Any of J.K Rowling's storylines and Characters that I use are rightfully hers but the characters that I make are mine'

The large doors swung open at once. A tall, black-haired witch in emerald-green robes stood there. She had a very stern face and several wrinkles around her brown eyes. Harrison instantly recognized her from her father's description. This must be Minerva McGonagall, his father had told him all about her. He had also heard stories about her from his older friends, they said she treated all of the houses equally except when it came to quidditch.

"The firs' years, Professor McGonagall," Hagrid announced.

"No, duh," Leo murmured.

"Thank you, Hagrid. I will take them from here," McGonagall told him.

She pulled the door wide to reveal the inside of Hogwarts. The entrance hall was a large square room, the stone walls were lit with flaming torches like the ones at Gringotts, the ceiling was too high to make out, and a magnificent marble staircase facing them led to the upper floors. Harrison heard several exclamations of shock, but he didn't think it was anything special. The entrance hall at Riddle Manor was larger and much more grand.

They followed Professor McGonagall across the flagged stone floor. Harrison could hear the drone of hundreds of voices from a doorway to the right -the rest of the school must already be here- but Professor McGonagall showed the first years into a small, empty chamber off the hall. They crowded in, standing rather closely packed together than they would usually have done. Harrison noticed that most of the students were peering about nervously. Harrison internally rolled his eyes, it's just a bloody hat we have to try on, shouldn't everyone know that? Harrison was squished between Cass and Draco, the latter scowled when a sandy haired boy bumped into him.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," said Professor McGonagall. "The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts."

Harrison exchanged smiles with his friends; they have been like his family for as long as he could remember. He knew that he would go to Slytherin, there wasn't a doubt in his mind about it. He was excited to finally be in the house that his father, godparents, and most of his older friends were in.

"You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory, and spend free time in your house common room. The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rule breaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup, a great honor. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours. The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. I suggest you all smarten yourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting. I shall return when we are ready for you, please wait quietly."

"Smarten ourselves up?" Cass repeated scathingly, only Harrison and Leo heard her remark and they both covered snorts.

McGonagall's gaze snapped to them before her eyes roamed to Neville who's cloak was fastened under his ear. Harrison didn't even know how that was possible. Her eyes then flickered over to a boy with red hair who had a smudge on his nose before she left the chamber. Harrison watched as the red headed boy conversed with two other boys. One was a tall black boy and the other was the one who had bumped into Draco.

"Weasley," Draco spat when he saw where Harrison was looking.

"Wonderful," Leo said, sarcasm dripping from his voice.

Cass wrinkled her nose. "He really should wash his face."

Harrison smirked at Cass' comment before focusing on the other students. He recognized some of his friends, he waved at his friend Lisa Turpin who grinned when she saw him. She had long shiny black hair and a button nose. He watched as several students attempted to smooth out their robes or flatten their hair. Neville was looking around nervously and Hermione appeared to be muttering under her breath.

"She's mental," Cass muttered to Harrison with a glance at Hermione.

"My brother says we have to fight a troll!" The Weasley boy exclaimed.

Harrison didn't know whether to burst into laughter or call the boy out to be an idiot. Was he truly stupid enough to believe that the professors would allow any student, let alone a first year fight a troll? He could practically feel amusement pouring off of Cass as Leo gave the boy a disdainful look.

Draco snorted causing the Weasley boy, and the two boys he was talking to turn around. "What?" Weasley snapped.

Draco raised an eyebrow at the tone. "Do you honestly believe they would let a bunch of first years fight a troll?" Draco drawled. "And that if they did an eleven year old would be able to defeat it? Their skin is thick and resistant to basic hexes, and considering the lack of education most new first years have," Draco's gaze flickered to Hermione who frowned, "most first years would be killed before dinner was served."

Weasley's ears turned red and he glared, "Shut up."

By now all of the other soon to be first years had stopped what they were doing to watch. Harrison's face didn't betray any emotion as he scanned the faces to read everyones reactions. Some of them, like Neville, looked like they'd rather be anywhere else while others, like Blaise, looked highly amused.

"My, my, someone has a temper," Draco drawled in a way only a Malfoy could. "No need to ask who you are. My father told me all the Weasleys have red hair, freckles, and more children than they can afford."

Harrison heard Blaise let out a low chuckle.

Weasley turned bright red and looked as if he wanted to punch Draco but the sandy haired boy grabbed his arm. "And you must be a Malfoy. My father has told me all about you...and your Death Eater father."

There were several gasps and a few people paled at the words Death Eater. Harrison felt Draco stiffen beside him, but the blonde didn't let his face betray his emotions. He saw from the corner of his eye Leo move slightly as if preparing himself to draw his wand if need be. On his other side he saw Daphne grab Cass' wrist, the youngest Lestrange was very protective over her best friends. Her brother, Harrison, and her cousin Draco in particular. He knew that if the red head said anything more about Draco's dad she'd hex him with a spell no normal first year would know.

