Chapter 184: The Odd Trio
Professor Quirrell's Defense Against the Dark Arts class was as dreadful as always, and with his injured arm, the job of handling the "teaching assistant" fell to the students. A Gryffindor boy at the front of the class had the dubious honor of holding the large lizard, though he looked more like he was clutching a venomous snake. His face went pale as he stood there rigidly, as if he were cradling Professor Snape's Animagus form rather than a harmless reptile.
"I've had it with this..." Kyle overheard him muttering to a friend as they left the classroom. "That lizard reeks like Professor Quirrell! It must eat garlic daily... and now I smell like it, too! Ugh... I hope a cleaning spell works; otherwise, I'll need a new uniform."
Kyle instinctively sniffed his own robes, picking up a faint trace of garlic, though it was far less potent than Quirrell's. Having just left the Defense Against the Dark Arts room, he figured no one else would likely notice. Still, it was enough of a smell to make anyone consider fresh clothes.
As they made their way down the corridor, Kyle suddenly stopped on the second floor and turned to his friends. "I'm heading to the library. Anyone want to come along?"
"Nope, not me," Mikel and Ryan both shook their heads quickly.
Kyle had expected as much—they only ever ventured into the library for last-minute homework. Otherwise, they steered clear.
"I'll pass too," Kanna said after a moment. "I've been reviewing the notes Professor Snape gave me, and I need to go over them by Christmas. No extra reading for me."
"Snape's notes?" Kyle's eyes lit up. "Can I borrow them? Don't worry, I'll just make a copy so it won't take up your time."
Last year, he had received Professor Flitwick's Charms notes, which contained unique insights and practical tips not found in any textbook. That knowledge had proven invaluable, the kind of treasure money couldn't buy.