"You must be my fan!"
A tiny beetle flew out from Rita Skeeter's collar, circled once, and finally landed steadily on Rita's shoulder.
Rita blinked at the surprised Katherine, a sly light flashing in her bright, spirited eyes.
"I told you, I'm even more famous than they imagine."
Rita showed no stage fright at all. Instead, she sized up the two young people who had just shed their disguises with great interest, her gaze lingering on Jerry for a few extra seconds.
Her emerald green Quick-Quotes Quill was already dancing excitedly in the air, as if impatient to record some earth-shattering news.
"Little Mr. Rosier... and, oh, a beautiful Slytherin lady," she said with a smile, her tone like greeting old friends. "Lying in wait here so early in the morning, did you discover something interesting? Like... a shocking conspiracy involving elves, a rigged gambling ring, and Ministry corruption?"
With just one sentence, she pointed out everything Jerry and Katherine had just spied.
Katherine's expression changed, her grip on her wand tightening.
This seemingly harmless female reporter possessed terrifying sharpness and insight.
Jerry, however, appeared very calm. He just looked at her, neither confirming nor denying.
Seeing the guarded expressions on their faces, Rita Skeeter let out a peal of silver-bell-like laughter. She waved her hand, putting away the posture of preparing for an interview: "Don't be nervous. I'm not one of those idiots from the Ministry who only know how to use Veritaserum.
I am a reporter.
I have no ill will toward you. On the contrary, I feel... we might have a common goal."
Rita pointed toward the village: "Standing here isn't the place to talk. It's getting light; I guess you're hungry too.
I know a breakfast shop. Their pumpkin pasties are excellent, and the owner is deaf, very suitable for chatting about some 'unspeakable secrets'.
How about it, do me the honor, you two?"
Seeing Jerry didn't respond immediately, Rita added a sentence, lowering her voice slightly, carrying a hint of temptation: "I can tell you who the 'elves' in that house really are.
Trust me, this intelligence is definitely worth the price of a breakfast."
Jerry exchanged a glance with Katherine, seeing the same meaning in each other's eyes.
He nodded.
"Lead the way, Miss Rita."
The breakfast shop was indeed as Rita described, located remotely with a dilapidated storefront.
But pushing open the door, a rich aroma of butter and toasted bread hit them.
The shop was empty, with only a white-haired old wizard dozing behind the counter.
Rita found a seat in the farthest corner familiarly, ordering three breakfasts from the owner with exaggerated mouth shapes and gestures.
Soon, steaming pumpkin pasties, fried bacon, and black tea were served.
"Alright, it's absolutely safe here now."
Rita took a sip of hot tea, sighed with satisfaction, then turned her gaze to Jerry. "So, little Mr. Rosier, or should I call you... the real mastermind behind this Wizard's Chess Championship underground betting pool?"
Jerry shrugged, looking noncommittal, seemingly indifferent to this accusation that would scare any underage wizard out of their wits.
"Just call me Jerry, Miss Rita."
He answered calmly, his hand under the table stroking Katherine's back soothingly, signaling her to restrain her almost uncontrollable hostility a bit.
Seeing Jerry's mature reaction, the smile on Rita Skeeter's face became even brighter, her big eyes flashing with light like discovering a rare treasure.
Rita didn't touch her pumpkin pasty. Instead, she leaned forward, elbows on the table, staring at Jerry with interest, as if appreciating an interesting piece of art.
"Jerry?
Oh, what an intimate address." Rita dragged out her tone. The emerald Quick-Quotes Quill immediately danced swish swish swish by her ear, recording something in its own notebook.
"But the word 'intimate' doesn't quite stick to the surname Rosier, does it?"
Her tone suddenly changed, becoming sharp, like a precise scalpel. "A pure-blood descendant of the Rosier family using a Muggle name like Jerry... accompanied by a Miss Katherine with an equally ancient surname... You two are much more interesting than what's recorded in those Ministry files."
Rita tapped her petite chin with her finger, continuing her performance: "Let me guess. You two Slytherin geniuses joined forces to open an underground betting pool at Hogwarts, pushing the poor Malfoy young master to the front as a shield.
You made a fortune with this pool, but ended up being targeted by another group.
They set a trap for you with even more insidious means, wanting not only to make you lose everything but also to make poor Draco take all the blame.
And behind this group, it involves... elves?"
With every sentence she spoke, Katherine's face darkened a bit more.
Rita Skeeter practically retold the results of their whole night's investigation verbatim, even adding details.
"How was it?"
Rita leaned back proudly, spreading her hands like a performer who just finished a wonderful magic trick. "Was my 'summary' adequate, Jerry?"
Rita's big eyes held a teasing smile, looking at Jerry and Katherine scrutinizingly, waiting for their reaction, as if she couldn't wait to add another "exclusive inside story" to her notebook.
The Quick-Quotes Quill beside her was even more jubilant, the tip almost rubbing out sparks.
Just then, a voice rang in Jerry's ear.
[Emergency Mission: The Elves' Pig-Butchering Scam]
[Mission Content: Thoroughly expose and destroy the real operation chain of the underground "Prophet's Pool" in Hogsmeade, stop its fraudulent behavior against innocent wizards, and ensure your true identity (including Rosier family helm, Hogwarts student, and relationship with the underground pool) is not leaked by Rita Skeeter in any way.]
