Chương 152: 31
Chapter 31: The Twins' Fear
"Ethan, how did you do that?" Fred and George asked, their eyes wide in surprise as they watched Ethan rubbing the three-headed dog's head.
Just moments ago, the three-headed dog had pounced on them. George and Fred's barrier and repelling spells had no effect at all. The twins had resigned themselves to their fate when, unexpectedly, the dog turned into a giant, affectionate pet, trying to lick Ethan with its massive tongue. Ethan had firmly rejected its advances, finding the saliva too disgusting.
"I've always had a way with animals, even magical ones," Ethan said, rubbing the dog's head again, making it purr with joy.
"It's incredible. If we didn't know Hagrid raised this dog, we'd think you did," George remarked. "If Hagrid found out you tamed his dog, he'd probably be heartbroken. He really loves this three-headed beast."
Seeing the dog tamed by Ethan, George and Fred relaxed, even making jokes.
"I can't afford to take care of this big guy," Ethan said, scratching Fluffy's chin. Its enormous size suggested it had an enormous appetite, and caring for it at Hogwarts would be impossible unless he hunted in the Forbidden Forest. His own creatures, lethifold and Swooping Evil, required far less food.
"Did the Sorting Hat say Ethan could have been in Hufflepuff? Maybe you'll become the next Newt Scamander, the author of 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' and a legendary wizard," George mused.
The brothers had heard many stories about Newt Scamander, a man who could handle any magical creature. Ethan's ability to calm the three-headed dog was reminiscent of Scamander's legendary talents.
"Hufflepuff, huh? I have a good feeling about that house," Ethan laughed, pretending to be nonchalant. He had connections to all the houses except Hufflepuff.
"What's this?" George asked, noticing a movable door panel where the three-headed dog had been lying. He started to approach it.
"Roar!" The three-headed dog raised its heads and growled at George.
Although it seemed fond of Ethan, Fluffy had not forgotten its mission. Hagrid had trained it well, ensuring it wouldn't harm students but would scare them away and fiercely defend against adult wizards trying to pass.
George froze, slowly turning back when he saw the dog wasn't attacking. "I won't go in. I'll just step back," he said, raising his hands and retreating.
"Fluffy is probably following Dumbledore's orders to guard whatever's below. If we go down, it might turn hostile," Ethan warned seriously. He didn't want the twins to attract unwanted attention from You Know Who.
"We're not going down. We're not curious about what's inside, really," Fred assured with a wry smile. They knew how dangerous a XXXXX-level magical beast could be. Their magic had been useless against it. Annoying the beast could mean being fed to it.
Ethan shook his head, sensing their insincerity. "Ethan, since today's exploration yielded nothing, why don't we withdraw?" George suggested, feeling the stress of being around Fluffy.
"Yeah, let's go. Fluffy, I'll see you next time!" Ethan said, bidding the dog goodbye. As they closed the door, Ethan heard George and Fred sigh in relief.
"Ethan, it's a good thing you were here today. Otherwise, George and I would have been in serious trouble," Fred said as they walked down the long corridor, recalling how close they had come to disaster. If they had listened to Ethan and checked the situation before entering, things might have gone differently.
"Bravery isn't the same as recklessness. Don't put yourselves in unnecessary danger," Ethan advised seriously. The twins' eventual fate in the original story had always saddened him—one losing an ear and the other losing his life. He hoped today's events would make them more cautious in the future.
"We know. If Fred's reckless again, I'll kick his ass," George said with a grin, hugging Fred, though he seemed to forget he had been the first to rush in.
"That's the spirit!" Ethan replied with a smile.
"Ethan, this is for you." Fred pulled a piece of parchment from his pocket—the Marauder's Map. "This will be your guarantee for night tours."
Ethan looked at it, curious. This map was incredibly useful at Hogwarts.
Fred continued confidently, "We know all the secret passages and paths. Even without it, Filch can't catch us. And since you're heading to the eighth floor, you'll definitely need it. The password is 'I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.'"
Ethan didn't hesitate and accepted the Marauder's Map gratefully.
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