#4 Finding the Snakepit

The potion was somehow grosser than the last time, probably because the aftertaste tended to linger. Or maybe it was some fateful punishment for whichever crazy person actually had more than one dose of that foul potion in the same night. Either way, it wasn't fun.

Nor was the weird feeling of changing into yet another 2nd year, as it was the best year to disguise himself as without seeming too out of place. This boy wasn't much taller than Gerald had been though, so it was less of an adjustment.

Though he was yet to try the Hufflepuff common room, Gerald had a feeling the Slytherin one would be the hardest - not just because it required a password, from what he'd heard, but also it seemed to not exist. Of course it existed, but there were no markings or indentations or signs of a doorway anywhere. Salazar Slytherin didn't make it easy for others to find his house's domain.

Sure, it was curfew and Avery had no reason not to be safely tucked away in her common room - but she'd needed some air and the dungeons weren't the best place for it. She didn't want to be out too long though, so hurried back along the dim corridors - pausing when she saw a younger Ravenclaw boy doing whatever it was he was doing. Looking for a lever? He seemed somewhat familiar yet why... ?

'What are you doing?' Avery asked, frowning. She had her hands on hips, then crossed her arms. She eyed him again, certain she'd seen him around the common room before. 'What's with the robes? Is that a dare?' She was sure it was, but still - it looked suspicious. Especially since Slytherins wouldn't typically be daring enough to wear that in their common room. Unless he was trying to get in to change?

She had no intention to tell him anything though, not until she got an answer.

'So you just stole his clothes?' Avery remained skeptical, but she was sure he'd been around the common room before so she gave him the benefit of the doubt. The story seemed plausible enough, and she didn't really fancy getting caught out at curfew regardless.

'Doesn't explain why you're...' Avery sighed. Did it really matter? Probably, but she just wanted to go inside. Even if it wasn't a Slytherin, there were a whole house of them inside so surely someone else could deal with it? She was sure it was though. Everyone had bad days, right?

Avery shrugged. 'Whatever.' She walked to the wall where the common room entrance was hidden and said the password, waiting to gain entrance. As soon as she did, Avery charged ahead into the room and made a beeline for the nearest comfy chair.