AN: I didn't even realize this one was finished. So... enjoy. And don't worry, I'm still working on my other stories. Waitressing is a lot more taxing than I thought and school will be kicking off for me in two short weeks.

Wish me luck.

Disclaimer: HP belongs to JK Rowling.

Chapter 2

Darkness

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Uncle Alastor was urging me forward in that subtly affectionate way of his. "Your things have been loaded onto the train, but it's not too late to back out. I can always Apparate you to Hogsmeade."

His offer was more for himself than it was for me, though it was very tempting to take him up on the invitation. I was trained to traverse all kinds of terrain blindfolded, how to block incredibly vicious spells and how to dish them back tenfold, how to make a proper shield, how dismantle and tweak wards, and how to brew all sorts of potions in the dark. Logically, I should have no trouble maneuvering the platform and train or even Hogwarts. I had been training for it ever since that first morning I woke up as a Moody.

It's just… the children.

Don't get me wrong, I have met children my own age before. However, I was always different from them. I was always too smart or too reserved to play with the others. But that was before. Now there's my lethal gaze and venom to deal with. I had no hopes that magical children would be any different from the muggle kind.

Uncle Alastor had told me the horror stories from his school days and even the stories he had only heard about. Apparently, having magic did not make children any better. In fact, it made bullies worse for they could really make their victim's life miserable. Of course there is nothing they could throw at me that I couldn't handle, but…

I haven't met a child since the day of the attack.

Not a single one.

Uncle Alastor had said that it was far too dangerous. One child could get overly curious and could talk me out of removing my circlet or try removing it themselves. Not to mention my fangs that made an appearance whenever I felt embarrassed or threatened. I also had a pretty cool ability to spit venom I discovered when the Unspeakables locked me in a cage with a Manticore.

I don't blame my Uncle. Honestly, I thought it was the best choice.

The truth is I've always been different. The Basilisk traits only gave him a reason to lock me away, only letting me out to Apparate to a special training ground just for me.

This is my first time being away from Uncle, being in a new place, and meeting magical kids my age since the… incident. Uncle even had my school supplies ordered and delivered home so that I wouldn't have to go out. It is a day of firsts for me. My only hope is that all… most of them are good firsts. Maybe I'll make my first friend today, but that's being overly optimistic.

"Agh!" A flare of magic to my right alerted me to the change of the charmed coin I made for all the Aurors so that they could communicate silently to each other. "I'm being called to the office! I bet you anything that Nymphadora is behind it. Can ya make it to the train without me, Sylvia? Don't answer that. I know you can."

I gave him my usual goodbye. "Watch your back, Uncle Al."

He grunted and patted my shoulder. "Don't watch yer back, Sylvia. People's lives depend on it. Now get on the bloody train before the platform fills up with overly emotional idiots."

He Apparated with a pop and left me alone on the platform. He brought me here earlier to avoid the masses. I very much appreciated this and swung my walking stick downward, allowing the rest of the cane to slide free from inside the hollow cylinder. I began making my way along the floor, playing my part as a blind soon-to-be student to anyone who may be watching.

I got onto the train just fine, graciously accepting help from a sweet old lady that manned the treat trolley. She gave me a free sugar quill and left me in my cabin. As soon as she was gone, I drew the shades on both windows, the one facing the platform and the one in the door, and removed my circlet. I pulled out my current book of choice and began reading. 'Hogwarts: A History' really is a great book. I had finished it twice, but one can never be too careful. I wanted to know everything about my new home away from home. Knowledge is power.

I was just finishing the last chapter, again, when I could smell other children approaching my cabin. It appears the platform was starting to get crowded and children had started boarding.

How clumsy of me.

I slipped circlet back into place and cast the simple audio charm on the book. When the door opened, I appeared as nothing more than any other blind eleven year old listening to the conclusion of a book. As soon as the words stopped, I closed the cover and tilted my head towards the newcomers. There's three of them. One smells like fresh mountain air with a hint of an expensive perfume while the other two reeked of food, cologne, and stagnant water. Perhaps they both lived near a pond? Their magic thrummed in my mind's eye in subtle whites and golds; young and raw. "Hello? Is someone there?"

"Uh… Hello?"

I dropped the book back into my bag and pulled out another one. A tap from my finger had the book stating the title in a light, airy voice. I suppose I could… listen to my Potions textbook. I didn't know what else to do. I figure that since I have no clue as how to socialize with my peers, then I had better keep my mouth shut.

"Are… Are you really...?"

"Are you blind?"

"Crabbe!"

