Grandpa

The first week of school has been eventful, to say the least. First of all, I was sorted into Slytherin. While it's no surprise to me or you, the Hogwarts population is losing their minds. Apparently, I was supposed to be In Gryffindor. You were wrong however I watched Dumbledore closely as you asked and my getting sorted into Slytherin didn't seem to surprise him. I already made two good friends Blaise Zabini and Tracey Davis. The Greengrass girl Daphne doesn't say anything to me she just pretends I don't exist.
I made an enemy already I'm sorry. His name is Draco Malfoy. Malfoy was Insulting Tracey about her heritage. Tracey is technically half-blood, but her mom is a squib, and her dad is a muggle. Anyways the way Malfoy treated her just rubbed me the wrong way so when he offered his hand in friendship, I threw it back in his face. Not the smartest move knowing who his father is, but it can't be helped at this point.

Most classes I have no problem with. Transfiguration is fun, Professor McGonagall is an Animagus that is such a useful talent I hope I can learn it someday. Professor McGonagall is a strict but fair teacher. She is also head Of Gryffindor house which is maybe why she seemed disappointed when she first saw me. Charms is another fun class if not a bit chaotic. Professor Flitwick is a small cheerful man, but he knows his stuff. Now the two classes I have a problem with are Potions and Defense against the Dark Arts.

The Potions master is Professor Snape he supposedly favors Slytherin house, but he sure has a problem with me. The first lesson he sneered when my name was called. Then decided to ask me questions not taught in the first year. Good thing you made me study ahead. I answered his questions right and he still took off 10 points. He claimed I cheated. Then the potion he had us make i completed it perfectly it was the perfect shade of lavender, and he said it was barely acceptable. Malfoys was two shades darker and got an O.

Defense against the dark arts the teacher Professor Quirrell is a joke. He keeps stuttering and losing his train of thought. Not to mention when I'm around him I always get a sharp pain in my scar. Also, something Dumbledore said at the opening feast has got me concerned. Dumbledore said the third-floor corridor is out of bounds to anyone who does not wish to die a horrible death. Something that could cause a horrible death has no business being in a school. Saying it like that to a room full of children you know some kids are going to try and see what's there. It's almost like Dumbledore wants people to investigate. I have to go today is our first flying lesson and I don't want to be late. Hope all is well and that I hear from you soon.

Harry

Harry finished his letter and gave it to Hedwig who was perched on his shoulder eating a strip of bacon. How she knew he was writing a letter he didn't know but he learned that Hedwig was very intelligent and intuitive more so than any other owl he had met. He tied the letter to her leg and watched her take flight.

Blaise finally showed up to the Slytherin table yawning and rubbing sleep from his eyes. Harry just shook his head. After a week of being in the same common room as Blaise Harry knew he was not a morning person. Harry had set an alarm for Blaise knowing he wouldn't get up on his own.

"It's Saturday why in all things most holy do I need to be up before nine?"

"Because we have flying lessons today."

Blaise just groaned.

"I couldn't be bothered with flying, to be honest. I've always preferred my feet on the ground. Hey, where is Tracey? You think she would be the first one ready she loves flying?" Blaise asked while yawning.

"Tracey was here earlier she was so excited she was practically bouncing off the walls. Then she went with Daphne." Blaise just shook his head.
"Of course, she's with the ice queen. How did she and Tracey even become friends anyway they are so different."

It was Harry's turn to shake his head. Blaise had taken to calling Daphne the ice queen. Because she acted so cold towards everyone.

"Stop calling her that the last thing you need is for her to hear you say that and then hex you. Tracey and she are cousins they have known each other all their lives. Tracey's mom is Daphne's mom's sister."

"Merlin that's a mouthful couldn't you just say Tracey's mom is the Ice Queen's aunt? Also don't worry about me saying ice queen. She would probably take it as a compliment."

Harry laughed and both boys started heading out to the quidditch pitch. They were one of the first to arrive followed by Tracey and Daphne and then a red-headed Gryffindor boy who gave Harry a dirty look. Harry was used to the dirty looks from Gryffindor by now, so he just rolled his eyes.

Finally, everyone had arrived. The flying instructor was a witch named Madame Hooch. She reminded Harry of a hawk. Madame Hooch instructed everyone to raise their right hand over their broom and say up. Harry's broom went straight into his hand. As did Tracey's, and Malfoy's. The red-headed Gryffindor got his up a second later. Blaise half-heartedly said up and his broom shot up and hit him in the face. Blaise cursed In Italian while Harry had to hold back a laugh. After a few minutes of trial and error, everyone had their broom in hand.

