Hey guys and welcome back, this one got finished first in my work to get updates out so here we are.

A few of you made guesses on Lily, but none were right so maybe you'll guess later on or I'll just get to surprise you.

For those who were wondering about Draco, I decided to have him be more Slytherin than whiny brat who depends on his father's influence and money. Especially since his mother should have been teaching him how to act if he was ever to take over House Black. So he's more competent and tactful in situations rather than "higher than thou" spoiled brat that needs daddy's money or his godfather's help to get things done.

Also, yes, I know a good chunk of stuff revealed in God of War: Ragnarok. I haven't gotten to play it yet, but some friends have and I asked them about some of my guesses, almost all were right, and I will be incorporating some of the stuff from that game into this as it fits with something I already had planned, but it's not going to be for a LONG while yet.

With that said and done, let's get this show on the road.

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, God of War, or anything else that may appear in this fic.

"Speech"

(Thoughts)

"Language that's not English"

Spell Name

[Conversation Thoughts]

CHAPTER 3: MAKING AN IMPACT

GREAT HALL: RIGHT AFTER CHAPTER 2

After Harry's placement, the majority of the sorting went without much interest until the second to last person to be sorted, "Rose Weasley." McGonagall called as said redhead stepped up and sat on the stool for a minute.

The other Weasleys, as Harry could identify the brothers Rose had mentioned still being at Hogwarts at the Gryffindor table with Ron, who was also sorted there, were looking on in wonder as to why the hat was taking so long. The answer came as the hat shouted, "Slytherin!" Shocking everyone as every Weasley member had been in Gryffindor for as long as anyone could remember.

Rose exhaled slowly and made her way to the table with her friends making space for her. She did her best to ignore people staring at her, both the shock and the glares/outrage, with her friends making it a bit easier to deal with.

Blaise had also been placed in Slytherin, but instead of the other first years, he sat with a girl that looked to be in her third or fourth year. Harry didn't pay much attention since it was none of his business where Blaise chose to sit, other than if he tried to sit on Harry's lap anyway, and turned to the headmaster, Albus "multi-middle-name" Dumbledore, when he rose to speak.

"Greetings to all newcomers, welcome to your first year at Hogwarts, and of course welcome back to all returning students. Now before we eat there are a few words I'd like to say: Nitwit. Blubber. Ogden. Tweak! Thank you." Dumbledore stated before taking his seat.

Harry raised an eyebrow as he felt the magic in the air shift around the hall. When you've been on Olympus and Asgard, you tend to gain some sense of magic when you've been to a place where magic is in the very air to places where magic merely resides in a large amount.

Anyway, Harry guessed this was the headmaster's personal joke of an order for getting the House Elves to serve the feast. It was proven likely as suddenly the table was filled with food of various kinds along with various drinks, though no alcohol naturally.

Harry quickly helped himself to some food and began eating, glad that no one was trying to harass him right now, but he was sure that would change once there were less non-Slytherins around.

A glance around the area had him noting a few people still looking and whispering about him. However, another thing was one Ron Weasley eating like it was his last meal for the rest of eternity. He hadn't finished what was in his mouth before he was trying to put more in and was wearing a good chunk of food and drink. Harry was torn between wondering if he was related to the dwarves or if he thought he could be like Shaggy Rogers of the Scooby-Doo cartoons.

Either way, it wasn't a pleasant sight and from the looks on McGonagall's face along with his brothers, many would agree.

"What is it?" Hermione asked as she turned only to grimace and shake her head while Rose put her face in her hands in embarrassment. "Some people have no manners." Hermione stated before looking at Rose giving her sympathies to her.

"He's like this even at home, I'd hoped that my parents and brothers telling him to be more polite would have stuck. I honestly don't know if I would be more embarrassed being there or not." Rose groaned since her twin was always a slob when he ate.

"Probably more there, at least you don't have to sit right next to him here." Daphne stated as Rose nodded.

"What's your opinion, Potter?" A fourth year asked as eyes turned to Harry, who calmly finished chewing some steak before answering.

"Don't have one. So far I've found him unworthy of any attention I have to give, but it's the first night, much too early to form opinions just yet. If he's skilled in the classroom, then that'd make up a bit for his poor manners, but I won't know that till later, thus I have no opinion at this time." Harry stated as he drank some pumpkin juice.

"Bit of a Ravenclaw way of answering, but still also very Slytherin." A sixth year stated with an approving nod.

"I may be a Slytherin, but that doesn't mean I can't take traits from the other houses for my own use. If I can be more than one thing, then people won't know what they'll get when dealing with me, and thus won't know how to handle me. That means, that I always have an edge as I can put people off balance and remain in control." Harry stated getting impressed and respectful looks from the nearby Slytherins.

"Hmm. Maybe the hat knows what it's doing with you after all." A fifth year stated.

"Good thing too, if not who knows how many of us could be over there with that." Harry stated motioning to Ron causing several to laugh while Rose kept a sheepish smile since she had to live with that.

Around an hour later, the feast dwindled down to the few who either were starving, didn't eat as much because they were busy talking, or wanted to ensure they had calories to burn the next day. As such, Dumbledore stood again, "Attention." He called with his voice sweeping the hall and making it all go quiet. "Now that our bellies are full, I shall go over a few announcements before dismissing you all to your dorms. Firstly, all first years, and quite a few older years, will do well to remember that the Dark Forest is forbidden to all students unless escorted by a teacher or given permission by myself." He started while eyeing two boys that were definitely twins that Rose identified as her next oldest siblings Fred and George. "Secondly, Mr. Filch, our esteemed caretaker, has asked to remind you all that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors." He continued on for a few more minutes going over things such as Quidditch tryouts, end of term tests, and important exams for fifth and seventh years until he eventually reached the end of his speech. "Finally, I shall warn you all that the third-floor corridor on the right my hand side is off limits this year. Any found trespassing there will face consequences more severe than simply serving detentions, I dare say expulsion will be the least of your worries, regardless of what year you are in." Dumbledore stated in a firm and warning tone surprising everyone as none of the older students could believe just going into the corridor was enough for an expulsion. "Hogwarts, over the centuries, has been host to many incidents and items that, while we have protected the students to the best of our abilities, regretfully have caused harm, incapacitation, and even death to students and careless faculty. I give this warning so that both the prefects and head students can be watchful as sadly, the staff cannot be everywhere at once. As such, you may find yourself in great peril with no help coming should you not heed my warnings." He continued still in his serious tone and everyone could see the teachers were taking this seriously as well.

