The weather had started to change recently. The clouds in the sky gradually thickened, making the atmosphere somewhat gloomy. The temperature kept dropping, causing students at Hogwarts to layer up with sweaters and vests under their robes to keep warm.
In this cold weather, the library became a bit chilly. Many students now gathered in the common rooms with fireplaces to do their homework, chatting loudly about recent gossip. In these spaces, they didn't have to worry about Madam Pince, the librarian, suddenly appearing and scolding them for making noise.
As a result, the number of students in the library had diminished.
Maca, however, was glad for the quiet. Studying in an empty space seemed to help him focus more efficiently. As for the cold, he had already devised a simple and convenient solution to keep warm.
He had concocted a potion using fire lizard blood, which allowed the body to stay warm for extended periods. The potion was incredibly simple—he only had to let the fire energy in the blood slowly diffuse through the body. It wasn't even a proper potion, really. But it did have a drawback: he needed to drink a lot of water to keep from getting dehydrated, as the potion would draw moisture from the body, making the skin dry. Of course, this became obvious after drinking it, as Maca often felt thirsty until the effects wore off.
At the moment, Hermione was sitting next to Maca, listening as he explained some advanced concepts of the Levitation Charm. They occasionally took sips from their cups, and Maca had even placed a large teapot on the table. Hermione had tried Maca's little invention and found it quite nice, feeling warm and comfortable all over.
Just as Maca was explaining the practical uses of the Levitation Charm, both of them heard clear footsteps coming from behind.
"Maca McLean, I've heard rumors about you. Maybe we could be friends," a voice said, followed by, "I'm Draco, Draco Malfoy."
Maca turned his head and smiled at the pale-faced, blonde-haired Malfoy. "Oh, of course. I don't see any reason to refuse the offer, Malfoy."
Hermione looked at Maca but said nothing. While she didn't exactly like Malfoy, she also wasn't one to pick fights unnecessarily.
"Yes! I think you're different from that foolish Potter. You have a sharp mind," Malfoy said, smiling, while casually insulting Harry.
"No! I think it's those who insult others casually who are truly foolish! Harry's a smart person; he knows how to stand up for his friends!" Hermione couldn't help herself and retorted loudly.
"Quiet!" Madam Pince shouted from a distance.
Maca gave an apologetic nod in her direction before he could speak, but Malfoy interrupted.
"No one's talking to you, you filthy Mudblood!"
Though Hermione didn't understand the term, it didn't stop her from recognizing it as an insult. She glared at Malfoy, like an angry hen.
"Malfoy, I must remind you, insulting others is not the behavior of a nobleman!" Maca frowned and said, "And by the way, I am the so-called 'filthy Mudblood' you mentioned."
"You're not pure-blood—"
"Petrificus Totalus!"
Malfoy's surprised expression froze on his face, causing several students nearby to jump up in shock.
"Oh—Maca, you shouldn't—" Hermione began, but trailed off, her thoughts more complicated now after the troll incident. She had begun to question her own views on punishment.
Despite her unease, she still worried about the consequences Maca might face.
"I haven't done anything wrong," Maca replied calmly. "And the Full Body-Bind Curse is not as dangerous as a Breaking Curse. It doesn't harm the recipient much."
He raised his wand again and swiftly flicked it. "Finite Incantatem!"
Malfoy collapsed onto the ground, gasping for air and unable to say a word. Clearly, he had been terrified.
"This is just a little punishment for your insults," Maca said in his usual mild tone, smiling. "You can go report it to a professor, but I wouldn't recommend it."
Maca tucked his wand back into his sleeve and casually returned to his seat.
As expected, Malfoy didn't report it immediately. However, the news reached Professor Sprout soon enough—Madam Pince had gone and told her.
That evening, Maca was called to Professor Sprout's office near the greenhouses. He found Professor McGonagall already waiting for him.
"Maca McLean, I must say, why do you always get into trouble?" Professor McGonagall said, clearly upset.
"Hmm—well, I imagine you must have had a reason for using a spell on Malfoy. Would you care to explain?" Professor Sprout, however, still seemed protective of him.
"Oh, yes." Maca nodded. "Malfoy insulted Hermione, called her a 'Mudblood,' and I couldn't stand it. You know, I've said before, she's my friend."