"Don't you dare say a word against my father weasel," Draco spat. "My father is a respectable man unlike yours. Tell me, how can he even afford to send you to school here?"

Weasley's entire face turned red at the nickname 'weasel', "Don't talk about my dad!"

"You talked about his first," Leo's cold voice cut in.

Weasley turned to the dark haired boy. "And who are you?"

"Leo Lestrange," was the tart reply. "And that is my Uncle you just called a Death Eater."

Weasley's eyes went wide when he heard Leo's last name. The Lestrange's had never been arrested, but most people believed them to be Death Eaters, it was rumored they were as close to Voldemort as it was possible to be. For once the light side had gotten something right, but in the eyes of the law they were outstanding citizens. Donating money to charities and hosting fundraisers for St Mungo's.

"You're parents are death eaters too!" Weasley exclaimed, Harrison could detect a slight hint of fear in his voice.

"I'll kill him," Cass hissed. Thankfully only Harrison and Daphne heard her since everyone else was too focused on Draco and Weasley.

"That's not something you should go around saying," Leo said coldly. "Especially since it's not true. My father is a respected member of the Wizengamot and my mother spends her time helping those less fortunate."

Weasley went to open his mouth in order to retort, but quickly shut it when several students screamed. Harrison looked in the direction of the yells and saw several ghosts floating through the wall. He didn't bother to resist rolling his eyes, it was a magic school what did people expect?

Pearly-white and slightly transparent, they glided across the room talking to one another and hardly glancing at the first years. They seemed to be arguing. What looked like a fat little monk was saying, "Forgive and forget, I say, we ought to give him a second chance -"

"My dear Friar, haven't we given Peeves all the chances he deserves?" Harrison internally rolled his eyes, some of the older kids of the Death Eaters had told him all about Peeves, and that he tends to leave the Slytherins alone, for fear of inciting the wrath of the Bloody Baron.

"He gives us all a bad name and you know, he's not really even a ghost - I say, what are you all doing here?" A ghost wearing a ruff and tights had suddenly noticed the first years.

"What does he think we're doing here?" Cass said under her breath.

"Waiting to be sorted," Leo said as he checked his watch.

Weasley looked at Leo when he spoke and when he saw his gold watch with a diamond in the center his red face went redder. Ah, jealousy, he decided to file that reaction away for later.

"New students!" Said the Fat Friar, smiling around at them. "Hope to see you in Hufflepuff! My old house, you know."

"Move along now," said a sharp voice. "The Sorting Ceremony's about to start."

Professor McGonagall had returned holding a roll of parchment. One by one, the ghosts floated away through the opposite wall.

"Now, form a line," Professor McGonagall ordered the first years, "and follow me."

Harrison stood up straight, smoothed out his robes and began to regally follow the professor into the great hall. It really was a beautiful room Harrison thought, just as father described it. It was definitely more impressive than the entry hall or the small chamber they had to wait in. It was lit by thousands and thousands of candles that were floating in midair over four long tables, where the rest of the students were sitting. These tables were laid with glittering golden plates and goblets. At the top of the hall was another long table where the teachers were sitting.

Harrison quickly scanned the staff table. Dumbledore was seated in the center in a large gold throne like chair. Arrogant bastard, Harrison thought, as his eyes moved over the empty seat on Dumbledore's right. Snape was seated two seats away from Dumbledore next to a man Harrison recognized as Quirinus Quirrell, a Death Eater. He had only met the man once and he seemed decent enough. The large half giant Hagrid was seated on the far right next to a tiny man. The small professor had white hair and a matching beard. A plump witch was next to him and a young pretty professor sat next to her. A few other professors completed the staff.

Professor McGonagall led the first years up towards the staff table, so that they came to a halt in a line facing the other students, with the teachers behind them. The hundreds of faces staring at them looked like pale lanterns in the flickering candlelight. Dotted here and there among the students, the ghosts shone misty silver. Harrison looked upward and saw a velvety black ceiling dotted with stars. It was as if the ceiling opened to the heavens. He heard Hermione whisper, "It's bewitched to look like the sky outside. I read about it in Hogwarts, A History." Harrison heard Blaise quietly snort.

Harrison quickly looked down as Professor McGonagall silently placed a four-legged stool in front of the first years. On top of the stool, she put a pointed wizard's hat. This hat was patched, frayed, and extremely dirty. He saw Draco wrinkle his nose in disgust and just barely managed to suppress a snort. He knew that Draco took pride in his hair and the blonde wouldn't enjoy having that placed on his head.

For a few seconds, there was complete silence. Then the hat twitched. A rip near the brim opened wide like a mouth, and the hat began to sing:

"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,

But don't judge on what you see,

I'll eat myself if you can find

A smarter hat than me.