Harry merely cocked an eyebrow wondering just what Dumbledore allowed to be stored inside of Hogwarts during the school year? He had to have stored something since the only items within Hogwarts already that could be dangerous were the Cursed Vaults, but those had been opened and drained years ago, so they shouldn't pose any threat to the students now unless someone stupidly reactivated them somehow.

So just WHAT was put inside the school?

Harry would have to think on that later as Dumbledore continued on, "However, so long as you do not trespass, you have nothing to fear." He stated suddenly become more cheerful making people blink at the abrupt change. "Now, before we leave, we shall sing the school song!" Dumbledore stated and Harry felt a twitch of his neck telling him where this was gonna go.

Dumbledore flicked his wand causing a ribbon to fly out and form the words, "Pick your favorite tune and off we go." Dumbledore informed and the chaos began with Harry wishing he knew a sound dampening charm right now.

"Merlin, I'm glad no one here actually knows how to use music as a magical focus, we'd probably all be dead." Harry muttered as the "singing" was finished getting some restrained laughter from those that could hear him.

Once that was over, Dumbledore dismissed them causing a mass exodus of people as the prefects gathered the first years to lead them to their respective dorms. Harry was paying attention as they walked memorizing the path so he could find his way again without worrying about getting lost. Although, from what he was able to see, he wasn't likely to get lost any time soon.

Arriving outside the dorm, which happened to be in the dungeon, they saw a plain wall until Harry looked up and saw a small Slytherin sigil engraved in the ceiling above it. "Pit Viper." The male prefect stated causing an outline of a door to appear in the stone before it opened inwards.

The prefect then ushered them all inside before entering last. The common room was as Harry expected: it looked like someone took a spare cell of the dungeon and decided it would be cozy with some chairs, couches, a fireplace, and some artwork such as tapestries and paintings. There was even a window that looked out into the Black Lake, which had an eerie look to it thanks to the moonlight.

He also noted different engravings and designs of snakes on everything. Some looked metallic while others were simple etchings, but all of them had magic upon them and based on what Harry learned about Salazar, he could guess just what kind of magic was involved with them.

He also noted hardly any other Slytherins were there and assumed most went to their rooms or were taking their time returning.

"All right, listen up." The prefect called pulling Harry's attention away from observing his surroundings. "There are a few things you WILL learn now that you've been sorted into the ancient and noble house of Slytherin. The first is that the password changes at random anywhere from five days to two weeks, we've had issues in the past of members of other houses learning the password and then doing various things such as booby trapping the rooms, destroying homework and assignments, stealing possessions, and other things. You had better learn to check the notice board for when the next change comes as well as what the current password is. Second, you do NOT EVER bring a member of a different house into here unless you have a VERY damn good reason or both of you will suffer the consequences. Third, if you have problems with another Slytherin, you keep it behind the door. Outside this room, we are a united house against the other houses, who all fear us because they believe we're evil or dark. We will be what we choose to be and as such they have no right to judge us. If any of you bring shame upon this house, you will find yourself within a pit of very angry snakes all aimed at you." The prefect continued on along with several suggestions with one being to watch out for the Weasley Twins, who liked to target Slytherin above all with their pranks, and another was to study potions as it would make Snape more inclined to be pleased rather than pissed off.

After a few more items, he finished and the rest of the Slytherins began filtering in almost on cue. Harry assumed it was some tradition, unspoken or not, to wait until the prefect was done so the first years would be focused on the instructions and not distracted.

Harry was a bit distracted as he felt something in the air and looked towards the girl that Blaise had sat with finding her to be the source. Taking in her appearance, Harry found she was beautiful with chocolate skin, jet black hair that was curly and reached her mid back, piercing teal eyes, a fit build that even with robes was starting to show womanly curves, and an aura about her that basically said 'you can look, but you'd better not touch unless you want to suffer' about her.

If not for the fact Harry had been around the likes of Hera, Aphrodite, Sif, Frigga, Freyja, and so on, then he'd probably be blushing at the sight of her. However, he was a bit cautious given the magic in the air around her.

"Oi! Potter!" A voice called making Harry turn to see a sixth year boy stalking towards him and also noticed two others, another boy and a girl, that were fifth or maybe fourth years moving to trap Harry in a pincer movement.

Clearly things were going to get physical in just a moment, and on his first night too.

"Yes?" Harry asked as he stared at the boy who called.

"Just what is a half blood like you think he's doing coming to the snake pit?" He all but growled as Harry merely looked at him.

"Oh, leave him be, he's only just got here." The girl Harry had examined called while crossing her arms.

"Aw, it will be fine Valerie, not like much will happen." Another student, a third or fourth year by the looks

"Hopefully adding some more intelligence since people like you make everyone around dumber by just being in their presence." Harry stated before anyone else could speak making a few gasp or gape at him while a few laughed causing the first boy's face to become red with anger.

"You filthy little…!" He growled as he reached to grab Harry only for Harry's hand to come up and catch his wrist where he started applying pressure making the boy shout in pain as Harry made him sink to his knees.

"You see, this is a bit funny. Here I am the filthy half-blood, yet YOU'RE the one on his knees before me." Harry stated as he tightened his grip more before catching the other wrist when the boy went for his wand. "Ah, ah, ah, none of that." Harry scolded as if he was scolding a small child and plucked the wand from his hand before twisting the wrist still in his grip causing the boy to shout as he gripped at his shoulder.

Harry looked at the wand and smelled it, "Hmm, Sycamore with dragon heartstring. Interesting choice." Harry stated surprise a few Slytherins at being right before he tossed the wand to the other side of the room.

"Let him go Potter." The girl that moved around them stated as she and the second boy had their wands drawn.

