A/N: This is my addition to the Harry Potter Time Travel AU. This story will contain Dumbledore bashing. And maybe some Lily, Marauders, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione bashing. Well, for those last three, I think you'll dislike them for the role they play in the story which will be most noted on chapter 2, which will be Prologue B, as my prologue got longer than I meant, and I still fill the need to put this into the prologue as it's introducing several things in my AU. But not for much more in the story unless I make some certain decisions, but those will come with thoughts after Prologue B. By the way, there will be some OOC- ness. I apologize for that, but it plays into the changes I've made. I have further notes at the end of this chapter and hope you'll read through this and enjoy.
A/N2: Just some grammar correction and fixes.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. The world and Characters belong to J. K. Rowling. Rating and genres may change.
Summary:
Tom, Severus, and Harry find themselves back in 1977, Severus's sixth year at Hogwarts, after all three have fallen in the final battle. Severus to Tom. Tom to Harry. And Harry to the ultimate betrayal. Back in time, the trio work to dispose of that eras Voldemort before certain events can happen, while simultaneously working to terrorize the marauders, Lily, and stop Albus's machinations that will ultimately result in the end of all magic. It's up to them to save the future of Magic. As they work towards their goal, things in the background come to the forefront, leading to more changes than even they had planned. Will they succeed with their goal? Or will they perish with Magic sooner rather than later?
Prologue A:
Three 16-year-old boys stood before the entrance to the Great Hall of Hogwarts, easing the tension from their shoulders. "Are the two of you ready?" Severus -Sev- Cadmus Prince asked his fellow 6th years. Thomas -Tom- Antioch Sayre and Harrison -Harry- Ignotus Peverell both nodded.
"As we'll ever be." Tom replied. Harry seconding the sentiment.
"Then let's go. The first years have just finished being sorted." Severus said before throwing open the doors and getting the entire hall's attention. Many were shocked for multiple reasons. For one, Severus looked different from how he did at the end of their fifth year. His hair was longer -to his shoulders- and softer. Even darker than before and not possessing any of its once oily look. His skin wasn't as sallow or pale, having gotten some healthy color and complexion to it, as well as a growth spurt. He wore very nice robes of high quality, and his onyx eyes practically glowed like the gem in the candlelight, revealing the slightest of green glittering in them. On his ring finger for all to see was the Lord Prince ring. But the most shocking thing about Severus was the confidence he walked with down the center aisle and towards the sorting hat that had a barely perceptible smirk... For a hat, that is.
The next shock were the two boys on either side of him, just as confident as the once unsure boy. One was taller than him by a few inches. He had pale skin, though it was a healthy kind of pale. His hair was short and black, neatly combed back. And his eyes were a dark chocolate brown with the slightest shade of red to them in the glowing candles. His robes as well were of finer quality than even some of the pure-blood students in the school. His finger possessed a ring that held a golden horned serpent with three leaf clovers surrounding it. It wasn't a crest many of those present had seen before, but those that had knew it was the Sayre Lord ring. Which made some wonder why the descendant of the founder of Ilvermorny was in Hogwarts in the UK. Or how there was a descendant at all when the family had been thought to be extinct for at least a century.
The last boy was shorter than both of the others, reaching Severus's shoulders at most. His hair was jet black- the length resembling the long hair style of many pure-blood heirs- a dark green ribbon keeping it in a low horse tail. His skin was pale, like those next to him, though slightly darker. But his eyes attracted everyone's attention. They were practically glowing in the dim lighting. Like a certain curse that many knew of, even if they had never seen it for themselves. It was captivating. Barely any noticed that this boy also wore the finest quality of robes. Though some made note of the ring on his finger. The Peverell Lord ring.
"Sorry we're late. We got a bit... held up." Severus spoke, his deep, confident voice shocking those who heard it. Certain eyes noticed the slightest swoon coming from some of the students. He almost curled his lips in a smirk but refrained. "These are the two sixth year transfers that I'm sure you got word about, Deputy Headmistress McGonagall." Severus told the witch respectively. "I introduce Lord Thomas Sayre and Lord Harrison Peverell."
"But of course! Let's get you two sorted, shall we?" McGonagall asked with a small smile.
'I'll save you two seats.' Severus thought, getting an imperceptible nod from the other two. With that, the Prince Lord made his way to the middle of the Slytherin table that had the greatest number of empty spaces, using his own silent creations to keep the spots around him empty.
