Wade recounted everything exactly as it had happened, neither embellishing nor concealing anything.
Even so, Professor McGonagall was furious, her nostrils flaring as though she might breathe fire at any moment. She said angrily, "Bullying fellow students... and using such an insulting name... We will never tolerate this behavior—Severus, I'm giving Mr. Malfoy a month of detention, at the very least!"
Professor Snape seemed lost in thought, his face pale and hollow. Hearing Professor McGonagall's words, he remained dazed for quite a while before slowly saying, "Of course... you're right... Minerva... do it."
"Good!" Professor McGonagall let out a sharp breath. When she turned to Wade, her stern expression finally softened somewhat.
"Mr. Gray—"
"Yes, Professor." Wade lowered his head. "I know I shouldn't have used a spell on another student in the corridor..."
"Ahem." Professor Flitwick suddenly coughed twice. "Yes, far too impulsive. What if someone had been hurt? For your recklessness and rashness, I'm deducting one... er..."
Professor Flitwick secretly glanced at the two colleagues beside him.
"—five points!"
He gritted his teeth and said it, then discreetly winked at Wade, signaling—don't worry, we'll add them back later.
Professor McGonagall smiled almost imperceptibly and said, "Mm, of course—and at the same time, for bravely standing up for a fellow student and successfully casting the Disarming Charm, I'm awarding you ten points, Mr. Gray. It's clear that you... mm... are exceptionally talented at Charms!"
"Ten points awarded?" In the Umbrella Room, Michael was equally surprised by the result.
"Actually, it was only five points, because Professor Flitwick deducted five first," Wade emphasized.
"I know... but... that was Professor McGonagall!" Michael found it rather unbelievable. "She doesn't even favor Gryffindors!"
"It's precisely because Professor McGonagall is so fair that she gave Ravenclaw ten points!" Padma did not seem surprised