Everyone believed that Gryffindor symbolized bravery, but Eda felt that Slytherin was the one truly "brave," and ferociously so.
Slytherin and Gryffindor were like fire and water, each wishing they could strangle the other to death. Offending one Gryffindor was nothing, one-on-one, what was the big deal? But the problem was that Slytherin also had poor relations with Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw.
Good lord, straight into a one-versus-three. Loyal, upright, and inclusive Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw, who spent every day buried in books absorbing knowledge. To manage to fall out with even those two relatively peaceful houses, it really had to be Slytherin.
Everyone knew that Gryffindor and Slytherin didn't get along, and Eda had even beaten up Cody Avery back in first year.
Everyone was also very curious whether Eda would truly treat everyone equally and "take care" of the Slytherin students too.
Putting themselves in her shoes, if Eda could really let go of her "prejudice" against Slytherin, then Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw were even less worth mentioning.
"Cody, doesn't Slytherin House belong to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry? Or are Slytherin students not Hogwarts students?" Eda asked in return. "I really don't understand why you would ask such an idiotic question."
Cody Avery's face reddened slightly from embarrassment as he said, "That's not what I meant. Everyone knows that some of us... I'm just a little worried."
The meaning behind his words was obvious. Everyone present understood just how good Slytherin students were at offending people.
With just one "Mudblood," Draco Malfoy had instantly offended three houses. If he hadn't had a rich and powerful father, young Master Malfoy would have been beaten up long ago, and in Slytherin, Malfoy was hardly an isolated case.
After hearing Eda's answer, the prefects in the compartment all understood what she meant. This year, Gryffindor's big sister was going to become Hogwarts' big sister. She would take care of all Hogwarts students.
Still, nobody got overly excited. Reforming themselves under big sister's "guidance" was probably worse than facing Filch.
Everyone secretly decided that after returning, they absolutely had to properly advise the troublemakers in their own houses. Otherwise, if those idiots caused trouble and dragged them down with them, that would be terrible.
After seeing that no one had any objections, Eda spoke again.
"The last point, and also the most important point, is that I hope the four houses can unite this year. I don't want to see any conflicts or disputes between the four houses. I don't want outsiders laughing at us."
"No matter who it is, no matter how capable they think they are, if I find out about it, they can try me," Eda said. "If you've really got skill, go use it on outsiders. What's the point of acting tough against your own people? Isn't that embarrassing enough?"
Everyone knew who those words were aimed at. Slytherin was the house most prone to bullying its own, so these words were clearly directed at the Slytherin prefects. Of course, that was only what the prefects in the compartment thought.
"I understand. After we go back, I'll tell everyone," Cody Avery responded proactively. He also felt that Eda was talking about Slytherin. Not saying it outright was just her leaving some dignity for the Slytherin prefects.
The remaining Slytherin prefects looked dispirited. They really wanted to refute Eda, even mock her back, but they didn't dare. The Ministry of Magic wasn't a match for a Hogwarts student. Which student was that? In any case, it definitely wasn't a member of Slytherin.
Actually, Eda's words were directed at everyone, not any specific house. If she wanted to criticize Slytherin, she could have just said it directly. There was no need for beating around the bush or making veiled insults.
"Cody, I know your house has its own complicated internal relationships. I don't need you to control them. You just need to pass my words on to every single person," Eda said. "If any of them are dissatisfied, they're welcome to come find me."
Special situations required special treatment. Slytherin was a house dominated by pure-blood families, and the interactions within the house were often not simply between students, but mixed with family interests.
Eda did not want to get dragged into that muddy mess, but she hoped Slytherin could work together this year to maintain Hogwarts' reputation and give her some face. If she lost face, then nobody else should expect to keep theirs either.
"I understand. I will pass your words on to every single person," Cody nodded as he spoke, and the remaining Slytherin prefects followed along in agreement.
"I've finished speaking. Who agrees, and who opposes?" Eda leaned back slightly and said calmly.
Oppose? Oppose Esmeralda Twist? Were they out of their minds, or tired of living? Didn't they see that even the most troublesome Slytherins weren't making a sound? Who else would dare speak up!
Besides, there was nothing wrong with Eda's demands. She wasn't benefiting herself, nor was she harming the interests of the other houses. What was there to oppose?
Seeing that nobody raised any objections, Eda continued, "People who know me know that I always make things clear beforehand and never act unreasonably afterward. Once you go back today and pass on my requirements, if anyone violates them, then don't blame me."
Those words carried quite a bit of credibility. In all these years, who had ever seen Eda actively bully or suppress others? Even the conflicts between her and Slytherin had always started with Slytherin students causing trouble first.
"Don't worry, Eda," Cedric said first. "Everyone constantly arguing back and forth really has gotten ridiculous."
As the prefects all voiced their positions, the first prefect meeting of the new school year came to an end. Everyone dispersed, either to patrol the train or pass along the message.
Before long, only Eda and Cedric remained in the compartment.
"Eda, you're going to participate in the Triwizard Tournament too, right?" Cedric asked. His father, Amos Diggory, was an official at the Ministry of Magic, so it was hardly strange that he knew about the Triwizard Tournament.
"Yes. Are you participating too, Ced?" Eda asked. "Then we'll be competitors this year!"
"Even though I don't know what method they'll use to choose the champions, I'm definitely going to enter!" Cedric spoke firmly, as though he were trying to encourage himself.
If Eda were the one choosing Hogwarts' contestant, aside from herself, she would pick between Cedric and Harry.
Cedric Diggory truly was an outstanding student. Excellent grades, excellent talent, an excellent personality, skilled at Quidditch, and handsome too. He was basically the perfect protagonist template.
Most people in the school would probably agree with Eda's opinion and choose Cedric. But Eda was participating too, and compared to her, Cedric's chances of being selected dropped infinitely lower.
Cedric naturally understood this as well. He knew he was not an opponent on Eda's level, but he still wanted to participate, still wanted to try. What if he actually got chosen?
Even if he wasn't selected, it didn't matter. Doing it and trying was enough. This was also a rare experience. Even if he failed in the end, it was still better than doing nothing and regretting it for the rest of his life.
"Personally, I'm rooting for you, Ced," Eda said. "In terms of overall ability, you're also Hogwarts' best male student right now."
Suddenly, Eda asked with a gossip-loving expression, "Oh right, how are things going between you and Cho Chang now? Want me to help advise you again?"
At the mention of Cho Chang's name, Cedric's face instantly turned red, even redder than the Weasley family's fiery hair. It looked hot enough to grill meat on.
Cedric stammered, "Things are okay... there hasn't been any major progress... but she's not angry at me anymore..."
The more he spoke, the quieter his voice became. After that disastrously failed confession last time, Cho Chang had ignored Cedric for quite a long while.
Poor Cedric had even thought all hope was lost for him in this lifetime.
Fortunately, persistent pursuit could wear down even the coldest beauty. As time passed, Cho Chang gradually forgot that anticlimactic confession and started talking to Cedric again.
It could be considered a case of finally seeing the moon after the clouds parted.
What Cedric did not know, however, was that the white swan he had been longing for was now also being targeted by someone else.
This toad who also wanted a taste of swan meat was named Harry Potter.
(～￣▽￣)～Read 12 Chapters ahead:
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