"Well then. Lord Sayre, you're first." McGonagall said, the roll call having been backwards that year.
Tom nodded and took a seat on the stool, allowing the tall witch to put the hat on his head.
'Why, hello again Lord Slytherin.' the hat greeted.
'Sorter. It's been a while, hasn't it?'
'Indeed. I see how you came to be here, and your intentions. It's good that you're back. Oh, and what's this? Young Prince has claimed his inheritances as well as Young Po- Peverell.' The hat corrected itself at the slightest glimmer of offense on Harry's behalf in relation to the Potter name. 'So that makes ¾ of Hogwarts's heirs residing in Hogwarts now. How lovely. I hope you use this to your advantage to get rid of the manipulative spider in our midst. He's a danger to Magic's very existence at this rate.'
'It's on our to-do-list, though it may take longer than any of us likes.' Tom replied. The hat gave a mental nod of approval.
'Very well. And of course, we know where you belong.' the hat opened the rip at its brim. "SLYTHERIN!" Tom nodded in agreement, before returning the hat to McGonagall who had a slightly smaller smile on her lips. Tom kept his smirk to himself as he sensed the same sourness coming from Albus Dumbledore.
'The old man is suspicious. How nice.' he mused, taking a place next to Severus.
'Of course he is. After all, it seems every time a Tom comes around, he brands them Dark Lords.' Harry mused, just a bit feral in his own mind.
"Lord Peverell, if you will." McGonagall got his attention. He nodded and sat on the stool, cursing mentally about his short size in comparison to other 16-year-old teenagers. His height difference was obvious, and he heard Severus and Tom snickering mentally as they overheard students asking if this child was really a sixth year.
'I will curse you two with bright red and gold hair.' Harry grumbled to them, even as he kept his face passive in the face of the whispers. Then the hat was over his eyes. Because of course it was.
'Ah, my Heir to Gryffindor and the one I would later regret sorting in a house he didn't belong in.'
'How could the Heir of Gryffindor not belong in Gryffindor?' Harry mused, getting a slightly bitter chuckle from the hat that everyone could hear.
'He doesn't belong in Gryffindor when his upbringing and mindset would directly suit him for Slytherin. If only I could have convinced you then, maybe things would have been different.' the hat mourned.
'Do not fret. We have a chance to fix it now.'
'I will admit though, I'm curious about your direct situation involving the time change you three are planning. It's heavily blocked to me.'
'That will come in time. Just know that this is best for all, and I have already accepted this mission.'
'If you wish.' the hat said, before it gained a gleeful tone in its voice. 'Let us put you where you belong, shall we?'
'Of course.' Harry agreed in amusement.
"SLYTHERIN!" And the relish in the hat's voice was off putting to everyone who heard it except for the three late comers and one of the teachers at the Head Table. McGonagall herself took the hat on autopilot. That the hat would express such an intense emotion for one student's sorting, it was a bit difficult to comprehend. Harry merely walked with a serene look on his face to Tom and Severus's sides, both who separated and sat him down between them with a hand apiece. Harry gave a good-natured roll of his eyes as he accepted his place between them with grace. They were so overly courteous and protective. They listened as Albus gave the normal start of term speech:
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts for our returning students, and welcome to Hogwarts for our first year and two transfer students." He began jovially. "I would like to inform our newcomers that the Forbidden Forest is, in fact, forbidden." That got chuckles from some of the students. "I would also like to point out that no magic is to be used in the corridors. Mr. Filch has a list of forbidden items in his office for any who would like to look it up. We also have a new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Give a warm welcome to Professor Athanasios Fawley!" The headmaster's voice held the slightest tone of suspicion towards the man, but he did well to hide it from most as a tall, pale man in dark robes with short black hair and deep purple eyes stood and accepted the polite applause. Purple eyes focused on the trio at the Slytherin table, and he smirked, but it happened so fast that only the four of them even knew it had happened. "In addition, the quidditch try outs will be held in two weeks for anyone second year and up who would like to try out for a position on their house teams. Now, with that out of the way, let us dig in." the elderly man called as food appeared on the tables and students began to eat and converse with those around them.
"So, Snape. Who are the newcomers and how did you come to know them?" A voice asked to the left, revealing a seventh-year student, though many were listening in down the table.
