28 chapter 28

I saw professor McGonagall as soon as I entered her office through the floo. And, boy oh boy, she looks pissed.

" Mr. Canis, I can't fathom how you spent around nine hours to just get registered. In fact, From what I know, it just takes a few minutes to complete the whole process." She said sternly.

Damm it, I completely forgot about her. She does look pretty mad. Well, no use crying over spilled milk. I should just rip it off like a bandage and tell her about my NEWTs since she is going to know about it soon enough. Better to hear it from me.

I took out my scorecard and said while handing it to her, " Well, you see professor, I got lost when I was coming out from DMLE after registering and got to DOME by mistake. It looked pretty empty and all the examiners looked pretty bored sitting there doing nothing. I just couldn't let them suffer and since I was already there, I thought, 'hey, since I am already here, why not take the NEWTs exams' to help them out of their boredom." I bullshited and handed her my scorecard. ( Also examiners were all happily playing some weird board game and were pretty annoyed to be distributed.)

She looked at my scorecard and I once again had the same conversation with her, same as I did with Tonks, without any flirting of course.

After my long explanation about how I took all NEWTs together, she said," Well, congratulations on getting exemplary marks, Mr. Canis. Since you have already taken you NEWTs, you can either stay at Hogwarts till the end of the year or you can opt to pass out early. In either case, you will still need to be present at the Triwizard tournament's tasks."

" I would like to pass out early, Professor. In fact, it would be better if I can go tomorrow itself." I replied.

" Well, in that case, I will talk to Headmaster. You are free to leave Hogwarts tomorrow, Mr. Canis. I will have Headmaster make the announcement tomorrow morning to inform everyone else." She replied.

" Thank you, professor. I couldn't have got as good marks without your help." I said looking very sincere. ( In fact I could have taken my NEWTs even before entering the school, while not O+, I could have easily scored O on Hogwarts subjects since I already learned up to NEWTs from the books I found in trunk of that Wizard who selflessly donated his trunk after he passed away, when I first got to this world.)

"While I appreciate it, Mr. Canis, but all the professor including myself only guided you, all hard work was your own." She replied looking a bit pleased.

"Anyway, thanks again professor, it's about time for the dinner." I replied and walked away.

After some time, I made my way towards the great hall to have my dinner.

I had my dinner in relative peace. After I was done, I saw Harry and his two friends come inside the great hall. I guess Ronald Weasley is over his jealousy phase over Harry becoming Triwizard champion. Well, good for him, though I never liked the guy, too lazy and stupid for my taste, never mind his inferiority complex and random bursts of jealousy. But, hey who am I to judge. Whatever floats Harry's boat. If he wants to be Ronald's friend, no skin off my back.

After they sat down, I stood up and made my way towards Harry. Since he won't have Cedric to tell him about clue for the second task, I guess I will be generous and do one last favor for him before I leave Hogwarts tomorrow. He will probably feel bad that even though he didn't tell me about the dragons, I still helped him for the task. Being a selfless do-gooder type of guy he will see me in a positive light even if he won't notice it. I guess I can now understand the reason why Dumbledore likes his little game of manipulations.

Soon I reached him and said, " Hello Harry, can I talk to for a bit."

Everyone in the hall went silent and looked at us. Even teachers at the staff table looked curious, especially Dumbledore.

Harry stood up and said, "Sure."

As he said it, I gently removed my wand from the holster and silently cast privacy ward around us.

He looked a bit alert but calmed down when I explained, "No need to worry, I only case privacy wards around us so that others won't hear our conversation."

His friend, Miss Granger, seemed a bit put out that I didn't include her in the ward and that she couldn't hear our conversation. Well, tough luck, I guess.

I subtly looked around and found Dumbledore and Snape looking directly at Harry or his eyes to be more specific. I guess they are interested in what I am planning to say and are using passive legilimancy on Harry to hear the conversation through him.

Well, no matter. In fact, it will only help me since they are going to witness me helping Harry.

" Have you found out about the clue for the 2nd task." I asked.

He looked bummed out, I guess he still hasn't, just like cannon.

" Well, you don't look like you have. In that case, may I suggest perfect's bathroom? It's truly wonderful and relaxing, I often find that it helps to just clear your mind and relax. You should take the egg with you. Wash it a bit, you know, maybe you will find something." I said mysteriously.

He looked confused ( seriously, did he wants me to spell it out for him) but nodded and asked, "Why are you helping me, wouldn't it increases your chances of winning if I don't decipher the clue."

Guess he at least has a brain, no matter how small.

" While I do want to win ( I don't really give a flying Fu*k about winning Triwizard tournament, none whatsoever, and only entered for the dragon mainly, everything else is just added bonus, but again I am going to keep that bit to myself) I don't want someone you care about to get hurt, especially since you have disadvantage of having less magical education than other three of us champions." I replied gently.

He looked alarmed and asked, " what do you mean about not wanting to get someone I care out to get hurt."

" You will find out soon enough after deciphering the clue. Remember to take a nice relaxing bath with your egg." I replied mysteriously once again.

I removed the wards and existed the great hall.