Halloween's Petrification Incident (III)

The Cursed Mark symbol on Filch's neck was exposed to the firelight the moment he turned sideways—a dark green, flame-shaped pattern made up of countless tiny runes. It resembled a tattoo, yet also a brand, extending from beneath his collar all the way to behind his ear. Under the glow of magic, the runes faintly gleamed, slowly writhing as though alive.

Severus Snape's gaze lingered on the symbol for less than a second before he calmly looked away and swept his eyes toward Draco Malfoy in the crowd.

Draco stood at the very front of the Slytherin students, excitement glittering in his gray eyes. Unlike the other students, he neither retreated nor showed fear. Instead, he took two steps forward, a faint, almost appreciative smile on his lips. His right hand was tucked into his robe pocket, his fingers seemingly stroking something lightly—Snape knew his godson far too well. It was Draco's unconscious habit whenever he was nervous or excited.

Interesting, Snape thought, though his expression did not change.

"Diffindo!"

"Petrificus Totalus!"

Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick acted almost simultaneously, their spells striking Filch from both sides. Both were among Hogwarts' finest dueling masters, coordinating as seamlessly as twins—McGonagall's spell was fierce and direct, while Flitwick's was tricky and precise. Any ordinary wizard would have been helpless beneath that attack.

But Filch was not.

He suddenly spread his arms and threw back his head with a roar. It carried an inhuman howl, like the furious cry of a beast, or some ancient power that had been suppressed for far too long finally finding an outlet. The dark green flames around him swelled violently in that instant, blooming like a sinister flower and exploding outward from his body.

"Boom—!"

A deafening crash shook the entire corridor. Dust rained down from the