Tom hadn't expected this. Sure he'd said he'd be supportive and objectively it didn't bother him, but that smile was terrifying. How did it come to this?

(0,0)

Harry sat on the stool in the middle of the Great Hall. The headmaster had stated that with the finding of his family and the subsequent changing of his name, the now Mr. Potter needed resorting for the school files. And now they had summoned the sorting hat, no fanfare this time, just a patched hat, Harry, and the Headmaster Dippet.

All alone in the middle of the room with every single student either staring at him or whispering about this surprising new development. There was a precedent for resorting, but all of the other situations had major medical or traumatic experiences involved. There had never before been a sorting just because of a name-change. So what was really going on with Harry Potter?

Harry tried to swallow the lump that had suddenly appeared in his throat as the Headmaster cleared his own and lowered that hat upon Harry's head.

"Was I not just on your head, young Mr. Potter?"

Harry blinked at the question, "Did you know I was a Potter last time?"

"It is impolite to answer a question with a question, Mr. Potter. But for the sake of time, yes. I was indeed aware of your true identity. The magic that conceals information from you, does little to impact my own knowledge."

"Then you can tell me what's going on?"

There was a pause, "When you know more, Mr. Potter, come and speak with me. I will tell you what you need to know. Now if you would, I believe I should carry on with my matter. Are you certain that you wish to be placed in Gryffindor?"

"I don't want to be taken away from Tom and this is the only way I can be with him almost the whole year."

"Are you certain that Mr. Riddle will accept this change?"

"He's promised."

"Yet you are uncertain."

Harry hesitated but took a deep breath, "It's the best chance we have. I have to take it."

"I do not believe that Gryffindor will truly support you, I believe the changes you wish to make will happen the best in your current house."

"What changes are you talking about? The only thing I want to change is my house so that I can avoid anything else changing. Tom is my family, no matter what my blood says, and he will stay my family. I won't let anything else get in the way of that. Not even Tom himself."

The sorting hat was silent for another pause, giving him time to take in the hundreds of expectant faces filling the hall. Harry almost asked the hat to just get it over with before he felt almost a smile around his mind, sending shivers down his spine.

"I do believe that you will succeed in your mission Mr. Potter, I doubt that you will give yourself another option."

"What mission are you talking about-?"

"GRYFFINDOR!"

The hat was lifted up off of his head before his question could be answered and Harry mentally cursed the conniving hat even as he walked over to the distracted applause of his new house. He sent an apologetic grin to his Hufflepuff friends and couldn't help but wave back at their spastic hands. Certain now that at least his Hufflepuff friends would show their loyalty and stay friends with him despite this complication. And he would still have some of his classes with them.

(0,0)

Tom was curious as to what had taken the sorting so long this time. Even last time, Harry had not been that long waiting. Although he seemed to be in a pretty intense conversation this time. Tom wondered how much Harry had to work to get it to call out Gryffindor. Perhaps he threatened the hat?

He shook his head, Harry had a hard time threatening anybody. No way he would do it to an object that was obviously so important to Hogwarts. But he also really couldn't see his timid little friend getting into a house known for its brave, brash, and bold alumni. Not that Harry couldn't be, but it just wasn't his typical way to face the world.

So now, Tom had no recourse but to support his little friend. And protect him because while there were a few upper-years frowning at their new member, he sensed there was something even more dangerous. No, not his own friendship or the member of Slytherin.

Tom had been honest when he told Harry that he didn't care about the inter-house feud. It seemed pointless to him and he assumed the majority of the working world would be able to look past any affiliations. And he could always digress if questioned or go to a different country where they were more tolerant.

The real problem Tom had was the Transfigurations professor who was staring at the new Gryffindor with a kind of twinkle in his eyes. A twinkle behind half-moon glasses that sent warning bells ringing through his head.

And Harry was going to be under Professor Dumbledore's thumb, the man was going to be watching Harry like a hawk and Tom couldn't help but worry about what the man had in store for the newest Gryffindor. Today would be a good time to talk to Poppy about that charm.

So lost in his own thoughts about Harry's future and his charm, Tom stood and left with the rest of the Slytherins, never noticing the wide-green eyes that followed him. It wouldn't be until their next class that Tom noticed the victims of Harry's worry in the form of red-rimmed and swollen eyes. However the real shock came when Harry turned away from Tom's offer of a seat, sitting by that King girl who'd gotten on the train with them.

Tom shrugged it off, it was probably just Harry trying to avoid conflict on his first day with the class. He passed Harry a note before they left the defense classroom with hopes that they could figure out a plan that night in the library.

