AUTHOR'S NOTES: Here is the next chapter people! Now a few things that I need to explain early on:

1. I've done some changes to the House Point system. Mainly because it didn't make much sense to me as I read the original books. I mean Ron got 5 points for defeating a mountain troll and saving two of his friends in the process, but Neville got 10 points for standing up to his friends... What the hell? WHERE IS THE JUSTICE?! (sorry... it tilts me when Ron gets no respek on his name!)

2. I've had to pretty much make backstories for these Slytherins because we never saw them much in the original text. As such, I hope you enjoy what these characters are like and how i made them out to be. None of them are perfect and have many flaws, but so does Ron if we are being honest. They are all just kids... (some of you might even say that they are OC's and you might be sort of right, but in my defense, we don't jack all about them in the first place)

3. For those who don't like Malfoy being shown in a bad light... I'm sorry. I love Draco Malfoy's character, but he was a twat in the earlier books. You can't deny it! As the story progresses however, I will definitely make him a more central character. I have his arc already planned out. So stick it out my fellow Draco lovers!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter, and I do not intend to make any money off of this. Harry Potter is the intellectual property of J. K. Rowling , and I take no credit of it whatsoever.

I was also inspired by Demon Eyes Laharl's: THE RED KNIGHT! and also from Random-Fruitcake04's: CHOICES! I hope you check them out as well because they are genuinely very good stories.

Fate

Chapter 5 – In the pit of Vipers

Ronald Weasley's POV

Gasps emanated throughout the Great Hall. It's done… There is no going back… Ron stood up quietly, and removed the Sorting Hat from his head gently. He turned and handed the hat to the stern professor. She took it from him, and the shock on her face made Ron's insides twist. A Weasley in Slytherin… He looked down in utter defeat, and walked towards the Slytherin table. He could feel the stares bearing down on him. Stares of surprise, stares of disbelief, and stares of loathing… He just kept walking with his eyes looking at the floor just ahead of him. He was too scared to look at his brothers. Percy… The twins…

He couldn't bear to see their faces. He knew what he would see. Disappointment and shame… Disappointment at him for not being in Gryffindor. Shame in being related to him. He knew that because he felt that himself. He finally got to the table, and sat down in a spare seat amongst his fellow first year house-mates. He didn't utter a word and neither did they. There was no applause… Slytherin doesn't want me…. And now neither will the other houses… This wasn't supposed to happen to me… He didn't pay attention to the rest of the sorting ceremony, instead he just looked at the empty plate placed in front of him.

His hands wouldn't stop shaking and his usual technique didn't do anything. So he hid them under the table so no one could see. His eyes stung and he could feel the tears welling up in his eyes. But he didn't shed them. He wouldn't give anyone the satisfaction of seeing him this vulnerable. He heard the Headmaster's voice say a few words in the background, but he paid it no attention. Various foods suddenly appeared on all the tables in overwhelming quantities. He had been looking forward to the feast. His brother Charlie had told him that you could eat as much as you want, and you wouldn't even make a difference because the food seemed to be endless. When he had heard the story, it sounded like heaven. Feels more like hell now…

He didn't feel hungry, and he knew his hands were shaking too hard for him to go unnoticed if he tried to use them to eat. So he didn't eat. He sat there looking at the empty plate, all the while hearing his housemates feasting. A girl's high-pitched voice told him that he should eat something. He shook his head without breaking his eyes away from the empty plate. Empty… He whispered that he wasn't hungry and the girl just went back to her own eating. He removed his wand from its holster beneath the table and held it tight in his right hand. It was warm and it was humming. It felt as though it was comforting him. So he tightened his grip on it even more. Pandora gave this wand to me… I'm going to use this beautiful wand as a snake…

Thinking of Pandora made him think of his mother. And then of his father. Ron knew he was going to lose his father's respect once he found out. Ron knew he was going to lose the already small amount of love his mother showered on him. Ron knew that his family would be heartbroken. Just as I am… He was supposed to be in Gryffindor. He was planning to become Harry Potter's friend. Not anymore…

Ron sat in silence as the feast continued. He pondered about the words that the Sorting Hats had said to him. Fight… It had told him that determination was a Slytherin trait, and one that he would need more than any other. He didn't know the Slytherin traits before. All the traits that the hat had told him about sounded good. Cunning… Resourcefulness… Cleverness… Determination… It told me to master them… How? HOW?! Ron clenched his jaw and tightened his grip on his wand. He was so angry… He was so lost… What was he supposed to do? His beautiful wand was the only thing that was keeping him from going mad. Its humming was easing his nerves, and the warmth made him feel safe.

He heard a clinking sound come echoing from the staff table. He looked up towards the sound. The Headmaster master stood behind a podium of sorts which was placed right in front of the staff table. Albus Dumbledore's voice sounded sagely and wise, but Ron found the twinkling in the man's eyes to contradict that. The Headmaster warned them all of the third floor corridor and mentioned that those who went into it may find themselves dying a most horrible death. Merlin… Is he serious?

Hogwarts had been nothing like he had imagined. He had painted a rather astonishing picture of his school life in his mind. He would show up and be placed in Gryffindor, just like his family, then he would dazzle everyone with his advanced knowledge and earn their respect. He would become a Prefect. He would join the Quidditch team as the Keeper and eventually be its captain. He would become Head Boy in his last year. All the while dealing with his seer abilities. Seer abilities… Turns out he had been wrong about that too. He had been wrong about so much. So much… He knew nothing… Not to mention that some entity of an unknown nature was living in his brain. The thought terrified him and he paled. What if this thing hurt him? How would he even defend himself from it? Ron had never found himself wanting to tell others his secret more than he did right now. It wants to keep my visions hidden from others, right? That's why it keeps them sealed… What if it hurts me if I tell others? The hat told him that this force was stronger than even the Founders. He shuddered at the thought. He was so helpless… Hopeless…

Dumbledore finished his welcome speech and bid the students goodnight, and good luck. I'll need it… The houses began departing the Great Hall. Ron kept his eyes forward and just followed his housemates. An older boy and an older girl approached the first years, and informed them that they were to follow them because they were Slytherin's prefects. Ron looked forward, and nowhere else as he followed the two older students alongside his year-mates. They found themselves at stairs that moved around as if they were alive. The older male student had called it the 'Moving Staircase'. Ron heard murmurs of awe from the rest of the Slytherins. He didn't even blink. What the hell kind of purpose does a staircase that moves around even serve? His thoughts were bitter about everything.

