Chapter 6

When the first year Hogwarts students exited the train, Harry made eye contact with a longtime friend who gave him a friendly smile and curled her fingers in hello. The boy-who-lived grinned in return at Katie Bell, the only Gryffindor he was sure to get along with. He once saved the girl's life in Diagon Alley, but that was a memory for another day.

Draco, who saw the interaction, grinned at the boy and Harry smirked as he flicked his wrist causing the boy to trip on a branch that seemingly popped out of the ground. Harry just kept on walking side by side with Theodore as Draco huffed and chased after the two.

A giant of a man awaited the first years at the end of the forest. and he stood over the boats as if he were some type of guardian. Harry was about to be seriously impressed until the giant beast opened his mouth, "First' years this way. We will be taking the boats up to the castle."

Harry nearly face palmed as the moonlight shone down on the man's face, he had forgotten the keeper of keys, Rubeus Hagrid, would be escorting the students across the water, onto the boats, and into the castle. The half giant took up his own boat alone, and Harry, Draco, Theo, and Blaise took one boat, while Daphne, Tracy, and the newly acquainted Millicent and Pansy took another. Draco had avoided the youngest Parkinson like the plague, which Harry was amused by to no end!

As the boats crossed through the water Harry was rendered speechless for the first time in his life. The castle was magnificent. It was huge, perhaps ten stories tall in some places, but the points of the castles went much higher than that. The building was an architectural wonder undoubtedly, but the massive scale that it truly sat on was what truly befuddled the young wizard. Before he could even take mental pictures, they were going underneath the castle and being shepherded up to the front gates.

When a regal looking woman opened the front doors Hagrid bowed his head slightly, "The firs' years professor."

Said professor who Harry recognized as Minerva McGonagall briefly smiled at the half giant and then took a neutral face towards the first years, "Welcome to Hogwarts Witchcraft and Wizardry, in just a few moments you will be sorted into a house that is named after one of our four founders. There is Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, Salazar Slytherin, and Godric Gryffindor. The sorting hat will judge you by the traits in which you live your life, from there you will be put with people who you may consider family. I will say as a few words of encouragement that several friends I made on my first day here at Hogwarts have remained my friends to this very day. Make an impression and be your best. You are here to make your families and yourselves proud, good luck."

With that the veteran transfiguration teacher guided the nearly terrified first years into the great hall. Harry was amongst the very few who walked in with his head held high and his chin up. As they walked down the hall the Professor strode over towards the chair that sat in the center of the teacher table and the students' tables. She summoned a long roll of parchment and picked the hat up off the chair, "First years, you will be sorted by your last name, prepare yourselves for a brief moment."

After several seconds of silence, she called the first name, "Abbot Hannah."

A young thin girl with pigtails was called to sit on the chair and the second the hat touched her head it roared out, "HUFFLEPUFF!"

Applause came from all five tables in the great hall as the first student of Hogwarts class of 2001 was sorted. The next few went by quickly in Harry's mind, the hat took longer for some students than others. Lavender Brown was the first to be sorted into Gryffindor while Mandy Brocklehurst would be the first to join the house of Eagles. When the first Slytherin Millicent Bullstrode was sorted the remainder of the first years eased back a little bit. As predicted Tracy and Daphne both ended up in Slytherin as well as Dolohov's pretty daughter Traevyn. Daphne however walked away from the hat visibly shaken. As she walked past Harry to join the table they locked eyes for a moment longer than what was strictly appropriate. Harry had to resist using legilimency on the young girl to see what the hat had said but knew there were too many people watching. Harry sighed and went back to sizing up the first years who were coming through. Draco and Theodore were sorted possibly the fastest, but this was no surprise, both families belonged to some of the most powerful dark magic practitioners in the country. Finally, Harry's name was called, "Potter, Harry."

Harry stood still and refused to move, he had been instructed by his father that it was time to show the headmaster the score. After a second time the name was called Blaise and Ron Weasley looked at him curiously, but neither said a word or stared for too long. Harry knew he looked nothing like the photos he had been shown of James Potter. James Potter had been skinny with a wiry build, he also had dark hair, dark brown eyes, and glasses. Harry had widely developed shoulders, a fairly seasoned set of muscles, and brown hair that stood with spikes, while also having perfect vision. Finally, McGonagall looked at the headmaster then peered down into first year students. Harry kept a straight face and awoke his occlumency shields to the maximum. He also made eye contact with his Godfather who gave him the briefest of smirks. Regulus, Augustus, and Quirrell all exchanged looks of glee. It was time to rock the boat. The Hogwarts great hall was buzzing with conversation with McGonagall read off the next name. When Blaise Zabini was called the teachers were all now staring at Harry in confusion. When Blaise was sorted into Slytherin Harry politely clapped with the rest of the hall.

Professor McGonagall then looked at the paper then back at Harry, "Your name young man?"

Harry stepped forward clearly pronouncing, "Harry James Riddle ma'am. I wasn't sure if I should step forward when you called out my birth name, I didn't want the magic of the castle to recognize me by any other name than the one that the Ministry recognizes."