(0,0)

Harry was running late on his way to the library. To be honest, he wasn't even sure he was going to come until Anna pushed him out of the portrait hole. When Tom had handed him that note after lunch in the Defense class he had every intention of standing the other boy up. It hadn't taken a genius to figure out that Tom was not happy with his sorting.

Tom hadn't even looked at him after he'd been sorted, just staying at the head table or at his own plate. But Harry knew that he might have misread it and had been trying to decide what he should really do during dinner. He couldn't decide. On one hand he could go see Tom and hopefully make amends, or Tom could be ready to tell him that he really couldn't handle to inter-house rivalry.

After dinner he had followed everyone up to the common room and spent an hour or so learning about the games they played, meeting his new house mates, and attempting to figure out why it was such a big deal he was in red and gold. Why was everything going to be different? Was Hufflepuff really so different? They laughed at the same jokes, at the same candies, and even the fifth and seventh years looked just as stressed.

Yet, somehow, some way, this changing of his uniform was going to let him keep his best friend, make a statement to the wizarding world, and gain a new family.

It didn't make any sense. It really didn't. Not to Harry, not to Anna, not to Amy, or Weston, or Max. They all thought the plan was insane. Weston kind of understood. He tried to explain it, but he said his family kind of stopped caring as much when a blood feud almost broke out between two brothers over the house rivalry.

Nonetheless, it was Anna who shoved Harry out of the door. She pointed out that Tom was a muggle-born just like them and it was very unlikely that he would get caught up in such rivalries. Hadn't Harry said Tom was incredibly smart? Smart people make careful, informed decisions, they don't fall victim to prejudice.

Harry couldn't argue with that. So he had allowed himself to be pushed out their portrait hole and begin the trek down to the library. And now here he was walking down the hallway about ten minutes after Tom had asked him to meet. He had definitely underestimated how long it would actually take to get here from Gryffindor Tower. How did they make it to class on time?

A sudden thought had Harry shuddering. His first class tomorrow was Potions followed directly by Herbology. There was no way he was going to be able to make it back to his dorm after breakfast which meant a heavy bag until lunchtime.

Shaking his head he very nearly walked headfirst into some terrifying, and familiar, Slytherins. Harry was quick to jump out of sight and he hoped that they weren't waiting for him. He peaked around the corner and swallowed at the sight. He could somewhat recognize their shapes but it was their gloating voices that set off familiar warning bells in Harry's head.

He didn't know all of their names, Tom never really introduced him, but he did recognize Avery and Malfoy. They were close enough to him in age that word got around. They weren't the scary ones though. Harry's fear came in the four other boys, one he recognized as a prefect.

"Riddle's still in there, but the Lion-Wanna-be is nowhere to be found." That was Avery and Harry felt his heart clench. He was one of the boys that had actually been decent to him before. But he shouldn't make assumptions. Maybe they were talking about someone else?

Alright, that may be him, but it could be anyone else too.

A fourth-year cut in, "That brat should have stayed in the Badger's where he belonged."

A little harder to argue but maybe it was someone who just acted like a Hufflepuff and-.

"I don't know what Riddle ever saw in that little menace," That was the prefect, "No talent, no name, and no power. But he at least had the foresight to pick someone with a fairly decent name. Still love to know how he convinced everyone he's an actual Potter, though."

Fine. So they were waiting for him.

"Apparently, he's some kind of a bastard. They don't know where he came from, only that his heritage test names him as a Potter and a direct connection to the current Lord."

"Little snot thinks he's got it all figured out, doesn't he."

"He doesn't know how he's dragging his so-called friend down with him. If he had any sense he'd back off. Riddle is going to have a hard enough time establishing credibility with his background. Being connected to a greedy, line-claimer is not going to help his cause."

"Doesn't help that the little freak isn't good for anything, besides being a nuisance."

There was a pause before the tallest boy shrugged, "Maybe the coward learned his lesson. I'm somewhat disappointed. I could have sworn it would have taken at least two trips to the hospital wing before he connected the dots."

"Let's just get back to the dorms. I still have Merryweather's essay to write for tomorrow."

"Why do you always procrastinate?"

"I can't help it, it's in my blood, okay?"

Harry listened to the jovial bickering as it echoed down the halls and felt his skin crawling along in response. How some people could just flip a switch like that, blew Harry's mind.

