Harry Potter and the slytherin Prince

The last few weeks of the summer holiday seemed to fly by. Harry had been working hard as usual and Snape had started increasing Harry's extra lessons before they went back to Hogwarts, as they would only have a limited amount of time each week to continue.

'I want to see you practising all the time.' Snape says watching Harry pick himself up off the floor after being knocked across the room after his wandless block failed yet again. Harry walked back over to his space in the living room shakily trying to catch his breath with sweat gathering on his brow. He wipes the back of his hand across his forehead and takes a deep breath.

'I'll try. I have lots to do this year.'

'You will keep this up Potter. This will help you survive. You can always stay at school for another year if you fail your NEWTs but you will not get another chance to survive a killing curse.' Snape snaps. Harry sighs. 'Ready?' Snape brings up his wand and Harry raises his hands in front of him ready to block.

'No more stinging hexes! The marks are not going to disappear before I get on the train otherwise.' Snape appears to ignore Harry.

'Focus on pushing my hex away from you.' Harry nods. 'Petrificus Totalus.' Harry pushes the palms of his hands outward towards Snape with his thumbs hooked together. A very pale golden wall appears and blocks the spell but immediately disappears afterwards. Harry drops his hands and bends over resting his hands on his knees as realises he is breathing heavily.

'Why does it take so much out of me?'

'You are still learning Potter. You are trying to push your magic through your body without a wand to focus it. It's a matter of practise. Again. I want to see the edges of your block. Concentrate on shape and form.' Harry nods and stands up straight.

'Furnunculus.'

Harry puts his hands up to block the curse and it appears as a circle around him, put is still very pale. Harry drops his hands and the block disappears. He smiles at Snape. Snape is sneering.

'Do you ever have any real problems learning defensive spells?' Harry shakes his head

'No. I know if I don't get them I could die. It kind of focuses' my mind.' Snape drops his wand and puts it away.

'That's enough for today. You can finish your school work. We have to meet Tonks at 10am tomorrow morning at Kings Cross Station to switch you back with her.'

Harry nods and goes over to the table that his wand it sitting on and tucks it into his jeans pocket.

'Night.' Harry leaves the room using the walls as support for his tired body. Snape just watches him go with narrowed eyes.

'Where is she it's 10:55?' Snape snaps at harry as he paces the small room they are in, turning when he reaches the wall and retracing his steps over and over again.

'Be patient Professor. I'm sure it's just my Aunt and Uncle playing around.' Harry is sitting down watching Snape with his eyes and getting slowly dizzy. Snape stops pacing and glares at Harry. The door opens behind him hitting the back of his head as Tonks rushes in disguised as Harry. Snape growls and cradles the back of his head in his hands. Tonks notices she has hit Snape and shuts the door quickly.

'Sorry.' Snape growls at her

'You're late!'

'Sorry Uncle Vernon was complaining that the car needed washing before he would be seen in public with it.' Harry rolls his eyes. Tonks transforms back to herself and gives the coat she is wearing to Harry. 'Here. You need to be quick. Ron is looking after your trolley. I told him I was nipping to the loo.'

'Okay. Bye Tonks and thanks. See you at school Professor.' Harry rushes out putting on the coat. Tonks turns and looks at Snape.

'Sorry. Well unless you want to go watch him leave and shout goodbye I'll see you in a minute at the next Order meeting' Tonks grins at this. Snape glares at her and disapparates. Tonks pulls out her wand and changes her clothes to tight fitting black trousers, high boots and a short top stating This Witch Rulz. Another moment later and her hair becomes bubble gum pink.

'It's great being able to use magic again.' She grins before disapparating too.

'Come on Harry. Let's get your trunk on the train.' Mrs Weasley scolds grabbing the trolley Harry is pushing and quickly taking it over to Mr Weasley who is passing the trunks up to Ron. Harry is carrying a small wicker basket that contains Leo and Hedwigs cage in which she is asleep with her head tucked under her wing. Mrs Weasley turns back and hugs Harry tightly.

