Harrison woke up the next morning and stretched out his arms. He pulled open his curtains and grabbed the watch off his night stand, it had just turned six. He got out of bed and looked around, he had been too intent on talking to his father the night before to notice what his friends and dorm mates had done to their private areas. Theo's space looked to be perfectly neat, not a book or quill out of place. Harrison saw that Blaise's desk was the exact opposite, it looked like he just dumped everything without a care of where it went.

He saw that Leo had a pinned up poster of the Montrose Magpies Quidditch team above one of his night stands. A box on the shelf underneath it Harrison knew held his solid gold wizards chess pieces. Draco had a photograph of his parents on his night stand and Crabbe and Goyle's areas were just as messy as Blaise's.

He walked over to his wardrobe and pulled out his uniform,minus the hat since they only wore it for the opening feast and special occasions. After taking a quick shower and washing his hair with a shampoo that caused too much foam to cover his hands he went back to his dorm. Theo was sitting on his trunk reading A Beginners Guide to Transfiguration. Draco and Leo were pulling out their uniforms and Blaise was still asleep.

"Is someone going to wake Blaise?" Harrison asked as he secured both of his wands in his two holsters. Harrison always kept his first wand on him. He wouldn't use it while at Hogwarts unless he was going to practice dark magic,but his father told him to carry it just in case. His new wand went on his right forearm in a holster, it was invisible once his wand was in it. It cost more than normal holster, but it was worth it. That way no one could see it if he was wearing short sleeves. It also couldn't be summoned, only removed by Harrison willing it to and flicking his wrist. His first wand was secured on his other forearm with the same type of holster.

"Don't look at me," Draco said putting his hands up. "The only way you wake up Blaise is if you have a death wish."

Harrison rolled his eyes and walked over to Blaise, he stopped at the foot of his bed and pulled out his wand.

"Aguamenti," Harrison chanted with a wave of his wand.

A stream of water shot towards the sleeping boy hitting him directly in the face. Blaise shot up and looked around wildly causing Leo and Draco to burst into laughter. Upon seeing Harrison smirking he narrowed his eyes.

"Bloody prat!" Blaise yelled, his face turning red.

"You weren't awake and it's almost seven," Harrison told him, not in the least bit apologetic. "If we aren't in the common room by seven-twenty Violet will come looking for us. You know how she gets when she gets annoyed and none of us want that."

Blaise muttered something unintelligible under his breath as he grudgingly got off his bed. He glared at the still laughing Draco and Leo as he walked into the bathroom.

"That was brilliant," Draco said in amusement as his laughing subsided. "Only you could get away with spraying a sleeping Blaise in the face with water."

Harrison smirked before rolling up his sleeve. If you come to my classes you'll have to stay in my sleeve.

Nani flicked her tongue out. That's fine.

Twenty minutes later Harrison and his friends walked into the common room, Crabbe and Goyle lagging behind them. Harrison saw that all of the first year girls were waiting for them along with Violet and Marcus.

"There you boys are," Violet said walking towards them. "Do you all have your books and supplies?" There were various answers of the affirmative. "Good, it's time for us to go to breakfast. Once you're all done eating and you have your schedules we'll show you to your first class."

Violet and Marcus led them out of the common room past older students flipping through texts books. He waved at several of his older friends as they left the room and entered the dungeons. Harrison made sure to pay attention to the path they took so he would be able to get back to the common room on his own.

They entered the Great Hall and the only people there were the professors and a dozen Ravenclaws. Harrison sat down in the middle of the Slytherin table, Leo and Draco on either side of him. The table was covered in every breakfast food imaginable from sausage and bacon to fresh baked cinnamon rolls. He speared a pancake onto his plate and added several spoonfuls of scrambles eggs as well.

Harrison watched as Leo and Cass argued about nothing in particular,Blaise glare at Draco who was telling Violet about the formers unconventional wake up and Theo flip through their Charms text book. Soon more students began to trickle into the Great Hall and the noise level increased.

"I wonder when we're going to get our schedules," Pansy said as she pushed her empty plate away.

"I hope its soon," Jenna chimed in. "I want to see what our first class will be."

A few minutes later Snape walked down from the staff table with a stack of schedules. He started at the end of the table and when he reached the first years he gave them their schedules before moving on. Harrison and the other first years all looked down to read their schedules.

First Year Slytherins,1991-1992 school year

Mondays,Wednesdays, and Fridays

9am-10:30am Transfiguration with Ravenclaw

11am-12:30pm Charms with Gryffindor

12:30pm-1:30pm Lunch

1:30pm-3pm Defense Against the Dark Arts with Gryffindor

Tuesdays and Thursdays

9am-12noon Potions with Gryffindor

12:30pm-1:30pm Lunch

1:30pm-3pm History of Magic with Ravenclaw

3:30pm-5pm Herbology with Hufflepuff

Wednesdays nights

midnight-1am Astronomy with Ravenclaw

"We have three classes with the Gryffindors," Blaise groaned.

"We have Potions with them," Draco smirked and elaborated when Blaise stared blankly at him. "With Severus for the professor we'll get away with everything."

Blaise cheered up at the thought of being able to torture the Gryffindors and get away with it.

"Honestly Blaise," Cass said before pausing to take a sip of her pumpkin juice. "For someone so smart you can be really thick sometimes."

Blaise glared at her while Draco covered up a snort with a cough.

"I for one am glad we have Potions and Defense with the Gryffindors," Leo joined the conversation. "Those are the two classes where the most accidents happen, and it would be easy to make non-accidents look like accidents." A cruel gleam entered his eyes that reminded Harrison of Leo's mother. "And I'm sure I can find a way for accidents to happen in Charms as well."

The rest of breakfast was enjoyable, Harrison spoke with several of his friends from other years. His friend Lucy Bole, a second year girl with a short black bob and dark brown eyes told her that McGonagall was a good teacher but Binns would bore him to death. Callidora Rosier, the thirteen year old sister of seventh year prefect Evan told Harrison that the first lesson of Charms would be theory but it would be fun once they started practicing the actual spells. Callidora looked like a female version of her brother, she had a pretty face that was framed by wavy black hair and ice blue eyes.

At twenty till nine Violet got the attention of the first years. "It's time for us to take you to your first class." She stood up. "Grab your stuff and follow Marcus and I."

They followed Violet out of the Great Hall and down a corridor before walking outside into a courtyard. It was a large outdoor area with a huge tree growing in the center, dark green grass covered the ground, fresh dew noticeable because of the bright morning sun. They walked across the grass and through an archway leading back into the castle. They took an immediate right and Violet gestured towards the first door.

"This is the Transfiguration classroom," Violet told them. "We'll be back to take you to your next lesson."

"Don't forget to do your best," Marcus reminded them. "Pay attention and if possible earn Slytherin as many points as you can."

