Argus slept deeply in his dormitory until the evening sky glowed red. He stirred, rubbing his eyes. "That was a long nap... Side effect from overusing the Time-Turner, maybe?"
His head spun a bit, whether from the extended rest or the device's toll. Shaking it off, he decided to grab some food first, then visit Madam Pomfrey for a check-up.
Stepping out, he found Draco and the others clustered at the entrance, their faces lighting up at the sight of him.
"Argus, finally! I was about to fetch Professor Snape to break down the door," Draco said.
"Yeah, Harry spilled the details this morning, and we realized you'd holed up here all day," Blaise added.
"Draco tried sneaking in earlier but couldn't crack your wards. We've been taking shifts ever since."
Argus blinked, surprised his protective spells had caused such a stir. "Thanks for looking out—I'm fine, just mentally drained from everything."
He smiled warmly. "No one's eaten yet? Let's head to the Great Hall."
A chorus of stomachs rumbled in agreement—especially Draco's. The Malfoy heir had skipped lunch entirely, waiting since hearing the news after class. He'd never gone hungry like this, let alone without his preferred dishes. Only the snacks pilfered from Goyle and Crabbe had kept them going.
In the Great Hall, heads turned as Argus entered. Whispers rippled through the tables, eyes gleaming with admiration.
Harry had filled in Percy on the full story: how Argus had braved the Time-Turner to pull him back from danger. The Gryffindors were stunned—even Ron, who usually scowled at Slytherins, was speechless. It was a genuine act of heroism.
Word of the Time-Turner's risks had spread like Fiendfyre since Harry's vanishing act. Everyone knew the dangers now, making Argus's choice all the more heroic. Talk was cheap; action in a crisis like that? Rare, even among close mates. And despite their history, Argus had stepped up for Harry without hesitation.
It only amplified their respect. Plus, with Harry safe, who knew when Argus might save one of them next? Hogwarts was no safe haven—last night's Dementor scare proved that. Those who'd learned the Patronus Charm from him felt a surge of gratitude, their pride swelling under professors' praise and classmates' envy.
"Hey, Argus—you okay?" The Weasley twins and Percy hurried over, concern etched on their faces.
"We checked your common room this morning, but the prefect said you were resting," Fred said.
"Injured at all?" George pressed.
The Weasleys had done nothing wrong, but they felt the weight of it. Percy, the twins, and Ginny had all sought him out proactively—Ginny's fidgeting especially obvious.
"Luckily, Headmaster Dumbledore gave me some phoenix tears beforehand. No lasting harm," Argus replied with a grin.
Percy exhaled. "Good to hear. We owe you big time—I'll never forget it."
The family tally was steep: funding for the twins' shop, bailing Ron out of scrapes, and now Harry's rescue. Without Argus, they'd be in ruins.
"When we get home, Ron's getting an earful," Fred growled, his usual mischief gone.
"Telling Harry about that danger without looping in a professor? Reckless," George agreed.
This mess had nearly cost them two friends—one a true lifesaver. Even if Argus shrugged it off, they'd report to Mrs. Weasley and Mr. Weasley.
From the staff table, Professor McGonagall descended as Argus arrived, her stern gaze softening with pride and worry. She'd clashed fiercely with Dumbledore in his office upon learning Argus had time-traveled to save Harry—the first time she'd ever raised her voice to him.
"You swore he'd stay out of it," she'd snapped. "And now he's dragging Harry back before my lesson's even done?"
No fooling her with that silver tongue. She was livid.
"Mr. Grindelwald," she said, stepping forward, "on behalf of Gryffindor, thank you. We might have lost a student today without you."
The Gryffindors clustered around, faces grave, eyes locked on him. Slytherins behind Argus puffed with pride, chins high.
He inclined his head. "Just doing what's right, Professor."
With McGonagall's sincere thanks ringing in his ears, Argus finally dug into dinner. Beside him, Draco shoveled food like a man possessed—blond hair the only giveaway it was him.
"You skipped one meal—not starving, are you?" Argus teased.
"Not just one," Pansy snorted. "He overslept, nearly missed class, and skipped breakfast too."
Draco coughed, mid-bite, nearly choking. "I—"
"Easy there. You've earned a pass for today," Argus said, patting his back.
As laughter bubbled up, Snape approached, face like thunder.
"My office. After you eat."
---
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