I sincerely apologise for the long and unannounced hiatus. A week after I posted Chapter 2, there was a robbery at my house. We were at a wedding, and one of our household stole a moderate amount of cash and a sizeable amount of jewelry. We had him arrested, pressed charges, but they were thorough, and fingerprints came clean, and the jewelry and cash weren't recovered. We then installed CCTV cameras all over our house, and naturally I lost all my will to write due to the atmosphere. Then COVID-19 came for my family. I was stuck at home, my parents and I contracted it. We recovered, but it took its toll. Other than exhaustion, there were no symptoms but it was an exhaustion like none I've ever experienced. My family and I have been vaccinated now and it's been nearly a year now since I started this. I'm back now.
All the scenes were in my head and I wasn't able to focus on writing. Yet, I kept on checking the reviews and follows and favorites. My story is still getting hits and I appreciate it a lot. It's been nearly a year since Chapter 2 was released, and I have rediscovered my mojo. I'm back. I can't promise a weekly or bi weekly or even a monthly schedule. I am not good with schedules. Chapters will come when they can. But I promise they will come. No exceptions. This story will go on for years, and I honestly don't want to write for reviews and stats. I want to write to explore my passion, and give you all something to enjoy. If one writes for reviews and doesn't get as many as they expect, they lose their will to write. I don't suffer from that problem, so I will not lose my will. Nonetheless, I will appreciate reviews and I will reply to them. I love interacting with those who leave constructive criticism or appreciation.
This is an idea which came to my mind from reading Fate by TheTrueSpartan, one of the best writers on , and one of the best people I've met on that website. Its plot is not related to his plot, although I have borrowed some characters from his story because I liked them a lot. He gave me his formal permission, and I'd like to thank him for that, for listening to my questions, taking the time out to answer them from his busy schedule, and for helping me perfect this idea.
If you haven't read Fate by now, what are you waiting for? It's easily the best fanfiction on this website.
My inspiration for writing this story came from Fate, and TTS. He inspired me to look for my own idea, to perfect it until I could bring it to fruition, and share it with all of you.
For The Greater Good
Chapter 3 – First Year
Ron Weasley's POV
Tuesday, 1st September 1987 (The Burrow, Ottery St Catchpole, Devon, West Country, England, Great Britain - Morning)
Had Ron not witnessed the sheer madness on the day Charlie departed for his 1st year at Hogwarts three years ago, he wouldn't have had an easy time understanding why it was so rowdy. They were running late, as usual. Carrying on the Weasley tradition. Apparently it was hell on earth when Bill left for his 1st year. Ron counted it as a blessing he wasn't old enough to remember it.
Thinking about his elder brothers and the beginning of their journeys at Hogwarts made him grin in anticipation for his own future. Granted, he had a good four years left before he'd join them, but he couldn't wait! Hogwarts! The greatest school for magical education in the world, with none other than Albus Dumbledore as its Headmaster! What a life it must be for those who breathe under its roof. Charlie told me about the moving staircases, but I'm sure that isn't even scratching the surface of it.
Ron's grin widened momentarily before his mother's voice called him downstairs for breakfast.
Despite the Weasley's being poor and living mostly hand to mouth, something which Ron wasn't proud of compared to his parents, meals at The Burrow were something even the Minister would have trouble complaining about. The breakfast consisted of fried eggs, sausages, porridge, mashed potatoes, grilled tomatoes, and roasted bacon, muffins and tea.
Mum is really going all out for Percy's 1st year. Ha, she'd never pass on an excuse to feed us until we bottom out. Ron thought with a smile as he sat down at the table after greeting his parents and elder brothers, Bill, Charlie and Percy.
Bill was the pride of their family. He was tall, thin, and handsome. He was the cool one of all of his brothers. Hardworking, easygoing, laidback, intelligent, and kind; all of these words perfectly described him, and it was no surprise to anyone that he had achieved twelve O.W.L.S in his fifth year. He was a prefect, and considered as a very strong candidate for Head Boy amongst his peers when he'd start his final year.
Bill was Ron's favorite brother. He never teased him, always treated him kindly, and Ron was very proud of him. The Weasleys might be considered as outcasts among the sacred-twenty-eights, but not even they could deny Bill's talent.
A part of Ron felt pride due to that, even if the rest of his family didn't care much for it. Ron respectfully disagreed, but he'd never voice such thoughts out loud. It wasn't the Weasley way.
Charlie was his second oldest brother and in his third year at Hogwarts. He was shorter than Bill and quite a bit shorter than Percy at his age, but more than made up for it in bulk. He was the stockiest of them all, and it didn't seem like his other brothers could ever match him in strength. Ron admired his strength and bravery. He always stepped in to stop the twins from bullying him whenever he was around. It wasn't much ever since he went off to Hogwarts, but summers were always nice when Charlie and Bill were home.
Charlie had become the Seeker for the Gryffindor Quidditch team by the end of his second year, and Gryffindor had won the Quidditch Cup for the past two years, and Charlie was looking forward to making it three in a row. Ron was sure he'd be able to.
Percy was next in the seniority list. He, too, was tall and thin like Bill, but with comparatively average looks. That was the extent of their similarities, as Percy was not rowdy at all, addressed their parents formally, and was as far away from cool as the twins were from discipline. He was a shoe in for Ravenclaw in Ron's opinion.
The twins made fun of Percy and pulled pranks on him often, and Ron admitted that he often sides with the twins at Percy's expense, but deep down, Ron knew that like himself, Percy too found it difficult to live up to the reputation his elder brothers had made. They excelled at Quidditch, academics, and everything one could do at Hogwarts. He isn't charming like Bill, nor strong like Charlie, nor likely to be popular at Hogwarts like the twins are going to be. He only has his intellect.
Ron knew he didn't have even that. It always sucked the laughter right out of him, leaving him with a fake grin.
He was the spare, and he knew it.
