AN: Are we ready to see what Hogwarts has in store? This chapter will definitely start to move things along plot wise, and we get some new characters thrown into the mix. That being said, we won't see everyone from the original books (too many to manage).
As you prepare to return to Hogwarts, let this guide your steps: true strength is not found in how others perceive you, but in the grace with which you navigate your choices. The name you bear is both a legacy and a privilege—wield it with wisdom, and it will serve you well. And should circumstances demand it, know that sometimes a firm hand may be necessary to protect what is dear.
With the warmest regards,
A Friend
XXX
I stay there, taking comfort in Nyx and silently rereading and interpreting the missive's words until dawn breaks over the rooftops of London.
Chapter 6: Return to Hogwarts - Circus Psycho
There was nothing that could have mentally prepared River for the frenzy of Platform 9 at King's Cross Station. Luggage carts through walls, disillusionment charms from muggles, the frenetic energy that bounces off walls and circled around them. There were also the whispers and thoughts that ricochets in her brain.
She looks just like them lot…Is that her?... Did Dark magic really bring her through the Veil?
River hugs Lupin and Sirius a little tighter, squeezing her eyes shut trying to hold on to the calm, grounding influence they have on her. They return her hug earnestly. "Try not to let it get to you… We're an owl away… It will get easier when you feel more settled at the castle… lean on Harry and Hermione." They whisper before parting words with Harry and Hermione as well.
With one last glance from the entry point as the train pulls away, River waves to Sirius and Lupin standing on the platform, already feeling her nerves prickled from the stimulation. They lean into each other, offering her strength with their smiles, while comforting each other as they already begin to miss all of them.
River's POV
As I trail after Harry and Hermione to find a compartment to sit in, the chaos of the morning seems to settle, and give way to the hum of the train. There is still a dissonance around me, fading or rising depending on which compartment door is opened. As if sensing my discomfort, Nyx paws at my arms holding her, as if to center my thoughts on her, and I try to hold on a little tighter the feeling of lightness that brings my mind.
"Here they are!" Harry says as he turns to Hermione and I. Hermione quickly follows, but with all of the loud thoughts and music streaming from the small area, I hesitate.
When I see who is inside, I understand why even more. Ron sits on one side, with two boys flanking him. One speaks in an Irish accent, the other tall and fairly fidgety. On the other side, Harry, Hermione quickly take a seat next to three girls, one in all lavender, the other two clearly twins. The sound is nauseating, and I know if I stay in this compartment I will have a headache an hour in.
"I think I will go look for Ginny." I say with a smile, trying to appear unaffected, but I can't help the small wince of pain that stabs at my brain.
Harry and Hermione look mildly concerned, but before they can argue with me, Ron opens his rather loud mouth. "Of course she wouldn't sit with us, too common for you Black?" Ron spews.
"Ron, seriously?" Hermione questions, anger flashing on her face.
"She hasn't given you any reason to dislike her, mate." Harry tries a softer approach.
"What? She's a Black… I bet she's every bit like her family."
"Sirius is a Black, Ron, would you say that about him?" Harry challenges.
"No, but he's different, isn't he? Left his family, sorted in Gryffindor. No tellin' where this one will end up yet…or who's side she is on."
I smile sweetly towards Ron, but part of me would love to bloody his nose…strength lies in grace with which you navigate choices…I force myself to take a breath. "We've discussed this Ron, clearly your insecurity is showing. Are you more worried about who's side I am on, or having to stand to the side for me, Ronald."
"Just take your bloody menace and leave me and my friends alone!" Ron says as I can practically see steam billowing from his ears. "You can't trust her Harry, she's as Black as Bellatrix Lestrange!"
I close my eyes and try and breath, but once again Ron has gotten under my skin judging me for something I have no control over. I have no memories, no connection other than a name and blood in my veins. But it's enough to tie me to a pike and set me aflame to the likes of Ronald Weasley. I don't wait to see if the others in that compartment will feel the same. I feel my magic threatening to crackle and light itself aflame, and I don't want to add gasoline to the fire Ron is trying to light at my feet.
