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.

If you have the time, I would love to hear from you. Once again, thanks to all for reading!

"You seem rather pleased with yourself," Alya said to Selene as she slipped into the seat next to her cousin Talitha.

Smirking at Blaise Zabini, who sat a few seats down from the group, she explained. "Just making a few honest galleons."

"I swore she would be made a Claw although shouldn't be surprised." Blaise sighed before nodded to Alya in greeting.

"I see Urquhart still confused."

Yurika looked over at the seventh-year who was surrounded my most of the upper years males of their house. "Nothing new."

Talitha whose eyes had not left the head table suddenly whispered. "Did you know?"

Trying not to laugh, Alya said. "Of course."

Before anyone could find out what the two were talking about, Headmistress McGonagall stood and quieted the room.

"Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts. As all of you are aware, our world has been in conflict since the start of the summer. It pains me to see that we are missing a number of bright and promising faces. And, although we cannot ignore it, nor should we, be aware that neither I or my staff will tolerate those who think to bring those troubles into this house of learning.

To our old students welcome back, to our new students welcome and I hope that you're as excited at being here, as much as we are looking forward to teaching you. Now before we eat, I will address the staff changes that you returning students have noticed.

To begin, as many of you are aware, Professor Dumbledore has decided to step down from his responsibilities as Headmaster with plans to retire next year. He has graciously offered to teach Transfiguration for the sixth and seven-year classes in the interim."

Most of the students and staff clapped as Dumbledore gave a short bow and a smile; however Alya could see that the old man didn't look pleased. Although the reason for his dismissal wasn't a secret, it wasn't what was making him unhappy.

Does Dumbledore have a problem with you?" Talitha whispered noting that the old wizard had been staring at her cousin for some time.

Alya laughed. "I'll tell you about it later."

Since stepping on the train, Alya overheard numerous conversations about the absence of one Harry Potter. From what she could tell, most students didn't seem to care either way, which should have bothered her, but didn't. However, Harry Potter's absence 'was' of great concern for the great Albus Dumbledore.

Alya already had enough of the manipulative old man. And although the requests for a meeting must be because of the Prophesy, she was determined that Harry Potter would not be meeting with him. Nor was she planning on ever telling Dumbledore of her transformation.

No, after asking numerous times for a reasonable explanation why they needed to meet, Dumbledore continued with the vain attempts to make Harry feel sorry for 'running away' to be with Alya Black. In addition, he kept insisting that it was unsafe for him to be away from the Dursleys and that he had to return for his own 'good'.

However, all that changed when news came out that the 'Chosen One' planned not to go back to Hogwarts. The old man immediately began to confront Harry's friends, but that failed as well. So, she imagined sometime soon, she would be invited to meet with Dumbledore to discuss the whereabouts of her wayward cousin.

"Although I have enjoyed my time Head of Gryffindor House, with my new responsibilities, I have decided to step down. However, I am pleased to announce that Rolanda Hooch will assume that role."

As most of the room Hall cheered, Alya was amused to note the applause was actually louder than the one given to their former Headmaster.

"Thank you, now let us continue. As I am sure many of you have noticed his absence, Professor Snape has accepted another position as Potions Master and although he will be missed, we wish him best of luck."

From the looks of it, there wasn't a single dry eye at the Staff table for the loss of Severus Snape. Except, of course, for Dumbledore, who appeared to quite put out that his pet Death Eater had left the country.

"Professor Horace Slughorn thankfully has returned to step into that position, as well as Head of Slytherin House."

As the hall went wild, the Gryffindors actually giving the surprised Slughorn a standing ovation, the older Wizard stood up and gave a small bow. At the Slytherin table, however, Alya politely applauded which was picked up by most of the house, while those who prospered under Snape's leadership, looked upon the new professor with disdain.

Waving to everyone to settle down, Professor McGonagall continued. "Over the summer Hogwarts also received a sizable donation from the Lily Potter Foundation. The gold has allowed us to make a number of improvements to our school, including being able to replace all of our school brooms."

Alya heard a 'thank Morgana' from a few rows over, she had to agree. Those things were death traps when she was a first year.

"In addition, one of the stipulations in accepting the donation was to hire a new History Professor. So let me introduce to you our new Professor of History, Owen Llewellyn, Hogwarts graduate of 62' and former Professor of the Andraste School of Witchcraft."

A tall, well-built man sitting next to Professor Sprout stood up and gave everyone a cheerful wave. He too received thunderous applause as monotonous lectures on Goblin rebellions had apparently come to an end.

Although Alya hadn't been aware of it at the time, replacing the History Professor had been surprisingly difficult until the recent change at the Ministry. Not because there was a lack of knowledgeable people. No, because a number of influential people demanded input on what could be taught.

