Vid glanced at him and shook his head.
"Uh..." Michael was stunned, "You don't agree with this idea? Then what are you planning to do—"
"I'll go myself," Vid said.
"—Got it." Michael nodded, "I'll call everyone."
"No, Michael. I meant—I'll go by myself." Vid emphasized again.
Michael's eyes widened instantly, his face full of shock. After a moment he frowned and said, "Who are you? You're not my friend Vid—are you some Gryffindor impersonator?"
Vid was speechless: "—I'm not joking."
"Are you crazy?" Michael was serious and anxious, almost shouting, "They are a group, and you are just one!"
"Yeah, I know."
Vid patted his arm to calm him down—Michael's reaction was too much, even the slow-speaking Professor Bin turned to look.
Michael quickly lowered his head and raised the "Magic History" book to shield him from the professor's gaze, then turned to glare fiercely at Vid, gritting his teeth: "Normal students know that when a group wants to bully you, the right thing to do is report to the professors!"
"Yes, you're right," Vid whispered back, "But then, the Slytherins will just think we're snitches and bookworms. This time they failed, they will definitely scheme for the next time."
"Then give them a lesson they'll never forget!" Michael's eyes gleamed deeply: "Listen, I have an idea—Professor Snape has Magic Potion Class with the fourth years this afternoon. After class, you can ask him questions, keep him busy. Then I'll find someone to pass the message to the Slytherins, let them think you're alone over there, they can toss a few Dungbombs as a greeting…"
"And then Snape, covered in Dungbombs, would dissect them alive?" Vid countered.
"How about it, isn't it brilliant?" Michael asked eagerly.
Vid nodded, "Brilliant."
"Then we—"
"I still decide to go by myself." Vid said stubbornly.
Michael was silent for a moment, then said softly, "Don't tell me—you were inspired by Harry and Neville's efforts and decided to lean towards Gryffindor?"
"How could that be?" Vid chuckled, "I just… well… I can ensure I won't suffer, and besides… I don't want to take advantage of Professor Snape's kindness and sense of duty…"
Michael fell silent.
He slumped over the table with exhaustion, sighed helplessly, "Vid—people with too much morality will surely suffer—"
Vid couldn't help but laugh.
"At least not this time," he said.
Vid was very grateful that Michael had always considered him, even at the risk of offending the Slytherins and trying to use Professor Snape. But there were some things he couldn't say to Michael.
For instance, how Voldemort or Death Eaters would have a tour of the school every year in the future, and the situation they'll face will be much more brutal than now, with many people dying, even including Dumbledore, who seemed omnipotent in the students' eyes.
For instance, when facing off against Slytherin, a few House-Elves in the school would always keep an eye on the situation, so he wouldn't be in any real danger.
And… Michael's guess was correct. He was indeed somewhat moved by Harry and Neville.
Watching them get hurt again and again in the Umbrella House filled with cushions and pillows, and then get up to train again, Vid would think of that savior who hadn't even mastered [Expelliarmus], yet went alone to face Quirrell and Voldemort.
Of course, Vid still thought he was too reckless… but on the flip side, was he being too cautious, lacking in courage?
If in a situation where the safety factor is above ninety percent, and any accident can be handled in time, he couldn't directly face a threat from a few kids but had to use schemes and deceit to borrow others' power to solve it… then after Voldemort resurrects, would he have to tuck tail and run from the United Kingdom?
—Even if one day he leaves this land, it should be openly and honorably, not abandoning friends and mentors, dreams, and the future, fleeing like a stray dog with his parents.
Moreover, during this time, it's not just Harry and the others who were doing combat training, Vid was also observing, learning, and growing. He found that even the best like Harry and Hermione were doing standstill attacks—not adept at being flexible, with limited spells, and weak spell power.
When spells were aimed at them, it wasn't that they didn't want to dodge. But once they moved, the magic gestures would also change, making their own spell prone to fail or misfire—they were like this, and Slytherin students couldn't be much stronger.
This is the normal level of first-year students.
So even if the number of opponents doubled, Vid couldn't find a reason why he would lose.
…
Coincidentally, the afternoon Herbology class was still shared with Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Although both sides kept their distance, some of the Slytherins' malice was almost palpable—
They're not acting masters, being able to keep the secret all day without speaking was already at their limit. But the exchanges of glances, and occasionally looking at Vid with a mixture of glee and schadenfreude, completely revealed what they wanted to say, making students not originally involved in this matter aware.
"Vid, it seems like Slytherin is up to no good."
During practicals, Anthony Goldstein specifically came over to Vid and said, "After class, we can all leave together so they don't bother you."
Vid looked at him, then over his shoulder at the other few classmates. Under their vaguely worried gazes, he shook his head and smiled, "Thanks—but no need. I have a plan."
Goldstein turned to Michael, saying, "Michael—"
"Don't bother," Michael shrugged, "Once this guy gets stubborn, no one can change his mind!"
When class ended, a few Slytherin students lingered outside the greenhouse, while the Ravenclaws, at Vid's signal, left with Goldstein.
"Mr. Gray—" Professor Sprout suddenly said, "These Flowing Liquid Grass need to be moved to another greenhouse, could you help me with them?"
Vid, just about to leave, paused for a moment, then said, "Of course, Professor."
He picked up a pot of Flowing Liquid Grass, and Professor Sprout also held a pot herself. As they left Greenhouse Number One, the head of Hufflepuff looked at those hovering around Slytherin and frowned, asking coldly, "Do you have any more business?"
Don't be fooled by Professor Sprout's usual cheerful and good-natured demeanor; when she put on a serious face, it seemed like she harbored a volcano about to erupt within, quite intimidating.
Malfoy and company quickly said, "No, no," then hurriedly ran off.
Vid almost laughed out loud.
Professor Sprout's gaze turned to him, her smile instantly becoming kind, "Mr. Gray, do you need any help?"
Vid smiled and shook his head, his eyes bright and smile gentle, "Thank you, Professor. It's just a little misunderstanding—I can handle it myself."