"No need to vote."
"On this matter, anyone in Slytherin can make suggestions. Gather more opinions from the new students, compile them for the two prefects, and let them decide."
Just then, Tiger and male prefect Atlantis Boasted strode quickly out from the boys' dormitory entrance.
He stood against the dome's floating light, positioned at the common room's outer edge, his upright, imposing figure interweaving with light and shadow.
The beast-like fierce arrogance from before now seemed tamed by a touch of profound tranquility, displaying a restrained and steady temperament.
His shirt and vest were impeccable, silver buttons fastened rigorously to the topmost collar—an unmistakable nobility. His entire aura was dangerously fierce, yet not sharp or intimidating...
The little snakes in the common room all rose to their feet. However, when they saw the completely transformed Tiger, they were all stunned, the girls instinctively covering their mouths.
"Moonstone flooring, volcanic rock walls, and replace all those moldy carpets."
"Remember, I have just one requirement..."
Tiger unfolded the wizard robes from his arm, casually draping them over himself, then turned to scan the room.
His eyes beneath the wire-rimmed glasses were deep and fierce, yet also carried elegance and restraint.
"Show the taste Slytherin should have. Turn this godforsaken place into somewhere humans can live."
"Before Christmas, if it's still this bloody mess, you can hang yourselves with iron chains and become dried dog shit."
With that, Tiger left the common room, leaving the Slytherin students staring at each other.
"That was... Shelby?"
An incredulous voice suddenly rang out. Lisa pressed both hands to her wildly beating chest, her cheeks flushed.
"That's right, that's Father..."
"My God, he finally..."
"Holmes, did you see that?!"
"Merlin, I'm almost moved to tears..."
"Slytherin's taste—well said. Is this leading by example?"
Discussion filled with relief and complex emotions erupted throughout the Slytherin common room.
Perhaps suppressed too long by Tiger's savage, rough style, everyone's smiles were deeper than usual.
Though he still cursed constantly, compared to this species-level transformation, no one cared anymore—they even felt oddly comfortable being insulted...
At the head of the conference table, female prefect Gemma Farley sat alone, her expression calm as water.
The faintly mocking gazes around her didn't shake her in the slightest, like a serene maiden sculpture.
"Farley..."
Noticing the slightly labored breathing beside her, Riley Shafiq approached, trying to offer comfort, but Gemma Farley waved her off.
Her rosy, cold lips moved almost imperceptibly, a voice only Riley Shafiq could hear reaching her ears.
"Riley, help me up."
"My legs are weak—I can't stand..."
Riley Shafiq: (???)?
――――――
"Well done! Ten points to Slytherin for Mr. Shelby's helpfulness!" Professor Sprout's warm smile was full of approval.
It had to be said, Tiger's broad back was simply the holy grail of Herbology in her eyes.
Fertilizing laurel trees had always been a major undertaking. Never mind first-years—even upper-year students would end up with aching backs after one class.
But for Tiger.
This was nothing at all.
The mountain-like pile of dragon dung compost was completely shoveled back into the greenhouse by him, his movements clean and efficient. Venom's tentacles were like an entire construction crew.
Most importantly.
Tiger not only didn't show the disgust and revulsion typical of other Slytherins, he even directed the pained-looking little snakes to finish all the cleanup work.
The Gryffindor students were dumbfounded.
Neville and Hermione held their shovels, momentarily unsure where to start.
"Are they... sick?"
Ron muttered incredulously.
"Maybe they got beaten into submission."
Harry shrugged, his gaze toward Malfoy's retreating figure full of schadenfreude.
In previous classes, Malfoy and the others would rather stand around slacking and lose points than get their hands dirty shoveling dragon dung...
Professor Sprout almost wanted to hit Snape with a Memory Charm and kidnap Tiger back to Hufflepuff.
She absolutely loved students like this!
"Oh, right..."
The beaming plump professor suddenly remembered something, drawing her wand and giving Tiger a gentle wave.
"Scourgify."
"What a fine lad, Tiger. These clothes suit you perfectly..."
Under the stunned gazes of the first-years.
Professor Sprout affectionately pinched Tiger's cheek, her eyes full of maternal love.
Tiger had only seen such gazes in the eyes of Mother Polly and Aunt Manny.
Whether toward students or juniors, this was the finest praise and recognition.
To accommodate this professor who seemed like a loving mother, Tiger bashfully lowered his head. His fierce features completely melted as he smiled like a fool, the warm, rough sensation traveling through his cheek straight to his heart—simple and genuine...
After class, students scattered from the greenhouse. Draco Malfoy and the others ran faster than rabbits.
Even with cleaning charms, they felt the dragon dung smell had nearly permeated their bodies—they had to wash immediately.
"Oh my God, that really scared me."
"I thought he would..."
"Me too, that guy was just..."
The Gryffindor chatter made Hermione glare viciously, her teeth grinding audibly.
Harry and Ron clamped their mouths shut, standing behind her, not daring to speak.
If Venom's spray attacks when encountering Professor Snape were magical assault.
Then an angry Hermione would undoubtedly pull a spiked club from her mouth and give them several good whacks.
Just then, Tiger emerged from the classroom carrying a pot of laurel saplings, grinning broadly. This was a special gift from Professor Sprout.
The thing had many uses.
Dreamless sleep sachets, household protection charms, athletic enhancement potions, psychological defense techniques—all needed it.
Most importantly, Professor Sprout had mentioned Mother Polly.
Tiger really hadn't expected Mother Polly to have been a Hufflepuff prefect...
Harry and Ron grimaced sourly—they'd never seen Tiger like this.
"Tiger!"
"You're not hurt, are you?!"
Hermione hurried to Tiger's side.
The Slytherin brawl was the talk of Hogwarts. She'd worried all day but couldn't find a chance to speak with Tiger.
"Hurt?"
"Of course—not getting to eat your little brains really hurt Venom's feelings."
"Want to say hello to it?"
Tiger's laughter was hearty as he told the most terrifying joke in the most cheerful tone.
Hearing this, Harry's hair stood on end, and Ron's legs went weak...
"No thanks, I'm not interested in hairless creatures." Hermione shot Tiger an annoyed glance.
This guy just loved scaring people. Slytherin had caused such a ruckus, but she hadn't seen anyone's head get bitten off.
[You calling again?!]
Venom: "(?_?)"
"By the way, Gunpowder misses you. You..." Hermione looked at Tiger with reluctant longing.
"Gunpowder? Gunpowder!"
"Damn! I forgot about him!"
Tiger slapped his forehead.
Only now did he realize he'd nearly forgotten his own cat, though he didn't plan to bring Gunpowder back now.
"I'll be very busy recently."
"I can't take care of either of you."
As he spoke, Tiger ruffled Hermione's messy hair. "I'll leave Gunpowder with you for now."
What do you mean you can't take care of either of us?
Am I a pet?!
Hermione angrily swatted away the hand on her head, dragging the two pale-faced little wastrels away...
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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