"Heh, heh..."
Draco looked as though someone had grabbed him by the throat. He opened his mouth several times, but all he managed were meaningless choking sounds.
He thought that Shawn really never did boast about how powerful or impressive he was.
But who met him without giving him a thumbs-up or looking at him in admiration?
He reined in his excitement and bowed.
"Chief, I understand."
Shawn smiled knowingly. Daily achievement unlocked: teasing Draco.
He cast another Scourgify on Draco, then told him to get to bed early.
But this was Draco they were talking about.
Early the next morning, before morning study had even begun, he was already in the Common Room.
He bragged to everyone he met.
"...Harry's Blasting Curse was powerful, but I was no slouch either. I elegantly cast Protego with my wand to block it, then fired back with Levicorpus. Ha! I defeated the Chosen One in an instant."
After his account drew cheers from a crowd of first- and second-year students, he pulled out the exquisite playing card.
"See this? The chief gave it to me for protection. Those little lions couldn't take losing and tried to gang up on me, but I tossed out this card with a wave of my hand. A flock of golden birds instantly thrashed more than a dozen Gryffindors."
"Wow, is that the alchemical item the chief used on the train? It's so beautiful."
"Draco's so lucky to be the chief's roommate."
"I wish I had one!"
"Keep dreaming. You can tell that card costs a fortune."
From a distance, Alice watched Draco hold the playing card aloft. The gleaming Throne design on it especially caught her attention, and an idea stirred within her.
She set the thought aside and glanced back at the raised platform. Seeing that Shawn was absent, she stood and began supervising morning study.
And at that moment, Shawn was indeed away from Slytherin.
Early that morning, he had received separate summons from McGonagall and Snape.
Inside the Transfiguration Office.
"Shawn, this is Percy Weasley. From now on, he'll be your assistant in Gryffindor."
McGonagall introduced a serious-looking, red-haired boy with glasses to Shawn.
Shawn naturally knew who Percy was-the Weasley who most resembled a proper pure-blood.
He looked up at the impeccably dressed Percy, who stood with perfect posture, and politely offered his hand.
"Hello, Percy."
Percy clasped Shawn's hand in both of his, his tone admiring.
"Shawn, I greatly admire what you've accomplished in Slytherin. I hope we can work well together and bring Gryffindor into order."
Shawn loved having an insider to show him the way. He smiled warmly and agreed.
"Exactly. Since Professor McGonagall has placed such trust in us, we certainly won't disappoint her."
He actually thought quite highly of Percy.
He was capable and ambitious. Though a little rigid and solemn, that simply depended on how his leader put him to work.
Professor McGonagall was delighted. She had already begun imagining her little lions becoming graceful, well-mannered, and disciplined.
After giving Shawn and Percy a few more reminders, she sent them off to make their respective preparations.
Shawn then headed to the Castle's cold, gloomy basement.
Outside Snape's office, Shawn pulled his school robes tighter before knocking.
Knock, knock.
The door opened at once. Shawn stood on no ceremony and walked straight in.
He immediately saw that Snape was still brewing that cauldron of golden potion, and stepped closer to inspect it.
"Professor, this batch of Felix Felicis is nearly ready, isn't it?"
Snape's expression was dark as he sneered.
"Tsk. It seems Mr. Black isn't omniscient after all, yet he still insists on flaunting his thimbleful of Potions knowledge."
Shawn was already used to his barbed remarks. He took several photographs from his pocket and placed them on the counter.
"Here, I brought those embarrassing photos of Harry. Remember to save me some Felix Felicis when it's ready. I'll need it urgently in a while. That potion really does work wonders."
Something flickered in Snape's cold eyes. With a sweep of his sleeve, the photographs vanished from the counter.
"Hmph. So there is a reason for your arrogance. Doses of Felix Felicis must be taken at least three years apart."
Shawn was slightly surprised.
"Really? That's fine. If I can't use it, I can sell it."
