Chapter Seven

Harry was the first to wake up among his friends. Making his way through the rows of beds and into the Common Room, he stopped when he saw a seventh-year student seated on one of the couches. The young man was just as surprised as he was. "Early riser, huh?"

Harry nodded. "Are we allowed out of the school grounds at this time of day?"

The young man shrugged. "Depends. Where are you planning to go?"

"The lake."

"Curious about the Giant Squid eh?" He grinned. "I'm not sure if students are allowed but it's not like you're going anywhere."

"What do you mean?" Harry frowned. "Are you going to stop me or something?"

"Yup. We always have a meeting on the first day of school here in the Common Room. It's mostly for the little firsties though so once you're a second-year, it's no longer mandatory for you to attend."

"Why?"

"Well basically, we tell you some important school rules, the ones that are easily broken anyway and we choose."

"Choose what?" Now, Harry was really confused.

"You'll know once the others get here. In the mean time, why don't you sit with me and tell me about yourself. My name is Maximus Bittercloud the Third." Maximus said, wincing. He didn't seem too fond of the "Third" part. "You can call me Maxus instead, for obvious reasons. My parents weren't feeling very creative when they named me."

They talked about several things while they waited for the others to wake up. Maximus was quite the storyteller and Harry enjoyed listening to him talk about school. Professor Snape, the man who was glaring at Harry the night before, was to be their Potions professor as well as the Head of the Slytherin house. Maximus assured Harry that the man wasn't so bad as long as one worked hard on one's studies. Harry felt a bit of relief at that. Working hard was one of the things he was good at. Professors? He wasn't so sure; most of the education he received was from Donovan which meant that he had not that much experience studying as a normal student.

Maximus also warned Harry about Professor McGonagall who had always favored the Gryffs over Professor Snape's Slytherins. Harry knew there was a house rivalry between the two, but he didn't expect it to affect the teachers as well. Perhaps he should have focused more on his studies than on his Occlumency training. Then again, if the headmaster ever found out…

Truthfully, Harry didn't know what would happen if the professor found out, but the man was powerful and anyone who would even think of using Legilimency on a child was evil in Harry's opinion. He'd read about it in the book he had bought and how the art of mind-reading could leave scars in a mind as unformed as a child's. He shuddered to think of what might happen if he had successfully entered Simon's mind years ago.

Eventually, the Common Room began to get crowded as students appeared. Maximus gave a nod of acknowledgement to several seventh-years. Harry waved at his friends who had just woken up. Most were in their pajamas and slightly annoyed at the sudden wake-up call they had received from the older students. Surprisingly, it was only Blaise and Draco who actually looked like they were ready; they already wore their school uniforms which made Harry wince. He himself was wearing some Muggle clothing, the very same clothes he had slept in last night. He was glad none of the Slytherins paid any attention to his clothes or else they would be making fun of him now.

"Everyone settled in?" One of the seventh years asked.

"I did a head count, Stormrose. They're all here," Maximus replied.

"Thank you, Bittercloud. I'll take it from here." The seventh-year said. To the first-years, she introduced herself as Alison Stormrose and began talking about the different school rules just as Maximus had said. From the way she glared at the first-years, Harry knew that they would all think twice before going against Alison and her rules. He would.

After her lecture, Maximus had stepped in and briefly explained the term Choosing. Each first-year would get an older student to sponsor for them. The sponsors are in charge of showing the first-years around the school as well as help the first-years adjust. If these first-years needed help with lessons or advice, they could go to their sponsors. Simply put, these sponsors are to act as their older brother or sister during the school year. It was common actually, that some students would sponsor their own blood.

The first-years lined up along the wall so that the other students could choose easily. Millicent was the first to be taken. Her brother, a fifth year, seemed rather fond of Millicent despite the glowering looks the girl sent his way. Blaise was the next to leave the line, chosen by one of the seventh students whose uncle, it seemed, was employed under Blaise's father. Millicent's older sister, a third-year, chose Theodore to sponsor, claiming that, although they weren't cousins by blood, Theodore was still family. Harry was shocked by how connected the Slytherins were to each other, be it by blood or by business, though not as shocked as Draco when Harry was chosen by Maximus.

