I am not Rowling. I am a MUCH better writer. Hee hee

We must reach out our hand in friendship and dignity both to those who would befriend us and those who would be our enemy. - Arthur Ashe

Chapter One:

A Strange Sorting

parseltongue

/thoughts/

sorting hat

"Dursley,Dudley"

The chubby boy put on the hat, trembling fingers betraying his fear.

You've recovered quite well since the removal of your block, Mr. Dursley.

/Thank you./

Not surprised to hear me, eh?

/Tom warned me./

Ahhh.

Silence. Then-

/I think I'm going to be a Gryffindor./

I think you are correct. Ignore your brothers. It is a fine house.

/Yeah./ Nervously, /I don't think I'm really that brave./

There are many types of bravery, Mr. Dursley, as you will discover in-

"GRYFFINDOR"

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"Gaunt, Salazar"

The silver eyed boy tugged fearfully on one long thin braid as he approached the hat. There was something almost familiar about this, he mused as the brim fell over his eyes.

Hello again, Salazar.

/Again? We've met before?/

Yes, long ago. I don't suppose you remember?

/You know who I am?/

Naturally. Though it is clear that you don't.

/Tell me! I want- no, I need to know!/

I agree, you do. But I cannot give you what you seek.

Dismay. /Why not?/

Because your identity will mean nothing unless you learn the truth on your own.

/Then put me where I can learn the truth./

Well, if it is knowledge you seek, better be-

"RAVENCLAW"

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"Potter, Harry"

"Potter did she say?" "The Harry Potter?"

The small boy tried to ignore the whispers as he came forward. Only partly successful, the darkness of the hat was a relief after the stares.

Well, well, Mr. Potter. You are certainly an intriguing one.

/Intriguing?/

You have qualities suited for quite a few houses. But where to put you?

Worry. /I do belong somewhere, right?/

Of course you do. The question is which you belong in more.

Relief.

Well, you are no Hufflepuff.

Acceptance. /I didn't think I would be./

You've brains enough for Ravenclaw, but you would prefer to apply them in a more, shall we say, practical setting?

Amusement. /True enough./

Brave too, I see; but you would rather avoid trouble then find it.

Agreement. /Absolutely./

Trouble does seem to be good at finding you, however.

Defensive. /Not my fault!/

I didn't say it was. Interesting. You want to prove yourself. Show the world that your not just a scar and a famous name.

Fierce agreement. /YES!/

Then better be in-

"SLYTHERIN"

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"R..R..Riddle, T..Tom"

The boy was already moving forward, steely grey eyes focused, his face blank. Only those who knew him well, (and only three could make that claim), Could have said how absolutly terrified he was as he put on the hat.

Interesting. I wonder if this counts as a re-sorting?

/Re-sorting? Then I gather you are not putting me back into Slytherin?/

You have all the cunning you need, Mr. Riddle.

Terror. /You won't tell Dumbledore who I am?/

No. Now where would be best...

Relief and gratitude. /Thank you. And not Gryffindor./

Why not? You are more than brave enough.

/I have to many enemies there./

leaves Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff.

Decisively /Hufflepuff./

Really? I would have thought you'd prefer Ravenclaw.

/People trust Hufflepuffs. And they are loyal. If- when the truth comes out they will stand by me./

But will you stand by them?

/.../

And yet...Helga would have loved you as a student. Perhaps being in her house will heal your wounds, and teach you to trust.

Doubtfully. /Perhaps./

Hmph. We will see. Incidentally, Mr. Riddle, you may want to lose the crush on Minerva. She is a bit old for you now.

Furious blush. /I do NOT have a crush on Min-/

"HUFFLEPUFF"

And a still red Tom removed the hat.

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Author's Note: I got this great idea from s/o's fic. When you review leave your house of choice, and I give points based on the best answers. Sooooo, here are the questions.

1: Who is Salazar Gaunt? Hint: I didn't invent him.

2:Where does Tom come from? Hint: He has a school boy crush on Minerva.

3:Since when does Dudley have magic?Hint: The answer is in the chapter.

4: Since when is Harry so aware of what his scar means? Hint: Harry seems to know quite a bit about the houses.

5: Who am I referring to when I named this 3snakes and a Lion? Hint: This should be obvious.

First to review gets 5 extra house points! Every correct answer is two points.