You can keep your bowlers black,

Your top hats sleek and tall,

For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat

And I can cap them all.

There's nothing hidden in your head

The Sorting Hat can't see,

So try me on and I will tell you

Where you ought to be.

You might belong in Gryffindor,

Where dwell the brave at heart,

Their daring, nerve, and chivalry Set Gryffindors apart;

You might belong in Hufflepuff,

Where they are just and loyal,

Those patient Hufflepuffs are true and unafraid of toil;

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,

If you've a ready mind,

Where those of wit and learning,

Will always find their kind;

Or perhaps in Slytherin

You'll make your real friends,

Those cunning folk use any means

To achieve their ends.

So put me on! Don't be afraid!

And don't get in a flap!

You're in safe hands (though I have none)

For I'm a Thinking Cap!"

The whole hall burst into applause as the hat finished its song. Several of the first years wore looks of awe and surprise as they clapped. It bowed to each of the four tables and then became quite still again.

"So we've just got to try on the hat?" He heard Weasley ask a tall black boy. "I'll kill my brother Fred; he was going on about wrestling a troll." Harrison internally rolled his eyes; didn't Draco tell him that they wouldn't allow first years to fight a troll? Poor and stupid; What a brilliant combination.

Professor McGonagall now stepped forward and unrolled the roll of parchment she had been carrying.

"When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted," she said. "Abbott, Hannah!"

Harrison recognized the last name which meant the girl was at least a half blood.

A pink-faced girl with blonde pigtails stumbled out of line, put on the hat, which fell right down over her eyes, and sat down. A moment's pause, "HUFFLEPUFF!" Shouted the hat.

The second table to the left clapped as Hannah went to sit down at the Hufflepuff table. Harrison saw the ghost of the Fat Friar waving merrily at her.

"Bones, Susan!"

Harrison looked up at the name, Bones? Amelia Bones was the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and she had a niece named Susan. Maybe becoming friends with her would be beneficial. The girl in question had long straight red hair and a pale, round face.

"HUFFLEPUFF!" Shouted the hat again, and Susan scuttled off to sit next to Hannah wearing a grin.

"Boot, Terry!"

Harrison watched as his friend walked up to the stool. He knew which house he'd be in before the house yelled it out, every Boot for several hundred years had been in the house of intellect.

"RAVENCLAW!"

The table second from the right clapped this time; several Ravenclaws stood up to shake hands with Terry as he joined them. A third year named Roger Davies, one of Harrison's older friends clapped him on the back.

"Brocklehurst, Mandy" went to Ravenclaw too, but "Brown, Lavender" became the first new Gryffindor, and the table on the far left exploded with cheers; Harrison could see two red heads who were identical catcalling, he recognized them from the platform. They had been with Weasley, his brothers, he presumed.

"Bulstrode, Millicent" then became a Slytherin. Harrison had met Millicent a few times, but they weren't friends.

"Carrow, Abigail."

"SLYTHERIN!"

The tiny blonde girl looked relieved as she took the sorting hat off her head and handed it to McGonagall.

"Corner, Michael."

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

The curly haired boy walked over to the cheering table.Cornfoot, Stephen."

"RAVENCLAW!"

"Crabbe, Vincent."

"SLYTHERIN."

The large boy walked awkwardly to the Slytherin table.

"Davis, Tracey!"

"SLYTHERIN!"

Harrison clapped as his friend walked towards the table of the snakes.

"Entwhistle, Kevin."

"RAVENCLAW!"

"Finch-Fletchley, Justin!"

A boy with dark brown hair walked up nervously to the stool.

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

Sometimes, Harrison noticed, the hat shouted out the house at once, but at others, it took a little while to decide. "Finnigan, Seamus," the sandy-haired boy who was talking to Weasley, sat on the stool for almost a whole minute before the hat declared him a Gryffindor.

"Goldstein, Anthony."

The blonde boy walked up to the stool and McGonagall put the hat on his head.

"RAVENCLAW!"

"Granger, Hermione!"

Hermione almost ran to the stool and jammed the hat eagerly on her head.

"She's going to be annoying," Blaise whispered.

"RAVENCLAW!" Shouted the hat, and the Ravenclaws cheered."Greengrass, Daphne!"

After a moment the hat shouted, "SLYTHERIN!"

"Goyle, Gregory."

"SLYTHERIN."

"Lestrange, Cassiopeia."

Cass walked up to the stool with her head held high as the Gryffindor table broke into hushed, whispered conversations. Harrison saw some of the Gryffindor giving her distrusting looks and felt annoyance bubble inside of him.

"SLYTHERIN!" The hat shouted after barely touching her head.

The Slytherin table broke into loud cheers, Cass smirked and made her way to join her new house mates.

"Lestrange, Leo."

Leo strutted up like he owned the castle and sat down.

"SLYTHERIN!"

Leo wore a satisfied expression as he went to sit by his twin.

