Book one- Navigating the den of snakes

Chapter 3- The Ceremony

Harry choked back a snort at Daphne's comment insinuation that compared Ollivander to her great Aunt's owl with a few too many head traumas.
He liked Ollivander- but the wide eyed dazed look definitely suited him.

Their laughter cut out when the compartment door slid open, and Percy stepped into the doorway with a smile. His expression froze as he took in the others inside the compartment "Oh- Apologies for not knocking"

Daphne's nose crinkled at first but she regained her composure and gave a curt nod.

Though Harry noted the others still looked a bit stiff, their masks when he first met them were on full display the moment the door opened.

"Anyways- I just came to check in on Potter and let you know we're approaching the school and you should all change into your base uniform robes" Percy explained with a smile.

Harry lifted his brow "You can call me Harry you know- Why do people go by last names anyway"? He'd read about it, but outside formal events it seemed almost tedious.

Blaise opened his mouth to explain but took a surprised expression when Percy spoke instead.
"Then you may call me Percy- might also make it easier considering how many Weasleys there are" He sighed, though it held a strange mix of fond annoyance.

"But it's because for wix family ties are extremely important for many reasons- it takes some muggleborns adjusting but it's more a cultural thing. Of course if you aren't comfortable with it most people are more than happy to accommodate"

The trio looked at Percy with a mix of curious disbelief before Theo spoke up "From what I've heard about Weasleys, you seem unusually familiar with the traditions"

Percy rolled his eyes "That's probably because Elisen is your source of information I presume"
Theo nodded and Harry made note Percy called him by her first name
"Well she is friends with the twins, and they don't tend to interact with traditionalists much, her being an exception"

"And you do"? Daphne asked with a lifted brow.
Percy nodded with a small smirk "Of course- and if any of you end up in the snake den, I imagine you'll become close with one of my best friends"

Harry and the others seemed to want to ask more, but Percy waved a simple yet beautiful lighter wood wand with some engravings on the bottom.

A small flicker of light came out and what looked like a projection of a clock appeared for just a moment before vanishing.

"Ah I need to get back to my duties" He flicked his wrist and his wand vanished much to Harry's shock and amazement
"There will be more time for conversing after the sorting ceremony- now hurry and get ready"

Percy shut the door and the cart fell into silence once more.

—
Blaise turned to Harry "So how do you know Weasley"?
"He just said we can all call him Percy-"
"Maybe- but I think it was targeted to you, but if you'd prefer, how do you know Percy"?

Harry shrugged "Like I said- raised by muggles, I was a bit hesitant to run face first into a brick wall- I saw him come in with his family and he stayed behind when he noticed me"

He couldn't help but smile just a smidge at the memory "He gave me a pep talk of course I was scared, it was new, and new is always scary- but what matters is facing it anyways"

"Spoken like a true Gryffindor then huh-" Daphne said with a smile, though this was much softer than her teasing scorn.

"He seemed nice- and well educated, I approve" Theo muttered
"Well I'm glad- because if we're all friends, I'm definitely bringing Percy around more"
"Yeah yeah- he gets a seal of approval, now then let's hurry and get in our robes before we look like fools" Blaise muttered as he pulled out his robes.

That seemed to get everyone to action. Since the robes just slipped overtop of their current wardrobe Daphne had no problem changing with the boys as well.

Though Harry did get a little help from Theo managing to fit right, he also helped cup his inner sleeves and smooth out to make it look just as refined as the rest of them.

It was strange, he'd spent his whole life having little to no control over his appearance- forced to cope with how he looked with no alternative.

But just with a few minor adjustments he looked just like his friends, almost elegant in a way that was so foreign but he loved it.

“I can't imagine you'd let us try fixing up your hair”? Blaise said, reaching out but freezing just an inch or so away, seeming to remember himself and began pulling away.

Harry appreciated his restraint “It's fine- i've noticed you’re very touchy, I don't mind as long as I see it coming”

Blaise lit up, dark eyes almost sparkling as he eagerly reached forward, fingers running through strands of black and white.

It almost made Harry shiver- and he forced himself not to flinch. He knew Blaise wouldn't hurt him, but his hair had been used against him more often than not.

“Not half bad- but your curl pattern could use some work, I can definitely see some definition, when's the last time you used a deep conditioner”?
Harry blinked
“A leave-in conditioner at least? A curl cream”? With every product he listed off and Harry's growing confused expression he seemed to get more and more concerned.

