Chapter 5:
This chapter contains Snape's monolog from "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's stone". I will try to make the wait shorter on the next chapter. English is not my first language. I hope people can look past that. I am working on getting a beta reader. I hope you enjoy the chapter(;
Nott, Zabini and Harry sat down next to Greengrass and Davies. The green table was covered with different dishes. All four tables were filled to the brim with students. The enchanted ceiling depicted the sunny day. Malfoy had left the boys to sit with Parkinson, Bulstrode, Crabbe, and Goyle. Two Gryffindors were standing up arguing with big, exaggerated hand movements. The entire table followed the argument and started yelling, whenever one of them started talking. The blue table featured students either reading all kinds of books, deep in thoughts or engaged in conversations with the students next to them. The badgers seemed to be doing some bonding exercise. They were the only table were the older and younger students sat mixed. His own table were divided in small groups, who spoke quietly.
"What do you think of Hogwarts?" Harry asked.
"The experience has been rather pleasant this far," Greengrass answered. Her eyes hazel eyes analytically studying him.
"It has been terribly delightful. The castle is so lovely and full of magic. I have never felt this much magic in one place," Davies smiled. Harry got what she meant. The feeling of being around so much magic was captivating.
"I must agree with heiress Greengrass. The castle is so amusing. It will certainly be entertaining with so many wixen in one place," Zabini added. Nott simply looked at him, then nodded in agreement with Zabini.
"Wixen?" Harry hadn't heard that term used before.
"Wixen is the gender-neutral way to refer to someone with magic. Those who identify as non-binary prefer wixen too. The so called "light" use wizards, like witches aren't important too," Greengrass ranted. It was reasonable and made perfect sense. Harry made a note to himself to never use wizards to describe wixen of both genders in front of the blonde. Greengrass quickly gained control of her temper and the mask once again slid over her face. They ate the rest of the meal while chatting about their expressions of Hogwarts. They made their way down the dungeon towards potions. Yet Harry knew Nott's inquisitive stare never left him. Harry reached the first row of tables and sat down. Greengrass took the spot next to him. Nott took the spot next to Davies. The rest of the Slytherins made their way to the front of the classroom. Malfoy took the spot next to Zabini, while his goons sat behind them. Professor Snape turned up and stood before his desk. He looked every first year over.
"I trust you have all been abiding by the rules." The professor' stare burned into them.
They all nodded.
"And your first classes have gone by without a hitch?" the professor questioned.
The Slytherins nodded again.
"I see you have already earned a lot of points. So, well done, Nott, Malfoy, and Potter." The sneer turned to a smirk.
"We are already in the lead with points. I hope you three will keep it up. And to the rest of you, it's the first day, you can't all get points every day. If you just do your best not to lose any and contribute with all you got in classes. You may have heard I favor my students. While I give your more opportunities to earn points, I will never attribute points without reason. I inspect the best of all my students. Potions can be very dangerous. Remember to look after yourself. I will do my best to avoid accidents, don't make my job harder by messing too much with our lions. Since it is the first class we will start with a pop-quiz and some theory. Have you all read your book?" Upon seeing them nodding, the professor continued; "I will start by picking a Gryffindor to answer, if they fail, I will pick one of you. Don't worry if you get it wrong, just remember and read up on it. Understood."
"Yes, sir," the first years responded, sharing smirks of their own.
"On to another matter. In the weekend all of you will have a private conversation with me. Your times will be on the noticeboard in the common room. Don't be late." The professor gazed over the seating arrangements.
"Look at the person sitting next to you. That is your partner this term." The professor moved behind the desk, noted the seating arrangements, and started prepping for the class. The Slytherins pulled their books and notebooks out. They sat and chatted quietly with their partner.
"So, you and me, Potter." The blonde gave him a small smile.
"Yes, Greengrass. We are both pragmatic, so I believe this will work out excellently."
"Looking around, I can't help but agree. We got this." The two now supported equally smug smirks.
