Author's Note: I'm sorry for disappearing for more than three years. Life got in the way, and I prioritized building a career over writing fanfiction. I have built a career now, and I'm back to writing. Here's hoping I can continue with a monthly place.
For the Greater Good
Chapter 5 – The Search Begins
Robert Grindelwald's POV
Thursday, 3rd September 1987 (Morning – Potions Classroom, Hogwarts)
The Potions classroom was dimly lit. Its stone walls were damp and cold, and against its walls were many shelves lined with countless ingredients. There were brass cauldrons, mortar and pestles, measuring spoons, and stirring rods on the various benches in the room. Towards the center front of the room was a blackboard.
The door slammed open and the chatter died down instantly as Professor Snape walked in, his midnight robes billowing behind him. "There will be no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations in this class." His voice carried a smooth and menacing tone, which compelled one to obey. "As such, I don't expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art that is potion-making, however, for those select few who possess the predisposition, I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even put a stopper in death." He waved his hand, and some instructions appeared on the blackboard. "Today you will brew a simple Cure for Boils Potion. Know that I expect perfection and that there will be severe consequences for failing to meet my expectations. Begin." He was staring at us Slytherins intensely towards the end there. We cannot fail to impress him. Fortunately, this recipe is easy.
The Slytherins were sharing this period with the Hufflepuffs. Rob partnered with Samantha. He waved at Beatrice and she waved back with a smile as she and Clara prepared their cauldron. Carey and Borgin teamed up, Flint was with Jugson, while Rowle was with Gibbon.
Samantha crushed six snake fangs into a fine powder, added the powder into the cauldron, and started stirring. Rob finely sliced Pungous Onions before he added them to the cauldron and heated the mixture. The duo proceeded to add dried nettles, a dash of Flobberworm Mucus, a sprinkle of powdered ginger root, and Shrake spines. Samantha was in charge of stirring, while Rob carefully added each ingredient. "Make sure to stir vigorously as I add each ingredient, but stir gently after I add the Shrake spines." Samantha nodded and proceeded to do exactly that, after which they left their potion to brew for thirty-five minutes. Rob looked around the class. Carey and Clara were finished with their preparations, too. Their potions were left on brewing as they chatted with their partners.
He found himself to be very pleased with how his sorting had turned out and how welcoming some students had been. Carey and Clara did not judge him for being a Grindelwald, and Samantha didn't consider him a traitor to the pure-blood cause because she herself didn't believe in it. A majority of Slytherin's students were the children of pure-blood supremacists and Death Eaters, or those who were related to them. However, a significant minority were half-bloods, and even pure-bloods like Samantha and Felix who, while being traditional in their views, were more open-minded. It would have been very difficult to adjust in Slytherin had he not found Carey, Clara, Samantha, and Borgin. Rob imagined them to be his friends. He had doubts regarding Borgin, but he would give him a fair chance, too. Caution is my best friend in Slytherin. I should not blindly trust anyone, nor should I shut myself off to opportunities.
Carey, and Clara were very unlikely to betray him. Rowle's group would never accept them, going by his behavior so far. Borgin was a self proclaimed opportunist. He had his leg in every boat. He was friendly towards them, and Rob hoped that he would prove himself to be a genuine friend. That left Samantha, whom he found to be... odd.
She's talented, intelligent, attractive, and from a very influential pure-blood family, and knows the other pure-bloods in our year. They all seem to want to involve her in their group, and most likely grew up visiting each other and interacting during family gatherings and balls. But she refuses to engage with them beyond what was necessary. She refused to sit with them on the train, and she's associating with half-bloods over them.
Rob appreciated that she wasn't like Rowle, but no matter how much he tried to ignore it, he was curious as to why Samantha was the way she appeared to be. Samantha nudged his side with her elbow, drawing his attention from his thoughts. "Look at Gibbon and Rowle." Rob turned towards them and found Gibbon to have added their porcupine quills without taking their cauldron off the fire.
"How are they already done with the brewing process?" He asked in confusion. Samantha sighed.
"They rushed preparing their ingredients, and didn't brew properly."
"And they are adding their quills without taking the cauldron off," Rob commented. Rowle seemed to have noticed too, going by how he was frantically waving his hands in Gibbon's embarrassed face.
"Yes. Which means…"
"Uh... Professor Snape?"
The Potions Master had just turned in their direction at their voice, only to be horrified by what he saw as they pointed towards the imminent disaster. He swiftly rushed towards the two Slytherins, wandlessly casting a shielding charm around them just as their cauldron exploded, saving them from vicious boils. "YOU UTTER FOOLS!" Snape bellowed at them, making them cower in his wake. "What is written on the board? And what have you done here?! Are you incapable of even reading simple instructions?!"
"P-Profess-"
"SILENCE!" The heir to House Rowle couldn't speak a word, his mouth hanging open in fear of his Head of House. "Ten points each from Slytherin and detention tonight. You three will have a word with me. Clean this mess up and get out of my classroom." The two flushed with embarrassment and anger. Clara snorted before she broke out in peals of laughter, which led to others doing the same.
"Quiet." This time, Professor Snape's voice was more measured as he spoke. "Mr. Grindelwald. Ms. Selwyn. Ten points each to Slytherin for your astute knowledge and keen observations of your surroundings. Your actions helped prevent injuries, which would have certainly required these dunderheads to visit the infirmary." He took twenty points off of Slytherin and gave twenty points to Slytherin right afterwards. Crafty of him.
Rowle glared harshly at Clara as he and Gibbon left the classroom. His unblinking glare unsettled Rob, Carey, and Samantha, while Clara just stuck her tongue out at Rowle. Why would you do that, Clara?
"That was unwise of her. He's bound to get revenge for this." Rob whispered to Samantha and she nodded in agreement.
"Carey and I will talk to her tonight and suggest not antagonizing him and his ilk. Dunderheads they may be, but they still come from powerful and dangerous pure-blood families. Rowle, especially." Samantha said.
Rob looked at her. "Can you tell me more about them? I know of British pure-blood families, but not like I know French pure-blood families in detail."
"Gibbon and Jugson are from minor but still relatively pure-blood families. Damocles, though, is the heir to House Rowle, being the only son of Lord Thorfinn Rowle. He was one of the more prominent wizards who claimed to have been 'imperiused' to serve You-Know-Who." Samantha explained with a bit of sarcasm towards the end, making Rob chuckle. "You and I can get away with antagonizing him, as I'm from House Selwyn, and you're the great-nephew of Lord Black."
Robb shrugged, "I've never even met the man." However, Samantha shook her head.
"You should write him a letter and ask to visit him. He's very old, but that just adds to his influence. Alongside Lord Sebastian Greengrass and Lord Lucius Malfoy, he's one of the three richest wizards in the country, and politically speaking, the most influential one." She went on to explain. "Besides, he's your late grandfather's eldest brother. You're his closest relative. Pollux and Cygnus Black are old and have no sons. The fortune will go to House Malfoy, through Lord Lucius's and Lady Narcissa's youngest son, Draco, or to you as you're Lucretia Black's son; Lord Arcturus Black's late niece." Grandma would agree with her. She's always encouraged me to associate with influential people, and has always valued family over everything else. She would appreciate me sending her brother-in-law a Christmas card.
