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Chapter 57 - Chapter 57 — The Fourth Year Begins

The Hogwarts Express chugged steadily through the crisp autumn landscape, and I sat alone in my compartment, wand across my lap, fingers tapping absentmindedly. The events of the summer — the forging of my new wand, the creation of the amulet, the bracelet, and all the other artifacts — still pulsed in my mind like electric fire. Every time I closed my eyes, I could feel the power humming through my veins, waiting to be tested.

I glanced out the window as the countryside blurred past, thinking of what this year would bring. Fourth year meant new students, new teachers, and new opportunities. More importantly, it meant more power.

A sudden chime echoed in my mind.

Ding!Host has begun the fourth year at Hogwarts.Reward: Adaptive Combat Mastery.Effect: Your body automatically adapts to any physical or magical attack, allowing near-perfect evasion and countering techniques.

I smirked. "Perfect," I muttered. "This will make training with my Death Eaters even more efficient."

As the train approached Hogwarts Station, I stood and collected my belongings. My trunk — already enchanted with expansion spells — carried all my books, potions, artifacts, and spell scrolls. I waved to the conductor and slipped off the train, crossing Platform 9¾ with my usual air of confidence.

The castle loomed ahead, its turrets crowned with early morning mist. I could already feel the currents of magic emanating from the school, stronger than ever. It almost felt like the castle itself recognized my return.

Upon entering, the Sorting Hat ceremony awaited — though, with my status as the Heir of Slytherin and the dominance I already held over the house, there was little doubt where I would sit.

I walked through the halls with Abraxas Malfoy and Orion Black at my side. "Ready for another year of bending magic to our will?" I asked, my eyes glinting with anticipation.

Abraxas chuckled. "With you leading? Always."

Orion smirked. "Just don't start reshaping the entire castle again… at least not yet."

I ignored him with a small smile. "Patience. That comes later."

Once in the Great Hall, the usual chatter of students filled the air. First-years looked wide-eyed, but I paid them no mind. I made a mental note to start observing the new Slytherins immediately — their magical potential, their talents, their weaknesses. This year, my influence would extend even further.

After a few pleasantries with professors, I slipped into the Slytherin common room. The Prefects were already gathered, but it didn't take long for them to bow slightly in acknowledgment of my presence. I allowed a small smile. The House of Slytherin is mine to shape.

"First day," I said to Abraxas and Orion. "Let's start testing what the new students can do. I want to know exactly who's worth recruiting."

Orion raised an eyebrow. "Already thinking about expanding the ranks?"

"Of course," I replied. "We're not just maintaining power. We're building it. And this year, we'll accelerate faster than ever."

By the time the first lesson rolled around, I had already mapped out my plan:

Identify promising students.

Begin subtle recruitment into the Slytherin faction.

Train my Death Eaters and newer recruits simultaneously.

Test my new wand, bracelet, and amulet in controlled dueling exercises.

Push my magical limits further, especially with ancient magic and experimental curses.

This year wasn't just about learning — it was about becoming unstoppable.

And as I walked down the corridor toward my first Potions class with Slughorn, I knew — this fourth year would be the year that Hogwarts truly recognized what the Heir of Slytherin was capable of.

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