Snape didn't answer, he just frowned.
As he hesitated about whether to cut those sturdy pipes, Professor McGonagall once again waved her wand at the door.
Malfoy also fell down.
No more dilemmas.
Snape glared viciously at Kael, then supported Malfoy out.
As they passed by Kael, Malfoy shivered all over and unconsciously quickened his pace.
When he was tangled by those pipes just now, he genuinely felt fear, that feeling of life and death being decided at another's whim nearly drove him insane.
Even though he had been released, his legs were still weak and he could only move with Snape's support.
But Kael didn't care at all.
Since he had promised Dumbledore, he wouldn't cause trouble for Malfoy at school. This time was purely a coincidence, and the purpose was to prevent him and Harry from fighting further.
If he hadn't acted in time just now, Harry and Malfoy would have both had to be carried to the Hospital Wing.
The only thing Kael couldn't accept was that despite helping out so much, he didn't earn any points for the house.
Kael walked out of the restroom with some disappointment, intending to return to the common room.
"You two as well, come over!" Professor McGonagall's voice sounded from behind.
Hearing this, Kael had no choice but to turn around and follow.
...
As one of the regulars in the Hospital Wing, Madam Pomfrey was used to Harry's visits.
She skillfully examined the two individuals.
"How are they?" Professor McGonagall asked, "Are they hurt?"
"No problem, just some minor cuts and bruises." Madam Pomfrey said.
Their bodies mostly had scrapes, and additionally, Harry's leg was somewhat stiff, a mark from the Leg-Locker Curse, and Malfoy had some bruising on his back. Kael guessed he must have been hit by a Knockback Jinx and collided with the wall afterwards.
But all these were small issues, if they had arrived a bit later they might have already healed.
Madam Pomfrey brought a jar of Dittany Essence and suggested they apply it on the injured area.
During this time, Professor McGonagall had also learned the whole story from Hermione, knowing that before Kael arrived, Harry and Malfoy were already engaged in a fierce fight.
But she wasn't planning to intervene, just as she had said earlier... leave everything to Dumbledore.
"Professor..." Hermione glanced at Professor McGonagall, "Can I stay here to take care of Harry?"
"If Madam Pomfrey doesn't mind, then yes." Professor McGonagall thought for a while and said, "But you'd better keep an eye on Potter, don't let him run around. I imagine the headmaster will have a lot of questions to ask him when he returns."
After saying that, Professor McGonagall left the Hospital Wing.
Snape glanced at them and then left, but he drew curtains around Malfoy's bed to separate them before looking at Kael.
"You should return to the castle."
"But professor, I also want to stay here to look after Harry." Kael said, curious about why Harry and Malfoy were fighting, and knowing that Harry would surely tell Hermione.
"There's no need, the Hospital Wing needs peace, Miss Granger alone is enough." Snape insisted, making it clear he didn't want Kael to stay here.
After leaving the Hospital Wing, the two walked side by side back to the castle.
"Professor, you don't have to be so tense." Kael suddenly said, "No matter what, I wouldn't do anything to Malfoy in the Hospital Wing."
Snape didn't speak, just quickened his pace, then turned and disappeared at the stairs leading to the dungeons.
...
Meanwhile in the Hospital Wing, after the professors returned to the castle, Malfoy took the chance when Madam Pomfrey wasn't looking to start heading out.
"Where are you going!" Hermione vigilantly blocked in front.
"Professor McGonagall just said you should wait here for Headmaster Dumbledore to return."
"Shut up, you filthy..."
Before he could finish speaking, Harry drew his wand again beside him.
Malfoy seemed to remember something and sulkily shut his mouth without uttering the rest, just impatiently shoving Hermione aside, "No one said you have to stay in this place, move over and stop blocking the way!"
Saying this, he walked away without looking back.
Not far away, Madam Pomfrey, hearing the commotion, didn't stop him.
Because Professor McGonagall only said not to run around, never specifically stating they had to stay in the Hospital Wing, plus his minor injuries didn't necessitate hospitalization.
Seeing Madam Pomfrey didn't object, Harry also jumped off the bed and headed for the door.
"Harry, you can't leave, Professor McGonagall said..."
"Oh come on, Hermione, who knows when Professor Dumbledore will return, I can't just wait here all afternoon." Harry said.
Hermione was somewhat frustrated, but there was nothing she could do. She stomped her foot and followed.
"What exactly happened?" she asked.
"Malfoy definitely has a secret." Harry glanced around, confirming no one else was near and whispered, "I saw him sneaking around on the seventh floor."
"So you followed him?"
"Of course." Harry blurted out, "I have to find out what he's up to."
"You still haven't given up?" Hermione was slightly annoyed, "I've already said he's doing nothing at school."
"That may not be true, not if Snape helps him." Harry said, "A professor's authority is always much greater than a student's, isn't it?"
"And you saw it this time too, Snape had no intention of punishing him."