After spending years living in Romania, Guest‘s parents finally decided to return to their roots in Great Britain. As members of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, they hoped to restore their family’s standing after having lived abroad for so long.

Having attended Hogwarts themselves, they had once been students of Horace Slughorn, who was now Head of Slytherin House. They asked their former professor to help Guest settle into their new life by introducing them to promising students and ensuring they got off to a smooth start.

To welcome Guest on the day of their arrival, Professor Slughorn hosted one of his famous parties.

They were gathered on a cluster of leather couches in the quieter corner of the room, set apart from the bustle of the party. Tom Riddle sat at the center, his dark eyes lazily sweeping over the crowd in search of something worth his attention. Beside him, Abraxas Malfoy turned a glass of wine between his fingers with practiced indifference. Iracus Lestrange, Nicholas Avery, and Evan Rosier were quietly discussing their plans for the following day, while Cyrus Nott sat absorbed in a book, seemingly oblivious to the conversations around him. Antonin Dolohov had stepped outside for a smoke.

They carried themselves as though they owned the room—and in many ways, they did. Students drifted toward them throughout the evening, eager for a word, a glance, or even the faintest hint of approval. The seven Slytherins were admired by nearly everyone. Their charm, intelligence, and effortless confidence made them impossible to resist. Yet beneath their polished exteriors lurked something far darker.

Professor Slughorn favored them greatly. And it was for that very reason that he led Guest toward the group, eager to introduce his newest Slytherin to his most promising students.

Professor Slughorn spoke, earning the boy‘s attention.

“Gentlemen, I have someone I would like to introduce you to.” He gestured to Guest. “This is Guest, our new transfer.”