Chapter 7: First Year at Hogwarts is Done.

After the 'Malfoy Incident,' Vincent quickly settled into a routine at Hogwarts. Each day began with an early morning run around the castle grounds. He couldn't actually start working out until his body hit puberty in about two or three years, but the cool morning air was invigorating, and the solitude gave him time to think and plan. After his run, he would head back to the Slytherin common room to shower and change into his school robes, ready to face another day of classes.

In the common room, he usually hung out with Zabini before classes. Malfoy and his goons avoided him like the plague.

The Hogwarts curriculum was rigorous, but Vincent thrived on the challenge. He was always ahead of his classmates, thanks to his eidetic memory and disciplined study habits. His days were filled with a mix of Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and other subjects. He also kept up with his 'normal' studies when he had a free period, but he didn't need to try that hard since he still remembered most of the subjects from his first life.

Vincent's interactions with his classmates and teachers were carefully calculated. He was friendly but not overly so, always maintaining a certain distance. This aloofness intrigued some students and intimidated others. His intelligence and skill in magic quickly earned him the respect of his peers and the favor of his teachers, particularly Professor Snape.

His classmates, especially Blaise Zabini, often sought his help with their studies. One evening in the common room, Blaise approached Vincent with a question about their latest Transfiguration assignment.

"Vincent, can you help me with this?" Blaise asked, holding up his notes. "I can't seem to get the hang of turning a teapot into a tortoise."

Vincent nodded and spent the next hour patiently explaining the principles behind the spell, demonstrating the wand movements, and correcting Blaise's technique. By the end of their session, Blaise was successfully transforming the teapot, albeit shakily.

"Thanks, Vincent," Blaise said, grinning. "I owe you one."

"Don't mention it," Vincent replied with a small smile.

---

One night at the Astronomy Tower was eerily quiet as Professor Sinistra concluded her lecture on the phases of the moon. The night sky was clear, stars twinkling brilliantly against the dark canvas, creating the perfect backdrop for their practical observations. Students began pairing off, adjusting their telescopes and consulting star charts.

"Vincent, you'll be with Daphne Greengrass," Professor Sinistra announced, her voice cutting through the murmur of the class.

Vincent nodded, gathering his notes and heading over to Daphne. She was already adjusting the telescope, her movements precise and efficient. Daphne Greengrass was known for her cool demeanor and sharp intellect, traits Vincent respected.

"Ready?" Vincent asked, setting his notes on the table.

Daphne glanced up, her eyes meeting his briefly before she returned to her task. "Yes. Let's start with the Mare Imbrium region of the moon. It's the most visible tonight."

Vincent admired her choice and nodded in agreement. They worked in silence, occasionally exchanging technical remarks about the positioning and observations. Their efficiency and mutual understanding made the task go smoothly.

Once they had recorded all necessary data, Professor Sinistra dismissed the class. Students began packing up their equipment and heading back to their respective common rooms.

Vincent and Daphne found themselves walking together through the dimly lit corridors of the castle, their footsteps echoing softly against the stone walls.

"Good work tonight," Vincent said, breaking the silence. "You're very precise with the telescope."

Daphne glanced at him, a small smile playing on her lips. "Thank you. You're quite skilled yourself. Not many first-years can identify lunar maria so quickly."

Vincent shrugged modestly. "I've always had a knack for details. Comes in handy."

They continued walking in silence for a few moments, the sounds of distant chatter from other students fading as they descended deeper into the castle. The cool air of the dungeons greeted them as they neared the entrance to the Slytherin common room.

"So, Vincent," Daphne began, her tone more casual, "how are you finding Hogwarts so far? It must be quite different from the Muggle world."

Vincent considered his response carefully. "It's... interesting. There's so much to learn, and the magic here is far beyond anything I imagined. But it's also challenging, trying to fit in and keep up. But it is disappointing how backwards the wizarding world is. Still, quills, really? Among other things too."

Daphne nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I might be biased since I've always lived in this world and don't know how to compare between the two. Still, you've adapted well, though. Top marks in most classes, and you don't seem fazed by much."

