The Start-of-Term feast at Hogwarts, in essence, was a customary affair, featuring a feast where students indulged in food, drink, and the singing of school songs—nothing particularly out of the ordinary.
Dumbledore, whom Lupin greatly admired, stood tall with silver-white hair and a lengthy beard, clad in a wizarding robe featuring purple hues adorned with stars.
Snape appeared as impassive as ever, save for the occasional moment when his gaze flickered towards a corner of the Gryffindor table, betraying a hint of emotion.
Anton went unnoticed by Dumbledore, whose undivided attention was fixed upon Harry.
McGonagall, sporting a stern expression, Quirrell adorned with a purple turban, Sprout wearing a hat brimming with patches, the amiable yet diminutive Flitwick, and the towering Hagrid...
Following the feast, curfew approached.
Under the guidance of the prefect, the group of students made their way down into the depths of the dungeon, their footsteps echoing off the staircase as they reached a stone wall.
Slytherin's prefect, Gemma Farley, stood with an air of authority, her head held high and only the glimpse of her nostrils visible to the wide-eyed freshmen. With unwavering confidence, she declared, "The password is 'Pride'." Her voice resonated with a sense of reverence and expectation, emphasizing the significance of the word. "This password is specifically for our first-year students. Let it serve as a constant reminder of the esteemed qualities and traditions upheld by Slytherins," she pronounced, instilling a sense of honor and pride in the young witches and wizards who stood before her.
Reciting the password, the stone wall parted, unveiling a luminous common room with a crackling fire in the fireplace and torches lining the walls.
The spacious lounge featured expansive windows offering views of the rippling lake outside, where unknown creatures occasionally swam past.
Evidently situated beneath the Black Lake in front of the castle, Anton sensed no dampness as he reached out to touch the wall, indicative of the potent magic ensuring minimal living conditions.
The dorm room boasted a grand four-poster bed draped in green silk curtains, with a matching green bedspread intricately embroidered with silver thread in the pattern of a large serpent.
"Why am I stuck sharing a room with him!" Draco's voice echoed with frustration and discontent, his indignation palpable as he directed his anger towards the Slytherin prefect.
While Anton observed his new surroundings with a sense of intrigue and curiosity, Draco's eruption of anger towards Gemma Farley intensified, adding a layer of tension to the scene.
In response, Gemma offered a gentle reassurance, her voice calm and soothing as she tried to diffuse the escalating emotions. "First-years are paired with dormmates. Your job is to adapt to this arrangement for a more comfortable experience." she explained, her words carrying a sense of guidance and understanding.
Draco's jaw tensed, his fists clenched tightly as he shot back defiantly, "Don't try to tell me what to do with your little prefect title; my father is the school's governor." His gaze remained cold and unwavering, filled with a mixture of rebellion and entitlement.
"Haha..." Gemma chuckled lightly, her touch gentle as she brushed Draco's temples. "Ah, as if someone's father isn't the school governor." she remarked with a hint of amusement, acknowledging the intricate dynamics at play within the wizarding world.
However, her tone shifted as she fixed Draco with a stern gaze, emphasizing the importance of respect and decorum. "Remember to show respect to your seniors, including the prefects, as you navigate your first year at Hogwarts," she reminded him firmly, her words carrying a weight of tradition and authority.
With a sudden outburst, Draco swerved towards Anton, striking the bedpost in frustration.
As his two young followers rushed to his side, Goyle's nervous question cut through the tension, "Are you alright?"
Draco forcefully shoved him aside, his steely gaze locked on Prefect Gemma as he declared with righteous indignation, "My Father will hear about this!"
Gemma's response was laced with amusement as she chuckled lightly, "I look forward to it."
Turning her attention back to Anton, Gemma adopted a mockingly sympathetic tone as she towered over him. "Ah, poor child, surrounded by those who despise you. You're in for a rough time ahead." she remarked, her words carrying a mix of warning and subtle mockery.
Her tone shifted as she continued, offering a mix of warning and advice, "But remember, dear, don't stir up trouble for the prefect. The prefect won't trouble you, alright?"
With a graceful touch, Gemma adjusted Anton's collar, imparting a final piece of guidance, "If you're being bullied, just hide under the covers and cry quietly. Don't make a fuss."
Intrigued by Gemma's earlier interaction with Draco, Anton sought clarification, his curiosity piqued. "You talked to Draco earlier. Is it okay to argue with classmates like that at school?" he inquired, his tone laced with genuine interest.
