Facing Chaos
A gasp escaped Harry despite the protesting of his mind, the urge to hide and pretend that he had never woken up in the first place taking over. It had been a few days since a very dazed and disoriented Harry had first awoken in the unfamiliar ward. It had been a hard few days, the first of the difficult things to come to grasp with was that this was not his time. He recognised Madam Pomfrey and some other staff he had seen from some of the old photos that lined the Hogwarts ward that he knew so there was only one conclusion to come to. His conclusion was only helped by the way that people kept gently asking his name when they thought he was lucid.
He felt so uneven and unbalanced, he had no idea what he should do, who he should confide in. Yet he could already hear Hermione scolding him that playing dead for the rest of his life wasn't a good plan. So reluctantly when a nearby nurse’s attention was drawn to him from his gasp. He slowly began moving in a lazy attempt to convey that he was far more lucid than he previously portrayed himself to be. She was clearly startled and began yelling for Madam Pomfrey.
A young yet stern looking lady made her way over to him and as she closed in he had a realisation that he was now staring at the face of a far younger Madam Pomfrey than he had ever known in his life, he couldn’t help but be happy to see her. When he realised however that her gaze was now going to be turned to him he resisted letting out a groan.
She took a seat on a stool near the head of the bed so that she could talk to him.
“Hello, are you in any pain?” her voice was soft but there was no doubt she was very serious in her question. Her gaze was fixed on him and he was certain that if he lied she would know.
Shuffling Harry found himself clearing his throat only now realising just how sore his throat was. He was provided with a drink almost instantly making him jump only now realising that there are two nurses on the other side of his bed.
“Sore I guess. I feel fragile.” which was very true and something that Harry found very uncomfortable.
Madam Pomfrey had a sympathetic look on her face. “That is to be expected, you were in quite the state when you were found. Do you remember what happened?” her voice was still soft yet serious.
The question struck Harry not yet having had time to organise his thoughts. The last thing that Harry can remember is some sort of battle. He was running, no doubt from some death eater but he cannot for the life of him remember the context of this battle.
“I was running… I can’t… I don’t remember” a throbbing pain in his head stopped him trying. Heart jumping at what he realised may have just screwed himself over with a confession like that.
Looking up to see Madam Pomfrey and the nurses exchanging what looked like knowing glances.
“We have a theory. What we mean to say is that there is only one person that causes that type of brutality. It is believed you were running from the Dark Lord Grindelwald.”
The metron was staring directly at him reading every reaction.
“It is expected that you will not remember this event and we don't want you to try. It could be detrimental to your health. Do you understand?” the softness had leaked from her voice. Almost automatically his head nodded. He wasn't quite sure that he meant it in all honesty. After a brief pause under her intense stare that was without question meant to embed the seriousness of her words into him. “You are in Hogwarts Hospital Ward. You know of Hogwarts, correct?” Harry nodded to her, watching curiously as a sense of relief flooded her face but she quickly masked it.
“I will be calling the Headmaster now that you have woken. He will only want to ask you some brief questions about what will happen moving forward. However, you will not be leaving the custody of the ward tonight. ” It was clear that she was trying to reassure him but her strict and stern demeanour told more of the importance of this meeting than her attempted reassurance. Madam Pomfrey didn't wait for a response and began moving to attend someone else. Despite the help that Madam Pomfrey had clearly provided Harry was happy to be relieved from her presence if only to allow him time to review what he had just learnt. He was already overwhelmed before and now only more so. He felt vulnerable and uneasy, while he knew the ward far too well in his opinion, this was not the ward that he knew. It was strange and off putting and to layer a new sense of panic was the fact that he was injured and alone in a place he wasn't supposed to be.
It occurred to him that he should at least have a look at some of his injuries, it was hard to tell what hurt under the potions that he was under. So shuffling careful he began to lift the blanket up some so he could see the majority of his body. A wave of relief flooded him when he was plainly able to see that he had all limbs still attached. That being his main concern when Madam Pomfrey had spoken of brutality. From what he could see there was a very large bandage that covered that majority of his right leg. The urge to check what was under it was strong but knowing nothing but trouble would come from it, he moved on.
Despite the average hosptal gown covering him, he could feel the pressure of a heavy bandage on his torso so he had no doubt that some harm had occurred there too. But over that he didn't see what brutality she was talking about.
