The first weeks at Hogwarts had been a whirlwind of new experiences and knowledge.
For Itachi, with his sharp mind and ability to analyze, each lesson was like a different chapter in a new, exciting book. But what interested him most was not the subjects themselves, but those who taught them. Each teacher was like a different mystery, and Itachi was eager to solve them.
His first impression was the transfiguration lesson with Professor Minerva McGonagall. She was strict and demanding, and her teaching methods did not allow for any sloppiness.
Itachi, accustomed to discipline and precision, immediately appreciated her approach. He quickly mastered the transformations of objects, surprising everyone with his agility and speed. Professor McGonagall seemed pleased with his progress, though she did not express her feelings openly. Her stern gaze occasionally flashed approval, which was even more valuable to Itachi than praise.
Potions class with Professor Severus Snape was a different story. Snape, with his grim visage and sarcastic comments, seemed to be the epitome of the dark side of magic. He clearly disliked Gryffindors, but he didn't pity Slytherins either.
Itachi felt that the professor regarded him with a special suspicion, as if he was trying to read his mind. He tried to be flawless in his potion making, but even the slightest mistake drew Snape's ire.
He began to analyze Snape, trying to understand what drove the man.
The Defense Against the Dark Arts class with Professor Quirrell had given Itachi mixed feelings. The professor was nervous and stuttering, and his teaching methods seemed ineffective. Itachi saw that many students didn't take him seriously, and he himself doubted his competence.
Itachi decided to watch Professor Quirrell and analyze his behavior. He noticed that there was some fear behind his stuttering, but he didn't understand the reason behind it. Itachi sensed that something was wrong with the professor.
Spell lessons with Professor Filius Flitwick had been a test of sorts for Itachi. Flitwick, with his small stature and quiet voice, seemed quite harmless. But his lessons were filled with many complex and interesting spells. Itachi quickly mastered new spells, surprising the professor with his dexterity and ability to analyze. He saw the occasional look of approval slip into the professor's eyes, and felt some mutual respect build between them. Itachi could see that the professor loved his subject and tried to pass on his knowledge to his students.
Outside of class, Itachi continued to explore the castle, trying to find answers to his questions. He often sat in the library studying magic books and practiced in silence, trying to improve his skills. He knew that his journey in this world would be difficult and dangerous, and that he needed to be prepared for any challenges.
As he completed his first weeks at Hogwarts, Itachi began to better understand not only the teachers, but also the dynamics within his faculty, Slytherin. This faculty, known for its ambition and cunning, was a complex hierarchical structure where blood purity and ancestry played an important role.
Itachi, as an adopted child from a Muggle family, was an outsider in this circle of pure-blooded wizards. They looked at him with disdain and distrust, calling him a 'mudblood' behind his back.
Itachi didn't show that he was hurt by their words. He understood that they were fixated on their origins, but their prejudice didn't change who he was. He didn't let their disdain affect his self-confidence.
His academic success, however, made them not only scornful, but envious as well. Itachi, with his sharp mind and quick reactions, handled spells and potions with such ease that many pureblood wizards felt humiliated. They felt that their superiority should be recognized a priori, not earned through hard work. They were used to magic being given to them more easily, and couldn't accept that some 'mudblood' was superior to them.
Draco Malfoy, the son of a wealthy and powerful pureblood wizard, was one of Itachi's fiercest opponents. Draco, used to being worshipped and admired, couldn't stand the fact that Itachi didn't show him proper deference. He tried to humiliate him every chance he got, but Itachi remained unfazed, giving him no reason to attack him further. He realized that this was just a publicity stunt, and that Draco was no real threat to him. Itachi only saw him as a stupid child who was fixated on his origins and couldn't see beyond his own nose.
Despite all of this, Itachi tried to keep himself in line and not get into open conflict. He realized that he shouldn't waste his energies on petty squabbles. He preferred to observe and analyze, trying to figure out which of the Slytherins could be a threat to him and which could be an ally.
Itachi soon noticed that not all Slytherins were the same. Theodore Nott, though he came from a pureblood family, did not share the prejudices of his fellow students. He, like Itachi, preferred to observe and analyze rather than blindly follow tradition.
Their interaction began with occasional conversations in the library, where they both spent a lot of time studying magic books. Itachi noticed that Theodore often asked him questions, trying to understand his point of view, but never pressuring or imposing his opinion. Itachi answered evasively and carefully, not revealing his true thoughts and plans. He realized that trusting anyone in Slytherin was a luxury he couldn't afford, but curiosity took over.
Their conversations slowly began to turn to discussing study materials, and then to practicing together in a quiet place. Theodore proved to be a capable student, but he clearly lacked strategic thinking and self-control. Itachi, with his past shinobi experience, could give him valuable advice and steer him in the right direction.
Their relationship developed slowly and cautiously, like two snakes sniffing each other before getting close. They respected each other's personal space and didn't ask unnecessary questions
Itachi was beginning to trust Theodore, albeit slowly, but always leaving a small margin for doubt.
Itachi understood that in Slytherin you had to be careful not to trust everyone. He knew that many of his classmates could betray him at the first opportunity. So he tried to keep his thoughts and plans a secret.
Draco Malfoy, with his minions Crabbe and Goyle, were especially annoying. Draco, jealous of Itachi's talent and his calmness, One day, during lunch in the Great Hall, Draco, upon seeing Itachi entering the hall, deliberately said in a loud voice:
"Look at that, our little mudblood has come to show how smart he is again."
A few Slytherins chuckled, and Itachi walked past them and sat down at his desk. He tried to ignore Draco's provocations, but the latter, seeing that his attempts were not working, decided to go along:
"I wonder if your muggle dad knows that his little boy is showing off here? He must be very proud of his 'genius'."
Itachi paused for a moment, his hands clenched into fists. But he immediately pulled himself together. He wasn't going to give Draco a reason to provoke him further. Calmly turning around, he looked at him and, almost without emotion, said:
"My parents are proud of me, Draco. And I don't need to prove it to anyone."
Then he simply continued on his way to the Slytherin table. Confusion appeared on Draco's face and his minions fell silent.
Skirmishes like this happened all the time, but Itachi was careful not to engage in open conflict. He realized that Draco and his friends were merely seeking attention and trying to establish themselves at the expense of others. His nonchalance infuriated Draco, but it only amused Itachi.