A/N: Bonus content added to this chapter after its original publication.

Chapter 7: Serpents and Feathers

Horatio was woken again by the sound of apparition. He groaned, rubbing his hands over his face before opening his bleary eyes. Woody was standing there as he had been the night before in the Gryffindor dormitory. They both listened for a moment, but all was quiet except for the grunting snores of the two massive boys across the room, Crabbe and Goyle. He knew them better as Harry because they had accompanied Dominic Selwyn into the compartment Harry had shared with Ron, Hermione, and Neville on the Hogwarts Express; a meeting that had quickly devolved into a confrontation. He would have to remember that Horatio did not have a negative first impression of the three boys.

Woody deposited the neatly folded robes on Horatio's lap, and leaned close to whisper, "Woody brought the robes like Mr. Prince asked. Is there anything else young master needs before Woody goes to make breakfast for the family?"

Horatio drew in a surprised breath—and he was certainly awake now—because, it was not common for a house elf to call someone not of their family by the term master or mistress.

"Woody are you sure you should be calling me that?"

The elf smiled faintly, "Mistress said to consider Horatio part of the family, so it is only right for Woody to call a family member young master."

Horatio blinked back the moisture in his eyes as he said, "Thank you Woody, it really means a lot."

He sat up, glancing down at his robes he noticed that the Gryffindor coat of arms had indeed been stitched on the left chest area of the black material. Running his fingers over the needlework he looked up at the elf curiously.

"Did a house elf stitch this?"

The elf moved over to bend down over the robes. He examined the bright thread and said, "Yes, young master. The stitches are too small for human hands, unless magic was used or the muggle ways of stitching. Woody has seen some of their work but does not know how it is done."

Horatio thought back to Aunt Petunia's work with a sewing machine; she would make Dudley costumes for school functions, but never used it to alter the overlarge clothes passed down to Harry. He said, "Muggles use what's called a sewing machine. You put rolls of thread into it, and line up the fabric you want to mend. Then the needles inside do the work for you. That is all I know about it."

The elf nodded, and this close Horatio could see the circles under his brown eyes. He frowned as he thought back to all the crazy hours he had asked Woody to appear, "Would it help you, if I took you back in time so you could have some more time to sleep and make breakfast for Aunt Cissy, Uncle Lucius, Stella and Bella?"

Woody smoothed his tea towel as he thought, "Woody could use more time to rest…"

Horatio scooped up the Gryffindor robes and reached for his Hawthorn wand. The wood warmed at his touch, and before he could sweep his hand downward Woody lightly tapped his arm.

"When you touched the wand, it made the changes sir."

"Really?"

Woody nodded and Horatio climbed out of bed. He dressed in his Slytherin robes and pocketed the hawthorn wand. Then he held the Gryffindor robes in his right hand and slid his left into the mokeskin pouch retrieving the Time Turner. He crept over to the far side of Draco's bed, so he was hidden from view, before kneeling on the floor. Woody had gone over to peer into a gap in Draco's hangings and smiled at the sight of his peacefully sleeping young master. Horatio beckoned the elf closer before draping the long chain round both their necks. The world around them blurred as he turned the hourglass over once. He freed the elf from the necklace once the world settled around them.

"You better go, or you'll hear yourself come in. Be careful that you don't run into your past self until time catches up." Horatio sighed at the puzzled look Woody gave him, and searched for another way to explain, "When you go home, make sure you are in a different place than you were before you came to see me, and stay out of sight until it is time to go make breakfast."

"Woody will follow master's instructions…" the elf still looked confused, but Horatio was sure he could at least follow what he had told him to do, even if he did not fully understand why it was necessary.

"Oh, and you might want to go out into the corridor before you disapparate. We don't want someone to be awakened by the sound." Woody bowed and headed for the door.

Horatio came round Draco's bed, and started carefully packing his bag, but realized he would not know what books he needed until later. He packed his Gryffindor robes, a few quills in one protective case and rolls of parchment in another; and double checked that the stopper to his bottle of ink was secure before zipping up his bag and heading for the door.

Flames danced once more in the fireplace, and Horatio sank onto one of the sofas nearest it as he entered the common room. He amused himself waiting for his classmates to emerge by watching a little horned creature on the other side of the glass. He vaguely remembered seeing something like it while reading, and wished he had Fantastic Beasts to check it. He was about to rise from his chair when the door to the girl's dormitories opened to reveal Agnes Rockwood.

"An early riser I see," she stifled a yawn as she sat in an armchair across from him.

"Yep," he glanced back at the window, but the creature was gone. "I got used to waking up early with the Malfoys, I stayed with them for the last month of the holidays."

She glanced about and smirked, "and yet, your friend Malfoy is still in bed."

Horatio chuckled, "Most of the family were early risers, but Draco and Stella—one of his younger twin sisters—liked to lie in whenever possible."

"Ah I see."

The pair lapsed into silence, so the crackling fire was the only sound until their housemates began to appear in twos and threes. They all had pale tired faces, and no one spoke much. The older students would occasionally stick around to wait for friends, but most crossed the room heading out into the corridor, as the stone wall slid back to let them leave. His classmates took seats near the fire, and one of the last to appear was Draco.

The blond slumped into the empty space next to Horatio, "Weasley is still in bed."