"Who are Pollux and Cygnus Black, exactly?" Rob questioned.
"Father and son. Pollux is Lord Black's cousin. He has three granddaughters through Cygnus." Samantha answered.
"Bellatrix who's in Azkaban, Andromeda who was cast out for marrying a Muggle-born, and Narcissa, who's Lady Malfoy through marriage."
Samantha nodded, pleased, "Correct. You know your family trees. Andromeda's daughter, Nymphadora Tonks is a fourth-year Hufflepuff. Extremely talented and a Metamorphmagus, too."
Rob was very impressed. I should introduce myself to her, too. She is my closest relative at Hogwarts. Come to think of it, she's my cousin's daughter, hence, she's my niece. The thought amused him.
Samantha continued telling Rob about her family which was part of the Sacred Twenty-Eight whose children would attend Hogwarts in the coming years. The Abbot, Bulstrode, Fawley, Greengrass, Longbottom, Macmillan, Malfoy, Nott, Parkinson, Weasley, and Yaxley families all had children who would attend Hogwarts in the next five years. Rob noted the Greengrass, Longbottom, and Malfoy families in particular. Greengrass and Malfoy were two of the richest families in Wizarding Britain, while Longbottom was a family Rob respected and related with. He had read about Frank and Alice Longbottom, and Rob felt like he shared something with Neville, even though he had never even met him.
"Harry Potter will attend Hogwarts in four years, too." Samantha added, "His family is no longer a part of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, but they are still a family whose stature and wealth are on par with any of the Sacred Twenty-Eight."
"What about the Weasleys?" Rob suddenly asked, making Samantha blink her eyes.
"What about them?"
"What are they like? I met Percy on the boat."
Samantha was silent for a few seconds before she spoke, "If you ask my parents and other pure-blood supremacists, they are a lot of blood-traitors who spit on our traditions, culture, and history. If you ask a random person on the street, they'd say that Arthur Weasley and his family are good and kind people. I think they are good and kind, but also foolish." Rob raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
"Why do you think that?"
Samantha noted that they still had five minutes before their potion finished brewing. "The Weasleys are the poorest pure-blood family by a far, far margin. They squandered their wealth on useless endeavors, and started denouncing engaging in commerce, calling it the trade of the pure-blood supremacists as a tool to oppress the working class." Samantha explained, "There is nothing wrong with being poor, but being proud of it and not working hard to improve your status is laziness and utter foolishness. Arthur Weasley has six sons and a daughter, yet he does nothing substantial to provide something more for them. He's developed an eccentric reputation for spending his time tinkering with muggle artifacts, rather than investing his time in building a business. They say his wife is a great cook, yet she doesn't open up a small bakery. My father graduated from Hogwarts in the same year as Arthur and Molly Weasley, and he told me that they were quite talented. It's just that all that talent went to waste." Samantha finished whispering, taking her time to make sure that no one eavesdropped on them, and that Professor Snape didn't take offense to their chatter. Felix and Samantha are so much alike in how they view things. They respect effort, talent, and dedication. I think I understand why she's associating with us instead of Rowle now. She's a true Slytherin.
Their brewing time was over, so Rob added a glug of stewed horned slugs to the mixture. Samantha then turned off the heat and removed the cauldron from it, letting it cool off a bit before she added two porcupine quills to it. She stirred clockwise five times, waved her wand over the potion, and called Professor Snape over.
Their Head of House inspected their potion for a few seconds, nodding in approval as he noticed pink fumes rising from their cauldron. "Good. Five points for Slytherin, each." He moved on to check Carey, Borgin, Percy, Penelope, Clara, and Beatrice's potions, awarding them ten points each, too. "In our next class, we will go over the twelve uses of dragon blood, and the various types of cauldrons, and phials used in potion-making. I have evaluated your skills today, and save for a select few…" his eyes hovered over the ones who brewed their potions successfully.
"I have found them sub-par. Class dismissed."
Hogwarts' library was located off of a corridor on the first floor of the castle. Rob felt that the library had shelves instead of walls, going by their sheer number, and collectively they contained tens of thousands of books if not more. Rob, Borgin, Samantha, Carey, and Clara walked towards Joe and Tulip, who had waved them over to sit with them and their friends. Alongside Joe was a fourth-year Hufflepuff, Rowan Khanna. Rowan was of medium height and a slim build. He had brown skin, and black hair, and wore glasses. Rob found him to be a cheerful and welcoming person.
There were two Gryffindors, too; a sixth year and a fourth year. The sixth-year student was William Weasley, who went by Bill. Bill was tall, thin, handsome, and had red hair like the rest of the Weasley family. He wore it long and in a ponytail, and he had an earring with a fang dangling from it. He was Percy's older brother, a prefect, and considered nearly a shoo-in for Head Boy by his peers. Ben Copper was a fourth-year Gryffindor. He was a light-skinned, blond-haired, brown-eyed Muggle-born student. Rob noticed that he was very nervous, and it turned out that he was greatly spooked by the Cursed Vaults.
The last student was a fourth-year Slytherin named Barnaby Lee who was as tall as Bill and quite muscular. Barnaby had spiky, dark brown hair, and bright green eyes. He wore three silver rings on his right hand, and a silver bracelet on his left. Quite a disheveled appearance, going by his uniform. A rebel, perhaps?
"Everyone, these are my new friends, Robert Grindelwald, Caractacus Borgin, Samantha Selwyn, Carey Ductu, and Clara Martyris. They will be helping us investigate the vaults." Joe started, but Bill shook his head with a grave look.
"They're too young, Joe, we cannot risk it." Carey determinedly raised an eyebrow at Bill.
"Weren't you all too young when you first started investigating it?" Bill nodded at her, "And I presume you had good reason to investigate them? Like protecting your friends from harm?" Bill nodded again, "We're doing the same. Either include us, or we'll do it ourselves, thereby risking more harm towards ourselves." We all know that we wouldn't be investigating anything without them, but they can't risk a secondary group of students, especially first-years running about with a separate investigation. It's better for them to keep us with them where they can keep an eye on us. Rob was very impressed by Carey's quick thinking, and by a glance, he could tell that Samantha, and Clara were equally impressed. Rob could now see even more why Samantha quickly took to Carey and Clara.
Bill looked at Rob, Borgin, Samantha, and Clara, finding them to be as confident as Carey in standing their ground. He grinned, "I like your spirits. Alright, I have no complaints. Tell us what you've gathered here for, Joe. Do we have an update?" Rowan, Ben, and Barnaby looked equally curious as Bill.
Joe nodded. "Last night, Rakepick and Snape found two more sleepwalking students. They think it's a curse caused by someone messing with another vault." He chuckled, "Also they don't seem to like each other much."
Bill snorted sarcastically, "Professor Snape doesn't like someone? I don't believe it." Everyone at the table laughed at that, leading to Madam Pince shushing them to be quiet.
"What do you think about Madam Rakepick, Rob?" Carey asked Rob.
"She's intimidating, to say the least. Professor Snape seems to be a very powerful wizard and duelist. If she wasn't afraid to talk back to him, which means she's equally powerful, if not more."
