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A few hours later, as the sunlight began to wane, casting long shadows across the stone walls of Hogwarts, the Great Hall buzzed with an unusual energy. Students, still whispering about the day's odd events and the unexpected lockdown, filled the hall, their curiosity piqued. Harry, settled among his housemates, watched as Professors McGonagall, Snape, Flitwick, and Sprout entered, their expressions solemn. Dumbledore, trailing behind, appeared thoughtful, his usual twinkle dimmed by recent events.
Dumbledore stepped up to the podium, clearing his throat to catch the attention of the bustling hall. "Due to an unfortunate situation," he began, his voice echoing with a gravity that instantly hushed the room, "Professor Quirrell has left the school and will not be returning next year. His exams were all carried out, and I shall be grading them. As all exams have concluded, we will be having a special pre-end of school feast. I insist on all students staying indoors in the Great Hall and enjoying themselves."
Harry couldn't help but smirk at Dumbledore's announcement, a suspicion tickling the back of his mind. "They're keeping us here on purpose, Nigel," he whispered under his breath, almost certain of the headmaster's strategy. "You think they're searching our bags for the stone?"
Nigel's response, tinged with his usual blend of amusement and insight, came swiftly. "It seems so, Master Harry. I imagine the poor house-elves are rummaging through your belongings as we speak."
Harry chuckled, reassured by the secrecy of his inventory. "Well, they're in for a disappointment. They can't find anything since everything I own is safely tucked away."
The feast unfolded with a grandeur only Hogwarts could muster, the tables laden with dishes that seemed to defy the laws of culinary physics.
The air in Hogwarts seemed to buzz with whispers and rumors for the entire week following the disappearance of the Philosopher's Stone and the mysterious evanescence of Professor Quirrell. No one seemed to know exactly what had happened, and the faculty's tight-lipped responses only fueled the students' curiosity. Harry, amidst all the speculation, remained outwardly unfazed, a testament to his unique vantage point on the events.
On the day the exam results were posted, Harry found himself flanked by Tracey and Daphne, with Neville, Hermione, Susan, and Hannah close by. The arrival of Pansy, Malfoy, Nott, Zabini, Padma Patil, Lavender Brown, and Parvati Patil added to the eager crowd around the notice board. The list revealed Harry's name at the top across seven subjects: Astronomy, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, History of Magic, Transfiguration, and Potions. A star next to his name in Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, and Potions underscored his exceptional performance. In Herbology, he shared the top spot with Neville, while in History of Magic and Astronomy, Hermione and Daphne were his equals.
Hermione's frustration was palpable, though she had somewhat resigned herself to Harry's dominance in academics. The revelation that Neville outperformed her in Herbology and that Daphne was on par with her in Astronomy and History of Magic was a bitter pill to swallow. Harry, for his part, wore a carefree smile, almost taking for granted his position at the top of his class, courtesy of the numerous advantages his unique situation with Nigel provided.
"Seems your 'cheats' have paid off, Master Harry," Nigel commented, the mischief in his tone unmistakable. "Though, I must say, it does make for a rather dull competition."
Harry chuckled softly. "It might be dull for you, but it's certainly causing a stir here. Look at Hermione's face," he whispered back, his gaze subtly drifting to Hermione's mixed expression of vexation and disbelief.
"Ah, the sweet taste of victory, tinged with the salt of your friends' tears. How very Slytherin of you, Master Harry," Nigel teased, clearly enjoying the moment.
Harry rolled his eyes, a gesture lost on those around him but understood by Nigel. "I'm not gloating. It's just interesting to see how everyone reacts. And besides, it's not like I'm using the cheats to hurt anyone."
"Of course, of course," Nigel continued, his voice dripping with feigned innocence. "Merely an observation on the dynamics of academic excellence. But do tell, how does our dear Neville feel about his newfound status as Herbology king?"
Glancing at Neville, who was wearing a broad, proud smile, Harry replied, "He seems pretty pleased with himself. And rightly so. I think this might be the first time he's outperformed Hermione in anything."
"Ah, the winds of change are blowing. Perhaps you should start a tutoring service, Master Harry. 'From zero to hero, with just a touch of Potter magic.' You'd make a killing," Nigel suggested, the sarcasm in his voice as thick as treacle.
Harry shook his head, amused. "Let's not add 'entrepreneur' to my already complicated Hogwarts resume. I think I've got enough on my plate as it is."
Back in the Slytherin Common Room, Harry stepped in alongside his friends to find the room abuzz with anticipation. Grinning, he said, "It's showtime, Nigel. If this works, it'll be brilliant. If not, next year might be a bit rough for me."
