Until The End

Until The End

Chapter 4: Hogwarts

"Life is the most difficult exam. Many people fail because they try to copy others, not realizing that everyone has a different question paper..."

Ron Weasley’s P.O.V:

Ron, along with the other first years, stared in pure amazement at the thundering castle that stood proudly on a hill surrounded by the sempiternal night sky littered with distant, shimmering stars. The vast castle had lights filling its many tunnels and turrets and there was a sense of unadulterated magnificence at the sight of the remarkable school.     

The boats that rowed themselves drifted against the peaceful lake with Hagrid in the lead and there was a chorus of gasps emanating from the students from time to time when Hagrid would inform them of bizarre facts about the ancient place with a prideful tone. Even Malfoy was in disbelief.

Ron was occupying a boat with Harry, the girl with bushy hair, Hermione, and the boy who had lost his toad, Neville. Xavier joined another boat since Hermione had taken his spot, something that annoyed both Ron and Harry.

After they got off their boats, Hagrid led them to the immense doors of the Hogwarts castle. Fred and George were right; Hagrid was bloody huge and so was Hogwarts!

Ron turned to look at Harry and found him fidgeting incessantly and, in all honesty, Ron couldn’t blame him one bit. Fred and George had relayed countless stories to Ron about fighting Trolls, using brooms to escape from Dragons, and having to beat Albus Dumbledore in a duel. Ron didn’t believe that nonsense for a single bloody minute, but this secretive Sorting Ceremony couldn’t help but frighten him of what task they all had to take part in to get sorted into a House.

Ron took a deep breath in to calm his nerves, and he patted Harry’s back comfortingly, which made Harry smile gratefully at his new friend.  

“Merlin, look what we have here! Potter and his new pauper boyfriend Weasley,” Malfoy’s voice ridiculed, and some of the students snickered around them. Ron and Harry both went red and clenched their teeth simultaneously.

Malfoy, surrounded by a group of people, strutted up to Ron and Harry and the platinum-haired git smirked arrogantly. Ron took a second to inspect everyone who surrounded Malfoy and much to his surprise, only the two lackeys from before and a girl with a pug face seemed to be cackling at Malfoy’s insult. Two other boys and three other girls that stood near Malfoy didn’t laugh at all. Ron became perplexed. Did they not like Malfoy as well?  

“Back off Malfoy,” came a familiar emotionless voice from behind them all and everyone wheeled around to see Xavier approaching them, his cold, dark eyes boring into Malfoy’s fearful ones. Ron even saw two dark-skinned twin girls blush at Xavier.   

Though intimidated and slightly humiliated, Malfoy scowled heavily at Xavier. 

“Who even are you?” Malfoy spat out, eyeing Xavier wearily. Oh shit… no one knows he is Xavier Desmond…  An actual Desmond…

“You’ll know soon enough,” Xavier replied aloofly, and he shoved Malfoy roughly out of the way to join Ron and Harry.

“You two alright?” Xavier asked, his tone holding slight concern.

“Yeah, mate,” Ron replied with a sigh, unclenching his fist.

“Thanks, Xavier,” Harry added in, and Xavier nodded curtly. 

“So, do you guys have any idea how we’re going to be sorted?” Xavier asked after a comfortable silence fell between them.  

“No idea,” Harry mumbled as he started to fidget with his hands again.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure it’ll be an easy task,” Ron reassured, biting on his lip.

“What House do you guys want to be in?” Harry asked curiously.

“Gryffindor. My whole family is known to be sorted in there, but I guess Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff wouldn’t be the worst thing ever…” Ron trailed off, feeling beads of sweat roll down his forehead.

“I heard that both my parents were also in Gryffindor, so I guess I want to be in there too,” Xavier answered thoughtfully, and Harry seemed glad that both his friends wanted to be in the same House as he did.

Suddenly, the doors opened with a prolonged creaking sound and a stern-looking witch with her hair tied tight in a bun approached the tense first years.   

“Firsties’ for yer, Professor McGonagall,” Hagrid informed, and she nodded.

“Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry,” the woman started. “I am Professor McGonagall, your Deputy Headmistress, and your Transfiguration teacher. We will now proceed to the Great Hall where the selection of your Hogwarts House shall commence. I welcome you to this school and wish you the best of years leading on. Now, please, follow me.”

Professor McGonagall then turned around swiftly and began walking into the castle and the first years quickly followed her, trembling with excitement and anxiousness. They all marched into the Great Hall and everyone’s eyes darted in different directions, taking in the gigantic, spacious room where floating candles coloured the room. Four lengthy tables were stationed apart from each other, where the older students sat, examining the new first years. Up at the front was the professor’s table and there sat the legendary Albus Dumbledore in the middle, while the other professors sat in their seats on the left and right of the famous Headmaster.

Ron craned his neck to look ahead, and his eyes landed on an old, worn-out hat placed on top of a single, brown stool. Professor McGonagall ceased her walking, which was hastily emulated by the first years, and she faced them.

“I will be calling your names one by one, and you will place the hat on your head as it will decide which House you best belong to,” Professor McGonagall explained and the majority of the first years, including Ron, let out a sigh of relief. Fred and George are just bloody jerks…

The stern witch then began calling names in alphabetical order and Hannah Abbott became the first student to get sorted into Hufflepuff. When Hermione Granger had been called up, Ron dearly prayed to himself that she would end up in anywhere but Gryffindor. Hermione became a hatstall as she bit her lip and concentrated to herself, no doubt debating with the Sorting Hat. To Ron’s disappointment, Hermione ended up right in Gryffindor.  