He let the blanket go, throwing his head back into the pillow that was by no means comforting. Thoughts ran about his head violently yet Harry knew that there was nothing he could do right now and instead he had to make it through his interaction with the headmaster. It was kind of a relief to him that they had already made assumptions about the way he got hurt and why he was here. So he saw no reason to oppose them as he himself currently had no better story to go with.
Part of him knew however, it may come off as suspicious that the story that they had assumed was conveniently correct but as he previously thought he had no other option currently.
His name however, came to mind as an imminent problem, knowing that the potters no doubt existed currently. He did not want the attention that would come from that so at least for now he would have to abandon that name. He only hoped his parents would understand. Another option that was no doubt an impossible option was black, despite being the heir back in his time currently he had very little claim to the house as far as he knew.
Considering using his mother’s maiden name also crossed his mind but he knows far too well the cost of being a muggleborn and is happy to admit to himself that he didn’t have the strength to ever have to face that type of attention. So his options became very limited, he had never been told what other pureblood families he had been related to. The last option and very likely the one that he was going to end up going with is Peverell as his family had a very secret connection to them that was very distant. He also remembers very clearly people believing them to have died or changed names in the past, he just had to hope that he was in that time rather than another.
He knew that the anxiety would not leave his body until he at the very least has had this conversation, he could then assess what his next actions are. Right now everything was unknown and he couldn't stand it. So he lay there waiting for either his doom or a chance.
When the ward's doors opened for what seemed like the hundredth time, Harry still found himself glancing over in his state of drowsiness that had come over him while waiting. Startled when he saw a face that despite being familiar to him, was not the one he was expecting. Headmaster Dippet, someone that Dumbledore had spoken of briefly and likened him to something of a fool and a man with curiosity for the dark arts. Harry wanted to curse himself for assuming that Dumbledore would be there. But having to lie to Dumbledore's face would no doubt have been harder than lying to that of this person he had never met before.
The headmaster's eyes flickered to him before heading towards Madam Pomfrey, leaving no doubt in Harry’s mind that he was there for him if there ever had been doubt. Madam Pomfrey and him had a very brief conversation before approaching him. In spite of knowing that this was coming and having formulated some type of plan, Harry felt so incredibly nervous having no idea what to expect from this conversation other than an interrogation.
They both approached however only the Headmaster took a seat, on the stool that Madam Pomfrey had previously used, he sat rigidly but it didn’t scream unkindness as one would think. Madam Pomfrey that was hovering slightly to the side of the Headmaster, had a grave look on her face yet it was clear that she was anticipating this conversation as much as harry.
“Hello, again dear this is the Headmaster I told you about. Do you recognise him?” Madam Pomfrey spoke kindly to him almost more than previously.
Harry however wasn’t quite sure what to say in response, as he wasn't sure that Dippet was as well known in his time, to be associated with Hogwarts. He turned to look at Dippet before giving a very soft nod, not trusting himself with words at the current time.
“That's good. Now could you perhaps tell us your name?” the headmaster asked with no malice in his tone as far as Harry could tell. “Understand we need this, to check for your family.”
Harry started shuffling to sit up more, only to be assisted by Madam Pomfrey propping some pillows behind him, seemingly absent mindedly. “Peverell” was all he managed before his throat dried violently sending him into a cough fit.
When he had recovered after Madam Pomfrey handed him some water and allowed for a brief pause. He tried again “Hadrian, Hadrian Peverell. I am Hadrian Peverell” he voice was hoarse and nothing more than the volume of a whisper. But if anything was an indication that they had heard him, their widening eyes certainly did.
“Peverell? Oh I see.” The headmaster turned to glare at Madam Pomfrey after her comment, probably thinking of how insensitive it was but to Harry, it was Dippets’s reaction that he was waiting for. When Dippet turned and a small smile reflected on his face Harry was so incredibly relieved that it was hard not to let it show on his face.
“I am glad that you made it to us safely, I had heard that Grindelwald was searching for older families such as yours” at the mention of family it was hard for Harry not to remember that he was here alone just like he was when he was eleven years old.
“I am sorry that he found you and that I have to ask this.” he paused for a moment searching Harry’s face “Do you know whether your parents are alive or if they didn't make it?” It was a simple question but he knew the powerful words that stood behind it.
Harry shook his head knowing far too well that there was no other option than to be honest here while at the same time lying.. “They didn’t make it… I was running for a week or so when.. I am sorry I don’t remember… I can’t” This time it was real his brain began automatically searching for answers on how he got here. His head began to throb violently.