'You be careful and we'll see you at Christmas. We're all going to Grimmald Place.' Harry nods. Mrs Weasley finally releases him and then turns to hug Hermione as she comes over. Lupin takes Harry's shoulder and steers him away from the crowd over to a wall and blocks Harry off from everybody else's view.

'I just wanted to make sure you are okay. I know you've been at the Dursleys all summer and that they don't particularly like you. I am sorry we couldn't remove you from there.'

'It's okay. I understand.'

'I want you to stay out of trouble.'

'Why bother. It usually finds me wherever I am anyway.' Harry looks up and notices that Lupins eyes are tired and sad. Not wanting to add any pressure he adds. 'But I promise I will do my best to keep safe. And I will listen to Hermione and not do anything rash.' Lupin smiles at Harry and harry smiles back.

'If you need anything or if you just need to talk owl me. I am here for you.' Lupin says.

'I know.' Harry leans over and hugs Lupin. Lupin hesitates for a moment before hugging him back.

'Potter, I thought you had better taste then hugging a half breed!' Harry pulls away and looks at Malfoy who is walking past and glaring at them.

'At least somebody showed up to say goodbye to me. I don't see your father or mother around here.' Malfoy just turns and walks off. Lupin looks at Harry.

'That was cruel' Lupin says calmly.

'I know.'

'You should apologise.' Harry looks affronted.

'No way! He called you a half breed.'

'And it's true.'

'So was what I said. His parents aren't here.' Lupin sighs. He opens his mouth but is stopped when a whistle is heard.

'Come on mate. We need to find some seats.' Ron grabs Harry's arm and drags Harry to the train. Harry climbs up just as the trains whistle goes and Hermione rushes over. As soon as they close the door another whistle goes and the trains pulls off.

'I'll write soon Lupin, I promise.' Lupin fondly smiles at Harry as he walks alongside the moving train.

'Bye. See you soon.' Lupin shouts stopping at the end of the platform and waving goodbye. Ron and Hermione take hold of Harry's arms and drag him away from the window and down the corridor. People stop and stare at Harry and even come out of their compartments to watch him as they pass.

'Why are people staring?' Harry asks confused.

'Did you read the Daily Prophet?' Hermione asks

'Occasionally. What did I miss?'

'People are calling you the Chosen One.' Harry stops and stares at them. Hermione tugs his arm to keep him moving and he walks on again. They finally come to a compartment containing Luna and Neville and go inside.

'Hi guys.' Neville says as they sit down. Harry decides Hedwig and Leo can sit on the floor and puts the cage and basket underneath the window. He takes the lid off the wicker basket and gently lifts Leo out. Leo runs up his arm and cruls up arouns his neck his tiny pink tongue licking his skin. Neville looks across at Harry and Leo. Leo preens under the gaze and leans forward in response sniffing in Nevilles direction.

'A Puffskien. Cool.'

'Hagrid got me it as a birthday present. She's called Leo.' Neville leans over and using one finger only gently strokes Leo's fur. Leo tuns and sniffs it before licking it.

'You can hold her if you like.' Harry says picking Leo up and holding her out to Neville. Neville carefully takes Leo in his hands and brings it closer to his chest, Leo instantly turns around and keeps her gaze on Harry.

'Looks like she knows whom her owner is.' They all turn and see Ginny coming into the compartment and shutting the door behind her.

'I got trapped by people asking me about the Chosen One.' Ginny looks directly at Harry as she says this. Harry rolls his eyes and turns to Luna eager to change the subject as Ginny sits down next to Neville and strokes Leo.

'How was your summer Luna?' Luna looks up from reading her Quibble newspaper.

'Great. Father and I went to Austria looking for the Crumpled Horned Snorlack.'

'Did you find any?'

'No.' Luna sounds disappointed. Ron snorts. Hermione stands up.