Madame Hooch then instructed everyone how to mount the brooms but before she could say the next step a pudgy-faced Gryffindor lost control and found himself floating in the air and losing control of his broom. Before anyone could do anything, the boy fell from his broom and landed awkwardly on his arm with a loud crack. Madame Hooch took the boy to the hospital wing but made a very stern warning to anyone who decided to fly in her absence.

Malfoy and his cronies began laughing and picked up a small orb from where the boy fell.

"I guess the Squib Longbottom won't be needing this anymore." The red-headed boy demanded the orb back, but Malfoy just laughed and flew in the air. The red-headed boy followed and then Nott decided to join. Malfoy and Nott were playing keep away from the red-headed boy. Harry had seen enough he felt it was time to go out and end it.
Joining the three in the air Harry flew to Malfoy.

"Enough is Enough Malfoy give him the orb."

"Scarhead defending Gryffindor and a Weasley at that. I thought it was bad enough you hang out with the disgrace of a Slytherin mudblood but you sink even lower."

"Last chance Malfoy. Give it here or I'll knock you off your broom." Malfoy saw the look in Harry's eyes and knew Harry was serious, but Malfoy wasn't going to let him win.

" If you want it so bad go get it." Malfoy threw the ball as hard as he could toward the ground thinking no way Harry could get it. Harry reacted instinctively and dove after the ball. The ground was coming up real fast and the ball was just out of reach. Harry extended his arm nearly coming off his broom. He was just able to clench his fist around the ball and pull up from the dive before they both hit the floor.

Harry felt a rush of adrenaline and satisfaction. When Harry landed it was gone and replaced with cold fear. Standing in front of him looking livid was Professor Snape.

"POTTER COME WITH ME!" Snape started walking away and Harry had no choice but to follow. Harry knew he was in major trouble.

" I'll give you a choice Potter. Either have detention with me for the rest of the year or you could work off your punishment."

Harry thought detention with Snape did not sound good at all. But Harry was also sure that whatever work Snape assigned would be just as bad if not worse. Still, Harry decided he rather do whatever the work was then give up all his free time.

"I'll work it off."

"Good." Snape had him Wait outside the Slytherin common room. He came back with Marcus Flint captain of the Slytherin quidditch team. Snape then brought them to his office.

"Flint, I got you a new seeker Harry Potter."

"You must be kidding professor he's only a first year."

"There is no rule saying a first year can't play. I want the Quidditch Cup Flint. I was extremely embarrassed to have Hufflepuff win the cup last year. Higgs is awful and loath as I am to admit it Potter is our best bet." Harry stayed silent throughout the whole conversation he couldn't believe what was happening.

"Now Potter I expect the Quidditch cup at the end of the year. Lucky for you are a better flier than a potion maker. If you don't deliver us the cup then so help you Potter, but I will make you pay."

Flint said nothing to Harry besides telling him when the first practice was and that he'd better have a broom. Harry had thought he was going to be in major trouble but instead, he wound up on the quidditch team. He couldn't believe his luck.

Harry was going to head back to the common room to tell his friends the news when he remembered the ball in his pocket. Harry turned and went to the hospital wing.
Once inside Harry found the round-faced boy in a bed with his arm in a sling. Harry approached the boy quietly not wanting to startle him. When the boy saw Harry, his eyes widened. Harry sensing a problem raised his hands up showing he meant no harm.

"Hey, I'm not here to cause you harm or to make fun of you. I'm here to give you this back." Harry pulled out the ball and handed it to the boy.
The boy took it in his uninjured arm and quizzically looked back at Harry.

"Thank you. It was a gift from my gran." The boy hesitated after saying that and then extended out his uninjured hand.

"You may not know this, but Gran always told me the Potter's and the Longbottem's have always been political allies and friends. I don't see why that can't continue. The name is Neville Longbottom."

Harry was surprised he forgot that the Longbottom's were part of the Potter alliance he knew Charlus would be disappointed he forgot. Harry took Neville's hand.

"Nice to meet you Neville I'm Harry Potter."

Draco Malfoy was in a bad mood. Potter now had publicly humiliated Draco twice. Draco thought for sure Harry would get in trouble with Snape, but it turned out he gets to join the Quidditch team. If wasn't fair Draco felt if anyone should get on the team it should be him. Draco felt it was time for Potter to face some humiliation. It took some time, but he had come up with a plan.

