Shadows of Wizardry
Chapter: 05
I feel it's time to mention for those of you saying high school dxd power levels don't work with the world of Harry Potter. All power levels in HP have been boosted to accommodate dxd.
I also think a lot of people forget that Grindelwald nearly destroyed Paris, which wasn't really expanded upon if he could go further or not. plus he will be able to do much more since I'm boosting the power scalings. many Harry Potter fics make the wizards ridiculously weak.
The wizarding world is also in a separate dimension so keep that in mind.
Not a lot of progress in this chapter, next chapter will have more going on don't worry.
(Sorting Ceremony)
I sneakily retrieved a piece of chocolate out of my shadow storage. Slipping it into my mouth expertly avoiding anyone's notice.
I had stored all of the chocolate and sweets that I had dickishly decided to purchase within my shadow storage. Much to the confusion of my little group. How do I go about explaining where all of it had gone?
Magic. Simple as that.
It turns out that in a magical world where children can shoot bolts of fire, a lot of everything mysterious could just be attributed to magic. I stared at the large doors as we walked down the footpath. We had exited the carriages a while ago.
The large chaotic line of students came up to the large castle entrance. The cold night air was blowing against us. A middle-aged woman whose identity I was instantly able to decipher, stood in the middle of the entrance. Commanding the large crowds to form lines to enter the magic castle.
Professor McGonagall
She was a tall, stern-looking witch with sharp features and piercing eyes that seemed to miss nothing. Her hair, which is always pulled back into a tight bun, is a severe shade of black, streaked with strands of grey.
"Everyone please gather in one of the three lines, single file. Yes, I can see you, Mr Weasley." She spoke, her voice was rich and sharp.
A figure shot out of the wall, his body completely see-through. As he flew chaotically in the large doorway. He let out a mad cackle.
"Itsy second years, coming back for another year, hmm?" He laughed annoyingly.
McGonagall narrowed her eyes at the poltergeist and he cackled again before flying away.
The sight of the ghost had me wondering if I could take a ghost into my shadow army. I wasn't really worried about the limit since it would be boosted once I levelled up and I could always release a shadow to replace it with another one.
"Tuck your shirt in Davis, I can see you hiding behind Miss Greengrass." McGonagall's sharp voice cut through my internal musings.
My eyes trailed over to a sheepish cute dark dark-haired girl rapidly tucking in her skirt that was visible from her open robes. In front of the girl stood a beautiful silver-blonde-haired girl who had her arms crossed.
Tracy Davis and Daphne Greengrass.
I subtly marvelled at the castle halls, filled with armoured statues with spears and floating candles; it was certainly a unique feel. Especially for someone who had lived without magic for a long time.
Pansy smiled happily as we were ushered into the great hall. I had to stop myself from staring at the roof of the great hall which was charmed to look like a clear night sky.
The long tables were quickly being filled up so I made sure to get a seat at the end. Pansy was sitting to my right with Crabbe and Goyle sitting in front of me. While everyone was getting settled in, my eyes were focused on the teacher's table.
Snape met my eyes instantly and I made sure to quickly avert my eyesight. The greasy-black-haired man was just as he had been in the movies.
Next to him sat a young witch in her twenties wearing a large typical witch's hat. She was fairly beautiful with her purple lipstick, a contrast to the other teachers. Memories supplied me with her name. Irma Pince.
On the opposite side stood a diminutive figure with intriguing characteristics: slightly pointed ears, a bushy beard, and piercing dark eyes. Professor Flitwick, a human who was part goblin.
In the middle was a golden throne on which sat the figure I was most eager to see. Dumbledore.
I had done a lot of reading on him since I wanted to find out what the wizarding world's power levels were at. After all, I needed to know what the ceiling was and who better than Dumbledore to compare that to.
There surprisingly wasn't much on him in terms of knowledge of his power, only vague accounts of bystanders caught in between battles.
I had a few suspicions about why. It could be that Dumbledore was much more powerful than people believed him to be and the ministry was trying to suppress knowledge of this to suppress his overall influence over the wizarding world.
There was also the possibility that Dumbledore himself was covering it up to make people not fear him. People knew he was powerful but not how powerful, much more than an average wizard or even a dozen?
Yes. What if that number increased to a hundred? Or even above that. No one knew how truly powerful he was and that could be for a good reason. Since one account I had found did describe his encounter. "it was like the world came to life, everything inanimate became animated."
Which was a bit vague but I knew Dumbledore was a prodigy at transfiguration unseen in generations. So this account did have some validity to it. There was virtually nothing on Voldermort other than rumours. No true recollections though.
