A/N Ok, some of you are going to hate this chapter, but please read the notes at the end before sending a damning review. As always, I've tried to stay true to the Harry's character, so hopefully that comes across in his choices.
Messenger writing Key:
Harry
Row
Jack
Without further ado…..
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Harry awoke slowly to the feeling of something sweet being pressed in between his lips. A warm feeling gradually replaced the cold inside of him, and he opened his eyes to see Remus Lupin and Row standing over him looking concerned.
"Harry?" Asked Row. "Are you ok, Harry? Can you say something?"
Harry sat up groggily and replaced his glasses on his face.
"I'm ok, I think," his vision sharpened and he took a quick look around the compartment. "Is everybody else ok? Were you hurt?"
Row shook her head. "After you collapsed Professor Lupin cast a spell that chased that thing away."
"Really?" Harry asked, turning to Lupin. "What spell was it? The one I cast didn't do a damn thing."
"I wouldn't say that, exactly," said Lupin with a faint smile as he gestured to the ruined compartment. "Unfortunately dementors are immune to nearly all spells except for the charm I cast." Lupin waved his wand and began to repair the damaged wall.
"Dementor?" Harry asked, racking his brain. He had come across that name before during his studying, but he couldn't quite remember where.
"The Patronus charm?" He asked suddenly as it hit him.
"How did you know?" Asked a surprised Lupin. "That's very advanced magic, where did you hear about it Harry?"
"I read a lot," Harry replied dismissively. Then he shook his head in disgust. "I didn't know dementors were that powerful. If you hadn't come, we'd probably all be dead."
"The dementors weren't here to attack, Harry," said Lupin kindly. "They were searching the train for Sirius Black. I don't know why they seemed to take a particular interest in you, but rest assured you were not their goal."
Harry shrugged noncommittally, but inside he was seething.
One day in the magical world and I've already been beaten, he thought angrily. So much for my so-called powers, I can't even make it to Hogwarts! And Row! She would have died if Lupin hadn't come along. I don't care what he says, that thing wasn't searching, it was attacking. It was my job to protect her and I failed. I FAILED! ON THE FIRST ATTACK NO LESS!
"Harry, what's wrong?" Row asked quietly when she saw that his eyes were burning and his hands were clenched in anger.
Seeing the concern on his sister's face, Harry reigned in his temper and regained his calm demeanor.
"It's nothing, Row. I'm just thinking about the dementor, that's all."
"Oh, ok," said Row, but she didn't look convinced.
Harry retook his seat while Lupin walked up the train to talk to the conductor. A short while later, the train began moving again, but Harry continued to stare out the window in thought.
That's simply not good enough, he thought, his eyes flashing dangerously. If I can't deal with a simple dementor, how am I going to deal with Sirius Black? I'll have to work harder this year than I ever have before. I have to be ready.
He looked over at Row, who was laughing at a joke that Sarah had just told.
I have to be strong for all us, especially Row. Dementors, Black, even Voldemort himself, it doesn't matter. I'll stop anything that threatens us. He turned his gaze back to the passing landscape, his jaw clenched in determination.
No matter what.
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Harry passed the rest of the trip in silence, mentally cataloguing the things he would begin working on as soon as he could. As the train approached Hogsmede, he went the restroom and changed into his robes as the girls did the same. He arrived back at the compartment just as the train began to slow down.
"Hey Harry?" Padma asked as he sat down. "What was that spell you tried to use? I didn't actually see you cast it, but it destroyed the whole wall."
"Blasting curse," Harry replied curtly.
Hermione's brow furrowed. "Like a reductor curse?"
"Yeah, sort of."
"What'd you mean, sort of?"
Harry sighed. "I mean that a reductor curse is a type of blasting curse, but it isn't the one I used."
"Is it-," Hermione began, but stopped and looked at her hands. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pester you."
"Don't worry about it, he lives with me, remember?" Interjected Row.
Harry just shook his head and Hermione smiled at that as the train finally came to a complete stop. Harry followed Row outside and into the throng of students making their way toward a group of carriages that were being pulled by very strange looking creatures. To Harry, it almost looked like a cross between a dragon and a horse.
"What is it, Harry?" Asked Row when she noticed that he'd stopped.
"What are those things?" Harry asked, gesturing to the beasts.
"The horseless carriages?" Row asked. "What's pulling them you mean? Nobody really knows, it's probably just a spell."
"What'd you mean, horseless?" Asked Harry, confused. "I'm talking about the winged horses that are pulling them. What are they?"
Now it was Row's turn to look confused. She opened her mouth to answer, but was stopped by a voice from behind her.
"They're thestrals, Harry Potter," said Luna Lovegood in her usual serene tone. "But most people can't see them, so the carriage appears to be horseless." She fixed her large grey eyes on Harry. "You can only see them if you've seen death." She cocked her head to the side. "It appears that they like you, Harry Potter."
Harry looked away from the odd girl and saw that, sure enough, one of the thestrals seemed to be looking directly at him.
"That's odd, they never look at anyone," Luna continued before she shrugged and turned to Row. "Hello Rowena, nice to see you again." With that, she turned away and walked towards the carriages without even waiting for an answer.
"Don't mind her, she's not quite right in the head," said Row after Luna had gone.
"You really can't see them?" Harry asked as he tore his gaze away from the staring thestral.
"Nope," Row shook her head. "Actually, Luna is pretty well-known for believing in things that don't exist. If it wasn't for the fact that you can see them I'd think she was making it up."
