Chapter 11

Professor McGonagall delivered the final judgment: Slytherin lost 100 points, and Draco Malfoy received a 15-day detention to be served in Professor McGonagall's office. Meanwhile, Mike was given a one-day detention, assigned to Professor Flitwick's office.

The detention was set from after dinner until midnight.

This punishment was particularly severe, especially for Draco. Not only was he given 15 days of detention, but his actions also led to Slytherin losing 100 points. Considering Slytherin had won the House Cup for several years running, Draco's behavior significantly diminished their chances of victory this year.

Mike felt quite pleased with the result. His detention was just for a day and in Professor Flitwick's office at that, a scenario he considered a boon. This arrangement offered him an opportunity to engage Professor Flitwick with questions throughout the evening, a thought that brought him immense happiness.

Under the prefects' supervision, the crowd that had gathered in the dining hall to watch the drama dispersed, and Mike and Draco were escorted back by their respective heads of house.

However, the two had very different demeanors. Draco followed Snape with a troubled look, his expression sour as if he had swallowed something distasteful. In contrast, Mike walked confidently, slightly behind Flitwick, receiving applause from many onlookers, most of whom were of Muggle origin or half-bloods, who had long been displeased with the pure-blood nobility.

"I'm sorry, Mike," Professor Flitwick said with a look of apology, "I had just assured you."

"It's okay, Professor. I can protect myself. My petrification spell is no joke," Mike said, brandishing his wand.

"Ha ha ha," chuckled Professor Flitwick, clearly entertained by Mike's actions. "Truly, your use of the petrification spell surpasses any I've witnessed from first-year students. Yet, I tend to favor the fire spell for dealing with such individuals. Ah, you've not yet mastered the fire spell, have you? Well, no worries, I'll happily teach it to you this evening."

Mike wasn't too thrilled upon hearing this; he had read about the fire spell in the Ravenclaw library. It wasn't a particularly difficult spell, nor was it very powerful, easily extinguished by a Clear Water Charm. Nonetheless, he pretended to be delighted.

The two returned to the Ravenclaw common room, chatting and laughing. By this time, news of Mike's victory over Malfoy with a petrification spell had spread among the students, who crowded around him for details.

After spending some time explaining the situation with Flitwick, the students finally returned to their seats to continue reading, and Professor Flitwick went back to his office.

Just then, a strong black man came forward, his enthusiasm evident, "You did awesome! I've had enough of those pure-bloods who judge others by blood alone!"

Mike remembered this young man; his name was Franklin Clinton, also of Muggle origin, and he was the tallest among the new students. 

Mike was amused to see Franklin, with his athletic build, in Ravenclaw rather than Gryffindor, defying the usual image of a bookish Ravenclaw.. "Thanks, Franklin. It was the right thing to do. Those pure-bloods deserved their what they get."

Franklin wasn't surprised that Mike remembered his name, knowing his physique drew a lot of attention.

"Absolutely! You've got yourself a friend! Next time anything like this happens, make sure to include me. I'll have them running for cover!" Franklin declared.

"Indeed, as 'mudbloods,' we need to unite to confront those who discriminate based on blood." Mike found Franklin's vibe amusing and saw a chance to bring him into his circle, "You know, I sensed a connection the instant I saw you. We're friends from this moment forward. Whatever you need, just reach out to me, and I'll assist you in every possible way."

Franklin was overjoyed. The last few days had been tough, as his imposing stature had led many to steer clear of him, feeling intimidated. Mike was the first to extend a hand of friendship.

Eventually, after a bit of conversation, Mike was able to gracefully part ways with the enthusiastic Franklin.

Breaking away, Mike headed to the kitchen for something to eat, his meal having been interrupted by the altercation with Draco. Now past the dining hall's serving hours, his only option was to seek the house-elves in the kitchen.

As he left the Ravenclaw common room, he found the trio waiting for him, with Harry and Ron quickly approaching.

"You were amazing! Did you see Draco's face at the end? His expression was priceless, like he tasted an earwax-flavored Bertie Bott's Bean," Harry and Ron said, taking turns to speak. "Yeah, Professor McGonagall explained the meaning of 'mudblood' to us. He totally deserved it!"

Mike replied nonchalantly, yet his attention was drawn to Hermione, who was off to the side, her eyes still red and filled with distress, clutching a paper bag that seemed to be filled with food.

"Hey, Hermione! Is this for me? Thanks, I'm really hungry," Mike said, noticing Hermione felt guilty about his detention and deliberately spoke to ease her conscience.

"I noticed you hadn't finished your lunch." Hermione handed him the bag, "It's my fault you got detention."

As Hermione began to cry again, Mike quickly comforted her, "It's okay, Hermione, we're friends, right? Malfoy was targeting me, if anything, I dragged you into this. And being in detention with Professor Flitwick wasn't really punishment for me; he's an expert in Charms. I was lucky to spend time in his office."

"Really? You're not just saying that?" Hermione's tears began to stop. Mike was one of her few friends. Most students in Gryffindor didn't like her much, finding her too bookish.

"Of course, you don't have to worry about it. We're friends, aren't we?" Mike, starving, eagerly opened the bag, "Oh, sausage and chicken legs! My favorites! Thanks so much, Hermione."

Hermione looked down, shyly hiding her blush.

Mike didn't make much of Hermione's gesture. In his view, Hermione, along with Harry and Ron, were just kids, even younger than his own children.

"Girls really are more considerate," Mike mused internally.

Harry and Ron were only focused on how cool he had looked in the dining hall, but only Hermione noticed he hadn't finished his meal, reminding him of his daughter Tracy in his previous life. She had been a caring and sensible girl, tragically misguided into a path he wished she hadn't taken.