"I know you're hungry, but we have one last introduction."

"Oh, just kill me now." Talitha murmured.

"Once again, we have a new Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor. And I am happy to announce that this year we have an Order of Merlin recipient. So please give a warm welcome to Hit-Wizard Captain, Capella Sinclair."

Alya couldn't help but grin. She knew that Talitha's mother had planned this since discovering she had become pregnant during her recuperation of her injuries after the sacking of Malfoy Manor.

"Your mother has an Order of Merlin?" One of the Slytherin students asked, sounding impressed.

"Second-Class," Talitha said proudly but couldn't help but give her cousin a look.

Although Alya had literally blown a hole through the defender's defenses, she had declined an award for herself pointing out that it was her Aunt's contributions that ultimately lead to victory.

~o~O~o~

Afterwards, the banquet itself was rather anticlimactic, except that she was sitting at a table full of Slytherins. Oddly enough, Alya actually enjoyed listening to the conversations going around at the table, even adding her own opinion on occasion.

However, the somewhat congenial atmosphere vanished as soon as the Slytherins made their way towards the dungeons. And the schism that existed in the House of Serpents became suddenly apparent.

Urquhart and his followers walked directly right behind the first years who were being guided to the dorm by the fifth-year Prefects. Behind them, the majority of those in Slytherin followed. Made up of those who kept out of House politics, it mostly consisted of second and third years along with a number of seventh years who wanted nothing more than to take their NEWTS and graduate.

Surprisingly, at least to Alya, the rest of Slytherin joined her as they walked towards the dungeon. Many were new faces, a few she had met at various functions over the summer, but most she knew to be children whose family had allied themselves with House Black.

Her old self would have hide from the attention, and although she didn't actively seek it out, she would no longer turn away from it. Perhaps it was her old 'saving people thing' but if her presence somehow made things better in the Snake Pit she would continue to do her best.

"No Professor Slughorn?" Selene looked for their new Head of House as the group stepped into the Slytherin Common Room.

"Did you expect something different?" A tall seventh-year boy replied as he and a dark haired Witch of the same year made their way stand in front of the nervous first years.

"Greetings, my name is Sebastian Daley and next to me is Phyllis Whitehead. As Slytherin seventh-year Prefects, we welcome you first years to the best House in Hogwarts.

You have been chosen to be a member of the House of Salazar Slytherin because of your ambitions, your cunning, your resourcefulness or perhaps family obligations. Never the less, because you will be wearing emerald green and silver, no matter what the reason you stand in this room, we have high expectations of you. Do not disappoint us.

However, outside this room, not everyone shares our opinion of our House. If given the chance, you will be vilified. If something goes wrong, and even if there are witness to the contrary you will be blamed for it. Do not give them that chance.

In addition, as the Headmistress said, events this summer appeared to have a greater impact on this House than any other. However, no matter where your loyalties might lay, once you leave his room, we portray a unified front at all times.

So, do not walk around the school alone. Always travel in pairs, or even better larger groups. If you do not know where to go, ask one of the older students of this House or your Mentor, for directions.

Also, because of the troubles outside Hogwarts, there will be those who wish you harm. If one your housemates are in need of assistance, even if they are your worst enemy, you will come to their aid. "

"Enough Sabastian, you're frightening the first years." The second Prefect gave the eleven-year-olds a friendly smile. "As you have heard, my name is Phyllis Whitehead. And as Sabastian said, although we do expect great things from you, we do not allow members of our House to flounder unnecessarily. If you're finding difficulties with your classes, please speak to a Prefect or better yet, your Mentor. We have a list of those in our House who are willing to help those in need."

"For a price." Alya overhead one of the fourth years whisper.

"Now about your Mentor. They will be your older brother or sister, guiding you through your first month at Hogwarts. If you having any issues what so ever, it is best to approach them first. "

Once again, the old girl gave the group of first years a cheerful smile, which frankly weirded Alya out a little.

"Now, I'm going to call your name, and then your Mentors, so please pay attention."

As there were only nine new first years, the names would be read rather quickly, however, when the seventh year Prefect got to the Carrow twins, Alya stepped forward.

"I'll be their Mentor, Sabastian."

The room suddenly became quiet as Alya and the two Prefects stared at one another. And when the older boy didn't object, one could almost feel the shift in power in the Snake Pit.

"Thank you, Alya. If the two of them are in agreement."

Looking at the twins, who appeared to be happy with the choice, he turned back to the raven-haired Witch. However, he shocked the rest of the room when he asked.

"Brilliant, perhaps you have some other suggestions?"

"Yes, I believe I do."