[Rewards:
Mission Completion: Family Prestige +250 points.
Extra magical item reward (Unknown).
Eye of Slaanesh unlocks new ability branch (Unknown).
Mission Failure: Identity leaked, expelled from Hogwarts, even facing harsher punishment from the Ministry (including but not limited to memory erasure, wand confiscation, Azkaban imprisonment).
Family Prestige cleared to zero.]
The appearance of this mission mercilessly revealed the severity of the current situation.
Rita Skeeter, this woman, was far more dangerous than she appeared on the surface.
Jerry's calm gaze swept over Rita Skeeter's face, which seemed enthusiastic but was actually shrewd and calculating.
"Miss Rita, your information channels are indeed amazing!" Jerry said with a smile, no emotional fluctuation audible in his tone: "However, for some things, a 'summary' can't compare to 'personal experience' for excitement."
Rita signaled Katherine to put away the wand under the table, giving her an "everything is under control" look.
"I assume the common goal you mentioned isn't to publish an explosive news story in the Daily Prophet about a genius boy being scammed into bankruptcy, but... to thoroughly expose this scam, leaving those real masterminds nowhere to hide, right?"
The sarcastic smile that had been hanging on the corner of Rita's mouth finally retracted slightly.
She raised an eyebrow, a trace of genuine interest added to her gaze looking at Jerry, rather than pure spectating.
"Oh?
It seems you, the little banker, are more interesting than I imagined!"
Rita Skeeter tapped the table gently, gaze sharp. "Tell me your plan, Jerry."
"But before that!"
Jerry added, his gaze landing on her Quick-Quotes Quill. "I have a condition.
From now on, everything you hear and see cannot appear in that magical notebook of yours."
Rita sneered: "That's a reporter's basic professional ethics!"
But Rita still waved her wand gently, and the emerald feather quill stopped dancing, the tip drooping obediently, looking quietly on standby.
"Very good!" Jerry picked up his pumpkin pasty and took a bite. The taste was indeed good.
"Then, let's start chatting from the 'elves'."
Hearing Jerry's words, Rita Skeeter showed a proud expression of "I knew you would ask this."
She didn't answer immediately but elegantly picked up her teacup, blew gently on the steam, and took a slow sip, keeping the two in suspense.
"'Elves'?"
She put down the teacup, speaking in an almost operatic tone. "Oh, children, those aren't the house-elves you order around in the kitchen.
Living in that house are the real, noble, and... Forest Elves full of resentment towards us wizards."
"That's right, the Forest Elves who signed that so-called 'Peace Treaty' with the Ministry not long ago."
Rita's tone carried undisguised mockery. "Treaty? Sounds nice. That was just a surrender document they were forced to sign after losing to us in the last war.
Do you think they are convinced in their hearts?
A group of guys proud to the bone, forced to bow to 'short-lived species' in their eyes, have long been holding back a fire inside."
Rita stirred her black tea with a small spoon, continuing the scoop: "Coincidentally, didn't a few exchange students come to Hogwarts this semester?
Among them, those few happen to be the royalty of the Forest Elves.
And those living in that house in Hogsmeade now are the elven nobles responsible for taking care of their daily lives.
Tell me, asking a group of nobles to be nannies, can they be happy?"
"So, when they saw 'Draco Malfoy', a pure-blood little wizard they consider stupid and arrogant, making a fortune by opening a betting pool while they could only nest in the house aggrievedly, learning the knowledge, humanities, and language of the wizarding world, this fire was ignited."
Rita smiled, the smile full of schadenfreude watching a good show. "They felt this was simply an insult to their wisdom.
Thus, a perfect 'pig-butchering scam' plan was born."
Jerry's eyes moved slightly, signaling her to continue.
"As for how they guarantee Orion and Baslong will win... that brings us to the Forest Elves' proudest specialty."
Rita lowered her voice, expression becoming serious. "A wisdom spell that only their bloodline can cast."
"That kind of spell can act directly on the recipient's brain.
In a short time, it greatly enhances their mental power, logical deduction ability, and computational power.
The intelligence I got is that after being cast upon, an ordinary wizard can even simultaneously perform thousands of follow-up calculations of the Wizard's Chess board in their brain, deducing almost all possible branches, then selecting the optimal solution.
Tell me, in front of such a 'cheat', who can beat them?"
Rita lifted her teacup, looking at the contemplative Jerry and the shocked Katherine, finally adding: "In the last war, the Forest Elves relied on casting this spell on their commanders to achieve big gains with small forces, fighting to a draw with our Wizard Legion several times their size.
Now, they are just using this strategic magic used on the battlefield to deal with your little betting pool."
Jerry exchanged a thoughtful look with Katherine, both seeing a dawning realization in each other's eyes.
"So that's what it is."
Jerry muttered softly to himself, then the corner of his mouth hooked into a confident arc. "Then I do have a plan."
Rita blinked, the expression of watching a good show becoming more intense, looking at the boy in front of her somewhat playfully: "Tell me, little Mr. Rosier, what brilliant idea do you have?"
"Today is the day for the Wizard's Chess Championship Round of 16 to 8!"
Jerry spoke logically, fingers tapping gently on the table. "Originally according to my prediction, Baslong and Orion should both be eliminated today.
But since they had the wisdom spell cast on them, they will definitely win today."
