Author's Note: I have almost finished my first fan fic (Silver Dreams), or at least it is at a point where my current plans for it end. There is only one chapter remaining, and, after that, this will be my main priority.
The First Year (Part Two):
- Six -
"Severus, it has been nearly three months!", Dumbledore shouted with pure exasperation, "How can he fulfil his destiny if he cannot fight?!".
Severus merely sighed. Internally, he felt absolutely disgusted at the way the poor boy was treated like a pawn: nothing but a puppet, who would suffer whenever it benefitted Dumbledore. 'For the greater good, my arse!', bit back a small piece of the deepest part of Severus' mind.
He thought back to his own days at Hogwarts: 'Even then, Dumbledore played favourites with the Gryffindor's, and ignored the danger I was in, to suit his own agenda. I will not let the same thing happen to Lily's son. Her sacrifice was worth more than that', thought Severus resolutely.
He breathed in and kept the mask firmly intact, "It is a shame, Albus, but maybe the boy is just not meant to be used by you".
Dumbledore smiled softly, "And just what are you implying, Severus?".
"You know exactly what I am implying, Albus", hissed Severus with an air of defiance that was rarely seen, even by Dumbledore.
"Well, perhaps, we were wrong. Perhaps, the boy should just return to the muggle world", said Dumbledore flippantly as he moved forwards, encroaching on Severus. Severus retreated. He knew exactly what Dumbledore was implying.
"You wouldn't dare...", his voice quivered slightly above utter silence. He felt outraged - to such an extent that no amount of anger could convey his disgust.
"I do not believe him, Severus", Dumbledore responded calmly as he walked away.
- Seven -
"Potter!", cheered an unknown fifth year (Harry knew them only by status; not by name) as he entered the Slytherin common room with Malfoy, "We heard that you really got that Weasel this time!".
"Yes, I believe he will keep his nose out, for now", said Harry nonchalantly, paying no attention to anyone as he walked towards the dorms. Malfoy swiftly skirted behind Harry, keeping watch for any adverse reactions.
'All is well', thought Harry as he sat down upon his bed. He found himself grinning, his strategy had gone perfectly, so far; he had no intention of allowing that to change.
He had used Malfoy's knowledge of his abilities to his advantage. Malfoy secretly held him in high regard, which was an advantageous way to gain loyalty from those who held Malfoy in high regard. Malfoy was also more than willing to consult Harry on a wise move for power - that would not compromise his 'Dumbledore immunity'.
The plan was rather simple. Harry allowed himself to be caught speaking Parseltongue in the dorms. This caused the rumour of him being a descendant of Salazar Slytherin himself to spread like wildfire. This rumour was then confirmed by his dorm mates, and Harry was subsequently receiving pledges of allegiance on a daily basis.
This rumour could not spread outside of Slytherin, due to the inherent fraternal secrecy the house imposed upon itself, and the potential weapon Harry could be cultivated into was more than enough to seal any stray lips.
- Eight -
Harry felt a small warmth when he considered the fondness he held for Malfoy.
He was, without a doubt, the most intelligent person in first year, and the only person Harry considered to be even remotely interesting enough for him.
He was glad of how their friendship was developing: like ivy on a stone wall, it grew slowly but surely, clinging firmly to all that touched it. It was a loyal bond that could not be broken, and would surely be cultivated by time itself.
"Potter?", asked Draco causally.
"Yes, Malfoy?", said Harry sweetly, with a hint of gentleness that could not be observed publicly.
"I was wondering if you would like to visit my family and I for Christmas? We would enjoy your company dearly", said Malfoy, in such a tone that was identical to the tone he used when he asked his father for something he desired greatly.
"That would be wonderful, Malfoy", responded Harry cordially.
"Potter?", repeated Malfoy, in the same fashion to which he had phrased it the first time.
"Yes Malfoy", said Harry, with an equal amount of repetition.
"Call me Draco", Malfoy hastily responded.
"Yes, Draco", said Harry, grinning as he did so.
"Potter?", Malfoy asked - for the third time in the same tone.
"What is it, Draco?", Harry responded in a docile tone.
"May I call you Harry?", he questioned nervously.
"Of course, Draco, my friend", Harry replied.
He did not realise he had said such a thing until it had escaped him, but Draco's reaction was priceless.
- Nine -
"Harry!", she said suddenly.
"What?!", replied Harry impatiently. He had no need to turn around: he already knew who was pestering him.
"I don't believe you", she teased knowingly.
"I don't know what you are talking about. Go away!", he snapped. He knew exactly what she was speaking of and had no interest in letting a know-it-all like her interrogate him.
"Look, Harry", she said plainly, pushing him aside as she did so (though she was not forceful), "You don't make sense".
"Do I not?", he laughed at this, but he was interested.
"No. In fact I have evidence that you are a liar, Harry", she squeezed closer to him as she said this, whilst the condescending tone of her voice drove through him like nails on a chalkboard.
"Prove it", probed Harry, calling upon her - whilst hoping she was bluffing.
"Well, firstly, you must have magic or else you would not have a wand, how could a wand choose you if you were not magical?", she said at a fast pace.
Harry opened his mouth to respond but she put her finger to his lips and continued to ramble on, "Secondly, how did the hat sort you if you were not magical? It would have sensed that you do not belong".
Harry felt the hissing intake of air press against his chest as he considered Hermione's 'evidence'. He laughed forcefully with as little sincerity as he could, "So?".
"I will tell Dumbledore", she cautioned threateningly.
This caused a small bubble of hysteria to form in Harry's mind. He could not help the manic laughter that escaped him as he heard this, "Do you really believe Dumbledore hasn't already figured this out. Wow, Hermione, I thought you were meant to be intelligent". He watched mirthfully as he observed the way Hermione faltered. He had won.
"But... I...", Hermione spluttered.
"Come back when you have some real evidence", Harry whispered in a low, foul tone. He then turned on his heel and dramatically left Hermione to argue with herself.
Author's Note: I am uncertain of if you guys like or dislike this somewhat fragmented style of storytelling or not.
I personally have chosen it to represent the idea that you are only going to see key aspects of the story and that you won't learn everything at once.
It contrasts with how I usually write so please tell me if you feel I need to improve. Likewise, please inform me if you see any stupid errors.
I hope you guys enjoyed this. I'm really thankful for your reviews and the fact that people have actually taken the time to read something I have made.
I do tend to reply to any questions I am asked (though I do try to avoid spoilers) so feel free to ask questions and prompt a discussion.
See you soon!