"He cast the Shield Charm non-verbally and wand-lessly in the blink of an eye in class, and that means something," Samantha added, making Rob, Carey, and Clara nod in agreement. "She is untrustworthy, though. I am suspicious of Madam Rakepick's borderline obsession with the vaults. She's here for a reason, and I don't have a good feeling about her intentions."
Joe chose that moment to speak up, "I think she's cool. She's brave, powerful, and confident. You saw the way she handled Snape, right? Not many can do that. I think that she knew him from back when they were both students and frankly, the way that overgrown greasy bat has treated everyone who's not a Slytherin, he deserves it; offense intended." He stated with a cheeky grin, making Clara and Carey giggle, Rob and Borgin grin, and Samantha smirk. "That being said, I still don't trust her enough to tell her everything we know about the vaults, though. We should keep trying to find the next vault ourselves."
Borgin laughed, "It seems you're a bit of a Slytherin, too." Joe chucked in response.
"We found a map of the Forbidden Forest inside of the last Cursed Vault." Rowan spoke up at that point, "but it's hard to tell where it leads." That grabbed their attention.
"Let's study maps of the forest to see what we find." Bill proposed, and they all dispersed across the library to collect the maps.
They met back at the table with various maps unfurled across it. "Wait, aren't there centaurs, trolls, and acromantulas in the Forbidden Forest? Oh no…" Ben murmured, his nerves getting the best of him again. Well, he's not exactly to blame. My nerves would get the best of me, too, if I had to face such beings and beasts. Wizards haven't exactly been kind to other species.
"The creatures in there don't scare me as much as the thought of getting caught does. Dumbledore will have our wands." Rowan shared his concerns, but Tulip shook her head.
"If we enter the forest at just the right spot, we can be in and out before the creatures of the professors find us. I'm fairly certain we've determined the best place to enter, but that won't help once we're inside."
Bill nodded in agreement as he looked at all of them. Rob could tell that Joe and Bill were natural leaders. "Tulip is right. I went in there with Charlie once and got turned around. I'd still be in there if it weren't for him."
They were silent for a few seconds before Rowan spoke up again, "Everyone should keep studying the forest to work out exactly what we'll need to do to prepare."
Rob chose that moment to share his concerns, "Joe, you invited us to discuss the vaults with you and your friends, but if we're going to be working together and aiding Rakepick, we'll need to know everything that you all know about the previous vaults that you've encountered, including whatever information and findings that you've gathered."
Rowan nodded, "He's right Joe. We all need to be on an equal footing." Joe began explaining their group's history with the vaults, and Barnaby added his input, too. The five first-year Slytherins found him to be a very pleasant person to talk to, with his kind and compassionate nature.
Joe and his friends had investigated the Vault of Ice in their first year, discovering it in their second year alongside Bill's help. They defeated an Ice Knight inside it, and recovered a book and Jacob's broken wand from inside the vault. In their third year, they discovered the Vault of Fear. They were able to open the vault by using the wand, and discovered the forest map and an arrow inside of it. Joe believed that these items were all left by Jacob in his quest to find the vaults.
Soon, it was lunchtime, and Rob felt Joe slipping a note inside his pocket. He was discreet about it, but not very much. Finish up lunch quickly and meet me and Rowan outside the Great Hall. Bring your friends too, if you wish. We need to discuss something away from prying ears about the vaults.
Clara Martyris' POV
Thursday, 3rd September 1987 (Lunch – Entrance Hall, Hogwarts)
They had finished up with lunch quickly, just as Joe's letter instructed. Even Samantha, or Sammy as she had taken to calling her playfully, much to her annoyance, had eaten her food at a slightly faster pace than usual. Making their way into the entrance hall, Clara spotted Rowan and Joe standing before the House point hourglasses.
"What did you want to meet about, Rowan?" Joe's inquiry surprised Clara. The note was given to Rob by Joe, but it's Rowan who called this secret, second meeting. Whatever it is, it's something they don't want to discuss with the others. Why us, though? Is it because we're new, unknown factors?
Rowan had a grave look on his face as he turned to look at Rob, Borgin, Sammy, Carey, and herself, "You all understand what we told you about the mysterious 'R.', right?" They collectively nodded. "Good, because I think Rakepick is 'R'. She's the one who wrote that letter to Ben, and drew the forbidden forest map." Rowan's theory surprised them all, most of all Joe.
"Why?" Joe asked.
"In addition to the obvious initial, the tone of the letter matched her tone during the start-of-term feast. We know she's interested in the Cursed Vaults, and that letter sent Ben to the corridor that led to the Ice Vault." Rowan explained.
"May we see this letter, Rowan?" Clara asked, and Rowan agreed. He handed her the letter, and she quickly went through it with the rest. They all felt that the tone matched Rakepick's, solidifying Rowan's suspicions, and Joe was convinced, too.
"I still don't understand why we couldn't talk about it in front of our friends…" Joe grumbled but Sammy shook her head.
"Is it not obvious? Rowan doesn't trust everyone else with this information. That is why we are all having a secondary, private meeting. He trusts you, and we're all first years, so we couldn't possibly have anything to do with the vaults, so he trusts us, too." The cold logic in her cold voice could not be disputed. Clara liked Samantha, and she was genuinely grateful to have found her and Carey, but she couldn't help but be intimidated by how cold her new friend sounded at times. I wonder if all British pure-bloods are haughty, proud, and scornful, or cold, cunning, and ambitious.
Or perhaps they were a mixture of both. Clara liked ambitious, cunning, and driven people, but she also appreciated kindness. Despite having grown in pure-blood society in Italy because of being the daughter of Lord Melchiorre Martyris, she had never felt truly accepted by her pure-blood 'friends'. Her father was one of the most influential lords of Magical Southern Europe, yet his daughter was judged for being a half-blood. This was why she wanted to attend Hogwarts, to be in a place where she truly felt accepted for who she was, rather than her heritage.
Rob had pushed her doubts away before her sorting, but they always came rearing back when she saw Rowle and his friends. His behavior with them on the Hogwarts Express reminded Clara of the pure-blood boys back in Italy, and she couldn't help but express exactly how she felt towards people like him.
"Who do you not trust, Rowan?" Borgin asked, and Rowan looked uncomfortable as he thought about it.
"I cannot trust Ben, because I'm not sure if Ben is our friend. I still think he's hiding something." He shared, but Joe looked angry.
"Come on Rowan! We talked about this at the end of last year. There's no reason to believe Ben is lying." His voice rose a bit before he quickly collected himself. "That being said, I'll admit that Madam Rakepick does seem like the most likely suspect to be 'R.'
"The letter mentioned severe consequences for disobeying. What will happen if she finds out that we're trying to find the next Cursed Vault?" Clara asked with concern, but Joe gave her an encouraging smile.
"Try not to worry, Clara. Let's just keep calm, and talk this through." Rob raised his eyebrow at Joe's assurance.
"Aren't you worried about Rakepick? If she's 'R', she's manipulated your friend with a cursed letter, endangering his life." Rob questioned.
