Death is an Angel

The wrong House

Walking through the Great Hall, I knew Tom and I must have looked like the odd ones out. We weren't smiling. We weren't gaping in awe at anything. Tom's expression was completely impassive and stoic but mine was more of an I've seen this a thousand times already sort of look. That certainly drew more attention that I thought I was capable of and I am- was - the bloody Savior of the Wizarding World. So, coming from me, that's saying a lot. 

I glance up and am genuinely shocked when a man with auburn hair and silver dress robes comes up to the front of the Hall, holding the Sorting Hat. I suppose I should have expected it. After all, surely McGonagall couldn't have been the Transfiguration Professor for that long. I glance about the Professors' table, trying to recognize a few faces other than that of the auburn-haired man. I already knew him. Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. Long name, isn't it? I know Slughorn from 6th year as well as Binns (obviously...I mean, he's a ghost so he's been long dead). I squint a little at a younger version of Professor Babbling. I know that the one with the occamy wrapped around his shoulders must be Professor Kettleburn as I'd heard the older years talking about him. The Headmaster was Armando Dippet so he must be the one sitting in the headmaster's chair. Isn't that what he sat on for his portrait in Dumbledore's office? Yeah, I think so... 

While I was trying to give names to all the unfamiliar faces at the Heads' table, Dumbledore must have been calling names and it took a moment to realize that my feet were carrying me forward. Damn, he must have called my name. Good thing Arius took control or they'd all be staring at me weirdly, I think. 

When the Sorting Hat is set on my head, I don't hear anything. I'm starting to panic when Arius's composed voice echoes in my head. 

It's analyzing me, mista brains. You're Harry and I'm Arius so you had better be sorted into Arius's House if you want to continue being Arius. Which you kinda don't have a choice about. But yeah. Use your nonexistent brains, Potter! 

I guess that made some sen-

          "SLYTHERIN!" 

Slytherin?! No, no, no. I was a Gryffindor, not a Slytherin! I must have heard wrong. Yeah, that's it. But then again....maybe the Sorting Hat went with its original choice for me in my first year... Who am I kidding, I'm literally Arius's playtoy now. Or maybe I am Arius? ...

But Arius took me down to the Slytherin table and I found myself subconsciously hoping Tom Riddle was also in Slytherin. Actually, I knew he was going to be in Slytherin but I-being the oh-so-smart person I am- wondered if I could possibly have changed him over the train ride. 

He was. 

Obviously. 

Dig in, Potter, Arius mutters to me as the feast begins and Tom plops down next to me. Darn.