harry potter : I'm Doctor Mystic (Dr. Strange + Dr. Fate)

The winds howled outside the castle walls as Hogwarts settled into the rhythm of another year. Among the bustling students and the echoing halls, Alex, Tom, Hagrid, and Minerva McGonagall found themselves drawn together by a shared curiosity. Each had a sharp mind and a thirst for the unknown, and their budding friendship had evolved into a pact to uncover the mysteries of the magical world. Tonight, they planned to extend that invitation to someone new.

Severus Snape sat in the Slytherin common room, poring over a dusty tome of advanced potion-making. The crackling fireplace cast flickering shadows on his pale face. Despite being a first year, he carried himself with a seriousness that set him apart. So, when Alex and Tom appeared at the entrance, whispering for him to join them, his curiosity was piqued.

"What do you want?" Severus asked, closing his book but keeping a wary eye on them.

Tom smirked. "You'll see. Just trust us."

Severus hesitated. Trust wasn't something he gave freely, but the intrigue in their voices was hard to resist. He followed them through the dimly lit corridors, eventually arriving at a seemingly nondescript door hidden in an alcove.

"Here?" he asked sceptically.

Alex grinned, gesturing for Severus to step forward. "This is no ordinary room. It's one we created ourselves."

Alex tapped the door with his wand, murmuring a spell. Faint blue lines of magic coursed through the wood, and the door creaked open to reveal their secret haven.

Inside was a room unlike any other in Hogwarts, crafted through their combined magical prowess. The walls were lined with enchanted shelves holding rare books, ancient scrolls, and peculiar artifacts. A central table bore intricate carvings of runes and magical creatures, glowing faintly in the dim light. A large map of the wizarding world hung on one wall, marked with pins and notes. Hagrid and Minerva were already there, examining a peculiar orb that pulsed softly with light.

"Welcome to our sanctuary," Alex said, stepping aside for Severus to enter.

Severus's eyes widened as he took in the sight. "You made this?"

"It took a bit of work," Minerva said, glancing up with a small smile. Her third-year badge gleamed on her robes. "But it's worth it."

Hagrid chuckled, his large hands carefully holding the glowing orb. "A place for us ter study and dream big. We call it the Hidden Hall."

Severus stepped further into the room, his usual guarded expression giving way to genuine wonder. "Why show me this?"

Tom folded his arms, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Because you're sharp, Snape. We've seen you in class—you're ahead of the curve. We need someone like you."

"Someone with a mind for details," Alex added. "And the courage to explore the unknown."

Severus's gaze flicked between them. He hesitated, the offer both flattering and daunting. Finally, he nodded. "Alright. I'll join."

Minerva's smile widened. "Good choice."

Hagrid laughed, clapping Severus on the back so hard he nearly stumbled. "Welcome to the club, lad!"

The group quickly gathered around the table as Minerva summoned a large parchment. "We've been working on a new project," she began. "Researching the origins of ancient magical creatures."

"Dragons, phoenixes, thunderbirds," Alex said, pointing to the map. "There are sites around the world where they were revered. We think these places hold secrets that could reshape our understanding of magic."

Severus leaned closer, his skepticism giving way to intrigue. "What have you found so far?"

Tom smirked. "That's what you're here to help us with. Together, we'll piece it all together."

The hours flew by as they worked, their voices mingling with the hum of magic in the air. Hagrid shared tales he'd heard about creatures of legend, while Minerva cross-referenced historical accounts. Alex and Tom debated theories, their excitement infectious, and Severus quietly absorbed it all, his sharp mind already forming new connections.

At one point, Alex paused, looking around at the group with a smile. "This," he said softly, "is what magic is about. Learning, exploring, and pushing boundaries together."

Minerva nodded. "And creating something greater than ourselves. That's what makes it meaningful."

Severus, who had always felt like an outsider, felt a flicker of something he rarely experienced: belonging. For the first time, he wasn't just the quiet boy in the corner. He was part of something extraordinary.

As the night wore on, the Hidden Hall seemed to resonate with their energy. The walls shimmered faintly, and the artifacts glowed with a subtle light. When they finally decided to pack up, Alex clapped Severus on the shoulder. "Welcome to the club. This is just the beginning."

Severus smirked faintly, his usual guarded expression replaced by a glimmer of eagerness. "I look forward to it."

With that, they left the Hidden Hall, the door sealing itself behind them. In the quiet corridors of Hogwarts, under the watchful eyes of the castle's portraits, a new chapter of discovery and camaraderie had begun.