章 179: 0178 Crookshanks's New-Home

The first rays of dawn broke through the dark sky, and the massive gate of Hogwarts Castle creaked open with a sound of rusty hinges. The pale pink sun, tinged with a hint of gold, cast a soft glow over the dim hall. The ancient castle was slowly waking up from its nocturnal slumber.

Suddenly, the silence was shattered by the sound of frantic footsteps echoing in the empty hall.

Hermione emerged from the shadows, clutching Crookshanks to her chest. Her face was pale and weary, and her eyes were red from crying. She glanced around nervously, making sure no one was watching. Then, she bent down and gave Crookshanks a gentle stroke on his head. He purred softly, oblivious to her troubles. His fur was orange and fluffy, and his eyes were bright and curious. With a determined look, she dashed out of the castle and headed for the misty lawn.

At the edge of the Forbidden Forest, Hagrid, who had calmed down a lot after more than a month, was busy in the field. The pumpkins planted in August and September were now ripe in October. The lush vines had lost most of their flowers, and the basin-sized pumpkins were everywhere in the neat field. They were round and smooth, and some of them had funny shapes and bumps.

Hagrid gestured with the pink umbrella in his hand. Although he had cleared his innocence, Hagrid, who had been sneaking around in order to cast spells for most of his life, was used to hiding his wand in the umbrella. The umbrella was old and worn, and had a few patches on it.

Looking at the fruits, Hagrid showed a happy expression. The swelling charm he had used last year worked very well. He planned to do the same in a few days and make the pumpkins grow bigger.

Buckbeak, who had not realized that he had gotten into trouble and also caused trouble for Hagrid, was crawling under the shade of a tree on the other side of the house, eating the nutritious breakfast that Hagrid had prepared for him - a large basin of ferrets. The ferrets were wriggling and squeaking, and Buckbeak's beak made a crunching sound as he bit into them.

Fang lay at the door, drooling at the worm-like things that were eating lettuce in the wooden box like a beehive. The Flubberworms, which were as big as a toddler's arm, were also coveting them, but they obviously knew that those things were not their food, so they could only stare at them with envy. The Flubberworms were slimy and green, and they made a slurping sound as they munched on the lettuce. The lettuce was fresh and crisp, and had a few drops of dew on it.

Suddenly, the thick morning fog surged a few dozen feet away. Fang, who smelled it first, immediately pricked up his ears and barked happily. His bark was loud and deep, and it echoed in the forest.

"Don't bark, Fang, the little wizards haven't got up yet, don't disturb their sleep!"

Hagrid scolded, straightening up from his pumpkin patch. He looked at Buckbeak, who was tearing apart a ferret with his sharp beak.

"When he's done, I'll let him leave the bones for you!" he added gruffly. His voice was loud and booming, and it startled some of the birds in the forest.

Buckbeak flapped his wings a few times, snorted at Fang, and then threw the ferret bones on the ground with his claws.

"Hagrid!"

Hermione, who was covered with dew on her hair and eyebrows, like a drowned chicken, rushed out of the fog. When she saw Hagrid, who was stunned by her appearance in the pumpkin field, Hermione couldn't control her emotions anymore. She ran into Hagrid's arms and cried like a child who lost her candies. Her tears were hot and salty, and they soaked Hagrid's shirt.

"Either let Crookshanks disappear, or let yourself disappear!"

Hagrid roared angrily, he picked up a towel and wanted to wipe the dew on Hermione's hair, but almost took off her head.

"That little bastard dared to say that, Hermione, don't stop me, next time I see him, I have to teach him a lesson. Ask him if he still remembers how much you helped him!"

"Don't be like that, Hagrid, Ron is just too worried about Scabbers, he didn't do anything wrong–"

Hermione, who still had red eyes, but was much better after releasing her emotions, defended Ron for a moment, stroking Crookshanks, who was lying on her lap.

"But I really can't keep Crookshanks in the castle. I have so many classes to attend, I don't have time to discipline him properly, I can only leave him here with you, Hagrid, at least Fang can be Crookshanks's friend."

"No problem, Hermione, I have plenty of space here, enough for him and Fang to have fun–"

Hagrid brought a cup of steaming tea to Hermione, who still looked sad. He hesitated for a moment, and said worriedly, "But I don't think this can solve the problem, Hermione, you have to talk to Ron, people often make mistakes and can't manage their pets, but it's not right to blame their friends for that."

