Pansy held her wand at her side, giving it a small confident swing.
She actually looked quite prepared.
Gemma commented, "This little witch seems interesting. I wonder how strong she really is."
Beside her, the Second-Year Hidden Prefect, Dickens Nott, added, "Ever since that Black boy came along, pure-blood families have doubled down on training their children."
"They start learning magic from a very early age. Even when they can't cast yet, they're forced to memorize spells and practice wand techniques."
Gemma glanced at him. "So that's why last year you were able to cast Expelliarmus as a new student?"
Dickens nodded. "Exactly. That's why the quality of Slytherin's new students keeps getting better."
Gemma smiled. "Pure-bloods. Interesting."
The other prefects looked at her but said nothing. It was always a sensitive topic.
There were six Hidden Prefects in total.
Gemma Farley was the only one not from the Sacred Twenty-Eight. And yet she was the strongest of them all.
Pansy swept her gaze across the gathered first-years. Finally, her eyes landed on Karmit.
"Karmit, aren't you coming up? This Hidden Prefect seat should belong to you anyway. Since the others aren't moving, I'll take the position first to hold it for you."
The Parkinsons had a close relationship with the Malfoys.
Pansy grew up with Draco and naturally knew Karmit very well too. She was very aware of his power.
The other young witches and wizards all turned toward Karmit as well. They knew what he was capable of.
They didn't move because they understood no matter how they fought over the position, once Karmit stepped in, the battle would be over in an instant.
Karmit said calmly, "I won't fight for the Hidden Prefect position. Each of you should rely on your own strength."
Everyone in the room froze for a moment.
Even the heads of the four houses and Dumbledore looked surprised.
Professor McGonagall murmured, "Black isn't planning to compete?"
Professor Sprout added, "If he doesn't, the result could become uncertain."
Dumbledore looked thoughtfully at Karmit. After a short pause he spoke, "This child must be aiming higher."
His eyes turned toward the Slytherin throne at the far end of the room. The heads of houses followed his gaze.
The prefects exchanged glances.
Elena Rosier, the Third-Year Hidden Prefect, spoke softly, "So he's after the Chief Seat."
Marcus snorted, "I don't believe he has that kind of ability. Even if he's strong, without using dark magic, can he withstand ten opponents at once? And every day?"
Arabella shot Marcus a cold look. "Just because you can't do it doesn't mean others can't. Shut your mouth and stay out of the way."
Marcus went silent immediately.
He knew very well how terrifying this battle-obsessed girl from a German pure-blood family was.
Rumor had it she didn't attend Durmstrang because the entire student body refused to accept her. She was simply too frightening.
Pansy seemed confused by Karmit's refusal at first.
But then her eyes lit up. If Karmit wasn't competing, didn't that mean she had a chance at the position?
Just then, a voice rang out.
"I'll challenge you, Parkinson. You aren't qualified to sit in that seat." A tall and muscular girl stepped onto the stage.
Pansy's expression darkened. "Millicent Bulstrode."
Millicent smirked. "Since childhood you've never been my match. Nothing has changed."
Harry leaned toward Draco and whispered, "She's a pure-blood too, right? She looks like…"
Draco replied, "A troll? A black bear?"
Harry gave a tiny nod.
Draco grinned. "Same as our assessment. She's from the Bulstrode family. Grew up with us."
"She's always been big, like she's fueled by some strange growth potion. We suffered plenty before anyone learned spells.
She and Pansy have been sworn enemies forever. This is going to be fun."
Pansy sneered, "You think this is still when none of us had wands? You think your bear-sized body still gives you an advantage?
We are wizards now. Against my spells, you're just a joke."
Millicent answered coldly, "You think you're the only one who learned magic? I'll show you. A loser stays a loser."
She didn't wait. She suddenly flicked her wand.
°Expelliarmus°
Pansy let out a startled gasp and rolled aside just in time.
"Cowardly move!"
Millicent laughed. "Don't you worship Black the most? He once said victory is all that matters. The process is written by the winner."
Karmit's lips twitched slightly.
These kids remembered that part very clearly, while all the important lessons were apparently forgotten.
Pansy gritted her teeth. "You're right. So you can lose now."
°Vine Bind°
Before Millicent could react, vines shot out from the floor, wrapping tightly around her legs.
Millicent's eyes widened. "Damn it, when did you—"
Pansy stood up. °Expelliarmus°
Millicent's wand flew straight into Pansy's hand. "Brainless idiot. As a follower of Mr. Black, of course I remember what he said."
Karmit glanced at Pansy.
Not bad at all. The girl had improved significantly.
Millicent trudged off the stage in defeat.
The first match: Pansy won.
Pansy looked around proudly. "Who else wants to challenge me?"
Harry nudged Draco with his elbow.
"Aren't you going up?"
Draco shook his head. "No rush. My cousin said if you're not one hundred percent certain, don't act. Pansy hasn't used much energy yet. Better to wait."
Harry frowned. "But wouldn't others say you won dishonorably?"
Draco smirked. "Harry, you still don't see the true nature of the world. My cousin told me the only thing that matters is winning."
"Just like Pansy said, history is always written by those who win. Winners decorate themselves however they like. No one cares what losers say."
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