I cast my heart towards the bright moon, yet the bright moon shines upon the gutter.
This line perfectly encapsulated Wayne's current predicament.
Heaven knew he hadn't intended to torment the other students—yet the system had pinned the blame squarely on him.
What, did they think he was Snape?
If not for the 1,500 points, he would've protested outright. A casual ten-pull later, he drew the Laceration Curse.
Wayne's spirits lifted immediately. He pulled out his wand and aimed it at the vase on the table.
"Sectumsempra."
An invisible blade whirred faintly through the air, and the vase split cleanly in two, the edges of the cut unnaturally smooth.
"Reparo."
But when he tried to repair it, the spell had no effect whatsoever.
"Snape really is a genius," Wayne muttered in awe.
Formless, merciless, and requiring a specific counter-charm to undo—who could've imagined such a powerful piece of Dark Magic had been invented by Snape before he even graduated?
If anyone ever forced Wayne to use this curse, they'd be in for a world of pain. He hadn't drawn the counter-charm yet.
...
"Today, we'll be studying Devil's Snare."
Another new day, and the badgers were attending their Head of House's Herbology class.
Professor Sprout led everyone to Greenhouse One, instructing the students to stand behind her before posing a question.
"Can anyone tell me what Devil's Snare is?"
The young witches and wizards glanced at each other, but not a single hand was raised.
Left with no choice, Professor Sprout had to call for external assistance. "Lawrence, would you care to explain?"
Upon hearing his name, Wayne stepped forward. "Devil's Snare is a vine-like plant that thrives in dark, damp environments. Mature Devil's Snare can extend tendrils to ensnare anyone who approaches. The more you struggle, the tighter it coils, potentially even proving fatal."
"However, Devil's Snare is quite easy to deal with. Simply casting spells that produce light and warmth will drive them away."
Professor Sprout nodded approvingly. "Very comprehensive. Five points to Hufflepuff."
"Though there's one more thing to note," she added. "The main body of Devil's Snare is extremely fragile, so it often disguises itself as other plants, such as crab claw orchids or pinecone chrysanthemums."
The young witches and wizards nodded repeatedly, Wayne included, wearing an expression of newfound understanding.
Of course, he already knew these superficial facts, but if he'd said everything, what would there be left for the professor to add?
This was what they called emotional intelligence.
Professor Sprout brought out pots of immature Devil's Snare for the students to hold and observe the differences between them and ordinary green vines.
Warm sunlight streamed through the greenhouse glass, leaving the Devil's Snare lethargic and entirely harmless.
Before the lesson ended, Professor Sprout assigned an essay as homework, requiring the students to detail how to identify Devil's Snare and the precautions during the grafting process.
On the way back to the Great Hall, Bones suggested visiting Toby and Norman. Several days had passed, and though their minds were temporarily clear, their bodies remained light as feathers—a gust of wind could blow them away.
Thus, they were still tied to their beds, unable to move.
Bones and Hannah discussed what snacks to bring as gifts.
"I've got plenty of Chocolate Frogs, plus some newly bought Peppermint Toads and Liquorice Wands—we can take some of each," Hannah counted on her fingers. She was the snack queen of Hogwarts, with an impressive stockpile.
Bones thought for a moment. "Then I'll bring some Cauldron Cakes."
"Wait," Wayne stopped them. "I'll come with you."
"Great!" Hannah beamed. "Then you can bring some drinks, Wayne. Do you still have any of that fizzy drink from last time? Norman and Toby would love it."
'More like you want to drink it yourself, don't you?'
Wayne silently groaned but kept a straight face. "No more fizzy drink, but I can bring some lemon tea to help cut through the richness."
"But these gifts aren't enough."
"Isn't it just a simple visit?" Bones asked, puzzled. "Why make it so elaborate?"
"Don't you feel like something's missing?" Wayne looked at the two young witches.
They shook their heads in unison, their clueless eyes brimming with pure innocence.
"Homework," Wayne said, exasperated. "We have so much homework every day, but those two get to nap in the hospital wing with all sorts of sweets and treats—"
Oh!
Hannah suddenly realised.
Hearing Wayne say it aloud, it dawned on her—was she the fool all along?
"But Wayne..." Bones whispered, "Most of your homework is waived by the professors, and Cedric helps with the rest..."
Wayne's passionate speech was abruptly cut short, his lips twitching.
He waved his arms emphatically. "That's not the point! Can you bear to let Toby and Norman fall behind in their studies?"
The two girls exchanged a glance, understanding his meaning.
"You're terrible, Wayne," Hannah teased. "You should've been in Slytherin."
"So, are you in or not?"
"We're in!" Hannah and Bones chimed in unison.
Soon enough, Norman and Toby, lying idle in the hospital wing, were visited by the group. Spotting the large bag of snacks in Hannah's hand, they beamed with delight.
