Chapter 57: Slytherin in Fourth Place
At lunchtime in the Great Hall, students from different houses chatted loudly about their classes and homework. Yet something strange happened.
Among the three Defence Against the Dark Arts classes that had attended lessons that day, not a single student openly mentioned asking Professor Holmes for his autograph.
Unless someone asked directly.
Then they would lean closer and whisper mysteriously:
"Oh Merlin… Professor Holmes is really easy to talk to. Just place your book on the desk during class."
"He'll sign it for you!"
The rumor spread quickly across the hall.
Students from three houses and three different classes quietly exchanged glances.
Without saying another word, they grabbed their food, finished lunch quickly, and slipped out of the hall one after another.
If they stayed any longer—
They were afraid they would burst out laughing.
Evening – Defence Against the Dark Arts Office
After the afternoon lessons ended, Douglas sat inside his office staring at a pile of student papers.
He rubbed his forehead.
He had seen Hogwarts houses set traps for each other before.
But this was the first time he had seen different year groups within the same house tricking each other.
Just then—
Knock knock.
Douglas opened the door.
Standing outside was Draco Malfoy, the second-year Slytherin class representative.
Two other students were lurking down the corridor, clearly trying to peek inside.
"Oh, Mr. Malfoy," Douglas said calmly. "Come in."
Draco inhaled deeply.
He stepped into the office, trying to imitate the elegant, dignified walk of his father.
For a moment he regretted that he wasn't allowed to bring a cane to school.
That would have completed the image perfectly.
Stopping in front of the professor, Draco displayed what he believed to be a flawless aristocratic smile.
"Dear Professor Holmes—"
"Mr. Malfoy," Douglas interrupted casually, "no need to be so formal."
"Are you here to report your class's memorization progress?"
"Have you finished memorizing the first section?"
Draco blinked.
He had completely forgotten why he came.
"…No," he admitted.
Douglas sighed in disappointment.
"I must criticize you for this."
"You are the class representative. Yet Slytherin currently ranks fourth among the second-year houses in memorization progress."
"You previously told me some students hadn't even finished the first section."
Draco's pale cheeks suddenly flushed.
He hurriedly asked,
"Professor… may I ask where Gryffindor ranks?"
Douglas answered bluntly.
"They've finished the second section."
"And Neville Longbottom has already begun memorizing the third."
"I believe you know Mr. Longbottom."
"The boy who is often described as slow and forgetful."
"But he wakes up before dawn every day to study."
"With enough diligence, he has nearly caught up with everyone else."
Douglas paused.
"So tell me—why can't you do the same?"
"All pure—"
He stopped himself and shook his head.
"Never mind. There are some things I don't want to say."
Draco waved his hands quickly.
"Professor! I'll go back and urge them to memorize immediately!"
"Don't worry—Slytherin will definitely surpass Gryffindor!"
He turned and ran out of the office.
Outside the Office
Crabbe and Goyle rushed toward him.
Draco nearly slapped them both on the head.
"What are you doing here?!"
"Why aren't you memorizing your lessons?"
"The stupid Gryffindor lions have already reached the third section, and neither of you has even finished the first!"
"Do you realize Slytherin ranks fourth because of you two?!"
"Tomorrow morning you will wake up before dawn to study!"
"Understood?"
Crabbe and Goyle stared at him blankly.
What did this have to do with anything?
Getting up before dawn to memorize textbooks sounded like torture.
They asked cautiously,
"Didn't you come to deliver a letter to the professor? Why—"
Draco's face instantly changed colors.
Red.
Then pale.
Then red again.
He had completely forgotten about the letter after Professor Holmes interrupted him.
And now—
He didn't dare go back.
Draco snapped angrily,
"Is that something you need to worry about?"
"Go memorize your lessons!"
Seven O'Clock That Evening
Several class representatives gathered in Douglas's office.
Some submitted homework.
Others asked questions.
A few even came specifically to request autographs.
Eventually they all left in a noisy crowd.
Only two students remained.
George and Fred Weasley.
George handed Douglas a note.
"Professor, Harry asked me to give this to you."
Fred added seriously,
"I think he's right. The Malfoy family is evil to the core."
Douglas unfolded the note.
It read:
Professor, please don't accept Malfoy's invitation.
His family discriminates against Muggle-born wizards.
Douglas looked puzzled.
"Do either of you know what invitation he's talking about?"
"Mr. Malfoy came earlier, but he only reported memorization progress."
He shook his head.
"Incomprehensible."
"Why can't you boys focus on studying?"
Gryffindor Common Room
Meanwhile, Hermione had gathered every second-year Gryffindor around the fireplace.
Older and younger students curiously moved aside to watch.
Standing in the center, Hermione announced proudly:
"I just spoke with Professor Holmes."
"I've learned the current memorization rankings for the houses."
"Ravenclaw is first."
"Gryffindor is second."
"Hufflepuff is third."
"Slytherin is fourth."
The common room erupted into cheers.
Even older students nearby applauded enthusiastically.
In the corner, Percy frowned slightly while doing homework.
Ginny whispered to a classmate,
"I asked the professor too."
"Among first-years, Gryffindor ranks third and Slytherin second."
"Later I'll gather everyone together like Hermione did and hold a meeting."
Hermione quickly raised her hand for silence.
"But is this enough?"
"No!"
"We want first place!"
Several students groaned.
"Hermione, beating Slytherin is enough!"
"Ravenclaw is unbeatable when it comes to studying!"
"We can beat them in Quidditch—we have Harry!"
Hermione clenched her fists.
"Do you know what spell Ravenclaw will learn first?"
"The Enemy Trap spell."
"Professor Holmes told me that the spells we learn will all be used in practical classes."
"That means whoever learns the spell first will have an advantage."
"One step behind means every step behind."
"And at the end of the year—"
She raised her voice.
"We might lose the House Cup because of a single point!"
She looked around the room.
"So tell me."
"Are you willing to accept that?"
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