Disclaimer: All recognizable characters and settings belong to J.K. Rowling.

Harry was quickly unpacking part of his things in Gryffindor Tower before heading to the dungeons to unpack the rest in the Slytherin dormitories. As he had done last year, he would eat at the Slytherin table for the Feast and spend the first night at Hogwarts in Gryffindor. He wished they could all sit at whatever table they wanted instead of by what house you are in so that he could sit with all his friends all the time.

"So what's it like?" Ron asked as he lounged on his own bed.

"What's what like?" Harry asked as he moved his trunk to the foot of his bed.

"Having a girlfriend," Ron answered with a sly grin.

Harry snorted. "It's been great, for the few hours I've had one," He quipped.

"Who is your girlfriend?"

Harry looked over to see Neville, Dean and Seamus had walked into the dorm, looking at him curiously. "Daphne Greengrass," He said, smiling as he said her name.

"Not Ginny huh?" Dean asked casually.

"I've only ever thought of Ginny as a friend," Harry said quietly.

"Guess you have chance now Dean," Neville teased.

Ron stared at Dean. "You like my sister?"

Dean shrugged. "Well, yeah. She's cute, funny and smart. I just knew I didn't have a chance if Harry liked her but since he doesn't…"

Ron scowled. "I don't know if I want my sister dating you."

"Good thing I didn't ask your opinion," Dean smirked.

Harry shook his head in amusement and closed his trunk. He noticed Seamus staring at him. "Is something wrong?"

"I heard a rumor about you," Seamus said bluntly.

Ron burst into laughter. "Oh no, a rumor about Harry. Say it isn't so."

Harry started to grin but stopped when he saw the look of Seamus's face. "Alright, so what is it this time." He sighed.

"That you believe You-Know-Who is back," Seamus said bluntly.

Neville gasped while Ron gaped at him.

"I never said that to anyone," Harry frowned. Voldemort was getting stronger, but he wasn't back. At least, not yet. "Who told you this?" He demanded.

"McLaggen's dad has heard some things at the ministry," Seamus said slowly. "Whisperings about his return and Dumbledore was talking to Fudge a lot over the summer, trying to convince him apparently."

Harry ran his hand through his hair. "He's not back." He repeated. "I do believe he will return to full strength one day though, sooner than we would all like."

"You-Know-Who is gone for good," Seamus said testily. "You shouldn't start rumors like that, it just makes people nervous. You know, McLaggen may be right about you," He said the last part under his breath but Harry heard it.

"Right about what?" Harry demanded.

Seamus hesitated. "That you will do or say anything for attention," He said finally. "First through third year, you had the attention of everyone. So, I guess last year not being the one fawned over bothered you, causing you to lie about You-Know-Who so that everyone would focus on you again."

Harry stared at Seamus, waiting for him to laugh and say that he was joking. When Seamus didn't say anything, he realized that he really believed what he was saying. Or rather, what McLaggen was saying. "As I said, Voldemort is not back," Harry said, ignoring how everyone flinched when he said the name. "But he will be one day, to finish what he started. We all need to be ready. If you can't handle that or are too scared to -"

Seamus lunged forward and managed to shove Harry before Dean and Ron pulled him back.

Harry ignored the sharp pain in his wrist from when he landed on the floor and shot back to his feet, wand in hand and pointed straight at Seamus.

"Stop!" Neville cried, looking shocked.

"Enough!" Ron stood in front of Seamus. "What is your problem? You know Harry better than that!"

"I thought I did. A lot of us thought we did," Seamus said through narrowed eyes. "But now he is a Slytherin, adopted by the head of Slytherin, and best friends with Slytherins! He's obviously just an attention seeking snake!"

Hurt, anger and confusion all but consumed Harry and forgoing his wand, he went after Seamus.

"No Harry!" Ron pulled him back with the help of Neville. "He's not worth it!"

Harry was breathing heavy, fists clenched at his side. "Yeah, all right," He said, trying to calm down.

Ron waited until he was sure Harry was calmer before turning back to Seamus. "I should take points," He said angrily. "Then everyone in Gryffindor will know that we lost points before the Welcoming Feast because of you."

"You wouldn't do that," Seamus said, though his voice was unsure.

"Yes I would." Ron nodded.

"Don't do that," Harry mumbled as he grabbed the bag he would keep in his Slytherin dorm. "Everyone shouldn't have to pay because he is an idiot."

Seamus scowled.

"I'll see you after the feast," Harry said to Ron and Neville as he left the room. He saw McLaggen in the common room and sent him a look of loathing as he silently passed and exited through the portrait.

HPHPHPHP

Harry was walking through the dungeons, thinking about what had transpired with Seamus. It was like third year all over again. Though McLaggen had still been a git as well as a few others in the school, most had come around to him being a Slytherin as well as a Gryffindor. However, thanks to McLaggen's big mouth he was back to being the dark wizard in training. He was grumbling to himself and didn't see the big black wall until he ran into it. Only it wasn't a wall.

