"What are you doing here?!" Zacharias sneered, "this is the Hufflepuff common room!"
Daphne and Theo fidgeted, uncomfortable.
"I invited them," a voice called, "this was easier than meeting in the dungeons."
Zacharias turned, scowl on his face, only to freeze at the sight of a fourth year walking towards him. "Problem?" Cedric smiled, eyes hard.
"Th-they're snakes! They're evil!"
A snort. "In Japan," some 6th year interjected, "white snakes are known as the messengers of God. They bring good fortune."
"Right," Cedric nodded.
The entrance door swung open.
Silence.
The girl blinked.
"...what did I miss?"