"Why would I do that?" Harry asked casually, not even looking at her.

"Because we'll hex you if you don't." She stated with a scowl on her face.

"Oh, you'll certainly try, but you won't succeed." He replied twisting the first boy's arm a bit more as he started to smirk.

"You seriously think you can draw your wand and fight us before either of us hit you?!" The second boy asked incredulously and a bit offended.

"I could certainly try, but I won't have to. My friends will handle you." Harry informed making the two glance at the other first years, who were just looking at the scene in shock.

"You think a bunch of firsties is gonna intimidate us?!" The girl asked incredulously only to get a deep, and dare she say, cruel laugh from Potter.

"Oh, my dear, who said anything about them?" Harry asked as he looked at her with a smirk.

Any reply was cut off by a growl filling the room surprising everyone before the boy was tackled to the ground and pinned there. The boy looked and suddenly wished he hadn't as he came face to face with Ghost staring down at him with a snarl and one of his paws pinning the wand to the floor. The girl looked shocked for a minute before she turned her wand on Ghost only for a hiss to be heard and Naga sprang at her from behind a chair, having slipped out of Harry's robes as soon as the first boy tried to grab him.

The girl screamed as Naga quickly smacked her wand away before coiling around her torso and baring his four fangs at her.

"Those are my friends. Two of my familiars, Ghost." Harry stated motioning to the wolf, "And Naga." He stated nodding to his snake, "They're awfully protective of me, and you two just threatened me." Harry reminded making Ghost snarl more while Naga inched his fangs closer to the girl.

"Y-you lie! There's no way a son of a mudblood could-ACK!" The first boy started to say before Harry grabbed him by his throat and his eyes turned deadly as he looked back at him.

The boy shook in fear as he saw his death in those eyes and could only wonder if this is what it felt like to have the killing curse coming at you and there was nothing you could do.

He and the others were all shocked as Harry lifted him into the air off his feet, "You see, that's part of the reason the noble and ancient house of Slytherin has fallen so far. You lot fell into pureblood propaganda about what that term actually means. Regardless, I will make something abundantly clear to you: Do NOT EVER use that term in such a way in front of me, at least if you want to remain 100% intact." Harry stated in a deathly tone before he slammed the first boy onto the stone floor making him scream in pain… or he would have if Harry wasn't still keeping a vice grip on his throat. "Snakes, come forth and serve me." Harry summoned causing all of the Slytherins that weren't in the train car with him to gasp in shock.

That shock soon turned to fear as the various snakes all came to life. Some made of rope, some made of stone, some made of metal, some made of fire, some made of water, and some made of wax all came at his call, each taking on the the item they were made out of in their individual dwelling counting the snakes from different tapestries and paintings. The ones from the latter two took on the element/form that they had in said artwork.

Everyone in the common room quickly backed away from the four students as the snakes surrounded them and a few turned to face the other Slytherins in case they were targets of their summoner's wrath.

"Y-you're a Parselmouth?!" The girl exclaimed before squeaking in fear as Naga hissed angrily at her.

"I'm many things, right now I am your judge and jury, so it's a matter of if I want to be your executioner as well." Harry stated as he looked at her making her pale before he hissed and several of the metallic and stone snakes quickly bound the first boy tightly and had their fangs near his neck, face, and groin for good measure as they all hissed angrily at him and Harry released his hold.

"Do I have your attention, boy?" Harry asked and the boy nodded slightly careful not to scrape against the fangs. "I trust you two are paying attention as well?" Harry stated as he eyed the other two making them nod. "Good, then let me be clear. I am here because the sorting hat believed it was the best fit for my goals and desires in life. What those are… are my business and you can choose right now to do one of three things: 1) you stay out of my way and get benefits from what I do without having to do much work. 2) you get in my way and I crush you like insects under my boot. 3) you make yourselves useful and aid me and I ensure you're benefiting as time goes on. I don't care which one you do, but you will do one of them." Harry stated before he hissed at the snakes causing them all to nod. "Now, I've just ordered these snakes to handle anyone that dares use that term again without knowing its proper meaning, and they're not just in the common room, they're everywhere in the dorms, which means I WILL know if someone says it. Then… well… then you may have to permanently buy a bed in the hospital wing." Harry stated as he stared down at the boy making him shake as his mind was now making him wonder if this was what it was like to be in Voldemort's presence.

Harry hissed again and the snakes all returned to their resting place as Naga released the girl and returned to Harry's shoulders. "Ghost." Harry stated as his loyal wolf had yet to move. "Ghost." He said again firmly making the wolf snarl at the boy before moving off of him, though he did knock his wand away so he couldn't try anything before sitting at Harry's side.

"Well, that was fun." Harry spoke as he flicked his wand sending the first boy sliding across the floor and slam into the second one. "Just a reminder to leave me alone." Harry stated as he rolled his neck before looking at the prefect, who was stuck between being in awe of Harry and being terrified as he was now being targeted for something. "You never mentioned the rooms." Harry reminded casually making prefect breathe a bit in relief.

"Through the door there, the signs will direct you to your area of the dorms. It's two to a room by the way." The prefect stated making Harry hum.

"Blaise, up for sharing?" Harry asked looking at the boy making him blink owlishly.

"Uh, um, sure." Blaise stated as Harry nodded.

"Great, night everyone." Harry stated as he walked off with Ghost following him.

Picking a room, he entered and sat on the bed as his luggage was delivered and he pet Ghost, "That's a good boy." Harry stated as said wolf chuffed slightly making Harry smile. "Yes, I realize that, but killing three students on the first day wouldn't really look good for us." Harry reminded not bothering to speak Garou Tongue, the language of wolves and werewolves though dogs could understand some of it, since Ghost could easily understand human speech.

Ghost merely huffed and growled causing Harry to scoff a bit, "Yes, an alpha is supposed to break any rivals, but I'm not sure I could classify those three as rivals. Plus, I don't want just fear from the others, I want respect and loyalty through respect and friendship rather than they obey out of fear." Harry stated knowing that eventually fear wouldn't be enough and people would get tired of being afraid and retaliate.