The twins and Ginny came down at that moment to join the rest of them at the table.
Ron loved all his brothers, especially the twins. Bill and Charlie were closer to each other as brothers considering their small age gap, and Percy was too engrossed in his own world of books while being capable of maintaining a cordial and loving relationship with all his siblings. Well, not exactly a cordial one with the twins, but the love was there.
He was closest to the twins, but the price for being close to them was a bit too high at times. They had transfigured Ron's teddy bear into a giant spider when he was five years old. The mere memory sent a shiver down his spine. I still can't look at them without trembling!
The first time the twins offered him candy, they gave him an acid pop. It burned a hole in his tongue.
That was a year ago.
Just three months ago, the twins nearly got him to make an Unbreakable Vow. He didn't understand what it truly meant, just that it was something very wrong and the twins shouldn't have tried it. At least that's what Bill said. He trusted his eldest brother.
Now Arthur Weasley was a well-mannered, polite man who loved his children and often let Molly handle the disciplining when Ron and his siblings stepped out of line, and as far as Ron could remember, he never raised his hands at anyone, especially his wife and children. In fact, Ron would have thought that his father wasn't a very scary man until three months ago, when he beat the twin's arses black and blue for their latest idea of a 'prank'. Fred did say that his left buttock hadn't properly healed, and a small part of Ron was happy for it.
Despite that episode, the twins were still cool towards him and they showed it by grinning at him greeting him as Ickle Ronnikins as they sat down for breakfast. Ron grinned back, although it wasn't as big as theirs.
Ginny was Ron's best friend, and his only younger sibling. She was always left out of Quidditch matches whenever all of them played to maintain an even number of players, and Ron often gave her company afterwards. The Lovegood family lived next door. Their daughter Luna was Ginny's age and her only female friend. She was a bit weird like her parents, but she was kind and nice to be around, and Ron considered her a good friend.
Despite their good relationship, Ron didn't like the fact that he was always given hand-me-downs and Ginny got new things of her own. Sure, she was the only girl and couldn't wear Bill's underwear like he himself had to, because she was a girl and he wasn't, but it didn't mean Ron had to like it, but it also didn't mean that he wanted to be Ginny instead!
There was no use in complaining. The twins just made fun of him and his parents just gave him disappointed looks before explaining how poor they were. It wasn't fair, and Ron dreamed of changing that one day when he grew older.
He wanted to be a Chess World Champion, he wanted to play for the Chudley Cannons and win the League Cup, European Cup, and Champions League with them. He wanted to be rich and famous.
Ronald Billius Weasley, the red haired rockstar of Britain, almost as famous as Harr-
"Ron?! Finish your bloody toast already! We'll be late to see Percy off at this point! Wait, are you bloody daydreaming!"
"Language, Charlie!"
"Sorry, mum!"
Ron sighed deeply.
Soon afterwards, Ron was accompanying his family to King's Cross Station and onto platform 9 ¾. Bill and Charlie quickly entered the train after quickly hugging their parents and siblings, while Percy took his time. He even hugged the twins and they hugged him back! It was a special occasion after all, and they could afford not being prats for one day. Come Christmas, I'm sure they'll make up for today in spades with another prank.
From the corner of his eye he saw an old lady accompany a boy around Percy's age. The old lady must be his grandmother. Ron saw him hug her goodbye and kiss her cheek and join the train from the car next to theirs just as the engine let out a whistle to signify departure.
As Ron waved goodbye to Percy, Charlie and Bill alongside his other siblings and parents, somehow his thoughts went back to that boy.
I wonder who that was.
Carey Ductu's POV
Tuesday, 1st September 1987 (One mile from King's Cross Station, The Hogwarts Express - Morning)
A blonde haired girl with emerald green eyes walked down the train car to find a cabin for the journey to Hogwarts. She couldn't stop the smile from appearing on her face again and again as she took in her surroundings. It was really happening. Her mother, a graduate of Durmstrang, had told her so much about Hogwarts, and her father, despite being a Muggle, was happier than her mother to see that she had inherited the ability to use magic.
Her mother had cut off ties with her Pure-blood family in Romania to be with her English father, causing quite a scandal, but Carey grew up wanting for nothing. Her only desire was to attend Hogwarts, considering she wouldn't have been accepted at Durmstrang due to her half Muggle heritage, and even if she were her mother's side of her family wouldn't be too pleased by it.
Hogwarts was the best option. Carey wasn't perturbed by it. It was where she wanted to go out of all the schools in the world.
Coming up to a cabin which was occupied by only one girl, Carey entered and sat down across from her. The girl was taller than her by a few inches, with long black hair parted right down the middle, and fair skin, a shade paler than her own. She had silver eyes, and she wasn't afraid to maintain eye contact. Carey liked that about her. "Hello. I'm Ductu, Carey Ductu." She introduced with a charming smile and put her hand forward.
The black haired girl was silent for a few seconds but she maintained her gaze. After a second, she shook her hand. "Selwyn, Samantha Selwyn. I do not recall any pureblood Ductu family, yet you know your etiquettes." She observed.
Oh. A British Pureblood? Well, here goes nothing. Carey steeled herself before continuing. "My father is a Muggle from London. My mother's from the Maximoff family of Romania." Samantha merely blinked in response.
"I've heard of them. They are one of the most prestigious families of Eastern Europe. I didn't know about a member running off with a Muggle, though." Samantha stated in response.
Carey narrowed her eyes slightly. "Does it bother you?"
Samantha shook her head, "I judge people on their individual merits, not their blood purity. We'll get along well if you prove yourself to be competent."
"Well said."
A brunette with medium length hair and black eyes a few inches shorter than herself entered the cabin and plopped down next to Samantha.
The black haired girl raised her eyebrows at her. "Were you eavesdropping on us?"
The brunette grinned, "I was."
"And are you proud of it?"
