Chapter 41 Repeatedly Disregarding School Rules
Percy regretted it; why did he even come along?
Just looking at Harry and Ron, he knew they were definitely involved in this.
He wanted to give a symbolic warning and then let them off the hook, after all, it wouldn't sound good for a Gryffindor Prefect to deduct points from Gryffindor.
Moreover, one of them was his younger brother, and the other was Gryffindor's star student, making it even more difficult.
But now, with a Slytherin here, showing favoritism? Would he agree?
"Ahem!" Percy put on a selfless demeanor and questioned, "You two, tell me honestly, was this done by you two?"
"Percy, no, Prefect, I don't know anything at all," Ron said eagerly, feeling wronged.
But as soon as he finished speaking, he looked at Harry in astonishment, because if it wasn't him, then it could only be Harry.
Sure enough, Harry nodded next, "It's not Ron's fault, I did it."
"Harry, you've disappointed me greatly.
I've barely been to the Restricted Section a few times, and you've knowingly committed this offense." Percy pointed at Harry with a pained expression; if he handled it officially, sneaking out of the dormitory at night and unauthorized entry into the Restricted Section to read banned books, these two combined would cost Gryffindor at least thirty points, and Harry would also have to be confined for a period, at least until the end of the holiday.
Aaron stopped the angry Percy and said gently, "Actually, this matter isn't small, but it's not huge either.
But in my opinion, there's no need to be so particular. It's common for us first-year students to not control our curiosity.
It's holiday season now, Christmas just passed yesterday, so Senior, please don't pursue it. Just consider it giving me face.
Besides... I think Harry knows he was wrong now."
"You..."
Percy hesitated. He of course understood Aaron's meaning; he wanted to let Harry off this time.
Although he didn't quite understand, he had no reason to refuse.
"Alright! But necessary punishment must still be given, otherwise he won't learn his lesson," Percy said very seriously.
"Then let Harry copy the school rules during the holiday, the kind with the general outline and details," Aaronsuggested, "And let Ron personally supervise him!"
Harry didn't speak, just nodded weakly.
There was nothing he could do; he had violated school rules!
If he hadn't been caught, everything would have been fine, but since he was caught, he could only accept it.
Ron, however, complained a bit, "That school rule book isn't just thick; Harry won't be able to finish copying it during the holiday."
"That's your problem," Aaron shrugged indifferently.
"Alright, it's settled.
I have other things to do, so I'll be leaving first," Percy said, then quickly stood up and walked towards the common room door, not wanting to stay there for another moment.
After Percy left, Ron pouted, "Copying the school rules is a bit too much, isn't it!"
Aaron was noncommittal, "But compared to Gryffindorlosing points, I think Harry would prefer to copy the school rules.
I did tell Percy to leave earlier, but you two were quite stubborn. What could I do?"
"We didn't know you came with evidence!
Besides, Percy insisted on listening in..."
Harry immediately covered Ron's mouth, "Don't say any more, I'm willing to accept the punishment.
Compared to the punishments in the school rules, this is already very light."
"Good that you know.
But don't be pessimistic, I did say to let Ron supervise.
How you copy it is up to you, isn't it?
Even if you don't write a single word, who would know?"
Harry and Ron exchanged glances, their worried expressions instantly vanished, replaced by meaningful smiles, much like students who successfully cheated.
That's right! The punishment was set, but how to execute it was up to them.
With their relationship, this punishment seemed no different from no punishment at all.
"Ahem!" Aaron sat on the sofa, crossing his legs, "I really didn't expect you, Harry, to be so bold. You really should copy a copy of the school rules.
I warned you, that's not a place you can go.
Do you know what punishment you'd face if Filch caught you?
All the points Hermione has earned for Gryffindor this past half-semester wouldn't be enough to cover your deduction for this one violation."
"Sorry!" Harry lowered his head in shame. He didn't regret venturing into the Restricted Section yesterday; he only regretted not being more careful in his actions.
"Don't apologize to me. I'm a Slytherin; whether Gryffindorloses points or not has nothing to do with me.
