NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 32: The Suspicious Snape
While everyone reflected on the possible changes, they observed the large curtain of golden light slowly separating, transforming into two curtains: one white and the other black, just as before.
The black light curtain moved behind the white one, which began to shine gradually, revealing new images.
Everyone was already familiar with the Comparison Room and knew what this meant. But precisely because they understood the process, new doubts arose in their minds.
Rubeus Hagrid: "It seems like this is the moment to watch our world, but why do I feel something is wrong?"
Horace Slughorn: "You must be referring to the fact that the timeline has already reached the present."
Penelope Clearwater: "Does that mean what will be shown now is the future?"
Hermione Granger: "Can this Comparison Room really visualize the future? That seems incredibly powerful."
Gellert Grindelwald: "Compared to previous miracles, this is nothing extraordinary. Besides, the future isn't so impressive, considering the existence of prophets and prophecies, even if some are frauds."
Sybill Trelawney: "I feel like this was some kind of indirect..."
The possibility of visualizing the future stirred a whirlwind of thoughts. Some people began imagining their own plans, and a hint of expectation appeared on their faces.
Some envisioned themselves becoming powerful wizards like Dumbledore.
Others dreamed of becoming masters of potions, amassing immense wealth.
And one, in particular, imagined himself killing the savior... Something strange seemed to have crept into the mix.
In the Great Hall of Hogwarts, Dumbledore first looked at Harry and then at the white light curtain, which was about to display new images.
Thoughts began passing through his mind.
"I hope no surprises occur... but that seems impossible."
Imagining Harry Black's current affinity with himself, an ironic smile appeared on his face.
"Well, at least his thoughts haven't fallen into darkness yet, and he can still be guided."
Under the attentive gaze of the magical world, the white light curtain began broadcasting the original world again.
[During the feast, Harry curiously looked at the teachers' table, but upon meeting Snape's eyes, a sharp, hot pain ran through his scar.]
[This made Harry pay attention to Snape, discovering from Percy that the man was his Potions professor and was openly coveting Quirrell's position.]
[Seeing that their gazes didn't cross again, Harry stopped paying attention and went back to enjoying his dessert.]
Gellert Grindelwald: "It seems this really is the future. Very interesting. I smell a strong scent of conspiracy in this scene."
Lucius Malfoy: "Are you a dog, by chance? Stop trying to sow discord here."
To Lucius, Snape was his son's godfather and a close friend of the Malfoy family. Slandering him wasn't just an offense to Snape but also to the Malfoy family.
Hmph! Even if you are the first Dark Lord, there are limits you can't cross. Besides, Albus Dumbledore is still here to keep you in check.
Gellert Grindelwald: "You?! Fine! I'll remember this. Be careful I don't run into you in the future."
Bellatrix Lestrange: "With your body looking like a bag of bones, I'm surprised you can still stand."
Cornelius Fudge: "Albus, it seems your school isn't as secure as it seems."
Albus Dumbledore: "There's no need to cause trouble, Cornelius. I have great confidence in Snape and am sure this is just a misunderstanding."
James Potter: "I can also say that Snape is truly a good and trustworthy person and wouldn't harm Harry."
Petunia Dursley: "Really? What you're saying doesn't match the Snape I remember!"
At the Dursley house, recalling how Snape once used her as target practice for spells in childhood, a vein seemed to bulge on Petunia's forehead.
A good person? Are we talking about the same Snape?!
Meanwhile, silence swept through the Great Hall at Hogwarts.
Everyone, who had initially been paying attention to the light curtain, turned their eyes to Professor Snape, whose face now showed confusion.
"What is going on?"
Snape felt as if someone had poured dirty water on him, and now he was struggling to clean himself.
Quirrell, the person Snape had in mind, stiffened slightly upon feeling the stares but relaxed upon realizing they were directed at Snape.
Being a good actor, he decided to go with the flow, looking at Snape with a questioning expression.
Normally, Snape wouldn't care about stares, not even from Dumbledore.
But seeing that even Lily was looking at him with a complicated expression, something inside him wavered. He quickly began to defend himself:
"I ask you not to blindly believe the Comparison Room. Do you think I'd have the courage to do anything in the presence of Headmaster Dumbledore?"
Hearing Snape's explanation, some people nodded unconsciously.
Indeed, would Snape dare use magic on a student in Dumbledore's presence? More importantly, could he even do so?
Through the light curtain, all they saw was Snape and Harry staring at each other, with no signs of magic.
Some still had doubts but didn't dare voice them, fearing they'd anger the professor and face retaliation.
Dumbledore looked at Snape before averting his gaze. He knew well the relationship between Snape and Harry.
It wasn't an exaggeration to say Snape could be considered a stepfather to Harry.
And Dumbledore was certain Snape would never harm Harry... at least, not too severely.
Harry rubbed his scar and looked closely at Snape but didn't feel anything special or painful. Ron, beside him, also grew curious and couldn't help but ask:
"So? Did you feel anything weird looking at Professor Snape?"
"Hmm, I didn't feel anything special. Maybe what happened isn't actually real."
Hermione saw the two idiots staring intently at Snape: one stupidly rubbing his forehead while the other watched excitedly. She couldn't help but feel a bit apprehensive about her future.
Should I have insisted on going to Ravenclaw with the Sorting Hat when I had the chance, like the Hermione in the parallel world?
No, if I had done that, maybe I wouldn't really be friends with Harry and Ron as I am now.
Realizing this, she uncharacteristically stayed silent and didn't mock their childish actions directly.
If Mr. and Mrs. Granger saw her like this, they might genuinely wonder if this was their beloved daughter or an impostor.
It seemed the effects of the Comparison Room were already beginning to show gradually.
Lily looked at Snape with her clear eyes. She believed he truly had no hostility toward Harry. After all, their childhood friendship wasn't something trivial.
While everyone witnessed Snape's drama at Hogwarts, the white light curtain continued broadcasting other scenes.