"I am." The grin turned cheeky.
Samantha smiled, "You're not supposed to admit that." Carey giggled at that.
The brunette chuckled out loud, "I know."
Samantha's smile widened in response.
"Martyris, Clara Martyris." The brunette introduced, and Carey and Samantha reciprocated.
Clara was the Half-blood daughter of a Pure-blood wizard of the Martyris family of Italy, a famous Pure-blood family, and his Muggle-born wife. She had apparently been set to go to Beauxbatons, but came to Hogwarts out of her mother's desire for her daughter to attend her alma mater.
Carey could relate to that. Only I can't go to my mother's alma mater but she can. Not that I want, of course. The lack of choice left a slightly bitter taste in her mouth, she realised. Maybe it did affect her a bit after all?
Before the conversation could go forward, there was a knock at the closed sliding doors before they slid open, revealing a boy their age. He had golden-blond hair and blue eyes, and was taller than Samantha by a few inches.
"My sincere apologies for barging in but all the other cabins in this car are occupied. May I have a seat?" the boy politely inquired with a charming smile. He had perfect white pearls for teeth and Carey couldn't help but notice how handsome it made him look.
Before she could respond, Clara nodded with a smile and beckoned the boy to join them. The boy bowed his head slightly in gratitude before sitting next to Carey. They each took turns to introduce themselves to him who respectfully shook all their hands.
"What's your name?" Carey inquired.
His smile turned to her. "Robert."
"Robert….?" Samantha enquired, as if fetching for a surname.
"Just Robert. I'm an orphan, you see? Call me Rob." Samantha wasn't as expressive emotionally nor could prone to smiling as herself and certainly not as much as Clara, but even Carey could see the slight pang of regret on her features as Rob revealed that.
"Oh… my apologies, Rob." Samantha sincerely expressed with a slight smile, but Rob waved it off completely with his charming smile still in place, and Samantha's smile widened.
"So Rob, where are you from? I'm from Italy and my parents went to Beauxbatons, but they wanted me to attend Hogwarts, so here I am." Clara started, and with that the conversation started properly. Carey and Samantha continued with exchange of information.
"I grew up in an orphanage in Godric's Hollow. When I had my first case of underage magic, I knew I would receive my letter to Hogwarts one day. It was one of the happiest and funniest days of my life." Rob said, and Carey was curious.
"It happened multiple times?" Carey asked, while Samantha remained silent.
"You said that it was one of the funniest days of your life. What did you do, set the caretaker's hair on fire?" Clara asked with a grin to which Rob responded with an even wider grin. Carey nearly gasped.
"Surely you didn-"
"Yes I did."
They all laughed at that, even Samantha, and Carey noticed that she had a beautiful and sophisticated laugh, unlike Clara who was holding her sides. That made it even funnier, and the laughter lasted for a few more seconds.
Before the conversation could move forward, the door slid open again, and not as gently as before. Three boys stood in the doorway, and they didn't look as nice as Rob. The one in front was as tall as Rob with a similar build, light blond hair and brown eyes. Eyes that reminded her of a bully at the Muggle School she had attended till last year. The other two boys were larger than even him.
"There you are, Selwyn! I've been looking all over for you." He said to Samantha, ignoring everyone else.
Samantha narrowed her eyes at the rude boy, "I wasn't aware that you had any reason to look for me, Rowle." Another Pureblood? He doesn't look as open minded as Samantha.
"Why wouldn't I? All the Pure-bloods in our year are sitting together in a cabin in the next car, you join us, rather than linger… here." Wow. Could you BE more obvious? What do you mean by 'here'?
"I'm grateful that you came all the way here for me, but I'll pass." Samantha politely declined at which Rowle scowled. He did not look like a person who was used to no for an answer.
Before he could say anything, Carey interjected with a polite smile. "You can sit with us if you want." She offered. From the corner of her eye, she saw Samantha shake her head but it was too late. Clara looked nervous, too.
Rowle laughed unkindly and the look he gave her was almost menacing which made her shiver. "Sit here? With you? Ha! You should know better than to speak in the company of those superior to you. You're not one of us, or we'd know about you. You're not of Pure-blo-"
"I'd stop right there if I were you." Rowle stopped him mid-sentence as they all turned to the new voice. Carey belatedly realized it was Rob. He wasn't smiling anymore.
"Pardon me?" Rowle said as if he had just noticed the fourth person in the room. Rob stood up at that, and the two boys behind Rowle stepped forward. Carey swallowed the lump in her throat. Rowle had made her very apprehensive when he had turned towards her.
"You dare step up t-"
"Oi, Rowle! There you are." He was cut off again mid-sentence by another voice. Carey saw that it belonged to a tall but thin boy with dark brown hair and eyes of the same shade who barged into the already crowded cabin. "Are you aware that some Gryffindors kicked out Euphemia and Nerys out of our cabin? What the bloody hell are you doing here?!" I can't say that they don't deserve it.
Rowle's scowl deepened at that. "This isn't over!" he snarled at Rob who remained unfazed. Rowle and his friends left at that, but before Rob could close the cabin's door, the thin boy appeared again.
"Mind if I join you?" He asked, and Rob let him inside after making sure that the other three had indeed left and were not lingering in the hallway.
The boy sat in between Clara and Samantha. "Sorry for tha- Oh, hey Selwyn!" he greeted as Rob sat down again next to her after closing the door.
"Borgin."
Borgin grinned, "Ah, so you do remember me? Then again, all Pure-bloods are supposed to know one another, so that's to be expected." He turned to the rest of them, "Borgin, Caractacus Borgin Jr. Call me Borgin. I hate my first name. Too long." He introduced himself. Carey reciprocated first, but in a more reserved manner than she did with Clara, Samantha and Rob. She noticed that Clara and Rob followed her mannerism.
"Why are you here and not with them, Borgin?" Samantha asked and snorted.
