A/N: Sorry for the delay for my reply. between being busy with other things, my computer decided to die and I had to rip it apart and put it back together again, then get a new chord.

Chapter Three

After the Welcoming Feast the students were all sent to their dorms, many of them in groups discussing Jasmine Potter and her mysterious disappearance. Wasn't Hogwarts supposed to be perfectly safe? Well how safe could it be if students went missing before they'd even been sorted? The Prefects had their hands full with getting students to move along to their respective common rooms. Everyone seemed to want to stop and chat with one another instead of going to their dorms.

Neville and Ron could be seen talking together as they were lead to the Gryffindor Dorms. "Do you think she's alright? She did fall through the floor, who knows where she ended up." Said Ron while looking at the brunette boy worridly. Neville bit his lower lip in contemplation, or worry, and then replied "I don't think Hogwarts would allow anything like that to happen on her grounds, especially since it was the castle herself that took Jasmine." At Ron's confused expression Neville continued speaking. "My gran told me that the school was sentient in a way." The red head seemed to have a hard time believing this, but then just accepted it. It was a much better thought, the school being sentient and taking Jasmine somewhere, than any other thoughts currently swarming his mind now.

They got to their common room where the Prefects informed them of how things worked in their house. Basically rules they had to follow, what was expected of them, and the history of their house. Once in their dorm both boys got ready and curled up in their respective beds. Ron laying on his back, with Neville in his own bed curled up on his side. Both were wondering what had happened to Jasmine. And though they weren't friends at this point there was always that possibility further in the future.

Down in the dungeons Draco Malfoy was sitting up in his bed. His back against the headboard as he thought back to Jasmine Potter and her disappearance before dinner. It was just more proof for him that she was the one for him really. After all she must be something special if the castle itself sought her out. He wasn't that worried about her disappearance, unlike everyone else. With a satisfied smirk on his face he moved under the cover of his bed and laid on his side to sleep. He knew he'd see her tomorrow at some point. And then he could begin to show her that he was the only person she needed to be around. After all, he was a malfoy. She would never be able to find someone better than him to spend her time with.

-o-o-o-o-

The professors and headmaster stared at the hat upon Jasmine's head after it had called out where she was to be placed. Shock and confusion written on their faces. It just wasn't possible, was it? No, it couldn't be possible. There was just no way they heard what they thought they had heard.

"Slytherin"

How could the daughter of James and Lily Potter be in Slytherin? Dumbledore's eyes lost their twinkle and a contemplative look crossed his face before it was replaced with his normal grandfatherly smile. "Well, now that you've been sorted Miss Potter you may head to your dorm with Professor Snape, as he is your Head of House." He said as he stepped forward and held out his hand for the Hat. She removed it from her head and handed the hat over to him. Fawkes flitted from her lap and swooped over to his perch. She stood and made her way to Professor Snape and gave him a polite smile. "It's good to see you again Professor Snape." She said to the lanky man, he gave her a curt nod of the head and turned to lead her from the room.

Without her having noticed her uniform changed so that it held the silver and green of her house. As they walked down to the dungeons Jasmine's eyes roamed around at everything they passed by, the suits of armor, the portraits, and the tapestries.

They were close to the Slytherin dorms now when suddenly a wall appeared infront of them. Snape seemed surprised and slightly confused as to why the castle was hindering their way. That is until another hallway appeared with a portrait at the end. Severus was confused about this and as he turned to look back at the hall they came from the wall blocking the way to the Slytherin dorms was still there. Obviously they were meant to go towards the portrait.

As they got closer to the portrait Snape saw that it was of Medusa. Her hair of snakes writhed and swayed around her head in a hypnotic manner as the pale skinned enchantress looked at the two before her. "Greetings, it has been almost an age since someone was directed to my portrait" She said, speaking to the two of them though her amber eyes were fixed on Jasmine who was looking at the snakes curiously. The young girl was wondering were she to speak in Parseltongue, if the snakes and Medusa would understand her. She woudln't try it with her professor there, but maybe after he left.

"You're saying, My Lady, that were were directed here for a reason?" Snape asked in a respectful tone. Any Slytherin would recognize the woman before them and be just as respectful. The enchantress nodded her head, making the snakes bounce slightly. "Yes, the Castle has deemed that this student is to have the quarters guarded by myself. The password for now shall be 'Serpentine', but can be changed at anytime."

Snape left Jasmine after informing her that there would be a House Meeting tomorrow morning before breakfast, the meeting was manditory and would be when he explained to all the new students what was expected of those in Slytherin along with the rules that all students in the house were to follow. After he was gone Jasmine turned to Medusa and smiled at her. "Madam Medusa," she said politely "Would it be possible to have the password in Parseltongue? Atleast unless a member of the staff required entrance into my rooms?" She asked then awaited the answer. Medusa seemed surprised at the question.