Of course, Harry had no clue as to why the room had suddenly turned silent by Maximus's decision. He resolved to go to the library after all this and research the old pureblooded families. Maybe then he would understand the other Slytherins' reactions. Now if only they would stop staring at him…

Albus Dumbledore was furious. No, he was more than furious. He was livid with rage. Two Potters had slipped from his grasp, one which went to Ravenclaw…and the other to Slytherin. He had tried convincing the Hat for a resorting but it was rather adamant and even decided not to speak with him until he had calmed down and stopped acting like a five-year old—the very Hat's words. Gulping down one of the lemon drops he always carried, he began feeling its effects on him. The calming potion which was mixed in with the lemon drop might not remove the monstrous headache he had but it did clear his head enough for him to start planning.

"I'll make things right again, soon enough."

Maverick followed Terry and Morag to the Great Hall, his eyes watching the other students warily. After Harry was sorted to Slytherin, Maverick no longer cared where he was sorted. Originally, he wanted to be sorted with Harry in Gryffindor. Everyone suspected it after all but…why? Why was Harry in Slytherin? Maverick shook his head sadly. Maybe it was because he wasn't paying enough attention. When he saw Ron—who wasn't talking to him, by the way—he forgot that Harry was by his side and ran to talk with the redhead. He wanted to introduce Harry to Ron, whom he met briefly during his eleventh birthday, but his brother was nowhere in sight. Even more annoying was the fact that Ron kept blabbing and blabbing on about something or another, preventing Maverick from looking for his twin.

"Hey, Harry," Terry shouted and waved at Maverick's twin who had just entered the Great Hall. Besides him was a medium built man with dark brown hair and eyes the color of a stormy sea. The man had seen them first and dragged Harry who didn't look too happy. Maverick took a step back, his eyes on Harry.

"Hello."

"So you're Harry's friends, eh?" The man asked cheerfully. "I'm Maximus Bittercloud, by the way."

Harry grumbled under his breath.

"What did you say, Harry?" Maximus slapped the first-year's back and grinned. "Come now, don't be so shy."

"The Third. Your name is Maximus Bittercloud the Third."

Maximus pouted. "You know…you didn't have to mention that."

"But your name wouldn't be complete," Harry teased.

Maverick envied the way Harry was so at ease with Maximus. They couldn't have met before, Maverick was sure of that, so how come his brother was so friendly with this stranger. He turned away. "I'm hungry," he announced. "Nice meeting you, Bittercloud."

"Maverick."

He gave his brother a questioning look. "What is it, Brother?"

"He's your brother, Harry?"

Harry's gaze softened. "We Slytherins aren't the epitome of evil, Mav. Didn't they teach you anything?"

"I'm not the one who—" Maverick stopped himself by biting his lip. No, it wouldn't do to give away Harry's secret. "The Slytherins took you away from me. That's as much evil as it gets."

Simon closed his eyes and sighed, his right hand tightened on the small knapsack he had brought with him. Donovan, who was driving, glanced at his direction and frowned. "Are you alright, Simon?"

Simon touched his aching head with his left—he didn't sleep much last night—and groaned. "Are we almost there yet, Donovan?"

"Thirty minutes at least," Donovan answered and turned back to look at the road, concentrating. He didn't want to hit any stray fiends that happened to cross their path; cleaning the car of monster blood was too much of a hassle for him. "Tired?"

"Spent the whole night looking through the library," Simon said and grimaced. "I should have asked for some aspirin before I went to the parking lot."

"Simon, you're not trying to catch some imaginary deadline. Take as much time as you need. I'm sure Harry won't mind the wait," Donovan spoke softly, obviously concerned.

Simon pulled his bag close and hugged it; his eyes which were now open stared at the road ahead. Thirty minutes until they would arrive at Galbadia Garden. He could wait that long couldn't he? "Wake me up when we get there, will you?" He asked. I'm going to find a way to get to you, Harry. Simon thought fervently, his eyes about to close once more. I know you need as much help as you can get.

Then why didn't you come to Slytherin with me? I'm sure the Hat would understand. Harry swallowed the words down and looked up at the Great Hall ceiling. He heard footsteps and knew that Maverick and the other Ravenclaws were walking towards their table. He faced Maximus who was staring at him, a meaningful expression on his face.

