Simon says...

Disclaimer:

This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

The text below is the translation of Altron's piece "Harry Potter und das Haus des Phoenix". Her permission to this project was confirmed by my P.I. Check my profile for Altron's contacts.

Als die Sonne den Tag verließ,
die Augen fest geschlossen, die Seele verkrampft,
die Erinnerung gefressen, die Zukunft voller Angst

(Lacrimosa)

Harry spent most of the remaining time until the beginning of the term in his room, staring out of the window. Nothing - absolutely nothing - was happening. The Muggle news reported no unusual events, so that Harry almost regretted the cancellation of his subscription to the Daily Prophet. Still, after all those lies, he hadn't really felt like reading it anymore. Two days before boarding the Hogwarts Express, he received a short note from Ron, telling him that the Weasleys couldn't pick him up, so he should ask his relatives to drive him instead. Great. He threw the letter on his bed. The Dursleys might have been treating him quite friendly, but actual contact with his world would still be a problem.

At dinner, he addressed the matter straight forwardly. "Somebody will have to drive me to Kings Cross the day after tomorrow."

His aunt, who had been lecturing them about some kind of boring new fertilizer, stopped talking rather abruptly and glared at him.

"Can't you tell I'm talking to your uncle? Wait for your turn!" And with that she continued her monologue about Gerald's Gardenhelp: Guaranteed Green Grass. After about half an hour, Harry couldn't stand it any longer and stood up.

"What was it you wanted to say?" The voice of his aunt held him back.

Typical, no one had even listened to that single sentence he'd said. He felt like screaming, or maybe throwing something. Instead, Harry breathed deeply before he replied. "Somebody will have to take me to Kings Cross the day after tomorrow."

Aunt Petunia nodded. "Fine, we'll get you there somehow." Then she turned back to Vernon, listing the pros and cons of various fertilizers.

Harry walked upstairs, and, even though it was still very early, he went to bed. Tomorrow he would be packing his bags, and after that he would see Ron and Hermione again. They would have lots of fun. Looking forward to the first day of school, Harry fell asleep.

***

Two days later, Uncle Vernon woke Harry rather violently.

"GET UP, BOY! We're leaving in fifteen minutes sharp!"

Harry opened his eyes; it felt like it was still the middle of the night. A quick glance at his watch proved him right. He quickly got dressed and carried his heavy trunk down the stairs and heaved it into the car. He had no time left for breakfast.

"Why are we leaving this early?"

"Did you really think I would waste a work day, just to get you to your freak-school? I have to be in the office by 9:30. Got that?"

Vernon was apparently in a very bad mood. Harry simply nodded and tried to think of activities he could possibly do to pass the time whilst waiting for a few hours at a train station.

***

Harry took refuge in a bakery and finally had some breakfast. He waited until a loud voice announced the arrival of The Hogwarts Express. Harry was the first to board the train, but not long afterwards he was able to observe the first students and their parents filing onto the platform.

"Are those seats taken?" a familiar voice inquired. Harry turned away from the window and recognized Neville, Luna and Terry Boot standing in the doorway.

"Actually, two are. I'm saving them for Ron and Hermione, sorry."

"Well, we'll find something somewhere. See you, Harry," Neville answered.

"Later." Harry went back to observing the happenings outside.

The clock showed almost ten and still there was no sign of the Weasleys. Suddenly, a huge wave of red flooded through the barrier. Harry jumped up, calling his friends over.

"Hello Harry, how are you?" Mr. Weasley came up to his window, while the others were busy heaving the trunks onto the train.

"Just fine," Harry replied.

"I see the Dursleys managed to bring you here, I'm truly sorry we couldn't pick you up."

Ron and Hermione entered the compartment and Harry turned to greet them. Suddenly, the doors slammed shut, one last wave and they were moving.

"Hey mate, how's your summer?" Ron asked.

"What'd you think? I sat around all day being bored. And yours?"

"Well, we..."

"Whatever. I don't think I want to know," Harry cut him off annoyed.

He didn't need Ron's descriptions to know that they had had a far better summer than he did. Harry watched the last houses of London vanish behind a curve. After a while, he turned back to Ron.

