'Tense' didn't even begin to describe the atmosphere of the meeting chamber. There were so many silent glares, accusations, justifications, arguments, and counterarguments that they could spend the next year without a single word being spoken.

Fortunately, they didn't have time for such nonsense and the Headmistress hoped it would become apparent soon enough.

"A topic needs to be addressed." She called out, shattering the silence and drawing all attention onto herself. "A student is currently lying in our hospital ward, not petrified or pranked but recovering from a near-fatal encounter with a Basilisk. This will be addressed here and now."

Nods of agreement from everyone, good, it meant she didn't need to terminate anyone… yet.

Grace leaned forward in her seat, eyes flashing almost murderously. "As I understand it, the school was under lockdown. No student was permitted to be traveling by themselves, especially after normal class hours. Yet Harry was not just doing this but also managed to access the Chamber of Secrets and engage in an extremely dangerous duel that nearly killed him."

Her eyes darted about, lingering on everyone for a moment at a time.

"How?"

Snape cleared her throat with obvious intent, "As I understand it," she drawled, "Mr. Potter was scheduled to have tutoring with Professor Lockhart that evening."

The fraud seemed to perk up, back straightening with pride. "Yes, it was a very productive session as well. We went over all sorts of skills he was a bit lacking in. I would go so far as to say that with my tutelage he might be ready for professional dueling when he graduates."

Flitwick frowned, as a former duelist himself he had been aware of Harry's level of skill and knew that save for some of the actual procedures and point system the boy was likely at a professional level, or damn well close to it.

How many others could claim to best a Basilisk of all creatures in a one-on-one battle?

"And after your training?" The eldest among them inquired, voice full of that gentle encouragement that they all knew so well. But underneath there was something else, something only a few picked up on.

An edge

Lockhart completely missed it and seemed all too happy to continue with her tale of 'accomplishment'. "Well, you know how it is Headmistress, after a long day of teaching and physical instructions I was understandably a bit worn out. Harry assured me he was heading straight back to the dorms without delay, and I had no reason to doubt him. We are very close after all." The woman aimed a smirk towards her two 'rivals' in the room before catching onto the shift in mood from the rest.

Gordana glanced about and noticed the stares of contempt being given to her, especially from the Headmistress.

"You sent a twelve-year-old boy who is known for putting himself in harm's way to navigate the castle alone." Dumbledore began slowly, almost lethally calm. As the woman opened her mouth to explain a dreadful glare silenced her, "Not only did you ignore curfew rules but also the situation of the other attacks. Because of this he was able to put himself in danger and nearly died."

Hastily looking around, the witch found no allies in the rest of the staff who had grown to despise her.

"I will be speaking with the Aurors about this incident and allowing them to proceed as they will. Obviously, your presence is not needed, nor wanted, for the remainder of the year or any year after this. You may clean out your quarters today."

****

Asdf nsfw jealousy

"That bitter are you Riddle?"

The older witch sighed before turning to face her so-called accuser almost immediately after the staff meeting. "What do you want Lockhart?"

An ugly sneer covered the woman's face, and for a moment Grace wondered which was worse, the fraud's or Snape's.

"You couldn't handle the competition, could you? Couldn't handle the fact that Harry went to me for tutoring."

Riddle rolled her eyes with a huff, "It isn't like he had any other options. I'm sure even someone as incompetent as you might know something of value."

The anger grew worse until Lockhart collected herself moments later with a look of haughty superiority that seemed to define her. "I will be speaking with the Potters before I depart concerning Harry's continued education. It is clear he needs a more worldly and practiced instructor instead of one who wastes his time at frivolous parties and events. Besides, I'm sure he would much rather spend his time giving himself to a younger woman than someone so old."

Her opponent's eyes narrowed, "James and Lily Potter have discussed the situation with me last summer and agree with how it is proceeding, and I assure you Harry is well aware of how much experience matters."

"Last summer" the interloper emphasized, as if repeating her words would change anything. "Not this summer. What do you think they will say when they are informed about how the intruder was after you? Surely the rumors will spread by the end of the school year and at that point all I need to do is casually mention how my own talents match up with their son's, how I…"

"Were humiliated by Snape in a duel? How you have yet to show any talent in dueling or defense?" Riddle countered hotly, a strange anger burning into her veins. "Or maybe you will gloat about your termination from Hogwarts, or the fact that you allowed their son to wander the school alone. The fact is you are a poor excuse for a professor, a worse duelist, and an even more pathetic adult. You are irresponsible, full of yourself, and stupid enough to endanger others because of these two facts. If Hogwarts wasn't being watched by every politician and parent right now, I would challenge you to a duel and lose control just enough to ensure you aren't a threat to anyone ever again."

Gordana was gaping like a fish, bright red with embarrassment mixed with anger but without the usual undeserved confidence. Her claims had been brought out into the open, compared with her failures, and she herself found wanting.

They were both aware that Snape's victory over her hadn't been a fluke, and that the true Head of Slytherin House was even more deadly in the arena.

With a huff, and a clear attempt to save face, the younger woman turned and strode off citing something concerning 'more important things to do'. It was not missed how she had put just a bit more haste in her movements than necessary.

Still, with the hallway emptied Grace allowed herself to wonder. How far had the two of them gone?

_____________________

A/N- 30% Discount on " All in one Tier "

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