"No, they're definitely real," Harry muttered. "And one of them is definitely staring at me."
Harry started to follow Row toward the carriages but was forced to stop when a very large man suddenly stepped in front of him.
"Harry Potter is it?" The man said, extending a large hand. "Dumbledore told me you'd be here, but I just couldn't believe it," he sniffed. "Sorry, didn't mean to be rude. Name's Rubeus Hagrid, I'm the groundskeeper here at Hogwarts."
"Nice to meet you," Harry said, although he was slightly confused at how emotional the man seemed to be.
"Anyway, you're to come with me and the first years across the lake and then wait 'til the sorting is over, then we go in together."
Harry frowned. "I'd like to go with my sister if it's all the same to you."
"Sister?" Hagrid looked confused.
"I'll be ok, Harry," Row said, patting his arm. "You really should go with Hagrid, the castle is a wonderful sight from the lake."
"Row Thomas is your sister?" If possible, Hagrid looked even more confused.
"You're sure?" Harry asked. Row nodded. "Ok then. I guess I'll see you there. Lead the way, Hagrid."
The giant led Harry towards a group of young students as he continued to call out for the rest of the first years. When he was satisfied that he had everyone, he showed them to the boats. Harry waited until all the other students had chosen before stepping into the last boat along with Hagrid.
"Why do the first years go a different way?" He asked Hagrid as the boat began to move.
"Don't rightly know, actually," Hagrid responded. "Always been that way, though. Did I hear you right earlier? Row Thomas is your sister?"
Harry nodded. "Not by birth, of course," he replied. "But I've been living with her and her brother Jack for a while now. We've all been emancipated in the muggle world, and as far as I'm concerned she's my family."
"Good girl, she is. Always got a smile on her face. Oh, here comes your first look at Hogwarts, Harry. Take a gander."
Harry turned and looked up just as the corner of Hogwarts castle came into view. As the parapets of Hogwarts slowly unfolded into his line of sight, Harry had to admit that the castle cut quite the impressive figure.
"Well, what'd ya think?"
"It's beautiful," said Harry earnestly. "I've never seen anything quite like it."
"They all say that," said Hagrid proudly. "Great place, Hogwarts. No place like it anywhere else in the world, and that's a fact."
Harry and the groundskeeper passed the rest of the trip in relative silence, although Harry did answer the rest of Hagrid's questions about him and Row being siblings. When the boat finally docked, Hagrid moved to the front and led the group of first years into Hogwarts. They walked until they reached the top of a staircase, where a very stern looking woman was waiting for them in front of two very large doors.
"The first years, Professor McGonagall," said Hagrid proudly. "Me and Harry here will be waiting for the signal." He gestured for Harry and moved to the side.
"Very well," replied McGonagall. "Welcome to Hogwarts, Mr. Potter." She gave him a piercing look before her eyes softened. "We're very glad that you're here." She said quietly. She turned away and led the first years through the large doors.
"Now what?" Harry asked when they had gone.
"Now we wait for the signal and then we go in," Hagrid replied.
Since he had no idea how long they would be waiting, Harry decided to question Hagrid about Hogwarts itself. Hagrid was in the process of telling Harry how to get to the owlery when a chime sounded.
"That's the signal," said Hagrid, cutting off his directions. "Follow me."
Hagrid walked up to the big doors and threw them open to reveal a large room that Harry immediately recognized as the Great Hall. He took the time to look at the enchanted ceiling that he had wondered about every since he first read Hogwarts: A History before he carefully surveyed the rest of the room. It was set up exactly as Row had described it, with the four house tables laid out parallel to each other and the professors sitting behind the head table at the front. He snapped out of his observation when he heard applause and realized that Hagrid had just been introduced as the new Care of Magical Creatures Professor.
"Professor Hagrid has kindly volunteered to escort a new third year student who will be starting at Hogwarts this year. May I introduce Mr. Harry Potter."
That must be Dumbledore, Harry thought, looking at the elderly wizard who had made the announcement. Of course the hall erupted in frantic whispering as Harry followed Hagrid up to the front table. Hagrid gave him a smile and a pat on the shoulder as he walked up to take his seat, and Harry was confronted with Professor McGonagall, who was holding an old hat that Harry recognized instantly.
"Please take a seat, Mr. Potter."
Harry complied and the hat was placed on his head, the brim just covering his eyes.
"Well, well, we meet again, Mr. Potter", A voice said in his head. Harry frantically tried to strengthen his mental defenses, which caused the hat to chuckle.
"Don't bother, young one. Occlumency is useless against me, but never fear, I will keep your secrets. I am forbidden to speak of what I see, in fact."
Harry relaxed somewhat, but was still very uncomfortable with the hat on his head.
"Are you the same hat that gave me the sword to fight the basilisk?" He asked mentally.
"The very same," the hat replied. "Ah, I see that the sword has chosen you as its new master. Congratulations."
"What do you mean? The sword disappeared when I touched it later."
"It will come when you call it. It was the blade of Godric Gryffindor himself, created to fight against all the vile creations of Salazar Slytherin, like the basilisk. It has chosen you as its new master; you should be honored."
"Gryffindor's sword?" Harry was astounded. "I guess I'll be in Gryffindor after all, then. Although I would prefer to be in Ravenclaw, if that's possible."
"Hmm," the hat pondered. "You are an enigma, Mr. Potter. You have the qualities of every house, and you have them in spades. Fiercely loyal to your family and protective of everyone they care for. Intelligence well beyond your years, and talents that Rowena herself would be in awe of. You are as ruthless as Salazar when you feel it necessary, and you carry his gift of parseltongue and his ambition to be the most powerful wizard alive. And yet, you bear the blade of Godric himself, which means you hold only the noblest of ideals, and crave power only to protect those that are weaker than you."
