The Dark Mark Voldemort had unleashed exceeded the expectations of many Slytherin students.
Not only hung high in the sky, the Dark Mark even shone into the Black Lake, appearing on the windows of the Slytherin Common Room.
Eerie green light streamed through the lake water, staining the entire common room a grim, chilling green.
The Slytherin Common Room, which had only just quieted down, became uproarious once more with the reappearance of the Dark Mark.
The sixth- and seventh-years rose to their feet, urgency and anger written across their faces as they glared viciously at Draco.
A seventh-year stepped forward. Tall and imposing, he looked down at Draco and pointed at his nose as he shouted, "Malfoy, is this the situation you wanted to see?"
"Are you really any different from those stupid Gryffindors? Don't make me laugh with that nonsense! You're even more foolish than they are!"
"The Dark Mark is outside now—the Dark Lord is about to break in!" He pointed at the rippling Dark Mark beyond the window. "Draco, you damned blood traitor! You've doomed all of us!"
The sixth- and seventh-years immediately joined in, cursing Draco in unison.
Their voices blended together, rising and falling as though they carried some infectious force, spurring quite a few students from other years into action and into the ranks condemning Draco.
Yet Draco remained unmoved, a faint sneer appearing on his face.
He looked at the seventh-year who had spoken first. "Cassius Warrington, I can give you an opportunity..."
"Duel me!" He drew his wand and gave it a light flick. "A proper duel, the kind we all know. Do you dare?"
The moment he saw Draco draw his wand, Cassius Warrington had already taken half a step back.
Once Draco finished speaking, Cassius's gaze flickered. He clenched