Although Alan's inspection and explanations were meticulous, he remained efficient, completing the sweep of all male and female dormitories in just over half an hour. After finishing, Alan turned to the Prefects who had been trailing him.
"Did you see clearly? I have personally demonstrated the standards for personal and dormitory internal affairs. Starting tomorrow, with the exception of weekends, the Prefect of each grade must conduct inspections for the students in their year every morning at 7:30."
"If a year meets the standard, you will lead them to the Great Hall for meals. However, if even one person in a grade fails to meet the standard, no one in that entire year is permitted to leave the common room."
"Today is the first day, so it does not count against you. From tomorrow onwards, if I find anyone outside the common room whose appearance or room does not meet the standard, points will be deducted from their respective grade. As Prefects, you must set the example. If any part of your own uniform or quarters fails to meet the standard, your punishment will be doubled."
With a stern expression, Alan delivered these instructions loudly. His voice carried, ensuring not only the Prefects but also the young wizards lingering in the corridors heard him clearly. When establishing such standards, he knew he had to be firm and uncompromising to ensure habits took root.
"Yes, Chief." Ever since Joey had responded that way the previous day, the other Prefects had followed suit, adopting the title.
"Very well. Now, head to the Great Hall for meals. Students from years two through seven must return to the common room before 9 o'clock to prepare for the diagnostic test. William, after breakfast, take the first-year students to familiarize them with the castle. Identify the locations of the classrooms and the library," Alan commanded.
The young wizards, who had been standing at attention for half an hour, were relieved to be dismissed. Their tense bodies finally relaxed. This was especially true for the first-years; they were spared the diagnostic exam and instead got a guided tour from a seventh-year Prefect. Like chickens, the young wizards surged out in a chaotic mass.
"Everyone, halt!" Alan roared, his face darkening at the sight. "You have already forgotten what I said yesterday! We are Slytherin,! Did you not hear me say organised line? How dare you move around like wild animals?"
At Alan's roar, everyone stiffened and quickly scrambled into an orderly line. With so many people moving in unison, the group resembled a long snake winding its way forward. Alan acted as an instructor, walking alongside the column with a sharp, inspecting gaze.
"Those in front, do not walk so fast. Those behind you can barely keep up."
"When moving, look straight ahead. Do not look around, and do not whisper."
"At intersections and stairwell corners, remember to yield to others. If you cannot keep up with the front of the line, do not panic. Simply walk steadily; no one is rushing you."
As the column moved, Alan offered constant reminders, educating them through practice. Pedestrians they encountered—whether Professors or students from other Houses—stared at the long stream of Slytherins with bewilderment. They were curious why the Slytherins were so tense and silent, dressed so impeccably on a weekend.
The marching students felt awkward being stared at like exotic magical creatures, but they dared not lower their heads or break rank. Many blushed with embarrassment. Upon arriving at the Great Hall, the Slytherin group circled their table in a full round. Only after everyone stood in their place did they sit and begin to eat, moving uniformly at Alan's commands of "sit" and "eat."
During the meal, if anyone laughed, made a ruckus, whispered, or made too much noise with their utensils, they were met with Alan's fierce gaze. The structured scene at the Slytherin table was a glaring contrast to the sparsely populated tables of the other Houses. Professors at the high table frequently glanced over, and the Gryffindors pointed and laughed.
Alan saw it all. He noticed the conflicted emotions of the young snakes beside him, but he remained unbothered. *Embarrassed? When they see Slytherin's discipline in the future, the only ones who will be embarrassed are them.*
After breakfast, Louis returned from the general Prefect meeting. The Slytherin group split: one followed Alan back to the common room for the exam, while the first-years followed Louis to tour the castle. Returning to the dungeons, the students sat at the new long benches and watched Alan, awaiting the test.
"I know that being stared at just now made you feel awkward," Alan said, laying the truth bare. Some of the young wizards nodded in acknowledgment.
"But you must remember: being different and remaining indifferent to the opinions of others is an inherent quality of Slytherin. People are born different. The strong do not need to explain themselves to the weak. Your task now is to learn how to become strong. Understand?" Alan's voice was low and surprisingly gentle.
"Yes, Chief," they responded quickly.
"The diagnostic exam begins now. For this first session, there will be no practicals; it is entirely written. Answer carefully!" Alan snapped his fingers, and stacks of parchment, quills, and ink appeared before every student.
Soon, the only sound in the stone hall was the scratching of quills. Alan supervised from the platform. For each subject, students in years two through five were given forty minutes. Senior students took only the subjects they had passed at O.W.L. level, with one hour per subject. The Subject Representatives were exempt.
As time expired for each subject, Alan cast a spell to vanish the papers and replace them with the next. Middle and lower-year wizards took nine subjects, while seniors took between three and six. At lunchtime, Alan organized them for another trip to the Great Hall. After an hour of rest, they continued through the afternoon. The first-years, returning from their tour, were ordered to remain quiet and retire to their dormitories.
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