"Oh! 'Mudblood'! What a terrible word!" Professor Sprout exclaimed in surprise. "It's discrimination. It shouldn't exist at Hogwarts."
Since Helga Hufflepuff's time as the founder of Hufflepuff House, there had always been support for Muggle-born students to become wizards. Even today, many excellent Muggle-born and half-blood wizards had emerged, proving that Helga's early beliefs were indeed right.
"Regarding your feelings for your friend, I understand. Malfoy will certainly be punished for his out-of-line behavior," Professor McGonagall said seriously. "But you know, casting a spell on a fellow student is a violation of school rules. Do you understand?"
With that, she looked over at Professor Sprout, clearly prompting her to decide on the appropriate punishment.
"Er…"
Professor Sprout hesitated and glanced at Professor McGonagall, unsure of what to do. Deep down, she really didn't want to punish Maca.
"Professor Sprout, Professor McGonagall is right. I should accept my punishment," Maca suddenly agreed with McGonagall's words. "Only by punishing students who break the rules can we set an example for others, guiding them to make better choices in the future and develop strong character..."
Maca spoke the words with such sincerity, even though he didn't truly believe them himself. But when Professor McGonagall heard this, a faint smile of satisfaction appeared on her face.
"Well then, you'll be staying in the Third Greenhouse tonight until bedtime to take care of the plants!" Professor Sprout nodded approvingly.
After the two professors escorted Maca to the entrance of the Third Greenhouse, they went off to find Malfoy. Maca stood there watching them leave, a few moments of silence passing before he stepped into the greenhouse.
"Well, that worked out pretty well," Maca mused to himself. "I made a big speech, and McGonagall didn't even take any house points. This is a bonus." Originally, Maca had just wanted to make a good impression on McGonagall, so he'd offered to accept the punishment.
"Huh?"
As soon as he entered the Third Greenhouse, Maca immediately noticed someone inside. More specifically, it was the mysterious Slytherin girl!
She was holding a small trowel and efficiently changing the soil for the plants. Her movements were quick and smooth, and there was no sign of the awkwardness she'd shown in the library when she struggled with the books.
Despite her actions, she still had that emotionless, cold expression.
"Uh, hello."
Maca paused for a moment, deciding to greet her—though he wasn't sure she'd respond.
But once again, Maca was wrong.
"Hello," the girl nodded in his direction, speaking in the same flat tone without any change in emotion.
"Mhm," Maca walked over and began helping her with the soil change. "If you don't mind, could you tell me your name?"
"Villy Boulouva." She answered quickly, still focused on the task at hand, her tone as neutral as ever.
Maca couldn't quite figure her out. She was different from Snape or Dumbledore, though. Villy seemed to have no complex thoughts or even emotions. It was almost like she was... a puppet.
"You really like plants, don't you?" Maca continued to try to learn more about the mysterious girl.
"Yes." The answer was as brief and emotionless as ever.
"What kinds of plants do you like?"
"All."
"There must be one or two you dislike, right? Like Babbity root tubers or something?"
"No."
"You come to the greenhouse often to take care of them?"
"Yes."
"Then... do you ever..."
In the midst of this pale exchange, Villy finished her task. However, she surprised Maca again. He had expected her to just turn and leave without a word, but she didn't move.
After placing her gloves back on the shelf, Villy clasped her hands in front of her and continued answering Maca's questions, showing no intention of leaving.
"Uh, I mean, aren't you leaving?" Maca asked curiously. "Like you did the last two times?"
"Once I've said everything, I'll leave." Villy answered, still monotone.
"Then... if I don't finish talking, are you just going to stand here with me and keep talking?" Maca found himself struggling to follow Villy's logic, feeling somewhat confused.
"Yes." She replied simply, without hesitation.
"So, do you find talking to me interesting?" Maca asked, trying to push the conversation further.
"No."
"I guess not," Maca muttered, slightly disappointed.
"Then why do you keep talking?" He couldn't help but ask what was really on his mind.
Villy paused, staring at him for a moment, as if considering the question. Then, after a brief thought, she spoke again:
"My mother told me that you shouldn't leave before someone else has finished speaking."
"It's polite."
Villy's final words hit Maca like a sudden blow, leaving him dumbfounded.