"Is it really of any concern to you Mulciber?" Severus drawled. Severus and Mulciber had never gotten along until after Severus had left Hogwarts in the last timeline, despite how it had seemed to Lily in their fifth year in the first one.
"I'm curious about such... interesting names. Let alone titles." Mulciber replied. Severus cast a glance at the other two who nodded.
Severus gave a long-suffering sigh, indicating he was merely musing the older pure blood. Which made Mulciber scowl unpleasantly. "Very well then. The three of us met a few summers ago when their families had been visiting London. They had been attending separate academies at the time, so none of us revealed our magic to the others- for the sake of the Statute of Secrecy of course," he informed the older boy and the many who were listening in, even if they were doing a rather impressive job of appearing not too. In addition, it just so happened that that summer had been one that Severus and Lily hadn't been able to spend together due to Lily's family going on vacation to the states. "We have been keeping in touch. When we met up this summer after they moved here-" the same summer that Severus and Lily hadn't even talked to each other due to their fall out. "We all received our Hogwarts letters at the same time. That was when we discovered the others were magic and things just progressed from there." He explained. This was the story they had all agreed on.
"And your titles?" Fifth year Dolores Umbridge asked with a simper. The trio didn't bother hiding their disgust with the younger girl or her actions. She was obviously offended.
"Well, we had to visit Gringotts to exchange money for school supplies and dragged Sev here with us against his will. There we happened to discover our lineages and that all three of us were eligible to take lordships. So, we did." Tom replied nonchalantly, also indicating that he was just amusing the other boy. Mulciber bristled but held back since they were in the middle of the Great Hall.
"I'm rather curious." Narcissa began. "Pardon. My name is Narcissa Black." She introduced herself, getting introductions in return. They weren't necessary since everyone had heard the two newcomers' names, though Severus had the pleasure of introducing himself as Lord Severus Prince. But inter house politics and all that. "I'm rather curious to your traditions. Either every day or special occasions." she prompted softly.
'I see what you two meant about her. It's a decent way to get our information on standings and values.' Harry toned in to the other two. "Well, we respect magic in all forms." Harry answered sweetly, giving off an innocent air about him. The proper Slytherins found themselves almost snorting. Almost. That answer implied too much to settle on anything specific. It could mean that they respected every type of magic- dark, light, and neutral. Or, that they accepted magical creatures and every blood status. But nothing specific enough to be condemned by either side. It was a smart answer. A Slytherin answer.
"Indeed." Lucius voiced before introducing himself. "Lucius Malfoy."
"Pleasure indeed to meet the Malfoy Heir." Harry said with a bit of a smile. Lucius looked away to hide the blush the adorable boy had caused after giving a nod. Some looks were missed in the process.
"Well, it seems at least some of the Slytherins have manners. That's a start." Tom voiced, the dig directed at Dolores and Mulciber, as he drank from his goblet. The two of them flushed furiously at the tone and dig.
Dolores gave a fake cough that had everyone at the table hiding a cringe- well, those that could. "Of course, how rude of me. My apologies really. I'm Dolores Umbridge. Pleased to make your acquaintance." she answered.
"Awarnach Mulciber." Mulciber growled out. Not adding anything to it. Tom and Harry raised a brow at that. Awarnach meant 'giant'. And while Mulciber was taller than Severus or Harry- he certainly wasn't taller than Lucius, Tom, or even Narcissa.
'The reason Mulciber prefers to go by Mulciber is because he doesn't fit his own name. His father expected him to be... bigger... than he actually was. Both of them are rather disappointed with the outcome.' Severus explained with a smirk in his voice, even if it wasn't on his face.
'I see.' They chose not to comment out loud.
"I must say, for holding such powerful and important titles- such as Lords- I'm rather curious to the requirements for such a thing." Umbridge commented, trying to sound indifferent. But it was easy to tell that she was fishing for their blood statuses. Which shouldn't have mattered considering the woman herself was a half-blood.
"Hmm... Requirements for each of our titles included having to be accepted by the family magics. Being the last direct descendant of these lines- which isn't hard when all other family is dead and gone." Tom mused. It was understood by the more adept Slytherins that he meant all three were orphans... Including Severus who, last that they had heard, still had his father after his mother died.