As the prefects led them down towards the dungeons, Ron had looked around at the moving pictures that decorated the whole place. So many eyes… They kept leading the Slytherins further and further down until they reached a damp stone wall. The prefects informed them that this was the entrance into the Slytherin common room and dormitories, and that everyone needed to memorize the password. The female prefect then turned to the wall and said the word 'Purity' and the wall slid aside leaving behind a rectangular hole. The password had made Ron sick. This is what he would be expected to be like for the next seven years? A disgusting bigot? Ron clenched his hands into fists. Not gonna bloody happen… This is pathetic…

The first years made their way into the common room and Ron gazed around. The common room's lighting was green and it seemed to seep in through the windows. When Ron looked out the windows, he saw water and even fish swim past. Bloody hell we are at the bottom of the lake, aren't we? If these windows break… Are we just expected to bloody drown down here? Ron shuddered and look away from the windows. He then glazed over the rest of the common room. There were black leather bound sofas and chairs throughout the place, and two massive sofas were placed in front of a fireplace. The fireplace was burning but it was still cold in the common room. Bookshelves were placed against the walls and they were filled with books.

At the end of the common room were three passageways. The prefects explained that the right one was for the boys and the left was for the girls. These passageways would lead to their dormitories. They then explained that the middle one would lead to a potions lab that was available to all Slytherins, including the first years. That had made Ron slightly happy, at least he could finally make potions that weren't limited by his potions kit. After that they told the first years to wait for a few minutes and that their Head of House would come down to speak with them shortly. The prefects then turned and left the common room. The room was quite for only a few short seconds before the first years started talking to themselves in hushed whispers. Ron decided it was best to stay quiet on the basis that he didn't know anyone here, and the fact that the whispers were certainly about him. The whispers came to an abrupt end when a sneering Malfoy gave Ron a push from behind. Ron stumbled but didn't fall, he then turned to look at Malfoy's pinched face and immediately felt his own temper flare.

"Tell me how you convinced the Sorting Hat to let a Blood-Traitor like you into this great house!" Malfoy was sneering and his face was a little flushed. Ron wanted to break Malfoy's nose when he had called Ron a Blood-Traitor.

"I didn't convince it of anything! It was the other way around you git" Ron retorted, feeling some of his anger leave him due to Malfoy's shocked face.

"He lies! The hat would never…." Malfoy was cut off abruptly by a girl's voice.

"Draco, give it a rest. I'm more interested in why Weasley's sorting took so long. We all are" the girl had a slightly high-pitched voice, which Ron recognized from somewhere. She had shoulder-length blonde hair and dark blue eyes which held a spark of curiosity within them. Her blonde hair held not even a single curl and were completely straight. She also had a green hair pin which parted her hair from her face, almost making her face look like a portrait with her hair as its frame. I sat next to her after my sorting! She was looking straight into Ron's ocean blue eyes, as if the answer to her question was written within them. It made Ron feel queasy, and his blush became hot on his face quickly. My ears are no doubt red as well…

"Well… tell us already" came another girl's voice. But Ron couldn't look away from the blonde haired girl who now had her dark blue eyes narrowed.

"The hat… the Sorting Hat that is" Ron started while loosening his tie so that he could breathe. "It um… didn't know where to put me…" Ron paused. I have to think of a believable reason fast. I can't tell these slimy snakes the real reason behind my sorting. An idea clicked in his brain. What if he made something amazing up? That would earn him some standing in this disgusting house at least. He might even make it to tomorrow without one of these vipers smothering him in his sleep. The hat had also told him that it would never speak of his sorting to anyone. So Ron relaxed and smirked the best smirk he could, which seemed to startle everyone around him. "The hat said that I was a perfect candidate for all four houses." There were gasps throughout the first years. Malfoy just clenched his jaw and hands.

"YOU'RE LYING! YOU'RE JUST ANOTHER BLOOD-TRAITOR SCUM" Malfoy shouted. "TELL US THE TRUTH!" Ron wanted to jump the platinum haired git right there and then, but he knew that losing his temper would turn this whole house against him even more. Ron also marveled at how far he had come along regarding his temper issues. If Ron hadn't learned discipline from Percy during their study sessions, he knew that he would have already attacked Malfoy. So Ron took a calming breath and spoke.

"I am telling the truth. The fact that my sorting took almost twenty minutes is proof of that" Ron said calmly. Many of the first years exchanged looks, while others gave small awed nods. The blonde haired girl was also giving him an awed look. Ron knew that his lie was being believed by most of his fellow first years, with the only exceptions being an angry Malfoy and his two gorillas. Ron figured the gorillas didn't really know what was happening because they looked lost and kept glancing over to Malfoy for some reason. How did they end up in the house of the cunning? The hat is bloody mental it is…

"The hat did say that Weasley here displayed all of the traits needed for each house in abundance" said a weedy looking boy with brown curly hair and black eyes. The room was filled again with hushed whispers. Ron could tell that his house-mates were now discussing what to do with him and it made Ron feel anxious. These idiots don't know that the hat was just buying us time when it bloody said that…

They all went silent when the sound of the common room being opened was heard. They all turned to face the man who came in with a confident stride, his black robes billowing behind him. Ron looked at Professor Snape for the first time in his life with a hint of fear and awe. Ron had heard horror stories from his brothers, including Percy, about the professor who was feared by all of Gryffindor. They had told him about Snape's disdain for anyone who wasn't in Slytherin and that he would dock points nonstop and without mercy from the other houses. Professor Snape was tall, had greasy shoulder-length black hair, black eyes, and a hooked nose. Ron couldn't help but think of the twins' description of Snape. A giant bat.

