The End of Pretence
folder
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Snape
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
12
Views:
10,447
Reviews:
33
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
1
Category:
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Snape
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
12
Views:
10,447
Reviews:
33
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
1
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Chapter Six
Sorry, this was going to be posted yesterday, but I found out my best friend had pneumonia, so I had to call and make sure she wasn't dying, lol. As for keeping Hermoine as a real friend, I had to. I was all prepared to make her evil, but i seem to be incapable of it. I like her too much, and I see too much of myself in her. That's probably why this seems so sudden. I also have to tell you picofoxy, I'm not really sure who going to be evil and who isn't in this story, my subconscience seems to have a will of it's own in this story. I'm also the type of person who can't plan ahead because its completely useless when I do. I never go with what I've planned. This writing thing sure is complicated. ~_~!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Six
September 1, 1991
Age: 11
Harry smiled to himself as he watched his family walk away. They thought they were so clever, trying to make him feel abandoned and stupid. The twins had told him about the platform, they had also told him that their mum was on the lookout. Seeing the familiar sea of red, he prepared to begin his charade. He had decided, after reading the history of this Voldemort fellow that he would become what these people wanted. They wanted a perfect hero. He had noted down all the personality traits of the perfect Gryffindor, and would conform to that image, not because he actually cared what these people thought of him, no, but because that’s how he would defeat Voldemort. From what he could gather, Voldemort was the perfect Slytherin, the natural enemy of the Gryffindor. It would gall him to act the perfect Gryffindor, at heart he knew he was a Slytherin, but it would make his enemy misjudge him. He would need all the help he could get too, because it was ridiculous the amount of pressure they put on a child.
Donning a lost puppy look, he surreptitiously watched as the Weasleys approached. He loved playing up his waif look; it was so fun to have people completely underestimate you. He couldn’t shatter their belief just yet though, which was even more fun, for now, he had to be what they thought he should be.
At the word “muggles” he pretended to just notice them. He gave a slight smile as Mrs. Weasley pretended to forget the platform number when she noticed him looking, just so Ginny could shout it out and really grab his attention. Really, how many years had this woman been sending her children to Hogwarts? Not to mention the years she went herself. Like she would forget the platform number. Seeing the twins give a slight eye roll, Harry had to take a second to compose himself.
He watched as Percy disappeared into the column, and was about to make his approach when a slight hand movement from Fred stopped him. He watched, amused, as they confused their mum yet again on who was who. Harry honestly couldn’t understand why the woman couldn’t tell them apart. He thought it was easy.
Seeing the twins disappear through the barrier, he made his approach.
“Excuse me,-“
“Hello dear,” she interrupted. “First time at Hogwarts? Ron’s new, too.”
Really, she had all the subtly of an elephant in a tutu. Was he not supposed to realize that she immediately knew he was a first year bound for Hogwarts when all he had said to her so far was ‘excuse me’?
He let the Weasley woman bustle him onto the train, barely tolerating the smothering nature she seemed to exude. All throughout this, he noticed the silent looks of wonder being sent his way by the girl, Ginny. He also noticed the annoyed looks being sent her way by her mother, and how she was trying to distract him from noticing said looks.
Once on the train, he could barely keep awake through Ron’s incessant chatter. The only bright point of the trip was when Hermoine had come looking for him, using the excuse of looking for some toad another boy had brought.
He had kept in touch with her after meeting her that day in Diagon Alley. He hadn’t confided everything to her just yet, but he could tell he would eventually. It had taken a bit of maneuvering to call her, but he worked it out so he called her using the phone at the market when he did the shopping for the Dursleys, which was quite often considering the amounts of food his uncle and cousin consumed.
Harry could tell that they were concerned when he said that they could never call him, and that he used a pay phone to contact them, but he was hoping to stave off questions until later. He had gotten around to telling them about the Weasley’s, and his plans to be a Gryffindor. Hermione’s parents had also become a bit alarmed when Hermoine showed them the passage in the History book Harry had loaned to her that showed his role in the fight against Voldemort.
It had actually been kind of nice when Mrs. Granger had taken the phone when he called and fussed for 15 minutes making sure he was ok, and letting him know they were worried and to not do anything foolish. It was the first time and adult seemed to care about him that he could remember.
Seeing the wink she sent her way when she came bustling in was priceless. Especially when she made a fool of Ron when she insisted he show her the spell he was about to do before she came in the compartment.