"Only the strong can hope to protect the weak," Harry replied. "I already nearly failed on the train, and I won't let that happen again. I need to be stronger."
"Yes, I can see the two traits that drive you. The will to be the strongest and the noble desire to use your power to protect those who need it." The hat chuckled. "Never in my life have I had a harder decision Mr. Potter. You have the ruthless will of Salazar Slytherin with the noble heart of Godric Gryffindor. I would say it is between those two for you."
"Slytherin?" Thought Harry, surprised. "That's where all the racists and bigots are. Plus their head of house is the one blackmailing me, you can't put me there."
"It's true, of course, that Slytherin house has become synonymous with dark arts and pure-blood bias," the hat responded slowly. "On the other hand, Slytherin himself, when he was young, held the same idea you do, that only the strong can protect the weak."
Harry thought carefully about that for a moment before he asked his next question.
"Which house will make me stronger, Gryffindor or Slytherin?"
The hat seemed to pause before answering.
"If you go to Gryffindor, you will be admired, praised, and well-liked by your housemates. You will learn the value of friendship, and the rest of the world will continue to look up to you as a hero. Most will support you, some may even fight for you, and you will be strong. But you will not be the strongest.
If you go to Slytherin, you will be outcast, ridiculed, and assaulted. You will be grouped with what you call racists, and will be suspected of dark arts by the rest of the school. You will be scorned for no reason, suspected when you are innocent, and considered evil by many students and some professors. However, if you survive your years in Slytherin house, you will be the strongest that you can possibly be when you leave Hogwarts. I leave the choice to you, Mr. Potter. One way you will have support and friendship, the other you will be completely alone. And yet, I already know which one you will choose."
Harry paused as he considered the dilemna the hat had just handed him. He thought about all the lessons that he had learned in his short life, and he found one common thread. He remembered being beaten by his uncle, and the hopeless despair that came with being helpless. He remembered when he became strong enough to escape, and later to extract justice. He remembered the look on Jack's face the first time they went out together in London, and how the hardened, hopeless look in his eyes had been replaced by youthful exuberance. He thought of escaping Arthur Weasley and his accomplice, and escaping again from Snape on the platform. He thought of Ginny Weasley, Tom Riddle and the basilisk. He thought of Voldemort and Dumbledore, and how each undoubtedly had their own plan for Harry's future. Lastly, he thought of Sirius Black, who was responsible for the death of Harry's parents and now desired to end Harry's life as well. He thought of all the good things he had experienced in life, and he realized that he had them all only because he was powerful enough to prevent others from taking them away. The twinkle in Jack's eye, the smile on Row's face, and the love of family that he had come to cherish; all had been possible only because Harry had made it possible. He wasn't given this life, he had taken it by force, and he would allow no one to take it from him. He made his decision.
"Hardship is not important, and friendships are fickle. Without power there can be no freedom, and I will be free. If that means I walk my path alone, so be it. I choose the path of power. I choose Slytherin."
"Very well. The hero's path is a lonely one, young Potter, but I wish you the best. Godric forgive me, for putting the truest heart of Gryffindor in SLYTHERIN!"
Harry took the hat off and placed it back on the stool before turning to survey the now silent hall. Immediately his eyes sought Row's, and he relaxed when he saw her shake her head with an amused smile on her face. She mouthed "only you" to Harry, who shrugged back at her before he turned and made his way swiftly over to the Slytherin table. Not knowing where he was supposed to sit, he elected to sit at the end of the table with the other newly sorted students, all of whom were looking at him with wide eyes.
"Well, um, welcome Mr. Potter," Dumbledore said to the still silent hall. He remained silent for a moment before he remembered what he was about to say. "Now, I have a very important announcement before we begin the feast. This year, Hogwarts will be guarded by the dementors of Azkaban, who will patrol the castle perimeter until Sirius Black has been found and captured. I do not mean to alarm you, but I strongly advise you all to be cautious, as dementors are not known for their kindness." The headmaster paused for effect before he smiled. "Now, without further ado, let the feast begin!" Dumbledore spread his hands wide and the table was suddenly filled with food. Harry glanced up at the headmaster, who was looking at him with a mix of apprehension and sadness, as if he couldn't decide whether to fear Harry or to pity him. Harry frowned slightly and started to help himself to some food, completely ignoring the murderous glare he could feel coming from Snape's direction.
"What's the matter, Potter?" Came a girl's voice from farther up the table. "Too scared to sit with the rest of us?" A few of the boys farther up the table laughed.
Harry looked up from his food and saw that the owner of the voice was a pug-faced girl sitting next to the Malfoy boy he had "introduced" himself to earlier. Judging from the way she was leaning on the blond boy and sneering at Harry, he thought it safe to assume they wouldn't be friends anytime soon.
"I didn't know where to sit, actually," Harry replied honestly. "If you wanted to sit with me, you should have saved me a spot."
Her face flushed. "I didn't want to sit with you!" She screeched.
"Then I don't see the problem," Harry shrugged and went back to his food, but not before pulling his wand and placing it in his sleeve.
This proved to be a very good idea, as the red faced girl drew her own wand and pointed it at Harry.
"Furnunculus!"
Harry shifted slightly to his left as he drew his wand and gave it a quick upwards flick.
"Protego." He said firmly.
