The night air outside Hogwarts was crisp, but inside Slughorn's private gathering room, warmth and chatter mingled with the scent of aged wine, fresh pastries, and the faint tang of potion ingredients. I entered alongside Abraxas and Orion, my wand neatly tucked away in my robes. Slughorn's broad smile lit up the room before I even reached the table.
"Ah, Tom! My boy, welcome! Right on time!" he boomed, clapping me on the shoulder. "You simply must meet everyone. Some of the most talented young wizards in the school, all gathered in one room! And, of course, the finest brains Slytherin has produced."
I inclined my head politely, a faint smile playing at the corners of my lips. "Thank you, Professor. It's an honor to be here."
Slughorn's eyes gleamed. "The honor is mine, my boy. You'll see, everyone here has… unique gifts."
I followed his wave, and immediately the room became a whirlwind of introductions.
"Tom Riddle, I presume?" a sharp voice cut through. It belonged to Vincent Crabbe, one of the older Slytherins I had already noted. His expression was wary, but the subtle bow of his head betrayed recognition of status.
"Yes," I said smoothly, extending a hand. "And you are?"
"Crabbe," he muttered, shaking my hand half-heartedly. "Heard a lot about you."
I gave a small, knowing smile. "I hope it's all good things."
Across the table, Eileen Prince and Tobias Prince leaned in, whispering and observing me carefully. I returned their gaze with calm intensity, letting my silver tongue do the work.
"Professor Slughorn speaks very highly of your talents," I said casually. "I hope I can learn from some of you as well."
"Oh, you'll learn plenty," Tobias said, a smirk tugging at his lips. "But perhaps I'll be teaching you a thing or two before the night's over."
I inclined my head, giving the faintest smile. "I'd welcome the challenge."
Slughorn clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention. "Now, now! Let's have some conversation, shall we? Who's brewing what? Any interesting discoveries? I want stories, my dears!"
I took the opportunity to chat with him privately for a moment, leaning slightly closer. "Professor, I've been experimenting with combining some of the potion techniques you mentioned in your notes. Stabilizing reactions between Amortentia and certain charm-infused ingredients has been… enlightening."
Slughorn's eyes practically sparkled. "Tom, my boy, you are extraordinary! Most students wouldn't even attempt such complex mixtures. And here you are, brewing like a master alchemist. You must show me the results sometime soon."
"I'd be delighted," I said, letting my smile convey both respect and subtle charm. "Perhaps I can even share a few refinements I've discovered."
Slughorn's laughter echoed through the room. "Oh, Tom, I do hope you will. You and I could make quite the team, you know."
Meanwhile, I noticed Abraxas Malfoy and Orion Black engaging quietly with other members. Abraxas was discussing dueling strategies with Demetrius Nott and Edward Lestrange, while Orion casually leaned in, exchanging magical theory with Amelia Fawley and Odella Greengrass.
I allowed myself a small smirk. Everything was proceeding exactly as I intended. My allies, my recruits, the foundation of influence I was building… each subtle interaction a thread woven into a network I controlled.
At the table, the conversation shifted.
"I've been working on a charm that can manipulate shadows," Odella said, her voice clear. "It's tricky, but if you can master it, it can be incredibly useful in dueling."
I tilted my head thoughtfully. "Shadow manipulation… fascinating. I'd love to see it in action. Perhaps we could practice together sometime?" My tone was polite, encouraging, yet carried the weight of subtle authority.
Odella nodded eagerly. "I'd like that. You'd probably improve it too."
"Yes, perhaps," I replied smoothly. "Sharing knowledge only strengthens all of us, doesn't it?"
As the night progressed, I circulated the room, engaging in small conversations with almost everyone.
With Anne Rozier, I discussed methods of combining charm and potion for defensive enchantments.
With Walburga Black, I listened to her ideas for magical dueling, offering a few hints of optimization that impressed her.
Even Crabbe, initially wary, warmed slightly as I complimented his dueling style, emphasizing technique over brute strength.
Throughout it all, Slughorn remained at my side, beaming with pride. "Tom, my boy, you have a way with people — so polite, yet commanding. Remarkable! Truly remarkable!"
"I've had excellent teachers," I said, letting my charm work its subtle magic. "And I enjoy learning from those who are talented as well."
Slughorn laughed. "Ah! That's exactly why I've always said — the students you associate with define your future. And you, Tom… well, you've already chosen well."
By the end of the evening, everyone had been drawn into conversation, and I had subtly assessed every single member of the club. Their talents, ambitions, and personalities were now cataloged in my mind, ready for later use.
I could see the beginnings of influence — the soft admiration of older students, the quiet awe of peers, and the unwavering devotion of my friends.
As we prepared to leave, Slughorn leaned in close, lowering his voice. "Tom, my boy, you must keep attending. You're… different from the others. Extraordinary. Keep cultivating this talent — you'll go far, far beyond Hogwarts if you continue on this path."
I inclined my head politely, letting a faint smile linger. "Thank you, Professor. I intend to make the most of it."
And as I stepped out into the cold night air, I allowed myself a small, private thought:
Everyone in that room would be useful someday. And I would ensure that when the time came, they followed me willingly.
The web was growing. The network was strengthening. And the first seeds of my empire were quietly, perfectly taking root.