Having successfully shifted everyone's attention onto Harry and slipped away perfectly amid the chaos, Skofot was in quite a good mood.
Ignoring Filch's wails from the corridor behind him, Harry's protests, and the professors' stern questioning, he returned directly to the Slytherin common room and went peacefully to sleep.
The Emotion Points he had collected were considerable, making him look forward even more to the next "game."
The next day, he set his sights on Professor Minerva McGonagall.
The strict Head of Gryffindor had "helped" him yesterday. He felt that he ought to... show some "gratitude," while also testing how different cards worked against different professors.
He first went to the greenhouse and found Professor Sprout.
At that moment, his face wore the expression brought by the [Rabbit Rhymer] card, a mixture of slight shyness and longing.
"Professor Sprout," he said softly, with just the right amount of politeness and a hint of pleading,
"I... I think all the flowers in the greenhouse are beautiful. Could... could you give me one? Just one—a prettier one would do."
His dark eyes looked at the professor, filled with pure admiration and anticipation.
Professor Sprout looked at the child, who seemed somewhat fragile but whose eyes now sparkled brightly. Her heart softened. As someone who loved plants, she was always delighted when others appreciated her treasures.
She smiled kindly, carefully selected a blooming magical rose with petals fading gently from pink to white, snipped it off, and handed it to him.
"Of course, dear. Here you are. It's called 'Dawn's Faint Light,' and it suits you very well."
"Thank you, Professor!" Skofot accepted the flower, a genuinely delighted smile appearing on his face—or at least, one that looked genuine. Carefully cradling it, he left the greenhouse.
The instant he stepped beyond the greenhouse