But What He Gave Was Truly Too Much

A Hogwarts life without detention is incomplete.

Ethan knew this well.

Under Professor Flitwick's mediation, Ethan's detention was finally set for next Monday—

on the grounds that such an excellent student shouldn't have his weekend homework disrupted.

"I believe a young wizard like Mr. Vincent, who follows school rules and only wants to study, could never intentionally harm a classmate."

Professor Flitwick declared confidently.

He patted Ethan's arm reassuringly, as if telling him not to worry.

Poor child, to have provoked someone from a troublesome family like Mr. Malfoy's.

Ethan just wanted to study, and maybe pursue a little hobby of his own at Hogwarts.

What had he done wrong?

Won a duel? That took guts!

Ravenclaw should have that fighting spirit!!

Professor Flitwick's Duel Master soul blazed to life.

"I'm not doubting Mr. Vincent..."

Professor McGonagall raised an eyebrow high.

Ethan had been performing exceptionally well lately, as all the professors could see.

This duel was started by Malfoy anyway, so he deserved the beating.

But still...

Professor McGonagall recalled the "Ethan's Speech Manifesto" circulating among the students.

And since the duel, conflicts between Gryffindor and Slytherin had only increased.

In one Potions class, both sides had even blown up each other's cauldrons—earning them a fifteen-point deduction from Professor Snape for both houses.

Of course, Snape quickly added the points back to Slytherin afterward.

The root of these incidents always seemed to have Ethan's shadow lurking somewhere...

Professor McGonagall looked up and accidentally met Ethan's gaze.

Clear, pure.

Those cobalt blue eyes were quiet and reserved, like a lake in winter.

Ethan gave her a small, tight-lipped smile, his fair face beaming with an angelic charm.

Inevitably, Professor McGonagall's heart softened.

Fine, she'd just keep a closer eye on him from now on.

After all, the Dark Lord had fallen, and an era of peace had arrived.

Hogwarts had a pure academic atmosphere; it couldn't possibly produce another Dark Lord.

The very thought was laughable.

Even if Ethan had any mischief in him, how bad could it really be?

All he wanted was to pursue his art!

Professor McGonagall always had a soft spot for students with clear goals who worked tirelessly toward them.

"I understand. Then go help Filch with his work on Monday; you don't need to worry about the rest."

Professor McGonagall said.

If Malfoy's father, Lucius Malfoy, came looking for trouble, they would handle it.

"Alright," Ethan nodded earnestly. "I'll work hard."

The trophy room... maybe he'd even get to see Senior Tom's awards.

Ethan was full of anticipation for this night out—er, detention.

What a well-behaved child.

Professor McGonagall, long tormented by the little terrors of Gryffindor, was moved.

She couldn't help herself and reached out to ruffle Ethan's soft, fluffy hair.

A rare smile even crept onto her usually stern face.

But still.

Despite Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick's mediation, Ethan happened to run into the Malfoy father and son hurrying down the corridor.

Malfoy looked like he had been crying again, his head lowered and his shoulders trembling every now and then.

As for Lucius, his face looked like a House-elf had thrown a stinky sock at him.

Gloomy as a shoe sole that had been sitting in his grandmother's house for thirty years.

"Move!"

Lucius forced the words through clenched teeth, shoving aside the unlucky student in his path with his snake-headed cane.

Without even glancing at his sniffling son, he strode forward with long, quick steps.

"Mr. Malfoy!" Professor McGonagall hurried after them, calling out sternly, "I must remind you, this is Hogwarts—"

"Oh, is it?" Lucius stopped, lifting his chin. "Then I happen to recall that I am a member of the Hogwarts Board of Governors."

Just then.

Out of the corner of his eye, Lucius caught sight of Ethan walking out of the Great Hall.

"Oh~ Look who's here."

Lucius immediately turned his head, forcing a smile that didn't reach his eyes:

"The great orator, the other 'Chosen One' who's almost on par with Harry Potter—"

"And his loyal sidekick."

Lucius shifted his gaze to Michael, who was standing in front of Ethan.

First the kid, now the dad?

Why am I so popular?

Ethan raised an eyebrow, reached out to push Michael behind him, stepped forward, tilted his head up, and met the blond man's eyes.

He thought to himself:

Should I go with a wizard's duel first?

Or Broom Rash?

No, better to use both.

Stack Broom Rash on top of my fists and beat Lucius senseless—if anyone asks later, just say Lucius is allergic to human skin.

The more he thought about it, the more feasible the plan seemed, and his eyes sparkled with excitement.

"..."

Lucius suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

Like he was being targeted by something unclean.

He looked down at Ethan, watching this eleven-year-old boy hold his ground against an adult without backing down an inch.

In fact, he even sensed a faint hint of threat.

Lucius glanced around.

The surrounding students hadn't stepped in, but they were watching closely.

Especially the Gryffindors—their eyes were wide, as if they'd charge in the moment anything happened.

Hmph, as reckless as ever.

But there was no denying it.

Ethan Vincent, at such a young age, was already so composed, clever, and charismatic.

If Harry Potter had built up his fame through childhood exploits, then Ethan had carved out his reputation at Hogwarts entirely on his own.

If he grew up, he'd probably become someone formidable.

Lucius narrowed his eyes, a dangerous glint flashing in them.

In that case,

he'd have to act early—

"I was out of line earlier, Mr. Vincent. Don't take it to heart."

Lucius forced a smile and said to Ethan.

After all, when you see a promising future talent, you've got to suck up to them now!

He was a Malfoy—switching allegiances was second nature.

"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 face with interest.

"Shut up, Malfoy."

Lucius said coldly. The more he looked, the more he felt his own son was just unfit for the stage.

"You keep provoking Mr. Vincent, and he forgives you despite everything—shouldn't you be thanking him?"

"..."

Malfoy looked like he was about to shatter entirely.

Even Ethan felt a twinge of sympathy for him.

But—when exactly did he "forgive him despite everything"?

Ethan narrowed his eyes, a cold glint flashing in them. He was just about to throw out a few sarcastic remarks.

Then Lucius pulled a dark brown bag that looked like cowhide from his robes and offered it forward.

"This is a small token from the Malfoy family."

Money?

Ha, the Malfoys were still as mercenary as ever.

Thinking everything could be solved with gold.

Ethan smiled, making no move to take it.

"There are seven hundred gold Galleons inside. Consider it support for your painting hobby."

"..."

Ethan's smile twitched. His eyes widened slightly, a hint of surprise slipping through.

How much?!

Seven hundred gold Galleons?!

The prize for the Triwizard Tournament, where people had died, was only three hundred more than that!

That was more than enough to cover his art expenses for the next several months, enough to buy the best materials.

With that money, he could put off working for a while.

And have more time to prepare for the upcoming Halloween Art Exhibition.

But.

A man couldn't be so lacking in ambition!

How could he accept money from the Malfoys? He wouldn't be bought off by some rotten gold!

Ethan clenched his fist, gritted his teeth, and was about to refuse the seven hundred Galleons within easy reach.

Lucius: "Incidentally, this cowhide bag has been enchanted with an Undetectable Extension Charm. I thought it might help you store your art supplies."

Ethan took the bag, breaking into a radiant smile.

"Don't be so formal, Mr. Malfoy. Draco and I are best friends, after all."

"Right, Draco?"

Ethan tilted his head, smiling at Malfoy.

Ethan swore he meant to refuse, but that bastard Lucius had offered far too much!

"..."

Malfoy trembled, caught between his father's and Ethan's gazes.

In the end, he forced out a smile that looked more like a sob.

Whimper.