Chapter Seven: The Common Lounge

After a satisfying meal, the newly arrived Slytherin first-years were led towards their common room by the prefects. The fifth-year prefects, Ignatius Prewett and Cedrella Black, signaled the young wizards to follow them. Leaving the great hall, they entered a side door in the entrance courtyard, which opened onto a spiral staircase descending into darkness, seemingly without end. The Slytherin common room awaited at the very bottom.

As they walked down the stairs, Ignatius reminded them, “I hope you all remember this route. Compared to other houses, Slytherin’s location is easy enough—just keep going down.”

Cedrella spoke with pride, “If you can’t remember the way, you’d best drop out early. Staying only brings shame to Slytherin.”

Even in Slytherin, most of the young wizards lacked the confidence that Hewin and Abraxas carried from their family backgrounds, and were terrified, carefully memorizing the path as they went.

After about five minutes, the surroundings grew ever dimmer, lit only by a few torches emitting eerie green flames. Hewin surmised they must be deep beneath the lake by now.

At last, they stopped before a stone wall. Ignatius addressed the wall, “Born noble.”

Cracks opened in the stone, and a door materialized in its surface.

“This is our common room,” Ignatius said. “Remember this wall and our password. If you forget, you’ll have to wait at the stairs for your classmates to let you in—but I hope that doesn’t happen!”

Cedrella impatiently strode in first, beckoning the girls to follow her as she headed toward a side door.

After saying goodnight to Elcione, Hewin joined the boys to explore the common room with Ignatius.

The Slytherin common room resembled a long, low dungeon. Circular green-glowing lamps hung from chains on the ceiling. Ornately carved chairs were arranged for students to rest, and some skulls served as decoration.

Part of the dungeon extended beneath the lake, casting the room in a greenish hue. The walls and ceiling were built from rough stone, and beneath an exquisitely carved mantelpiece a fire burned.

Perhaps because it was constructed below the lake, the common room felt damp and chilly.

Ignatius kindly led the newcomers around, giving them a brief introduction.

He pointed to the windows in the walls. “Outside is the water of the Black Lake. Many magical creatures live there—they rarely leave their territory, so we don’t usually see them. But if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the giant squid passing by.”

Abraxas grew interested. “If you find the right spot, could you jump into the lake and see our common room?”

“I wouldn’t recommend it. The creatures in the Black Lake aren’t just for show,” Ignatius said, lowering his voice suddenly. “I’ve heard the merpeople in the lake eat humans.”

Abraxas was startled by the low tone, instantly losing any desire for diving.

Hearing the word ‘merpeople,’ Hewin asked curiously, “Are there merpeople in the lake? What about mermaids?”

Ignatius was utterly baffled by the question. “If there are mermen, then there have to be mermaids—how else would they have descendants?”

Hewin clarified, “I don’t mean that. I mean mermaids as in the kind with long hair, beautiful figures.”

Ignatius replied with melancholy, “Whatever merpeople look like elsewhere, the ones in Hogwarts’ Black Lake are far from beautiful. Iron-grey skin, tangled hair, broken teeth. If you’re interested, just wait in the common room—you’ll see them eventually…”

Imagining the merpeople, Hewin swallowed nervously.

“Let’s talk about something else…”

Seeing that the young wizards weren’t very enthusiastic, Ignatius led them to their dormitory. “After a long day, you must all be tired. Get some rest!”

Passing several long aquariums pressed against the ceiling, the boys arrived at a door adorned with emeralds. Through the green stones, they could see four beds inside.

After saying goodnight to the prefect, they each headed to their beds; their luggage had already been placed by their respective cabinets.

Due to the tense situation in the wizarding world, this year’s intake was small—only four boys among the Slytherin first-years, all sharing one dormitory.

Besides Hewin and Abraxas Malfoy, there were two other boys.

“Let’s look out for each other, roommates. I’m Mowbray Vauray,” said a blond boy sitting on his bed, introducing himself.

“Vauray?” Abraxas looked up. “Is that the Vauray family I know?”

Mowbray nodded proudly. “I’m the heir of the Vauray family in this generation. I know you—you’re from the Malfoy family.”

“Abraxas Malfoy.” Abraxas got up and shook Mowbray’s hand.

The Vauray family, to which Mowbray belonged, was one of the better-known pureblood families in British wizarding society. Though not among the Sacred Twenty-Eight, they maintained good relations with many other pureblood families. After the introduction, Abraxas accepted Mowbray’s status.

Mowbray then turned to Hewin, who was taking things out of his pocket watch, and to the other brown-haired boy quietly unpacking his belongings.

“Hewin Rosier,” Hewin said.

Mowbray replied, “From the Rosier family? Pleased to meet you!”

After Hewin and Mowbray shook hands, all three looked toward the remaining brown-haired boy.

Unlike the well-dressed trio, he wore clothes with many creases, looking rather worn. His thin cheeks suggested malnutrition.

He was silent for a while, then spoke quietly, “My name is Gomez Gris.”

Abraxas thought for a moment. “I don’t think I’ve heard of the Gris family.”

Mowbray nodded. “Nor have I.”

Seeing Mowbray’s gaze, Hewin shook his head. “If Abraxas doesn’t know, neither do I.”

Gomez’s expression became even more strained. He said heavily, “I’m a half-blood. My father is a Muggle.”

Abraxas and Mowbray immediately lost interest and went back to their own activities.

Seeing Gomez’s mood sink, Hewin comforted him, “Don’t worry too much, Gris. We’re all roommates now; let’s look out for each other.”

After a day’s travel, everyone was tired and quickly put away their things, not feeling much like chatting.

Gomez Gris lay down hurriedly, unwilling to talk further, not even bothering to unpack his luggage.

The other three said nothing more, made up their beds, and soon drifted into deep sleep…

…