On the first day of the new term, Augustus rose eagerly at the first light of dawn. Walking to the window, he pushed open the glass panes, letting the icy chill of winter flood the room. Outside, the sky stretched vast and pale, as a pure white gyrfalcon returned from its hunt. Riding the biting wind, the falcon landed gracefully on the window ledge, clutching two trembling white rabbits in its talons.
Beyond the castle, the world was draped in a silver-white frost, with snow stretching endlessly across the landscape. The window was rimmed with countless intricate icicles. Augustus picked up the golden egg on the desk, inspecting its golden shell under the faint glow of the sky.
Cracking the egg open slightly, an ear-piercing screech filled the room. The gyrfalcon screeched in annoyance and flapped its wings, flying back outside. Augustus shut the egg carefully, silencing the sound. A faint smile played on his lips as he activated the Eye of Perception, a pale blue light illuminating the egg as its properties were gradually revealed.
It was a medium, a vessel—an intriguing concept. Holding the egg in one hand, he let it hover mid-air. As he gazed at the floating object, a crystal-clear spring suddenly materialized, wrapping the egg in emerald-green water, making it appear as if suspended in transparent liquid. Tiny bubbles surrounded it.
With a slight flick of his finger, a crack opened on the smooth surface of the shell. A gurgling song emanated from the egg, its melody faintly audible through the water. The words were cryptic yet direct:
"Find us, where our voices resound,
We cannot sing upon the ground.
When you search, take care and beware,
We've stolen what you most hold dear.
You have but one hour to retrieve it;
Fail, and it will disappear forever."
The location, purpose, and method described in the song were clear. Within Hogwarts, the only place fitting such a description—searching underwater—was the Black Lake. As for what "your most treasured possession" referred to, Augustus found it puzzling. It seemed unlikely anyone could take something from him without his noticing. Not even Dumbledore could manage that.
He reasoned that the phrase might be metaphorical. With the objective of the second task largely determined, he felt less concerned. While it might lack the immediate danger of facing a dragon, the treasure hunt in the lake promised to be a test of both exploration and ingenuity.
Placing the golden egg back on the desk, Augustus stepped out of his dormitory, heading to his morning Care of Magical Creatures class.
In the Slytherin common room, the emerald flames in the fireplace crackled faintly. Just as Augustus exited, the door to the girls' dormitory opened, and a girl with deep crimson eyes stepped out.
Augustus paused briefly, his expression momentarily stiffening.
"Good morning, Augustus. Merry Christmas, though I suppose it's a bit late to say so," the girl said with a light, cheerful smile.
Caught slightly off guard, Augustus replied, "Merry Christmas. You didn't attend the Yule Ball last night—why not?"
Her complexion was pale, and Augustus immediately realized the clumsiness of his question. Before he could rephrase, she smiled faintly, her expression somewhat forced. "Family matters came up. I returned home before Christmas."
Augustus nodded, though somewhat awkwardly. "If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to let me know."
The girl, Lilian, smiled softly and shook her head. "It's nothing major. Shall we head to class together?"
Augustus nodded, and the two walked side by side out of the common room.
Outside the castle, a biting wind whipped across their faces. Augustus flicked his fingers, conjuring a small, warm flame that floated beside them. The warmth spread around their feet, like sitting near a toasty fireplace.
Lilian brushed her dark blue hair from her face, strands of it catching the wind. Snowflakes gently dusted her hair and shoulders. "It doesn't often snow like this in Britain," she remarked. "When the sun comes out and everything sparkles, it feels almost magical."
Augustus smiled faintly. "I enjoy snow, too. Its purity is captivating. Don't you think falling snow resembles dandelion fluff scattered by the wind, dancing across the world?"
Lilian tilted her head to look at him, her pale face glowing with a hint of warmth as she smiled.
The footprints they left in the snow—a straight line of paired impressions—formed a quiet rhythm. The swirling snowflakes enveloped them in a serene, wintry tableau.
When they reached Hagrid's hut, they found an older witch standing at the door. Her short gray hair framed a prominent chin.
Students were already gathering. Spotting Augustus and Lilian, Draco Malfoy trudged through the snow to join them.
"Come on, come on! The bell rang five minutes ago," the witch snapped at the stragglers.
"Who are you?" Ron Weasley asked, glaring. "Where's Hagrid?"
"I am Professor Grubbly-Plank," she answered crisply. "I'm your substitute Care of Magical Creatures teacher."
"What happened to Hagrid?" Harry pressed, his voice rising.
"He's unwell," Grubbly-Plank said shortly, offering no further explanation.
Malfoy snickered but stopped abruptly when he noticed Augustus and Lilian watching him. Clearing his throat, he turned to Augustus and explained, "I swear this has nothing to do with me. Ever since Hagrid's half-giant heritage got out, parents have been flooding the school with complaints, demanding his removal. The Board of Governors acted under pressure, but my father's been off the board for years—this isn't on him."
Augustus sighed softly. "Prejudice runs deep. Labeling someone with 'half-giant' and ignoring everything else is short-sighted. Heritage doesn't define character. Surely Hagrid's students know his nature better than anyone? Yet here he is, punished simply for being what he is. It's absurd."
Malfoy muttered a noncommittal response, looking slightly uneasy.
The morning light, tinged with snow's reflection, cast the students in a muted glow as they prepared for their lesson under Grubbly-Plank's watchful eye.
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