Sterling, who had arrived a few moments earlier, propped his feet up on the coffee table which separated him and Agnes from the two boys, "Then we'll wait until time and head out. If he wants to be layabout and skive off breakfast, that is his prerogative."

"Sterling, it's the first day." Agnes chided, "Go wake him, and we'll give him time to get ready."

Mulciber drawled, "Alright, but only because it is the first day." He smirked at his fellow Prefect. "You weren't specific as to how I should wake him up."

"On second thought," Agnes glanced across to the two boys, "Would one of you mind going to wake him. I'm afraid Sterling will traumatize the poor boy."

Horatio glanced at Draco, then shrugged before rising from his seat. He turned to head back to the dormitories. He started down the winding staircase but glanced up as the door leading back to the common room opened. Draco sauntered down the steps to meet him.

"I figured you might need a hand in case you need to drag him out of bed."

Horatio snorted, "Do you really think that will be necessary?'

Draco shrugged, "He was snoring away when I left so it might be."

They had almost reached their door when Horatio remembered what he had promised Aunt Cissy. He paused causing Draco to look back at him with a quizzical expression. Horatio's cheeks turned pink and he said in a rush. "Your mother said togiveyouherlove."

"If there were words in the last half of that sentence, I missed them."

Horatio took a breath, and spoke more clearly, "Your mother asked me… to send you… her love. She seemed really upset that she couldn't see us both off, and I'm sorry for that too." His grey eyes were apologetic behind his glasses.

Whatever Draco had been expecting, it had not been that. His cheeks turned pink and he looked away, "I knew it was necessary, I mean I know Woody could have taken you and your stuff to the train, but I'm glad Mum was able to see you off. Maybe next year we can say father is with Bella and Stella, and she can see the two of us off."

Horatio smiled, "Yeah that sounds great, and we can find our own compartment to sit in too.

They both laughed and Draco smirked, "I don't know Hannah and Susan weren't so bad." Draco pushed open the door and led the way into their room.

Ron's bed was closest to the door, so he must have heard them all leaving, unless he was so insensible in sleep that it did not reach him. The bed across from his was unmade, and the trunk had been left open at its foot. Draco shook his head and walked over; he was poised to slam it shut but thought better of it. Easing it closed, he turned back to Horatio, and together they pulled back the curtains surrounding the bed.

The redhead was fast asleep with his mouth half open. His faded paisley pyjamas were maroon and patterned with broomsticks. Their eyes were drawn to movement and the fat grey rat, that was curled on his pillow lifted his head to sniff the air.

"He sleeps with that pestilential thing on his pillow?" Draco wrinkled his nose as he stepped back.

Horatio, taking pity on the still oblivious boy shook Ron's shoulder, "Hey Weasley, Agnes says it's time to wake up, and if we can't get you out of bed Sterling is threatening to leave you behind."

Ron woke with a start and looked around, "I don't want a spider bear!"

"A what?" Horatio asked while Draco laughed.

"It's a… a bad dream I've had since I was a kid." Ron's face flushed almost a few shades lighter than his pyjamas, "Will you shut it Malfoy." He complained snatching up his watch, "Merlin's pants, is it really a quarter past seven?"

Draco calmed enough to check his own watch, "Yep, and we were supposed to leave fifteen minutes ago. We might even be on our own if Mulciber has his way."

Ron groaned, disentangling himself from the blankets, and heading to open his trunk. Horatio noticed his pyjamas were short in the arm and leg. Ron picked at the fragments of red and gold thread that clung to his robes. His shoulders slumped and he tossed one set on the bed before leaving the other two in his trunk.

Horatio glanced down at the newly sewn Slytherin emblem on Ron's secondhand robes. "Was your mother hoping for Gryffindor?"

Ron looked up from rummaging in his trunk, "Yeah, my whole family has been, except for Percy and nobody but Mum and Dad counts him…" He began to dress, "Well we don't unless Mum and Dad are around, anyway."

Draco, who was leaning on the wall beside the door, rolled his eyes, "Is Percy the prefect in Ravenclaw? Tall, red hair, with horn-rimmed glasses?"

"Yep," Ron mumbled as he tried to fasten his tie, which was still red and gold. "I don't know what I'm going to do about this."

"I'm sure an older student can fix it for you," Horatio offered helpfully.

Grabbing up his robes and donning them, Ron looked at Draco, "Did he really check on every compartment on the train?" He picked up a battered wand from his bedside table. There was a white substance glittering at the tip.

"Well he checked on ours," Draco turned to open the door, "him and Ernest Macmillan in our year, he went to Hufflepuff right before I was sorted."

It was Ron's turn to roll his eyes as he tucked his wand into his robes and headed for the door, "Yeah, met him on the train. He was looking for Harry Potter and found him in our compartment."

"Yeah, he said he was looking for him, wanted to extend the hand of friendship, or something like that." Draco shrugged. "We tried to convince him to just wait and meet him here."

"Harry would have liked that," Ron said, "he's kind of shy about everyone knowing who he is."

Horatio's respect for Ron grew as he heard these words. He caught Draco's eye and grinned, Draco nodded as if he understood how he felt. The three boys continued climbing the stairs in companionable silence. They stopped halfway as Agnes came into view.

"There you are," She scrutinized Ron's robes. "I'm glad I met you down here. Some of our house would never let you forget arriving in the Great Hall with half Gryffindor robes." She drew her wand and he cringed away, "Relax Weasley, I'm going to change the colours, not jinx you." Twirling her wand with a flourish she did as she said, and now Ron's tie and the boarder of his vest were the appropriate green and silver. He glanced at the other two for confirmation.