"A lot of Slytherins get heartbroken," the seventh-year said sympathetically. "Especially when they get separated from their siblings, their family, or when they don't reach the expectation of going to the 'right' house." He patted Harry's shoulder. "You're not alone." Suddenly he laughed, his voice filled with bitterness. "Of course, there are also those who rejoice at the thought of separation, particularly when their relationship with the rest of the family is strained."

"Are you…?"

He tilted his head and shook it after some thought. "No." He sauntered towards the Slytherin table, his face as light and merry as usual. "Most of my family is in Slytherin so that's where the expectation is. I think, out of everyone, I was the only one who was actually disappointed that the Hat chose to put me in the serpent's house."

"Why?" Harry sat down on a vacant chair and placed some toast on his plate. "Don't you like it here?"

"Oh, I do. I was just extremely curious. I wanted to be in Gryffindor and see why my family was so against that house. The Hat though, told me that I had the mind of a Slytherin so I decided not to argue with its choice." Maximus stuffed a spoonful of scrambled egg into his mouth. A hand darted out of nowhere and snatched the piece of bread Maximus was about to place into his mouth as well.

"Stuffing your mouth with food is not a good habit, Bittercloud."

The voice belonged to Alison. Harry glanced upwards and saw her whack Maximus with her free hand.

"Ow! You don't have to hurt me like that, you know."

"As your future wife, I have the right to hurt you like that. Especially when you're eating like a pig again."

Harry choked on his pumpkin juice. "Wife?"

Maximus rolled his eyes and gulped down the muffin he had grabbed from someone else's plate. "Arranged marriage."

"At least we don't hate each other. Right, lover-boy?" Alison asked sweetly and smirked.

"I would sooner marry a house-elf, thank you very much."

Harry listened to the two bicker with interest. They reminded him of Oula and Math, actually, two SeeDs who used to accompany him during the times he was allowed to venture outside the Garden or go to the city. He missed them terribly but did not let the memory weigh him down. There was no use in reminiscing if it only led to making his heart ache with sadness.

"What are you doing, Harry?" Theodore inquired as he sat besides the boy.

"Amusing myself."

"So it seems," Theodore said humorously and began piling food on his plate. "I heard you met with your brother."

Harry flinched and looked down at his hands which had tightened around the glass of pumpkin juice firmly. "Don't remind me. What did Bulstrode mean when she said you were part of the family, anyway?" Harry asked, hoping to change the subject.

"Oh," Theodore poured himself some coffee. "Mum's sister is married to one of her uncles. We're not exactly blood-related, but the Bulstrodes were nice enough to accept us as part of their family. Then again, Aunt Miriam is a really influential person."

"What does your mother do, anyway?" Harry wondered. "Didn't you say she was involved in some pretty dangerous work?" He knew Theodore might not want to answer him but his curiosity got the better of him.

"I don't think Dad would take the news of my being in Slytherin very well," Theodore grumbled under his breath.

"Uh, Theo?"

"Yes?"

"Never mind."

"Mr. Potter." The voice made Harry jump from his seat. The chair tipped and fell, making heads turn at their direction. The sound was loud enough to draw the attention of the staff as well.

"Yes?" Harry asked, once he got a look at the speaker. It was Professor Snape, the Head of the Slytherin house. He tensed; his hand readied the throwing knife he always carried. Although the katana was the central weapon in which he trained, he also knew enough about knives to defend himself. A katana was far too large to carry around and Harry didn't want anyone giving him suspicious looks. A knife, on the other hand, was more convenient and lighter too.

Professor Snape stared at him, his eyes which were filled with loathing the night before were now impassive. Harry took it as a good sign. "Come with me. The Headmaster wishes to talk to you."

A/N: Sorry for the increasing number of OCs. I hope I don't overwhelm you guys. By the way, the next update won't be until next week at least. The school projects which I've been ignoring for the past few weeks are almost due and I haven't started on any of them. Oops.

As always, questions, comments, criticisms and one-word sentences(not terribly fond of this kind though) are welcome. Oh, and if you found any mistakes, it's my fault. I haven't the time to go over them thrice(usual procedure before I post them). Sorry. I don't have the luxury of a beta-reader.