"Li, Sue."

"RAVENCLAW!"

When Neville Longbottom, the boy who kept losing his toad, was called, he fell over on his way to the stool causing Draco to snort. The hat took a long time to decide with Neville. When it finally shouted, "GRYFFINDOR," Neville ran off still wearing it, and had to jog back amid gales of laughter to give it to Morag MacDougal who was sorted into Hufflepuff.

"Macmillan, Ernie."

A boy with a pompous expression and dark hair walked up to the stool.

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

Draco swaggered forward when his name was called; the hat yelled out his house as quickly as it had Cass', "SLYTHERIN!" Draco strutted to the Slytherin table and sat down next to Tracey.

There weren't many people left now. Jenna, Theodore and Pansy were all sent to Slytherin. Then a pair of twin girls named Patil, one went to Gryffindor and the other, Padma went to Ravenclaw, next Sally-Anne Perks was sent to Hufflepuff- and then, at last- "Riddle, Harrison!"

Dumbledore and Snape instantly looked towards Harrison who was gracefully walking up to the stool. The Slytherins, who knew that Harrison Riddle was the son of the Dark Lord, all looked up with rapt attention. Those Ravenclaws who knew who he really was also looked at him intently. Albus Dumbledore looked at Harrison with an unreadable expression. However to the Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, and most of the Ravenclaws this was just another new first year.

'Well, well, well what have we here?' That hat asked.

'Just sort me hat.' Harrison said briskly. 'I already know I'm going to be in Slytherin.'

'There are other houses you would do well in.' The hat contradicted. 'I haven't seen someone with as much intelligence since your father Tom Riddle.'

'You know who my father is?' Harrison asked sharply.

That wasn't good, if he knew that his father was the Tom Riddle that attended Hogwarts he would also know he was born a Potter. His mind spun a million miles a second.

'Yes, but do not worry, I cannot reveal your secrets.'

Harrison felt relief at the hats words. His father had told him the hat couldn't reveal the secrets it learned, but he was glad for a confirmation.

'Good because if you do I won't hesitate to set you on fire.'

'There is no need to threaten me.' The hat told him. 'Now where was I? Yes, you would do well in Ravenclaw. You are also extremely loyal.'

'Don't even think about sorting me into Hufflepuff.'

'Don't worry I wasn't going to.' The hat assured him. 'You are braver than most, you don't fear many things.'

'If you even think about sorting me with those idiotic fools...' He left the threat unspoken.

Harrison could've sworn he heard the hat chuckle.

'I'm not, you are clever, resourceful, cunning and ambitious. You'll destroy anyone who gets in your way. The house you would do the best in is...'

"SLYTHERIN!"

Harrison took off the hat and stood up amongst cheers from the Slytherins, he was receiving the loudest cheer yet.

Snape sent him a small smile, which to anyone else would have looked like nothing at all, but Harrison had spent so much time around the man he could easily read him. He took a seat next to Daphne and across from Draco.

"Good job Harrison.", said Marcus Flint, fifth year, prefect, quidditch captain, and son of Death Eater, Andrew Flint, getting up to shake his hand. He was a muscular boy with dark hair and big eyebrows. He had an air about him that made you want to respect him, and his glares could be as harsh as Snape's.

"Thank you Marcus," Harrison told him with a curt nod.

There were only four people left to be sorted now. Zacharias Smith became a Hufflepuff and Lisa Turpin became a Ravenclaw. Finally the red headed boy was called.

"Weasley, Ronald."

Ron was pale green by now. He sat down and a second later the hat shouted, "GRYFFINDOR!"

"Not surprising," Draco sneered.

Finally, it was Blaise's turn, "SLYTHERIN!" The hat shouted, Blaise smirked and made his way over to the Slytherin table, he sat in the seat to Harrison's left.

Professor McGonagall rolled up her scroll and took the Sorting Hat away.

Harrison looked down at his empty gold plate. He had only just realized how hungry he was, the chocolate frogs and cauldron cakes may be good, but they didn't fill you up. Harrison was hoping that the food here was going to be edible.

Albus Dumbledore had gotten to his feet. He was beaming at the students, his arms opened wide, as if nothing could have pleased him more than to see them all there. It took all of his self-restraint not to sneer at the old man. His long white beard shone almost as brightly as the ghosts and he peered at them from over his half moon glasses. He wore atrocious purple robes with an odd silver design on the sleeves.

"Welcome," Dumbledore said. "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you!" He sat back down. Everybody minus the Slytherins clapped and cheered. Harrison just stared at him as though he had lost his mind.

"I didn't know he was delirious as well as mental," Leo said.

Cass sniffed. "I always knew he was crazy."

Harrison watched as the dishes in front of him became piled with food. Roast beef, roast chicken, pork chops and lamb chops, sausages, bacon and steak, boiled potatoes, roast potatoes, fries, Yorkshire pudding, peas, carrots, gravy, ketchup, and, for some strange reason, peppermint humbugs.