Hagrid's tea was strong and bitter, and it had a few weird leaves floating in it.

"Thank you, Hagrid, I'll find a chance to talk to him." Hermione wiped the tears on her eyelashes and tried to squeeze a smile, but both Hermione and Hagrid knew that this was just an excuse.

There was still some time before class, and Hagrid warmly prepared rock cakes and Bath buns for Hermione, who hadn't eaten breakfast, but Hermione didn't touch them, she just hugged Crookshanks reluctantly and sipped the hot tea.

"I've been studying some cases of magical creatures injuring people, Hagrid, and I'll sort out the arguments for the cases where they were released. When you and Buckbeak go to trial at the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures, you can follow the words on it–"

"If it weren't for you, I wouldn't know what to do, Hermione!"

Hagrid's nose was red and runny, and he used a handkerchief to wipe it. He blew his nose heavily and said gratefully,

"These days, I often dream of the verdict coming down, and Buckbeak being... Oh, anyway, thanks to you, I still have a glimmer of hope!"

Hermione smiled, and this time, her smile was more sincere.

"By the way, Hagrid, I've always been a bit confused–"

After clumsily patting Hagrid's arm, which was as thick as her waist, Hermione pouted, looking a bit puzzled.

"Why don't you go to Professor Dumbledore for help? if you go to him for help, he won't mind giving you a word with the Ministry."

"I don't want to bother him," Hagrid sighed and sat down.

"Professor Dumbledore has so many things to deal with every day, I don't want to cause him any trouble."

Hermione looked like she wanted to argue, but Hagrid said again,

"And he can't really interfere with this matter. Of course, of course, as long as Dumbledore is willing to send a formal message, the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures won't ignore his words, but the problem is here, Hermione, Dumbledore has been trying to avoid interfering with the normal operation of the Ministry of Magic, because he knows very well that Cornelius Fudge is always wary of him.

Although it's ridiculous, Fudge is worried that if Dumbledore changes his mind one day and wants to be Minister for a while, he can easily use his prestige to drive Fudge out of office. So, to prevent Fudge from making the wrong judgment, Professor Dumbledore is restraining himself, even when he doesn't agree with many of the decisions made by the Ministry. I know Professor Dumbledore can help Buckbeak out of trouble, Hermione, but I don't want to see Dumbledore embarrassed."

Looking at Hagrid, who suddenly became eloquent, Hermione asked incredulously,

"Did you come up with this yourself, Hagrid?"

Hermione asked in astonishment.

"Oh, you're not the smartest little witch in Hogwarts for nothing, Hermione - not wanting to trouble Dumbledore is indeed my idea, but the rest of it…"

Hagrid scratched his hairy beard and smiled sheepishly.

"Do you remember the morning when Remus sent me back? Actually, the night before, it was Professor Watson who picked me up and took me to his temporary residence in Hogsmeade. He's a good man, isn't he? Otherwise I would have to sleep with the trash can that night. Later, I picked a time to go and thank him, and while we were chatting, he talked to me about Buckbeak's problem. I was a bit hesitant about whether to go to Professor Dumbledore or not, and Professor Watson told me these things."

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章 180: 0179 Halloween

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The dazzling lightning that tore through the silent sky like a jagged knife, illuminating the dark clouds that hung over the shrieking shack. The old house was shaking in the thunderous roar, as if it was about to collapse at any moment. The rainstorm was like a sword of silver, shooting the earth with relentless force, raging and roaring towards every corner of the village. The wind howled and whipped the trees, making them sway and creak.

A large group of bats conjured by magic stretched their wings and soared in the fierce rainstorm, defying the natural elements. They flew over every household's door, where pumpkin lanterns with candles flickered and cast eerie shadows on the walls. The mysterious singing echoed in every street and alley of Hogsmeade village, creating a spooky atmosphere. Even the thunder and rainstorm could not stop the joy of Halloween for the villagers, who dressed up in costumes and masks, and celebrated the night of magic and mischief.

"I have to leave early today, Crookshanks."

The sky was dark, but it was actually only evening. Bryan, who had packed everything up, looked at the ginger-colored big cat squatting in the corner of the living room, on a rotten sofa that was covered with holes and stains. He smiled warmly, as he always did when he saw this furry companion.

