Chapter 777: Asking for a Beating
Chapter 777: Asking for a Beating
"What happened to him?"
"Looks like he fell down the stairs."
"Was he pushed?"
"No, he probably missed a step and took a tumble."
"What bad luck."
"Serves him right."
"He's probably just reaping what he sowed. Must've wronged someone who's getting their revenge now."
The students around Draco Malfoy whispered among themselves, taking pleasure in his misfortune but not offering any help. Draco clambered to his feet, his face a mix of bewilderment and pain. He couldn't understand how he had forgotten about the trick step on the staircase and stumbled right into it. His right leg throbbed with pain, and he could feel tears welling up in his eyes.
As everyone's attention was drawn to Malfoy's plight, Albert discreetly glanced his way and then quietly turned and walked away.
Indeed, Malfoy's fall down the stairs had something to do with Albert.
Moments ago, Albert had secretly erased a small portion of Malfoy's memory and casually cast a Confundus Charm on him to divert his attention.
The Confundus Charm worked effectively, contributing to Malfoy's fall.
Albert had no qualms about causing Malfoy minor troubles. He could confidently assure himself that the sudden change in the appeal date by the Ministry of Magic was definitely related to Lucius Malfoy.
Albert was not surprised, as his impression of the Ministry was already quite poor, and they had been pulling stunts like this for quite some time.
Fortunately, Albert had prepared for this a few weeks in advance. Otherwise, he might have been caught off guard by this unexpected turn of events.
While plans may not always keep up with changes, a prepared person will never shy away from any challenge, anytime, anywhere.
Well, to be honest, Albert was wary of the Easter holidays, always feeling that something would go awry during this time.
And he had good reason to think so.
Ever since Albert started at Hogwarts, the frequency of incidents during the Easter holidays rivaled that of Halloween.
In his first year, Albert had ventured into the Forbidden Forest in the middle of the night to search for Fred and George, ending up taking down a group of deadly eight-eyed spiders.
If that wasn't enough, the second-year Easter holidays were even more thrilling. Albert and Isabelle had killed their Dark Magic Defense professor, Rowena Smith, in the Forbidden Forest.
This was a big deal, but the third-year Easter holidays were even more unbelievable. Albert and his roommates had bypassed the protective enchantments guarding the Philosopher's Stone—the very stone that Voldemort had his eyes on. On top of that, Albert had blackmailed Quirinus, who was possessed by Voldemort, out of a large sum of Galleons. He was truly pushing his luck.
Last year's Easter holidays had been even more heart-pounding. To expose the Slytherin heir, Albert had risked his life by designing a plan to escape the Basilisk's pursuit, despite the threat of being killed by its deadly gaze.
So, what about this year?
Who knew if Hagrid's Buckbeak would be executed early or if Sirius Black would make an early appearance?
Would there be another werewolf versus wizard showdown, a battle against Dementors, or a genius facing off against prisoners? Or perhaps all of the above?
As the saying goes, to be forearmed is to be forewarned.
Albert was always prepared to complete his tasks to the best of his ability.
That evening, after dinner, Albert went to Hagrid's hut for tea.
During their tea, the conversation turned to Buckbeak's appeal.
Listening to Hagrid's description, Albert could guess the reason behind the Ministry's change of venue for the appeal.
It was likely that Hagrid, following Albert's suggestion, had hired a legal advisor, which made Lucius Malfoy feel threatened.
Previously, without anyone's help, Hagrid had almost succeeded in portraying Draco as a clumsy fool who got bitten by a dog he was trying to catch.
If Lucius hadn't bribed a bunch of people, who knew what would have happened that day.
This time, not only had Hagrid found himself a professional legal advisor, but he also intended to make the entire appeal process public, putting immense pressure on Lucius.
Once this matter was exposed, there was no telling how it would develop.
So, Lucius Malfoy chose to bribe Hagrid's legal advisor and use his connections in the Ministry to resolve the issue in the simplest and most efficient way: directly sentencing Buckbeak to death.
This way, they could avoid dragging the matter out and having to deal with more variables.
