Chapter 175: Cooperation, Confrontation, and Little Badgers Going to Rebel!

In the Great Hall, at the Slytherin table, recalling the humiliation they'd suffered at Ciel's hands, the little snakes rarely united in their shared hatred. "Think about it. How many times has Ciel, that little badger, humiliated us? This time, we must seize the chance for revenge!" The little snakes discussed how to deal with him in the Defence Against the Dark Arts class. Some said they'd cleanly knock him down, making him lose all face. Others said they'd put a nasty curse on him, like making him break out in boils all over or vomit slugs. When discussing these plans, their eyes showed eagerness and malicious satisfaction, as if they could already see him fallen before them, at their mercy. Only Malfoy's expression was ugly, looking at them like a group of idiots who didn't know their own limits. He stood up, saying coldly, "Do whatever you want. I won't participate." The little snakes cast strange looks at Malfoy. Someone said sarcastically, "Malfoy, have you forgotten how Ciel Sprout treated you? Did the Corpse Flower taste good? Now that the chance for revenge is right in front of us, you're actually scared? Coward. Shame of purebloods. No wonder everyone says important tasks can't be entrusted to the Malfoy family... your whole family are weaklings who can't handle pressure!" But Malfoy let them say whatever they wanted, only showing mockery and cold smiles in his eyes. He got up alone and walked outside. In his mind appeared a scene from not long ago... the day he had just finished detention. Malfoy had also been in the crowd and heard Hagrid's "whispered" conversation with him. He heard about a dragon about to hatch, which delighted Malfoy. After all, he'd loved dragons since childhood... being able to witness a dragon's hatching would be an absolutely unique opportunity. Moreover, he remembered what his father had said. This was also a good chance to get closer to him. If he discovered his and Hagrid's secret of raising a dragon but didn't tell anyone, perhaps he could improve his relationship with him. Because of this, that night Malfoy had also secretly slipped out of the castle toward Hagrid's hut. That's when he witnessed a scene he'd never forget. Umbridge was secretly photographing outside Hagrid's hut. After being discovered by him, the two chased each other and disappeared into the Forbidden Forest. Malfoy was almost scared to death then. He never expected such a thing to happen. He was hesitating whether to call other professors, since that was the Forbidden Forest after all. Who knew what Umbridge might do. But what happened next was even more unexpected. He walked out of the Forbidden Forest alone. As for Umbridge... Three days later, the Daily Prophet published news of her death. Only then did Malfoy confirm one thing. Umbridge's death definitely had an inseparable connection to him. It was very possible that he had personally done it! A first-year student wizard being able to kill an adult wizard unharmed in the Forbidden Forest was already scary enough. What made Malfoy feel even more chilled was that the Ministry actually just let it go. Not only did they fail to discover his connection to Umbridge's death, but he even got quite a few resources from the Ministry?! This completely made Malfoy give up his dissatisfaction, jealousy, and unwillingness toward him. He finally understood why his father insisted he befriend him. People really were different from each other. As a first-year, he could already do such things. Who knew what kind of power he'd have after graduation? Maybe he would be the next Dark Lord! With this thought churning in his mind, Malfoy's pale face even showed an excited flush. He walked out of the Great Hall. He certainly knew the little snakes at the long table were casting contemptuous looks at him, mocking his "timidity" and "cowardice". But Malfoy just wanted to laugh at this. With your level of ability, you still want to teach him a lesson? That's really seeking death! Moreover, being weak was one thing, but having such poor judgement meant there was no saving them. With a sense of superiority, Malfoy left the Great Hall without looking back. Just then, walking toward him was Ciel himself. Malfoy shivered and quickly lowered his head, not daring to meet his eyes. This also stunned Ciel. He hadn't expected Malfoy, who used to antagonise him and often looked at him with hostile eyes, to now show such a humble attitude. Then something even more unexpected happened. Malfoy not only showed a humble attitude but also lowered his voice to warn him. "In the upcoming Defence Against the Dark Arts class, those idiots want to cause trouble. There's also Marcus Flint... he seems to have received a letter from home today. He plans to serve as a teaching assistant for this class, and it looks like he'll use this opportunity to act." He stopped in his tracks, looking at Malfoy with surprise and confusion. "Our relationship doesn't seem good enough for this. Isn't this betraying Slytherin?" Malfoy forced a strange