Harrison walked into the Transfiguration classroom followed by the rest of the first year Slytherins. It was a large room surrounded by high windows and filled with book shelves. There were multiple rows of three person desks. Several cages lined shelves filled with squawking birds and squirming mice. Harrison took a seat in the middle of one of the desks in the front row.

"I'm surprised the Ravenclaws aren't here yet," Leo said.

Harrison didn't say anything in response, instead he stared amusedly at the black and gray cat sitting on McGonagall's desk. The cat stared back for a moment before looking at the other students. That must be McGonagall, father told me that she was an animagus.

The Ravenclaws filed into the classroom with several minutes to spare before class started. Several of them looked annoyed that all of the desks in the front row were filled. Harrison and his friends returned the waves from Terry Boot, Anthony Goldstein, Lisa Turpin, and Sue Li. He noticed a few of the Ravenclaws giving the Slytherins curious looks after the display of acknowledgement but none of them said anything.

Sue Li was an average looking asian girl with a short stature. She had small water drop shaped eyes and thin lips. Her straight black hair was held back with a blue head band. Lisa's midnight black hair was pulled into two braids,each with a bow tied around the end.

"Where is she?" Draco asked quietly.

Harrison smirked and replied in a hushed tone. "She's an animagus."

Draco looked confused for a second before his eyes lit with recognition and his head snapped to the cat. As if on cue the cat leaped off the desk and transformed into Professor McGonagall wearing dark blue robes and a stern expression. Harrison heard gasps from most of the Ravenclaws and Millicent.

"That was amazing Professor!" Hermione exclaimed from the seat behind Draco. "How did you do that? Will we learn how to do that?"

"I am an animagus Miss Granger," McGonagall explained. "And no,you will not be learning the animagus transformation. It is extremely complexand it isn't something taught at Hogwarts,it's something one must learn on their own if they wish once a person is of age. It's illegal to become one under the age of seventeen, but enough of that." Her gaze roamed over the students. "Transfiguration is some of the most complexand dangerous magic you will learn at Hogwarts. Anyone caught fooling around in my class will leave and not come back. You have been warned."

Then she changed her desk into a pig and back again. Harrison heard several more gasp and he had to fight the urge to roll his eyes. They're at a school of magic what did they expect to see? If their expressions were any indication, the other Slytherins with the exception of Crabbe and Goyle felt the same way. McGonagall took roll and then made them copy down notes for half an hour.

"I am going to give each of you a match," McGonagall told them as she handed one to Daphne. "I want you to try turning it into a needle. If you need to re-read your notes than do so as many times as necessary. You will attempt to do so for the rest of the lesson,once you have your match you may begin. Raise your hand if you require my assistance."

Harrison looked down at the match in front of him and with a wave of his wand and a quietly spoken incantation a perfect needle sat in front of him. It was silver, shiny and very sharp. He had always found Transfiguration to be easy even those most people considered it to be one of the hardest branches of magic. He had been taught to not only speak the proper incantation and wave his wand the correct way but to visualize what he what to happen. If he wanted to change a match into a needle he would picture the match in his head turning silver and sharp. Magic was based more on emotion than words, which is why witches and wizards could perform silent spells. His father told him that it all came down to intent.

McGonagall had been talking to Tracey and saw Harrison's transfiguration from the corner of her eye. She quickly walked over and picked up his perfect needle and poked her finger with it.

"That's a perfect needle Mr. Riddle," McGonagall said with a small smile. "Ten points to Slytherin." She sat the needle down. "Can you transfigure it back?"

"Yes Professor," Harrison told her as he waved his wand and quietly spoke the reversal.

"Impressive Mr. Riddle, take another ten points for Slytherin House," McGonagall praised. "I've never had a student transfigure the match on their first try, it usually takes students hours of practice. You can begin the homework, it's written on the board."

Harrison gave the professor a small smile and pulled out his Transfiguration book. He was officially on McGonagall's good side, something that would help him immensely.

"Show off," Draco muttered, but with no malice.

Harrison shot his best friend a smirk. "You're one to talk."

By the end of the lesson Draco,Leo, Blaise, Cass, Daphne, and Tracey had all successfully transfigured their match into perfect needles. The only Ravenclaw to successfully transfigure theirs was Terry, however, Hermione's did become silver.

After Transfiguration Violet met them at the door. They walked back inside the castle, down a long wide corridor and up a flight of stairs. They reached another flight of stairs that moved as soon as they stood on it causing them to have to go the long way. They finally made it to the third floor and Violet showed them the door leading to Charms. They thanked Violet and walked into the classroom, it was long and rectangular. A large floor to ceiling window took the space of an entire wall making the room extremely bright. There were three rows of raised desks so that you'd look down on the teacher. Blaise wanted to sit at the top so they walked up the little stairs to the top row of desks.

Harrison sat in the empty seat next to Leo and pulled out his Charms book.

"Oh look," Leo sneered. "It's the Gryffindors."

Harrison turned to the door and saw the first year Gryffindors walking in. Ron,Dean and Seamus were complaining loudly about their first class. Apparently none of them liked History of Magic. Unfortunately, Ron took the seat in front of him with his two friends on either side. Neither Leo or Blaise looked happy with the seating arrangement. Before anyone could say anything, the small Charms professor walked in with a cheery smile on his face.

"Good morning class, I am Professor Flitwick your Charms professor," Flitwick said in a squeaky voice.

Flitwick spent five minutes explaining some of the things they'd be learning over the course of the school year. Harrison pretended to be interested in what he was saying.

"I'm going to ask several question's just to see what you all know," Flitwick announced. "If you know the answer, raise your hand,if you don't know it, don't feel bad." He looked around at everyone before asking the first question. "What does the incantation 'Wingardium Leviosa' do?"

All of the Slytherins except Crabbe and Goyle raised their hands.

"Mr. Riddle?" Flitwick pointed to him.

"It's a levitating charm sir," Harrison answered promptly.

Flitwick smiled. "Very good Mr. Riddle, five points to Slytherin."

Ron turned around and glared at him, Harrison raised an eyebrow in response.

"Does anyone know the incantation for lighting the tip of ones wand?" Flitwick questioned.

Once again all of the Slytherins with the two exceptions raised their hands.

Flitwick called on Leo who replied,"Lumos."

"Correct Mr. Lestrange, five points to Slytherin," Flitwick said. "Now we will begin todays lesson,the proper way to hold a wand for casting charms."

The rest of the lesson dragged on as Flitwick walked by every student correcting their wand grips. Harrison didn't really see the point in it since there wasn't really a right or wrong way to hold a wand,only the suggested way.

Once the lesson was over Marcus met them at the door and led them down to the Great Hall for lunch.

"How did you like Charms?" Marcus inquired.

"We didn't do anything," Jenna told him. "He asked a few questions then showed us how to hold a wand."

"That sounds about right, that's all he did with us during my first year," Marcus said. "I'm sure you'll find it fun once you begin to have practical lessons."

Upon entering the Great Hall Harrison saw a couple dozen other students already eating. He sat down across from Odette and Ophelia Warrington who were piling salad onto their plates.