"Why should I be there? I'm a businessman. I don't want to sit with clowns going off about their family's fortune who haven't earned a single galleon in their life." Borgin explained and Carey couldn't help but grin at that. He seemed friendly. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to strike up a conversation? He did stay, after all.
"And you have?" she questioned.
"I have what?"
"Earned a single galleon in your life?" Borgin gasped dramatically, making Clara giggle and the rest grin like her.
"The utter cheek of you, my lady. How offensive! My father is co-owner of Borgin and Burkes. There's nothing we can't get our hands on."
Clara giggled even more, "Didn't you just make fun of that lot for going on about their father's fortunes? How is this any different?" Rob chuckled at that.
Borgin grinned cheekily, "Touché, but I have already made plans to expand the business to Hogwarts. It has been a while since a Borgin attended Hogwarts, and I can't let the Burkes get all the trade now, can I? I've worked hard at the shop as a salesman, or sales kid if you will."
Samantha was curious, "Is that allowed on school grounds? I know what your shop sells."
Borgin waved her off, "Oh please. It's not like I'll sell a Nundu to a student. We have many popular items for sale which may interest people with particular tastes."
"And how will you smuggle them in?" Rob asked.
Borgin smirked, "Now why would I tell you that? You're pretty but not pretty enough for me to tell you that." He pointed at Carey, "If she asks, though, that's another matter. Maybe." They all laughed at that.
"Oh, and by the way; Euphemia and Nerys weren't kicked out of their cabin. That was just my idea of a prank once I realised Rowle was being a prat around here."
Carey could get used to this. Laughter always helped.
Tuesday, 1st September 1987 (Fifty miles from Hogsmeade station, The Hogwarts Express – Evening)
"Which House do you want to be in Rob?" Clara asked Rob. Their conversations had been going nonstop for hours now. Even Samantha was talking with slight enthusiasm now. They'd bought some treats for the journey from the trolley. Chocolate frogs, Cauldron Cakes, Pumpkin Pasties, Liquorice Wands, Jelly Slugs, Drooble's Best Blowing Gums, and Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans were spread across their laps and the seats.
According to Borgin, it was a rare occurrence. The look she gave in return to him could have frozen her but he just laughed it off playfully.
"I'd like to be in Ravenclaw or Slytherin. What about you?"
"Same, but I'm a bit uncertain about the latter due to my mother being a Muggle-born. If Rowle and his ilk are anything to go by." Clara shared and Carey agreed with her.
Borgin waved their concerns away, "You're Half-bloods. It won't matter at all. You have ties to famous Pure-blood families, and that's enough for that sort. Had you been Muggle-born yourself, that would have been another story, but it's not like Slytherin has never had any. It's just rare, I suppose." He grinned at her, "You'll all fit in, and I'm sure."
Samantha raised an eyebrow at Borgin, "Are you saying you're a different sort from Rowle? That wasn't how it seemed like at last year's Christmas ball."
Borgin just grinned in his cheeky way, "Everyone's a customer, Selwyn. Why miss out on business on the basis of a customer's blood? That's just bad and sad." Everyone snorted at that.
Samantha and Borgin both wanted to go to Slytherin like the rest of their family members long before them, and Carey hoped that they all ended up together there. The five of them combined would be able to fend off any bullies like Rowle.
At least she hoped it would be that way. She remembered how mean other kids could be at her previous school, and friendships often lasted until only 3rd period of the 3rd day into term. She prayed to God it wasn't like that at Hogwarts.
Soon they had changed into their uniforms when a Prefect came to inform them that they were fifteen minutes away from Hogsmeade Station. The boys waited outside while the girls changed first, and then it was their turn.
Carey couldn't contain her excitement, and she could see that everyone else couldn't either. Samantha was the most reserved of the five in the cabin, and Rob was a close second despite his charming smile, but even they couldn't hide the excited looks in their eyes. When they disembarked the train after it came to a stop at the station, their excitement was almost palpable.
All the students were chattering amongst themselves when a loud booming voice was heard, "Righ' then! Firs' years', yeh're with me! The res' of yeh're wit' yer prefec's! Don' be shy! Quic'ly now."
Carey looked in the direction where the voice came from to gasp in surprise at the sight of a nearly twelve feet tall man. Not a man, rather a giant. No man could claim to be that tall and call himself human. He had to be a giant, but giants weren't civilized. Half-giant, maybe? She wasn't sure, and it didn't seem like the wisest thing to mention and cause a panic, so she stayed silent.
He was three times as wide as her father, with a long mane of shaggy black hair and a beard that covered most of his face. His hands looked like they could crush steel, being bigger than a human's head. But despite such as imposing appearance, his black eyes carried a soft kindness in them as he beckoned them over to follow him and the glow of his lantern, and Carey couldn't help but feel compelled to follow after alongside her new friends. She quickly learned that his name was Hagrid, and he escorted them to docks leading to the Black Lake where boats awaited them. Hogwarts: A History mentioned that first years students reach Hogwarts by boat.
The boats could carry only four or five people at once, and unfortunately, the five of them weren't able to find a boat all to themselves, so Rob had to join another boat. It wasn't a big deal.
Robert Grindelwald's POV
Tuesday, 1st September 1987 (Hogwarts – Night)
Hogwarts was more magnificent beyond any measure he had expected it to be. He had seen Chateau's in France and Villas in Spain and Italy on vacations. Some were bigger than Hogwarts, some far more beautiful. The latter wasn't difficult to achieve, considering that Hogwarts had a rough, rugged look to it. It was constructed in the 10th century after all, and architecture had advanced a lot in the past millennia. Its towers were higher than any he had seen in the wizarding world.
But the majesty of her form put all other constructions before and after it to shame. The orange flames of torches were visible near almost every window on every floor, giving its black walls a glowing look which enhanced its already awesome beauty in the moonlit sky.