expression. "Betrayal? Slytherin's motto is achieving goals by any means necessary. I've never heard words like 'loyalty' or 'unity' in Slytherin. Befriending you seems much more profitable than associating with those idiots." Then Malfoy brushed past him, his voice dropping to the lowest level. "There are still some loose ends from Umbridge's matter. The dragon egg hatching was reported to her by a soon-to-graduate Slytherin student who got a Ministry job offer in return. But my father has already handled this. He asked me to tell you this is a small gesture of goodwill from the Malfoy family. We look forward to further cooperation with you in the future." After speaking, Draco Malfoy nodded and quickened his departure. His eyes flashed with depth. Umbridge's death? Malfoy actually knew about this? But he wasn't worried. This matter was already settled, with announcements already issued. So what if the Malfoy family knew partial details? It was already too late to change anything. Moreover, given their family's character, they wouldn't do anything thankless. Going after the Ministry and Hogwarts' joint announcement for the sake of Umbridge's justice? Lucius Malfoy would have to be insane. So it seemed the Malfoy family was genuinely showing goodwill. He raised an eyebrow, feeling quite emotional. The Malfoy family truly deserved their reputation for surviving so many political changes in the magical world. Their investment skills were really quite good. But he wasn't averse to this. Previous conflicts with Malfoy were child's play. Befriending such a wealthy pureblood family could be profitable. For instance, if he ever needed to find rare seeds or required large tracts of land and various resources, the Malfoy family's wealth and connections could become assets. As for what Malfoy had just mentioned about Slytherin little snakes planning to cause trouble in Defence Against the Dark Arts class, his lips curved into a playful smile. Learnt a few combat moves and thought they were capable? It seemed he needed to make them remember one thing more clearly. Badgers eat snakes! As for Marcus Flint, this fifth-year Slytherin who was eager to serve as a teaching assistant to cause trouble, cold light flashed in his eyes. He didn't mind letting Marcus Flint spend the rest of the school year in the hospital wing. Then he slowly approached the Great Hall. When his figure appeared in the Great Hall, it immediately drew many gazes. The little badgers of Hufflepuff were full of joy, waving at him. "Ciel, are you feeling better? We haven't seen you in so long!" Cedric Diggory and his Quidditch teammates whistled. "You've been absent from training too long. Ciel, you haven't gotten rusty, have you? Our championship match isn't far away!" His face also showed a smile. His nerves, tense for so long recently, relaxed as he waved back at the little badgers. He walked toward the Hufflepuff table. But before reaching it, figures suddenly blocked his path. It was Slytherin little snakes filing out. They rose from their long table, seemingly taking a detour to pass by him individually. They all looked at him with malicious intent. Some threatened in low voices. "Hope you're as brave as before. Don't pretend to be sick and not come to Defence Against the Dark Arts class later." He showed no emotional fluctuation whatsoever. Compared to the dangers he'd faced, these little snakes' self-important threats were simply laughable. He was too lazy to bother with a bunch of childish kids. Until a tall, burly figure blocked his path. It was Marcus Flint. He looked down at him with a vicious expression, saying in a low voice, "Do you think you're something special? My father sought cooperation with you, and you dared humiliate the Flint family. Seems I need to show you the worth of the Sacred Twenty-Eight." He raised an eyebrow. "Sacred Twenty-Eight? Please, besides hearing this from you and your father, I rarely hear this obscure term. I think the other families probably find being listed alongside the Flint family quite embarrassing." Marcus Flint's forehead immediately bulged with veins, obviously reaching the peak of anger. If this weren't the Great Hall with professors dining at the staff table, and if he hadn't personally experienced his inexplicably monstrous strength and didn't dare use his usual tactics of stepping on toes and shoulder bumps in private, he would have erupted on the spot. But now Marcus Flint suppressed his anger, leaving a vicious threat. "Just wait. Defence Against the Dark Arts class doesn't allow brute force. As teaching assistant for the next class, I'll give you proper guidance in magical combat. Don't think about pretending to be sick and not coming, or I guarantee other students in your house will get some injuries. Combat practice inevitably involves getting hurt. You wouldn't want to see that, would you?" Then Marcus Flint, as if having regained face, showed a smug smile and walked toward the Great Hall exit. At this time, Cedric Diggory quickly approached him. "What did they say to you?" He shook his head. "Just barking." Cedric continued, "Don't