When Hally's emerald-green eyes fixed on Snape and she said, "Stinking Mudblood," Snape reacted as though he had suffered a devastating blow. His hand jerked violently, and the veins on his forehead bulged at once.
The next second, Snape was like a venomous snake, hissing as he spat poison at the Slytherins.
"I don't recall ever teaching you to say that."
"Rhine Snow was right before. You truly need to learn some manners."
"Stay standing, all of you!"
"As for you, Marcus Flint... given that your head is even duller than a troll's, standing and learning may still be too difficult for you. I think you need a position more conducive to learning."
With that, Snape flicked his wand, and an Inverted Golden Bell struck Flint.
Flint was instantly hoisted upside down. The few teeth that had already been on the verge of falling out now dropped free under the pull of gravity.
Even that was not enough to quell the rage churning in Snape's heart.
"Fifty points from Slytherin!"
The Slytherins, who had thought Snape would stand up for them, now looked as though they had been struck by lightning.
The first-year Slytherins glanced at them with gloating expressions.
See? I told you it wasn't our fault, didn't I?
You came here, and you couldn't handle it either. How dare you lecture us!
Then Snape's gaze fell on Rhine before sweeping over Harry. He said expressionlessly, "Rhine Snow, Harry Potter, given your behavior, report to my office next Tuesday for detention!"
"I will make sure to instruct you properly."
Snape emphasized the last sentence, then strode away with a cold expression.
Hermione, Ron, and the others looked indignant and were just about to call Snape back.
But Rhine and Harry both wore strange expressions. They quickly pulled Hermione and