Horatio grinned, "You look like a proper Slytherin now."

Ron visibly relaxed, "Thanks Agnes."

She nodded before stowing her wand in an arm holster, "Now shall we go, before my surlier half takes it upon himself to leave the lot of us?" She led the way back up to the common room and found that Sterling was standing near enough to the stone wall to keep it open.

Agnes arched both eyebrows, "You actually stayed?"

"I said I would…" Sterling beckoned for the other first years to follow, and the group began to file out behind him.

Ron hung back and asked, "Agnes, do you think you can fix my other robes some time?"

"I sure can, just let me know before you wear them." The prefect swung her bag up as she followed the younger students.

The Great Hall was filled with sleepy chatter as the Slytherin first years entered. A petite girl with spiky dark hair waved Agnes and Sterling over. Horatio noticed that she too bore a silver Prefect's badge.

"Hey Gem," Agnes waved, in an undertone she addressed the three first years, "that's Gemma Farley, she's the sixth year Slytherin Prefect. If you ever cannot find me—and do not want to deal with Sterling—I mean, cannot find him… Then go to Gemma with whatever it is." She headed off to go speak to her upper classmate.

The three boys found seats near one another at the table, Ron sat across from Horatio and Draco. The blond glanced up repeatedly as students continued to enter the hall. Ron began loading his plate with sausages, bacon and eggs. Horatio fixed a bowl of porridge and sweetened it with slices of banana from a bowl, which was part of a group of bowls containing sliced fruit.

Suddenly there was a rustling sound overhead and about a hundred owls swooped into the hall. Automatically Horatio's eyes swept the mass of grey and brown, and he smiled as he noticed Hedwig soaring toward the Gryffindor table. He ducked his head as there was a spray of liquid and grey feathers. Something had fallen into the milk jug. Amid the chaos Pollux and Castor landed neatly on the table, side by side. Draco, who had gotten a face full of milk was dabbing at the mess splattering his robes. Horatio looked down in dismay at the feathers floating in his bowl.

"Hang on Cass," Draco grabbed a fresh napkin and wiped his face.

Ron had fished a very bedraggled owl from the jug and retrieved a scroll of parchment from its leg.

"Eww," commented the spiky-haired girl, as she approached with a stack of parchment in her hands. "It looks like you three could use some help." She drew her wand from an inner pocket of her robes and waved it over the mess saying, "Evanesco!" The milk and feathers vanished from the table, and she looked smug before noticing Horatio's bowl, "I still wouldn't eat that, sorry about your breakfast."

"Trust me, I won't," Horatio pushed the bowl away with a disgusted grimace. He looked over at the sodden mass of grey feathers, "Is the owl still alive?' Catching sight of Ron's face Horatio changed tack at once, "Ron, are you alright?"

Ron's lip was trembling, and he swallowed hard before answering the first question, "Errol is fine, he just missed the landing, and these long journeys are hard because he's old…"

Gemma placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, "Was it bad news from home?" Her voice was lowered so only the three of them could hear.

Ron averted his face, "My… Mum… isn't happy… with… my sorting."

A steely glint entered Gemma's hazel eyes, and her tone was equally flinty as she asked, "And how would she even know about it already?"

At that moment Percy walked over, with his own owl perched on his shoulder and a sheet of parchment in his hand, "Ron, father is supposed to meet you in the Entrance Hall."

Gemma whirled, looking up at Percy, "Running to Mummy when the Sorting Hat didn't do what you wanted? That is not prefect behaviour if you ask me."

Percy puffed up indignantly, "My parents had a right to know where their youngest son was placed. I would have told them regardless of which house he went into."

"Is there a problem?" Professor Snape asked in a silken tone that promised swift action if there was one.

The potions master was standing just behind Horatio and Draco; his stern face contrasting the black robes he wore. A smile broke across Horatio's face at the familiar sight of his uncle whom he had not seen since the night before. Severus gave him a fleeting glance, but his eyes snapped back to the situation at hand as both Gemma and Percy tried to speak.

"I was merely passing on a message of a personal nature to my brother!"

"This Ravenclaw prefect has brought down some kind of familial retribution on our Slytherin first year, Professor."

Professor Snape focused on the elder Weasley boy, "Has your message been delivered, Weasley?"

"Yes sir, but Miss—"

"Miss Farley," Snape cut in, "is merely looking out for the best interest of the students in her charge. I suggest you emulate her example, or I might have a discussion with your head of house about your privileges and re-sponse-ah-bill-eties." The potions master enunciated each syllable of the last word before turning to his own prefect. "Miss Farley carry on, but it is best not to provoke your classmates no matter how justified you feel."

She dipped her head in acknowledgement, "I understand Professor and I'm sorry if I was out of line." She hefted the stack of papers in her arms, and gave Ron another consoling glance before excusing herself, "I'll continue handing out the timetables as you asked, Professor."

He nodded, and turned his gaze on Percy, "If you are waiting for a dismissal, I thought it was clear enough, Mr. Weasley."

Percy straightened, working to keep his voice neutral, but Horatio could see the flush creeping up his neck, "There is no need to go to Professor Flitwick, sir. I will keep to my own house. Ron, I wish you luck on your placement." He hesitated before deciding better of saying more and stalked back to the Ravenclaw table.