“To be fair- all my relatives were white, they had no idea what to do with my hair” He didn't think it necessary to mention they never tried to learn either.

But his reassurance didn't seem to comfort Blaise who only looked more horrified. “No friend of mine will be so unkempt-" He moved some of his hair with a contemplative look "I can't do much right now since we only have Daphne's brush- which will only make it more frizzy, but maybe…”

Harry saw Theo out of the corner of his eye as he reached under the bench and pulled out his trunk. He watched the boy prick his finger, and with one drop of blood the lock clicked open. He began digging inside.

“Here- will this help”? He pulled out a spray water bottle and a thick comb.
Blaise nodded and grabbed the items, ushering Harry to take a seat as he sat behind him.

“Why do you have that”? Daphne asked curiously
Theo shrugged “I'm friends with Blaise- father insisted on getting a trunk with a large capacity and I prefer being prepared, so I have many things on hand even if they are of no use to me”
Harry frowned “Why wouldn't he have that”? He knew he was inexperienced, but Theo looked very well put together.

Daphne scoffed “Theodore here-” “Don't call me that” “Is blessed with good genes and as long as he untangles every morning, does not need any major upkeep”

Blaise huffed, gently detangling some of Harry's hair- it felt wonderful and he couldn't help but melt into the sensation. “Yeah- lucky bastard”
“Iðra iak hljóta menntr” Theos tone read as nothing but smug.

“What language are you speaking”? Harry asked, though did his best to stay still as Blaise and now Daphne both fiddled with his mess of curls.

“It's a dialect of what you probably know as Old Norse" Theo sat up a bit, thrumming his fingers against his wrist as he spoke " Though it's all but died out in the muggle world, there is still a strong Norse wix population. It is where my Móðir- thats Mother, is from”

Harry nodded, though was quickly scolded by Blaise pulling at one of the tangles in his hair. So Theo was basically like a Viking, he'd read about Vikings a ton and he was definitely curious about the difference between Wix and Muggle populations.

But since he didn't speak anymore, Theo seemed to take this as his escape from the conversation.

He pulled out his book from before as well as his wand which was a dark almost black shade of brown with carvings outlined in gold on the bottom.

Theo began muttering under his breath, the wand twitching in his hand. He seemed to be fiddling more than actively casting any spells.

"You nod a lot-" Daphne commented, though it didn't sound like she was making fun of him.
"Well- how else do I show I'm paying attention"?
Daphne pursed her lips but then shook her head "We will get to that later"

"By the way Harry" Theo got his attention and he looked up at the boy without jostling his head too much.
"None of us are that… Well versed in muggle culture, so if we happen to cross any boundaries or make you uncomfortable just ask- most likely it's a misunderstanding"

"How insightful of you Theo" Blaise commented while spraying the bottle on Harry's hair, carefully combing through white strands with a level of care he'd never experienced before.

"Ellie learned the hard way, she did what we were doing with Harry- some of her friends thought she was trying to change them, or that she was being weirdly intimate" Theo rubbed his finger across his knuckles.

Harry hummed "I mean- this is weirdly intimate, but it's kind of nice-"
Daphne quirked her brow "Is it not normal for you to pamper your friends"?
Ah well- that was a question wasn't it
"I'm not exactly the best person to ask- but from what I know this stuff is usually only between family, and I just met you guys this afternoon"

Blaise huffed as he dragged the comb through Harry's hair and scrunched up some of his curls "I mean yeah but how could someone look at you and not want to pamper you"?

Harry felt his cheeks grow hot and he fought back a blush "Is that um- a normal wix thing"?

Daphne smirked "It's actually more common in Italian Wix, since caring for one's family and community are such strong values- they are one of the few European wix communities that still practice children being raised by the village, but yes it's a common thing"

Blaise huffed "Until Mother made me learn about our family tree as part of my Heir training, I had no idea who was blood related and who wasn't"

That was- strangely heartwarming. He'd always been told by people he couldn't be mad at the Dursleys, because "they were family" and the only family he had left.

But he was a wizard, and apparently family was so much more than what he'd ever imagined.

"And done- Daphne give me your mirror" Blaise happily took the girls compact and basically shoved it into Harry's hands "So- what do you think"?

