After failing to win over Damon, Harry's Parseltongue piqued the Slytherins' interest.
Winning Harry over would grant indirect access to Damon, given their close relationship. Slowly, the atmosphere within Hogwarts began to shift.
The other houses criticized Harry relentlessly, claiming that his Parseltongue marked him as evil, pointing to the incident where his snake attacked Justin.
Yet the Slytherins reacted differently. They were delighted, greeting Harry whenever they saw him, even though he was a Quidditch rival.
Honestly, all of this annoyed Harry. But someone infinitely more aggravating existed: Lockhart.
The Duelling Club incident dominated conversation. Every teacher except Lockhart was mentioned—Snape, normally a subject of rivalry with Damon, was now regarded as a top-notch educator. Lockhart, however, seemed forgotten.
Walking through the hallway, Lockhart found students avoiding his gaze. Those who did make eye contact gave him awkward smiles.
Damn it! Even Lockhart, five-time winner of Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award, couldn't accept this. He needed to restore his reputation.
This year, his Hogwarts journey needed a perfect climax—newsworthy enough to shock the wizarding world.
Perhaps the Heir of Slytherin? That might work as a side story. Or Master White's secret?
After witnessing Damon's dueling skills, Lockhart doubted the existence of any such secret. Dueling was practical, not theoretical. Could a child really devise a way to break Gamp's Law? Even the most mysterious figures hadn't managed it in their youth.
After much pondering, Lockhart concluded that Dumbledore must have discovered the secret early and kept it hidden, supporting the child step by step.
Yes… he wanted no spotlight, no perception of ambition, just quiet guidance.
What sensational news! If only Lockhart could uncover it.
Then… Slytherin's Chamber of Secrets is where I'll start!
---
Meanwhile, at the Ministry of Magic, Mad-Eye Moody's sharp gaze fixed on Damon.
"You're late," Moody barked.
"Sorry, something delayed me," Damon replied, trying to stay calm.
"That won't do!" Moody snapped. "Auror training isn't about excuses. Imagine telling the victim's family, 'Oh, something delayed me.'"
Damon felt a headache coming. Moody's overbearing presence was hard to endure. He admired the man, yes, but patience only stretched so far.
Seeing Damon silent, Moody concluded that further scolding would be pointless. His gaze softened, though his words remained firm.
The Aurors, accustomed to this "privilege," focused instead on their own training.
Student Council President Carl Flint felt the pressure most acutely. Damon was the only real rival in Auror selection, and Carl resolved to pursue him relentlessly.
As Damon arrived, teammate Rupert greeted him. "Moody's unbearable, isn't he? Poor fellow, the Dark Arts have made him… a bit extreme."
Damon sighed—not for Moody, but for the training ahead. Three years of rigorous practice awaited, and if Voldemort ever seized the Ministry before him, those "forced surrenderers" would face ruthless consequences.
Half a day later, as the sun set, Damon adjusted his robes, preparing to Apparate away. Suddenly, a piercing alarm sounded—a rapid, sharp, unfamiliar noise.
Footsteps echoed frantically across the Auror office floor. Doors flew open as the Aurors responded swiftly. Everyone sensed danger.
Moody's grim glare silenced the room.
"Training's over. Dismiss immediately," he commanded, his eyes on Damon, warning him against interference.
Surprisingly, Damon left obediently, heading down to the ground floor with Rupert.
"Moody! Quick!"
"Got it!" Moody followed into the operations office.
The alarm indicated a serious situation, likely involving Death Eaters. Though dormant since Voldemort's fall, a few still stirred trouble.
"It's the Death Eaters," Moody growled. "Three Muggles transformed into rats and brought into the wizarding world. One escaped—could have reached the British border. Two Aurors are trying to stop them. Apparate to Black Crane Castle immediately—they're already engaged."
"Understood," Damon nodded.
Moody snapped his fingers, and Aurors vanished one by one, moving swiftly to prepare. The Ministry had gone from calm to chaos in moments.
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(End of Chapter)