A/N: Inspired by Anari's "Lost-Hope" ST ID: 4086213 and an occasionally used plot bunny (done occasionally but far too often done poorly). A bunny which will see Albus Dumbledore as the hero – as unusual as that is in fanfiction. And Slytherin House and Severus Snape to a smaller degree.

The premise is that Harry's been sorted into Slytherin – and has been receiving all of the vitriol that might occur should that have happened. This bunny only has the beginning and the ending – the middle would take many chapters. However, this Harry doesn't have some weird magical ability causing the inability for charms to read him beyond a block his own magic created to protect him at the Dursleys.

Albus Dumbledore sat within his office, contemplating the staff meeting just completed. He sighed wearily as he listened to the complaints by varying professors about Harry Potter. Somehow, as much as he despised the idea of Harry Potter being sorted into Slytherin, he could not find it within himself to believe the accusations so utterly.

Suddenly, the castle wards sent him an alarm: There was an attack in progress. He rushed out of his office. When he arrived at the location the wards had given he found Harry Potter slumped against a wall, unconscious.

He frantically started performing diagnostic charms – only to find out that none would register any problems. However, a brief physical inspection showed a number of injuries.

When he concluded, as best he could, that none were particularly life threatening he contemplated his next step.

Suddenly he heard his caretaker. Before he could say anything, Argus came around the corner yelling, "Just like I've been told! A student out of bounds! It's detention for …" It was then that Mr. Filch saw exactly who was before him.

Albus, hiding his supreme irritation, asked, "Who exactly told you there was a student out of bounds?"

"Er, Headmaster?" Filch asked nervously.

"I ask again: Who told you there was a student out of bounds?"

"Er. A prefect. Gryffindor. Don't remember … which one?"

Albus contemplated that for a moment. Apparently, this attack was premeditated. At this point – he didn't think he could trust ANY of his staff. So, with supreme authority obvious in his voice, Albus Dumbledore said, "Mr. Filch. A student was attacked. However, instead of actually checking, you made an assumption that it was his fault. I will be speaking about this with you soon. However, at this moment I am declaring this a castle secret – you may tell no one what you have seen. Do you understand?"

Nervously, Filch nodded and said, "Yes, Headmaster."

Albus called out, "Fawkes!" A bright flame appeared in the hall and formed into a phoenix. "I have need of your help. We are taking Mr. Potter to St. Mungos." He wished he could trust Poppy – but even she had made unkind faces when Mr. Potter was mentioned. At this point, he was contemplating extreme measures.

Harry groaned as he came to consciousness. He noticed that the bed he was in was more comfortable than his bed in the Slytherin dorm. He cautiously opened his eyes and looked around. He was surprised to find himself in a private room in what looked to be a hospital of some sort. He sat up.

Suddenly, the door opened and a man in green robes came in. "Ah, you're awake! Very good. Do you know where you are?"

Harry considered that. "Er. Hospital?"

The man nodded. "Quite right. You were brought to St. Mungos two hours ago by the Headmaster. He will return shortly to speak with you."

Harry was confused. "Why St. Mungos? Hogwarts has a hospital wing."

The man shrugged. "I don't know. I'm Healer Davenport. You've provided quite the conundrum to us."

He looked curiously at the mediwizard. "How's that?"

"For some reason, normal diagnostic charms don't seem to work on you. It's a good thing that we've got people specialized in obscure charms – you've got a few things you need taken care of."

The next half an hour was spent going over exactly what was found and exactly what would need to happen: He'd be in the hospital for a week.

After all the information was given, Harry was left alone in the room. Suddenly, he heard a knock.

"Come in?" he called out tentatively.

Into the door walked the Headmaster in all of his multicolored glory. "Mr. Potter! How are you doing?"

Harry's immediate withdrawal into himself made the Headmaster sigh to himself. It was obvious that there were a number of trust issues taking place.

"I'm fine. Why am I in St. Mungos and not the Hospital wing? Not that I'm too upset, mind you – it's just curious." Albus was slightly pleased that Harry was honest enough to admit that.

Albus sat down in the chair next to the bed and replied, "I find myself perplexed, Mr. Potter – and I need your help."

Madam Bones was irritable. It was 5:00 on a Saturday morning. "You want my trainee for what?"

"I am in need of a body double for one week. Someone to be seen at meals and in staff meetings. Young Nymphadora has – on occasion – been guilty of taking my form for a prank on her housemates. So I know she is capable."

"Where will you be?" she asked curiously. So he explained.

Amelia Bones was wide-eyed when he finished talking. "All of this to help one student?"

The Headmaster shook his head. "No. All of this to root out a systemic problem that must be confronted and dealt with. As it falls within my scope of authority, I must deal with it myself. I am tired of it – and I will see it ended."