Better to win followers through respect, kindness, or some other positives as they were more likely to stick with you than those who were loyal through fear.

Eventually, Harry dressed for bed and went to sleep, Naga curled up on the pillow next to him and Ghost laying on the floor beside the bed.

NEXT DAY

Harry awoke that morning feeling a bit refreshed and wondered if it was the ambient magic of Hogwarts affecting him in some way. Regardless, it was time to start his day, hence he got out of bed and immediately started his morning workout of 200 push-ups, 200 sit ups, 200 punches with each arm, 200 kicks with each leg, and various other exercises. Even if he was in school for magic, he wasn't going to neglect his physical training as 99% of all witches and wizards didn't know what to do without their wands or if someone got within striking distance of them.

Similarly, if you didn't have a wand they didn't take you seriously. Many of those pureblood fools still wanted to declare war against the Muggles because they didn't truly appreciate the power they had gained. It wasn't power through magic, but through science and engineering and truth be told Harry didn't know any spell that could match some of the things Muggles could unleash on those they classified as enemies.

One only had to look at or speak to someone that was at Hiroshima or Nagasaki to understand that.

Shaking those thoughts away, Harry continued his workout before stopping for the day and heading to wash up and dress for the first school day.

Once he finished, Naga climbed on his shoulders and Ghost yawned before following as he went to the common room. There were a few other Slytherins there and they looked at him before shying away as the trio turned to look at them.

Harry snorted and took a seat before he began reading one of the books he'd yet to finish that wasn't school related. This one happened to be a direct, up to date, and detailed book on Wizarding law, ethics, etiquette, and the like and was constantly updated with changes thanks to it being a book given out to the Sacred 30 back when they were the Sacred 50, but Voldemort wiped out 15 magical families, one was reduced to only an old man too old to have children, two left England for supposed greener pastures, and then the Weasley and Potter families were "removed" for supporting the protection of Muggles and for marrying non-purebloods, respectfully. However, no one could take the book back from the Potter family since even if they weren't sacred anymore, they weren't a family you crossed easily.

As he read, he couldn't help but be angered and saddened by all that was lost in the previous two wars. All that wasted magical power, history, and potential gone in an instant. Harry knew the last war would have been much shorter if his grandparents hadn't been weakened by disease. His life would be different if the main Potter family home wasn't being repaired after it was damaged from a stray bomb in WW2. It took time and money to repair it as something that old and magical wasn't an easy or quick fix.

Alas, those things did happen, what was shameful to him was that the Wizarding world wasn't trying to push forward anymore. There had been no advancements, beyond brooms, in any area in the magical world regardless of which area you looked into. Potions were the same as decades past, spells were the same, magical devices, runes, studies, everything. The Wizarding world stagnated and that more often than not led to destruction of whatever had stagnated.

Harry then stiffened lightly as a different magic began filling the air slightly and saw the girl, Valerie, enter the common room before she saw him and approached.

"Hello, Mr. Potter." She greeted as she nodded at him.

He nodded back as Naga and Ghost looked at her. "Hello, Valerie right?" Harry asked making her nod. "So, are you a friend, sister, or cousin of Blaise's?" Harry asked making her smirk a bit.

"I'm his sister." Valeria stated making Harry nod.

"A pleasure, miss Zabini." Harry stated making her nod her head with a smile.

"What are you reading, if you don't mind me asking?" She asked and Harry hummed a moment.

"It's the Wizengamot Compendium." Harry stated making her raise her eyebrows. "My family had it before my father married my mother, no one was stupid enough to try and get it back." Harry stated as he kept reading.

"Brushing up on the laws then?" Valerie asked and Harry nodded.

"To a point. I'm also learning about the Wizarding culture in England since I've been gone for five years seeing other areas and the first five since the war I was in the muggle world." Harry stated as he idly pet Ghost, who was happy for the attention.

"I wouldn't have guessed that you were raised in the muggle world." She answered with a surprised expression, though she did hear, as everyone did, that he had vanished from wherever he was staying.

"Not by choice, though I'd not have my aunt if I wasn't." Harry replied since it was true, though if not for his bastard uncle he may not have met the gods and had his life changed for the better.

He did wonder just who his ancestor was to earn such favor and attention from Olympus and Asgard, but they were tight lipped about it and Harry suspected there was a reason beyond his own safety.

"Hmm, would you like some help learning everything? I've grown up in the wizarding world and my mother has ensured I knew the political field as well as others. I'd have to since I could very well be married off and I need to know what I'm dealing with ahead of time." Valerie offered as Harry looked at her intently.

"And what do you want in return?" Harry asked knowing that being Slytherin meant he had to be a bit cautious of just agreeing to things.

The magical aura around her only made it more important to be careful until he fully knew her intentions.

Valerie smiled at the reply, "Good, you're learning already. As for what I want, I'm not sure yet, which is why I'll settle for a favor. Of course, on my end, I'll try to teach you to the best of my ability and it's one favor for everything, not a favor for each lesson." Valerie explained as Harry stared at her and fought back a shudder at the magic she could practically see swimming in those eyes.

"All right, but the favor also has to be reasonable. For example, I'm not going to give you half my vault or kill someone for you in exchange for these lessons. While your own experiences and firsthand knowledge is good, it's not irreplaceable or unobtainable from other sources." Harry stated since it was true.

"Fair enough, shall we start now then?" Valerie asked as Harry shrugged. "Good, come on and we can start in the Great Hall." Valerie stated making Harry shrug again as he put his book up and stood with Ghost standing as well. "I assume they're coming along?" Valerie asked as Harry nodded.

"I'm certainly not going to keep them locked up for the next seven years." Harry stated as both Naga and Ghost nodded as well.

"Alright then." Valerie stated already knowing she was going to enjoy the show once people saw the Boy-Who-Lived with a snake and wolf.

She wasn't disappointed.

As they walked, Harry took in the details of the castle that he could see, but Valerie was half leading him and half watching the various reactions along the way. It didn't matter if it was portraits, ghosts, or students, everyone stared with wide eyed looks when Harry was near them with his snake and wolf.

