The Return to Hogwarts

boom!

The sudden bang interrupted Hagrid, and the three of them turned to look at the creature. They discovered that the sound came from Neville as he landed from mid-air, and the Bombtail's pincers were still emitting wisps of smoke.

"What are you doing, Hagrid!"

Professor McGonagall, who had suddenly appeared in the Conservation of Magical Creatures class, said with a stern face...

"Mr. Longbottom was almost torn to pieces by your Blast-tailed Snail, didn't you notice?"

"Really? I thought he... cough cough,"

Seeing Professor McGonagall's eyebrows furrowing higher and higher, Hagrid shrank back guiltily.

“I mean, I was just about to rescue him. So, what can I do for you, Professor McGonagall?”

"I've come to find Potter and Weasley."

Professor McGonagall walked over, pulled Neville, whose legs had gone weak, to his feet, and glared at the Slytherin students who were beaming with delight at the scene. She spoke in a solemn voice.

“Oh, Professor McGonagall, if it's because of what happened in the Great Hall this morning?”

Hagrid glanced at Harry and Ron, who looked both surprised and guilty, sighed, and prepared to offer some explanations for them.

"Hurry up, Potter, Weasley,"

Professor McGonagall said, somewhat impatiently,

"Professor Black is waiting for you two in the Gryffindor Tower. He said he can't stay long; he has to get back to St. Mungo's as soon as possible!"

Sirius Black?!

Harry and Ron exchanged bewildered glances, both seeing the confusion in each other's eyes. They knew he was at St. Mungo's watching over Hermione to prevent any secondary attacks, but what was he doing at Hogwarts all of a sudden?

Harry and Ron felt no joy, only fear—fear of bad things happening.

"He came to get Miss Granger's textbooks."

Seeing Harry and Ron's pale faces, Professor McGonagall's pursed lips subtly curved into a smile, and her tense expression melted away completely under that smile.

"Professor Blake has also brought news. Hurry up and go; I'm sure you'll be happy to hear this good news!"

Chapter 809 Neville in Despair

2024-03-17

“I’ve already heard about it, Harry—”

Since Professor Blaine left Hogwarts to find a way to save Hermione's life and capture the mastermind behind the attack, the atmosphere in physical education classes has become much more relaxed without both Professor Blaine and Hermione. After all, without Professor Blaine, many training sessions cannot be carried out, and all they can do is solidify their dodging abilities and master spells.

In the training room, where the clanging of metal could be heard incessantly, Cedric, clutching a copy of the day's urgent edition of the Daily Prophet, slowly approached Harry. Before this, he would have absolutely refused to provoke Harry, who had become like a hedgehog lately.

"I heard that Professor Black has sent word that Hermione is out of danger, is that right?"

“Wait, Neville, I need to talk to Cedric—”

Harry is helping Neville familiarize himself with the Disarming Charm; after all, among so many people, Harry's Disarming Charm is widely recognized as the best.

Wiping the sweat from his brow, Harry took a few breaths and looked at Cedric, a smile appearing on his still sweaty face.

"That's right, that's exactly what Sirius said."

Being able to speak calmly with Cedric would have been absolutely impossible a few days ago, but Hermione's joy at recovering quickly dispelled the resentment in Harry's heart. Even though this person had taken Cho Chang from him, he was willing to say a few more words to him.

"That's good. Did Professor Black tell you when Hermione can return to Hogwarts?"

Seeing that Harry wasn't glaring at him, Cedric breathed a slight sigh of relief. He wasn't unaware of some of Harry and Ron's extreme views lately, and although he didn't care much about them, it wasn't appropriate for him to inquire further under those circumstances.

Recalling his verbal attacks on the other three champions a while ago, Harry, now calmer, couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. He pursed his lips, his emerald eyes avoiding Cedric's sincere gaze.

"St. Mungo's healers have given Hermione a thorough examination. Although they believe Hermione has fully recovered and can return at any time, Sirius and the Ministry of Magic think it would be best for her to stay there for two more days and wait for Professor Blaine to return from abroad and follow his instructions."

Harry glanced at the Daily Prophet tucked under Cedric's arm and saw Professor Blaine staring solemnly at the flashing lights on the front page, which made him even happier.

"Ah, so that means—"

Cedric then realized what was happening, unfolded the newspaper with Professor Blaine's picture on it, and spoke with excitement in his voice.

"Hermione could return to Hogwarts at any time, and Professor Blaine might come back too?"