Norman even feigned politeness. "You shouldn't have brought so many gifts just to visit us. Come, take a seat."
Toby casually picked up a box of Chocolate Frogs, only to find parchment and small cards hidden beneath.
Confused, he asked, "Hannah, what's this?"
"Oh, it's this week's assignments for all your subjects. I brought parchment and quills for you, too."
Toby's face turned ashen.
Who in their right mind brings homework to visit patients?
He forced a weak smile. "Uh, the homework isn't necessary. We're on sick leave, aren't we?"
"Absolutely not!" Wayne declared sternly. "How else will you keep up with your studies if you don't do the assignments?"
"Don't worry, I've already assured the professors that you'll submit everything on time. They were quite moved."
In an instant, the two realised who the real culprit was.
Norman panted heavily, glaring daggers at Wayne. "You're such a great friend, aren't you?"
Wayne, however, was all smiles. "Oh, come on. What are friends for?"
...
After the visit, Wayne returned to his trunk in high spirits.
"Gardevoir!"
The little maid, Gardevoir, appeared behind him in an instant.
"Come on, Gardevoir," Wayne said cheerfully, resting a hand on her shoulder. "Let's head to the marsh. I'm planting the Devil's Snare today."
Though inside the trunk, the space was still within Hogwarts' protective enchantments, meaning Wayne couldn't Apparate—he had to rely on Gardevoir.
"Gardevoir!"
With a few flashes of blue light, the two arrived at the marsh. Wayne noticed that Gardevoir's Apparition was far more skilled than his own—there wasn't even a hint of the usual disorientation from spatial displacement before they reached their destination.
After transplanting the Devil's Snare he'd 'borrowed' from the greenhouse into the shaded area near the marsh and sprinkling some Mooncalf dung, Wayne summoned a stream of clear water to wash his hands.
Then, he drew his wand and pointed it skyward, murmuring, "Sun and Moon, Reverse."
Instantly, the sunlight over the marsh faded, giving way to the darkness of night.
"Gardevoir, remember to water them twice a day and fertilise once a week," Wayne instructed.
By now, Gardevoir managed nearly the entire miniature world with ease, having mastered everything in less than a week.
She had even begun studying Potions—and at an impressive pace.
If ranked by the system, her talent would easily be S-tier, far surpassing his initial A-tier.
Having drawn such a versatile housekeeper and devoted little maid, Wayne considered himself incredibly lucky.
Truly a reward worthy of sacrificing ten years of Cedric and the other two's romantic fortunes.
After finishing his daily tasks, Wayne played with the Mooncalves for a while before returning with Gardevoir to the grassy area in front of the house.
"Ready? Here I come!"
"Gardevoir!"
Standing ten metres apart, the moment Gardevoir responded, Wayne fired off three spells in rapid succession, darting forward like lightning. At the same moment, Gardevoir's eyes gleamed blue as she vanished from her spot, reappearing to Wayne's right rear.
Swish!
Two more spells shot towards her Disapparate landing point. A blue protective shield flared up abruptly, successfully deflecting Wayne's assault. Two Shadow Balls flew from Gardevoir's palms.
Wayne deftly flicked away the spheres with his wand, but in that brief moment, Gardevoir had already completed her Mega Evolution.
Her white gown transformed into black, becoming more noble and mysterious, dotted with starlight that carried a unique charm.
Terrifying waves of magical power stirred up fierce winds as Gardevoir's strength surged dramatically, pressing the lawn flat under the pressure.
Wayne seemed utterly unaffected, smiling as he praised, "My Gardevoir is truly beautiful."
"Gardevoir!"
The queenly Gardevoir blushed and lowered her head shyly. Yet despite her beauty, the battle couldn't stop—it had only just begun.
This had become their daily routine recently. Gardevoir's strength was considerable, and after Mega Evolution, she reached professor-level power.
Through these duels, Wayne could improve his spell proficiency and combat experience while stimulating Gardevoir's potential, so they fought daily. In terms of spell power and versatility, Wayne surpassed even Mega-Evolved Gardevoir.
But due to school restrictions, he couldn't use Apparate in combat.
Wayne refrained from using his innate abilities, while Gardevoir proved more agile with superior calculation skills.
Back and forth they went, evenly matched.
A blazing fireball formed in Wayne's palm. He clenched his fist violently, causing the fireball to explode spectacularly as he swung his wand, summoning gale-force winds.
The flames, fuelled by the wind, transformed from a small fireball into a roaring inferno that surged towards Gardevoir.
The fire's range was immense, and combined with the magical turbulence, mere Disapparate couldn't evade it. Gardevoir's dress fluttered as she clasped her hands before her chest.
A multicoloured beam erupted, forcibly dispersing the flames.
Spells flew back and forth in dazzling displays as Gardevoir continuously teleported, maximising her mobility.
Meanwhile, Wayne grew increasingly accurate at predicting her Disapparation landing points through constant anticipation.