Harry registered their attention, but ignored them all the same finding his view to be better, and it wasn't just the hint of Valerie's bum in front of him either. The robes covered quite a bit, but they weren't perfect.

Still, the castle was as much an enjoyable sight as she was.

Entering the Great Hall, it was no surprise for Harry, Valerie, Naga, or Ghost that all eyes snapped to them and many stared with mouths agape as Harry casually walked to the Slytherin table and sat down before patting Ghost's head as he laid behind Harry. Naga merely slithered off onto the table as Valerie sat across from Harry.

"Do you know how I can procure some meat for these two? They both used to hunt where I was or I shared any food I had at the time, but I'm sure them hunting wouldn't be a good idea here." Harry asked after swallowing a mouthful of eggs knowing his two friends would be getting hungry and he didn't want to just give them scraps.

"You could probably call a house elf to help. They're magical creatures that are born to serve, most of the time they take offense or are distraught if you tell them not to do work because they're afraid they've done something to upset you. A few people see it as slavery, but even when offered freedom or an opportunity to be paid, they won't accept unless their current arrangement is so bad they'd rather die than keep serving their current masters. They also need to bind themselves to a magical site or person so they can siphon a small amount of magic to stay alive and reproduce." Valerie explained since the moment she said the word slavery, she had seen Harry stiffen and knew she needed to explain before he ended up doing something.

"I see. So how do I call one?" Harry asked as he ate a piece of bacon.

"Can a Hogwarts House Elf please come help me, please?" Valerie asked and Harry felt a shift in the air and turned to his right just before a small creature, smaller than one of the Dwarves or Goblins, appeared with big floppy ears and a somewhat formal dress appeared.

Harry kept Naga and Ghost from doing anything beyond looking at the elf, who squeaked at the two predators turning their attention towards it. "It's all right, they won't harm you so long as you don't try anything." Harry informed making the elf gulp a bit and nod before widening its eyes at Harry.

"You… yous be the Great Harry Potter?!." It asked in a semi squeaky voice that held a large amount of awe within it.

"That's correct." Harry stated as he looked at Valerie.

"The elves do the cooking and cleaning here. Unless a detention is given, any mess created is cleaned by them and all the feasts are prepared by them." Valerie explained making Harry nod.

"I see." Harry stated before looking to the elf, "Could you bring some meat for my snake and wolf please? Ah, and some smaller pieces for my two birds as well." Harry asked as the elf bobbed its head rapidly.

"Oh yes!" The elf stated as it looked elated to help him. "Pipsy can dos that no problem." The elf stated as Harry raised an eyebrow.

"Who's Pipsy?" Harry asked as the elf beamed.

"I's be Pipsy." The now named Pipsy stated making Harry blink.

"Okay, nice to meet you. Your English isn't bad by the way." Harry stated making Pipsy smile more.

"Thank yous, Great Harry Potter sir!" Pipsy stated before looking at Naga and Ghost. "What would your animals be wanting to eat?" She continued as she wanted to be sure she got it right.

"Meat, smaller cut up pieces for my snake and larger pieces for my wolf. If you happen to have a decent sized bone that would be good too. Then just an extra plate of bacon please, though no plants for those two, they're strictly carnivores." Harry instructed as he did not want the elf to waste her time.

"Oh! Thats be easy, we having lots of meat pieces in kitchen. Is pig and cow good for wolfy and snakey?" Pipsy asked and Harry nodded.

"Yes, thank you." Harry stated only to blink in confusion at the wide eyed shocked look she gave him. "Are you all right?" Harry asked the stunned elf.

"Yous be thanking Pipsy?! Mr. Harry Potter be even greater than stories say." Pipsy stated in disbelief at the start before it turned to reverence. "Pipsy be ensuring best meat pieces for Great Harry Potter's animals friends." She continued before popping away and Harry turned to Valerie with a raised eyebrow.

"The elves don't get thanked much. So any time they do it's a very big deal to them." Valerie's explained.

"Next time tell me that, her expression with your description had me afraid I'd somehow offended her." Harry stated as Valerie laughed a bit.

"Actually, I don't think there's a bigger compliment you could have given her at that moment." Valerie stated before continuing, "Most either don't respect elves enough or believe the opportunity for more work is enough thanks." She continued making Harry nod before a platter of small meat pieces appeared in front of him along with a plate of large hunks of meat and a large bone followed by a plate of bacon.

"Guess these are for you." Harry stated moving the smaller plate to Naga while the bigger plate went to Ghost before Harry took the bone making him release a whine. "You can have this after you eat. I am NOT listening you complain about being hungry later because you went for the toy first." Harry stated making Ghost huff before he began eating.

"You're gonna make a record of students scared at this rate." Draco commented as he and the other first years arrived with Tracey sitting next to Valerie, Daphne sitting next to Harry on his right, Hermione on his left, Draco a little further down, Crabbe and Goyle across from him, Theodore Nott next to Tracey, and Pansy Parkinson next to Draco.

Blaise also took a seat next to his sister while Millicent Bulstrode came and looked to be contemplating before Harry gestured to sit next to Daphne and she hesitated a moment before doing so.

No reason to possibly offend the Parseltongue wizard that has a wolf and snake for a familiar.

"By the way Blaise, wanted to let you know that if you want to back out of being my roommate, you're welcome to." Harry offered making Blaise blink owlishly at him.

"I'm good, being your roommate offers a bit of protection, plus it boosts my image a bit that I'm roommates with the Boy-Who-Lived." Blaise stated making Harry nod his head.

"All right then." Harry stated before he frowned and looked, "Anyone seen Rose?" Harry asked suddenly making the others frown and look around as well.

"Over there." Daphne stated as she pointed to near the door where Rose was against the wall looking to nearly be in tears while Ron was glaring angrily at her.

"I'll take care of this, if things get bad it's better if only one of us gets in trouble." Harry stated as he stood and motioned Naga and Ghost to stay as he walked.

"Answer me! How could you go to a dark house like Slytherin?! How could you do this to our family?! Mum and dad are going to be ashamed and horrified!" Ron demanded, his voice only be drowned out by the bustle of people eating and talking.