He paused, gaze landing on Rita: "Then, we just need to wait for them to win and publicly accuse them of cheating—as long as we can detect the existence of that wisdom spell."
"Pfft!"
Rita couldn't hold back eventually, letting out a laugh of mockery.
She looked at Jerry with eyes like looking at a fool, as if hearing the most absurd joke.
"Master Rosier, it seems your understanding of elven magic is limited to fairy tales."
Rita spoke sarcastically, "That kind of wisdom spell cannot be identified by any conventional detection magic of wizards at all!
It acts on the spiritual level, colorless and formless. Once cast, it's like merging into the soul.
Even if you dissected those two wizards, you wouldn't find anything unusual!"
Rita shook her head, her face written with "worthless."
Jerry stood up suddenly, hands supporting on the table, body leaning forward slightly, face approaching Rita. Those deep eyes carried a power penetrating the heart.
"What if I can make it 'manifest'?"
Jerry's voice was low and full of magnetism; every word brushed Rita's heartstrings like a feather.
The contempt on Rita's face froze instantly.
She narrowed her eyes, staring straight back at Jerry, as if wanting to see through all his disguises.
Is this a madman or a genius?
"Are you betting with me? Master Rosier?" Rita's voice became dangerous, carrying the excitement of a predator seeing prey. "Then, what is the stake?"
Jerry chuckled lightly, taking out an accounting book that looked somewhat old from his pocket. The pages were yellowed, the cover engraved with the Rosier family crest.
He pushed the accounting book gently in front of Rita. Although not opened, the heavy texture and ancient ink scent indicated its extraordinary value.
"Inside this accounting book is the earth-shattering big news you want."
Jerry's smile was full of confidence. "Trust me, they will definitely make you famous. Although you are already a legendary reporter, this will take your career to the next level."
Rita's throat rolled gently; her breathing involuntarily quickened a few points.
She reached out to touch the cover of the accounting book. The slight tremor of her fingertips, no matter how well she disguised it, couldn't escape the capture of Jerry's "Eye of Slaanesh."
That was an emotional fluctuation interwoven with greed and excitement, strong enough to almost materialize.
Jerry's lips sketched a knowing smile gently. He retreated with confidence and sat down again.
"And if, Ms. Rita, you lose..."
Jerry's voice was exceptionally clear in the quiet breakfast shop. "Then you just need to... give me a kiss."
Hearing this, the corner of Katherine's mouth also couldn't help turning upwards.
Little pervert bastard master!
"To be kissed by a beautiful lady like you!" Jerry continued, his tone carrying a trace of cynical teasing, "Any other stake seems eclipsed.
Besides, even if the lady really loses, so what?
Forest Elves breaking the treaty, organizing a pig-butchering scam—even without evidence of the wisdom spell, it's enough to attract a lot of attention, isn't it?"
Rita was stunned for a moment, then burst into a hearty laugh. Her laughter was bright, breaking the morning silence.
"It seems McGonagall was right; you really are a little lecher!"
Rita laughed tremblingly, but excitement flashed in her eyes. "Okay, I'll bet with you! But if you lose..."
Rita's voice suddenly became cold. That emerald green feather quill jumped into mid-air again, the tip poised to strike. "The matter of you organizing an underground betting pool, I will also report as agreed."
"Of course!"
Jerry pushed the accounting book in front of him directly over: "Only I can open this accounting book now. To express sincerity, let it be stored with you first, and return it to me after I win the bet."
Rita picked up the accounting book with interest, weighing it. That look carried a trace of playfulness and probing: "You are that confident?
That I will keep the promise?"
Jerry took a sip of black tea. The warm liquid flowed down his throat; his face was full of relaxed expression: "Do not use those you doubt, do not doubt those you use!"
Jerry's gaze passed over Rita's shoulder, landing on the dilapidated door of the restaurant. The morning sun had completely spilled over the streets of Hogsmeade; the little wizards should be returning to Hogwarts one after another.
"Miss Rita... then see you this afternoon!"
With that, Jerry stood up, pulling Katherine through those empty tables and chairs, walking toward the restaurant door.
Rita's gaze followed the backs of the two leaving, a smile impossible to figure out hanging on the corner of her mouth, fingers rubbing gently on the rough cover of the accounting book.
Just then, in the farthest corner of the restaurant, the owner, who had been sitting there reading and was thought to be mute, slowly put down the book in his hand.
It was a thick copy of Transfiguration Today.
He walked over slowly. The hunched back appeared tall when approaching, carrying a majesty of someone long in a high position.
Without a word, he reached out and took the Rosier family accounting book from Rita's hand.
"Hey! Minerva!"
Rita's voice carried a trace of anxiety and dissatisfaction. She tried to snatch back her prey, but that accounting book seemed rooted, motionless.
"That's mine!
I got it with great difficulty!"
The mute owner glanced at her lightly. Those emerald green eyes flashed a refined light at this moment. His slightly hoarse voice sounded, no longer the disguised kind old man before, but a coldness and command familiar enough to make Rita grit her teeth:
"That little bastard trusts you, but I don't trust you!"
"Minerva McGonagall!"
Rita exploded instantly. There was no longer any smile on her face, replaced by a trace of frenzy: "Believe it or not, I'll put him on the front page of the Daily Prophet right now?!"
