Two Slytherin students stood by the fountain ahead, blocking their only path back to the Castle.
Thomas still had some impression of them—Nox Avery and Kronos Mulciber.
In the Slytherin first-year Chief Duel, these two were besieged by a group led by Rabastan Lestrange; otherwise, it would be hard to say who would have been this year's Chief... Thomas had already realized then that, compared to other Houses, Slytherin's interpersonal relationships were even more intricate.
In this House, marked by "bloodline, shrewdness, and ambition," students came to Hogwarts not just to learn magic, but also to build connections and establish their influence in the Wizarding World.
From the very beginning of their enrollment, this silent power struggle had already started.
"Nils, it seems Severus and I need to handle some House matters; you go back first." It was only the start of the term, and they hadn't interacted with any faction within the House, so Thomas, unsure if the two were hostile, decided to let Green leave first.
"My friend needs to return to the dormitory first, is that alright? Avery and Mulciber." He accurately called out their names; Mulciber didn't care, but Avery clearly showed a moment of surprise.
The next moment, he resumed his polite fake smile: "Be my guest." And moved aside.
"Need help?" Looking at the two arrogant-looking Slytherin students, who seemed difficult to deal with, Nils didn't leave.
"No need, this is a school, what could possibly happen?" Thomas and Severus both chuckled. With those two new students, if anything really happened, who would beat whom was still unknown.
However, it was better for such matters to be known by as few people as possible.
"Alright… alright." Nils hesitated, looking back three times as he walked alone towards the Castle.
Only then did Thomas and Severus walk towards the two who were already waiting somewhat impatiently.
"Is there something you need from us?"
Hearing Thomas's question, Mulciber looked at Avery; clearly, he was the one to speak between the two.
Compared to the burly, slightly barbaric Mulciber, Avery clearly fit the standard of a "noble" more.
His delicate features possessed a feminine beauty. Besides the standard uniform, he was also cleverly adorned with many exquisite small accessories. These accessories were either inlaid with dazzling gems or carved with intricate patterns; they clearly looked valuable and served more than just decorative purposes.
Avery pretentiously straightened his neat robes, his arrogant gaze sweeping over Thomas and stopping on Severus, who, though silent, already revealed extreme impatience in his eyes.
It was the noble tone Severus disliked most, with a drawn-out ending: "Severus Snape."
Severus slowly raised his chin, his eyes showing a hint of disdain and laziness, and he languidly glanced at the speaker. Wasn't it just being pretentious? Who couldn't do that?
He uttered a single word in a condescending tone: "Hm?"
Avery's eyes were fixed on Severus, his thin lips parted, his tone very serious: "Where did you buy that perfume you used on Hufflepuff today?"
"Huh?" Thomas and Severus both questioned simultaneously, utterly baffled.
Thomas looked at the sincere-faced young noble in front of him. You two stopped us on the road like delinquents just to ask this?
"Avery, you idiot!" Mulciber was very dissatisfied with his companion's remark.
Avery awkwardly cleared his throat: "That's one of the things we came to ask you about. The other thing is, we heard that Young Lestrange plans to teach you a lesson these days."
"Why?" Thomas was puzzled. They clearly had no grudge with that Lestrange, but he did notice their brothers' unfriendly gazes during class this morning.
"Of course, it's because you two made such a splash in Transfiguration Class and Herbology Class!" Mulciber continued.
"But we earned points for Slytherin."
"But you bypassed the Chief. The Chief is the strongest in Slytherin. What's more, this morning, you actually left without waiting for the Chief."
Thomas was puzzled. This wasn't kindergarten; did they need a team leader to lead them, holding hands?
"I haven't seen any rule stating that one must wait for the Chief to lead the way before class."
"No, but you are half-bloods."
"What's wrong with being a half-blood!" Severus was very displeased; he had heard this term more than once in the past two days! It wasn't animal breeding; was bloodline really that important?
"In Slytherin, half-bloods must attach themselves to pure-bloods; that's the rule. You've already offended the petty Young Lestrange today, so it will be very difficult to attach yourselves to him now."
Thomas felt as if the abacus beads of the other party were about to bounce onto his face. After such a long detour, wasn't he just trying to recruit followers to expand his power and contend with Lestrange?
"So, can we attach ourselves to you, Mr. Avery?"
Avery slightly raised his chin, proudly looking at Thomas and Severus: "Of course. In first year, only the Avery family can contend with the Lestrange family."
His tone was full of pride for his family's honor; compared to the mature Lucius Malfoy, this young noble's emotions were written all over his face.
"That's not necessary." Thomas said lightly, showing Avery a 'face-changing' trick: "We don't mind having some friends in the House, but no one has the right to control us."
The boy who was smiling and seemed very gentle a moment ago now exuded a sharp aura like a drawn blade: "I remember Senior Malfoy said last night that in Slytherin, strength is respected. If anyone in the House has an opinion on Severus's and my actions, we don't mind discussing it with them in depth."
The sudden pressure startled both Avery and Mulciber.
However, that oppressive feeling disappeared in an instant, and Thomas returned to his harmless appearance: "Severus and I have other things to do; see you both."
Mulciber quickly recovered from his shock. He felt a surge of anger that he had been intimidated by a young wizard his own age. He looked at Avery, a provocative glint in his eyes: "Do you want me to teach them a lesson?"
Avery watched Thomas and Severus's retreating figures, slowly shaking his head: "No, Kronos, I think we'll soon see a good show."
His tone carried a hint of imperceptible playfulness and anticipation. If they could truly display such strength, then these two Snapes, even if they were half-bloods or even Muggles, would be worthy of his acquaintance... Thomas hadn't actually lied to Avery and Mulciber; he and Severus indeed had urgent matters that afternoon...