After Potions class, news that Mr. Slytherin had earned sixty points for Slytherin House spread like wildfire.
Students from all four Houses learned of Professor Snape's words when awarding the points. Some older Little Eagles even joked that with Moriarty around, Ravenclaw could only compete for second place in the House Cup.
Meanwhile, Moriarty, at the center of the whole incident, remained remarkably calm. He was sitting on a sofa in the common room, reading.
He was engrossed in a copy of Quidditch Through the Ages he had just borrowed from the library.
Jericho sat on the other side of the sofa, holding a large book of his own and occasionally letting out an admiring exclamation.
At that moment, Lilith walked in. When she saw her two companions on the sofa, she let out an exaggerated sigh.
"I can't believe you two are wasting such precious sunshine by staying in the common room all afternoon! It's a rare sunny day. So many people have gone out to the lawn for activities."
Without even looking up, Moriarty replied, "Is that so? Then who was it scouring the library for Potions books? From your tone, I thought you had gone out to play on the lawn."
"Hehe, I knew I couldn't hide it from you." Lilith set the stack of Potions books in her arms onto the sofa, then explained, "I want to learn more about Potions so that when we make Boil-curing Potion next class, I can surpass you!"
Moriarty turned a page and said casually, "I heard Mr. Lockhart say that teenage girls always have unrealistic dreams. Was he talking about you?"
Lilith rolled her eyes and tried to change the subject. "I saw Leon and Prefect William on the lawn. They were arguing again. I bet Prefect William will definitely throw a punch next time!"
Moriarty merely gave a mild acknowledgment, making Lilith want to knock the book out of his hands.
"Miss Peverell, I don't expect you to fall in love with this sport, but you must learn to respect it." Jericho lifted his head. He had become quite the gentleman now; even his sitting posture exuded elegance.
Jericho raised the book in his hands so Lilith could clearly see the title on its cover—The Noble Sport of Warlocks.
Yet Lilith burst out laughing. Why did Jericho become so greasy whenever Quidditch was mentioned?
"Come say that to me once you've won a Quidditch trophy!" Lilith shook her head and prepared to return to the dormitory.
Moriarty suddenly snapped his book shut with a bang. "A Quidditch trophy? That sounds rather nice. Jericho, interested in joining forces with me to win seven Quidditch trophies?"
Jericho jumped up from the sofa. "Are you serious, Mr. Moriarty?"
"This isn't a wise decision. Under normal circumstances, first-years can't join the team." Lilith looked at Moriarty in confusion. She did not believe he was unaware of that.
"That isn't a problem." Moriarty patted Jericho's shoulder and had him sit back down, then calmly answered Lilith, "I think as long as our skills are good enough, the House and the headmaster will make an exception for us."
"Then what are we waiting for? We have Flying class this afternoon. Let's go early!" Jericho sprang to his feet again. "I mean, we can inspect the terrain and familiarize ourselves with the pitch."
"Good idea. Let's go."
This time, Moriarty did not make him sit down. Moriarty could tell that Jericho discussing Quidditch with others was Gentleman Jericho, while Jericho playing Quidditch—or about to play Quidditch—was Fanatic Jericho.
"Wait for me. I need to put these books back in the dormitory first." Lilith gathered up the thick Potions books.
Moriarty and Jericho went outside to wait for Lilith. After they left, a tall, burly boy rose from a nearby sofa, staring at Moriarty's retreating back as he gave several strange, mocking snorts.
Unfortunately for him, Lilith saw the whole scene as she came out of the dormitory.
A trace of chill flashed through her bright black eyes, and Lilith curled her lips in a meaningful smile. "How interesting, Marcus Flint?"
Ten minutes later, when Lilith told Moriarty everything she had seen, he laughed as though he had heard a joke.
"Yes, yes, of course Flint would find us unpleasant. He just entered his second year and is ambitiously trying to become a Chaser! I think he has no chance—unless Captain William's standard for selecting players is simply being big and strong!"
Lilith abruptly stopped walking. "Mr. Moriarty, aren't you worried at all? Those old-fashioned pure-bloods do not want to see a bloodline purer and more powerful than theirs standing above them!"
Moriarty turned to look at her. The usually proud girl's eyes were now full of confusion, along with concealed concern.
"You said it yourself—they're a bunch of old-fashioned fools. Why should I worry?" Naturally, Moriarty would not reveal his plans.
"All the wizards in Britain know that you have mastered powerful Ancient Magic. Do you think they would stupidly challenge you directly?" Lilith brushed her bangs aside with her right hand and said seriously, "They will use dirty tricks, underhanded methods, schemes, ambushes, traps against you...
I can think of at least forty ways to persecute you without violating any school rules or laws!"
"That's why I'm glad our Miss Peverell is on my side." There was amusement in Moriarty's eyes. "Although she is also a pure-blood, she is not old-fashioned at all."
Lilith's face turned bright red, an extremely rare sight. She gave up trying to persuade Moriarty and regained her usual dignified bearing.
"How did your discussion go? I mean Quidditch. As my companions, you had better live up to your words."
Jericho clicked his tongue. "Just polish your eyes and wait, my lady. We won't embarrass you."
"Actually, we're planning to try some professional Quidditch techniques during Flying class," Moriarty explained.
"You must be joking." Lilith shook her head. "Leaving aside the fact that Madam Hooch would never let you fly off, what are you planning to use to perform professional techniques?
The school's Cleansweep Five and Comet 260? Fine, then. I'll visit you in the Hospital Wing.
But I suggest you buy a Nimbus 1700 during the Christmas holiday first."
Moriarty and Jericho exchanged a glance and smiled.
"You really did say something similar to what I expected," Moriarty said. "Therefore, regarding the first point, we need your help."
"Mm-hm." Lilith lifted her chin slightly. "Now you remember me?"
"You know the rules well. I think you can help us perfectly avoid violating school rules."
Lilith exclaimed, "Merlin's Flying Broomstick! Do you want me expelled?"
"Don't say that," Jericho said with a smile. "Merlin doesn't use a Flying Broomstick."
Lilith ignored him and kept shaking her head. "Unless some accident happens during Flying class and draws Madam Hooch away, I can't think of any other way."
"I see. Then we can only adapt to the situation." Moriarty pondered it. He could not possibly cause an accident merely for a test flight; he had not reached the point of being that unscrupulous.
Jericho's eyes, however, spun a few times, and he grinned wickedly. "I remember Flying class is held with Gryffindor, right? Perhaps the lions will do something unexpected? Then we'll have our chance."
"Don't be so loud." Lilith frowned. "It's almost time for class, and the Gryffindors have already arrived."
"Oh~ They really are so eager." Jericho's tone was peculiar.
Lilith said to Moriarty, "The accident hasn't even happened yet, and he's already gloating. He truly is a Slytherin."
Jericho was unconcerned. "I'll take that as a compliment. Thank you."
The three of them continued chatting as they headed toward the Flying class grounds.
There were many kinds of Flying Broomsticks, not just the Cleansweep Seven, Nimbus 2000, and Firebolt.
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