Professor McGonagall ignored her threat completely. She just snorted coldly, put the accounting book into her robe, then turned around, walking toward the kitchen with steady steps.
After walking a few steps, she paused again, turning her head slightly. Although she didn't look at Rita, the voice came clearly.
"If he wins!"
Professor McGonagall's voice carried unquestionable seriousness, "You are not allowed to kiss him on the mouth!"
"Little pervert master, do you really have a way to make the wisdom spell manifest?"
Katherine followed Jerry, walking together on the small path returning to Hogwarts. Sunlight had already spilled over the forest path.
Jerry shook his head very readily and decisively: "No."
Katherine was stunned first, then a trace of doubt appeared on her pretty face.
Since no, then those words he just said to Rita Skeeter... were they just bluffing?
Although full of doubts in her heart, seeing Jerry's confident expression, she finally swallowed the question about to rush out, just looking at him with eyes full of thirst for knowledge.
Jerry grinned, enjoying Katherine's trust and curiosity.
"You said before, ordinary wizards indeed don't understand the knack of Forest Elves' ancient spells!" Jerry explained: "But you also said 'there is a specialization in every art'. Since we don't know, the elves themselves must know how to make these spells manifest.
After all, this kind of manifestation spell isn't too profound a thing, nor is it a forbidden curse."
Jerry said, suddenly stopping his steps, turning to look at Katherine, a trace of slyness in his eyes: "Do you have classes in the morning? Little kitten?"
Katherine nodded: "Mmh, but the course isn't very important; it's the elective Ancient Runes class. I have full marks in this course; I can ask for leave freely, the professor won't say anything."
"Then ask for leave!"
Jerry said, stuffing a small silk bag cast with the Undetectable Extension Charm into Katherine's hand. The bag was heavy, obviously containing materials for making Floo Powder beacons: "Help me go near that house and establish a temporary Floo Powder beacon."
Jerry then showed a trace of helpless expression: "Originally I should also ask for leave, but that woman Selina... I'd better not run into the muzzle.
Just right, I also need her to provide me with an alibi."
Hearing this, Katherine's eyes lit up, instantly understanding Jerry's intention.
The two understood each other tacitly, looked at each other and smiled; everything was in silence.
"No problem, little pervert master..."
Katherine's tone carried a bit of coquetry, and a bit of expectation for the upcoming excitement and adventure.
"By the way!" Jerry looked at Katherine, speaking as if suddenly remembering something, tone relaxed like chatting about daily life.
"Don't forget, you said you would turn Cassandra into an obedient little bitch and give her to me."
The corner of Katherine's mouth immediately revealed a smile carrying a bit of evil meaning. She understood this was Jerry venting for her, backing her up for the grievances she suffered before.
After all, if the plan went smoothly, then that arrogant bitch Cassandra would soon bow and scrape before them.
The gloom in her heart dissipated a lot instantly, replaced by a sweetness of being pampered and the excitement of impending revenge.
Katherine hesitated no more, nor showed any shyness, bending down directly and kissing Jerry heavily on the cheek.
"Mission guaranteed!"
Liliana stood on tiptoe, carefully adjusting the slightly wrinkled collar of the wizarding robe for Alicia who was about to enter the arena.
"Sister, good luck!" Liliana's small face was full of seriousness and encouragement, "Winning or losing isn't important, just be happy!"
However, as the person involved, Alicia had absolutely no tension of impending battle at this moment.
Alicia was standing with one hand on her hip, the other hand grabbing a thick piece of cream cake, stuffing it into her mouth mouthful by mouthful without any image, cheeks bulging like a hamster.
Facing her sister's thoughtful encouragement, Alicia just perfunctorily hummed "Mmh mmh mmh" non-stop, mumbling indistinctly because her mouth was full of food: "...Are you the older sister, or am I the older sister?"
While speaking, Alicia twisted her body irritably. Under the wide wizarding robe, something on her full chest seemed to make her particularly uncomfortable, making her want to reach out to adjust it, but she was scrupling about the cake in her hand.
As the prompt inviting players to enter came from the sky, Alicia swallowed the last mouthful of cake reluctantly, stuffed the remaining half piece into her mouth hastily, then shook off the cake crumbs on her hands. With Liliana's help, she finally smoothed that troublesome wizarding robe.
Alicia muttered "So annoying, blame these broken clothes!"
Then she rushed to the competition field without looking back, leaving a helpless Liliana.
After watching her sister leave, Liliana turned and walked toward the Magic Offense class classroom.
However, after just a few steps, light footsteps suddenly came from behind.
Before Liliana could turn around, a pair of palms with warm body temperature covered her eyes.
"Guess who I am?"
A low voice carrying teasing rang in Liliana's ear.
The sudden touch and the voice in her ear made Liliana shrink slightly.
Liliana wasn't scared, just a bit curious.
Liliana reached back, trying to grab those palms covering her eyes. The touch was warm and powerful, not like a girl's hands.
"Who are you?" Liliana's voice carried a trace of coquetry after being teased.
With her question, those hands slowly removed.
Liliana turned around, and what entered her eyes was a face with a gentle smile.
It was Jerry.
The moment she saw him, vague memory fragments carrying steam seemed to emerge in Liliana's mind.
