After changing into their comfortable sleepwear, the students gathered in the common room.
An older Slytherin student addressed the newcomers, "Hello, juniors of noble blood like us. Welcome to Slytherin."
Cecilia responded respectfully, "Thank you, senior."
The older Slytherin inquired of another, "Have you seen Merula?"
Cecilia couldn't help but wonder who this Merula was, given the seriousness with which the seniors discussed her.
Shortly thereafter, a brown-haired girl with lavender eyes entered the common room.
Merula announced her presence with a pointed comment, "I heard that a Grindelwald has joined Slytherin."
Even the seniors fell silent in response to Merula's comment. Valerius introduced himself, "I am Valerius Alaire Grindelwald. It's a pleasure to meet you, senior."
Merula responded coldly, "I have no intention of associating myself with the grandson of a Dark Lord."
Valerius decided to turn the tables, saying, "Frankly, I never thought the seniors would be this Dumb." His words elicited laughter from the first-year students and mixed reactions from others.
Merula confronted Valerius, placing her hands on his shoulders. "What do you mean?"
Valerius responded confidently, "I'm sure you're Merula Snyde, a sixth-year student at Hogwarts. Your parents were avid supporters of Voldemort, and you were a victim of Professor Rakepick's Cruciatus Curse. You couldn't defend yourself. Yet you carry yourself with such pride. It's a disgrace to call you a Slytherin senior."
Merula felt ashamed in front of the assembled students and raised her wand against Valerius. Valerius challenged her, smirking, "You dare?"
Merula insisted, "I'll fight for my honor and respect."
Valerius shot back, "Your honor died the moment you raised your wand against a junior." The other students sided with Valerius.
Merula tried to attack him, shouting "Depulso!" Valerius easily blocked the spell and taunted her with a provoking smirk, "Is that all you've got?"
Merula, growing increasingly frustrated, cast "Expulso!" Valerius effortlessly deflected the spell, leaving the senior Slytherins in awe. He then non-verbally disarmed her.
Valerius leaned in close to Merula, whispering, "Don't assume you're the only one who knows a variety of spells. No one can match a Grindelwald." He stood and, before taking his seat, stared her down. "Know your Place... Fool."
Merula picked herself up and retreated to the girls' dormitory. The tension in the common room dissipated.
Valerius received praise for his magical skill, and the Slytherin engaged in discussions about their professors before retiring to their rooms for the night.
The following day arrived, and Valerius changed into his sports attire to perform his basic cardio and magical exercises. Upon completing his exercises and returning in the early morning, he noticed the notice board had been updated with the new timetable.
The notice board displayed timetables for all years, ranging from first-year to seventh-year schedules:
First year timetable: Every Day except Saturday and Sundays.
Start~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Monday:
Potions –Slytherin and Gryffindor @ Dungeons
—
Charms – Slytherin and Ravenclaw @ South tower, Class 3
Tuesday:
Transfiguration - Slytherin and Gryffindor @ Ground floor of Castle
—
History – All houses common @ Third Floor classroom No : 72
Wednesday:
Herbology – Slytherin and Hufflepuff @ ground in Green Houses
—
DADA – Slytherin and Ravenclaw @ near Grand Staircase
Thursday:
Charms - Slytherin and Ravenclaw @ South tower, Class 3
—
Transfiguration - Slytherin and Gryffindor @ Ground floor of Castle
Friday:
Potions - Slytherin and Gryffindor @ Dungeons (Full day)
—
Astronomy – All houses common (Night class 8:00 PM) @ Astronomy tower.
End~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Valerius noted, "So, the first class is Snape's." He then changed into his Slytherin robes and waited for his friends in the common room.
Orion was among the first to arrive, and he asked, "Hey Val, did you sleep well?"
Valerius responded, "It was quite nice to sleep in such a luxurious bed."
As more students woke up and got ready for class, a male senior approached and inquired, "Are you the one who defeated Merula in a duel?"
Valerius confirmed, "Yes," and shook the senior's hand. "I am Valerius Alaire Grindelwald."
The senior introduced himself as Barnaby Lee and thought, "If I recommend him to Michael Jackson, it will be best for our group to stand against R."
*Author's Note: Michael Jackson, Jacob Jackson's sibling.*
With all the first-year students assembled, they proceeded to their first class together. Cecilia, who had witnessed Valerius's impressive performance during the duel against Merula, asked, "Hey Valerius, how did you easily block the senior's attacks yesterday?"
Valerius explained, "I have trained myself to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. In order to lead the world toward a better future, acquiring knowledge and growing in power is essential."
Cecilia admired his noble goals, exclaiming, "Wow, that's so admirable, Val!"
Valerius humbly replied, "I'm not saying it for praise. If one of my friends shares my mindset and grows alongside me, I'll be delighted."
Oliver expressed his eagerness, "I'm definitely going to grow with you, Val."
Valerius responded with appreciation, "It's great to hear that."
Maximilian, who had been somewhat reserved, confided, "You know, I haven't really spoken to anyone since coming here."
Valerius listened intently.
Maximilian continued, "I'd like to be your friend, Val."
Valerius smiled warmly, "It seems I am blessed with good friends." The group shared a moment of laughter.
Their first class was Potions, which was conveniently located near the dungeons. As they entered the classroom, they were joined by Gryffindor students.
After all the students had taken their seats, Professor Snape entered the classroom and began his lecture. "There will be no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations in this class. I don't expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art that is potion-making. However, for those select few..." He paused for emphasis. "...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."
Snape's gaze landed on Valerius, whose Nordic blonde hair set him apart from the other students. Snape continued, "For our first class, we will be exploring the basics—specifically, the Cure for Boils potion."
The instructions for brewing the potion were laid out, and Snape divided the students into groups. Valerius partnered with Oliver, who expressed his inexperience. Valerius assured him, "Don't worry; we'll brew a perfect potion. Just follow my guidance."
They began to work together, Valerius instructing, "Use 5 snake fangs and 7 horned slugs with 3.5 quills." As Oliver carefully followed the directions, Valerius supervised the brewing process.
A light pink smoke rose from the deep blue potion in their cauldron. Snape came over to inspect their work, and the color of the potion indicated its perfection.
With a smirk, Snape praised them, "Mr. Grindelwald and Mr. Bennett, you have done an outstanding job brewing the finest potion on your first day. Slytherin earns 20 points." The Slytherin students were overjoyed, while the Gryffindor students lost points due to errors made by Fred and George.
After the class ended, Snape requested a word with Valerius. Once the other students had left, Valerius and Snape were the only ones remaining.
Snape began, "Mr. Grindelwald."
Valerius offered, "You can call me Valerius or simply Val when we're alone."
Snape nodded and said, "Alright, Val. Can you explain the adjustments you made to the potion?"
Valerius proceeded to explain the changes he had made during the brewing process and the addition of specific ingredients. Snape considered his words and thought to himself, "Like mother, like son. Isabella, you taught me things that no one else could. Now, your son is teaching me after your death."
Snape "Perhaps you should tell me on future potion adjustments instead of writing to Mr. Slughorn"
Valerius "I will Professor"
Valerius went to great hall for having lunch with his friends