"Welcome to the noble house of Salazar Slytherin" Snape began in a soft but commanding tone. "I am Professor Severus Snape and I am your Head of House from this moment on. That means you can rely on me for your needs and I will never betray your trust. I give you my word." He isn't so bad, bit scary but not bad… "I expect excellence from all of you in all of your classes" Snape's voice became slightly louder and far more authoritative, and his gaze turned into a piercing stare. Ron gulped and knew immediately why he was so feared. "Excuses for subpar performances within your classes will not be tolerated. I also expect all of you to respect your teachers and other staff members. Losing points for the house is also not tolerable. I will not allow your incompetence to lose us the House Cup, which we have won six years in a row now. As such, those who lose points or fall behind in their studies will. Answer. To. Me…" Snape's piercing gaze went over all the frightened first years, and it stopped when it got to Ron.

He stared at Ron with narrowed eyes for a few short moments before continuing his gaze. He spoke again but with a softer voice. "For those of you who are not aware, Slytherin house is often seen as the… evil house by students within the other three houses. As such, I expect you all to stand by one another, and do your absolute best for your fellow house-mates. An overlooked trait of Slytherin is fraternity, and many of you will come to understand that it may be one of the most important ones." Another trait I didn't know about… Fraternity… Why do so many dark wizards come from Slytherin? It has to be all this Pure-Blood nonsense… Ron was torn from his thoughts by Snape's commanding voice. "Tomorrow morning you will all be given your school schedules at breakfast. I expect you all to be there on time. Tardiness will not be tolerated. I also expect that all of you will look presentable and respect this school's uniform. Am I understood, without a shadow of a doubt, about everything that I have spoken to you of?" The first-years, including Ron, nodded quickly.

"Excellent… Goodnight then and welcome again to Slytherin." With those words Professor Snape turned on his heel and marched out of the common room, his robes billowing behind him. Bloody hell that was scary… The two prefects re-entered the common room and split the first-years up. The girls went to their dorms and the boys went to theirs. The male prefect showed Ron his room and told him that he would be sharing his room with two of his fellow year-mates, Theodore Nott and Blaise Zabini. The room was circular and shone with a similar green light like the common room. It also had an adjoined bathroom that the three boys would share. There were three beds covered in emerald green sheets and the sheets also donned the Slytherin emblem. Ron wasn't happy with the color scheme but at least it looked cozy. He also noticed that his trunk was already sitting there at the foot of a bed. Guess that's where I sleep… Before Ron could get ready for bed, he was approached by his two new roommates.

"Guess we will be sharing this space for the foreseeable future" said the dark skinned boy. He had short black hair and brown eyes which looked lifeless. "I am Zabini, Blaise Zabini" he continued as he put his hand forward for Ron to shake. Ron thought for a second and decided it was best to get along with his roommates. At least then they won't murder me in my sleep… So Ron gave a smile to Zabini and shook his hand.

"I'm Ronald Weasley" he replied. The dark skinned boy gave him an odd look before he nodded his head once and walked over to his own bed. Ron was taken back by the look he had just received. What did I do? All I said was my name… He heard a chuckle from the other boy. Ron noted that it was the weedy boy with the brown curly hair who had involuntarily helped Ron by talking about the Sorting Hat.

"You introduced yourself wrong" said the weedy boy in between chuckles.

"Excuse me?" Ron was now confused. He had just said his name…

"We Pure-Bloods say the name of our ancestral families first. Like this. I'm Nott, Theodore Nott." He then put his hand forward for Ron to shake. What the… I've never heard of this before and I'm a Pure-Blood too…

"I'm Weasley, Ronald Weasley…" Ron said slowly and shook Nott's hand. Nott gave him an approving nod and almost smiled.

"Well met, Weasley. Now that we have taught you how to say your name, we might just make a Slytherin out of you yet." I bloody hope not… Ron gave Nott a parting nod before he put on his pajamas and lied down in his four poster bed. Ron also placed Scabbers by his side and gently petted his rat. This is it… I'm officially a Slytherin now. At least you're here with me Scabbers… Ron's final thoughts were about his family and how they would react to this. He did not sleep well that night.

Ron was woken up abruptly when his bed started making a beeping noise and shaking. He went into a panic and leaped out of his bed, and aimed his wand at his bed. When he heard soft chuckling from behind him, he relaxed slightly.

"That was just the alarm charm set on the bed. Professor Snape did say that he wanted us to be at breakfast on time" came Nott's voice, he sounded amused. Ron turned to the curly haired boy and noticed that Nott was already dressed in his school uniform.

"What's the time?" Ron spoke as he opened his trunk to get his uniform out.

"It's quarter to eight, Weasley" Zabini said as he entered the room from their joined bathroom. He too had his uniform on. How early do these people wake up? "You'd best hurry, or Snape will know why." Ron grumbled curses to himself as he trotted off to the bathroom. He showered quickly and was dressed before eight. He then walked into the common room and saw every first-year waiting by the exit.

"That's a shame weasel" came the pompous voice of Malfoy. "I was rather hoping you'd die in your sleep." At that Malfoy broke into a laugh joined by his gorillas and a girl with black hair and a pug-face.

"I hope they re-sort him before he shames this great house" the girl with the pug-face giggled. Her voice grated Ron's ears and for a moment he didn't care that she was a girl, because he wanted to hex her. Malfoys gang kept laughing as Ron stormed past them and out of the common room. He then walked up from the dungeons and towards the Great Hall. He didn't even notice that Nott and Zabini were a few short steps behind him.

"You need thicker skin, Weasley" Zabini said in an aloof voice, making Ron jump from surprise.

"Bloody hell Zabini…" Ron muttered.

"Charming language" said Nott in his amused voice. "Guess we will work on that as well." Ron stopped and turned to face the two boys. Zabini looked disinterred and aloof, while Nott had an amused smirk on his thin lips and was looking Ron up-and-down as if studying him.

"Work on that? I'm not your project…" Ron grumbled, getting irritated by Nott's gaze. What is their deal? First they don't want me in Slytherin and now they're following me… Ron turned around and continued on his way towards the Great Hall.

"Like it or not Weasley, you are in Slytherin" continued Nott. "And if the hat is to be believed, you are sure to make a valuable ally…" Nott was cut of abruptly by Ron who turned around to face the weedy boy.

