"HP: Too Late, System!"Chapter 346: In the Name of Peeves, Never Compromise with the Traitor Black!
The solemn oath echoed through Hogwarts, reaching the ears of students who had just finished their exams and those anxiously cramming for tomorrow's tests.
Something about those words—so valiant, so tragic—made them pause. Books were set aside, curiosity and awe drawing them from their common rooms, study halls, the library (where Madam Pince sternly reminded some to take their own books and return library copies), and even the kitchens, where a few hungry souls were sneaking snacks to recover from exam fatigue.
Following the sound, a small—but eager—crowd began drifting toward the Quidditch pitch. Well, perhaps "crowd" was a stretch; in truth, it was mostly students seizing an excuse to skip revision.
In the Gryffindor common room, however, Hermione, Ginny, Harry, and a few others remained unmoved, poring over their notes as they waited for Ron.
Hermione caught Harry just as he started to rise. "Whatever's going on, don't forget—we're at Hogwarts. There's Headmaster Dumbledore, Professor Holmes, and Professor McGonagall."
Harry blinked. "Hermione, aren't you forgetting we're the Charon Detective Society? We're supposed to stay curious about anything odd happening around us."
Hermione glanced around at the other society members. "I know, but you're the president. Shouldn't news-gathering be left to the rest of us?"
A few students who'd been about to leave laughed. "Yeah, exactly!" "President Potter, leave it to us—no worries!" "We'll bring back the best information!" "For the honor of the Charon Detective Society—!"
"I'm with the Gale Sword Society—I've got to support President Longbottom!" "Oh, I bet he's already drawn that sword of his..."
Harry watched them go, a bit envious. He knew Hermione only meant well. These days, for some reason, ever since his godfather Sirius had become Administrative Director, it seemed like he was getting picked on at every turn.
Even classmates from Slytherin had started to pity him.
Meanwhile, the castle's paintings were abuzz with excitement. Sir Cadogan drew his enormous sword. "Ha-ha! Now that's what a true knight should say!"
Peeves dove into a suit of armor, banging on the breastplate and scattering a few startled spiders. "In the name of Peeves, never compromise with the traitor Black!"
The echo of his declaration reached the professors—who were currently accompanying the Wizarding Examinations Authority in observing candidates taking on the Chamber of Secrets challenge.
Reactions varied, but all eyes turned, almost in unison, to Douglas.
Feigning innocence, Douglas put on a wounded face. "Professors, please—don't be prejudiced! Not every bit of mischief is my doing."
Professor McGonagall folded her arms, skeptical. "The sound's coming from the Quidditch pitch. Sirius... do I need to continue, Professor Holmes? And why on earth is the Auror oath being recited over there?"
Snape let out a cold snort, a rare smile flickering across his lips. "This afternoon, a certain Potions Master sent me a letter. He'd heard from a Daily Prophet reporter that a new Wolfsbane Potion had appeared at Hogwarts, and that a werewolf had publicly declared their identity.
He asked if I'd improved the Wolfsbane. I told him, alas, I'm not so talented as to brew up a whole batch of odd-tasting potions."
The Wizarding Examinations Authority staff stared at the Hogwarts professors in shock. "A werewolf?" "An improved Wolfsbane Potion?"
Douglas dropped the act and grinned. "Relax, Headmaster Dumbledore is there."
He quickly pointed to a screen. "Look, Mr. Weasley's technique is really quite good—should we give him an extra point?"
The professors' mouths twitched. Did he really think they were that easy to fool? Still, their real focus was the candidates, so they let it pass.
Elsewhere, Dumbledore was strolling toward his office, deep in conversation with Fudge, when the oath's echo reached his ears. He paused mid-step.
"Rufus is doing splendidly!"
Fudge's heart skipped a beat. What is Rufus up to? He was supposed to handle the werewolf—why is he leading an oath at Hogwarts? What's Albus thinking? Does he favor Rufus now?
"Albus, I think we'd better go and have a look." Ever the political animal, Fudge felt a cold warning bell ring in his mind.
On the Quidditch pitch, Lupin's gentle voice resonated: "We walk into the shadows, so others may stand in the light."
The children might not fully grasp the weight of those words, but as a former member of the Order of the Phoenix, Lupin knew—every one of his old comrades had lived by that creed.
Scrimgeour, having steadied his emotions, addressed the students again: "Don't be afraid. Fear sharpens the wand. The Calming Draught you brew in Potions class might one day soothe an Auror tortured by the Cruciatus Curse. The ordinary bluebell flames you conjure could become the barrier that holds back a Dark wizard.
Remember, every lesson you take at Hogwarts lays another stone in the wall against darkness..."
Sirius couldn't help but interject, "Or maybe for becoming a Dark wizard... cough, cough..."
Catching Scrimgeour's glare, Sirius quickly straightened, pretending to study the clouds overhead.
"What I meant was, the Aurors aren't here to show off today. Hogwarts and the Ministry have always stood shoulder to shoulder.
So, after some discussion with Director Scrimgeour, we've decided to give everyone a chance to experience the Aurors' prowess up close!"
He suddenly raised his voice, letting it carry across the pitch.
"In just a moment, we'll be holding a special duel—Aurors versus Student Team!"
By now, a sizable group of students had gathered near the Quidditch pitch.
Hearing Sirius's announcement, excitement rippled through the crowd.
"Aurors and students are going to duel?" "Gale Sword Society, follow me—we need to support President Longbottom!" "Charon members, wands out—let's rescue Vice-President Weasley!" "Gryffindor for the win!" "Hogwarts will... will... Headmaster!"
The rushing students collided with Dumbledore and Fudge as they arrived.
🔥 Want to read the next 50+ chapters RIGHT NOW?
💎 Patreon members get instant access!
⚡ Limited-time offer currently running...
👉 [Join on - patreon.com/GoldenLong]