'Come on Ron we have to go to the prefects compartment. We'll be back soon.' Hermione takes Rons hand and leads him out. Ginny sits spreads out across the seat Ron just vacated and smiles.

'Didn't you make prefect Ginny?'

'No thank god. I don't think I could of put up with the twins if I did.' Harry laughs and Ginny smiles at him.

'Good point. They are forever teasing Ron about it.'

'Its worse now he's Quidtich captain too. I don't think i could stand it if he made Head Boy next year.'

'Honestly i think it'll be Malfoy next year.' Neville and Ginny look over at Harry shocked.

'Harry, it'll be you. No doubt about it.' Neville says.

'Nah. I've caused far too much trouble and i'm not much of a leader.'

'Just because you never made Prefect or Quidditch Captain doesn't mean you wont make Head Boy.'

'Look Ginny, for the past 20 odd years the Head Boy and Girl have been Prefects first. It's just the way it goes. Honestly, i dont need the responsibility.' Harry leans conspiritorly forward. 'Can you imagine me having to deduct house points from a student for sneaking out after midnight when i do it at least once a week myself.' Harry smiles as Ginny sits back and laughs.

The day drags on as the sunshine is replaced by clouds darkening the sky early. Soon after large rain droplets hit the windows and the compartment light comes on automatically. Harry is sitting in the centre of the compartment cuddling Leo on his lap and playing a game of chess with Ginny, Neville is reading a book called 'Water Plants and their Uses' and Luna is doing a quiz in her Quibbler a quill stashed behind her ear.

'What's the name of the plant that allows you to breathe underwater?' Luna asks outloud not taking her eyes off the paper.

'Gillyweed.' Harry and Neville answer together. Luna scribbles this on her newspaper.

'How do you know that Harry?' Neville asks interested causing Harry to look up at him.

'Tri-wizard Cup. Second task.' Harry looks back down and watches Ginny's knight chases one of his bishops off the board squealing. They all look up as Ron and Hermione come in. Ron slumps into a spare seat and attacks the box of a chocolate frogs, passing the card over to Harry. Hermione sits down frowning.

'What's wrong?' Harry asks making his queen smash the offending knight to pieces.

'The new Head Boy is from Slytherin.' They all stop and look at them in disbelief.

'Who?' Ginny asks instantly.

'Some guy called Ayden Breakstone.'

'Never heard of him.' Neville says. Harry frowns.

'Tall guy, skinny, black hair, long nose, thinks he looks great in white?' Harry frowns trying to remmeber him

'Yeah that's the guy.' Ron says looking at Harry.

'He's not that bad. He was there before one of my remedial potion lessons with Snape the once. He was asking for help.' Harry replies as Ron gapes at him.

'Not bad. He's a Slytherin!'

'He never called me a half-blood or insulted my friends, so he's one of the better ones. But he's still not going to be fair on us.'

'Are you playing Harry or are you forfeiting?' Harry turns his attention back to the board and moves a pawn forwards, which Ginny quickly smashes to pieces with her queen.

'Check mate.' Harry sits back as Ginny starts to pack the game away.

'Hey. I'll play against you.' Ron says quickly. Ginny nods and sets it back up again. Harry gives his seat up to Ron and moves closer to Hermione. Just as he is aboutt o start talking the door to their compartment opens and in comes Ernie McMillion, Justin Finch-Fletchley, and Hannah Abbot.

'Hello Harry.'

'Hi Justin. What can I do for you?'

'We were... um... wondering if you were continuing DA this year?' Justin mutters.

'Cause we want to still come if that's okay.' Ernie butts in.

'We still have our galleons.' Hannah adds holding hers up.

'I think we're allowed to but i'll have to check. I'll sort out when the first meeting can be and where as I don't think the Room of Requirement is going to work this time.' They all nod and leave.

'I didn't think you would want to continue with DA, Harry.' Ron says.

'I think it would be a good idea too.' Hermione states glaring at Ron. Ron, abashed, looks down at the chessboard and gives it his undivided attention for ther est of the journey.