"Sorry, but my summer was everything but nice."

Ron nodded in understanding. Silence fell in their compartment, broken only by the occasional giggles from Hermione and Ginny, who were reading a girls' magazine. After a while Ron challenged Harry to a game of chess, Ginny left to see Dean, and Hermione started reading the Prophet.

"Anything new?" Harry asked her.

"No, again nothing. He's kept his head low ever since the incident in the Department of Mysteries."

Harry frowned. "But...why is he? I mean, now that everyone knows..."

"V-Voldemort is clever. He needs his followers. And we just made sure that the best of them are in Azkaban. I bet he's hiding and developing some cunning plan. But I doubt it will be long before we hear something."

Harry knew she was right. Time passed; the sun had reached its highest point a long while ago, and soon dusk would set in.

"I'll look for Neville. He sent me an owl a few days ago," Hermione said and got up. "Then you'll have time to change."

"Neville asked Hermione if she could tutor him in Transfiguration, so he can take the re-sit," Ron explained. "She agreed."

"I've been meaning to ask her as well. For Potions," admitted Harry, while putting on his robes.

"Uh, I guess you might be too late. She promised lots of students to tutor them already and if she agrees to help you as well... I have no idea when she's planning to sleep."

"Is she tutoring you, too?"

"Yep, but I'm already done. We did History of Magic two hours every day."

"History of Magic?" Harry asked surprised. There was nothing worse than dry theory. "Even more Binns? When did you lose your marbles?"

"I'll try to get into the NEWT-class and I need an E for that. Harry, promise you won't laugh," Ron said, feeling a tiny bit embarrassed. "I...I was thinking of following in Bill's footsteps and start a career at Gringotts. I'll need NEWTs in History of Magic, Transfiguration, DADA, and I'll have to start Arithmancy. Professor McGonagall told me there would be a class for beginners this term."

"Lucky you," Harry said and patted Ron on the shoulder. "I still need to get into the NEWT class in Potions..."

They both had changed and intended to start another game of chess, when Malfoy's voice interrupted their setting up of the pieces.

"Oi, here you are, Potter. I was actually hoping you'd missed the train." Draco's wand was directed at Harry's chest. Unfortunately, Harry's wand was still in his coat-pocket, which was spread messily on a seat.

"What do you want, Malfoy?" Harry glanced at Ron, but without luck. He was wandless as well.

"How about...some tea?" Malfoy smirked. "Or rather...some revenge? Impedimenta!"

Harry fell backwards and his head collided with a sharp edge. Even though he couldn't move, he still felt blood running down his skull.

"That was for my father..." But Draco wasn't able to finish his sentence. Ron had lunged forward and was trying to rip the wand out of Malfoy's hand. Slowly, Harry regained the feeling in his body. The curse hadn't been very strong and was already losing its effects. He sat up and his hand searched the seat for his coat but without success. Finally, Crabbe and Goyle managed to free Draco from Ron. Nevertheless, Ron had disarmed him and was now holding Malfoy's wand. Clutched between the two huge bullies, he fired curses in every direction. Even Harry had to duck to avoid being hit again. He yelled at Ron to stop, but Ron seemed to be in a stupor. Determined, Harry reached for his coat, pulled his wand out and in that precise moment he was hit by another curse. Before he lost his consciousness, he heard Malfoy's cold laugh.

***

It seemed to last hours until someone finally performed the counter curse. Hermione was bending over him.

"Harry, what happened?"

Harry sat up. He noticed the puddle of blood he was in, and felt for the wound. It burned terribly. His glance fell on Ron, who was rolling around on the floor laughing hysterically. Probably Rictusempra, he thought. Then he abruptly stood up.

"Ron stunned me," he explained.

His head hurt and all he wanted to do was to lie down. He remembered Malfoy's laugh; Ron had made a fool of himself in front of their arch-enemy. Harry made to leave the compartment.

"Harry! Where are you going?" Hermione sounded worried. "It must have been an accident."

"Sure," Harry answered, but kept walking.

"Harry, come back and sit down. You are injured." Hermione had gotten hold of his sleeve and was trying to pull him back inside.

"'Mione, let me go," Harry told her in a very annoyed voice.

