Under the starry sky, the Forbidden Forest appeared more serene and mysterious than ever. The only light came from Hagrid's cabin at its edge, glowing warmly against the dark backdrop. Inside, Hagrid was sweating profusely as he faced Cornelius Fudge, casting desperate glances at Dumbledore for support. In a shadowy corner unnoticed by anyone, Augustus, Harry, and Ron stood cloaked in invisibility, silently observing the tense conversation.
"This is truly unfortunate, Hagrid," Fudge began in a crisp, rapid tone. "Very unfortunate, but I had to come. Four attacks on Muggle-borns—it's far too serious. The Ministry of Magic must act."
"I didn't do it," Hagrid pleaded, looking desperately at Dumbledore. "You know I didn't, Professor Dumbledore, sir…"
"I trust Hagrid completely, Cornelius," Dumbledore interjected, his brows furrowing as he spoke.
"But you see, Albus," Fudge replied, his tone uneasy, "Hagrid's past record works against him. The Ministry has no choice but to act. I've already consulted the school governors."
"Cornelius, I must insist—taking Hagrid away will solve nothing," Dumbledore said firmly.
For a moment, his blue eyes blazed with a fire Augustus had never seen before.
Take Hagrid away? Why arrest him now? Augustus couldn't fathom it. Was Hagrid somehow connected to the Chamber of Secrets? That seemed impossible—Hagrid lacked the skill to commit such widespread petrifications. Perhaps he was merely linked to the culprit, and detaining him might lead to uncovering the real attacker. The situation was shrouded in mystery. Even the Minister of Magic's personal involvement in Hagrid's arrest baffled Augustus.
"Try to see it from my perspective," Fudge said, nervously fiddling with his hat. "I'm under a lot of pressure. I have to act. If it turns out Hagrid isn't guilty, he'll be released without a word. But I have to take him. Surely, you can see I must do my—"
"Take me away?" Hagrid interrupted, trembling violently. "Where to?"
"Just for a short time," Fudge replied, avoiding Hagrid's gaze. "It's not a punishment, just a precaution. If someone else is caught, you'll be released with our deepest apologies…"
"Not Azkaban?" Hagrid's voice was hoarse and low.
Azkaban! A flicker of shock crossed Augustus's face. This was absurd. Were they really sending Hagrid there? That was as good as convicting him outright. Azkaban was reserved for the most heinous criminals. The presence of Dementors wasn't a mere formality; for any prisoner, it was a waking nightmare—a place filled with the darkest energies, the closest thing to hell in the magical world.
Augustus watched silently as Hagrid, drenched in sweat, looked to Dumbledore in near-begging desperation. Yet the regret in Dumbledore's eyes made it clear that even he couldn't stop this. Augustus shook his head. The magical world's strict systems were too powerful; even a legendary wizard like Dumbledore had to bow to bureaucracy. A being with immense power should have transcended such limitations, but here, he couldn't even protect one of his own.
A loud knock came at the door.
Dumbledore opened it. Harry, hiding under his cloak, let out an audible gasp as Lucius Malfoy strode into Hagrid's cabin. Cloaked in a long black traveling robe, his face bore a smug, icy smile. Fang started barking furiously.
"You're already here, Fudge," Malfoy said, pleased. "Excellent, excellent…"
"What are you doing here?" Hagrid roared angrily. "Get out of my house!"
"Please, believe me, dear friend, I take no pleasure in entering this—oh—what you call a house," Lucius Malfoy sneered as he glanced around the small, shabby cabin. "I merely came to the school, hearing that the headmaster was here."
Another unwelcome visitor—tonight was becoming more chaotic by the minute. Augustus's eyes glimmered faintly as he watched the tense gathering inside the cabin.
"This is terrible," Malfoy drawled lazily, pulling out a long roll of parchment. "The Board of Governors has decided it's time for you to step down, Dumbledore. Here's the dismissal order—ten of the twelve governors, excluding the Julius family, have signed it. Unfortunately, the Julius family's veto power is insufficient to save your position."
So the worst had happened. Dumbledore was indeed being removed. Despite prior warnings and his family's influence, he hadn't prepared adequately and was outmaneuvered by Lucius. Political games had stripped the headmaster of his post. In a system like this, where magic was subordinate to governance, even immense personal power couldn't overcome bureaucracy. Augustus couldn't help but think that in another world, a figure like Dumbledore would be revered as a national treasure, never subjected to such indignities.
"If the governors wish me to leave, Lucius, I will, of course, step aside," Dumbledore said calmly.
"But...." Fudge stammered awkwardly.
"No!" Hagrid roared.
Dumbledore's piercing blue eyes locked with Lucius Malfoy's cold gray ones. "However," he said, speaking slowly and clearly so that every word could be heard, "I have only truly left this school when none here remain loyal to me. You will find, Lucius, that those who seek help at Hogwarts will always receive it."
For a fleeting moment, Harry was certain Dumbledore's eyes flicked toward the corner where he and Ron were hiding.
"Touching sentiment," Malfoy sneered with a mocking bow. "We'll all miss your—oh—unconventional leadership, Albus. Let's hope your successor can finally put an end to these… murders."
Malfoy strode to the door, holding it open with a flourish. Fudge fidgeted nervously, waiting for Hagrid to lead the way. But Hagrid didn't move. Taking a deep breath, he said cautiously, "If anyone wants answers, all they have to do is follow the spiders. That's all I'll say."
Follow the spiders? Was that a literal clue or a cryptic riddle? Augustus frowned as he pondered its meaning. Slowly, he revealed himself, while Harry and Ron emerged from beneath their invisibility cloak.
Tonight had been filled with upheaval—Hagrid's impending imprisonment in Azkaban, Dumbledore's dismissal, and now the mysterious hint about spiders. Augustus knew this might be their only lead to save the school and restore Dumbledore's position.
For Augustus, Hogwarts had been a tranquil refuge. Whether out of personal conviction or moral obligation, he was determined to uncover the heir to the Chamber of Secrets and bring them to justice.
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