The weather at Hogwarts was gradually becoming stifling hot.
Even in the early morning, the weak cool breeze couldn't carry away the sweat soaking through their clothes.
Tiger simply led the group around to the outside of the Forbidden Forest.
Wrapped in the fragrance and coolness of leaves, the forest breeze blew against their faces, and the Slytherins finally let out satisfied sighs of relief.
"Alright, rest here for a bit."
"Oh thank Merlin, finally..."
"I can't take it anymore..."
"Draco, help me up—my leg's cramping. Daphne, help me... oh god!"
"Blaise, bring the water quickly."
"Goyle's about to faint..."
At Tiger's command, the Slytherins collapsed ungracefully onto the grass, their wails rising and falling.
"Slytherins!"
"Where's your composure!"
Male Prefect Bested's displeased scolding rang out, and only then did everyone slightly adjust their appearance, resuming their usual aristocratic bearing as they sat resting in place.
Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting dappled shadows that added mystery and enchantment to the tranquil woodland. Satisfied sighs gradually filled the air.
Deep in the forest, sensing its master's presence, a long, joyful neighing instantly shattered the woodland silence.
The unicorn spun around abruptly, leaping gracefully over the stream like an arrow from a bow, weaving through the light-dappled forest paths and charging straight out of the Forbidden Forest.
Everyone watched enviously as the elegant, noble unicorn circled around Tiger nearby.
Its satin-like coat was covered in delicate, brilliant halos, like a dancing spirit of the forest.
"It's absolutely beautiful." Pansy cupped her cheeks, her eyes full of infatuation.
No girl wouldn't yearn for unicorns, and no girl hadn't dreamed of playing with one.
"Yes, it's truly gorgeous." Daphne also gazed dreamily at the unicorn.
"It's a complete nightmare!"
Lisa watched through gritted teeth.
No matter how she thought about it, she couldn't understand how a unicorn would associate with Shelby.
She'd rather believe there was a 240-pound Black Muggle witch running a harem in Slytherin!
(￣□￣)
Raven Burke, feeling an inexplicable chill down his spine, suddenly looked up and around, his face slightly pale.
For some reason, he'd just seemed to see his French fiancée—that 240-pound Black witch.
According to family letters, that Black woman's weight seemed to be soaring toward 300 pounds...
Merlin, let me die!
At this thought, Raven Burke painfully covered his face. (╥﹏╥)
"Stop nagging, I'm looking too."
"That guy was seriously injured—probably won't return to the forest. I'll summon you when I find him."
"Go play..."
After sending the unicorn away, Tiger led the Slytherins toward Hogwarts castle.
Ever since leaving the Forbidden Forest half a month ago, the unicorn had been searching for the dark wizard who'd ambushed it.
Hearing Harry and the others' discussions, Tiger had a rough target, though he didn't agree with them that Snape was the culprit.
Quirrell had disappeared for half a month.
According to Professor McGonagall, Quirrell had found a doctor who could treat his psychological condition and had taken temporary leave. For these two weeks, Defense Against the Dark Arts would be taught by Professor Snape.
Students' wails had echoed for half a month.
Only Tiger searched the castle for Quirrell—he was certain that bastard wouldn't leave Hogwarts.
He just hadn't found him yet.
"Bastard's really good at hiding."
Scorching heat waves spread outward.
Still sensing no trace of Quirrell's soul, the hellfire on his skeletal fingers extinguished instantly. Tiger snorted coldly and led the group into the Great Hall...
"Cedric, sleep well?"
"Oh, not really..."
"Angelina, look what I brought you!"
"George, please—I'm dead tired right now. I'm really not interested in your pranks..."
"Penelope, look at this passage..."
The Great Hall unexpectedly echoed with rising and falling chatter. The muggy, humid weather had driven students from their dormitories early, with no desire to sleep in.
Especially the energetic Gryffindors, who always had endless things to say and boundless energy to burn.
"Ugh, I suddenly lost my appetite."
"How strange..."
"They get up early too?"
The Slytherin snakes were always reserved and particular. Their dissatisfaction and disdain for the surrounding noise—especially the eyesore Gryffindors—overflowed undisguisedly from their eyes.
"Alright, stop complaining."
"Look what Father's arranged." Marcus elbowed the person beside him irritably.
"Whatever it is, I'll..."
"Merlin's thong!" Adrian shrieked in disbelief.
As the food appearing on the long table came into view, all traces of lethargy vanished from the Slytherins' faces.
"Thank Merlin's mistress."
"I've been waiting for this day forever—I feel like the last time I had spring pancakes was in a past life..."
The little snakes cheered and took their seats at the table, their sudden screams nearly drowning out the entire Great Hall.
"Peach oolong tea!"
"Snow skin mooncakes!"
"Thank Merlin's skull cap."
"I finally see you again!"
Lisa clasped her hands together devoutly, then pitifully shook her friend's arm.
"Reilly, cast a Freezing Charm, please! I promise I'll never write fanfiction about you and Farley again!"
"You better keep your word!" Reilly Shafiq irritably drew her wand.
After all, in such muggy weather, no one could refuse a bowl of slightly cool mango sago.
Gemma Farley picked up a crystal-clear rose mirror cake from the four small dishes and placed it in her mouth.
"Mmm~~"
A satisfied hum arose softly, as if the entire world was immersed in the rose's fragrance and the mirror cake's sweetness. Her rosy lips curved upward.
Unlike the little snakes' refined, slow chewing, Tiger held a bowl of hot dry noodles, eating with gusto.
"Father..."
Theodore reminded him expressionlessly, his drawn-out tone carrying a hint of helplessness.
After all, Tiger now represented not just Shelby, but Slytherin itself.
Therefore, in certain situations, necessary etiquette and grace were indispensable.
Regarding this point, Bested and others had already discussed with Theodore, hoping he could offer more guidance.
Thinking of eldest brother Arthur's steady reliability, second brother Tommy's composed elegance, and fourth brother John's rakish nobility, Theodore silently nodded.
Though they'd known each other briefly, the Shelby brothers had left a deep impression on Theodore.
And Tiger's violent barbarism was a fatal blow to anyone...
"Alright, I'm done eating."
"Remind me earlier next time."
Tiger shamelessly put down the empty bowl, tore off wood splinters from the chopsticks, and picked his teeth.
Theodore sighed with a headache. [No matter, there's still time...]
(￣ー￣)
At the Gryffindor table, the atmosphere was somewhat strange, with Harry and others exchanging glances.
"Hermione, are you alright?"
Neville asked carefully.
Hermione nodded perfunctorily, mumbling irrelevantly:
"Mm-hmm, the toast tastes good..."
"No... you're eating..."
Ron looked at Hermione's heavy dark circles, trying to remind her of something.
However, the History of Magic textbook was too thick, so Ron ultimately kept his mouth shut obediently.
Hermione was completely unaware—she didn't even know she was holding a spring roll.
Under her dark circles, somewhat weary eyes stared intently at History of Magic, muttering under her breath.
"Is she too anxious?" Neville sighed with both envy and sympathy.
Even if he became like Hermione, he'd still have trouble remembering the content in History of Magic.
"After all, the exam's tomorrow."
Lavender Brown expressionlessly drank the milk in her cup, her eyes also showing faint shadows.
For two whole weeks, whenever she woke up at night, she could see Hermione studying with her wand raised.
As a roommate, she was truly suffering—she couldn't out-study her, and she couldn't sleep...
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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