"I can't let you go off like...."

"JUST LET ME," Harry yelled and fiercely freed himself from her grip.

He shouldn't have screamed like that, because now lots of compartment doors opened and students were staring around curiously. Harry ignored them all, marched to the toilet, and shut himself in.

His head hurt. The wound wouldn't stop bleeding and a small stream of blood ran down his neck. But all he did was sit there and think. He knew Ron hadn't meant to hit him, but rather Malfoy, with that curse. Still, he didn't want to forgive him just now. Ron should have listened to him, when he told him to stop. Malfoy's intention had been clear, vengeance on Harry. Harry could have shown him the way to the door, if it hadn't been for Ron.

***

It became darker and darker outside. They would arrive at Hogsmeade station before long. If he wanted to have a little chat with Malfoy, he would have to act soon. Harry got up. He felt nauseous, and his head hurt even more. He went into the next coach. Malfoy and his bullies must be somewhere down here. The nausea worsened with every step, and Harry had to lean against a wall. Someone came out of the opposite compartment. It was Neville. He half carried Harry the few steps into their compartment. Harry broke down onto the next seat. He recognized Anthony Goldstein, Terry Boot and Luna Lovegood sitting around him. All students who had belonged to last year's DA.

"Harry, are you OK?" Neville looked concerned and started to examine the wound.

"My head..." was all Harry could muster to say. As soon as he tried to sit straight, the whole room started to circulate.

"I think he needs professional help," observed Luna. "Too bad there are no teachers on board."

"True," Anthony admitted. "But wait, what about your brother?" He was looking at Terry.

Terry jumped up. "I'll be right back!"

"What is he doing?" Harry inquired in voice not more than a weak whisper.

"He's fetching his brother," Luna repeated. "He took an advanced class on magical healing. Believe me; Simon will get you on your feet in no time."

Harry closed his eyes. The wound burnt and burnt. A noise and the opening of the door caused him to open his eyes again. Next to Terry he could make out a Ravenclaw seventh year. Harry didn't know him, and he didn't look anything like Terry. Terry was blonde with green eyes and an average strong build. This Simon, on the other hand, was tall and skinny with black hair and pale-blue eyes, as well as a very unhealthy pale face.
Simon kneeled down beside Harry and examined his injury.

"I can heal it, but it will hurt."

Harry just nodded. If only the pain would stop. Simon raised his wand and touched the wound slightly. Then he mumbled, "Asklepio". Harry felt the wound grow even hotter. He squeezed his eyes shut and grinded his teeth. Gradually, the pain decreased.

He opened his eyes. No more nausea. He looked down. He and the seat were covered in blood.

"Oh, don't worry about that. I'll take care of it," Luna assured him, and with a light swish of her wand the blood vanished. Harry thanked her and Simon, and after the older student left, he turned to Terry.

"I didn't know you had a brother."

"Well, I don't -- not really. My parents adopted him when he was about four." Terry fell silent. Harry took the signal.

"I guess I'd better go and get my stuff. We should arrive any minute now."

***

The train started to slow down, as he approached his compartment. He heard Hermione giggling. He didn't know why, but he slowed down, and quietly tiptoed to the door. He glanced inside and saw Ron and Hermione sitting side by side. Ron whispered something into her ear.

"Ron, stop! That tickles." Hermione giggled some more, and sat up straight. She kissed Ron on the cheek and started to pull her trunk form the rack. While doing so, she caught sight of Harry, who was still standing rooted in the doorway.

"Harry..." she started. Harry marched inside and gathered his things.

"When did you mean to tell me about this?" he asked in a hostile fashion.

Hermione glanced nervously to Ron. "We -- uhm -- we wanted to, but..." She started an explanation. "Please don't be upset."

"I AM NOT UPSET! YOU HAD FUN ALL SUMMER LONG. I SHOULD HAVE GUESSED. YOU... YOU..." Harry couldn't find the right words. "Locomotor trunk," he mumbled and left. Harry pushed his way through the mass of students to one of the coaches. He even ignored Hagrid, who shouted his usual "Hey Harry, how ar' ye?"

