A Gift For You

"Professor, I can stand by my words. From the start of the term until now, Linley has practiced spells with me by Black Lake every morning, and today was no exception. He hasn't left my sight for a moment. We even went together when we discovered McLean."

Cedric's testimony held significant credibility among the professors.

His grades consistently ranked first among his peers, and he was a quintessential Hufflepuff—upright, honest, and trustworthy.

With that, the matter was essentially concluded as far as Linley was concerned. Professor McGonagall permitted them to leave.

However, Linley deliberately remained behind. After Michel and the others had departed, he appeared hesitant, as if he had something to say to the two professors.

"Belloc, do you have anything else you wish to say?" Professor McGonagall, sensing his intent, spoke up.

Linley stated with difficulty, "Professor, may I move out of my current dormitory and live alone?"

Snape remained silent, while Professor McGonagall countered, "Why?"

"I'm scared," Linley's eyes were filled with timidity. "While they didn't succeed this time, who knows if there will be a next time? I don't dare to live with them anymore."

Professor McGonagall seemed reluctant to agree to Linley's request, and she patiently tried to persuade him.

"Don't worry, Belloc, this is Hogwarts. You have a group of professors protecting you. This was just an accident. I promise they won't dare to do anything like this again."

"But Professor, no one can watch them every second."

Linley's words silenced Professor McGonagall. He was right. Even minor conflicts between ordinary children could turn fatal, let alone a group of fearless young wizards.

Yet, Professor McGonagall still didn't want Linley to live alone, believing it would be detrimental to his growth and would only make him reclusive and unsociable.

"I agree. I will inform the male prefect, Raphael, shortly to take you to a new dormitory where you will live alone from now on."

Snape, who had been silent until this point, suddenly agreed to Linley's request.

This caused Professor McGonagall to frown.

"Severus, this is against regulations. Furthermore, a student was just attacked. It's not safe for him to live alone."

Snape offered no reason to Professor McGonagall, merely stating coldly, "He is a student in my House. I have the authority to make arrangements."

Linley appeared greatly surprised and bowed to Professor Snape. "Thank you, Professor Snape."

Snape nodded, signaling that he could leave.

Linley exited the Deputy Headmistress's office respectfully, closing the door behind him.

He walked down the corridor, preparing to return to the Slytherin common room. All the feigned expressions vanished from his face, replaced by a smile.

In fact, he had anticipated the outcome, including the fact that it would be Professor Snape, not Professor McGonagall, who would ultimately agree to his request.

From the moment he used his title, it was to lay the groundwork for his request to move out of his current dormitory and live alone.

And all the pathetic act just now wasn't for Professor McGonagall's benefit; Linley's true audience was Professor Snape.

This was because it could evoke his empathy, making him recall his own experiences with bullying during his student days.

Professor McGonagall, who valued rules, would certainly not agree to a request for solitary living. However, Professor Snape, who shared similar "experiences" with Linley, might.

Professor Snape would surely understand Linley's current "feelings," and he was also known throughout Hogwarts for being protective of his students.

Of course, this plan wasn't something Linley had conceived from the beginning. He had merely had a sudden inspiration when he saw Professor Snape's intimidating expression as Michel was recounting their plan.

If it failed, it would just be a performance, but if it succeeded, he would gain immensely.

A dormitory for solitary living represented more privacy, a more conducive environment for practicing Dark spells, and a quieter atmosphere for studying.

Now, he had succeeded.

Linley was in a very good mood and also thanked Hubert in his heart.

If Hubert hadn't tried to frame him, he wouldn't have found any excuse to live alone.

It was just a pity that the great benefactor had been attacked by some even greater benefactor, preventing Linley from personally repaying his "kindness."

Upon returning to the dormitory, Linley began packing his belongings in front of Mark and the others.

The atmosphere between the three was somewhat awkward. The framing plan had been exposed before it could even be implemented, leaving Mark and Michel unsure of how to face Linley.

"What are you doing?" Michel finally couldn't help but ask.

Linley, as if holding no grudges, cheerfully replied, "I'm preparing to switch dormitories. Professor Snape agreed to let me live alone from now on. Well, thanks to you guys for that."

Michel and Mark exchanged glances. They were clearly happy to see Linley move out, as their conflicts had already been laid bare.

As soon as Linley finished packing his belongings, the male prefect, Raphael, found him, ready to escort him to his new dormitory.

Before leaving, Linley enthusiastically bid farewell to his two roommates.

"Goodbye, you two. To thank you for your care these past few days, and for the care you were preparing to give me, I have a gift for both of you before I leave."

Upon hearing this, Mark craned his neck and foolishly asked, "What gift?"

Linley didn't reply, but instead smiled and pointed his wand at him.

"Fiery Rash!" ×2 (A type of jinx that causes uncomfortable boils to appear all over one's body.)

Linley's new dormitory was the same size as a normal four-person dormitory.

Including the decor, everything was the same as before, except now it was occupied by him alone.

After tidying everything up, he grabbed what he needed for his afternoon classes and headed to the Great Hall for lunch.

As soon as Linley arrived at the Slytherin table, Prefect Betty sat down beside him with a grave expression.

"Do you know what happened to Hubert this morning?"

"What?" Linley was very interested, wanting to know what had happened to Hubert.

"The Cruciatus Curse! Someone tortured him with the Cruciatus Curse, and then used an Obliviation Charm to erase his memory!"

Linley froze, and it took him a while to snap out of it.

"Who said that?"

Betty's expression was serious, not like she was joking.

"Everyone is saying it. Apparently, Professor Snape accidentally let it slip, and that's how the news got out."

Linley's face immediately turned incredibly grim. His good mood from earlier vanished without a trace.

"Linley, do you remember what I told you before?"

Betty looked at him, seemingly hinting at something.

Multiple Choice Question

"Master? Do you remember what I told you before?" The Great Ship looked at its readers, seemingly hinting at something. ()

A Vote for recommendation tickets B Give a reward C Vote for recommendation tickets + Give a reward D Call yourself a pig