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Chapter 9 - Observations & Assessments

Chapter 1 – Professors in Silence

Night had fallen over Hogwarts, casting long shadows across the ancient corridors. The Great Hall, still echoing with laughter and chatter from the Sorting Feast, now lay quiet, save for the occasional flutter of an owl or the creaking of a tapestry. While the students retreated to their dormitories, a different kind of restlessness stirred among the faculty.

In her office, Professor McGonagall paced, her fingers brushing against the edge of her desk as she reflected on the evening's events. She had spent decades enforcing rules, guiding students, and protecting Hogwarts' legacy—but tonight had shaken her composure. The way Percy Chronos had navigated the Sorting Feast, holding Artemis and Athena by his side, had been nothing short of mesmerizing. McGonagall frowned, noting the energy radiating from them. It wasn't just confidence; it was something older, sharper—like the very castle had recognized them. Her mind wandered to the whispers she had overheard from other professors: "Ancient house… extraordinary bloodline… magic beyond measure." She resisted the impulse to intervene, reminding herself that young Harry Potter was already in capable hands—but a small knot of unease remained in her chest.

Down the hall, Professor Snape brooded in his dimly lit quarters. Candlelight flickered across the walls as he examined every detail he had observed tonight. The way Percy had carried himself with Artemis and Athena, the subtle yet undeniable aura of power—they were not ordinary students, nor even ordinary magical beings. Snape's lips curled in a scowl. How arrogant, how infuriating, he thought. Even the Slytherin students had been left in awe, many stealing glances at the trio, clearly torn between reverence and envy. Snape's mind churned: he had spent so many years mastering every nuance of manipulation, yet this Percy had evaded every predictive measure he could muster. And Harry—his supposed "pupil"—was now tethered more closely to Percy than to any guidance he could offer. A rare shiver of uncertainty ran through him.

Meanwhile, Professor Flitwick, perched upon a stool in his cozy office, tapped thoughtfully on his wand, causing sparks of light to dance in the shadows. He had watched the feast from a distance, observing not just the magical prowess of Percy and his companions but the subtle reactions of the other professors. Fawkes had been restless in Dumbledore's office, and Flitwick wondered whether the phoenix had sensed something beyond the ordinary—an ancient presence intertwined with the mortal world. Hedwig's quiet flutter, delivering messages and eyeing the unusual trio, had also not gone unnoticed. Flitwick scribbled notes rapidly, the ink practically glowing with the energy of his thoughts. "The dynamics of Hogwarts are changing," he murmured. "We may need to reconsider how we approach certain… exceptional students."

Farther down the corridor, Professor Sprout gently closed the door to the Herbology storeroom. She adjusted her glasses and leaned against the doorframe, reflecting on the peculiarities of the feast. There was talk among the students that had reached even her: Percy's family, his wealth, the way he and his companions moved as if the very air bent to their will. And yet, she noted, there was no malice in them, only confidence and natural authority. She smiled softly. Perhaps Hogwarts will learn from them, rather than be intimidated. But deep inside, she couldn't ignore a twinge of worry—so much raw potential, if untamed, could unsettle even the most seasoned teacher.

Professor Dumbledore, in the tower above, gazed at the moonlit grounds. He was silent for a long while, observing the interplay of magic and human emotion below. Kaal's shadow had briefly flickered across the grounds—a reminder of the power Percy commanded. He scribbled notes in his massive ledger, the ink running like water. "The boy Potter is no longer the pawn I anticipated," he murmured to himself. "And the arrival of Chronos and his companions complicates everything." Fawkes shifted uneasily, sensing the tension, yet offering the usual silent support. Dumbledore's gaze lingered on the silhouettes of Percy, Artemis, and Athena in the distance, even from this height. They are not what they seem. I must watch carefully.

Across Hogwarts, each professor settled into their quarters, pensively reviewing the night's events. The castle itself seemed alive, reacting subtly to the presence of these extraordinary students. No one could deny it: the balance of power within Hogwarts had shifted, and with it, the rules that had governed the school for centuries. Quietly, in private corners and shadowed offices, the faculty reflected, assessed, and prepared. Tomorrow, they knew, nothing would be quite the same.

Chapter 2 – Slytherin Observations and Student Reactions

The Slytherin common room still hummed with tension hours after the Sorting Feast. The flickering candlelight highlighted a mix of curiosity, awe, and barely suppressed envy. Everyone had witnessed something extraordinary that night: the private quarters granted to Percy Chronos, Artemis, and Athena, right in the heart of Slytherin's domain.

