章 51: 051 The Studious Malfoy

"If I remember correctly, Mr. Malfoy, this should be the first time you and I have met in private since the Christmas vacation?" Professor Watson's voice reverberated through the spacious office, casting an atmosphere of tension that seemed to linger in the air. The piercing gaze of Professor Watson fixated on the desk opposite Malfoy, creating an impression that Malfoy was walking on a thin sheet of ice. Bryan, with a steaming cup of bitter tea in hand, lowered his head slightly, lost in a maze of contemplation. Since his return to Hogwarts, he had found solace in drinking tea more often than before.

Despite his distaste for bitter beverages, tea had become his beverage of choice, an inexplicable craving that surfaced whenever he desired a drink. Bryan contemplated the intricate nature of humanity, pondering on the complexities of the human mind, as he looked up once again to meet Malfoy's uneasy stare.

"Yes, you remember correctly, Professor Watson," Malfoy responded, his gaze fixed on his toes. He fidgeted on the cushioned stool, as if a thorn pricked his posterior, causing visible discomfort.

With graceful poise, Bryan leaned on the back of his chair, tracing the delicate rim of his cup with his fingertips. A subtle smile played on his lips as he observed the sole heir of the illustrious Malfoy family, known for their unwavering support of pure-blood superiority. His tone carried a touch of frivolity, bordering on rudeness.

"Well then, Malfoy, I am intrigued to know the purpose behind your visit, which necessitated the involvement of Professor Snape," Bryan remarked, his words draped in a domineering undertone. Having spent a considerable amount of time in Slytherin House, he had learned how to navigate interactions with the descendants of prestigious pure-blood families. A polite demeanor wouldn't earn their approval; it was respect that held true significance.

Under the weight of Bryan's powerful presence, Malfoy's previous arrogance and contempt vanished entirely. Just as Neville stood meekly in front of Professor Snape, Malfoy dared not act rashly and remained obedient.

"It is indeed about the 'Enhanced Levitation Charm' that you demonstrated in Defense Against the Dark Arts class, Professor Watson. I am seeking your guidance in mastering the intricacies of the spell. Although I attempted it in private, I still struggle to unravel its secrets," Malfoy confessed, his gaze shifting anxiously.

Bryan blinked, taken aback by Malfoy's unexpected response. He lightly tapped his desk, allowing a momentary pause before he responded. With unwavering focus, he maintained eye contact with Malfoy, his interest piqued, until the young wizard was overwhelmed by the lingering pressure. Just as Malfoy was on the verge of making a hasty retreat, Bryan's smile softened, and he spoke.

"And what, Mr. Malfoy, is the true purpose behind this ? Is it a genuine thirst for knowledge or merely a means to prove yourself equal to a 'Mudblood' such as Miss Granger?" Bryan's words carried a subtle darkness, probing beneath the surface.

Malfoy's expression grew gloomy. He couldn't openly admit that the latter was his true motive in front of Professor Watson. He knew that uttering such words would likely result in being swiftly expelled from the office.

"It seems you have discerned where the true problem lies, Mr. Malfoy," Bryan remarked, standing up with a disarming smile. His demeanor shifted back to its usual kind and friendly state, as if the dominant and overpowering wizard from moments ago had been replaced by someone entirely different.

Casually strolling to the center of the office, Bryan snapped his fingers, summoning a stone pillar resembling the one used during the Daytime Defense Against the Dark Arts class. "Come here, Mr. Malfoy. Let me witness your strength."

For nearly two hours, Bryan guided Malfoy, paying meticulous attention to detail. He patiently corrected the young wizard's casting gestures and taught him the intricacies of coordinating magical power while reciting the spell. However, despite their efforts, Malfoy couldn't fully grasp the 'Upgraded Charm' that Bryan had effortlessly wielded during his second semester in his first year.

This was an inevitable outcome, as Bryan had explained to Hermione in class. The spell required a level of magical power and control that was lacking in junior wizards. It was a limitation that couldn't be overcome. Not everyone possessed Bryan's exceptional magical power or the formidable spiritual power resulting from the fusion of two souls.

Nevertheless, Malfoy appeared relatively satisfied with his progress. A hint of complacency adorned the corner of his mouth as he observed the gravel scattered by the feathers he controlled.

"Thank you for your invaluable guidance, Professor!" Malfoy, now standing at the door, expressed sincere gratitude.

"Before you depart, I have one last piece of advice for you," Bryan said, returning to his desk and casting a meaningful glance at the door. "Throughout your journey, there is but one adversary you must overcome, Mr. Malfoy, and that is your own arrogance."

The pleasant weather that had graced Hogwarts for many days finally gave way to a rainy Saturday morning. As the rain pattered down, the castle stood tall, emanating a damp and biting cold reminiscent of the previous month. From a distance, Hogwarts Castle majestically overlooked the snow-capped peaks and the sprawling forest.

While passing the Quidditch pitch, Bryan was surprised to witness a few brave young wizards clad in Gryffindor uniforms braving the wind and rain on their broomsticks. Shaking his head in disbelief, he muttered to himself.