And what in the name of Merlin was it about him that just convinced people he was worthless? He usually managed to put his relatives out of his mind, but just knowing that he was left with two people who were supposed to love him. Now the Slytherins were acting the same way. As though he wanted to have everyone staring at him. The very idea had his skin itching. And then out of nowhere this idea that he needed to be put into his place?

Then on the other hand he had this crazy powerful, pure-blood family who decided to adopt him. But they were only doing it because of his name and not because they actually thought he was worth something. He shook his head. He felt like this was a battle he had been fighting for longer than he could remember. Either people elevated him to a level he couldn't achieve or they disregarded him entirely. Everyone did it too. Even some of his Hufflepuff friend's could be condescending when Harry didn't pick up something right away.

Harry stood up straight in the alcove as a thought occurred to him. Tom had never done that. He'd seen Harry as he was and had never, never truly turned his back on him. Sure he'd only known Tom for a few months, but that was longer than most people he knew and maybe that was all it really needed.

He walked into the library. He would worry about what the Slytherins had said later. For now he needed to see his friend and find out what was going on.

(0,0)

Tom was becoming anxious. Harry was over half-an-hour late. At this rate they would barely have time for meaningless chatter. And Tom really needed Harry to be comfortable when they talked about what was going on. So often the new-Gryffindor liked to see the best in people, but in this case Tom was sure cynicism was the best option.

Suddenly, Tom remembered the last time he'd been waiting for Harry in the library. Avery had followed him up from the dungeons. What if the boy had started something? Could Harry be in trouble again? Tom cursed himself, Harry probably didn't even know how to get to the library from the tower yet. But he had asked the boy to come out and wonder the halls probably alone, just in time for curfew to become a problem.

Tom was going to go look for Harry. Worried that the smaller boy had been hurt again, Saryong may not be able to work the stairs if he got hurt on another floor. He wouldn't know until tomorrow if something had happened.

Or maybe, maybe Harry wasn't hurt. Maybe he had just decided not to come. Tom shook his head. Something happened.

The Slytherin got to his feet, shoved the few books in his bag and made his way to the door.

Only to crash right into the very body he had been looking for.

"Sorry- Oh! Hey, Tom. Did you know that there are way too many stairs between Gryffindor and here? No wonder there's hardly any Gryffindors here after dinner. It's way too much work. Tom?"

The older boy shook his head, "You do realize that Gryffindor is nearly the highest tower in the school, don't you? And you didn't plan ahead? Maybe you really are a Gryffindork…"

"Hey! I'll have you know I didn't even have to convince the hat to put me in Gryffindor. Although it did ramble off some nonsense about changes and a mission. But it just put me in so, no worries."

"It rambled?"

Harry blinked, "Well, yeah? Just like it did during the first Sorting. It asked me a few questions, made a few less-than-helpful comments and then put me in Gryffindor."

"That would explain the delay then. You truly are an enigma, Harry."

"Didn't it talk to you?"

Tom shook his head, "I could feel something odd but the hat was only on my head for a moment before it called out and then was removed."

"Something odd?"

He nodded, "It was like I was seeing myself in a new way. Like all of my accomplishments and mistakes were being judged. Like someone was rifling through my memory."

Suddenly talking to the hat was beginning to sound terrifying, "You think it can read our minds?"

Tom shook his head then paused, "Well- it is a magical artifact after all. I wonder if that kind of magic exists? The ability to read another's thoughts, to see their memories."

"That sounds…awful. I wonder if there's a way to block that kind of stuff."

"You're living proof that it would be, Harry. You've literally blocked off your memories from yourself."

"But the Sorting Hat said it could still read them. That it still knew who I was. It was almost like it had been in my head before."

The Slytherin gave a hum that indicated deep thoughts. Harry knew he'd only moments to cut in before the boy was completely lost in thoughts and research.

"But- let's not worry about that right now. There's plenty of time to find answers in here. Why did you want to meet, Tom?"

"Oh." The taller boy headed over to a nearby table and sat down, setting his bag down on the floor as though he'd been there all night.

"Sit, I wanted… I'm worried… You might… You need to keep an open mind, okay?"

Harry swallowed nervously as he heard Tom stutter and ramble. The cool, calm, collected boy always knew what he was saying, "Tom, you're kind of freaking me out."

"I've been thinking, about why you've been re-sorted."

Harry frowned, "It's because I'm a Potter, remember? Lord Henry wants me to play the part so that a continual absence isn't really noticed."

"No," Tom shook his head, "I meant, I've been thinking about why that option came up. Dumbledore was the one to suggest it, right?"

"Yes… why?"

