When I was outside, I hurried over to the Floo Network entrance my father and I had used earlier, whispering to my snake, "I'll get you some water soon. Just a few more minutes."
The snake looked at me for a moment before slithering sadly. "Okay… sorry."
I felt my heart clench with guilt for making him sad. "Don't be sorry. I'll make sure you never go thirsty again!" I promised with determination as I rushed toward the fireplace.
Once I reached the Floo, I spoke my home's name while dropping the powder. In an instant, I opened my eyes to see our living room, where my mother was relaxing in her favorite chair, reading a book. She looked up and sprang from her seat to embrace me.
"Welcome home, Lucas!" she cheered, pulling me into a tight hug.
I returned her embrace with a small smile. I loved my parents, but we never saw eye to eye on the things I truly believed in. I had hidden my real thoughts ever since that night—an experience that opened my eyes and made me question everything they had taught me. Hierarchy, pureblood superiority, right and wrong… that night, I had decided to form my own beliefs, though I always kept quiet, pretending to agree with them.
"Did you manage to find everything? Did any filthy Mudblood give you trouble? You were gone for so long!" My mother fussed over me, inspecting me as if I had been attacked.
"I'm fine, Mother. It just took Ollivander a while to find the right wand for me." I gently pushed her back to get some air, then began moving my school supplies to my room.
"Oh! Let me see it!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands excitedly as she sat back down.
I took out my wand, knowing she wouldn't be able to sense what was inside it—only that it contained unicorn hair. Horned Serpent cores are so rare that nobody would recognize one unless they had felt its magic before.
I handed the wand to her, watching as she examined it. The wood's colors churned and shifted in my hand but remained still in hers.
While she was lost in admiration, I took the chance to slip away and head to my room. Once inside, I placed my belongings on my desk and called out, "Nalby!"
With a soft pop, our house-elf appeared beside me, beaming. "Yes, Master?"
"Can I get a glass of water?"
Nalby nodded eagerly and, within seconds, handed me a refreshing glass of water.
"Thank you," I said. He disappeared with a wide smile, pleased to be of service.
As soon as he was gone, I quickly opened my cauldron and took out my pet. "Sorry, little buddy… Is this enough?" I asked, pouring the water into his empty bowl.
Val slithered over and flicked his tongue at the water before diving in happily. "I like this!" he chirped, splashing around.
I smiled and pulled out a small notepad and pen, eager to document what he said. He spoke like a child, which made me wonder if he was still young. That meant I might not learn much about his species from him, but I could learn with him.
"Do you have a name?" I asked.
Still playing in the water, Val responded cheerfully, "No! I never got one. I was told that whoever brought me home would give me one. Can you!?"
I grinned, thinking carefully. I wanted a name that suited him. Then, an idea struck me.
"Valdemar. Val for short."
The little black snake paused, considering it. Then, he wriggled with excitement. "Valdemar is my name… I like it! My name is Valdemar! You can call me Val!"
I chuckled, thrilled to have made such a unique friend.
The Next Morning
It was already time to leave for my first day at Hogwarts. I had packed all my things the night before, staying up late with Val and Nalby to create better-tasting food pellets.
I had also made sure to keep Val hidden from everyone except Nalby, whom I trusted. Unless my father specifically ordered him to speak the full truth, Nalby could provide half-truths to protect me and Val.
Last night, I also made a surprising discovery: the reason I could understand Val wasn't because he was special—it was me. I was a Parselmouth.
The revelation shocked me at first, but I quickly grew excited. Speaking Parseltongue meant I might be able to communicate with other magical serpents in the future.
More importantly, I had learned Val's preferences. He liked raw food more than cooked, could only tolerate meat, and barely licked fruits or vegetables. His absolute favorite food was fish—especially when finely chopped into small balls for easy swallowing.
However, I couldn't carry raw fish with me, so I had to find a way to preserve it. After some trial and error, I realized that deep-frying the fish balls for a few minutes sealed in the freshness while keeping the scent contained. Val approved of my method, and I felt our bond grow stronger.
Now, as I stood in my Hogwarts robes, Val was coiled around my left arm, hidden beneath my sleeve. I had to bring him, despite the rules. Owls, cats, and toads? That's it? Why not anything else? Do they think students are too incompetent to care for other creatures?
I shook off my frustration as my parents said their goodbyes.
My mother was first, engulfing me in another tight hug as she sniffled. "Make sure you eat plenty at Hogwarts. Their food is good, so don't be afraid to request what you want. Study hard. Make lots of friends." She would have kept going if my father hadn't placed a hand on her shoulder.
She let me go reluctantly, dabbing at her eyes.
My father's farewell was shorter, yet heavier in expectation. He placed a firm hand on my shoulder and said, "Be the best. Those Mudbloods don't hold a candle to you. I'm sure you'll do fine."
We exchanged serious nods.
Then, I turned toward the barrier. "Make sure to send letters when we write!" my mother called as I ran through Platform 9 ¾.
I sighed, preparing myself for my first year at Hogwarts.
I knew I had to be sorted into Slytherin to avoid suspicion. I knew I couldn't make real friends who shared my parents' ideology. But I also knew I'd have to fake it—fake friendships, fake loyalty—until I was finally free.
Seven years. Just seven years, and I'll be free.
With that thought, I stepped onto the red steam train.
Students bustled around me, already grouped into friend circles, laughing and chatting. I made my way to an empty cabin, relieved to be alone.
As the train lurched forward, I cracked open my copy of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, grinning at the fascinating creatures inside. Val peeked at the pages, curious.
Flipping through, I landed on Basilisks, which immediately captured Val's attention. He stared at the illustration as I read aloud.
"From how dangerous they are, I can see why they don't explain how to create one. But what makes them evil? The fact that they can kill? What about dragons? Maybe they just don't want thirty wizards running around creating Basilisks willy-nilly… definitely not students."
I scoffed at my own thoughts and turned the page, moving on to Billywigs.
The train continued its journey, carrying me toward a future I wasn't sure I was ready for.
But ready or not—Hogwarts awaited.