He held up the mirror, it was silver with beautiful engravings that felt cold to the touch. Carefully opening both ends not to touch the glass itself He looked at himself.

Black spirals surrounded his head like a crown, they were still a bit frizzy but they looked much better than before.
and the white at the front…
The strands spiraled into each set of curls they came into contact with, fading out to the tips of his hair and even going further back along his scalp.

The way Blaise styled his hair was similar to how he had it before, parted in a way that helped cover his scarring.

Harry looked up at Blaise and Daphnes matching hesitant expressions before he let himself smile. "I love it- thank you both so much"

"Now you'll never have them leave you alone- you've doomed yourself Harry" Theo commented with a small smirk.

The smirk fell when the compartment door opened once more, but instead of Percy or another prefect, it was a dark skinned girl with black coils that were even frizzier than his own had been before.

"Have any of you seen a toad its name is Trevor- a boy named Neville lost his" The girl asked without further introduction.
Daphne lifted a brow "Neville Longbottom I presume"?

The girl nodded but paused when she seemed to lock her gaze onto Theo, and without further introduction strode further into the compartment.
"Oh what book are you reading"?

Theo went stiff in place, his mask remained neutral but Harry saw enough from his body language that the boy was uncomfortable.

"Is that your wand? Did you get yours from Ollivander as well? Are you practicing any spells? Well? Go on and show me"

Blaise dark eyes had a simmering flame just below them and his pleasant smile had twisted into something fierce. Daphne herself was gripping the hem of her robes tightly and seemed to be restraining a few scathing comments towards the girl.

Harry wasn't even raised pureblood but he knew she was being rude- and from what he'd been told wix culture, offending someone was a much bigger deal than in the non magical world.

"Sorry what is your name"? He decided to butt in, both to save Theo and the girl from getting mauled.

The girl blinked and had the decency to look a bit sheepish "I'm Hermione Granger, and who are you all"?

"Blaise Zanbini, Heir of the Italian House Zanbini" Blaise held out a hand, seeming to draw Hermione away from Theo.

Hermione shook his hand as Daphne spoke "I'm Daphne Greengrass, Heir apparent to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Greengrass"

“Theodore Nott, Heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Nott-” Theo seemed to regain his voice a bit, but had twisted in a way where his book and wand were now hidden at his side.

Hermione didn't wait for Harry to introduce himself and instead turned up her nose “You don't have to be so formal- I read about noble houses in Hogwarts a history but they've since become obsolete in the wizarding world”

Harry watched all three of their polite expressions drop, but Hermione had turned to face him “Oh and I know who you are, the giant lightning bolt scar, you must be Harry Potter- the boy who lived after Voldemort killed your parents”

All three of his friends flinched at the mention of that man's name, and Harry was still gobsmacked by the entire conversation. “I- yes that's me”?

“Your glasses are broken- here I've been practicing a few spells” Hermione whipped out her wand, a beautiful medium toned wood with vine-like carvings winding up from the base.

The tip of the wand was then pointed at his face and he felt himself freeze, the buzzing under his skin that had since faded in the background was now back full force and the feeling in his chest pulled at him.

Hermione either didn't notice or didnt care about his building panic and lifted her wand up to switch it. “Occul-” she began, but before she could finish the spell her hand was suddenly snatched out of thin air eliciting a loud shriek.

He turned to look at his friends but they were all still sitting firmly in their seats, seemingly frozen stunned.
“What on earth are you doing”! A boy's shrill voice called out.
Hermione blinked, tugging her arm away
“I was just going to fix his glasses- he could have said no”
“T-that doesnt- oh merlin”

Harry looked at the boy. He was almost as tall as Harry, so pretty short, a bit chubby with wavy blonde hair.

The most notable feature was a bright smile, except it read as completely genuine- maybe a bit sheepish.
He scanned the compartment and his eyes widened as he took in Harry's friends.

Suddenly he let out a small squeak and pressed both of his palms flat together like a prayer, only to lay them flat and touch his forehand then extend the palms out with a small head bow.
“May the fates bless our meeting”

Hermione and Harry both looked equally bewildered and lost, but his friends looked strangely, impressed?

The boy moved his hands back down to his sides “Im Neville Longbottom, Heir to the Ancient and Most Noble house of Longbottom, again sorry about all of this-”
He then turned to Hermione “Granger, I know you're new to all this but pointing a wand at someone is asking for a blood feud, especially to an heir”!

