Everyone, out of Snape's sight, simultaneously curled their lip in unison.
Even a fool would understand that this is a blatant attempt to exonerate Slytherin.
If it were Gryffindor who blew up the cauldron, he would have given them a severe dressing-down and deducted several points; it would never have been so easily dismissed.
Snape quickly concocted a simple antidote and gave some basic treatment to the students with minor injuries.
Without uttering a single word of reproach to Goyle, he swept his black robes and walked straight toward Draco's position.
Seeing that things were going badly, Draco adopted an extremely humble attitude and spoke first, "Professor, please instruct me on the potion I've prepared."
Snape glanced at it and knew that the potion was perfect and flawless, with absolutely no faults.
But he wasn't there to check the homework; his dark eyes narrowed, and he implicated and convicted the perpetrator.
"Ah... it seems your 'influence' is starting to bear bitter fruit."
"Have you set a 'good' example for this... follower, teaching him this... extremely destructive way of expressing himself?"
Draco was stunned for a moment before he realized what was happening.
So, because Goyle blew up the crucible, he's also blaming himself for not disciplining his older brother properly and setting a bad example?!
At this point, Draco had completely figured out Snape's personality.
They respond better to gentle persuasion than force; the more you argue, the more you get punished; bowing your head and admitting defeat might actually reduce the penalty.
So Draco stopped arguing and immediately went along with him, admitting his mistake. "It was my incompetence, Professor."
Snape sneered and said mercilessly:
"Because of your belated confession of incompetence— Gryffindor, deduct 10 points."
He glanced down at Draco and said coldly, "Now, use what little power you have left to mind your own business."
Upon hearing this, Ron's face was filled with disbelief, and he lowered his voice to frantically complain to Harry:
"They deduct points for this?! Slytherin students cause trouble, and they can drag Gryffindor into it? That's outrageous!"
Draco didn't reply, only hoping the class would end quickly.
Finally, the school bell rang, as if offering salvation.
A group of Gryffindor lion cubs practically fled from the cellar, afraid that if they were a step too slow, Snape would catch them and deduct points.
Everyone felt a sense of relief.
Fortunately, there's only one Potions Class a week; if they had to come every day, they'd really be driven crazy by this cellar bat.
As soon as they stepped into the corridor, two familiar figures awkwardly approached them; it was Goyle Vincent.
The two men lowered their heads, looking guilty as they apologized to Draco: "Big brother, we're sorry... It's all our fault, we caused you to lose points with Professor Snape."
Draco smiled and patted the two of them on the shoulders, saying:
"It's alright, it's not your fault at all. Snape is just angry that I transferred to Gryffindor, he just doesn't like me."
"Because the points you deducted are just a fraction of the points I lost in this class."
After a pause, Draco casually asked,
"By the way, how have you guys been in Slytherin lately? Has no one been bullying you? You haven't come to see me much, so I guess nothing serious has happened."
Goyle immediately scratched his head and grinned sheepishly, saying with a hint of smugness, "Not only are we alright, but now nobody dares to mess with us!"
"That's right, brother. Ever since you did something so big, our situation at the academy has actually improved. Nobody dares to cause us any trouble." Vincent quickly nodded in agreement.
Draco raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised. "Really? Then... is anyone playing with you guys?"
Goyle's smile faded slightly, but he still stood up straight and said with utmost seriousness:
"No, that's not true. However, those who are hostile to our leader aren't worthy of playing with us."
Draco looked at his two still loyal followers and whispered his orders:
"You don't need to feel guilty, don't scare yourselves in Slytherin, and don't lower your heads just because I transferred houses."
"I'll stand my ground. If anyone gives you trouble, just say my name. In all of Hogwarts, no one dares to disrespect me."
As he spoke, Draco's eyes darkened, drawing a clear line for the two of them:
"Behave yourself in the academy, don't cause trouble, but never suffer injustice."
Pay attention in class, stay away from Snape in Potions Class, don't let him capture you and use you as a tool, and don't let other Pure-blood families recruit or exploit you.
Seeing Goyle Vincent nod quickly, Draco softened his tone and gave them the most practical advice:
"Don't bother coming to see me unnecessarily, lest you attract the attention of Snape and those Slytherin, causing you trouble instead."
"If you need anything, just call me during breaks or mealtimes. I'm in Gryffindor, I can still keep you under control."
"Understood, boss!" the two said in unison.
Draco patted them on the shoulders and casually said, "You can come visit us on weekends too. Your sister-in-law and I are usually at the library."
These words were tantamount to publicly acknowledging his relationship with Hermione.
The Gryffindor instantly exchanged knowing glances and turned to look at Hermione.
Seeing that she didn't immediately refute but just stood there frozen, the group immediately put on maternal smiles, winking and teasing her.
Hermione's cheeks flushed bright red, and she wished she could disappear into the ground right then and there.
Hearing Draco's words, Vincent's eyes lit up, and he quickly said, "That's great, big brother! We were worried about causing you trouble!"
Draco scoffed, his tone arrogant and matter-of-fact. "Trouble? I can practically walk around like a madman at Hogwarts now, who dares to mess with me?"
"Big Brother is the biggest brother in the whole school now! I knew I didn't follow the wrong person!" Goyle said with admiration.
Ron, who was listening nearby, sighed and asked Goyle and the other two:
"You didn't betray Draco when he was hated by both houses; why don't you come to Gryffindor with that kind of loyalty?"
Goyle scratched his head, looking aggrieved. "I wanted to go too! But the Sorting Hat said I was especially suited for Slytherin, so I went in..."
Vincent nodded frantically beside him. "Yeah! They're kicking themselves now!"
Draco looked at them both and said seriously, "Alright, it's time for you two to learn to stand on your own."
Goyle chuckled slyly, "Don't lie to me, brother. I figured it out a long time ago in Slytherin —you just want to spend some time alone with your wife!"
A burst of laughter erupted around them, and Harry, Ron, and Olivia were doubled over with laughter.
Draco patted Goyle's arm and chuckled, "Not bad, Goyle, your IQ has improved."
Goyle puffed out his chest and held his head high, beaming with pride. "Absolutely! I've gotten a lot smarter lately!"
Hermione's blush had already faded slightly, but after hearing those words, her cheeks burned hot again.