"And then?" Professor Flitwick pressed. "What did you see after that?"
"We saw Leonard William grab Malfoy by the collar and pull him up. We thought he'd killed Malfoy... we were terrified..." Goyle muttered, lowering his head.
"Ridiculous!" Professor McGonagall snapped. "How could you have such a foolish idea?"
"If Mr. William had truly killed Mr. Malfoy, why would he bring him out in front of so many witnesses? Your words hold no weight." Professor Flitwick shook his head and cast Snape a complicated look.
Snape's face darkened. He understood perfectly—Flitwick was pitying him for having such idiots in his house.
"Now then, Mr. Leonard, can you tell us what happened after Mr. Malfoy followed you?" Professor McGonagall asked. Her expression remained stern, but her tone had softened somewhat.
"I actually found a cave over there," Leonard said, pointing in the direction he had come from. "I was curious about the other side, so I decided to explore."
"Oh? That's hardly typical Hufflepuff behavior—more like Gryffindor," Professor Flitwick remarked. "It was dangerous, Mr. William. When dealing with the unknown, it's best to notify a professor."
"Of course." Leonard glanced at Goyle and Crabbe. "And best to give an accurate account, so there aren't any needless misunderstandings."
"Well, since the exploration's already been done, there's no point dwelling on it." Professor Sprout waved a hand, then asked warmly, "Leonard, did you find Devil's Snare inside?"
"Yes. A huge patch of it—almost filled the whole cave. But I remembered you saying in class that Devil's Snare hates light, so I used the Lumos Charm to make it retreat."
"Very well done, Leonard. You have a gift for this," Professor Sprout praised. "And then? What else was inside?"
"There was a very large Venomous Tentacula, but it looked like it had been dead for some time," Leonard answered plainly.
"Venomous Tentacula? How large?" Professor Sprout asked eagerly.
"Uh... about two or three times my height." Leonard made a rough gesture.
"Really?" Professor Sprout's eyes lit up with excitement. "Quick, take us to see it."
Such a massive Venomous Tentacula was clearly a rare magical plant, and Professor Sprout wasn't about to let it slip by.
"Pomona, our priority is still Mr. Malfoy's injuries," Professor McGonagall reminded her.
"I've confirmed it's Devil's Snare. All we need now is to find the cave Leonard mentioned," Professor Sprout said casually. "As for Mr. Malfoy, Professor Snape will escort him to the Hospital Wing. After all, Devil's Snare isn't poisonous—it's easily treated."
Her tone hardened as she added, "But I do expect Mr. Malfoy to pay more attention in class from now on. Otherwise, he wouldn't be ignorant of the fact that Devil's Snare fears light."
"Oh, Pomona, ease up. He's still just a child," Professor Flitwick interjected. "Let's go inspect the cave together. Even though Mr. William has already explored it, we should remain cautious. There may be hidden dangers inside."
"Quite right." Professor Sprout nodded approvingly. "Let's go."
Professor McGonagall, Professor Sprout, and Professor Flitwick followed Leonard in the direction of the cave, while Snape remained where he was, his face black as soot.
"Goyle. Crabbe. One week's detention," Snape spat through clenched teeth.
Goyle and Crabbe froze, too terrified to utter a word in protest.
"Well? What are you waiting for? Carry Mr. Malfoy to the Hospital Wing!" Snape barked.
"Yes, sir!" The two Slytherins, quaking like frightened quails, hoisted the aching Malfoy. Ignoring his piglike squeals, they sprinted off toward the infirmary.
Even Slytherins feared Snape's perpetual scowl—especially when they'd just committed such a blunder.
Snape watched their retreating figures, let out a cold snort, and with a sweep of his black cloak, followed after them.
The fact that this farce had been stirred up by his own students only fueled his anger.
The professors dispersed, the crowd of onlookers drifted away, leaving only the figure of one Defense Against the Dark Arts professor still standing there.
Quirrell, watching Snape's back as he left, murmured in his mind, "Master, did you come to keep an eye on Snape?"
"No," the rasping voice echoed in his head. "I merely heard that a Malfoy had died, so I came to see for myself. I did not expect to find nothing more than a farce."
He paused, then added, "I never thought Slytherin would sink to this... disgrace. How could such fools exist in that house?"
"Malfoy? Master, do you dislike the Malfoy family? I can..." Quirrell began eagerly, but Voldemort's voice cut him off, icy and sharp.
"Silence. I told you—do not act without my command."
The cold rebuke made Quirrell think of the torments he so often endured. Sweat broke out instantly as he stammered, "Y-yes..."
"Malfoy..." Voldemort said slowly. "At the height of my power, Lucius Malfoy was a reliable servant. He had skill, and more importantly, wealth—resources that aided my cause greatly."
"Then, Master, why don't we go to him?" Quirrell asked timidly.
"Do you think he's as much a fool as you?" Voldemort sneered. "I know my servants. That man, if he saw me like this, so weak, would betray me in an instant. I know him—no, I know their kind."
"He... he isn't loyal to you?" Quirrell muttered, bitterness pricking at him, but he dared not show defiance.
When someone holds your life in their hands, what can you do but obey?
"Hmph! He is loyal only to power," Voldemort hissed. "Those truly loyal to me are rotting in Azkaban."
"No, Master—you still have me," Quirrell said quickly.
"Heh... yes, you." Voldemort let out a low, ambiguous laugh. "But if you don't act soon, my only free servant will die... and take me with him."
Quirrell trembled violently.
"But... but Master... the unicorn..." His voice shook.
"Yes, unicorn blood is cursed. But compared to the Elixir of Life from the Philosopher's Stone, that curse means nothing. What you must do is live until then," Voldemort coaxed.
"Your body won't last much longer. You have no choice. Do you understand?"
...
If you'd like to support my work and unlock advanced chapters, you can follow me on P@treon.
[Upto 50 chapters ahead for now]
[email protected]/BlurryDream