บท 61: Common Room
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As the final course of desserts vanished from the tables, leaving behind a satisfied murmur among the students, Professor Dumbledore rose once more, capturing the attention of the entire Great Hall. The hall, buzzing with the energy of a fresh start at Hogwarts, quieted down, every eye and ear turning towards the esteemed Headmaster.
"Ahem," Dumbledore began, his voice resonating with a warmth that seemed to reach every corner of the vast room. "Just a few more words now that we are all fed and watered." His eyes, twinkling as they often did, swept across the hall, pausing momentarily on the faces of eager first-years and returning students alike.
"First years should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all pupils." Dumbledore's voice took on a slightly stern tone, though his eyes retained their gentle sparkle. "And a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well." His gaze flickered towards the Weasley twins, whose expressions of feigned innocence only seemed to amuse the Headmaster further.
Harry, seated at the Slytherin table, couldn't help but observe the subtle interplay of expressions around the hall. "Ah, the forbidden forest, a treasure trove of the dangerous and unknown," Nigel's voice echoed in Harry's mind, tinged with a hint of intrigue. "Do be careful should you ever find yourself near its edges, Master Harry."
Harry nodded slightly, acknowledging Nigel's words. His eyes returned to Dumbledore, who was now addressing another important matter.
"I have also been asked by Mr. Filch, the caretaker, to remind you all that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors." Dumbledore's words were clear but Harry saw no point in such a rule. Students weren't allowed to use magic outside of Hogwarts, and now they weren't allowed to use it in corridors. Where could they even test their spells?
"Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term. Anyone interested in playing for their house teams should contact Madam Hooch." Dumbledore's announcement sparked a wave of excited whispers among the students. Harry, though curious about the famous wizarding sport, remained contemplative. His interest lied more in academics and exploring secrets of Hogwarts and Magic.
"Quidditch, the sport where brooms are more than cleaning tools," Nigel added. "Perhaps you should give it a go, Master Harry. After all, your balance on a broom is quite commendable."
Harry considered the idea briefly. His skills in broom riding were indeed exceptional, but he decided to reserve any decision on participating in Quidditch until he had a better grasp of his priorities and schedule at Hogwarts. He had so much to test and explore.
Dumbledore's final announcement, however, captured everyone's full attention. "And finally, I must tell you that this year, the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death." The statement, delivered with a serious tone uncharacteristic of the usually jovial Headmaster, sent a ripple of both excitement and apprehension throughout the hall.
Harry's eyes narrowed thoughtfully, while Nigel's voice sounded in his mind. "A painfully deadly warning, quite literal in its intent. The third-floor corridor seems to be this year's touch of mystery. Caution is advised, but curiosity, I presume, will not be far behind."
"Indeed, Nigel," Harry thought in response. "A corridor forbidden under threat of death. It's almost like an open invitation for the more daring, or foolish, among us. I am sure dear old Headmaster could have used a spell to keep students away instead of pointing attention to there."
As Dumbledore finished his speech and the hall erupted into discussions and speculations about the forbidden corridor, Harry's mind was already weaving through the possibilities. 'What secrets does that corridor hold? And why such a dire warning from Dumbledore?' These questions lingered in his thoughts.
Around him, the Slytherin table was abuzz with conversations. Daphne Greengrass and Tracey Davis were discussing the possible reasons for the forbidden corridor, while Theodore Nott and Blaise Zabini speculated on the nature of the dangers it might contain. Draco Malfoy, ever the schemer, seemed to be pondering the potential for exploiting this new piece of information.
The descent into the dungeons of Hogwarts Castle was a passage into a world unknown to Harry, yet one he felt strangely drawn to. The stone steps, cool and worn from centuries of use, spiraled downwards, leading the group of Slytherin first-years deeper into the castle's ancient heart. The torches mounted on the walls flickered, casting shadows that danced across the stone, creating an atmosphere of mystique and aged grandeur.
As they reached the bottom of the staircase, the air grew cooler, the unmistakable dampness of the dungeon mingling with a sense of timelessness. Harry walked alongside Daphne Greengrass and Tracey Davis, his eyes keenly observing the new environment he was about to embrace as part of his house.
The prefect leading them stopped before a stretch of bare stone wall, indistinguishable from the rest of the dungeon corridor. "This is the Slytherin Common Room entrance," he announced, turning to face the group. "We change the password every week, and it's posted inside the common room. Make sure you check for the next password every Sunday evening. It won't be there the next morning." The students, including Harry, nodded in understanding, their attention focused on the wall.
"The current password is 'Ambition and Pride,'" the prefect declared. At his words, the stone wall slid aside, revealing the entrance to the common room. The students filed in, each eager to discover the secrets of their new home.
The Slytherin Common Room was a sight to behold. The interior was bathed in a dim, greenish light that seemed to emanate from enchanted lamps shaped like serpents, their emerald eyes glowing softly. The walls were adorned with rich, dark tapestries depicting the achievements of famous Slytherins throughout the ages, each one a testament to the house's storied history.
The room was spacious, with high, arched ceilings that gave it a cavernous feel. Several comfortable-looking black leather sofas and armchairs were arranged around low tables, providing ample space for studying or socializing. The carpets on the floor were thick and dark green, with patterns of twisting snakes woven into them.
One of the most striking features of the common room was a large window that offered a view into the depths of the Black Lake. Through the glass, the eerie, green-tinged waters of the lake could be seen, along with the occasional glimpse of aquatic creatures swimming past. The sight was both mesmerizing and slightly unnerving, serving as a constant reminder of the common room's unique location.
Harry, taking it all in, felt a sense of belonging. The common room, with its aura of ambition and the pursuit of greatness, resonated with his own aspirations and determination. He was Slytherin, and this was his domain.
As the older students began to settle in, finding their preferred spots and engaging in hushed conversations, Harry's attention was momentarily drawn back to Nigel's voice in his mind. "Quite the cozy little snake pit we have here, wouldn't you say, Master Harry? And that view of the lake, certainly beats staring at a brick wall."
Harry couldn't help but agree inwardly. The view of the lake added an element of the extraordinary to the common room, setting it apart from anything he had ever experienced.
The prefect, having ensured that all the first-years were acquainted with the common room, made a final announcement about the dormitories. "The boys' dormitories are through the door on the left, and the girls' are on the right. Your belongings have already been brought up. Remember, respect each other's privacy and space."
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