Neville Longbottom also ended up in Gryffindor much to Ron’s utter surprise; that boy had been stuttering and quivering throughout the whole boat ride and he looked ready to die from fright.

Students like Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnegan, Parvati Patil, and Lavender Brown ended up in Gryffindor. Susan Bones, Ernie Macmillian, Emily Runcorn, Kevin Entwistle, and Wayne Hopkins ended up in Hufflepuff. Padma Patil, Terry Boot, Michael Corner, Roger Davies, and Lisa Turpin were sent to Hufflepuff. Unsurprisingly, Draco Malfoy, Vincent Crabbe, Gregory Goyle, and Pansy Parkinson were sent to Slytherin. More students joined the four Houses, and Ron started to feel his stomach churn and become queasy.

“Harry Potter,” Professor McGonagall called out and whispers immediately broke out in the huge room. People looked around to get a better look at the boy and even the professors all leaned in to properly witness the sorting.

Harry stepped forward and sent a worried glance to Ron and Xavier, to which Ron sent him a reassuring smile and Xavier sent him a firm nod. 

Once that hat was placed on Harry’s head, some sort of back and forth began between the hat and the boy-who-lived. He started to look panicked and closed his eyes while whispering something to himself. Ron began to pray to Merlin that Harry would end up in Gryffindor.

“GRYFFINDOR!” the hat yelled, and the Gryffindor table burst out in applause and shouts of victory. Fred and George were chanting “We got Potter!” and Dumbledore looked very pleased with the expense. Harry looked highly relieved as colour flooded his face and he joined the Gryffindor table. Yes! Now, I have Harry when I get into Gryffindor!

A few more students were called up before it was finally Ron’s turn. “Ronald Weasley,” Professor McGonagall called out and Ron made his way, ignoring the student’s piercing stares. Albus Dumbledore winked at him, and Ron just nodded uncertainly. Hopefully, this goes alright…

Once that hat was placed on his head, the conversation began.

“Ah, another Weasley, eh?”

“Er, yeah,”

“Hmm, well it seems that you have a firm amount of bravery and courage. You are definitely more daring than some of the other students that I have analysed. Oh, and you are filled with ambition. Lots of it. A thirst to prove yourself to the world. To show you are not another Weasley, eh?”

“Yeah… I guess so. I’m aiming for Gryffindor. My whole family is in there, and I just want to be different from my brothers. I don’t want to be some other Weasley…”

“I understand your outlook, my boy, but is Gryffindor really the choice here? I see that Slytherin or Ravenclaw can also do wonders for you. After all, you have a strong intellect and a pulsating strength of ambition, in which fraternity also surrounds you.”

“What? No! Please, I beg for you not to place me in Slytherin! My family will disown me! Please, I can’t! My lineage has always been within Gryffindor… I can’t just break this tradition. I will have no one!”

“My boy, I understand your fears and doubts. However, I must always be true to my students, and I see that Slytherin will help you figure your pathway far more than the other three Houses. If you want to be different, you can start here. You can innovate yourself, my boy. There will come hard times and feelings of solitude, but you will fit into Slytherin like a glove, I’m sure of it…”

“Please…”

“I’m sorry, my boy… but Slytherin will truly take you places, I promise you that…”

Ron held his breath as his chest pounded strenuously and as he shut his eyes, the hat shouted, “SLYTHERIN!”

Professor McGonagall took the hat slowly off his head and Ron’s eyes caught her shell-shocked expression. Not just hers; every other professor and students looked astounded, bewildered, and highly confused. Silence fell upon the spacious room and Ron didn’t dare glance at his brothers as he simply slipped off to the Slytherin table and sat by himself.

He could feel the eyes of the other Slytherins penetrating through his soul and Ron honestly wanted to vomit. An unsettling feeling began to arise in his stomach and his temples ached, but Ron just stared down at his lap, not daring to look anywhere else. Shite… what have I done? What has happened?!   

Professor McGonagall then garnered everyone’s attention by resuming the Sorting Ceremony and Ron sighed heavily to himself. He was all alone in the viper’s pit…

After several students joined their assigned Houses, there remained one more student and as Professor McGonagall read the name of her parchment her eyes widened, and she gasped softly, though everyone caught it. The students were baffled and gazed at the last student who was in fact, Xavier Desmond.

The stern witch looked at the Headmaster for confirmation and he nodded with a smile. He and Ron both knew that it was going to be a shock when everyone realised that Xavier Desmond was indeed alive.  

“Xavier… Xavier Desmond,” Professor McGonagall called out slowly and she gaped as the dark-skinned boy made his way past her to the stool. The whole student body gasped in astonishment, including the Slytherin table, and every professor, apart from Dumbledore, had slacked jaws. Some students even looked around to see whether or not Dumbledore was pulling their legs. 

Xavier and the hat began to converse, and Ron could see that he was deep in thought, listening to whatever the hat was saying with a thoughtful expression. Stupid hat… you ruined my bloody life… I’m going to have no one…

Then it came as another shock of the day for Ron and everyone else when the Hat suddenly yelled, “SLYTHERIN!”

The professors just stared at Xavier’s departing figure, while the students had mixed reactions. Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw all looked slightly bitter and disheartened that they didn’t have this new enigma of a student in their ranks, while Slytherin welcomed him with grins and nods, though some students looked slightly displeased as they knew Xavier’s renowned parents were both Gryffindors, which could potentially sway Xavier himself.    