"Did you enjoy your lessons?" Odette asked curiously.

"They were okay," Harrison said with an almost unnoticeable shrug. "I didn't learn anything I didn't already know."

"It had to be better than History of Magic," Odette grimaced. "Binns is just as awful as he was last year."

"That's one class I'm not looking forward to," Blaise joined the conversation.

"No one does," Ophelia replied. "Most people either take a nap or work on homework for other classes."

"They really should hire another teacher," Odette added.

"Preferably one who's still alive," Anastasia Zabini dead-panned as she sat down next to her brother.

Evan Rosier the third sat down across from Anastasia with a scowl on his face.

"What's wrong?" Anastasia asked the seventh year prefect.

"Sprout assigned us a three feet essay that's due on Wednesday," Evan complained as he roughly grabbed a roll.

"Well it is your NEWT year," Anastasia reminded him.

"Don't remind me," Evan muttered.

"Ignore him," Anastasia told the first years. "He hates homework."

"Well not everyone can be a genius like you," Evan said with mock flattery.

Anastasia glared at Evan with such ferocity that Snape would be proud.

"Leave her alone Evan," Violet said joining her best friend in glaring. "How you ever became a prefect with your lack of work ethic astounds me."

Evan put a hand over his heart. "You wound me Vi."

Violet's eyes turned cold, it was like looking into shards of ice. "Don't call me Vi." She turned to the first years and her eyes softened. "Don't ever follow Evan's example, he waits until the last moment to do his work."

"It's not my fault that I have better things to do than essays about obscure plants no one, but Professor Sprout cares about," Evan complained.

"If you don't like Herbology you shouldn't have taken it," Violet said exasperated.

Harrison hid his amusement as he watched Violet and Evan bicker. He knew that Evan only cared about girls, quidditch, alcohol, and even more girls. He'd overheard Evan's father Evan Rosier Jr tell his dad that his son would be in for a rude awakening when it was time for him to work for the family business. And Violet was obsessed with perfection; the perfect hair,the perfect body, the perfect grades, and the perfect image. The two of them had always gone at it for as long as Harrison could remember. Anastasia always said that one day they would both get over themselves and get together,but until then Harrison enjoyed watching them bicker.

Once all of the first years were finished with their lunch Marcus led them outside to the same courtyard they were in earlier. They walked back inside and Marcus opened the door across from the Transfiguration room.

"Normally Defense Against the Dark Arts is in a classroom on the third floor," Marcus explained. "However, since the third floor corridor is out of bonds, this is the temporary classroom."

Harrison walked into the classroom, it was almost as bright at the Charms classroom and it had four large stone pillars. There was a pedestal in the middle,Harrison assumed that's where the professor would stand. The desks were large enough for two people, Harrison sat down and Daphne took the seat next to him.

"I wonder what Professor Quirrell will be like?" Daphne asked.

"Hopefully decent," Harrison replied. "I know he's a decent wizard, or at least that's what Aunt Bella told me."

"If Aunt Bella says so than it must be true," Daphne said in mock seriousness.

Harrison gave Daphne an amused look as the Gryffindor walked into the classroom. He saw that Ron was glaring daggers at Draco and Leo,the former was glaring back while the latter seemed unconcerned.

"I don't like that boy," Daphne murmured.

Harrison didn't respond because at that moment Quirrell walked into the room. A large green iguana was draped over his shoulder, Harrison and Daphne exchanged amused looks.

"How cute," Daphne quietly giggled.

Harrison shot her another amused look before looking back at Quirrell. He had been wondering why Quirrell was here at Hogwarts. He knew the man was a low ranking Death Eater,so he didn't think his father would trust him with something important. Harrison had asked his father what Quirrell was doing teaching at Hogwarts, but to Harrison's frustration he didn't tell him. All he said was that it was of significance which contradicted the fact that he wouldn't trust him with anything important. That confused Harrison, something which rarely happened and it annoyed him to no end. Harrison was pulled from his thoughts when the professor called his name.

"Here," Harrison said.

Quirrell spent almost the entire lesson explaining what they would be doing that year. He asked a few questions and the Slytherins earned thirty points for their house. Harrison found it hilarious that every time one of the Slytherins would answer a question Ron's ears would turn just a little bit redder.

"Your first day of classes is officially over," Marcus said once they exited the Defense classroom. "You still have three hours until dinner and you're all free to do whatever you want. However, I would recommend finishing your homework. Violet and I will be in the common room at ten till six to escort you to the Great Hall."

"Do any of you have any question before we go to our next class?" Violet asked as she adjusted the large Ancient Runes book she was holding.

"Where's the library?" Theo unsurprisingly asked.

Violet gave him a knowing smile. "Why don't all of you follow me. If I show you where the library is now I won't have to later."

Violet led them down the corridor that was packed with students and through several doors. They walked up flights of stairs and passed dozens of tapestries until they reached the third floor. Violet stopped in front of large wooden double doors and Marcus pushed them open. The scent of old books and parchment assaulted Harrison's nose. The library was huge, it appeared to be almost twice the size of the Great Hall. There were rows of books and the walls were covered in them from floor to ceiling. Tables with chairs littered the room and large antique chandeliers gave the room light. He saw a door on the far right wall with the words Restricted Section on a gold plaque.

A tall thin woman who looked like a vulture eyed them with her beady eyes as they walked inside.

"That's Madam Pince," Violet said in a hushed tone. "Don't talk too loud or she'll kick you out."

"And whatever you do be gentle with the books," Marcus warned. "That's woman is like a lioness and the books are her cubs."

Daphne and Tracey giggled causing Madam Pince to send them a sharp look which just increased their amusement. Harrison rubbed Daphne's back to get her to calm down and Draco did the same to Tracey.

"We'll leave you to do whatever you want," Violet told them. "We'll see you in the common room."

Violet and Marcus left leaving the first years behind. Harrison looked around and saw that a group of older Ravenclaws were staring at them. He gestured for his friends to follow him and he led them to a table that was just big enough to seat ten. While the other four Slytherin first years went to a different table.

"I already finished the essay for Transfiguration," Harrison told his friends.

"Great, that means you can help me," Daphne said with a playful wink.

"That's right," Harrison said as though just remembering something. "You suck at Transfiguration."

Daphne swat him playfully on the arm. "I'm amazing at Transfiguration, thank you very much."

Harrison put on a mock confused face. "But, you just said you needed help."

Tracey broke into a fit of laughter at the look on Daphne's face.

"Play nice," Pansy teased.

"We can work on the Charms homework," Draco suggested. "It's only a foot long essay."

"That one will be easy," Tracey said. "All we have to do is summarize the first chapter. You all read it didn't you?" There were murmurs and nods of agreement. "Good,we can get that one out of the way first."

They all pulled out their Charms books and opened them to the first chapter. Half an hour later Harrison folded up a pice of parchment and closed his book.

