Harry Potter : Cael Vale’s journey to Hogwarts

The next morning, the Great Hall was packed for breakfast. Every student was present, though the usual cheerful buzz was replaced with hushed whispers and worried glances. The latest rumors circled quickly—everyone was talking about what happened to Hermione Granger, the Gryffindor girl attacked the night before.

As the noise grew, Professor Dumbledore rose from the staff table. The room quieted almost immediately. The other professors sat beside him, their faces serious.

Dumbledore's calm, steady voice echoed through the hall.

"Good morning, students of Hogwarts. I hope your day has started well—though for Gryffindor House, I know it has not." His eyes swept the room, lingering on the Gryffindor table. "As many of you have already heard, another attack took place last night. This marks yet another in a troubling series of incidents."

The Hall was silent, the tension heavy in the air.

"These events," Dumbledore continued, "are not only cruel—they are dangerous. Let me remind you all: you are students. You are not politicians. Hogwarts is not the place to bring the arguments, beliefs, or politics of your families." His voice sharpened slightly, though it never rose. "You are here to learn together, to grow together. The people sitting beside you—those are your peers, your brothers and sisters in magic. And yet, some of you have chosen to harm them with curses and spells meant for enemies, not classmates."

A murmur swept the hall, but Dumbledore raised his hand.

"I urge you—no, I beg you—not to bring hatred into these walls. Do not make me expel students from Hogwarts." His words hung heavy in the air.

Dumbledore straightened, his tone turning firm.

"Starting today, all students must return to their common rooms by eight o'clock sharp. No one is to be outside after that time. Prefects will patrol the corridors, especially within their own house areas. Anyone caught outside without permission will be severely punished."

He paused, his eyes narrowing.

"And to those responsible for these attacks… consider this your final warning. If we find you, the full force of the staff will deal with you. Your parents will be called to this school, and they will be told exactly what you've done." His voice dropped lower. "I do not wish to get angry. But I will not stand by as students are harmed."

Dumbledore gave one last sweeping glance across the hall.

"No one is to leave the castle without permission. Even if you have a reason, you are to inform your prefect first. That is final."

Then, with a slight nod, he added, "Now, enjoy your breakfast."

The room stirred again, though this time, the whispers carried more fear than gossip. Plates filled with food, but many students ate with quiet, uneasy glances.

At the Gryffindor table, Cael sat with Fred, George, and Lee Jordan. Fred leaned in, lowering his voice.

"So… what now?" he asked. "Dumbledore made his speech, but let's be real—he's still looking for the culprits. If he hasn't found them yet, it means they're the same ones behind all the other attacks—and they're still walking free."

Cael's eyes darkened. "It doesn't matter anymore. If Dumbledore isn't handling it, we will. First step—we need a way into the Slytherin common room."

Lee Jordan gave a low whistle. "That's bold. First, we'll need to find out the password."

Cael smirked slightly. "We will. Then we'll sneak in and… deliver a little punishment to our 'dear' snakes. They went too far this time."

George chuckled. "All of them? Boys and girls? You know we can't even step foot in the girls' dormitories."

Cael shook his head. "Not all of them. Not the little ones—they're still kids. But the older ones… the ones from the upper years? They should feel a little of what they've been handing out."

After breakfast, students scattered off to their classes. Cael walked alongside Katie on their way to Charms.

"I saw you whispering with the twins," Katie said, eyeing him knowingly. "Plotting something, weren't you? You're planning to punish those little specialists—the ones who nearly killed Hermione."

Cael gave a small smile. "I have a plan. After seeing Hermione last night… what happened to her was beyond cruel. I can't let them walk away from that."

Katie's gaze softened, but her voice stayed firm. "You're not going after the innocent too, are you?"

"Not the young ones," Cael replied. "Not the girls. Just the seniors—the ones responsible. And those who weren't involved? Well, they'll have to deal with the consequences for protecting the ones who were."

They walked in silence for a few moments until Katie grinned.

"By the way… last night, when you punched Percy? That was brilliant you were so cool . He deserved it for running his mouth."

Cael sighed, rubbing his hand slightly. "Maybe I went a little overboard. I was emotional after seeing Hermione like that."

"No," Katie said firmly, "He deserved it. That idiot."

They entered the Charms classroom, where Professor Flitwick began the lesson on new charms.

The day passed, and after class, Cael bid Katie goodbye and made his way to the Hospital Wing. He knocked gently and was greeted by Madam Pomfrey, who frowned at him.

"You'll disturb the patients," she scolded lightly, but after a pause, she sighed and waved him in.

Hermione sat upright in bed, reading a book, though she looked pale and tired. Cael approached quietly.

"How are you feeling today? Any pain?"

Hermione gave him a weak smile. "No, thank you. I'm alright." Her voice trembled slightly as she added, "Thank you… for last night. If you hadn't come, I… I don't know what would have happened." Her eyes glistened, but she fought back the tears.

Cael's expression softened. "It's alright. You're safe now."

Hermione mentioned that Professor McGonagall had visited earlier, asking questions about the attack.

"I'm worried about missing classes," Hermione admitted. "Madam Pomfrey won't let me leave today. She says I need another day of rest."

Cael's lips twitched in amusement. "You should listen to her. You're smart enough to catch up quickly—after all, you've already finished most of the first-year book."

Hermione smiled, a little more at ease. They chatted for a few more minutes, and before leaving, Cael handed her a small piece of chocolate.

Afterward, Cael returned to Gryffindor Tower, where he met up with George , Fred and Lee again, quietly discussing their next moves.