In the end, Laisi Zhasini, Saiodo Luosiai, and Kasal Nuote agreed to snitch.
It was low-cost, efficient, and, if they asked Sifu not to tell their parents or classmates, they'd save face.
They reached a consensus to act later.
Unnoticed, Dafuni Gelingelasi sat nearby, overhearing. Worry flashed across her face.
Near eight, Tangmu woke refreshed. After washing up, he strolled into the Slymerin common room.
Last night's darkness hid the dormitory's highlight—the Black Lake view.
He approached the floor-to-ceiling glass. Morning light barely pierced the murky water, illuminating fish weaving among seaweed, carefree.
A massive shadow loomed, then vanished with the fish. Thick tentacles suggested the giant squid.
So much for "carefree"—the fish didn't struggle against death.
"Breathtaking, huh?" Dafuni appeared, gazing out. "I'd heard about Slymerin's underwater view, but seeing it beats the books."
"Not bad," Tangmu nodded. "Like a sea-view hotel daily."
He didn't say aloud: It's the only perk.
The view was Slymerin's sole redeeming feature. The rest? Unbearable.
Dark, damp, no sunlight year-round.
The green palette made it eerie, sapping mood subtly.
Slymerin's dark wizard reputation wasn't just ideology.
Seven years here would twist anyone—except someone as sunny as Tangmu.
The dampness drove him mad. His blanket felt waterlogged this morning.
Britain's humidity, Scotland's wind and rain, plus the dungeon and Black Lake? Unfit for habitation.
Historically, dungeons imprisoned people. Why did Salai choose this for pupils? To drive them mad?
En route to the Great Hall, Dafuni whispered what she'd overheard.
Tangmu was unfazed, thanking her without dwelling.
"Aren't you worried?" Dafuni leaned closer, spotting Sifu at the staff table. "Sifu's strict. You… hit them yesterday…"
"No matter how strict, he should be reasonable," Tangmu said calmly. "Zhasini provoked me. I defended myself. If Sifu's fair, he'll know who to punish."
"Really?" Dafuni sensed something off but couldn't pinpoint it.
Tangmu's confidence eased her.
At the tables, alongside breakfast, first-years received term schedules.
Tangmu grinned at his.
Relaxing—too relaxing. Lighter than elementary school.
First year focused on foundations, no electives—just core subjects, short sessions.
This morning, Slymerin had Transfiguration at nine with Gryffindor, then Herbology at one with Ravenclaw.
Just 100 minutes. The day was free after.
The week followed suit—two to three classes daily. Heaven.
Free time suited Tangmu's plans.
"Let's explore after breakfast," he told Dafuni. "Hogwarts' corridors move. Easy to get lost."
Dafuni nodded eagerly. They ate quickly, Tangmu pocketing two buttered bread slices for later.
At the Gryffindor table, Hemin Gelanjie watched them leave, wanting to follow, but her roommate Lawanbai Bulang chattered endlessly, forcing her to stay.
After Tangmu left, Zhasini, Luosiai, and Nuote exchanged nods.
Sifu left the table; the trio chased him to the Entrance Hall.
"Luosiai, what is it?" Sifu frowned, recognizing only him.
Luosiai's parents were Death Eaters—colleagues.
"Professor, stand up for us!"
Zhasini yanked open his robe, exposing his scrawny chest.
"Ahhh!" a witch screamed, entering for breakfast.
A teacher and a boy?!
Wait, isn't this a priest thing?
Peak breakfast hour drew eyes and wild speculation.
"You idiot, follow me!" Sifu growled, fleeing to the dungeons. The trio scrambled after.
Lingering longer risked castle-wide rumors.
This is Britain!
In his office, Sifu rounded on them, eyes icy. "Explain what you were doing, or I'll put you in detention, Slymerins or not!"
"Professor, these whip marks! Tangmu Lideer did this!" Zhasini pointed at his chest's red marks, indignant.
He felt wronged. Even his mother—and six stepfathers—never hit him like this!
Luosiai and Nuote added their accounts of last night and this morning. Sifu's expression darkened.
This… is blasphemy!
[^1]: In the Wizarding World, Slymerin House, founded by Salai, values ambition and cunning, often tied to pure-blood lineage. The Black Lake, near Hogwarts, hosts magical creatures like the giant squid.