Demon’s Ascent: Worlds Unbound

The ballroom of Selwyn Manor glowed with the light of enchanted chandeliers, casting a warm hue over the guests. Long tables held goblets of elderflower wine, platters of roasted venison, and star-shaped pastries. The air carried the hum of conversation, the clink of glasses, and the faint music of a string quartet. Zain stood beside his grandfather, Tiberius Selwyn, wearing deep green robes with the Selwyn crest on his chest. At five years old, he exuded a quiet confidence, his sharp mind scanning the room.

Tiberius placed a hand on Zain's shoulder, his voice a low rumble.

"Come, Zain. There are people you must meet."

They approached a group of prominent figures. Lucius Malfoy stood tall, his platinum hair slicked back, his grey eyes cold and calculating. Barty Crouch maintained a stern demeanor, while Horace Slughorn, round-faced and flushed, smiled jovially. Augusta Longbottom wore a vulture-topped hat, her posture rigid, and Millicent Bagnold, the Minister of Magic, carried an air of authority. Cornelius Fudge hovered nearby, overly eager, while Arthur Weasley stood out in modest robes, his expression warm. Mr. Abbott, Mr. Greengrass, Mr. Parkinson, and Xenophilius Lovegood, with his messy pale hair, completed the group.

Tiberius spoke, his voice carrying over the chatter.

"Gentlemen, ladies, allow me to introduce my grandson, Zain Selwyn. Today we celebrate his fifth birthday."

Lucius inclined his head, a smirk on his lips.

"A fine boy, Tiberius. Congratulations, young Zain."

Barty nodded stiffly.

"Happy birthday, lad. The Selwyn name carries weight—bear it well."

Slughorn chuckled, his eyes twinkling.

"A pleasure, Zain! I expect great things from you, my boy. Happy birthday!"

Augusta's stern gaze softened.

"A fine young wizard. Happy birthday, child."

Millicent smiled warmly.

"Happy birthday, Zain. The wizarding world looks forward to your contributions."

Fudge clapped his hands, his tone overly cheerful.

"A splendid celebration! Happy birthday, young Selwyn!"

Arthur's smile was genuine.

"Happy birthday, Zain. I'm sure you'll grow into a fine wizard."

Mr. Abbott nodded.

"Happy birthday, Zain. My daughter Hannah is here—perhaps you'll get along."

Mr. Greengrass offered a curt nod.

"Congratulations, young man. Happy birthday."

Mr. Parkinson spoke briskly.

"Happy birthday, Zain. Make the Selwyn name proud."

Xenophilius smiled dreamily.

"A momentous day, young Zain. Happy birthday. May the Nargles bless you."

Zain bowed politely, his voice clear.

"Thank you all for your kind words. I'm honored to meet you."

The adults turned to Tiberius, discussing Ministry policies, Quidditch, and Muggle relations. Lucius spoke of tightening Muggle artifact laws, his tone disdainful, while Arthur defended Muggle ingenuity. Barty called for stricter laws, Fudge nodded along, and Millicent listened quietly, her sharp eyes observant. Slughorn shared a story of a past student, Augusta mentioned her grandson Neville, and Xenophilius mumbled about Nargles disrupting the Floo Network. Zain listened, his mind noting potential allies and rivals. Lucius's ambition marked him as dangerous, Arthur's warmth suggested an ally, and Millicent's authority hinted at power worth pursuing. His demonic instincts guided his thoughts, sharp and calculating.

Lucius turned to Zain, his tone smooth but commanding.

"My son Draco is here, Zain. As are the children of these fine families. You should get along with them—they're your peers, after all."

Mr. Abbott nodded.

"Hannah would love to meet you, I'm sure."

Mr. Greengrass added.

"Daphne is around. She could use a friend like you."

Mr. Parkinson's gaze lingered.

"Pansy is here as well. Make a good impression."

Arthur smiled.

"Ginny's here with her brothers, but I'm sure she'd enjoy meeting you."

Xenophilius tilted his head, his voice airy.

"Luna is… somewhere. She'd be delighted to meet you, I think."

Zain smiled, his tone warm.

"I'd be happy to meet them all. Thank you."

Tiberius gave Zain's shoulder a squeeze.

"Go on, then. Make some friends."