"Harry?"

Harry looked up. "Hey Dad," He said quietly.

"Students are about to head to the feast," Snape said with a frown. "You better hurry if you want to put your things in your dorm before then." His sharp eyes noticed the way Harry was holding his left wrist. "What happened?"

Harry shrugged. "Nothing. I'll see you at the feast." He made to move around Snape but his father stopped him.

"Your wrist is hurt and you look like you were just told you couldn't play Quidditch for the year." Snape said. "Tell me what happened."

Harry hesitated. "I fell and landed on my wrist wrong."

Snape gently took Harry's arm as he examined the injured wrist. "You're not that clumsy. How did you fall? And I want the truth."

Harry winced slightly as Snape checked over his wrist. Trying to put off answering, he changed the subject. "I don't have to see Madame Pomfrey do I? I don't want to miss the sorting." He said nonchalantly as Snape ran a diagnostic.

Snape raised his eyes to Harry's. "It is just sprained. I can take care of it in my office." He led Harry down the narrow hallway and into his office where he pointed to a chair. "Sit."

Harry sat down and watched as Snape summoned two vials and bandage wrap. Snape put the vials next to Harry. "Drink those. One is a pain reliever and the other is a strengthening potion. I'm going to wrap this bandage around your wrist while the strengthening potion does its job. You can take it off in the morning." Snape sat down in front of Harry and began gently wrapping the gauze as Harry took his potions. "Now back to my question, though your attempt to sidetrack me was entertaining."

Harry made a face. "I can't run to you about every argument I have with someone," He pointed out.

"You can and will if the argument causes you to be physically injured," Snape said sharply. "Now, either tell me what happened or I will go to Gryffindor Tower and ask your housemates."

Harry's eyes widened. "Merlin, why do you think up the most embarrassing threats?"

"Because I am a cold hearted bat," Snape deadpanned. "And it isn't a threat." Finishing with Harry's wrist, he stood up. "I will go there now."

"No Dad!" Harry reached out and grabbed Snape's arm. He could just imagine how his housemates would react if Snape suddenly burst through the portrait. Despite adopting him, his dad could still produce fear with just one look. "I'll tell you," He said reluctantly.

"Why thank you son," Snape said somewhat sarcastically as he sat back down. "It is heartwarming to know how much you trust me."

"It's not about that, I do trust you," Harry said earnestly. "I just don't want to cause problems on the first day of school." He shrugged.

"A problem has already been started," Snape said with a nod towards Harry's wrist. "I doubt, however, that you started it." He raised an eyebrow and waited for an explanation.

Harry sighed. "There is a rumor that I am claiming Voldemort is back and that I am saying it because I am an attention seeking snake." He said somewhat bitterly.

Snape let out an irritated sigh. He knew Albus had been trying to convince Fudge that the wizarding world needed to be prepared for Voldemort's eventual return but he had thought there would be some decorum involved.

"I told Se- erm, I told the person that he wasn't back yet but that I believe he will be soon," Harry continued. "But he had heard from someone else whose father works at the ministry."

"Albus has been trying to get that idiot Fudge to accept that Voldemort will be returning. He wants Fudge to employ more Aurors and get them trained, to have a plan to protect people. He doesn't want to listen however," Snape said. "Fudge, like most, doesn't want to even entertain the thought that Voldemort is out there somewhere let alone planning to return."

"So someone overheard Dumbledore and Fudge talking," Harry mused.

"That or Fudge spoke to someone of Dumbledore's concerns," Snape ran his hand through his hair in frustration. "Of course, the more a story is told the bigger it becomes." Snape focused back on his son. "Who pushed you? There better not have been any dueling."

"No, no dueling,"

"Just regular muggle fighting then," Snape rolled his eyes.

"If not for intervention," Harry said sheepishly.

Snape frowned. "I'm sure some hurtful things were said to you and of course you have every right to defend yourself if someone tries to harm you. But you need to be mindful of controlling your temper; it can get you into even more trouble. Before you got hurt, was there an opportunity to simply walk away?"

"Maybe," Harry shrugged. "But honestly I thought he was joking or something at first, I didn't think he would shove me. After that, my temper got the better of me." He admitted. "Thankfully Ron, Neville and Dean were there to prevent a real fight from breaking out."

Finnigan, Snape thought darkly. Harry didn't seem to notice he had inadvertently named his attacker so Snape didn't say anything. He would take care of Finnigan later. He cast a tempus. "The sorting should be about to start, leave your bag and I will have Dobby take it to your dorm later."

"All right," Harry said. He held up his bandaged wrist. "Thank you for this."

"You know I am always here for you," Snape mildly scolded as they walked to the Great Hall together.

"I know," Harry said softly.

Snape opened the door and ushered Harry through the doors. "Make sure something at least somewhat healthy ends up on your plate."