Nigel's laughter rang in his mind, "The mere thought of your plan sends shivers down my spine, Master Harry."
As Harry approached the room where the Serpent of the Crown resided, his heart raced with excitement and a hint of nervousness. Today was no ordinary day; it was the day the room would choose its next guardian. Harry advanced towards where Selena sat. Over the past year, despite their age difference, they had formed a close bond, yet even she was unaware of the plan he had hatched.
Harry smiled warmly at Selena, "They're ready." As she stood, returning the smile, the depth of their unlikely friendship was evident. Despite the gap in their ages, their bond has deepened over the year. Yet, regarding Harry's audacious plan, even Selena was left in the shadows.
Positioned before the room, a resonant voice filled the common room, commanding, "Bow before the Serpent of the Crown." Selena's brows knitted in confusion, her gaze shifting to Harry. This pivotal moment was Harry's to seize, a golden opportunity to claim the title that marked the pinnacle of magical prowess and leadership within Slytherin. Despite his unmatched talent, his youth was a significant barrier. Unwilling to let this chance slip through his fingers, Harry offered Selena an apologetic glance before stepping out of the room.
As he walked out, the bowing students turned their attention towards him, standing in silent reverence. Harry, amidst a sea of expectant faces, stood with a composed dignity. This was it, the culmination of all his efforts.
As Harry stood before the bowing students of Slytherin House, he chanted silently to himself, "Work! You've got to work." Behind him, Selena watched, her expression a mix of surprise and understanding as she realized the cleverness behind Harry's plan. By orchestrating this grand gesture, Harry was trying to influence the mystical selection process of the Serpent of the Crown, a plan so audacious that even Nigel couldn't help but feel a thrill of anticipation.
Harry's plan was not a spur-of-the-moment idea but rather a carefully thought-out strategy that even took Selena, the reigning Serpent of the Crown, by surprise. Harry recognized that his younger age put him at a disadvantage in the traditional contest for leadership. Directly challenging Selena or going against older students, who had more experience, wasn't feasible. So, Harry crafted a clever and straightforward strategy. He personally spoke with every single Slytherin student, sharing his plans to throw a grand farewell party for Selena. He tapped into their shared desire to celebrate the achievements of their distinguished graduate. He convinced a handful of meeker students to bow, hoping that their actions, coupled with an authoritative recording he had prepared, would encourage the rest to follow suit due to peer pressure. Standing before his peers, who were now bowing, Harry's plan appeared to be successful. The question that remained was whether the room would accept his innovative approach(cheating) to claiming leadership.
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As Harry stood, waiting with bated breath, the room around him seemed to pulse with ancient, unseen energy. The Slytherins' eyes were fixed on him, their expressions a blend of curiosity, skepticism, and in a few cases, awe. Harry knew that this moment could very well define his future at Hogwarts. If the room accepted him, he would become the Serpent of the Crown, a title that would grant him unparalleled respect and authority within Slytherin House for the next six years. However, if his plan failed, the coming year would be fraught with challenges, perhaps more daunting than any he had faced thus far.
The air in the common room thickened, a tangible sign that the ancient magics were stirring. The dimming lights added a dramatic flair, casting long shadows that seemed to dance along the walls. The older students, who had witnessed this ceremony before, exchanged glances of surprise and anticipation. Harry, standing in the center of it all, felt a thrum of power coursing through the room, touching every corner, every shadow, before converging upon him.
"What is the meaning of this?" demanded a sixth-year Slytherin, his voice cutting through the charged silence. Harry, however, chose not to respond, his focus unyielding as he stood amidst the swirling magic.
The magic enveloping him felt alive, as if it were examining him, probing the depths of his ambition, his cunning, and his determination. It was a sensation unlike any he had felt before, both exhilarating and intimidating. The room seemed to churn with a purpose, its ancient magic evaluating the young wizard before it.
Suddenly, the light shifted, concentrating around Harry in a spectacle of luminous energy. It was as though the very essence of Slytherin House was acknowledging him, wrapping him in its legacy. The students watched in amazement as the magic swirled around Harry, enhancing his presence, making him appear both formidable and regal.
As the magical currents intensified, Harry could feel his own magic responding, growing stronger, more attuned to the will of the room. It was as though the ancient enchantments were imbuing him with a portion of their power, recognizing him as the new Serpent of the Crown.
