"This matter is quite simple, really. For students taking overlapping classes, the school likely has a system in place to compensate for the missed lessons later. Otherwise, Hermione wouldn't be allowed to choose classes so arbitrarily," Hagrid explained, noticing that Augustus seemed to be growing suspicious. His eyes darted thoughtfully as he spoke.
"Oh? It seems the school is quite accommodating, going so far as to arrange make-up sessions with professors?" Augustus smiled lightly and dropped the subject casually.
Hagrid sighed in relief and nodded. "Yes, that's how it is. But Harry, Ron, let's not stray from the topic. Black almost stabbed you with a knife, and Hermione was genuinely worried. She's been true to her conscience, Ron. That's the kind of person she is. Yet, you two refuse to speak to her—"
"If she gets rid of that cat, I'll talk to her!" Ron interjected angrily. "But she's still defending it! That crazy cat! You can't say a single bad word about it in her presence!"
"Well, people can be foolish about their pets," Hagrid commented wisely. Behind him, Buckbeak lazily turned around, presenting Hagrid with its rear and spitting out some snowy ferret bones onto his pillow.
"Alright, Hagrid. I've said all I needed to. I'll take my leave now. Best of luck with the case in London—may it end in your favor," Augustus stood, nodding at Hagrid. Harry and Ron also rose to their feet.
"This whole ordeal started because of me. I can't thank you enough, Augustus, for stepping in multiple times to help," Hagrid's thick beard quivered slightly. "If you ever have the time, please come by for a meal in my little hut. It would be an honor."
Augustus acknowledged this with a nod. The three left together, with Hagrid walking them all the way to the castle gates before heading back.
At the school entrance, a crowd had gathered around the noticeboard. Augustus walked closer, and the group quickly parted to make way for him. Ron, brimming with self-importance, read aloud: "Hogsmeade trip next weekend!"
"That reminds me," Augustus turned to Harry. "Last time, how exactly did you make it to Hogsmeade? Surely the school doesn't have a secret path leading there?"
Scratching the back of his head, Harry admitted, "Since you're asking, Augustus, I can't really lie. Ron's brothers, Fred and George, gave me a map. It not only shows all the secret passages in Hogwarts but also marks the location of every person in the castle. That's how I found the path to Hogsmeade." He pulled out the Marauder's Map and showed it to Augustus.
Augustus examined the intricate map, which displayed a detailed layout of the school with countless moving dots, each labeled with a name. Amazed, he remarked, "What an extraordinary artifact! The craftsmanship is incredible. This map's value is immeasurable, containing dozens of intricate tracking and detection spells. Whoever created it must have been a true master."
Suddenly, words appeared at the top of the map: Moonface greets Lord Augustus. Unlike those arrogant Slytherins, you show true appreciation for this map's brilliance. A rare breed indeed.
The text vanished, replaced by new words: Pointy-Fork concurs with Moonface. Augustus's humility and intelligence are rare traits among Slytherins these days. Stay vigilant and don't let fools like Snape drag you down.
Then another line: Bigfoot expresses disbelief. How could someone like Snape teach such an exceptional student? Truly baffling.
Finally: Wormtail sends his regards. A prodigy like Augustus is a rarity. When you inevitably rise to greatness, rest assured, we'll cheer you on with fervor.
Augustus chuckled softly. "How interesting. It seems the creators of this map are these four individuals. I wonder who they are. The map's ingenuity is remarkable, capable of detecting every human within its range. Its magical principles are deeply intricate—an impressive achievement even in the world I came from."
Returning the map to Harry, Augustus advised, "This map is indeed valuable. Since it's now in your hands, it's your responsibility to guard it well. If it falls into Voldemort's hands, it could bring about untold chaos. Be cautious."
"Understood," Harry nodded solemnly. "I won't lose it, much less let it fall into the hands of those scoundrels."
Suddenly, a voice called out from behind. "Augustus! What are you doing here with them?" Hermione approached, her arms full of books, looking surprised to see the trio together.
Augustus studied her for a moment. "We just returned from Hagrid's hut, discussing the Buckbeak case. And you? Carrying so many books—were you just in class?"
Hermione hesitated, seemingly reluctant to talk about her classes. She quickly changed the subject. "Thank you for your help with Buckbeak. Without your intervention, all the research I've done wouldn't have made a difference."
"No need to thank me," Augustus replied with a slight wave. "It's only right. I won't stand idly by while Malfoy attempts such underhanded tactics."
Hermione smiled and turned to Harry. "I hope you saw the notice on the board. If you go to Hogsmeade again without permission, I'll have no choice but to report the map to Professor McGonagall. You were lucky last time that Malfoy didn't report you, likely thanks to Augustus. But if you're reckless again, I won't hesitate to act."
"Did you hear something, Harry?" Ron said loudly, deliberately ignoring Hermione.
"Ron!" Hermione snapped. "You shouldn't encourage him. After everything that's happened with Sirius Black, you ought to be more careful! I mean it—I'll tell—"
"Fine! Go ahead and get Harry expelled!" Ron exploded. "You've caused enough trouble this year already!"
Hermione opened her mouth to retort, but Crookshanks let out a soft meow, leaping onto her lap. She cast a wary glance at Ron's expression, picked up the cat, and hurried off to the girls' dormitory.
Augustus, uninterested in their drama, bid farewell to Harry and Ron at the castle gates before heading off on his own.
Want to read the chapters in Advance? Join my Patreon
https://patreon.com/Glimmer09