Heyo! I'm back ladies and gentlemen! Took a bit longer than I expected, parents decided to divorce so that messed me up for a bit but regardless! We are back and ready for more! Enjoy the chapter. The recognizable sections belong to J.K. Rowling. I do NOT own any of Harry Potter. Just my OC.

3rd of September 1994, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Adrian, Padma and Terry hurried into three chairs that were standing a few seats behind the teachers desk, took out their copies of The Dark Forces: A guide to Self-Protection and waited. Soon they heard Moody's clunking footsteps coming down the corridor. He entered the room, looking as strange and frightening as ever. They could see his clawed wooden foot protruding from underneath his robes.

"You can put those away," he growled. stumping over his desk and sitting down. "Those books, you won't be needing them."

Interesting... Is this going to be a proper practical lesson then? Sounds good

Moody's mismatched eyes swept across the room as he settled into his seat. His magical eye spun wildly, pausing for the briefest of moments on each student, as if assessing them, weighing them against some invisible standard. Adrian couldn't help but be intrigued. That eye was something else. He'd heard about Auror prosthetics before, but never one that seemed so… alive.

Moody took out a register, shook his long mane of grizzled grey hair out of his twisted and scarred face and began to call out names, his normal eye moving steadily down the list while his magical eye swivelled around, fixing upon each student as he or she answered.

"Right then," he said. When the last person had declared themselves present. "I've had a letter from Professor Lupin about this class. Seems you've had a pretty through grounding in Tackling Dark creatures - you've covered Boggarts, Red Caps, Hinkypunks, Grindylows, Kappas and werewolves, is that right?

There was a general murmur of assent from the class. Adrian murmured along them. He knew a decent amount about those creatures.

"But you're behind - very behind - on dealing with curses," said Moody. "So I'm here to bring you up to scratch on what wizards and witches can do to each other, I've got one year to teach you how to deal with Dark wizards and witches and the curses they can -will employ against you."

Adrian exchanged a glance with Terry, who looked simultaneously excited and slightly nervous. Padma, meanwhile, had her quill poised, ready to take notes. Some of the other students seemed to be a little startled.

"So, straight into it, Curses can come in many strengths and forms, depending on what the caster is trying to achieve. Now according to the Ministry I'm supposed to only teach you counter curses and leave it at that. I'm not supposed to show you what illegal dark curses look like until you're in your sixth year. You're not supposed to be old enough to be able to deal with it untill then. But Professor Dumbledore's got a higher opinion of your nerves, he reckons you can cope, and I say, the sooner you know what you're up against, the better."

Nothing but the ugly truth. Adrian had personally experienced one illegal curse himself and he knew that it was no joke. The Cruciatus curse had rendered him useless against his opponents that he duelled back in Durmstrang and the pain... it was the worst thing he had ever experienced in his life. So it was good that Professor Moody was taking Defence against the Dark Arts seriously.

"How are you supposed to defend yourself against something you have never seen?" continued Moody. "A wizard whose about the put an illegal curse on you isn't going to tell you what he's about to do. He's not going to do it nice and polite to your face. You need to be prepared. You need to be alert and watchful."

He stopped himself for a moment and paused.

"And most important of all you need to be ready. Ready to react, ready to fight, and ready to survive." His mismatched eyes swept across the classroom, lingering on each student. "Because when the time comes, there won't be any time for hesitation."

The silence that followed was heavy. No one dared to breathe too loudly.

Then, Moody leaned forward, his voice dropping to a near growl. "Constant vigilance."

Adrian leaned back in his chair. He was impressed, and eager to learn from Moody. Everything he said was correct. React, fight and survive. And most important of all,

No Hesitation.

For it could be the difference between life and death.

"So do any of you know which curses are most heavily punished by law?" asked Moody.

Several hands rose tentatively in the air. Moody pointed at Jessica.

"Ummm... I'm not hundred percent sure but I think there is one called the Imperius curse?" she answered. Her eyes were darting between Moody and the rest of the class, looking for some confirmation.

Moody's face turned into a twisted smile. It was slightly unnerving.

"Ah, yes... the Imperius curse. Gave the ministry quite a bit of trouble a while back. It is one of the few spells in Europe that will guarantee you a one way ticket to Azkaban. Its part of the infamous Unforgivable Curses and its called that for a reason."

Moody reached into his desk drawer and took out a glass jar.