worry, Ciel. I'm our house's teaching assistant for Defence Against the Dark Arts next period. I won't let Slytherin get too arrogant. Marcus Flint, that bully who only picks on the weak... I can take him down in a few moves." He smiled. He didn't doubt Cedric's words at all. After all, this person before him was Hogwarts' official champion in the Triwizard Tournament. As for Marcus Flint? Besides relying on his burly build and despicable fouls in Quidditch for some presence, in other subjects he wasn't worthy of tying Cedric Diggory's shoes. Even being two years older than Cedric, in magical combat Cedric could beat Marcus Flint easily. But he said meaningfully to Cedric, "No. Cedric. I hope you don't appear in this class. Just let Marcus Flint be the only teaching assistant." After hearing this, Cedric showed a surprised expression. "But that way. As the only teaching assistant, he'd have ample reason to 'guide' Hufflepuff. He'd have the opportunity to..." After a moment, Cedric suddenly paused. His gaze became cunning. He knew what he wanted to do. If he didn't go, Marcus Flint could naturally guide Hufflepuff and take revenge. But for him, wasn't this also an opportunity? Cedric remembered the scene at the previous Quidditch match when he planned to crush Slytherin. He had the same expression then. Just as he trusted Cedric's abilities, Cedric also had almost absolute confidence in him, this first-year little badger. After all, he had created enough miracles already. Marcus Flint? What was he? So Cedric patted his shoulder. "Then it's up to you. Go all out. Speaking of which, hmph... Recently in combat practice, our house has suffered quite a few losses. It's up to you to give those idiots an unforgettable lesson." Then Cedric very cooperatively slipped dramatically when returning to his seat. He said loudly, "My foot can't walk. I probably can't serve as a teaching assistant for today's Defence Against the Dark Arts class." Friends nearby quickly helped Cedric to his seat. Someone actively suggested, "Should I go instead?" Cedric immediately grabbed his hand. "Don't you have other classes today? And you, don't you have a stomachache? I think missing one class as a teaching assistant won't cause any big trouble. Better take leave." Under Cedric's gaze, the upper-year little badgers hesitated briefly but chose to trust Cedric. "Then... alright." Then Cedric winked at him, indicating he'd handled it. He also showed a smile and some emotion. Cedric at this time already displayed leadership qualities. Even little badgers in higher years were quite convinced by Cedric. In another two years, probably all of Hogwarts would be convinced by Cedric. No wonder in the original story, even the famous Harry Potter couldn't match Cedric's support rate in the Triwizard Tournament. If not for his early death, Cedric's future prospects would have been limitless. Taking a deep breath, changing these things still wasn't enough. He needed to quickly get to Drear Island and obtain Puking Pastilles. At this time, he also felt a gaze from the staff table sweep over him briefly. His heart became alert as he deeply suppressed all emotions. At the staff table, Quirrell sipped pumpkin juice while conversing with Voldemort in his mind. "Master. During this time I've followed your instructions, making disturbances in the Defence Against the Dark Arts class to divert Dumbledore's attention from Ciel's island exploration. Since he returned today, he seems to have made some progress. Do I need to cancel today's Defence Against the Dark Arts combat practice? I see those little snakes seem to want to cause trouble for him." Then Voldemort's cold voice rang in Quirrell's mind. "No need to interfere. With his strength, he doesn't need protection. These self-important little snakes are mediocre... giving them a lesson would be good. This way they'll know what's truly worth following, instead of being obsessed with these children's games. As for him..." Voldemort's tone rose. "Power is an addiction. When he experiences the benefits of following me. When he can casually trample these mediocre peers underfoot. He'll never be able to tolerate mediocrity again. This chess piece will become even more devoted to me." Quirrell quickly said, "Everything is within master's grasp. He, this boy, being so valued by master is his supreme honour. When he learns the truth, he'll definitely be grateful." At this time, feeling the gaze on him had moved away, he breathed a slight sigh of relief. Sharp light flashed through his eyes as he warned himself. "Endure a little longer, just a little longer. The end of term isn't far away. After this school year, there won't be Voldemort at Hogwarts anymore. Next time we meet should be during the Goblet of Fire... By then I'll be completely different and won't need to be so cautious." Then his gaze fell on the little badgers he'd been away from for so long. Besides happiness at his return, their faces showed undisguisable traces of worry. He asked curiously, "What's wrong with you all? Why are you so listless even while eating?" Hannah Abbott