Matthew Wickfields mood could only be described as terrible.
He had anticipated that the book might be scary, but he didnt expect it to be this terrifying.
Professor Slughorns words aligned perfectly with his previous experiences.
Hogwarts did have precautions against black magic items and strict rules regarding space. The book had found its way into the Room of Requirent, which, according to his previous knowledge, was not bound by many Hogwarts rules.
It seed the book had successfully escaped their search and arrest by hiding in that place.
However, Professor Slughorns judgnt that the item attacking Malfoy was an extrely weak mysterious black magic item might be opposite to reality.
The books power could be the reason it had eluded their discovery and made its way to the Room of Requirent. Matthew wondered what he should do in such a situation.
Originally, he had planned to seek help from Professor Slughorn, hoping that the Potions teacher could assist him in eliminating this threat, but Professor Slughorns words made him hesitate.
Did it an he should allow the head of Slytherin to kill him? Professor Slughorns tone filled Matthew with despair. If the book was truly that terrifying, wouldnt he be dood to die or face a fate even worse than death, as Professor Slughorn had ntioned?
No no no, Matthew desperately reassured himself. He hadnt reached that point yet. He recalled Professor Slughorns earlier words, You can only pray that you will never encounter sothing like that unless you are a powerful wizard like Professor Grindelwald.
Did that imply that if he beca a powerful wizard like Grindelwald, he wouldnt have to fear the book? It should an that so his fate wasnt entirely sealed.
Matthew shook his head, refusing to delve further into those thoughts. Glancing at his watch, he realized it was late, almost past ten oclock, exceeding the curfew and violating school rules.
He descended the marble steps and entered the basent corridor. The dimly lit and eerie hallway stretched ahead of him.
Strange sounds occasionally echoed, though they might be re illusions caused by the wind. The torches on the stone walls provided feeble illumination, barely enough to light his path.
Drawing his black walnut wand from his waist, Matthew raised it with his left hand and softly incanted, Lumos! a faint light emitted from his wand, illuminating the path ahead. The simple spell he had learned from Professor Flitwick in the spell class two weeks ago proved practical in such situations.
Just as Matthew passed by the door of the Potions class, he sensed a sound. He strained his ears, confirming that it was indeed coming from the Potions classroom.
It wasnt a re illusion caused by the wind. Who could it be? It couldnt be Horace Professor Slughorn, as the old man had just bid him farewell in his office.
There was no reason for him to suddenly appear in the potions classroom.
Could it be another teacher with Professor Slughorns permission to retrieve sothing?
Or was soone stealing sothing inside?
Perhaps it was the sa attacker who had attacked Ronald Weasley before.
Despite the sound, Matthew continued walking forward calmly, as if he hadnt heard anything. Whoever was in the Potions classroom, had nothing to do with him.
He listened intently, relieved when the sound abruptly ceased. Just as he passed through the corridor and turned into the next passage, a stern voice called out from behind him, Who is it?
The voice brimd with alertness. Matthew recognized the voice as the one he least wanted to hearProfessor Vinda Rosier, the Headmistress of Hogwarts.
He turned around and stamred, Its Matthew Wickfield! Professor Rosier
Approaching from behind, Professor Rosier walked with a limp, as if she had sustained an injury. Her disheveled hair and uncertain expression stripped away her usual grace.
Wickfield? Professor Rosier snapped, Why are you here again?
Matthew also wondered why he kept encountering her inexplicably, considering he tried his best to avoid her.
I Matthew tried to open explain.
To his shock, Professor Rosier advanced nacingly toward him. Her once-beautiful face is twisted and even appeared sowhat hideous.
Matthew took a few steps back, pressing against the wall, fearing that she might attack him. He contemplated his options.
His wand in his right hand was the only ans of offense, with the Petrification Spell being the sole offensive spell he knew. He doubted it would work against her now.
Professor Rosier drew nearer, and her distorted face beca more distinct. Matthew noticed a faint red light, reminiscent of blood, flickering in her eyes.
He had no ti to ponder its aning. Reciting the petrification incantation in his mind, Petrificus Totalus! he prepared to cast the spell.
However, before he could utter the incantation aloud, another familiar voice interrupted them. Is Professor Rosier there?
The red light vanished from Professor Rosiers eyes, and she turned away, ignoring Matthew. Erging from the darkness, a familiar figure slowly ca into view.
Oh, and Wickfield! Professor Edward Trocar blinked and looked at Matthew, his face appearing better than usual, not as pale or haggard as before. It might be due to the weak lights in the aisles at night.
Im very curious, Wickfield, why are you here? Professor Trocar asked with interest, noticing that he had his wand in his hand.
I am also very curious about this, so I am asking this question to Wickfield! Professor Rosier said coldly, her twisted and hideous look of anger fading, replaced by her usual coldness.
