AN: This chapter is not intended to be a full chapter, but I felt bad since I hadn't posted something in a long while. I think it's better to not make promises on when the next one will be done since I seem to be awful at meeting non-required deadlines. So the next one will be up when it's up. Hope you enjoy this one!

The glow from the torches slowly shifted from cheery to ominous as the party descended into the dungeons. The amount of light didn't fade, but the colour of the stone walls and floor did. Upstairs, the tan walls were friendly and welcoming, while down here they were much closer to black. Albus suppressed a shudder as the temperature dropped a few degrees as well. A few scattered conversations broke out as the Prefects led them down seemingly endless staircases and hallways, but for the most part people were silent. Eventually, the group stopped in a seemingly innocuous stretch of hallway, in front of a gaudy tapestry of a bountiful feast. A roast of some type sat in the centre of the picture, surrounded by a large variety of side dishes, breads and vegetables.

"So, this is the entrance to the Common Rooms," the prefect announced to the forty or so assembled First Years. "My name is Gerard Collums, and I'll give a longer speech once we are inside, but before you enter, I need to say one thing: whenever you enter this hallowed room, always conduct yourself with dignity. Respect those around you, and you will be respected in turn. Don't let the solemn atmosphere you find inside deter you from enjoying yourself, as long as you do it with the same aplomb as your elders. Now, a short bit of history before we enter: Slytherin common room was—"

"Oh, come on," Gerard's companion interrupted. "We don't need to do this now. I'm Tabitha, by the way," she said, turning to face the crowd.

Gerard looked cowed, and she continued: "Suffice to say, Slytherin has a long and illustrious history that is also completely irrelevant, and I doubt you all want to stand here listening to it. Now, the password is a combinations of foods you have to press. Right now it's left-most bread, top chicken leg, then third fork from the bottom."

Tabitha demonstrated, and Albus craned his head to see over the students in front of him. He couldn't see what she pressed completely, but repeated the pattern under his breath as the tapestry dissolved into double doors.

Gerard started talking again as he held open one of the doors for everyone to file through.

"There used to be a blank wall here, but Professor Slughorn thought it increase the festivity and gravitas of the entrance to have this tapestry placed in front. People don't expect Slytherins are uncouth enough to have a picture of dirty, messy food as the entrance to their housing, so it generally works to keep any curious members of other Houses from disturbing our sanctuary."

As Albus went through the doors and small hallway after, he heard ahead of him a murmur of voices, the collected students. Albus had been the second to last through the doors, so there were already around ten people clustered ahead of him, mouths almost universally gaping in awe.

When Albus saw the common room for the first time, he fell in love with everything. The grand stone floor and walls, including a balcony with its own seat and window, as well as an ornate railing. The patterned rugs, all perfectly aligned, depicting historical scenes of famous Slytherins. The wall of bookshelves, seemingly the perfect amount of space dedicated to reading material, as well as the compact armchairs nearby, each with its own small table. The centre of the common room, a stone fireplace and mantle, complete with a hearthstone engraved with the Slytherin crest, surrounded by a scattering of comfy-looking sofas and chairs, somehow at once managing to look haphazard and completely in their place.

Albus pushed his way through the crowd and they parted before him, eyes still roaming around the room.

"Yes, this is the common room," Gerard said, strutting to the front like everyone was thought he was amazing instead of the atmosphere.

After a few more seconds of staring, Gerard moved to stand by the fireplace.

"Everyone, gather over here please. Tabitha and I have to formally introduce you to some of the more unique aspects of Slytherin."

The group of students moved over there, and at Gerard's urging sat down on the couches. Albus sat by Scorpius, incredibly glad that he was with someone he knew.

"So would you like to start?" Tabitha asked Gerard.

"Yes, I would," he said, projecting his voice. "Slytherin was founded by Salazar Slytherin. It has always been the House of the ambitious, those who achieve things in society. Those who go into politics and business, taking carefully calculated risks to reach the top. We do not act out of anger or any sort of quick emotion. Always take your time and think through things. Now, we are also known for our sneakiness. This reputation is slightly undeserved, but inter-House pranks do have their place. Make sure that whatever you do does not unduly affect Slytherins. Since you are young, be careful. Actions and plots that you may think are smart may have monumental flaws that would get you laughed at by the whole House. Also, don't do anything too disruptive. We are nominally responsible for you, and it's such an incredible hassle to have to take points or follow other disciplinary procedures. Now Tabitha, do you have anything you want to say?"

Tabitha leaned against the fireplace mantle casually.