“Now, now Peverell please don't strain yourself, I do not need to know what happened. I just need to know that you aren’t a danger to anyone at Hogwarts as is my duty.” Having had his attention drawn away from his thoughts the pressure on his head seemingly eased up, which was odd and in all honesty made zero sense to him. A more fearful side of him immediatly thought that whatever had led him here could be involved but the thought was dark and miserable. It wasn’t something that someone should spend thinking too much about as it could lead him down a dark path that he isn't ready to travel yet. At least while being in the state that he was.
“We will be starting an investigation into it, however I don’t believe that much of anything will come from it, but if it is to be found we will find it.” He emphasised sternly yet it did not seem that he was trying to intimidate him and it was more of a reassurance. “Other than that, if we cannot find anyone to take you in, then I am afraid that we will have to send you to an orphanage in the summer.” he gave a sympathetic look to Harry before continuing.
“However, we would intend to enrol you into, of course we would have to consider what year and maybe even tutors if you are behind. But we would be willing to help shelter you.” The offer made him want to beam, he would be allowed to return to the one place that he had previously felt comfortable enough to call home. Plus it removed the pressure of discovering what on earth he would have to do in regards to money and housing.
Rushing to accept he forgot about his sore throat and all that came out was a croak of the word
“Please” He must have pulled quite the face as both the headmaster and Madam Pomfrey gave a hearty chuckle no doubt finding him amusing.
“Well then” Madam Pomfrey clapped suddenly “I am afraid Mr Peverell you will be needing some rest after your potions” The thought of potions made his nose wrinkle, already anticipating the foulness of them.
“Now young man none of that, these potions will help you get better and considering how many you are on now you will surely appreciate them.” She was now wagging a finger at him clearly trying to scold him but the smile on her face showed far too much of her kindness.
The headmaster had been quietly laughing at the display “I guess it is time for me to take my leave then. Get well soon Peverell we shall speak again soon”
He stood to leave nodding at Madam Pomfrey before swiftly walking out of the ward, his robes billowing dramatically behind him. Harry couldn’t help but wonder if that was where Dumbledore learned his dramatics from.
Harry allowed himself another moment just to sit and process everything, he could tell he was on the verge of being overwhelmed and he couldn’t allow himself to fall into that. Attempting to take deep breaths could only do so much. Madam Pomfrey seemed to have made herself scarce, probably anticipating his desire for some time alone. He took the time to begin looking around hoping endlessly that there would be some way that he could convince himself this was all a weird dream induced by Voldemort. But the longer he stared at the all too familiar yet slightly changed walls he became more certain that he was quite possibly the most unlucky person he had ever known.
He must have fallen asleep at some point during his contemplation as he startled awake suddenly. His throat once again scratchy and irritated, his eyes felt heavy and his body and an immense ache that spread throughout. The groan that it pulled from him must have caught attention as he was soon being prompted with a glass of orange juice. At the time he was extremely grateful for the relief. Thanking the nurse almost immediately after.
She returned his thanks with a slight smile. Before rushing to say “I will fetch Madam Pomfrey please give me a moment”.
She had dashed away before he had any time to launch a protest as he was far from ready to meet her probing eye just yet. It was no surprise however when Madam Pomfrey came swiftly walking towards him, a strange expression on her face. Her apron was messier than the day before and he found himself contemplating what she had already faced on that day. She swiftly made herself comfortable standing at the side of his bed, arms on hips.
“Now listen here young man, I have encountered many strange happenings in my time here but I have never encountered someone quite as miraculous as you.” She seemed exasperated and frustrated but the kind smile on her face said otherwise. Harry however had no idea what to make of this. What on earth could she be referring to, he hadn't done anything yet. Not that he planned to either, keeping his head down and trying his best to find a way home was his only option. So what could he have done to deserve this type of reaction from Madam Pomfrey.
“I have never seen someone in such a poor condition recover as miraculously as you have done. You should consider yourself lucky and be thanking Lady Magic that she gifted you enough magic to survive such an incident and then more to recover so quickly” She waved her hands about theatrically and Harry had to try so incredibly hard to resist the urge to laugh.
“Our Potion master will be supplying you with some Pain Relieving Potions for a time, you will also be on a course of nutrient potions. You are extremely malnourished, something that is obviously not your fault given the situation however it needs to be addressed as soon as possible ”. She was moving about now shuffling and cleaning some stuff rather than paying total attention to him.
