1,106The whole student population fell silent after the Sorting Hat's decision. Both Gryffindor and Slytherin students were stunned, especially the Weasley brothers. Harry, who hoped that Ron would be sorted to Gryffindor, had a shocked look on his face. McGonagall stared at the young Weasley in utter surprise and a man with greasy hair and a large hook nose, wearing black robes frowned slightly before masking it to indifference.
Ron's face was white, his eyes wide as saucers. He couldn't believe it. He was sorted to Slytherin.
"That's bollocks!" yelled someone and Ron knew it was Fred who shouted. "He can't be in Slytherin!" His outburst broke the silence and everyone began whispering amongst each other.
"Fred's right!" said George loudly in protest, standing up from his seat and glaring at the now-motionless hat on Ron's head. "He needs to be resorted! He's -!"
"That's quite enough, Mr. Weasley," said a calm voice. Ron turned and realized the one who spoke was no other than the headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. His gaze turned to Ron and asked softly, "Mr. Weasley?"
"I – I," stammered Ron. I can't be in Slytherin.
But you are. I decided it's the best House for you, said the hat to him, surprising him. If you truly want to attain your goal, Slytherin will provide what you need. And it's not the House that defines the person; the person himself defines what the House is all about. Salazar Slytherin wasn't a dark wizard most of you students made him out. After that, the hat became quiet once again.
Ron could feel everyone's gazes boring on him. He knew what the headmaster was asking: whether or not he wanted to be resorted. He took a moment's silence and said mentally to hat, Promise you won't tell anyone about what you know. He left the stool, placed the hat on it, and silently made his way to the Slytherin table. I'm sorry, he thought sadly, sitting beside a girl with brown hair tied in a ponytail. He looked up and his gaze met his brothers' broken expression. Ron quickly looked away, feeling very much ashamed of himself.
After his sorting were three students who were Dean Thomas who went to Gryffindor, Blaise Zabini who also ended up in Slytherin, and Rose Zeller who was sorted to Ravenclaw. He didn't bother listening to the short opening speech of the headmaster or the conversations he could hear within earshot. He ate silently and slowly (he wasn't feeling as hungry as before) and kept his head down to avoid anyone's looks.
The evening wouldn't be too awful if it weren't for Draco Malfoy and his cronies who were now making snide comments about him. "I can't believe a blood-traitor got sorted in Slytherin," sneered Draco, baiting Ron to fire back.
"I know Draco," simpered a girl. She had black shoulder-length hair and a face resembling a pug. "It's an atrocity."
"Salazar Slytherin must rolling over his grave right now," jabbed another student, earning nods from the others. "A blood-traitor got sorted in Slytherin."
"Tell me Weasley, did you beg the hat to put you in Slytherin?" goaded Draco, his eyes filled with malice. "Do you think you –"
Ron couldn't take it any longer and slammed the cutlery on the table, shocking the students sitting close to him. He said forcefully, "What made the Sorting Hat decide to put me here in this House is none of your business. Really, you sounded like one of those middle-aged women who like gossip, don't you know?" he ended with a sneer. He was about to eat again but he stopped and added, "By the way, your voice is annoying. It's high-pitched like a girl's so you better shut your gob because it's irritating."
The Slytherins who heard him didn't say anything and stared at him, perplexed. Then one of them snorted, followed by some light chuckles. Draco, on the other hand, flushed with his cheeks blotched pink from embarrassment and anger.
Smirking in satisfaction, he turned away and began to eat again with more gusto. But his smile slid off as thoughts of sleeping with his new dorm mates (he mentally shuddered) entered his mind. He was going to pay dearly for what he did just now. Don't fret it, said Ron mentally as he tried to calm himself down. He can't possibly hurt me, he doesn't know any harmful spells.
Are you sure? He's a son of an alleged Death Eater, reminded a small voice, making him more anxious. And even if he doesn't know any hexes or severe spells, he can just order his two goons to beat you up in a pulp.
