Secrets of the Serpent House

The Great Hall was a buzz of chatter and laughter as students settled in for dinner. The enchanted ceiling mirrored the dusky sky outside, casting a warm glow over the long tables. Harry Potter stood nervously near the staff table, feeling acutely aware of the Sorting Hat perched on his head. The first years had their turns, now is was Harry's. This was the second time he had faced the hat, but this time, the stakes felt higher. His eyes briefly met Professor McGonagall's, who gave him a reassuring nod, which only served to make him feel worse.

"Ah, Potter," the Sorting Hat's voice echoed in his mind. "Back again, I see. Times have changed, and so have you."

Harry felt a pang of unease. "I didn't ask for this," he thought back. "I was fine in Gryffindor."

"Indeed," the hat responded. "But you never truly belonged there did you?"

Harry had nothing to say to that, didn't he belong? He thought he had but maybe he was wrong. His house mates did seem to turn on him every chance they got. But that didn't matter, he knew where the hat wanted to put him and it wasn't Gryffindor.

"The circumstances demand a change. A different path. Yes, I see it clearly now. Better be... "

Surprise, surprise.

"SLYTHERIN!"

The last word was shouted for the entire hall to hear, and a wave of shocked murmurs rippled through the students. Harry removed the hat, feeling the weight of countless eyes on him. He did not risk a glance at Professor McGonagall, scared of what he would see and instead glanced over to the Gryffindor table, where Ron was quickly turning red from anger and Hermione looked grief stricken. He turned away from them, how dare they? How dare they act like they care now? They only ever seemed to care about Harry at school, when people are watching. It was clear now that they didn't truly care about Harry, they cared about the Boy-Who-Lived. Harry's eyes narrowed and he turned, making his way to the Slytherin table. More specifically, to Draco Malfoy.

Harry knew Malfoy was important in Slytherin and if he wanted to be accepted into his new house he needed Malfoy to accept him first, so with the last flames of his Gryffindor bravery he squared his shoulders and walked straight for his target.

As Harry approached, Draco Malfoy's eyes narrowed and few things seemed to click for him at once. First his eyes landed on the snake around Harry's neck, then feel to the heir ring on his finger that felt heavy under the unrelenting silver eyes. When Malfoy's eyes connected with Harry's again there was something swimming behind them that Harry couldn't quite put a finger on.

"Potter, sit with us!" A voice called from down the table, Harry wasn't quite sure who.

Malfoy whipped his head around and snarled, "Back off, Flint."

Then he turned his gaze back to Harry. "Potter," Draco drawled, "Come, sit with us."

Harry hesitated for a moment, then took the empty seat beside Malfoy. The whispers around him grew louder, but Harry blocked them out. It was nothing new, people always whispered. Draco leaned in slightly, his voice low. "Interesting accessories," he remarked, his eyes flicking to his snake and the ring. He didn't elaborate, but the message was clear: Draco had noticed.

Malfoy gestured to his friends surrounding them, adopting a mockingly formal tone. "Allow me to formally introduce my esteemed companions. Pansy Parkinson,"

Harry knew Pansy. Pansy was a petite girl with a pointed face and short, dark hair. Her monolid eyes sparkled with mischief as she smirked at Harry, giving him a once-over. "Charmed, I'm sure," she drawled, her voice laced with irony.

"Theodore Nott," Draco continued,

Harry couldn't remember seeing much of Theo, let alone ever speaking with him. Theo was lanky, with a slightly disheveled appearance. His dark brown hair fell into his eyes, and he seemed to perpetually carry an air of boredom. He gave Harry a languid nod. His dark brown hair fell into his eyes, adding to his air of disinterest. He raised an eyebrow when his gaze fell on Harry's snake. 

"Interesting pet you've got there, Potter," he remarked, tilting his head slightly. "Care to introduce us?"

Harry looked down at the comfortable weight across his shoulders, feeling a bit more comfortable talking about something familiar. "This is Astra," he said quietly. He was rather proud of the name he had thought up during the train ride. Astra meant star. He thought it was fitting for a pet of the new Black Heir. If Harry didn't have a star name, someone had to.

