章 225: Chapter 225: The Julius Army
"Exactly," Fred chimed in, his tone a mix of awe and fear. "I was in the front row for the first task, and when the massive dragon's head fell to the ground, it landed facing me. Even a creature as fearsome and mighty as that dragon was felled in an instant, its head and body separated."
"For me," Ernie Macmillan said with a sigh, "the second task was undoubtedly the most unforgettable scene of my life. It made me understand the true purpose of learning magic. Augustus showed us through his actions: magic is about challenging the world, nature itself, altering the laws of the natural order with sheer will. That's the impression Augustus's magic left on me!"
Augustus glanced at the boy, previously unfamiliar to him, and was mildly surprised. This young man had remarkable insight, able to discern the essence behind the spectacle—a promising talent.
"Regardless," Hermione interjected after a brief pause, her eyes filled with anticipation, "it's clear everyone hopes you can teach us. We won't ask for much of your time—just a few hours one day a week. For us, gaining even a little power to protect ourselves and not remain pawns on the chessboard of various forces is our sincerest wish."
"Well said!" Susan Bones added with a gentle yet determined voice. "In my opinion, learning something useful from Augustus that could help us protect ourselves and others is more important than anything else we're doing this year—even the upcoming O.W.L.s!"
The room murmured in agreement. The prospect of learning from Augustus, a figure both admired and distant, was an unparalleled opportunity for many. Even if they didn't learn much, simply appearing in Augustus's orbit would be a badge of honor in the wizarding world. Years later, the title of "Augustus's student" could be a highly prestigious credential.
Faced with the eager and hopeful gazes around him, Augustus maintained a calm and composed expression. A faint smile appeared as he asked, "Tell me—why do you want to learn magic?"
Hermione, true to her classroom habits, was the first to answer. "When I first came to Hogwarts, I was a bit unsure of my future or why I was learning magic. But after living here and experiencing so much, I've found my purpose. I want to learn magic to make my family's life better, to have the power to protect them, and to bring happiness to those around me."
Augustus nodded. It was an answer that suited Hermione's character.
Cho brushed a strand of hair from her face and looked briefly at Lilian beside Augustus before turning her eyes back to him. "Initially, I learned magic simply because I enjoyed it. The mysterious spells and the hidden surprises around the school motivated me to study.
"But now," she sighed softly, her expression tinged with nostalgia, "I want to learn magic to keep up with someone—to make them see me as more than a stranger."
A fleeting emotion crossed Augustus's silver eyes as he looked at Cho's quiet yet earnest expression. His face showed a complicated mix of feelings.
Harry suddenly broke the silence, his voice filled with suppressed anger. "The reason I've wanted to learn magic hasn't changed since the day I arrived at Hogwarts: to kill one specific person with my own hands."
The atmosphere grew tense. Everyone knew exactly who Harry was referring to. Neville instinctively shrank into his chair.
Luna spoke up, her whimsical tone shattering the uneasy mood. "I want to learn magic to become a witness—and, of course, to stop Fudge from using his secret army to destroy the wizarding world."
"Secret army?" Augustus's calm demeanor faltered as he looked at Luna in confusion.
"Yes, he has an army of heliopaths," Luna said with wide eyes, making her seem even more eccentric than usual. "They're great fiery creatures that burn everything in their path—"
Augustus twitched slightly. Luna's vivid description of elemental fire spirits, despite her having never encountered one, was almost touching in its earnestness.
"They don't exist, Luna!" Hermione snapped sharply.
"Oh, they do!" Luna retorted indignantly.
"And what proof do you have?" Hermione demanded.
"There are numerous eyewitness accounts! Just because you're too narrow-minded to see—"
"Excuse me," Ginny interjected with an uncanny imitation of Professor Umbridge's cough. Everyone glanced around nervously before breaking into laughter. "We haven't even finished answering Augustus's question. Let's focus on discussing our reasons for learning magic first, shall we?"
"You're right," Hermione said, realizing the argument had been impolite. She turned to Augustus with an apologetic tone. "Sorry, Augustus. Please, continue."
Augustus raised a hand, a faint smile on his face. "That's enough for now."
Hermione's face fell in disappointment. "But about the—"
"Luna's thoughts are quite thought-provoking," Augustus interrupted her. "If Fudge truly has a secret army of mythical fire spirits to destroy the wizarding world, how can we not prepare ourselves?"
After a brief moment of contemplation, Augustus spoke decisively. "I believe forming this study group is quite necessary. I'm willing to teach you some magic. Let's name this group the 'Julius Army,' founded to resist Fudge's secret forces. What do you think? If we're discovered, I'll bear full responsibility."
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