"Ally? You mean friend, right? Why do you Slytherins talk in such a weird way?" Ron was annoyed and confused. What does he mean ally? I'm not helping any of these snakes…

"I don't mean friend" Nott replied, losing his smirk and standing upright to face Ron. "I meant ally. You help me, I help you. We Pure-Bloods make allies rather than friends. Only do our most trusted allies become our friends. And in case you missed the sorting last night, you are a Slytherin too. So instead of jumping down my throat, how about we help each other. Blaise here is brilliant at Astronomy and I myself have quite the green thumb in Herbology. What about you?" Ron was stunned by the time Nott finished his rant. Allies…? Fraternity…? Is this what the hat meant? That I'd find the most success in Slytherin…?

Ron relaxed and thought through what Nott had said. It's true that Herbology was his weakest subject, so having Nott help him would be great. Ron's Astronomy was quite good because Percy loved the subject so Zabini wouldn't be all that useful. But maybe he could use Zabini as another shield? Power in numbers right? If he had other Slytherins behind him, Malfoy wouldn't come after him as often. Ron decided to take the offer, but he would keep an eye on them both. He certainly didn't need a knife in his back.

"Allies…" Ron said with a contemplating look on his face.

"Allies" repeated Nott, his smirk back on his face. Ron nodded and the three shook hands. They then walked down to the Great Hall in silence. When they entered the Great Hall, Ron noticed that most students were already there. The Hall was packed with students who were already eating and talking to each other animatedly. Ron's stomach grumbled and he put his right hand over it. I didn't even eat last night. The sorting really messed my head up didn't it…? Ron then quickly walked towards the Slytherin table and took a seat on it. Zabini and Nott sat on either side of him as Ron began piling food on his plate. Ron missed the two glares and one worried look coming his way from the Gryffindor table. Ron started inhaling his food and stopped when he heard a loud sigh come from Nott.

"You don't even know how to eat with etiquette, do you?" Nott was frowning at Ron. Ron was about to speak when Nott put his hand up to stop him. "Chew then talk please… It seems we have our work cut out for us Blaise." Zabini simply shook his head in annoyance. Ron swallowed the piece of sausage in his mouth.

"What do you mean by that Nott?" Ron was again getting annoyed at being treated like some project. Nott looked Ron in his eyes. Black eyes clashed with ocean blue eyes, both unwavering.

"I meant that as a Slytherin, you will not make allies by displaying how savagely you can tear into a sausage" Nott said with a firm tone. Ron heard Zabini chuckling softly from his other side.

"So what, I can't even eat without offending you lot?" Ron took another bite of his sausage.

"First of all, when you say 'you lot', you seem to forget that you are in Slytherin as well. Secondly, eating like an animal shows that you don't respect the food being given to you. And lastly, proper protocol is what is required if you wish to make powerful Pure-Blood allies."

"What makes you think that I want Pure-Blood allies? I don't need anyone…" Ron spat out. Nott sighed and spoke softly, as if talking to a child.

"The hat mentioned that you had 'great ambitions' did it not? We all heard it, that's why Blaise and I got interested in you. It's why so many other Slytherins are interested in you too." Ron choked when he heard Nott say that. What the bloody hell is he talking about? Ron swallowed his food with the help of some pumpkin juice.

"Other Slytherins? Are you barmy Nott? They hate me…" Ron was now staring at Nott with wide eyes. Nott just sighed again.

"Blaise you're up… I need a break" Nott said before turning to his plate and beginning his meal. Ron turned and looked at Zabini with the same look that he had been giving Nott. Zabini had an indifferent look on his face as he stared back at Ron.

"It's quite true, Weasley" Zabini began. "Daphne Greengrass is one of them. The blonde girl" Zabini clarified when he saw Ron's confusion. "That's why she asked you about your sorting. Many of the older students are as well. Not only did you set the record for the longest sorting in history, but the hat also confirmed that you could be in any single house and still reach your full potential." He doesn't know that the hat was buying us time, so it could keep talking to me about my powers… "That hasn't happened in… in forever" Zabini continued. "Having someone with that much potential on your side is a worthy goal for any Slytherin. That means that one day, you may have most of Slytherin house at your beck and call."

"And we are here to teach you exactly that" Nott jumped in. "Which means that you should listen to us when we tell you how to behave in public. You don't want to lose the respect you may command one day, all because you don't know how to eat like a human being."

"And why are you teaching me all this? Is it because we're… allies? Or is it because one day you want to be able to say that you helped me and call in a favor?" Ron questioned. Nott and Zabini had given him plenty to think about. If the Slytherins really were interested in him as an ally, he could definitely use that as an advantage. But it would also mean that he would get more involved with the one house his entire family despised. Damn the Sorting Hat for doing this to me… Bloody tosser!

"Exactly Weasley" Nott replied, with his smirk in place. "He is learning Blaise!" Zabini chuckled at that but Ron was felt annoyed. "Now Weasley, you never answered my question from before."

"What question?" Ron asked.

"What subjects are you good at? Blaise can help us with Astronomy, and I can help us in Herbology. What can you offer to this little group of ours?" Nott seemed far too amused by his own voice. Which was getting on Ron's nerves, but Ron did his best to remain calm and civil.

"Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions, and Charms. I'm really good at all three" Ron replied. He decided to keep his advanced knowledge of both first and second year to himself. The last thing he needed was to be horded by the other first-years whenever they got homework. But more importantly, it was always a wise policy to keep your knowledge a secret so that you could make your moves without alerting your enemies. All the time he had spent playing and mastering chess had taught him that.

"I see. That's perfect then" Nott said with a genuine smile. "You help us with those subjects, and we will help you with our subjects. We will also teach you how to survive in Slytherin, and to even possibly survive in high Pure-Blood Society. After all Weasley, you are part of the Sacred Twenty-Eight." That was true. The Weasley family were one of the twenty-eight families in Wizarding Britain to be completely Pure-Blooded. This had never been too important to Ron or his family though. Unlike the other Sacred Twenty-Eight, the Weasleys were poorer than dirt and as such had earned disapproval and even hate from the others. The Weasleys were considered to be unworthy of such a title. The thought made Ron feel bitter. Who were they to judge his family? His family loved in a way that few families could ever understand. He may not have grown up rich with galleons, but he had grown up rich with love. His family's love.