"I think you got most of it. Just don't do any stupid shit, guys, and we'll be fine. You can come to us if you have any problems, but really, there isn't anything in Hogwarts that you should need help with. You're here to learn, but it's really fun too. There are four other Prefects in Slytherin, and you'll see them around. Same prefect badges as us. Professor Slughorn, he teaches potions, is our Head of House. If there's anything you don't want to talk to us about you can talk to him. But if you're famous at all I'd avoid him. Trust me, you don't want to go through that."

Albus saw most everyone try to glance at him covertly at the mention of 'famous', and leaned back farther on the couch. It was unwanted attention.

"Now, you all will probably want to get settled into your rooms before it gets too late, so move along," Tabitha urged. "The boys are on the left and the girls on the right. Try to limit how much you're in each other's dormitories, just because Professor Slughorn doesn't like it. Anyway, you're too young for that kind of stuff. Girls, follow me, and boys follow Gerard."

Albus followed the prefect up the stairs, along with Scorpius and three other boys. After two floors, Gerard opened the door into a small dorm room. Three bunk beds were in the room, spaced out evenly and hung with silver and gold trappings. That was a shock to Albus. He didn't know why it was so surprising, after the common room, but for some reason it took the colour of the beds for it to really sink in. No matter how much some people tried to extoll the virtues of this House, he'd been raised to hate these colours.

The other four boys went over to their trunks and started unpacking stuff, but Albus just stood there for a while, taking it in.

Eventually Gerard asked him, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. It's just weird to be here."

"I can imagine," Gerard replied. "Much has been made in recent years of the defection of notable Slytherin families to Gryffindor, and I confess we are seeing a lack of movement the other way. I actually thought Scorpius might have gone to Gryffindor, but that clearly didn't happen."

"Yeah," Albus said, smiling. Scorpius was very clearly a Slytherin, from the second he walked into their train cabin.

As Albus made his way over to his trunk, spurred into action, he realized that he may have been stereotyping Slytherins with the thought that Scorpius was one. If he was going to be part of the House of the snakes, he'd have to make sure he didn't pigeonhole people as much. It was hypocritical to play the misunderstood person who everyone thinks is evil if you classified people just as much.

Gerard left after a few minutes, leaving the boys on their own. Scorpius immediately dropped what he was doing and flopped down on his bed.

"Ugh, I thought he'd never leave. I didn't want to make a big deal out of it, but my trunk has a built in voice-command Summoning Charm, so I don't have to take anything out."

"Hey, that's no fair," one of the other boys said.

"Well what's your name?" Scorpius asked.

"I'm Michael Corner Jr., but I don't see why that matters."

"The reason you don't have such a good trunk is because your last name isn't Malfoy or Potter," Scorpius said flatly.

"And what's so special about the Potters and Malfoys?" asked another boy.

Everyone turned to stare at him in disbelief.

Muggleborn, Albus thought to himself, before remembering again not to categorize people like that.

"Seriously?" Scorpius said, a sceptical look on his face. "Malfoy, one of the richest families in magical Britain, and then Potter, the scar head, the Boy-Who-Lived and family? Ringing any bells?"

"No…"

"Well there. Your first history lesson. Don't worry, we don't expect Muggleborns to know everything right away, but you might want to read your history textbook. This is Slytherin after all, there're standards."

Albus grimaced at the look on the still nameless boy's face. He just looked so hopeless and pathetic. Malfoy had been a bit harsh, but the boy could have picked up a little cultural awareness from the history textbook and people on the train.

The boy returned to his trunk, shoulders shaking silently with sobs. Albus felt even worse at that, but he and the three other boys just stood there, not wanting to meet each other's eyes.

"So… who likes Quidditch?" Michael Corner asked from his perch on a top bunk.

Scorpius crossed his arms and smirked. "Really? You're trying to change the subject. This is Slytherin, we pride ourselves on strength. Knowledge is power, and crying doesn't get you anywhere. 'To the victor go the spoils' and all that. Now, I think I want that bed you're sitting on."

Michael hopped down, landing with a thud. "That bed's mine. I get the top at home and I want this bed. My stuff's next to it, see?"

"I don't think that means you get it," Scorpius said. "How about this? We compete for it. Whoever can get this pillow to the top of the bed first wins. Magic only."

"Sure." Michael smirked. "Like you can do that. If you don't get it up there then I get the bed."

"Okay," Scorpius said, pulling out his wand.

He pointed it at a stray pillow lying on the ground. Michael Corner just stood by the foot of the bed, hands still in pockets. His smile grew as Scorpius took a few deep breaths, then took a step back. Albus watched the whole thing in horrified fascination, sure Scorpius would make a fool of himself.

"Wingardium Leviosa!" Scorpius incanted.

