Re:HP-A New Life

I am 15 chapters ahead on my patreón, check it out if you are interested.

https://www.patréon.com/emperordragon

_________________________________________

Chapter Twenty: Settling In

The Slytherin common room was quiet as Harry stepped into its cool, green-lit atmosphere. Students mingled, some whispering and casting glances his way, but Harry ignored them. He had a different focus tonight.

The entrance to the secret room wasn't marked—it was hidden deep in the Slytherin dormitories, accessible only to descendants of Salazar Slytherin. With a subtle wave of his wand, Harry muttered a parseltongue phrase under his breath. The stone wall shifted, revealing a narrow passageway.

The hidden chamber was small but elegant, with ancient tapestries and a high-backed chair that seemed to welcome him. Harry felt the magic of the room settle around him, soothing and familiar. His trunk unpacked itself, clothing folding neatly into drawers and books arranging themselves on shelves.

He sat on the chair, letting his mind wander. As he sorted through his thoughts, a passing remark he'd heard earlier in the common room surfaced.

"Rabid dogs shouldn't be in the castle," an older Slytherin had sneered. "They won't last long."

At first, Harry hadn't paid it much mind, but now the words gnawed at him. Rabid dogs. Werewolves.

His thoughts turned to the werewolf students he'd heard about—students who were finally being allowed to attend Hogwarts after years of prejudice and exclusion. The memory of Dolores Umbridge's anti-werewolf legislation surfaced in his mind, laws that had forced werewolves into poverty and isolation.

In the previous timeline, Voldemort's actions had destabilized the magical community, leaving many light-aligned families on the verge of collapse. Harry remembered how Remus had suffered under umbridge's policies, how he'd struggled to find work and dignity in a society that hated him for something beyond his control.

Harry clenched his fists, and for a fleeting moment, he felt a phantom pain on the back of his hand. I must not tell lies.

The words had long since healed, but the memory of Umbridge's cruelty lingered. Back then, she had been little more than an annoyance compared to the other challenges Harry had faced. Still, he'd drawn her ire intentionally, ensuring that her venomous attention was focused on him rather than on the other students.

Now, in this new timeline, Harry realized he had the power to make things different—not just for himself, but for those Umbridge sought to harm.

"She owes me a debt," Harry muttered under his breath, his voice cold in the still air of the chamber. "And it's time I collect."

He stood, his resolve hardening. There was much to prepare for—Umbridge was still at the Ministry, wielding influence like a blade, and her hatred of werewolves had already begun to seep into Hogwarts.

But this time, Harry wasn't a scared boy fighting battles alone. He was a Potter, a Slytherin, and someone who knew how to play the game.

With a flick of his wand, the chamber sealed itself behind him as he stepped out into the dormitory. The night stretched before him, filled with possibility.

This time, Dolores Umbridge wouldn't be the one pulling the strings.

The Potter Estate.

The emerald flames of the Floo Network roared to life in the Potter estate's sitting room as Lily stepped out, brushing ash from her robes. Charlus was in his favorite armchair, a book perched on his lap, while Dorea sat by the window, her embroidery hoop resting lightly in her hands. Both looked up as Lily entered, her face a mixture of pride and lingering worry.

"Well?" Charlus asked, closing his book with a soft thud. "How did the sorting go?"

Lily exhaled, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Rose was sorted into Gryffindor, as we expected. But Harry…"

Charlus raised an eyebrow. "What about him?"

Lily hesitated for a moment before saying, "Harry was sorted into Slytherin."

The silence stretched for a moment, then Charlus leaned back, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Slytherin, you say? Can't remember the last time a Potter was sorted into Slytherin."

Dorea set her embroidery aside, her expression proud and unbothered. "That's because it was me."

Charlus blinked, clearly startled. "You were a Slytherin?"

"Of course," Dorea replied with a small smirk. "Not all Potters have to be loud, brash Gryffindors, you know. I'll have you remember, Charlus, that Salazar Slytherin valued ambition and cunning, and I was quite proud to embody those traits."

Charlus chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, that explains a lot about you."

Dorea raised an elegant eyebrow. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Lily managed a smile at their banter, but her thoughts remained preoccupied. "I'm happy for Harry," she said, sitting down across from them. "But… it's a bit surprising, isn't it?"

"Why would it be?" Dorea asked gently.

"It's just… well, I think about Severus." Lily's voice softened as her memories drifted back. "We were so close as children. But when he was sorted into Slytherin, it was as if the distance between us grew with every year. And then, when he joined the Death Eaters…"She trailed off, her eyes downcast.

Dorea reached out, placing a comforting hand on Lily's. "Harry is not Snape, my dear. Nor will he ever be. He's strong, clever, and has a good heart. Being in Slytherin will not change who he is."

"I know," Lily said, though the worry lingered in her voice. "But I can't help but think about how things ended between Severus and me. I don't want Harry to feel like he has to keep parts of himself hidden from us."

"Then make sure he knows he doesn't have to," Charlus said firmly. "You're his mother, Lily. He knows you love him no matter what."

Dorea nodded. "And besides, having Slytherin connections can be a strength. Don't underestimate the value of understanding people who think differently than you. Harry will do well in Slytherin—I can feel it."

Lily smiled, feeling a bit of the tension ease. "You're right. He's always been wise beyond his years."

"Exactly," Dorea said, her tone confident. "And if anyone dares to treat him poorly for being a Slytherin, they'll have me to answer to."

Charlus laughed, the sound warm and reassuring. "There's the fiery side of the Blacks I married."

As the three of them shared a lighter moment, Lily's worries began to recede. She thought of Harry's quiet strength, his determination, and his sharp mind. Slytherin or not, Harry was still her son—and she trusted him to navigate this new chapter with the same resilience he had always shown.