By the time Ron and his new 'allies' finished their breakfast, the rest of the Slytherin first years had also joined them. Many of them gave Ron quick glances, but none of them approached Ron. That was fine with him because he didn't really know how he would react to that. Professor Snape handed out the class schedules to all the first years himself, and just like last time he stared at Ron for longer than the others. Ron didn't really care about that, as Ron understood that he being sorted into Slytherin was something that no one could have predicted. Ron went over his schedule as soon as it was in his hand. A double of History of Magic, then a break with lunch. Then a double class of Herbology to end the day… All the boring classes are on the first day I guess.

Ron was a little disappointed but Nott seemed glad to be able to show off his Herbology skills. Ron left the Great Hall with the two boys and didn't even glance at the Gryffindor table. He was too scared of what his brothers may think of him. They went to their dorm to collect their books, and Ron didn't miss the looks his second hand books were given by the other two boys. Ron was just glad they didn't say anything to him about it, he didn't feel like hexing the only two people who would speak with him. Then they made their way to their History of Magic class. Ron was completely lost and it was only thanks to Nott, who had explored a bit of the castle early in the morning, that they found their way there without much trouble.

They would be sharing this class with Ravenclaw first years and Ron was glad about that. He didn't feel up to seeing Harry just yet. Losing his friendship with Harry had been one of the tougher things he had to deal with. They had really hit it off, and Ron quite liked Harry's humble and kind nature. He won't want anything to do with me now… I know I wouldn't give a slimy snake a second of my time. The class was even more boring than he had originally thought. At first it seemed exciting because Professor Binns was a ghost who taught at Hogwarts, but Ron found his wheezing and droning voice tiring. He could tell that was the case with his fellow students in the class too. Malfoy was already asleep and even the Ravenclaws were struggling to stay awake.

Ron made sure to stay awake and answer every question that was asked however, he owed Percy that much at least. Some of the Ravenclaws tried to outdo him at the start, but Ron had already covered the Goblin Rebellion of 1612 twice in great detail. By the end of the class, Ron had singlehandedly earned Slytherin forty house points and even earned Professor Binns favor. The ghostly professor had told him to come around whenever he was free and they could discuss History of Magic in more detail together, this had shocked all the other students in the class. Most of the Slytherins were now gazing at Ron like hungry animals and it made Ron extremely uncomfortable. They just want to use me… bloody snakes. At least Malfoy was honest with Ron about his feelings, judging by the scornful look he was giving Ron. This isn't over yet, he will try something I just know it. Ron was taken out of his thoughts during the walk back to the Great Hall for lunch by his two allies.

"Well done Weasley" Nott said in an awed voice. "You really showed the others how valuable you can be. To earn forty points in one class and it being your first class ever, that is nothing short of amazing!" Nott slapped Ron's back a little too hard but Ron didn't mind. It felt good to finally show off his knowledge after keeping it to himself for over two years. But Ron made sure to keep his face neutral, he didn't want to give any satisfaction to these snakes.

"Theo is right Weasley" Zabini cut in with his aloof voice. "Even I was impressed, and I don't make that comment lightly."

"Thanks, I guess…" Ron mumbled. He couldn't quite understand Zabini's angle. Nott seemed very eager to be Ron's ally but Zabini just didn't seem to care about anything. Maybe they are both hiding their true selves and trying to trick me… Ron felt a shudder go through him. What if he was right? How was he even supposed to know who to trust? Nott and Zabini had offered him their help too, but it was clear to Ron that they would get more out of this deal.

For one, Ron already knew the first two years like the back of his hands. Secondly, he knew more spells than most Hogwarts students already because of Charlie. He had only used two, of course, but he was planning on practicing them all once he got some spare time. The thought made Ron giddy. He would finally use his beautiful wand for performing real magic. With that happy thought, they entered the Great Hall and took their seats at the Slytherin table. Nott and Zabini again sat on either side of Ron. Ron quickly started piling as much food as possible on his plate but stopped when he heard Nott cough loudly. "What? I'm hungry" Ron spat, gritting his teeth. Nott simply gave an innocent smile and slowly shook his head.

"Weasley, the food won't grow legs and run away. Put a modest amount on your plate and then go for seconds if you are still hungry…" Nott was trying to stifle a laugh as he spoke. Ron glared at Nott and then started piling on even more food just to spite the weedy boy. Nott chuckled and started putting food on his own plate.

"This is going to be tedious work isn't it?" This time it was Zabini who spoke in his usual aloof tone. "Teaching Weasley how to act as a proper Pure-Blood…"

"So it seems" Nott spoke as he began eating. The three boys ate in silence for only a minute before a certain blonde haired girl took a seat across from Ron. All three boys looked up and saw that she wasn't alone. The blonde girl was accompanied by two other girls. One of them had black hair and a large, square build and she was a bit on the big side if Ron was being honest. The other had brown hair and she was slender with green eyes. All three girls were looking at Ron with interest and he immediately began to blush. What now? Can't even bloody eat in peace…

"May I help you…?" Ron began, irritation laced in his voice. The blonde girl let out an annoyed huff and Ron heard Nott clicking his tongue.

"Don't be so rude, Weasley" Nott said. Ron looked at Nott and sighed in defeat. Why are they all bothering me…? First they don't want me and now they won't leave me be.

"Theodore is right Weasley" the blonde spoke in her slightly high pitched voice. "We haven't done anything to earn your rude behavior." She did have a point there, Ron thought. After all, only Malfoy and his goons had shown him open hostility. The rest had just shown an odd interest in him. So Ron decided to at least be civil towards those who weren't complete tossers to him. Ron let out another tired sigh and then looked at the blonde girl.

"You're right…" Ron began "I've just had… had a rough day. I'm sorry. I'm Weasley, Ronald Weasley." With that he extended his hand to her for a shake. She looked pleased almost, except she didn't shake his hand.

"He almost got it right" she said with an amused smile. She then looked at Nott and gave him a short nod. What did I do wrong this time?

"You don't shake a lady's hand Weasley" Zabini spoke aloofly. "You take her hand in yours like this." Zabini and the blonde haired girl then held hands, with hers on top and with her knuckles facing up. Lady?! Why are they all so weird…?