Joe sighed, "Of course I'm worried. I'm secretly terrified that something really bad is going to happen to me or my friends, but I have to do something, or that'll never stop." He expressed his frustrations, silencing them all. He is a kind person. I'm glad not everyone is out for themselves in this school. "If we stick together, we will be just fine. I know it." His confidence inspired them all.
"Do you think we can trust her?" Rowan asked, but Sammy shook her head.
"We can't trust anyone other than ourselves. We should be careful with the information that we have. This… 'R' seems to be very dangerous, and who knows if they have any spies around us." She suggested, and while her friends agreed with her, Rowan looked uncomfortable at the possibility of any of his friends being potential spies.
"Are you alright, Rowan?" Joe asked in concern, and Rowan nervously nodded his head.
"I feel a little better, but I just can't help worrying about Rakepick." He shared, and Joe put a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"We'll keep searching together for the vaults, my friend. Look at these three," He pointed towards herself, Rob, and Sammy, "We've got new friends who'll be with us when we find them and put an end to them. If she is 'R', we'll collect proof and bring it to Professor Dumbledore." That calmed Rowan down.
"I suppose you're right. We shouldn't accuse Rakepick of being 'R' until we know more about her. I hope we can trust her. We could use her help to break the curse and find the remaining vaults." Rowan suggested. Does he want to trust someone he suspects of being 'R'? Is he naïve, stupid, or just living up to the Hufflepuff stereotype?
"From their conversation, it sounded like Professor Snape and Rakepick know each other from their school years. I'll ask the other Professors about her and collect as much information as I can." Joe shared his plan.
"We'll ask Professor Snape. As Slytherins, I'm certain he'd be more likely to talk to us." Clara proposed.
"At least he wouldn't dock points off of you." Rowan joked, making them all chuckle.
"That settles it, then. We'll talk to Professor Snape, while you both talk to the other Professors. Joe, let us know when you want to have another meeting." Rob suggested. Joe and Rowan agreed before they bid them goodbye and they all went to their next classes.
"Enter." Upon hearing Professor Snape's silky yet authoritative office, Clara, Sammy, and Rob entered the office and closed the door behind them. The office was a gloomy and dimly lit room, just like the classroom they were in during the morning. Its eerie walls were lined with shelves of large glass containers filled with slimy, revolting things, such as bits of animals and plants, floating in potions of varying colors. A fireplace roared with smoking embers, as their Head of House sat on a chair behind a round, mahogany table. He looked up from some homework that he was grading. "Mr. Grindelwald, Ms. Selwyn, and Ms. Martyris. What brings you to my office?"
"Hello, Professor. We wanted to ask you a few questions." Clara stated their purpose. Professor Snape was intimidating, but he was fair towards Slytherins. She found him to be worthy of respect.
"Regarding?"
"Madam Rakepick, sir." A scowl appeared on their Professor's face.
"What about her?"
"We hardly know anything about her, sir. If she'll be consulting here all year, we'd like to know what we're dealing with. We've seen her approach students with questions, and we are concerned about her intentions. We just don't want to come across any trouble." Clara smoothly explained their intentions, with Sammy and Rob nodding in agreement. Definitely the smart way to go about it. We shouldn't bring up the Cursed Vaults in front of him. That would just be inviting needless trouble.
Professor Snape's scowl disappeared, but a distasteful expression remained as if he was annoyed by their presence. He gestured for them to sit down. "She was a fifth-year student when I began my schooling at Hogwarts. She was beloved by nearly all of over classmates, and despised by nearly all of the faculty." He began.
"Why? Rob asked.
"Because she questioned everything and broke school rules at every opportunity. She was a danger to everyone at Hogwarts and the very principles upon which this school was built. Typical Gryffindor, uncaring of the consequences of their stupidity and arrogance." Professor Snape sneered.
"Do you trust her?" Sammy inquired.
"Dumbledore trusts her. It would be unwise to question his judgment without substantial evidence. You may be first years, and I expect you to remain out of any trouble that would put Slytherin House in a position where it is shamed, but if you uncover such evidence, bring it directly to me." That surprised them. He really, really, doesn't like her. Trust is out of the question. If he's asking first years that, then that means that he shares our suspicions.
"Was there anything else?" they shook their heads. "Good. Get out." So charming.
Carey Ductu's POV
Thursday, 3rd September 1987 (Dinner – Great Hall, Hogwarts)
They had finished dinner, and then Joe and Rowan beckoned them over to the Hufflepuff table. Carey thought it pleasantly surprising that the Hufflepuffs didn't give them weird looks for being at their table, even though Tulip had already told her about the inter-house collaboration between some students to find the Cursed Vaults, including some Slytherin fourth-year students. They had already met Barnaby Lee, but she was aware of Liz Tuttle, Ismelda Murk, and Merula Snyde. Tulip said that Tuttle is friendly and kind, but from what she's told me of Murk and Snyde, I don't think they'll take kindly to me because of my heritage.
"If the faculty despised her as a student, why would Dumbledore invite her back?" Rowan asked contemplatively. "It's amazing. I think the more I learn about Madam Rakepick, the less I know how to feel about her."
"Hey guys!" Bea came up to sit with them. "Hi Rob, hi Clara!" They greeted her back, having befriended the cheerful girl in their previous classes. "Discussing Madam Rakepick and the vaults, are we?" Bea cheekily asked, shocking the group.
"What makes you think we are?" Samantha asked in her cold voice, making Bea smile.
"Hmm, perhaps because more than half the Slytherins in my year are sitting at the Hufflepuff table discussing something with only two of the most infamous vault chasers in this school, and because I have a letter from Madam Rakepick for Joe here?"
"A letter from her?!" Joe asked in surprise.
Rowan sighed, depressed, "I'm not sure if I should be excited or afraid for my life right now." He's very dramatic, isn't he?
Borgin nudged him in the side, "I've got many remedies for sad people if you're interested. I'll even give you a discount if you tell your friends about my services. Borgin delivers only the best goods."
Rowan blinked in confusion and Samantha sighed as she massaged her forehead.
Carey wasn't sure how to feel about Borgin. When she had gone to Diagon Alley with her parents, she had seen the surprised looks people gave to her father when they learned that he was a Muggle, and the even more surprised looks when they learned that her mother was a Romanian pure-blood witch. When they saw the entrance towards Knockturn Alley, she had had asked her mother about it, only to be told to never go in there unless she was with an adult. Borgin and Burkes was the most infamous shop in there, and the son of one of the co-owners was in her year. Someone I could easily befriend.
The idea left her with confused thoughts. On one hand, it meant that she could easily have access to a lot of exotic items, and with her parents being well-off, she could afford all but the most expensive products for sale. On the other hand, Borgin was a pure-blood, and he was on good terms with people like Rowle. From what I saw, they might even be friends. Carey didn't want to be friends with Rowle, not after how he had treated her on the train. And if Borgin was friends with him, she wasn't sure if she wanted to be friends with him, either. He hadn't mistreated her, though. In fact, he had been quite charming and respectful towards her, despite her heritage.