Draco approached Potter in the common room.

"Harry Potter, you have insulted the house of Malfoy, and I demand satisfaction. You and I Duel in the trophy room at midnight."
Draco knew Harry couldn't say no in front of everyone. If he did, He would be a coward if he didn't then Draco would enact the second part of his plan.

"Really Malfoy that's really petty even for you. Fine, I accept. Blaise will be my second."

Draco smiled he had Potter right where he wanted him. Draco quickly picked Nott as his second. Harry went back to doing his Homework while Draco went to visit a certain caretaker.

Later that night Harry and Blaise and a very stubborn Tracey started heading towards the trophy room. Once there they were surprised to find Daphne Greengrass waiting for them.

"Greengrass I'm surprised you here."

"Don't flatter yourself Potter I'm not here for you I'm just here to make sure nothing happens to Tracey as I knew she would insist on coming."

The four of them waited about five minutes when they heard footsteps Blaise took a peek outside then quickly shut the door.

"It's Filch and that bloody cat. "

The four ran as quickly as they could. With Filch pursuing. They reached the staircase, and they thought they were home free until the staircase moved. The four found themselves on the third floor. With Filch coming the four ran into what they thought was a locked classroom. A quick alohomora from Tracey and they ran inside. The four ran Inside so quickly that they didn't realize the room was occupied.
T

he four were about to let out a sigh of relief. When they heard a grumble behind them. Turning around each of their hearts froze for in front of them was a massive dog at least 15 feet tall. The massive paws were bad, but the three heads were even worse. All three heads had really sharp teeth and were looking at the foursome as its next meal. The kids ran right back out the door. They rather face Filch than the three-headed monster.

Surprisingly the four made it back to the Slytherin common room without running into anyone else. They said the password (Cottonmouth) and inside they came face to face with a furious Professor Snape and behind him a supremely smug Malfoy. Snape gave each of them a week's worth of detentions but thankfully didn't take any points away.

It was early Saturday, and the great hall was practically deserted. Even the staff table was empty. Harry liked to get up early on the weekends and have a nice run around the lake. It was something His grandfather and he used to do. For a seventy-eight-year-old man, Charlus kept in great shape. Speaking of his Grandad Hedwig finally returned with a letter from him. As well as a long package that looked suspiciously like a broom. Harry got the letter and gave Hedwig a strip of Bacon. Hedwig gave him an appreciated Hoot and flew off. Harry opened the letter and smiled.

Harry

First of all, I'm sorry this letter is late, but I've been busy trying to reestablish the Potter alliance. I was never the politician but given the state of things i figured it is worth getting into. I've had meetings with Madame Longbottom and Madame Bones. No promises yet but it's looking hopeful. Secondly congratulations on getting into Slytherin. As far as people talking, they were going to regardless. Now I'm glad you're making friends but as far as Malfoy goes don't worry about it. You stood up for your friend. Trust me that means something.

As far as what Dumbledore said at the opening feast is concerning. If it's that dangerous where people could die, I agree it has no business being in a school full of children. If he wanted to keep everyone out, he could have sealed the whole thing behind extremely powerful wards and never mention it. Harry whatever you do stay away from it. Dumbledore is up to something the man is extremely clever and a master politician his words are deliberate which means the whole thing is deliberate.

I also heard that your flying lessons went so well that you found yourself on the Quidditch team. I've sent a little surprise for you in that regard. Don't worry I checked the rules. While it is true first years are not allowed to bring their own broomsticks, it does not mean they can't be sent one. The whole rule was put in place for muggle-born students. Most muggle-born students come into their first year not knowing anything about quidditch or flying. It's hardly fair if other kids have brooms and could fill spots on quidditch teams without giving them a chance to try out. So, no brooms for first years.

You were invited to join the team which any first year could also be invited. So, you are not getting special treatment. I tell you all this because there will be many thinking you are getting special treatment because of your name. This should help stop those rumors but we both know it won't. As far as potions and defense against the dark arts go there is nothing you can do besides independent study. The good news is all the important tests are not conducted by the teachers. Your scar is hurting is odd because it never happened before. Let me know if it persists. Well, I Got to go best of Luck with everything

Charlus.

Harry figured that Trixie or Loki must be keeping an eye on him how else could his granddad know about making the quidditch team? Harry decided it didn't matter and eagerly unwrapped his new broomstick which was a Nimbus 2000. Harry could hardly contain his was walking towards the pitch when he saw three older Slytherins and a Ravenclaw first-year girl in an unused classroom. It looked like the girl was crying.