The pillow shuddered and Scorpius furrowed his brow in concentration. One corner of the pillow started to rise, then ever so slowly the floor under it became visible. One inch here, another there, and suddenly the pillow was a foot off the ground. Scorpius raised his wand, directing the pillow up and onto the bed. The second it was over the edge he let his wand fall.

He tucked his wand away in his robes with a flourish, then placed his hands on his hips, looking as satisfied as if he'd just climbed Mount Everest.

"And that's why the bed is mine," he announced.

"That's not fair!" Michael said indignantly.

"Yes it is, I won."

"But I didn't mean that bet."

"You did not just say that." A new intensity appeared in Scorpius' eyes. "Never renege on a deal. That's the number one lesson. Maybe you'll be better than me later, but right now I'm better than you. I doubt there're five people in our year who can levitate that pillow like that. We're better than you for now."

"You're such a jerk. My father warned me about you." Michael stomped his foot in a huff. "Stop being so mean!"

Scorpius smiled sadly. "I'm not mean. I'm just preparing you for what Slytherin is. Might makes right. If you don't realize that you'll hate it here. I'm better than you, as I just showed. And Albus is better than you. Given his father, you really think you're on his level? We're both better than you right now. "

In response, Michael crawled inside the bottom bunk the farthest from Scorpius' bed, throwing the curtain shut with great vigour.

Albus had no idea why Scorpius had named him there. Why he'd said that he, Albus, was better than the other people in their dorm. They'd think he was just as stuck-up as Scorpius. But by the time he thought about clarifying for the boys, it was too late. Everyone had scampered off to their own corners of the room and Albus was left in the middle with Scorpius.

"It's better to be feared and revered than loved," the blond boy said, before climbing up into his own bed.

Albus was left pondering that as he eventually drifted off into his own sleep.

The next morning, Michael, the unnamed dorm-mate, and the ignorant Muggleborn went down to breakfast just as Albus was waking up. All three shot him nasty looks as they left through the door. He almost glared back at them, then remembered whose fault the situation really was. Scorpius'. Scorpius made it seem like Albus was just as arrogant as he, lumped them together. His ire redirected itself away from those boys, towards Scorpius.

He threw off his covers and pulled clothes on while looking over at Scorpius' bed. The boy wasn't there, though the bed was meticulously made. Albus headed for the bathroom, still fuming at Scorpius. He'd basically ruined any chance Albus had of making friends with his dorm-mates. Not that he was looking for friends or anything, it'd just be good to be friendly with the people he'd be spending so much time with.

Albus completed his bathroom routine and glanced at his watch. There was still an hour or so until first classes, which more than enough time to get breakfast. As he put on his robes and walked down the stairs, he found himself hoping that he'd be able to sit by Rose at breakfast. He didn't know how hard and fast the rules for seating were, but it would be a pain in the arse if the only time they could spend with each other was during study times and joint classes. So much of the time at Hogwarts was spent with your house.

Albus almost got lost on the way to the Great Hall. The staircases shifted seemingly at random, but for the most part the hallways stayed the same. From Slytherin, there really was only one way to go: up. He took a wrong turn somewhere and ended up in an empty hallway with way too many windows, but luckily it connected with a more main thoroughfare.

Unlike last night at dinner, the Great Hall was only half full. Students sat in small clusters in various spots along the tables. The tables had pastries and breads, along with sausage, bacon, and fruit.

Albus took a tentative step into the hall, looking around. He didn't see Scorpius at the Slytherin table and didn't bother looking for him elsewhere. Albus' eyes then roved to the Gryffindor table, and he felt a twinge of longing when he spotted most of his cousins gathered together. They looked so happy, talking and laughing.

"Hey Albus," Roxanne called, seeing him watching.

Albus waved back tentatively, aware of the multitude of people with eyes on their interaction.

Roxanne nudged Dominique they both motioned for him to come over. He did so reluctantly, feeling like he was stepping into enemy territory as he approached the Gryffindor table.

"Why don't you sit with us?" Dominique asked.

"Is that okay?" asked Albus.

"Sure," she said, "isn't it, boys?"

James and Fred, who hadn't so much as looked up to acknowledge Albus as he approached, now did so reluctantly. James almost immediately returned to eating, not meeting Albus' eyes, while Fred shrugged and did the same.

"C'mon," Roxanne urged, scooting over.

Albus sidled in between her and Dominique, feeling squished. He'd much rather be on the end of a group than in the middle of it.

"So how was your first night in Slytherin?" Dominique asked, sitting on his right.

Albus grimaced. "It was okay, but Scorpius is sorta a bully."

Either James or Fred sniggered at that, but when Albus looked towards them they were both looking down once again.

