Chapter 23: 'Forbidden Word”

Chapter 23: “Forbidden Word”

Ten minutes later, Matthew Wickfield strolled out of Hogwarts Castle, descending the marble steps. With the conclusion of the last Defense Against the Dark Arts class, the first week of Hogwarts classes had ended.

Although he had accumulated a significant amount of coursework essays, totaling almost five feet, he still found the compact and fulfilling life enjoyable without being overly exhausting.

As he lay in bed, Matthew reflected on the days accomplishments every night, finding immense satisfaction in his endeavors.

As he aimlessly wandered down the stone steps, Matthew unconsciously found himself near the greenhouse between the castle and the Forbidden Forest. He had grown weary of the atmosphere in the Slytherin common room, finding it oppressively gloomy.

The sight of the aquatic creatures outside his bedroom window had become mundane and tedious. It baffled him why the Sorting Hat had assigned him to Slytherin when any other house seemed more suited to his temperament.

Lost in his thoughts, Matthew scanned his surroundings and noticed two adult wizards conversing. They stood near a corner by the greenhouse, their backs facing him. One of the wizards, adorned in dragon leather gloves, held a lifeless chicken in his left hand.

The unmistakable prosthetic limbs identified the other individual as Professor Kettleburn, the Hogwarts professor responsible for the care of magical creatures.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om

This is the third chicken to be attacked this week, and it has been completely drained of blood! Professor Kettleburn exclaimed.

Could it be a weasel? None of my birds or snakes have tracked down the true culprit. Its quite peculiar, dont you think? What are your thoughts on this?

Its indeed strange, calmly replied another voice. Perhaps its a vampire?

Matthew frowned upon recognizing the voice of Professor Trocar. His interest was piqued by their discussion of vampires, and he couldnt help but listen attentively.

I believe you might be right. I need to discuss this with Professor Rosier. There could be a migration of vampire colonies within the Forbidden Forest, Professor Kettleborn excitedly suggested, gesturing with his prosthetic limb.

Perhaps she will grant me permission to venture deep into the forest and eradicate their nests!

In that case, I may not be able to accompany you, Silvanus, Professor Trocar interjected, shaking his head.

Mrs. Rosier has always harbored a bias against me.

Thats just her personality, Professor Kettleburn responded.

Is that all? Matthew asked, looking at Malfoy and his two cronies, Farewell then! Matthew turned away, intending to return to the Slytherin common room.

But just as Matthew was leaving, Draco Malfoy couldnt contain his offense. Stop right there, you filthy Mudblood!

Draco Draco Before Malfoy could finish his sentence, Crabbe and Goyle panicked beside him.

Suddenly, a loud slap echoed through the air.

Matthew turned around and witnessed a rather intriguing sightDraco Malfoy lying on the ground, his face half-swollen and red. It appeared as though someone had given him a hard slap.

And it didnt end there.

Another slap followed, and the other side of Malfoys face swelled up as if an invisible force was vigorously slapping him.

What in the world? Matthew was taken aback.

Slap slap slap The invisible slaps continued, rhythmically striking Malfoys face.

Malfoy attempted to cover his mouth with his hands, but an unseen power forced them apart.

Slap! Another resounding slap.

A sudden recollection flashed in Matthews mindthe words uttered by Headmaster Grindelwald during the opening banquet, I also want to remind everyone that using derogatory words such as mud blood, part-Muggle, blood traitor, and such is strictly forbidden in this Hogwarts. If you doubt this, you are welcome to test it.

After receiving five or six slaps on his face, Malfoys punishment finally ceased.

Crabbe and Goyle hurriedly assisted Malfoy, who struggled to speak with his swollen face.

Matthew couldnt help but smile, observing the three figures hastily retreating.

At that moment, he felt a newfound appreciation for Hogwarts and its peculiarities.