A Snake in a Raven's Claw
DISCLAIMER: This series is a work of fiction based off the Harry Potter franchise using characters that are trademarked by J.K Rowling and Warner Bros Entertainment Inc. I do not claim ownership of the Harry Potter franchise. While most dialogue is of my own creation, some dialogue is taken directly from the Harry Potter franchise as a matter of course, due to the type of work I am creating. Characters found in this series not found within the Harry Potter franchise are of my own creation.
Please take note that my works are fiction, and I, as the author, do not necessarily support or agree with the views, speech, and/or actions of some of the fictional characters in this story.
A pair of silver-steely irises squinted under the beam of sunlight that poured through the arched windows into the Ravenclaw dormitory where the young Malfoy scion slept, raising his hand and reaching for his wand, clutching the piece of wood in his hand tightly, his eyes now fully adjusted to the sun, the boy sat upright, his eyes darting to the arched window carved into the wall opposite his bed.
Draco allowed his eyes to wander to the midnight blue and silver canopy, the walls draped in banners of vibrant midnight blue and silver bearing the emblem of the eagle, the symbol of Ravenclaw house.
Not waiting for the others to wake Draco pivoted his body so that he could plant his feet on the floor, the wooden floorboards making a creaking sound beneath his feet making the young Malfoy scion wince, scanning the room he was relieved to see that his fellow Ravenclaw housemates were still soundly sleeping.
Making his way to the common room, Draco walked across the midnight blue circular carpet that covered virtually the entire main area of the Ravenclaw common room, his silver orbs darting to one of the many arched windows that were so elegantly carved into the walls of the tower, his eyes darting to the star filled skyline.
"Draco", a soft, gentle voice cut through him, disrupting his line of thought.
Turning his head to glare at the voice's owner, the young Malfoy scion stopped in his tracks, locking eyes with her. His silver-steel irises meeting her hazel orbs.
"Chang ? What are you doing here ? " The young Malfoy scion asked incredulously, remembering her name after asking the prefect who led them to the tower, informing him that her name was Cho Chang and that she was the seeker of the Ravenclaw quidditch team.
"I couldn't sleep, so I came down to watch
the stars, it helps me when I can't sleep." Cho answered, a look of concern etched onto her snow-white face.
"Are you ok, is it your father ?" The Ravenclaw seeker inquired, her brow creased in worry.
"Does your father know that you've been sorted into Ravenclaw ?" Cho, continued.
"I sent him a letter by owl but he hasn't responded yet." Draco answered back, a scowl forming on the porcelain face of the young Malfoy scion.
"It must be hard being the only Malfoy not to end up in Slytherin." The Ravenclaw said, her hazel orbs shimmering in sympathy.
"You don't need to remind me," Draco spat, his face contorting into a scowl.
"Anyways it doesn't matter once my father hears about this he'll demand I be resorted and then the sorting hat will put me in the house I rightfully belong in." Draco declared.
"Draco," Cho began, her voice gentle "That's not going to happen."
"Of course it is my father's a member of the Hogwarts Board of Governors." Draco retorted.
"That's not what I meant, what I mean is that second sortings are only allowed under special circumstances and even if you are resorted you'll only be sorted back into Ravenclaw, every time anyone's ever been resorted they are sorted back into the house the sorting hat originally sorted them into, you can even read about it in Hogwarts A History." Cho explained.
"B-but I'm a Malfoy I belong in Slytherin," Draco spluttered out.
"Please Draco just think about what I've said", Cho said, before leaving the young Malfoy scion alone with his thoughts.
The young Malfoy scion remained scowling, but softened slightly considering what the Ravenclaw seeker had said.
The sound of feathers furiously flapping against each other drew Draco's eyes towards the open arched window opposite him where an owl was gaining speed and momentum, it swooped into the common room a white envelope clutched tightly between its talons, dropping it into his lap, then taking off back through the window Draco watched as the owl flew further and further away until it had completely disappeared from his line of sight.
His body tensing, Draco stiffened his fingers trembling as he inspected the envelope in his hands it bore the stamp of the Malfoy coat of arms, holding the letter in his hand, his hands trembling he opened the letter. It wasn't a howler Malfoys were to proper to air out their dirty laundry in public.
Dear Draco
I've have received your letter, and I will be arranging a meeting with Professor Flitwick and Headmaster Dumbledore to discuss transferring you to your rightful house Slytherin.
Lucius A. Malfoy
The young Malfoy scion releasing a sigh, suddenly he heard a pair of small footsteps making their way up the long flight of hard concrete stairs of Ravenclaw tower approaching the Ravenclaw common room, when suddenly he heard a voice, "Ah Mr Malfoy just who I was looking for, please follow me", turning to identify the source of the voice it was Professor Flitwick, the professor of charms and the head of Ravenclaw house.