Inside, a single black spider twitched restlessly, its legs scrambling against the glass. He held it up, shaking it slightly so the class could get a good look. "The Imperius Curse," Moody said, setting the jar down on his desk.

"Who here knows what it does?" Padma's hand shot up immediately, but Moody ignored her, scanning the room instead. After a moment, his magical eye rolled and landed on Adrian.

"You," he barked. "Valor. Let's see if Durmstrang actually taught you something useful."

Adrian barely hesitated. "It puts the victim under the caster's control," he said calmly. "Complete and total submission. Makes them a puppet."

Moody nodded, looking slightly pleased. "Exactly. Total control. A wizard under the Imperius Curse will do whatever their master commands—jump off a building, betray their friends, commit murder—without question, without hesitation."

Without hesitation.

Adrian's grip on the edge of his desk tightened slightly. He had seen what it did. He had seen people forced to kneel before their enemies, forced to fight their own comrades like mindless husks. His hometown... wasn't exactly peaceful.

But he didn't want to think on that now.

Moody reached into the jar and took out the spider from it and held it in the pal of his hand so that they could all see it.

He then pointed his wand to it and muttered "Imperio!"

The spider leapt from Moody's hand on a fine thread of silk, and began swinging backwards and forwards as thought on a trapeze. The class watched in silence as the spider moved, suspended in the air like a marionette. Then, with a flick of Moody's wand, it began to somersault. Once, twice—then it landed on the desk and scuttled in circles, as though dancing. A few students chuckled under their breath, unable to suppress their amusement at the absurd sight.

Terry let out a low snort. A couple of others giggled, Padma included.

Moody's head snapped up.

"You think that's amusing, do you?" His voice was suddenly sharp, cutting through the chuckles like a blade.

The laughter stopped at once.

He brought his wand down with a harsh movement, and the spider froze mid-scuttle. Its spindly legs twitched as it dangled in the air, helpless. Moody's face was a grim mask of fury.

"Would you be laughing," he growled, "If I did it to you?"

Silence.

A shiver ran through the classroom. The students who had laughed now looked away, avoiding Moody's piercing gaze.

Adrian held his ground, meeting Moody's mismatched eyes evenly. He knew a rhetorical question when he heard one.

Moody slowly lowered his wand. The spider dropped limply onto the desk, as though stunned.

"That," he continued, his voice quieter now but no less dangerous, "is what makes this curse so terrifying. It makes you think everything is just fine. That you're enjoying yourself. That you want to do exactly what you're told. It makes it easy to ignore that you're being controlled."

He let the words sink in, then abruptly straightened. "Right. That's one of them. Who can tell me the next?"

Padma hesitated before raising her hand. This time, Moody acknowledged her.

"The Cruciatus Curse, sir." Her voice was quieter than usual.

"Cruciatus," Moody repeated, nodding. "For torture. Pain beyond anything you can imagine. Real pain."

He flicked his wand again, and the spider jerked upright. It scrambled wildly, as if trying to escape.

Moody's lips curled into a sneer. "Let's give it a taste, shall we?"

"Crucio."

The effect was immediate. The spider convulsed violently, its tiny legs curling inward as if it were being crushed. A high-pitched, unnatural keening filled the room—not human, but close enough to make several students recoil.

Adrian sat perfectly still.

Pain beyond anything you can imagine.

No. He could imagine it. Far too well.

Moody held the curse for a moment longer before ending it. The spider collapsed, twitching weakly.

"Not so funny now, is it?" he muttered, looking at the pale faces around the room.

Terry had gone rigid beside Adrian. Padma looked like she wanted to be sick. Jessica, who had spoken earlier, was gripping her quill so tightly her knuckles had turned white.

Adrian exhaled slowly. He wasn't sure if it was to calm himself or to remind his body that he could still breathe.

"And the last one?" Moody asked, scanning the classroom.

No hands went up.

"Come on," he growled. "The worst of them all."

Adrian knew. Of course he knew. He didn't raise his hand.

Instead, Moody answered his own question.

"The Killing Curse," he said, softly. "Avada Kedavra."

The words themselves felt like a whisper of death.

Moody didn't demonstrate this one. There was no need. Everyone in the room knew what it did.

"No counter-curse," Moody said. "No defense. You get hit with it, you're dead. That's it. End of story."

Another pause.