"Poor Flint, he will need assistance from both Merlin and God to secure victory in this year's final," Bryan remarked, watching the courageous players battle against the elements.

Upon arriving at the cabin nestled within the Forbidden Forest, Hagrid could be found at the back of the house. He hummed softly, his attention fixated on bandaging the injured hoof of a magical creature. His large, furry face displayed a gentle expression.

Continuing on his way, Bryan arrived at Hagrid's cabin in the depths of the Forbidden Forest. There, he found Hagrid humming softly, tenderly tending to an animal with a wounded hoof. Hagrid's large, furry face expressed an unmistakable care.

"These Hippogriffs aren't the friendliest creatures, Hagrid," Bryan commented, observing Hagrid's gentle touch.

"Oh, they're alright once you get the hang of 'em. They ain't difficult to deal with," Hagrid replied, engrossed in tending to the injured Hippogriff's wing. He didn't immediately realize who was addressing him. "This little fella here's almost an adult. In the fight for mating rights, it had a tough battle with its companions and ended up with wounds all over. Can't just ignore 'em, else they'll fester and ooze pus!"

Most magical creatures possessed sharper instincts than wizards. As Bryan observed the scene with great interest, the Hippogriff with its collar and the hippocampus motif seemed to sense the danger emanating from the young wizard and eagerly sought to break free from Hagrid's grasp.

"Don't worry, Buckbeak. I won't harm you. Could you please hand me the scissors?" Bryan assured the restless creature, extending a helping hand.

Hagrid's massive hand gently held Buckbeak's neck, preventing the Hippogriff from escaping. The creature struggled vigorously, but Hagrid's grip remained firm and unyielding.

"Thank you," Bryan said politely as Hagrid handed him the scissors, his eyes gleaming with admiration. Dumbledore had been right—Hagrid, with his giant heritage, possessed a brilliance that surpassed ordinary people.

The moment Hagrid released his grip, Buckbeak darted away like an arrow, disappearing into the depths of the Forbidden Forest without a backward

glance. Hagrid's face beamed with happiness, witnessing the spirited nature of the Hippogriff.

"Looks like you're in good spirits, Buckbeak, my lad. I hope this experience won't make you afraid to pursue love. Uh, ahem! Oh, Professor Watson!" Hagrid finally smiled, his gaze shifting from Buckbeak to Bryan. Initially surprised by the visitor, his smile soon transformed into an awkward but polite expression. "So it's you, Professor Bryan. What brings you here? I mean, what can I do for ya?"

Bryan returned Hagrid's smile and nodded appreciatively. Dumbledore had indeed been right about the humble gamekeeper's genuine kindness.

//patreon.com/ficfrenzy

コメント 5のコメント

投票

章 52: 052 Aragog

Hagrid's heart pounded in his chest as he confronted the daunting reality of the Ministry of Magic's investigators. They possessed the authority to banish him back to Azkaban, the dreaded wizarding prison that still haunted his nightmares from his previous two-month confinement there. The mere thought sent a chill down his spine, and he couldn't shake the fear that lingered within him.

But it wasn't just the Ministry's investigators that troubled Hagrid. Bryan Watson, the board of governors' investigator, also loomed over him, holding the power to expel him from Hogwarts, the very school that had become his cherished home. While Hagrid took solace in the knowledge that Headmaster Dumbledore would undoubtedly defend him, the situation remained immensely vexing and filled him with immense stress.

As Hagrid and Watson ventured deeper into the Forbidden Forest, an aura of foreboding enveloped them. The thick canopy of ancient trees blocked out most of the sunlight, casting eerie shadows that danced upon the forest floor. The air grew damp and heavy, carrying the musty scent of decaying leaves. Strange noises filled the silence, whispers of unseen creatures that sent shivers down their spines. In the dimness, Watson found it necessary to cast a lumos spell, the soft glow emanating from his wand illuminating their path through the gloom.

The forest remained eerily quiet, save for the occasional snap of branches and the gentle patter of raindrops upon leaves. Hagrid's familiarity with the terrain became evident as he expertly maneuvered through the labyrinthine maze of ancient trees. Leaping down from a slanted tree trunk, he turned to Watson, his panting breaths punctuating the silence.

"Over here, Professor Watson," Hagrid called out, his weathered hand gesturing towards a hidden path.

They continued their arduous trek for another ten minutes, their footsteps sinking into the thick layer of decomposing leaves that carpeted the forest floor. The ground seemed to swallow their feet with each step, as if the forest itself sought to impede their progress.

Hagrid couldn't help but voice his growing skepticism. "I reckon it's all a wild goose chase, Professor. I've tried countless times to get him to talk, but he refuses. All he ever says is that the monster within the castle is an ancient and fearsome creature, a natural enemy of spiders. He won't divulge any further information, and I doubt he'll confide in anyone else either."

Watson, determined to press on, dismissed Hagrid's doubts with a resolute tone. "Let us at least make the attempt, Hagrid."

Watson's movements were marked by a grace that contrasted with Hagrid's lumbering gait. He had cast a weight-reducing spell upon himself, allowing him to navigate the treacherous terrain with an almost ethereal lightness.

