"What do you mean, Tom?"
Cypher turned his head slightly, looking at Tom Riddle, who was about the same height as him, with clear black eyes devoid of any emotion.
"I was just helping a friend. Don't misunderstand."
With his back to Professor Leslie, Tom wore a smile that did not reach his eyes.
Just as Cypher had stopped Iris, Tom had also prevented Abraxas from being condemned.
Truthfully, even if Abraxas had ambushed Cypher with the Killing Curse, he would not have succeeded.
Let alone cast it right in front of him.
If Abraxas lost his head and cast the Killing Curse at Hogwarts,
the Ministry of Magic might not send him to Azkaban, but he would still have to stay confined within his family to lie low.
Wouldn't that make the year he had spent trying to win over the direct heir of the Malfoy family completely pointless?
With Tom's help, Abraxas came back to his senses as well.
He could not help feeling annoyed at his own recklessness.
Of course, he was not annoyed that he had provoked Iris. He was annoyed that, in front of Professor Leslie, there were certain methods he could not use openly.
Cypher had merely seized the initiative first this time.
Besides, judging by how at ease Tom appeared, if Cypher fought him, it was hard to say who would win or lose!
"Tom! I know you're unwilling to remain ordinary and want to show off, but using me as your stepping stone is where you went wrong."
Tom's lips twitched slightly, as though he wanted to say something.
Cypher made it clear he was not listening. He suddenly raised his hand and knocked Tom's hand off Abraxas's shoulder.
With lightning speed, before anyone could react,
he slapped Abraxas across the face.