"Only one person has ever survived it," Moody added, his normal eye fixing on the students, his magical one spinning in all directions. "And he's sitting in this school right now."

They all knew who he meant.

Moody slammed the lid back onto the jar, enclosing the weakened spider once more. He leaned forward on his desk, planting both hands firmly on its surface.

"This is what you're up against," he told them. "This is reality. The world isn't safe. You have to be ready—always. Because if you're not..." He let the sentence hang.

No one spoke. He sat back down on his chair.

Moody made them write a few paragraphs on the effects of all three curses for the next fifteen minutes or so.

Then, finally, Moody grunted. "Class dismissed."

The Ravenclaws didn't need to be told twice. Chairs scraped against the floor as they gathered their things hurriedly. No one dared speak, not yet.

Adrian stayed in his seat for a moment longer. His fingers tapped once, twice, against his book, before he finally stood.

No hesitation.

That lesson had been more than just theory. It was a reminder. A warning.

And Adrian was listening.

As the Ravenclaws left Moody's classroom, the air was thick with tension. Nobody spoke at first, as if they were all still digesting what they had just witnessed.

It was Terry who broke the silence.

"Well," he exhaled, running a hand through his hair, "that was… something."

Jessica, still clutching her book tightly, muttered, "I feel like I just aged twenty years."

"No kidding," Michael agreed. "I knew Moody was going to be intense, but that? That was next level."

Padma let out a shaky sigh. "At least now we know why the Gryffindors looked so out of it yesterday. No wonder they didn't want to talk about it."

Adrian, walking just ahead of them, nodded slowly. "Yeah… that wasn't just a lesson. That was a warning."

That got a murmur of agreement.

The group walked in relative silence for a few moments, their footsteps echoing through the stone corridors. The usual hum of Hogwarts life was around them—distant conversations, the occasional whoosh of moving staircases—but it all felt a little… less real after what they had just experienced.

Then, Terry, as if desperate to shake off the lingering weight, said, "At least we've got Transfiguration next. No more spiders being tortured in front of us."

Michael snorted. "Yeah, just the possibility of McGonagall turning us into teapots if we mess up."

Adrian perked up slightly at that. First Transfiguration class.

"Speaking of," he said, glancing between them, "I know I asked before but what's she like again? McGonagall."

Padma straightened slightly. "Strict, but fair. She won't tolerate nonsense, but if you actually put in effort, she's a brilliant teacher."

Jessica nodded. "And she's a Transfiguration master. If you ever need to know why something works the way it does, she's the one to ask."

"Right," Adrian mused. "So, not the type you want to irritate, then."

"Oh, definitely not," Terry said. "She'll make you regret your life choices immediately."

Adrian smirked. "Noted."

As they ascended the staircase leading to the Transfiguration classroom, the Gryffindors came into view, waiting outside. Among them stood Harry, Ron, and Hermione, deep in conversation.

Spotting them, Adrian casually veered away from the Ravenclaws and approached the trio.

"Hey, Potter. So… you survived Moody's lesson, huh?"

Harry turned, his expression shifting into a smile. "Yeah we did, How was Moody's lesson for you?"

Adrian let out a low chuckle, tilting his head. "Educational," he said, voice dry. "Though, I get the feeling he'd rather throw us into a battlefield than a classroom."

Ron let out a huff, crossing his arms. "Yeah, tell me about it. Did he go through the whole Unforgivable set with you lot too?"

"Every last one," Adrian confirmed. "Imperius, Cruciatus… Though he didn't cast the Killing Curse."

Harry's jaw tightened slightly, but he nodded. "Did he not? He cast all of them for us... killed the poor spider."

Adrian glanced between them and frowned slightly. So Moody had used the Killing Curse in the Gryffindor lesson? That was different. Why hold back for Ravenclaw?"

"Damn...So why didn't he… is this normal for Hogwarts?"

Ron snorted. "Not even close, mate."

Hermione gave Ron a pointed look before turning to Adrian. "This year is different. We've never had a Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher like Moody before."

Adrian huffed a laugh. "That's putting it lightly."

Before the conversation could continue, the door to the Transfiguration classroom creaked open, and Professor McGonagall's sharp voice rang out.

"Inside, everyone."

Adrian gave the trio a nod, then followed the crowd inside.

Time for his first proper Transfiguration lesson at Hogwarts.

