Walking towards the headmaster's office, I felt displeased. 'I knew that's just how all Slytherins see others… Why did I even get my hopes up?' Some part of me had hoped to find a kindred spirit at school. I had spent all of my life hiding my beliefs from my parents and wished to have a human friend who understood me. Pansy didn't participate in the other Slytherins' mockery of others, so I thought there might be a chance. However, in just a few moments, those hopes were dashed by her words. I would be truly alone until I graduated.
Downhearted, I sighed and paused in front of the door. I knocked, but when I did, the door opened from the force of it. I glanced inside the office, seeing books piled around along with various knickknacks.
"Professor Dumbledore? You wanted to see me?" I asked, slowly stepping inside. I looked toward the end of the office and saw an empty desk.
'Did I make him wait too long?' I wondered as I walked closer.
A sudden chirping noise drew my attention to the right, where a bird was roosted on its perch—one I recognized immediately.
"Phoenix…" I mumbled under my breath, a smile forming at its beauty and elegance.
The phoenix turned its gaze toward me, making my smile widen as I approached. I held my hand out, letting her decide whether she felt comfortable enough to reach out. She eyed me carefully, tilting her head in judgment.
I took out my wand and placed the tip against my forehead, focusing on the ringing sensation it gave.
"Hi, I'm Lucas. What's your name?" I asked.
The phoenix flapped her wings once before spontaneously combusting into flame. I quickly pulled my hand back to avoid the heat. I frowned, wondering how long it would take for her to re-emerge, and tucked my wand away.
"Fawkes is her name," a sudden voice said behind me, startling me and making me jump.
I spun around to see Headmaster Dumbledore smiling benignly while seated at his desk.
I walked over to him in silence, sitting down in front of him before realizing something.
"You speak Parseltongue too?" I asked, knowing he had heard me. There was no point in hiding it. 'I heard it has a bad reputation, but it's too late to conceal it now.'
He nodded slowly.
"Understand it, to be more accurate," he replied. "Speaking it is beyond me."
He chuckled softly before getting down to business. He handed me a folded parchment.
"The main reason I called you here was to let you know we have a room for you," he said.
I squinted at him in confusion until I realized what he was referring to.
"My father told you?"
Part of my family's bloodline had a magical quirk: once a month, certain members would build up magical power and involuntarily release it in their sleep, often destructively. I vaguely remembered the first night it happened but quickly refocused on Dumbledore.
He exhaled sharply, almost like a scoff, before answering.
"Indeed. However, I was unaware that you could speak Parseltongue."
I frowned and squirmed slightly in my chair.
"Neither do they," I admitted. "I heard it has a stigma."
Dumbledore nodded in understanding.
"As with many things in this world, people fear the unknown."
I nodded, recalling the hushed tones my parents used when discussing me after that night.
"I think I have about a week before I'll need the room," I added.
Dumbledore nodded.
"Of course. We wouldn't want you leaving your house every night."
That last remark stung. Pansy's answer had already made me want to avoid everyone in the house, but I knew I had to keep up my fake persona.
"Of course. Slytherins are the best," I replied, plastering on a confident smirk.
Dumbledore chuckled again.
"It's good to have pride in your house. Be sure to come to me or Professor Snape if your… heretical problem arises."
I nodded in thanks. In the back of my mind, I considered whether I would have to keep Val outside my room on the nights when my magic became unstable. Knowing there was a special room where I could release it without consequences was a relief.
I stood from my chair and turned back to see Fawkes perched above her ashes, preening her feathers. She glanced at me, her eyes locking onto mine. I smirked and extended my hand toward her. She tilted her head, glancing between me and my hand.
After a moment of consideration, Fawkes rubbed her head against my hand before quickly returning to grooming herself.
I scoffed lightly and left Dumbledore's office, unaware of his silent and well-hidden shock.
Returning to my house, I found many first-year students lingering in the common area, practicing spells and chatting.
"Hey, he's back!" Draco called out, pointing at me.
He waved me over, along with several other first-years.
"So, how was it?"
"Did he ask you to go easy on the lower classes?"
"Hahaha!"
Several students laughed and jeered, but they quieted down, eager for my answer. I put on my snide mask and scoffed before responding.
"Many things were asked to be kept between us," I said, lowering my voice for dramatic effect.
The first-years looked slightly disappointed until I continued.
"However… there is one thing I can share…"
Their eyes widened with interest, practically begging me to continue.
'I have to keep them pleased to make sure my parents have good news about me. But what can I say? All I got was a room for my condition…'
After a brief pause, I continued.
"The Headmaster is pleased with our progress as Slytherins! Our house points are far ahead of all the other lower classes! We must continue to grow and show that our might is leagues above theirs!"
For a moment, silence hung in the air—then the students erupted into cheers, celebrating me for "leading" them to victory. I smiled and exchanged pleasantries as my parents had taught me, but inside, I felt sick. Everything they praised was about being superior to the so-called lower classes.
After making a brief excuse, I headed to my room.
"Hi, Val," I sighed while removing my robe.
Val splashed around happily in his small habitat.
"Hi, Lucas! I'm playing hide and seek!"
I paused, confused, but assumed he was hunting an insect that had gotten into his tank.
"You don't look so good… Was the other teacher scary?" Val asked worriedly.
I shook my head, though the memory of Quirrell still haunted me. Instead, I thought of the other students.
"No… it's about everyone else."
Val tilted his head cutely, prompting me to elaborate. His bright blue eyes glowed softly in the dim light.
"Everyone else in this house—I can't be friends with them. They all hate anyone they deem 'lower,'" I muttered bitterly.
Val splashed around again, his tail swishing thoughtfully.
"You have me and Abarrane, right?" he asked, his voice slightly saddened.
Guilt surged through me, making my stomach sink. I rushed over and gently stroked his head, speaking in a warmer voice that felt rusty from disuse.
"Of course! And I'm glad I have you both! If I didn't… my life here would be horrid."
I smiled weakly.
"I just… I had my hopes up that I'd found a human here I could be friends with," I added softly.
A sudden thumping sound made me glance toward the door. But then, Val's next words chilled me to the bone.
"Found you! You're under the bed!" he exclaimed cheerfully.
My blood ran cold.
Dropping to the floor, I peered under the bed—and there, staring back at me with wide, unblinking eyes filled with fear, was Pansy.