When they got to Hogwarts, Harry was suitably impressed. The pictures and descriptions didn’t do the castle justice. It was beautiful.
Seeing Hermoine quietly slip the toad into Hagrid’s range of view, he smirked. The girl was wily, he had to give that to her.
When they got to the front doors of the castle, they swung open and revealed a tall, black-haired witch in emerald green robes. She had a very stern face and Harry’s first thought was that this was not someone to cross.
Hagrid introduced her as Professor McGonagall, and then left the little first years to her care. She led them to an empty chamber off the entrance hall and Harry was annoyed to note how everybody seemed to huddle together.
“Welcome to Hogwarts,” said Professor McGonagall. “The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great all, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory, and spend free time in your house common room.
“The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rule breaking will lose house points…”
Hermoine listened intently to the speech given by the stern looking Gryffindor head. Yes, she knew who Professor McGonagall was. After she had read about Harry in that book he gave her, she made it a point to learn everything she could about her new school. It was amazing how close the two of them had become with just phone conversations. She was worried about her new friend.
She was a rather lonely child growing up. She never quite knew how to interact with people, it was always awkward. It probably had something to do with how she often lived in books. She loved them, they could let her become anyone she wanted to be, and when in them, she was the most beautiful, popular girl. When she first started school, she had tried to act like the characters in her books, which had isolated her. Something she could never quite overcome.
Harry was different though. Harry just kind of slipped right into her family like a long lost brother. When he had told her Headmaster Dumbledore had planned who his friends were going to be, and what school house he was going to be in without Harry’s input, she had become concerned. That’s when she really started researching who was going to be at Hogwarts. While studying everything she could find about the Headmaster, she had found a small mention, in two different sources, that it was rumored he was a master Legilimens. Never having heard that word before, she decided to look it up and was alarmed to find it meant he could read minds, and that to defend against it, one must learn Occumency.
Of course, she immediately began studying. It seemed a good skill to have, especially because Hermoine valued her mind. She would especially need it if her plans to worm into the friendship between Harry and that annoying Ron boy were to work.
She started as the ghosts flew thought the walls. She had read that Hogwarts hosted quite a few in Hogwarts: A History, but she still hadn’t been prepared for actually seeing them.
She sighed as the other children jostled each other for the best place in line; really, they were all going to get to the same place at the same time.
Walking into the Great Hall, for the first time in her memory, her brain ceased to analyze and dissect the world around her. It was much too busy taking in all the wonderful sights. The ceiling was simply amazing, showing exactly the same thing as the sky outside, and the four house tables were sturdy, well weathered relic that had undoubtedly seen countless children’s grubby elbows. The lighting was perfect as well. Hundreds of candles sparkled as the hovered just above head level, giving a soft, luminous glow to the scene that just… well, it was magical.
She dutifully followed as Professor McGonagall led then between the two center tables to stand in front of the teachers table, facing the students. Curiously, the next thing the Professor did was set a stool in front of them, placing the rattiest old hat on top of it. Hermoine couldn’t see anything special about it, that is until the brim split open and started singing.
”Oh you may not think I’m pretty,
But don’t judge on what you see,
I’ll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I’m the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can top them all.
There’s nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can’t see,
So try my on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
If you’ve a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You’ll make your real friends,
Those cunning folk use any means
To achieve their ends.
So put me on! Don’t be afraid!
And don’t get in a flap!
You’re in safe hands (though I have none)
For I’m a Thinking Cap!
So, that is the famous sorting hat, was all Hermoine could think. She had figured they would’ve taken better care of such an important object.
She watched as their line slowly dwindled as Professor McGonagall called their names alphabetically. perfect, thought Hermoine. this way, I’ll be ahead of Harry, so it won’t be as suspicious.
After a sandy-haired Irish boy was declared a Gryffindor, it was finally her turn. She rushed to the seat, and immediately started thinking at it.
Greetings Most Noble Hat, I request the right to choose my own House
“Interesting, it looks as if someone’s been doing their research. No need to tell me your request, I see it all right here. Are you certain though? With what I see, you most suitable match would be Ravenclaw. No, oh well, yes, I see how that wouldn’t work. I grant your request, but I leave you with this bit of advice: You were right about the Headmaster, and I would learn that useful little skill you’re studying before going further.
“With that, I say GRYFFINDOR!”
