The first-floor corridor seemed different. No torches lit the hallway.
Tapestries and portraits flickered in darkness. Painted figures watched the night wanderer.
"Where?"
"This way!"
Under Venom's excited guidance, Tiger strode toward the Girls' Lavatory. Ignored the eerie sounds from the walls.
"Inside?"
Standing before the door, Tiger looked at Venom again. This time, Venom fell silent. Kept sniffing in all directions.
Lost the trail.
"Damn it! Can't smell her anymore!" Furious roars burst from his fangs.
Like fate mocking him.
The meal slipped away. He was helpless. Left only with anger.
Just then, Moaning Myrtle sobbed through the wall. Pale, transparent face full of grievance.
Her sorrow transcended time. Frozen at the moment before death.
The instant she saw Tiger, Myrtle's crying stopped.
Like encountering her deepest nightmare. Her distorted face showed incredible terror.
She shrieked. Dove into the floor. Vanished.
"..."
Tiger's expression became indescribable.
Not touching ghosts before was one thing. But this? Far from expected.
"Idiot, from your description, Ginny Weasley should be like me. Why would she—"
"What?!"
"You're joking!"
Venom's angry roar stopped. His gaze full of disbelief.
"You are the purest evil, Tiger."
"Body or soul—you stand at evil's peak. You just don't bother with ants. Your personality is too vicious. No one knows you better than me."
Low voice drifted from the abyss. Venom seemed to remember something. Looked down at Tiger.
"Look into my eyes, master. We can do whatever we want, right?"
"Good people should get these things!"
Tiger's furrowed brow smoothed. Showed agreement. Lips curved into a smile.
"You're right. I'm a good person. Good people should crush bad people's heads and stand at the peak..."
"But first, let me sleep earlier."
Tiger yawned.
Realizing no midnight snack tonight, Venom became listless.
"Oh fine! Let's go back!"
"Damn Hogwarts. Nothing but morsels not worth eating. Why did we even come here..."
Venom's endless complaints. Tiger's muscular silhouette disappeared into darkness.
Someone who could crush all darkness—how could he not be good? Tiger's simplest thought.
Evil against evil. Violence against violence.
I'm a good person. No one is better.
Meanwhile, in the silent Library.
Harry moved quickly between shelves. Searched for books on Hermione's list.
Cat-mione focused intently on pages. Tried to find fragments in her memory.
Unable to use her wand, she relied on moonlight through the window. Carefully examined every line, every symbol.
Silver light fell on her focused cat head. Like a soft, mysterious veil.
Time passed. The morning star appeared over distant mountains...
"That's it—Fantastic Beasts from Mythology. I remember..." Faint murmur. Hint of excitement.
Round cat pupils became thin lines. Bright gaze intensified.
"Hermione, hide quick."
"Filch and Madam Pince are coming!"
Ron ran over in the Invisibility Cloak. Voice tinged with nervousness.
They'd forgotten—today was Friday.
Madam Pince counted Restricted Section books before dawn on Saturdays. Prevented students from stealing books while she rested.
Rumors about the two had spread through school.
"Harry, put the books away."
"I'm about to find the answer. After you lead Madam Pince away, meet me at the Hospital Wing!"
Answer getting closer. Hermione couldn't look up. Just gave rapid instructions.
Harry's face lit up. Pulled the cloak off Ron. Covered Hermione.
Footsteps hurried away.
Madam Pince's scream. Filch's furious cursing.
Cat-mione ignored it all. Pupils fixed on the word "Basilisk."
"I know it!"
Quickly copied the information. Hurried out wearing the cloak.
Castle corridors deathly silent. Even painted figures asleep...
Harry and Ron hid near the Hospital Wing. Constantly looking out. Waiting for Hermione.
But even as the morning star rose, they didn't see Cat-mione.
Ominous feeling rose in Harry's heart.
"Ron, we need to find Hermione!" Forcibly calm voice. Carried a tremor.
Ron's face went white. Grabbed Harry's arm.
"Let's split up!"
Eastern sky showed pale white. Hogwarts awakened.
Inside Slytherin common room, noisy conversation grew. Young snakes wore light clothing. Did warm-up exercises.
Crabbe and Goyle were kicked out by Draco. Lazy as hell.
When Tiger appeared, the snakes perked up.
After two years of training, they'd felt the benefits. Hearts less resistant.
"Alright, let's go."
Tiger shouldered his Winchester. Prepared to lead them out.
Stone wall shifted early. Neville rushed in. Face deathly pale. Covered in tears.
"Tiger, something happened!"
Hospital Wing.
Tiger gently stroked Cat-mione's head. Fur that should've been soft now transmitted bone-chilling cold. Like a cold, hard stone.
Sensing Tiger's emotions, Slytherins outside held their breath. Body hair stood on end.
On the other side, the Weasley twins suppressed fear. Gritted teeth. Ran to Professor McGonagall. Anxiously reported Ginny's disappearance.
"Good people shouldn't be hurt."
Tiger slowly stood. Venom's pale eyes covered his face...
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