Time went back to early November.
The thunderous rain moved the world, and the large black lake trembled under the raging winds. In the deep, unseen depths of its vast body, a massive dark shadow became agitated by the disturbed waters. It flailed its tentacles covered in large suction cups, occasionally slamming them into the dark green rocks, causing the adjacent Slytherin common room to shake occasionally.
"This ugly brute is having another tantrum!"
Daphne looked at the massive octopus rampaging outside the glass window with a cold gaze.
If the students from other three houses had the chance to see the giant octopus that had become a legend in Black Lake, they would undoubtedly be excited and trembling. However, for the students of Slytherin House, this was just a routine view. Whenever the lake surface became turbulent, this huge creature would always get irritated by being disturbed from its slumber and make a little fuss.
It is around noon now, and the Slytherin common room, filled with a greenish glow from the lights, has very few students. Most of those present are gathered in front of the intricately carved fireplace, where they are roasting fires. They continue the conversation from last night, discussing the unexpected incidents that occurred during yesterday's Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, with a tone of reverence.
"I can't understand why Draco did that. He hated Potter so much."
Pansy Parkinson looked wan and deeply dejected.
"That really is perplexing--"
In the rippling window, the giant octopus noticed a group of Grindylows unluckily passing by. It then turned its target and started to blow a series of bubbles that were so big that they could fit Hagrid. Meanwhile, it waved its tentacles like whips, spinning the unfortunate aquatic monsters around.
This scene bored Daphne, and she turned away, patting Pansy on the shoulder.
"No matter from which angle, Draco's behavior can be considered a kind of betrayal. If it were not for his self-appointed actions, we would have absolutely no chance of losing to the group of foolish and reckless lions from Gryffindor, and we should have made a grand show in front of Professor Bran! "
"I don't want you to talk about Draco like that, Daphne!"
To her surprise, Pansy did not seem to feel vindicated or pleased by what Daphne said. Instead, she looked at her with a sharp gaze and spoke haughtily,
"And you have no right, Daphne," she reminded her, "Don't forget that your family's business is dependent on the support of the Malfoy family. You should show more respect to Draco!"
After an embarrassing silence, Daphne reluctantly nodded.
"You're right, Pansy--"
She first agreed with the facts Pansy pointed out, but then, she suddenly changed her tone and said,
"But I have to tell you, Pansy, most of us—meaning Theodore, Brass, Millicent and us—have come to an agreement. We believe that Draco must pay for his betrayal. We will not participate in cleaning the owlery today unless--"
"Unless what, Daphne?"
Before Pansy could express her anger at Daphne's words, a cold, icy voice suddenly sounded behind them, causing both Daphne and Pansy to turn pale.
It was Draco Malfoy and his two loyal supporters, Crabbe and Goyle.
In the current wizarding world, except for a few families with significant status in the Ministry of Magic, the Malfoy family is probably the most influential and powerful family in terms of wealth. Facing the anger of such a important family's direct heir, Daphne and Pansy were both a bit intimidated.
Before Daphne could explain her earlier words, Draco, with his pointed chin, stared coldly at Daphne with a disdainful tone.
"Is it necessary for me to apologize to you, Daphne?"
"Aren't you supposed to explain yourself, Draco?"
Daphne couldn't act recklessly in front of Draco. She suppressed her anger, looking at the ground, somewhat unwillingly explaining, "But you're aware of the fact that--"
"You have disappointed everyone. Theo, Brass, and Millicent and I worked so hard to help Slytherin gain time, but you wasted your energy saving that idiot Potter--"
"I don't have to explain anything to you, Daphne--"
Draco said without hesitation, but when he saw the upset Pansy, his expression did indeed waver. After a brief hesitation, he stiffened his face and said again.
"But since you all have reached a consensus, then fine, I'll deal with that lump of feathered scum's shed."
"I can also help, Draco."
Pansy didn't hesitate. She gazed adoringly at the dominant Draco Malfoy, saying in a daze.
"No need, Pansy. I don't lack supporters."
Draco nodded at Crabbe and Goyle standing behind him, then simply turned his head and left.
Gryffindor lost the match against Hufflepuff. The weak and incompetent Potter fell from the sky due to a Dementor, and it's said that even his Seeker, a broom named the Glider 2000, turned into a pile of rubble. Professor Bran exerted his authority and directly warded off the Dementors sent by the Ministry of Magic to guard the school gates at Hogwarts.
These things usually made Draco feel excited and passionate, but Daphne's words had completely ruined his mood. However, he couldn't find a suitable reason to explain his actions. He certainly couldn't tell them that he had some small favoritism towards Potter during his half-year Dark Magic Defense course.
If he continued to say this, Draco could be sure that he would become a laughingstock in Slytherin forever.
It was time for lunch, and the air in the Great Hall was filled with the rich aroma of food. As they passed through the halls, Crabbe and Goyle greedily gazed at the delicious-looking dishes on the long tables, their mouths watering.
"Can we go over and eat some food, Draco--" Goyle said ingeniously, "We're so hungry we can't even walk straight."
"Maintaining cleanliness is labor-intensive, Draco," Crabbe pleaded quietly, "We'll starve."
"Don't you think I would waste half a day in that stinking stone house, Crabbe, Goyle?"
Draco scowled, looking displeased and frustrated.
"I'm planning to go over and meet with Professor Bran to give him a report, then we'll be back in time for lunch! Let's go quickly!"
The three of them hurried up to the West Tower and stopped outside the shed.
As they opened the door, a strong smell of bird droppings hit them, making Draco gag.
Draco had come to the owlery frequently, but only when he actually needed to clean up the mess did he realize how truly foul-smelling it was.
Crabbe and Goyle were very self-assured. As soon as they stepped into the house, they walked towards the corner where cleaning tools like brooms and dustpans were stored, pulling up their sleeves to get started.
"Put down those ridiculous things in your hands--"
Seeing Crabbe and Goyle looking at a loss, Malfoy was even more annoyed. He lifted his foot, disgustingly looking at the bird droppings and indigestible mouse bones stuck to the sole of his shoe.
"What good are your wands in your pockets?"
"But we don't know any cleaning spells, Draco--"
Crabbe and Goyle exchanged a glance and said in a naive voice,
"Then just do something randomly,"
Draco pulled out his wand impatiently while pulling it out of his pocket. "Just make sure that people know we've been here!"
Alright, with Draco's command, Crabbe and Goyle finally found direction. Once Draco retreated to the doorstep, the two of them began to wave their wands around in the room, looking as awkward as a troll with a stick.
Crabbe seemed to want his wand to shoot out some water to clean the ground, but for some reason, the tip of his wand instead erupted with a burst of orange sparks, which shot up into the air and exploded off a tuft of an owl's tail feather!
Now they had really ticked off the bees' nest. Owls perched on the high branches above the shed were suddenly enraged and flew up to attack them, several owls swooping over their heads and pecking their heads with sharp beaks, while most of the owls remained in mid-air, ready to unleash their deadly tricks.
Snap!
Suddenly, Draco, who was standing by the door watching the commotion, felt a warm spot on his lips. Without thinking, he wiped his hand over them and held it to his eyes to see a sticky, grey-brown substance that defied description.
"You...you..."
In an instant, enraged Draco drew his wand and charged into the room, shouting at the agitated owls.
"Scum, I'm going to show you some color!!! ----"
reading pavilion
