Erwin's eyes lit up. Perfect—another opportunity had walked right into his hands.
He seized Ron's wrist with a firm grip, giving it a subtle tug. Ron, already on edge, froze for a split second. Before he could pull away, Erwin guided his hand straight into the glass of water, sending it tumbling from his own grasp. It shattered against the stone steps with a sharp crack, water splashing everywhere and trickling down the stairs.
Erwin staggered back two paces, his face a mask of shock.
Silence gripped the hall for a heartbeat. Then the professors' expressions darkened. Mrs. Weasley's face hardened like flint. The Slytherins exploded in outrage.
"Weasley! You've gone too far!"
"How dare you lay hands on our prefect?"
"Teach him a lesson—he deserves it!"
Curses flew as the boys whipped out their wands. Even the students from other houses scowled; Ron had crossed a line. Hermione, fuming, yanked out her own wand and leveled it at him.
"You've gone too far! Erwin was trying to make peace, and you shove him like that? What gives you the right?"
Ron blinked, panic rising. "No—I didn't! It was him who—"
Erwin cut in, his voice steady but laced with hurt. "Ron, I never thought you'd hold such a grudge. If you're set against reconciling, forget I said anything. I still accept your apology. From now on, I'll steer clear of you at Hogwarts. I'm sorry."
He turned to the Slytherins. "Lower your wands, everyone—Hermione, that means you too."
Pansy bristled. "Prefect, we can't just let this slide! He needs to learn."
Erwin shook his head firmly. "Enough. Put them away. This is the Great Hall—Hogwarts itself. Wands are for enemies, not classmates. Ron's one of us."
Pansy huffed and sheathed her wand with a stomp. The others followed suit, grumbling. Penelope gently pressed down Hermione's arm.
"Hermione, the professors are watching. They'll handle it," she murmured.
Percy and the Weasley twins exhaled in relief as the tension eased.
"Blimey, has Ron lost his mind?" George muttered.
Fred nodded. "Wouldn't put it past someone slipping him a hex."
Percy shot his brother a stern look, inwardly cringing. He hadn't expected such idiocy from Ron—and Erwin's restraint? Admirable, really. Percy doubted he could match it. But if this stunt tarnished the family name, it might jeopardize his own ambitions: prefect badge, spotless record, all leading straight to the Ministry. A clown like Ron could ruin everything.
Mrs. Weasley stormed up to Ron and delivered a resounding slap across his cheek.
"Ron Weasley! You've shamed us all. Out of the Great Hall—now. I'll take you home. You don't belong at Hogwarts."
The sting snapped Ron back to reality. He knew he'd been framed, and the memory of those Slytherin wands trained on him chilled his blood. For a terrifying moment, he'd thought it was the end.
He bolted for the doors, flinching as he passed the Slytherin table. Their glares bored into him like vipers ready to strike, sending a shiver down his spine.
Erwin called after him. "Mrs. Weasley, please—it's not that serious."
She turned to him, eyes softening with sympathy. "No, lad, he had it coming. He doesn't deserve your grace. I'll drag him home and drill some manners into him. I'm so sorry—this is on us. Forgive Ron, if you can."
Erwin shook his head. "It's hardly your fault."
"Nonsense. I should've raised him better." She faced Professor McGonagall. "Professor, my apologies. I'll handle this myself—even if it means expulsion, I won't fight it. I can't show my face here anymore."
Professor McGonagall sighed. "We'll discuss it with the Headmaster. Head back for now."
Mrs. Weasley nodded curtly and swept out, cheeks burning.
Erwin met McGonagall's gaze. "I'm sorry, Professor. I didn't mean to stir things up."
She waved it off. "Nonsense, Erwin. This isn't on you. You're a credit to your house—generous to a fault. He... well, never mind. Back to your seat. Evening study awaits."
Erwin nodded and returned to the Slytherin bench.
Snape lounged at the staff table, fingers steepled under his chin, a faint smirk playing on his lips. He'd seen it all: Erwin's deft pull, the way he'd maneuvered Ron's hand onto the glass. The boy was a natural schemer. Snape couldn't fathom the endgame, but he wouldn't pry. If Erwin wanted silence, he'd get it—and Snape owed the family that much, anyway.
"Right, everyone—prepare for evening study," Professor McGonagall announced.
A voice interrupted. "One moment, Professor. I have a question."
All eyes turned. It was Charlotte Teresa, standing tall.
Erwin frowned inwardly. What was she playing at?
Professor McGonagall arched a brow. "Yes, Miss Teresa?"
Charlotte's tone was even. "I recall an old Hogwarts tradition: if students clash, they could petition the Headmaster for a formal duel. Is that still allowed?"
...
With that said, guys—today's 15 chapters have been published! I'm holding up my end of the bargain because you guys are amazing.
If you love these mass releases, make sure to SMASH THAT POWERSTONE!
We conquered #100, but we aren't done yet. Let's show them the power of this community.
NEXT TARGET: RANK #10!
— MrGrim