Season of Change by: Elsbeth There were only a few things in Harry Potter's life that never changed, he was the son of Lily and James Potter and that he was born a male. What happens when he discovers the truth.

Disclaimer: I own nothing, all of it belongs to J.K Rowling, I am just playing in her sandbox for a while.

Authors Note: AU: It's not my first fanfic but it's my first Harry Potter, so I hope you enjoy it. The story starts at the end of the 5th Book.

Language Note: "I'm speaking a different language or to myself."

Black family Etiquette : Note as someone pointed out in the Black family tree (I have a lovely copy of it) how technically Narcissa and Andromeda are not Alya's Aunts, you are correct. However, in many families including my own, it is common to call older cousins, usually those near our parents age Aunt and Uncle. Members of the Black family do the same.

Sorry for my tardiness in the new chapter. Work sucks sometime. If you have the time, I would love to hear from you. Once again, thanks to all for reading!

Stepping onto the lone platform of Hogsmeade station, Alya couldn't help but think about her latest train ride to Hogwarts. Between meeting Professor Slughorn, the unfortunate incident with Neville, and that she actually sat for the entire trip in a cabin full of Slytherin girls, it had all been quite surreal but admittedly rather enjoyable.

As a Gryffindor, she would have at least expected long discussing delving into the deep secrets of the Dark Arts or at least of world domination. Instead, the group mostly talked about what they did over the holidays. She didn't particularly mind when the conversation drifted towards other topics, such as boys, which seriously she had no opinion and wizarding fashion, which shocking enough she did.

What Alya hadn't expected, although considering how she and Fleur acted in the magical streets of Paris that her relationship with Fleur became a topic of conversation. Although there had been plenty of articles mentioning Alya's name along with Harry Potter, one of the French newspapers mentioned her in an article about the French TriWizards Champion and her companion.

Her cabin mate's lack of negative reaction considering her track record was rather refreshing, although she wasn't too surprised after having a number of conversations with her Aunts. For the most part, especially among older wizarding families, same sex relationships didn't cause a problem. Of course, heirs to the family were still paramount, however since many of the marriages were just for convincing, what their partners did in their spare time was usually ignored.

With or without magic, there were of course plenty of avenues for producing those children. Some methods included rituals, some now considered dark while others families were known to use surrogates. However, as long as everyone was discreet, no one really cared.

"Going to take a boat?"

Looking over the lake, the raven-haired witch frowned a moment before shaking her head. "I think I'll pass this time, thanks. Let's grab a carriage instead."

"Seems Terry Boot is giving you the eye again." Yurika turned to get a better look at one of the other carriages full of Ravenclaw boys behind them.

"Joy."

Yurika brother, a Ravenclaw, had shown up to speak with his older sister and dragged along two other six-year boys. Terry hadn't wasted any time asking her on a date to Hogsmeade.

"Still they're all a bunch of prats though he's not bad looking for a Claw, you could do worse." Selene sat forward getting a better look at the young man before helping Alya to her seat.

"So it appears the newspapers were right, I don't see Potter anywhere." Alya heard her cousin comment as the carriage moved forward.

"Shame, you have to admit he was one of the hotter looking boys at school." Selene sat back and sighed. "Especially in those tight Quidditch robes."

"I agree, he does have quite the nice bum."

"Yurika!"

Laughing, Talitha grinned. "So, Alya, you're his god-sister, what do you think?"

The raven-haired witched rolled her eyes. "No comment." Thankfully the conversation soon drifted towards classes and questions about Alya's experiences taking her Arithmancy and Rune NEWTS over the summer.

Finally, as the carriage drew closer to the castle, Alya felt a new found excitement something she hadn't felt since her first year in school; however, it did not come without pangs of regret. For good or for bad, her old relationships with students and teachers would not be the same as they were with Harry. Even those she planned to reveal her transformation to would inevitably treat her differently. As memories of her other years continued to filter through head, Alya knew that this year and most assuredly her last at Hogwarts would be different from all others.

~o~O~o~

Stepping out of the carriage, Alya smile as Professor Flitwick stood waiting for her in front of the castle.

"Greetings Professor."

"Ah, Miss Black, I thought you might decide to take a carriage. Come this way, you can stand with the first years before they are sorted."

"We will save you a seat." Yurika called out.

"Hey, I might not end up in your House."

Alya's cousin laughed. "Right, whatever, be seeing you in a few, Alya."