I stroked the spine of my book. "It's fine. To answer your question, I am blind. I have been since I was seven."

The door closed and the one that smelled of mountains sat down across from me. I could barely hear the cushion give way under his body. He must be tiny. I didn't hear the other two sit down at all. "Well, um… How did…?"

"How did I lose my sight?" I figured he had nodded. Not like I can see with the circlet covering my eyes, fortunately for him. "A potion that my parents were making blew up. They died and… well, I couldn't see anymore."

"Who were your parents?"

Translated: are you a pureblood? "Alexander and Morgana Moody."

The boy gasped. "Moody? As in Mad Eye Moody?!"

I nodded slowly, not surprised that he had heard of him. "You mean my Uncle Alastor. He was kind enough to take me in after my parents died."

"Oh. I heard that he's really paranoid. Is that why I haven't seen you before?"

His voice was a little shrill and annoying, but I think I'm doing well conversationally wise. "It's true that Uncle Al can be a tad overly cautious. He just wants to keep me safe."

The atmosphere in the cabin was… relaxed. It seemed that now I've been confirmed as a pureblood of the Moody family, the boys were no longer guarded. I mean it's not like a blind girl can do much harm, right? "I know the feeling. My dad wanted to enroll me at Durmstrang, but mum wouldn't hear it. She said it was too far."

"I know of Durmstrang. Uncle Al said that it's a school that places a lot of emphasis on the Dark Arts and that it was one of the most mysterious schools in all the wizarding world." And it's true. Only the teachers, students, and graduates even knew the location of the castle and all swore a magical oath to keep the location secret. Uncle Al said that the current High Master was especially suspicious. "Forgive me, but I don't think I properly introduced myself. I'm Hermione Sylvia Moody."

"Nice to meet you, Hermione." He responded immediately. "I'm Draco Malfoy. My two friends here are Crabbe and Goyle."

I bowed my head in greeting. "It's wonderful to meet you. To be honest, you are the first people I've met in my age group, so forgive me if I seem… strange."

"Wow! Really? I won't hold anything against you. In fact, I'll teach you how to maneuver social circles. By the time I'm through with you, you'll have loads of friends!"

I giggled into my hand. "Thank you for the offer, but I'd prefer to have one true friend rather than a horde of two-faced acquaintances."

The door opened again and I started to choke on the scent of heavy perfume. There was so much clogging the air I couldn't even tell what scent it was supposed to mimic. I'm pretty sure the twit drenched in it was wearing several kinds. There was too much going on for her not to be. The door slid shut, sealing in the overpowering scents.

"Draco! There you are! Have you…?" I sneezed and they stopped mid-sentence. "Draco, who is this?"

"Hey Pansy. Daphne." Draco didn't sound too enthusiastic compared to the girl that had spoken. "This is Hermione Moody."

"As in Mad Eye Moody?"

"For the love of Merlin!" I pulled my wand out of my wrist sheath, a gift from Kingsley, and silently cast a Bubble Head Charm. Clean air filtered into my lungs and I sneezed a few times to clear out the last of that horrid perfume. "What did you do? Bathe in ten different bottles of perfume?! Go wash it all off before you kill someone!"

A girl giggled behind her hand while the other scent-soaked one spluttered in rage. "How dare you talk to me in such a manner!"

"How dare I?" I could feel my magic tingling on the surface of my skin. "How dare I? How dare you walk around like that! Soaked in so many different types of perfumes that it suffocates everyone in your vicinity! Your mother should be ashamed of letting you out of the house in such a state! If you look as bad as you smell, then your parents should do the world a favor and lock you in your room!"

"I'll have you know…! Wait, are youblind?!"

Oh Merlin, she's one of those stupid bints that Uncle Al complains about. "Excellent observation, Sherlock. How long did it take you to notice?"

The cabin was filled with subdued snickers and the girl's enraged babbling. "Why you…" She paused to collect herself and continued with a haughty, condescending tone. "What was that old coot Dumbledore thinking with letting a little, blind girl attend Hogwarts. Have the standards really sunk so low?"

Oh, I am going to destroy this bint. "I wholeheartedly agree. There used to be a rule against cows as familiars, but here you are! On the Hogwarts Express!"

The snickers turned into full blown laughter and the angry bovine shrieked in anger and stormed out of the cabin. I didn't remove the charm as the cabin needed to air out first. A flick of my wand had the window sliding open.

My hand was clasped between two soft, warm ones. "Let me just say that it is my extreme pleasure to meet you, Hermione Moody. I'm Daphne Greengrass and the girl you out-insulted is Pansy Parkinson."

