I am Peter Pettigrew

As Peter exited the dueling arena, he noticed a tall, striking figure waiting just outside. Her presence was unmistakable—Professor Elira Volkov, one of Durmstrang's most formidable instructors. Her icy blue eyes met his with a calculated sharpness, assessing him even before a word was spoken. Peter recognized her instantly; her reputation for ruthlessness and ambition preceded her.

With a polite nod, Peter approached her. "Professor Volkov, I presume?"

She offered him a slight, cool smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Indeed. And you must be Professor Pettigrew. I've heard whispers about you… the man with a reputation that's far more interesting than most give credit for." Her tone was smooth, every word carefully measured.

Peter inclined his head, his own expression guarded yet curious. "Reputation has its uses, Professor. It tends to make people underestimate what lies beneath."

Volkov's smile widened slightly, her amusement evident. "You're not like the other professors here. I can tell. You don't fit the mold of Dumbledore's merry band of do-gooders."

"I find it better to chart my own path," Peter replied evenly. "Following others leads to limitations. But I doubt you're here to discuss the philosophies of Hogwarts faculty."

    "Quite right." Volkov's gaze grew more intense as she took a step closer. "I was intrigued by how you handled that duel today. You certainly have a unique approach… pairing a pureblood like Draco Malfoy with a mudblood and encouraging her to 'go all out.' Bold choice. But why waste your talents on defending someone of her kind?"

Peter's eyes narrowed, his voice cool as he responded. "I defend what suits my interests. Hermione Granger is an asset. Her blood status is irrelevant to me. She's the brightest witch of her generation, and if guided properly, she could be more than just a student. Meanwhile, Malfoy has been a liability—arrogant, reckless, and prone to repeating his father's mistakes."

Volkov tilted her head, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of curiosity and something darker. "So, you're neutral when it comes to blood status? I'll admit, that's unexpected. But neutrality can only get you so far, Pettigrew. Those who try to stand in the middle usually find themselves crushed between forces greater than them."

Peter's expression hardened. "I'm not standing in the middle, Volkov. I'm positioning myself where I have the most leverage. That's the difference between us—I see power for what it is, and I'm not blinded by the same prejudices that have shackled wizards for centuries."

Volkov's eyes flashed with a touch of respect, though there was still an air of condescension in her tone. "Interesting perspective. Perhaps you're worth more than I initially thought." She paused, her expression shifting into something more calculated. "I'm part of a society that seeks out individuals with ambition and vision—people like you. Have you ever heard of the Council of the Hidden Path?"

Peter smirked, catching the flicker of surprise in her eyes. "As a matter of fact, I have. I received a letter recently—though I suspected it might have been a prank or a test. So, it's real then? You're recruiting for them?"

Volkov's expression turned exasperated, her control slipping slightly. "I knew it. One of my students must've let it slip. He's always joking about matters he doesn't fully grasp." She composed herself quickly, her tone returning to its cold professionalism. "Yes, the Council is real, and it's not something to take lightly. But I'm here to tell you to disregard that letter for now. The real invitation comes directly from me, and when it does, you'll be expected to make a decision."

Peter's smile faded, his voice laced with steel. "I don't take well to ultimatums, Volkov. Nor do I appreciate being told what I can or cannot do. If this Council thinks they can dictate terms to me, they'll learn soon enough that I'm not easily controlled."

Volkov's amusement returned, though there was a dangerous glint in her eyes. "We'll see, Pettigrew. Just remember, aligning yourself too closely with mudbloods and undesirables might give you temporary advantages, but in the long run, it could be your downfall. You have power, but it's wasted if it's spent defending the weak."

Peter's anger simmered beneath the surface, but he kept his tone steady. "I don't need advice on how to wield my power. If your Council thinks otherwise, then they'll find themselves facing something they're not prepared for."

Volkov regarded him with a mixture of interest and caution. "Perhaps I misjudged you. Either way, this isn't the last time we'll speak. Just… keep in mind that power respects power, not sentimentality."

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Peter standing alone outside the arena. His mind raced as he watched her leave. The Council of the Hidden Path could be an ally—or an obstacle. But one thing was certain: he wouldn't let anyone, not Volkov, not this mysterious society, stand in the way of his ambitions.

Looking at her walking away swaying her hips, Peter forced himself to not attack her right then and there, moulding her mind into a slave who only serves him. But he stopped himself, this was not one of the defenceless students he had fun with, this was a proper witch with a scary reputation, he will need to be careful with her.

