Quidditch Stadium at Midnight

Even with Snape beside him, Malfoy dared not lie to Professor McGonagall; he could only turn his head away and remain silent, assuming everything was true.

Professor McGonagall took a deep breath. "Twenty points will be deducted from everyone's score. In addition to homework during the holidays, you'll also have to write a 5,000-word self-criticism, which you must hand in to me after the semester starts. Then, you'll be locked up for another two weeks."

Professor McGonagall punished students in every aspect of education, from moral education and intellectual development to physical education, aesthetic education, and labor education.

Without consulting Snape at all, after announcing the results, they immediately sent them to the Hospital Wing for treatment and warned that anyone who dared to say another word to the other would have their punishment doubled.

Harry, Malfoy, and the others could only exchange hostile glances, keeping their mouths tightly shut, and obediently went upstairs.

Snape was so angry he almost exploded on the spot. It was all because of Riddle; if he hadn't stopped him, things wouldn't have gotten this bad.

The crucial point is that they still lost points to three people, a huge loss. Professor McGonagall used the already struggling Gryffindor to drag Slytherin, who had a great chance of winning the championship, down with them.

I never expected that the usually serious Professor McGonagall could become so sinister.

He glared at Tom and lowered his voice. "Midnight at the Quidditch Pitch. I don't have much, but I have plenty of healing medicine. You know the consequences if you don't come."

The last dinner before the holiday was exceptionally lavish.

The walls of the Great Hall were covered with holly and mistletoe, and huge crystal balls hung from the tops of twelve towering Christmas trees, creating a festive atmosphere.

The students chatted enthusiastically, sharing their holiday plans, while the professors in the High Table smiled, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

Tom glanced around and noticed that Quirrell wasn't in his seat, feeling a little disappointed.

He also wanted to remind Quirrell to prepare a Christmas present for himself, but it seems it's too late.

After the dinner, the lounge remained lively. Tom made an excuse to slip out early and went to the Room of Requirement to warm up.

Around 11:30, we leisurely arrived at the Quidditch Pitch.

At exactly twelve o'clock, Snape appeared on the Quidditch Pitch.

He exuded a sharp aura, his robes billowing from the vibrations of magic, and a slender wand was already in his hand, pointing diagonally at the ground.

The moonlight shone on him, casting a long shadow, and a powerful sense of oppression emanated from him.

With that kind of imposing presence, anyone who didn't know better would think he was about to have a final showdown with Albus Dumbledore.

Thinking of Albus Dumbledore, Tom instinctively looked up at the highest spire of the castle.

It boasts the best view of the entire castle; even the high walls surrounding the Quidditch Pitch cannot block the spying gaze.

Tom stood in the center of the court, wand in hand, jokingly teasing.

"Professor, do you think Professor Dumbledore might be the only spectator in this duel?"

"Don't overthink it, he's already left the castle. No one will bother us, and no one will come to rescue you."

Snape raised his wand in a dueling gesture. "As the professor, I will let you make the first move."

Tom raised his wand, bowed slightly, and completed the dueling ritual.

Just as he was about to bow, a thundercloud appeared above Snape's head and crashed down upon him.

Although it happened suddenly, Snape was a veteran of countless battles, and his body reacted much faster than his brain could.

He instantly erected a magical barrier to block the lightning, and inwardly wanted to curse Tom for his lack of martial ethics.

But did Tom complete the dueling ritual? Yes, he did, but he cast a spell while doing so.

As expected of a Slytherin student, they even schemed against such a loophole in the rules.

Having blocked the first wave of attacks, Snape no longer held back. With a gentle stir of his wand, the Weather Charm floating above his head shattered, transforming into streaks of black flame that roared toward Tom.

"Those little tricks won't work on me." Snape's tone was icy, filled with undisguised sarcasm. Even if Albus Dumbledore came today, he would still give Tom a good beating!

"Don't be angry, Professor, it was just a greeting."

A white light appeared on Tom's body, turning him into a large light bulb that radiated light in all directions.

The black smoke melted like ice and snow upon contact, Snape frowned, somewhat unsure of his judgment.

"Patronus Charm?" Snape frowned, somewhat disbelieving his own judgment. Wasn't this spell only effective against Dementor? How could it possibly block his Dark Magic?

In the modern Wizarding World, it is generally believed that Patronus is a countermeasure magic used to deal with Dementor and Lethifold.

It is famous because of the Dementor ' infamous reputation and the immense difficulty of learning them. But this is where Andros's absolute advantage lies.

The appearance of Dementor, along with the Azkaban prison, dates back to the 15th century, only a few hundred years ago.

The Patronus Charm has been passed down for thousands of years, and Andros has gained great fame because of it.

The truth is, in ancient times, there weren't as many defensive spells and antidotes against Dark Magic as there are now, so the Patronus Charm became a general solution for Defense Against the Dark Arts.

Powerful positive energy can resist the erosion of darkness, but due to the development of magic and the high barrier to entry, this method has gradually been lost.

After all, mastering Patronus is already difficult, let alone mastering its advanced applications.

Tom tapped his wand lightly, and most of the remaining black smoke was dissipated. The remaining half Transfiguration and solidified, turning into countless daggers.

With a flick of Snape wand, Snape transformed the earth into a thick suit of armor, the dagger clanging against it.

Tom spun around at high speed, flames encircling the area. Two Fire Serpent shot out from behind Snape and attacked, but he blasted them into black smoke.

Snape's robes billowed, and he seemed to transform into a giant bat leaping across the ground, incredibly agile.

After several jumps, he escaped the circle of fire.

"Professor, can you teach me this magic?"

"If you defeat me, I might consider it."

Snape's expression remained calm, but inside he was overjoyed. Tom had given him so many surprises with his rapid progress.

Transfiguration magical artifacts is inherently difficult, and Tom can not only Transfiguration, but he can also transform into the magic he uses.

He had only ever seen this tactic used by Albus Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall.

Who taught you Transfiguration?

Tom answered honestly, "A teacher." Wasn't Andros a teacher? He not only taught him magic, but could also freely change the form of his Patronus; his mastery of Transfiguration was unfathomable.

It's fair to say that Tom's greatest skill right now is Transfiguration; his other magic abilities are somewhat inferior.

Snape didn't press the matter; he flicked his wand, and two invisible blades appeared.