"I'm Greengrass, Daphne Greengrass. Heiress of the most Ancient and Noble house of Greengrass" the blonde haired girl said and then she hovered her hand in front of him. Ron took it like Zabini had and gave her a quick nod.

"Nice to meet you, Greengrass" he said, with a smile on his face. Daphne smiled back at him.

"This is Millicent Bulstrode" Daphne said as she pointed her head towards the big girl who gave Ron a nod and a grunt. "And this is Tracey Davis" Daphne then pointed her head to the slender girl with the green eyes. Davis smiled at Ron and gave him a chuckle.

"Don't worry Weasley" Davis said, her voice was soft and playful. "It took me a while to get used to how they all talk, as well." They? Isn't she Pure-Blood too? "I'm a Half-Blood" Davis continued, as if she could read Ron's mind. "I hope you don't mind the filthy blood in my veins too much." Ron choked immediately and started coughing. He looked at her and shook his head but she was grinning.

"You will have to forgive Tracey, Weasley" Greengrass said with a frown. "She doesn't have the most appropriate sense of humor." You don't say…

"I'm hilarious" Davis giggled. "And you Weasley, are quite the topic of conversation here at Hogwarts. Especially after what you did today." This made Ron tense. What had he done? Was he in some sort of trouble? Noticing Ron's face, Davis giggled even louder. "You, a Weasley, get sorted into Slytherin after the longest sorting in Hogwarts' history and then you proceed to earn forty points singlehandedly in your very first class. Word spreads quickly in this school it seems, because everyone is talking about you. Even the staff are intrigued after Professor Binns sang praises about you to them." Ron sat there quietly listening, his heartbeat was getting faster and his hands were beginning to tremble so he quickly hid them under the table. The whole school knows? My brothers know…

At that he looked to the Gryffindor table for the first time and he noticed that Percy wasn't there. But the twins were, and they were glaring right at him. George's glare looked more like concern and slight anger but it was Fred's glare that almost made Ron vomit from panic and worry. There was hate etched on his face. And it wasn't like the time Ron had broken Fred's toy broomstick either… This was genuine hate and anger. Ron felt sweat in his armpits and on his brow but he didn't break his eye contact with Fred. It was only when Fred and George started talking to each other animatedly, no doubt about Ron, that Ron looked back at his plate of food. I'm not hungry anymore… Fred is… Ron's thoughts were disturbed by Greengrass.

"Don't worry about your brothers, Weasley" she began in a nonchalant voice. "They are just jealous that you are better than they could…" Ron slammed his fist on the table so loudly that everyone around him jumped and the girls even squealed in surprise. Ron stared right into Greengrass' frightened dark blue eyes and gritted his teeth.

"Don't talk about them like you know them…" Ron said menacingly. He didn't care that he scared her or her damn friends. She didn't know anything about his family and yet she had the gall to speak as if she was the leading authority on the matter. Spoiled little git… "You may have grown up with everyone bending over backwards to your every whim, but try that with me and I'll hex your face off… I am not here to be used by you lot..." With that Ron stood up quickly and marched out of the Great Hall, while gritting his teeth. He really wanted to use Charlie's most brutal hexes on the self-entitled heiress. Many people stared at Ron marching away with some shock, including his brothers. They were probably wondering what had caused the boy's angry outburst.

"Great job on that one, Daphne "said Nott while letting out a sigh. "Did you miss the look on Weasley's face when he saw how his brothers were glaring daggers at him?" Daphne nodded quickly, tears had welled up in her eyes from the shock of Ron's angry outburst. "And yet, you chose to talk about them to him as if you know them…" Nott sighed loudly. "Blaise and I were making progress too…" Nott stood up to leave as well, followed by Zabini.

"He has quite a temper by the way, so stay out of his way. And ours" Zabini spoke quietly. "We saw him first, and he has agreed to be our ally. Though I doubt that after this he'd want anything to do with you anyway." Nott and Zabini left the Great Hall to find Ron, leaving a shocked Daphne Greengrass behind who was now being petted and comforted by her friends.

Ron was absolutely foaming at the mouth by the time he reached his dorm. His brothers' angry faces were still fresh in his mind and every time he thought about Fred, Ron saw flashes of his brother's corpse. He was angry beyond words with Greengrass. He was angry with the Sorting Hat. He was angry with the Slytherins and their ridiculous games. He was angry at his visions. He was angry at himself… WHAT AM I SUPPOSE TO DO?! DROP OUT OF HOGWARTS?!

Why couldn't people see that he didn't have a damn choice in the matter? That it was all the Sorting Hat's idea to throw him in this bigoted house! He took out Charlie's journal of spells from his trunk and started to look over some of the promising curses he had read. Petrificus Totalus… Expulso… Locomotor Mortis… Reducto… These four were his favorite curses so far but he hadn't tried them out. That was about to change because he had to let his anger out. Or he was gonna hex one of these snakes into the next century… Just then he heard footsteps coming from past the dorm room, so he quickly hid his journal in his trunk. The door opened slowly with Nott and Zabini striding in. "There you are" Nott started. "You had us worried that you'd run off…"

"Worried?" Ron asked with a frown. He knew that these two didn't care about him. They just wanted to sponge off of him. Nott smirked and Zabini just sighed.

"No, not worried" Zabini spoke softly. "But we are allies Weasley. If you run off, it would cost us quite a bit."

"How so?" Ron spat out. He didn't understand what Zabini was implying.

"We've thrown our lot in with you, Weasley" Zabini continued. "It was either you or Draco, and we both chose to ally with you. If you run off and get re-sorted, then the rest of the Slytherin house won't forget our actions." Ron gritted his teeth at Zabini's explanation. All they care about is themselves… Selfish tossers the lot of them…

"You all only care about yourselves… Just a bunch of selfish and self-centered gits…" Ron spat out. He was ready to use those curses now more than ever. Nott gave a light chuckle and put his hands up in surrender.

"You're right, of course" Nott began "but that doesn't make us bad people." Yes it does… "We've known each other, all of us Slytherin first years that is, from the time that we were in diapers. Except Tracey of course, we only met her through Daphne a couple of years ago."