“Much to my annoyance the Headmaster is very certain that you must be sorted and moved to a dorm sooner than later so you will be being sorted fairly soon.. However, I will be stressing this to you and the rest of Hogwarts Staff that you are not to be doing any activity that will strain you. This is vital, I will not have all my work being undone.” It was fairly sudden in her attitude and she was once again giving him the very pointed and fierce glare that was intimidating enough for him to find himself nodding softly without much of a conscious thought. It was quite embarrassing that while the idea of Voldemort and mythical creatures doesn't scare him, a Madam Pomfrey at Hogwarts can put fear into him.
Seemingly satisfied with his response he moved away quickly no doubt rushing to assist someone else or do some other type of important thing
Much like Madam Pomfrey said an unknown person came speed walking into the ward, they had a fast pace that in all honesty screamed impatient. At this moment in time he found himself wishing that Hermione was here as she would surely know who this person was straight away. Thankfully the person headed straight past him towards Madam Pomfrey, it was clear that they were discussing him however. He just has to hope that this person is not someone he should recognise. After quite a long whispered discussion they both began to head towards him, the man from before taking the lead with the same pace as before. It almost looked like he was charging towards him. He stopped at the end of bed for a brief second waiting for Madam Pomfrey.
“Peverell, my pleasure to meet you, I am Professor Kettleburn of Care of Magical Creatures. I have been assigned to take you to the Headmasters office” His voice was curt and professional, yet very off putting. He swiftly grabbed his wand clearly summoning something, so it was no surprise when a set of Hogwarts robes appeared. They were like the ones you see upon the first years shifting around nervously before the sorting. “We will give you a moment to change into these before heading to his office. Please take your time and don't rush.” Both him and Madam Pomfrey stepped back.
“Peverell please let me know if you need help. Don’t aggravate your wounds” Madam Pomfrey gave him a slight warning. The curtain was swiftly shut.
Harry couldn't help but want to take a brief moment to pause but knowing that there was someone waiting on him. He shuffled the duvet down the bed this time with far less anticipation as he already knew more of what to expect. He experimentally moved his legs seeing what hurt and what didn’t. He quickly decided that any pain he was feeling was most certainly not enough to stop him from moving, though he knows all too well that is likely due to the potions he had taken. Sliding his legs slowly off the side of the bed and carefully sitting up as he did unleashed a whole new world of aches and pains. Yet as his feet touched the white floor a sense of relief went through him. It was hard to explain why he felt this way but it felt nice to be in contact with the ground. Pausing briefly to try and figure out the best way to stand without causing pain he eventually made progress in standing and was on his feet. He only swayed for a brief second but managed to get a sturdy footing fairly swiftly, it was a big relief that he was able to.
The robes luckily enough for him were big enough to easily get them on, although they acted more like a blanket than robes and hung off him loosely, it was pretty embarrassing. So doing the best he could, rolling up areas and pulling the fabric, he attempted to make it look less like he was being swamped. Before finally moving the curtain with his hand. He clearly startled the two that were waiting as they both jumped before composing themselves. Although he didn't miss that they both gave him a once over both seemingly resisting a smile at his state. Admittedly he knew he must look quite funny with such oversized robes but he was thankful to them that they resisted the urge to laugh so he didn't need to feel more pathetic than he currently did.
The silver hair man now known to him as Professor Kettleburn quickly stood properly from the side of the bed he was leaning on.
“Oh my” Madam Pomfrey gasped quickly, before giving Professor Kettleburn a confused stare.
He was visibly uncomfortable at this and immediately tried to explain himself “My apologies Mr Peverell we don’t hold many spare uniforms so you will have to make and do for now”.
Harry wasn’t admittedly all too bothered by the big clothing in fact he was quite used to the bagginess of the cloths from his childhood with the Dursleys. Although he did worry he would end up tripping on his outer robes somehow.
“It is alright Professor” he spoke softly his voice dry and unused to being used currently but nonetheless he was able to convey his message. As the Professor smiled slightly before turning to Madam Pomfrey.
“I believe we are all set to be on our way to the Headmasters Office now unless there is anything else”. He carefully and professionally question her.
“No, no please feel free but if anything occurs I will need him back here urgently and please express to his head of House that he will be required for regular check-up and I will require a meeting with them as soon as possible” as she spoke she began to walk with him towards the doors of the ward and Harry followed at a bit of distance taking care to be cautious and not move too harshly.
