Chapter 77: Group vs. Individual

Wade recounted everything honestly, without embellishment or downplaying his actions.

Even so, Professor McGonagall was furious. Her nostrils flared, as though she was about to breathe fire at any moment. 

"Bullying fellow students... and using such insulting names... We absolutely do not tolerate that behavior! Severus, I want to give Mr. Malfoy a month's detention, at the very least!" she said with anger radiating from her voice.

Professor Snape, lost in thought, looked pale and vacant. He seemed to take a moment to register McGonagall's words. After a brief pause, he slowly replied, "Of course... you're right... Minerva... let's proceed with that..."

"Very well!" McGonagall exhaled sharply. When she turned her attention back to Wade, her severe expression softened slightly.

"Mr. Grey—"

"Yes, Professor," Wade lowered his head. "I know I shouldn't have used magic on another student in the hallway..."

"Ahem." Professor Flitwick suddenly coughed twice. "Yes, it was too impulsive. What if someone had gotten hurt? For your recklessness, I'll have to deduct one... uh..."

Professor Flitwick glanced sideways at his two colleagues.

"—5 points!" he finally declared, forcing himself to say it. Then, with a wink, he subtly signaled to Wade that the points would likely be returned later.

Professor McGonagall smiled slightly and said:

"Indeed—at the same time, for bravely defending a fellow student and successfully using the Disarming Charm, I'll award you 10 points, Mr. Grey. It's clear that you are... well... exceptionally skilled in your study of charms!"

…

"10 points added?" Michael was surprised by the outcome as they gathered in the umbrella room.

"Technically, it's only 5, because Professor Flitwick first deducted 5," Wade clarified.

"I know... but still... that's Professor McGonagall!" Michael said, in disbelief. "She doesn't even show favoritism to her own Gryffindors!"

"Exactly! Because Professor McGonagall is so fair, that's why Ravenclaw got ten points," Padma said, as though the outcome wasn't surprising. "Think about all the things Malfoy's done... A month of detention is getting off easy!"

"Not just that, they didn't gain any favor from Professor Snape either," Theo shared a piece of news that no one else knew—"Someone saw the Slytherins go together to complain to Snape, but they were kicked out in less than two minutes."

Ryan nodded knowingly, "Even though Professor Snape is usually very... strict, he wouldn't unfairly side with Slytherin for no reason, right?"

Neville didn't agree. He felt that if they could see how Snape nitpicked them in Potions class, especially with Gryffindors and Slytherins together, they wouldn't have such an inaccurate opinion.

As everyone chatted, the door to the shelter suddenly opened—at this time, there was only one person it could be. Padma raised her hand happily and called out, "Hermione!"

The brown-haired girl walked in with a cheerful step, her face beaming with a radiant smile. "Good afternoon, everyone!"

"Huh?" Padma looked at her a bit confused. "Hermione, why do I feel like something's a little different about you today?"

"No, not at all—" Hermione brushed her hair behind her ear, trying to cover up her reaction. "Maybe it's just because I heard Malfoy got his comeuppance—I'm a little too happy about it—"

"Hmm..." Padma seemed skeptical—is that really the reason?

Michael, however, noticed it immediately—Hermione used to have very prominent buck teeth, combined with her wild, bushy brown hair, which made her look a bit like a beaver. 

But today, when Hermione smiled, her teeth were perfectly aligned and of normal size, making her look much cuter than usual.

"Wow, Hermione!" Michael didn't mention what he'd noticed but instead complimented her, "You're glowing today."

Hermione blushed and smiled shyly, trying to change the subject. She turned toward the person behind her and called out, "Come in, Harry!"

Harry Potter, who had been hesitating at the door, finally stepped in, and everyone looked at him. The boy nervously ruffled his hair.

Of course, this wasn't their first time seeing Harry, but seeing him in the classroom was different. Now, in their "territory" or "group," having Harry Potter as a new member gave everyone a strange and special feeling.

For a moment, no one spoke.

Harry felt awkward. He waved clumsily and said, "Uh—hello, everyone? I'm Harry Potter..."

He immediately realized in despair—what a stupid thing to say! We have all been in school together for more than half a year. Is there anyone who doesn't know each other?

Hermione had been reminding me to make a good first impression, but it seems like I have already messed it up with my foolishness...

They probably think I sounded strange, don't they? I must have looked really dumb...

"Are we introducing ourselves again?" Wade was the first to stand up, extending his hand with a smile. "Hello, Harry, I'm Wade Grey."

When you do something embarrassing alone, it's mortifying; but if someone else does it with you, the awkwardness doesn't feel as bad.

Harry gratefully shook Wade's hand.

Then Michael Corner reached out as well, "Welcome, I'm Michael Corner—actually, I've been meaning to say this for a while: the way you caught the Golden Snitch last time on the field was really cool! Looking forward to your next performance."

"Thanks," Harry smiled shyly.

"Welcome aboard, Harry, I'm Theo Mancini," Theo said with a smile. "Next time, it's Hufflepuff you'll be facing, so all I can say is: enjoy the game, but I'll be hoping Hufflepuff wins."

At that moment, Harry really wished he could think of something clever or funny to say, but instead, his mind was filled with images of Wood's passionate speeches in the rain—

"Hufflepuff is no threat!"

No, that's not the right thing to say...

"Beat Hufflepuff! Win the House Cup!"

Enough! I don't want to offend everyone…

"It's our first chance in seven years! Make Professor McGonagall proud!" Wood shouted, fists in the air.

Harry: ...

"I'll definitely do my best!" Before his brain could catch up, the words were already out of his mouth.

Theo smiled, "That's the spirit."

"Ryan Carrow." Ryan shook his hand, his smile was faint but sincere. "I haven't joined any other clubs, but I have to say, SSC is the best."

"Of course," Harry quickly responded.

"Padma Patil." Padma grinned as she shook his hand, "My only request is: don't mistake me for my sister."

"I won't," Harry said confidently.

Unlike the Weasley twins, who seemed copied and pasted, the Patil sisters actually had clear differences. Though they looked quite similar, their personalities, expressions, and even their vibes were distinct, making it easy to tell them apart.

"Well—lastly, there's me." Hermione also stepped forward to shake hands, smiling, "Your friend—and fellow SSC member."

"Oh—Hermione—" Harry couldn't help but laugh.

By now, all of Harry's initial awkward thoughts from when he first entered had faded. 

Amid this playful welcoming ceremony, he truly felt like he was being accepted into a group—something quite different from his friendship with Ron or the fascination some classmates had with him because of his "Boy Who Lived" status.

Harry couldn't quite put into words what the difference was at the moment, he just knew he felt good, as if he was floating on a soft, fluffy cloud.

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