An hour and a half had probably passed when Harry heard Ron and Hermione's voices get closer to the compartment. During that time, he rested his eyes and occasionally stared in the distance, if not then fiddling with his earrings. There were approximately 5 hours left before they arrived at Hogwarts. Last year, he spent the trip sleeping and eating with Ron. However, too much was running through his mind to sleep. The least he could do was play around with his magic needle, fiddle with his earrings, and mess with Hedwig to pass the time.

The compartment door opened, and Harry glanced at Hermione and Ron. "How did the others react to the news?" He asked while leaning his face over his palm.

"Oh, Harry, you're awake. Thought you'd sleep longer." Ron said and sat beside him. He offered Harry a box of Bertie Bott's, which Harry refused to. Ron shrugged and ate the box of candy alone.

"We found Ginny with the twins. We don't know about Percy, though." He said while munching on the flavored candy. Hermione turned to him disgusted, "Ron, don't speak with your mouth full." " –Sorry," "But as he said, they said they'll tell Mrs. and Mr. Weasley about the news."

"That's good then. Do you guys know who'll be our new defense against the dark arts teacher?" Both of them shook their heads. "Well, whoever they are, they can't be worse than last year," Ron said jokingly–though no one laughed at his joke, they all agreed that it was true. Anything could be better than a parasitic dark lord.

They spent the rest of the trip catching up and sleeping—minus Harry—until it was time for them to exit the train. Unlike last year, they weren't required to ride the boat. Instead, all year levels besides the 1st years are required to board a carriage to Hogwarts.

"Damn, first a pegasus, now an invisible one? This day is wicked, I'm telling you." Ron commented while he ran around the nearest carriage. The higher levels paid no mind to the excited 2nd years and rode the carriages in groups. "What do you mean? There is something pulling the carriage." Harry stared straight into the eyes of the skeletal being. It was the opposite of the large white pegasus they saw this morning. This one was bony, thin, and dark, unlike the white, sturdy pegasus. Yet, Harry found them more majestic than scary. The skeletal horse bowed its head to Harry, which he softly petted.

"What do you mean, Harry? There's nothing there…" Hermione frowned and tried to see what Harry was talking about. She tried rubbing her eyes and squinting, but nothing appeared. All her efforts were for naught, and gave up soon after. "Harry, are you sure you're seeing right?"

Harry realized that only he could see the skeletal horse and stopped his actions. "Yeah, it's a skeletal horse that looked like it had seen death. A wonderful creature really."

Ron shivered at the description and awkwardly laughed, "Hahaha… nice one, mate. How about we get going and not talk about it…?"

Harry was kind enough to stop and ride the carriage without any remarks. Afterall, it was dead of night, with barely any light illuminating the road. Their ride was silent, leaving Ron's worried glances over the skeletal horses he couldn't see and page-flipping from Hermione. She brought out her 'Hogwarts a History' book without Ron or Harry noticing.

Soon after, they were dropped off in front of Hogwarts and entered the castle. They were tasked to head down the grand hall with all their luggage magically transported to their rooms. The trio quickly joined the rest of their house in the grand hall, excited to see who their new teacher would be. When they saw who sat on the defense against the dark arts chair, Harry and Ron could not help but scowl while Hermione squealed in delight.

With his ever-flashy white teeth, Gilderoy Lockhart waved his hand over to the swooning girls. "Great, this will be a fun experience," Ron whispered sarcastically to Harry. However, Harry wasn't listening to the whispers and bustling noises. Instead, he felt cold sweat run down his back while he stared wide-eyed at the notorious bat, Snape.

Harry clutched his chest and felt the tug in his soul, directing him to Snape. 'No way in hell…'

Snape is a 'player'.

"Mother fucker…" He whispered under his breath while he forced himself to look away. He felt something poking at his head but then disappeared, seemingly discontent, right after he looked away. 'What the hell was that?'