"We had to, of course, pass certain tests laid out for us as well. Which wasn't hard for us." Severus added, just a bit of arrogance as he indicated others would have had difficulty. Which would have been the case as part of the test they mentioned involved tasting Death, which the three of them had, thanks to Albus bloody Dumbledore.
"And we simply had to be more magically powerful than any of the off-shooting branches of the family we took up our lordships for." Harry seemed to finish, indicating to all those who knew about the blood lines that Harry had just claimed he was magically stronger than any living Potter. They ignored it for the moment though, finding enjoyment at the frustration on Umbridge's face.
"Yes, indubitably." She began. "But I was wondering about the clauses pertaining to your more recent lineage." she attempted again, still trying for the subtle approach. No one was fooled by it.
"Oh... You should have been clearer." Harry's voice was cheerful and practically unsuspecting. Which made many suspicious- though not Umbridge who was just a bit too dense to notice it. "Why, we share the same as you and Sev here." Harry said. Innocently, like he hadn't just outed that Umbridge was a half-blood when she had spent the last four years telling everyone that she was a pure-blood- despite all of Slytherin knowing the truth already. Umbridge paled drastically while also getting red faced in anger which was an interesting feat that impressed those watching.
"Disgusting, lowlife filth-" she began, winding up for a- what Harry assumed- would have been a very impressively racial tantrum. If the rather protective former Dark Lord hadn't stepped in.
"Why, Ms. Umbridge, it isn't healthy to talk about yourself in such a way." Tom interrupted her.
"One might think you're... deranged. Abnormal." Severus murmured softly, but the way ice seemed to enter his voice put many on edge. Already they could tell this Severus was different from the one they had known for the past five years. And none of them were sure what that meant for them in the future. The disgraced fifth year settled herself down, to make herself less of a target. After all, as this was the welcoming feast, she couldn't just leave. It would gain too much attention, and she really didn't want that after what had just happened.
Talk settled down from there, going to more neutral subjects, such as what some had done over the summer. The balls they had attended. Or even what they expected from the new D.A.D.A teacher. Many were hoping this one would be better than the last one they had. A witch none had bothered to remember the name of. The witch had been entirely self-absorbed and was rarely- if ever- a proper teacher to her students. How so many of them passed that class would have been a mystery to the teachers. If not for the multiple study groups in the library between 5th and 7th years at the time. As for the trio that had gained so much attention, they observed everyone and everything while not appearing too.
They spotted Lily mixed in with the Marauders and her friend Mary, a 5th year, that Mulciber had attacked the year before. That had many unfortunate outcomes for Mulciber: He had been an outcast of Slytherin for a solid month after wards. Not because he had used Dark Magic of course, but that he had allowed it to be linked back to him, meaning he had been caught. As his first 'official' offense and due to there being no irreparable physical or mental damage, he had been given detention for two months and banned from Quidditch for the rest of the school year. In Mulciber's favor- depending how you looked at it- as Severus later learned, the idiot had cast the spell wrong. He had intended to use a dark curse that would leave grievous injuries on the girl and affect her memory of what had happened. All Mulciber had done was inflict a large gash on her arm and shoulder. It was deep, yes, but not fatal. And the memory affect had been voided. Severus had found him during this last summer and obliviated the curse and meeting with Severus from his mind. He wasn't a master of the mind arts for nothing, after all.
As they observed the Marauders, they could already see that Sirius and James were furiously discussing something while Peter listened in- though they sometimes glanced over at the trio that were the talk of most of the tables. Remus was keeping an ear on that conversation while discussing upcoming classes with Lily and Mary. Lily kept glancing at Severus and his new companions, many emotions flickering across her face: Worry, concern, intrigue, confusion, self-conflict, slight appreciation, and others that none of the ravens decided to focus on for now. After all, Severus and Harry would have been the only ones that would want anything to do with her- not that either of them wanted anything to do with her after what they learned. Especially as she had already had a chance when Severus had literally gone and sincerely begged for forgiveness for his mistakes. Quite frankly, that ship had sailed and neither cared to chase it.
