Chapter 5: A Family Of Serpents
{A/N: Here's Another Update...}
My Thanks To All My Readers And Reviewers...Enjoy-S.S.
The Slytherin Common Room, Slytherin Dungeons, Hogwarts Castle, Wizarding World...
A tall and rather thin fifth year Slytherin wizard by the name of Felix Rosier had been their chosen prefect whom had been tasked with seeing to the newest batch of first year Slytherins and getting them to their common room in one piece. Rowan seemed to be in awe of the older wizard as both he and Sevier Prince entered the Slytherin common room. It had a true vision of beauty, high walls of cool gray stone, a finely carved fireplace in the center of the room and the large tanks on the sides of the wall gave a glimpse into the murky depths of the black lake.
Sevier had been greatly astounded by his surroundings noting the traditional serpent carvings and the brilliant mosaic paintings along the walls that created an air of adverse sophistication despite what any of the other houses might believe of Slytherin as a whole. The clean cut diamond pattern of white marble that fitted itself nicely over the stone flooring had resulted in the rather impressive clicking sound of those moving along it's surface.
The raven haired wizard had found he quite enjoyed the sound as he turned his attention to the high rows of book shelves that lined the furthest wall from the entrance and the elegant black leather sofas and armchairs that were placed to ensure a bit of luxurious comfort for those diligently tending to their studies.
There were desks made from the finest mahogany wood and tables of equal like as well as chair all waiting for any student ready to hit the books and get a superior leg up on their competition be it another Slytherin or members of another Hogwarts House.
"Is it just me or is it a bit chilly in here?" asked Rowan noting the slight draft that seemed to linger despite the warmth from a burning fireplace.
Sevier noted the silver serpent emblem on the base of the white marble fireplace. It had been exactly as Jacob described it and more. Truth be told his elder brother's words and his parents' distant memories had not done the Slytherin Common room justice. He found as he stood in the very room once shared by his family for generations that one had to truly feel the floor beneath their feet to appreciate the truly awe inspiring wonder that came with being a Slytherin.
"Get use to it." said Felix Rosier. "We're beneath the castle and below the black lake by design so it's always going to be drafty here all year round which is why we keep the fireplace going."
Sevier turned his attention to the fifteen year old wizard.
At first glance, Felix Rosier had not been the least impressive. He was tall of course and thin but he had neat short cropped brown hair and dark eyes that seemed unassuming despite his apparent ambition. His cheeks were gaunt and his expression almost like that of a serpent ready to strike.
"Professor Snape will be here soon to greet you first years." he said his voice showing all the signs of puberty. "Might I suggest you refraining from pissing him off lest he began taking house points before we've even begun the school term."
Sevier had not been in the least intimidated by the likes of Felix Rosier nor Severus Snape.
"I have no intention of causing trouble." he said coolly.
"Nor do I." replied Rowan looking a bit insulted that he would be considered a trouble-maker at all. "I plan to get to my studies as soon as possible."
Felix rolled his eyes.
"Spare me the brown-nosing." growled Felix. "Just know that I've got my eye on you Prince...your brother's caused enough damage to Slytherins reputation we don't need another doing the same."
"I am not my brother." said Sevier Prince with a glint of annoyance behind his obsidian gaze.
Felix Rosier glared at him as if he had not heard a word he'd said.
"We'll see." he said before walking off to tend to the other new Slytherin arrivals.
Rowan rolled his eyes once Felix had been gone.
"Can you believe that bloke?" he asked as if surprised. "Slytherin or not, Rosier had no right to..."
"I don't need you to attempt to make me feel better Rowan." said Sevier trying to suppress his annoyance.
"I...know I was just..." began Rowan unsure how to address his new friend's anger.
"I'm sorry." said Sevier catching himself. "I didn't mean to take it out on you Rowan...it's just that..."
"Rosier got under your skin taking about your wayward elder brother." said Rowan in understanding. "I get it...and no harm done...let's just enjoy the fact that we've actually made it to our common room in one piece."
"Agreed." replied Sevier with something of a smile.
Just as the students were chatting amoungst themselves, there was a loud rumbling like the onset of a storm or the roar of an unleashed dragon before the billowing of black robes signaled the arrival of the Slytherin Head of House, Potions Professor Severus S. Snape.
"Up close it's uncanny how much you two resemble each other." said Rowan unable to help his observation of the imposing ebony clad professor before them.