He also felt a soft tug from Dumbledore's direction, so soft that he barely noticed. Fortunately or unfortunately, he was too hypersensitive to his surroundings and caught Dumbledore's twinkling eyes gazing at him with a wide smile. The old grandmaster waved his hand at them and proceeded to socialize with the other teachers in the table.

'What's going on? Is Dumbledore also…' Before Harry could formulate an answer, he felt a familiar chill run down his spine and a bell chime. "A fallen player." Time stopped, and everything was silenced in a matter of a second. He felt cold and shivered, but there was no change in temperature whatsoever—it was all due to the god's uninvited presence.

Harry's eyes retracted and searched for the voice but saw nothing. "Care to explain more?" He softly whispered. "The Fallen are those who abandoned and forgotten the Doors of Trials… players who ran from their duties." Harry felt something pointing at Snape, but he could only assume as he could only see a wispy figure. "No need to be wary of the eyes and the soul." Death flicked on his earrings and continued, "You are bestowed impenetrable protection that will stop any psychological attacks. Even the most powerful Legilimency or any form of mind reading from gods cannot penetrate it."

Harry saw a familiar screen pop before him.

[

Discovered 'Peverell's Earrings' new function: An Impenetrable Force

Resistance against any psychological attacks

Fortifies the wearer's mentality

Enhances psychological attacks

]

The screen dispersed soon after, and Death's presence followed suit as if he was never there to begin with. Everything went back to normal in slow motion, and noises again entered his hearing. "Damn Death, just appearing and disappearing whenever they want… Actually, why couldn't they have explained the Door of Trial right now rather than wait for December?" Harry grumbled. He frowned but schooled his expression when he remembered he was still in the presence of others. "You good, Harry?" Hermione asked when she saw Harry rub his head. "Yeah…"

"What got up Snape's arse? He's staring daggers at us. What the hell did we even do?" Ron groaned and scrunched his face. He took a chicken leg and aggressively bit on it as if trying to threaten the greasy bat. "Nothing, as far as I know," Hermione replied, somewhat worried about what would happen. A cranky Snape is a bad Snape, especially for Gryffindors—even she had to admit that.

"Probably just being his usual self, just ignore him." Hermione decided and went to get herself dinner. Harry just nodded in agreement and ignored the gnawing feeling in his gut. Harry took some chicken and mashed potato, ignoring soup-like food and opaque juices.

"Aren't you gonna eat more, mate?" Ron asked in between his chewing. Harry shook his head, "Kinda full, and besides, I can't eat when someone is glaring daggers at me." Ron nodded in sympathy but continued to eat in large portions.

"That's not healthy, Harry. It's been a long ride, and you barely ate any of the snacks we offered during the trip."

"I promise, Hermione, I'll eat when I'm hungry. I have snacks stashed in the dorm—it should be fine."

"Fine, but promise me you aren't starving yourself."

"Don't worry, starving is the least I would want."

She nodded in reply, signifying the end of the conversation. Harry slowly ate his fill and caught up with the rest of his friends. As per usual, the Gryffindor table was the rowdiest out of all tables and instantly created a mess. The twins were singing praises to their little sister and just had to embarrass her in front of the crowd. The others were exchanging pleasantries and joking around. Some had already made some sort of riot and thrown food at each other.

Just before dinner ended, their table was silenced when Snape's voice pierced through the noise with his voice. "Potter, meet me in my office after dinner. I will not accept excuses as to why you cannot comply." Harry flinched slightly from his seat, startled by Snape's oppressive voice. Everyone who heard looked curiously at the notorious bat and the golden boy. Hermione stood up to defend Harry, "Professor, it's only the first night—what could Harry have possibly done to garner your attention? I don't see why this is fair for him."

"Quiet, Granger. This is between me and him." Before any of the trio could speak up, Snape left with his cape billowing in his steps. Ron grumbled and cursed Snape for his blatant discrimination against them. Hermione sighed and tried to comfort Harry, saying it shouldn't be severe.

