HP: The Stellar Witch [OFC]

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Senna rolled her eyes at the thoughts swirling in her mind. No wonder this child had never been afraid of her all these years—she had never harbored the intent to kill in front of the child, after all.

Turning her gaze to the small snake in the cage, Senna observed its frail appearance, likely due to abnormal hatching. However, this did not diminish its inherent danger. Based on the information she had found, this Gaboon viper was extraordinarily perilous.

The Gaboon viper, a highly venomous creature, was the deadliest snake native to the smuggler's homeland. It could grow up to two meters in length and weigh nine kilograms. Senna calculated that, based on these figures, the snake would eventually develop a robust body.

Its nose and mouth bore two small protruding horns, its head was broad, and its body featured striking patterns of pale yellow, brown, and purplish rectangular and triangular shapes. It seemed to be a forest-dwelling species, with its patterns serving as camouflage among fallen leaves and the environment.

The book on snakes she had referred to emphasized that this species possessed the longest fangs and the most potent venom among non-magical snakes, along with an exceptionally high venom yield.

Although the book described the snake as generally docile, its occasional bursts of astonishing speed, in stark contrast to its usual caterpillar-like crawl, made it impossible for Senna to let her guard down.

A pet like this would definitely accompany its owner to school, but precautions had to be taken with such a venomous creature. Otherwise, it might be confiscated by the school, and worse, if the child got bitten, Noah would surely be furious.

Senna reopened her book and began searching again.

Time passed quickly, and when a warning charm at the door alerted her to the arrival of an owl, it marked the end of Lys's time working at the shop. Senna couldn't help but think the second-year admission letter had arrived too soon.

At Lys's current level, there was no way she could achieve four "Outstanding" grades by the end of the term. Noah would be livid!

Holding the nonsensical charms essay Lys had written the previous night, Senna threatened her daughter: if her grades didn't improve to Noah's satisfaction by the end of the term, the snake would be used for venom extraction, and she could forget about ever seeing it again!

Unable to find a suitable contract spell in her book, Senna had no choice but to return home and ask Noah for advice.

Upon learning that his wife had acquired one of the world's deadliest snakes as a pet for their daughter, Noah felt a strong urge to shake some sense into her. Had she been brewing potions in her head?

Still, he eventually came up with a solution. The magical bond and tracking spell used by owl messengers could also function as a recognition contract. This snake, though barely qualifying, could be bound by such a contract.

This matter was negotiable, but another issue was non-negotiable. "Senna, she's a Black. I don't expect her to be exceptional, but she must achieve at least two 'Outstandings.' No less."

Grades! Grades!

On the last day of the holiday, Lys rushed to finish her charms essay, dragging one suitcase and carrying another filled with books her father insisted she read. "These aren't available at Hogwarts. You must understand and learn them. It's essential!" With the help of a levitation charm cast by Coco, who had accompanied her to the station, she managed to board the Hogwarts Express.

Wary of running into those annoying classmates, Lys quickly found an empty compartment, shut the door, and placed the small snake on her shoulder. She attempted to establish a telepathic connection with it, but despite staring at it for a long time, she felt nothing. Disheartened, she pulled out a book to read.

Midway through the journey, there was a knock at the door—it was the snack trolley. Although her mother had given her a small allowance, Lys politely declined the vendor's offer and continued reading.

Before disembarking, she changed into her school robes. Lys had a nagging feeling she had forgotten something, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't figure out what it was. "Gaboon, do you think I've forgotten something?" she asked. The snake lay motionless on her shoulder, staring at her blankly, like a fake snake.

Upon alighting, Lys initially thought she would have to take the boat ride to the castle with the giant groundskeeper, as she had done before. However, El informed her that only first-years took the boats, as it was a tradition to retrace the path of the school's four founders. Returning students could take carriages through the main gate, allowing them to reach the Great Hall earlier.

Seated in the carriage, El shared holiday stories with a fellow Hufflepuff. When they asked about Lys's holiday, she admitted, "My grades were too poor, so my mother made me study."

"Oh, you poor thing. By the way, did you hear? One of our classmates almost had to repeat a year, but their parents objected. I wonder who it was."

Lys had no idea, as Senna had never shown her the letter. After lamenting her grades, Senna had simply tossed the letter aside, leaving Lys unaware of the recommendation for her to retake the year.

After this bit of gossip, the carriage arrived at the castle. House-elves took care of the luggage, delivering it to the respective dormitories. With her hands free, Lys sat down at the Slytherin table, eagerly awaiting the Sorting of the new students so she could finally enjoy a feast and get a good night's sleep.

She hoped she wouldn't have to get into a fight on the first day of school.