Victory

Victory

Harry thought for a moment, then gave a mischievous grin. Leaning close to Hermione's ear, he whispered softly.

As Hermione listened, her face grew redder and redder, as though she were about to boil over.

After thinking it over, she gritted her teeth and agreed.

No matter what he was betting on, based on what she knew of Professor Snape, she was bound to win. Since that was the case, even if he made such a demand, it was nothing.

Hermione comforted herself inwardly.

Then Hermione said, "If I win, you have to give me your Little Cutie."

Harry froze, then thought of his certain victory and agreed with a smile.

Poor Little Cutie had no idea that her beloved owner had already sold her out!

Meow~~~

Both of them were extremely confident that they would win. As for the outcome, let us wait and see.

That night, a bitter wind raged outside the window.

The kitten darted onto Harry's bed. Over the past two months, Little Cutie had grown considerably. Ever since Harry had taken her to the Hogwarts kitchens shortly after term began, she had practically treated the place as her home. The sheer abundance of fresh fish there had made her forget everything else.

Harry had really wanted to take Little Cutie to class with him, but she could never sit quietly in the classroom, and her meowing disrupted lessons so badly that she could not stay silent for even a moment.

So Harry simply let her scamper all over Hogwarts. She rarely returned to the dormitory at night, and sometimes Harry would not see her for several days.

But as the weather turned colder, Little Cutie had begun to remember her owner these past few days. Every night, she ran back to the dormitory and curled up on Harry's bed to sleep.

Harry was naturally delighted by this. It was freezing now, and it would only get colder after a while. In such a cold winter, what could be more comfortable and warm than hugging a cat like a little furnace while sleeping?

That was why he had hesitated when Hermione asked for Little Cutie. She was a natural pillow and hand-warmer! (Little Cutie, tears in her eyes: Meow... meow... meow? Now, let internationally renowned animal linguist Luo Bei translate what the kitten said. Luo Bei: Ahem. According to this expert's analysis, she probably said, "Master, is that all I'm good for?" Don't praise me. This expert is just that amazing!)

Having endured wind, rain, and sun outside, Little Cutie's fur had become glossier and smoother, and it felt wonderful to stroke.

Harry stroked Little Cutie's body, and she made a soft rumbling sound. It seemed to have a hypnotic effect, and before long, Harry fell asleep.

In the morning, the chill was even heavier.

Harry fought off his laziness and quickly pulled on the icy robes that jolted him awake. This moment was an absolute nightmare for Harry, driving away every last trace of sleepiness.

Reluctantly, Harry let go of warm Little Cutie. She was curled into a ball, lying comfortably beneath the covers.

The second class that morning was Potions class.

Seeing Harry march into the classroom looking so spirited and confident, Hermione felt even less sure of herself.

Ever since returning to the dormitory last night, she had thought about it for a long time. Why would Harry make a bet he was destined to lose? If she lost, then the wager...

Professor Snape, as usual, loathed Harry intensely.

This reassured Hermione considerably. Given Professor Snape's attitude toward Harry, how could he possibly agree to him?

...♙♕  😲✌

Neville had indeed changed greatly. The eyes were the windows to the soul, and one could see a person's state of mind through them.

Though it had only been a few days, he seemed like a different person. At the very least, when speaking to others, he no longer lowered his head timidly as he had before.

A class passed quickly.

Hermione thought this was the most attentive Potions class she had ever taken, because she listened carefully to every word Snape said, afraid that at any moment he would say the thing she least wanted to hear.

The bell rang, and Hermione finally relaxed.

But twists always came when least expected!

Snape wore an expression so irritated that anyone could see it. In a hollow voice, he said, "Neville Longbottom!"

Neville's face immediately turned pale. Trembling, he stood up. "Y-Yes, Professor."

The professor frowned, his gloomy eyes fixed on him. That blank, expressionless face could frighten a whole crowd of students.

With a mocking smile, he said, "It is rare indeed for Mr. Longbottom not to blow up a cauldron."

The class burst into laughter. Only Hermione did not laugh; instead, her face looked deeply uncomfortable.

To everyone's surprise, the professor suddenly announced loudly, "One point to Gryffindor."

"Class dismissed!"

He strode out of the dungeon as if it contained the most disgusting thing in the world.

Yet every student inside was utterly dumbfounded.

One point—was that little? No, it was terrifyingly much!

Since the start of term, they had only ever seen Professor Snape deduct points from Gryffindor. When had he ever awarded Gryffindor points?

No matter how outstanding Harry performed in Potions class, all he received was cold mockery and sarcasm, never a single point. That was one of the reasons Malfoy and the little snakes loved Potions class so much.

But now, a miracle had happened.

Even if it was only one point!

What was more, the person who had earned that point was Neville, the biggest idiot in Potions class!

The students could only cry out in disbelief!

Malfoy wore an expression like he was badly constipated.

So Potions class erupted.

Naturally, Harry was the happiest. Neville? He was only stunned right now.

Harry said smugly, "Hermione, a bet is a bet."

Hermione said, "I lost, but when I'm willing to hand over the wager is up to me. Hmph."

Hermione hurried away, though no matter how one looked at it, she seemed to be fleeing in panic.

Harry: (⊙o⊙)...

So she had a trick like that too...

Little Cutie, your master had exhausted all his strength to protect you...

Luo Bei: Ever since the tipping system was changed dozens of days ago, I really haven't liked it.

Because there used to be 10 Qidian coins, but now there aren't.

There used to be several people who tipped 10 every few days. Though it wasn't much, it looked nice.

After the update, there's no one anymore!

Heartbroken.

Yesterday, four people suddenly tipped 100 coins. I'm very happy.

This is the feeling of being recognized.

Thank you.

I want favorites, I want recommendation votes.

Hogwarts faculty:

Albus Dumbledore—former headmaster, former Transfiguration professor, deceased

Minerva McGonagall—headmistress, former Gryffindor Head of House, Transfiguration professor

Pomona Sprout—Hufflepuff Head of House, Herbology professor

Severus Snape—former Slytherin Head of House, former Potions and Defense Against the Dark Arts professor

Filius Flitwick—Ravenclaw Head of House, Charms professor

Rubeus Hagrid—Care of Magical Creatures professor

Dolores Umbridge—former headmistress, High Inquisitor, former Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, dismissed

Cuthbert Binns—former Care of Magical Creatures professor, retired

Graup—substitute Care of Magical Creatures professor

Quirrell—former Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, deceased

Gilderoy Lockhart—former Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, on medical leave

Remus Lupin—former Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, dismissed

Alastor Moody—former Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, retired

Binns—History of Magic professor, deceased, still employed

Sybill Trelawney—Divination professor

Firenze—Divination professor

Victor—Arithmancy professor

Sinistra—Astronomy professor

Hooch—Flying professor

Horace Slughorn—Potions professor, former Slytherin Head of House

Other staff:

Madam Pomfrey—school hospital nurse

Argus Filch—caretaker

Apollion Pringle—former caretaker

Rubeus Hagrid—Keeper of Keys and Grounds

Irma Pince—librarian