Amelia considered the proposal. Finally she said, "I'll allow it – but any students who are of age whose actions constitute a crime will be reported to me as the Director of the DMLE. For too long we've been completely powerless to do anything about even the worst attacks. I understand that traditions says it stays within your authority – but if we are to change the culture as much as you think is necessary, there has to be a line."

Albus considered that. Finally he nodded. "I will allow it on a case by case basis this year. For the future, we will have to alert the Board of Governors that we are planning on a change in policy. It's always been my contention that we could handle it, but Mr. Potter's story indicates that we allow too much."

It had taken until 8:30 AM on Saturday morning before the final steps could be taken. He had told no one of his plan except for Severus Snape – whom had given an oath to keep it to himself. Severus had been remarkably sanguine about the plan. It had taken two hours for Harry to give him sufficient information to pull it off.

He had also, just now, set the Hogwarts wards to show him as "Harry Potter" – the result of a comment overheard by Harry from two twins in Gryffindor. Nymphadora Tonks had been set as "Albus Dumbledore" by the wards. Hogwarts felt amused at what was happening – and somewhat satisfied.

Albus considered the potion he held. Its color was truly significant – and utterly astounding.

Severus Snape had an almost amused look as he explained to his Snakes that Potter's bed would be warded and that waking him would require one to knock on the panel. Luckily, there were enough students who had paranoid families that this wasn't considered overly odd.

Albus Dumbledore sat upon his golden throne on the Sunday immediately following his investigation. He had reached surprise by Day One. Shock by Day Two. Utter disappointment by Day Three. By Day Seven, he had reached a towering rage.

Only Severus Snape's competent management of inter-house issues and the utter support he received from the first year Slytherins, as well as most of the older students, had prevented him from ending the experiment early and going on a rampage.

He was only waiting for a few visitors before acting.

Deputy Headmistress McGonagall was feeling quite nervous for some reason. The past week, Albus had been called away often, only attending a few meals here and there, thus requiring her to deal with a number of issues.

However, earlier today, he had curtly ordered that every student be required to attend the evening meal and be within the hall at 6:45. It was a decidedly odd time request – only the feasts normally had such a requirement, or when there would be momentous announcements. And usually such announcements happened at the beginning of the meal.

This time, she had been directed to tell the students that the reason for the mandatory attendance would be given toward the end of the hour. And then Albus had almost defiantly refused to engage in conversation with any other staff member during the meal.

The staff had all finally noticed – and they all appeared almost as nervous as she felt. She did notice one absence.

"Headmaster. You said that all students were required to attend. I notice that Mr. Potter isn't present."

The Headmaster didn't even turn toward her as he replied – almost emotionlessly – that he knew where Mr. Potter was and that all would soon be revealed.

She glanced at Severus, noting that he didn't seem worried in the least.

Finally, at 6:45, the Headmaster curtly motioned her to get the students' attention.

She stood and struck her goblet with a deliberate pace until every student was quiet and all were focused on her. "The Headmaster will now speak with you all. I expect you to give him your undivided attention."

The Headmaster stood and moved to the lectern.

A number of Slytherin students were watching the teachers' table with a calculating look. The Headmaster – regardless of his muggle-loving tendencies – was a figure of great power. Most were shocked when he looked their way, not with the normal neutrality or jovial mask he was known for but with a faint look of approval – only noticeable if one has been trained as Slytherins were trained.

It was only noticeable to the students because it was in contrast with the slightly less approving looks he was giving the other three tables. A number of the House of the Cunning took note of this. It made them only a bit nervous.

The Headmaster looked over the hall at the students. "I have a few announcements to make which involved some slight change in policies. Before I get to these announcements, one of your number and a few guests will be joining us."

He took his wand out and opened the doors at the far end of the hall. In walked Harry Potter, with a blank expression on his face. Next to him walked Amelia Bones, who was scowling slightly. Following her were two Aurors. The group moved until they stood in front of the Headmaster.

"Mr. Potter. Do you know why you are here?"

With very little hesitation, Harry answered. "Yes, Sir."

"We shall get to the truth of the matter now." He turned and looked at the person on the far end of the staff table. "Professor Sinastra. How many detentions did you assign to Mr. Potter in the last week?"

"1, Headmaster."

"And how many points did you take from him?"

"30."

"And why?"

"He was fighting in the hall with students from another house."

The Headmaster nodded. He continued down the line. Some professors hadn't assigned any punishments. But the majority of the professors who taught the first years had taken points, given detentions, or both.

The Gryffindors were feeling quite smug. The little slimy Dark Lord in training was getting his, and they were proud that they had had a hand in it. Many at the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw tables were feeling rather similar.

