Chapter 276: Writing a Book for Snape
Snape's erratic behavior continued into the following day, showing no signs of abating. The strange incident quickly overshadowed even the upcoming Quidditch tryouts, becoming the primary topic of conversation throughout the school. Everyone was speculating about the reason behind Snape's sudden point-deducting frenzy.
"It's penalty point addiction syndrome!" declared a second-year Ravenclaw witch confidently. "My uncle works at St. Mungo's, and he told me about a professor there who had the same condition. This professor actually felt pleasure from deducting points. Even after he was admitted to St. Mungo's, he continued the habit, docking points from anyone he met. Most people say 'hello' when they see someone, but he starts with 'five points off!'"
Intrigued by her conviction, a large crowd gathered, listening more intently than they usually did in Professor McGonagall's Transfiguration class. The little witch, encouraged by the audience's interest, went on with even greater enthusiasm.
"My uncle told me he only took care of that professor for two days, but he lost three hundred points during that time—more than most students lose in seven years at Hogwarts!"
The crowd gasped. "Three hundred points!"
"Was that professor from Hogwarts, too?" someone asked.
"Of course! A proper Hogwarts Defense Against the Dark Arts professor... he's been living at St. Mungo's for six years now."
"Six years... just for deducting points..." a young witch murmured, covering her mouth in astonishment. "So you think Professor Snape..."
"Exactly," the Ravenclaw witch replied in a hushed voice. "Docking points from Slytherin is a clear sign. It's as if the other three houses aren't enough for him anymore. Poor Professor Snape... at this rate, he'll probably leave Hogwarts within the next four years."