"Give me the letter." Bea handed it to Joe who quickly opened it to read it out loud. "Dear Mr. Scamander, I understand you have been questioning the faculty about my personal history, and reasons for being at Hogwarts. I can only assume that you've taken such an interest in me because we share a common interest in the Cursed Vaults. Perhaps you're talking behind my back because you fear what I might do in response to your inquiry. I'd like to see you immediately in the Artefact Room, as I think we should discuss this matter in private. If you choose to ignore my invitation, I will take it upon myself to find you. Warmest regards, Patricia Rakepick." He looked up to see everyone's nervous but determined faces.
"She doesn't sound too happy." Borgin chuckled to lighten the mood. It partially worked.
"I've been reading about her in the Daily Prophet. Even if she isn't 'R', she's still not someone you want to mess with. One article said she killed Sphinx with her bare hands. Another described her tearing the tail off of a Manticore." Rowan shared his worries, making the first years look very nervous.
"That can't be true." Joe scoffed before he looked a bit nervous, too. "Can it?"
Rowan shrugged, "I don't know, but I don't think you should see her alone."
Rob spoke up, "He won't be alone. I'll go with him. She's already expressed an interest in the both of us helping her find the vaults, and the only reason she doesn't know I asked Professor Snape about her is because we did it in his office, while Joe asked around her in public places."
"Are you both sure you don't want to bring Bill with you? Or Penny? Or anyone else?"
Joe shook his head. "If too many of us go meet her, it'll spook her off even more. Only two of us should go. Besides," he handed the letter to Rowan, "We have that letter. If anything happens to us, she'll be the prime suspect for murder. She can't risk it. We'll be safe."
Rob nodded in agreement. "We'd better head to the Artefact Room before things get worse."
Robert Grindelwald's POV
Thursday, 3rd September 1987 (Night – Artefact Room, Hogwarts)
The Artefact Room was only slightly bigger than a broom cupboard. It is a small, square room with a high ceiling, and dimly lit by a lantern hanging from the ceiling. Madam Rakepick stood in its center.
"I see that you've brought company, Mr. Scamander. I thought you might not be brave enough to come. I should have known better." She started with a smirk and somehow ended with a scowl. "Had you brought someone else with you, I would have been most displeased, but I will make an exception for Mr. Grindelwald. Now then, why have you been asking the faculty about me?" She's as intimidating as Professor Snape, if not more. We have to be careful here. She's dangerous and reckless.
"You're a mysterious witch, Madam Rakepick. We're trying to learn more about you." Joe said diplomatically.
Madam Rakepick scoffed as she crossed her arms, "Then ask me directly, No one at Hogwarts knows me as well as they think they do. I'm not upset with you, Mr. Scamander, nor your friends. I'd like to help you enter the Forbidden Forest." That surprised Rob and Joe.
"How do you know about that?" Rob asked, perplexed. Madam Rakepick smirked.
"It would be foolish to think I'm not aware of everything related to the Cursed Vaults."
Joe narrowed his eyes at her, partly in suspicion, party in confusion. "You told us to stay away from the vaults. Why do you want to help us now?"
Madam Rakepick sighed deeply, "Because I'm realizing that you're both different from the others. That is why I sought you both out on the training grounds. I was just once like you. It pains me to admit it, but you're further along than I was at your age. You must continue your pursuit of the Cursed Vaults, even if it means disobeying Dumbledore and breaking school rules. A Curse-Breaker has to be willing to risk everything, and cannot let anything stand in her way." Is she actually that arrogant that she doesn't realize that we can see through her pathetic attempts at manipulating us? Professor Snape was right about her. Why the hell did Grandpa Dumbledore let her into Hogwarts in the first place?
"I thought you were here to find the Cursed Vaults?" Joe shot back at her, making her narrow her eyes at him.
"I'm investigating the possibility of a vault in Hogsmeade. I'm honestly not convinced there's a vault in the forest. In any case, I'll allow you both to serve as my assistants." She offered, and Rob saw Joe stand up straight at that.
"I'll do anything to open the vaults. I just want to find my brother."
Madam Rakepick was intrigued by that. "His disappearance certainly is mysterious. You should speak to Professor Kettleburn. When I was a student, I convinced him to share secrets he'd learned from exploring the Forbidden Forest. Secrets that helped me enter the forest on my own."
Rob and Joe nodded in gratitude. "Thank you for your help, Madam Rakepick. I'll talk to him tomorrow morning."
Madam Rakepick smiled, "You're welcome Mr. Scamander," her smile turned menacing, "Just know that if you continue to publicly question my character, I will be the farthest thing from helpful."
She left the Artefact Room after that, and Joe and Rob returned to their common rooms after exchanging nervous looks.
Carey Ductu's POV
Friday, 4th September 1987 (Noon – Training Grounds, Hogwarts)
The first year Slytherins had Herbology with the first year Gryffindors after breakfast. They had stayed up till midnight to make significant progress in their Transfiguration and D.A.D.A. homework. Rob had helped her catch up on her studies just as he'd promised. After Herbology class, they made their way to the training grounds alongside the first-year Ravenclaws for their first flying lesson.
Their instructor was a no-nonsense woman. She was strict, but Carey thought it to be very professional of her. She had spiky grey hair which was cut short and had piercing, yellow, hawk-like eyes. The instructor wore a white button-down collared shirt and black necktie with the Hogwarts crest under a cloak.
"Welcome to your first Flying class. I will be your instructor, Madam Hooch." Her voice was stern, and Carey knew that she'd tolerate no messing around. "You'll begin by observing, before learning to summon your broom in your next class." She looked them all over, frowning. "Well, what are you waiting for? Everyone, step up to the left side of your broomstick."
Once they had grabbed their brooms in their hands by commanding it via a verbal 'Up!' Madam Hooch proceeded to share a few broomstick techniques and safety protocols with them.
Carey heard Rob release a deep sigh. "Nervous?" She turned to him with a warm smile, but it instantly faded away the moment she saw a tear in his eye. "Are you alright?" She asked in a very gentle voice. The tear dripped down his cheek and Rob wiped it away before anyone else could notice. His hand was trembling, and Carey took it in her own hands. "Rob?"
"Flying scares me. When the Dark Lord killed my parents, he levitated me alongside my mother's corpse in the air. It's been six years, and part of my treatment included experimenting with brooms which just led to panic and anxiety attacks." Dear Merlin! He gave her a rueful smile, "I'm sorry for trauma dumping on you, Carey. It won't happen again." Rob tried to release his hand from her grip, but something possessed her to hold on to it. She wasn't sure about Borgin, but she was sure about Rob. Her instincts were screaming at her to take the initiative, or she'd regret it forever.
Rob gave her a confused look, and Carey swallowed a lump in her throat, "You have no reason to be sorry, Rob. You're my friend, and friends can rely on each other. Slytherin and pure-blood society is all about being self-reliant and everything being so transactional, but I would like it if there could be a select few people whom I could lean on when the going gets rough." She was being uncharacteristically honest with someone she'd met just a few days ago, and a part of Carey was still unsure, but another part wanted to say what she was saying. It's not as if I'm the one who shared a weakness with someone I just met. He might come from wizarding nobility, but at the end of the day, he's just a child just like me. It wouldn't be so bad to be able to be close with people in Slytherin, especially when I know everything will be just business for pure-bloods like Borgin and that I can't expect anything other than hostility from Rowle and his gang.