Xavier made his way over and when he spotted Ron, he opted to sit across from him, which made Ron appreciative. Xavier and I are friends, so this is good…. I have someone at least… 

Suddenly, the Headmaster clapped his hands and various amounts of different food appeared in front of them, permeating the air with mouth-watering smells.  

Ron, however, for the first time in life didn’t feel hungry. He just put some baked potatoes and chicken wings on his plate and began to eat away slowly. He then looked up to Xavier, who was eating as well and bit his lip.

“So, I guess we’re in this together, eh?” Ron started, and Xavier swallowed his food before looking up at Ron.

“Yeah, I guess so. We’ll just have to make the best of this House. And who knows, maybe we’ll make some good friends or acquaintances in this House…” Xavier replied, and Ron nodded with uncertainty.

After a good amount of food and dessert, the Headmaster stood up and clapped his hands to get everyone’s attention.

“Welcome everyone to another year at Hogwarts! I welcome all the new first-years and I hope you all enjoy your stay here. Now, I would like to advise you all that the third floor shall be restricted to any of the students. The same goes for the Forbidden Forest, as its name suggests, is forbidden to everyone. Now, Prefects, you shall lead the first years to their Common Rooms, and I bid everyone goodnight,” Professor Dumbledore said merrily.  

A mass movement of talking, walking, and getting up followed and two Slytherins Prefects were calling for the Slytherin first years to accommodate them in a straight line. Ron and Xavier joined the line silently and they followed as the Prefects led them to the Dungeons, where the Slytherin Common Room was located.

“Pure-Blood,” the male Prefect muttered, and the circular door swung open, revealing the Slytherin Common Room. Ron felt absolutely disgusted at the password; Slytherin really were all bigots.

“Alright firsties, you will wait here until Professor Snape, Head of Slytherin House, shall come and talk to you all,” the female Prefect instructed, and Ron felt dread sink in. He had totally forgotten about Professor Snape, someone who even Percy had warned Ron about. From what I remember what Fred and George told me, Professor Snape only favours his own students… why do I somehow doubt that?  

As the two Prefects left, Malfoy turned around, getting everyone’s attention and he faced Ron.

“Tell me, Weasley, how did you get into this House?” Malfoy asked, glaring at Ron. Ron’s ears turned pink at the sudden spotlight that was placed on him as everyone waited for him to answer with questioning and curious looks.

“Well, I don’t bloody know, but if you wondering whether or not I begged the hat to place me here, then you are dead wrong,” Ron answered spitefully, glaring back at the platinum-haired git. Bloody fool…

“You’re lying! This House doesn’t deserve filthy blood-traitors like you,” Malfoy spat out and Ron clenched his teeth. I’m seriously going to punch him…

“Draco, just leave it,” ordered a blond girl with blue eyes who Ron recalled to be Daphne Greengrass, one of the people associated with Malfoy that didn’t laugh when Malfoy teased him and Harry. She then turned to Ron with a puzzled look and asked, “But seriously, Weasley, how did you get into Slytherin?”  

“He said he didn’t know, now leave him,” Xavier spoke up curtly, as Ron began to lose his temper. The tension immediately changed as everyone took a good look at Xavier Desmond.

“Are you really a Desmond?” Daphne Greengrass asked, her eyes slightly widened as she bit her lip.

“Yes, I am,” Xavier replied nonchalantly, and she looked nodded, though it was clear that she was starstruck. A weedy-looking boy with olive skin and curly hair stepped up and held out his hand to Xavier courteously.

“Nott, Theodore Nott,” the boy introduced himself and Xavier shook his hand.

“Desmond, Xavier Desmond,” Xavier matched the custom, and Theodore looked quite pleased as they released hands.  

“Too bad your parents are dead. Otherwise, you could have really proved that you’re actually a Desmond like you say you are,” Malfoy spat out nastily; he was becoming frustrated at how the first years seemed to be admiring Xavier. Everyone instantly frowned at Malfoy’s disrespectful attitude and Ron wanted to punch the git on Xavier’s behalf. This guy has no respect whatsoever…

Xavier scoffed and said coldly, “And you’ll be dead in a second if you don’t shut your mouth, cunt.”

Ron covered his laughing at Malfoy’s shaken expression. Take that, you ponce!

The intense moment came to an end when Professor Snape walked in, and Ron couldn’t deny how intimidating the man appeared. He was in all black robes, had greasy, long black hair, had a long, hooked nose and there was an aura about him that demanded respect.  

“Welcome to the Noble House of Slytherin,” Professor Snape started calmly. “I am Professor Snape, your Head of house and your Potions Master.”

“Now, the House of Slytherin has always been viewed as a dark and evil House. Only a fool could claim that Slytherin hadn’t groomed infamous, dark wizards, but none of you are here for that prospect. You are all here to learn the ways of witchcraft and wizardry. If I see or learn of anything besides that, best believe I’ll make it my duty to make you stick to what must be followed,” Snape warned coldly and many of the first years gulped, including Ron. Bloody hell…    

“On another note, if you have any problems or issues with anything, you can put your full trust in me and talk to me. My door is always open, and I will keep your words confidential between you and me,” Snape promised in a softer tone, looking between the various students.

“That’s all for tonight. Your timetables shall be handed to you tomorrow at breakfast and I shall hear that none of you are late to your classes. Good luck and welcome to Hogwarts,” Professor Snape finished, and he billowed away. Well, that was something…

The Prefects then came back and led the first years to their Dorms and Ron was very glad that he had Xavier with him. On top of that, they were sharing their room with Theodore Nott and a dark-skinned boy named Blaise Zabini, and both of them seemed much better options than Malfoy and his goons.

