New Beginnings

Chapter 25

Severus stared sullenly at the headmaster portraits that decorated the office, his new office. He didn't hate being headmaster, running the school was easier than it looked however he suspected that we mainly because he had the best deputy who'd decided to do most the required tasks.

it seemed Aurora Sinistra had many, many complaints about the school and was using this opportunity to fix them. Which turned out to be better for the overall castle than expected.

she'd started by going through every teachers credentials meticulously, making sure someone as inexperienced as Umbridge didn't set foot within the grounds. She went so far as to find Seerers who actually had the gift so that Trelawnely could be evaluated and called out as a fraud if she was one - though she'd had little luck so far.

currently Severus lounged in his office, devoid of anything to do and reluctant to interview new potion professors yet. he'd spent years teaching the children of the castle his improved potions and not the outdated textbook methods, to go back to that old way of teaching would severely damage the students education.

except he didn't need to wait long for a distraction as Draco Malfoy simply barged into his office with a meek Harry Potter in tow. The annoying hole in his memory seemed to itch violently when he locked eyes with Potter and Severus may have sat straighter.

"Professor we want a resorting." Draco stated bluntly, staring at him confidently and reminding Severus of Lucius almost nauseatingly.

"Both of you?" 

"Just Harry, sir"

Severus narrowed his eyes at Harry. In his peripheral vision he saw an odd gleam appear in Draco's eyes, one that Severus had only seen after Narcissa had literally ripped someone apart for trying to kill Lucius. The boy seemed to be emulating the most terrifying aspects of his parents and Severus knew to tread cautiously, any violent outburst from Draco could end in a bloody outcome of accidental magic.

"The hat would have to resort you as only it has the power to do so." Severus stood, walking over to the slumbering fabric. "I cannot choose for you."

He saw fear enter Draco's gaze when the boy chanced a glance at Harry but Harry just smiled and nodded quickly. Both Slytherins narrowed their eyes at him, sensing that there was something Harry knew that they didn't.

Nevertheless, Severus went to pick up the hat, only for it to come alive.

"Finally taking my advice?" The hat asked, smiling when Harry nodded. "Slytherin."

Even when the hat was inanimate it could hear what happened in the room, knowing that Harry wanted to be resorted but waiting for the right moment. It kept quiet as he observed the interactions between the new headmaster and students.

Nobody spoke for a while, the elder Slytherins confused on what the hats advice was, expect one was confident that he'd find out soon. 

The silence stretched on as they stared at each other and even the portraits shifted awkwardly in their frames. Severus was about to speak up when Pansy burst through the door.

"Hermione Granger has been found." 

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Harry ran down the stairs next to Pansy, knowing he had to appear concerned, even though he wasnt. Slytherin still believed that,  though strained, Hermione was his friend.