As night fell, Slytherin stretched and put down the quill he had been writing with all day. He admitted that fountain pens were quick, convenient, and easy to use—but didn't anyone else think quills looked better?
To Slytherin, a pen that brought joy was far superior to one that was merely practical. As a writer, the aesthetics of the tool mattered just as much as its function.
After meticulously completing his bedtime ablutions—especially mindful of oral hygiene after his painful dental experience—Slytherin climbed into bed. Though he longed to fall asleep quickly to see his long-unseen Aunt Green Dragon, he didn't dare skip brushing his teeth. With a hint of embarrassment, he tucked a Galleon under his pillow and hugged his painting close, closing his eyes.
It had been three months since he last saw Maleficent—right after receiving a gift of Galleons.
His consciousness sank into comforting darkness, like drifting on clouds. Soft clouds brushed against his fingertips, and a rustling sound whispered in his ear. The clouds hardened slowly, and the earthy scent mingled with the fresh aroma of plants filled his nose. His fingers touched the tender tip of a new sprout.
"Oh? Look who's here?"
A lazy voice drifted to him. Before Slytherin could open his eyes, a massive leaf rose from the soil, lifting him gently before a strong hand pulled him forward.
He opened his eyes, meeting the sharp gaze of the Witch with tall black dragon horns and defined features. He shifted awkwardly.
"Long time no see, Maleficent..."
"Heh, yes, it has been a while. Let me think... last month? No, the month before? Actually, I believe the last time I saw you was when I opened my treasury to you?"
Maleficent raised her head in mock thought. Slytherin lowered his.
He looked at his toes, guilt stirring. From her point of view, he was the kind of person who took a gift and disappeared.
Just as he was about to stammer an explanation, Maleficent let out a soft laugh, her glowing yellow eyes warm and teasing.
"Ah! Ah!"
The raven beside her echoed her laughter with amused caws.
"It's alright, my child. I know you went to that kingdom trapped in eternal winter to witness its tale. Children can't stay with adults forever—especially you, a curious little wanderer."
She stroked the raven's feathers, then plucked one of the most lustrous and long ones, tucking it gently behind Slytherin's ear.
"Oh... Maleficent..."
Slytherin let out a deep breath. It was true—he had been traveling through that frozen kingdom, trying to understand the story told by its bards. Apparently, when the young queen ascended the throne, she had created a sudden explosion of ice, then vanished. Since then, the kingdom had fallen into eternal winter.
He had searched for her ever since, but the ice fields were endless, and the blizzards relentless.
"So," Maleficent asked, "what brought you back tonight? My story hasn't begun yet. But the kingdom's tale is just starting. You wouldn't return at this time without a reason."
She tapped her scepter on the ground. Green flames rose and enveloped them. For most, the sight would be terrifying, but Slytherin felt only comfort.
When the flames cleared, they stood together in a stone hall. The raven returned to its golden perch.
"Actually, Maleficent," Slytherin began, "I wanted to ask—where did you get those Galleons?"
"Galleons? Ah, those gold coins with Goblin Magic."
Maleficent immediately recalled what he meant. Sensitive to treasures, she never forgot even the tiniest corner of her hoard.
"Let me think... yes..."
She paced slowly, fingers rubbing the tip of her scepter. A pale blue image formed on the golden orb: a Witch in a shimmering blue robe, floating midair, blue light glowing from her eyes.
"It must have been a thousand years ago. A miraculous Witch came here and traded for my shed dragon scales with those coins... Long before the Rose Kingdom existed."
Slytherin's eyes widened. The Rose Kingdom neighbored Maleficent's Black Forest, and its current princess lay asleep in the high tower.
So this had happened even before the kingdom was founded—truly a long time ago.
Yet Slytherin focused on another detail.
"So... someone brought the Galleons to you?"
He sounded disappointed. He had hoped Maleficent had gathered them herself—proof that this "Dream World" connected directly to the Magic world.
But maybe the Witch who traded with Maleficent was from the Magic world?
Still, Maleficent probably never asked her many questions. From what he knew of her, even agreeing to the trade was surprising. Why would she have pursued more information?
And news from that long ago would be even less reliable. Even Andrew, who'd only been gone a few decades, barely understood the current state of the Magic world. How could something from a thousand years ago help?
"What's wrong, Slytherin? You look nervous."
Maleficent gently stroked his messy hair. She had the power to read minds—but never used it on him.
Slytherin told her about Hogwarts.
"Hogwarts? Never heard of it. A school of Magic? Not even a master-apprentice system?"
She blinked thoughtfully.
"So you're uneasy—about a new world, one you've never known?"
She smiled.
"You remind me of what Fairy Godmother once said about you—how you looked when you first came to our world... But it's not really a new world, is it?"
Slytherin blinked in confusion. Maleficent reached up and smoothed the feather behind his ear. With a wave of her hand, a vibrant rose bloomed, and she tucked it behind his other ear.
"See? That's Magic too."
"This world is also a world of Magic. Ever since you arrived at six years old, you've spent countless nights here. You're already used to it."
"So what are you afraid of, my child? Their Magic may be different—but that doesn't mean ours won't work there."
"Can't your Transfiguration Magic still turn into a pumpkin carriage?"
Slytherin shook his head. Just that morning, he'd demonstrated the spell to Andrew.
"And didn't you notice them early on?" Maleficent continued. "You saw many strange people—different from others, but like you. If Fairy Godmother and I hadn't held back your exploration to help you grow first, you might've already entered their world."
It was true. When buying books near Charing Cross Road, he once noticed a crowd heading toward the same mysterious spot. But once their exploration plan had been rejected, he had stopped visiting.
"So don't be afraid."
Maleficent rested a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"I dare say, among all young apprentices, you might be the best. You've learned Magic from both me and Fairy Godmother—two Grand Magicians."
Slytherin nodded. Even Andrew had said he was exceptionally talented.
Maleficent's words brought him calm, though the thought of Professor McGonagall coming to take him shopping tomorrow still tightened his chest. He wished he had two days—just a little more time to mentally prepare and review Transfiguration. Most of his Magic had only been practiced in this world.
Suddenly, Maleficent stamped her scepter against the floor. The heavy sound drew his attention back.
"I see you're still nervous. Well then, the night is still young..."
Green flames erupted around her, hotter this time, radiating danger.
"I'll teach you the signature Magic of Maleficent—the Dragon Witch."