It wasn't too far to Professor Slughorn's office.
But Robert, who had been nagged by Tom all the way, finally couldn't stand it anymore.
"Tom, has anyone ever told you that you are incredibly nagging?" Robert said irritably.
"Well, Robert, now you're starting to dislike my nagging…"
Robert was further annoyed by Tom's endless chatter.
He decided that when he returned, he would create a spell to block out Tom's voice entirely.
Fortunately, he didn't have to endure it for long before they arrived at Professor Slughorn's office.
Professor Slughorn was surprised by Professor McGonagall's sudden visit.
And when he saw the group of Slytherin students behind her, his confusion deepened.
"Minerva, what is this about?"
Professor McGonagall then explained everything that had happened and how she had handled the situation.
"Minerva, you handled it very well. I have no objections," Professor Slughorn said, his expression stern as he looked at the troublemakers.
After all, 180 points were deducted from Slytherin on the first day of school. Even if Slughorn didn't usually concern himself with house points, this was a significant blow.
Apart from Robert and Tom, who felt they had done nothing wrong, the others lowered their heads, not daring to look at their Head of House.
Once Professor McGonagall left, Professor Slughorn turned to face the group.
"You lot are truly... remarkable! Not only do you fight, but you also fight amongst yourselves! Not only do you fight your own, but you also bully the weak! Not only do you gang up on someone, but you still lose! Should I be proud of you?"
Andre and his friends turned red with shame. Every word from Slughorn felt like a knife piercing their pride.
It was humiliating.
"Professor McGonagall's decision was absolutely appropriate. I fully support the punishment she gave you! If I had been there, I would have deducted 50 points from each of you myself!"
"It's embarrassing—utterly embarrassing! If word of this spreads, how will others see us? I can already imagine the expressions of the other professors at dinner tonight!"
"Forget it... I'm too frustrated to scold you any further. I'll go to the Headmaster's office soon—I'm sure I'll be scolded as well. After all, I'm responsible for raising such disgraceful students!"
"Go! Get out of my sight! Seeing you any longer will raise my blood pressure!"
Upon hearing this, everyone rushed out as fast as they could.
They could already imagine how the rest of the Slytherins would react when they learned that 180 points had been lost because their seniors couldn't even win a fight against first-years.
Meanwhile, Robert was in a great mood, especially after hearing that Professor Slughorn supported Professor McGonagall's decision.
The detention in the Forbidden Forest was still on!
Just as Robert and a now-relieved Tom were about to leave…
"You two, stay. Yes, Robert, Tom, both of you," Slughorn called out.
Their expressions froze.
Robert immediately grew nervous. Oh no, was the Forbidden Forest detention about to be revoked?
Tom also felt uneasy. Was Slughorn planning to add more punishment instead?
After all, Slytherin's humiliation was partly their fault. It wouldn't be surprising if Slughorn increased their punishment.
However, contrary to their fears, Professor Slughorn simply gestured for them to sit down once the door was closed.
"Would you like some candied pineapple? And tea?"
He tapped his wand on the table, summoning two cups and a teapot that poured steaming black tea for them. He then retrieved a plate of candied pineapple from his drawer and placed it in front of them.
Even Robert winced at the excessive sugar coating.
"This is lethal…" he muttered.
"I already know what happened," Slughorn said, popping a piece of pineapple into his mouth. "They tried to bully you two, which is unacceptable. So, I see no fault in your actions."
"Minerva left the decision on your detention up to me. So, I've decided… to cancel Robert's detention. As for the points…"
Slughorn smiled. "Standing up to bullies, especially while outnumbered, takes courage. I admire that. So, I'm awarding each of you 50 points!"
Slughorn had always favored talented students. Blood status and house affiliation never mattered to him—he simply valued excellence.
And he particularly enjoyed collecting promising students for his Slug Club, much like one would collect rare stamps.
Robert and Tom's skill and bravery had certainly caught his attention.
Tom's mood instantly brightened. Not only had Slughorn canceled Robert's detention, but he also restored most of the lost points!
In total, 100 points were added back, reducing the net loss from 180 to 80.
It was a win.
Tom grinned smugly at Robert, clearly pleased with himself.
However, Robert felt like the sky was falling.
His hard-earned, guided tour of the Forbidden Forest had just been taken away!
Robert's inner villain screamed in rage.
Tom, this is all your fault! How will you make this up to me?
And then, as if to rub salt in the wound, Tom smirked at him.
Because of Tom's argument earlier, McGonagall had left the final decision to Slughorn…
Robert clenched his teeth.
"Thank you, Professor. You are truly wise and fair…" Tom began to say.
Before he could finish, Robert abruptly stood up.
"Professor, I sincerely appreciate your kindness, but… I did break the rules by fighting. I believe I should still serve my detention."
Tom stared at him in shock.
Was Robert insane?
Slughorn was equally surprised.
"Are you sure? The Forbidden Forest is dangerous. Even with Mr. Ogg accompanying you, he may not be able to protect you completely," Slughorn warned.
"I'm sure," Robert said firmly.
Slughorn sighed. "You… why are you like this?"
Robert hesitated for a second before grinning. "Well, Professor, if I have to go into the Forbidden Forest, I might as well make the most of it. Do you need any potion ingredients gathered?"
Slughorn chuckled. "Ah, you're a clever one. Always thinking ahead."
He retrieved two thick notebooks from his shelf and handed them to Robert.
"These contain detailed information on where various potion ingredients grow in the Forbidden Forest. Be sure to memorize as much as you can. And…"
Slughorn smirked. "The second book lists the known locations of dangerous magical creatures and dark entities. Stay away from those."
Robert grinned, accepting the books eagerly.
As they left, Tom flipped through the notebooks.
"This is insane. So many dark creatures… What if they leave their territories and attack you?"
Robert's eyes gleamed. "Tom, you're thinking too small. What dangers? What dark creatures? They're all walking piles of Galleons!"
Tom sighed. "Are you seriously risking your life for money?"
"You don't understand, Tom! Magic research is expensive. I need money for my experiments!"
"So, you've actually spent a fortune on researching spells?" Tom asked suspiciously.
"Of course! And you've been using my spells quite well, haven't you? I've personally funded every one of them!"
Tom narrowed his eyes. "So… you didn't touch our Gringotts vault?"
Robert suddenly looked up at the sky.
"Ah… what a beautiful day…"
Tom's face darkened. "Robert! Don't tell me—"
"Tom," Robert interrupted, smiling innocently, "if you had to choose between true friendship and a pile of Galleons, what would you pick?"
"Gold Galleons!" Tom answered without hesitation.
Robert gasped dramatically. "Oh, Tom, you've changed! Since when did you become so materialistic?"
"You're the last person who should be saying that!" Tom shouted.
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