Another thing, I think I'm gonna be lazy and not do this year by year. I think the next chapter will pick up right after the prologue ended. For one, I don't want carple tunnle (sp?), and for another, that would make the next chapters increadibly long and dry considering I want his first five years to be exactly like the books, only with a few things added. So few, in fact, that I believe I can work the explanations into the story. I'm about to start my weekend, and I'll tackle this thing, but know that even I don't really know where it's going. I actually just had a bunny come and bite me on the ass as I was typing this very paragraph. As always, any suggestions, or corrections welcome.
~Alto~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Six
September 1, 1991
Age: 11
Harry smiled to himself as he watched his family walk away. They thought they were so clever, trying to make him feel abandoned and stupid. The twins had told him about the platform, they had also told him that their mum was on the lookout. Seeing the familiar sea of red, he prepared to begin his charade. He had decided, after reading the history of this Voldemort fellow that he would become what these people wanted. They wanted a perfect hero. He had noted down all the personality traits of the perfect Gryffindor, and would conform to that image, not because he actually cared what these people thought of him, no, but because that’s how he would defeat Voldemort. From what he could gather, Voldemort was the perfect Slytherin, the natural enemy of the Gryffindor. It would gall him to act the perfect Gryffindor, at heart he knew he was a Slytherin, but it would make his enemy misjudge him. He would need all the help he could get too, because it was ridiculous the amount of pressure they put on a child.
Donning a lost puppy look, he surreptitiously watched as the Weasleys approached. He loved playing up his waif look; it was so fun to have people completely underestimate you. He couldn’t shatter their belief just yet though, which was even more fun, for now, he had to be what they thought he should be.
At the word “muggles” he pretended to just notice them. He gave a slight smile as Mrs. Weasley pretended to forget the platform number when she noticed him looking, just so Ginny could shout it out and really grab his attention. Really, how many years had this woman been sending her children to Hogwarts? Not to mention the years she went herself. Like she would forget the platform number. Seeing the twins give a slight eye roll, Harry had to take a second to compose himself.
He watched as Percy disappeared into the column, and was about to make his approach when a slight hand movement from Fred stopped him. He watched, amused, as they confused their mum yet again on who was who. Harry honestly couldn’t understand why the woman couldn’t tell them apart. He thought it was easy.
Seeing the twins disappear through the barrier, he made his approach.
“Excuse me,-“
“Hello dear,” she interrupted. “First time at Hogwarts? Ron’s new, too.”
Really, she had all the subtly of an elephant in a tutu. Was he not supposed to realize that she immediately knew he was a first year bound for Hogwarts when all he had said to her so far was ‘excuse me’?
He let the Weasley woman bustle him onto the train, barely tolerating the smothering nature she seemed to exude. All throughout this, he noticed the silent looks of wonder being sent his way by the girl, Ginny. He also noticed the annoyed looks being sent her way by her mother, and how she was trying to distract him from noticing said looks.
Once on the train, he could barely keep awake through Ron’s incessant chatter. The only bright point of the trip was when Hermoine had come looking for him, using the excuse of looking for some toad another boy had brought.
He had kept in touch with her after meeting her that day in Diagon Alley. He hadn’t confided everything to her just yet, but he could tell he would eventually. It had taken a bit of maneuvering to call her, but he worked it out so he called her using the phone at the market when he did the shopping for the Dursleys, which was quite often considering the amounts of food his uncle and cousin consumed.
Harry could tell that they were concerned when he said that they could never call him, and that he used a pay phone to contact them, but he was hoping to stave off questions until later. He had gotten around to telling them about the Weasley’s, and his plans to be a Gryffindor. Hermione’s parents had also become a bit alarmed when Hermoine showed them the passage in the History book Harry had loaned to her that showed his role in the fight against Voldemort.
It had actually been kind of nice when Mrs. Granger had taken the phone when he called and fussed for 15 minutes making sure he was ok, and letting him know they were worried and to not do anything foolish. It was the first time and adult seemed to care about him that he could remember.
Seeing the wink she sent her way when she came bustling in was priceless. Especially when she made a fool of Ron when she insisted he show her the spell he was about to do before she came in the compartment.
When they got to Hogwarts, Harry was suitably impressed. The pictures and descriptions didn’t do the castle justice. It was beautiful.
Seeing Hermoine quietly slip the toad into Hagrid’s range of view, he smirked. The girl was wily, he had to give that to her.
When they got to the front doors of the castle, they swung open and revealed a tall, black-haired witch in emerald green robes. She had a very stern face and Harry’s first thought was that this was not someone to cross.