"Who in Merlin's name eats those?" Jenna wrinkled her nose at the peppermint humbugs.

"The headmaster," an older girl answered.

"Violet," Harrison greeted the girl.

"Harrison," Violet Macnair's eyes lit up. "How was your trip?"

Violet Macnair was the daughter of Walden Macnair and was starting her fifth year. Harrison could see a silver prefect badge pinned to her robes next to the Slytherin crest. She spent a lot of her childhood at Riddle Manor, along with her two younger brothers, and had become like an older sister to Harrison. She had a gorgeous face; piercing blue eyes, large red lips, sunken cheeks that gave her face a regal appearance, thick curly eyelashes and long black hair.

"It was good," Harrison answered as he piled boiled potatoes onto his plate. "It didn't take as long as I thought it would."

"Did you guys meet anyone interesting?" The girl next to Violet asked.

Harrison looked at the girl who had spoken, it was Anastasia Zabini, Blaise's older sister and Violet's best friend. She looked like Blaise; they had the same black hair and light blue eyes. However, unlike Blaise's, her hair was perfectly styled in large waves that fell slightly past her waist. Like her brother, she looked like she had been out in the sun a lot. She had a very defined face and a slender neck with manicured nails that were painted red.

"Some stupid mudblood came charging into our compartment," Leo answered with a glare towards the Ravenclaw table.

"She brought along Neville Longbottom," Harrison added. "He had lost his toad."

"He was crying," Draco sneered. "Harrison summoned it for him."

Violet wrinkled her thin nose. "He brought a toad? Those went out of style a century ago."

"Apparently he didn't get the memo," Cass said dryly.

The topic soon switched to classes, the older students telling the younger students about what they'd be learning first.

"Last year the first thing we learned in Transfiguration was how to turn a matchstick into a needle," Odette Warrington told the first years.

Odette was the twin sister of Ophelia and the younger sister of Cameron Warrington, they had a younger sister who would begin Hogwarts in two years. Odette and Ophelia both had silvery blonde hair and forest green eyes. They were both extremely short and looked much younger than twelve, in fact they looked younger than all of the first years. They weren't identical, but they looked close to it. Odette's face was thinner while Ophelia's was rounder, Odette also had slightly larger features.

"I've been able to turn a matchstick into a needle since I was eight," Cass complained.

Ophelia gave her an understanding look. "That's the only downside to learning magic before coming to Hogwarts, the lessons are boring when you already know the material."

Harrison listened as Ophelia and Odette continued to tell them about classes. He looked up at the staff table and saw that Dumbledore was looking at him, as soon as the headmaster saw him staring he turned back to McGonagall. Harrison had to fight down a scowl, he knew that the headmaster would be watching him, but the man didn't have to be so annoyingly obvious.

When everyone had eaten as much as they could, the remains of the food faded from the plates, leaving them sparkling clean as before. A moment later, the desserts appeared; Blocks of ice cream in every flavor you could think of, apple pies, treacle tarts, chocolate éclairs, and jam doughnuts, trifle, strawberries, Jell-O, rice pudding. Harrison had to admit the food was pretty good, not as good as the food at Riddle Manor, but it would suffice.

"Harrison," Marcus called out and Harrison looked at him. "Are you going to try out for the quidditch team?"

Marcus knew he could play because whenever the older kids played quidditch Harrison would join them. The first time he asked to play with them they said yes just to humor him, however they all ended up surprised when he beat an older boy to the snitch after going into a spectacular dive. After that they would always invite him to play, and to this day he has yet to fail catching the snitch.

"I want to," Harrison answered honestly. "But first years aren't allowed on the team."

Marcus looked smug. "I received permission from Professor Snape, if you want to try out you can."

Harrison grinned. "Brilliant, I'll owl my dad and have him send me my broom."

"Good," Marcus' smugness increased. "Slytherin has won the quidditch cup for the past five years, and with you as our seeker there's no way we can lose."

"Who's Gryffindors seeker?" Harrison asked curiously.

"As of right now no one, there seeker just graduated," Marcus answered. "Wood is going to have to find a new one."

"Oliver Wood?" Harrison questioned. Harrison had heard about him from Marcus and several of his other friends. "Was he made quidditch captain?"

Marcus scowled. "Yes."

At last, the desserts too disappeared, and Professor Dumbledore got to his feet again making hall fall silent.

"Ahem - just a few more words now that we are all fed and watered. I have a few start-of-term notices to give you. First years should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. And a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well." Dumbledore's twinkling eyes flashed in the direction of the Weasley twins.

"I have also been asked by Mr. Filch, the caretaker, to remind you all that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors. Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term. Anyone interested in playing for their house teams should contact Madam Hooch. And finally, I must tell you that this year, the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death."