"Yes sir," Harry gave a mock salute, grinning cheekily at the scowl on Snape's face. He made his way to the Slytherin table, throwing Ron and a worried looking Hermione a reassuring look.

"Geez, where were you?" Draco asked when Harry slid into the seat between him and Daphne.

"Merlin Harry, what happened?" Daphne asked, reaching out to gently touch the bandaged wrist.

"It's nothing, just a small sprain," Harry said as he watched the first years walk into the Great Hall. Seeing the looks of wonder and nervousness on their faces reminded him of his own sorting. He had been so desperate to not be sorted into Slytherin…funny how things change.

"Harry," Daphne said firmly.

Harry looked into Daphne's worried eyes and relented. "There was a little trouble in Gryffindor." He admitted.

"McLaggen again?" Draco asked with a scowl.

"No, not directly anyway," Harry sighed. "He started a rumor that I am claiming Voldemort is back because I want attention. And apparently people believe it. Seamus does anyway."

"That prat!" Theo said angrily. "Did he attack you?"

"He shoved me and later I went after him but Ron and Neville stopped me," Harry said, wondering if Daphne was going to change her mind about being his girlfriend. He did seem to attract a lot of trouble.

Daphne looked over at the Gryffindor table with narrowed eyes. "Honestly what is their problem? They should know better than that by now."

"They're just being idiots," Draco said with a shake of his head. "There is only a few good Gryffindors, the rest are morons."

"It's a big step for you to admit that there are good Gryffindors in the world," Harry teased.

Draco made a face.

"Is it safe for you to be in a dorm with him?" Tracey asked Harry in concern.

"Don't worry, it will be fine," Harry said, touched as always by his friends concern for him.

"You have to be careful Harry," Daphne said softly. "I hate that someone hurt you. If anyone bothers you like that again, get an adult."

"You sound like my dad," Harry teased.

Daphne slowly grinned. "Your dad knows? Good, then he will deal with Finnigan." She said confidently.

"He doesn't know it was Seamus," Harry said with a glance at the head table. He frowned when he saw his dad glaring at the Gryffindor table. He followed his dads gaze to where Seamus was sitting with Dean. Wait, I didn't tell him did I?

Daphne noticed who Snape was looking at and hid her smile. Professor Snape knew, all right. She nudged Harry. "I hate that your year is starting off like this."

"Actually, I've enjoyed how this year is starting off," Harry said somewhat shyly. He held up his wrist. "This is just…the usual, I guess."

"It shouldn't be Harry," Daphne said, feeling sad that he seemed to accept being hurt so easily.

"Who is that lady?" Draco asked as the sorting hat sorted the last first year student. They had several new Slytherins sitting at the table, looking both excited and anxious. "Sitting next to Professor McGonagall?"

Harry took a look and shrugged. "Never seen her before."

"She must be a new professor," Tracey said thoughtfully.

"The only position open is Defence," Daphne said.

"She looks like a toad," Theo said bluntly.

"Theo!" Tracey admonished, though she was giggling.

Harry couldn't help but agree with Theo. The woman had a broad face, a wide mouth and basically no neck. Her eyes even bulged out like one. "As long as she is a good teacher," He said absently as the food suddenly appeared on the table.

Harry chatted happily with his friends as he enjoyed the good food on the table. He was spooning another helping of mashed potatoes on his plate when suddenly a bowl of steamed vegetables hovered in front of him.

Daphne began snickering. "I think your dad is trying to tell you something," She teased.

Harry glared at his dad who merely raised an eyebrow in response. Harry relented and took a helping of vegetables. The bowl lowered and Harry just shook his head in amusement. "Parents," He joked to Daphne, feeling happy that he could joke about having a dad.

"I know right?" Daphne laughed.

The meal was almost over when Blaise, who was sitting several seats away, got their attention. "Don't you dare read it, just pass it to Malfoy!" He hissed, handing something to the person sitting next to him.

"What's this about?" Harry murmured as a folded parchment was passed to Draco.

Draco opened the parchment and instantly began laughing.

"What is it?" Theo asked.

"None of your business Nott!" Blaise snapped, his face red. He looked away and slumped down in his seat, a sullen look on his face. He even ignored Pansy as she tried to talk to him.

Draco was still laughing as he folded the parchment back up. "Do you remember the lines Ron assigned Zabini on the train?" He asked quietly, his grey eyes bright with mirth.

"Yeah but Ron can't actually assign," Daphne paused. "Wait…you mean, Zabini actually wrote them?" She began giggling hysterically.

Three hundred lines of I must not look like a baboon's backside…Harry began laughing almost uncontrollably. Theo and Tracey joined in as they remembered the train ride to Hogwarts. The five friends began drawing attention as they gave into their giggles. For Harry, this more than made up for what happened in the Tower. Merlin, he really did love all his friends. He couldn't wait for Ron and Hermione to find out.

TBC: Would appreciate a review if you get a chance! =)