I hadn't seen any true fights between any wizards but some of the spells I had found when my curiosity got the better of me had left me baffled. The wizards and witches in this world were a lot stronger than the Harry Potter universe I knew.
A scary thought was I did think there was mention of Grindelwald being able to destroy Paris with that blue cursed fire.
I knew that people like Dumbledore and Grindelwald were far above normal wizards but still. That was insane. The fact Grindelwald is still locked up in Nurmengard Castle, his own creation, was a scary thought.
Dumbledore had his half-moon spectacles on as he watched everyone enter the grand hall in an almost serene manner, his eyes sparkling with joy. He wore long eccentric purple robes with yellow stars on them.
If I didn't know how insanely powerful he was I would assume he was a bit academically challenged. Though I guess he is just an eccentric overpowered old man at the end of the day.
A few minutes later everyone was seated. Dumbledore rose from his seat, a jovial smile on his face.
"Ah, welcome, welcome to another year at Hogwarts. Please join me in extending a warm greeting to our newest members of Hogwarts." Dumbledore exclaimed, raising a hand as the door opened.
A group of small children who looked like they were about to faint as everyone stared at them, nervously shuffled into the great hall behind Professor McGonagall who walked up to the podium turning towards the students and conjuring an ornate stool on which a dark brown leather hat appeared.
She produced a piece of paper with names scribbled down and cleared her throat.
"Abadon, Max." She called out. Her voice heard clearly across the great hall - wandless Sonorous Charm or similar enchantment.
A small boy appeared from the crowd of first years and made his way through the middle of the hall, purposefully avoiding all the eyes directed his way and sitting on the small stool.
The worn-out-looking hat that strangely had the outline of an angry face on the front of it moved as it was placed on the boy's head who saw through the mind of the pupil while telepathically talking to him, saying
'Hmm, hard-working ay? Yes, yes. I can see it clearly. You belong in' "HUFFLEPUFF!" A gruff voice bellowed and the Hufflepuff table gave a loud applause.
The boy bashfully made his way over and was greeted warmly by his new housemates. I zoned out after that, only paying attention when a new Gryffindor got chosen mainly since they roared every time it happened.
Slytherins were more subdued, giving a polite clap whenever anyone joined our house. One name did get my attention though.
"Astoria Greengrass," McGonagall called out.
A small brown-haired girl stepped out, more confident than everyone else. If I remember correctly didn't she end up being my future wife? Didn't she also have some sort of curse that killed her later on?
The sorting hat was placed on her.
'Mm, very interesting. Loyal but ambitious. Brave but resourceful. You'll do well in… ' "SLYTHERIN!"
The Slytherin house clapped as Astoria hopped down and sat next to her elder sister, who had a small smile on her otherwise cold face. Astoria sent a look my way as she examined everyone and I quickly averted my gaze.
It wouldn't be good to be caught staring like some sort of creep.
Dumbledore stood up from his golden throne.
"Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to welcome our new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Gilderoy Lockhart."
A loud applause booms from all tables, excluding me.
He sat up, his fake award-winning smile lighting up on his face as if he could see every fan beneath the enchanted sky. Turning to Dumbledore for approval with a silent nod, he spoke loudly.
"You all are quite fortunate that I've taken a break from my grand journey against evil to assist you in achieving my dream of global peace through the triumph over darkness.
Fear not, for I am here... Yes, I am truly committed to moulding you all into great wizards and witches capable of defending against the dark arts. Remember the lessons from my award-winning books - 'Aspire to be Brave and Resilient - be a Lockhart'." He announced. Smiling a tad more as he heard some girls swoon.
The applause erupted again as he waved, sitting back down on his chair.
"Now for a few words before we begin. Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you!" He finished and everyone clapped.
He clapped his hands and a massive amount of food appeared on the long table. Everyone on the Slytherin table ate gracefully while a quick look over at the Gryffindor table was like watching a pack of wild wolves fighting over the last bone.
"Lockhart seems… a bit self-obsessed," Pansy said, glancing at me for my reaction.
I snorted in amusement.
"I don't think the Hufflepuff or Gryffindor girls would agree with you," I replied, gesturing to the girls sneaking glances at Gilderoy.
Who was eating his food as if someone was taking a picture of him every time he moved.
My attention briefly waned as I spotted a beautiful red-haired woman with stunning green eyes. Lily Potter, our potions professor. A heart-shaped face framed by beautiful red hair that went to her back, not even the thick robes she wore could contain her curves.
I was brought back to attention as Pansy spoke.
