Bab 5: Hogwarts
One month later:
A shirtless teenager, with the evidence of recent effort in his muscles, clings to the pull-up bar. With each repetition, 57, 58, 59, 60, he approaches his goal, leaving his hands slightly bloody at the end from the daily contact with the bar.
The return to Hogwarts is just around the corner, and Severus knows that his body must be as powerful a weapon as his mind. He has begun rigorous training to regain his optimal physical condition.
"I must return to Hogwarts in a few days. It's time to start the changes," Severus thinks, looking at himself in the mirror. His hair, once greasy and unkempt, now has a layered cut that softens his features without losing its essence.
Narcissa, his friend, had taught him some beauty spells that he now uses sparingly. In the past, Severus didn't pay attention to his appearance, but now he recognizes that his image can be a tool.
A magic potion has restored his teeth, which were once yellow and worn, to a gleaming white. Despite his expressionless face, which gives him a dark and fascinating touch, Severus feels more confident than ever.
1 SeptemberKing's Cross
The taxi pulled up with a screech in front of the imposing façade of King's Cross station. Severus paid for the ride and got out of the vehicle, breathing in the hectic city air. He carried with him a worn suitcase and an aura of determination that enveloped his figure.
With firm steps and a piercing gaze, Severus entered the station, aware of his final destination: platform 9 ¾. The bustle of travelers surrounded him, but he was unfazed. His mind was focused on the task at hand.
Severus headed towards the barrier that separated platforms 9 and 10. His eyes, as dark as night, observed the red brick wall carefully. There was no sign indicating the presence of the magical platform, but he knew it was there.
With a surge of determination, Severus headed towards the barrier, pushing his cart with determination. At first, the wall seemed to resist, but after a moment, it gave way as if it were made of smoke.
Platform 9 ¾
I was a sea of movement. Students dressed in their robes and carrying their suitcases rushed to board the Hogwarts Express, the train that would take them to their school of magic and witchcraft.
Severus Snape, with his usual reserved attitude, was looking for an empty compartment on the train. When he found one, he entered and with a quick "Wingardium Leviosa," he accommodated his luggage in the overhead rack. Then, he immersed himself in reading a book on mental magic, one of his specialties.
In this month, one of his most notable achievements had been the beginning of the use of occlumency, a technique that helped to have better concentration and judgment when thinking. He was deeply engrossed in his reading when a small voice interrupted him from the entrance of the compartment.
"Can I sit here? All the carriages are occupied," asked a 15-year-old girl. Her eyes, large and expressive electric blue, reflected her intelligence and vivacity. Her long, blonde hair swayed gently, framed by a simple braid.
Severus, with his characteristically dull and indifferent gaze, replied: "Of course, yes. Let me help you with your luggage." With a simple flick of his wand, the luggage was automatically stored.
The teenager extended her hand with class and elegance, introducing herself: "My name is Marlene McKinnon." Severus, with a courteous gesture, replied: "Snape, Severus Snape."
Upon hearing the name, Marlene was a little perplexed, as she knew the person who carried it. Snape was a Slytherin student, the rival house of Gryffindor, and Professor Slughorn considered him his most talented student. Despite being half-blood, Severus was not bothered by the other students, as he had different protections. Among them, that of Lucius Malfoy, who at that time was prefect, and his great friend Narcissa, who despite her personality, had good intentions towards him.
Marlene watched Severus as he read in silence. "You changed a lot during the holidays," she finally said.
Severus looked up from the book for a moment, his expression indecipherable. "I suppose so," he replied calmly. "I needed some changes." His eyes drifted towards the window, lost in his thoughts about everything that had changed in such a short time.
At that moment, a sharp knock interrupted the silence. The door opened and a platinum blonde figure entered with arrogance. It was Lucius Malfoy, a member of Voldemort's inner circle and the father of the future Draco Malfoy.
"Snape?" exclaimed Lucius. "You really changed this summer. It seems Narcissa's books served you well." His gaze turned to Marlene with disdain. "And what are you doing here with Mackinnon?"
Severus recognized Lucius instantly. "Thank you very much, my friend," he replied in a cold tone. "I'm not doing anything in particular, we were just chatting."
Whatever," Lucius shrugged with disdain. "I'll go back to my carriage. See you at Hogwarts." Severus nodded with a gesture similar to the Uchiha, emitting a simple "hm" in response.
The hours passed as the train moved on, taking Severus Snape back to Hogwarts, the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The image of the imposing castle loomed through the window, awakening a mixture of emotions in him. Memories of his past mingled with the uncertainty of the present.
Upon reaching the station, the students boarded carriages pulled by thestrals, creatures invisible to those who have not experienced death. Severus, although he did not remember seeing them before, could perceive their presence thanks to his past as Mad Dog.
At his side, Narcissa Black, a captivatingly beautiful woman, kept commenting on Severus's change of appearance. Her tone was a mixture of mockery and admiration, something he was already used to.
Upon entering the castle, Severus headed to his room, which, fortunately, was individual unlike those in Gryffindor. As he walked, he felt the eyes of the students on him, intrigued by the change in his appearance.
In his room, he performed some transformation spells to adapt it to his liking, making it more spacious and comfortable. It was time to attend the Great Hall for the welcome dinner.
In the Great Hall, Severus met up with his old companions, Mulciber, Rosier, Avery, and Lucius Malfoy, the leader of the group. Together, they sat at the Slytherin table, where the whispers of the Gryffindors, led by James Potter, Sirius Black, Peter Pettigrew, and Remus Lupin, did not cease.
Lily Evans, a redhead with emerald green eyes, watched Severus from a distance. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions: the surprise at his change, the memory of their last fight, and the doubt about whether he would contact her.
The dinner was interrupted by the presence of Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, who gave a speech about the darkness that was looming over the wizarding world, referring to the recent sightings of Death Eaters in Hogsmeade. This news caused disappointment among the students, as Hogsmeade was their refuge to get out of the castle.
Dumbledore gave Severus a look, thinking about the changes Horace Slughorn had mentioned. Perhaps, with this new appearance, the harassment problems from the Marauders would diminish.
Severus retired to his room, exhausted from the journey and the emotions of the day. The first night at Hogwarts after his return marked the beginning of a journey to power, a path full of mysteries and dangers that awaited him ahead.
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