All the students in the Charms class were first-years, so naturally they adored their newly minted Prefect with full sincerity.
But students from other houses had no context for what had happened—they could only gape in shock as Marius Cloud strolled in, already standing at the top of the pecking order among the first-years after just one night at Hogwarts!
"You're here, child of the Cloud family," Professor Flitwick greeted kindly, nodding with a warm smile. "Quickly now, take your seat with the others."
"Hope we're not late," Marius replied with a light smile.
"Ah, one more thing…" As Marius passed Flitwick, the small professor leaned in conspiratorially and whispered, "I heard you gave three of Slytherin's so-called 'dueling champions' quite the beating last night. Any truth to that rumor?"
The corner of Marius's mouth twitched. "It's true. I'm impressed at how fast your grapevine works, Professor."
"Of course!" Flitwick gave him a sly wink. "Those Slytherins strut around like they own the place. It's about time someone knocked them down a peg. Well done! You have my full support!"
"Uh… Professor, not sure if you noticed, but I'm a Slytherin too," Marius said, almost speechless.
Flitwick waved it off without missing a beat. "Your parents were both Ravenclaws—so naturally, you count as one too!"
What kind of backwards logic was that?
Marius didn't even have the energy to respond.
Then Flitwick leaned in again, this time his voice slightly more serious. "But I also heard you've challenged the fifth-year Prefect. His strength is leagues above even the fourth-years, you know. Are you sure about this?"
"There's a misunderstanding," Marius said with deliberate calm. "I didn't challenge just the fifth-year Prefect… I challenged all the Prefects of Slytherin."
"Merlin's beard!!"
Flitwick gasped so loudly it turned heads. Even the Ravenclaw students nearby heard every word.
Wait—what did he just say!?
A first-year student, challenging all of Slytherin's Prefects!?
Am I dreaming?!
Some of the students from Muggle backgrounds began wondering if Hogwarts simply was this surreal. After all, only their first day in a magic school and already someone was picking fights with the entire Prefect hierarchy?
At least now they finally understood what all the noise was about at the Slytherin table that morning.
Their house had a serious wildfire brewing.
-----
"How could Severus allow something so reckless!?" Flitwick exclaimed, unable to contain himself. "This is suicide! I have to inform Professor Dumbledore—I can't allow you to get involved in something this dangerous!"
"Thank you for your concern, Professor Flitwick," Marius replied politely, "but the matter will be addressed at this afternoon's Prefects' meeting. I imagine Professor Dumbledore will hear of it then."
"Merlin, I hope he stops this madness…"
Flitwick sighed deeply.
And then, his expression changed again—this time to one of sneaky excitement.
"But on a completely unrelated note… I was the dueling champion in my school days, you know. Would you like me to teach you a few moves? Just in case?"
"…"
Marius's face went utterly blank.
"I remember it like yesterday," Flitwick continued, already off in his own world. "Back then, I trounced a whole team of so-called prodigies all by myself. My wit, my skill—it was legendary! And you know, I worked much harder than you lot nowadays…"
And off he went, rambling about his former glory like a wind-up toy that couldn't be stopped.
"Ahem. I appreciate the offer," Marius quickly interjected, trying to cut him off, "but with such little time, I doubt it would make much difference."
Flitwick looked genuinely disappointed. "True, true… such a shame."
The Ravenclaw students watching all this were nearly in tears—with frustration.
Since when did their own Head of House act more like Slytherin's number-one fanboy?
They were all beginning to wonder if Flitwick had betrayed them for another house… because he certainly wasn't acting like a loyal Ravenclaw at the moment.
------
Charms class remained as dry as expected, with only the occasional slapstick mishap here and there—for example, a girl at a nearby desk accidentally blasting her partner's glasses into pieces.
The spell they learned today was the classic Levitation Charm.
"Wingardium Leviosa!"
And with just one distracted, half-hearted cast, Marius sent his feather floating gently into the air.
Professor Flitwick clapped his hands excitedly. "Wonderful! What talent! Just like I was at your age!"
He beamed at Marius and awarded ten points to Slytherin.
The Ravenclaws looked like they'd just swallowed a lemon whole.
Is this what it feels like to be in someone else's class… taught by your own traitorous Head of House!?
-----
Class finally ended, and Marius was the first one out the door.
Waiting outside were Brunel, Joseph, and Barry, already standing in perfect formation.
"The Prefects' meeting is at 3 p.m., right?" Marius glanced at them. "Let's eat, rest a bit, then head over."
"Yes, Mr. Cloud!"
Brunel practically shouted the words with glee. Finally, he was no longer doing grunt work. Today, he'd walk beside Marius and face the school's elite!
Marius raised an eyebrow. "Brunel… why are you calling me 'Mr. Could' now too?"
Brunel chuckled, scratching his head. "Gives the title a little extra authority, don't you think?"
Marius just shrugged. "Fair enough."
With his entourage behind him, he headed straight for the Great Hall.
But this time, it wasn't just Slytherin students giving him strange looks.
Now even the Ravenclaws had started staring.
Clearly, the rumors from Charms class were spreading fast.
Several upper-year Ravenclaws already knew: in Slytherin's new first-year batch, a monster had been born.
After a quick meal and a bit of rest, Marius walked toward a private meeting chamber used exclusively by Slytherin House.
Just like their common room, this space was in a league of its own—lavishly decorated with ornate furnishings, gold-rimmed fixtures, and thick carpets that muffled every step.
Pushing open the massive oak doors inlaid with gemstones and green velvet, Marius entered at the head of his small but loyal retinue.
What awaited him inside... was a room full of power, politics, and rising tension.
The Prefects' Meeting was about to begin.
--------------
T/N:
Access Advance Chapters on my
P@treon: [email protected]/PokePals