Harry Potter : Cael Vale’s journey to Hogwarts

A full month had passed.

The first weeks hadn't been easy for Cael. His inability to speak properly earned him plenty of trouble, especially from Professor Snape. Snape, thinking Cael's choppy words were some sort of mockery, took every opportunity to deduct points from Gryffindor. Over time, Snape even started enjoying it—asking Cael questions during lessons, watching him stumble over his replies, and then snatching house points under the excuse of Cael being 'disrespectful.'

Cael didn't bother arguing. He simply made up the points in other classes, particularly Defence Against the Dark Arts. Professor Quirrell was easy to manipulate when it came to earning house points.

The stress, along with irregular meals, made him lose weight. But Cael adjusted. His days found a rhythm: waking at dawn to chant "Amatum Bestia Revelare"—(Reveal the animal within)—three times, attending lessons, sneaking off to the Room of Requirement to practice spells, or meeting Cassandra by the Black Lake to talk.

Some afternoons, he joined Katie at Quidditch practice, or played harmless pranks on students. He even chatted with Hermione now and then, though she often seemed too focused to care. Other times, he simply observed—the famous Harry Potter rushing about with Ron Weasley, getting into rows with Draco Malfoy, or visiting Hagrid's hut. Life settled into something steady.

But tonight, the routine broke.

The full moon hung high in the sky, silver light pooling over the castle grounds. It was time for the next phase of his Animagus ritual—the Catalyst Potion.

Hagrid, always willing to help (even without knowing the full story), had brought him the final ingredients. Cael slipped out of the castle, following the familiar path to the Black Lake. His usual tree stood tall, its branches swaying gently in the night breeze.

He knelt beneath it, setting his supplies on the grass: a small crystal phial infused with strands of his hair, a single drop of his blood, and a chrysalis from a Death's-head Hawk Moth.

With care, he added a final leaf, then held the phial under the full moon's light. His voice was steady as he whispered, "Animagus Potentia Revelare"—(Reveal the power of the Animagus).

The glow of the moon seemed to pulse over the glass as he sealed the container tight and buried it beneath the soil, leaving it there to rest until a storm arrived—the final sign to continue the process.

Relieved, Cael brushed the dirt from his hands and made his way back to Gryffindor Tower. He was done with the tedious leaf at last.

The moment he stepped into the common room, Fred Weasley's voice rang out.

"Cael! Oi—get over here, massive news."

Lee Jordan perched on the arm of a chair, grinning like he held the juiciest secret in Hogwarts. George lounged nearby on the rug, twirling his wand between his fingers.

Cael raised a brow but crossed the room. "What did you lot blow up this time?"

"Even better," George smirked, patting the rug beside him.

Fred grabbed Cael's shoulder, dragging him down. "We've hit gold, mate. Percy's finally handed us real material. Proper, glorious material."

Curiosity sparked in Cael's chest. "What? He arrange his socks out of order?"

Lee snorted. "Better. We found his diary."

Cael blinked. "Wait—Percy keeps a diary?"

"Obviously," George rolled his eyes. "Weasley tradition. He documents everything. Remember that story we told you? Him and Madam Rosmerta?"

"And today's entry?" Fred's grin widened wickedly. "It's a masterpiece."

Lee leaned in. "He's got a crush."

A slow grin spread across Cael's face. "You're joking the always serious Pompous Percival. Has a Crush "

"We never joke… unless we're joking," George deadpanned, then snorted. "It's Penelope Clearwater."

Cael gave a low whistle. "The Ravenclaw prefect?"

"The one and only," Fred cackled, clutching his chest like a lovesick fool. "He's doodled her name everywhere. Little hearts, dreamy lines—it's tragic."

Lee added, "Honestly? The guy couldn't hide it if he tried."

Cael crossed his arms, smirking. "So… what's the plan?"

Fred and George exchanged a look that could only mean trouble. Fred leaned in, eyes glittering. "A Howler. Tomorrow. Breakfast. Great Hall."

Cael's eyes widened. "You're sending him a Howler?"

"Not to him but to her and certainly not just any Howler," George corrected. "A love letter Howler."

"From Percy," Fred added, barely holding back his laughter. "We've written the whole thing. Sappy lines about her 'radiant eyes' and 'shimmering blonde hair.' Pure poetry."

"And the entire Hall will hear it," George finished proudly.

Cael could already picture Percy's face, beet red, practically smoking from the ears. "He'll combust."

"That's the goal," Lee grinned. "And Penelope? She'll think he's lost the plot."

Fred rubbed his hands together like a cartoon villain. "Operation: Love Howler is officially a go."

Cael laughed, leaning back. "So, the plan is to destroy any chance he has with her?"

George winked. "That's what brothers are for."

Fred nudged him with an elbow. "Want in on writing the final draft?"

Cael's grin sharpened. "Absolutely."