Though the castle remained cloaked beneath the looming presence of the Dementors, life at Hogwarts marched on. Laughter returned in pockets, like sunshine through winter clouds—Quidditch practices , late-night study sessions, quiet walks by the lake. The students, young as they were, knew how to adapt.
It was a quiet Saturday when Cael found himself standing outside Professor McGonagall's office. He took a steadying breath, adjusted his collar, and knocked.
"Come in," came the crisp voice from inside.
He pushed open the door. Professor McGonagall sat at her desk, glasses perched low on her nose as she corrected a stack of essays. Her eyes lifted.
"What is it this time, Mr. Vale?"
Cael stepped forward. "Professor, I came to request permission to accompany professor Hagrid to the Ministry of Magic—for the hearing regarding Buckbeak."
McGonagall's quill paused mid-sentence. She raised an eyebrow.
"You do realize, Mr. Vale, that only week ago the Ministry tried to take you for an interrogation. Now you wish to walk into their chambers yourself?"
"I've already spoken to Professor Dumbledore," Cael replied calmly. "He assured me there would be no issue. They've promised not to question me or interfere. I'm only there to support Hagrid."
She leaned back in her chair, fingers steepled. "Well… if Albus has given his consent, I suppose I have little grounds to deny you. Still—" her eyes narrowed behind the lenses, "—I will ask Arthur Weasley to accompany you. Someone must keep watch."
Cael nodded. "Thank you, Professor."
As he turned to leave, her voice followed him. "Be careful, Mr. Vale."
⸻
Outside, the wind was brisk, carrying with it the distant cries of birds and the earthy scent of pine. Cael made his way down the lawns, past the pumpkin patch, until he spotted Hagrid pacing in front of his hut like a bear in a cage. His beard had been combed, and he wore a coat that looked like it had been ironed for once.
"Did she give permission?" Hagrid asked the moment he saw him.
Cael nodded. "We're good to go."
The relief on Hagrid's face was almost childlike. "Thank Merlin."
They began the walk to Hogsmeade together. The path was silent for a time, until Hagrid, his voice low and unsure, muttered, "What should I say? At the hearing, I mean. What if they twist me words? Or I panic?"
"Just tell the truth," Cael said. "Lucius Malfoy will try to intimidate the panel, but don't let it rattle you. Keep calm. Speak plainly. They'll be watching to see if you break."
Hagrid nodded, his steps heavier than usual.
Cael glanced sideways. "Still… this isn't just about Buckbeak, Hagrid. This is politics. The Ministry's already at odds with Dumbledore, and Malfoy's using this incident as leverage."
Hagrid paled. "So now I've dragged Dumbledore into it too…"
"I'm sure Dumbledore's been under pressure for far worse," Cael said dryly. "This is just one more log on the fire."
⸻
They arrived at the Three Broomsticks. Inside, Madame Rosmerta was polishing a stack of glasses behind the bar. She looked up, surprised.
"Hagrid. You know the fireplace here's not your size."
"You can resize it," Hagrid said quickly. "Like last time, remember?"
She sighed. "Fine—but you're paying for the ash removal this time."
With a flick of her wand, the fireplace grew until it could accommodate Hagrid's frame.
"Ministry of Magic," he said, and stepped into the emerald flames. With a whoosh, he vanished.
Madame Rosmerta turned to Cael, eyes sparkling. "Your turn, handsome."
Cael gave a small bow and stepped in, clutching the Floo powder.
"Ministry of Magic."
Green fire roared around him—and then the spinning stopped.
⸻
The Ministry atrium was just as Cael remembered it: grand, echoing, unnaturally clean. Golden statues gleamed in the soft glow of enchanted torches. Hagrid was brushing ash off his coat when Cael stepped out behind him.
"Scourgify," Cael said, and the soot vanished from Hagrid's robes and boots in an instant.
They approached the security desk, handed over their wands, and were subjected to a quick inspection. Just as they were finishing, Arthur Weasley arrived.
"Hagrid. Cael." He gave them both a quick smile. "Minerva sent word you'd need escorting."
"Thank you for coming," Cael said.
Mr. Weasley gestured for them to follow. "This way. The hearing's being held in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. Floor Five."
As they walked, Mr. Weasley gave a tour in his usual warm tone, pointing out departments and making the occasional joke—though his eyes remained sharp, and his voice lowered at certain turns.
"Many here know your name," he told Cael quietly. "And not all are friendly. Keep your head down."
They stepped into a golden lift. Hagrid hunched down awkwardly, taking up nearly the whole space. A few Ministry workers groaned, some openly annoyed.
"Could've waited for the next one," one muttered.
Cael said nothing, but gave the man a cool look. The rest of the ride passed in tense silence.
⸻
The courtroom was smaller than Cael had expected—less theatrical than the Wizengamot chambers, but no less solemn. A wooden dais stood at the center. At one end, a raised platform held a half-circle of witches and wizards, quills ready.
"Rubeus Hagrid," a voice called. "Please stand before the panel."
Hagrid swallowed hard and stepped forward.
Cael and Mr. Weasley took seats near the back. Cael's eyes swept the room—many of the committee members wore rich, green-trimmed robes. His jaw clenched when he saw Lucius Malfoy seated in the corner, casually leaning back with an air of entitlement.
The double doors opened once more.
Cornelius Fudge entered, dressed in deep plum, his bowler hat tucked under one arm.
Mr. Weasley hissed. "Malfoy bought his way in—he even got the Minister himself to oversee this nonsense."
Cael didn't answer, but his mind was already calculating.
Fudge sat at the central judge's seat and tapped his wand for silence.
"Today's hearing concerns the unfortunate attack on a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry by a hippogriff—described as unruly and dangerous. The injured party is the son of Lucius Malfoy, a respected member of the founding families of the British magical world . We are here to determine the consequences of this incident and whether the creature should be deemed a continued threat."
Lucius sat still, his eyes gleaming.
Cael leaned forward slightly in his seat, eyes fixed on the hearing.