"Oh, that explains so much." Where I came from, amongst the Muggles, the term pansy was applied to those who were especially cowardly and craven. I gave the hands a firm shake. "It's nice to meet you, Daphne."

We all took a seat when the train pulled out of the station and I entertained my companion's questions of my 'blindness'. The trolley lady came around and I purchased some sugar quills and chocolate frogs. My new friends were all too willing to open and catch the frogs for me and I let them. It would be odd for a blind girl to catch a frog mid-hop. Besides, they just wanted to be nice.

The door opened again and the timid voice of a boy strained over the sound of the engine. "Excuse me. Has anyone seen a toad? Trevor escaped his cage again."

Poor boy. "I haven't, but I'm more than willing to help you search for him."

My cabin-buddies tried to dissuade me, saying that I could get lost and that I wouldn't be much help anyway. How could I find a toad without my sight?

"I'm not going off to battle a Horntail! Besides, I'll hear the toad far before Neville sees it." With that, I left the cabin with Neville to guide me. He insisted. As we moved from cabin to cabin, the things I heard either intrigued or disgusted me. And this Lee person needs to be reported to the nearest authority figure! No one is allowed to bring anything other than a cat, owl, or toad! Where did he get a giant tarantula anyway?!

Neville, I have to say, is very sweet. He may be a bit timid and some would say craven, but it was obvious to me that he was raised being compared to an idol of some sort. A successful older sibling maybe. "I'd like to thank you again for helping me."

"It's no trouble. Would you please go inform the trolley maid that someone has brought contraband on the train? I'll keep looking for Trevor."

"Okay! I'll be right back!" I heard his footsteps as he stumbled along to the front of the train, searching for a member of staff.

I continued on, keeping my senses open for any amphibians. I heard a faint ribbit and honed in on the cabin it came from. I opened the door, but the only animal in the room was a caged owl and… an Animagus? The magic surrounding the man-rat was dark greens and greys. What the hell is an Animagus doing on the train? And one of the bodies, a boy, had this aura of dark magic centered around a spot on his head. It practically radiated evil. I ignored it for now, instead focusing on the task at hand. I know I heard the ribbit. "Pardon me, but have any of you seen a toad? A boy lost his and I'm certain I heard one in here."

"What the bloody hell are you wearing that crown for?" The rough and arrogant voice fluctuated a little, as if he turned to address someone else. "Bet you anything she's a stuck up pureblood! Every last one of 'em thinks their bloody royalty!"

"Oh god, their breeding." I mumbled under my breath. First Pansy, now this tosser.

Another voice interrupted. It was more docile than the other, but had the faint hint of iron beneath his dulcet tone. "I think she's blind, Ron. Look, she has a walking stick and she said she heard a toad in here. Sorry miss, I think you mistook a chocolate frog for the toad you're looking for. Sorry if we bothered you."

Of course.

I nodded and turned away, only to turn back at the sour earthy scent of an unwashed body coming from the uncouth boy that had snapped at me so rudely. "When was the last time you had a bath? Clean yourself up, would you? I bet anything that you've got dirt smeared on your face."

I barely managed to close the door firmly without slamming it and moved along the hallway. When I had searched the whole train, alongside Neville since he returned, he excused himself so that he could change into his robes. I meandered back to my cabin, grateful that I had arrived in my robes. Draco and Daphne greeted me warmly and they talked about Hogwarts and the House they hoped to be Sorted into. Each one came from a long line of Slytherins so they had to be Slytherin, too. "What about you, Hermione? What House were your par… I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought them up. Draco told me…"

"It's fine. I've grieved for my parents, though I try not to think about them. Their deaths were… it was a horrible way to go."

I'm sure Daphne was beating herself up over her blunder. Draco provided distraction. "So Hermione, what House do you hope to be Sorted into?"

I crossed my arms and shook my head. "I honestly couldn't care less."

The four children gasped in unison. "How could you say that? I mean isn't there a House you'd prefer over others?"

I snorted in a way similar to my Uncle Al. "I will trust the… well, I trust that I will be placed in the House that best suits me and my needs. I've read all about Hogwarts' and I honestly can't say which House I'd do best in for I can be brave and daring, and loyal and hardworking, and creative and intelligent, and ambitious and cunning. I have a little of every House in me as does everybody else. A person shouldn't be Sorted based on bloodlines! It should be that a person is Sorted based on their prevalent traits that match up with the core values of a certain House!"

They were silent, hopefully contemplating my rant. Finally, Daphne voiced her agreement. "You know what? You're right. A student should be Sorted into a House that reflects them and their strengths, not their heritage."

