That was sad, but lovely.

It’s good that Theo is encouraging him to tell someone about the nightmare, hopefully someone who not only listens but has some answers for Harry.

It was a real contrast to go from a snowball fight and Christmas fun to the awkwardness of dance lessons and then Voldemort.
Sounds like Draco has the diary, which is an interesting development.

You have to admire the blatant buying a place on the team for the sheer audacity and lack of awareness of what it actually says about Draco’s abilities.

Trust needs to be built over time and it is understandable that Harry hesitates, as he has little reason to trust Dumbledore and a lot of reasons to be wary.

It will be interesting to see Harry’s interactions with students from other houses and how that affects the way Slytherin is seen.
I did worry that they might tell Hagrid why Daphne wanted the snake, but then you might as well take out an advert about it, but possible in The Quibbler rather than The Daily Prophet!

I like a Dumbledore who doesn’t believe he is infallible and who is willing to apologise for his mistakes and admit that any justification does not remove his responsibility for his actions. Harry is very mature to accept the apology, but it was good that he had the chance to rant a bit, so it was a genuine acceptance and not forced or just lip service to placate an adult. Anger at the Dursleys though is a different matter and they should certainly face justice for their abuse of an innocent child.
I love the plaque, such a statement if belonging for Harry, who did not feel wanted, welcome or at home in Privet Drive.

I do feel sorry for the house that has the cup whisked away from them at the last minute, so the fact that they applauded is even more laudable.

Much more challenging, and therefore realistic, tasks.
They worked well together and were happy to play to each person’s strengths, although previous experience troll wrestling was of limited value!

Harry has adults who care about him and who can share stories about his parents, that is precious.

I imagine that Theo is in a difficult position, because he wants to be his own person, but he still has to go home to his father. So it was brave to decide to spend time with Harry and his friends.

Draco does tend to act recklessly, probably because he thinks his father will get him out of any punishment.
Whilst it was possibly not the best way to handle it, it was a fair reaction from an 11 year old and a response in kind to the other boy’s attack. OK, so I did enjoy Draco getting a taste of his own medicine, despite being supposedly a mature adult!

A great start, definitely makes me want to continue.
As a Brit, I thank you for making the effort to use authentic language and appreciating that there is a difference! It is not easy to know where it varies, as I know in reverse, but a few mistakes are easy to ignore.

Dumbledore really thought that Petunia would find a space in her heart to love Harry, very naive of him but he believed in families bonds and the blood wards were too good for Harry safety.

Another important thing is that Dumbledore NEVER sent Harry to his death, He KNEW that Harry would survive, in the final conversation of book 4 when Harry told about Voldemort using his blood to the ritual Dumbledore for a moment he had a look of triumph that was when he realized Voldemort biggest mistake because the blood protection is now inside Voldemort and his magic won't affect Harry but only the horcrux inside him. It was a galaxy brain plan.

Why not just a simply tie between Gryffindors and Slytherns. I mean The Great Hall could have had room for both banners?! This just makes it look like the elite Harry James Potter of course wins because no matter what happens he will be reward MORE points than anyone else just so he can always win.