Ron stood with the letter still clutched in his fist.

Severus arched an eyebrow, "I was not sending you away Mr. Weasley" he said in a gentler tone, not warm but at least sympathetic.

Ron shook his head, "I know sir, I'm just supposed to meet my Dad in the Entrance Hall at eight, and I know he has to go to work after."

The professor extended a hand, "May I read that letter?" Ron shrugged and handed it over. Severus scanned it quickly, a frown creasing his brow as he finished. "Your father is a reasonable man. I doubt he will share your Mother's beliefs regarding your sorting; however, if you would like accompaniment from myself, or one of the prefects I can arrange it."

Ron chewed his lip thoughtfully, "No sir, I'd rather deal with this myself. Is there any chance that Dumbledore will give Mum what she wants?"

Snape shook his head, handing the letter back, "None, she is not the first parent to want their child to be re-sorted, and if Dumbledore were to even entertain the idea of humouring her, the Sorting Hat would decline to comply."

"Thank you for stepping in with Percy, sir." Ron grabbed a blueberry muffin as he left the table.

Severus sighed as he watched the boy go. Looking down he said to the pair, "I hoped to be speaking to you two under better circumstances, but I'm glad to welcome you both to Slytherin."

Horatio grinned, "Despite Ron's situation, I am glad to be here, Uncle Sev."

Severus lips quirked up as he said, "I would have been proud of you both no matter which houses you were placed into, but I confess to being pleased you are now my students." His voice took on a stern tone, "That does not mean that you will be able to get away with anything. I hold my snakes to the highest standard of behaviour and particularly you two."

"I never thought you would give us any special treatment." Horatio glanced over at his friend, "Why so quiet?"

Draco had finished reading his own letter, and was feeding Castor a scrap of bacon, "I was reading this, and trying to avoid getting caught up in the family drama. It makes me think of the kind of reaction Theo will have from home…" He glanced at the unopened package and added, "My Mother sent us snacks, and we have enough to share. I think we should share with Weasley."

"I agree," Horatio said.

Pollux had been waiting patiently to be acknowledged, but seeing his brother being fed he hooted at Horatio, "Sorry buddy, let me take that." He unbound a small package and noticed that it too had been addressed in Aunt Cissy's delicate hand. Putting the parcel aside he picked a soggy piece of bacon off the table and proceeded to feed it to his owl. When Pollux was finished, he hooted in thanks and flew off with Castor.

"Professor?" Horatio asked, "where do the owls go when they are not delivering mail?"

"The Owlery, it is a tower on the west side of the castle." Severus looked thoughtful, "I will have your prefects arrange an orientation of sorts, showing you all where the important places are; the Library, the Owlery, the Hospital Wing, etc."

"Thank you, sir." The two boys said together

Severus was the first to notice Ron returning, when the boy was in earshot he asked, "How did it go?"

Ron grinned bemusedly, "it went well. Dad said he was proud of me and to give Mum time. He said that if I do well; she will come round to the idea of me being in Slytherin."

The potions master nodded approvingly, "Good, now you three finish up your breakfasts. It is almost time for Forms." At the boys' confused looks he explained, "The headmaster has decided that it would be a good idea, for the younger students to spend time each morning with the housemates in their year-group. The prefects will be watching over you until time for your first lesson." He retrieved a pocket watch from his robes and consulted it. "I must go prepare for my N.E.W.T. Potions class. Good day to you all."

Horatio furrowed his brow, "Newt?"

"Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests," Ron explained, "my brother Bill took them in seventh year. Percy will need them too since he wants to get into the Ministry of Magic like Dad."

"Oh, so they're like A-Levels for Muggles," Horatio mused. He glanced down at the damp tablecloth, "I went to a muggle primary school, when I lived with my grandfather."

Incongruously Ron's expression brightened with interest, "So, you know about muggle stuff?" When Horatio nodded Ron continued, "Then next time my Dad is around I'll have to introduce you. He loves everything to do with muggles. He has all this muggle stuff in his shed that he takes apart, puts spells on, and puts back together again. It drives Mum mental…" His smile faded slightly at the mention of his mother.

"She'll come round," Horatio encouraged.

Gemma returned a moment later, the stack of parchment was much smaller. 'Here is your timetable Ron, and you two will have the same." Her nose scrunched as she thought, "you're Draco Malfoy, and you're Horatio Prince." She handed the appropriate sheets to each of the boys. "Now, Agnes and Sterling will be along any moment to take you back to the common room. Eventually, I think the idea is to put you in a classroom on the ground floor, but those are never used, so they probably need to be cleaned out first." She smiled as she pranced away, all traces of her former annoyance forgotten.

"She's…" Ron searched for the right word.

"Unique?" Draco suggested.

"A special bird," Ron concluded, "I mean I'm grateful for her standing up to Percy, but she seems to have just brushed it off."

Horatio snorted, "She's unflappable, but we should refrain from likening her to birds in her hearing. After her dealings with your brother, I doubt she will appreciate the association."

"Agreed," said Ron and Draco together.

The food faded from the golden dishes as the prefects approached. Draco nudged Horatio and whispered, "You might want to go back. This will be your best chance to get back to wherever the Gryffindors sleep."