Finally- thank Merlin- dinner had ended, and the house tables were dismissed for bed. The Slytherin table stood up gracefully and made their way to the dungeons. Many noted that Severus, Tom, and Harry also possessed the same grace- if not more- than some of the pure-bloods in their house, which was a big point in their favor. Them being lords of three very powerful families was another point in their favor. Now to see how they held themselves in private, their abilities to contribute to their house, and how well they could hold their own. These would come later. The mass of silver and green walked down the steps to the dungeons and in front of a seemingly blank wall. Harry's green eyes held some awe as he saw something that only he could see, though only Severus and Tom had noticed it. "This is the entrance to our common room." Narcissa- a Head Girl- began. That she as a Slytherin was Head Girl was impressive, considering Albus Dumbledore's prejudices. He usually tried desperately to keep Slytherins from having any sort of power inside Hogwarts. Thankfully, it was the board and Heads of Houses that chose such honors, with the headmaster just putting his two sickles in. "Never allow anyone who isn't a Slytherin into our common room. The password changes every fortnight." she told the first years. "The current password is 'Ambition'." She informed. The first years nodded before the house entered the common room after the wall melted away.
The Slytherin Common room was different from how both Tom and Harry remembered it from their times in it: Tom as a Slytherin and Harry who had sneaked into it with Ron in his original 2nd year. The walls and floors were a polished dark gray- near black- marble. There were two large, floor to ceiling Victorian windows that showed under the Black Lake. There was an ivory and emerald fireplace with the fire crackling and popping. Embedded into the mantle was the Slytherin Crest in goblin silver with green tsavorite embedded in it. Above the fireplace was an empty portrait frame that sometimes-held Salazar Slytherin. There were two staircases on either side of the fireplace that were polished stone with a thin, emerald green rug going down the center and intricate silver railings. There were seven platforms going up- each with a beautiful door made of dark wood with a roman numeral between 1 and 7 in green gems. The boys' dorms held darker gems while the girls' dorms held brighter green gems.
Along the stone walls were a few large, dark polished bookshelves, indicative of a public booking system. The polished marble floor held a few dark green rugs, matching the one that went up the center of the stairs, scattered throughout the room with a silver armchair or two, and a small dark wood circular table. Each usually positioned near a wall with a silver sconce on the wall for light. There was a larger rug- a dark silvery gray with toxic green snakes slithering to and fro around a beautiful depiction of a moon lit field- positioned right in front of the fire place with a beautiful dark wood coffee table with two arm chairs on one end, a dark green and pale wood settee lounge that could sit possibly two or three people comfortably behind the table and facing the fireplace, and a small two person love seat of silver and pale green on the other end. Above all of this, was a gorgeous crystal and candle chandelier, providing a soft glow to the room. It's brightness and reach adjustable with a simple spell. 'You never told us that you lived in luxury while in Slytherin.' Harry softly accused the black-eyed raven next to him. It was a beautiful setting.
'It wasn't even this beautiful when I was a Slytherin.' Tom added. Then they noticed the surprise on everyone's faces, unable to block out that unexpected emotion. 'Unless this is new.' he added, slightly concerned. Severus gave the affirmative but didn't voice it.
"Well, isn't this a beautiful change from what we snakes are used too?" A jovial voice asked, getting everyone's attention as they turned to Professor Horace Slughorn, hoping for an explanation while trying not to seem like their masks had been lost. "It is nicer than what we're used to, I'll admit. However, I have no clue to the reason it changed so. Perhaps Hogwarts herself just felt like a change." he suggested to the students. None of them bought it but decided to put it off for now. "Anyways, welcome to Slytherin House, first years... and transfers." He added with a wry grin at said transfers. "We are the house of the cunning and ambitious. How ever, many see these traits as negative, and because of this, you will face ridicule and prejudice." He added, a somber look on his face.
"That is why, in this house we have rules. For one, I will do absolutely everything I can to avoid taking house points, but if you force me to do so, you will face an especially unpleasant detention." Some of the students turned green in remembrance of their own mistakes over their schooling. "Most importantly, Slytherins stick together outside of the common room. We always support and protect our own in public, there are too many who will target us. It is best if you avoid being alone. Especially our 1st - 3rd years. Which is why, like previous years, these three years will have a couple members of older years with them at all times outside of classes and the Great Hall." Severus and the other 4th - 7th years nodded. "If you have any quarrels or disagreements with a fellow house mate, it does not leave this room. We have traditions within this house, but I will leave that up to our current King and Queen to explain in a finer detail. My office is down the hall behind the portrait of the potion's lab. It is open to all of you should you ever need me. I will pass out your class schedules at breakfast in the morning." The students indicated that they understood.
