As the feast tinue, Alex noticed something about the dynamics at the Slytherin table. Many of the first-years seemed to know each other already. They discussed family histories, shared stories about their retives, and reized each other from past visits. It was clear that many of them came from wizarding families with deep roots in the magical world, just like Vivian, who seemed to be on friendly terms with a few others at the table.

  Alex, oher hand, sat quietly, feeling somewhat like an outsider. He didn't mind bei alone—he preferred to observe. As the chatter around him grew, he remained focused on his food, cutting another pieb and chewing slowly.

  Suddenly, a boy with short blonde hair, another first-year, approached him with a smile.

  "Hi, I'm Randall Rozier. Why are you sitting here by yourself? You're Alex Wilsht? I haven't heard of your family before. Are you from a fn wizarding line?"

  Alex stifled a sigh and looked at Randall with cold, unreadable eyes.

  "No, I'm not from a fn wizarding family. You haven't heard of my family because I'm Muggle-born. Is that a problem?" His voice was calm but firm, making it clear he wasn't ied in small talk.

  Randall's smile faltered as he realized Alex wasn't someoo be easily approached.

  "Oh, I see..." he muttered, his expression stiffening.

  Around them, a few of the other students turheir heads, whispering at the revetion that Alex was Muggle-born. In Slytherin, this was a rare thing, and many of the pure-blood students exged curious or unfriendly gnces.

  Alex didn't care. He found the euation amusing, seeing the other first-years as just children with infted egos. He had no iion of getting involved in their petty games or family politics. His goal was simple—to study, grow stronger, and stay out of unnecessary trouble.

  However, Alex was aware that his status as a Muggle-born wizard could make things difficult in Slytherin. Vivian had mentioned before that some students from pure-blood families might look down on him, and with the state of the magical world being tense, he knew he might bee a target for those who sympathized with dark wizards like Voldemort. Alex made a mental o focus on self-defense magid other ways to protect himself as soon as possible.

  Randall, after getting the cold shoulder from Alex, slinked back to where he had been sittiravers. The two boys whispered to each other, and Alex noticed Travers smirking as he shot a gn his dire. But when Alex locked eyes with him, Travers quickly looked away, shivering under Alex's intense gaze.

  The chatter around the table soon died down, especially after Slytherin's prefect, Vanessa Greengrass, gave the louder students a sharp look. Alex caught her eye and gave her a polite nod of thanks before returning to his meal in silence. He k was best to keep a low profile for now, at least until he got the y of the nd.

  As the feast came to an end, Professor Dumbledore stood up once more, reminding the students of the school's rules.

  "No students are to ehe Forbidden Forest, so be mindful of the castle's boundaries. Due to the current climate in the magical world, there are Aurors patrolling the grounds to ensure everyone's safety."

  Then, with a gleam in his eye, Dumbledore announced, "And now, my favorite part of the eveni's sing the school song!"

  With a wave of his wand, golden ribbons flew into the air, dispying the lyrics for everyoo see.

  The entire hall stood up to sing, but each group seemed to be singing the song to their own tune, creating a chaotid dissonant melody. Alex joined iantly, finding the whole affair rather ridiculous. He noticed that Dumbledore was the only one who seemed truly pleased with the off-key performa made Alex wonder what kind of person the headmaster really was.

  Ohe song ehe prefects gathered their students and began leading them to their dormitories. Vanessa Greengrass took charge of the Slytherins, guiding them through the castle's winding passages and down into the dungeoh the Bck Lake.

  After a few twists and turns, they reached a solid stone wall.

  "Ouroboros," Vanessa said clearly, and the wall shifted, revealing the entrao the Slytherin on room.

  The on room was dimly lit, with greenish light casting eerie shadows across the walls. The ceiling was low and arched, and s held circur mps that swayed gently overhead. The stone walls and flave the space a cold, dungeon-like feel, and carved wooden chairs were arranged around a rge firepce. Skulls and other dark decorations lihe room, adding to its chilling atmosphere. Through some of the windows, the murky depths of the Bck Lake could be seen, the water refleg an emerald glow into the room.

  "I am your prefect, Vanessa Greengrass. The password to ehe on room will ge every two weeks. The current password is 'Ouroboros,' and updates will be posted oice board."

  She surveyed the students, her gaze passing over each of them.

  "At Hogwarts, we are Slytherins. Ambition is not a fw; we value it, but we are always calm, graceful, and self-suffit. Most importantly, we uphold Slytherin's honor. It has been years since we won the House Cup, and I hope you spend more time focused on your studies and the reputation of the house rather than wasting energy fighting Gryffindors."

  The students listened, some nodding in agreement while others remained indifferent. But just as Vanessa finished her words, a loud voiterrupted from the steps.

  "We 't just let those Gryffindor idiots walk all over us! The magical world is ging—this is our ce to rise!"

  A tall, blonde uppercssman shouted defiantly. He had a strong build and a anding presence.

  "That's Raleigh Yaxley, fifth-year prefect. He was just promoted this year," Vivian whispered to Alex.