With his handsome looks and outstanding qualities, Wayne successfully earned thirty points from Newt.
He'd wanted more, but Newt's moral standards were rather high, and he couldn't find further justification to award additional points. Thirty was Newt's limit, so Wayne had to concede.
No matter—with so many professors around, those points could always be reclaimed elsewhere.
"Professor, that's what happened. All of Hufflepuff's points have been deducted." Wayne recounted the classroom incident to Professor Sprout with a pitiful expression.
After hearing the story, Professor Sprout was furious.
"She's deliberately targeting you, Wayne."
"I know. If I didn't have some backbone, who knows how badly I'd have been bullied."
Wayne sighed deeply. "I don't mind suffering injustice, but the other students are innocent. Now with our points gone... the other houses will mock us."
"Don't worry," Professor Sprout comforted. "Hufflepuff has never cared about superficial reputation. I'm sure your housemates understand."
"But I still feel terrible about it," Wayne said mournfully.
Seeing her house's treasure in such a distressed state ignited Professor Sprout's temper. Combined with being interrogated like a criminal over past accounts recently, even this gentle-natured professor now harboured deep resentment towards Umbridge.
"Don't fret. It's just house points. The greenhouse has some waste materials needing disposal this weekend," Professor Sprout hinted. "Any student willing to help would certainly earn five points."
Wayne immediately 'had an epiphany'. "Understood. I'll tell Cedric when I get back."
Professor Sprout's mouth opened, then closed; words stuck in her throat.
She'd meant for Wayne to come himself... but Cedric would do too. The points were being awarded regardless.
Having secured his Head of House's cooperation, Wayne slipped back to the Great Hall to check. Though Hufflepuff's tally remained visibly lower than other houses, it was at least discernible now—his efforts hadn't been entirely wasted.
...
The next day.
Hogwarts' gossip network never failed to impress.
Overnight, news of yesterday's classroom incident had spread schoolwide, complete with vivid details. Naturally, Pansy and Zabini still dangling outside the Slytherin common room entrance contributed significantly to this.
Some had tried freeing them, but upon learning what happened, Astoria stood guard fiercely—anyone touching them would join the display.
Wise snakes chose self-preservation.
Not worth provoking.
Despite the Greengrass sisters being only fourth and fifth years, their prowess had already surpassed that of all Slytherin students. Combined with their family influence, few dared cross them even without considering potential retaliation from Lawrence.
"Did you really make Umbridge bow and greet you, then ban two Slytherins from their common room for a month?" Fred and George asked during breakfast, having come over to the Hufflepuff table.
"Hermione must have told you everything?"
Fred nodded. "She was nearly driven mad by questions last night. People still can't believe you've become so... temperamental."
"Was I really that good-tempered before?" Wayne wondered.
The twins nodded in unison.
Most of the time, Wayne was actually quite easy to get along with. The few times he lost his temper were always for good reason.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have been so popular at school.
When ordinary people are easygoing, it's called kindness—being a good sort.
But when someone in authority does it, that's called being approachable.
That's why everyone was so shocked this time. Even Snape, who had the worst relationship with Wayne in everyone's memory, had never clashed with him to this extent.
"The masses do have sharp eyes after all," Wayne said narcissistically, prompting the twins to make exaggerated gagging faces.
But after mocking Wayne, they quickly turned envious.
"What would it feel like to make a professor bow?" Fred said dreamily.
"Must be amazing," George imagined the scene. "Better than successfully pranking Ron a hundred times. If it were Snape bowing, I'd brag about it for life."
"I could make you regret it for life," a cold voice came from behind them, making the twins jump to their feet instinctively.
"Professor Snape."
Snape stood behind them, sneering at their cowering forms. "Want me to bow to you? Fine. When either of you becomes Headmaster, and if I'm still Head of Slytherin House, you'll have that privilege."
"Promise?"
This wasn't the twins pushing their luck—it was Wayne chiming in.
'Who asked you?!'
'Who asked you?!'
Fred nearly choked. This was just asking for trouble.
"What's it to you?" Snape snapped before turning away, throwing over his shoulder: "Follow me."
Wayne rolled his eyes, finishing the last bite of his eggs before following Snape. As he passed the Ravenclaw table, he gave Cho ten reassuring looks.
The two left the Great Hall and entered a small room.
Only after closing the door did Snape darkly demand: "I don't care about you dealing with Umbridge, but why torment my students?"
Wayne settled into an armchair and calmly countered, "Professor, do you know what they did?"
Snape frowned. "I've heard."
"When giants quarrel, it's the ants that get crushed," Wayne said softly, lowering his gaze. "Though Umbridge is no giant, she's still significant enough to entertain me for ten rounds."
"If they're so eager to pick sides, I'll give them the ending they deserve."
"But they're just students," Snape said grimly. "My students. You have no right to ban them from the Common Room."
"True, I don't," Wayne didn't argue, even smiling. "But go ask them now—would they dare enter?"
Snape's expression darkened further. "The Greengrass sisters would murder them."
"That's Slytherin's internal business. Nothing to do with me, Head of House."
Wayne shrugged and glanced at the wall clock. "Anything else? I've got class."
"Won't you relent?" Snape pressed again.
"Professor, let's not discuss such dreary matters."
Snape took a deep breath. "When their parents come complaining, you'll handle it yourself."