"Is there a point to this or do you just like the sound of your own voice that much?" Ron questioned.

"The point is that we know the other Slytherins who are in our year quiet intimately. And yet we threw our lot in with you rather than Draco. See Draco was raised to believe that the Malfoy family always leads, and as such he definitely believed that once we all got to Hogwarts, he would have our allegiances. So imagine his surprise when a Blood-Traitor" Ron frowned at the word, but Nott put his hands back up and continued "when you, of all people, get sorted into Slytherin, and every Slytherin is more interested in you than him. That's why he is trying to ridicule you, and why Daphne and the others approached you today."

"And what is her deal? Clearly she wasn't raised with manners…" Ron grew angry at the thought of the self-entitled heiress.

"Her family might be the only family more wealthy than the Malfoys" Zabini interjected. "She hasn't had to worry a day in her life about anything and as the heiress of said family, she can sometimes be very blunt with people." So no one taught the rich girl how to talk to other people, is that it? What a load of dung… "But you aren't completely free of blame either Weasley." Ron snorted at that.

"How so? Do share your wisdom with me Zabini" Ron spoke bitterly. I didn't do anything wrong. She is the one who thinks she can say whatever she damn well pleases…

"She was trying to comfort you, Weasley… In her own way. We all saw your face when you looked at your brothers…" Ron tensed at that. "And you exploded with anger… you scared her, Weasley. That doesn't make you the good guy. So get off your high horse…" With that Zabini turned around and walked out of the dormitory. Ron looked down at his feet. No… I didn't… But he knew he had. He had lost his temper again, and probably made another enemy. Nott coughed and Ron looked up at him.

"No need to be so shocked Weasley" Nott smirked. "We aren't completely emotionless. As a matter of fact, I think you show too much emotion. It makes you predictable and clouds your judgement." Nott then gave an exaggerated sigh. "Guess that's another thing we should work on…" Nott then flashed Ron a smile and walked out of the dorm too, leaving Ron behind to think. Ron's anger was replaced by some guilt and a better understanding of his new allies. Yes they were selfish, but they didn't seem to be completely inhuman either.

After all Nott and Zabini had both signed on with him rather than Malfoy, who was a person they had grown up with. That alone would cause them problems with Malfoy, and now they had even come here to defend a potential rival. That's clearly what Greengrass was to them at the moment. Another person who wanted to align her goals with Ron's for mutual benefit. Ron knew from chess that if you favor one piece, then you were more likely to lose your other pieces due to neglect and carelessness. The more people that Ron made allies with, the less time he would be able to give to Nott and Zabini. Yet they had defended Greengrass, and maybe even shown him that he was at fault too. That took… courage. Courage... The bell rang loudly and Ron was taken away from his thoughts. He shook his head and collected his Herbology text books. He walked down to the common room and saw both Nott and Zabini waiting for him. He gave them a nod and all three walked towards the herbology greenhouses.

They took Herbology with the Hufflepuffs and Ron could honestly say that his house was full of gits, because of their behavior towards said Hufflepuffs. Herbology had been a little more fun when studying it with Nott. He seemed to know quite a lot about devil's snare and Ron found himself a little excited by Nott's enthusiasm. However, Ron wasn't completely in the mood for it either. He kept glancing over at Greengrass and every time he did, he felt a pang of guilt that kept getting stronger. She is a girl and I blew up at her… If mum heard about this, she would make me clean the ghoul's attic forever… The class ended and everyone packed their tools away. Ron ignored Malfoy's comments and sneers from behind his back. He had more important things to do tonight. Once their books had been put away, the three boys walked to the Great Hall for dinner. Ron was famished but he knew his food would have to wait. I have to do this. I can't afford any more problems right now…

Ron entered the Great Hall and looked to the Slytherin table. He spotted head full of blonde hair, and made his way towards it. Nott and Zabini noticed his trajectory and didn't do anything to stop him. Ron sat across from Greengrass who huffed in irritation and looked away from him when she noticed him. Spoilt git… Ron almost chuckled at her childlike behavior. But then again she was a child, it was Ron who had been forced to grow up because of his visions. It was Ron who had been knee deep in a woman's blood while he fumbled to save her life. "Hi Daphne…" Ron began. "I just wanted to… um… I wanted to apologize for the things I said to you…" Ugh I'm bad at this. "And for scaring you" Greengrass turned and looked at Ron with a scowl.

"You didn't scare me Weasley" she argued back, still scowling but her lips were slightly twitching upwards. "I don't get scared, don't ever forget…"

"Ok, ok" Ron cut her off from her rant. This was already awkward enough. "I'm sorry for being a git alright! Nott and Zabini told me that you only tried to help and well… I lost my temper at you…" Ron finished and looked down at his plate. His blush was burning his cheeks and his ears had taken their famous red color again. Greengrass huffed again, making Ron look up at her. She had a slight smile on her face.

"Very well, I forgive you" she started "but you must make it up to me. It is only fair after you showed such… cruelty towards me." Cruelty? Ron noticed that her small smile had turned sly. Bloody snakes haha… "And don't call me by my first name, it is just plain rude. We are not friends, Weasley." Ron smiled back at her and nodded. "We are… allies." Her cheeks had turned slightly rosy and Ron's own cheeks burned even hotter. So he just nodded at her and started putting a modest amount of food on his plate.

"Praise Salazar, he is actually learning" Nott chuckled from his side. Ron just frowned at Nott and started piling more food onto his plate. I'll show you what I'm learning you git… Zabini chuckled at Ron's childish spite and began a conversation with Bulstrode about her cat. Davis made her jokes which made Greengrass giggle loudly while Nott and Ron spoke about Herbology. The dinner turned into a friendly conversation about Quidditch, Ballroom dances, and everything that wasn't their studies. And Ron finally found himself smiling genuinely for the first time in what felt like forever. Ever since the hat had put him in Slytherin. Ever since his entire Hogwarts dream had been shattered by reality. Ron was so relaxed that he completely missed two twinkly eyes gazing right at him in amusement. Ron also missed the look of absolute scorn that Malfoy and his goons were giving him.