"Fine! I'll see you all there." I yell at him and quickly turn before anyone else can protest on my behalf, close the compartment door, and try not to let the tears threaten to spill from my eyes. I hug Nyx to me tighter, her coarse tongue trying to collect the tears that start to spill down my cheeks. All I wanted was to feel accepted, to not be made to feel different, and here Ronald Weasley was doing just that. At least I wouldn't let him see me cry.
I duck into the bathroom of the next train car and steady myself. Setting Nyx down on the counter, splashing cool water on my face, and letting the thrum of the wheels of the Hogwarts Express bleed into my ears. Maybe I am a fool for expecting it to be different here… maybe it's the constant in any world. There are always others who will see me as strange, different, or a threat without ever getting to know who I am. When I am certain Harry and Hermione won't come after me, because the last thing I want is pity or to rehash the words that Ronald had spoken to me, I exit the bathroom.
I walk down the hallway, peering into each of the compartments I pass, looking for familiar and welcoming red hair, but I don't see Ginny. I do see a rather empty compartment though with only three students. I exhale and slide the door, mentally preparing for another onslaught of noise. I'm pleasantly surprised as the music is not dissonant, but a rich layered chord, complex and cohesive.
"Hello." I say to the three others now looking at me. "Can I sit in here?"
"Well, well, didn't expect the mysterious Black Heiress to join us." The girl sitting in the middle, Pansy Parkinson I pluck from her mind, responds.
I roll my eyes, but take a chance and sit on the bench opposite them. Their bite can't be as bad as their fangs.
"Interesting indeed." The boy to her left, Blaise Zabini, says as he absent mindedly twirls a piece of Pansy's hair in his fingers.
"Now, now, you two, don't scare her off, let's see if she's come to play first." The boy to the right, Theo Nott, says. His features and hair remind me of his father from our encounter in the Ministry.
They're… interesting. Each touching and brushing up against the other. Like snakes that coil and slither around each other, almost reminding me of a Hydra. But there is also an undercurrent of… genuine curiosity. Will I be a friend or will I be prey? As a Friend had reminded me, my name and bloodline would carry power. The snakes that sit across from me want to know what kind of power that will be.
"Depends on the game." Giving them a sly smile and letting Nyx down on the bench beside me. She curls up contentedly and is pleased to have a space to sleep.
"Ohhh… I like this one." Theo is particularly giddy now. "Since you've decided to join us, we ought to get to know each other better. Let's play Two Truths and a Lie. A little bit of deception, should make things... fun."
I study the three of them more closely. I know I can't trust them. But being in here is already far more pleasant that being in the same compartment with Ronald Weasley.
"Well, who's first?" I ask.
The boys both smile now, while Pansy remains a little prickly. "Ladies first." Blaise indicates to the two of us. "Pans, be a dear and give us a demonstration." He nudges her softly before his hand winds behind her to touch Theo's shoulder.
Pansy huffs, and throws a flirty glance at Blaise in return and places a hand on Theo as well. "Fine…two truths and a lie…I am the best dressed at Hogwarts… I've been to every single Malfoy Manor party since I was eight…and I've secretly loved Divination class more than I'll ever admit."
"Hey, where is Draco anyway?" Theo asks, his hand coming to rest over Pansy's on his leg.
"Prefect meeting. We won't see him till the feast."
"Divination. No one can love Trelawney's teaching." Blaise responds quickly.
Pansy snickers as a memory pops into her head. "Yes, but seeing Potter in a continual state of panic at reading tea leaves was quite amusing."
It stings slightly, hearing them make fun of Harry, when he hasn't shown me any reason to not like him. Pansy is quick to notice the emotion that flashes across my face before I school my features. "Ohh, that's right. Sirius is your guardian, so you spend lots of time with Potter."
I don't slink away from her words. "That's right, is that a problem?" I ask standing my ground.
Pansy holds my gaze for a moment, before her lips curl into a grin. "No, we snakes and lions just tend to… not mix well."
"That's mild Pans." Theo remarks with a chuckle.
"And why is that, exactly?" I press.
"Tradition mostly," Pansy shrugs. "It's how the founders of Hogwarts designed it."
I scoff, not hiding my disdain for the founders. "So we let a group of dead wizards and witches dictate who we should and shouldn't like? Even though they were just as flawed as anyone else, and got along well enough to found a school together?"
"Feisty, I bet you and McGonagall will get along." Theo says practically salivating at the idea of me and McGonagall butting heads.
