As the password was spoken, a marble corridor split open to both sides.
Passing through the revealed passage, Draco and the others stepped into the Slytherin common room.
It was here that they officially entered Slytherin House...
Every House had its own unique character, reflected clearly in its common room.
Green.
Silver.
These were Slytherin's colors.
Not just for the room in front of them—tomorrow, when they changed into their Hogwarts uniforms, the color of their ties would also mark which House they belonged to...
...
A crackling fireplace.
Floating green candlelight.
A crest engraved with the image of a serpent.
At first glance, one might mistake it for the lair of some dark wizard.
But that wasn't the case.
Just because Slytherin wasn't the most popular House at Hogwarts, and just because their dormitory was underground, didn't mean their common room was some damp, gloomy crypt. That idea, while fitting the stereotype of Slytherin's personality, was far from accurate.
In truth...
Yes, their Head of House could be a bit... well, grim.
And yes, a few Slytherins did carry themselves in ways that weren't exactly charming—especially the Quidditch team captain, who was a notoriously brutish figure.
But the students of true noble lineage? They would never stoop to petty bullying or underhanded schemes just to get their way.
True nobility wasn't that disgraceful.
In fact, such behavior wasn't clever at all—and certainly not Slytherin.
Besides, how "evil" could these still-ungraduated young snakes possibly be?
So, aside from attending classes, the common room where Slytherin students spent most of their time wasn't anything like what the other Houses imagined.
If anything...
The Slytherin common room was the most mysterious of all four Houses.
…
The moment you stepped into the Slytherin common room, the soft velvet carpet underfoot was the first thing you noticed—luxurious and comforting.
What caught the eye next was a strange, semi-transparent space formed by decorative water tanks. The entire room was surrounded by flowing water. You could even see a waterfall cascading from the ceiling...
The sound of running water, paired with the ornate carved sofas and benches, made it clear this was a place meant for students to truly relax and unwind.
But that wasn't all.
The room itself seemed to shift depending on how many people were present.
It was already obvious: the Slytherin common room was designed with "water" as its central theme...
"This is the Slytherin common room."
"You can rest your mind here—and make use of the potion workbench, too."
"Our Head of House is Professor Snape."
"And just so you're aware, Professor Snape is also the Potions Master."
As they spoke, the two Prefects wore serious expressions. Whether it was to maintain their own authority or because Snape himself demanded respect from the students, it was hard to tell...
"Alright, follow me. The last stop is your dormitories. Your luggage should already be..."
Just then—
The doors to the common room burst open.
Everyone turned to look.
A wizard stood in the doorway, his figure tightly wrapped in a billowing black robe.
He was thin.
His gaze, cold and sharp.
And that unmistakable hooked nose gave him a striking profile.
But what stood out most was the oppressive aura of gloom that clung to him.
If you'd been paying attention during the Sorting Ceremony, you might've recognized him as one of the professors seated at the staff table...
"Professor Snape."
"Professor Snape."
The two Prefects immediately bowed slightly and greeted him, their manners impeccable.
Severus Snape.
Potions Master at Hogwarts and Head of Slytherin House...
...
Snape's unexpected appearance visibly surprised the Prefects.
Yes, he was their Head of House and a powerful wizard deserving of respect—but he was not the sort of man who concerned himself with first-years.
Not even Slytherins usually warranted his direct attention.
And sure enough, if it weren't for a certain someone, Snape wouldn't have bothered coming here at all.
Facing the curious stares of the younger students, Snape's expression remained unreadable. His gaze, however, locked instantly onto the most striking figure among the new arrivals.
The corner of his mouth twitched.
"Draco Malfoy. Come to my office. Now."
"Immediately."
And with that, he turned and walked out of the common room—leaving just that single order behind.
It was as if saying anything more would physically pain him.
Draco, whose name had just been called, closed his book with a resigned sigh.
"Don't wait for me."
He gave Goyle and Crabbe a small nod, then turned toward Snape—who looked every bit like a looming black bat—and followed after him.
Others might not have realized it, but Draco knew full well that his awkward godfather wasn't the type to wait politely outside the door.
After all, when it came to Severus Snape... Draco knew him all too well.
...
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