The group was collectively relieved when Augustus agreed to their request so unexpectedly. The tension lifted, like a giant weight removed from their hearts. Even Luna's seemingly baseless, eccentric remarks earned her goodwill, for it was her whimsical interruption that led to Augustus's surprising agreement—a possibility they could not have foreseen.
"For the Julius Corps, I assume no one has any objections?" Hermione glanced around at the group. Those seated either nodded or voiced their agreement. In truth, many who had come at Hermione's invitation were less interested in learning useful magic and more focused on associating themselves with the prestigious Julius family. To be linked with such an influential name during their school days was, for most, the real appeal.
"In that case, regarding responsibility—since we stand to benefit so much from this, it would hardly be fair for Mr. Augustus to shoulder all the blame. Before we leave, I'd like everyone to sign this parchment. By signing, you agree not to disclose anything we do here to Umbridge or anyone else."
Augustus glanced at the parchment in Hermione's hand. Clearly, it was enchanted with a magical contract that would punish anyone who revealed its contents. While Augustus found this unnecessary—after all, even if the school or the Ministry discovered the group's existence, what could they do? A student organization under his supervision, backed by the Julius family name, was untouchable. No faction would dare to challenge it.
"First, we need to decide on a time for our meetings. Many of you have Quidditch practice, so we'll need to find a suitable time slot. Evening sessions might be the most feasible option," Augustus suggested simply.
"Just as long as—" Angelina began, but Hermione cut in, producing a prepared stack of parchment with a proud smile.
"I've already worked it out," she said. "Based on everyone's class schedules and Quidditch training times, a weekly meeting on Wednesdays from 8 to 10 PM is the most convenient option."
"Scheduling isn't the biggest problem," Lilian interjected suddenly. "The key issue is the venue. We need a room where we can practice spells and remain undetected. That won't be easy to find." She glanced subtly at Augustus as she spoke.
The group fell into silence, considering this.
"The library?" Katie Bell suggested hesitantly after a while.
"Gathering to practice spells in such a conspicuous place?" Lilian crossed her arms and replied coolly.
"How about using an unused classroom?" Harry proposed. "There are plenty of empty rooms in Hogwarts. We could clean one up and use it as our training space. It'd be pretty convenient."
Hermione looked thoughtful. While their group bore the Julius name, it wasn't exactly something they could openly advertise given the school's rules and the Ministry's restrictions. A discreet, hidden location was clearly the best option.
"What about the Chamber of Secrets?" Ginny suggested suddenly. "It's spacious, secluded, and hard for anyone to stumble upon. It seems perfect for our needs."
The group was momentarily stunned. Even Luna, known for her unconventional thinking, couldn't connect the Chamber of Secrets with a training ground. The idea of meeting in a place once inhabited by the Slytherin basilisk was both amusing and absurd.
Augustus clapped his hands to regain their attention. Smiling faintly, he said, "Ginny's suggestion is interesting, but the Chamber has long been sealed by Dumbledore. It's no longer accessible. Setting aside debates on preserving historical landmarks, I actually have a few backup locations in mind. Hermione and I will finalize the best one and inform you all."
Hermione's face lit up with surprise and delight at Augustus's preparedness. She nodded enthusiastically. "With the time and location mostly decided, there's no need to trouble everyone further with the training content or equipment preparations."
She rummaged through her bag, pulling out another parchment and a quill. Hesitating for a moment, as though steeling herself, she continued, "Next is the matter of signing. If you agree to join, please sign this parchment. By signing, you're also agreeing not to reveal what we're doing to anyone else."
Fred grabbed the parchment and cheerfully signed his name.
To Hermione's surprise, there was no resistance to the idea of signing. On the contrary, several members, including Zacharias, Ernie Macmillan, Lavender Brown, and Terry Boot—all from pure-blood families—seemed eager to sign. It was as if the parchment symbolized a political alliance or a mark of prestige.
Once everyone had signed, the group felt a peculiar sense of unity, as though they had entered into a binding agreement together.
"Well, time flies," Fred said with a grin as he stood. "Mr. Augustus, the three of us will take our leave now. George, Lee, and I need to pick up some, uh, highly confidential supplies."
Augustus smiled and nodded, bidding them farewell.
One by one, the others also took their leave, each expressing their gratitude. Cho lingered as she adjusted her bag's straps, her long black hair cascading forward to obscure her face. Her friend, waiting impatiently, tapped her foot. With no other choice, Cho finally left, turning back at the last moment to wave at Augustus, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions.
"That went quite well," Hermione said cheerfully as she, Harry, Ron, Augustus, and Lilian stepped into the sunny outdoors. "It's all thanks to Mr. Augustus agreeing to lead the group."
Augustus waved dismissively. "It's really no big deal. We're all from the same school; helping each other is only natural. However, regarding the group's membership, I might need to add a few more people."
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