"What the hell are you doing?" Harry yelled while bursting through the door. The boys were startled at first but quickly had their wands pointing at Harry. The older boy getting over his shock sneered at Harry.

"It's none of your concern Potter. Close the door and go on your way."

"No, I'm not leaving till I know what is going on here." Harry stood defiantly. He knew that if it came down to a fight, he couldn't take the three of them on, but he also knew he couldn't just leave and do nothing.

"Listen Potter you know the rules of Slytherin house. You don't take sides against the house. This bitch wanted to talk shite about Slytherin so were going to teach her a few things. Now piss off or you will join her." Harry said nothing there was no way he was going to leave.

Harry knew he had to do something now. Harry put his wand away and as the boys relaxed, he lashed out with a swift kick to the back of the knee to the boy next to him. The boy's leg buckled, and Harry followed up with an elbow to the neck. Harry was very grateful for Charlus insisting Harry learn Martial Arts when he was Eight. The first boy dropped in pain, but Harry suddenly found himself unable to move. The other two boys had reacted a lot quicker than Harry thought and he was caught in a body bind curse.

" Well, Potter you're going to share in the punishment we had planned for her However yours is going to be so much worse. You need to learn your place in this world." The boy pointed his wand at Harry. Harry knew he could do nothing but take whatever punishment they decided to dish out. Harry looked away refusing to let them see the fear in his eyes. There was a loud crack and a groan.

Harry being curious turned his head and what he saw both comforted him and embarrassed him at the same time. The Potter family house elf Loki stood over the prone figures of the three Slytherin boys.

"You be going now." The Slytherin boys tried to get up and attack again only for Loki to throw them back again. Which made the leader of the three realize they were outmatched.

"Come on guys let's go. This isn't over Potter." The three boys left, and Harry felt he could move again. The girl was sobbing quietly. Harry noticed it was the same bushy-haired girl from the train.

" Hey, are you okay? My name is Harry Potter, and you are? The girl looked up at him with puffy red eyes.

"My name is Hermione Granger and I'm okay thank goodness you came in. Who knows what those brutes would have done."

"Well, Hermione I'm sorry my housemates treated you this way. I hope you don't think all Slytherins are like this. Why did they even come after you."

"It started the other day. They stole our books yesterday and one of our Prefects came and gave them detention and took ten points from them. She then told us how Slytherin house is full of bullies, and we should avoid them. I was just going to the library I didn't think they would corner me like they did."

"Well don't worry about them. I'm going to have Loki my house elf watch out for you."

"What's a house elf? And don't worry I'm going straight to a teacher, and they will get in trouble."

"A house elf is a magical creature that binds with a magical family. They do lots of things like make dinner and clean the house. Bloody useful house elves are like you just saw."

"Do they get paid for all their hard work?"

"Well not in the traditional sense."

"So, they're like slaves. That's completely barbaric."

"Whoa whoa whoa they are not slaves. House elves and witches and wizards have a symbiotic relationship. House elves need to be bonded to a magical family to survive. They survive off our ambient magic and in return they work for us. House elves enjoy working. If you try taking that away from them, you will insult them. You shouldn't just make rash judgments based on what you see. You need to get all the information you can."

"It's true miss. We house-elves need families to survive. We also like to work because the more useful an elf is the stronger the bond. Most of us do not wish to be free. Some poor elves wish to find new families because they are treated badly."

"Well, Hermione I think we should get going. Do you want me to escort you to the library?"

"That's okay Harry I'm just going to go back to my common room. Don't feel like going to the library now."
Harry picked up his broom and walked with Hermione to her common room. The walk was done in silence, but Harry could tell she felt comforted by his presence.

"Hermione, I noticed that you spend a lot of your time alone. I just want you to know you can join me and my friends anytime. Just because we are in different houses doesn't mean we can't be friends."

"I'd like that, Harry." Hermione gave him a small smile and then went towards her common room. Harry didn't follow as she had made clear the entrance to their common room should be kept secret. Harry just hoped the aftermath with the Slytherins wouldn't be too bad.

The aftermath was worse than Harry thought. It was later that day Harry was called into McGonagall's office. Hermionie true to her word had gone to a teacher and reported them. Harry was asked his side of the story. So, Harry told the truth. Slytherin House lost 150 points, and they got a month's worth of detention. The rest of Slytherin house was less than pleased and Harry found himself being confronted by Slytherins hierarchy.