"Say hello." Harry hissed, prompting Astra to flick her tail in an imitation of a wave.

Theo's eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise, but his expression remained one of lazy interest.

"Next is Blaise Zambini," Draco said, moving on.

Harry knew Blaise but had never spoken with him before. Blaise was strikingly handsome, with smooth dark skin and high cheekbones. His dark eyes glinted with a hint of amusement as he inclined his head slightly. "Welcome to the dark side, Potter."

Harry attempted a small smile. Finally, Draco turned to the last member of their group. Harry knew her but could not for the life of him remember her name.

"And Daphne Greengrass," Draco said.

Daphne, that was it. Daphne had long, blonde hair that cascaded down her back in soft waves. Her blue eyes were sharp and assessing as she gave Harry a polite nod but declined to speak.

"And of course you know Crabbe and Goyle." Draco finished off.

Harry nodded politely to each of them, trying to keep his composure. "Nice to meet you all."

"So, Potter," Pansy leant forward, her tone casual. "What's the real reason behind your sudden re-sorting? It's not every day someone swaps houses like this."

Harry, caught off guard by the direct question, hesitated for a moment. He glanced around, ensuring no one else was eavesdropping too closely. "Well," he said quietly, "I was... accidentally expelled during my trial."

"Your trial?" Pansy's eyes widened slightly. 

Harry nodded, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Yeah, underage magic and breeching the statue of secrecy."

Malfoy scoffed beside him but Harry ignored it, to be fair he did sound like a stupid prick without knowing about the dementors.

The shock in the group was palpable. "You used magic in front of Muggles?" Blaise asked incredulously, his eyes widening. "That's serious."

In an attempt to deflect from the awkwardness, Harry decided to share a lighter story. "Should have seen how much trouble I got in when I blew up my muggle aunt."

The group gasped collectively, their eyes widening in horror and surprise. Pansy's mouth fell open. Well done Harry, certainly made the situation less awkward. Pat yourself on the back.

"You blew her up?" Daphne echoed,

Harry rapidly shook his head. "No, no, she didn't explode, she just... sort of inflated like a balloon and... floated... away? It was an accident I swear."

Harry was spared from anymore horrific conversation  as Professor Dumbledore stood up at the head table, drawing everyone's attention. His gaze swept across the students, settling briefly on Harry with a knowing smile before he addressed the hall.

"It is with great pleasure that I introduce our new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor," Dumbledore announced, gesturing to a stern-looking woman who stood beside him.

Harry recognised her immediately, no one could forget that a horrendous shade of pink.

"That's Dolores Umbridge," Harry muttered to the group, catching Theo's curious glance.

Theo frowned, looking at the new professor. "Who's Umbridge?"

Harry sighed, feeling the weight of the memory of the trial. "She's the Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic. She was at my trial."

"What was she doing at your trial? Shouldn't it only be Madame Bones?" Draco asked, eyeing Umbridge with disgust.

"The whole Wizengamot was there." Harry explained.

Draco's attention snapped to Harry, eyes narrowed. "The whole Wizengamot? That's a bit much, isn't it?"

Harry shrugged. He didn't know what to say to that.

The conversation dwindled as the students turned their attention back to the head table, the new professor taking her place. Harry couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Why in the world would Dolores Umbridge be their new Defence teacher?

~

Sirius Black stood at the gates of Black Castle, feeling a mixture of apprehension and determination. The ancient, imposing structure loomed before him. It had been years since he last set foot here, and much had changed since then. Yet, one thing remained constant: the presence of his grandfather, Arcturus Black, the venerable patriarch who had gone into isolation after the family's fall from grace.

Sirius took a deep breath and pushed open the heavy iron gates, the creaking sound echoing through the quiet courtyard. He walked the familiar path to the entrance, his heart pounding with each step. Memories of his childhood flooded back—some pleasant, others tainted by the strict expectations of the Black family. But today, those memories were overshadowed by the urgent need to see his grandfather and reassure him that he had not lost his sanity.

