River Styx [Bonus]

Rosa sighed, brushing back a loose strand of hair, and gestured toward the gently flowing waters ahead. "Well, Harry… let's take you to the river."

Harry blinked. "What river?"

A few minutes later, the four of them stood at the moss-covered edge of a glistening stream that wound through the valley like a painted ribbon. The water shimmered in hues of green and blue, eerily beautiful, with leaves drifting lazily across the surface and strange silver fish darting just beneath.

There was a hum in the air—subtle but ancient.

Both Rosa and Theo looked uncharacteristically sentimental, as if standing before something sacred.

Tristan, however, simply sighed. "Right… that tradition again."

Harry tilted his head. "Okay, so what exactly is this?"

Theo stepped forward, arms crossed, posture proud. "Say hello to the River of Styx. Named after the one in Greek mythology, but... tweaked for magical use."

Harry squinted at him. "I don't know Greek mythology. I barely passed regular school."

Tristan rubbed the bridge of his nose. "In short: the original Styx was a river that ran through the underworld. Magical, dangerous, symbolic. This version isn't that dangerous—it's more of a ceremonial pool enchanted by the Slytherin Clan centuries ago."

Theo grinned, warming to the explanation. "Basically, you'll walk into the water, let it wash over you, and if you survive—"

Harry's eyes widened. "If?"

Theo continued smoothly, "—you'll come out fully healed, your magical core unlocked, and your body resistant to almost all physical and magical attacks. Think of it like a magical vaccine mixed with a full-body armor enchantment."

Harry blinked. "Is this safe?!"

Rosa pointed wordlessly to the side.

Harry followed her gaze—and froze.

A pure-blood wizard couple was gently lowering their six-month-old baby into the shimmering water like it was a kiddie pool. The baby dunked beneath the surface for a few seconds, then floated back up, cooing and giggling like nothing had happened.

Harry's mouth opened. "...Are you serious?"

Theo deadpanned. "Clan babies get dunked in at six months old. It's a rite of passage."

Harry turned slowly to Tristan. "You're not joking. You're actually going to put me in that river."

Tristan shrugged. "You've handled worse. You lived in a cupboard."

Harry paused. "...Fair."

Rosa stepped forward and tapped the water with her wand, murmuring an incantation. The surface pulsed with light and settled again, smooth as glass.

She turned back to Harry. "Clothes off."

Harry recoiled. "What?!"

Tristan coughed. "You go in with clothes, they get enchanted too. You'll never get them off again."

Theo leaned in with a smirk. "We learned that the hard way. One of the twins from House Naga still can't take off his boots."

Harry grumbled under his breath but started pulling off his shirt.

A few minutes later, he stood at the edge of the river in loose undergarments, shivering more from nerves than cold.

"Just walk in?" he asked.

Rosa nodded. "Walk in, let it rise to your neck. Then submerge fully for ten seconds. It'll feel weird. Maybe tingle a little. Don't fight it."

Tristan added, "And whatever you do—don't scream. It'll echo through the whole valley."

Harry took a deep breath, steeled himself… and stepped into the river.

The moment his foot broke the surface, a strange sensation surged up his leg—like cold velvet wrapping around his skin. As he walked in further, it was like being surrounded by magic itself. His bones felt lighter, his chest warmer.

When the water reached his shoulders, he paused.

Then, with a determined breath, he let himself sink.

The world went silent.

The moment Harry submerged, the river pulsed. His scar glowed faintly, and the mark of Beelzebub on his arm shimmered.

Above the surface, Rosa stiffened. "It's reacting."

Theo leaned forward. "Wait… that doesn't usually happen."

Tristan stepped closer to the edge, tense.

After ten seconds, the river shook—just slightly—and Harry burst from the surface, gasping, eyes glowing faint green for a heartbeat before fading.

Water streamed down his arms, but he stood tall. His skin had a faint sheen, and the mark of Beelzebub now looked… etched, no longer just a magical brand, but like a sigil burned into stone.

Harry blinked. "...That felt like being hugged and punched by the universe at the same time."

Theo grinned. "Congratulations. You're now Slytherin-proof."

Rosa smiled gently. "Welcome to the clan, Harry."