The Gryffindors arrived a minute before class started. They took the spots in the back. A bushy haired girl complained loudly, that the Slytherins had taken the spot. Now, she wouldn't be close to the professor. She thereafter started mentioning how much she had read about potions in the book.
"What a bore," he whispered to Greengrass. Which made the blonde giggle discreetly. The room went quit as Snape strode forward.
"There will be no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations in this class. As such, I don't expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art that I potion-making. However, for those select few…" The professor looked at the front rows.
"Who possess, the predisposition… I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory and even put a stopper in death."
Harry had read that potions were useful. However, what the professor had described sounded intriguing. He would have to pay close attention in this class. Harry noticed that his housemates looked equally invested. Chatter could be heard from the back rows. Professor Snape apparently noticed too.
"Then again, maybe some of you have come to Hogwarts in possession of abilities that you feel confident enough to not pay attention! Mister Weasley and Mister Thomas." Malfoy snickered. The rest of the Slytherins tried containing their laughter.
"Weasley, what would I get if I added a powder root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"
The ginger boy's face turned red.
"Not capable of answering. Perhaps an easier one. Where do you find me a bezoar?"
The red-faced boy turned several shades redder.
"Still no answer, very disappointing. Maybe mister Thomas will do better." The professor turned to the other loud boy. The Slytherins twisted in their chairs to get a better view.
"What is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?" The Slytherins giggled. Surely, he would get that. It was way too easy. Yet, then the boy spoke, he didn't answer the question.
"I don't know, sir." That brought the Slytherins glee to a new high.
"Such a shame. 5 points from each of you for disturbing class."
"How is anyone supposed to know that" Weasley said loudly. His cheeks still slightly red.
"5 points from Gryffindor for talking back to a teacher. And I can assure you others can. What about you, heir Potter. Will you please answer my questions."
This made Harry smirk. A great opportunity to better his relationship with his head of house.
"The answer to the first question about asphodel and wormwood would be the Draught of Living Death. It's a very powerful sleeping potion, that will make the drinker fall into a death-like slumber. The sleep can last forever. I believe the Wiggenweld Potion would counter it."
"Remarkably well-informed, mister Potter. The other two."
Harry decided to take a risk with the next reply.
"A bezoar is a stone found in a goat' stomach. It is an antidote to most poisons, excluding the venom from a Basilisk. I would guess there is also one in the ingredient's cupboard in case of accidents."
The smug look on the professor' face confirmed he had gotten away with the cheeky response.
"The answer to the third question is simple. There is no difference. Monkshood and wolfsbane is two names for the plant aconite. It is a mundane plant with magical properties. It is used in many potions; it is also toxic."
"Well done. 15 points to you heir Potter."
"15 points! That is so unfair. Those were easy questions," miss bore said. Greengrass rolled her eyes at the bushy haired girl.
"Yet, your housemates could not. If you believe the reason for that, being they are exceptionally stupid, you can answer a harder question and gain 15 points. Your choice." Weasley and Thomas glared at the brunette.
"I would like a harder question."
"As you will, Miss Granger. Name an ingredient in the Polyjuice potion."
Granger started stammering and looking down in her notes.
"Such high expectations demolished so quickly."
"How am I meant to know that. It's unfair. I have read so much."
"I don't believe it's unfair. Let me prove that by asking my Slytherins. Potter name one?"
"Boomslang skin, sir."
"Heiress Greengrass?"
"Fluxweed, but they need to be picked on a full moon, professor."
"Correct. Heir Nott?"
"Lacewing flies, sir, that has been stewed for 21 days before making the potion."
"Indeed. Miss Davies?"
"Knotgrass is another ingredient, Professor Snape."
"It certainly is. Heir Malfoy?"
"One powdered horn of a Bicorn, sir."
"I wouldn't expect another response from you, truly amazing. Does anyone have more? Yes, mister Zabini."
"You will need a piece of the person you are turning into. Like hair or toenails. It will change how the potion looks and is the last step."
"Very true. 15 points to Slytherin." The rest of the class contained information about class rules, security risks and a guide to find materials.