He was going to be murdered overnight, and for the rest of the year. Scratch that, he's dead for the next six years of his Hogwarts life. Ron swore under his breath, earning a questioning look from the girl sitting beside whose name was Tracey Davis. But I can still defend myself, said Ron determinedly. He suddenly remembered a smaller journal he owned where all of the spells he encountered in his visions were recorded (he was going to research them when he arrived to Hogwarts) but considering the situation, he might as well use some of them later if the situation called for it. And he might be able to know its functions at the same time. He felt more confident in himself and he wasn't going to let anyone push him around.
When the food vanished and was replaced by desserts, Ron's mouth watered at the sight and piled his plate with one of everything he could reach, ignoring Draco and his friends this time.
Finally, the desserts were gone as well. Everyone inside the Great Hall was full and content and their attention was focused on Dumbledore who stood up, his arms open and wide with a warm smile on his ancient face.
Ron couldn't help but snort at the headmaster's choice of words in his opening speech but his curiosity perked up when Dumbledore had forbidden everyone of all years not to go to the third-floor corridor, right side. His mind went buzzing, wondering if he was able to See any vision relating to the third floor. He snapped back, noticing that everyone was standing up to leave. Ron saw his fellow Slytherins (he shuddered once more) and followed them quickly as he didn't want to be left behind. He could tell they were going to the dungeons and it was becoming creepier as time passed by. The first years trailed after the prefects until they stood in front of a damp empty wall.
"In front of you is the entrance to the Slytherin dungeons," said the male prefect, gesturing the damp wall behind him. "Do try to remember the password," he added with a hint of irritation (Ron had a feeling the prefect didn't like to help much).
"The password is Superiority," said the female prefect and the wall slid upward. Everyone entered inside except Ron who still stood by the entrance with a disgusted expression planted on his face. Sighing, he went in along the others. "On the left side are the boy's dormitories and on the right side are the girl's," she told them.
"But before you can go to your dorms," interrupted the male prefect, giving the first years a beady look, "Professor Snape –" Ron saw Draco smirked, "- will come and give a welcoming speech to you first years so I suggest you behave yourselves when he arrives." He gestured them to the common room and the first thing that Ron could think was green. The curtains were emerald green, and so were the leather sofas. The windows were shut tightly and he could see some creatures swimming (and if his eyesight wasn't fooling him, he saw a mermaid passing by). Ron was now certain that the Slytherin dungeons were located under the Black lake.
Ron saw almost all of the House's students were assembled at the common room. It wasn't long until they heard the entrance slid open and the Slytherin Head, Severus Snape (or the greasy bat as Ron's twin brothers fondly called him), arrived with his black robes billowing.
"Settle down," he said softly, standing in front of the fireplace and giving everyone a sweeping glance. The moment he spoke, everyone fell silent, giving him their utmost attention. "Welcome to Slytherin, first years and welcome back to everyone else. To those who do not know me, my name is Severus Snape and I am the head of this House. I am also the institution's Potions Professor, and therefore I will be seeing you in my class soon."
"You should be proud to be sorted into this House, for Slytherin represents the qualities of ambition, cunning, and resourcefulness. These qualities will help you get where you want to be in the future or in any endeavours you seek." He paused for a moment, wanting his words to sink in. "As head of Slytherin, I expect all of you, and also the older students, to behave appropriately to all of your Professors, not only I, and that you will be under no circumstances be in any situation that calls for docking of points and detention. You have been warned." he finished, giving everyone a firm yet stern gaze.
"It's already late and I'm sure all of you wished to sleep in their beds," he continued, noticing one or two students blinking to keep themselves awake, "so I won't delay you any further. Tomorrow morning, the prefects will escort the first years to the Great Hall for breakfast and I expect you to guide them to their classes. Tardiness is not an option in Slytherin," he said, directing his words to the prefects who nodded firmly. "Good night to all of you," he ended.
"Good night Professor Snape," chorused all Slytherin students to him. When the Slytherin head left the common room, everyone else dispersed from the common room and went to their respective dormitories.
Ron was in deep thought as Snape's words echoed inside his mind. He wasn't sure but it was as if Snape had an underlying meaning to his words. He made his way to the first year boy's dormitories and entered inside where he was greeted by Draco's malice voice.
"So, you're going to sleep here with us for the next six years here at Hogwarts," began Draco, giving the redhead a filthy look. He was standing with the rest of the first year Slytherin boys other than Crabbe and Goyle.