Hermione puffed up her cheeks “Stop calling me by my last name, and besides I didn't mean any harm by it- and enough with the stupid heir business, this isn't the middle ages”

Neville seemed stunned at what to say in response to the girls stonewalling, but this time it was Blaise who spoke up “Granger dear, you best be careful making such unbased assumptions about a culture you have no clue about.
Longbottom is right- that's asking for you to get hexed, now if you don't mind I will ask you leave before I summon a prefect”

Hermione was left stuttering but Neville placed a hand on her shoulder and began guiding her out, shooting another sheepish look back and shutting the door.

“So- what was that greeting from Longbottom”? Harry asked, trying to ease some of the tension that had built in the trolley, and starve off the churning in his stomach at the girl's words.

Daphne sighed, her shoulders dropping “It's a blessed greeting, normally associated with Light families, it's a proclamation of well wishes and possible future dealings”

“In short- it's both impressive he thought to greet us formally, and even more so it's a well wishing blessing since our families are notoriously dark” Theo added on.

"He may have also been hoping his gesture of goodwill would prevent one of us from hexing Granger" Daphne said thoughtfully. "Albeit deservingly so-"

Harry didn't quite grasp all the subtleties, but he understood the general message and by his friends' reactions he knew it was a good thing.

Blaise regained his seat, now next to Harry and he rubbed a hand over his face “Well- lets just hope that Granger girl is unique in her… audacity”
Daphne smirked “If not- we simply do what we do best, adapt and overcome”

Theo hummed in agreement but then turned his attention to Harry “She was right about one thing, your glasses are broken”
Harry blinked and reached up to mess with the frames, fingertips tracing over the overlapping tape “Oh yeah- but im used to it”

“Well id suggest one of us fix it, but I'd rather not have yet another person burst in, so we can wait until we're in the dungeon” Blaise muttered
“Protective and notice me not wards are quickly becoming a priority in my studies” Daphne said as she continued straightening herself up.

Harry couldn't help but smirk “The Dungeon huh? Are you all that confident I'll be a snake”?
Three pairs of eyes looked him over before giving simultaneous sounds of agreement that made him snort.

—--
Seemingly on cue the train seemed to slow before pulling to a halt, a loud whistle sounding just outside the car.

Harry glanced out the window and noted that it was pitch black outside, the only light coming from rows of lanterns adorning what looked like a rural train port.

"Isn't that Hagrid"? Theo asked, pointing to the giant man who stood at the front of the train, holding a big lantern- calling out for first years.

Harry nodded, now feeling a bit jittery as he quickly grabbed his trunk and made his way out of the compartment, followed closely by his friends.

"Ah Harry- there ya are, how was the train ride for ya"? Hagrid asked with a beaming smile.

Harry nodded politely, still remembering the earlier conversation but not wanting to be rude. "It was amazing- I've never ridden on a train before, how far is the walk to Hogwarts anyways"?

Hagrid let out a loud belly laugh as he began forward, a small crowd of other students had filled in the area around them and followed suit.
"Not much walkin cept on the way to tha docks- then just a small ferry and ya right where ya need to be"

Harry had never ridden a boat before either and he was sort of excited, he turned to face his friends but his excitement dropped just a smidge seeing their expressions.

Theos eyes were wide and he was wringing his hands together, shifting in place as each step forward seemed to be forced out of him. Blaise had his hand on Theos shoulder- and Daphne was keeping pace with them both, her expression stoic but her eyes continued to glance over to him.

Harry faded out of Hagrid's line of sight and approached his friend as they neared the boats
"Are you okay"?
Theo let out a harsh breath, nodding harshly "Just... not a fan of water" the way he said it sounded painful to admit.

That was- unfortunate. Especially looking out across the lake it was a decent distance, and despite a lantern being perfectly hung on every boat, most of the lake was still pitch black.

"We've got you Theo- it's four to a boat anyways, so we're sticking together” Daphne said confidently as they approached their own boat.
They all climbed into the boat, with Daphne and Blaise sitting in the back, Blaise holding up their lantern, and Theo sitting alongside Harry in the front.

Harry felt how he was almost trembling in place, looking directly up at the night sky and trying to avoid glancing at the water, but each slosh made him flinch.
He linked elbows with Theo and pulled him closer to his side, doing his best to keep them both steady against the lapping tides.

