*mentions of implied attempted rape and murder*
Hogwarts was a school filled with many sub-par students just as it was filled with excellence. All across the years spanning from first to seventh, there was at least one person that stood out as a representative of just exactly what should be expected of that year group. The cream of the crop so to say.
The current seventh year had Malachi Diggins, a pureblood of noble lineage with a fine eye for hexes many of which render the victim at the complete mercy of the castor. He was so good at the making of new facades, he had a way of perfectly mirroring the image you wished to see of him, to feel like you truly knew him and felt comfortable in giving all those little secrets you kept close to your heart. Sometimes it made others wonder if Malichi even knew who he was with all the fake faces blended together engulfing and overlapping who he originally was. He wasn't a sadist, honestly, he wasn't, he was more of a voyeur, he liked to spill everything he knew about you to your worst enemy then watch as the one you loathed most did the brutal beat down. He wasn't really hated nor liked, at least to those that knew what kind of nature he held. He was a neutral party with a big opportunity to seriously tip the playing fields if he ever decided to go into politics.
Sixth years had the beautifully bland Belladonna, now unlike her name this pretty poison was unnoticeable to practically everyone. She did her work, got her grades then seemed to disappear for the night. Socialize? Her? Yeah right. Word was she was aiming for the position of Unspeakable in the depths of the ministry. Rumor also has it that she's behind the eve of Geraldine's Grave a night where a young second-year girl was sneaking out around the halls of Hogwarts past curfew when she was caught by Jake Wingington, a seventh year at that time who was known for his less than innocent thoughts towards the younger population. Stories claimed that he had caught her and used a series of curses to strip her of her will and clothing about to do something extremely foul when he mysteriously dropped dead. Toxin screens showed belladonna in his system at extremely high potency which delivered a death far faster than normal. The second-year- Geraldine- traumatised from the event screamed 'belladonna' anytime a man came near her. The interesting thing was she never screamed it like it was a plant she was looking for but a person if the swiveling of her head was anything to go from. Geraldine was moved to a mental health ward two weeks later when her mind began to deteriorate. A headstone was set up on the grounds engraved with beautiful calligraphy saying 'Geraldine's Grave' in remembrance of the death upon the school. No one missed Wingington, in fact, many slept more peacefully. Whispers said Belladonna was the mysterious cause of death, that she caught Jack in the act and used her namesake to rid the world of the blemish. No one could confirm it but it did earn the girl a nodding of respect regardless of the truth.
Fifth years scaled high with a promising prospective Louis Queneck a fifteen-year-old with the shining smile of your favourite childhood star. With a family after migrating to England back in the 1800s, the Queneck family was still trying to secure serious footholds amongst the elite in the English Wizarding society. They were a pureblood family but still considered less so with their lack of English roots. It wouldn't matter if they were considered royalty in another country in England with their different coloured skin and unfamiliar heritage left them as outcasts just like any other blood status. But they were making way. With three generations of women securing marriage between evergrowing relevant families, the Queneck's were gaining influence and power. Some saw this as great, another family to help beat back the increasingly concerning inbreeding after effects. Some saw it as a breeching of the sacred nobility of the English a 'colonisation' of their large history. Louis was a child that his family treasured, smart, charming and pretty he effectively helped the family in securing further connections. He was golden and a pawn, his sole existence was to make his family look good and they didn't care how far they took that to get it. You'd never know, his mask is glued so close to his face that prying it off would only result in a bloody mess. He was both admired and pitied by those of the same situation.
Fourth years, little ones only starting to find their ground. The time when exploring sexuality and sensuality runs rampant in dark corners and dust-riddled broom closets. Fourth-year is a time of exploration or discovering how your body works. The intricate ways you tense up when something hits just right, or the discovery that maybe you don't feel that way like everyone else does. It's hard to find someone of social and academic standards in this year. People become more of a distraction as dating is introduced, betrothals are finalised. The person of interest comes more from the social aspect than an academic in fourth year. So the winner falls to Edda Hidetowns. A half-blood surprisingly, a girl of great beauty and wicked charm. She takes on a different form, shying away from the girl next door vibes Edda takes a hold of you with her strong opinions and fierceness in beliefs of equality. One thing people love about Edda is her moral that everyone can have an opinion as long as it doesn't hurt another. Contrary to popular belief Purebloods don't detest Muggleborns for their blood but more for what it represents. Every integrating Muggleborn is chipping away the veil wizarding kind hides behind and in so are only a few steps away from a worldwide reveal which could lead to in the best scenario- a unification of magical and non-magical beings, or worst case scenario- a worldwide outbreak of war on top of the one already brewing. Edda was an in the process of blooming 'IT' girl, a for sure character to end up in the apple of many's eyes.
