Chapter 7 – The Serpent's Welcome
The Feast had ended with a flick of Dumbledore's hand, and the golden plates on every table cleared themselves, leaving only faint trails of steam and crumbs behind. Students pushed back their benches with murmurs and yawns, tired from the day's excitement. Prefects began gathering the first-years of each house.
"First-years, follow me. Stick together," called a tall, broad-shouldered seventh-year from Slytherin. His prefect badge gleamed against his green and silver robes. "I'm Adrian Pucey. I don't repeat myself, so listen the first time."
Harry stood, his new robes hanging neatly off his lean but muscular frame—thankfully not baggy like some of the others'. Years of secret enhancement potions from Snape had shaped him into a surprisingly well-built eleven-year-old. While his height was average, his posture was firm, and his emerald eyes alert.
Draco stepped beside him, speaking in a low voice. "Bet the others didn't expect you in Slytherin."
Harry responded without looking. "That's their problem, not mine."
They moved with the group, heading toward the main staircase. The Slytherin first-years followed Adrian through the hallways, which gradually grew darker and colder. The torches flickered with green-tinged flames now, and the chatter from other students faded.
"You'll get used to the chill," Adrian said without turning. "We're in the dungeons. Nearest to the lake. Our common room is warded against all kinds of intrusion. No portraits. No nonsense. Just tradition and quiet power."
A few students exchanged nervous looks.
Harry wasn't bothered. The atmosphere suited him—ancient, cold, heavy with magic. Almost like the castle itself was watching.
They passed stone statues of snakes and marble busts of stern-looking witches, until finally, Adrian paused before a blank stretch of wall.
He tapped a stone with his wand and said, "Pure."
A shimmering doorway appeared.
Inside, the Slytherin common room was stunning.
Lit with green firelight, the room stretched long and low, with polished black floors and arched ceilings. The walls were decorated with silver trim, and enormous windows looked out into the dark, green-tinged water of the Black Lake. Shadows of squids and other creatures passed by in the distance, giving the room an eerie serenity.
"Welcome to Slytherin," Adrian said. "Rules are simple. Respect your House. Keep your secrets. And don't cross the upper years unless you like sleeping with one eye open."
A few chuckled. Harry didn't.
The prefect pointed toward the staircases on either side. "Girls on the right. Boys on the left. Your trunks have already been brought to your dorms."
Draco smirked. "Finally. Felt like we'd never get here."
"Agreed," Harry muttered.
They made their way into the boys' dormitory. It was just as elegant—green silk curtains, black marble floor, silver-framed beds, and enchanted lanterns floating in midair.
Harry found his bed easily. His name was engraved on a small plaque: H. Potter.
He sat, glancing around at the other boys—Draco, Blaise Zabini, Theodore Nott, and two others he hadn't spoken to yet. No one said much. The silence wasn't uncomfortable—it was... strategic. Measured.
Harry pulled out a leather-bound notebook and a self-inking quill, jotting a few notes.
> "System is quiet. Likely observing. Common room magic confirmed. Arcane presence in walls. Defensive enchantments strong."
The moment he finished, a subtle ding echoed in his mind.
> System Update
Passive Observation Mode: Stable
Location Affinity: House Slytherin (Recognized)
Trait Unlocked – Serpent's Intent: +10% Resistance to Mental Interference
Dorm Enchantment: Passive Magic Field Strengthening – Mild Arcane Core Acceleration
Arcane Core Progress: 15%
Harry's lips curled slightly. So it begins.
---
The Next Morning
Sunlight didn't reach the Slytherin dorms, but enchanted windows provided a soft, greenish light. Harry woke early, already dressed by the time the others began to stir.
A quiet screech broke the silence. Hedwig flew in through a hidden passage and dropped a folded note into his hands before perching on the bedpost.
Harry unfolded it.
> Harry,
My classroom. 7:45 sharp.
No books. Just your wand.
—S.S.
He folded the note carefully and tucked it into his pocket.
By the time Draco rolled out of bed, Harry was already on his way out, robes crisp, wand at his side.
---
Private Lesson in the Dungeons
Snape's classroom was dark, smelling of herbs, old parchment, and something acidic. The cauldrons were unlit.
Snape stood by a polished table, his robes as black as ever, his gaze piercing.
"You came early," he said, almost approvingly.
"You said sharp."
Snape gave the faintest nod. "We won't waste time. Today, you'll learn what it means to brew without instructions. No measuring. No dicing. No stirring patterns. Just instinct."
He uncovered a case of rare ingredients—silverthorn petals, powdered basilisk scale, essence of moonroot.
"You have 30 minutes. One potion. Your choice of brew. Trust your senses."
Harry studied the materials silently.
> System Trial Initiated
Skill: Potioncraft (Instinctual)
Time Limit: 30 minutes
Magical Intuition Support: 5%
Trial Reward: Trait + Resistance Boost
He closed his eyes and breathed in, letting the ingredients' magic guide his hands.
Ten minutes in, his potion glowed a light purple.
Twenty minutes in, it shimmered gold around the edges.
At thirty minutes, it rested in the cauldron like a pool of starlight.
Snape said nothing at first. Then: "Brilliant. You didn't try to mimic anyone. You listened. Few do."
Harry glanced up. "Is that what you want from me?"
Snape's voice was low. "I want you to be the best potioneer Hogwarts has ever seen. Better than me."
Harry nodded once. "Then teach me."
Snape's eyes gleamed. "Gladly."
---
That Evening
Back in the Slytherin common room, Harry curled up with his journal again. The room was quieter now, with some playing wizard chess or reading by floating lanterns.
Draco sat nearby, eyeing him.
"You're always writing."
"I remember things better this way."
Draco smirked. "Hermione does that too."
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Then she's smarter than most."
Draco hesitated, then asked, "Do you actually like me?"
Harry closed his journal. "I think you're tired of people liking your name instead of you."
Draco blinked. "Yeah. I am."
Harry offered a small, honest smile. "Then yes. I like you."
The silence that followed was comfortable.
> System Notification
Bond Formed: Draco Malfoy (Unusual Ally – Tier 1)
Trait Gained – Selective Trust: Emotional Insight increased
Arcane Core Progress: 18%
As the water shifted beyond the common room windows and torches flickered low, Harry leaned back, satisfied.
He wasn't the Boy Who Lived.
He wasn't a chosen savior.
He was Harry Potter—chaotic, cunning, and utterly his own.
And his story was only just beginning.