"Th-the hat said it was a good choice for me and put me there. And don't call them dark! There were wizards from the other houses serving you-know-who in the last war." Rose shot back some tears spilling as her twin was being a right asshole.

"What did you just say to me?!" Ron stated before it looked like he was going to hit her only for Harry to catch his arm.

"Stop. First of all, she is your sister, act like it. Second of all, you would do well not to try such a thing in full view of over 80% of the school let alone the entire staff. Third, you would be better served not trying such a thing in front of me." Harry stated as he pushed Ron back and moved between him and Rose, "Walk away, while I still let you walk." Harry warned as Ron glared.

"What? Gonna use all those dark spells that your fellow snakes have been teaching you?!" Ron sneered and Harry just looked at him.

"I don't need magic to break you. One good stomp and your knees break, one good punch and your nose breaks, a hard enough knee or elbow hit and your jaw breaks, and one good hit and your elbow snaps. Unlike you, I don't need big brothers or magic to defend myself." Harry warned as he stared into Ron's eyes as Ron tried to look brave before he scowled and walked away.

"C'mon." Harry stated as he wrapped his arm around Rose's shoulder, making her smile in appreciation as she wiped her face.

The two sat down with Hermione moving down to let Rose sit between her and Harry before they resumed eating.

A few minutes later, after the Heads of House for each table had gone by, they were all looking at their timetable. "Looks like we have Transfiguration, History, Astronomy, and Potions today, though from what I was told we should bring something to read during History as the teacher is a ghost that only talks about the Goblin wars all year every year." Harry stated with a shake of his head as the others looked at him in disbelief.

"Okay, guess I'll be getting extra reading material from now on if that's the case." Draco commented dryly as the others all nodded in agreement.

A screech came drawing attention as Harry smiled before Ikaros came in making many gasp and stare at him in shock before he circled the room before landing on Harry's shoulder, who began petting him lightly before tossing him a piece of bacon.

"Everyone, this is my third familiar, Ikaros." Harry stated fondly as he stroked his flying familiar's feathers gently making him release what many would call cooing noises as he rubbed his head against Harry's in affection.

"Mr. Potter." Professor McGonagall stated as she approached bringing many of the students' attention to her as she did. "I'll assume these are your familiars that my fellow professors mentioned?" She asked as she motioned to the animals.

"Yes, ma'am. This is Naga, Ghost, and Ikaros." Harry stated as he motioned to each animal when introducing them.

"Very well, if Naga, Ghost, and Ikaros are to remain at the school, there will be a few rules you and they would have to abide by." McGonagall stated as Harry nodded.

"I'm sure. First, I know I am responsible should they do anything and I will have to clean up after them since I'm sure them relieving themselves in the halls will not be tolerated. I can also guarantee that they will not harm anyone that does not intend harm to me or them." He replied before a hissing, caw, and chuff came making Harry nod. "They say they'll not harm anyone unless they pose a threat." Harry stated not caring for the shocked look on McGonagall's face.

"You can understand them?" McGonagall asked in a breathless voice.

"And speak to them, did the three professors not mention that?" Harry asked with an eyebrow raised finding it odd that the teachers either didn't tell her or that the Headmaster didn't see fit to inform her if the teachers only told him.

"They did, but hearing about it and seeing it are not the same thing." She answered making Harry nod in understanding. "Regardless, Mr. Potter, they shall be allowed to attend class with you today, provided that they behave and none of the teachers have anything negative to say, then you should have no problems in the future. However, after classes today, you and your familiars will be accompanying Professor Snape to the Headmaster's office to discuss both them and yourself." She continued making Harry raise and eyebrow before shrugging and nodding.

"All right." Harry stated since there wasn't much else to say to that.

McGonagall merely nodded and walked off.

Harry merely turned and continued eating while the others all glanced at him. "You handled that well, barely any reaction to the fact you're getting called before the Headmaster on what is technically your first day." Draco stated and Harry shrugged.

"Reacting to it negatively or loudly would have just drew more attention and made it look like I had something to hide." Harry stated calmly as he tossed some more bacon to Ikaros while Naga and Ghost ate their meal.

Eventually, it was time to head to their first class, Transfigurations, after spending a free period to look around the castle more. Ikaros had been sent off to fly and enjoy himself, though Harry asked him to take some bacon to Hedwig, which he agreed to if he got another strip.

Arriving at the class, Harry and his fellow first years entered and saw the other houses only just arriving. The classes were divided so half of you year group were in class together while the other half would be in a different class, supposedly this was to promote cooperation and foster relations between the houses rather than essentially isolating them to their house and one other at times. The only exception was if the number of first years was too small to split and from third year on since that was the year you could choose your electives and no year ever picked the exact same ones.

Harry didn't really care; he could be classmates with a baboon and still be unbothered. Though in his case it was likely because he could communicate with the baboon and thus get it to leave him alone while he worked.

Regardless, Harry merely took his seat and only idly noticed the other Slytherin students do the same near him while Naga moved to the desk and Ghost laid on the floor behind Harry and was happily gnawing on his bone. Harry smiled as he saw the cat sitting on the desk.

"Where's the professor?" Gregory Goyle asked in confusion as she had yet to appear and many of the others began murmuring the same thing.

"Look beneath, the underneath." Harry stated as he smiled and opened his book.

"Huh?" Was the intelligent response he got from many.

"What class are we in?" Harry asked patiently directing a smile at the cat, who merely stared at him.

"Transfiguration." Tracey answered as Harry nodded.

"What does that subject entail?" Harry asked making them frown.

"It's the art of altering the shape of things." Hermione stated as Harry nodded.