Third years, the cute but awkward Bambi children. Having finally been able to go down to Hogsmead they are off their rockers with a big head in teasing first and second years about their lack of privilege. They were not so important to be included in the scene of politics yet no matter their lineage. However, this was the year when Horence Slughorn starts to put together the guest list of who he would be inviting to his 'Slug Club' the following year. Florentinus Elien was a mystery if everyone was honest. His family was quiet when it came to the socialising scene but they always had allies and were known for their solid ties of Loyalty. One does not simply betray an Elien and not expect retribution. Coming from a distant line of the Prince family they were often seen as lesser, not qualified enough to be in the sacred 28 but also not so insignificant that they couldn't be included in pureblood gatherings. Florentinus was studious, truly a model child when it came to academics, he caused no harm upon other students and was often seen in the library just flicking through books as if it was the only thing he'd rather do in the world. A Ravenclaw through and through. From a social standing point of view, his peers rather liked him. He was easy to get on with and was more often than not an ear for you to rant to more so than being a person to talk back and give you advice. At an age where pride started to bubble up beneath the surface, he was perfect for all those people who wish to come and speak of their problems. Independence was blooming within the young 12 to 13 year-olds they didn't want someone to dictate and tell them how they did this wrong, how they did that right; if they needed to explain their own actions. They only wanted to justify them without someone opting in with their own opinion on top of it. Florentinus was perfect when it came to this.
Second year is always so…uneventful. With only one year of schooling under their belts the children always seemed a bit more lackluster than their other schoolmates. Alas, a child is always picked from the year groups as a beacon of potential even if many teachers thought it was unnecessary to be picked in second year as you don't really have time to bond with your other year mates and your academic achievements are rather minuscule compared to what you would learn as the years go by. Illa Travers was seen as a great accomplishment to her family for being the first of the sacred 28 from within that generation to be considered an example for her year. It left a bitter taste in many of the pureblood family's mouths but the facts smacked them right in the face, Illa was the only child of a member of the sacred 28 from the years two to seven to be mentioned. She was everything you would think of when you thought of a pureblood. She was witty, smart, cunning; although she was a Gryffindor which many would consider a con she was not arrogant about her house and more often than not did not speak of it. While her family do not necessarily consider her placement a shame it was not widely celebrated. Illa would follow the traditional role that would be laid out for her, already was she in the process of having her name signed to a Bethroval contract. She would graduate from Hogwarts, settle into her marriage, and then more likely than not have a child within the first year or two. That was on the basis that inbreeding hadn't gone so far before fertility was an issue. More liberal sides of the pureblood familys thought it was a great waste for a young child to have her life already written out for her so young while others thought it was fine. Illa herself was completely content with the decision that was going to be her life, she never really had much larger aspirations than getting married and having a child it's all she's really known from a young age. She wasn't exactly unhappy with the arrangement but sometimes she did wonder if she was meant for other things.
First years don't have a person like this, they are too new and inexperienced so the person picked follows on to the next year. Or more accurately said the person the members of staff think would be the second year prospect is looked a little bit more closely as the months go by and then at the end of the year there be considered and if they pass the necessary rounds of inspection they're then put forward as the prospect later on.
Now you might be wondering what was with this huge info dump of characters never heard of before well it's because right at that time Tom Riddle was sitting in his (Ailill's) bed with a handwritten notebook filled with their information laid out and personally compiled for him by his most beloved. Tom only really heard about the 'Selection' as he's been referring to it as about a week ago and made an off-hand comment about wanting to know what qualifications and qualities these people held in order to gain such titles. Low and behold not seven days later did Ailill hand him a book at breakfast containing all needed information he desired. He could have kissed Ailill right there where he sat but refrained himself, he hadn't gotten that far in securing the whiskey-eyed boy to his side yet. Many of the boys' friend group thought that Ailill was downright terrifying in his methods of gathering information and doing it so efficiently as well. Later in life they will look back on this memory and think about how hot it was in how Ailill pandered to Marvolo's wish and dream of themselves being in the Slytherin's position; having Ailill bend to every wish that they had. It fuels many nights of waking up breathless and covered in fluids they would never discuss ever again.
It was early morning and Tom was just about done with reading the book that was given to him the day before, it was full of information that he seriously wondered how Ailill got it. No like seriously, how did he get it? It was a question he'd have to figure out later for now he had to get up from bed and get ready for the day. At least it was one of the better ones, they had double Defense today a class that was Tom's favourite for the way it was both taught and because the material was so diverse and interesting. They hadn't done much spell casting but it was just as engaging to learn about the theory. Today was supposed to be about spells in a duel and how to deflect them or something along those lines.
Tom was sorting through his uniform when Ailill emerged from the washroom steam rising off of him from the shower he had just taken. Upon seeing the still sleeping roommates he deadpanned and had the brief thought of leaving them there to suffer the consequences of their own actions before abandoning the thought knowing it would just lead to whining all day from Alphard and the passive-aggressive behaviour from Abraxas. He went to each individual bed and ripped the duvet from them getting rather girlish shrieks while at it. Time was running out and so the four scrambled to get ready. Tom sat at the vanity brushing out his hair when Ailill strolled over and placed both hands on Tom's shoulders. He placed both of his thumbs at the dip of Tom's skull then slowly dragged them up musing the hair but from the closed, almost cat-like look on the other's face it wasn't an unwelcome touch.