Blaise continued chattering on about random things, Harry had half zoned out but noted that his chatter seemed to put Theo at ease. So much for him preferring the silence, though now wasn't the time to tease him.

What felt like a half hour but couldn't have been more than ten minutes passed and they docked.

Theo practically scrambled onto shore, rocking the boat in the process but none of them seemed to mind. Harry was just happy his friend was okay.

They regrouped with the rest of their class and made their way up the winding stairs of the castle he'd come to know as Hogwarts, school of witchcraft and wizardry. He had been so focused on Theo he didn't have time to admire the ride over, but looking at it now it was nothing short of marvelous.

At the top of the steps was an older woman in all black robes, her hat holding two long elegant feathers. She practically excluded a sense of authority and respect that left him a bit in awe.

“My name is Professor McGonnagall, I am your Deputy Headmistress, Head of Gryffindor, and Transfiguration professor-” She finished her introduction and began a short summary of how they would enter the school for their sorting ceremony.

Her speech was cut off by Neville surging forward, picking up what looked like a giant bullfrog with a happy cry of “Trevor-”!
The professor's eyes narrowed but she quickly accepted his apology and then excused herself, leaving the group to wait by the staircase.

Harry turned his attention to his friends who were now wearing matching smiles, showing off their building excitement.
Of course the moment couldnt last too long before a familiar voice spoke
“Well I guess rumors are true- the Harry Potter has finally decided to grace us with his presence here at Hogwarts”

Harry had to hold back a sneer as he turned to face Malfoy and his two friends? They looked more like glorified body guards which was a bit much even for him. For god's sake they were eleven.

Unfortunately the hope of hiding his fame from his peers was dashed in an instant as whispers spread across the group.

Draco either didn't notice or didnt care for his building annoyance
“This is Crabbe, and this is Goyle- and im Malfoy” he stepped forward and placed himself in front of Harry.
“Draco Malfoy” he reannunciated.

Theo failed to hold back a small snicker, clearly seeing how this was going to go.
Dracos gaze instantly locked onto Theo “Ah, Nott- I was unaware you were looking for liege candidates so early”

Daphne let out a sharp gasp and Blaise jerked to grab his wand, only stopped by Daphne gripping his wrist. Harry watched Theos expression flip between embarrassment and anger. Definitely needed to ask later.

Draco turned back to Harry “It's good to see your associating yourself with the right sort of wizarding families, of course you never have too many good connections”
He held his hand out, a clear reach for alliance.

Harry glanced down at his hand, he definitely didn't want to shake his hand. But snubbing him could cause Draco to become even more of a nuisance than before. Then again- he did just piss off his actual friends.

He looked up, meeting his gaze and gave a pleasant smile “Ah it seems you have forgotten, we have already met Malfoy, you introduced me to all of your families… assets- and I think I can do without magical peacocks”

Draco's eyes widened in shock and building anger, but before he could retort he was tapped by McGonnagall who was now gesturing for the group to continue for their ceremony.
With one last huff Draco returned to his minions as the group moved forward.

“You didn't have to do that Harry, now he will never leave you alone” Theo whispered as they walked
“Your my friend Theo- and he's not the sort of person I want to associate with”

Blaise clapped his hand on his shoulder, giving a proud smile as they ushered forward and through the giant wooden doors, taking their first steps into Hogwarts.

The room was instantly a few degrees warmer than outside the castle, several metal bowls filled with fire hung above four rows of tables- the empty space filled with dozens of floating candles.

Each table held dozens of kids all dressed in black robes with black pointed hats.
Thankfully he’d been assured by Daphne the hats were only for ceremonies and not part of the everyday dress code, he didn't know if he would be able to cope if that were the case.

The ceiling looked like the night sky, though much brighter than outside, and the clouds obscured most of the stars that had been visible. He heard Hermione saying something a few pairs back, but he blocked her out.

They were lead to the front of the room, all gatherer in a small crowd as Professor McGonnagal spoke again "When I call your name, I will place the sorting hat on your head and you will be sorted into your houses"

Harry heard a whisper from a brunette boy scolding Percy's younger brother "So much for fighting a troll huh"?

That was coming from someone who as far as he was aware, grew up in the wizarding world. Kind of pathetic.

Still- the raggedy old hat didn't look like much. At least until McGonagall set it down onto the stool.

