Miss Kaoru's smile wasn't overly intense, but it was sweet enough to make a strong impression. Coupled with her attire, which was strikingly different from Hogwarts students, the surrounding boys couldn't help but secretly envy Marshall. Of all people, this scumbag really does have good taste.
However, Marshall's face showed no sign of happiness—unsurprising, considering he probably hadn't fully processed the situation yet.
Then, Miss Kaoru quickly approached Marshall. Her smile remained sweet, but her hand moved with lightning speed—smack!
Before he could even react, another smack!
After two resounding slaps and calling him a scumbag, she walked away without another glance, leaving Marshall stunned.
Being stunned was of no use. Before he could recover, another girl arrived just as quickly, performing the same gesture, the same action, the same words—same victim.
Amidst the echo of "scumbag," the girls regrouped and walked away, leaving poor Marshall—his first crush hadn't even begun, and it was already over…
======
That night, back at the camp, a group of mischievous boys secretly brought in contraband for a peculiar event. It wasn't exactly a celebration, nor a comfort party—it was more a ritual of commiseration for poor Marshall's return to singlehood.
Normally, such things were strictly forbidden. But considering the setup was small and the emotional blow to Marshall severe, the prefects instructed Allen to keep watch and turned a blind eye.
In the most chaotic tent, over a dozen of the closest friends gathered, including some first and second years—Harry and Ginny had come too.
During previous days, these younger students had been strictly monitored—not because their courses were heavy in number, but their class hours were packed. To avoid falling behind, their key classes ran concurrently with the main school schedule, leaving their timetables full. They had come now upon hearing that the older boys were holding this "transformation" event and were lucky enough to catch the tail end of the annual drama.
Marshall, the most emotionally devastated, was in shambles—unlucky in love even before it began, doubting life and dreams alike.
Meanwhile, Ginny seemed fascinated by this new world. She kept stealing glances at him while Harry wasn't looking, prompting Ron to tease her, which made Ginny shy, yet she couldn't resist looking again.
At this time, Ron wasn't a "little sister's fan"—otherwise, it would be hard to explain his later strong reactions to Ginny's relationships or Harry. Of course, long-term interaction may also explain why he grew to care so deeply about Harry.
As for Harry, he couldn't resist choosing the object of his strongest interest—the secretly brought alcohol.
Allen was speechless. Kid, pay attention! You're almost at a life-high moment! Miss your chance now, and she'll have learned all the tricks—then you'll regret it too late!
The twins were even more infuriating. They desperately tried to console Marshall, warning him about the complications of girls. Angelina's gaze was gentle, yet Allen noticed the soda can had been crushed…
By Merlin's beard—why is there not a single normal person in this group?
As the next wave came to comfort Marshall, the twins secretly signaled Allen over.
"Remember the group we mentioned last time?"
Of course I remember, Allen thought—they had arranged to meet Friday. He was actually looking forward to it.
This group had formed an organized research team, which would help their secret exploration of the school's hidden mysteries. Even if they didn't share everything, just seeing their research was exciting—adventure is a wizard's romance!
Allen wondered if they had changed their minds. Seeing his confused look, the twins grinned:
"Haha, you won't believe it! That group suddenly told us they warmly welcome you to join, are very interested in deciphering ancient secrets together, and even showed us some of their hidden discoveries.
Of course, according to tradition, some necessary tests are still required—but that'll be easy for you. Haha, I can't wait to explore this huge campus and its secrets. Even though Hogwarts' charms haven't revealed everything yet, the lady in front of us isn't bad either!"
…Wait, Ministry of Magic! We've got two perverts over here!
After returning, the three naturally kept the promised secret, joking and teasing Marshall while comforting him. Today, he was the star.
As time drew late, everyone dispersed, leaving Allen and the others to clean up the mess.
Marshall, dizzy and pale, slumped on the ground. After Allen and the others finished tidying up, he shook his head and stood:
"Sorry—I'll go for a walk, I need some quiet time. I'll be back soon. Don't follow me."
Though hesitant in speech, his intent was clear.
They couldn't stop him, so they let him go. Allen, however, gave a subtle signal and quietly followed.
No way—he can't be allowed to wander alone!
Marshall wandered like a lost fly, moving aimlessly, yet maintaining a general direction. At first Allen didn't notice, but soon realized he was heading toward the site where the dueling girls had appeared.
After circling for a while, the two finally stopped—there were clear signs of a fight. The duel had definitely taken place here.
Marshall stared blankly for a moment, then called out:
"Come out, I see you!"
Wait, he reacts this fast? Normally, stealth like this is almost impossible to detect—but Marshall clearly wasn't included.
Allen was surprised, but this was his friend. As he prepared to step forward, he noticed a shadow by a tree—today's defeated prefect.
Caught, she blushed:
"I just wanted to see why I lost today—nothing else!"
After explaining, she suddenly realized—why am I explaining this to him?
What followed was a flurry of punches and kicks, and Marshall just kept smiling foolishly—possibly drunk, or just dazed.
After the beating, the prefect, exhausted, panted heavily, while Marshall continued to grin as if nothing had happened.
Suddenly, Allen sensed something unpleasant—a sour, pungent smell in the air.
Too late. In the middle of punches and kicks, Marshall cheerfully grabbed the girl over, lowered his head…
••┈┈┈┈┈༓┈┈┈┈┈•••
100 Power Stones = Bonus Chapter
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