"Heir Potter, will you please stay behind."
"Don't worry. You did so good, he will most likely just be singing your praises. Tray and I will wait for you."
"Thanks, heiress Greengrass."
"I think we are beyond that, Potter. You may call me Daphne or any nickname you prefer."
"Ver well, Daph. Then I must insist you call me Harry."
The blonde giggled. She took Davies hand and walked out of the room. Harry was uncertain, what the professor would want. He didn't seem like the man to sing your praises as Daphne had suggested. Harry took control of his emotions. What was the worst that could happen? He strode up to the professor' desk.
"Professor, you wanted to talk to me."
"I did indeed. I would ask you if the snakes have been treating you well? With you being who you are and all."
"Most of my year are very kind and have no problem with seeing passed that." Harry let his mask go and smiled at that.
"That seems to thrill you, why? Most in your position would be used to people praising you."
"I am afraid not, sir. I didn't know I was a wizard before my 11th birthday. I live with my muggle aunt and uncle. I was under the impression my parents were drunk drivers who died in a car crash." That seems to shock the professor.
"That wouldn't be Petunia?" The professor spoke his aunts name with obvious venom. Harry nodded. The man's face portrayed pure devastation it was gone a mere second later. "I was never told the headmaster sent you to Petunia. I knew your mother, you see. Amazing and very kind woman. We lived near each other as children. I have had the displeasure of making acquittance with your aunt. Always jealous and wicked towards Lily for having magic. Is she a good parent?"
Harry grimaced. Should he be honest. What was to lose? The professor already disliked Petunia so he wouldn't be outraged by the accusation. "I can manage, sir." That made the professor' expression grave.
"If you believe so, Potter. You obviously know a lot about potions and if you do as well practically you will be far ahead. Here. It's a slightly more advanced potion book."
"Thank you, sir."
"And Harry. Your mom was incredible at potions too, best in our year. Your grandfather was an esteemed portion master, I think. You have the talent from them. Nurture it. You can go far with that. Lily would be proud of you, no matter your house. Don't let anyone tell you differently. She was after all a friend of mine, even after my sorting." That almost made Harry feel numb. He had never heard anything about his parents. He didn't know him. The only thing, people had told him, was that he looked like his dad. This, however, meant something. Not, that he spent nights dreaming about his parents like he used to. That was behind him. It was nice to know something though. He gave the man a sad smile.
"Thanks, sir."
"You are welcome. My door is open if you need it."
"I will remember, sir."
Harry walked out to Daphne and Davies.
"What did he say?" Davies asked.
"He went to school with my mom. She was talented at potions. Her best class."
Daphne captured him a needy hug. Harry hadn't been hugged before. Therefor he hadn't gotten the appeal. After getting over the shock of her action, he found it rather enjoyable. Daphne took his hand and started walking. Instead of acknowledging anything she just continued like nothing happened.
"The next class is History of Magic. It is thought by a ghost." Upon seeing both half-bloods perk up, she rushed to add; "I know what you are thinking. It is not exciting. The ghost is apparently terribly boring. He will only teach goblin rebellions and only from the wixen' perspective. I would read the chapter and take notes to it. Then read something else."
"Sound advice."
They made their way to the Slytherin half of the room. Harry took the spot next to Zabini. And for a matter of fact, Daphne was right. The ghost was dull. Harry read the chapters, took notes and picked up the books from Elowyn. Seeing some shields were invisible to everyone but the caster Harry took the time to practice. It took him 10 times to get a weak shield. 5 to get a strong. Another 10 to do it wordless. The wordless shield, while easier to cast in class, was significant weaker. He started using charms and hexes from the book on "uncommon self-defense". Quite a few worked, some better than other. Several he had to take a break from attempting to perform. By the end his pieces of paper looked like they had gone through hell.
