The Loss of Equilibrium

Chapter 10

Hogwarts, Scotland, September 1st, 1943

Throughout the feast, Victoria was introduced to several others by Abraxas. She met notable people, starting with Luisa Zabini and Alfred Montague who were fifth-year prefects, both reminding Victoria of their descendants. Luisa had the same cold indifference her great-nephew Blaise was known for, and Alfred was also on the Slytherin quidditch team that she knew Graham had been a part of. Then she was turned around by Orion to meet his cousins Cygnus and Alphard Black, the first being in her year and the latter a seventh-year. Then Corvus' twin sister Aubrey Lestrange interrupted to introduce herself and her friend Nymera Greengrass. It was an interesting, and nostalgic affair, thought Victoria as they walked towards the Slytherin Dungeon, being jostled around by so many people clamoring for Victoria's attention. Though quite surprised seeing the Slytherins so quickly accept her even though she had just become one, glancing over at her cousins speaking in hushed tones in front of her, Victoria assumed it must have been their doing.

Though what Victoria was currently so focused on was the size of each house. After observing in more detail, she noticed that every house had almost triple the amount of students than there had been in the future. In less than fifty years, the population had somehow decreased exponentially instead of increasing. When thinking, even more, there were also so many more active wizarding families active in this time than there had been five decades later, the pattern starting to worry the witch. Nonetheless, before she could continue theorizing, Victoria was shaken out of her stupor by Orion who had called out to her as they stood before the Slytherin Dungeons.

"I was running late but, everyone else has already gone in, are you okay, Victoria?" questioned Orion looking at her concerned.

"Of course, I am no need to worry," responded Victoria, shaking her head briefly, glancing at Orion before beginning to enter the Slytherin common rooms, Orion trailing behind her.

The Slytherin Common Rooms were as excessive as one would expect. It was a long low room with rough stone walls and ceilings. The room had several heating charms placed strategically to help combat the chill that occurred by being in the dungeons and by the black lake. A large chandelier took over the ceiling, illuminating most of the room. Though there were elegant floating lamps scattered around the room with some glowing gold and others a glittering green color. Black leather sofas and lounge chairs were scattered, throughout draped with fur throw blankets. Chairs, with study tables in the quiet corners. Several windows looked out on the murky lake around the serpent album that sat over the fireplace. Around the fireplace is where Slytherin court took place, Tom seated in a throne-like chair that was seated directly in front of the fire. Slytherins from all years were scattered around the common room though upon seeing Victoria and Orion left to go to only where Victoria assumed the dorms were.

"Where were you two? The introductory meeting already finished and Professor Slughorn already left," probed Abraxas from his seat to the right of Tom.

"It's nothing we, both just got a little held up. I apologize for the delay as well," answered Orion diplomatically from Victoria's left side.

"Sit," interjected Tom.

Orion shuffled forward going to his presumed seat to the left of Tom's own. Victoria watched on, unsure of where she should seat herself, and decided to seat herself in the vacant seat between Corvus and Abraxas. Glancing over at her cousin to gauge his reaction, Victoria saw Tom simply nod in her direction.

"Very well, now that we are done, seating ourselves I think it is time to issue as well as review titles. Firstly my left and right hands, who act as Lord Stewards, Abraxas, and Orion," proclaimed Tom from his place.