Before the teachers could protest Harry stole a look at the headmaster who had a look of shock on his face as he sat down in his chair, "I apologize for the inconvenience, I am ready to be sorted now professor."

The whispering was nearly a boom, when the veteran teacher dropped the hat on Harry's head, "Ah I have been waiting to sort you all night, but it does appear the speech I had prepared for you will be rendered obsolete. There is no question where you belong, particularly while you wear that pendant. SLYTHERIN!"

Slytherin house cheered insanely loud, and Harry instantly recognized that half of the hall was going nuts while the other half glanced in shock. Harry even saw two red headed boys announce loudly, "We didn't get a Potter?"

Harry grinned in their direction and took his seat in between Draco and Theodore. The headmaster who was still rendered speechless just waved his hands and all the food appeared on the tables. The great hall immediately descended into a noisy volume of conversation.

Harry was the first to serve himself as many were still staring at him in shock and surprise, mostly older students, but that didn't stop Harry or his friends from digging into the feast. After only a few short minutes Harry was being clapped on the back by a couple of his oldest friends. Marcus Flint, Adrian Pucey, and Miles Bletchley were all laughing along with their congratulations while Flint was telling Harry, "I am going to go to professor Snape about allowing you to play Seeker this year. I was named captain this year, and McNair graduated, so we have an opening. It doesn't make sense to take someone just for this year, right?"

Harry smiled at his friend, "Congrats on taking the captaincy, and I agree to your point, I look forward to tryouts."

Harry clapped hands with the older boys and they went back to their seats. The Carrow twins who were in the year above Harry also congratulated him on his induction into the house of snakes. They then of course attempted to flirt with them throughout the entire dinner, which Harry didn't mind in the slightest. As long as neither of them grew up to look like their mother they would be fine as they were.

As the feast came to an end the headmaster stood up, his eyes hadn't really left Harry since he took his first seat in Slytherin house, but finally his eyes addressed the crowd, "Welcome to all new and old students to another year of Hogwarts class of Witchcraft and Wizardry. First a few reminders to all, the forbidden forest is as titled forbidden. Also, the third-floor corridor on the left hand side is also out of bounds, for those who do not wish to die a very painful death. In the meantime, the defense against the dark arts class has been moved down to the dungeons."

Harry and Draco exchanged curious looks at why the headmaster would so expressly forbid the third-floor corridor, wouldn't it have been easier just to block it off with wards and then only rumors could spread about the cause, now everyone knew something dangerous and or important was down there. The headmaster then continued, "Also 39 items have been added to Mr. Filch's forbidden item list, to see the complete list go to Mr. Filch's office. The dueling club is also continuing this year for all third years and up, unless invited by a required teacher, for more information on that see Professor Black or Professor Rookwood. Now I believe that is all, let us stand together and sing the school song:

Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts,
Teach us something please,
Whether we be old and bald,
Or young with scabby knees,
Our heads could do with filling,
With some interesting stuff,
For now they're bare and full of air,
Dead flies and bits of fluff,
So teach us things worth knowing,
Bring back what we've forgot,
Just do your best, we'll do the rest,
And learn until our brains all rot.

The Slytherin house collectively exchanged disgusted looks while the other houses were merrily singing the song. As the last verse was being sung the Weasley twins took the high note and professor Dumbledore personally conducted it for them. Harry mentally face palmed as the professor smiled with great joy, "Ah there is no greater magic than music. Alright students get ready for bed. We all have classes in the morning. No dawdling, pip pip!"

With that the houses quickly stood up and followed their leading prefects to the common rooms. Marcus Flint who was the only fifth year prefect and Alexa Rodgers who was the only fourth year prefect in the school was in charge of escorting the first years while the rest of the house marched at their own pace. Harry did make eye contact with Katie Bell who winked at him and he knew that they would be catching up later.

With nowhere else to go he followed the rest of the first-year class to the common room while Alexa took charge, "Alright listen up first years. We do things pretty simply around here. The dorm you have today will likely be the dorm you have until you graduate. First years you're lucky you have the bottom level of the dormitories which sits underneath the lake. Slytherin house sleeps us all in pairs, unless we are short a few, which we are, so not everyone will be forced to pair up. There are fourteen Slytherin students for the first years, seven girls, seven boys, it is an odd number, so a girl and a boy will get their own room. Now let me just inform you how we run things in this house. If you have problems don't bring them into the common room, or the dormitories, keep them outside of the house, unless it is between two snakes. In which case see Professor Snape and Professor Black, we have very simple ways of solving such problems. If it is another house you are having problems with remember, you are a Slytherin do not attack them or retaliate in the open, the school will stand against you if you do. The Ravenclaws aren't so bad, and some of the Puffs are reasonably friendly, but I advise avoiding all Gryffindors; it never goes well. Now if you need anything make sure you come to Marcus or myself first or try the head girl who is also a Slytherin this year, Cassie Lestrange is a brilliant witch, but please try us first as she is very busy usually. If none of us are available you can try our head of house, who has a few words to say to you all."

