https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-76-Villain-Pretending-to-be-the-Victim-/12572331/
Chapter 77: Group and Individual
Chapter 77: Group and Individual
Vite reported the incident in detail, neither exaggerating nor downplaying the events.
Even so, Professor McGonagall was still furious, her nostrils flaring as if she were about to breathe fire. "Bullying a fellow student... and calling them such derogatory names... We will not tolerate such behavior—Severus, I intend to give Mr. Malfoy a month's detention, at the very least!"
Professor Snape's face was pale and expressionless, his thoughts unknown. Hearing Professor McGonagall's words, he remained dazed for a while before slowly saying, "Of course... you are right... Minerva... let's do that..."
"Good!" Professor McGonagall huffed, and her stern expression softened slightly as she turned to Vite.
"Mr. Grey—"
"Yes, Professor." Vite lowered his head. "I know I shouldn't have used a spell on a fellow student in the corridor..."
"Ahem." Professor Flitwick suddenly coughed twice. "Yes, indeed, it was too impulsive. What if someone had been injured? For your rashness and carelessness, I must deduct... erm..."
Professor Flitwick glanced at his two colleagues beside him.
"... five points!"
He took a deep breath and gritted his teeth, then quietly winked at Vite to indicate that he would make it up to him later.
Professor McGonagall smiled almost imperceptibly and said, "Well, of course—at the same time, for bravely standing up for your classmate and successfully using the Disarming Charm, I will award you ten points, Mr. Grey. It's clear that you... erm... are quite talented in spellcasting!"
...
"He got ten extra points?" Michael was also surprised by this outcome in the umbrella room.
"Actually, it was only five points because Professor Flitwick deducted five points before that," Vite emphasized.
"I know... but... it's Professor McGonagall!" Michael exclaimed. "She doesn't even favor Gryffindor!"
"Exactly because Professor McGonagall is fair, she gave those points to Ravenclaw!" Padma, on the other hand, didn't seem surprised. "Think about what Malfoy has done... A month's detention is letting him off easy!"
"Not only that, but they didn't get any sympathy from Professor Snape either." Theo shared some news that no one else knew. "I heard that a group of Slytherins went to Professor Snape to complain, but they were kicked out in less than two minutes."
Ryan nodded in understanding. "Even though Professor Snape is usually—strict, he wouldn't favor Slytherin without a good reason, right?"
Neville probably didn't agree, as he felt that if they had seen how Professor Snape nitpicked at them during Potions class, which Gryffindor and Slytherin had together, they wouldn't have such a view that was far from the truth.
As the group chatted, the door to the umbrella room suddenly opened—there was only one person who would come at this time, and Padma happily waved and called out, "Hermione!"
The brown-haired girl took cheerful steps into the room, a brilliant smile on her face. "Good afternoon, everyone!"
"Hmm?" Padma looked at her in confusion. "Hermione, you seem a little different today. Why is that?"
"No, no—" Hermione tucked her hair behind her ear, as if to hide something. "Maybe it's because I heard Malfoy got what he deserved... I'm just really happy about it."
"Hmm..." Padma was half-convinced. Was that really the reason?
Michael, on the other hand, had figured it out at a glance—Hermione used to have a very noticeable pair of buck teeth, along with her messy brown hair, which made her look like a beaver. But today, when Hermione smiled, her teeth were straight and evenly sized, making her look much cuter than usual.
"Wow, Hermione!" Michael didn't mention his discovery but instead praised her. "You're absolutely radiant today."
Hermione smiled shyly and, to divert attention away from herself, she turned and shouted to the person behind her, "Come in, Harry!"
Harry Potter, who had been hesitating outside the door, finally stepped in. Everyone turned to look at him, and the boy awkwardly ruffled his hair.
Of course, this wasn't their first meeting, but seeing a classmate in the classroom was normal. Seeing a new member, Harry Potter, in their "territory" or "circle," evoked a strange and special feeling within them.
For a moment, no one spoke.
Harry felt embarrassed. He awkwardly greeted them, "Um... hi? I'm Harry Potter..."
He then desperately realized how foolish that sentence was. They had been studying together for most of the year; how could they not know each other? Hermione had been reminding him to make a good impression, but he seemed to have ruined it with his stupidity...
They must think he's weird for saying that. It sounded so dumb...
"Shall we reintroduce ourselves?" Vite took the initiative to stand up, offering his hand with a smile. "Hello, Harry, I'm Vite Grey."
When you do something foolish alone, it's embarrassing enough to make your toes curl. But when someone else does the same thing, that embarrassment seems to fade away.
Harry gratefully shook Vite's hand.
Michael Corner also extended his hand, "Welcome, I'm Michael Corner—I've been wanting to say this for a while, but your move to catch the Snitch last time was amazing! Looking forward to your next performance."
"Thanks." Harry smiled shyly.
"Welcome, Harry, I'm Theo Mancini." Theo smiled and said, "Next up, you'll be facing Hufflepuff, so I can only wish you enjoyment in the game and hope for a Hufflepuff victory."
Harry really wished he could come up with something witty to say in response, but as someone who wasn't good with words, the only thing that came to mind was Wood's passionate speech in the rain—
"Hufflepuff is nothing to worry about!"
No, that's not right...
"Defeat Hufflepuff! Win the House Cup!"
Enough! He didn't want to offend everyone...
"Give it your all! For the first time in seven years! Make Professor McGonagall proud!" Wood roared, arms raised.
Harry: ...
"I will give it my all!" Before he knew it, the words had left Harry's mouth.
Theo laughed, "That's the spirit."
"Ryan Carroll." Ryan shook his hand, his smile faint but sincere, "I've never joined any other clubs, but I can assure you, the SSC is the best."
"Of course." Harry quickly agreed.
"Padma Patil." Padma shook his hand with a giggle, "My only request is that you don't mistake me for my sister."
"I won't make that mistake." Harry said confidently.
Unlike the Weasley twins, who seemed like carbon copies of each other, the Patil sisters were noticeably different. Even though they shared similar features, their personalities, auras, and expressions varied greatly, making it impossible to confuse them.
"Then—last but not least, it's me." Hermione also shook hands properly and smiled, "Your friend—and also your partner in SSC."
"Oh—Hermione—" Harry couldn't help but laugh.
At that moment, Harry had completely forgotten about his earlier thoughts. In this lighthearted welcoming ceremony, he truly felt accepted by a group—a feeling distinct from the friendship he shared with Ron or the curiosity and admiration some classmates had for him due to his "savior" reputation.
Harry couldn't quite put his finger on what made this feeling different, but he knew he was happy, as if he were floating on a soft cloud.
(End of Chapter)
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