Adrian stepped into the Transfiguration classroom, immediately taking in the precise, orderly atmosphere. Unlike other classrooms in the castle, which were often cluttered with books, strange magical artifacts, or cauldrons bubbling with unknown substances, McGonagall's classroom was immaculately arranged.

The desks were set in perfect rows, each paired with a wooden chair, the entire room illuminated by the soft glow of floating candles. At the front stood a large blackboard, filled with some instructions that Adrian assumed belonged to Professor McGonagall.

The Professor walked towards the middle of the class and opened a book that was laid on her desk. After that she addressed the class.

"Good afternoon," McGonagall said briskly, adjusting her spectacles as she surveyed the class. Her gaze briefly landed on Adrian before moving on.

"Good afternoon, Professor," the class responded in unison.

McGonagall gave a sharp nod. "You are now in your fourth year, which means this is no longer a subject where careless mistakes can be overlooked. Next year, you will take your O.W.L.s, and your performance in this subject will determine whether you may continue with N.E.W.T.-level Transfiguration in your final two years."

She gave the class a piercing look, as if daring them to underestimate the significance of what she was saying.

"Transfiguration is not an easy branch of magic," she continued, folding her hands behind her back. "It is complex, difficult, and, when done improperly, dangerous. So think very carefully if you wish to take this subject for your N.E.W.T.'s"

Terry muttered something under his breath, but McGonagall's sharp ears caught it immediately.

"Mr. Boot, do you have something to add?"

Terry straightened immediately, looking guilty. "Er… no, Professor."

McGonagall raised a single eyebrow, then turned her gaze to Adrian.

"Mr. Valor," she said, her tone assessing. "Since this is your first Transfiguration lesson at Hogwarts, let us see what Durmstrang has taught you. Tell me—what is the fundamental difference between Vanishing Spells and Switching Spells?"

Adrian sat up straighter. This was easy.

"A Vanishing Spell completely erases an object from existence," he answered smoothly. "It's considered one of the more advanced branches of Transfiguration because the caster must properly direct the magic to dissolve the molecular structure."

McGonagall nodded approvingly. "And a Switching Spell?"

"It swaps the properties of one object with another without changing their core material," Adrian said. "For example, switching a chair's legs with a table's legs—both remain wood, but their properties have changed."

McGonagall's expression didn't shift, but he could tell she was pleased.

"Acceptable," she said, moving on. "Next question. Why are human Transfigurations considered the most difficult?"

Adrian thought for a moment before responding. "Because humans are conscious, magical beings with their own will and resistance. Inanimate objects don't resist Transfiguration, but a living thing with a strong enough will might fight the spell's effect."

This time, McGonagall's lips curled slightly at the edges, almost forming a hint of a smile.

"Indeed," she said. "You have a strong understanding of the principles. However…" She turned slightly, tapping the blackboard with her wand, and a complex equation appeared.

"Tell me, Mr. Valor," she continued, "which of these equations represents the stabilization factor for Self-Transfiguration?"

Adrian's confidence faltered slightly as he studied the equations. He recognized a few of the runes, and he could make an educated guess—but he wasn't certain. He debated for a second, then finally admitted:

"…I'm not sure, Professor."

McGonagall nodded approvingly. "A good answer. Far better than guessing incorrectly." She tapped her wand again, highlighting a specific equation. "This is the correct answer. I suggest you familiarize yourself with it before next lesson."

Adrian made a mental note to do exactly that. He might be skilled, but he wasn't about to get too overconfident.

As McGonagall moved on to explain today's lesson—transforming beetles into buttons—Jessica, who had been seated nearby, leaned over slightly.

"You did really well," she whispered with a smile. "I think that's the longest I've ever heard her talk to a new student."

Adrian smirked. "Did I pass the test?"

Jessica chuckled. "Mostly. I think. Don't think she'll go easy on you though, so… good luck with that."

Padma, who had been listening, raised an eyebrow. "You looked like you almost had the answer to the last question."

Adrian exhaled. "Almost. But 'almost' doesn't count in Transfiguration, does it?"

Padma gave a knowing smirk. "No, it doesn't. I'll lend you my notes on Self-Transfiguration if you want."

Adrian glanced at her in surprise. "You don't mind?"

She shrugged. "You helped in Arithmancy. Consider it an exchange."

Jessica laughed lightly. "Look at that—your second day, and you're already part of the study circle."