The grand wooden doors of the castle opened with a soft groan, and Sirius stepped inside. The air was cool and filled with the faint scent of aged wood and old magic. A house-elf appeared almost instantly, bowing deeply.

"Tessuth thought Master Sirius in Azkaban," the elf said, eyeing Sirius up and down. "Master Arcturus is in the library. He will be most surprised to see brightest star."

"Thank you, Tessuth," Sirius replied, his voice steady.

Tessuth eyed Sirius one last time before she disappeared with a pop, leaving Sirius alone in the vast, dimly lit entry hall. He took a moment to collect himself, then made his way to the library, a place he knew well. The ornate wooden door stood slightly ajar, and Sirius pushed it open, stepping into the room filled with towering shelves of ancient tomes and manuscripts.

At the far end of the library, near a large window that overlooked the castle grounds, sat Arcturus Black. The years had not been kind to him—his once formidable frame was now stooped with age, and his hair, though still thick, was peppered with white. Although looking old to Sirius was not that same as looking old to another. The Black family always did age impeccably. Arcturus was deeply engrossed in a book, unaware of his visitor.

"Grandfather," Sirius called softly.

Arcturus looked up, his piercing grey eyes widening in shock. The book slipped from his hands and fell to the floor with a dull thud. "Sirius," he whispered, his voice trembling with disbelief. "Is it really you?"

Sirius crossed the room in a few quick strides and knelt beside his grandfather's chair. "Yes, Grandfather, it's me," he said, taking the old man's hands in his. "I'm here, and I'm free."

Arcturus stared at him. "But how? How did you escape? And... are you truly sane?"

Sirius nodded, his expression resolute. "I am, Grandfather. It wasn't easy, but I've managed to stay sane. And now, I'm here to prove my innocence and restore our family's honour."

Arcturus took a deep breath, his hands trembling in Sirius's grasp. "I had almost given up hope," he admitted. "The Ministry declared you guilty, and Dumbledore... he never seemed to do enough to help. I thought our family doomed. But seeing you here now, it feels like a miracle."

"It's no miracle, Grandfather," Sirius said, his voice firm. "But now that I'm free, I need your support to clear my name and take my place as the head of the family. You never did disown me, did you?"

Arcturus scoffed and nodded. "Your mother, as crazy as ever, screamed her head off about what a disgrace you were but Morgana help us all if anyone ever mentioned formally disowning her precious first born. Her brightest star."

Arcturus paused, taking a moment to look Sirius but and down before speaking again. "You have my support, Sirius Orion. But know that the road ahead will be difficult. Our family name has been tarnished, and there are many who will not welcome your return."

"I'm prepared for that," Sirius replied. "But we can't let the past define us. We need to look to the future and rebuild what was lost."

Arcturus sighed, leaning back in his chair. "You have your father's spirit, Sirius. He was always so determined, so full of fire. I see that same fire in you now."

"Thank you, Grandfather," Sirius said softly. "I want to honour his memory, and I want to make things right for Harry. He deserves a proper family and a guardian who truly cares for him."

Arcturus's eyes softened slightly at the mention of Harry. Arcturus for all his strictness and cruelty always had a soft spot for children. "The Potter's boy. He has faced many challenges. You must protect him, Sirius. He is your ward, correct? That means he is as much our future as you are."

"I will," Sirius vowed. "But first, I need to be freed formally. I need your help to gather the evidence that will clear my name. I know there are things you know, things that can help me."

Arcturus nodded, his expression becoming more resolute. "Yes, I will help you, Sirius. We will set things right and the House of Black will rise again."

Sirius felt a surge of hope and determination. With his grandfather's support, he knew he could face whatever challenges lay ahead. The path to clearing his name and restoring the Black family honour would not be easy, but he was ready to take it on.

For the next few hours, Sirius and Arcturus discussed their plans. Arcturus shared secrets that could be used to their advantage, and contacts who would be willing to testify on Sirius's behalf. They spoke of strategies to approach the Wizengamot, and most importantly how to catch a rat. The evening wore on quickly.