Harrison could see startled expressions on several of the students faces. His face, however, turned stoic as he eyed the headmaster. Why would the man announce that to the entire Great Hall? Only a fool would think that telling students that wouldn't make them curious. He himself wanted to know what was so dangerous. Harrison looked at Draco and could tell that he was thinking the same thing.

"I wonder what's in there," Tracey whispered to Daphne.

Daphne frowned. "I don't know."

Harrison saw Cass giving the headmaster a calculating look, he could practically hear the wheels in her head turning.

"And now, before we go to bed, let us sing the school song!" cried Dumbledore. Harrison noticed that the other teacher's smiles had become rather fixed.

"Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts,

Teach us something please,

Whether we be old and bald

Or young with scabby knees,

Our heads could do with filling

With some interesting stuff,

For now they're bare and full of air,

Dead flies and bits of fluff,

So teach us things worth knowing,

Bring back what we've forgot,

Just do your best, we'll do the rest,

And learn until our brains all rot."

Everybody finished the song at different times, although most of the Slytherins. including Harrison, didn't sing. At last, only the Weasley twins were left singing along to a very slow funeral march. Dumbledore conducted their last few lines with his wand and when they had finished, he was one of those who clapped loudest.

"Ah, music," he said, wiping his eyes. "A magic beyond all we do here! And now, bedtime. Off you trot!"

"What are we? Bloody horses?" Blaise sneered.

"Like Leo said earlier, he's mental," Theo told him seriously.

"First years follow us," Violet said gesturing to herself and Marcus. "We'll lead you to our common room."

Harrison stood up and followed the two prefects through the chattering crowds. They left the now loud Great Hall and walked to the dungeon entrance. They walked into the dungeons which were darker than the other parts of the castle they'd seen so far. The halls were lit by large torches and it was cooler than the rest of the castle, Harrison was thankful he had used a warming charm. As they continued deeper into the dungeons, they saw portraits that were whispering and pointing as they passed. After a few minutes they arrived at a blank stretch of wall opposite a portrait of several snakes, who were hissing quietly.

"This is the entrance to the Slytherin common room," Violet said loudly so that the fourteen new Slytherins could hear. "You are not allowed to bring students from the other houses into our common room without permission from one of the prefects." She gave them a look that said they wouldn't like what would happen if they were to bring someone in without notice.

"The password is 'Aconite'," Marcus added, "The password changes every Monday, make sure you know what the new password is before you leave for the Great Hall on Mondays. Ask a prefect and they will tell you."

The first years all nodded their heads then followed Violet and Marcus into the Slytherin common room. The common room was a large rectangular room with a low ceiling and lamps that gave off a greenish glow. Harrison assumed it was because the dungeons are partially under the lake. The floor was made of nice looking black and gray stones. He looked up and noticed that there were four large chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. The room was full of dark green leather couches with bookshelves covering the walls in dark wood. It has a grand atmosphere and was warmer than Harrison would have thought it would be, he attributed it to the four large roaring fireplaces. In front of the fireplaces were large black leather chairs and love seats with green and silver throw pillows. There were several large tables with high backed chairs, Harrison assumed they were used for doing homework and several portraits hung on the walls.

The first years were led to a wide stone staircase that led further down. "The boys' dormitories are down the stairs to the right and the girls are down the stairs to the left." Marcus informed them pointing down the stairs. "Your luggage will be waiting for you when you go down."

"We know you're probably tired, but we have a few things to go over with you first," Violet told them. "Now you all know that I'm Violet Macnair and that's Marcus Flint, we're the fifth year prefects. Those two are our sixth year prefects," she continued pointing to a boy and a girl. "Geneva Carrow and Anthony Dolohov. And our seventh year prefects are Gracelyn Derrick, who's also head girl, and Evan Rosier the third."

Harrison knew all of the prefects having grown up around them. Geneva Carrow had long blonde hair that was pulled into a high ponytail, she had kind blue eyes and she was short for her age. She looked innocent, but Harrison knew that she was far from it. Anthony Dolohov was a tall muscular boy with dark hair and a chiseled face. His arms were so large he looked like he could crush you to death with one hug. Gracelyn had delicate features and light brown hair that was in a loose bun, several strands of hair falling into her face. Evan Rosier looked the spitting image of his father, he had a handsome face and looked like what people would call a 'pretty boy' with messy black hair that looked as though he had been thoroughly shagged and didn't bother to brush his hair afterwards. He was well-built and he exuded both confidence and power.

Geneva smiled at the first years. "Hello, I know most of you already, but for those of you I haven't met it's nice to meet you." Harrison guessed that only Vincent and Gregory hadn't met her because he knew that everyone else had, including Abigail and Millicent. "If you ever need anything, you can come to me or Anthony at any time. As sixth years we don't have to worry about OWLs or NEWTs like the other prefects do, so come to us for help first."

