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Chapter 394: Vampire Repellent
Chapter 394: Vampire Repellent
The matter of the treasure map continued to weigh on Harry's mind. He was so close to discovering the location of the treasure it promised; just one last step was needed.
However, the map provided no clear indication of where the treasure might be hidden, and this unknown frustrated Harry. He was so close to success, and the idea of failing at the final hurdle was disheartening.
Ron's constant speculations, which offered no practical help, only added to Harry's turmoil, leaving him feeling glum.
After days of contemplation, Harry finally arrived at a possibility: the treasure might be located fifteen steps from the center of Hagrid's pumpkin patch.
But why fifteen steps, and not fifteen feet or some other measure?
Most students wouldn't have access to precise measuring tools, so taking fifteen regular steps was unlikely to result in a significant error.
Upon hearing this, Ron concluded that Harry had been thinking about the treasure map nonstop, causing his thoughts to become muddled and his behavior a bit neurotic.
After all, these were just Harry's wild speculations.
Ron believed that whoever had made the map intended to prank anyone who found it; they were nothing but a jerk.
On Saturday afternoon, as the rain let up, Harry and Ron, armed with the map, hurried toward Hagrid's hunting cabin to unearth the so-called treasure.
"Are you saying there's treasure near my pumpkin patch?" Hagrid asked, pausing as he was about to pour tea for the excitedly explaining Harry and Ron. He set down the copper kettle and took the map from Harry, examining it carefully before shaking his head. "Don't be fooled by this. I'd bet this map is a fake, meant to prank anyone who finds it. If it's real, I'll eat it right now."
"I think it's fake, too," Ron quickly agreed.
"Hagrid, do you know of any connection between pumpkins and the number fifteen?" Harry, ignoring Hagrid's skepticism, brought up the "fifteen" clue he had gotten from the ghost girl.
"No," Hagrid replied.
Taking a bite of rock cake and washing it down with a swig of tea, Hagrid turned and asked, "Did that ghost girl not give you any other messages?"
"No," Ron replied for Harry.
As Harry sipped his hot tea, his gaze shifted from the pumpkin patch outside the window to the map on the table, and suddenly, he understood. "I've got it!"
"What?" Ron exclaimed, looking at Harry in surprise.
Hagrid, too, regarded Harry with curious eyes, awaiting his explanation.
However, Harry seemed disinclined to elaborate, setting down his cup and heading toward the door.
Hagrid and Ron exchanged glances, unsure what to make of this.
They followed Harry outside, where they found him counting the steps along the stone path that wound its way to Hagrid's cabin.
Indeed, it was the steps.
They had just walked along this very path to reach Hagrid's hunting cabin.
And Hagrid's pumpkin patch was right next to his cabin; the fifteenth step seemed to be the only thing that fit the "fifteen" clue.
"Harry, have you discovered something?" Ron asked, joining Harry on the steps, unable to contain his curiosity.
"No," Harry replied, standing on the fifteenth step and looking around. He was trying to spot any signs that might indicate a hidden treasure. His mood soured as he realized there was no treasure to be found.
"Harry, what about over there?" Ron suddenly pointed to a spot where a strange branch protruded from the ground, half of it visible.
"Yes, maybe that's it!" Harry exclaimed excitedly, rushing over. He felt certain that this was a marker for the treasure.
Hagrid pulled the branch from the ground, gave it a cursory glance, and then tossed it aside. He picked up a spade and helped Harry dig.
Indeed, buried beneath the branch was a wooden box, small enough to fit in one's palm.
"Haha, I can't believe we've actually found the treasure!" Harry exclaimed, pulling the box from the soil and wiping away the damp earth that clung to it. He eagerly opened the box.
Ron and Hagrid leaned in close, eager to see what this legendary treasure was.
Inside the box was a small bottle.
"What is this?" Ron picked up the bottle, which was sealed with beeswax, and examined it closely before turning to Harry. "There seems to be something inside."
"Is that a cross?" Harry took the bottle and peered at it intently. "And what about those things that look like sealing wax?"
"Should we open it?" Hagrid asked tentatively.
"There's also this, Harry," Ron said, picking up a copper plate from the box. Inscribed on it were the words: "Vampire Repellent."
"Vampire Repellent?"
Harry took the copper plate and examined it, finding only those few words. Perplexed, he turned to Hagrid. "Have you ever seen a vampire?"
"Yes, and I've had dealings with them," Hagrid replied. "To be honest, most vampires aren't very friendly. But I reckon this crucifix amulet is meant to ward them off." He shared his speculation and asked Harry if he wanted to open the bottle.
"Go ahead," Harry said, his curiosity getting the better of him. He wondered what kind of amulet could repel vampires.
"I'll do it," Ron offered, and as he opened the bottle, a putrid, nose-piercing odor wafted out, assaulting their senses.
"Ugh, what the heck is this stuff?"
Ron, overwhelmed by the noxious smell, crouched down, retching. Even Harry, who had moved away, felt a wave of nausea.
"Quick, seal it back up!" Hagrid shouted.
Harry stepped forward and resealed the bottle Ron had dropped, lessening the intensity of the foul odor.
"Don't tell me," Harry panted, "that the so-called vampire repellent is just a bunch of garlic meant to stink the vampires away."
"That could be it!" Ron agreed, still looking a bit green.
"I'd bet no one would wear an amulet that stinks so badly," Hagrid muttered.
"Maybe Professor Quirrell has one," Ron suggested. "Remember, he always smells weird. Maybe he needs this."
After all, Professor Quirrell had mentioned his concerns about vampires causing him trouble, which was why he had taken on such a peculiar scent. Perhaps he would find this useful.
Of course, Ron's real worry was that Harry might decide to wear this oddly scented amulet, subjecting himself and his friend to the strange smell.
"Yeah, I think he might need this," Harry nodded in agreement. After all, this so-called treasure was of no use to them, and it would be better for it to be of some help to someone who needed it.
(End of Chapter)
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