***

In Hogwarts, Harry kept a good distance between himself and Ron and Hermione. He was last to enter the castle, together with a few Slytherins, Luna and Neville. The rush into the Great Hall abruptly slowed down, and he could make out confused whispers. He couldn't see what was going on. Finally, the crowd came to a complete stop. Suddenly, he heard Professor McGonagall's magically magnified voice: "Everything is all right. Please enter and file up on both sides of the hall. Move on."

The students started to move again. As soon as Harry passed the oak-doors, he found out what had caused the confusion. Not four, but five long dining tables were set up inside. He queued a few metres behind his friends and took a good look around. At the front, he could see the staff-table, where Dumbledore stood confidently waiting. Beneath him, there were the four former tables, decorated with the house-symbols; an eagle for Ravenclaw, the badger of Hufflepuff, a snake picturing Slytherin and the Gryffindor lion. The last table, however, showed the portrait of a Phoenix.

When all students were lined up, Prof. McGonagall closed the doors and took her place at the staff-table. Dumbledore spoke, "Ás you can see, there have been re-arrangements. We, that are the staff and I, wanted to create and introduce a more individual way of teaching. This is done best in smaller groups. Thus, we agreed to break up the former four-house-system and added a fifth one -- the House of Phoenix. Students who have shown, or will show, bravery, friendship and caring will be accepted here. Professor McPherson has kindly agreed to take up the post of Head of House."

He paused and smiled down at the rows of students in front of him. "This means that everyone will have to be resorted. It could be a new chance for many of you; you can become a member of a new environment; but it also means that you might have to leave your former house and fellow colleagues behind. However, I entrust you to take this opportunity to form new bonds. Keep in mind: everyone will need some time to adjust! Enough talk! Professor McGonagall?"

"Before the new students are sorted, you will take your new places." Prof McGonagall set up the familiar stool and placed the Sorting-hat on top. "You know the procedure. Take turns, one from the left, and then one from the right. Begin."

While the first student approached the hat, Prof. McGonagall left the Great Hall to greet the new students.

Harry glanced over to Ron, who looked back at him. How could they betray him like this? Why couldn't they tell him, so he was bound to find out through some silly coincidence? And now this. Dumbledore must have gone completely nuts over the summer, tearing up the houses. But, a faint voice in Harry's head whispered softly, there was one good thing about it. Imagine if he ended up in a different place than Ron and Hermione? He could definitely do with some distance...

He turned to the hat. Lavender Brown had just been sorted back into Gryffindor. Susan Bones, the next candidate and former Hufflepuff, became a Gryffindor as well. Terry Boot stayed in Ravenclaw, Millicent Bulstrode in Slytherin. Padma Patil, finally, was the first student to be sorted into the new house. And so on. Then Draco Malfoy strode up. Four years ago, the hat had barely touched his hat before sorting him; now it took him more than a minute until it shouted "Slytherin", Crabbe and Goyle followed suit.

It was Hermione's turn. She took her seat on the stool, looked at Ron, then at Harry, and put on the hat. "PHOENIX!" Hermione gave the hat to Ron and walked to her new house table. Ron had to wait longer, but in the end, he became a "PHOENIX". At some point Ginny, who was still a Gryffindor, handed the hat to Harry. The last thing he saw, before his eyes were covered by the huge hat, were Ron and Hermione, who looked up at him expectantly.

"Just don't put me with them. Not into Phoenix," he thought. The hat's voice rang quietly in his ears.

"So, you don't want to be in Phoenix House?"

"No!" Harry thought resolutely.

"Mmmmhhh, well, you've always been a rather tough candidate. Well...then it'll be SLYTHERIN!"

***

Harry slowly pulled down the hat. Did it really say Slytherin? It was very quite and every eye was fixed upon him; horrified expressions on their faces reflecting the students' shocked reactions. He got up in slow motion and his legs carried him to the Slytherin table, his pale face matching the white candles hovering near the ceiling. He was still holding the hat until Hannah Abbot took it from him. For some weird reason, Malfoy was pleased to see "the famous Potter" sitting at the same table. Harry forced himself to follow the rest of the ceremony. Neville was sorted into the new house, and Terry's brother was the last one to receive his new destination. He became a Slytherin, but took it far better than Harry. Simon walked over and slumped on the seat next to him.

