Filch's Fury

"What does... the Chamber of Secrets... the Heir... mean?" Harry muttered. Then he splashed through the water toward the torch bracket, wanting to get closer and see whether the gray cat was still breathing.

"Harry, come back! That person—or monster—might still be here. It's too dangerous. We have to get out of here. Damn it, who spilled all this water on the floor?"

Ron spoke anxiously.

"Harry, come back! We need to leave right now. If anyone sees us, they'll think..."

Before Hermione could finish, a wave of noise rose from downstairs. The Halloween Feast had ended, and students from every house were heading toward their common rooms or dormitories. Soon, footsteps clattered up the stairs at both ends of the corridor, accompanied by cheerful, loud conversation after a hearty meal.

We're doomed! Hermione thought.

When the students at the front saw the scene in the corridor, they were struck speechless with fright. Even when those behind pushed them, they refused to take another step. Then the students farther back caught sight of the scene through the gaps and immediately covered their mouths, too frightened to make a sound.

How could a silent—or lively—scene possibly be complete without Draco and his obnoxious little mouth?!

Sure enough, less than ten seconds later, Draco Malfoy shoved through the crowd and smugly read the writing on the wall. "The Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Enemies of the Heir, beware! Who among us are the Heir's enemies? Why, the impure-blooded Mud—mmph!"

The little brat either kept his mouth shut or offended every wizard who wasn't a pure-blood the moment he opened it!

Draco turned around and glared furiously at Luo Bin's... half-length wand?!

He didn't dare hate his roommate or lose his temper with him, but surely he could hate a mindless wand!