Having never tested his shield against a curse, Harry was actually rather curious as to what would happen. The shield formed in front of him like he planned, but rather than reflect the curse back at the caster, the curse was deflected straight into the table, causing food to spray the second year students. Harry frowned slightly, and figured that the angle of the shield must be more important than he thought. He was almost hoping that someone would cast another curse when he saw Professor Snape striding angrily towards him.
"POTTER!" He barked. "What do you think you are doing? Five minutes and you're already causing trouble! Five points from Slytherin and detention with me tomorrow night!"
Harry frowned as Malfoy and his group began to snigger.
"No."
Snape froze.
"What did you say?"
"I said no," Harry responded evenly. "I did nothing wrong, and I will not serve a detention."
"Make it a weeks detention for blatant disrespect!" Snape hissed, glaring murderously at Harry.
Harry just shook his head. "Make it a year, if you like. I'm still not going." He said calmly.
Snape's pale face became a blotchy red as he flushed in anger.
"Don't let him get away with this, professor," came Malfoy's voice from up the table. "He attacked Crabbe, Goyle, and I on the train before we got here. I was going to tell you later sir." Crabbe and Goyle nodded their agreement.
"So, Potter. Attacking students and insulting professors on your first day? I'll have you expelled for this, you arrogant brat!"
"After all the trouble you went through to get me here?" Harry asked, giving Snape a meaningful look.
Snape's flush deepened, and his gaze bore into Harry's. Harry met his gaze calmly, until he felt a foreign presence trying to creep into his mind. Harry's eyes widened in surprise before they narrowed dangerously and he lashed out viciously with his own legilimency, slamming into Snape's mind with all the finesse of a sledge hammer.
Snape cried out in pain and fell to his knees grabbing his head. Harry felt the attacking presence disappear and quickly stopped his own attack before reinforcing his defenses in case Snape tried again.
By now the rest of the hall was watching the drama unfolding at the Slytherin table with wide eyes. To everyone else, it appeared that Snape and Harry had simply been glaring at each other when suddenly the professor collapsed holding his head. The only person who knew for certain what had just happened was the headmaster, who made his way swiftly over to his fallen colleague.
"Mr. Potter, I believe it would be best if you accompany me to my office."
Harry shrugged and got up to follow the headmaster, but stopped when Snape also made to follow.
"Harry? If you would?" Said Dumbledore, gesturing for him to follow.
"I won't walk with him behind me," Harry replied, gesturing to Snape.
The headmaster glanced at the potions master, whose glare had reached a new level of intensity.
"Harry, I assure you that Professor Snape will not attack you."
"He already did," Harry replied is his usual even tone. "Have him lead the way and I will follow. Otherwise forget it."
"You miserable, arrogant-" Snape growled, spit flying from his mouth.
"That is enough, Severus. Please, lead the way so that we can resolve this matter."
Snape scowled fiercely but complied, and Harry followed the two wizards through the castle halls until they reached a large stone gargoyle that he recognized at the entrance to the headmaster's office.
When they were inside, Harry waited for Snape to take his seat before assuming a standing position on the opposite side of the room.
"Please, take a seat Harry," said Dumbledore, gesturing to one of chairs in front of the desk. "Lemon Drop?"
Harry eyed the headmaster quizzically.
"No thanks, I prefer to stand." He replied slowly.
"As you wish Harry," said Dumbledore as he leaned back in his chair. "Now, would you care to tell me what happened in the great hall earlier?"
Harry shrugged. "It's simple enough, really. One of the older students tried to curse me, I used a shield charm and the curse hit the table. Snape came over-"
"Professor Snape, Harry," Dumbledore interrupted quietly.
Harry regarding the headmaster thoughtfully.
Pick your battles, he thought to himself.
Harry inclined his head. "I apologize. Professor Snape came over and accused me of cursing the table on purpose, and gave me a detention. I told him I refused to attend a detention for something I didn't do, at which point he attacked me using legilimency and I fought him off."
"You filthy brat!" Snape seethed. "He's lying, headmaster!"
"Enough, Severus," Dumbledore held up his hand. "I am curious, Harry, how it is that you know what legilimency is, and even more curious how you managed to fight off Professor Snape's intrusion, if that is in fact what happened."
"I've studied quite a bit of magic," Harry said dismissively. "You already know that, of course. Occlumency and Legilimency are two things that I have read a significant amount on, although I hardly consider myself an expert in either field, I know enough to detect and repel an attack."
"May I test you, Harry?" The headmaster asked. Harry thought for a moment before nodding.
Immediately, Harry could feel a pressure on his mental defenses, but unlike with Snape he couldn't tell exactly where the attack was coming from. Rather than lash out like he had before, Harry carefully extended his own defenses out slowly and evenly, until he had pushed the presence into a single area. He was careful not to move too fast, or push too hard, lest the headmaster discover how proficient he truly was with the mind arts. Once he had located the attacking presence, he slowly and carefully pushed it out of his mind.
"Truly extraordinary Harry," said Dumbledore. "You have the most advanced mental defense of anyone your age that I have ever met. Who taught you?"
"I taught myself, mostly," Harry replied carefully. He could tell that Dumbledore was fishing for information, and he would have to be careful not to give anything away. "Actually, most of it comes from basic meditation that I learned when I was younger."
Dumbledore nodded slowly. "Well, it is a truly remarkable accomplishment for one so young."
"Surely you don't believe the boy, headmaster!" Snape exploded. "He attacked me in the middle of the hall right after he attacked another student! You cannot mean to let him go unpunished. He should expelled!"