Now it was time for the first years to enter. They looked around, a pool of scared and nervous youngsters waiting for the hat to begin its song. It cleared its throat and then started a speech.

"Welcome, welcome to Hogwarts, come in! Here, where once four ruled, are now five to lead you. The one who is prepared to fight the Dark Lord will find his place in Phoenix. You, who are of a hard-working mind and ready to believe in the good, will be at home in Hufflepuff. Ravenclaws are known for their cleverness and quick minds. Eagerness and cunning minds are treasured by Slytherin. Gryffindor values bravery and companionship. Now, new students come and try me on. I will evaluate your strengths and tell you where you belong."

While the first years started their sorting, Harry glanced around the table. The colours of the robes told him that a few Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws had found their way into Slytherin as well. He was the only Gryffindor, though.

"How are you?" Simon asked.

"Tough question, my headache is gone, but other that that I feel kind of pissed off."

Simon nodded and turned back to the sorting.

Harry's eyes met Malfoy's, who got up and took the other empty seat next to Harry.

"Well, got cold feet? Did you think the Dark Lord would forgive you?" he teased with a cold voice. Harry silently looked at him; he didn't want to risk a fight. He hadn't forgotten their little argument on the train, either. But he wouldn't start anything in front of the accumulated staff.

"Wait 'til you see our common rooms, I bet they're much better than the hole they stick Gryffindors in," Draco sneered on. "Further, there aren't any Mudbloods we would have to share our dormitories with. How did you stand that smell, anyway?"

This was too much. Harry grabbed Malfoy's collar and tore him off his chair. "Take that back, Malfoy, or...or did you maybe forget what it was like being a ferret? I could give you another taste of it!"

"Yeah, I'd like to see that," Malfoy smirked. "With your talent, you won't even be able to grow me fur."

Their argument got louder. The other students started to look at them, instead of following the ongoing sorting.

"Oh, really? If you think you're a better wizard than I am, you are mistaken. I'd say you can't even turn an old, wrinkled ball into a stone!" Harry provoked him.

"You wish! I'll prove you wrong in our first lesson. Or better now - let's go out!" Malfoy yelled back.

Everyone in their vicinity was now observing their fight.

"Silence!"

Harry heard a cold, quiet voice from behind and two icy hands broke the fighters apart. "If you would kindly follow me. Potter, Mr. Malfoy."

Professor Snape turned on his heels and strode out of the Great Hall, down the stairs and into his office. Harry's dislike for Snape could only be matched by Snape's dislike for Harry, and now that he was Harry's Head of House, the situation wasn't very likely to improve for him.

"So," Snape said softly, "it is my pleasure to welcome you to my house, Mr. Potter."

He conjured a plate of sandwiches and some juice with a wink of his wand.

"How thoughtful of you to set an example of your ignorant etiquette right away, whilst bringing Slytherin a negative start of term." He pushed the plate towards the boys. Malfoy immediately started eating, while Harry only nibbled on his slice of bread. He didn't feel very hungry. He was still realizing that he was now in Snape's house, even more exposed to Snape's reign of terror.

"I will have to deduct five points each. You had better make sure to improve your manners and avoid similar situations in the future."

Malfoy and Harry finished their meagre dinner, before Snape ushered them out of his office.

"Follow me; I will accompany you to the common rooms." He swept down the damp corridor and further into the dark dungeons, his robes billowing behind him. At last, he stopped in front of a cold, grey stone wall.

"The password is Snakeblood."

The wall opened and they entered the Slytherin Common Room. Harry had been here once before, back in second year, but he couldn't notice any changes. Snape turned to leave.

"I have to return to the feast. Mr. Malfoy, you will show Mr. Potter the premises."

He looked at them indignantly. "Neither of you are to leave the Common Room, do I make myself plain?" Both nodded.

"To prevent any accidents that might occur, your wands will be confiscated. You will get them back tomorrow morning." He held out his open hand. Harry and Draco grinded their teeth and reluctantly handed their wands over.

"Goodnight."

Harry looked at Malfoy, waiting for him to start the grand tour.

"Now, see where you got us?"

