Hogwarts

When the Hogwarts Express finally pulled into the Hogsmeade station, Severus was feeling somewhat more comfortable with his situation. His fellow sixth years were an odd bunch, especially when compared to his classmates from before. These Slytherins were friendlier... lighter somehow. It finally dawned on him that he hadn't heard the word "Mudblood" once that day. It was "Muggle" or "Muggleborn".

Too, there wasn't the fanatical rivalry with the Gryffindors that had marked his earlier years. There were some personal feuds, mostly – he noticed – dealing with Harry Potter and his friends. Here, Slytherin's biggest rival over-all was Ravenclaw. Gryffindor had spent the last few years solidly trailing Hufflepuff in House Points. Even Potter's vaunted Quidditch prowess couldn't make up for their foolhardiness.

Watching his classmates covertly, he came to another epiphany. There was honest friendship here. Not the "I'll be your friend as long there's something in it for me" type of friendship that he was familiar with, but the "I'll be your friend because I like you" sort. Close on the heels of that realization came two thoughts in swift succession – that one found a Thousandth Man via friendship, and that he had never had anyone his own age that he could call a friend. He wanted desperately to change this.

He climbed down off the train and trailed along after the other sixth-years to where the dozens of carriages waited, looking for one that was unoccupied.

"Severus!"

He turned to see Ted Nott waving at him from a carriage, and took a few steps in that direction. "Eh?"

"Sit with us. There's room."

For some reason, this simple invitation cheered him immeasurably, and he trotted over to the carriage and found himself with Ted, Pansy, and another girl introduced as Tracey Davis, the Seeker for Slytherin's Quidditch team.

"We're going to win the House Cup this year," Ted said.

"Only if we come up with some decent Beaters," said the Seeker. "I'm hoping to coax Vince and Greg into trying out. They've got the muscle certainly."

"We've also got to work on dueling," Pansy reminded them. "Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff are not going to be pushovers."

"Hufflepuff?" Severus asked, in spite of himself.

Ted grinned at him. "Sounds silly, doesn't it? But that lot is implacable on defense. They know some of the best shielding spells I've ever seen. They let you wear yourself out attacking them, and then... wham!"

Tracey nodded. "Gryffindor's our closest rival in Quidditch though. Potter is a little wart, but he's a damn good Seeker. Found out that he's been trying to get the Headmaster to overturn the rule about school brooms."

"Oh no, he'd better not," Ted said. "The rule is," he explained to Severus, "that brooms are provided by the school. That way the games are won by skill and talent, and not just who has the most money."

"I heard," Pansy interjected, "that his father bought him one of those Nimbus Stormkings for his birthday."

"A Stormking? That's the broom the Winbourne Wasps use!" Tracey let out a long whistle. "We'd never be able to out-fly him with that."

"I'll be surprised if the Headmaster changes his mind," Ted said. "He's the one who made the rule in the first place."

Pansy snorted. "I'm glad he's a Slytherin. Can you imagine what school would be like if a Gryffindor was in charge?"

Ted's reply was lost as the carriage came to a halt. They disembarked and filed into the Great Hall, and sat down at the long tables. Severus looked around, somewhat pleased to find that it was much the same as what he remembered. Four long tables for the students, and the High Table at the end for the faculty and staff. He recognized many of them. Lucius was there, sitting near one end of the table, with Professor McGonagall on his left, and Professor Flitwick on his right. The Headmaster was there also, talking with Hagrid and Professor Sprout. Professor Black sat at the other end of the table talking to Professor Sinistra. There were a few unfamiliar faces though, and he hoped he wouldn't have any awkward encounters because of it.

The great doors swung open, and a stream of children entered, shepherded by Mr. Filch and Madame Hooch. As they filed to the front of the room, a man Severus didn't know stepped forward with the Sorting Hat and placed it on a tall stool. As he stepped back, the rip along the brim opened, and the hat began singing its traditional Sorting Song in a rough and crackly voice.

