Autumn was settling gently over Hogwarts Castle, its old stones bathed in a golden light that the dusty corridors seemed to absorb effortlessly. The light wind made the dead leaves dance in the courtyard, a silent symphony that concealed the growing palpable tension within the school. The school year was in full swing, and with it came the first frictions between houses, students, and especially between two figures who, though young, would mark this world with their imprint: Marius—the young wizard with obsidian eyes, bearer of Sauron's dark essence—and James Potter, the heir to the courage and ardor of Gryffindor.
The Potions Lesson with Slughorn: A Demonstration of Mastery
That morning, in the potions classroom with its dark stone walls, lit only by a few floating candles, Professor Slughorn observed his students with a mischievous eye. Marius was sitting in his usual place, calm, his long fingers absentmindedly caressing the edge of his cauldron.
Slughorn, a round and jovial man, always on the lookout for influential protégés, kept casting interested glances at Marius, not knowing why he felt a shiver when he looked at this young Slytherin. Marius seemed from another world, his aura heavy like a black cloud that could not be dispelled.
"Today, we will concoct the Wiggenweld Potion," announced Slughorn, displaying a list of colorful ingredients. "A complex potion that requires precision and patience, but I trust you, especially some of you..."
A murmur ran through the class. James Potter, seated at the back with Sirius Black and Remus Lupin, cast a mocking glance at Marius. "As if you needed help, Marius," Sirius whispered with a carnivorous smile.
Marius did not respond, focusing on the potion. With an expert hand, he manipulated the ingredients, mixing them to perfection. When he poured the last component, the liquid changed color, going from a murky green to a bright blue, then to an incandescent red. Slughorn approached, visibly impressed.
"Magnificent, Marius. Pure mastery. Your potion is perfect."
This simple compliment sparked murmurs of jealousy among some Gryffindors, while James cast a sharper, almost hostile glance.
Growing Tensions in the Courtyard and First Exchanges
Lunchtime was a crucial moment. Hogwarts was teeming with students grouped by houses, by affinities, but also by budding grudges. Marius, always solitary, stood apart, observing.
James, accompanied by Sirius and Lupin, was at the center of a small group of Gryffindors. He made biting remarks against the Slytherins, particularly targeting Marius.
"Do you really think you can impress us, Slytherin?" James said with a crooked smile. "Pure blood is all well and good, but we'll see how long you last against us."
Marius advanced slowly, without fear, his dark eyes locked onto James's. His voice was calm, almost icy.
"Time, James, is a precious ally. You waste yours fighting in the shadow of your famous parents. I am building a future that will surpass your ephemeral exploits."
Silence fell around them. Several students held their breath, intrigued by this confrontation.
Defense Against the Dark Arts Class—A Duel of Minds
In the afternoon, the Defense Against the Dark Arts class had a more electric atmosphere than usual. The professor, a charismatic man with a piercing gaze, had decided to push the students to their limits.
"Today, we will cover protection against possession and corruption," he announced. "Knowledge that will be vital to you..."
Marius listened attentively, his fingers tapping the table. He already knew these spells, but the interest lay elsewhere: observing the reactions of the other students, gauging their power and will.
A friendly duel was organized. James was chosen as Marius's opponent. The fight was brief but intense. Marius dodged James's spells with cold grace and counterattacked with a Glacius spell, immobilizing his opponent in a block of translucent ice.
The silence that followed was heavy with meaning. James, frustrated, broke the ice with a laugh.
"Not bad, Slytherin. You might be more dangerous than I thought."
Marius responded with a simple enigmatic smile.
First Bonds and Manipulations
In the evening, in the Slytherin common room, Marius gathered around him a few impressionable students, all fascinated by his charisma and power. He spoke to them of greatness, power, and the bright future that awaited them if they chose to follow him.
"We are not like the others," he said softly. "We are the heirs of a forgotten power, ready to be reborn. Together, we can shape a new world, a world where power will no longer be an unattainable dream."
Among them, some young wizards exchanged excited glances, ready to abandon themselves to this promise of shadow and power. Marius knew he had ignited the flame.
The Shadow of Dumbledore and McGonagall's Cold Gaze
However, this rise in power did not escape the professors. Albus Dumbledore, from his office in the astronomy tower, watched with concern the fluctuations in Hogwarts' climate. He sensed a shadow thickening, an ancient evil trying to insinuate itself into his school.
Minerva McGonagall, for her part, witnessed an exchange between Marius and certain Slytherins where coded and threatening language was used.
"Watch him closely," she told Dumbledore during a nighttime meeting. "This boy is not an ordinary student."
A Sleepless Night and Silent Planning
In his dormitory, far from prying eyes, Marius reflected. He knew that James Potter and his group would become major obstacles, but for now, he had to be patient. He had time, and the night was his ally.
He took out a small black ring, smooth, polished like obsidian. Holding it in his hand, he felt the ancient power pulse gently, a promise of domination.
"Soon," he murmured. "Soon, all this will be nothing more than a child's game."