"Obviously," Ron rolled his eyes. "Are you that daft?" He knew he was pushing his luck but he wasn't going to back down.
Draco glowered at him but chose to overlook what he said. "I don't think you deserve to stay here. You're better off sleeping out on the cold floor where you belong."
"So you're saying that I should get out?" scoffed Ron but his right hand was gripping his wand inside his robes.
"Good that you understand what I'm saying," sneered the pale blonde boy and Crabbe and Goyle stepped toward Ron, cracking their knuckles.
Before the two could even touch him, Ron drew his wand and pointed at them. "Impedimenta"' he shouted, randomly remembering one of the spells he wrote down in his journal. A flash of blue light shot out from his wand, knocking the two boys back with such force they were now lying unconscious on Draco's feet. Is that what that spell's supposed to do? Wondered Ron in bewilderment, staring at his two dorm mates' unmoving bodies on the floor. Or did I use too much power when I cast it?
Draco and the dark-skinned boy were speechless.
"That's the Impediment Jinx. How did you learn that?" asked a weedy-built boy. He had dapper black hair, narrow black eyes, and olive skin.
"My brothers mentioned it once," lied Ron shortly, still pointing his wand at them. "So Malfoy, are you still considering what you said? You'll end up just like your two mates," he said to Draco, glaring.
"I'll tell Professor Snape about this –" snarled Draco.
"Then tell him," said Ron, anger bubbling inside him. "I don't care." He lowered his wand, went to his bed and wrenched the curtains open. "I'm going to bed, you should do the same," he muttered mutinously. He didn't dare look at them but he could tell they did what he suggested (he wondered if one of them dragged Crabbe and Goyle to their beds) judging by the sounds of the curtains being pulled. Ron kicked off his shoes and slid under the blanket, not bothering to change his clothes. As he lied down, he fell asleep almost immediately.
Ron was alone in the dark; he couldn't see nor hear anything. Then he heard voices, shouting and screaming in extreme pain and suffering. One of the voices he heard was familiar and he cried out to call to that voice, but no sound came out from his mouth. Suddenly a bright green light burst out, enveloping him completely that he woke up, sweating.
He let out a relieved sigh after realizing it was a dream. He glanced around the room and saw none of his dorm mates. Ron looked up at the time from the wall clock and to his horror, it was already half past seven. He jumped out of bed and went straight inside the bathroom to take a quick shower. He dried himself up and wore his Hogwarts uniform as fast as he could before dashing out to find the way to the Great Hall. "Those gits," growled Ron, hating Draco and the others more than he could imagine before he heard a muffled chatter from one corner. He followed the noise and was pleased that he found the place.
His stomach growled in hunger and he strode to the Slytherin table to eat. He sat down, pulled a plate and stacked some eggs and bacon on it but before he could eat any of it, Snape's voice called his name, halting him.
"Mr. Weasley," said the Potions Master lowly. He stood in front of him as if he appeared out of nowhere, looking quite menacing. His call caused some of the Slytherin students sitting nearby to look up and watch them curiously.
"Yes, professor?" replied Ron tensely, avoiding the students' looks his way and dreading what the potions professor had to say.
"You are summoned to the headmaster's office," he said silkily. "And we'll be having a talk later after your last class, is that clear?"
Ron gulped involuntarily and nodded once. "Yes."
"Follow me," he turned his back and strode away from the Great Hall, walking up the nearest staircase.
Ron quickly trailed after him, wanting to avoid attention as much as possible. He jogged for a moment in order to catch up to the foreboding man who didn't lower his pace. After a minutes' of silence, Snape finally stopped. Ron abruptly stopped his walk and looked around until he saw two stone gargoyles on his side.
"Sherbet Lemon," scowled Snape as he said the password. An elevating staircase appeared between the two gargoyles and he stepped in. Ron jumped in as well and wobbled a bit before regaining his balance as he was not used to moving stairs. When they reached the landing, Snape knocked on the door twice and not a moment later Dumbledore's voice spoke from inside.
"Enter," the two walked in and the first thing Ron saw was his parents, his older brothers Percy, Fred and George, and Ginny. He felt his stomach dropped at the sight of them. "Ah Mr. Weasley, you finally arrived. Please take a seat," he gestured kindly toward the empty squishy-looking chair in front of his desk.
