Passing through the hidden entrance behind the damp stone wall, the Slytherin common room unfolded before everyone.
It was a long, narrow basement located at the bottom of the Black Lake. The walls and ceiling were made of rough stone, round green lamps hung from the ceiling, and several exquisitely carved ebony tables and chairs were placed by the fireplace.
Through the windows, one could see the murky waters of the Black Lake, with the occasional giant squid tentacle or a fish gliding slowly past, casting dappled shadows in the dark green light.
For most eleven-year-old little Wizards, this cold, eerie atmosphere might make them feel afraid, or perhaps worry about the possibility of suffering from rheumatism in the future.
But for Tamara Riddle, the old scent in the air, carrying the smell of moisture and magic, felt just like coming home.
"Welcome to the Slytherin common room."
prefect Gemma Farley, a senior girl with a sharp look but a weary expression, turned around in front of the fireplace and tried to quiet the chattering first-year freshmen.
"The password is 'Pure-blood.' It changes every two weeks, so don't forget to check the noticeboard."
"In here, we are a family. No matter what the other houses think of us, within Slytherin, we must stand united..."
However, her speech didn't have much effect.
The freshmen were in the excitement of just being sorted; a prefect couldn't possibly dispel such enthusiasm.
The surroundings were chaotic. Gemma Farley shouted "Quiet" a few times, but it had little effect.
She clearly lacked the authority to command the room, especially when facing troublemakers like Malfoy.
Tamara stood quietly behind the crowd, the firelight reflecting on her pale face.
She was observing.
Experience from her past life told her that Slytherin was a place that valued power and order.
If you acted too weak, you would be stepped on; but if you acted too aloof, you would be isolated.
While her previous coldness had established authority, it had also created distance.
This wouldn't do.
A true Dark Lord must not only possess the power to make enemies tremble but also the charisma to make followers fanatical.
She needed these young Wizards.
They were the future Death Eater reserves, the foundation for her resurgence in the wizarding world.
Putting on a facade that everyone liked was what she did best.
Tamara chuckled inwardly, and those originally cold black eyes instantly changed.
In their place was a deep, gentle, and captivating light.
She smoothed her skirt and stepped toward the center of the fireplace.
Tamara walked up to prefect Gemma Farley's side.
Gemma was taken aback. Looking at this exceptionally beautiful freshman, she instinctively took a step to the side.
"Just as the prefect said."
Tamara spoke.
Her voice was no longer the prickly coldness from before; instead, it became soft and elegant, carrying clearly throughout the common room.
"We are a family."
She turned around to face all the freshmen, an impeccable smile appearing on her face.
There was no mockery or contempt in this smile, only a confidence and composure that seemed to embrace everything.
Draco Malfoy was stunned, and Pansy Parkinson stared blankly.
Even the few half-blood Wizards who had been noisy just moments ago involuntarily fell silent.
"I know what you are worried about."
Tamara paced slowly, her gentle gaze sweeping across every face. "People outside say that Slytherin is the cradle of Dark Wizards, that we are cunning, devious, and evil."
"Just now at the Sorting Ceremony, when Potter was sorted into Gryffindor, they cheered, but when we were sorted into Slytherin, they whispered."
"It sounds very unfair, doesn't it?"
The freshmen's emotions were stirred.
"That's right! That Weasley was just glaring at me!" Goyle said indignantly.
"They're just jealous!" Draco shouted loudly. "Jealous that we're pure-bloods!"
Tamara did not scold Draco for interrupting; instead, she gave him a slight nod of approval.
"Malfoy is right."
"But it's not just because of bloodline."
Tamara shifted her tone, her voice rising slightly with a touch of infectious energy.
"It's even more because we are excellent."
"Salazar Slytherin chose students for their shrewdness, ambition, and thirst for power. We are not satisfied with mediocrity. We disdain being as unremarkable as Hufflepuff, nor do we possess only the reckless bravado of Gryffindor."