As Ron unpacked his things, he heard Theodore Nott say, “Well, I guess we’re all Dormmates. It wouldn’t hurt to introduce ourselves, don’t you think?”

Ron whipped around and found Theodore Nott smirking slightly, while Xavier and Blaise Zabini both looked disinterested. Ron stared at Nott and Zabini with mistrustful looks and Theodore Nott chuckled. “Not to worry, Weasley, I assure you that Blaise and I are not like your enemy, Malfoy, or his two gorillas.”

Ron narrowed his eyes at Theodore Nott and then glanced at Blaise Zabini who still held a look of boredom. “Well, I guess you’re right,” Ron slowly agreed, and he held out his hand. “I’m Ron Weasley.”

Theodore Nott chuckled again, and Blaise Zabini rolled his eyes much to Ron’s downright misunderstanding. “What?”

“Weren’t you present when Desmond and I introduced ourselves?” Theodore questioned, and Ron cocked an eyebrow. “You pronounce your last name first, and then your full name. Middle name doesn’t count of course.”

“But you already know my first name,” Ron pointed out, and Blaise Zabini scoffed.  

“It’s merely a custom, Weasley,” Blaise responded aloofly, and he faced Xavier and held out his hand. “Zabini. Blaise Zabini.”

Xavier reciprocated this and shook the other boy's hand as he replied, “Desmond. Xavier Desmond.” 

“See, nothing too intricate,” Theodore assured, and Ron rolled his eyes. Bloody Slytherin Pure-Blood customs…

“Whatever,” Ron said, and he held out his hand. “Weasley. Ronald Weasley. You can call me Ron, though.”

“Nott. Theodore Nott,” Theodore replied, shaking Ron’s hand. “And you’re wrong once again, Weasley. We call each other by our last names. Only when we are the closest of allies do we refer each other by first names.”

“Bloody hell, Nott,” Ron frowned, and Nott chuckled as he surrendered his arms into the air.

“Just a custom, is all,” Nott reasoned, and Ron turned to Zabini, and they shook hands as they introduced themselves. Ugh, this is so stupid!  

“I guess we should all get some rest now,” Xavier spoke up, and there was a perception of consensus between the boys. Without bidding anyone goodnight, Ron crawled under the comfy sheets and began to wonder over inevitable events that were in his pathway. He knew he had to face his siblings, his parents, and Harry soon enough. Ron just cursed his luck, rolled over, and slowly drifted to sleep.

A faint buzzing sound sparked Ron’s eyes to open, and he yawned tiredly. The sleeping situation was quite amazing in Ron’s opinion. That buzzing noise must be the alarm charm… Ron looked around and found that Nott and Zabini were already awakened, while Xavier was gone.

“Where’s Xavier?” Ron asked as he got off his bed.

“Good morning to you too,” Nott replied with a smirk.

“Desmond was gone before we woke up,” Zabini informed, and Ron nodded as he rubbed his eyes. I wonder where he went…

Ron went to freshen up; he had a warm shower and changed into his new robes.

As he entered the Great Hall, he spotted Xavier sitting at the corner of the Slytherin table, munching on toast in seclusion and Ron decided to join him. The sweet smell of buttered toasts and sizzled sausages filled Ron’s nostrils and his stomach growled in hunger. Damn, I should have eaten more yesterday…

Ron sat down and immediately began pilling food onto his plate and ate like a ravenous beast out for no mercy. He devoured the food with satisfied hums at the scrumptious taste of it all and missed Xavier’s bewildered look.

“Morning, Ron” Xavier greeted, and Ron looked up to see Xavier’s quizzical expression.

“Good morning, mate. Why do you look so shocked?” Ron questioned with a  befuddled look.

“Well, I don’t reckon I’ve ever seen someone eat so fast before. Not even at the…” Xavier trailed off and Ron’s brow furrowed.

“Not even at the what?” Ron asked, his eyes narrowed.

“Never mind,” Xavier muttered curtly and began to eat while reading a book on spells. Ron just shrugged to himself and continued eating but slowed down a bit at the mere thought of Professor’s Snape seeing Ron eat like that.

After ten minutes, Professor Snape came around and handed everyone their timetables. Ron scanned through it and memorised all the times of his classes.

“Guess we have double Transfiguration first,” Xavier noted, and Ron nodded.

“What subjects are you confident in?” Ron asked as he bit into a sausage.

Xavier took a moment and then replied, “Well I never knew properly about magic until a few weeks ago when I bought the textbooks. After reading them all, I feel like I have a clear image and understanding of it, so I reckon I’ll be alright at Defence of the Dark Arts, Potions, and maybe Transfiguration.”

Ron felt sympathetic that Xavier hadn’t any proper knowledge of the Magical World until quite recently, but that conjured a question in Ron’s mind. Where was Xavier living all this time?

Before Ron could state the subjects that he was particularly strong in, Professor Snape put a hand on Ron’s shoulder and Ron faced him.

“G-good morning, sir,” Ron greeted respectfully, slightly afraid.

“The Headmaster would like to meet you in his office now, Mr. Weasley. Follow me,” Snape then walked off, and Ron followed him. Ron also shot Xavier a parting nod, and he returned it.   

Ron and the Potions Master walked in silence all the way until they reached a door that was being guarded by a gargoyle. What could this be about?