“I think so,” Harry said, a smirk playing on his lips.

"That's right, Harry—"

Cedric clenched his fist excitedly; a gym class without Professor Blaine was soulless. But then, Cedric leaned closer to Harry's ear and lowered his voice...

"If Hermione returns to Hogwarts, you'll know sooner than I will. I hope you can pass on a message for me."

Seeing Harry's slightly surprised look, Cedric glanced around, his lips moving rapidly.

"Tell Hermione that I want to talk to her as soon as possible to repay her for her help before the first match. Time is running out."

After saying this, Cedric smiled at Harry, who was still a little stunned, and then quickly walked away.

Harry's gaze followed Cedric until he returned to Cho Chang's side, at which point Harry averted his eyes as if electrocuted. Only then, seeing Cedric walk away, did Neville hesitantly approach.

"He was asking me when Hermione would be back."

Seeing Neville's hesitant expression, Harry knew what he wanted to say, shrugged, and said something, but didn't tell Neville about Cedric asking him to deliver a message.

Hermione helped Cedric in the first match.

Harry frowned; he hadn't heard Hermione mention this to him or Ron. However, Cedric's efforts were destined to be in vain.

Because of the unexpected turn of events in the first test, Hermione was particularly sensitive to the word 'help'. She hoped that she could pass the second test entirely on her own strength, not with the help of others. Therefore, it was impossible for her to accept Cedric's 'repayment'. Moreover, they already knew what the second test would entail.

"Shall we continue training, Neville?"

After putting those thoughts out of his mind, Harry looked at Neville.

"I don't know if I should continue practicing--"

Neville looked at his hands, his face, which had become much thinner and more capable, showing distress tinged with despair.

"I can never handle these things. If this keeps up, forget about PE class, I think I might get expelled from Hogwarts."

"Stop talking nonsense, Neville. Hogwarts won't expel you just because you can't use the Disarming Charm properly. Look at Crabbe and Goyle, those two idiots, they still can't make a feather float!"

Harry encouraged him.

"yes,"

Neville rubbed his slightly sore wrists, looking dejected.

“I’m probably only slightly better than them, but what’s the use? I’m dragging the team down. Professor Blaine won’t allow me to fall behind in practice.”

To be honest, Neville's situation is indeed quite distressing. His efforts in the course are obvious to all, but the results are always less than satisfactory.

If Hermione were here, she would be far better at imparting experience and encouraging people than I am.

Seeing Neville's dejected mood, Harry sighed softly. No matter what, he couldn't give up on Neville, could he? Completely trusting his teammate was Professor Blaine's first requirement after asking them to form a team.

Harry pursed his lips, and just as he was about to say something to cheer Neville up, the door to the gym classroom was suddenly pushed open, and Professor McGonagall appeared in everyone's sight.

The classroom, which had been filled with clanging and sparks, fell silent in an instant. Everyone, including Harry and Neville, stared in astonishment at Professor McGonagall, who seemed somewhat anxious.

what happened?

No professor has ever barged in during class since this course started. Is there some kind of emergency?

"Oh, great, Longbottom, you're here!"

Professor McGonagall pushed the door open completely, and her words drew everyone's attention to Neville.

"Come with me quickly, Longbottom, Professor Dumbledore is waiting for you in his office!"

In just a second, Neville's face turned deathly pale, and his sturdy body began to sway.

Did Hogwarts really think Neville wasn't good enough, and that's why they decided to expel him?

At that moment, even Harry had this thought in his mind.

"I beg you—Grandma, fire her!"

Under the scorching light of the torches on the wall, Neville, his face filled with despair and tears welling up, stammered.

"What are you saying, Mr. Longbottom?"

Professor McGonagall frowned.

"professor!"

Harry stepped forward and shouted, "Hogwarts can't expel Neville! He's not the worst!"

puff-

The snickers behind him made Harry glare at Draco, but that was all. Draco merely glanced at Harry and Neville but didn't utter a single sarcastic remark.

"Oh, expulsion?"

Professor McGonagall raised an eyebrow.

“Nobody wants to fire Longbottom, Potter. Hurry up, Mr. Longbottom, Professor Dumbledore wants you to get to his office as soon as possible. He wants to take you to St. Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Injuries.”

“St. Mungo?” Harry exclaimed. “What is Professor Dumbledore doing taking Neville to St. Mungo? Oh, wait, that’s not right.”

Professor McGonagall pursed her lips, indicating she didn't know the details. Ha looked at Neville with a questioning gaze, however—