Harry was uncertain how to feel about Snape. On one hand the man was an utter bastard and had been horrible to him for every moment of his Hogwarts career. He had spent Harry's entire fifth year firing legilimancy probes into his mind again and again. The technique was incredibly painful and caused more harm than good to Harry's mind.
However, Harry had later found out that it was the fastest way to teach someone to defend against harmful intrusion, and Dumbledore had demanded Snape teach him fifth year, as fast as possible, and specifically in that way. Harry couldn't deny that Snape had probably enjoyed it a little too much, but he wasn't willing to lay all the blame for that at Snape's feet. Though it had been a direct contributor to the state of Harry's mental defenses as they stood now.
Snape had also been instrumental in the Dark Lord finding out about the prophecy, causing the deaths of his parents. On the other hand he had begged both Voldemort and Dumbledore. The former he had begged to spare his mother, the latter had been to help save her respectively. He then helped defend Harry from attacks that would have killed him during school, more than once. And apparently he had done the same for Harry's mother when they were in school together and people in Slytherin wanted to take things out on Lily. In the end, Snape had fallen holding off Death Eaters while Harry and his friends made their escape during the assault on Hogwarts.
Harry wondered at the loyalties and experiences of the Snape in this world. Especially since both of his parents were alive. What did this mean for the events that occurred on this world and Snape's role in them. Harry let no reaction show on his face to his personal thoughts as his perusal continued down the table.
He was interrupted in his perusal when he mentally noted that McGonagall had passed the G's and was into the H's. Harry sighed internally, knowing that it was likely that the headmaster was going to make more of a spectacle of Harry's arrival than he would have preferred.
He saw other faces he recognized, though ones he didn't remember ever talking to. Bathsheda Babbling, teacher of ancient runes, her dark brown hair cut in a pixie cut, with glasses. She was strikingly attractive, and probably the youngest of the teachers, at least in appearance. She was clapping with politeness every time that the cap shouted. Next to her sat Septima Vector, clad in red with a pointed hat, and long dark hair. She looked slightly older, but incredibly regal. She watched the sorting impassively, though also clapped politely for each sorting. Harry realized that they really had no reason to be excited since they wouldn't interact with the students in any significant way before third year.
Next to her, clad in black and blue was the familiar form of Rolanda Hooch. Her short grey hair, still obviously spikey despite the witch's hat she wore. Her piercing yellow eyes, which Harry had always found interesting, watched the sorting with interest, and she clapped for each student. Harry was surprised that somehow she looked even more intense than he remembered her being on his world. Her amber eyes moved over every first year, and then locked on Harry's for a brief moment before she returned to the student being sorted.
Harry turned his attention to the other end of the table. Dark skinned and beautiful Aurora Sinestra, astronomy professor, sat next to Pomona Sprout and were talking very quietly between one another, pausing only to clap after each sorting.
Harry's eyes moved on to the professor next to her, and his eyes widened ever so fractionally before he schooled his expression. Lily Potter nee Evans sat and clapped politely after each sorting, though she occasionally leaned over to reply to something Professor Sinestra had said, their voices too quiet for Harry to hear. Then he realized that they probably had a muffliato charm up.
She was very beautiful, and her red hair was very eye catching. But he noticed her eyes most of all. Everyone was right. He did have her eyes. His eyes lingered on her for a few moments longer than the others before he moved on with a force of will. It was interesting to see her here and alive but as much as he might want to talk to her, Harry reminded himself he needed to keep his distance. He would not be responsible for her death, again.
Finally his eyes landed on the Headmaster of Hogwarts, Professor Albus Dumbledore. Harry had to admit, his robes at the moment were probably some of his more reserved robes; they were only a shiny grey with gold trim. He looked on, pleased and was clapping on the back of his hand after each sorting. Harry kept his eyes away from Dumbledore's. He had no interest in causing a spectacle if Dumbledore should try and use legilimancy on him.
Harry sighed as Professor McGonagall called the last name on the list, a Blake Zabini, sorted into Ravenclaw. Harry remembered vaguely that there was a Blaise Zabini in his class, though Harry couldn't remember anything else. She began to roll up her scroll, and he heard the murmur of students rise behind him. He had already heard several remarks from the closer tables wondering who the student still up at the table was.
Dumbledore stood up and Harry saw him smile first down at Harry and then the room at large, before speaking. "This year, we also have someone else joining us. He has been home schooled up until this year, and has elected to enroll in Hogwarts to continue his education. Please welcome, Ares Flamel." Dumbledore stated loudly enough for everyone to hear as he gestured to the stool for Harry to take a seat.
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