"If you have problems with other students, as it is bound to happen, we'll be glad to help you out," Gracelyn told the first years. "The other houses, especially Gryffindor think that we're all evil. We tend to stick to ourselves and Ravenclaws, so just ignore everything the other two houses say. It won't do to dwell on the taunts of adolescents."

"Don't worry about getting lost, one of us Prefects will escort you the first week to your classes," Violet said. "Breakfast begins at seven-thirty every morning and ends at nine while dinner begins at six and ends at seven. Lunch is different for everyone, it depends on your schedule which you will receive tomorrow morning at breakfast."

"Slytherin is a noble house and we don't want you to do anything to disgrace it," Evan said seriously. "If you're going to break the rules don't get caught because Slytherins are cunning, we don't run around yelling about what we're up to like some hot-headed Gryffindors. Do your best in your classes and outside of this common room show a united front. If you have a problem with a fellow house mate don't bring it outside of the privacy of this room. It won't help us any if the other houses see us fighting."

"Now our head of house Professor Snape has a few things to say to you," Geneva finished.

Harrison hadn't even realized that Snape was in the room. Snape walked up from behind them and stared at them each in turn.

"I am Professor Severus Snape, the Potions master here at Hogwarts and your head of house. The first thing you all should know is that students of Slytherin house stick together, loyalty isn't just for Hufflepuffs. Solidarity is our best defense; the other houses are biased against us, assuming all Slytherins are evil. I will not stop you from talking to students of other houses, but you will come to find most other students tend to avoid Slytherins. No member of Slytherin house is to maltreat another in any way, if you have a problem with a fellow Slytherin, work it out in the house. The problems of Slytherin should stay within Slytherin." He paused here to make sure everyone was paying attention. "If you have problems pertaining to school work, other students, or anything at all, do not hesitate to seek out help or guidance from your Prefects. My door is also always open to any Slytherin. You will all receive your class schedules at breakfast. Any questions?" Snape looked at all the first years, "Good. I will see you all in the great hall tomorrow morning." He then turned on his heels, robes billowing behind him and left the Slytherin common room.

The way Snape gave his speech it sounded like he had given it many times before, he probably uses the same one every year. He was surprised Snape even said anything, he didn't really say anything that the prefects hadn't.

"You are all free to go to sleep now unless you have a question," Geneva told them. "Be here at seven-twenty and we will take you to breakfast, don't be late."

"Can't we go later?" Abigail Carrow asked.

Geneva looked at her younger sister. "No Abby we can't. We need you all to learn the way to the Great Hall and receive your schedules. We also need to take you to your first class early so that way Marcus and I can make it on time to our first class. We're already going to miss the end of our lesson in order to take you to your second class, there's no need for us to miss the beginning as well."

"Any more questions?" Marcus asked the group of first years. When nobody said anything Marcus nodded. "Good, we'll see you in the morning."

Harrison and his fellow first years trudged down the staircase, the boys said goodnight to the girls at the bottom and the boys went right while the girls went left. They walked all the way down the hall until they came in front of a dark brown wooden door with the words 'Slytherin First Years' written on a silver plaque.

Harrison pushed the door open and the first year Slytherin boys got a look at the room that would be their new home for the next seven years. There were seven plush four-poster beds hung with green, silk curtains. There was a trunk at the foot of each bed, the trunks they had left on the train. Beside each bed were two night stands, one on each side. A long shelf hung above each night stand. A wardrobe, a desk with a black high back chair, a bookcase and a dresser were sat to the right of everyone's bed. In the middle of the room sat two black leather couches, four large chairs, and a dark wooden coffee table.

Harrison walked over to the bed with his trunk in front of it, his bed was the one in between Draco and Leo's. Blaise's bed was directly across from Harrison's, Theo's was across from Draco's, Goyle's was across from Leo's and Crabbe's was next to Goyle's.

The boys decided to unpack that night so Harrison opened his trunk and pulled out all of his book he brought for recreational reading. He organized the books by topic and put them in his bookcase. He had a feather light book bag which held all of his books, several rolls of parchment, three quills and two ink wells. He placed that next to his desk and stored the rest of his parchment, quills, and inkwells in his desk. He pulled out all of his clothes and uniforms and stored them in the wardrobe. His normal clothes on one side and his Hogwarts uniforms off to one side. His scarves, gloves, and undergarments went in the dresser. There was a magically expanded drawer on the bottom of the dresser meant for shoes.

He pulled out a black leather box and sat it on top of his dresser, the box held watches and other accessories. He pulled out his gobstones, wizards chess board, and pieces along with the other trinkets he chose to bring. He stored all of those things in his night stands while several photographs were placed on his shelves. There was a photo of him with his Aunt Bella and Aunt Narcissa in France, one of him and his best friends on a beach in Italy, and one of him with his three favorite as a nine year old. Astoria Greengrass, Carina Black, and Melody Warrington waved at him from inside the photograph. He had a picture of him and his father that he put on his desk, it was taken that past Christmas Eve at the annual Malfoy Christmas Ball; Harrison was wearing blood red dress robes while Tom wore green dress robes made of velvet. A few other pictures sat on his dresser.

