Several weeks have passed since I taught the goblins their place in the food chain. The incident didn't bother me much, even though I killed quite a lot of them. Here's the thing: when you decide to kill, it's actually quite easy. Taking a life is not that significant of an act; you just do it. What becomes bothersome is if you decide to contemplate and humanize your victim afterward. That's the real dumb part of the problem. But I don't have that issue because I didn't kill humans, and also I may be a sociopath.
Even if I had killed humans, why should I be bothered? I know for sure that there are omnipotent beings that randomly give people second chances, so there must be some sort of afterlife, be it hell, paradise, or limbo.
What I'm doing is basically releasing people from their mortal coils and lives full of sin. They should, in fact, be thankful to me. I am the single most moral murderer in the world. Well, technically, there are others, but they don't have proof while I do. So my killing happens for a higher reason while theirs is just aimless and hopeful.
Life at Hogwarts has settled into a more comfortable routine for me. I am now more at ease with my surroundings. I've even gotten used to the damp dungeons, the owls, and the other dumbasses going to the same school as me. I still hate the children all around; it feels like I'm in a daycare. But I've found my place in this strange new world, and I've been spending time with Amelia and her friends. Despite my toxic nature—let's not sugarcoat it, I know I am toxic as hell—I have come to appreciate the laid-back and friendly atmosphere of Hogwarts. If you give the place a chance, it will grow on you.
### Chapter 25 Part 1: Chill Days
On this particular afternoon, I was lounging near the Great Lake with Amelia, Willow, and Regina, enjoying the crisp autumn air. Don't judge me; this wasn't my idea. Women do as women want, and I was Sevnapped to tag along. The topic of conversation had shifted to our plans for the upcoming winter holidays.
"I'm thinking of spending the holidays at home," Amelia said, smiling as she skipped a stone across the water. "It's been a while since I've seen my family. Mum makes the best mince pies, and since my brother and I are in different houses, it will be great to spend more time together."
"Since when the fuck do you have a brother, or siblings to begin with?!" I asked her, shocked. Well, who can blame me? I don't really show interest in people who are cannon fodder for the plot.
"Huh? My brother Edgar. He's in Gryffindor and has been sitting in Potions next to you for like two years!" Amelia said, looking at me as if I had grown a second head.
"Yeah, I don't really pay attention to people who aren't plot-relevant," I replied, shrugging my shoulders.
"What does he mean by plot-relevant?" I heard Willow ask Regina.
"Don't know. I assume it's one of those Severus things," Regina replied, more focused on drinking her juice than on what I said.
Willow chimed in, "I'm planning to visit my grandparents. They live in the countryside, and it's always so peaceful there during winter."
I listened absentmindedly to their cheerful chatter, a small smile playing on my lips. I hadn't decided what I would do during the holidays yet, but the idea of spending it somewhere quiet and away from the drama of the wizarding world was quite appealing. But maybe my grandparents have plans, and I need to join them. I vaguely remember something about a debutation ball for me, but who knows when that'll take place.
While the girls continued to talk, I noticed Regulus Black approaching from a distance. He had this peculiar smell of Narcissa hanging on him, and so I have made it a habit to always look out for these Blacks. Wow, the boy looked constipated with his stern expression and an air of urgency about him. If he were walking towards the castle rather than towards me, I'd assume he was rushing to the toilet.
*Sigh*
"What is it?" Amelia asked, seeing me sigh.
"Regulus Black is coming, and whenever a Black approaches me, they manage to ruin my peace," I replied to her inquiry.
"Severus," and just at this moment, I heard my name being called by Regulus as he reached us, his tone demanding attention. "I need to talk to you. It's very important."
I raised an eyebrow but stood up anyway, nodding to Amelia and her friends. "I'll be back in a moment," I said before following Regulus a short distance away from the group.
Ever since the party I had been invited to, neither Regulus nor the other Blacks had approached me, and neither had I. Well, because I can hold a mean grudge, and Regulus probably because he's a momma's boy doing whatever his ugly fat mother wants, and Narcissa because she doesn't see much benefit in approaching me. Plus, she's now engaged to Malfoy, who for obvious reasons hates my guts.
Yeah, it's a crappy situation, but it is what it is, and I will tackle it once I'm done dealing with the more important stuff.
Regulus glanced around to ensure we were out of earshot before speaking. "Lord Black has invited Lord Prince and his heir to a party. It's an important event, and he insists on your presence."
I looked at Regulus for a moment, weighing my options. I didn't particularly want to attend a party hosted by the Blacks, but the opportunity for a bit of revenge was quite tempting. The memory of being kicked out of the last party still stings, and this could be my chance to settle the score.
"Fine, I will relay your invitation to my Lord," I said after a moment, my voice cold and determined. "But we may or may not attend."
Regulus nodded, relieved. "Good. You'll get a letter informing you in a timely manner. My Lord would be pleased to host you."
After saying his piece, Regulus walked away. I returned to my friends, or rather, to the girls I wanted to fuck, by the lake, while my mind was already planning how I would handle the upcoming event. It seemed my quiet days at Hogwarts were about to be interrupted once again, but this time, I intended to be the one calling the shots.
I would not be caught off guard again and end up on the receiving end of their crap. I would go there armed to the teeth and bash their faces in if they so much as looked at me the wrong way.
Amelia looked at me curiously as I sat back down. "Everything alright?" she asked.
I merely nodded, a mischievous glint in my eyes. "Just a small distraction. Nothing to worry about. Now tell me, do you guys have any more family you're hiding from me?"
I resumed the conversation, but my thoughts were elsewhere, already anticipating the party and planning what I ought to do before that day.
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Greetings Everyone,
It is your weekly reminder to gimme them stones! Let us not be greedy, and just share, okay?!
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