Ron was panicking inside; it was too sudden for him to meet his family and he didn't want to know their thoughts before he could even prepare himself. He looked away, feeling very ashamed and anxious. He avoided their gazes and sat numbly on the chair. He heard a click of the door and assumed that Snape must have left the office.
"I assume you know the reason why I called you, Mr. Weasley," said Dumbledore, gazing at Ron intently through his half-moon spectacles. When he saw the young redhead inclined a small nod, he continued. "Your brothers sent a letter to your parents about your sorting and as you can tell, they responded quickly by arriving here. They wanted to know why the Sorting Hat put you there instead of Gryffindor."
"Yeah, it's bloody impossible since –" blurted out George before silencing himself from his mother's hardened gaze.
"So, you're going to ask the Sorting Hat about my sorting?" concluded Ron slowly.
"Correct," came Dumbledore's simple response. "Although I'm sure nothing seems to be wrong with it, your parents would like to know personally." He turned to face the Sorting Hat and said, "I assume that you're listening to us?"
"Yes," spoke the Hat, moving slightly from the high stool he was perched. "You question my decision, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley," the hat directed his words toward Ron's parents.
"But my son can't be a Slytherin – not that I'm against anyone who's under that House," said Mr. Weasley quickly. "But it's just that the whole family is in Gryffindor, even my ancestors they in Gryffindor. Even Molly's side was all Gryffindor.'
"But didn't we have a Great-great grandfather who's sorted to Ravenclaw?" piped up Ginny who sat on her father's lap.
"Yes, but he was more of a reader," said Mrs. Weasley fondly.
"Mr. Weasley, there's nothing wrong with your son being sorted to Salazar's House," said the hat. "Yes, he could've been sorted to Gryffindor, but he would do well in Hufflepuff. But after much consideration, Slytherin is best House for him –"
"Why?" asked Mrs. Weasley.
"- because he possess some of the traits that Slytherin upholds – resourcefulness and ambition," continued the hat. "You shouldn't be disappointed in him just because he was sorted in another House, especially in Slytherin," said the Sorting Hat. "The House doesn't define the person, it's the person that defines the House. Do try to remember that." at the end of his speech, the hat went still and said no more.
"I guess that settles the issue," said Dumbledore after a few seconds. "I do hope things have cleared up for you, Arthur and Molly."
Mrs. Weasley let out a sigh. "Yes, it was enlightening."
Professor Dumbledore stood up and said, "I'll let you all have a private moment. I will take my leave," he stood up from his seat and left the office.
When he was gone, all of the Weasleys present didn't say anything first. Ron, who had been avoiding their gazes, finally looked up at them, and asked tentatively, "Are you going to hate me now?" The question threw the other Weasleys off, shocked that they didn't know to how to respond immediately. "Are you? Just because I'm sorted to Slyth -"
"Of course not!" cried Mrs. Weasley. She rushed to her son and embraced him tightly. "We would never hate you! What made you think -?"
"Because you're here," said Ron, mustering his courage after he pulled himself away. "You didn't like that the Sorting Hat put me in Slytherin. No Weasley should be in Slytherin. You're going to disown me –"
"It's not like we didn't like that you ended up in Slytherin, son," sighed Mr. Weasley. "It's just that it's hard to believe that a Weasley would be sorted there. No one saw that, not even us." He glanced over the motionless tattered hat from one corner and continued, "and the Sorting Hat did have a point. We still love you, Ron. Remember that."
Ron felt his heart swelling in happiness and relief but he stopped and watched his brothers and sisters who were standing a few feet away.
Percy was the first one who stepped forward and gave him a one-arm hug. 'I don't hate you, if that's what you're thinking,' he said to him, lacking the pompous tone. 'I'm just really shocked that you got sorted in another House. You're still my brother no matter what happens,' he finished importantly.
"Thanks Percy," mumbled Ron gratefully. He slowly glanced at the twins and Ginny, feeling apprehensive and scared of what their reaction would be.