In Slytherin House, there was a tradition of appointing a Slytherin elder. The Slytherin elder was a 7th-year student who was in charge of Slytherin house. He reports to Professor Snape. The Slytherin elder appoints a member each year to act as the leader for that year and that was the Hierarchy.

Harry found himself facing the entire Hierarchy with everyone else in the common room acting as witnesses.

"Potter the most important rule in Slytherin is never to go against the house. Your actions have led to us losing a significant amount of house points. This also is not your first offense as you have had public arguments with your year mate Draco Malfoy. For these crimes against Slytherin house, I declare you to be shunned and all protection of Slytherin house for you will be voided for at least a month. You will find the other houses will not show you mercy. We will not intervene."

"So, you're telling me you care more about me telling the truth than some of our own attempting to attack a first-year girl? Well fine, I don't regret my actions. I am ashamed to be a part of Slytherin House. This is why the other houses hate us. No matter what fellow housemates do you will defend them. Slytherin House was proud and noble it's amazing to see how far it has fallen. I will choose to do what is right and not turn a blind eye. Would none of you do the same?" Harry looked around hopeful, but he saw no one willing to back him up you could see the disappointment in his eyes.

"I stand with you, Harry." Blaise had been watching the whole affair with disgust he was ashamed to be a Slytherin watching this. The older years had threatened him with making his life hell if he took sides against the house, but he didn't care. Harry was his friend, and he would stand with him.

"I'll stand with you as well. I'm already unwelcomed here anyway." Tracey like Blaise had been threatened to silence. Daphne had convinced Tracy to go along with it so they would attack her heritage less. Tracy didn't care Harry had defended her and didn't care about her heritage she would have his back. Harry was impressed and grateful that his friends had his back. He was shocked that Daphne Greengrass after a long sigh stood up as well.

"I hate to say this, but I agree with Potter."

"Well, then the three of you will be shunned along with Potter." With that, the hierarchy left. Everyone else went back to what they were doing before. Harry heard Malfoy comment on Daphne's father being disappointed. Harry upon seeing her reaction went to thank her first.

"Hey, Greengrass I just want to say thank you for the support."

"I didn't do it for you Potter. I've said it before I refuse to allow Tracy to go through it alone, I could care less about you."

"Well in either case I appreciate it. I appreciate all of you." Harry addressed the three of them as Tracy and Blaise had joined them.

"No problem, Harry you're our friend. We got your back."

"Yeah, Harry, you defended me against Malfoy I would never let you go through this alone."

"I guess we should get used to our lives as the Slytherin outcasts."

Albus Dumbledore was in an unused classroom in front of a giant mirror contemplating about Harry Potter. In truth he was annoyed. Harry in Slytherin was not the ideal place Dumbledore wanted him. Not for the first time he wondered how Charlus influence would affect his plan. Dumbledore took a deep breath he could feel the effects of a headache coming on. He quickly popped a lemon drop in his mouth and felt the effects lessen. A knock at the door had him schooling his features as Severus Snape walked in.

"Albus, do you mind telling me why we are meeting here instead of your office."

"I find it's best to be away from prying eyes every so often. Besides this classroom will now be the temporary home to the Mirror of Erised" Snape sent a passive glance at the mirror and then ignored it all together.

"I could care less about your silly trinket. Why have you summoned me here"

"I have a task for you Severus. I need you to keep an eye out for Quirrell. I believe he intends to steal the stone."

"If you know this, why aren't you doing anything about it."

"Because I suspect he isn't working alone. I need Quirrell to lead us to who he is working with. So right now, he stays where he is. I suspect he will try to steal the stone without help at first, I wish for you to prevent this. Now tell me Severus about Mr. Potter"

"He is as arrogant as his father was. I don't know why you are bothering with him."

"Severus you know better than anyone why I'm interested in the boy. Did you forget why Lilly died?"

"Of course, not Albus how could I forget"

"I should think not seeing the role you played in her death. The boy needs to be watched We can't let him follow down a similar path as Riddle." Snape looked like he had been slapped.

"The boy is below average at best he unfortunately inherited his father's brains. He at least has gotten Lilly's heart as he helped out a first year from Ravenclaw that insufferable know it all Granger."

"Interesting I shall have to meet this, Granger. She could be of use. That will be all Severus you may go."
Snape left after being dismissed as Albus stood staring at the mirror. A plan forming in his mind as he watched his heart's desire in the mirror.