The first week back at Hogwarts began with a familiar hum of magic in the air. I walked through the stone corridors of the castle with a purposeful stride, Abraxas and Orion flanking me. Their eyes followed me as I scanned the halls, not just for new students but for potential allies. Every Slytherin, every curious second-year, every talented first-year — they were pieces on my chessboard.
As we entered the Slytherin common room, I raised a hand, and the flickering green firelight of the fireplace seemed to respond to my will. "Gather around," I said. My voice was calm but carried a weight that made even older students stop and glance. "This year, we expand. We train harder. And we recruit those worthy of joining us. Step up, or step aside."
Abraxas smirked. "Always straight to business, Tom."
I shrugged. "I have no time for frivolity. If we want to control magic, we need loyalty, skill, and power. All three are non-negotiable."
Potions Class with Slughorn
First up was Potions with Slughorn. I strode into the classroom, wand and notebook at the ready. He greeted me with a broad smile, clearly delighted to see his prodigy back.
"Ah, Tom, just in time! I was hoping to see what you could do with this year's material," Slughorn said, his eyes glinting.
I set my things down, pulling out a vial of my latest magical elixir. "I thought we could try something advanced today. Perhaps a restorative potion combined with magical enhancement properties."
Slughorn's eyebrows shot up. "Ah! Ambitious as ever! I like it. Proceed."
Within minutes, I had brewed a potion that not only restored magical energy but also temporarily enhanced spell precision. Slughorn clapped his hands in delight. "Extraordinary! I daresay even some older students would struggle to match this."
Abraxas leaned over, whispering, "You're making everyone look like amateurs, Tom."
I smirked. "That's the point."
By the end of the class, I had earned extra house points and Slughorn's personal admiration once again. He even invited me to assist him in organizing an advanced potion seminar for select students — a perfect opportunity to subtly recruit new talent.
First Transfiguration Lessons with Dumbledore
Next, Transfiguration with Dumbledore. The moment I entered the classroom, I noticed his gaze lingered on me longer than usual — part curiosity, part wariness, I suspected.
"Ah, Tom," he said, voice calm but firm. "I hope you're ready for more complex transformations. Today, we explore multi-step transfigurations — transformations that combine both animate and inanimate subjects."
I gave a polite nod. "Of course, Professor."
While the rest of the students struggled with simple beetle-to-button transformations, I worked through multiple-step sequences, converting a beetle into a miniature mechanical bird, its wings flapping smoothly. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "Impressive. Truly. Your control is… remarkable."
I simply inclined my head. "Thank you, Professor."
After class, Dumbledore approached me quietly. "Tom, I would like to discuss a few advanced transfiguration concepts with you — privately, if you have time."
"Of course," I replied smoothly. A small grin crossed my face. Perfect opportunity to learn more without alerting the rest of the school to my abilities.
Training My Lieutenants in the Room of Requirement
By midweek, I had led Abraxas, Orion, and my current Death Eaters to the Room of Requirement for an extended training session. I had already upgraded the room: it contained multiple dueling areas, magical target dummies, and potion brewing stations.
"Alright," I said, pacing in front of them. "This week, we focus on combat efficiency and control. You will learn to combine magical offense, defense, and environmental awareness. And no holding back — I want results."
We started with shield charms and basic disarmament techniques. When I saw them struggling with timing, I enhanced their training using my Wizard King talent — boosting their learning by 60% for the session.
Abraxas, grinning, whispered, "I feel like I'm absorbing spells just by looking at you."
"Good," I said. "That's the effect. Now, try this," I cast a silent, multi-directional hex at them, forcing them to dodge, counter, and deflect simultaneously. By the end of the session, they were drenched in sweat but visibly stronger.
I moved on to offensive spells — teaching Fiendfyre manipulation, shield-breaking hexes, and my own perfected variations of the Killing Curse. They were hesitant at first, but under my guidance, they quickly adapted.
"Remember," I said, pacing, "control is everything. Power without precision is useless."
Orion nodded. "Understood. It's… exhausting, but effective."
"Good," I replied. "By the end of this year, I want every one of you capable of facing a sixth-year duel alone — and winning."
Evening Observations and Recruitment
As the first week drew to a close, I sat alone in the Slytherin common room, my eyes scanning the magical potential of every student using Eye of Insight. Some had raw power, others cunning, and a few were pureblood with strong magical heritage.
"This year, we expand," I murmured. "Slytherin first, but others later. If I'm to secure the future of wizardkind, I'll need every advantage possible."
A soft voice broke my thoughts. "Tom?" It was Abraxas, stepping quietly beside me.
"Yes?" I replied without looking up.
"Do you ever… worry? About Dumbledore?"
I paused, considering. "He is powerful. He is intelligent. But I have the advantage of preparation. Knowledge. Strategy. And my allies. I will not defeat him in a single year, but by the time I face him, I will be ready."
Abraxas nodded, clearly reassured. "Good. Because if anyone can, it's you."
I finally looked at him, a small smile forming. "Exactly. Now, get some rest. Tomorrow, we train harder."
As I settled in, I could already feel the gears of my plan turning, faster than ever. This year wasn't just about survival or learning. It was about domination. And I would not fail.