"If you really want to learn how to defend against Dementors, I can teach you when there's time. But of course, it won't be as powerful as Augustus's ability to repel so many Dementors—at most, it'll help you fend off one or two," Lupin said, nodding as he met Harry's expectant gaze.
"Learning to deal with them would be enough. I don't want to hear my mother's voice being tortured by Voldemort again. That feeling of helplessness is bone-deep," Harry said with a bitter smile, his tone pleading.
Lupin looked at Harry's determined face, hesitated, and then said, "Well… all right. But it'll have to wait until next term. I've got too much to do before the holidays. My illness hasn't helped the timing."
Two weeks before the end of term, the skies suddenly cleared, revealing a dazzling pearl-white brightness. One morning, the muddy grounds were covered in a shimmering frost. The castle brimmed with the Christmas spirit. Professor Flitwick, the Charms teacher, had already begun decorating his classroom with tiny fairy lights, which were, in fact, real fluttering fairies. Students chatted cheerfully about their holiday plans.
This term, Augustus had decided to stay at Hogwarts for the holidays. Malfoy, Lilian, and Solroki also applied to stay, claiming they needed the extra time to prepare for the upcoming exams.
During the last week of term, there was another opportunity to visit Hogsmeade. Augustus had missed the previous trip but decided to join Lilian and Malfoy this time to explore the Victorian-style wizarding village.
"You absolutely must try the butterbeer in Hogsmeade," Lilian said with a smile, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Last time, Malfoy coaxed me into trying some. It's truly exceptional—credit to Malfoy for that."
"Ha! If it weren't for me, you'd have missed out on such a marvelous drink entirely, given your usual temperament. No need for thanks; just don't forget me if you come across anything good in the future," Malfoy said smugly, looking exceedingly pleased with himself.
"Sure, Your Majesty," Lilian replied sarcastically, rolling her eyes. "But watch your step, lest you throw out your back with that swagger."
The streets of Hogsmeade were bustling with visitors. As they entered the village, the first thing they saw was Honeydukes, packed with Hogwarts students. Augustus, Lilian, and Malfoy approached the store, where many students recognized Augustus and greeted him enthusiastically, hoping to leave a good impression. Augustus, ever polite, returned every greeting, his flawless manners showing not a hint of imperfection.
"Wow, last time I came to Hogsmeade, I didn't get this kind of reception. Clearly, sticking with Lord Augustus is the way to go—crowds everywhere," Malfoy said, grinning as though the attention were directed at him.
"Ha! Riding on someone else's coattails like a sycophant. It's embarrassing to be seen with you," Lilian said with a smirk, brushing her bangs aside in mock exasperation.
"Nonsense! I'm merely acknowledging Lord Augustus's popularity. Where did you see me riding coattails? Your accusations are baseless!" Malfoy retorted, his face flushing. "As a dignified Malfoy, I would never stoop so low!"
"Oh, dignified Malfoy," Lilian said, snickering as she pointed behind him. "You might want to check your robes. There's a hole in them—really dignified."
Augustus couldn't help but laugh, though his expression carried a trace of helplessness. Malfoy turned quickly, noticing a thumb-sized hole near the waist of his black robes, through which a corner of red underclothes peeked out.
"It's over. My impeccable reputation—gone. How did I miss this before leaving? No wonder people kept looking at me strangely. Harry and Ron will never let me live this down if they find out!" Malfoy groaned, looking as deflated as a withered flower.
"It's not that obvious unless you look closely," Lilian said casually, inspecting the snacks inside Honeydukes. "I only noticed it by chance. Relax, it's not the end of the world."
Inside the store, shelves upon shelves were stacked with an astonishing variety of candies. There were creamy peanut brittle slabs, glowing pink coconut ice, hundreds of neatly arranged chocolate varieties, barrels of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, jars of Fizzing Whizzbees, and levitating fruit drinks Ron had mentioned before. Along another wall were "specialty" candies: Drooble's Best Blowing Gum (producing everlasting bluebell-colored bubbles), Shrieking Sherbet Mints, Pepper Imps (that let you breathe fire), Ice Mice (to make your teeth chatter), peppermint toads (that jumped in your stomach), crunchy sugar quills, and Exploding Bonbons.
"This Pepper Imp looks interesting," Augustus mused, purchasing a few candies. Malfoy, still sulking, absentmindedly popped one into his mouth without checking. Moments later, blue flames burst from his nostrils, igniting his sleeve and creating another hole in his robes.
"Perfect! A matching set!" Malfoy said with mock pride. "Looks like I'm setting the trend for this year's wizarding fashion."
"Ah, yes. A true trailblazer," Lilian said with a laugh, taking in his now two-hole ensemble.
"Not a trailblazer—distinguished," Malfoy corrected, his face solemn. "Don't you think this rugged look exudes strength? This is my awakening, my true self! In a world dominated by weaklings, real men like me should stand tall. You wouldn't understand."
With that, he touched his pale, slicked-back hair dramatically, his gray-blue eyes filled with an almost comical determination. Simply put, Malfoy was giving up and embracing the chaos.
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