Having given the First-years a nicely scenic tour of the hallways, Vincent leads them at long last in through the door to join their fellow Slytherin.  Letting the eleven-year olds file past him, he lets his gaze sweep the entire room.  Satisfied at last that enough students are here to make the effort worthwhile, he clears his throat.<br/><br/>"Thank you for attending promptly.  I will keep this short."<br/><br/>He does not raise his voice, but that icy cold, whip thin statement makes itself easily heard nonetheless.<br/><br/>"First-years, welcome.  What you say in here stays here.  Remember that always.  We do not discuss Slytherin business with outsiders.<em>Ever</em>.  In here, we may bicker and argue to our heart's content.  Out there, in front of the others, we will present a united front.  Is that understood?"  Waiting for a moment for a few brave souls to nod, he continues.  "In here, there are no pure-bloods, half-bloods, or mud-bloods...only Slytherin.  Is<em>that</em>understood?"  Getting another few uncertain nods, he turns his piercing gaze to the rest of the house.<br/><br/>"Unfortunately, this year we are starting from a weak position.  The other Houses will welcome any excuse to beat us down further.  This is unacceptable.  We must work together to overcome the handicaps imposed on us by unfortunate circumstance.  It will not be easy.  It will not be enjoyable.  But it must be done for the good of the House."<br/><br/>Vincent pauses for a moment, glaring at a few students in particular (the hapless Pevensy among them).<br/><br/>"You will obey the school rules to the letter.  You will not express disrespect of a faculty member or a prefect outside of the Slytherin Common Room.  Many of you have strong opinions of mud-bloods.  Do not express this to them.  Many of you may feel that Valdemort's actions were correct.  Keep that opinion to yourselves.  In short, for the duration of this year, you will take no action that will cause House Slytherin to lose points.<em>Is that clear?</em>"<br/><br/>The resulting murmur of discontent doesn't seem to reach his ears.<br/><br/>"If you are caught breaking the rules, starting fights, or generally acting as if Slytherin House was not currently in grave trouble, be aware that I will not lift a finger to help you.  Neither will the Head of Slytherin House.  If you are framed by the mischief of another house, take your punishment without complaint...no snivelling or whining about how<em>unfair</em>it is...then come and see either myself or the Head.  We will handle the matter from there."<br/><br/>He pauses again.<br/><br/>"In time the other Houses will relax their guard and we will have our revenge in full for every insult, every false accusation, every blow taken while we were down. For now, bide your time.  Remember.  Plan well."<br/><br/>He falls silent, leaving the room quiet but for the crackling of the fire and the breathing of Slytherin, daring anyone to retort or argue.<br/><br/>"That is all."<br/><br/>Pushing his way through the others, he heads for his room.