Harry sat down at the Slytherin table. Something felt off. The older Slytherins were observing the younger years intently. Something was certainly going on. Some of his year mates were avoiding his eyes. That let him to one possible conclusion. Something was going to happen to him. The same conclusion, Professor Snape and Elowyn had come till. Under the course of dinner Harry sat in silence improving his shields. Not that anyone seemed to chat.
After dinner the older students left the table in a hurry. He went with the rest of his year towards the dungeon. The room was crowded, it looked like every Slytherin had turned up. Wouldn't want to miss the show? Harry had just thought he would have a peaceful day. It was, however, not meant to be. Harry felt the air in the room change the second he stepped in. The younger years stepped back. Bulstrode and Warrington stood in the center of the room surrounded by their friends. Harry considered the group of 6th years.
"We have been watching you, Potter. You think you are so smart just because you can transfigure a needle. Hah. You can do nothing compared to us. Think you are special just because you survived the dark lord. A filthy half-blood like you could never be special. The only good thing that came of that night was that your mudblood mother died. It's time you learn your place, Potter. Don't think we will tolerate you just because you are a Slytherin. You have much to pay for, Potter," Warrington yelled.
The crowd laughed and made a circle around him and the five 6-years. They were probably looking forward to seeing him fall. He went over the spells from the books. He had known they would attack him he hadn't predicted it this soon. Harry couldn't back down. Not after what Warrington had said about his mom. He had never known her but that didn't mean he would allow that.
"Who would teach me this?"
"Us, off course," Bulstrode answered with a gleeful voice.
Harry forced himself to laugh. "If you think you can."
Warrington nodded at the three other 6-years. The first sprung to action
"Furnunculus."
The curse flew towards him. Harry easily sidestepped it. He hurried and shouted "Ebublio". He aimed the curse straight at the opponent's chest. That confused the older boy, who raised a shield against hexes. He silently thanked Elowyn for the obscure book on uncommon self-defense. The jinx easily got through. A bubble started forming around the boy, who fought it hopelessly, as it trapped him. He saw the shift in the older students' eyes. They were recalculating the situation, apparently, they had thought it would be easier.
The crowd laughed at the bubble-covered boy. That seemed to anger the older students, who became even more enraged. They must not like being embarrassed by a first year, then don't attack one, Harry thought to himself. Harry would have to teach them a lesson, so they wouldn't attack him or the others again.
The next two approached him. He quickly made the next wand movement and started shouting "Alarte Ascendare" aiming at the girl, until he last second turned and hit the boy. The boy hadn't prepared for the charm and immediately flew up into the air. He hit his head on the ceiling and fell. A loud crack was hurt. The boy was unconscious, however he seemed to have broken an arm and a leg by hitting the floor. He would need to go to the hospital wing. Harry had thought he would sidestep the spell but it gave him a chance against the girl.
Harry turned his attention to the girl. She no longer stood as smug as before. "This is your one chance to back out," Harry said mustering all his confidence. She looked at the other 6-years and shook her head.
"Colloshoo" "Bombarda." she yelled directing both spells at him.
"Protego Maxima," Harry shouted emidiatly.
Both spells were stopped by the powerful magical shield. He liked her idea. She must have assumed he didn't know shields since he hadn't used one before. The first spell would have stuck him to the floor allowing the second spell to hit him or making him an easier target. The second spell was if he avoided the first one. A Bombarda was also difficult to shield against. He gave her a nod. "Relashio", "Expelliarmus," he shouted. He sent a slippery jinx at her wand to for good measures. They all were meant to do the same. Take her wand away.
She sidestepped the first spell but was hit by the second. She fought to keep her wand, then the third curse hit at it flew to Harry. She ran towards him, Harry raised a Protego Duo to prevent the physical attack. He applauded the idea of using strength then you couldn't use magic, however it would have been better to just wield and safe herself some dignity.
"Petrificus Totalus"
She fell to the floor.
The two older students looked ready to kill. Bulstrode pointed her wand at him. She sent a stinging jinx at him, maybe foolishly hopping to catch him unaware.
"Protego horribilis"
The shield he rose was so strong that the pure force of it made her stumble. She managed to not fall and aimed the next spell at him.