"You're finished already?" Pansy asked, peering at him from over her book.

"Yeah," Harrison answered as he pulled out his Defense book.

Theo was the next one to finish and he joined Harrison in doing the essay Quirrell assigned.

Harrison and his friends made it back to their common room at the same time Violet and Marcus did. The two fifth year prefects' arms were ladened with books,and Marcus looked agitated.

"Have you all been in the library this whole time?" Violet asked as she sat her books down on the nearest table.

"We wanted to finish all of our homework," Theo gave for an answer.

"That's good," Violet said. "The more time that goes by the more homework you'll get and you don't want to fall behind."

"We're going to go put our books away then we'll escort you to the Great Hall," Marcus told them.

Twenty minutes later Harrison and his friends walked into the noisy Great Hall. He noticed that most of the noise was coming from the Gryffindor table. By Leo's sneer he guessed that the Lestrange heir had noticed it as well.

"Do Gryffindors even know how to be quiet?" Leo demanded.

"No," Marcus answered coming up from behind them. "They're always like that."

"Lovely," Cass said dryly.

"Just ignore them," Violet advised. "It's what I do."

Harrison sat in the middle of the table and as soon as he was seated Pansy began piling vegetables onto his,Blaise's,Draco's and Leo's plates.

"What are you doing?" Harrison asked slowly.

"You four need to eat healthy," Pansy replied as she added peas to Leo's plate. "And at the feast last night all you ate was meat, potatoes, and dessert."

Blaise made a face. "You can't tell us what to eat."

Pansy glared at him so fiercely a snake would recoil. "If you don't eat it, I'll tell your sister."

"You wouldn't," Blaise said as he looked around to make sure Anastasia wasn't around.

Pansy smiled like a hyena that had cornered her prey. "Try me."

"Fine," Blaise half snarled,half whined. "I'll eat the blasted vegetables."

Pansy wore a triumphant look as she began eating her own meal.

Harrison tried not to let his amusement show as he ate the carrots on his plate to appease his friend. Even though she was only eleven Pansy had always taken on the role of the motherly one. Whenever it was cold out she would remind them to bring cloaks and she would tell them to go to bed when it became late. Harrison wasn't one to let anyone that wasn't his father order him around but he knew she meant well so he just went with it. He found it more amusing than anything else because it always annoyed Blaise.

"Wait," Blaise said when his spoon was halfway to his mouth. "You didn't put any vegetables on Theo's plate."

"She didn't put any on my plate because, unlike the four of you, I know how to eat a balanced meal." Theo stated. He turned the page on the advanced Charms book he checked out of the library without looking up.

"I know how to eat a balanced meal," Leo interjected looking insulted.

Cass rolled her eyes. "Only when the house elves serve you."

"The house elves always serve me," Leo told her.

"Not here they don't," Cass reminded him. "And you know mum would have a fit if she knew all you ate was junk." Her eyes flickered to Harrison. "Your father wouldn't be happy either, and I know Aunt Narcissa would have a fit if her precious dragon didn't eat his veggies."

Draco flushed. "Don't bring me into this."

Cass sniffed. "I was just proving a point, Cousin."

"Well prove it without me," Draco told her.

The subject soon moved onto other topics and Harrison broke off a small piece of ham for Nani.

Thank you. Nani hissed as she swallowed her dinner.

You're welcome. Harrison hissed back quietly so only his familiar, Leo and Blaise could hear him. Neither of the boys reacted to the parseltongue as to not draw attention to it.

After dinner Harrison and his friends got comfortable in the common room. Harrison sat in between Daphne and Cass on a large black leather couch in front of one of the fireplaces. Flames flickered casting an odd glow over their faces.

"Hello little firsties," a tall broad shouldered boy with dark spiky hair said.

"Hey Abraham," Harrison replied.

"Firsties?" Tracey raised an eyebrow. "Very mature."

Abraham Montague, fifth year Slytherin smirked as he took the seat opposite Harrison. "So, Marcus tells me you're trying out for the team."

"Yeah," Harrison answered.

"Brilliant," Abraham grinned. "Those Gryffindors won't stand a chance with you playing."

"He hasn't made the team yet," a tall dark haired boy joined the conversation.

"Shut up Alexander," Abraham retorted causing the boy to chuckle.

"I was just messing with him," Alexander Dolohov said. "Harrison knows that."

"Of course I do," Harrison rolled his eyes at the younger brother of the sixth year male prefect.

"So have any of you had any trouble with the Gryffindors yet?" Abraham asked.

"Only with Weasley," Draco sneered as he said the name.

"Ah," Alexander gave them a knowing look. "If he's anything like his brother I feel for you."

"Which one?" Blaise asked. "There's a million of them."

Abraham gave a deep chuckle. "The one in our year, Percy."

"He's the worlds biggest prat," Alexander elaborated. "He thinks he's Merlin's gift to wizard kind because he's a prefect."

"So all of the Weasley's are idiots?" Draco surmised. "I'm not surprised. Father did always tell me that the Weasley family were the worst sort of wizards."

"Some families need to be obliterated," Cass gave her opinion. "When your father takes over I hope he kills them all." He eyes took on a faraway look. "Slowly."

"You spend too much time with Aunt Bella," Jenna told her seriously.

Harrison snorted as Cass turned to glare at Jenna.

The next morning Harrison's eyes scanned the front page of the Daily Prophet. There was a large picture of three goblins standing in front of a vault,none of them looked happy to have their picture taken it. Not that goblins ever did look happy.

GRINGOTTS BREAK-IN LATEST

By John Rivers

Investigations continue into the break-in at Gringotts on 31 July,widely believed to be the work of Dark wizards or witches unknown. Gringotts goblins today insisted that nothing had been taken. The vault that was searched had in fact been emptied the same day.

"But we're not telling you what was in there,so keep your noses out if you know what's good for you," said a Gringotts spokes goblin this afternoon.

Harrison sat back as he pondered who would actually be foolish enough to break into Gringotts. Everyone knows that goblins are fierce creatures who would kill a thief on sight. You'd have to have a death wish in order to break into the wizarding bank or be extremely powerful. Harrison froze as his mind flashed back to July 31, it was his eleventh birthday and his father had been absent until lunch. Harrison had been surprised because his father always wished him a happy birthday at breakfast,but he hadn't been there. Instead his godparents, Aunt Bella, Uncle Rodolphus, Cass, Leo, and Draco were there. His uncle had told him that his father had important business.

Surely his important business wasn't to break into one of the most secure buildings in Britain? But maybe, just maybe if something he needed was there he would attempt it. If anyone could break into Gringotts and get away with it,it was his father. But what could possibly be so valuable? His mind instantly went to the third floor corridor, the out of bounds third floor corridor. He closed his eyes briefly and internally cursed his stupidity. Whatever his father wants is in the third floor corridor and that's why Quirrell is here.