"He is a member of Order Of Merlin. Third class. His reputation is impressive." Pansy said, looking at him suspiciously. "I don't know, he just seems off." She admitted.
Clever girl. Only Slytherin weren't outright swooning over the new Defence Against The Dark Arts teacher mostly due to the decorum our house enforced. What I found most annoying was that this year's classes would be wasted.
At least the Duelling class was still on, a new addition from the Harry Potter universe I once knew. Since I remember there being no duelling class or tournaments within Hogwarts.
Yet, the memories and information I had found stated both existed. I had a suspicion that the tournament was to scout talent for the ministry.
Surprisingly enough the Duelling class was taught by none other than my Godfather Severus Snape himself.
I wondered with the presence of an actual duelling class in Hogwarts if Gilderoy Lockhart would be bold enough to make an extra club. It would be funny to watch that scene of events playing out in real life. It was interesting Snape was the duelling teacher.
"You guys talking about the new professor Gilderoy?" A voice coming from a boy sitting near us asked.
I immediately recognised him as Blaise Zabini. Blaise was a black-haired boy with aristocratic facial features and a permanent easy-going smile on his face. He was also one of Draco's friends despite their differing personalities.
"Where have you been?" I asked curiously.
He shrugged.
"Mother forced me to sit with my younger sister." He replied somewhat embarrassed.
I snorted and Pansy giggled, much to his chagrin.
"Wouldn't want to annoy your mom, especially with her reputation," I said with a smirk.
Mrs Zabini had quite the mysterious reputation, a beautiful widow who had gone through seven husbands all of whom had died mysteriously. Leaving behind all their wealth for her and her two children.
Naturally, there had been many investigations over this but nothing had ever been found to incriminate Mrs Zabini. Causing the investigations to eventually be dropped with no evidence and conclude natural and/or bizarre death
Blaise looked a bit confused at my new attitude but scowled nevertheless.
"She's been awfully busy with her latest husband ," Blaise mumbled with frustration evident in his tone.
'Seems like her dead ex-husband count was going to be raised by another digit soon.' I mused.
Crabbe and Goyle all this while had been stuffing their faces. Which was why it was mainly me and Pansy talking. They had the decency to try to follow basic etiquette if not a bit fast.
"On the subject of professors, there are rumours floating around Slytherin, specifically about our dear Duelling teacher and Head." Blaise grinned, the rumour was juicy. I could tell just by the way he was building it up.
"Well?" Pansy inquired.
"I heard he has the hots for Lady Potter." He whispered conspiratorially, sending a look to the unsuspecting professor.
Oh? So they knew about that little tidbit of information.
"And where did you hear this information?" I questioned curiously.
"One of the older Slytherin boys heard it from his father who had gone to Hogwarts with Professor Snape." He replied with an excited grin.
Blaise was quite the gossiper.
Pansy decided to move the conversation along.
Pansy leaned in, her eyes glinting with mischief. "So, Blaise, spill the tea. What's got your mother in such a huff? To force you to sit with your younger sister."
Blaise sighed, running a hand through his black hair.
"My sister is worried about learning charms from what my stepfather calls a 'goblin spawn'. Apparently, she's not too fond of Professor Flitwick. He's even made my little sister nervous with all his talk." He said.
"Sounds like quite the charming man." I smiled.
Blaise nodded tiredly, a wry smile playing on his lips. "You have no idea."
"If your mother and sister are so worried, perhaps they can benefit from this," Pansy said.
She handed the book to Blaise. "It's 'The Proper Grimoire on Fundamental Charms for Scions' by Eos Parkinson nee Rosier. It's a staple in our family, and I'm sure it'll help ease her concerns."
Blaise's eyes twitched, looking over to his fidgeting younger sister in the Ravenclaw house. "How much?"
"Interested hmm?" Pansy hummed, a devilish smirk on her face.
"If it'll calm down my sister and ease mother's concerns about Iliyia not learning anything about charms and the constant nagging, then yeah. How much." He flatly said and Pansy giggled.
"Twenty Galleons," Pansy said.
"Fifteen." Blaise retorted.
"Twenty-one," Pansy replied with a cheshire smile.
Blaise slammed his hand.
"You can't raise it." He growled.
"Why not?" Pansy sniffed.
I was watching a shake-down in the middle of the Hogwarts grand hall.
"Fine, twenty." He sneered.
"Twenty-two." Pansy flippantly waved her hand.
Blaise opened his mouth and Pansy raised a delicate eyebrow. He grumbled vague words of "stupid little prissy bitch." And "scamming little toad." As he took the allotted amount out of his pouch. Basically tossing the galleons at her.