Hours later they are all in the middle of a game of exploding snap. Every time the pack explodes Leo jumps and tries to eat the cards.

'Keep that ball of fluff away from my pack will you.' Ron yells grabbing yet another card off Leo as Leo attempts to shred it.

'I can't stop it from thinking its food.' Harry repeats picking up Leo and stroking it. It's little eyes close and it makes a purring noise similar to a cat. Crookshanks who was curled up underneath Hermione's legs on the floor comes over interested and licks it. Harry holds it out and Crookshanks takes it gently in its mouth and takes it back over to it's spot and curls back up with Leo, who snuggles down into Crookshanks soft fur. Crookshanks starts to purr too.

'Hermione, I didn't bring my pet to school to be a baby for your animal. He will give it back wont he?' Harry looks at Hermione worriedly.

'I have no idea.' Hermione begins to laugh. The others chuckle too.

'At least you know where you can leave it during lessons.' Harry sticks his tongue out at Ron in reply. The door to their compartment opens and Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle walk in. Harry lets out a sigh and begins to look bored.

'What do you want this time Malfoy? We're busy.' Harry says dealing out the cards to start a new game of Exploding Snap.

'Enjoy your summer without your Godfather Potter?'

'Enjoy having your father locked up in Azkaban, Malfoy?' Malfoy turns pink. Harry glances over and smiles at Malfoy. The others look a bit surprised.

'Watch it Potter. He will be out soon. The Dark Lord will make sure of that.'

'Why bother, I'm sure you want to step into his shoes.' Malfoy smirks at that. 'Already done it Malfoy?' Harry sits up seeming to be truly interested.

'I might have.' Harry looks closely at Malfoy then turns back to his game.

'Don't bother lying Malfoy. Now leave. I have better things to do then waste my breath debating with you.'

'Be careful Potter. Things may go bump in the night.'

'I'd be careful how many people you let know that you're gay, Malfoy. Although I am flattered.' The others snort and look away trying not to laugh. Harry smiles sweetly at Malfoy who sweeps around and away followed by his bodyguards. Ginny kicks the door shut and locks it with: 'Colloportus'.

'Well done mate.' Ron starts laughing. Harry looks around at Luna who isn't laughing. She smiles at him.

'You look different. You don't look as angry anymore.'

Harry smiles at her. 'Thanks.'

As the train pulls into Hogsmeade Station Neville and Ron leave the carriage first to make sure nobody is stopping to wait to stare at Harry. Harry shrugs on his school robe once Hermione has thrown it at him from his trunk and grabs Hedwigs cage and Leo's basket. Leo though is actually curled up with Crookshanks in the basket Hermione is carrying.

'All clear.' Ron says putting his head back into the compartment from the corridor. Harry leaves first closely followed by Hermione, Ginny and Luna. Once on the platform Neville and Ron push their way through the crowd with Harry close behind them and the others bringing up the rear. People stop and stare at them and try to get to Harry, but thankfully are pushed back. Harry tries to keep close to Rons back to hide himself as Ron is still slightly taller than himself. They finally make it to the carriages and jump into the first one available with Harry averting his eyes from where he knows the Thestrals are pulling the carriage as he gets inside. The carriage starts as soon as the rest get in and shut the door behind them.

'When can we start DA then?' Neville asks.

'Will Dumbledore let us have DA this year?' Ginny queries.

They all look expectantly at Harry.

'There's no harm in asking is there. I think he'll say yes anyway.' They fall into silence until Harry sighs when Hogwarts come into view.

'You're home Harry.' Harry turns to look at Hermione and smiles.

Once the carriage pulls up at the front doors they all pile out leaving their animal cages behind to be taken up to their dormitories later. The crowd inside pulls them along and towards the Great Hall with students continuing to stare at Harry. As with every other year, Peeves is in the Entrance Hall causing mayhem and confusion, he is throwing chalk bombs at the students and many are covered in pink blue or white chalk. A pink chalk balloon lands on Harry's head and covers him in dust.