I just simply don't want to see her throw a tantrum when she comes back from holiday." Aaron's eyes emitted a sharp gaze, making both Harry and Ron feel a hint of pressure.
"So, isn't it time to explain what happened in the Restricted Section?
What did you encounter, Harry, that made you drop your lantern?"
"The books there... were a bit different," Harry stammered, the unpleasant memories of last night surfacing in his mind.
Initially, everything was going smoothly. He was wandering in the Restricted Section, searching for clues related to Nicolas Flamel.
But after opening a book, a hideous and terrifying human face actually burst out from it. The text on the book constantly moved on this face, looking particularly eerie.
Especially since this human face even let out a shrill scream, looking as if it was about to rush out of the book.
Late at night, an eleven-year-old child encountering such a chilling event, it would be a lie to say he wasn't scared.
"Of course they're different! Otherwise, why would they be called banned books!" Aaron rolled his eyes, a bit speechless.
"Not only that, I also encountered Madam Pince, and Filch.
I almost got caught."
"Tsk! Then your luck is really good.
But I'm curious how you managed to get into the Restricted Section in the middle of the night. Although Madam Pince's supervision is a bit less strict during the holiday, you couldn't have gotten in that easily, could you?"
Harry's heart sank, but after a moment of hesitation, he decided to tell Aaron about the Invisibility Cloak.
He also knew that showing off petty cleverness in front of a smart person would only lead to self-humiliation.
Moreover, Aaron had treated him as a friend just now, so telling him wasn't out of the question.
However, before he could speak, Ron spoke for him, "It must be the Invisibility Cloak! That's Harry's dad's heirloom."
"Invisibility Cloak?" Aaron became interested. The rarity of that item was no less than his magic carpet.
"That's a very rare magic item, but unless absolutely necessary, don't use it anymore.
In the eyes of some great magicians, this magical item is as good as useless."
"Oh!" Harry suddenly realized, "No wonder Professor Snapealmost discovered me yesterday?"
"Snape (Professor)!" × 2.
Aaron and Ron were both a bit surprised. They knew Harrywent to the Restricted Section to look for information on Nicolas Flamel, but there was no need for Snape to go late at night!
"Harry, what exactly happened last night?" Aaron asked seriously.
"I just saw Professor Snape seemingly bullying Professor Quirrell, and he said something like, 'I am not your enemy, you'd best make sure you know who you are loyal to.'
I don't know what it means, but it's certain that Snapedefinitely has an unspeakable secret."
As Harry spoke, he observed Aaron's expression. He believed Snape was not a good person and wanted to steal the item Fluffy was guarding.
Now he was just giving Aaron a heads-up, even if he respected Snape, hearing this should make him a bit wary.
Indeed, Aaron's expression began to change unpredictably, and a weight lifted from Harry's heart.
However, what he didn't know was that Aaron wasn't suspecting Snape, but rather wondering if he knew about Lord Voldemort's lingering soul on Quirrell.
If he didn't know, then it wasn't a big deal, at most he just discovered some of Quirrell's small actions and gave a warning.
But if he did know, then it meant Lord Voldemort had fallen into a trap from the very beginning, which would greatly reduce the danger of his subsequent system missions.
No matter the situation, it was beneficial to him.
"Harry, this matter is known to heaven and earth, to you and us, and absolutely must not be known to anyone else.
Also, be well-behaved during this period and don't make any more mistakes, understand?"
"Understood, I also know the seriousness of the matter," Harry said, "Oh, by the way, when I was leaving, I found a magical mirror on the first floor.
I actually saw my parents in the mirror."
"What?" Ron exclaimed, "Why didn't you say such important information sooner? You really should have taken me last night."
"There will be a chance," Harry said, "You can come with me tonight.
Aaron, do you want to come? I can introduce you to my parents.
Perhaps I can also see what your family looks like."
Aaron:... So everything I just said was for nothing? One violation of school rules is bad enough, now he wants to add Ron, and drag me into it too.
Isn't this a bit abnormal?