Tristan walked up, circling Harry slowly like a coach inspecting his star athlete. His brow furrowed in scrutiny, eyes narrowed with exaggerated seriousness.

He gave a short nod.

"Hmm. More muscle definition… sharper jawline… almost as tall as Theo now, and—"

He suddenly leaned in. "Open your mouth."

Harry blinked. "Wait, what—?"

"Mouth. Open." Tristan said flatly, pointing.

Harry hesitated, then slowly opened his mouth.

Tristan peered inside like a curious dentist. Then he blinked.

"…You've got fangs."

Harry blinked, wider. "I what?"

Tristan pointed at Harry's upper canines. "Right there. Top row. Not huge, but sharp—not normal."

Theo leaned in, eyes squinting. "Wait—no way."

Harry bared his teeth, awkwardly, as Theo took a closer look.

"…Damn," Theo muttered with a bit of jealousy. "That's cool. You got lucky with that. I dunked in, came out the same—just got a cold."

Tristan smirked. "Side effects vary depending on magical lineage. Guess the House of Hydra runs deep."

Harry looked at the river, checking his reflection, as he looked at his Fangs as he spoke to Rosa. "Are Fangs normal for people who dunk in the river".

Rosa gave a small shrug, her expression relaxed as she watched Harry still inspecting his reflection in the surface of the river.

"About one in every twenty kids," she said casually. "Sometimes it's fangs, sometimes it's slit pupils, scales, or even a tail—though that one's more of a House Naga thing."

Harry blinked. "Wait—someone grew a tail?"

Theo snorted. "Yeah. My cousin. She still uses it to grab snacks behind people's backs. Legendary, honestly."

Harry's eye twitched. "…Okay, I take it back. Maybe the fangs aren't so bad."

Tristan chuckled. "River of Styx tradition always had side effects. Strength, durability, boosted magic—but anything else is the river's… gift."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "So I got vampire teeth from a magical river named after death?"

Rosa smirked, arms crossed. "And you're complaining?"

Harry shrugged. "Not complaining. Just… keeping track."

Theo patted him on the back. "That's the spirit. You're officially weird like the rest of us."

Harry gave him a faint grin. "Good to know I'm not alone."

Rosa nodded, eyes softening slightly. "You're not."

Then she turned around. "Now come on, we've got introductions to make. The rest of the Hydra House will want to meet their new heir. And believe me—they're even weirder."

Harry sighed. "Of course they are."

Tristan gave him a playful nudge. "Smile, Fang-boy. This is where it gets fun."

Meanwhile, in a completely different place…

High atop the tallest tower at Hogwarts, in an office filled with softly ticking instruments, swirling silver contraptions, and the gentle flutter of enchanted books, sat an old man.

His long, silver beard reached nearly to his waist, and his half-moon glasses shimmered in the golden glow of the fireplace. A magnificent phoenix—crimson and gold—perched serenely beside him, its feathers occasionally releasing a faint trail of warm embers.

[Insert image of Dumbledore]

Albus Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled beneath his chin, his sharp blue eyes locked on the two glowing letters that had just manifested on his desk—delivered not by owl, but through the raw surge of ancient magic.

One of them bore a name he had known since before the child had spoken his first word.

Harry James Potter

Dumbledore gave a soft, knowing nod. "Right on time."

But when he turned his attention to the second letter, his eyes squinted in confusion behind his glasses.

He read the name once.

Then twice.

Then a third time, adjusting his glasses and holding the parchment closer to the flickering firelight.

Dudley Dursley

A long pause filled the office. Even the instruments seemed to freeze for a heartbeat.

"...Dudley?" he said aloud.

The phoenix let out a confused trill.

Dumbledore slowly set the letter down, a faint twinkle of amused disbelief flickering in his gaze. "Well… it appears Lily's side of the family still knows how to surprise me."

He chuckled quietly to himself, stroking his beard. "Petunia would be livid."

His fingers tapped against the edge of his desk as he thought. "Magic awakening in that boy means something… Either a latent bloodline was stirred… or something very ancient is moving beneath the surface."

He glanced toward the great window of his office, where the stars shimmered above the Scottish sky.

"I suppose it's time to keep a much closer eye on Privet Drive."

The phoenix gave a small, knowing cry as if in agreement.

Meanwhile, back with Harry…

He stood in front of the mansion bearing his new crest.