"You are a Speaker?" She said in the language of snakes. Jasmine smiled and replied with a simple "Yes Ma'am." Medusa was surpised to say the least but then regained her composer. "I can see why you were given the rooms which I guard now. These quarters once belonged to a member of Salazar Slytherin's family; His second son's to be exact." She said as she looked down at the small girl.

After Jasmine gave the password Medusa's portrait opened like a door to reveal the archway which led to the girl's new quarters. The main room was large, the walls were done in a dark almost black green with brown accents along the top and bottom of the walls. The floor was wood, and also dark, but with a shine of fresh polish to it. The furnature all looked brand new and not like it had been sitting down here for over a thousand years. Magic was simply; amazing.

Aside from the main room she had entered there was an archway leading to a dining room with a table that would comfortably sit a family of six. It was done in a cream and dark brown design. Halfway from the walls down and along the floor was a dark wood while the rest of the wall up to, and including the ceiling, was done in a cream color. The table was made out of a lighter, but no less dark, wood as the walls and the floor.

There was a doorway from the main room to a bedroom that was beautifully decorated in dark browns and two different shades of green. There was a green that was akin to emerald as well as a darker green to make the emerald green pop more. The blanket of the bed was a dark brown that appeared to be made from velvet while the sheets and drapes were of the darker green and appeared to be either silk or satin. while the pillows were a mix of browns and the emerald green. There was a dresser that was made of the same material as the bed, as was a vanity off to the side of the room next to a door that Jasmine guessed led to a closet. The cushion for the seat of the vanity was of the darker green that was visible in the rest of the room and the mirror had carvings of snakes and roses along the edge.

Inside the closet, which was what that door had led to, was a large room with three floor length mirrors placed to give the person standing infront of them a different angle of view of themselves so they could better choose their outfit for the day. There were various shelves for shoes and accessories, as well as several places the hang robes and dresses. It was any spoiled debuetants dream closet. Though Jasmine liked it she would probably not use it to it's fullest potential as she was the type of girl to more enjoy simple things.

A door on the otherside of the bedroom across from the closet door led to the en suite bathroom. It had a large tub that could easily fit five full grown adults, there was also a seperate shower with glass walls and glass door. Jasmine was happy to see it had indoor plumbing, considering when the castle was built they'd not had such conveinences. There was an ornate silver edged mirror above the sink. On the racks near the tub and the shower were towels done in slytherin green.

Another doorway from the mainroom led into a private study, there were shelves full of books and scrolls along the walls that reached from floor to ceiling. And with the ceiling being almost fifteen feet high in this room there was plenty of space for them. In the center of the room was a desk and chair. The chair was made from leather, though Jasmine wasn't sure of the creature it came from. While the desk was made out of a pale grey wood.

After her explorations Jasmine retired the the bedroom and went to her trunk, which had been delivered to the room while she was still in the headmaster's office. She pulled out a pair of pajamas and her bathroom supplies. She carried them into the bathroom, showered, brushed her teeth, and then headed to bed. She dreamed of all the wonderful and strange things she would learn in the magical world from this point on.

-o-o-o-o-

The next morning Jasmine woke at the same time she normally did; 7 am. And proceeded to get dressed in her Hogwarts uniform. She brushed her hair, left it unstyled and then grabbed her school bag, which had the first year books, quills, ink, plenty of parchment, and a small blank journal. She didn't need to worry about it being too heavy or unorganised as the bag was enchanted much like her truck to have different pockets and it was spelled to not go above three pounds in weight. Once she was sure she had everything she needed Jasmine headed out of her dorm, got directions to the Slytherin dorms from Madam Medusa, and went to await the housemeeting that Professor Snape had talked about last night. At exactly seven forty-five the Potions Master entered the common room, he then began to inform his snakes of what was expected of them.

"First, no matter what issues you have with any of your Housemates, you will keep it in the common room. You will show a united front outside of these walls as any weakness from Slytherin is pounced on by the other three houses." He began as he looked to each of the first years. His eyes lingered only a moment longer on his godson, Draco. "Secondly, your grades will not fall below an Acceptable unless you with to have intense study sessions with me in detentions." As no one wanted to get detentions with their Head of House, though he might favor them, they would do their best to make sure to stay above Acceptable. "Thirdly, I expect all students in my House to be appopriatly dressed at all times. The only exception being Hogsmeade weekends for those Third year and above. You will not show up to any classes looking disheveled and unkempt." Several first years looked down at themselves to make sure they were dressed properly. Aside from two students near Draco every one else was alright.

