[96] A Flash of Grey

"Oh no, Snape."

Sirius tensed, his grip on Regulus involuntarily loosening. He pretended to be nonchalant, forcing himself to walk toward Snape.

Hall, following behind, noticed Sirius's stiff movements and curiously peeked out.

"Good morning, Headmaster." Snape was carrying many books, seemingly coming from the library.

"Good morning, Professor." Harry nervously swallowed, afraid Snape would discover their situation.

Snape saw Hall, stopped, and completely ignored Sirius and Harry. "I've tested the potion you gave me yesterday. The data is on my desk; you can get it yourself later." He took two steps forward, his robes swaying.

Suddenly, as if remembering something, he stopped. He whirled around, his gaze sharp as a cold arrow, scrutinising Sirius and Harry, who were now stiff as statues.

Sirius and Harry felt a chill run down their spines under Snape's gaze. They stood frozen, as if nailed to the spot.

"Heh." Snape's lips curled into a slight, disdainful smile. His gaze swept over them. "What are you hiding?" His eyes settled on Sirius. "Your expression betrays you."

Hall inwardly cursed. Things were in deep trouble.

Sure enough, Sirius jumped up like a dog whose tail had been stepped on. "Hiding what! I'm upright and honest, unlike you!"

"Oh, well. I'd like to know what you two are up to." Snape's face was full of mockery, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes.

Hall helplessly covered his face. He was doomed. Snape's expression just now, while seemingly certain they were hiding something, was actually just a test. But Sirius's outburst confirmed it.

He quickly stepped forward to try to smooth things over, but before he could even speak, someone else arrived.

"Sirius?"

Hall heard an urgent shout from afar, followed by a figure running toward him. He didn't just want to cover his face now — he wanted to run away. Of all people, it had to be Lupin.

Lupin reached Sirius's side, nervously looking him up and down, only relaxing after confirming Sirius was unharmed. Then he turned, facing Snape directly, simultaneously shielding Sirius and Harry. His face still wore his usual gentle smile.

Hall, however, could see that Lupin's stance now was full of vigilance and protectiveness.

"Severus, what brings you to Sirius?" Lupin's voice was gentle and soothing. If Hall hadn't noticed that Lupin's right hand had already discreetly slipped into his pocket, he might have believed it.

Damn it.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to NovelPhoenix for the genuine story.

That was Hall's only thought at that moment.

Meanwhile, Snape exploded like a powder keg. "Ha! Why don't you ask that black dog behind you what kind of filth he's hiding?" Snape glared at Sirius, his gaze so sharp it seemed to pierce through him.

Sirius flew into a rage. "You snivelling git! If you can't speak properly, I'll teach you!"

Snape's wand was out before anyone could react.

Without hesitation, Snape pulled out his wand, gripped it tightly, and pointed it at Sirius.

"I think you can begin!" Snape's lips curled into a malicious smile as he raised his right hand, his wand still firmly in his grip.

Hall was about to explode. Three professors, ganging up on each other?!

"At least consider the place!" Students were gradually gathering around. "Please!" Hall said through gritted teeth. "Three professors! Don't fight in front of the students!"

"Weasley! You traitor! You were definitely on Slytherin's side!" Sirius glared back at Hall with eyes full of anger and disappointment, as if Hall had committed some heinous crime.

"Hall, step aside." Hall had never seen Snape so agitated before, as if he couldn't wait for this.

"This is a private matter between us. Please give us some time to resolve it." Lupin politely declined Hall's request.

"Very well. It seems none of the three present are willing to listen."

"Moonface, don't waste your breath on him. Since he wants to relive his childhood, we'll help him remember." Sirius's tone was extremely sarcastic, even tinged with mockery.

Snape was clearly recalling unpleasant memories. His face was expressionless, taut, and he forced out the words through clenched teeth. "Three professors? Ha! I only saw a stupid dog and a—"

A flash of light shot toward Snape.

Hall sensed something was wrong and quickly warned, "Professor!"

The flash grazed past Snape.

"Levicorpus!"

Snape recognised the spell. His eyes widened, his breathing became rapid, and his chest heaved violently. "How dare you!"

"Why wouldn't I dare! Let your proudest student see the true face of his teacher!" Though Sirius missed, his expression remained smug, as if he had already defeated Snape.

Snape swiftly flicked his wand, sending an even brighter flash hurtling toward Sirius.

"Sirius!!!" Harry shoved Sirius aside.

"Harry!" The flash grazed past Harry, slamming into the wall behind him. Just a hair's breadth away.

Sirius and Lupin, knowing what the spell was, turned deathly pale.

"You did it on purpose!" Sirius roared angrily. "You were aiming for Harry from the start!"

Sirius yelled and swung his wand, while Snape flicked his own. Instantly, countless flashes of light appeared in the space between them, weaving together in a dazzling display. The surrounding air seemed to tear, crackling and popping.

Hall's eyes were blinded by the light. He could hear Sirius's screams all around him.

"You're just getting revenge! Revenge that Lily chose him over you —"

Sirius's voice grew louder. A large group of students had already gathered in the distance. Everyone was talking, and many Gryffindor students were cheering for Sirius.

"Bang!"

Sirius was suddenly interrupted — sent flying, crashing into a knight's armour on the side of the corridor, scattering along with the armour to the ground.

The once noisy corridor fell silent.

"Quiet now?" Thanks to Sirius's pointless chatter, Hall had found himself amidst the bursts of light. He withdrew his fist, his tone cold as he addressed the two men. "And you?"

The two were silent for a moment, then nodded.

"And you?" Hall's icy gaze fixed on Sirius. If he said another word, Hall was prepared to send him to see Madam Pomfrey.

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