What could be so valuable? Why would Dumbledore keep something that the Dark Lord wants in a school? And why in Merlin's name would he send Quirrell of all people to retrieve it?

"Harrison," a voice pulled him from his thoughts. "Are you okay?" Daphne asked worriedly.

"I'm fine Daph," Harrison said in a reassuring voice.

"Well them come on," Daphne said. "Violet and Marcus are taking us to Potions."

Harrison gathered up his things and followed the two fifth year prefects out of the Great Hall and down into the dungeons. They stopped outside a large door and Blaise pushed it open. It was a large square room with a dark stone floor. It was darker than any room Harrison had been in so far and much cooler. There were jars all around the room filled with pickled animals and strange looking liquids.

"This room is kind of creepy," Tracey said making a face.

"It's Severus," Blaise reminded her. "Of course it's creepy."

Harrison agreed with Tracey,he may be the son of the Dark Lord but even he found the room creepy. However he was used to Snape's private Potions lab at the manor which was worse so it didn't bother him.

While Harrison was pulling out his Potions supplies the Gryffindors walked into the room. He saw the two female Gryffindors turn slightly green at the sight of the jars. A minute later Snape came walking in,his black cloak billowing behind him.

"I swear he uses a charm to get that effect," Daphne whispered.

"Severus and Dumbledore both," Harrison murmured. "There's no way that twinkle in his eyes is natural."

Daphne covered her mouth with her hand as giggles escaped her lips. Several of the Gryffindors turned to stare at her, but Snape didn't say anything.

"You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion making," Snape began in a quiet silky voice, but everyone still caught every word. "As there is little foolish wand-waving here,many of you will hardly believe this is magic. I don't expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes,the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses... I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death—if you aren't as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach."

"That was a good speech until the dunderhead part," Blaise said under his breath.

Harrison looked at the Gryffindors,they all wore varying expressions. A girl with light brown curly hair and an Indian girl exchanged uneasy looks,he remembered after a moment that their names were Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil. Ron didn't appear to be paying attention while Seamus and Dean shifted uncomfortably. Neville looked fearful and Harrison could've sworn he saw the boy shaking. How in Merlin's name did he get into Gryffindor.

Harrison saw Leo looking at Neville with distaste. "Pathetic excuse for a pureblood," he said quietly.

"Weasley!" Snape snapped. "What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"

Ron looked startled that the professor asked him a question before a look of confusion took over his features.

"I don't know," admitted Ron.

Snape's lips curled into a sneer. "Tut tut. Let's try again shall we? Weasley,where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?"

Ron looked even more confused than before and his ears were beginning to turn red. Harrison could feel Leo shaking with suppressed laughter and he could see amusement dancing in Snape's black eyes. Harrison personally found it amusing,after what he said on the night of the sorting he deserved to be embarrassed.

"I don't know," Ron said looking both embarrassed and annoyed.

"Thought you wouldn't open a book before coming, eh, Weasley?"

Ron was now so red he resembled a tomato. Dean and Seamus were shooting him sympathetic looks.

"What is the difference,Weasley,between monkshood and wolfsbane?"

"I don't know," Ron ground out through gritted teeth.

"Tut tut," Snape then turned towards Harrison. "Mr. Riddle, would you care to answer my questions."

"Yes sir," Harrison smiled. "Asphodel and wormwood make a sleeping potion so powerful it is known as the Draught of Living Death. A bezoar is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat and it will save you from most poisons. As for monkshood and wolfsbane,that was a trick question,they are the same plant,which also goes by the name of aconite." All of the Slytherins, sans Harrison, were now smirking at the Gryffindors.

"That is correct Mr. Riddle," Snape gave an approving nod. "Fifteen points to Slytherin."

Ron turned to glare at Harrison who just gave Ron a charming smile back before refocusing his attention on Snape.

"Well, why isn't everybody writing that down?" Snape snapped,and there was a sudden rummaging for quills and parchment. Over the noise,Snape added," And five points will be taken from Gryffindor house for you failing to be prepared, Weasley."

Ron looked to Harrison as though he wanted to make a rude remark back, but he saw Seamus kick Ron under the table causing Ron to scowl but stay silent. Harrison could tell all of his friends wanted to burst into laughter at the look on the red heads face,even Theo looked amused.

Things didn't improve for the Gryffindors as the Potions lesson continued. Snape put them all into pairs and set them to mixing up a simple potion to cure boils. He swept around in his long black cloak, watching them weigh dried nettles and crush snake fangs, criticizing the Gryffindors and complimenting the Slytherins. Every time he would pass by Neville the boy would begin shaking and sweat would form on his forehead.

He was just telling everyone to look at the perfect way Theo had stewed his horned slugs when clouds of acid green smoke and a loud hissing filled the dungeon. Neville had somehow managed to melt Seamus' cauldron into a twisted blob and their potion was sweeping across the stone floor,burning holes in people's shoes.

Within seconds the whole class was standing on their stools while Neville,who had been drenched in the potion when the cauldron collapsed,moaned in pain as angry red boils sprang up all over his arms and legs.

"Idiot boy!" Snarled Snape,clearing the spilled potion away with one wave of his wand. "I suppose you added the porcupine quills before taking the cauldron off the fire?"

Neville whimpered as boils started to pop up all over his nose.

"Someone take him to the hospital wing," Snape snapped. "I want him out of my sight."

"I'll take him professor," Harrison said politely.

All of the Slytherins looked at him like he had grown a second head and the Gryffindors were shooting him suspicious looks. Harrison gave his friends a significant look and they all got the message, he was going to use this opportunity to try befriending the boy.

"Very well," Snape said. "Five points to Slytherin for helping a fellow student."

Ron's suspicious look morphed into one of anger and Harrison saw his hands ball into fists. Harrison felt like sighing, he was way too easy to make angry.

Harrison gently grabbed Neville's arm and began to lead him out of the Potions classroom,on the way out he heard Snape yell. "You, Weasley, why didn't you tell him not to add the quills? Thought he'd make you look good if he got it wrong, did you? That's another five points you've lost for Gryffindor."

Internally Harrison was grinning like the cat that caught the canary, but he didn't let it show.

After a few moments of silence,Harrison decided to talk first. "You'll be alright; the healer will be able to fixyou up quick."

Neville who was still whimpering in pain looked at Harrison giving him an odd thoughtful look. "Why are you helping me? I mean you're a Slytherin..." He trailed off looking at Harrison for an answer.

Harrison raised an eyebrow and morphed his features to look insulted. "Just because I'm a Slytherin doesn't mean I'm evil. I have no problem talking to students in the other houses, in fact I have many friends in Ravenclaw."

Neville looked at him in surprise. "Really? I thought you'd be like the rest,you know,hexing people just for walking down the corridor."

Harrison had to stop himself from rolling his eyes. "No, that's not my style. If you don't give me a reason to hate you, then I won't." He paused for a moment to decided what would be the best for him to say. "However, that doesn't mean the others won't. There are some Slytherins who only associate with Slytherins,however, I'm not one of them." He paused. "Don't let the Slytherins that are mean get you down,you're a Gryffindor show them that you can stand up for yourself."

