Audrey deeply regretted having set up a "good kid" image with Dumbledore. Well, technically, it wasn't really her idea—she had just gone along with Dumbledore's misunderstanding, reinforcing it.
Now, the obedient "good kid" had no choice but to step forward to lead the school song.
She stood at the front and carefully read the golden lyrics that Dumbledore had conjured. After a brief moment of thought, she decided to sing it to the melody of her Thames Rhapsody.
The song was completely original, composed and written by Rick, yet it was widely known. The melody fit the lyrics closely, with only minor adjustments needed.
"Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hogwarts,
Teach us knowledge,
Whether we are bald old men,
Or children with scraped knees,
…
…
We will study hard, and in the end become nothing but dirt!"
Sure enough, over half the students knew the melody of Thames Rhapsody, giving the choir a backbone. Even the off-key voices couldn't shake the collective harmony.
However, George and Fred still sang the Funeral March. They could sing Thames Rhapsody, too, but they just wanted to cause trouble.
Audrey glared at them, using the motions of singing to make a sealing gesture. Instantly, the twins' mouths zipped shut—they couldn't make a sound.
Dumbledore, of course, noticed. Chuckling, he waved, and the twins' mouths were freed. Amused, they made a "haha" sound, which stood out comically in the chorus.
Audrey sighed, ignoring them. Luckily, the song wasn't long. Persevere, and it would be over.
Yet standing there, waiting for the twins to finish their Funeral March, wasn't pleasant. Another wave of embarrassment washed over her. The twins had not succeeded in stealing the spotlight—most of the students' eyes were still glued to her.
As she sang, Hogwarts' ghosts drifted toward her, surrounding her in a cluster of pearl-white apparitions.
"Delightful magic," Sir Nicholas murmured, nearly losing his head. "It feels… so pleasant!"
The Fat Friar nodded repeatedly. "Yes, this child makes me feel alive again!"
Barrow, the Bloody Man, floated silently behind Audrey. Even his hollow gaze seemed stirred. Proudly, he declared, "This is our house's child!"
Madam Grey wanted to approach Audrey, but with a disdainful look at Barrow, she lingered farther away, frowning in irritation.
Madam Grey was the resident Ravenclaw ghost, originally Helena Ravenclaw, daughter of the Grey Lady. She was called "Madam Grey" because in Britain, women who died of love—or unrequited love—became Grey Lady ghosts. She had nothing to do with the Ravenclaw family. The one who killed her? Barrow.
…
No matter how long the twins dragged things out, it had to end eventually.
Dumbledore waved the ghosts away. "Music," he said, wiping his eyes as if moved by the singing, "is more enchanting than anything we do here! Now it's bedtime—return to your dormitories."
He glanced at Audrey and silently said, "Don't forget."
Audrey returned to the Slytherin table. Prefect Gemma Farley nodded at her, then loudly instructed, "New students, follow me! Remember the way. In Slytherin, we have no fools—especially those who can't find their dormitory!"
Following Gemma, Audrey and the first-years turned right from the marble stairs, navigating the maze-like, dim corridors, and reached a stone wall.
"This is the entrance to the Slytherin common room," Gemma explained. "You must speak the correct password to enter. Our password changes every two weeks and is posted on the common room bulletin board. Keep track of it."
"Here's the current password, remember it," she pronounced clearly: Pureblood!
As she spoke, the stone wall shimmered open. A giant serpent carving appeared, forming a grand archway—elegant and imposing.
"Enter!"
The students filed in, reaching the Slytherin common room. Unlike the dungeon-like decor outside, the common room was gothic, dark green, evoking the mysterious atmosphere of a sunken ship.
Gemma had the boys wait while she led the girls to their dormitories.
The hallway resembled a clean sewer, with no unpleasant smell. Bronze floors clanged under their steps, and through the intricate grates, Audrey could see clear water flowing below.
"Miss Astley," Gemma smiled, "as a fifth-year, you cannot stay with the first-years. Our fifth-year rooms are full, but with special approval, you will have your own private room." She added with some emotion, "Almost like a prefect's treatment."
Pushing the door open, Audrey saw her empty suitcase inside. Golden Tiger lay on the velvet bed, fast asleep.
"Thank you, Prefect Farley."
"No, just call me Gemma. Maybe next year, I'll have to give up this prefect position to you, Audrey."
Good grief, Slytherin students were all difficult.
From the start, Gemma had used "prefect" in nearly every sentence. Was she forcing Audrey to declare herself?
Fortunately, Audrey had no desire for power. She smiled. "Gemma, a prefect needs capable people like you! I just sing; I'm not cut out to be a prefect. Don't worry."
Gemma looked relieved.
Audrey Astley probably didn't even know how influential she was in the wizarding world. Even Gilderoy Lockhart? Audrey's influence wasn't less than his! No wonder Gemma worried—if Audrey wanted the fifth-year prefect position, she could rally the whole house with a word. Gemma had no chance.
Gemma smiled. "I won't disturb your rest then, Audrey. I hope we can be friends."
"Aren't we already, Gemma?" Audrey replied warmly.
"An honor! Visit my dorm when you have time. Good night, Audrey!"
"Good night, Gemma!"
After sending Gemma off, Audrey closed the door.
Her room was large, with only one bed. Decorated in Slytherin green and silver, with various mysterious objects, it was enchanting.
Whoosh! A strong illusion appeared. Audrey turned to see a familiar face.
"Momo!"
"小主人," Momo's eyes were huge and shining, "Momo finally sees you again!"
"Momo, it's been so hard without you these five years!"
"All Momo's fault! I couldn't find you!"
Audrey stopped her from hitting her own head.
"You're still so kind, Master!" Momo exclaimed. "And powerful! Just like a fire dragon!"
She lifted a corner of her pillowcase, wiping her eyes. "I've always said, Master is the most remarkable young witch in all of Hogwarts!"
Audrey smiled at her top fan. "Did Dumbledore send you to bring me to the headmaster's office?"
"Ah!" Momo jumped, flustered. "Momo almost forgot the main task! Master, hold my hand—Momo will take you! Headmaster is waiting impatiently!"