0334 Aftermath

0334 Aftermath

The gusty winds of winter had finally relented, ushering in the long-awaited arrival of March. The recent weekend's Quidditch match could be considered a triumphant redemption for Oliver Wood and the entirety of the resilient Gryffindor Quidditch team members.

As the term started, the Gryffindor squad had emerged victorious against the Ravenclaw team. However, in a surprising turn of events, Ravenclaw had subsequently defeated Hufflepuff, providing the Gryffindors, who had previously suffered a devastating loss the prior term due to the terrifying dementor attack, another coveted opportunity to seize the Quidditch Cup.

This amazing result left an overwhelming majority of the young Gryffindor wizards immersed in an ocean of jubilant joy and celebration. Even Harry had briefly forgotten about the extensive and relentless coverage in the Daily Prophet concerning the ongoing investigation into the unexpected death of that traitorous scoundrel, Peter Pettigrew.

The Monday afternoon's Potions class, typically a tense and unpleasant affair, was more pleasant and tolerable than usual, perhaps due to the fact that Draco had finally returned to school to attend classes, so Snape didn't have the mindset to torment Harry too much. The two arduous Potions classes passed peacefully, and when the young wizards eagerly rushed out of the damp, oppressive dungeons onto the expansive grounds, the sky remained brilliantly illuminated by the golden rays of the sun.

The gentle evening breeze of this delightful season had effectively shed winter's biting chill, with two or three months still remaining before the oppressive heat of summer would descend upon the castle grounds. The temperate climate was utterly comfortable and alluring, prompting many young wizards to seize the opportunity before the evening meal to leisurely stroll through the elegant courtyards, along the tranquil shores of the glistening lake, and along the edge of the Forbidden Forest.

On the meticulously trimmed lawns, quite a significant number of young wizards had brought their broomsticks to hone their flying skills, harboring aspirations of one day representing their House team in the Quidditch matches.

"Go fetch your Firebolt and Nimbus, Harry, let's join in!" exclaimed Ron with palpable excitement as the cheerful Gryffindor group stepped out of the grand entrance hall onto the highest step of the majestic marble staircase, overlooking the jubilant scene unfolding on the lush grass lawn, now revitalized by the refreshing spring breeze.

It was quite strange– in the past, whenever the topic of Quidditch arose, Harry's enthusiasm was unmatched by anyone. However, on this particular occasion, he seemed somewhat disinterested.

"Um – good idea, Ron –"

Harry cast a fleeting glance in the direction of the school gate and absentmindedly uttered, "You know where I keep them, you can go fetch them."

Ron didn't realize anything was wrong and happily accepted the proposal. He, accompanied by Seamus and Neville, turned their heads and rushed up the stairs with great enthusiasm. After all, every opportunity to come into direct contact with a world-class broomstick like Firebolt was rare.

Snap!

Hermione, who had been diligently studying since coming from the damp dungeons, closed her book with a resounding snap. She briefly glanced at Harry and inhaled a deep breath of the refreshing evening air.

"Want to chat, Harry?"

"Oh!" Harry was mildly surprised by the unexpected invitation. "Sure, what do you want to talk about?"

Rather than standing dumbly at the entrance, the two descended the steps, circumventing the loud group of young wizards passionately practicing their flying maneuvers on the expansive lawn, and made their way toward the tranquil shore of the lake.

A light, refreshing breeze wandered lazily over the lush grounds. Ripples formed layer upon layer on the vast, glassy surface of the Black Lake, resembling a great, wrinkled golden silk sheet glistening in the dazzling reflection of the setting sun.

Despite his vital role in in the wrongful imprisonment of Sirius Black in Azkaban, as well as the subsequent barrage of scathing criticism leveled against him, he did not bear the brunt of the blame for this sudden and unexpected incident. Moreover, the "accidental" news that covertly leaked out of the Ministry worked decidedly in his favor, portraying him in a positive light. Barty's commanding performance during the highly publicized Wizengamot trial had effectively mitigated any significant damage to his reputation. He managed to retain his position as the Head of the International Magical Cooperation Department, and this was one of the reasons why Fudge was furious.

Harry, Ron and Hermione had been engaging in speculation during this period, attempting to discern the identity of the person responsible for Peter's gruesome murder. Their primary suspect was Lucius Malfoy, and as for the reason, they didn't need any specific evidence. They simply disliked Malfoys. Of course, their eternally sour-faced Potions master was another prime suspect in their minds; how else could one explain Snape's uncharacteristically 'pleasant' demeanor following Peter's gruesome death?

Harry himself also felt a sense of regret that he did not personally have the opportunity to kill Peter Pettigrew.

Professor Lupin had not returned to Hogwarts since that night. There were already rumors circulating that he could no longer hold his position as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.

This wasn't too surprising news. In recent years, no professor had stayed in that position for more than a year. However, it was surprising that Professor Lupin had only lasted half a year before encountering misfortune.

The young wizards thought that Professor Watson would step in and take over Professor Lupin's vacated position as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. After all, he had competently substituted for Lupin during the previous term, and had securely held that position for half a year prior to Lupin's arrival.

However, this was merely idle speculation among the students. Not long after Fenrir Greyback and his pack of werewolves were eradicated, Professor Watson had abruptly departed from Hogwarts, and had yet to return to the castle.

Professor Dumbledore had indeed returned to Hogwarts after those events, but his presence was equally fleeting, as he too had subsequently disappeared from the castle once more, much to the confusion of students and staff.

Though the day-to-day operations and activities at Hogwarts continued to proceed as normal during their respective absences, with classes and extracurricular activities unaffected, Harry till felt something was off. He had the feeling that with just those two gone from Hogwarts, the school seemed half-empty.

Yet Harry kept these unsettling thoughts to himself, unwilling to share his private considerations even with his closest friends; Ron and Hermione. After the Dementor incident the previous term, he had already endured a prolonged period of being branded as a 'coward' by his peers, an experience he had no desire to relive again.

"Yes, it is rather puzzling, isn't it?" Harry sighed, his voice tinged with a tone of little interest.

"I wonder if it was Malfoy's father who arranged that traitor's murder. I miss the taste of Polyjuice Potion, Hermione. We should have kept a reserve supply on hand for such emergencies."

Their previous adventures involving the use of Polyjuice Potion had caused a rather unpleasant experience for Hermione. She glanced up from her book, shooting Harry an irritated glance. She was about to say something when two figures entering her view made the words die in her mouth, her expression turning perplexed.

"Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall?"

Hermione furrowed her brow and stared at the black robes fluttering like bats and the brisk figure, wondering,

"It seems like they're heading to the Forbidden Forest?"

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