His ancestor had founded Hogwarts, and like him, others who had descended from the founders had attended Hogwarts, too like the Smiths, and the Gaunts with the latter having been lost to obscurity.
He would be the first Grindelwald to attend Hogwarts in centuries. He hoped it wouldn't cause controversy, but even if Gellert Grindelwald's grandson attending Hogwarts wouldn't ruffle a few feathers, the returning son of the murdered Norbert Grindelwald and Lucretia Black to Great Britain would surely cause a bit of a stupor in the wizarding community.
The attack on his parents was one of the three most infamous attacks by Death Eaters, the others being the ones on the Longbottoms and Potters in 1981, the latter of which was where Voldemort had met his demise. Alongside the attack on his house, the attack on the Potter residence was one of two Voldemort ever carried out on his own.
The world was unlikely to forget it anytime soon.
"Hey? Are you okay?" A kind but worried voice called out to him and a hand reached out to touch his shoulder. Rob tensed, but relaxed when he realised it was just a fellow student.
The hand belong to a red haired, freckled boy who was smiling at him nervously, as if he wasn't sued to comforting others. "Your hands are trembling. It's alright, I'm nervous, too. My brothers, Charlie and Bill are in their 4th and 6th year Gryffindors, and I'm not that relaxed in spite of that. So I understand where you're coming from."
Do you? No, you don't.
Rob smiled at him gratefully, "I'm alright. Just nervous, that's all. Thank you."
The boy's smiled widened a bit, "It's my pleasure. I'm Percy Weasley." He put his hand forward for a shake and Rob shook his hand. "What's your name?"
"Robert. Most people call me Rob."
Percy looked at him curiously, "You don't look like a Muggle-born. What's your last name? Not that it matters of course! The Weasley's don't care for Blood-purity or any of that archaic nonsense." He hastily added towards the end, making Rob laugh heartedly.
"You'll find out soon enough. The sorting ceremony isn't that far away."
Percy was confused but he nodded his head regardless.
Once they had docked, Hagrid gathered them together and led them into the castle in an orderly fashion. Rob was soon reunited with the girls and Borgin and Percy remained close by, too. They went up a few flights of stairs before stopping in front of two massively ordained ancient doors which presumably led into the Great Hall for the sorting ceremony.
A stern looking witch in her early sixties clad in emerald green robes awaited them at the stop of the stairs. She had black hair and wore a pointed hat cocked to one side. With thin lips and a serious expression, she looked extremely intimidating.
From what he'd heard from his grandma and Grandpa Albus, this could only be Minerva McGonagall, the Transfiguration Professor, Head of Gryffindor House and Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts.
At last she spoke in a serious but kind voice, "Welcome to Hogwarts. Before these doors lies the Great Hall where the sorting ceremony awaits you. You will be sorted into one of four Houses; Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin."
"While you are here," she continued, "Your House will be your family with whom you'll share all your triumphs and losses. The former will garner you House points, while the latter will have the opposite effect." She took a long gaze over the entire crowd of first students before she ended her pause.
"At the end of the year, the House with the most points is awarded the House cup. Now, you will wait here in an orderly manner until we are ready for you."
With that, Professor McGonagall disappeared behind the doors as they opened and closed without giving more than a bare glimpse of what lied ahead of them.
His grandfather's great-aunt, Bathilda Bagshot was the author of Hogwarts: A History, so Rob was well versed with its contents, but reading about it was one thing, seeing it was another. The anticipation was getting to him. I missed great-aunt Bathilda at my birthday party. I hope she's recovered from her sickness. Rob made a note of sending her a letter as soon as he could.
Carey was speaking to Samantha while Borgin was grinning at a scowling Rowle. It seemed Rowle didn't like his idea of a joke.
Rob liked Borgin already. A jokester and a smuggler for a classmate? Colour him impressed.
Percy was talking to other students who were in the boat with them, leaving Rob in the company of Clara. She seemed nervous.
"Hey," she turned to look at him upon hearing his voice, "Don't worry. You'll get in the House you want, alright? Just make sure think about the House you want to be in, and you might be sorted in it."
Clara gave him a confused look, "Do you know that for a fact?"
Robb gave her a sweet smile, "I don't, but it can't hurt to try, can it?" She smiled back at him, but before she could say anything, the doors opened again and Professor McGonagall returned.
"We're ready for you now. Follow me."
The doors opened fully as the group of students walked in. Some nervous, some excited, some a mix of both, and some neither.
The Great Hall was wide and long, and hundreds if not thousands of students across four gigantic tables spreading across the entire length of the hall. The tapestries of the four Houses hung over each table, and an amalgamation of colours struck the eyes of the students who marveled at the display. Candles covered the ceiling and the roof was enchanted to display the night sky above.
They soon came to stand before the staff table towards the end of the hall, where Rob saw the headmaster sitting on a throne-like chair in the centre of the table. He had a happy smile on his face and a kind look in his eyes as he looked them over and when Rob met his eyes with a barely visible smile, the funny old man nodded at him slightly with his smile widening.
It would have creeped him out if he didn't know the barmy wizard any better.
Between the staff table and themselves stood a stool, upon which sat a hat which was definitely older than great-aunt Bathilda. It was the sorting hat. And it started singing a song.
Welcome, welcome, one and all
the show is about to start
I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
and it's time to play my part
You may call me worn and ragged
if that's all you truly see
But listen close and I will tell
where you're supposed to be!
You might belong in Gryffindor
where the bravest often dwell
Perhaps it's loyal Hufflepuff
where your heart will truly swell
Or could it be wise Ravenclaw
whose language you speak best
Yet again perhaps it's Slytherin
but will help you taunt the rest!
Go ahead and try me on
there's nothing left to fear
I'll find right where you belong
by looking between your ears!
As the song ended, the Professor stepped forward with a roll of parchment in her hand. "When I call your name, you shall step forward."
