After the judges have done their checks on the Champion’s wands, Skyler’s routine returned to attending classes and delving into the intricacies of transfiguration.

He had achieved a commendable understanding of the human body transformation technique and was confident in mastering it before December.

A few days later, Rita Skeeter’s article on the Triwizard Tournament hit the stands. More focused on Harry’s personal life than the tournament itself, the piece relegated the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang warriors to the last lines, misspelled and barely acknowledged.

Strikingly, Skyler’s name didn’t merit a single mention.

Rita not only transformed Harry’s nuanced responses into a distasteful diatribe but also sought the opinions of others about him.

“Harry has supposedly found his first love at Hogwarts. According to his close friend Colin Creevey, Harry is inseparable from a girl named Hermione Granger. Born into a Muggle family, Miss Granger shares Harry’s top academic standing.” This narrative made Harry and Hermione the primary targets of cynicism among Slytherin students.

This situation drove Harry to the brink. He even inadvertently snapped at Chang Cho, the goddess in his mind.

While Hermione did bear some of the unpleasant fallout, she refrained from lashing out at innocent bystanders.

What concerned her more was the potential for misconceptions about her emotional life. Still, the memory of that day when Skyler held Daphne’s hand and entered the classroom lingered, leaving a bitter taste in her heart.

This marked the first time she genuinely felt a twinge of envy toward Daphne, born into a pure-blood family and seamlessly sorted into Slytherin House.

Reflecting on the day she donned the Sorting Hat. She remembered its inquiry – Ravenclaw or Gryffindor?

Admiring Dumbledore, the eminent wizard of the century, she made the bold choice of Gryffindor, the house she deemed the finest.

In moments of contemplation, she couldn’t help but wonder how different things might have been if she had opted for Ravenclaw that day.

Eleanor and Catalina, although granted the freedom to attend any class by Dumbledore, didn’t join the regular students at Hogwarts for lessons.

Eleanor dedicated the majority of her time to the ghost ship, guided personally by Karkaroff himself.

Similarly, Catalina spent most of her days in the carriage under the guidance of Madame Maxime.

After the judges checked their wand and deemed proper, Skyler engaged in friendly exchanges with the two girls. He learned that both the ghost ship and the carriage were enchanted with an Undetectable Extension Charm.

Not only were the spaces expansive enough to accommodate hundreds of people, but they also featured numerous sub-spaces, such as boys’ dormitories, girls’ dormitories, washrooms, offices, and classrooms. Essentially, these enchanted vehicles served as mini portable schools designed for small-class teaching.

Skyler efficiently utilizes his Time-Turner, dedicating time not only to his academic pursuits but also fostering relationships with Daphne, Morag, and Astoria daily.

While the quest for power to save Meredith is paramount, he values the efforts of these three girls, refusing to take their support for granted and steering away from selfishness.

On a chilly night, the Potions class convened in the underground classroom, illuminated by dim lights.

“Professor,” Skyler respectfully inquired, “What brings you here to see me?”

Snape’s gaze, as gloomy as ever, conveyed a certain weight as he spoke in a low, smooth voice, “Is it your idea to participate in the Triwizard Tournament?”

“Yes, Professor,” Skyler responded, “I believe my strength is on par with that of a seventh-year student, and I have a compelling reason for joining.”

A glimmer of light flickered in Snape’s typically vacant eyes. Visibly affected, he spoke slowly, “Is it because of Meredith? That Shafiq girl?”

“That’s correct.” Skyler met Snape’s gaze directly. “To me, she’s a companion, a relative, and the one I love.”

Snape couldn’t help but emit a cold snort. “Foolish!” Realizing he had deviated from his usual icy demeanor, he pursed his lips and continued coldly, “Given your family background, appearance, and strength, you could have any woman you desire. Why cling to the past?”

Skyler concealed a cynical smirk within as he pondered, “Professor, you’re projecting your own past, aren’t you? Something that you could’ve done the same, but you didn’t…”

With resolute eyes, Skyler addressed Snape, “Professor, if I were to abandon my beloved in the face of adversity today, how could I ever deserve a genuine relationship in the future?”

Raising his voice, he continued, “Moreover, Professor Dumbledore mentioned that there’s still a chance to save Meredith. Even if she has transformed into someone else or remarried, I’ll act as a true man and reclaim her!”

A rare shift flickered across Snape’s eyes, causing the classroom’s atmosphere to turn even colder. Intent to subtle nuances, Skyler sensed an obscure, almost ominous aura.

“Caught your thoughts, there is nothing you can hide from me!” Skyler thought to himself after seeing the sudden change of expression on Snape’s face.

After a pause, Snape’s eyes reverted to their usual emptiness. He calmly stated, “You’re unlike any Malfoy I’ve encountered… a fool.” He proceeded, “Although you may be foolish, having made up your mind…” Snape continued, “As your head of house and a friend of your father, I should support you publicly and privately.”

From a concealed compartment on his desk, Snape produced a book, handing it to Skyler. “Take this book. It’s a magical tome I’ve been researching, and it should assist in enhancing your strength.”

Humph, Skyler couldn’t ignore the fact that Snape saw a reflection of his former self in him. Snape ostensibly aimed to aid Skyler while making amends for his past, yet he maintained a business-like facade.

Certainly, given that Skyler had manipulated him, he refrained from voicing these thoughts aloud.

“Thank you, Professor!” Skyler gave his gratitude.

“One more thing,” Snape’s deep voice resonated softly, “This time, don’t share this book with anyone, even if that person is your brother.”

“Understood, Professor.” Skyler swiftly grasped the implication and couldn’t help but chuckle.

Last semester, Skyler had shared his junior potion notes with the Slytherin students without Snape’s consent, and it appeared that Snape was already privy to this.

Skyler had a strategic motive for doing so. He was testing Snape, probing his limits.

Snape was a complex individual. A half-blood wizard, he aligned with the pure-blooded Death Eaters due to his advocacy for dark magic and power.

While originally loyal to Voldemort, he defected because of a woman he loved. However, this didn’t necessarily translate into loyalty to Dumbledore.

His allegiance to Dumbledore stemmed from the desire to protect the individual he loathed the most.

In essence, Snape was only loyal to himself — a target that Skyler could potentially win over.

It was hardly surprising that Snape was aware of the events of the previous term since Skyler had no intention of keeping it a secret from him.

Snape’s reaction was intriguing.

He refrained from accusing Skyler of divulging his potion knowledge, but similarly, he didn’t commend Skyler for contributing significantly to the overall improvement of Slytherin’s potion skills.

Although he was evidently in the know, Snape chose to act as if he were oblivious, maintaining a stoic silence.

Deep down, the growth of Slytherin’s students has been a massive help for Snape himself.

However, this time, Snape broke his usual pattern and explicitly requested Skyler to keep the notes private, even barring Draco from sharing them.

What did this signify? Simply put, it underscored that Snape’s personal support for Skyler was based on Skyler himself and held no connection to Slytherin or the Malfoy family!

Once again, the episode highlighted the significance of reputation.

Whether it was the Greengrass family, the Nott family, Trelawney, or Snape himself, they all saw a distinct possibility in Skyler!

Beyond Dumbledore and Voldemort, there existed a third possibility in this world!

Snape emitted a soft snort and uttered coldly, “I take back what I just said; you’re not entirely foolish.”

[Professor Snape’s Magical Tome has been obtained! ]