Draco hummed, his clothes ruffling and alerting me to his movements. "That may be true, but our parents would disown us if we are Sorted into any other House than Slytherin. Do you recall the story of Sirius Black?"

"Draco! You know we aren't allowed to speak of him!" Daphne hissed.

"So what? Hermione needs to hear this!" Draco shuffled again, as did his overgrown goons. "Sirius Black is my mum's cousin. He was a descendant of the Great and Noble House of Black and it's heir. Despite everything his parents and ancestors did for him, he threw all of it away when he was Sorted into Gryffindor. Then to add insult to injury, he treated everyone in the House of Slytherin, even his own little brother, like shite! He's in Azkaban now. For all those bloody Gryffindors spew on about House loyalty and integrity, Sirius turned on his own best friend. Gave them up to the Dark Lord he did and killed another one of his supposed best friends."

I nodded dutifully. "I have heard this story before from my Uncle. Though everyone is content to wash their hands of that atrocious act so many years ago, I still find it odd and somewhat sickening that Mr. Black did not receive a trial. Not even a drop of Veritaserum to confirm the truth." In the Muggle world one was innocent until proven guilty. I found it disgusting how quickly they threw a man to the wolves.

Draco scoffed at my observation. "Why waste the Veritaserum when everyone knew he was guilty?"

I sniffed at his dismissive tone, not liking his attitude one bit. "It's the principal of the thing, Draco."

The rest of the train ride was uneventful. Daphne described the passing scenery and Draco and company went off to explore the train. When the train came to it's stop at Hogsmeade, Draco so graciously led me off the locomotive. The chatter over summer breaks and the upcoming year turned to whispers as the gathering students finally realized there was a 'blind' girl amongst them. I ignored it all and let Draco and Daphne guide me to the hulk that was shouting for first years. I could see the suppressed magic towering over the chaotic wisps moving to and fro, some crowding around the giant while the rest wandered off together in groups. As I was brought closer, the form bent over. "An' who do we 'ave 'ere?"

"This is Hermione Moody."

I bristled at being spoken for. "Thank you for the introduction, Mr. Malfoy."

"Well Miss Moody, seeing as you 'ave a bit of a seein' problem, would you like some help inta the boats?"

A bitter smile played along my lips. Of course I've been among people in my blindfold before, but I don't think I'd ever get used to the pity offers of assistance. "Thank you, but I've been functioning without sight for well over four years. I think I can handle stepping into a boat without tipping it over."

The man hummed in his deep voice and left me in the hands of my cabin mates. Unfortunately, it seemed that Draco already had plans with a certain cow.

"Draco! You promised you'd sit with me on the way to Hogwarts!"

My ears rang from the cow's shrill whining and I gladly left my guide in her grasp. Daphne stayed with me, though. And two of her other pureblooded friends offered to join us. Theodore Nott and Blaise Zabini were two wonderful gentlemen and didn't pester me with inane questions about my circlet or the reason I wore it. Instead, they shared their theories on just how first years were Sorted into their respective Houses. Theodore said that he heard we'd all have to defeat a Dragon. Blaise disagreed. He said we'd have to solve a puzzle and however we approached the problem would determine our House. I simply sat there and let them worry themselves stupid. Moody told me about the Sorting hat and that it allowed first years to choose. I thought it stupid. What's the point of having a Sorting hat when it won't even place you in the proper House?

I listened with envy as the children around me oohed and ahhed over the view of Hogwarts. It made me want to take off my blindfold, just for a peek, but it was too dangerous a risk for something as stupid as a view. I'll just ask Uncle to bring me here in the summer and I'll get to see then.

The sounds of the night became a little louder as we entered a cave. The smell of the lake at night was almost overwhelmed by mold and the odors of several small bodies packed too closely together. My ears ached as the chatter was magnified by the walls of what I assumed to be a cave and I found no peace until I was led up some stairs and into the halls of the school. A turn on a staircase, and I finally noticed the silvery gold magic of a female Animagus. She was strong and very mature, probably well into her eighties or older, and she waited patiently for the first years to gather on the stairs.

"Welcome to Hogwarts. I am Professor McGonagall." Her voice was stern yet melodious. I guessed she must have had a wonderful singing voice before age strained her vocal chords. "In just a few moments, you will walk through those doors and be Sorted into one of the four Houses of Hogwarts' founders; Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin. Once you are Sorted, your House will be your family. Doing good deeds will earn you House points. Any rule breaking, and you will lose points. At the end of the year, the House with the most points will be awarded the House Cup. Now if you'll wait a moment, I will be with you momentarily."