“Chocolate frogs,” Snape muttered, and the gargoyle leaped aside, allowing Snape to knock on the door and a voice told them to enter. As Snape and Ron walked in, Ron couldn’t help but marvel at Dumbledore’s huge office. The room’s walls were filled with portraits of the previous Headmasters and Headmistresses, many extravagant and peculiar instruments were laid on tables, and books upon books inhabited the many shelves.  

A desk was stationed in the middle and behind it was Professor Dumbledore himself and he smiled cheerfully at Snape and Ron.

“Thank you, Severus, you may go,” Dumbledore said, and Snape nodded. He then exited the room without another look.

“Take a seat, Ronald,” Dumbledore smiled, and Ron obliged.

“Why am I here, sir?” Ron asked, butterflies inhabiting his stomach.

“Well, your parents wanted to meet with you after they found out that you were placed in Slytherin and so they’re coming right now, while Severus is gathering your older brothers,” Dumbledore explained, and Ron felt his heart beat perpetually. Oh shite…

“Professor… are my parents… angry?” Ron asked softly, shaking slightly.

“Quite the opposite, my boy. They are just concerned for you and want to know if you’re safe,” Dumbledore explained comfortingly, and Ron let out a sigh of relief, though it didn’t fully ease the anxious build-up in his body. Just then, Professor Snape came in with Percy, Fred, and George and left once more when Dumbledore nodded to him.

Ron slowly stared at his brothers with an uneasy, apologetic look and to his surprise, his three brothers ran up to him and hugged him tightly.

“I’m… I’m sorry,” Ron sniffled as he realised he was tearing up. Get a hold of yourself!

“It’s alright, little brother, no need to cry,” Percy whispered gently, hugging Ron into his chest.  

“I thought you guys would hate me,” Ron sobbed meekly, and his older brothers tightened their hugs.

“We would never, Ronnie,” George assured softly, patting his back consolingly.

“We were just scared and confused like you at first,” Fred added firmly, patting Ron’s cheek. “But Percy convinced us that it wasn’t your fault, Ronnie. We just wanted to know if you are alright.”

Ron couldn’t stop his flowing tears and he chuckled in pure relief while Percy wiped away the sour tears from Ron’s face.

“It’s alright, baby brother. We’re here for you,” Percy promised, while the twins nodded in agreement.

Dumbledore, who had been watching with ordeal with twinkling eyes and a golden smile, cleared his throat to garner their attention.  

“I believe your parents will be here any moment,” Dumbledore informed, and they all nodded.

The fireplace roared to life right on cue and his mother, father and Ginny came rushing through it. 

“Ginny!” Ron exclaimed.

“Ronnie!” Ginny exclaimed back and the two youngest siblings hugged each other tightly.

“I’ve missed you so much!” Ginny cried, and Ron hugged her tighter. I’ve missed you too, Gin…

As Ron released Ginny and they smiled at each other blissfully, Ron felt his mother’s arms wrap around him and she held him close to herself.

“Oh, my poor boy… All alone in Slytherin,” his mother wept, while Ron’s father smiled sadly at him.

“I believe Ronald has already made one friend,” Dumbledore spoke up, his eyes twinkling with delight at the prospect.  

The Weasleys all turned to Ron, and he explained, “You know how I told you about a boy called Xavier Desmond back when we were buying my supplies? Yeah well, turns out I wasn’t wrong. Xavier Desmond and I became friends on the train ride.”

His parent’s eyes widened, and Ginny let out a gasp. They looked to Ron’s older brothers to back Ron up and they nodded in honesty. They had all heard stories of the brave and fearless Desmond Pure-Blood family and just like everyone else, they were fed the information of the deaths of Caesar Desmond and Athena Desmond, along with a baby boy who everyone believed to be their son. So how could this be possible?    

“Albus, is this true? Did their son live? Is he here at Hogwarts?” Ron’s dad asked in an incredulous tone and Albus nodded with a smile.

“Indeed, my boy,” Dumbledore replied truthfully, and Ron’s mother gasped.

“It can’t be…” Arthur muttered, and he rubbed his forehead.

Molly looked back at her son and asked, “Ronnie, how are you? Are you eating enough? How is everything?”

“Everything is fine mum… Wait, so you’re not angry or upset with me?” Ron asked quietly, and his parents sighed concurrently.

“No, Ron, we’ve both been to Hogwarts and know how the Sorting hat chooses the student for the House. It’s not your fault at all. We just hope you are doing alright,” Arthur said, and Ron smiled joyously at them. He felt like a great weight had been lifted off his shoulders right now.

“Ronnie, if you want to get re-sorted,” his mother offered an ultimatum slowly. “We would stand with you as well.” Re-sorted? I don’t know…

Ron’s eyes fell onto the Sorting Hat who seemed dormant, and he bit his lip. The Hat had told him that Slytherin was the best-suited House for Ron to strive for his goals and to aspire for his desires. Would re-sorting mess that all up?

Ron looked up at his parents and he came to his decision. “No, I think I’ll stay if that’s alright.”

“Of course, son, whatever you feel is best,” his father immediately agreed, patting Ron’s shoulder. “Your mother and I stand by you.”

“Just don’t go hanging out with that Malfoy git,” Fred advised with a grin and Ron chuckled, while their mother tutted at Fred.

“You have my word, Fred,” Ron pledged, and Fred ruffled his hair.

“Well, it looks like classes will begin in a few minutes, so I advise you all to get back,” Dumbledore suggested, and the four brothers nodded firmly.