Bath, warm water, and some scattered scenes that made Liliana's heart race... Although she couldn't remember clearly because of the blackout from drinking, even these vague fragments were enough to make Liliana's small face turn red instantly with a whoosh, from cheeks to snow-white neck.
"Jer... ry..." Liliana's voice was as faint as a mosquito's hum, somewhat stuttering, not knowing what to say.
Jerry seemed not to notice Liliana's embarrassment. Jerry raised his right hand, five fingers clenched into a fist, extending it in front of Liliana.
"What's wrong, Liliana?" Jerry asked with a smile.
Liliana didn't understand, only able to follow his movement, gaze landing on his clenched fist.
Jerry tilted his chin toward his fist, signaling: "Touch my finger."
Although Liliana was puzzled, she still extended her slender index finger and touched his middle finger lightly.
The next second, Jerry's palm flipped over, and a thin golden chain appeared in his palm out of nowhere.
"Pull it," Jerry encouraged.
Liliana hesitated slightly. She looked left and right subconsciously, finding people coming and going in the corridor, but no one was paying special attention to them.
Finally, curiosity overcame shyness. Liliana reached out, pinched that golden chain, and pulled outward gently.
As the chain was slowly pulled out, a dazzling gemstone necklace the size of a pigeon egg appeared before Liliana's eyes.
Under the illumination of the corridor's magical lights, the gem refracted dreamlike brilliance. Inside the gem, a faint layer of energy luster flowed slowly. Obviously, this was no ordinary item, but a magical prop embedded with some powerful spell.
Liliana was dumbfounded by this sudden gift.
Before Liliana could react, Jerry took the necklace and went behind her.
Liliana only felt a cool touch on her neck, followed by the sensation of Jerry's warm fingertips inadvertently sliding across her skin, which made her shrink her neck involuntarily, the blush on her face deepening.
"Done." Jerry's voice came from in front of her again.
Liliana looked down. That magnificent gem lay quietly between her collarbones, emitting a soft glow, setting off Liliana's fair skin even more delicately.
With Liliana's slight breathing, that pigeon egg-sized gem, crystal clear and carrying the warmth not yet completely dissipated, sank just right into the voluptuous depression between Liliana's twin peaks, gently embraced by the full curves, as if finding the most comfortable destination.
Liliana suddenly felt that this pair of annoying weight bags over the years didn't seem so annoying anymore.
Just then, chattering voices came from the other end of the corridor. The Patil twins, Padma and Parvati, happened to be walking this way too, preparing to attend the same class.
When their gazes fell on Liliana, they were instantly attracted by that dazzling gem on her chest.
"Oh my god..." Parvati couldn't help letting out a low cry, eyes staring straight.
The twins stopped not far away. When they saw clearly that the person giving the necklace was Jerry, a complex expression flashed across both sisters' faces simultaneously.
They touched their earlobes subconsciously. Wearing there were exactly the earrings Jerry gave them before.
These earrings had let them show off among the sisters for a while, but now, compared to that gem necklace on Liliana's neck that could almost blind people, their earrings appeared so dim, like cheap glass products.
A sour jealousy arose spontaneously. Padma curled her lips, a few more points of scrutiny and unwillingness in her eyes looking at Liliana.
And Parvati was even more direct. Her gaze scanned back and forth between the necklace and Jerry's face, eyes clearly writing "Why her?"
Jerry saw the twins and immediately walked over actively with Liliana, a somewhat cynical smile on his face.
"Yo, isn't this the twin sisters who don't keep their word?"
Jerry's tone carried a few points of teasing, but his eyes glanced at their earlobes, where the earrings he once gifted were flashing, appearing somewhat pitiful at this moment. "What? Coming to class together too?"
Jerry didn't give the sisters a chance to speak. He put his arm around Liliana's shoulder directly, presenting Liliana's neck and that dazzling gem necklace more clearly in front of the two.
The gem seemed alive, emitting soft yet unignorable brilliance.
"Look, this is the gem necklace I just gave to Liliana."
Jerry's words were full of showing off. Then he lowered his head, winking at the girl beside him. "Liliana, tell them, do you like it?"
Liliana felt those two jealous gazes that almost spewed fire, then heard Jerry's deliberately raised questioning. The smile on her lips could no longer be suppressed, almost rippling open.
Of course Liliana liked it. Just the magnificence of the necklace itself was enough to make her hold her head high in front of the Patil sisters.
"Of course, I like it very much!"
Liliana answered coquettishly immediately, clear voice carrying undisguised joy.
Her cheek flushed with excitement leaned close to Jerry's side, and she actively planted a light kiss on his cheek.
That intimate action was like a silent show-off to the Patil sisters, and like a bomb carrying a sweet scent, instantly detonating all the jealousy of the two sisters.
The younger sister Parvati had always been less scrupulous than the older sister Padma. She was so jealous her cheeks flushed, eyes fixed on the shining necklace on Liliana's neck.
Parvati stepped forward unbearably, pointing at that pigeon egg-sized gem, voice carrying a trace of urgency and grievance: "Jerry!
You... you name any request!
As long as we can do it, we will definitely do it!
But... but we want a necklace too!"
Just as Parvati finished speaking, Padma nodded heavily too.
Although not as direct as her sister, the desire and unwillingness in her eyes explained everything.
Hearing this, Jerry just chuckled lightly, but there was no warmth in that smile.
"Heh!"
