The Great Hall of Hogwarts was exactly as Aarav had imagined it—maybe even more.
Candlelight floated above the long wooden tables. The ceiling mirrored the cloudy twilight outside. The four house banners draped the walls in rich colors: Gryffindor's red and gold, Slytherin's green and silver, Ravenclaw's blue and bronze, and Hufflepuff's yellow and black.
But there was a palpable tension in the air.
This wasn't the era of laughter and Weasley pranks. This was 1979—Voldemort was rising, trust was eroding, and shadows crept behind every warm smile.
Aarav, in his magically cleaned robes, stood near the entrance beside Professor McGonagall, under watchful eyes. The staff had decided he should undergo a Sorting despite being a transfer.
"It's protocol," McGonagall said curtly. "Even Durmstrang transfers must be placed accordingly. Headmaster Dumbledore has arranged everything."
He nodded, eyes flickering with the Gold Finger interface, which was semi-transparent above the crowd only he could see.
▶ Quest Update: "Blend Into Hogwarts Society"
▶ Task: Complete Sorting Ceremony Without Revealing True Identity
▶ Reward: +200 EXP | Unlock [Social Masking LVL 1]
Dumbledore stood as the hall quieted. His voice was calm, but it carried strength.
"Students, we welcome a transfer from Durmstrang Institute. A seventh-year who will be finishing his education with us. Please welcome—Alaric Gaunt."
Gasps spread like wildfire.
Gaunt?
As in Voldemort's family?
He must be a Death Eater!
Aarav kept his expression neutral and walked toward the Sorting Hat, trying to ignore the sea of eyes burning into him. Some were curious. Some, hostile. A few… afraid.
He sat on the stool. The ancient Sorting Hat was placed upon his head.
A moment passed.
"Well, well… what do we have here?"
"You're not what you seem."
"Not a Gaunt. Not even from this world. How… delightful."
Aarav's heart skipped.
"You carry ancient magic. Hidden potential. A system of your own making. Intriguing."
"You could thrive in Slytherin—ambition suits you."
"Yet your hunger to learn and grow would shine in Ravenclaw."
"Courage, too. You defy fate itself."
"But where shall I put you…?"
Aarav focused. Blend in. Strategize. Access resources.
"Slytherin," he thought. "I need to be where I can access information. Be close to danger. Learn how the enemy thinks."
The hat chuckled darkly.
"A dangerous game you play, outsider."
"Very well…"
"SLYTHERIN!" it roared.
The table with green and silver banners clapped—though less enthusiastically than usual.
Aarav walked toward them, taking his seat between a pale boy with icy eyes and a quiet brunette girl.
The interface blinked again:
▶ House Chosen: Slytherin
▶ Access to House Magic Bonuses: +10% Spell Growth
▶ Sub-Skill Unlocked: House Intrigue Detection
▶ Passive Perk: Serpent's Tongue [Speechcraft + Stealth Improved Among Slytherins]
The feast began. Dumbledore spoke again, but Aarav barely registered it.
He was scanning the students.
Some he recognized from books. Others were missing—likely dead in this timeline. No Harry yet. No Ron. No Hermione. They haven't been born.
Then he saw two figures enter from the back of the hall—late arrivals.
One had untamed dark hair and a cocky smile. The other, red hair and a gentle warmth.
James Potter and Lily Evans.
His heart clenched. They don't know what's coming.
And across the room—
A sullen boy with hooked nose and shadowed eyes glared from the end of the Slytherin table.
Severus Snape.
"Targets of fate," Aarav whispered.
"And I'm the variable."
Later that night, in the Slytherin common room, the whispers started.
"You think he's really a Gaunt?"
"He's got no traceable lineage."
"Maybe he's here to spy for the Dark Lord."
Aarav ignored them, walking to his assigned bed. His inventory pinged silently.
▶ New Item Gained: Spellbook - Year 7 (Advanced Charms & Dueling)
▶ New Daily Task: Practice Any Spell x10
> Reward: +EXP and Skill Rank Up
He sat on the edge of the bed, wand in hand.
"Lumos," he whispered.
The wand lit. Brighter than before.
▶ Lumos: Level Up! [2/100]
> Light Radius Increased
He smiled faintly.
This wasn't just school anymore.
This was war prep.
And he was going to master it all.