The Great Hall shone with golden candlelight that reflected off the enchanted ceiling, where storm clouds were slowly parting into a calm night sky. Long tables stretched from end to end, brimming with laughter, curiosity, and the clatter of cutlery.
At the staff table, Dumbledore rose from his seat, his calm voice cutting through the chatter."Now then… let us begin the Sorting Ceremony!"
Roy watched idly as new first-years were brought in by Professor McGonagall, trembling and wide-eyed. Names were called, hats were placed, and cheers erupted with each sorting. He leaned back, half-listening — until one name made him pause.
"Rolf Goldstein!"
Roy's expression softened. He remembered the letter that had arrived weeks before from Tina Scamander, written in her elegant yet stern handwriting.
"My dear Roy,My grandson Rolf will be attending Hogwarts this term. He is using my family name — Goldstein — instead of Scamander. I trust you will keep an eye on him for me. You know I don't quite agree with Albus's ways, but for Newt's sake, I'll hold my tongue. Take care of him, child. You are the only one I trust to do so."
Roy's lips curved into a faint smile as he watched the nervous boy — short brown hair, amber eyes, and a hint of Newt's awkward gentleness — walk up to the stool.
The Sorting Hat fell silent for a moment before shouting:
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
The table erupted in cheers. Cedric was the first to clap loudly, followed by Susan Bones and the rest of the badgers. Roy smiled faintly.
Welcome to the family, Rolf.
Dumbledore's Announcement
When the sorting was done, Dumbledore rose again. "Before we dine, a few announcements!"
His eyes twinkled with mischief. "Our new Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor this year is Professor Remus Lupin."
A murmur spread across the hall. Many students barely reacted — the curse on the position had become a running joke. Roy, however, raised an eyebrow slightly. He knew who Lupin truly was — a kind man with a curse of his own.
Dinner passed in waves of laughter, chatter, and whispers about the violet phoenix from the train incident. Students from every House snuck glances at Roy, whispering excitedly.
When the feast ended, prefects led first-years to their dormitories. Roy followed Cedric and the others down to the Hufflepuff Basement, its round doors glowing with golden light.
In the Badger Den
The common room was as cozy as ever — warm, round, and filled with the scent of baked bread and herbs.
Roy stood before the gathered students, his calm voice drawing attention. "Everyone, this is Rolf Goldstein, our new first-year. He's the grandson of a dear friend of mine. I'd appreciate it if you all looked after him."
Cedric grinned, placing a hand on Rolf's shoulder. "You're one of us now. We'll make sure you feel at home."
Susan smiled warmly. "If you ever get lost, come find us."
The older students nodded in agreement, and the room filled with friendly murmurs. Roy's quiet influence carried weight — few in Hogwarts ever saw him as just another student anymore.
When the others dispersed, Rolf lingered behind, fidgeting slightly.Roy crouched to his level, his tone gentle. "If you ever find yourself in trouble, Rolf, come to me. No matter what it is — all right?"
The boy nodded shyly. "Thank you, sir— I mean, Roy."
Roy smiled and patted his shoulder. "Good lad. Sleep well."
As Rolf left for the first-year dorms, Roy looked into the flickering firelight and thought of Tina's letter.
Don't worry, Grandma Tina. He's safe here.
Then he too retired for the night.
The Morning After
The next morning, whispers filled the corridors — news spreading faster than a Firebolt.
"Did you hear? Roy Valvas took the new kid under his wing!""They say he's connected to some famous Magizoologist…""Scamander? Could it be?"
At breakfast, Hermione pulled Roy aside before he could sit. Her curiosity burned brighter than ever.
"Roy, who's this 'friend' you mentioned? The new first-year everyone's talking about — Rolf Goldstein?"
Roy leaned closer, his breath brushing her ear as he whispered, "His real name isn't Rolf Goldstein… it's Rolf Scamander. He's the grandson of Newt and Tina Scamander."
Hermione froze mid-step, her eyes widening. "Newt Scamander? The author of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them?"
Roy chuckled softly. "Exactly. But for safety, they let him use Tina's maiden name. Hogwarts politics aren't kind to everyone — especially when you've crossed wands with Dumbledore once or twice."
Hermione blinked in awe, whispering, "You just casually know the Scamanders?"
Roy smirked and took her hand as they walked toward the Great Hall. "Let's just say, the world's a small place when you live long enough in it."
Hermione shook her head, half-amused, half-impressed. "You're impossible."
"True," Roy said lightly. "But at least breakfast's good."
The Ministry in Chaos
Meanwhile, deep within the Ministry of Magic, a storm was brewing of a different kind.
Cornelius Fudge, the Minister himself, sat behind his desk buried in a mountain of red envelopes — all howlers.
"HOW DARE YOU SEND DEMENTORS NEAR SCHOOL CHILDREN!""MY SON WAS ALMOST KISSED BY A SOUL-SUCKING MONSTER!""RESIGN, FUDGE! YOU'RE UNFIT TO RUN THE MINISTRY!"
The howlers exploded one after another, their shouts echoing through the office. Fudge, pale and sweating, covered his ears.
His secretary peeked in nervously. "Minister, your approval rating has dropped twenty percent overnight. The Prophet is calling it 'The Dementor Disaster'."
Fudge slammed a hand on the desk. "Merlin's beard! One Patronus from a student, and I'm ruined?"
The secretary gulped. "Well, sir, that student was Lord Valvas… and people rather like him."
Fudge's face fell even further. "Of course it was."
As the Ministry scrambled to contain the backlash, word spread quickly:
A violet phoenix drove away the Dementors — not an Auror, not a professor… but a student.
And far away in Hogwarts, Roy Valvas sipped his pumpkin juice with a calm smile, blissfully unconcerned about the chaos he'd unintentionally caused in the halls of power.
Let the Ministry panic, he thought. It's not my problem — yet.