Suddenly, a waterspout erupted from the lake, its powerful impact shattering all of Gardevoir's defences.
Only after blasting her back over ten metres did Wayne recall the water to the lake.
"Gardevoir!"
Enveloped in light, Gardevoir reverted from her Mega form, her round face puffed up in anger as she glared at Wayne.
Wayne chuckled, "I didn't use any other powers either. I just saw your time was nearly up, and I wanted you to experience your master's strength."
"See? You're still weak compared to me."
Gardevoir huffed and turned her head away, refusing to look at Wayne.
By strict calculation, she'd been born less than two weeks ago—how could her master bully her like this? What would happen in future?
The angry Gardevoir decided not to speak to her horrid master for a whole hour.
...
In the blink of an eye, the first month of the new term passed. Time quietly slipped into mid-February.
Temperatures gradually rose as if the ice and snow had vanished overnight.
It was foreseeable that spring would soon return to the Scottish Highlands, heralding the most comfortable time of the year.
After a week in the hospital wing, Toby and Norman were finally discharged.
Their first act upon release was to seek revenge on Wayne, only to be mercilessly subdued.
The agony of frantically catching up on homework while confined to the hospital wing had made them forget the vast difference in strength between themselves and Wayne.
With just one Disarming Charm (physical) each, they were swiftly pacified.
Life in the castle had been peaceful during this period.
After indulging in his vindictive spree, Snape was subtly reprimanded by the Heads of the other three Houses and finally ceased his relentless retaliation.
Thanks to his antics, the House points of all four Houses had plummeted to pitiful levels.
A diligent Ravenclaw, after consulting historical records, pointed out that this year might see the lowest-scoring House Cup winner in history.
Excluding Ravenclaw, the other three Houses hadn't even surpassed three hundred points—a truly dismal state of affairs.
Wayne pressed for payment twice more, but Snape brushed him off each time, claiming the potion wasn't ready yet.
Snape was nearly driven mad these days. Not only did he have to teach classes, but he also had to help Dumbledore keep a close eye on Quirrell, and, on top of that, he had to brew potions late into the night to repay his debt.
He was undoubtedly the busiest professor in the entire school.
Speaking of Quirrell, his condition had deteriorated significantly recently, almost reverting to how he'd been at the start of term.
Everyone could see that Quirrell had lost a considerable amount of weight over the Christmas break and bore visible injuries.
Speculation ran rampant that he'd encountered enemies during the holidays—why else would he be so weak he could barely speak?
Since the term resumed, he'd been absent from nearly half his classes, leaving other professors to cover for him. Snape took over most often, given his covetous eye on the Defence Against the Dark Arts position. He didn't even mind being exploited for free labour.
Wayne, meanwhile, quietly focused on his growth, leading a fulfilling daily routine.
He spent Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with Hermione; Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays with Cho; and Sundays fishing or having afternoon tea in the enchanted suitcase with both of them.
He also made regular trips into the Forbidden Forest to play with Hestia and Diana. Beyond that, Wayne had set himself a small goal.
With such a vast space in the suitcase, it would be a waste not to utilise it. He decided to start by copying every book from the Restricted Section to expand his collection.
To keep Dumbledore at ease, he began with the less dangerous tomes, setting aside anything related to Dark Magic for later.
...
February 12th, Thursday.
That evening, when Gardevoir handed him the freshly brewed Rage Potion, Wayne knew the time had come.
After striking his deal with Dumbledore, he hadn't immediately gone to the fourth-floor corridor to pressure Quirrell, instead focusing on preparations. Now, everything was finally ready.
He headed to the vegetable patch, harvested all the mature Chomping Cabbages, and waited until eleven o'clock before returning to the castle with his suitcase.
Consulting the Marauder's Map, he saw Filch and his cat patrolling the fourth floor. To lure them away, Wayne had to create a disturbance on the sixth floor first, successfully diverting their attention.
Seizing the opportunity, he slipped into the fourth-floor corridor.
"ROAR!"
The moment an intruder entered, Fluffy's three heads snapped awake, unleashing a menacing growl. Fortunately, Wayne had cast a Silencing Charm as he closed the door, or Filch would have been summoned instantly.
"Sharp nose, eh?" Dispelling the Disillusionment Charm, Wayne illuminated the space with magic.
"Awoo!"
The initial roar immediately turned into a pleading whimper as Fluffy's three massive heads eagerly leaned in.
Wayne covered his nose in disgust. "How long has it been since you brushed your teeth? Disgusting.
"Open up!"
At Wayne's command, Fluffy obediently opened his jaws.
"Aguamenti."
After a great deal of effort—brushing Fluffy's teeth and bathing him—Wayne finally cast a Scouring Charm to freshen the air in the room.
"Alright."
Patting the middle head, Wayne fed Fluffy some beef jerky and instructed him to move aside from the trapdoor.