Intro. Prologue – Great Hall, Hogwarts
The Slytherin table was alive with the usual mix of laughter, clever banter, and subtle posturing. Draco Malfoy leaned back in his chair, smirking as Theodore Nott recounted some embarrassing mishap from last year. Blaise Zabini rolled his eyes, but his grin betrayed amusement. Lorenzo Berkshire was mid-gesture, emphasizing a dramatic point that had Regulus Black chuckling under his breath. Across from them, Tom Riddle and Mattheo Riddle exchanged quiet, calculating glances, their presence a subtle shadow of authority even among their peers.
Daphne and Astoria Greengrass sat side by side, whispering and giggling over some private joke, while Pansy Parkinson flicked her hair and laughed at something Draco had said. The air was thick with confidence and camaraderie—the unmistakable energy of Slytherins comfortable in their dominance.
Then, the hall grew silent. Dumbledore’s voice echoed clearly over the clatter of silverware:
“Attention, students. We have