Harry Potter with Technology System

Ch182- The Serpent of the Crown!

[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."

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."

"Right," Harry agreed, focusing back on Dumbledore just as the headmaster concluded his speech with his usual, "Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!"

Laughter and chatter filled the hall as the golden plates filled magically with food. Harry served himself some roast chicken and mashed potatoes, his mind still partially occupied with the quest. As he ate, he discussed the upcoming year with Daphne and Tracey, who were both eager to dive into their new classes.

Pansy, seated across from Harry, tilted her head slightly, a curious look on her face. "So, Harry, I heard you had a big birthday party. Too bad I wasn't invited," she remarked with a playful hint of reproach.

Harry, offering her a friendly smile, replied, "Sadly, my Aunt hadn't met some of you before, and it was more of a 'surprise' birthday party. I do plan to make it up to you soon." He added with a wink, "Got to offer some cake in exchange for the gifts you sent, after all."

Pansy's expression lightened up at this, and Draco, who was sitting next to her, snorted lightly, "You better." Zabini and Nott, who were listening in, chuckled.

Changing the subject, Harry turned his attention to Draco. "Planning to join the Quidditch team this year?" he asked, his tone casual yet genuinely interested.

Draco shook his head, a wry smile forming. "I was aiming for Seeker, but with you on the team, that spot’s as good as taken," he replied, his tone a mix of resignation and respect for Harry’s prowess on the broom.

After a hearty reunion and feast, the first years were instructed to wait for the prefects who would lead them to their respective dormitories. Older students began moving towards their house common rooms. Harry, now recognized as the Serpent of the Crown, walked towards Slytherin's common room. As he moved, the crowd subtly parted, allowing him a clear path. With a slight gesture, the ground beneath him shifted slightly, and a throne-like chair materialized at the end of the room. Harry took his seat, an air of authority surrounding him.

As he settled in, Harry summoned a snake, which elegantly wrapped around his neck. The room watched in amazement. Despite holding the title of the Serpent of the Crown for three years, his predecessor, Selena, had never displayed such overt acts of authority. But Harry was different; he had grander ambitions and sought to remind the Slytherin House of his leadership. The first years entered, their eyes wide as they took in the sight of the boy who was not much older than them but carried himself with an unmistakable presence.

From below, Harry stood out starkly against the backdrop of the dimly lit common room. Taller and more muscular than his peers, he exuded a calm confidence that was both intimidating and awe-inspiring. His dark hair was neatly combed back, his eyes, a striking green, scanned the room with a discerning gaze. The snake around his neck, a living emblem of his title, added to his enigmatic persona. His posture on the throne, relaxed yet commanding, made it clear that he was someone of importance.

As the new students murmured among themselves, trying to guess the story behind their enigmatic upperclassman, Nigel’s voice chimed in Harry’s mind, "Quite the entrance, Master Harry. One might say you've just set a new standard for dramatic flair in Slytherin."

Keeping his expression neutral, he addressed the gathered students. "Welcome to Slytherin," he began, his voice carrying smoothly over the whispers. "This house will be your family while you are here at Hogwarts."

As Harry surveyed the new Slytherin students from his throne-like chair in the common room, his vibrant green eyes met each of theirs in turn, piercing yet encouraging. A badge materialized on his chest as he willed it—a black snake wrapping elegantly around a golden crown.

"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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