Hagrid introduced her as Professor McGonagall, and then left the little first years to her care. She led them to an empty chamber off the entrance hall and Harry was annoyed to note how everybody seemed to huddle together.
“Welcome to Hogwarts,” said Professor McGonagall. “The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great all, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory, and spend free time in your house common room.
“The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rule breaking will lose house points…”
Hermoine listened intently to the speech given by the stern looking Gryffindor head. Yes, she knew who Professor McGonagall was. After she had read about Harry in that book he gave her, she made it a point to learn everything she could about her new school. It was amazing how close the two of them had become with just phone conversations. She was worried about her new friend.
She was a rather lonely child growing up. She never quite knew how to interact with people, it was always awkward. It probably had something to do with how she often lived in books. She loved them, they could let her become anyone she wanted to be, and when in them, she was the most beautiful, popular girl. When she first started school, she had tried to act like the characters in her books, which had isolated her. Something she could never quite overcome.
Harry was different though. Harry just kind of slipped right into her family like a long lost brother. When he had told her Headmaster Dumbledore had planned who his friends were going to be, and what school house he was going to be in without Harry’s input, she had become concerned. That’s when she really started researching who was going to be at Hogwarts. While studying everything she could find about the Headmaster, she had found a small mention, in two different sources, that it was rumored he was a master Legilimens. Never having heard that word before, she decided to look it up and was alarmed to find it meant he could read minds, and that to defend against it, one must learn Occumency.
Of course, she immediately began studying. It seemed a good skill to have, especially because Hermoine valued her mind. She would especially need it if her plans to worm into the friendship between Harry and that annoying Ron boy were to work.
She started as the ghosts flew thought the walls. She had read that Hogwarts hosted quite a few in Hogwarts: A History, but she still hadn’t been prepared for actually seeing them.
She sighed as the other children jostled each other for the best place in line; really, they were all going to get to the same place at the same time.
Walking into the Great Hall, for the first time in her memory, her brain ceased to analyze and dissect the world around her. It was much too busy taking in all the wonderful sights. The ceiling was simply amazing, showing exactly the same thing as the sky outside, and the four house tables were sturdy, well weathered relic that had undoubtedly seen countless children’s grubby elbows. The lighting was perfect as well. Hundreds of candles sparkled as the hovered just above head level, giving a soft, luminous glow to the scene that just… well, it was magical.
She dutifully followed as Professor McGonagall led then between the two center tables to stand in front of the teachers table, facing the students. Curiously, the next thing the Professor did was set a stool in front of them, placing the rattiest old hat on top of it. Hermoine couldn’t see anything special about it, that is until the brim split open and started singing.
”Oh you may not think I’m pretty,
But don’t judge on what you see,
I’ll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I’m the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can top them all.
There’s nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can’t see,
So try my on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
If you’ve a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You’ll make your real friends,
Those cunning folk use any means
To achieve their ends.
So put me on! Don’t be afraid!
And don’t get in a flap!
You’re in safe hands (though I have none)
For I’m a Thinking Cap!
So, that is the famous sorting hat, was all Hermoine could think. She had figured they would’ve taken better care of such an important object.
She watched as their line slowly dwindled as Professor McGonagall called their names alphabetically. perfect, thought Hermoine. this way, I’ll be ahead of Harry, so it won’t be as suspicious.
After a sandy-haired Irish boy was declared a Gryffindor, it was finally her turn. She rushed to the seat, and immediately started thinking at it.
Greetings Most Noble Hat, I request the right to choose my own House
“Interesting, it looks as if someone’s been doing their research. No need to tell me your request, I see it all right here. Are you certain though? With what I see, you most suitable match would be Ravenclaw. No, oh well, yes, I see how that wouldn’t work. I grant your request, but I leave you with this bit of advice: You were right about the Headmaster, and I would learn that useful little skill you’re studying before going further.
“With that, I say GRYFFINDOR!”
Another thing, I think I'm gonna be lazy and not do this year by year. I think the next chapter will pick up right after the prologue ended. For one, I don't want carple tunnle (sp?), and for another, that would make the next chapters increadibly long and dry considering I want his first five years to be exactly like the books, only with a few things added. So few, in fact, that I believe I can work the explanations into the story. I'm about to start my weekend, and I'll tackle this thing, but know that even I don't really know where it's going. I actually just had a bunny come and bite me on the ass as I was typing this very paragraph. As always, any suggestions, or corrections welcome.
~Alto~