Earlier, Draco Malfoy and several older Slytherins had accompanied Professor Snape and a few staff members to inspect the quarters. The door, hidden behind the newly appeared portrait of Salazar Slytherin, had swung open as the founder's image bowed deeply, greeting Percy and his wives with complete reverence. The sight had left even Snape momentarily speechless.

Draco's jaw tightened. His mind spun with strategies and frustrations. The castle itself bends to them. And they behave as if it's natural. Every glance at Percy, Artemis, and Athena—their poise, confidence, and scandalous allure—reminded him how small and ordinary he felt.

Crabbe whispered, almost nervously, "Did you see that bow? Even Snape looked shaken."

"Quiet," Draco hissed, though his eyes never left the portrait and the mysterious door beyond. Beneath his composed exterior, envy simmered. Percy has everything: power, beauty, companions… even Hogwarts itself answers to him.

Other Slytherin boys muttered under their breaths, imagining ways to impress or manipulate Percy's companions. Some openly fantasized about Artemis and Athena. "If I could just… get close to them," one boy whispered, "maybe I could steal them away from him." Yet, every attempt at a scheme in Draco's mind ended in the same conclusion: Percy's presence was overwhelming, untouchable.

Pansy Parkinson, lounging elegantly on a chaise, whispered to Daphne, "Did you notice Athena's look? She didn't even flinch when Salazar bowed. Percy… he doesn't even break a sweat." The girls exchanged a mixture of admiration and concern, fully aware that Percy's aura radiated dominance and control.

Meanwhile, whispers spread beyond Slytherin. Susan, in Hufflepuff, had caught wind of the quarters and the scene at the feast. From her cozy corner near the Hufflepuff fireplace, she rolled her eyes at the Slytherins' scheming. "You boys really think you can compete with them?" she muttered under her breath, shaking her head. The audacity of thinking mere envy could match centuries of power was laughable to her, yet even she couldn't help feeling awe at Percy and his companions.

Hedwig swooped gracefully along the window ledge, golden feathers catching the firelight, while Kaal's enormous silhouette hovered outside, wings shimmering with a mix of phoenix fire and dragon scales. The presence of the hybrid creature made the air heavy with both admiration and fear. No student could deny the sheer magnitude of power Percy and his wives commanded.

By midnight, Slytherin had settled into a tense quiet, though minds continued to race. Draco's dark eyes lingered on the Salazar portrait and the door beyond. Boys whispered schemes of stealing Percy's companions, girls whispered speculations about the mysterious trio's past and abilities, and all realized one uncomfortable truth: Hogwarts had changed that night. The rules, social hierarchies, and even the castle itself now recognized a force that none could rival.

Hogwarts would never be the same.

Chapter 3 – Gryffindor and Hufflepuff Reactions

Night had descended over Hogwarts, yet the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff common rooms buzzed quietly with discussion. The Sorting Feast had ended hours ago, but the memory of Percy Chronos and his companions, Artemis and Athena, still lingered like an electric current.

Gryffindor Common Room

Hermione perched on a chair, books stacked neatly beside her, yet she could not concentrate. Her gaze kept drifting to Harry, sitting near the fireplace, Hedwig perched elegantly on the windowsill, her golden feathers catching the flickering light.

"They're unreal," Hermione murmured to herself. "I've never seen anyone command attention like that… not even professors."

Harry smiled, his eyes following Kaal's distant silhouette as the hybrid phoenix-dragon circled above the castle grounds visible through the window. "They're… extraordinary," he said quietly. "It's not just presence — it's natural confidence."

Ron, sitting on the opposite couch, scowled and muttered under his breath. "All this charm and attention… it's infuriating. And that bird — it's ridiculous!" He jabbed a thumb at Kaal soaring in the night sky.

Hermione frowned. "It's not just showmanship, Ron. You can feel the power radiating from them — Percy and his companions. Even Kaal… he's not ordinary. There's… an aura around them."

Ron gritted his teeth, trying to hide his growing jealousy. "Well, let's see how long this lasts," he muttered, though his gaze kept returning to Percy's table in his mind's eye.

Neville, sitting near the staircase, whispered to Seamus and Dean, his voice filled with awe. "I don't get it. How can three people make everyone stop and stare? And that bird — it's like it's everywhere at once."

Seamus shivered. "It's like they're from another world. Even Harry's not acting nervous around them… he seems at home."