When the hat finished singing, the man stepped forward again with a long scroll of parchment. "When I call your name," he said to the new students, "you will come forward and sit on this stool. I will place the Sorting Hat on your head, and it will put you in your proper House." He paused for a moment. "Blair, Devon"

Blair was a tall, skinny, brown-haired boy whose robes were somewhat too short for him. He climbed up onto the platform awkwardly, and sat down on the stool. As the Sorting Hat was placed on the boy's head, Severus caught Greg's eye.

"Who's that doing the Sorting?" he asked out of the corner of his mouth. He heard the Hat shout "Gryffindor!" in the background.

"That's Professor Carpe," Greg replied just as quietly, "Ancient Runes. I'm not going to take it if I can help it. It's an elective."

"And who's the witch with the funny glasses sitting next to Professor Flitwick," Severus asked as the now-identified Professor Carpe called the next name.

"Professor Trelawney. She teaches Divination."

"Quiet!" Ted hissed at them, "I'll tell you who everyone is over dinner. Pay attention to the Sorting." He began applauding, and Severus realized belatedly that the first new Slytherin, a slender black-haired girl, was heading their way somewhat nervously. A stocky boy sitting a few seats down jumped to his feet as she approached. "Congratulations, Sis!"

By the time the Sorting was over, there were eight new students at each table. Gryffindor and Slytherin had four boys and four girls, but Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff's new students each consisted of five boys and three girls. As soon as the last of the new students, Slytherin Granville Wilkes, Marlowe's youngest brother, had taken his seat, the Headmaster rose to address the school.

"Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! I'm sure you're all quite ready to have your dinners, but I've a few words to say beforehand. For you first-year students, allow me to introduce your heads of House. Professor Sirius Black, our Potions instructor, is Head of House Gryffindor."

The Gryffindors cheered wildly as Black got to his feet and bowed, subsiding only after the Headmaster waved for silence.

"Professor Sprout who teaches Herbology is the Head of House Hufflepuff." Sprout bobbed her head and smiled, and again the cheers rang out, this time from the Hufflepuff table.

"Our Charms Master, Professor Flitwick, is the Head of House Ravenclaw." The Ravenclaw cheers somehow sounded sedate as their Head of House took a bow, even though they were fully as enthusiastic.

"Lastly, the Head of House Slytherin is our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Lucius Malfoy." Severus and the other Slytherins applauded and cheered as Lucius rose and bowed gracefully.

"While you are here," Headmaster Riddle continued, "your House will become your family. You will be expected to work together." He pointed to the four great hourglasses on the wall. "Those contain the points for each House. Your triumphs will earn you points, and your failures will cost you those same points. At the end of the year, the House with the most points will be awarded the House Cup for the year. You newcomers should be aware that the Forbidden Forest is strictly off limits; some of you returning students should remember that also." His voice turned hard on the last sentence and his glance fell on the Weasley twins.

He swept his gaze over the four tables and his voice lightened slightly. "Madame Hooch informs me that Quidditch tryouts will be held the week after next. See your Head of House for more information. First years may try out for house teams, but will only be allowed to play as reserves. There has been some recent controversy over the Hogwarts policy of requiring that games be played on school-provided brooms. This policy will not be rescinded."

There was a growling from the Gryffindor table, quashed instantly when the Headmaster glanced that direction.

"The Dueling Club will hold its first meeting on Saturday," he continued. "Please see Professor Malfoy if you wish to participate. Seventh year students, please note that your independent research projects must be approved by the end of the month. Third year students on up, turn in your Hogsmeade permission slips to your Head of House. If you do not have a signed permission slip, you will not be permitted to leave the school grounds."

Again the Headmaster's eyes flickered over each table. "Your Head of House will hand out your class schedules this evening. For right now, however, we shall feast!" On the final word, platters laden with food appeared on the tables in front of the hungry students.

I hope Lucius will sign a Hogsmeade form for me, Severus thought as he piled roast beef on his plate. He's supposed to be my legal guardian.

Once the initial clatter of serving-ware was done, Ted turned to Severus. "Let me identify all the teachers for you." He nodded down toward the end of the table. "The second-years are already doing that for our new members. Let's see. Starting from the left..." He quickly named each professor along with what subject he or she taught. "Do you know what classes you'll be taking?"

