Chapter 14
As I approached the witch's statue, the Weasley brothers came into view, pacing back and forth nervously. The Weasley brothers were pacing back and forth nervously, apparently eager to find out what was in the box. As soon as I got closer, they noticed me, and then they came rushing toward me.
- How did you do? - One of the brothers asked, clearly losing patience.
- Come on, get the box out! We can't wait to find out what's in there! - added the other.
- Quiet! Why are you so angry?! I hid it in a safe place, because I thought that Filch could follow you if he realized that his office had been rummaged through! - I immediately explained my suspicions to my brothers. And as soon as my voice faded, the head of the storekeeper jumped out from around the corner.
- AHA! WE GOT THE THIEVES! NOW I'LL SHOW YOU ALL WHAT HAPPENS TO TROUBLEMAKERS LIKE YOU! - Philch began to yell, clearly having no evidence of any kind.
- Mr. Filch? Good evening! I don't know what you mean, can you explain to me what we've done that's causing you such a violent reaction.
- Don't play innocent, Slytherin! You're all sneaky snakes! I know you robbed my office while those two cheeky redheaded hooligans were setting off fireworks and dung bombs, thus distracting me.
- Ha-ha, what a vivid imagination you have, Mr. Filch. But I dare warn you that falsely accusing students of something they didn't do could be detrimental to your already bleak career. So without proof, I suggest you hold your accusations.
- Ha! As soon as I search your pockets, the truth will come out! - did not give up a little short-sighted old man, and after his words immediately began to approach us to search.
- Ah, I wouldn't advise you to do that, Mr. Filch. Assaulting students, especially a student whose father is chairman of the school's board of trustees. I will not be searched voluntarily, and if my words don't stop you, my wand will! - I pulled out my wand and pointed it threateningly at Filch, forcing him to stop.
- What the hell is going on here?! Mr. Malfoy, put your wand down! - came the voice of Severus Snape from behind us.
- Professor Snape! It's a good thing you're here! Mr. Filch is accusing us, and me in particular, of robbing his office! I find that outrageous adult behavior, considering that Mr. Filch has no proof and that he was going to search us against our will.
- Is that true? Headmaster Filch, are Mr. Malfoy's words true? - Snape gave the Argus his icy stare.
- Ahem, ahem, partly true. But I dare say I'm pretty sure that this Malfoy of yours robbed my office while the Weasleys were distracting me. And if we search them.
- Silence! You know what a scandal it would cause if your actions reached the ears of the children's parents. I can assure you that you'll be out of a job and on the street in no time, and you won't be helped by the long-standing friendship and favor of our esteemed Headmaster Dumbledore.
- But... but I'm sure it's their fault! There's no reason for Gryffindors and Slytherins to socialize anymore! - Mr. Filch continued, burying himself deeper and deeper.
- I'm sorry to interrupt you, Mr. Filch. But what you're saying sounds a little prejudiced. Although our school encourages house rivalry, the school does not forbid, but encourages students from different houses to be close to each other. After all, house rivalry is not meant to divide students, but to make us work harder to learn what the professors are teaching us. Rivalry between friends always doubled the result with half the effort. And we knew Fred and George before we even got to Hogwarts, so it's not strange that we've formed quite a close relationship with them. I hope I've dispelled your suspicions, and we all hope that you won't jump to conclusions and take unreasonable actions next time. Besides, since you don't lock your office, it's not strange that one of your naughty students would steal something from you. Although I'm leaning more towards one restless individual named Peeves.
- My office was closed! So Peeves couldn't have gotten anything out of there. - the storekeeper fell right into my trap.
- So, you're suggesting that a first year who can't even hold a wand used the Alohomor spell, broke open your door and robbed your office, am I right? - Snape pressed Filch.
- But-but-" Filch started to say something again, but he was rudely interrupted by Snape.
- That's enough Mr. Filch. You are free to go! And know that your transgression will surely reach the Headmaster's ears! - The Dean of Slytherin finally decided to interrupt this spectacle.
When he heard Snape's verdict, Argus Filch slumped, and then strode away, muttering something to himself, probably cursing at us.
- Thank you, Professor Snape, for your help. I can't imagine what the storekeeper would have done if you hadn't been there. - I quickly thanked the professor, and then poked the Weasley brothers in the side so that they would do the same.
- Yes, thank you very much, Professor Snape. We didn't know you could be so generous! - the twins said in unison.
- Leave your idle chatter for others. You'd better get smart and stop making trouble for others. - Snape said, and then waved the hem of his robes and walked away.
- Phew, that was averted... Draco, you're so clever, I can't imagine what would have awaited us if you hadn't realized to come here without the box!
- Yeah yeah yeah, and the way you verbally destroyed that creep Filch. Uh, he'll be out of our hair for a while, and we can take a break from him.
- Come on, it's no surprise. You just have to analyze and simulate all possible outcomes of events, and choose the best one. Which I did.
- Huh, even though you say it's easy, but trust us Draco, not many people can do it. So remind us not to become enemies with you once in a while, or we'll be in trouble!
- Yeah, George is right. If you're capable of that at this age, I dread to think what you'll be capable of in a few years!
- All right, enough of this sucking up. Just tell me you want to go through the bloody box as soon as possible. - I rolled my eyes at their useless chatter.
- Ha-ha, as expected of you. You're quick to figure out what we're thinking.
- I don't have to guess, it's written all over your face. The grin on your teeth and your eyes glowing with anticipation, not many people would miss it.
- By the way, where did you hide the box? Are you sure no one's gonna find it?
- It's unlikely. I used magic to put the box behind the head of the Hogwarts architect statue on the first floor. The box can only be seen if you can fly. So I'm sure it's still there. But still, let's hurry. After all, it'll be lights out soon...