The headmaster was about to respond when he was stopped by the sound of Harry's quiet laughter.
"Let me get this straight," Harry began. "You blackmail me into coming here, and now you want me gone?" He snorted. "I mean, really, make up your mind."
"Blackmail?" Dumbledore said sharply. "What blackmail?"
Snape's face had gone from blotchy red to pale white. "I don't know what he's talking about headmaster. He is an attention seeking liar, nothing-"
"You mean you didn't know?" Harry interrupted incredulously. "You didn't know that Professor Snape threatened to stop Row's emancipation if I didn't come to Hogwarts? You didn't know that he actually filed for her guardianship himself, and swore to me that he would hide her away if I didn't agree to come? Surely you didn't think I simply woke up one morning and decided it was a nice day to come out of hiding? Didn't my sudden change of heart make you the least bit curious?"
Dumbledore regarded his potions master with quiet horror.
"Severus, how could you? I told you specifically that Harry needed to come to us in his own time." He turned his gaze back to Harry. "I assure you, Harry, I had no idea that this was happening. It seems that I cannot quite seem to get anything right when it comes to you, and again I must apologize." He threw a stern look at the potions master. "I believe we can forget about this little incident tonight. The feast should be breaking soon, and I would hate to keep you from your new housemates, Harry. If you will excuse us, I will have a house elf show you to the Slytherin quarters."
Dumbledore snapped his fingers and a small green elf appeared at the door before gesturing for Harry to follow him. Harry nodded briefly to the headmaster and followed the elf out the door, leaving a very angry Albus Dumbledore and a very nervous Severus Snape behind.
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Harry followed the elf through the many twists and turns of Hogwarts until finally they came around a final turn and ran into a large group of Slytherin students being lead down a flight of stairs. Thanking the elf, Harry hurried to catch up and fell in line next to a dark skinned boy about his height. A quick survey of the group showed that Malfoy was walking well ahead of him, surrounded by the same people that were seated next to him at dinner. Harry also noticed that the group seemed to be walking in order by year, with the exception being Malfoy's group, which was currently walking just behind the sixth years. Harry filed this information away for future use.
"Potter? When did you get here?" The boy next to him asked.
"Just now," Harry shrugged. "The headmaster suggested I come down and meet my housemates. I don't suppose you're a third year as well?"
The boy eyed him critically. "Actually, I am. Blasie Zabini," he said, extending a hand. Harry shook it. "This is my friend, Tracey Davis," Zabini said, gesturing to the blonde girl on the other side of him. She had light blue eyes and a thin, alluring figure that moved with almost catlike grace. Harry shook her hand as well.
"So not all Slytherins hate me then?" Harry asked casually. Blaise snorted.
"We may not hate you, but that doesn't mean we like you," he replied. "You've already made an enemy of Malfoy, and that's a very bad idea in Slytherin house. The only reason I'm talking to you is because I'm curious and because Malfoy is too far ahead to see."
"Everyone is afraid of him, then? Why?"
"His family is very powerful," Tracey said, joining the conversation. "His father is on the board of governors for the school and Professor Snape is pretty much on his payroll. Even the older students give him a wide berth."
Harry looked thoughtful for a moment before he asked his next question.
"The only thing I know about Malfoy is that he thinks that pure-blooded wizards are superior to everyone else. Do you guys agree with that?"
Tracey looked uncomfortable and Blaise frowned.
"Look," he said quietly. "That's exactly the type of question you don't ask around here. Whether or not we agree with him is irrelevant. Even if we didn't, we'd still pretend like we did. Anything else is practically suicide. You understand what I'm saying here?"
"So you don't agree with him, but you'll never say it out loud," Harry said slowly. "I can understand that you don't want him as an enemy, I guess. I will tell you this, though," he looked Blaise in the eye. "you don't want me as an enemy either."
Tracey heard this statement and shivered involuntarily, but Blaise only smiled.
"You know, Potter, you just might be a Slytherin after all." He said with a smirk.
Blaise turned back to talk to Tracey and Harry looked ahead to where the group was slowly coming to a stop in front a rather nondescript section of the castle wall.
"The password is 'will to power.'" Said the prefect up front. As he said it, the wall opened slowly to reveal a long, narrow room lit by green lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Lining the room on either side was a series of couches, chairs, and bookcases, as well as a small fireplace in the corner with a large table in front of it. Finished with his quick survey, Harry followed the rest of the group inside and then followed Blaise to the third year dorms, choosing to skip the first year introduction speech.
He arrived in a room with six four poster beds lining the walls, each with elegant silver and green curtains embroidered with the snake of Slytherin house. Harry noticed that his own trunk was at the foot of one of the beds in the far corner of the room next to where Blaise was standing, and he made his way over there only to be blocked once again by Draco Malfoy.
"Well, if it isn't little Potty," he spat. "You don't fool me for a second. You're no Slytherin, and there's nobody to protect you in here." He smirked maliciously.
Harry's eyes grew cold as he regarded the pompous boy in front of him.
"If you think I need protection from, you are sorely mistaken," he said coldly. "Or have you forgotten your experience on the train? Should I refresh your memory?"
Malfoy's smirk faltered a bit but his eyes burned. "You don't scare me, Potter. I don't know how you got out of detention, but you'll learn who runs Slytherin house soon enough," he spat before turning to Crabbe and Goyle. "Let's go."
Harry remained in his alert stance until all three had left the room, leaving Harry alone with Blaise and another, shorter boy with short brown hair who was going through his trunk at the front of the room.