Hufflepuff Common Room

Meanwhile, in Hufflepuff, students leaned against walls and windows, whispering in hushed tones. Susan Bones scribbled observations in her notebook, frowning thoughtfully. "It's unbelievable. Even the professors seemed unsettled by them tonight."

Justin Finch-Fletchley nodded. "And that Kaal… it moves like it's sentient. Not normal at all. And Hedwig — even she seems… proud, like she recognizes something about them."

Among the boys, envy brewed quietly. "They've got it all," one muttered. "Presence, looks, even magical familiars. Some of us are going to try… but no one's going to win over Artemis or Athena. Not a chance."

The conversations blended admiration, envy, and curiosity. The arrival of Percy, Artemis, and Athena had already begun shifting the social dynamics of Hogwarts. Their power, charisma, and the unmistakable presence of their magical familiars — Kaal and Hedwig — ensured they would remain the focus of attention for weeks, if not months.

By the time the night quieted, it was clear: Hogwarts had witnessed something extraordinary. Percy and his companions were not just new students — they were a force that commanded both awe and intrigue, and their influence was already shaping the thoughts, ambitions, and rivalries of the students.

Chapter 4 – Private Indulgence

The Slytherin quarters stood silent, bathed in the dim glow of enchanted lamps. Outside, the corridors were empty, save for the faint echo of distant footsteps. Inside, the air was charged with a different energy altogether—one of quiet anticipation and unspoken desire. Percy, Artemis, and Athena entered their sanctuary, leaving behind the gazes of curious students and wary professors.

Percy's hand brushed against Artemis's as they crossed the polished floors. A shiver ran through her, and she caught Athena's gaze—already sparkling with mischief and longing. Percy inhaled sharply; the familiar heat of their closeness was intoxicating. The walls themselves seemed to pulse in response to their aura, the magic of Chronos amplifying the intimacy of the moment.

Kaal, the massive phoenix-dragon hybrid, settled on a nearby perch, his eyes glowing softly. He regarded them with an almost possessive awareness, wings twitching as if to shield the trio from the world outside. Hedwig, Harry's golden eagle familiar, coiled gracefully in another corner, her sharp eyes watching silently, the contrast of the two creatures emphasizing the ancient power and the tender humanity in the room.

Artemis's fingers traced the line of Percy's jaw. "I've missed this… us," she murmured, her voice thick with both desire and affection. Athena moved closer, a teasing brush of her hand against Percy's chest. He smiled, a mixture of amusement and hunger, drawing them both into a circle where their warmth mingled.

Soft whispers, murmurs of pleasure and encouragement, passed between them. Percy kissed Artemis first, slow and deliberate, tasting her like he'd memorized every contour over centuries. Athena leaned into him, pressing a hand to his chest, her lips finding his neck. Their breaths mingled, rapid and uneven, hearts pounding in synchrony.

The magic in the room seemed to respond, subtle currents of time and space flowing around them. Each touch sent sparks of energy into the air, a reminder that they were not merely mortal students but beings whose very existence carried ancient power. Kaal ruffled his wings, flames briefly igniting along his feathers, illuminating the trio's intertwined forms with golden light.

Percy's hands moved over Artemis's back, pulling her closer while simultaneously tracing the curve of Athena's waist. Soft sighs, gentle gasps, and the rhythmic cadence of their movements filled the room, a private symphony of passion. There was no urgency, no pretense—only the freedom of desire shared among equals who understood one another deeply.

Time seemed to stretch and bend, moments slipping seamlessly into one another. They explored each other's skin, their lips, and their hands, fully attuned to the nuances of pleasure and connection. Whispered names and teasing promises punctuated the intensity, laughter occasionally breaking through in the mix of ecstasy and tenderness.

Finally, they collapsed together on the plush divans of the quarters, limbs entwined, hearts slowing as the immediate fire of their passion cooled to a satisfied warmth. Percy's arm draped over both Artemis and Athena, holding them close as their breathing returned to normal. Kaal settled his massive head against Percy's shoulder, a silent guardian, while Hedwig's eyes reflected the calm of completion, the room now filled with the quiet glow of intimacy and magical resonance.

"Always," Percy whispered, his voice low and full of certainty. Artemis and Athena mirrored the sentiment, pressing close, and for a long moment, the three simply existed—connected, unshakable, and profoundly aware of their bond. Outside, the castle continued its nightly rhythm, oblivious to the ancient power and intimate passion within one hidden room in Slytherin.

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