Gemma, unperturbed by the question, pursed her lips and shrugged nonchalantly. "It's not a big deal. This is Slytherin, you know? Here, everyone is judged by their family, power, and achievements. We're naturally better than others." she explained casually, her words carrying a sense of the unwritten rules that governed their House.
With a dismissive tap on Anton's cheek, Gemma emphasized her point. "The weak gives in to the strong, boy. Learn to respect strength." she advised, her tone firm yet instructive.
Anton's expression morphed into a clear smile. "Understood."
In a sudden transformation, his eyes morphed into serpent-like pupils, and his form swiftly shifted into that of a massive viper, the thickest part of his body equating to the girth of a large truck tire.
As the tension in the room peaked, the big serpent swiftly coiled around Prefect Gemma, exerting immense pressure.
"An Animagus!" Gemma exclaimed, her voice a mix of surprise and recognition, the realization dawning upon her as she grappled with the dangerous situation unfolding before her.
"How is this even possible!" Draco's voice rang out, filled with a mix of disbelief and fear at the appearance of the creature.
"This kid is a monster!" Crabbe's words trembled with apprehension, his expression filled with unease amidst the commotion.
Displaying a degree of combat proficiency, the fifth-year senior, amidst the frantic cries of those around her. She wasted no time in casting a Protego charm, creating a protective barrier around her.
However, it proved futile.
The snake's tail flicked, propelling the Gemma's face forcefully and knocking the wand from her grasp.
Anton's colossal head extended to the room's ceiling, his gaze piercing and cold as he peered down with his vertical pupils.
Draco's two young minions leaped onto the bed in terror, clinging tightly to him. The young master retreated to the farthest corner of the bed, his legs quivering. The trio swallowed nervously in unison.
The giant snake let out a soft, almost sorrowful sigh, its voice echoing through the tense atmosphere, "I thought Hogwarts was a safe place."
He exerted a forceful twist, causing the Protego charm enveloping the Gemma's body to falter slightly, as a shimmering magical light began to emanate.
The massive snake positioned its head beside the Gemma's ear, its icy scales gliding gently against her cheeks. The once haughty senior, now reduced to trembling with fear, shrank back in terror.
"Dear prefect, have I earned your respect now?" Anton's voice carried a mix of eagerness and anticipation, seeking validation in the midst of chaos.
Gemma nodded her head rapidly, her gaze fixed on the looming serpent.
"Really?" Anton's excitement overflowed, his voice brimming with genuine emotion. "You're not lying to me?"
"Yes, definitely," Gemma's response quivered with a mixture of relief and lingering fear.
As the prefect collapsed to the ground, Anton reverted to his human form, visibly elated. Extending a hand to assist the prefect to her feet, he delicately straightened the disheveled collar on tiptoe.
"It seems I've earned your respect, haven't I?" Anton inquired softly, his voice tinged with a mix of satisfaction and curiosity as he addressed Gemma.
Gemma's gaze lingered on Anton's fair and gentle hands as they skillfully adjusted her collar. Once a favored gesture, it now evoked with a sense of unease and trepidation. "Yes... yes," she affirmed, her response tinged with a hint of uncertainty and lingering fear.
"Fantastic!" The young wizard exuded joy, flashing a brilliant, genuine smile and energetically waved his small fists in a gesture of triumph. "My aunt always told me to make friends at school and not be alone. Looks like I did it."
Turning to Draco and his companions, Anton beamed brightly, his smile slightly distorted under the Slytherin light filtering through the waves. "Are we good?" he inquired, seeking confirmation.
The trio nodded in unison.
With gratitude filling his heart, Anton embraced Gemma, expressing his appreciation, "Thank you for your guidance, prefect Gemma. Good night."
Gemma's lips twitched slightly, offering a simple "good night" in return, her departure marked by a proud stride tempered by a hint of mechanical stiffness in her movements.
"And to my dear dormmates, good night." Anton bid the trio, his words met with a stiff chorus of "Good night" in return.
"It's been a wonderful day." Anton stretched contentedly as he settled into his designated bed by the window, his gaze drawn to the majestic sight of the giant squid gliding gracefully past in the depths of the Hogwarts lake. "I love Hogwarts, I love St. Caitlin. It's truly magical." he mused aloud, a sense of wonder and joy coloring his words.
Amidst his musings, Anton couldn't help but release a light-hearted chuckle, the sound echoing softly in the room as a sense of peace and contentment settled over him.
Initially concerned that Fiennes's negative influence might impact his life in a school dominated by light magic, Anton found himself immersed in a sense of contentment akin to a duck in water—a pleasant surprise.
With a peaceful night's rest ahead, he settled in for a good sleep.