"Yes, and no. It's not just things that can be altered. Creatures and people can change as well. Advanced transfiguration users can even turn simple rocks into tigers, lions, and bears. However, another advanced art is the ability to shape shift yourself into an animal, thereby making you an animagus. It's a long and dangerous process and shouldn't be done or taken lightly, partly due to the danger of being stuck as an animal and partly because you can lose yourself to the animal instincts, but once you've done it, you can turn into your animal, because you typically only get one and a non-magical one at that, at will. There are also spells that can distinguish an animagus from a normal animal, can force an animagus to change, or trap them in their animal form for a time." Harry explained before he slowly turned to the cat and smiled. "Did I leave anything out, professor?" Harry asked as everyone turned to look at the cat in time for it to jump off the desk and transform into McGonagall much to the class's astonishment.

"No, I believe you covered everything quite well, Mr. Potter. That will be 25 points to Slytherin for both advanced knowledge and noticing something that 30 years of classes have not been able to deduce or notice." McGonagall stated making Harry nod his head before the door burst open and Ron Weasley ran in before bending over panting in the aisle.

"Made it." He breathed with a smile on his face that vanished when he saw McGonagall there impassively staring at him. "Crap." He muttered as McGonagall just looked at him.

"So good of you to join us, Mr. Weasley. I can only assume you either didn't care about the time until it was too late or got lost, perhaps next time you should ask your brothers for help." McGonagall stated making Ron turn red while a few students sniggered until she turned her gaze on them. "Take a seat, Mr. Weasley. And try not to make this a habit or trend." She continued as she moved to her desk while Ron grumbled and looked for a seat.

However, he jumped back in fright as the sight of both Ghost and Naga. "You can stop staring anytime now." Harry stated after he counted to 100 and Ron was still standing there.

"H-how can they let you keep those dangerous and evil animals?!" He nearly shouted drawing attention as Harry rolled his eyes, mentally thanking Magic herself for not putting him in the same house as this imbecile.

He also mentally noted to comfort Rose a bit over the fact she had to grow up and live with this for 11 years and had to go back to it every summer for the foreseeable future.

"They are animals, they're not evil. Even magical animals and creatures aren't inherently evil, they're just dangerous and hungry and so people label them as evil." Harry stated as he scratched some notes on a parchment, both on what was on the board by McGonagall and his own ideas and thoughts on things.

"Yes they are! All snakes are evil and wolves are no better!" Ron shouted making Harry sigh.

"You realize snakes only attack if they feel threatened or they are hungry, which they only attack what is small enough to be eaten. Wolves will generally leave people alone unless they're starving or they feel threatened or they are protecting their pups because most wolves that aren't trained won't attack things bigger than it unless they outnumber their prey by a great deal. They aren't evil, they are simply animals going off their instincts and needs. Evil would imply there is intent behind it other than defense or food. If you want to argue about animals, rats, and I happen to know that you have one, are just as if not more dangerous than snakes and wolves. They will go out of their way to eat anyone or thing they can, in fact an old form of torture was to lock someone in a dungeon and let the rats eat them alive." Harry stated as Ron gaped at him and few people cringed at the last bit. "Furthermore, rats can carry multiple different diseases and parasites, some of which even with magic can take months if not years to cure or get rid of while all snakes but the Basilisk has an antivenom and wolves are only a danger of rabies, which magical people have had a cure for over 200 years. So, if we are going by "evilness" then your rat is one of the most vile animals in existence." Harry continued on as Ron's face turned red.

"Are we sure this monkey is Rose's sibling? Isn't it possible one of them wasn't adopted?" Naga hissed and Harry looked towards him and shrugged.

"From what Rose said, her elder brothers were top students with the twins being smart but lazy, so I'd say Ron is the adopted one." Harry replied before rolling his eyes at the gasps.

"You're a PARSELMOUTH?!" Ron shouted and Harry grunted as he massaged his left ear while those not in Slytherin were gaping and/or gasping.

"Yes, I'm also partially deaf now, maybe I'll go to the school nurse if this ringing continues." Harry stated dryly.

"B-but you can't be!" Ron exclaimed, completely ignorant of the disapproving glare from McGonagall and it was clear to anyone looking at her that she was quickly losing her patience with him.

"I believe that I can. Just like I can begin ignoring you now because you've wasted enough of my time." Harry stated as he went back to his parchment.

"I can't believe it; your parents would be-" Ron was cut off by Harry, Ghost, and Naga all turning to glare at him.

"Do not, continue that sentence, Mr. Weasley. My parents died to protect me from the worst dark lord seen in over a century. They did not die for me just so people like you could use their names as a means of guilt tripping me into doing or being whomever you think I should be. To do so is an insult to them, their memory, and my family and I will not allow that to slide. I will count this time as a lapse of judgment on your part, but do not do it again or there will be consequences." Harry stated as Ron gulped and stepped back and away. "Professor, I understand it is uncalled for to threaten a fellow student, but I can't let that kind of statement slide." Harry stated as he turned his attention back to McGonagall, while everyone noted Ron paling.

Apparently he had forgotten McGonagall was right there.

"That is correct, Mr. Potter. However, given the circumstances, I will allow it to slide this once." McGonagall stated while looking at Ron.

"But he-" Ron was cut off by McGonagall's glare.

"That is quite enough, Mr. Weasley. That will be 40 points and three detentions for not only disobeying me when I told you to take a seat, but also for insulting another student's familiars, causing a commotion in class, and attempting to use that same student's parents against him. Now, sit down before you add to your punishment." McGonagall stated as Ron nodded and went to sit down, frowning the whole while.

He didn't notice the disapproving looks from the others as he now not only told the Boy-Who-Lived to not associate with his cousin, but also to not care about his familiars (which got them wanting to talk about that when McGonagall wasn't likely to get pissed) and was using his dead parents against him because he decided Harry should be a certain way.

Needless to say, Ron's popularity and any standing he had due to his brothers was plummeting fast.