A few students were then sorted whom Rob did not recognise before the first of his acquaintances was called. "Caractacus Borgin." Borgin stepped forward with his trademark grin to sit on the stool.
The hat shouted Slytherin faster than one could sneeze. Borgin bowed at the applause he received from the Slytherin table.
"Carey Ductu." Carey stepped forward next with a confident stride, and after ten to fifteen seconds, she was sorted in Slytherin, too.
"Clara Martyris." The pressure seemed to be getting to her just a little bit, but she turned to look at him for encouragement and his nod seemed to do the trick. She sat on the stool and the hat sent her on her way to Slytherin faster than it did Carey.
Rowle, whose first name was Damocles, was next, and it wasn't a surprise at tall that he'd sorted in Slytherin, too.
Rob lost track of the next few students but he made note of the names Euphemia Avery and Nerys Orpington who were sorted in Slytherin and set next to Rowle. They were most probably the ones whom Borgin mentioned on the train. The two boys who accompanied Rowle, Gilbert Gibbon and Richard Jugson were also sorted in Slytherin.
Percy was sorted in between their turns into Gryffindor and he nodded towards Rob as he passed by him towards the Gryffindor table to reach his brothers. The Gryffindors had exploded in celebrations for getting their third Weasley, and Rob was happy for him.
Then came his turn.
Here we go. Somehow I get the feeling that this won't turn out as good as I dreamed it would.
"Robert Grindelwald."
Silence. Absolute silence. The only thing he could hear were the frogs croaking in the hands of the members of the frog choir as he stepped forward. When the students before him had stepped forward for their sorting, there were a few sounds of encouragement or a whistle or a clap or something. There was nothing of that sort at all when he sat on the stool and faced everyone.
Wait. He could see some older students whispering to each other. The whispers grew louder, the number of whispers increased, and soon the entire hall was buzzing with voices of disbelief.
"Grindelwald?! Gellert Grindelwald?! He's related to him?!"
"Wasn't he the second most dangerous Dark Lord of all time right behind You-Know-Who?"
"I heard his parents were murdered by the Dark Lord himself."
"I heard his father was a coward who refused to face the Dark Lord."
"Good riddance, I say."
"Poor bastard."
"Why'd he even come here?"
"My parents told me he's a hero just like Harry Potter. Sure, the Dark Lord spared him, but it's no less an achievement. I admire him."
Rob's Occlumency shields were fully up at this point. He hid his trembling hands underneath his robes as he closed his eyes. He ignored the rest of the murmurs which were loud enough to reach him before the Headmaster called for silence after he stood up. Rob had never heard the old man speak so loudly, but it did the job and the murmurs faded away.
"So it's true, a Grindelwald has indeed graced these walls after centuries."
"You don't sound too amused."
Rob replied to the hat on top of his head.
"You don't sound fearful."
"Wouldn't be much of an heir to Gryffindor then, would I?"
The hat was silent for a few seconds, before its voice reached out to him again. "But you do fear, something, or someone, don't you? The specter of your past, the wraith haunting your dreams."
"You tell me. Do I?" The hat chuckled in response.
"Ha! I like you, boy. Your wit is as sharp as your mind, despite your fears. You're brave, but not the type of brave Gryffindor demands. You're loyal, but Hufflepuff is not where you belong. You're a perfect fit for Ravenclaw, but I don't think that's it for you either."
"Get it over with already, I'm not comfortable with you in my head!"
"Temper, temper; maybe you are a fit for Gryffindor, eh? Well, if you want me to skip ahead, better be…"
"Oh for the love o-"
"SLYTHERIN!"
The murmurs had died down, and as he sat down next to his new housemates, he heard the hat shout Slytherin again and a few seconds later Samantha was sitting across from him. He looked at her and their eyes met. She looked at him with wide eyes but eventually gave him a small smile which he returned, albeit barely. Borgin was sitting next to her and was looking at him as if he was judging him. His grin wasn't present on his face anymore.
The murmurs had gotten to him and it had taken all his Occlumency skills to not have a breakdown right then and there. Thankfully, no one picked up on it. My hands have stopped trembling. Good, it wouldn't make a good impression on my first night here.
"You didn't tell us your last name on the train." Borgin stated.
"I didn't."
"You said you were raised in an orphanage."
"I did."
"Which was obviously a lie."
"It was." He maintained eye contact with Borgin for a few seconds. Any hesitation now would be picked up as weakness.
The self-proclaimed smuggler chuckled, "You'll do great in Slytherin, then. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions, though? I must admit that I am a bit curious." Samantha asked for the same, while Carey and Clara looked deeply interested, too. He noticed that Slytherins of other years were also paying attention towards their side of the table.
Rob nodded in assent. Nobody except the old man knows about my situation at Hogwarts. Wouldn't hurt to answer a few questions and alleviate the tension in the air.
"Where have you been living since the past six years if not in an orphanage?"
"My grandmother, Nozéa Lestrange raised me in France." They looked intrigued.
Samantha asked the next question, "What's your lineage?"
"Grindelwald and French Rosier from my paternal side; Black and French Lestrange my maternal side."
Samantha nodded, "It was wise of you to hide your family name until now. You probably expected this reaction, but it seems prejudices run a bit too deep."
Rob just smiled in return, "I knew they would. I'm the grandson of someone the magical world detests, and I remind them of someone whose name haunts their dreams." He looked across the Slytherin table, "And some hate me for being the son of a traitor to their cause. I am used to it."
He had noticed that other Slytherins were staring at him ever since his sorting, even Rowle. He looked like he had swallowed a lemon raw, while his group of friends looked equally shocked.
The older Slytherins, though looked more interested than shocked. One in particular, a tall older boy two or three years older than him caught his eye. He had jet black hair, cold grey eyes, and pale skin.
It was his gaze which caught his attention and he found that he did not like meeting it for long.
It was as if he was being sized up by a predator. And he was the prey.