"Because it seems a little suspicious. He'd openly hated you since you bested him this summer. I mean he took points in class yesterday because you read ahead in our textbooks. What kind of professor does that?"

Harry shrugged, "He said it was because too much knowledge can hinder learning if you don't understand."

"Well it seems a tad suspicious then that he would pull you into his own house, right? If he thought you were this terrible person, then why would he want you to be tied to him?"

Harry's face slowly moved into a grin, "You mean that maybe he's starting to like me?"

The older boy blinked, "No. That's not what I was getting at, not at all. I was going to say it's because he wants you close to use you, to manipulate you, I'm worried that he's going to get you hurt."

"But he's a professor?"

"He's still human, Harry. And there's no way he's changed how he's felt about you."

Harry shook his head, "I think you're wrong, Tom. I mean- you're right, it doesn't make sense. But maybe he's really just trying to help. Maybe he thinks that he'll be able to help me if I'm in his house."

Tom groaned, "You didn't see how he was watching you after the sorting. He was planning something, Harry, and not a welcoming party."

Harry sighed, "Look, even if you are right- what exactly can I do? He's the Head of Gryffindor! I have to be under him in order to be close to you, I can't exactly ask to be sorted a third time. I'm just going to have to deal with Gryffindor and with Dumbledore if anything happens."

"I'm not saying you have to do anything, just be aware that he is not exactly going to treat you fairly. I don't know how but you're going to stand out from the crowd, Harry."

"I'll be careful, is that all you wanted?"

The Slytherin's typical frown appeared again as he cocked his head at Harry's tone, "I believe so. Unless you were going to actually believe me."

The Gryffindor sighed and tugged at his robes, "I believe you, Tom. I just need you to trust that I can figure out what I need for myself. I need to head back I'm not sure how long it's going to take me to climb back up and it's almost curfew."

"Harry-."

"Goodnight, Tom."

The smaller boy walked out of the library and Tom felt a wave of defeat wash over him.

"Goodnight, Harry. For your sake, I hope I am wrong."

(0,0)

Tom made it back to the Slytherin dorm moments after curfew. He'd decided to take some time and double check some facts before heading out of the library. Which turned into rereading a chapter or two.

As a result, he was conveniently pulled aside by Poppy herself the instant he walked in. Well it would have been convenient if it wasn't for the fact having her mad at him was not how he wanted to start. People tended to be more likely to agree if they were happy with you, or at least in a good mood.

"Mr. Riddle. You are out past your curfew. I hope you understand that in Slytherin this behavior is not tolerated. The traditional rebuke would include a trip to Slughorn and a loss of twenty house points."

Tom winced, granted he'd earned them ten points today but twenty was quite a high number.

Poppy paused a moment, "However- seeing as this is your first offense and I have an idea as to the reason, you are allowed one reprieve. The next time you are so much as a moment late you will be treated as though it is a second offense and given a detention and point deduction, understood?"

"Yes, Poppy."

The prefect went to leave but Tom stopped her with a small hand movement, "Did you have a question for me, Riddle?"

Tom swallowed, "Not really, but I was hoping that I could ask your advice on a spell I wanted to try?"

"Is it something for class?"

He shook his head and, refusing to look anything other than confident, met her eyes squarely, "It's a personal project, I want to help a friend."

"Potter, I presume? You realize that all 'personal projects' are supposed to be cleared by the head of house or at least another professor."

Tom said nothing just waited.

Poppy must have seen his determination. She met his eyes for a long moment before swearing on Merlin under her breath. Tom watched as she shook her head left then right before her eyes turned heavenwards with a deep sigh.

"Very well then, what's the project?"

Tom smirked, "I've been working on it for months now. It's a protection spell. Or, more accurately, it is a n observational ward. It's supposed to notify the caster if the person is in danger from another person who means to harm them."

The older girl blinked, "You realize this kind of thing is only good if a person intends to hurt Potter. If it's an accident or even if he falls off a cliff- it's not going to do you any good."

"So far the intended attacks seem more likely. And I did not say it was Harry."

"Don't play witty, Tom, you'll grow into it but for now just accept the fact that I know. More to the point, however, warding is a fifth-year topic and that is only rudimentary and theoretical. I think the seventh years do minor warding, for explosions and such, but this is very much outside of your skill set, Tom. To be honest, it's beyond my knowledge as well, all I could really tell you is that warding is far too dangerous."

The first-year turned away, determined to do it on his own, when a hand gripped his shoulder.

