Hogwarts Outsider

Chapter 136: “Draco’s Plan”

Matthew observed the four figures before him with a steady demeanor.

In truth, Draco, Theodore, Vincent, and Gregory were never truly his friends in this world.

Unlike Hermione and Neville, who had accepted Matthew as a friend from the moment they met on the Hogwarts Express, Draco and the others had treated him as an outsider since he joined Slytherin a year ago.

Their attitude towards him had improved only until the incident involving the books attack on them.

Their connection wasnt driven by friendship but rather by fear or some form of vested interest.

Thus, when Draco confessed his wrongdoing, Matthew felt a mild surprise but wasnt shocked.

What truly astonished him was not Dracos actions but rather the books earlier revelation.

Draco, Theodore, Vincent, and Gregory stared back at Matthew in a mix of terror and uncertainty, their expressions echoing a chaotic mess of emotions.

Matthews mood remained unswayed as he coldly instructed, Come in and close the door.

Matthew was uncertain how he was perceived by his four roommates.

He might appear terrifying to them.

But he wasnt concerned; he didnt mind leaving a more profound impression on them.

Lets get to the point, he stated impassively. Tell me about that plan of yours.

He withdrew his wand and idly toyed with it as he spoke, maintaining an air of nonchalance.

Draco and Theodore exchanged a glance, their eyes betraying their intense fear.

It was Draco who proposed the idea! After a brief hesitation, Theodore opted to disclose the truth.

At the end of the summer break, Draco devised the plan. He suggested that, as noble pure-blood wizards, we couldnt allow someone someone to hold authority over us within the dormitory. It was a disgrace.

Theodore refrained from uttering the term outright.

Lets stick to the details of your plan, Matthew said casually. Im not interested in your justifications or discussions.

We Theodore hesitated momentarily.

Draco, however, jumped in to provide an answer, We planned to break into Professor Slughorns office and steal the Draught of Living Death Potion

Draught of Living Death was a potent sleeping potion. It was an advanced potion usually reserved for sixth-year students and above.

Matthews brow furrowed slightly, but he remained silent.

We would then choose a night, originally tonight, Draco continued, during dinner when you werent paying attention, wed spike your pumpkin juice with the Draught of Living Death. While the potion took effect, wed convince you to enter the prize room. After the potion rendered you unconscious, wed hide you in a corner of the prize room.

Dracos voice grew increasingly shaky.

Based on the dosage of the Draught of Living Death, youd sleep until the lights were out, at which point we would proceed, he went on. Wed inform Mr. Pringle in secret. Hed rush over to the prize room after lights out, discovering you violating school rulesroaming the castle after curfew. And then

He trailed off, unable to continue.

Vincent followed up, This week, Draco has been trying to gain Mr. Pringles favor. He brought him a few exquisite gifts from home and even his 2001 broomstick as a present. Mr. Pringle is a Quidditch enthusiast.

Quite the generous gesture, Draco, Matthew quipped with a sneer.

Vincent, too frightened to speak further, remained silent.

Gregory glanced around timidly. After concealing you in the prize room, wed notify Mr. Pringle. Hed arrive after lights out, catch you, breaking school rules by wandering the castle in the dark and then

He paused before continuing, wed use that as evidence that you frequently remain outside the dormitory past curfew.

Mr. Pringle could petition Professor Rosier to expel you from Hogwarts on those grounds or, at the very least, impose a lengthy confinement.

Gregorys voice wavered as he finished, and he gasped for breath.

The quartet lowered their heads, occasionally darting cautious glances at Matthew.

The plan was overly simplistic, with a touch of naivety in the execution, clearly the concoction of twelve-year-old youngsters.

Even if the book hadnt interfered and thwarted their scheme, they might not have been successful in their initial objective.

Matthew didnt believe that Mr. Pringle alone could expel him from Hogwarts.

He still held onto a sliver of confidence.

However, should he be caught blatantly violating school rules, hed undoubtedly face severe consequences.

Draco! Matthew ignored the others, his gaze fixed on Draco.

It was clear that Draco was the instigator, with the rest serving as accomplices.

You deem my actions worthy of such retaliation? I fail to see how Ive wronged you to such an extent, Matthews voice carried a biting edge.

With a casual flick of his left hand, his wand assumed a poised position, almost as if ready to cast a spell.

After all, care to explain? Matthew prodded.

Dracos complexion turned pallid and unsightly, his expression a mixture of guilt and apprehension.

It was foolish of me Matthew my mistake Forgive me he stammered.

Matthew then pointed his wand at Draco, asking, Tell me, who suggested this idea?

Draco hesitated momentarily before replying softly, It was my father. He gave me the idea

A heavy silence settled in.

The other four awaited Matthews response, their anxiety palpable.

Finally, Matthew broke the silence. Wheres the Draught of Living Death you stole? Hand it over. Its far too dangerous to carry something like that.

After a brief hesitation, Draco retrieved a small glass bottle from his pocket