"Me!?" Harry couldn't help a livid outburst, but he quickly regained his self-control and kept the swelling, angry emotions inside.

"So, why are you in Slytherin?" Draco circled him with slow paces, while eyeing Harry suspiciously. Finally, he seemed satisfied that Harry had no hidden dangerous objects with him, and settled in a chair in front of the fire. Harry, meanwhile, was lost in thoughts.

"Good question, actually. But you'll have to consult the Sorting Hat on this one."

"Yeah, right!" Draco laughed out loud, though it still had a cold air in it. "The Sorting Hat's just as mad as Dumbledore. It wanted to put me into the new house, Phoenix-orwhatsthis, imagine that, me!" He paused and looked slyly at Harry. "Want to know why it didn't? Because I didn't want to end up in there, I told it to keep me in Slytherin, the House of my Master."

Harry should have guessed. "You are mad."

"You still haven't told me why you're here. Why aren't you with your dear Mudblood-girlfriend Granger?"

"Hermione is NOT my girlfriend!" Harry started yelling, again.

"Answer my question."

But Harry paced in front of the fireplace, breathing heavily. The reminder of his friends' betrayal caused intense fury in him. Did Malfoy know what had happened? Did he intentionally provoke his anger so he would get himself into even more trouble?

"Just admit it; you're here to spy on us."

"Oh no. You're wrong. I am here, because I chose. I didn't want to be in Phoenix House either."

A smile slowly spread over Draco's face. "Well, well... we're getting there..."

Harry kept silent. He had said too much already. No one - not even Ron and Hermione - knew about the Sorting Hat's intention of putting him in Slytherin a few years back. And it wouldn't change now.

"I thought you were supposed to show me around?"

"What? Do you need your beauty sleep, Potter? Remember one thing, for the true Slytherin, life starts after the official part."

"Malfoy, I got up this morning way before sunrise. If you don't tell me where the dormitories are, I will have to turn the whole dungeon upside down until I find them."

"Oh, I'm so sorry," Malfoy mocked. "Why didn't you stay in the Muggle-hole you came from in the first place?"

"Keep the Dursleys...." Harry towered menacingly over Draco, but the voices of the approaching Slytherins caused him to hesitate. The wall slid aside and Harry backed off, not taking his eyes of the young Malfoy.

"Draco, you missed a splendid feast!" Crabbe slumped into a close-by chair.

"If you say so," Draco appeared bored, but his eyes were still awake and locked on Harry. Harry's attention, however, was now focused on a Slytherin who was wearing the Prefect Badge.

He was talking to the first-years, "... must be tired, I will show you your dormitories." Harry moved forward, so that the Prefect would notice him.

"Hello Harry, did Draco show you the sleeping quarters? No? Then come along." He shoved a tapestry aside that gave way to a long corridor with many doors leading left and right. He stopped in front of the last pair. "The right one leads to the girls' dormitory; boys, you will find your beds to your left. Have a good night."

Then he turned to Harry and his fellow newly sorted Slytherins.

"Follow me!" He stopped half way back to the Common Room. "Here are the rooms for the sixth years." Harry stepped forward to open the door, but the Prefect put a hand on his shoulder. "Are you seriously planning to go to bed now? It's party-time." He grabbed Harry's robes and tried to force him back to the Common Room. But Harry proved stronger; he struggled free and escaped in to the quietness of his new bedroom.

It was much bigger than the Gryffindor one. All the beds had soft, green hangings, adorned with tiny silver snakes. He spotted his belongings on one bed in a corner. He let himself fall onto it, not yet tired enough to sleep, but all the thoughts whirling around in his brain were screaming for some attention. His thoughts were a jungle of Hermione, Ron, Phoenix House, and Sirius. He desperately needed someone to talk to, but his two best friends had just betrayed him and his godfather, the only other person he could have turned to, was dead.

At some point, he fell asleep, not even noticing Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle entering their dormitory later that night.

To Be Continued

A/N:

I like coffee and reviews.

The quote is taken form a song by Lacrimosa:

When the sun left the day.

Eyes tightly shut, soul cramped,

Memories forgotten, a future full of fear.

Next: The trio keeps fighting and Snape spills the beans...