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After examining the portraits in Dumbledore's office, Hermione's attention was drawn to Fawkes, the phoenix, and various peculiar silverware.
"Look, that's the phoenix, Fawkes."
"And that's a Pensieve; it can store memories—"
"Haha, isn't that the Sorting Hat? It wanted to send me to Azkaban when school started!"
At this point, many heads turned towards Dumbledore's voice, seemingly coming out of nowhere. Dumbledore always had a knack for appearing mysteriously; if you could see his stats, his stealth skill would probably be maxed out.
Startled, Hermione stood up. "Professor!"
"No need to worry, my dear. Sit down. Would you like something to eat?"
"Professor, have you found the murderer?" Tom didn't want sweets in the middle of the night; he wanted to know if Dumbledore had discovered anything new.
Dumbledore shook his head, chatted with Tom for a while, and then sent them off to bed.
On their way back to the Ravenclaw common room, Tom received the rewards for completing the tasks:
[Demon-Slaying Mission Reward: Refined Quill Potion]
[Forest Elf Mission Reward: Advanced Alchemy Clue]
Although the location was given, it was too late to go now, and Tom decided to go in a couple of days. However, when he glanced at the location of the Advanced Alchemy Clue, he was shocked: it wasn't in Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, or even the British wizarding world—it was in Egypt!
Yes, after completing a mission, he had to travel abroad to claim the reward! It was like winning a prize at a supermarket and being told the redemption center was in Syria—wasn't that a scam?
It seemed absurd to Tom, but when he looked at the details, the treasure obtained through this clue could upgrade his alchemy without an exam. Experience points were enough for advancement.
Suddenly, traveling to Egypt didn't seem so unacceptable.
Tom and Hermione returned to Ravenclaw's common room and then went to sleep. Early the next morning, they headed to the Great Hall for breakfast as usual.
Everything at school seemed normal. Students chatted and laughed while eating breakfast, and professors gradually filled the staff table. Professor Quirrell's seat was empty; Tom assumed he wouldn't return.
Hagrid and Dumbledore were there. For Dumbledore, a centenarian, who worked late into the night and still appeared in the Great Hall early in the morning, it was undoubtedly a strenuous effort.
Suddenly, an elegant, ethereal, and blurry creature entered the hall.
Many students were attracted to it, abandoning their food to get a better look at this uninvited guest.
"What's that?" was the collective question.
"That's a Patronus," answered some older students who recognized the creature. Many students envied its appearance; summoning a complete, tangible Patronus was a difficult feat. The one before them was more of a basic Patronus.
The most well-known ability of a Patronus was to repel Dementors and Boggarts, dark creatures with no other defenses. Patronus Charm was the most advanced means of protection, and even a non-corporeal Patronus, like the one in the hall, had considerable defensive power.
Dumbledore recognized the Patronus and immediately cast an invisible barrier to block its sound. It was Kingsley Shacklebolt's Patronus, a member of the Order of the Phoenix. Kingsley intentionally summoned a blurry form to conceal his identity and prevent prying ears from knowing who sent the message. This raised Dumbledore's suspicions.
The Patronus spoke with Kingsley's deep, reassuring voice, "Last night, the Ministry received a report that someone in Hogwarts is raising a three-headed dog, which had previously entered the castle. Cornelius Fudge is on his way. Professor Dumbledore, if it's your three-headed dog, please move it quickly."
After delivering the message, the Patronus slowly dissipated.
Dumbledore's expression changed. Hogwarts did have a three-headed dog, and he was well aware of it. Now, someone had reported it to the Ministry, and Fudge was coming. Fortunately, Kingsley, a member of the Order, informed him in advance.
Dumbledore signaled to Hagrid, who was enjoying sausages. Hagrid gulped down his food and followed Dumbledore out of the Great Hall.
Once outside the hall, Dumbledore ensured no one was around and immediately said to Hagrid, "Go to the fourth floor; Fluffy's existence has been exposed. We need to move it quickly."
Hagrid:!
The Ministry prohibited the raising of many magical creatures, and sometimes wizards unintentionally raised prohibited creatures. However, a dangerous magical creature like Fluffy, with a record of breaching Hogwarts, changed the situation entirely.
If the Ministry found out that Hagrid was raising a three-headed dog, he would likely end up in Azkaban. Dumbledore acted swiftly.
However, to Dumbledore's surprise, Hagrid stood like a statue, unmoving. Dumbledore raised an eyebrow, silently asking, "What's wrong?"
After hesitating for two seconds, Hagrid stammered, "Professor, I, well... I'm also raising a Hungarian Horntail!"
Dumbledore:!
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(End of this chapter)