Harry sat in a far back corner of the train waiting impatiently for Ron to get there. He was annoyed that he had to spend time with the boy and not his cousin, Blasie or his friend Draco.
All of a sudden Ron bursts in and asks if he can sit down, claiming everywhere else was full. Harry nodded ignoring the lie as the compartment across was empty. "That is fine, I could enjoy some company."
"Really, Oh I'm Ron by the way... Ron Weasley."
" I know who you are, My godfather has mentioned your family a few times."
" Oh, my parents really respect Lord Black. Think he is a good example for the other pure-bloods."
Harry fought back laughing here. Sirius was the opposite of a proper pureblood. Harry, despite not being a true 'pure-blood', strived to prove that he was just as good, and for the most part his friends cared less, stating his blood was close enough to pure for them.
" Harry want to play Exploding Snap" Ron brought out a beaten set of cards looking hopeful. Harry nodded and although wanted to bring out his elegant and well cared for set, he knew it would upset the boy.
About an hour into the trip a small knock was on the door. A small boy, who was most likely a first year as well came in. He was very small for his age, and had pale skin. His hair was a little messy, a very dark black and went slightly above his shoulders. He had already changed into his school robes and was wearing a small pendent with a ruby colored sword on it and a emerald snake with glowing black eyes wrapped around it.
" Can I sit here for a bit, my compartment was a little to" He paused for a moment here " chaotic for my tastes." The first thing Harry noticed when this boy talked is that it was very reserved and seemed nervous, but his eyes which were a very pale blue where calculating.
"Of course, I am Harry Potter" He held his hand out and the boy smiled and shook it. " Nice to meet you Mr. Potter."
" I'm Ron Weasley"
" So what is your name huh" Ron said, rather harshly. Harry gave the small boy a look of forgiveness hoping he understand Harry was not the cause of Ron being so demanding.
" I think it might be more fun to have you wait" The boy smiled " After all a good surprise is always nicer."
Ron grumbled but asked Harry to resume the game. They tried to invite the mysterious boy but he simply took out an unmarked book and ignored them.
Clearly he only used us as a way to escape whatever was in his compartment Harry taught.
At some point into the trip the Candy Cart came and despite the protests of both other boys Harry forced them to let them buy the candy for the compartment, even going as far as the grab the mysterious boys wallet from him to prevent him for going against his wishes.
" You are a good person Harry, but oh so sneaky" A small laugh went around the compartment and then the boy turned to Ron.
" What are your plans for Hogwarts Ron. Gonna be besties with the Mu.. Muggle-borns." Harry knew the boy was about to say 'Mudblood'.
" Why?" Ron looked stupid as always, Harry could not wait until he was rid of him.
" Because Weasley, you have a shot at redeeming your family name. A lot of the 'pure-blood mania' has died down, and people are up to giving those 'blood-traitors' that are still pure-bloods a fair shot at redeeming the actions of the ancestors." Harry was impressed. This was a very insulting thing to say. His tone as he said it however was perfect.
Ron looked thoughtfully. Harry nodded, encouragingly toward Ron."Why should I have to act like a pure-blood."
The Small boy rolled his eyes. ' Connections, dear Ron. It's not like the wizarding world has endless careers. If you mess up leaving a strong impression in school you are doomed to a career of mediocrity. Pure-bloods still for the most part have the majority of the power at the Ministry.
" I wouldn't even know how to act like a real-pure blood anyway' Ron still sounded annoyed, but he was clearly playing along and was pretty insulted. The boy seemed to see this too, but Harry knew Ron was supposed to go along with whatever Harry wanted so Dumbledore could have his spy.
"Simple really" The small boy said as he took out a book from his bag. " This book is on Pure-Blood customs, read it, learn it, abide it. It won't be simple and easy but I promise people will see it and you'll have a lot of options both in and out of Hogwarts."
Ron then became enthralled with the book. Harry saw the boy smirk and give Harry a smile.
Just then a rather ugly girl, whom Harry vaguely remembered was called Pansy Parkinson came in.
" Oh look at this. A Mud-blood, a Blood-traitor and the boy who lived. Draco is gonna have a fit with you Harry." Harry was amused by the idiocy of the girl. She was provoking a group of three by herself.
" Pansy, what did you call my friends." They then got to see Draco standing there.
" Weasel isn't your friend and why would you be friends with a mud-blood"
"Pansy shut up"
The small boy was dying of laughter now. Ron looked at him amused, clearly thinking he was not muggle-born. Harry was curious now. He knew all of the pure-bloods, most not well but he knew them all and this boy was not one of them for sure.