Professor Snape continued on with the rules, which basically consisted of being to class and meals on time. Not getting caught when they did things that could be considered against the school rules, going to the Prefects or him if there was an issue that couldn't be dealt with on their own, attending every meal unless in the informory or some other acceptable reason, and of course no fighting students from other Houses in the hallways unless they were attacked first.

After the meeting was over the whole house lined up and was led to the Great Hall by the Prefects. Many had noticed Jasmine but hadn't been able to speak with her yet as their Head of House hadn't allowed them to converse among themselves while the meeting was going on. As soon as the other houses caught sight of Jasmine in the House of Snakes there were many gasps and a few outcries. How could the heroine of the wizarding world, the defeater of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, the Girl-Who-Lived, be in Slytherin!? Inwardly Jasmine was annoyed by the whispers and the stares, but outwardly she seemed not to notice them.

After Breakfast was eaten Professor Snape, McGonagall, Flitwick and Sprout moved down their house tables handing out the schedules to their students. Once Jasmine recieved her she took a moment to look at it.

Monday: Breakfast (8:00am-9:20am); Double Transfiguration (Gryffindors)(9:30am-10:30am); History of Magic (10:40am-11:40am); Lunch(12:00pm-1:00pm); Herbology (Hufflepuffs) (1:10pm-2:10pm); Charms (Gryffindors) (2:20pm-3:20Pm); Dinner (5:30pm-6:45Pm)

Tuesday: Breakfast (8:00am-9:20am); Double Herbology (Hufflepuffs)(8:30am-10:30am); History of Magic (10:40am-11:40am); Lunch(12:00pm-1:00pm); Charms (Gryffindors)(1:10pm-2:10pm); Transfiguration (2:20pm-3:20Pm); Dinner (5:30pm-6:45Pm)

Wednesday: Breakfast (8:00am-9:20am); Double Defense Agasint the Dark Arts (Ravenclaws)(9:30am-10:30am); History of Magic (10:40am-11:40am); Lunch(12:00pm-1:00pm); Transfiguration (Gryffindors)(1:10pm-2:10pm); Herbology (Hufflepuffs)(2:20pm-3:20Pm); Dinner (5:30pm-6:45Pm); Astronomy (Gryffindors)(11:00am-1:00am)

Thursday: Breakfast (9:00am-10:20am); ; Herbology (Hufflepuffs)(10:30am-11:30am); Lunch(12:00pm-1:00pm); Charms (Gryffindors)(1:10pm-2:10pm); Defense Against the Dark Arts (Ravenclaws)(2:20pm-3:20Pm); Dinner (5:30pm-6:45Pm)

Friday: Breakfast (8:00am-9:20am); Double Potions (Gryffindors)(9:30am-11:30am); History of Magic (11:40am-12:40am); Lunch(1:50pm-2:50pm); Defense Against the Dark Arts (Ravenclaws)(3:00pm-4:00pm); Charms (Hufflepuffs)(4:10pm-5:20Pm); Dinner (5:30pm-6:45Pm)

It appeared most of her classes were going to be spent with Gryffindors. Which made her wonder why the schedules were set up that way? The only time all four houses had a class together was History of Magic. Listening to a few other students around her in her year group talk it seemed that this schedule would cause nothing but problems amoungst the two Houses.

Since she didn't need to go back to her dorm to gather her supplies for classes Jasmine left the Great Hall intending to get to the Transfiguration class before it was scheduled to start, a few other students left their tables as well though they were most likely heading to their dorms for their things. Jasmine stopped to ask a few paintings for directions, which helped her get to class with plenty of time to spare. As Jasmine sat near the front of the class she had to wonder about the cat sitting on the desk. It didn't seem like a normal cat, it didn't look strange, aside from the markings around it's eyes, but there was just something off about it. Shrugging her shoulders she pulled out the textbook for the class and began to read the first chapter. She wanted to be ready for anything that would be thrown at them.

-o-o-o-o-

By the time the bell signalling the start of class rang most students had arrived. The cat had yet to move from the desk where Jasmine had first seen it. That is it hadn't moved till an almost out of breath Ronald Weasley barged in the room and began proclaiming loudly how he was glad his Head of House wasn't there. That is when the cat leapt off the desk, only it wasn't actually a cat. It turned out to be their Professor. Jasmine was intrigued by this, while a few students were shocked. Though none were as shocked as Ron, who could only exclaim "That was bloody brilliant." He was then scolded for being late and told to sit down.

They spent their time in class trying to turn a matchstick into a needle. Professor McGonagall went around the room, helping those who needed it and explaining the theory to those who didn't understand it.