A silver-green Hydra, heads coiled in endless loops, stared down from the high banner fluttering above the gate. Its serpentine eyes almost seemed to follow him.

Harry took a breath, clenched his fist slightly, and opened the front doors.

A low, resonant hum echoed through the air as the ancient enchantments of the manor recognized his blood. Cool air swept through the entry hall like a whisper of ghosts.

But… no one was there.

The inside was pristine—floors polished to a sheen, velvet curtains untouched by dust, and paintings that watched him silently from their frames.

But it was empty.

Utterly, profoundly empty.

His footsteps echoed far too loudly as he walked, eyes darting to the corners where magical creatures—some sleek and scaled, others with wispy wings or glowing eyes—peeked out curiously before vanishing into the shadows.

Harry finally turned around, brow furrowed. "I thought… there would be people here. Family."

Rosa let out a long sigh, guiding him gently to the nearest couch. She sat beside him, resting her arms on her knees. Her voice was gentle, but firm.

"I didn't want to tell you before… not until you were ready. But you need to know the truth." She paused. "You're the only living member of the House of Hydra."

Harry blinked. "W-what?"

"But… you two," he looked between Rosa and Tristan in confusion, "you spoke like the house was alive. Like there were still people—like it was… whole."

Tristan rubbed the back of his neck. "We wanted to tell you before the River trial, but—frankly—it's a lot to drop on someone who just escaped a bloody court case and found out they're a wizard."

Harry's voice came out soft and flat. "So… why?"

"Why is there no one else?"

Theo, who had stayed back quietly, finally stepped forward and sat on the coffee table across from Harry.

"Because," Theo said, "everyone thought the House of Hydra was gone. Extinct. No known bloodlines, no surviving records after the 1100s. A total magical collapse."

Harry's mouth went dry. "So I really am alone...?"

Rosa shook her head quickly, smirking a little. "Oh, please. You think all these big houses were born with fifty cousins and twelve aunts?"

Harry blinked. "...Yes?"

She smacked her forehead dramatically.

Tristan chuckled. "What she's trying to say is, all the great Houses—including Viper, Anfisbena, and Naga—started with one. One bloodline. One heir. Then they grew."

Theo nodded. "The House of Naga didn't even exist until 1683. Their founder was just one witch—descended from eastern Parsel magic. She built it from scratch."

Rosa looked Harry dead in the eyes. "So no, you're not alone, Harry. You're the beginning. Again. You're the one who revived Hydra. That… that's huge. And eventually, you won't be the only one."

Harry looked down at his hands, still unsure, still small in the shadow of legacy. But there was a strange warmth growing in his chest.

"I'm the start," he whispered.

Rosa nodded, a small smile returning to her face. "Exactly. And we're going to make sure the world remembers that."

Harry furrowed his brow as he looked between them.

"Wait... but then… are you guys part of my House?"

Theo shook his head, adjusting his collar with a little pride.

"I can't. I'm the second heir of the House of Apophis. My family would flay me alive if I even thought of switching allegiances."

He gestured vaguely at the golden snake pin on his lapel.

Rosa crossed her arms, nodding. "Same with me. I'm the Head of House Amphisbaena—one of the three Monitor Houses. My family's role is to observe, maintain balance, and support the clan as a whole. We're allowed to ally, sure. But join? No, will there is another method."

Harry blinked slowly. " Another Method, what is it?

Rosa opened her mouth—then shut it.

"…We'll get to that later," she said with a huff, clearly not eager to launch into political structure 101. "The important thing is this: even though we can't join your House, we can support it. And you can invite others."

Harry tilted his head. "Other witches and families? Like… how?"

Rosa gave him a knowing smile. "Let's just say, once your House is recognized in the next Clan Council, you'll be allowed to accept affiliates—wizarding families, independent bloodlines, or unaffiliated students who swear loyalty to Hydra. Through magical contract, of course."

Theo grinned and pointed toward the snow-covered mountains in the distance, just visible through the massive window.

"Or, if you're feeling bold… you can recruit from the wild ones."

Harry blinked. "The what?"

Theo's grin widened. "The mountain dwellers. Wizards who live outside the Clan system. Not lawless, just… isolated. Most of them aren't loyal to any of the 13 Houses. But if you can convince them, they could become part of Hydra."

