The train whistle echoed through the mist as the Hogwarts Express began to slow, the rhythmic clatter of wheels against the tracks fading into a low hum. I closed the book I'd been reading — one of Salazar Slytherin's personal works on magical lineage and soul-binding — and tucked it neatly back into my trunk. Outside the window, I could already see the lights of Hogsmeade flickering in the distance.
"We're here," Abraxas said, standing and straightening his robes, the Malfoy crest gleaming on his chest. Orion was already at the door, smirking faintly as though the very idea of Hogwarts had been built just for him.
I stood up as well, adjusting my robes and glancing at my reflection in the window. My Heir's Ring glimmered faintly in the light — a silent reminder of who I was, and the destiny I carried. The Heir of Slytherin was arriving at his ancestor's school once more.
The train came to a complete stop with a hiss of steam. We stepped out into the cool night air, joining the line of other first-years as an older, broad-shouldered wizard with a beard — the current groundskeeper — called for us to follow. He was not Hagrid, of course; this was decades before his time. The man's name, I later learned, was Bram Coyle, a gruff but kind wizard who smelled faintly of moss and pipe smoke.
"First years! This way! To the boats!" he barked, waving a lantern.
The path sloped downward, wet earth crunching beneath our shoes, until the trees opened up — and there it was. Hogwarts. The castle shimmered above the black glass of the lake, every tower lit with warm golden light. Even I had to pause for a moment, admiring the ancient architecture. The sight of it… it stirred something in me. Not awe, exactly — more like possession. As though the stones themselves were whispering, welcome home.
We boarded the boats in groups of four. I found myself seated beside Abraxas, Orion, and a timid girl with dark curls who wouldn't meet my eyes. As the boats began to move on their own, gliding silently across the surface, the castle grew larger and larger until it loomed over us like a living monument to magic itself.
When we reached the other side, Bram led us up to the great oak doors. Inside, the castle's entrance hall was even grander than I'd imagined — marble floors, ancient tapestries, and the faint hum of enchantments everywhere.
We were guided into the Great Hall, and gasps filled the air as hundreds of floating candles illuminated the four long tables filled with students. At the far end sat the staff table, with the Headmaster — Armando Dippet — standing to greet us.
"Welcome, first years!" he announced. "In a few moments, you will be sorted into your Houses. Your House will be like your family here at Hogwarts."
The Sorting Hat sat on a stool, ancient and wrinkled, its seams twitching as if in thought. One by one, names were called. Nervous first-years stepped forward, the Hat murmured, and cheers rose from the different tables. I waited patiently, silent, composed.
Finally — "Riddle, Tom!"
Whispers rippled through the hall. I stepped forward calmly, head held high. As the Hat was placed on my head, I heard its dry voice whisper in my mind.
"Hmm… interesting. Very interesting. Power… intelligence… ambition that burns brighter than most I've ever seen. You'd do great things anywhere — but greatness itself calls to you, doesn't it?"
"Yes," I thought back. "And I intend to answer it."
The Hat chuckled softly."No doubt. There's only one place for you then."
It shouted aloud —"SLYTHERIN!"
The table at the far left erupted in applause. Abraxas and Orion grinned as I walked over, taking my seat among my new Housemates. The silver and green banners shimmered above us, and I could almost feel Salazar's presence in the air — proud, approving.
The quest notification flickered faintly in my mind.
Quest Complete: Get Sorted into a House — Slytherin
Reward Gained:
Magic Master Talent (Acquired)
The Eye of Insight (Acquired)
Double Talent (Acquired)
Silver Tongue (Enhanced)
A slow smile spread across my face as the feast began. My power was growing, and this — this was only the beginning.
I was home.And soon, Hogwarts would remember the name Tom Marvolo Riddle — not as a boy — but as the heir who would surpass even Salazar himself.