"Follow me." The charms teacher motioned to her down a flight of stairs. "From all of the staff at Hogwarts let me thank you again for coming to our assistance in Diagon Alley. Also, if you wouldn't mind, could you come by and teach the Apollo's Lance spell and perhaps speak about its history to my sixth and seventh-year classes?"

"House of Black was happy to help. I was also pleased to learn that none of the first years or their parents was seriously hurt. As for teaching the spell, it would be my pleasure."

"Excellent." Flitwick clapped his hands together. "Although from what I have been hearing, it might not become an issue for much longer. Apparently the DMLE is doing their best to destroy every Dementor on the British Isle."

Alya grinned. "Not a terrible thing. However since their origin is still a mystery, it's still a good incantation to learn just in case."

"True." Opening a thick wooden door, it revealed a landing in which the first years were nervously standing.

"Come children this way." Professor Flitwick waved them forward; obviously he had inherited the sorting responsibility from McGonagall.

As Alya followed the group, her concerns for being resorted emerged. For those in the know, they all believed that it would be fine. Although she agreed, a small part of her wasn't sure. What if it refused? Of course another nightmare scenario, although it couldn't happen, would be for someone to stand up in the middle of the Great Hall and out her. Add to the fact that she was going to be living in a girl's dorm, didn't help her at all with her growing nervousness.

"So another Black." Alya heard inside her head as Professor Flitwick placed the sorting hat on her head. "Interesting, we have spoken before."

Holding her breath, Alya waited for the ax to fall.

"No, you are correct Miss Black, I don't normally sort a student twice however even if I wish so I cannot tell who you were. Interesting, it's not mind magic, which doesn't work on me, which I can see you already knew. Unfortunately, I don't think I can sort your properly."

Knowing that she would have to come clean with the Sorting Hat at least, she thought. "You won't tell anyone?"

"Of course not, Rowena's magic forbids it. Do you believe I would have lasted a decade if I were able to tell people's secrets to others? "

"Alya Black used to be Harry Potter." She grudgingly admitted.

"Well, well you must have had an interesting summer."

"You have no idea…so back to Gryffindor for me?" She half expected it as it was as they thought; the hat does not resort students.

"Perhaps, but not because I will not sort you; although you might have been Harry Potter magic says now you are Alya Black, and I have not sorted her yet. Let us do this by the book as they say.

No one would ever say that you are not a hard worker, especially after this summer, and you are loyal as any Badger but mostly to your own. Helga would welcome you to be sure; however you are not destined for her House.

Although you have allies in the House of Lions, unfortunately, like your true father you would find not everyone so welcoming."

"When has that been a problem for me?" Alya snorted.

"True, however you are no longer the hot-headed eleven-year-old who acted first without thinking. Oh, you have courage enough that would make Godric proud, but it has been tempered by your experience."

"So Ravenclaw?"

"You finally bloomed in more ways than one, so much like your mother in that. It's a shame that your family did a disservice to you in keeping you from learning."

Alya just frowned not wanting to be reminded of the Dursleys and their displeasure when she did better in class in her cousin.

"However, although you are a seeker of knowledge, what you wish to do with it makes all the difference in the world. Plus I see you have plans, ambitions plans do you not and not just for your apprenticeship."

Since a series of reports fell into her hands, Alya had become rather concerned with the Statue of Secrecy. Alya was well aware how small the mundane world had become. An event on the other side of the planet often became the evening news on the other. According to the ministry, instances in which the non-magical world and magical world collided were ever increasing.

Even with most governments knowing about it, she was surprised that the wizarding world had remained a secret for so long. Eventually, mundane technology would pierce the wizarding world. According to her uncle, that had been a topic of covered during the lasts ICW meeting.

At that time, Alya had become aware that many forward thinkers in other magical communities were starting to work with their non-magical counterparts to prepare for that eventuality. Unfortunately, in magical Britain's current state, she had little hope that it would end well.

For it not to become a complete disaster things needed to change. They would have to be baby steps to be sure; that would be the only way for it to be successful. However, the change must also come from within.

As much as she loved and admired Hermione's ideals, like most Muggleborn those ideals were too modern. Immediately upon entering the wizarding community they usually clashed with the current magical paradigm, demanding instant change. Now, it was well and good in a society that looked forward to such things with great interest. However, magical Britain was not one of them.

