HP: It's a snake, not a badger.

Chapter 184 Complaining, Going on a Trip

As they approached the rose garden, Severus deliberately rubbed his eyes hard, making them slightly red, hoping to provoke McGonagall's anger.

"I feel like something's missing, hmm—"

The man looked at himself in the small mirror. His fair skin had a healthy blush, and apart from his slightly red eyes, it was hard to notice unless you looked closely. But then he thought that this was enough. He usually didn't show it when he was wronged by Dumbledore.

"Severus, want your eyes to be even redder?" Emeric was secretly plotting something mischievous, though he knew his lips would swell up too soon.

"You think I don't know you? Don't even think about doing anything bad. This is enough for now." The man rolled his eyes at him. This little rascal definitely wanted to kiss him until his eyes turned red. He was a little devil whose mind was only filled with kisses.

"Okay—" He looked so regretful that the man wanted to pinch his cheek. If they weren't almost there and Severus wasn't afraid that McGonagall would notice something, he definitely would have pinched him.

The two of them saw her as soon as they crossed the path. They looked at each other and started to act pitiful, especially Emeric, whose smoky purple eyes were filled with tears. He was all alone and still trying to act cute.

"Professor McGonagall, Albus is lying to us! He's faking his death!"

"Minerva... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hide it. If you're unhappy, just yell at me."

Seeing them like this, McGonagall sighed and reached out to pat Severus's head. She had long seen through their little trick of playing the victim. "Alright, I'm not angry with you. You two wouldn't have kept it from me if it weren't for Albus's orders."

She took out a handkerchief and wiped away Emeric's tears. "Alright, let's go to the principal's office. He sent you to see me, didn't he? You're so old, why are you using the kids as shields?" She then patted his head, reminding him to treat the two children equally.

She walked in front, with Severus and Emeric following behind like two little followers. The three of them looked menacing, as if they were about to storm the headmaster's office at any moment, especially McGonagall.

As they reached the door, McGonagall stopped and turned to her two henchmen. "Don't say a word later, or Albus will make up another excuse. This time, we must make him realize his mistake."

Emeric nodded frantically, eager to see Dumbledore suffer. Severus nodded obediently as well; he had just played the victim, and of course he had to keep it up—it wasn't like he was the one getting scolded.

"Mochi." Emeric helped her open the door, being particularly attentive, and handed her a knife with a smile. "As soon as he came back, he started stuffing candy into the principal's office. Severus and I saw several mice."

"I understand." Hearing this, McGonagall's anger surged, without even needing to prepare herself. Pushing open the door and seeing the two people inside looking so relaxed only made her angrier. Everyone else was busy, but they had time to drink tea and eat snacks.

"Albus Percival Woolflick Brian Dumbledore," McGonagall called Dumbledore by his full name, her face darkening, "Everyone's busy rebuilding, what are you doing? So leisurely, huh?"

"Severus, go tell Pomona and Philius that I've granted them a month's leave. Have them pack their things; the four of us are going on a trip." She turned to her two little followers, ignoring Dumbledore's shocked gaze. "Allie, help us find a place, preferably somewhere the owls can't find us."

"I bought a small island a long time ago. The seafood there is delicious. You can go fishing and enjoy the sea breeze. I also built a library, a herb garden, a small Quidditch pitch, and even house-elves to serve you." Emeric glanced at Dumbledore and said deliberately, "Most importantly, I had my father set up a protective charm to hide the people on it. No one can find you unless they want to."

"Very good," McGonagall said with great satisfaction. With a smile, she said the words that made Dumbledore want to die, "Albus, the school will be in your hands for the next month. Your four heads need to rest and heal their hearts that have been deceived by you. Let's go." After saying that, she led the two away, completely ignoring the voices behind them trying to stop her. After all, Dumbledore had made her the vice-headmaster.

The three parted ways in the corridor. McGonagall, having just vented her anger, was in a good mood. She felt she had been very merciful for not taking all the professors with her. Although she felt a little sorry for Salafina and Evelyn, with them around, she didn't have to worry about Dumbledore's sudden whims.

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"Severus, what's for dinner?" Emeric asked as soon as he sat down. He had used up too much energy that day, and if it weren't for watching the excitement, he would have gone to the kitchen to cook already.

"Make whatever you want, something quick, I'm hungry too." The man's mind was blank; he couldn't think of anything to eat. All he wanted to do was sit quietly, leaning against Emeric.

"Okay, when you go on your trip, take Fufu with you. Anyway, I can cook, so he won't go hungry. Albus and Gellert can go with them."

"I'll take it with me. You go and cook, then we'll eat and go to bed early." The man covered his mouth and yawned, already so sleepy he was almost asleep.

"it is good."

He went to the kitchen and quickly made two egg pancakes, added some vegetables and two chicken cutlets—it was simple and delicious. If it weren't for the fact that the school was busy today and not many people were eating, there would be a queue for a stove at this time.

Back in the cellar, Severus was already asleep in the living room. He was leaning back on the sofa, soft light shining on his face, his hair disheveled and clinging to his cheeks, a slight smile playing on his lips, as if he were having a sweet dream.

Emeric gently woke him up. Although he was reluctant, he knew that not eating would cause stomach aches, so he coaxed him into eating a couple of bites. Seeing that Severus had fallen asleep again, he simply picked him up and put him on the bed.

After all that fuss, he was no longer sleepy, so he took out a bracelet and started packing his luggage.

"Ugh..." Severus searched for a long time but couldn't find the person. He woke up in a huff, "Come and go to sleep. If you don't go to sleep, get out."

"I'm going to take a shower." He hurriedly went to wash up, afraid that the man wouldn't let him hug him later, which would be terrible, since they wouldn't be able to see each other for a month anyway.

The next day

"Don't do anything foolish on your own. If Dumbledore catches you and forces you to work, I won't be able to help you." Severus picked up his teacup, blew on it, and looked up at Emeric. "Don't be fooled by this old bee. Be smart."

"I know," Emeric promised. "You have to think of me, eat your meals properly, and don't forget the time because of your research."

"Tsk, I know." Severus didn't care. Anyway, he wasn't going with them, so how would he know if he ate or not? He agreed first to avoid further nagging.

"Severus! Don't forget, Fufu is coming too. When you get back, if I find out you haven't eaten a single meal, you're in big trouble!!!"

"What? You want to hit me?"

"I...I'll cry for you!!!"

"..."

Severus was speechless with anger; he thought Emeric was about to say something, but that was it. But he had to admit that he felt a pang of heartache every time he saw him cry.

"Ha, you little brat." He reached out and pinched Emeric's face to vent his anger, then put on the bracelet next to him and left.