Chapter 2

4 years later (present-day):

When Harry received his letter from Hogwarts, he was surprised to find himself relieved to be leaving his hometown. He had gotten so used to the comfort and attention Pastor John provided that even though he knew it was wrong, it was so routine that he looked forward to their private sessions in some sick way. Pastor John was the only one who cared about Harry, and it felt nice.

But going away to school…he'd have no one. He'd be alone again. But…Pastor John wouldn't be there to do stuff to him. Conflicting emotions swam through his small brain.

A school for witchcraft and wizardry…wow.

He couldn't help being a little excited if not mostly ashamed. Being a wizard is what got him into this mess with Pastor John in the first place. He was a freak, he didn't belong in this world. But at this new school, everyone would be a freak. Maybe he'd make friends, and meet others like him. Wouldn't that be grand?

The Sunday before he left for school, he had a double private lesson with Pastor John as a goodbye, and the man told him to come back for Christmas so they could catch up.

Harry wasn't sure he really wanted to see him again, because the more he thought about leaving, the happier he got. He'd get away from his awful family and he'd get away from his painful "private sessions" twice a week. Things couldn't get much worse than that, he thought.

His uncle all but threw him out of the car at the train station, muttering under his breath about wasting gas. A big man named Hagrid had brought Harry to buy all his school supplies the week prior and it had been exciting. Everyone seemed to love him but he wasn't sure why. It felt nice either way. Everyone knew his name like they were expecting him or something. It was a grand feeling. And what was even better, they didn't seem to expect or even want anything from Harry in exchange for their praise and attention.

He met a red-headed boy in the train station named Ron who helped him find the right train. For the entire train ride, they stuffed themselves with sweets and talked a lot. Harry thought this might be the best day of his entire life. If he woke up tomorrow and realized this was all a dream, he'd live off the memories for decades.

When they arrived at the school, it was even more beautiful than Harry imagined. The students were led into a grand cafeteria room with long wooden tables all around. He followed Ron up to the front where Ron told him they'd be sorted into houses.

Harry got nervous then. There were 4 houses, one of which you'd belong for all your years at Hogwarts. What if he didn't belong in any of them? Would they send him back? He didn't want to go back, really he didn't.

His heart beat faster as each name was called. He wasn't smiling anymore with the other children, too worried about his fate.

"Harry Potter," Professor McGonagall spoke loudly.

Harry shakily sat down, sweaty palms wiping across his robes. Everyone in the great hall was muttering at his name being called. He wasn't so sure he liked the attention so much anymore. He didn't like that everyone whispered about him and he didn't know why.

A ratty old hat was placed atop his head.

He closed his eyes and prayed to the God Pastor John always talked about. He was a good boy for so many years, he never disobeyed his pastor. Surely God would reward his good behavior and grant him this one thing.

Please, he thought. I just want to belong. Anywhere. Any house. I want to stay, I want to belong somewhere.

He thought he could almost hear God answering back, though it almost sounded like it was the hat whispering into his mind.

And then the hat spoke out loud, "Slytherin!"

Harry grinned and stood, looking out to his audience, but his smile quickly dropped. The entire great hall was dead silent. He was sure everyone clapped and shouted after all the other kids got chosen. Given, he wasn't paying attention very much, but still, he was sure he had heard clapping for the other kids.

He looked up at Professor McGonagall, eyebrows scrunched together. She cleared her throat and began clapping, the rest of the great hall following the lead. She motioned him to a table where he joined the other first years sorted into Slytherin.

He cautiously took a seat. At home, he wasn't allowed to sit on their furniture. He stood beside the table before he was guided down to a seat. He felt like he was doing something wrong by sitting with the other kids.

A blond-haired boy was sitting next to him. Harry whispered, "Did I do something wrong?"

He shook his head, "No. People just expected you to be a Gryffindor like your parents. I'm Malfoy by the way. Draco Malfoy."

He stuck his hand out in greeting and Harry awkwardly took it. He had never shaken someone's hand before. It felt odd.

He felt uncomfortable in this new setting. Everyone was too nice to him. He didn't deserve this. He wanted to let himself enjoy it, but he couldn't help feeling like something bad would happen to him at any moment.

Snape couldn't believe it. The boy who lived…in his house. What had he done to deserve that one? He just could not fathom having to look after the boy for the next seven years. He'd be speaking with Dumbledore about this, that was for sure.

But maybe this was a good thing. He would have total authority over him to discipline him how he saw fit. Yes, maybe this was a good thing. He wouldn't let any of his awful, spoiled behavior slide here. He'd learn some respect and manners. He'd been pampered all his life and Severus would not continue that streak.