Hogwarts beckons
The summer days began to blur into one another as Harry continued his rigorous training under Voldemort's watchful eye. Each lesson pushed him further, testing the limits of his magical abilities and his resolve. Despite the harshness of the training, Harry felt a strange sense of belonging. For the first time in his life, he was valued for who he was—or rather, for what he could become.
As September approached, Harry's anticipation for Hogwarts grew. He had heard stories of the legendary school, its majestic towers, and its long, storied history. The prospect of learning magic in such a place filled him with excitement, tempered by a hint of anxiety. How would he be received, the boy who lived and now the protégé of the Dark Lord?
The day finally arrived. Harry stood in front of a tall, ancient mirror in his room, adjusting his robes. They were not the typical Hogwarts robes but a set made from fine, dark fabrics, tailored to fit him perfectly. They were a gift from Voldemort, who believed that Harry should always present himself with the dignity befitting his potential.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. It was Barty, a rare smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Are you ready, Harry?" he asked.
Harry nodded, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nerves. "I think so."
"Good," Barty replied. "The Dark Lord wishes to see you before you leave."
Harry followed Barty through the manor, his footsteps echoing off the cold stone floors. They reached a large wooden door, which creaked open to reveal Voldemort seated at a grand desk, surrounded by stacks of ancient books and scrolls.
Voldemort looked up, his red eyes piercing. "Harry," he said, his voice a soft hiss. "Come in."
Harry stepped forward, feeling a strange mix of fear and gratitude. Voldemort had become a complex figure in his life—both a mentor and a figure of awe.
"You have trained well," Voldemort continued, his gaze unwavering. "Hogwarts will present new challenges, but I have no doubt that you will excel. Remember, Harry, power is not just about strength. It is about knowledge, strategy, and understanding those around you."
Harry nodded, absorbing every word. "I understand," he replied, his voice steady.
Voldemort's lips curled into a faint smile. "Good. And remember, you are not alone. There are those at Hogwarts who will recognize your potential and your importance. You must find them and forge alliances. Do not reveal your true allegiance until the time is right."
"I will," Harry promised.
Voldemort reached into a drawer and pulled out a small, ornate box. He handed it to Harry, who opened it to find a sleek, dark wand nestled inside. "This is for you," Voldemort said. "A wand chosen specifically for your abilities. Use it wisely."
Harry took the wand, feeling a surge of power as his fingers wrapped around the polished wood. "Thank you," he said, his voice filled with determination.
"Go now," Voldemort said, waving a hand. "Make your mark on Hogwarts. Show them what you are capable of."
Harry turned and left the room, his mind racing with thoughts of the future. He felt a newfound sense of purpose, a burning desire to prove himself.
Platform 9¾ was bustling with activity as Harry arrived with Barty and Lucius Malfoy, who had offered to accompany him to ensure a smooth transition. The sight of families saying their goodbyes, the excited chatter of students, and the majestic scarlet steam engine of the Hogwarts Express filled Harry with a sense of awe.
Lucius placed a hand on Harry’s shoulder, guiding him through the crowd. "Remember, Harry, you are special. Do not let anyone make you feel otherwise."
Harry nodded, grateful for Lucius’s support. As they reached the train, Lucius handed Harry a small pouch. "This is for you. Use it wisely."
Harry opened the pouch to find it filled with Galleons. "Thank you," he said, slipping it into his pocket.
Barty gave Harry a rare, genuine smile. "We'll be watching over you, Harry. Do us proud."
With a final nod, Harry boarded the train, finding an empty compartment near the back. He settled in, watching as the platform began to blur as the train started to move.
The journey to Hogwarts was long, but Harry found it oddly comforting. The rhythmic clatter of the train, the ever-changing landscape outside, and the murmur of students chatting and laughing filled him with a sense of anticipation.
As the train sped through the countryside, Harry's compartment door slid open. A tall, blond boy with a sharp, aristocratic face stood in the doorway. "Is this seat taken?" he asked, his tone polite but authoritative.
Harry shook his head. "No, you can sit."
The boy entered, followed by two other boys who looked more like bodyguards than friends. "I'm Draco Malfoy," he said, extending a hand. "And these are Crabbe and Goyle."
"Harry Potter," Harry replied, shaking Draco's hand.
Draco’s eyes widened slightly. "Harry Potter? The Boy Who Lived? I've heard so much about you."
Harry nodded, feeling a mix of pride and discomfort. "Yeah, that's me."
Draco leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "I’ve heard you're quite the wizard. My father speaks highly of you."
Harry felt a surge of gratitude towards Lucius. "Your father has been very kind to me."
Draco’s eyes gleamed. "Well, if my father likes you, you must be alright. Stick with me, Potter, and you’ll go far."
Harry smiled, feeling a sense of relief. He had found his first ally.
The train journey continued, with Draco regaling Harry with tales of Hogwarts and the different houses. Harry listened intently, absorbing every detail. He learned about the Slytherins, known for their ambition and cunning, and felt a growing sense of belonging.
As the train began to slow, signaling their approach to Hogwarts, Harry’s excitement grew. He changed into his new robes, feeling a sense of pride as he did. This was his chance to start anew, to become the wizard he was meant to be.
The train finally came to a halt, and the students disembarked, gathering their belongings and chattering excitedly. Harry followed Draco and his entourage, feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation.
They were greeted by a massive, bearded man who called for the first years to follow him. Harry joined the group, feeling a sense of awe as they made their way to the boats that would take them across the lake to Hogwarts.
The sight of the castle, illuminated against the night sky, took Harry’s breath away. It was even more magnificent than he had imagined. The towering spires, the gleaming windows, and the sense of history that emanated from the stone walls filled him with a sense of wonder.
As they reached the castle and made their way inside, Harry felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety. The grand hall was filled with students, and the ceiling, enchanted to look like the night sky, added to the sense of magic and wonder.
The first years were led to the front of the hall, where a tall, stern-looking witch stood beside a stool with an old, patched hat on it. Harry recognized her from the descriptions he had heard—Professor McGonagall.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," she said, her voice carrying through the hall. "When I call your name, you will come forward, sit on the stool, and place the Sorting Hat on your head. It will decide your house."
Harry watched as one by one, the students were sorted into their houses. His heart pounded as he waited for his name to be called.
"Harry Potter."
The hall fell silent as Harry stepped forward. He could feel the eyes of every student on him, a mix of curiosity and awe. He sat on the stool and placed the hat on his head.
"Ah, Harry Potter," the hat said in a voice only he could hear. "Interesting… very interesting. You have a thirst for power, and a strong sense of ambition. But also a desire for belonging, for a family. Where to place you…?"
Harry thought of Voldemort’s words, of the alliances he needed to forge. "Slytherin," he whispered.
The hat chuckled. "Yes, I see. Slytherin will help you achieve your goals. Very well… SLYTHERIN!"
The hall erupted into applause, particularly from the Slytherin table. Harry removed the hat and made his way to his new house, feeling a sense of pride and determination. He sat beside Draco, who clapped him on the back. "Welcome to Slytherin, Potter."
Harry smiled, feeling a sense of belonging he had never known. This was his chance to prove himself, to become the wizard he was meant to be. The future was uncertain, but for the first time, Harry felt ready to face it head-on.