"In addition, Hogsmeade trips have been limited to no later than an hour before sunset. No students are allowed outside of Hogwarts after dark. Moreover, curfew has been lowered to 9:30 for 1st and 2nd years. 10 for 3rd and 4th years. 11 for 5th and 6th years. And 12 for 7th years." Slughorn said firmly. After getting a nod of consensus from his house, he smiled softly and encouragingly to his house. "Despite this, I hope all of you can enjoy your schooling here and grow to be fine witches and wizards. I know that each of you has a potential for greatness. It'll be up to you to either embrace or squander this potential. Now, it's nearly lights out for our 1st and 2nd years. I'll leave the rest up to you, Ms. Black. Mr. Malfoy. Have a good evening, everyone." Horace finished before leaving Slytherin house to their traditions as he made his way to his own chambers.
It was silent in the common room for a few minutes as everyone allowed the recent information set in. Finally, Lucius and Narcissa stood and gathered the attention of the entire house. "As Professor Slughorn said, we have traditions in this house that anyone who's had a Slytherin in their family should know. I'm speaking of the inter house politics." Narcissa said.
"In Slytherin house there is a hierarchy. I will start by telling you what the ranks are, then we will move into how you can obtain a spot among the rankings." Lucius began. "The first is the Royals. These are your King and Queen of Slytherin. They are the top of the hierarchy. We have the final say in house disputes. Following us, are the Prince and Princess of Slytherin. They are the ones who will take over when the current King and/or Queen leave Hogwarts.
Then there is the Royal Adviser: There are three members of this rank. They are advisors to us and the Court rankings.
Next is the Court: these are a selection of students who fill out the Duke/ Duchess rank. The Count/ Countess rank. And the Baron/ Baroness rank. This means that this rank has six students at most.
Next up is the Sentinels: The Officer and the Knight. The Officer ranks above the Knight. But this is where the final two ranks come into play. The first are the soldiers. There can be any number of soldiers under the commands of the Officer and Knight within the 4th - 7th years.
The last rank is Serfs: These are our 1st ,2nd, and 3rd years. These are the students we protect outside of the Common Room. This is because 1st - 3rd year students are not allowed to participate for the higher rankings until their 4th years after they have had a single year of extracurricular classes. The exception to this, however, depends on the 3rd year's overall ranking and understanding in these classes compared with the other 3rd years throughout the school. In the case that they are within the top 5 of their entire year and can hold their own against some of the lower ranking soldiers, then they are allowed to enter into the soldier rankings and try for higher rankings." Lucius waited. Thankfully Slytherin house was a bright house, as everyone nodded their understanding of the system, he had laid out so far.
"The reason we inform the 1st years of this, is so you can prepare yourselves for when you do participate in two to three years." Narcissa explained to them. "Now, despite the titles that were just told to you, it is only the Court that is mandatory to possess a witch and wizard, meaning the Court is the only rank that will have three witches and three wizards for their titles. This is because more often than not, we tend to get two or more witches or two or more wizards in the highest end of the rank system. In fact, about 70 years ago there was a witch queen and king with a wizard prince and princess. But when you get to the Court, it can even out between witches and wizards enough for the separation." Narcissa explained. "Now, onto how you get these spots within the ranking system." She got to the nitty gritty of it. "Despite what others will say, it isn't just your blood status or names that get these spots for you." she sent a subtle glare at Umbridge and Mulciber. "Even then, blood status is very rarely an issue, considering that we hardly ever get muggle-born or blood traitors in our house. Should one arrive within this house, while they struggle more than any other status, if they can prove themselves worthy through their power, dueling, and how good of an asset they are to our house, they tend to get a higher position. Again, we have had neither in our house for over a century. So, it isn't important this year." she explained before giving a soft smirk and continuing.
"Which leads, once more, into how you gain a ranking. There are many requirements for these rankings. For one, you have to prove yourself a major asset to our house. This includes gaining as many points as possible for our house. Headmaster Dumbledore is the most prejudice member of the faculty, though Professor McGonagall isn't as bad as he is, she is still known to give less points to Slytherins over any other house and take more from them. She and Dumbledore also tend to give outrageous points for other things to the Gryffindors. Professors Sprout and Flitwick are both much fairer, as are the other professors- marginally. Our head of house is generous with points to make up for McGonagall and Dumbledore, so therefore, his points won't count as much as the other professors' points. In addition, your personal ranking among your year mates and over all student ranking also play a part in your inter house ranking. Then we have chess tournaments every month. You can use these to show case your intelligence and strategic skills, as they will play a role in your ranking. Finally, there are the dueling competitions." she said, getting many wide eyes from the 1st years and determined looks from others. "Dueling competitions are meant to showcase your overall skills: Your magical abilities. Your skills. Your strategic thinking. Your ambition to do the best and rank the highest. These are all used to place you at your rank. Further improvement can lead to a rise in rank."