The former dueling champion had a rather noticeable diminutive stature on account of his goblin ancestry, his eyes were hidden behind a pair of round spectacles reminiscent of the boy who lived's, wearing a black cloak that seemingly enveloped the entire frame of the former dueling champion's body, beneath the cloak he was clad in a grey waistcoat along with a white shirt and a black bow-tie.
"Yes Professor Flitwick", Draco replied, hoping that this would be his chance to rectify his sorting.
The former dueling champion took the lead departing down the concrete steps that led to Ravenclaw tower, the young Malfoy scion following behind his head of house gritting his teeth as he felt the soles of his shoes making contact with the stone steps.
Arriving at the entrance to the Headmaster's office a stone statue of a griffin stood majestic and imposing at the entrance of the Headmaster's office.
"Lemon Drops" Flitwick's voice reverberating in the small room.
The statue rotated allowing the duo to enter the headmaster's office. A set of three ornately carved arched doors were erected in the centre of the office. The Headmaster sat behind a long oak desk his fingers steepled. Instruments of silver emitting wisps of smoke were scattered across the oak desk, the tendrils of smoke hovering in the air before dissipating into nothingness.
Above the former transfiguration professor hung a portrait of an elderly man with a slender weak looking appearance clad in blue robes with golden accents, his grey hair concealed by a brown Wizard's hat.
"Filius, Mr Malfoy I've been expecting you", the former transfiguration professor declared, rising from behind the oak desk to greet them.
The former dueling champion smiled in acknowledgement of the elderly man's greeting, the young Malfoy scion's silver-steel irises drifting over to the corner of the chamber where his father stood the elder Malfoy's face contorted into a cold and cruel expression.
"Headmaster" The elder Malfoy said, addressing the headmaster, "I trust you know why I am here".
"Indeed", The former transfiguration professor replied his cerulean irises twinkling from behind his crescent spectacles.
"I'm afraid that I must inform you that Hogwarts only allows second sortings under special circumstances and unfortunately this is not one of those special circumstances and furthermore there is not a single recorded case of a second sorting, sorting a student into any house other than the house a student was first sorted into". The former transfiguration professor continued, his voice steely.
"I'm sure an exception can be made Headmaster." Lucius began, "It would be a shame to have to inform the Board of Governors that you're infringing on my rights as Draco's father, and get them involved over something like this", Lucius snarled, the implication of a threat hanging in the air.
"Very well Mr Malfoy will receive a second sorting." The Headmaster relented, not believing it to be wise to pick this battle over a dispute in sorting.
"Why not ask Mr. Malfoy if he wishes to be resorted ?" Professor Flitwick's voice cut through the room.
Lucius's eyes sharpened, but before he could say anything the former transfiguration professor's voice rang out "Quite right Filius," Dumbledore said.
"Mr Malfoy," Dumbledore said, turning to address the young Malfoy scion, "do you wish to undergo a second sorting ?"
"No", Draco replied Cho's words from earlier still on his mind, at the sharp glint in his father's eyes, he continued, explaining "The sorting hat put me into Ravenclaw for a reason", Draco began thinking back to Cho's words before continuing, "anyways I don't see the point in being sorted into Ravenclaw for a second time."
"Quite right Mr Malfoy, spoken like a true Ravenclaw". The former dueling champion proclaimed.
"Then it seems like our business is finished here, unless there are any other matters you wish to address ?" The former transfiguration professor asked the elder Malfoy, scowling the elder Malfoy departed the chamber his black robes billowing behind him, stopping to level one last glance at his son, before exiting the chamber.
"Mr Malfoy," Dumbledore began addressing the young boy, "I'm sure you're apprehensive about being in Ravenclaw, but you should know that Ravenclaw house has produced many fine witches and wizards, including my predecessor." The former transfiguration professor said, gesturing to the portrait hanging above him.
"Quite right Headmaster, and let's not forget yourself." The former dueling champion said.
"You're too kind Filius." The former transfiguration professor said.
"Y-you were sorted into Ravenclaw", Draco said, the shock evident in his tone.
"Indeed Mr Malfoy." The headmaster confirmed.
"But I read that you were sorted into Gryffindor." Draco said.
"I'm afraid that's my own doing, Mr Malfoy. The former transfiguration professor explained.
"How ? " The young Malfoy scion inquired.
"My defeat of Gellert Grindelwald, many believed that bravery of that caliber was reserved exclusively to Gryffindor. Dumbledore explained.
Continuing, the former transfiguration professor clarified, "That was also my last accomplishment and what I owe my claim to fame across the wizarding world to, before that my wizarding prowess and feats were exclusively confined to the academic arena."
Dumbledore then bid Draco and Professor Flitwick a good night, they both returned farewells.