The first week of term at Hogwarts was always a whirlwind of excitement and nerves. Sagar slipped easily back into the rhythm of classes—Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, History of Magic, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Astronomy, and Herbology135. The castle was alive with energy, the corridors buzzing with rumors of new professors, secret passages, and the mysterious events that always seemed to find their way to Hogwarts.
This year, Professor McGonagall announced a new tradition: a House-wide magical challenge to welcome second-years back and encourage friendly competition. Each House would select a champion to represent them in a magical contest held in the Great Hall, testing not just spellwork but quick thinking and creativity.
The Selection
Slytherin's common room was abuzz with speculation. When Sagar's name was put forward, there were no objections—his reputation for cleverness and composure made him the natural choice. Draco Malfoy, now more respectful than resentful, clapped him on the shoulder. "Don't let Gryffindor show us up, Jadhav."
The other Houses chose their champions: Hermione Granger for Gryffindor, Padma Patil for Ravenclaw, and Ernie Macmillan for Hufflepuff. The school's excitement grew as the day of the challenge approached.
The Challenge Begins
The Great Hall was transformed for the event, its long tables replaced by a magical arena surrounded by enchanted banners. Professors and students filled the seats, eager for a show. Professor Flitwick, acting as master of ceremonies, explained the rules: each champion would face a magical obstacle, chosen at random, and would be judged on skill, speed, and ingenuity.
Sagar's turn came second, after Hermione had deftly transfigured a swarm of pixies into harmless paper cranes. He stepped into the circle as the enchanted hat produced his challenge: a locked, rune-covered chest guarded by an enchanted plant—Devil's Snare, its tendrils already writhing menacingly.
Sagar's Approach
Sagar remembered the lessons from last year: Devil's Snare hated light and warmth. He calmly cast a focused Lumos Solem, bathing the plant in bright sunlight, forcing it to shrink away from the chest. But the runes on the chest shimmered with a locking charm and a riddle in ancient script.
He knelt, reading the riddle aloud. "To open me, you must not force—speak the word that means 'resourceful course.'" Sagar smiled, recognizing the Slytherin undertone. He whispered, "Cunning," in Parseltongue—a trick he'd picked up from his studies and explorations.
The chest clicked open, revealing a silver token. Sagar retrieved it and bowed to the judges, his performance met with applause and a few impressed whispers from the professors.
Aftermath
The rest of the challenge was just as thrilling—Padma solved a logic puzzle with Ravenclaw flair, and Ernie used Herbology knowledge to pacify a magical creature. In the end, the judges declared the contest a draw, praising all four champions for their unique approaches.
Back in the Slytherin common room, Sagar was greeted with cheers and backslaps. Even the portraits seemed to nod in approval.
But Sagar's mind was already racing ahead. The challenge had been a test of skill, but it was the mysteries of the castle—the whispers of a hidden chamber, the flicker of strange magic in the walls—that truly called to him.
As he drifted off to sleep, Sagar knew this was only the beginning. The real challenges of second year were still to come—and he was ready for them.