"Charms, Potions, Defense, and Transfiguration," Severus began. "And Herbology of course. I'd like to take Arithmancy, Astronomy, and Ancient Runes as well."

"Can't say as I blame you. "I'm taking Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, and Care of Magical Creatures. And we'll have the chance to learn to Apparate this year as well!"

"Learning to Apparate will be fun," Severus agreed. "I've heard it really tests your ability to concentrate."

"I'm going to be taking double Divination," Lavender Brown contributed. "And Astronomy. I've no head for Arithmancy."

"Double Divination?" Greg asked. "I thought we weren't allowed to double up until next year."

"If your teacher agrees, you can," Lavender replied, polishing her fingernails on the sleeve of her robe. "All you have to do is ask."

Vince grinned. "I'll have to talk to Professor Sprout then. Double Herbology is a lot better than Ancient Runes!"

"Too bad Potions is required for 'most any decent job after school," Ted said. "That's a tough class."

"It's not the class as much as the teacher," put in a tall dark-haired girl.

"That depends on what House you're in, Millie." Tracey answered. "We all know it, and there's no gain in belaboring the point." She grinned suddenly and raised her voice slightly. "Who's trying out for Quidditch this year?"

A boy with long brown hair who was sitting next to her grinned back. "I will." He looked up at Severus. "Levin Crane, Chaser."

"I'll be there," Derek called from three seats up.

"Vince, we could use you and Greg as Beaters this year," Tracey said.

"I don't know," Vince said slowly. "I've got to concentrate on my classes."

Greg nodded. "I barely managed to make it through last year."

"We'll help you both study," Levin said. "Between all of us, we should be able to get you through everything. But we're not going have Buckley's Chance at the House Cup without you two as Beaters."

"I'm willing to give it a try," Greg said finally. "But you've got to help me with Transfiguration."

"What about you, Severus?" Vince asked. "You could play a reserve."

Severus shook his head. "I'm no good at Quidditch. I'll come to the matches and cheer you on."

"That'll do," Tracey laughed.

By this time, they were all polishing off their desserts. Ted turned to him as the older students began trickling out of the Great Hall. "I've got to chaperone the First Years, but Greg can show you to the Common Room."

"Come on," Vince said, getting to his feet. "We've got a lot to do. First night is always busy!"

Severus followed the other boys, careful to conceal the fact that he knew the way already. I was wondering how this was going to work out. There's enough differences that I feel a little bit like a first year all over again. That's going to make it easier. I'm not supposed to know everything.

The Common Room was much as he remembered it, though he did his best to avoid making mental comparisons. Lucius – Professor Malfoy, Severus reminded himself – was leaning against the edge of the fireplace waiting for them.

"Make yourselves comfortable," he said by way of greeting. "As soon as everyone gets here, we'll begin."

Severus found himself a seat on one of the three couches. Vince and Greg sat down next to him. The older boys he'd met on the train had appropriated one of the other couches. Other students dragged chairs over. In the middle of the shuffle, Ted arrived with a gaggle of first year students in tow. Soon enough, though, everyone was seated or otherwise comfortable.

"For you new students, welcome to Slytherin House," Lucius began. "You are in this House because you have a drive to succeed, to prove yourself. You have ambitions and dreams, and you will gain the wisdom here to see what is possible and what is not. Your ambitions will be honed and tempered, and you will be the sharpest members of wizarding society when you become adults.

"I am sure that over the course of your education here, you will have disputes with other members of Slytherin House. This is normal. However, they will be resolved quietly – either in my office or here in our Common Room. I will not have it said that we do not know how to behave." His gaze swept around the room. "Do not pick quarrels with the other Houses, but do not become doormats either. Working together, you are stronger than any one of you alone."

Professor Slughorn never gave a speech like that, Severus thought to himself. It was every man for himself.

"At this point, we split up into groups by year," Lucius continued. "Talk with each other about what you want to accomplish. Get to know your year-mates. I will come by each group with your schedules."

Ted abandoned the first year students and perched on the arm of the sofa where Severus was sitting. Vince shifted over slightly, and Lavender squeezed herself into the corner. Tracey, Pansy, and the dark-haired girl he'd heard addressed as Millie dragged their chairs over forming a semi circle in front of them.

