The cold mists of November spread over Hogwarts like a discreet but persistent veil. The castle seemed held in suspended breath as autumn deposited its dead leaves on the shores of the Black Lake. Within the ancestral walls, life followed its course, woven with rivalries, promises, and concerns.
Marius Slytherin walked through the corridors with cold stones, his step assured, his head held high. For several weeks, he had managed to establish himself at the very heart of Slytherin, his influence growing slowly but surely. He knew that time was on his side, but he also wanted to accelerate things. The other students listened to him attentively, some even sought to imitate him, fascinated by the mysterious aura that seemed to surround him.
A Tense Breakfast
The Great Hall, bathed in the grey light of dawn, was already lively when Marius took his place at the Slytherin table. Not far away, at the Gryffindor table, James Potter exchanged hostile glances with him. Their bond had tightened since the first confrontation, and James, though still young, had the intuition that the new Slytherin was not just an ordinary student.
Around James, Sirius Black and Remus Lupin whispered, their tone grave.
"I can't help but think that Marius is hiding something deep," Sirius whispered, leaning in. "Not just an ambitious Slytherin."
James nodded silently. His gaze met Marius's, who responded with an enigmatic smile. This simple exchange spoke volumes about the cold war settling between them.
Defense Against the Dark Arts Class: First Confrontations
The day progressed, and soon the bell rang announcing the start of the Defense Against the Dark Arts class. Professor Quirrell, nervous and discreet, led his students into a dimly lit room where the atmosphere seemed heavy.
"Today, we will learn to counter the spells of the Jinx," he explained in a hesitant voice. "Defense is just as important as attack."
Marius positioned himself at the back of the room, carefully observing every detail. His cold eyes scanned the class, lingering for a moment on James, whose posture and attitude betrayed a mix of bravery and insecurity.
During the exercise, James and Marius were pitted against each other, forced to face off in a simulated duel. The fight was brief but intense, each testing the other's mastery. Marius deployed precise, calculated spells, while James retaliated with vigor and impulse.
The duel ended with a cold stare from Marius, who, without raising his voice, declared: "You are much stronger than you think."
James, panting, did not respond. The tension between them had intensified.
Fragile Alliances
Later, in the Slytherin common room, Marius spoke with a few carefully chosen students. His ambition was not just personal: he wanted to build a network of influence, a group capable of changing the rules of the game.
"We must understand that Hogwarts is a stage," he explained in a low and assured voice. "And the magic practiced here can be diverted, transformed. It is not just a place of learning, but a field of power."
His words resonated strongly, seducing those who aspired to more than simple academic feats. The promise of growing power attracted minds eager for recognition.
An Unexpected Encounter in the Library
The library, a silent refuge for studious students, hosted an unexpected encounter. Marius, engrossed in an ancient book on dark magic, was joined by Lily Evans, whose natural curiosity had led her to seek more complex works than those of the first year.
"What are you reading?" she asked softly, approaching.
Marius looked up, a polite smile on his lips. "Forgotten treatises, stories of ancient magic."
Lily frowned, intrigued but wary. "You know that kind of magic is dangerous, don't you?"
"Magic is what we make of it," he replied calmly. "It is neither good nor bad in itself. It all depends on the intention."
This response troubled her. Lily had heard about Marius, but what she perceived was far more complex than the rumors suggested.
The Beginnings of a Difficult Friendship
Over the days, a subtle dialogue developed between Lily and Marius. Though she remained on her guard, she could not deny the depth of his knowledge or the passion he put into his studies.
For Marius, this interaction was a piece of the puzzle. He saw in Lily an opportunity: not only because she was gifted and perceptive, but because she belonged to a world he wished to understand and perhaps influence.
James Observes, Plans
Meanwhile, James Potter did not remain inactive. His suspicions grew, and he felt that the rivalry with Marius was far from trivial.
In the Gryffindor common room, he confided in his friends, his face marked by determination.
"We need to keep a close eye on this guy," he insisted. "I don't know yet what he's planning, but it doesn't feel right."
Sirius, always ready for action, agreed: "We could try to set a trap for him. See how he reacts."
A Restless Night in the Slytherin Dormitory
As night fell, in the Slytherin dormitory, Marius reflected alone, his eyes fixed on his black ring placed on the bedside table. The ring vibrated softly, like an extension of his will, a link to the power he sought to restore.
He knew the path would be long, strewn with obstacles. But he was ready.
"Soon," he murmured, "the whole world will know the shadow of the Serpent."
The Rise of a Palpable Tension
In the following days, the atmosphere at Hogwarts grew heavier. Glances became more mistrustful, words sharper. The students gradually divided between those who followed Marius and those who defended James.
But despite this growing tension, Dumbledore, observing from afar, perceived nothing alarming. For him, it was just the usual game between rival houses.