Then Lucius stepped in with a rather mischievous smirk. "But don't think that once you gain a rank, that you can take it easy." Some people gulped at his tone. "At any moment someone can challenge you for your rank. There are five types of challenges:
The first is called a Positional Dare: This is if the challenge is within the same ranking- such as the Court Ranks or within the Sentinel Ranks. This has little effect on the winner or loser except that they trade positions with each other within the ranking.
The next one is called a Rank's Challenge: This is when someone of higher rank is challenged by one of a lower rank- such as a prince or princess being challenged by a court ranker or even a sentinel ranker, there are two results for this. If the lower rank wins, they take the higher rank, and the loser takes the lower rank. If the lower rank loses, they lose their current rank and must work back to that rank.
The third is called a Usurper Duel : This happens if the King or Queen are challenged by the Prince or Princess. Should the Prince or Princess win, they take over as the King or Queen that they challenged for the rest of the year. The former King or Queen then retires for the rest of that same year, and if they aren't in their 7th year when it happens... That leads to the fourth kind of challenge.
This 4th one is referred to as the Redemption Clash: If the former King or Queen that lost the Usurper Duel the previous year is still in Hogwarts, they must challenge the King or Queen of that year- but it must be for the same position that they lost. If the King or Queen of that year isn't the same as the one who challenged them, it's considered a Positional Dare and if the new King or Queen loses, they merely go back to being Princess or Prince, which ever title they held as anew Prince or Princess wouldn't be chosen to fill the empty role until the next ranking finalizes. If the old one loses, they merely retire for good from the Royal and Court Rankings. However, they can still join the Sentinel Rankings, and because they tend to be better are an Honorary Chief who works side by side with the Officer and Knight. Now for the final challenge type.
The 5th and final Challenge type is called a Power Shift Provocation: This is a rare challenge. The King and Queen are only able to be challenged by the Prince or Princess in a Usurper Duel, normally. However, the reason a Power Shift Provocation is rare is because it has long lasting consequences to it. This is when someone of any ranking challenges the King or Queen without rising through the other ranks first. Should the one who issues this challenge lose, they lose their rights to join any ranking other than Serf, or Soldier if they're skilled enough. But should they win, unless they completely disregard the rules of House Slytherin, they cannot be challenged in any way, shape, or form until their 6th year, if they aren't already in their 6th year. If they are in their 6th year when they issue this challenge and win, they are King or Queen until they graduate."
"Understand how he said, 'Unless they completely disregard the rules of House Slytherin'?" Narcissa asked, getting the first years to nod. "That is because if anyone within the ranks does disregard our rules, the house will rise against them completely and they will be stripped of any title, even Serf. This is an Undesirable." she said. Harry, Tom, and Severus hid their winces at that word, Harry especially remembering vividly when that word was used for him during his 17th year. "They are blacklisted by and within the entire house. While we will still be expected to keep up a united front outside of the common room, inside they are shunned. They are ignored. We do not speak to them, even if they speak to us first. They are not aided with their work or own challenges. They are a ghost. No, more correctly, they don't exist. These people are even separated into their own room. But it will not be pleasant. This will last a total of a full year within the house, and if in that year they prove their remorse and attempt to follow the rules of Slytherin once more, they will be welcomed back into the fold. However, they will never rise above soldier. And if they break the rules and are black listed once more, they have no chance of redemption. They will never be welcomed back into the house and they will be labeled an undesirable for the rest of their schooling." Some of the first years looked scared, though they did their best to hide it and the temperature in the room seemed colder and heavier than ever.