"It's good to be back," Ted said. "Severus, this is Millie Bulstrode. Millie, this is Severus. He's new this year. We rode together on the train."

Millie nodded, and stuck out a heavy hand. Her palm was rough and calloused. Severus studied her covertly as she sat back down again. She wasn't at all pretty, he decided, but her face had character.

"So let's get started," Tracey said. "I'm still planning to play professional Quidditch after school. Over the summer, I managed to get an interview with the coach of the Red Dragons. Their Seeker is planning to retire in a few years, so I've got a chance to get in as a reserve."

"I spent the summer working in my Dad's Herbology store," Vince volunteered. "I think he's planning to hand it over to me when he retires. I'm not sure I want to actually run the place. I like working with the plants."

"Hire someone to handle the business part of it," Millie suggested. "Then you take care of the plants, and they manage the rest of it. My brother will be taking over Dad's business, but I'll be doing the product testing."

"I'm going to become a fashion designer for Bourke & Brown," Lavender said. "My father has no idea what witches want to wear these days! He's planning to put some of my designs into production this year and hire me officially once I finish school."

"Oh that's great news, Lav," Tracey said. "You'd been worried that he'd want you to do something else. What about you, Severus? What do you want to do?"

"I want to become a Potions Master," he replied slowly. "I want to do research and experimentation. To develop new potions and enhance existing ones." His eyes lit up as his passion for the subject warmed him. "I want to recreate Roger Bacon's elixirs!"

"That's going to take lots of work," Greg said.

"And money to set up a lab," Ted added. "And to live on while you're doing your experiments."

"You'll need to get into one of the academies for advanced studies," Tracey mused aloud. "or an Apprenticeship with an established Master."

"You won't learn anything from Professor Black," Vince contributed glumly. "He really doesn't know anything about Potions. He just assigns what's in the book."

"Well," Severus said slowly, "I'll have to keep my skills sharp on my own time." He looked over at Greg. "What about you?"

"Me? I'm apprenticing with Mr. Ollivander to become a wandmaker. He's already agreed." Greg leaned forward enthusiastically. "Mother was thrilled when I told her! She said that Mr. Ollivander frightened off his last apprentice. I have all sorts of ideas for making better wands!"

"I'm going to find a rich wizard and get married so I don't have to work," Pansy said decisively. "Honestly, after five years in Slytherin, that's the height of my ambition!"

Lavender tilted her head toward the seventh-years across the room. "Try Levin Crane. He's going into the family business, I heard. They work for Gringotts doing all the spell-maintenance. Or you could try Derek, but he'll be working for his father for several years before he finally takes over the store."

Severus had not expected Lavender's matter-of-fact reply in the least. He'd been braced for someone to sneer at Pansy's obvious laziness and self-serving goal. Then he remembered what had happened on the train. These Slytherins were serious about working together.

"I," Ted announced, "am still going to open a pet store in Hogsmeade. It will be good for Eeylops to have some competition." He shrugged. "Hagrid's agreed to sell me a breeding pair of Nifflers to help get started. Just don't expect me to have coatl eggs anytime soon. I'd love to know how they got that one."

Millie rolled her eyes. "Potter's dad bought it for him – I saw them walking out of the store with it."

"Oh that's a shame," Vince groaned. "Potter is a terrible pet owner. He'll probably pay Professor Hagrid to take care of it."

"He doesn't even bother to give treats to his owl when she brings him his mail," Tracey muttered. "Too bad we can't... borrow... the egg until it hatches."

Ted ran a hand over the dark stubble along his jaw. "Professor Malfoy wouldn't appreciate all the trouble that would cause, unfortunately." He paused significantly. "But..."

"But what?" Lavender asked curiously.

"I could ask Professor Hagrid to let me help him with it as a special project." He shrugged. "Assuming Potter doesn't try to hatch it himself."

"A much better idea," Lucius said as he stopped behind them and began handing out their class schedules. "Not only will it cause me fewer problems, but it will be an excellent project for you. Mr. Snape, I have your Hogsmeade permission slip already. Thank you."

Severus nodded. I knew he wouldn't forget!