After the Slytherin-Hufflepuff match, the atmosphere in the school grew increasingly tense.
Although Professors Snape and McGonagall appeared indifferent in public, behind closed doors, Professor McGonagall had reserved the Quidditch pitch for three days, and the Weasley brothers were training there every day.
Professor Snape, on the other hand, had granted the Slytherin players a week's exemption from homework!
This had caused a stir among students from both houses, and the upcoming competition now seemed like a full-fledged wizarding duel.
The students began to compare the situation to the legendary duel between Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin.
It was becoming clear that Slytherin had a true heir, and there seemed to be something off about Godric Gryffindor's thousand-year-old legacy…
Previously, the Gryffindors would turn heads wherever they went, but now they were met with indifference.
Meanwhile, the Slytherins, along with Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff students, were beginning to draw closer together, hoping for Slytherin to triumph over Gryffindor.
As they interacted, the students noticed that the Slytherins were not as paranoid, eccentric, or difficult to communicate with as rumored. In fact, a decent Slytherin was not evil, just somewhat arrogant.
Over the past few days, the status of Slytherin had risen – not because of any specific actions, but because their peers were elevating them.
Monday noon, Slytherin long table.
After a sixth-year Ravenclaw girl approached Moriarty, Jericho eagerly rushed over to him and presented several badges in front of him.
"The props made by the Ravenclaw seniors are really interesting," Jericho said with a grin.
These badges were large, shiny, and reflective.
On each one was a portrait of Moriarty riding a broom on the Quidditch pitch, in motion, flying high.
Each badge also had the same words printed on it, glowing bright red as if they were on fire.
Lilith turned her head and read aloud the words: "Mr. Moriarty beats up the Weasley brothers!"
The Slytherin students gathered around, curious, and smiled as they looked at it.
"Look, sir, there's more!" Jericho pressed the badge, and the words vanished, only to be replaced by a new line, shining brightly: "The snake ate the lion. Pull out a big pile of shit!"
"Hahahaha!" Laughter erupted from the Slytherin table as the little snakes doubled over with amusement. Even Leon, who usually maintained proper table manners, threw his head back and laughed.
"Big shit, big shit!" Ralbo and Keith banged their spoons on their plates in glee. "Gryffindor is stinky shit! A dung lion!"
A few Ravenclaw students at the adjacent table raised their goblets and lightly tapped them together, drinking their juice with amusement.
The Gryffindors were seething. Wood stood up, ready to march over to the Slytherin table and throw the badge at Jericho's head, but Charlie quickly restrained him.
Gradually, the laughter from Lalbo and Keith began to die down. They suddenly realized something and stopped talking. They glanced at Moriarty, whose eyes had grown cold, and fell silent.
The little snakes turned their attention to Moriarty. Among all the students, only Moriarty could have performed such a mysterious magic.
"A game, and you come up with these disgusting methods?" Moriarty's voice was filled with disdain.
"If I were just an ordinary Slytherin student, I would enjoy seeing Gryffindor being trampled underfoot and mocked!"
Moriarty's gaze swept across the room, cold and unwavering.
"But do you forget my identity? I am the true heir of Slytherin! Hogwarts is my home and the work of my ancestors.
Everything here is tied to me. Every student in this castle holds special significance to me. Their existence acknowledges the Slytherin legacy!
Despite the constant rivalry between Gryffindor and Slytherin, I do not condone some of Gryffindor's actions. But insulting Gryffindor is an insult to the founders – an insult to me! And I treat all four houses equally on this matter."
Moriarty's tone grew stern: "Ravenclaw? Gryffindor took advantage of the rules to defeat you, so you retaliate like this?
I've seen countless people who will do anything to win, but what's the point of your actions? To see Gryffindor fail? Even if it's at their expense?
Have you considered how this affects the school's collective honor and the relationships between the houses?
It may seem trivial, making badges, but it can cause irreparable damage to our relationships. Have you thought about that before you act?"
Moriarty's words were deliberate, and each one struck with precision.
The Gryffindors and Ravenclaws lowered their heads in shame, their faces flushed with guilt.
Bill Weasley gave Moriarty a serious look before standing up and silently leaving the table. The Gryffindor students followed him out.
However, Bill didn't head back to the Gryffindor common room. Instead, he walked to the door of the Headmaster's office, spoke the password, and entered.
Dumbledore was engaged in conversation with the portraits of past headmasters when Bill arrived. Seeing him, Dumbledore smiled gently and said, "I would like to hear your thoughts on Mr. Moriarty."
"Slytherin House will thrive under his leadership. He will never become a dark wizard," Bill replied confidently.
"Very well, my boy, go on back," Dumbledore said, his expression neutral.
Bill seemed to hesitate before continuing, "Professor, what about Professor Randy for next year?"
Dumbledore interrupted him with a soft chuckle, "I'll speak with him. As for you, I understand Professor McGonagall has arranged a training match for you this afternoon. Best prepare."
Bill nodded wisely and left the office.
As the door closed, Bill overheard the portrait of Phineas Nigellus Black arguing loudly with Dumbledore: "I told you, Dumbledore! Hogwarts will flourish in Moriarty's hands! Even Gryffindor students can see it."
Once Bill left, the conversation inside the office faded, and he returned to his own business.
Soon after, Professors McGonagall and Snape entered the office.
"What do you think about the conflict between the houses?" Dumbledore asked seriously.
"If you ask me," Professor Snape replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "it's all Bill Weasley's fault! You've had him away for more than nine months, and you never once explained his mission to us!
Now he comes back, remembering to fulfill his duties as team captain and student council president?"
Snape's sneer turned sharp as he glared at Dumbledore. "There's been centuries of friction between Gryffindor and Slytherin, but never anything like this! What's happened now?"
To Snape, the answer seemed simple: "Deduct points! Put Bill Weasley in detention! Remove him from the Quidditch team!"
Professor McGonagall sharply interjected, "I see no reason why Bill should be removed from the team."
"I believe that children's affairs should be left to the children themselves," Dumbledore said, his tone thoughtful as he interlaced his fingers. "So far, Mr. Moriarty has handled this well."
"He truly lives up to the name of Slytherin!" Professor McGonagall's expression softened, and she gave a nod of approval. "I think we can trust him."
Snape silently recalled the shampoo Moriarty had given him and briefly closed his eyes, before muttering something under his breath.
Dumbledore remained silent, and the room fell into a quiet stillness.