She walked away, her heels clacking assuredly on the floor, and the sound of a door closing silenced the sounds.

"Oh, it's you again. Did you ever find that frog you were looking for?"

I recognized the Dark Magicked boy from the train. "No, but I can hear it bouncing up the stairs. I hope the poor thing doesn't get crushed before Mr. Longbottom catches it." As if on cue, I heard Neville shout for Trevor and the toad's ribbit as it was picked up against its will. Poor thing. Probably a hand me down.

The boy inhaled to respond, but the other boy with ghastly manners intruded. "Harry! Don't talk to her! See who she's hanging onto like a bloody leech?"

My companions bristled at the boy's tone. I heard Draco's scoff and his footsteps as he came closer. "Of course she's holding tight to Theo. If you haven't noticed, she can't exactly see where she's going. He's just helping her."

"Draco, don't argue with idiots. They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience." Everyone around me snickered. The boy, however, was not pleased. He growled in rage at being humiliated and I heard the soft whoosh of a wand being pulled. Before I knew it, I was shoved behind a group of bodies and several other wands were out and pointed at the boy.

Draco was speaking in a low hiss in an attempt to sound threatening. "Living in the dirt has sullied your clothes and your honor, for only a person with no honor would pull their wand on a girl who can't see it coming."

I heard the door open and moved to lower Draco's wand arm. "Professor McGonagall is coming back. Put your wand away or you'll get in trouble."

Wands were put away faster than I could say hopscotch and the only evidence of the almost fight was the tension in the air. Professor McGonagall cleared her throat. "We are ready for you now. Follow me."

A warm hand clasped my free one and I was led up the rest of the stairway and into the hall. The swoosh of large, double doors opening and the people in front gasped in awe. I bet they were looking at the charmed ceiling that resembled the night sky. Again, something I desperately wanted to see, but removing the mask now would be even more disastrous considering all the people chatting away within the great room. As I was guided down the aisle, more whispers about my being blind filled my head. Some were wondering why I was wearing such an ostentatious piece. Others pondered how a blind girl could perform magic. I wanted to smack those people upside the head with a chair. Sure I wasn't actually blind, but it wouldn't stop me even if I was. I could still say spells. I could still listen to books.

Bastards.

I was stopped by a light tug from Theo's hand. The hat before me, appearing to float in mid air, had magic laced in every stitch. The magic was sentient, watching us all with bored indifference. I'm sure to him, it was just another batch of empty-headed first years to be Sorted. I'd probably feel the same way if I were a Sorting hat.

"Now when I call your name, you will come up and I will place the Sorting hat on your head. The House he calls shall be yours for the next seven years."

Simple enough. Even a complete dunderhead couldn't botch it up.

Deputy Headmistress McGonagall cleared her throat. The rustle of parchment tickled my ears and she called out the first name. "Abbot, Hannah."

A girl in front of me released a shaky breath of nervousness and ascended the three steps to join McGonagall. The sentient hat was placed upon the girl's aura of soft gold. The hat was silent for no longer than two seconds before it came to its decision and exclaimed the girl's House. "Hufflepuff!"

One of the tables behind me burst into applause and the girl's aura glowed brightly with joy as she took her place among her new Housemates.

And on it went. Susan Bones into Hufflepuff. Terry Boot into Ravenclaw. Mandy Brocklehurst into Ravenclaw. Lavender Brown into Gryffindor. Millicent Bulstrode into Slytherin. Michael Corner into Ravenclaw. Vincent Crabbe into Slytherin. Tracy Davis into Slytherin. Justin Finch-Fletchley into Hufflepuff. Seamus Finnigan into Gryffindor. Anthony Goldstein into Ravenclaw. Gregory Goyle and Daphne Greengrass into Slytherin. Wayne Hopkins and Megan Jones into Hufflepuff. Sue Li into Ravenclaw. Neville Longbottom, sweet boy, into Gryffindor. Morag MacDougal into Ravenclaw. Ernie Macmillian into Hufflepuff. Draco Malfoy into Slytherin.

Then it was my turn.

"Moody, Hermione."

I took a deep breath to calm myself and nearly squeaked when a hand took the one Malfoy had abandoned when he was called forth. "Do you want me to help you up?"

"Thank you Nott, but I believe I can handle a few steps on my lonesome. I've been doing this for years." I used my cane to detect the first step and easily made my way up without tripping. A wrinkled yet warm hand helped me onto the stool. The light weight of the hat was dropped on my head and I could hear a masculine voice inside my skull.