Suddenly the fabric twisted, molding into a clear face and it began to sing.

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw, if you've a ready mind, where those of wit and culture will always find their kind.
Or perhaps in Slytherin you'll make your real friends. Those cunning folks use any means to achieve their ends
So step on up and do not fear, now this tune is over and you all may now cheer"!

Harry was left in shock, finding himself smiling once more at the Hats jolly tune, and it definitely put some of his nerves aside.
—

"Ahem-Susan Bones"? Mcgonnagal called out as soon as the applause for the hat died down. A red haired girl with bangs and big doe eyes nervously stepped up to the stool and took a seat, the raggedy old hat placed on her head.

It began twisting in place, and after a few moments of silence the flaps arched up and it cried out "HUFFLEPUFF"!!
Bones shot up with a bright grin and hurried over to the table with yellow accents.

"Miss Hermione Granger"? and the same dark haired girl as before sauntered up, though she looked a bit nervous as well as the hat was placed on her head.
Once again silence, but for much longer than Susan before the hat cried out "GRYFFINDOR"!!

He heard the Weasley boy groan "Oh great- were stuck with that mental girl for good"
The guy hadn't even been sorted yet and yet seemed adamant he was going to wind up in Gryffindor. Once glance at the table and he spotted the twins from earlier, as well as Percy who happily greeted Granger as she took a seat with them.

His name was Ronald- and he did, in fact, get sorted into Gryffindor.

Draco and Daphne both got sorted into Slytherin, holding their heads high as they went over to the dark green table.

Harry heard a few more names he didn't know, he was still trying to pay attention. Invested in putting names to faces and observing the reactions in the hall, it was easy to pick out who had stronger ties to what houses.

He also noticed that few students outside of Slytherin clapped whenever a student was sorted there. The other Slytherins seemed well aware and in turn gave enough energy to make up for it. The teachers didn't look surprised, and did nothing to interfere.

“Neville Longbottom”! Professor McGonnagal called out and the nervous boy half tripped over a step as he stepped up to the stool.

Harry watched the hat come to life once more the moment it sat upon the crown of blonde waves. Once again the hat moved as if it was speaking, but no words came out- and Neville seemed to mutter under his breath.

A buzz under his skin seemed to be just a little bit stronger than normal, shocking him into alert, he had to hold back a flinch. He quickly scanned around the area, trying to figure out what could have possibly triggered it.

Eyes landed on garish Orange and Purple, and he felt the buzzing grow even stronger as he looked at the man. His half moon glasses sat low- half covering unnaturally blue eyes that were borderline unsettling.

He gave off an… eccentric grandfatherly air about him. But Harry trusted his instincts, they had saved him many times before.

"GRYFFINDOR"!! The hat cried at last and Neville blinked, seeming in stunned shock. He stayed frozen in place until he was practically ushered by the Professor. For being a lion he looked on the verge of passing out. Thankfully Harry spotted Percy greet the boy with enough enthusiasm to calm his nerves to the point of a hesitant smile as he sat with his new housemates

The applause slowly tapered out and Mcgonnagal pulled the parchment back up to her face “Now then, Harry Potter”?

The entire room filled with hushed whispers, his name bouncing around from dozens of mouths, eyes looking at him expectantly? He couldn't tell- what did they know?

It put him on edge almost immediately.
He watched as the man at the head of the table slowly shifted forward, eyes practically sparkling. He was looking at Harry like a fascinating creature. He didn't like it.

Harry felt Theos hand press gently against his back, urging him forward, and Blaise shot him an encouraging look. He steeled his breath and stepped up to the stool and took a seat, pushing up his glasses as he tried to ignore the dozens of eyes locked onto him.

The moment the hat hit his head he did flinch at the voice suddenly ringing out “Ah- at last we meet Heir Potter, and my my you are an interesting case indeed”

Harry couldn't help a small snort- he went to speak but he remembered the eyes. Maybe if the hat could speak in his brain, it could hear him?
“Ah quite clever indeed- and yes child I can, you don't need to say a word for me to understand- did you not listen to the song”?

The hat sounded more teasing which was good- besides the song was lovely.
“Glad you think so- I try to add a little flair every year so the older students don't get as fed up”
That made sense, though he could probably hear the same song every year and not get tired. Well- since the hat could hear him he could ask questions, like how on earth could you choose someone's destiny so soon.