Jerry didn't even bother to look at the Patil sisters again. He just said plainly in a tone almost like a sentence: "I don't talk to people who don't keep their word.
Want me to believe you again? Don't use your mouth to talk, use actions!"
With that, Jerry ignored the twins frozen on the spot instantly, pulled Liliana, turned around, and walked toward the classroom.
Parvati and Padma's faces turned red and white. Jerry's sentence was like an invisible slap, hitting their faces hard, blocking all their desire and jealousy in their throats.
Liliana, led away by Jerry, felt sweet as honey in her heart.
Liliana could feel the temperature of Jerry's palm. She turned her hand, actively squeezing her fingers into his gaps, interlocking fingers with him.
This girl possessing massive snowy peaks looked up at Jerry's profile at this moment; little stars really seemed to appear in those clear eyes.
However, when Liliana felt the touch carrying thin calluses belonging to a male from Jerry's palm, some memory fragments blurred by alcohol surged into her heart more clearly.
The warm steam in the bath, the feeling when Jerry touched her skin, and those scenes that made her blush and go weak just thinking about them now... Liliana's cheeks heated up again uncontrollably, and her hand holding Jerry tightened subconsciously.
Soon, the two walked into the Magic Offense classroom hand in hand.
The spacious classroom was silent at this moment. All little wizards were seated, gazes casting toward the podium coincidentally.
Beside the podium, a woman wearing a well-tailored dark wizarding robe stood in the center. That robe outlined her capable and slender figure.
Selina!
Today's Selina had her long hair tied into a high ponytail casually but neatly, shining with metallic luster.
No extra expression on her face, eyes sharp as quenched sword blades, only a majesty of someone long in a high position between her brows.
Just standing there, she formed a scenery herself, valiant and heroic, making it impossible for anyone to ignore her existence.
As soon as Jerry stepped into the classroom, Selina's gaze locked onto him precisely like two cold beams.
That sight carried something deep and indescribable. No flame of anger, only cold scrutiny and hidden power.
Jerry released Liliana's hand, nodded slightly to her, then walked toward the direction of the Slytherin house.
Draco Malfoy, who arrived early, saw Jerry and immediately waved to him enthusiastically.
Jerry sat down next to him. Just as his body settled, Malfoy couldn't wait to lean over and ask in a low voice: "Is the matter resolved?"
Jerry shook his head slightly, then lowered his voice, leaned close to Malfoy's ear, and said in a volume only the two of them could hear: "I found out, Baslong and Orion both cheated.
Their match time happens to be at noon, and they play successively. We need to cooperate then."
His voice was steady and clear, carrying an unquestionable confidence.
"You need to publicly identify Orion as cheating when his match ends, and say Baslong is the same."
Jerry's gaze swept over Selina on the podium, confirming her attention wasn't here. "When the time comes, I'll teach you a spell. Just cast it, and the evidence of their cheating will be revealed!"
Hearing this, Malfoy's eyes lit up immediately.
This was a good opportunity to show off and gain face in front of the whole school!
Taking down opponents while highlighting his own insight—simply killing two birds with one stone.
But amidst excitement, his suspicious character gained the upper hand. He couldn't help asking with some worry: "You... are you really sure?
What if..."
"Yes, I'm sure."
Jerry didn't give him a chance for "what if," interrupting him neatly, tone certain as if stating an established fact.
"Don't forget!"
Jerry's voice carried a trace of chill. "How high the stakes on the two of them are. If they really win, we'll lose miserably!
Now I'm sure they are cheating, so we have no choice.
These two damn bastards want to steal all the Galleons we earned hard through this dirty way!"
While speaking, Jerry observed Malfoy's expression.
He clearly saw the halo representing emotional fluctuations above the head of this usually proud Slytherin young master changing rapidly from blue representing doubt and worry to red representing indignation.
He knew he had successfully provoked Malfoy's anger and greed.
However, before Malfoy could reply, a crisp cracking sound suddenly exploded in their ears!
Crack!
A black long whip brushed past Jerry's cheek, lashing heavily on the ground beside him, leaving a clear mark.
Selina had walked up to them at some point. She bent down; the collar of her capable wizarding robe opened wide because of this action. From Jerry's angle, he could almost take in the view of those two full, fair mounds.
She didn't care about this at all. Those sharp eyes stared tightly at Jerry, a dangerous arc curling the corner of her mouth.
"What are you saying, Mr. Rosier!"
Selina's voice wasn't loud but carried an irresistible oppression. "Let me hear it too, okay?"
"Professor."
Jerry's voice was clear and flat, yet clearly entered everyone's ears in the classroom. Those little wizards who were whispering slightly due to the noise a moment ago held their breath at this moment, solidifying like sculptures.
Jerry's gaze moved slowly down from Selina's eyes, stopping on her chest appearing more prominent due to bending over.
In Jerry's scanning eyes, there was not a trace of man's appreciation for woman, only naked provocation and undisguised venom.
Then, he voiced this evaluation directly. Every word was like the sharpest dagger, stabbing into Selina's heart, and also piercing the cognition of everyone in the class.
"Professor, I said you look really ugly. Have chest but not big, butt is the same."
Jerry paused deliberately here, enjoying the fleeting stiffness on Selina's face and the instant dead silence of everyone.
Jerry raised his eyes again, meeting her pupils contracted abruptly like needle tips.
