Harry Potter and the Darker Path

Chapter 1: Journey to Hogwarts

Harry stood nervously at Platform 9¾, clutching his ticket in one hand and Hedwig’s cage in the other. After a confusing conversation with the red-headed family, he’d finally managed to push his way through the solid barrier between platforms 9 and 10. His heart pounded as the scarlet steam engine of the Hogwarts Express hissed in front of him.  

As he climbed aboard the train, Harry felt a strange mixture of excitement and dread. He had read all about Hogwarts in his books, but everything still felt surreal. What kind of house would he belong to? He couldn’t help but wonder if the Dursleys had been right all along—maybe he didn’t belong in this magical world. 

Finding an empty compartment, Harry settled into his seat and stared out the window as the train lurched forward. Soon after, a boy with pale blond hair slid open the door and stepped inside. 

"Mind if I sit here?" the boy asked, though it seemed more of a statement than a question. "I'm Draco Malfoy." 

Harry nodded, feeling a bit uncertain. He remembered Hagrid telling him about families like the Malfoys—wealthy, pure-blood wizards. Draco gave him a quick, assessing look. 

"You must be Harry Potter," Draco said, his voice tinged with curiosity. "I've heard all about you. It’s not every day you meet someone famous." 

Harry flushed, unsure of how to respond. "I didn’t know I was famous."  

Draco smirked, leaning back in his seat. "You’ll find out soon enough. My father says Slytherin is the only house worth being in. I imagine you’ll end up there, too." 

Harry raised an eyebrow, feeling a strange tug at the word Slytherin. Hagrid had mentioned it, though he hadn’t spoken favorably of it. Still, something about the idea intrigued Harry—a house full of ambitious, clever people. Maybe, after years of being overlooked and mistreated, Slytherin was where he could prove himself. 

 Draco continued, "You don’t want to end up in a house like Gryffindor. It’s full of people who think they’re heroes, but they’re reckless and foolish. Slytherin’s for those who want to make something of themselves. Power, respect—you won’t get that anywhere else." 

Harry looked out the window, mulling over Draco's words. Power. The word echoed in his mind. Maybe, in Slytherin, he could be more than just "Harry, the Boy Who Lived." Maybe he could be someone who controlled his own destiny.