"Much obliged, Heir Zabini." Pansy did a mock curtsy.
Blaise ignored her and stood up and walked down to his sister with the book.
The evening continued relatively uneventful after that, mostly spent speaking about general topics. Eventually, Dumbledore stood up. Clapping his hands, making all the food on every table disappear. Even the crumbs on Goyle's robes vanished.
"I do hope you've all enjoyed your supper but it's time for bed. You all will need a good night's rest for classes tomorrow. Off you go." Dumbledore announced cheerfully.
After Dumbledore's announcement, everyone started leaving the Great Hall, some yawning as they shuffled towards their respective dormitories. I followed Blaise as he led the way to the Slytherin dorm rooms tucked away in the dungeons.
Opening the door marked with the Slytherin crest, Blaise gestured for me to enter. Inside, the room had a dim, greenish glow, giving it an eerie ambience that somehow felt comforting to us Slytherins.
I saw the Slytherin prefect take all the Slytherin first years to the side, Snape entered the room and proceeded to give them the 'All problems stay inside Slytherin' talk I remember Draco being given last year.
I shook my head in amusement and continued on towards my room, spotting Pansy walking up into the girls' dorms, already looking pretty tired.
"Goodnight, Pansy," I said, giving her a small wave. She nodded in response, a tired smile on her face that seemed to grow larger at my comment.
Even as she sent me a curious look when she thought I wasn't looking. I internally sighed, it would take a while for my close friends to adapt to my new change, but it was best to get it out of the way rather than spend the year acting like an idiot.
"See you in the morning," she murmured before disappearing up to the girls' dorms. All Slytherins had their own rooms, a privilege we could afford due to most Slytherins being all pureblood.
This was due to many influential blood purist lords who had been in Slytherin in their youth pushing for this arrangement. Allowing us our own rooms compared to other houses who had to share a room with three of their housemates
I may not agree with the blood purists' goal of keeping all muggle-borns out of wizarding society but this was an arrangement I could get on board with.
Crabbe and Goyle went to their own private rooms that were close to mine, as they said their goodbyes.
Opening my door, I spotted my enchanted trunk. I held most of the important or less legal items in my shadow storage. I shut the door behind me and cast a small basic locking charm before flopping onto the bed.
I quickly removed my robes and threw them aside. Lying down on the comfy bed, I allowed myself to fall asleep.
-{Pansy Parkinson}-
Pansy sat in her bed, staring at the ceiling in thought. All the tiredness she had been projecting when she had first gone up to her room vanished, replaced with a look of extreme concentration.
Draco had changed.
She knew this better than most people, in fact. The change had been so quick and intense that Pansy had even briefly suspected that Draco had been replaced.
A new wand, new attitude and the lack of sheer pride he had been projecting last year definitely suggested it.
Though that had been thrown out when she observed him closely, he still had some of his old subconscious habits and any polyjuice potion only lasted for ten to twelve hours at most. With only a Master Potion maker being able to stretch it out past ten hours.
The deadline for it to be anything below a Master grade potion had long since passed with the eight hour train ride and the sorting ceremony. A Master grade potion wasn't simple to obtain.
Even Noble families found themselves struggling to obtain them. So that mostly ruled that out. Along with the fact there wasn't much reason to pretend to be Draco Malfoy and attend Hogwarts, under the scrutiny of perhaps the most powerful wizard alive.
On top of that, the legendary wards around Hogwarts would have prevented him from entering undetected.
So that had ruled the possibility of an imposter. Which made Pansy nearly let out a sigh of relief.
Pansy had been close friends with Draco for a few years now. It had started as a formal meeting between two children of noble houses at one of the stuffy parties that were hosted yearly.
Despite what many thought, Draco hadn't always been the arrogant prat he showed himself to be. He had been extremely different. Someone she had admired and eventually became obsessed with.
This new change in him while making her briefly worried was exciting. When Pansy had met Draco she had instantly become good friends with him. She had found herself growing enamoured with him over the course of many years.
Now in her teenage years, her feelings had properly started blooming.
Draco's original personality had been ruined when his sister had decided to change for the worse. The once cool elder sister Draco, who he had been extremely close with, grew cold and scornful.
Which in turn affected him. Causing him to become what he had been last year. Even then she hadn't betrayed him by leaving his side, despite the fact he had been cold to her and her reputation had been dragged down in association.
She wouldn't betray him like that and those two idiots he used as bodyguards didn't have much going on up there, so she suspected they wouldn't betray him either.
Pansy felt extremely excited about the new change, and hoped maybe she could finally fulfil her dream.
Maybe Draco and her could finally be together.
-END-