Professor Trocars appearance relieved Matthew. It seed that no matter what the situation was, he would be fine tonight.
I just attended Professor Slughorns Slug Club dinner Matthew quickly explained.
The Slug Club dinner usually ends before nine oclock in the evening! Professor Rosier said coldly, her eyes glaring at Matthew once again, and he thought he saw the blood-like red light in her eyes.
Thats it, Matthew continued, Because I forgot my watch in Professor Slughorns office, when I went back to retrieve it, I rembered so interesting things and sought Professor Slughorns advice, which made run a bit late.
So thats it! Professor Trocar said, looking at Matthew with a praising gaze. It seems, Wickfield, you are very fortunate. Ive heard that Horace has always had a keen eye for talent.
I hope you havent lied! Professor Rosier interjected coldly. Because I will find out soon enough!
After speaking, she pulled out her wand from her waist and swiftly waved it, causing a silver-white cloak-like object to pass by Matthew.
Silence returned to the corridor. Professor Rosier still maintained her position, cornering Matthew against the wall, but he turned his head and closed his eyes.
Matthew felt a little embarrassed and dared not move, as any slight movent could lead him to encounter Professor Rosier.
Professor Trocar suddenly winked at Matthew, who realized that he was still pointing his fluorescent wand directly at Professor Rosiers chest. He quickly lowered his wand.
They waited for only two or three minutes when they heard anxious footsteps approaching. The portly potions teacher, Horace Professor Slughorn, waddled over, acting quite comical.
What is happening He arrived in front of the three of them, panting heavily and visibly tired. He stuttered, What what is happening?
Well discuss it later, Professor Rosier said, still coldly. Lets address the matter of Wickfield first!
Oh, Matthew! Professor Slughorn seed to have just noticed Matthew and appeared visibly relieved.
Wickfield told he was in your office earlier, engaged in a conversation with you, Professor Rosier first glanced at Matthew, then at Professor Slughorn.
Yes, thats correct, Professor Slughorn nodded. We were discussing well, so extracurricular knowledge!
But Professor Rosier seed uninterested in the specifics of their conversation.
So, when did Wickfield leave your presence? Professor Rosier continued to inquire.
About ten minutes ago not too long, Professor Slughorn replied.
He was with you all this ti? Professor Rosier squinted her eyes.
Of course! Professor Slughorn replied instantly.
Professor Rosier fell silent for a mont, then took a few steps forward, allowing Matthew so freedom.
Well, you may go now, Wickfield, she said coldly. But rember, wandering around Hogwarts Castle after lights-out is a violation of the rules. Mr. Pringle will inform you of the details and duration of your confinent.
Matthew was at a loss for words. How did he end up being confined?
I disagree, Headmistress Rosier, Professor Trocar spoke up. I believe it wasnt yet ten oclock when Wickfield was in the corridor. If you hadnt intercepted him, there was a high chance he would have returned to the Slytherin common room before lights out.
Professor Slughorn next to them nodded in agreent.
Professor Rosier closed her eyes again and said, Youre right, the confinent is canceled.
Matthew still couldnt comprehend what was happening. How did the confinent get canceled so easily?
Go back to the Slytherin common room, Matthew! Professor Slughorn gestured for him to leave.
Professor Trocar walked up to Matthew, lightly patting his shoulder, and said, Yes, go back quickly, Wickfield dont be afraid, dont worry. But please rember, avoid walking around Hogwarts Castle at night for now.
This ti, Matthew caught a whiff of the familiar scent of blood.
Matthew nodded without fully understanding what was going on. What were they hinting at?
Unwilling to ask any further questions, he bid farewell to the three teachers and hurried back to the Slytherin common room, without engaging in any further conversation. Exhausted, he fell onto his bed and drifted off to sleep.
The following day, during Mondays breakfast, Matthew Wickfield entered the Great Hall as usual to have his al. As he spread jam on his sausage, an excited voice called out to him from a distance.
Matthew! Neville Longbottoms voice rang out, and he crossed several long tables to reach Matthew, embracing him tightly.
Whats the matter? Matthew was taken aback.
Its incredible youre alive Neville said tearfully.
I am alive? Matthew grew more confused.
I thought you were already Neville wiped tears from the corner of his eyes and released his grip.
Whats going on, Neville? Matthew asked urgently.
Nevilles voice was low as he shook his head. Seventh-year Slytherin Maria Adams and fourth-year Rico Carlo theyre both dead. It happened last night.
The news hit Matthew like a thunderbolt, leaving him stunned. Maria Adams from the seventh year and Rico Carlo from the fourth year those nas vaguely rang a bell.
They were both mbers of the Slug Club, along with Matthew, representing Slytherin House.
Reviews
All reviews (0)