Harry Potter : Cael Vale’s journey to Hogwarts

After leaving the Headmaster's office, Cael made his way back to Gryffindor Tower. The common room was quiet, most students already in their dorms after the long journey on the Hogwarts Express. Everyone was exhausted—the first years especially.

He climbed the stairs to his dormitory and pushed open the door. Fred and George Weasley were lounging on their beds, and Lee Jordan was perched near the window, fiddling with a deck of Exploding Snap cards.

As soon as Cael walked in, Lee looked up. "So? What did Dumbledore say?"

Cael flopped onto his bed with a tired sigh, his arms behind his head. "Nothing much. He asked what happened, listened, then handed out punishments." He glanced at them, a faint smirk on his lips. "For me… punishment's still pending. He said he'll tell me later. But Frey? His prefect badge is gone."

George let out a low whistle. "That's one hell of a victory. Snatched that slimy snake's badge right off him." His grin widened. "Bet he was dreaming of being Head Boy next year. Well… guess those dreams are dust now."

Cael chuckled faintly. "Don't celebrate just yet. He's furious. You could see it on his face. And honestly? They were still soft on him. He started the whole thing, but all they did was strip his badge." His expression darkened. "His family won't take this lightly. They'll be out for blood. This year… there'll be a lot of fights. I'm not letting those Slytherins slither around unchecked."

George nodded firmly. "We'll handle them. Give them a few lessons."

Cael sat up slightly. "By the way, did you lot meet Harry Potter yet?"

Lee grinned. "Yeah, had a chat with him. Energetic kid. He's already in bed though—long day."

"Well, time will tell with him," Cael muttered. Then, stretching, he asked, "Oh, who's the new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor?"

Lee rolled his eyes. "Quirinus Quirrell. Used to teach Muggle Studies for third years. Disappeared for a while, came back looking… different."

Fred snorted. "Yeah, different's one way to say it." He yawned and tossed his pillow aside. "Enough chatter, let's sleep. First day of class tomorrow."

The next morning, Cael woke early. After a quick shower, he headed to the empty common room, plopping down in one of the armchairs. The castle was quiet—the sun barely peeking over the hills outside the window.

Ding!

A small message flickered across his vision.

New Quest:

Objective: Protect Muggle-born students from bullying by pure-blood supremacists.

Reward: Duel skill increase for every student saved.

Cael's eyes lit up. "Finally," he muttered, grinning. "It's been a while since the system threw me a proper quest." He stretched, laughing softly to himself. "A long-term quest, too. Fights, chaos… Hogwarts is about to feel like gang turf. Poor Dumbledore's in for a headache."

His amusement was interrupted by soft footsteps on the stairs. A lone student emerged, clutching books to her chest. Hermione Granger.

She spotted him immediately and approached with a polite smile. "Good morning, senior."

Cael blinked out of his thoughts and sat up. "Morning to you too, Hermione. What're you doing up so early? Got those books stacked already?"

She nodded eagerly. "I wanted to visit the library and go over the material before class starts. I need to be prepared."

Cael's lips twitched in amusement. "You really don't need to rush. Professors will explain everything. Listen well in class, and you'll do just fine."

Hermione shook her head stubbornly. "I still want to be ready." With that, she offered a quick goodbye and disappeared through the portrait hole.

Cael chuckled to himself. "Stubborn girl. Won't listen no matter what you tell her. Guess it's in her nature." He stretched again and stood. "Well, time for breakfast."

In the Great Hall, the Gryffindor table buzzed with chatter. Cael sat with Fred, George, and Lee, grabbing toast and eggs.

Fred leaned in. "You hear? Cedric Diggory's Hufflepuff's new Seeker."

George nodded. "Last year's Seeker graduated, so they promised him the spot."

Lee whistled low. "Cedric Diggory… Hufflepuff's golden boy now."

"Seeker," Fred repeated dramatically, spinning an imaginary broomstick. "Tall, charming… probably carves love letters into pumpkins."

Lee snorted. "First Hufflepuff in years who might actually stop their team from getting flattened."

George shrugged. "He's quick. And annoyingly humble. Makes it worse."

Fred grinned. "Bet five Sickles McGonagall's already plotting. Gryffindor versus Hufflepuff will be a good one."

Cael leaned back, raising an eyebrow. "We need a strong team too. Last year, Gryffindor wasn't exactly terrifying."

"Oliver Wood's on it," Fred assured him. "Second year as captain. Swore he's taking the Cup."

At that moment, Professor McGonagall arrived, handing out timetables. She paused by Cael, holding out his wand. "Be more careful with this, Mr. Vale," she warned lightly.

Cael accepted it with a nod. "Understood, Professor."

Classes began soon after. Cael and Katie made their way to the greenhouses for Herbology—a joint class with Ravenclaw and Slytherin. The air was thick with earth and the scent of plants.

As Cael found his spot, Cassandra Vole, a Slytherin, drifted over, standing beside him.

"I heard you fought with Frey," she murmured. "Be careful. He's furious. Came back swearing your name."

Cael glanced at her. "You're a Slytherin. Why warn a Gryffindor?"

She rolled her eyes. "You know I'm not like them. I don't associate with snakes like Frey."

Before he could reply, the Herbology professor arrived, clapping her hands. "Good morning, everyone! Welcome to a new year. Today, we're studying a very… unusual plant."

She gestured to a strange, shadowy plant at the front. "Who can tell me what this is?"

Cassandra raised her hand at once. "It's a Mundarak plant, Professor. Grows only in the deepest parts of ancient magical forests. Some say it sprouts where witches or wizards died under the Cruciatus Curse." She paused, then added, "It's used for pain extraction, emotional stabilization, protective charms… and it's essential for becoming an Animagus."

The professor beamed. "Excellent, Miss Vole. You covered it all. Ten points to Slytherin."

Cael leaned in, whispering with a smirk, "How intelligent of you , Princess."

Cassandra gave him a playful nudge to the shoulder, rolling her eyes again.

They spent the rest of class learning to handle the dark, twisting Mundarak plant. Most students left with dirt-stained robes and muddy hands.

Cael wiped his palms clean, already thinking ahead to a good lunch in the Great Hall.