"Yeah that sounds like a good idea," Horatio said at a normal volume. Turning to Ron, he asked, "So do you want to share these goodies that Draco's mum sent us?"

Ron looked at Draco curiously, "Are you sure?"

"Yeah," Draco stowed the parcel in his bag, "I don't know what she sent exactly, but we can open it later."

Ron's face brightened, "Thanks Malfoy."

The Slytherin first years were ensconced in the common room, taking it in turns to gather their books and other supplies. Sterling made it clear he did not want people disappearing into the dormitories with their friends, "Because if I have to be here, you lot have to be here."

Eerie green light from the lake cast strange shadows on their faces. Tracy had removed her glasses and was dozing off with her head on Daphne's shoulder, Harrie had a glossy magazine entitled Witch Weekly open and was reading, beside her Maris was reading a copy of The Daily Prophet which featured an image of a portly man in a pinstriped cloak who appeared to be giving a speech of some kind. He vaguely remembered Uncle Lucius telling him the man's name, and that he was someone important, but the information escaped him. Millicent Bulstrode had returned from the girls dorm carrying her school bag on one shoulder and a fluffy cat in her arms; the cat had a creamy body and smoky silver markings on her face, legs, and tail. She sat brushing the cat, occasionally jingling the tiny bell around its neck. Pansy had gone down after her and had not yet returned.

Crabbe and Goyle each had a stack of chocolate frog cards and appeared to be swapping them. Ron, who was on his left, was watching this exchange with interest. Horatio found his gaze drifting to the window, hoping the horned creature would return. The thought occurred to him that this was like watching fish in an aquarium. He turned to his right where Draco was dozing with his head pillowed on his right arm. He nudged his friend making the pale boy's head jerk up with a start.

"Sorry," he gave Draco an apologetic look, "I was just thinking that the windows in the dormitories, and especially the common room, are like giant aquariums."

Drowsy grey eyes studied the rippling weeds beyond the glass, "You mean those glass things people keep fish in?"

Horatio nodded, "Yep, only in reverse because the water is on the outside."

Draco winced, "As long as it stays that way…"

Horatio nodded emphatically before turning to Ron whose gaze was still on the cards, "Why don't you see if they want to trade with you?"

Ron shrugged, "My cards are down in my trunk, and I don't think they like my family much…"

Knowing full well, from the confrontation on the train, why Ron would think that Horatio asked, "What gives you that impression?"

The boy rumpled his lips, "Just something they said on the train."

Draco leaned across him into the conversation, "Well, that was on the train. Now you are in the same house, and you heard what Rockwood and Mulciber said, Slytherins stick together and all that."

"Besides," Horatio added, "what are they going to do if you have cards they want? Say no because they don't like your family?"

"They might," Ron muttered.

The door to the boy's dormitories opened and Dominic Selwyn strode into the common room. He went over to join up with his two friends, who looked up from their cards to greet him.

"Go on," Horatio nudged Ron lightly in the ribs, "Bring some of your cards with you when you come up and see if they are interested." Ron nodded and headed down to their dormitory.

The stone wall slid open and Agnes came in; she was carrying a sheet of parchment that resembled one of the timetables. She walked over to the coffee table nearest the fire and placed the paper upon its weathered surface. Gesturing to the assembled students she said, "Everyone come copy these names onto your schedules, and let anyone who isn't here know, that these will be your guides this week." She moved off to go speak to her counterpart and there was a general flurry of movement across the room.

"No use in both of us going, I'll copy it and share." Draco rummaged through his packed schoolbag for his timetable. Daphne attempted to gently extricate herself from her cousin while trying not to wake her, but Draco leapt to his feet and spoke to her in hushed tones, "Don't worry about it. I can share my copy with you both when I'm done."

She looked up at him with wary green eyes, "Malfoy, are you sure?"

"Of course, we all have the same classes. I fail to see the harm in sharing public information." His lips twitched up into his signature smirk, "It's not like I'm sharing answers to an exam or something."

Arching a dubious eyebrow she asked, "Why would you help us?"

Horatio cleared his throat, "Because Slytherins stick together."

Glancing down at her sleeping cousin she relented, "Alright, but only because you insist."

Ron returned while Draco was copying the schedule and glanced quizzically over at the group around the coffee table. Horatio got to his feet, his half-empty bag swinging as he headed toward the dormitories, explaining to Ron as he passed, "Agnes brought the list of students who will be helping us the first week." Ron nodded and headed over himself. Horatio smiled as he spotted the handful of cards in Ron's free hand.

Horatio followed the long staircase to the bottom and opened the weathered door. He sat on his bed and dug in his bag for his copy of the timetable. He came across the parcel from Aunt Cissy; a thin box wrapped neatly in brown paper with a scroll of parchment secured to it. Deciding to open it he shook the box to learn about the contents but could hear nothing inside. So, he freed the letter smoothing it out on his knee. Narcissa's delicate handwriting flowed down the single sheet of parchment. Horatio smiled as he thought of her sitting at the writing desk in the drawing room and putting quill to paper.

Dear Horatio,

Severus fire called us last night to tell us the news of your sorting. Lucius, the girls, and I are thrilled that you are both in the same house. We hoped you would end up together regardless of where you were placed. Naturally, Lucius and I expected Draco to go into Slytherin, but these things are far from certain, and I encouraged him to have an open mind on the matter.

