Ch182- The Serpent of the Crown!

Ch182- The Serpent of the Crown!

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[System Message: New Quest - Uncover the Secrets of the Chamber of Secrets. Objective: Investigate and determine the truth about the legendary Chamber of Secrets to ensure the safety of Hogwarts. Rewards: Increased magical knowledge, enhanced reputation, and a special item from the Chamber itself.]

Harry glanced at the quest notification with a mixture of curiosity and excitement. "What is the Chamber of Secrets?" he pondered aloud in his mind.

Nigel, ever ready with a quip, responded with a virtual shrug. "No idea, Master Harry. But I suspect it's something you wouldn't find in a tour brochure. You're on your own with this one."

Harry hummed in thought, then turned his attention back to the Great Hall as Professor McGonagall began herding the first years towards the Sorting Hat. The young witches and wizards looked tiny in their oversized robes, their faces alight with awe and nervousness as they took in the enchanted ceiling and the four house tables.

Among the newcomers, one girl caught Harry's attention. She had an airy demeanor, with long, dirty blonde hair and a dreamy expression. Her pale blue eyes seemed to gaze through the hustle and bustle of the hall, capturing a world beyond the immediate. Harry felt oddly transparent under her gaze, as if she could see right through him.

Acting on a sudden instinct, Harry decided to use his Observe spell. Just as he focused on her, the girl turned her head, catching his eye with a knowing smile before she looked away. The System promptly displayed the message:

[System Message: Luna Lovegood - Known for her eccentricity and unique perspective on the world. Possesses an unusual but genuine insight into people and their nature. No deceit or malice detected.]

"Interesting," Harry muttered to himself, then leaned back to watch the Sorting Hat ceremony. Nigel chimed in, "Seems you've found someone who might just out-peculiar you, Master Harry."Điscover new chapters at novelhall.com

Harry chuckled softly, the sound blending with the applause as another first-year was sorted into Gryffindor. The ceremony continued, each new student's sorting bringing a fresh wave of cheers from their new housemates.

As the last of the first years was sorted, Dumbledore rose to his feet, his eyes twinkling as he addressed the hall. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts!" His voice, always clear and warm, seemed to fill every corner of the room. "Now, before we feast, I have a few start-of-term notices. First, the Forbidden Forest is, as ever, completely off-limits to students."

As Dumbledore's announcements continued, Harry's mind wandered back to the Chamber of Secrets. What could it be? And more importantly, how would he go about uncovering its secrets? He knew this quest would be far from simple, but the challenge only added to the thrill.

Nigel's voice pulled him back to the present. "Do try to pay attention, Master Harry. Dumbledore's words are often worth their weight in Galleons."

"This," Harry began, pointing to the badge with a confident gesture, "is the symbol of my identity. I am the Serpent of the Crown. None of you have heard of it before. You couldn't. The ancient magic within these walls prevents you from speaking of it outside. Some of your parents may have held this title, but even they cannot reveal any secrets of this house outside these walls."

Harry's voice carried a new weight, enhanced by the title bestowed upon him, pressing a silent command over everyone present. "I don’t care about your upbringing or what beliefs you’ve been taught at home. Here, my rules are absolute. Just like my predecessor, Selena Rosier, I aim to uphold Slytherin’s honor and improve our reputation. However, unlike Selena, I will be stricter with those who act against our rules and objectives."

He paused, letting the seriousness of his words sink in. "Last year, we worked hard to uplift the honor and reputation of Slytherin, to rid this noble house of its blemished name. This year, and in the five years to come while I hold this title, we will continue on this path. Disloyalty and misconduct will not be tolerated."

The room was thick with the intensity of Harry’s declaration. The first years looked on, a mixture of awe and fear in their eyes, understanding the gravity of the legacy they were stepping into.

Nigel's voice then flickered through Harry’s thoughts, a hint of amusement threading through his words. "Setting quite the stage, Master Harry. One might wonder if you’re aiming to redefine Slytherin's legacy or audition for a dramatic play."

Harry's lips twitched in a small smile, appreciating Nigel's attempt to lighten the mood, even if only he could hear it. He continued, "Being part of Slytherin means you are part of a family—a family that looks out for each other, values strength and ambition, and respects the traditions of this house."

He stood, stepping down from his throne to approach the new students. "Each of you will be expected to contribute to our house's prestige. In return, you will gain the full support and protection of Slytherin. We stand strongest when we stand together."

As Harry stepped down from the elevated seat in the Slytherin common room, he announced clearly, "Keep in mind, in Slytherin, we are always united outside of these walls, no matter the disputes we have within." At that moment, the door swung open, and Professor Snape entered, his presence commanding immediate silence.

Nodding in agreement with Harry's statement, Snape added, "As the Serpent of the Crown has explained, you will act united, respect the house rules and traditions, and behave sensibly. I do not want anyone to tarnish our noble name." The students looked on, some with wide eyes, realizing that even the professors recognized and respected the student leader among them. Snape's smirk was brief as he turned, his cloak billowing behind him as he exited the room.

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