Chapter 19: 'At Hogwarts”

Chapter 19: “At Hogwarts”

Life at Hogwarts began with a sense of fulfillment for Matthew.

The routine of the Slytherin common room, the auditorium, the classrooms, and the library provided stability, allowing him to forget the trouble of the past and the existence of the mysterious book.

Despite the eccentricities of some Hogwarts teachers, Matthew found most of them to be good-hearted individuals, at least based on those he had encountered so far.

However, there was one exception; Apollyon Pringle, The caretaker of Hogwarts. Pringle is a large, temperamental man known for punishing students who make mistakes. Rumors circulated that his office ceiling was adorned with chains, handcuffs, and leather whips polished by his own hand.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

Needless to say, every student hates Mr. Pringle.

Mr. Pringle had a dog named Mr. Donald, which amused Matthew when he first heard the name. This sturdy golden retriever patrolled the corridors of Hogwarts with an air of haughtiness, stopping any students who broke the rules and ensuring they stayed in place until Mr. Pringle arrived.

Mr. Donaldknew the secret passages of Hogwarts better than any student and was intimately familiar with the castles layout. As long as Matthew stayed out of Mr. Pringle and Mr. Donalds sight, he had mostly positive memories of his time at Hogwarts.

Among the Professors, Bathilda Bagshot stood out as the teacher of History of Magic. Despite her old age, rumored to be around two hundred years old, Professor Bagshots memory remained sharp. She effortlessly recalled past historical events, presenting them as interesting anecdotes rather than dull lessons.

However, Matthew felt lonely despite attending class with his Slytherin and Gryffindor peers. Among the five boys in the Slytherin dorm room, Crabbe and Goyle were loyal followers of Draco, while Knott had a close relationship with them.

Matthew couldnt pinpoint the exact reason for this, nor did he particularly care. He focused on his textbooks instead, One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi and Magical Drafts and Potions All the while, he set up his workspace with the pewter cauldron, brass scale, and crystal vials.

Before Professor Horace Slughorn even made an appearance, his rotund belly preceded him, followed by his walrus-like mustache trembling on his smiling mouth as he greeted the students. This was Matthews first encounter with the head of the house of Slytherin in a classroom.

Like Professor Trocar, Professor Slughorn began calling out the names from the class roster. However, when he reached Neville Longbottom from Gryffindor and Draco Malfoy from Slytherin, he paused and enthusiastically greeted the boys.

Matthew remembered what Miss Gemma said about Professor Slughorn, mentioning that he preferred students with prominent family backgrounds or outstanding talents.

It seemed that both of them fell into one of those categories.

However, before we begin the class properly I have prepared a few potions to astound your senses. Before you embark on creating your own concoctions, let me give you a taste of the magical wonders to come! Professor Slughorn said in a mysterious tone.

Intrigued, Matthew leaned forward, eager to experience the enchanting potions that awaited them. The classroom fell silent as everyone awaited Professor Slughorns revelation.