“Of course Poppy that would be no trouble at all, thank you” Professor Kettleburn’s sudden change in attitude had Harry slightly confused as to what he had missed when he was getting changed before. But chose to ignore it as it didn’t seem overly important. The Professor had bowed his head slightly at her before turning to Harry and beckoning him to follow.
The familiar air of Hogwarts hit his face dispelling the from smell of disinfectant that lingered throughout the ward. It was a serene moment and he found himself be thankful for being at Hogwarts of all places in this moment as he has no doubt that he would likely be far more concerned if he was elsewhere. The Professor led him through the wide Hogwarts halls with little trouble and as there were not many students about which was curious in itself. The professor must have noticed his confusion and quickly informed him that only a handle of student arrive early for Hogwarts a head of the rest of the year for extenuating circumstances where it is in Hogwarts best interest to care for his students. It was a strange idea and he found himself wondering why he was never one of those people during his time there. The entrance to the Headmasters office that was known to him as the Dumbledore’s office can into sight and the nervousness that Harry had been feeling built up within him all over again as though someone was pouring the anxiety directly into him. There were far too many things that could go wrong within the next few minutes. He was trying desperately to call upon his Gryffindor bravery to stand firm but it was far more of a struggle than he would ever have wanted to admit.
The Professor turned to him as they reached it. “This is where I leave you.” it was no surprise to Harry as it was common practice to lead to the Headmasters office by a teacher who would not join the meeting, many as a form of opening the door with the password for the student. Which the Professor must have done under his breath as the door slowly began opening. Harry bowed his head slightly as he had seen the Professor do before, before stepping into the office.
His heart was beating aggressively out of his chest and he could hear it loud and clear in his ears. Choosing to ignore it was the only way to move forward therefore he pretended as though it wasn’t there in the first place. He promptly came face to face with the Headmaster who was comfortably seated behind the desk, that was far tidier than he had ever encountered it before when dumbledore resided there. It was far more empty and tidy in general but he tried not to focus on that too much and pay attention to the situation at hand.
The Headmaster looked up from whatever he had been working on gesturing to a royal looking dark green armchair in front of him and the desk. Carefully making his way into the room and lowering himself into the seat. There was a quiet silence of a second before the Headmaster spoke up “It is good to see you up and moving around Mr Peverell, your recovery has most certainly been a long and hard process for our Healers.” His tone spoke of no underlying intentions but his facial expression told a different story and Harry had no doubt he might have to do some careful question dodging throughout this conversation if he wished to succeed in going unnoticed by him.
“Ah, thank you Headmaster although admittedly I don’t know much of what you are referring to, I am very grateful to the Healers I only hope I haven’t cause too much trouble for you all” His voice although not purposely remained soft and scratchy and must have come across quite unthreatening to the Headmaster.
“Of course not, we are just happy to help a child of such a great family like yourself. But enough of this small talk let us get down to the core reasons for this conversation shall we.” It was a statement far more than a question for him but nonetheless Harry nodded along agreeing to just get this conversation done as soon as he can for his sanities sake.
“So I as Headmaster of Hogwarts have every intention to enrol you here at Hogwarts as we have been unable to locate any family members to take you into their care. Therefore, Hogwarts would be proud to take custody of you when the school year convenes but other than that you will find a home in an orphanage outside of the wizarding world.” The word orphanage had all sorts of dark thought flying through his mind as he had not been a stranger to the horrors of orphanages often being threaten by the Dursleys to be out in one when he misbehaved. His discomfort and distress must have been obvious as the Headmaster elaborate further.
“We do not have the ability to stop you from potentially staying with any friends you make during this time” Admittedly this idea help calm his nerves but did not settle them as he was far more than aware that there was no way for to grantee that he would have a friend that he could trust enough to take him in for some time. The Headmaster had at this point leant back in his chair with his legs slightly crossed and arms folded into his lap in a far more relaxed manner than before.
“I understand Headmaster thank you again for this opportunity” while not the most creative response it most certainly was better than not saying something. Yet he found himself cringing at how fake he sounded even too his own ears.
“Enough Thanks Mr Peverell, you have been made aware of the sorting that we will be conducting correct?” the straight to the point question jarred the conversation slightly and of putting but no enough to make Harry uncomfortable. He answered quickly with a nod while clasping his hand in his lap.
