In the quiet outskirts of London, late at night, the streets were empty except for three figures.
"Team battle mode initiated. For every Tier 1 Genetic Lock member killed, you earn 1,000 reward points. For Tier 2 members, 2,000 points and a B-tier side plot. For Tier 3 members, 3,000 points and an A-tier side plot. Each kill earns one positive point. At the end of the scenario, teams with negative points face total elimination."
The cold voice echoed in their ears. Among the three, a tall, slim young man in chainmail with cold eyes and striking features looked toward a boy sitting cross-legged on a lotus pedestal with his eyes closed.
"Captain, the ten-day time offset has nearly reached the spatial limit. It seems the second plan is entirely feasible," said the young man, his tone even and precise.
"Faction selection: 1. Voldemort's faction. 2. Augustus' faction."
Without hesitation, the boy referred to as Captain chose Voldemort's faction. "The plot has shifted slightly. Stick to the original plan. Freyja, you head to Hogwarts. Balder, follow the plan and infiltrate the Department of Mysteries at the Ministry of Magic. I will personally approach Voldemort."
Freyja nodded calmly. "If conflict becomes unavoidable, should deterrent-level weapons be permitted within the bounds of the plot?"
The Captain waved a hand dismissively. "Assess the situation. With your experience, you don't need us micromanaging."
"Before arriving here, you should all be well-acquainted with the plot progression and the structure of this world. While the Middle Continent team's ranking by the Main God isn't high, that doesn't mean we can underestimate their strength. Any team that has survived team battle scenarios is formidable. They've already gained the allegiance of the Phoenix Order, the most influential force in this world. Our priority is to support Voldemort and secure victory in this team battle."
After a brief pause, the Captain added, "Your tasks are key to breaking this stalemate. No need for more words. Execute the plan." He waved his hand, and their figures slowly faded into the air.
The next day, Augustus and his companions walked across the lawn on their way to the Care of Magical Creatures class.
By Hagrid's hut, students from Slytherin and Gryffindor had already gathered.
"Potter, did you break up with your girlfriend?" Pansy Parkinson called loudly as soon as she spotted Harry. "Why was she so upset at breakfast?"
Harry ignored her. He didn't want her knowing the chaos caused by The Daily Prophet's latest article, lest she gloat over it.
Hagrid brought out a large wooden crate, which was filled with fluffy, black creatures. They had long snouts and flat, shovel-like forepaws. The peculiar animals blinked at the crowd, seemingly confused by all the attention.
"These are Nifflers," Hagrid explained as the students gathered around. "You usually find them in mines. They love shiny things—here, watch this."
A Niffler suddenly leaped out, attempting to bite Pansy Parkinson's wristwatch. She shrieked and backed away.
"These creatures are adorable," Malfoy remarked, a nostalgic look crossing his face. "I remember taking a Niffler for a stroll as a kid. When I got back, my hands were full of Galleons."
Lillian laughed. "Seems like you had quite the childhood, Draco. Who even thinks of walking a Niffler for treasure?"
Blushing slightly, Malfoy replied, "It was just for fun. There's satisfaction in earning your own Galleons—something you wouldn't understand."
"Very useful little treasure hunters," Hagrid said cheerfully. "Today, we're going to have some fun with them. See that patch of freshly dug earth?" He pointed to a large area of overturned soil. "I buried some coins there. Whoever's Niffler finds the most wins a prize. Take off anything shiny you've got on, pick a Niffler, and get ready to let them loose."
Augustus picked up a fluffy, ball-like Niffler, holding its soft ears. The little creature sniffed his hands anxiously, letting out squeaky sounds of excitement.
This turned out to be one of the most enjoyable Care of Magical Creatures classes they'd had. The Nifflers burrowed through the dirt as if swimming, eagerly returning to their owners with coins in their mouths. Ron, in particular, amassed a pile of coins on his lap.
Augustus's Niffler, however, was clumsier than the rest. After rummaging for ages, it managed to find only a few coins, the rest having been snatched by Malfoy and Lillian.
"Haha, Augustus, we've finally found your weakness," Lillian teased with a grin. "Your eye for choosing pets isn't very sharp, is it?"
Augustus sighed, shaking his head. "You've got me there. This little one is hopeless." He gently squeezed the Niffler's round belly. The creature turned to him, letting out a squeaky protest.
"Nifflers will wreck your house, though," Hagrid chuckled. "Alright, looks like they're about done." He strode across the field, collecting the remaining Nifflers. "I buried just a hundred coins. Ah, Hermione, you're here!"
Hermione approached with heavily bandaged hands, looking rather pitiful. Pansy Parkinson eyed her sharply.
"Count up your coins!" Hagrid instructed. "And don't bother trying to pocket any, Goyle—they're Leprechaun coins and will disappear in a few hours."
Goyle reluctantly emptied his pockets, looking dismayed.
"Idiot," Malfoy muttered darkly. "Hagrid wouldn't bury 100 real Galleons—that's two months of his wages. Next time, don't embarrass me by acting so stupid."
In the end, Ron's Niffler won the competition, earning him a large Honeydukes chocolate bar as a prize.
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