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Chapter 781: Trustworthy
Chapter 781: Trustworthy
"Harry, Ron..." Hermione whispered urgently, "We need to get out of here quickly."
Hermione regretted not insisting on stopping the two of them from coming here secretly.
At this moment, Harry was still dazed, his face full of confusion, and he hadn't even figured out what had just happened over there.
Had Buckbeak disappeared out of thin air?
Yes, it seemed so.
The hippogriff had vanished before their very eyes, leaving no trace as if someone had cast a Disappearance Spell on it.
But was it really the Disappearance Spell? Hermione doubted that even Professor McGonagall could make such a large hippogriff vanish so completely.
However, there was no doubt that this incident was the handiwork of Albert Anderson, but the three of them couldn't figure out how he had made the hippogriff disappear right in front of them.
After realizing that the hippogriff was gone, the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures fell into brief chaos.
Before Harry could feel schadenfreude about it, he heard Lucius Malfoy's angry roar, "It was Harry Potter who hid that beast!"
To be honest, Harry was baffled when he heard Lucius Malfoy's accusation.
It was obviously Albert who did this, what did it have to do with him?
Could it be that the Malfoys were all idiots?
"Harry, let's get out of here quickly. They will definitely ask the Dementors for help in searching for Buckbeak," Hermione said as she grabbed Harry's arm and urged him to leave.
If the Malfoys found out that the three of them were here, even if they didn't release Buckbeak, this incident would still be pinned on them.
Hermione had already thought of the reasons.
If it wasn't you, what were you doing here at this time, sneaking around?
They might even implicate Hagrid and Albert because of this.
"Oh, by the way, Hermione, do you know how Albert made the hippogriff disappear?" Harry asked curiously.
"I don't know, Harry," Hermione shook her head and reminded him, "Let's not bring this up again, we know nothing about it."
"So there are things you don't know too," Ron pretended to be surprised.
"Can we go back to the castle first? I bet they will go and ask the Dementors for help," Hermione felt that Harry and Ron were being childish, not having been taught a lesson by reality yet.
"Malfoy must be furious," Ron's face was full of schadenfreude.
Indeed, Lucius Malfoy was driven mad by this incident. They quickly contacted the Dementors stationed around Hogwarts through the Ministry of Magic to confirm that no creature had flown away from Hogwarts just now.
As for the forest behind the pumpkin patch, the Dementors searched carefully and found no traces of the hippogriff leaving at all, as if it had vanished into thin air.
Lucius Malfoy naturally refused to accept this result, he was convinced that Hagrid had found a way to secretly transport Buckbeak to a safe place.
The thought that the hippogriff had been moved right under his nose infuriated Lucius Malfoy.
After all, it had disappeared during the short time it took to just sign a document.
"Dumbledore, I suspect that the hippogriff has been hidden somewhere in the castle," MacNeil said to Dumbledore, who was sipping his brandy, "So, we need to search Hogwarts Castle."
"That's against the rules," the old wizard frowned.
In fact, such an outcome was undoubtedly the best result for the old wizard. The hippogriff was not dead, and Hagrid probably wouldn't hold a grudge against him either. Plus, he had successfully completed his task.
As for the hippogriff running away, it really wasn't his fault.
After all, Dumbledore was also present, and if he hadn't found any clues, how could he be expected to?
"I will never allow Dementors to enter Hogwarts School," Dumbledore stated his bottom line.
Lucius Malfoy glared at Dumbledore, his eyes shifting to the brandy on the table, his lips twitching imperceptibly.
Hmph! Malfoy left in a rage.
Lucius knew he had lost, even if he could convince Fudge to send the Aurors to search Hogwarts Castle, it would already be too late. During this time, the other party would have already transferred the hippogriff to a place where no one could find it.
"Alright, Hagrid, then I'll be off," Dumbledore stood up to leave.
"I'll walk with you, Dumbledore, and I'll also pass on the message about Anderson's divination," Hagrid stood up and followed Dumbledore out of the hunting cabin, not forgetting the message he was supposed to convey from the portrait of the Headmaster.
Of course, Hagrid was also eager to see Albert and find out Buckbeak's current situation.
As Hagrid and Dumbledore walked side by side, Hagrid kept turning back to look at the forest behind them, "Do you think they will cause any more trouble?"
"No, Buckbeak has already escaped, and even if they search the castle, it won't make any difference," Dumbledore spoke the truth, he didn't think the Ministry would be able to find Buckbeak hidden in the castle.
"Tell Mr. Anderson that I like to drink lemonade," Dumbledore reminded.
