The Shadows of Slytherin

Chapter 4: A Test of Loyalty

The corridors of Hogwarts were empty as James Calloway made his way to the Gryffindor common room. It was late, and most students had already retired for the night. James felt a sense of weariness settling over him, a result of the long hours spent studying and brewing potions with Sebastian.

As he entered the common room, he found it unusually quiet. The fire crackled in the hearth, casting flickering shadows across the room. James spotted Lily sitting in one of the armchairs, a troubled expression on her face.

"Hey, Lily, what's wrong?" James asked, taking a seat beside her.

Lily sighed, running a hand through her hair. "It's Hugo. He hasn't been himself lately. He's been spending a lot of time with some Slytherins, and I'm worried about him." Hugo was Lily's best friend since her first-year at Hogwarts. They'd always stick together no matter what happened.

James frowned, understanding her concern. Hugo had always been impulsive, but getting involved with Slytherins was a whole other matter. "Have you talked to him about it?"

Lily nodded. "He just brushes it off, says they're just studying together. But I don't trust them, James. Slytherins are not to be trusted."

James felt a pang of guilt. He knew firsthand that not all Slytherins were bad, but he also understood Lily's apprehension. The rivalry between Gryffindor and Slytherin was deeply ingrained, and it was hard to shake off years of prejudice.

"I'll talk to him," James said firmly. "Make sure he knows what he's getting himself into."

Lily gave him a grateful smile, relief evident in her eyes. "Thanks, James. I knew I could count on you."

The next day, James sought out Hugo during lunch, finding him sitting with a group of Slytherins in the Great Hall. He approached cautiously, unsure of how his friend would react.

"Hugo, can I talk to you for a minute?" James asked, his voice low.

Hugo looked up, surprise flickering across his face. "Sure, what's up?"

James motioned for him to follow, leading him to a quieter corner of the hall where they could talk privately.

"I'm worried about you, Hugo," James began, choosing his words carefully. "Lily told me about the Slytherins you've been hanging out with. Are you sure you know what you're getting yourself into?"

Hugo shrugged, a defensive edge creeping into his tone. "They're just friends, James. We're just studying together, that's all."

James frowned, unconvinced. "I know you, Hugo. You're impulsive, and sometimes you don't think things through. I'm just worried that you might be getting in over your head."

Hugo's expression softened, and he sighed. "I appreciate your concern, James, but I can take care of myself. I know what I'm doing."

James nodded, reluctantly accepting his friend's words. "Just be careful, okay? Not all Slytherins have your best interests at heart."

Hugo gave him a wry smile. "Thanks, James. I'll keep that in mind."

As they parted ways, James couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the pit of his stomach. He hoped he was wrong about the Slytherins, but something told him that trouble was brewing beneath the surface of Hogwarts.

Later that evening, as James sat in the Gryffindor common room, he found his thoughts drifting back to his conversation with Hugo. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, that his friend was in danger. And though he didn't want to admit it, he knew that Sebastian might be the key to uncovering the truth.

With a sense of determination, James made up his mind. He would seek out Sebastian and enlist his help, no matter the consequences. Because if there was one thing he knew for certain, it was that loyalty was everything, especially in times of trouble.