"We came to… an understanding, of sorts when she tutored me over the summer."
Pansy scoffs. "You subjected yourself to tutoring? God, I will do anything to get out of mine."
Blaise jumps in. "Alright, I got your lie, Pans, so my turn." He takes a moment to think. His thoughts aren't as loud as the other two, but I can still pick up on certain flashes. "My mother has been married five times…I've never lost at Exploding Snap… I've never gotten a howler at Hogwarts."
"Isn't your mother on husband number seven, Blaise?" Theo says nonchalantly.
"Too true, Theodore, but you lot aren't giving our new friend here a chance to play."
I knew it would be coming, their intention all along was to get me to reveal things they would be intrigued by, be able to use as leverage, and generally sus me out. They were just teasing me into it. Even snakes can be charmed though.
"Alright…I can recite entire chapters of "Hogwarts: A History" by heart… I once brewed a perfect Draught of Living Death in my first try… and I have flown in space."
All three of them mull over my response, each one thinking my lie would more plausibly be my second or third response. I wait for one of them to guess with a straight face, since Hogwarts: A History was my least favorite book I read all summer.
"It's got to be flying in space." Blaise offers.
"No, I think Draught of the Living Death, that potion was mental with Snape in 4th year."
"I have to agree with Blaise on this one Theo, dear. Flying in space? Really?" Pansy questions as if it is obvious.
"You're all wrong, I hate Hogwarts: A History, and if I never have to read it again, I would be too glad." I outright laugh as the three sit flabbergasted.
"So it's true then, you came through the Veil?" Theo asks with more than mild curiosity.
I shrug. There really wasn't a reason to keep it a secret, not when his father was one of the ones to out me.
It's then that I pick up on it… the subconscious reason they were so quick to allow me into their little snake den. It seeps through the cracks of each of their minds, all very subtle, like wisps of smoke trying to catch flame, but present nonetheless. It just needs some air to breathe life into the fire that burns in them. They think I could be that air. The only thing I don't understand is why they would think that?
"Dammit." Theo says quickly. "I had money on an illicit love-child."
I quirk my brow, but as Blaise extends his hand towards Theo, I understand why. "Pay up Nott." Pansy snickers between them.
"Cost me twenty galleons." Theo clarifies.
I laugh at the scene unfolding in front of me. "Are those common in the Wizarding World?"
"Far more common than you would think." Pansy replies.
"Alright, since I lost a good amount of galleons on that, I'll go." Theo says. "I was almost sorted into Ravenclaw instead of Slytherin…I once snuck into the Restricted Section of the library to read about dark magic…I once turned Professor Snape's hair green during Potions… but you two can't respond." He says as he motions between Pansy and Blaise. "Let her have some fun."
It would be easy to cheat. But of the three, Theo's mind was the most quiet. Given his ease at accepting touches from Blaise as much as Pansy it's easy to see why though. His father would likely not take too well to a son that was less than a perfect heir, and the responsibilities that entails. I feel for him, being held up to a standard he didn't agree to when his heart is held by the two people he sits next to in this compartment.
"I am pretty sure all the houses you all grew up in had plenty of dark magic texts to read without needing to sneak into the restricted section at Hogwarts." I say with a smile.
"Right you are." Theo smiles. "Dark magics were bedtime stories in the Nott Manor."
A crack in his walls. Memories so dark he can't quite keep them from bubbling to the surface. A chill runs down my spine before it's pushed away.
"Your turn." Pansy redirects, sensing Theo's discomfort. Her own memories floating to the surface as she grabs his hand a little tighter.
I realize the snakes that sit across me aren't different from me, Harry, Hermione, or anyone else. We are all just kids, trying to figure out who we are, who we care for, and our place in all of it. None of us asked for the traumas we bury deep inside of us, we just find a way to deal with them.
"I've seen death…I've been manipulated, controlled, and lied to more times than I can count…There's no one at Hogwarts who understands the darkness I've seen."
Again, all three take in my words, glancing at each other with looks that speak to a silent conversation. They hold each other's gazes, only moving from one to the next and then back. They're coming to an understanding… about me. Whether they trust me… whether I'm a possible ally, or would I betray the small glimpse of their truth they have shared. They finally seem to reach a consensus before they respond.