Hagrid was a bit perplexed, not understanding what Dumbledore meant by that statement. Nonetheless, he would relay the message to Albert in its entirety.
After parting ways with Dumbledore in the entrance hall, Hagrid soon spotted Albert dining in the Great Hall and made his way over. He placed a hand on Albert's shoulder, "Thank you for the flashcards and calming draught; they were both very helpful."
"Did you win the case?" Lee Jordan asked curiously.
"No, I still lost in the end." Hagrid's face didn't show any disappointment from losing the case; instead, he looked excited.
"Then why do you seem so happy?" Lee Jordan couldn't quite comprehend Hagrid's train of thought.
"Just now, Buckbeak escaped on his own; he's free," Hagrid announced.
Fred, George, and Lee Jordan all turned to Albert, confident that he was behind this turn of events.
But how had Albert managed it?
For the past two hours, Albert had been with them in the library.
"What's the response from the Ministry of Magic?" Albert glanced at the completed task on the task panel and then looked up to inquire about the follow-up.
"Lucius Malfoy is absolutely furious," Hagrid said, "They searched the sky and the forest behind the pumpkin patch but found nothing."
"After all, it's hard to accept reality when someone goes to great lengths only to end up empty-handed," Albert suddenly asked, "But you didn't come to find me just about that, did you?"
"Oh, right, someone wants your help with divination." Hagrid also realized he had said too much and quickly changed the subject, briefly mentioning that the portrait in the Headmaster's office wanted Albert's divination services.
"A portrait wants Albert to perform divination?"
The trio found this request rather novel.
"Yes," Hagrid nodded.
"I charge a fee for divining for strangers," Albert frowned and asked, "Have you mentioned this to him?"
"I've told him about it, I think..." Hagrid actually couldn't figure out how the portrait would pay Albert either, "Maybe Dumbledore would be willing to help him with the galleons. By the way, if you have time tomorrow, come over for tea, and Dumbledore asked me to tell you that he likes lemonade."
"Okay." Albert nodded to indicate that he had received the message, and as for when he would go to perform the divination for the portrait, it would depend on when he had free time.
In any case, he wasn't in a hurry! "What does that mean?" Fred asked, puzzled.
"It's the password for the stone gargoyle in front of the Headmaster's office," Albert explained.
As Hagrid was about to leave, he happened to run into Harry, Ron, and Hermione, who had just entered the Great Hall.
"Hagrid, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, Harry. Buckbeak flew away on his own," Hagrid excitedly shared the news with Harry.
"Congratulations, Hagrid," Hermione sincerely rejoiced for Hagrid.
"I bet someone is going crazy right now," Ron said, glancing at the Malfoys and making an obscene gesture. He couldn't help but taunt, "Look at his expression; it's as if someone fed him a big lump of dung."
"Shut up, Ron. Everyone is eating, can you not talk about such disgusting things?" The twins turned to Ron in unison, threatening him, "Be careful, or we'll stuff a Dungbomb in your mouth."
Ron closed his mouth, as Fred and George actually pulled out Dungbombs from their pockets. Heaven knows why those two troublemakers had such things in their pockets.
"What are you thinking about?" Lee Jordan asked.
"I really didn't expect that the first customer to come to me for divination would be a painting." Albert didn't plan to go and help the portrait, at least not for the time being.
Let him wait! Although Albert thought this way, he soon discovered that if he didn't go to the portrait, the portrait would take the initiative to find him, and it seemed rather anxious.
As Albert returned to the Gryffindor common room, he encountered the portrait in front of the Fat Lady.
This was a wizard with a goatee, dressed in silver and green Slytherin robes.
"Good day, Mr. Anderson, allow me to introduce myself. I am Phineas Nigellus Black, former Headmaster of Hogwarts," the portrait introduced himself, "I believe Hagrid has mentioned that I wish to consult you regarding a divination matter."
"Aren't you afraid I might be a fraud?" Albert asked in return.
"The Black family is not short of money," Phineas said to Albert, "I can give you one hundred galleons to divine for me whether Regulus Black is still alive."
"You're already dead," Albert reminded him, "You shouldn't interfere with matters of the living."
"I know, but what does that have to do with our transaction?" Phineas countered.
"Indeed, it has nothing to do with it," Albert nodded, "This is merely a transaction. As soon as I see the galleons, I will perform the divination for you."
"You can go to the Headmaster's office," Phineas said, "Dumbledore has already prepared the galleons for me."
"You can have a house-elf deliver the galleons to my dormitory, and I will perform the divination for you," Albert suggested, "Have the Fat Lady open the door."
