82 ch 82 The Rat's fate
March 11, 1992, Wednesday 6:11 am Hogwarts, Gryffindor Boy's Dormitory
-Harry's POV-
*sniff… 👃*sniff…👃.....!?..
I woke up a bit early this morning. Not intentionally, but because I caught a whiff of a strange rancid smell.
"What's that smell?" Getting up and looking around our room. Surprisingly, my roommates are also up and checking under their bed.
Seamus walked towards one corner of the room and crouched down and shouted, "Uhm.. Ron, I think you better look at this."
Ron walked over and me, Nev and Dean followed behind him. As we got closer, the rancid smell became stronger.
Giving way to Ron, Seamus retreated and softly said, "I think that's Scabbers, mate."
The three of us was puzzled at first but when we thought about the rancid smell, we put two and two together and guess what happened to Ron's pet rat.
Instead of crying, Ron just let out a deep sigh, "So that's what happened. He's been very lethargic lately and won't even leave the room. Marshall was right, his old age caught up with him."
Turning to look at us, Ron asked, "Guys, sorry about the smell. Do any of you have a shoebox or any container you don't need?
I quickly go over to my magic pouch and took out an empty biscuit tin that Marshall gave us when he returned from last Holiday break and gave it to Ron.
He then levitated Scabbers' body into the can before closing it.
I placed my hand on Ron's shoulder to console him, and everyone took a moment of silence to give respect for the deceased fat rat.
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10:32 am,
-Marshall's POV-
Just after our Transfiguration class…
"Later!…" I waved at Tracey, Daphne, and Millicent.
To my surprise, Draco and the rest of the Slytherins waved back at me with a level of enthusiasm that makes me feel uncomfortable.
I feel that if I was left alone with any of them, they will ask me if I'm interested in a new business opportunity.
As my group walked in a different direction toward our H of M class, Wayne commented, "Marshall, Don't you feel that the Slytherins became a bit… too friendly, lately?"
Ernie laughed, "It's obvious that their change of attitude is because of last Monday's news."
"Marshall, how should we handle them? They also became very chummy with us because we're your friends. Not just Draco's group, but other students from different houses and years are doing the same." Adeline asked. It seems they feel a bit uncomfortable with the sudden popularity they are receiving.
"Oh? Uhm… As long as they don't do anything excessive, just let them be for now…" I said, and explained, "I'm guessing that their families gave them orders to get close to me or at least get some information about me. As long as they asked you guys politely, I don't mind if you answer them honestly."
Susan frowned, "You don't mind them snooping around?"
Shaking my head, I told them my hunch, "Other than the pureblood families, I'm guessing that Fudge is using his position to order the employees who have children studying in the castle to gather information about me. If they don't comply, they might suffer in their workplace."
My friends were shocked, and Susan yelled, "Really?! I'm going to tell my aunt!"
I smiled and stop her, "Don't. It's not like I'm hiding from the public eye. Fudge must be preparing to approach me and wants to gain my favor. He's just looking for the appropriate angle. If you guys would rather not answer, just say that they should ask me, since you guys are respecting my privacy."
"Yeah, I think giving that excuse is more appropriate…" said Hannah.
Kevin suggested, "Or… We could say that Marshall already requested us to keep quiet and not answer them."
I nodded after thinking about it. As long as no one goes overboard, I'm willing to be answer questions. I'm just concerned about the Ministry employees under Umbridge and Fudge, and the pressure that some kids are experiencing.
Throwing my worries at the back of my mind, my group and I entered the H of M classroom and said hello to Harry and Ron, "Hi guys, I didn't see you at breakfast earlier…--"
Seeing the solemn expression of Ron and the concerned faces of Harry and the rest of the Gryffindors, I guess what's happening.
Harry approached me and whispered what happened to 'Scabbers'. I walked to Ron and asked, "Condolence, Ron. I can't imagine what you're going through."
With a weak smile, Ron said, "Well, there were already signs, but I'm just surprised by how late we found his body."
Everyone just remained silent.
