Harry had a thoughtful look on his face after listening to Draco's words.
Beside them, Karmit watched Draco with approval. Yes, that was exactly how he wanted Harry to think.
Turn the Boy Who Lived into a true serpent and purge away all the foolish traits of a Gryffindor.
Pansy scanned the crowd. "What is it? None of you coming up? Waiting to swoop in later? Draco, what about you? Don't you dare?"
Draco shrugged casually.
Pansy grinned. "Don't think I don't see through you. But did you forget there's a time limit? If no one challenges me in five minutes, the win is mine."
Draco frowned.
She was right.
He looked toward a particular student.
That student instantly understood his meaning and stepped onto the stage.
"Pansy, I challenge you!"
Pansy raised an eyebrow. "Theodore Nott. You know you're not my match. You're only here to drain me for Draco, aren't you?"
Theo smirked. "Who knows. Maybe."
Without another word, he attacked first.
Gemma glanced at Dickens. "That your brother?"
Dickens nodded. "Yes."
Gemma hummed. "Not bad. He's nearly as strong as you were in your first year."
Dickens responded, "They grew up around that Black boy. They learned a few things."
Gemma looked at him curiously. "Why didn't you follow along too?"
Dickens shrugged. "I'm a year older. It was too late for me."
Gemma smiled faintly. Her intrigue toward Karmit only grew.
The duel dragged on for a while, but in the end Theo was defeated. He didn't look disappointed. His goal had already been achieved.
Pansy's breathing had become noticeably heavier.
That fight had taken a lot out of her.
She glared toward Draco. "Still not coming up?"
Draco hesitated.
What if Pansy was faking her exhaustion? If he acted too soon… it might be unsafe.
Just as Draco was debating what to do, someone else stepped forward first.
He scowled. "Daphne Greengrass."
Pansy stiffened with immediate caution. "You want to be Hidden Prefect too?"
Daphne lifted her chin proudly. "Only the noblest bloodline is worthy of becoming Slytherin's Hidden Prefect. Greengrass blood is far superior.
Parkinson, your family's shallow roots could never claim that position."
Pansy's temper exploded. "You lunatic who only knows how to talk about blood!"
Harry blinked and leaned toward Draco again. "Who is she? Why does everyone seem to hate her?"
Draco sighed. "A madwoman. From the Greengrass family. One of the few pure-blood lineages that can rival the Blacks."
"She's insane. Stay away or her stupidity might spread. All she sees in people is bloodline. Worse than us Malfoys ever were.
She used to follow Pansy like a lackey, but thanks to my cousin, we started valuing strength over blood.
She didn't. She argued with Pansy and decided she should be above her."
Harry quietly muttered, "Pure-blood circles are a mess."
Draco regretted hesitating earlier.
Just like Karmit always said: hesitation leads to defeat. His hesitation allowed this crazy girl to take the stage first.
Because although Daphne was insane, no one could say she was weak. Among the younger generation, if Karmit stood far above the rest, Daphne was second only to him.
And the fight proved it.
Pansy lost.
Daphne stood tall, arrogance filling her face. "Pathetic. Go practice more."
Pansy looked like she might spit blood from anger. If only she hadn't been so drained earlier.
She shot Draco a furious glare.
This was all his fault.
Daphne ignored her completely and turned to Draco. "Malfoy, get up here. I will prove I am the strongest under Black."
Draco's expression hardened. "You want an embarrassing defeat? Fine, I'll gladly give you one."
He stepped up, wand ready.
They locked eyes and without a signal—
°Expelliarmus°
°Expelliarmus°
The twin spells collided midair and vanished. Both immediately continued casting without pause.
Draco trained beside Karmit every day. He might act silly sometimes, but his power was undeniable.
And Daphne's strength even surprised Karmit a bit. In the original history, Pansy's follower was never this formidable.
But Karmit wasn't worried about the result.
Anyone who followed him would never be a weakling.
As expected, Draco took the win, though not easily. Even the other Hidden Prefects were impressed.
The heads of houses nodded with satisfaction.
Gemma stood. "Looks like the first-year Hidden Prefect has been decided. Congratulations, Draco Malfoy."
Draco smirked and walked to the Hidden Prefect seat assigned to him.
The moment he sat, green light danced across all seven seats. The lights gathered in the center and formed a spectral serpent.
The ceremony was complete.
Gemma raised her voice. "Now, although it's unlikely, we must follow procedure. The Chief Challenge. Does anyone wish to challenge the Chief Seat?"
Everyone turned toward Karmit. The other Hidden Prefects stared at him too.
Karmit smiled.
Then he walked straight toward the grand throne.
He placed his hand upon the serpent's head, and without hesitation, he sat down.
The throne came alive.
The carved serpents moved as if they were real. Green light surged and red gleams flickered in the serpent eyes.
A deep ancient voice echoed out:
"Slytherin Chief Challenge, officially begins."
__________
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