With all the times Jasmine had read her books and practiced with her magic before coming to Hogwarts it was easier for her to do this. She simply visualized the transformation taking place and concentrated pushing her magic into the matchstick to change it. She ended up being the first one to manage it, with the bushy haired Hermione completeing it next. Which didn't seem to please the muggleborn witch at all. She looked at Jasmine, who was sitting a few seats away from her, as if the green eyed girl had killed her pet. Jasmine for her part ignored the bruenette's glares as she changed the needle back into a matchstick then back to a needle again.

McGonagall had noticed and praised Jasmine for it, giving her five points for her effort. However she proved to be more than a bit biased as she gave Hermione ten points. Jasmine's eyes narrowed slightly at this as a few other students began commenting about the unfairness of it. But the Professor didn't change her mind nor did she award more points to Jasmine. Even Ron found it strange for the professor to be biased like that. She was after all the Head of Gryffindor which was supposed to be known for their honesty, right?

Hermione seemed to preen at getting more points than Jasmine and gave the other girl a gloating look. It took considerable effort on Jasmine's part not to react to the bushy haired menace. She wasn't going to take this laying down, but she was going to use a bit of sublty. After all Slytherins were known for their cunning, and there was nothing cunning about blindly attacking someone.

The rest of class was mostly uneventfull, aside from one student blowing up their matchstick instead of transforming it. After the bell rung Jasmine began to put away her things to head to her next calss. She was one of the last to make their way to the door, but before she left she turned to the McGonagall and said "By the way Professor, The portraits of my parents wanted me to tell you 'Hello'." Then she left not even giving the older woman a chance to reply. Though the cat animagus was unable to say anything in surprise. James and Lily had portraits made before their death? How had she not known about them?

-o-o-o-o-

The rest of the day was one of annoyance for Jasmine, not only was she stared at, whispered about and pointed to by almost everyone. But in every class she shared with Granger, the bushy haired brat tried to show off just how smart she was. Her gloating countanence looking over at Jasmine when she answered questions or earned points for Gryffindor.

It took almost all of Jasmine's willpower not to hex the other girl. By the time Dinner rolled around Jasmine harldy had an appitite, all of Granger's brown-nosing had put her off her meal. She informed a Prefect she wasn't very hungry and would be missing dinner tonight. Jasmine received a warning about not missing meals but she just didn't feel like eating or being in the same room as Granger. Then she headed for the dungeons, intending to get started on some of the essays that she had been assigned for homework.

But Jasmine never made it to her room or the common room, instead Hogwarts had other plans for the girl. She was led deeper into the dungeons than anyone had gone in a long time, Jasmine knew this because of the dust and smell of the stale air surrounding her. Thankfully there were torches along the walls so that she could see where she was going. They lit up as she walked forward and went out after she passed them. Soon she came upon a door.

The wood was old, but still held together quite well. There was however, no doorknob. How was she supposed to open it without a knob? Jasmine pressed her hands agains the aged wood and pushed against it. Maybe it didn't need one, or maybe there was some trick to it? Pushing it didn't help, though the wood did groan slightly. Jasmine racked her brains for a way to open the door, but she couldn't think of anything that would help. "Hogwarts, what am I supposed to do?" she asked, hoping the school would answer her. She didn't think she could find the way back to her room without the lights or the schools help and the school had wanted her to find this door for some reason.

A sigh escaped the girl and she leaned her back against the door and tried to think. She was dealing with an obviously magical door. She had tried pushing the door, was there a password? She turned to face the door again and began saying various words that all meaned 'open'. No luck there. Without meaning to she slipped into Parseltongue. "Stupid door, why don't you just open!?" As soon as she said the last word the door creaked inward. She stared wide-eyed at the now open archway and shook her head in disbelief. "I should have guessed it would be something related to Parseltongue, after all the dungeons were Salazar's area of the castle." she muttered and walked forward.

o-o-o-o

During the entire time of her travels through the dungeons the rest of the school had finished dinner. The Prefect she had spoken to had of course informed their Head of House about Jasmine not feeling up to eating and leaving the Great Hall. Everyone was expecting to see her either in the common room or her dorm. Though only Snape knew she had her own quarters. When no one could find her, they became worried. Snape especially didn't seem happy. All were thinking Jasmine had somehow gotten lost in the dungeons, it had happened more than once over the years.

The Prefects, Sixth and Seventh Years, and Professer Snape went searching through the dungeons to try and find her. After curfew the sixth and seventh years went back to the dorms while the Prefects continued to search. Snape went to inform the Headmaster that a first year got lost and they were unable to find them. He didn't want to tell Dumbledore that it was Jasmine that had gotten lost. Since he was sure the older wizard would make some comment about being disappointed or some such other rubbish.