The Dementors were expelled in droves, and the train resumed its journey. The lights in the compartments flickered back on, their warm glow illuminating Professor Lupin's contemplative gaze, which was now fixed on Augustus.
"If I'm not mistaken, you must be Augustus, the sole heir of the Julius family?" Lupin asked, his voice tinged with curiosity as he scrutinized the young wizard.
"Yes, that's correct. Nice to meet you, Professor Lupin," Augustus replied politely.
"It seems the rumors are true. To wield such potent magic at your age is truly extraordinary," Lupin said with a smile, his eyes filled with admiration.
"You flatter me," Augustus responded with modesty.
Harry had just regained consciousness, and Ron and Hermione were helping him back to his seat.
"Are you alright?" Ron asked nervously.
"I'm fine," Harry murmured. "What happened just now? That creature... where did it go? And who was screaming?"
"No one screamed," Ron said. Harry looked around at the now-bright compartment.
"What was that thing?" Harry asked, his voice tense.
"A Dementor," Augustus said calmly. "To put it simply, they are the guards of Azkaban. But why they appeared on the school train is anyone's guess."
Professor Lupin crumpled the empty chocolate wrapper in his hand and stuffed it into his pocket. "Eat," he instructed Harry. "It'll help. I need to speak to the conductor. Excuse me…" Lupin passed Harry and disappeared into the corridor.
"Did anyone else feel the cold?" Hermione asked, her voice trembling. "That icy feeling lingering around the compartment was just awful."
"I just felt like I'd never be happy again," Ron muttered awkwardly, his face pale.
"Dementors feed on human happiness, absorbing all the positive energy in the air. Wherever they appear, no joy remains. They are creatures designed to create hell," Augustus said with a slight frown, his disdain evident.
"But none of you fainted, right? Did anyone else fall from their seat like I did?" Harry asked hesitantly.
"No," Ron replied, giving Harry a worried look. "Ginny was shaking like a leaf, though…"
Harry couldn't understand it. He felt weak and shaky, as if recovering from a severe flu. Embarrassment crept in—everyone else seemed fine, so why was he so affected?
"Harry, your experiences set you apart. Dementors affect you more because of your past. Don't feel ashamed. They're naturally drawn to people with painful memories. If you're still feeling off, have some chocolate," Augustus said, glancing at Harry.
Harry's face brightened a little. Grateful, he nodded at Augustus and took a bite of the chocolate Lupin had given him. Warmth spread through his body, the comforting sensation reaching every extremity.
"We'll be at Hogwarts in ten minutes," Lupin announced as he returned. "Feeling better, Harry?" He didn't ask how he knew Harry's name.
"Yes, much better," Harry replied softly, still a little embarrassed.
The train arrived at the Hogwarts station, coming to a slow stop at the base of the mountain. Augustus, Harry, Ron, and Hermione joined the throng of students walking along the rough, muddy path toward the waiting carriages.
Augustus's silver eyes focused on the creatures harnessed to the carriages. Intrigued, he activated his magical analysis, and streams of data flooded his mind. Lillian waved to him from one of the carriages, and he climbed in along with her, Loki, and Malfoy.
"So, Augustus, I heard you were the one who drove away the Dementors on the train," Lillian remarked, her tone carrying an unreadable edge.
"Just a light-based spell. For creatures like Dementors, fire magic would also work well. However, you'd need at least a fifth-level fire spell to completely banish them," Augustus explained with a slight nod and a smile.
"I heard that idiot Potter fainted when the Dementors came. If that's true, it's hilarious! I bet he's the only one in the whole school who's so pathetic. Ha!" Malfoy said with exaggerated derision, his eyes gleaming with mockery.
"If you had experienced what Harry has, you'd be in an even worse state. It's easy to mock when you're not the one suffering," Loki said unexpectedly, his amber eyes flashing with disdain.
"Cough... Don't compare me to that scarhead," Malfoy retorted awkwardly before falling silent.
The carriages rolled onward, eventually approaching the grand wrought-iron gates flanked by winged boars perched on tall stone pillars. Augustus noticed two towering, hooded Dementors stationed as guards by the gates, their icy presence sending another wave of chill through the students.
The carriages ascended the long, sloping driveway and stopped before the castle. Lillian leaned out to admire the approaching turrets and towers, her eyes wide with wonder.
When the carriages finally halted, Augustus and his companions disembarked. Nearby, Harry, Ron, and Hermione climbed out of their carriage.
"You fainted, Potter? Neville wasn't lying, then? You actually passed out?" Malfoy sneered as he blocked Harry's path to the castle. His pale eyes gleamed with malicious delight.
"Get lost, Malfoy," Ron growled through clenched teeth.
"Did you faint too, Weasley? Did that horrifying creature scare you senseless?" Malfoy jeered.
"Alright, Malfoy, that's enough. If you don't hurry, you'll miss the Sorting Ceremony," Loki drawled lazily. Malfoy shot him an angry glare but followed Augustus into the Great Hall.
The Great Hall buzzed with excitement as students filled the seats. Above, the enchanted ceiling reflected a dazzling starlit sky.
After the Sorting Hat delivered its usual long-winded speech, the Sorting Ceremony began.
After several students had been sorted, Professor McGonagall's stern voice rang out again.
"Saul Stuart."
A poised, confident boy in black robes stepped forward.
The Sorting Hat barely touched his head before it bellowed, "Slytherin!"
Cheers erupted from the Slytherin table as Saul, smiling faintly, joined them. He took a seat beside Augustus, who nodded in acknowledgment, his silver eyes shimmering with a subtle brilliance.
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