The week after the Valentine's Day fiasco, Hogwarts slowly returned to its usual rhythm—well, as usual as Hogwarts could ever be. Lockhart, still traumatized by Snape's "conversation," had taken an indefinite leave "to recover his artistic inspiration." In his absence, Professor Snape temporarily became the substitute Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor.
Roy took full advantage of this unexpected change. For the first time, Snape's lessons were sharp, efficient, and genuinely useful. There were no dramatic flourishes or misplaced autographs—only pure, precise knowledge about curses, counter-curses, and defense strategy. Roy sat at the front row, quietly taking notes, and Snape, noticing his attentiveness, occasionally shared extra details about wand control and dueling focus.
"Mr. Valvas," Snape murmured once during a practical session, "your control is… unnervingly steady. Keep it that way."Roy only smiled. "Thank you, Professor."
After that, Snape never deducted a single point from Hufflepuff for the rest of the term—an achievement worthy of the Daily Prophet's front page.
Yet Hogwarts' peace didn't last. A few days later, another student was found petrified. Whispers returned to the corridors, and the Ministry began pressing Dumbledore for answers. Even the noble Valvas family's influence couldn't calm the rising fear.
Among the students, however, Harry Potter refused to stay idle. Convinced the Chamber of Secrets was real and that the Heir of Slytherin still roamed free, he and Ron came up with a reckless plan involving Polyjuice Potion.
It took weeks of brewing, sneaking ingredients, and near-misses with Filch. When the potion was finally ready, Harry, Ron, and Hermione each drank their share. Harry and Ron transformed into Crabbe and Goyle perfectly—but Hermione's result was… unexpected.
Later that evening, in the library, Roy sat surrounded by Cassandra Vole, Astoria Greengrass, Daphne Greengrass, Penelope Clearwater, and Cho Chang, reading quietly. The soft turning of pages was broken when Goyle—looking unusually nervous—approached.
"Roy," he muttered, "Hermione needs your help… in the girls' bathroom."
Roy didn't even glance up. "Ah, I see. You might want to work on your disguise, Harry."
Harry froze.Roy smirked. "Your posture's too confident for Goyle. Next time, slouch more."
Harry's eyes widened. "You knew?"Roy simply said, "I always know," and returned to his book.
Moments later, Roy stood before Moaning Myrtle's bathroom, accompanied by the curious group of girls who had followed him. After knocking gently, Myrtle peeked out with her usual dramatic sigh.
"Who dares disturb my eternal sorrow?" she asked.Roy replied, "Someone who needs my help… and your bathroom."
Inside, Hermione sat by a cauldron, her hair puffed, her face slightly feline, and—most noticeably—two soft cat ears twitching atop her head. Her tail flicked behind her in embarrassment.
"Roy," she said miserably, "it went wrong. I think I'm—""A cat? No," Roy interrupted softly, tapping his wand. A faint light covered Hermione, returning her nearly to normal—except for the ears and tail, which remained.
Hermione blinked. "You failed?"Roy grinned. "On the contrary. I succeeded. Consider it… poetic justice for reckless potion brewing."
He reached out and lightly petted one of her ears. Hermione's protest melted into an involuntary purr, cheeks pink with mortification.
Behind them, the other girls exchanged amused, blushing glances.Astoria whispered, "So… he likes that sort of thing."Daphne smirked. "Good to know."
Roy stood, folding his arms. "Punishment: one day. No hiding the ears until tomorrow. Maybe it'll teach you not to brew experimental potions without supervision."
Hermione sighed but nodded. "Fine. One day."
As they left the bathroom, Myrtle floated above, giggling. "Oh, young love and magical mistakes. Hogwarts never changes."
Roy smiled faintly. For all the chaos, the Chamber's mystery, and the ministry's interference—moments like these reminded him why Hogwarts was worth protecting.