NOVEL NEXT Chapter 9: Hogwarts
The time had finally arrived. Dante Malfoy, the great prodigy, was set to begin his student life in Hogwarts. Accompanied by his father, Lucius, he made his way to Diagon Alley to gather the necessary supplies. Though Dante had no real need for most of the items—his knowledge and skills far surpassed what Hogwarts could offer—he complied with the school's requirements.
The pair moved from one store to another, purchasing robes, books, and other essentials. The only item Dante didn't acquire was a wand; he already had the one he had retrieved from Azkaban, an ancient and powerful wand that suited him perfectly. As they walked through the bustling alley, Dante commented, "This place has barely changed in the past few centuries. How disappointing."
Lucius, now accustomed to his son's disdain for the current era, remained silent. He had long since learned that Dante despised stagnation and lack of ambition.
As they walked, Lucius broached a topic that had been on his mind. "Dante," he began cautiously, "which house do you plan to join?"
Dante glanced at him. "In my last life, I chose Rowena's house. I'm considering doing so again."
Lucius hesitated, then said, "I would ask you to consider Slytherin. Our family's associates and friends are all in that house, and Severus Snape is the head of house. Choosing another house might… reflect poorly on our family."
Dante raised an eyebrow. "That's a rather dumb reason, but I'll indulge your request. It makes no difference to me, anyway."
Lucius nodded, relieved. "Thank you for understanding."
With their preparations complete, the two returned to the manor. There, Narcissa fussed over Dante, offering endless advice on how to behave at school and make friends. Draco, meanwhile, was brimming with jealousy. "You're so lucky, Dante! I can't wait until it's my turn to go to Hogwarts and learn magic!"
Lucius watched the scene with a mixture of amusement and unease. Giving Dante advice on how to behave at school? The boy was likely older than the combined ages of all the students and staff at Hogwarts. And as for learning magic—it would be more accurate to say he was going there to spread the dark arts. Yet, seeing Dante interact with his family gave Lucius some peace of mind. Despite his dark nature, Dante seemed to value his family, even if only a little. It was a small comfort, knowing that the darkest wizard in history was, at least, on their side.
The next day, Dante arrived at King's Cross Station with his family. After a brief farewell, he boarded the Hogwarts Express and quickly found an empty compartment. Settling in, he pulled out a book he had picked up in Diagon Alley—a collection of magical stories that had become popular in recent decades. It was a light read, but it passed the time.
His solitude was soon interrupted by two loud, red-haired boys who barged into the compartment. "Mind if we sit here?" one asked, though they were already plopping down across from him.
Dante looked up from his book. "Not at all."
The two grinned. "I'm Fred," said one.
"And I'm George," said the other. "We're the Weasley twins."
Dante nodded. "Dante Malfoy."
The twins' faces fell at the name. "Malfoy?" they said in unison. "You are the son of death eaters!"
Dante didn't react, his expression calm and unbothered. "Yes."
The twins exchanged glances, clearly expecting a different response. "Aren't you going to say anything?" Fred asked.
"Like what?" Dante replied, his tone indifferent.
"Malfoys really have no pride" George said
"Or Shame" The second twin, Fred, continued the insult.
Dante's eyes narrowed, and he raised a single finger. The twins froze, their bodies locked in place, unable to speak or move. Dante's voice was calm but carried an edge of menace. "I don't care about your antics, but I won't tolerate insults to my name. This is the last time I'll let it slide. If it happens again, I'll make you—and your entire family—suffer. Trust me, this Voldemort you all fear is a harmless angel compared to me."
He released them, and the twins scrambled to their feet, their faces pale with fear. Without another word, they bolted from the compartment. In the eyes of this ancient wizard, eleven years already old enough to be punished for their words. After all, people at their age helped in wars back in the day.
The rest of the journey passed uneventfully. Other students introduced themselves, but there were no further altercations. Dante spent the time reading, he found some of the stories quite interesting and meaningful.
When the train arrived at Hogsmeade Station, Dante followed the other first-years to the boats that would take them across the lake to Hogwarts. The sight of the castle, illuminated against the night sky, was as majestic as ever. Yet, Dante felt no awe—only a sense of familiarity.
Inside the Great Hall, the first-years gathered for the Sorting Ceremony. The twins, Fred and George, kept their distance, their earlier encounter still fresh in their minds. As the Sorting Hat began its song, Dante waited patiently for his turn.
When his name was called, a hush fell over the hall. All eyes turned to him as he stepped forward and sat on the stool. The professors and many students recognized his name—multiple articles had been written about the prodigy, and curiosity peaked through the room as they wondered where he would be sorted. Professor McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on his head, and it immediately spoke to him.
"Ah sir! it's been centuries," the hat said in a voice only Dante could hear.
"Only four, this time," Dante replied.
The hat chuckled. "Where shall I put you this time, sir? Ravenclaw again?"
"No," Dante said. "Let's go with Slytherin."
"As you wish," the hat said, then announced to the hall, "SLYTHERIN!"
The Slytherin table erupted in cheers as Dante stood and made his way over. He took a seat, his expression as calm and composed as ever. The Sorting continued, but the attention of many remained on him.
At the head table, Dumbledore observed Dante closely. The boy's demeanor was striking—there was no nervousness, no excitement, not even a flicker of emotion. He walked with the confidence of someone who had done this countless times before, his detachment unsettling. Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled faintly, but his smile didn't quite reach his eyes.
[His detachment is unsettling] Dumbledore thought to himself.
Meanwhile, Severus Snape, seated among the other professors, gave a small, almost imperceptible nod as Dante was sorted into Slytherin. It was as if he had expected this outcome all along. His dark eyes followed Dante as the boy took his seat, his expression unreadable.
Dante, for his part, paid little attention to the reactions around him. His first day at Hogwarts had begun, and though he had walked these halls countless times before, he found himself mildly curious about the changes since his last visit. The castle was the same, yet different—a reflection of the ever-shifting world he had lived through for millennia.