He was becoming increasingly undignified in his role as Head of House. Students from his own house were being bullied by Hufflepuffs without restraint, and now they couldn't even enter their Common Room. It would be laughable if word got out.
But what could he do?
Lawrence was no longer that first-year brat who needed to show him respect.
Still, the thought that even Dumbledore couldn't do much about Lawrence made his depressed mood slightly better.
This was the triumph of spirit.
As Wayne was about to leave the room, Snape couldn't help but ask, "What exactly are you doing with the Resurrection Stone? How can it take this long?"
The young man didn't even turn his head, merely waving dismissively behind him:
"Professor, ask me again after completing three bloodline fusions. Those too weak don't qualify to make deals with me."
Bang!
The door slammed shut.
"Damn it..." Snape gritted his teeth in frustration.
So what if he had talent and power?
Wasn't this blatant discrimination?
...
After Snape's humiliation, Zabini and Parkinson fell from the ceiling.
Not because Wayne had released them, but because Norman's Levitation Spell had reached its limit.
Having gone hungry all night, they were absolutely famished.
They sneaked back to their dormitory for food while other students were in class, but were driven out again when everyone returned after lessons.
Snakes were cold-blooded creatures. To avoid Lawrence's wrath, they had to sacrifice Parkinson and Zabini.
"I'm telling my mother!"
Zabini tearfully wrote to complain, while Parkinson also wrote to her grandfather, cursing Wayne vehemently in her letter.
Why not write to her father?
Both her father and uncle were still imprisoned in Azkaban for their involvement in the World Cup terrorist attack.
That evening, no one from the Parkinson family appeared—only Zabini's mother came.
Surprisingly, she didn't make a scene about her son's grievances. Instead, she went to the Headmaster's Office and had Dumbledore summon Wayne.
This was Wayne's first time meeting the infamous Black Widow of the wizarding world.
She was indeed still attractive, the same type as Madam Rosmerta from the Three Broomsticks—possessing unimaginable appeal to middle-aged and elderly men.
All seven ex-husbands had died cleanly, yet Mrs Zabini grew increasingly wealthy, now dripping with jewels.
"Mr Lawrence, such a pleasure to meet you," Mrs Zabini said softly.
Wayne nodded. "Good evening, Madam."
Though this was their first meeting, Wayne had actually seen photos of this woman before.
Tsk...
He'd only been in second year then...
This proved that boys must protect themselves when going out, because you never knew when some terrifying auntie might set her sights on you.
Under Wayne's slightly startled gaze, Mrs Zabini rose from the sofa and bowed deeply.
"Mr Lawrence, I've come to apologise on Blaise's behalf."
"The poor boy lost his real father young, and he's my only son. I couldn't bear to scold him harshly, so he's been thoroughly spoiled."
"His actions yesterday stemmed entirely from jealousy of your outstanding achievements. I can guarantee Blaise will never oppose you again, and we're prepared to offer satisfactory compensation."
"Of course, I have no objections to the punishment you previously decided upon. Doubling it would be fine too—this would be a good opportunity to teach him a lesson. Would that be acceptable?"
Madam Zabini's attitude was so humble that it gave Wayne the illusion that the person who'd been hung up all day wasn't her son, but rather her enemy.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have encouraged him to double Blaise's punishment.
But soon, Wayne understood Madam Zabini's intention.
Showing weakness, admitting defeat.
Lowering one's posture was undoubtedly a strategy.
Madam Zabini hoped that after Wayne punished Zabini, the matter would be concluded, begging him to be merciful and not target her son in future, while promising Zabini wouldn't cause trouble again.
'Truly worthy of being called the Black Widow of the wizarding world,' he thought. 'She reads situations clearly.'
No matter who ruled the wizarding world, her family couldn't afford to provoke them. The strategy was simple: offend no one.
Frankly speaking, Wayne was indeed the type to yield to softness rather than toughness.
Had Madam Zabini arrived today with an overbearing attitude, it would have been easier to handle—he could have justifiably eliminated the problem at its root.
But with such abject submission, he couldn't bring himself to be too harsh.
"Out of respect for Headmaster Dumbledore, just this once. There won't be another chance."
Wayne ultimately acknowledged Madam Zabini's submissive posture and relented.
The beautiful woman's face lit up with joy as she bowed deeply again, two melons bouncing wildly, nearly preventing their owner from straightening up.
"I'll go find Zabini immediately and ensure he recognises his mistakes."
"Mr Lawrence, I heard you're quite interested in books. Coincidentally, I have some rare editions that I'll send over another day."
With that, Madam Zabini tactfully took her leave and exited the Headmaster's Office.
"A clever woman..." Dumbledore remarked.
"Indeed, very clever," Wayne agreed with a nod. "No wonder she inherited so much wealth."
Dumbledore turned to Wayne again. "They're just children. We should show more leniency."
Wayne blinked innocently: "Headmaster, I'm just a child too."
Dumbledore: "..."
"Regardless, I hope you'll show mercy. Many students genuinely don't realise their actions are wrong—that understanding comes with time and experience."
Wayne shook his head. "Forgiving them is Merlin's business. All I can do is send them to meet him."
Seeing Dumbledore about to say more, the youth quickly interrupted him.
"Headmaster, do you think I'm handsome?"
Dumbledore: "???"