章 101: Chapter 101: The Older You Get, The Lonelier It Feels
After dealing with the Boggart, the students studied Red Caps—unpleasant little creatures that lurk wherever blood is spilled, whether in castle keeps or the craters of desolate battlefields, lying in wait to attack the lost and unwary. From there, they moved on to Kappas, scaly, web-handed aquatic creatures resembling monkeys, eager to strangle waders in their ponds.
Augustus found these magical creatures fascinating. Despite their apparent weaknesses, they possessed unique traits and behaviors that showcased the diversity of the magical world. It was clear that Professor Lupin had put a great deal of effort into preparing his lessons, focusing on the creatures' characteristics and attack patterns.
Of course, the most unpleasant subject lately remained Potions. Professor Snape seemed particularly vengeful these days, and everyone knew why. The story of the Boggart transforming into Snape and Neville dressing it in his grandmother's clothes had spread across the school like wildfire. Snape didn't find it amusing. At the mere mention of Lupin's name, his eyes flashed with a dangerous glint, and he bullied Neville more mercilessly than ever.
Meanwhile, in Divination, Professor Trelawney continued to predict everyone's futures in her hollow, mystical voice. Many students had fallen under her spell, revering her with a mix of fear and fascination. Unfortunately for Augustus, she seemed fixated on him, gazing at him with tearful eyes before every class, as though he were destined to meet his end at any moment. Augustus could only smile faintly at her obsessive predictions about his death.
Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown, Gryffindor's devoted fans of Divination, often spent their lunch breaks in Trelawney's classroom. They would return brimming with an annoying air of superiority, as if they had been privy to some profound secrets.
No one really enjoyed Care of Magical Creatures anymore. After an action-packed first lesson, the subject had become dull. Hagrid seemed to have lost confidence, and now the lessons were monotonously centered on caring for Flobberworms—arguably the most irritating creatures alive.
"Why does anyone bother to care for these things?" Malfoy grumbled as he spent yet another hour feeding lettuce to the slimy worms.
"Come on, Malfoy," Lillian replied, her voice tinged with sarcasm. "Would you prefer taking care of Hippogriffs? Just be careful you don't end up breaking your other arm this time."
"Are all magical creatures either dangerous beasts or disgusting pests? Does Hagrid even know what qualifies as a magical creature? Honestly, Dumbledore must have lost his mind appointing him. His idea of a magical animal is completely out of sync with everyone else's!" Malfoy said disdainfully, his tone now targeting Dumbledore.
"Wow, badmouthing both the headmaster and your teacher in class—what a shining example of Malfoy family values," Harry said with mock admiration, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he glanced up from feeding his worm.
"Oh? The Savior himself has something to say? Careful, Potter, there's a Dementor behind you," Malfoy replied lazily, throwing Harry a threatening look.
"Actually, you should say, 'Look, there's a lion behind you,'" Harry shot back, feigning alarm as he adjusted his glasses. Ron let out a strange snort of laughter.
Malfoy's pale face turned crimson, his ears reddening. "Are you challenging me? Both of you?" he snarled, drawing his wand with a cold glare. "Have you forgotten the exhibition room that night or the duel in the club? Do I need to remind you what happened with a flick of my wand?"
"Draco, put your wand away. There's no need for it in this lesson, and you wouldn't want to violate school rules, would you?" Hagrid's sharp eyes caught Malfoy's gesture, and he quickly stepped between him and Harry.
"Looks like you've got yourself a good godfather, Potter," Malfoy sneered, slipping his wand back into his robes. His tone dripped with mockery.
Harry's eyes flashed with frustration. The truth was undeniable—Malfoy's magical abilities far exceeded his own. Harry couldn't forget that stormy spell in the dueling club, one that seemed to connect with the heavens. He didn't even know the name of such a powerful spell. Life was cruel. Some people were born at the top of the pyramid. Even in the wizarding world, fairness was an illusion.
Harry's longing for power had never been stronger. Without it, he felt insignificant. Yet, even the humblest snail harbors dreams of touching the sky.
Augustus, watching Harry's conflicted and determined gaze, smirked slightly. The adventures of youth might be romanticized, but reality was another matter entirely. One day, Harry would awaken to the fact that this world wasn't the fairytale he imagined. Power ruled everything—raw and unadorned. When that realization struck, it would mark the true beginning of his journey into adulthood.
At the peak of the pyramid, there is room for only one. And the higher one climbs, the lonelier it gets.
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