Hogwarts life without ever having served detention was incomplete.
Ethan knew this all too well.
Thanks to Professor Flitwick's mediation, Ethan's detention was eventually scheduled for next Monday—
so it wouldn't interfere with such an excellent student's weekend homework.
"I believe that a little wizard like Mr. Vincent, who follows the school rules and cares only about studying, could never deliberately hurt a fellow student."
Professor Flitwick said this with absolute conviction.
He patted Ethan's arm reassuringly, as if to tell him not to worry.
Poor child. He'd gotten mixed up with a troublesome family like the Malfoys.
Ethan had only wanted to study and, while he was at it, pursue his little hobby at Hogwarts.
What had he done wrong?
He'd won the duel? Good for him!
That was the kind of fighting spirit a Ravenclaw ought to have!!
The soul of the Duel Master burned bright within Professor Flitwick.
"I'm not doubting Mr. Vincent..."
Professor McGonagall raised her eyebrows.
Ethan had been doing exceptionally well lately. Every professor could attest to that.
And Malfoy had started the duel, so getting beaten up was only what he deserved.
It was just...
Professor McGonagall thought of the "Ethan's Declaration" that had been circulating among the students.
Besides, since the duel, there had been more clashes between Gryffindor and Slytherin.
They'd even blown up each other's cauldrons during Potions Class once, earning both sides a fifteen-point deduction from Professor Snape.
Of course, Snape had quickly given the points back to Slytherin afterward.
The root of these incidents always seemed to have a faint connection to Ethan...
Professor McGonagall glanced up and happened to meet Ethan's gaze.
Clear and innocent.
His cobalt-blue eyes were calm and reserved, like a winter lake.
Ethan gave her a small smile. His fair little face lit up with an angelic sweetness.
Unavoidably, Professor McGonagall's heart softened.
Oh, well. She'd just have to keep a closer eye on him from now on.
After all, the Dark Lord had fallen, and an era of peace had begun.
Hogwarts had a wholesome academic culture. It couldn't possibly produce another Dark Lord.
The very thought was absurd.
Even if Ethan had a mischievous streak, how much trouble could he really cause?
All he wanted was to further his art, after all!
Professor McGonagall had always favored students with clear goals who worked tirelessly toward them.
"I understand. Then you can help Filch next Monday. Leave the rest to us."
Professor McGonagall said.
If Lucius Malfoy, Malfoy's father, came looking for trouble, they would deal with him.
"Okay," Ethan replied, nodding earnestly. "I'll work hard."
The Trophy Room... Maybe he'd even get to see Senior Tom's trophy.
Ethan was looking forward to this nighttime excursion—no, detention.
What a well-behaved child.
Professor McGonagall, who had long suffered at the hands of those unruly "Gryffindor point-losers," was touched.
She couldn't help reaching out to ruffle Ethan's fluffy hair twice.
Even her usually stern face showed a rare smile.
However.
Even with Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick mediating between them,
Ethan happened to run into the Malfoy father and son hurrying away in the corridor.
Malfoy looked as if he'd been crying again. His head hung low, and his shoulders trembled now and then.
Lucius's face looked as though a House-elf had thrown a dirty sock at it.
His expression was as gloomy as a thirty-year-old shoe sole at Grandma's house.
"Out of the way!"
Lucius forced the words through his teeth and shoved an unlucky student aside with his Snake Head cane.
He didn't even look at his sniffling son, striding off at a brisk pace.
"Mr. Malfoy!" Professor McGonagall called sternly as she hurried after them. "I must remind you, this is Hogwarts—"
"Oh, is it?" Lucius stopped and lifted his chin. "Then I happen to recall that I'm a School Governor."
Just then,
Lucius caught sight of Ethan emerging from the Great Hall in the corner of his eye.
"Oh~ Look who's here."
Lucius immediately turned around and said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes:
"The great orator, another 'Chosen One' on the verge of standing alongside Harry Potter—"
"And his loyal sidekick."