Concern etched deep lines into Hagrid's face as he watched Watson. "You best be prepared, Professor Watson. Aragog has become increasingly irritable in his old age, his movements restricted. I can't guarantee I'll be able to calm him down."

"That is a worry for another time, Hagrid. Sometimes," Watson replied cryptically, his voice carrying an air of hidden knowledge.

As they ventured deeper into the heart of the Forbidden Forest, the density of the trees began to thin, revealing glimpses of a downward sloping landscape. Shadows, large and imposing, moved stealthily amidst the thickets of bushes entangled with thorny vines. Watson knew they were drawing closer to their destination.

Coming to a halt at the precipice of a crater-like depression, Watson raised his wand, its luminous glow penetrating the darkness below. The vast pit housed sparse, gnarled trees, but its true inhabitants lay hidden within—a teeming mass of hundreds, if not thousands, of spiders. These were no ordinary arachnids; each one matched the size of the eight-eyed spider that had crossed Watson's path before.

As Watson's presence was detected, the once-silent depression erupted into a symphony of crackling sounds that reverberated through the forest, disturbing its tranquil silence. "Who dares to disturb my slumber?" boomed a voice that seemed to shake the very ground. Emerging from a misty, hemispherical spider web at the center of the depression, a spider of gargantuan proportions slowly crawled forward. Its immense black body bore traces of gray, giving it an air of otherworldly menace. The eyes on its grotesque head, equipped with formidable claws, were clouded by a milky film, rendering its vision impaired.

"Is it Hagrid?" the spider's screeching voice sliced through the air, reminiscent of nails on a chalkboard. Crackling crackling crackling! A chorus of spiders responded in their unique, rustling language, their movements filled with anticipation.

"Oh, I see. A stranger has ventured into my domain. My apologies," Aragog swiftly retracted its threatening claws, conveying a semblance of understanding.

"Children, what are you waiting for?" Aragog's voice resonated, commanding the restless spiders surrounding Watson and Hagrid. They teetered on the edge of the pit, their thin legs vibrating with anticipation, ready to obey the slightest command.

A disheveled Hagrid, finally catching up, gasped for breath. "Wait, Aragog, wait! It's me, Hagrid. I've returned."

The aged spider, recognizing the familiar voice, halted its trembling claws. A touch of warmth infused its harsh tone. "Oh, my apologies, Hagrid. I mistook your arrival for an intrusion into my realm. So, have you spoken to those centaurs, as I requested? If they continue to disregard the safety of my offspring, Hagrid, I will be left with no choice but to retaliate."

"Actually Aragog I heard something completely different from the centaurs they think well I'll go ask them again for you Aragog I have something else to ask you today."

Hagrid was like the keeper of the order of this Forbidden Forest. Every intelligent magical creature, whether they liked wizards or not, maintained the most basic respect for Hagrid.

As Watson took a few cautious steps forward, the air in the Forbidden Forest seemed to grow tense, as if every living creature held its breath in anticipation. The ancient trees, their gnarled branches intertwined like guardians of the forest, cast eerie shadows that danced on the forest floor.

The smaller spiders, sensing the shift in atmosphere, remained agitated in their pit, their thin legs skittering across the ground, creating a haunting chorus of rustling noises.

Aragog, with his immense form, was an intimidating sight to behold. His eight eyes, covered with a milky film, glistened with a mix of curiosity and suspicion as they locked onto Watson's direction. His fangs were large and menacing, a constant reminder of the potential danger that lurked within the Forbidden Forest.

"Hagrid!" Aragog's voice echoed, resonating with a mix of anger and concern. "Did you bring someone else with you? You promised me you wouldn't do that!"

It seemed that this old spider was not so easy to communicate with. Watson thought to himself, standing on the side and watching Hagrid talk to it.

Hagrid, the keeper of the order in the Forbidden Forest, stood steadfast despite the spider's hostility. His large, bearded face carried a mixture of respect and understanding, knowing that dealing with Aragog required patience and tact.

"Professor Watson is also the investigator sent by the Hogwarts board of governors to investigate the Chamber of Secrets," Hagrid explained. "He insisted on talking to you face to face, Aragog. I hope you can grant him that."

Upon hearing the mention of the Chamber of Secrets, Aragog's demeanor shifted drastically. Excitement coursed through him, causing a ripple of anxious movements among the surrounding spiders. They stayed a few dozen feet away, their presence more ominous than ever, ready to rush forward at a moment's command.

"I've said it many times, Hagrid. We're afraid of that monster," Aragog declared vehemently. "We never mention the name of that ancient creature to outsiders. If too many wizards know about it, they will covet its power and use it to destroy us!"

Watson couldn't help but be intrigued by Aragog's logic, finding it strangely compelling amidst the dangers that surrounded them. He exchanged a knowing look with Hagrid, who seemed resigned yet hopeful, knowing that Watson's knowledge and expertise might just be the key to resolving this delicate situation.

"Don't give up so easily, Hagrid," Watson said reassuringly, drawing on his vast knowledge of magical creatures and their intricacies. With confidence, he took two more steps forward, and said in a relaxed tone.

"Let me try to talk to him."

//patreon.com/ficfrenzy

コメント 5のコメント

投票