Zain bowed and slipped into the crowd, searching for the girls he'd targeted—Hannah Abbott, Daphne Greengrass, Pansy Parkinson, Luna Lovegood, and Ginny Weasley. Building relationships with them was his first step to gaining influence in this world, driven by the Goddess Conquering System and his ambition to return to the Abyss stronger.

He found them in a corner of the ballroom, gathered around a table with chocolate frogs, sugar quills, and fizzing whizbees. Draco Malfoy stood at the center, his voice loud and arrogant. Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle flanked him, their bulky frames towering over the others, their hands sticky with candy. Pansy Parkinson stood beside Draco, her dark braid neat, nodding in agreement. Daphne Greengrass stood apart, her expression neutral. Hannah Abbott faced Draco, her round face flushed, while Ginny Weasley, hands on her hips, stood beside Hannah, her expression defiant. Luna Lovegood stared into the distance, her expression dreamy, a daisy chain in her hair.

Ginny had joined the group after her brothers—Ron, Fred, and George—got caught up in a game of Exploding Snap near the center of the ballroom. Their laughter and the loud bangs of the cards drew a crowd, leaving Ginny to wander off, her curiosity leading her here.

Draco's voice carried, his tone dripping with superiority.

"My father says pure-bloods are noble. It's in our blood. Muggle-borns and half-bloods can't compare."

Hannah's voice was sharp, her hands clenched.

"That's not fair, Draco! It's not about blood—it's about who you are!"

Ginny nodded, her eyes fierce.

"My family's pure-blood, but we don't go around acting like we're better than everyone else!"

Pansy sneered, her voice cutting.

"That's because the Weasleys are poor, Ginny. Pure-bloods should be proud."

Crabbe grunted in agreement, chocolate on his chin.

"Yeah, pure-bloods are the best."

Goyle nodded, a fizzing whizbee in his hand.

"What Draco said."

Daphne remained silent, her expression unreadable. Luna hummed softly, her gaze fixed on an empty space above the table.

Zain stepped forward, his presence commanding attention. He raised a hand, his voice polite but firm.

"Sorry to interrupt, but I couldn't help but overhear."

The group turned to him, their argument pausing. Draco's eyes narrowed, but before he could speak, Zain continued, his tone measured, his words sharp.

"Pure-blood isn't noble because of blood. It's only noble if you have the strength to back it up. Without strength, your glory fades—like the Black family, or other families that are now declining. Muggles aren't the same as they were decades ago. They're improving, advancing, while the wizarding world clings to past glory without progress."

Draco opened his mouth to refute, his face reddening, but no words came. Crabbe and Goyle shuffled awkwardly, their faces blank. Pansy's gaze turned thoughtful, her curiosity piqued. Daphne showed a flicker of interest, leaning forward slightly. Ginny's defiance softened as she considered Zain's words. Hannah blinked rapidly, overwhelmed by the argument's complexity. Luna glanced at Zain, a flicker of wariness in her gaze before she returned to her daydreams.

Zain smiled, his tone warm.

"I'm Zain Selwyn. It's my birthday today, and I'm happy to meet you all."

He turned to the boys, his voice friendly but firm.

"May I have your names, gentlemen?"

Draco straightened, his arrogance returning.

"Draco Malfoy."

Crabbe grunted, wiping his chin.

"Vincent Crabbe."

Goyle nodded, candy stuck to his fingers.

"Gregory Goyle."

Zain turned to the girls, his smile playful, his voice teasing.

"And may I have the honor of knowing the names of such lovely ladies?"

Pansy smirked, flattered.

"Pansy Parkinson."

Daphne's lips twitched into a small smile.

"Daphne Greengrass."

Hannah blushed, her voice soft.

"Hannah Abbott."

Ginny grinned, her spirit bright.

"Ginny Weasley."

Luna's voice was dreamy, her gaze distant.

"Luna Lovegood."

Zain focused inward, addressing the system.

"Show me my relationship levels with the girls."

The system responded, its interface appearing in his mind.

System: Relationship with Hannah Abbott increased to 15%.

System: Relationship with Ginny Weasley increased to 10%.

System: Relationship with Luna Lovegood increased to 5%.

System: Relationship with Daphne Greengrass increased to 15%.

System: Relationship with Pansy Parkinson increased to 20%.

System: Reward—Slight Magic Power Increase.

Zain felt a warm surge in his core, his magical power growing. He assessed the sensation, realizing he now had the magical power of a first-year Hogwarts student—a significant boost for a five-year-old.