The Serpent Prince

The Slytherin common room was unlike anything Alex had ever seen. After the feast, the prefects led the first-years down a series of dimly lit stone corridors that twisted and turned like the tunnels of an underground labyrinth. The walls seemed to whisper faintly, the voices of enchantments or memories long past. As they descended deeper into the dungeons, the air grew cooler, tinged with the faint scent of damp stone and lake water.

At last, they stopped before an unassuming stretch of wall. The prefect, a tall girl with sleek black hair and a commanding presence, turned to the group.

"Welcome to Slytherin," she said, her voice smooth and authoritative. "Our common room is located beneath the Black Lake, and it is warded against intruders with some of the finest spells Hogwarts has to offer. The password changes frequently, so pay attention when it's updated. For now, it's Serpens Gloria."

The wall seemed to ripple as she spoke the words, and a hidden door slid open with a faint hiss, revealing a passageway beyond.

Alex followed the others inside, his steps measured but his curiosity sparking to life.

The common room was a study in elegance and power. The high, arched ceiling was lined with silver chandeliers that cast a soft, ethereal glow. Greenish light filtered through tall windows that looked directly out into the murky waters of the Black Lake, where shadows of swimming creatures occasionally drifted past. The furniture was dark and luxurious, the emerald-green and silver upholstery complementing the polished black wood of the tables and chairs. A large fireplace dominated one wall, its flames flickering with a peculiar green hue that didn't seem to produce much heat.

"Find a seat, everyone," the prefect said, gesturing toward the room's various plush armchairs and couches. "We have a few things to go over before you're off to bed."

Alex chose a seat near the edge of the room, where he could observe without drawing too much attention. He noticed that some of the other first-years were already clumping together, whispering nervously or glancing around in awe.

The prefect cleared her throat, commanding the room's attention once more. "I'm Astrid Selwyn, your house prefect. First-years, your dormitories are down the hall to the left, boys on one side, girls on the other. There are strict rules about entering the opposite dormitory, so don't get any ideas."

A ripple of laughter moved through the group, though Alex only gave a small smile.

"Now," Astrid continued, her sharp eyes scanning the group, "Slytherin House has a reputation—some good, some… not so good. But let me make one thing clear: we are the House of ambition, cunning, and resourcefulness. This isn't just about bloodlines or family names, though those are important to many of us. Slytherin is about power—earning it, wielding it, and respecting it. If you work hard, you will find allies here. If you falter, don't expect us to coddle you."

Alex nodded slightly. Her words had a razor-edged truth to them that he appreciated.

"Any questions?" Astrid asked, her gaze sweeping the room.

One boy raised his hand hesitantly. "What happens if we don't do well in classes?"

Astrid smirked. "Then you'll have to answer to Professor Snape—oh wait." She paused, her smirk softening into a smile. "That was a joke. But seriously, keep up with your studies. Slytherins don't settle for mediocrity."

Another ripple of laughter spread through the group, this time a bit more genuine.

Astrid clapped her hands. "That's it for now. Get to know each other, find your dorms, and be ready for classes tomorrow. Welcome to Slytherin."

As the group began to disperse, Alex remained seated, taking in his surroundings. He noticed a few students glancing his way, their expressions curious but wary.

"Alexander Lorian, right?"

Alex looked up to see the girl who had welcomed him at the table earlier. She had sharp cheekbones and dark hair pulled back into a loose ponytail. Her eyes were a piercing gray, her smirk playful but calculating.

"Yes," Alex replied.

"I'm Imogen Greengrass," she said, taking the seat next to him without waiting for an invitation. "Greengrass. Heard of the family?"

"I've read about them," Alex said diplomatically.

"Of course you have," Imogen said with a grin. "You've got the look of someone who reads everything before they step into a room. That's not a bad thing, though. Smart. You'll need that here."

"And what about you?" Alex asked. "Why are you introducing yourself to me?"

Imogen's grin widened. "Because you're interesting. A prince in Slytherin? That doesn't happen every day. Plus, you're new to all this—Hogwarts, I mean. You've got the look of someone trying not to let on that he's figuring it all out as he goes."

Alex raised an eyebrow, impressed despite himself. "You're observant."

"It's a Slytherin thing," she said, shrugging. "So, tell me, are you planning to make waves, or are you just here to get your education and go back to your castle?"

Alex hesitated for a moment before replying, "I haven't decided yet."

Imogen laughed softly. "Fair enough. Just be careful—this place eats the indecisive alive."

With that, she stood, giving him a mock salute before heading toward a group of older students near the fireplace.

Alex's dormitory was a circular room lined with heavy green curtains and dark wood paneling. The beds were large and draped with thick, emerald-colored blankets that looked both warm and luxurious. His trunk was already at the foot of his bed, and the faint sound of water lapping against the windows added an oddly soothing backdrop.

As Alex unpacked his things, he couldn't help but let his mind wander. The common room, the other students, the whispered conversations—it was all so different from the rigid structure of palace life. He felt both out of place and oddly invigorated, like a thread had been pulled loose in a carefully woven tapestry.

Before he climbed into bed, the system chimed softly in his mind.

[Objective Progress: Integrate into Hogwarts culture – 5% Complete.]

Alex smirked faintly as he extinguished the lantern beside his bed. The journey was just beginning, and already, he could feel the gears of destiny shifting around him.