Chapter 103. Who Is More Frightening, Filch or Quirrell?
Hearing what Quirrell said, Duncan's muscles tightened at once.
Cold sweat seeped down his back, a chill creeping in.
He wasn't particularly afraid of Quirrell, who was so weak he panted just from walking.
But he still felt some dread for Lord Voldemort perched on the back of Quirrell's head.
The corridor here was narrow.
If a fight broke out, the two sides could only clash head-on.
His magic had indeed improved a fair bit.
But if he were to face Lord Voldemort and trade spells head-to-head?
That would be like a dung beetle spinning in circles—courting death.
Duncan forced down his nerves, raised a polite smile, and said, "Professor, what did you want with me?"
"I remember you've done quite in-depth research on trolls, yes?"
Quirrell turned his head.
His face was pale, the skin-and-bones mask puffed by a pair of bloodshot eyes that stared unblinkingly at Duncan.
"N-no, not really.
I only have a shallow understanding, miles worse than a professional like Professor Kettleburn."
Duncan kept the smile on his face, doing his best to look relaxed.
Quirrell's head nodded slowly, then he said, "Professor Kettleburn seems to have made you his assistant.
He even had you help look after the troll I brought before.
So you should be able to go in and out of the Forest freely, correct?"
Seeing Quirrell's questions pressing step by step towards the troll in the Forest, as if he already suspected him somewhat, Duncan silently summoned the satchel that held his gadgets, ready to fling everything out at a moment's notice.
At the same time, he replied, "I'd like that too, Professor Quirrell, but sadly it's not very likely.
Professor Dumbledore manages students entering the Forest very strictly.
He is willing to let me in, but every time I enter I must get Professor Kettleburn's approval.
Otherwise it counts as breaking school rules and points will be taken."
"And in order to prevent me sneaking in," Duncan added, inspiration striking, "Professor Dumbledore also requires me to carry this so he can monitor my whereabouts at all times."
He took the necklace hanging round his neck—a gift from Tina when she was little—raised it for Quirrell to see, and spoke with a troubled look.
Quirrell's expression froze for a moment.
His gaze locked on the necklace in Duncan's hand.
After a brief hesitation, he asked, "You're saying Dumbledore can track your location through this necklace?
Even right now?"
"Mm.
He told me so himself," Duncan said with a helpless nod.
"But he also said there's another enchantment on the necklace.
When I encounter danger, he will know and come to help me.
Otherwise I wouldn't wear it!
You know, there are all sorts of magical creatures in the Forest, and many could casually bully a little wizard like me."
"Y-yes, yes…"
Quirrell nodded repeatedly.
His mouth opened as if to speak, but he held his tongue.
"Professor Quirrell, is there anything else?" Duncan said.
"If not, I'll be off first.
It's nearly time to eat and I'm already starving…"
"That's all, that's all.
Go on, and be careful on your way…"
Quirrell said with an awkward smile.
"See you, Professor Quirrell!"
Duncan turned, kept his pace steady, and left without hurry.
Meanwhile his heart thudded wildly as he muttered over and over, "Merlin's beard, God bless…"
Once Duncan's figure was completely gone, Lord Voldemort's hoarse voice sounded, "Quirrell, why didn't you make a move?"
"Master, didn't you hear what he just said?"
Quirrell hurried to explain.
"He has a necklace from Dumbledore on him.
If I attack him, Dumbledore will definitely find out, and then our plan will be exposed!"
Lord Voldemort said nothing.
He coldly snorted, full of displeasure at Quirrell.
Quirrell asked cautiously, "Master, did you notice anything amiss just now?
Was he lying?
Is that little brat the one who set those mechanisms in the Forest?"
"Unclear," Lord Voldemort said begrudgingly, unwilling to admit his failure.
"It's as if there's a layer of protection on him.
I couldn't read his true emotions."
"Related to that necklace?" Quirrell asked quickly.
"Perhaps," Lord Voldemort replied.
"I sensed traces of magic on the necklace."
"Then do we carry on as planned and keep testing that brat?"
Quirrell's tone now clearly held fear.
"Of course," Lord Voldemort said in a low voice.
"From your description, whoever set the mechanisms must have a deep understanding of magical creatures.
Quirrell, you must keep a close watch on him this time.
I have no wish to be bitten by insects again while you still do nothing!"
"Very well, Master.
I will be more careful.
Our next plan will absolutely not fail," Quirrell replied respectfully.
"Fred, hurry up!
Why are you moving like an old lady?"
George's voice suddenly drifted down from the top of the stairs.
Quirrell's face changed slightly.
He didn't dare delay any longer and, dragging his feeble steps, headed for the other end of the corridor.
By now Duncan had already bolted to the first basement.
The entrance to Hufflepuff came into view.
Duncan let out a breath and slowed his steps.
Right on cue, Pro poked a tiny head out of his pocket, casting a frightened glance back.
"That person just now was really scary.
My whole body was breaking out in cold sweat standing next to him," Pro said, still shaken.
"That's why I told you not to sneak out.
There are quite a few people like that at school," Duncan took the chance to say.
"Oh…"
Pro answered offhand, then asked, "Between that person just now and Filch, who's more frightening?"
"Filch, obviously.
There's simply no comparison between the two!" Duncan said without hesitation.
"Don't doubt that I'm tricking you.
Even if you ask Fred and George, they'll tell you the same thing!"
Pro's eyes went a bit rounder.
"Filch is actually that scary?
Duncan, it must be tough living in such a dangerous school!"
"It's all right," Duncan said with a smile and a shake of the head.
"As long as you can be a bit more obedient from now on, I'll be very satisfied."
"Mm-hmm!" Pro nodded vigorously, promising he would absolutely be well-behaved in future.
They entered Hufflepuff's common room.
After greeting a few students, they followed the passage back to the dormitory door.
Duncan suddenly heard an unusual noise from within.
He hurriedly pushed the door open and went in—and the sight before him made his temper flare.
For some reason, those Acromantulas had crawled out of his trunk.
Webbing covered the ceiling, the floor, and the beds.
Neville was pitifully blocked in a corner, clutching a heavy spellbook in his hands, swinging it left and right to scare off the spiders in front of him.
Two spiders were toying with Neville, dodging his attacks back and forth, their great mandibles clacking nonstop.
"Who told you to come out?!"
Duncan said angrily, his tone severe.
Several spiders were startled rigid, as if petrified.
A few seconds later, they snapped out of it, scuttled into the trunk at top speed, and fled.
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