Neville frowned and gave Harrison a sidelong glance. "You aren't just saying that so that you can bully me later?"

Harrison sighed. "Look Neville,I'm trying to be nice here because you seem like a nice guy. I noticed that you don't talk to the other boys in your house, why is that?"

Neville blushed. "They don't like me much, they think I'm almost a squib. They laughed at me in Transfiguration for not being able to transfigure the match."

Harrison rolled his eyes. "That's ridiculous, you can't come to Hogwarts unless you have magic. And I've seen Ron in class, if anyone is almost a squib it's him. And in regards to Transfiguration,Professor McGonagall told me that most people don't get it in the first lesson." He chose his next words carefully. "Don't listen to them Neville, with practice you'll be a great wizard. I'll tell you what, during the next Potions lesson I'll be your partner. I'll walk you through the entire potion."

Neville looked hopeful at his words,the look made Harrison feel slightly uncomfortable. "Really?"

Harrison forced himself to smile. "Really."

They reached the infirmary and Harrison helped Neville over to a bed while the healer came bustling over. She was an older woman with blonde hair flecked with gray and quite a few wrinkles.

"I'm Madam Pomfrey, what's happened here?"

"Potions accident," Harrison answered for Neville. "It was supposed to be a potion to cure boils, but..." He tried off gesturing to the boils covering Neville.

Madam Pomfrey tisked. "I see,thank you for bringing him Mr..." She trailed off giving Harrison a questioning look.

"Harrison Riddle," Harrison replied giving her a charming smile.

"Yes, thank you again,you can get back to class, he will be fine soon." Pomfrey said before walking towards a cupboard.

"Thank you," Neville muttered quietly.

"Of course," Harrison told him. "Good luck in your next class."

"Let me get this straight," Draco said setting down his fork. "You told Longbottom that you'd partner with him in Potions? You saw what he did today, have you gone mental?"

"Maybe we should take him to the nurse," Blaise suggested seriously.

Harrison rolled his eyes. "I haven't gone mental, you all know why I'm doing it. Father wants me to befriend as many people as I can,and yes that includes Gryffindors." Draco shut his mouth. "And besides I can do worse than Neville, he comes from a wealthy pure blood family."

"He's practically a squib," Pansy pointed out.

"I don't think so," Harrison said. "I can feel a lot of power coming off of him."

"Off of Longbottom?" Leo asked for clarification.

Harrison ran a finger down his nose. "Yes Leo, from Neville. You know I can sense magic and peoples power, when I'm near him, I can sense a great deal of power. He just seems so nervous all the time, I think if I can get him to relax he can reach his true potential."

"Are you sure you want to do that?" Theo asked hesitantly. "What if he becomes a powerful wizard and he chooses not to side with us. Then all you would've done was created a powerful enemy. I mean, his parents are known for being powerful aurors. What if all that happens if you create the next powerful auror."

Harrison glanced at the Gryffindor table where Neville was eating alone. "I have a feeling that he won't be an auror."

"A feeling?" Draco said incredulously. "What are you now,a seer?"

Harrison gave Draco a look showing him that his sarcasm wasn't appreciated. "No, but my feelings tend to be right and I have a good feeling about Neville."

"Great," Blaise rolled his eyes. "Next you'll be telling us that you want to befriend the bushy haired mudblood."

Harrison stared at Blaise with a blank expression and Blaise's eyes went wide.

"You've got to be kidding me?" Blaise hissed. "You want to befriend her? Why her of all people?"

"Look at her," Harrison said as he looked at Hermione. The girl was seated by herself reading a book. "She has no friends, I have yet to see her with anyone. She isn't loyal to anyone and who better to make her loyal to than me?"

"I don't want to befriend a mudblood," Draco said bitterly.

"Well you don't have a choice," Harrison said with a note of finality. "You know what my father said." His eyes narrowed. "Or do you want to be the one to tell him we didn't recruit as many people as we could because you didn't want to associate with mudbloods. I'm sure he'll love that, make sure you tell me what happens." He added as an afterthought. "That is if you're still alive by the end of it."

Harrison had always liked telling people what to do, he had always loved the feeling of power when giving a command. He loved being a child with the ability to control the actions of adults. However he didn't like controlling his best friends, but he knew that if he didn't order them befriend Hermione they wouldn't. He watched as Draco paled and stiffly nodded.

"Fine," Draco said so quietly Harrison barely heard him.

"And before you get any ideas,no calling her a mudblood to her face," Harrison said. "When it's just Slytherins call her what you want, but don't call her a mudblood in front of her or Neville. I don't think Neville will agree with the use of the word, at least until he's firmly on our side."

Draco nodded stiffly and everyone went back to their lunch.

Once everyone was done eating Violet and Marcus led the first years to the History of Magic classroom on the first floor. The classroom was smaller than any one Harrison had been in so far,there were large windows that were open. He could hear birds chirping and the smell of grass filled his nostrils.

Harrison had always found history to be fascinating, however, from what he had been told about the class he wasn't expecting much. When class began a ghost floated through the wall and introduced himself as Professor Binns.

Harrison had heard stories about him, he had been very old indeed when he had fallen asleep in front of the staff room fire and got up the next morning to teach, leaving his body behind him. He spoke in a boring drone and got Emeric the Evil and Uric the Oddball mixed up. None of the Slytherins bothered to take notes, in fact, Crabbe and Goyle had fallen asleep within the first ten minutes. The Ravenclaws took notes, but every single one of them looked bored with the exception of Hermione. She was writing at a speed Harrison didn't know was possible and she was listening intently.

Once the clock struck three everyone quickly packed up their stuff in an effort to get out of the classroom as quickly as possible. Harrison waved his friends off by telling them he'd meet them outside of the room. He walked up to Hermione who was rolling up a piece of parchment.

"Hello Hermione," Harrison said politely.

Hermione looked up startled. "Harrison," she bit her lip. "Did you need something?"

"I wanted to see how you were so far, I know you're new to the magical world," Harrison explained with a charming smile. "And it can sometimes be hard at first for those new to the whole magic thing."

"Oh, I'm okay," Hermione told him as she gathered up her quills and ink. "There's a lot to learn, I've found some amazing books in the library."

"Yeah,there's a lot of interesting things to read," Harrison said. "I saw that you almost got the transfiguration of turning a match into a needle."

Hermione sighed. "It didn't turn into a sharp needle like yours." She sounded extremely disappointed, he internally smirked, he could work with that.

"Would you like to partner in Transfiguration tomorrow?" Harrison asked. "I can help you."

Hermione looked shocked but the shock was quickly replaced by suspicion. "Why would you want to help me? How do I know this isn't just some joke?"

"I wouldn't do that to you Hermione," Harrison said in an assuring tone. "Why would you think that?"