In the magical world, we enter adulthood at seventeen years of age. It is tradition to give a wizard a watch on his seventeenth birthday, but it strikes me that you will have need of one long before that day. Perhaps we will gift you with a new one at that time, who knows what the future will bring. For now, this is our gift to you, and enclosed in the box is an explanation of all the watches features.

I sent Draco a care-package with enough snacks and sweets for you both and enough to share with your classmates, should you choose to do so. I have found that having something from home can help to ease the transition into school life. Furthermore, the act of sharing food can soften new acquaintances toward you. I hope the contents serve as a balm against homesickness, and as a social tool to gain friends.

I wish you luck as you embark on your studies and ask that you write to tell me all about your first week at school.

All my love,

Aunt Cissy

P.S. Thank you for the kindness you have shown Woody throughout the time you have known him. He seems quite eager to aid you with any request, big or small, so do not hesitate to reach out to him should you require his assistance.

Horatio had to pause while reading the letter several times, as his emotions had threatened to overwhelm him. He had seen so many expressions of thoughtfulness and generosity from the Malfoys, and Narcissa in particular, but this was the first time she had written to him. This was the first time he had received a letter from someone who genuinely cared for him, almost like a parent.

He drew in a steadying breath and tore the paper from the box. It was made of dark wood and had shiny metal hinges and clasp. The lid of the box was engraved with Tempus ChronoMagic Creations and depicted an emblem of a sundial surrounded by T.C.M.C. and opened on silent hinges. The interior was padded, moulded so the watch would not fall, and lined with deep blue velvet. The top of the box held another scroll, a small one written in silver ink.

Tempus ChronoMagic Creations

Sidus Veritas Luxury Timepiece

This wristwatch determines real time through the position of celestial bodies, and careful calibration to astronomy. The internal mechanism contains the coaxial movement, which lessens friction and ware to the inner workings of the device, reducing frequency of maintenance and replacement. The housing is resistant to both latent and active magical interference, and water-proof up to 1500 meters.

At time of purchase, the customer chose silver numerals against an onyx face, though the Integumentum charm allows for various combinations in appearance. At the customer's request, the Costus and Proteon charms have also been added, linking the timepiece to a companion device, so the barer of that timepiece is alerted to danger to the wearer of this one.

As Horatio read more text appeared at the bottom of the slip of parchment. He read about the use of the watch, and how it automatically calibrated time by the stars, even if they were not visible because of the brilliance of the sun. He learned how to change its appearance, set timers which could give an audible alarm, or simply warm against his skin. He would have to find out who the watch was linked to, but he suspected he already knew.

He placed it against his right wrist, remembering from his lessons that left-handed people usually wore watches and jewellery on their right hand. He would have to remember to switch it when he turned back as Harry. He liked the idea of an ivory face with golden numerals and brown leather strap for Harry's watch. Glancing down at the dial he realized it was a quarter to nine, and quickly checked his schedule for the day.

Monday

6:30-8:25 Breakfast Great Hall

8:30-9:00 Form Time TBD

9:05-10:00 Herbology Greenhouse One Herb MPS RS1

10:05-11:00 History of Magic Room 106 HoM PB RS1

11:05-11:20 Break

11:25-12:20 Charms Room 301 Char PFF GS1

12:25-13:20 Free Period

13:25-14:20 Lunch Great Hall

14:25-15:20 Free Period

15:25-16:20 Free Period

16:25-17:25 Dinner Great Hall

Horatio gathered the necessary books for the day as he pondered the week to come; Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays were relatively free after lunch, or he thought so, until he realized they had an Astronomy class Wednesday at midnight. That also explained why Wednesdays and Thursdays had no morning classes until after break, so he and his classmates could sleep late in preparation for their lesson and to recover from it. Tuesday and Thursday seemed to be his busiest day but there were free periods each day. Folding his schedule neatly, he placed it in his bag and headed back up to the common room.

The Slytherins had Herbology first with the Ravenclaws. The odors of earth and dragon dung clung to them, and Horatio was grateful for the Scourgify charm Agnes had cast on her charges when she met them coming out of Greenhouse One. Checking her copy of the schedule she'd remarked, "Well, its not like Bense would mind, but I bet you all would rather not smell like a great sizzeling pile of dragon poo for the rest of the day."

They had not understood her meaning until Professor Bense entered their History of Magic classroom through the blackboard. Their only ghost professor had welcomed them to the class and started in on a lecture that had most of the class fighting sleep after ten minutes. Although, Horatio noted that the Ravenclaws seemed to be making more of an effort to take notes, and considered asking to check his notes against theirs when he had the chance. Ron nearly fell out of his seat when the bell rang to signal the end of the lesson, a few people laughed but like him most had been caught unawares.

"Blimey, I am so happy it's breaaaak…" Ron extended the last word as he stretched.

Horatio glanced down on his unmarked schedule, "So who is supposed to be collecting us this time?"

"That would be me," said the tall boy with dark hair and crooked teeth who had been talking to Agnes last night about Quidditch. He was leaning against the wall across from the classroom door with his arms folded across his chest, "I'm Marcus Flint, and it is my job to see you all safely back to the common room for break."

As the Slytherin first years fell into step with him, Marcus caught Ron's eye, "So Weasley, it seems that Quidditch talent runs in your blood. Your older brother, Chester—"

"Charlie," Ron corrected automatically.

