are you most excited for?" Harry asked. Changing the topic from the rubbish fact that most people in this house seemed to be horrible people.

Now this was a topic Hermione could talk for hours about and spent hours talking is what they did. She learnt all about Ron's love of quidditch, the game that Ron had mentioned earlier which still seemed like nonsense but caught Harry's attention. She learnt all about Harry's interest in all types of magic and how he didn't care what form it took as long as it was magic. She told them all about her excitement about transfiguration and how it really called to her.

The three spent all night bonding, getting to know each other. Learning about random things and little facts. By the end of the night Hermione felt a lot more comfortable around the boys. The conversation ended when they became too tired to keep it going, she closed the curtains around her bed and got into her pyjamas. Before dowsing off she asked one last question to the boys.

"Harry, Ron, are we friends?"

From Ron she got a grunt which she took to mean yes,

"I would hope we are Hermione" Harry said, his words clearing up and doubt she had.


LINE BREAK


Ron was shaken awake far too soon for his likely, he felt like he had just closed his eyes and now he had to get back up. What could his mum, who was the only one who ever woke him up, possibly want.

"Mommy, can I have five more minutes?" His voice was groggy.

To his shock a boy replied. "Not your mum and no you can't."

Ron's eyes snapped open and focused on the black haired boy who was standing at the side of his bed, it all came back to him. He was at Hogwarts and he had just called Harry Potter mommy. Shit. Seeing the smile on Harry's face Ron groaned.

"Hermionie is in the Bathroom getting ready, you have 20 minutes until we need to meet the prefects, are you gonna be ready in time?"

Ron was relieved that Hermionie hadn't also been here to hear what he called Harry, "Yeah I don't need long to get ready." he said while getting up and grabbing the robes from his trunk, "What do you think Breakfast will be like?"

Harry turned around and walked back to his bed before answering. "Probably as big as dinner, Do you not want to use the bathroom?"

Ron, who had now returned to his bed, a pile of the day's clothes sitting on the end of the bed shook his head. It wasn't that he didn't want to freshen up, it was just that he wasn't quite ready to see himself wearing the green and silver that he had learnt to link with evil.

"Nah, you know how girls are, Hermionie will take forever." Right as the words left his mouth, Hermionie walked out of the bathroom, her hair looked brushed but it still was as bushy as ever. Ron turned to hair, getting ready to come up with a new excuse but before he said anything Harry shook his head. Clearly he understood that there was more to Ron's reluctance and had decided to drop it.

Packing for lessons had been difficult because they didn't actually know what lessons they were going to have, Ron had suggested they pack nothing and run back for there stuff after breakfast but Hermionie had quickly shot down that idea, saying that didn't know how much time they would have and it was safer just to take everything. Much to Harry and Ron's annoyance they couldn't fault her logic so carrying all of the books and writing supplies they joined the rest of the first years in following the Prefects back to the main hall. The walk felt a lot more relaxed than the one back from dinner had, Ron guessed it was because they had all had time to settle down and maybe a few members of the group were still half asleep. There was a low chatter between those who had shared rooms with each other. The trio were listening to Hermionie inform them of random facts she knew about Hogwarts. "It has the largest population of ghosts in all of the UK, there are a few other places in the world with large but they are all in America."

The calm morning disappeared when Ron heard the last voice he wanted to hear "Perfect Avery, do you mind if I have a quick word with one of your Slytherins. Percy's pompous voice ruined the relaxed feeling Ron had been enjoying.

"Sure" Dan said, not really caring.

"Hoping to change his mind, Weasley. Would have thought your family would appreciate one of you trying to get back into the good books of their betters." Vinda sneered.

Ignoring her snide comment Percy scanned the group of first years for his younger brother. Ron wanted to crawl into himself but knew Percy wouldn't give up. Whispering a quick apology to the others, Ron walked forward to the front of the crowd. Percy spotted him.

"Brilliant, Ronald, if you would follow me."

Percy then leads him to an unused classroom. They stood in awkward silence for a bit. Ron knew Percy was waiting for him to speak, it was a tactic their mother used all the time. Deciding he would rather be at Breakfast he spoke.

"What do you want Percy? i was trying to get breakfast"

"Well unfortunately Ronald there are more important things than food to discuss."

"Such as?"

"Such as the fact you are the first Weasley sorted into Salazar's house in centuries, possibly ever. what do you have to say?"

"I don't think it really matters"

"Cause it matters Ron, I know this might seem hard for you to understand right now but you will come to understand more when you're older"

Ron realised just how serious Percy was being, "You really care don't you?"

"Of course I care and you should too. Do you understand the effect this will have on mum and dad. Dad has spent most of his life fighting against the families in that house, how do you think this sorting will look? Now that one of his sons is living alongside their children. You have put him and this family in an uncomfortable position."

"So what? It's not like I am going to start spouting their nonsense."

"That is irrelevant Ronald. It is about appearance. Can't you see that."

Ron was quiet. He didn't know how to argue with Percy, especially when the same ideas had been flying around his head since the sorting. Maybe he really had betrayed his family.

Sighing, Percy put his hand on Ron's shoulder.

"Look, I am just worried. No one expected you to go anywhere other than Gryffindor. The impact of this sorting might be nothing but I was worried it would be a problem Ron. Come on. I will take you to the main hall. Just think about what I said here Ron, things are going to be different now."

Ron followed his Brother back to the main hall. His head was a mess and he felt lost. His sorting had never been up for debate so he didn't know how his parents would react to him being sorted into anywhere other than Gryffindor and Slytherin was the furthest from Gryffindor you could get. He arrived back at the great hall. He spotted Harry and Hermionie discussing something at the end of the table, and he walked over to them. "What are you guys talking about?"

Professor Snape came round and gave us night our timetables" Hermione handed him his. "You okay?"

"Yeah. Percy just wanted to see how I was doing." The lie felt sour in his mouth. Well it technically wasn't a lie, Percy had wanted to check up on him. While also telling his how badly he had messed up by sorting into Slytherin. From the look Harry was giving him Ron could tell that he didn't believe him. Hermione had taken his word for it and continued on her conversation about the timetable.

Picking his copy up but not really taking much time to look at it Ron let his mind drift. He couldn't help but let the doubt overtake him.


Dear Readers,

Well this chapter was difficult to write, the scene between Percy and Ron is one that during any rewrites I am 100% going to redo. I am overall happy with the message and events within this chapter, I just feel it could have been presented better.

Now the idea that Slytherin house doesn't separate boys and girls and instead splits them into small groups was taken from one of the earliest stories I ever read and for the life of me I can't find it again so apologies to the author.

I am sure I will get a few disappointed readers I feel this concept will benefit the ability to tell this story in a positive way down the line. Especially with what I have planned for next year.

Thank you again to Bluerain22 for your continued reviews which have been a joy to read. I hope you enjoyed this one as well.

Until the 9th December.

From Paddington123