"Ah. Blind indeed! You can see just as well as anyone else, if not better. Though that gaze of yours could cause quite a bit of trouble. Oh yes. This circlet of yours is more for everyone's safety than your own. If I were you, I'd watch out for the Ravenclaw's inquisitive nature. One of them might get to curious and break that little charm on your blindfold only to pay the price with their lives."

I shuddered to think of some poor child dying because they were too nosy for their own good. I didn't know if the hat could hear me or not, but I couldn't exactly speak out to answer him. I don't think that will be a problem. "This circlet has been enchanted by goblins and wizards alike. Now shouldn't you be Sorting me?"

"I'm thinking over it. Though you have the wit and creativity for Ravenclaw, I don't think you'd fit in there. The Hufflepuff's won't try anything, but I don't think you'd excel in there. Your values of friendship and integrity would no doubt lead you to success in Gryffindor, but those lot would turn on you if they discovered your little secret. You do have the ambition of Slytherin, but they will kill you should they discover your true heritage, Miss Granger."

"It's Moody. Hermione Sylvia Moody. Hermione Granger is long dead."

"Is that so?" My brain vibrated with his hum of thought. "Well, you are a tricky one. You have the heart of a Gryffindor, the mind of a Ravenclaw, the ethics of a Slytherin, and the soul of a Hufflepuff. But where will you do best?"

The students were starting to whisper among themselves. It seemed I have been up here for quite awhile. Much longer than the other students before me. I guess they're getting bored with waiting. "How about this? I need a Head of House that will take my secret to the grave should they discover it. I need someone who will understand the situation and will help to keep it safe from both staff and students should they ever become informed."

"Hm…. A secret keeper, eh? I know the perfect place for you. Good thing too because I was going to put you there anyway. I wish you the best of luck in… "Slytherin!"

A table burst into applause. "Thank you."

"Watch your back, Moody."

The hat was removed and I slipped off the stool. Someone ran up the stairs to take my hand. "Come on, Hermione. We're over here." Draco's sharp voice was soft when addressing me.

I tapped my walking stick along the steps. "Thank you for the offer, but I do believe I can find the table myself." I started for the general direction of the applause.

He grabbed my hand anyway. "I insist! Wouldn't want any of those nasty heathens to trip you up."

"I doubt anyone would be stupid enough to trip a blind girl in view of the staff, but I may be wrong. Alright! Lead the way!" He guided me down the stairs and to the Slytherin table. I was greeted warmly by my Housemates and they chatted quietly while the rest of the first years to be Sorted. Everyone went quiet when Harry Potter's name was called. His Sorting took a little longer than the others as well until eventually the hat called out Gryffindor. Said group burst into wild applause, expressing their elation at having a living legend in their House. The rude boy from early, Ronald Weasley, was Sorted into the same House. My opinion of Gryffindor sunk a few tiers. "Gryffindor is supposed to be a House of courage and integrity. That rodent wouldn't know either if they kicked in the door wearing his mother's knickers and proceeded to beat him upside the head with a bloody trout."

Draco snorted, "Don't I know it. That House is full of nothing but stupid risk takers with no sense of self-preservation. If you told them that there was treasure in the Black Lake, they'd drown themselves looking for it."

I arched an eyebrow at the boy. "You know, the Sorting hat almost placed me in Gryffindor. The only reason he didn't was because I asked for a House with a Head I could trust with any secret. Who is our Head of House, anyway?"

Another boy's voice, older and deeper than Draco's, answered. "Snape."

I waited patiently for him to continue, but he didn't elaborate. Daphne did it for him. "Snape is the youngest teacher on staff. See? He's the one sitting beside Professor Quirrell, the one wearing the turban."

I turned on que. "You're right. Handsome devil, isn't he? With his long, blond locks and pretty blue eyes. I bet he's a lady killer."

"What are you…? Oh Morgana! I'm so sorry!"

I swiveled in my seat, wearing as much of a deadpan expression as m blindfold allowed. "Whatever are you apologizing for? I'm only looking at our Head of House."

Daphne inhaled deeply. "I am so sorry. I wasn't thinking."

"You get one. I inherited more than my eyes from my Uncle Al, not that anyone could tell since my… accident." The Sorting was finally over and the Headmaster Dumbledore stood and said three random words before beginning the welcoming feast. A few people helped me load my plate, much to my aggravation, and stopped trying to feed me when I snapped at them. "I've been blind for well over four years! I can feed myself just fine!"

