Magnus gave the Slytherins a minute's head start before pushing his plate aside and slipping out of the hall.
His Zorua hopped from one shoulder to the other like it could already sense the oncoming mischief.
The dungeons were just as grim as he expected, having been here for detention the previous week.
Still, you never got used to it... not if you weren't one of them.
The deeper he went, the more the air grew damp. The flickering torches barely managed to hold back the gloom. It was like the castle itself knew that this part of Hogwarts belonged to Slytherin.
Magnus kept a measured pace, just enough to remain in earshot of the group ahead. Malfoy's unmistakable drawl carried through the corridor, full of self-importance.
He was already burning to get under the idiot's skin, but they weren't at the entrance of their common room yet... He wanted to be sure he was in Snape's domain before provoking this lot. He couldn't risk some other teacher intervening—that wouldn't serve his plan.
"…obviously the best house. Everyone knows that. My father says—"
Magnus smirked as he saw the students gathered ahead. This had to be the entrance to the Slytherin dormitory... Even better, Draco seemed to have decided to give him the perfect words to announce his presence.
"Well, of course, it's the best," he said loudly, making sure his voice carried. "I mean, who wouldn't want to live in a cold, wet basement surrounded by sewage from the rest of the school? Very… refined."
The Slytherins halted. Five pairs of eyes turned to him at once and then to his blue Ravenclaw robes, as if the sight of them here was an abomination.
The group took almost thirty seconds as if processing what the hell a Ravenclaw was doing this deep in the castle.
Malfoy was the first to sneer. "You must be lost, dude."
Despite the feigned courage, Magnus could detect a hint of uncertainty in Malfoy's tone.
He didn't blame him. A little self-doubt was allowed—respectable even—especially when the opponent stared you at the top of your head. Magnus easily looked like a third-year without trying.
He smiled as he came to a stop near the group, which was made up of Crabbe, Goyle, and two more Slytherin first-year boys whom he did not know yet.
"Not lost, stupid... This is the most easily avoidable place. I am just curious." He glanced around theatrically. "I've heard so much about Slytherin, but I guess I expected more. I mean, the way people talk, you'd think this house was legendary."
One of the boys he didn't know scoffed. "It is legendary. Slytherin has produced some of the greatest wizards in history."
Magnus looked up suddenly in mock surprise. "Oh, you mean that wizard? The one who liked to wear a snake on his neck... What was his name again?" He snapped his fingers. "Right. Vold-something," he said, smiling at the mixture of shock and hatred on their faces. "Heard the poor guy was blown off by a toddler... pffft." He threw his hand up to mimic a baby's tantrum.
His Zorua let out what could only be a happy squeal, like it was enjoying the antagonizing and wanted to be a part of it.
It seemed, however, that he had gone too far.
The reaction was instant. The boy who had spoken flinched. Another Slytherin inhaled sharply. Even Malfoy's smug expression faltered.
Magnus continued as if he hadn't noticed. "Bit embarrassing, really. Imagine that being your house's biggest achievement."
Malfoy's face twisted in anger. "Says a pathetic Ravenclaw," he snapped. His anger seemed to give him some balls. "Slytherin is the most powerful house. Everyone knows that."
Magnus raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what exactly makes it so powerful?"
"We win," Malfoy shot back. "Every year."
Magnus let out a small hum, as if deep in thought. "Ohhh, right—the House Cup. I have heard about that. Funny, though… people seem to mention something else along with it." He glanced at Malfoy, tilting his head. "Something about a certain professor who just happens to be the one handing you points even for snoring properly."
A ripple of anger moved through the group. One boy clenched his fists. Another reached for his wand but stopped himself.
Magnus pretended not to notice, but inwardly, he debated whether he was being too reckless. He knew Draco had no qualms about hitting him with some hex, and unfortunately for him, that was one thing he had no clue about.
His Zorua jumped on top of his head for a better view, but he reached for it and held it by his side. That way, he could take it out of a hex's way in the event they started flying around.
'Let's hope it doesn't come to that...' But he needed more attention to get Snape summoned, and from the look of the students increasing around them, they were close to getting it.
He had to keep going.
"Oh, don't play dumb now... Even your Head of House knows you can't win in a fair game... Why else do you think he robs points from other houses?"
That did it.
A boy who clearly wasn't a first-year took a step forward, wand half-raised. "Say that again."
Magnus grinned, his Zorua's fur bristling as it struggled on his chest.
He had them exactly where he wanted them... which also meant it was the farthest he could push this.
'Come on, idiot... Where are you, Snape?' he thought as he watched that menacing wand. He was certain that if he said it again, a hex would be coming his way... but still, he had to keep it going. He couldn't back out now.
But before anyone could make another move, that cold voice sliced through the air like a whip.
"What is going on here?"
Magnus didn't know whether to say 'Thank heavens' or 'Crap.'
He forced himself not to turn.
Slow, deliberate footsteps echoed down the hall. The Slytherins straightened at once, their anger quickly shifting into something more cautious.
Magnus could now see the man from the corner of his eye, his black robes sweeping behind him as he stopped near them. His expression was unreadable, but his gaze landed first on the boy with the drawn wand, then on Magnus.
Magnus kept his face carefully blank.
"Explain." Snape's voice was soft, but there was no mistaking the underlying menace.
The senior boy hesitated. He didn't seem to have a ready defense for drawing a wand against a first-year when the said first-year had no wand in his hands at all.
Magnus, sensing the doubt, spoke first. "Just having a friendly chat, Professor," he said smoothly. "I was curious about Slytherin's history and success. They were kind enough to educate me."
A few of the Slytherins looked ready to explode, but Snape's expression didn't change. His gaze flicked to the raised wand, then back to Magnus.
"You had better put that away, Ordel," he said, addressing the senior student before turning to Magnus.
"You. Follow me."
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