Harry ignored them and clutched his utensils till his knuckles were white. 'I should've expected this. I guess I can't delay the inevitable…better now than later,' he sighed and stood from his seat, excusing himself from the crowd. Hermione tried to follow him, but he asked her to leave him for the time being, "As Snape said, this is between us. No need to get involved, Mione, lest you also get in trouble." That made her pause her steps and nodded. She reluctantly left his side and sat back down, but not without giving him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

He left the hall, not caring about the whispers that erupted after. "Hah! Is Potter getting detention before the first day of school?" Draco shouted from the other table with a mocking tone.

"Shut up, Malfoy! No one asked for your opinion." Ron snarled at Draco.

—-

Candles and chandeliers brightly lighted the halls—ghosts would often pass by and wave at Harry before continuing whatever they were doing, and paintings would chatter amongst themselves. Harry's eyes remained empty while he silently passed through the corridors. Questions and scenarios ran through his head as he fiddled with his earrings.

He was still on school grounds and confident Snape wouldn't try anything on him. Still, he needed to be cautious—he didn't know what was up the greasy git's sleeves. Harry knows it would be dumb to have his guard down around Snape, especially now he has found out that he is a Player. His only safety was the blessing Death had just given him and the scythe that he doubted he could even properly wield. While he may have improved in casting spells, he is no match to Snape, an adult with experience. He stood in front of Snape's office and knocked on it thrice. The door opened, and inside was Snape, sitting on his desk with arms folded.

"Harry Potter, the boy who lived, and… the new player." He mocked.

"Professor Snape, Slytherin's greasy bat," Harry rebutted in return, pushing the door closed with his back. No way he'd expose his back to a possible threat. "5 points from Gryffindor, Mr. Potter. Who said you can use that mocking tone on me."

"I don't see why you should either, Professor."

"Sit down and let us head to business, shall we." It was an order rather than a question. Harry knew there was no point in arguing and sat at the chair in front of the desk. He daringly stared at Snape's eyes, taunting him with his Avada Kedavra eyes.

He felt that probing feeling from earlier once again, but this time, he knew what it was. As much as he hated Death for the troubles the god brought him, he trusted the god's words and gift. Snape's face formed an irritated frown when he realized he could not get any answers by forcing his way inside Harry's mind. Harry smirked in victory and tilted his head to taunt.

Snape's eyes narrowed, not willing to give up. "Speak."

"I don't know what you're talking about, Professor. Maybe if you ask nicely, this idiot dunderhead will understand."

"Potter…" Snape groaned, irritated, making Harry grin wider. "Why did you just have to be involved in this rabbit hole of a mess? Was the dark lord not enough for you to deal with? Or were you so bored during summer that you decided to test your luck and dance with death?" His voice was cold and sharp, so sharp that Harry swore if words could cut, he'd be covered in it just from the distaste in Snape's voice. Harry's grin morphed into a thin line, disliking the accusations thrown at him when he did not want to be part of the so-called rabbit hole.

"I'd prefer it if you don't jump to random accusations, Professor." The calm reply threw Snape off, as he expected more emotional feedback from Potter that could reveal answers. Internally, Harry was pissed, but the taunting words weren't enough to anger him. "Are you really insinuating that I would willingly risk my life over something I wish no part in? A small 12-year-old boy who could barely face the abysmal terrors behind those doors?"

"Oh please, I know you. You wouldn't let a chance to do something reckless slip by, just like your father." Harry's eyes narrowed at the disrespect, and was quick to speak up.

"Professor, you don't know me. You only know what you believe me to be, a reckless Gryffindor, the egotistical boy-who-lived, and the son of James and Lily." Snape felt the words he was about to utter got stuck in his throat, and he was unable to speak up after hearing Potter's words.