Ginny was next and said to him, "You're still Ron to me," she hugged him and whispered, "You're my favourite brother no matter what," she gave him a small smile before going back to Mrs. Weasley's side. Ron couldn't help but smile gratefully to her.
"Well," began Fred, scratching the back of his head. Ron looked up to him and became apprehensive yet again. "I have to admit, I really don't like the idea of you or anyone in the family being sorted to Slytherin –" Ron winced as if his words were knives cutting through him, "- but you're still ickle Ronniekins to us."
"Yeah, just as long as you don't get along with Malfoy or anyone in there," added George.
Ron shook his head. "No way. Malfoy and his goons are gits."
"Language, Ronald!" said Mrs. Weasley sternly. "Now do take care, all right? And I want you to study hard."
"Yes Mum," grumbled Ron, not wanting to hear about studying or reading. But he grinned slightly, happy that his fears of becoming an outcast didn't come true.
Before Ron attended his first class, he was given an excuse note from the headmaster himself (and schedule from Snape who approached him again) to inform the professor the reason of his lateness. He knocked on the door of the greenhouse, entered inside and gave the note to a squat yet good-natured witch named Pomona Sprout who was the Herbology professor as well as the head of Hufflepuff House. He ignored the stares from the students and sat on the right end of the greenhouse, listening to the professor instead. It took two hours to finish the class and Ron thought it was a good subject despite the dangers of the plants they would be studying soon.
As everyone filed out, Ron felt someone hit him hard by the shoulder. He stumbled forward and glancing around who did it, he saw Draco and the rest of the Slytherins walking out of the greenhouse, smirking. "Malfoy," growled Ron.
Ron checked his schedule and noted that the next lesson would be was Transfiguration. The next class would take place after lunch so he decided to return to the Slytherin dungeons. He gave the password in disgust and went all the way to the dormitory where none of his dorm mates were present. He opened his trunk and took out his journal from the bottom, along with a quill and an ink pot. Ron opened the journal, dipped his quill in the inkpot, and began to write the visions he had yesterday.
He would've written it yesterday but he couldn't do it in front of the others. He tried to remember everything, not leaving out any detail that might be important. It took him a while but he was able to finish what he foresaw from Harry's future. He only managed to remember around five scenarios (Ron was clearly disappointed), but it was better than nothing. He let the ink dry first while glancing toward the door nervously for fear of someone entering (especially Malfoy. He wouldn't mind much if Crabbe or Goyle entered, he figured they wouldn't be as nosy as their albino leader).
Ron reread what he wrote, taking in all of the details and descriptions from the visions he had. He checked the time and to his surprise, it was almost twelve-eighteen. It was already lunchtime. He stuffed his journal back inside his trunk, locked it securely, and left the room and out of the dungeons. This time, he remembered the way to the Great Hall. He sat at the very left end of the Slytherin table and began to eat as much as he could. He noticed the students leaving after swallowing so he hastily finished his shepherd's pie and stood up to leave like the others.
He sprinted off inside the corridor, asking the portraits where he should go instead of the students, and he finally made it to his destination after much running. Ron entered the classroom and to his relief, McGonagall the Transfiguration professor wasn't there yet. When the class began, Ron thought the subject itself was hard. Although Transfiguration was interesting, it demanded concentration and use of the visual mind as lectured by McGonagall herself. By the time the bell rang, all students from Hufflepuff and Slytherin stood up to leave.
Ron noticed Draco and some of the Slytherins throwing smirks at him and he knew at once what it was all about; he knew what the consequence for his actions last night were and he wasn't afraid because he did what he thought was right. He was not going to let anyone in Slytherin to push him around. He was a Weasley and Weasleys did not back down.
He approached McGonagall slowly, hoping she would tell him where Snape's office was located. Fortunately, she told him where it was without asking too much. He hurriedly went to the potions master's office and five minutes later, he was in front of the door. He drew a deep breath and knocked on the door twice.
"Enter," Snape's drawling voice drifted from inside. Ron pulled the handle and entered inside. Snape's office was described in Ron's opinion as 'creepy'; the walls except the one behind the desk were covered by shelves with jars containing what seemed to be potion ingredients (Ron didn't dare glancing the disturbing ones). "Mr. Weasley, close the door." said Snape without looking up. Ron did what he was told and closed the door behind him as quietly as he could. "Sit," Ron sat on one of the two leather black chairs in front of the desk.