McGonagall stared at Ron until he took his seat before she turned to address the entire class, "Now, we will be going over the art of Transfiguration. As two of our young Slytherins have stated it is the art of shape manipulation, though it is also slightly more advanced than that. For instance, Mr. Potter's example of turning rocks into tigers is indeed correct. But rather than them simply looking like tigers, they are in fact actual living breathing tigers until the spell wears off, or in the case of being used in combat or a duel until they are destroyed by your opponent. As such, the tigers have all the instincts, strength, speed, and ferocity of a real tiger, so it is not just simply an illusion or changing of shape." McGonagall stated as the class was paying attention with a few taking notes. "Now, I will warn you all that I will not tolerate any funny business, messing around, or joking about this subject. Transfiguration is a dangerous art, Mr. Potter's example of Animagi is only one danger that exists." McGonagall stated as the students were all glancing at each other, "Now, each first year I offer a chance for new students to offer an example of what could be a danger, do any of you wish to try?" She asked and a few looked around before Harry shrugged and raised his hand. "Mr. Potter."

"One such danger is the foolish belief of it being safe to eat something you've transfigured into food. Unless you place a high powered charm onto it, then you can suddenly have rocks, sticks, or anything else you transfigured sitting in your stomach and that can be extremely dangerous. One minor exception to this is transfiguring food into a different type of food, it is a common parent tactic to get their children to eat things like vegetables or other healthy foods. They'll transfigure it into candy or something more appetizing and then by the time it changes back, the children have eaten it and get the nutrients." Harry stated making McGonagall nod while a few pure and half-bloods were wondering if some of the things they ate were really that, but at least it tasted good so they could live with it. "A second example would be a spell hitting a person. At times it may not be too harmful, but a weak spell hitting someone's finger or hand could be problematic as the finger or hand could be transfigured and not the rest of the body meaning the item will fall off and it will be hard to reattach it." Harry continued making a few students pale, "A more direct example would be if a spell hit someone in the eye, not only can the eye be transfigured, but it could end up that the object it is changed into can be lodged inside someone's head, plus when the spell wears off, there is no guarantee that the eye will be attached any longer leading to permanent damage." Harry stated making several turn green at that thought.

"Correct, Mr. Potter, 10 points to Slytherin." McGonagall stated impressed that he knew of some clear examples of the dangers. "I hope those examples will keep you from attempting to use transfiguration beyond your skill level or trying something foolish. Now, let's begin with the fundamentals." She continued as the lesson moved onto the history of transfiguration and some of the uses it has in a variety of areas.

Eventually the lesson moved to the first bit of magic to be practiced: Turning a match into a needle. Harry sat back and watched everyone work on it he jotted down some thoughts on the project.

"Mr. Potter? Is there a reason you are not participating?" McGonagall asked and Harry looked at her.

"Making sure I fully had the theory down before I tried the practical." Harry stated as he casually waved his wand over the match and turned it into a perfect silver needle. Harry frowned a moment as he examined the needle and ignored the stunned looks he got. He waved his wand again and changed it so the needle looked like it was made of emerald or jade depending on the light.

He tapped his chin before waving his wand making the needle stay emerald/jade and turned the thread hole lining into silver with a bit of silver flowing through the center down to the point. Harry examined it before nodding his head, "Good, Slytherin colors, much better." Harry idly commented as if he was fixing some annoying mistake.

"M…Mr. Potter, that's astounding. To be able to silent cast at such a young age." McGonagall exclaimed making Harry blink.

"Thank you, it wasn't hard since I've learned some other spells silently. This one didn't seem as complicated as a couple others I've tried. No offense." Harry explained as he casually raised the needle in the air with his wand before he began juggling it with knockback jinxes before he levitated it back to the desk.

"Amazing." McGonagall breathed, "Take 100 points for advanced spell usage. Would you by chance mind if I kept the needle?" She asked and Harry shrugged.

"Sure, do you want it to be Gryffindor colors?" Harry asked and McGonagall was tempted to ask for that just to inspect his work, but decided she had been sidetracked enough and shook her head.

"Is there going to be a day where you're not shocking us?" Hermione asked quietly and Harry shrugged.

"Maybe, I'd imagine I'll either run out of things to show or you'll get used to it." Harry stated with a small smirk. "Now, would you like help with this?" Harry asked as Hermione and the others nodded. "All right, point your wand at the match. Now, close your eyes and picture the match in your mind, then picture it morphing into a needle and each subtle change filling you with joy and a sense of accomplishment. Now, cast the spell and keep visualizing and desiring that to happen." Harry instructed slowly and patiently seeing his housemates listening intently and noticed a few of the nearby students doing it as well.

It worked too as the Slytherins except Crabbe, Goyle, and Bulstrode were able to get a complete needle while the three mentioned got ¾ of the way there within two castings. Harry was patient and helped them continue to visualize and work on it before McGonagall approached, "Mr. Potter." She stated making Harry turn to her and see a smile on her face, "That will be another 15 points for helping your fellow students and 10 points for excellent instructions." She stated and he nodded at her as he sat back and kept scribbling notes and thoughts on the parchment.

He'd seen Loki, Freyja, Hera, and Frigga use magic to conjure food and permanently change something's shape and form until someone of equal skill/power reversed. So, could it be possible for a non-god to do so? Perhaps, but it would take practice and power.

Harry knew that the needle would turn back eventually, he just honestly didn't know how long it would be before it did.

Regardless, he was jotting down notes on the parchment to add to his notebook of ideas from the different spells he had learned so far. Something Loki, Ares, and Týr all stressed on him was fully utilizing every tool and capability he had at his disposal, didn't matter how small or seemingly unimportant it was. If it could be used in anyway to give you an advantage, then you learned and mastered it to be used in such a way.

Harry planned to do just that as he had ideas for the levitation charm, the wand lighting charm, and several others. While it may seem ineffective, turning things into needles could be useful, if nothing else he could change several small objects into needles and then launch them at his enemies.

For now, he'd make sure to absorb as much knowledge as possible from these lessons.

DONE!

Gonna just cut it here, next time we do some more classes and the meeting with Dumbledore.

Special thanks to my Patrons: Andrew Stephens, Shadow9Fox, Janus Christoffer Sønderskov, Patrick Ferro, Smilix, Dylan Page, William Skondras,Tom Khoury, Joseph, Matthew Anderson, Jason Anderson, Kelly Payeur, Rich Didcott, Matthew Jackson, Joeri Lissens, Cory Toler, Dreadix, and GhostKingGengar. Thank you all for your continued support.

That should be it, see you all next time!