"Oh sweetheart, I think we all know what darkness brings." Blaise says solemnly.
"You'll fit right in." Theo says with a laugh that has a hint of manic-ness and hides a piece of his pain.
Pansy gives me one more critique before she finally makes up her mind. "Well you clearly have taste, so I guess we can keep you."
I laugh, but accept that Pansy's prickliness is her own defense mechanism to the expectations she also faces. I can work with that.
As the Hogwarts Express pulls into the Station, the students exit the compartments and exit the train en masse. When Harry, Ron, and Hermione catch sight of River walking with Pansy Parkinson, Theo Nott, and Blaise Zabini, their mouths all hang open.
Ron is quick to turn and shout at them. "SEE! I TOLD YOU! NOTHING BUT A…"
Ron doesn't get to finish what he was going to say before a silencing hex sews his lips shut. "Potter, see to your weasel, would you?" Theo says while twirling his wand in his hand, no shame at silencing the now fuming Ron.
"Mr. Nott! 5 points from Slytherin for hexing Mr. Weasley." Professor McGonagall says rushes up to the commotion. She quickly casts finite on Ron, who just turns and walks to the nearest carriage, cursing under his breath about snakes, Blacks, and the lot of them.
"Worth it." Theo says as he shrugs his shoulders and keeps walking towards the carriages.
Harry and Hermione glance between River and the direction Ron went. River understands, they don't like Ron's behavior, but he's also their friend. She also understands that her developing friendship, if she could call it that, with the trio of Slytherins would make them uneasy.
"It's okay." She says as she waves them on. "I get it."
Hermione seems sad as she nods at her back, then turns towards where Ron went, but Harry lingers. Harry goes up to River, where she is still standing with Blaise and Pansy. The two remaining Slytherins are clearly cautious and questioning his motives.
"River…" Harry starts.
"Ah, Miss Black, this way please." McGonagall says as she motions me towards the boats instead of the carriages, breaking whatever moment may have been about to occur. Harry quickly moves to catch up to Hermione and Ron, while Pansy and Blaise go after Theo.
River's POV
It was a blur of noise and thoughts after McGonagall pulled me away. All I can do is close her eyes and allow myself to be carried by it, lest I be swept away entirely. Not having anyone with me, including Nyx, which Professor McGonagall assured me would be delivered to my room after the Sorting Ceremony and Feast. I grit my teeth, counting in my head, touching each of my fingers to each thumb on my hand and then repeating the process, but nothing seems to provide relief from my overstimulated mind. It isn't until there is silence… beautiful sweet silence all at once, that I open my eyes and realize I am in the Great Hall of Hogwarts, and everyone is staring at me.
"Miss Black, if you would please come up for your sorting so we may begin with the First Years." Dumbledore beckons me forward with his hand.
Professor McGonagall stands twenty meters in front of me, next to an old leather hat. The Sorting Hat, imbued with the consciousness and ideal of each of the four founders. I sit on the stool, the weight of the Hat settling over my head, leaving me alone with my thoughts. Then, the voice comes, soft but sharp, cutting through the silence in my mind.
"Ah, another Black... but something more, something... different, yes."
I tense. "Different how?" I ask, though I already know what it's getting at. My family name hangs over me like a shadow.
"You're a curious one, not content to follow the path laid before you. You seek your own way, don't you?"
"I just want to find where I belong," I say cautiously. "Where I can make sense of things. Where I can be... me."
The Hat hums softly, as though considering this. "Yes, I see it... ambition, intellect, and cunning. Slytherin would help you rise to your potential, teach you to master both yourself and the world around you. You have the instincts of a Slytherin—strategic, calculating when you need to be."
"Slytherin," I murmur, the word feeling both familiar and foreign. It's the house of the Black family, and yet...
"Ah, but you fear it will confine you, define you by the expectations of your bloodline. You fear it will shape you into something you are not. You already protect yourself, guard your thoughts, even from those who would be close to you. You want control over your own destiny, and Slytherin can offer you that freedom."
I pause, the weight of the Hat's words heavy in my mind. The idea of creating my own destiny, not just following what's expected of me... it's tempting. But there's still something else, something deeper stirring within me.