The boy thought that that would be the end of their conversation and stood up. "Potter, who said we are done here." Snape finally spoke, but his tone wasn't harsh like earlier.

"I don't see what else we need to talk about." Harry was about to leave, but Snape slammed the desk with his palms and called his name.

"Potter, answer me with utmost honesty—were you or were you not forced to participate in the trial by a player?" That caught Harry's attention, and sat back down. "You should've just asked that earlier. I don't hear an apology from you either," The boy huffed in annoyance but answered regardless.

"Just answer the goddamn question."

"No, I was not forced by a player. I went through the natural selection."

His answer did not appease Snape—rather, he was frowning and tightly clenching his fists until the knuckles turned white. "Who is your sponsor then?"

"That's confidential information I am not willing to share." —unless you make a vow, like Edith. Harry said inside his head, with no intention of letting the other know. Snape scoffed and replied, "Good to know you know a thing or two about self-preservation."

"Is that all, Professor?"

"I did not dismiss you yet, Mr. Potter." Harry sighed but stayed anyway. "What do you know about the doors so far? I know you're only at first, but you ought to have gotten something from it."

"Honestly, Professor? Not much other than preventing the world's end. My sponsor will disclose more information in my second door, is what it said." As he spoke, he waved his hand and sighed for the umpteenth time.

"Tsk, lastly."

'Did he just click his tongue at me?' His eye twitched but remained silent.

"How the hell did you make it out alive without seemingly scarred? I've seen numerous players come and go, and not once did they come out the first trial this stable." Harry remained eerily quiet and stared into Snape's eyes, who felt a chill run down his spine. His eyes were dark, recalling the events that happened inside the door. Then he chuckled and ruffled his hair.

"Hah, would you really like to know? Cuz I don't." The boy sneered and crossed his hands over his chest. "I think that's enough interrogation, Professor. Unless you're interested in giving out some information yourself rather than asking me pointless stuff."

Snape rubbed his face and understood that he could no longer progress with the questions. "You are free to leave." He made a shoo motion with one hand while the other pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Thank you, Professor."

Harry reached out for the handle and was about to pull the door open but paused when he heard Snape.

"Tell me when your next trial is close. I'll prepare a standard survival potion kit that's common for every player to have."

"Why?"

"Because it's my duty, you idiot dunderhead. I don't want to deal with the consequences of your death."

Harry nodded in reply and opened the door. He took one last look at Snape before leaving for the Gryffindor dormitory. The halls were now packed with students. Some gave him curious glances, but most minded their own business. It didn't take long for him to reach the dorm and was about to enter, until he realized that he didn't know the password. Fortunately, some students passed by, opening the portrait for him.

"Harry!" "Mate!"

Ron and Hermione shouted at the same time and ran up to him. Harry had to raise both of his hands to prevent them from getting too close for comfort.

"Hey guys, sorry for leaving early."

"Bah, it's fine. Not like it's your fault to begin with, it's that slimy bastard that was being unreasonable." Ron patted his back and grinned. "So what did Professor Snape want from you, Harry?" Hermione asked.

"Ah, he was telling me not to repeat last year's accident. He just had to be rude about it." He lied through his teeth without really thinking about it. It's not like he can disclose what he and Snape talked about— even if he could, he would never.

"Oh, thank Merlin." Hermione placed a hand over her chest and sighed in relief. "It's been a long day—let's all head to bed now that this has been settled. We still got a lot ahead of us," She continued.

As if it was a cue, Ron yawned while stretching his arms widely. "Mn, good night, Mione, Harry, I'm gonna go ahead." The redhead trudged upstairs after hugging them both.

"I guess exhaustion finally caught up to him." Hermione commented with a chuckle. "Alright then, good night to you too, Mr. Trouble Magnet." She lightly tapped his shoulder and headed to the girls' dormitory.

"Mr. Trouble Magnet… am I really…?" Harry groaned when he couldn't deny it.