In the blink of an eye Snape stepped out of the shadows, Harry had seen the disillusioned professor step into the room, however the rest were generally amazed by his sudden appearance, "Welcome to Slytherin house. Ms. Rodgers basically hit all the high notes, so I will be brief. Do not embarrass this ancient and noble house with your own stupidity or ignorance, do not be blatant with any rule breaking that will allow punishment from any other teachers, for if you do I will double the punishment they gave you. Now I will also say that first year students should not walk the halls alone, I do not wish for any of you to be subjected to bullying of any sort. However, it does happen so please make haste. Now let us hope for a productive year at Hogwarts...Mr. Riddle please join me outside for just a moment."

The whole room went silent, Harry nodded his head, "Of course Professor."

Harry wasn't sure why the room went silent, if it was the request, or the manor of the request. Professor Snape didn't usually ask anyone anything nicely, it was usually a command instead of a request. Most were thinking what is so special about this kid, but Harry knew they would all find out in due time.

"How are things looking out their Severus?"

Snape offered the boy a blank faced look, "First congratulations on being sorted into the house of snakes, your father will be very pleased though I don't believe your mother truly believed it was possible. Secondly the headmaster has immediately begun questioning everything he has known for the past 10 years; his plans are quickly dissolving before his eyes. Also, a note of importance is to remember your skills in the mind arts. I am being forced to play ignorant, so the headmaster still believes me a loyal spy, please remember that in times of interrogation that are sure to come. Also remember that you are allowed your head of house in any meeting with the headmaster, you must remember that rule is vital."

Harry nodded, "Of course Severus. Is that all?"

Snape shook his head, "There is something wrong with Quirrell, we haven't decided what just yet, but he hasn't taken the mark so there is no way for the Dark Lord to question him. Black and Rookwood are going to do their best, but no promises. Watch your back around him until we have further intelligence. Now, tomorrow you have classes, but more importantly you have training in the morning so go get some sleep."

Snape and Harry then locked arms in a warrior type handshake just as they had done since Harry was a small child, while neither offered a smile to the other.

Harry went back into the common room to see all of the first-year boys waiting for him. Draco spoke first, "We weren't sure who you would want to bunk with, so we waited. We thought you might want the solo room but weren't sure."

Harry smiled, "You guys all pair up, I will take the solo room, it will allow me to work some more advanced wards on the room."

Draco and Theodore grinned at each other while Crabbe and Goyle exchanged confused looks. Harry sighed and stretched his arms, I guess our stuff was waiting for us on the bottom floor? Let's get to it then."

In a matter of moments Harry was stepping through the threshold to the bottom floor of Slytherin dormitory. The room wasn't much, but Harry could tell it was home.

Just then Blaise knocked on his door, "Looks like were neighbors Harry, I hope you don't snore too loud?"

Harry just grinned, "Don't worry, I sleep very quietly and very lightly. Are you going to shower tonight or in the morning?"

Harry waved his wand and all his stuff floated into appropriate places that he would like to see all his things and Blaise responded halfheartedly, "I will take one in the morning, I am a pretty early riser, so no worries there."

Harry nodded in understanding, "Same here, well I am beat, I need to send off a message then I am heading off to bed."

Blaise nodded with a slight smile, "Alright, glad to be neighbors mate."

Harry shook his head in agreement, "Agreed, goodnight Blaise."

As Harry pulled out a small journal he wrote his father's name on the top row then began writing:

Dear father,

As I am sure Severus has told you I am now an official Slytherin. Things on the express went rather well, I made some potential new allies. A Greengrass and a Zabini, also I was reintroduced to a Tracy Davis, you may remember her father who owns the bookstore in Knockturn Alley, apparently, it's been in the family for a long time and I know you worked for Mr. Borgon so you may or may not know the man. Anyways the headmaster was in a state of shock when I announced my name to the world. I fear we will have an interrogation soon, but I will be ready. I am preparing to do my best and make you a proud father. I look forward to hearing from you.

Harry then touched his wand to the page and the ink disappeared and reappeared hundreds of miles away in a different journal. It was a rather interesting invention from Bellatrix, who did nothing these days except invent useful stuff for the death eaters and kill muggles. Not that it was a bad thing in Harry's mind, but regardless that was the truth. Harry gently climbed into bed and put his head back on the pillow. Tomorrow he would begin a new reign of power.

(A/N) Another week, another chapter! Next update will be coming on December 24, and after that I think I will give you one chapter a week for a couple weeks just to push the story forward. I am recreating this story pretty quickly, so MAYBE I will be able to give weekly updates until completion. I also want to give some Alternate Endings I've played with over the years, and maybe a few more story continuations. Until then I will see you all in two weeks, cheers.

Follow me on Discord at: dis cor d. gg /epv G5 6Md73 for advanced content coming in 2022!