Chapter 6

Standing up, Thaddeus joined the flow of older students heading toward the dungeons, his stride measured and calm. As they walked, he spotted his cousin Elysia with Andromeda, surrounded by their usual group. Memories of the dossiers he'd reviewed on the train resurfaced, aiding him in identifying them. Elysia's lips curled into a small smile at his approach, but her composed demeanor quickly returned as she took charge of the introductions. It was the Slytherin way—and the pureblood way—to let a familiar party make the formal presentation.

"Everyone," she began with cool authority, "meet my cousin, Thaddeus. He's starting this year as a fifth-year. Thaddeus, this is Sophia Weiss, heir apparent of House Weiss, and her brother, Wilson. And lastly, Evan Rosier, of House Rosier."

Thaddeus inclined his head respectfully, his tone neutral. "Glad to meet you all."

As he studied the group, he caught the flicker of surprise on their faces, though none voiced the unspoken question hanging in the air: Since when does Arthur D'Aubigny have a son? The silence spoke volumes. His father, Arthur, was not only a renowned curse-breaker but also a notorious heartbreaker of his generation—a name well-known in their parents' circles.

They resumed walking toward the Slytherin common room, their footsteps echoing faintly in the stone corridor.

"The castle can be daunting at first," Sophia said conversationally. "It's big, with its quirks—like the moving staircases and shifting corridors—but I imagine you'll adjust quickly."

"I'll count on your guidance," Thaddeus replied smoothly, his tone polite but neutral.

Sophia's lips curved into a faint grin, as if pleased by his response.

Out of the corner of his eye, Thaddeus noticed something flicker across Evan Rosier's face—an expression that vanished as quickly as it appeared. Was it a warning? A veiled challenge? Thaddeus couldn't be certain, but it intrigued him. It could be as simple as Rosier harboring interest in Sophia Weiss—or something more complex entirely. Either way, Thaddeus knew he would need to tread carefully around Evan.

As they reached the door to the Slytherin common room, Thaddeus broke the silence, a hint of curiosity in his tone. "We don't have a password to enter the common room?"

"No, not tonight," Elysia answered smoothly, her voice calm but tinged with amusement. "The prefect will set the password when they arrive with the first-years. You just need to be quicker than them."

Thaddeus frowned slightly, pressing further. "And if you're slower than them? What happens then?"

"You're trapped outside," Elysia replied without hesitation, her tone light but tinged with mischief. She tilted her head toward Andromeda, a glimmer of amusement sparking in her eyes. "Do you remember—"

"Oh, of course," Andromeda cut in, unable to suppress a fond smile.

The exchange made Elysia laugh harder, a sound that filled the corridor with rare warmth. Seeing Thaddeus's intrigued expression, she laughed again but stopped abruptly as they crossed the threshold into the common room.

Thaddeus took a moment to absorb the room before him. The enchanted windows, submerged beneath the Black Lake, showcased fish and aquatic creatures swimming languidly past, casting rippling reflections on the walls. The room's aesthetic was distinctly Slytherin—dark and elegant, though almost childishly insistent on reminding its inhabitants of their house pride. Serpents adorned nearly every surface, from sculptures to carved details on furniture.

The massive space was unmistakably hierarchical. The older students had claimed the central seating area, lounging in armchairs and sofas, some immersed in books while others conversed animatedly. Letting his gaze wander, Thaddeus found himself captivated by a pair of mesmerizing grey eyes flecked with black, reminiscent of a cloudy night sky. He realized too late that he had been staring. Embarrassed, he quickly looked away, only to notice the faint smile that graced her lips.

Sometimes, I wonder why Occlumency doesn't help me avoid these awkward moments, he thought wryly, casting his gaze downward to regain composure.

Returning to the moment, Thaddeus realized he was standing alone. Surprised, he glanced around until he spotted Elysia and her group seated around a nearby table. Elysia's playful smile met his gaze, her expression a picture of teasing delight.

"You finally noticed us, dear cousin of mine," she teased, her tone light but knowing, clearly aware of his earlier distraction.

Feeling a flush of embarrassment rise, Thaddeus quickly pushed the emotion aside, his Occlumency shields snapping into place. Smirking, he responded with equal playfulness. "Even in a room as splendid as this, how could I possibly miss you?"

Sliding into the seat beside his cousin, Thaddeus opened a book, intending to dive into his reading. But his cousin had other plans. With a dramatic sigh, she glanced at him. "Still reading?" she asked, peering at the title. "Hmm, 'A Practical Guide to Asian Transfiguration,' right? Not fun." She pushed a wizard chess set in front of him with a commanding look. "Play with me."

After a single game, half the room had already drifted off to their dormitories. The younger students were the first to go, quickly followed by those from the year above. By now, only a handful of fourth-, fifth-, sixth-, and seventh-year students remained, chatting and playing late into the night.

"Sometimes, I don't know why you keep challenging me when you lose every time," Thaddeus said with a smirk.

"You know I'll win one day," Elysia shot back, her focus narrowing as she adjusted her opening and moved a basic piece on the board.