When he was sure they had left, Harry made his way over to his bed and cast a few detection charms. Finding nothing out of the ordinary, he moved his trunk so that it was touching the bed frame and attached it using a sticking charm. He didn't think Malfoy would be able to get into his trunk, but there was always the possibility that he could simply hide it out of spite, and Harry was not about to let that happen.
His task done, he turned to find that the other boy had left and Blaise was about to head back to the common room.
"What time is curfew here?" He asked.
"Nine," Blaise responded, pausing at the door. He smirked. "I wouldn't miss it if I were you. It seems like Professor Snape hates you enough already."
Harry nodded his thanks as Blaise walked out of the room. When he was gone Harry ducked into his bed and pulled the curtains shut before taking out his messenger.
R-
Write back when you're alone.
-H
He started to put the messenger back in his pocket when a reply appeared.
I'm alone now. I figured you'd want to talk
Harry had to smile at that.
Yeah. I know it's a shocker, but the hat gave me a choice between Gryffindor and Slytherin, and when I asked which house would make me stronger, it said Slytherin, so that's what I picked.
You actually PICKED Slytherin? Did you hit your head or something?
Ha ha.
Ok, sorry. It's just weird, you know? Everybody in Slytherin looks down on the rest of the school, and they always lie, cheat, and steal to get their way. That's not you at all.
I don't think they're all like that. I just think that they have to act that way or else they'll be outcast by the people that run the show, like Malfoy. Supposedly his family is really powerful, and that's why he gets away with everything.
So all they respect is power?
I don't know if that's all that matters, but I know that the only reason some people follow Malfoy is that they're afraid of what will happen if they don't. I'm sure I'll find out more after I meet more of them. How are your friends taking my being in Slytherin?
They're nervous, but I told them not to worry. I think you should talk to Hermione though. You were the first person to really stand up for her, and now she's probably worried that it was all some big joke.
She saw me on the train too. Have you talked to her about that?
I didn't get a chance, we came straight back to our common room after the feast.
I know she's your friend, but I'm seriously thinking about obliviating her.
I figured you would be. I really think you can trust her Harry.
It's just too big a risk.
If you do, be careful, Harry. Memory charms are dangerous.
I know, but you've seen me practicing. I'm not going to do anything serious, just slightly change what she thinks she saw.
I still don't like it, but I trust you, and I can see why you think it's necessary. She usually goes to breakfast early, so maybe you can catch her then. In any case, tomorrow morning we'll compare schedules and set up study times in the library. You should come with us.
That sounds good. We get our schedules tomorrow then?
Yeah, tomorrow at breakfast.
What's the rest of your house saying?
Well, you're not going to like it. The most popular rumor right now is that you've been practicing Dark Arts since you were little, and they didn't want you at Hogwarts before now because you're too dangerous. Sarah and Padma stood up for you though, and pointed out that you actually blasted Malfoy around. Of course, a couple of the older girls said that just proved that you were practicing dark magic.
The hat said something like this would happen, and I guess it really doesn't matter anyway. Maybe if everybody's afraid of me they'll leave me alone.
Don't count on it.
Yeah, probably wishful thinking.
Don't worry, I'm sure not everybody is going to think you're evil just because you're in Slytherin. Maybe you should beat up Snape again, except do it in the great hall!
I almost did that today. Did you see him attack me with legilimency?
He didn't! It looked like he just collapsed, and nobody saw you do anything. So you were really fighting him and he really did attack you?
Yeah, he did. I hit him back with legilimency and that's what made him fall to the ground. You need to be extra careful around him, especially now. Never look him in the eye and remember what I taught you about occlumency.
I remember. Wow Harry, you've only been here a day and you've already been in two different fights?
It would have been 3, but the headmaster apparently didn't know that Snape blackmailed me into coming here, so he let me off.
You told him? Oh boy, I wouldn't want to be Snape right now.
Hey is this a private party or can anybody join?
Jack! You're actually using the messenger!
What can I say, I miss you guys. So Harry got sorted into the evil house?
Pretty much. I got into a fight with three guys on the train for insulting Row, and then I get here and I'm in the same house as them.
Are there any cute girls in your year?
Actually, there's a girl I met today who was pretty cute. You'd like her, anyway – she had a nice figure.
I am SO not trying to hear this.
You were the one that said he needed a girlfriend.
I didn't mean right away!
Why would you say I need a girlfriend?
I'll tell you some other time. Weren't we talking about why you picked Slytherin?
Yeah, I read the part about you talking to a hat. What's that about?
A magic hat is what decides which house you will be in. It looks through your mind to find out where you fit best.
A magic hat? Well that's just stupid, isn't it?
You know, I assumed that since you'd actually taken the time to use the messenger that you wanted to have an intelligent conversation. I apologize for overestimating you.
Serves you right.
Ok children, as much as I'm enjoying this, I'm going to have to put a bunch of charms on my bed before I go to sleep to make sure I don't get attacked by my new housemates, so I'm gong to sign off.
Don't let the evil guys get you down. And say hi to that girl for me.
I won't do either of those. I'll see you tomorrow at breakfast, ok Row?
Ok, I'll see you then. I love you guys.
We love you too.
Oh, isn't that sweet.
I take it back, I only love Harry.
Oh! You wound me!
This is amazing. We're not even in the same room and you two are giving me a headache.
I'm talented.
GOOD BYE, JACK
Ok, Ok. I'll annoy you tomorrow. Until then.