After the feast, Dumbledore explained a few rules. The Dark Forest was forbidden to all students without a staff escort, the third floor on the west wing side was off limits, and any students caught dueling in the halls would face consequences. We were released to the care of the Prefects and us Slytherin first years were led through the halls and down into the dungeons. The Prefects, two people whose names I honestly couldn't remember nor cared to learn, went on about the history of Slytherin and why it was the greatest House in Hogwarts while they led us to our dorms.

One of them, the male, slipped up.

And I was ready.

"See this wall here? Quite ordinary looking, isn't it? Well, looks are deceiving in this case. This is actually the entrance to the Slytherin common room and dorms."

He didn't have to say anything for me to realize that this was the secret entrance. I could see the magic in is particular hunk of bricks was different from the others. Instead of each brick's magic interlacing with the others around it, the magic of these bricks didn't link together. They were separate and had that same look and shade of a word activated spell. I pasted a broad grin on my face. "I have to disagree. This wall is much more good looking than the other walls. More dignified."

The female Prefect giggled as the boy sputtered like a fool. "Are you blind?!"

"Why yes! Yes I am! How kind of you to notice." I deadpanned.

"Oh." The boy grew silent. "Well, uh… anyway, the password is changed every fortnight, so be sure to read the bulletin board every two weeks or so to stay updated. If you forget the password or didn't check to see the new one, do not rely on us to help you. You'll have to sit outside and wait for someone to let you inside."

"Right then! Tell me, should I read it outloud for all to hear or do I have to read silently to myself? You all probably don't want to be bothered."

The boy's groan was muffled as if he had his face buried into his hands. "Bloody hell… I'll ask Professor Snape to charm the board so that it says the new passwords out loud for Miss Moody. The password for now is Grindylow."

The wall came to life and the bricks parted, swiveling backwards to form a doorway. The magic that formed the door was glowing somewhat brightly. It was times like these that I wondered how people couldn't not see magic.

We were ushered through, being led into a cavernous room filled with every student in the Slytherin House. I could tell the room's size by the echo of sound and the cool air. It just felt spacious. "Professor Snape will address us before all of you head to your dorms. You all must listen and pay close attention, for he does not suffer fools gladly. If you were not paying attention, no one here will help you. If you do not understand, it is better to come to us Prefects for clarification."

Not a second later, a door flew open and any whispers were cut off. The only sound in the room was the clacking of Dragonhide boots and the quickening heartbeats of the children around me. The magic of this man was darker than others. His gunmetal silver form was tainted with a sickly green around his left arm. However, among the dark backdrop, I could 'see' that our supposedly nasty Head of House was inherently good. He just hid it very well.

"I don't care about your petty problems. I couldn't care less if you all hate each other and wish death on everyone present. When you are in this common room, it is everybody for themselves. When you are within these walls, your business is not my concern. However, when you are wandering the halls, when you are sitting in class, eating your lunch, and playing your silly games, that concerns me. The moment you leave this common room, you are to leave your petty grudges behind. When you are outside of these walls, each one of you are just one head of a single snake. You will show the other Houses that we are one entity. To attack one is to attack all. If you see one of our Housemates being bullied, you will step in to defend them whether you like them or not. Should you walk away, stay and watch, or dare join in and I hear about it, and I promise you I will, you shall dearly wish that you had never set foot on the train for Hogwarts. Do I make myself clear?"

Everyone answered as one. "Yes, sir."

Snape continued, "If you duel in the common room, you will fix whatever you break. Should anyone outside of Slytherin pull their wand on you, you will end the fight as quickly as possible and inform me immediately. You will not instigate fights in the halls. If you do, you will be serving detention with Mr. Filch. Does everyone understand?"

"Yes, sir."

The man regarded us silently for a moment. "You are dismissed." Everyone dispersed, the male and female Prefects leading the first years to their respective dorms. "Except for Miss Moody."

I stopped in my tracks. Daphne leaned close to whisper in my ear. "Would you like me to wait for you?"

"No. Why don't you go find my dorm for me so you can lead me to it directly."

Daphne agreed and wished me luck before following after the girls. I made my way to Professor Snape. He placed a light hand on my elbow and led me to his office. The smell of dust and parchment was subtle, almost hidden behind his scent of spices and ink. It was pleasant enough. It wasn't the worst scent I've ever come across.

He guided me to a chair and left to take his own. The leather creaked beneath his body. It sounded very comfortable. "I'm not going to tiptoe around the subject, Miss Moody. I'm certain you're sick of it by now. Hogwarts has never had a blind student before, at least no one that was recorded. I am uncertain as to how you will proceed with your academic career, especially in my class. Every class requires sight to succeed and you are obviously missing said sense."