The older boy nodded, "Sorry, your older brother Charlie, was good enough to go pro if he wanted. I remember seeing him use his weight to body lighter Seekers away from the Snitch. In his final year here, he told anyone who would listen how good his first year twin brothers would be one day; so much so that a year later new Captain Oliver Wood gave the beater spots to two untested second years. It turns out that your twin brothers are like a pair of human bludgers themselves, and the only reason Gryffindor couldn't win a game last year, was because Wood couldn't find a half decent Seeker.." He lead the way down the marble staircase as he continued, "So I was wondering if you had inherited any of that natural athletic talent, or if you're more the bookish type like your brother in my year."

Ron furrowed his brow, "I thought first years weren't allowed on the house teams?"

Marcus waved a dismissive hand, "I know the rule, but as team captain it is my job to look to the future of my team. You'll have flying lessons sometime this term, and once Madame Hooch has cleared you to fly, I can have someone lend you a broom for a couple hours while we see what you can do." He glanced around at the other first years, "The same goes for you lot once you have a few flying lessons under your belts, and I can be reasonably sure you won't kill yourselves or anyone else on a broomstick."

Ron chewed his lip thoughtfully, "Well, my brothers always made me Keep for them when they practiced over the summer holidays."

Marcus clapped a hand on Ron's shoulder, "Then I'll give you everything I've got, and if you can block me, I'll throw in the other two chasers, and if you can block the three of us there will be a spot waiting next year."

Millicent piped up, "Does the same go for girls? I heard an older student say that the previous captain didn't let girls on the Slytherin team."

Marcus snorted, "If that was Charlotte Wilks, that girl is always complaining about something. She'd want to be on the team alright but only for the popularity it could bring her." He ran his tongue over his teeth as he considered Millicent, "That's why Anderson didn't let girls on the team, he felt they wanted the glory without putting in the work. I played against an all-female front three from Gryffindor after one of their Chasers was injured in the season opener last year, and the three of them played brilliantly together." He looked at the other five girls, "I'll let any of you try out as long as you're willing to put in the effort."

A group of students came in from the grounds and crossed the entrance hall ahead of them, Marcus paused to let them pass. Hannah waved pointing thee group of Slytherins out to Susan, "Hi Draco, Hi Horatio."

Draco waved back, "Hey you two," and as they came over he added, "How is your first day going?"

Horatio caught the scent of the greenhouses as the pair of Hufflepuffs drew level with them. Hannah's cheeks turned pink as she admitted, "Oh, I'm just glad we didn't have far to go this morning, or I'm sure we would have been lost on our way to breakfast. I'm terrible with directions"

"So how did you like Herbology?" he asked with a faint smile.

"At least we all were awake for that lesson, I swear there were only five people taking notes in History of Magic; me, Ernie, Kevin, Isobel Macdougal, and Hermione Granger, " Susan sniffed in annoyance and caught a whiff of the scent clinging to them, "Eww, is that us? Han we should really go get washed up before Transfiguration."

Marcus checked his watch, "Yes, and we should get to our common room, so you lot can meet your next guide, and I can go on to Care of Magical Creatures. Professor Kettleburn makes you clean up for his beasts if you're late to his class."

"You're right Sue," Hannah looked apologetically at the older Slytherin, "and I didn't mean to hold you all up."

Flint shrugged, "They'll be free to hang out during break with whomever they choose after this week, but it's hard to find all the new students if they're wandering all over the castle. So we try to keep them gathered in one place while they get their bearings."

Susan glanced between him and the first years, "Oh, so you're leading the first year Slytherins around this week?"

"Not just me, its tradition for older Slytherins to divide the task for the first week. It lets the younger students make connections to the upper forms, helps them learn their way around the castle, and prevents our house from losing points to them being late."

"That does sound like a beneficial arrangement," Susan looked thoughtful, "I think I'll suggest it to our prefects."

Flint started to move away as he suggested, "Bring Truman some Coconut Ice when you make your proposal. He always picks some up from Honeydukes when we go to the village."

"Thanks for the tip," Susan offered Flint a polite smile. "I'll write my auntie and ask her to send me some."

"See you all later," Hannah gave both Horatio and Draco brief hugs before waving farewell and following Susan down the opposite stairs from the dungeons.

Draco grimaced as they moved out of earshot, "Now I smell like dragon dung again."

Horatio snorted, "Well at home you usually smell like hippogriff dung, hey, and feathers."

Draco shoved him playfully, "Thank you so much for blabbing that fact to our peers, Prince."

Horatio laughed, "Seriously, your mother wouldn't stand for you always smelling like that, but the feathers and hey were constant."

"You mean, like your bowl of porridge this morning?" Draco quipped back.

Ron winced, "I am sorry about that." Turning back to their guide he asked, "So is Honeydukes really as brilliant as my brothers make it out to be?"

Flint caught the look of boyish delight on the youngest Weasley's face and chuckled, "Its probably everything you've imagined and more."

After break, they joined the Gryffindors in Charms class, and Horatio did his utmost to studiously ignore himself. That was made harder when the tiny wizard called roll and toppled off the pile of books he stood on when he reached Harry Potter's name. Some of their classmates laughed, and Flitwick even chuckled at his own actions before resuming his task. The only other bit of excitement was when Trevor made a bit for freedom from Neville's bag. The professor whipped out his wand and sent the toad zooming back to the embarrassed boy. The tiny old professor told some stories about the foibles of careless wand movement or mispronouncing a spell. One such tale involved a wizard named Baruffio who said, "s" instead of "f" and wound up on the floor, with a buffalo on his chest. These were clearly meant to be cautionary tales, but the absurdity of them had the class laughing on more than one occasion.