Dominique and Roxanne shared a glance, then Dominique said, "Oh Albus. Slytherins are bullies."

"No they're not," Albus retorted. "Some of them are nice."

"That's what they want you to think," James butted in. "Don't trust them. I can't believe you're actually one of them now."

Albus' hands clenched and he glared across the table at James. His older brother was such a git.

Roxanne turned towards James, frowning. "Don't say that! Slytherins can be cool. Maybe. Not that I've ever met a good one…"

"But I'm sure Albus'll be the first, right?" Dominique asked, making clear the answer she expected.

"Yes." Roxanne nodded affirmatively, while James looked to Fred and snorted. Fred looked at Albus with sympathy, so at least Albus knew which of them the real jerk was. Albus gave a small smile back.

James yanked Fred up from the table and marched off, leaving the Great Hall in a huff.

"Well who needs them?" Roxanne asked. "They're losers."

Albus felt a little sad. That was his brother after all, and even though he could be annoying, they did love each other. But maybe James would come around soon. Albus would probably be more worried about it if the drama in Slytherin hadn't kept him awake thinking half the night, but right now he couldn't handle both problems at once. The Slytherins took priority.

Albus made small talk with Roxanne and Dominique the rest of breakfast, which was mostly focused on stuff about classes, what to expect from certain teachers. Albus confessed he hadn't read his textbooks yet, and they assured him that it was completely fine. Every few minutes he glanced behind him at the Ravenclaw table to see if Rose had arrived yet, but she never came, or if she did he didn't see her. They had a Potions with the Ravenclaws in the afternoon any, so hopefully held see her then.

When he was done eating, Albus made his way back to Slytherin to get his books for his first class. It took a few tries, but he finally got the password right, and the entrance opened. The Common Room was mostly empty as he entered, but that didn't prevent the few people who were there from turning to look at him. Albus hurried through the room, embarrassed by the attention. After climbing the stairs he pulled open the door to the dorm room.

Scorpius lay on his bed, staring up at the ceiling. Albus ignored him.

"Hey," Scorpius said.

Albus nodded up at him, then returned to pulling books, quills and parchment out of his trunk and stuffing them into his bag.

Don't ignore me. I know where you live."

Albus snorted at the joke, then remembered he was supposed to not be paying attention to Scorpius.

"Come on. Don't you see?" Scorpius asked, jumping down from his bed. "Those people had to hate us. Well not hate us, but fear what we can do. We needed them to know we could kick their arse. But at the same time, be impressed enough to be loyal. Loyal, fearful subordinates. That's what I'm grooming them to be. My dad had some when he was in school, but they were dunces. Mine'll just be normal people. If we were friends with them, eventually they'd want to use us."

Albus put his bag down and sat down on his bed, bewildered. Were all Slytherins this weird?

"How do you know that?" he asked. "Why are you so sure?"

"I'll let you in on a secret," Scorpius said, moving closer to Albus. He lowered his voice, then continued. "I read a book."

"And what book was that?' Albus asked, sceptical.

"Well I found it on my dad's bookshelf. Where he keeps all his political histories. It looked different from the rest, so I took it out and it's a Muggle book. It's called The Prince, by Machiavelli. And plus, my dad showed me how to act towards people who weren't as good as me. Not intentionally, of course, but anyway."

Scorpius' act didn't seem that impressive to Albus. Scorpius was a dick, and was acting like one. A cocky, arrogant brat with a superiority complex. His persona, as it were, was much too similar to his normal attitude, just more reserved. Well, two could play at that game.

"Hmm, and why might you be telling me this?" Albus asked.

Scorpius immediately straightened up and adopted a more formal tone. "We are the two most important Slytherins in our year in terms of status. We have to maintain appearances when with everyone else, but we're equals. You're the only one of them who's on my level. It would be good for us to work together."

"I don't know if it would be mutually beneficial," Albus replied, falling into the pattern. "I'm not a mean person. I like having friends. If you don't count Rose, I haven't had many. Our Housemates represented a good opportunity, but that was gone the second you lumped me in with you last night."

Scorpius' shoulders sunk, and he sighed.

"Well, I'm sorry if you think what I did was inappropriate. I thought I had to seize the moment. We needed to establish our dominance over them quickly. We're better than them."

Albus decided he had had enough. They weren't talking too formally, per se, but nothing showed emotion. Scorpius and his delusions of grandeur, it was like stepping into a book.

He burst out laughing, unable to control the reaction. Scorpius seemed offended for a second before joining in. Soon, Albus sat back down again, sides aching.

"Friends?" Scorpius asked, as Albus moved back to gathering his stuff.

Albus shrugged, then said, "See you in class," as he picked up his bag and walked out the door.