Terry leaned over from his desk. "More like trapped in it. McGonagall's class is brilliant, but she's ruthless when it comes to homework."

Jessica nodded. "She once gave us four feet of parchment on Vanishing Spells. Four. Feet."

Adrian winced. "Right. I'll make sure not to slack off, then."

The lesson transitioned into practical spellwork, and McGonagall demonstrated the transformation with a quick flick of her wand. The beetle on her desk shrank, hardened, and flattened, turning into a small, shiny silver button.

"Your turn," she instructed, conjuring small glass jars filled with beetles onto each desk.

Adrian examined the tiny black beetle in front of him, noting how it twitched its antennae in confusion. He rolled his wand between his fingers, recalling the proper incantation and wand movement.

He muttered, "Verto," flicking his wand precisely as McGonagall had.

The beetle twitched, glowed briefly… and then half of it turned into a metal button—while the other half remained a very annoyed beetle.

Terry snorted. "That's horrifying."

Jessica laughed. "At least it's not still crawling."

McGonagall, passing by, observed Adrian's attempt and nodded. "Not bad for a first attempt, Mr. Valor. Focus on ensuring the transfiguration is complete—partial transformations can lead to rather… unpleasant results."

Adrian nodded, re-adjusting his grip on his wand. Maybe he just wasn't as as good as he thought he was. At least in transfiguration. Back in Durmstrang it was mostly theory and not much practical. They were supposed to do more in year five but... well, he knew that wasn't going to happen.

"Transfiguration isn't just theory. It's skill. Precision. If I'm going to be good at it, I need to put in the work."

As the lesson drew to a close, the sound of quills scratching against parchment began to slow. McGonagall paced between the desks, glancing at the students' work with her usual air of quiet scrutiny.

"All right, that will do," she finally announced, tapping her wand against the blackboard. The remaining notes erased themselves with a flicker of blue light. "I expect each of you to revise today's material and come prepared next lesson. You are dismissed."

Adrian let out a quiet breath and stretched his fingers, his muscles stiff from gripping his wand so tightly. He packed away his things and joined Padma, Terry, and Jessica as they made their way toward the exit.

"That was exhausting," Terry muttered, rubbing his temple. "Why does it feel like McGonagall's lessons age me twice as fast?"

Jessica chuckled. "Probably because they do."

Padma rolled her eyes but was smiling. "It's Transfiguration. It's supposed to be difficult."

As they walked out into the corridor, the tension from their earlier Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson was still lingering. The castle felt colder than usual, though it was probably just their imaginations after everything Moody had put them through.

"Right, I need tea," Jessica declared. "Lots of it."

"I need a nap," Terry added.

"You always need a nap," Padma said dryly.

Adrian chuckled as they made their way up toward Ravenclaw Tower. The familiar spiral staircase was a welcome sight, and the bronze eagle knocker greeted them with a riddle.

"What has roots as nobody sees, is taller than trees, up, up it goes, and yet it never grows?" the knocker asked in its usual smooth voice.

Adrian frowned for a moment, considering. He had read the riddle before, but it was late, and his mind still felt sluggish after back-to-back intense lessons.

"A mountain," he answered after a brief pause.

"Well reasoned," the knocker replied, swinging open to let them inside.

The Ravenclaw common room was its usual blend of peace and quiet, with students sitting by the arched windows overlooking the grounds. Books lined the high shelves, and the enchanted ceiling mimicked the dusky evening sky. Adrian immediately felt himself relax as they found a corner near the fireplace and claimed a set of chairs.

Padma set her bag down, stretching her arms. "So, Triwizard Tournament," she said, as if picking up an old conversation. "Who do we think is actually going to enter?"

Jessica poured herself a cup of tea from a communal teapot on the side table. "Oh, you know half the Gryffindors are going to try. I heard Fred and George Weasley are already scheming."

Terry scoffed. "They probably want to hoodwink the impartial judge somehow."

"I wouldn't put it past them," Padma admitted. "But I bet Cedric Diggory's going to enter. He's a top student and Hogwarts' golden boy. He fits the champion image perfectly."

"Cedric, yeah, I could see that," Jessica agreed. "But honestly? I bet a Slytherin's going to make a real push for it. Maybe Pucey or Montague?"

"Or Warrington," Terry added. "He's built like a troll."

Adrian leaned back in his chair, thinking. "I'm more interested in who's coming from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang."

Jessica gave him a curious look. "Any guesses?"