"Don't be over-dramatic. I will not deny you the help, obviously you're smart enough to know that this is dangerous, I was reiterating the fact. However, I suggest that you drop the idea of warding Harry instantly. The repercussions are endless, more than likely you will kill him."

Tom opened his mouth but was cut off by a sharp, "Hush up and listen, Tom."

The boy's eyes were intent as Poppy outlined a different suggestion. It would take some more time but by time he was done it would certainly work and with no casualties, which was probably a good thing to consider.

Overall, Tom walked away with a new direction, a solid start, and a timeline. The only bad news was that the earliest it could possibly be ready would be Halloween and that would be pushing things. Still at least this was guaranteed to work and less likely to result in an expulsion if he got caught.

(0,0)

The new Gryffindor was sitting on a small chair that had appeared in the room overnight, along with a desk. He had discovered this room only a few days ago when he had been attempting to hide from one of the all-too-familiar Slytherins. He'd slipped behind a moving staircase and found himself in a small room lit by two sconces shaped like dragons. It really was small and empty when Harry had found it but yesterday a rug had appeared and today the chair and desk. Now the room made a perfect secret hideaway and Harry loved it.

With his own little space he could actually leave some of his school stuff here so he didn't have to lug it around and it gave him some space to think. Which was really appreciated especially since his sorting. No one had ever even walked by the door. And it wasn't like he was avoiding everyone, it was just convenient.

Okay.

Harry was avoiding Tom. And Charlus. And Poppy. And Dumbledore. And… okay he was avoiding basically everyone. It wasn't like he didn't want to talk to them per say. It was just that he wasn't sure what he should be doing. So he had decided to make use of the small alcove under the moving staircase on the third floor.

A few weeks ago he'd heard some Ravenclaws talking about Tom. Even now, just a few weeks into the school year (and had it really been a month and a half already?) the older boy was making a name for himself. And not just with the Professor's who kept calling on him and praising him for his hard work.

The Slytherins liked him because he was gaining them more and more house points for knowing the answers and being able to demonstrate them, the Ravenclaws liked him because he was always asking good questions, the Hufflepuffs liked him because he had a nice smile when he used it and because of Harry, and the Gryffindors- well they didn't like him per say, but they did grudgingly respect him and had a hard time coming up with things to tease him about (which was about as nice as any Slytherin got).

Harry had even heard some of the purebloods suggesting that Tom couldn't be a mudblood, he had to be part of a good line, which Harry had quickly figured out was a good thing.

But the Ravenclaw's had been talking about Tom and his talents, when Harry had heard his own name from a few tables over.

"It's that Harry Potter kid who always has his attention though."

"I know! Riddle blew off Slytherin purebloods to study with him last night. If Riddle wants to gain any standing in this world as a mudblood and an orphan; he would dump that kid and fast. Sure the Potter's are a great name but even as a legitimized bastard that boy's getting nothing from no one."

They group had left soon after, but Harry had remained. He had kind of gotten used to the Slytherins saying stuff like that. After all, why would they want to be even remotely connected to a Gryffindor?

But hearing Ravenclaws made it more real somehow. Was Harry really pulling Tom down? Could he be something great if it wasn't for Harry?

Well of course Tom could be great, but could he with Harry hanging around on his coattails? Probably not. But every time Harry tried to give the older boy some space he would be dragged back in by this project or that and find himself back in his company. And he loved being there.

Even now, Tom was the only one with whom he felt truly safe. But was he abusing his safety-net? Would it be better for Tom if he was a little more independent? Why did it matter so long as Tom was the one choosing to get involved?

Harry ran a hand through his hair before shaking it out and doing it again. He didn't know what to choose, hence the hiding.

Well that and the fact that he was really confused about his sorting and Dumbledore. Tom had been right when he said that the entire thing smelled of a set-up but he couldn't see how. Why would Dumbledore want a supposed screw-up in his House? Before now the transfiguration professor had adored taking points from him. Harry had lost points for staring at him during a lecture literally a week before he had been resorted.

But since his sorting the man had arranged for Harry to have office hours with him every other week under the guise of checking on his transition and schooling. His first session had been yesterday, but all the man had done was grill him on his past. Despite Harry having medical proof that he had no idea about anything until a year ago. Except for some foggy memories of his 'family,' not that they knew about those or ever would if Harry had anything to say about it, he really had no idea about anything until he met Tom in front of the orphanage.

And Harry still didn't like the professor any way. Recalling the moment in the hospital wing when the professor had suggested Harry starting the fight that sent him there.