" Damien what are you doing here." A boy that was very tall came in. The boy was almost the size of an Adult. He was most likely a bit older but his robes lacked a defining house. His eyes were the same icy blue as his brother's but his hair was a light brown, but it did not even reach below his ears. His face was oddly round and spoke in a slightly commanding voice, chilly to even hear, that had a bit of an accent, clearly American.
" I am sorry."
" Come with me." The boy nodded smirked and said "Brother." and left with the older boy.
Pansy looked annoyed but then Draco told her to leave himself and Ron alone and dragged her away, giving Harry a look of pity. The rest of the ride Ron stayed absorbed into his book.
Missing the introductions of Hermione Granger and Neville Longbottom, searching for a toad named Trevor.
Finally the long ride was over. Harry had hoped his plans that were going through his head would work. Damien, had given him a way to maybe make this alliance with Ronald bearable.
'First years this way, over here first years'. The booming voice of Rubeus Hagrid came and Harry went there, after a bit of dividing Harry was in a boat with Ron, Damien and the Taller Boy.
" I'm not a first year per say, but this is my first year at Hogwarts" The boy said to Harry. Harry did not understand.
" I am American, but my little brother, well half-brother, was going here as he lives in Britain, so I begged my parents to let me transfer."
Damien gave his brother a glare that stated quite plainly 'Shut Up' but clearly the older boy was not that bright.
" Yea, My brother's mother was a british woman. She was a death eater and was on a mission in america. My dad hadn't met my step-mom yet, so ya know, at some point while she was their she got pregnant and my dad discovered she was a death eater so she had to flee back to Britain. We are pretty sure she got arrested or killed by aurors, not really sure, but for whatever reason, Dumbledore prevented us finding out about his existence. Really a nice man found out, but his adoptive parents adored him, and by the time we knew he was about to start Hogwarts anyway, so ya know, my dad doesn't want anything to do with Death Eaters.. But I felt I could get them to connect so I came to Britain.
"By the was my name is Verik and I'll be starting my 4th year."
At this point Damien seemed very annoyed. Harry had to agree he would be too. His brother had given a lot of family information to strangers, some very personal. He also pretty much stated they did not know each other until recently. Harry was wondering was the boy here for Dumbledore. Even more, was Dumbledore the cause of this boy not knowing his family. Harry wouldn't put anything past the man, the boy was probably supposed to be another spy for Dumbledore and he had to come up with a plan b, hence his brother. Harry still wasn't sure. They boy's voice was so chilly for a teenager. Something was off about him.
Harry kept thinking. Damien clearly was not here for Dumbledore. Harry could deduce that much, he was to nervous and Dumbledore would not trust the son of a death eater that easily. No matter who raised him. The older boy however, had left everything to be with his younger brother. That was not only suspicious but it was also the perfect cover story for Dumbledore to sneak in a spy.
Damien also clearly did not trust his brother. He was nervous around him, more so then he was with himself and Ron, and also avoided talking to him and instead mainly just glared. Then they saw Hogwarts and all looked impressively.
" Our castle in America is much smaller."
Harry was done with the older boy by the time the reached the castle. He talked almost non-stop. Damien had no interest in talking in front of his brother, but clearly wanted him to stop talking. Getting into the school was great and then he got the expected McGonagall's lecture. Then they walked into the entrance hall to the stares of many students.
" When I call your name you will come up here, try on the hat, and then it will state the house you will be in. Everyone we have a student transferring here who will be in their 4th year. We will allow him to go first and then we will do the first years.
'Verik Ebony'
The older boy stood up the the stool. He Sat down and the hat went on his head. In seconds it bellowed 'SLYTHERIN'. He smiled and went to the table of green and Harry heard Damien, who he was standing next to groan.
Quickly people got sorted That Granger girl and Longbottom to Gryffindor. Draco was put Instantly in Slytherin.
' Harry Potter'
Harry stepped up and had the hat lowered onto his head.
Hmm Mr. Potter. Looks like an interesting fellow. Smart, loyal, brave, and sly. You could do well in any house but which one will I place you in. You have a desire to be away from the Weasley, and be with your friends, but also a desire to have freedom to make you moves. You are not kind enough to survive in Hufflepuff and Gryffindor, and Slytherin will limit your moves.
'Just put me where I'll do best, I can make my moves wherever I am' Harry taught.