'Get lost Peeves.' Harry says angrily.

'Ooooo. I hit the Chosen One I hit the Chosen One.' Peeves chants as he tumbles over and over in the air before floating off and attacking some other students. Harry storms into the Great Hall and sits down at the Gryffindor table. The others follow and sit down next to and opposite him. Hermione waves her wand at him saying 'Scourify' and the chalk disappears.

'Look Harry.' Ron sniggers. They all turn and follow to where Ron is pointing to see Draco Malfoy coming in, his hair turned pale blue from the chalk. Seamus and Dean sit down opposite Harry and Ron blocking Malfoy off from sight.

'Hey Harry. How was your summer?' Seamus asks.

'It was okay. A bit boring not to see any friendly faces though.' Harry turns and looks up at the staff table and notices a new female face.

'I guess that's the new Defence teacher.' Hermione says following his gaze. 'She looks okay.'

'Do you think she'll try and kill me?' Harry smiles at Hermione who rolls her eyes at him before they both start laughing. Ron looks at them and leans towards Harry.

'What you two laughing about?' Ron asks. Harry replies between gasps.

'We're just discussing the new Defence teacher.' Ron looks up at the staff table.

'She looks okay.' Hermione and Harry laugh again. Ron huffs.

'You two are mad.'

They quickly shut up as McGonagall brings in the new students. They watch them file down the centre of the tables and form a line at the front of the hall. McGonagall places the sorting hat on its stool.

'I was never that small.' Harry whispers to Hermione. Hermione nods at him telling him he was. They quickly turn back to the front as a mouth forms at the brim of the hat and begins to sing.

Many years ago in olden times

Four founders built this haven,

Persecution for witching crimes

Many people needed saving.

But when they grew far too old

To pick their own new pages,

They needed a way to choose

So therefore I was created.

Will you be in Ravenclaw

Where intelligence is key

Or in courageous Gryffindor,

Where the brave will be.

Maybe you'll be in Hufflepuff

Where dedications in need,

If not then in Slytherin

Where the cunning succeed.

Put me on, don't be afraid

I'll look inside your head,

I'll be the one to show you

Where to go instead.

The whole school cheers when it finishes. McGonagall takes out a long piece of parchment.

'Somerset, George'

A small fat boy climbs up and sits on the chair. Laughter breaks out at the Slytherin table. McGonagall puts the hat on the boys head and shortly after it shouts:

'Gryffindor.' The Gryffindor table cheer. The boy comes over and sits down at the end of the table reserved for the first years. He is breathing heavily already and has turned bright red.

'Baker, Bill.' This black haired skinny boy becomes the first Slytherin.

'Kristen Doornocker.'

'Hufflepuff.'

Soon the sorting has finished and there are 7 new Gryffindors. Dumbledore stand up as McGonagall takes her seat.

'Welcome back to school! As not to keep you from your food, tuck in.' The food appears.

'Good, I'm starving.' Ron says before tucking in to some chicken wings. Harry slowly places some sausages on his plate and adds some peas. Hermione looks at him funny.

'You're eating something healthy.'

'I picked it up from Dudley's diet over the summer.' Harry blushes.

'Wftt whu ik up?' Ron spits out between a mouth full of food.

'Sorry Ron, we couldn't understand you.' Hermione frowns at Ron. Ron blushes and swallows his mouthful.

'Sorry Hermy. What you pick up Harry?'

'Just a few healthy eating tips.' Harry looks down at his plate to hide his blush.

'Who's the new Quidditch Captain this year?' Dean asks.

'I am.' Ron says puffing out his chest like Percy used to do.

'Cool. When are tryouts?' Seamus asks interested 'I've been practising all summer.'

'I was thinking next Saturday. It'll give people time to sign their name up once McGonagalls put the list up on the Common Room notice board.'

'Are you keeping the old team from last year or going to test out for all positions?'