The confusion in Rob's eyes was replaced with genuine warmth, and he gave her a hug filled with the same warmth. A hug that Carey was glad to return. "I'll go first in our next class, Rob. You'll see that there's nothing to be afraid of. I believe in your strength to overcome your past." Rob nodded, his expression giving away his great appreciation for her understanding. Carey felt good for being brave. It was a nice feeling, and she couldn't help but smile as the rest of the lesson progressed.
Later on, they met with Joe, Rowan, Charlie, Bill, Barnaby, and Tulip in the library at the same table at the same time as yesterday. Joe had talked to Professor Kettleburn, and in exchange for helping him find a home for a Bowtruckle, he had agreed to share the information they required to enter the Forbidden Forest.
"Thanks for your help. I couldn't think of a better group of friends to help me study Bowtruckles." Joe started with a smile.
Barnaby laughed, "No one ever picks me as a study partner, but Care of Magical Creatures is my favorite subject." Now that I notice him, he's very handsome.
Bill passed his notes on Bowtruckles to Charlie who smirked at his older brother, "I'd usually say you take better notes than me, but not when it comes to creatures." Everyone laughed at that.
Joe turned to Rowan, "Remember how we found that broken arrow in the vault with the Boggarts? Maybe you and Tulip can work out where it came from while we prepare for the essay?"
Rowan nodded with excitement, "Great idea. I'll start by researching who uses arrows made with that sort of wood."
"Wood?" Clara asked and Rowan nodded again.
"That's right. My family owns a farm that supplies high-quality wood for the manufacture of wands and broomsticks. My knowledge will help me narrow down which wood was used in this arrow, and to whom it belongs, possibly."
An hour later, they had collected enough information for Joe to write an essay on Bowtruckles. He would also need to cultivate a Bowtruckle habitat in his Herbology class for Professor Kettleburn to keep his end of the deal. Charlie and Rob offered to go with him into the forest.
Carey kept silent and noticed that Borgin, Samantha, and Clara were silent, too. She wanted to help out as much as she could, but going into the forest was beyond her level of skills. Rob seemed like he could handle himself better than the rest of their group of Slytherins.
"Well, I can't say for certain, but if I had to guess, I'd say the arrow you found is the same kind used by centaurs."
"How would a centaur's arrow end up in a Cursed Vault?" Joe questioned in confusion before he shook his head. "Nevermind. Thanks, Rowan. Guys, I'll get back to you all with any new information that I find after I talk to Professor Kettleburn again. I was handed a note by a student on behalf of Professor Kettleburn for us to meet in the Clocktower Courtyard in the evening."
They left the library and went their separate ways after that. Carey felt like they were getting somewhere in terms of finding where that vault was. A part of her was excited. They could earn House Slytherin a lot of glory if they could find that vault and put an end to its danger.
It would put her at ease, too. I don't want to sleepwalk ever again.
Robert Grindelwald's POV
Sunday, 6th September 1987 (Noon – Training Grounds, Hogwarts)
The first week at Hogwarts was close to an end. The first years had now been to all of their classes of the year and had spent Friday night and all of Saturday finishing their homework and reading up for the next week. As per Carey's plan, they had all focused on one particular subject, to earn Slytherin the highest number of points. The idea of being seen as useful to Professor Snape and the Triumvirate highly appealed to all of them, and it was a good strategy to not only survive but to thrive in House Slytherin.
After breakfast, they played chess in the Slytherin Common Room till noon. Rob played against Samantha and Borgin, while Carey and Clara watched, both of them not being very good at it. Samantha and Borgin were both able to exchange a few of their pieces for Rob's, but they both lost via checkmate in the end. Borgin mentioned the Hogwarts Chess Championship. The top-ranked players from each House would play the Semi-Finals and Finals in April. All games played on certain designated chessboards in Hogwarts were charmed to automatically register their names, houses, years, and standings at the beginning of every match. A list would be published on various noticeboards across Hogwarts. One such noticeboard was in their common room, too. The top twenty-five players from each house were ranked, and Rob was currently twenty-third, followed by Borgin and Samantha. I have time. I'll challenge everyone above me in the rankings and bring Slytherin that cup. Even if I do manage to fly around on a broom, I definitely can't play for the Slytherin Quidditch Team because I'll never be that good.
Rob had learned about the Inter-House Dueling Championship, too. All participating members from each House would be divided into seven brackets from the first year to the seventh year and they could progress to the next year's bracket if they defeated everyone in their year's bracket from every house. Only one person from each year can progress to the next bracket. I should also read that book Professor Flitwick gave me. It would give me an edge in the tournament, and if I am to beat Joe to get Professor Flitwick's sponsorship, I need every advantage that I can get.
Just before noon, they assembled in the training grounds to wait for Madam Rakepick. There were a couple of students there that they had seen around Hogwarts and had heard of but had not interacted with yet; Merula Snyde and Ismelda Murk.
Merula had short and messy brown hair, with an orange-coloured patch in the bangs. She had thick furrowed eyebrows and lavender eyes. She needs to go easy on the nail polish. Nice perfume, though. Her stockings had a hole around her left kneecap and she wore Slytherin robes as well as black combat boots. Ismelda had green eyes and medium-length black hair which was parted to cover her left eye. She wore the same robes as Merula and had a gothic sense of fashion.
And every rumor that they had heard about them was true. Merula and Ismelda were repulsive, cruel, and vicious. They would spare no expense to ridicule Ben and Rowan but didn't turn their eyes on them, yet. They don't seem to be the type of people who'd bully Samantha, Borgin, or me, but I can just tell from the looks they are giving to Carey and Clara that they won't get the same luxuries as us. It's true, then. Slytherins make sure to understand whom they are picking on.
That was when Joe shared his findings from Professor Kettleburn which made Rob nearly blanch. Of course! Just my luck. If we want to enter the Forbidden Forest undetected without triggering any wards, we need a broom to fly into it. I'll just drink a Draught of Peace and sit behind someone else.
Madam Rakepick entered the grounds at that moment, and everyone else lined up to face her. "Would anyone care to guess why I invited all of you here?"
Merula cackled, "If I hadn't seen those training dummies behind us, I would have guessed that you wanted us all in one place to kill us, but you want to teach us something." What a cruel laugh.
The renowned Curse-Breaker nodded. "I'm glad that you don't look as stupid as you look, Snyde." The fourth-year Slytherin scowled while Clara let out a snort, turning Merula's scowl towards her. What is Clara doing? I thought Samantha talked to her about this! Rob gave Samantha an incredulous look, who slightly shrugged her shoulders as if to say 'What can I do beyond warning her?'
Rob groaned internally. We'll deal with the consequences when they arise.
"I need an extra pair of hands in my journey to locate the remaining Cursed Vaults and break their curses. I believe one of you is best suited to serve as my assistant." I hope it's not one of us. We're here just for some extra House points and to learn more, not to risk our necks for Rakepick's ambitions. Joe or Bill would be best suited for this.
"Which one?" Ben asked curiously, making Rakepick smirk.
"That's what we're here to find out, Mr. Copper."
"You want to pit us against one another?" Merula asked in her biting voice, making Rakepick's smirk widen.
