Hermione and Pansy were engaged in a heated argument, drawing a crowd of onlookers who were either intrigued or moved by the spectacle. However, most of those who signed up to join the debate were young witches, primarily from Slytherin and Gryffindor, dividing themselves into two factions: one supporting Pansy and the other backing Hermione.
It was clear to everyone that Hermione had the upper hand in support, largely due to her close relationship with Artel.
"I envy Artel so much. Look how popular he is," Ron remarked, watching the scene unfold with a mixture of admiration and wistfulness.
"But if I had to face a basilisk... I wouldn't dare," Ron admitted, fully aware of his own limitations. Confronting such a fearsome creature was far beyond his abilities.
"Yeah! Artel may be quiet most of the time, but when things happen, he steps up and faces them alone... That's probably why the Sword of Gryffindor chose him," Harry chimed in, voicing a hint of envy. He too had seen the impressive oil paintings depicting Artel's bravery.
As they discussed, Harry couldn't help but visualize the enormous basilisk—larger than ten Artels combined—its menacing fangs and terrifying presence. He acknowledged that he might hesitate in such a situation, uncertain if his courage would hold against such a formidable foe.
"We're planning to make basilisk-themed candy... with Artel's autograph on it. I think it'll be a hit!" Fred exclaimed excitedly, brainstorming entrepreneurial ideas.
"Absolutely! Those obsessed young witches will pay a fortune for it... We should also produce Artel collectible cards, maybe some rare ones too. Our products will be a sensation across Hogwarts!" George added, already envisioning the potential market.
Unlike Harry and Ron, the Weasley twins saw beyond the heroics to the business opportunities presented by Artel's newfound fame. While others marveled at bravery, they saw a chance to capitalize on the fervor and enthusiasm sweeping through the school.
Artel listened attentively to Pansy's heartfelt confession, his expression calm yet thoughtful. He understood the weight of her words and the courage it took for her to speak openly, especially considering their past interactions.
"Pansy," Artel began softly, "I appreciate your honesty. It takes courage to admit mistakes and strive to change. I believe people can grow and evolve, and I'm willing to give you a chance."
Pansy visibly relaxed, a mix of relief and gratitude crossing her face. She had expected resistance or dismissal, not this understanding from Artel. Her voice trembled slightly as she continued, "Thank you, Artel. I'll do my best to prove myself."
With a sincere nod, Artel replied, "Let's start fresh, then. Friends."
A tentative smile formed on Pansy's lips, a rare sight for those who knew her well. "Friends," she echoed softly.
Artel's willingness to forgive and accept Pansy despite their differences left a profound impact on her. She realized that perhaps there was more to Hogwarts life than her upbringing had led her to believe. It was a small step away from her family's rigid beliefs, but one that held promise for personal growth and understanding.
As they parted ways for the evening, Artel couldn't help but reflect on the unexpected turn of events. He understood that Hogwarts was not just a place for learning magic—it was also a place where friendships could transcend differences and where individuals could challenge their own beliefs for the better.
Artel found himself navigating newfound attention and admiration with a blend of amusement and pragmatism. His interactions with Pansy Parkinson, in particular, highlighted the shifting dynamics within Hogwarts, where traditional notions of blood purity seemed increasingly out of touch.
Malfoy's disdainful reactions to Artel's successes amused him. Despite being from a renowned pure-blood family, Malfoy appeared like a flustered quail when confronted with Artel's achievements. Artel's calm demeanor and consistent excellence in every subject left many pure-blooded students, including Malfoy, feeling overshadowed and inadequate.
Pansy's evolving feelings towards Artel intrigued him. Initially driven by a mixture of curiosity and infatuation sparked by his heroics against the basilisk, Pansy's admiration grew as she discovered Artel's intelligence and charm. Artel, however, remained unaffected romantically, largely due to his prior perceptions shaped by his experiences in his previous life.
When Pansy boldly expressed her intent to change Artel's mind about her, he responded with his characteristic wit and diplomacy. He acknowledged her efforts while maintaining a friendly distance, understanding the complexities that often accompany teenage emotions.
Artel's academic prowess continued to earn him accolades from professors across Hogwarts. His contributions weren't limited to points earned through exceptional performance; he also secured a teaching assistant position under Professor Nagini, adding to his influence within Slytherin. Snape's occasional bonuses for potion-making further bolstered his standing.
Reflecting on his prospects for the Academy Cup, Artel calculated potential points he could accumulate by term's end, buoyed by his consistent achievements and the support of his peers and mentors. Despite the occasional disruption Hogwarts faced, Artel remained focused on his studies and the broader mysteries he sought to unravel.
As he contemplated future challenges, Artel's mind wandered briefly to Gandalf and Sauron, symbols from his world of myth and legend. Hogwarts, with its rich tapestry of magic and intrigue, promised more revelations and adventures ahead, which Artel was determined to explore with both skill and curiosity.