Chapter 75: A new year
*Narrator pov *
The magical train sped toward the grand Castle of Hogwarts students mingled inside the compartments excitedly discussing their summer.
In one compartment a young boy on the paler side sat flipping through a potions book, his hair was dark, and his eyes seemed to devour the knowledge inside.
His compartment door slid open causing the boy to look up, his stern face instantly melted seeing who it was, "Lily," He greeted with a warm smile
"Sev, I was looking all over for you," Lily replied closing the compartment door and plopped down on the seat across from him
Severus closed his book and relaxed in his seat, "Didn't I tell you I was going to wait in this compartment?"
Lily scowled, "Your directions were not helpful, the third compartment from the middle? what does that even mean,"
Severus laughed scratching the back of his head, "Ah, maybe I could have worded it better,"
Lily rolled her eyes while taking out the letter she received informing her of what books she needed to get.
"You didn't miss anything Lily, stop worrying," Severus sighed knowing his friend was the type of person to overthink everything
"But the book list for divination is so small?" Lily said looking at her oldest friend in confusion
Severus shrugged, "Who knows why, Professor Morpheus doesn't seem to be the type to be easily understood,"
In a different compartment, the infamous troublemakers gathered. James and Sirius seemed to battling with the troubles of Quidditch while Stiles and Remus conversed about studies and spells they wanted to learn.
Suddenly Sirius waved his wand causing the compartment to lock, "Let's talk about electives I think we can do some brilliant pranks this year,"
Stiles laughed, "Divination and runes," his reply caused James and Sirius to look at him weirdly
"Divinations? Merlin's aerodynamic nipples that's bloody insane! Professor Creep still works here," James practically shouted while grilling Stiles's shoulders
Stiles shrugged, "It's Professor Morpheus and I'm taking the class because before us everyone looked like they learned a lot,"
A hand patted James on the shoulder, "It's not that big of a deal I'm taking the class too, just think about the pranks we could pull off from being able to see the future!" Remus said brightly knowing his friend's love for pranks
James sat down seemingly in deep thought. After a minute or so he smacked his forehead, "Brilliant, you are infiltrating the enemy I knew you were the smarter one Remus that git won't know what hit him!" righteous fury burned in James's heart
Remus and Stiles laughed awkwardly watching as Sirius and James began to scheme.
***
The professors sat in their seats inside the great hall waiting for the students to arrive, the sorting hat was gently placed upon a pedestal waiting to sort children into houses.
The professors talked amongst themselves discussing new things that happened over the summer. Morpheus stayed out of their conversations an odd look was in his eyes as Morpheus gazed at the sorting hat.
*creek* the doors swung open welcoming a sea of students. The seemingly endless tide of students found their seats and then waited for the ceremony to begin.
One by one the first years were called up and sorted into a house. After the lengthy ceremony, the students awaited the grand feast.
Albus stood from his seat, "Students, I will not bore you with a long speech I just want to inform you that the dueling club will be having opportunities never seen before we will be participating in duels with schools around the world if you are interested in attending the duels please let your head of house know. Now let the feast begin,"
As the feast commenced, plates filled with delicious dishes appeared, the atmosphere was infused with laughter and camaraderie. Gryffindors shared stories of summer adventures, Ravenclaws discussed the latest magical theories, Hufflepuffs exchanged plant care tips, and Slytherins seemed to be more guarded than usual. It seems the summer events affected the students quite a bit.
Headmaster Dumbledore surveyed the hall with a sense of pride. He welcomed the new and returning students, emphasizing the importance of unity and friendship in the face of challenges especially now more than ever.
The ghosts of Hogwarts, including Nearly Headless Nick and the Fat Friar, drifted through the hall, adding their ethereal presence to the festive occasion. The enchanted ceiling, mimicking the weather outside, painted a canvas of clear skies, setting a serene backdrop for the beginning of a new chapter.
As dessert appeared on the tables, enchanted creatures made of chocolate and marzipan danced across the plates, eliciting delighted gasps from the students. The start-of-term feast concluded with a shower of colorful sparks and fireworks, enchanting the Great Hall with a magical display.
*Morpheus pov*
I sat in my room rolling a coin between my fingers, the feast was enlightening. You could tell which students seemed to bear burdens from what happened in the summer.
I could see it in their eyes, several Slytherin students came here with one clear goal in mind. Following Tom Riddle's orders.
With a flick of my thumb, the coin soared upward, "Tell me," I whispered to myself
The coin dropped in my palm, heads facing upward. I smiled wryly it seemed Tom had gotten smarter.
The question I asked was, 'Are the Slytherins the only house with spies from Tom,'
It seems I will have to be on the lookout for students in all houses. Luckily I already know some things about who will join Tom in the future which leaves me with excellent leads.
Chuckling I fell back onto my bed, my right hand resting atop the Ruby of Dreams. At least this year won't be boring.
Dueling club exchanges, they sound interesting and helpful for the students but I have a feeling some of the schools have some of my enemies backing them or at the very least infiltrating them.
To invite Hogwarts so fast after the club was made seems suspicious. There is no reason to, Hogwarts's student dueling scene looks like childs play to some of these schools not that they are superior but because Hogwarts is just too new on the scene.
Yes, they could have invited us to help the Hogwarts students gain experience against other opponents but I know that's not the case.
Hardly anything is a coincidence and the invite right after I cut down major players of support for my enemy? They might want to counterattack.
I'll be ready.
***
The morning sun cast its golden glow over the majestic towers of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as students bustled with excitement, returning for a new school year. The Great Hall buzzed with animated chatter, the long tables adorned with gleaming goblets and platters of breakfast.
The students who saw their older friends take electives the year before were bursting with excitement ready to take their first elective.
First-years seemed to shovel food in their mouths ready to begin learning the basics of how to be a wizard. Waiting for the opportunity to cast their first spell.
Seventh years looked on at the children smiles on their faces as they reminisced about their past when they were in their first years.
This year would be special.
—
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