“I don't decide- I simply guide you in the right direction, but most kids aren't as complicated as you Heir Potter”
Well he's a Slytherin right? That's what his friends said
“Your friends see you as one of their own, and while yes- you have the cunning, as well the motivation of being willing to do anything to survive- you also have the wit of a Ravenclaw and a Gryffindors bravery”

Gryffindor no- besides bravery was just another way of saying impulsive. No offense to Percy.
“Ah well that's one way of looking at it and I don't think he would take any offense my child, so Ravenclaw then”?

So many people had told him he would be perfect in Ravenclaw, and well the idea of being in an environment fueled by learning was- tempting. But it's like what the hat said, he wanted real friends, and he was willing to do whatever it took.

“Last chance to change your mind my child”
Why does it seem like you want me to change?
“Because I'm sure you've been made aware there is.. More at play”
That has been made obnoxious, the buzzing under his skin had slowly been growing the longer he sat under the cap. But it wasn't geared towards the hat at least.

He was going to have to fight his way through this world one way or another, and at least being in Slytherin he would have his first friends by his side. Wouldn't cunning and ambition be just what he needed to survive?
So yeah-he was sure.
Harry was a snake, and he would prove it.
He would grow, and become someone worthy of respect- not someone to be gawked at.

“Very well then my child- but I leave you with one last message- question everything and be careful who you look in the eyes”

Eyes- like his classmates, and like the man behind him.
“Eyes are the windows to the soul my child, and not everyone appreciates the vulnerability of their soul on full display”

Harry was brought back to the moment as the hat's presence in his mind seemed to rescind, the side flaps twisted up and it bellowed out a loud cry of “SLYTHERIN”!!

Instead of the muttering from before, the hall fell into shocked silence.
A sudden sharp pain from his core and he had to hold back from gripping at it, every instinct was screaming about danger from behind. But he knew better, and kept his gaze forward.

Daphne was the first to start clapping, standing up with what sounded like a battle cry more than a happy shout, Blaise and Theo were quick to follow. Almost, as if shocked out of their stupor, the Slytherin table roared with applause as Harry made his way down the stairs.

He ignored the shocked looks among his peers and Professor McGonnagal.
He did smile when he noticed Percy and another boy at the Gryffindor table clapping, but he wasn't ginger.

Harry took his seat at table alongside the other first years, ignoring Draco who was doing his best with his goons to block out any seats nearby.

He gracefully took a seat next to Daphne who nudged him with a happy smile "Knew it- Welcome to the snake den Potter"
Harry smirked "Happy to be here Greengrass-"

The Ceremony continued and he clapped for every student regardless of their house, though he was especially loud for Theo and Blaise.

In the end the Slytherin first years were him, Daphne, Theo, Blaise, and of course Draco. Then Crabbe, Goyle, a girl named Millicent- and then another girl named Pansy who he assumed was the girl Daphne mentioned earlier.

Harry glanced up at the teachers table again, scanning across the professors, though he had no idea who was who. Though he'd come to realize the man from before must be Headmaster Dumbledore- how fun.

His eyes flitted over to the man at the far end, dressed in all black with a face that reminded him vaguely of a crow. He was glaring daggers at Harry.
A sharp pain resurfaced, but instead of from his chest- it was his scar. He was so shocked his hand shot up to touch the wound with a wince.

"Are you okay"? He heard Daphne whisper.
Harry rubbed the scar by his cheek and nodded, lowering his hand and turning his attention away from the staff.

A loud clicking sound quickly quieted the remaining chatter as Professor McGonnagal called the room to attention
"Now- Headmaster Dumbledore will say a few words"

The man stood up, purple and orange robes that seemed to sparkle even from this far fell at his sides.
Dumbledore gave the room a once over, his eyes landing just a few seconds longer on Slytherin.

"Welcome to Hogwarts- And a few words," he cleared his throat "Wazzit, Senta- beeza, vamoose"!
Dumbledore laughed and then called out "May the feast begin"!

With a wave of his hand suddenly the tables were now adorn with dozens of plates filled to the brim with more food than Harry had ever seen in his lifetime.

Oh yeah- he could get used to this.

______
Translation-
Iðra iak hljóta menntr
“Sorry I have good genes”
Iðra- regret, sorry
Iak- “I”
Hljóta- receive
Menntr- Well bred/accomplished (In this context well bred)