The Outcome and the Truth

Malfoy had never used the Imperius Curse on Rosmerta. This outcome did not come as much of a surprise to Silvan.

But Harry seemed unwilling to believe it. He insisted that Malfoy was lying and had only said it to clear himself of suspicion.

Rather than whether Malfoy was lying, Silvan was more curious about what his plan had been, and why Snape had told Malfoy that Crabbe and Goyle could not be trusted.

Everyone at Hogwarts knew that Crabbe and Goyle were Malfoy's most loyal lackeys. They were together wherever they went, and their bond was practically stronger than that of the Gryffindor trio.

After all, Ron and Hermione often argued, but Crabbe and Goyle never did. Their limited intelligence made it difficult for them to form differing opinions about anything.

Yet Snape had now told Malfoy that Crabbe and Goyle could not be trusted.

Setting aside the possibility that Snape was deliberately lying or sowing discord, there was only one explanation. Snape had learned something from Voldemort that Malfoy did not know.

Silvan was a little curious.

Unfortunately, Snape had not said it just now, and there was no chance he would tell Silvan.

The two returned to Gryffindor Tower before curfew. By then, there were not many people left in the common room. Only a few fifth-years, shoulders slumped, were still struggling through what seemed like endless homework.

"Lucky we're sixth-years now," Harry said, apparently reminded of something.

Fifth year truly was every Hogwarts student's nightmare: endless homework and endless classes. He was truly glad he had made it through.

Hermione and Ron were there too, apparently waiting specifically for them.

"Harry, Silvan, where have you been?" Ron immediately asked.

"The Slytherin common room," Harry said. "Remember? When we were coming back from practice, we saw Snape