Chapter 384: Reunion with Dementors
Chapter 384: Reunion with Dementors (Please subscribe, favorite, and vote!)
After saying goodbye to Harry, Liam and the others prepared to head to the nearest subway station. In areas far from the city center, it was difficult to find a taxi at night, so they had to rely on public transportation to get back.
The two of them walked down the deserted street, holding hands. The weather was beautiful tonight, with stars scattered across the sky like gems embedded in a deep blue velvet curtain.
"These stars are so beautiful!" "Yeah, looks like we'll have good weather tomorrow", Liam and Hermione chatted casually as they walked down the street, a gentle warmth permeating the air.
As they reached the middle of Magnolia Lane, the star-studded deep blue night sky suddenly darkened. The surrounding sounds seemed to be turned down, making everything quieter. Most importantly, the temperature around them dropped sharply, as if it were deep autumn.
"This is—"
Hermione raised her hand, which was adorned with rings, ready to cast a Guardian Charm.
"Dementors, no need to panic", Liam said, pressing Hermione's hand down. He then pulled out a silver net made with alchemy from his waist pouch. This was an upgraded version of the net they used to catch Dementors before.
Just as he was ready, a massive silver stag burst out from the path ahead, its antlers aimed directly at the Dementor's heart. The Dementor was pushed back several steps, weightless like the surrounding darkness. The stag charged forward, and the Dementor, like a bat, flitted to the side and fled hastily.
Watching the Dementor quickly ascend, Liam aimed and threw the net. Under the influence of magic, the net quickly enveloped the two Dementors. When Liam reached the spot where the net landed, he saw it had transformed into a red crystal the size of a goose egg, with the two Dementors trapped inside like insects in amber, unable to move.
"Dementors? How did they end up here? And they seemed to be attacking Harry. Is Harry okay?" This sudden event made Hermione a bit flustered, and her words reflected her anxiety. But her training kicked in, and she quickly regained her composure.
"We should take these two Dementors back to Sirius's Parents' House. Regardless, they are evidence. Handing them over to Professor Dumbledore should be very helpful. Since Harry managed to cast a Physical Patronus, it means he's probably fine. It's best we don't get involved right now", Hermione said, looking at Liam.
"Very good, it seems you've truly matured and learned to think rationally", Liam said, picking up the red crystal and leading Hermione back towards the subway station. "As for why these Dementors are here, it's clear that some people in the Ministry of Magic have ulterior motives. They need a good lesson. Think about the news about Harry in the papers this summer, and you can guess why they're here."
"You can't be serious?" Hermione's eyes widened. "But Dementors are uncontrollable. Don't they worry about causing fatalities?"
"To those who are completely lost in the Ministry of Magic, human life isn't important. Even if that life belongs to the Chosen One, Harry", Liam said in a low voice.
The rest of the way, they walked in silence. Finally, they returned to Number 12, Grimmauld Place.
"Oh, you're finally back", Mrs. Weasley said as she opened the door. "Did you know? Harry cast a spell. The Ministry of Magic wants to expel him for using a Patronus Charm in front of a Muggle. Professor Dumbledore went to the Ministry, but Fudge and his people insist that Harry used magic illegally. They finally compromised by not expelling Harry immediately, but he still has to go to the Ministry for a trial in ten days."
“Mrs. Weasley, I believe I have crucial evidence regarding Harry that needs to be handed over to Professor Dumbledore. Could you tell me where Professor Dumbledore is right now?” Liam asked Mrs. Weasley with an urgent tone.
“What, you weren’t—” Mrs. Weasley looked at them in surprise. “Alright, Dumbledore is currently in the basement Great Hall, fuming over today’s incident, which was entirely due to Mundungus leaving his post before his shift ended.”
At the door to the basement kitchen, Mrs. Weasley knocked, and the door opened. Dumbledore stood at the far end of the room, his expression grim. A scruffy, short wizard with a scruffy beard cowered in the corner, head hung low, looking dejected—this was undoubtedly Mundungus Fletcher, who had caused today’s trouble.
“Molly, what brings you here?” Dumbledore asked, a bit puzzled, upon seeing Mrs. Weasley at the door.
“Liam and Hermione are back, and they say they have evidence about Harry’s attack,” Mrs. Weasley explained, then motioned for Harry and the others to enter the kitchen.
“Go ahead and tell us what you have to say. Time is of the essence, considering today’s events,” Dumbledore’s expression softened slightly after hearing Mrs. Weasley’s news.
“Today, we went out to visit a friend—” Liam began, giving a general account of what they had done and seen, but omitted the part about criticizing the Headmaster.
“You mean you saw Harry use a Guardian Charm to drive away the Dementors?” Dumbledore ignored their unauthorized visit to see Harry and focused on a crucial point.
“It’s more than that.” Liam reached into his bag. “I used an alchemical device to capture them.” He then handed over a red crystal, about the size of a goose egg, which sealed two Dementors inside.
“Oh, this is—?” Dumbledore adjusted his glasses and fixed his sharp gaze on the black shadows within the crystal. “Your alchemical creation is quite remarkable, managing to seal Dementors. With these two Dementors as evidence, I can take care of the rest. I believe Harry will be fine.”
He then looked at Liam and Hermione. “I think you two have done a great service to Harry and me. I truly appreciate it. I’m reflecting on whether I might have been too strict with you and whether I should trust you more. I apologize for that.”
“Now, you two must be tired after all the running around tonight. Go get some rest. Although you lied, it was out of genuine friendship, so I forgive you. However, it would be best to apologize to Mrs. Weasley. She was worried sick about you, especially with the Dementors running loose.”
After leaving, Liam and Hermione sincerely apologized to Mrs. Weasley. They knew their actions had caused this kind-hearted woman a lot of worry.
Mrs. Weasley, like Headmaster Dumbledore, did not press the matter further. On the stairs, she told Liam and the others, “Running off without telling anyone was wrong, but Harry has had a tough month, and as friends, it’s understandable that you wanted to see him. Just make sure to let us know next time, so we don’t worry about you—”
She had always seen Harry as a son and was somewhat dissatisfied with Dumbledore’s restrictions. However, as an adult, she couldn’t act as impulsively as Liam and the others. Therefore, she wasn’t particularly upset about their excuse to visit Harry under the pretense of shopping.
After saying goodbye to Mrs. Weasley and reaching the third floor, Liam and Hermione wished each other goodnight at their respective doors and went to rest. Liam, after washing up, lay in bed and reflected on the day’s events, confident that Dumbledore would deliver a decisive blow to Fudge and his cronies at the Ministry of Magic.
(End of Chapter)
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