"Think of it as a friendly test of wills and skills. Completely voluntary, of course."
Ismelda went next, "Why would we want to be your assistant?" Her voice is surprisingly soft and kinder than I expected, given how rude and cruel she is to others.
Madam Rakepick laughed and twirled her wand in her fingers, "Good question, Ms. Murk. The answer is that I can teach you things you cannot learn from anyone else at Hogwarts."
"What kind of things?" Bill asked suspiciously, making Madam Rakepick roll her eyes.
"Allow me to demonstrate, Mr. Weasley. I trust none of you are afraid of curses. Mr. Scamander and Mr. Grindelwald. Step forward and cast the Blasting Curse on these dummies." They cast the Blasting Curse just as they did a few days ago on the same grounds with Madam Rakepick, the explosive wave of magic slammed against the dummies, engulfing them in flames.
Everyone else other than Joe looked at Rob with astonishment. Even his housemates look impressed. They had heard of how he'd earned points from Professor Flitwick for his demonstrations, but seeing was believing. Merula was staring at him, and Rob returned her stare. Maybe this will give her second thoughts about bullying Carey and Clara. I won't let anyone bully them, or anyone.
"Well done, boys. You're both certainly very talented." Madam Rakepick praised, "Who do you think could help me most with the vaults?"
"Bill. He's the most experienced, and the most powerful. He's even talked about becoming a professional Curse-Breaker." Joe suggested, and Rob nodded. This will keep her off my back. I want to find the Cursed Vaults, too, but I don't want to be first casualty in the line of fire.
Merula sneered, "He's also a filthy Weasley." Borgin snorted and Samantha looked impassive, while Carey and Clara gaped at her. Ismelda cackled in Merula's support, while Bill just ignored the pure-blood supremacist.
Both Joe and Rowan looked angrily at the Snyde girl and were about to retort when Madam Rakepick raised her hand to tell them to be silent. "Mr. Weasley is a fine candidate. If Ms. Snyde or anyone else hopes to surpass him, they will need to be especially ambitious." She looked them all over, "I will send each of you invitations for further meetings and lessons. If you choose to attend, be ready to challenge yourself, and learn powerful magic." She smirked as she looked at Joe and then Rob, "Perhaps even become a legend by conquering the Cursed Vaults. If you do not attend, I thank you in advance for not wasting my time. Good day." She left them in the training grounds after that, swiftly returning to the castle's interior. She wants to use us for her own goals.
Bill whistled, "I get the feeling that she wants you to earn the right to help her find the Cursed Vaults, Joe."
The fourth-year Hufflepuff shook his head, "We don't need her help. I know how to get into the forest. I just need to know where to search when I'm inside. Let's see if Tulip found the exact location on the map, and find the next vault ourselves."
Samantha Selwyn's POV
Sunday, 6th September 1987 (Dinner – Great Hall, Hogwarts)
Samantha and Rob had decided to sit with Joe, Tulip, and Bill on the Ravenclaw table for dinner. Borgin had refused to sit with a Gryffindor so openly in the Great Hall, leading Clara and Carey to stay behind on the Slytherin table to avoid antagonizing the other Slytherins, too. Bill is one of the more prominent Gryffindors, and we don't want to invite trouble. Things are bad enough as it is with Merula, Ismelda, and Rowle's group likely to antagonize them both, Clara especially. I'll talk to her alongside Rob. Maybe that will convince them to not openly laugh at fellow Slytherins, even if it is Rowle. And there's no reason for us to be on Merula's bad side. Samantha blinked at her thoughts. Us?
She was broken away from her musings by Joe beginning their discussions after they'd finished dinner. "So Tulip, do you have something for us?"
Tulip nodded, "It took a bit longer than I expected, but I've narrowed it down to a single grove." That brought smiles all around. "I can't be certain that it's the location of the Cursed Vault, but I'm certain it's where we should start."
Bill sat up straighter, "We should come up with a plan for what to do next. Even if we sneak inside, the Forbidden Forest is full of dangerous creatures, and it's easy to get lost."
Samantha looked at Bill, "Didn't you say you sneaked into the forest with Charlie?"
Bill sighed in embarrassment as he looked into his glass of pumpkin juice, "I did, but only because he got into his head that he could catch a dragon in there, and I didn't want him to go alone. We got lost, and if it weren't for his tracking skills, we would've starved or been eaten by something."
"You're damn right we would've have, Bill." Charlie quipped with a grin as he came to sit next to them.
"Hello, Charlie. We could use your advice on how to get in and out of the Forbidden Forest." Rob said to him after they had exchanged greetings.
"Getting out is easy, but I don't know how anyone could sneak in with the teachers watching," Charlie replied, making Joe frown.
"Professor Kettleburn said he used to fly in with students." Joe grimaced, "To be fair, he also mentioned losing a limb that way." They all inadvertently shuddered at that.
"That could work if you're a good flier, but the forest is dangerous." Charlie gave them all a serious look at that, "That's coming from someone who goes in searching for dragons, so don't think this is a walk in the park. Practice flying, and get comfortable casting Vermillious and Ferula." Fortunately, we've already covered those spells. Thank Merlin that Rob's already covered more than half of Hogwarts's syllabus in advance. His notes are helping us all excel in our classes and earning points. We've already earned Slytherin over two hundred and fifty points, between the five of us. I expect the third-year delegates or even the Triumvirate to approach us soon. "Let me know when you're ready, and I'll fly in with you to be sure you make it out safely."
Rob looked at Charlie, "For reasons that I'd rather not share, I'm not able to fly on a broom, nor am I inclined to learn, but I'm very handy with casting spells and a decent duelist for my age. I'd like to sit with you to fly into the forest." Charlie agreed although he gave Rob a curious look, as did Tulip and Bill.
They all thanked Charlie for his help, making him laugh as he shook his head, "Wait until you see what it's like inside the forest. You might not be so quick to thank me." It made everyone laugh, but Samantha's mind was focused on Rob and Carey's conversation during their Flying class. Unbeknownst to them, she had seen Rob tear up and how Carey comforted him. He's not how I expected him to be. He's of pure-blood, perhaps from one of the most distinguished lines in all of Magical Europe, but he isn't averse to associating with known blood-traitors or even Muggle-borns. Yet, he's so… vulnerable, at times. He knows all of the pure-blood customs practiced in Wizarding Britain. His speech and mannerisms are the same as us, yet, he's so different at the same time. Samantha didn't understand hi-
She was startled by Rob's hand on her shoulder. "Dinner's over. Let's go back to the common room." He gave her a surprised look, "You were lost in your thoughts. I called your name three times, but you didn't respond. I apologize for startling you." His voice is refined and it doesn't give away much of what he's feeling, yet, it's gentle and his tone is genuine. Samantha looked into his eyes. So is his apology. He's not like Rowle at all.
"It's fine, Rob. I was thinking about the Forbidden Forest and how you'll manage with Charlie on his broom."
Her classmate looked at her with an amused smile, "You're not planning on coming with us, Lady Selwyn?" She raised an eyebrow at him as they walked back to the Slytherin table.
