The Slytherin common room was dead quiet.
Theodore had gone back to the Shelby pub. Tommy was setting him up to attend Christmas parties as the Nott heir.
Draco and the others were stuck in the prefects' dorm, sorting through Tiger's mountain of gifts.
For Slytherins, Christmas was work. Every gift received or given required careful thought.
Unfortunately, Tiger hated this tedious crap. After personally sending a few gifts, he'd dumped everything on Draco.
Lake light flickered above.
Chinese snacks kept appearing on the moonstone table.
Crispy Jinhua pastries. Delicate candied fruits. Savory Yuanling cured at...
Free from Theodore's watchful eye, Tiger lounged on the sofa, flipping through The Quibbler while popping cured at in his mouth. Occasional laughter.
"Fuqi feipian, Master."
"Enjoy..."
Another dish hit the table.
Tequila's cooking kept improving. Every ti it showed up with food, Tiger noticed.
"Nice work, Tequila."
"Can't live without you..."
The bright red oil on the dish looked spicy just sitting there.
"My honor, Master!"
Tequila bowed, excited.
After spending ti together, it understood Tiger better now. Didn't burst into grateful tears like before.
The second it finished speaking, it vanished back to the kitchen.
"Want so?"
Tiger tasted the dish, picked up cured at, looked down. A fluffy tail swatted his wrist away. Obvious disdain.
The big cat sprawled beside him, head on his waist, eyes half-closed. Nothing tasted better than Tiger.
Right now, she just needed this stupid man to lie still...
The wall shifted.
Tiger glanced over.
Prefect Gemma Farley stepped out. Tall, elegant.
Crabbe and Goyle followed.
Heads down. Eyes timid, uneasy. Like they feared being recognized.
The panther's tail stopped mid-swish. Head snapped up. Green eyes locked on the prefect. Barely concealed anger.
"Where's Malfoy?"
Gemma looked around. Only Tiger. Her brow furrowed.
"Didn't you go ho?"
Tiger didn't answer. Just studied her sharp eyes.
Very familiar. Sohow strange...
"I..."
Gemma's breath caught under his stare. She forced calm. Cold snort.
"Shelby."
"What's it to you?"
Hermione instantly spotted the oddness in Tiger's eyes. This boy was too easy to read. Emotions always on his face.
But how had he noticed? She'd nailed Gemma's deanor perfectly.
"..."
Tiger stood. Walked to Gemma. Big cat followed. Green eyes gleaming.
His burning breath hit her face. Gemma's heart skipped. Cheeks flushed hot. Ears burning.
She fought the urge to run. Gritted teeth. Glared up at his questioning eyes.
Next second, her gaze turned evasive. Afraid he'd see through her. Panic and shyness rose. Fingers twisted her robes. Nervous sweat.
Familiar sulfur and wood scent filled her lungs. Her panicked look grew dazed. She stepped forward half a step.
Like she wanted to rush into his arms.
Yeah, that's right...
Tiger nodded, satisfied.
That woman never looked at him with such clean eyes. Damn. He'd thought they'd cured the love potion...
"Back off."
"Your lipstick's gonna smudge my clothes."
Hard fingers pressed her forehead. Pushed her back.
Tiger frowned.
That zero-affection sentence was the cruelest thing he could say to the prefect.
Damned love potion.
The big cat and Hermione both stared at him.
What did you just say?! (?д?)
"Draco's in the prefects' dorm."
"Go help him..."
Tiger ignored the look. Glanced at timid Crabbe and Goyle. Returned to the sofa. Lay down.
Crabbe and Goyle exchanged glances. Hurried into the boys' dorm.
The big cat froze.
Deep self-doubt.
She hadn't transford back. But watching soone disguised as her get rejected felt exactly like being rejected herself...
Hermione stood stunned. Heat and sweetness from seconds ago vanished.
She wore Gemma's face. But the disgust was real. Cold wind in her heart. Couldn't recover.
This round: mutual destruction.
Hermione recovered. Planned to say more. Big cat blocked her path. Green eyes angry.
Fangs showed. One more step, I'll bite you. Clear threat.
Hermione backed up, frightened. Panther stood two heads taller.
Just as she reached for her wand, Crabbe and Goyle rushed out. Shot her an urgent look. Fled.
Hermione glared at the big cat. Turned and followed with frustration.
*[I'll let you off this ti!]*
*[Bitch prefect!]*
---
"Why so fast?"
Second-floor bathroom.
Hermione looked confused. Harry and Ron's bulky forms were shrinking.
"Malfoy didn't know much."
"Just that fifty years ago when the Chamber opened, a girl died..."
"And?"
Hermione blinked.
Tall figure shortened. Heavy chest feeling disappeared.
"Then he ntioned Mr. Weasley." Harry put on his glasses. Shrugged.
"Ron punched him."
"Looked painful..."
Hermione looked at Ron. Ron scratched his head. "Hermione, about you—"
"Shut up."
(?_?) (′`｀)
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