"It seems like this was long overdue," Artel mused, shaking his head with a smile. He recalled the time he had jokingly frightened a guard at the Ministry of Magic in London by threatening to destroy the city—a jest that, ironically, seemed to have come true in New York.
But Artel couldn't help but feel that the Magical Congress had brought this upon themselves. Despite their active role in the British magical community, the Ministry of Magic in London had remained silent. It was the Magical Congress that had chosen to intervene, acting as if they were the world's police force.
"If you don't teach them a lesson, they'll never learn who's really in charge," Artel remarked. His amusement, however, drew Hermione's ire. She glanced around at the other wizards, relieved that they hadn't noticed Artel's smirk.
"I'm thinking about the Magical Congress. It's like a lamb provoking a lion. What did they expect, getting attacked by Saruman? It had nothing to do with them," Artel explained, cautioning Hermione to be careful about meddling in matters that didn't directly involve them.
Hermione nodded, absorbing Artel's advice with a thoughtful expression. "You're right," she conceded.
Artel returned the newspaper to Ron, who was still engrossed in reading. Ron and Harry continued to skim through the headlines, occasionally expressing surprise at the unfolding events.
"I think only Headmaster Dumbledore can defeat Saruman," Harry remarked, drawing a nod of agreement from Ron. However, Ron pointed out the Daily Prophet's reports suggesting Dumbledore's alleged cordial relationship with Saruman.
Harry shook his head, dismissing Ron's assessment. "The headmaster is a champion of good. How could he befriend a dark wizard? Besides, Saruman is wanted by the International Federation of Wizards. It must have been Dumbledore's suggestion to handle this. When Dumbledore faces Saruman again, he'll surely defeat him and bring him to justice!"
Ron and Hermione exchanged glances, still uncertain but hopeful that Harry's confidence in Dumbledore would prove well-founded. Meanwhile, Artel continued to observe the conversation with a knowing smile, fully aware of the complexities of the magical world and the turbulent times ahead.
As Harry watched him, Artel couldn't help but notice the innocence that still lingered in the young boy's eyes, a sharp contrast to the complexities that Ron struggled to grasp. It was a poignant reminder of the simplicity of youth.
With no professors present in the Great Hall, it was clear that the recent incident had cast a shadow over Hogwarts, affecting the entire school. If the wizarding world faced exposure, Hogwarts could not remain unaffected.
After dinner, Artel and Hermione decided to take a leisurely walk by the Black Lake to unwind. The peaceful campus life offered a temporary respite from the day's strains.
As they stepped out of the castle, they came across a group of students heading their way—the Ravenclaw Quidditch team, just finishing their training session. Cho Chang, holding a stack of promotional banners, caught Artel's eye and greeted him with a gentle smile.
"Good afternoon, Shelby," she said warmly.
"Hello, Cho... Just call me Artel from now on," Artel replied with a friendly smile. Cho's face lit up with a soft hum of acknowledgment.
"I'll catch up with you later, Artel," Cho said, blushing slightly as she rejoined her teammates, who were engaging in lively, playful banter.
Hermione observed Cho's departure with a mix of curiosity and slight unease. Her gaze lingered on Cho for a moment before shifting back to Artel. "You seem to know everyone around here," she remarked, her tone carrying a hint of intrigue.
Artel chuckled softly. "I suppose Hogwarts is a small world in its own way. How was your day, Hermione?"
As they strolled by the lake, the tranquility of the evening began to settle in, offering a brief respite from the underlying tension that seemed to hang over Hogwarts.
Hermione's curiosity was piqued as she asked, "How did you two meet?"
"It was just a chance encounter," Artel explained. "I was on my way to the Hogwarts lounge to find you, and I bumped into her on the eighth floor. She was looking for a Ravenclaw named Lee Jordan, the Quidditch commentator."
As they strolled by the edge of the Black Lake, the gentle breeze carried a refreshing mist that seemed to ease Artel's mind.
"You know her too?" Artel asked, breaking the comfortable silence between them.
"I've heard of her," Hermione responded, her relief palpable.
Navigating the subtle intrigues of her roommate Lavender and the sharp tongue of Slytherin's Pansy Parkinson, Hermione felt the weight of her responsibilities.
"She's a second-year Ravenclaw," Hermione continued, "very popular due to her beauty and gentle demeanor. Gryffindor seniors often discuss her."
Artel's reaction was nonchalant, which made Hermione chuckle. "I see. But what about us, Hermione... Aren't people talking about us too?" Artel's question prompted Hermione to confront the issue directly.
Walking along the lake, Hermione's demeanor shifted. "Not... if they mention me, it's usually for my knowledge and talents," she asserted, her head held high.
Dubbed "Miss Know-it-all" by some in Gryffindor, Hermione's intellect commanded respect despite the occasional teasing. Over time, even those who once resented her closeness to Artel had come to see him as an honorary Gryffindor.
Unlike other Slytherins, Artel refrained from antagonizing Gryffindors and had earned the favor of Professor McGonagall, further solidifying his acceptance among them.
"Yes, Hermione, we are indeed the most knowledgeable and powerful," Artel affirmed, eliciting a blush from Hermione. Her smile widened as she hummed a tune, her steps growing lighter.
In the distance, Malfoy's voice broke their conversation. Artel and Hermione turned to see him chatting animatedly with Goyle and Crabbe, a hint of excitement in his voice as he spoke about Harry and Ron.
"Draco!" Artel called out, catching Malfoy off guard. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Malfoy explained their absence from lunch due to a spat with Harry and Ron, which led to a punishment from Professor McGonagall.
"We had to help Hagrid clean up carnivorous slugs in the shed! You can't imagine the mess..." Malfoy grimaced, with Goyle and Crabbe nodding in agreement, clearly still affected by the ordeal.
Sympathetically, Artel reminded Malfoy of the approaching lunchtime rush.
"I won't let them get away with this! Just wait and see!" Malfoy vowed, hurrying back to the castle with Goyle and Crabbe in tow.
Hermione chuckled at Malfoy's antics, finding them somewhat juvenile. Unlike Malfoy, who often boasted about his family's wealth and the grandeur of their estate, Artel remained modest and unassuming.
Observing Artel's demeanor, Hermione admired his humility. Artel's home was larger than Hogwarts, featuring activities like horse riding, hunting, swimming, and football—experiences he never flaunted to his peers.
"It would be quite the adventure to invite Harry, Ron, and Malfoy to your estate during the holidays, don't you think?" Hermione mused, a mischievous glint in her eyes.