Who knew if that big guy, Hagrid, would appeal again if he lost this time, and what other trouble he might stir up.
"I suppose this was a miscalculation on my part."
Albert readily admitted his mistake. If he hadn't suggested that Hagrid hire a legal advisor to drain Lucius' Galleons, the other side probably wouldn't have wanted to cut their losses so quickly.
However, the plan was still effective. Lucius had given the legal advisor a bag of Galleons to back out of the case and keep quiet.
But Lucius didn't realize that half of the Galleons he used to bribe the advisor were now in Hagrid's possession. Lucius would probably end up in St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries if he ever found out he'd been played.
"Are you okay with this?" Hagrid didn't care about the bag of Galleons. To him, no amount of money from Lucius could compare to Buckbeak's life.
"Don't worry, it's fine," Albert reassured him with an okay hand signal, then proceeded to explain what Hagrid should do the day after tomorrow to clear his name completely.
"Are you sure this will be alright?" Hagrid still looked worried after hearing Albert's plan.
"It'll be fine as long as you don't make a mistake. They'll think Buckbeak broke free from his chains and flew away on his own," Albert said.
"So, you must take a calming draught the day after tomorrow to ensure you don't show any cracks in your story. This is very important—you must not show any signs of doubt," Albert emphasized. "Of course, Dumbledore might notice something amiss, but don't worry, he won't expose you. In fact, Dumbledore probably doesn't want Lucius' plot to succeed either, and he'll be happy for you to proceed with this plan."
"I trust you, and we don't really have a better option right now," Hagrid said, glancing out the window at Buckbeak. "I'll walk you back to the castle."
"You should have confidence in me, and in yourself, Hagrid. We've been preparing for this for a long time," Albert said, patting Hagrid's arm. "We won't fail. At least, I won't."
"That's the spirit, Albert. You've got quite the way with words."
After Hagrid left, Fred, George, and Lee Jordan appeared out of nowhere, cookies from the kitchen in their hands.
"It's called confidence, not spirit," Albert corrected.
"No, no, it's spirit," Fred insisted.
Albert didn't feel like arguing with them and steered the conversation in another direction. "Do you have my share?"
"You can have Lee Jordan's portion," George replied without hesitation. "He's on a diet."
"I wouldn't forget about yours, and I certainly don't need to diet." Lee Jordan handed the wax paper bag to Albert with a smile. "If you're still hungry, feel free to finish George's portion too. I don't mind."
The four friends bantered playfully as they made their way through the third-floor corridor. As they reached the corner, they heard Draco Malfoy's obnoxious voice.
They exchanged glances, deciding to pause and listen to what Malfoy was up to. Perhaps they could even give him a little surprise.
Around the corner, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were facing off against Malfoy and his two cronies.
"Potter, look at this," Malfoy sneered, waving a letter in front of Harry. "That hippogriff is as good as dead. The Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures is sending an executioner here the day after tomorrow to hear that oaf Hagrid's appeal!"
Malfoy tossed the letter he had just received to Harry, a smug look on his face. "I'll be there with my father to hear the appeal. I wonder what he'll say... 'It doesn't hurt people, honestly!'?"
"Shut up, Malfoy," Harry said, his voice filled with loathing as he glared at the blond boy. He longed to punch him in the nose. "If you've come here just to tell us that, you're even more boring than I thought. Now get lost, you're in our way."
"To be honest, I've been looking forward to that day," Malfoy said, a malicious smile spreading across his face. "I can't wait to hear that oaf Hagrid try to defend himself."
Before he could finish his sentence, a fist connected squarely with his obnoxious face.
Hermione's punch was so powerful that Malfoy stumbled back two steps.
Harry, Ron, Crabbe, and Goyle stood there, mouths agape.
"You evil creature," Hermione said, her hand raised again. She delivered a stinging slap to Malfoy, her full force behind it. "You personally caused the death of an innocent life, and you find it amusing?"
She had already drawn her wand from her robe pocket and was pointing it at Malfoy's neck. "I could turn you into a beast right now and let you truly experience what it's like to be one."
"Hermione!" Harry grabbed her hand. "He's not worth it."