Ron’s parents and Ginny hugged him once more closely and Ron sent a thankful smile to his brothers before he departed Dumbledore’s office.

Ron, feeling much more content with how things had turned out, swung his bookbag over his shoulder and made his way to the Transfiguration classroom with a bright smile, eager to learn and to put his knowledge to the test. Years of studying, learning techniques from Bill and Charlie, and absorbing notes from Percy had created the foundation of basic knowledge solidified in Ron’s head, along with some knowledge of advanced magic in all different branches.  Ron located Xavier walking among the other students and approached him.

“What happened?” Xavier asked as he acknowledged Ron’s presence.

“Oh, my parents and brothers talked to me about the whole Slytherin situation, and they were fine with the whole Slytherin situation,” Ron explained, and Xavier nodded in understanding.

“Here, I grabbed you a piece of toast,” Xavier said, and he gave Ron a perfectly buttered toast with scrambled eggs layered on top.

“Thanks, mate, I really appreciate that,” Ron smiled in gratitude, and that caused Xavier’s lips to form a quick smile in return. Hmm, that’s the first time I’ve seen him smile…

Ron and Xavier then walked into the classroom with the rest of the Slytherins and Gryffindors and sat together in the seats located in the second row of the classroom.

As the students seated themselves, they noticed a tabby cat sitting on the desk. At first, it did nothing, but then it leaped off the table and transformed into Professor McGonagall smoothly. The students all gasped with impressed looks and began applauding her. That was bloody brilliant!  

“Thank you, thank you,” Professor McGonagall said, her lips forming a quick smile and it disappeared as hastily as it came. “Now, today is your first lesson of Transfiguration, one of the more delicate and difficult branches of Magic. It can take one several years to transfigure something properly and I will not have any students fooling around in my class.”

Like Professor Snape, she had the gift of intimidating her students into following her instructions very clearly with no altercations.

The Transfiguration professor then began asking numerous questions of the Transfiguration branch and only three people answered them all correctly: Ron, Xavier, and Hermione.

Professor McGonagall gave them all small smiles and awarded them each points for their knowledge, which Ron understood was a rare spectacle.   

Their first task was to turn a match into a needle and the class began with several failed attempts. Ron aimed his wand at the match and concentrated. Ron calmed his nerves and muttered the spell under his breath as it was a trick Bill had taught him to utilize instead of announcing the spell out loud. To his luck, he had succeeded in his first try and Professor McGonagall had seen it with her own two eyes.

“Well done, Mr. Weasley. It seems you have a gift in Transfiguration. Ten points to Slytherin,” Professor McGonagall said with an approving smile, and Ron felt his spirits soar higher than ever.

“Well done, Ron,” Xavier complimented, and Ron nodded with a blush, while he missed Hermione’s frustrated glare.  

Xavier then looked at his match and copied the end result on his second try. Ron clapped his back and Professor McGonagall looked more impressed that a second student had succeeded.

“Another gifted student, I see. Ten points to Slytherin,” Professor McGonagall smiled a thin-lipped smile and Ron caught Nott, Zabini, and some other Slytherins shooting the duo firm nods, though there were glints of opportunity in their eyes. So far, Ron and Xavier had gathered twenty points plus the thirty points for answering a lot of the questions.         

Professor McGonagall then stared at Xavier with an intriguing look and asked, “Mr. Desmond, I’ve heard that you could perform a bit of wandless magic. May we see a demonstration?”  

Every other student turned around in disbelief and waited for Xavier to demonstrate some wandless magic.

Ron watched Xavier focus his eyes solely on the needle and he then moved his hand and levitated the needle with ease. Bloody amazing! He did it non-verbally as well! I wonder how long it took him to even master that!

Ron began clapping loudly and the stunned students joined in after a moment. Professor McGonagall just stared at Xavier proudly and she too applauded him.

“Another twenty points will be awarded to Mr. Desmond. This is very excellent work and I suggest you continue this,” Professor McGonagall praised, and Xavier nodded politely.

“That was incredible, mate,” Ron complimented genuinely, his mind racing at seeing someone his age perform wandless magic. I’ve never done it myself…

“Thanks, Ron. You did great by switching the match to the needle on your first try. No one else has accomplished that,” Xavier commented, and Ron smirked.

Class shortly ended after that and as Ron and Xavier headed out, they were stopped by none other than Harry himself.  

“Hey guys,” Harry greeted with a smile and they greeted him back.

“What you guys did back there was incredible!” Harry exclaimed and Ron blushed while Xavier just shrugged.

“How are you doing in Gryffindor?” Xavier queried, and Harry’s face lit up.

“Oh, it’s great! I even made friends with Neville,” Harry said in delight, and he then looked pitiful. “I’m sorry that you both didn’t get into Gryffindor. I hope we can still be friends with each other…”  

“That would be great, Harry,” Ron replied with a sad smile, feeling slightly better than Harry was keen to stay friends with him and Xavier.

“Agreed,” Xavier added firmly. Thank Merlin, Harry is still our friend…

The trio walked to the Great Hall for lunch and Harry split ways to join the Gryffindor table, while Ron and Xavier joined the Slytherin one.

As they sat down, this time next to each other, both facing the other tables and having their backs to the walls, they were joined by none other than Theodore Nott and Blaise Zabini, who sat across from them with captivated countenances.

“Seventy points!” Nott exclaimed, his usually smooth demeanour evaporated.

