31 First Impressions

At Madam Malkin's, Harry gathered the three sets of robes as per the supplies list. Another boy, seemingly his age, caught his attention. He sported a robust tan, black hair, and remarkably handsome features.

Accompanying him was a striking woman who shared the boy's dark skin tone and facial structure. However, she boasted long, shiny brown hair and a model figure that added to her allure.

"Hello, dear, Hogwarts too?" Madam Malkin inquired, her eyes fixed on Harry.

"Yes, madam," Harry replied.

"Take the footstool next to Mr. Zabini here," she suggested with a warm smile.

Madam Malkin, a squat witch donned in mauve-colored robes, expertly guided Harry through the fitting process. She slipped a long black robe over his head and started adjusting it to the perfect size.

"So, you're starting at Hogwarts this year too," the boy, Blaise Zabini, remarked. "I'm Blaise Zabini," he introduced himself.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Harry Potter," Harry replied, eliciting a small squeak from Madam Malkin, who was meticulously pinning his robes. The interaction drew interested glances from both Blaise and his elegant mother.

"Nice to meet you too. Wouldn't have expected to run into you before school, Potter. You vanished for quite a while, and no one knew where you were living. If you don't mind me asking, where did you grow up?" Blaise inquired with polite curiosity, earning approving looks from his mother.

Blaize maintained the composure expected of a pureblood of House Zabini throughout the conversation.

"No, I don't mind. I was raised by my Muggle aunt, although I'd have preferred never to meet her. She and her husband are the worst examples of Muggles you can find. But I'm out of there for good now, so I prefer not to dwell on them. I lived in Surrey," Harry explained.

"I see. So, you've attended Muggle school. What are they like? I've heard some horrible stories, but I don't know if they're true or exaggerated," Blaise inquired further.

"After I stopped holding back to appease my relatives and just did my thing, it was great," Harry shared, adding a touch of intrigue to the conversation.

Once the teachers discovered my intelligence and my knack for football, a Muggle sport akin to Quidditch in the wizarding world in terms of popularity, their support for me was unwavering.

I ascended to the top of my class without falling victim to the stereotype of being a dull bookworm. "Athletes always seem to have a good rapport with their peers," I remarked, "especially when they contribute to winning competitions against other schools' teams."

"Absolutely," Harry replied. "I've noticed that too. I've been homeschooled thus far, along with a few other boys from families associated with my mother."

Curious about Hogwarts, I inquired about the magical world before accepting my place there. "I delved into Hogwarts: A History for more insights into the school," I explained. "While I could potentially belong to Ravenclaw or Slytherin, if it's up to me, I'd choose Ravenclaw. No offense to Slytherin, but I'd rather not deal with the dark stigma attached to the house. Given my history, people might think I'm the next Dark Lord in training."

Blaize's mother inquired, "So, do you believe you possess the cunning and ambition required for Slytherin house?"

"I always strive for excellence, putting all my energy into reaching the top," I responded. "However, I want to be recognized for my own achievements, not just assumptions. Fame can be fickle if you can't prove your worth. Climbing to the top straightforwardly might step on some toes, and those solely focused on studies often miss out on building networks that can be beneficial later in life."

"That's a response befitting someone with Slytherin qualities," she remarked. "It will be intriguing to see how your sorting unfolds."

As Blaize finished adjusting his robes, he extended his hand, saying, "Well, it was nice meeting you, Potter. I'll see you at school."

harry shook his hand, replying, "Likewise, Zabini."

....

Blaize and his mother strolled out of the store, the air buzzing with post-shopping excitement. Elladora Zabini, a woman of grace and poise, turned to her son with a satisfied smile playing on her lips.

"That was quite the display of proper pureblood behavior, Blaize. Keep yourself in his good graces. He's got a perspective that could take him far. If he's anything like his father, his charisma will draw people in. Add to that his mother's captivating eyes, and he'll be the one the girls swoon over in a few years."

With a thoughtful expression, she continued, "Having someone like him as an acquaintance or friend can be quite beneficial, even if he's a halfblood. At least James made a wise choice marrying a powerful and intelligent muggleborn, not one of the ordinary ones," she remarked.

"Yes, Mother. I plan to maintain a respectful and friendly relationship with him. I'm intrigued by how mature he appears. He's truly thought through his future plans, unlike many others I've encountered so far," Blaize replied, his demeanor reflecting a mix of admiration and curiosity.

"Indeed. Are you referring to Draco?" Elladora inquired.

"Among others, but he's a good example. Draco relies too heavily on his father's influence and wealth to achieve his goals, lacking cunning and ambition. While he may reach his objectives this way, if anything were to happen to Lucius, he wouldn't have an alternative plan," Blaize explained.

Nodding in agreement, Elladora mused, "Potter, on the other hand, gives the impression that he's already contemplated various paths to achieve his goals. It's as if he has a repertoire of plans and can adapt quickly if one falls through. I'll be keen to observe how he develops over the years."

....

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