บท 106: Chapter 106: Greenhouse and Thunderstorm
Slytherin Dormitory
"So, you're saying you not only hung Harry upside down but also Ron?" Ino asked curiously, looking at Draco.
This conversation happened about fifteen minutes ago when Draco, looking very pleased with himself, had pushed open the dormitory door and started eagerly recounting his shining moment.
Although most of his tale was filled with flamboyant language, Ino managed to extract the key details.
"Yes! That's exactly right! I hung both of them up." Draco nodded emphatically.
"You have no idea how dangerous it was. Scarhead threw countless spells at me. If it weren't for my quick reflexes... Oh, and that red-haired pauper, he jumped out when he saw Scarhead being hung up and tried to sneak attack me!"
"He didn't even consider his own skills and still tried to ambush me? I dodged again and then with a flick of my wrist, hung him up too. It's a pity, though, that they were both wearing underwears..." Draco muttered, his tone full of regret.
This was an epic scene, and Ino somewhat regretted not attending.
No one could have imagined that the events of fifteen years ago would be recreated in a fairer duel.
One could only marvel at fate.
"It seems Professor Snape is destined for a good night's sleep tonight!" Ino remarked softly.
"How do you know?" Draco asked in surprise, then continued:
"But you're right, Professor Snape actually smiled! Merlin! Flint and the others said that in all seven years they've been at the castle, they've never seen Professor Snape smile! But today, he did, and he looked quite nice when he smiled..."
...
Time quietly passed by.
The Dueling Club incident became the hot topic among all the young wizards in the castle.
Even though a week had passed, the excitement had not waned.
It couldn't be helped. Since the start of the school year in September, nothing significant had happened in the castle. All the mischievous young wizards were holding back their energy, so when it finally burst forth, the aftermath was enormous.
Outside the Castle: Greenhouse No. 5
It was the last class of the day at 4 PM. Professor Pomona had just assigned an essay on Bubotuber Pods and then opened the greenhouse door, signaling to the young wizards that class was over and they could leave if they wished.
Of course, those who wanted to stay and continue observing could do so as well.
Neville and Ino were among the few who stayed.
"Ino, we have a lot of Bubotuber Pods in our garden. When I missed my parents as a child, I'd hide in the garden and touch each shiny pod with my fingers, watching them bloom into pink flowers."
Although talking about a sad memory, Neville's expression remained optimistic and sunny.
Ino looked at Neville beside him, finding it hard to believe that the chubby little boy who used to cry at the greenhouse door had almost transformed into a bright, sunny boy.
"I envy you. Your family grows Bubotuber Pods. When I was little, all I had was a stick to hit canola flowers," Ino said, following Neville's lead.
As he finished speaking, Neville suddenly became serious:
"Ino, do you have time this Christmas? My grandmother and uncle would like to invite you to the Longbottom manor. We could visit my little garden; I've planted a lot of interesting things there."
"I'm not sure!" Ino shook his head helplessly. Christmas always gave him a headache.
To be honest, although he had lived in England for about ten years, he still wasn't used to visiting other people's homes or staying over.
But rejecting sincere invitations from friends always felt like hurting them.
Sure enough, upon hearing a response similar to last year's, Neville's expression instantly fell.
After a moment, Ino suddenly thought of a perfect solution.
"Neville! How about you come to my place for Christmas? I bought a house in Hogsmeade! I'll be inviting many friends over, though… some might be from Slytherin."
Neville's expression brightened up like a withered plant meeting rain upon hearing the invitation.
"That sounds great! As for Slytherins, honestly, I don't really hate Malfoy. It's my own fault for being weak. My grandmother also said that if I don't change, even if it's not Malfoy, someone else—or even a Gryffindor—would bully me."
As Neville spoke, Ino observed his calm expression when mentioning Draco, as if he were swatting away mosquitoes on a summer night.
This was understandable, largely thanks to Lucius Malfoy. During the Death Eater's rampage, Lucius had shrewdly avoided doing anything too outrageous.
Overall, the Malfoy family hadn't made mortal enemies. If it were the Lestranges, Neville might already be drawing Gryffindor's sword.
Of course, if you dug deeper, both Bellatrix and Narcissa were from the Black family. But if you went down that route, the intermarriages among pure-blood families would be endless, possibly even looping back to the Longbottoms.
Though Ino was lost in thought, he assured Neville after he finished speaking:
"Then it's settled. We'll meet at the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade, and I'll pick you up."
"The Three Broomsticks? Doesn't your house have a fireplace?" Neville looked surprised.
"Fireplace!" Ino was suddenly startled. He seemed to have forgotten about this crucial feature since he hadn't planned on hosting visitors.
"Alright, I forgot about Floo Powder and fireplaces, but..."
Before he could finish, a loud 'boom' echoed from outside the greenhouse.
"Sorry, Neville! We'll talk another time. I have something to deal with."
Leaving these words behind, Ino quickly ran out of the greenhouse. If he hadn't misheard, that sound must have been thunder in the distance.
Sure enough, stepping outside the greenhouse, he saw the western sky of the castle, as if an invisible giant hand had wound it tight.
The clouds hung low, heavy as lead, seemingly ready to envelop the entire world in their shadow.
Without further thought, Ino swiftly made his way to the castle. He needed to prepare everything before dark and inform Professor McGonagall.
Yet, some things are always unexpected. Just as he reached the castle gates, he saw Professor McGonagall standing in the entrance hall with a resigned expression.
"I knew it! When I saw the second-year timetable..." Professor McGonagall's tone was slightly reproachful but also somewhat gratified.
"Quick, get the potion. I'll be waiting for you by the Whomping Willow, at the Black Lake dock. Remember, don't rush into anything. Bring the potion to me first for inspection!"
"Thank you, Professor! I'll be right there," Ino replied quickly and headed into the castle without looking back.
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