As the next class began, Desmond settled into his seat, still riding high from his unexpected conversation with Narcissa. The prospect of possibly being a heartthrob in the Slytherin ranks was new territory, and he was feeling like the protagonist of a rom-com. Who knew that being Severus Snape could come with this kind of fringe benefit?
Professor McGonagall strode into the classroom, her presence commanding immediate attention. "Quiet down, everyone! Today, we'll be covering Animagus transformations." She glanced pointedly at the group of Gryffindors in the back who were already whispering amongst themselves. "And I expect you to be more focused than Mr. Potter, who apparently believes he can transform into a flying carpet."
The Gryffindor table erupted in laughter, but Desmond couldn't help but feel a little smug as he glanced over at Potter. The boy's face was a deep shade of crimson, and he was desperately trying to defend himself against the waves of mockery. Not that he felt much sympathy for the golden boy—he was in the right house now, and Severus Snape didn't have to put up with Potter's nonsense.
"Now, who can tell me the basic requirements for becoming an Animagus?" McGonagall continued, her tone shifting to one of seriousness.
Hands shot up all over the classroom, but Desmond decided to wait. He had no intention of being the first one to speak up, especially since he was already a source of bewilderment for everyone. Besides, he'd seen how this lesson usually went, and he wanted to observe how it unfolded.
Finally, after a few moments, she called on a familiar face—none other than Sirius Black. "You need to register with the Ministry of Magic, Professor!" he said, his trademark grin plastered across his face. "Otherwise, you're just a common criminal in the eyes of the law."
McGonagall's glasses nearly slipped down her nose as she glared at Sirius. "That is one way to look at it, Mr. Black. But I assure you, the law is not what you should be worried about if you transform into something dangerous without proper training."
As the lesson continued, Desmond found himself actually engaged, mentally jotting down notes about the Animagus process. The idea of transforming into an animal was exciting, and he began to think about what form he might take. A sleek black cat, perhaps? Or a raven—something that would enhance his aura of mystery and darkness.
Once class ended, Desmond felt a sense of accomplishment wash over him. He had managed to contribute a little, and he wasn't just the brooding weirdo in the corner anymore. He was starting to carve out a niche for himself.
As he headed out of the classroom, he caught a glimpse of Narcissa again. This time, she was chatting with her sister, Bellatrix Black , who was looking as delightfully deranged as always. Desmond debated whether to approach them or to play it cool and keep walking.
Before he could decide, Bellatrix spotted him. "Well, look who it is! The new and improved Severus Snape!" she exclaimed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Tell me, did you have to battle a dragon to achieve such magnificence?"
Narcissa elbowed her, trying to suppress a laugh. "Don't mind her, Severus. She just can't handle change."
Desmond smirked, "You're right, Bellatrix. I fought a dragon, and then I tamed it. Would you like to ride it with me?"
Bellatrix raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Is that an invitation? I'd love to see how you handle a beast like that."
Narcissa rolled her eyes. "Stop scaring him, Bella. Severus is not like us. He's a gentleman now."
Desmond leaned into the moment, reveling in the attention. "I'm just here to spread joy and inspire awe," he replied dramatically, puffing out his chest. "And also to avoid becoming a Death Eater. So, no dragon riding today."
"That's smart," Narcissa said, her gaze steady on him. "You should stick with what you're good at."
"Ah, yes. And what is that?" Desmond asked, genuinely curious.
"Looking good, for one," Narcissa replied with a playful smile. "And not following in your family's footsteps. That takes some serious bravery."
Desmond grinned back, feeling a warmth in his chest. It was nice to be recognized for more than just his past or his legacy.
"Right. Let's keep the blood purity talk to a minimum, shall we? I'm more interested in exploring the realms of fashion and fabulousness," he said, striking a pose as if he were on a catwalk.
Narcissa laughed, and even Bellatrix cracked a smile, the wildness in her eyes softening for just a moment. "You really are something else, Severus," Narcissa said. "I'm looking forward to seeing what else you have in store."
With that, she bid him goodbye, leaving him to wander the halls feeling like he was walking on air.
The rest of the day flew by with a mix of potions, charms and Transfiguration, where he somehow managed to impress Professor Snape (his past self, still lurking in the back of his mind) by brewing a potion flawlessly. Even Slughorn, who usually fawned over the Gryffindors, seemed to notice the change in the boy.
"Excellent work, Severus! You might just end up in my Slug Club yet!" he exclaimed, causing a few Slytherins to gasp in disbelief.
Desmond just shrugged, playing it cool. "I appreciate the invitation, Professor. But honestly, I'm just in it for the snacks."
He spent the rest of the day planning his next moves. Maybe he'd talk to Dumbledore about that cursed professor—he had a few ideas that could shake things up. And as he navigated the corridors of Hogwarts, with heads turning and whispers trailing behind him, he realized that this new life had just begun, and he was determined to make it legendary.
"Now," he mused, "what's next on the agenda? Cursing Potter? Unleashing my inner Dark Lord? Or maybe just a casual chat with Narcissa about our future as a power couple?"
With a laugh and a newfound sense of purpose, Severus Snape—no, Desmond Grey—strutted down the hall, ready to take on whatever madness the wizarding world threw his way.