Malfoy was taken aback by the formidable aura emanating from Hermione.
Crabbe and Goyle, standing beside him, looked on helplessly, awaiting his orders.
Malfoy finally managed to sputter out a "Retreat!" and the three of them scurried away, only to be jinxed by Fred and sent tumbling to the ground.
Ron stared at the retreating trio, his eyes wide. "Hermoine, you scared them off."
"That was really cool, what you did just now," Albert said, giving Hermione a thumbs-up. "But it's not a good idea to hit people in front of everyone like that, and you probably haven't mastered human transfiguration yet. It's best not to try it on others, or something bad might happen, and you'll end up with unnecessary trouble."
"That's not the point!" Ron said weakly.
"Then what do you think is the problem?" Albert turned to ask Ron.
"That Malfoy brat is so annoying. No wonder someone secretly cast a Confundus Charm on him," George said, relishing in Malfoy's misfortune.
"What happened?" Harry asked, curious.
"Malfoy fell down the stairs after someone cast a Confundus Charm on him a while ago. I bet he just got out of the hospital wing," Fred said, his lip curling in disgust. "And now he dares to be so arrogant. He must not be afraid of having his head shoved in a toilet and fed with dung again."
"Hey, I'm eating here," Lee Jordan complained.
"Life's unfair. Why does Hagrid have to deal with people like that?" Hermione said angrily.
"Hagrid hasn't lost yet, Hermione. We've prepared so much material for him. As long as Hagrid keeps a clear head, they won't be able to kill Buckbeak!" Ron's confidence was faltering.
"My dear brother, it seems your brain still isn't clear on this!" Fred looked at Ron with pity. "Those guys even have an axe ready. Do you think Hagrid still has a chance?"
"Yeah, and they've already prepared the executioner!" Harry handed Malfoy's letter to Albert, thinking he might need it.
Albert took the letter and patted Hermione's shoulder. "Anger doesn't solve problems."
"But it can solve the person who's making you angry," Fred added.
"Shut up," Albert said seriously. "Anyway, you don't need to worry about this. Don't go looking for Hagrid these next two days, either."
"Are you saying we're only good at causing trouble?" Ron muttered.
Harry and Hermione fell silent.
As soon as they returned to their dormitory, Albert was surrounded by Fred, George, and Lee Jordan.
"Are you planning to take Hagrid's Buckbeak away?" George asked. "We can help you."
"Not for now," Albert thought for a moment. "You can prepare first. Maybe... I'll need your help. It's not a good thing for Lucius Malfoy to come to Hogwarts."
"Forget it, I'll make a prophecy."
Albert felt that he should bring out the big guns and nip all potential problems in the bud.
"Every time I see you make a prophecy, I'm amazed. Is there really no trick to it?" Fred stared at the white mist swirling in the crystal ball, envious of Albert's divination ability.
"Divination relies more on talent than technique. Otherwise, Professor Trelawney wouldn't be seen as a fraud by most students," Albert said, his eyes fixed on the crystal ball, where a briefcase had appeared.
Fred, George, and Lee Jordan all looked at the briefcase in the cabinet, which was identical to the one in the crystal ball.
"Why is it a briefcase?"
Fred opened the case and found a staircase inside.
He descended the stairs and discovered a world with blue skies, white clouds, and even a small patch of grass.
"Oh my God, how did you do this?" Lee Jordan was stunned by the sight inside the briefcase.
"Do you plan to hide Buckbeak in there?" George guessed part of Albert's plan. Although he didn't know how Albert intended to get Buckbeak out, he was sure the briefcase was meant to hide him.
"This is actually the final product of my latest research—a briefcase that contains its own little world," Albert explained. "I plan to leave a secret room for the Wizarding Club after we graduate."
"Do you mean the Defense Association's meeting room?"
"Yes. But it still needs improvement, and you can help. Just like the Marauder's Map, we'll leave something behind that belongs to us."
"That's a brilliant idea."
The three friends were immersed in Albert's plan, momentarily forgetting that they had offered to help save Buckbeak.
(End of Chapter)
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