“Good, you will take part in a private sorting ceremony as to not draw too much attention to yourself. Once you are sorted into one of four houses; Slytherin, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, your head of house will come to collect you informing you of any actions that they require you to complete and the house and Hogwarts rules that you will follow. Please be reminded that despite your strong name you must follow our rules or you shall be punished” It was a lengthy but far more detailed explanation that he had ever received when first attending Hogwarts, Part of him wished greatly that someone had discussed this with him when he was a small first year and everything seemed so frightening not that it didn’t now.
“”May I ask your age and about any formal or informal education that you have had previously to help place you into the appropriate year?” the question was posed carefully and cautious hand movements to convey no ill intentions.
Despite Harry’s nature he found himself contemplating whether or not he should be honest but there were too many hole that could be poked into his story if he were to lie. In addition he would have very little to gain from lying in the first place. But he must be cautious and considerate when making decisions in this new time. The problem lies within his education as he can’t exactly explain to the Headmaster of Hogwarts that he in fact attended Hogwarts. That would quite obviously give far to much away and lead to too many questions.
“I am 16, I didn’t have an formal teaching due to my families unique situation however I had many tutors throughout my life so I should not be far behind. I struggle with potions but would not be opposed to having to do extra work to catch up if necessary” he thought it sounded pretty convincing and believable plus adding the information surrounding his family made it more of a sensitive matter if observing the purebloods from his time had taught him anything of their culture.
“Interesting, I will leave any additional work down to the teachers and Head of House. We will start you off in the age appropriate year and if changes need to be made we can work around that in the future as it wouldn’t be right to deny such a strong family name from graduating at the proper time ” It was clear this time that Headmaster had begun to enjoy this conversation no matter how one sided it was as he had began to slip into a of pandering and flattery. It sent a sick feeling through Harry as it has always done when someone uses fame and wealth as a reason to act differently towards someone. It is so off putting.
“I will ensure I speak to my head of House whenever I can regarding this” he had to resist the urge to thank the Headmaster again and chose instead to try to be as pureblood sounding as possible for someone who has little to no idea what the even means.
“Very good, you most certainly are a quite one aren’t you? No Matter. Now let us get on with the sorting then. Not to worry it is all quite simple really. I have no idea where the rumours of having to fight a troll come from. No instead it is a simple Magical item in the form of hat the decides. Please sit up straight and try not to worry” The headmaster caught him off guard as he stood abruptly from his seat, the less tattered and worn looking hat that so closely resembled the one from his time that it made his heart ache and a small sigh escaped his lips before he even had time to realise what he was doing. Nonetheless he attempted to sit up straighter and take a deep breath.
He so extremely uncertain about this moment, he had never considered that he would be getting resorted. But the memory of the first time haunted him throughout the years, as he found himself questioning the strength of his character on many occasions. It was disheartening to consider that he may not be the brave and chivalrous character that everyone expected him to be. But rather a cunning and ambitious snake that no one would expect. Sometimes he dreamt about what could have been if he hadn’t begged the hat for anywhere but Slytherin, what he would have been like, who his friends would have been and more important if the same people he lost would still be lost.
Before he knew it the soft weight of the hat was on his head and he found himself facing an all too familiar voice.
“My, my, my what a wonder you are, truly spectacular. A time traveller. I have always wondered if I would ever encounter one. But you are truly marvellous. Such and interesting story and I cannot wait to see what both death and fate had in store for you next.” The hat clearly enjoyed talking just as it had during his time but the new information that even the hat had never encountered someone like him was extremely disheartening as it likely meant it was going to be significantly harder than he had hoped to return home.
“Oh my dear child, you shall soon discover your purpose here and will live a great and Marvelous life. But enough of that we should get to the matter at hand. What house shall we place you in? Future me gave you far too much leniency with your options other such a simple reason. Then again the Malfoys always do make pretty bad impressions” The hat definitely still greatly appreciates his own voice. If he thinks what occurred was leniency then this isnt looking good for Harry returning to Gryffindor. Part of him hopes that it is just not Slytherin as he could bare to imagine Sirius’s face, Hermione’s or even worse Rons. They would never see him the same again.
“But you also want to know if that is where you belong child. Don’t deny yourself what could improve and teach you so much based on those whose loyalty depends on an image. If they care the colour of your tie will make no difference to the opinion they hold of you. I am sorry dear child but the mistake I once made will not be made here again. I cannot allow it. You need to be a SLYTHERIN”