"Ah... I see there's more to you... Something brave, something bold. You're willing to challenge those who stand in your way. There's courage there, buried beneath the ambition. Yes, a lion's heart beats within you."
A lion's heart. The phrase sends a ripple through me, like a distant echo of something I should recognize but don't. "Gryffindor?" I whisper, the word barely audible.
"Yes... there is something of Gryffindor in you, River Black—something that may yet surprise you, if the time ever comes. But you are not driven by boldness, not yet. Your path lies in understanding, in strategy, in navigating the shadows to reach your goals."
"But what if..." I trail off, unsure of how to put it into words.
The Hat seems to sense my doubt. "You may not feel ready now, but bravery is not always loud. Sometimes, the boldest act is choosing your own way. And should the time come when your courage is truly tested, you may find yourself capable of feats you never imagined."
I feel a shiver run through me at the Hat's words. The idea lingers, but my mind circles back to Slytherin—what it represents, what it could offer me.
"Slytherin feels... right," I admit.
"Right indeed. But remember, strength can come from many places, and courage often hides in unexpected corners. You may find both... if you allow yourself to."
The Hat's voice is calm but certain, and I feel a strange sense of relief, as if a part of me knew this all along.
"Yes, you belong in Slytherin. But do not be surprised if, one day, your path crosses that of the lions…" the Hat adds before he speaks to all in the Great Hall. "Better be... SLYTHERIN!"
The Great Hall erupts into chaos. One side yelling in protest, in jeers, the other in joy and celebration? I don't know which is which before I feel Professor McGonagall's hand on my shoulder, gently pushing me towards one side. Is that… Pansy? Where is… Harry? I try and pierce through the noise to listen for anyone I know. I'm not able to pick out anyone and it's all very confusing.
"Can't… think Too… loud." I say before McGonagall's presence next to me fades. I feel her worry through the din in my mind. Is the yelling getting louder or is it all in my head?
"Mr.… maybe… fresh air will..." I think I hear McGonagall try and explain amid the yelling as someone else seems to take her place.
I close my eyes and allow the hand to take me away from the noise, instead focusing on trying to hear the music of the newest mind. No concrete thoughts escape, and even the notes are subdued. I feel like I am trying to listen to music underwater… muffled and distorted. I focus on that as I let my feet carry me where I am being pulled.
After a few moments, the loudness around me dissipates. I tell myself to focus on the cool air that I feel on my skin, on the breeze that almost whispers along my cheek. I allow my eyes to open, and I find myself in a courtyard. It's quiet, still, and I feel like I can finally breathe instead of being suffocated by all the noise.
"Alright, Black," A cool, detached voice says behind me, interrupting the silence. "McGonagall thought you needed some air, so here we are. Feeling any less... dramatic?"
Welcome to the late-night circus
Where you could be a freak on purpose
I turn and face a tall, very blond, young man. Even if I can't hear his thoughts or music, the family resemblance to his father is very striking.
"Thank you…Malfoy." I say testing to see if I am right in my deduction. A chill again settles on my skin. I question if it is from the night air or Malfoy across from me though. It almost reminds me of the chill I felt during my weeks with Snape, but different. Where Snape was ice that burned if touched too long, this is a chill that reminds me of the first frost of winter. Delicate, subtle.
"Just don't make it a habit, you're a Slytherin now." He says dismissive of my thanks.
I feel my hackles rise at his brusqueness. "I'll try to remember that." Matching my tone to his.
You know me, do you like what you see?
Do you like what you see?
His eyes study me, while his mouth narrows into a thin line. It's a strange juxtaposition… his classical beauty and the perturbed look on his face. I bet he would almost be handsome if he didn't have that permanent scowl.
He must have had his fill of studying me though, as he quickly turns and starts to walk away. He gets about five meters before he turns, as if he expected me to follow at his feet. I roll my eyes, fold my arms over my chest, and wait for him to actually tell me what he expects.
"Do you want to stand out here all night or would you like to know where your common room is?"
I'm swing-dancing with my demons, 'cause they the reason
I've been livin' this nightmare, with no trouble sleepin'
I roll my eyes, but take quick steps to follow after him. Once he sees me moving, he turns and continues on towards the Dungeons.
"Try and remember where you are going. I won't show you again how to get to the common room."