Hermione frowned as though recalling something unpleasant. "Ron Weasley always makes fun of me in the classes I share with Gryffindor." She looked down. "He called me a know-it-all."

Harrison forced himself to frown. "That's not very nice, there's nothing wrong with being intelligent. He's just jealous that you know more than him even though he's a pureblood and you're not."

Hermione wore the same hopeful look Neville had given Harrison,on her it caused him to be even more uncomfortable. "Do you really think so?"

"Yeah," Harrison replied.

Hermione slowly nodded and stood just a little bit straighter. "I'd love to be your partner in Transfiguration."

Harrison grinned showing off perfect teeth. "Brilliant. I have to go no now, if I'm not out there soon Violet," he elaborated when she looked confused," our fifth year prefect and an old friend of mine will come in here. Believe me when I say you don't want that to happen."

"Okay," Hermione smiled slightly. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow then."

Harrison left the classroom after shooting her one last grin. Daphne grabbed Harrison arm as soon as he stepped out of the classroom.

"How did it go?" Daphne asked quietly.

Harrison smirked. "I offered to be her partner tomorrow in Transfiguration and she accepted."

He looked at Draco who was scowling, but the blonde didn't say anything. Violet and Marcus led the first years out of the castle and down a slope that led to the greenhouses. The sun was shining bright but there was a fierce wind causing the first years to feel a slight chill. They entered the greenhouse and saw that the Hufflepuffs were already seated. There were large square tables that seated four, Harrison saw a table with two girls and decided to join them.

"Hi," Harrison said as he sat down,Leo took the second empty seat.

The two girls looked up and shock flickered in their eyes. The first girl had long red hair and a pale face, she had red lips and kind eyes. She was pretty and Harrison could tell she'd be very attractive when she started to hit puberty. The girl next to her had a round face and her blonde hair was in pigtails.

"Hello," the red head greeted. "I'm Susan Bones."

"Harrison Riddle," he replied. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"I'm Hannah Abbott," the blonde said quietly.

When Leo introduced himself, Susan looked slightly uncomfortable, but she gave him a polite smile.

"Are you enjoying Hogwarts so far?" Harrison inquired,doing his best to seem genuinely interested.

"It's amazing," Susan said with a smile that lit up her light blue eyes. "I love Charms, Professor Flitwick is amazing."

Harrison turned to Hannah and gave her an impish grin and rose a questioning eyebrow.

Hanna's cheeks tinged pink. "I like Charms as well, but I'm not as good as Susan."

"Don't sell yourself short," Harrison supplied with a wink.

Hanna's cheeks went from pink to flaming red and Harrison was internally grinning like the mad hatter. He gave Leo a sidelong glance and he could see the amusement in his eyes. The door opened and Harrison turned to see a dumpy witch with flyaway gray hair walk inside. There was dirt on the front of her green robes and underneath her short fingernails.

"Good morning first years," the kind looking woman said. "I'm Professor Sprout and I will be your Herbology instructor for the next five to seven years. This year we will learn how to take care of and identify your basic magical plants."

An hour and a half later Harrison and the rest of the Slytherin first years walked up to the castle with the Hufflepuffs. Upon entering the castle Harrison turned to the Hufflepuffs.

"Enjoy the rest of your day ladies," Harrison said with an over the top bow.

Susan and Hannah giggled while three Hufflepuff boys glared at Harrison. The first was a pompous looking boy with dark hair, Harrison recalled that his name was Ernie Macmillan. The second boy was named Justin Finch-Fletchley, his brown eyes were filled with distrust as he looked at the Slytherins. A tall slim blonde boy with an upturned nose was standing slightly behind the other two boys but looked equally annoyed. Zacharias Smith was his name, Harrison recalled from when roll was being taken.

"Bye Harrison." Susan and Hannah said in unison as they walked in the direction Harrison assumed was the Hufflepuff common room.

"You made new friends I see," Theo said.

"Yeah, Susan Bones would be a good ally," Harrison replied.

"You do know her aunt's Amelia Bones, correct?" Theo asked hesitantly.

"Yes," Harrison shrugged almost unnoticeably. "But there's always a chance she might join us."

Before anyone could comment further an unwelcome voice called out.

"Why did you help Longbottom?" Ron demanded coming up with Seamus and Dean.

Harrison stopped walking and spun around. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me," Ron snapped. "Why did you help Longbottom? What are you playing at?"

"Playing at?" Harrison repeated. "I'm not playing at anything Ronald. Neville was injured during a Potions lesson and I helped him to the infirmary."

"I know you're up to something," Ron snarled looking between the first year Slytherins. "You're all trying to do something and I'm going to figure out what it is."

Blaise snorted. "Do you really think we have some nefarious plot involving Longbottom? Are you delusional?"

"Maybe you should go to the school nurse," Cass suggested with mock concern. "While you're there she can try to figure out where your brain went."

"That's not possible considering he never had one," Draco said dryly.

Ron's face turned red and Seamus and Dean glared. Harrison had to suppress a snort, he'd seen five year olds that looked more frightening.

"Shut up!" Ron yelled.

Draco slow clapped. "Good come back."

"Very witty," Leo said mockingly.

Ron's face turned even more red and his hands balled into fists.

"Is the little Gryffindor getting angry?" Cass asked in a baby voice. Harrison was surprised how much she sounded like Bellatrix when she used that voice.

Ron pulled out his wand, Harrison noticing the movement pulled his out as well.

"Expelliarmus!" Harrison yelled before Ron could even open his mouth.

Ron's wand went flying into the air and into Harrison's outstretched hand. The three Gryffindors looked shocked while the Slytherins wore looks varying from amusement to triumph.

"Resorting to physical violence?" Harrison asked in mock disappointment. "Gryffindors really are much too rash." He took a several steps until he was three feet from Ron. "If I were you I wouldn't pull your wand on those who know more magic than you can ever dream of knowing."

"Are you threatening me?" Ron demanded as his blue eyes blazed with anger.

Harrison laughed quietly,it was a creepy laugh that caused the hair on the back of the Gryffindors necks to stand up. "No." He thrust Ron's wand into his chest. "Believe me, when I'm threatening you, you'll know." He turned around and walked back to his smirking friends,he turned his head. "Next time you pull your wand on me I'll use more than a disarming spell." He smirked. "That was a threat."

Harrison and his friends left the three fuming Gryffindors and made their way back to the dungeons. Once they were in their common room Blaise burst into laughter.

"That was hilarious," Blaise choked out. "Did you see their faces when you disarmed him? I thought they were going to go into shock."

"They're pathetic," Cass chimed in. "I doubt Weasley could've done anything besides send sparks at you."

"He probably thought Harrison would be scared at the sight of his wand," Theo pointed out.

Harrison rolled his eyes. "It takes more than Ronald Weasley to scare me. I've been dueling for years, I could beat him with one hand tied behind my back while wearing a blind fold."