Harry looked back at the mountains. The idea that people like him—people with no House—might be out there made something flicker in his chest.

Then Rosa's voice cut in—playful, but with a distinct wicked edge.

"Or," she said with a glint in her eyes, "and this one's my personal favorite… you could enter the Slytherin Rating Games."

Harry blinked again. "The what now?"

Tristan—who'd been quietly sipping tea—choked.

Theo's eyes lit up like Christmas. "Ohhh no, she's not kidding. It's a real thing. Think wizard dueling meets political theater meets high society chaos."

Harry gave them both a blank stare. "That… sounds horrifying."

"It is," Rosa said, now grinning ear to ear. "And brilliant."

Tristan groaned. "They should've banned that tradition ages ago…"

"But they didn't," Rosa chirped, "because it's entertaining."

Harry slumped into the nearest chair. "Great. First I survive child abuse court, then I'm thrown into a family that doesn't exist… and now I might be in a snake-themed reality show."

Rosa patted his head. "You're catching on fast."

Harry them spoke as he looked at her. "Ok, but like, what is the point of the Slytherin Rating Games"

Rosa spoke with a smirk. "For away, for smaller house lile to get more members, defeated 1 of the 13 Hourse in 1 Vs 1 which basically a House Vs House, win and you get to add one there family to your house".

Harry blinekd as he spoke in Panick. "That's sounds Evil!".

Rosa burst out laughing at Harry's horrified expression—leaning slightly on the couch arm, her shoulders shaking with amusement.

"Oh Harry," she said between snorts, "everything sounds evil when you say it like that!"

Theo, lounging on a nearby chair, grinned. "She's not wrong. I mean, it's technically allowed, but yeah… sounds a lot like wizard dueling mixed with bloodline drafting."

Harry's voice pitched up. "You're telling me I can duel another House, and if I win, I just—steal their family?!"

Rosa smirked wider. "Not 'steal.' Invite. With prestige. They get a choice… technically. It's just that saying 'no' after losing is considered a massive dishonor."

Harry blinked. "That's even worse!"

Tristan, who had been quietly sipping tea in the corner, finally chimed in. "Don't look at me. I've been saying this whole system needs therapy."

Rosa held up her hands, still grinning. "Look, I'm not saying you have to enter the Games. But it's tradition—and a very old one. One-on-one House Duels, ancient magic contracts, a dramatic arena with family seats and enchanted fireworks—it's very Slytherin."

Harry squinted. "That sounds less like politics and more like a magical WWE."

Theo nodded solemnly. "That's exactly what it is."

Harry slumped forward, groaning. "I hate this already."

Rosa leaned down and patted his head. "You'll grow into it. You've got the eyes for it."

Harry looked up, confused. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Rosa winked. "You've already got the 'judging your enemies' look down."

Harry looked at Rosa he spoke. "I there a Chance I will be challenged Now?"

"No". All 3 of them said together.

Rosa then explained. "They are getting Noting by figting you, a Head can't be taken to other Houses, sense will... They are head".

Theo nodded, arms crossed. "Yeah. Challenging a brand-new Head of House—especially one that hasn't even formed a full house yet—is seen as desperate and dishonorable. No prestige in it."

Tristan added with a shrug, "Also, anyone who tries would get slapped politically by Lord and Lady Slytherin. They don't tolerate vultures circling new blood."

Harry blinked. "Wait… so I'm like… protected?"

Rosa smirked and tapped her wand lightly on his forehead. "For now. You're under what's called Founding Grace. It's basically a grace period for a newly awakened House—gives you time to settle in, learn, and gather strength."

Theo grinned. "So enjoy the peace while it lasts. Once the Founding Grace expires, though? Oh-ho, then the drama begins."

Harry slumped back into the couch. "Great. Magical politics and looming duels. I'm living in a medieval soap opera."

Rosa leaned back, arms folded. "Welcome to the Slytherin Clan, Harry. Where every snake has a smile… and a secret."

Theo raised a hand. "And fangs. Don't forget the fangs."

Harry groaned into his hands. "I'm going to need so much tea."

Tristan chuckled. "Tea? Kid, you're going to need a lawyer."

To be continued

Hope people like this ch and give me power stones and enjoy