Dinner ended and the students emptied the Hall to head off to their common rooms. Ron and his new allies chatted all the way down and once they reached the Slytherin common room, they all sat down to relax on the sofas in front of the fire. Their good mood didn't last long though. "I saw you stuffing your mouth at supper" came pompous voice belonging to Malfoy. "But then again, I suppose you should eat as much as you can when your parents can't afford to feed you at home." Ron heard muffled laughs and giggles from all over the room. Everywhere except from his new allies that is, who just looked over to Ron in curiosity, no doubt waiting to see what Ron would do. Ron noted that Davis looked more concerned for him than curious, which confused Ron slightly. "No witty comeback, Weasel? Your family is an absolute disgrace to the name of wizards, especially your Muggle loving father." THAT'S IT! Ron unsheathed his wand, stood up and turned to point the wand at Malfoy's face in a split second. Malfoy only managed a surprised face before Ron sent a jinx at it.

"Tarantallegra" Ron spoke clearly, citing the dancing jinx from his spell journal. Green light shot out of Ron's wand and struck Malfoy in the face. The whole room gasped and went dead silent. Then every single person burst into a wild fit of laughter when they saw Malfoy break into a foreign dance. Even Greengrass, who was all proper and ladylike broke into a loud laugh at the sight which made Ron feel quite proud of himself. Malfoy was red in the face with anger but his body was still dancing wildly. And then all of a sudden Malfoy stopped dancing and fell forward on his knees.

"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!" A voice boomed through the room, shutting everyone up instantly. Professor Snape marched into the room, robes billowing, and picked up Malfoy and plant the boy on his feet. Snape turned and stared at Ron in a way that made Ron immediately look down at his feet. "Mr. Weasley explain yourself" Snape's voice was now calmer but the authority in it hadn't left it at all.

"Sir… um Malfoy said something to me that I didn't… appreciate so…" Ron was cut off by Snape at that.

"So you cast a jinx on him? Does that sound like a reasonable reaction to you Mr. Weasley?" Snape hissed, anger evident in his voice. Ron nearly nodded by mistake, that's how nervous he felt in front of Snape. Stopping himself from making that mistake, Ron shook his head and kept his eyes down. "Five points from Slytherin for fighting against your house-mates Mr. Weasley. And I will see you tomorrow morning right after breakfast to discuss your apparent lack of common sense" Snape sneered before marching out of the common room. Malfoy was grinning triumphantly at Ron which irked him to no end.

"Looks like Weasley lost himself some points" Malfoy chuckled, clearly trying to turn the situation against Ron. But Ron had won enough matches in chess to know when someone was making a desperate move.

"I've still earned our house thirty five points today alone" Ron blurted out without even thinking about the fact that he had called Slytherin his house. "What about you, Malfoy? What have you done for our house today other than entertain us with your horrid dancing?" The room broke into laughter again and some of the older students even cheered Ron on, no doubt glad to see the pompous Malfoy heir be put in his place.

"This isn't over you weasel" Malfoy ground out through gritted teeth, before he turned and marched off to another area of the common room followed quickly by his gorillas and his pug-faced female friend. Ron sat back down on the couch next to Zabini. No… it isn't… No one talks about my family like that and gets away with it. Just you wait Malfoy... Just you bloody wait…

"That was brilliant Weasley" exclaimed Davis, her eyes still watery from laughing so hard. "Who taught you that jinx?" Ron was surprised to find his allies grinning and smiling at him. Even Bulstrode and Zabini were smiling at Ron rather genuinely.

"My brother Charlie taught me a few spells before I came to Hogwarts" Ron answered. It's not a complete lie... no need to tell them I have a journal filled with all sorts of these spells. Some curses even. The thought made Ron feel strangely safe and secure. He had memorized most of his brother's spells and now only needed to practice casting them. But so far he had been successful every time. The benefits of practicing wand movements with a stick clearly being essential to his current success.

"I have to say though" Greengrass began "that if you had waited for a few more seconds, then Snape would have caught Draco red handed. That temper of yours Weasley, it'll get you into real trouble someday." Nott nodded in agreement.

"I'm with Weasley on this" Bulstrode cut in. "Draco shouldn't speak about other people's families that way. Especially when he throws a fit if you say anything about his." Ron was surprised that Bulstrode seemed to agree with him. They hadn't talked much at all during the dinner conversation or after. Clearly she didn't think much of Malfoy, which put her in Ron's good books instantly. Zabini sighed and everyone turned to face him.

"You've prodded a hornet's nest when you could have just ignored Draco" Zabini said, sounding tired and disinterested. "Now he will definitely make it his mission to come after you and you will constantly have to watch your back… Jinxing him may have made you feel satisfied, but it wasn't a good call." Ron had noticed that Zabini seemed to be very cynical and even non-confrontational. But that didn't seem to stop him from giving his opinion.

"What's done is done" Nott said chuckling. "I'm more amazed that Weasley here called Slytherin our house. You're finally coming around." Nott laughed, making Ron's eyes go wide in realization. Bloody hell… Mum… Dad… I'm sorry. Zabini gave a chuckle while the rest joined Nott in laughing at Ron's shocked face.

They all talked a little more about their day and what they thought of Hogwarts so far before they all headed off to their dorms to sleep. Ron lay in his bed, next to his pet Scabbers, and mused over his day. It had started terribly but it had ended quite nicely. He had made 'allies' who seemed to be on his side, as long as they got something out of it, which was fine with Ron. He would use them too, and maybe one day he could even call them his friends. Not to mention his house seemed to like him, mainly because he was one of the few people in the house who had already helped put Slytherin into the lead for the House Cup. All in all, Ron was excited about tomorrow. Maybe the Sorting Hat had made the right call on his behalf. We'll see…

AUTHOR'S NOTES: That's the end of the current chapter. Now I know that some of you will have trouble with Fred and George being angry at Ron, but Ron did just turn into a Slytherin... Not to mention that they weren't very happy with Ron being so Percy-like in the previous chapters. But the Weasley Family is strong and this won't break them. People need time to adujust is all!

I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it! Let's see how Ron continues to operate within the House of the Cunning!

*Hint: I will release two chapters back to back next. Read them as such because it was meant to be one chapter... But I said screw that coz it got way too big!