“In one class,” Zabini added in, his typical look of aloofness replaced with an enthralling look. Ron and Xavier both shrugged, not knowing what to say.

“Desmond, how in Merlin’s beard, do you know how to do wandless magic?” Theo asked, his face still in disbelief. “I mean, I’ve learned various dueling stances and how to combat with spells because of father’s training, but I haven’t even thought of exploring the pathway of wandless magic yet.”

“I learned a bit of it over the years naturally. I’m no master or expert,” Xavier replied curtly, but Nott still stared at him with convinced awe. 

“The whole school is talking about you two right now,” Zabini informed. Ron and Xavier subtlety looked around and saw that the Slytherins along the table were giving them nods and smiles, while Ravenclaw was hushing to each other in whispers, stealing quick glances at the two Slytherin boys. Hufflepuff and Gryffindor all just stared in disbelief and a little annoyance. Merlin’s beard…

“I propose a deal,” Zabini suddenly started, leaning forward. What the hell… why do they speak so formally?

“Go on,” Xavier consented.

“We all become allies and help each other in different classes,” Zabini suggested, and Nott nodded in agreement with him.

“What do you guys excel in?” Ron asked, considering the offer. Charlie told me not to reveal any signs of higher knowledge of more advanced spells and to keep it to myself… only reveal what subjects you excel at…

“Blaise here especially loves Astronomy and Potions, while I excel more in Herbology and Charms. We’re both also quite proficient when it comes to Defence Against the Dark Arts,” Nott stated truthfully, and Zabini nodded in confirmation.  

Ron and Xavier looked at each other and both followed the same thinking pattern. These two are definitely more intelligent than Malfoy and his lackeys, and they are our Dormmates after all… maybe it would be a good idea to join them, and we could all possibly become friends…

Ron and Xavier then nodded firmly, and the other two boys smiled more genuinely.

“In that case, we’ll allow you two to call us by our first names, and we can call you two by yours, if you want, of course,” Theo stated, and Ron found himself nodding in accordance. Good… I prefer calling people by their first name…

Xavier Desmond’s P.O.V:

Xavier finished his lap around the lake, and he wiped the sweat off his forehead with controlled breaths. He still had about forty minutes until dinner, so Xavier decided to hit the showers before figuring what else to do.

For the first day of Hogwarts, things had started off smoothly and roughly simultaneously; he ended up in Slytherin, however, he promised himself not to judge the House off by its infamous dark wizards and witches.

Xavier also had Ron Weasley, a new friend who intrigued Xavier, to say the least. The red-haired boy had approached him in the train ride and had made conversation with him, something that Xavier admired him for. Then, Ron had gone along and broken his family’s customary tradition of being sorted into Gryffindor and ended up in the House where Xavier hadn’t least expected. Maybe Ron had lots of ambition… And this morning, Ron had been the first student to turn the match into a needle successfully on his first try. Needless to say, Xavier felt that his red-haired friend was definitely a more talented individual than everyone else he had seen.  

Then there were his two other allies, Theodore Nott, and Blaise Zabini. There were these so-called ‘Pure-Bloods’ as well and had extensive knowledge of the Magical World like Ron but had lived different lifestyles as they clearly followed customs and were unequivocally suited for Slytherin. They were opportunists and Xavier could tell that Theo was one guile, cunning individual, while Blaise practised self-preservation and was more indifferent like Xavier. 

A news article in the Daily Prophet on Xavier had also been released when they got word of his arrival to Hogwarts. Students gazed or gaped at him in the hallways, and he would often catch professors shooting him subtle looks, still not sure if they could believe who they were looking at. Xavier didn’t know how to comprehend all of this. He desperately needed to know about his parent’s fate sooner or later and to make sense of it all.  

Was this all a dream? Were his parents really that cherished, revered, and esteemed by the Wizarding World? Did everyone really think that Xavier had died along with his parents?

It just made no sense whatsoever the more Xavier thought about it. How had he ended up in an orphanage if he had supposedly died? How would it be possible if his parents had died, and no one had found their bodies? Either someone was present when his parents were dying and had saved Xavier just in time to deliver him to an orphanage or maybe… he wasn’t a Desmond at all. But Albus Dumbledore had been certain from the moment he had set his eyes upon Xavier back at the orphanage.

Xavier had impressed the whole school with some wandless magic, and he had helped earn Slytherin seventy points in one class. Not to mention the questions he answered in History of Magic that occurred after lunch along with Ron in which they earned a further thirty points from a thrilled Professor Binns.

Xavier knew that earning a hundred points in one day would probably never happen again as today was the day professors would be astonished by the two Slytherin’s intellect and demonstrations until they would soon get used to Ron and Xavier’s advanced knowledge and skills.   

As Xavier walked through the corridor, remarks of mocking someone and a small scuffle could be heard from nearby and Xavier instantly ran towards the commotion. 

He turned a corner and saw Neville Longbottom being harassed by Malfoy and his goons. Neville had his arms pinned behind his back by Malfoy’s cronies and Malfoy was holding up one of Neville’s books. For fucks sake, what is up with these three cunts?

Xavier withdrew his wand and pointed it at the book. With a curved movement of the hand, he muttered, “Accio Neville’s book.” The book came flying out of Malfoy’s grip and Xavier caught it firmly.

Malfoy turned around in surprise and his shocked look turned into a hateful one when he saw Xavier.

“What do you think you’re doing?!” Malfoy snapped in irritation.