Though I feel sorry for Ron, him mourning the loss of a pet is much better than knowing the disturbing truth about Scabbers. I'm especially concerned about what would be Aunt Molly's and Ginny's reaction if they ever knew.
The only one I'm sure to tell about Scabbers is Uncle Arthur, when Sirius' trial starts.
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2:02 pm Gringotts Bank, Diagon Alley
- Third-person POV-
🔥🔥💨
*Cough*
A blonde man came out of the private fireplace of the bank. He has a neck - length hair with fine texture hairstyle, wearing a dark beige suit and carrying a vintage brown Italian leather suitcase.
🔥🔥💨
*cough *cough *cough
"Bloody Floo Network!" An old woman in an all-black attire came out of the fireplace and cursed immediately as she inhaled a bit of soot.
She quickly reached out for the blonde man's arm for balance and waited for him to clean the soot off from her.
"Scourgify!" With a wave of his wand, the man removed the ash and soot that was on and around them. He checked on the old lady again, "Lady Black, are you alright?"
"*Cough! Why ask an obvious thing, Ted? Just let me catch my breath for a second." said Cassiopeia.
While the two were composing themselves, they realized that there was a goblin waiting in front of them.
When he finally got the two's attention, one of the goblins went forward and gave a slight nod and said, "Greetings, Lady Black. We've been expecting you."
Cassiopeia, regaining her bearings, let go of Ted's arm and nodded back to the goblins and replied, "Indeed, so who will oversee the transfer?"
"It will be the bank owner himself. Please follow me." The goblin turned around, then waited for Cassiopeia and Ted to take a step forward before leading them to a private room.
"Uhm… Lady Black, can you please tell me what kind of business are we going to do here? ...So that I can better prepare." Ted asked his wife's grand-aunt.
For the last three months, this old lady had been staying… or more like hiding, in their home.
He and his wife, Andromeda, were surprised when their daughter Nymphadora brought Lady Black to their house with the excuse of being part of her assignment, under the order of Amelia Bones.
He was also hired by Lady Black to prepare for a trial to defend and free Sirius Black from Azkaban which surprised him and his wife.
When Lady Black explained the new evidence and discrepancies she discovered regarding Sirius' arrest, Ted is sure that they have a good chance of getting Sirius acquitted.
But to their surprise, Cassiopeia and Amelia seems to be delaying the case back 'till June for some reason. It became apparent to him that they are waiting for something or someone, and they are keeping it a secret for now.
The Tonks couple were again surprised when Cassiopeia, who should be in hiding, received a letter from someone that was delivered by a fully clothed house elf last Monday.
And now, Lady Black asked him to accompany her to Gringotts Bank without explanation. Instead of entering through the bank's entrance, they were able to come in through the fireplace inside, which tells him that what their business here is a secret.
With a smile, Cassiopeia just said, "You'll find out soon,Ted. Everything is actually been settled already, and I just need you to verify and stand as witness."
What she just said brought more questions than answers to Ted.
A little while later, they finally arrived in the private room and met an old goblin.
"Welcome, Lady Black. I'm Gringott... The Gringott." said the old goblin.
Ted and Cassiopeia were shocked, hearing the goblin's introduction. More so for Ted, who kept guessing the business between Cassiopeia and the bank.
The two sat opposite the Gringott and the assisting goblin handed them a parchment. Gringott explained, "As per Young Master's instruction, I have expedited the transfer of ownership of the Lestrange family vault. Moreover, we need to provide the place you are currently staying at with reinforce protection to ensure your safety."
"Oh? Young Master didn't mention the added security. This old lady is grateful." Lady Black commented as she kept feeling the bracelet hidden by her sleeve.
Ted was shocked again by the conversation between the two. While receiving the parchment, he kept thinking, 'Lestrange Family vault? Young Master? Security?'
Though plagued by even more questions, Ted prioritize reading and reviewing the document in his hand.
After a while, he said, "It is pretty much straightforward, Lady Black. No hidden clauses or any possible loophole to be exploited... Wait? There's even no mention of a fee?! How can that be? The goblins don't want to be paid?!!"
