The Halloween Petrification Incident (2)

Professor McGonagall first turned to look at the writing on the wall. Her face instantly went deathly pale, her lips pressed into a bloodless line, even her cheekbones standing out. Professor Flitwick peered over from behind her, and when he saw the words on the wall and the stiff cat, he let out a terrified gasp and took two steps back on his short legs.

As for Professor Snape, his sallow face looked even more gloomy in the flickering firelight. His black eyes were like deep pools as his sharp gaze swept over the bloody words and the petrified cat before finally settling on Harry. His look was cold and complicated, holding neither anger nor defense, only an unfathomable scrutiny—as though he were examining a criminal, or confirming something.

That gaze lingered on Harry for several seconds, carrying an indescribable pressure.

He did not immediately defend Harry. He did not even say a word, merely standing there like a black statue, his arms crossed over his chest, his black robes stirring without wind. That silence invisibly deepened the suspicion hanging over Harry.

Professor McGonagall shielded the three of them behind her, straightened her back, and stared sternly at Filch, trying to calm him down. "Argus, calm down first. The matter hasn't been investigated yet—"

"Investigated?" Filch's voice was as shrill as an iron nail scraping across glass. The magic around him began to surge uncontrollably, and even the air grew thick. His eyes turned dark green as his magic swelled, flames seeming to burn within his pupils. He fixed Harry behind McGonagall with a hoarse glare. "Move aside! Those little brats did it! I gave them detention last time, and they held a grudge, so they went after my cat! I'll kill them!"

Filch lunged forward, but Professor McGonagall held