Chapter 101

ALBERT'S POV

It's been a few days since the quidditch match between Slytherin and Gryffindor. The morning after the party, I woke up to Professor McGonagall screaming at the sixth- and seventh-year students cleaning up the common room. Most of the younger students left early, and the older students left the room in a pigs state. After they were done, the common room was the tidiest I've ever seen, and even Professor McGonagall was impressed.

In the last few days—no, scratch that, last few months, I've learned that most Slytherins aren't that bad. Take Thomas, Maxwell, Pamella, and Sophia. They're all good people. In some cases, gryffindors are worse than slytherins. The legacy of one dark wizard has almost erased all the good slytherins have done in the course of history.

Slytherins are known for their ambition and drive. While this is often misconstrued as a negative trait, ambition is what propels individuals to strive for success and make positive contributions to the wizarding world. It is a good trait in every other house, but why do people fear it when they see it in a Slytherin student? One thing I don't understand and probably never will. 

Slytherins are resourceful and adept at finding innovative solutions to problems. This quality can be valuable in many aspects of life, including in the pursuit of knowledge and the defence against dark forces. While I was studying with the Slytherin group, they told me how Lord Malfoy managed to walk away with most of his fortune intact after the war. I have nothing but praise for him for that act. Most people in his situation would end up in Azkaban.

Slytherins are fiercely loyal to their own. This loyalty fosters a strong sense of community and support among Slytherin members, creating bonds that can last a lifetime. Most Slytherins keep in contact with others in their house and try networking with younger students. From the Slytherin study group, I learned of the existence of the Slug Club and wondered why other houses don't have something similar. I know we have clubs that have the same premise, but having a dedicated club like the Slug Club would help a lot of people.

Slytherins are often strategic thinkers. This ability to plan and think ahead can be a valuable asset, not just in the pursuit of personal goals but also in navigating complex situations. Take the Quidditch match, for example. The Slytherins knew a lot of personal information about the player and used it to their advantage. They even managed to get our best player sent off. It's thanks to the fact that they have very little information on me that we were able to draw.

One thing I really respect about Slytherins is that they understand that the world is not black and white. It annoys me that the people I hang around with believe that there is only good and even. Right and wrong. Good and evil. It's tiring. It's fun to sometimes talk to them, as they are more open to considering different perspectives and finding middle ground in conflicts.

Cunning is not a negative trait. I've had Gryffindor try to explain that cunning is a bad trait, and I just nodded along. I found it hard not to argue back. I believe that embracing cunning can actually be quite advantageous in certain situations. Cunning is about using one's intelligence and resourcefulness to achieve success. 

Many wizards and witches who have made significant positive contributions to the wizarding world were Slytherins. Merlin himself, one of the greatest wizards in history, was a Slytherin, and he helped advance magic. There are other Slytherins who have made significant contributions to society and are downplayed just because they are Slytherins.

I know it might be the Horcrux influencing my opinions, but I can't fault it. In cases like this, I find it very hard to argue with it. Objectively, it is right, and I kind of hate myself for not exploring both perspectives of the narrative. If I had known this, I wouldn't mind being sorted into Slytherin. In fact, I believe I am better suited to be a slytherin.

Most slytherins aren't that bad, but some are stereotypical slytherins. They act just like the classic bullies from romcoms I used to watch in my previous life. Don't judge me. Sometimes you need a pick-me-up. Anyways, let me tell you the story of where I met some of them yesterday. It was shortly after lunch. I didn't have a lesson, so I decided to go to the library, but I needed to make a pit stop. I made my way to the toilets, and three Slytherin boys followed me in. It's a bit weird that they came in at the same time, but who am I to judge?

I entered the toilet and bit my business. While I was doing my stuff, I heard a snicker and then banging on the door. Not going to lie, that did make me jump. I finished my business, flushed the toilet, and wiped the toilet. Then I left my stall to wash my hands. There, I saw the three boys leaning on the sink with grins across their faces.

I washed my hands, dried them with paper towels, and walked towards the exit. The three boys came up behind me and barged at me one at a time. The leader turned around, tried to push me over, and tried to square up. He drew his wand and placed it on my forehead.

"What's the rush, mudblood? You have somewhere to be?" The leader said.

"I promised someone that I'd use my study period with them, and I'm running a little bit late," I said. "If you could, would you mind moving aside and letting me get on my way?"

"You're going to study with that blushing blonde? The Wilson girl? What's her name?" the leader asked.

"Shannon," goon 1 replied.

"Oh yes. Shannon Wilson. You mudbloods do stick together," the leader said.

"No, it's actually with Thomas, Pamella, Sophia, and some others," I said while cutting him off.

The leader was visibly angry. He tried to push me again. I give him props. He made me take a few steps back. He tried again, but he wasn't successful the next two times.

"Who gave you the right to mention a Pureblood lady by her given name, Mudblood?" the leader asked.

"She did, actually. I was surprised when they let me call them by their first names," I said. "Isn't that a sign of intimacy or respect for you guys? And by the way you're reacting, they don't like you. Do they?"

This next bit, I may have touched a sore spot.

"Let me guess. Mama didn't give you the love you wanted. Daddy never saw you for yourself. He was too busy for you, so to make up for that, he gave you those two… friends and all the money you could ever dream of. But you wanted Daddy's respect. You wanted Daddy to acknowledge you. You wanted him to love you, hug you, and be proud of you. So you became exactly like your dear old daddy so that he would finally notice you. You threaten those you think are easy targets and build up a reputation. A reputation…"

"Shut up, mudblood," he said as he tried to push me again. "You don't know anything. Aver…"

"Silencio," a voice said from the entrance. He walked closer to us. "What is going on here?"

"Nothing. We're just having a friendly conversation," I replied.

"Yes, a friendly conversation," Goon 1 replied.

"A friendly conversation that resulted in one of the three forbidden spells trying to be cast," Professor Snape scoffed.

"I would expect at least someone like you to know what's going on here, Professor," I replied. "They were trying to ruffle my feathers, so I stop talking to a girl he likes. I might have said a few words that may have hit a sore spot afterwards."

If looks could kill, I might have actually died. The professor gave me the dirtiest stare I have ever received. It was to be expected. I did mention a subject he wanted to forget.

"Ten points for each of you. You three head to my office, and what about me? Mr. Anderson, stay back for a few minutes," Professor Snape said as we watched the three boys leave. "I will inform Professor McGonagall about this friendly conversation. Now, what exactly did you mean by 'someone like you'?"

"I don't expect someone without a magical family name to be the head of Slytherin. I suspect that we both are at least heirs to a magical family. Could I go now? I'm late to an appointment," I asked.

"Scurry along," he said as I left him standing there, staring into the mirror.

I'm pretty sure I said something I shouldn't have. It looks like the twins were telling me the truth. The diadem is changing me, and the old me would never have said that. I might now be on Dumbledore's radar. I may have royally screwed up.

Following Professor Snape's advice, I scurried along to the library to find my study group waiting for me. They asked why I was late. The Slytherins apologised on behalf of all Slytherins, and Sophia promised to keep the leader on a tighter leash. Somehow, the older Gryffindors found out what happened and chose to retaliate against the three boys. They used the twins as proxies, so that did not break the pact. This morning, I saw them rushing out of the girls toilet on the second floor, completely soaking. It was funny, and the twins asked if I had a good laugh.