These are not toys, Jack. Remember, we're not even supposed to have them here.
I know, I was kidding. Go cast your spells.
Alright, good night
Night.
Night.
With a smile Harry closed the messenger and started casting proximity charms around his bed. It would be much more effective if he could actually cast wards, but he hadn't yet been able to find any useful texts on the subject. When he was satisfied that nothing could approach him during the night without waking him, he removed his Arithmancy book from his trunk and changed into sleeping clothes, slipping quietly into bed to wait for his housemates to return from the common room.
A little while later he heard the door open and his roommates enter. He heard Malfoy make a few remarks in his direction, but none of his proximity charms were tripped and eventually the rest of the lights in the room were extinguished and silence fell. When he was satisfied that the other boys were asleep, Harry put his book away and strapped his wand to his wrist before he too, closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.
He awoke early the next morning, as was his custom, and carefully removed his proximity charms before heading to the bathroom for a morning shower. When he re-entered the dorm, the rest of his roommates were just beginning to stir. Harry went to his trunk and grabbed his book on ancient runes before leaving the dorm to make his way down to breakfast.
When he arrived at the Great Hall, he was surprised to see that there were only a handful of students already there. He searched the Ravenclaw table for Row, but couldn't find her or her friends. As he scanned the rest of the room, he saw that Hermione was sitting by herself at the end of the Gryffindor table, and made his way over to her.
"Hello Hermione," Harry said as he approached. "Mind if I join you?"
Hermione looked shocked for moment and could only nod dumbly. Harry took a seat and began to help himself to some eggs.
"Hermione, I know that you've taken a lot of abuse from Slytherins in your time at Hogwarts," he said carefully. "But I want you to know that you don't have to be afraid of me. I'm not in Slytherin because I'm a racist or a bully. The hat said I could have been in Gryffindor too, actually. It just wasn't the best place for me right now."
"I'm not afraid of you, Harry," Hermione said quietly. "But I am afraid of what they'll do to you if you try to fight them. The way you stood up for us on the train…well, I never really thanked you for it. So, thank you, but you should never do it again. It's not worth it."
Harry regarded the girl in front of him carefully. He knew from what Row had told him that Hermione was often rather subdued, and Row wondered if it was because she started to believe all the 'worthless mudblood' insults that were thrown her way. From what he'd just heard, it appeared that maybe she was right.
"Hermione, I want you to promise me something," Harry said seriously. "I want you to tell me every time somebody from Slytherin threatens you, or calls you 'mudblood,' or does anything else that makes you feel unsafe. Can you do that?"
"What are you going to do?" Hermione asked fearfully.
"I'm going to make sure they get punished for it."
"You can't do that," Hermione said frantically. "It will only get worse! The one time I tried to tell a teacher, Professor Snape came in and said I made the whole thing up, and for the next week they were even nastier than usual. Please, Harry, just leave it alone!"
"I can't do that," Harry shook his head. "You're Row's friend, and that means that if there's anything I can do to help you, I will."
"It won't help!" Hermione practically screeched before calming herself. "It doesn't matter what house you're in, you won't be able to get them in trouble!"
"I'm not talking about telling a professor," Harry said carefully. He sighed. "Actually, this brings up something I really need to talk to you about. It's about what you saw on the train."
Hermione's ears perked up and she leaned close to Harry. "The wandless magic?" She whispered.
"I need to tell you something very important, ok Hermione?" Harry moved his arm around her so that his hand was resting on the shoulder opposite him with his palm extended towards the side of her head. "I need you to look at me. You remember what you saw on the train?" As Hermione nodded, Harry carefully entered her mind and centered it on the incident with Draco Malfoy. When that experience was completely in focus, Harry touched his hand to the side of her head and performed a memory charm, using legilimency to target the precise moment she had seen him do his wandless magic.
"You didn't really see me doing wandless magic, you just thought you did. Looking back on it, you saw that I actually had my wand the whole time, but it was hidden from your view and that was what confused you." As he spoke, he subtly checked to ensure that her memory was forming correctly and when he was satisfied he cancelled the spell.
"So, you can see that I actually did have my wand the whole time," Harry said like they were in the middle of a conversation. "Although I don't use it quite the same way you're taught here at Hogwarts." He smiled.
"Of course you did," Hermione replied. "Honestly, I don't know what I was thinking. I just couldn't see your wand from the angle I was watching from. It's actually pretty embarrassing."
"Don't worry about it," Harry reassured her. "And I mean it about Malfoy and his gang. I want to know everything they do. I won't tell them you told me, but I want to know. Ok?"
Hermione still looked skeptical, but gave him a hesitant nod. Satisfied, Harry was about to turn back to his breakfast when a voice interrupted him.
"What'd you think you're doing here, Potter?"
Harry looked up and found that the voice belonged to a rather tall, gangly red head that he immediately recognized as one of the Weasley kids from Diagon Alley. Next to him was a slightly shorter, sandy-haired boy who was looking at Harry like he couldn't decide whether to hit him or ask for an autograph.
"I was just talking to Hermione here, actually," Harry replied evenly as looked the boy in the eye. "I don't believe we've been introduced, I know you're one of Ginny's brothers, but I'm not sure which."
"I'm Ron Weasley, this is Seamus Finnegan, and Slytherins aren't allowed at the Gryffindor table." Ron said curtly.
Harry frowned and looked at Hermione. "Is that a rule?"
"It most certainly is not," Hermione said, glaring daggers at Ron, who bristled.
"It might not be in the rulebook, but it's still a rule."
