Chapter -100.
Beneath the trapdoor, it was all quiet, with the devil's snares curled up at the bottom.
This magical plant thrives in dark, damp places and has a bit of a mind of its own, capable of wrapping its strong vines around anything that gets too close.
Wizards who know their herbology often grow it as a protective measure for their treasures. It's definitely a powerful plant!
But when Dudley arrived, the devil's snares were all huddled against the walls, clearly having just had a bad experience with some light.
You see, these plants are not fans of light or heat; they're like their natural enemies.
Just like how humans can turn into vampires after wearing a stone mask, they get really burned when exposed to sunlight. (Not sure if that's true, though!)
The best way to handle devil's snares is to use spells that involve light and heat.
Dudley looked around and noticed it was empty, which meant Harry and the others had already moved on.
"I wonder what challenge they're facing now," he mused, slowly shifting his left foot at an angle while his right foot stepped out in the opposite direction, moving in a quirky way.
Gradually, he seemed to blend into the shadows, disappearing from sight.
This was the Dursley family's secret move—'Dark Step'—which lets you hide in the shadows and move quietly. Pretty handy, right?
As Dudley used 'Dark Step', intricate patterns began to appear on the ground.
Meanwhile, Harry and the others had just found the right key among a flurry of flying keys and opened the big door in front of them.
"This is too easy," Harry thought.
Whether it was the devil's snares or finding the key, both tasks felt like a breeze.
The first just needed a little listening in herbology, and the second could be solved with some basic spell knowledge or a broomstick ride.
What a coincidence that they had just learned how to deal with devil's snares in herbology, and Professor Flitwick had just taught them how to tell real keys from fake ones!
They even suspected that the three-headed dog Dudley was facing outside was the toughest challenge of all.
That creature was definitely not something a bunch of first-years could handle, even if they were brave enough to take on tougher opponents.
"Shouldn't we wait for D-Bro?" Harry asked, glancing back at the dark room behind him.
"Just a bit further," Hermione replied seriously, holding up her wand. As the most skilled witch among them, she could tell which keys were real with just one spell: "We can't let Dudley down; let's finish these tests before he gets here."
"We can't always rely on him; he needs friends, not a burden," she added, feeling a bit frustrated since she hadn't been able to help against the three-headed dog.
"Then what are you waiting for, Potter?" Malfoy said impatiently, pushing Harry aside to open the big door ahead.
Neither the devil's snares nor the swarm of keys had been a challenge for him, while Harry had managed to grab the real key on a broomstick.
No way, he thought, I have to take action in the next round.
The others exchanged glances and followed him inside.
They found themselves in a surprisingly large room, standing beside a giant chessboard with enormous black pieces towering over them.
"Wizard's chess?" Malfoy muttered, recognizing the significance of the pieces and looking at Ron with a smirk: "Welcome to your home turf, Robburt. Looks like we have to finish this chess game to get through."
Ron, who was the best at wizard's chess among them, shot back, "How many times do I have to tell you to call me Ron!"
But he was determined, fists clenched!
That annoying Malfoy must be doing this on purpose!
Ron waved his fist at Malfoy, but the latter didn't seem fazed at all.
"It's a Transfiguration spell, probably from Professor McGonagall," Hermione chimed in, having pieced it together: "The devil's snares represent herbology, so that's Professor Sprout's doing. The fake key was enchanted with a duplication spell, so it must be Professor Flitwick. I think we'll also have to face questions from Professor Snape or Professor Quirrell next."
The subjects for first-year students are pretty limited, and there aren't many professors left.
"The three-headed dog in the first challenge is Professor Kettleburn's work?" Neville wondered aloud.
Kettleburn teaches Care of Magical Creatures.
"I don't think so," Malfoy sneered. "The three-headed dog and the ones after it are clearly not on the same level; it's probably that reckless giant Hagrid who put such a dangerous creature there."
Ever since Hagrid got a dragon egg, Malfoy had been visiting him a lot. Once, when Hagrid was bragging about his breeding skills, he casually mentioned having raised a three-headed dog. Malfoy hadn't thought much of it then, but now, thanks to Hermione, he remembered.
Meanwhile, Ron had been studying the chessboard for a bit: "Hey, everyone, I think I know how we can get through this challenge. We're missing three pieces; I need three people."
To play chess, they had to finish the game to pass this challenge.
Sure, there was a faster way—if they could use a spell to destroy the pieces, they might get through. But they clearly hadn't learned any powerful spells yet.
Since they couldn't break the rules, they'd have to play by them.
This was something Dudley had once told them.
"I'll go first," Neville volunteered. "I might not be as clever or skilled with spells, but I think I can still help out."
"I'll go second," Harry said, stepping forward.
Ron thought for a moment and added, "Then I'll be third."
"I think…" Malfoy cleared his throat and pushed Ron aside, saying, "The third should be me."
Everyone looked at Malfoy in surprise.
"What are you all staring at? Do you think I won't step up?"
Even though he said that, Malfoy looked like he had expected it all along and shrugged: "No way! I won't let just you Gryffindors take the spotlight."
"But…" Ron hesitated.
"There are no buts. As a chess player, you can't get too involved; you have to stay calm, or you won't be able to use your full abilities. Miss Granger is right; we shouldn't be dead weight. Let's show him, let's prove it to D-Bro!"
Malfoy said seriously.
"I don't want to lose; let's win! Rofus!"
Ron was initially touched, but the last word "Rofus" made him lose all goodwill.
"Say it again, my name is Ron! Ron Weasley!"
"Alright, Mr. Waffles."
"Malfoy, you son of a…"
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Tl/N: If you want to read more [upto 15 chapters] while supporting me, you can join me on patreon.com/EmptyThoughts ;Thanks.
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Note : Guys, some power stones will be really motivating.