"Tomorrow," Arcturus said, his voice filled with determination, "we will start reaching out to our old allies. We will find Peter Pettigrew. And once that is done, you will take your rightful place as Lord Black."

"Thank you, Grandfather," Sirius said, his voice choked with emotion. He had spent far too long away from his family. "I won't let you down. The most Ancient and Noble House of Black will rise again, stronger than ever."

Arcturus smiled, a rare expression of genuine warmth. "I have no doubt, Sirius."

As Sirius left the library that night, he felt a weight lift from his shoulders. The journey ahead was daunting, but he was no longer alone. With his grandfather's support and the love for his godson driving him forward, Sirius was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. He would clear his name, protect Harry, and restore the Black family's legacy. And with Arcturus by his side, he knew they would succeed.

~

Harry lay awake in his new bed in the Slytherin dormitory, the green velvet curtains drawn around him. The soft, distant sound of the lake lapping against the windows did little to soothe his racing mind. No matter how hard he tried, sleep eluded him. Sighing, he threw back the covers and quietly slipped out of bed, careful not to wake his new housemates.

The common room was dark and cool, illuminated only by the faint glow of the fireplace and the occasional flicker of the torches on the walls. Harry sank into one of the leather armchairs, his thoughts swirling. The day's events had left him feeling disoriented and unsure. The Slytherin common room was nice, more relaxing than Harry remembered it to be. He liked the tranquility compared to the Gryffindor common room but something felt off. He couldn't put his finger on it.

He wasn't alone for long. A few minutes later, Draco Malfoy emerged from the shadows, his pale face thoughtful. He seemed unsurprised to see Harry there.

"Couldn't sleep, Potter?" Draco asked, settling into the chair opposite Harry.

Harry only shrugged his shoulders.

Draco nodded, his gaze lingering on the Black family heir ring on Harry's finger. There was only one person who would be able to give Potter the Black heir ring and Draco knew exactly who it was.

After a moment, he spoke, his voice low and measured. "Cousin Sirius is well then?"

Harry blinked, caught off guard. He forgot Malfoy was related to Sirius. "Uh, yeah- I mean yes, Sirius is okay."

Draco's expression softened slightly, and he nodded. "I will write to my mother, let her know he is well."

The pair sat in silence for a moment more, Malfoy's eyes still lingering on the heir ring, before he looked up, meeting Harry's eyes.

"Thank you, Potter," Draco said simply. "For letting me know."

Harry nodded, unsure of what to say. Walburga said to trust family above all others. Could he trust Malfoy?

Harry hesitated, fiddling with the Black heir ring on his finger before speaking. "Does it... bother you? That I'm the Black heir? I mean it would have been yours, right?"

Draco's silver eyes searched Harry's face for a moment, considering his response carefully. He leaned back in his chair, his voice barely above a whisper. "It doesn't bother me. I'm the Malfoy heir, and that's enough responsibility for one lifetime. Besides," he added with a faint smile, "you're better suited for the complexities of the Black family than I could ever be."

Harry nodded slowly, a weight he hadn't realised he carried lifting from his shoulders. "Thanks, Malfoy. I just... wanted to make sure."

Draco nodded and his expression shifted to something, approval maybe? Respect? Harry wasn't quite sure but he thought it was good at least. "You wear that ring well, Potter. It's like it was meant for you."

A small, genuine smile tugged at Harry's lips. "Maybe it was."

Harry still wasn't sure about Malfoy but maybe, just maybe they could be friends. The boy seemed alright so far.

Draco rose from his chair, giving Harry a final nod. "Try to get some rest. Tomorrow will be a big day, and all eyes will be on you."

As Draco disappeared back into the shadows, Harry leaned back in his chair, resigning himself to a night of no sleep. Note to self: Don't talk to Malfoy next time you're nervous. Honestly, the prick had just poured gasoline on the fire that was Harry's nerves.

~