Memories

Chapter 2

September 15, 1942

Being in Slytherin wasn't as bad as Harry thought, it was far more worst. As Hadrian Evan, he's known to be one of the first 'muggle-borns' to be sorted into the House of Slytherin. The raven-haired time traveler was still appalled at the new development. As a 'muggle-born', Hadrian was basically shunned away and was treated like dirt from his own house. The treatment continued until one evening when he was in the library.

"Hadrian Evan, a muggle-born who was sorted into Slytherin. I wonder, what exactly did that hat saw in your mind to decide that Slytherin was the perfect house for you?" A soft, melodic voice asked curiously.

The newly Slytherin turned to the voice, only to come face-to-face with a familiar Slytherin; dark hair, pale skin, brown hazel eyes. Tom Riddle, Harry recognized instantly, he remembered meeting him on the train to Hogwarts.

He replied sarcastically, "Maybe the hat was enchanted by my delightful personality and attitude."

The six-year prefect smirk at him, brown eyes filled with amusement, "It seems that he's a sarcastic one too."

Rolling his eyes, Hadrian decided to get straight to the point, "Is there something you want from me? Last time I remembered, the whole house barely wanted me near them."

Taking a seat next to Hadrian, Tom replied, "There are many things I want Evan, but that's not the point. It seems that some of the Slytherins are troubling you."

The raven-haired wizard frowned at the cryptic answer. Why couldn't Slytherins be more direct with their answers? Unfortunately, his question will remain unanswered as the Slytherin prefect continued.

"I can help you there if you like. You'll discover that perhaps Slytherin isn't as terrible as you believe."

Hadrian realized how Riddle's offer was nearly identical to Malfoy's offer when they first met at Hogwarts. Unlike Riddle's civilly and pleasant approach, Malfoy acted pompous and arrogant towards him. Hadrian knew he was walking on thin ice. If he disagreed with Riddle, there's a possibility that the treatment will continue and possibly worsen, but if he agreed, Hadrian will be forced to hang out with Riddle and, Merlin's forbid, Riddle's 'friends'. Either way, both were horrible choices, so Harry quickly made his decision.

Hadrian grinned, "You seemed to know your way around Riddle, I'll think about it."

Riddle returned the grin with a smirk of his own and replied, "I'll let you have a week to think about it."

_______________________________________________________

The Great Hall was exactly how Harry remembered, the sounds of the voices of students and teachers, the four dining tables for each of the Hogwarts houses, and the ceiling that was enchanted to resemble the night sky covered with stars. As the two Gryffindors made their way to their table, the raven-haired wizard couldn't help but glance around in both awe and nostalgia. Memories flooded his mind with both his time as a Slytherin and his time as a Gryffindor. Harry glanced at the table where the teachers sat and frowned as he noticed the pensive look the headmaster had. He wondered if Dumbledore recognized him. Unfortunately, Harry's thoughts were about to be cut off by a certain brunette witch who was marching towards the two of them with an annoyed expression.

"Harry! Ron! What in the world took you guys so long?" Hermione Granger scolded as the two gave sheepish grins as they took their seat near her.

Rolling his eyes, Ron replied as he grabs a plate to fill with food, "Harry overslept, if I didn't wake him up this morning, he'll probably be late to class."