The Hogwarts Express finally pulled into the station, and Elias Blackthorn stood at the window, his gaze fixed on the landscape. The other first-years were bustling around, excited for the journey ahead, but Elias felt a sense of calm, of absolute control. This was his chance for a new life, and he knew that his future was in his hands. Every step he took from now on would be one he consciously guided.
Disembarking, Elias followed the group of first-years to the boats that would take them across the Black Lake. The castle's looming silhouette grew closer as they crossed the water. It was magnificent, with its towering spires and massive structure—an awe-inspiring sight that made his heart quicken with anticipation. There was no fear, only the promise of what he would accomplish here.
When they reached the shore, the first-years were led into the Great Hall, and the Sorting Ceremony began. Elias stood among the students, waiting for his name to be called. As he looked around, he saw the other nervous faces, but he felt nothing but confidence. This was the beginning of his journey, and he was ready for it.
The Sorting Hat was placed upon his head, and it seemed to settle there for longer than it had for anyone else. The Hat's voice echoed in his mind.
"Ah, another Blackthorn, a name with great ambition," the Hat mused. "You're no stranger to power, are you? Your heart desires control, to shape the world around you... but your mind is sharp, clever, and resourceful. Yes, Slytherin would be a perfect fit for you."
"Slytherin," the Hat finally announced, and Elias nodded to himself. The decision was clear. He had already chosen this path before even stepping foot into the Hall.
Walking to the Slytherin table with a steady gait, Elias could feel the weight of the House's legacy. His new family was full of potential, and he was eager to make his mark.
As the feast began, Elias surveyed the room. Draco Malfoy sat nearby, his eyes already sizing up the other students. There was a sense of arrogance in his gaze, but Elias saw through that—Draco's future was uncertain, like many others, and it would be interesting to see how he grew over the years. For now, Elias had no interest in forming alliances with anyone.
His eyes briefly met Harry Potter's, who was seated with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The Boy Who Lived looked at ease, chatting with his friends, oblivious to the rest of the room. Elias felt no particular inclination toward Harry—he wasn't here to follow anyone's story. Harry's fame didn't mean anything to him.
Professor Quirrell stood up nervously to introduce himself as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. His stutter was almost unbearable, and Elias felt a fleeting sense of amusement. Quirrell didn't seem like a strong teacher—nothing special—but that wasn't his concern. The Philosopher's Stone, however, was a different matter. Quirrell's incompetence would likely make his lessons a joke, which was a potential advantage for those who knew how to use it.
The tension in the room was palpable as Professor Snape, the Potions Master, turned his gaze toward Elias. Snape's eyes narrowed as he studied him, sensing something about Elias that didn't quite fit the usual profile of a first-year student. Elias did not flinch, though. He was no ordinary student, and Snape's suspicion would only grow in the days to come.
Dumbledore, sitting at the staff table, watched the room with his usual twinkling eyes, but Elias could feel the weight of his gaze, too. The Headmaster was always alert, always observing. Elias didn't know what Dumbledore thought of him, but he could sense that Dumbledore had already taken a keen interest.
The usual warnings about the third-floor corridor and the forbidden door passed by Elias's ears without much thought. He knew well enough what lay beyond, though he had no immediate plans to explore it. The Philosopher's Stone was a powerful artifact, one that could greatly increase a wizard's power. That was something Elias kept in the back of his mind—he would secure it when the time was right, but for now, he had more pressing goals. Power was a tool, and he would wield it carefully.
Elias's magical power was unlike that of the average first-year student. His control over his mana was impressive, his talent in magic far above the norm. It was as though his affinity for magic had been honed by years of study and dedication, but this was the first time he had experienced such abilities in this new life. He would continue to nurture and grow his skills in secret, for now, but one day, others would see his potential.
Later, after the feast, the students were escorted to their respective common rooms. Elias made his way to the Slytherin common room with a clear sense of purpose. There was much to be done, and this was only the beginning of his path. The days ahead would bring new challenges, new opportunities. And Elias would be ready.