Chapitre 23: 23
Chapter 23: Jokes and Secrets
With an official name established, the group that had recently formed suddenly felt more official. They discussed a few details together—for instance, new members required unanimous consent, respecting each other's belongings, and standing by SSC members in encounters with professors or other students.
Initially, Wade had regarded it all as a bit of a game—why set rules for a small group that could disband at any moment? But everyone else took it seriously, which left Wade feeling somewhat peculiar.
It was as if he had truly joined some secretive organization.
...
"Rue was used as an antidote in ancient Greece and was rediscovered in the 16th century AD. Its medicinal properties include: stem and leaf extracts expel toxins—pollen can counteract the venomous gas emitted by Basilisks. Rue can be widely cultivated, but care must be taken—"
Wade placed the final letter on parchment, completing yesterday's Herbology homework. He'd finished assignments for other subjects soon after class. He double-checked grammar, let the ink dry, then rolled up the parchment.
"Wade, done with your homework?" Hermione approached.
"Yeah."
"I need to talk to you." Hermione lowered her voice.
They moved to a corner, and Wade cast a silencing charm. "Ears closed, but ears open."
No matter how loudly they spoke, others only heard faint buzzing.
Wade studied Hermione's worried expression. "What's up?"
"Two afternoons ago, Malfoy challenged Harry to a midnight duel in the trophy room. I knew immediately he had bad intentions because he lacked the courage!" Hermione's anger flared. "But silly Lee and Ron ignored my advice, all for boyish pride—they were so selfish! Didn't even think about losing points if caught!"
Hermione took deep breaths, controlling her anger. "Anyway, that's not the point—luckily, we weren't caught, barely—"
"—'We'?" Wade caught on.
"Yes. While trying to stop their stupidity, I got locked out of the common room and had to join them." Hermione frowned in disgust. "Malfoy didn't even show up at the trophy room. Instead, he tipped off Filch—a despicable act! And when we fled, we stumbled upon a locked room—"
Hermione lowered her voice. "Wade, remember what Professor Dumbledore said at the start of term?"
Wade recalled Dumbledore's speech being brief. What stood out most—
"Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!"?
"No, not that!" Hermione rolled her eyes. "It was—'Anyone not wanting a nasty accident should avoid the fourth-floor corridor.'"
"—You went to the fourth floor?" Wade remembered. "What did you see?"
"Yes. We stumbled upon the fourth floor and saw—a..." Hermione swallowed, fear evident. "A three-headed dog as big as a house!"
"How did you survive?" Wade was speechless. He hadn't expected Hermione and the others to start having adventures so soon. "I recall reading about such creatures. Though today's three-headed dog isn't the legendary hellhound, its teeth can crush skulls easily, with corrosive venom. Injuries from its bite are hard to heal."
"At first, it didn't notice us. Then it roared and nearly pounced—we barely escaped!" Hermione clenched her fists, trembling. "The school actually—actually keeps such a dangerous creature in the castle! Unbelievable! Even if it's meant to guard something, what if another reckless student stumbles in? Doesn't the school care about ordinary students' safety?"
Wade attempted humor. "Maybe the magical school has a death tally—doesn't matter how many students die, it's a lesson for others! To heed professors' warnings!"
"—That exists!" Hermione scratched her face, horrified. "But I didn't find it in 'Hogwarts: A History'—of course, such things wouldn't be in the book! It's appalling! How can the Ministry of Magic allow—"
Wade realized she took his joke seriously and hurriedly apologized. "Sorry! Hermione, I was jesting thoughtlessly. Please don't take it to heart—"
Hermione stared at him, eyes welling with tears.
Now Wade genuinely felt remorse. He'd offended an eleven-year-old girl. He swore inwardly never to repeat such thoughtless jests. "I'm sorry. I promise—never again."
Hermione gazed at him for a while before whispering, "A joke should make both laugh to be a joke."
"I understand." Wade felt ashamed. Had he, a revived man, truly become so callous to forget such a simple truth? Seeing Hermione's slight smile lightened his guilt.
"I'm not angry anymore," Hermione said dryly. "Speaking of the three-headed dog—should I talk to Professor McGonagall?"
"About the three-headed dog's safety?" Wade understood her concern immediately.
"Yes." Hermione ran a hand through her hair in frustration. "The door's only crudely sealed, openable with an unlocking spell. If curious students find out—sigh, I want to suggest stronger enchantments, but it would reveal our breach of school rules—"
"Why not consider it differently, Hermione?" Wade thought. "Maybe the door's seal is just simple to allow easy access by someone."
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone