The Secret of The Serpent | Harry Potter

Chapter 6: First Year

As he settled into his new life at Hogwarts, Riley found himself both excited and overwhelmed. The castle was vast, and it was filled with secrets waiting to be uncovered. But for now, he had classes to attend and a library to explore.

Riley was no ordinary student. He had an insatiable curiosity and a spark of ambition that set him apart from his peers. Yet, he kept to himself, observing his classmates from a distance. His slytherin housemates were cunning and ambitious, qualities which Riley admired but was still figuring out how to embrace. It was particularly amusing for Riley to watch Malfoy, as he attempted to charm his way into popularity.

The first week at Hogwarts was a whirlwind of new experiences. Riley quickly learned the intricacies of potion-making in Professor Snape's classroom. Every day, as he stirred and simmered mysterious ingredients, he felt a growing thrill; he was eager to master the art of potion-brewing. Though Snape's piercing gaze could be intimidating, Riley was determined to prove himself.

In Transfiguration with Professor McGonagall, he learned to transform everyday objects into something extraordinary. Mountains of toads turned into handsome teacups, and Riley marvelled as he practised turning a matchstick into a needle. Each success filled him with confidence, and each failure inspired him to try harder.

After a busy day filled with spell-casting and potion bubbling, Riley would retreat to the library—a cavernous room filled with ancient tomes, spell books, and magical artefacts. The library was his sanctuary, a place where he felt at ease among the whispers of parchment and the rustling of pages.

The librarian, Madam Pince, eyed him suspiciously at first, clearly expecting trouble from a Slytherin. But Riley was respectful and avoided the pitfalls of mischief; he was not there to wreak havoc. Instead, he soaked up knowledge like a sponge.

As the week progressed, there was one class that ignited both excitement and dread in Riley's heart: flying class. The anticipation of soaring through the skies on a broomstick had his heart racing, but he was also aware of the legacy that came with it. Some students would find their rhythm and grace, while others would find embarrassment and fear.

The chilly morning of flying class arrived, and the first-years gathered on the emerald grass of the Quidditch pitch, dwarfed by the towering stands. Riley's heart raced in rhythm with the wind that whipped around him. Madam Hooch, the flying instructor, approached with a strict authority that silenced all chatter. Her sharp eyes scanned the group, and Riley knew that this was a moment that demanded respect.

"Alright, you lot! Listen closely!" she called, her voice clear and commanding. "Your broomsticks are your companions; mind their feelings, and they will take you to far-off places. If you intend to fly, you must know how to control your broom!"

"First, everyone step beside your brooms!" Madam Hooch urged, as each student uneasily picked one up. Riley chose a Nimbus 2000, feeling a rush of exhilaration—this was the same kind used by the Quidditch teams!

"Now, hold your hand above the broom and say 'Up!'" she instructed.

"Up!" echoed through the group.

Riley's broom leapt into his hands as if it were alive, and he felt a thrill pulse through him. He glanced at Harry, who had managed to get his broomstick up on the first try, while Ron struggled a bit longer. Malfoy, of course, smirked as he held his broomstick, almost as if it were beneath him.

The next events that occurred caused an uproar all over the castle. Harry Potter would be the youngest seeker to play Quidditch in a century.

After a week of getting accustomed to the magical atmosphere of Hogwarts, the weekend arrived, and Riley decided to spend it in the library, hoping to uncover some long-lost secrets of the castle. Surrounding him were towering shelves packed with scrolls, books, and tomes teeming with spells, history, and forbidden knowledge. Riley felt a thrill; behind those pages lay the means to pursue his nocturnal adventures.