Whitehead looked stunned when Alya stepped forward and took the list right out of her hand.

At first glance, it wasn't difficult to determine what members of Slytherin hoped to accomplish with the current selection of Mentors. Of the first years, there were a number of former followers of Voldemort and traditional Dark families. As Mentors, the older students would be able to influence, either through threats or words their younger charges.

"I don't think-" Theodore Nott, standing on the other side of the room, tried to interrupt but was immediately shut down by Daley.

"Shut it, Nott, this has nothing to do with you."

When a few more of his friends were also told to be quiet, he began to look around. Unfortunately, Urquhart had already wandered off towards the boy's dormitories with the other members of the Quidditch team.

Ignoring her fuming classmates and the heated whispers around her, Alya quickly changed almost two-thirds of the names. As much as she wanted to influence the children of known Death Eaters, she paired the first years with older students from known alliances or family ties.

"I believe these are better choices," Alya commented as she passed it back to Daley ignoring the Whitehead completely.

Sabastian ran his fingers over the names approvingly. "I agree."

"Wait, you can't just fucking walk in here-," Whitehead growled but when Alya flashed her magic, it caused the girl to stumble backward.

"Did you say something?"

With no one stepping forward to help, even from her so-called friends, the older girl submissively lowered hear head. "No, Milady."

"Good, with that out of the way, Sabastian I'm sure there are other things our first years need to know."

~o~O~o~

As they made their way towards the girls Dormitory, Alya couldn't believe what had just occurred. She had not planned on getting involved; only promising the twin's mother that if she were sorted into Slytherin, they would not be mentored by children of known Death Eaters.

However, as soon Whitehead started to read the pairings, Alya had to put a stop to it. She had taken a chance, but Sabastian appeared to be generally relieved as he too must have been disgusted at the pairings.

However, although she ultimately expected that it was going to happen anyway, with that little stunt, she now put herself directly at odds with those same children.

"Come on Alya, we have a little surprise for you." Talitha almost pulled her along as the two of them made her way to the sixth-year girl's dorms.

"What the hell is going on?" They heard a familiar voice yell from around the corner.

Alya couldn't help but giggle as her cousin cackled with glee. "Why Parkinson, fancy meeting you here."

"What the fuck is going on Sinclair?" The familiar hard-faced, Pansy Parkinson stood in the center of the hall as numerous girls came in and out of the room with someone's possessions.

"You're moving in with Mille."

Before she could reply, Pansy suddenly stepped back as Alya came into view. "I assume that this will be my room, cousin?"

"Yes, Parkinson has graciously decided to move."

Alya ignored the gobsmacked girl as she walked into the room. Unlike Gryffindor where everyone slept in the same room, Slytherins shared a room with another but from the looks of it; Parkinson must have had the room to herself.

"You have to be kidding me." Another familiar voice could be overheard which sounded little like an irate Millicent Bulstrode. "I was looking forward to my own room. Imogen, why don't you take her things to the fifth-year dorms, I know there's space down there. "

Two fifth-year girls that were currently stripping the bed looked at each other with feral grins. Unable to take anymore, Pansy fled into the hallway where everyone could hear here beg Millicent to share a room with her.

"Pansy is not the most popular girl in the fifth and fourth-year dorms, so I have been told." Selene commented as she looked out into the hallway.

Unfortunately, she no longer seek safety from her old allies. Pansy's father had been captured, along with many others inside Malfoy Manor. However, it wasn't that he was found hiding in a closet that earned their wrath. Apparently while being dragged through the halls, the terrified man started naming names.

"Not with us third-years either." A small blond haired girl said as she stepped out of the bathroom. "Hello, Alya."

"Hi Amy, how was your summer?" She greeted one of the daughters whose father worked as a Curse-Breaker for the Ministry.

"Not too bad." The young girl looked around the room with glee as she watched her classmates happily strip the former Prefect's room clean.

"Frome, what are you doing here?"

The thirteen-year-old just rolled her eyes. "Come on Yurika, you have to be kidding me. Talitha could have sold tickets to see Parkinson get her comeuppance. I mean the bitch had it coming."

"Language Amy." Selene admonished the young girl but didn't sound terribly sincere.

Shaking her head at the insanity, Alya finally called out. "Kreacher."

"Mistress."

One of the only benefits of being Head of House at Hogwarts was being able to call for a family House-elf.

"Can you please take the rest of Miss Parkinsons belongings and place it in the room at the end of the hallway. Also, if you would bring some of furniture from one of the unused sitting rooms and place it in that corner."

As Pansy's things began to vanish, and her own items appeared, Alya turned towards her friends.

"Perhaps some snacks before we all go off to bed?"