Chapter 49: Departure

The Slytherin Brotherhood's reserve student group broke tradition to admit Sean, a first-year, for three reasons. First, they admired his talent and growing influence. Second, they owed him gratitude for clinching the seventh House Cup, a feat that boosted their futures. Third, the Bulstrode family's clout loomed large.

These students knew about Sean's clash with Malfoy early in the year. They'd heard how Gideon swept into Hogwarts to smooth things over, erasing the incident's fallout. At first, they assumed Sean was just a minor player in the Bulstrode family. But a seventh-year, returning from an outing, spotted Gideon with Jason's father in Hogsmeade. Recalling Sean's pure-blood duel with Jason, they pieced together clues. Sean's status in the family was far weightier than they'd thought.

In the wizarding world, investments hinged on potential. If there was a chance for gain, it was worth the risk. Sean was a bet they couldn't ignore.

Sean saw through their motives but welcomed the opportunity. The Slytherin Brotherhood's reserve group was his stepping stone to power, a way to build influence beyond his grandfather's reach. He joined with a clear-eyed grin.

The welcome ceremony was brief. They chatted, sipped goblets of sparkling pumpkin wine, and dispersed. With departure day looming, everyone wanted an early night.

Sean and Samuel lingered, trailing the sixth- and seventh-years who left first. As they walked through the common room's green glow, Samuel said, "Sean, next year, the seventh-years will graduate, and the sixth-years will focus on their NEWT exams. We'll need to work together to keep this group running smoothly."

Sean caught the hint. Samuel was signaling shared responsibility. Smiling, Sean replied, "I'm new here and just a second-year next term. I've got the Potions Club and studies to juggle. If big decisions come up, I'll need you seniors to guide me. With your help, I won't mess things up."

Irina's eyes lit up with a bright smile. "Don't worry," she said, her tone warm but serious. "Samuel and I have two years left at Hogwarts. We'll back you up as much as we can."

Smart people didn't need to spell everything out. In their polite exchange, Sean, Samuel, and Irina had sealed a deal for the next two years.

In short, Sean would side with Samuel and Irina, ensuring their trio held three votes in the group. In return, they'd help him build influence within the organization, strengthening his voice. This also served Samuel and Irina, securing their own sway.

The reserve group, though informal, wielded real power. It oversaw prefect selections, organizing competitions or trials before submitting names to Snape. Sean's plan was to leverage this group to connect with the full Slytherin Brotherhood, gradually carving out his own power base.

Back in his dormitory, Sean chatted with Blaise, swapping holiday contact details. Then he prepared for bed, the dungeon's chill seeping through the walls.

Before turning in, Sean checked on Kulkan. The creature was nestled in its charmed nest, still drowsy despite June's warmth. Thankfully, Kulkan's sleepiness wasn't constant. Each day, it woke for a bit, gobbling food, slurping water, and nuzzling Sean for attention, purring under his touch. Satisfied Kulkanwas fine, Sean let it snooze.

The next morning, Sean jolted awake to a crash outside—trunks slamming, voices buzzing. Departure day had students bustling with excitement, up at dawn despite their usual love for sleeping in.

Sighing, Sean gave up on sleep and packed. Like at term's start, he bundled his belongings, leaving the rest to Hogwarts' house-elves. Kulkan, awake and playful, slithered up his sleeve, curling against his arm. Sean opened the door, found Blaise, and headed to the Great Hall for breakfast, the castle alive with chatter.

"Sean, straight to Beauxbatons after you get back?" Blaise asked, munching toast.

Sean didn't hide his plans. "Yeah, I'll ride the Hogwarts Express to Platform 9¾, then meet someone my grandfather arranged to take me to Beauxbatons."

"Do you speak their language?" Blaise asked, raising an eyebrow.

Sean paused, then shook his head. "Nope, don't know it. But if Gideon's sending me, he's probably got a way to handle that. I'm not going just to learn a language."

Sean's thoughts drifted. He recalled that Lucius Malfoy wanted to send that useless Draco to Durmstrang. The language in Durmstrang's region wasn't English, and Sean doubted Draco had mastered it. There had to be a spell or charm to bridge the gap, letting students settle in while learning the local tongue.

After breakfast, the students left Hogwarts in groups, riding Thestral-drawn carriages to Hogsmeade Station. The Thestrals' eerie, skeletal forms glided silently, unnerving some first-years. At the station, they boarded the Hogwarts Express, its scarlet engine puffing steam.

As the train chugged toward London, Sean flipped through Gideon's notes, their cryptic runes sparking ideas for his Beauxbatons stay. When the train halted at Platform 9¾, he closed the notebook and stepped off with Blaise.

Mrs. Zabini, elegant and poised, approached with a warm smile. "You must be Sean," she said, opening her arms.

Sean returned her hug. "Hello, Mrs. Zabini. I'm Sean."

"Thank you for looking after Blaise at school," she said. "Come visit us during the holidays, if you have time."

"Definitely, if I get the chance," Sean replied, nodding.

Blaise waved goodbye, leaving with his mother. Sean lingered on the platform, scanning the crowd. Soon, a man in his thirties, sporting black-framed glasses and a neatly pressed robe, approached with Jason at his side. Sean's gut told him they were his escort to Beauxbatons.