Vincent chuckled softly. "I've had to adapt quickly. It's how I've always been. And you? You seem to handle everything with ease."

Daphne's smile widened slightly. "Appearances can be deceiving. It's not always easy, but I've been raised to handle pressure and expectations. It helps to stay focused and not let distractions get in the way."

Vincent found himself appreciating her candidness. "Wise advice. It's something I try to live by as well."

They reached the entrance to the Slytherin common room. Daphne paused, turning to face Vincent. "If you ever need a study partner or someone to practice spells with, let me know. I think we could learn a lot from each other."

Vincent was mildly surprised but pleased by the offer. "Thank you, I'll keep that in mind, Daphne. Same to you. Maybe I can help you understand the 'Muggle' world better."

With a final nod, they entered the common room, the green and silver décor casting a familiar glow. Vincent watched as Daphne went to the girls' dorms. He knew that building alliances was crucial, and Daphne Greengrass seemed like a valuable ally. With that, Vincent went to his room, ready to sleep.

---

Despite his successes, Vincent yearned for a place where he could practice more advanced spells without drawing attention. He remembered that Hogwarts had the Room of Requirement.

He spent several nights wandering the seventh-floor corridor, focusing his thoughts on what he needed: a private space to practice advanced magic. Finally, one evening, a door materialized on the blank wall. Vincent's heart raced as he stepped inside.

The Room of Requirement was everything he had hoped for. It was spacious, with high ceilings and walls lined with shelves of books and magical artifacts. There was a large, open area perfect for practicing spells and even a cozy corner with a desk and comfortable chair for studying.

Vincent wasted no time making use of the room. He spent hours practicing spells he had read about but couldn't perform in front of others, like the Unforgivables. His progress was rapid, and he relished the freedom to experiment without fear of being caught. The room also contained books on advanced magic, many of which were not available in the Hogwarts library.

Vincent was also thinking about something that he had been missing since he woke up in this new world... his guns and knives. He would need to get one, especially when next year there's a basilisk roaming around. If the gun would work on Hogwarts property is something that he will need to test. Next year will be very interesting.

As the school year drew to a close, the events played out exactly like in the movies, and Hogwarts was abuzz with excitement and gossip. The house points were tallied, and the final feast was just around the corner. Despite the challenges and distractions, Vincent had managed to maintain top marks in all his classes. His efforts were rewarded when Dumbledore awarded the final house points.

"To Mr. Vincent Van Doren, The best first year student this year" Dumbledore announced, his eyes twinkling as he looked over his half-moon spectacles, "for his exceptional academic achievements and contributions to Slytherin House, I award fifty points."

The Slytherin table erupted in cheers, and Vincent allowed himself a small smile. It was a significant achievement, and he knew it would cement his position within the house.

Of course that smile didn't last long as Dumbledore gave Gryffindor an insane amount of points that allowed them to take the lead and the House Cup.

---

On the train ride back home, Vincent sat with Blaise and Daphne, who had become friends over the year. They talked about their plans for the summer and what they looked forward to in their second year.

"So, Vincent," Daphne said, leaning forward, "what are your plans for the summer?"

"I'll be taking an exam next week so I can keep up with my normal education. After that, I will rest for a bit and then probably start on the next year's curriculum," Vincent replied.

Blaise chuckled. "Of course you do. You never stop, do you?"

Vincent shrugged, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "There's always something new to learn."

By the time the Hogwarts Express pulled into King's Cross Station, Vincent felt a sense of accomplishment. He had not only survived his first year but had thrived in ways he had anticipated. As he stepped off the train and saw his grandparents waiting, he knew that his journey was just beginning.

"Welcome back, Vincent," his grandmother said, her tone still formal but with a hint of warmth.

"Thank you, Grandmother," Vincent replied, his voice steady. "It's good to be home."

As they drove back to the manor, Vincent's mind was already racing with plans for the future. He had a second chance at life, and he intended to make the most of it. The wizarding world's ignorance would be their downfall and his rise

 to power.