"Locomotor Wibbly."
Harry jumped over the curse aimed at his legs. Midjump, he yelled "Brachiabindo"
Invisible chords bound Bulstrode making her unable to move out of the place. She struggled to free herself but realized the battle was lost.
Now only two persons were standing in the circle. Himself and Warrington. This time Harry attacked first.
"Impedimenta"
The spell caught the older prefect off guard. His movements slowed.
"Confringo."
Harry sidestepped the spell. Warrington was surprisingly fast even after the spell slowed his movements.
"Flipendo"
Harry casted "Protego horribilis" yet again. The shield easily absorbed the jinx.
"Waddiwasi" Harry aimed the jinx at one of his books, which managed to confuse the older boy. The book propelled at an insane speed and smashed against Warrington' head. Warrington composed himself and casted again, this time surprising everyone.
"Crucio"
Harry didn't manage to sidestep, and the curse hit him. Harry bit his lips to keep himself from screaming. The pain was all-consuming. It felt worse than Vernon beating him or then Petunia hit him with the frying pan or held his hand over the flames. He released a muffled cry. Harry let go of his wand. Harry didn't let the pain blind him. He could still win. He called out to all his magic, directing it at Warrington. He remembered doing it at Dudley to stop some of the Harry Hunting, when it became too much. Or to make Aunt Petunia forget about him. The force of magic made Warrington fall to the ground. Harry saw a change of getting an advantage and pushed.
"Kneel for me," Harry commanded.
"NnnNo," the older boy responded.
Harry forced his magic at the older boy, making him scream in pain. The boy lost his fight against his self-preservation and kneeled in front of Harry.
"Who is better." Harry lunged his magic at him. The boy shivered and cried out. Harry removed the final boundary between his magic and the boy.
"You," Warrington cried out.
"Do you swear on your magic to never harm me or anyone I deem untouchable."
"I swear on my magic never to harm you or anyone you deem untouchable," the older boy gave in. His mind was likely numbed by the pain. Magic filled the air recognizing the oath.
"Do you swear on you magic to obey me, follow me, and answer to me no matter what."
"I swear on my magic to obey you, follow you, and answer to you no matter what without any reservations or complaints." Harry was surprised by the older boys' words. But he respected it. He recognized Harry had the upper hand and added to the oath showing he was willingly agreeing to it. Magic confirmed the oath yet again. Harry called his magic back. The room watched in silence.
"Mimble Wimble" Harry casted making it impossible for anyone to disclose what had happened in the room. He looked around and decided to exercise damage control.
"Take them to the infirmary, Warrington."
"You can call me Dominic, heir Potter."
"Very well, Dominic."
The older boy reversed the bubble spell and levitated the four students with him out of the room. The room split and Avery approached him.
"Since Potter managed to defeat five older house mates during an ambush they instigated, he is assigned 20 inhouse points. He can choose the punishment of all members and switch places and points with one of them. Have you chosen, Potter?"
"They will all lose 10 points except Dominic. I will take Bulstrode' tittle."
"Very well, 10 points will be removed from all except heir Warrington. You will be awarded 20 points in addition to Bulstrode' points. The title Countess is hereby taken from Mauren Bulstrode and the tittle of Earl is given to Harry Potter, now Earl Potter. Since he is a first year and a member of the court, he is the most influential member of the younger years making him prince. Therefor he becomes Prince Harry Potter instead. The title will be awarded to the highest ranking Slytherin not in the court, which is Calista Carrow. Now, Countess Calista Carrow. So shall it be."
"So shall it be," the crowd responded.
Harry picked up his book and left the common room. He made eye contact with Daphne and Davies on the other side. The blonde gave him a smile. Nott and Zabini followed him. He emptied his bag out and placed the books on the shelves. Harry would have to thank Elowyn again for the books.
"That was certainly an eventful first day. Congratulations on the tittle. Prince, that is a huge title. Leader of the underclassmen. That is insane. You are the fourth most influencial Slytherin."