Once everything was unpacked with the exception of his bathroom products he pulled those out. He carried the bag containing his toiletries and went to the bathroom. It was a large bathroom with a black marble floor and green walls with silver snakes trimming the ceiling. A large silver chandelier hung from the ceiling and torches lined the walls. Seven stalls, which led to showers on the far wall; his uncle told him about those showers, some Slytherin parents donated money to have them updated years ago. If you tapped your wand on the stall, it will turn into a large tub with many different taps, sort of like the Prefect's bathroom. There were seven separate counter spaces, each with a large mirror and a deep sink. He claimed the one next to Draco.

"Are you done unpacking?" Draco asked as the blonde turned off his sink.

"Yeah," Harrison answered as he finished putting away his toiletries.

Leo came and claimed the space on the other side of Harrison just as Harrison was leaving.

"I'll see you guys in the morning," Harrison told his friends before walking back into their dorm.

Harrison pulled on his green silk pajamas and grabbed his two way mirror before closing the curtains.

"Dad," Harrison said as he looked at the mirror.

Less than ten seconds later Tom's face appeared in the mirror. "Hello Harrison."

"Hi dad," Harrison replied before coming up with an idea and internally smirking. "Something uh happened."

Tom's expression turned worried. "What's wrong?"

"I wasn't sorted into Slytherin," Harrison said quickly while putting on a worried face.

Tom's expression turned into one of confusion. "What?"

"I was sorted into Hufflepuff," Harrison said adding shame to his voice.

Tom's look of confusion instantly switched to annoyance. "No you weren't."

Harrison smirked. "I know, but you believed for a second that I wasn't in Slytherin."

Tom scowled. "How amusing Harrison."

Harrison's smirk widened. "I know."

Harrison's father shook his head. "How was your first night?"

"It was good," Harrison answered. "But there was this one boy Ronald Weasley who called Uncle Lucius, Uncle Rodolphus, and Aunt Bella Death Eaters. I have a feeling I made my first enemy today."

"He's a Weasley," Tom said the last name distastefully. "It isn't a loss." He paused before continuing. "Did Dumbledore say anything to you?"

"No," Harrison replied. "He did stare at me quite a bit during dinner though."

Tom frowned. "That's not pleasant, however it's not to be unexpected."

Harrison nodded before he remembered what Marcus told him. "Marcus spoke with Severus, he said that I can try out for quidditch." Excitement was evident in his voice. "Can you send my broom?"

Tom smiled at his sons enthusiasm. "Of course, I wish you luck. Not that you'll need it of course."

"Can you send it to Marcus?" Harrison asked. "I don't want anyone outside of Slytherin to know that I'm trying out." Tom nodded. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," his father told him.

Harrison covered up his mouth when he yawned.

"You seem tired, I suggest you go to sleep," Tom told him, but it sounded more like an order.

"Alright dad, good night," Harrison said.

"Goodnight son," Tom said quietly.

Harrison gave his father a sleepy smile before he disconnected the mirrors. He opened his curtains and saw that all of the others were asleep. Blaise was laying on top of his covers, he hadn't even bothered to close his curtains. He could hear snores coming from both Crabbe and Goyle's beds. Harrison sat his mirror on his night stand and re-closed the silver curtains. He yawned once more then laid his head on his pillow.

As Harrison drifted off to sleep a ten year old girl hundreds of miles away woke with a start. She knew that she was a seer, but she also knew that just because she saw something it didn't mean it would come to pass. One small change would change a persons destiny. Turning left instead of right, going to work five minutes early, saying yes instead of no, deciding to go for a swim instead of reading a book. Every little choice a person made paved the path to their future. Her dreams showed her one possibility of what could be, the future that would be most likely to come to fruition.

What she saw that night made her rethink all of her beliefs. She was only a child but she had the maturity of someone twice her age. She saw the death of many and the destruction of things that everyone held dear. She saw unexpected betrayals and fierce loyalty between the best of friends. She saw people fall in love and hate fester in the depths of the purest souls. She saw unimaginable sacrifices being made and new lives being created. She saw monumental changes and the biggest war the world has ever seen. The future she saw wasn't always happy and it certainly wasn't always good, but it was one she wanted to be a part of. She knew that there would be many people who would oppose it, that there would be many deaths and that lives would forever be changed. However, she knew that if the future she saw were to happen that the world be better off for it even if not everyone believed so. For sometimes, one had to step into the darkness in order to save the world.

In that moment she decided that when it was time, she would seek out the boy from her dream. She would seek out the handsome boy with the emerald green eyes, and she would do whatever it took for the future she saw to come to pass.