Since the last time Crookshanks got a sweet deal from Bryan, he was very fond of running to this shack, and Bryan, who was alone all day, didn't mind having a little guy to talk to, so he didn't deliberately drive him away.

Meow–

Crookshanks made a soft sound, not as usual, obeying the order to leave the shrieking shack. He looked at Bryan with pleading eyes, hoping he would understand his request.

"Today is Halloween, I'm not sure if those naughty kids in the village will suddenly have a whim, and want to come to this haunted house to play an adventure game, and, I have an appointment with a friend for dinner tonight."

Bryan walked over, squatted down and rubbed the fur on Crookshanks's head, and said gently, feeling a bit guilty for leaving him alone.

"Halloween Eve's dinner is very rich, if you run fast, maybe you can still catch up with Hermione and get some good food and drink. She always spoils you, doesn't she?"

Meow– Crookshanks lowered his head even more, apparently not wanting to leave, facing Bryan's puzzled eyes, he raised his paw and pointed at the sky, then scratched at another mountain, and kept repeating this action. He tried to convey his message with gestures, hoping Bryan would get it.

It took a while for Bryan, who was half-dazed and half-guessing, to barely figure out Crookshanks' meaning,

"Hmm, you want to invite your stray dog friend to come here and avoid the rain?"

Crookshanks put down his paw and clasped the sofa tightly, he nodded his head, his body tensed, and a trace of nervousness flashed in his bright yellow pupils.

"You're quite loyal–"

Bryan laughed, but he didn't agree immediately. He looked at the ceiling, where water was dripping from a crack, and wondered if the roof would hold up.

If Crookshanks' friend was a cat, Bryan wouldn't care, but if it was that black dog that was too big and he had seen from a distance that night, he was a bit worried, because this house was after all a 'dangerous' house, and if he let a energetic big dog run around here, Bryan wasn't sure if he would only see a pile of ruins when he came back tomorrow.

He also wasn't sure if the dog would be friendly to him, or if he would bite him or bark at him and disturb him during his research later.

"Alright–"

After hesitating for a bit, Bryan nodded and agreed, he said in a slightly serious tone.

"The stairs to the second floor are about to collapse, I hope you two can stay honestly on the first floor. Also, the spiders and rats in the cage can be your Halloween feast, but you have to tell that dog, not to make a mess, otherwise, I'll use you two as materials for experimenting magic!"

He tried to sound stern, but he couldn't hide the smile on his face. He knew Crookshanks was smart enough to understand him, and he hoped the dog would be obedient enough to follow him.

*Hogsmeade*

Zonko's joke shop was the most eye-catching magic shop this Halloween, the owner of the shop got some inspiration from somewhere, he put an engorgement charm on a pumpkin lantern, making it swell to the size of a house, and used a spell to control it floating in the air. It was a spectacular sight, that attracted many curious eyes and admiring comments. The pumpkin lantern had a carved face, that changed expressions every few seconds, sometimes smiling, sometimes frowning, sometimes winking, sometimes sticking out its tongue.

Under the thunder and lightning, such a huge pumpkin lantern swayed with the wind and rain, this scene was undoubtedly very visually effective, even Bryan, who came down from the mountain, couldn't help but stand on the street and look at it for a few more seconds.

A few little kids in raincoats ran out of Bryan's house happily, each holding a handful of fancy wrapped candy, Bryan smiled and stepped aside, giving way to these little guys. He had prepared some treats for them, knowing they would come to his door, as they did every year.

Turning his head, Remus was standing at the door, looking at him with a smile.

"How's the research going, Bryan?"

Lupin asked kindly,

"It's the same as before, no breakthrough."

Bryan said lazily, he strolled past Lupin and walked in first, and when he caught sight of the scene inside the house, he halted in his tracks, looking utterly astonished.

The original dim and dilapidated living room was transformed into a dazzling spectacle by hundreds of neatly arranged candles floating in the air, casting a warm and flickering glow on everything. The walls were covered with twisting golden ribbons that sparkled like stars, and the ceiling of the living room was also crudely enchanted like the Hogwarts Great Hall, reflecting the stormy sky above, with dark clouds rolling and thunder and lightning flashing.