The House of Snakes was feeling quite angry. Only the calm look that their Head of House held kept them from protesting. That and the fact that Potter was keeping his cool. They were actually quite proud of that fact. Many might not like him – but he was a Slytherin and he acted like one.

The Headmaster nodded at the last person at the table – Rubeus Hagrid – who had not interacted with Harry Potter at all that week.

He then turned to the audience. "I would like every student who was attacked by Mr. Potter this week or who had an altercation with him to stand up."

At the Ravenclaw table, seven students stood. Hufflepuff had only four. Gryffindor, however, had a full twenty three students stand up, many looking quite pleased.

The Headmaster looked out and saw that there were a few missed. "Mr. Woolsworth. Did you not have an altercation with Mr. Potter on Thursday last?" he asked a seventh year Gryffindor.

The student in question nodded and stood up. "I thought that there were enough accusers already."

"I see." He paused. "Anyone else? I want to see ALL students who had an altercation."

There were a few more that stood.

"I see." He turned toward Harry. Out of his pocket he pulled a clear flask. "Mr. Potter. Do you know what this potion is?"

Harry Potter saw the flask – and knew exactly what it was. Its golden color was quite distinctive. "Yes, Sir."

The Headmaster looked out toward the students again, the standing ones as well as the sitting ones. "Does anyone else?"

There were several murmurings but no one volunteered.

He pulled another flask out. "How about this one?"

Percy Weasley raised his hand and the Headmaster nodded toward him. "That's Polyjuice potion, Headmaster."

"Yes it is." The Headmaster pulled out a hair and, taking the cap off the new flask, dropped the hair in. The whole of Hogwarts was amazed when the sludgy-looking Polyjuice potion changed to match the other one: It was a deep, rich golden color with none of the horrible look of Polyjuice.

"Professor Snape. How rare is it that Polyjuice potion will turn this color?"

The Potions Professor was, in fact, a bit awed. "Almost unheard of, Headmaster."

"And what would cause this?"

"A complete lack of the taint of Dark magic. Almost certainly a child, perhaps one child in two thousand. One adult in perhaps 50,000 would have the same result."

The Headmaster nodded. There were looks of interest – and confusion – all around. "Yes." He put the flask down. "Now, back to it. Mr. Potter, according to these Professors and these students, you have had eleven detentions assigned to you and have lost one hundred and twenty points. Do you agree with these punishments?"

"No, Sir."

"And why is that?"

"I wasn't here, Sir."

There were many more sounds of confusion in the Hall.

"Where were you, Mr. Potter?"

"I was at St. Mungos, being treated for spell damage and a few long-term health problems."

The Headmaster looked over and saw a look of shock on a number of faces. Madam Pomfrey had a look of consternation. "According to Madam Pomphrey, you have been given detentions for faking injuries. How is this possible?"

Harry looked at the school's healer with some disdain. "I had a magical block which prevented standard diagnostic spells from reading me. If a healer didn't actually look at the bruises and only performed a spell, they'd never find the injuries."

The Hogwarts healer was giving the student at the center of everyone's attention a look of horror.

"Who knew that you were in St. Mungos?"

"Madam Bones, Auror Tonks, Professor Snape, you, and a few healers and mediwizards and mediwitches."

The Headmaster nodded. The entire staff – sans Severus Snape – were now sharing the sick feeling that Madam Pomphrey had shown.

"Very well. If you were in St. Mungos, how was it you were available to receive detentions last week?"

"Because someone took my place, using the Polyjuice you showed us." There were a few murmurs of surprise.

The Headmaster nodded

"And who, exactly, took your place?"

"You did, Headmaster."

The sudden cacophony of horror among three of the four tables was now very loud. A number of the students who had been standing tried to sit down. Until the Headmaster performed a concussive hex.

Professor Dumbledore's voice roared out. "Did I tell you that you were allowed to sit down?" The Headmaster visibly tried to calm down. "You stood up in accusation. You will now answer for it."

The students who were standing all had sick looks on their face as the contemplated the Headmaster. The Weasley twins were feeling horror at the Howler their mother would send. Ron Weasley was feeling the same. A couple of seventh years were feeling particularly nauseous.

He looked over at the Gryffindor table. "Mr. Woolsworth, Mr. Davenport. You are both of age. The curses you sent at who you thought was Mr. Potter were particularly vile – and illegal. The Aurors present will now take you to the Ministry where you will answer for your actions."

The entire student body – including the Slytherins – were feeling a bit of shock. In all of their time at Hogwarts, NOBODY had ever been turned over to the DMLE – regardless of the severity of any altercation. It was ALWAYS handled within Hogwarts. For two students to be taken away by Aurors for schoolyard actions signaled a very deep fear – especially in those that had occasionally been involved in such actions.