swayed her pigtails and sighed. "Of course it's because we have Defence Against the Dark Arts class again today. Recent Defence Against the Dark Arts classes have included combat practice. Gryffindor and Slytherin are thrilled. But we've suffered quite a few losses... we keep losing in combat practice with other houses. Recently we've been laughed at, saying so what if we lead in house points? Hufflepuff is just weak." Susan Bones was also dejected, forcefully cutting a piece of steak as if venting her anger on it. "Other houses would be one thing. But today's Defence Against the Dark Arts class is against Slytherin." She bit her lip tightly, determination showing in her eyes. "Losing to other houses doesn't matter. I just don't want to lose to Slytherin. Those evil bastards all came from Slytherin." He looked at Susan Bones, understanding dawning. Susan's parents had died at Antonin Dolohov's hands. Everyone knew that executioner was from Slytherin. Susan not wanting to lose to Slytherin in combat practice was perfectly normal. Many little badgers in Hufflepuff had relatives hurt by Death Eaters. After all, Hufflepuff produced the most wizards. No house had suffered more damage in that war than Hufflepuff. Little badgers weren't competitive by nature. But some things, even for these innocent children, they didn't want to give up. Losing to Slytherin in Defence Against the Dark Arts class, which had such significant meaning, was unacceptable for many hurt little badgers. But they also understood that in terms of ability, little badgers who weren't good at fighting really couldn't match little snakes who were naturally enthusiastic about such things. This made the little badgers somewhat discouraged. He looked at Hufflepuff's low atmosphere and, after thinking briefly, said, "Do you trust me? I have a way to make you beat down those little snakes." Hearing this, the little badgers' eyes brightened. "Really?" He smiled. "When have I ever lied to you?" The little badgers' eyes grew even brighter. Indeed. Whether with the Lumos Charm or Transfiguration, his guidance had always been effective. Moreover, from the beginning of school until now, he had led them to victory again and again. Unknowingly, he had become the backbone of the first-year little badgers. Susan Bones nodded firmly, gritting her teeth. "As long as it's something you say, Ciel, I'll believe it." He nodded, then said seriously, "Actually, you already have a good foundation in Transfiguration. In terms of magical mastery, you're not inferior to Slytherin... you're even higher. But in combat, it's not just magical mastery that decides everything... experience, momentum, and determination to win are also important. However, for Defence Against the Dark Arts combat practice, if you do one thing well, you'll very likely win." The little badgers asked in confusion. "What thing?" He said softly, "Eyes. Stare at their eyes, don't look away under any circumstances, and don't be afraid to meet their gaze. Slytherin are all bullies who fear the strong. When you're not afraid of them, they should be afraid of you." The little badgers were stunned. They hadn't expected his solution to be so simple. Just maintain eye contact? But immediately after, trusting him, the little badgers all nodded firmly. Susan Bones also gripped her wand tightly. She was already widening her eyes now. At this time, class time was approaching. He and the little badgers walked toward the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom. Slytherin students had already arrived early. They were all talking boastfully or wearing malicious smiles while fingering their wands. When the little badgers entered, the little snakes all cast mocking looks their way. His words echoed in the little badgers' minds. Each little badger widened their eyes and glared back fiercely. This stunned the little snakes. "What? Why are you glaring at us?" The little badgers said nothing. They just continued staring at the little snakes' eyes without blinking. In moments, most little snakes couldn't maintain their mocking, playful expressions. They somewhat guiltily looked away. He watched with mockery in his eyes. Fierce in appearance but weak inside... nothing more than this. The little badgers felt reassured. What he said was indeed true. When they glared at the little snakes, the snakes themselves became afraid. They weren't as strong as they claimed to be. They were all quite weak! Malfoy coldly observed this scene, already reaching his conclusion. "Mixing with these worms. It would be strange if they could do well!" Just then, Marcus Flint entered as a teaching assistant. Seeing this scene, he frowned. He said loudly, "Class is starting. What are you doing?!" But he had no intention of returning to his seat. Instead, he turned around and coldly glanced at Marcus Flint. He didn't move. The little badgers also didn't move a step. Each turned around and stared intently at Marcus Flint. This time, panic flickered in the depths of Marcus Flint's gaze. An unbelievable thought roared in his mind. Were these little badgers going to rebel?!