Chapter 23: The First Test of Strength

The following week brought the first real test of strength for the first-year students at Hogwarts: a series of practical exams in each of their core subjects. These exams were designed to assess not only their knowledge of magical theory but also their ability to apply that knowledge in real-world situations. Alaric knew that these exams would be a crucial opportunity to establish himself as a top student in his year.

The week began with the Potions practical exam, held once again in the dark, atmospheric dungeon classroom. The students were tasked with brewing a Strengthening Solution, a potion that required precise measurements and careful timing to ensure that it would enhance the drinker's physical strength without causing harmful side effects.

Alaric approached the task with his usual calm focus, carefully measuring out the ingredients and following the instructions to the letter. The potion required a base of powdered griffin claw, which had to be mixed with crushed snake fangs and a dash of powdered root of asphodel. Alaric worked methodically, ensuring that each step was executed with precision.

As he added the final ingredient—a drop of salamander blood—the potion began to bubble gently, turning a deep shade of crimson. Alaric watched with satisfaction as the potion stabilized, its surface smooth and reflective. He knew that he had brewed it correctly, and he felt a sense of pride as he bottled it and handed it to Professor Snape for inspection.

Snape examined the potion closely, his expression as inscrutable as ever. After a moment, he gave a small nod. "Well done, Mr. Peverell. Your attention to detail is commendable."

"Thank you, Professor," Alaric replied, his tone respectful.

The rest of the class finished their potions with varying degrees of success. Draco's potion was nearly perfect, though it had a slightly darker hue than expected. Blaise and Theodore also performed well, their potions earning nods of approval from Snape. However, some of the other students struggled, their potions either too weak or too volatile.

The Potions exam was followed by practicals in Transfiguration, Charms, and Defense Against the Dark Arts, each of which tested the students' ability to apply the spells and techniques they had learned so far.

In Transfiguration, Professor McGonagall tasked the students with transfiguring a wooden block into a goblet. The challenge lay in not just changing the shape of the object, but also in ensuring that the goblet was functional—able to hold liquid without leaking.

Alaric approached the task with the same meticulous care he applied to all his magical work. He visualized the transformation in his mind, focusing on the details of the goblet's design—the smooth curves of the stem, the wide base for stability, and the depth of the bowl to hold liquid. He raised his wand and performed the necessary wand movements, intoning the incantation clearly.

The wooden block shimmered and began to twist, elongating into the shape of a goblet. Alaric watched closely as the wood morphed into a polished, silver-like metal, the goblet's surface smooth and reflective. He examined the goblet carefully, ensuring that it was free of imperfections before presenting it to Professor McGonagall.

McGonagall inspected the goblet with a critical eye, nodding slightly as she tested its functionality by filling it with water. The goblet held the liquid without issue, and McGonagall's expression softened slightly.

"Excellent work, Mr. Peverell," she said. "You've demonstrated a strong understanding of Transfiguration principles and executed the spell with precision."

"Thank you, Professor," Alaric replied, his tone measured but with an undercurrent of pride.

The Charms practical focused on the Summoning Charm, which they had practiced earlier in the term. Professor Flitwick had set up a series of objects at various distances across the classroom, and the students were required to summon them with accuracy and control.

Alaric took his place at the front of the room, his wand at the ready. He scanned the objects, selecting a quill that was positioned near the back of the room. He focused his intent on the quill, visualizing it flying smoothly into his hand.

"Accio quill!" he intoned, his wand movement precise.

The quill shot through the air, soaring directly into Alaric's outstretched hand. The motion was flawless, the quill landing gently in his grasp without any erratic movement. Alaric handed the quill to Professor Flitwick, who beamed with approval.

"Splendid, Mr. Peverell! Your control is remarkable, especially for a first-year. Keep up the excellent work."

Alaric gave a polite nod of thanks, his mind already turning to the next challenge.

The Defense Against the Dark Arts practical, under Professor Quirrell's supervision, involved a simple yet crucial spell—Expelliarmus, the Disarming Charm. Each student was paired with a classmate and instructed to disarm their opponent using the spell.