The corner of Snape's mouth twitched. Then he asked coldly,
"McGonagall asked you to help bring that pack of reckless little Gryffindor lions into line?"
"Oh? You found out already, Professor?"
Snape turned and stared at Shawn with disgust.
"Is your bloated vanity no longer satisfied with merely leading Slytherin? Boy, I'm warning you to keep a low profile. Those who do live longer."
Shawn naturally knew that Snape couldn't stand seeing Gryffindor prosper, so he tried a different approach.
"Professor, a kind man like you surely can't bear to see young students suffer. Why not sponsor me with a few potions? After all, I might get a little heavy-handed while enforcing discipline. Ahem, you understand."
Snape paused, rubbed his chin, and considered this for a moment. Then he resumed brewing his potion, though he still said quietly,
"Second shelf in the cabinet on the left. There are healing potions and Essence of Dittany. Take them and get out!"
Seeing how obliging Snape was, Shawn happily helped himself to several dozen bottles of Healing Potion and Calming Draught, along with a large package of Essence of Dittany.
He also pocketed two bottles of Perception Potion for himself. They might come in handy before long.
As he was about to leave, Shawn felt a little guilty.
Constantly milking a "good man" like Professor Snape did prick his conscience.
Professor Snape was actually rather pitiful. To keep anyone from discovering how helpless he was, he worked hard to make himself a bitter man.
Maybe I should make it up to him? Shawn turned back and asked tentatively,
"Professor, would you be interested in a cross-dressing show starring Harry?"
Snape whipped around and snarled through gritted teeth,
"Get out!"
Shawn scratched the back of his head. That's not right. Professor Snape should be into this sort of thing.
Seeing Snape already reaching for his wand, Shawn hurried toward the door as he spoke.
"All right, all right, I'm leaving. Just wink at me whenever you feel like watching, Professor."
Snape flicked his wand, slamming the door shut with a bang. He stood motionless for a long while, then slowly took a photograph from inside his robes.
His hollow eyes filled with tenderness. Gently stroking the photograph, he murmured,
"Lily."
Shawn made his way back to the Great Hall. Neither he nor Snape had mentioned punishing Draco. That was their unspoken understanding.
Slytherin had already finished morning study. He settled into the head seat, and a delicious Chinese breakfast automatically appeared on the table.
Beside him, the graceful, beautiful Alice handed Shawn a glass of Pumpkin Juice.
"Shawn, I heard you're going to bring Gryffindor into line?"
Shawn paused. Word spread that fast? He turned to look toward the Gryffindor table.
A cloud of gloom hung over it. The usual sight of everyone heartily digging into their food was nowhere to be seen.
Percy was giving an enthusiastic speech, while the other little lions complained or urged one another to petition McGonagall.
Meanwhile, Draco was over there saying something to Harry and his friends, earning furious glares from every little lion except Harry.
Shawn couldn't help smiling, then said to Alice,
"I imagine quite a few of our Slytherins are enjoying their misery."
Alice covered her mouth and chuckled too.
"When you've been drenched in the rain, you naturally don't want anyone else to have an umbrella."
After that teasing remark, Alice's expression grew serious.
"Chief, I have a suggestion about those alchemical playing cards you use."
Shawn paused briefly. Seeing how earnest Alice was, he grew more serious too.
"Oh? Tell me more."
Alice organized her thoughts, then began.
"I noticed that the playing card Draco was holding had an ornate Throne floating above a pentagram. Playing cards themselves are also highly ordered, with clear ranks."
As she said this, a fervent light appeared in Alice's eyes.
"Chief, for the sake of our ideals, we should establish an organization. You would be its sole king, seated high upon the Magic Throne, while your followers would take pride in possessing a Sequence Playing Card! It would also symbolize their strength and status!"
(The fan rankings are now open, so I'm posting three chapters in a row to say thank you. Thank you all for your little gifts and tips! I'll use the tip money to buy energy drinks so I can stay up late writing!)
(Next, the story will officially enter its more exciting main storyline: the Magic Throne!)