Settling in
Harry made his way inside of Snape’s office. He was so nervous, the boy did not even look around, choosing to head straight forward to the chair in front of his professor’s desk.
“So, Potter, I see that you already earned yourself a detention. Maybe Professor McGonagall let you in a loose leash, but I will not tolerate it inside of my house. You WILL behave yourself, am I clear here?”
“Yes, sir.” Harry mumbled.
“I looked over your grades from last year. You got an O in DADA. An E in Transfiguration, Care of magical creatures and divination. In Charms, Astronomy and Herbology, you have an A. You managed to fail two of your classes; Potions and History of magic.”
Harry nodded slowly: he had nothing to say.
“You will have tutoring in the subjects you failed or only got an Acceptable.” He continued handling him a parchment. “Here is your schedule, you can look over it later. The sessions will start as soon as your detentions are done. They will be held directly after school.” “I looked over your medical file and noted that you haven’t had your mandatory checkup in first year.”
Harry hesitantly answered. “They were not required: Professor McGonagall did not make us do it.”
Snape raised his eyebrow. “Gryffindor must be the only house who dropped it then, the other houses do it as well. Anyway, even of you went there more times than I can count, once you leave, I want you to go to Madam Pomphrey and tell her to make the customary 1st year checkup.”
Harry got up and made his way to the medical wing. On his way, he looked over his new schedule. On Mondays, he will be studying with a 7th year named Amelia Jones. On Tuesday, he unfortunately had a session with Malfoy for Potions as well as Herbology, which would also be double the time, joy. Then, on Wednesday, he had to be tutored in Charms with the captain of the Quidditch team and on Thursday, he had astronomy with a 6th year named Archie Bailey. Why did he have to be horrible in so many subjects? Harry groaned, at least, he had his Friday nights free.
He reached the medical wing and had to wait a little, Madam Pomphrey was already occupied with a 1styear Ravenclaw. Once they were finished, the med turned to Harry.
“Mister Potter, I had hoped not to see you so early in the year. What have you done this time?”
“Nothing, Professor Snape wanted me to do the 1st year checkup I hadn’t have.”
“Yes, I was not happy when Professor McGonagall removed it. We argued a little but as you can guess, she won, it did help that Dumbledore was on her side, I still don’t know why. It was established on your first year, not that it matters anyway.” She shrugged. “Sit on the bed.”
Harry did so and the witch recited a complex incantation. Soon, a parchment appeared from her wand, and she took it before it fell on the ground.”
“You were extremely malnourished, resulting in your short height. Also, I can see that you burned yourself quite a lot and acquired some injuries from… punches?”
“My relatives were not rich: we lacked money to buy food a lot. Also, I was a curious child, only touching things I shouldn’t. At last, I was being bullied… at my old school.”
Harry felt guilty about lying. However, he had given up on telling people the truth after Dumbledore had done nothing to improve his situation the years before. No matter how much he had pleaded him, Dumbledore always said it was for the best. Also, Harry did not want the pity the truth could occur.
The med raised an eyebrow, Harry must not be as good as he thought since Pomphrey seemed to have seen right through him. She still dismissed him, and Harry had to run on his way to Divination. The boy had missed breakfast and was running late.
The class was so boring. Trelawny made them pair up and decipher dreams they had had recently. Harry had to turn to Ernie Macmillan, a Ravenclaw. Instead of fooling around with Ron, the boy had to work for real with his new teammate. He tried to make things up, like the years prior, but Macmillan discovered it pretty fast and made him look over his books to give right predications
Before his next class, he joined his classmates and was pleasantly surprised to see that his new friends had saved him a cinnamon roll, knowing that Harry hadn’t had breakfast.
-------
The week passed and before Harry knew it, it was already Thursday. The boy was a little disappointed, he had talked to Hermione for a grand total of zero time.
“Potter, tryouts are today, I hope you are ready.” Flint told him that morning.
“I can’t go, I have detention with Umbridge.” Harry felt guilty, over the days, he had thought about the offer, and he was certain of one point: he missed flying with all his might and wanted to take every opportunity to do so.
“I know, I talked to her, and she agreed to move your last detention for Saturday. You should thank me, she wanted to put it on Friday, but I made her change her mind.”
Flint did not wait for Harry’s answer and left him pondering. Now that he had real a chance to make the team, Harry questioned his previous decision, he wasn’t certain about joining his former rivals. After some thought, he concluded that he needed an extern opinion.
Harry ran towards the Great Wall and, by luck he found Hermione right before the entrance. Hermione saw him and something in his face must have given away his intentions because she left the girls she was with and reached Harry.