I pay attention to what he says, but also allow my mind to wander back and forth along the hallways. I take in the way that the paintings move, figures within whispering and running from painting to painting, following us as we go. Is this why Sirius kept all the paintings at Grimmauld covered? It's intriguing to think about, and I may try and uncover one of them when I return for the Winter Holiday.
As we descend lower and lower into the castle, I feel the air grow cool and damp. Malfoy pauses in front of a stone wall. "This is the entrance to the Slytherin Common Room." He says with a gesture to the blank wall in front of me. The only indicator where a door might be is the two green sconces on either side of it. "Don't think of showing your Gryffindor friends where this door is."
And I ain't never trust nobody, 'cause they end up leavin'
So I stay up late nights, you know I be creepin'
"Wouldn't dream of it." I say with a bite, again, matching his tone.
His eyes narrow at my response. "The Password changes every week. It'll be posted on the bulletin inside on Sunday evening."
I nod and wait for him to say the password to allow us to enter.
"Tradition." He finally mutters. As he does the bricks seem to rearrange themselves into an archway, allowing us to enter the common room. I quickly follow Malfoy as he enters. "Girls dorms are up the stairs, you'll find your name on the door to the room you will share," he says as he motions towards the door beyond the stairs.
I let my eyes sweep around the room, taking in the richly decorated interior with its velvets, dark wood, plush furniture, and windows that look out into the inky depths of the Black Lake. I feel like I'm floating in the darkness of the water. There is an eerie calm that reminds me of Grimmauld. An underlying current of magic, dark and beautiful.
You will never meet him, 'cause he just a ghost, rapture
Of my better life that I've been yet to still capture
"Now that you're one of us, there are a few things you should understand." Malfoy says as he folds his arms, taking a step closer, almost trying to intimidate me. I don't move.
"Slytherin isn't like the other houses," He says, his voice sharp. "We're ambitious, yes, but we're also strategic. We don't run headfirst into danger like those Gryffindor idiots. We think before we act."
His words hang between us for a moment, being absorbed and dissected, before he continues.
Welcome to the late-night circus
Where you could be a freak on purpose
"Loyalty isn't blind. It's earned. And those who have it, protect it. That's how you survive here—by knowing who to trust, and when to keep your mouth shut." He lets the underlying threat hang in the air, allowing the weight to settle around me. I still don't give him a response.
"And don't think you'll be able to coast just because you're a Black. Your family name will earn you respect, but Slytherin is full of others from the Sacred Twenty Eight. You'll still have to prove yourself." His eyes burrow into mine, searching for some type of acknowledgment. I faintly nod my head at him.
He steps back when I give him that tiny nod and gestures toward the chairs by the fire. "You can sit here for a while if you like. Most of the others are at dinner, so you've got some time to take it all in. Just... don't expect anyone to make things easy for you. Slytherins don't help unless it benefits them. Keep that in mind." And with that he turns and moves back towards the Common Room door.
Under the sheets, you know I'm lurking
You know me, do you like what you see?
Do you like what you see?
I wait until it closes before I slowly allow my Fugue to come back to the forefront of my thoughts. It's soothing, having something only I can hear in this space filled with history and magic. I close my eyes and let myself be swept into the dance as I move towards the stairs to find my room so I can curl into my bed with Nyx.
Elsewhere…
They sit silently around the long table, waiting for their Lord to speak. None of them dared to be the first, not after the state he had been in the past few weeks… not since the failure at the Department of Mysteries. Everyone at this table knew how lucky they were to escape not only the Department, but Voldemort's wrath. He did not tolerate mistakes, and they were now facing another problem with a new prophecy.
"Are we sure that the seer's words… can be trusted? We know how well that worked out with the last prophecy." Lord Voldemort finally hisses to his inner circle.
"Severus confirmed that the timing coincided. Dumbledore also believes it pertains to Black but did not disclose the full…" Lucius Malfoy is silenced by the wave of Voldemort's pale scaly hand.
"No matter we have other means…to procure the prophecy." He hisses. "And the girl?"
"Sorted into Slytherin this evening, sir." Someone else supplies quickly.
A silence hangs over the table before Voldemort's chilling laugh begins to weave through the room like a snake.
"Lucius." Voldemort hisses. "I think we have a job for young Draco."