As the boats glide silently across the Black Lake, lantern light rippling over the surface, I sit flanked by Harry, Draco, and Neville — the three most promising first‑year pieces on my board.
This setting feels perfect… but I restrain myself.Dumbledore's eyes are everywhere here — especially on me. A Grindelwald and a Riddle, wrapped into one body? He would be a fool not to watch.
🜂 Subtle influence, not brute force.Instead of ripping into their minds — reckless — I take the smarter approach:gentle Legilimency brushes, just enough to read emotions and reinforce what already exists.
Draco wants approval and purpose → I show confidence and treat him as an equal.
Harry craves belonging → I present myself as his first true friend.
Neville desires recognition → I encourage him, make him feel valued.
A compliment here.A shared secret there.A spark of ambition planted in silence.
True loyalty is grown — not manufactured.
I laugh with them.Harry's smile is cautious but real. Draco tries to impress us both. Neville relaxes, shoulders less tense.
Already, threads form.
The boats reach the shore. The castle towers above — ancient, watchful.The wards here feel… aware. Almost hungry. Hogwarts recognizes power.
And it recognizes me.
I exhale and fix my mask firmly into place.Here, every move matters.
"Stick close," I whisper to the three boys, my tone light but my mind sharp as a blade."This is where our real future begins."
Friendship.Influence.Dominance — just hidden under silk for now.
I step toward the gates of Hogwarts, confident and dangerous, ready to claim my place in Slytherin… and eventually, the entire wizarding world.