"His sister saved Ginny's life, you know," Hermione pointed out sharply. "Maybe you could give him a break?"
"Well, she's not his real sister," Ron said dumbly, but the fight had gone out of his argument. "Look, it's nothing personal, and I know Row says you're ok, but Slytherins and Gryffindors don't mix, and the sooner you learn that, the better off we'll all be. Now, I believe your table is over there." Ron and the boy next to him pointed across the hall to the Slytherin table.
"If you insist," Harry said casually, picking up his book. "It was nice talking to you, Hermione. Row said something about comparing schedules?"
"Yes, we always do it after breakfast when the timetables are handed out."
Harry nodded. "I'll see you then." He turned and walked past the two Gryffindor boys without so much as a glance and made his way across the hall. As he sat at the end of the Slytherin table, he cast a look back at Hermione and let out a large sigh.
It wasn't like he enjoyed messing with people's minds, he actually felt horrid about what he'd just done, but that didn't change the fact that he had to do it. He'd been over it in his head a thousand times: the only thing he couldn't afford to have discovered was the fact that he could do all his magic wandless. There was little doubt in his mind that if that got out, he'd be hounded for the rest of his life, maybe even thrown into a room somewhere to be studied. He shivered at the thought of the entire wizarding world looking at him like some sort of mutant, and turned his attention to Professor Snape, who was walking in his direction.
"Potter," he spat venomously. "The headmaster wishes to talk to you in his office about your schedule."
Harry regarding the potions master coolly before picking up his book and walking carefully out of the hall. His memory was good enough that he made it to the headmaster's office relatively quickly and gave the password to the gargoyle. When he reached the top of the stairs, he knocked twice and waited patiently to be acknowledged.
"Come in, Harry," came Dumbledore's voice.
Harry opened the door and walked in to find Dumbledore seated behind his desk bent over some paperwork.
"Ah, how are you this morning, my boy?" Dumbledore asked. "Slept well, I hope?" Harry nodded. "Very well, would you care to sit?"
Harry shook his head and the headmaster sighed.
"Now then, I have your schedule here, and I see that you have elected to take Arithmancy and Ancient Runes as your elective courses, is that correct?"
"It is."
"Both worthy choices, to be sure, however I was wondering if you'd given any thought to the subject of Divination? I believe you would find it most enlightening."
Harry's brow furrowed. "If I may be honest, sir?" Dumbledore nodded. "I don't believe in divination. Everything I've read on the subject stresses the fact that anything you learn is basically worthless until it's already happened because the predictions can be interpreted in so many different ways." He shook his head. "I'm afraid I am not at all interested in a subject like that."
"You seem to have given this a lot of though, Harry," Dumbledore said, eyeing him thoughtfully. "You understand that true prophecies do exist?"
Harry frowned. "I don't know if they do or not, I suppose they could, but to be honest, I really don't care. Anybody can throw around vague statements that appear true after the fact, and I have no interest in thinking about what could happen; I prefer to focus on making things happen."
The headmaster seemed to be weighing options in his head before reaching a decision of some kind and handing Harry a piece of parchment.
"Very well, Harry. Here is your schedule, I hope it meets with your approval. Now, is there anything I can help you with before you go?"
"Actually, there is," Harry said with a scowl. "Why did Row and I get attacked by one of the dementors on the train yesterday?"
"I assure you, Harry, the dementors were not there to attack you," Dumbledore said kindly. "I already spoke to professor Lupin, who agreed that while the dementor seemed to be taking an unusual interest in you, that could have been because you had recently cast it out a window." The headmaster finished in an amused voice.
"That's not true," Harry said, shaking his head. "The dementor opened the door to our compartment and came in before I did anything. It was trying to grab me when I threw it back."
"I'm sure it may have seemed that way, Harry," Dumbledore replied. "But I have the strictest assurances from the minister himself that the dementors are not to interfere with the students. You have nothing to worry about."
Harry's eyes narrowed. "I guess you don't believe me, but I was attacked on the train. Then I was attacked again by a professor." He said coldly as he stood up. "Rather ironic I'd say, considering how you claim that Hogwarts is the safest place for me. I guess we'll find out." When he was finished, Harry turned and walked briskly back to the Slytherin dorms, leaving Albus Dumbledore shaking his head in frustration.
A/N So there it is. Slytherin. Basically the question that it really comes down to is "What drives Harry Potter?" True he craves knowledge, but only because knowledge is power. He's extremely loyal, but only to his family, and he doesn't trust anyone else. He's heroic and brave, but he's also cunning and ruthless. What it all boils down to is that Harry had to be either Gryffindor or Slytherin, since I think it's very true that he has a Slytherin mind and a Gryffindor heart. If given a choice, I believe that this Harry would choose whatever house would make him strong enough to protect the people he cares about. There are two quotes in that section that I think really embody Harry's thought process:
1.) Only the strong can hope to protect the weak
2.) There can be no freedom without power.
Hence, Slytherin.
As for him obliviating Hermione, I really didn't like it either but nothing else was realistic. If he lets her keep her knowledge there's too many ways people can find out (like Snape using legilimency), and it's too big a risk. Harry doesn't like risks.
I tried to be fair to Ron as well. I'm not trying to make him some mega-git and the new leader of Gryffindor who leads a crusade against Harry Potter, but at the same time he is biased against all Slytherins, and he tends to be extremeley narrow-minded.
Ok, that's it for
the notes. Next chapter Harry tries to get into the Hogwarts groove, and Malfoy makes a mistake that comes back to bite him.