'Nah. We just need a couple of chasers and some beaters. Harry is still seeker and I am still keeper.' Dean looks over at Harry.

'I bet you can't wait to play again.'

'If I am allowed. I was given a life time ban by Umbridge' Harry says simply.

'I'm sure Dumbledore will let you play.' Dean insists. Harry nods and eats his dinner. Dean, Seamus and Ron get their heads together to decide tactics. When dessert is served conversation has turned to the twins new shop.

'I went in last week when mum took me to Diagon Alley to get my school supplies. They had a whole wall dedicated to sweets. I picked up a few to give to my cousins back in Ireland.' Seamus says.

'They're doing really well. They brought me some new dress robes and Ginny some too. Told her not to let mum buy her any that we've managed to put up with foul robes before now but as the only girl she deserves to look her best.'

'Do you remember those ones you had to wear to the Yule Ball?' Dean says starting to laugh as Ron blushes.

'They were bloody awful.' Seamus adds.

Slowly all the puddings are finished and the plates cleared. Harry leans back stuffed as he watches Ron finishing off his last mouthful of ice cream. Dumbledore stands up getting everybodies attention again.

'Now you are all stuffed let me introduce to you our New Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher Professor Pentagon.' Professor Pentagon stands up, nods and then sits back down. There is faint clapping around the room as students are wondering if this si another Umbridge or not, but Professor Pentagon doesn't seem to mind. 'Also Mr Filch wants me to warn you that all products from the Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes is strictly banned. The Forbidden Forest is strictly out of bounds for all students; even the older ones should do well to remember this. Now off to bed so lessons can start tomorrow.'

The room is a noise of scraping benches and chatter as students make their way back towards the Entrance hall and the Grand Staircase. Hermione calls over the noise.

'Gryffindor first years follow me.' She stands and counts that she has all the new students at the doors and then heads towards the staircase. As they are crossing the Entrance Hall a group of Slytherins cut in front of them. Malfoy, who is in the group, sneers down at them before his gaze falls on the new lad George Somerset.

'I'm surprised you had anything to eat Weasel. What with that tub of lard sitting there.' Harry stands in front of George.

'Well human males have bigger appetites then ferrets.' Malfoy turns angry. Harry just simply smiles at him. Malfoy turns and sweeps away with the rest of the group following close behind. Harry turns and looks at the boy who is trying to hide behind the other first years. He reminds Harry of Dudley.

'Just ignore Malfoy. He has to be nasty. It's expected if you're a Slytherin. I'm Harry by the way. Harry Potte.r' Harry leans over offering his hand to the young lad, who hesitantly takes and shakes it. Harry smiles.

'Come on I will take you up to the dormitory.' Hermione says breaking the silence. The first years turn follow Hermione up the staircase, glancing back to watch Harry, which causes a young girl to trip over the edge of a rug at the top of the stairs. Ron puts his hand on Harry's shoulder and pushes him to get him moving.

'Come on Harry. We'd better get up there too.' Harry nods and he and Ron go up to the Tower using all of their shortcuts. They reach the Fat Lady and 'Pheonix Tears' spoken by Ron allows them into the Tower. They climb up to their dormitory and then finally drop onto their beds.

'I'm stuffed.'

'Me too.'

Neville, Seamus and Dean come in shortly after.

'So has anything important happened this summer with he-who-must-not-be-named? Apart from what's in the papers.' Dean enquires looking between Harry and Ron.

'Dunno.' Ron complains.

'Harry?' Seamus asks.

'I haven't heard of anything. But I don't hear much being locked away at the Dursleys anyway.' Neville just shudders and gets into his bed after getting into his pyjamas. The other boys follow his example and soon they are all in bed. Once Ron has kicked off his slippers and crawled under his sheets after his trip to the bathroom Harry waves down the lights with his wand and pulls the drapes around his bed. Lying there Harry listens to the others getting comfortable and soon Rons snores start.

Just like old times, Harry smiles contentedly.