Chapter 258: The Sudden Attack of Black

Chapter 258: The Sudden Attack of Black

As Hagrid uttered that name, the air grew still for a moment—

"Who's that?" Harry asked, perplexed. He looked at Ron, who wore an innocent expression, and then at Hermione, who was desperately trying to recall the books she had read.

Finally, they all turned to Hagrid. Uncomfortably, he said, "You should've known, but I switched your textbooks—only for the third years, wanted to try something..." His last sentence was barely audible.

Harry and the others were still puzzled. Hagrid had to continue explaining, his face turning visibly redder by the moment; even his bushy beard couldn't hide it. "Mr. Scamander wrote 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.' Before I took over Care of Magical Creatures, that book had been the textbook at Hogwarts."

With that, the trio understood. No wonder they didn't know about it, because Hagrid had introduced a new textbook this year, and it happened to be only for the third years.

Harry couldn't help but think: Perhaps the creatures in 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' weren't 'interesting' enough, which led Hagrid to consider replacing it with 'Monster Manuals'.

They finished writing their letters in Hagrid's hut, ready to go to the Owlery to send them via Hedwig. Passing the Whomping Willow, Harry suddenly heard a sinister gust of wind behind him. Instinctively, he lowered his head, drew his wand, and glanced upwards, catching sight of the silhouette of a large, black-furred dog leaping high.

Harry's eyes widened in fear—it was an omen of death! He could even see the light eyes and inch-long teeth of the Grim. Before he could react, it had flown past him, turned around, and pounced on Ron, its wide mouth gripping Ron, about to drag him toward the depths of the Forbidden Forest.

"Expelliarmus!"

The intensive summer training and recent dueling practice paid off, as Harry employed one of his most adept spells.

...

Headmaster's Office at Ravenclaw House.

Felix Harp picked up a piece of peanut brittle, observing Professor Flitwick's diligent spellwork. His wand was raised at an angle, left hand assisting, as blue magic continuously took shape, attempting to form a spherical structure.

It wasn't until Felix finished his seventh piece of peanut brittle that the spell still hadn't taken shape. He had to stop, feeling a bit choked.

"It's still not working," Flitwick sighed, waving his hand to dispel the magic. "My understanding of the Shrinking Charm is still rooted in modern magic."

"How did you master those ancient spells then?"

"Through accumulated time. I spent three years to master a defensive spell." Flitwick shook his head. "Actually, my pursuit of this was more out of curiosity than envying its power."

In the hospital wing, Professor McGonagall paced at the door, her hands entwined together. "Oh, you're here." As they approached, they saw Dumbledore deep in conversation with Madam Pomfrey, his expression stern.

Dumbledore insisted, "Poppy, I need five minutes; this is crucial." Madam Pomfrey relented.

Seeing Flitwick and Felix, Dumbledore said in a solemn tone, "Let's go in together."

Inside the ward, Ron lay on the bed, one of his legs suspended, wrapped in bandages. Harry and Hermione sat nearby.

Seeing the professors enter, they all started talking at once.

"Headmaster, it's Black. He's the big black dog—"

"He can turn into a human, no, an animal!"

"Professor, he—he's an Animagus!"

The room suddenly fell silent. Dumbledore spoke softly, "Animagus? Are you saying it's Sirius Black and not someone else?"

"It's him, I definitely didn't mistake it. Ron and Hermione saw it too, didn't you?" Harry turned to seek their support.

"Absolutely!"

"That's right."

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