If you sure better be... "SLYTHERIN." The last word was shouted to the entire hall which was slightly shocked but gave a polite clap. Dumbledore looked completely unshocked as if he expected this outcome. Harry did not want to keep prolonged eye contact with the man so moved to sit with Draco to enjoy the rest of the sorting. He did not hear Damien be called as he saw the hat just touch his head. It looked ready to talk but shut quickly. There was a small pause, only about a minute before it shouted 'SLYTHERIN'. The boy gave a small sigh and headed straight over to the table sitting directly opposite himself.
" Oh joy we got the mud-blood' Pansy said however Verik got annoyed by her outburst and said "My brother's blood is as pure as mine you filthy bitch. Now stop or you'll be in the Hospital Wing before you see the common room." Damien looked annoyed once again. Harry could not blame him. His brother was entirely un-tactful and was rather embarrassing and rude. The sorting kept going until Ron was called. Harry did not bother paying attention but it shouted out 'SLYTHERIN' making Harry sick to his stomach.
Damien quickly and almost silently muttered "Dumbledore." Harry nodded. The hat must have been ordered to stick Ron in whatever house Harry was put in, and Harry missed the hats warning. Ron came over but did not talk he sat next to Damien. Harry did not hear Blaise, the final person to be sorted, get called either and was shocked to see him squeeze in between himself and Draco.
"Well, another sorting done, for now let's eat." Instantly food appeared everywhere. Ron who was sitting next to Damien,was getting very subtle hints on how he should act at the table. Pansy apologized to Damien during the meal but he only nodded to her. In fact he kept his focus on preventing Ron from making a fool from himself.
" Shocked that Crabbe and Goyle were put in Gryffindor. Dumbledore must be behind that to." Harry was shocked Draco would be so annoyed. The Older boy, Verik, was clearly a spy. How could Draco not see that.
" Dum.. Ow... Hey" Ron seemed like he was about to defend Dumbledore but Damien was clever and nudged him gave him a warning look that stopped him from making an idiot of himself before anyone caught on. "Dumbledore is getting a bit senile don't you think" Ron settled on after a small pause.
"Just a bit. This sorting seems very much planned out by him" Harry and Blaise both nudged Draco here and he caught the 'Shut Up" hint. Harry did not trust Ron and especially not Damien to be privy to how much Harry did not trust Dumbledore. Damien was clearly and observer and most likely knew anyway, but Damien seemed to know everything despite what Harry head about him being raised by muggles.
"So Damien you know about us what about you? You were raised by Muggles?" Harry saw the boy look annoyed and the boy next to him who was a few inches taller, and a bit weedy said "That is not your business now is it Potter."
Harry knew this boy was Theodore Nott, but never meet the boy in person. "Shush Nott he is allowed to ask questions." Said Verik. He then proceeded to tell the entire table what he had told Harry on the boat. Harry saw Damien once again get annoyed, it was rather interesting to see how how stupid his brother looked like he was about to cry and his brother seemed to catch on to that and stopped talking. No one was foolish enough to continue that topic.. even Verik. Damien went back to giving Ron covert instructions not caring about the group's conspiracy theories that they discussed as well as gossip that was going around the wizarding world.
With the feast over Dumbledore stood up. 'First things first I would like to welcome back Professor Quirrell who will be resuming his post as Defense Against the Dark Arts post after he took a year long sabbatical. Aside from that the usual reminders are do not go into the forbidden forest, and first years be sure to check the list of forbidden objects which can be viewed on the house bulletin boards, or in Mr. Filch's office. Finally, I must inform you that the third floor corridor on the is out of bounds to everyone who wished to stay alive." No one doubted him he looked grave.
After some horrible singing by the school the were released and being escorted to their common room by some blonde girl. Harry, Draco, Theo, Blaise, Ron and Damien awkwardly all walking with Daphne, Tracy, Pansy, Millicent, and Elaine. They were greeted into the Slytherin Common room with the password 'Boom Slang'.
Snape stood there waiting. 'First years welcome to Slytherin. Be aware that this is the most noble of the four houses. You will behave yourself. You will not get caught in anything you do wrong. You will not show weakness to the school. Your fights and drama are for the Slytherin ears only, do not let them get to the rest of the school." With that he gave a death glare "If you break these rules, you will suffer my... displeasure." He looked at Harry then swept made sure to glare at everyone else before leaving the room.
"Snape seemed annoyed" Blaise smiled as they were getting into bed. " He most likely did not expect his favorite nephew to be stuck in his den of snakes" Harry laughed along with the rest of his new housemates.
Harry was laying down about to go to sleep when as Damien was getting into bed next to him he leaned down and whispered in Harry's ears "Have fun with Dumbledore's test".
Within minutes everyone was asleep but Harry wondering exactly what the boy meant, how much he knew, and who he truly was.