The atmosphere was off.
Extremely off.
McGonagall, who had always been on good terms with Horace Slughorn, was looking at him with a strange expression.
Was it anger?
Dislike?
Hostility?
Could it be that Horace Slughorn's worries from the previous night had become reality?
Oh my God, please no.
Horace Slughorn's mind raced.
He tried to figure out how to handle this situation.
Headmaster Dippet walked up to him, patted him on the shoulder, and said earnestly, "Take care, Horace."
"Oh no, Headmaster. Things might be a little different from what you think."
Dippet replied, "Besides drinking with Dumbledore yesterday, what else did you do?"
Hearing Headmaster Dippet say that meant Dumbledore had already told him what had happened.
Horace Slughorn's explanation had only added fuel to the fire, making things even more confusing.
Oh no.
Horace Slughorn felt incredibly stupid.
Why had he said that?
McGonagall's gaze became even more unsettling.
"McGonagall, you have to believe me. I just wanted to have a drink and chat with Albus. Really."
McGonagall's face darkened.
She ignored him, put down her cutlery, and silently left.
What to do?
Horace Slughorn glanced around.
Finally, his gaze fixed on Garfield, who had already wolfed down his breakfast and gone back to sleep.
That was it.
He could talk to Garfield.
Maybe Garfield would have some good ideas.
Having made up his mind, Horace Slughorn calmed down considerably.
He quickly finished his food and then went to prepare for his lesson.
✦••┈┈••✦••┈┈••✦
In class, Horace Slughorn unusually did not dawdle.
He finished the entire lesson as quickly as possible before announcing the end of class.
It must be said that Horace Slughorn's teaching skills were quite good.
Even with a sped up lecture, he managed to ensure the students understood and learned everything.
After dealing with the students, Horace Slughorn packed his things and flew precisely to the top of Hogwarts Tower before lunchtime.
He went to find Garfield, who was sunbathing.
"Professor, where are you going? Do you need any help?"
The speaker was Tom Riddle.
He had also heard some rumors about Horace Slughorn and Dumbledore.
Seeing Horace Slughorn hurriedly leaving after class, Tom saw it as an opportunity to build a relationship.
"Mr. Riddle, thank you for your help. But no, I have to go."
"Goodbye, Professor Slughorn."
Watching Horace Slughorn's retreating figure, Tom's eyes were filled with anger.
Damn it, fatso.
You ignored me.
I will make you pay later.
Hurriedly leaving the classroom, Horace Slughorn used a flying spell to reach the top of the tower.
In a more spacious area on the roof, he found Garfield sunbathing on a cushion.
"Your Majesty Pendragon, I am Horace Slughorn, Potions Professor. I need your help. I apologize for disturbing your rest."
Needing Garfield's assistance, Horace Slughorn adopted a very humble posture.
Garfield had happened to bump into Nearly Headless Nick that morning and had learned what Horace Slughorn had done the day before.
Although Dumbledore had already explained that Horace Slughorn wanted to see him and was too embarrassed to come over directly to avoid seeming abrupt, now that he had run into him, Garfield had to be happy, right?
With a mischievous grin, Garfield teased Horace Slughorn.
"Love is free, regardless of gender. Although I have been working hard to help Dumbledore pursue McGonagall, I still have to say good luck to someone as brave as you."
"You know, I have put in a lot of effort. Dumbledore is finally starting to improve. But you..." Garfield clicked his tongue. "I do not even know what to say about you."
"Old Horace, as the saying goes, never offend a woman. Especially a strong, older woman who is desperately pursuing love."
"Luckily, you are the Potions Professor. You should probably concoct some healing potions and Felix Felicis for yourself to make things a little easier."
Horace Slughorn trembled when he heard Garfield's words.
No wonder McGonagall had given him such a bad look today.
Everyone knew about McGonagall's feelings for Dumbledore.
With rumors flying everywhere, Horace was naturally not well liked by McGonagall.
"Oh no. I just wanted to have a drink with Dumbledore and ask how I could meet you for a chat without seeming abrupt. I swear I did not do anything else. Your Majesty Pendragon, I hope your wisdom will help me through this difficult time."
Wise.
You are the wise one.
Why did they all like to call him wise?
Garfield was about to explode and give that chubby Horace Slughorn a swipe to send him into the ranks of the one eyed, bald faced cat petting freaks.
But then he thought again.
Maybe Dumbledore knew Garfield was going to mess with Horace Slughorn and had deliberately told him beforehand.
That old bee was indeed a cunning old fox.
His skills were unfathomable.
How boring.
"Alright, alright. I will not tease you anymore. Old Bee Dumbledore has already told me what happened. It is actually quite simple to handle."
Horace Slughorn asked eagerly, "Your Majesty, please enlighten me."
✦••┈┈••✦••┈┈••✦
"Do not rush. Let me tell you a story first," Garfield said slowly with a profound air.
"Once upon a time, there was a mountain. On the mountain was a temple. In the temple were two monks, a master and an apprentice.
One night, the master and apprentice sat together. The apprentice complained to his master."
Horace Slughorn interrupted, "Your Majesty Pendragon, what is a monk?"
Garfield replied, "A priest. Do not interrupt. Keep listening carefully."
Horace Slughorn nodded.
"Yes."
He squatted down beside Garfield and listened attentively.
Garfield continued the story.
"The apprentice said to his master, 'Master, yesterday when I went down to the river, I saw a woman washing clothes by the river."
"Because the riverbank was slippery, she accidentally fell into the water. I went to rescue her. But in the end, the woman called me a pervert. I feel very wronged.'"
"The master patted his apprentice's head and pointed to the candle beside him. 'Do you see the candle?'
The apprentice was puzzled, but out of trust in his master, he nodded. 'I see it. But what does this have to do with being scolded yesterday?'"
"The master asked, 'Did you see the candle flame move?' The apprentice observed carefully for a while before answering. 'Yes. The candle flame moved.' The master shook his head.
'No. It was your heart that moved.' The apprentice still did not understand. He asked his master what he meant.
The master told him, 'Strengthen your will. Do not care what others say. As long as you act uprightly and sit straight, the gossip will naturally pass.'"
Horace Slughorn listened.
He pondered for a long time.
Then he knelt down.