By Monday morning, news that Charity Burbage had been attacked and sent to the Hospital Wing had spread throughout the entire castle.
The school was unable to find a suitable substitute teacher, so Muggle Studies classes were temporarily suspended.
Moreover, Marcus Flint, who had been discharged from the hospital, also claimed... he saw Professor being sent to the Hospital Wing on Saturday night with his own eyes.
Everyone who heard this news was stunned... That's a professor!
Suddenly, rumors flew around the school, and everyone became suspicious, almost everyone began to gather in groups for safety, afraid they would be attacked if left alone.
"He's lying!"
Beside the Gryffindor table, Harry said angrily, "He wasn't awake at all Saturday night; he was out cold!"
"But people want to believe him," Ron said without looking up, "Forget about it."
He placed a backpack on the table, and from a heap of books and notebooks inside, pulled out a piece of parchment and measured it with a ruler.
"Damn, another three inches short... Harry, did you finish your Magic History homework?"
"What, there's homework for Magic History?" Harry was stunned.
"Of course, it's about the 1289 International Wizarding Conference," Ron glanced at him, "hopefully a Bludger didn't hit your head too."
"No... but I think it might have to do with that fall I took," Harry said, "I don't remember this at all."
"Well, you're in trouble; our first class is Magic History," Ron said sympathetically.
Then he looked over at Hermione, "Yours..."
"No way!" Hermione glared at him, "You should do your homework yourself."
"I know," Ron said, "but I was in the room on the eighth floor all day yesterday, didn't have time to go to the library."
"That's because you were busy playing on the broomstick out there!"
…
Two people attacked in a row, and one of them a professor... lately, everyone's been on edge, and the castle has become somber.
Fred and George couldn't stand the oppressive atmosphere, so one morning, they appeared at the Great Hall entrance with broomsticks in hand.
Each of them had three glittering trophies balanced on their heads, like wearing an odd-shaped helmet.
Moreover, the broomsticks they held were specially modified, with an added wooden slab in the middle secured by magic tape.
When enough people gathered, they started flying leisurely around the castle while performing tap dance on their broomstick, under the curious gaze of everyone.
The crowd became lively, everyone laughed heartily.
Professor McGonagall was in the crowd, but she didn't stop Fred and George, nor did she disperse the crowd - not until they'd circled the castle and returned to the ground did she step forward sternly.
"Professor McGonagall..."
"Why are you here?"
Fred and George quickly hid their smiles, looking at her sheepishly.
"Gryffindor loses one point."
Professor McGonagall said, "Brooms are not toys for such stunts; stop doing dangerous things like this in the future."
"Also..." she glanced at the trophies on their heads, "make sure to clean the trophies before returning them to the trophy room, or you'll be in detention."
"I'll make sure they shine like new," Fred said.
"Brand new," George added.
Hearing that they lost only one point and wouldn't be in detention, Fred and George almost laughed aloud... In fact, they were ready to face detention.
Professor McGonagall didn't say anything more and turned to leave.
The crowd became lively again.
Fred and George returned like triumphant heroes, escorted back into the castle.
They found Kael, smiling, "How was it?"
"A brilliant performance," Kael said sincerely.
Cedric gave a thumbs-up too, "But, how did you fix the trophies?"
"Magic tape," Fred said, prying apart the stuck trophies, "we originally wanted someone to use Levitating Spells nearby, but decided on this instead."
"At least it's safe," George laughed, "Earlier we asked Ron for help, but he couldn't control Levitating Spells; we lost the test feather and haven't found it yet."
"We gave up looking for help after that."
Returning to the castle, Fred and George decided to return the trophies before class.
"Will this do?" Conna eyed the trophy in their hands, noticing many unripped tape marks.
"In our view, it's enough."
"Rest assured, no Kael's in it..." George winked, "We checked, all these trophies are from Slytherin."
With that, they dashed up the stairs.
Thanks to them, Hogwarts finally regained some vitality after being quiet for long.
In Defense Against the Dark Arts Class, Lockhart even mentioned writing about them in his new book.
Though Kael thought Fred and George wouldn't be thrilled about this news.
After class, Kael met Neville in the hallway, who seemed to have been waiting, immediately walking over as soon as he spotted Kael.
"Sorry, I think I messed things up,"
Neville said with a hint of tears, pulling out a flowerpot from behind him.
Inside was a slender plant with green stems but dry yellow leaves, looking like it could wither anytime.
"They've been like this since yesterday; I don't know why," Neville bit his lip, "Sorry..."
"Why apologize,"
Kael touched the leaves, smiling, "Cloak Grass will sprout anew after wilting, then their leaves will grow broader... This is normal, you've taken good care of it."
"Really?" Neville couldn't believe it, "I didn't mess up this time?"
"Of course," Kael said, "Check the book 'Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi,' there's an introduction to Cloak Grass in chapter twelve."
"Thank goodness... I always thought it was my fault they turned like this."
Neville felt much better, "By the way, Kael, do you sell protective talismans?"
"Protective talisman?" Kael asked puzzledly, "There's still half a year to exams, why buy now."
"No, not for exams..." Neville shook his head, "I mean the ones that repel dark creatures, protect oneself, like this..."
Saying this, he took out a smelly onion.
Kael pinched his nose and stepped back.
This thing's smell contended with herring cans, and it was lasting... Neville actually dared to keep it in his pocket!
Truly Gryffindor material, insanely brave.
But must admit, indeed this could protect him, or rather, any sane creature wouldn't want to go near him.
Except Fluffy, it'd probably love this.
"What about it, do you have some?" Neville's expression was very calm; he even took a deep breath as if it makes him feel safer.
"No," Kael shook his head.
During this period, such items indeed became popular, even Fred and George talked to him about it.
But Kael never considered it seriously.
Similar stuff was too abundant; lacking Slytherin's market, they'd earn little Galleons.
Work hard for some candy money, not worthwhile.
"Oh..." Neville seemed a little disappointed.
He was really hoping to buy something, as everyone knew Kael's gang... team's products were far more reliable.
Seeing Neville's disappointed face, Kael considered, then said, "Hold up, let me check it out."
He opened the Transfiguration Lizard Skin Bag and pulled out a pointed amethyst.
This was gifted by the Dervish & Banges shop owner in Hogsmeade last time, a decorative amethyst.
Singular purchases aren't costly; one Galleon could buy a fist-sized one.
Neville took the amethyst excitedly. "Can it protect me?"
"No," Kael said, "but using it to peek around corners in the hallway sometimes can save your life."
Neville looked at the amethyst... it clearly reflected his image.
"I get it; it's like a Demon-Resistant Sneakoscope, spotting hidden monsters," Neville murmured, feeling he'd found its use.
"What's the cost?"
"Usually ten Sickles," Kael said, "This one's on the house..."
But before he finished, Neville pulled out five Galleons.
"Fine... I'll buy ten!"