The expression of the assisting goblin by the side also frown as he heard that there is no fee. But seeing the calm smile of Gringott, he just kept quiet.
Cassiopeia was also surprised, and look at Gringott waiting for explanation.
Gringott began explaining, "Lady Black… I'm pretty sure you are aware who is really the owner of the vault. Without the Young Master's help, you might not even be here to claim it."
Wanting to protest, Ted felt Cassiopeia' hand grabbing his forearm, indicating for him to be quiet.
The old woman smiled, "Yes, it seems The Young Master also have plans for the richest in the vault. But regardless, I already benefited from him, so I don't mind."
"Thank you for understanding…" The old goblin replied, "... But I have a feeling that Young Master won't let us be unrewarded for following him."
Nodding, Cassiopeia agreed, "Yes, I feel the same. Especially after the latest news. Were you aware?"
"Hehe… we are not aware that Merlin will name him his heir. Although we know the relationship of Merlin and the Witcherly family. I won't go into any details, …but I can say that we can only benefit greatly standing on Young Master's side." Explained Gringott.
Cassiopeia nodded, she already heard from Marshall how he is related to the Flamels and Merlin.
Taking a deep breath, Ted was again surprised, 'Witcherly?Young Master Marshall Witcherly!? Merlin's heir?'
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3:34 pm, Hogwarts Library
-Hermione's POV-
"So you buried Scabbers near Marshall's greenhouse?" I asked Harry while we were walking toward the library.
Ron was walking silently with us with a moping face.
In the library, we took a seat at the far end table so we won't be distracted from doing our homework.
He nodded, "Yeah. It was after lunch. It was just me, Marshall and the Weasleys."
I can't say I'm very fond of Ron's rat because… well… it's a rat. But I do sympathize a bit.
Before the start of the school year, my parents suggested for me to bring a pet, so I won't feel lonely. But I dismissed the idea, thinking that I'm going to be in a new place, with new people, and learning 'magic'. I would rather not be distracted by worrying and taking care of another living being.
Though I want to comfort Ron, I'm not sure how to do so. Remembering back, it was the same when Harry was feeling down when we came back from the break. I wasn't able to comfort my friend.
With the realization, I thought, 'I do really need to work on my interpersonal skills.'
Seeing Ron sitting with his head down, I unconsciously patted his shoulder to get his attention. Even when I didn't say anything, he turned to me and gave me a weak smile and nodded.
Not sure what happened, but seeing the usual idiotic and boastful Ron smile a bit and showing a bit of vulnerability, made me think that the idiot is a little charming.
I find my face heating a bit. Flustered, I let go of Ron's shoulder and face forward.
To my surprise, I find Harry looking at us… looking at me with a smirk.
Feeling defensive, I almost shouted, "What are you looking at?"
"Nothing…." replied Harry while averting my gaze. When he looked at the corner of the library, he noticed Hagrid hiding his huge body among the shelves of books. He called the half-giant, "Hagrid!… What are you reading?"
Ron also and I look at Hagrid, who was surprised by us. The big guy, looked around first before approaching us asking, "Marshall is not with you, is he?"
Shaking his head, Harry replied, "He's having a meeting with Professor Sprout about the greenhouse, I think? We separated after burying Scabbers after lunch."
"Scabbers? That old rat? Sorry for your lost Ron." said Hagrid to Ron who replied with a nod.
Seeing the sad expression of Weasley, Hagrid look hesitant but eventually said, "Do you guys want to see something interesting? It's in my hut… I'm pretty sure you'll be surprised by it. You just have to keep it a secret… even to… no… especially to Marshall."
'What's this man talking about? We still have homework to do.' I though and was going to decline it, but Harry replied first.
"Sure! Ron needed a distraction. I also have something to say to you about…" Harry said enthusiastically. He said the last part in a low whisper, "... The Stone."
When I heard him, I rolled my eyes. 'Great! Here we go again.' Turning to Ron, he seemed interested and in no condition to open a book. I sighed and just agreed to follow them to Hagrid's hut.
~end chapter ~
Guys, Sorry for the slow update.
Next chapter is on April 29.
