Sifu's summons didn't faze Tangmu Lideer. After lunch, he napped in the dorm before heading to Herbology.
Professor Sipulaote, a kind, plump, middle-aged witch with a warm smile, seemed good-natured.
She lined up the young wizards, warning them not to touch nearby plants, and led them into Greenhouse One.
First-years handled gentle mushrooms and herbs, not potent magical plants. Their year-long task: memorize characteristics, functions, and cultivation.
Tangmu answered questions correctly, earning Slymerin five points.
The three Heads of House—Milawa Maige, Sipulaote, and others—were fair, hoping their houses excelled but not suppressing others, treating pupils equitably.
Except Sifu.
That old… ahem.
As his Head, Tangmu spared him some dignity.
After class, Tangmu and Dafuni Gelingelasi parted in the dungeon.
"Tangmu, don't talk back to Sifu," Dafuni warned. "Upperclassmen say if you apologize sincerely, he's lenient with Slymerins."
"Got it, Dafuni. Thanks."
Tangmu might not swallow pride, but he wasn't tactless. He wouldn't disappoint her well-meaning advice.
Knock knock knock—!
"Come in!"
Tangmu entered Sifu's dimly lit office, lit by fireplace and green candle flames, reeking of herbs and potions.
Cabinets held jars—animal organs, twisted herbs in strange liquids—not books.
Sifu sat, head down, reading a magazine, ignoring Tangmu.
Tangmu turned an empty bottle into a single-seat sofa, placed it across Sifu's desk, and sat comfortably, leaning back, eyes closed, resting.
Sifu's hand froze mid-page, a vein throbbing.
Smack—!
He slammed the magazine shut, glaring coldly. "Lideer, did I say you could sit?"
Tangmu feigned confusion. "Professor, is sitting to talk against rules?"
"Sharp-tongued brat!" Sifu snorted. "My office. You used magic without permission. Eager to flaunt your pitiful talent?"
Sifu's anger made his unhandsome face scarier. Most first-years would've quaked—not Tangmu.
He couldn't beat Sifu now, but this was Hogwarts. Dengbuliduo lived. The Dark Lord, even young, was the Dark Lord. Rule-breaking had consequences.
Sifu could only retaliate within rules.
"Professor, you're funny," Tangmu chuckled. "I know it's your office, but you were reading something important. How else could a Slymerin Head, valuing bloodline and etiquette, neglect hospitality?"
"For our House's reputation, I made a call. Hope you understand."
You little…
Sifu's hand clenched in his sleeve.
No pupil had ever talked back so slyly in his years as Head.
Worse, he couldn't refute it.
He meant to intimidate Tangmu, but was cornered instead.
Sifu took a deep breath, letting it go—for now.
"You know why you're here."
"Don't, Professor. Tell me directly."
"You attacked Zhasini, Luosiai, and Nuote yesterday." Sifu leaned forward, slow. "Lideer, first day, and you fight dormmates. Do you recognize my authority?"
"Professor, I had no choice."
Tangmu sighed, recounting events.
"Those pure-bloods despised me, a Muggle-born orphan. They tried making me their servant. This morning, I heard them mutter 'Mudblood.'"
"I didn't know what it meant, so I asked Gelingelasi."
Tangmu locked eyes with Sifu, sincere. "Professor, if someone called you 'Mudblood,' wouldn't you resent them for life—or hit them?"
Sifu's eyes widened, body stiffening. Blood rushed to his face, nearly choking on emotion.
His trembling hand pointed at Tangmu. "You… you…"
A hidden wound ripped open, pain like being skinned alive.
Tangmu looked surprised. "Right? You understand, don't you?"
"Anyone saying 'Mudblood' deserves to be torn apart. They don't deserve friends, love—they should die alone. I only beat them, showing restraint."
"They're my dormmates. I didn't want it too ugly."
"Lideer!" Sifu roared, eyes bloodshot. "Shut your mouth!"
Tangmu raised his hands, zipped his lips, and quieted.
Sifu's chest heaved, gasping. After a pause, his gaze remained razor-sharp.
"I don't care how clever your words are. Hitting pupils breaks rules. I'll deduct…"
He stopped.
Damn it.
Tangmu was Slymerin.
Deducting points punished himself.
Damn it! This kid can't be handled normally!
[^1]: In the Wizarding World, Herbology, taught by Sipulaote, involves magical plant care. "Mudblood" is a derogatory slur for Muggle-born wizards.