“Harry! I’m so sad, we haven’t talk in forever! I’m free on Sunday, we should hang out for the day.”
“Yes, I can’t wait to catch up with you! I just need your opinion on something beforehand. The Slytherins offered me to play Quidditch with them.”
“And you don’t know if you should do it or not.”
Harry nodded, amazed by how Hermione knew him by heart.
“You should totally do it! You love flying and it would be a loss of your talent, Harry. Even more, it is the best opportunity to mess with Malfoy since he is the current seeker.”
“Actually, it was his idea. He also wanted to move chaser.”
Hermione was quick to respond. “If Malfoy was about to give you his spot, then you have no choice than do it Harry.”
Harry nodded slowly. She had a point.
“I’m just worried the Gryffindor’s aren’t going to take it well.”
“Of course they won’t, but don’t mind them and do what makes you happy.”
“Thank you. Speaking of which, the Gryffindor’s tryouts were Monday right?”
“Yes, Ron is the new keeper and Ginny is the seeker. We were all surprised to see how good Ginny was. Also, who knew she ever wanted your spot?”
-------
When Potions were finished that day, Harry decided to congratulate Ron for his new spot on the Quidditch team. He quickly picked up his books and headed towards the back of the class. Judging by the looks he received, he was still not welcomed there. Harry chose to ignore the stares and went straight to the point.
“I heard you made keeper Ron, congratulation.”
“… Thanks.” Replied Ron. “I heard you wanted to become the Slytherins seeker.”
“I’m still thinking about it.” Admitted Harry. “I guess it was Hermione who told you?”
“Yes, and I think it is a bad idea. Think about it, you already know all our strategies. I wouldn’t be fair.”
“You can come up with new ones, Angeline is the best at making them.”
“I’m still not convinced.”
“Yeah!” Interrupted Seamus. “You betrayed us by changing houses and now you also want to compete against your old team. I guess my mom was right about you, you’re a liar who only lives for attention.”
That was already enough for Harry to make him over the edge, he launched to punch the guy he once thought was his friend. However, before he could reach him, he was stopped by Zabini. To his surprised, the guy punched Seamus himself. Then, Ron stood up to defend the latest and the three of them started to fight. Soon enough, they received a Petrificus totalus from their teacher whose presence was forgotten.
“Detentions, the three of you. I better not to see you fight again or the consequences won’t be as mild as right now. I also revoke ten points for each of you.” Snape said.
Each teen grumbled and the whole group left the class, not forgetting to send all their hate to one another.
“You did not have to do that Zabini. I can defend myself just well.”
“A thank you would have been enough you know, and nobody will insult my friend on my watch understood?”
“Thanks Blaise, I’m very grateful.” Smiled Harry, it felt good to be defended and it was the first time, Blaise had called him his friend!
“You should be.” Said Nott. “Blaise has never gotten a detention you know. He was always the model teachers used to compare most of us from, it is the first time he takes a fight.”
Harry was touched. His friend not only stood up for him, but he also tainted his perfect reputation just for Harry’s sake.
“Yeah well, you two definitely don’t have all your head.” Interrupted Malfoy. “Why didn’t you use your wand? It would have made so much more damage than a few punches.”
“And that’s why you need to control your anger, Potter.” Said Parkinson. “It will help you take the best decisions in any circumstances and stop being so spontaneous.”
Harry wasn’t sure if throwing hexes to hurt the Gryffindors more would have been the best decision. Her example was probably the worst, but he got it. The boy had to keep his anger at bay. He kept his opinion for himself though.
“How do you feel?” Asked Greengrass. Harry had a feeling that she was the most sensible of their group and that she was the one who listened to any emotional problems.
“It hurts. We were friends, always hanging out in the dormitory and chatting late at night. It’s sad how fast they turned over me. I still hope that Ron comes around, I mind less about the others, but Ron was my first and best friend.”
The others gave him small, understood nods, which made Harry a little uncomfortable, like he said, he did not appreciate pity. Malfoy must have felt it, and the blonde decided to change the subject.
“Come on Potter, we better hurry, tryouts are going to start soon.” Stated Malfoy.
The boys made their way to the Quidditch field followed by Crabbe and Goyle. After his previous argument, he was determined to make the team, only out of spite from his former teammates. They were the last to arrive, so they quickly changed and surrounded the captain to ear his speech.
“Welcome to the Slytherins tryouts! The places available this year are: one seeker, one chaser and two beaters. Don’t forget, if you don’t make it this year, there is always the next one, so I better not see you cry, or your chances will be at zero!”
Seeker’s tryout was the first. To Harry’s surprised, Malfoy would be competing against him. The boy must have seen his confusion because he quickly reassured him. He was only doing it for the others to see if Harry was really the best. Flint instructed them that the first to catch the golden snitch was going the get the spot. He released the snitch, and the two boys roared after it.