He had never felt like prey before.
Not since…
The sorting had finished by now, and the frog choir was singing Double Trouble in a perfectly orchestrated style by a very short man. He seemed like a half-Goblin.
Carey and Clara were sitting on his left and right, and they both reached out to gently grasp his hands in theirs. They had somehow picked up on his discomfort which he had tried to mask behind his expressions, not letting any of it show itself through trembling hands, quivering lips or glistening eyes.
To a normal onlooker, everything would seem fine, but it was common sense that anyone would be affected from how the entire hall had erupted rudely after hearing his name.
His name which was cursed more than he realised.
Carey and Clara didn't have to say anything. And he needn't hear anything.
Somehow he had made some friends at Hogwarts.
It felt nice.
Dinner started right after the choir's performance finished. Rob took small portions of some of his preferred dishes. While eating, his gaze ventured again to the staff table, to the left of which the headmaster was talking to someone. Soon, grandpa Dumbledore stepped up to make a few announcements before the feast concluded.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I especially welcome the first years who have formally begun their life at this esteemed place of learning." His eyes narrowed a bit, and no longer was the kind twinkle present in his eyes. The old man is serious.
"Those of you who have been with us for these last few years may have already encountered curse ice and Boggarts. Despite my warnings, a handful of you have disobeyed me, and managed to enter and survive the Cursed Vaults." Cursed Vaults? And why did he keep looking at the Hufflepuff table when he said that? Or was he looking at someone? "The truth is that while we are your instructors, and it is our duty to keep you safe, we do not have every answer." Heh, that's a first. "We do not know where the next Cursed Vault lies… What it contains… What curse will be unleashed by those foolish enough to disturb it." The mood in the Great Hall was suddenly very somber.
"That is why I sought out an expert. A renowned Curse-Breaker who has firsthand experience with the Cursed Vaults. Please help in welcoming Madam Patricia Rakepick!" The Great Hall exploded into applause as the headmaster stepped away from the owl-shaped magical podium and a woman with wavy red hair and blue eyes took his place.
She was tall and looked extremely competent. Dressed for practicality yet with an obvious wizarding flair, she wore a long-sleeved brown shirt and matching trousers decorated with a dragon scale texture, and a blood red waistcoat that was shorter at the back than on the front. She wore black robes, on which an ornamental Eye of Horus was pinned, high boots and white gloves, as well as two light brown belts across her waist, one of which held a leather holster for her wand.
"Thank you for that glowing introduction, Professor Dumbledore." She bowed her head slightly in gratitude toward him before she continued, "I was honestly shocked when he invited me back considering all of the trouble I gave him as a student. After graduating from Hogwarts, I became the Head Curse-Breaker at Gringotts Wizarding Bank. As a student, I was convinced the Cursed Vaults existed, but the faculty chose to ignore my warnings. Now that they've finally been forced to admit their mistakes, I've returned to open the vaults, and reveal their secrets. I may ask some of you to describe what you've witnessed. I may even ask some of you to help with my investigations."
Her eyes narrowed, and Rob could see that this woman meant business, "But I will not tolerate your unsolicited interference. From this point on, you will stay away from the vaults, and stay out of my way."
When the feast ended, the Slytherin students were escorted to their common rooms by their prefects, Simon Dedworth and Imogen Stretton. While the other students moved up the grand staircase to their common rooms, the Slytherins moved in the direction of the dungeons. They soon reached a damp stone wall which served as the entrance to their common rooms.
"Always Pure." Simon spoke the password, and it revealed a door. They were led into the common room and Rob marveled at the interior.
The Slytherin common room was a long, low underground room with rough stone walls and a ceiling, from which round, greenish lamps hung on chains. A fire was crackling under an elaborately carved mantelpiece ahead of them. The dungeon extended partway under the lake, which gave the light in the room a green tinge which perfectly complimented the theme of Slytherin. The common room had lots of low backed black and dark green button-tufted, leather sofas; skulls; and dark wood cupboards. One of the wooden tables had a Wizard's Chess set on it. It was decorated with tapestries featuring the adventures of famous Medieval Slytherins. The common room had a quite a grand atmosphere, but also quite a cold one.
It's perfect.
They were all told to gather in the common room by three seventh year students, one female and two males. Rob stood next to Samantha and noticed that they were given a lot of deference by other students, more so than students got. The common room was packed to the brim, and it seemed like something very important was coming up.
"You're looking at those three, right?"
"What?" He was caught by surprise by Samantha's voice. He hadn't talked to anyone since the feast ended, he was that lost in his own thoughts and observations.
"Those three, you've caught onto it quite fast." She jerked her head in the direction of the three students he was looking at.
"I guess you caught me. Who are they?"
"It's a Slytherin tradition and only Slytherins are aware of it, none but Slytherin's Head of House out of the staff members are aware of it. It's a thousand year old system."
"What is it?"
"The Silver Triumvirate." Samantha smirked slightly at his confused look, "Three seventh year students are chosen each year to lead the House. They oversee all the lower years, and select delegates to work under them. The sixth years in turn oversee the fourth years, the fifth years keep an eye on the third years, the fourth years oversee the second years, and the third years oversee the first years. The three most promising sixth years form the new Triumvirate with the mandatory approval of the previous Triumvirate to formalize their appointment. Overseeing the entire system is the Head of House Slytherin, Professor Severus Snape." Samantha explained as the hierarchy dawned upon him.
"How do you know all this?" Rob asked and Samantha shrugged.
"All Pure-blood families whose children are traditionally sorted into Slytherin are told about Slytherin's leadership dynamics beforehand. It is especially common amongst members of the Sacred Twenty-Eight. It is the dream of every Slytherin to become one of them, but only three are selected every year." Samantha explained further. There were twelve Slytherins in their year, so it was a 1/4th probability of becoming a Triumvirate member when their seventh year would come around. Rob saw that Borgin was explaining the same to Clara and Carey. They looked as interested as he was by its concept.