(0,0)

Two heads were bent over a book in the library. Researching charms, wards, and every other form of protection for their small friend. The older girl shut her book with a sigh, rubbing her fingertips against her temples. The girl suddenly sat straighter and glanced at the younger boy.

Poppy cleared her throat, "I need a break."

The boy nodded but continued to read.

The prefect rolled her eyes before reaching out with one hand and covering the page Tom's eyes were scanning, "I need a break and so do you."

The younger boy returned her eyeroll, "What did you have in mind?"

"Actually- I had a question I'd been meaning to ask you. Does Harry really have a snake?"

Tom grinned, "Yeah, she's our friend. Her name is Saryong, she told us it after Harry found her rummaging through the tall grass at Wool's."

Poppy started to nod, her mouth opening on another question when she froze. Silent for a moment she swallowed thickly and cleared her throat, "You both talk to her then?"

Tom shrugged, "Yeah, I guess so. I haven't talked to her much recently, she's been sleeping in Harry's dorm."

Poppy faded into silence and Tom finally seemed to notice something on her face, "What raises this question, Poppy?"

She shook her head slowly, "I can't believe it. Everyone thought it had gone extinct and now there are two of you in one school."

"What had gone extinct?"

"You and Harry are parselmouths, you both have the Merlin granted the ability to talk to snakes."

Tom blinked, "I just told you that. It's how I knew that Harry was injured that first time. Don't you remember everyone complaining about the freaky snake in the library?"

"Yes, but no one said you talked to it!"

"What's the big deal, anyway?"

Poppy sat back and pursed her lips for a moment and sucking on her teeth before nodding once.

"Parselmouths are exceptionally rare, Tom. Exceptionally. Even more so than a basilisk. The last basilisk was born a dozen years ago. The last parselmouths died out a decade ago and they were the only family that had it left. You see they were the last descendants of Salazar Slytherin himself."

Tom frowned, "I… I assumed it was a typical thing. I figured that was why some people preferred some animals to others."

Poppy shook her head, "While some people have the affinity to communicate with other animals, there's never been anything besides myths regarding any other animal. It was assumed it was either a blood quirk, or a deal with the lamia, or something anyway. If there was an ability to talk to other animals, it's long been extinct. You and Harry are it."

There was a long bought of silence until Tom just shook his head, "Why the inquiry about Saryong?"

"Excuse me?" Poppy blinked at him, "You have potential proof that you are related to one of the most powerful wizards in British history and you're just going to walk around it?"

Tom nodded, "I am not interested."

"Tom, think about all of the respect you'll have. You could be one of the last connections back. There is no other family who can draw their lines back to Slytherin."

"Poppy, I saw what happened to Harry. People have completely changed their minds regarding him, and it is because of his sudden lineage. Besides, if I find out I'm a Slytherin, then there is the chance Harry will realize why and he could lose his family."

"There's no Slytherin blood in the Potters."

"Then how would Harry have the same ability."

Poppy frowned, "But you and Harry could prove that you're related, you could have a real family too."

"I'm not taking this from Harry, Poppy. I'll keep this all in mind, maybe I can do something with it in a few years. When I can be my own person and an heir that people would respect."

The prefect frowned but gave a slight head tilt that made Tom smile just slightly, "Thank you, Poppy. Now why the fascination with Harry's snake?"

"Do you know how hard it is to sneak an animal into this school? That has got to be a magical snake, okay, and she has to have bonded to Harry or something. I can't believe none of the professor's have said anything."

"We didn't sneak her in, Poppy. She slept in Harry's pocket the whole time, from apparition to barrier to train. Harry even talked to her in the middle of the Great Hall I think, at the Sorting."

"Why has no one said anything? They even know now that Harry has a snake, it went around the whole school."

Tom smirked, "Maybe that's why. Harry and I haven't said anything, so everyone is just assuming she is a rumor. You weren't sure yourself, until you asked."

Poppy shook her head, "You and Harry have got to be the luckiest people on this planet."

Tom shrugged, "I don't know, sometimes it feels like Harry gets nothing but runs of bad luck."

The older girl had nothing more to say and could only sigh when Tom pointedly returned to the far too complex volume in front of him. She frowned, it was a good thing Tom was looking at protection, if he had the desire to look at the dark side of magic, at this age when everything seemed like an adventure, it would have corrupted him before anyone could even think to stop an eleven-year-old.

(0,0)

… So I thought I had like half a chapter to go so I kept putting this off. But I just added like four lines… Oops?
Let me know if anything doesn't make sense because I'm not sure what's going on here anymore- it is definitely running away with me.