The grey heir

The castle's interior was no less impressive than its towering silhouette. High vaulted ceilings arched overhead, torches floated without chains, and the air shimmered with the quiet hum of enchantments old as stone.

The first-years clustered just inside the entry hall, damp from mist and overwhelmed by grandeur. Footsteps echoed along the marble floor as a tall, regal witch approached, her tartan robes swirling as if stirred by unseen magic.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall said crisply. "You are about to be Sorted into your Houses. These Houses will be your family while you are here, and each has its own noble history. Please wait here until I return to collect you."

As she turned to leave, a voice piped up from the crowd.

"Professor!"

Hermione Granger stepped forward, her curls frizzing slightly in the damp air. Her eyes, wide behind earnest brows, darted toward Harry.

"There's a student here with a live snake," she said, half-whisper, half-accusation. "He brought it on the train!"

Several heads turned. A ripple of murmurs surged through the group.

Ron Weasley gave a loud snort. "Knew he was dodgy."

McGonagall turned, her eyes narrowing as she fixed them on Harry. "Is this true, Mr…?"

"Evan Blake," Harry said calmly. He stepped forward with deliberate poise. "Yes, Professor. I have a familiar—he is magical and bound, fully silenced unless otherwise commanded. I have documentation from Gringotts confirming his classification under the Ancient Familiar Accord."

He produced a folded piece of parchment, sealed in goblin wax. McGonagall took it with raised brows and scanned it quickly.

Tracey Davis remained silent, her expression unreadable as she glanced between Harry and McGonagall.

Daphne Greengrass stayed silent, her gaze steady but unreadable. Neither defended Harry aloud, but neither showed concern.

Professor McGonagall narrowed her eyes at Harry again. "Where did you acquire this familiar?"

"I found him at a pet shop in Diagon Alley," Harry replied smoothly. "We... connected. Gringotts later verified the magical bond and approved it under ancient familiar law."

"And it is bound?" she pressed.

"Yes, magically and contractually. It can neither harm nor act without my permission."

McGonagall studied him another moment. Then she gave the faintest nod. "Very well. But if there is a single breach of safety, I will revoke this permission immediately."

McGonagall folded the paper and returned it. "While unusual, this… does appear to be legally sound."

Her tone remained cool. "However, the familiar is not to be displayed. It must remain concealed at all times. You will not bring it into common rooms or classrooms without explicit permission. Is that understood?"

Harry inclined his head. "Perfectly, Professor."

McGonagall gave him one last assessing look—eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to read beneath his calm surface—then turned to Hermione.

"Miss Granger, thank you. Your concern is noted."

Hermione huffed but said nothing more. She shot Harry a sidelong glance, not of fear, but frustration.

"You should know," she muttered, "that creatures like that are dangerous."

Harry's voice was quiet. "Understanding is not the same as control, Miss Granger."

Hermione frowned, unsure if it was a reprimand or a philosophy.

"That doesn't make it right," she said stubbornly. "Even if it's legal, it's still reckless. Snakes aren't meant to be pets, not here!"

Before Harry could reply, a drawling voice cut through the air.

"Oh, please," said Draco Malfoy, lounging near the back of the group with Crabbe and Goyle flanking him. "Typical Muggleborn panic. You'd think someone who read all the books would know how wizarding law works."

Hermione flushed scarlet. "I am not panicking—"

"But you are embarrassing yourself," Draco added lazily. "Honestly, the magical world existed long before you stumbled into it. Maybe you should stop assuming you know everything."

Before more could be said, McGonagall returned with a nod. "It's time."

She turned on her heel and began to lead them deeper into the castle.

Harry followed, his steps measured, his mind sharper than ever.

The game had begun.

---

To be continued...