The Chronicles of Blood and Fire (HP Fanfic)

The next morning in the dungeons began with silence, pierced only by the faint bubbling of the Black Lake and the rustle of robes and bedding.

Caelum was already awake when the enchanted lanterns began to glow with a soft green shimmer, signaling morning. He sat on the edge of his bed, already dressed in the simple black Hogwarts uniform, the Slytherin crest newly stitched over his heart. His dark cloak hung loosely over his shoulders, hood pulled back for now.

Evran moved with mechanical calm as he laced his boots. Bastian groaned loudly from his bed before sitting up, his hair a complete disaster.

"Breakfast time already?" he mumbled. "Didn't we just fall asleep?"

"You were snoring before your head hit the pillow," Evran replied.

Bastian gave a theatrical sigh and began dressing. Caelum watched the two quietly—there was something oddly grounding about the banter. Normal, in a way his life hadn't been for years.

Evran looked to Caelum. "You heading up to the Great Hall?"

"Yeah," Caelum said. "I figured I'd go with you two."

"Excellent," Bastian said, adjusting his robes. "Safety in numbers."

The three made their way through the quiet Slytherin common room, the green light dancing faintly on the walls. Most students were still yawning and gathering books. Caelum walked behind the other two, keeping to the edge of the room, as always.

As they approached the exit, a voice drifted from one of the side alcoves—low, snide, and meant to be heard.

"They'll let anything into Hogwarts these days… Half-breeds, creatures… Next thing you know, we'll be sharing dorms with trolls."

Caelum paused. Evran kept walking. But Bastian Flint spun around on his heel.

"Oi," Bastian said loudly, drawing several heads. "Mind your own bloody breakfast and keep my friend's name out of your mouth, Avery."

Silas Avery, seated with a few other pure-blood boys near the green glass hearth, looked up slowly. His face was smug and composed, pale under carefully combed dark hair.

"I didn't say his name," he replied mildly. "Are you saying it fits?"

Evran's hand brushed Caelum's arm. "Not worth it."

They left the common room without another word, but the echo of Avery's sneer lingered in the stone.

Great Hall – Breakfast

The enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall glowed with the soft gold and blush of a rising sun. Morning light filtered down gently, charmed so it didn't sting Caelum's eyes as badly as true daylight would. Still, he tugged his hood just a little lower as they stepped in.

Evran, Bastian, and Caelum slid into their seats at the far end of the Slytherin table. The spread was already in place: silver platters of scrambled eggs, stacks of toast, porridge with brown sugar, thick slabs of bacon, pitchers of pumpkin juice. Steam curled from teacups, and the clinking of cutlery echoed beneath the high rafters.

Caelum poured himself tea but didn't reach for any food.

"You sure you're alright?" Bastian asked, mouth full of bacon.

"I'm fine," Caelum replied.

"You don't look fine," Evran said flatly, adding a spoonful of jam to his toast. "But if you say you are, I'll leave it there."

Caelum gave a noncommittal shrug. His eyes scanned the tables, the other Houses. Whispers didn't always carry, but glances did. Some curious, some cautious, some already judging. He knew that kind of attention well.

Evran leaned slightly closer. "That was Silas Avery back there," he said. "His family was tight with Rosier's lot. Purists. Doesn't matter that Rosier's gone—Avery still thinks anyone who's different should be kept out."

"I gathered," Caelum said. His voice was even. "He's not subtle."

"No," Evran agreed. "But he's clever. Keeps his slights just vague enough to avoid official trouble. Pushes others to react first."

"I've dealt with worse," Caelum murmured, then stirred his tea with quiet focus. "But thanks."

Bastian rolled his shoulders. "If it comes to blows, I'll back you up. Not that we'll win, mind—he'd most likely going to cheats at dueling."

Evran raised an eyebrow. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that."

Just then, the morning post arrived. Hundreds of owls swooped in, carrying letters and packages. A small barn owl dropped a parchment envelope in front of Caelum. He opened it to find Amelia's neat handwriting.

"I hope your first night went well. Bridget says hello. Susan wanted to write, but got jam all over the parchment. Eat properly. I expect a letter back this weekend. —A.B."

He smiled faintly. The corners of his mouth didn't curl often, but when they did, it changed his whole face.

"Good news?" Evran asked.

Caelum nodded. "Just… someone reminding me that I'm not alone."