Ailill was half hoping it might set the mood to keep Tom sane for the day and not have to deal with idiots. Breakfast was a quick affair from the late start that morning and soon the six boys found themselves sitting at their desk for Defense Against the Dark Arts. Merrythought's class today was on Hexes and Curses, nothing extremely dark but just the bare bones.
"Now children, Hexes technically fall under the category of Charms so you'll probably have this kind of lesson again in Charms class but since they are defense and offense means of actions we will be covering them in this class as well." The old lady pottered to and from her bookshelf and desk. "Hexes could be defended against using Hex-deflection; Salvio hexia is a protective enchantment used for this purpose. Hexes could also be counter by using a Hex-Breaker or Hex Zapper, which both countered their effects. These, however, are rarely thought of in battle and therefore useless so while it's on the curriculum I've chosen to not waste my time on teaching them to you and instead pick something more effective. Since I've mentioned it I've technically covered the topic."
Tom looked displeased about being denied knowledge but let it go, he would have to just do some self-study later on.
"A curse was classified as a dark charm, which is primarily defined as any spell that affected the object in a negative manner, typically associated with varying levels of discomfort. A curse is the worst kind of dark magic, affects the target in a severely negative manner. While curses come in many strengths and forms, they are generally the most wicked, strongest, longest-lasting, and least reversible of the Dark charms. Now on the other side of the spectrum, we have Jinx. A jinx is a type of dark charm. The effects of a jinx are irritating but amusing. As a minor type of Dark Magic, jinxes had the least severe effects of the three dark charms."
Merrythought looked at her students pleased to see the rapture of interest on their faces.
"The best way to counter these would be to invest your time in learning a decent shield charm. Something like Protego protects the caster with an invisible shield that reflects spells and blocks physical entities. Or if that isn't your strong suit I'd recommend brushing up on your dodging skills for it is very rare for a wizard or witch to be able to bend their spells when it's already on route to its victim."
The scribbling of notes was an ever-present sound in the room since the lesson started. Merrythought went on for another forty minutes about the history of dark curses and their applications. A question or two was asked here and there but for the most part, the students just took the information in. As he listened Ailill realised that there was only talk to avoiding the spells coming your way, there was nothing mentioned about neutralising them. The shield didn't really count cause you're technically still avoiding it as it hits the barrier (a target) but it wasn't cut off halfway through its course.
"Miss," Ailill raised his hand which garnered some looks. Ailill never participates in class unless necessary. Even Tom beside him was astounded. Merrythought took it in stride even though she too was extremely curious about how this would go.
"Yes, Peverell?"
"You haven't mentioned anything about neutralisation."
"I'm sorry?"
"You know, Neutralising the spell before it hits a target. Taking it out mid-course."
"Well to be quite honest with you Peverell no one has mentioned this to me before. Would you explain a bit more about what you mean? I just want to see where you're going with this."
Ailill pondered for a second. "Like for example if someone sent a bone enlarger at me but I countered with a bone vanisher both spells would cancel in theory right? It would be stopped mid-course and neutralised."
"Interesting thought Mr. Peverell," Merrythought looked at him appraisingly. "But in theory that would be near impossible to accomplish. In battle, you would never know what spell your enemy would be casting especially if they were doing a non-verbal spell."
Ailill's eyebrows scrunched together in confusion. "What do you mean you wouldn't be able to know what spell they're casting? You look at the magic signature, sure it takes a bit of time to comprehend taking in all the code and intentions of the spell at once but when you've got it down I'm sure it could become second nature."
"Magical…signature."
"Yeah…" seeing the blank look Ailill turned to Tom who was already looking at him. "You can see signatures right, Marvolo?"
"To a certain extent, I have to be in a very focused mood though or else they can overwhelm me." Tom acknowledged.
"That's not common at all," Merrythought said aloud. "Very few people in history have been recorded to claim to be able to physically see magic, especially in its most raw form. You two are just full of surprises aren't ye." the old woman sighed exasperatedly. "Okay but not everyone can see these signatures Peverell, your theory still can't hold up."
The boy was stumped, thinking of other ways it could work. "Okay…then how about mind infiltration. I'm sure there is some kind of mind magic to be able to read thoughts? What about knowing that way?"
"There is a mind magic, it's called Legilimency but it's a bit more complicated than just mind-reading. It devels into the very roots of your brain, it sees everything and experiences firsthand what you know. It too is a very difficult branch of magic to master and more often than not can leave the castor brain dead if used incorrectly."
Merrythought checked her watch, seeing it was close for class to be and done clapped her hands.
"Listen Peverell it's an extremely interesting theory you got going there and I'm fascinated by where your mind is taking you. I encourage you to think about it more, if you figure out how to flesh it out and get it to work for you it could change everything we do in dueling as we know it. But for now class is over. Eight-inch essay on the uses of hexes on ghosts tonight everyone and I'll see you tomorrow."
Students scrambled to leave the room some more preoccupied than others.
Merrythought sat in her chair thinking over a certain train of thought a first-year boy managed to provoke from her. She just knew in her bones he would change history and be terrifying while at it.