The house's original square table soaked in grease and stains was replaced by Remus with a brand new long table that occupied half of the living room, the table was piled with mouth-watering dishes that appealed to the senses, such as succulent lamb chops, sizzling sausages, crispy grilled eels, creamy chocolate pudding and other scrumptious food that made Bryan's stomach growl.

Looking at all this, Bryan was speechless for a few seconds, turned his head and looked at Remus, who was gazing at the shrieking shack in the rain, with a perplexed expression,

"Did you prepare all this?"

"Actually–"

Lupin took back his uneasy gaze and smiled sheepishly,

"It was Albus who ordered the little elves in the kitchen to prepare it for us, according to him, he wanted to invite you to the school for dinner, but he knew you would refuse this request, so he let me bring it over directly."

Heh– Bryan chuckled dryly, raised his eyebrows, and nodded slightly,

"Anyway, thank him for his kindness, and help me bring him the money for the meal later–"

"Why, Bryan?"

Remus, who was pulling the chair and sitting down, heard this and couldn't help but smile bitterly,

"If you say that you were wary of Albus before because of the 'Golden Viper' identity, but obviously he doesn't intend to pursue anything because of it, why do I always feel that you seem to be very resistant to having anything to do with him?"

Bryan sat on the other side of the table, Lupin's question didn't make him react much, but smiled and pointed his eyes at the wine bottle on the table, and asked softly, "Do you know what kind of wine this is, Remus?"

"Ogden's Firewhisky, at least eighty years or more–"

Although poor and destitute, Remus, who had been walking in the magical world for half his life, was obviously a knowledgeable wizard, and he quickly answered the question after his eyes settled on the bottle.

"That's why I don't like to have too much involvement with him, Remus,"

The bright golden candlelight danced in Bryan' pale purple eyes, he maintained a faint smile, and said to the puzzled Remus,

"Dumbledore is a very wise wizard, but the problem is, sometimes, he is a bit too smart. I keep my distance from him, hoping that Albus Dumbledore will maintain a relatively friendly relationship, if we get too close–"

Under Remus' thoughtful gaze, Bryan smiled coldly, and stopped talking.

Since leaving Hogwarts, this was the first time Bryan had a proper Halloween, no matter what the relationship between him and Lupin was, mutual use, or a little appreciation, he still thanked Remus Lupin tonight.

Time passed by, the atmosphere on the table was very pleasant, they didn't talk about anything related to Sirius Black, nor did they discuss Dumbledore, as the former and current Defense Against the Dark Arts professors of Hogwarts, they spent most of their time talking about the young wizards in the school, and Lupin also told him about the situation when he met Harry today.

The sudden rainstorm made the temperature at the end of October even colder, but Bryan and Remus, who had drunk a lot of strong alcohol, didn't feel anything.

"By the way–"

The table was a mess, Remus, with a blush on his cheeks, casually asked,

"Why did you choose to go to the shrieking shack for magic experiments, Bryan, I went there with a bunch of friends when I was in school, and the environment inside was very bad, and it seemed that there were often beasts around?"

"I haven't encountered any beasts,"

Bryan shrugged, he picked up a piece of chocolate pudding and put it in his mouth, he savored the sweet and smooth taste, and said indifferently,

"I chose the shrieking shack because it was secluded and quiet, and no one would bother me there. Besides, I don't mind the bad environment, I've seen worse places in my life. And as for the beasts, well, maybe they sensed my magic and decided to stay away from me-"

Bryan, who was feeling a bit dizzy from the alcohol, continued, "But there is a cat who likes to run there to find rats to eat. It's very quiet there, Remus, no one will bother me."

Hearing this, Remus, whose eyes were hidden by a strand of hair that fell over his forehead, breathed a sigh of relief, he smiled and raised his glass to Bryan again, hoping to ease the tension.

Boom!

The deafening thunder made the earth tremble slightly, as if announcing the arrival of something ominous. Bryan also picked up his glass and returned to Remus, but when the glass was raised, his movement suddenly stopped, and he turned his head to look outside the door, with a sharp and alert expression.

"What's wrong, Bryan?"

Remus asked, feeling a chill run down his spine. The abyss-like eyes of Bryan made him shiver, and in a trance, the young man opposite him had changed from Bryan Watson to Golden Viper.

Thump–

Bryan put down his glass, and he calmly said, "Something's wrong."

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