chapter 83

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After the Spells class ended, everyone's perception of Robert changed significantly—especially the Slytherin students.

Previously, they had been skeptical about Robert's abilities and background. But now, after seeing him master a silent spell at such a young age, all their doubts disappeared.

As a result, Robert had quietly planted a seed of fear in their hearts.

Of course, this was entirely intentional.

His goal was to intimidate these Slytherin students, sending a clear message:

"I'm strong. Don't mess with me."

And in their minds, another message followed:

"My family is also powerful, so don't think your family can pressure me."

With this, many pure-blood students uninvolved in past conflicts would hesitate before making any rash moves.

This unintended achievement worked in Robert's favor.

To them, being overshadowed by another pure-blood— even one from another country—was something they could reluctantly accept. But if Robert had been Muggle-born, things would have been different.

In that case, although they couldn't defeat him directly, they would have found a way to use their families' influence to retaliate.

Pure-blood families always had ways to deal with Muggle-born wizards.

A Tense Atmosphere in the Great Hall

As Robert and his small group followed the crowd towards the Great Hall, the mood was slightly heavy. It was already noon, and everyone was starving.

Alphard and Henry were particularly frustrated—they had failed to make their feathers float by the end of class.

Charlie, though puzzled by their disappointment, was tactful enough not to ask.

At the Slytherin table, Robert and his companions sat at the far end.

Despite his display of strength, they were still isolated.

The pure-blood wizards remained the main force behind their exclusion, and the half-bloods and others dared not approach them, fearing retaliation from the pure-blood elites.

They were afraid of becoming the next targets.

Unlike Robert, they lacked the ability to protect themselves.

But Robert and his group didn't care. In fact, they welcomed the peace and quiet.

Soon, the house-elves in the kitchen used their unique magic to teleport food directly onto their plates.

As Tom speared a sausage with his fork and took a bite, he spoke cautiously, "Alphard, Henry… I don't mean to be harsh, but you two are still too weak."

Alphard and Henry lowered their heads in shame.

Both of them were pure-bloods, yet Alphard had been bullied by his sister since childhood and had little ambition to study magic in advance.

Meanwhile, Henry had been pampered by his family and spent most of his time playing instead of practicing spells.

As a result, they were the weakest members of the group, unable to even cast a simple Levitation Charm.

Even Charlie, the newest addition, had learned a few tricks from his mother—otherwise, he wouldn't have had the courage to challenge Abraxas, a fellow pure-blood.

"Don't be discouraged. No one is born strong," Tom reassured them. He then looked at Robert.

Robert nodded. "That's right. The only reason we are where we are now is because we practiced. You two can do the same."

Alphard and Henry looked at Robert and Tom hopefully. "Do you really think we can become as strong as you?"

"Of course," Robert said seriously. "And not just that—you must become stronger."

He leaned in slightly. "Before, you could do whatever you wanted. But now, since you're with us, you have to be on guard."

"If they can gang up on us, they can gang up on you too. We won't always be around to help. What if one day you get cornered?"

Robert sighed, his tone heavy. "I don't want to visit you in the hospital wing… or worse, St. Mungo's."

Hearing this, not just Alphard and Henry, but the whole group looked troubled.

Even though Robert had scared away many pure-blood opponents, there were still those who held grudges.

Until their group became strong enough, they had to remain vigilant.

Tom straightened up. "We need a place to train. Somewhere private, where we can practice spells without being disturbed."

Anne nodded. "Yes, and it needs to be large enough for us to practice freely."

Charlie agreed. "It also has to be well-hidden."

Alphard frowned. "Maybe I can ask my sister? She's a third-year now, so she must know some secret spots in the castle."

Henry shook his head immediately. "Forget it. If you ask your sister, the whole of Slytherin will know by tomorrow."

Alphard scratched his head awkwardly. "Good point..."

Everyone fell into thought, wondering where they could go.

Robert then said, "Leave it to me. I'll find a place."

He already had an idea.

The Room of Requirement.

He knew where it was, but he had never visited it before.

Tom narrowed his eyes. "Do you already have a place in mind?"

"Sort of," Robert replied. "I've heard of a place… but I need to check it out first."

Tom smirked. "Alright, then let's do it tonight."

Before Robert could answer, a timid voice called out from behind.

"Uh… um, are you Robert?"

Robert turned around to see a round-faced girl with glasses looking at him nervously.

"Yes," Robert said with a polite smile. "Who are you? What do you need?"

To his surprise, the girl trembled and stepped back.

Tom barely stifled a laugh.

"Tom, is something funny?" Robert asked.

"Yes," Tom said, grinning. "It's the first time your kind smile has failed."

Robert rolled his eyes and turned back to the girl.

She gulped and stammered, "M-my name is Myrtle Elizabeth Warren… p-please don't hurt me!"

Tom burst out laughing.

Robert sighed. "Ms. Warren, you approached me. Why would I hurt you?"

"I-I heard from people in your house that you're… scary. They said if I talked to you, you might curse me!" Myrtle explained, still shaking.

Robert's face twitched. "So, why did you approach me?"

Myrtle hesitated, then quickly pulled out two pieces of parchment.

"This… this is from Professor McGonagall. It has your detention schedule..."

Robert took the notes, looking annoyed.

Seriously? All this fear over a detention notice?

"Alright. Thanks," Robert said before handing one note to Tom.

Myrtle squeaked and bolted away.

Anne frowned. "Are all Ravenclaws this weird?"

"Not usually," Robert replied. "She's just a bit… timid."

Glancing at his parchment, he sighed. "Tom, looks like we can't explore tonight. We have detention… in the Forbidden Forest."

Tom groaned. "Why do I have to go? Slughorn already let me off, but you insisted on dragging me along!"

Robert raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you say that if I got punished, you'd take it too?"

Tom froze, then muttered, "Damn… I played myself."

The Forbidden Forest

For most students, the Forbidden Forest was terrifying.

It was dangerous, but the school exaggerated the horror to keep students from sneaking in.

So, when Robert and Tom arrived at Mr. Oger's cabin, most of the other detained Slytherins looked terrified.

The punishment was severe—one month of nightly detentions in the Forbidden Forest.

Robert greeted a tall senior, "Good evening, Andre."

Andre merely nodded. He wasn't about to act too friendly.

As Tom glanced at the dark woods, he shivered. "How are you not scared?"

Robert smirked. "Scared? The Forbidden Forest feels like home."

Tom scoffed. "I don't have a home."

Robert chuckled. "Didn't think you could tell hell jokes."

Tom sighed. "I really shouldn't have any expectations of your conscience..."

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