Sevier watched Severus Snape with a hint of fascination. His walk had been brisk and with just a few short strides he stood in the center of the Slytherin common room near the white marble fireplace
His eyes were the same blazing obsidian that were the staple of the wizarding Prince family and his lengthy raven hair had been draped just above his shoulders as he stood before his now silence struck students.
"Those of you returning, you already know whom I am and I shall not need to remind you what happens to those whom take it upon themselves to not only make my look like a fool before the entire student body but Slytherin as a whole." said Snape in a low baritone drawl that seemed to intensify via their surroundings. "Those of you, whom are joining us for the first time...will have to defer to the judgement of your betters in terms of how things are done here at Hogwarts...there will be no coddling on my end in any fashion...if you are ill I suggest you make your way to the infirmary...if there is not a life or death situation then I am not to be disturbed...I suggest you learn and learn quickly if you wish to survive any term here if not then you simply are not worthy of being Slytherin or a student here at Hogwarts."
As Snape spoke he turned his attention to Sevier Prince and his eyes narrowed as they had back in The Great Hall.
"Time will tell if any of you are worthy in the least of the serpent crest that lines the outside of your robes...for now...I suggest you do well to cause as little disturbances as possible we Slytherins already have the disadvantage of ever other house being out to take house points from us at a moment's notice...despite my attempts to even the playing field..." continued Snape. "Know that any and all attempts to break school rules and disgrace this house will result in sever consequences from me...keep the noise to a minimum and carry on with your childish fumbling."
With that he swept out of the room but not before glaring at Sevier Prince one last time before his swift strides saw to him disappearing within the darkened corridors of the dungeons.
"Snape doesn't seem to like you very much." said Rowan observing the hostile glare from the Potions Professor.
"He doesn't know me." replied Sevier turning his attention toward the pressing business of getting sorted out in the common room.
"I suppose we should chose our beds." said Rowan changing the subject.
"I suppose so." replied the raven haired wizard still staring at the door where Snape had gone.
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The Boys Dormitory, Slytherin Dungeons, Hogwarts Castle, Wizarding World...
Sevier Prince had picked the large black four poster bed closest to one of the large tanks where he could view the black lake while he slept. There had been something comforting about being near the water and the many aquatic creatures that swam beneath the surface of the lake. His trunk had arrived due to his mother's efforts and he saw that his mother had already written him when the family owl had disposed of a few feathers before taking off back toward The Prince Family Estate.
"Looks like you got a letter." said Rowan with a smile as he settled into his own very similar black four poster bed.
"I'll read it later." said Sevier taking off his school robes and flopping down onto his bed. "This has been a lot to take in and I already know she's only going to go on about Jacob and how not to disgrace the family like he did."
Rowan felt a bit of pity for his new friend.
"Sorry." he said.
"It's not your fault Rowan." replied Sevier with a sign. "I knew I was facing an uphill battle the moment I got my Hogwarts letter...to tell you the truth I've been battling my parents about the very same thing ever since Jacob was featured in The Daily Prophet...they almost didn't let me come to Hogwarts."
"If that were to happen then you and I never would have become friends and been sorted into Slytherin together." said Rowan doing some quick recollecting.
"Exactly." replied Sevier. "All I want is the chance to prove myself with this school and eventually the wizarding world...it's not becoming being forced to live in my elder brother's shadow no matter if he established a reputation for good or ill."
Rowan seemed to understand his new friend's plight and sympathized.
"Well...since we are here at Hogwarts which class are you most looking forward to?" he asked trying to change the subject back to one that seemed to amplify his own anticipation.
"Believe it or not, I'm most looking forward to Potions." said Sevier.
"That's surprising considering Professor Snape seems to detest you on sight." replied the British-Indian boy as he fiddled with his glasses.
"All the more reason to get to work in proving my use to him." replied Sevier. "Incidentally, Jacob was fond of Charms class with Professor Flitwick."
"Well, as it so happens we have Charms class first thing in the morning...well after breakfast in The Great Hall of course." said Rowan.
Sevier rested his head against the pillows of his bed after finally having completed his long awaited journey to Hogwarts Castle. It seemed his excitement and the onset of anticipation from the day had left him thoroughly exhausted and he began to slowly drift off into a contented slumber.
"I look forward to it." he managed before nodding off as the sound of his new friend Rowan Khanna's voice faded into barely audible whispers.