"So, is this your excuse for being lazy, slacking off, and being irresponsible?" Alan wasn't interested in Louis's explanation.
In his eyes, these were mere sophistries. Because his teammates didn't exert themselves, he had a reason to quit? This was the talk of a routed soldier! A deserter!
"Since that is the case, you are no longer fit to be Prefects. From today onwards, Slytherin will be under my control. Everyone must listen to me; no objections will be accepted," Alan said expressionlessly, his voice deliberate, as if he were a machine devoid of emotion.
"You alone want to change the entire House? I advise you not to be so naive. When I became a Prefect, it's not like I hadn't thought about revitalizing the place, but even Senior Vanessa couldn't do it, could she? Moreover, during the Dark Lord's time, too many conflicts were left behind in our House, and they simply can't be resolved." Louis seemed to sense Alan's purpose and immediately poured cold water on the idea.
Shaking morale, weak-willed. If you were my soldier, you'd be lying on the ground right now. Alan's sharp gaze suddenly locked onto Louis.
Stared down by Alan, Louis felt his hair stand on end. He felt a palpable killing intent lingering over him, making him tremble.
"It seems you are used to losing—even numb to it—which makes me waste my breath trying to reason with you." Alan closed his eyes for a moment, pondered, then suddenly snapped them open. As his eyes opened, a magical fluctuation spread out from him as the center.
The three people sitting opposite Alan felt as if the world had suddenly darkened. Their bodies turned as cold as winter, enveloped in an indescribable sense of dread. Facing Alan felt like facing their deepest, most primal fears.
Wendy and Jenny's teeth chattered uncontrollably. Louis's face turned ashen, and cold sweat began to seep from his forehead and down his back.
"I say. You do. Understand?"
Alan's voice reached their ears like the chilling whisper of a ghost. The three, caught in his direct gaze, nodded in frantic agreement almost without hesitation, as if a moment's delay would plunge them into an endless abyss.
As expected, using a Fear Curse directly is more effective, Alan thought, pursing his lips in exasperation. If I had known this, why bother with words? With that thought, he calmed his magic. The three people in front of him let out long, shuddering sighs of relief, as if a mountain had been lifted from their chests.
"Next, listen to my orders." Alan put away his clipboard and opened his notebook. "Upon arriving at the castle, Louis, you will find the Head of House to get the common room password. Wendy, you are responsible for recording the names of all Slytherin freshmen during the Sorting Ceremony, quickly assigning dormitories, and providing that list to me."
"Before the feast ends, Wendy and Jenny will return to the common room early and clear out the armchairs in the lounge. They can be moved to the corridor leading to the dormitories; they're blocking the main intersection."
"After the ceremony ends, Louis is responsible for leading all students back to the common room immediately and maintaining order. Don't let them wander off; gather everyone in the lounge. I have something to say."
"In the upcoming House management, I have only one requirement: my orders must be executed without compromise. You don't need to worry about anything else. Furthermore, this will be implemented among all students. Anyone who disobeys orders will have their name recorded and given to me. Understood?"
Alan's speaking speed was measured, and his tone remained devoid of emotion.
"Un... understood," Wendy stammered, not yet fully recovered from her terror.
"Your answers must be crisp and clear. 'Understood' means understood; 'not understood' means not understood. Everyone answer together once. Understood?" Alan commanded coldly.
"Understood!" The three of them shivered at the reprimand and responded loudly in unison.
Alan nodded slightly in satisfaction, then saw Louis's hesitant expression. "What is it? If you have something to say, say it clearly."
"It's just... will there be any problems with the Head of House regarding your arrangements?" Louis swallowed, his voice tight with nervousness. He finally understood why the pure-bloods were so terrified of Alan.
"Why do you think I took the Prefect position? Do you think I'm so idle that I enjoy managing these trivial House matters?" Alan sneered, letting the hint hang in the air.
Hearing this, the three finally realized—this was all the Head of House's intention.
"I promised Professor Snape that I would bring back the House Cup this year. Since I've promised, I will do it. During this period, whoever dares to block my path will bear the consequences." Alan looked at them with total gravity.
The three present, having witnessed Alan's methods, did not doubt he was serious and hastily nodded.
Just then, their compartment door was knocked. It was Marin, coming to inform them that it was Slytherin's turn to patrol the train.
At the sound of the voice outside, the three instinctively looked to Alan. Only after receiving a nod of permission did Louis and Jenny dare to leave.
During the remaining hours of the journey, apart from patrolling, Alan explained the upcoming work requirements and the new management system. He knew that to implement change, he had to first unify their thinking and then back it with strict discipline.
As they listened to Alan's measures, the three felt a chill down their spines. They realized this young man, whom they had barely interacted with before, was playing for keeps. They dared not voice any objections; they could only offer forced smiles, realizing that under Alan's new regime, it didn't matter that they were Prefects—they were just as subject to the rules as anyone else.
Soon, the Hogwarts Express pulled into Hogsmeade Station.
After entering the castle, the other Prefects hurried off to their assignments, while Alan leisurely made his way to the Great Hall as if nothing had happened.
The ceremony was familiar, but as the Sorting began, it was clear that the intake was significantly larger than in previous years. Professor McGonagall diligently presided over the stool and hat.
Alan spotted Charlie Weasley in the crowd of freshmen, but another student caught his eye.
"Nymphadora Tonks!" At Professor McGonagall's call, a girl sat on the stool.