In truth, Archer had long wanted to duel Malfoy.
Although Plant Poison had made him consider the consequences—he had already weighed them.
If he didn't get caught, then it wouldn't matter.
Even if he was discovered by the professors, the worst he'd face would be punishment for being out at night.
That might lead to a few days—or maybe weeks—of detention, plus a loss of house points.
But detention? The Weasley Twins had told him early on that it was no big deal.
It was practically a Gryffindor tradition to be caught wandering at night, especially in first year.
Around ten o'clock at night, Archer was deep in discussion with Ron, choosing spells from his limited collection that could be useful against Malfoy.
"I'm thinking of starting with the Levitation Charm," Archer said. "Then maybe a Fire Charm—no, bad idea, I don't know how to put out flames yet… Maybe the Severing Charm? Though it feels like my fingernails might do more damage…"
"Where did you learn so many charms?" Ron asked, growing more and more curious.
"Didn't I tell you?" Archer replied casually. "I picked some up over the holidays."
Ron closed his mouth, feeling like Archer had become a stranger.
Their dorm room housed five students: Archer, Ron, Dean, Seamus, and Godric.
At the moment, Dean and Seamus were already fast asleep. Godric, however, was still at the hospital wing after breaking his arm earlier.
"Let's go, Archer—it's almost time." Ron glanced at the clock, climbed out of bed, and waved. "You know where the trophy room is, right?"
"Wait a sec."
Archer walked over to the windowsill, where his Biting Cabbage lay sleeping.
After some thought, he decided to bring it along. If he couldn't beat Malfoy in a spell duel, at least the cabbage could bite the boy's butt.
He gently shook its leafy head.
The Biting Cabbage stirred groggily, then bared its little fangs in protest.
"Easy, buddy. I need your help," Archer said as he stroked its leaves, calming it. "Think you can get smaller?"
Feeling Archer's familiar aura, the cabbage tucked in its fangs and obediently shrunk down to fist size.
"Perfect." Archer quickly tucked it into his robe pocket.
"Hurry up, what are you doing?" Ron called impatiently from the door.
"Coming."
...
The castle was silent. Only moonlight streamed in through the corridor windows, casting pale shadows across the floor.
Tiptoeing quietly, Archer and Ron descended the stairs and reached the common room.
But just as they were about to exit—
"You actually dare go through with this? Archer, and Ron."
A cold, sharp voice cut through the silence.
Startled, they turned. Hermione sat in an armchair, arms crossed, eyes like steel.
"You've been waiting here for us?" Ron asked in disbelief. "Just for this? Are you crazy?"
"I almost told Percy," she said in an icy tone. "He's a prefect. He would've stopped you."
"Oh, Percy…" Ron muttered, clearly unconcerned.
Archer, on the other hand, was both annoyed and relieved.
"At least you didn't tell him yet, right?" he said to Hermione.
Hermione exhaled sharply. "Don't think I won't. I'm serious—I will."
Archer said nothing and started walking again, pulling Ron along.
But Hermione wouldn't stop following.
"Archer, you're not just risking yourself. You'll hurt Gryffindor! Do you know how many points we'll lose if you get caught? Everything I earned from McGonagall—gone!"
Archer stopped, irritated.
"I added a lot of points in Herbology and Charms," he snapped. "Even if we lose some, it's none of your business. I already agreed to duel Malfoy—what do you want me to do, back out? What would Slytherin say?"
Hermione was momentarily speechless, her face twisting with frustration.
But Archer and Ron ignored her and headed for the door.
Determined, Archer believed that a promise was a promise. Backing out now would be cowardice.
They stepped out—but then realized Hermione had followed them through.
She turned to go back, but froze.
The door had shut. The Fat Lady was gone.
"What?" Hermione whispered, eyes wide.
Now, she had no choice but to stay with them.
"I was just trying to convince them to stop," she mumbled, more to herself than anyone else. "Now I can't get back, so… I'll just have to follow."
The three of them had only taken a few steps when Archer felt something soft beneath his foot.
"Ouch—!"
A quiet cry of pain came from below. A familiar voice followed.
"Who stepped on me?!"
They all jumped back and looked down.
Godric lay curled up on the floor, rubbing his foot, face twisted in pain.
His arm was still bandaged, his expression both embarrassed and miserable.
"Godric?!" Ron whispered in disbelief. "Why are you here? Weren't you in the hospital wing?"
"I… forgot the password," Godric admitted, blushing. "The Fat Lady's gone, so I just waited here… hoping someone would come."
Archer sighed. "Why didn't you go to a professor?"
"I was scared," Godric mumbled. "They might think I'm stupid and deduct points from Gryffindor…"
Hermione sighed as well, giving Archer and Ron a sharp look.
"If only some people had that kind of awareness."
"Alright, Godric," Ron cut in quickly. "The password is 'Pig Snout.' When the Fat Lady comes back, you can go in. Now we've got stuff to deal with. Bye!"
He turned to leave.
But Godric grabbed his leg, eyes wide with fear.
"Don't leave me! I'm scared alone…"
Archer and Ron exchanged glances.
There was no getting out of this.
"Fine, Godric," Archer said. "But stay close. And be quiet."
And so, their small party grew by one man
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