Alaric was paired with Draco, and the two faced each other with a mix of competitive spirit and mutual respect. Alaric knew that this was as much a test of reflexes and timing as it was of magical power.

Draco raised his wand first, his expression focused. "Expelliarmus!" he shouted, sending a jet of red light toward Alaric.

But Alaric was ready. With a swift motion, he deflected the spell with a nonverbal Protego charm, his wand movement so smooth that it appeared effortless. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he cast Expelliarmus in return.

Draco's wand flew out of his hand, spinning through the air before landing on the floor a few feet away. Draco blinked in surprise, clearly impressed by Alaric's quick reaction.

"Nicely done, Peverell," Draco said, retrieving his wand with a nod of respect.

"Likewise, Malfoy," Alaric replied, knowing that this exchange had only solidified their mutual regard.

Professor Quirrell, who had been watching the duel with an unsteady gaze, offered a weak smile. "V-very good, Mr. P-Peverell. And you too, Mr. M-Malfoy. Both of you d-demonstrated quick thinking and p-precision."

The rest of the day passed in a blur of activity as the students completed their practical exams. By the time they returned to the Slytherin common room that evening, there was a palpable sense of relief among the first-years. The first round of exams was over, and they had all survived—some more successfully than others.

Alaric, for his part, felt confident in his performance. He knew that he had given his best effort in each of the exams, and he was eager to see the results. But more importantly, he was pleased with the way he had handled the pressure. The exams had been a test of not just magical ability, but also of focus, composure, and adaptability—qualities that Alaric knew were essential for success at Hogwarts.

As the students gathered around the fire to unwind after the day's challenges, Alaric found himself deep in conversation with Blaise and Daphne. They discussed their experiences during the exams, sharing insights and strategies for improving their performance in the future.

"It's all about staying calm under pressure," Alaric said, his tone thoughtful. "The moment you let nerves get the better of you, you lose your focus, and that's when mistakes happen. It's something we'll need to keep in mind as we move forward."

Daphne nodded in agreement. "Exactly. These exams were just the beginning. The challenges will only get harder from here, but if we stay focused and support each other, we'll come out on top."

Blaise smirked. "And we'll show the other houses that Slytherin isn't just about ambition—we're about excellence in everything we do."

Alaric smiled faintly, pleased with the sense of camaraderie and determination that had developed within their group. Slytherin was a house that valued strength, cunning, and resourcefulness, and he could see those qualities reflected in each of his friends.

As the evening wore on and the common room began to empty, Alaric excused himself and returned to his room. He sat at his desk and opened his journal, ready to document the day's events and reflect on his progress:

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**Day Seventeen:**

The first round of practical exams is complete, and I am satisfied with my performance. Each exam tested a different aspect of my magical abilities, and I believe I demonstrated both skill and composure under pressure. The feedback from my professors was positive, particularly from Professors Snape and McGonagall.

The exams also served as a reminder of the importance of preparation and focus. Success at Hogwarts requires more than just natural talent—it demands discipline, determination, and the ability to adapt to new challenges. I will continue to cultivate these qualities as I move forward.

My relationships with my housemates continue to strengthen. Draco, Blaise, and Daphne have proven to be valuable allies, and I am confident that together we will achieve great things. Slytherin is a house of power, and we are all committed to ensuring that power remains in our hands.

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With his thoughts recorded, Alaric closed the journal and set it aside. As he prepared for bed, he felt a sense of calm satisfaction. The first major test of his time at Hogwarts had gone well, and he was steadily building the foundation for his success.

But Alaric knew that the real challenges were still to come. The exams had been a test of his abilities, but the true test would be navigating the complex web of relationships, rivalries, and secrets that defined life at Hogwarts.

As he drifted off to sleep, Alaric felt confident that he was ready for whatever lay ahead. He had the skills, the intelligence, and the determination to succeed—and he was prepared to do whatever it took to achieve his goals.