“Having some fun,” Xavier replied coldly, and he pointed his wand directly at Malfoy’s paling face. This shall teach you a lesson, prick…

“Furnunculus,” Xavier snarled, his wand vibrating in his hand as he did the specific movement he had read in his book of spells and angry boils instantaneously appeared on Malfoy’s face, making the platinum-haired boy cry out in pain. Xavier began marching up to Malfoy, but Malfoy quickly rushed away along with his slower cronies, and Xavier scoffed to himself. Weaklings…  

Xavier glanced at the book on magical plants and handed it to Neville Longbottom, who was rubbing his arms with a look of trepidation.

“T-thanks,” Longbottom panted as he took the book back from Xavier. A Slytherin, specifically Xavier Desmond, had come to his aid. He couldn’t believe it!

“You alright?” Xavier asked tersely as he patted off some dirt on Neville’s robes.

Neville nodded shakily and Xavier said, “You shouldn’t let those fools do that to you. You’re worth three times more than all of them combined.”

With that Xavier left a shocked and dazed Neville Longbottom behind and he headed off to the Common Room, still pondering over his existence.

Fifteen minutes later, Xavier was walking throughout from the Slytherin Common Room and decided to head to the Great Hall early since dinner would start soon.

“Mr. Desmond,” came the cold, silky voice of Professor Snape’s.

Xavier wheeled around and Snape said, “My office. Now.”

He then billowed away, and Xavier followed him. Ah, Malfoy probably ratted me out…

Once Xavier entered Snape’s office, he looked around the cold, damp room and found jugs filled with weird liquid substances and bubbling cauldrons, frothing of concoctions. The room may have been dark and damp, but a crackling fireplace kept the room warm.

“Sit,” Snape ordered, and Xavier obliged.

“Is it true that you attacked Mr. Malfoy today?” Professor Snape asked, his face devoid of any emotion.

“No, you have been misinformed, sir,” Xavier stated truthfully back with an impassive look.

“Explain,” Snape said, his dark eyes boring into Xavier’s.

“I caught Malfoy and his friends, Crabbe and Goyle, harassing Neville Longbottom and I just simply put the furnunculus curse on Malfoy so that he and his mates could leave Longbottom alone,” Xavier explained, and Snape stared at the boy without blinking once, evaluating the amount of truthiness in Xavier’s confession.

“And how did you perform such spell? The Pimple Jinx isn’t even looked upon until second or third year,” Snape pointed out bluntly.

“I’ve read over a lot of the spells in my spare time and occasionally, practise some just in case for future purposes,” Xavier answered truthfully and to his surprise, Snape smirked.

“I can tell that by how many points you and Mr. Weasley earned today,” Snape stated, and it was obvious that he was trying to hide his smug proudness over it.

“It is what it is, sir,” Xavier said, shrugging insouciantly.

“Well, either way, I shall not hear that you have cursed another student. Five points from Slytherin,” Snape chastised coldly, but Xavier nodded in fairness.

“I understand, professor,” Xavier said respectfully. “I apologise for my actions.”

Snape nodded at Xavier’s reverent understanding and pulled out his pocket watch to inspect the time.  

“Dinner is about to start, we should head to the Great Hall,” Snape suggested curtly and the two got up to leave the office.

They walked in comfortable silence and Xavier had a few thoughts running through his head. I got off quite easy… Maybe, Professor Snape does favour his own students…

They reached the entrance of the Great Hall and as Xavier was about to join the Slytherin table, Snape stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.

“Well done on earning a hundred points today. Tell Mr. Weasley as well. Keep up the work,” Professor Snape congratulated. He then billowed away to the professor’s table and Xavier smirked softly to himself. I will, professor, I promise…

Xavier entered the Great Hall and spotted Ron eating. “Mate, where have you been?” Ron asked in relief as Xavier sat next to him. Xavier began to recount everything and by the end, Ron was slack-jawed, his dinner long forgotten.

“So, Snape is proud of us? And only took five points off you even though you cursed Malfoy?” Ron questioned. Xavier nodded and Ron whistled.

“Serves Malfoy right. I feel bad for Longbottom, I think Harry told me that he gets picked on a lot by Malfoy’s lot,” Ron said, and Xavier nodded in agreement. “What curse did you use by the way?”

“The Furnunculus curse,” Xavier responded, and Ron looked impressed.

“My brother Charlie taught me that one along with a few other jinxes and curses,” Ron admitted. “I can teach you some if you want.”

“Yeah, I’ve been memorising a lot of new spells above our year level and have wanted to test some out,” Xavier agreed. “It’s a deal.”

Theo and Blaise suddenly appeared in front of them, and they opted to sit across from Xavier and Ron.

“Where have you two been?” Xavier asked in slight amusement at Theo and Blaise’s exasperated looks.

“Finishing the History of Magic essay,” Blaise answered while cutting his steak.

“Which one?” Ron asked with a knowing smirk.

“The one you two didn’t have to do,” Theo replied with ire; Ron and Xavier had proved themselves to Professor Binns to the point that he had let them off with the essay. Ron outright laughed at Theo and Blaise’s expense, while Xavier smirked to himself.

“The most boring class in Hogwarts,” Blaise added in a detached tone.

“Oh, come on, it’s not that bad,” Ron said, and he chortled at Theo’s glare.

Dinner then proceeded and the group of four ate as they conversed over different spells incantations and Xavier felt a weird feeling erupt throughout his soul. It felt like… a sense of belonging… here at Hogwarts. It was where he belonged and maybe, things would only get better from here.