As Head of an Ancient and Noble House, Alya could, with help, push some of those changes forward. At the same time, they could not afford to disrespect or marginalize the older wizarding culture. That is one thing that the pure-bloods in power would go to war over, and she could understand their reasoning.

Even before the transformation, she hadn't spoken to anyone about her long-term goals. Harry never made any. However, since her transformation that had changed. She refused to believe that her whole reason of existence was to end Riddle. It to have meaning beyond that.

At the Dursleys, she lived day to day, one nightmare after another. In school, thoughts of becoming an Auror had been suggested. It was something expected for the Boy-who-lived. She wouldn't have been surprised if well-meaning others had Harry's life planned out.

So as much as she didn't want to get involved, Riddle did have to go. He had been directly or indirectly involved with the death of not just her family but so many others. And although her newly awakened Black blood cried for vengeance, he needed to put down for society to move forward.

Since putting on her House ring, she had with the help of many others removed Voldemort's power base. Although much of it had been by accident, all it really took for the right people to be put in place leaving Lord Voldemort without a home and a dwindling number of allies.

Now, Alya wasn't an idiot. She knew Tom, even homeless, was still terribly dangerous. But now, when those same pureblood families who put him into power began to leave England or even better, help the Ministry, his days were numbered.

Hopefully, in the end others would vanquish him, but she her doubts.

"So Slytherin"

"Indeed, plus it's your fault the House is such a mess."

"My fault." Alya said aloud, startling the already impatient students who were waiting for the sorting to be complete. She then understood that her actions over the summer had a direct impact on Draco's old House. Events over the summer had actually impacted him directly.

Although she did didn't particularly like Gregory Goyle, Alya felt badly when she had to tell her cousin about the death of his friend. With so many of the older families no longer supporting their Dark Lord, Voldemort demanded those that remained for their family members to also take the mark.

Greg had been killed in some muddy field outside Kent after panicking during an Auror ambush by stepping in front of several killing curses, cast by his own side.

When Alya entered the Great Hall, she could see that Slytherin numbers were down by at least a quarter if not more, compared to the other Houses. From what she had guessed, the balance of power in the House would also likely shift with many former dark families's children were either dead, missing, incarcerated or have fled the country.

"I see that you finally agree with me, unlike last time, I am more than convinced the House will help you fulfill your goals."

Admittedly, it would be one less battle to fight in the future if she could get them on her side, or at least willing to listen.

"So it's been decided."

Alya just snorted, as if she had a real choice.

"Not this time." The hat answered before yelling out "SYTHERIN!"

~o~O~o~

Watching her friend enter the Hall with the dozen or so first-year students, Hermione Granger couldn't help but try and compare their first sorting to the one now. Harry, unless fighting some wrong, spent most of the time with shoulders slumped and head down, trying desperately not to stand out. She couldn't damn the Dursleys enough for what they did to Harry to make him that way.

Alya, on the other hand, radiated confidence. Standing there chatting amiably with a handful of first years like nothing was out of the ordinary. She didn't even appear to mind that most of them looked up at the older witch in awe. Harry would have been uncomfortable with those looks, even though it was mostly from those who were with her in Diagon Alley as she faced Death Eaters and Dementors alike.

Hermione shouldn't have been surprised when Alya took an inordinate amount of time under the sorting hat. What the two were talking about, she could only imagine. She was still disappointed, although not surprised when Alya was sorted into Slytherin. However, she like most e in the Hall was surprised what happened next.

For someone like Horace Slughorn, the arrival of Alya Black was very exciting. He already had a number of members of the powerful Black family in his house and still had cordial relations with a number of them. If rumors were true, the young woman was a combination of the most famous of sisters. It was said that Alya Black had the cunning of Narcissa, the heart of Andromeda and Morgana help them the temper of Bellatrix.

He was pleasantly surprised when she received a friendly applause from the students when sorted into Slytherin. However, he didn't expect the raven-haired witch to stop at the front of the Slytherin table. Unless one was a member of the House, there was no way to know how the hierarchy works. Alya Black just stood there for a moment, looking into the eye of one Ivan Urquhart, Captain of the Slytherin Quidditch team and without Draco Malfoy around, King of that House. The stunned wizard eventually turned his head away as Alya smirked and took a seat towards the head of the table with a number of seven-year girls who appeared to have been holding a seat for her.

He could only admire the young woman as she took a seat. Obviously to those who thought they ruled the House, Black made it known that they shouldn't get too comfortable with the seating arrangement. Horace knew it was going to be a very interesting school year.