The contempt in his tone became even greater, carrying a trace of provocative rhetorical question.
"Now, did you hear clearly? Professor."
As soon as this was said, the entire classroom was silent as if cast with a Time-Freezing Charm.
Everyone's eyes widened, looking at Jerry in disbelief—this young man who dared to speak such rebellious words in front of the majestic, unfathomably magical Ministry Head Selina.
Malfoy froze completely. The original blood color on his face faded; mouth opened slightly but couldn't make any sound.
Sure enough, worthy of being a Rosier, just exceptionally bold!
Selina's face became extremely colorful.
Initially, it was a fury after being offended, but soon, that anger was forcibly suppressed by Selina, transforming into a creepy chill.
The corner of Selina's mouth hooked into a deeper arc. That smile was no longer just dangerous, but a cruelty foreshadowing long torture.
That smile was like a frozen lake in winter, seemingly calm, but undercurrents surged beneath, enough to swallow everything.
Selina reached out, snatching the long whip from Jerry's hand. Fingertips intentionally or unintentionally drew a trace carrying chill on the back of Jerry's hand.
"Mr. Rosier, indeed 'impressive' as always."
Selina's voice returned to calm, but that calm contained endless chill enough to destroy everything.
Selina straightened up slowly. Her gaze swept over the classroom, seemingly able to penetrate the bottom of every little wizard's heart, making those little wizards harboring gossip and shock lower their heads instantly, daring not look at her.
"But it doesn't matter." Selina's gaze locked on Jerry again. Those eyes were bottomless, as if calculating something, or savoring the impending feast. "For this class, the time is still long."
Selina's tone was meaningful, as if saying the class time was long, and also hinting that some "extracurricular tutoring" would also be long and lasting.
Jerry met Selina's gaze without showing weakness, eyes burning with equally blazing and dangerous firelight.
The atmosphere in the classroom was heavy due to this conflict, but as Selina walked to the podium, her posture returned to her usual arrogance and alienation, as if everything just now was just an insignificant interlude.
She cleared her throat, and the classroom became silent enough to hear a pin drop immediately.
"Students." Selina's voice returned to the standard teaching tone but still carried a trace of unquestionable coldness. "Today, as the first lesson, we will delve into the 'offense' of magic.
Many people think offensive magic is simply casting spells to defeat the enemy.
But this is a superficial understanding."
She paused, gaze sweeping over everyone again, finally meeting Jerry's line of sight again, the corner of her mouth twitching imperceptibly.
"True offensive magic lies not only in 'attack' but also in 'understanding' its 'damage'.
Only by clearly recognizing how deep the destruction the magic in your hands can cause can you truly master it and become a responsible wizard." Selina's words carried a cold rationality, like an anatomist stating the laws of life operation.
"Therefore, the purpose of this lesson is to let you experience personally how high the damage of those fatal offensive spells is."
Little wizards looked at each other. The shock on their faces hadn't subsided yet, replaced by new fear.
Personally experiencing the damage of fatal spells?
Sounded like a madman's teaching method.
Selina ignored the whispers and unease of the little wizards at all. She walked to the center of the podium, taking out a slender wand from her sleeve.
As Selina tapped her wand lightly, a wall at the back of the classroom began to twist; subtle magic fluctuations filled the air.
The wall caved in, forming the shape of a deep, ancient wooden door.
That door had no handle but emitted heart-palpitating magical aura, as if leading to an unknown space.
"This is the 'Undetectable Extension Training Ground' I prepared specially for this class."
Selina's voice carried a trace of cold pride. "It can simulate real combat environments and, under the premise of absolute safety, let you feel the 'real' experience of being attacked by fatal spells."
"Now." She withdrew her wand, gaze locking sharply on a little wizard in the front row of the classroom. "Starting from the first row, all little wizards put on protective suits, hold magic shields, and enter this door one by one.
My spells will impact your protection, letting you experience the feeling of being torn by powerful magic.
But please rest assured, the protective suits and training ground will ensure your life safety."
The first named little wizard turned pale, stood up trembling, put on a heavy silver protective suit with the help of the assistant, holding a magic shield emitting weak light tightly in his hand.
He walked heavily toward that "door," every step like stepping on a knife tip.
The door was pitch black; no light shone from it.
The little wizard mustered courage, took a deep breath, and stepped in.
The door closed slowly behind him.
A few seconds later, a muffled loud noise came from inside the door, accompanied by a violent magical impact.
Immediately after, another suppressed groan. Less than half a minute later, the door opened again. That little wizard rolled out pale-faced, slumped on the ground. Although the protective suit was intact, he seemed to have suffered a huge impact, unable to stand steady, needing two people's support to barely sit down.
His eyes were full of fear; obviously, the experience just now was much more "real" than he imagined.
The subsequent little wizards had similar reactions.
Some rushed out screaming, some were so scared they wet their pants directly, some held up their face forcefully, gasping for breath against the wall immediately after walking out, but faces pale as paper.
Every little wizard walking out of the training ground was like having experienced a struggle on the edge of life and death. Every impact was reinforcing their fear and respect for offensive magic.
Tense atmosphere filled the classroom. Little wizards watched helplessly as their classmates suffered "attacks." That pain of being "torn" by magic forcibly seemed palpable even through the door.
They began to truly understand the "damage" Selina mentioned. That wasn't cold text in books, but real power sufficient to destroy will.