Zabini looked at him with adoration and respect. His voice filled with excitement.
"A first year has never held the title before. You know, you must make a court now," Nott added. Still eyeing him critically.
"A court?"
"Yes, the titled court is the upperclassmen' the untitled court belongs to the underclassmen. You pick members of the house you trust who will influence and command the younger years. They can be members of the upperclassmen' court. Since you are Prince only the queen can command you. That means you court can only be commanded by you or her. A lot of snakes will try to win a spot in your court just for the protection and status it gives."
"Or try to better you and get the tittle for themselves before you have set up your court," Nott added.
"Then I must make a court quickly."
Harry thought about his ideal court and started planning.
"Will you both be court members. Zabini, you are very influential and have a big voice among the younger years. Nott, you observe and calculate more than others know. You have a strategic mind. Both of you are smart and ideal members, should you wish."
"It's an honor to even be considered for such a position. Many would kill for it. I accept. You may call me Blaise now, since I am a member of your court," Zabini said. Pure joy filling his voice.
Nott, however, was completely silent. A single tear falling down his cheek. Nott' mask broke, and he started crying.
"I am very moved to be considerated. You know my family is Death Eaters? My father is in Azkaban for supporting the same dark lord, who tried to kill you. I knew, Bulstrode and Warrington were planning on attacking you, yet did nothing. What kind of member would I be."
"I know all of that. I don't care who your parents are. The only person, that interests me, is you. You are the one who is skilled at magic, yet always in the shadows, hiding and plotting. I know I want you plotting for me not against me. So, why didn't you do anything? Think about your answer. Don't even think about lying or that spot is out."
"I used to hate you. You ruined my family. My farther went mad, then you defeated the dark lord. He killed my mother, since he was going to Azkaban no matter what. My grandfather raised me. He never had enough time and I always blamed you. It was easy since I hadn't met you. Now, that I have it's impossible. You are always kind and insightful. You aren't loud, stupid, or gryffindorish like I thought. You aren't a miniature James Potter."
And Harry understood. He did the same. He blamed his parents for him growing up with the Dursleys. He blamed them for leaving him alone. For fighting a war with a toddler. For not being there. He understood more than he wanted to.
"I want you, Nott, in my court. I don't care about who your father supports. I care about who you support. If that is me, I will protect you."
Nott wasn't done with surprising Harry.
"I swear on my magic that my loyalty will always be towards you, Harry Potter."
Both Blaise and Harry gaped at him.
"Notts are extremely loyal. We aren't a family of leaders but of followers. We find someone, that we believe in, follow them to the end. My grandfather and father are loyal to the dark lord, I am loyal to you. You may call med Theodore or just Theo."
"I, Harry Potter, accept this wow."
Harry walked over to Theo and hugged the other boy.
"I would love to be a member of your court, Potter."
"You may both call me Harry in private."
Theo and Blaise nodded.
"And I said the day was eventful before," Blaise laughed.
"It certainly was."
Author's note:
About Snape: I believe Snape saw a mini-James Potter in Harry's first lesson in the books. In this story Harry is a Slytherin and doesn't show any Gryffindor characteristics to Snape. Snape instead sees a half-blood boy making friends with dark, neutral and light children. A child, who is intelligent and good at his subject. He sees a bit of Lily in his response and behavior. The rest is truly Harry. He doesn't see any James Potter. Being in Snape's house also make it easier to Snape to be openly neutral or even kind to Harry without ruining his image.
About the duel and Slytherin positions: I believe Harry was always going to get a high standing tittle fast. It creates more drama between him and the other Slytherins to rise out of nowhere. It will also certainly create jealousy. No, Harry isn't going to become King next chapter or anything extreme.
Harry's talent at magic: Harry is in the books very strong at magic. Especially practical. He can match Voldemort even though Dumbledore can't. (There is a lot of luck involved though) However the prophesy calls them equals. He learns a Patronus in third year even though most adults can't. Therefor his is good practically. In this story he puts in the work. He isn't lazy. He reads and practices.