Polyjuice Potion and the Infiltration Plan (III)

Pansy's footsteps stopped. Her gaze swept over Hermione—a Ravenclaw boy with brown hair, an ordinary face, glasses, and a blue Ravenclaw badge pinned to his school robe.

Her brow furrowed, with not a trace of friendliness in her expression.

"Who are you?"

"Michael Corner." Hermione gave a slight bow, her movements precise, like a good student taught how to treat a pure-blood young lady politely. "Ravenclaw, fourth year. You might not remember me, but last year, Professor Severus Snape gave full marks to the Living Death's Draught you brewed in Potions. I was watching nearby at the time. I was very impressed."

Pansy's brow relaxed slightly. No one disliked being praised, especially when it came from someone they barely knew using the phrase, "I remember you."

"What is it?" Her tone remained stiff, but at least she did not drive him away outright.

Hermione took a small step forward, lowered her voice, and wore an expression that said, "What I'm about to tell you is important."

"Miss Parkinson, I was asked to speak with you about something. Something... concerning Mr. Harry Potter."

Pansy's eyes widened slightly. Crabbe and Goyle's expressions did not change, but both turned their heads toward Hermione at the same time—an instinctive reaction, like machines whose switches had been flipped.

"Potter?" Pansy's voice rose half an octave. "That Gryffindor—The Chosen One? What could he possibly want?"

Hermione looked around as though making sure no one was eavesdropping. Then she leaned closer to Pansy and lowered her voice even further.

"Mr. Potter wants to speak with you. More precisely, with you, Mr. Crabbe, and Mr. Goyle. About—Mr. Malfoy."

Pansy's expression changed. It was neither anger nor wariness, but something subtle and complicated, mingling curiosity with caution. She stared at Hermione's face for several seconds, as if trying to