The Slytherin common room is located at the bottom of the Great Lake. Looking out from the windows, you can see the vast expanse of the lake, and even curious aquatic creatures peering in as if they were visiting humans.

Hoare had initially worried about the humidity being too high and causing rheumatism. But upon arrival, he found that despite being underwater, the room was dry and refreshing, likely due to some spell or magical circle.

In the common room adorned with silver and green decorations, Head Snape was already waiting. Once everyone had gathered, he gave a few brief instructions and left, his demeanor extremely cold.

Hoare thought that was the end and they could return to their rooms to rest, but strangely, no one left. As Snape departed, the older students gradually spread out, forming a semi-circle. The freshmen followed suit.

Once they were in position, a Slytherin with a prefect badge on his chest stepped forward.

"I am Zamiel Selwyn. For the sake of better inheritance, for the glory of Slytherin, now, the annual prefect election begins.

No matter what method you use, as long as you can win, it's fine.

You can defeat, but not harm.

Slytherin wands are only for outsiders.

Sixth years, start first."

After Zamiel Selwyn finished speaking, he bowed slightly and then made way for the candidates participating in the election.

Hoare watched the scene before him with great interest.

He remembered the novels mentioning that prefect elections were only for upper years, and it seemed Slytherin had a private mini-version.

Truly the heirs of capitalist magic.

The younger the year, the fewer spells they knew. The light effects were decent, colorful, much better than cheap special effects.

He was engrossed in watching when he felt someone squeeze next to him.

Turning around, it was that kid Malfoy.

He actually looked a bit anxious.

Hoare thought about it and understood.

In the magical world, before the age of eleven, to protect the normal growth of a child's magic, they wouldn't secretly teach magic.

If an accident caused a magic outburst, with good luck, nothing would happen, but with bad luck, one might become a Squib or an Obscurial.

Malfoy nervously whispered to Zabini beside him, "If I don't get the prefect badge, my father will be disappointed in me."

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Thinking of Malfoy spending Galleons so freely, Hoare leaned over, "I can help you get the prefect badge."

"Hmph. Are you trying to trick me out of Galleons again?"

Malfoy realized his conversation with Zabini had been overheard, and he immediately put on his proud demeanor, "Don't worry! The prefect will be me!"

Hoare shrugged nonchalantly, "Don't regret it."

Malfoy looked at the shabby-clothed Henry William in front of him and snorted. Even though he hadn't learned spells, he had protective gear on him.

How could this Henry William, who appeared from nowhere, possibly beat Malfoy?

Impossible!

"The first-year prefect election begins."

New to the school, the first-year students could only perform a few spells, and their wands were more like decorations.

With six older brothers, Hoare had plenty of fighting experience.

Seeing the plight of others, he dared not get too close.

The older students watched indifferently from the side; they had gone through the same process.

Malfoy's neatly combed platinum hair was now as messy as a bird's nest. On the field, he could only dodge and hide. As the sole heir of the Malfoy family, he had never seen such violence.

If it weren't necessary to win the prefect position, he wouldn't want to be on the field at all; it was far too undignified for a noble!

Malfoy fled in disarray, ducking behind Hoare, almost getting elbowed by him.

"William! Help me!"

Malfoy lowered his voice, still proud.

Hoare realized it was Malfoy approaching from behind and withdrew his strength. Hearing Malfoy's plea, he lazily replied, "Now, huh..."

Malfoy's face stiffened.

"I'll give you 200 Galleons." That was his week's allowance.

"Is a prefect worth so little?" Hoare punched someone approaching.

Malfoy had been spotted, and someone intended to start with him.

"1000 Galleons!" Malfoy gritted his teeth, realizing several people had their eyes on him.

"Deal."

1000 Galleons! Hoare was delighted, not expecting Malfoy to be so wealthy.

He swiftly cleared the people around Malfoy and asked in a low voice, "What spells do you know?"

"Lumos." It was a basic spell for illumination, one Malfoy had secretly learned.

"Good, when I finish, remember to cast it on me."

Hoare knocked the last participant out of the competition circle.

Now, only he and Malfoy remained in the arena.

Malfoy was panicking inside; Lumos wasn't an attack spell, just a daily one. How could he fight with it? Blind the opponent?

Seeing Hoare's determined expression.

Malfoy nervously raised his wand and aimed at Hoare, chanting, "Lumos!"

"Malfoy wins!"

Zamiel Selwyn stepped forward to announce.

Malfoy was bewildered, with Hoare standing intact across from him. How did he win!?

Hoare shrugged.

Indeed, although it was said that any method could be used as long as you won, it was actually about the use of magic.

Mainly, the first-year students were not yet accustomed to using their wands, and their spell repertoire was virtually nonexistent.

If one of them could stand up and use their wand, they would basically win.

Didn't you see that the previous duels were all about spellcasting, with no one pulling out other weapons?

Zamiel Selwyn pinned the first-year prefect badge on Malfoy's lapel and then gave a final summary.

"Remember the Slytherin code well.

Remember, everything is for Slytherin.

Alright, it's getting late, everyone should rest early."

Freshmen, wait in the common room at eight tomorrow morning, an older student will guide you. I hope you bring your brains and remember every route."

After speaking, all the students dared to move and returned to their dormitories.

Hoare frowned.

It seemed that in Slytherin, although Head Snape was in charge on the surface, the real power was held by the prefects of each year.

The Slytherin dormitories were very spacious, with two people per room.

Except for the prefects who had their own rooms, the Slytherin dormitories were arguably the most luxurious in all of Hogwarts.

Malfoy waited at the door, handing Hoare a palm-sized coin pouch.

He had figured out why he won, so he was very willing to give the money.

Hoare reminded him that this was Hogwarts, where everything could be solved with a wand.