After a few minutes of searching through the field, Harry spotted the snitch next to the left stage. Malfoy was one the other side of the field, so Harry took the opportunity to chase after it. Within a few seconds, Harry clamped his hand around the snitch and officially earned his spot as the new Slytherin seeker.
The chasers were second. They were four to compete; Malfoy, a 2nd and two 3rd year. The captain made two teams with the other chasers, and they had a mini game without the remaining team. The goal was to evaluate their teamwork, speed and precision.
Malfoy was true to his words, whoever had told him he would be a good chaser was a genius. The guy was amazing! His passes were always perfectly aimed, and he easily intercepted a lot of them from his dissociates. He also scored a few times, task his ‘competitors’ failed to accomplish. The guy was without doubt a great team player.
“I think we all agree to welcome Malfoy as our third chaser!” declared Flint.
As for the beaters, they were all horrible. One of them even managed to fall off his broom while trying to hit the bludger.
At the end, the captain made the team reunite.
“Which two of them were the best?”
“They were all horrible.” Commented one of the chasers.
“I know, but we must choose one. No, it’s worse, we need two. I want your opinion.”
Harry took a moment to think and finally, he shared his thoughts. “Crabbe and Goyle, they were the only ones that aren’t a last cause. They were the only ones to hit the bludger.”
“I hope you don’t say that only to get on their good side, Potter.”
To Harry’s surprise, Flint listened to him and announced the others their decision and just like that, tryouts were over.
They made their way into the changing room, took a shower and headed to the dormitories. Harry couldn’t wait to celebrate his success, but he was not comfortable to do it with the other three.
When they arrived, the gang was greeted by the Slytherins having what seemed to be a party. Loud music was blasting from nowhere and the place reeked of alcohol. Harry shot up an eyebrow, looking at Malfoy.
The boy shrugged. “It is a tradition, each year, after tryouts, we hold a party. It is a way to congratulate the new members of the team and tell them good luck.”
“But we have school tomorrow!” Protested Harry. “Besides, there are kids here.”
“The parties are only for the 5th years and older.”
“I’m not taking part of it.”
“Come on Potter!” said Malfoy. “This is for you, well partly for you, don’t be an asshole and relax a little. It is a good way to get to know the others as well.” Pleaded Malfoy. “Or is it because you’re too afraid to get caught. Show us how courageous you are, Gryffindor.”
“That’s the thing Malfoy, the hat decided to put me in Slytherin because I wasn’t courageous enough. Why do you want me there anyway? It’s not like we like each other, quite the contrary.” Asked Harry. It was so out of character. The boy would have usually said something like ‘I did not ask you to be here either scar head.’
The other boy rolled his eyes. “You’ll be with us for three years Potter, think about it. We don’t have to like each other but we should put some effort to be well behaved. You know, to keep a good atmosphere in here. It is bad enough with the other houses going after our heads, we don’t want a war between our own walls.”
Before he could answer, a body slammed against his, almost making Harry fall on the floor.
“Blaise! Be careful!” scolded Harry to the boy who was surprisingly obviously drunk. “Are you already wasted? It is still early in the evening.”
The other one laughed even though nothing seemed to be funny.
“Come on Harry! Take a drink!” He practically screamed in his ear while shoving the glass he had in Harry’s hand.
The raven sighed before complying.
“I’m offended that Blaise convinced you, but I couldn’t.” Commented Malfoy.
He took a sip and felt his throat burn, he quickly grimaced while being led by Blaise at a table near the stairs. The table held various type of alcohol: it was so overflowing that Harry wondered how it had not fallen already.
“We must taste them all tonight! I’ve already took these ones.” His friend said, gesturing to the left side of the table.
He made a glass to both himself and Harry and led them down once again, gripping Harry.
“I don’t know why you are so excited about this Blaise: we aren’t even thirty people in the room!” Shouted Harry.
“Stop bringing the mood down and relax a little.” Was his reply.
And so, Harry did. He brought the glass to his lips and made his way over three 7th year Slytherins a little further. He hesitantly made conversation. Starting with asking them about their thoughts of their Quidditch team since they apparently celebrated that.
As the night went on, Harry felt more and more at eased. Just as Malfoy had suggested, he took the opportunity to hang out with the older Slytherins. It was the first time he felt so appreciated since: well Harry couldn’t tell but it was from a long time ago. He made small talk with all of them and learned a lot about his new housemates. Their usual blank expressions were also gone, and they all seemed happy and cheerful. Harry was relieved to be so well accepted into the den.