Lucius shifted his gaze to Michael, who was standing in front of Ethan.
First the kid, now the father?
Why was everyone so eager to see him?
Ethan raised an eyebrow, pushed Michael behind him, then stepped forward and looked up into the blond man's eyes.
He wondered:
Should I use a warrior's duel this time?
Or Broom Rash?
No, I should probably use both.
I'll layer Broom Rash over my punches and beat Lucius to a pulp. If anyone asks afterward, I'll just say Lucius is allergic to human skin.
The more Ethan thought about it, the more workable the plan seemed. His eyes gleamed.
"..."
Lucius suddenly felt a chill.
As if something unclean had its eyes on him.
He looked down at Ethan, an eleven-year-old boy who wasn't the least bit outmatched, even while facing down an adult.
If anything, he made Lucius feel faintly threatened.
Lucius looked around.
The students hadn't stepped in, but they were watching closely.
The Gryffindors in particular were glaring, as though they'd rush over at once if anything happened.
Hmph. Reckless as ever.
But there was no denying it.
Ethan Vincent was so young, yet already composed, clever, and charismatic.
If Harry Potter had built his reputation through what happened to him as a child,
Ethan had made a name for himself at Hogwarts through his own efforts alone.
Once he grew up, he'd likely become someone remarkable.
Lucius narrowed his eyes, a dangerous glint flashing in them.
In that case,
he'd have to act early—
"Malfoy was rash before, Mr. Vincent. Don't take it to heart."
Lucius forced a smile and addressed Ethan.
Of course he had to win over a promising talent like this!
He was a Malfoy, after all. He'd long since gotten used to changing allegiances.
"Father?!"
Malfoy jerked his head up, unable to believe what his father had just said.
Even Ethan raised an eyebrow, watching Lucius's sudden change of heart with interest.
"Shut up, Malfoy."
Lucius's voice turned cold. The more he looked at his son, the more he felt the boy was hopeless.
"You've repeatedly picked on Mr. Vincent, and he's put aside his grievances and forgiven you. Aren't you going to thank him?"
"..."
Malfoy looked as if he was about to fall apart.
Ethan almost felt sorry for him.
But—when had he ever "put aside his grievances and forgiven him"?
Ethan narrowed his eyes, a cold glint flashing in them. He was just about to make a sarcastic remark
when Lucius took a dark brown bag that looked like it was made of oxhide from inside his robes and held it out to him.
"This is a small token of the Malfoy family's appreciation."
Money?
Hmph. The Malfoys were just as crass as ever.
Did they think money could solve everything?
Ethan smiled but didn't move.
"There are seven hundred Galleons inside. Consider it a contribution to your interest in painting."
"..."
Ethan's smile faltered. His eyes widened slightly in surprise.
How much?!
Seven hundred Galleons?!!
The prize money for the Triwizard Tournament, where people had died, was only three hundred Galleons more than that!
It was more than enough to cover several months of his art expenses, and he could buy the best art supplies.
With this money, he wouldn't have to work for a while.
He'd also have more time to prepare for the upcoming Halloween Art Exhibition.
But—
A person shouldn't be so lacking in ambition!
How could he accept money from the Malfoy family? He couldn't let himself be bought by a mere pile of decadent riches!
Ethan clenched his fists and gritted his teeth, about to refuse the seven hundred Galleons that were right there for the taking.
Lucius added, "By the way, this Oxhide Bag has an Undetectable Extension Charm on it. I thought it might help you store your art supplies."
Ethan took the bag and beamed.
"You're too kind, Mr. Malfoy. Draco and I are the best of friends."
"Right, Draco?"
Ethan tilted his head and smiled at Malfoy.
Ethan swore he'd meant to refuse, but that bastard Lucius had offered way too much!
"..."
Trembling under the combined gaze of his father and Ethan,
Malfoy finally managed a smile that looked more like a sob.
Sniff.
Before you continue