"Can you really perform divination?
"What's this about?" The Fat Lady asked curiously.
"Who knows?" Albert replied as he stepped inside.
Soon enough, a house-elf delivered a bag of galleons, along with Phineas' portrait.
"Here's the payment. Can you start now? I want to know if Regulus Black is still alive," Phineas said, staring at the crystal ball in front of him.
"Is Regulus Black still alive?"
Albert gently placed his hand on the crystal ball, watching as the white mist inside began to swirl. He focused his mind on the question at hand.
Soon, the image of a pale face appeared in the crystal ball, as if it were floating in water.
"Unfortunately, Regulus Black is dead. His body is likely in the water," Albert said, adjusting the position of the portrait so that Phineas could see it more clearly.
The old man fell silent. Although he had already guessed as much, seeing his great-grandson's death was still a blow to him. This meant that the only remaining heir to the Black family was Sirius Black, and that troublemaker was currently a wanted fugitive. If he were caught by the Ministry of Magic, he would surely be executed.
"I want to know how Regulus Black died, and whether Sirius Black will be captured and killed by the Ministry," Phineas said.
"You know, I charge a fee for each divination," Albert reminded him with a smile.
"You money-grubbing little—" Phineas muttered, "Wait a moment, and I'll have a house-elf bring you the money. I promise you, on the honor of the Black family."
"You know I don't trust such promises," Albert interrupted.
"Oh, for heaven's sake, just wait a moment," Phineas said, disappearing from his portrait. Soon, the house-elf returned with another bag of galleons.
"Can we begin now?" Phineas reappeared, looking annoyed.
"Of course," Albert replied.
This time, an image of a necklace appeared in the crystal ball.
"What does this mean?" Phineas asked, his eyes widening.
"It means his death is likely related to this necklace. It seems to be connected to Slytherin, as it bears the mark of a serpent," Albert explained.
"That's it?" Phineas asked, his eyes narrowing.
"That's all I can see for now," Albert said.
"I need more details!" Phineas exclaimed.
"You know, no seer can reveal the entire situation in one go. I can only predict certain key fragments or items," Albert said, pushing the bag of galleons back towards the portrait. "That's all for now."
Phineas was taken aback, not quite understanding Albert's meaning. But soon, he realized that Albert was ending their transaction and wasn't going to accept the galleons.
"Wait, I also want to know about Sirius Black!" Phineas exclaimed, eager to ask more questions.
"The wanted fugitive?" Albert asked.
"Yes," Phineas replied.
"Tell me, is he guilty, and will he be captured and executed by the Ministry?" Phineas asked, his concern for the Black family evident.
"Very well," Albert said, "but regardless of the outcome, I won't refund your money."
"Proceed."
As Albert's hand brushed over the crystal ball once more, an image appeared of Harry and Sirius walking side by side, seemingly deep in conversation.
"It seems that Sirius is innocent. Otherwise, he wouldn't be walking and chatting casually with Potter," Albert said, interpreting the scene in the crystal ball.
Phineas breathed a sigh of relief, but soon his expression darkened as he remembered something. "Those useless fools at the Ministry! They didn't even bother with a trial and sent him straight to Azkaban!" he cursed.
"Sounds like something the Ministry would do," Albert said as he collected the bag of galleons. "It won't be easy to clear Sirius' name. If I were you, I'd ask Dumbledore for help."
"I will. But do you have any good ideas?" Phineas asked.
"Capture Peter Pettigrew," Albert said without hesitation. "If you can capture him, you should be able to prove Sirius' innocence. Good luck."
"I want to know where Peter Pettigrew is. Help me capture him, and I'll have Sirius Black give you a thousand galleons. No, three thousand!" Phineas offered.
"The bounty on Sirius is ten thousand galleons," Albert reminded him. "Also, I suggest you seek Dumbledore's help. He's more reliable than me."
"His help? Of course, I'll ask for his assistance, but I trust you more," Phineas said, shaking his head. "I heard about what you did for Hagrid. You're more dependable than Dumbledore. If it weren't for you, that beast would be dead by now."
"Five thousand galleons," Albert said, taking out a recording ball. "I'll help you capture Peter Pettigrew and clear Sirius Black's name."
"I agree, but I'll only pay you after you've completed the task," Phineas said, accepting the deal.
Albert glanced at the task panel, pleased with the new "Innocent Hound" task that had appeared. He began to write up a contract, dictating the terms of their agreement and recording it with the recording ball to ensure both parties were bound by their words.
(End of Chapter)
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