Augustus opened the letter, immediately recognizing Crovy's handwriting.
"Regarding the Buckbeak matter, I've already arranged for a petition to be submitted to the committee. There's no need to worry; we should have a result within three days. If nothing unexpected occurs, the proposal will likely pass quickly, and a new resolution will be reached. So, rest assured. Also, remember to prioritize safety while at school and spare your mother and me any unnecessary concerns."
A warm smile appeared on Augustus's face as he folded the letter. He hadn't anticipated such efficiency and realized he might have underestimated the influence of his family. Even when dealing with a case involving the life of a magical creature, overturning a verdict was apparently as simple as a word.
"Mr. Augustus, do you have a moment? Hagrid wanted to invite you to his hut," Harry and Ron approached the Slytherin table somewhat hesitantly.
Augustus smiled faintly. "As it happens, I have something to discuss with him as well. Let's go together." He gave Loki and the others a few quick instructions before rising to join Harry and Ron. Together, they left the Great Hall and crossed the castle grounds toward Hagrid's hut.
It was already spring, and the castle grounds were alive with greenery. Wildflowers bloomed across the sparse grass, and a fresh breeze carried the scent of nature. Walking on the soft turf, Augustus remarked casually, "The air is pleasant today."
Harry nodded. "It is. Hagrid's location makes it quite enjoyable."
"Oh?" Augustus turned to them with a faint smirk. "Why isn't Hermione with you two? Did something happen between you?"
Ron lowered his head awkwardly, while Harry sighed and explained, "Hermione's cat, Crookshanks, supposedly ate Ron's pet rat, Scabbers. Scabbers has been missing for a while now, so Ron's been angry at Hermione. We haven't really been speaking lately."
Augustus paused for a moment, visibly surprised. "Ate it? Impossible. No ordinary cat could eat that rat."
He had suspected from their first year that Scabbers was an Animagus but had chosen not to interfere. Now, hearing this, Augustus found it hard to believe. Even a weak wizard transformed into an animal wouldn't fall prey to a mere cat. If that were the case, every Animagus would have to flee in terror at the sight of a predator. Something about this situation didn't add up.
"Have you seen my rat, Mr. Augustus?" Ron, noticing the odd tone in Augustus's voice, asked anxiously.
"Not exactly," Augustus replied, shaking his head. "But you shouldn't worry too much. I believe your rat is still alive."
Though many had tried to comfort Ron, hearing it from Augustus gave him unexpected reassurance. He nodded earnestly. "Thank you for your concern. If Scabbers knew how much you cared, he'd rest in peace even in the afterlife."
Augustus's expression stiffened momentarily before returning to normal as they approached Hagrid's hut.
"I've heard the news," Hagrid said as he opened the door, ushering them in. "Thank you so much, Mr. Augustus. The proposal is being reconsidered, and the Ministry has sent an official notice."
Inside, they saw Buckbeak lying on a patched blanket, his massive wings folded neatly at his sides as he enjoyed a platter of dead ferrets.
Harry's attention was caught by a massive brown furry suit and a hideous yellow-and-orange striped tie hanging on Hagrid's wardrobe. "What's all this for, Hagrid?"
"For the case with the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures," Hagrid explained. "Thanks to Mr. Augustus's family, it's set for review this Friday. I'm taking Buckbeak to London. I've already booked two beds on the Knight Bus."
"This is just a formality," Augustus interjected. "Buckbeak's case is essentially resolved, but you'll need to prepare a few statements to make it look proper. It also gives the committee members a way to save face."
Hagrid nodded in understanding. "I get that. Hermione's even found time to help me prepare. She dug up some useful materials for the case, so we'll be ready when the time comes."
"Then everything should go smoothly," Augustus said with a light chuckle.
Buckbeak, recognizing Augustus, stood up and approached him, letting out a gentle cry before nuzzling his head against Augustus's hand.
"Hagrid, we should've helped you earlier. Sorry about that…" Harry began awkwardly.
"I don't blame you!" Hagrid said, waving off Harry's apology. "There wasn't much you could've done, but let me tell you this: you two should value friendship over brooms and rats. That's all I'll say."
"Hermione's been lonely since Christmas. She told me herself. First, you ignored her over the Firebolt, and now you're not speaking to her because of her cat. I just don't understand it."
"She ate Scabbers!" Ron interrupted angrily.
"Her cat did what all cats do," Hagrid retorted stubbornly. "She's cried several times, you know. Things haven't been easy for her lately. She's been overloading herself, trying to do too much at once."
"Well, that's her own fault for taking on every class available," Ron grumbled.
"She signed up for all the third-year courses?" Augustus asked, intrigued.
Harry nodded. "Yeah, it's strange. A lot of the classes overlap, so we're not sure how she's managing it. Maybe she's planning to self-study some of them."
Even with self-study, it seemed improbable to complete every course. Magic required hands-on practice, unlike Muggle subjects based purely on theory. Augustus rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Could it be that even Professor McGonagall hadn't intervened? Truly puzzling.
Want to read the chapters in Advance? Join my Patreon
https://patreon.com/Glimmer09