Even though Harry sucked at it, a girl convinced him to dance with them in less than two minutes. They were moving and laughing, not caring if their movements matched the song or not. At some point, Harry found himself dancing with Malfoy, both with a huge grin on their faces.
Usually, Harry would be disgusted about that fact but for now, he was just so happy to care.
Whatever, he could have remorse the following day.
-------
Harry groaned when a pillow was thrown at his face. The poor boy had a terrible headache and was so tired he felt like dying. At least he did not have any blackout. At least, he thought. Suddenly, a smell hit him. Harry recognised it as a pepper up potion. He had to take it so many times that he could now recognize it by its odor only.
“Thanks” He mumble.
“No worries, we always make sure that no one ever suspect our little entertainment.” Responded Nott.
“That sounded so dirty. Never repeat those words.” Scolded Harry.
The potion took effect quickly and the day went well. However, right after dinner, Harry collapsed on his bed and fell asleep immediately.
-------
On Saturday, Professor Umbridge made Harry write his lines for the entire day. As he was finished, the teacher took his hand and examined it once again. The lines were now clearly visible on his skin. Harry sadly concluded that it would scar him for life.
“I can see that the sentences sunk in.” Approved Umbridge. “Our work was well done. You are dismissed, hopefully we won’t see each other in this room soon.”
“Hopefully.” Gritted Harry.
As usual, Harry glamoured his arm before leaving the horrendous place.
On Sunday, he hung up with Hermione. It was so good to be with her after so much time. They caught up with their life, telling each other everything that happened with their life. Well almost everything. Harry knew her friend would disapprove of the party, so he held his tongue. He did not talk about his detentions either.
Not surprisingly, Hermione was enchanted when she heard the Slytherins had tutoring classes. She wouldn’t stop ranting about how lucky Harry was to have this wonderful opportunity, her words, not Harry’s.
Over the following weeks, Harry had no time for himself, to be alone. He had to dodge his life around school, tutoring lessons, Quidditch and hanging out with his friends. By the end of September, Harry was already calling all of them by their given names, even Malfoy.
His study time with him had started awkwardly, true to his former self, Draco was snapping at Harry and made many derogatory comments about him and his intelligence. They were bickering a lot. However, as time passed, they were more and more civil around each other. They became friends rather quickly and often hung up just the two of them.
The raven also started meditating with Tracey. The girl had told him that one of the best ways to keep his mind clear was to use Occlumency. It was meant to shield his emotions and keep them under control. Moreover, it could prevent anyone from reading your thoughts.
At first, it was difficult for Harry to had to clear his mind every night before going to bed and Harry simply could not do it, he was always thinking about a thing or two.
Eventually, Tracey told him to start about a single word he could focus on before sleeping. One which brought him calm and serenity. It was hard to find one, but Harry finally settled down with sky. He was always at peace when he was flying and high above the clouds. He originally chose the word flying, but it remained him of Quidditch which could be stressful and exciting sometimes.
To his surprise, his nightmares had stopped. After talking to Tracey about it, he had learned that it was also a result of the Occlumency.
Resulting in his clear mind, Harry, even though he still hated her to death, was able to behave with Professor Umbridge and did not gain more detentions with her. The gang was trying to come up with a plan to bring her down, they sadly hadn’t found anything about her yet and Harry was slowly losing patience.
The pink lady never complained about Harry after his first outburst. Instead, she was always complimenting him about his schoolwork, and she was not the only one. Thanks to his tutoring lessons, Harry’s grades were higher than they used to be. The boys had improved a lot, and he was proud of himself.
The only hick was Ron. He still hadn’t talked to Harry.
-------
Harry was eating breakfast when the owls arrived for their daily run. Among them, he saw Hedwig making her way towards him. She dropped her letter, and Harry gave her a treat before reading its content.
Harry,
We need to talk, tonight at midnight.
Go near a fireplace in your common room, alone.
Snuffles
His eyes widened. Harry never thought of writing to his godfather. He must be so mad at him! Harry did not even tell him about his house change, Sirius had to, most definitely, heard it about one of the Weasleys. His godfather was sure to be worried. Harry was the worst godson.
Next to him, his friends gave Harry questioning looks to which Harry answer with a simple shrug. The boy promised himself to never forget his godfather ever again.
That night, he waited for everyone to leave the common room before making his way to a fireplace. He sat in silence for a while. Harry was a patient boy, but it had been so long since nothing happened that he was about to regain his dorm when he was interrupted by a voice.
“Harry James Potter… wait, are you there?”
Harry startle and investigated the fireplace, there was nothing.
“Harry?”
He turned around and found Sirius’s head in a fireplace not so far away.