Before Rob could ask further questions, the common room's door opened again, and Rob saw a man stroll in with a confident stride. He oozed authority and was extremely intimidating. He was a tall and thin and dressed in flowing black robes. He had shoulder-length, greasy black hair which framed his face in curtains, curling lips and dark, penetrating eyes that resembled tunnels. Batman? Is that you?
"Welcome to the House of the Cunning, I am Professor Severus Snape and your Head of House." The man began. He had a deep, authoritative voice, and from just one sentence, he had the attention of the entire room. You could a drop a pin and it would echo. "I demand perfection from all of you in all of your classes." Snape's voice became slightly louder and far more authoritative, and his gaze turned into a penetrating stare.
"Excuses for poor academic performance will not be tolerated. You will respect the faculty and other staff members. You will not cause Slytherin to lose points under any circumstances. I will not allow your incompetence to lose us the House Cup, which we have won two years in a row. As such, those who lose points or fall behind in their studies will be harshly dealt with. And trust me, you do not want that for yourself." His piercing gaze went over the first years in particular, and they subconsciously straightened their backs in response.
Rob wasn't sure if it was to puff up their chests or to show adherence to their frightening Head of House, but he was sure it made them look like idiots.
"You will also be mindful of Madam Rakepick's warnings; you are not to pursue any foolish, or further…" Like the old man, Snape's gaze lingered at some older students, "foolish attempts to uncover their mysteries and unleash another curse upon us." He warned in an icy tone, "Or you will be expelled like Jacob Scamander."
His voice softened after that, "One trait of this esteemed House that is often ignored is fraternity. All houses are families, but none more so than Slytherin. We do not air our dirty laundry out in public, as such, none of my Slytherins will ever fight amongst themselves, especially outside these walls. If we have any disputes amongst ourselves, they will be resolved amongst ourselves. My door will always be open for all of you, and I will never act in breach of your trust. I give you my word."
"And lastly, you shall receive your timetables tomorrow morning at breakfast. You will not be late under any circumstances. You will look presentable. You will honour your House. Am. I. Understood?"
No one dared to utter a word in his presence. Everyone was intimidated.
Professor Snape then nodded in the direction of the Triumvirate, "I grant leave to this year's Triumvirate to explain to you your duties as students of House Slytherin. Welcome again, and goodnight." He left the room as quickly as he had entered it.
The Triumvirate then became the centre of attention. The girl was of Japanese descent with straight black hair and large black eyes. "My name is Natsumi Suzuki." She began in a soft but clear voice. "This is James Sayre," she pointed towards a tall red haired boy with blue eyes who looked like a muscular older version of Percy, "and Irving Cram." He was a boy of average features with brown hair and brown eyes, but with a piercing gaze like Professor Snape.
It was a deceiving appearance, and Rob could see he was a member of the Triumvirate for a reason.
Natsumi went on to explain what Samantha had already done for him, but right after that, the first years were escorted to their dormitories, the reasoning being that they weren't mature enough to participate in House meetings. It was custom, and while Rob disagreed with it, and he was sure his fellow first years felt the same way, they all complied. It's not like we have any choice. We're far out of our league here. Besides, it's just one year.
Simon escorted the boys to the male dormitories while Imogen escorted the girls. The first year boys had two rooms to themselves. Fortunately, he didn't have Rowle, Gibbon or Jugson as his roommates. Instead, he had Borgin with whom he was already acquainted and a black haired boy who was the tallest and broadest of their year, Marcus Flint.
The room was circular and shone with a similar green light like the common room. It also had an adjoined bathroom that the three boys would share. There were three beds covered in emerald green sheets and the sheets also donned the Slytherin emblem. He saw that his trunk was already next to his bed.
"I'm extremely tired. Let's talk in the morning, alright? Goodnight." Borgin immediately prepared for bed. Marcus was a step ahead of him and Rob found himself preparing to do the same. Everyone was exhausted from the journey from London to wherever Hogwarts was supposed to be in Scotland, and tomorrow would be a busy day.
But he had one final thing left to do, so he opened his trunk and pulled out a package Fleur had given to him just a few days ago.
Robert Grindelwald's Diary – Day 1
Fleur told me I should pen my thoughts down. It's good exercise, she said.
She was right. This seems to be something I can enjoy.
I'm finally at Hogwarts. Mama, Papa, I hope wherever you are, you can see me and I hope you're proud.
I'm not that happy, but I'm not that sad, either. I have my fears, I have my problems, but I'm overcoming them, or at least I'm trying to.
The nightmares aren't as frequent, and I have family and even friends now. At least I hope that we remain friends. Carey, Clara, Samantha, Borgin, Percy. They all seem nice.
The world seems to have moved on from Voldemort and his reign of terror. I guess we have Harry Potter to thank for that. I can't wait to meet him one day. He'll start his journey when I'll be in my fifth year.
I'll try to move on, too.
I promise.
Authors Notes: It's done. After almost a year, it's done. I'm sorry for the delay, but I'm also not sorry. I had to rediscover my muse, and when it came back I was able to write this chapter within a week.
I wanted to get this out as soon as I could, so I uploaded this chapter without spending too much time checking for grammatical errors and mistakes. I can do that afterwards.
Lastly, go read Fate by TheTrueSpartan if you haven't. This story is a sister fic to it. You'll see common concepts and characters and spells and ideas here, but they will be unique in their own way. If you haven't watched the Fantastic Beasts movies, I suggest you do. If you haven't read up on Harry Potter lore, I suggest you do, and if you haven't played Hogwarts: Mystery, I suggest you do.
This story will be extremely long, and will go up to nineteen ninety eight. We're currently in nineteen eighty seven.
Please review, favorite and follow my fic. Share it within your circles, and leave your thoughts. I will always reply to your comments and criticisms.