Time flew by, and a week passed. The rumors about the Chamber of Secrets grew more intense, creating an atmosphere of fear at Hogwarts. Every student lived in trepidation, especially those not from pure-blood families. In this school plagued by frequent attacks, students tread carefully, sticking together in groups during classes. Despite the growing unrest, no new clues about the Chamber emerged. The teachers, too, avoided discussing the incidents, as if the attacks had never happened.
"This school is going to shut down. If it weren't for the fact that no Slytherin student has been attacked so far, I would've already asked my father to transfer me. I hear there's a school in Germany that's excellent, though they're a bit obsessed with studying the Dark Arts," Malfoy announced in the Great Hall, his tone as careless and nonchalant as ever.
"Oh? You're transferring? That'd be wonderful. I always thought Hogwarts was too small a stage for your talents. That school will surely be your paradise," Loki said with a sneer, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
"Enough teasing Malfoy," Lillian said, her tone pensive. "With so many attacks happening at Hogwarts, I really want to find out who the true culprit is. This person hides remarkably well—so well that even Dumbledore can't figure it out. Although they haven't harmed any Slytherin students yet, with such a twisted mind, who's to say they won't target us next? For all we know, we could be the next victims. At this point, the best strategy is to remain vigilant. What Mr. Augustus has taught us is our greatest advantage now. As long as the culprit isn't overwhelmingly powerful, we should be able to fight back."
Augustus wore a grave expression. He didn't have much information about the Chamber either, only that it was connected to Slytherin's heir and that the attacker could petrify victims. What was more troubling was the lack of evidence at every crime scene. The attacker operated like a ghost—silent and traceless, leaving no clues behind. If only he had more key details.
"Mr. Augustus, we need to talk to you," Harry and Ron approached, their faces filled with urgency.
"Oh? Very well. Let's talk outside," Augustus replied, leading them to a secluded corner outside the Great Hall.
"Before Hermione was petrified, she told us she had found a crucial piece of evidence. That's why she ignored our warnings and went to the library alone. Now that she's petrified, we can't learn anything more from her. But Hagrid might know something about the heir of Slytherin. We were hoping you could come with us to his hut tonight. This is our last lead. With you there, even if the heir appears, we'd be safe. Please, we're counting on you," Harry pleaded sincerely.
After a brief pause, Augustus nodded. It was indeed crucial to follow up on this lead. He agreed to meet them later that night, and the three parted ways after finalizing the time and place.
At 11 p.m., Augustus met Harry and Ron at the castle's entrance hall. Together, they ventured into the dark, heading toward the Forbidden Forest. Augustus cast a Disillusionment Charm on himself, while Harry and Ron used the Invisibility Cloak to sneak past patrolling staff, prefects, and ghosts. The cloak couldn't mask their noise, and at one point, Ron tripped, nearly alerting Snape, who was patrolling nearby. Luckily, Snape sneezed at just the right moment, covering up Ron's stumble.
They reached Hagrid's hut, relieved to have evaded detection. The trio revealed themselves—Augustus lifting his charm, and Harry and Ron removing the cloak—before knocking on Hagrid's door.
A few seconds later, Hagrid yanked the door open, holding a crossbow. His massive dog, Fang, barked furiously behind him.
"Oh, it's you lot," Hagrid said, lowering the weapon.
"What's that for?" Harry asked, pointing at the crossbow.
"Ah, nothing... just a precaution…" Hagrid muttered nervously. He spilled water while filling the kettle, nearly dousing the fire, and dropped the teapot with a shaky hand.
"You all right, Hagrid? Did you hear about Hermione?" Augustus asked.
"Yes… I heard," Hagrid replied, his voice thick with emotion. He kept glancing nervously out the window.
As he poured hot water into mugs—forgetting to add tea bags—a loud knock on the door startled everyone. Hagrid dropped the fruitcake he was holding. Harry and Ron quickly donned the Invisibility Cloak, and Augustus cast another Disillusionment Charm.
Hagrid grabbed his crossbow again and opened the door. Standing outside were Dumbledore and a stocky, odd-looking man. The man had untidy gray hair, a worried expression, and wore a mismatched outfit: a pinstriped suit, a bright red tie, a black cloak, and purple boots. Under his arm was a green bowler hat.
"That's my dad's boss!" Ron whispered breathlessly. "Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic!" Harry elbowed Ron sharply to silence him.
Hagrid paled, sweat beading on his forehead. He sank into a chair, looking between Dumbledore and Fudge.
The arrival of the Minister at this time of night could only mean one thing: the situation had escalated to the point that the Ministry had to intervene. Augustus's expression grew serious. If things had truly reached this stage, Dumbledore's position as Headmaster was in jeopardy. Even intervention from the Julius family might not be enough to prevent his removal.
The situation was spiraling into the worst-case scenario. Without uncovering the real culprit soon, Hogwarts could face its greatest crisis since its founding. Augustus rubbed his chin, his silver eyes glinting with a sharp, piercing light.
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