As Harry stared at the Hogwarts express; he was here and finally going to Hogwarts. Draco looked just as excited as Harry did as they began marching towards the train with determined expressions on their faces. The two eleven-year-olds were ready to go to Hogwarts and start learning magic for real. Of course, Draco and Harry had spent time practising spells when nobody was looking. Harry did not want to get to Hogwarts and look like an idiot; especially with his father there.

There were students everywhere, dragging trunks and animals towards the train. Parents could be seen hugging their children and wishing them well. Some of the parents not even trying to hide the fact that they were crying. The younger children were practically running towards the train with eager and excited expressions while the older kids who have been there before were focused on catching up on their summers.

A few students were already wearing their Hogwarts robes and strutting proudly like they were the only ones who had them. Draco had pointed out that they were probably muggle borns.

The inside of the train was warm and comforting and the compartments were quite large. Draco and Harry quickly found a compartment where they could wave goodbye to the Malfoys. Narcissa could be seen wiping tears away from her face and hugging Lucius who looked like he was biting back tears himself. Once the train began moving, Harry and Draco pulled out their wands and began levitating their new quills. By the time they arrived at Hogwarts, they had levitated their quills, parchment and were attempting to levitate a cauldron but it was too heavy.

When they stepped out of the train, Harry could feel older kids staring at him with various expressions. Some were being subtle about it while others were outright staring at him. They began whispering about how much he looked like Snape.

"Hey, take a picture, it'll last longer!" Draco shouted as Harry began to squirm uncomfortably at his side. Without hesitation, Draco gently grabbed Harry's wrist and guided the boy towards the voice that was calling for the first years. Harry took his attention away from the gawking teens. Harry did not like being the centre of attention; it reminded him too much of when Uncle Vernon would remind him of how much of a freak he was or when Dudley would reveal something really embarrassing at school.

"Just imagine how much worse it would be if you still had the scar," Draco whispered causing Harry to realise how much worse it could have been.

The Great Hall was the largest room Harry had ever stepped foot into. The ceiling looked exactly like the night sky, including stars except for the candles floating over the tables. There were four massively long tables where the older students were currently seated and watching the first years being led in by Professor McGonagall. Harry felt his excitement being temporarily overshadowed by nerves.

At the front of the room, there was the staff table. In the middle of a table was a man who with a long silver beard and sparkling eyes that seemed to light up the whole room. There was a man with a massive turban who caught Harry's attention; he seemed to be scowling in Harry's direction. When Harry finally found Severus, he gave a small nod to his father who gave him a brief nod.

"When I call your name, I want you to take a seat on this stool and the sorting hat will place you with your house," Professor McGonagall called, causing the room to go still. "When you have been sorted, you will go and sit with your house."

When she called the first name, Harry stared nervously at Draco who looked a little bit nervous himself but both boys tried to hide it keep the other from getting even more nervous. They watched as students had the hat placed on their heads and watched as the hat would call out a house name that would determine each child's future housemates.

When Draco was called up, Harry couldn't help but laugh as the hat called Slytherin before even touching Draco's head.

"Harry Snape."

The Great Hall filled with whispers as all of the students looked up with anticipation. Harry swore he heard someone express disbelief that 'the greasy git' actually procreated.

Harry gulped but made his way over to the stool with a look of determination. There was no way he was going to give these gossiping fools the satisfaction of watching him tremble. The best way to get by in school, as Harry figured, was to always look confident and in control. It didn't matter whether or not it was true, it just mattered that it was believable. This also worked with keeping the Dursley's off his case.

When the hat was placed on Harry's head, a soft voice filled his mind.

'I was wondering when I'd be seeing you. You are difficult to sort. You've got a strong mind and your survival instincts are strong. You are clever and resourceful, ambitious and creative. I can see where you would best belong. Yes, you have the heart of a survivor and the wits that go with that. I believe I will put you in SLYTHERIN!'

When the hat shouted that last part, Harry's whole body seemed to relax as he made his way towards the Slytherin table which was clapping and cheering louder than the rest of the tables. Harry was honestly just happy to be sorted with Draco; he was unsure what he would have done had he been sorted into a house without a single familiar face. Harry looked back and took a glance towards the staff table; his father was clapping along with the rest of the staff but Harry could see pride shining in his dark eyes.

Severus felt Sirius look to Harry and back to Severus with a knowing expression. The rest of the staff looked at Severus with confused expressions but Sirius wasn't confused; he looked like he had been expecting it. The only other person at the table who wasn't wearing a shocked expression was Dumbledore.

"So, he's in Slytherin," Sirius started, causing Severus to chuckle.

"Yes, your Godson is a Slytherin," Severus said, causing Sirius' expression to cloud with joy.

"You still want me as his Godfather?" Sirius asked excitedly.

"Yes; if anything for when the boy decides he wishes to become an animagus... I caught him reading up on them a few nights ago and made him promise to not attempt it until he was at least fourteen," Severus said... Of course, Severus had placed a charm on Harry to prevent any attempts until then but they already knew what the young boy's alternate form would be. They had checked the night before Severus came to Hogwarts and found that the young boy would be able to take the form of a wolf.

Sirius smiled at the idea of teaching his godson how to become an animagus. Severus knew this was the best for everyone if Harry was taught by someone who had already foregone the process and could safely assist him. Besides, Sirius wouldn't be that bad to have as a godfather. Besides, if he got carried away, there would always be Remus to bring him back in line.

Happy New Year!