"I'm only interested in these vaults to earn Slytherin House points, and because a girl in my dorm room whom we both consider a friend has been a victim of it. Beyond that, I am a lady of House Selwyn, and I refuse to act like a Weasley." Rob laughed at that, making her lips turn upwards.
"Finished fraternizing with the Weasels, Selwyn? It's such a joy to have you back with us." Rowle sneered at her as they sat down. Carey, Clara, and Borgin were sitting on their side of the table, while Rowle was sitting with Gibbon, Jugson, Flint, and the other girls in their year were sitting with the boys, too. Nerys Orpington, Euphemia Avery, and Ella Max.
All three of them were brunettes with brown eyes. All three of them were pure-blood supremacists. All three of them were sycophants. Nerys and Ella ate every word they could out of the hands of Euphemia. Nerys was descended from Evangeline Orpington, the seventeenth Minister for Magic from eighteen-forty-nine to eighteen-fifty-five. Ella was a member of the Max family, a pure-blood family, but whose greatest achievement was Ella's namesake having married Cygnus Black I. They were here to find good, pure-blood marriages, and Samantha was almost certain that they'd marry Gibbon and Jugson after graduating from Hogwarts.
Euphemia Avery, though, was of a different sort. She was a granddaughter of one of the Knights of Walpurgis, Lord Richard Avery. He was one of the very first Death Eaters, someone whom the Dark Lord had considered a personal friend during his time at Hogwarts. He had been slain during the war, and Euphemia was his son, Edward's daughter. Her brown hair reached down to her waist, and her chocolate brown eyes were like those of a doe's. Her skin was porcelain, and she had high cheekbones just like Samantha herself; a trait in which pure-blood witches took great pride.
She was beautiful, sophisticated, and refined. Nothing can conceal the cruelty inside her heart, though. I remember how she treated half-blood girls at balls when we were younger.
Samantha looked coldly at Damocles, "I'm playing a part in representing House Selwyn by earning House points for Slytherin. How many have you and Gibbon lost for us so far?" Rowle sneered at her.
"You think you're so high and mighty, aren't you, Selwyn? Fraternizing with traitorous foreigners," he pointed his head in Rob's direction, who coldly stared at Rowle, "And lowly half-bloods." Carey and Clara scowled at him, while Euphemia smirked at her. Restrain yourself, Samantha. Do not let them get to you.
"Why do you go out of your way to antagonize us, heir Rowle?" Rob calmly asked, trying a diplomatic route with the arrogant boy. "I am a foreigner, it's true. My father was Austrian-French, but my mother was English-French. I have ties to the House of Black through my late mother, Lady Lucretia. Lord Black is my Great-Uncle. Britain is the country of my birth." Even the older students are paying attention to us, including one of the Triumvirate. "We are most likely distantly related in some way, and our families do not have any blood feud or any disputes at all."
Rowle was about to open his mouth when Rob cut him off, "I know you're going to say something very offensive about either or both of the ladies sitting beside me." he pointed towards Carey and Clara, who seemed uncomfortable at the attention they were getting. "You don't have to. We're housemates, we're all Slytherins here. So this is my offer to you, heir Rowle." He extended his hand, "I'm not offering you friendship, or an alliance, although I'm not averse to either. I offer you peace and cordiality."
The chatter on the Slytherin table had mostly subsided to focus on their side of the table. Samantha saw that even Professors Snape and Dumbledore were keenly observing them from the teacher's table.
The bell chimed at that time, and the students started getting up to leave for their dormitories. Rowle looked at Rob's hand and sneered at him as he stood up, swiftly leaving the great hall with his friends. As expected. Rob's hand remained in the air for a second, before he lowered it and they all stood up to leave, too.
"I am impressed, Mr. Grindelwald." A silky and smooth voice grabbed their attention. A voice that Samantha recognized. Oh no. Not him. They turned to find a third-year Slytherin standing before them. He was tall, pale, and had grey eyes, just like Samantha's. He looked at her and smiled genuinely, "It is good to see you, cousin." I wish I could say the same, Victor. Samantha saw that Rob stiffened when he saw Victor, and so did Carey and Clara. "How are you, Borgin? Have you set up shop already?"
Borgin grinned at Victor, "I'm a Borgin, Burke. Of course, I have. It's Borgin and Burkes, not Burkes and Borgin, after all."
Victor laughed at that, which only made them all feel all the more uneasy. "Don't you ever change, Borgin. Keep making jokes. It's actually really good for business these days, I hear. Just remember our deal, understood?" Borgin nodded seriously, his grin having disappeared as soon as Victor started laughing.
"You were the one gazing at me during The Welcoming Feast." Rob bluntly stated, making Samantha blanch internally.
Victor smiled. It was a scary sight when her cousin smiled like that. "I was."
"You want something from me?"
Victor's smile widened. "I do."
Rob's stare did not falter. "I'm listening."
Her elder cousin gestured for them to follow him as they all followed the fifth-year Slytherin Prefects toward the dormitories. "I am one of the two third-year delegates for Slytherin. Winifred Warrington is my female counterpart. We are responsible for making sure that the first years do not fall behind in their responsibilities, and so far, you have managed to garner a lot of positive attention from the professors, which has resulted in quite a lot of points for our house." Victor stated the password for the common room, and soon they were all seated on the couch seats by the fireplace, with only a few older students hanging around the common room. Most were already preparing for bed to be ready for tomorrow's classes.
Rob pointed at Carey, "Carey devised a strategy for us to divide different classes amongst ourselves. We intend on carrying on with it and squeezing as many points as we can out of the professors."
"We have observed. Each point earned or lost is kept track of, and the triumvirate has instructed me to pass their commendations to you. They are very intrigued by your presence at Hogwarts, Mr. Grindelwald. Many within these walls have parents who knew your parents quite well, and they are keen to become acquainted with you, myself included." Victor smiled at Robb's curious look, "Oh yes. My mother, Samara Selwyn, was friends with your late mother. My cousin Samantha is her brother, Lord George Selwyn's daughter, as I'm sure you already know." He didn't. Thank you very much, cousin.
Suddenly, Victor's eyes became cold, and his smile disappeared, "You have earned goodwill in our house, Mr. Grindelwald, and so have you, cousin," he looked at her, and then Carey, Clara, and Borgin, "All of you have earned it because you've earned us points, and all of you will lose it if you lose us points. It is a path that Rowle and Gibbon have already started on. Professor Snape rarely takes points from our house, but he had to take ten points in his class from his own house, even if he balanced it by giving you and Samantha points. It was embarrassing for him, and it was embarrassing for us as a house."
"Get to the point, Victor." Rob boldly stated, and a menacing smirk appeared on Victor's face.
"The point is simple; stay in our good graces, and avoid falling for Rowle's attempts at antagonizing you into a fight like you have been doing so far. Do the same with Merula and Ismelda. Those two are reckless and dangerous, but they have earned points for Slytherin, and are a reason why we've been winning the House Cup for the past two years. Keep helping Joseph look for the vaults if you wish, but Slytherin comes first. Are we clear?" He looked at each of them, and they nodded at Victor in understanding. His menacing smile disappeared and was replaced with a polite one. "I bid you all goodnight, then." Victor went up to his dorm without waiting for them to say anything.
They all followed his example and went to bed, too.