The Slytherin first years headed back to the common room for a free period, this time escorted by a scrawny fourth year named Terrence Higgs. Horatio was actively searching for a time to break away long enough to turn back so he could go to classes as himself. Draco was speculating on what could be in the care package his mother had sent, and Ron was listening with rapt attention. Pansy was sitting in an armchair by the fire staring into its flickering depths. Daphne and Tracy were talking about starting the reading Flitwick had assigned to get it out of the way. Harrie was digging in her school bag looking for something, and Maris was sitting beside her with a quill and The Daily Prophet open on the coffee table. Millicent mentioned cuddling with her cat who she called Luna. Crabbe and Goyle were talking about starting a game of gobstones.

"Dominic, you want to join?" Goyle mumbled.

"Not really," the slight boy drawled, "Its such a dull game, and who wants to be squirted in the face with that awful stuff?"

Crabbe shrugged, "Exploding Snap then?"

Ron turned around, "Hey, have you ever tried to build a card house out of an exploding snap deck?" The three boys stared at him incredulously for a moment, and his shoulders sagged in disappointment as he started to turn away.

"I did once," Crabbe's brow creased as if he was thinking hard, "but never got the cards to stay up." He wiggled his thick fingers, "My hands are too big."

"We could give it a go," Goyle glanced at Horatio and Draco, "Want to play a game three on three if the card house doesn't work?"

Selwyn sneered as if the whole idea was beneath him, and then his lips twitched up into a smirk, "What about betting on who wins. I might even do a game or two of gobstones if the prize is more than not getting squirted in the face."

Ron chewed his lip, "I don't really have anything to bet…"

Crabbe clapped his large hands together, "What about some of your chocolate frog cards, the extras you showed us this morning?"

"I suppose I could…" Ron hesitated, "but what if they got damaged by the Exploding Snap cards?"

"We'd keep them away from those, maybe ask someone to mind the cards for us?" Goyle asked, glancing over at the girls hopefully.

Adamaris looked up from her crossword, "I suppose I could keep you all honest with your bets, but I'd like something in return."

"What's that?" Crabbe asked dubiously.

"One card from the pool of betting once each pot is played." She sat back in her chair and waited for their verdict.

Crabbe and Goyle bent their heads together, and Selwyn deigned to join their conference.

Millicent returned from the girls' dormitories carrying Luna in her arms, "What are you lot up to?"

Pansy shrugged, "Not much."

"Reading," said Daphne and Tracy almost in unison.

Adamaris smirked, "Waiting to see if the boys will agree to my terms."

Harriet had picked up Maris quill and was using it to mark a page in the center of Witch Weekly, "I'm taking a quiz about how well I know the Weird Sisters."

Draco was sprawled on one of the sofas, "I'm thinking of opening the package from my mother, but at the moment I'm waiting to see if the game of gobstones or exploding snap will happen."

Ron had a stack of chocolate frog cards he was sorting, "I'm deciding which of these I want to offer up as a bid to join the game."

Horatio tried to stifle a yawn, "I'm thinking of going to take a nap." Though he thought, I'm really trying to find a way to turn back so I can go to class, again.

"Right," Goyle turned back to the rest of their peers, "Then if you three want to wait, we can always play at forms tomorrow morning?"

"Yeah," Ron nodded, "then I'll have my cards more organized."

Millicent sat with her cat in her lap, "I might join a gobstones game tomorrow." Luna settled in her owner's lap and began to purr, flicking her tail occasionally, "But I'd have to put Luna away, she doesn't look it but she loves chasing things that roll."

"Aren't most cats like that though?" Crabbe asked.

Millicent scratched the fluffy creature behind the ears, "I suppose so."

Horatio stood up, "Well I think I'm going to go have that nap."

"I'll wake you before lunch." Draco promised, "Weasley why don't we try that card house thing?"

Horatio left the common room as the other boys began to clear a table for their impromptu game. He glanced back before closing the door and noticed that everyone seemed to be having a good time except Pansy Parkinson. She was still sitting on her own beside the fire. He thought she was kind of pushy and mean at times, but he told himself he'd try to at least find out what was bothering her later. For now he descended the steps to the dormitory and readied himself to turn back in time.

A/N: Hello dear readers. I thank you all for your reviews after last chapter, and for sticking with me after the two long chapters before this one. I had originally planned to go through the first week in summary as J.K.R. did in "Chapter 8: The Potions Master", but this little chapter began to shape up as its own thing. I hope this gives you all the glimpse into what the dynamics will be for our Slytherins, and where Ron can fit in. If Molly does come around to the idea is entirely up to her, but Arthur is willing to support his son no matter where he is sorted. Don't worry, we will get back to Harry, and his first week, or first day of classes.

Update 8/27/20: I hope you all enjoy the bonus content, and now maybe Horatio and his peers will let me go back and tell Harry's story for the first day, or first week of classes. They were insistent that the chapter was not finished, and so I gave them the chance to do so. I particularly like the conversation between Flint, Ron, and the others about Quidditch. Now, this might mean the actual next chapter might be delayed, but I am going to try to have it ready this week as planned.