I huffed and tapped my walking stick against the ground. "With all due respect, sir, I have been studying under my uncle ever since I was released into his care. I have learned how to function without my sight and I promise you that I will perform just as well as any other student in my classes!"

Snape heaved a sigh. "Alright, Miss Moody. If you say that you can keep up with your classmates and even excel, I will let you have the opportunity to try. Should you find yourself overwhelmed or unsure of how to proceed, I am willing to open my door for you. However, if you fall too far behind, I'll have you sent back to your uncle to continue homeschooling as I don't have time to cater to your needs."

I nodded my understanding. I would not give him the opportunity to send me home. "May I leave now, sir? I need to get settled and learn the layout of my dorm."

"You may." I stood up and tapped my way to the door. When my hand touched the door, Snape spoke again. "If your roommates give you any trouble, let me know. I can have you moved to a private room."

I offered him a smile and another nod and left for the dorms. Daphne was waiting for me in the common room and dragged me to our dorm. Her chatter seemed endless as she went on and on about our room. "You and I will be sharing a room with Tracey Davis and Millicent Bulstrode, aren't you excited? Pansy is rooming with other girls, so she won't really have any reason to come into our dorm. I wouldn't put past her to sabotage and move your things around. She's vindictive like that. To be honest, all of us are, but that just comes with being a Slytherin. Better than being a peace-loving badger."

I smiled when a certain badger I knew popped into mind. "Actually, I am rather close with a graduated Hufflepuff. She's an Auror and she's actually quite the brawler. Don't be so quick to judge a person based on their House. Assuming things about a person can really bite you in the backside. My uncle says he knows from experience."

"I guess you're right. I mean Sirius was in Gryffindor and he turned on his friends!"

My good mood evaporated. "If you're smart, you won't bring that topic up around me. It royally pisses me off that he did not get a fair trial."

"Ooooh! The blind girl is getting angry! Whatever shall we do?"

The cloying scent of Parkinson hit me a second after her shrill voice did.

Like sharks to blood, the girls could smell the brewing battle. Should a fight actually start, no one could go to Snape for help. He practically said we were on our own when inside the common room. I figured that the dorms were a no-go as well.

If I were anybody else, raised in any different way, I would be cowering behind Daphne or running for an authority figure. Instead, I stood as Uncle Al taught me: with pride and confidence. Anything Parkinson could throw at me was nothing compared to what uncle has put me through. "Alright, who let the cow inside? Livestock are to be kept in their proper pens outdoors!"

"You little twat!" Pansy shrieked in indignation. I twisted my arm and silently called my wand to hand before Pansy could reach into her pocket. "It's about time someone taught you manners on how to respect your superiors!"

"Really? Professor Snape seems to think my manners are just fine."

"Oh yeah, I bet you and Snape are real cozy."

The crowd gasped. My skin tingled with disgust on Snape's behalf. "Excuse you? It almost sounds as if you are suggesting something inappropriate and I don't like it."

Pansy tried to chuckle, but it sounded all wrong. "So it's true then? Why else would that old bat call in a little blind girl like you? It makes sense if you think about it. There's no way they would let a blind girl attend class. Tell me, was it just Snape, or did you have to do the Headmaster, too?"

While she was giving fuel to the rumor mill, I was going through a list of spells that would shut her up for good. Parkinson was a drama mama, an attention whore that instigated trouble. Like serial killers and psychopaths, people like her wouldn't stop until someone made them. "I will give you ten seconds to take that back or you will sorely regret ever picking a fight with me.

"One."

"Oh no! The blind girl is angry!"

"Two."

"What are you gonna do? Swing that stick at me?"

"Ten!" I lifted my wand. "Suffocat Sanguine!"

Parkinson's taunts ended with a gurgle as she started coughing. Each hack was thick and wet. Girls screamed when Pansy collapsed on her knees, spitting and coughing up her own blood. I held the curse until she fell to her side and started whimpering through her clogged windpipe. I stopped the flow of magic powering the spell and sneered at the lump of magic curled on the floor.

"Insult me all you like, but don't you dare tarnish the reputation of your own House Head or the Headmaster!"

The same dark, tainted magic form of Professor Snape broke the circle around us and hovered over Pansy. His snarl was enough to send shivers down my spine and I wasn't even the one in trouble. "My office, Miss Parkinson. Now!"

It was deathly silent in the common room as Parinson shuffled away, broken by Draco's whispered, "Wow."

My reputation was set in stone that day and the story shared. Everyone would think twice before challenging me.