"Well, Karkaroff's leading the Durmstrang lot," Adrian said, his voice neutral. "He's only bringing the best students. I'd put my money on Viktor Krum."

Padma's eyebrows shot up. "Krum? The Quidditch player?"

"He's not just a Quidditch player," Adrian said, shaking his head. "He's good at magic too. Back in Durmstrang, they don't just let you slack off because you're famous. If he's coming, he's got a real shot."

Jessica looked impressed. "I mean, if we're talking about raw talent, then yeah, he'd be a contender."

"And what about Beauxbatons?" Padma asked. "They're more into charm magic and elegance, right?"

Jessica shrugged. "I've heard Beauxbatons has a student who's part Veela. Fleur Delacour, I think?"

Terry nodded. "I've heard of her too. A Veela as a student must be quite a spectacle.

Padma groaned. "Great. So half the school's going to fall in love with her the moment she walks in."

Adrian smirked. "Can't wait to see that disaster unfold. But I'll be fine. Probably."

Padma gave him a sceptical look. "Sure. Just like you were 'fine' when you couldn't stop staring at Greengrass."

Terry grinned. "And Lavender. Mate, I give you two minutes before you start tripping over yourself."

"Right, that's it." Adrian flicked his wand and sent a small jet of water at Padma's sleeve.

Padma let out a sharp yelp as the cold water soaked her robes. "Oh, you are dead, Valor."

Jessica and Terry burst out laughing as Adrian leaned back, looking far too pleased with himself.*

Padma wiped at her sleeve, glaring at Adrian. "You absolute menace."

Adrian smirked. "You were asking for it."

"Oh, I was, was I?" Padma flicked her wand, and a thin stream of water shot out, aiming straight for Adrian's face. He barely dodged it, laughing as Terry threw his hands up.

"Oi! Keep the water fights outside the common room before we get hexed by a prefect!"

Jessica shook her head, amused. "Honestly, you lot have the energy to bicker, but I thought you were all half-dead five minutes ago."

"Adrenaline," Adrian said, still smirking as he scooted his chair just out of Padma's reach. "It's a powerful thing."

Padma huffed but let it go, instead grabbing a pillow from one of the armchairs and hugging it. "Well, all I'm saying is, if we get a Veela competing in the tournament, I expect to be entertained."

"Oh, you will be," Terry said. "Adrian's going to turn into a walking disaster."

Adrian rolled his eyes. "Alright, let's not get ahead of ourselves. I have self-control, you know."

Jessica snorted into her tea. "Right. And Flitwick's secretly a giant."

"Flitwick is terrifying when he wants to be," Padma added. "Tiny but deadly."

"That should be the Ravenclaw motto," Terry said. "Tiny but deadly."

Adrian chuckled, stretching his arms over the back of his chair. The common room was warm and inviting, the fire crackling softly, casting flickering shadows on the ceiling. The chatter of other Ravenclaws hummed in the background, a mixture of laughter, quiet debates, and the occasional rustle of parchment.

It was… nice.

Jessica yawned, stretching. "Alright, I'm calling it a night before someone gets hexed." She stood, gathering her things. "I'll see you lot tomorrow."

Padma waved lazily. "Night, Jess."

Terry stood too, nudging Adrian. "You coming, or are you planning to sleep in that chair?"

Adrian sighed, reluctant to move, but finally pushed himself up. "Fine, fine."

They made their way up the spiral staircase leading to the boys' dormitory, their footsteps muffled by the thick rugs. The warmth of the common room faded slightly as they entered the quieter, cooler space of their room.

Terry flopped onto his bed immediately. "I need a slow day tomorrow."

Adrian smirked as he pulled off his shoes. "Yeah, good luck with that."

Terry groaned. "I hate that you're probably right."

Adrian climbed into bed, pulling the blankets over himself. As he stared at the dark canopy above, listening to the quiet shifting of his dormmates settling in, he let out a slow breath.

Hogwarts was different. Different from Durmstrang. Different from anything he'd known. But… he didn't hate it.

And maybe, just maybe, he was starting to feel like he belonged.

With that thought lingering, he closed his eyes and let sleep take him.

And that's that. Now were are going to move on to some proper plot. Things are about to get very exciting. I hope I can push out another chapter in the next few days but I am dealing with a lot of family stuff unfortunately. Hope y'all enjoyed it. See ya next time.