On the other side, Snape had no idea that his image in the professors' eyes varied so drastically.
But even if Professor Merrythought had seen through him, it didn't matter.
After all, if everything went according to plan, the news of his joining the Black Eye Society would eventually come out anyway, and the professors would inevitably become wary of him to some degree.
Having finished his delicious meal, Snape elegantly wiped his mouth.
As expected—
He couldn't even make it back to the common room. Just as he turned a corner into the corridor, two burly Slytherin upper-years blocked his path, looming menacingly without a word!
Lily, who had been hurrying after him to demand an explanation, braked just in time.
She stopped at the corner, not rushing out, holding her breath and making no sound.
"Come with us. A person of high status wants to see you."
"Lead the way."
They stared at each other for a long moment in the oppressive silence.
Seeing not a trace of fear in Snape's expression, the two clearly dangerous Slytherin students exchanged glances and finally spoke in a tone that allowed no refusal, giving Eric no chance to decline.
His face remained unchanged, but a confident smile quietly surfaced in Snape's heart.
He had already guessed who wanted to see him.
There was only one person who carried that self-proclaimed superiority mixed with indelible hypocrisy. Stepping into that person's view was the very reason Snape had revealed his true strength during the bullying incident!
"Death Row."
The password was spoken.
The stone wall slowly opened.
Inside the Slytherin common room, luxurious to the point of extravagance, Lucius lay languidly on a sofa, holding a wine glass.
His left arm was wrapped around an arrogant girl with long black hair, whose gaze upon the stranger naturally carried the disgust one might have for trash, marring her otherwise striking appearance.
As for Seko, he stood silently in the shadowed corner of the common room, arms crossed.
Only when he saw Snape walk in expressionlessly did a flicker of excitement appear deep in his eyes, as if he couldn't wait to finish their interrupted duel!
"I heard some people are calling you the 'Bane of Slytherin,' believing you upheld so-called justice that day."
Taking a sip of red wine—
Lucius didn't look at Snape, simply raising the glass to eye level and observing every shift in its hue.
"And I want to ask you: do you really think you are our bane?"
"Magic is might. If I am stronger than you, then the title is well-deserved."
"Oh? I thought you believed in Dumbledore's nonsense."
Lucius raised an eyebrow in interest.
For the first time, he moved his gaze from the wine, scrutinizing every subtle change in Snape's expression.
"As a champion of justice, shouldn't you condemn our actions? I thought you, who stood alone against us that day, would have a firm stance."
"I do dislike your behavior. Defeating those overconfident Gryffindors was enough; unnecessary violence only disgusts me."
Snape remained impassive.
Following the script he had prepared in his heart—nine parts truth, one part lie—he spoke calmly.
He knew that the opportunity he had planned for days, determining whether he could join the Black Eye Society, would be decided in this conversation!
Having already shown enough potential to make Lucius value and even test him—
He not only had to give a tenable reason for standing against Slytherin before.
Most importantly—
He needed Lucius to realize that he was someone who could be won over to the pure-blood camp!
He wasn't a traitor to the Snake House, just a talented student with simple thoughts and no threat.
With just a little investment, Lucius could use the tried-and-true pure-blood ideology to bring him into the fold, making him another prospective Death Eater with a bright future!
He needed to show coldness, so Lucius would judge him as one of their own who was still wavering.
Then leak a bit of greed, giving Lucius an opening to conquer him.
Make him realize what Snape desired, and what price he needed to pay to pull this student with amazing aptitude completely to the pure-blood side!
The currently enigmatic-acting Lucius would never guess—
That long before he invited Snape, his every reaction had been anticipated by the other party. Even this negotiation initiated by him was actually the result of Snape's careful plotting!
"Interesting."
Unaware, Lucius smiled.
He felt he had touched the darkness in Snape's heart—a very good sign!
"But what if I said this violence is necessary? If we want pure-blood families to return to their rightful noble status, we must make those Mudbloods understand their lowly place!"
"Oh."
"...Hmm?"
"I told you, magic is might. You are clearly stronger than me right now, so naturally, whatever you say makes sense."
Snape's tone carried a hint of impatience, causing Narcissa to show an angry expression.
However, Lucius suddenly burst into laughter.
Turning his head, he said to Seko beside him, clearly in a good mood:
"You were right back then. This kid is indeed interesting. You've found a good seedling for us."
Seko bowed neither humble nor haughty, saying nothing more.
Only the fighting spirit in his eyes burned hotter.
"Snape, right? I can give you a chance to see what true power is, and even let you set foot on this great path!"
"...Then, noble Mr. Malfoy, what do I need to pay?"
Snape showed a look of hesitation.
He didn't agree immediately but asked cautiously.
This reaction made Lucius even more satisfied. He stood up and poured two glasses of red wine himself.
"You are only a half-blood, but you might still have the fortune to become a partner of the pure-bloods.
I need you to stand up at certain moments like you did yesterday, to fight for the glory of pure-bloods, to contribute your strength to making this world a better place!
And as a reward—
I can make an exception and give you a chance to join the Black Eye Society. As long as you pass our test, you can access those Dark Arts books not permitted by that old stubborn Dumbledore, and understand what 'magic is might' truly means!"
Handing over a glass of red wine, Lucius was pleased to see Snape take it without hesitation.
Then drink it all in one go.
Swirling the glass in his hand, Lucius said casually:
"As for the test, let me think... I remember there's a Mudblood girl in Gryffindor who is very close to you, right?"
His eyes paused almost imperceptibly for a moment.
Snape walked to the table on his own initiative, refilling the empty glass with the mellow red liquid, intentionally or unintentionally blocking others' view with his body.
"So?"
"That is a shameful past. She is using her relationship with you to poison your mind. You need to remove this weakness yourself.
Only then can I give you my precious trust and convince others that you are qualified to be one of us."
"But she is my best friend!"
Lucius frowned slightly.
When he turned around, Snape's deep eyes, filled with seriousness, were staring straight at him. Word by word, with utmost sincerity, he said:
"You have to pay more!"
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