When the Aurors had left (Madam Bones had stayed), everyone looked back to the Headmaster. The look he was giving them was not very cordial.

"Mr. Potter. All detentions you have received are now reversed. All points taken are returned. Please sit down at your house table."

Harry quietly moved and sat down next to Draco Malfoy, who was watching the current goings-on with wide eyes.

The Headmaster looked at the students standing. "Every student who 'was attacked by Mr. Potter' was, in fact, the instigator of the altercation. I can say such quite confidently, considering that I was the one actually attacked. For each spell below OWL level sent toward Mr. Potter, the offending student loses ten points. For every spell or potion OWL level, fifteen points. For every NEWT level spell or potion, twenty five points. For any student who loses more than twenty points, a detention will be assigned with Mr. Filch or Mr. Snape for every ten points. Do not try to avoid them: I will be watching. You may now sit down."

He looked over at the counters. Slytherins counter had suddenly shot way up: Harry Potter had lost many, many points, none of them deserved.

Hufflepuff lost a few. Ravenclaw more. Gryffindor, however, was now below zero – and would likely not move to zero that year.

The Headmaster looked over at Slytherin. "Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Nott, Mr. Flint. You shall each receive twenty points for grace under fire. Each of you aided who you thought to be a housemate and kept your cool doing so. Mr. Malfoy. An additional thirty points. You took a punishments and spells in protecting your housemate."

Slytherin House looked quite pleased at the recognition.

The Headmaster did award a few more points to a number of students from a number of houses who had attempted to stop the altercations.

The prefects for Gryffindor were put on probation – and were told that the only reason they weren't losing their badges was that the other students available were just as bad.

Finally the Headmaster looked out. "You all call Slytherin the House of Dark Wizards. You say they are born to be dark lords. A boy who was sorted into Slytherin went from being a hero to a dark lord – and he did nothing to any of you. Other than wear green and silver - counter to your expectations.

"Dark Wizards are not born. They are made. And who makes them? We all do. You treat your fellow students poorly, attack them, tell them they are worthless and evil. And you are surprised and angry when they retaliate?" He looked at Gryffindor. "Which is the House of Dark Wizards now?" He looked at Hufflepuff. "And which the House of the Loyal?" He looked at Ravenclaw. "And the House of Wit?"

He turned toward the staff. "And who encourages them to act in such a way?"

He turned back. "It is now 7:15. I shall be meeting with the staff. At 8:30 tonight, each House will have a House meeting. The Heads of House will review with you your House's actions and what is expected. You are all dismissed to your Houses. That is all."

It was very quiet as the Great Hall cleared.

At 8:30, Severus Snape called his House to attention. The common area had been expanded so that all Slytherins could be in it simultaneously (a magic built in to each common room).

He looked out at the jubilant faces of his snakes. He needed to get control before things got out of hand. "Before we begin, does anyone have any comments?"

A number of wands were raised, their tips glowing (no self-respecting Slytherin would do something so common as to raise their wandless hand).

He looked at the students volunteering and noted one in particular. "Mr. Potter?" He stood up from his position near the back. As he stood, a number of Slytherins began applauding. It took a moment for Professor Snape to get control again. "Go ahead."

Harry looked out. "We have to be careful now."

There were sounds of disgust and protest. One fifth-year called out that he was trying to undermine Slytherin. Snape quickly stopped them from continuing.

"That's what I'm talking about. You act superior to the other houses because you feel slighted. Well, I was lucky. Many of us don't like Dumbledore – but who took the other houses to task for their bullying? If we go out and lord it over them, they'll feel resentful."

He paused and looked down. He then looked up and continued, slightly more confident. "I grew up with a cousin who was encouraged to lord everything over me. My muggle relatives encouraged him and penalized me when I did better than him. If he turned into a saint tomorrow, I'd probably still never want to see him again. Because I've been treated badly by him far too long."

He looked around. "You want to prove yourself superior? Then BE superior. You did a good job this week. The Headmaster proved that by giving a number of you points." He turned toward Draco. "Draco, don't even mention your father. Everyone knows who he is. You don't need to say it – it only makes you look weak to hide behind his power." He looked back toward the rest. "A lot of you do the same thing – insult the muggleborns for not growing up with magic. You want to prove your culture? Prove your nobility? Then BE noble. BE cultured.

"If you want tonight to backlash against us, then rile up the other Houses. We're not five years old. Calling out na-na-na-na-na-na won't make the other houses feel weak – it'll make them feel resentful. Be generous in victory. Be courteous in defeat. Don't smile at someone to stab them in the back. Smile at them when you help pull the dagger from their back. They'll love you far more."

He sat down and looked back to his head of house. Severus Snape contemplated what Harry Potter had said and then looked to the others. "It is apparant that Mr. Potter's sorting into Slytherin was well-deserved."