As Selena stepped aside, a magical transformation occurred that left the entire Slytherin common room in awe. The badge she once wore, signifying her as the Serpent of the Crown, vanished from her robe and reappeared on Harry's. The emblem, a serpent entwined around a crown, now gleamed on Harry's chest, a symbol of his new status. This change, silent yet profound, spoke volumes. The older students, some of whom had harbored aspirations for the title themselves, now faced a reality they hadn't anticipated: Harry, a mere first-year soon to be second-year, was their new Serpent of the Crown.
"Impossible," murmured a sixth-year, his voice tinged with disbelief. Yet, the rules of Slytherin House were clear and unyielding. As members of this ancient house, they were bound to recognize and respect the authority of the Serpent of the Crown, regardless of their personal feelings. Harry, despite his youth, had outmaneuvered them all.
Selena, her smile both proud and gracious, turned to Harry. "This is the peak of cunningness, I must admit. Congratulations, Harry."
With a light chuckle, Harry replied, "Thank you, Selena." His eyes sparkled with a mix of gratitude and mischief, aware of the shock his strategy had caused even among his closest friends.
Tracey and Daphne, standing nearby, wore expressions of amazement mingled with a hint of annoyance. They were among Harry's closest companions, yet he had managed to keep them in the dark about his daring plan. While they felt a slight sting at being out of the loop, their annoyance was tempered by understanding. They knew Harry was driven by ambition, and seizing the title of Serpent of the Crown was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.
Malfoy, on the other hand, was visibly irked. Despite his vexation, he couldn't help but admire the depth of Harry's cunning. It was a maneuver that demanded respect, even from someone as prideful as Draco Malfoy.
Nott simply shrugged, an unspoken acknowledgment of Harry's feat, while Zabini's gaze remained fixed on Harry, perhaps contemplating the implications of this unforeseen turn of events.
The older students, particularly those who had considered themselves contenders for the title, were now caught in a tumult of emotions ranging from loss to anger. The opportunity they had awaited had been snatched away by a first-year, an underdog who had quietly ascended to the pinnacle of Slytherin hierarchy.
As the initial shock faded, whispers and murmurs filled the common room. Students exchanged looks, some of disbelief, others of newfound respect. Harry's accomplishment was not just a personal victory but a statement about the unpredictable nature of power and ambition within Slytherin House.
"Master Harry, I must say, your knack for stirring the pot is unparalleled," Nigel remarked, his voice laced with amusement. "A masterstroke, if I may add. You've turned the tables in such a fashion that even Machiavelli would take notes."
Harry, his smile broadening at Nigel's words, replied, "Well, I couldn't have done it without a bit of magical ingenuity, could I? It's all about playing the game by the rules, but with a twist."
"Indeed," Nigel agreed, his tone playful. "And what a twist it was. You've just rewritten the playbook for future generations of Slytherins. They'll be studying your maneuver for years to come, trying to decipher just how you managed to claim the crown without so much as a duel."
"It's all about understanding the system and then, well, bending it to your will," Harry mused, his eyes twinkling with the thrill of his achievement.
"Speaking of bending, I daresay you've bent not just the rules, but the very perception of what's possible within these hallowed halls," Nigel quipped. "But do tell, Master Harry, now that you've ascended to such heights, what's next on your grand agenda?"
Harry paused, considering Nigel's question. "For now, I think I'll enjoy the victory. But come next term, there's much to be done. With this title comes responsibility, and I intend to use it to make some positive changes around here."
"A noble endeavor indeed," Nigel responded, his tone now carrying a hint of respect. "Just remember, with great power comes... well, you know the rest. The eyes of Slytherin, both friend and foe, will be upon you."
Harry nodded, fully aware of the weight of his new role. "I'll keep that in mind. But for now, let's just say that Slytherin House might be in for a few surprises."
Selena then called the students to gather, her voice echoing through the Slytherin Common Room with an authority that had always seemed backed by an invisible, magical bond connecting her to every member of Slytherin. However, as she spoke, she sensed a shift; the magical reign she had wielded over them for three years felt as if it had slipped through her fingers like sand. "Let's go to the Great Hall for the end-of-year feast," she announced, trying to maintain her composure despite the internal turmoil.
The students, though no longer bound by the same magical obligation to her command, respected Selena enough to nod in agreement. Yet, their eyes shifted to Harry, seeking his nod of approval. Harry, understanding the unspoken question in their gaze, gave a slight nod, affirming Selena's call to the feast. This subtle exchange marked the transfer of allegiance, a moment that solidified Harry's new position not just in title but in the hearts and minds of his housemates.
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