THE MASTERMIND OF HOGWARTS

Moriarty finished reading about the book launch and turned the Daily Prophet to page two: celebrity interviews.

Rita Skeeter's column began dramatically:

"With Slytherin's heir emerging in the East, it took only three hours to astound the British wizarding world, and even the most critical eyes could not find a single flaw. Eminent personalities have expressed varying degrees of acclaim, and no book in a century has garnered such accolades."

Below the headline were moving photographs and interviews with various high-profile figures.

The first was Gilderoy Lockhart, the self-proclaimed expert on Dark creatures and bestselling author.

In the enchanted photograph, he wore a dazzling smile and immaculate robes, exuding his usual charm. His statement read:

"Since I met young Moriarty, my life has been like drinking a bottle of Felix Felicis that never runs dry! A truly brilliant wizard in the making!"

Next came an interview with Nar Foley, the reclusive head of the old and influential Foley family, making his first public appearance since the First Wizarding War.

Moriarty studied the wizened old wizard in the photograph. Lockhart had once mentioned the Foley lineage—a pure-blood family that had suffered great losses. Nar Foley's wife had passed away early, and his only son had perished in the war. The once-mighty family was now on the brink of fading into obscurity.

When questioned about Moriarty, Foley's response was cryptic yet profound:

*"You ask me about Mr. Moriarty? I find it entirely fitting to address him as such. His extraordinary abilities make one forget his age.

He reminds me of Salazar Slytherin himself. I wouldn't be surprised if he established a wizarding institution dedicated to pure-blood children."*

However, not everyone shared this perspective.

Amelia Bones, the formidable Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, offered a different opinion, though she, too, held Moriarty in high regard.

*"Old Foley is being overly dramatic. Mr. Moriarty will undoubtedly attend Hogwarts—there's no question about it. Imagine the kind of impact a Slytherin heir would have upon arrival at the castle.

As Lockhart put it, Moriarty belongs to magic itself. And magic belongs to us all, whether we are pure-blood, half-blood, or Muggle-born."*

Following these interviews, Rita Skeeter continued:

"Discussions surrounding blood status inevitably bring us back to Mr. Moriarty's noble lineage. However, an unnamed Defence Against the Dark Arts professor provided a rather intriguing perspective on this matter."

The professor had stated:

"The magic Mr. Moriarty used in the East falls under what modern classifications deem Dark Arts. However, the magic of the Slytherin family predates such labels. When did we even begin dividing magic into 'light' and 'dark'? I believe—"

The statement ended abruptly. Rita had clearly lost interest in the professor's philosophical musings. After all, she was after sensational headlines, not academic debates.

Moriarty chuckled at this.

"This professor is quite interesting," he mused. "If I ever meet him, I'd like to hear more of his thoughts on magic. But alas, the times have left him behind, and Rita only saw his words as filler for her column."

He continued skimming through more interviews—most were effusive in their praise.

At the end of the report, Rita emphasized:

*"Many magical historians are already preparing to include Mr. Moriarty's exploits and magical prowess in their works.

These books include, but are not limited to, A History of Magic, Modern Magical History, Magical Theory, The Dark Arts: A Comprehensive Study, Significant Magical Events of the Twentieth Century, and Major Moments in Modern Magic…"*

The implication was clear—Moriarty's name would be immortalized alongside legendary wizards. According to official records, the last wizard to be featured in such a manner was none other than Albus Dumbledore himself.

Rita went on:

"Whether Hogwarts: A History will include Mr. Moriarty remains to be seen. However, we do know that Rubeus Hagrid, the Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts, has suggested that Moriarty was involved in the Hogwarts disturbance a few months ago—an accusation that remains unsubstantiated…"

"A Hogwarts disturbance?" Moriarty frowned.

There hadn't been any significant uprisings at Hogwarts in 1987, at least none that the general public knew about. But Hagrid wasn't the type to spread falsehoods.

"Luke!" Moriarty called out to his house-elf. "I want copies of the Daily Prophet for the entirety of 1987."

"As you wish, young master! Luke will retrieve them immediately!" the elf responded eagerly.

Moriarty paused.

"Also, inform Lockhart that it's time. We're heading to Diagon Alley."

The castle's house-elves bustled about, selecting the most exquisite robes for Moriarty's public appearance.

Two hours later, Moriarty arrived in Diagon Alley, flanked by his house-elf Luke and his trusted companion, Ingo.

The moment he stepped onto the cobbled streets, a murmur spread through the wizarding crowd.

A young wizard spotted him first and exclaimed:

"Look! It's him—Mr. Moriarty! His hair—his eyes—they match the descriptions of Salazar Slytherin in Hogwarts: A History!"

Others quickly took notice, and within moments, wizards and witches swarmed toward Moriarty, their expressions a mix of awe and curiosity.

Luke tensed, eyeing the crowd warily, ready to intervene if necessary.

But Moriarty remained composed, his demeanor regal as he strolled toward Ollivander's wand shop.

Just then, Lockhart arrived, accompanied by Rita Skeeter and a host of reporters.

Lockhart swiftly intervened, raising his hands to calm the eager crowd. For once, his voice carried an uncharacteristic seriousness.

*"Ladies and gentlemen, I understand your excitement! Everyone wants to learn more about Moriarty, but I must urge you to remain patient!

Moriarty is undeniably a genius, but even geniuses require space to grow. He is utterly devoted to magic and wishes for no unnecessary distractions.

However, he also recognizes his admirers and, out of kindness, has agreed to answer a few questions.

And I—Gilderoy Lockhart—am honored to serve as your bridge to him!"*

The crowd erupted in cheers.

Lockhart beamed and gestured toward the gathered wizards.

"Now, one at a time! I shall select the most pressing questions and relay them to Moriarty!"

A surge of voices filled the air.

"Let me ask! I'm fascinated by the magic circle Moriarty used!"

"No, it should be me first! I've been waiting here for an hour!"

The situation threatened to spiral out of control, but Rita Skeeter quickly diffused the chaos.

She directed her photographer to capture images of Moriarty's first visit to Diagon Alley.

"This is a rare moment," she announced. "Mr. Moriarty seldom leaves the castle left to him by Salazar Slytherin. Let us document history in the making!"

The wizards eagerly turned their attention toward the spectacle.

As Moriarty stepped into Ollivander's, a curious voice rang out from the crowd:

"Why does Moriarty need a wand? Doesn't he already have the Slytherin Staff?"

Lockhart cleared his throat, adopting a lecturing tone.

"Ah, an excellent question! The answer is simple—Moriarty is researching the differences between modern and ancient magic!"

Inside the shop, the aged wandmaker, Garrick Ollivander, studied Moriarty with keen interest.

*"A Slytherin heir, seeking a wand? Fascinating… I never thought I'd see the day.

You may be called 'Mr.' by many, but before the art of wandlore, you are still a student. Even I am merely an apprentice in this craft.

Now, are you ready? Let us find you a wand."*

Moriarty met Ollivander's gaze and nodded.

"Very well, sir. I am ready."

Ollivander retrieved a long box from the shelves.

"Try this one—eleven and one-third inches, acacia wood, with a ptarmigan tail feather core."

Moriarty reached for the wand.