The dormitory door slowly opened. Soft moonstone light streamed through the crack, illuminating the path ahead.
However.
Tiger suddenly stopped.
"Hey, who are you?"
He blinked instinctively.
The fierce malice between his brows instantly vanished. Replaced by joyful, gentle warmth. His lips curved upward slightly.
An elegantly postured black panther sat quietly not far away. Seemingly waiting for something.
Deep, smooth fur—like carefully woven black silk. Under the soft light from the doorway, it reflected starlight-like glimmers.
Sensing Tiger's arrival, emerald eyes suddenly turned toward him.
Deep, cool beast eyes like two carefully carved gems gleamed in the dim dormitory corridor.
They held both scrutiny and playfulness toward the strange visitor. Flickering with light where wisdom and wildness intertwined.
"You're really beautiful..."
Tiger couldn't help murmuring.
He didn't approach rashly. As if afraid of startling this lovely, elegant little creature.
However, the panther suddenly stood up. Walking leisurely toward Tiger with its tail slightly raised.
Powerful limbs and flexible waist rose and fell gently. Every step revealed innate nobility and grace.
Beauty from wildness and strength emerged naturally—like a ghost in the night. More like the most noble queen among felines.
"Who's your owner, little one?"
Tiger crouched down, gazing at this big cat with fascination. The panther stopped in front of Tiger. Sat down properly. Tilted its head to look at him.
Fluffy round ears trembled slightly. As if issuing an invitation. Tiger couldn't resist reaching out. Slowly stroking the big cat's head.
The panther's body trembled slightly.
It seemed somewhat uncomfortable, but still endured. Tilting its head to nuzzle Tiger's palm.
"He's one lucky bastard..."
Envious, contented sighs arose quietly.
Slightly curved fingertips moved along the panther's neck in an extremely slow, gentle manner.
The big cat gradually relaxed.
Its fluffy round ears gently flattened back. Eyes half-closed. Purring contentedly.
"Holding you would definitely be comfortable."
After who knows how long, Tiger finally stood up reluctantly. Fondness and gentle light lingering in his eyes.
The big cat stared at Tiger's eyes. Emerald beast pupils showing a hint of curiosity.
"Such a shame... Go back to your owner quickly. We'll see each other tomorrow."
Tiger shook his head with some regret.
If this big cat belonged to some professor, he'd definitely steal it. But obviously, appearing in the boys' dormitory corridor, it must be some little snake's pet.
Though Shelbys weren't good people, they weren't low enough to steal kids' things...
After bending down to pet the big cat's head again, Tiger reluctantly walked toward the prefect's room.
However, to his surprise—the big cat actually followed him step by step. Its moist nose twitching slightly. As if he were the bad owner who'd lost a pet...
"Can't find your owner?" Tiger looked at the big cat. Realization flashing in his eyes.
But then he happily curved his lips.
"Then rest at my place tonight. I'll help you find your owner tomorrow morning."
As he spoke, he pushed open the dormitory door. The big cat followed him in. Smelling the scents inside, the big cat purred contentedly.
"You're really too cute~"
Tiger couldn't help rubbing the big cat's cheeks again. But this time, the big cat struggled free with some disdain. Stepping with light, elegant cat steps to jump onto the sofa.
"Alright, you can rest now."
Tiger wasn't surprised by the big cat's sudden disdain. Feline temperaments were always fickle. But that was exactly their unique charm.
He didn't continue indulging.
Instead, he removed his outer clothes and headed to the washroom. Planning to thoroughly wash off the pumpkin smell...
Water sounds in the washroom gradually ceased.
As the door opened, mist poured out. Tiger walked barefoot from the washroom.
"Ah, I hate pumpkin smell."
Tiger casually dried his hair with a towel.
The big cat's eyes widened suddenly. Emerald pupils staring straight at Tiger. The originally cool, aloof beast eyes gradually filled with haze and mist.
It never expected this bastard would actually...
This was too shameful! Too embarrassing!
This... was too wonderful!!!
(′?｀)zzz(¤n¤)
Night deepened further.
Firelight from the hearth shone through grate gaps. Casting flickering shadows that added gentleness and warmth to the quiet room.
Tiger tossed the towel toward the table. He merely glanced at the pajamas draped over the chair back. Then walked carelessly to the bed and lay down.
"Good night, little one~"
After one last look at the big cat that looked elegant even while sleeping, Tiger yawned and closed his eyes.
With the crackling of burning wood in the fireplace, soft snoring gradually arose from the dim, quiet bed curtains.
Emerald beast eyes suddenly appeared.
The panther silently walked down from the sofa. Stepping with light cat steps toward Tiger's bed.
As if observing something, the big cat tilted its head and watched Tiger for a long time. Before gently climbing onto the bed edge. Snuggling beside Tiger and slowly lying down. Its fluffy tail curled shyly into its belly.
Listening to the long breathing beside its ear, the big cat unconsciously nuzzled its head into Tiger's embrace. Purring pleasantly.
Feeling the comfort in his arms, Tiger's lips curved slightly. He casually pulled the big cat completely into his embrace.
The big cat's movements suddenly froze. Emerald beast eyes looked at Tiger with slight panic. But what met its gaze was still that quiet, steady sleeping face.
As if sighing with relief, the flexible, slender body gradually relaxed. The big cat buried its head in Tiger's neck. Greedily sniffing the scent there. Gradually closing its eyes...
[Good night, my beast.]
Next morning.
When Tiger woke up, the big cat had completely disappeared from the room.
But Venom was quite clear about this.
Learning the big cat had left before dawn, Tiger sighed with some loss.
For some reason, sleeping while holding the big cat felt like being back home—exceptionally peaceful and comfortable.
However, he soon put this matter aside.
Regarding last night's events, Slytherin students were still whispering discussions.
Male prefect Burstrode also approached Tiger after lunch ended. Speaking with a somewhat grave tone:
"Father, I received a letter from my family. Slytherin's Chamber was opened fifty years ago. A female student died."
"The Ministry of Magic pushed forward a scapegoat to appease public anger. That gamekeeper."
"Hagrid?"
Tiger's tone rose. Carrying somewhat incredulous amusement and sympathy.
It wasn't that he looked down on Hagrid.
Anyone with any understanding of Hagrid wouldn't consider him a murderer.
You could call him ridiculously stupid, but you couldn't say he was thoroughly bad—he wasn't worthy of that.
It was just his half-blood giant identity that made him dispensable in the higher-ups' eyes.
Unlucky enough.
"Let's go ask that guy. What exactly is that thing in the wall."
With that, Tiger led male prefect Burstrode and Theodore out of the Great Hall...
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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