It was Lucius who spoke next, wearing a warm smile on his face in order to comfort the 1st years. "However, this rarely happens. In the past century alone, it has only happened twice and both were before any of our times or our parents' times. While we are not known as the house of the intelligent, we are not idiots. No one in their right minds would do something that could put them through such a fate." he assured them. The 1st years relaxed a bit and the temperature warmed up. "For a bit more information on all of this, there should be a book in each dorm room that explains all that we have just gone over. These books do not leave your dorm rooms." He added. "In addition, it will have a list of all the filled ranks, who fills them, and the ones available. This is self updating. As it stands, we have only the Queen and King ranks filled along side one of the Adviser Roles, and only the Officer Role from the Sentinel Rank are filled. We lost many ranks to graduation last year. Consider this a free for all for everyone 4th and above. The competitions will begin in two weeks time while the first chess tournament will be held this upcoming weekend. During those two weeks, the Prefects and the ranked members will keep an eye on who all has earned points, how many points, and who they earned these points from. I expect that by Halloween night, we will have the official ranks filled once more." He finished.
In the back of their minds, Tom, Harry, and Severus mentally face palmed. Of course it would be Halloween. They all made mental notes to be ready for anything to happen on said night. Just because they were back in time didn't mean for a second that they were free from the curse of Halloween. Finally the information was finished, and everyone retired for the night to their rooms, even the older years. After all, there wasn't much one could do before getting their schedules from their Head of House. Severus, Tom, and Harry found that they had their own dorm room. There were a few other 6th year boys that Severus had never actually gotten to know and didn't bother to do so in the last time line, so he was fine with not having to share a room with them. Their room was very nice. The floors and walls were a light gray, polished marble with a fluffy green rug. A fire proof one, Harry informed them. Which explained the reason there was a magical furnace in the center of the room meant to keep the room warm in cold weather on the normally flammable type rug. The beds had pale wooden frames, looking like elder, if they had to guess. They also possessed beautifully woven silk canopy tops that were near black on the underside that they could see up into. There were tied back curtains of the same color but with silver tassels. There were three wardrobes of the same wood as their bed frames and three desks of the same as well. There was a second door in the room that led to the warm colored shower rooms. There was also a single large window that looked over the lake and forest. All in all, it was cozy and they approved of the bedroom they had. Once they were all settled and Tom had cast several parseltongue privacy and silencing wards, they had a discussion over what needed to be done in this second round.
A/N:
So, some notes! For one, sorry about some of the changes, but I couldn't find many people that were 6th years in the year of 1977 with Sev and the others, or even just at the school when they were. And for the sake of more characters that we know so I don't have to resort to the ultimate sin- in my opinion- OCs or at the very least too many for me to be willing to deal with- so maybe two or three? - I de-aged a couple of them so they could join in on my fun for a year or so. Also, Mulciber has no proper name. so I found one that I liked. One that seemed like it was noble enough for a pure blood. But one unfortunately not lived up too.
Next: the hierarchy system of Slytherin. I've seen many stories that have a system in place, though only a few that have the same depth as what I just dropped, so for the similarities I apologize, but I think it's a thing that's allowed as a couple fan stories that I've read don't have the same authors or any seeming relation with each other. In addition, in the Sorcerer's Stone, the hat says that 'In Slytherin, you'll make your real friends' in his song. SO, I'm going with that wasn't sarcasm, and that Slytherin House has a system in place for protecting the younger years. And that Slughorn put it into play after realizing that Albus was super prejudice despite their friendship or whatever it is between Albus and Horace. Maybe even as a way of redemption for his sins, in hopes of preventing harm to any more Slytherins that come in with difficult back grounds. Like Severus in later years in canon.
I would also like to add that I'm not sure if this will be romance. If it does become romance, it will probably be Sev/Harry/Tom. Though I like the thought of Harry accidently entrancing those around him, almost like a veela but not one. Hence the blushing Lucius towards the beginning. Also, I have Tom and Severus as courteous and protective of Harry for reasons in the next chapter.
Any ways, the next chapter will hold the reason that has led to Tom, Severus, and Harry all three being in 1977, and why Harry and Severus have a prejudice against Lily now. It will also contain quite a bit on my thoughts on some parts throughout the series. And it's been a while since I've read the books, but I'm still sticking to what I got from the scenes and series in the next chapter. They will be things that have stuck with me even now. Especially since I'm older.
Well, until next time and I hope you all have enjoyed the story. Especially since I'm suffering from Writers Block for Wearing Black Re-Written. I'm not sure when I'll get back to it which is why I posted all of the chapters I had for it up to that point. Please leave a review. No flames! Thanks. And have a good time until I return.