Liliana looked at the people around her, her small face also somewhat pale.
Time passed minute by minute. Finally, it was the turn of the Slytherin area.
Several Slytherin little wizards feigned calmness, but came out sweating profusely, eyes carrying fear not completely concealed.
Malfoy watched the wretched appearance of one classmate after another, heart drumming too.
When it was his turn, although his face was blue, he held on without showing timidity, walking in head high.
When Malfoy walked out, although equally exhausted, at least his steps were steady, only breathing rapidly like having run a few laps of Quidditch.
And now, everyone's gaze focused on one position—Jerry Rosier, sitting next to Malfoy, who had just made wild remarks to Selina.
The corner of Selina's mouth hooked into an imperceptible sneer, but a different light ignited in her eyes. Her voice was cool, yet heard clearly by the entire classroom.
"Mr. Rosier." She called softly. That tone was like calling a long-lost guest, or summoning a sinner about to receive judgment.
"Your turn."
All little wizards in the classroom craned their necks, looking at Jerry nervously.
They all wanted to know what reaction this maverick who dared to provoke the professor would show when facing the impact of real fatal spells. Be arrogant as before, or reveal the fragility he never showed?
Jerry didn't act immediately. He stood up leisurely, put on the protective suit casually, and picked up the magic shield.
Facing Malfoy's slightly pale face, he just pursed his lips gently, indicating no problem.
Gaze swept over Liliana in the front row again. She was pale at this moment, eyes full of worry.
Jerry also gave her a reassuring look, meaning to relax.
Even the gazes cast inadvertently by Hermione and Pansy in the corners on both sides, he swept over together, a smile that was there and not there on the corner of his mouth, seeming to tell them everything was under control.
And Ron beside Hermione wore a sarcastic smile of schadenfreude on his face, as if already foreseeing Jerry's wretchedness.
Under the public gaze, Jerry walked with leisurely steps, as if strolling, into that deep door of Undetectable Extension Space.
Behind him, the door closed slowly. The light in the classroom seemed swallowed by this door, making the atmosphere originally tense due to the class instantly ignited by a curiosity and expectation.
This door separated the inner and outer worlds, isolating the prying eyes of all little wizards, but unable to isolate the guesses in their hearts.
Selina didn't hesitate at all. Her gaze scanned the classroom coldly, signaling the assistant beside her to be responsible for maintaining discipline, then also stepped into the training room.
The door made a muffled closing sound behind her, sealing her and Jerry completely in an independent space with only the two of them.
Inside the training room, it wasn't the dim space full of magical defense arrays imagined by the little wizards, but bright and empty.
The ground was hard frosted stone slabs; walls glowed with a layer of soft white light. Not a trace of cover, nor any magical props. Except for the two of them, only the shiny black magic whip in Selina's hand remained.
Just as Selina closed the door, her lips moved slightly, and a voice carrying a trace of playfulness rippled from the corner of her mouth: "Mr. Rosier, are you ready?"
However, just as she turned around, the scene entering her eyes made her sharp eyes, always calm, shrink imperceptibly.
Jerry had taken off all his clothes.
Black wizarding robe, outer coat, shirt, even the most intimate underwear, were folded neatly in a corner of the training room.
Jerry stood there stark naked, except for the pure white socks on his feet, no other cover.
The vigor and power unique to a boy's body were displayed unreservedly in front of her.
Jerry didn't retain childishness as most people imagined, but faintly revealed a magnetism unique to mature men.
Jerry extended his hand unhurriedly, fingertips touching his front lightly. That high-held meat root was flicked gently with his casual movement.
Jerry faced Selina, a familiar playful smile hanging on the corner of his mouth, waving to her gently. That posture was so relaxed as if inviting an old friend.
"Professor, no need to hide."
Jerry's voice appeared exceptionally clear in the empty training room, carrying a magnetic provocation, gaze staring straight at Selina's pupils dilated due to surprise: "Dare to have some excitement?"
Selina's eyes were no longer just sharp but added a layer of dangerous gloom.
She looked at Jerry quietly, from Jerry's toes to his provocative eyes, including Jerry's uncovered male characteristics.
"You seem..."
Selina's voice was a bit lower than just now, but more aggressive. She took a step forward slowly, the long whip in her hand drooping silently. "...to already know your end will be miserable today."
Jerry turned a deaf ear to her threat.
Jerry just extended a finger, pointing at the black long whip in Selina's hand, provocation in eyes even stronger.
"Professor, how about this!"
Jerry suggested, voice full of temptation and traps, "We give each other a lash.
Whoever can't hold on first has to agree to a condition of the other."
On Jerry's face was an undisguised expectation, carrying a bit of plundering desire.
"To express sincerity!" Jerry said, voice lowering, appearing somewhat hoarse, but the hidden determination to win didn't diminish a bit, "You whip first!"
Before the voice fell, Jerry turned around unhesitatingly, exposing his unguarded back and that well-defined tight buttocks completely in front of Selina, defenseless.
That was a gesture of total trust, and also a gesture of extreme provocation, exposing his weakness unreservedly, as if saying: Come on, see if you dare.
In the silent training room, only the heavy breathing of the two remained, and that gently swaying magic whip reflecting the ghostly white light in the space.
Selina raised the whip.
Crack!