0000

**The Cauldron of Neglect: The Decline of Potion-Making Standards Under Severus Snape** 

**By Rita Skeeter, Special Correspondent**

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was once the shining beacon of magical education in Britain, producing potion masters of remarkable skill and talent. But in recent years, under the so-called "instruction" of Severus Snape, the Potions department has become a cesspool of incompetence, fear, and favoritism. Gone are the days when students left Hogwarts with a deep understanding of the subtle art of potion-making. Instead, they depart with a bitter taste of humiliation and confusion.

One cannot ignore the striking decline in potion-making standards since Snape assumed the role of Potions Master. Reports from the Wizarding Examination Authority show a noticeable drop in Outstanding marks for N.E.W.T.-level Potions over the past decade, coinciding directly with Snape's tenure. It begs the question: is the man fit for the role, or is his infamous temper more suited to the dungeons he prowls?

**A Classroom of Fear**

Students across Hogwarts have long spoken in hushed tones of the toxic atmosphere in Snape's classes. In his cold, dimly lit dungeon, learning seems more akin to surviving a battle of wits than engaging in education. Multiple sources have confirmed that Professor Snape does little more than scrawl instructions on the blackboard, barely bothering to explain complex procedures or theory. He then spends the remainder of the lesson berating and ridiculing students who struggle to follow his cryptic notes.

One current student, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retribution, shared this: 

*"Snape doesn't teach us. He sets us up for failure, then revels in it. Every mistake is met with scorn, and it feels like he's actively trying to make us give up. You're more likely to leave his class terrified of potions than confident in them."*

Another anonymous student added: 

*"We all know that if you're not in Slytherin, he treats you like dirt. He'll offer help to Slytherins, but if a Hufflepuff or Gryffindor asks a question, he sneers and acts like you're wasting his time."*

Such favoritism has poisoned not just the learning environment, but the moral fabric of Hogwarts itself. It's no secret that Slytherin students are given preferential treatment, earning higher marks and leniency that others could only dream of. Yet despite his blatant bias, Snape remains entrenched, shielded by what some suspect are dubious connections to high-ranking figures within the school.

**The Voices of the Graduates**

Even former students, free from Snape's venomous glare, are eager to speak out. Gweneth Frobisher, a potioneer who graduated five years ago, stated: 

*"My time in Snape's class nearly made me abandon potion-making altogether. He didn't teach; he intimidated. I learned more from reading books on my own than I ever did from his so-called lessons. It's a miracle anyone from our year passed their N.E.W.T.s."*

Rupert Blenkinsop, now an apothecary in Diagon Alley, echoed these sentiments: 

*"Snape's incompetence goes beyond his teaching methods. The atmosphere he creates stifles creativity and curiosity. Potion-making should be an art, a pursuit of mastery, but under him, it became a test of how much abuse you could tolerate."*

**A Call for Change**

The situation is dire. How much longer will Hogwarts tolerate such a corrosive presence within its hallowed halls? How many more students will have their passion for potion-making snuffed out by Snape's vindictive behavior? The future of magical Britain rests on the education of today's students, and under Snape's so-called guidance, that future is looking grim.

The Ministry of Magic and the Hogwarts Board of Governors must act before it is too late. It's time for Severus Snape to be removed from his position and replaced with someone who values education over intimidation, knowledge over cruelty, and fairness over favoritism. The fate of our country's potion-making standards depends on it.

**What Can You Do?**

Concerned parents, alumni, and citizens should write directly to the Hogwarts Board of Governors, demanding an investigation into Snape's conduct and the drastic decline in educational quality within his classroom. The voices of students, both past and present, paint a clear picture: Severus Snape is a blight on Hogwarts, and it is high time that the blight be cleansed.

For the sake of our children's future, let's ensure that the next generation of witches and wizards are guided by those who inspire, not by those who instill fear.

**Rita Skeeter** 

*Special Correspondent for The Daily Prophet*

0000

I put the paper down and look around the great hall, I'm really impressed with Rita. By reading the article it doesn't seem targeted or anything but some concerned citizens raising their voices. Well with all that Snape has done she didn't need to do anything over the top, everyone already knows how bad of a person and teacher Snape is, they also know that dumbledore protects him.

I'm looking forward to my date with Rita even more now. The students around the hall have started looking at the teachers table now, the students who read the newspaper have started sharing what they read with their neighbours.

Snape himself is oblivious to why everyone is staring at him. He looks around confused as flitwick hands him a copy of the daily prophet. As he starts reading the article I can watch his face, getting angrier and angrier. Couldn't have wished for it to happen to a nicer person and the best thing is, this is just the start.

0000