No one spoke for a while as Snape graded a stack of papers that turned out to be summer holiday homework. Ron sat still, waiting for the inevitable to happen. Finally, the potions master put down his quill and spoke, "I don't need to explain to you why you're here, am I correct?"
"Yes," answered Ron. "sir," he added as Snape's gaze hardened.
"Very well," said Snape. "Mr. Malfoy –" Ron mentally snorted, "- told me this morning what you did last night to Mr. Crabbe and Goyle. You used an Impediment Jinx against them, a spell that will be learned in fourth year of the Defense Against the Dark Arts curriculum. Now tell me Mr. Weasley, how did you know of this spell?" he ended with a question.
"I learned it from my older brothers Fred and Geo –" started Ron, sticking to his lie.
"Don't lie to me," growled Snape. "Your twin brothers could not have learned that spell. They prefer goofing around and would not waste time learning defensive spells."
Ron couldn't believe it. It was as if Snape could read his mind. "I –" thoughts entered his mind, trying to find out a possible way to not tell him how he knew that spell. "- I read it in one of the old notes of Bill," he said. "Since he took the job as a Curse-Breaker, he studied a lot of defensive spells or anything that could help him with the job. I read it last year. His notes were still in his room, if you're wondering."
Snape gave him a penetrating look and Ron couldn't look away. Don't think of it; just stay calm, he said to himself. It was true that Bill researched all sorts of defensive spells months before he took leave to Egypt, so he wasn't exactly lying.
"Your brother is rather irresponsible then," sneered Snape. "I expected more from him since he was Head Boy three years ago," Ron clenched his fists, stopping the urge of retorting what the Slytherin Head said about his older brother Bill. "Assuming that you don't know what spell you used, the Impediment Jinx is a spell that can slow down anyone when hit. Too much power can cause for the victim to knock back unconscious like the Stunning spell."
Ron stared at him in awe. That's one spell down, he thought.
"Now Mr. Weasley," said Snape silkily, causing Ron to jump slightly in his seat, "what you did last night is offensive, therefore you will be given one week of detention –"
"That's unfair!" protested Ron. "I only jinxed them because they were going to kick me out from the dormitory!"
"And why would they do that?" questioned Snape skeptically.
"because I'm a blood-traitor and I don't deserve to be in Slytherin as they put it," said Ron monotonously, giving him a long stare.
Snape regarded him for a moment and said finally, "You should've told me right away when they said that. You still be given a weeklong of detention –" Ron opened his mouth to protest again, "- for what you did. I do not tolerate unruly behavior. You're a Slytherin, not a Gryffindor."
From the final tone Ron knew that the discussion was over. "Yes sir," he muttered in defeat. He stood up to leave, excused himself and went to the door.
"And Mr. Weasley," said Snape suddenly, his eyes fixed on the test papers again. "Do not do that again. There are other ways to stop from being harassed. Good day to you."
Ron merely nodded once and left the office. After taking a couple of steps made him realize what Snape had implied. He ran along inside the empty hallway and seeing one of the ghosts, he stopped and asked, "D'you know where the Owlery is?"
This is rather long for me. Okay, not really but it was a hard one.
I don't think Snape hates the Weasleys in general. He seems to tolerate (and/or somehow respect Arthur and Molly) most of them, but maybe not to Charlie and the twins since they're more playful in nature tend to be in thick of trouble. Snape doesn't like Ron in canon only because he's best friends with Harry, that's how I see it. So yeah, he's a bit less Snape-ish in this one. He's not going to be biased towards Ron much since he's a Slytherin and Snape favors the Slytherins (but he'll favor Draco more, that's for sure).
As for Ron using the Impediment Jinx, he doesn't have much control over his magic and magic can be influenced through the wizard/witch's emotions. Since Ron felt angry (and panicky), the jinx he threw against Crabbe and Goyle became a bit stronger, thus knocking them unconscious. Next one will be Ron's first class in Potions and Flying lessons (one of the few scenes in the next chapter)!
There'll be lots of Harry, Hermione and the replacement of Ron in the next one! I'm sure you know who that character is.