"I have the feeling he'll be watching us closely," Theo mused. "The way he looked at us, I think he really believes we're evil."

"But we aren't, we're dark," Blaise said.

"That wasn't my point," Theo sighed. "We're going to have to watch what we say around him. His family is close to Dumbledore, I wouldn't be surprised if he reports everything we do and say to him. Especially since Dumbledore knows who your dad is."

"You don't think Dumbledore told Weasley?" Blaise asked shocked.

"No," Theo shook his head. "But it would be foolish of Dumbledore to not be trying to find out everything about Harrison as he could. What does Aunt Bella always tell us?"

"Don't kill the prisoners too quickly," Blaise answered.

Theo gave Blaise and exasperated look. "No." He looked up at the ceiling as though asking for patience. "Know thy enemy. To Dumbledore Harrison is the enemy, at least right now. At the moment he's probably learning everything he can about Harrison. And if my guess is correct he's going to try using Harrison against the Dark Lord. By either making Harrison spy for him or to turn him completely against his father."

Blaise snorted. "Harrison would never do either of those things."

"We know that, but Dumbledore doesn't," Theo said. "For all he knows Harrison doesn't even like his father. Remember what Harrison told us Severus told Dumbledore?" Everyone but Harrison nodded. "Dumbledore believes Harrison rarely sees his dad, for all he knows the Dark Lord is just as cruel to him as he is to his enemies. Once he gathers enough information I assume he'll make his first move."

Everyone looked thoughtful as Harrison stared into the roaring fire. He knew that what Theo said was most likely true, Dumbledore was smart. He was probably buying his time until he could decide what to do in regards to him. He frowned, he would need to be careful with what he said and did outside of the Slytherin common room. He ran a hand through his short hair and suppressed a sigh. He had a feeling his years at Hogwarts wouldn't be stress free.

Dumbledore sat at the head of the large oak table in the staff room. A roaring fire warmed the room as the professors slowly came in and took their usual seats. Several portraits of past headmasters hung on the walls and a beautiful painting of the Scottish countryside hung next to painting of crashing waves on a sandy beach. Snape sat to Dumbledore's right,his pale face expressionless and his dark eyes boring into the wall. McGonagall and Madam Hooch, a short witch with short gray hair and eyes like a hawk were discussing quidditch. Flitwick was happily chatting to a pretty witch with dark black hair about a new article in Charms Weekly. Once everyone had arrived Dumbledore raised his hands for silence, the professors stopped talking and gave the headmaster their full attention.

"Welcome, welcome everyone," Dumbledore said jovially, his blue eyes twinkling. "I called this staff meeting this evening so we can discuss how the new students are adjusting and the old students are faring with their increased workloads." He turned to the head of Gryffindor. "How are your first years handling being away from home?"

"So far I have had no students come to me in regards to missing home," McGonagall responded. "They all seem to be faring quite nicely. As of now I have no concerns, however, Fred and George Weasley have already begun their usual foray into pranking. I've already taken thirty points from the two of them." Her lips thinned. "They'll most likely lose more points by the end of the week."

Dumbledore was internally chuckling, he didn't see anything wrong with the students having a little bit of fun as long as they weren't disrupting classes. He knew however not to say that to his assistant headmistress.

"I am glad that your first years seem to be doing nicely," Dumbledore replied, deciding not to comment on the Weasley twins. "How have they performed if your class?"

"I've only had my Gryffindors once and they all performed as most first years do," McGonagall told him before her lips formed a small smile. "Mr. Riddle however performed most admirably."

The twinkle in Dumbledore's eyes dimmed somewhat and the headmaster noticed that Snape was now paying more attention.

"Oh?" Dumbledore inquired. "How so?"

"On his first try he turned the match into a needle and back again," McGonagall explained. "It didn't seem to take him any effort at all, so I allowed him to work on his homework for the rest of the lesson. He did stop several times to assist his friends, he seemed to be helpful and very intelligent."

Dumbledore went over what McGonagall said, he assumed Harrison would already be well versed in magic and it seemed his assumption was right. A million different thoughts were running through his mind and questions were popping up, questions he didn't have answers to. Does Harrison Riddle know dark magic? He pushed the question away,he didn't think even Tom Riddle would teach an eleven year old boy dark magic. However doubts filled him,this was the man who calls himself Lord Voldemort, anything was possible. If the boy already knew magic he would need to watch him for any hints as to what he might have been taught.

Dumbledore looked back to his deputy headmistress. "That's wonderful Minerva." He looked at the other professors. "Did Harrison perform at a level beyond his age in his other classes?"

Dumbledore ignored the odd looks the professors sent him at the use of Harrison's first name.

"Mr. Riddle rose his hand in order to answer every question I asked," Sprout announced. "He earned his house points and he even befriended several of my Hufflepuffs."

Dumbledore had to stop his expression from turning into one of surprise. The son of Tom Riddle is the last person he would expect to befriend Hufflepuffs, most Slytherins avoid them almost as much as they do Gryffindors. He wished the houses would get along but he had lived for many centuries and even when he attended Hogwarts, Slytherins usually only hung out with Slytherins and the occasional Ravenclaw. A part of him was hopeful that this meant he didn't share his fathers backwards beliefs about blood purity and muggles, but another part of him was saying it might be some scheme of Tom's.

"Filius?" Dumbledore asked the tiny Charms professor.

"He was well spoken and polite," Flitwick responded. "However I can't judge Mr. Riddle after only meeting him once."

Dumbledore looked at Snape who answered the unspoken question. "I've known Harrison since he was a small boy." He began shocking the other professors. "He has always been extremely bright for his age, from what I know he's grown up reading magical theory on every subject. He is polite, kind and like Filius said, he's well spoken. He handed in a perfect potion in his first Potions class, and I'm expecting the rest of his work to be just as good."

Dumbledore noticed and ignored the looks the other professors were shooting his spy. He knew they were just surprised that Severus had something nice to say,even if it was about a Slytherin. What Severus just told him was almost what he had told him before the school year began. From what the other professors said,so far Harrison seems like a normal albeit bright boy. With any luck the boy wouldn't be anything like his father which is what he'd been worried about since the sorting.

When Harrison walked into the Great Hall he knew who he was immediately, he looked like a young Tom Riddle. He had the same aristocratic face,the same handsome features,the full lips and the light skin. He even had the same short neat black hair, the only difference were his eyes. They were the most unusual green eyes he'd ever seen and they reminded him of the late Lily Evans. He wondered for a moment if the boy was somehow related to her, but he knew it wasn't possible. Lily Potter nee Evans only had one child and he was murdered by Tom ten years ago.

He had noticed that Harrison walked with the same air of confidence that Tom had when he had been eleven. However, his eyes didn't have the same arrogance that Tom's had, he had a kindness in them. Whether or not that kindness was real or just for show he didn't know. He decided to watch the boy closely and continue to ask the other professors about his performances in class.

"Good good," Dumbledore finally said. "What about your Ravenclaws Filius?"