Unfortunately, Marius Cloud's carefree night ended the moment he stepped into Hogwarts.
He had just finished storing away his broomstick when a stern-looking elderly witch came striding toward him. Marius immediately recognized her—Professor Minerva McGonagall, Head of Gryffindor House.
And right behind her were three more professors.
The shadowy, bat-like figure with a scowl was unmistakably Professor Severus Snape, Head of Slytherin. The tiny bearded man beside him was Professor Filius Flitwick, Head of Ravenclaw. The plump, motherly woman must be Professor Pomona Sprout, Head of Hufflepuff—though Marius didn't quite recall ever meeting her before.
What a welcoming committee.
Marius sighed helplessly. Of all the people to run into after my little stunt… it had to be the full set of House Heads. Brilliant.
It seemed they'd originally planned to gather for the Sorting Ceremony—only to catch Marius and Hermione arriving by broomstick red-handed.
"You must be Mr. Cloud and Miss Granger?" Professor McGonagall said, having somehow identified them instantly. "Would either of you care to explain why only the two of you arrived at Hogwarts riding broomsticks?"
Hermione immediately tensed up. "O-oh… good evening, professors… w-we were, um, it's just that…"
Her usual composure faltered under pressure, and her words stumbled like pebbles down a hill.
Marius gently squeezed her hand for reassurance and smoothly took over.
"Good evening, Professor McGonagall. It's an honor to meet you. But if I may point out—ahem—there isn't actually a specific rule in the Hogwarts Handbook stating that students cannot fly to school, correct?"
Technically, that was true.
McGonagall narrowed her eyes thoughtfully, while Snape gave a scoffing chuckle from the side.
"What a glib little brat," Snape sneered. "If I ever catch such an unruly student in my House, I'd dock enough points to make sure he learns how to behave."
"A shame, then," Marius responded politely, "that it would reflect so poorly on Slytherin's record. Imagine—a House with a history of dominating the House Cup for years… suddenly losing, all because its own Head couldn't keep his temper in check. Tragic, wouldn't you say, Professor Snape?"
The counterstrike was beautiful.
Professor Flitwick and Professor Sprout both chuckled—until Snape glared daggers at them and let out a pointed cough. They quickly schooled their faces into neutrality, though their eyes still twinkled.
Snape did know Marius's family—though the two families had little direct contact, due to Snape's closeness with the Malfoys. Still, he couldn't deny that a Cloud would almost certainly be sorted into Slytherin. There was no denying it—this boy wasn't one to be trifled with.
And yet, what impressed the other professors even more was Marius's poise. It was rare for a first-year to remain so composed under Snape's venomous barbs, let alone strike back so elegantly.
"The Cloud family—ah yes, I remember them fondly," Flitwick said warmly. "Alaric and Elara were brilliant and hardworking students—always so lively in my classes. It's almost like I can still see them in front of me. And now they've sent us another bright mind."
"Hmph. Traitors to Slytherin, if you ask me. Abandoning our House for their own selfish attachments? I'd hardly call that admirable." Snape didn't miss a beat with his snide remarks—clearly referencing how Alaric Cloud had chosen Ravenclaw for the sake of being with Elara Cloud.
"Severus! That's uncalled for," Professor Sprout interjected.
McGonagall and Flitwick both turned to glare at him as well, forcing Snape into grudging silence.
Only Marius knew the deeper irony—that it was Snape himself who had once given everything for love, regardless of House, bloodline, or pride.
"Back to the matter at hand," McGonagall resumed. "Mr. Cloud, your explanation is clever but insufficient. First-years are not permitted to own personal broomsticks. That alone is a violation of school rules."
Marius gave a theatrical sigh and casually switched tactics.
"Well… the truth is, Professor, Hermione and I had no choice. The professor sent by Headmaster Dumbledore to escort us—Hagrid—left us stranded at the station."
"What are you saying?" McGonagall blinked. "That this is somehow the Headmaster's fault?"
"Oh, I would never say that, Professor," Marius said smoothly. "That's entirely up to your interpretation."
"I told you that half-giant couldn't be trusted!" Snape laughed darkly. "Entrusting him with any responsibility was always going to backfire."
"Severus, do try to keep your prejudice to yourself," McGonagall snapped.
She turned back to Marius. "I'll speak to the Headmaster and Hagrid about this incident. However, Mr. Cloud, this still doesn't explain why you brought a broomstick in the first place."
Marius shrugged. "Very well. For that, I do apologize. But seeing as we haven't even had the Sorting yet… surely you're not going to dock points from Houses we aren't in yet, are you?"
That gave McGonagall pause.
"…Fine. Once, Mr. Cloud. Do not make a habit of this. And Miss Granger, you as well. Now hurry to the Entrance Hall. The Sorting Ceremony will begin shortly."
The four professors turned and headed off toward the Great Hall.
Only after they left did Hermione seem to snap out of her daze.
"Oh my goodness, Marius, you were amazing!" she gasped, her legs still slightly trembling from the encounter. "All four House Heads, surrounding us like that… I thought I was going to pass out!"
And Marius… was joking with them like it was afternoon tea.
To Hermione—who held teachers, especially Heads of House, in such high regard—Marius's calm and eloquent performance had taken on legendary proportions.
Marius didn't feel the need to correct her interpretation. Instead, he grinned and waved for her to follow.
"Come on, Hermione. Enough admiration. You don't want to miss your once-in-a-lifetime Sorting Ceremony, do you?"
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