Kyle walked to the Slytherin table, sensing a distinct chill in the air. Unlike the usual warm welcome for new students, the Slytherins were indifferent to his presence. Most of them, hailing from pureblood families, didn't recall seeing him at previous family gatherings, and his reputation had only circulated among a select few in the upper echelons of the wizarding world.
The Daily Prophet, being politically biased, chose to ignore Kyle's past deeds for fear of inciting panic. Meanwhile, obscure magazines had reported on the so-called "Blood Demon of Knockturn Alley," but the exaggerated tales hadn't gained much traction, overshadowed by gossip about a wizard's romantic entanglements.
As the sorting ceremony concluded, Dumbledore stood up to address the students. "Welcome to Hogwarts for a new school year. Before we start the feast, I want to say a few words: fool! sneeze! scum! twist! Thank you!" His nonsensical remarks left everyone confused, but soon a feast appeared, and the hungry students dug in.
After dinner, they listened to Dumbledore go on about the school rules and the twins sang the school song to the tune of a funeral march. Finally, the students retired to their dormitories.
Slytherin's quarters were located in a dark, damp basement, with a view of the Black Lake through the ceiling. In the common room, Professor Snape awaited them, his impatience palpable, especially as he spotted Kyle lounging casually.
"Alright, everyone here?" he grumbled, then drew a circle on the floor with his wand. "Miss Farley, it's your turn to host!"
"Yes!" replied Gemma Farley, the fifth-year prefect. "You've probably heard from your parents about our hidden prefect system. Each year has a prefect to manage the students, though they aren't officially recognized by the school and have their own dormitory."
She looked around, especially at the first-years. "Let's begin with the first years! Those interested in running for hidden prefect, please step into the circle!"
Draco Malfoy wasted no time stepping in, followed by his loyal friends. Soon, a dozen others, including Pansy Parkinson, joined them, all vying for a position. In Slytherin, ambition and the desire for recognition drove everyone forward.
Kyle thought briefly before stepping into the circle himself. Prefect or not, he had plenty on his agenda and could use the privacy of a separate bedroom.
Gemma declared the selection open, and all eyes turned to Kyle.
"I don't know why the Sorting Hat put you in Slytherin," Malfoy sneered, "but this is the realm of purebloods!"
With his allies by his side, Malfoy puffed up, while the other first-years encircled Kyle, wands at the ready, clearly eager to exclude him.
Kyle smiled and gestured for his two Pokémon to rest nearby. He retrieved a wand he had taken from a dark wizard in Knockturn Alley. Though it was an ordinary wand, he knew how to use it well.
Without hesitation, he cast a "Fluorescent Flash," silently amplifying the magic to create a blinding light. To his surprise, the bright glow morphed into an oily green—an unmistakable sign of the Killing Curse, Avada Kedavra.
The effect was immediate. Two Slytherins stood frozen, three lost control of their bladders, and the rest trembled in fear.
Just for trying to claim a simple position of authority, Kyle had unwittingly sent a shockwave through the crowd.
[Ding! Fear detected!]
[Ding! Treasure chest being extracted for the host!]
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining a silver treasure chest!]
...
This pattern continued, revealing a treasure trove as the magic of fear worked its wonders. Kyle had turned a mundane selection ceremony into an unforgettable spectacle.